I traveled to each site of my American forefathers after returning to this religion. In Texas, I offered a piece of our clan's tartan, and I collected red soil for myself, my father, and a dear friend who shares ancestry from that area of Texas. I need to return.
In North Carolina, I visit the grave of my first American ancestor every year. I have given him a few offerings at this point. I wish to return again - soon! So soon, when spring comes, and the new sun rises.
Fantastic read. Fantastic article. Have to say, I have a hard time finding English sources for introductory level Klages. Do you have a place to point me to, or good translations you recommend?
The opening paragraph about how ancestor veneration is foreign to Christians is bewildering to me as an Orthodox Christian. It’s something we do daily in our homes and in basically every major service. As you noted, it’s only something like Dulia and not “true worship” but it’s a mainstay of Orthodox spirituality.
Of course, we are basically irrelevant in the modern west, but I bring it up to say the Ancient church and its successor have always done this
Yes the Orthodox conception is much different but IIRC the doulia/latria distinction is still there. I call it "hupodoulia", inverse of Marian "hyperdoulia", to describe what I think the common Christian sentiment towards ancestor worship is. The reaction of most is to call a priest and "banish" them to Heaven
I didnt cover in detail, but I also make note of "residue" to cover this. Klages dedicates a few pages to saints such as Cosmas and Damian, as well as a few Christian poems and the practice of All Soul's Day
Reading this gives me some appreciation for the last thing my stoic German grandmother gave me; (she was not Christian or any other faith afaik) It was the book my grandfather was reading when he died from bone marrow cancer in the mid 60s, about 25 years before I was even born. It’s been by my side for the last 20 years and sits next to my bed to this day. Some ancient, folkish instinct on her part.
I traveled to each site of my American forefathers after returning to this religion. In Texas, I offered a piece of our clan's tartan, and I collected red soil for myself, my father, and a dear friend who shares ancestry from that area of Texas. I need to return.
In North Carolina, I visit the grave of my first American ancestor every year. I have given him a few offerings at this point. I wish to return again - soon! So soon, when spring comes, and the new sun rises.
I must visit Abilene soon... 2nd g grandfather's grave is just an iron plate, very neglected. Died when he was 28
Fantastic read. Fantastic article. Have to say, I have a hard time finding English sources for introductory level Klages. Do you have a place to point me to, or good translations you recommend?
Paul Bishop's Vitalist Toolkit is very helpful. Biography + excerpts & commentary to explain the key concepts
The opening paragraph about how ancestor veneration is foreign to Christians is bewildering to me as an Orthodox Christian. It’s something we do daily in our homes and in basically every major service. As you noted, it’s only something like Dulia and not “true worship” but it’s a mainstay of Orthodox spirituality.
Of course, we are basically irrelevant in the modern west, but I bring it up to say the Ancient church and its successor have always done this
Yes the Orthodox conception is much different but IIRC the doulia/latria distinction is still there. I call it "hupodoulia", inverse of Marian "hyperdoulia", to describe what I think the common Christian sentiment towards ancestor worship is. The reaction of most is to call a priest and "banish" them to Heaven
I didnt cover in detail, but I also make note of "residue" to cover this. Klages dedicates a few pages to saints such as Cosmas and Damian, as well as a few Christian poems and the practice of All Soul's Day
Reading this gives me some appreciation for the last thing my stoic German grandmother gave me; (she was not Christian or any other faith afaik) It was the book my grandfather was reading when he died from bone marrow cancer in the mid 60s, about 25 years before I was even born. It’s been by my side for the last 20 years and sits next to my bed to this day. Some ancient, folkish instinct on her part.
Excellent article. Thank you again