Journey Back to Eden.pdf - St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church Chicago

A TIME OF CELEBRATION 93their asking me to come to their house for such a ritual purpose.Nevertheless, they said that this is perfectly acceptable. Christianpriests regularly make themselves available for such things as this—or at least some of them do. They said that I shouldn’t be hesitant,and that I shouldn’t be afraid that any problems would result. Theywanted me to do this because they knew that I am not only a priest,but also a monk, and they especially like monks to give blessings.Mr. Tewfik later explained to me quietly that, when they are invitedto give such blessings, Christian priests don’t interpret this asa special, secret vote of confidence from Moslems. Such things arenot encouraged in Egypt, but they are permitted by Islamic practice.Moslems rationalize that priests are more involved with commerceregarding “lesser spirits” by their very nature as Christianpriests. The Muslim sheik, on the other hand, is dealing with Goddirectly, so he doesn’t concern himself with such things. They say,“If you want to resolve a problem with evil spirits, you need someonewhose religion is of a ‘lesser sort.’” Using this explanation,Moslems feel free to invite monks or priests to come to theirhomes for special blessings. This perception is also evidenced whenMoslems come discreetly to the monasteries for exorcisms.So this evening, I was picked up by the two brothers and takento their house where a great deal of food was served. Although Ihad eaten dinner and was satiated, nevertheless it is apparently essentialto the process of the blessing that the one who comes belavishly hosted. They are able to receive from him the gift he isgiving only because they are, in fact, exchanging with him a gift ofcomplementary or analogous value.So, a great assortment of sweets and a wide selection of foodswere provided, at a great deal of expense. There was a great deal oflaughter and joking and storytelling—all of this on the subtext ofmy coming for the blessing. But it was an essential choreographywhereby they opened themselves to receive the blessing they mostdesired from me. I realized that the blessing could not be somethingpro forma. It had to be something engaging, of a duration and anintensity that permitted them to receive its full value morally, aswell as spiritually. After all of the food and all of the partying, thesons demonstrated their ability in playing music and performingArabic dances. Then, finally, I asked that we might now proceed tothe ritual blessing for the deliverance of the house from everyshadow of evil.