Now, before I’m accused of cussing, let me quote: … upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18b) I know there are those who believe that Orthodox Christians are relieved of the burden of evangelism, like maybe evangelism’s just a Protestant thing. True, St Seraphim of Sarov did say, “Acquire the Holy Spirit and thousands around you will find their salvation”. So … What? Maybe buying some more... Read more

Ah, the Nativity Fast! That time of year when many Americans go crazy for gadgets, batteries, champagne, chocolates, and parties. However, not us. NO, the Orthodox Christian is fasting: no meat, no dairy, no wine or oil; no milk chocolate; no parties; no, no, No, NO! Okay, fine. I can’t speak for you, but for me this Winter Festival – or whatever it’s called – is FULL of temptations. For example the other night: The wife, son, and I attended... Read more

 Read more

This gathering, which I was blessed to attend a few years back, is worth the drive, time, and sacrifice! I would encourage any and all to avail themselves! This year’s Retreat Master is Fr. Melitios Webber, Abbot of St. John of Shanghai Monastery in Manton, California. TOPIC: Why Become (or Remain) Orthodox? How Do We Stand Up for & Live the Faith? Why become or remain Orthodox rather than simply following the “easier” more populated versions of Christianity practiced by... Read more

Back in ’05, I received the following note from a reader: I caught this [show on the Discovery Channel] on Christmas day. It was a very interesting history about his life and how his relics had traveled. Then using the relics they reconstructed his face using forensics. My thoughts? Well, it just goes to show ya, scientists should always check with the Orthodox — it might save time, effort, and money: Icon of St Nicholas, 10-11th century. Or, here’s one... Read more

Thanks to FWD from Jean-Michel. Image Source Read more

Usually my speaking invites come from Yankee enclaves: Chicago New York Canada Pennsylvania Dallas 🙂 Recently, however, I spoke at a women’s retreat in a venerable Southern town. You may be able to identify the location from the photo alone, but I’ve sprinkled some musical hints (Johnny Rivers, Paul Simon, William Warfield, etc) in the following podcast: The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Image Source Oh, and: Don’t forget to send me your ideas (complaints, suggestions, etc) on Orthodox... Read more

The family normally goes camping over Thanksgiving break. But this year’s statewide burn ban dampened that prospect. Where in the world … ? See that? The right shoulder and most of the right lane: covered! Pics do no justice to the size and scope of these dunes … That’s the family car in the distance. Where. Are. We? Lost! In the dessert! @ Thanksgiving! “O, gee … that’s just great!” “Dad! We’re at South Padre Island!” Actual quote: “Basil and... Read more

It’s become a “tradition” — running a contest in conjunction with the special Thanksgiving episode of the Orthodixie Podcast: The Eighth Ecumenical Campfire. As always, I need to thank Subdeacon Jason Gilbert for his help with the original episode’s conclusion. This year, as we revisit the Campfire, I invite you and yours to join me and others at the upcoming Missions and Evangelism Conference – January 20-22, 2012 in Fort Worth, Texas. Conference Schedule Come to think of it …... Read more

Today’s edition of The Writer’s Almanac, in honor of the 211th anniversary of Congress meeting in the Capitol building, notes: In its early days, the Capitol moonlighted as a church on the weekends; beginning with the Jefferson administration in 1801, church services were held every Sunday in the House of Representatives. Jefferson did not feel that this violated separation of church and state, because attendance was voluntary and the services were nondiscriminatory — at least as long as you were... Read more