Istanbul (AsiaNews) – A XVII century chapel dedicated to Our Lord’s Transfiguration, which lies in front of the Halki School of Theology, was almost completely destroyed [last week] by Forest Guards. The Church had been recently restored with the permission of local authorities. Demolishers had begun tearing down the building without any prior warning, which is called for in such cases. Only at the last minute was the total destruction of the chapel avoided: following protests by the prior of... Read more

We once had a preacher who delivered a Sunday night sermon using hunting analogies. He walked up to the front of the auditorium in hunting cap and vest, carrying a rod and reel, shotgun and other hunting props. I remember sitting in the pew, cringing in embarrassment and thinking to myself: “Just don’t lay the shotgun on the communion table. Just don’t lay the shotgun on the communion table.” He did. That preacher didn’t last long. But apparently, his only... Read more

The reason for the Nativity Fast and the festive season of Christmas is: God became flesh. God spoke, and this Word put on humanity that we might put on divinity. Or, as St Athanasius writes, “God became man, that man might become God.” Within the Virgin Mary the Word was clothed with human flesh and Christ was born: God dressed in human flesh. The first Eve, by her disobedience, bore the fruit of death to Adam, all Mankind. The new... Read more

Father Joseph has the unusual ability to take timeless truth, Biblical knowledge, and theology, and communicate them in a practical, and readily understandable form that has the wonderful potential of helping us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds.— Ron MooreInternational Singer/Songwriter/Speaker More on DEFEATING SIN … This book has evolved over several decades of reflection that is both personal and part of our Orthodox family inheritance. This is a read that will bring many back through its... Read more

It is necessary most of all for one who is fasting to curb anger, to accustom himself to meekness and condescension, to have a contrite heart, to repulse impure thoughts and desires, to examine his conscience, to put his mind to the test and to verify what good has been done by us in this or any other week, and which deficiency we have corrected in ourselves in the present week. This is true fasting. — St. John Chrysostom Thanks... Read more

Mediterranean Luncheon Thursday, November 15th St George Orthodox Church 5311 Mercer, Houston, Texas 77005 Held on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11am — 2pm in the church hall. Lunch plates are $8.00. MenuThursday, November 15th Choose from:Succulent chicken kabobs with haswa, salad, hummus and pita! Or, (especially for those who are fasting) — The classic favorite falafel with salad and hummus! Invite your friends, co-workers and family! CALL AHEAD FOR DRIVE THRU SERVICE – 713.665.5252 Read more

Why We Worship the Way We Do in the Orthodox ChurchThis Saturday,November 17, 200710:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. St. George Orthodox Church5311 Mercer at BissonnetHouston, TX 77005 Retreat Master:Rev. Fr. Anthony MichaelsParish Priest, St. John ChrysostomAntiochian Orthodox Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana The Retreat begins with Matins @ 10:00 A.M.10:45 –Continental Breakfast & Registration11:15- Session 1: “The Meaning of the Trisagion Prayers & the Liturgy”12:30 P.M. – Questions1:00 P.M. – Lunch2:00P.M. – Session 2: “The History of Worship (How we got... Read more

THE NATIVITY FAST begins this Thursday, November 15th, and continues through December 24th. This Fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but with katalysis [allowance] for wine and oil on Tuesday and Thursday (some also permit fish on Tuesday and Thursday during this first period), and for fish, wine and oil... Read more

Over at This Side of Glory, Grace wonders if Blogs are the next 8-track tapes. For most bloggers, let me explain: Grace. Is. Old. In other words, what I meant to say is: Grace is old enough to remember 8-tracks. Realizing that this is still a foggy concept for many, I have posted a picture of the blog the 8-track at left. Yikes! On closer observation that appears to be a pic of a compact disc! Look, if you’re too... Read more

Helmsman: Blest be the boat. Crew: God the Father bless her. Helmsman: Blest be the boat. Crew: God the Son bless her. Helmsman: Blest be the boat. Crew: God the Spirit bless her. All: God the Father,God the Son,God the Spirit,Bless the boat. Helmsman: What can befall youAnd God the Father with you? Crew: No harm can befall us. Helmsman: What can befall youAnd God the Son with you? Crew: No harm can befall us. Helmsman: What can befall youAnd... Read more