Dr Kelly Fleming

I was an Orthodox Jew. Now I’m a Jewish Orthodox Christian.

Orthodox life (Jewish or Christian) is a lifestyle, not just a faith or religion.

It’s my identity. My day from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep revolves around Orthodox life.

Prayers, the way I dress, what I read, what I study.

I honestly cannot imagine life not being Orthodox.

When I was a child, my Mum didn’t read fairy tales to me. I learnt the stories of the Bible. I learnt the stories of great saints.

I was taught to be proud of my identity. I learnt to be proud of the lives of the great scholars and saints.

I still study everyday. I know the history of my people, both Jewish history and Orthodox Christian history.

The lives of all those who lived before me, who sacrificed their lives or in other terms were sacrificed, live in me.

Having a rich spiritual life and history strengthens me.

It puts life into a different perspective.

I know the sacrifices of the people who came before me and those of my family and I strive to live each day in a way to sanctify their memories.