The 2011 New Testament Challenge
Beginning Nov. 15th (the beginning of the Advent/Nativity Fast), we will once again be embarking on our annual challenge event to read through the entire New Testament (aloud) by Christmas! This is a great endeavor and exercise and you should join it! Read with your spouse as an Advent discipline! Join the many of us who do this every year and prosper your soul in the effort. You won’t be the same. Remember, we begin Nov. 15th! If you are a veteran of [Read more...]
Orthodox Worship in Abkhazia
I encourage all St. George members to look carefully and quietly at this video of St. Panteleimon Cathedral in Abkhazia, in Georgia. Abkhazia is near the Black Sea. This beautiful Cathedral has a very rudimentary altar and iconostasis (rather like our own parish – event the Little Entrance is made in the same way). Observe the faith, beauty, and piety of these people – yet another pure expression of the faith of Orthodox Christians. Notice also the young age of those chanting and [Read more...]
What is “The Lukan Jump?”
By Archbishop Peter (L’Huiller) The Archbishop of New York and New Jersey in the Orthodox Church in America, Archbishop Peter was a renown expert in Canon Law, the Typikon, and Liturgical tradition. What is the “Lukan Jump”? The annual cycle of the Gospels is composed of four series: 1. The Gospel of St. John (read from Pascha until Pentecost Sunday); 2. The Gospel of St. Matthew (divided over seventeen weeks beginning with the Monday of the Holy Spirit – from the twelfth week, [Read more...]
“In The Beginning…” Bible Study Begins Sept. 14th
September 8, 2011 by frjohn
Filed under Biblical Studies, Education, Featured
In the beginning… BIBLE STUDY ON THE PENTATEUCH Beginning Wed. Sept. 14th, immediately after Vespers, we will begin a lengthy, in-depth study on the Books of the Torah – the Five Books of Moses, beginning with Genesis. This study will be done with the eye of the Church, which means we will pay close attention to elements which in nature are Trinitarian, Christological and Ecclesiological. We will also be highlighting and explaining how these readings are utilized in the Church’s Festal Menaion and [Read more...]
Choral Music Workshop: Sat. Sept. 24th
Choral Music Workshop Sat. Sept. 24th – A day of music and singing techniques! The Choir at St. George is the crown jewel of our liturgical celebrations. Because we are increasing in the number of liturgical services, we are adding music to our choral repertoire. This Choral Music Workshop will help choristers of every level improve their skills, and increase their abilities. We will be learning how to breathe properly, the importance of good breath control and the mechanics involved in sound [Read more...]
On Orthodox Music in America
Adapted from a lecture given at a seminar on Orthodox Church Music. This article appeared in The Burning Bush, a publication of the Holy Dormition Romanian Orthodox Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan in 1994. Preliminary Considerations Anyone who studies Church music, knows that it is a dry matter and that it is not easy to make it understandable. We write this not because it is an interesting subject to speak about, but because it is necessary. We are often questioned by people unfamiliar [Read more...]
On The Dormition Fast & Feast
by Fr. John A. Peck Dormition is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Christian faith, so we here at St. George Church, are offering an article on Dormition and a few things which we hope you will find valuable as you prepare this festal sermon. 1. Preach the Gospel Don’t forget to tell your friends the Good News! The only reason we are celebrating Dormition at all is because of the incarnation, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Read more...]
On the Therapeutic Nature of Orthodoxy
by Fr. John Romanides Some people are convinced that sacred tradition is guarded by episcopal synods. But contemporary synods in the Orthodox Church are not like the local or ecumenical councils of bishops in the age of the early Christians, because the early councils were composed of bishops who had mastered the Church’s therapeutic method. Their aim in coming together as a council was not merely to safeguard the Church’s doctrine and liturgical order, as is the case today. No, their aim was [Read more...]
Church Singing
by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) Choir rehearsals and vocal music lessons have begun at St. George in anticipation of the coming festal season. We’ll be publishing some information on the importance of theological singing and chant, and encourage all members, catechumens and inquirers to consider joining these rehearsals as a part of your own spiritual edification. See our Calendar for the schedule of Choir rehearsals. Remember, our choir leads the people of God in their prayers and exaltations, and is the crown of our [Read more...]
Time and Eternity in Orthodox Worship
There is a spreading tendency to sing the magnificent Vespers hymn, “O Gladsome Light,” (especially the frequently-sung Dvoretsky setting) in a way that reflects the rat-race of the world and our everyday lives, instead of providing a glimpse into heavenly Light and eternal Glory.
