The blog of a Cuban who became an Eastern Orthodox priest.
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]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
Saint Onuphrius flourished in the fourth century, first in the cenobium near Hermopolis of Thebes in Egypt, and later as a solitary in the desert, where he was discovered by Saint Paphnutius. When Paphnutius first encountered him deep in the desert, … [Continue reading]
Recently, I posted a meme that began a discussion concerning Constantine I and the silliness of the argument that is made about how Constantine I somehow stole the Church. This was in spite of the fact that the Church has successfully resisted … [Continue reading]
The meme above was recently making the rounds. Most memes are rather logically-challenged. This particular meme actually has maintained a fair degree of logical consistency. It is, of course, too short to deal with complexity, but it summarizes well … [Continue reading]
