The blog of a Cuban who became an Eastern Orthodox priest.
I have lived in the Deep South since 2000. I also lived in the Deep South during most of my Army service. As a result, I have gained a deep appreciation for Southern spirituality. I have come to fully enjoy being wished to have a "blessed day" when I … [Continue reading]
I can remember being taught in seminary that the word Catholic was never used in the New Testament. That is true. The word itself is first found in writing in a letter that St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote to the Smyrnans around the year 107 AD. It … [Continue reading]
The video above is but the latest in a set of videos in which a black person has the police called on them for spurious reasons. In this case, this man is the head of an organization, was ferrying two kids in his car with the permission of the … [Continue reading]
As I have been reading the Kavanaugh story, I found myself thinking about one specific group of people. Those who were abused early in life have sequelae not only of memory, repressed memories, and suffering but also of acting out. More than that, … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
