At that time, John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast? And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have […]
Archives for 2018
Dormition of the Theotokos 2018
The Dormition of the Theotokos is rolling around again. It is the feast that reminds us that Mary eventually died. The Scriptures do not tell us of that death, at least not the canonical Scriptures. One Early Church Father states that she died around 41AD, which would make her about 50-55 years old. This […]
Pope Francis and the death penalty
On 02 August, Pope Francis issued a change to the Roman Catholic catechism. In the official release, the change in the Church’s position is quite clear. Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, and […]
La Santa Eulalia de Barcelona
The Damascene Gallery is an icon workshop located less than a mile from the Hermitage of the Holy Cross, a Russian Orthodox men’s monastery in West Virginia. From them, I bought an icon of St. Eulalia of Barcelona. It was painted by a deacon whose artistic style is that of the New Jordanville school. I […]
Mary and the angels
On the 24th of June, the Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and some of the Protestant communities celebrated the Nativity of the Forerunner, John the Baptist. As I read the story again, I was struck not only by the intensity of the story but also by the silencing of Zechariah by the Archangel Gabriel. But then I remembered […]
Old man dreams — 2018
You might wish to begin the attached video at the 1:52 mark. I have watched this video several times. No, I do not agree with the words of the rock anthem. But, you see, I am jealous. Here is a 68-year-old woman who can still rock and sing in ways that I no longer can […]
Vacation Church Camp – 2018
It is that time of the year, the time when church camps and vacation bible schools sprout all over this nation (and some other nations). I can remember taking a trip to the coast with the teens in Perú. Mornings were devoted to the retreat while afternoons were to go to the seaside, relax, and enjoy […]
Blessed is the Man — Great Vespers
Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the wicked. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice in Him with trembling. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are all who take […]
Father’s Day 2018
You cannot serve God and Mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they […]
Some cultural differences leave me scratching my head
We all know that every culture has practices that leave other cultures scratching their heads. I have lived in several cultures, and understand this quite well. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that the news story below most certainly fits into the category of leaving me incredibly curious as well as confused. RUSSIA RELIGION NEWS Orthodox […]
