Beauty is the convincing power of Truth, and that is perhaps the greatest proof that Orthodoxy is true. It tends to the needs of the whole human person, it is not merely for the mind, or the body, the emotions, or even for the spirit. It recognizes who man is – body and soul – and it offers something to each aspect of our person. It offers us beauty.

In every way, Orthodoxy is made up of and offers beauty. What poetry can compare to the hymnology of the Church? Or, what art can compare to the art of iconography? What about the structure of the services? What form, what order!

The order, the liturgical movement, the readings, and the hymns fill the mind with beauty. The icons, vestments, wood-carvings, and architecture fill the soul with beauty. The music, the bells, the melodic recitation of prayers fill the ears with beauty. The candle light, the incense, and the sweetness of the wine fill all the senses with beauty. In every way the human person encounters beauty.

How do we know Orthodoxy is true? We know it is true because it is for the whole person. It doesn’t compartmentalize. Body and soul are fed. And, hungry of body and soul, we seek succour from the Church because it draws us up out of the mire of our sins through our natural desire for beauty.

Orthodoxy gives us the Truth in external forms, and perhaps this above all else testifies to its claim to be the Apostolic Church.  

To fill your senses with more beauty than can be contained in the above photos see here.