I put my advanced copy of the new CD from Cappella Romana, Angelic Light – Music From Eastern Cathedrals, in the home stereo, unannounced, and let it play while the Mrs was cooking dinner. I’ve done such a thing before, often going unnoticed. Not this time. After a while, the wife said: “This is nice … who is it?” Later, the high school senior (a vocal student at a Performing Arts school) came out of her room Let me repeat:... Read more

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Image thanks to Frank … the story, thanks to Wiki: St. Patrick banishes all snakes from Ireland Pious legend credits St. Patrick with banishing snakes from the island, chasing them into the sea after they attacked him during a 40-day fast he was undertaking on top of a hill. This hagiographic theme draws on the mythography of the staff of Moses, messenger of Yahweh to gentile Egyptians. In Exodus 7:8–7:13 , Moses and Aaron use their staffs in their struggle... Read more

Some pics from my recent speaking engagement in Alberta, Canada … Y‘all? This is a landing pad for interplanetary space ships in St Paul, Alberta! You can read about it here. My guide, Caroline and I happened by St Paul’s most famous landmark on a spring-like day (by Alberta standards). I so wanted to get into the Visitor’s Center — but it was closed in anticipation of warmer temps. Kinda funky, eh? Should a visitor from, say, Kgahobuoiuighii, pop in... Read more

Although on hiatus from podcasting, I could not resist giving a shout out — Eh? — to my new Northern Family up in St Paul, Alberta. From the AFR site: Recorded live at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church in St Paul, Alberta, Canada. Fr. Joseph confesses that, for him, fasting from food ain’t the problem. The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Who, you may be asking, is the guy in the pic? That, my friends, will be explained in... Read more

NANTICOKE – As the Rev. Adam Sexton consecrated the communion bread Sunday at church, his eldest son rushed to the altar to tell him their home next door was engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, Sexton knew what to do: continue the service. “It doesn’t matter what happens. I have to center my attention on consecrating the gifts,” the Rev. Sexton explained Monday. After accounting for his eight children and making sure his wife had called 911, Sexton finished the final... Read more

Though today, February 27, 2012, begins the Great Fast for Orthodox Christians, here follows a post regarding Lent which incorporates Meatfare and Cheesefare (just past). The following helpful hints are lifted and edited from a 2008 email from Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo (with gratitude). After Sunday, February 19th (Meatfare Sunday / Sunday of the Last Judgement) – no meats are eaten until Pascha; that includes beef, pork, chicken and any vertebrate animals, including fish. (Though Fish may be consumed during “Cheese... Read more

On this Sunday of Forgiveness, I beg you — faithful readers, lurkers, and surfers — to forgive my many sins, failings, and shortcomings. Prayers coveted and assured, during this holy season of the Great Fast, as we prepare to meet the Lord in the Bright and Glorious Day of Resurrection (Pascha – April 15, 2012). — Unworthy Priest Joseph Read more

“You see, Reverend Father,” a novice once said to the confessor at a convent. “I’m bored at the convent. I started to dance at the age of four and I almost became a ballerina … An excerpt from Faith & Humor: When I took the veil, I threw away my ballet slippers and my tutu, as well as all the photographs which showed me dancing. Yet now I have such a strong desire to dance.” The priest said nothing to... Read more

Stolen, with gratitude – source. Read more