Upon returning from one of our jaunts around town and describing the large church and the painted eggs that were everywhere, the proprietor of the hostel let us know that everyone was preparing for Christmas. "Easter -- you mean," I replied. "Yes, that's it," was her response, but the implication was "Whatever."
The town was full of churches. There were ancient churches like the one below. I refer to this one as the emerging underground church in Bulgaria; primarily because its been excavated and is mostly below street level.
There were Russian Orthodox churches similar to the one below. As a matter of fact, now that I think about it, the Russian Church was EXACTLY like the one below.
And finally there was the main cathedral in Sofia, built near the end of the 18th century. Natalie tells me I should make my pictures more personal by putting more people in them. So, in the bottom left-hand corner of the picture you'll see my diminutive family.
Churches were everywhere. People were buying icons. In the churches people were kissing icons. Outside the church, there were casinos and other places that were obviously of ill repute. (I didn't take pictures of those places.) Anyway, all this led me to think about the meaning of the words "Christian nation."
I believe it is possible for there to be a "nation of traditional Christian values," or a "Christian-tradition nation." However, a "Christian nation" makes about as much sense to me as a "Christian t-shirt", a "Christian tie", a "Christian book", or a "Christian dog" for that matter. The word "Christian" can truly only be applied to an individual - a follower of Christ. People from Antioch (Antakya, in my country) first used the word "Christian" as a perjorative for "Followers of the Way."
There are very few followers of Christ in the country in which I live. Because of political and sociological issues within this country, those that have decided to follow Christ are typically very dedicated to Him. It is difficult for people to follow Him by faith here. It is easy to say that you are a Christian in Bulgaria where a traditional Christian belief system exists. It is easy to say this in the States where it is often politically and socially expedient.
I'm feeling challenged to live my life like the local believers - on the edge, putting my total trust in Him for everything. I would challenge readers in the West to live their life on the edge as well. Considering all the evidence for His life and work, considering His glorious resurrection, and considering the gift of the Holy Spirit that we as believers have received; the least we can do is to continue to lean on Him in our everyday walk.
He is Risen!
