Santeria and Eastern Orthodoxy
Hey there, everyone!
I'm new here, but not new to Santeria -- I've been an aborisha for 18 years as of this month. Lately, I've been doing a deep dive into our faith, including the theology. Like many creyentes, I was baptized Roman Catholic, so that was already there when I was initiated. And Jesus (Olofi) is still important to me (even though I admit to not being a very good disciple much of the time). But I've noticed, in particular recently since starting this deep dive, that a lot of Lucumi theology is much closer to that of Eastern Orthodoxy than Roman Catholicism, especially when it comes to the nature of the Triune Godhead (Olodumare, Olofi, Olorun), human nature, creation, humanity's relationship to the Divine...indeed just about everything, from what I can tell.
Having said all of that, here is my question: have any of you made the same discovery, re: Lucumi theology and Eastern Orthodox theology? Have any of you, or anyone you know, started to or are incorporating elements of Eastern Orthodox theology or practice into your own theology or practice (e.g., veneration of icons)? Is syncretizing with Eastern Orthodoxy instead of Roman Catholicism acceptable (my madrina seems to have no problems with it)? I just recently created an Eastern Orthodox-style icon of San Lazaro (Babalu-Ayé) with help from ChatGPT, and gave a copy of it to my madrina, and both she and her youngest son (also an aborisha) both loved it. I also sent copies to two of her daughters who are aborishas too, but have not heard back from them yet. (I've taken the liberty of including a copy of it with this post so everyone can see exactly what I'm talking about here.) Anyway, I look forward to hearing your answers!