Orthodox Christian – Page 75

Of Eagles & Olive Bread

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31

With the gift of free time, I’ve dusted the cobwebs off simple activities tossed aside – and begun doing.

There was time to garden yesterday and bake olive bread!

One hears amazing stories from friends and family reconnecting by playing games, sharing or renewing skills, and just being with each other. What a blessing!

While treading the delicate path of social distancing, we can still remain close, and reach out to each other using many forms of social media.

Meanwhile, for me, one of the hardest things with social distancing is the inability to safely hug or touch each other, if we’re not already living together. Touch is a powerful bond.

However, even from a distance, it’s humbling to see what we are accomplishing together as we focus on goals and not just the task.

Cyber-bumping your elbow, I take my leave.

I’m feeling energized. Today’s a brand new day, and there’s much to be done in the garden.

Feast Day of the Annunciation

May Thy Light shine in my thoughts; may they be illumined by Thy rays and may Thy magnificent radiance gladden them, for Thou art the sun that radiates all.

~ St. Ephraim the Syrian, Spiritual Psalter

Today, the sun shone extra brightly on this beautiful feast of the Annunciation, celebrating the Archangel Gabriel’s Good News to the Virgin Mary, that she would give birth to the Son of God.

Good news comes in many forms. It can be surprising or hoped for, but it’s always welcome and appreciated.

During the current world pandemic and the safety laws for physical distancing ourselves from each other, the normal routines of our daily lives have vanished almost overnight. Little in the world seems familiar.

Now is the time to especially remember a great consolation – that we are never deprived of God, because God is always right here, right now, within us.

True, we may be temporarily isolated, and physically apart from each other, but we are never alone. We remain connected with each other through the Holy Spirit; embraced by God’s enduring love, compassion, forgiveness and great mercy.

This is permanent good news!

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come; Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:38-39

Jesus Christ remains the same, yesterday, today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8

Thank you Anastasia for sharing this beautiful photo of your icon corner today.

Just for Now

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~ St. Basil the Great

This has been a very unusual Great Lent. Granted, each year is different, no two are ever alike. There’s different struggles and temptations.

Through repentance, prayer, fasting and charity, Great Lent renews our minds, hearts and deeds according to His teachings. It refreshes our love for God and neighbour as oneself. During this quiet time of inner reflection, we prepare ourselves for the coming Great and Holy Day of Pascha (Easter), the Resurrection of our Lord.

Unexpectedly driven into global stillness and isolation, there’s an unprecedented general hush throughout our world. Whether we wish it or not, we have a rare opportunity of unavoidable introspection… individually and nationally.

We can see the best and the worst in ourselves. We see the selfless love, courage and compassion of others, during a trying time.

This year, the whole earth is united in a collective Great Lent. Together we wait with quiet hope and patience for Renewal.

God’s Beautiful Promise in the Sky

It’s a Rainbow sung by the G-G’s while we were baking cookies.

After a sudden tropical shower, this rainbow embraced each side of the golden-sand bay with its shining arms.

Like life, dark clouds had unexpectedly blown in, dumping torrential rain. Running to shore we sheltered beneath an ancient mango tree and waited patiently for the storm to play out. When the clouds scattered, the sun shone brighter than before. All was renewed and vibrant.

The rainbow is a covenant which means a promise from God, “This is the sign of My promise that never again shall there be a flood great enough to destroy all living things on the earth.”

Like Great Lent, each new rainbow reveals itself differently. If we reach out, look up, and hold fast in faith, they both bestow blessings of renewed hope and a vibrant Promise of life.

A Shamrock Day

Regardless of it being March 30th on the civil calendar today, it’s also March 17th on the ancient Julian calendar – thus, St. Patrick Day again for some. 🙂

Icons of St. Patrick often show him holding a three-leafed shamrock growing on a single stem, he used this to illustrate the Holy Trinity – our One God in Three Persons.

St. Patrick wrote many hymns. Here is an excerpt from a beautiful, longer hymn, the Lorica (Breastplate) of St. Patrick. “I bind unto myself today, the Strong Name of the Trinity! By Invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three!” ~ St. Patrick

St. Patrick’s Lorica Hymn, sung by the GG’s (Abridged Version)