Christian Forums - The Ancient Way - Eastern Orthodox

Russian priest killed

IgnatiusOfAntioch — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:46:13 GMT

MOSCOW — The Rev. Daniil Sysoyev, a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church who was known for promoting missionary work among Muslims, was shot and killed in his parish church late Thursday night, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
Father Sysoyev, 35, died at a Moscow hospital of gunshot wounds to the head and chest, RIA Novosti said. The Web site of the Moscow patriarchate confirmed his death. The parish’s choir director was wounded in the shootings at the Church of St. Thomas by the unidentified assailant.
A Moscow Patriarchate official called Father Sysoyev a “talented missionary” whose work among Muslims, including Tatars, might have been the motive for the shooting.
“I don’t exclude that the murder is connected to the fact that he preached among and baptized those who belong to Muslim culture,” the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk with the news media, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times > Log In

Our condolances on the loss of this holy priest. Memory eternal.

Owning a Restaurant/Bar

michaeldimmickjr — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:01:18 GMT

I am thinking of going into business as part-owner in a restaurant/bar. I was talking to my mom about it- who is a non-denom/fundy Christian. After I told her about my potential plans she got a weird look on her face and said, "it says in the bible not to serve your brother strong drink..." I'm not sure where that is, I do remember reading that back in the day though. My concern is this- according to Orthodoxy, is it wrong for us to own a restaurant that serves alcohol? Does anyone have any info on this? Thanks!

In Christ,
Michael

Orthodox Priest Shot in Moscow

E.C. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:58:21 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by The BBC

A masked gunman armed with a pistol has shot dead a Russian Orthodox priest in his Moscow church, police say.
The gunman walked into St Thomas Church in southern Moscow, asked priest Daniil Sysoyev his name and then opened fire, investigators said.

Link.

:crosseo:

St. Boniface and the Christmas tree

cobweb — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:44:38 GMT

Does anyone know if there is a children's book version of the story of St Boniface (Enlightener of Germany) and Thor's oak?? I've been searching the internet and can't find anything child-friendly.

My kids love this story and I have told it for the last few years while we decorate the tree. I would love to find it in book-form.

The tale of my wedding ring

Anhelyna — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:08 GMT

Many moons ago when I retired ,I fell and dislocated my left elbow very very badly , and of course it was sod's law that my husband was away from home that day and not expected back till about 11pm.

The Ambulance folk were wonderful - stunned at the appearance of my arm - swollen very very badly and there was no elbow joint that could be seen.

In the Emergency room they cut off my wedding ring of course - had to be done .

Dislocation was dealt with and I was kept in from the Saturday evening till the Tuesday .

Once things were improved we decided what to do , which was repair the ring .

About 6 months later we thought that the residual swelling had gone down - so off to the Jewellers we went , and arranged for the ring to be repaired. About 2 weeks later we collected it and on went my ring :)

Now later that year I was in Church [ RC ] one Sunday and happened to glance down - no ring !!!!

We searched everywhere in Church , stripped the front of the car , searched the road - it was not to be seen anywhere.

I was in tears , went home and took the house apart looking for my ring, not to be found :(

Again my husband was out for the day - got home at about 11pm again and I took one look at him , burst into tears and told him what had happened , that I had lost my wedding ring .

He was great , said it was just one of those things and not to worry , obviously my fingers were smaller than they used to be and the ring must have slipped off .

A year later we were heading into England for a family re-union and I was told I was being taken out for a new wedding ring - and we got a lovely one , very very different from my old one.

In due course it was ready and was put on and has never been taken off since.

Today Daughter #1 and I decided that before she went down South again [ she has been up for 48 hours helping with legal stuff ] we would
remove the bed from the guest room since it's being replaced .

So we lifted the mattress - ready to take it away

and

both said

"what's that ? "

a wee yellow ring was lying there on the base of the bed

MY WEDDING RING :D :D :D

it is a bit big - so it's on protected by its replacement - it won't slip off now .

Oh I can tell you the tears are still flowing - I wish he had known it had turned up

Great article on Mt Athos in National Geographic

angrylittlefisherman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:34:32 GMT

Gorgeous photography, this usually goes without saying, and surprisingly friendly to monks as well.
Mount Athos — National Geographic Magazine

New Martyr Fr Daniel Sysoyev

ikonographics — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:16:59 GMT

On Thursday evening Fr Daniel Sysoyev was murdered in his Church in Moscow. He had already received numerous death threats for the missionary work he did among muslims.

Murdered Russian priest received death threats - paper | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

Prayers ...

Thekla — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:13:57 GMT

If you would think to, please offer a prayer for the soul of my step-father-in-law, Norton, who died during the night.

I'm interested in Orthodoxy

Supreme — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:17:14 GMT

Hey guys

For those of you who haven't seen me around before (which is most of you), I'm Supreme and a few years ago I chose to convert to Christianity, namely Protestantism. As of late, however, I can't help but feel strangely fascinated by the Orthodox Church (I've been watching A History of Christianity on BBC 4 for fellow British users), and the thing that intrigues me about the Eastern Orthodox Church is its fascinating history, its beautiful, sacred churches and the devotion many Orthodox Christians have to their religion. That's my two cents.

Just want to ask, is there an equivalent of the Pope in Orthodoxy?

Trials, doubts, spiritual deserts and dry spells...

Philothei — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:03:19 GMT

Trials and Temptations

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

James 1 - Passage[wash my mouth]Lookup - New International Version - BibleGateway.com

I thought of putting us this thread as we EO have a plethora of Spiritual Elders and Fathers who speak about Tribulation and Spiritual Desert.....

I just wanted to put up the Bible reference of the Epistle of James...as it does speak to me about this issue...

Also my siggy talks about trials and tribulation and gives good advice... :

I would welcome thoughts and contribution from other Fathers who speak on the same issue. It is vital to bring forth our resources that are from the Ancient Church times until now about "Tribulation" and also "the feeling of feeling "empty" in Greek it is called "Akedia" "sloth" or feeling "dead inside". This feeling of emptyness and spiritual "boredome" is very common especially during the lent IMHO. :crosseo:

Thoughts?

Hiya! I'm back!

JustinHesychast — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:07:20 GMT

I just wanted to say HELLOOOOOO everyone! I'm back!! :wave:

Missed y'all! <3 My first semester of college has been SUPER hectic!! 15 hours now, and 18 next semester!! One of the best things of my life, though. :) I've made some fantastic friends and am really happy and pleased with life lately in general. It's been a great transition, though rocky at times.

So... :hug: hiya!! <3

Been attending Liturgy for 3 weks and already having to defend my faith to prottys

Quid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:34:02 GMT

So already I have been quoted a verse that reads something about not calling anyone father.

I assume the person is taking it out of context b/c it also refers to teachers and such.

Can anyone give me a run down on some of the things I am going to run into as far as non-orthodox folks asking about/attacking my faith?

This poster could use our prayers

MaryofBethany — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:10:34 GMT

http://www.christianforums.com/t7418606/#post53533599

:crosseo:

Mary

The Saints

Machachachi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:18 GMT

I was thinking in the car on the way to work as I often do. Kind of just dwelling on some of the concerns people have leveled against me in my journey toward Orthodoxy.

One of these is of course the Saints. Why should we honor them, aren't we all saints? Why do you pray to them is God not enough? You know the drill :D.

And I suddenly struck on something simple :idea:. God urges us to Honor our fathers and mothers. And just like in this world, while I have my biological father and mother, I have also had many people who have been father's and mother's to me. Am I also urged to honor them? I am. Because the command is not exclusive, I must honor my father and mother. Because by doing so I honor the image of God in them, and I show my thankfulness for his providence.

Not only this, but if God has no favorites, then shouldn't I also honor those he chooses to honor? Certainly a man or woman can only be a Saint by an outpouring of God's grace and generosity in their lives. Is this not God honoring them!? It certainly is, if God has bestowed such a good gift on a man, do I not praise that gift and say, "God has done something here!"

And I know that God is eternal and does not change, so if God has honored someone on this earth with His grace, He will certainly continue to honor them. I also know that God proclaims His presence and His victories, otherwise we would have an excuse on Judgment Day, which the scriptures say, we have no such excuse. And knowing this, that God has conquered death, and that His Kingdom is eternal and timeless, I can certainly continue to say, "Look at the gift God has given to this man, who continues to LIVE in His eternal Kingdom."

So not only should I honor the Saints, because they are my spiritual mothers and fathers. I should also honor them, because God has honored them through his mercy and grace.

I also know that God has many servants, He tells some to go, and some to stay, they obey Him, and desire to do His will, in Heaven and in Earth. I also know that those of us who God will honor in the end will hear the phrase, "Well done good and faithful servants." God will honor us, by proclaiming our faithfulness. And knowing that we are faithful servants, will his unending will cease? It certainly will not, God's will goes on. If God has chosen to honor someone, his honor will reach through all of his creation, and all of time. Just as the lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world, is speaking of God's timelessness, so also does He honor his servants, timelessly. And timelessly they go about his business, because I know that there is no greater compliment from God then being given a task by Him. That the almighty God, creator of everything, would entrust me with His tasks, is... flattering to say the very least. And so God honors His faithful servants by giving them even more to be entrusted with.

So if I ask St. David of Wales, to intercede for me, I honor God, by admiring the gift of grace He bestowed on St. David. I honor God by knowing that St. David was a faithful father of the Church. And I make real by action, the faithfulness of God's servant David, by entrusting Him with my deepest concerns and my worst fears. Is David not faithful to God, who has honored Him with grace and has called David his servant? Can I not entrust Him with something, investing in this real faith that I have, in a God who is truly timeless, who honors His servants?

We proclaim the whole of Christianity when we ask the Saints for help.

When I was Protestant, I could not imagine why anyone would do something so "pointless". Now I am compelled by how NECESSARY it is.

And yes... I thought about all of this in the car on the way to work :o.

St Paul Florensky

Christos Anesti — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:39:58 GMT

St. Paul Florensky

I was just re-reading the excellent book "Salt of the Earth, An Encounter with a Holy Russian Elder: Isidore of Gethsemane Hermitage". The introduction gives a short overview of the life and martyrdom of St Florensky that I found very moving. Anywho I wanted to post this part from the intro:

" 'Orthodox' literally means 'right glorification'. In Florensky's view, however, being 'right' may have nothing at all to do with being Orthodox or being in the Church. A person may take precautions to be perfectly 'right' merely out of insecurity, while faith in Christ remains lacking. In essence , being Orthodox actually means saving one's soul and changing one's heart, making use of the 'right' forms in order to assit in this. It does not mean being right. As Florensky stated: 'Half belief, which is afraid of falling into unbelief, fearfully clings to the forms of religious life. Not capable of seeing in them the crystallized realities of Spirit and Truth, it evaluates them as juridical norms of law. It has an external attitude towards them, and values them not as windows to the light of Christ, but as the conditional requirements of external authority. The Christian consciousness, however, knows that the established ways of the Church are not accidental, and are offered by her as favorable conditions for salvation.' "