Mark, 40 years old, 20 years in the Church

– When I converted to Orthodoxy from the charismatic Pentecostal sect (more precisely, the Lord pulled me out of a false, human, and not Christ’s understanding of Christianity), I was struck by the bright and good power, the power of Orthodoxy. I had the impression that I was running away from the robbers and suddenly giants came out to meet me, dressed like ancient Russian warriors in chain mail and helmets, and so kindly waved their hands: “Run to us, hide behind us, we will protect you,” and protect your family." This is how Orthodox saints presented themselves to me - these giants of the Spirit, kindness, courage, humility, when I came into contact with Orthodoxy at the first stages of my transition to the Church.

Then I was shocked by the fact that here, in Orthodoxy, there is Divine service every day - in the morning and in the evening: my spiritually insatiable soul literally rejoiced at this. Also, another joy of Orthodoxy is the sweet tears of repentance and that bright, unearthly feeling of some kind of lightning-fast transformation, renewal that you feel after sincere confession, and especially Communion.

After Communion, such an unearthly, meek peace flows into the soul and reverence that one wants to be silent, silent with a quiet joyful smile and thanksgiving. At this moment you really feel the contact with the Uncreated Eternity, with the Uncreated Grace, which nothing earthly resembles. You walk in this state for days, sometimes weeks... You don't want to sin at all...