By Fr. John Breck From the website of the Orthodox Church in America, from October 1, 2009 Change the date of publication, and ‘H1N1’ to ‘COVID 19’ and this could have been published this morning. A huge amount of controversy has arisen recently over the way Christians receive Holy Communion, particularly in the wake of … Continue reading Regarding Disease and Holy Communion
Orthodoxy
Sunday of Orthodoxy: a retrospective
Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Vespers at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Houston Ok, I admit it feels rather silly to be posting photos of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of Great Lent, during Bright Week. Bear with me. Although we didn’t know it we had just one more weekend in church before the … Continue reading Sunday of Orthodoxy: a retrospective
It’s for Real
I was just updating my calendar and making a note in all caps for February 2: WEBSITE MUST BE READY AND STOCKED because a cool new thing is beginning that week on Monday. This is a bit harrowing because we are literally moving the previous week. Anyway, more on that event (much more) later. Argh. … Continue reading It’s for Real
Review: Spyridon’s Shoes
This new book by Kh. Christine Rogers was wonderful! I had so enjoyed her book, The Road to Golgotha, last year and was delighted to learn she had a new book being published. The first thing I noticed when beginning this story was how easy it was to engage with the characters. They are wholly … Continue reading Review: Spyridon’s Shoes
Path to Pascha Tabletop Garden
During Cheese Week we got our tabletop garden ready to use along with the readings from Tending the Garden of Our Hearts. [See my review and links here.] It's very simple, actually. I used a plastic tray and covered it with packaged sheet moss. We planted a few tiny pots with grass seed and also … Continue reading Path to Pascha Tabletop Garden
Succulents
Last week I purchased a small succulent to use in our Lenten tabletop garden. (I will post more on that when I'm a bit farther along.) I set it in the kitchen windowsill and see it every time I'm in front of the sink, which is to say, frequently. I worried a little when I … Continue reading Succulents
Review: Tending the Garden of Our Hearts
I was excited to receive my long-anticipated copy of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts in the mail yesterday afternoon. So excited that I have already finished it! During the last Advent fast my youngest children were old enough to participate in Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent. I found it helpful as well, … Continue reading Review: Tending the Garden of Our Hearts
Upcoming Radio Show
This coming Sunday (the 13th) I will be joining my friend, Elissa Bjeletich, on her weekly program, Everyday Orthodox, on Ancient Faith Radio. We'll be talking about lots of things (see the description in the photo) and it will be live. I only hope I do better than Dr. Leo Marvin... If you want to … Continue reading Upcoming Radio Show
Theophany
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee his Beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of his Word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed … Continue reading Theophany
Church Transformation
This past weekend we had the first services in our new church. We blessed the church and hall as well. Many people worked for months, weeks, days, and hours to clear property, prepare foundation, move buildings, construct decking and stairs, clean, paint, connect plumbing and electricity, and move in. I can't begin to enumerate all … Continue reading Church Transformation
Praying With My Feet 