Friday, December 30, 2011

 

Orthodixie - 2011 in Brief

AFR BLURB: Fr Joseph looks back on the past year and is thankful that the basketball does not determine the wife; that space aliens did not kill him; that Fr Danislav (pictured at left) is not a weekly guest; that Elton John and Lady Gaga were not singing in church at Pascha; that kids go to Camp; and, especially, that God forgives sinners (and fools).

Thanks for your support!

Click here to support the ministry of Ancient Faith Radio.

Click here for a short review of Orthodixie 2011.

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.





| Link

Friday, December 23, 2011

 

St Romanos Chorale Christmas Special on Ancient Faith Radio

The St Romanos Chorale under the direction of Dr William Attra (pictured here at St George Church) presented a special concert of Orthodox Christmas hymns at St Joseph Antiochian Orthodox Church on December 10, 2011.

The concert was recorded and is now presented as a Christmas Special on Ancient Faith Radio.

Click HERE to listen!

| Link

Thursday, December 22, 2011

 

Past Christmas Podcasts

Here follows links to all the Orthodixie Christmas Podcasts.

And a timely reminder: If you enjoy the ministry of Ancient Faith Radio -- of your charity, please consider a donation as we near [civil] year's end.

Thank you.

(Pics in order, top to bottom: My oldest cheering to victory the Carolina Panthers over the home team last Sunday; my youngest elbowing another play participant; my son just before eating a shark; the unsuspecting -- long-suffering -- Mrs.)

Santa Claus in my son's -- and my own -- imagination (12/1/07):

Here Comes Santa!

I set out on a search for the Baby Jesus (12/8/07):

Baby Jesus by the Chimney

Just a few more days until the Nativity feast. With the fast, the shopping, the preparations....how are you doin'? Let us prepare? Yes. But regardless of how prepared we are, let us be thankful (12/15/07):

‘Twas the Week Before Nativity

Every year at this time we reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas. Here, I show, from Holy Scripture and from the Church Fathers, that Christmas is all about .... clothing (12/22/07):

The Skinny

I join Sir Paul McCartney, Alvin Chipmunk, José Feliciano and other Wailers in a journey down memory lane -- eschewing the worldly sounds of the seasonfor some really bad (ghostly) percussion moments. Are you prepared? (12/6/08):

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas ... Carol?

What do Charles Dickens, Buzz Lightyear, Vladimir Lossky, the Carolina Panthers, the Baltimore Colts, Angels, Shepherds, George Frideric Handel and Kawasaki all have in common? Surely to goodness nothing but this podcast! I am is visited by another "ghost." (12/13/08):

The Ghost Of Past Christmas Presents







Okay, so the wife may not agree with my [re]posting this one, but (it was once "true"):

A vision of Bret Favre, along with the surprise of a Pittsburgh Steeler, join me (a husky seventh grade boy) on the playing field of ... priestly ministry.

The Ghost Of Christmas Favre

And, last year's contest winner:

The entries are in, the votes have been tallied -- thanks to all who participated! We have three "winners", Erin, Alex, and Adam: a kid's story, and some kids telling stories.

Back When Christmas Was Younger

Most recently ...

I bump into Mariah, the Grinch, and the Boston Pops, as he beats up a camera man, a mother, and a child—all in the name of "winter."

Handel for Ho-Ho, Half Nelson for Noel, Hunger for Hesychia

A recollection of picking up a homeless Santa who helps the homeless (even grumpy clergy on their way home).

Last Year’s Santa Totes Gun, Sings Songs, Needs . . . Beer?

(By anticipation: Christ is Born!)


| Link
 

Solstice

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the astronomical event that has more rituals and ceremonies associated with it than any other. It is no coincidence that there are numerous holidays around the solstice, for the timing of these holidays is rooted in ancient religions. There is archaeological evidence that the solstice has been important to human cultures for at least 30,000 years; many ancient stone structures like Stonehenge are designed to pinpoint the precise date of the solstice, and many ancient peoples held festivals of light to bring about the return of summer's longer days.

The term solstice means "sun stands still." It is when the sun stays closer to the horizon than at any other time of the year and appears to rise and set in the same place for several days in a row. But while the sun stands still and tonight is long, stars may appear to streak through the sky as the Earth passes through a stream of comet dust — the yearly Ursid meteor shower — which may produce a pleasing shower of shooting stars for northern viewers near the end of the night.

Stolen from The Writer's Almanac, 12/22/11.

Image Source


| Link

Monday, December 19, 2011

 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ...

C

H

R

I

S

T

M
A
S


Remember to keep the MASS in Christmas!
(I mean, THAT is what it's all about, no?)

Image thanks to Dr. Elena Shoshitaishvili.

| Link

Sunday, December 18, 2011

 

Last Year’s Santa Totes Gun, Sings Songs, Needs . . . Beer?

Houston has a goodly share of beggars and bridges. Most of the beggars – forgive me this – look the part, at home, if you will, under a bridge.

Some, however, do raise an eyebrow and serve to tempt:

“Why, he looks perfectly able and healthy – why can’t he get a job?!”

That one looked like Santa Claus.

Wha-?

I said, “That one looked like Santa Claus!”

Did you see him?

Then I realized I was talking to myself; it’d been one of those kinda weeks.

Sigh.

I was on my way home for the Advent Paraklesis service at church when, while turning left under a bridge, I spotted what looked to be Santa … begging.

“Now, wait a minute,” I thought!

He was holding a cardboard poster with some writing on it – but, thanks to the cold rain, I couldn’t quite make it out.

Hmmph. Not tonight, buddy! I didn’t give him anything. I mean, heck, he’s SANTA! What does one give Santa for Christmas?

Weird.

I just drove on past, making my way toward the highway …

My last glance caught a twinkle in his eye and a bit of smile on his lips and ...

Y’all, his sign read NEED BEER.

What is this world coming to?

I squeezed in between ...

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

Original posting - here.

Image (not related to podcast) Source

| Link

Saturday, December 17, 2011

 

Lies Dickens Told Me

Sal Sberna offers a reflection on his blog, The Kingdom by Force - Life as a crumb on the diskos:

I can’t help it. Every year I get sucked into watching one more rendition of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Whether it’s the Muppets, George C. Scott or Patrick Stewart retelling the ubiquitous tale, my heart strings are gently pulled when I see Scrooge’s change of heart after his haunted Christmas Eve.

Nothing could be less Christian. Nothing could be more antithetical to the spirit of true repentance that the days leading up to Christmas try to engender in the faithful.

You see, the story is simply not true. I mean, obviously the plot is ...

Read it all.

Image source

| Link

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

 

To Hell with Evangelism!

Now, before I'm accused of cussing, let me quote:

... upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18b)

I know there are those who believe that Orthodox Christians are relieved of the burden of evangelism, like maybe evangelism's just a Protestant thing.

True, St Seraphim of Sarov did say, "Acquire the Holy Spirit and thousands around you will find their salvation".

So ...

What?

Maybe buying some more icons, surfing some more sites, and smoking up the room will take care of the old evangelism thing?

Fr Alexander Elchaninov: "On Protestantism and Orthodoxy: in the little things they have, they have obtained great results, and we, who have great things, vegetate in mediocrity" (Diary of a Russian Priest, p. 121).

What say ye? Let me know, via email, your ideas, criticisms, concerns, and suggestions concerning Orthodox Evangelism.

Send to the email address, below, by midnight 12/15/2011.

-- orthodixie at aol dot com --

Those emails selected will be quoted, with attribution, in presentations given HERE.

Also, those selected will receive, thanks to the good folks at Conciliar Press, a free copy of Fr Michael Keiser's new book: Spread the Word - Reclaiming the Apostolic Tradition of Evangelism.

Tank image source

| Link

Saturday, December 10, 2011

 

Handel for Ho-Ho, Half Nelson for Noel, Hunger for Hesychia

Ah, the Nativity Fast!

That time of year when many Americans go crazy for gadgets, batteries, champagne, chocolates, and parties.

However, not us.

NO, the Orthodox Christian is fasting: no meat, no dairy, no wine or oil; no milk chocolate; no parties; no, no, No, NO!

Okay, fine. I can’t speak for you, but for me this Winter Festival – or whatever it’s called – is FULL of temptations.

For example the other night:

The wife, son, and I attended our oldest daughter’s “Winter” Concert, while our youngest daughter had her own school gig elsewhere. We arrived early and chose our seats carefully, especially since my wife had brought a camera and tripod for recording. Thus, we chose a front aisle seat, at a section break, so that the camera would not interfere with anyone’s view.

Mind you, we were early: 30 minutes prior to show time.

My first problem was the woman two rows behind me. You know the type: Yap, yap, yap … on and on and on … about the spectacular achievements of her son!

THEN, 1.5 songs into the dozen song concert, a big bulky man came noisily down the aisle bearing backpacks and equipment and began setting up his recording equipment right in front of me.

RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

Did I mention he was big?

Did I mention the “right in front of me” part?

Did I tell you that I beat the living daylights out of him?

No?

Okay, well ...


The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

Image Source

| Link

Thursday, December 08, 2011

 

The Desperate [Orthodox] Wife Hunter


| Link
 

7th Annual Winter Service Retreat for Older Teens & Young Adults

This gathering, which I was blessed to attend a few years back, is worth the drive, time, and sacrifice!

I would encourage any and all to avail themselves!

This year's Retreat Master is Fr. Melitios Webber, Abbot of St. John of Shanghai Monastery in Manton, California.

TOPIC: Why Become (or Remain) Orthodox? How Do We Stand Up for & Live the Faith?

Why become or remain Orthodox rather than simply following the "easier" more populated versions of Christianity practiced by friends and society in general?

Why would/should we choose or continue on the more narrow path, which often includes isolation since most parishes are smaller and within which we have few if any peers?

How are we to become knowledgeable "apologists" and stand on a firm foundation in the faith? In everyday life? In times when we face special challenges and/or temptations?

How do we stand with our heads held high knowing that our beliefs are right and true?

How do we do this without being prideful or thinking "low" of our brothers and sisters in Christ outside of the Orthodox Church?

What are the real dividing lines which separate our Orthodox beliefs from those held by other Christians?

Dates: This year's actual activities will begin on the morning of December 27th. People will travel, arrive and get settled in on the evening of December 26th. The event will end after Divine Liturgy and a meal on Sunday, January 1st, but anyone is welcome to stay until the following day before returning home.

Cost: $225.00 Per Participant - Includes all Food, Lodging, Local Transportation and Fees. Note:

Where: St. George Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas - Rio Grande Valley of South Texas near the Texas-Mexico Border.

This retreat is open to Orthodox teens, college students, young adults, catechumens, inquirers and their friends of any Orthodox jurisdiction. We prepare food for those who are feasting and those who are still within the Nativity Fast.

Hands-on Orthodox Service Activities, Spiritual Talks/Sessions, Working Together, Fellowship & More!

Please publicize and share with others about this wonderful and life-changing event for Orthodox young people and their friends!

Go HERE for more information, as well as for application forms.

| Link

Friday, December 02, 2011

 

Revisiting the Face of Santa


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.

Or, here's one from Russia, 13th century:




I was reminded of this old posting when Jean-Michel sent me these larger images ...

Here & Here.

| Link