The Ladder

Scout Sunday scheduled for February 5, 2012!

2012-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Alpha Omega recipients at the North East Region EOCS Annual Retreat

The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting [EOCS] has designated February 5, 2012 as Scout Sunday for both Boy and Girl Scouts.

This year marks the centennial of the Girl Scouts USA and the EOCS encourages Orthodox Parishes to acknowledge and celebrate this milestone on Scout Sunday.

The observance of Scout Sunday began years ago in an effort to help build awareness amongst Orthodox Christian faithful of the benefits of Orthodox Scouting and the various programs and awards offered by the EOCS.

The EOCS Executive Board encourages all Eastern Orthodox Churches to recognize and celebrate this event, even if their parish does not sponsor a scout unit.

Among recommendations for celebrating Scout Sunday, the EOCS suggests the following:

Whether your parish sponsors a scout unit or its scouts participate elsewhere, invite your scouts to attend the Liturgy in full uniform.
Invite the uniformed scouts to assume various duties that Sunday. They can oversee the candle desk, usher, help pass the collection basket, serve and clean up during and after coffee hour, read the Hours or Epistle, hold the Communion cloths, or fulfill any other duties at the direction of the pastor.
If there are any scouts who recently have completed projects leading to scouting awards, make appropriate presentations after the Liturgy. Scouts might also prepare a display on scouting that would be of interest to other boys and girls.

For further information on the EOCS in general and /or the observance of Scout Sunday in particular, contact EOCS Chairman George Boulukos at 516 868 4050 or geobou03@aol.com or www.eocs.org

The EOCS was established as a facet of the youth ministry in the 1960s and was the first agency endorsed by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, [SCOBA] newly reorganized as the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.

2012 Orthodox Christian Camp, Youth Worker, and OCF Chaplain Conference

2011-11-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

We are proud to announce the 2012 Orthodox Christian Camp, Youth Worker, and OCF Chaplain Conference, which will take place January 25-28, 2012 at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA. The keynote speaker will be Fr. Bogdan Gabriel Bucur, of Saint Anthony's Antiochian Church in Butler, PA, and the theme will be "Presenting the Message of the Gospel to Today's Youth." In addition to the keynote sessions, we have have three types of break-out sessions:

• Youth Ministry (Parish or Metropolis)

• Camp Ministry

• OCF College Ministry

For more information and transportation and lodging details, please visit www.orthodoxcamps.org. Please join us for an amazing conference!

Registration now open for Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) 2011 College Conferences!

2011-11-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Brookline, MA -- October 17, 2011

Registration for the 2011 College Conferences is now open at events.ocf.net. The conferences will be held during Christmas Break in three locations: St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, Calif.; Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pa.; and the Diakonia Center in Salem, S.C., each centering on Orthodox Christian Fellowship's (OCF) theme for the year - "Raise Me Above This World's Confusion."

Annually, nearly 400 college students from across North America participate in College Conference to learn and grow closer in their Orthodox Faith in an exemplary display of pan-Orthodox fellowship. Each four-day conference includes a prominent keynote speaker, along with workshops led by clergy and lay leaders who are experts in their related fields. Featured workshop topics will include Understanding Orthodoxy, Comparative Religions, Practicing Your Faith, Contemporary Issues in Orthodoxy, Dating and Personal Relationship, and Serving, defined as "Seeing God in Others."

OCF College Conference's are planned and executed by a committee of college students who desire to provide their peers with an enjoyable and edifying experience.

"College Conference is a great opportunity for college students to take time away from their busy academic and social lives and concentrate on developing their spiritual lives by learning from clergymen and great speakers, and by engaging with other Orthodox students from across the country. This year's theme, 'Raise Me Above This World's Confusion,' encourages discussion of how to live in today's society while living an Orthodox life," says Tanya Schillwaski, College Conference East Coordinator and sophomore at Northeastern University.

"Following Christ's example of taking time to retreat, OCF's College Conference provides a place for Orthodox Christian college students to refresh their worn down body and soul," says John Mahfouz, Director of North American Programs. "Students spend four days being nourished in a loving community through edifying lectures and discussions, Church services, and exciting activities."

A limited number of scholarships are available and offered, by each jurisdiction on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, call the North American Office at 1-800-919-1623. To register, visit events.ocf.net.

College Conference West

St. Nicholas Ranch - Dunlap, Calif.

December 27-30, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $215 - Regular: $240

Keynote speaker - Fr. Josiah Trenham, Pastor of St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, Calif.

College Conference East

Antiochian Village - Bolivar, Pa.

December 28-31, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $240 - Regular: $265

Keynote speaker - His Grace Bishop Michael Dahulich, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York & New Jersey in the Orthodox Church in America

College Conference South

Diakonia Center - Salem, S.C.

December 28-31, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $210 - Regular: $235

Keynote speaker - Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor of Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Bowling Green, Ky.

Who’s Afraid of Halloween?

2011-10-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Given the time of year, allow us to share an excellent article written by Rev. Mark Sietsema, Ph.D., the Presiding Priest at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lansing, Michigan.

Who's Afraid of Halloween?

I have a confession to make.

And it's a bad one....

When I was a kid … I used to get dressed up for Halloween! And it was not always something innocent either, like an astronaut or a cowboy. Once I was even a ghost! Worse yet, I would go door-to-door with my brothers and say “Trick or treat!” Idolatrous! Occultic! Satanic! Over time, of course this demon-glorifying activity caught up with me. Look at me now. I dress in black almost every day …

Of course you see the problem here. If not, you will very soon start reading about it in the paper again. Many people of churchy persuasions object strenuously to the observance of Halloween. Every year we read letters to the editor that run as follows:

“Halloween is the worship of the devil! Halloween comes from heathen roots! Trick or Treat comes from an ancient pagan custom: the Druids would go from house to house seeking a virgin to sacrifice! If you complied and handed over your family’s virgin, outside your door they left a jack-o-lantern with a candle inside … fueled by human fat! If you did not comply, a terrible trick would be played on you! The Catholic Church perpetuated the pagan legends with its Feast of All Saints! If you let your kids celebrate Halloween, you expose them to the possibility of demonic possession!”

Well, good Orthodox Christian, what should our Church make of this controversy? Is Halloween something we Christians should shun like the Black Mass? Don’t the facts about Halloween’s origins prove that it is an abomination?

No. First of all, none of these “facts” are true. It’s all fiction. We know almost nothing about the culture and practices of the ancient Druids, except what little the Romans had to say. (Mind you, these are the same Romans who also used to say that Christians hold secret orgies where they sacrifice babies and eat them—so let’s be careful about how much credence we give them.) The Romans invaded Britain in 43 B.C. There they found a number of Celtic tribes, which the Roman legions subjugated with relative ease.

Now, you need to know that the Romans were not what you would call “culturally curious.” They had little interest in the ways of the conquered Britons. Generally, when there is interaction between conqueror and subject, the conqueror picks up and uses the local names for rivers, hills, and the like. For instance, my home state is full of names from the native languages of the Indians: Michigan, Mackinac, Saginaw, Escanaba, Kalamazoo, Washtenaw. However, we find almost no use of the Celtic place names by the Romans. The Romans did not come to Britain for kaffee-klatsches, but for plundering and pillaging. Under the Roman sword the Celtic place-names perished with the Celts, as did any certain knowledge of Celtic or Druidic customs (like what kind of fat they used in their candles).

But what if it the stories about pagan Halloween were true? Does that prevent us from making a fun day out of the Thirty-First of October? Or do pagan origins damn a thing forever?

I would hope that as Orthodox Christians we would know better than to say that. We borrowed an awful lot of useful things from ancient pagan cultures. Our musical system of eight tones? From the pagan Greeks. (Next time you hear a dismissal hymn in the Third Tone, picture a phalanx of Lacedaemonian warriors marching into an attack: they liked Third Tone for their battle hymns.)

And our iconography is an obvious adaptation of Egyptian funerary art: the portraits painted on Egyptian coffins look very much like the faces in our icons. Christmas, we all know, is a retooling of the Roman celebration of the winter solstice, the Feast of Sol Invictus (the Invincible Sun-god). And many, many Christian churches were built atop pagan shrines and holy places, the most famous example being the conversion of the Parthenon (a temple built in honor of Athena the Virgin Warrior) to a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Even Protestants with their Puritan impulses and their “just the Bible” mentality have to contend with borrowings from pagan sources in the Scriptures. For example, chapters 22-24 of the Book of Proverbs are almost certainly a translation of the older Egyptian advice guide The Instruction of Amen-em-Opet. And elsewhere in the Bible different titles given to God such as El Elyon “God Most High” and “the one who rides on the clouds like a chariot” (Psalm 104:3) are originally epithets for the pagan storm-god Baal.

What’s my point? You can’t judge a custom by its origins. What counts is one’s intention in the here and now. And let’s be honest: modern Halloween for you and me—and even the Wiccans down the street—has nothing to do with virgin sacrifice or black magic. It’s about having fun in a costume and eating things your dentist wouldn’t approve of.

“Well!” the anti-Halloween crowd would reply, “Halloween teaches kids that they can get something for nothing!!” But is that so bad? To my ears that sounds awfully close to the Christian idea of grace!

“Yes, yes, but we shouldn’t teach our kids that it’s OK to threaten someone with vandalism if they don’t fork over something you want!” Well, let’s look at this from another perspective. Maybe Halloween holds a nice little life lesson: you give a little to get a little. The Book of Proverbs speaks often of the power of gifts. If we all practiced the spirit of Halloween—being prepared always to give small kindnesses to those around us—what a wonderful world we would have.

Again, let’s be honest: no one was ever possessed by the devil because he or she dressed up for Halloween or passed out licorice or read a Harry Potter book. Our modern lives have way too many other avenues for temptation to enter, and these things are the real cause of our spiritual problems: pride, gluttony, hatred, materialism, and ignorance.

This may be the only pro-Halloween article by a clergyman you read this year. Actually, this piece isn’t so much pro-Halloween as it is anti-superstition, anti-paranoia, and anti-gullibility. American Christianity is too much titillated by thoughts of demons, based on a mythology of evil that has more to do with pagan folklore than the sober statements of Scripture. Such superstition gives all Christians a bad name.

That’s why I’m not afraid of Halloween, and I see no problem with Orthodox Christians having fun at costume parties. After all, why would anyone want to learn more about Jesus Christ and his message, if being a Christian means forever being a spoilsport and a killjoy? If you believe in one God, if you trust Him, then accept his protection (1 John 4:4) and don’t live in fear of demonic bogeymen. The real battle with the devil is fought in the heart, not in front of the Harry Potter bookstore.

Some people drink too much on New Year’s Eve. Should that stop you and me from enjoying a glass of champagne? Some people eat too much at Thanksgiving. Should that stop us from having our turkey with all the trimmings? Some people spend too much at Christmas. Should that stop us from exchanging gifts?

Some people go overboard on the spooky side of Halloween. It’s not too hard to avoid that for your family. Skip the horror movies. Don’t revel in gore. Don’t profane death. Don’t indulge in occult practices … But don’t be gullible, paranoid, or superstitious either!

And have a Happy Halloween!

By Fr. Mark Sietsema

Revised 8/17/11

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for September 11, 2011

2011-09-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2011

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this Sunday, the tenth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we address you in the faith, love and hope that we share in our Lord Jesus Christ. As we gather in our places of worship on this day, we cannot help but call to mind the dreadful acts of terrorism and the tremendous destruction that shocked the entire world and burdened every heart with pain and sorrow. As we now pause on this solemn anniversary to remember the nearly three thousand innocent lives lost that day, among whom were many Orthodox brothers and sisters, let us also remember the great acts of self-sacrifice, heroism, and compassion that can never be forgotten, as so many offered their lives for the safety and well being of others. And let us remember our church of Saint Nicholas, the only house of worship destroyed on that day of hatred, and for which we lovingly and unceasingly work to rebuild at Ground Zero.

We ask all of the parishes of the Holy Archdiocese of America to conduct a memorial service at the end of the Divine Liturgy today, and to join with others throughout this nation and the world in recognizing this as a solemn day of remembrance, as we offer prayers for the eternal memory and repose of the innocent victims of the barbaric attacks and for those who heroically fell in the line of duty attempting to help others and save lives. We shall continue to offer prayers for and ministry to the families who lost loved ones on that day. In the years that have followed the tragic events of September 11, 2001, so many of you have given generously to meet the needs of these families. We give thanks to God for this outpouring of compassion that is a genuine expression of faith in Him and an offering of consolation and assistance to so many.

On this tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, as we remember with faith and love the fallen and those who lost so much, we also affirm our hope for the future, enshrining this hope in the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas Church. While we cannot bring back except in memory those who perished that day, we can bring back our Church as a visible sign that hatred can never conquer love, and evil can never defeat good. I call upon all of you to offer fervent prayers for the victims – both dead and living, and prayers that our efforts to rebuild Saint Nicholas will soon come to fruition. From the smoldering ruins of that horrific day, may the Lord give us glory instead of ashes (Isaiah 61:3) so that all people may find solace, peace and recollection in the new Saint Nicholas edifice that will rise at Ground Zero, and know the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Philip. 4:7) which comes only from our Lord Jesus Christ.

With paternal love in Christ,

†DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America

*Visit http://www.goarch.org/news/encseptember112011eng for the Encyclical, as well as other resources regarding September 11, 2001.

2011-2012 Digital Planner is now available!

2011-09-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Download the Digital Planner to put the daily bible readings and listing of saints directly into your digital calendar (iCal, Google Cal, Outlook, etc.). Once in your calendar, you will be able to easily synchronize this information and take it with you on your PDA (iPhone, Blackberry, Android, etc.).

Click here to download to your smart phone today!

If you would like to purchase print copies of the planner, please visit the link below for more information. Use The Planner to keep track of all your schedules. Keep a daily focus on Christ with Scriptural readings, fast days, prayers, saints of the day, and inspiration from the Fathers. The Planner follows the Ecclesiastical (church) year beginning in September and ending in August. Large quantity discounts are also available--perfect for your parish book store, Sunday Schools, Youth Workers!

Click here to purchase hard copies of The Planner!

Ecclesiastical New Year - Resolutions for the Orthodox Christian

2011-08-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

When we think of New Year’s Resolutions, we often think of the goals that we create with a spirit of renewal and new energy. We have hope for changes in our lives… for the better!

So what kinds of resolutions can we make as we begin another New Year in the life of the Church? Here are a few things to consider and discuss:

1) Show and give LOVE more freely

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40

RESOLUTION: Show love through your actions and your words. Remember to say kind things to people rather than hurtful or mean things. Always respect others, regardless of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. Go out of your way to make someone feel better, especially if others have been unkind.

What are some other ways we can show LOVE this new ecclesiastical year?

2) Remember to FORGIVE, rather than react or keep grudges

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” – Matthew 18:21-22

RESOLUTION: As they say, two wrongs do NOT make a right. Try not to react so quickly if someone makes you angry or upset. Don’t keep grudges. A grudge can only make us react poorly or say something that we might regret later. If forgiveness is too difficult, talk to your parish priest. He can help you put things into perspective.

What other ways can we practice and understand forgiveness this new ecclesiastical year?

3) Don’t spread or be a part of GOSSIP

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29.

RESOLUTION: From magazines to television shows, gossip is people want to hear (but don’t want to be the subject of). Be the role model among your friends and stop gossip. Never talk about or spread things that are mean, embarrassing, or untrue. Or if someone tries to share gossip with you, tell them “Hey, I’m really not interested in that. Sorry.”

What other ways can we prevent GOSSIP this new ecclesiastical year?

4) Think beyond yourself… SERVE others

“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be the slave to all. For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:25-29

RESOLUTION: Make a real effort to serve and help others, not for recognition or glory. Get involved in service projects with school and the church youth group. This might mean serve on student council, volunteer at a soup kitchen, raise money for a charity, etc. Serving others can even happen at home. Take on a few extra chores or help with chores that aren’t even yours. Sacrifice your time and talents to make someone else’s life easier or happier.

What other ways can we give of ourselves and SERVE this new ecclesiastical year?

Consider the following things and create your own resolutions: Strengthening Prayer Life, Understand and Practice Fasting, Giving Thanks, Showing Mercy, Being Modest, Stopping Inappropriate Language, Respecting Ourselves and Our Bodies.

Chat with your friends and family and work together to really start the new ecclesiastical year on the right foot!

Originally published on September 6, 2009 in the Youth Worker Pulse, the official ListServ of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

Memories of a Young Adult Pilgrimage to Byzantium

2011-08-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

By Marika Pappas

In late 2009, I, along with 12 million other Americans watched Ecumenical Bartholomew speak on 60 Minutes about the religious persecution of Christians in Turkey. He spoke of the recent sufferings the Church has endured, including the closure of the Halki Seminary and the government’s refusal to allow non-Turkish citizens to become candidates for Ecumenical Patriarch. There began my intrigue with this land of Christian persecution, felt today, nearly two thousand years after Christianity first spread to the region. From May 27 to June 5, 21 Greek Orthodox faithful went on the National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Constantinople, Cappadocia, and Smyrna, led by Bishop Savas of Troas and Fr. Bill Gikas.

We were quickly immersed in our Turkish surroundings, landing in Constantinople early Saturday morning and driving to the Yedikule Fortress to orient ourselves with the immense city. All around us were layers of history, with each piece of architecture and each layer of the city telling a story of those that conquered, lived, and perhaps perished on the land we were standing on. At our next stop, the Zoodochos Pigi Church at the Balukli Monastery, we honored the graves of the fallen patriarchs in a peaceful cemetery. As I look back at our group singing Xristos Anesti in the church, I realize that Turkey would not be remembered solely as a place of suffering, but more importantly as a place of the resurrection, of miracles, and of hope.

The next day, on the anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire nearly 560 years ago, we attended liturgy at the Holy Trinity Church in Taksim Square. The foreign city was still bustling on a Sunday, but once inside of the security gates at the church, I was home. It never ceases to amaze me that I could be 6,000 miles from home but still feel the comfort of Christ inside of the church. We made our way to the Church of Chora, named for its location just outside of the old city walls where those from the countryside would come to worship in the early 5th century. The most moving piece of iconography was the depiction of Christ with the words “The Land of the Living,” where once again we would feel the grace of the resurrection and life in Christ, even in what is today considered a museum.

Our next stop for the day took us to Aghia Sophia, the Church of the Holy Wisdom, the highlight of the Constantinople skyline and the largest cathedral in the world for a thousand years. Visiting on the day that the city fell to the Ottoman empire and imagining the horrors that took place for three days as Sultan Mehmet’s troops pillaged the city was a difficult experience. The beauty of God’s house and knowing that the priests continued to perform the liturgy until they were stopped by the invaders gave us hope that while the church was taken and we were unable to do our cross or say a prayer while inside, our faith was not. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”(Matthew 18:20)

We ended our day with a brief visit to the Blue Mosque and the remaining pieces of the Hippodrome, both located a short walk from Aghia Sophia. On Monday, we were able to visit the famed Grand Bazaar, a whirling maze of trinkets, tea, and trading. Afterwards, we were blessed to have an audience with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. It was a surreal experience to walk in from the poor streets of Constantinople with the sounds of daily prayer ringing out and into the serene area of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. During our visit, Deacon Nephon Tsimalis gave us a tour of the Church of St. George, including the recently returned relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian.

Bishop Savas took the time to learn each of our occupations and an interesting fact to introduce each of us to the Ecumenical Patriarch. In turn, we heard about the struggles of the Church in Constantinople and around the world, and were given words of wisdom around “being the present and the future” of the Church and being ambassadors of Orthodox Christianity wherever we are. Our final visit for the day was at the Church of Vlaherna, which venerates the Virgin Mary. While a simple church, this was the site where the emperor’s son in 629 A.D. sang Ti Ypermaho with the other parishioners in an all-night vigil as the city was invaded by the Avars. Needless to say, Constantinople was saved. Our group felt it would be moving to also sing the hymn while we were there, to pray for the city of Constantinople today and her challenges.

That evening we took a one-hour flight to Kayseri, the main city in the Cappadocia region of the country where we would spend the next two days visiting the ancient cities of the first Christians in this region, and Greek villages abandoned since the early 20th century. On Tuesday, we spent the day exploring the Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the earliest Christians built nearly 30 churches from the 9th century in hidden caves. Most amazing to me was the pristine condition most of the icons were still in today and how consistent they were with the iconography from the parishes I’ve attended. I was completely moved by the consistency and tradition that the Orthodox Church has upheld for over 2,000 years. Not only was my faith reaffirmed, but my desire to ensure that future generations could experience the faith increased as well.

Some of the group finished the day by attending a “Whirling Dervish Ceremony.” This was an interesting opportunity to watch the Mevlevi Order (an order of Sufi Muslims) perform a symbolic routine known as the Sema. During this whirling dance, the dervishes enter a trance-like meditation in order to reach religious fervor.

On our final day in Cappadocia, we tested our enclosed spaces’ tolerance by visiting the one of the famous underground cities of Kaymakli. Amazingly, the entire group was able to make it through the seven levels of this intricate ancient city, where communities hid from conquering groups. We also visited several old Greek villages that have since been abandoned during the removal of the Greek population in the early 20th century. It was particularly close to heart for me as my paternal grandmother’s family hailed from this region. I could imagine what a beautiful life they may have had prior to escaping to the United States.

Our final destination, Smyrna, was just an hour-long flight westward toward the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived early Thursday morning and briefly toured the city before having some time to ourselves. The city was surprisingly new, with most of the buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. It lacked a certain sense of character and soul, as Bishop Savas remarked, most likely due to the unfortunate fires and destruction of the city by the Turks in 1922, as the Greek population was forced to leave the country. Many of us explored the city, caught up on our journals, and enjoyed chatting over dinner at the hotel.

Friday brought a road trip to the ancient city of Ephesus, originally built in the 10th century B.C. as an Ionian colony, and was transformed into a Christian settlement in 395 A.D. As one who has been to numerous Greek ruins, this area was awe-inspiring! From air conditioning, to public restrooms, to a massive library, Ephesus was a clearly a powerful and well-planned city beyond its time. We also visited the home of the Virgin Mary, where she was brought for protective reasons after Christ’s death and resurrection. Her simple home was just a short drive from the bustling city of Ephesus, but clearly a tranquil retreat for the Theotokos. Our final day in Turkey was a day of rest. A 90-minute bus drive brought us to the beach city of Cesme. It was enjoyable to spend our final day in such beautiful scenery with our new life-long friends.

While Turkey may not be the most hospitable place for Orthodox Christians over the past 500 years, this pilgrimage induced a sense of hope and strength for our faith in the future. The situation our faithful and the Ecumenical Patriarchate must endure today is just another layer of history in this holy area that will hopefully be restored to its rightful position in God’s glory in the near future. As humble as the church has been made by Ottoman and Turkish authorities over the past 600 years, faith still exists and thrives among these weeds. I began my journey fearing for the continuation of the Church in its birthplace of Constantinople, but left believing in the words Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said in his response to Charlie Rose’s question about him worrying for the future of the church, “Not really. We’ve survived. We do believe in miracles. We prefer to stay here, crucified sometimes because in the Gospel it was written and that was given to us, not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for Christ.” Suffering, unfortunately, is something that the Church here in Constantinople knows all too well. But, with suffering and crucifixion comes the resurrection. And with that, the group sang our final “Xristos Anesti- Christ is Risen.”

Marika Pappas lives in Chicago where she works as a treasury manager for an independent consulting firm. A native of Littleton, Colo., Marika graduated with her BSBA and International MBA from the University of Denver in 2008.

Is Facebook Making You Depressed?

2011-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Isn't Facebook supposed to be that cool website which connects us with friends and family? Apparently, for some, Facebook is causing more harm than good. In a recently-released study, researchers have observed some teenagers who display signs of depression because of Facebook. Yes, that's right... It is causing depression. But why is it causing young people to be depressed? And how can keep Facebook in the right focus?

You probably can name four or five people who spend more time on Facebook than on their homework or even texting. But for some, Facebook has become the only source of social interaction and communication. In essence, social networking websites have become the primary community in their life. And because it is the center of their social lives, the pressures of popularity, attention, and self-esteem are extending to the digital realm.

How would you feel if you were being mocked, bullied, and harassed by the very people that you "friended?" Some teens are feeling pressure to have a certain amount of "friends" or to get a certain amount of comments or attention. According to this new study, these communities can become additional sources anxiety, negativity, and depression.

As Orthodox Christians, we believe in the importance of fellowship and community. Regardless of the medium or environment, we should treat every person with love, kindness, patience, and respect. In any fellowship or community, we should place Christ at the center of how we act, interact, and react. Here are some suggestions on how to keep Facebook interactions as positive experiences:

Keep Facebook as an extension of your social network, not the ONLY social network. Facebook can be a great way to keep connected to quality friends from all over the U.S. But try not to make it the only way you communicate or the only place you seek out friendships. Spending time hanging out with friends or attending youth group events are ways that you can strengthen your current friendships and make new ones.

Don't be afraid to "defriend" if someone is NOT being a good friend. If you find out someone is saying mean things about you or they are harassing you, do not be afraid to remove them from your friend list. You deserve to have friends that are positive and kind. Don't worry about your friend count compared to others. Focus on having quality friends versus a certain quantity of friends.

Remember that Facebook is not a moral-free or consequence-free zone. Sometimes people post things or say things online that they would not post or say in person. So remember that the things you say and do have consequences just like they do in person. Mean words can hurt people's feelings. Inappropriate pictures can ruin someone's reputation. Bullying can be so dangerous that it lead to depression or something worse. We should live by the “Golden Rule” in person and online. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Originally published in the April 2011 issue of the “Challenge”— the monthly resource from the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Orthodox Observer.

Summer Service Project Ideas

2011-07-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

“Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” – Matthew 25:40

Our call to serve others is a “24/7” duty. In fact, you will always find individuals or organizations in need of help. So we should not abandon our call to be leaders through our service and good works. Take some time this summer by offering your time and talents to a service project. There are many service opportunities for individuals or groups, teens or young adults. Here are a few ideas to consider adding to your summer schedule:

DAY AT THE PARK: Each one of our cities has a beautiful park or playground that could use some “sprucing up” every once in a while. Contact the Parks and Recreation department of your city or state. See if there are any volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups to help clean or plant flowers for the parks in the area. Many cities offer volunteer/community service positions to keep public parks and areas beautiful.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps build homes for low-income families here and around the world. In fact, IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) is partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild parts of the Gulf Coast that are still in disrepair due to past hurricanes. Habitat for Humanity offers ways that teens and young adults can get involved. Whether you build or not, there is always something that can be done! Visit www.habitat.org for more information.

FEED THE HUNGRY: Unfortunately, hunger does not take a vacation during the summer months. According to the Feeding America website (www.feedingamerica.org), they annually provide food for 37 million Americans which includes 14 million children. Individuals or youth groups can plan summer volunteer days at the local soup kitchen or food bank. Youth groups can also gather to cook meals and deliver them to those who are ill or elderly and unable to cook for themselves.

GIVE BLOOD-SAVE A LIFE: According to the Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to three lives and every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. Individuals and families can visit www.redcrossblood.org to learn about donating blood and where to go. Also, youth groups can help out the community by hosting a blood drive at church or another location.

This submission can be found in the June 2011 edition of the "Challenge" - the monthly resource from the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Orthodox Observer.

E.O.C.S. Scholarship Winner Christopher Xanthos

2011-06-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Scholarship winner Christopher Xanthos, of Troop 715, Holy Cross, Brooklyn, received a $ 1,000 check as the first place winner in the 19th Annual Scholarship Program sponsored by the Eastern Orthodox committee on Scouting. He is flanked by his mother, Demetra, Scoutmaster Jim Athanasatos, and George N. Boulukos, National chairman of E.O.C.S. There were two runner ups, each receiving $ 500 each: Christopher Drake, New Jersey and Alaina Bontales, New Jersey. Several hundred applicants from around the country applied for these scholarships.

Uncovered mosaics at famed Hagia Sophia have art historians anxious to fully restore this national gem

2011-06-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

On our latest Young Adult Pilgrimage to Turkey, we were able to meet up with Anthony Savvides, a young adult and journalism student from Long Island who was studying abroad in Istanbul. Check out his article about Hagia Sophia and the restorations of icons, which includes an interview with His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas!

Uncovered mosaics at famed Hagia Sophia have art historians anxious to fully restore this national gem

ISTANBUL, Turkey – It began in 1993 - a massive effort to stabilize and restore an architectural gem dating back to the 6th century. But today, a year after the Ministry of Culture and Tourism declared the project finished, there remains concern that work on the Hagia Sophia Museum is still not complete.

“Now, the restoration process has ended, maybe [due to] money problems. There may be some political agendas, too,” said Aslihan Erkman, a professor of art history at Istanbul Technical University who believes that the efforts should have continued.

Before the latest restoration efforts began, a mission to Turkey by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, noted falling plaster, dirty marble facings, decorative paintings damaged by moisture and ill-maintained lead roofing. Progress was clearly made, but not enough, according to some observers.

In 2008, two years before work stopped on the space, Zeynep Ahunbay, a professor of architecture at Istanbul Technical University, talked of her frustration with the process.

“For months at a time, you don’t see anybody working,” Ahunbay told Smithsonian Magazine in 2008. “One year there is a budget, the next year there is none. We need a permanent restoration staff, conservators for the mosaics, frescoes and masonry, and we need to have them continuously at work.”

That’s one view of the project. Others watching during the nearly two decades of work – and after the scaffolding came down – talked of the somewhat complicated history of the space. Visible for miles across the city, the Hagia Sophia is a symbol of Istanbul’s history as well as its cultural and religious clashes.

The extravagant buttresses, grand dome and four brick minarets, towering toward the sky, have been a prominent feature of the city’s skyline since the 6th century, when it was completed in 537. This historic, grandiose landmark intertwines the legacies of medieval Christianity and Islam, and those of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Click here to read the rest of the story!

Pilgrimage Day 8: The Final Day!

2011-06-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Beach near Cesme (Chios in the background)

Clock Tower in the city center of Izmir

View from Pagos Hill

Cisterns at Pagos Hill

Our last day of the Pilgrimage was bittersweet. Seeing so many important historical and religious sites throughout Turkey, along with such an amazing group of young adults, has been spectacular. Today came to a close with a final tour around the city of Izmir, and ascending to one of the highest points in the city, Kadifekale or Pagos Hill. Known for its panoramic views of the of the bay, the area houses defensive walls originally built by Alexander the Great, as well as cisterns constructed during the Roman period. Our final afternoon was spent on the beautiful coastal city of Cesme, a popular beach resort town, which is a 40-minute boat ride from the Greek island of Chios. The participants gathered in the evening after dinner for a heartfelt discussion about the highlights of the trip, followed by a Paraklesis service—the perfect way to end our spiritual journey.

On behalf of the entire group, it was a privilege to travel with and learn from His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas and Rev. Fr. Bill Gikas. While all of our tour guides were well versed in history, His Grace provided an element of spiritual and cultural relevance that contributed to the undeniable success of the trip. Thank you!

We leave for the U.S tomorrow morning, looking forward to the comforts of home, already reminiscing about our time spent together in Turkey!

Pilgrimage Day 7: Ephesus

2011-06-03T13:54:00.001-07:00

Baptistery at the Basilica of St. John the Theologian

Architecture of the Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus

Participants at the "wishing wall" outside of the House of the Virgin Mary

Izmir (Smyrna), like many other parts of Turkey, is like an onion, with many layers waiting to be peeled. Yesterday, upon arrival, we learned about the catastrophe at Smyrna due to the population exchange between the Turkish and Greek governments in 1924. It is humbling to experience a place where so many of our ancestors and Christian brothers and sisters lived and experienced so many unnecessary atrocities. We had the afternoon at leisure, and many in the group took advantage of the many coffee houses and museums the city has to offer.

Today our adventures took us back in time to the ancient city of Ephesus, where we followed the lives of the apostles of John, Paul, and the Virgin Mary. We started off our bus ride reading the epistle of the day, Acts 19:1-8, which discusses Paul’s journey to Ephesus. Our first stop took us to the small and humble stone chapel built over where Mary lived with John. We lit candles and filled bottles up with holy water at the spring outside the chapel.

Our next destination took us back even further in time to the ancient ruins of the city of Ephesus. Even with only 30% of the site excavated, the city buildings and walkways seem to continue in every direction. The beautiful and sophisticated Library of Celsus would inspire even the laziest of students to study. Of spiritual significance, we also spent time at the Church of the Virgin Mary, the site of the 3^rd Ecumenical Council.

After lunch in a former Greek village in the mountains, we descended to the Basilica of St. John the Theologian. Commissioned by Justinian and Theodora at the site of St. John’s burial, the Basilica is considered the sister church of Hagia Sophia. Unfortunately, after a devastating earthquake, the church remains in ruins today. However, the empty tomb of St. John remains beneath the kouvklion in front of the altar.

Tomorrow will bring our final history lesson about the city of Smyrna, and our last full day of touring.

Pilgrimage Day 6

2011-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Not much to report today. We touched down in Izmir (or Smyrna, as it is known to the Greeks) in the morning and enjoyed a leisurely lunch by the sea. The rest of the afternoon was spent at leisure--walking around the city, enjoying a frappe, and relaxing after 5 hectic days of travel! More to come tomorrow after our full day tour of Ephesus!

Pilgrimage Day 5

2011-06-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

The view from our early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

Young adults in front of one of the many rock formations in the area.

Fr. Bill and young adults in the underground city in Kaymakli.

Our day began with the rising sun, preparing for our hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Almost everyone participated and got to experience Cappadocia’s unusual rock formations from 700 meters in the air. Ironically, our next tour stop had us descending seven stories into one of the largest underground cities, Kaymakli, dating back to the 4^th Century B.C. These caves were used as a sanctuary for the local community during countless invasions. As we walked through narrow tunnels, we were lead to chapels, wineries, tombs, and kitchens, all ingeniously ventilated through air-shafts. We also walked cobblestone streets up to several former Greek villages, deserted after the Greek-Turkish population exchange in 1924. The highlight of the day was singing Christos Anesti one last time at the house of St. John the Russian in Urgup.

Pilgrimage Day 4

2011-05-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Brave participants climbing in the home of St. Simeon!

One of the many churches in Goreme Open Air Museum

Participants at Goreme Open Air Museum

Hand-Woven Turkish Rug Demonstration

Today was spent outdoors in Cappadocia, the city often described as “moonscape” because of the magnificent sculpting caused by erosion. Since there are over 3,500 rock churches formed from various types of volcanic rock, we visited the Goreme Open Air Museum, which houses 30 of these rock churches dating back to the 9^th-11^th centuries. One of the most impressive of these, the Dark Church, is lit only by one tiny window, preserving the brightness of the frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament. After leaving the Goreme Valley, we headed toward an equally beautiful area with fairy chimneys, the Hunter Valley. Here we got an up close look at how people lived in these rock formations. Some of us even climbed into the home of St. Simeon, a towering formation with steep steps and several levels of windows and chambers. What a beautiful way to experience the region’s geological landscape and rich religious heritage.

After lunch we got to experience a live hand-woven rug demonstration in an enormous Turkish rug warehouse. The silk was harvested there from individual silkworms, spun into thread, and then delicately hand-woven into beautifully intricate rugs. The salesmen were so charming that many could not resist leaving without taking one home! The rain put a damper on the end of our afternoon, but it didn’t stop us from taking in the view of Cappadocia’s highest peak, Mt. Erciyes. Some of us continued touring into the evening with a stop at a whirling dervish show, where men of the Mevlevi order danced a symbolic ritualized routine that incorporates twirling. The rest of the group called it an evening, anticipating an early morning wake-up call (4:40am!) for the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia.

Pilgrimage Day 3: The Ecumenical Patriarchate

2011-05-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Pilgrimage Participants before our audience with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew

His Grace Bishop Savas and young adults in front of the relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian

Our group in the Cathedral of St. George

We started our day at the Grand Bazaar. This covered marketplace is the largest in Istanbul, and contains a bedazzling selection of items, from spices to jewelry to swords. Our day continued at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, when His Grace Bishop Savas and Patriarchal Deacon Nephon guided us through the Cathedral of St. George. We venerated the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saints Ephemia, Solomone, and Theophano, as well as a part of the post upon which the Romans flogged Christ. The highlight of the day was our audience with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, to whom we were personally introduced by His Grace Bishop Savas. His All Holiness then offered remarks and encouraged our future return to the Phanar, and presented each young adult pilgrim a gift. In return, our group of young adults presented a gift to His All Holiness.

After departing the Phanar, we grabbed a quick lunch and visited the Spice Bazaar, which was full of vendors selling exotic spices, teas, herbs, and sweets. Our last visit of the day was to Panagia Vlacherna, the most famous shrine of the Virgin Mary in Istanbul. In the 7^th Century, it is believed that the Virgin Mary protected the people of Constantinople from a foreign assault after they gathered in the church with her icon and sang the Akathist Hymn in her praise. Her intervention saved Constantinople, and the beautiful hymn, “Ti Ypermaho” (To You O Champion Leader), is still sung 1400 years later to commemorate this miraculous event. Feeling the inspiration, His Grace led our group in chanting this hymn, followed by “Christ is Risen.” We also filled bottles of agiasmo (holy water) from the holy natural spring and venerated Panagia’s icon, a great way to end our time in Constantinople.

Pilgrimage Day 2: Liturgy, Agia Sophia, Chora, and the Blue Mosque

2011-05-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Participants outside of Agia Sophia

Interior of Agia Sophia after many years of scaffolding

Pilgrims in awe of the mosaics at Chora Museum

We began our day with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Taksim Square. The church was packed with people, as there was a visiting Bishop as well as local Orthodox children gathered for a memorial in honor of their school’s founders. After a quick lunch and Starbucks at Taksim, we moved on to the magnificent mosaics and frescos of the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora. This is no longer a functioning church, but rather a museum of extensive Byzantine art. This is also one of the few churches that depict the life of the Virgin Mary, as well as an incredible depiction of the last judgment seat of Christ. Next, we visited Agia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom), one of the world’s greatest architectural and spiritual masterpieces. This church, built under emperor Justinian, was the largest church in the world for a span of 1,000 years. Our visit was not only significant because of the anniversary of the Ottoman conquest, which took place on this day 553 years ago, but also because the obtrusive dome scaffolding had been removed. The sheer size of the interior space is amazing. The dome rises 182 feet (this is about 18 stories high!), and the diameter spans 103 feet. After taking a group picture out front, we made a short stop at the Blue Mosque, built to look larger than Agia Sophia and known for its blue tile work. A short walk away, we visited the Hippodrome, the social and sporting center of the Old City. It contains the oldest object in the city, a 3500-year-old Egyptian obelisk that Theodosius the Great brought from the Temple of Karnak in Luxor. Tomorrow we will start our day at the Grand Bazaar and continue on to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where we will have an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Pilgrimage Day 1: Arrival in Constantinople

2011-05-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our journey to Constantinople is underway! After meeting everyone at JFK Airport, meeting new friends as well as familiar faces, 25 young adults from across the U.S. (New York, Alaska, California, Rhode Island, Ohio, Colorado, Texas…the list goes on!) embarked on the 8 ½ hour flight to Turkey. Our plane touched down on Saturday morning and we headed toward our first tour stop. We arrived at Yedikule fortress, which is positioned within the great Theodosian land walls and the Golden Gate, the main ceremonial entrance into the capital. After climbing to the top of the fortress and peering out over the Sea of Marmara, our group began to get oriented with the triangular geography of the city. His Grace Bishop Savas also pointed out that we had arrived at the great city walls a day before the anniversary of the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire on May 29, 1453. Our next stop was the church of Zoodogos Pigi at Balukli Monastery, also located to the west of the city and right outside of the land walls. After drinking from the Holy Spring, the group visited the beautiful church, as well as honored the graves of former Patriarchs, including Athenagoras, the former Archbishop of America, and Dimitrios. We had the afternoon off for some well-deserved rest and to explore the city before liturgy tomorrow morning.

Pilgrimage Participants at Yedikule Fortress

Patriarchal Graves at Balukli Monastery

Inside of the Church at Balukli Monastery

National Young Adult Pilgrimage Travel Blog from Turkey...coming soon!

2011-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Christ is Risen!

Our Department is preparing for the departure of the National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Constantinople, Ephesus, and Cappadocia, which will arrive in Turkey this Saturday, May 28th. The trip will once again be lead by His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas, Director of the Office of Church and Society, as well as Rev. Fr. Bill Gikas, from St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ. Check back on Saturday for the beginning of our live travel blog, which will follow us throughout our many stops in Turkey!

4/24/2011 Great and Holy Pascha

2011-04-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Epistle: Acts 1:1-8

Gospel: John 1:1-17

To ponder and meditate on: Let none fear death, for the death of the Savior has set us free. Christ is risen and the demons have fallen, Christ is risen and the angels rejoice (from the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom).

Christ is Risen, Truly He is Risen! You made it to Pascha (Passover)– when Christ “passed over from death to life”. May the resurrected Lord continually reign in your hearts and lives and may you be transfigured by the light of the resurrection.

If you have followed this blog through the 40 days (and beyond) and would like to write a comment so we can publicize in the future, please do so. May God be with you!!!

Christ is Risen, Truly He is Risen!

4/23/2011 Holy Saturday

2011-04-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Saturday
George the Great Martyr & Triumphant

Epistle Reading
St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 6:3-11

Gospel Reading
Matthew 28:1-20

To ponder and meditate on: What is this sight we behold? What is this present rest? The King of ages, having through His Passion fulfilled the plan of salvation, keeps Sabbath in the tomb . . . Unto Him let us cry aloud: Arise O Lord, judge the earth, for His mercies, endures forever, Allellulia (from the Matins of Holy Saturday).

4/22/2011 Holy Friday

2011-04-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Friday
Theodore the Sykeote
Nathaniel, Luke, & Clemente the Apostles
Nearchos the Martyr

Epistle Reading
St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 5:6-8

Gospel Reading
Matthew 27:62-66

To ponder and meditate on: Today, He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery . . . . We venerate Your Passion O Christ. Show us also your glorious Resurrection.

4/21/2011 - Holy Thursday

2011-04-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Thursday
Ianouarios the Holy Martyr & his Companions
Our Holy Father Maximian, Patriarch of Constantinople
Theodore the Holy Martyr & his mother Philippa of Perge
Alexandra the Martyr

Epistle Reading
St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 11:23-32

Gospel Reading
Matthew 26:1-20; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-44; Matthew 26:40-75; 27:1-2

12 Gospels of Holy Thursday

To ponder and meditate on: Today, Christ’s holy passion dawns upon the world as a saving light, for He comes of His goodness to suffer. He who holds all things in His hand consents to be hung upon the cross in order to save humanity (from the Matins of Holy Thursday).

4/20/2011 - Holy Wednesday

2011-04-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Wednesday
Theodore the Trichinas
Zacchaeus the Apostle of Caesaria
Gregory & Anastasios, Patriarchs of Antioch

Gospel Reading

John 12:17-50

Matthew 26:6-16

To ponder and meditate on: The sacrament of Holy Unction is for the forgiveness of sins and for the restoration of our health. As you receive Holy Unction today, allow it to bring you to spiritual and physical completion.

4/19/2011 Holy Tuesday

2011-04-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Tuesday
Paphnoutios the Holy Martyr
George the Confessor

Gospel Reading

Matthew 22:15-46; 23:1-39

Matthew 24:36-51; 25:1-46; 26:1-2

To ponder and meditate on: Work diligently with the talent that is give to you; be vigilant and cry aloud, that we may not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ (from the Matins of the Bridegroom services).

4/18/2011- Holy Monday

2011-04-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Monday
Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis
Euthemios the Enlightener of Karelia
Cosmas, Bishop of Calcydon
John the New Martyr of Epiros

Gospel Reading
Matthew 21:18-43
Matthew 24:3-35

To ponder and meditate on: Behold the bridegroom comes in the middle of the night. Blessed is the servant, whom He shall find watching. But unworthy is he whom He shall find slothful. Beware then O my soul, and be not overcome by sleep. For fear that you’ll be given over unto death, and shut out from the Kingdom. But raise yourself and cry, Holy, holy, holy, are you O God. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

4/17/2011 Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Palm Sunday
Symeon the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Persia
Makarios, Bishop of Corinth
Agapetos of Rome

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9

Gospel: John 12:1-18

To ponder and meditate on: Out of the mouths of the spotless babes and infants, You have brought forth perfect praise. By your Cross and Passion destroy the enemy, avenge the fall of old Adam (from the Matins of Palm Sunday).

Challenge: The challenges for Holy Week will be the following: Read the daily scriptures, fast hard, try to make it to all the Church services, buy a book and follow along in the services. Spend today figuring out a plan to make this happen.

4/16/2011 - Saturday of Lazarus

2011-04-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Lazarus Saturday
Agape, Chionia, & Irene, the Holy Martyrs

Epistle: Hebrews 12:28-29;13:1-8

Gospel: John 11:1-45

To ponder and meditate on: Before your passion, you raised Lazarus from the dead. Giving us an assurance of the common resurrection O Christ our God. Therefore like the children we offer symbols of victory, as we cry to you, the conqueror of death. Hosannah in the highest, blessed are you who comes, in the name of the Lord (Apolitkion of the Saturday of Lazarus).

Challenge: The forty days are over . . . you made it this far. The Church enters a two-day period before the Passion – Saturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday. Enjoy the day in the presence of the Life-giving Lord.

4/15/2011 - Sixth Friday in Lent

2011-04-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:

Crescens the Martyr
Leonidas, Bishop of Athens
Michael the New Martyr of Smyrna
The 9 Monk-martyrs of Corinth
Life-Giving Fount of the Theotokos

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 66:10-24

OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 49:33-50:26

OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 31:8-31

To ponder and meditate on: Since man is made in the image and likeness of God, there is something divine about the act of painting an icon (St. Theodore the Studite).

Challenge: Spend 3 minutes meditating on an icon you have in your home.

4/14/11 - Sixth Thursday in Lent

2011-04-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:

Aristarchos, Pudens, Trophimos the Apostles of the 70
Thomais the Martyr of Alexandria

Old Testament Readings
Isaiah 65:8-16
Genesis 46:1-7
Proverbs 23:15-24:5

To ponder and meditate on: "Enter into the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do not be ashamed again to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent." (St. John Chrysostom)

Challenge: We are approaching the end of our Lenten journey. Even if you haven't been able to faithfully observe the Lent so far, make the most of the remaining time. Repent and confess your sins and make a commitment to God. Take time today to think about a sin that you are struggling with and repent.

4/13/2011 - Sixth Wednesday in Lent

2011-04-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:

Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 58:1-11

OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 43:26-31; 45:1-16

OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 21:23-22:4

To ponder and meditate on: Before the fall, Adam shed no tears, and in the same way there will be no tears after the resurrection from the dead, when sin has been destroyed. For pains, sorrow, and lamentation will then have fled away (St. John Climacus).

Challenge: Say a special prayer today for those who have passed from this life to the next.

4/12/2011 Sixth Tuesday in Lent

2011-04-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parios
Anthoussa the Righteous of Constantinople
Akakios of Kapsokalyvia

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 49:6-10

OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 31:3-16

OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 21:3-21

To ponder and meditate on: All the troubles of life on earth will seem like a drop of salt water in a fresh water river when compared to life in Paradise (Saint Nikolai of Zica).

Challenge: In the morning, write down all the things that are troubling you right now. Before the end of the day, decide how you will handle each of these.

4/11/2011 Sixth Monday in Lent

2011-04-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Antipas, Bishop of Pergamon
Pharmuthios the Anchorite

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 48:17-49:4

OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 27:1-41

OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 19:16-25

To ponder and meditate on: Be shameful in your own eyes, and you will see the glory of God in yourself. For where humility flourishes, there God’s glory wells forth (St. Isaac the Syrian).

Challenge: Try to catch yourself throughout this day when you do something wrong and be mindful of all the shameful sins that you commit against the will of God. Think about how you can prevent and/or correct any wrong doings, words or thoughts. Ask God for forgiveness.

4/10/2011 - Sunday of Mary of Egypt

2011-04-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
Terence & his Companions beheaded at Carthage
Gregory V, the Holy Martyr & Patriarch of Constantinople
Holy Father Theona, Archbishop of Thessolonica

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

To ponder and meditate on: Love is the kingdom which the Lord mystically promised to his disciples, when He said that they would eat in His kingdom: “You shall eat and drink at My table in My kingdom (Luke 22:30). What should they eat and drink, if not love? (St. Isaac the Syrian)

Challenge: Following Liturgy, enjoy the Feast. Make it a point to be in a good mood today and live the “liturgy after the liturgy”.

4/9/11 - Fifth Saturday in Lent

2011-04-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
5th Saturday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn
Eupsychios the Martyr
Vadim the Righteous of Persia
Rafael, Nicholas, Irene, & Olympias of Mytilene

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7

Gospel: Luke 1:39-49, 56

To ponder and meditate on: On Sundays and feast days come to the Church, and falling down with reverence before God, be mindful of all the mercies you may ever have received from Him. Thank Him for them with all your heart, and as a sign of your thankfulness, promise to live as He commanded you (St. Tikhon of Zadonsk).

Challenge: Make plans to be at Church tomorrow morning . . . try not to stay out late tonight . . . but truly prepare yourself. We are approaching the end of the Great Lent. Make sure to spend more time with God and reorient yourself to Him.

4/8/11 - Fifth Friday in Lent

2011-04-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Agavos, Rouphos, Asynkritos, Phlegon, Herodion, & Hermes of the 70 Apostles
Rufus the Obedient of the Kiev Caves
Celestine, Pope of Rome

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 45:11-17
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 22:1-18
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 17:17-18:5

To ponder and meditate on: Be zealous within your soul, without showing it in the least, either by visible sign or by word, or by hint. And you will only do this when you stop looking down on your neighbor (St. John Climacus).

Challenge: Each Friday in Great Lent, we celebrate the service of Salutations to the Theotokos. This service is celebrated in the evening. Make plans to go to this evening’s service. Follow along in the service; it is a beautiful prayer.

4/7/2011 -- Fourth Thursday in Lent

2011-04-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Kalliopios the Martyr, Roufinos the Deacon & Akylina the Martyr in Sinope
Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America
Righteous Father Savvas the New of Kalymnos
George, Bishop of Lesvos

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 42:5-16
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 18:20-33
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 16:17-17:17

To ponder and mediate on: Almsgiving has been introduced not for the sake of the receivers, but of the givers, for the latter are they which make the greatest gain (Saint John Chrysostom).

Challenge: Do something good for a family member today.

4/6/2011 Fifth Wednesday in Lent

2011-04-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Eutychios, Patriarch of Constantinople
Methodius, Equal-to-the-Apostles & Enlightener of the Slavs
120 Martyrs of Persia
Gregory of Sinai

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 41:4-14
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 17:1-9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 15:20-16:9

To ponder and meditate on: Let us charge into the good fight with joy and love without being afraid of our enemies. For the cunning creatures have observed that we are scared. So let us take up arms against them courageously. No one will fight with a determined fighter (St. John Climacus).

Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion. Listen for the above prayer.

4/5/2011 Fifth Tuesday in Lent

2011-04-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them
Theodora the Righteous of Thessaloniki
Agathopodes and Theodulos the Martyrs
George the new Martyr

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 40:18-31
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 15:1-15
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 15:7-19

To ponder and mediate on: Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience (St. John Climacus).

Challenge: Do not watch TV tonight. Use this time to come closer to God (either in prayer, reading scripture, an inspirational book, etc.)

4/4/2011 Fifth Monday in Lent

2011-04-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
George the Righteous of Maleon
Righteous Plato the Studite
Nicetas the Hieromartyr. Struggler of Serrai (1808)
Righteous Zosimas

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 37:33-38:6
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 13:12-18
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 14:27-15:4

To ponder and meditate on: The sins of those who ask for pardon are forgiven. But see that you do not harbor hatred for your brothers when you ask for forgiveness of your sins (St. Ephraim the Syrian).

Challenge: If there is someone that you are at odds with, ask them for forgiveness.

4/03/2011 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent

2011-04-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Nikitas the Confessor
Joseph the Hymnographer
Theodosia and Irene the Martyrs

Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20

Gospel: Mark 9:17-31

To ponder and mediate on: With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundredfold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls (Kontakion of St. John Climacus).

Challenge: Write down on a list all the people around you that need prayers. Once a week during your prayer time, pray for them.

4/02/2011 -- Fourth Saturday in Lent

2011-04-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Titus the Wonderworker
Theodora the Virgin-martyr of Palestine
Amphianos & Aedesios the Martyrs of Lycia

Epistle: Hebrews 6:9-12

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

To ponder and meditate on: Curb your tongue which rages to leap into arguments.(St. John Climacus).
"The tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no human being can tame the tongue -- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so." James 3:6-10

Challenge: Instead of staying out late tonight, come home an hour early than usual and have a quiet evening. This will help you prepare for the Divine Liturgy tomorrow. Take special care to control the tongue.

4/01/2011 -- Fourth Friday in Lent

2011-03-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Mary of Egypt
Gerontios & Vasilides the Martyrs
Euthemios of Suzdal

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 29:13-23

OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 12:1-7

OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 14:15-26

To ponder and mediate on: As a light bearing candle, shining upon those in darkness we behold the Holy Virgin; for igniting the heavenly light, She guides everyone to Divine Knowledge (from the 4th Salutation to the Theotokos).

Challenge: Each Friday in Great Lent, we celebrate the service of Salutations to the Theotokos. This service is celebrated in the evening. Make plans to go to this evening’s service. Follow along in the service, it is a beautiful prayer.

3/31/2011 -- Fourth Thursday in Lent

2011-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Hypatios the Wonderworker
Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska
Akakios the Confessor

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 28:14-22
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 10:32-11:9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 13:19-14:6

To ponder and mediate on: Almsgiving has been introduced not for the sake of the receivers, but of the givers, for the latter are they which make the greatest gain (Saint John Chrysostom).

Challenge: Do something good for a family member today.

3/30/2011 -- Fourth Wednesday in Lent

2011-03-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent
Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70
Zacharias the New Martyr

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 26:21-27:9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 9:18-10:1
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 12:23-13:9

To ponder and meditate on: The knowledge of the Cross is concealed in the sufferings of the Cross (Saint Isaac the Syrian).

Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion.

3/29/2011 -- Fourth Tuesday in Lent

2011-03-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Mark, Bishop of Arethusa
Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him
Jonah & Mark the Martyrs
Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia

Readings:
Isaiah 25:1-9
Genesis 9:8-17
Proverbs 12:8-22

To ponder and meditate on: You cannot destroy the passions on your own, but ask God, and He will destroy them (Saint Anatoly of Optina).

Challenge: Assess how you have been doing so far during Lent. Have you made any changes? Decide on how you want to continue this Lent and make a commitment to be faithful for the rest of the Lenten journey.

3/28/2011 -- Fourth Monday in Lent

2011-03-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Hilarion the New
Herodion the Apostle of the 70
Stephen the Wonderworker

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 14:24-32
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 8:21-9:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 11:19-12:6

To ponder and mediate on: Thirst after Jesus, and He will satisfy you with His love (St. Isaac the Syrian).

Challenge: Throughout the day, imagine if Christ was standing next to you as you made each decision (big and small). How would that change they way you decide?

3/27/2011 - Third Sunday in Lent (Sunday of the Holy Cross)

2011-03-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

Saints and Feasts: Sunday of the Holy Cross
Matrona of Thessaloniki
Paul, Bishop of Corinth

Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-16;5:1-6

Gospel: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

To ponder and mediate on: This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross. Now it is placed before us and shines with brightness of Christ’s resurrection. Let us all draw near and kiss it with great rejoicing in our lives (from the Sunday Matins).

Challenge: Think about how Christ’s great sacrifice “on the cross” has given us eternal life. Take five minutes to sit silently in the presence of God. Thank Him for the love showed to us through Christ on the cross.

3/26/2011 -- Third Saturday in Lent

2011-03-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel
26 Martyrs in Crimea
Irenaeus the Hieromartyr of Hungary

Epistle Reading
Hebrews 2:2-10

Gospel Reading
Luke 10:16-21

To ponder and mediate on: Holiness is the fruit of one’s efforts and gift of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is reached by him who wears a cross and in the name of Christ wages warfare against the obstacles to holiness, becoming akin to Christ (Saint John of San Francisco).

Challenge: Think about the “obstacles” in your life that are keeping you from God. Figure out a way to remove at least one today.

3/25/2011 -- Third Friday in Lent

2011-03-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Annunciation of the Theotokos

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 13:2-13
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 8:4-21
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 10:31-11:12

To ponder and meditate on: A prayer from the Salutations service . . . The Angel stood before the Virgin and cried aloud: Rejoice, blessed Lady, who alone among women have preserved the seal of your virginity, while yet receiving in your womb the pre-eternal Word and Lord, that He as God may save mankind from error (a hymn from Matins).

Challenge: Today is the Feast of Annunciation. Like the Theotokos who submitted her life to God, we need to submit our lives to God and become bearers of God in this world. Write down one thing about the Mother of God and decide to imitate her.

March 24, 2011 - Third Thursday in Lent

2011-03-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos
Artemon the Presbyter
Our Holy Father Theonas, Archbishop of Thessolonica
Zachariah the Recluse

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 11:10-12:2
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:11-8:3
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 10:1-22

To ponder and mediate on: Pray this prayer today . . . "O Trinity, uncreated and without beginning, O undivided Unity, Three and One. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, single God: accept this our hymn from our tongues" (from the Lenten Triodion).

Challenge: Copy this prayer on a piece of paper and pause often throughout the day, sitting in silence, and recite the prayer.

3/23/2011 -- Third Wednesday in Lent

2011-03-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Nikon the Holy Martyr & his 200 Companion Martyrs
Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George
Luke the New Martyr of Mytilene

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 10:12-20
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:6-9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 9:12-18

To ponder and meditate on: Think about how God entered the world . . . When the Fashioner of all wished to save the world, He came to it by Himself; and being Shepherd as God, He appeared for us as a man; for appearing the same as we are, He called us unto Himself, and as God He hears, Allelulia (from the service of the Salutations to the Theotokos).

Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion. Listen for the above prayer.

3/22/2011 -- Third Tuesday in Lent

2011-03-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra
Kalliniki & Vassilisa the Martyrs
Euthemios the New Martyr

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 9:9-10:4
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:1-5
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 8:32-9:11

To ponder and mediate on: We cannot procrastinate until tomorrow. For we know not what the next day will bring. Nor should we say, let us conquer a certain habit “little by little”, since this “little by little” will never come to an end (St. John Chrysostom).

Challenge: Write down three small "bad" habits on a piece of paper, and during the day, try to “eliminate them” from your life.

3/21/2011 -- Third Monday in Lent

2011-03-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
James the Confessor
Thomas I, Patriarch of Constantinople

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 8:13-9:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 6:9-22
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 8:1-21

To ponder and mediate on: There is no sin without forgiveness except one which is without repentance. And there is no gift which is without increase except the one which lacks acknowledgment (St. Isaac the Syrian)

Challenge: Think of one sin that you struggle with on a regular basis. Ask God for forgiveness and write down three things you can do to free you from this sin. This will help you to take that road to true repentance.

March 20, 2011 -- Second Sunday in Lent

2011-03-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

On the Second Sunday of Lent the Orthodox Church commemorates our Holy Father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, the Wonderworker. The feast day of Saint Gregory Palamas is November 14, however, he is commemorated on this Sunday as the condemnation of his enemies and the vindication of his teachings by the Church in the 14th century was acclaimed as a second triumph of Orthodoxy.

Saints and Feasts:
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas
Saint Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne
Myron the New Martyr of Crete
Photini the Samaritan Woman

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14;2:1-3

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

To ponder and mediate on: You will glorify Him as God and Him only, the King and Creator of all; and to Him you will cleave, and to Him you will turn from your sins, known and unknown, day and night (from St. Gregory Palamas).

Challenge: Live the Feast today! After Liturgy, keep the feeling all day – try to glorify God through your actions.

March 19, 2011 -- Second Saturday in Lent

2011-03-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Second Saturday in Lent
Chrysanthos & Daria the Martyrs
Demetrios the New Martyr

Epistle Reading: Hebrews 3:12-16

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:35-44

To ponder and mediate on: In this season of fasting, O Christ, you have shone as a light on those who walk in the darkness of sin. Bring us to the holy days of Your passion, that we may sing to you: Arise O God, and have mercy on us (from today’s Vespers).

Challenge: Instead of staying out late tonight, come home an hour early than usual and have a quiet evening. This will help you prepare for the Divine Liturgy tomorrow.

March 18, 2011 -- Second Friday in Lent

2011-03-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Trophimos & Eukarpion, Monk-martyrs of Nicomedea

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 7:1-14
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 5:32-6:8
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 6:20-7:1

Something to ponder: Tonight is the second service of the Salutations to the Theotokos -- go the Archdiocese site and listen to the beautiful hymns . . .
http://lent.goarch.org/media/audio.asp#akathist

Challenge: Think about how Mary accepted the Archangel’s command to become the God-bearer. Spend 5 minutes and write down all the things that you will have to remove from your life if God was to dwell in you.

March 17, 2011 -- Second Thursday in Lent

2011-03-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Alexios the Man of God
Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland
Marinos the Martyr
Theocteristos the Confessor

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 6:1-12
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 5:1-24
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 6:3-20

To ponder and meditate on: "The sacred writers of the Old and New Testament, with the Holy Spirit, authored the books. The Fathers of the Church applied the writings to their lives. The next generation knew them by heart. But those of modern times have shut them away in libraries". Learn the truths of the Church!!!

Challenge: Do one nice thing for someone else today – and tell no one!

March 16, 2011 -- Second Wednesday in Lent

2011-03-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Savinos the Martyr of Egypt
Christodoulos the Wonderworker of Patmos
Aristovoulos, Apostle of the 70
Julian the Martyr

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 5:16-25
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 4:16-26
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 5:15-6:3

To ponder and mediate on: We need the divine medicines to heal the wounds that we have received; and to protect us from those that we have not yet received but will receive. We must thoroughly quench the darts of the devil and beat them off by continual reading of the divine Scriptures (from St. John Chrysostom).

Challenge: If you haven’t been keeping up with the daily readings, start again now! If you have, think of one medicine that you can receive in your life that will keep the evil one away . . . Holy Communion. Go to Pre-Sanctified Liturgy tonight and receive Christ.

March 15, 2011 -- Second Tuesday in Lent

2011-03-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Agapios the martyr & his Companions
Manuel the New Martyr of Crete
Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 5:7-16
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 4:8-15
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 5:1-15

To ponder and mediate on: In continuing with our Lenten forgiveness theme . . . O Master, we who believe in You know the wealth of your great compassion. Along with the Prodigal Son, in deep sincerity we bow down before you. Accept us, that we may flee to You for refuge, for there is no sin O Lord, that can triumph over your love for us (from the Matins of the day).

Challenge: At least once this week, do not log on to Facebook for 24 hours. Use the time in a spiritually healthier way.

March 14, 2011 -- Second Monday in Lent

2011-03-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts:
Benedict the Righteous of Nursia
Euschemon the Confessor
Bishop of Lampasakos

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 4:2-5:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 3:21-4:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 3:34-4:22

To ponder and meditate on: A theme in lent is repentance and forgiveness – but also looking toward Heaven.
Earthly life is given to us by the mercy of the Creator in order that we may use it for salvation, that is, for our restoration from death to life (from Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov).

Challenge: Think of one thing that you do on a daily basis that is not good for the soul -- Try to eliminate that from your life.

March 13, 2011 -- Sunday of Orthodoxy

2011-03-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The main theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic controversy (which did not allow icons in Church), which had raged on and off since 726, was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday has been commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy."

Saints and Feasts:
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Removal of the relics of Nicephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople
Pouplios the Martyr, Bishop of Athens

Epistle Reading: Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40

Gospel Reading: John 1:43-51

To ponder and meditate on: Who is so, great a God, as our God. You are the God, who alone does wonders (from the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers).

Challenge: Go to Church today and receive Communion. You made it through the first week of Great Lent. Congratulations!!! If you fell this week – that’s OK. Just get right back on it and start today!

March 12, 2011 -- First Saturday in Lent

2011-03-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

Saints and Feasts:

First Saturday in Lent
Theophanes the Confessor
Symeon the New Theologian
Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome

Epistle:

The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10

TIMOTHY, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

Gospel:

The Reading is from Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-5

At that time, Jesus was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?" And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" And he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath."

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. And they watched him, to see whether he would heal him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come here." And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch it out," and his hand was restored.

To ponder and meditate on: Think about how temporary this life is . . . and how eternity is never ending.

My Soul, O My soul, rise up! Why are you sleeping? The end draws near and soon you will be troubled. Watch then, that Christ your God may spare you, for He is everywhere present and fills all things (from the service of the Great Compline).

Challenge: Instead of staying out late tonight, come home an hour early than usual and have a quiet evening. This will help you prepare for the Divine Liturgy tomorrow.

March 11, 2011-- First Friday in Lent

2011-03-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

Saints and Feasts:
Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Theodora the Righteous
Pionios the Presbyter
George the New Wonderworker of Constantinople

Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 3:1-14

Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 2:20-3:20

Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 3:19-34

To ponder and meditate on: O Champion General, I your city now inscribe to you triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. But since you have the dominion unassailable, from all kinds of perils free me so that unto you, I may cry aloud: rejoice, O Bride unwedded.

Challenge: Each Friday in Great Lent, we celebrate the service of Salutations to the Theotokos. This service is celebrated in the evening. Make plans to go to this evening’s service. Follow along in the service, it is a beautiful prayer.

March 10, 2011 -- First Thursday of Lent

2011-03-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

Saints and Feasts:
Kodratos the Martyr & his Companions
Anastasia of Alexandria

Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 2:11-21

Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 2:4-19

Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 3:1-18

To ponder and meditate on: You have given repentance for me a sinner, O Lord, wishing in your boundless mercy to save me. I fall down before you and pray, humble my soul through fasting, for I come to you for refuge, you who are rich in mercy (from the Matins on this day).

Challenge: Instead of listening to music or watching TV before you go to bed, open an inspirational book and read.

March 9, 2011 -- First Wednesday of Lent

2011-03-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Saints and Feasts:

40 Martyrs at Lake Sebaste
Caesarios the Righteous

Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 2:3-11

Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 1:24-2:3

Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 2:1-22

To ponder and meditate on: Let my prayer rise like incense before you, and the lifting of my hands like an evening sacrifice (from the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts).

Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion. Listen for the above prayer (the priest sings this as he censes the Holy Table).

March 8, 2011 -- First Tuesday of Lent

2011-03-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

Saints and Feasts:

Theophylaktos, Bishop of Nicomedea
Hermas the Apostle of the 70
Paul the Confessor
Dometios the Righteous

Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 1:19-2:3

Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 1:14-23

Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 1:20-33

To Ponder and meditate on: The sins of those who ask for pardon are forgiven. But see that you do not harbor hatred for your those when you ask them for forgiveness of your sins (Saint Ephraim the Syrian).

Challenge: Ask someone in your family or a friend whom you have hurt for forgiveness.

March 7, 2011 -- Clean Monday

2011-03-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Saints and Feasts:
The 7 Hieromartyrs of Cherson
Lavrentios of Megara, the Righteous
Paul the Simple

Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 1:1-20

Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 1:1-13

Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 1:1-20

To ponder and meditate on:

Going through the fast does not consist in merely going through the time, but in going through it with change of manners. Let us consider this: Whether we have become more diligent; whether we have corrected any of our faults: whether we have washed away our sins? (from St. John Chrysostom).

Challenge: Print the following prayer up and read it everyday throughout Great Lent . . . it is called the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. Do a prostration at the beginning of each line.

O Lord and Master of my life, take away from me the spirit of laziness, meddling, ambition and gossip.

But give to me your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and faults, and not to judge my brother or sister, for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

INTO THE DESERT...

2011-03-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Take the 40-day Lenten Challenge beginning on March 7, 2011 (Clean Monday). “Into the Desert” is a daily blog, which will offer reflections and discussion topics to motivate, inspire, and keep you on track during Lent. The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will once again offer this resource that can be used for your Lenten youth group discussions as well as your own personal Lenten journey.

MTV and Skins

2011-02-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

MTV and “Skins”

by Fr. Mark A. Leondis

Oh MTV, you’ve done it again! You have once again pushed the envelope of programming aimed at tweens, teenagers, and young adults. Every other year since your inception, you seem to re-create your programming to “push the limit.”

I remember vividly in August of 1981, MTV launching it’s first “music video” by the Buggles entitled, “Video Killed the Radio Star.” That day changed the face of music and television forever. The original tag line was “you’ll never look at music the same way again.” Bands of the 80’s began caring as much about videos as they did their music, and music didn’t look the same as incredible amounts of money were spent advertising, creating and offering something quite different for millions of viewers.

With the emergence of the Internet and videos being watched on the computer, MTV changed their emphasis from videos to programming. And this programming was methodically planned by marketers and advertisers who cared nothing about the young people themselves, but on how they could make money.

MTV and other outlets have continued with this formula. From the animated series “Beavis and Butthead” with its crude and vulgar language, to reality shows such as “Real World” and “Road Rules” where young people continually drink, have sex and get into fights; from game shows like “Singled Out” which make dating all about looks and fashion; to prank comedy shows like “The Tom Green Show” and “Jackass” with absurd stunts making fun of themselves and others; from scripted “reality” shows like “The Hills”, “Laguna Beach,” and “Parental Control” which make sex and intimacy a joke between young people; to the 2009 popular hit “Jersey Shore,” which portrays young adults who selfishly live consumed lives with little regard for others.

Their newest show, “Skins”, is MTV’s “shock and awe” at its best, or shall I say at its worst. Their portrayal of pill-popping, “lusty” teenage actors as young as 15, is both disturbing and unsettling. Even advertisers, Wrigley, Schick and Taco Bell to name a few, have decided to pull their ads during the show.

Although, MTV has “toned down” their content since the premier a few weeks back, they have no plans on cancelling the show. Parenting groups are asking Congress and the Justice Department to investigate the show to see if it violates laws on the sexual exploitation of children. Their target audience is 12-34 year olds . . . you read it right, 12-34 year olds. As a parent of a tween, I see a problem with the suggestion that my ten year-old should be watching the same content that a 34 year old is interested in. For children, the content of the show is purely provocative; while the content borders on child pornography for the older end of the spectrum.

The reality is that Madison Avenue has more to do with programming than MTV. Teen Marketers understand the child as a customer – not as a person. They look for ways to sell “cool,” which is their product. A few years back, PBS produced a Frontline series entitled “The Merchants of Cool” which accurately describes the relationship between youth culture and Madison Avenue. They highlight that youth culture is being created not by the teens themselves, but rather by teen marketers. They look for 20% of the young people who are the trendsetters, who then set the stage for the other 80%. Teenagers in 2011 are the most marketed group of young people in the history of humanity.

The problem with “Skins” is that it glamorizes the behavior of a small percentage of young people, and not the real demographic.

In reality, isn’t “Skins” just a reflection of the other programs that adults watch on a nightly basis? Isn’t “Skins” just imitating its older television siblings like the Bachelor, The Real Housewives, General Hospital and the salacious talk shows that exist on a daily basis?

At a time in their lives when young people are forming and defining their individual identities, what they need most is positive imagery and role models who will guide them along the way. In my 16 plus years of full-time youth ministry, I have seen shows such as this come and go. But the important element in this is to teach our young people that they don’t need to watch these shows to be cool or to fit in, especially when all they do is bring a negative influence to their lives.

The bottom line: We must give our young people the necessary tools to become good decision makers. We must teach them to “learn to discern.” Discern what is beneficial and what is destructive to our souls. Discern what elements make up a healthy lifestyle. Discern the content of the music they listen to, the video games they play and the television shows they watch.

We will never be able to stop the “industry” from producing this negative stuff, but we can empower our youth to recognize its inherent dangers. In so doing we can help them understand the importance of living a “pure life,” and choosing wisely.

Fr. Mark Leondis is the Archdiocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. In his 16 years of full time youth ministry, he has served as the Metropolis of Denver Youth Director, Archdiocesan Director, has taught classes in youth ministry and Christian education at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and serves as the Chairman of the OCF Board of Directors. He lives in New York with his wife and 2 children.

Michelle Obama's Open Letter to Parents After Arizona Shooting

2011-01-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Dear parents,

Like so many Americans all across the country, Barack and I were shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act of violence committed in Arizona this past weekend. Yesterday, we had the chance to attend a memorial service and meet with some of the families of those who lost their lives, and both of us were deeply moved by their strength and resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy.

As parents, an event like this hits home especially hard. It makes our hearts ache for those who lost loved ones. It makes us want to hug our own families a little tighter. And it makes us think about what an event like this says about the world we live in - and the world in which our children will grow up.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we struggle with these issues ourselves, many of us will find that our children are struggling with them as well. The questions my daughters have asked are the same ones that many of your children will have - and they don't lend themselves to easy answers. But they will provide an opportunity for us as parents to teach some valuable lessons - about the character of our country, about the values we hold dear, and about finding hope at a time when it seems far away.

We can teach our children that here in America, we embrace each other, and support each other, in times of crisis. And we can help them do that in their own small way - whether it's by sending a letter, or saying a prayer, or just keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts.

We can teach them the value of tolerance - the practice of assuming the best, rather than the worst, about those around us. We can teach them to give others the benefit of the doubt, particularly those with whom they disagree.

We can also teach our children about the tremendous sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country and by their families. We can explain to them that although we might not always agree with those who represent us, anyone who enters public life does so because they love their country and want to serve it.

Christina Green felt that call. She was just nine years old when she lost her life. But she was at that store that day because she was passionate about serving others. She had just been elected to her school's student council, and she wanted to meet her Congresswoman and learn more about politics and public life.

And that's something else we can do for our children - we can tell them about Christina and about how much she wanted to give back. We can tell them about John Roll, a judge with a reputation for fairness; about Dorothy Morris, a devoted wife to her husband, her high school sweetheart, to whom she'd been married for 55 years; about Phyllis Schneck, a great-grandmother who sewed aprons for church fundraisers; about Dorwan Stoddard, a retired construction worker who helped neighbors down on their luck; and about Gabe Zimmerman, who did community outreach for Congresswoman Giffords, working tirelessly to help folks who were struggling, and was engaged to be married next year. We can tell them about the brave men and women who risked their lives that day to save others. And we can work together to honor their legacy by following their example - by embracing our fellow citizens; by standing up for what we believe is right; and by doing our part, however we can, to serve our communities and our country.

Sincerely,

Michelle Obama

Departments of Youth and DRE release joint listserv on Tucson Shooting

2011-01-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

"Exalted be the God of my salvation, who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above my adversaries; yes, you delivered me from men of violence."
Psalm. 18:46, 48

Dear Youth Worker and Religious Educator,

This listserv will focus on resources to assist us in dealing with tragedy and violence. The recent shootings in Tucson, Arizona have shocked all of us and we remain speechless as we try to cope with what has happened. On January 8, 2011, about twenty people were shot at a meeting held by a United States Representative from Arizona, with constituents. The meeting was held outside a local grocery store, where about thirty people were gathered around a table to meet with Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The Representative herself was reported to be the primary target of the gunman, who is now in custody. However, several others were shot, of which six died. Some continue to be under medical treatment. Among those who died was a nine-year old girl who was born on September 11, 2001, and thus had appeared in the book Faces of Hope: Babies Born on 9/11.

How do we understand what has happened? As Christians we are to exhibit God’s love, grace, and forgiveness here on earth. Though we can’t understand why this happened and why God allows this to happen, we are faced with the challenge to forgive those who carry out these evil acts by remaining in God’s love. We are called to pray for God’s love to be poured out on whoever did this. We are also called to pray for those who have been victims of this shooting as well as their loved ones. Pray for peace and comfort for all who have been affected by the event.

When we face situations like these where we see injustice dancing in front of us, we are comforted only through the peace of Christ that is poured out to us. Even Christ had to suffer injustice while he lived on this earth. But his suffering brought us hope because his death has conquered death for us. Through him, we are given a hope and peace that is beyond our understanding.

How do we help our children deal with the shootings in Arizona? The first thing is to reassure them that their world is secure by being there for them. Help them understand that God is with us and even if we face problems in this world, God will be there loving us, holding us and comforting us. God will never depart from us. Christ has promised us to be with us always (Matthew 28:20).

In addition to assuring the children that God is with us and that our lives will still go on, you must listen to them. Ask them how they feel and be patient. You may even have to help them understand what their various feelings are – fear, confusion, sadness, anxiety, etc. – these and others can be very difficult for young children to understand. They will likely be feeling everything you are feeling. It’s important to have them identify them and share them. Having done this, pray with them and help them talk to God about all they are thinking and feeling. Negative emotions are hard to admit sometimes. Anger, resentment and hate can easily be emotions we feel, especially given the nature of the event. It is important for each of us to struggle to understand evil, both in ourselves and in others. God is not the source of evil. He has given us free will. He wants us to choose to do good and loving things but sometimes, in our fallen state, we choose to do evil and hurtful things. Therefore, we need to pray for those who engage in evil acts such as this. As Christians we need to pray for our enemies. Our God is a God of forgiveness, mercy, justice, wisdom, truth and love.

Some children may wonder about the discussions in the media about the events, from issues of gun violence and regulation to the current tone of American political discourse. Some children may look for easy or simple answers to what are very difficult and complex issues in our society. It is natural to do so. Trying to identify a cause, especially a single cause, for this tragedy helps all of us “make sense” out of what are apparently “senseless” events. (As adults, we too may be wondering this. Ecclesiastes 7:10 offers an excellent piece of advice about the wisdom of looking to the past nostalgically, “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.”)

Our task as youth workers, teachers, parents, and guides is not to provide an easy answer to difficult questions. Our task is to help our children – as is appropriate to their age and capacity – to ask the questions, think about them, and look more deeply into our Faith Tradition for insight and wisdom so that they can make decisions for their lives when it comes to matters like these. The Bible, the lives of saints, the writings of the Fathers all relate stories featuring violence, anger, and tragedy. We should turn to all of them and read them in the light of the present situation.

As we try to cope with this tragedy, let us keep Christ’s words in our minds and teach our children. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

With love in Christ,

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
The Department of Religious Education

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Resources for Coping with Tragedy
*Help for young adults coping with tragedy
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=298&id=2065

*Article: "Talking to children about death" by Dr. Al Rossi
http://yya.oca.org/TheHub/Articles/TheChurchonCurrentIssu es/ChildDeath.htm

*Youth ministry article: "Helping teens through grief"
http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/topics/counseling/ grief.php

*JOY session on the memorial service (from GOA)
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/youth/youthworkers/sessions/memorial

*Family Session on “Teaching Your Children About Death” (from GOA)
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/youth/youthworkers/sessions/death

*Preventing school violence
http://www.waveamerica. com/waveline.html

In More… What the Church Fathers Say About… (Vol. 3) by Fr. George Grube (Light and Life Publishing), the author has a chapter on anger. The reflection questions could stimulate an excellent conversation and topic of study in a group. Fr George also offers Scriptural references and select quotations from the Church Fathers about anger.

Counseling Services and Information
*Many schools offer counseling services for students. If you know students who would benefit from speaking with a professional counselor, contact the local school for assistance.

*Help Finding a Therapist 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

Free Crisis Hotlines
*Adolescent Crisis Intervention & Counseling Nineline 1-800-999- 9999
*Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-448-4663 & 1-800-422-0009
*WAVE (Working Against Violence Everywhere) 1-888-960-9600
*Center for the Prevention of School Violence 1-800-299- 6504
*National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Youth Ministry Team Meetings

2010-10-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Garrison, NY: Members of the Archdiocese Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team gathered from around the country for their bi-annual Youth Ministry Team meetings, which took place October 19-21 in Troy, MI. The Youth Ministry Team was graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas and the Metropolis of Detroit, and is made up of each Metropolis/DAD Youth Director and the Director of Ionian Village.

The meetings began on Wednesday morning and included worship, teambuilding exercises, discussion on the challenges of ministering to young people, the role of social networking in ministry, and a review of new and existing parish resources provided by the National Department. The next day included a discussion with the legal committee about the Policies and Procedures for Screening and Selecting Youth Workers (Youth Protection Manual) and its implementation throughout all Metropolis Camps and Retreats. Updates were also given about the successes of Young Adult Ministry parish visits, the Find Them, Greet Them, Love Them campaign, and 10 in 10, which highlighted 10 service projects in 2010, one in each Metropolis. Summer camping programs were also reviewed, including future dates for camp director training in Dallas, TX at the 2011 Orthodox Camp and Youth Worker Conference.

For more information about the Youth Ministry Team, or about our Young Adult Ministry 10 in 10 projects, please visit www.youth.goarch.org, www.youngadult.goarch.org, or call our office at 646-519-6180.

Teachers and Social Networking

2010-10-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Youth Workers!

Do you use Facebook or social media sites to communicate with your young people? Check out this interesting article from MSNBC entitled Teachers, students and Facebook, a toxic mix. Here's a teaser...

"Social networking is a digital minefield for school districts, adding to the already complex world of teacher-student relationships. Many districts are struggling to set workable policies around social networking, while at the same time, using Facebook and other similar tools as part of their educational program. How do they create virtual boundaries that protect teachers and students without squelching potentially useful technology tools?"

Here's the full article

Bully-cide: The new and fatal face of bullying?

2010-10-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Youth Workers! Check out this article about bullying taken from our Youth Worker Pulse listserv:

Bullying is an ever-present issue in the lives of teenagers. The form of bullying has changed over the years. It used to be that the bigger kid at school would just shove the nerdy kid in their locker or knock their books out of their hands. Young people are being accosted on many different fronts… including via technology.

This bullying happens for many different reasons: race, sexuality, gender, appearance, disabilities, and much more. U.S. News and World Report states that “more than 62% of American students are bullied because of the way they look and or the way they speak.”

According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), “more than 43% of teens report being victims of cyberbullying. Nine in ten teens (92%) say they know who is bullying them, but only 10% of victims report this bullying to their parents.”

So for some young people, they endure the bullying and move on. For others, the bullying results in emotional distress and social withdrawal. But the most startling trend is for young people to commit suicide as a result of bullying. It’s what’s being more widely-accepted as “bully-cide.” And some say it is contributing to the rising statistic that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 16-25 year olds.

At the end of September, Tyler Clementi committed suicide shortly after discovering a video of himself that had been secretly taped and posted online. Unfortunately, Clementi is not the only teen or young adult who has committed suicide as a result of excessive bullying.

So what can youth workers do to help address this ever-changing issue?

INFORM YOURSELF

Make sure to read up on some of the causes and signs of bullying. It’s very important to point these things out to parents and young people. However, it’s also important to recognize and stop possible bullying in your own youth groups.

Here are just a few websites about bullying and “bullycide.” Some websites are great for kids and teens, but most are for parents and adults.

For adults…

http://www.overcomebullying.org/bullycide.html
http://www.makebeatsnotbeatdowns.org/facts_new.html
http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Bullying&section=Facts+for+Families

For youth and adults…

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/bullies.html
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/bullies/
http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/

EDUCATE THE TEENS IN YOUR YOUTH GROUP

Teen bullying prevention starts with education. It is important to discuss issues like this with youth groups to encourage young people take a stand against bullying. Also, it is very likely that some of them are either currently being bullied or have experienced bullying.

Before embarking on a Here are some questions that youth workers can use to begin a discussion about bullying:

1) What is bullying? How do you see bullying happen among your peers and friends?
2) Do you know bullies at school or in your other activities? If so, what do they do?
3) Have you ever been a victim of bullying? (Ask for volunteers to speak about their experiences)
4) Why do you think people bully other people?
5) What should you do if you or someone you know is being bullied?
6) Do you think you might have been a bully? How can we bullies, maybe without knowing it? (Judging others, gossip, not being inclusive, etc.)
7) What are some of the effects of bullying? (Depression, self-esteem issues, separation, anger and violent retaliation, sometimes self-violence or suicide, etc.)
8) In what ways can Christ and the Church help an individual who might be a victim of bullying? (Discuss the importance of community and how the youth group is a no-tolerance zone for bullying, discuss how the Church is full of trusted individuals that will listen to your concerns, discuss God's unconditional love, discuss Christ's own humiliation at the hands of those who He has come to save, etc.)
9) What does the Church say about how we should treat others? Should we EVER be bullies? (Read and discuss any of the following and how it pertains to bullying: The Greatest Commandment, the Parable of the Last Judgment, Luke 6:31-36 “Do unto others…” etc.)

New Resources for Teens

2010-09-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is pleased to announce its newest resource, the Orthodox Christian Teen Survival Guide. In an effort to provide resources for both youth workers and young people, the department felt it was imperative to produce this series on challenging topics for teenagers. Each brochure offers facts and statistics, the church’s response, a Q&A section, and additional resources to help teenagers navigate through tough issues. These one-page handouts are great for starting discussions, GOYA meetings and gatherings, Sunday School, or even your church bookstore.

Available topics include Managing Stress, Peer Pressure, Pornography, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and Sexual Purity. Additional brochures are currently in development and will be publicized online once they are completed.

Brochures are available for purchase from the Department of Religious Education (800-566-1088) or online at the Orthodox Marketplace www.orthodoxmarketplace.com. They are also available for free download on our website at www.youth.goarch.org.

Also, don't forget to pick up your 2010-2011 Planner for the fall at www.orthodoxmarketplace.com as well!

2010-09-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

On August 30, 2010, the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries participated in a Youth Ministry Summit in New Canaan, CT. Representatives included youth workers from several Christian denominations and para-church organizations, such as Young Life, Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME), and Pastoral Resources for Youth Ministry Encouragement (PRYME). Many topics were discussed including the development of a charter for youth workers, which would encourage churches to create standardized tools, resources, and principles for employing and empowering a youth worker. For more information about the Youth Worker Charter under discussion, check out www.weloveouryouthworker.org.

The Holy Lands . . . the Final Day

2010-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

So much to say about our final day in the Holy Lands. I will mainly say them through pictures . . . An early morning wake up call and a Patriarchal Liturgy for Pentecost and the Holy Sepulcher . . . Amazing! Following -- we celebrated the Kneeling Vespers and boarded our bus for Jericho. Following the cable car up the mountain, we headed to the Dead Sea for "floating" and "facials". All the young adults went swimming (or floating).

We headed back for dinner and then had a great wrap up session with our "highs and lows" of the week. Quite obviously -- it was difficult to find a "low" -- but almost everyone wanted to share more than one "high".

For me -- the high was seeing these young adults connect to their Faith . . . I was so proud of them -- their example, witness and love of God. I was touched by their humility and reverence for the holy sites we visited. They became "pilgrims" in the truest sense of the word. I know in my heart that they will bring the Spirit home with them and allow it to enter their lives.

To our tour guide -- Ra'ed -- thank you for your love for the country and most importantly your love of the Faith.

Thank you all . . . Bishop Savas, Christina, Jim, Stefanie, Eleni and George, Maria and Markella, Yvonne, Maria, Anthea, Georgia, Kleo, Cassandra, Catherina, Anna, Giselle, Simone, Anthoula, Evy, Maria, Katerina, Michael and Danielle, Alex, Paul, Ariana, Chris, Sarah, David, Yelena, Matthew, Brina, Stella, George, Leonora and Harry.

O Jerusalem

2010-05-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

We rose early in the morning to get an early start on the touring in Jerusalem. We first went to the place where Jesus healed the paralytic in the Pool of Bethsaida. We know that a man was paralyzed for 37 years and at various times of the year, an Angel would come down and “stir up the waters.” The first person to enter the pool would receive the healing powers from above. The man had no one to bring him in the pool and Jesus offered this man of great faith, complete healing. We had the opportunity to walk in the area and to see the ancient pool with 5 porticoes.

Following, we walked through the “Lion’s Gate” into the Old City and followed the Stations of the Cross. We saw a map of the city from the time of Jesus and were able to see how it has grown – a very interesting point.

We then stopped by the Praetorian, where Jesus was held in prison prior to his crucifixion, which also contained the cells of Barabbas and the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. The modern iconography in the Church was both stunning and unique.

We then went to the Holy Sepulcher, where had a brief tour (we will return tomorrow morning – will explain in a bit) before having a private audience with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos. As we entered the Patriarchate, we were greeted by a Nun and the Patriarchal guard, who escorted us into the Throne Room. His Beatitude came in and spent the better part of an hour with us, discussing the local church and the importance of this great city – both historically and contemporary.

His Grace offered a few words on behalf of the group and Fr. Mark introduced each pilgrim to His Beatitude. He gave us each a small gift and a blessing and invited us to participate in the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy for Pentecost the following day (Bishop Savas and Fr. Mark were invited to assist).

Following the audience we went for an authentic Middle Eastern lunch and had some time to shop in the Old City. We then headed to Bethany where we walked in the tomb of Lazarus. We got to walk in the tomb and sing the Apolytikion to St. Lazarus.

After a brief ice-cream stop, we returned to the hotel for much needed rest as we prepare to visit the Holy Sepulcher in the morning for the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and Pentecost Vespers.

O Jerusalem . . . From Sinai to the Holy City

2010-05-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since we have posted . . . mainly because there was no internet access at the hotel at the foot of St. Catherine's monastery on Mount Sinai. We left early in the morning and traveled for almost 5 hours by bus to the border.

Once we arrived, we grabbed our belongings and set out for a 3 hour drive through the Egyptian desert. We stopped for a while to play in the sand . . . we collected rocks, took a group picture on a large boulder and thought about making "sand angels" but decided that may be a bit sandy.

As we drove up toward Mount Sinai, the young adults began to anxiously await this great opportunity. When we arrived at Sinai, we waited for Fr. Justin (a Monk from Texas) to meet us.

We celebrated Vespers with Bishop Savas presiding. We had a tour of the museum with beautiful icons and rare texts, spent time with Fr. Pavlos, and had the opportunity to see the burning bush. We returned to our hotel to get some rest for the early departure the next day.

At 1:30 AM in the morning, about 2/3 of the pilgrims begin their trek to the top of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the 10 Commandments and to see the beautiful sunrise overlooking God's creation. The journey to the top took about 3 hours . . . and at the top they offered some prayers and read some of the Psalms. The journey back down took approximately 1 and 1/2 hours and the group met the other 1/3 during the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery. Bishop Savas and Fr. Mark were invited to celebrate for the monastics, pilgrims and visitors. As we began the early morning service (not quite 1:30 but at 5:00 am), it was pitch dark in the Church. A beautiful moment was after the reception of Holy Communion, the light from behind the altar shone brightly and filled the Church. We were honored, humbled and amazed at the opportunity to worship in such a historic Church (one that St. John Climacus of the Ladder served centuries earlier).

An interesting note that this monastery is the smallest Autocephalous Church in the world. Archbishop Damianos, who was sick in the hospital and is the Abbot, made sure that we were all taken care of.

Jerusalem . . . Day 3

2010-05-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Our morning started out with a short drive from our Hotel to the Garden of Gethsemane. A well kept beautiful garden filled with ancient trees and blossoming flowers surrounded the Franciscan Church. This church was erected over the earlier Byzantine Church which was destroyed by the Persians in 614. To the right of the Church you can see the ruins of the Byzantine Church. Ra'ed and Bishop Savas spent some time prior to entering the Church talking about Jesus' time spent in the garden.

Directly opposite in the distance to the Church of Gesthemane was the Dome of the Rock. This is a major Islamic shrine which is built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Following the Church of Gethsemane, we visited the tomb of the Virgin Mary. This was quite spectacular as it was our first time that we witnessed the various Orthodox faiths co-existing in one area. As we walked down the stars into the Crypt -- we were able to venerate the tombs of the Virgin's parents, Ss. Joachim and Anna. As we descended further down, we began to hear an Syrian Liturgy taking place. Directly to the right was the Greek Liturgy which took place inside the tomb of the Virgin. A few steps away from here, we heard the Coptic's celebrating their Liturgy. This was a unique experience in that all of these services were happening within steps of each other at the same time. It is quite obvious that they have learned to block out any other noise besides their own prayer. . . a true spiritual discipline. The picture below is a Greek Orthodox priest celebrating the Divine Liturgy inside the Virgin's tomb. It was noted that only the Greek Orthodox have liturgical rights inside the tomb.

We then approached a panoramic view of the city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. His Grace continued with the Psalms of Ascent and we were able to take in the beauty of this ancient and historical city. We even walked by a man who was offering rides on a camel (of course for a "small fee my friend").

Last Thursday the Orthodox Church throughout the world celebrated the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our group traveled to the actual site where the Ascension took place (now enclosed by a Mosque tower). Tradition tells us that it was here where Christ left His Disciples and those on the earth for the Father. You could view and touch the place where Jesus' feet imprinted in the earth.

We then departed for a delicious traditional lunch at a Palestinian Orthodox family's restaurant, called "Ruth's Field". We ate, and ate and ate. And ate the best falafel in the entire universe!!! Really . . . they were amazing!

We then visited the Monastery of the Cross . . . a Byzantine monastery located outside the Old City of Jerusalem. Its name is based on the tradition that it stands where the tree grew that was used to make Christ's cross.

We then departed for the highlight of the day . . . the Church of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we entered the Church, we were greeted by two Monks who lead Bishop Savas and I into the Holy Altar to venerate the Gospel book and Altar table.

Following, we waited in line and walked down into the cave where Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus. To the right was the actual place where Jesus Christ was born. A silver star encased the area where he was brought into this world.

To the left we were able to venerate the Manger before moving into the outer sanctuary where we saw beautiful Mosaic original floors from the time of the Emperor Constantine from the 4th Century.

After some shopping, we traveled to the Wailing Wall. Coincidentally today was a major Jewish feast called Shavuot, which takes place 50 days after Passover. This is the commemoration of Moses delivering the Law at Mt. Sinai -- and is actually considered the birthday of ancient Israel. The Wall was packed with thousands and thousands of Jewish pilgrims coming to observe the holiday.

Following the visit to the Wall we returned to hotel for dinner and a presentation from the IOCC Office Staff in Jerusalem. Greg Manzuk and Dr. George spent a few hours with us enlightening us on the amazing work and ministry of IOCC in this region.

We will not blog tomorrow as we are traveling (by bus) to St. Catherine's in Mount Sinai. We will catch up on Friday.

Day Two from Tiberias to Jerusalem

2010-05-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

The day began with an early morning breakfast at our scenic hotel in Tiberias. The group was looking forward to day two of our historic journey to Cana and Nazareth. Upon arriving at the Greek Orthodox Church, commemorating the first miracle (sign in the Gospel of John), we anxiously approached the beautiful grounds. As we explored the beautiful courtyard, the Church doors were locked and our visit to Cana was cut short. However, later in the day, our tour guide Ra'ed re-counted the glory of that first miracle in Cana.

Following Cana we drove to Nazareth, the birthplace of the Theotokos. There were two churches which we visited, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation and the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Some texts from the Apocryphal writings tell us that this is the site of a well where Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary and gave her the "good news." The Church included 20th century frescoes, including scenes of Jesus and Mary in the area of Nazareth. Some of these icons included, Jesus as a young carpenter, Jesus being challenged by the Nazarenes and Jesus teaching in the Temple as a boy and in the Synagogue as an adult.

We strolled along the streets of Nazareth to the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, which was built over the Joachim and Anna's house. Many countries from throughout the world, dedicated icons of the Virgin Mary to the site. These included the countries of Spain, Korea, Poland, Italy and a breath taking icon of the Glykofilousa (sweet Kiss of Mary and Jesus).

This indeed expressed the universality of the Church. In the far corner of the courtyard there were two statues -- one of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and one of Pope John Paul 1 from 1964. This event signified the lifting of the anathemas first placed on the altar of St. Sophia almost 1,000 years prior and symbolized the re-opening of the dialogue between the East and the West.

Our tour guide Ra'ed and our driver Ri'ad (yes -- that is their names), treated us to an authentic, local "comfort food" called Manaish (looked like pizza but with the spices zata, sesame and olive throughout). We picnicked overlooking the Valley of Nain where we could see a 180 degree view. I could not but help notice the young adults, most specifically Georgia from Dallas, who was staring out over the beautiful landscape in deep thought. It is written in scripture that the battle of Armageddon will take place at this site.

We boarded the bus and began our ascent to Jerusalem. During this pilgrimage, His Grace has been referencing the Psalms of Ascent, which the Hebrew people would recite as they ascended to the holy city of Jerusalem. Each day we read 2 of the 15 Psalms or Songs. Upon arriving, we visted some local Christian merchants and supported them in their business. We retired to our hotel after a day of traveling from Tiberias to Jerusalem.

We enjoyed a nice meal at our hotel (Ambassador) in Jerusalem as well as the Christian fellowship.

Jerusalem . . . Day 2 (Galilee)

2010-05-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

At 6:30 AM the wake up call rang, and we all prepared for our first day of touring. After gathering for breakfast, we boarded early in the morning for our first site visit. The hotel we are staying at (Gai Beach Hotel) is situated on the beach of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water, stilled the raging winds and where Jesus called His first disciples. We took a bus down to the marina and boarded a boat.

For almost an hour, we prayed, read the appropriate scripture (ready by Eleni from Arkron) and enjoyed the historical facts from our Orthodox tour guide, Ra'id. He is a pious, God-fearing, knowledgeable Arab Orthodox who spent 25 years as a High School teacher, and decided to follow his dream of teaching others about the Faith. His knowledge of scripture is far superior than most Orthodox Christians and is able to communicate the traditions and faith on a level for all to comprehend.

After the Sea of Galilee, we traveled to the Mount of Beatitudes. This was quite a moving experience as we heard from both Bishop Savas and Ra'id. One of our young adults, George from Raleigh (originally Charlotte), read part of the sermon (Matthew 6-8). As we stood in the same area where Jesus preached this amazing sermon and as we read "a city on a hill cannot be hid", we peered out across the valley to the mountain across to a lone, small village, most likely the same "city" that Jesus was speaking about. We spent a few minutes walking around . . . I quickly found a quiet place and read the entire Sermon on the Mount . . . it has and will continue to take on new meaning.

We shortly traveled to the Church of the Seven Springs (Hepetapegon), where Jesus fed 5,000 men (not including women and children, with 5 loaves and two fish. We saw a beautiful mosaic of this on the floor of the Altar in the German Benedictine Monastery. It was noted that in the depiction, there two fish and four loaves (not five). The reason being that the 5th loaf is in the hands of the celebrant of the Eucharist.

We then traveled to Capernaum, where was the base of Jesus; ministry. We visited the Synagogue where he taught and worked miracles . . . it was noted that Synagogues (translated literally as the gathering place) were not for worship -- but rather for teaching, reading and discussing the Torah (hence the shape and design -- no need for an apse). He impressed them with the perfect knowledge of the scriptures. We walked across the way to the house of Peter's mother-in-law, who was very sick with fever. Jesus restored her fully.

A unique experience was to visit the Church of the 12 Apostles. The iconography was of recent origin and depicted many scenes of Jesus' miraculous activity in the region. A treat was going to a local restaurant to indulge in a delicious meal of St. Peter's fish . . . fish that only live in the Sea of Galilee (musht fish), and the traditional "Arak" drink (raki). It was a nice break to be in the air conditioned restaurant as the heat and humidity are "draining" (600 feet below sea level).

We took a 45 minute drive to Mount Tabor, where the Transfiguration of Christ took place. We drove up to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, where we were greeted by bells in honor of the Bishop. Some of the men (Jim, Paul, Matthew, Alex, Chris and George) decided to wear shorts -- so they humbled themselves with a sarong (borrowed from the women), so that they could enter. We took mini-buses up the mountain and it took us 10 minutes . . . to think that Jesus and His closest companions, walked up the mountain, just amazed the pilgrims.

Following the visitation to the mountain where Jesus was transfigured, we went to the river where Jesus submitted and humbled Himself to be baptized by his cousin John the Baptist. We stepped into the water up to our knees and read from scripture and chanted hymns of Epiphany, and each received a blessing in the name of the Trinity. Some of the pilgrims decided to enter the water fully (Christina, Giselle, Alex, Ivonne, Stella and Leanora). Very interesting was to see the Gospel narrative from Mark 1:9-14, in dozens of languages (some of which we never have heard) -- for example, have you ever heard of "Fang"? or "Tagalog"? It reminded us of Jesus' command in the last verses of Matthew (28:10), "Go and baptize all nations."

An interesting note from our first day -- 7 of the 12 Disciples came from this region (Galilee)-- James, John, Peter, Andrew, Nathanael (also called Bartholomew), Matthew and Philip.

This first day was not just about the history -- but more importantly, how we live this history in the Church today.

Jerusalem . . . Day 1

2010-05-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 15, 2010

37 pilgrims, representing Orthodox faithful from throughout the country, gathered together at JFK, to begin a Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas, the Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Church, Society and Culture, is the Spiritual Leader of the trip. His deep knowledge of the Faith, combined with his love for history and scripture, make him the perfect person to be guiding these young adult pilgrims in becoming closer to our Lord.

After a long, delayed trip from JFK to Tel Aviv (via Istanbul), we finally arrived safely in the Holy Lands. We waited at the airport for almost 3 hours as one of our young adults, Alex, was held up at the security due to his Lebanese background. After being grilled by security and after he answered their questions time and time over, they let him pass through. We boarded the bus and arrived at our hotel (a 2 hour drive from Tel Aviv to Tiberias), arriving after 11 pm (27 hours after we met at JFK). By the time we arrived, we were no longer strangers, but we all felt very close to each other.

Blogging for Jerusalem . . . Coming Soon!!!

2010-05-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

Beginning on Sunday, May 16, we will be posting pictures and our stories from our National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We will be posting often . . . so come back!!!

Here is the tentative schedule:

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND & MT. SINAI

Led by His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas

May 15 – 24, 2010

May 15, Saturday: Depart Hotel

May 16, Sunday: Arrival in Jerusalem

May 17, Monday: Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Mountain of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) Capernaum, River Jordan, the Baptismal site or our Lord.

May 18, Tuesday: Church of the Holy Apostles, Drive to Cana of Galilee, Nazareth

May 19, Wednesday: Mount of Olives, Tomb of Virgin Mary, Chapel of the Ascension, Bethlehem, Monastery and Church of the Prophet Elias and the Church and Tomb of St Symeon, the Just. In addition, a visit to the Monastery of the Holy Cross.

May 20, Thursday: Drive to St. Catherine's Monastery at Mt. Sinai

May 21, Friday: St. Catherine's Monastery at Mt. Sinai, the burning bush, Mount Sinai

May 22, Saturday: Jerusalem, St. Stephen’s Gate, Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Church of St. Anne (birthplace of the Theotokos), pool of Bethesda, Way of the Cross, Praetorium, Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

May 23, Sunday: Pentecost Sunday, Martha and Lazarus Tomb in Bethany (Lazarus raised), Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Church of St. Elisseos and the tree that Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus

May 24, Monday: Depart for USA

4/4/2010 Great and Holy Pascha

2010-04-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts: George the Righteous of Maleon; Righteous Plato the Studite; Nicetas the Hieromartyr. Struggler of Serrai (1808); Righteous Zosima

Epistle: Acts 1:1-8

Gospel: John 1:1-17

To ponder and mediate on: Let none fear death, for the death of the Savior has set us free. Christ is risen and the demons have fallen, Christ is risen and the angels rejoice (from the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom).

If you have followed this blog through the 40 days (and beyond) and would like to write a comment so we can publicize in the future, please do so. May God be with you!!!

Christ is Risen, Truly He is Risen!

Fr. Mark

4/3/2010 Holy Saturday

2010-04-02T20:02:00.001-07:00

Saints and Feasts: Nikitas the Confesor; Joseph the Hymnographer; Theodosia and Irene the Martyrs

Epistle: Rom. 6:3-11

Gospel: Matthew 28:1-20

To ponder and mediate on: What is this sight we behold? What is this present rest? The King of ages, having through His Passion fulfilled the plan of salvation, keeps Sabbath in the tomb . . . Unto Him let us cry aloud: Arise O Lord, judge the earth, for His mercies, endures forever, Allellulia (from the Matins of Holy Saturday).

4/2/2010 Holy Friday

2010-04-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts: Titus the Wonderworker; Theodora the Virgin-martyr of Palestine; Amphianos & Aedesios the Martyrs of Lycia

Epistle: I Cor. 5:6-8

Gospel: Matthew 27:62-66

To ponder and mediate on: Today, He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery . . . . We venerate Your Passion O Christ. Show us also your glorious Resurrection.

4/1/2010 Holy Thursday

2010-03-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts: Mary of Egypt; Gerontios & Vasilides the Martyrs; Euthemios of Suzdal

Epistle: I Cor. 11:23-32

Gospel: Matthew 26:1-20; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-44; Matthew 26:40-75; 27:1-2

To ponder and mediate on: Today, Christ’s holy passion dawns upon the world as a saving light, for He comes of His goodness to suffer. He who holds all things in His hand consents to be hung upon the cross in order to save humanity (from the Matins of Holy Thursday).

3/31/2010 Holy Wednesday

2010-03-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Saints and Feasts: Hypatios the Wonderworker; Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska; Akakios the Confessor

G: Matthew 26:6-16

G: John 12:17-50

To ponder and mediate on: The sacrament of Holy Unction is for the forgiveness of sins and for the restoration of our health. As you receive Holy Unction today, allow it to bring you to spiritual and physical completion.

3/30/2010 Holy Tuesday

2010-03-29T19:14:00.001-07:00

Saints and Feasts: John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent; Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70; Zacharias the New Martyr

G: Matthew 24:36-51; 25:1-46; 26:1-2

G: Matthew 22:15-46; 23:1-39

To ponder and mediate on: Work diligently with the talent that is give to you; be vigilant and cry aloud, that we may not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ (from the Matins of the Bridegroom services).