It is well known in the emerging field of epigenetics that conditions of stress, abuse, neglect and trauma in a person''s family of origin can seriously affect our physical and mental health as adults. But it also plays a significant role in our religious life. I have known more than one person who has sought refuge in the Orthodox faith only … [Read more...]
Η φωνή της Εύας [Eva’s Voice]
Have you ever felt so self-conscious or uncomfortable that you lost your voice? How did you find it again? Or been under so much pressure to perform that you froze up? Isha's Voice [Eva's Voice in the Greek Edition] is the story of a girl who experiences herself in the Great Liturgy of life without the slightest self-consciousness, vanity or … [Read more...]
For the Love of Tuna!
We tempted and led a raccoon into captivity briefly, relocating it this afternoon to a faraway country. The face of this shy little creature sitting in the cage, kept returning to me during the Divine Liturgy, along with the echoing refrain, “for the love of tuna.” Several varieties of grapes grow in our yard. Scuppernongs cover the fence along … [Read more...]
The Value of Dissatisfaction With Oneself
In the country of the Gergesenes,[1] a land outside Israel populated mostly by Gentiles, Jesus was confronted by two men described as being “so violent no one could pass by that way” [Mt. 8:28]. Matthew, Mark and Luke, each include unique details that enrich the meaning of this encounter. Mark relates that the possessed man had been bound by … [Read more...]
Matthew Sings a New Song
Our not yet two-and-half-year-old grandson Matthew spent the afternoon with us. Like a master conductor, he directed the two-piece orchestra of Yiayia and Papou. To the playground! But first, he wanted to feed the ducks. As we walked to the playground he advised Papou to be sure not to step in the puddles. The slide was the first attraction. He … [Read more...]
The First Christian
Small details often convey great meaning. Take for example in the Gospel of John where we are told that Peter and John ran to the tomb in the early hours of the morning and the disciple Jesus loved outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first. What does this mean? The Gospel of John is full of language that we quickly learn is not to be taken … [Read more...]
The Myrrh Bearing of the Holy Theotokos
[1] Not many stories are recounted in all four of the Gospels. Jesus having his feet anointed with a pound of the myrrh of pure nard [2] is one of those stories. [3] Here myrrh refers to a medicinal aromatic essential oil called spikenard or muskroot which is derived from a flowering plant of the valerian family that grows in the Himalayas of … [Read more...]
Not By Comparison
Adam and Eve created enmity with each other and the world around them when they started comparing themselves to God and each other. God found out about their dis-ease when He entered the garden looking for communion. Calling out for them, Adam answered, “I heard You in the garden and I was afraid because I am naked so I hid.” [1] “Who told you, … [Read more...]
The Hidden Revelation of Epiphany and Theophany
“For behold, Magi (μάγος, plural, μάγοι, a Greek word of an earlier Persian origin) from the east arrived in Jerusalem asking ‘Where is the one born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” [1] Who were these mysterious foreign “wise men and kings” who journeyed to Bethlehem, seeking to worship the newborn … [Read more...]
Three Times Begotten
Christmas 2017 is almost here. So here is a riddle. How many birthdays does Jesus have? As Orthodox Christians we stand on solid bedrock when affirming the paradox that Christ has two natures, human and divine, united unconfusedly in one person. Nevertheless, the first birthday of the “only begotten Son of God, eternally begotten before all ages … [Read more...]
