[Kolokotronis]

"In some (Russian, Serbian) women stand on the left, men on the right, in Greek monasteries the same is observed, but in Greek American churches everyone is scattered, and so on."

There is even some variation in the churches in Greece. For example, usually in the smaller villages, the women are indeed on the left and the men on the right, but in larger towns and in most churches in the cities, everyone is all mixed up. In village churches I have never seen pews, but I have seen folding chairs. In some of the "renovated" churches in larger towns I have seen odd pews made up of what appear to be connected carved chairs. In our village there are a number of tiny churches. They are only used on the feast day of the saint after whom the church is named. On those feast days, the women are inside and the men stand outside by the door and windows (they do actually participate; they aren't outside smoking!).

Quick note; from my experience most organs at least in Greek Churches here in the States, are only used for the key, though some years back they were used for the melodies. I have never seen them in Greece in any church.

[Kolokotronis]

Meant to ping you guys to #670

[kosta50]

On those feast days, the women are inside and the men stand outside by the door and windows (they do actually participate; they aren't outside smoking!)

That's the Serbs!

[annalex]

Thank you both, I was not aware of most of such variations. Yet, none are as widely different as the distinctions between Catholic Rites and the disciplines regarding marriage are they?