WHEREAS, Orthodoxy first came to North America over two hundred years ago, and has been firmly planted in this soil and in the hearts and souls of North Americans who have been born and raised on this Continent as well as those who have immigrated here and have no desire to leave their homeland; AND WHEREAS, the past century has seen the presence of many Orthodox jurisdictions, each with their own parishes, bishops, priests and faithful, building churches and Orthodox... Read more

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) – The remains of an ancient church and monks’ retreats that date back to the early years of monasticism have been discovered in a Coptic Christian monastery in the Red Sea area, officials said Saturday. Workers from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities found the ruins while restoring the foundations of the Apostles Church at St. Anthony’s Monastery. The remains are about 2 or 2 1/2 yards underground, said the head of the council, Zahi Hawass. The monastery,... Read more

My Dad had a sense of humour. When “on” he could be one of the funniest people you’d ever meet. His sense of humour was often biting, at someone else’s expense and, therefore, could be offensive. Good humour, this side of Paradise, usually is. There’s the rub: This side of Paradise. My Dad, every time we passed a cemetery, would say: “Hey, David, people are just dying to get in there!” Did you hear me say “every time”? Well I... Read more

To all readers, regulars & visitors alike, I apologize for the recent lack of daily updates to this Blog. Since returning from Camp St Thekla, I have been helping with the arrangements for my father who, after years of battling cancer, is near death. Your prayers for Malcolm are coveted and appreciated.More later … Read more

“Holy God, Holy Mighty …” Everyone singing … The entrance with the Gifts … Kneeling at the Consecration of the Holy Gifts … “Hi, Mom.” Consumption of the blessed bread. The dismissal. Fr Stephen Freeman of St Anne’s (OCA), Oak Ridge, TN. Our gang from St Raphael Mission … Read more

Glory, glory, glory! Read more

Here’s some pics taken this week at the CST 05 in Nashville, TN. Since I was busy with services and Christian Ed, I didn’t get pics of, well, services & Christian Ed. But here’s some other activities, particularly Wednesday’s dance. Enjoy! This fellow REALLY wanted me to take this picture. I understood.This was the visit of Biggidy Big Foot. He kidnapped Adam Roberts who, thanks to the Campers’ diligence, was later returned safely. Thanks to Joel Finley, Adam & Shad... Read more

Greetings from H O T Nashville, Tennessee … CST, 2005. We’re having a blast! (Everyone’s fine, parents.) Tonight’s Talent Show even saw this priest doing some Ol’ Skool Rap, and Michael Ricker, also of St Raphael’s, doing some 80’s break dancing. I know y’all all wish you could be here. 🙂 Anyway, this Blog may be a bit dormant for a few more days. Then again, if time permits, I may post some Camp pics tomorrow. Prayers coveted. Oh, and,... Read more

by Aidan Nichols OPPart 4This brings me to the fourth and concluding section of my ‘overview’ where, as mentioned at the outset, I will single out for, I hope, charitable and eirenic comment one negative aspect of Orthodoxy where, in my opinion, the Orthodox need Catholic communion just as – for quite different reasons already outlined – Catholics need (at this time in history above all) the Orthodox Church. The animosity, indeed the barely contained fury, with which many Orthodox... Read more

by Aidan Nichols OPPart 3I come now to the third part of my paper which concerns the present state of Catholic-Orthodox relations. After a preparatory phase of initial contacts known as the ‘dialogue of charity’, the Catholic-Orthodox theological dialogue was officially established in 1979, with the ‘common declaration’ made by the Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios 1 and Pope John Paul II at the conclusion of the latter’s visit to the Phanar, the patriarchal seat in Istanbul, in November of that year.... Read more