Confession #4: "Father, to tell you the truth I’m not only a poor presvytera, I’m not even a good mother. I know a priest’s kids should be an example to all the other families, but mine are – well, just like everyone else’s. Maybe even worse. Sometimes I even wonder if they act like Christians, must less Orthodox. They were okay before they became teenagers, of course. I was even convinced that my kids would go from childhood to adulthood without even getting zits. But now sometimes I have to force them to go to church. I’m worried about some of the boys that my daughter is hanging around with. And a woman at our parish told me that her girl saw my son smoking - she thinks it was only tobacco. You should have seen the smirk on that woman’s face when she told me that. I just don’t know how to make my kids be the perfect Christian children they should be."

• Our children aren't angels!
• When they get into their teens, talk to them less about God and more to God about them.
• Tell them: "In our house everyone under the age of 18 goes to church and that includes you!"
• Never make them feel too guilty.
• Don't be hard on them EVERY day. Alternate with days in between for complimenting them.
• Keep on keeping on.
• Make special treats for them to eat.
• Tell them, "I hope you never smoke/pierce your body/get a tattoo/use drugs."
• Tell them, "Drugs make sick people well and well people sick."
• When they ask to do something you're not comfortable with, tell them you can't give permission for that, then leave the room quickly, and go to another room, closing the door quietly behind you, and begin praying about the situation. You'd be surprised how many times it works.
• Trust your instincts, and tell them that as a mom you have to trust your instincts, and your instincts tell you when things will work and when they won't.
• Tell them you've never been a mom in this situation before, and ask them to judge you 10 years or so down the pike.
• Remember that "No one ever raised a child without some tears," as a beautiful older neighbor told me once.
• Try as they get older to do something with them just one-on-one occasionally - a concert, movie, play, lunch out.
• Pray once around the prayer rope every day you can, once for each of them, "Dear Panagia, protect and guide ___________."
• Leave them in God's hands over and over.
• When they are out and you are concerned, pray the Jesus prayer over and over, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on ____________."
• Stay on top of what’s happening in their world (Once I visited the local police station to ask the police to show (innocent) me some pot so I would know what it smelled like =)
• Dear young moms (anyone under 60!), I pray for your beautiful children and for you as you keep on keeping on.
  ~ Age 70, 43 years a presvytera
  
  I have raised 3 children and they 2 are now in wonderful marriages and parents. As they were growing up I always told them to be good people, not because they were the children of a priest but, because their father and I wanted them to be good children. They made their mistakes, as all children do, but, I never made them feel that they had to be different because they were sons and daughters of a priest.
  
  When a parishioner would make a comment about any of my children I would just say to them that my children are no different than anyone else's but, I would not get into a discussion with them about it. Any person who says my child will never do this or that has a rude awakening ahead of them because we all make mistakes. Even we wonderful, pious Christians make mistakes. Do not let the parish raise your children, YOU raise your children.
  
  ~ Happy Presvytera of over 34 years
  
  Talk about life in a fish bowl! When a married man is ordained, he and his wife open themselves up to scrutiny and then when kids come along...watch out. There is nothing to prevent people from gossiping about the priest's kids, if they are of a mind to. And when those barbs are made known, wounding occurs. Unless Fr. and Presbyera are very strong internally it'll be hard not to feel guilt, sadness or inadequacy about their supposed inability to raise "good Christian children." There is no guarantee kids are going to act as we think they should in front of parishioners or when they're out of our sight. And there's certainly no way to make any Orthodox children--into "perfect" Christian children. Rather than focus on the kids' behavior, focus more on your own wise responses to them...people do watch and can learn valuable lessons from the way you respond to your kids' less than pristine behaviors.
  
  What to do about the criticizers? Minimize interactions with them inasmuch as possible--you know who they are so try not to engage much if you can help it. Did the critics raise perfect children? Unlikely. So, take their comments with a grain of salt. Recognize, too, that some people like to get a rise out of others--remember the saying, "Don't let them see you sweat?" Well, don't! Rather, seek out those who are sympathetic and loving for Christ's sake. Anyone who's tried to raise children as Christians in this day and age understands the challenges very well.
  
  In almost every parish there is usually at least one family who is sensitive to the priest's family and their struggles to be a good example for others. Let that family or families be a source of consolation for you. If they are devout, perhaps work out an agreement to pray for each other's kids on certain days or certain times of each day. You can be mutually encouraging in the parenting struggle. My confessor once told me (worry wart that I am) that I should turn every worry that comes to mind into a prayer. It's good advice and certainly applicable to someone in the process of raising teens.
  
  Take care of yourself so you can be like a lighthouse for your young person navigating on turbulent waters. Actions speak louder than words so, inasmuch as possible, ramp up your prayer life and further develop your inner life. Try not to be dour in the process...remember to smile and be an active dispenser of love and good will in the family. It might not be easy given the stresses clerical families bear, but definitely worth working toward. Use warmth and good humor to keep the atmosphere light. Even your husband will thrive more in this environment. Sometimes moody or potentially wayward kids simply need a strong hug and a listening ear from someone they know really does love them to help keep their canoe upright. Be available to them; respect them, even with their youth and inexperience, as people God made and let it be a rule that they do the same in return.
  
  Sometimes we can forget, but it is good to routinely commit your children into the protecting care of Panagia, their Guardian Angel and their Patron Saint. Regular praying of the Akathist to the Mother of God Nurturer of Children can give comfort and hope to an Orthodox mother and assurance that young people have been placed beneath the perfect care of the Mother of all Christians. Sometimes kids might overhear a parent praying for them with love and that act alone can speak volumes even in the life of a child who appears otherwise indifferent.
  
  I think some families might be divided on requiring church attendance. I would say, yes, make it an expectation for Divine Liturgy for sure because it is there that we receive the Lord Himself in the Eucharist--it's the most important thing we do together as a family. If your church has other regular services, vespers, paraklesis, etc., perhaps allow a little leniency as needed. The goal is to help the young person want to go to church for the right reasons--to worship and to be ministered to by the Lord. Ultimately the young person will be making that choice on his or her own, so help them want what's in their own best interest by your own good example.
  
  Keep in mind that God took a "risk" when bringing us into His family...how often we act inappropriately and yet He is still our Father and is not ashamed to be called that by children who say they love Him but are sinners against His love on a somewhat consistent basis. Rather, the Father sees the big picture--sees our end and is patient with us, abides with us in love, admonishes us through His word and guides us without oppressing. He allows us to make mistakes and still return to loving arms. To that end, we would do well to act similarly with our own children, to envision a positive result, to look for the good today, to set good examples for our kids, to encourage, admonish and forgive our maturing children as necessary all the while seeking discernment from on High.
  
  ~ 13 year veteran Presvytera
  
  Just wanted to share one quote I always keep in mind when worrying about my kids. "Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." Robert Fulghum
  
  ~ Age 52, 22 years a Presvytera
  

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  Week of February 22, 2009
  Quote for the Week
  Christians should strive in all things and ought not to pass judgment of any kind on anyone, not on the prostitute nor on sinners nor on disorderly persons. But they should look upon all persons with a single mind and a pure eye so that it may be for such a person almost a natural and fixed attitude never to despise or judge or abhor anyone or to divide people and put them into boxes. For this is purity of heart, that, when you see the sinner and the weak, you have compassion and show mercy to them. (St. Makarios the Great)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)
  
  Question for the Week
  What is my biggest challenge as a parent? Do I perceive that my challenge is compounded by our life as a clergy family? How do my children view their lives as clergy family? How can I keep the lines of communication open to them as they establish themselves within the church community?
  
  For the next few weeks, we are presenting a series of fictitious “confessions” put together by Father Michael Johnson to stimulate discussion of the kinds of issues faced by clergy wives. They are prototypes that touch upon common threads and themes that we may experience being married to priests.

  Confession #4
  "Father, to tell you the truth I’m not only a poor presvytera, I’m not even a good mother. I know a priest’s kids should be an example to all the other families, but mine are – well, just like everyone else’s. Maybe even worse. Sometimes I even wonder if they act like Christians, must less Orthodox. They were okay before they became teenagers, of course. I was even convinced that my kids would go from childhood to adulthood without even getting zits. But now sometimes I have to force them to go to church. I’m worried about some of the boys that my daughter is hanging around with. And a woman at our parish told me that her girl saw my son smoking - she thinks it was only tobacco. You should have seen the smirk on that woman’s face when she told me that. I just don’t know how to make my kids be the perfect Christian children they should be."

  
  CONSIDER responding if this confession hits home for you or did at one point of your life. What advice would you give to this presvytera? You may also choose to respond to the question of the week. Please give your age or your years in the ministry for some perspective. Send your responses to p.tsagalakis@comcast.net and we will share the responses in next week's "Prez to Prez."
  

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  Reflections on Confession #3 ~ Our Prez to Prez Voices Across the Country

  Beloved Sisters -
  
  We are midway through our series on “Confessions of a Presvytera.” We want to extend a special thanks to all who have responded with their heartfelt thoughts and wisdom. Below are reflections on the third confession.

  Confession #3: “I guess I have to confess the sin of hate. I’ve tried, but there’s this one person in our parish that I just can’t stand. He just got elected to the parish council for another term – and I hate to think what that means. Last year, I know he’s the one who kept my husband from getting a raise. He’s always criticizing, and he seems to think priests do nothing but Liturgy on Sunday and an occasional wedding or funeral. He even complained because my husband scheduled time off on a few afternoons to see our kids after school, because he had to do a service in the evening. I know this parishioner has called our Metropolitan about us more than once. Frankly I can’t even stand to be near him. I do force myself to talk to him when there’s no choice, and I guess I’m civil enough. But I can’t help thinking what I’d really like to tell him. And I’m afraid that someday, I’m going to actually do it!”

  
  I think that EVERYONE reading these can identify with DISLIKING a parishioner. There have been a few over the years that have left a bad taste in my mouth! What I have found that seems to help ME is to make an effort to say hello to that person and talk to them whenever possible. It was the hardest thing for me to do at first. I had a very heated discussion once with this man (parish council member) over an issue. I left that discussion fuming! The next time I saw him my stomach churned. I do believe that the Holy Spirit gave me the needed "PUSH" to greet him and visit with him. At first he was stunned and I can tell he felt awkward. But when he saw that I wasn't gonna let his opinion bother me, he responded to my greeting. I've been doing it ever since. At times, it's HARD!!

  ~ Presvytera of 32 years
  
  God uses people and circumstances to prepare us to be citizens of the eternal Kingdom. Nasty people in the parish, especially those who would undermine your husband and family are sometimes tools used to bring about our own needed internal changes. That is not to minimize the pain or anguish that the presvytera may feel. Steer clear of the mistake of thinking you can correct these people because engaging on the same plane will only make you look bad (and probably feel bad for some time to come). It is far better to commit to say a prayer rope daily for those who create problems for your husband and your family. This is the kind of response that pleases God and that He can and does work through. This will be your ministry in the midst of temptation and an important one at that. Be pleasant, but don't feel you need to engage with these people directly. I sincerely believe, from experience, that they cannot see what they are doing. People are at all levels of understanding and maturity in the Church. Unfortunately, there is nothing that prevents them from serving on parish councils and the like so you've got to view this as a way that God works in our lives.
  
  Here is something from Counsels from the Holy Mountain that I keep on my computer as a reminder:
  
  "Put up with that person who grieves you and creates temptations. Put up with him joyfully. Pray for him every day. Always try to do good to him, to commend him, to speak to him with love, and God will work His miracle and he will reform. Then our Christ will be glorified and the devil, who sets up all the stumbling-blocks, will be foiled. Force yourself especially to stop criticizing and lying. Your penance is to do one prayer-rope every day for this person who hates you, so that God may enlighten him to repent and do ten more metanoias daily for one month."
  
  If this person does something against you, overlook it, be patient. Let yourself be wronged, but do not wrong; let yourself be slapped, but do not slap; let yourself be criticized, but do not criticize. When you do all this, then the Son of God, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, will dwell in your soul. Fight the good fight; overlook the deeds of this person, just as our Christ has overlooked your sins.
  
  God help you in everything; I know from experience this is hard and people can, at times, be treacherous. Be at peace even in this, because, from what I've come to understand over time, it indicates that God knows you have the ability to bear the trial and He will reward your patience. Trust God's Providence always; He understands your struggle and will bring you through it.

  ~ 13 year veteran Prez
  
  Been there done that Prez. I had all the board over the house once to talk about renevations to their parish house, and I made apple crisp and coffee and this similar man that you described said, "I think the priest should vacuum too." We were talking about the church at the time, because I would have play group with young moms once a week there for fellowship. I reassured this man that my husband has also been the janitor at church (since they didn't have one) and he has certainly done his share of extra work around the church. Needless to say, we were at that parish for six years and during that entire time my husband got one raise, so we left. This same man, wanted us to pay rent for staying in the parish house for one extra week and then he told me that they are buying the new incoming priest a new car and fixing the tiles in the bathroom. I just told him, " good-luck to you with the new priest." Praying for your enemies is very powerful. Hang in there!
  
  Always try to remember to hate the sin not the sinner. My husband is ironically in a situation worse than the scenario of confession 3! The good news is, there are more people that are good in our community so this is what we chose to focus on. Our mission is to help those in need and bring them the Good News of Christ.
  
  Think about what might have happened to a person who directly attacks the integrity of the priesthood. What happened in their childhood that made them a bitter adult? Something went wrong somewhere for a person to be that way. How is the devil using their soul? Is it through greed, jealousy, and the need for power? Who knows what motivates a person to behave like that. If it weren't your husband, this parish council member or parishioner would be annoying someone else. So you might want to ask yourself "why not me?" Christ himself suffered and was betrayed by one of his own Apostles. He was put to death unjustly! Is our parish matter worse than that? Is God turning his back from us or is he refining us? Has he not set the example for us to follow? Are we not gracious and even humbled as the darts fly our way? God has promised to be even closer to us when we are persecuted for his sake.
  
  I feel Christ's overwhelming love protecting us. I sense his gentle words speaking to me saying, 'don't worry my child, nothing will go wrong, I am here to protect you'. When I am persecuted I have to rely on Jesus Christ to fix the problem. If my husband's salary is in jeopardy, I have to solely rely on Christ to take care of our family's needs. The devil wants us to worry, but knowing and depending on Christ is the only way to have peace. When things get unbearable in the parish I simply wait to see how God will take care of the situation. I start to think, am I taking care of myself? Am I exercising and eating right? Are my children happy? Am I comforting my husband? And all thoughts go to my immediate family. This is where we find true love, happiness, and acceptance. I believe if you work on your family life and enjoy the moments with your children you are truly blessed. God always works things out!
  
  Remember that God knows the outcome, and he has you and your family in mind. Just because we don't understand why things are happening, it doesn't mean that they aren't supposed to happen. When we work on behalf of Christ in this world we will also take part in a spiritual warfare. Scripture amazingly ?teaches us what to do in a situation, and warns us as to what may be happening and how to fix it. God will never put blinders on his faithful! He teaches us in (Ephesians 6:11-13) "Put on all the armor that God gives you so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age." God tells us to wear the belt of Truth, Righteousness as our breastplate, our shoes should announce the Good News Of Peace. And at all times to carry Faith as our shield.
  
  I love to hold on to God's words in times of distress, " If God is for us who can possibly be against us?" Will God not see a way through this? ??If perhaps things are irreparable in your parish, God will move you onward to a better place. He always has our welfare in mind. It is never as bad as it seems. So it is my suggestion to change your attitude, and be happy anyway, put your full trust in Christ who has plans for you. Focus on your good attitude, and your family. Consider even making some friends outside of the parish. Thank God every time you are persecuted because He draws closer to you. God is preparing great things for you and your family. He is blessing you constantly. I will leave you with His words, Jeremiah 29:11 "I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster plans to bring about the future you hope for". May God richly bless your husband's ministry and your family always.
  
  ~ Presvytera - 16 years in the ministry Age: 50
  
  Week of February 15, 2009

  Quotes for the Week
  My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates…you never know what you're gonna get. (Forrest Gump [Spoken by Tom Hanks] in the movie Forrest Gump)
  
  Why does humility lead up to the heights of righteousness, whereas self-conceit leads down to the depths of sin? Because anyone who thinks he is something great, even before God, is rightly abandoned by God, as one who does not need His help. On the other hand, anyone who despises himself, and relies on mercy from above, wins God's sympathy, help and grace. As it says, 'The Lord resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the lowly' " (Proverbs 3:34, LXX) [St. Gregory Palamas]
  
  Scripture Verse for the Week
  I will never fail you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

  Question for the Week
  What do I believe God expects of me when He commands that we love our enemies? How can I effectively put that love into action in my daily life?

  For the next few weeks, we are presenting a series of fictitious “confessions” put together by Father Michael Johnson to stimulate discussion of the kinds of issues faced by clergy wives. They are prototypes that touch upon common threads and themes that we may experience being married to priests.

  Confession #3
  I guess I have to confess the sin of hate. I’ve tried, but there’s this one person in our parish that I just can’t stand. He just got elected to the parish council for another term – and I hate to think what that means. Last year, I know he’s the one who kept my husband from getting a raise. He’s always criticizing, and he seems to think priests do nothing but Liturgy on Sunday and an occasional wedding or funeral. He even complained because my husband scheduled time off on a few afternoons to see our kids after school, because he had to do a service in the evening. I know this parishioner has called the metropolitan about us more than once. Frankly I can’t even stand to be near him. I do force myself to talk to him when there’s no choice, and I guess I’m civil enough. But I can’t help thinking what I’d really like to tell him. And I’m afraid that someday, I’m going to actually do it!

  
  Please feel free to share if this confession hits home for you or did at one point of your life. What advice would you give to this Presvytera? Please give your age or your years in the ministry for some perspective. Send your responses to p.tsagalakis@comcast.net and we will share the responses in next week's "Prez to Prez."

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  Reflections on Confession #2 ~ Our Prez to Prez Voices Across the Country

  It has been a tremendous blessing to receive the beautiful responses to the recent "Confessions of a Presvytera" Below are reflection on the second Confession sent out last week.

  Confession #2: I have to confess the sin of envy or covetousness, or whatever you want to call it. You see, there’s this certain priest’s wife I know who is basically “Mrs. Perfect Presvytera.” Her kids are always well dressed and well behaved, while mine are dirty and unkempt five minutes after I get them dressed – not to mention, if someone’s kids are noisy in church, it’s probably mine. Furthermore, this other presvytera helps teach Bible study at her parish, she seems to know everything about God - and I’ll bet she says the “Jesus Prayer” a hundred times a day. Compared to her, I’m just an ordinary wife and mother. In other words, as a presvytera, I feel like I'm a failure.

  There shouldn't be any standards for what a priest's wife or her children should be like. They should be themselves and not worry about what other people think especially the parishoners. Their first responsibility is to their husband and family and if there's time left, they can help out at church in whatever capacity they feel comfortable in. The fact that they are married to a priest indicates they are good, honest, moral people who try their best to take care of their family. and if that isn't enough for others, so be it. I have been a priest's wife for 39 years, am 67 years old, four children and ten grandchildren.

  Galatians 6:4 (TLB): "Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done, and won't need to compare himself with someone else." Talk about a freedom verse! This tells me that all I have to do is concentrate on doing my personal best--in whatever work I do, or whatever role I'm in--and I can feel secure and satisfied knowing that God is pleased with me, and I don't need to compare myself with anyone else. One of the dangers of comparing ourselves with others is that it can lead to jealousy and envy--two attitudes that are detestable in God's sight. Scripture says: "Let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't." Anonymous

  I constantly struggle with living up to the "Perfect Presvytera” persona. Because I am often seen chanting, teaching Sunday School and have an outgoing personality - other presvyteres and parishioners can make the assumption that I have my act together. Well, this is simply a not true. I'm a struggling sinner. I constantly deal with temptation, pride, and the annoying need to please everyone. I think God wants us all to give of our gifts and talents but first and foremost, we must be concerned about pleasing HIM not everyone else. My heart goes out to the presvytera with envy - but more so, the presvytera that is being held to such a high standard of perfection. All of us struggle. I think it's time to invite that "perfect presvytera" out for a cup of coffee and check in to see how she's really doing. You'll find, that she is just as ordinary and in need of a friend as you are. Thank God. Age 45 - too many years of ministry to count

  Regarding the letter sent by the woman who envies the “perfect” Presbytera, perfection is an illusion!!! Some women seem more motivated, or able, to pull off the illusion, but it does not always promote mental health for the mother or the children, to try and pull off that illusion. Its often motivated by an unhealthy self image, that needs to be seen as “perfect,” and behind it is untold anxiety and stress. Perhaps even she was raised by a mother, who had to have things “perfect” and what messages are sent to the children. I also am a firm believer in that every child is born with an inborn temperament, and some children are simply easier to raise! Some children are compliant, and naturally obedient, while others are born with ants in their pants and a strong will. We can’t even compare our own children to each other, let alone to children born of another family. I wonder how many priests are out there, that were really rapscallions when they were little boys, and maybe even teenagers! Somehow God used them, and took them - and God has great and amazing plans for your children, too! God sees the whole picture of our lives, beginning to end. Also know that the mother who seems perfect is probably also beset with her own insecurities, and compares herself to other women and moms, too. There is so much you don’t know about her – how she thinks, how she feels, what things are really like at home. Even if she really is that “perfect,” the only person we need to try and please, is Jesus. He knows that most kids are born to wiggle, and get their faces dirty. He sees your heart, and knows what effort you are making to try and raise your family right and I am sure that He is pleased with you! Do not judge yourself! This is one of the rules of our faith! When my kids were little, someone comforted me regarding my guilt over not spending a lot of time on my spiritual life. She quoted the Bible verse, about “to whom much is given, much is required.” A woman in your situation does not have a lot of time, and thus He does not require it! Remember the widows mite – and how the Lord was pleased, with the little she gave – because she gave it from her heart, and she gave what she had. Do not be so harsh with yourself. He is a good and loving God, and understands our circumstances. Give what little time you have to Him, with as loving and pure of heart as you can, and rest in that. It may be much more, really, in God’s way of looking at things, than those of us who have more time, and give so much less, proportionate to what time we have available to us. Really, most of us are “ordinary” women, and mothers and Christians. And really, I am most comforted by other ordinary women, who struggle with the same things that I do! Perhaps you are more approachable than the supposed “perfect” wife and mother. Most women do not want or require perfection in friend or even a role model – we want to find someone who says, “You, too?” Women flourish, really – by “commiserating” together. Then somehow we are freed, to do what we need to do. I don’t need a perfect friend or role model! I need someone who cares, and is willing to walk the journey and path with me! That is not to say that most of don’t need some help, learning to discipline our kids, or working on our relationship with Christ, or otherwise building some sort of discipline in our lives. But the aim of that is union with Christ, and godly families – not so we can look as good as “so and so.” If you need or want to read some books on raising children, do so - however I suspect you are just normal!!! If you can free yourself from some unholy “shoulds” and bucket loads of guilt, you may relax, and find more energy inside of yourself to do what you really want to do, without the unfair expectations you are putting on yourself. That is the environment where love and growth occurs. ~ age 51, Diakonessa for 11 years

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  Week of February 8, 2009

  Quote for the Week
  Time washes away physical beauty, and sickness eats it up, but beauty of the heart is beyond all changes. The former arouses anger and produces jealousy, but the latter is not susceptible to similar passions and knows no vainglory. (Saint John Chrysostom)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
  
  Question for the Week
  Do I have a "standard" that I attempt to hold myself up against? How did I establish this standard? Is it attainable? Does it differ from the standard I believe God calls us to? How do I feel when I reflect on this?
  
  For the next few weeks, we are presenting a series of fictitious “confessions” put together by Father Michael Johnson to stimulate discussion of the kinds of issues faced by clergy wives. They are prototypes that touch upon common threads and themes that we may experience being married to priests.

  Confession #2
  I have to confess the sin of envy or covetousness, or whatever you want to call it. You see, there’s this certain priest’s wife I know who is basically “Mrs. Perfect Presvytera.” Her kids are always well dressed and well behaved, while mine are dirty and unkempt five minutes after I get them dressed – not to mention, if someone’s kids are noisy in church, it’s probably mine. Furthermore, this other presvytera helps teach Bible study at her parish, she seems to know everything about God - and I’ll bet she says the “Jesus Prayer” a hundred times a day. Compared to her, I’m just an ordinary wife and mother. In other words, as a presvytera, I feel like I'm a failure.

  
  Please feel free to share anything that you have learned that may help another presvytera who may be experiencing the issues in this ‘confession.’ We will publish it anonymously the following week. Of course, please seek your spiritual father’s advice on any questions or issues you may have. This does not presume to be a replacement for that special relationship. These ‘confessions’ are merely to touch upon issues that we may have in common to help us realize more than ever, WE ARE NOT ALONE in this life! Please send your responses to our Prez to Prez team: p.tsagalakis@comcast.net, eikona@eikona.com, presdee@worldnet.att.net, nikonia01@hotmail.com, doxa@clearwire.net
  

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  Reflections on Confession #1 ~ Our Prez to Prez Voices Across the Country

  Beloved Sisters - We wish to thank those who took the time to respond to last week's "Confessions of a Presvytera." Below are a few heartfelt responses.

  Confession #1: I have to confess that I just don’t have a spiritual life at all. I try to pray but there’s never time. I have to get up and get the kids to school first thing. Then I work four hours a day. Then it’s back home to get dinner ready and make sure the kids do their homework. I can’t blame my husband, but he’s at church just about every evening, not to mention weekends. By the time I get a few moments to myself, I’m so tired I just fall asleep in bed. I haven’t opened a Bible in years and half the time I don’t even find time for the Trisagion prayers. I know I should be setting an example, but I guess I’m as bad as the worst of our parishioners.

  By way of introduction, I am in my 60's, have been a presvytera for 35 years, and have raised 4 children. When my family was young, the lifestyle described in Confession #1 was very similar to my own. I also felt remorse about my lack of spirituality. Through the years, however, I came to realize that the very things I thought were keeping me away from a more spiritual life were actually my path to salvation. Sharing my husband with the church community to the extent that I felt like a single mother; dragging my children to church services and attempting to maintain order; participating as much as I could in church activities; making an effort to supplement the family income; balancing Lenten dietary restrictions with proper nutrition; hosting visiting clergy and missionaries; overseeing my children's schoolwork, sports, scouting, and music lessons; clinging to my sanity while severly sleep-deprived -- all this was a form of devotional prayer. By fulfilling my duties as wife, mother, and Presvytera, I was accepting God's will in my life and following the road He had set for me.

  In addition to living a dedicated Christian life, there are ways to squeeze some prayer into our busy schedules. Read a short Bible passage and pray with your children at bedtime. Pray before all meals (even at McDonald's). While driving in the car, listen to recordings of hymns and prayers. Recite the Jesus Prayer while doing repetitive tasks such as folding laundry, washing dishes, vacuuming or exercising.

  Finally, learn to forgive yourself and start anew. Some years ago, I visited a revered, monastic Confessor. I knelt before him and recited a list of sins much like Confession #1. He gave me a daily regimen which included prayer, prostrations, censing, and Bible readings. I began to follow his instructions with enthusiasm, but little by little, the chaos of my life distracted me from the routine. The following year, when I visited the Confessor, I had to repeat the same list of sins. I braced myself for a severe reprimand. Instead, I felt a gentle touch on my head and heard these words, "God knows you're human. He knows you will have lapses. When you do, just start all over again."

  ~ Presvytera age 60 + in ministry 35 years

  You CAN blame your husband that you don't have a spiritual life. But, you can also blame yourself. You need to do what it takes to be kind to yourself. You need to communicate with your husband. Your marriage is a partnership. You are not a single parent. He is not a celibate priest, and he needs to balance his professional duties with his marital and parental duties better.

  So, although noble it is that your husband is dedicated to being at Church many hours, he needs to look at his schedule and see where it is really necessary that he is present. He is a husband before he is a priest. If we preach to people to be better spouses and do not ourselves do what it takes to be a better spouse, then we are hypocrites and liars.

  I suggest you speak with your husband and make him aware of your dilemma. Have him read your confession. Married people should be able to confess to one another honestly. If the two of you are unable to come up with a solution so that your lives are more balanced and your time is better managed, then you need to get professional help. You need marital counseling yourselves. And it is OK, for the Clergy couple to need to talk to professionals. I know some may say, "Well, I have a spiritual Father. That is wonderful. Go to your spiritual Father or go to a trained Pastoral Christian Counselor, but go. You need to talk to someone that will give you a plan to live more balanced lives where both of you are sharing the responsibilities of children, and home, as well, as work.

  If Father needs to be at Church on evenings and weekends, then perhaps during the day, he can come home and cook a dinner for the evening meal that can be warmed up so that you can go pray, or exercise, or take some time for yourself. Perhaps, you can get take out one evening, and go to lunch with your husband instead of him cooking, or you cooking. Maybe you could look at each other and remember those days when you did that. You can look at each other that way again. But, if you don't have 3 minutes for God everyday, how are you going to find time to look into your husband's eyes?

  If you communicate your feelings to your husband and there is willingness to change things, then you will find time to pray, to be together more, to have personal time, to have family time, to become happier people and become more able to serve your parish with a happy and peaceful heart.

  I will pray for you my dear sister in Christ. I know God is with you and you will find some time each day to spend with Him. And if you are not at this point to can keep your hands still when you are talking and listening to God, have your time with Him when you are driving somewhere, or cooking, or putting a load of laundry in. Let God be at your side at all times. You are never alone. And then ask God to help you find time to keep your hands still when you are talking with him and just be silent and listen to him. It will happen. Have faith. With God all things are possible.

  ~ Presvytera 46. I’ve been a Presvytera for 16 years. And I love it.

  Thanks for addressing this issue. My spiritual life seemed to plummet down hill about 4 years after my husband was ordained a priest. He began to work more hours. I was overwhelmed with taking care of our young family with very little support and I felt trapped in a church where everyone seems to glare and stare. I started pulling away from God, the church, my husband and began to neglect every part of myself as well. Thankfully, in my despair, I called a good friend I had met at the seminary and shared some of my fears, struggles and worries. I am so grateful for this sister presvytera who really helped support me through a few really difficult years of spiritual emptiness. She pledged to pray for me daily. She called me weekly to check on how I was doing. She didn't lecture me. She didn't preach. She simply loved me through all my tears and ended every conversation with "You know, God loves you and so do I!"

  I'm convinced that the devil tries to do everything possible to pull a priest and presvytera from living a life in Christ. Finally, I realized that I had to make a decision whether or not I was going to allow this to happen. It was the Sunday of the Prodigal Son - and my husband gave a darn good sermon about "making a u-turn back to God." It was then that I made a decision that the devil wasn't going to tear apart my family, my spiritual life, my mental and physical health, or my relationship with my husband. That same night, my friend called and wisely suggested that I should go to confession. Tears, and more tears flowed as I humbly and painfully confessed my sins before God. I will never forget the feeling of my bowed head under the stole of that old retired priest. Days followed and I made a pledge to recite the scripture verse. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Every morning, every time I felt tired, overwhelmed or in distress the same mantra "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Slowly (and I mean slowly) I began to get out of the horrible spiritual rut. My husband and I sought marriage counseling. I began to take morning walks. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

  I really believe that two things saved me - the support of a good friend and the sacrament of confession. Sure, I continue to experienced the peeks and valleys through time - but remind myself "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

  ~ Presvytera 48 years old, now happily married, almost 20 years a presvytera

  From my new perspective as out of active ministry I do find that making myself a priority even for a few minutes has helped my sanity tremendously. Even getting up ten minutes earlier for some peace. My problem and I think that of many clergy wives is that I had been and do have problems with church in general. For so many years because of what was happening in my life, I didn't like church. I would tell this to my confessor and he wouldn't even get it. Of course when I was finally honest with him re: my life and what was truly going on it made sense. Getting past all of that has been hard and I find you can't change overnight.

  A practical solution re: time to pray is that when you are saying prayers before dinner to just take a moment and add your own personal prayers either out loud or to yourself. Also, when you receive an e-mail or a request to pray for somebody do it immediately. You'll find yourself slowly praying more.

  ~Presvytera - age 43, 17 years in active ministry

  Just reading this confession makes me feel better. I thought I was the only one without a spiritual life.

  ~ Presvytera age 48

  I think at some point, we have all been here. Being a good Christian, a good wife, a good mother-this is hard work! There are so many temptations to pour oneself out, giving time and effort to the housework, dressing up to go to work, helping your children and your husband... but you are robbing them of your true self, the one which you rarely see yourself as being: the calm one who is rooted in Christ. Tell your husband you need help! Ask him for specific things, like reading the Scripture of the day aloud to you, or a reminder to pray with the kids as you drop them off at school. Ask him to pray for and with you. Just by being mindful that you are trying to get towards God will allow Him to help you. Ask a sister presvytera to be your prayer partner for a season-she may never give up the habit. It is easy to feel like you are going under, but if you are not enjoying life, you are not the only one who is suffering. This confession definitely hits home for me, even though the particulars don't. For the past few months, I have been struggling to "do the right thing" for my four-month-old son, to give him the advantages of a good environment. Every so often, I have a little epiphany which makes me feel so dumb: how could I have missed that? The most recent one is to just enjoy the baby (augh! my mother was right again!) and not worry so much about my to-do list. Even though I don't get my daily prayers in every day, we are making a habit to say family prayers every morning and evening. The house is slowly getting cleaner (especially if I don't look too closely), and I am feeling better. I may even be a good mommy! And people will be glad to hear from us, even though I am still working on sending out the Christmas newsletter as we have already entered February. ~ 28 years old, 5 years Orthodox, and 1-1/2 years a presvytera; These are the responses after presenting our first “confessions” put together by Father Michael Johnson to stimulate discussion at a recent sisterhood retreat. We will examine some of the issues facing clergy wives. Please feel free to share anything that you have learned that may help another presvytera who may be experiencing the issues in this ‘confession.’ We will publish it anonymously the following week. Of course, please seek your spiritual father’s advice on any questions or issues you may have. This does not presume to be a replacement for that special relationship. These ‘confessions’ are merely to touch upon issues that we may have in common to help us realize more than ever, WE ARE NOT ALONE in this life! Another resource is TLC(The Listening Connection) www.nsp.goarch.org/tlc.html - a ministry where trained listeners (selected from sister Presvyteres) offer listening support to any Presvytera who calls, maintaining strict confidentiality.

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  Week of February 01, 2009

  Quote for the Week
  Pray not only for yourself, but for all the faithful, for the whole body of the Church without separating yourself from other believers, pray in a state of union with them as a member of Christ's Church...Prayer for others is beneficial for the one who prays: It purifies the heart, strengthens faith and hope in God and stimulates love for God and neighbor. (St. John of Kronstadt)

  Scripture for the Week
  In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. (Psalm 86:7)

  Question for the Week
  Do I have the courage to dig below the surface with my sister presvyteres? Am I willing to risk asking the "tough" questions, e.g., how is your spiritual life? how is your marriage? etc. If someone asks me the "tough" questions, am I willing to answer them honestly? Am I actively cultivating enough trust in my relationships to risk this kind of transparency?

  Reflection
  Two years ago at the annual San Francisco Metropolis Presvyteres Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, California, a group of Presvyteres came together to form what has come to be known as “Prez to Prez.” It is a simple offering. . .nothing fancy or eloquent. . .borne of a desire to help strengthen the clergy families of our Holy Orthodox Church in America. . .families that are becoming increasingly subject to the woes and travails of our time. This year, we were blessed to meet once again, each of us having eagerly awaited the fellowship that transpires between our sister Presvyteres in Christ. The setting is lovely, serene, and wholly conducive to an enjoyable respite. Above the ranch looms the magnificent temple of the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring, the kindly sisters always welcoming us with their love and Christian hospitality. For the next few weeks, we would like to present to you what became the primary subject matter of this year’s retreat. They are a series of fictitious “confessions” put together by Father Michael Johnson to stimulate discussion of the kinds of issues faced by clergy wives. They are prototypes that touch upon common threads and themes that we may experience being married to priests. In this sense, they are all our confessions, as it is likely at one point or another in our life we may have felt the same feelings as the “confessor.” These confessions may be used for self-reflection and to help us recognize that we are never alone in our feelings and experiences. That, rather, is the age-old deception of Satan, who seems more than ever determined to bring down the Chief Shepherd’s shepherds and their most cherished possession: their precious family. May we all gain insight into our selves and find solidarity in each other through these fictitious but helpful "confessions." Feel free to share your thoughts with us and we will publish them ( anonymously) the following week as we are able. We will include the entire document when we are finished for the sake of future discussions you may have at retreats in your own metropolis. Of course, if there is anything that does "hit home" that you need to discuss, seek your spiritual father or the TLC ( The Listening Connection )—a beautiful ministry where trained listeners (selected from sister presvyteres) offer listening support to any presvytera who calls, maintaining strict confidentiality. Love, the Prez to Prez team

  Confession #1
  I have to confess that I just don’t have a spiritual life at all. I try to pray but there’s never time. I have to get up and get the kids to school first thing. Then I work four hours a day. Then it’s back home to get dinner ready and make sure the kids do their homework. I can’t blame my husband, but he’s at church just about every evening, not to mention weekends. By the time I get a few moments to myself, I’m so tired I just fall asleep in bed. I haven’t opened a bible in years and half the time I don’t even find time for the Trisagion prayers. I know I should be setting an example, but I guess I’m as bad as the worst of our parishioners! Please feel free to share if this confession hits home for you or did at one point of your life. What advice would you give to this Presvytera? Please give your age or your years in the ministry for some perspective.

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  Week of January 4, 2009

  Quote for the Week
  “God is both beyond us and with us; God is both above us and within us.” (Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Encountering the Mystery)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
  
  Question of the Week
  Each year at Christmas my mother-in-law would gift her sons with new underwear. Her rationale was that people tend not to fuss over what they wear underneath their clothes, and yet she thought it immensely important that these most essential of garments be regularly "refreshed". God assures us not concern ourselves with what we should wear materially, yet He encourages us to robe ourselves with the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Which of these particular "essential garments" have become threadbare for me and need to be refreshed? Are any of them perhaps still sitting untouched within their wrappers? Our Father has a full supply simply for the asking!
  
  Thought for the Week: On New Years Resolutions
  As we enter the New Year, it is very common to hear friends and family members making New Years resolutions and goals. This is natural as the New Year brings with it the possibility of fulfilling unfulfilled dreams, unfulfilled goals and unfulfilled aspirations. It can be painful to look back on the previous year and see that we haven’t changed some of the things within us that we would like to see altered…change we know that, with God’s help, IS totally possible. How do we bring about that kind of change? How can we view this time of year through an Orthodox lens?

  Repentance is at the heart of our Orthodox faith. It is the foundation of our life in Christ. It gives us a fresh start each day and brings us hope amidst our biggest challenges and worst mistakes. Repentance, is, in a nutshell, a daily…even minute by minute…resolve to amend that within us that falls short of the glory of our Lord with His All-powerful help. Wow. What a hope. What a goal. What a dream come true! It is no coincidence that the Gospel speaks about St. John the Baptist preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. With the Feast of Theophany this week, what better time to renew our own baptismal vows.

  Brain researchers have discovered that one of the functions of sleep, aside from rest for our much-toiling body, is to incorporate and synthesize what we have learned that day. Not only does each New Year bring with it the possibility for change, but each and every day can be a New Year for us, a time to offer up to God our broken selves and find the healing, love and real change that we all desire in our hearts. God is there to help us, but we must be willing to do the hard work. His grace is sufficient, thus we must play our part in the equation. What do you desire? What are your dreams? What do you need to change? What falls short of God’s glory in your life? Offer it to our Lord. Read, study, pray and work hard to educate yourself to overcome your worst habits, fears and sins. Ask God to help you propel yourself forward in Him, toward real, lasting metania. Life is so short, let us not delay, even an instant!
  
  

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  Week of December 15, 2008

  Quote of the Week
  “Since You came into the world for all, O Savior, therefore You came for me, for I am one of all. You came into the world to save sinners, therefore You came to save me also, for I am one of the sinners. Listen, my soul: God has come to us; Our Lord has visited us. For my sake He was born of the Virgin Mary, He Who is born of the Father before all time. For my sake He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, He who covers heaven with the clouds and vests Himself with robes of light. For my sake He was placed in the lowly manger, He Whose throne is in the heavens and Whose feet rest upon earth. For my sake He was fed with His mother’s milk, He Who feeds all creatures. For my sake He was held in His mother’s arms, He who is borne by the Cherubim and holds all creatures in His embrace. [...] Thus I stand before You, I for whose sake You came to earth. Beholding in me nothing but my need of salvation, You have come to seek me.” (Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk)

  Scripture of the Week
  "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

  Question of the Week
  They say our image of God as a father is influenced by our own experiences with the father figures in our own lives. Do I tend to limit God's role as an Everlasting Father by my own definition, or do I allow Him to re-define "father" for me?

  Thought of the Week: (Christmas Crisis)
  “Tis the season to be jolly!” Or so we have been told our whole lives. In actuality, the Christmas season can be a difficult, sad or stressful time for many of us. We all know the reasons: the pressure of gift giving on a limited budget, being far away from extended family, fasting when those around us our feasting, trying to be Christ-centered in a materially-centered culture. For all of these reasons, the nativity season can be a challenge as Orthodox Christians, and possibly even more so as families of priests. And yet, we are called to look for the good in everything and for Christ in everyone, and so the Nativity Season offers us unique opportunities to give, to find joy, and to celebrate.

  Let’s take a look in the mirror. Are we frowning or smiling at our loved ones? Are we looking for and relishing in the simple things that make this season bright? Can we find the pleasure, the reason, the Christ amidst the hustle and bustle of this society in which we live? Is feeding our family drudgery or an opportunity? Is over-eating slowly putting out the light in us? Exercise seems to be one of the first things to go when we get busy, but we need it more than ever as the days get shorter (and the buttons get tighter!).

  What positive steps can we take to bless our selves and our families for the next few weeks?

  1. Be systematically organized. Do the important things first. Enlist family members to step up to plate with the laundry and other things that go by the wayside.
  2. Be prayerful. Try to do your prayer rule daily, even if it means while washing the dinner dishes! Something is better than nothing.
  3. Be generous. God seems to give us back more than we ever deserve.
  4. Be playful. Laughter can cut through the thickest gloom.
  5. Be reading. Read the Gospels to your children and grandchildren. Pull out all of the Christmas books.
  6. Be forgiving. This can be a season of short fuses.
  7. Be a Holy Light. Be Faithful. Right there in your own home, in your own church, in your own neighborhood.

  “O Light of the world, shine in the darkest recesses of our hearts. Burn away the gloominess and replace it with the joy of Your salvation. Ignite us with Your Holy Love, and be present in us. Guide us as You guided the Three wise men that we may behold Your ineffable goodness and may become partakers of Your Divine nature, according to your Holy Will. Amen.”
  

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  Week of December 8, 2008

  Quote of the Week
  He who measures the heavens with the span of His hand lies in a manger a spans breath; He who cupped hands contain the sea is born in a cave; His glory fills the heavens and the manger is filled with His splendor. Moses wished to see His glory but was unable to see Him as he wished; Let us come and see Him today as He lies in the manger in swaddling clothes. Formerly there was none who dared to see God and still live, But today all who have seen Him are saved from the second death. (St. Ephrem the Syrian)

  Scripture of the Week
  "And the angel answered and said unto her, The HolyGhost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
  overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shallbe born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

  Question of the Week
  I remember one Christmas walking in on my then young son standing before the manger scene re-enacting the dialogue he imagined taking place between the wise men as they beheld the Christ child. I was so impressed at how he had carefully arranged them around the stable, but nearly choked as he lifted one wise man from behind his back and "walked" him up to the manger with the words, "Hey, guys, sorry I'm late...did I miss anything?"...Am I allowing myself to become so busy this season that, like this errant wise man, I might actually "miss" what is most important?

  Thought for the Week: On Scuffmarks and Fingerprints
  Halfway down the front of my toilet, I noticed something that made me chuckle today. I saw little scuffmarks. Now normally I don't like to see scuffmarks, or dirt in general, but today when I saw those little scuffmarks and thought about my little son doing his duty in my bathroom, not yet able to reach the floor, I thought, They're still in my home and I'm not that old yet. It was a good feeling. I notice scuffmarks in other parts of my home too--in the kitchen (my older daughters shoes) in front of the glass sliding door (whoever is bringing in wood for the woodstove), and in the utility room (any child coming in from the garage). There's mud in my entry (anyone who has walked in my wet grass or played on the swing set there), fingerprints on my walls (generally the height of my childrens shoulders), and basically a footprint of any family member who has been in any room at any time during the day (all of them). There are almost always recyclables left next to the sink (my husband), and there are greasy spots developing on the cedar breezeway to my kitchen where my younger two jump to see if they can reach yet (they can.) There is generally a tea or coffee cup left on a windowsill somewhere, piano music scattered about the piano, and a new picture on my computer screen ever couple of days. There is grease spattered on my stove, an unwrapped item in the freezer, and a dried oatmeal bowl in my sink left from breakfast. Tonight, when I thought I was certainly finished with the kitchen, my growing child walked in and begged for a bowl of leftover soup. When I returned later, I almost yelled at the same child (and his dad) who had left the dirty bowls next to the sink, but then I thought better. Someday there will be no scuffmarks to clean, no fingerprints to wash, no mud to sweep, no dirty walls to scrub, no empty cartons to recycle, and no dirty dishes that bear testimony of my growing children and well-fed husband. There will be no alarm clocks going off at odd times during the day, no i-tune bills on my Visa, no homework, or books, or pencils, or clothes scattered here and there and at times, seemingly everywhere.
  
  Sojust for today I am not going to wipe off the scuffmarks on the front of my toilet. :)
  

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  Week of November 24, 2008
  Quote of the Week
  Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when you assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith. St. Ignatios of Antioch, 2nd century
  
  Scripture of the Week
  I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
  
  Question of the Week
  What is it that I am most thankful for? What in my spouse am I most thankful for? What in my child(ren) am I most thankful for? What in my friends am I most thankful for? (Tell them!)
  
  Thought for the Week: On "Great Fullness"
  A safeguard against many of today’s maladies can be summed up in one important word: Gratefulness. For those of us who tend to forget about gratefulness (as well as neglect to put it into practice), it may help us out a bit if we were to look at this important virtue in a new way: "Great Fullness." Gratefulness connotes "thanksgiving," and "appreciation," some vital attitudes to practice every minute of our Christian life, and especially in this Thanksgiving/Nativity Season. "Great Fullness" connotes the abundant life we are called to participate in with our beloved Lord. It is union with God and harmony with His creation. Gratefulness leads to this "Great Fullness;" the one begets the other which in turn fans the flames of yet more gratefulness. We are Eucharistic by nature, meaning we are called to live a life of thanksgiving to Christ in His Holy Church. It is the calling of every Orthodox Christian…the calling of every living being. It is a high calling, but not easily achieved. The attention and adoration we are called to give our Lord all too often gets misdirected toward ourselves and before we know it, we become self-absorbed, miserable people. And no one knows it better than our husbands and families! (Of course, I am referring to me, not you!)

  How do we break the cycle of "ungratefulness" and embrace the "Great Fullness" our Lord desires for each of us? The answer is simple, but the practice of it challenging. We must become Eucharist-minded women of God. We must live for--and derive life from--every Eucharist we ever receive. We must take preparing for it very seriously, and with attentiveness, vigilance, and gratefulness, become mindful of the reality of receiving Christ inside us. Christ, in this way, becomes for us a well of thanksgiving, a thanksgiving we live and bring out into the world. We thus become "little Christs," lights in a dark world.
  
  This season, some priests are practicing the beautiful Orthodox tradition of Serando Liturgo, that is, serving forty Divine Liturgies before the feast of Christmas. Many others are trying to offer as many liturgies as possible during this season to strengthen the faithful. We need these Divine Liturgies more than anything else in life: more than Christmas shopping, more than a perfect Thanksgiving meal…more than a spotless home. We need the Eucharist to change our attitudes, to change our lives, to warm our hearts, and to fan the flames of efharstia…thanksgiving, gratefulness, GREAT FULLNESS.
  

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  Week of November 17, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  To fear shame during confession is also from pride; they who reproach themselves before God in the presence of a witness receive peace and forgiveness. (St. Macarius of Optina)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in great danger. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

  Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8: 22-25)
  
  Question for the Week
  Are there times when I act (or react) as if I believe God is "asleep at the helm" in my life? What steps do I need to take to build an unshakeable faith that God is with me in all situations and that He has everything well in hand?
  
  Thought for the Week: (On Surviving the Storms)
  The disciples of Jesus are such glorious examples to each of us. When a storm threatened to take down their boat and drown them all, they knew exactly what to do. They immediately went to our Lord and asked for help. Jesus stood up. He calmed the storm and saved them all.

  Often times, we may have to weather real storms within our marriages and families. (Actually, they might feel at the time more like hurricanes or powerful thunderstorms.) The storms of life can sometimes overwhelm us allowing for depression, increased stress and anxiety to settle in our hearts. Sometimes an argument gets out of control and goes unresolved for way too long. Jesus wants to calm the storms of our lives. He wants to heal and guide us to peace and repentance. Peace within our families, peace with in our church communities, and peace within ourselves. But like the disciples, we must ask Jesus for His help.

  We can call upon Christ immediately during any time of trial through the Jesus prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy on me a sinner.” We can shout out to God, “Lord, help me! I need You!” We can call upon the Holy Spirit who is our ‘Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things…” Through the sacrament of Holy Confession we can receive true peace and forgiveness. Each morning we can call upon Him, getting out of bed, placing our feet on the floor, doing the sign of the cross and saying, “Glory to You O Lord! Glory to You!”

  Figurative storms can be just as frightening and disastrous as literal ones. The means for survival are the same: go directly to Jesus, ask for help, and trust in God. Life isn’t always filled with sunshine, but with His grace, we can learn to survive the storms.

  Nativity Fast - Recipe of the Week (try out this delicious salad dressing on your favorite greens this week)
  PREZ TO PREZ - GINGER SESEME DRESSING
  1 cup canola oil
  2 Tbsp. Asian sesame oil
  1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
  1/2 cup sugar
  1/4 cup soy sauce
  1 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
  1 1/2 tsp. Dry mustard
  1 tsp. Fresh ground pepper
  2 tbsp. Sesame seeds, toasted.

  Serve on romaine or green leaf lettuce. Add tangerines, or oranges, nuts, celery and red onion. Add wonton strips or sugar coated almonds. Delicious!

  
  

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  Week of November 10, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  Christian parents bring their children to Him, stand them before Him in that holy school, which is called the Church. Here upbringing is pursued according to all the laws of human development.

  The mother, the object of all the love and tenderness of the child, stands with a reverent expression and prays before the Savior’s icon; the child looks at her, then the image—and does not require long explanations of what it means. This is the first, silent lesson of the Knowledge of God. Archbishop Ambrose (Kliucharev)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Esteem her (Wisdom), and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." (Proverbs 4:8-9)
  
  Question of the Week
  What am I doing to actively pursue wisdom? Am I encouraging my children in their desire for wisdom as well?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Hugging our Children and Grandchildren
  One of the most natural acts in the world is to wrap your arms around your kids and give them a big squeeze. Kids need hugs, kisses, and cuddles for their emotional health, for their healthy attachment to us as parents, and for the ability to love and attach to their own spouses and children when they grow up. But what happens when we don’t feel like hugging our children, or when they no longer want to be hugged by us? Some of this is also natural as our children continue to grow. It can be awkward to hug someone who is bigger than you are! But even big-bodied teenagers need our hugs, and we still need to hug them. How do we overcome the apparent barriers to this act that is essential to human existence?

  First of all, we want to make sure that we keep the doors of communication open with our kids throughout their lives. It is difficult to hug someone that you don’t feel close to, and that goes both ways. For maturing girls especially, it is important that Daddy continues to give hugs and be open to their natural desire for affection from him. Girls who do not receive this affection are more likely to look elsewhere for it. It is equally important that we moms continue to hug our growing girls. Sometimes they seem so ‘grown up,’ but we forget, they are just big kids, after all. Hugging keeps the emotions, which tend to boil over at times, in check and offers a sign of love and forgiveness at the end of a hard day. Boys also need this tenderness and care. Sometimes it is easier for boys to hug Mom, but Dad needs to keep that emotional line open as well. Yes, we want them to become men, but not devoid of affection and love. They need to be tickled and hugged and played with…all kids do. It keeps us young and keeps them growing healthily. And we all need more of both!
  
  

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  Week of November 3, 2008

  Quote for the Day
  God did not tell us to follow Him because He needed our help, but because He knew that loving Him would make us whole. (St. Irenaeus)

  Prayer of the Week - Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow
  Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace.
  Help me in all things to rely upon Your Holy will.
  In every hour of the day, reveal Your will to me.
  Bless my dealings with all who surround me.
  Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm belief that your will governs all.
  Guide my words and deeds, my thoughts and feelings.
  Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others.
  Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring.
  Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray Yourself in me. Amen.

  Scripture of the Week
  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

  Question for the Week
  As I contemplate the upcoming Nativity fast, what almsgiving project would I like to undertake? What advance steps will I have to take to put things in place by the end of next week? (Moms with children: this is a wonderful opportunity to involve your little ones in this very special aspect of the Orthodox lenten experience. Some families create what is known as the "Saint Nicholas Challenge" and try to carry out their project on his feastday - a wonderful way to put him in a holy perspective apart from December 25th!)

  Thought for the Week: On Loneliness
  It would appear oxymoronic, but sometimes the life we live as Presvyteres can breed loneliness. It’s not that we aren’t surrounded by lots of caring people, or that we don’t love our children and the life God has given us, it is just that when your husband is the spiritual head of a community, and he is the focus of so much, and sometimes absent so much, it is possible at times to feel like the ‘odd man out.’ Couple that with a recent move, or ‘an emptying nest,’ and it can certainly spell loneliness for certain seasons of our lives. Some Presvyteres have been advised, early on, to NOT make friends with parishioners. Some have made friends and have been burned. Still others seem to find the delicate balance between friendship and ‘parishionerhood.’ Wherever you fall in the spectrum, know that you are NOT alone. At any point in our life, we may be growing in and out of certain stages and there is bound to be a time when you just feel plain lonely. What can we do when we feel this way? Of course, everybody is different. What may work for some may not work for others. But we would all generally agree that we, as women, need friends. Thank God for koumbari, but they are often far away. We need to have women nearby to talk to, to have a cup of coffee with…maybe not to share every detail of our life, but certainly someone with whom we can share some facets of our life. Secondly, we need to feel married and not like passing strangers in the night with our husbands. This takes time and commitment to accomplish. It takes creativity…it takes flexibility. Thirdly, we need to truly be ourselves and not be what we think others want us to be. This will take off the pressure in life. God created us, and He is the one that we must please and be accountable to. Finally, we need to be growing women… women who are learning, repenting, loving, expanding our minds and utilizing our talents. We need to become comfortable in our own skin and accept the life before us, and become an encourager of others. In this way, we can offer our loneliness to the Lord and become a true companion of others.
  

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  Week of October 27, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  It is patience that is peace amid strife, serenity amid distress and a steadfast base for those who acquire it. Once you have attained it with the help of Christ Jesus...no attacking armies, not even the ranks of demons...will be able to do you any harm. (St. Gregory of Sinai)

  Scripture of the Week
  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)

  Question of the Week
  Many of us speak of pressures, deadlines, minor emergencies, and unexpected occurrences as daily fare in our lives. Imagine if we were able to meet each of these with godly patience rather than panic. Do I cultivate the practice of patience in my own life? How can I embrace patience more fully each day?
  
  Thought for the Week: Enjoying Your Family
  I remember early on in our marriage attending various baby showers and inevitably older moms would say things like: “Enjoy your children…they grow up much too soon!” When we started our family, it was very nice in so many ways…except that my selfish soul wasn’t very used to being inconvenienced and giving so much on a daily basis. Between sleep deprivation and sore nipples, there were certainly times when I thought it couldn’t go fast enough! Now that I no longer have toddlers and my kids are beginning to spread their own wings, I often think of those wise words and I mourn that I haven’t taken better advantage of the time I have had with these precious gifts of God.

  Who can fathom the gift of family? Our God so ordered life that we would experience love, affection, intimacy, union, progeny, laughter, joy as well as suffering, longing, disappointment, and pain. It is through this tremendous legacy of family that our God allows us to find ourselves, to repent of our sins, and to learn His ways amidst persons who share our very DNA. And, in His wisdom, He placed walls around us and put a roof over our heads. In other words, we are a unit, a community unto ourselves and herein lies a part of the mystery of our Trinitarian God and the communal image we share with Him.

  Life is fleeting, and ‘busyness’ abounds. Are we truly enjoying, creating and partaking of the fellowship our family affords us? Of course, there must be homework, discipline, teaching, chores and the like, but even amidst these things, are we stopping and smelling the roses that are our beloved family? None of us can say ‘yes’ perfectly, but thank God for each new day which brings with it new possibilities and opportunities. Hopefully we can continue to grow in, appreciate and enjoy the gift of love that God wrapped up as our FAMILY.
  

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  Week of October 20, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  My desire is to belong to God. Do not, then, hand me back to the world. Do not try to tempt me with material things. Let me attain pure light. Only on my arrival there can I be fully a human being. (St. Ignatios of Antioch)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (Romans 2:1)
  
  Question for the Week
  Do I use the same measuring stick for myself that I apply to others, or do I hold myself up to an impossibly high standard while allowing more realistic expectations for those around me (or on the contrary, do I impose a higher standard on others than what I expect of myself)? How do I feel about my answer?
  
  Thought for the Week: On a B+ Average
  Dad always said to us growing up, “Be a B+ student!” As I look back on my life, now, more than ever, I understand what he meant. For a big chunk of our life, we received grades on how we did in English, Social Studies, Science, etc. As soon as we graduated from school, grading was no longer a part of our life (except for the occasional ‘I wasn’t in class!’ or ‘I didn’t read the book!’ nightmare we have now and then). So nobody is grading us anymore. How do we grade ourselves? Instead of studying subjects, we are now living life. Instead of working for grades, we are now working for our families, laboring for our souls and furthering the Kingdom of God. Again we must ask, “What grade would we give ourselves?” St. Paul says that we can’t even judge ourselves, our souls, our salvation, but certainly each of us can take a little bit of time and judge how we are doing in the various aspects of our lives. Better to do it on this side of life! The following is a list of responsibilities we mostly share in common. The question is this: Are we B+ students or are we getting an A+ in some areas and a C- in others? The goal, of course, is to do the best we can to get into a rhythm of life where we can pretty much keep ‘all the balls in the air,’ to use an acrobatic analogy. Take a few minutes to examine yourselves in the following areas and see if you can begin improving your grade point average!
  
  This week, we encourage you to connect with your husband and do a little self evaluation in each of these areas. Take time to share your findings with each other. This might be effective way to talk about issues, support one another and come up with a family plan to improve your collective GPA as a married couple.
  
  • Loving your spouse & children
  • Praying with your family
  • Playing with your family
  • Personal prayer/reading
  • Family reading
  • Preparing healthy meals
  • Exercising regularly
  • Attending worship services
  • Keeping up with job responsibilities
  • Staying current on chores/paperwork/email
  • Overseeing kids' chores/schoolwork
  • Maintaining a sane schedule
  • Taking time to rest/vacation time
  • Preparing for upcoming events
  • Volunteering/helping others as able
  • Doing something you like to do
  • Taking joy in each day!
  
  This isn’t an exhaustive list, but hopefully it is food for thought. Feel free to send an area of life that we may have missed!

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  Week of October 6, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing. (St. John Chrysostom)

  Scripture of the Week
  “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)

  Question of the Week
  Do I carry out my tasks propelled by a sincere love for others or do I find myself trudging through my daily activities mostly out of a sense of duty? How do I feel about my answer?

  Thought of the Week: Philoxenia - a Greek word which means “showing kindness to people you don't know very well.”
  As a child, I watched my mother throw elaborate dinner parties with delicious gourmet meals and exquisite bottles of wines. She taught me the value of advanced planning, preparing frozen pans of Spanakopita and Patstitso ready to pull out on the day of a party. Our home seemed spotless ALL the time. My amazing stay-at-home mom was the perfect homemaker waving her culinary wand providing delicious family meals and fabulous parties. Yet, amidst our big, clean and tidy abode, I rarely invited friends over to our home. It seemed that high school kids with their dirty tennis shoes and somewhat messy lives didn't fit in too well.

  When I was 18, I met a magnificent presvytera from Succasunna, New Jersey. She had three active children who in a moment's notice would invite friends (up to 10-20, even 30 at a time) over for dinner, weekend retreats and late night “parea.” Their home was constantly bustling with food, stories, Greek music and, best of all, presence of God. Presvytera’s kitchen was a sanctuary where wonderful conversations about life, love and faith were discussed around the kitchen table. Was her home spotless? No. Did she have spare bedrooms to accommodate all those sleeping over? No way. Would she serve left over cake with white frosting for breakfast? You betcha! Her family’s example of love and philoxenia truly transformed me! Through their openness and agape, I experienced true Christian fellowship and love. Through their example of faith for Christ, I became stronger in my Orthodoxy and later accepted my husband's call to the priesthood. Through their compassion, I grew to understand that even the hopeless and outcasts can be embraced and transformed in the arms of a Christian family where judgment ceases and loves begins. I am forever grateful for their example and witness. Let us strive to be women of God who open our homes with graciousness and love!
  
  

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  Week of September 29, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  Pray for the forgiveness of the sins of others as you pray for the forgiveness of your own; pray for the salvation of others as you pray for your own, and you will receive from God a wealth of spiritual gifts, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, who loves a soul which is concerned with the salvation of others. (St. John of Kronstadt)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:)
  
  Question of the Week
  Do I devote a portion of my prayer time praying for the forgiveness and salvation of others? How can I better incorporate this type of intercession into my prayer time?
  
  Thought for the Week: Transformation...don’t you love that word? It opens the world of possibilities to us.

  In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul appeals to us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is our spiritual worship. He then goes on to say that we should not be conformed to the world but rather be transformed by the renewal of our minds, that we may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

  Renewal of the mind…how many times have I considered that if I thought differently, I would act differently, i.e., better than I do? Well, there you have it—transformation comes through renewal of the mind--and it comes right from the pages of the New Testament.

  Although a person could spring board in many directions with these thoughts in mind, I am going to focus on the physical because how we feel and look really does have a direct bearing on how we relate to others—our immediate family, our parish, and all those we interact with daily. For many women, weight control is a life long battle.

  Personally, I am a life-time member of Weight Watchers and have been both successful and unsuccessful on the program since the early ‘70s. In recent years, Weight Watchers (and probably other "sound" weight loss programs) has put emphasis not only on what one eats, but on the way a person thinks about food and how it can be used or abused in one’s life. This info helps a person make good choices where the rubber meets the road. One is given freedom to make choices from a sound nutritional program and tools to make it work—one of the tools is utilizing the mind—transforming it to think differently than it once did to achieve positive, healthy outcomes as regards nutrition and health. Yes, thoughts and actions must marry (you cannot think yourself healthy, fit and trim while eating a gallon of ice cream in a sitting), but success is both possible and attainable and maintenance the same. It is possible to continue achieving by changing the way one thinks and acts in relationship to food.

  I don’t know about you, but I am 35 pounds over goal weight right now. One of WW's on-line bulletin boards is titled "Making Connections." I would be happy to "meet" any other Orthodox WW members there and perhaps we can do our best to encourage one another toward improved health and well-being. (Even if you're not a WW member, you can still visit this bulletin board and read if you'd like.) I will be listed as "csanchorage"--if this idea inspires you, meet me there and we'll build some "parea" (fellowship) together. ~Pres. Candace, Anchorage, Alaska

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  Week of September 22, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  The Lord, indeed, is the Lover of mankind, so full of tender compassion whenever we turn completely toward Him and are freed from all things contrary. Even though we, in our supreme ignorance, childishness, and tendency toward evil, turn away from true life and place many impediments along our path because we really do not like to repent; nevertheless, He has great mercy on us. He patiently waits for us until we will be converted and return to Him and be enlightened in our inner selves that our faces may not be ashamed in the Day of Judgment. (St. Makarios the Great)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations. (Luke 24: 45-27)
  
  Question of the Week
  What impediments do I place along my path that get in the way of my ability to truly repent?
  
  Thought of the Week: "Highlights and Lowlights"
  Family dinner time is sacred and in clergy families, sometimes all too rare. When you do gather as a family for dinner time, make it extra special by putting a candle in the middle of the table and playing "highlights and lowlights." Every person gets a turn having the candle right in front of them which means they have the floor and everybody else's lips are sealed and ears are open. The person with the candle shares his or her highlights (good things that happened) and lowlights (not so good things that happened) from the day. The key is everybody gets a turn and everybody is really listening to the person with the candle without interruption or judgment. It's a good way to force "sharing" and especially in large families where quieter members may not get a word in edgewise. If you do close dinner with a prayer or perhaps at bedtime prayers, God can be thanked for the highlights of the day (recounting everybody's highlights), and asked for guidance or deliverance from the lowlights of the day.
  
  PREZ TO PREZ: RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
  THE GREATEST Lenten Chocolate Cake EVER
  Ladies, no doubt, we all have are trusted recipes that we pull out during Great Lent. But this Chocolate cake is so delicious, you want to make it during the non fasting periods as well. It's moist and delicious. ENJOY!
  
  Cake
  3 cups flour
  2 tsp. soda
  6 Tbsp. cocoa
  1 tsp salt
  2 cups sugar
  2 Tbsp. (White) vinegar
  2 tsp. vanilla
  3/4 cup vegetable oil
  2 cups cold water
  
  Measure flour, soda, coca, salt, and sugar into large mixing bowl. Measure vinegar, vanilla, oil and cold water into another small bowl. Gradually add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients forming a paste that is smooth. Add slowly until mixture is very smooth. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake 40 minutes at 350º.
  
  Chocolate Icing
  2 cups powdered sugar
  3 Tbsp. cocoa
  3 Tbsp. Coffee (1 tsp. coffee diluted in 1/3 cup water)
  3 Tbsp. Margarine
  1 tsp. vanilla
  
  Soften margarine and add rest of the ingredients for a smooth glaze icing you put on top of cake after it has cooled.

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  Week of September 15, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  Do you believe that the words of your Lord, “Take up your cross…” refers to you personally? If you believe this, then take it up. The Lord has laid it on your shoulders in this present grievous case. Do not say it is too heavy; God knows better the measure of your strength. To some God sends trials and sorrows, brought about by circumstances and in no way dependent on people, these are more easily borne. To others He sends those caused by people, and they are harder, especially when we have done some good to those people. The last case is the hardest to bear. If God sends you this, know that it is precisely what is most useful to you, and to this realization add the inspiring thought: God sees that you are strong enough to bear it and expects you to actually bear it with a good heart, without complaining. So do not disappoint God's expectations. ( Unseen Warfare [as edited by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and St. Theophan the Recluse])
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26)
  
  Question of the Week
  There is a story about a monk who despaired of the cross God had given him and complained of it constantly. God finally relented and offered him a chance to select a different cross. He led the monk into a room filled with several crosses from which to pick. The monk was appalled at what he saw: huge crosses, bloody crosses, crosses with nails. He wandered through the room and finally spied a lovely small silver cross tucked away in a corner. He picked this cross and held it up saying, “I’ll take this cross!” God simply replied, “But that is the cross you already had!” Do I embrace the cross God has given me?
  
  Thought of the Week: On A Rampage
  Once a month, I become, as if on a mission from God, a crazy woman who has to have her house TOGETHER on a DEEPER LEVEL than ever before. Call it a mature form of PMS if you will. Watch out family, Mom’s on a rampage! Sure, you thought you could keep those stashes of candy in paper bags buried deep in your closet where Mom can’t see them…you thought she wouldn’t notice the bag of moldy clothes…or the gum wrappers…or the worthless toys…or the old homework piling up under your bed, but you were dead wrong. The all-seeing mother finds all things and scoops them up with a single bound and swoosh throws them into the circular file. You thought you didn’t need to separate out clean clothes from dirty and that they could somehow coexist in your dresser drawers, but again, you were dead wrong. The all-seeing mother finds those ‘tares among the wheat’ and, swoosh, flings them into the dirty clothes hamper. You thought you could dump some clean clothes along with the dirty into that same hamper, but once again, you were dead wrong. The all-seeing mother spots the clean items and yells, ‘how dare you create more work for me!’ and with her nimble hands, she re-folds those semi-clean clothes. You thought you could leave your messes behind you, thought you could play before doing your homework, figured Mom didn’t notice that you were in need of a bath, but, alas, once again, you were dead wrong. Not only does she make you clean up your own mess, finish your homework, and cut your dirty nails, she even scrubs the bathtub when you finish, and re-organizes the bathroom cabinets while you are drying off.
  
  Who can understand this motherly creature? Can her husband? Her Spiritual Father? Her children? Can she fully understand herself? All we can say for sure is, “Beware family! Mom is at it again!!!”
  

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  Week of September 8, 2008

  Dear Sisters in Christ,
  It is with great joy we greet you after a restful summer break. May God continue to guide and direct us all.

  Much love,
  your prez to prez team-- Pat, Stacey, Donna, Candace & Eleni.

  Quote for the Wee:
  Having children is a matter of nature; but raising them and educating them in the virtues is a matter of mind and will. (St. John Chrysostom)

  Scripture of the Week
  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:13)

  Question of the Week
  What do I perceive as my greatest challenge as a parent (godparent)? (A great question with which to compare answers with your spouse!)

  Thought of the Week
  As school begins again, it is a great time to re-prioritize our lives as parents and as our children’s primary educators. After a relaxing summer, chances are we have become a little lax with things like television (discounting, of course, the Olympics!) and bedtime (discounting, of course again, the Olympics!). It is a good time to look around our homes and see if our physical surroundings are in congruency with our educational standards and goals for our children. So, what does our home say we value? Reading? Praying? Study? Family meals? Creativity? Music? There are little things we can do to bring our home more in alignment with our goals as families. Something we did at our home recently was to ‘de-formalize’ our living room. The kids always ended up in there anyway, and it was the natural gathering place. So we shifted around the ‘formal’ furniture and moved the family rocking chair in there. We put an afghan on the ‘formal’ couch and added comfy, colorful pillows. The coffee table, which held designer pieces, now holds piles of worth-while reading materials, crossword puzzles, and bookmarks so we don’t lose our place in a good story! We added plants and better lighting, and I am pleased to say, it is more inviting than ever to sit down and read a good book! Do what works for you, but do take some time to think if there may be something you can do in your home that will aid you in the challenging and rewarding task of raising Christian children. May the Lord guide and bless our every effort!

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  Week of June 2, 2008

  Christ is Risen! As we celebrate the feast of the Ascension this week, let us be ever mindful of our Lord and His everlasting love for us.
  
  Quotes for the Week
  What is dying? Just the same as putting off a garment. For the body is about the soul as a garment, and after laying this aside for a short time by means of death, we shall take it up again with more splendor. (St. John Chrysostom)
  
  In considering the tomb and those in the tomb, we weep, But we should not; for we do not know whence they have come, and where they are now, and who has them. They have come from temporal life, released from its sorrows; they are at peace, waiting for the receiving of divine light. The Lover of man has them in His charge, and He has divested them of their temporal clothing In order that He may clothe them with an eternal body. Why, then, do we weep in vain? Why do we not trust Christ, as He cries: "He who believes on me shall not perish, for even if he knows corruption, after that corruption, He will be resurrected and he will rise up Saying, 'Thou art the Life and the Resurrection'"? (St. Romanos the Melodist)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17)
  
  Thought and Question for the Week
  “Eternal be their memory!” How often we chant this throughout our Orthodox lives, but how do we truly keep the memory eternal? Sometimes, our husbands find themselves the "last keepers" of the memories of their parishioners. This was the case many years ago with Achilles and Marie. Achilles and Marie had married late in life and never had children. They lived into their elderly years, entrusted only to the care of one another. However, Achilles had been a frugal investor and had spent his life investing in stock in companies he believed held great promise…who could have known that the diminutive, unassuming couple in the simple little house in a marginal neighborhood were millionaires who would leave their fortune to the church? Who could have known that, by the time they died, only one parishioner would still remember them and stand beside the grave for that final hymn? We chanted for their memories to be eternal, but wondered who it was that would keep it so. When we walked through their home for the last time, we left with the things that "family" would treasure: old studio photographs of the two of them and their families, love letters, and a few treasured pieces of furniture. Our children have grown up hearing about Achilles and Marie, and their names are on my husband’s perpetual list for commemoration right alongside our own relatives. Their history is now ours and their legacy continues. How can we all find ways of keeping eternal the memories of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord?
  

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  Week of May 26, 2008

  CHRIST IS RISEN!
  
  Quote for the Week
  “Do whatever falls into your hands, in your circle and in your situation…and believe that this is and will be your true work; nothing more from you is required. It is a great error to think that you must undertake important and great labors, whether for heaven, or, as the progressives think, in order to make one’s contribution to humanity. That is not necessary at all. It is necessary only to do everything in accordance with the Lord’s commandments. Just exactly what is to be done? Nothing in particular, just that which presents itself to each one according to the circumstances of his life, and which is demanded by the individual events with which each of us meets. That is all... If you set about to act in this way in every instance, so that your works will be pleasing to God, having carried them out ac cording to the commandments without any deviation, then all the problems of your life will be solved completely and satisfactorily” (St. Theophan the Recluse).
  
  Scripture for the Week
  "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).
  
  Question for the Week
  As I contemplate the quote from St. Theophan the Recluse above, am I content to accept as my true work those things that God places into my hands, or do I feel compelled to pursue labors that I believe I should be pursuing? How do I feel as I reflect on my answer?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Appreciation
  Last night my husband came home at 11:30 after two meetings and an emergency in between them. I was already in bed, but it felt good to look at him and sleepily say, “You must be exhausted!” He confessed he was and shared a bit of the evening with me, then asked how my evening went. I said, “Very well,” then he asked how the kids did and whether they got along. I was happy to say, “They were great!” He was glad to hear it. I told him how much he was missed and he asked, “How so?” I proceeded to tell him no evening is the same without him around…that we just miss his very presence. He was very pleased to hear that comment.
  
  Our men are among the heroes of the world. Neither too exalted, nor too lowly, they seem to maintain an even keel no matter what life throws their way. They represent God and His Holy Church, day in and day out. They get tired, but are able to perform their responsibilities diligently, responsibly, and compassionately. One of the greatest gifts we can give them is our full-fledged support. Sometimes we think we are giving our full-fledged support, but actually we are giving something less. The best way we can show them how much we appreciate them and how very much they mean to us is in our everyday conversations. They may be simple interchanges, but if they are done in love, with care in our voices, and joy on our faces, they are so appreciative. May we be Presvyteres and wives who, above all, show our husbands how very much we value and admire them. Sometimes we mistakenly think they get plenty of that from our parishioners, and thus, they don’t need it from us. WRONG! If every person on the earth told them how much they were appreciated, and yet they didn’t feel it from us, they would be in want. But somehow, with our appreciation alone, they can move mountains. Someday we will all look back on our lives and see how, in actuality, that really did take place. Christ is Risen!
  

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  Week of May 19, 2008

  "Christ is Risen!" "Truly He is Risen!"
  
  Quote for the Week
  To one who labors God sends mercy, but to one who loves, consolation. (St. Ambrose of Optina)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.(Colossians 1:3-6)
  
  Thought for the Week:
  How do you know when you've finally settled into being a presvytera? Is it when you realize that you know all the local morticians on a first name basis? Or, that you've become adept at controlling three squirming toddlers single-handedly in the back row of the church during Divine Liturgy? Or, when you good-naturedly drive yourself to the hospital when your water breaks because your husband is in the middle of a vesper service? For some, realization comes in brilliantly defined moments that dawn upon the consciousness like the lighting of the Paschal candle during the Resurrection service. For me, this moment occurred on a Sunday after being in our present parish for about a year. I had loved our previous parishes and wondered that I would ever love another parish as much as those. However, on that Sunday, as I watched the congregants approach the chalice, I realized I knew them each by heart and how dear and special they had become to me. We had tasted joys and sorrows together and a lasting bond had been forged... I realized I had fallen in love once more. No longer the quasi-stepmother to the parish (notice our husbands are called "Father", and we're simply labeled "wife of the presbyter"), I had come to love them as if they were my own, faults and all. How about you?
  
  Question for the Week
  When did you first realize yourself as a presvytera? What emotions accompanied that realization? (Ask your husband the same questions about when he first realized himself as a priest - guaranteed to spark some interesting discussion between the two of you!)

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  Week of May 12, 2008

  "Christ is Risen!" - "Christos Anesti!”
  
  Quote for the Week
  Bring before your eyes the blessings, whether physical or spiritual, conferred on you from the beginning of your life down to the present, and call them repeatedly to mind in accordance with the words: "Forget not all His benefits," (Ps. 102:2). Then your heart will readily be moved to the fear and love of God, so that you repay Him, as far as you can by your strict life, virtuous conduct, devout conscience, wise speech, true faith, and humility - in short, by dedicating your whole self to God. When you are moved by recollection of all these blessings which you have received through God's loving goodness, your heart will be spontaneously wounded with longing and love through this recollection or, rather, with the help of divine grace. (St. Mark the AscetiC)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:7)
  
  Question for the Week
  How do I feel when someone extends a blessing to me? Am I able to accept blessings from others, or do I try to deflect them with a sense of judging myself as unworthy? Am I able to extend blessings to others with liberality? How do I feel when I step out to bless someone else?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Blessing Others
  I am taking a class at a University, and I sneezed three times (big). I was surprised to not hear a single, “Bless you!” Not that the reason for blessing others when they sneeze is important, but growing up, it was just an opportunity to say those three golden words, “God bless you!” In our faith, we literally bless everything under the sun. We receive blessings, we bless ourselves, we bless our homes, our cars, our food, our crops, and the list goes on. We bless and pray for our country, our leaders, our citizens, etc. We believe that mankind is at the pinnacle of creation, and he has been given authority by God to take part in blessing all of creation. Do we live in a society that is losing that perspective? Possibly. How can you and I continue to perpetuate this important act…this important tradition…this important ‘micro-sacrament?’ It came naturally to our immigrant grandparents. “Kalo, na pas,” my grandmother used to say, meaning, “Go with the good.” Or “Theos mazi sou,” meaning, “God be with you,” said my aunt. My husband’s godmother used to make the sign of the cross on my back when she hugged me. Some of it we do naturally, too. Daddy gives each of the children a blessing before they go to bed. In his absence, we can make the sign of the cross over our children before their goodnight kiss. When our husband is leaving for an important or difficult appointment, we can whisper, “God bless you…or Panayia be with you, Agape mou!” We also can tell our beloved parishioners who are facing life’s struggles, “Kali Thinamis,” (‘good strength’) or “I’ll pray for you,” or “Ehi O Theos,” (God has all). We can make the sign of the cross on the back of our good friend who is close to giving birth while we hug her as well. These efforts don’t come naturally to everyone, but that is okay. We can start where we are comfortable and grow from there. Most people greatly appreciate such gestures, and after a while, it feels very sincere and pleasant to participate in them.
  
  As we continue in the Paschal season greeting one another with, “Christ is Risen!” may we begin thinking of other small ways to participate in the blessing of all creation from each of our small corners of the world.
  
  “May the blessing of the Lord be upon our families!
  
  Christ is Risen! !”Christos Anesti!”
  
  Video Link for the Week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuczNQonTXQ&feature=related
  This week, we want to share a video link with our beloved sisters in Christ this joyous song celebrating our risen Lord! Christos Voskrese! (Christ is Risen)

  This delightful youtube song video is taken from a poem by St. Nikolai Velimirovich who served for a time as the Rector of St. Tikhon's Seminary - truly one of the great Serbian saints of the modern era.
  
  Translation:
  People rejoice, nations hear: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Stars dance, mountains sing: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Forests murmur, winds hum: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Seas bow*, animals roar: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Bees swarm, and the birds sing: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Angels stand, triple the song: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Sky, humble yourself, and elevate the earth: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Bells chime, and tell to all: Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  Glory to You God, everything is possible to You, Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
  
  "Christ is Risen!" - "Christos Anesti!”
  

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  Week of May 5, 2008

  "Christos Anesti!" "Christ is Risen!"
  
  Quote for the Week
  “Glory be to God for everything! Glory be to God for having created me in His image and likeness. Glory be to God for having redeemed me, the fallen. Glory be to God for having extended His solicitude to me, the unworthy. Glory be to God for having led me, the sinner, to repentance. Glory be to God for having offered me His holy words, like a lamp in a dark place, thus setting me on the path of righteousness. Glory be to God for having illumined the eyes of my heart. Glory be to God for having made known to me His holy name. Glory be to God for having washed away my sins through the bath of baptism. Glory be to God for having shown me the way to eternal bliss. This way is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (St. Tikhon of Zadonsk)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2: 4-7)
  
  Question for the Week
  Truly, it is impossible to journey through Lent and Holy Week and arrive at Pascha without some change in ourselves that proclaims the message of the Risen Lord. How does my life reflect the message, "Christ is Risen"?
  
  Thought for the Week: On the Resurrection
  Someone made this astute observation on Holy Friday, “You would think it amazing if we could experience Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha once in a lifetime, and yet we Orthodox get to experience it year after year.” How true this is! How mind-boggling that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church has poured forth the hymns, readings and traditions that make up what we all know to be Great Lent and Holy Week. While the rest of the world sleeps and slumbers, we rise, “in the middle of the night” to prepare our flasks and meet our Bridegroom, Christ, the King of Glory. In time zone after time zone, Christ is worshipped and proclaimed Risen the world over by faithful Orthodox communities dotting our small globe.
  
  One of the most beautiful and profound readings of Holy week is this astonishing passage from Isaiah 53…
  
  Who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
  We, Sisters in Christ, have the advantage of a lifetime of Holy Weeks and Paschas. We just received, once again, the blessing of re-living the Passion, the betrayal, the crucifixion, the descent into Hades, and ultimately the Resurrection of our Lord. Such readings we are blessed to hear, year after year! Such hymns we are blessed to sing! Such holy traditions we witness and take part in! Let us not forget what we have in our Holy Orthodox Church, what Jesus did on our behalf, what a treasury of life we have received from the faithful who lived before us, guided always by the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward in our spiritual lives, discerning our thoughts and actions and earnestly desiring to repent of our sins, allowing them to be nailed to the Cross, and buried with Christ, that we may rise again with Him. May each successive Pascha find us nearer to our Lord, purer in heart, wiser, more compassionate, peaceful, and loving. May we rise with Christ…not just on Pascha but each day of our life, living the joy of the Resurrection in our thoughts, in our words and in our deeds. Christ is Risen!

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  Week of April 21, 2008

  Dear Sisters in Christ,
  
  This week, may we all reflect upon the incredible sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving and humility, remembering that we are direct recipients of His love, His mercy, and His forgiveness. May we also bear in our hearts the knowledge that our unique role as presvyteres enables our husbands to continue to extend to others this great love, mercy and forgiveness of Christ. May we, like the Theotokos, stand at the cross and ponder all the wonders that we have witnessed in our own lives, never taking for granted the gift of our Faith, our Church, our communities and our families.
  
  In Christ’s Love,
  "Kali Anastasi!"
  
  Pat, Donna, Candace, Eleni, and Stacey
  
  Grant us by Your grace , O Lord, that like the wise virgins who were ready by their good works, our way of life shall also be watchful, that we shall not sit in darkness, with darkened souls, in darkness of mind, but that through prayer we may look forever on the shining splendor of Your grace. Expel, O Lord, by the daily light of Your knowledge the nocturnal darkness of our mind, that being enlightened it may serve You in the purity of its regeneration. (St. Ephraim the Syrian)

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  Week of April 14, 2008

  Dear Sisters in Christ,
  Many blessings as we head into the last weeks of the Great Fast - May we seek to serve our Lord with great joy and pure hearts.
  
  Quote for the Week
  Every influence that enters the soul from outside is worked out by its thinking and acting functions, then settles in the heart. Whatever the soul manifests in the outside world first passes through the heart.(St. Theophan the Recluse)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
  
  
  Question for the Week
  We are almost to the end of Great Lent. What, specifically, can I do for each member of my family this week to sustain and encourage them toward "finishing strong"?
  
  Thought for the Week: (On Serving Christ)
  Whenever I hear the parable of the Last Judgment, sinner that I am, I find myself justifying my imperfect life. When I hear, “I was hungry and you fed me,” I can’t help but think of the countless meals I have served my hungry husband and children. When I hear, “I was thirsty and you gave me drink,” I naturally think of all the liquids from within and without that I have given to my thirsty children. The same goes for, “I was sick, I was naked…” how many hours have we spent nursing sick children back to health, and how many dollars and hours have we spent on properly clothing our ‘naked’ children!! Of course, I know in my heart, I fall well short of this parable, and reckon myself amongst the goats, begging for God’s mercy on my well-intentioned but grossly selfish life. Sometimes it is enough just to get clean underwear in the drawers and a nice meal on the table! Is there any hope for us on judgment day? A beautiful abbess of a monastery once said, resolutely, “yes!” As women, we shared how we wanted to impart the Orthodox faith and be of more assistance to others in their lives, and she simply said, “Put that energy into REALLY LOVING AND SERVING YOUR FAMILY.” What a wakeup call. There is so much to do underneath our own roofs, we don’t need to look far for opportunities to love and serve others. Before we can blink an eye, our children are growing up and leaving our homes.
  
  Last week, we prayed the magnificent Canon of St. Andrew, at which the famous story of our beloved St. Mary of Egypt is read in its entirety. What an inspirational narrative! A wayward young woman follows the lusts of her heart and enters for seventeen years into harlotry, bringing down countless young men in the process. She comes to her senses through God’s intervention at the entrance of the Church displaying the life-giving Cross. Her therapy? What healed her soul? Like the greats of old, she was driven into the desert where she spent forty-one years battling her former lusts and sinful choices in order to regain life again as a true human person. The Holy Spirit revealed the Christian life to her, alone in the desert, with no community. Did she suffer on earth? Without measure, she suffered. She endured the intense heat of summer and the brutal cold of winter. She fought with all her soul to remain there in that wasteland knowing she could easily ‘walk’ and be back with civilization and her former way of life. She endured forty-one years of hell that she could spend eternity with our Lord, His precious Mother, and all the Saints. She left us an icon of true repentence.
  
  You and I live in warm homes with comfortable beds and food in our cupboards. We have beautiful families…amazing husbands, wonderful children. Have we sinned? Yes, we have sinned. But to repent, we don’t need to go to the desert. We have a different calling. We simply need to turn and look into the eyes and hearts of our family members and show love, concern and caring. Again, and again and again. Our families are our oasis and our desert. It is the community where we work out our salvation. How can we do this? With God’s help and through our efforts. We are now on the downhill side of Lent. We may be a little grumpy, and tired of legumes and vegetables. We may look forward to not rushing dinner for the services. But each morning, we wake up with another opportunity to serve, love and nurture our closest neighbors: our family. Our husbands are probably craving a little more protein right now. Their bodies are larger than ours, and they often skip meals (something we seldom do!) Make him a nice seafood dinner. Offer his favorite side dishes. Our children are sick to death of peanut butter and hummous. Recognize their struggles. Fix them a special Lenten treat. Most of us didn’t fast as children nearly as much as they do!
  
  We are not perfect wives and mothers. We don’t always pray and read as we ought. But, we support and love a man who is cultivating a Christian community in the Lord’s vineyard. We are raising responsible children and teaching them to love our Lord, His Holy Church and those around them by our example. When we do these things, we are surely serving our Lord, Jesus Christ. And with God’s mercy and help, we will find ourselves reckoned amongst the likenesses of St. Mary of Egypt, St. Gregory Palamas, and all those who have loved the Lord’s appearing. May the Lord strengthen each of us to love and joyfully serve our families and make the most out of these last few weeks of Great Lent.
  
  Try this terrific recipe this week:

  Mexican Shrimp and Scallop Soup
  
  Serves 6
  
  1 T. oil (can omit oil by microwaving the onions and garlic, or by substituting with margarine)
  1 chopped onion
  3 minced garlic cloves
  3 cups (or more) bottled clam juice
  1 - 15 oz. can white hominy, rinsed and drained
  1 cup salsa verde (tomatillo salsa - check the Mexican food section for an 8 oz. can)
  2 T. finely chopped sun dried tomatoes (like the ones from Costco)
  1 T. finely grated lime peel
  1 lb. uncooked shrimp
  1 lb. scallops (cut in half if they're too big)
  4 T. chopped cilantro
  
  Heat oil (or margarine), add onion and saute 'til tender. Add garlic, stir 30 seconds. Add clam juice and next four ingredients, simmer 5 minutes. Add seafood and cilantro to tase. Simmer 'til seafood is cooked (shrimp should be pink when done), about 3 minutes. Serve with more cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeno, and lime wedges.
  
  Kali Anastasi!
  

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  Week of April 7, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  “As I ponder the true nature of compunction, I find myself amazed by the way in which inward joy and gladness mingle with what we call mourning and grief, like honey in a comb.... Compunction is…a gift from God, so that there is real pleasure in the soul, since God secretly brings consolation to those who in their hearts are repenting.” (St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 7)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  The world and everything that people want in it are passing away, but the person who does what God wants lives forever. (1 John 2:17)
  
  Question for the Week
  What am I cultivating in the garden of my soul? Am I sowing "seeds" (which germinate quickly) or "bulbs" (which take a bit longer to produce their blossoms)?
  
  Thought for the Week: (In the Garden)
  
  ‘Tis the season to head outdoors and feel the fresh, rich soil in our (gloved!) hands. There is nothing so fulfilling, peaceful and renewing than spending a morning or afternoon in the garden. It gets us out of the house, we hear the bright chirping of our friends, the birds, we see our gardening companion, the earth worm, and we get back in touch with what is delightful and wholesome on God’s green earth. What’s more, we get to use our creativity in a way that is intrinsically part of our human makeup. Why on ‘earth’ don’t we do it more? Here are 10 reasons to motivate us to spend more time in our gardens this year.
  
  The garden was mankind’s first home. It is here that we feel close to all of creation.
  Beautifying the world around us fulfills our innate desire to create and cooperate with God in nurturing living things.
  Planting and enjoying flowers is uplifting to our spirits.
  The garden provides a wonderful setting for reflection.
  Eating from your own garden is gratifying and healthy, too.
  Gardening is a useful life skill.
  The garden is the basis for much of our art, poetry, color, cuisine, crafts and science.
  Being outside is as important as breathing. It alleviates many of the maladies we, and our children, suffer from today.
  There’s something for everyone in the garden. People of all ages can find an aspect of gardening they enjoy.
  Gardening is a parallel to life. It is no coincidence that our most treasured feast takes place at a time when the earth is aglow with life, sound and color.
  
  Foremost, gardening helps us keep in mind that our life is but a brief cycle, like the grass and the flowers. We are given life, we live, and we die. And because of God’s great love for each of us, we get to spend eternity with our heavenly Father in, once more, a beautiful garden.
  
  Try something new this week!
  Here's a great salad dressing recipe -
  GINGER SESAME DRESSING
  1 cup canola oil
  2 Tbsp. Asian sesame oil
  1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
  1/2 cup sugar
  1/4 cup soy sauce
  1 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
  1 1/2 tsp. Dry mustard
  1 tsp. Fresh ground pepper
  2 tbsp. Sesame seeds, toasted.
  
  Serve on romaine or green leaf lettuce. Add tangerines, or oranges, nuts, celery and red onion. Add wonton strips or sugar coated almonds. Delicious!
  
  

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  Week of March 31, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  Jesus said: “Whoever wishes to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” The first duty… is to deny oneself. To deny oneself means to give up one’s bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself according to St. Paul means to be dead to sin…but alive to God.” (St. Innocent of Alaska)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. Psalm 103:8
  
  Question for the Week
  How do I feel when I realize we have passed the mid-point of Lent? Is it relief for being halfway through or panic that I haven't yet achieved the changes I had hoped for?
  
  Thought for the Week: On the Cross
  We have approached the halfway point through Lent. This Sunday, we commemorated the Life-giving Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a good thing for us to contemplate the cross at this point, as the recipes start dwindling, the personal prayer life is lacking for all the services, and the will starts waning. Then comes the cross.
  
  
  When I think of the cross, I think of my husband’s strong back. Like our Lord, our husbands bear the sins and failings of others, without complaining. Like our Lord, they bear the burdens and pains of others and help in their healing. Like our Lord, they often receive what they do not deserve, and yet they continue to be motivated by love for others and service to our merciful God. The Orthodox priesthood is like none other, and the cross is part and parcel of the Orthodox faith and life.
  
  
  Sometimes I forget about my husband’s big cross and focus on my small one…the lack of a normal schedule, the lack of a private life. But, as St. Paul says, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him…” (Phil. 3:7-9) How do we bear our cross? With joy? With grumbling? Do we try to lighten our husband’s burdens or are we part of them? Let us examine ourselves as we continue, together with our husbands and children, our Lenten Journey, until we arrive at the foot of Golgotha, at the tomb, and ultimately at the feet of our resurrected Lord. This journey, more than a cross, is a privilege and a blessing.
  Heavenly Father,
  
  Help us to see our life and all that it encompasses as a precious gift from You. May we look with honor upon our unique role as wives whose husbands serve in your Holy Priesthood. May we support them, pray for them, love them. Bless us, strengthen us, and remind us we are not alone in this holy task. Amen.

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  Week of March 24, 2008

  Quote of the Week
  Children, let us cling to self-discipline and not be careless. For the Lord is our fellow-worker. As it is written, “to all that choose the good, God works with them for good.” But to avoid carelessness, we should consider Paul’s words, “I die daily.” If we also live as though dying daily, we won’t sin. This means that, as we rise day by day, we should think that we won’t live through the evening. Also, when we are about to lie down to sleep, we should think that we won’t wake up. For our life is naturally uncertain, and, Providence gives it to us daily. (St. Athanasios)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:3-4)
  
  Question for the Week
  There's a fabulously wistful line from a song in the musical,"My Favorite Year", that proposes: "If the world were like the movies, we would never mistakes, we'd correct our little blunders, and select our better takes." If I could "rewind" anything from this past week and do a "retake", what would it be and how would I have played it out differently? Is there a way I can "rescript" for the future to avoid a similar circumstance?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Forming New Habits
  We’ve talked about diligence in building new habits. Let’s take it a step further and flesh out some real life examples. We can call this true repentance (metania); that is, transforming our mind (nous) and our actions into something that truly pleases our Lord and gives us a sense of peace and wholeness.
  
  Let’s say we have a bad habit of being jealous of our husband’s time at the church. He normally comes home for dinner, but tonight he called to tell you he scheduled a pre-marital meeting at the dinner hour so that, although he will come home late, he won’t have to go back again for another meeting. You know this decision is for the best, but your knee-jerk reaction is negative and not positive. You are silent. He picks up on this and tries to explain that he hates missing dinner, but at least he won’t have to leave again tonight. You hang up, not a happy camper. He comes home and you are moody.
  
  So let’s analyze this scenario. What are the benefits of your negative reaction? Probably none. What are the pitfalls? Many! Your children probably picked up on your negativity. Your husband now dreads coming home, even though he needs the relaxation and peace it offers. He knows there is going to be a reckoning and it’s the last thing he needs right now.
  
  So let’s rewind and do the whole thing over. Your husband is going to be late, but he will be home for good. You say, “great idea!” You let him know you made a scrumptious dinner and that you’ll keep it hot for him. You say, “I can’t wait to see you! I’ve missed you today!” He says the same. You hang up on an upbeat note.
  
  So now what are the benefits? Plenty!!! You have not broken fellowship with your husband. You’re husband now has motivation to keep his meeting brief. Every fiber of his being is yearning to come home, and when he arrives, you exceed his expectations with your pleasant demeanor. You have a satisfying time chatting over a leisurely dinner and another brick is added to the edifice of your family life.
  
  Here’s another possible scenario. You have a love/hate relationship with food. You love how it tastes, but you hate what it does to your womanly figure. You have tried for years without success to form new habits of eating and exercise, and you desire more than anything to fit into a size of clothing you can take pride in. Solutions?? Forget about the food and exercise for the moment. Take a new route. Subscribe to Prevention Magazine. Go to the library and get some helpful (balanced!) books, educating you on the benefits of eating right and exercising regularly (The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies by Selene Yeager is an excellent choice). Make it a habit to study health. Soon, you are going to want to fill your refrigerator with an arsenal of nutritious, colorful, and healthy foods and get your rear into gear!! You will begin applying the concepts you are learning, abolishing your old, bad habits. Education coupled with willpower is a sure winner in forming new habits!
  
  Dear Lord,
  We are on this earth for such a brief time. Help us to live in ways that honor You and Your image within us. Assist us in giving up the ways of the ‘old man’ and living like a new creation. Make present in our lives, together with our meager efforts, Your promises of an abundant life, free of the shackles of sin and regret. Help us to trust and rely wholly on You while giving our very best efforts in accomplishing these things today, knowing we have received no promise for a tomorrow.
  

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  Week of March 17, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  "God knows the prayer of each person. So He knows very well who is seeking heavenly things only in appearance and who is seeking them from the depths of his being. He sees quite clearly who says the words of his prayer merely with his lips while his heart is elsewhere. He sees who asks for physical health, earthly riches or the praise of others." (St. Basil the Great)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." (Proverbs 13:4)
  
  Question of the Week
  It only takes 21 consecutive days to lock in a new behavior. For many of us, this is a cinch on Monday thru Friday when our lives run on a pretty regular routine, but then comes the weekend and everything seems to explode (or implode, as the case may be). How can we take the offensive and sustain enough regularity over the weekend to keep those changes going? (Too bad we can't live 21 days of consecutive weekends to keep those behaviors locked in!)
  
  Thought for the Week: On Building Good Habits
  Last week, the thought was on diligence. Proverbs 13:4 asserts that: “The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” And Proverbs 21:5 that, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” And finally, “Diligent hands will rule…” says Proverbs 12:24. Diligence leads to, and is supported by, good habits. Charles Glover, the 20th Services Squadron fitness and sports director at Shaw Air
  force Base claims that, according to research, it takes 21 days to build a habit. It also takes the same time to change a bad habit to a good habit. Why 21 days? Research shows that performing a challenging task for that number of days makes it a part of a person’s life. How encouraging this is! Think of all the bad habits you would like to change in your life…and the good ones you would like to incorporate into your life, and consider that this may only take three short
  weeks to accomplish! Key here is, of course, diligence. Performing a challenging task against all the forces of nature takes perseverance, steadfastness and single-mindedness. Of course, wisdom and discernment must be used in choosing habits that help our souls and bodies. Why not start today? Great Lent is the perfect time to grow in virtuous habits. Think of something that you dislike about yourself…it may be a habit as old as you are. Envision yourself abolishing and converting that something to a desirable trait. Maybe for you it’s jealousy, or anger, or over-eating. Maybe you want to
  become a regular walker, but lack the where-with-all to successfully become one. Or maybe you want to speak more kindly towards your loved ones. Just remember 21 golden days! Push yourself, hold your tongue, practice the opposite of your knee jerk reaction, and fervently, diligently, beseech God’s mercy and help! But pace yourself…if we
  succeed in building only one new habit every six months of our life, we are doing well. Make diligence your faithful friend to maintain your new habit, and thank God for any and all victories. Take joy in your growth! Good habits tend to beget more good habits, and before we know it, we will have a measure of living that we didn’t think possible. And all on account of a seed, planted in our souls at birth, to become more fully a child of God each day of our brief life.
  
  Dear Lord,
  You have taught us that we are not the slaves of sin, nor the pleasures of this life. Grant us wisdom and strength to grow in Your likeness this Lent, that the sacrifices of time and food may be to some wonderful end, a holier life, a healthier body, more loving relationships. Grant us diligence in accomplishing these things for Your glory, and our benefit, for You are holy unto the ages. Amen.
  
  ALMSGIVING IDEA
  Consider involving your family and or your parish in an almsgiving project by sending a Pascha greeting card to incarcerated brethren.
  
  The Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry called “St. Silas Fellowship” http://www.stsilas.org is collecting hand-colored
  Paschal icons for distribution to individual prisoners across America. Would you be willing to color one or more Paschal icons for prisoners?
  
  Here’s how: Download copies of the Paschal icon, carefully color the icons and mail them unfolded to St. Silas Fellowship.
  
  Fellowship of St. Silas
  Very Rev. Fr. David Ogan
  Post Office Box 822169
  Vicksburg, MS 39182-2169
  (601) 636-8392

  Please color each icon neatly as prisoners often do not receive much mail and sometimes have little or no permission to display what they receive. However, we have heard that Orthodox icons, many times, are permitted as cell decoration. So, encourage your children to color neatly and to choose appropriate colors. Adults can color icons, also. Prohibited materials are glue, glitter or paint so steer clear of those—markers, crayons or colored pencils are acceptable media.
  It’s good to say a prayer for the person who will receive your icon while you color as the recipient is unknown to us—but God knows both the giver and receiver…may it be blessed! Colored icons may be signed by the artist—use first name only. Please do not fold your colored icon.
  
  Thanks in advance from St. Silas Fellowship prison ministry.

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  Week of March 10, 2008

  Dear Sisters -
  Fr. Hopko writes: “The lenten spring is welcomed by Christians in the Church… as the sanctified season… set apart for complete and total dedication to the things of God. It is the “tithe of the year” which tells us that all times and seasons belong to the Lord who has created and redeemed the world:
  
  The door of divine repentance has been opened. Let us enter with fervor, having cleansed our bodies, observing abstinence from foods and passions in obedience to Christ who has called the whole world to His heavenly kingdom, offering to the Master of all this TITHE OF THE YEAR, that we may look with love upon His Holy Resurrection” (Cheesefare Monday Matins)
  
  Quote of the Week
  What could be better, higher, more worthy of love and more splendid than our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who created the firmament, and adorned everything, gave life to everything, Who keeps everything, feeds everything and loves everything—Who is Himself love, more splendid than all men! Should you not love God above all things, wish for Him and seek Him? (St. Herman of Alaska)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, O Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?" Joel 2:15-17

  
  Question of the Week
  There is a huge emphasis on weeding things out of our lives during Great Lent, but what habit or routine would I most like to put into (or back into) my life?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Diligence
  The famous Nike worker who created the Michael Jordan line of athletic wear was known to say to those whom he met, “Make your bed each day!” What was he trying to inspire in his acquaintances? Diligence! Diligence is the mother of success on many levels, both spiritually and materially speaking. Diligence is the persistent and hard-working effort we put forth in whatever we wish to accomplish in life. It is the force of our God-given will expended, over a long period of time, to some (hopefully meaningful) end. Thus diligence in prayer leads to intimacy with our Lord. Diligence in worship leads to reverence, humility and the fear of God. Diligence in homemaking leads to a family that is well nourished and cared for. Diligence in using our gifts and talents leads to material gain and/or fruit for the sake of the kingdom. How can we grow in diligence? It must be coupled with good habits and a healthy life routine. Diligence helps us to establish habits and routines and yet it takes a routine to help us grow in diligence. Other important virtues that work together with diligence are: resolve, perseverance and single mindedness. There is so very much to be gained by becoming a more diligent person, and Great Lent is the perfect time to grow these personal qualities. Diligence is a mark of our character, and a fruit of our relationship with the Lord. Work though we may, it is Christ who grants us growth in virtue, and we must be diligent in asking Him to bestow upon us all the virtues that lead to eternal life, according to His Holy will. Now, that is something worth being diligent about!!
  
  Lenten Recipe for the Weekl: Curried Shrimp Kebobs
  
  Ingredients
  24 Large Shrimp
  2 tart apples
  3 Tbs. Lemon juice
  1 Tbs. curry powder
  1 Tbs. Vegetable oil
  1/2 tsp. Salt
  1/4 tsp. Pepper
  4 green onions cut into 1 inch lengths
  
  Couscous
  3 cups vegetable stock
  1 1/2 cups couscous
  1/4 cup golden raisins
  1/2 tsp. Salt
  1/4 tsp. Pepper
  1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped
  
  Preheat over to broil of prepare grill.
  
  Peel and de-vein shrimp. Cut apple into 3/4 inch pieces. Place lemon juice, curry powder, oil salt and pepper in bowl. Add shrimp and apples, toss to coast. Thread 2 shrimp, 2 pieces green onion and 2 pieces apple on wooden or medal skewers.
  
  For Couscous; bring vegetable stock to a boil. Slowly stir in couscous, and all ingredients except peanuts.
  
  Adjust oven rack 4-6 inches from heat. Broil or grill skewers turning once until cooked 3 min. per side
  
  To serve, fluff couscous with fork sprinkle with peanuts – Place skewers over couscous and serve!

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  Week of March 3, 2008

  Quote for the Week "Imitate the prodigal son: leave the city that starves you. Come and beseech Him and you will behold the glory of God. Your face shall be enlightened and you will rejoice in the sweetness of paradise. Glory to the Lord and Lover of mankind Who saves us!" (St. Ephraim the Syrian)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  "Beloved, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-3)
  
  Question for the Week
  St. Ephraim's words above are striking: "leave the city that starves you". So often, we find ourselves in situations, circumstances, or relationships where we are spiritually starving. Is there a "city" within which I am starving? Is leaving this "city" an option for me? Or, is this a "city" ready for "urban renewal" through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit?

  Thought for the Week: On Our Lenten Journey
  It will be here in only a few short days…are we preparing for the Lenten shift in our life? The Triodion is in liturgical use, and we have visited with Zacchaeus, the Publican and the Pharisee, and the Prodigal Son. Forgiveness Vespers will mark our official beginning and with Clean Monday the marathon will have begun. What have we learned from our prior Lenten Fasts that we can apply this year? Are we wiser? Do we know ourselves better? Have we a realistic set of goals that we may finish the race with as few scrapes and bruises as possible? Have we made an appointment with our spiritual father to have confession? How is our schedule right now, have we pared down our activities? Are we avoiding enrolling our children in extra-curricular activities this season? These are all questions that may prepare us for the most successful Lenten journey ever. May we take some time to examine ourselves, our schedules, our commitments and our priorities that we may plunge into this Lenten season with preparedness, a repentant heart, an openness to God, wisdom, and soberness…that we may greet our Bridegroom with lamps filled with oil and hearts full of faith and love.

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  Week of February 18, 2008

  Quote for the Week
  "Love all God's creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light! Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything you will perceive the divine mystery in things. And once you have pereeived it you will begin to comprehend it ceaselessly, more and more every day. And you will at last come to love the whole world with an abiding universal love. Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and untroubled joy. Do not therefore, trouble it, do not torture them, do not deprive them of their joy, do not go against God's intent. " (Starets Zosima in the novel The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof…the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalms 24:1)

  Question for the Week
  How can what we do daily make us better stewards of our God-given world?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Stewardship of the Earth
  “There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small” (Psalms 103:25).
  
  Many of you may have read a news story recently concerning researchers who have been studying the effects humanity has had on our vast oceans. To the surprise of even the researchers, there are only a few corners of the world that have yet to be negatively impacted in some way by humanity. This is grim news. What environmental legacy are we leaving behind for future generations? What is the cost of our lust for more, for better, for cheaper? His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew wrote after the first five environmental summer seminars on Halki that:

  
  “…we have established that the protection of the environment in which humanity lives is a divine commandment. Our position is founded upon God’s commandment to those whom He first created, that they, according to the teaching of our faith, “ labor and tend the garden” in which they were first placed by Him. This is the theological basis for humankind’s role in the protection of the environment. Thus, at the beginning of this new millennium, it is not only our divine obligation to labor and utilize the fruits of His gifts on this terrestrial globe, but also we, as His most humble servants, are responsible for tending of the garden of Eden.”
  
  This is profound indeed. But how does this impact you and me? How can what we do daily make us better stewards of our God-given world? Plenty! Consider the following:

  • Americans are the number one global trash offenders. Consider the refuse your family creates each week. Find ways to minimize your garbage by shopping for products with less packaging, buying bulk items, and buying only what you need.
  • There are 40 million plastic bottles that go into the trash or become litter each day, claims one non-profit group. These are bottles that could have been recycled. What can we do? Buy re-usable water bottles for our families, and install water purifiers in our homes. When we do use plastic bottles, make a greater effort to recycle them rather than put them in the garbage.
  • Keeping your car well-tuned with proper tire inflation will reduce pollution and save fuel. Map out your errands and trips to maximize fuel efficiency.
  • The average American meal can travel 1500 miles to your dinner plate. Buying local food and products saves the energy it takes to bring it to you. Support your local farmer’s markets!
  • Remember that our Orthodox fasting diet is the least harmful diet to our earth (this will help our fasting attitude!). Make a family garden. Create your own Garden of Eden at home.
  • The chemical choices you make in your garden and home make an impact on your own living environment and on the environment at large. Read carefully; choose wisely.
  • Saving energy in your home reduces the CO2 released into our environment and will also save you money. Get a free energy audit of your home. Lower the thermostat and support renewable energy options in your area.
  • Water is one of our most precious resources. Install low-flow showerheads (your teenagers will live!). Turn down the water-heater temperature. When needing to replace a hot water heater, look into an instantaneous hot water unit--hot water on demand, only when it's needed.
  • ‘Getting out of the city’ will remind you of the sublimity of God’s creation, and will help you make wiser decisions at home to promote and preserve the earth’s beauty. Take your family on hikes, enjoy the splendor of the earth, and be a family that is environmentally educated and steward-minded.
    Being aware of what we do, what we buy, and how it impacts our environment is a great start to environmental stewardship. Let us all think before we act, and once again become ‘tenders of the garden.’ We are all accountable to God for the choices we make…let us use the surplus of information on conservation to help us, as Orthodox Christians, hold the highest environmental standards for ourselves. May we, like the saints, learn to live in harmony with nature and sanctify the world around us.
    
    “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof…the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalms 24:1).
    

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    Week of February 11, 2008
    Quote for the Week
    What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. (Leo Tolstoy)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. (1 Chronicles 16:11-12)
    
    Question for the Week
    What better week than Valentines' to contemplate our spousal relationships? What are the qualities I saw in you that first attracted me to you? How do I feel as I recall those qualities now? What are the qualities that attract me to you now? Do I make the effort to share these with you on a regular basis?
    
    Thought for the Week: On a Great Marriage
    There are many "okay" marriages dotting the planet earth, but we don’t want "okay" marriages! We want GREAT marriages…the kind God intended us to have! No matter how challenged our lives or marriages might feel at times, it's worth reminding ourselves of ways that WE can impact change, instead of waiting for life or our mates to "fix everything." Here are some things we can do TODAY to improve our marital harmony and enjoyment. In honor of St. Valentine's Day, let us strive to love our husbands as God would have us love them.

  1. Be an understanding wife. Our guys are literally at the front line, and they need to feel special and loved when they step through the threshold of our home.
  2. Enjoy every moment you have with your beloved. He will probably be gone before you are.
  3. Recognize the need for both you and your spouse to take personal time. Try not to keep track of it…ask for it when you need it. Give it when he asks.
  4. Show your husband he is the most important person in your life (after God). Do not think your words can replace or make up for your actions.
  5. Prime your children to love and have understanding for their father and the Church he serves.
  6. Remember your youthful times together. There is nothing to stop us from being romantic, playful, and attractive to one another today.
  7. Be motivated to organize and prioritize your life so that you are prepared to give yourself fully to your husband and family whenever the time arises.
  8. Never forget that a good meal is vital to a man’s life, and gives the key to his heart to his loving wife!
  9. Don’t waste your precious time together on negative conversation.
  10. Be pleasant and upbeat. Look for the good in your life. Let the Lord carry your burdens.
      We have no guarantee of tomorrow. Our Maker alone knows when we will pass from this precious life. Live each day with your husband and family as if it is your last….
      
      "Dear Lord, give us the strength and desire to have wonderful marriages; bringing glory to You and life to those around us. Amen."
      

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      Week of February 4, 2008
      Quote for the Week
      "For Holy Communion, the confession of our sins to a father confessor is needed; whereas for our communication with God, the confession of our weaknesses before Him is necessary." (Elder Paisios)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      "Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:1-12)
      
      Question for the Week
      How do you feel when you consider that we, who are "less than the least of God's people", are entrusted with the sharing of the Gospel message to the people around us?
      
      Thought for the Week: "Chip, Chip, Chip Away!"
      Time seems to slip like sand through our fingers. It feels like there’s never enough of it to do what we most enjoy in life. Not that we mind cooking, cleaning, shopping, chauffeuring, or working outside the home, but these works bring a temporary satisfaction until the next meal, the next load of laundry, the next paycheck, etc. We want to get to other ventures, but few are the days when we are awarded with enough time to start and finish something like framing precious photos, planting seedlings for our garden or inputting addresses for next year’s Christmas cards. There has to be a way, and there is! But it is not necessarily the way WE want it. How many times have we started something we really want to do, only to have meals, laundry, and straightening thrown to the wind? This is NOT the way. We need to take small bites in order to accomplish our goals. It doesn’t take long before a dripping faucet fills up the bucket, and we all know the tortoise’s victory. We just need his PERSEVERENCE. So we have to think differently. An "all or nothing attitude" earns us nothing but frustration. Imagine a mother duck with her ducklings, patiently bringing them along, down the way, across the pond, hither and thither. She doesn’t lose one very often. We are like that mother duck, and the ducklings represent all that our life embodies: wife, mother, worker, artist, musician, hobbyist, whatever makes you uniquely YOU. You must learn to "bring along" all these responsibilities and interests in a way that doesn’t compromise your family or your particular gifts and interests. Sure, there are seasons when you will do well to provide the basics then fall into bed from a job well done. But it won’t be long until you’re itching to paint, or plant, or create. The key is, "Chip, Chip, Chip Away!" Five minutes here, a half hour there, but never at the expense of your cherished relationships. In this way, we can use our God-given talents and interests to enrich our home life, our families, and our communities.
      
      “Slow and steady wins the race."
      
      “Lord, grant us patience. And please do it quickly! Amen.”

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      Week of January 21, 2008
      
      Quote for the Week
      "Has a brother been the occasion of some trial for you and has your resentment led you to hatred? Do not let yourself be overcome by this hatred, but conquer it with love. You will succeed in this by praying to God sincerely for your brother and by accepting his apology; or else by conciliating him with an apology yourself, by regarding yourself as responsible for the trial and by patiently waiting until the cloud has passed." (St. Maximos the Confessor)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      "Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:23-24)
      
      Question for the week
      Is there someone who has "been the occasion of some trial" for me? Has my resentment led to hatred? (Am I even willing
      to admit that hatred in one of its various forms--jealousy, annoyance, etc.--might actually be there?!) Am I willing to lay an axe to the root of this weed and earnestly pray for this person and allowing God's love to supplant my own reactions?
      
      Thought for the Week: On Cynicism
      If you would like to quickly destroy your soul, there is a simple way: through the toxin of cynicism. Cynicism is to a human person what poison is to a rodent, the bait is irresistible but deadly. Here’s how it works: Rather than look to your own soul and thus your own sins, glance sideways and look to your neighbor instead. Poke fun, be crass, tear down… see not Christ, but a sinner. But only do so if you want to erase all good fruit from your life.
      We are susceptible to cynicism because we seek perfection and project that onto those around us. As well, our physical eyes look outward, and we easily notice the sins of others if we are not practicing vigilance. But the Lord tells us to see with the eyes of our souls…to look to Him and to look within ourselves, and only when we have removed the log from our own eye are we to aid our neighbor in removing the speck from theirs. Only in this way can we protect ourselves from cynicism, this self-delusion and road to utter destruction. Bend your neck, repent of all gossip, sarcasm and cynicism and find Christ in your neighbor. Thus, we will become friends of the Lord.
      
      It was such a joy to share in the San Francisco Metropolis Sisterhood Retreat in January. We were blessed to have Sister Magdalene of the Community of St. John the Baptist in Essex be our guest speaker. We wanted to include her address, in case any of our sisters and their parish bookstores are interested in ordering her most recent book entitled "Conversations with Children" Communicating our Faith. It is extraordinary! This book is very costly when purchased through booksellers throughout the United States, but if you write directly to Sister Magdalene, she will send you books at 40% off + shipping costs. (Your final payment will need to be made in British pounds). Well worth the effort for a fabulous book - especially for families in your community! Her address is:
      Sister Magdalen
      Community of St. John the Baptist
      Tolleshunt Knights
      Maldon
      Essex CM9 8EZ
      ENGLAND

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      Week of January 21, 2008
      Quote for the Week
      "Prayer is a conversation of man with God. He who prays with a broken and humbled spirit is filled with divine gifts and blessings - that is, with joy, peace, comfort, illumination and consolation - and he, too, becomes blessed. Prayer is the double-edged sword that slays despair, saves from danger, assuages grief, and so on. Prayer is a preventive medicine for all diseases of soul and body." (Elder Ephraim of Mt. Athos)
      Scripture for the Week
      "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
      Question for the Week
      There was a popular song that came out several years ago that had a line in it that was unusually striking. It simply said that "there's more room in a broken heart". Do you recognize this ability within your own heart to receive so much more when it is broken?
      Thought for the Week - Growth in Pain
      Why is it that we grow more through painful situations than through joyful ones? You cut a rose plant and it hastens to grow into ever more beautiful blooms. This is true also in our lives. Sometimes we wish we would not make errors, that somehow God would prevent us from saying and doing things that, even unwittingly, harm others. But it seems God does not always guard us in this way. He knows that it is through these moments of pain, embarrassment, humiliation, whatever the case may be . . . it is then that we have our most lucid moments, seeing the glory and holiness of our Creator and the sinfulness of us, His creation. As difficult as it is, these are the moments to thank God for . . . that we may truly see who we are and use that vision to propel us onto true repentance; that we may, like the rose, blossom forth into a sweetly fragranced flower, and become a witness of the creative energies of the Master Gardener, our Lord Jesus Christ.
      

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      Week of January 15, 2008
      Quote for the Week
      "Be a good tree. Do not fool yourself that you can produce good fruits if you are a bad tree; good fruit comes only from a good tree. So, change your heart and your actions will change, too. Weed out greed and plant love. As “the root of all evil is greed,” so the root of all good is love." (Blessed Augustine)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15)
      
      Question for the Week
      In what practical ways can I begin to "weed out greed and plant love" in my life?
      
      Thought for the Week: On Staying Current
      Have you ever been swimming when someone jumps on top of you in the water and down you go, not having taken a good breath? It’s a scary feeling, to be sure. Sometimes we get that same feeling in our day-to-day life…especially as Presvyteres. There is so much for us to manage, sometimes it feels like we are taking a nosedive to the bottom of the pool, and can scarcely come up for air. It may seem like everyone around us is so together…why is it so difficult to keep up?
      
      Of course, not every Presvytera feels this way. We all have differing numbers of kids, different sized parishes, and differing financial means. But enough do feel this struggle that it is worth exploring. Let’s mention, first off, that being a priestly family necessitates that a great deal of the family/home responsibilities falls on our shoulders. It doesn’t mean our husbands are exempt from helping with the family and around the home, they just truly do not have the discretionary time that other husbands may have. So straight away we must say, it isn’t helpful comparing. Secondly, we chose this deck of cards, and we must accept the hand dealt in our lives. Period. Otherwise any suffering is our own doing. So rather than feel sorry for ourselves, it is much more productive to put some new tricks up our sleeves and get our precious lives in order that we may feel more like free stylers than sinkers. Here are some great principals to keep in mind:
  11. Live within your means. Know your finances at all times.
  12. Give to the church on a routine basis. Put God first, and you will be blessed. You may not become a millionaire, but you will not starve.
  13. Stay current on your chores. Don’t leave for tomorrow what should be done today. It will kick start your day to begin with a clean home.
  14. Live within your given space. It may not be your forever home, but try to keep only what comfortably fits in your current space.
  15. Try to live at 80% capacity of your closet space. It is easier to find things and put away clean items in drawers and closets that are not overstuffed.
  16. Process paper work daily or at set times each week. Always deal with important papers first.
  17. Create a filing system and use it regularly. Continually toss what you no longer need. Create notebooks to organize your family’s current important papers.
  18. Be routine about prayer, a little reading, exercise, e-mail.
  19. Depend upon quality, nutritional food for your daily nourishment. Minimize sugar and processed or artificial products. Avoid eating out. It’s a budget killer.
  20. Shop after the New Year sales for the best prices. Stock up on next year’s gifts. Add a few items to keep your wardrobe current.
  21. Stay focused. Keep your planner with you. Use technology to manage your life.
  22. Do what you enjoy. Make time for friends. Cherish each moment with your husband. Parent and take joy in your children.
  23. Offer your gifts and talents, as you are able. Ask for God’s guidance and grace each and everyday.
  24. Remember that because of you, your parish has a wonderful priest!
      
      

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      Week of January 1, 2008
      BLESSED NEW YEAR!
      
      Quote for the Week
      “Without the health of body, material things are of no benefit to you. Without streams of prayer, what you have sown will not be watered. Without the help of prayer you shall not reap what you sow. Without the mercy of the Creator, there can be no good, no blessing. Be earnest then in prayer, and your barns will overflow. Winter and summer be earnest in prayer; for winter and summer prayer is necessary for us.” (St. Ephraim the Syrian)
      Scripture of the Week
      “For He has strengthened the universe so that it cannot be moved. Ready is your throne from the beginning; You are from everlasting.” (Psalms) 92:2
      Question of the Week
      Do I “water” what I “sow” with “streams of prayer”? Or, do I simply “scatter seeds” in hopes that some of them might survive and produce, leaving their watering to others or to chance?
      Thought: On Respect
      I once had the blessing of staying at the home of a beautiful widow of 20 years. She spoke at length about her husband and how much she missed the life they once shared. She said that she was once visiting with a good friend. The conversation turned, and her friend began complaining about her husband. The widow replied to her, “If he only sits on the couch and breathes, you should be thankful for that man in your life.” How meaningful from a woman who had, no longer, even that fair pleasure. What wisdom she shared with me. What conviction! Our husbands do so much more than “sit and breathe,” and how easy it is for us to find fault in them! Rather, we, as presvyteres, ought to regard our husbands with the highest esteem. Does this mean they are faultless or perfect? Of course not! Does it mean we never share thoughts or ideas that may be helpful to them? No. We would betray our role as helpmate if we did. What our husbands need and desire most from us the wise Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Ephesians. We hear it during every wedding service, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband (Ephesians 5:32-33).”
      If we obey the second portion of this simple command, we will find most assuredly our husbands will dutifully fulfill the first part with joy and delight. Respect for our husbands increases our endearment to them. It makes us more lovable. Let us make our New Year resolution this: to respect with our whole being the unique, attractive, valiant person we have chosen and joined in sacred matrimony, his priesthood, and all that he represents, with diligence, attentiveness, and perseverance. We will thus protect our marriages, our family, and our communities, as much as is possible through God’s abiding grace and love. May the Lord strengthen and help us each in fulfilling this noble task.
      

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      Week of December 24, 2007
      Your sisters from "Prez to Prez" wishes you a blessed Christmas and a joyous new year!
      
      "Christ is Born!" "Glorify Him!"
      "Your birth O Christ our God did shine upon the world and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe and to those who held the stars in worship did through a star learn to worship You. Worship You the sun of righteousness and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You O Lord." (Apolytikon of the Nativity)
      "Today, the Virgin bears Him who is transcendent, and the earth presents the cave to Him who is beyond reach. Angels, along with shepherds glorify Him. The Magi make their way to Him by a star. For a new child has been born for us, the God before all ages." (Nativity Kontakion)
      The Fourth Wise Man
      
      What you would like to give Christ as a gift on His birthday?
      Your gift should reflect your offering of love, talents, and treasure.
      Put Christ first, above all in your living and your life.
      
      Three Wise Men, led by a star, went to worship the Baby of Bethlehem, and gave Him, as gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They say there was another Wise Man, called Artaban. He was to meet the Three Wise Men in Babylon and then start together the journey to find and worship the Newborn Baby. Artaban sold all his possessions, bought three jewels, a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl, to present to the Baby, and he set out to join the other three Wise Men.
      
      On his way, Artaban saw an unknown injured man, and stopped to help him. To do this, he had to sell his sapphire. Because of this, he was delayed. So when he reached Babylon, he found that the other three Men had already departed. He set out alone again. But when he arrived in Bethlehem, he found that the three Wise Men had come and gone, and that Joseph of Nazareth and his family had fled to Egypt.
      
      "I will leave immediately for Egypt to worship the new King," exclaimed Artaban. But at this point, a solider came to slay a woman's child on orders from Herod. Artaban gave the soldier his ruby and the infant's life was saved. He then hurried to Egypt, where he wandered in vain, searching for the King. Old and weary, after 33 years, Artaban finds himself in Jerusalem. Then he learns that a so-called King of Israel was to be crucified that very day. There upon he determines to ransom Him with his pearl.
      
      But on his way to Golgotha, Artaban was stopped by a young girl who was being dragged off by two brutal soldiers. He gave them his last jewel, the pearl, to the soldiers to save her, instead. When a little later, Jesus was dying on the cross, Artaban realized that he could neither ransom Him not pay tribute to Him, as it was too late and as he did not have any jewels left. Artaban collapsed from sorrow, but when he was lying face down he heard a soft voice, saying: "I was hungry and thirsty and you gave me food and drink; I was naked and sick and you clothed me and visited me."
      
      "Not so, my King," protested Artaban. "Thirty-three years I have looked for You, but I have never seen Your Face, not served You, my Lord." But the voice replied: "Whatever you have done unto one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me."
      
      - Taken from Lovely Little Stories by Metropolitan G Polizoides
      
      As Presvyteres we are given jewels, the jewels of love, talent and treasure. In imitation of the Fourth Wise Man –
      offer them selflessly to the least of those whom you encounter along life’s journey and see the light of Christ in those you serve.
      Christ is born! Glorify Him!

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      Week of December 17, 2007
      Don't miss our Metropolis of San Francisco Sisterhood Retreat with Sister Magdalen on January 18 - 20, 2008 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Please mail your registration form in today! Attached you will find the Registration Form for our retreat!
      
      Quote for the Week
      He became a servant on earth; He was Lord on high. Inheritor of the height and depth, Who became a stranger. But the One Who was judged wrongly will judge in truth, and He in Whose face they spat, breathed the spirit into the face. He Who held a weak reed was the scepter for the world that grows old and leans on Him. He Who stood [and] served His servants, sitting, will be worshipped. He Whom the Scribes scorned the Seraphim sang "holy" before Him. (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)
      Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah
      "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1)
      Question for the Week
      What does it mean to me when someone is described as having a servants heart? Do I know someone I would describe this way? What is it about him/her that I would wish to emulate in my own life?
      Thought for the Week
      This time of year is so busy as we plow through the endless list of mailings, Christmas programs, last-minute to-do lists, and then, something comes along that completely bring us up short and reminds us of those things most precious. It is an annual Christmas tradition in our family to carol at a local hospice on Christmas Eve. One year, we arrived at the hospice as usual, and the director met us at the door and gave us a short briefing on each patient before we entered each room. The last room was one that we will never forget. The directo's briefing was not nearly enough to prepare us for the sight we would behold on the other side. For there, in the room where there would normally have been a hospital bed, stood a crib, and in the crib, lay a small, delicate baby. Baby Julia had been born with difficulties that her little body could no longer tolerate. This Christmas would be both her firstand her last. As she lay there, our eyes met one another's. Only one song would do for this beautiful slumbering baby: a lullaby for another infant born 2000 years ago--the One into Whose arms she would soon find herself abiding. As we reached the words, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, tears flowed and voices wavered slightly as the emotions welled up within us. As we left, the director smiled and murmured softly, "You know, that was her very first Christmas carol." We left the hospice that night with a different perspective on the preciousness of life, on the blessing of children in our lives, and the comforting assurance of a God who gathers us to Him. May we all find time to pause this week and reflect on those things most precious and needful in our lives.
      Sacred Hymn to Ponder
      At that time, since Mary was of the house of David, she registered with the Venerable Joseph in Bethlehem. She was with child, having conceived virginally. Her time was come and they could find no room in the inn, but the cave seemed a joyful palace for the Queen. Christ is born to renew the likeness that had been lost of old. (Troparion of the Paramony of Christmas)
      

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      Week of December 10, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      We cannot be saved by seeking just our own individual salvation; we need to look first to the good of others. In warfare, the soldier who takes to flight to save his own skin brings disaster on himself as well as on the others, whereas the good soldier who takes up arms on behalf of his comrades saves his own life along with theirs. Many of our brothers and sisters have fallen in this battle, wounded and covered with blood, with no one to care for them. There is no one to look after them, no layman, no priest, no comrade, no friend, no brother, because we are all of us seeking our own individual salvation, and thereby spoiling our chance of attaining it. (St. John Chrysostom)
      
      Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah
      Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness s hall waters break out, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5-6)
      
      Question for the Week
      At this time of year, I remember a scene from an old Flintstones cartoon where shoppers were lined up outside the doors of a department store until the doors were unlocked and one particular patron led the crowd in with a cry of, CHARGE!!!, and in they went like a herd of buffalo! As we draw closer to Christmas, our to do lists seem to grow exponentially along with a sometimes overwhelming sense of urgency. Am I willing to set aside my list for a day (or even a portion of a day) to assist someone else who may be struggling with their own list?
      
      Thought for the Week:On Assets and Liabilities
      We all would like to improve our assets, and decrease our liabilities. The same holds true for our lives. We want to be the greatest asset we can be to our husband, our children, and our community. That is bold, you may say. It is bold and true. We are, so to speak, our husbands greatest assets. If we are for them, it matters not who is against them. We have the power to love, support, and lift up our husbands, even in the most difficult situations. We can be a tremendous aid in their ministry, simply by being a kind, friendly person. A presvytera who is an example of patience and kindness is indeed a blessing to her husband and community.
      
      A wonderful 94-year-old man once said, "It don't cost nothing to be nice." Ladies, our husbands are priests of the Most High God. Their cross is heavy and large. Let us not be an other thorn in their side, but rather through our virtuous life, let us be builders and not tearers-down of the life God has bestowed upon us. Let us demonstrate exceeding kindness to our husbands and to the people Christ has brought us to serve.
      
      Dear Lord, grant us words of gentleness and kind-heartedness. Let us look with admiration upon our husbands, letting them know through every compassionate look and helpful action that we are on their side and that they can count on us to bear our cross along side theirs, together serving and loving Gods people. Amen
      

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      Week of December 3, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      “The purpose of the advent of the Savior, when He gave us His life-giving commandments as purifying remedies in our passionate state, was to cleanse the soul from the damage done by the first transgression and bring it back to its original state. What medicines are for a sick body, that the commandments are for the passionate soul.” (St. Isaac the Syrian)
      
      Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah
      “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” which means: God is with us. (Isaiah 7:14)
      
      Question for the Week
      Inarguably, we Orthodox adhere to the Ten Commandments. How do I “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy”? How do I extend my keeping of the Sabbath beyond attending Liturgy? Is this an area in which I would like to challenge myself this Advent?
      
      Sacred Hymn to Ponder
      “Today the Virgin is on her way to the cave where she will give birth in a manner beyond understanding to the Word who is, in all eternity. Rejoice, therefore, universe, when you hear it heralded; with the angels and the shepherds, glorify Him who chose to be seen as a new-born Babe, while remaining God in all eternity.” (Kontakion of the Preparation of the Nativity)
      
      Thought for the Week: Whole House Clean Up
      Do you ever feel like a librarian, but instead of shelving books, you are shelving your family’s possessions? If every member of your family takes out and does not put away even a dozen items (an underestimation), that’s 60 items to "re-shelf"! Add to this the Advent Season with all the commitments and pressure it can bring, the challenge of Lenten cooking, and before you know it, this pot is going to blow its lid!
      
      Let us, rather, set ourselves up for success this Advent season. Have a "whole house cleanup" today or ASAP. This means everybody pitches in and helps put everything back in its place, gets the laundry going, does team dusting, vacuuming, and a five minute bathroom rescue for each bathroom. If you can get your husband on the same page with you, this task will be a breeze. Promise that you will bring out Christmas decorations this week if they will help do this today (or if this is too stressful an idea--think of another appropriate reward--they help!).
      
      Then (here comes the hard part), be unwaveringly ruthless in monitoring and holding people accountable for putting away their own things. Out of place items become more apparent on a cleared counter or empty floor. Require the children to leave their rooms with a made bed and toys put away each morning. It’s a worthy goal and one that will serve them well throughout life. Get it kick started with a reward system. Accent the positive!
      
      A group effort at reducing/eliminating clutter that stems from bad habits will give you one of the best boosts you can ask for this season. Remember to reward yourself, too, with the things that are important and bring warmth and joy to our lives--a nice meal, Christmas programs, and Church attendance with a peaceful, loving attitude. A "Whole House Clean Up" will provide a homey springboard for your family to really enjoy this special, holy season. Amen!
      

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      Week of November 26, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      "Be attentive towards yourself. Strive to be at peace, be quick to forgive, pour out your repentance and sorrows before the Lord more frequently, act according to your conscience - you will then feel better and attain salvation. Nothing comes without effort. Labor for God and you will be saved." (Abbot Nikon)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."(Colossians 4:2-6)
      
      Question of the Week
      How lovely is the concept that our conversations should always be "full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone". Salt was a precious commodity which made things more palatable and could also be used as a preservative. What if we allowed God's grace to infuse our responses to others with these special qualities? How can our conversations be "full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer others?
      
      Thought for the Week: On Negative Talk
      We all know that our husbands are probably, on occasion, the subject of someone’s dinner conversation. Good or bad may be said, we will never truly know. But does the reverse happen as well? Are our parishioners ever the subject of OUR dinner conversations…good or bad? Nothing will hurt our ministries more than allowing negative talk or gossip to transpire at our dinner tables. Does it mean we never have a conversation with our husband about a parishioner? It depends on the priest, but most of us will probably have SOME conversations (positive or negative), hopefully limited, about our parishioners. The key here is, DISCERNMENT. We all know that there exist in our parishes hurting, sick, and ill-intentioned people. Unfortunately some of these people end up in leadership positions and can be great thorns in our husbands' (and others') sides. They may cause pain in our communities. However, in order to stay above reproach, and to be right in God’s eyes, we must be careful about what we say about these situations, ESPECIALLY AROUND OUR CHILDREN. We, as adults, understand the dynamics of life: the hardship, the difficulties, the realities, etc., BUT OUR CHILDREN DO NOT NEED THIS INFORMATION. It will harm them and distort their view of the priesthood and of our Holy Orthodox Church. Also not talking about others in front of young children, because in their refreshing honesty and lack of filters, your comments will undoubtedly get (embarassingly) repeated! Rather than discuss our parishioners, it would be better to pray for them, to love them and to support our husband in all ways, as he bears the brunt of almost everything in the parish. There is a good rule of thumb we can apply in almost any situation: If we are talking about our own sins, it is confession; if we are talking about the sins of others, it is gossip.
      

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      Week of November 19, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      The Christian, even here on earth, must accustom himself to live the heavenly life, in faithfulness to Christ and His commandments; in fasting, in renunciation, in prayer, love, meekness, gentleness, patience, courage and mercy. How hard will the hour of death be to the person who in his lifetime made idols of money or food and drink, or earthly honors! In that hour none of these things shall serve him, while his heart, because it is strongly attached to them, does not possess the true treasure which would give him eternal life. Let us then be faithful servants of Christ, caring principally for the soul that it may be saved. St. John of Kronstadt
      
      Scripture of the Week
      You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
      
      Question of the Week
      What treasures do I spend the most time and effort storing up? How do I feel about my answer?
      
      Thought of the Week: On Giving Thanks
      There is nothing more vital, more crucial, and more essential than the simple act of giving thanks. What else can we give to our Creator and Maker? He has no need for our praise, our great deeds, our creations… He has need of nothing, yet He created this lovely world with its infinite possibilities for our sake, and for our salvation. Do we remember to give thanks, if not moment by moment, then day by day? Have we ceased to bear in mind the great gift of our own life, and the lives of those around us? Satan would have this ‘stealing of our memory,’ which leads to a life of discontent, restlessness, and disgruntlement, but clearly God is not the author of this erroneous way of being. What can we give our Lord in thanksgiving for all He has given to us? Here is a little list of reminders to keep us on the straight and narrow of a Eucharistic (thanksgiving-centered) life.
      1. Look for goodness wherever you can find it.
      2. Look for the strengths and talents in those around you.
      3. Affirm, often, those strengths and talents in others.
      4. Be cheerful and a light in a dark world.
      5. Forgive others and yourself quickly.
      6. Repent of your sins with your whole heart.
      7. Give of your time with ardor and devotion.
      8. Greet each person you interact with daily demonstrating your affection and love for them.
      9. Remember the gospel is, for us, a way of life.
      Dear Lord, please give us Your perspective on our life. Help us to see, through Your eyes, Your beloved sons and daughters with fresh eyes, with a love renewed, and with motherly and sisterly affection. Help us at all times to turn to You for inner strength, for you are the Author of Love and of Life. Amen.
      
      We are truly grateful for our sisterhood -
      

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      Week of November 12, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      True prayer brings with it a sweet consolation of heart, so that many Holy Fathers stood for whole days and nights in prayer, and in their sweet rapture they did not notice the time or the length of their prayer. For them prayer was not a labor but a pleasure. But it is not easy to reach such a state, especially for anyone who from childhood has given free rein to his passions or stifled his conscience. But what in the world, what sciences or art, or what consolations are acquired by us easily, quickly, and without toil? (Saint Innocent of Alaska)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
      
      Question of the Week
      How do I perceive the practice of prayer in my life? Is it something I rush toward like a thirsty man toward water? Or do I see it more as a part of my daily routine... just one of the many things to which I need to attend? Do I judge that I need to refresh my perspective of prayer?
      
      Thought for the Week: On the Parental Inferno
      If we see parenting as a means of salvation, then having children is certainly a means of purifying our lives and hearts. How so? “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” says the Lord (Matthew 18:3). Children have a way of helping keep our ‘puffed up’ selves in check…not only by their many needs which we must constantly meet, bringing us a measure of humility and self-sacrifice, but also by their authentic example of being themselves, including their joy, their frankness, and their guilelessness. Children are God’s gift to us, an icon of His holiness and goodness. However, they come with a price, and if we accept it, it is the destruction of our self-centered will.
      
      But is it only one way? In other words, do we not also bring them salvation? Of course, but not without pain and suffering. It has been said, “Give blood and receive the Spirit.” It is no different with parenting. Our every word, our every facial expression, our every action is constantly being looked upon and received by our own flesh and blood. And if we are willing, the Master Surgeon will wield His knife, cutting away all that ‘misses the mark’ within us, freeing us to become like the very sons and daughters we co-created with Him.
      
      Dear Lord, please give us the strength and courage to face within ourselves and lay before You all that falls short of Your glory. May we become joyous examples of love and hope, turning to you in all circumstances for strength, courage and perseverance. Amen.
      

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      Week of November 5, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      "Constantly, each day, each hour, God is sending us people, circumstances, tasks, which should mark the beginning of our renewal; yet we pay them no attention, and thus continually we resist God's will for us. Indeed, how can God help us? Only by sending us in our daily life certain people, and certain coincidences of circumstance. If we accepted every hour of our life as the hour of God's will for us, as the decisive, most important, unique hour of our life -- what sources of joy, love, strength, as yet hidden from us, would spring from the depths of our soul! Let us then be serious in our attitude towards each person we meet in our life, towards every opportunity of performing a good deed; be sure that you will then fulfill God's will for you in these very circumstances, on that very day, in that very hour." (Alexander Elchaninov, The Diary of a Russian Priest)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:16)
      
      Question of the Week
      Do I truly see each day, each hour as a gift and/or opportunity?
      Am I able to discern God’s Hand in the midst of challenging circumstances? Do I recognize God’s call even within the mundane tasks of everyday life? If needed, how can I renew/restore my perspective?
      
      Thought of the Week: Talking to Our Kids about Sex
      There comes a time in every parent’s life when REALITY strikes. Our teenage son (who is heading off to college next year) meets a special girl. They talk on the phone for hours, chat at bit on IM (instant messaging) and, then, SHE walks through the door – stunning, 5’9 and gorgeous. Racing through my mind are my motherly affirmations: “He knows what’s right!” “He knows about saving himself for marriage.” “He’s a great Orthodox Christian kid with a good head on his shoulders.” “Right?” “Right!”
      
      Regardless of how much I want to believe that he will make the right decision around the issue of sex – I recognize many worldly forces pulling teens into believing sex before marriage is completely the norm.
      
      Unfortunately, they see plenty of sexual encounters every time they turn on the TV or watch a PG-13 movie!
      
      Sure, throughout the years, we’ve spoken about the importance of sexual purity, to be careful not to follow the crowd, to make wise decisions knowing that will affect his future, to avoid temptation and stay in groups, to THINK with the eyes and mind of Christ. But suddenly, I panic at the thought that all of our well-intentioned conversations will be tossed aside and overcome by those raging hormones! Then it dawned on me admonitions about sexual purity have been re-iterated in uncountable conversations with our kids over time. Hopefully, the little voice of mom and dad will speak to them when faced with these big decisions well into young adulthood.
      
      Following family prayers, we have a common practice in our home which my husband established—we call it “office hours”--a time when we just lay on our kids’ beds and talk about everyday stuff. home, is time for “Office Hours” - a time when we just lay on our kids beds and talk about everyday stuff. Sometimes, it accompanies a back rub or just a quick wrap up of the day’s events, feelings or thoughts.
      
      I remember having read once, “Don’t wait for an ‘important’ conversation to have a good conversation,” i.e., like right after the bombshell of a girl walks through our door.
      
      If our kids learn they can trust us with the “little stuff, they’re more likely to come to us about the “big stuff.” Showing that we understand what they are feeling and sharing similar experiences about what we went through when we were their age might open up an entirely new way of connecting. Boldly and openly sharing about the importance of sexual purity is a conversation we need to continually have with our kids – not just once – but over and over again.
      
      May we continue to pray for our children to make wise decisions with their eyes and minds on Christ.
      

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      Week of October 29, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      "Hold to patience in your hearts, my friends, and put it into action when the situation calls for it. Don't let any abusive word from your neighbor stir up hatred in you, and don't allow any loss of things that pass away to upset you. If you are steadfast in fearing the loss of those things that last forever, you will never take seriously the loss of those that pass away; if you keep your eyes fixed on the glory of our eternal ecompense, you will not resent a temporal injury. You must bear with those who oppose you, but also love those you bear with. Seek an eternal reward in return for your temporal losses." (St. Gregory the Great, Be Friends of God)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:10-12)
      
      Question of the Week
      In our “microwave” society where everything moves at the speed it takes to simply press a button, we often struggle to cultivate patience. When do I find myself most patient? Am I less patient with those who are closest to me? How do I hold onto patience in my heart?
      
      Thought for the Week - "IN THE END"
      In a particularly painful time in my life, when nearly every day was filled with stomach-twisting dread, I had a dear friend send me a card. The cover read: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."
      
      I have meditated on that thought nearly every day and in every situation since then. It is an act of utter patience to move through the worst times and the worst situations (or even just mildly annoying ones) with your eye on "the end" instead of the potentially painful "now." The end may be the collapse into bed at the end of the day, it may be the end of a project, or a chapter in your life, or leaving a particularly difficult parish, or the end of your life, or the end of time. To remember that our Lord is King reminds us that He will always make "it" - whatever "it" is - okay. And to remember that our understanding of "the end" may not be His. So if it isn't feeling okay yet, and you thought it was over... it isn't.
      
      So in the meantime, while our patience is being tested and it may not feel "okay" yet, we must remember that we are only called to be faithful, to do "the right thing", to act with integrity, with the proverbial "what would Jesus do" guidance. We are not called to be successful, we are called to be faithful.

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      Week of October 22, 2007
      Quote for the Week
      He who esteems life in this world and judges its values as worth protecting, does not know how to discern what is his own from what is alien to himself. Nothing transitory belongs to us. (St. Gregory of Nyssa)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." (Colossians 1:16)
      
      Questions for the Week
      Do you let your "presvytera" title define you? Do you let your "presvytera" title define you? How are you defining yourself? Or are you letting your title define you?
      
      Thought of the Week: The Invisible Presvytera
      One of the messages that has circulated the internet is called "invisible mom." It could just as well be called "invisible Presvytera" with a few alterations.
      
      The story begins:

      I'm invisible...It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Pick me up right around 5:30, please."

      I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going ... she's going ... she's gone!

      As presvyteres, sometimes we can feel like appendages to our husbands. We are just "Presvytera" - without a name, without a life beyond the church, without our own foibles, spiritual struggles, hopes, aspirations, or even professional callings. "Presvytera" may carry with it a pre-determined set of responsibilities and characteristics. I'll never forget one former parishioner whose jaw literally dropped when he found out I had not just a "job" but a full-fledged career. The point isn't whether or not we choose or need to work outside the home, but that we are individuals in our own right. The "role" we choose to fill as the wife of the priest is equally individual and sometimes those choices are painfully scrutinized or, perhaps worse, assumed to fit a mold. We can certainly help our parishioners not to take us for granted by being touchable and human. But as the "Invisible Mom" story continues, we must remind ourselves that the choices we make are of utmost importance to our Lord and Savior, and not necessarily to those around us, who may render us either invisible or pre-defined. And perhaps, more importantly, we must remind ourselves that the invisible things we do as presvyteres and mothers do make a difference in the lives of the people that matter most to us, even if they go unnoticed. For it is ‘more blessed to give than to receive,’ and we are called to ‘give, expecting nothing in return.
      
      The story continues that a friend of the writer gave her a gift, a book on the great cathedrals of Europe, at a time when she was feeling especially irrelevant. "I wasn't exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees." “
      
      In reading that book, “Charlotte” learned some life-changing truths:

      No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

      A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees." I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become."

      At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

      A bit later, the writer finishes:

      When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand-bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there. "

      As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

      Today, let us faithfully pray for our sisters and brothers in Southern California - for "those affected by the fires, their safekeeping, health, and the restoration of their homes and land." let us pray to the Lord.

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      Week of October 15, 2007

      Quote for the Week
      "Such is the power of love: it embraces, and unites, and fastens together not only those who are present and near, and visible, but also those who are distant. And neither time, nor separation in space, nor anything else of that kind, can break up and divide in pieces the affection of the soul." (St. John Chrysostom)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence (1 John 3:19)
      
      Question of the Week
      Recall a time when you felt the power and depth of your spouse’s/child’s love for you. What was the event? How do you feel as you think back to that moment? (I know a woman who keeps track of these precious times on index cards and flips thru them when she’s feeling low). How can we preserve our recollections in order to draw upon them when we need them?
      
      Thought of the Week: Orthodox A,B,C’s
      Those of us who are cradle Orthodox may remember our Yiayiathes lighting their incense and candili on Saturday evenings, or maybe they had an electric candili that hung above the cherished family icons. We may remember unsurpassed homemade bread, horta, pastitsio, amazing leg of lamb, and of course, koulorakia and melomakarana. We may remember someone doing metanias and whispering ‘The-e mou’ under their breath. We may remember their perfume, the smell of their home, their garden. These memories planted in our brains ‘the way things are supposed to be,’ but it is not necessarily our reality today. As priestly families, it seems, if anyone were to carry on these traditions it would be us, but this isn’t always the case (although some undoubtedly bespeckle their lives with these cherished traditions.) We know the saying that the shoemaker’s children are often barefoot… does this saying apply to us today? There are several customs worth examining in our lives as Orthodox Christians and priestly families.
      
      A - ASCESIS - the disciplines of our faith
      Scriptures and Lives of the Saints: Reading. What a concept! It is said that we are reading books less than ever as a nation. The statistics are disparaging. Do we fall into this category? Are we so busy that we are not edifying ourselves, or our children, with precious reading materials? Our lives as presvyteres and mothers can certainly be hectic. We must make greater efforts to carve out time in our lives for reading the Scriptures, the Lives of the Saints, and anything else that would profit our souls and our families.
      
      B - BLESSING your home with the sweet fragrance of incense
      Thimiato: How nice to walk into a home that has recently been blessed by the holy fragrance of incense. If you regularly cense your home, you experience the connection of church to home a bit more. The act itself sanctifies us, and our homes, and reminds us of the blessings of our home life. Children are thrilled to take part in this meaningful ritual. It would be very beneficial for us to make greater effort in regularly censing our homes on Saturday evenings and before major feast days.
      
      C- CONFESSION
      Confession: This is a toughy. Ever found yourself jealous of your parishioners who can call and make an appointment with your husband with ease and within close proximity? Ever wish you could regularly have the stole placed upon your head, but you must suffice with a long distance confession? Of course, depending on your circumstance, this may not be the case, but how about our children? It is difficult to confess to your own father, and it is not always convenient or possible for them to confess long distance. Certainly the Lord understands and knows our limitations, but it is certainly worth making greater effort towards more regular confessions and conversations with spiritual fathers for all of our family members.
      
      This week, take special note of any wasted time that could be used to propel your family towards enriching their minds and hearts with the Holy Scriptures, the Lives of the Saints, and the sweet fragrance of incense, and make the effort as a family to take stock of your daily lives and be regularly accountable to one who, like our husbands, leads us heavenward.
      
      You can have the daily bible readings sent directly to your email. Sign up today by clicking on this link: http://listserv.goarch.org/archives/dailyreadings.html
      
      Did you know that you can read the prayer of the hour, listen to the weekly audio meditation and search for saints and feasts online by visiting the Online Chapel at:
      http://www.onlinechapel.goarch.org

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      Week of October 08, 2007

      Quote for the Week
      If you have upbraided, or passed judgment on, or vexed your brother, your peace is lost. If you have been boastful, or have exalted yourself above your fellow, you have lost grace. If you did not drive away forthwith that wanton thought that came to you, your soul will lose love for God and boldness in prayer. If you are fond of power, or money, you will never know the love of God. If you have followed your own will, then you are vanquished by the enemy and despondency will come upon your soul. If you detest your brother, it means that you have fallen away from God, and an evil spirit has taken possession of you.
      
      But if you will do good unto your brother, you will gain quiet for your conscience. If you subdue your own will, your enemies will be driven off and you will receive peace in your soul. If you forgive your brother the affronts he puts upon you, and love your enemies, then you will receive forgiveness for your sins and the Lord will give you to know the love of the Holy Spirit. And when you have entirely humbled yourself, you will find perfect rest in God. St. Silouan the Athonite
      
      Scripture for the Week
      “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 6-10
      
      Question of the Week
      To tithe or not to tithe… an often touchy topic for clergy. What is your view on tithing? Are you and your spouse unified in your views? Are you a cheerful giver?
      
      Thought of the Week: On Loving our Enemies
      Thankfully, for most of us, we are mistreated seldomly. Being in a priestly family brings with it many blessings as well as some hardships. But what of those who do mistreat us? What of those who are less than cordial towards us? Should we consider them our enemies? For the most part, we can cover the mistreatment of others towards us with thoughts of, “I must have deserved it…they must be having a hard day…perhaps they are undergoing some struggle.” In this way, we protect ourselves from exalting over another, or passing judgment on our neighbor. What about those who mistreat our husbands? The same holds true; however, we should pray for the enlightenment of their souls that they would see their error. What of those who mistreat our children? We need to give our children ‘eyes to see and ears to hear.’ They must develop within themselves the discernment and character to see ‘things as they are,’ and to be themselves, even if it means accepting that they are less than esteemed in a fellow peer’s eye. Life is not without difficulties. The struggle lies in how we respond to those difficulties. We are all children of God, and if we can remember that, even amidst affronts and offenses, we truly will become handmaidens of our loving God.
      
      What a blessing and joy it was for many to be reunited at the national sisterhood of presvyteres retreat in San Francisco. Let us continually be reminded that we have a wonderful support network throughout our sisterhood.
      

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      Week of October 01, 2007

      Quote for the Week
      "My child, be patient with your children. What can we do? Of course they are rambunctious, but they cannot be otherwise. In any case, we must be patient. Do not let things pile up in your soul; do not demand details. For by constantly worrying, you will harm your health and that will be worse. Just overlook their shortcomings and increase your prayer, for prayer works miracles. And then miraculously, without exertion, they will become calm and quiet children. Many children were very rambunctious when they were small, afterwards, however, they became wonderful in everything. The rambunctious children are usually smart, too, and they may achieve much." (Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain [Athos])
      
      Scripture for the Week
      "Train up a child in the way he should go; And when he is old, he will not depart from it...” Proverbs 22:6
      
      Question of the Week
      "Am I preparing my children for independence? Do I allow them the power of choice in "small" things so that they may wisely utilize their power of choice when the "big" things come along? Do I resist the impulse to orchestrate or micro-manage when it comes to my children's lives? How do I feel as I reflect upon my answers?"
      
      Thought for the Week: On the Holy Task of Raising Children
      If you are on the "back nine" of raising children, you know that the first nine years of raising children feels like a century, and the last nine feel like a fast forward movie. Thank goodness for pictures and videos! What is this holy task before us, and how do we navigate the varied personalities of our unique children? Children are a lot like plants, they need food, water, sunshine, a little pruning and weeding, and they will grow before our very eyes. Getting them to bear fruit, however, takes a little more work…as every fruit grower knows. Here are four essentials our children need in order to become the godly people we desire them to be.
      
      First, our children need clear boundaries that don’t change from day to day (or hour to hour!). This takes a lot of backbone on our parts as parents. We must learn how to love our children enough to follow through with our beliefs and values.
      
      Secondly, our children need clear icons of Godly parents. They need to see parents who practice the commandments, who pray and read regularly, who joyfully attend church services, and who treat each other with love, humility, and respect.
      
      Thirdly, our children need a spiritual/social life at home. They need to pray and read with their parents, to be able to ask questions freely, and to have many opportunities to discuss their lives, their days and their experiences with interested and caring parents.
      
      Finally, our children need lots and lots of love. They need hugs, kisses, encouragement, fun, laughter, cuddling, and wholesome pastimes…even through the teenage years. Together these things will produce in our children Godly character, faith, love, and ultimately salvation.
      
      "Train up a child in the way he should go; And when he is old, he will not depart from it...” (Proverbs 22:6)
      
      Many of us will be attending the National Sisterhood Retreat in San Francisco this weekend. What a joy it will be to gather together with our beloved Metropolitan Gerasimos, Fr. Spencer Kezios and our sisters in Christ. Let us know if you have any feed back for our Prez to Prez ministry.
      
      

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      Week of September 24, 2007

      Quote for the Week
      It is only when we pray fervently, that we feel calm, warm, at ease, and bright in soul, because then we are with God and in God; but as soon as we cease thus praying, then temptations and various troubles begin. Oh, most blessed time of prayer! (St. John of Kronstadt)
      
      Scripture for the Week
      "Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (Timothy 3:15)
      
      Question of the Week
      If my prayer life were a patient, what would its status be? Would it have a clean bill of health? Would it need to get some exercise? Would it be a candidate for the emergency room, or might it be so fruitful that it is giving birth in the maternity ward? How do I feel about my answer?
      
      Thought of the Week: On Poutiness
      Every now and then it happens to the best of us: Poutiness. We know it’s wrong and not befitting of a Christian woman…so why do we sometimes display this un-Christian behavior and what can we do to eliminate it? It would first be worthwhile to examine why we pout. Here are two scenarios: 1. You have a lot of chores to accomplish and your kids are resisting helping you. 2. Your husband is home two hours later than he said he would be.
      
      So here is some perspective. With the first example, you need to consider why your kids are resisting you, and there are several possibilities:
  25. You are not filling their little "emotional piggy-banks" as much as they need (spending time with them, playing with them, etc.), and that lack of "heart-string" attachment to you makes them resist rather than obey you.
  26. You are asking too much of them without a seeming end to it.
  27. You are not willing to work through the discomfort it takes to help our children grow into responsible people by compelling them to help, and you pout, or give in, rather than virtuously struggle.
      The solution: Make sure you are giving as well as pleasantly asking to receive from your children according to their ability and capacity for work (which is usually greater than we think). Put a cap on work, and pencil in fun activities. Toe the line as necessary. Strength can be dressed with a smile.

  The second example involves a different strategy.

  1. You know your husband’s heart…that it is good and full of all the right intentions. Remember that fact even as you are waiting for him and especially as he walks in the door.
  2. Bring your actions into congruence with the above truth (especially as he walks in the door!)
  3. Demonstrate that you trust something legitimate came up, and mention that you missed him, but are glad to see him NOW. He may FALL OVER DEAD from your positive response, but it’s good to have a few surprises left in your marriage. He will remember this incident next time, and will fight harder to come home to such an understanding and empathic wife.

  In the end, poutiness demonstrates weakness of character and hurts us, and those we care about the most. Squash that little black beetle in your life and replace it with a graceful butterfly!

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  Week of September 17, 2007

  Quote for the Week
  If artists who make statues and paint portraits of kings are held in high esteem, will not God bless ten thousand times more those who reveal and beautify His royal image? For man is in the image of God. When we teach our children to be good, to be gentle, and to be forgiving—all attributes of God; to be generous, to love their neighbor, to regard this present age as nothing, we instill virtue in their souls, and reveal the image of God within them. This then is our task: to educate both ourselves and our children in godliness; otherwise what answer will we have before Christ’s judgment seat?. . . Let us be greatly concerned for our wives and our children and for ourselves as well. The good God Himself will bring this work to perfection, so that all of us may be counted worthy of the blessings He has promised. (St. John Chrysostom)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phillippians 2:9-11)
  
  Question of the Week
  How have I seen the image of God revealed in my spouse/child(ren) this week? How does this strike me as I contemplate God's work in him/her/them?
  
  Thought for the Week
  When my husband was ordained as a presbyter, a thought occurred to me: “We’re in God’s army now!” Yes, in my mind, I saw it as an induction. I felt all the joy of his elevation, an excitement for the future, a relief that this milestone had been reached, etc. But in truth, like the first steps in the Christian life, we were just starting out on the clerical journey which has its own ups and downs and unique lifestyle.
  
  A military wife has similar challenges to ours. A military family finds itself under orders, obedience is necessary, there is often no choice involved as to where the family will find itself living or for what length of time. Hours are long, wives seldom know the details of their husband’s assignments, salaries are often less than desirable, mom is often left on her own to raise the children, keep the family going, etc. Sometimes she’s the one who almost single-handedly engineers family relocations, soothes fears, encourages her family members, pulls it all together. She is truly a superwoman in the flesh!
  
  As presvyteres, we can benefit from relationships with military wives as we have much in common. A military wife can be a model for us; she can become a genuine friend for us (and vice-versa). She can actually understand something about us as a unique common thread already draws us together. We can support one another in love and friendship in a special bond as we’re as close to peas in a pod as there ever was.
  
  Recently we focused a bit on the idea of relocation as part of clerical life. I solicited the input of an army wife in our parish who, since her arrival, has genuinely reached out in a loving way to me as her presvytera. I have developed a special closeness to her as I realized in a short amount of time just how much we have in common by our lifestyles alone. Her overall positive attitude, her ability to roll with the punches, to look for the good wherever she finds herself, the sacrifices she makes for her family without complaint—her friendship is like a breath of fresh air! In a positive way, she encourages me toward repentance and change in my own attitudes.
  
  My Orthodox military sister has been sent all over the world with her family and often without the ministry of a local church—she’s really missed it, but perseveres in faith. As presvyteres, God has granted us a special blessing--we may find ourselves assigned here and there over the years and this can be frustrating, but we still have the Church (and all it offers us) in our midst.
  
  My military sister in Christ gave me a link to this site: http://www.marriedtothearmy.com which has some super articles about making a house a home; getting ready for a move, appreciating where you are sent, etc. Look under these tabs, specifically: Moving, Lifestyle, and Army Wives.
  
  If you have a military wife in your parish, get to know her well if you haven’t already. You may be missing out on a genuine blessing otherwise. Keep in mind that these dear women need our particular support and prayers--many wives are living with the risk of losing a beloved husband and father to her children. Let us reach out in love while allowing ourselves to be blessed and ministered to by our military wives.
  

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  Week of September 10, 2007

  Quote for the Week
  'Those trusting in the Lord are like a mountain of Sion,' (Ps. 124/125:1). What is the force of the addition of 'Sion'? I mean, instead of simply saying 'like a mountain,' why did he make mention of that particular mountain? To teach us not to be brought down by misfortune nor drowned in it, but to depend on hope in God and bear everything nobly - wars, conflicts, alarms. For this mountain, too, was once deserted and bare of inhabitants, and in turn recovered its former prosperity, regaining its ancient popularity with an influx of inhabitants and manifestation of marvels. So, too, the noble man is not brought down, even should he suffer countless troubles. Do not, then, look for a life without hazards or strife or hardship, but for one that is not undermined by hazards. (St. John Chrysostom)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. (Mark 8:34-35).
  
  Question of the Week
  As we remember the events of September 11th, it reminds us how fragile life is and how so often we can take much for granted. Today, consider how you express appreciation to your family and friends?
  
  Thought of the Week: The Three-Day Rule
  Have you ever bought all the raw materials for a back yard project, only to find the materials still sitting in your driveway two months later? Why do we let things like this happen? We certainly have the best of intentions. Maybe we need to implement the Three-Day Rule in our life! It goes like this: if you do not plan on starting a given project within three days, DO NOT BUY THE MATERIALS FOR IT. Why not? Because it ends up being a burden in our life and one more unfinished thing ‘to do.’ It may seem like a small thing, but when you add up four or five or more unfinished projects coupled with our other daily responsibilities, it puts more pressure on our backs and more stress on our minds. It can bring feelings of over whelmedness when there are too many unfinished projects hanging over our heads. So beginning today, vow NOT to add one more new item to your project list until you complete those that are already underway. Finish painting that room, repair that old shutter, weed what needs weeding, then you will see clearly what needs to be done next in your life. Make this fall a time of finishing uncompleted projects and you will add peace of mind to your life. You also may find yourself playing with your kids more or even desiring to get away on a date with your hubby! The binding chains of incomplete projects are definitely chains worth breaking.
  
  

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  Week of September 3, 2007

  Quote for the Week
  Let God intervene between you and your purpose, instead of letting your purpose intervene between you and God. (Mother Gavrilia, The Ascetic of Love)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. (Psalms 119:76)
  
  Question of the Week
  This time of year, I become extremely purposeful as I prepare for another school year. My husband likens me to a steamroller at full tilt as I gather back-to-school clothes and supplies for the kids, preparing my own classroom and wrapping up all the loose ends from the summer. I am sure many of us can relate to the endless to-do list. Let us pause to ask ourselves if we are willing to allow God to intervene between us and all those demands to which we may have enslaved ourselves?
  
  Thoughts for the Week
  A few weeks ago, we invited your comments regarding "What makes a home a home" and the challenges of relocating for clergy families. Here are some of your thoughts.
• The Scriptures remind us that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20 NKJV) so my understanding is that we should not expect to feel “at home” or truly settled anywhere short of God’s Paradise. There’s always a tension in that we have not arrived at the destination God has in store for us and that our salvation is being worked out through circumstances—which often include parish reassignments. The old adage “Bloom where you are planted” often works for me.
• Years ago I read a book by well-known Protestant author, Edith Schaeffer, mother of Frank Schaeffer, the same Frank Schaeffer many recognize as an Orthodox Christian today. Mrs. Schaeffer was a pastor’s wife and a mother. I refer to her book titled “The Hidden Art of Homemaking.” In it she makes suggestions about how to make a place of residence feel like home, inciting creativity in imitation of our Creator. It is a book worth reading. The Schaeffer family moved a number of times over the years and established L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland, where they raised their children. Even during times spent in hotel rooms or pensions, Mrs. Schaeffer packed a pretty cloth, a candlestick and added flowers or other homey touches to bring beauty and peace into mundane or otherwise temporary settings. Mrs. Schaeffer has been a fine example of a creative, loving, optimistic and faithful follower of Christ, always seeking the best for her family—she is now in her late eighties. I read this particular book about 30 years ago and it made quite an impression on me. If you want a better feel for the book and its contents, search for it on Amazon.com and read the reviews. ( Pres. Candace, Anchorage, AK)
• I have talked to other clergy families about this over the years. It is least fun to move for teens, in my opinion, as this is when friends are a big support, and also when they start thinking of leaving home for college, etc, but a move for this age is not impossible. Our oldest had attended 5 schools by the time he was in sixth grade. He says "I miss many of my friends, but if I get married, I will have a lot of friends at my wedding."
• My second son had attended four schools by the fourth grade. (This guy has been happy thoughout our moves, never questioning why daddy might be going, only concerned that he be near his father.)
• I made an effort to help my kids attend and enjoy the Metropolis of Boston camp. Not only was this a great camp, it helped broaden the kids circle of friends from the school and parish level to the metropolis group. It is a supportive place that the kids can return to see old friends, no matter where we may eventually move. Many metropolises have summer camps, and I think this is especially important for clergy families. This camp helps kids stay in touch by sending newsletters, and by providing year-round activities for the kids.
• It is important that we not groan too much about moving. I once inadvertently drove a potential presvytera away by admitting that one move had been an adjustment for our kids. This woman was a teacher, and was rather concerned that everything be perfect for her kids. Her husband would have made a great priest, too.
• Moving has place the onus of being a presence in the life of my family. I started out with a busy career. Now, I try to make sure that our time as a family is at least as important to the kids as what they do with friends and in school. I do this by working part-time, but have no doubt that I could work full-time with the support and availability of Father to be with the kids. Most of us know this, but busy moms who want to earn money do sacrifice some of this time, and then they have to catch up with their kids on days off. I came to the conclusion that my younger kids moved more easliy because we had been home with them during their pre-school years, but it could be other things--their personalities, etc. The thing that makes a move most difficult, I think, is if the parents have hired a nanny to care for the child, and not only does the kid leave his friends and home, but also their primary caregiver.
• Many professions and businesses require that employees move from state to state. Comparing ourselves to someone who remains in one place for an entire career is an unrealistic comparison, and a standard that we will not meet as clergy families. (Respectfully, Presvytera Maryann Tonias, MS, RN)
• Before you invited us to respond, I was reading and saying, wow! I'm glad they addressed this issue! (Carolyn)
• Thank you all once again for such great and useful info....God bless you (Michelle [Chicago])

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  Week of August 27, 2007
  Quote for the Week
  There is nothing we can offer to God more precious than good will. But what is good will? To have good will is to experience concern for someone else's adversities as if they were our own, to give thanks for our neighbor's prosperity as for our own; to believe that another person's loss is our own, and also that another's gain is ours; to love a friend in God, and bear with an enemy out of love, to do to no one what we do not want to suffer ourselves, and to refuse to no one what we rightly want for ourselves; to choose to help a neighbor who is in need not only to the whole extent of our ability, but even beyond our means. What offering is richer, what offering is more substantial than this one? What we are offering to God on the altar of our hearts is the sacrifice of ourselves. (Saint Gregory the Great)
  
  Scripture Verses for the Week
  "Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:13)
  
  ("And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28)
  
  Question for the Week
  Is there someone I know who is suffering right now that I can reach out to in a real and practical way? (See suggestions below for ideas). Am I willing to reach out to someone I may not know well? What is it that prevents me from reaching out and what can I do to overcome my reluctance? (Note to moms: Reaching out to those who are grieving is a wonderful practice to cultivate in your children...little ones love to make cards, draw pictures, or pick out special "gifts" for people with "boo-boos"...allow them to join you in this process).
  
  Thought for the Week: What’s Wrong with Being Polite?
  Most of us have been bred with the utmost focus on good manners. Sometimes, “good manners” means not sticking your noses in other people’s business, not bringing up topics that might be difficult, not saying the “wrong” thing, and keeping everything cheery (and superficial!). Particularly as presvyteres, we often think we just need to keep a smile on our faces. But, sometimes being “polite” is not what we need to do for one another. Sometimes being “real” is the Right Thing to do.
  
  As Presvyteres, we are often assigned the characteristics of empathic confidante, we often assume ministerial-type duties – either because it is a natural gift or because it is assumed (did we acquire this ability through osmosis at our husband’s ordination?) And yet, when we are truly needed to support our sister presvyteres in the faith, our “polite upbringing” may take over, causing us to do nothing for fear of doing something wrong.
  
  Perhaps the most precious ministry we can offer is to support somebody during adversity through prayer and through tangible acts and words of kindness.
  
  Here are some ideas:
• DO pray for guidance from the One who loves us perfectly. Get on your knees and pour out your heart for the person who is hurting and ask for guidance as to how to best love and nurture them.
• DO offer specific support, not general suggestions. "What can I do to help?" will rarely be met with a response, as people who are hurting often don't know what they need. But "I have an extra meatloaf. Can I bring it over on Tuesday or Wednesday?" is much better and affords you the chance to spend some time with the person.
• DO make arrangements to clean the house, take the children out, arrange for a spa visit or some form of appropriate recreation.
• DO talk about it. Bring up the subject because the person most likely wants to talk about it and if he or she doesn't, they’ll let you know directly or indirectly through their response.
• DO pick a day (e.g., the 1st of each month) and call to say, “You’re in my thoughts.”
• DO give support, but don’t judge.
• DO cry with them. Tears are a means of expressions and feelings.
• DO embrace, love and listen. Be an active listener, asking questions that encourage her to explore her emotions or experience as fully as she is able.
• DO send cards and letters with personalized messages, no matter how lovely Hallmark's printed message might be.
• DON’T offer platitudes or clichés, even if you think you’re quoting the Bible. For example, "It was God's will; everything happens for a reason" or "It'll be for the better." Rarely is death, loss or serious adversity God’s will for our lives. God is there to carry us through the adversity with His immeasurable love, with His ability to transform and heal.
• DON’T offer comparison stories. You won’t ease their pain by recounting a worse situation.
• DON’T look for ways to justify or ease the pain of what has happened. Pain, grief, anger, guilt, depression, betrayal...whatever the person is feeling is appropriate for right now... do not try to move them to some other emotional state.
• DON’T underestimate the power of prayer and our communion as one Body. Miles may separate friends, families, and our sisters in Christ, but our prayers and participation in the Eucharist bring us together as one body, united in our pain, our suffering and our hopes.
  
  Of course, different kinds of adversity require more specific suggestions, but generally, common sense and "what would I want” are excellent guiding principles.
  
  And finally, use critical events in life, even another’s life, to re-examine your own. Death, loss and the tragedies of life are acute reminders of our mortality and our own fallibilities. How can comforting another help you “get real” with your own stuff? Can it catalyze very honest conversations with your loved ones? Sometimes the truth behind Romans 8:28 (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”) is not just for those at the center of the pain, but also what happens to those around the person who is suffering; that they also may be transformed through the tragedy.
  

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  Week of August 20, 2007
  Quote of the Week
  "Neither do walls nor rich furniture make a home….millionaires in magnificent mansions may never know a home. But where there are good relationships, where love binds the family together and to God, there happiness is always to be found. For good relationships are heaven anywhere. Monotony and misery cannot exist where there is love. But the fire of love must be kept burning warmly and brightly with the sweet wood of sacrifice. In teaching us to cross the "I" out of life, our Lord tells us the secret of happiness; what the Saints call the ecstasy of self-forgetfulness. For divine love is always self-effacing, seeks to give rather than to receive, to serve rather than be served, to love rather than to be loved, and will sacrifice anything for the beloved. Only then does love become a clean and holy fire in the heart, and not an ugly flare of lust." (St. Seraphim of Sarov)
  Scripture of the Week
  "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)
  Question of the Week: What is home? Where is home?
  For many presvyteres, life is a series of establishing new homesteads, usually far from our home of origin, and often repeatedly so. What is the "thing" that makes a new community, a new parish, a new house, a new city, state or part of the country feel like "home" and bring us the peace that "home" should bring?
  Thought of the Week: Where Do You Hang Your Hat?
  One element of our lives as Presvyteres that certainly binds us together is the subtle knowledge that where we ‘hang our hat’ today may not necessarily be the place where we hang it tomorrow. For many of us, ‘moving’ is a bit of a feared word, for others the word may bring relief but for all of us, moving can be a part of our life whether we want it or not. In some ways, times have changed. Many bishops and metropolitans are more sensitive to their clergy families’ needs and do not uproot them against their will. Still, there are many instances when a clergy family must uproot and take residence in a city they may know nothing about. How do we deal with some of the anxiety surrounding moves (or even their possibility)? This is especially difficult when you really like your parish and the community in which you live. What can we as Presvyteres do? Certainly no one has all the answers, but certainly there are some thoughts on which to ponder.
• 1. Some priests consider being called upon by their Metropolitans to move as God’s immediate will, while others are more vocal in respectfully saying that they would rather remain where they are. We, as Presvyteres, may discuss these matters with our husbands.
  2. We, as clergy families, may or may not understand fully why we must leave a parish. In other cases, the reasons are more identifiable. A sit down appointment with our metropolitans as a couple could facilitate a greater understanding of the situation on both sides.
  3. Unless we are moving to a more affordable area, moving can put a big financial strain on a family that is already barely hovering above their means. This should respectfully be communicated to the Metropolitan and the new parish.
  4. Housing costs today are much greater today than in the past. If you have finally bought a home, chances are not always in your favor of finding even a comparable home. If you are moving to one of the more expensive cities, this is certainly not the case without the financial help of family or the new parish. Still, some clergy families may benefit or break even from a move, financially speaking. Either way, this is an important factor in any move.
  5. A new move may or may not bring you closer to your extended family.
  6. Moving may negatively impact our children’s lives and our own emotional/social stability. However, a timely move may also do the opposite.
  7. ‘Starting over’ can be exciting, but it also may be painful and difficult, depending upon your family’s stage in life. Certainly no one looks forward to finding new doctors, new friends, and re-establishing anew the whole family routine. These things take time and require a lot of mental, spiritual and emotional strength on our part.

  Being in the ministry, we know that our lives are not in our own hands, that we are called to serve Christ wherever that may be. We can be assured that He is with us, and keep an open hand to what may transpire in our life, as difficult as it is. We can also cultivate a relationship with our metropolitans as clergy couples and let them know how blessed we are at our present parishes and communicate with them our true feelings about possible moves. We must learn to make home wherever we find ourselves and there serve with our whole hearts our husband, our children and our parish family, knowing that in the Kingdom we will blessed a hundred-fold.

  WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU - This week, our Prez to Prez team felt that this issue may strike home with many presvyteres. We'd like your feedback to share with our sisters who are going through the transitions to new parish assignments. What has worked for you in this situation? What makes a new place feel like "home"? Your thoughts with both practical and spiritual advice for how to cope with a parish reassignments are welcome. We will compile some of your thoughts and share them in our upcoming Prez to Prez emails.

  May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

  Don't forget our 2007 National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Retreat - October 5-8, 2007 at the Mercy Retreat Center in Burlingame, California (10 minutes from the San Francisco airport) - Make arrangements today to join us!

  The deadline to return your registration forms is August 25. It is sure to be a fabulous weekend. If you need to download another copy of the registration form, it is available on the NSP website-www.nsp.goarch.org/whats_new.html

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  Week of August 13, 2007

  Quote for the Week
  Know and remember that the matter of your salvation is always near to the heart of the Theotokos, the Mother of God, for it was for this that the Son of God, by the favor of the Father and the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, chose her out of all generations and was incarnate of her in order to save the human race from sin, the curse, and the eternal death, or everlasting torment. As the matter of our salvation is near to the Savior, so likewise it is near to her. Turn to her with full faith, trust and love. (St. John of Kronstadt)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  The LORD is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.He is my God, and I will praise him,my father's God, and I will exalt him.Exodus 15:2
  
  Question of the Week
  I remember a quip delivered at a Christian conference by a speaker on the topic of salvation. He charged that if Christians truly were a joyful people, someone ought to notify our faces of the fact! How am I living out my salvation? Do I daily radiate the joy of one who has been called by God? Or, do I wear a face that emphasizes an attitude of suffering for the Kingdom?
  
  Thought of the Week: Back to Basics
  School and fall schedules are just around the corner. This is a prime time to survey our homes and schedules and to take some time to ensure helpful systems are in place to support the flurry of activity that seems to hit after Labor Day Weekend.
  
  Help your children rid their closets and drawers of worn or outgrown clothing. Remember, if YOU like it but THEY don't, it won't be worn and is just taking up valuable space! Help them do this process 2-3 times yearly. It is easier to maintain drawers and closets that aren't over packed with clothing and other stuff. (Hint: hand-me-downs are helpful ONLY if they are being worn. Keep or store only those clothes that your children SAY they would like to wear and bless others with the rest!)

  Put a handle on the daily paper deluge! A legal size filing cabinet can be very helpful. Make a file for each of your children with their name and grade on it. Throughout the year, store those papers that are special or important, and make sure their name and grade is on each one. Exceptional papers or artwork will be ready to pull out to make displays for grandparents and for other occasions. Make files for all your household needs, being sure to occasionally purge them. Also, have some current files handy for on-going projects that need to be referred to often. This will keep your desk area clutter-free.

  Take advantage of auto-bill paying. It saves time and stamp money. A handy reminder for these is to write on the top of a 3x5 card the bill name, and below make 12 entries (6 on each side) with the month and payment amount. At the end of each month, enter the amount in your checkbook and highlight the month paid on the index card. Be sure to promptly balance your checkbook each month.

  Have you ever made a master grocery list for your home? Go through your home and list EVERYTHING you buy on a regular basis. Create a 3-4 column page using headings like dairy, frozen foods, and cosmetics, and list ALL of these items. Ideally fit it on one side of a page. (Click for a sample Master Grocery List and Meal Planner.). When it is time to grocery shop, plan your menus for the week (with flexibility), print the master grocery list, and go through each column, placing a circle next to those items that you need to buy. This takes time, but is well worth it. As you shop, fill in the circle next to the items you obtain. This process saves time spent going to the grocery store, saves money as you shop with a list in your hand, and saves the headache of running out of items at home that you forgot you needed. Your initial grocery bill will be very large, but as you begin to be more properly stocked with needed items at home, you will begin saving money and developing a clear idea of what items you really NEED to run your home smoothly.

  Be routine! Organize your life such that you accomplish what you need to do daily. Make sure you pray, that you know what is for dinner, that you throw a load of laundry on, and that you and your family perpetually pick up after them selves. Do not forge ahead if you have not accomplished these things. Daily maintenance is much easier than weekly or monthly overhauls.

  Enjoy your life and each member of your precious family!
  
  Don't forget our 2007 National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Retreat - October 5-8, 2007 at the Mercy Retreat Center in Burlingame, California (10 minutes from the San Francisco airport) - Make arrangements today to join us! The deadline to return your registration forms isAugust 25! It is sure to be a very special weekend. If you need to download another copy of the registration form, it is available on the NSP website, www.nsp.goarch.org/whats_new.html.
  

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  Week of August 6, 2007

  Quote of the Week
  When you are about to pray to our Theotokos, be firmly assured that you will not depart from her without mercy. It is proper and right so to think, so to have confidence in her. She is the all-merciful Mother of God, and her merciful gifts, incalculably great, innumerable, have been declared from all ages by the Church. (St. John of Kronstadt)
  
  Scripture of the Week
  "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence." (1 John 3:19)
  
  Question of the Week
  The verses of the Paraklesis touch each of us in different ways at different points in our lives. Which verse(s) strike(s) you most meaningfully this year? What is it that makes it so profound?
  
  Thought of the Week: On the Dormition Fast
  How do we nurture within our lives a relationship with the Mother of God? Many of us may not have grown up with the vision of a Yiayia who whispered her name as a matter of course throughout the day. Some women seem to cling to her, while for others it takes a great deal more effort. One way to help build our relationship with her, in this season of barbequed hamburgers and ribs, is to honor the fast to the best of our ability. Let our kids see us fast willingly, without grumbling. Let us teach them that we will be happy to see Panayia in church each evening at Paraklesis, having honored her by fasting throughout the day. Our Archbishop once quoted a Polish woman who said “…vork (work) never kills!” The same is true with fasting. It isn’t always pleasant, but it certainly does not harm us, but rather, helps us (especially if we take a little extra calcium!). Let us dive into some of our finest vegetarian cookbooks and make this fast a surprisingly pleasant occasion. Salt makes any veggie a delicacy! Let us put in the forefront of our minds why we are fasting (self-denial that we may be filled with the grace of God) and consider that, in the future, the skill of self-denial will aid our children in numerous ways. And remember this: next to Christ, nobody knows self-denial better than the Theotokos herself.
  
  Don't forget our 2007 National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Retreat - October 5-8, 2007 at the Mercy Retreat Center in Burlingame, California (10 minutes from the San Francisco airport) - Make arrangements to come!

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  Week of July 30, 2007

  Quote for the Week
  My child, if you want to live amongst people, you must watch the following: do not criticize anyone at all; do not ridicule anyone; do not become angry; do not despise anyone. Be very careful not to say 'so-and-so lives virtuously,' or 'so-and-so lives immorally,' because this is exactly what 'judge not' means. Look at everyone in the same way, with the same disposition, the same thought, with a simple heart. Accept them as you would accept Christ. Don't open your ears to a person who judges. (Stories, Sermons and Prayers of St. Nephon: An Ascetic Bishop)
  
  Scripture for the Week
  “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
  
  Question of the Week
  As clergy, many of us find ourselves the guardians of far more information about parishioners than what we would sometimes prefer. It is hard sometimes to constantly be taken into people’s confidences and remain neutral and loving. Do I make the conscious effort to accept each person as I would accept Christ? What do I do to keep myself in check? Is it working?
  
  Thought for the Week: On Stress
  Stress: the malady of our age. What causes it, and what can we, as Christian women, do to avoid it? Firstly, we must recognize that some stress is healthy and normal. When a child falls, the stress we feel propels us to respond quickly to an urgent situation. The stress we feel when we are put on the spot in public helps us to think carefully before responding. But the ‘stress that makes you a mess,’ now that stress has to be dealt with. How? Here are a few helpful ways.

  • Live within your means. Out of control budgets bring anxiety into our lives. Trust God for your basic needs.
  • Live simply. Pare down. Stick to the basics.
  • Be a disciplined person (think: Disciple).
  • Slow down. If you are constantly rushing, you are doing too much.
  • Do things you enjoy. They are God-given, calm us, and bring us joy.
  • Pray daily. Even if you don’t feel like it. God rewards our efforts.
  • Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it. It will aid in your struggle against sin and remind those around you that you love them.
  • Eat healthily. Get a good night’s sleep (7 hours).
  • Exercise regularly. It defeats depression, balances mood swings, and clears our minds (and our arteries!).
  • Get outside everyday. Garden. Admire others’ gardens. God’s green earth is food for the eyes and water for the soul.
  • Remember God’s promises. Have Godly thoughts. Live a Heaven- bound life.
  • Practice the faith. Worship with your whole heart. Prepare weekly for Holy Communion.
  • When you fail at these things, pick yourself up by the scruff of the neck and continue practicing these things!

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    Week of July 23, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    “From the beginning, set out with prayer on the path of salvation, and then you will become a Christian; a meek, silent example, attracting others to this path.” (St. Anatoly of Optina)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
    
    Question of the Week
    Meek? Silent? Whoa! For many of us, “meek” and “silent” would not be the top descriptors when it comes to presvyteres. Where am I in the midst of St. Anatoly’s quote above? How do I feel about this?
    
    Thought for the Week: Lighten Up!
    There are many good reasons and varying ways in which we can all ‘lighten up’ a bit. The basic premise is this: We are all on the ‘Trip of Life’ and it is most helpful if we are carrying only that which is helpful and necessary for our salvation and our abundant life in Christ. Let’s start with attitude. Are we cheerful? Do we look at challenges as defeats or opportunities? Are we hopeful? Do we remember daily that our Lord desires for us the joy and love that He lives each day? Are we thankful? Even when circumstances are difficult, does the Lord see in us a grateful heart, looking for the good in each situation? Are we faithful? Do we daily live the precious faith that has been handed down to us at great cost and personal sacrifice? Let’s move to scheduling. Are we doing, or trying to do, too much? Are we disciplined with our time, choosing only those activities and responsibilities that aid us, and our families, toward a healthy life of love, joy and salvation? Are we putting God first in our life? Are we making time for relationship building? Now let’s think about our physical surroundings, including our bodies. Do we need to lighten up here, too? Are we systematically doing something about it? Do we feel free to be propelled through space, or does our weight or our possessions tie us down? There is great freedom in living as lightly and simply as possible. God gave us this magnificent world to aid us in our journey to grow closer to Him and thus each other. Let us ‘lighten our load’ that we may be free to serve Him, and each other, and enjoy the few blessed years we each have on this small earth He created just for us.

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    Week of July 9, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    “Cheerfulness consists in not regarding these things as our own, but as entrusted to us by God for the benefit of our fellow-servants. It consists in scattering them abroad generously with joy and magnanimity, not reluctantly or under compulsion, (II Cor.9:7). Further, we ought cheerfully to empty ourselves of that which we stored up in the hope of the true promise God has made to us of giving us a hundredfold reward for this. For since God knows that we are all wholly possessed by the lust for possessions and mad desire for wealth and how difficult it is for us to tear ourselves loose from them, and how those who in various ways have been deprived of them despair of life itself, He has made use of the corre sponding remedy. St. Symeon the New Theologian (10th century)
    
    Scripture of the Week
    "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
    
    “ Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
    
    Question of the Week
    I love the concept of finding cheerfulness in letting go and “traveling light”. Over and over we hear how “clutter” weighs down the spirit, and St. Symeon (see above) seems to echo this message. Are there possessions that have become my “clutter”? We all know the things I mean: those things that pull down, bury, or suffocate. Am I willing to release them to travel a little lighter in my life? What’s holding me back from experiencing the joy God will give in exchange for them?
    
    Thought for the Week: You Are What You Eat
    Years ago, we were taught in school that, “You Are What You Eat.” This makes intrinsic sense. After all, we are the sum of our decisions, and we decide what we put in our mouths each day of our lives. We know how important it is for us as Christian women to live at our optimal weight, not only to feel and look our best, but to be as effective as possible as wives, mothers and whatever else it is we do (or want to do.)
    
    Keeping this saying in mind, try this little activity: Take a good, hard look at your body (in your undergarments) in front of a full-length mirror. What do you see? Are you pleased? Disappointed? Thankful? Discouraged? Now throw on a robe and go take a good, hard look at your kitchen pantry. Is it filled with wholesome, whole grain snacks? Healthy nuts? Quality cooking ingredients? Or is it filled with sugary, processed, and fattening foods? Refined flours? Boxes with too many ingredients on the side panel? Now, take a look at your refrigerator. Is it filled with lean meats and cheeses? Colorful, fresh fruits and veggies? Healthy leftovers? A few condiments? Or is it filled with soda (even diet drinks are not healthy!), processed meats and cheeses? Wilted produce? Budding chemistry experiments? You Are What You Eat! What are you eating? Take a few minutes and throw away anything that isn’t healthier than cardboard or that you don’t want to wear on your hips. Yes, toss it! If it isn’t healthy, it is hurting you. You saw the mirror! Be brave! Now, organize your cupboard and refrigerator by food groups. Toss, clean and make it inviting! Showcase the food you want you and your family to eat. It is good to eat, so long as you are making good food choices! Finally, vow to increase your fruit, vegetable, legume, lean meats, natural dairy and whole grain consumption. Refuse to buy anything with ingredie nts you can’t pronounce, or that does not naturally fall into one of these major food groups. Add a little daily exercise, and the results may surprise you!
    
    "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
    

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    Week of July 2, 2007
    Quote of Week
    You find no difficulty in washing your clothes; how much easier is it for the Lord to cleanse you from every stain, although you are bound to be tempted every day. When you say to the Lord, 'I have sinned,' He answers, 'Your sins are forgiven you; I am He who wipes them out and I will remember them no more,' (Matt 9:2; Is 43:25); 'as far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your sins from you; and as a father shows compassion to his sons, so will I show compassion to you,' (cf. Ps. 103:12-13). St. John of Karpathos
    
    Scripture of the Week
    “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
    
    Question of the Week
    “As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your sins from you; and as a father shows compassion to his sons, so will I show compassion to you.” Is this something I completely embrace? Or, are there those sins for which, though confessed, I have not yet forgiven myself? What will it take for me to finally show myself the compassion the Lord so freely gives?
    
    Thought for the Week: On Forgiveness
    Why do we, at times, find it difficult to accept the Lord’s forgiveness? Do we believe with our whole heart that He died on the cross for our sins? Do we want His death and suffering to have been in vain? That is what we say with our actions when we don’t accept the Lord’s forgiveness. And why don’t we accept His forgiveness? Often times it is our pride. “How could I have done such and such, how could I have made such a big mistake?” The greatest illustration of the Lord’s forgiveness in the Gospels involves Saint Peter. Not once, not twice, but three times He denied the Lord. And Jesus proved His forgiveness for this action in two ways. First, when He rose from the dead, He made it a point to say to the women, “…tell the disciples and Peter.” (Mark 16:7) He knew Peter was tormented by His sin, much like we are tormented by our sins and shortcomings. The Lord wanted him to know that He forgave him and loved him. Secondly, He later confronted Peter and asked him three times if he loved Him, one for each time that Peter denied Him. Peter trustingly gave the best answer he could each time. “Yes, I love you, Lord.” “Yes, I love you, Lord.” “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” (John 21:15-17) And Jesus made Peter one of the greatest shepherds of all time. Peter lived and witnessed miracles with our Lord and still He needed His forgiveness. How much more are we bound to sin against our Lord, but do we, like Peter, weep bitterly when we do? This is the great example of Peter. Let us humble our selves and weep for our sins. Let us ask our Lord’s forgiveness and proclaim our love for Him. And let us show by our repentance that we believe He has forgiven us. For “…as far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your sins from you; and as a father shows compassion to his sons, so will I show compassion to you.” (Psalm 103)
    
    Words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty
    "Give me your tired, your poor,
    Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
    The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
    Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
    I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
    - Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus." inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, 1886.
    
    May you have a safe and joyous 4th of July

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    Week of June 25, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    “As to those who are good and kind but are not believers, we cannot and must not judge them. The ways of the Lord are inscrutable; let us leave these good people entirely to His judgment and to the grace of His Providence. He alone knows how and why He has built the argosy of humanity, and the small boat of each one of us, such as it is.: (St. Marcarios of Optina)
    Scripture of the Week
    “Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.” (Daniel 7:27)
    Question of the Week
    There seems to be a generalized belief among Christians that non-believers are such because they have chosen to reject Christ. On the contrary, many non-believers are such because they have never truly been introduced to the gospel story…it is not so much a rejection than a complete ignorance of the choices available. Which of these perspectives do I hold? How does it influence my interaction with non-believers?
    Thought for the Week: On Judging our Neighbor
    We live in a very complex and complicated world. Daily, we come face to face with people, ideas, and values with which we disagree, or with which we only partly agree. This is ‘living in the world, but not being of it,’ and it is a painful, but necessary working out of our beliefs and of our own salvation. It trains us to cling to the teachings of our faith and to appreciate the truth of our rich tradition as Orthodox Christians.
    What is to become of the fine and kind people around us who don’t, at least outwardly, profess Christ? The good thing is, we are free from making such judgments. St. Paul says, we can’t even judge ourselves (1 Cor. 4), and our Lord teaches us not to judge, lest we be judged (Matthew 7). We are charged not to judge on this level, and we are the better for it. Who can know the heart of a man except God alone? The beauty of Orthodoxy lies here: we do not, and cannot know the outcome of any man’s life, except through the grace of God revealed to us through their acquired holiness. All people have within them the possibility for choosing God until their last breath. Thus, we CAN make a difference in people’s lives. This ought to elevate our desire to love and encourage all people, to treat them with the greatest respect and love, and to live the Gospel through our actions. If even we, unworthy sinners, can make a difference in our neighbor’s salvation, we know truly that God has become a man and that He has made His dwelling place in us.
    May you enjoy the warm days of summer!

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    Week of June 18, 2007
    We write you all with deep sadness with the news of the passing of our beloved Presvytera Sophronia Tomaras. She had a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. All who knew Presvytera Sophronia will remember her warm embrace, humor and keen intellect. In the Pacific Northwest she was deeply loved and respected by all. "Everlasting be her memory!"
    
    Words of sympathy can be sent to the Fr. Anthony Tomaras, Presvytera Irene & Fr. Stephen Supica and Charlie Tomaras as the family home at 10024 Kopachuck Dr. N.W., Gig Habor, WA 98335.
    
    Quote for the Week
    One must try at all costs to keep spiritual peace and not be disturbed by insults, but bear them with equanimity, as if they do not relate to you. Such an exercise will give our heart peace and make it a dwelling for the Holy Spirit. (St. Seraphim of Sarov)
    
    Scripture of the Week
    "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." (Phillipians 3:14-17)
    
    Question of the Week: A reflection on the recent celebration of Fathers Day
    It has often been said that our perspective of God is shaped by our perceptions of our own fathers and/or father figures. How has your image of God as Father been shaped by the fathers in your life? Do you preach one image of God for everyone else, but uphold a completely different image when it comes down to your own personal relationship with Him?
    
    Thought for the Week: Taking Time to Stop
    I noticed a quote on a bumper sticker which read "Plenty of people miss their share of happiness not because they never found it, but because they never stopped to enjoy it." How true! Often times we find ourselves pressed for time, racing through life without taking time to stop and enjoy it. In January, The Washington Post did an interesting "subway experiment" inviting world famous violinist Joshua Bell to stand in the corner of one of Washington D.C.'s busiest subway stops in L'Enfant Plaza and play his violin. Over a thousand people passed by on their way to work not stopping to notice the brilliant playing of this virtuoso violinist (whom people pay over $100 a ticket to hear perform in concert halls around the world.) Hard to believe, only one woman stopped for a period of time to enjoy the music of this brilliant violinist. How easy it is to pass by life without taking time to stop. Our loving Lord awaits - let us stop in prayer. Our family and friends need our attention and time. Let us be mindful of how we spend our days and how we cherish moments. As we enjoy the long nights of summer, let us stop to notice the beautiful things around us - taking time to stop
    If you'd like to read the article or see video of Joshua Bell's Subway Experience click on the link below:
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

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    Week of June 11, 2007
    Quote for the Week:
    “If you want to suppress sorrow with a gloomy frame of mind, then embrace good-naturedness and array yourself in joy without anger.” (St. Nil of Sinai)
    
    Scripture of the Week
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
    
    Question of the Week
    What is my greatest sorrow? What is my greatest joy? To which do I give the greater power and influence in my life?
    
    Thought for the Week: ‘Kalo Na Pas’ (‘Go with the good’) —A favorite saying of Greek Yiayiathes
    Perhaps one of the greatest challenges to humanity in this life is to see good where no good seems apparent. As Christians we are called to goodness and joy, and like the kingdom, it must be taken by force. In other words, God doesn’t take us kicking and screaming to heaven, nor does he force us to be joyful and take delight in His good earth and all of creation. This is something he leaves in our court, and we must pick up that ball and run with it. How? We must look for the good if we are to ‘go with it.’ Goodness is all around us, yet we must search for it, find it and cherish it. We can start with our neighbor. That man who just cut you off on the road has a soul and is made in the image of God. Yes, he put your life in danger, but he is also putting his own life in danger. Whisper a prayer, not a curse. Your teenager’s room is a mess, but you notice that she is being very responsible with her homework. Mention it to her. The person who is bagging up your groceries is pierced in several prominent places and is darkened with tattoos, dyes, and black clothing. Smile, wish him a pleasant day, and pray for God’s blessings on his life. The news is bad, the water is dirty, and the food is contaminated. Yet we all, amazingly, have food, clothing and shelter, and are healthy. We are living longer than ever before. We can worship our God in our Churches, do our cross in public, and place our votes without fear. We can choose how to spend our time, how to spend our dollars, and how to use our talents. Everyday, we can choose to ‘go with the good’, with Christ Himself and his holy Mother and all the Saints. We can go anywhere with a smile on our lips and a prayer in our heart.
    
    "He who seeks good finds goodwill" (Proverbs 11:27)
    

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    Week of June 4, 2007
    Quotes for the Week
    Quote for the Week
    Whoever lives in the past is as if dead. Whoever lives in the future in his fantasy (or imagination) is naive, because the future belongs only to God. The Joy of Christ is found only in the present, in the Eternal Present of God. Mother Gabriella, The Ascetic of Love
    
    Scripture for the Week
    “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
    
    Question of the Week
    Is there something from my past that I continually allow to pull me down? Is there some humiliation, oversight, or tragedy that still wields control over me? Or, do I tend to constantly gird myself for events that will most likely never occur? Do I allow myself to worry and fret over mere conjecture? Have I talked with my Spiritual Father about putting these things away in order to embrace God’s plans for the present?
    
    Thought for the Week: On Busyness and Intimacy
    We live in a society that pushes the limits when it comes to overextending oneself. Some of this is due to the technology that enables us to travel across town in a matter of minutes, to talk to people at any time or place, to write at the speed of light, to research information on any subject with the push of a button, and to buy groceries without the help of a single person. We take all of this for granted, and for the most part, technology is ‘neutral’ morally, yet it enables us to do more, more, more. With wisdom and discernment, we can certainly use technology to our advantage, but it takes discipline and a strong mind to make it work for us and not the other way around. Activities are another limit pusher. We can commit to so many things that we find ourselves more in our cars than in our homes. This can be a stressful way to live. Our homes also require a great deal of attention and time. Carving out time to maintain our homes and create a peaceful home life is difficult in a culture that emphasizes, go, go, go. What is the price to be paid for all of this hustle and bustle? Often times it is the most precious commodity: our relationships. Children’s questions become annoyances, getting out of the house on time becomes the goal, throwing the house together for company becomes the modus operende, and reading and playing give way to television and self absorbing activities. And what of intimacy with our husbands? Time with friends? It can become one more thing “to do.” In our ever-changing society, we would be wise to step out often and look at our lives from the outside. How can we savor time more as a family? How can we increase the quality of time spent with our husbands? How can I enjoy the NOW that God has gifted me today? May we beseech the Saints and our Guardian Angel to ‘order our lives aright,’ and to make the most of each day.
    
    "Tomorrow’s a Mystery, Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”

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    Week of May 28, 2007
    Quotes for the Week
    Live in constant glorification of, and thanksgiving toward, God; for the greatest sin is ingratitude, and the worst sinner is the ungrateful person. Elder Paisios the Athonite
    
    Scripture for the Week
    “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1)
    
    “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
    
    Question of the Week
    “So, what do you do for fun?” I was asked this question last week, and it literally stopped me in my tracks. It was a fairly simple and innocuous question, but I had only stone silence for my response. I managed to stumble through something that sounded coherent, but the question continued to nag at the back of my mind. Had I gotten so caught up in the busy-ness of plowing through my daily to-do list that I had failed to allow for any form of enjoyable downtime? I have a ton of things that I do because I simply think those are the things I’m “supposed” to be doing… would God consider me a wise steward of my time based on the way I was portioning it out? And so, I am passing this simple question along for each of us to consider: “What do you do for fun?” Hopefully, many will have a much quicker and ready response to this question than I.
    Thought for the Week: An Attitude of Gratitude
    The longer we live, the more we realize how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. Yes, our homes will never be the spotless, showcase spaces we see in the magazines, and yes, our children are not perfect, and yes, we sometimes fall into the same pattern of sin we had hoped we had abandoned years ago, but the truth is this: everyday we wake to a new morning with new possibilities and new opportunities for more loving, more caring, a little better perspective and certainly more growing. What a fallacy that learning is for the young. Sure, their little minds are more porous than ours, but certainly there is room in our aging brains for new pathways, new outlooks and new hope. As each day comes and goes, we ought to cling with thankfulness to God for the precious time He has allotted each of us. A wise friend once said in passing, “Garbage day saddens me, because it means one more week of my life has passed.” Every day, every hour, every minute is precious precisely because it is a gift to us from our Lord to be cherished, to be a steward over, and to be thankful for. As we enter the more carefree, summer days, may we continue with thankful hearts to glorify God each waking hour.
    Prayer for the Week
    Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who are everywhere present and filling all things. Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell among us. Cleanse us of every sin and save our souls, O Gracious Lord.
    Our prayers are with our beloved sister Presvytera Sophronia Tomaras who is in her final weeks on earth - struggling with lung cancer. We also pray for her daughter, our sister presvytera - Pres. Irene Supica and Fr. Stephen as well as Fr. Anthony and Charlie Tomaras.

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    Week of May 21, 2007
    Quotes for the Week
    “Do not forget prayer—it is the life of the soul.” (St. Nikon of Optina)
    
    "The Elder taught that the basic element of the spiritual life in Christ, the great mystery of our faith, is unity in Christ. It is that sense of identifying with our brother, of carrying the burdens of one another, of living for others as we live for ourselves, of saying "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon ME" and for that "ME" to contain and to become for ourselves the pain and the problems of the other, of suffering like they suffer, of rejoicing like they rejoice, their fall becoming our fall and their getting up again becoming our getting up again." (Elder Porphyrios)
    
    Scripture of the Week
    “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11)
    
    Question for the Week
    What is my gift? Am I being a faithful steward of that gift, or have I allowed outside distractions and pressures to diminish my use of those gifts? Are there changes I need to make in order to utilize this gift as God intended? (If you have not yet discovered the gift God has given you, or if you believe that you truly have no gift, please seek out the wisdom of a trusted father confessor or spiritual father…do not become discouraged in this, but persist in seeking it out…share this struggle with your spouse and pray about it together).
    
    Thought for the Week: Praying for our Husbands
    There is no more important person to pray for in our lives than our blessed husband. Yes, we should pray for our children. Yes, we should pray for our friends, and family and the world. But the one with whom we are yoked…physically, emotionally, and spiritually, HE is worthy of our prayers. Most of us do this naturally: during his sermons, as he teaches a Bible Study, when he’s out at a late night meeting. Our husbands need our prayers and good wishes and support and encouragement. Yes, they NEED these things. Do not underestimate the power of YOUR prayers and support. Sometimes we mistakenly think that our husbands, by virtue of being priests, DON’T need our extra efforts, our compliments, or our encouragement. But the truth be told, there is no one’s opinions that matter to them as much as ours do, so long as we are keeping the 5:1 ratio!!! (Five times as many positive actions/comments/etc. as negative). There is a beautiful passage/image to dwell upon when praying for our husband’s ministry:
    
    How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133:1-3)
    
    May we be that "oil" in their life, may they feel that unity with us, their blessed spouse, and may they experience, more than anything else, our unfailing prayers, love and support.
    
    Prayer for the Week: A PRAYER FOR THE PRIESTHOOD
    O Lord Jesus Christ, enkindle the hearts of all Your Priests with the fire of zealous love for You, that they may ever seek Your glory; Give them strength that they may labor unceasingly in Your earthly vineyard for the salvation of our souls and the glory of Your all-honorable and majestic name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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    Week of May 14, 2007
    "CHRIST IS RISEN!"
    Quote for the Week
    “We, traveling on the journey of this life and calling on God to help us, ought to be divesting ourselves of this hideous garment and clothing ourselves in new desires, in a new love of the age to come, and thereby to receive knowledge of how near or how far we are from our heavenly homeland. But it is not possible to do this quickly; rather one must follow the example of sick people, who, wishing the desired health, do not leave off seeking means to cure themselves.” (Saint Herman of Alaska)
    Scripture of the Week
    “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)
    
    Question for the Week
    When I was in college, I received a copy of Hind's Feet in High Places by Hanna Hurnard, a beautiful allegorical tale of the Christian walk that follows the story of a young crippled girl named Much Afraid who journeys up the mountain with the Shepherd in order to attain the High Places where she will be delivered from her disability and receive a new name. Along the way, she encounters spiritual challenges which she must overcome in order to reach her goal. As I contemplate the words of St. Herman, am I willing to trust the Shepherd as He leads me to places that I humanly see as unattainable?
    
    Thought for the Week
    As we say our last “Christ is Risen,” for the season, it is worthy to reflect on the way the Lord’s resurrection has and is affecting our lives. God truly fulfilled His promises to the Church that He would ‘not leave us as orphans,’ but that He would ‘send His Holy Spirit to guide us unto all truth.’ One of the most beautiful legacies He left us that proves His love for us is the ecclesiastical calendar that reminds us time and time again of His savings acts of grace and mercy for us, His children. Let us make the most of each festal season as it comes and goes, using them as a spring board to delve deeper and deeper into our faith and to grow more assured each year of His abounding love and kindness towards us, His sons and daughters. May we, with joy, live the truth of the resurrection in our hearts and in our lives that those around us may know “…how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
    
    May you have a wonderful week.
    
    Please continue to pray for our beloved sister Presvytera Sophronia Tomaras who is currently undergoing lung cancer treatment. If you would like to write her a word of encouragement, her address is: 10024 Kopachuck Drive NW., Gig Harbor, WA 98335-5997

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    Week of May 7, 2007
    "CHRIST IS RISEN!" "CHRISTOS ANESTI!"
    
    Quote for the Week
    “My children, always remember Jesus so that in all your weaknesses you may find the appropriate medicine. Are you in pain? By calling on Jesus you will find relief and enlightenment. Are you in affliction? Call on Jesus and behold, consolation will dawn in the realm of your heart. Are you overcome by discouragement? Do not neglect to set your hopes on Jesus, and your soul will be filled with courage and strength. Are you bothered by carnal thoughts that allure you to sensual pleasure? Take the consuming fire of the name of Jesus and set fire to the tares. Are you oppressed by some worldly affair? Say: "Enlighten me, my Jesus, how to deal with the matter which lies before me. Work it out in accordance with Thy holy will." And behold, you will be at peace and will walk with hope.
    In all and through all, set the name of Jesus as a foundation, support, adornment, and protection, and do not be afraid of the enemies. But when you go through anything without Jesus, then you should be afraid. Without medication do not expect to be healed---putrefaction will be the result. Make an effort in the prayer, my child, and then you will experience enormous benefit and refreshment and repose of soul.” (Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain [Athos])
    
    Scripture of the Week
    "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:33-35
    
    Question for the Week
    In construction, the "foundation" must be put into place before the rest of the house, and it must be substantial enough to carry the load of the entire structure. The "supports" are the framework of the house rising up from the foundation. They are responsible for transferring the loads down to the foundation and provide a place for the skin of the house to be attached. The "adornment" equates with the interior design element of the house…it should be a reflection of the personality of the occupant. The "protection" is the alarm system installed to keep the contents of the house safe. Elder Ephraim uses this construction analogy to exhort us to place Jesus in each of these elements of our lives. If my life were viewed as a structure, would an onlooker see Jesus in each of these elements? How do I feel about my answer?
    
    Thought for the Week: On the “Emptying Nest”
    There is nothing like a child “leaving the nest” to put you in a tailspin and fill you with self-doubt and regret. How many mothers around us said, “Enjoy your children and motherhood, it passes so quickly!” This is certainly true…if only we could see that throughout these busy, sometimes arduous, days filled with activity, chores, and commitments. Try as best you can to take a deep breath, find your bearings, and really ENJOY each and every day God has given to you and your family. Say “no” more to others, and “yes” more to your children! Smell their warm necks, cuddle their warm bodies, and be playful and fun. Still “mother” them, hold them to their responsibilities, and certainly help them develop self-discipline, but smile a ton, laugh a lot, and remember, IT DOESN’T LAST FORVEVER!!
    As we reach this point of mid-pentecost -let us continue to joyfully proclaim: "CHRIST IS RISEN!" "CHRISTOS ANESTI!"
    
    

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    Week of April 30, 2007
    "CHRIST IS RISEN!" "CHRISTOS ANESTI!"
    
    Quotes of the Week
    “As darkness disappears with the appearance of light, so does all sadness and anger disappear from the fragrance of humility.” (St. John of the Ladder)
    
    Scripture of the Week
    “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:13-18)
    
    Question for the Week
    What are my ambitions? What drives these ambitions? What is my attitude toward others who have already achieved what I have yet to realize in my own life?
    
    Thought for the Week: On Backward Vision
    As persons in general, and as Christians in particular, we have been afforded the great ability of being able to envision our life from the opposite end (remembrance of death). In other words, we can imagine the point of our death, and look backwards at what our life may, or may not, have been and make changes according to that ‘backward vision.’ This is a great opportunity offered to us through our mental capacities by the Lord and a great aid in repenting of our sins. If we allow it to, it can spare us from much pain and suffering in our life and help us be filled and fill others with the love and affection we all desire. How so? As we progress through life, we allow passions to be formed in us (“From the years of my youth many passions combat me…” Matins Service). These set the stage for unhealthy and sinful ‘default’ behaviors to become our modus operandi and are as hard to remove as a pole set in concrete.
    
    It is only through the blessed and grace-filled sacraments of Holy Confession and Holy Communion, prayer, our will, and that backward vision of meeting the Lord and not wanting to be ashamed of our life that can aid us in our struggle to overcome and be victorious over the gripping and lingering sin in our life. May we use this blessed gift to repent and allow the Lord victory in our life over all that falls short of His Glory, His Might, and His Love. Christos Anesti!
    
    Let us continue to proclaim the joyous message of the resurrection - "CHRIST IS RISEN!" "TRULY, HE HAS RISEN!"
    
    Looking for a new terrific Saturday morning breakfast idea?
    
    Prez's Banana Filled French Toast
    This is the best recipe...and quite easy. All you need to start is a loaf of purchased french bread...unsliced. (a few days old is just fine!) Slice the bread into pockets. Don’t use the ends. Start slicing the first slice all the way through the loaf, the second only 3/4 of the way (to make a place to stuff your bananas) through, the third all the way through and so on. This makes a slice that is hinged.
    
    The rest of your ingredients are:
    1 loaf of bread (mentioned above)
    2 bananas, not overripe
    1/4 cup brown sugar
    1/4 cup pecans (can be omitted for picky PK's)”
    3 large eggs
    3/4 cup milk
    1/2 tsp vanilla
    1/4 cup unsalted butter
    
    Slice the bread as we discussed above, with each slice being about 1/2 inch (1 inch total). Peel and slice your bananas. Lay the bananas in the pocket, and sprinkle brown sugar/nut mixture on top. Mix together your eggs, milk, and vanilla. Dip each french toast piece into egg mixture and place into skillet with melted butter. Fry until brown. Add more butter if it runs low. Keep warm in oven if you are cooking for a crowd.
    
    Enjoy these wonderful banana toasts with powdered sugar, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, maple syrup, or even whipped cream.
    

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    Week of April 23, 2007
    "CHRIST IS RISEN!"
    
    Quote for the Week
    "If you wish that God should speedily give you hearty faith in prayer, strive with all your heart to speak and to do everything in regard to other people sincerely, and never be deceitful in your dealings with them. If you are straightforward and truthful with others, then God will give you straightforwardness and sincere faith also in reference to Himself." (St. John of Kronstadt)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10)
    
    Question of the Week
    How truthful am I? Am I sincere in what I say? Have I allowed the seemingly innocuous (but deadly) white lie a foothold in my daily exchanges? How do I feel about my answer? Is there any action I need to take?
    
    Thought for the Week: On Truth - “To thine own self be true…” (Hamlet)
    Being a truthful and truth-filled person in a society overflowing with half-truths is no easy endeavor. Daily we encounter ideas, philosophies, and beliefs that embody not the truth, but only a portion of it, and it can lead to confusion (and exhaustion) as we strive to live and perpetuate the truth of our faith in our own lives and the lives of those we love, and when possible, to the world around us. The Lord told us it would be difficult, “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3) The inner conflict that we bear is evidence of the difficulty of such a life. One saint wrote to the effect that in the last days, to cross oneself would be an equal feat to St. Anthony living in the desert. So is it in our times, when God is forgotten, and, as Mother Rafaela writes, “we live like atheists.” Prayer is our greatest ally and brings peace to a mind and heart which daily must with vigilance and great attentiveness examine and encounter a culture opposed to its own. The Lord knows our struggles and the inner martyrdom that we suffer as we try to practice His commandments in a society that has seemingly forgotten them. May the joy of our Resurrected Lord fill us with new life and strength to “fight the good fight,” and thus receive the imperishable crown together with all His glorious and faithful saints and enter His Kingdom of truth, and peace and love. Christ is Risen!
    
    Let us continue to celebrate the resurrection of Christ with faith and love.
    

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    Week of April 16, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    “Divine compassion brought it about in a wonderful way that when the doubting disciple touched the wounds in his Master's body, he cured the wounds of our unbelief. Thomas' unbelief was of more advantage to our faith than the faith of the believing disciples because when he was led back to faith by touching Jesus, our minds were relieved of all doubt and made firm in faith. And so after His resurrection Jesus allowed His disciples to doubt. But He did not desert him in his doubt. It is much the same as when before His birth He desired that Mary have a husband, who had not yet married her. The disciple who doubted and touched became a witness to the truth of the resurrection in just the same way as the husband of His mother had been the guardian of her perfect virginity.” (St. Gregory the Great)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    “After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3)
    
    Question of the Week
    I observe the absolute miraculous when I behold Christ’s birth and resurrection. When someone needs a miracle, I can muster faith that would move mountains believing that God can provide what is needed. Yet within my own circumstances, my earthbound intellect sometimes overrules my faith and causes me to doubt that God would perform the miraculous within my own life, my own family, my own marriage. Do I truly believe that nothing is impossible with God? Is it something I accept without limitation, or do I subconsciously put constraints on what miracles God can perform when it comes to my own life?
    
    Movie recommendation on this theme: “Facing the Giants” (now available on DVD) is a wonderful choice for a family movie night and is sure to spark some profound discussion.
    
    Thought for the Week
    We are very blessed as Orthodox, as we have many pre-ordained opportunities/seasons for renewal throughout the year. Pascha, is of course the crowning of these opportunities. Having spent a good deal of time fasting, praying, worshiping, and in many ways turning our normal schedules ‘upside-down,’ we receive the chance to make a ‘fresh start’ in our life. Sure, we all want to get back to our ‘normal routines,’ but if we only do that, we have not profited from the very purpose Great Lent is supposed to achieve in us. Thus, this is a wonderful time to take inventory and re-vamp our lives a bit. Remember, even small movements in the rutter of the ship can change its course, and so it goes in our life. A few small changes can have a big ripple effect on our own personal growth and thus on all those whose lives we daily effect.
    
    Here are a few areas to consider:
    1. Am I a good steward of the time God gives me each day?
    2. Do I (and my family) watch too much television and videos?
    3. Do we all read enough meaningful books?
    4. Do we pray as regularly as we ought?
    5. Do we prepare for Holy Communion each time it is offered?
    6. Do we attend church services joyfully?
    
    May we, this Paschal Season, carry the flame of Christ in our hearts and live the love and joy that we received from Him…the crucified and resurrected Savior of our souls. Christ is Risen!
    
    May we continue to joyfully proclaim: "CHRIST IS RISEN!" "CHRISTOS ANESTI!"
    

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    Week of April 9, 2007
    Quotes for the Week
    “Today the Angels leap with joy and all of the Heavenly Powers rejoice, elated because of the salvation of mankind. If because of the repentance of a single person there is joy in Heaven and earth, more so is this true because of the salvation of the world. Today did Christ liberate the nature of man from the tyranny of the devil and restored it to its previous nobility.
    Were there not the Resurrection, then how could the truth of God have been preserved, when so many evil people flourish and so many good ones suffer and end their lives in suffering? Where do all of these people receive their just reward, if there is no Resurrection?” (St. John Chrysostom)
    “We were created for eternal life by our Creator, we are called to it by the word of God, and we are renewed by holy Baptism. And Christ the Son of God came into the world for this, that He should call us and take us there, and He is the one thing needful. For this reason your very first endeavor and care should be to receive it. Without it everything is as nothing, though you have the whole world under you.” (Abba Epiphanios)
    Scripture for the Week
    “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2: 4-7
    Question of the Week
    So many of us spend the bulk of our days focused on others – perpetually giving, but rarely finding the time and/or opportunity to receive. How do I feel when I contemplate the above Scripture reading and consider what it would be like sitting together with Christ in the heavenly places? This, truly, is the ultimate in receiving…will I know what to do with it?
    Thought for the Week: A Heavenly Vision (Isaiah 6:1-7)
    There is a beautiful image of heaven presented to us from the Prophet Isaiah: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
    With a little imagination, this could be an image of our own Divine Liturgy…the priest in the flowing robes at the altar, the angelic hosts depicted in vivid iconography and portrayed by the choir in its hymnography singing “Holy, holy, holy,” the temple filled with the smoke of incense…we, the unworthy servants fervently praying and beseeching that the Lord will make us worthy once again of His precious Body and Blood…and rather than being consumed by the Holy fire, we receive forgiveness of our sins.
    Imagine, if you will, that life consisted not primarily in homework, TV, shuffling hither and thither, a zillion commitments and tasks, but rather that life centered on the Creator of our souls and bodies, on worshiping Him, on having fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Him, and on serving others in His Holy name. Imagine living this heavenly worship, here on earth and also in heaven, where beauty surpasses any image of splendor and grandeur that we can even begin to muster. This is what Great Lent is for us…a profound taste of that heavenly worship and meaningful fellowship with all who share that same love for God and to which we will all hopefully be deemed worthy at the end of our lives. Let us each live and strive for this ‘heaven on earth,’ even amidst the laundry and the hustle and bustle of life. Christos Anesti!!!
    May you have a wonderful Bright Week. May the risen Lord bring you encouragement after the journey of Lent, Holy Week and Pascha!

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    Week of April 2, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    “Let those of us who have wisely finished the course of fasting And who celebrate with love the beginning of the suffering of the Passion of the Lord, Let us all, my brothers, zealously imitate the purity of self-controlled Joseph; Let us fear the sterility of the fig tree; Let us dry up through almsgiving the sweetness of passion. In order that we may joyously anticipate the Resurrection, Let us procure like myrrh pardon from on high Because the Eye that never sleeps observes all things. O Savior, consider those of us who have appeared at the season Of Thy passion, worthy to worship also Thy Resurrection, O Eye that does not sleep.” (St. Romanos the Melodist)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
    
    Question of the Week
    Holy Week – the Week of Weeks for Orthodox Christians everywhere, comes in triumphantly with the joy and exuberance of Lazarus being raised and Christ’s heralded entry into Jerusalem. As the week progresses, though, Palm Sunday’s splendor slowly disintegrates into what must have been an unbelievably surreal turn of events for his disciples. Through our services, we have the opportunity to walk this path alongside the disciples - to taste and experience their horror, disillusionment, and disbelief. Yet, when all seems darkest, we join the apostles to rejoice in Christ’s miraculously-delivered Resurrection…a joy beyond the comprehensible. What is there in this journey that touches me most deeply? Where do I experience God most fully in what His Son has done for me?
    
    Thought for the Week
    In the pre-communion prayers, there is a final prayer by St. John Chrysostom which begins, “I stand at the door of Thy Holy Temple, yet I do not put away my grievous thoughts…”
    Lent is a purifying time. We seem to see around us the ‘chaff being separated from the wheat,’ faithful people making great efforts to attend the services and confess their sins, and we wonder in our hearts, “Am I the chaff or the wheat? Will the Lord accept me into his kingdom? Or will I be shut out like the maidens with no oil in their lamps?” We see how we have succeeded these last 40 days, how we may have grown…yet, perhaps more glaring, we see how we have fallen short, and instead of focusing on the glory of the Lord, we may focus on our own personal failures. This is the time to raise our chin and look to the Lord for His great loving kindness and mercy and to say, “I have sinned like the harlot and I am not worthy to gaze on Your Holiness!” None of us is worthy, and if we can come away from Lent with that sense alone, we actually have succeeded. For more than anything, we must learn to depend wholly on Him, our Lord and Master, and to realize that without Him our life is barren and without purpose. As Presvyteres there is so much to distract us from this vision, this high calling, so many temptations to forget that after all, we are simple servants of a great and wondrous King. Let us forget ourselves and finish the course of this race with our eyes firmly set on the Lord: His humility and kindness, His strength and mercy, His power and love, and His Glorious Resurrection and Kingdom without end. Let our “Christ is Risen!” come from a humble and unpretentious heart which bows down to the King of Glory who will raise up our unworthy souls and bodies and bring us into His Heavenly Kingdom to live with Him forever. Let us put away our grievous thoughts that ‘the King of Glory may enter in!’ Kali Anastasi!!
    
    Wishing you all a joyous Resurrection - Kali Anastasi!

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    Week of March 26, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    Do you have faith in God? If you do, lay it down then as a basis for all your behavior. With it, face everything that comes your way in this life--be it joy or grief. Do not allow your faith to change every day according to the vicissitudes of this life. Do not let success increase your faith in God, neither let failure or loss or illness weaken or undermine it. Have you accepted to live with God? Put, then, all your trust in Him at once. Never try to recant or regress in the least. Keep faithful to Him even unto death. (Matthew the Poor, Orthodox Prayer Life, The Interior Way)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (2 Colossians 2:2-3)
    
    Question for the Week
    God's faithfulness to His children is constant. It is inconceivable that He might be more faithful at one point in our lives than at another. As humans, we lack that same constancy. As I near the completion of Great Lent and approach Holy Week, where is my faithfulness to God? If I were to show it on a graph, would it be climbing upward, holding steady at a healthy level, descending, or falling off the chart altogether? What do I think I need in order to get it where it needs to be?
    
    Thought for the Week
    I was living in Los Angeles when the 1984 Olympics occurred. I remember the excitement of attending some of the track events, and like most Los Angelinos, I was captivated enough to follow the televised events as well. I remember most distinctly the women’s marathon that year. I sat transfixed watching the runners come in toward the finish and was focused on one runner in particular. She was just yards away from the finish. Her eyes were glazed over, her feet seemed to be moving on some convoluted type of autopilot as she arduously moved herself forward, and then her legs seemed to turn to rubber and she collapsed to the ground. Her head lifted toward the finish, exhaustion enveloping every fiber of her body, and yet she struggled for the strength to raise herself from her prone position. Slowly, painfully, she rose… staggering first in one direction and then the other. She no longer seemed to have any concept of who or where she was… yet, step by step, she continued toward the finish line. You could see her coach calling encouragement to her, and I wanted so badly to come alongside her and help her… I felt as if my own heart were bursting. My eyes stung with tears watching this display of determination as she crossed the line and collapsed into the arms of her waiting coach. I think of this woman and reflect on this image as we, too, complete our Lenten marathon and the finish line is within our sights. Let us encourage one another to complete this race with excellence, with fervor, with determination, and with the exhilaration of those who run the race with the type of victory in our sights that glorifies God.
    
    Lenten Recipes for the Week
    Let's try a few new recipes cooking with potatoes: http://www.vrg.org/recipes/potato.htm
    
    Let us do all things with faith and great love.

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    Week of March 19, 2007
    Quotes for the Week
    "Repentance is an effect of faith. For unless a man believes that the object of his addiction is sin, he will not abandon it; and if he does not believe punishment is impending over the transgressor, and salvation to be the portion of him who lives according to the commandments, he will not reform." (Saint Clement of Alexandria)
    
    "Young people must be made to distinguish between helpful and injurious knowledge, keeping clearly in mind the Christian’s purpose in life. So, like the athlete or the musician, they must bend every energy to one task, the winning of the heavenly crown." (Saint Basil the Great)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (2 Corinthians 7:10)
    
    Question for the Week
    For many clergy families Great Lent becomes a whirl of activity and the presvytera often finds herself thrust into shouldering the lion's share of overseeing kids' activities, handling household catastrophies, co-ordinating schedules while trying to come up with creative lenten fare for meals. All this takes energy...lots of it. So, when I read Saint Basil's exhortation to "bend every energy" to the winning of the heavenly crown, what does this mean to me in the context of my Lenten journey?
    
    Thought for the Week: What is the Role of the Presvytera?
    Do we dare ask such a question? Absolutely!! Is it different than what is expected of any Christian woman? Hardly, at all. The role of the Presvytera is to love and seek Christ and His righteousness, to love her husband the whole of their life, to be a dedicated mother who teaches and prepares her children for a life in Christ and His Holy Church, and to ‘love the parishioners into the kingdom of heaven.’ If we succeed in these things we have brought glory to God, we have honored our husbands, and our children will call us blessed. We will have been an aid and not an adversary in our husband’s ministry, and we will have peace in our hearts. In this way, too, we will “bend every energy to one task, the winning of the heavenly crown,” as St. Basil so beautifully exhorts us. Let us encourage each other in these things, and the rest, as our Lord says, ‘will be added unto us.’
    
    Prayer for a Child in a Clerical Family
    Holy Lord, King of heaven and earth,
    Look down with mercy and compassion upon our family and our home.
    Grant health and everything good to my parents (father and mother, Papa and Mama, dad and mom) so that they may take care of me and everyone in our church.
    And help me to do what is good and pleasing to You and to them.
    Amen.
    
    Lenten Recipe for the Week Masbit il Darwish "Monk's Rosary"--Eggplant Potato Stew
    from Sally Kassab - Boston, Massachusetts
    
    Can be served on its own or over steamed rice
    
    1 onion, julienne cut
    2 potatoes, diagonal cubes or wedges
    2 garlic cloves, chopped
    4 zucchini or yellow squash, cut on diagonal
    1 eggplant, cut into large cubes
    1 can garbanzo beans, drained
    1 can whole tomatoes OR 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled, chopped w/juice
    1/2 tsp salt
    1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    1/4 cup oil
    
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Layer the above ingredients into a stew pot in the order presented above. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
    2. Stir and continue to bake uncovered until liquid is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes more. Serve hot with pita bread and fresh cut vegetables.
    
    As we prepare for the Feast of the Annunciation this Sunday, let us reflect upon the words of St. Romanos the Melodist
    "What I see I am not able to understand, for it passes human understanding. How is the bush that endures fire not consumed? How does the lamb endure the lion, or the swallow the eagle, and the servant his Master? In mortal womb, in a manner uncircumscribed, Mary bears my Savior as He wills it, So that every man may proclaim "A virgin gives birth, and after the birth remains a virgin." (On the Annunciation)
    

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    Week of March 12, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    "Our most important task, perhaps, is the Christian enlightenment of ourselves and others. We must go deeper into our Faith—not by studying the canons of Ecumenical Councils or the typicon (although they also have their place), but by knowing how God acts in our lives; by reading the lives of God-pleasers in the Old and New Testaments (we read the Old Testament far too little; it is very instructive); by reading the lives of Saints and the writings of the Holy Fathers on practical spiritual life; by reading about the suffering of Christians today and in recent years. In all of this learning our eyes must be on heaven above, the goal we strive for, not on the problems and disasters of earth below."
    
    "Do you have a notebook for taking down quotes from Holy Fathers in your reading? Do you always have a book of Holy Fathers that you are reading and can turn to in a moment of gloom? Start now—this is essential!" (+Fr. Seraphim Rose)
    
    Question for the Week
    Let us reflect upon Fr. Seraphim Rose's question. Have you considered keeping a notebook for taking down quotes from the Holy Fathers you're reading? (If the book is one you own, you might prefer highlighting in order to streamline the process. If you happen to encounter quotes worth saving while surfing the internet, why not create a document you can copy and paste them into? This way, they won't become misplaced, or worse, wind up as part of a toddler's coloring spree!)
    
    Scripture for the Week
    “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Ephesians 6:14)
    
    Thought for the Week: Your Life as a Mirror
    Do you remember giving a concert for your parents when you were little, and when you saw them in the audience, you waited and waited until they met your gaze…and when they did, your arms went flaying all over the place waving ‘hello’ with a humungous grin on your face? Such is the power of a smiling parent. When we are first born, we spend countless hours studying the face of this special, big person we come to know as ‘Mom’ while she is nursing us, feeding us a bottle, changing our diaper, or just holding and chatting to us. This face and every expression it makes leaves a stamp in our remarkable, youthful, brain. As we see her face daily, we learn to quickly discern what she is thinking, doing, feeling, etc. We come to realize that her face expresses joy, sadness, hopefulness, disapproval, etc. We are permanently bonded to, and imitate, the face of the one we know so well.
    We find mirrors elsewhere in our lives. Our churches are adorned with them, for the face reveals the person. "Prosopo" which is Greek for face, shares the same root with the Greek word for personality (prosopikotita). In seeing Christ’s face, we recognize His humanity and Lordship, and we desire to mirror His Holy image…in seeing our face, our children see our personhood, and they mirror what they see. What icon do we portray? Are we intentional in showing joy despite life’s hardships? Do we walk with furrowed brow, head down, or chin up, crow’s feet and sparkly eyes? What do our children and husbands see when they behold our face? We all need to be reminded now and then, that to those we love, our Life is a Mirror!
    

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    Week of March 5, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    I beg you, for the love of God, do not stop saying the prayer of our Christ (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner) not even for a moment. Your lips should continuously murmur the name of Jesus Who destroys the devil and all his plots. Cry out incessantly to our Christ, and at once He will hasten wholeheartedly to help us.
    Just as iron cannot be grabbed or even approached when it is red-hot, the same thing happens with the soul of him who says the prayer with the fervor of Christ. The demons do not approach it---and how could they? For if they draw near it, they will be burned by the Divine fire which the Divine name contains.
    Whoever prays is enlightened, and whoever does not pray is darkened. Prayer is the provider of divine light. This is why everyone who prays well becomes all radiant, and the Spirit of God dwells in him. If despondency, indifference, listlessness, etc., approach us, let us pray with fear, pain, and great noetic vigilance, and we will immediately experience the miracle of consolation and joy by the grace of God. It is not possible for a person who prays to hold a grudge against someone or refuse to forgive him for any fault whatsoever. Everything is reduced to ashes when it comes near the fear of the Jesus prayer.
    So, my children, struggle in the salvific and sanctifying prayer of our Christ, so that you may become radiant and holy. Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain (Athos)
    Hymn from Lenten Vesper
    "By enlightening our souls through fasting. O Lord may we be enabled to behold Thy cross in joy - in fear to bow before it. The cross illumines They voluntary sufferings. Grant us to behold them, O Lover of all."
    Scripture Verse for the Week
    "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12: 1-2)
    Thought for the Week: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Have they entered your marriage?
    John Gottman, author of “Why Marriages Succeed and Fail,” offers us tremendous insight into what makes a successful, stable, lasting marriage, and conversely, he identifies the distinct, downward spiraling cascade of interactions and emotions that sabotage and bring marriage to a sad end. The ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ are four warning signs that the most precious relationship in our life, our marriage, is entering troubled waters. Like preventative medicine, knowledge is key here…for it is possible to carefully dissect where our marriages are going awry and pinpoint those causes so that we may restore the joy and love that God intended for all of us in this most precious sacrament. Here are the warning signs, from least to most dangerous, in a nutshell: (quoted and paraphrased from pp. 71-102)
    
    The First Horseman: Criticism. Criticism enters our marriage when we allow our complaining to involve attacking our spouse’s personality or character rather than a specific behavior. This involves terms like ‘you always,’ or ‘you never…’ coupled with assaulting remarks (‘you are so selfish’). It can lead to ‘kitchen sinking,’ the tendency to add on a list of negative criticisms with our initial remarks. Complaining can actually be quite healthy to a marriage. Expressing anger and disagreement (through ‘I’ statements) though rarely pleasant, makes for a stronger marriage in the long run as long as we stick with a specific event. (“I was hoping you would have been home sooner…I needed to go…”) Criticism assumes the bad, rather than the good, in our spouse and should be avoided like the plague, for it prepares the way for worse things.
    The Second Horseman: Contempt. What separates contempt from criticism is the intention to insult and psychologically abuse your partner. With our words and body language, we’re lobbing insults right into the heart of our spouse’s sense of self. These actions are fueled with negative thoughts about our spouse…he’s stupid, incompetent, disgusting, a fool. These messages come across as well through our words, our actions, and our facial expressions. Contempt can be the result of one escalating issue between the couple that begins to pervade other areas of their interaction. As a consequence, the couple ceases to compliment and express mutual admiration of each other, or to remember why they fell in love in the first place (three perfect antidotes). Contempt involves: Insults and name-calling, hostile humor, mockery, and negative body language and should be banned from our Christian marriages.
    The Third Horseman: Defensiveness. With the entry of each horseman, our marriages grow from bad to worse. Defensiveness follows on the heels of contempt. When contempt enters our marriage, we begin to act in a defensive manner, i.e., we begin to feel victimized by each other, to defend ourselves, and to not take responsibility for setting things right. It is a natural response, but it further deteriorates the marriage. Here are some common forms: Denying responsibility, making excuses, disagreeing with ‘negative mind reading,’ cross-complaining, reverse blaming, whining, negative body language. Defensiveness obstructs communication and pits us against our spouse, whom we at one point willingly met at the altar!
    The Fourth Horseman: Stonewalling. The couple is nearing rock bottom. Exhausted and overwhelmed by our attacks, our spouse eventually stops responding, even defensively. Stonewalling is the emotional detachment and distance a spouse makes as a result of our allowing the prior three horsemen to take a foothold in our marriage. Some see it as the ‘last straw’ to separation or divorce, and it can be, but it must be understood that stonewalling is a response to habitual criticism, contempt and defensiveness in the home. It is a powerful reaction of silence or icy distance to a talking spouse. Interestingly, men are usually the stonewallers, and women the criticizers in a marriage. If stonewalling takes permanent residence in our home, it takes serious hard work and soul searching to save the marriage. As in everything in life, marriage takes work and care. In order to live the full life in Christ He intended us to live, we must be active, life-long learners seeking insight, wisdom and practical applications to help our marriages be the loving and intimate safe haven we all desire. In so doing, we will be able to teach others to achieve the same marital joy through our example and encouraging words.
    Questions for the Week
    Am I applying liberally in my marriage the antidotes to contempt? Do I remember to compliment my spouse? Do I remember to express to my spouse those things that I admire about him? Do I take time to think back to what attracted me to my spouse in the first place?
    Lenten Recipe for the Week: Yemista me Ryzi: Aliki's Stuffed Vegetables with Rice from Nancy Gaifyllia
    Here's a version of stuffed vegetables, and a great way to get our kids to eat healthy meals they might not otherwise touch! If there's any filling left over, freeze it and use it another time.
    INGREDIENTS: 1 spring onion, finely chopped 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 pound of zucchini, grated 2 medium carrots, grated 1/2 eggplant, peeled and grated 1/2 + 1/2 cup of olive oil 4 firm tomatoes 4 medium zucchini 4 small eggplants 4 peppers (green bell, or banana) 1 1/2 cups of long grain rice 1 tablespoon of sea salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper toasted breadcrumbs
    PREPARATION: Wash the vegetables carefully and dry. With a paring knife, cut the caps off the tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, and both ends off the zucchini and set aside. With a spoon, scoop out the pulp and seeds from the eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, and discard. Scoop out the tomato pulp, chop well, and set aside. Lightly salt the interior of all vegetables (Tip; Scoop out vegetables leaving a thin shell, about 1/8 inch.) In a pot, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil and sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes. Add grated zucchini, eggplant, and carrots, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Add the tomato pulp and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for 15 minutes, and put in a bowl. Add the rice, salt, and pepper, and mix well with a spoon until blended. With a spoon, fill vegetables loosely with the rice mixture, place in a roasting pan packed closely but not squashed, with caps covering the tops and ends. Place tomatoes (and small bell peppers if used) upright, lie the others on their sides. Pour 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup water over the top, sprinkle the tops of the upright vegetables with toasted breadcrumbs, and bake at 450F (230C) for 1 hour. Halfway through, turn the vegetables that are placed on their sides.
    Note: If the vegetables start to get too brown before cooking time is up, cover with foil. Yield: serves 4

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    Week of February 26, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    "In order for there to be spiritual fruit, certain conditions are necessary: good seed (word) and good soil. The seed matures in the presence of patience. There are so many instances where a person, not seeing the fruit he expected, has fallen into despondency, with all his work for nothing. One must have the determination to endure everything. Only then can one hope to receive what he wishes. In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19) [St. Nikon of Optina]
    
    Scripture of the Week
    "Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)
    
    Question for the Week
    Have you ever looked closely at a rhizome? Ugly, shriveled, misshapen...and yet, once it's placed in the ground and given the proper environment and nourishment, its shoots push up through the soil and burst forth into riotous color within the garden. Their present beauty defies their former unloveliness...the beauty was there all along, but needed to be called forth into existence by the proper conditions. Do I see beauty within my spouse/child(ren) where perhaps they only see unloveliness? What encouragement and love can I provide to coax forth that beauty so that they may realize the fullness of God's desires for them?
    
    Thought for the Week: How’s Your Homecoming?
    There is a very special time each day when a family re-unites after going its separate ways…it may be one big ‘homecoming,’ or it may be in spurts as our older ones take on more independent living. But whether they’re six, sixteen, or sixty, these few minutes can be the most important of their day as they re-connect with, us, those who love and care most about them. What’s key here is our eyes, our mouth and our heart. Do they portray warmth, and love, and concern? Are they self-focused or other-focused? Do they show understanding and compassion or do they reveal personal burdens and crisis? As in everything in life, training is the key. For the horse, we put on bit and bridle. What can be put in our mouths? Words of prayer, blessings, kind and affectionate terms, a smile. These supercede any bit and bridle, for though you can lead a horse to water, you cannot make him drink; and joy is a beverage that cannot be force-fed upon anyone. Practice makes perfect, and even if the words and the smiles feel pretentious, God knows the intention of our hearts and will bless our efforts a hundredfold. Let’s make the ‘homecoming’ of each of our loved ones an event they will never forget.
    Lenten Recipes
    Looking for sandwich ideas for lunches for your family? Just click on the link below:
    http://tcgalaska.com/htgoc/Fastingrecipes/SANDWICHIDEAS.htm

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    Week of February 19, 2007
    Quote for the Week
    "Whatever gentleness you use in speaking with others, that very same gentleness will Christ use with you. With whatever measure you measure out to others, with that same measure will He apportion out to you. Just as you forgive the failings of others, He forgives yours. With whatever love and gentleness you seek Him, likewise will He appear to you." (Elder Joseph the Hesychast)
    Scripture for the Week to Memorize
    “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
    Question for the Week
    The greatest cause of burnout is often listed as unresolved anger. Unresolved anger cannot exist unless there is an absence of forgiveness. Am I approaching burnout? Where is my anger, and with whom or what am I angry? Am I willing to make the choice to forgive and to allow God's gentleness to wash away all remnants of my anger?
    Thought for the Week
    As we begin this blessed season of Great Lent, let us approach this journey with joy! Let us give extra time and attention to our prayer life, fasting, reading of Holy Scripture and reaching out to others. It is imperative for each of us to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession during Lent. This week, take time to open your bible and read the bible verses below: