Re: pews within the Church

I was raised in GOA parishes w/ pews & people definitely cast glances at the members who preferred to stand as though they had a holier than thou attitude. So it works both ways. Also, from my point of view pews tend to create an artificial seperation between the clergy & laity that in some parishes results in almost a "performance art" type of atmosphere. Only later in life did I start attending OCA churches because my convert wife perferred an English language Divine Liturgy, vigil, etc. These churches did not have pews & were at least 50% converts & I literally never heard a single complaint. On the contrary I've heard many people say, I wouldn't say complain, that after attending a church w/ pews that something just didn't "feel" right.

Lastly, I've also been to Greece, Poland, & Russia & can say that I didn't see any pews at the churches I attended. Although there were either folding chairs or benches in the rear or along the sides.