I am very happy when I see someone of a different religion showing an inclination towards Orthodoxy. I have met a few such people in my life. Generally Muslims, because I live by the sea and there are many people of Turkish ethnicity here...
The first person who made an impression on me didn't incline towards Orthodoxy, but I can't help but mention her, because she spoke to me so beautifully about God and how much faith in Him means, especially when you're in a difficult situation, like I was! The person who spoke to me, Melec, a Turkish girl of Muslim faith, strengthened the faith that I, the arrogant one, thought I had. On the other hand, I was ashamed that I, being an Orthodox Christian, didn't have such faith.
The second person who brought me joy and wonder was also a Turkish woman, also Muslim, who told me that she goes and prays in our Orthodox church because the mosque, the Muslim place of prayer, is further away from her home. And she also confessed to me that she goes on pilgrimages and prays to our Saints, and that they are helpful to her. I was so happy when I heard these things, and it was as if I couldn't believe what she was telling me...
I also met an Indian (or Filipino, I'm not sure what his origin was) who used to come to the church where I usually go, would kneel before the icons and pray with such fervor, depth, and joy... Lord, what joy I felt when I saw him!
And now, recently, my children were playing with two Turkish children, Muslims, who were classmates of my elder son. At one point, an Orthodox priest got out of a car, and one of the boys my children were playing with said:
- Look, it's God!
He greatly amused me and I grew very fond of him. Then he joined two little fingers on his left hand and brought them to his forehead and shoulders, wanting to make the sign of the cross... I melted with joy when I saw him! I showed him how to make the sign of the cross correctly, seeing that this is what he wanted to do, hoping that I wouldn't be scolded by his parents. And if I am scolded, my defense will be the fact that the little boy wanted to make the sign of the cross. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared to teach him.
These incidents helped me to welcome those of other faiths even more into my heart and no longer consider myself superior to them just because I am an Orthodox Christian. God loves us all and He knows His work with each of us! What can truly unite us is only the love between us. This doesn't mean not setting limits when your faith is in danger, but as long as it isn't, we can live very well together in harmony and love!
Iulia Enache