What a difference 3 years makes! When I originally posted this piece (back in 2007) Michael Jackson was alive, Paula Abdul was a judge on American Idol (and Simon wasn’t leaving), Barry Bonds was relevant … and Barack Obama was a relatively unknown brown man with peculiar ears running for President. Anyway, I’ve corrected some of the broken links and left the outdated, but active, ones in. Imagine my surprise when, upon the opening of the door, I realized I... Read more

Most mornings I get up at 4:20 AM. By 4:30, I’m doing Morning Pages (3 pages, college-ruled, long hand). Why so early? Because the Missus and I walk from 5-6 AM; from that point on, the day’s a roller coaster. The last thing done each evening, before either a crossword puzzle or leisure reading, is writing in a journal. The latter I’ve done throughout my life — but since 1992 without missing a night. The former, Morning Pages, even the... Read more

by Tom Breen Orthodox Christianity has a tradition of saints who are known as fools-for-Christ, people who have attacked the sin of pride by behaving in ways that seem, to the casual observer, insane. To date, there is no tradition in Orthodoxy of wiseguys-for-Christ, which is a shame: that would be handy category for Fr. Joseph Huneycutt. A Houston-based priest, blogger, and podcaster, Fr. Joseph’s book We Came, We Saw, We Converted is more or less the perfect template of... Read more

Holy Trinity GreekOrthodox Church13555 Hillcrest Road,Dallas TX, 75240 Schedule:8:00-8:45 am — Registration8:45-9:30 am — Morning prayers9:30-10:00 am — Coffee10:00-11:30 am — Keynote address11:30-12:00 — Book signing/break12:00-1:00pm — LunchAfter lunch Floyd Frantz (see his example newsletters here and here) will speak about his work in Romania through OCMC1:00-2:00pm — Break out sessions2:00-3:00 pm — Summaries followed by questions/answers Vespers follow. Flyer & Registration Download the Pre-Lenten Retreat Flyer for more information.Those attending may bring canned goods for North Dallas Shared Ministry.... Read more

It’s that time again when I need to dig into the Orthodixie Mailbag. This letter, a bit on the creative side, comes from Sonny in Toledo. He raises some serious concerns and issues – and, frankly, I don’t have all the answers. [Feel free to comment on the blog.] Dear Fr Joseph, I hope you will permit a bit of creativity on my part, but I’m new to Orthodoxy and am really, really thirsty – “water, water everywhere and not... Read more

Realizing I pledged 30 blog updates in 30 days, here’s some stories that caught my eye and some other things, timely, that you may have missed. [Slipping this in under the podcast teaser — thus the date is incorrect.] I think of this guy — James W. Lewis — every time I try to open one of those pesky omnipresent safety caps! Seeing as how we may all be “Undressing [because of] the Terror Threat” soon, this editorial by Paul... Read more

Someone sent this into the ComBox. Forgive me — but, too cute not to share: Read more

The following has absolutely nothing to do with Orthodoxy. You have been warned … This news story out of London (boy, ain’t the whole world gone crazy?) concerns the “health deficiencies” of the model for Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It needed a few more examples and, though I’m no expert, I have happily provided … LONDON (Jan. 6) — When most people gaze on the Mona Lisa, they see a great beauty with a beguiling smile. Not Vito Franco,... Read more

During the days following the Feast of the Theophany (January 6th), it is customary for the Priest to visit the homes of his parishioners, bringing with him the “Jordan Water” for the traditional Theophany House Blessing. The First Great Sanctification of Water is performed at the end of the Divine Liturgy on the Paramon of Theophany (January 5th). While that water may be given to the faithful to drink on that day and throughout the coming year, traditionally it is... Read more

How is it that my Creator comes to me?I’m not worthy.To quench is my fate.THIRSTAll can relate.Before Eden thou wast; even before the flood.I parted for Thy people at the behest of Moses, Thy chosen one.I’ve whetted e’ery path man’s trod; every field he’s plo’d.At Thy command I came to be; my rest shall be in Thee.Tell me Lord, what brings Thee to me? I’m not worthy,I must confess.Me? I cleanse from sweat, dirt, sand, and disease.Washed away are cares... Read more