Today is the birthday of Anna Akhmatova. 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 his holy courtyard.God’s fool sleeps on the church porch,And... Read more

Funny that Dawn should mention this hymn — and include the fullness thereof — as my old pal, Roxanne, had just mentioned the same in a comment to this story. It’s a big-ol’ small and wonderful world! Remember the story on the Presbyterians — wherein they’d thought about changing the name of the Trinity to Winkin, Blinkin, and Nod? Well, if you’ve not done so already, check out Mollie’s article — especially the comments. Oh gosh, that movie seems so,... Read more

We must renew our commitment to personal prayer and liturgical participation, to keeping the fasts of the Church, to giving our time and financial resources to the ministries of the Church, and, most especially, to being healed through self-examination and Confession. — His Grace, JOSEPH, Bishop of Los Angeles and the West Thanks to FWD from Fr Josiah Trenham. Read more

Derek and I were bench warmers on the football team our freshman year in high school. One day, as often happens in August when you’re 14, we were bored. The big game with our archrival, the Albemarle Bulldogs, was coming up and, as already stated, we weren’t going to see action. So. We got into a little mischief. (I’m sure this was my idea; or, just in case my mom’s reading, it may have been Derek’s.) Before practice one day,... Read more

The Rev’d Alice Linsley to leave the Episcopal Church for Antioch … Some have feared that ECUSA would become the gay and feminist liturgical church of America. That fear is now substantiated. Doubtless many who were hanging in there hoping that there might be a change of heart, will leave for other branches of Christianity. I am one of them. I will join the Antiochian Orthodox Church. It will come as a great relief to worship and fellowship once again... Read more

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – The divine Trinity – “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” – could also be known as “Mother, Child and Womb” or “Rock, Redeemer, Friend” at some Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) services under an action Monday by the church’s national assembly … More smashing whack-nuttery! Thanks to FWD from Fr Basil Biberdorf. UPDATE: MereComments Read more

Just in case you missed it, most Orthodox are in a seasonal fast in honour of the Holy Apostles. Those on the so-called New Calendar will celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul (thus, end the fast) on June 29th. Those on the so-called Old Calendar will fast for 13 days more, till July 12th. To read about the Apostles’ Fast (though not 100% accurate), go H E R E. You can read about Orthodox fasting H E R... Read more

Fr John Whiteford has posted some pics from February’s ICON EXHIBIT at the Mission of St Jonah of Manchuria. There’s even a pic of me (35 pounds heavier). 🙂 Read more

My wife said: “Honey, that’s not even demonic — that’s just stupid!” (Yes, she said I could quote her.) She said: “I mean, that’s not crafty or anything. The devil’s probably ashamed of them.” I am not making this up: COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Nevada Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori became the first woman to lead any church in the global Anglican Communion when she was elected Sunday to be the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. The choice of Jefferts... Read more

My interview with John Maddox of Ancient Faith Radio is highlighted H E R E. Read more