A previous posting on “holy atheism” (my phrase) brought the following G.K. Chesterton quote from blog reg, Photios. It’s long, but worth a good skimming. I should also note that the author of the article on Atheism, David Gleeson, has kindly posted comments to the original posting and may, indeed, respond to this one. Reciprocal kindness would resemble, some would say, even Christianity. But modern thought also hit my second human tradition. It went against the fairy feeling about strict... Read more

Moscow, August 23, Interfax – The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed its support for the bishops of the Episcopal Church in the USA who decided to refrain from recognizing Catherine Jefferts-Shori as the leader elect of this organization. ‘I would like to assure you that I fully share the stand you have taken… the Russian Orthodox Church supports your act and expresses willingness to restore relations with your diocese’, Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad says … MORE. Read more

Today’s letter is “B.” Symeon Sets Sights on Seminary … Pop by, give him a shout-out!But, please don’t BLAST him! Barnabas Powell on “Blasting Prayers” … As a former Pentecostal (now Orthodox) I remember services where a man would “walk the backs of the benches.” He would literally jump up on the back of the front pew and jump from pew to pew until he came to the rear pew. We would also “rebuke the devil” in very loud voices... Read more

The preacher’s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head, for a moment, before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. “Well, Honey,” he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages, “I’m asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.” “How come He doesn’t do it?” she asked. You’ll thank me that I only posted one from an e-list of a dozen! (FWD from the wife.) Read more

An excerpt from the August 22nd issue of DYNAMIS (2 Corinthians 2:14-3:3); subscription info at bottom …Of course when a pastor comes to a parish, there will be those who experience his ministry as a blessing, though some may not. St. Paul alludes to the varied reactions using the figure of fragrance from incense. Some members may find a pastor’s ministry to have an enhancing “aroma,” while others may find his pastoral relationship something of a “stench” (vss. 15,16). The... Read more

People have been landing here due to their search for a Prayer such as the one following, therefore I’ve brought this entry back up top for all those now making their way back into the school year.O God, our heavenly Father, Who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon these your children, Thy servants, for whom we humbly pray Thee, and commend them to Thy gracious protection. Be Thou, O God, their guide and gaurdian in... Read more

Subdeacon Andrew was a joy. He’d served for over 40 years as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church before converting to Orthodoxy back in 1996. By the time he was ordered a Subdeacon, he was nearly 80. This, coupled with his childlike nature — no guile at all — made for some delightfully erroneous moments in the altar. Once, while I was outside the Holy Doors preparing to chant a litany, the Subdeacon came out of the northside Angel Door... Read more

How to stay safe in the world today. 1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents. 2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home. 3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians. 4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation. 5. Of the remaining 33% …32% of all deaths occur... Read more

If you want to have the kind of a churchLike the kind of a church you like,You needn’t slip your clothes in a gripAnd start on a long, long hike. You’ll only find what you left behind,For there’s nothing really new.It’s a knock at yourself when you knock your church;It isn’t the church — it’s you. When everything seems to be going wrong,And trouble seems everywhere brewing;When prayer meeting, Young People’s meeting, and all,Seem simmering slowly — stewing,Just take a... Read more

Fr John Whiteford offers a thought provoking video on Orthodoxy among Africans and African-Americans … H E R E. A priest from Atlanta once recalled Metropolitan PHILIP telling him that we need to do everything we can to help bring African-Americans home to the True Faith. What are we (you, me) doing? Speaking of Atlanta, the sermons of Dr Tony Evans are always worth a listen. Much of what is preached from the pulpits (though they never seem to use... Read more