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

People are usually characterized as intelligent based on an incorrect usage of that word. It is not those who have studied the sayings and writings of ancient wise men that are intelligent. Rather, it is those who have an intelligent rational soul, who are capable of distinguishing good from evil, who avoid everything that is evil and bad for the soul, and who wisely show concern for the good and useful, and while doing so, render great thanks to God. They alone should actually be called intelligent people.

-- St. Anthony the Great

Stolen from the parish newsletter of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist.

Image Source

BLOG NOTE: I am away from the Internet until August 7th. Most likely, no posts or comment approval until that time.

Your prayers ...
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Selected podcasts refashioned into book form = We Came, We Saw, We Converted.

It's not a book specifically about American Orthodox Converts -- rather, it's a book about perpetual conversion in Christ.

What's next?

Selected podcasts re-refashioned into ...

The AUDIO BOOK.

In other words (actually, in the same words) I've re-recorded all of the podcasts that make up We Came, We Saw, We Converted for the forthcoming audio book titled, naturally, We Came, We Saw, We Converted.

In a way, I suppose, this "book" is a revert.
(Small pun, that.)

As a precursor to the arrival of the audio book -- We Came, We Saw, We Converted -- I've re-recorded the popular interview with Fr Danislav Gregorio concerning his book An Empty Church is a Peaceful Church --

Wherein Fr Danislav laments:

-- People showing up late for Liturgy

-- Skimpy clothing sported by females

-- Lipstick on icons

and, among other things ...

-- Crossing one's legs in church

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

Stay tuned ...

Next week's Orthodixie Podcast features a follow-up interview with Fr Danislav concerning his latest book: Speedy Sacraments for Liturgical Losers.

As noted at the beginning of this week's podcast -- Many of you have, no doubt, heard of the recent and unexpected passing of Archpriest Matthew MacKay of St Joseph Church here in Houston. Fr Matthew and I'd been friends for about 15 years. He loved to laugh and, better yet, he was one of the funniest men I’ve ever known. I will miss him. I say this prior to this week’s episode of the Orthodixie Podcast mainly because it seems fitting, especially when one is going to act silly, to explain why we must go on with the show.

Here follows a re-mastered version of my interview with Fr Danislav Gregorio -- about his book An Empty Church is a Peaceful Church – taken from the forthcoming audio book We Came, We Saw, We Converted.

Also, stay tuned … next week Fr Danislav speaks about his latest book, Speedy Sacraments for Liturgical Losers.

(It is that one – it only seems right – that I shall dedicate to Fr Matthew’s Memory.)

May his memory be eternal!

And may God grant you and yours long life.
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November 18, 1955 - July 26, 2010

Eternal Memory!

Service Information:

Thursday, July 29
5-7 PM - Visitation
7 PM - Funeral Service for the Departure of a Priest

Friday, July 30
10 AM - Funeral Divine Liturgy

In the meantime, please pray for Khouriya Lynn, Patrick, and Sean -- and for the parish of St Joseph Orthodox Church.
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On this week's episode of the Orthodixie Podcast, I interview the Development Director, Presbytera Shyla Hadzellis (not pictured here) and her husband, Fr Nicholas (nope, not him either), about OCF and their presence at the recent GOA Clergy Laity Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Psssssssssst -- This podcast contains sounds that resemble bad words.

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.
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The following news story is taken from here ...

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill has urged the clergy to use Internet blogs for missionary work. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church warned against idle talk or passing one’s own thoughts for the postulates of the church. The Patriarch was speaking ahead of his second pastoral visit to Ukraine.

This recent appeal by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, aimed at enhancing the church’s influence through blogging and networking, made the headlines throughout the Runet. IT-analyst Alexander Mitrofanov believes that the Internet is a good vehicle to carry the live language of the church to the people.

"Many priests and church hierarchs have their own blogs in the global network," he says. "It helps people seeking their paths in life. Jesus Christ taught His apostles to attract people by the word. High technology and the Internet should serve the same purpose."

More here.

Then ... there's this:

Spiritual Lessons From an Archbishop's iPhone

Both links - thanks to Bob Born.
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If you've not already, you'll want to click here and watch this "ecumenical guest" drop some bombs speak to a Presbyterian Church Assembly. (You'll just have to stomach the introductions, or slide ahead to the 1:30 mark.) I agree with the comment from Bob, below:

"It’s worth noticing that the most usual Orthodox presence encouraged at such events is the more “colorful” Orthodox; the ones who have an interesting accent, hair, beards and such. Inviting the Orthodox from around the corner is likely to get you a *former* Presbyterian, Episcopalian or what have you. No accent, possibly the same hair. Not as interesting or exotic as the above (very good) priest. He was certainly expected to provide decoration and gratitude but surprised people by talking about God. That was an unplanned aberration."

UPDATE: Further visits of Father Siarhei.
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The gate to Camp Takatoka in Wagoner, Oklahoma, where Camp St Raphael is held every year (Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America).


The days begin and end with prayer ...


A typical "Ask Abouna" group; beware those guys in the upper left corner :)



Arts and Crafts help fill the morning hours following Orthros.



This year's topic of Christian Ed was The Parables. However, the priest's also taught about the Funeral Service. One of the things that came up during the week was how the Roman Catholics recently dropped their teaching on Limbo. While the Orthodox have never taught it, it has been attempted.



Dodgeball. Ready?



(I just like this picture because everyone seems to be doing something different.)



For "Color Wars" this year, teams were blue or green ...



For the Eighties Night Dance it didn't matter what color -- as long as it was bright and bold ...






There ... with the headband in blue? I think that's Olivia Newton John.



This is the look though, right?



My, how times have changed since the 80s. It was not unusual back then to see those who shied away from the dance floor. But boys arm wrestling girls?



Funny how a little slab of pavement, with a basketball goal at each end, can serve as the main gathering place of 100+ youth (weather permitting).



Where you may sit ...



... pose ...



... or reminisce about belting out a tune during "Ask Abouna" (here - at the 4:58 mark).

"Some folks think that when you join the Antiochians, you’re given an icon and a hula-hoop. That’s completely false. Believe me—you have to pay for the hula-hoop!" (We Came, We Saw, We Converted; p. 24).

Well ...


... looks like someone's missin' one!



But, of course, like all camps -- we had them!


The really white guy in the back, behind the Houston contingent, with the fading hairline ...
I don't know the man.



Here's a shot of the older girls singing their "Tim Farha" song parody of Taylor Swift's "Tim McGraw". There's a line in the song -- listen here (especially to the "boxers" line at the 7:57 mark) -- which needs some 'splainin. The wife had me half way to the airport when I remembered that, uh oh, I'd not packed everything (under-stand?). Well, Greg Zrake volunteered to run to Walmart and buy me some, uh, unmentionables.

Y'all? These were not only unwearable -- they really were unmentionable! (Except, of course, in this song parody.)


The indefatigable Gayle.



Bishop Basil surprised us with a visit on Thursday ...



I was just glad this guy (he was ha-uge) didn't surprise me on my morning walks. He did, however, increase my prayer life. O Lord ... Ole!



Aaron shared the raft with me on Tuesday as we drifted 12 miles down the Illinois River. Yes, I did relate my previous rafting experience (listen here) -- but this one was totally different.



Sandy and her pal, Pam, do an incredible job each year with Christian Ed. That tie-dye is pretty phenomenal itself!



George Steinbrenner (July 4, 1930 – July 13, 2010) once said: "Show me a good loser and I will show you a loser."

Ladies and Gentlemen ...





Diana kept our toes tappin' all week during evening program ...



I don't know. Some things just is what they is.



The final act (which I am not at liberty to reveal) ... Na na na na na, na-na na-na na-na Na ...



Till next year ...

YaBoy!
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Okay, so ...

We're having an Ask Abouna session last week at Camp St Raphael and little did I know that I was in the presence of ...


... the lead singer of a band called Banana Damage.
(Check him out here.)


These wonderful teens sang a parody of Taylor Swift's "Tim McGraw" to the all-round good guy, Tim Farha.
(Listen here.)


That gal in the middle, Jessica, [Oops! It was actually Jessica's sis, Megan! Apologies to Megan -- or Jessica, as the case may be] and her partner ...


... oh heck, that's not her partner!


There, the one looking all Eighties with the shades -- Erin?

Well ...

they sang a song from:



HERE.

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.
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What's that, you say -- I look silly?

This is true. But what can be said of the men wanting their picture taken with me? (Meet: Alvaro & Bob)

I was blessed to play the role of the Patriarch Joseph during June's Vacation Bible School. We combine energies each year with Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral; this year it was our turn to host at St George.

There are more pics from VBS, the Parish Life Conference, and Camp St Raphael (Session 1) -- available in the summer issue of our online parish newsletter:

The MESSENGER

Pics from CSR, Session 2, and an audio snapshot on Ancient Faith Radio, soon to follow ...

The MESSENGER is collated, designed and produced by Vivian Hermantes.
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More from Camp St Raphael, Session 2, 2008:

That's Fr John "Waylon" Monto on guitar, DJ Leigh in da house, and Fr Joseph "Willie" Huneycutt on the mic at Camp St Raphael, Session 2, 2008.

Our "talent"? -- A take-off on the old Waylon & Willie tune: "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"

titled:

DOWAMA Don't Let Your Campers Grow Up to be Clergy

(DOWAMA = Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America)

An audio snapshot of CSR-2, 2008, can be heard here: Ancient Faith Radio.

Don't miss the final number - "Gotta Go to Camp Now!"

Here's the video:




To be continued ...
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Adam & Shady from Camp St Thecla (Diocese of Miami) back in 2005; 70's Disco Night ...


A rather hairy Joel Finley cuts a rug. (Uh, make that two rugs.)


The beginning of Color Wars, Camp St Raphael, Session 1, 2006.


Baptism (not quite canonical).


Place your bets, folks: Jamil or GZ?


Doe c doe with Olivia & Erin ...


Disco, Oklahoma style.


On a sad note, in 2008, Session 2, we killed Superman.


It was a sad day for Leigh and superhero fans everywhere.


Still, there was more to come ...

(To be continued.)
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