And no … she didn’t know Ben Franklin! But she’d probably agree with his saying: “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” Quote stolen from today’s Writer’s Almanac. Read more

There was a time, not so long ago, when Christmas cards, religious pictures, and Nativity Scenes would portray St Joseph as an older man. After all, this is the Tradition of the Church. These days, not so. Last week while visiting family in North Carolina, I saw a discouraging sight … It was a Roman Catholic church building that looked like, ahem, well – suffice it to say, it did not look like a place of Christian worship! Rather, it... Read more

Just back from North Carolina, just before heading HERE … regular updates, God willing, in the new year. 1) A Complaint Against the World … No advantages do you offer those who love you, O world, you dwelling-place of sorrows. All who draw near to you do you seduce with your treasures and with all your delights, but in the day of death both the fair countenance of the beautiful and the might of the strong will be cast down... Read more

Christmas is a time for clothes. It’s one of the few times that I actually notice clothes. I am no clotheshorse or trendsetter. Thanks to Christmas, I have never bought a pair of underwear … for myself. Ever. Christmas finds even the houses, trees, and pets clothed in festive array. During the season you will see some of the oddest outfits that you will ever see — and many of the prettiest will remain on the mannequin; ‘tis the dressiest... Read more

In the days of the king who enrolled people for the poll tax, our Savior descended And enrolled people in the Book of Life. He enrolled them, and they enrolled Him. On high He enrolled us, On earth they enrolled Him. Glory to His Name! — St Ephrem the Syrian Thanks to FWD from Fr Josiah Trenham. Image Source Read more

Praise to Him Who descended to us in human form! Praise to the Invisible One Who became visible for our sake! Praise to the Mysterious One Whom no mind can comprehend, and Who through His grace made Himself manifest by taking on flesh! Praise to Him Who invisibly cultivates our spirit. Blessed is He Who attuned the senses of our spirit, that it might ever play songs of exaltation to Him on its lyre.— St Ephrem the Syrian Thanks to... Read more

… I just don’t believe that Jesus and Hillary are brothers! (A little joke there. Forgive me. BUT … tmatt steps into it.) Image of “Grimace” – Source Read more

Monday, December 17th, the world premiere of the Christmas Oratorio by Bishop HILARION will be broadcast live from Washington, DC on EWTN at 7:30PM Eastern Time (check your local listing for time and channel number in your area). Update … The world premiere of “Christmas Oratorio” by Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev for two choirs and symphony orchestra is set for December 17, 2007, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC. It will be performed by... Read more

Twas the night of Nativity, when all through the church … No one was stirring, not even that naughty kid Burch; The lampadas were hung by the icons with care, In hopes Fr Vasilios soon would be there; The children were seated all snug in their pews, With visions of hotdogs, M&Ms; and juice; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I sans my cap, Had just settled in for our long liturgical recap. When out in the narthex arose such... Read more

What a year for ASU! First there was THIS … like Hayseeds & Mustard Seeds. Then there was the Iran thing. Dawn Eden even got in on the action (so to speak). And last night they blew away Delaware (49-21) for their THIRD straight National Title. Read more