For nearly forty years I tried to find the truth by studying theology, philosophy, and metaphysics.
But in 1973, while visiting a Church of Christ, Scientist, for the first time, my eyes were opened. I immediately understood that here was the truth Christ Jesus promised, revealed by God to Mary Baker Eddy, and given to us through her heaven-inspired book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
It did not take me very long to understand that I was on the right path for progress, except that I needed some explanations to answer my questions and solve my problems. So I visited two students of Christian Science, one in his office, and later, the other at his home.
Both received me with kindness and love. The first advised me to read Science and Health immediately, and he told me to go to the Christian Science Reading Room to borrow it. I answered him with some timidity that I would go some other day to get it, but he encouraged me to go without delay. His manner snapped me out of my initial vacillation, and after thanking him I left immediately for the Reading Room. I found myself in peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Here a librarian received me kindly. In addition to lending me Science and Health she offered to help me with some of my questions. I left filled with joy, because I felt I held in my hands the book that contained the truth.
From the time that I began to read I discontinued all those other studies mentioned above, devoting myself daily to the study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly. My thought was gradually cleared of the strange beliefs that had accumulated for so many years and caused me mental confusion.
In about ten days I asked another Christian Scientist to allow me to discuss with him some doubts which I had come across. I have since learned that the answers to all my doubts are found in the Bible and Science and Health. With much kindness, after listening to me attentively and patiently, he began to talk to me about Christian Science, and he spontaneously answered all my questions. I left even more convinced that with this beautiful Science I had found the key to the truth. I threw myself into reading, and besides my daily study of the lesson, I read other writings by Mrs. Eddy. In Miscellaneous Writings she says (p. 34), "One who has been healed by Christian Science is not only healed of the disease, but is improved morally." This has been my experience.
Several years ago, prior to my introduction to this Science, I suffered two heart attacks. The doctor was a professor of cardiology at a noted university. I remained in the clinic twenty days and afterward was taken home. I was given to understand that I must be very careful. I took many medicines. Most of them were taken out of fear. I also had tests twice a month. This situation caused me much anguish, which each day increased my fear. My nervous system was still in poor condition when I visited the two Christian Scientists, and at that time I was still taking pills.
The day I read the statement in Miscellaneous Writings referred to, I noticed that I had not taken any pills. I did not make any effort and did not force myself; I simply stopped taking pills. I was realizing that I was not sick but was well. This conviction has proved true in my complete healing. I owe all that to Science and to the author of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy. I have become a member of the branch church in Athens, where I heartily offer my services in the Reading Room and Sunday School.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell another of my experiences. One afternoon when I was ready to begin some Christian Science reading it came to me to reexamine myself, and then some negative thoughts filled me with indignation about certain injustices and trials I had endured. They passed like a film strip before me.
Immediately I remembered the advice of Mrs. Eddy on page 210 of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany: "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full. There is no door through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill in a mind filled with goodness." With this change of thought, immediately I felt perfectly well, and the negative memories of injustice melted away. So I continued the lesson with pleasure. In Mrs. Eddy's words (ibid.), "The right thinker abides under the shadow of the Almighty."
I am very grateful for Christian Science.
Athens, Greece
