Orthodox Russians have adhered to a very practical way of belief

that has been thriving since the First Century; an existential fusion

of theology and the Unknown that facilitates the participation in

the mysteries of God while emphasizing a humble and clean

Earthly and church-going existence denoted by scripture and Holy

Tradition.

While many in the non-Orthodox world would attribute the worst

sins as being corporal, the one thing to understand about Orthodoxy

is its condemnation of pride as the life-killing and most egregious sin.

Also high on the list is the lack of hope, or despair. To combat such

formidable adversaries, the Faith provides a comprehensive way of life

centered on humility.

The church is a pivotal part of an Orthodox Christian's life, and even

its architecture is designed to command respect for things Holy. When

walking into a traditionally built Russian Orthodox church, we can

immediately feel that the floor plan and services performed take the

focus off of ourselves and help us to be mindful of why we are there.

Everywhere around us, we see Holy icons, strategically placed to

expedite the connection between the faithful and God. Each is

free to walk around the building during services to make offerings

of lit candles and make prayers, venerating the saints and Holy

figures depicted through icons. The beautifully constructed and

ornamented churches and chapels remind the faithful of the

immense beauty in the Kingdom of Heaven and serve to put

those that enter the grounds into a state of awe and humility.
There are no benches in a Russian Orthodox Church (except for

a couple for the elderly and the sick). The entire two or more

hours of service are done standing up, so that the participants

are more attuned to the spiritual work of the prayers.

Prayer is a very important aspect of Orthodox life. In and out of

the church, throughout the day, beautiful prayers, which usually

begin and end with a humble supplication to God, are recited

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that articulate everything from remembrance to poignant pleas

for mercy. For many in Russia who lived through the atrocities of

war and the evils of the Soviet regime, praying to God became

the only solace in life. Their conviction doubled as they silently

and secretly prayed with humility in a world bereft of hope.

This prayer life continues today in homes, churches, chapels,

and monasteries as Orthodoxy again takes its place at the

forefront of Russian life.

Centuries ago, a group of ascetic Orthodox monks perfected a

way of prayer that utilized specific breathing methods in a

practice called Hesychasm, and to this day, their system of

breathing and posture is used in prayer to facilitate a deeper

connection with God. Systema Breathing is based on many of

these breathing practices.

Q: In what ways has your practice of Systema Breathing