Recent travels have delayed this posting, but the headlines coming out of the Episcopal Church’s annual U.S. convention were stunning — endorsement of cross-dressing clergy, blessing same-sex marriage, the sale of their headquarters since they can’t afford to maintain it. Read more: HERE. Reminded me of this old blog post (some links broken) from 2006 … Disseive, ME — One of the first things you notice upon entering the Church of St Judas the Wonderwinker is how similar it looks... Read more

Part One; Part Two; Part Three.  Podcast One; Podcast Two. As you can see, Ladies and Gentlemen, there’s some sort of deal being made here between Mr 3 and a blood brother (notice the red on the ring finger). Believe me, it does not go unnoticed by Fettucini Al Simmons. Fettucini Al Simmons?!  Heavens, I’m Alfredo! In light of these events, the faithful campers came together to pray.  Wait.  See the guy in the red shirt? Yes, that one. Keep... Read more

I promised I’d be back with a second, more serious, part from Camp St Raphael 2012.    First episode – here. When you come home with 17 hours worth of camp recording, it’s hard to decide what’s best to use.  However, this one group had many questions during their time with a priest; you’ll see. This is a good example of the kind of stuff that kids ask  … The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Read more

Tim Farha, Nick Oldziey and Crew:  Cabins 17 & 18.   You can hear their contribution to CSR Session One’s Serenade Night, along with a few other contributions, on …The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Pics Part OnePics Part Two Read more

For Part One of this series, click HERE. All seems quiet, looking back toward the St Herman building and St Raphael Chapel (hidden by the trees), but … Word has come down from the highest sources that there is a MONSTER in our midst! The Campers were quickly assembled to be warned of the pending threat. “Be prepared!  Be vigilant!  Be forewarned!” — cried the Boss! Worry can be seen etched in the faces of the faithful, especially the young... Read more

Once again this year, I was blessed to be at Camp St Raphael – Session One, Wagoner, Oklahoma. Here’s the Camp Staff getting situated for the Group Pic. There’s one in every bunch! This young lady comes along, thinking it a Mosh Pit, and dives in … Tilting the whole thing! Much to the amusement of these Bachelors.  (Ladies?) Well, never mind.  These days it’s hard to tell the Ladies from the Gents. One thing’s for sure:  I scream, you... Read more

With the saints give rest, O Lord, to the Soul of your departed servant, the Archpriest Peter, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting! The servant of God Fr. Peter E. Gillquist departed this life at 9:20 p.m. surrounded by family. He has finished the race. Memory eternal! “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!” Funeral arrangements will post Monday: here.   Picture... Read more

Today is the birthday of Anna Akhmatova; it’s also St John’s Eve (aka Midsummer Night’s Eve). From The Voice of Another Don’t torment your heart with earthly joys,Don’t cling to your wife or your home,Take the bread from your childTo give to a stranger.And be the humblest servant of the oneWho was your bitterest foe,And call the beast of the forest your brother,And don’t ask God for anything, ever. December 1921, Petersburg, p.262. From Lamentation You are worshipping the LordIn... Read more

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Just a few days prior to our parish hosting the diocesan Parish Life Conference, my oldest daughter was graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.  It was a 3.5 hour ceremony, which was followed by a late night visit to House of Pies.  Me and my son, obviously oozing energy and joy.  (But, more on that later.) The first formal gathering of the PLC, the Clergy/Wives dinner – 24th floor, Westin Galleria.  Fr Christopher Morris, of... Read more