07-30-2014, 10:25 AM
The man next to Pyotr was clearly not a Catholic. He frequently stood when he was supposed to kneel and the prayers were often mumbled. Pyotr knew that it could be confusing so when they shook hands, Pyotr covered the other man's hand with his left, gave him an encouraging smile, and winked at him.
"You're doing fine."
Pyotr whispered to him.
The priest continued on, moving into the Liturgy of the Eucharist. As Pyotr moved out to receive, he wondered if the man next to him knew he wasn't supposed to participate. Pyotr recieved the Eucharist, then moved back silently to his seat and knelt once more. This part of the service was quite solemn and Pyotr's mood reflected that.
The service went on with the closing rites and the hymn. As it ended, the Priest invited those present downstairs for a Christmas lunch. Pyotr usually didn't go. It was too crowded for him.
Pyotr turned to the man next to him and said, "I don't usually go to those. It's really crowded and takes awhile to get something to eat. I'm heading to a diner down the street if you care to join."
Pyotr was surprised by his words. Pyotr wasn't good at meeting new people, but his confidence had been high. It couldn't hurt to have a new friend.
"You're doing fine."
Pyotr whispered to him.
The priest continued on, moving into the Liturgy of the Eucharist. As Pyotr moved out to receive, he wondered if the man next to him knew he wasn't supposed to participate. Pyotr recieved the Eucharist, then moved back silently to his seat and knelt once more. This part of the service was quite solemn and Pyotr's mood reflected that.
The service went on with the closing rites and the hymn. As it ended, the Priest invited those present downstairs for a Christmas lunch. Pyotr usually didn't go. It was too crowded for him.
Pyotr turned to the man next to him and said, "I don't usually go to those. It's really crowded and takes awhile to get something to eat. I'm heading to a diner down the street if you care to join."
Pyotr was surprised by his words. Pyotr wasn't good at meeting new people, but his confidence had been high. It couldn't hurt to have a new friend.