When the class was assigned the field research, I thought for days about what new religion I would like to learn about more. I changed my mind twice along the way before deciding that All Saints Orthodox Church was the site that really interested me. I grew up Christian, and for the longest time, I only knew the denomination in which my family and I practiced. I couldn't tell the difference between Methodists and Roman Catholics, or any other denomination for that matter. This is what sparked my interest in the Orthodox Church. I wanted to expand my knowledge of Christianity and the faiths surrounding it. The opportunity to research the Orthodox Church allowed me to discover what to expect when visiting the site, the themes of the church, the rituals, as well as other important information that cannot be limit yourself to one book. After reading How to Be a Complete Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette at Other People's Religious Ceremonies, I learned more about the Orthodox Church and knew what to expect when I visited. The Orthodox Church is considered the eastern half of the Christian Church (“Orthodox Churches” 228). I expected the church to be surrounded by icons, which are “two-dimensional artistic images of saints or events in the life of Christ” (“Orthodox Churches” 232). Furthermore, I knew that the guests were not to participate in Holy Communion. It is not advisable to take Holy Communion because it is a time when people in the church show their faith. I also expect to arrive early for the service and to stand during the ceremony. The general purpose of “worship and theology is mystical.” union with God" ("Orthodox Churches" 231) In order to unite with God the priest or bi...... middle of paper ......, church themes, rituals and information that could not be found in a book. However, I would like to learn more about the Orthodox Church. If I were to continue researching the Orthodox religion, I would like to learn more about the saints who are honored during the service. also ask about the backgrounds of the people who attend the church and the architecture of the church. Finally, I would like to expand my knowledge on the topics I have already learned through this research. Works Cited “Orthodox Churches”. How to be a Complete Stranger: The Essential Handbook of Religious Etiquette. 3rd ed. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths, 2003. Print. Sorensen, Nicholas Fr. Personal interview. February 27, 2011. On Common Ground: World Religions in America. 3rd ed. Eck and the Pluralism Project at Harvard University, 2008. CD-ROM.