The Pastoral Letter for Pascha of His Eminence Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas can be read here:
English
Romanian Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday of Lazarus
Today is the Saturday of Lazarus and the real beginning of our Holy Week Service. Over the next week the services will lead us to the event of the Resurrection of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. In surfing around the Internet I came across the website for St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. The priest Rev. Father Peter J. Orfanakos has put some resources up on the website for each of the days of Holy Week. Rather than write something myself I will just link to each day on their site. The site is very complete and even lists the fasting regulations for the days. Great Job and they deserve our thanks for putting this information together.
Saturday of Lazarus Sphere: Related Content
Nun credits God, Pope John Paul II for healing
Read the story from today's Boston Globe.
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Sunday, March 25, 2007
5th Sunday of Great Lent
Hebrews 2:11-18
Luke 1:24-38
Luke 1:24-38
This Sunday commemorates the life of St. Mary of Egypt, who is a shining example of repentance from sin through prayer and fasting. She lived a sinful life for many years, but was converted to a Christian life. She went into the wilderness to live an ascetic life for many years, praying and fasting in repentance of her previous sinful life, and dying there. St. Mary's life exemplifies her conviction about Christ, which motivated the changing of her life from sin to holiness through repentance. Her understanding of repentance involved not a mere change from small things in her life, but an extreme change of her entire attitude and thoughts. The Church commemorates St. Mary for her recognition of her own sins as an example of how one can free oneself from the slavery and burden of wrongdoings. This recognition of sin is imperative during Lent for the faithful as a means of self-examination and preparation for a more virtuous life in anticipation of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Christ.
From: The Great Lent - A Week by Week Meaning, Rev. George Mastrantonis
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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Crisis in Indonesia
The Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (Ecumenical Patriarchate) wishes to issue the following statement, concerning situations in Indonesia.
The Orthodox Christians in Indonesia have joined the list of those attacked by Muslim extremists. Father Methodios Sri Gunarjo, his family and other Orthodox were terrorized and threatened this past weekend. Although there are no reports of physical harm at this point, the verbal, psychological and other forms of abuse continue. At one point, a knife was put to the throat of Father Methodios, as his attackers demanded that he close the Churches in the Boyolali area of Central Java. It should be noted that there is a thriving ministry in this area.
A large group of Muslim protestors has gathered in the Church area and continues making demands upon Father Methodios and the Church community. The attackers are not from Boyolali, as local Christians and Muslims have joined in showing their support for Father Methodios, who is noted for the love and compassion he has shown all people in the area. Father Methodios and his family have been forced to leave their home, as their lives have now been threatened. The attackers have also promised to purge the area of Christians.
Metropolitan Nikitas has not been able to contact Father Methodios directly, although he is in constant communication with other clergy in Indonesia. He has requested that people pray for peace and an end to the violence and attacks upon the Church community.
The Orthodox Christians in Indonesia have joined the list of those attacked by Muslim extremists. Father Methodios Sri Gunarjo, his family and other Orthodox were terrorized and threatened this past weekend. Although there are no reports of physical harm at this point, the verbal, psychological and other forms of abuse continue. At one point, a knife was put to the throat of Father Methodios, as his attackers demanded that he close the Churches in the Boyolali area of Central Java. It should be noted that there is a thriving ministry in this area.
A large group of Muslim protestors has gathered in the Church area and continues making demands upon Father Methodios and the Church community. The attackers are not from Boyolali, as local Christians and Muslims have joined in showing their support for Father Methodios, who is noted for the love and compassion he has shown all people in the area. Father Methodios and his family have been forced to leave their home, as their lives have now been threatened. The attackers have also promised to purge the area of Christians.
Metropolitan Nikitas has not been able to contact Father Methodios directly, although he is in constant communication with other clergy in Indonesia. He has requested that people pray for peace and an end to the violence and attacks upon the Church community.
From www.OCMC.org
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Saturday, March 17, 2007
Presanctified Liturgy Prayers II
This prayer comes after the Great Entrance and before the our Father.
In you are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, O God of mysteries beyond our sight and speech! You revealed the ministry of this liturgy to us, and then in your immense love for humanity, you called us, though we are sinners, to offer you gifts and sacrifices for our own sins and for the transgressions of the people. Your works are without number, O invisible King! They are great and remarkable, escaping all our understanding! Look on us, your unworthy servants, as we stand here before this altar of sacrifice as if before your very cherub-throne! Here rests your only Son, beneath the awesome mysteries that lie here before us. Rescue us and all your faithful people from every impurity and, with a blessing that can never be lost, make us holy both in body and soul. With a clear conscience and enlightened heart, let us share in these divine mysteries. Let them fill us with life, so that we may become one with your Christ, our true God. For it was he who said: Whoever eats my body and drinks my blood shares my life and I share his. Thus, with your living word within us and present in our midst, we shall become the temples of your all-holy and adorable Spirit, safe from all the wiles of the evil one, whether in word or deed or thought. Then we shall receives all the good things you promised us, together with all your saints who have pleased you form the very beginning.
A very moving prayer that sets the stage for us to receive Him in communion that is to come. I think it is a shame that most people never hear these prayers because the priest reads them silently. Perhaps we have become lazy and do not want to read them because it makes the service longer but we should.
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Snow Storm Recap
It would seem that the weather man got it right this time. We got just about 12 inches of the white stuff. 2 hours of snow blowing and shoveling this morning. Man am I tired. A little nap and then Vespers tonight.
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Saint Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland
Just so the Westerners out there don't think they have cornered the market on St. Patrick... Green vestments tomorrow!
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
O Holy Hierarch, equal of the Apostles, Saint Patrick, wonderworker and enlightener of Ireland: Intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The Master revealed thee as a skillful fisher of men; and casting forth nets of Gospel preaching, thou drewest up the heathen to piety. Those who were the children of idolatrous darkness thou didst render sons of day through holy Baptism. O Patrick, intercede for us who honour thy memory.
Reading:
Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.
From www.goarch.org
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Apolytikion in the Third Tone
O Holy Hierarch, equal of the Apostles, Saint Patrick, wonderworker and enlightener of Ireland: Intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The Master revealed thee as a skillful fisher of men; and casting forth nets of Gospel preaching, thou drewest up the heathen to piety. Those who were the children of idolatrous darkness thou didst render sons of day through holy Baptism. O Patrick, intercede for us who honour thy memory.
Reading:
Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.
From www.goarch.org
Veneration of the Cross
Last Sunday was the Veneration of the Cross. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews has written a wonderful article on why we do this. You can read it here.
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Friday, March 16, 2007
Snow Storm
Well it would seem that old man winter is not done with us yet. If you believe the weather man we are due for about a foot of snow between today (Friday) and tomrrow (Saturday) afternoon. Please remember those who will need to be out in that nasty stuff, police, fire, snow plow drivers and the people who need to work the late shift.
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Presanctified Liturgy Prayers
This past Wednesday night I served the Presanctified Liturgy for the first time this Great Lent. The usual practice here is to rotate between my parish and St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church here in town. However, because of some renovations here in our hall we had the first three at St. Nick's. So Wednesday night as I was serving I read the prayers for what seemed like the first time! I have been a priest now for three years and I guess I never felt comfortable enough with what I was supposed to be doing to actually pray the prayers. So I thought I would print them here and perhaps comment on them. The first three come from the priest's silent prayers from Vespers. The faithful usually never hear these prayers but in the Presanctified the priest only prays the last four silently.
O compassionate and merciful Lord, abounding in Patience and clemency: Attend to out entreaty and hear the sounds of our prayer! Show us some sign of your favor; teach us your ways that we may walk the path of your truth. Give joy to our hearts that we may always revere your holy name, for you are great and you work wonders; you alone are God and there is no other to compare with you, O Lord. You are powerful in mercy and gracious in strength, able and ready to help and comfort and save all those who place their trust in You.
Do not rebuke us, Lord, when you are displeased with us, nor chastise us in your anger with us! Rather, deal with us according to your loving kindness, O healer and physician of our souls. Lead us to that haven of safety wherein we do all that you wish of us. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know the truth and let us pass the rest of this day, and indeed, the rest of our life, in peace and without sin, by the prayers of the Theotokos and all your saints.
Lord our God, be mindful of us, your sinful and unprofitable servants, who call on your holy name, and do not disappoint us in our expectations or mercy. Instead, grant us what we need for salvation and count us worthy of loving you with all the reverence of our hearts, and of doing your will in all things.These prayers set the stage for what we seek from God, an answer to our prayers and salvation. We recognize that we are sinful and ask God to forgive us for all that we have done or not done. We ask for illumination of our hearts for understanding and ask for understanding of the truth. We now fast forward in the service to the prayers just before the entrance with the presanctified gifts.
O great Lord and God! You have led us from corruption to imperishable life through the life-giving death of your Christ. So, now, deliver our senses from the mortal tyranny of our passions and place them under the safe and able guidance of our inner reason. Let not our eyes wander in search of evil sights, nor our ears indulge in listening to idle talk. Cleanse our tongues of unbefitting speech, O Lord, and purify our lips that they may praise you. Keep our hands from evil deeds and make them ever ready to do only the things that please you. Do this, Lord, by strengthening our
understanding, and, indeed, our entire being, by your grace.
O infinitely good and holy master, rich in mercy! We entreat you to be merciful with us sinners and make us worthy of receiving your only Son, our God, the King of glory. For behold, his most pure body and life-giving blood are about to be ushered in and placed upon this mystic altar, escorted invisibly by a great host of heaven. Let us share in them without fear of punishment, that the eyes of our understanding may be filled with light and we may become children of the light and day.
In these two prayers, called the prayers of the faithful, we plead our case before God and ask that our passions be held in check. This is the goal of Lent is to modify and change our behavior and make us more, dare I say, Christ-like! We acknowledge that we are sinners and we are in need of His mercy and Grace, and ask that we be made worthy by receiving the Body and Blood of His Son in this very Liturgical service.
These prayers are awesome and we often do not get to hear them as we should. Next, the prayers from what is called, the office of communion. But that is for another post.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Guardsmen in Kosovo may see pay cut
From today's Boston Globe. Once again we see that this administration really does not care for our troops in harms way!
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Blessed are the Pure of Heart
I recently read a pastoral letter written by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Finn. What a wonderful pastoral letter and what a wonderful spirit filled letter and some concrete ways that we can aid in the battle against pornography. I only wish our Orthodox Bishops would write things as wonderful and spiritual as this.
Read it here. Sphere: Related Content
Monday, March 12, 2007
Sermon
For the past few weeks I have been leading my congregation on a journey through the Ten Commandments. What a learning experience this has been for me also as it has given me a different way to look at the Commandments. I do not like to dwell on sin but this all began because so many people feel they either do not sin or do not need to come to confession.
Several months ago I began to preach just from my head, which can be very difficult and use very few notes. The bad part is that I cannot reproduce the entire sermon here. I have begun to think about podcasting but that will take some time to get going. I will try to hot the high points of yesterdays sermon on Honor your father and mother and you shall not kill.
In this Commandment we are told to love, honor and respect our parents who brought us into the world. This continues the original act of creation and expanding the universal family of love. St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Colossians "Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." If we are unable to love our parents we will be unable to love our neighbor.
To take this point a step further, we are to respect anyone who is in a position of authority over us. (Ephesians 6:5-8), whether they are secular authorities of church authorities. All authority comes from God... Pay all of them their due... respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:1,7). Obey your (Church) leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account (Hebrews 13:17). Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of a double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17). The important phrase there is rule well. We need to rule well and just in order to be worthy of the honor. This is directed at not only those who are ruled but those who rule.
Ask yourself these questions:
Have I respected my parents and been obedient to them?
Have I deceived my parents or caused them pain by my words or actions?
Have I respected the elderly?
Have I neglected my family?
Have I been wanting in love or kindness toward my husband (or wife), or harmed him (or her) in any way?
Have I set my children a good example and tried to bring them up properly?
Have I overindulged or spoiled them?
Have I neglected my godchildren and failed in my obligations toward them?
We often think of the Commandment against killing as being only in the physical sense of the word kill. To take ones physical life. We can kill someone not only by taking his life but by our words by the actions of the tongue, the ruining of one's reputation, character. or standing. St James reminds us that the tongue is a fire... a restless evil, full of deadly poison, with it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God (James 3:6, 8-9). Idle gossip will also fall under this category even what would seem harmless can kill. St Paul refers to this when he says, Let no evil talk come our of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29). The most poignant passage comes from Jesus Himself, Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6). Just causing one to sin is a terrible crime! Even bearing hatred in ones heart towards another is the same as killing that person. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15).
Ask yourself these questions:
Have I caused injury or death to anyone, or wished someone were dead?Ask yourself these questions:
Have I respected my parents and been obedient to them?
Have I deceived my parents or caused them pain by my words or actions?
Have I respected the elderly?
Have I neglected my family?
Have I been wanting in love or kindness toward my husband (or wife), or harmed him (or her) in any way?
Have I set my children a good example and tried to bring them up properly?
Have I overindulged or spoiled them?
Have I neglected my godchildren and failed in my obligations toward them?
We often think of the Commandment against killing as being only in the physical sense of the word kill. To take ones physical life. We can kill someone not only by taking his life but by our words by the actions of the tongue, the ruining of one's reputation, character. or standing. St James reminds us that the tongue is a fire... a restless evil, full of deadly poison, with it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God (James 3:6, 8-9). Idle gossip will also fall under this category even what would seem harmless can kill. St Paul refers to this when he says, Let no evil talk come our of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29). The most poignant passage comes from Jesus Himself, Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6). Just causing one to sin is a terrible crime! Even bearing hatred in ones heart towards another is the same as killing that person. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15).
Ask yourself these questions:
Have I fantasized about harming anyone?
Have I thought about committing suicide?
Have I been cruel to anyone?
Have I mistreated animals?
Have i failed to forgive anyone for anything?
Have I failed to stand up for those unjustly treated?
Ponder these things before your next confession. Sphere: Related Content
3rd Sunday of Great Lent
3rd Sunday of Great Lent ~ Adoration of the Cross
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-6
Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-6
Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
This Sunday commemorates the venerable Cross and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Cross as such takes on meaning and adoration because of the Crucifixion of Christ upon it. Therefore, whether it be in hymns or prayers, it is understood that the Cross without Christ has no meaning or place in Christianity. The adoration of the Cross in the middle of Great Lent is to remind the faithful in advance of the Crucifixion of Christ. Therefore, the passages from the Bible and the hymnology refer to the Passions, the sufferings, of Jesus Christ: The passages read this day repeat the calling of the Christian by Christ to dedicate his life, for "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Christ)" (Mark 8:34-35). This verse clearly indicates the kind of dedication which is needed by the Christian in three steps:
1. to renounce his arrogance and disobedience to God's plan.
2. to lift up his personal cross (the difficulties of life) with patience, faith and the full acceptance of the Will of God without complaint that the burden is too heavy; having denied himself and lifted up his cross leads him to the,1. to renounce his arrogance and disobedience to God's plan.
3. decision to follow Christ.
These three voluntary steps are three links which cannot be separated from each other, because the main power to accomplish them is the Grace of God, which man always invokes. The Adoration of the Cross is expressed by the faithful through prayer, fasting, alms giving and the forgiveness of the trespasses of others. On this Sunday the Adoration of the Cross is commemorated with a special service following the Divine Liturgy in which the significance of the Cross is that ti leads to the Resurrection of Christ.
From THE GREAT LENT - A Week by Week Meaning Rev. George Mastrantonis
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These three voluntary steps are three links which cannot be separated from each other, because the main power to accomplish them is the Grace of God, which man always invokes. The Adoration of the Cross is expressed by the faithful through prayer, fasting, alms giving and the forgiveness of the trespasses of others. On this Sunday the Adoration of the Cross is commemorated with a special service following the Divine Liturgy in which the significance of the Cross is that ti leads to the Resurrection of Christ.
From THE GREAT LENT - A Week by Week Meaning Rev. George Mastrantonis
Friday, March 09, 2007
Apostica Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Thursday Evening of the 3rd Week of Great Lent:
O Christ our God, the life of all, You were hung upon the Cross: restore life to my soul, slain by my sins. Do not allow Your sheep to perish completely, O Good Shepherd. I have rebelled against Your commandments, and through my willful live of sin, I have wasted the wealth of innocence that You gave me. Living like the Prodigal, I have grown corrupt and loathsome. But bring me to repentance and renew me, for You alone are full of mercy.
Your martyrs, O Lord, did not deny You, nor did they fall away from Your commandments. At their intercession, have mercy on us. Sphere: Related Content
O Christ our God, the life of all, You were hung upon the Cross: restore life to my soul, slain by my sins. Do not allow Your sheep to perish completely, O Good Shepherd. I have rebelled against Your commandments, and through my willful live of sin, I have wasted the wealth of innocence that You gave me. Living like the Prodigal, I have grown corrupt and loathsome. But bring me to repentance and renew me, for You alone are full of mercy.
Your martyrs, O Lord, did not deny You, nor did they fall away from Your commandments. At their intercession, have mercy on us. Sphere: Related Content
Apostica Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Wednesday Evening of the 3rd Week of Great Lent:
Like the prodigal, I squandered the riches which the Father gave me. Now I am destitute and dwell in the land of the wicked. In my folly, I have become like the senseless beasts, stripped of all the grace of God. But turning back, I cry aloud to you, the compassionate and merciful Father: "I have sinned, O God! Receives me as a penitent and have mercy on me."
O Holy martyrs, you were living sacrifices, spiritual holocausts, victims pleasing to the Lord, sheep who know their divine Master and are known by Him whose fold is inaccessible to the ravaging wolves. Intercede with the Good Shepherd that we, too, may be nourished with you beside the sill waters.
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Like the prodigal, I squandered the riches which the Father gave me. Now I am destitute and dwell in the land of the wicked. In my folly, I have become like the senseless beasts, stripped of all the grace of God. But turning back, I cry aloud to you, the compassionate and merciful Father: "I have sinned, O God! Receives me as a penitent and have mercy on me."
O Holy martyrs, you were living sacrifices, spiritual holocausts, victims pleasing to the Lord, sheep who know their divine Master and are known by Him whose fold is inaccessible to the ravaging wolves. Intercede with the Good Shepherd that we, too, may be nourished with you beside the sill waters.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Immigration
On Tuesday, March 6th the INS raided a factory in New Bedford, Massachusetts and detained more than 300 undocumented workers and transported them to a holding facility at the Devens Reserve Training Center in Devens, Massachusetts.
Legally the Government Storm troopers were correct in what they did. I am not sure they needed more than 500 agents to round up these folks, but I will not arm chair quarterback what they did. I will also agree that we have an immigration problem in this country and we need to fix it. How we do that I am not sure, but there has to be a better way. I understand the owners of the company were also taken into custody and were in court yesterday, but they were released and asked to return to court at another time. Meanwhile their employees are being detained and processed and their court hearings could be weeks away.
The story quoted above speaks of the panic and fear and people fleeing and having guns drawn on them as they tried to get away. Now I am not saying that it was right for them to try and flee but is it necessary to draw your gun on someone who only moments ago was sitting a a sewing machine? But the real story is not about the ones detained, but about the ones left behind the children.
Today's Boston Globe has a story about Karin Fernandez a 19 year old from Honduras. She paid a smuggler $4,500 to smuggle her to the United States, the land of the free and the home of the brave, so she could make a better life. I cannot imagine how bad things are where at 19 and pregnant by the way, you would pay another $4,500 to smuggle you into another country. How dangerous is that? Basically you sell yourself into slavery in the factory because you do not have any documents the owners use that and hold it over your head and make you work all sorts or hours under the worst conditions you can imagine. Some argue that they are now better off then they were in the factory.
So what happens to the children. It would seem that hundreds were stranded in day care and schools around the city with no one to come and pick them up. The story continues that 60 were released but more than 200 are still being held.
Oddly enough the factory they worked in has an $82 million dollar contract with the US government to make good out of leather for the military, and even after all of this they still have the contract. I am sure the factory owners, who were allowed to leave right away, are back to work and employing more of these poor people.
Again, I am not saying that coming to this country illegally is right, but as the richest nation on the face of the earth we must be able to do something, other then spending millions on a fence, to stop this problem. Some have said they way to stop immigration is to make life better in the countries they are coming from. We have a problem, in our own back yard and we are doing nothing to address this with the one exception of building the fence to keep them out.
The Statue of Liberty that stands so bright in New York has an inscription on her. This was one of the first things that immigrants from Europe saw. The inscription says everything about who we are as Americans and what it means to be an American. We talk the talk, now it is time to walk the walk.
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
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Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
Another Celebrity Rant
Okay, it would seem that Tom Brady has been up to it again. A story in today's Boston Globe reports that Mr. Brady and his new girlfriend, note girlfriend and not wife, are going to have a baby. If you are keeping score, that's two children with, wait for it... two different women! Let us not forget that just TWO weeks ago another Brady throw back reported that she is pregnant by the Patriots QB. We were all so proud of him because he said he is going to do the right thing.
So here is Mr. Brady who people look up too, and I guess we are saying it is okay to get your girl friend pregnant and then after break up with her and go and do it again.
So here is Mr. Brady who people look up too, and I guess we are saying it is okay to get your girl friend pregnant and then after break up with her and go and do it again.
SHAME ON YOU MR. BRADY!
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Move on dot org is giving these bumper stickers away for free. Click here to get one for yourself.
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Wednesday, March 07, 2007
OCMC News
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) missionary, Edwin Pier, has been serving in Guatemala since last year. Mr. Pier’s story will be one of many that we profile throughout the year to keep you informed regarding the many ministries of the missionaries that you have sent to witness for Christ. Last December, he filed the following report detailing the incredible work that is being done at the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala City.
“Dad” Work
My Spanish continues to improve thanks to the generous help of the kids and Hogar staff. Although it still has a long way to go, it’s allowed me to be called on to take a larger role in assisting Erica and the Nannies in keeping the boys in line, especially in church.
In September, we took the boys on a hike up the active Pacaya Volcano to see the lava. We only made it halfway up due to the weather and new lava over the trails (10 ft deep in places). It was too rugged and sharp for our younger members to scale. We did get close enough to see some of the new lava, though
In November, a team from Minnesota (St. Mary’s OCA and St. Mary’s GOCA) visited the orphanage. The men from the team took the boys on our first visit to the Parque Ecolo’gico Senderos de Alux (ecolcogical park) near Guatemala City. Fr. Chris led us all in a hiking chant, “Somos hombres” (We are Men!) as we stomped and hiked the trails of the Park.
Construction Trades, Carpenteria
The boys completed their first carpentry project: Tool boxes. This project taught them the fundamentals of reading and interpreting simple plans, measuring and laying out rectangular figures and curves. This was followed by learning how to cut, finish, and assemble the pieces. It turns out one of the biggest benefits of these projects is that the kids are really learning how to understand and use fractions—the tangible applications seem to help their comprehension of this aspect of mathematics! Volunteers, Luke Naame and Stephen Bober from, Wichita, Kansas assisted in the carpentry classes! Both girls and boys are now working on the second project: a nail box.
The Invernadero (greenhouse) project for Professor Claudia’s Doctoral project was completed in late September as well! This has been a great learning project for the kids as we went through all the fundamentals of house framing. The kids learned how to lay out, excavate and pour the foundations in concrete. Then they were taught how to lay brick, measure, cut and assemble wood frames for walls and rafters for the roof.
Applied Computer Skills
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) classes are now held entirely at the Hogar in the room dedicated to the Smart board (a fantastic interactive screen donated by a team from Indianapolis). We are working through an exciting teaching manual, “Mapping Our World” from ESRI. The course teaches the students important geographic concepts including, physical geography (e.g. tectonic plates, earthquakes and volcanoes, climate, vegetation, ecosystems), Human geography (population patterns, processes, political geography), and how these two elements interact. The lessons are framed in the context of a formal step by step geographic investigation process that lead them from constructing a Hypothesis, through constructing queries for data tied to map features, to analyzing the data and developing plans of action based on the results of the investigation.
Other Duties as Assigned
This coming year I will assist in the long range Facilities Planning for the orphanage annex at the monastery. There will also be a continued investigation into, and repair of, the Hogar water system. A proposal for storm water drainage and disposal near the church will also be proposed.
“As I see it, one of my responsibilities is to be your representative here; I am your presence with the nuns and children”. Your contributions enable me to be here and act in your name, to extend your community to the children and staff. Please help me in this task by going online to http://www.ocmc.org/giving.php and making your donation there to my name under long term missionaries. Thank you!
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official international mission agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Its purpose is to encourage, support and facilitate the establishment and development of self-supporting, Eucharistic Orthodox Christian communities worldwide, thus incorporating the person into the fullness of a life in Christ. For more information on OCMC’s long-term missionaries, contact the Mission Center at 1-877-463-6784 or by e-mail at missionaries@ocmc.org.
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“Dad” Work
My Spanish continues to improve thanks to the generous help of the kids and Hogar staff. Although it still has a long way to go, it’s allowed me to be called on to take a larger role in assisting Erica and the Nannies in keeping the boys in line, especially in church.
In September, we took the boys on a hike up the active Pacaya Volcano to see the lava. We only made it halfway up due to the weather and new lava over the trails (10 ft deep in places). It was too rugged and sharp for our younger members to scale. We did get close enough to see some of the new lava, though
In November, a team from Minnesota (St. Mary’s OCA and St. Mary’s GOCA) visited the orphanage. The men from the team took the boys on our first visit to the Parque Ecolo’gico Senderos de Alux (ecolcogical park) near Guatemala City. Fr. Chris led us all in a hiking chant, “Somos hombres” (We are Men!) as we stomped and hiked the trails of the Park.
Construction Trades, Carpenteria
The boys completed their first carpentry project: Tool boxes. This project taught them the fundamentals of reading and interpreting simple plans, measuring and laying out rectangular figures and curves. This was followed by learning how to cut, finish, and assemble the pieces. It turns out one of the biggest benefits of these projects is that the kids are really learning how to understand and use fractions—the tangible applications seem to help their comprehension of this aspect of mathematics! Volunteers, Luke Naame and Stephen Bober from, Wichita, Kansas assisted in the carpentry classes! Both girls and boys are now working on the second project: a nail box.
The Invernadero (greenhouse) project for Professor Claudia’s Doctoral project was completed in late September as well! This has been a great learning project for the kids as we went through all the fundamentals of house framing. The kids learned how to lay out, excavate and pour the foundations in concrete. Then they were taught how to lay brick, measure, cut and assemble wood frames for walls and rafters for the roof.
Applied Computer Skills
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) classes are now held entirely at the Hogar in the room dedicated to the Smart board (a fantastic interactive screen donated by a team from Indianapolis). We are working through an exciting teaching manual, “Mapping Our World” from ESRI. The course teaches the students important geographic concepts including, physical geography (e.g. tectonic plates, earthquakes and volcanoes, climate, vegetation, ecosystems), Human geography (population patterns, processes, political geography), and how these two elements interact. The lessons are framed in the context of a formal step by step geographic investigation process that lead them from constructing a Hypothesis, through constructing queries for data tied to map features, to analyzing the data and developing plans of action based on the results of the investigation.
Other Duties as Assigned
This coming year I will assist in the long range Facilities Planning for the orphanage annex at the monastery. There will also be a continued investigation into, and repair of, the Hogar water system. A proposal for storm water drainage and disposal near the church will also be proposed.
“As I see it, one of my responsibilities is to be your representative here; I am your presence with the nuns and children”. Your contributions enable me to be here and act in your name, to extend your community to the children and staff. Please help me in this task by going online to http://www.ocmc.org/giving.php and making your donation there to my name under long term missionaries. Thank you!
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official international mission agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Its purpose is to encourage, support and facilitate the establishment and development of self-supporting, Eucharistic Orthodox Christian communities worldwide, thus incorporating the person into the fullness of a life in Christ. For more information on OCMC’s long-term missionaries, contact the Mission Center at 1-877-463-6784 or by e-mail at missionaries@ocmc.org.
News Story of the Day
I found this news story today and I could not believe it. I will be walking around looking up from now on.
Check it out Sphere: Related Content
Aposticha Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Tuesday Evening of the 3rd Week of Great Lent:
Though I am a creature born on earth, I share in Your image, O Lord, and thus dare to call upon You, the Creator, as my Father. Living as the Prodigal, I have lost the grace of sonship; and forgetful of Your gifts, I have wasted my inheritance. Do not disown me, for You sent Your only-begotten Son to endure Crucifixion and death for my sake in the flesh. In Your love for mankind, being me back from evil and make me Yours again.
To You I have lifted my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
The choir of holy martyrs withstood their persecutors as they said: "We are soldiers of the Lord of Powers on high! Even though you give us over to torture and the fire, we shall not deny the power of the Trinity!"
When the law-transgressors suspended You upon the Cross, O Savior who give life to us, Your all-holy Mother stood by You and grieved as she wept: "O beloved Child, Light of my eyes, how can You endure being nailed to the Cross between two criminals, O You suspended the earth over the waters?"
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Though I am a creature born on earth, I share in Your image, O Lord, and thus dare to call upon You, the Creator, as my Father. Living as the Prodigal, I have lost the grace of sonship; and forgetful of Your gifts, I have wasted my inheritance. Do not disown me, for You sent Your only-begotten Son to endure Crucifixion and death for my sake in the flesh. In Your love for mankind, being me back from evil and make me Yours again.
To You I have lifted my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
The choir of holy martyrs withstood their persecutors as they said: "We are soldiers of the Lord of Powers on high! Even though you give us over to torture and the fire, we shall not deny the power of the Trinity!"
When the law-transgressors suspended You upon the Cross, O Savior who give life to us, Your all-holy Mother stood by You and grieved as she wept: "O beloved Child, Light of my eyes, how can You endure being nailed to the Cross between two criminals, O You suspended the earth over the waters?"
Apostica Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Monday Evening of the 3rd Week of Great Lent:
O loving Father, my folly has stripped me bare of all Your gifts. I have gone far from You and have enslaved myself to a strange citizen. I led unclean beasts to pasture; and eating from their food, I was not filled. Knowing Your tender mercy, I run now to You: in Your tender love for mankind, cover my nakedness and save me!
To You I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold; the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
Since the holy martyrs are interceding for us and celebrating Christ in their hymns, every error has been ended and the human race is saved by faith.
Through your word, the Word has shown as a light upon the world from your virginal womb. O most holy Theotokos, pray to Him that our souls may be delivered from the snares of the Enemy.
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O loving Father, my folly has stripped me bare of all Your gifts. I have gone far from You and have enslaved myself to a strange citizen. I led unclean beasts to pasture; and eating from their food, I was not filled. Knowing Your tender mercy, I run now to You: in Your tender love for mankind, cover my nakedness and save me!
To You I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold; the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
Since the holy martyrs are interceding for us and celebrating Christ in their hymns, every error has been ended and the human race is saved by faith.
Through your word, the Word has shown as a light upon the world from your virginal womb. O most holy Theotokos, pray to Him that our souls may be delivered from the snares of the Enemy.
Busy Days
Things have been busy here in the Village the last few days. On Monday I rolled on down to my Alma mater, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. I don't get back to campus as much as I would like but I took the opportunity to stop by. I was able to see my predecessor and good friend Fr. Eugen Pentiuc. He is writing a response to that Jesus Tomb nonsense that was on the Discovery Channel this past Sunday. Sister Mary Martha has a humorous review of the presentation on her blog as well. As soon as I know more about Fr. Eugen's paper I will post it here. Fr. is the Old Testament and Linguistics professor at the seminary. I also had occasion to swing by the Convent of the Holy Nativity to pick up some candles and also the Holy Transfiguration Monastery to pick up some incense. I bought a sample of three different kinds of incense and I will post a review after I use them. One of the monks gave me a little tip when using the incense. Don't put the grains right on top of the charcoal place them along the side. He said they will burn cleaner on the side because the heat is not so extreme. I will try that and let you know how it goes.
Yesterday was supposed to be a quiet day, but at 8:30am my pager went off for a three alarm fire at an apartment building. Now keep in mind that it was only 9 degrees at that time here yesterday and that makes fighting a fire a very difficult situation. Thankfully no one was hurt and only one family was displaced. The family lost everything and the woman was so upset that she lost all of her stuff. It made me think about what I would hate to loose if there was a fire. (Preaching Moment) This is a good time for us to think about out stuff and what we have accumulated and have we made it more important to us than it should be. Now something are important, like clothing, but do we really need all the clothes that we have? (End of Preaching Moment).
So I hope that today is a bit slower. Presanctified Liturgy tonight and then some rest. I will continue to post the prayers from the vespers service and will catch everyone up.
Blessed Lent!
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Monday, March 05, 2007
Dorthy Day
For all of my faithful readers that do not know who this amazing woman was, I give you this link to a post on the Evangelical Catholicism Blog. I tip my kamilavka to them for this post.
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Sunday, March 04, 2007
2nd Sunday of Great Lent
2nd Sunday of Great Lent ~ St. Gregory Palamas
Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3
Mark 2:1-12
From THE GREAT LENT - A Week by Week Meaning
Rev. George Mastrantonis Sphere: Related Content
Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3
Mark 2:1-12
This Sunday commemorates the life of St. Gregory Palamas (14th Century). The Church dedicates this Sunday to St. Gregory for his orthodox faith, theological knowledge, virtuous life, miracles and his efforts to clarify the orthodox teaching on the subject of Hesychasm (from the Greek, meaning quiet). Hesychasm was a system of mysticism propagated on Mt. Athos by 14th century monks who believed that man was able, through an elaborate system of ascetic practices based upon perfect quiet of body and mind, to arrive at the vision of the divine light, with the real distinction between the essence and the operations of God. Gregory became noted for his efforts to explain the difference between the correct teaching and this theory. Gregory was dedicated to an ascetic life of prayer and fasting, which are practices of Lent.
From THE GREAT LENT - A Week by Week Meaning
Rev. George Mastrantonis Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Aposticha Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Saturday Evening of the 2nd Week of Great Lent:
Your tongue, watchful in teaching, rings in the ears of our hearts and awakens the souls of the slothful, leading us from earth to Heaven. Your words, inspired by God, are a ladder leading us from earth to Heaven. O Gregory, wonder of Thessalonica, pray to Christ without ceasing, that we who honor you may be illuminated with the divine light.
O Virgin who knew not carnal union, O you who ineffably carried God in the flesh, O Mother of almighty God, O woman without stain: accept the prayers of your servants. O you who obtain for all us the cleansing of sins: accept now our supplications, and intercede for the salvation of us all.
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Your tongue, watchful in teaching, rings in the ears of our hearts and awakens the souls of the slothful, leading us from earth to Heaven. Your words, inspired by God, are a ladder leading us from earth to Heaven. O Gregory, wonder of Thessalonica, pray to Christ without ceasing, that we who honor you may be illuminated with the divine light.
O Virgin who knew not carnal union, O you who ineffably carried God in the flesh, O Mother of almighty God, O woman without stain: accept the prayers of your servants. O you who obtain for all us the cleansing of sins: accept now our supplications, and intercede for the salvation of us all.
Aposticha Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Friday Evening of the 2nd Week of Great Lent:
Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. In your mercy visit my soul and take away the burden of my transgressions, O You who alone are the Lover of mankind.
To you I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
You are glorified, O Christ our God, in the memory of Your saints; through their intercession, send down Your great mercy upon us all.
O Theotokos, our Hope and our protection, we do not fear the plotting of the Enemy, for you are the protectress of our souls.
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Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. In your mercy visit my soul and take away the burden of my transgressions, O You who alone are the Lover of mankind.
To you I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
You are glorified, O Christ our God, in the memory of Your saints; through their intercession, send down Your great mercy upon us all.
O Theotokos, our Hope and our protection, we do not fear the plotting of the Enemy, for you are the protectress of our souls.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Aposticha Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Thursday Evening of the 2nd Week of Great Lent:
Our first parents did not fast from the tree of knowledge, as the Creator had commanded them. Because of their disobedience, they harvested the fruit of death, being banished from the Tree of Life and the delight of Paradise. Therefore, O faithful, let us fast from food that perishes and from the passions that destroy us, that we may reap life from the divine Cross, returning with the Good Thief to our ancient fatherland and receiving great mercy from Christ our God.
To You I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do out eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
O wondrous martyrs, you renounced the good things of this life as you nobly endured your torments, and your hopes for blessedness were not in vain. You have received the Kingdom of Heaven as your inheritance. Since you have the power to intercede before our God who is so good, entreat Him to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
Seeing her Lamb once hastening to the slaughter, the Mother Ewe hurried to accompany Him and cried aloud: "Where are You going, O my most-beloved Son? O long-suffering Christ, O most beloved Jesus, O sinless and merciful Lord, for whose sake are You running this course without resting? Speak a word to Your handmaid, O my Son; O compassionate God, do not pass me by in this frightening silence, for I am the Mother who gave You birth, O Giver of Life, who grant the world great mercy!"
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To You I have lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do out eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
O wondrous martyrs, you renounced the good things of this life as you nobly endured your torments, and your hopes for blessedness were not in vain. You have received the Kingdom of Heaven as your inheritance. Since you have the power to intercede before our God who is so good, entreat Him to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
Seeing her Lamb once hastening to the slaughter, the Mother Ewe hurried to accompany Him and cried aloud: "Where are You going, O my most-beloved Son? O long-suffering Christ, O most beloved Jesus, O sinless and merciful Lord, for whose sake are You running this course without resting? Speak a word to Your handmaid, O my Son; O compassionate God, do not pass me by in this frightening silence, for I am the Mother who gave You birth, O Giver of Life, who grant the world great mercy!"
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Aposticha Prayers
The Aposticha Prayers for the Vespers on Wednesday Evening of the 2nd Week of Great Lent:
O Martyrs worthy of all praise, although the earth did not conceal your bodies in burial, Heaven has welcomed you. The gates of Paradise were opened to you, and there you rejoice in the Tree of Life. Intercede with Christ that He grant our souls peace and great mercy!
O Virgin, most worthy of our hymns, Moses foresaw your mystery with his prophetic eyes: it was the bush which burned without being consumed; for the Fire of the God-head did not burn your pure womb. Thus we entreat you, the Mother of our God, to grant peace to the world.
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Keeping a spiritual fast, O brethren, let us speak no lies with our tongue nor give our brothers and sisters cause for scandal. But through repentance, let us make the lamp of our soul burn brightly, and let us cry with tears to Christ: "Forgive us our trespasses in Your love for mankind."
To You have I lifted up my eyes, to You who live in heaven. Behold: the eyes of the servants are turned to the hands of their masters, and the eyes of the maid-servants to the hands of their mistresses: thus do our eyes watch the Lord our God until He takes pity on us.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have been filled with shame: our soul has been filled to overflowing. May scorn befall detractors, and humiliation come to the proud.
O Martyrs worthy of all praise, although the earth did not conceal your bodies in burial, Heaven has welcomed you. The gates of Paradise were opened to you, and there you rejoice in the Tree of Life. Intercede with Christ that He grant our souls peace and great mercy!
O Virgin, most worthy of our hymns, Moses foresaw your mystery with his prophetic eyes: it was the bush which burned without being consumed; for the Fire of the God-head did not burn your pure womb. Thus we entreat you, the Mother of our God, to grant peace to the world.
Presanctified Liturgy
During Great Lent we Orthodox celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. A tip of the kamilavka to Fr. Thomas Hopko for the following:
The usual Divine Liturgy is not served during the weekdays of Great Lent because of the paschal character of the Liturgy itself. In its place the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated. The Liturgy is prescribed for Wednesday and Friday evenings during Great Lent. (Present practice here is to serve the Liturgy only on Wednesday). This liturgy is the solemn Lenten Vespers with Holy Communion added to it. The Communion is received from the Sacramental Gifts of bread and wine offered and sanctified at the Divine Liturgy of the previous Lord's Day.
At the Lord's Day Liturgy, the priest prepares a "lamb" (the bread which becomes Christ's Body at the Divine Liturgy) which is then consecrated together with the wine and is kept for the Presanctified Liturgy. During the chanting of the Psalms the night of the Liturgy, the priest places the Presanctified Gifts on the diskos. He carries them in solemn procession around the back of the altar table to the table of oblation.
The evening reception of Communion at the Presanctified Liturgy is fulfilled after a day of prayer and fasting. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is one of the great masterpieces of Orthodox piety and liturgical creativity.
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