Relics, Blessings, and Gender Roles in Orthodox Christian Practices

The chapter delves into the beliefs surrounding relics in Orthodox Christianity, exploring the concepts of grace being contained in objects, the expulsion of evil essence, and the purification of objects through blessings. It also addresses various Orthodox practices related to gender roles in church rituals, such as altar serving and procession customs, emphasizing the historical inclusion of both boys and girls in certain practices behind the altar.