That which is required of every Orthodox [Christian] is to pass on the good uneasiness to the heterodox, in order that they may understand that they are in delusion, so as not to falsely be at peace with their thoughts and be deprived in this life of the rich blessings of Orthodoxy and in the next life the much greater and eternal blessings of God. — Elder Paisios the Athonite [The World Council of Churches] has never ceased to be... Read more

T he following excerpts are from a talk given by Archpriest Josiah Trenham at last year’s Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America Parish Life Conference in El Paso, Texas, entitled Orthodox Reunion: Overcoming the Curse of Jurisdictionalism in America. If you’ve time, you can link to the whole talk: HERE. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” The Church is a miracle of unity for it is the New Man, and as such... Read more

In the Dave Barry vein of humour, this guy’s a stitch! Welcome to Houston! Read more

You got the notion!So I’d like to know where, you got the notionsaid I’d like to know where, you got the notion to rock the boat, don’t rock the boat babyrock the boat, don’t tip the boat overrock the boat, don’t rock the boat babyrock the boat-t-t-t-t Ever since our voyage of love beganyour touch has thrilled me like the rush of the windand your arms have held me safe from a rolling seathere’s always been a quiet place to... Read more

The following two petitions, along with the long prayer, may be added to a Prayer Rule for those who have fallen away from the Church (long ago, or yesterday). Thou that desirest not the death of sinners, but awaitest their conversion and repentance, convert all those who have apostatized to Thy holy Church especially N. _____________; we pray Thee, O merciful Lord, hearken and have mercy. Thou that hast given us Thy commandment, to love Thee our God, and our... Read more

A while back, commenting on the sad state of The Artist Formerly Known as Fantastic, I wrote: I believe it’s possible to take one’s struggles and temptations and turn them into a craft: poetry, prose, lyrics and art. The muse might possess a bit of madness but, as long as the madness is wrestled with, art is born. Yet, in a fallen world, the madness itself may become the quest. Instead of the hound that drives a man toward greatness,... Read more

… article. Goes well with … Read more

Long ago, the Feast used to be a combination, celebrating both the Nativity of Christ & His baptism by John in the Jordan. These days, thanks to the unfortunate development of One Church – Two Calendars, we have a bit of irony in that the two are chronologically reunited (in a way). Either way, it’s a wonderful time of year for Orthodox Christians! Happy Feast(s)! Related: House Blessings. Read more

ATHENS, Greece – The monks of the Holy Mountain of Athos have criticized a visit to the Vatican by Greece’s church leader Archbishop Christodoulos last month. “We bear a heavy responsibility before the faithful people of Greece who regard (us) as being the inviolable guardian of holy tradition,” the monks wrote. Their letter was published Wednesday in the Athens daily Ethnos. “It is with anguish that we declare that Mount Athos does not agree with common prayers, participation in liturgies... Read more

There is a Monster that lies within. He is given rule of the earth of which Man is not only part, but ruler as well. This Monster, likening himself unto God, wished to reign over all and was banished to this place. Man, though intended for Paradise, like the Monster before him, was sent here. They are “made for each other” in a twisted and diabolical way. But the fashioner is not God. Rather, these are images of our own... Read more