ORTHODIXIE ... Southern, Orthodox, Convert, Etc.

There was a time, not so long ago, when Christmas cards, religious pictures, and Nativity Scenes would portray St Joseph as an older man. After all, this is the Tradition of the Church.

These days, not so.

Last week while visiting family in North Carolina, I saw a discouraging sight … It was a Roman Catholic church building that looked like, ahem, well – suffice it to say, it did not look like a place of Christian worship! Rather, it resembled an Elementary school building: brick façade, green metal roof, no steeple, no statue -- not even a Cross. You wouldn’t know it was even a church if not for the sign out front.

Then, beside the church sign, there was a big banner saying: “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Portrayed on the banner was a graphic of what’s popularly known as the Holy Family – but Joseph and Mary were the same age … they looked like young hippies in love, staring down at their new bundle of joy.

I wanted to scream: HEELLLLOOOO!

I mean, shouldn’t we be encouraging people to keep the MASS in Christmas? Face it, if we believe as we claim to: Christ is already there!

Yet it is the MASS, the Divine Liturgy for the Feast, that constitutes Christ’s Mass – CHRISTMAS! Such slogans are intended, of course, to remind us to remember Jesus amid all the holiday business of the shopping season that stretches from, at least, Thanksgiving to ...

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

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Just back from North Carolina, just before heading HERE ... regular updates, God willing, in the new year.

1) A Complaint Against the World ...

No advantages do you offer those who love you, O world, you dwelling-place of sorrows. All who draw near to you do you seduce with your treasures and with all your delights, but in the day of death both the fair countenance of the beautiful and the might of the strong will be cast down into the grave. Woe to him who loves you and is loved by you, for his joy will be transformed into cries.

In the world -- the sea of sin -- all my days have passed in vain. My life has gone by without bringing me any profit. I have even forgotten about the day of death. I have whirled about and gathered a burden of sins, whole sheaves of tares destined to be consumed by fire. And behold -- lamentation and sighs await me in that land full of horrors.

Because I have loved you, O cunning world, from youth through old age, the time of my life has passed without my notice; and lo, in sin will death steal me away. O, if only I had never set foot in you, O world that deceives all who enter! Those who love you enjoy no pleasures, and those who hate you weep not. Blessed is he who has torn your snares asunder -- he shall inherit the habitation of joy.

This world deceives even the wise with its appearance, for at times it appears desirable. It even offers benefits and treasures for loan, but in the day of death it will take them back and give in return torment incomparably greater than our sins. For a short while will it let us sin, but as a reward it will give us eternal darkness.

Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and righteous is Thy judgment that condemns the world and those who love it! Therefore do I pray Thee that Thy right hand which pulled Simon out of the sea might also pull me out of the waves and the tumult of this world that rise up against me. I have become mired in filth; the waters of the world are drowning me, they do not let me break loose to catch my breath. May Thy Cross, O Lord, be my staff and my support on the path along which I walk.

-- St Ephraim the Syrian


2) A guy joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence. He’s allowed to say two words every seven years. After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. “Cold floors,” he says. Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. “Bad food,” he says. Seven more years pass. They bring him in for his two words. “I quit,” he says. “That’s fine,” the elders say. “You have done nothing but complain since you got here.”

Thanks to FWD from Ron Ford.


3) You, too, come to Christ ... Don’t think of the long journeys ... One reaches him, the omnipresent one, through love, not by seafaring. Yet, since the floods and storms of manifold temptations are common enough on this voyage, too, believe in the crucified one so that your faith is capable of climbing onto the wood. Then you will not sink ...

-- St Augustine
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Christmas is a time for clothes. It’s one of the few times that I actually notice clothes. I am no clotheshorse or trendsetter. Thanks to Christmas, I have never bought a pair of underwear … for myself. Ever.

Christmas finds even the houses, trees, and pets clothed in festive array. During the season you will see some of the oddest outfits that you will ever see -- and many of the prettiest will remain on the mannequin; ‘tis the dressiest time of the year.

Christmas and clothes … go hand in hand. In fact, at some age, usually in your late teens, for some reason, most of the Christmas presents you receive become clothes. For this I am truly grateful,else I might still be wearing platform shoes and silk shirts. (Wait. Are those back in style yet?)

Contrary to that song, Santa Baby, sung by the mis-named singer, Madonna, it’s not about Santa – or, really, the Baby. The reason for the Feast and the season is: God became flesh. The Word was clothed in human flesh. Within the Virgin Mary the Word was clothed with human flesh … and Christ, the Son of God -- eternal and before the ages -- was born a babe. Jesus: God dressed in human flesh ...


Yet it may happened during the holiday season that we ask ourselves: “Am I doing this right? Is this the way to celebrate the birth of Christ?”

What is the right way to celebrate the birth of the Saviour? No matter how we answer this question, one thing is certain: CLOTHES. We’ll put them on, we’ll try them on, we’ll give them, and we’ll receive them. We may find that we’ve outgrown them. [This time of year does have a way of clothing us with a few more pounds.] Nonetheless, somewhere amid all the cares, burdens, and worries of the Christmas season, you might ask yourself: “Am I doing this right?”

Whether we celebrate something once in a lifetime or annually we have a tendency to want to do it right -- as if the moment depends on us! Usually, we overdo it. Our sinful pride clouds our vision. We think the more we do -- the better things will be. We fall prey to the Serpent’s lie from the tree and view ourselves as gods.

Say, didn’t this lead to worries about clothing to begin with?

Speaking of which …

You know that part in the Book of Genesis where, when after the transgression, Adam and Eve tried to hide themselves from God because they were naked …

And, God makes them garments … garments of skin?

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

For Image Source and more information on the Incarnation -- GO HERE.
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In the days of the king who enrolled people for the poll tax, our Savior descended

And enrolled people in the Book of Life.

He enrolled them, and they enrolled Him. On high He enrolled us,

On earth they enrolled Him. Glory to His Name!

-- St Ephrem the Syrian

Thanks to FWD from Fr Josiah Trenham.

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... I just don't believe that Jesus and Hillary are brothers!

(A little joke there. Forgive me. BUT ... tmatt steps into it.)

Image of "Grimace" - Source
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Twas the night of Nativity, when all through the church ...

No one was stirring, not even that naughty kid Burch;

The lampadas were hung by the icons with care,

In hopes Fr Vasilios soon would be there;

The children were seated all snug in their pews,

With visions of hotdogs, M&Ms and juice;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I sans my cap,

Had just settled in for our long liturgical recap.

When out in the narthex arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my spot to see what’s the matter.

Away to the candle stand I flew like a flash,

Bumped into an usher, who was really quite brash.

The look on his face was one you would know

He looked like ol’ Scrooge more so than Mr HoHo!

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,


But a little grey Pinto with eight kids in the rear ...


The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.
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What a year for ASU!

First there was THIS ...

like Hayseeds & Mustard Seeds.

Then there was the Iran thing.

Dawn Eden even got in on the action (so to speak).

And last night they blew away Delaware (49-21) for their THIRD straight National Title.
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This Week on OCN: Defeating Sin: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever

From the OCN Website ...

Join us this week for exciting new programming on Come Receive the Light, The ARK and The RUDDER. On Come Receive the Light, Fr. Chris will speak with Fr. Joseph Huneycutt on Defeating Sin: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever.

Also, His Eminence Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas speaks with Fr. Chris about preparing for and celebrating the feast of Christ's birth.
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As traveling and holiday mail begins to complicate matters, NOW is the time to buy those last minute books and have them delivered just in time for gift giving! Order either or both titles from PayPal in the side margin and they will be signed, sealed & delivered ASAP. For quantity discounts, visit Regina Orthodox Press.
And -- THANKS!

One Flew Over the Onion Dome ...

The Convert experience is full of surprises, not only for the pilgrims involved but for those who attempt to pastor and teach them. One Flew Over the Onion Dome tackles these challenges with up-front honesty, good humor, and steadfast faith.

-- Frederica Mathewes-Green

Fr Joseph Huneycutt's book is reminiscent of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, in that it details the pitfalls, traps and snares that so easily entrap those who set out to travel the narrow Way. Likewise, he points out the underlying spiritual maladies of the soul and how to avoid the various pitfalls. Many may be able to point out the problems one encounters, even giving them a name. But to identify a problem, i.e., a spiritual malady, is not the same thing as being able to cure it. Overcoming the problem is a different matter entirely. Thanks be to God he offers helpful pastoral counsel to those who must guide others in this difficult path.”

+ MARK, Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest

"We have found the Pearl of Great Price," could be a subtitle to this gem, One Flew Over the Onion Dome. It is a precious collection of heart-beats reflecting the various facets of the same pilgrimage that St Paul made when called by Christ on the road to Damascus: scrutiny and doubt from Cradles, heart-wrenching rejection by family and friends, periodic re-consideration while zealously bearing fruit in the Lord, delight in the "coming home," humble acknowledgment of the gift received. "My story is not much different from the host of other stories of Americans converting to Eastern Orthodox Christianity," confesses Fr Joseph Huneycutt. Although each story has a thread common to the others, each one is singular because it is the life-searching quest of a unique soul longing for "in the present age the knowledge of the truth and in the future age, everlasting life.

This is a must read for Cradles who might need to re-appreciate the Truth, for Seekers who have found the way but must patiently walk it while waiting for that blessed life which is to come and especially for hierarchs under whose omophorions the Good Shepherd has led these sheep for pastoring and who will be called to account for their eternal well-being."

+ NATHANIEL, Archbishop of Detroit

Defeating Sin ...

This attractive exposition of current, yet timeless, anthropological issues is distinguished by its clarity of vision and originality of expression. As the book unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident that the unbroken Tradition of the Church is the sole key to understanding God’s revelation to man. Because the author has so firmly placed his trust in the holiness of this Tradition, his thinking, both creative and inspired, elucidates the charismatic character of the way of salvation which leads to the renewal of life. His doctrine is sound, and it will surely prove to be of great value in informing and convincing the heart of modern man about God’s truth.

-- Archimandrite Zacharias (Zacharou) of the Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist in Essex, England

Father Joseph has the unusual ability to take timeless truth, Biblical knowledge, and theology, and communicate them in a practical, and readily understandable form that has the wonderful potential of helping us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds.

-- Ron Moore
International Singer/Songwriter/Speaker

This book has evolved over several decades of reflection that is both personal and part of our Orthodox family inheritance. This is a read that will bring many back through its pages just as memories of powerful retreats and epiphanies return to us and become once again moments of grace in an hour of need. DEFEATING SIN: Overcoming our Passions and Changing Forever is a book that will be marked up and well-worn by those who own it and no doubt shared with other Christians who long for a well of renewal and a blessed retreat.

-- The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield - Chancellor, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary

Passions and virtues – words not generally used in everyday vocabulary in the 21st century. Yet, who of us has not seen lives ruined or exalted as a direct result of one or the other of these words and their implications. This book provides meaningful and practical insight into the significant “opposites” that affect our lives both here and hereafter. Fr. Joseph takes us to that fateful garden where the first Adam, the first Eve and the first tree set a course for death and destruction. But he also takes us to a hill where the second Adam, the second Eve and a very different tree changes that course for eternity. Read this, go to confession, and then read it again.

John Maddex, General Manager, Ancient Faith Radio

May you, reader, be blessed and enlightened and encouraged in your struggle by the wisdom contained in this book, to the glory of the All-Holy Trinity and the salvation of your soul.

+ BASIL, Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita & Mid-America


Order signed copies of DEFEATING SIN and/or One Flew Over the Onion Dome through PayPal in the side margin (at left) or -- unsigned, multiple copies -- through the publisher at Regina Orthodox Press.
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Whodathunk, Missouri - In a move that some are hailing as "Well, Duh," seventeen (16) congregations of Unitarian Universalists have signed an agreement of intent to join in full Eucharistic Communion with the Episcopals.

"Why not tie the knot?" said Jeff Jefferson of Jeffords Ford. "We've been watching the Episcopals for some time now. Oh sure, they've been getting some bad press -- but it's all good by us! One says heresy, another says hooray!"

Shannon Ford of West Jefferson chimed in: "I think this is great. My great grandfather was an Episcopal. But that was back in the day when they were known as Episcopalians and believed in many things contrary to Unitarian doctrine -- like Doctrine. As Unitarians, we believe in the freedom of religious expression. All individuals are encouraged to develop their own personal theology, and to present openly their religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal. We've come to conclude that the Episcopals believe the same."

Wilma Tisdale (nee Jefferson) was one of the signers of the Accord. She said the convergence was harmonic, hastening to add: "We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document, or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual."

One of the qualities that the Unitarians bring to the table is "stability," said the Rev'd Alford Longfellow, pastor of St Gilded Lily by the Silver Lake. As a priest of 30 years in ECUSA, he's grown weary of all the changes within his denomination. He quoted Benjamin Franklin, saying: "As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best ... but I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have ... some doubts as to his divinity, tho' it is a question I do not dogmatize upon." Alford added, "It has taken generations and not a little sweat and toil, but we have all arrived at the same place."

While many claim that this move was brought about by those formerly known as Episcopalians and their jettisoning the traditional beliefs of the Christian faith, others see this union as a labor of love that has come of age. "We believe in the motive force of love" said Jeff Jefferson. "The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy."

However, not everyone is impressed. Cathy Olix of East Oxford called the new union a disgrace, saying: "I never thought I'd see the day! There once was a time when a Unitarian was a Unitarian (whatever that was) and an Episcopalian was an Episcopalian (whatever that was). Now it seems that what was is -- and that just ain't right. They're even calling us Episcopals -- whatever that is!"

When asked about the next step in the process toward union, everyone was in mutual agreement: "There is no next step." As if to seal the deal, the Accord cites the Reverend Samuel J. May in a paper written in the 19th century: "Because we have no formula of faith; no system of doctrines; no list of articles prescribed by pope, bishops, General Assembly, or other human authority, which every one must profess to believe before he can be admitted to membership in our church, -- there are those who allege that we Unitarians have no faith; that we believe nothing, or that each one believes what he pleases."

And this, everyone agrees, is exactly what the Episcopals believe.

(This satirical post is not intended to diss the beliefs of Unitarian Universalists -- which, it seems, have remained consistent. In that regard, they are more traditional than, well, the "Episcopals.")
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Did you read about that Baby Jesus that was recently stolen from someone’s yard? Oh, I’m sure more than one Baby Jesus has been stolen this year – perhaps even in your town!

Well, I decided to do something about it … I became an Investigator.

The other day I went door-to-door in my neighborhood in search … of Baby Jesus.

My first stop was the home of Minerva Simmons, aged 73, on Tomball Drive. She’s the owner of the giant Crèche scene … You know with the big plastic light-up Mary & Joseph, Wise Men, Manger, and the optional Star on a Pole …

And as I pulled into her driveway it was crystal clear that something – Someone – was missing … the Manger was empty. It was just a cradle for hay. Yep, Baby Jesus, MFM (missing from manger).

(In the place where the plastic body normally lay was a sign that read: “Have you seen me?” – with a picture of Baby Jesus … well, you know what I mean …)

Friends, I’ll spare you further details but, Mrs Simmons was devastated. This plastic Baby Jesus had been in their family since the 1970s when her kids were young. It meant the world to her.

Silly me, I don’t know why -- but I asked her if it had been made in China. She said, “No, Malaysia.” Malaysia is, of course, predominantly Muslim – and I briefly contemplated them naming a plastic baby JESUS as opposed to a stuffed Teddy bear named … oh, never mind.

But that wasn’t the strangest part of my day! After getting a good description of the Missing Plastic Jesus, I moseyed on over to ...

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

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Back in '05, I received the following note from a reader:

I caught this [show on the Discovery Channel] on Christmas day. It was a very interesting history about his life and how his relics had traveled. Then using the relics they reconstructed his face using forensics.

My thoughts?

Well, it just goes to show ya, scientists should always check with the Orthodox -- it might save time, effort, and money:


















Icon of St Nicholas, 10-11th century, the Walters Art Museum.
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St Romanos Chorale
Christmas Benefit Program

for the

Orthodox Clergy Association
of Greater Houston

Saturday, December 8th - 7:00 PM

Tickets - $10

Refreshments served following the performance.

St George Orthodox Church
5311 Mercer at Bissonnet
713-665-5252

In anticipation of the Nativity of Christ, this concert will expose the beauty and spirituality of Orthodox Christian worship services to non-Orthodox and Orthodox Christians, alike. Proceeds from this concert will help the Orthodox Clergy Association in their joint missionary and outreach projects, especially their broadcast, audio & electronic media efforts.

The purpose of the Orthodox Clergy Association is to find tangible ways to express Orthodox Christian unity, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to facilitate communication and fellowship among the brotherhood of Orthodox Clergy in Southeast Texas.

Thanks for your help!

For tickets & sponsorship info call 713-665-5252.

We hope to see you there!


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“If God doesn’t destroy America, He owes Sodom and Gomorrah an apology!”

Sayings such as this are popular in the editorial pages of local newspapers – everything from wishing the destruction of homosexuals to the angrily penned words hailing the inevitable fall of America. They spew forth from talk radio, political speeches, even pulpits and mosques.

“The wrath of God is coming!

“A hard rain’s gonna fall!”

Even goofy bumper stickers ...

“The goddess is coming and boy is she [ticked]!”

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah: “Go to Nineveh, cry against it, they must repent!” Jonah, instead, went in the opposite direction. Who could blame him? You see, Jonah could escape the call, but he couldn’t help but turn others to God.

On the sea, there’s a storm. The sailors aboard Jonah’s boat prayed to their gods, to no avail. Jonah? Jonah was asleep! Either Jonah had a very low energy level, or God was with him. The God of Mercy.

“What is this you have done?” Seems Jonah was a Hebrew and the God of heaven was displeased with his efforts. Not only was it quite a storm – they threw him overboard. Jonah even suggested it! Better to suffer the effects of the unknown than those of his accusers.

A funny thing happened on the way to the whale. Yet, in the meantime, the crew members, now sailing on a calmer sea, prayed to the True God after dispatching His wayward messenger. They were converted! And, by God’s mercy, even Jonah was saved.

After Jonah’s hymn of thanksgiving to the Good God, the fish spat him onto dry land. Again he heard the voice of God. And, well, what to do after such a deliverance?

“Repent! Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown! Repent!”

It’s that same sound, the voice of the Lord, which later asked: “Do you believe that I can do this?” They couldn’t see the questioner. But, they heard his voice; two blind men, begging to be healed. The Lord of Mercy asked, “Do you believe I can do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” came their reply.

And, according to their faith, they were healed; their eyes were opened to see the Lord of Mercy.

Did Jonah believe? Probably not … at least not in the beginning. The Lord is funny that way. He can take even nominal believers and use them to His glory. Paul? Wasn’t even a nominal believer … struck down from his horse and converted. And look what he did for the Faith!

Nineveh? Not even nominal. But … converted. Even the cattle!

Jonah?

Well …

Jonah pouted. God wasn’t acting the way Jonah wished. Yet, God was acting the way Jonah knew He would!

“Dadblame it! That’s why I fled when you called because I knew that you were gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in mercy. And, doggonit, you repentest of evil ….”

Boys will be boys. Normally God acts normally. In his anger, Jonah threw a hissy-fit and asked God to take his life!

Below is the great city. The lights can be seen from the hillside. He’s all alone. What to do? He’s been there for some time now. His life is in shambles. He’s decided to end it. After all, God doesn’t seem to care. He’ll drive off the mountainside. They’ll find a note. Perhaps God will forgive him. He opens the glove-compartment to find a pen to write his goodbye note.

There’s no pen!

This can’t be. There’s always a pen in the car! A pencil? Nope. Nothing! What is a life – and its sudden ending – without a stinking suicide note?

He starts to cry. Starts to curse. He gives God the ol’ What-For!

And yet, he lives. He lives. He lives … and tears flow down his face. He had to get rid of all the crud in his heart. He did. And now it becomes clearer: the air, the stars, the moon, his mom … God. The Lord of Mercy. He sees the Lord of Mercy.

Jonah?

He lives. But he claims he wants to die. At his pouting place east of the city, he sits. There, God causes a plant to grow over him – basking him in cool shade. Jonah was glad; but, the worm ate it. The plant gone, Jonah is ticked again. God asks if Jonah has good reason to be mad over a one day plant. Jonah (God bless him) says: “Yeah! Mad enough to die!”

We laugh. Who wouldn’t? We laugh at things that contain a grain of truth. We can’t help but see ourselves in this reluctant angry prophet of the Lord. Stub your toe – curse and have a bad day. In the wrong lane at the supermarket for 20 minutes? Begin to hate your neighbor. Gossip, lose your friends; lose your friends, gossip more. Hate … it’s a big thing grown from a trifle of seed.

“What? You’re angry over the pant that you never planted? It was here for only one day … and you’re mad enough to die?! For crying out loud, Jonah! Nineveh, that great city – with a whole bunch of cattle and over 120,000 souls … I should smite them with impetuous anger such as yours?”

“Do you believe that I can do this?” The Lord always asks us this sort of question. We have no problem believing in the Lord’s destructive powers. Yet, when it comes to qualities such as “merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,” we create God in our own image. We, like Jonah, want God to be wrathful and quick! “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord” – but, could you please hurry up?!

And this God will have none of that!

“Do you believe that I can do this?” The same question, yet the scenery has changed. It is no longer Nineveh, Los Angeles, or even small town USA. It’s the Gates … and there’s but one question.

Therese of Lisieux said that when she got to the day of Judgment, if God looked at her and said, “Away from me you wicked and undeserving servant – away from Me to eternal hell fire!” she would not cry.

But, if God Almighty opened His arms and lovingly welcomed her into His Kingdom … then … Then, she would cry.

For …

The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here!

The Lord of Mercy.

Nineveh, Jonah, America, you and me – at the very Gates of Repentance ...

One question: “Do you believe that I can do this?”


Image of the Prophet Jonah taken from St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

Sources: The Book of Jonah, Matthew 9:27 ff, icons and a mirror.
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The following snippet of an Op-Ed piece on the "Gospel of Judas" by April D. DeConick, a professor of Biblical studies at Rice University, speaks volumes about our current situation. In an age of instant gratification, scholarship is often out the window in favor of the quick fix (fix as in a fixed fight). Yet, it's times like these that encourage good parenting. You know, where you, as parent, have to hold to the truth -- even when continually challenged by those less mature (e.g., your children). In other words, "Judas! Go to your room!"

I'm thankful that Dr DeConick is mature enough to present the Gospel Truth.

AMID much publicity last year, the National Geographic Society announced that a lost 3rd-century religious text had been found, the Gospel of Judas Iscariot. The shocker: Judas didn’t betray Jesus. Instead, Jesus asked Judas, his most trusted and beloved disciple, to hand him over to be killed. Judas’s reward? Ascent to heaven and exaltation above the other disciples.

It was a great story. Unfortunately, after re-translating the society’s transcription of the Coptic text, I have found that the actual meaning is vastly different. While National Geographic’s translation supported the provocative interpretation of Judas as a hero, a more careful reading makes clear that Judas is not only no hero, he is a demon.

Several of the translation choices made by the society’s scholars fall well outside the commonly accepted practices in the field. For example, in one instance the National Geographic transcription refers to Judas as a “daimon,” which the society’s experts have translated as “spirit.” Actually, the universally accepted word for “spirit” is “pneuma ” — in Gnostic literature “daimon” is always taken to mean “demon.”

Likewise, Judas is not set apart “for” the holy generation, as the National Geographic translation says, he is separated “from” it. He does not receive the mysteries of the kingdom because “it is possible for him to go there.” He receives them because ...

Read it all H E R E.


April D. DeConick, a professor of Biblical studies at Rice University, is the author of “The Thirteenth Apostle: What the Gospel of Judas Really Says.”

Thanks to FWD from Callie.
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Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane.

Vixen, Blitzen, all his reindeer
Pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing,
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say a prayer,
'cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Sorry – I never said I could sing and I certainly don’t expect Elvis’s Christmas tunes when I listen to Ancient Faith Radio (thanks God)!

But, this time of year? Ya just never know what you might hear … get … or especially read.

Sometime ago, within our lifetime, we entered the great American Debate about SantaMass … er, uh: Christmas.

And we Orthodox – especially American Converts – can be some of the most cantankerous offenders of holiday cheer! But more on that later …

First, a little more Elvis:

Ba-doop, ba-doop, ba-doopa ...

He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed and cover up your head,
Because Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Riding down Santa Claus lane.

He doesn't care if you're a rich or poor boy,
He loves you just the same.
Santa knows that we're god's children,
That makes everything right.
Fill your hears with Christmas cheer,
'cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Well, here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Riding down Santa Claus lane.

He'll come around when the chimes ring out
It's Christmas morn again.
Peace on earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
Let's give thanks to the lord above,
'cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Now, believe me … I know it sounds kinda un-Orthodox … but, well … What DO you do around this time of year?

Tune to the Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

I know, I know. I'm an Orthodox priest and there are others of my stripe -- even my pal, Frederica -- who hold a contrary view of the man. But try as I might, I can't ... I won't, I say! ... let go.

I still have a visceral reaction when I see a "good Santa" -- you know, the one with a real beard, real gut, real red cheeks, real joy. You know, real. I can't help it. It gives me hope. I become a kid again. The kid with memories that, I guess, can't be proved. You know, real memories.

Image courtesy of Santa (age 6).
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