There is an interesting blog entry at www.argo411.worpress.com, titled, “Just A Simple Question,” which reflects on the number of ‘parish board’ members at a parish that is highlighted in the most recent Orthodox Observer, and the corporate mentality of Orthodoxy in America. I am interested to... read on »
A blessed Lent to all, as we begin the 40 day pilgrimage this Clean Monday. In addition to the multiple weekday liturgical services (Monday: Compline, Wednesday: Presanctified Liturgy, Friday: Salutations to the Theotokos), each Sunday during the Lenten season has a particular theme. This... read on »
Here is an Interesting blog post, called Leading Change, relating opportunities in the Orthodox Christian Church, and principles produced by a professor in the Harvard Business School.
Greek Battle Over Religious Symbols
The head of the Greek Orthodox Church has warned the country’s new socialist government that it faces a major battle over removing religious symbols from schools.
The European Court in Strasbourg has ordered Italy to take down crucifixes from its classrooms,... read on »
Great article offering a Christian message in the midst of the disaster in Haiti.
University of Portland grad missing in Haiti while another survives collapse
“I did nothing to deserve to be born into such a wonderful life—none of us did,” said Prusynski, of Boise. “It was the best original... read on »
The horrific earthquake that has devastated the small island country of Haiti has been in the global media, and let left many asking the question, ‘What can I do to help?’ The magnitude of the disaster, combined with the lack of Haitian infrastructure prior to the earthquake, has created a... read on »
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco launches a new phase of ministerial programing, through its established Spiritual Renewal Ministry. For over 30 years the Metropolis Spiritual Renewal Ministry has offered annual retreats intent on revitalizing faith amongst the faithful; now the... read on »
This article references a 5th Century Byzantine Christian Church that has been discovered in the United States, specifically Connecticut! I have not read any other citations to this church, and am eager to hear if others have heard anything. It is not outside of the realm of possibility that we... read on »
In recent decades, many issues of morality have been turned political, for the benefit of a few, and detriment of many. Homosexuality is one such issue, often viewed now as a conduit to a voting demographic in election years, or the dynamic for groups, supportive and opposing, to gain exposure... read on »
September 11, 2001 marks a heinous event in world history—the terrorist attacks of Muslim terrorists on American soil, murdering thousands of innocent people. As Americans, our responses may vary based upon our our abilities, yet it is our universal responsibility to pray for those who were... read on »
The 2009 Metropolis of San Francisco Spiritual Renewal Retreat was a tremendous success! Hosted by Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo, CA, presenters; Father Gary Kyriacou, Father Luke Palumbis, and featured presenter, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chris Hillman, explored the topic of... read on »
Pulling out of the rear entrance of the Saint Basil Campus yesterday, I was heading to a local gas station about 1.5 miles away to meet a gentleman in need of assistance. Just a block or two into my drive, I pulled forward a bit, checking the traffic before making a right-hand turn at a light. ... read on »
The Metropolis of San Francisco is offering a 2 day retreat on the topic of “Christian Themes in Popular Media.” An exploration of music and movies will invite participants to consider a broader view of spirituality through these aspects of American culture. Presenters will include; Father Gary... read on »
Ever actually read the Book of Revelation? ..or, like most, have you just heard it referred to by people who claim to have read it, and incorrectly refer to it as Revelations (note: singular vs plural)? If you are willing to read this dynamic, apocalyptic parable in Scripture, take special notice... read on »
Controversial scientist, Panayiotis Zavos, a Cypriot with fertility clinics in both Cyprus and the United Sates, has made claims that he has cloned human embryos and implanted them into four women—with the intent to produce cloned human beings. Main-stream science lacks an acceptance of Dr.... read on »
Two days ago, I watched a documentary movie, narrated by the entertainer Madonna, named, ‘I Am Because We Are.’ The movie documents the environment, status and experience of children in the African country of Malawi. In watching this movie, I felt a range of emotions that border on... read on »
Christ is Risen! Thanks be to God that many of our GOA parishes have graduated from a legalistic experience of ‘paying dues,’ to a grace-filled experience of Christian Stewardship. Through education, many parish experiences of Stewardship are growing from a pledging system into the spiritual and... read on »
The first half of Holy Week, in the evenings, we celebrate and pray the Bridegroom Services—delivering to us the message of vigilance in our focus on Jesus Christ. What a beautiful message as we embark upon the intense pilgrimage which leads to the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection. I pray... read on »
On my way in to Church for the first of the Bridegroom Services, I witnessed a less than stellar example of integrity and dignity. I pulled into the gas station connivence store, which is less than a mile from my home, to pick up a bottle of Gatorade. As I pulled in to one of the many open... read on »
Due to incidents which occurred on President Barak Obama’s recent trip to Europe and the Middle East, the topic of ‘separation of church & state,’ already popular in these post-modern times, is being offered again in news forums. Having grown up in the United States, and received a public... read on »
The President of the United States, Barak Obama, has completed a well publicized trip to Europe, including the country of Turkey. People of the Christian faith, and students of history alike, have expressed much sadness over the visit to Constantinople, now commonly referred to as Istanbul - the... read on »
Observing human nature and interaction is both amazing and interesting. While at Trader Joe’s i Stockton, CA a few weeks ago, I watched as an employee went from customer to customer, in the vegetable section of the store. With a smile on his face, and a true sense of genuine concern, asked each... read on »
This morning the Saint Basil community will be blessed during the Divine Liturgy by the presence of a miraculous icon of the Mother of God. I pray that we approach this statement and experience of God’s and Panagia’s presence in the world with, ‘the fear of God, faith and love…”
To learn about... read on »
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-03-05-india-gandhi-auction_N.htm?csp=24&RM_Exclude=Juno
On the above link, a story has been offered via USA Today, relaying events of a NY auction scheduled, where some of Gandhi’s personal items were to be auctioned. The country of India has been upset as... read on »
