Well, Rev., I am both religious and spiritual. In fact, my way of life (Eastern Orthodox) makes me even more spiritual. That's right, we EO do not call ourselves a religion but more a way of life. Comfort comes in celebrating a Divine Liturgy that has been around since the 4th century accompanied with the prayer and fasting rules. Today, is Great and Holy Friday and on Sunday we celebrate Pascha which means we get to feast. Feast takes on a whole meaning when it is preceded by a 50 day Fast (Great Lent and Holy Week). It is following these very practices that bring out the spiritual as we understand and suffer in order to cleanse oursleves and be prepared for the most Holy Day on our calendar. I am with you on the comfort and necessity of religion. May God have mercy on all of us.