Last Sunday -

Last Sunday I went to Church! It was the first time in about 18 months, and I was really glad to get there!! My oldest son asked to borrow my van to go to Church and I asked if I could tag along. Father came to my house on Friday so I could go to [...]

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Eastern Orthodox Humor (?)

It’s not that we Orthodox don’t have a sense of humor. It’s just that most non-Orthodox don’t have a clue what it’s about!
A few samples:
Orthodox Christians: Until recently, most scholars agreed that Orthodox Christians didn’t really exist. Like werewolves, fairies and Romanians, they were simply a charming Old World fable designed to delight children with [...]

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Eastern Orthodox song – Slava tebje Gospodi

As our Paschal celebrations begin to wind down toward Pentecost, I present this: a video showing the horrors of the racial war in Kosovo – the destruction of the centuries-old Christian Churches, the rape of the land – and yet the joy of Pascha – the Resurrection of Christ – in the hearts of the [...]

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Freedom Isn’t Free!

Today is Memorial Day, Observed. May 31 is the “Real” Memorial Day.
“I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that [...]

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The Day From Hades!! And Then Life is Good at The Pond!

It was Monday. We used to refer to Mondays as “Blue Monday” when I worked for the State of GA – the day we had to drag ourselves back to work after the weekend.
I was feeling better after a weekend spent mostly in my Laz-E-Boy taking Tylenol and whimpering when the Ol’ Curmudgeon was not [...]

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Lord, Have Mercy!

Here is another beautiful song – not an “in Church song” but a song praising God – and very Orthodox!

Turn your sound up and enjoy!
No, I don’t have an English translation! Will add it when I get it!

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Agni Parthene

This is a special hymn to the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) which was composed by St. Nectarius of Aegina. It is chanted frequently in monasteries and in churches all over the world.

There are both Byzantine and Russian style chants. This one is more Byzantine in style.

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Reflection by a Friend

This was a reflection posted on an e-list over a year ago by a very dear friend. I think it is “old” enough from an electronic point of view to publish here. Besides, she gave permission for it to be posted on various lists and other places.
This morning as I was up on the hill [...]

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New First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia

The last e-mail I opened last night before toddling off to bed was from our Church – and my heart just sang! Archbishop Hilarion has been elected the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

If you check back a few (well, more than a few) posts, you will find the one about [...]

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Mother’s Day – Matriarch’s Day

I’m always sad on Mother’s Day – because I miss my Mother. I remember on one of the Feasts of the Theotokos, I believe it was the Annunciation, Fr. John was giving his Homily and was talking about how the Theotokos, as the Mother of Christ, was the epitome of Mothers. It was about 3 [...]

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How Stuff Works

I love finding out the inner working of “things.” Anything – everything. I’m just naturally inquisitive. Call it “nosy.” I won’t be offended. I’m convinced that knowing more will save me time, effort and, maybe, save the lives of those around me.
Given that background, it is no wonder I was considered a “professional student,” and [...]

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Christ is Risen – Russian Orthodox Song

Not as joyous and beauteous as the Serbian one below, but still just lovely -

I particularly am interested in the Icon of the “double” Resurrection. I’ve never seen one like it before, and I’d love to know more about it. Wish the pictures in the slideshow were less blurry and more [...]

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Christ is Risen! Beauty and Joy Collide!

This has to be one of the most joyous and beautiful Paschal folk-songs I’ve ever encountered!! Turn on your sound, sit back and enjoy!!

The words and music were written by St. Nikolai Velirimovic
Easter song performed by musical orchestra ”Stupovi” and various Serbian singers and celebrities, dedicated to the resurrection of [...]

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A Disappointing Bright Week -

I was hopefully looking forward to at least attending one of the Liturgies of Bright Week. Any weekday Liturgies are a little shorter (and less populated) than Sunday liturgies. During Bright Week, the Beautiful Doors remain open, the Deacon Doors remain open, the Curtains are open, all the lights are on, At the end of [...]

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