Here is a new and fascinating video on YouTube, entitled “Revival of Orthodoxy in Russia (Exhibition in Moscow).” The video is done very professionally, and it is a positive example of technology in the service of the Church – something you will see in the manner in which this exhibit is presented in Moscow. There are some scenes that are quite moving... Something I would highly recommend.
From an Orthodox Monastic who also has sent this video to his email list:
This is well worth watching; be sure to have the sound on. Russians learning their own Church history and the truth about what happened to the Church under Communism. The large icon at the beginning (about 3 minutes in) and at the end, is the ancient Tikhvin Mother of God Icon, to which I have a great devotion and read the Akathist to it each day. View, download and print the Akathist to the Theotokos of Tikhvin icon here.
Related Article: Russian President Calls Revival of Orthodoxy a Miracle Nov. 7, 2011 Read this fascinating article in which Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speaks candidly of Orthodoxy's unique role as guardian of "indisputable truths," and the miracle of its revival in Russia over the last twenty years. In a meeting with Patriarch Kyrill and other Church hierarchy, conducted as part of a public forum linked to the Orthodox Rus Exhibition which the video depicts, Medvedev described the relationship between the Church and State as a "symphony," in which the Orthodox Church, through its "extremely powerful inner energy" serves the vital role for Russia as "keeper of traditional, moral values." A must-read article, which provides essential context for understanding the dynamic relationship between the Orthodox Church and the Russian Republic.
Patriarch Kyrill and Russian President Medvedev at the 'Orthodox Rus' Exhibition
Return of the Tikhvin Icon to Russia in 2004 - 06/27/04
These images of huge crowds greeting the wonderworking Tikhvin Icon of the Theotokos upon its return to Russia serve as evidence of the miraculous revival of Orthodoxy in Russia. Hundreds of thousands processed with the icon and church hierarchs as the icon was venerated in Moscow, and all along its journey to the ancient Tikhvin Monastery of the Dormition. The icon was secretly smuggled out of the USSR to Chicago by a Russian bishop in 1949. You can read about the icon's amazing journey and triumphal return here.
(This message from Fr Steven was originally sent to the parish on April 27, 2011, during Bright Week.)
Dear Parish Faithful,
I know that some of you watched 60 Minutes on Sunday evening, and were impressed by the coverage given to Mt. Athos,clearly the main story of this segment of that popular program. All things considered, I thought that it was well-done, with a good and respectful script accompanying the breathtaking views of the “holy mountain,” the interiors of the large and beautifully frescoed monasteries, and the interviews with some of the monks. For many, Mt. Athos has remained the heart of the Orthodox world since its foundation in the 10th c. during the Byzantine era of the Church’s existence. I am hoping that in the not-too-distant-future we can perhaps watch this segment together as a larger discussion group.
Webservant's Notes: You can watch the 60 Minutes Mt Athos segment whenever you wish via the embedded YouTube videos below. For higher quality video, go to the official CBSNews Videos. 4/29/11 - NOW INCLUDES CBS OVERTIME Behind the Scenes Video with 60 Minutes Producer Michael Karzis (yes - a Greek, and he exchanges the kiss of peace with one of the monks!). I am also posting a slide show of my photos from Mt Athos below that.
Reminiscences of Mount Athos
Photos taken on two pilgrimages to the Holy Mountain in 1988 and 1990.
Longtime Friend of the Parish, Orthodox composer Kurt Sander, has recently released a new CD of sublime, original Orthodox Choral Music.
Orthodox Russia and Orthodox America come together in this new recording of contemporary liturgical music by living composers Gennady Lapaev (Russia) and Kurt Sander (America). Sung in church Slavonic and English. Inspired by the reunification of mother Russia with her émigré Orthodox churches, this unique CD brings forth never-before heard settings of Orthodox texts. The choir, under the direction of Peter Jermihov, consists of church singers from across North America who came to Cincinnati, Ohio in 2010 to be part of this monumental recording. Full-color CD booklet includes translations.
Discover the ancient and powerful Jesus Prayer in this spiritual adventure of a lifetime. Known by generations of eastern Christians, this mystical prayer has been in use since the Apostles, but remains largely unknown in the west. For the first time on film, desert hermits, monks and nuns reveal the simple prayer, bringing us into their private cells, caves and sanctuaries in the Middle East, Mediterranean, Eastern Europe and Russia. Narrated by Dr. Norris J. Chumley and Very Rev. Dr. John McGuckin.
“The Jesus Prayer can be used by everyone . . . When prayer culminates in silence, we awaken to new awareness. Then, prayer becomes a way of noticing more clearly and responding more effectively to the world within us and around us.”
—Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, from the Foreword
Now shipping.“Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer: Experiencing the Presence of God and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of An Ancient Spirituality” on sale in bookstores everywhere. Please pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or your local bookseller as soon as possible! Or on Amazon.com, IndieBound.com or in our online store.
Available for immediate download now! Eight in-depth lessons covering the Jesus Prayer, monasticism, stories of St. Anthony and St. Sergei, footage not in the film, extended interviews, icons, ideas for prayer and contemplation.
NOTE:It is necessary to view the films online. Internet access is necessary for the links to the films. The Study Guide is not available in DVD form, nor are the film sections downloadable. Each Study Guide PDF download contains everything needed: descriptive texts, topic points for contemplation and discussion, suggestions for participation and practice, and private links to the online films.
This unique section of our website features highlights of some of the most edifying Orthodox resources available on the internet. Info on new books, DVDs, and spoken word recordings, plus podcasts, children's books, blogs and films, are highlighted in the many sections below. By no means comprehensive, these selections are more of a starting point and an aid for the Orthodox believer to sanctify their internet experience, and continue to grow in our most holy faith.
Updated quarterly. Scroll down for the following selections:
Orthodox Blogs - a collection of some of the best
New Film and Book: Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer
Proclaim to the World - Contemporary Titles by Converts to Orthodoxy
The Prologue of Ochrid - by St Nikolai Velimirovich, Online and Hardcover editions
New DVD - The Life of St John Maximovitch, the Wonderworker
The Orthodox Christian Information Center - One of the largest and oldest sites for authentic Orthodox resources, since 1996. Continuously updated.
Not for Children Only! - Books for Orthodox Youth of All Ages!
Before Jonah was Metropolitan - Talks by Abbot Jonah
Monastic Wisdom - Books, DVDs and Homilies by several monasteries in North America
Orthodoxy Online and On Fire! - Select Podcasts from Ancient Faith Radio, including selections for children and teens.
The Internet has proven to be a huge blessing for Orthodox Christians seeking practical and inspiring writings on the Life in Christ. In addition to podcasts from Ancient Faith Radio and other sources, more texts than ever before are able to be easily ordered online and delivered to your doorstep in just a few days. We feature a number of podcasts and titles on this page, which you can view by scrolling down.
Also of great value are Orthodox Blogs which have been disseminating the True Faith online.
A 'blog' — internet slang for 'web log' — is literally an online publishing venture. Presented here are some which have proven to be consistently edifying and authentically Orthodox. Some of them weave in entries having to do with contemporary life and current events, others concentrate on transmitting teachings on the Orthodox spiritual life in brief, easy to digest segments.
Why not bookmark some of these and add them to your daily internet experience?
Mystagogy - One of the best, several entries each day, by John Sanidopoulos.
Christ is in our Midst - another excellent endeavor; variety and a good balance between brief 'pearls', and longer teachings from Orthodox elders; wonderful images found no where else.
Logismoi - by Aaron Taylor; a very literate blog by an Orthodox educator.
There are many more out there. You may also wish to investigate the 'blog roll' hosted by each blogger, which presents their own recommendations.
May it be blessed!
Added March 5, 2010
By St. Nikolai Velimirovich.
The modern classic: Lives of saints, hymns, homilies and reflections for every day of the year. Enrich your practice of our most holy Orthodox Faith with these brief yet profound daily portions.
Two Versions:
Free Online Version - The readings for each day. Use this for your browser homepage and be edified from the moment you go online! (Includes search by calendar date feature.)
New Hardcover 2nd Edition in Two Volumes - January-June (650 pages) and July-December (704 pages). Hardcover with full color dust jacket. $60 each, $120 for complete set.
St Nikolai of Zica (Velimirovic) (1880-1956) has been called the "Serbian Chrysostom" for his theological depth and golden-tongued eloquence. Now for the first time, a complete and unabridged English translation of St. Nikolai's Prologue of Ohrid has been made available. St. Nikolai's Prologue has become a much-loved spiritual classic for Orthodox Christians worldwide. An inspirational source-book of the Orthodox Faith, it contains within its pages a summation of the Church's wisdom and Her experience of sanctity through the Grace of Jesus Christ. Lives of Saints, Hymns, Reflections and Homilies are presented for every day of the year. St. Nikolai's beautiful Hymns have never before appeared in English.
The text of this 1,450-page magnum opus of St. Nikolai has been translated from the Serbian and edited by clergy and monastics of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America.
In two volumes, hardbound, with full-color dust jackets. New 2nd Edition 2008 Volume I: January to June, 650 pages (ISBN 0-9719505-0-4) Volume II: July to December, 704 pages (ISBN 0-9719505-1-2)
Firmly rooted and grounded in the fullness of Orthodox Patristic Tradition, OCIC is one of the largest and oldest sites on Orthodox Christianity. Think of the OCIC as a vast online article repository, with over 700 articles and 6,000 printed pages. This site has been online since 1996 and receives over 36,000 unique visitors per month.
Glory Be to God! There are more and more delightful and edifying books for Orthodox children and young people being published than ever before. We are pleased to highlight a few examples here, and to offer the following sites for dozens more titles:
Hermitage of the Holy Cross features numerous books for children drawing from a variety of traditional Orthodox backgrounds, including the wonderful From I-ville to You-ville, already a bestseller in Greece, which adapts the simple teachings of Elder Paisius of Mt Athos into a modern allegory for our times. Conciliar Press offers literally dozens of children's titles for a wide range of ages. Of special note are the Twelve Great Feasts series and the Three Day Pascha Series.
See also Synaxis Press Titles for Children. (This is the publishing ministry of Archbishop Lazar who visited the parish in Fall 2008.) Regina Orthodox Press has some beautifully illustrated children's books, and routinely offers a major discounts(see website for details):
. . . he was a convert to Orthodoxy from the West Coast. Steeped in Orthodox monasticism at Valaam Monastery in Russia, he learned his life's calling from a true staretz, and on his return to America began his labours as a monastery founder and Orthodox missionary. Learn through these recordings about +Jonah's spiritual journey to monasticism, and about how we all are called to make a similar journey, whatever our path or situation, so that we may truly grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A Path To Monasticism (Includes the small tract, Are You Called to Monastic Life?, written by the Brotherhood of the Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, founded by Met Jonah) - Audio CD - $10 from SVS Press.
From Psychology To Spirituality - Complete recording of a 2005 retreat given by then Abbot Jonah. - 5-CD Set - $20 from SVS Press.
More on Metropolitan Jonah - Full Coverage of the AAC and the Metropolitan's Enthronement. Including articles, videos, and audio coverage of the 15th All-American Council:
St Gregory Palamas Monastery - Founded in 1982, this nearby men's monastery in northern Ohio is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Their growing online store offers rare books published by the monastery, mounted icons and candles, plus prayer ropes, incense and handicrafts from Mt Athos. Whereas their website features rich homilies on the spiritual life, and articles and lives of saints, plus much more.
If you go to http://www.new-ostrog.org/ you will be at the website of Archbishop Lazar's monastery. The setting is quite attractive. You can also click on Synaxis Press, and browse through their catalogue of books, including some excellent ones for children.
St Herman of Alaska Monastery and Press - Founded by Righteous Hieromonk Seraphim Rose, this outstanding missionary press has been publishing a magazine (The Orthodox Word) and classic Orthodox spiritual texts for forty years. The monastery is now beginning to make available on CD many of the talks given by Fr. Seraphim, and is nearing publication of a newly revised edition of Genesis, Creation and Early Man, which relates the Orthodox Patristic understanding of Creation.
Plus these excellent podcasts - Scroll to the bottom of the page for more...
CHRIST the ETERNAL KALIMAT - Indonesian Priest Fr. Daniel Byantoro concentrates on the identity of the 2nd person of the Trinity - Jesus the Christ. Is He who He claims to be - Very God of Very God? Jesus is the Eternal Kalimat - Arabic for Word or Logos in Greek. Fr. Daniel's own story is both dramatic and inspiring. Born a muslim, he turned to Christ as a young man, eventually discovering the Orthodox Church. Here is an excellent article of his on how to witness to muslims.
re/CALL - FOR ORTHODOX TEENS! - re/CALL is a podcast for Orthodox Christian teens and young adults that focuses on how your relationship with God and His Church can permeate every aspect of your life: dealing with family, friends, school, work, your spiritual life, and everything in between! Be sure to check out the re/CALL Website as well as the podcast listing on Ancient Faith Radio.
Ancient Faith Radio - Outstanding internet radio programming featuring an amazing range of podcasts, interviews, music, and more. Guaranteed to edify! Easy to subscribe to podcasts through iTunes and other services.
The variety and virtues of the dozens of podcasts now available on Ancient Faith Radio is a great blessing for us Orthodox struggling to guard our hearts and minds in the midst of our hectic, anti-Christian culture. There is, literally, something for everyone on Ancient Faith!
Download these to your computer, and burn them to CD, or sync them to your iPod. You can also subscribe to these podcasts through iTunes or other services, and automatically receive the new installments as they are released. Here are a few suggestions to get started... (Images are linked direcly to respective podcast pages on Ancient Faith's website.)
