Several years ago I decided one morning to attend a Greek Orthodox church. I knew a couple of people who were Orthodox and I had time at that point to visit other churches. I made this visit just to increase my knowledge of how others do things and I'm not embracing all Orthodox doctrine or anything. I was suprised tjhis morning to say the least. The chanting and music and songs had an effect on me I wasn't expecting. The sanctuary was very nice and had intricately carved wood and paintings and there was a portait of Christ painted on the ceiling abobe and these things actually helped me sense the presence of God and went against what I had been taught along the lines of we don't need artwork or paintings ot stain glass in our churches. Well, we don't if we get down to bare bones but what do they hurt if they are done to honor God? Yet it was the singing that touched me the most. It had an ancient ring to it and was unlike anything I had ever heard. It was moving and beautiful and was along the lines of Gregorian type of singing. The whole service was four hours and twenty minutes long and afterward I felt as if I had been there only about twenty minutes. Things had gotten timeless and I felt as if I was moving backwards in time to worship that was unimpeded and unstained by centuries of controversy and in fighting. I guess. That's the best way I can describe it without overly laboring the point. Afterward one of the ushers noticed the look on my face and asked if I was all right. I said I am just a ordinary southern man but I had to admit I had been very moved by the beauty of the service and especially the singing. He said the songs were sung in the exact same way that they were sung 1800 years ago and had not been changed. Well I said, it worked for me and he saw a bit of tears in my eyes. This was the last thing I expected good saints and you are free to disregard my experience in this church but does any one know of this Gregorain chant? I'm betting you do but I have begun listening to it again and it works now for me just like it did then. It can be very beautfitul and uplifiting and because of the way it is sung and voiced it has been described as the music and style best suited and accomodated for worship that has ever come along. I know it may be associated with the RCC and Orthodox church but the music and its style is separate and apart from any incorrect doctrine. Couldn't a person sit down and write inspired music 1800 years ago using Gregorian chant just like people sit down today and write songs of worship using today's venue and language and style of expression? What think ye of Gregorian chant? If God was involved was part of it and it was effective then why couldn't God be inviolved in it and it be effective worship today? It seems to have a pureness to it. At times it can sound like congregations singing in tongues and I believe perhaps many individual believers and local churches could come to like it and be edified it they gave it a chance. But that's me. Does anyone have any opinions of Gregorian chant and this type of expression of worship? Not looking for controversy but just perhaps a view view points from others. I'n curious bout this.
Bless you this day as you worship your Lord.