Category: Like I have time for anything else in my life.
As you know, I've been learning to play the little woodwind instrumet known as the recorder. But I think it might be too gentle for me. The blood of my ancestors in me would rather me play the bagpipes. But who has the time (or patient enough wife) to learn to play the bagpipes? Soooo.... that only leaves one coice for me: The bodhran.
You can see and hear a bodhran here. (It isthe hand-held drum-like thingy.)
In doing some research I came across some funny bodhran jokes.
1. Fellow walks into a pub in Belfast with a plastic bag under his arms.
The bartender asks "What's that?"
"Six pounds of semtex", he answers.
"Thanks be to Jaysus; I thought it was a bodhrán!"
2. Then there was the bodhran player who remembered that he had left his bodhrán in his unlocked car. Rushing back, he opened his car door to find two more bodhráns in the back seat.
3. A bodhran player was sick of the band abusing him, and decided to start his own. He walked into a music shop, planning to buy the first instruments he saw.
"Give me the red saxophone and that accordion!", he said.
The assistant said, "You play the bodhran, don't you?"
"That's right. Why?"
"Well, the fire exinguisher I can sell you - but the radiator stays.
4. What's the only proper way to play a bodhrán?
With an open penknife.
5. What is the difference between a bodhrán player and a terrorist?
Terrorists have sympathisers.
6. Why do bodhrán players find it difficult to enter a room ?
They never know when to come in.
7. What's the difference between a bodhrán and a trampoline?
You take off your shoes when you jump on a trampoline.
8. Bodhrán care is simple... Rub gently with lighter fluid and ignite.
9. Then of course there was the fiddle player who, while visiting the local pub, was asked for a dollar to help pay for the funeral of a local bodhrán player.
"Here's two dollars;" he says "bury another."
10. What is the difference between a dead bodhran player lying in the road and and a dead rabbit lying in the road?
The rabbit might have been on it's way to a gig.
11. Is a bodhrán-player a musician?
Is a barnacle a ship?
12. What do you call a bodhrán player with a broken wrist?
A huge improvement.
13. How is pre-mature ejaculation like a bodhrán solo?
You know perfectly well what's about to happen, but you can't do a thing about it.
14. What's the difference between a bodhran player and a drum machine?
You only have to punch the rhythm into the drum machine once.
15. What's the difference between a bodhran and an onion?
Most people cry when they cut up an onion.
This was Matt and Jeff's blog. Jeff was unhappy with the way this blog went and wanted to bring in other people. You can see the new blog at http://rub-a-dub.blogspot.com Feel free to read through the archives here. Lots of interesting stuff. Then, pleas join us at rub-a-dub.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
This is one of my favorite days, simply because it has such a strange sounding commemoration: Third finding of the Head of Saint John the Baptist
On this day we celebrate the Third discovery of the honorable head of the Forerunner; Martyr Demetrios the myrrh-streaming.
There are not enough days in the calendar year to set aside one for every religious commemoration. But of the 365 days of the solar year allowed us, each could bear some mention of the great St. John the Baptist without wearing thin the reputation of this mighty figure of Christianity. Referred to as the prefiguration of Jesus Christ, he is remembered on more than one occasion even though it be in seemingly grisly reference to the head that was severed from his body to grant a favor by a callous monarch to a scatterbrained girl.
The eminent St. John the Baptist is commemorated by the Orthodox Church in five different observances as follows: (1) The Conception of St. John the Baptist on September 23, (2) The Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24, (3) The official Feast Day of St. John the Baptist on January 07, (4) The First and Second Findings of the relics of St. John on February 24, and (5) The Third Finding of the Relics of St. John on May 25. It is only fitting that St. John, the forerunner of the Savior for whom he prepared the way, be given at least these five commemorative days if only for the fact that Jesus himself said of him in the Gospel of St. Luke (7.25-28): “Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's court. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written. Behold, I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare the way before thee. For I say unto you, among those who are born unto woman, there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he….”
It was St. Theodore the Studite (feast day, November 11) who had written in some detail about the third discovery of the “kara” (head) of St. John the Baptist, a most precious relic of Christendom which seems to have been intact at least until the ninth century. Since then it has been fragmented so as to appear in several shrines throughout the Christian world. According to St. Theodore, the skull had been kept in Constantinople intact, only to be stolen and eventually returned. What is now certain is that the fragmented skull is preserved in bits and pieces in the Mt. Athos monastery, as well as in Jerusalem, Hungary, and other places not really determined.
The historian George Kodinos maintains that the “kara” (head) of St. John was taken from Jerusalem to Cilicia by followers of a Macedonian group considered to be Christian heretics and then ordered by the Emperor Valens to be placed in Constantinople. After disappearing from its appointed spot, it turned up again; and on the order of Emperor Theodosios it was placed in a shrine in an area known as Ebdomon (Seventh). That fragment, which is venerated on Mt. Athos, rests in honored glory in the Monastery of Dionysios.
The left hand of St. John was stolen by Turks and is now on display with other Turkish artifacts in the Museum of Topkapi in Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. The Christian finds comfort in the fact that although a hand of this beloved saint might rest in a most unlikely place, his spirit is in the hearts of the followers of Jesus Christ throughout the globe.
Quite naturally, the fragmentation and dissemination of the relics of St. John have given rise to stories stemming from the early centuries down through the ages, past the crusades to the present day. If they were all to be believed, there would be as many silvers of St. John's earthly remains as there are sands in the desert. It is enough, therefore, to accept what has been written by St. Theodore the Studite and an historian who took great pains in researching the matter.
In the official observance on May 25, the “Third finding of the Kara” of St. John the Baptist is observed with the memorial hymn whose words are as follows: “Verily from the earth rose the head of the Forerunner, bequeathing to believers incorruptible rays of healing, gathering the crowds of angels from above and calling below the races of mankind to address their voices in unison to Glory of Christ God.” To this the Christian of any denomination can add a humble and sincere “Amen.” .
Orthodox Saints Vol.02 by George Poulos.
On this day we celebrate the Third discovery of the honorable head of the Forerunner; Martyr Demetrios the myrrh-streaming.
There are not enough days in the calendar year to set aside one for every religious commemoration. But of the 365 days of the solar year allowed us, each could bear some mention of the great St. John the Baptist without wearing thin the reputation of this mighty figure of Christianity. Referred to as the prefiguration of Jesus Christ, he is remembered on more than one occasion even though it be in seemingly grisly reference to the head that was severed from his body to grant a favor by a callous monarch to a scatterbrained girl.
The eminent St. John the Baptist is commemorated by the Orthodox Church in five different observances as follows: (1) The Conception of St. John the Baptist on September 23, (2) The Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24, (3) The official Feast Day of St. John the Baptist on January 07, (4) The First and Second Findings of the relics of St. John on February 24, and (5) The Third Finding of the Relics of St. John on May 25. It is only fitting that St. John, the forerunner of the Savior for whom he prepared the way, be given at least these five commemorative days if only for the fact that Jesus himself said of him in the Gospel of St. Luke (7.25-28): “Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's court. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written. Behold, I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare the way before thee. For I say unto you, among those who are born unto woman, there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he….”
It was St. Theodore the Studite (feast day, November 11) who had written in some detail about the third discovery of the “kara” (head) of St. John the Baptist, a most precious relic of Christendom which seems to have been intact at least until the ninth century. Since then it has been fragmented so as to appear in several shrines throughout the Christian world. According to St. Theodore, the skull had been kept in Constantinople intact, only to be stolen and eventually returned. What is now certain is that the fragmented skull is preserved in bits and pieces in the Mt. Athos monastery, as well as in Jerusalem, Hungary, and other places not really determined.
The historian George Kodinos maintains that the “kara” (head) of St. John was taken from Jerusalem to Cilicia by followers of a Macedonian group considered to be Christian heretics and then ordered by the Emperor Valens to be placed in Constantinople. After disappearing from its appointed spot, it turned up again; and on the order of Emperor Theodosios it was placed in a shrine in an area known as Ebdomon (Seventh). That fragment, which is venerated on Mt. Athos, rests in honored glory in the Monastery of Dionysios.
The left hand of St. John was stolen by Turks and is now on display with other Turkish artifacts in the Museum of Topkapi in Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. The Christian finds comfort in the fact that although a hand of this beloved saint might rest in a most unlikely place, his spirit is in the hearts of the followers of Jesus Christ throughout the globe.
Quite naturally, the fragmentation and dissemination of the relics of St. John have given rise to stories stemming from the early centuries down through the ages, past the crusades to the present day. If they were all to be believed, there would be as many silvers of St. John's earthly remains as there are sands in the desert. It is enough, therefore, to accept what has been written by St. Theodore the Studite and an historian who took great pains in researching the matter.
In the official observance on May 25, the “Third finding of the Kara” of St. John the Baptist is observed with the memorial hymn whose words are as follows: “Verily from the earth rose the head of the Forerunner, bequeathing to believers incorruptible rays of healing, gathering the crowds of angels from above and calling below the races of mankind to address their voices in unison to Glory of Christ God.” To this the Christian of any denomination can add a humble and sincere “Amen.” .
Orthodox Saints Vol.02 by George Poulos.
Top selling evangelical devotional books as reported by Lark News:
1. Growing Closer to God Than You Did Last Month (Zondervan)
2. You're Getting Warmer: More Incremental Steps Toward Intimacy with God (Thomas Nelson)
3. Now You're REALLY Close: The 2004 "Almost There" Devotional (Multnomah)
4. The Radical Teen's Funky-Awesome Life Path Adventure Devotional, with Commentary by Television Superstar Kirk Cameron! (InterVarsity)
5. Finding God Through the Inspired Paintings of Thomas Kinkade — A Classic Country Churches Devotional (Angel-Painter of Light Books, Inc.)
1. Growing Closer to God Than You Did Last Month (Zondervan)
2. You're Getting Warmer: More Incremental Steps Toward Intimacy with God (Thomas Nelson)
3. Now You're REALLY Close: The 2004 "Almost There" Devotional (Multnomah)
4. The Radical Teen's Funky-Awesome Life Path Adventure Devotional, with Commentary by Television Superstar Kirk Cameron! (InterVarsity)
5. Finding God Through the Inspired Paintings of Thomas Kinkade — A Classic Country Churches Devotional (Angel-Painter of Light Books, Inc.)
Monday, May 24, 2004
Jeff, I really do not want you to think that I was criticizing how you and Christa work out your marriage. Cyndi and I do what works for us. You should do what works for you.
Now to change the subject: The oniondome is having a contest to come up with the next big Orthodox bumper sticker. (I thought "Our Church Wrote Your Church's Bible!" was good but I guess they didn't like it.) Anyway, these are my enteries:
1. Which thief went to heaven? The Orthodox know.
2. Eat God!
3. Up, down, up, down, up, down, up. Thank God for
confession.
4. Experience church in an unknown tongue. No, not
pentecostal. ORTHODOX!
5. Pray the Trisagion!
6. Celebrate St. Patricks Day the way St. Patrick
would have celebrated it.
7. Become like God! Ask me how.
Also, I came across this very intersting conversation.
And have you given any more thought to my post of April 19?
The road to hana sounds like fun. And bbq-ing sounds like fun. Do you know how to put links in your posts?
Now to change the subject: The oniondome is having a contest to come up with the next big Orthodox bumper sticker. (I thought "Our Church Wrote Your Church's Bible!" was good but I guess they didn't like it.) Anyway, these are my enteries:
1. Which thief went to heaven? The Orthodox know.
2. Eat God!
3. Up, down, up, down, up, down, up. Thank God for
confession.
4. Experience church in an unknown tongue. No, not
pentecostal. ORTHODOX!
5. Pray the Trisagion!
6. Celebrate St. Patricks Day the way St. Patrick
would have celebrated it.
7. Become like God! Ask me how.
Also, I came across this very intersting conversation.
And have you given any more thought to my post of April 19?
The road to hana sounds like fun. And bbq-ing sounds like fun. Do you know how to put links in your posts?
That is a very intersting question. We don't actually have anything like a three point plan to stay intimate. Without sounding like I am criticizing your marriage (After all, if it works for you and keeps your marriage strong that's all that matters), I have always been surprized at your and Christa's desire to not be with with each other or with Caleb at at various functions. I'm remembering how happy you were to have Caleb spend the night with his grandparents, you visiting my church without Caleb and Christa, you and Caleb coming to Anselm's Birthday Party without Christa and you coming to dinner without Caleb and Christa. It seems like you guys look for opportunities not to be together.
It has seemed to me that you and Christa are trying really hard to hang on to the freedom of singleness and childlessness. If that is what makes your marriage good, then by all means, continue. I am not saying that that is bad. But it must be difficult. I don't think I could do it. In a way, I already have done it with my first wife and oldest two sons.
So, what do Cyndi and I do? We surrender to being mates and parents. Which is difficult in its own way, and when the children are grown and move out it might be very painful for us. But right now it seems to work. If you want specifics about how we stay close, here are a few things that we do, but again its not like we sat down and said lets think up a bunch of things that will help us be close to each other.
1. The Morning Prayersand The Evening Prayers: We say morning prayers seperately but at night, we pray the evening service together while Cyndi nurses Anselm.
2. Reading. After Anselm falls asleep Cyndi and I read to each other. (Right now we are reading the most recent book by Alexander McCall Smith.)
3. The Calendar. God regulates our days. We have found that the Church calendar has been a unifying force in our lives. Each day we read the same verses, commemorate the same saints or events, eat the same diet. This extends to sex. Our sex life is regulated. During the fasting periods sex is forbidden because of prayer. During monthly menstruation sex is forbidden out of respect for the holiness of her body. During the feasing periods sex is required because of the joy of the feast. Even the most intimate and private aspects of our marriage are given over to the control of Christ.
4. Inclusion: We include the little boy, Anselm in everything. We rarely go places where we can not take him. I have taken the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder as my model for this.
5. No Television. Ever. Among other bad things television does, it gets between people and hinders connecting. It also gives people unreal and selfish ideas about what life is suppoed to be like.
Hope this helps.
It has seemed to me that you and Christa are trying really hard to hang on to the freedom of singleness and childlessness. If that is what makes your marriage good, then by all means, continue. I am not saying that that is bad. But it must be difficult. I don't think I could do it. In a way, I already have done it with my first wife and oldest two sons.
So, what do Cyndi and I do? We surrender to being mates and parents. Which is difficult in its own way, and when the children are grown and move out it might be very painful for us. But right now it seems to work. If you want specifics about how we stay close, here are a few things that we do, but again its not like we sat down and said lets think up a bunch of things that will help us be close to each other.
1. The Morning Prayersand The Evening Prayers: We say morning prayers seperately but at night, we pray the evening service together while Cyndi nurses Anselm.
2. Reading. After Anselm falls asleep Cyndi and I read to each other. (Right now we are reading the most recent book by Alexander McCall Smith.)
3. The Calendar. God regulates our days. We have found that the Church calendar has been a unifying force in our lives. Each day we read the same verses, commemorate the same saints or events, eat the same diet. This extends to sex. Our sex life is regulated. During the fasting periods sex is forbidden because of prayer. During monthly menstruation sex is forbidden out of respect for the holiness of her body. During the feasing periods sex is required because of the joy of the feast. Even the most intimate and private aspects of our marriage are given over to the control of Christ.
4. Inclusion: We include the little boy, Anselm in everything. We rarely go places where we can not take him. I have taken the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder as my model for this.
5. No Television. Ever. Among other bad things television does, it gets between people and hinders connecting. It also gives people unreal and selfish ideas about what life is suppoed to be like.
Hope this helps.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy!!!!! I just found out that my bishop is going to be here for Pentecost . This is so excellent!!!! As for the service to which you should come, Sunday or Saturday, it is hard to say. I think that it will be easier for you to pay attention on Saturday night, but Sunday is very festive. On Sunday, there will be the the Heirarchical Liturgy, the procession, the kneeling vespers, and a big feast. Hmmmm. I would say that if you want to listen and learn what Pentecost is all about, come to the vigil service on Saturday night. Yes. That is the one you should come to. My parents will be there on Saturday night, too.
Here is why Saturday is the better service for you to come to: Last night was the vigil for the fathers of the first ecumenical council. Almost the entire service was about the defeat of the arian heresy. The first OT reading was from Genesis where Abraham assembled an army of 318 men to rescue Lot. (What does that have to do with the 1st council, you ask? Well, 318 bishops were assembled by St. Constantine to rescue the Church from Arius.) The second reading was that passage I showed you a while ago about God instituting the priesthood to speak for Him. And the 3rd OT reading was about Israel's responsibilities to the nations. And then there were all of the poems about the council. The same thing will happen at Vigil for Pentecost on Saturday night. All kinds of thigs from the history of the Church, from Adam through today will be brought in to the service to explain what Pentecost is about. Sunday is really the celebration of what was preached on Saturday night. (the liturgical day starts at Sundown.)
Cyndi and I signed up to cook for the parish on the last Sunday of June. We're making salmon.
I remember that Christa had questions about confession. My bishop wrote this. It might answer her questions.
In other news, I came across this fun website.
Here is why Saturday is the better service for you to come to: Last night was the vigil for the fathers of the first ecumenical council. Almost the entire service was about the defeat of the arian heresy. The first OT reading was from Genesis where Abraham assembled an army of 318 men to rescue Lot. (What does that have to do with the 1st council, you ask? Well, 318 bishops were assembled by St. Constantine to rescue the Church from Arius.) The second reading was that passage I showed you a while ago about God instituting the priesthood to speak for Him. And the 3rd OT reading was about Israel's responsibilities to the nations. And then there were all of the poems about the council. The same thing will happen at Vigil for Pentecost on Saturday night. All kinds of thigs from the history of the Church, from Adam through today will be brought in to the service to explain what Pentecost is about. Sunday is really the celebration of what was preached on Saturday night. (the liturgical day starts at Sundown.)
Cyndi and I signed up to cook for the parish on the last Sunday of June. We're making salmon.
I remember that Christa had questions about confession. My bishop wrote this. It might answer her questions.
In other news, I came across this fun website.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
I was reading the book Praying with Icons this moring. (I have political differences with the author but he is good on Icons.) and came across this line. "Don't spend money on icons. Instead go out on the street and see Christ in the faces of the poor."
I've been wondering, why are stopping at the M.A. ? (and which M.A. program are you in? Are you doing the general format Theology M.A. or one of the specializations?). Isn't the M.Div. what most of the churches you will be applying to be looking for?
I've been wondering, why are stopping at the M.A. ? (and which M.A. program are you in? Are you doing the general format Theology M.A. or one of the specializations?). Isn't the M.Div. what most of the churches you will be applying to be looking for?
Friday, May 21, 2004
Well, much has happened in the last few days.
Had my second test in my med. vocab. class. I didn't do well. I am doing worse in this class than I have ever done in any class I have ever taken. I just haven't been studying.
The owner of the apratments came by today. It was nice getting to talk. He was very impressed with the grounds, and liked Cyndi's idea for putting in a deck by the pool. Also it was good to show him 100% occupancy. (as of today)
The little boy showed some pertusis-like symptoms this afternoon. If they show again we will take him to the doctor. He has been coughing since his birthday party but when we took him to the doctor a couple of weeks ago his lungs were clear. Kind of like when your car makes a noise except for when you take it to the mechanic.
Had my second test in my med. vocab. class. I didn't do well. I am doing worse in this class than I have ever done in any class I have ever taken. I just haven't been studying.
The owner of the apratments came by today. It was nice getting to talk. He was very impressed with the grounds, and liked Cyndi's idea for putting in a deck by the pool. Also it was good to show him 100% occupancy. (as of today)
The little boy showed some pertusis-like symptoms this afternoon. If they show again we will take him to the doctor. He has been coughing since his birthday party but when we took him to the doctor a couple of weeks ago his lungs were clear. Kind of like when your car makes a noise except for when you take it to the mechanic.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
The Vigil service for Ascension is being served right now. But Cyndi is at work until midnight and I just got the little boy to bed. But is is such a beautiful service, I wish I could be there. Below is part of a catchism that can be found at www.Orthodox.net:
Q: What significance does the event of the Ascension of Jesus Christ have for the Christian?
A: Christ ascended to Heaven as man and as God. Once he became a man, being at the same time, as always, perfect God, he never put off His manhood, but deified it, and made it, and us capable of apprehending heavenly things. The Ascension is a prophecy of things to come for those who love God and believe in Him in an Orthodox manner. Those who believe and live according to this belief will be in the heavens, in the flesh, with Him, just as He now abides in the Heavens in the flesh. Our flesh and souls will be saved, because Christ made human flesh capable of deification.
We also call to mind the promise of the Holy Spirit, since Christ mentions this promise He had made before to them, and it's advent is tied to His ascension thusly:
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. {8} And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {9} Of sin, because they believe not on me; {10} Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; {11} Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:7-11)
What Christ has done for human flesh and our souls is impossible to understand, but the church, with sweet melody, meditates with fervor and thanksgiving and precise theology in her services.
"O Christ, having taken upon thy shoulders our nature, which had gone astray, thou didst ascend and bring it unto God the Father" (Matins canon for the Ascension, Ode 7)
"Having raised our nature, which was deadened by sin, Thou didst bring it unto Thine own Father, O Savior" (ibid.)
"Unto Him Who by His descent destroyed the adversary, and Who by His ascent raised up man, give praise O ye priests, and supremely exalt Him, O ye people, unto all the ages." (Matins canon for the Ascension, Ode 8)
Since the disciples were "filled with great joy", we who are Orthodox in belief and way of life should naturally be this way also, and should hasten to the temple to meditate upon the magnificent truths and promises in the ascension by listening carefully to the divinely inspired theology, sung in sweet melody. If we pray with care, and expectation, having valued divine worship above our worldly cares, surely God will enlighten us and noetically teach us the true meaning of Christ's Ascension.
Q: What significance does the event of the Ascension of Jesus Christ have for the Christian?
A: Christ ascended to Heaven as man and as God. Once he became a man, being at the same time, as always, perfect God, he never put off His manhood, but deified it, and made it, and us capable of apprehending heavenly things. The Ascension is a prophecy of things to come for those who love God and believe in Him in an Orthodox manner. Those who believe and live according to this belief will be in the heavens, in the flesh, with Him, just as He now abides in the Heavens in the flesh. Our flesh and souls will be saved, because Christ made human flesh capable of deification.
We also call to mind the promise of the Holy Spirit, since Christ mentions this promise He had made before to them, and it's advent is tied to His ascension thusly:
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. {8} And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {9} Of sin, because they believe not on me; {10} Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; {11} Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:7-11)
What Christ has done for human flesh and our souls is impossible to understand, but the church, with sweet melody, meditates with fervor and thanksgiving and precise theology in her services.
"O Christ, having taken upon thy shoulders our nature, which had gone astray, thou didst ascend and bring it unto God the Father" (Matins canon for the Ascension, Ode 7)
"Having raised our nature, which was deadened by sin, Thou didst bring it unto Thine own Father, O Savior" (ibid.)
"Unto Him Who by His descent destroyed the adversary, and Who by His ascent raised up man, give praise O ye priests, and supremely exalt Him, O ye people, unto all the ages." (Matins canon for the Ascension, Ode 8)
Since the disciples were "filled with great joy", we who are Orthodox in belief and way of life should naturally be this way also, and should hasten to the temple to meditate upon the magnificent truths and promises in the ascension by listening carefully to the divinely inspired theology, sung in sweet melody. If we pray with care, and expectation, having valued divine worship above our worldly cares, surely God will enlighten us and noetically teach us the true meaning of Christ's Ascension.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
I've been having trouble this entire period of Pascha. for weeks now I have been homesick for Lent. I just read an amazing article about C.S. Lewis and asceticism that made the feeling of homesickness accute. I suck at fasting. But I am better at that than I am the feasting. I think that part of it is that I struggle harder against sin during lent. I am not yet strong/mature/vigilant/holy enough to relax during the feast times. Sin waits at the door.
Hmmm. I wonder to what degree reading C.S. Lewis as a child contributed to me becoming Orthodox as an adult?
Hmmm. I wonder to what degree reading C.S. Lewis as a child contributed to me becoming Orthodox as an adult?
Sunday, May 16, 2004
This has not been a day that lived up to my plans for it. As you know we drive from San Jose to San Francisco to do the Divine Liturgy. But today when we got off the freeway in San Francisco, we discovered that the road we needed to take to get to the church was blocked off. Many roads were blocked off. Why? The Bay to Breakers. There are several things I do not like about San Francisco: They are the Bay to Breakers, the San Francisco Marathon, the Pride Parade, the Folsom Street Fair, and the Union Street Festival. Each of them takes place on a Sunday, and each of them blocks off the northern 1/3 of the City, which is where my church is. It is very annoying.
So, this morning we were not able to get to church. So we decided to go to an other nearby Orthodox Church, Mission of the Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos. But just as we were getting there (via many detours because of the Bay to Breakers) we realised we were late and that the service was almost over. Synaxis starts 1/2 hour earlier than Holy Trinity. Arrrrgh!!!!!!
So, we went to Katz's bagels on 16th street.. After that we took a ride on the J Line through Noe Valley. It was a nice ride. (But wht else is to be expected on one of the prettiest urban railway lines in the U.S.A.? ) we came back via the same line and got off at Dolores Park. The boy watched some people playing tennis, and they gave him a ball. He had fun passing the ball back and forth under the fence with the woman who gave it to him. Then he had fun rolling the ball down the hill. (He enjoys the Law Gravity. I can't wait till he discovers the Law of Biogenesis and Kepler's Laws. ) Then we walked over to our favorite grocery store, Bi-Rite on 18th street. Cyndi went shopping while I and the boy played ball with a big old goldren retriever outside the store. (It was waiting for it's master.)
Something that is really nice about San Francisco, maybe any dense city, is the sound of church bells. At various times during the morning, and in different neighborhoods, we heard them. It was neat. Even though the world was busy running the Bay to Breakers, and some Christians were not able to make it to church, the churches still held services and announced the reading of the Gospel, ot the consecration of the bread and wine, or the Creed, or just the start of the service with bells. In a happy and reverent voice the little boy said "bells!" If you are interested, you can hear the bells of my church here.
So, this morning we were not able to get to church. So we decided to go to an other nearby Orthodox Church, Mission of the Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos. But just as we were getting there (via many detours because of the Bay to Breakers) we realised we were late and that the service was almost over. Synaxis starts 1/2 hour earlier than Holy Trinity. Arrrrgh!!!!!!
So, we went to Katz's bagels on 16th street.. After that we took a ride on the J Line through Noe Valley. It was a nice ride. (But wht else is to be expected on one of the prettiest urban railway lines in the U.S.A.? ) we came back via the same line and got off at Dolores Park. The boy watched some people playing tennis, and they gave him a ball. He had fun passing the ball back and forth under the fence with the woman who gave it to him. Then he had fun rolling the ball down the hill. (He enjoys the Law Gravity. I can't wait till he discovers the Law of Biogenesis and Kepler's Laws. ) Then we walked over to our favorite grocery store, Bi-Rite on 18th street. Cyndi went shopping while I and the boy played ball with a big old goldren retriever outside the store. (It was waiting for it's master.)
Something that is really nice about San Francisco, maybe any dense city, is the sound of church bells. At various times during the morning, and in different neighborhoods, we heard them. It was neat. Even though the world was busy running the Bay to Breakers, and some Christians were not able to make it to church, the churches still held services and announced the reading of the Gospel, ot the consecration of the bread and wine, or the Creed, or just the start of the service with bells. In a happy and reverent voice the little boy said "bells!" If you are interested, you can hear the bells of my church here.
On friday I was transporting a gas canister in the back of my car. (I had to take it to the welding supply shop to get it refilled) Had to throw on the brakes. The canister slid and collided with the back of the drivers seat. Snapped the steel frame of the seat. Driving is difficult. Yesterday went looking for replacement seat. The delaership wants about $1,000. Went to the junkyard. No Accuras. But there is a welder who will fix it for about $300 on monday. Well, off to church now.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Well, the day is just about over and I thought I would throw a few thoughts on the wall and see if any thing sticks. As I write this I am drinking one of my fave cocktails: 1 oz Gin (it is always capitalized.) and 4 oz water, ice.
1. Today I rolled down a grassy hill . It was a lot of fun. The little boy gets a monthly magazine from the National Wildlife Federation that tells stories about various animals. In thlatest issue there are wolverine brothers, one of which enjoys tumbling in the grass. For the last few days the little boy has been going out in front of apartments and tumbling down the hill like the baby wolverine. (The hill falls about three feet over 6 feet so it isn't very steep.) Today, after he had gone a couple of times he said, "Daddy tumble". So I tumbled. It was a lot of fun. So did it again. The little boy cackled with delight. I think I will have to tumble in the grass every day.
2. Still waiting for your reply fo my post of April 19.
3. I've been thinking about the upcomming presidential election. I always vote a pure pro-life ticket (Si, como no?) But this year there is the whole terrorism thing. If the state is destroyed or even seriously hindered by terrorists it doesn't matter if it is a pro-life government running the state. So, who will be the terror of terrorists, the defender of our borders and avenger of our dead? This is not a very hard question to answer. Just look at who votes for the two candidates. Who would would I rather have commanding our might? Who knows more about hunting down our enemies and killing them? The women's studies faculty at Dartmouth? Or the members of the NRA? For which candidate will most if not all of the Dartmouth professors vote? (Nader does not count.) For which of the candidate will most of the NRA members vote? On national defense I think I trust Joe Bob in an NRA hat over Prof. Ackerman in her Birkenstock's . (Ha! I'm actually wearing Birkenstock's as I write this!)
(But I am very annoyed by the Prsident's environmental record. Mercury pollution in the air should not be tradeable. It should be banned. He seems to have forgotten that conservation and conservative are related words.)
4. I went shopping today and got a good deal on lamb shanks. Below is the recipe for the dish I will make on Saturday.
BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND SHALLOTS
Lamb Shanks
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound onions, sliced
5 large shallots, sliced (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried
6 3/4- to 1-pound lamb shanks
all purpose flour
2 1/2 cups dry red wine
2 1/2 cups canned beef broth
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
Potato and Root vegetable mash
3 large russet potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 rutabagas (about 1 3/4 pounds), peeled, halved, thinly sliced
6 small parsnips (about 14 ounces), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
For lamb shanks:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and shallots and sauté until brown, about 20 minutes. Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle lamb shanks with salt and pepper; coat lamb with flour. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Working in batches, all lamb shanks to skillet and cook until brown on both sides, about 10 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer lamb shanks to plate. Add 1 cup dry red wine to same skillet and bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Pour into Dutch oven with onion mixture. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups red wine, canned beef broth, tomato paste and 2 bay leaves to dutch oven. Bring to boil, stirring until tomato paste dissolves. Add lamb shanks, turning to coat with liquid.
Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lamb is almost tender, turning lamb shanks occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Uncover Dutch oven and boil until liquid is reduced to sauce consistency, stirring and turning lamb shanks occasionally, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For Mash:
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add potatoes, rutabagas and parsnips. Boil until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
Return vegetables to same pot. Mash until coarse puree forms. Mix in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Season vegetables to taste with salt and pepper. (Vegetable mash can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, stirring frequently.) Transfer vegetables to bowl and serve.
Spoon Potato and Root Vegetable Mash onto plates. Top vegetables with lamb shanks and sauce. Sprinkle lamb shanks with additional chopped fresh rosemary and serve.
1. Today I rolled down a grassy hill . It was a lot of fun. The little boy gets a monthly magazine from the National Wildlife Federation that tells stories about various animals. In thlatest issue there are wolverine brothers, one of which enjoys tumbling in the grass. For the last few days the little boy has been going out in front of apartments and tumbling down the hill like the baby wolverine. (The hill falls about three feet over 6 feet so it isn't very steep.) Today, after he had gone a couple of times he said, "Daddy tumble". So I tumbled. It was a lot of fun. So did it again. The little boy cackled with delight. I think I will have to tumble in the grass every day.
2. Still waiting for your reply fo my post of April 19.
3. I've been thinking about the upcomming presidential election. I always vote a pure pro-life ticket (Si, como no?) But this year there is the whole terrorism thing. If the state is destroyed or even seriously hindered by terrorists it doesn't matter if it is a pro-life government running the state. So, who will be the terror of terrorists, the defender of our borders and avenger of our dead? This is not a very hard question to answer. Just look at who votes for the two candidates. Who would would I rather have commanding our might? Who knows more about hunting down our enemies and killing them? The women's studies faculty at Dartmouth? Or the members of the NRA? For which candidate will most if not all of the Dartmouth professors vote? (Nader does not count.) For which of the candidate will most of the NRA members vote? On national defense I think I trust Joe Bob in an NRA hat over Prof. Ackerman in her Birkenstock's . (Ha! I'm actually wearing Birkenstock's as I write this!)
(But I am very annoyed by the Prsident's environmental record. Mercury pollution in the air should not be tradeable. It should be banned. He seems to have forgotten that conservation and conservative are related words.)
4. I went shopping today and got a good deal on lamb shanks. Below is the recipe for the dish I will make on Saturday.
BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND SHALLOTS
Lamb Shanks
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound onions, sliced
5 large shallots, sliced (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried
6 3/4- to 1-pound lamb shanks
all purpose flour
2 1/2 cups dry red wine
2 1/2 cups canned beef broth
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
Potato and Root vegetable mash
3 large russet potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 rutabagas (about 1 3/4 pounds), peeled, halved, thinly sliced
6 small parsnips (about 14 ounces), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
For lamb shanks:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and shallots and sauté until brown, about 20 minutes. Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle lamb shanks with salt and pepper; coat lamb with flour. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Working in batches, all lamb shanks to skillet and cook until brown on both sides, about 10 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer lamb shanks to plate. Add 1 cup dry red wine to same skillet and bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Pour into Dutch oven with onion mixture. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups red wine, canned beef broth, tomato paste and 2 bay leaves to dutch oven. Bring to boil, stirring until tomato paste dissolves. Add lamb shanks, turning to coat with liquid.
Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lamb is almost tender, turning lamb shanks occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Uncover Dutch oven and boil until liquid is reduced to sauce consistency, stirring and turning lamb shanks occasionally, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For Mash:
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add potatoes, rutabagas and parsnips. Boil until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
Return vegetables to same pot. Mash until coarse puree forms. Mix in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Season vegetables to taste with salt and pepper. (Vegetable mash can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, stirring frequently.) Transfer vegetables to bowl and serve.
Spoon Potato and Root Vegetable Mash onto plates. Top vegetables with lamb shanks and sauce. Sprinkle lamb shanks with additional chopped fresh rosemary and serve.
Last night for our anniversary Cyndi and I went to see a double feature of Jungle Princess and The Hurricane at the Stanford Theater. (I don't know if you know this or not but my brothers did some of the restoration work on that building)
Of the two movies we saw, The Hurricane was the best. I'd seen a couple of remake of it but this was my first time to see the orriginal. It was much better than the remakes.
It was also fun to listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer being played by a real organ master during intermission.
Of the two movies we saw, The Hurricane was the best. I'd seen a couple of remake of it but this was my first time to see the orriginal. It was much better than the remakes.
It was also fun to listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer being played by a real organ master during intermission.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
I am happy to report the hummus turned out pretty good. A little bit too much tahini ( I use Maranatha brand tahini, but I suppose I should make my own someday; it is so simple to make.) but other than that, really good.
Cyndi got offered a fab job in Daly City. So I am going to quit the shoestore and take over the property managing. I might have to stop doing any work for AllDorm, too. (but I really want to get a couple of more deals)
Tomorrow is the third anniversary of my wedding. What a great day that was. I had a friend at Hotels.com who hooked me up with a room at the Nugget. The problem was that we were getting married at Caesar's at Lake Tahoe. So we got to Tahoe, drove up the strip and didn't see the Nugget. So we drove down the strip and didn't see the Nugget. Then it dawned on me: The Nugget is in Reno!!!! So we got a room at another hotel, went to the county to get the license, back to the hotel to eat dinner and change clothes (We didn't stay at Caesars's because it was too expensive.), and the to Caeser's to get married. It was a hoot! I've never seen anything like it. Imagine a church decorated by Liberace and you'll have some idea of what it was like. But it was also the best day of my life, so far.
Cyndi got offered a fab job in Daly City. So I am going to quit the shoestore and take over the property managing. I might have to stop doing any work for AllDorm, too. (but I really want to get a couple of more deals)
Tomorrow is the third anniversary of my wedding. What a great day that was. I had a friend at Hotels.com who hooked me up with a room at the Nugget. The problem was that we were getting married at Caesar's at Lake Tahoe. So we got to Tahoe, drove up the strip and didn't see the Nugget. So we drove down the strip and didn't see the Nugget. Then it dawned on me: The Nugget is in Reno!!!! So we got a room at another hotel, went to the county to get the license, back to the hotel to eat dinner and change clothes (We didn't stay at Caesars's because it was too expensive.), and the to Caeser's to get married. It was a hoot! I've never seen anything like it. Imagine a church decorated by Liberace and you'll have some idea of what it was like. But it was also the best day of my life, so far.
Monday, May 10, 2004
Well, been a busy day. I'm very surprised by how much I enjoy working at the shoe store. It is much fun. After work I went shopping and bought Cyndi a carved chocolate tulip filled with chocolate mouse. (This was to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of completing all the work on our wedding announcements. Well, all the work except the mailing. We didn't actually mail them out until the day after we got married. That was a lot of fun. Speaking of anniversaries, Wednesday is my third wedding anniversary. Very very happy.) I also bought a fig spread, brie, and little crackers for dinner. Drank a Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc. It was good. After dinner Cyndi went to work, and the boy and I went swimming.
As soon as the boy is asleep (he is "helping" me type this.) I am going to do homework and make hummus. I have a whole bunch of garbonzos, tahini, garlic, and lemons waiting for me to do something beatiful. I should be able to get a gallon of hummus.
As soon as the boy is asleep (he is "helping" me type this.) I am going to do homework and make hummus. I have a whole bunch of garbonzos, tahini, garlic, and lemons waiting for me to do something beatiful. I should be able to get a gallon of hummus.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
The little boy just fell asleep. It has been a rough day for him. I don't know why but he didn't take a nap all day. We tried and tried to get him to take a nap but he just wouldn't fall asleep. Usually, he falls asleep in the car on the way home from church. But not today.
Oh, yes. Finally got to church. two sermons! Very rare. One right after the Gospel and another just before the veneration of the cross. It was good to be back. I think I'll be able to make it to the Vigil for the Feast of the Ascension.
I'm enjoying the job at the shoestore. I wish I could do it full time.
Ooops! the little boy just walked into the office. I better go put him back to bed.
Oh, yes. Finally got to church. two sermons! Very rare. One right after the Gospel and another just before the veneration of the cross. It was good to be back. I think I'll be able to make it to the Vigil for the Feast of the Ascension.
I'm enjoying the job at the shoestore. I wish I could do it full time.
Ooops! the little boy just walked into the office. I better go put him back to bed.
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Your going to a tropical paradise with your wife and your taking books?!?! Are you old? Is the plumbing not working?
Friday, May 07, 2004
Anselm plays with the phone, too. Thankfully he has never dialed 911. Once, when we lived in SF I mistakenly dialed 911 when I meant to dial 411. As soon as I realised the mistake I hung up. Police were there in a heart beat. Insisted on seeing everyone in the house.
Pentecost, my parish's patronal feast day, is on the 30th of May. So, in addition to it being a major feast of the Orthodox Church, it is also a very intimate celebration for my parish. It is a huge deal. (About as big a deal as Nativity, but not as big as Pascha.). You are invited.
It starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday night, the 29th, with the Festal Vigil.
On Sunday the 30th it continues at 9:30 a.m. On Saturday night there is a blessing of bread and wine that is a lot of fun, and you will also hear the theology of Holy Spirit expounded in poetry. On Sunday there is the liturgy, the procession (you will get wetted with holy water), and the kneeling prayers (during which we pray for everyone and everything in the universe), followed by huge meal. It is a great time. Please try to come. You'll be glad you did.
Pentecost, my parish's patronal feast day, is on the 30th of May. So, in addition to it being a major feast of the Orthodox Church, it is also a very intimate celebration for my parish. It is a huge deal. (About as big a deal as Nativity, but not as big as Pascha.). You are invited.
It starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday night, the 29th, with the Festal Vigil.
On Sunday the 30th it continues at 9:30 a.m. On Saturday night there is a blessing of bread and wine that is a lot of fun, and you will also hear the theology of Holy Spirit expounded in poetry. On Sunday there is the liturgy, the procession (you will get wetted with holy water), and the kneeling prayers (during which we pray for everyone and everything in the universe), followed by huge meal. It is a great time. Please try to come. You'll be glad you did.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
I guess you think IVF is okay. I don't. It was developed at the Jones Institute where thousands of human embryos were killed in the development of the process. To use this procedure to have a child is like using the data collected by the Nazi doctors in the treatment of disease. The knolwedge might be true, but it is tainted by murder.
In manipulating the endocrine system of a woman and speeding up her natural bodily rythms, her sexuality is reducecd to that of a dairy cow.
IVF results in thousands of unwanted frozen people; people who are stranded for years in freezers, waiting for their parents to decide to try for implantation. If they are not implanted they are destroyed. (In 1996 in Great Britain 3,300 frozen embryos were thawed out, destroyed with saline solution, and incinerated as biological waste.) If they are implanted they are usually implanted 5 or 6 at a time. Then the culling by surgical abortion begins. IVF is ugly, barbaric, and inhuman.
Also, it is faithless. Christians should trust God to give them the children He wants them to have.
I am dissapointed that Mike is doing it. I am shocked you approve.
I'm working part time at a shoestore in Palo Alto. But still trying to close deals for AllDorm. Because of school I need a very flexible work schedule.
In manipulating the endocrine system of a woman and speeding up her natural bodily rythms, her sexuality is reducecd to that of a dairy cow.
IVF results in thousands of unwanted frozen people; people who are stranded for years in freezers, waiting for their parents to decide to try for implantation. If they are not implanted they are destroyed. (In 1996 in Great Britain 3,300 frozen embryos were thawed out, destroyed with saline solution, and incinerated as biological waste.) If they are implanted they are usually implanted 5 or 6 at a time. Then the culling by surgical abortion begins. IVF is ugly, barbaric, and inhuman.
Also, it is faithless. Christians should trust God to give them the children He wants them to have.
I am dissapointed that Mike is doing it. I am shocked you approve.
I'm working part time at a shoestore in Palo Alto. But still trying to close deals for AllDorm. Because of school I need a very flexible work schedule.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
I just looked at my son's godfather's pasrish's website today. There I found a link to an other site. On that site I found this cool quote.
"Since according the divine Apostle it is ‘Not because of works, lest any man should boast’ [Eph 3:9] that salvation comes to us who believe, we must not be confident at all in our works—I mean fasting and vigils, sleeping on the ground, hunger and thirst, binding the body with irons or troubling it with hair shirts. These things are nothing at all, because many indeed among the evil-doers and the wretched have endured such things and remained the same, neither ceasing from their evil nor improving from their wickedness. While these actions do contribute a little to dragging the body down toward humility, or better, to incapacity and infirmity, yet this by itself is not what God is seeking. He longs instead for a broken spirit, a humble and contrite heart, and for us always to speak our heart to Him with humility: ‘Who am I, my Master and God, that You came down and took flesh and died for me, so that You could deliver me from death and corruption, and make me a communicant and participant of Your glory and divinity?’ When, according to the invisible movements of your heart, you find yourself in this state, you will discover Him immediately embracing you and kissing you mystically, and bestowing on you a right spirit in your inward parts, a spirit of freedom and of remission of your sins. Nor this alone but, crowning you as well with His gifts, He will make you glorious with wisdom and knowledge."
(St. Symeon the New Theologian, "Eighth Ethical Discourse")
"Since according the divine Apostle it is ‘Not because of works, lest any man should boast’ [Eph 3:9] that salvation comes to us who believe, we must not be confident at all in our works—I mean fasting and vigils, sleeping on the ground, hunger and thirst, binding the body with irons or troubling it with hair shirts. These things are nothing at all, because many indeed among the evil-doers and the wretched have endured such things and remained the same, neither ceasing from their evil nor improving from their wickedness. While these actions do contribute a little to dragging the body down toward humility, or better, to incapacity and infirmity, yet this by itself is not what God is seeking. He longs instead for a broken spirit, a humble and contrite heart, and for us always to speak our heart to Him with humility: ‘Who am I, my Master and God, that You came down and took flesh and died for me, so that You could deliver me from death and corruption, and make me a communicant and participant of Your glory and divinity?’ When, according to the invisible movements of your heart, you find yourself in this state, you will discover Him immediately embracing you and kissing you mystically, and bestowing on you a right spirit in your inward parts, a spirit of freedom and of remission of your sins. Nor this alone but, crowning you as well with His gifts, He will make you glorious with wisdom and knowledge."
(St. Symeon the New Theologian, "Eighth Ethical Discourse")
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Sunday, May 02, 2004
Well, this has been a weekend of disapointment. I missed the canonical election of the bishop on Friday because of work. I missed the consecration of the new bishop on Saturday because of work. I missed the new bishops first hierarchichal liturgy this morning because just as we were getting to church the little boy vomited his breakfast all over the front of himself. (He's been sick since his birthday party.) It was so sad. As we were leaving the bells were ringing and he was so excited. He was pointing at the tower and saying "bells!". And then as we were driving away from the church he said in a sad voice, "church." Again he said it but even more sadly than the first time, when we got on the freeway to go home. This was the third week for all of us to not have confession or communion. Hopefully, next Saturday we can make it.
On a much happier note, just and Anselm and I were finishing up Vespers at home, one of our friends from church called. We had a good talk, made some plans for the pilgramage to Ft. Ross on July 4. And I should say that it was so nice to pray Vespers. I rarely light incense but as soon as I did I felt like we were in the heavenly temple. I think I might have had a mystical experience. I am not sure. I do not know how to describe it or even if I should try. It is hard to know. How can I trust my perceptions when I am so corrupt?
On a much happier note, just and Anselm and I were finishing up Vespers at home, one of our friends from church called. We had a good talk, made some plans for the pilgramage to Ft. Ross on July 4. And I should say that it was so nice to pray Vespers. I rarely light incense but as soon as I did I felt like we were in the heavenly temple. I think I might have had a mystical experience. I am not sure. I do not know how to describe it or even if I should try. It is hard to know. How can I trust my perceptions when I am so corrupt?
Saturday, May 01, 2004
If you are going to Hawaii, I expect you to mail me a coconut. All you have to do is put stamps and a sticker with my address on it and the USPS will deliver it.
Because of my and Cyndi's various jobs, we have missed all the activities having to do with the consecration of the new bishop. I am a little bit bummed. But, I have quite a bit to be bummed about right now. Nevertheless, I must admit that as difficult as things are right now, my situation is very much better than the state I was in in the mid 90's. I remember being full of dispair, laying on the floor of the warehouse wherein I was living, being drunk on cheap brandy and begging God to kill me. I'm glad He ignored that prayer.
Because of my and Cyndi's various jobs, we have missed all the activities having to do with the consecration of the new bishop. I am a little bit bummed. But, I have quite a bit to be bummed about right now. Nevertheless, I must admit that as difficult as things are right now, my situation is very much better than the state I was in in the mid 90's. I remember being full of dispair, laying on the floor of the warehouse wherein I was living, being drunk on cheap brandy and begging God to kill me. I'm glad He ignored that prayer.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Well, it has been a stressful day. I negotiated my departure from AllDorm. I'm no longer an employee but am an independant contractor. That status will give me the freedom to finish up the deals I am working on and do other things, besides. Cyndi found out that we might be losing our apartment. The owner of the property has not been paying the management company, which is Cyndi's employer. Looks like we will have a place to live until the 31st of May but after that, well, who knows?
You said you'd like to read what EXFC said in reply. I don't have the email they sent me anymore, but, essentially, he defended the use of the Masoretic text, showed me that if I had clicked on a link I would have seen that they know there are 19 different churches that make up the Orthodox Church, and asked how you and I can possible be frineds. (He looked at the blog.)
You said you'd like to read what EXFC said in reply. I don't have the email they sent me anymore, but, essentially, he defended the use of the Masoretic text, showed me that if I had clicked on a link I would have seen that they know there are 19 different churches that make up the Orthodox Church, and asked how you and I can possible be frineds. (He looked at the blog.)
Thursday, April 29, 2004
There is a group called ExOrthodox For Christ. I'm not sure they were really Orthodox, though. A lot of the things they say seem more directed against the Roman Catholic Church. Also, some of their stuff reminds me of the anti-catholic stuff I've seen in Jack Chick comic books. Below is an email I sent to them. I received thirr permission to use their copywrited material on this blog. The text is word for word what appeard on their website on April 28, 2004.
Hi, I took a look at your site and just can't figure you guys out. It seems to me that you must have only been nominally Orthodox because a lot of what you say is half right; it is as though you know something about the Orthodox Church but you have some gaps in your knowledge. I'm really not interested in arguing or debating, but perhaps you will let me help you understand the Orthodox Church you left. We'd like to have you back.
The text from your page on the Beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church is below. My comments follow each of your statements. When in this email I say you are correct or incorrect I'm not judging your theology or your interpretation of the Bible. I'm not adressing what you belive in that regard at all. I am only saying that your statement about Orthodoxy is or is not correct. Obviously, all people are free to believe anything you want about God.
XOFC: "There are many people not familiar with the beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church"
Matt: This is correct.
XOFC: "(The "Eastern Orthodox Church" would include the 3 key Orthodox Groups: the Russian Orthodox Church, The Greek Orthodox Church, and the Orthodox Church of America [OCA] )."
Matt: You got three of them but, actually, the Orthodox Church is composed of 19 different churches around the world. You can see a list of them at this website: http://oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Orthodox-Churches/index.htm . You might want to update your website.
XOFC: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that Salvation is an ongoing process, not something obtainable as a result of exclusive belief in the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Death & Resurrection.
Matt: This is only partially correct, or rather is not really detailed enough to accurately state the Orthodox teaching. For Orthodox salvation is not just getting into heaven, or being forgiven of sins. Rather, it is a relationship with God, or as the Apostle Peter said, it is partaking in the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4) Also, as I am sure you have read, the Apostle Paul wrote, "By Grace are you saved through faith" (Eph 2:8). So, obviously, we Orthodox affirm that we are saved by grace through faith. (Disagreeing with an apostle is a non-starter.) And we know, the faith of the church in Rome was famous (Rom 1:8) But the Apostle Paul said to them "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:14)" Why did he say this if they were already saved? Well, the Orthodox answer to this question is that belief in Jesus must be combined with putting that belief into action -- feeding the hungry, ministering to others, etc. Both are essential. But combined with those positive works of ministery are the negative, or resistive works of fighting and killing our own flesh. Again, the Apostle Paul is instructive in this regard. He teaches us in his letter to the Galatians (Ch. 5) that we must combat those works of the flesh and must live in the Spirit. For we who live in the Spirit wait in faith for the hope of righteousness. (Gal 5:5) And three times in the first chapter of the Epislte of James we read that faith without works is dead. So, if James, the brother of the Lord, The one who was the fisrt bishop of jerusalem said this, we are not about to disagree with him. For indeed one can "believe" in Jesus' death and resurrection and yet lead a life that betrays that belief. Hence belief alone is not sufficient. The Lord said, "Not all who say 'Lord, Lord' will have a place in my Kingdom."
XOFC: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that it is not possible for anyone to have definite knowledge of their own salvation (or the salvation of anyone else) prior to physical death.
Matt: This is correct but needs some explanation. We believe that God is sovereign and who He saves is really up to Him, not us. Our knowledge is limited. Judas was once one of Jesus' closest twelve disciples. Today he is in Hell. The thief on the cross was, well, a thief. But he went to paradise.
XOFC: " The Eastern Orthodox Church denies that man is born with sin. Further, the Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that man can will himself to not sin. As such, these teachings negate the need for the death and resurrection of Christ, and the need to believe in his exclusive atonement for our sins and salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone."
Matt: Again, this is partly true. As I am sure you know, Roman Catholics and the vast majority of Protestants follow the teaching of St. Augustine (who, by the way is an Orthodox saint.) on Original Sin. The Orthodox have a different understnding of Original Sin. The Orthodox Church teaches that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin. (But we are all guilty of our own sins, so its not like we don't need a Redeemer.) The western churches (with a few exceptions) teach that everyone bears not only the consequence, but also the guilt, of that sin.
XOFC: "Since the Eastern Orthodox Church denies original sin. However, the EOC also advocates the theory that humans can simply will themselves to stop sinning of their own free will. This leads many in the EOC to a state of confusion: they know that their denomination teaches that they can be "without sin", yet those who attend Eastern Orthodox Churches freely admit that they do sin. Many orthodox have left the Eastern Orthodox church to find churches that provide a view of mankind that is more consistent with human nature as all of mankind actually experiences it: a state of being "fallen" or imperfect. (At their new churches, Orthodox people then learn the true centrality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and understand the importance of his sacrifice on the Cross - this frees them up to Trust Jesus Christ exclusively and totally, thereby doing away with the internal compulsion of trying to obtain salvation by one's own good works). "
Matt: As for being able to will ourselves not to sin, that is not something I have ever heard an Orthodox Christian say. In fact, because our experience of sin is so great, we pray often for God's mercy, that He will deliver us even from temptation, because we are weak and quick to fall. Maybe what you are thinking of is our belief that as we mature in the faith, we will be better at resisting temptation? We are very quick to say that we are fallen and imperfect. And again, we do not try to buy salvation by doing good works. Rather the Orthodox church teaches us to live our salvation through good works. Salvation is by God's grace.
XOFC: "Those who stay within the EOC are left with this dilema: how to worship Christ while maintaining - doctrinally - the futility of His death and resurrection...which EOC doctrine affirms is largely irrelevant. EOC catechism usually emphasizes works of personal devotion Those who stay within the EOC are left with this dilema: how to worship Christ while maintaining - doctrinally - the futility of His death and resurrection...which EOC doctrine affirms is largely irrelevant. EOC catechism usually emphasizes works of personal devotion Those who stay within the EOC are left with this dilema: how to worship Christ while maintaining - doctrinally - the futility of His death and resurrection...which EOC doctrine affirms is largely irrelevant. "
MAtt: Wow! I can hardley believe you said that! Are you sure you used to be Orthodox? Haven't you heard the Paschal Troparion? "Christ is risen from the dead/Trampling down death by death/And upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" The Crucifixion and the Resurrection of the Lord are the most important events in history. They are constantly referenced in our liturgies. Had Jesus not died and defeated death we would still be dead in our sins, there would be no ressurection.
XOFC: "EOC catechism usually emphasizes works of personal devotion ...as a substitutionary basis for one's personal sense of redemption through the rather than on the completed death & resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Matt: I've read three different Orthodox catechetical works and do not remember seeing anything like what you are saying in any of them. However, it is true that we tend to not put too much trust in the way we feel. Our emeotions are still influenced by our fallen nature so we tend to be wary of them.
XOFC: To this concept, the Orthodox Church has given the nice sounding name of "Theosis", which is the process of EOC adherence learning to accept their own Godhood as they are able to save themselves.
Matt: Actually, this is a gross misstatement. We are not a bunch of Shirely McClains. It is true that we believe that we are saved by becoming like God. But this is by His grace and love, not by our discovering an inate "God-ness". We are trasnformed. And this transformation has only barely begun in any of us. Even after our resurrection on the last day, we will still be striving to go, as C.S. Lewis put it in his book The Last Battle, "higher up and further in"
XOFC: Historically and Factually, The Eastern Orthodox Church routinely uses extra-biblical sources (such as the Apocrypha) to justify doctrines 1) found nowhere in the Bible and 2) which contradict the teachings & doctrines of the Bible.
Matt: Yes. This is a mostly true statement. We do believe the Bible is part of a larger Christian Tradition. However, the books you refer to as Apochrypha we regard as part of the Bible. Also, the Bible is at the core of the Tradition.
Now as for contradicting Scripture I don't have a better answer for you that to quote Elder Cleopas of Romania on the Tradition of the Orthodox Church:
"The Church of Christ determined the truths of the faith, according to the long course of Tradition, through the teachings and canons of the holy Oecumenical Councils, decrees and the Symbol of Faith [The Creed], and with confessions [of Faith] by holy and wonderworking hierarchs such as were made at the many local synods which have been held continuously since the days of old. At these synods the authenticity and genuineness of the holy Orthodox Faith was firmly established, primarily therein where it was attacked by the existing heresies of the time. From the totality of such synods appears the irrevocable and inalterable content of Holy Tradition. This is understood when you examine closely the essence of the following conditions:
- Do not sanction conceptions that contain inconsistencies amongst themselves or contradictions with the apostolic Tradition and Holy Scripture. (A teaching is to be considered worthy of “Tradition” when it stems from the Saviour or the Holy Apostles and is directly under the influence of the Holy Spirit.)
- The Tradition is that which has been safeguarded from the Apostolic Church and has an uninterrupted continuity until today.
- The Tradition is that which is confessed and practiced by the entire universal Orthodox Church.
- The Tradition is that which is in harmony with the greatest portion of the fathers and ecclesiastical writers.
When a tradition does not fulfil these stipulations, it cannot be considered true and holy, and consequently cannot be considered admissible or fit to be observed."
XOFC: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes in communication with the Dead, and in their ability to intercede for us or on our behalf to God the Father. This is an ancient pagan practice that is explicitly forbidden by the Bible and Christianity, since it places the practitioner in the position of sinning and of being deceived by demonic spirits taking on the form & identity of those who are deceased. Communication with the dead is a forbidden practice of the occult that opens a person up to Spiritual Deception which the Eastern Orthodox Church has encouraged by using Christian terminology to make it seem alright. Many people are unknowingly deceived ,and then cannot figure out why God seems so distant to them...in many cases, their occult practice stands in the way...The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that its members can pray to Mary and that she can intervene or talk to Jesus Christ on our Behalf.
Matt: We do not believe that people who have died in Christ are really dead. Jesus said he is the resurrection and the life. It simply is not possible for one of his own, someone who has "put on Christ" to die. Sure the body dies and returns to dust, but the spirit and soul live on and are concsious. But how do we know those of us in heaven are concious of us? Well, remember Hebrews 11? We are surrounded by all of the champions of the faith who have gone on before us. It's like we are in a stadium, still struggling and fighting against sin, the flesh and the spirit of this world, but they are in the stands cheering us on. God doesn't seem distant to me. We believe we can ask any Christian to pray for us, living or dead (but again they we do not believe they are really dead).
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that Salvation [which they re-define as "Union in Christ"] comes through the process of partaking of the Eucharist, believing that the Eucharistic Host (wafer/bread) becomes the physical Body of Jesus Christ. "
Matt: The Orthodox do not use wafers. Roman Catholics use wafers that they call hosts. The bread used by Orthodox is called the Lamb, and is leavened. Are you sure you used to be Orthodox?
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects Eternal Security and believes that Christians can loose their salvation."
Matt: This isn't really true. We just see that we are not really saved until we have finished the race. It is a question of what is salvation. Please see my explanation regarding your 4th statement. Of course, you know about 1/2 of Evangelical Protestants reject the Calvinist doctrine of Eternal Security.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the doctrine of the Priesthood of Believers, and believes that the Priests in its hierarchy stand spiritually on a level which is superior to laymen, giving priests the ability to understand the Bible in ways that Orthodox Church goers cannot understand as a result of their own study of the Bible. "
Matt: Man, you are so close on this one. As you might remember from your baptism and chrismation, you were tonsured a priest. (that is what that hair cutting stuff was all about.) All Orthodox Christians, the clergy and laity alike, are called to the priestly ministery of offering the Eucharist, but each according to their rank. A deacon would not dare to take the place of a bishop. A layman would not dare to take the place of a deacon. But all work together to offer worship to God. Now while it is true that at their ordination, the clergy (priests and bishops) receive a special charisma to teach, it is not true that the layity do not share in that ministry. St. Justin Martyr was a layman but was also one of the best and earliest teachers of the faith. And of course there are plenty of lay teachers in the Orthodox Church today. Just look at the faculty list at www.svots.edu . a large percentage of the professors there are laymen. Or visit any sunday school in any Orthodox church and you will see.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that Protestants are Heretical Schismatics who have departed from the true faith, this despite the fact that most Orthodox groups are fighting amongst each other, concerning competing claims of spiritual supremacy, several of them having declared each other to be Schismatics."
Matt: Actually we believe that Protestantism is heresy. But we do not usually label protestants as heretics. To be a heretic a person would have to be Orthodox and then repudiate one or more of the Orthodox Church's teachings. Most Protestants do not fall into that category. We usually refer to protestants as Western Christians or as Heterodox Christians. Being a heretic is a very personal thing and requires a personal choice to leave Orthodoxy. That is a choice most Protestants have never made. We do see that there is a radical schismatic tendency in Protestantism. In Orthodoxy the tendency is there, too. By God's grace we will overcome it.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church fosters the impression that the Orthodox Church of American is independent or "autocephalous" (their term - not ours), without disclosing the fact that the Orthodox Church of America is little more than a rubber-stamp of the Greek Orthodox Church ruled as an Autarchy from Mt. Athos."
Matt: This is incorrect. If you spend some time looking at the website to which I refered you you will see that there are several Orthodox Jurisdictions in North America. The OCA is the only autcephalous jurisdiction on this continent. The other jurisdictions are under the protection of bishops in Europe and Asia. I think you might be thinking about about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese which is under the fairly tight control of the Patriarch of Constantinople. But that has nothing to do with Mt. Athos, which is a semi-autonomos region of the Republic of Greece. What is your source for this?
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that its rituals are handed down from eons past, in holy reverence with great care taken to preserve the original and authentic liturgy of the past. The historical record constantly contradicts this, and continues to demonstrate that most of the Liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox Church dates to not earlier than the 1600, even after the time of the Protestant Reformation."
Matt: Again, this is partially true. While some of the details vary from place to place and time to time, the faith expressed, and the basic stucture of the liturgy have remained unchaged since, well, since the beginning. Our liturgy is based on what goes on in heaven in the heavenly temple. But if you want, you can pick of a copy of St. Justin Martyrs writings and see an outline of the Orthodox Liturgy that was being served in Rome in 2nd century A.D. Another thing to remember is that most of the liturgy is Scripture.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church Hierarchy is constantly taking increasing steps to find reconciliation with the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, in meetings and gatherings designed to validate counterfeit claims of legitimacy that do not withstand historical scrutiny."
Matt: I am not sure what you are refering to so I can't comment other than to say the Orthodox Church seeks reconcilliation with all Christians.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church fosters the concept that it is the Church of the Seven Councils, suggesting that it agrees with the first 6 historical worldwide Ecumenical Church councils which took place in Early Church History. Yet the historical facts are clear: The Teachings of the 7th council - to which the Eastern Orthodox Church subscribes - are clear and direct contradictions to the teachings of the 6 Church Councils which preceded the 7th. "
Matt: Ive read Edinburgh Editions of the acts and canons of all 7 councils and I can't figure out what you are talking about. If you are going to say something like this you really ought to give more details. Do you mean dogmatic decrees disagree with each other or do you mean that canons have been changed? Can you give examples?
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church claims to believe in the Septuagint as its key Text. The main problem with this concept is that no 2 copies of the Septuagint accord (agree) with each other. How then can we tell which Septuagint is the right one to read or follow ? Contrary to popular mythology, it is not as though there were dozens of copies of the Septuagint lying around - for purposes of Textual Comparison. No, the oldest copies of the [supposed] septuagint are the following:
1. Codex Vaticanus - (known to even those scholars during the Reformation who rejected it as a corrupted manuscripts)
2. Codex Sinaiticus - this it the copy of the corrupt manuscript discovered by Constantin von Tischendorf, when he went to the Middle East to search for ancient manuscripts.
You might think that Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus agree with each other. Nothing could be further from the truth. Tischendorf states that Both of these 4th Century texts were part of the 50 Bible that Eusebius commissioned for Constantine [worshipper of Sol Invictus/Mithras]. However these two Bible manuscripts disagree with each other in more than 2,000 (Yes, Two Thousand) places. Further, these two manuscripts have more Bible verses which disagree with each other, than that agree with each other. (These manuscripts however, are held in high regard by the Roman Catholic Church)Please recall that Tischendorf - (A tenured German professor at the height of Biblical Criticism within the Anti-Reformation German Educational system ) - left to find manuscripts of the Bible because he accepted the myth that the Biblical text used by the Christian church for 1800 years - could not - be the real, actual, literal Bible. Both of these comprise the oldest copies of the Septuagint. Again, we must make the point that it is hard to understand how the Eastern Orthodox Church can claim to value the Septuagint and base its theology on the Septuagint- if it cannot even find 3 copies that agree with each other.{Contrast this with the Greek Textus Receptus, which accords with more than 95% of all Bible Manuscripts found to date, in all countries}."
Matt: First, you seem to be saying that the Textus Receptus is superior to the Septuagint. If that is true, you are comparing apples and oranges. The Septuagint is the Old Testament translated into Greek in Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus(287-47 B.C.). The Textus Receptus is a New Testament majority text put together by Desiderius Erasmus in the 16th Century A.D.. So of course it agrees with most early texts of the New Testament. It was designed to do just that. That is the definition of a majority text. Two websites will serve you well are: http://www.skypoint.com/~waltzmn/TR.html and http://www.solagroup.org/articles/faqs/faq_0032.html
Now about discrepencies between texts: Among the oldest texts of both the NT and the OT there are very few errors of consequence and no important doctrines rely on questionable texts. All Christians have textual problems.
Now, if you want to talk about the Septuagint, it is widely known that most (though not all) NT quotations of the OT are taken from the Septuagint.
Yes, Septugint is the "official" translation of the OT used by the Orthodox Church. The oldest framents of which date to the 1st Century BC. There are also complete edtions by Origen (died in A.D. 256) and St. Ambrose (died A.D. 397). Most Protestant translations are based on various copies of the Masoretic Text, the oldest fragments of which date from the 9th Century A.D. (I do not know how the dead sea scrolls play into the history of the Masoretic or the Septuagint.)
XFOC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church often retains its commitment to non-answers suggesting that all inconvenient questions are a "mystery" to which none can know the answer to."
Matt: I tend to think of this as humility, not a way to avoid difficult questions. For instance, the Incarnation is a mystery. We do not understand how God can become a man. How can something larger than the universe live in a virgins womb? The Crucifixion is a mystery. How can he who is the Lord of life submit to the cross? Our only response to these things can be silence and awe.
So, without trying to convice you of the truth of the claims of the Orthodox Church, I hope I have been able to explain what we believe a little bit better.
Hi, I took a look at your site and just can't figure you guys out. It seems to me that you must have only been nominally Orthodox because a lot of what you say is half right; it is as though you know something about the Orthodox Church but you have some gaps in your knowledge. I'm really not interested in arguing or debating, but perhaps you will let me help you understand the Orthodox Church you left. We'd like to have you back.
The text from your page on the Beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church is below. My comments follow each of your statements. When in this email I say you are correct or incorrect I'm not judging your theology or your interpretation of the Bible. I'm not adressing what you belive in that regard at all. I am only saying that your statement about Orthodoxy is or is not correct. Obviously, all people are free to believe anything you want about God.
XOFC: "There are many people not familiar with the beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church"
Matt: This is correct.
XOFC: "(The "Eastern Orthodox Church" would include the 3 key Orthodox Groups: the Russian Orthodox Church, The Greek Orthodox Church, and the Orthodox Church of America [OCA] )."
Matt: You got three of them but, actually, the Orthodox Church is composed of 19 different churches around the world. You can see a list of them at this website: http://oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Orthodox-Churches/index.htm . You might want to update your website.
XOFC: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that Salvation is an ongoing process, not something obtainable as a result of exclusive belief in the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Death & Resurrection.
Matt: This is only partially correct, or rather is not really detailed enough to accurately state the Orthodox teaching. For Orthodox salvation is not just getting into heaven, or being forgiven of sins. Rather, it is a relationship with God, or as the Apostle Peter said, it is partaking in the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4) Also, as I am sure you have read, the Apostle Paul wrote, "By Grace are you saved through faith" (Eph 2:8). So, obviously, we Orthodox affirm that we are saved by grace through faith. (Disagreeing with an apostle is a non-starter.) And we know, the faith of the church in Rome was famous (Rom 1:8) But the Apostle Paul said to them "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:14)" Why did he say this if they were already saved? Well, the Orthodox answer to this question is that belief in Jesus must be combined with putting that belief into action -- feeding the hungry, ministering to others, etc. Both are essential. But combined with those positive works of ministery are the negative, or resistive works of fighting and killing our own flesh. Again, the Apostle Paul is instructive in this regard. He teaches us in his letter to the Galatians (Ch. 5) that we must combat those works of the flesh and must live in the Spirit. For we who live in the Spirit wait in faith for the hope of righteousness. (Gal 5:5) And three times in the first chapter of the Epislte of James we read that faith without works is dead. So, if James, the brother of the Lord, The one who was the fisrt bishop of jerusalem said this, we are not about to disagree with him. For indeed one can "believe" in Jesus' death and resurrection and yet lead a life that betrays that belief. Hence belief alone is not sufficient. The Lord said, "Not all who say 'Lord, Lord' will have a place in my Kingdom."
XOFC: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that it is not possible for anyone to have definite knowledge of their own salvation (or the salvation of anyone else) prior to physical death.
Matt: This is correct but needs some explanation. We believe that God is sovereign and who He saves is really up to Him, not us. Our knowledge is limited. Judas was once one of Jesus' closest twelve disciples. Today he is in Hell. The thief on the cross was, well, a thief. But he went to paradise.
XOFC: " The Eastern Orthodox Church denies that man is born with sin. Further, the Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that man can will himself to not sin. As such, these teachings negate the need for the death and resurrection of Christ, and the need to believe in his exclusive atonement for our sins and salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone."
Matt: Again, this is partly true. As I am sure you know, Roman Catholics and the vast majority of Protestants follow the teaching of St. Augustine (who, by the way is an Orthodox saint.) on Original Sin. The Orthodox have a different understnding of Original Sin. The Orthodox Church teaches that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin. (But we are all guilty of our own sins, so its not like we don't need a Redeemer.) The western churches (with a few exceptions) teach that everyone bears not only the consequence, but also the guilt, of that sin.
XOFC: "Since the Eastern Orthodox Church denies original sin. However, the EOC also advocates the theory that humans can simply will themselves to stop sinning of their own free will. This leads many in the EOC to a state of confusion: they know that their denomination teaches that they can be "without sin", yet those who attend Eastern Orthodox Churches freely admit that they do sin. Many orthodox have left the Eastern Orthodox church to find churches that provide a view of mankind that is more consistent with human nature as all of mankind actually experiences it: a state of being "fallen" or imperfect. (At their new churches, Orthodox people then learn the true centrality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and understand the importance of his sacrifice on the Cross - this frees them up to Trust Jesus Christ exclusively and totally, thereby doing away with the internal compulsion of trying to obtain salvation by one's own good works). "
Matt: As for being able to will ourselves not to sin, that is not something I have ever heard an Orthodox Christian say. In fact, because our experience of sin is so great, we pray often for God's mercy, that He will deliver us even from temptation, because we are weak and quick to fall. Maybe what you are thinking of is our belief that as we mature in the faith, we will be better at resisting temptation? We are very quick to say that we are fallen and imperfect. And again, we do not try to buy salvation by doing good works. Rather the Orthodox church teaches us to live our salvation through good works. Salvation is by God's grace.
XOFC: "Those who stay within the EOC are left with this dilema: how to worship Christ while maintaining - doctrinally - the futility of His death and resurrection...which EOC doctrine affirms is largely irrelevant. EOC catechism usually emphasizes works of personal devotion Those who stay within the EOC are left with this dilema: how to worship Christ while maintaining - doctrinally - the futility of His death and resurrection...which EOC doctrine affirms is largely irrelevant. EOC catechism usually emphasizes works of personal devotion Those who stay within the EOC are left with this dilema: how to worship Christ while maintaining - doctrinally - the futility of His death and resurrection...which EOC doctrine affirms is largely irrelevant. "
MAtt: Wow! I can hardley believe you said that! Are you sure you used to be Orthodox? Haven't you heard the Paschal Troparion? "Christ is risen from the dead/Trampling down death by death/And upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" The Crucifixion and the Resurrection of the Lord are the most important events in history. They are constantly referenced in our liturgies. Had Jesus not died and defeated death we would still be dead in our sins, there would be no ressurection.
XOFC: "EOC catechism usually emphasizes works of personal devotion ...as a substitutionary basis for one's personal sense of redemption through the rather than on the completed death & resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Matt: I've read three different Orthodox catechetical works and do not remember seeing anything like what you are saying in any of them. However, it is true that we tend to not put too much trust in the way we feel. Our emeotions are still influenced by our fallen nature so we tend to be wary of them.
XOFC: To this concept, the Orthodox Church has given the nice sounding name of "Theosis", which is the process of EOC adherence learning to accept their own Godhood as they are able to save themselves.
Matt: Actually, this is a gross misstatement. We are not a bunch of Shirely McClains. It is true that we believe that we are saved by becoming like God. But this is by His grace and love, not by our discovering an inate "God-ness". We are trasnformed. And this transformation has only barely begun in any of us. Even after our resurrection on the last day, we will still be striving to go, as C.S. Lewis put it in his book The Last Battle, "higher up and further in"
XOFC: Historically and Factually, The Eastern Orthodox Church routinely uses extra-biblical sources (such as the Apocrypha) to justify doctrines 1) found nowhere in the Bible and 2) which contradict the teachings & doctrines of the Bible.
Matt: Yes. This is a mostly true statement. We do believe the Bible is part of a larger Christian Tradition. However, the books you refer to as Apochrypha we regard as part of the Bible. Also, the Bible is at the core of the Tradition.
Now as for contradicting Scripture I don't have a better answer for you that to quote Elder Cleopas of Romania on the Tradition of the Orthodox Church:
"The Church of Christ determined the truths of the faith, according to the long course of Tradition, through the teachings and canons of the holy Oecumenical Councils, decrees and the Symbol of Faith [The Creed], and with confessions [of Faith] by holy and wonderworking hierarchs such as were made at the many local synods which have been held continuously since the days of old. At these synods the authenticity and genuineness of the holy Orthodox Faith was firmly established, primarily therein where it was attacked by the existing heresies of the time. From the totality of such synods appears the irrevocable and inalterable content of Holy Tradition. This is understood when you examine closely the essence of the following conditions:
- Do not sanction conceptions that contain inconsistencies amongst themselves or contradictions with the apostolic Tradition and Holy Scripture. (A teaching is to be considered worthy of “Tradition” when it stems from the Saviour or the Holy Apostles and is directly under the influence of the Holy Spirit.)
- The Tradition is that which has been safeguarded from the Apostolic Church and has an uninterrupted continuity until today.
- The Tradition is that which is confessed and practiced by the entire universal Orthodox Church.
- The Tradition is that which is in harmony with the greatest portion of the fathers and ecclesiastical writers.
When a tradition does not fulfil these stipulations, it cannot be considered true and holy, and consequently cannot be considered admissible or fit to be observed."
XOFC: The Eastern Orthodox Church believes in communication with the Dead, and in their ability to intercede for us or on our behalf to God the Father. This is an ancient pagan practice that is explicitly forbidden by the Bible and Christianity, since it places the practitioner in the position of sinning and of being deceived by demonic spirits taking on the form & identity of those who are deceased. Communication with the dead is a forbidden practice of the occult that opens a person up to Spiritual Deception which the Eastern Orthodox Church has encouraged by using Christian terminology to make it seem alright. Many people are unknowingly deceived ,and then cannot figure out why God seems so distant to them...in many cases, their occult practice stands in the way...The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that its members can pray to Mary and that she can intervene or talk to Jesus Christ on our Behalf.
Matt: We do not believe that people who have died in Christ are really dead. Jesus said he is the resurrection and the life. It simply is not possible for one of his own, someone who has "put on Christ" to die. Sure the body dies and returns to dust, but the spirit and soul live on and are concsious. But how do we know those of us in heaven are concious of us? Well, remember Hebrews 11? We are surrounded by all of the champions of the faith who have gone on before us. It's like we are in a stadium, still struggling and fighting against sin, the flesh and the spirit of this world, but they are in the stands cheering us on. God doesn't seem distant to me. We believe we can ask any Christian to pray for us, living or dead (but again they we do not believe they are really dead).
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that Salvation [which they re-define as "Union in Christ"] comes through the process of partaking of the Eucharist, believing that the Eucharistic Host (wafer/bread) becomes the physical Body of Jesus Christ. "
Matt: The Orthodox do not use wafers. Roman Catholics use wafers that they call hosts. The bread used by Orthodox is called the Lamb, and is leavened. Are you sure you used to be Orthodox?
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects Eternal Security and believes that Christians can loose their salvation."
Matt: This isn't really true. We just see that we are not really saved until we have finished the race. It is a question of what is salvation. Please see my explanation regarding your 4th statement. Of course, you know about 1/2 of Evangelical Protestants reject the Calvinist doctrine of Eternal Security.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the doctrine of the Priesthood of Believers, and believes that the Priests in its hierarchy stand spiritually on a level which is superior to laymen, giving priests the ability to understand the Bible in ways that Orthodox Church goers cannot understand as a result of their own study of the Bible. "
Matt: Man, you are so close on this one. As you might remember from your baptism and chrismation, you were tonsured a priest. (that is what that hair cutting stuff was all about.) All Orthodox Christians, the clergy and laity alike, are called to the priestly ministery of offering the Eucharist, but each according to their rank. A deacon would not dare to take the place of a bishop. A layman would not dare to take the place of a deacon. But all work together to offer worship to God. Now while it is true that at their ordination, the clergy (priests and bishops) receive a special charisma to teach, it is not true that the layity do not share in that ministry. St. Justin Martyr was a layman but was also one of the best and earliest teachers of the faith. And of course there are plenty of lay teachers in the Orthodox Church today. Just look at the faculty list at www.svots.edu . a large percentage of the professors there are laymen. Or visit any sunday school in any Orthodox church and you will see.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church believes that Protestants are Heretical Schismatics who have departed from the true faith, this despite the fact that most Orthodox groups are fighting amongst each other, concerning competing claims of spiritual supremacy, several of them having declared each other to be Schismatics."
Matt: Actually we believe that Protestantism is heresy. But we do not usually label protestants as heretics. To be a heretic a person would have to be Orthodox and then repudiate one or more of the Orthodox Church's teachings. Most Protestants do not fall into that category. We usually refer to protestants as Western Christians or as Heterodox Christians. Being a heretic is a very personal thing and requires a personal choice to leave Orthodoxy. That is a choice most Protestants have never made. We do see that there is a radical schismatic tendency in Protestantism. In Orthodoxy the tendency is there, too. By God's grace we will overcome it.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church fosters the impression that the Orthodox Church of American is independent or "autocephalous" (their term - not ours), without disclosing the fact that the Orthodox Church of America is little more than a rubber-stamp of the Greek Orthodox Church ruled as an Autarchy from Mt. Athos."
Matt: This is incorrect. If you spend some time looking at the website to which I refered you you will see that there are several Orthodox Jurisdictions in North America. The OCA is the only autcephalous jurisdiction on this continent. The other jurisdictions are under the protection of bishops in Europe and Asia. I think you might be thinking about about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese which is under the fairly tight control of the Patriarch of Constantinople. But that has nothing to do with Mt. Athos, which is a semi-autonomos region of the Republic of Greece. What is your source for this?
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that its rituals are handed down from eons past, in holy reverence with great care taken to preserve the original and authentic liturgy of the past. The historical record constantly contradicts this, and continues to demonstrate that most of the Liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox Church dates to not earlier than the 1600, even after the time of the Protestant Reformation."
Matt: Again, this is partially true. While some of the details vary from place to place and time to time, the faith expressed, and the basic stucture of the liturgy have remained unchaged since, well, since the beginning. Our liturgy is based on what goes on in heaven in the heavenly temple. But if you want, you can pick of a copy of St. Justin Martyrs writings and see an outline of the Orthodox Liturgy that was being served in Rome in 2nd century A.D. Another thing to remember is that most of the liturgy is Scripture.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church Hierarchy is constantly taking increasing steps to find reconciliation with the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, in meetings and gatherings designed to validate counterfeit claims of legitimacy that do not withstand historical scrutiny."
Matt: I am not sure what you are refering to so I can't comment other than to say the Orthodox Church seeks reconcilliation with all Christians.
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church fosters the concept that it is the Church of the Seven Councils, suggesting that it agrees with the first 6 historical worldwide Ecumenical Church councils which took place in Early Church History. Yet the historical facts are clear: The Teachings of the 7th council - to which the Eastern Orthodox Church subscribes - are clear and direct contradictions to the teachings of the 6 Church Councils which preceded the 7th. "
Matt: Ive read Edinburgh Editions of the acts and canons of all 7 councils and I can't figure out what you are talking about. If you are going to say something like this you really ought to give more details. Do you mean dogmatic decrees disagree with each other or do you mean that canons have been changed? Can you give examples?
XOFC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church claims to believe in the Septuagint as its key Text. The main problem with this concept is that no 2 copies of the Septuagint accord (agree) with each other. How then can we tell which Septuagint is the right one to read or follow ? Contrary to popular mythology, it is not as though there were dozens of copies of the Septuagint lying around - for purposes of Textual Comparison. No, the oldest copies of the [supposed] septuagint are the following:
1. Codex Vaticanus - (known to even those scholars during the Reformation who rejected it as a corrupted manuscripts)
2. Codex Sinaiticus - this it the copy of the corrupt manuscript discovered by Constantin von Tischendorf, when he went to the Middle East to search for ancient manuscripts.
You might think that Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus agree with each other. Nothing could be further from the truth. Tischendorf states that Both of these 4th Century texts were part of the 50 Bible that Eusebius commissioned for Constantine [worshipper of Sol Invictus/Mithras]. However these two Bible manuscripts disagree with each other in more than 2,000 (Yes, Two Thousand) places. Further, these two manuscripts have more Bible verses which disagree with each other, than that agree with each other. (These manuscripts however, are held in high regard by the Roman Catholic Church)Please recall that Tischendorf - (A tenured German professor at the height of Biblical Criticism within the Anti-Reformation German Educational system ) - left to find manuscripts of the Bible because he accepted the myth that the Biblical text used by the Christian church for 1800 years - could not - be the real, actual, literal Bible. Both of these comprise the oldest copies of the Septuagint. Again, we must make the point that it is hard to understand how the Eastern Orthodox Church can claim to value the Septuagint and base its theology on the Septuagint- if it cannot even find 3 copies that agree with each other.{Contrast this with the Greek Textus Receptus, which accords with more than 95% of all Bible Manuscripts found to date, in all countries}."
Matt: First, you seem to be saying that the Textus Receptus is superior to the Septuagint. If that is true, you are comparing apples and oranges. The Septuagint is the Old Testament translated into Greek in Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus(287-47 B.C.). The Textus Receptus is a New Testament majority text put together by Desiderius Erasmus in the 16th Century A.D.. So of course it agrees with most early texts of the New Testament. It was designed to do just that. That is the definition of a majority text. Two websites will serve you well are: http://www.skypoint.com/~waltzmn/TR.html and http://www.solagroup.org/articles/faqs/faq_0032.html
Now about discrepencies between texts: Among the oldest texts of both the NT and the OT there are very few errors of consequence and no important doctrines rely on questionable texts. All Christians have textual problems.
Now, if you want to talk about the Septuagint, it is widely known that most (though not all) NT quotations of the OT are taken from the Septuagint.
Yes, Septugint is the "official" translation of the OT used by the Orthodox Church. The oldest framents of which date to the 1st Century BC. There are also complete edtions by Origen (died in A.D. 256) and St. Ambrose (died A.D. 397). Most Protestant translations are based on various copies of the Masoretic Text, the oldest fragments of which date from the 9th Century A.D. (I do not know how the dead sea scrolls play into the history of the Masoretic or the Septuagint.)
XFOC: "The Eastern Orthodox Church often retains its commitment to non-answers suggesting that all inconvenient questions are a "mystery" to which none can know the answer to."
Matt: I tend to think of this as humility, not a way to avoid difficult questions. For instance, the Incarnation is a mystery. We do not understand how God can become a man. How can something larger than the universe live in a virgins womb? The Crucifixion is a mystery. How can he who is the Lord of life submit to the cross? Our only response to these things can be silence and awe.
So, without trying to convice you of the truth of the claims of the Orthodox Church, I hope I have been able to explain what we believe a little bit better.
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
In the couple of months when I was overlapping Protestantism and Orthodoxy I was going to a church in S.F. called Cornerstone. This article from Touchstone Magazine reminds me of that church:
"Her song had a different effect on me than I suspect she thought it would. It did, perhaps, bring me closer to Jesus, but by bringing me closer to the sinfulness of my own heart, the kind of heart that would be excited to lust by a pretty woman begging to be filled, and that would be instructed by its conscience to avert the eyes until she was done with her performance."
But to be fair, I did see something like this at an Orthodox church once. Not in the actual temple, of course, but in the parish hall. It was during the "Only Christ" conference I went to a few years ago, about the same time I was going to Cornerstone. There was a young woman (17-19?) who sang a song to open the conference. She was dressed a little immodestly. I looked around and almost every man in the room was looking at the floor while she was on stage.
"Her song had a different effect on me than I suspect she thought it would. It did, perhaps, bring me closer to Jesus, but by bringing me closer to the sinfulness of my own heart, the kind of heart that would be excited to lust by a pretty woman begging to be filled, and that would be instructed by its conscience to avert the eyes until she was done with her performance."
But to be fair, I did see something like this at an Orthodox church once. Not in the actual temple, of course, but in the parish hall. It was during the "Only Christ" conference I went to a few years ago, about the same time I was going to Cornerstone. There was a young woman (17-19?) who sang a song to open the conference. She was dressed a little immodestly. I looked around and almost every man in the room was looking at the floor while she was on stage.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Jeff I don't know if you'd be interested in coming to this or not, but you might be. It is a fairly rare occurance.
SAN FRANCISCO -- His Grace, Bishop TIKHON of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in America announces that Archimandrite Benjamin's Episcopal Consecration will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, California, on Friday, April 30, 2004, and Saturday, May 1, 2004 . The canonical election will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 30, 2004 , followed by Great Vespers.
Divine Liturgy and the Consecration of Archimandrite Benjamin as Bishop of Berkeley and Auxiliary to His Grace, Bishop TIKHON will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, 2004 . His Beatitude HERMAN, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, primate of the Orthodox Church in America, will preside at the service which will be begin at 9:30 AM.
Archimandrite Benjamin was born Vincent Peterson in Pasadena, CA on June 1, 1954 and was baptized and chrismated at Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA on April 27, 1972. In 1978 he was awarded a Master of Divinity degree and Certificate in Liturgical Music from Saint Vladimir Seminary.
A prolific musician, he served as choirmaster at parishes in Detroit, MI and Los Angeles and as chairman of the Orthodox Church in America's Department of Liturgical Music. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on November 15, 1987 by Bishop Tikhon at his home parish, which he served for 10 years as deacon and youth and education director. The following year he was tonsured a riasophore monk by Bishop Tikhon and further tonsured to the lesser schema by His Eminence, Archbishop [now Metropolitan] Herman at Saint Tikhon Monastery, South Canaan, PA. In 1991 he was elevated to the rank of archdeacon.
On July 19, 1997, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Tikhon. In 1999, Igumen Benjamin was was transferred to the Diocese of Alaska. In addition to other responsibilities, he served as dean of Saint Innocent Cathedral and later as administrative dean of Saint Herman Seminary, Kodiak, AK. He was elevated to the rank of archimandrite in 2002. In January 2004 he was reassigned to Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles, and appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of the West.
Upon his consecration to the episcopacy, Bishop-Elect Benjamin will serve as Auxiliary to His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of San Francisco, and as such will continue to be Diocesan Chancellor.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, the site of the consecration, is the oldest Orthodox community in the contiguous United States. The Cathedral, established in 1857, is the seat of the Bishop Tikhon of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in America. For further information, please visit www.holy-trinity.org or contact the event chairman, V. Rev. Victor Sokolov, Cathedral Dean. 415-673-8565. consecration@holy-trinity.org.
SAN FRANCISCO -- His Grace, Bishop TIKHON of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in America announces that Archimandrite Benjamin's Episcopal Consecration will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, California, on Friday, April 30, 2004, and Saturday, May 1, 2004 . The canonical election will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 30, 2004 , followed by Great Vespers.
Divine Liturgy and the Consecration of Archimandrite Benjamin as Bishop of Berkeley and Auxiliary to His Grace, Bishop TIKHON will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, 2004 . His Beatitude HERMAN, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, primate of the Orthodox Church in America, will preside at the service which will be begin at 9:30 AM.
Archimandrite Benjamin was born Vincent Peterson in Pasadena, CA on June 1, 1954 and was baptized and chrismated at Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA on April 27, 1972. In 1978 he was awarded a Master of Divinity degree and Certificate in Liturgical Music from Saint Vladimir Seminary.
A prolific musician, he served as choirmaster at parishes in Detroit, MI and Los Angeles and as chairman of the Orthodox Church in America's Department of Liturgical Music. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on November 15, 1987 by Bishop Tikhon at his home parish, which he served for 10 years as deacon and youth and education director. The following year he was tonsured a riasophore monk by Bishop Tikhon and further tonsured to the lesser schema by His Eminence, Archbishop [now Metropolitan] Herman at Saint Tikhon Monastery, South Canaan, PA. In 1991 he was elevated to the rank of archdeacon.
On July 19, 1997, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Tikhon. In 1999, Igumen Benjamin was was transferred to the Diocese of Alaska. In addition to other responsibilities, he served as dean of Saint Innocent Cathedral and later as administrative dean of Saint Herman Seminary, Kodiak, AK. He was elevated to the rank of archimandrite in 2002. In January 2004 he was reassigned to Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles, and appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of the West.
Upon his consecration to the episcopacy, Bishop-Elect Benjamin will serve as Auxiliary to His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of San Francisco, and as such will continue to be Diocesan Chancellor.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, the site of the consecration, is the oldest Orthodox community in the contiguous United States. The Cathedral, established in 1857, is the seat of the Bishop Tikhon of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in America. For further information, please visit www.holy-trinity.org or contact the event chairman, V. Rev. Victor Sokolov, Cathedral Dean. 415-673-8565. consecration@holy-trinity.org.
Ronald “Ronnie” Lorenzo was the acting-boss of the Rizetello crime family (operating in L.A., San Diego, Philly, and Miami) from 1989-1992. He was reputed to be "the man to see" in L.A.
The Rizetello organization is one of the smaller families. It has never been as large in numbers or as wealthy as the big families such as the Bonannos, the Genovese, and the Gambinos. He is rumored to be a fraternal member of the Bonanno family. It might be the case that Lorenzo’s Rizetello family is just a branch of the Bonanno Family.
Lorenzo is closely connected to Joey Ipolito (son of the founder of Murder, Inc.). and, in fact, the two shared a house in the 1980s.
He owns or owned a chic restaurant in Malibu called “Splash” and a pizza place in Brentwood. He is not actually involved in running either place.
Ipolito and Lorenzo nurtured a relationship with O.J. Simpson. It is believed that they used O.J.’s NFL connections to influence gambling revenue.
Through a friendship with James Caan he recruited several fringe Hollywood personalities to deal cocaine for him. Caan later attended Lorenzo's trial for consiracy.
In 1993 Lorenzo was sentenced to 11 years in a federal prison for conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine. In 1998 he appealed his conviction (represented by a “mob lawyer” named Luskin) and lost. I don’t know when he actually got out of prison.
Lorenzo is a known associate of the suspected assassin Anthony Pellicano. Pellicano is known as the “problem solver” for Hollywood’s rich and famous. (He found the body of Elizabeth Taylors dead husband).
Lorenzo also has convitcions for kidnapping and extortion. Nice customer you have there, Jeff. I just want to know what kind of interest rate you gave him.
The Rizetello organization is one of the smaller families. It has never been as large in numbers or as wealthy as the big families such as the Bonannos, the Genovese, and the Gambinos. He is rumored to be a fraternal member of the Bonanno family. It might be the case that Lorenzo’s Rizetello family is just a branch of the Bonanno Family.
Lorenzo is closely connected to Joey Ipolito (son of the founder of Murder, Inc.). and, in fact, the two shared a house in the 1980s.
He owns or owned a chic restaurant in Malibu called “Splash” and a pizza place in Brentwood. He is not actually involved in running either place.
Ipolito and Lorenzo nurtured a relationship with O.J. Simpson. It is believed that they used O.J.’s NFL connections to influence gambling revenue.
Through a friendship with James Caan he recruited several fringe Hollywood personalities to deal cocaine for him. Caan later attended Lorenzo's trial for consiracy.
In 1993 Lorenzo was sentenced to 11 years in a federal prison for conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine. In 1998 he appealed his conviction (represented by a “mob lawyer” named Luskin) and lost. I don’t know when he actually got out of prison.
Lorenzo is a known associate of the suspected assassin Anthony Pellicano. Pellicano is known as the “problem solver” for Hollywood’s rich and famous. (He found the body of Elizabeth Taylors dead husband).
Lorenzo also has convitcions for kidnapping and extortion. Nice customer you have there, Jeff. I just want to know what kind of interest rate you gave him.
Monday, April 26, 2004
Well, just now getting a break. The boy is asleep. the laundry is done. Still have some homework and dishes to do, though. But before I get to that, I want to mention dinner tonight, or at least part of it.
I bought a Diestel turkey breast from the butcher yesterday. Today I cooked it. But I adapted the recipe from an article in Cooks Illustrated (The most fabulous cooking periodical published in the English language!) that I read last year.
The most important thing I did with this turkey breast was brine it. I know it sounds sickening. All of that salt. How can it possibly taste good? But I am now a fan of brining. It is amazing. The effect it has on poultry is absolutely marvelous. If it werent for the fact that I understand the scientific principles involved, I would say it is miraculous.
Essentially, I just soaked the piece of poultry in salt water. (3 cups salt disolved in 2 gallons of water). I let it soak for two hours. Then I rinsed it quickly under cold running water and dried it under a fan.
Next comes the rub. in a small pan I toasted 1 tsp each of dry mustard, cayenne, dried ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice. When it was toasted I mixed it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
I rubbed the spices and oil into the breast. I made sure to get in under the skin as well as on top of the skin and on the rib side of the breast. I put the breast on a rack in a roasting pan, put the pan on the bottom shelf and cooked on 400 (F) until the skin was brown.
I do not know how to describe the beauty of that turkey breast. It was full of so many complimentary flavors it can only be compared to olfactory bonanza that is walking beside a brook in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz range. But that is not the most amazing thing. No, that must be, has to be the moisture. I know you have had dried out and stringy turkey breast. Probably every thanksgiving of your life. Well, let me tell you, brining prevents that. Brining takes what all my life has been tolerable at best and turns it into something to yearn for. It makes what in the past has always been mostly flavorless and dry and brings out the essence of the turkey. The flesh of that bird becomes majestic and full of grace. I felt honored to eat that bird. I will no longer call it the turkey. From now on it is the Turkey!
I bought a Diestel turkey breast from the butcher yesterday. Today I cooked it. But I adapted the recipe from an article in Cooks Illustrated (The most fabulous cooking periodical published in the English language!) that I read last year.
The most important thing I did with this turkey breast was brine it. I know it sounds sickening. All of that salt. How can it possibly taste good? But I am now a fan of brining. It is amazing. The effect it has on poultry is absolutely marvelous. If it werent for the fact that I understand the scientific principles involved, I would say it is miraculous.
Essentially, I just soaked the piece of poultry in salt water. (3 cups salt disolved in 2 gallons of water). I let it soak for two hours. Then I rinsed it quickly under cold running water and dried it under a fan.
Next comes the rub. in a small pan I toasted 1 tsp each of dry mustard, cayenne, dried ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice. When it was toasted I mixed it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
I rubbed the spices and oil into the breast. I made sure to get in under the skin as well as on top of the skin and on the rib side of the breast. I put the breast on a rack in a roasting pan, put the pan on the bottom shelf and cooked on 400 (F) until the skin was brown.
I do not know how to describe the beauty of that turkey breast. It was full of so many complimentary flavors it can only be compared to olfactory bonanza that is walking beside a brook in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz range. But that is not the most amazing thing. No, that must be, has to be the moisture. I know you have had dried out and stringy turkey breast. Probably every thanksgiving of your life. Well, let me tell you, brining prevents that. Brining takes what all my life has been tolerable at best and turns it into something to yearn for. It makes what in the past has always been mostly flavorless and dry and brings out the essence of the turkey. The flesh of that bird becomes majestic and full of grace. I felt honored to eat that bird. I will no longer call it the turkey. From now on it is the Turkey!
This was a pretty good weekend. Saturday I showed the vacant apartments while Cyndi worked in SF. (Did I mention that she is liquidating a software company’s office?)
Sunday we drove up to San Francisco for church but the boy was sick the whole way up there. He’s been sick ever since his birthday party. Coughing, sneezing, low fever (99 to 100 F). When we got to church we just thought about all of the other kids and the old people there and decided that it would be wrong to expose them to an unknown disease. So, we just went in to light a candle and drop off an offering. Then we went and got bagles at Katz’s on 16th street.
Last night I made dinner. An enormous cut of chateau briand. (Three inches thick and 11 inches in diameter.) The steer had been raised on natural grass pasture and fattened on organic oats and corn (not on a feed lot) before slaughter. It was a happy steer. I salted and peppered it, and threw it on the grill over low heat. While it was cooking I wielded my Henckelsto make a series of 1mm deep cuts on the top side. Splashed it with a little red wine and olive oil. After a while, I increased the heat, and I turned the steak over so that the cooked side, which was slightly concave, was facing up.
The beautiful thing about the concave quality of a cooked steak is that it forms a shallow bowl. The shallow bowl is perfect for containing a sauce or other treatment. While it was still cooking I spread a wedge of very ripe Roquefort all over the steak. I took it off the heat while it was medium-rare, slightly chared on the bottom. It was perfect.
In addition to this I made garlic bread. I used a loaf from Acme. 50/50 mixture of olive oil and unsalted butter. 3 cloves garlic, minced.
I also made a salad of quartered kumquats (sweetest I’d ever tasted. It was amazing.), halved red flame seedless grapes, and thinly sliced red onion. The dressing was balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
I also made something artistic. I bought an aquarium at a pet store (you should have seen Cyndi’s face when I told her I had to stop by a pet store to pick up something for supper! It was fabulous!) Anyway, I bought this fishbowl, put fruit cocktail in the bottom of it, filled it with blue Jell-O and put Swedish Fish in it. It looks good but next time I’m going to do a bigger fish bowl and include some plastic aquarium plants.
As for wine, it was horrible. It was a non-vintage caberet sauvignon from Prosperity Wines. I bought it for the label. Cyndi thought it looked like something by Diego Rivera. I thought it had some soviet realist influences. Either way, the wine was hideous. Lesson: Buy the wine, not the label.
Last night, I also finished this book about Fr. Arseny. It was overwhelming.
Cyndi and I are in the market for a used Vespa Scooter, or the like.
Sunday we drove up to San Francisco for church but the boy was sick the whole way up there. He’s been sick ever since his birthday party. Coughing, sneezing, low fever (99 to 100 F). When we got to church we just thought about all of the other kids and the old people there and decided that it would be wrong to expose them to an unknown disease. So, we just went in to light a candle and drop off an offering. Then we went and got bagles at Katz’s on 16th street.
Last night I made dinner. An enormous cut of chateau briand. (Three inches thick and 11 inches in diameter.) The steer had been raised on natural grass pasture and fattened on organic oats and corn (not on a feed lot) before slaughter. It was a happy steer. I salted and peppered it, and threw it on the grill over low heat. While it was cooking I wielded my Henckelsto make a series of 1mm deep cuts on the top side. Splashed it with a little red wine and olive oil. After a while, I increased the heat, and I turned the steak over so that the cooked side, which was slightly concave, was facing up.
The beautiful thing about the concave quality of a cooked steak is that it forms a shallow bowl. The shallow bowl is perfect for containing a sauce or other treatment. While it was still cooking I spread a wedge of very ripe Roquefort all over the steak. I took it off the heat while it was medium-rare, slightly chared on the bottom. It was perfect.
In addition to this I made garlic bread. I used a loaf from Acme. 50/50 mixture of olive oil and unsalted butter. 3 cloves garlic, minced.
I also made a salad of quartered kumquats (sweetest I’d ever tasted. It was amazing.), halved red flame seedless grapes, and thinly sliced red onion. The dressing was balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
I also made something artistic. I bought an aquarium at a pet store (you should have seen Cyndi’s face when I told her I had to stop by a pet store to pick up something for supper! It was fabulous!) Anyway, I bought this fishbowl, put fruit cocktail in the bottom of it, filled it with blue Jell-O and put Swedish Fish in it. It looks good but next time I’m going to do a bigger fish bowl and include some plastic aquarium plants.
As for wine, it was horrible. It was a non-vintage caberet sauvignon from Prosperity Wines. I bought it for the label. Cyndi thought it looked like something by Diego Rivera. I thought it had some soviet realist influences. Either way, the wine was hideous. Lesson: Buy the wine, not the label.
Last night, I also finished this book about Fr. Arseny. It was overwhelming.
Cyndi and I are in the market for a used Vespa Scooter, or the like.
Friday, April 23, 2004
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Jeff, you said you are taking a class on spirituality. And the while it is true that St. Augustine is Orthodox, you might want to check out other Orthodox writers. (St. Augustine is a difficult read. At least he was for me. I think I had to read every paragraph of City of God three or four times before I understoood it.) An easy way to do that is by picking up a copy of the April 2004 issue of Theology Today. (Click here and scroll down to where it says "click here to view the table of contents") It is published by Princeton Theological Seminary. Of the writers in this issue, I've read sermons by His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch. I've also an read interview of the Blessed Metroplitan Anthony, one book by His Grace Bishop Kallistos, and a book by the Anglican Canon Hugh Waybrew. I think you'll enjoy this issue of Theology Today.
And thank you very much for your prayers. I really do appreciate them.
Hmmm. Now that I think of it, maybe the problem I had understanding St. Augustine is that I was reading him in a Political philosophy class, not in a theology class. Maybe we were trying to figure out what he was saying about politics when he wasn't even talking about politics. I should read the book again, but as a Christian, not as a political science student. I'll add it to the list. (It's a long list.)
And thank you very much for your prayers. I really do appreciate them.
Hmmm. Now that I think of it, maybe the problem I had understanding St. Augustine is that I was reading him in a Political philosophy class, not in a theology class. Maybe we were trying to figure out what he was saying about politics when he wasn't even talking about politics. I should read the book again, but as a Christian, not as a political science student. I'll add it to the list. (It's a long list.)
On Huw's Blog he is talking about whether or not he can, based on the teachings of the past, stand up to people and say they are wrong. It reminded me of my second favorite non-sacred poem.
Note: Copybooks were used in grammar schools to teach penmanship. At the top of each page was a heading, invariably a wise saying. Students practices writing by copying the saying on each line below the heading.
The Gods of the Copybook Headings By Rudyard Kipling
As I pass through my incarnations in every age and race, I make my proper
prostrations to the Gods of the Market-Place.
Peering through reverent fingers I watch them flourish and fall,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all.
We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn.
That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn:
But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breath of Mind,
So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind.
We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace,
Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market-Place;
But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come
That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the lights had gone out in
Rome.
With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch.
They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch.
They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings.
So we worshipped the Gods of the Market Who promised these beautiful things.
When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would
cease.
But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."
On the first Feminian Sandstones we were promised the Fuller Life
(Which started by loving our neighbour and ended by loving his wife)
Till our women had no more children and the men lost reason and faith,
And the Gods of the Copybook Heading said: "The Wages of Sin is Death."
In the Carboniferous Epoch we were promised abundance for all,
By robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul; But, though we had
plenty of money, there was nothing our money could buy,
And the Gods of the Copybook Heading said: "If you don't work you die."
Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards
withdrew,
And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and began to believe it was true
That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four-
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more.
As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man- There are only
four things certain since Social Progress began:-
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wobbling back to the Fire;
And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!
Note: Copybooks were used in grammar schools to teach penmanship. At the top of each page was a heading, invariably a wise saying. Students practices writing by copying the saying on each line below the heading.
The Gods of the Copybook Headings By Rudyard Kipling
As I pass through my incarnations in every age and race, I make my proper
prostrations to the Gods of the Market-Place.
Peering through reverent fingers I watch them flourish and fall,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all.
We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn.
That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn:
But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breath of Mind,
So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind.
We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace,
Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market-Place;
But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come
That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the lights had gone out in
Rome.
With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch.
They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch.
They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings.
So we worshipped the Gods of the Market Who promised these beautiful things.
When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would
cease.
But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."
On the first Feminian Sandstones we were promised the Fuller Life
(Which started by loving our neighbour and ended by loving his wife)
Till our women had no more children and the men lost reason and faith,
And the Gods of the Copybook Heading said: "The Wages of Sin is Death."
In the Carboniferous Epoch we were promised abundance for all,
By robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul; But, though we had
plenty of money, there was nothing our money could buy,
And the Gods of the Copybook Heading said: "If you don't work you die."
Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards
withdrew,
And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and began to believe it was true
That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four-
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more.
As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man- There are only
four things certain since Social Progress began:-
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wobbling back to the Fire;
And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!
Today is Earth Day.
Three facts about Earth Day.
1-The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970
2-V.I. Lenin was born on April 22, 1870
3-Richard Nixon, who signed the Earth Day Proclamation is also the president who instituted wage and price controls, and signed the 1973 Farm Bill resulting in enormous expansion of the food stamp program.
Draw your own conclusion.
Three facts about Earth Day.
1-The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970
2-V.I. Lenin was born on April 22, 1870
3-Richard Nixon, who signed the Earth Day Proclamation is also the president who instituted wage and price controls, and signed the 1973 Farm Bill resulting in enormous expansion of the food stamp program.
Draw your own conclusion.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Pray for me. Work has become very difficult. In addition to making very little money I am being put in a position I absolutley hate. Can't go into details. Friday should be interesting. I told my boss what I would like to have happen and Friday is when he is going to let me know if it is possible. I have a job interview scheduled 4 hours after I'm supposed to hear from my boss.
Wasn't it epicurious who said the best life is the life of repose drinking moderate amounts of wine and eating olives? He might have been onto something. Beats being in the advertising business. That's the truth.
Wasn't it epicurious who said the best life is the life of repose drinking moderate amounts of wine and eating olives? He might have been onto something. Beats being in the advertising business. That's the truth.
Here is an informative site that shows some differences between Orthodox, Romon Catholic, and Protestant Bibles.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Which one of the following TV characters owned 300 acres of farmland?
a) Oliver Douglas
b) Charles Ingalls
c) Sam Jones
d) Amos McCoy
e) Zebulon Walton
Is: a) Oliver Douglas of Green Acres, who traded the high life of Manhattan for the greenery of Hooterville. On that note:
Green acres is the place for me.
Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide.
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.
New York is where I'd rather stay.
I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.
...The chores.
...The stores.
...Fresh air.
...Times Square
You are my wife.
Good-bye, city life.
Green Acres we are there.
a) Oliver Douglas
b) Charles Ingalls
c) Sam Jones
d) Amos McCoy
e) Zebulon Walton
Is: a) Oliver Douglas of Green Acres, who traded the high life of Manhattan for the greenery of Hooterville. On that note:
Green acres is the place for me.
Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide.
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.
New York is where I'd rather stay.
I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.
...The chores.
...The stores.
...Fresh air.
...Times Square
You are my wife.
Good-bye, city life.
Green Acres we are there.
Monday, April 19, 2004
Caleb was cranky? I didn't notice. He seemed happy to me. He is a sweet boy.
Regarding the third paragraph of your post of 1:21 p.m. on April 16 - It occurs to me that anything I suggest to you as being needed you will say is not needed because of your understanding of what the Bible is. You have constructed a tautology.
Also in that same post, someone named Daniel asked you a question I have asked you many times, a question you have never answered.
Now, before I go on with the rest of your post of April 16, which takes us into the area of the sufficiency of Scripture, I want to go back to your post of April 3, which was a respnonse to my answer to you, made on Jan 27. (see how I stay on topic?)
Lets look at the passage in Deuteronomy 17:8-12 that I mentioned and which you say does not work for my argument. Here is the text:
"If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee: According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, [to] the right hand, nor [to] the left. And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. "
Now compare that to this passage from Acts 15:
"And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell [you] the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"
Do you remember what I was talking about when I mentioned these two passages in my post of Jan 27? I was talking about God giving people authority, actually, giving institutions authority. In the Deuteronomy passage He gave authority to the Cohenim and the Levites. In the Acts passage we see Apostles, at least one bishop (James the Brother of the Lord) and the presbyters gathered in a council claiming the authority to speak for God. God expects the leaders of his people to be obeyed by his people.
So, where does that authority reside today? With every individual Baptist? With the Elders at Peninsula Bible Church? With the General Board of the Pentecostal Church of God? With the Missouri Synod? I would have to laugh with St. Iraneus and say "Who laid hands on them?"
What do you think? What happened to that group of Apostles, bishops, and presbyters? Did they disappear? Did God leave his church without shepherds? Or did he raise up shepherds outside the protocols of ordination as alluded to in the Pastoral Epistles?
(I'm not through, but I'll stop here to see what you have to say.)
Regarding the third paragraph of your post of 1:21 p.m. on April 16 - It occurs to me that anything I suggest to you as being needed you will say is not needed because of your understanding of what the Bible is. You have constructed a tautology.
Also in that same post, someone named Daniel asked you a question I have asked you many times, a question you have never answered.
Now, before I go on with the rest of your post of April 16, which takes us into the area of the sufficiency of Scripture, I want to go back to your post of April 3, which was a respnonse to my answer to you, made on Jan 27. (see how I stay on topic?)
Lets look at the passage in Deuteronomy 17:8-12 that I mentioned and which you say does not work for my argument. Here is the text:
"If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee: According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, [to] the right hand, nor [to] the left. And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. "
Now compare that to this passage from Acts 15:
"And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell [you] the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"
Do you remember what I was talking about when I mentioned these two passages in my post of Jan 27? I was talking about God giving people authority, actually, giving institutions authority. In the Deuteronomy passage He gave authority to the Cohenim and the Levites. In the Acts passage we see Apostles, at least one bishop (James the Brother of the Lord) and the presbyters gathered in a council claiming the authority to speak for God. God expects the leaders of his people to be obeyed by his people.
So, where does that authority reside today? With every individual Baptist? With the Elders at Peninsula Bible Church? With the General Board of the Pentecostal Church of God? With the Missouri Synod? I would have to laugh with St. Iraneus and say "Who laid hands on them?"
What do you think? What happened to that group of Apostles, bishops, and presbyters? Did they disappear? Did God leave his church without shepherds? Or did he raise up shepherds outside the protocols of ordination as alluded to in the Pastoral Epistles?
(I'm not through, but I'll stop here to see what you have to say.)
Friday, April 16, 2004
I really enjoyed your post of 1:21 pm. I'll get to it sometime this weekend. I often feel like I am the one on the offensive. I like it when you punch back. Makes me feel less like a bully. Could you do me a favor with your scripture references? It would be helpful to me if you would link to the text.
Anselm's Godfather is proposing a summer movie club. Essentially, people get together, watch a list of movies over the summer, and write about "salvation" in those movies on the blog. I haven't talked to cyndi, and I will be in school for six weeks this summer, but would you like to try to do it?
I am really sorry my reply to Kristie was so upsetting to you. That was not my intention. Also, I'll concede that many if not most scholars deny the authenticity of the Paul-Seneca correpondence. It is also hard for me to believe St. Paul wrote it. As I said, I don't think it is worth reading. I've just never seen anything that says he didn't write it.
Just for the reccord this is what I said to Kristie.
I sent a quick one line email that said, "Unless you are there with the blessing of the local Orthodox bishop you shouldn't be going."
I then thought I should give her more information, so I sent this message: "Here is the webpage for the Church of Ukraine. ( http://www.orthodox.org.ua/ ) They have been there for almost 1,000 years. Your efforts there will only cause confusion. I urge you not to go. I realize that the website is in a foreign language, but if you go to this website (http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Orthodox-Faith/index.htm) you will learn more about the faith of the church of Ukraine, and all Orthodox Christians. Please, do not go there and tear down what is only now being rebuilt after 70 years of state imposed atheism and persecution."
Jeff, I don't have to defend the church of the Ukraine to you. It has suffered terribly, and the blood of it's thousands of martyrs is defense enough for it.
If I believe that her efforts are going to harm people it would be wrong of me to remain silent. Why, exactly are you so upset? You've known for a long time that I believe the Orthodox church is THE Church. If it wasn't I wouldn't have converted.
I sent a quick one line email that said, "Unless you are there with the blessing of the local Orthodox bishop you shouldn't be going."
I then thought I should give her more information, so I sent this message: "Here is the webpage for the Church of Ukraine. ( http://www.orthodox.org.ua/ ) They have been there for almost 1,000 years. Your efforts there will only cause confusion. I urge you not to go. I realize that the website is in a foreign language, but if you go to this website (http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Orthodox-Faith/index.htm) you will learn more about the faith of the church of Ukraine, and all Orthodox Christians. Please, do not go there and tear down what is only now being rebuilt after 70 years of state imposed atheism and persecution."
Jeff, I don't have to defend the church of the Ukraine to you. It has suffered terribly, and the blood of it's thousands of martyrs is defense enough for it.
If I believe that her efforts are going to harm people it would be wrong of me to remain silent. Why, exactly are you so upset? You've known for a long time that I believe the Orthodox church is THE Church. If it wasn't I wouldn't have converted.
Not a chance I would even suggest moving the time. The whole point of starting at in the middle of the night is so that we can begin the Paschal liturgy at 1 minute after midnight, which is the earliest time the rubrics allow us to do it.
I got the email about Kristie Reed's trip. I wrote to her and told her that unless she has the blessing of the local Orthodox Bishops in those countires she shouldn't be going there. I think it is horrible the way American Evangelicals have swarmed eastern Europe spreading heresy among people weakend by 70 years of state enforced atheism. If they want to help the people of eastern Europe they can do so by donating their time and money to the OCMC and the IOCC.
I got the email about Kristie Reed's trip. I wrote to her and told her that unless she has the blessing of the local Orthodox Bishops in those countires she shouldn't be going there. I think it is horrible the way American Evangelicals have swarmed eastern Europe spreading heresy among people weakend by 70 years of state enforced atheism. If they want to help the people of eastern Europe they can do so by donating their time and money to the OCMC and the IOCC.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Jeff, since you and Christa couldn't make it to Pasha this year let me show you some photos.
Here is a picture of Cyndi, Devon, Anselm and me. You can't see it but Anselm is wearing a gold silken tie with a blue fish print.
Here is a picture of Fr. Victor yelling "Christ is Risen!"
This is a pictue of the chandalier the Czar Saint Nicholas II gave us. it had been taken down right after Christmas and we only got it back on Palm Sunday. It had to be rewired.
This guy with the beard is Dr. Eisner. He was very comforting when Cyndi a miscarriage last year. He is a neat guy. When he is not in church he wears dark shades and a striking black beret.
As you can see, Holy Trinity Cathedral, our little temple was packed with people.
This is a picture of the most senior sub-deacon. He doesn't serve in the altar anymore, though. He is a history professor at SFSU. He is also one of the five men who wore tuxedos that night. He is the only man who wore bunny ears.
Of course there was the Procession around the outside of the church in which we remember the women who went to the tomb and discovered it empty. I always wonder what the people Driving buy on Van Ness at midnight think.
Here is Fr. Victor reading the Gospel for Pascha. Interestingly, it isn't about the resurrection. It is the first Chapter of John.
And of course the whole point of Jesus coming was to save us and make us like him. (You are what you eat.)
There was dancing.
There was eating. A lot of eating. This is just one of the desert tables. I wish I had a picture of the drinks table to show you. It would have you in tears. Lets just say, the only time I ever drink Crown Royal is at Pascha. It is sooooo good that I am afraid to drink it at any other time.
And finally, after all of Lent and Holy Week, we ate MEAT!!!! There were several hams, white trash lasagna, peroshki, smoked salmon, caviar, roast beef, smoled trout, and other assorted animal parts.
There were a couple of pinatas for the kids to enjoy.
Did I mention the vodka? Well, let me tell you. It was flowing like water. And the same goes for champagne.
With God's grace, you can make it next year.
Here is a picture of Cyndi, Devon, Anselm and me. You can't see it but Anselm is wearing a gold silken tie with a blue fish print.
.jpg){kind=link}
Here is a picture of Fr. Victor yelling "Christ is Risen!"
.jpg){kind=link}
This is a pictue of the chandalier the Czar Saint Nicholas II gave us. it had been taken down right after Christmas and we only got it back on Palm Sunday. It had to be rewired.
.jpg){kind=link}
This guy with the beard is Dr. Eisner. He was very comforting when Cyndi a miscarriage last year. He is a neat guy. When he is not in church he wears dark shades and a striking black beret.
.jpg){kind=link}
As you can see, Holy Trinity Cathedral, our little temple was packed with people.
.jpg){kind=link}
This is a picture of the most senior sub-deacon. He doesn't serve in the altar anymore, though. He is a history professor at SFSU. He is also one of the five men who wore tuxedos that night. He is the only man who wore bunny ears.
.jpg){kind=link}
Of course there was the Procession around the outside of the church in which we remember the women who went to the tomb and discovered it empty. I always wonder what the people Driving buy on Van Ness at midnight think.
Here is Fr. Victor reading the Gospel for Pascha. Interestingly, it isn't about the resurrection. It is the first Chapter of John.
And of course the whole point of Jesus coming was to save us and make us like him. (You are what you eat.)
There was dancing.
There was eating. A lot of eating. This is just one of the desert tables. I wish I had a picture of the drinks table to show you. It would have you in tears. Lets just say, the only time I ever drink Crown Royal is at Pascha. It is sooooo good that I am afraid to drink it at any other time.
.jpg){kind=link}
And finally, after all of Lent and Holy Week, we ate MEAT!!!! There were several hams, white trash lasagna, peroshki, smoked salmon, caviar, roast beef, smoled trout, and other assorted animal parts.
There were a couple of pinatas for the kids to enjoy.
Did I mention the vodka? Well, let me tell you. It was flowing like water. And the same goes for champagne.
With God's grace, you can make it next year.
I am so sorry to hear about Caleb's illness. Nothing is more sad than a sick baby. 104 is dangerous. Was his temperature that high for very long? Do the physicians think he will be okay?
We just got our taxes done yesterday. In 2003 with Cyndi and I both working we made less than 1/2 what I made all by myself in 2002. And that was 1/4 less than I made in 2001. This is not a good trend. Actually, 1999 was the high water mark for me. That was when I worked at Nettaxi, during the boom. Thank God Cyndi is an apartment manager and the car is paid for. Otherwise, we couldn't make it.
I don't know much about the nun. Her name is Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich. She bore stigmata of the crown of thorns. Was German. Mel Gibson keeps a relic of hers on him at all times. She had a bunch of visions and recoded them in a book called the Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. I think she might have been in the hospital or bedridden or something like that when she had the visions. I'm not sure. I really don't know much about her or the Dolorous Passion. Having seen the movie, you probably know more about that book than I do. I'm more familiar with her book the Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We just got our taxes done yesterday. In 2003 with Cyndi and I both working we made less than 1/2 what I made all by myself in 2002. And that was 1/4 less than I made in 2001. This is not a good trend. Actually, 1999 was the high water mark for me. That was when I worked at Nettaxi, during the boom. Thank God Cyndi is an apartment manager and the car is paid for. Otherwise, we couldn't make it.
I don't know much about the nun. Her name is Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich. She bore stigmata of the crown of thorns. Was German. Mel Gibson keeps a relic of hers on him at all times. She had a bunch of visions and recoded them in a book called the Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. I think she might have been in the hospital or bedridden or something like that when she had the visions. I'm not sure. I really don't know much about her or the Dolorous Passion. Having seen the movie, you probably know more about that book than I do. I'm more familiar with her book the Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
I've been thinking about your question about Mary soaking up Jesus's blood in the movie. Maybe it is something the nun saw. (Gibson based parts of the movie on a nun's vision). Or maybe he is remembering the story of Saint Veronica and having Mary do something kind of like what she did. Kind of like when he conflated Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, the woman taken in adultery, and the woman who annointed Jesus with expensive perfume. I still haven't seen the movie.
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