[kosta50]

I, personally, even as a child, was never confused about this, and I doubt, Kosta, that you were either

I made sure, lest I be misunderstood, to insert second paragraph in my post #64

I don't for a moment believe that any even "marginally" Orthodox believer would for a moment think -- based on the teaching of the Church -- that Theotokos is anything even close to God, but rather a model human being.

But others reading our words are difficult to convince we are not practicing idolatry. We could of course dismiss it and go about our way, but that's not the purpose of the believers, is it?

[MarMema]

but that's not the purpose of the believers, is it?

Kosta, I found it interesting that you used the word "believers" in your post. This is the word used in Georgia by most Orthodox. And there it means "Orthodox" and is synonomous with being actively involved in the church. Is this a word you have found in use elsewhere?

Pardon my ignorance. I had not encountered it prior to visiting Georgia.

[Kolokotronis]

"We could of course dismiss it and go about our way, but that's not the purpose of the believers, is it?"

Well, that's sort of the Greek way, though we usually offer someone another cup of cafe and a sweet before we go. Interesting about the use of the word "believer" in Serbia and Georgia. I've never heard that in Greece. Down there, one is either a Christian, meaning Orthodox, a Catholic, a Musselmanos (Mohammaden) or a Jew. You don't hear much about anyone else. :)