AJ's page

St. Jerome

2010-09-30T12:47:00.001-07:00

2010-06-08T20:00:00.001-07:00

''Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament....There you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves upon earth, and more than that: Death: by the divine paradox, that which ends life, and demands the surrender of all, and yet by the taste (or foretaste) of which alone can what you seek in your earthly relationships (love, faithfulness, joy) be maintained, or take on that complexion of reality, of eternal endurance, which every man's heart desires.'' (The Letters of J.R.R Tolkien, no.43).

The Soldier

2010-05-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.

By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Systematic Theology paper

2010-04-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

Systematic Theology – Blog entry – ‘Perspectives on Ecumenism’
www.aaronoliver.blogspot.com

The topic of ecumenism has been popular of late. It appears on the Orthodox blogosphere and can be overheard in coffee hour discussions. It is heard by seminarians at St. Vladimir’s Seminary getting calls asking how they feel about the Archbishop of Canterbury visiting. It can be brought up by seeing images of the Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch praying together on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. In some circles, just mentioning the E -word can be seen as a curse word.
It is first important to ask what we mean by the word ‘ecumenism.’ Many simply hear the word and they think of someone who denies the tenets of the Orthodox Church, and it’s view as the “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.” On the other hand, many view Anti-Ecumenists as people who are right-wing lunatics who are poorly educated.
There are those who perhaps in both groups that exemplify a negative stereotype. For instance, at the World Council of Churches meeting in Canberra in 1991 participants walked through a cloud of incense to a worship space. Conversely, one should not ascribe all efforts by Anti-ecumenists to those of certain zealous monks on Mt. Athos. As with other issues, it is important that some sort of middle ground be found. This does not mean ceding to the branch theory, which speaks of the church existing in many different branches from the same trunk (even Orthodox can assert a version of the branch theory when they speak of the Greek East vs. the Latin West). It also does not deny that it is possible for God’s grace to extend beyond the canonical walls of the church.
A document that has come out dealing with ecumenism is ‘Basic Principles of Attitudes to the Non-Orthodox. Published by the Moscow Patriarch in 2000, it speaks in chapter 7 of “…rejecting the views which are erroneous from the point of view of Orthodox doctrine, yet also, “…The Church condemns those who…deliberately distort the task of the Orthodox Church in her witness before the non-Orthodox world.” This text nuances the issue appropriately, defending Orthodox teaching and involvement in the ecumenical movement based on tradition, “…witnessing the Truth.”
The fact is that the Orthodox Church has always participated in some form of ‘ecumenism’ broadly defined. Ecumenical engagement can be traced all the way back to St. Basil the Great, who spoke of a degree of difference of people outside of the church. He differentiates between “heresies, schisms, and illegal congregations.” The participation of the Orthodox Church in the ecumenical movement hastened in the 20th century, especially after World War II.
We are forced to ask ourselves, “Where do we go from here?” It is important to constantly assess the purpose of Orthodox involvement in ecumenical dialogue. The continued participation in organizations such as the NCC and WCC by the Orthodox church(es) remains to be seen. It is difficult to participate in dialogue groups that have a completely different ecclesiology, or understanding of the church. It is also difficult to remain involved with a body that often has a liberal Protestant theology and organizational mindset. Other concerns are of a sort of unification movement (super church), and also that organizations such as the National Council of Churches (NCC) has lately functioned as more of a social activist agency rather than a body of churches. In the WCC there are often concessions made to the Orthodox, but one wonders if the Orthodox are used merely for the credibility of the organization. Another concern is the fact that the Roman Catholic Church, the largest church in the world, is not a member.
Many times I scrutinize my own involvement in groups such as Inter-Seminary Dialogue (ISD), wondering if I am fulfilling my duty as an Orthodox Christian to proclaim the ‘good news’ and encouraging people to be visibly connected to the Church.
I consider myself neither an “ecumenist” nor an “anti-ecumenist.” It is natural to divide into different camps when discussing and debating issues, yet it is important to avoid resorting to invective and caricature. We can all look to the ‘Principles’ document as a way to find a middle ground that is both honest to the tradition and also does not deny God’s mysterious grace working in the world. The most important thing a Christian can do is live out their faith and let the fruit of one’s actions speak for themselves. Dialogue is always preferable to silence, and speaking the truth in love is a commandment that we are all to follow.

St. George

2010-04-23T15:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter. Christ is Risen!

2010-04-04T10:24:00.001-07:00

Holy Saturday

2010-04-03T12:40:00.001-07:00

St. Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

2010-03-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Troparion - Tone 3

Holy Bishop Patrick,
Faithful shepherd of Christ's royal flock,
You filled Ireland with the radiance of the Gospel:
The mighty strength of the Trinity!
Now that you stand before the Savior,
Pray that He may preserve us in faith and love!

Kontakion - Tone 4

From slavery you escaped to freedom in Christ's service:
He sent you to deliver Ireland from the devil's bondage.
You planted the Word of the Gospel in pagan hearts.
In your journeys and hardships you rivaled the Apostle Paul!
Having received the reward for your labors in heaven,
Never cease to pray for the flock you have gathered on earth,
Holy bishop Patrick!

2010-03-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

"The uniqueness of anti-Semitism lies in the fact that no other people in the world have ever been charged simultaneously with alienation from society and with cosmopolitanism, with being capitalistic exploiters and also revolutionary communist advocators. The Jews were accused of having an imperious mentality, at the same time they're a people of the book. They're accused of being militant aggressors, at the same time as being cowardly pacifists. With being a Chosen people, and also having an inferior human nature. With both arrogance and timidity. With both extreme individualism and community adherence. With being guilty of the crucifixion of Jesus and at the same time held to account for the invention of christianity."

- A speech about the irrationality of anti-Semitism
by professor Michael Curtis, of Rutgers University, 1987

30th Anniversary of 'Miracle on Ice'

2010-02-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

St. John of the Cross

2009-12-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

2009-12-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

A story from the Hasidic tradition: "How can we determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and day begins?" a young man asked.
"Is it when from a distance you can distinguish a dog from a sheep)" suggested another man.
"No," said the old rabbi.
"Is it when you can distinguIsh between a tig tree and a grapevine?" asked yet another student.
"No," said the old teacher. "It is when you can look into the face of another human being, no matter who they are, what they are, and what they've done or not done, and you have enough light to recognize in him or her a brother or sister. Until then, it is night, and darkness us still with you."

Conception of Our Lady

2009-12-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Troparion - Tone 4

Today the bonds of barrenness are broken,
God has heard the prayers of Joachim and Anna.
He has promised them beyond all their hopes to bear the Maiden of God,
by whom the uncircumscribed One was born as mortal Man;
He commanded an angel to cry to her:
“Rejoice, O full of grace,
the Lord is with you!”

Kontakion - Tone 4

Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”
Today the universe rejoices,
for Anna has conceived the Theotokos through God's dispensation,
for she has brought forth the one who is to bear the ineffable Word!

Pearl Harbor Day

2009-12-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

St. Ambrose of Milan

2009-12-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

Troparion - Tone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Ambrose,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion - Tone 3

You shone forth with divine doctrine eclipsing the deception of Arius,
shepherd and initiate of the mysteries, Ambrose.
you worked miracles through the power of the Spirit,
healing various passions;
righteous father, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

2009-12-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

Troparion - Tone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Nicholas,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion - Tone 3

You revealed yourself, O saint, in Myra as a priest,
For you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ
By giving up your soul for your people,
And saving the innocent from death.
Therefore you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

St. Andrew

2009-11-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Today is Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day) and is also the 2nd anniversary of my Chrismation into the Orthodox Church. So much has changed for me in the past few years, spiritually and otherwise. It's important to remember, today, all those who gave of themselves and embodied the notion of sacrifice and selfless service. This doesn't involve just those who serve in the military, of course. There are so many who stick their neck out and risk greatly to serve God in many capacities...

St. Martin of Tours

2009-11-11T02:25:00.000-08:00

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
In signs and in miracles thou wast renowned throughout Gaul; by grace and adoption now thou art a light for the world, O Martin, most blest of God. Almsdeeds and compassion filled thy life with their splendour; teaching and wise counsel were thy riches and treasures, which thou dost dispense freely unto all them that honour thee.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
As a devoted man of God, thou didst proclaim His mysteries. And as a seer of the Trinity, thou didst shed thy blessings on the Occident. By thy prayers and entreaties, O adornment of Tours and glory of all the Church, preserve us, O Saint Martin, and save all who praise thy memory.

Sts. Vitalis and Agricola

2009-11-04T16:29:00.001-08:00

St. Crispin's Day

2009-10-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

King Henry V:

What's he that wishes so?

My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;

If we are mark'd to die, we are enow

To do our country loss; and if to live,

The fewer men, the greater share of honour.

God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.

By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,

Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;

It yearns me not if men my garments wear;

Such outward things dwell not in my desires.

But if it be a sin to covet honour,

I am the most offending soul alive.

No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.

God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour

As one man more methinks would share from me

For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!

Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,

That he which hath no stomach to this fight,

Let him depart; his passport shall be made,

And crowns for convoy put into his purse;

We would not die in that man's company

That fears his fellowship to die with us.

This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,

Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,

And rouse him at the name of Crispian.

He that shall live this day, and see old age,

Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,

And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'

Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,

And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'

Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,

But he'll remember, with advantages,

What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,

Familiar in his mouth as household words-

Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,

Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-

Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.

This story shall the good man teach his son;

And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,

From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered-

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,

This day shall gentle his condition;

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed

Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,

And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks

That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

(IV, iii)

2009-10-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

“...as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”~Nelson Mandela

I remember a time when I used to live by this quote, and I hope that I haven't forgotten it - too much. The longer version is taken from Nelson Mandela's inauguration speech in South Africa in 1994. It can certainly be taken out of context, and perhaps has, by a sort of new age gnosticism that is pervasive.

The light, of course, should be considered Christ as the "light of the world." (Jn 9:5) As for fear, we are called to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling."(Phil. 2:12) However, all rest and consolation is found in Him, for "my yoke is easy and my burden is light."(Mt 11:28)

When I hear this quote, I think of a certain spiritual integrity that comes with being open and honest; not lying, and not having to hide things in order to give anyone a sense of false security. Ultimately, "the truth shall set you free."(Jn 8:32)

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

2009-10-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Kontakion - Tone 2

Let us praise the godly Luke:
he is the true preacher of piety,
the orator of ineffable mysteries
and the star of the Church;
for the Word, Who alone knows the hearts of men,
chose him, together with wise Paul, to be a teacher of the gentiles!

Troparion - Tone 5

Let us praise with sacred songs the holy Apostle Luke,
the recorder of the joyous Gospel of Christ
and the scribe of the Acts of the Apostles,
for his writings are a testimony of the Church of Christ:
He is the physician of human weaknesses and infirmities.
He heals the wounds of our souls,
and constantly intercedes for our salvation!

Our Lady of Walsingham

2009-10-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.westernorthodox.com/walsingham

Hail, O Virgin Theotokos! As thou didst receive the Good News of salvation at Gabriel’s appearing and didst by thine own appearing at Walsingham cause the Holy House to be raised up as an everlasting remembrance of that same mystery of salvation, pray that we may ever bear in our souls Jesus whom thou didst bring forth, the Savior of mankind.

Anglican/Orthodox Conference

2009-10-13T08:44:00.001-07:00

The first photo is the famous "Fon Du Lac Circus" photo, which includes Bishop, now St., Tikhon, visiting the Nashotah House (Episcopal Seminary) in Wisconsin. I attended the A/O Conference this past weekend at the House. A reaction to this event is provided by ROCOR United. A response to these comments is provided on the Ad Orientem blog.

St. Edward, King and Confessor

2009-10-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ss. Sergius and Bacchus

2009-10-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

(Ss. Sergius and Bacchus Church in Istanbul)

"The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in Syria were appointed to high positions in the army by the emperor Maximian (284-305), who did not know that they were Christians. Envious people informed Maximian that his two trusted counsellors did not honor the pagan gods. This was considered to be a crime against the state.

The emperor, wanting to convince himself of the truth of the accusation, ordered Sergius and Bacchus to offer sacrifice to the idols, but they replied that they honored the One God and worshiped only Him.

Maximian commanded that the martyrs be stripped of the insignia of military rank (their belts, gold pendants, and rings), and then dressed them in feminine clothing. They were led through the city with an iron chains around their necks, and the people mocked them. Then he summoned Sergius and Bacchus to him again and in a friendly manner advised them not to be swayed by Christian fables, but to return to the Roman gods. The saints refuted the emperor's words, and demonstrated the folly of worshiping the pagan gods.

The emperor commanded that they be sent to the governor of the eastern part of Syria, Antiochus, a fierce hater of Christians. Antiochus had received his position with the help of Sergius and Bacchus. "My fathers and benefactors!" he said. "Have pity on yourselves, and also on me. I do not want to condemn my benefactors to cruel tortures." The holy martyrs replied, "For us life is Christ, and to die is gain." The enraged Antiochus ordered Bacchus to be mercilessly beaten, and the holy martyr surrendered his soul to the Lord. They shod Sergius with iron sandals with nails in their soles and sent him to another city, where he was beheaded with the sword." - www.oca.org

Troparion - Tone 4

Your holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion - Tone 2

Podoben: "Seeking the highest..."
Having courageously confronted the enemy,
you brought an end to his guiles, and received from on high the crown of victory.
Illustrious martyrs, Sergius and Bacchus,
with one heart you cry aloud:
"How good and pleasant it is to dwell with God."

St. Placidus, Maurus, and companions

2009-10-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

St. Francis (Roman Catholic Church)

2009-10-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

St. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia

2009-09-28T11:40:00.001-07:00

St. Eustace and companions

2009-09-20T16:40:00.001-07:00

St. Theodore of Canterbury

2009-09-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2009-09-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Troparion - Tone 1

O Lord, save Your people,
And bless You inheritance.
Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians
Over their adversaries.
And by virtue of Your Cross,
Preserve Your habitation.

Kontakion - Tone 4

As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake,
Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God;
Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,
Granting them victories over their adversaries,
By bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace.

Nativity of Our Lady

2009-09-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Troparion - Tone 4

Your Nativity, O Virgin,
Has proclaimed joy to the whole universe!
The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,
Has shone from You, O Theotokos!
By annulling the curse,
He bestowed a blessing.
By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.

Kontakion - Tone 4

By Your Nativity, O Most Pure Virgin,
Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness;
Adam and Eve, from the corruption of death.
And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you:
The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life!

King Stephen 1 of Hungary

2009-09-02T07:13:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year!

2009-09-01T06:02:00.002-07:00

Commemorated on September 1 (www.oca.org)

The first day of the Church New Year is also called the beginning of the Indiction. The term Indiction comes from a Latin word meaning, "to impose." It was originally applied to the imposition of taxes in Egypt. The first worldwide Indiction was in 312 when the Emperor Constantine (May 21) saw a miraculous vision of the Cross in the sky. Before the introduction of the Julian calendar, Rome began the New Year on September 1.

According to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2), the Savior proclaimed, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord…" This scene is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican, Biblioteca. Cod. Gr. 1613, p.1).

Tradition says that the Hebrews entered the Promised Land in September.

St. Giles

2009-09-01T06:02:00.001-07:00

St. Aidan of Lindisfarne, Aspostle of Northumbria

2009-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

St. Augustine of Hippo

2009-08-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Pope St. Zephyrinus

2009-08-26T04:02:00.001-07:00

St.Hilda of Whitby

2009-08-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

St. Bartholomew, Apostle

2009-08-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

(This saint is commemorated on 11 June by the Eastern Church and on 25 August by Western Orthodox).

The Collect (According to Book of Common Prayer - Orthodox Catholic usage):
O Almighty and everlasting God, who disdst give to thine Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach the Word: grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church; to love that Word which he believed, and both to preach and receive the same. Through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Dormition/Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary

2009-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Troparion (Tone 1)

In giving birth you preserved your virginity,

In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos.

You were translated to life, O Mother of Life,

And by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.

Kontakion (Tone 2)

Neither the tomb, nor death could hold the Theotokos,

Who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions.

For being the Mother of Life,

She was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb.

Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome

2009-08-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Troparion - Tone 4

Victorious martyr of Christ our God,
by the sign of the Cross you gave sight to the blind;
you distributed the riches of the Church to the poor;
you were tried by fire and no evil was found in you.
As you endured the burning,
may your prayers extinguish the flames of our many sins,
blessed Archdeacon Lawrence!

Kontakion - Tone 2

Your heart burned with divine fire
as the flames of the passions died within you.
God-bearing martyr Lawrence, the pillar of those who struggle,
you cried out in the midst of your contest:
"Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ."

Transfiguration

2009-08-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

Troparion - Tone 7

You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God,
revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as they could bear it.
Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners,
through the prayers of the Theotokos.
O Giver of Light, glory to You!

Kontakion - Tone 7

On the Mountain You were Transfigured, O Christ God,
And Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it;
So that when they would behold You crucified,
They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary,
And would proclaim to the world,
That You are truly the Radiance of the Father!

St. Mary Magdalene, Penitent

2009-07-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Collect (from Lancelot Andrewes - Book of Common Prayer)
Grant, O merciful Father, that as blessed Mary Magdalene, loving thine only-begotten Son above all things, obtained pardon of all her sins: so she may ever entreat for us of thy loving-kindness a place in eternal blessedness. Through the same Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

SVS - one year down...

2009-07-12T20:05:00.001-07:00

Back to Chaplain School...

2009-07-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

SVS in review

2009-07-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't written on my experience so far at St. Vladimir's Seminary, although I have enjoyed reading the commentary on facebook and other blogs. I certainly do not want to offend or sound strident, especially with my many failings and shortcomings. It really has been an incredible journey the past few years (and before that). From moving out to Las Vegas, starting seminary at Fuller, becoming a Chaplain Candidate and starting Army Chaplain School. I wouldn't necessarily recommend attending Seminary after being so new to the church (I was Chrismated on Veterans Day - 11/11/07). I also wouldn't trade for anything the experiences and wonderful people who I have met this past year. God has put so many supportive and loving people in my life, despite myself...

The farm

2009-07-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

2009-07-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

"The age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators, has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished for ever." Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France.

St Andrew the Archbishop of Crete

2009-07-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

Troparion - Tone 5

Like the Prophet David
You sang a new song
In the assembly of the righteous.
As an initiate of the Holy Spirit
You thundered forth your hymns of grace
And the word of righteousness for our salvation,
O Andrew, glory of the fathers.

Kontakion - Tone 2

You sounded forth divine melodies like a trumpet
And were a bright lamp for the world.
You shone with the light of the Trinity, O righteous Andrew.
Therefore we cry to you: Ever intercede for us all!

Independence Day

2009-07-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

"Why I Love America" - Henry Fairlie

I had been in the country about eight years, and was living in Houston, when a Texas friend asked me one evening: "Why do you like living in America? I don't mean why you find it interesting--why you want to write about it--but why you like living here so much." After only a moment's reflection, I replied, "It's the first time I've felt free." One spring day, shortly after my arrival in America, I was walking down the long, broad street of a suburb, with its sweeping front lawns (all that space), its tall trees (all that sky), and its clumps of azaleas (all that color). The only other person on the street was a small boy on a tricycle. As I passed him, he said, "Hi!"--just like that. No four-year-old boy had ever addressed me without an introduction before. Yet here was this one, with his cheerful "Hi!" Recovering from the culture shock, I tried to look down stonily at his flaxen head, but instead, involuntarily, I found myself saying in return: "Well--hi!" He pedaled off, apparently satisfied. He had begun my Americanization.
"Hi!" As I often say--for Americans do not realize it--the word is a democracy. (I come from a country where one can tell someone's class by how they say "Hallo!" or "Hello!" or "Hullo," or whether they say it at all.) But anyone can say "Hi!" Anyone does. Shortly after my encounter with the boy, I called on the then Suffragan Bishop of Washington. Did he greet me as the Archbishop of Canterbury would have done? No. He said, "Hi, Henry!" I put it down to an aberration, an excess of Episcopalian latitudinarianism. But what about my first meeting with Lyndon B. Johnson, the President of the United States, the Emperor of the Free World, before whom, like a Burgher of Calais, a halter round my neck, I would have sunk to my knees, pleading for a loan for my country? He held out the largest hand in Christendom, and said, "Hi, Henry!"

--July 4, 1983

Sweden!

2009-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

There's something about visiting the homeland of your ancestors that is really special. My great/grandfather came from Sweden when he was 15 years old in the early 1920's. I am glad that my family keeps some of the Swedish traditions, such as celebrating St. Lucia day in December, as well as certain foods like Swedish pancakes and a lingonberry drink around Christmas. I also appreciate my Swedish relatives in America never ceasing to recognize themselves as Americans first and foremost, not forgetting their heritage, but also recognizing their new homeland.

Stonewall 40 years later

2009-06-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Obama made a speech commemorating the 40th anniversary in the Stonewall riots in NYC, which really started the modern gay rights movement...

Update

2009-06-27T02:29:00.000-07:00

There is so much that I could write on, but haven't. Many times I have considered discontinuing my blog, and I have held so much back that I could comment on, especially about my personal life. I mostly started my blog as a comment on current events instead of a journal, but perhaps I should write more of the latter. I have, however, gotten much interesting feedback, so I'll continue for now, and promise to write more. Things on my mind are: review of my first year at SVS, the Iran situation, Orthodoxy and the West, DADT, homosexuality and the church, traveling, Army Chaplaincy, etc. etc. etc. Of course, as always, trying to maintain an active prayer life and conforming to a life in Christ should always be my main focus. Please pray for me!

Anglican/Orthodox relations

2009-06-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about Metropolitan Jonah's speech at the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) Assembly recently. His speech, which I haven't listened to, is on the Orthodixie blog. I don't agree with everything he says, but let's say at least 95%. It's exciting to have a presiding bishop that is not insular, and that seeks to speak of the ecumenical and evangelical nature of the Church; while at the same time holding to unchangeable truth and witness of our communion. Too much is at stake for the Orthodox Church, especially in a Western country like the United States, to continue in a sort of oriental parochialism. Does this conflict with the Ecumenical Patriarch's ecumenical efforts? I am also curious about his relationship with the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) - more later on what he supposedly said about such relations in another blog that I read. Interesting.

Trip

2009-06-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted lately on my trip. I am having such an incredible time, and I am in Rome now, staying in a hostel a few blocks from the Vatican. I've met so many interesting people so far. Some memories of my trip include: chatting with Brian Boitano on the subway in Geneva, touring the Protestant Reformation (John Calvin) museum *not my choice, going jogging in Aoste to the sound of church bells on Sunday morning, sitting on a lakeside porch in Bellagio watching the sunset, seeing Michaelangelo's David, walking behind the St. John's Day parade in Florence, watching the US Soccer team beat Spain to the chagrin of my Mexican roommates, driving in France through the Alps, St. Peters Basilica, the food in Italy, cafe culture, taking a boat around Venice and touring the Byzantine cathedral there, touring Juliet's house in Verona, Botticelli paintings, Coleseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel, Saying the Angelus Prayer with the Pope, Skansen Museum in Stockholm, Swedish folk dancing and lingonberry, Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, etc. etc.

Happy St. John's Day

2009-06-24T02:34:00.000-07:00

Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist

*Troparion - Tone 4

Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ,
although we cannot praise you worthily,
we honor you in love at your nativity,
for by it you ended your father's silence and your mother's barrenness,
proclaiming to the world the incarnation of the Son of God!

Kontakion - Tone 3

Today the formerly barren woman gives birth to Christ¹s Forerunner,
who is the fulfillment of every prophecy;
for in the Jordan,
when he laid his hand on the One foretold by the prophets,
he was revealed as Prophet, Herald, and Forerunner of God the Word.

*from www.oca.org

USA! USA!

2009-06-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

ITALY!

2009-06-17T02:04:00.000-07:00

A dream comes true. Nothing beats sitting on the patio of a B+B in Bellagio (not the fake one in Vegas), drinking white wine, taking in the view, and contemplating life....

Pentecost

2009-06-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

Troparion - Tone 8

Blessed art You O Christ Our God
You have revealed the fishermen as most wise
By sending down upon them the Holy Spirit
Through them You drew the world into Your net
O Lover of Man, Glory to You!

Kontakion - Tone 8

When the most High came down and confused the tongues,
He divided the nations;
But when he distributed the tongues of fire
He called all to unity.
Therefore, with one voice, we glorify the All-holy Spirit!

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

God Bless America

I just got back from the Crestwood Memorial Day Parade and throughout the weekend I've been reminded of the heroic sacrifice that so many have given for the sake of the land we love. I'm still astonished that the average WWII soldier was 19 years old, 140 pounds, with maybe a high school education. What also amazes me is the humility of those in the "Greatest Generation." One of the veteran commentators on the History Channel said, "We were just doing our job. The guys who died that day are the real heroes." I also praise anyone who has sacrificed and fought for a cause higher then themselves despite all odds. That is what courage is. I'll post what Shakespeare wrote in Henry V about the Battle of Agincourt:

"This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day"

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2009-05-15T06:39:00.001-07:00

Sub tuum praesidium
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions and our necessities; but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T12:29:00.001-07:00

R.I.P. Bodie

2009-05-10T10:49:00.001-07:00

DADT continued...

2009-05-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

Why are soldiers still being discharged from the military for being openly gay? Story here. More commentary when final exams are over....

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

This should be every day, of course, but it can't hurt.

Eurovision 2009

2009-05-04T11:49:00.001-07:00

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/home

DADT

2009-04-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/frank-dont-ask-dont-tell-will-probably-wait-till-next-year.php/
Since 1994 over 12,000 service members have been discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation. After 15 years it's time that the don't ask don't tell policy be put in the dust bin of history. It started as a compromise after President Clinton wanted to sign an executive order allowing gay people to serve openly in the armed forces. The actual name is 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue.' It has been shown that this is not necessarily the case. My opposition to DADT has been for both personal and professional reasons. I firstly believe that it violates Army Values to be forced to lie, plain and simple. It also hurts national security to disallow people to serve who are obviously qualified. I understand that the military is a conservative institution, and that is one of the things that I love about it. I look to Senator Barry Goldwater, the founder of the modern conservative movement, who openly called for DADT to be eliminated. The fact is that there are already countless gay people who serve in their units, many in fear and silence. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice and died for their country. May their memories be not in vain, but eternal.

Happy Easter! Rejoice!

2009-04-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Descent into Hades

2009-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Christ, as you descend into Hades, rescuing the captives and giving light to the darkest regions of Hell, deliver us from all darkness and despair, so we may reverse the curse, and be as you created us to be.

Holy Monday

2009-04-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T08:35:00.001-07:00

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
Be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
Be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, be Thou my true Word,
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee Lord;
Be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;
Be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
Be Thou my whole armor, be Thou my true might;
Be Thou my soul's shelter, be Thou my strong tower:
O raise Thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
Be Thou mine inheritance now and always;
Be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, Thou Heaven's bright sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won;
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be Thou my vision, O Ruler of all.

2009-04-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Passover

2009-04-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

'Day by Day' - old Swedish hymn

2009-04-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best”
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

AIDS Walk 2009

2009-04-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

http://aidswalknewyork2009.kintera.org/AJ

St. Mary of Egypt

2009-04-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mother Maria

2009-03-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

"At the Last Judgment I will not be asked whether satisfactorily practiced asceticism, nor how many bows I have made before the divine altar I will be asked whether I fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick, and the prisoner in his jail. That is all I will be asked."

~MOTHER MARIA SKOBTSOVA

Eric Iliff - Memory Eternal

2009-03-13T07:01:00.001-07:00

Today is the second anniversary of the falling asleep in the Lord of Eric Iliff, a student at SVS. I'm not sure exactly why he has had so much of an impact on me, but he has. This event clearly has cast a shadow on the Seminary, and it's evident in the feelings of at least some students here. I remember in March 2007, when I was a catechumen and thinking that SVS might be in the future when I read about this online. Eric took his life after much anguish. Surely, there is much to the story, and much that I do not know. Also, there are things that have changed in the Seminary in the past few years. Some students openly blame the institution for how this was handled. There are other administrative issues than this one, but the bitterness left over is palpable.

I do believe that part of the problem that led to Eric's death is how the the Church deals with the issue of sexuality, and in particular, homosexuality. I really believe that silence = death, and when you have an evil cycle of silence, blackmail, and lack of genuine Christian love, how can Christ be present? I should probably use another post to talk about this topic, and I could speak more from a personal perspective, but I believe that Eric's death and this issue are related. When I have seen people leave the Church and lose their faith over this issue, how can it not even be talked about openly? What I do know is that (John 8:32) "The truth shall set you free." I also know that fear and worry is incompatible with Christianity, and I pray that I can stop feeling both. May God have mercy on all of us. As for Eric, may his memory be eternal.

"I'm just a regular guy who gets caught a little too much in his own head. I need other people to get me out of there. I believe there is a God and I'm just trying, not very successfully most of the time, to figure out what he wants me to do from one second to the next. I don't fit most categories on most levels, but I'm okay with that. I think we live in an amazing world and there's so much beauty in it if we're just willing to see it. I like to just walk or drive and astound myself by the fact that I'm conscious at all. Life is a precious gift. I just have to remember that..."

-Eric Iliff

St. Gregory the Great

2009-03-12T13:14:00.001-07:00

Troparion - Tone 4

Receiving divine grace from God on high, glorious Gregory,
and strengthened with its power,
you willed to walk in the path of the Gospel, most blessed one.
Therefore you have received from Christ the reward of your labors.
Entreat Him that He may save our souls.

Kontakion - Tone 3

Father Gregory, you showed yourself to be an imitator of Christ, the chief Shepherd,
guiding the orders of monks to the fold of heaven.
You taught the flock of Christ His commandments.
Now you rejoice and dance with them in the mansions of heaven.

Matthew 11:28

2009-03-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Heroes

2009-03-02T04:29:00.001-08:00

The notion of hero has always been in our literature, art, and culture. There is now even a tv show with the name. My heroes are people that sacrifice themselves, especially being subjected to harm, accepting the risk without knowing consequences. In this category can be anyone who stands up for injustice, people who work multiple jobs for their family, etc.

For me these guys are my heroes. I've served in the same Infantry unit as the two soldiers in this picture. Much of the credit (and scorn) that soldiers get is based on the whim of popular culture. That's why they were spit on during the Vietnam years, and why people justify "supporting the soldiers but not the war" now. Many, if not most, of my friends in the military are now in Iraq or Afghanistan. I've really struggled with this, especially since my Cavalry unit in Vegas will deploy to "The 'Stan" soon. These are people that I have gotten to know over the past few years, ministered to (and they have ministered to me), gone out on training missions with, etc. It's really true that soldiers fight for the guy to the right and left of them, and not always even for the flag or cause when it comes down it.

Seminary is analogous to military life in many ways, and I should speak more on that. I hope I can use my opportunity here to lift up my brothers and sisters, even as I am plagued with doubt and insecurity. I must believe that everything in my life has led me to this place for a reason. We can glorify God wherever we are, and I hope that the struggling and stumbling in my life is toward Christ.

My sentiments exactly

2009-03-01T23:03:00.000-08:00

O strange Orthodox Church, so poor and weak, with neither the organization nor the culture of the West, staying afloat as if by a miracle in the face of so many trials, tribulations and struggles; a Church of contrasts, both so traditional and so free, so archaic and so alive, so ritualist and so personally involved, a Church where the priceless pearl of the Gospel is assiduously preserved, sometimes under a layer of dust; a Church which in shadows and silence maintains above all the eternal values of purity, poverty, asceticism, humility and forgiveness; a Church which has often not known how to act, but which can sing of the joy of Pascha like no other.

-Lev Gillet

I agree with this quote because despite the problems that are in the Orthodox Church (ethnocentrism, homophobia), and how foreign it feels to me at times, it is still the Church of Jesus Christ that I am drawn to for my salvation. Fr. John Meyendorff said it was the right church but the wrong people. At times that seems true, although the Church is a hospital for sinners of all stripes. I am very sensitive to people who don't feel a part of "organized religion," any church, or Christianity itself. We must not speak from a tradition of triumphalism (though what we teach is true), but from humility. We show the truth of our creed and communion by the love we show, to each other, and especially to those who believe otherwise. I don't see Christ in everyone I meet, but I should, and I want to.

Forgiveness Sunday

2009-03-01T20:53:00.001-08:00

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T13:03:00.001-08:00

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Western Christian tradition. In Western Rite Orthodox Churches it is celebrated the following Wednesday.

Genesis 3:19

"By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return."

Fat Tuesday

2009-02-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Mardi Gras to all those celebrating, which precedes Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent on the Western Christian calendar. Eastern Orthodox Christians ease into Lent with a week of abstaining from just meat, followed by pretty much everything else, with some exceptional days, until Easter. This year Western Easter is celebrated on 12 April, while Orthodox Easter is celebrated on 19 April. I am still confused by the whole calendar issue, but the point is to celebrate our Risen Saviour, which we celebrate every Sunday in a little way, but now can experience the Paschal fullness. Lent is a time for cleansing, repentance, and catharsis, and should be approached with joy.

Lenten Statement by His All Holiness

2009-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ἀρχική σελίς
Ἀρχική σελίς
Catechetical Homily for Holy and Great Lent 2009.
Ἐπιστροφή
Ἐπιστροφή

Prot. No. 94

+ B A R T H O L O M E W

By God's Grace Archbishop of Constantinople,
New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

To the Plenitude of the Church,

Grace and Peace from our Savior Jesus Christ
And Prayers, Blessings and Forgiveness from Us

"Come, all peoples, let us today welcome

The gift of fasting

The period of repentance granted to us by God"
(Monday, First Week of Fasting)

Brethren and beloved children in the Lord,

The fast proposed to us by our Holy Church is not any deprivation, but a charisma. And the repentance to which it calls us is not any punishment, but a divine gift.

When the Church urges us, through the words of Scripture, not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth "where most and rust consume" but instead to store up treasures in heaven, where there is no danger of corruption, it is telling us the truth. For the Church is not of this world, even though it lives in this world and knows it. It knows humanity: our real need and distress. It knows our time well: the time of great development and speed, the plethora of information and confusion, the time of maqny fears, threats and collapses.

This is why – with calmness and steadiness – the Church invites everyone to repentance. This is why it discourages its children from taking the wrong path by treasuring their labors and basing their hopes on unstable foundations. Rather, it encourages them to store up treasure in heaven; for where our treasure lies, there also our heart is.

The treasure that cannot be corrupted and the hope that does not shame is precisely God's love, the divine force that binds all things together. It is the incarnate Word of God, who stays with us forever.

He is the sanctification of our souls and bodies. For, He did not come to judge but to save the world. He did not come to criticize but to heal. "He wounds with compassion and demonstrates compassion with fervor."

He abolished he one who held the power of death, namely the devil. He annihilated the sorrow of death, namely the joyless form and dark presence of death, which darkens and poisons all of our life and joy.

This is why, when our heart and love are directed toward the divine-human Lord, who has authority over the living and the dead, then everything is illumined and transformed.

Indeed, when the Apostle exhorts us "not to set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (1 Tim. 6.17), he is assuring us that the true enjoyment of life is exactly what God offers us, while we simply receive it with gratitude and thanksgiving. Then, the little becomes abundant, because it is blessed; and the fleeting and momentary shine with the light of eternity.

Then, not only do the joys of life contain something eternal; but the troubles and sufferings become occasions of divine comfort.

The divine economy of salvation is certain. For, God is "the one who provides everything with depth of wisdom and loving-kindness." And the deposit of our labors is secure, for "we surrender all of our life and hope" to the incarnate Word.

So when the Gospel refers us to heaven, it is speaking literally. It brings us down to the reality of the earth, which has become heaven.

This is the certainty experienced and confessed by the Church.

Through your Cross, O Christ, there is one flock and one church of angels and human beings. Heaven and earth rejoice together. Lord, glory to you."

The Church grants us the opportunity to experience this miracle of earth-become-heaven. Our roots lie in heaven. Without the Church, we are uprooted and homeless.

For the Church is our home. So long as we return to the Church, we are returning home; we come to ourselves. So long as we are estranged from the Church, we are lost and meaningless.

So long as we approach the Church, we perceive the authenticity of what is true. We behold the heavenly Father awaiting us outside the house.

We are convinced by the sense of goodness and beauty; we sense the presence of God's powerful love, which overcomes death; we no longer sense the corruption and doubt, which mock the world.

Therefore, let us heed the divine invitation to enter the ocean of fasting in order to reach the harbor of light and resurrection with all the saints.

Holy and Great Lent 2009

Your fervent supplicant before God,

+ BARTHOLOMEW of Constantinople

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

2009-02-15T17:30:00.001-08:00

St. Bartholemew's Church, New York City

2009-02-15T17:01:00.000-08:00

East vs. West

2009-02-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

The whole teaching of the Latin Fathers may be found in the East, just as the whole teaching of the Greek Fathers may be found in the West. Rome has given St. Jerome to Palestine. The East has given Cassian to the West and holds in special veneration that Roman of the Romans, Pope Gregory the Great. St. Basil would have acknowledged St. Benedict of Nursia as his brother and heir. St. Macrina would have found her sister in St Scholastica. St. Alexis the “man of God,” “the poor man under the stairs,” has been succeeded by the wandering beggar, St. Benedict Labre. St. Nicolas would have felt as very near to him the burning charity of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Vincent de Paul. St. Seraphim of Sarov would have seen the desert blooming under Father Charles de Foucauld’s feet, and would have called St. Thérèse of Lisieux “my joy.”

– Archimandrive Lev Gillet (”a monk of the Eastern Church”), Orthodox Spirituality (Crestwood NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1978), pp. x-xi.

KNOW HOPE

2009-01-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

Bros in San Jose

2008-12-26T13:17:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Lo, the time of our salvation draweth nigh!
Make ready, O Cave!
The Virgin approacheth to give birth!
O Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Adorn thyself and rejoice,
For from thee hath our Lord shone forth!
Hearken, ye mountains and hills,
And ye parts of Judea, which lie round about,
For Christ cometh,
That He might save man whom He created,
In that He loveth mankind!

Christ is born! He comes in humility, to show us the way of God.
Christ is born! He comes to empty Himself, and reveal God in human
Form.
Christ is born! He became everything that we are,
that we might become all that He is.
Christ is born! Born in the cave and laid in the manger;
yet His glory shone from the manger as from the Mercy
Seat.
Christ is born! All the angels and the whole creation rejoice!
Christ is born! Empty of self in the poverty of humility.
Christ is born! Radiant in the glory of His divinity,
shining in the obscurity of human darkness.
Christ is born! Enlightening with grace all creation.
Christ is born! The pledge of the Age to Come:
The radiant Coal of the deified New World.
*From the Archpastoral message of His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah, OCA

Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Quote of the Day

2008-12-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

“When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope”

Henri Nouwen

Virginmartyr Lucy of Syracuse

2008-12-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

Troparion - Tone 5

Wearing the radiant cloak of virginity
And being betrothed to the Lifegiver Christ
You forsook the love of your earthly betrothed
O Lucy Virgin-Martyr
Therefore as a bridal gift
You have brought to Christ the outpouring of your blood
You also intercede to Him for us all!

St. Lucia has always been venerated in my family - much to do with her being the patron saint of Sweden. I recall as a child celebrating St. Lucia Day on December 13th and my sister Mia dressing up as St. Lucia for school. It also means a lot because of my sister's eye problems when she was younger. One legend of St. Lucia involves the beauty of her eyes, and their removal during her martyrdom. The painting of Lucy and her eyes on a platter was actually given to Mia in the hospital after her surgery. I was thrilled to learn that Lucia was venerated as an Orthodox Saint. Let us honor her today. I can't wait to go home for some gingerbread cookies and Swedish pancakes.