Orthodixie

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

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

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

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

So …

What?

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

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

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

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

— orthodixie at aol dot com —

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

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

Tank image source

Ah, the Nativity Fast!

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

However, not us.

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

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

For example the other night:

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

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

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

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

RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

Did I mention he was big?

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

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

No?

Okay, well ...

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

Image Source

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

I would encourage any and all to avail themselves!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My thoughts?

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

Icon of St Nicholas, 10-11th century.

Here & Here.