Thessaloniki, Greece – 2006
Christ is Risen!
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. ~ Micah 7:18,19
Truly He is Risen!
Hawaiian Beach Sunrise over Lava Rocks, 2014
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. ~ Genesis 1:4
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised. ~ Psalm 113:3
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. ~ Psalm 119:105
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ~ St. John 8:12
It seems that we do not understand one thing: it is not good when we return the love of those who love us, yet hate those who hate us. We are not on the right path if we do this. We are the sons of light and love, the sons of God, his children. As such we must have His qualities and His attributes of love, peace, and kindness towards all. ~ Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica
Thy bridal chamber I see adorned, O my Savior, and I have no wedding garment that I may enter. O Giver of Light, enlighten the vesture of my soul, and save me. ~Exapostilarion of Bridegroom Matins
The Lord on high is mightier, Than the noise of many waters, Than the mighty waves of the sea. ~ Psalm 93:4
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. ~ Psalm 107:29
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! ~ St. Matthew 8:23-27
Hawaii 2014
A handful of sand, thrown into the sea, is what sinning is, when compared to God’s providence and mercy. Just as an abundant source of water is not impeded by a handful of dust, so also the Creator’s mercy is not defeated by the sins of His creations. ~ St. Isaac the Syrian
Hawaiian Sunrise 2018
Hawaiian Beach Wedding – Hanalei, 2012
During a sunset walk on the beach, we happened upon a couple having wedding photos taken.
We snapped a quick picture, and offered a silent prayer for God to bless them in their life ahead.
The spontaneous kiss and obliviousness to everyone and everything (including the incoming tide splashing up to their knees), completed the romantic scene perfectly.
Of course, marriage is not just romance.
The Crowning at an Orthodox Christian wedding, symbolizes the glory and honour bestowed by God upon the couple during this sacrament… and that Christ establishes them as King and Queen of their home, which they are to rule with Wisdom, justice, and integrity.
The crowns are also referred to as Crowns of Martyrdom.
My godmother related a wedding story with newlyweds asking WHY on earth would there be a need to call these Martyr’s Crowns?
My godmother just said, “You’ll find out.”
Whenever I come across this photo, I can’t help but wonder how the beach couple are doing now.
May God help and bless them, wherever they are… in life’s journey.
Hawaiian Daybreak, 2012
We should be spectators every day of the wonders of God. ~Mother Gavrilia
All true beauty has the power to draw the soul towards thee, and to make it sing in ecstasy: Alleluia! ~ Kontakion 7, Akathist of Thanksgiving Glory to God for All Things
Blessed be the name of the Lord from henceforth, and forevermore! ~ Psalm 113:2
Happy Sunday!
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ~Ephesians 6:18
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~ James 5:16
As bread is food for the body and virtue is food for the soul, so spiritual prayer is food for the mind. ~ St. Nilus of Mt. Sinai
No one can heal my disease except He Who knows the depths of the heart. ~ St. Ephraim the Syrian
If you do not feel like praying, you have to force yourself. The Holy Fathers say that prayer with force is higher than prayer unforced. You do not want to, but force yourself. The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force (Matt. 11:12). ~ St. Ambrose of Optina
Abba Macarius was asked, ‘How should one pray?’ The old man said, ‘There is no need at all to make long discourses, it is enough to stretch out one’s hands and say, “Lord, as You will, and as You know, have mercy.” And if the conflict grows fiercer say, “Lord, help!” He knows very well what we need and He shows us His mercy.’ ~ Abba Macarius
For what is prayer? Prayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God- for praise and thanksgiving and beseeching Him for the good things necessary for soul and body. The essence of prayer, then is the mental ascent to God from the heart. The mind stands in the heart consciously before the face of God and, filled with proper and necessary reverence, it begins to pour out its heart before Him. This is prayer of the heart! ~ St. Theophan the Recluse
If you feel sweetness or compunction at some word of your prayer, dwell on it; for then our guardian angel is praying with us. ~ St. John Climacus
Hawaiian Rainbow 2012
An excerpt from an ethereal hymn by the brilliant female Byzantine hymnographer, Saint Kassiani.
Hawaii 2017
What a wonderful day the Lord has provided!
Yesterday’s gone.
Today is fresh and new.
Each dawn’s a blessing… a herald of this day’s golden opportunities.
The Present, and what we are, is God’s Gift to us… but what we do with ourselves today, is our gift to God.
I remember and sing a sweet and simple folk-hymn from my youth: Thank You for giving me this morning, thank You for everyday that’s new, thank You that I can know my worries can be cast on You!
Let us joyfully gift-wrap ourselves in one of (hopefully many) today’s gifts back to God… at least beginning with thankfulness – for His many blessings!
The day is young. Plain and humble wrapping paper is probably best.
Pass the tape please!
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 honour your patience… Nothing equals or excels God’s mercies~ St. John Climacus
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! ~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! ~ Psalm 57:8
But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. ~ Psalm 88:13
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24
I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. ~ Psalm 119: 147
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God… And when I wake up, you are still with me! ~ Psalm 139:17-18
