tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57392902011-09-04T20:16:10.429-07:00Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.comBlogger461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1143837585810110482006-03-31T12:36:00.000-08:002006-03-31T12:47:00.833-08:00

I was asked by a parishioner at Church to answer the following questions based on my position about corporal punishment and raising children. I'd be interested to hear your point of view.Here’s the exchange…I have to write a paper for my Child and Adolescent Studies Class about different forms of childrearing or discipline and I have to ask two different mother or fathers I know (who are not my

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1135802669495488742005-12-28T12:41:00.000-08:002005-12-28T12:44:29.510-08:00

Glory to God for all things! Although it seems like ages ago, it has only been two weeks since our newest family members’ arrival. Cassian came to us at 2:41 PM on Wednesday, December 14 and weighed in at 9 lbs. 6 oz. measuring 21” long. Thank you all for your much cherished prayers!Christ is born…Glorify Him

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1127491428242674192005-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:002005-09-23T09:03:52.056-07:00

AT VESPERSAt Lord, I have cried…Tone 4 - Called from the highest……Strange you appear to me in aspect and manner, strange too in words and tidings, answered Zachary. For I have come to ask salvation for the people, not to gain a child, as you announce…Glory…Tone 6…Wilderness rejoice, humanity dance; the herald of repentance begins to take flesh in his mother’s womb…At the Aposticha Tone 6 - Having

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1125341628361771882005-08-29T11:51:00.000-07:002005-08-29T11:53:48.366-07:00

This photo was taken in the library of St. Herman Monastery two weeks ago.

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1125326861077575922005-08-29T07:45:00.000-07:002005-08-29T07:49:04.056-07:00

The Beheading of the Prophet, Forerunner of the Lord, John the Baptist: The Evangelists Matthew (Mt 14:1-12) and Mark (Mk 6:14-29) provide accounts about the martyric end of John the Baptist in the year 32 after the Birth of Christ. Following the Baptism of the Lord, St. John the Baptist was locked up in prison by Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch (ruler of one fourth of the Holy Land) and governor of

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1119627494312605752005-06-24T08:35:00.000-07:002005-06-24T08:40:02.366-07:00

"Happy Birthday to you."Troparion - Tone 4 Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, although we cannot praise you worthily, we honor you in love at your nativity, for by it you ended your father's silence and your mother's barrenness, proclaiming to the world the incarnation of the Son of God!Kontakion - Tone 3 Today the formerly barren woman gives birth to Christ¹s Forerunner, who is the

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1105132933133629862005-01-07T13:21:00.000-08:002005-01-07T13:22:13.133-08:00

so sorry Prophet John Herod’s dance had done you in and I can tell you that you’re missed cause every man is searching… for his own desert his own desert, from within Prophet John, pray for us that we find our intention

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1099948756018905722004-11-08T13:17:00.000-08:002004-11-08T13:19:16.020-08:00

It's happened! No...the sky isn't falling! The Mrs. has published once again.

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1098304495875547362004-10-20T13:31:00.000-07:002004-10-20T13:34:55.876-07:00

I’ve told people for years that if I ever wrote a book, I’d call it – "Why Men Spit in Urinals." Don’t worry…I have a hard enough time as it is just updating these silly Blogs. The title describes my absolute incomprehension of the macho male in general, and this specific practice in particular. Having been raised by women until I was 12 and then, basically, fending for myself ever since, I’ve

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1098222428365759762004-10-19T14:44:00.000-07:002004-10-19T14:47:08.366-07:00

I always read the canons at Matins myself. What riches are found here; what deep content, what wonderful examples of fervent faith in God, patience in sorrow, self-denying fidelity to conscience under conditions of merciless torture the Church daily presents to us! By reading the canons the soul gradually becomes filled with the inspired feelings and mental attitudes of those Saints whom the

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1097607381614909412004-10-12T11:54:00.000-07:002004-10-12T12:00:31.546-07:00

I thought this opinion & prose - posted on an Orthodox forum - seemed valid. New calendar.... then, women deacons... then, homosexual priests... then, openly, shamelessly preaching satanism in Church then, end of the world. Greece doesn't exist anymore, forget about it.

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1094754549590798812004-09-09T11:24:00.000-07:002004-09-09T11:29:09.590-07:00

An open letter to those affected by the devastation in Beslan, Russia I am an American who cannot get the images of your children out of my mind. For days now I’ve wrestled with emotion and tears not knowing how to release the weight on my chest or how to deal with the agonizing impression this calamity has had on my soul. Forgive me for all I have are words. Our Lord and Savior answered His

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1092841248985753292004-08-18T07:54:00.000-07:002004-08-18T10:34:29.973-07:00

While sifting through old emails I came across this one from May of ’01. A friend of mine who was compiling short stories from different people asked us to recant tales that were funny and slightly embarrassing. This qualifies. Any of the parts sound familiar? After reading it again, it reminds me of something Sreag would write. Hi Kids, Here's my offering . . . albeit not as torrid or sultry

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1091824878731995442004-08-06T13:40:00.000-07:002004-08-06T13:41:18.730-07:00

My brother and I were up late the other night chatting up various topics of concern. Throughout our discussion we covered civil and personal rights, history, the state of affairs in the U.S. with regards to the upcoming presidential election, apathy in America and the post war efforts in Iraq. He’s genuinely interested in finding the truth about most things, Christianity included. As a result of

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1091025345632279582004-07-28T07:33:00.000-07:002004-07-28T07:35:45.633-07:00

On this day, the patron to my wife, I offer some tidbits about the life of this amazing woman. From last Sunday’s bulletin: The Venerable Irene of Chrysovalantou is a much revered monastic saint of our Holy Orthodox Church. Born in Cappadocia in the ninth century, Irene was said to have been a woman of striking beauty. She was to show, however, her real beauty was in her desire to dedicate her

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1089748030584725292004-07-13T12:45:00.000-07:002004-07-13T12:47:10.583-07:00

I humbly request your prayers and intercessions for both my family and myself, as I will be having non-invasive heart surgery this Friday. No big whoop, in-and-out in a day or two. Thanks.

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1087314395584902672004-06-15T08:35:00.000-07:002004-06-15T08:46:35.583-07:00

An alarming trend is taking place in my morning prayers. In the past six months I’ve had to move 8 names from our list of the LIVING - "For mercy, life, health, peace, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins…" down below to the list of the DEPARTED - "For eternal memory and blessed repose…". Alarming in that I merely noticed it today, and also in that just last evening Navah

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1086964680932669802004-06-11T07:36:00.000-07:002004-06-11T07:38:00.933-07:00

A blessed Name Day to you all, St. Barnabas family! Troparion in tone 3 O Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, Pray to the merciful God, That He may grant to our souls Remission of our transgressions! Kontakion in tone 3 O Barnabas, you became a perfect and faithful servant to the Lord: You were the first of the seventy disciples. Worthy to be the companion of Paul in his preaching, You

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1086802350699853242004-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:002004-06-09T10:39:18.943-07:00

My Father/Confessor sends us these daily Wisdoms. Today's was especially good. MY DEAR SPIRITUAL SONS AND DAUGHTERS: I came across this archived article by radio commentator, Dennis Prager. Prager is an observer of American culture and often has interesting insights. If you live in a culture you will be influenced by that culture. As Orthodox Christians we want to avoid being co-opted by

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1086373404697838782004-06-04T11:20:00.000-07:002004-06-04T12:36:47.830-07:00

Metrophanes, 1st Patriarch of Constantinople A strange thing is happening with my car stereo. I’ve been listening to the New Testament on CD for years. It’s replaced the Christian radio programming I’d been tuned into since becoming one myself and more significantly from the time when a dear brother revealed to me that Hank Hanegraaff, J. Vernon McGee and Chuck Missler aren’t Orthodox. There

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1085498920491354312004-05-25T08:28:00.000-07:002004-05-25T08:28:40.490-07:00

Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John(ca 850) Troparion in tone 4 As a divine treasure hidden in the ground Was your head revealed to us by Christ, O prophet and forerunner. We have gathered in commemoration of this finding With inspired hymns of praise to the Savior, Who saves us from corruption through your prayers! Kontakion in tone 4

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1085180447198520162004-05-21T15:59:00.000-07:002004-05-21T16:04:32.626-07:00

Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles Last night my godson and I prayed Compline together. Such a blessing. He’s an immense inspiration for me. Kind a like my daughters. He stopped by for some “godson & godfather time” and like most visits, it culminated with a lesson in punk-rock/reggae HIST. 101, Super-Mex fish burritos and chocolate bars. After completing Compline, he lamented

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1085160038946532652004-05-21T10:15:00.000-07:002004-05-21T10:20:38.946-07:00

Sorry Karl, the comments only allowed for 1,000 characters! But how does one know the inner state or prayer life of those who publicly "wax intellectual" or who are concerend about the state of Orthodoxy? One doesn’t. Aren't these questions only to be apllied to ourselves and not to others? Absolutely. Blogs are tricky things in that they convey - with words - an apparent expression of what an

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1085093498940211322004-05-20T15:47:00.000-07:002004-05-20T15:51:38.940-07:00

Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I wasn’t raised a Christian. Despite this fact, I believe wholeheartedly that I’ve always understood that the God of the Bible was creator of all things visible and invisible (for those of you scrutinizing doctrine) and that I just had to get the details. A testament to God’s love and sovereignty for me as well as all His creation is that throughout

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1082487255655764382004-04-20T11:54:00.000-07:002004-04-20T11:57:12.373-07:00

Great Lent has come and gone and with it a feeling of joy and sorrow, which is probably its intended affect. Pascha was a delight and like the season that preceded it, full of memories that has created a glow sure to last until next year. A pleasant and dreadful accountability has come in the form of sponsorship. Benjamin approached me to be his godfather and with much timidity I wholeheartedly

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1077724864445031992004-02-25T08:01:00.000-08:002004-02-25T08:04:22.716-08:00

Great Compline/Canon of St. Andrew – Tuesday night The girls weren’t able to attend last night. The Litmus Test to see whether Isabella could hang throughout the entire hour and a half-long service – most of which intrudes into her bedtime – proved against our favor, so we opted to keep them home instead. I chanted for the first time. Not real pretty. Our Cantor simply pointed to the text as

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1077635855439365752004-02-24T07:17:00.000-08:002004-02-24T07:20:26.466-08:00

Great Compline/Canon of St. Andrew Well, if you weren’t dealt a somber enough dose of the imminent Lenten season with Sunday night’s Forgiveness Vespers, the Canon of St. Andrew most likely set your mind aright. It was enriching to be able to be part of the canters and aid in the service. I look forward to tonight’s Compline as well… Tuesday of the First Week Let us joyfully begin the

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1077550722826903222004-02-23T07:38:00.000-08:002004-02-23T07:40:42.543-08:00

Forgiveness Vespers Beautiful. It was touching to see so many turn out for this opportunity at public pardon. Also too was it stirring to witness so many who are old hands with this season visibly affected by its substance. Not to mention the beauty of our chairless nave. Lord, have mercy. Navah never ceases to amaze. Many folks were taken back by her perseverance and steadfast approach at

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1076539630902103362004-02-11T14:47:00.000-08:002004-02-11T14:48:58.780-08:00

This from my Father-Confessor… My dear spiritual sons and daughters: I came across this uplifting story of one man's discovery of the love of God in his life. "It had been my belief that God loved all of mankind, but I found it much more difficult to comprehend that he loved me personally. It finally became a reality through my own son when he was very small. One night as I stood looking down

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1075184972852314092004-01-26T22:29:00.000-08:002004-01-27T07:46:07.030-08:00

This quote from an alleged Christian website – Why Monks? Historic monks, like the historic church, had fallen into unscriptural beliefs and practices, needing reform. Lord, have mercy! With Great Lent rapidly approaching, comes the opportunity for augmented spiritual training. Let this season of repentance, inner-observation and prayer be also a period of thanksgiving, piety and worship.

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1074017788281082362004-01-13T10:16:00.000-08:002004-01-13T10:17:47.483-08:00

Fr. Michael blessed the house on Friday and as usual his serene nature and dignified demeanor brought peace to our home. And while he was unable to stay for dinner, we did manage to have yet another astral exchange concerning topics the two of us commonly share when given a privileged moment. We also had “boys night” on Friday, which gave an entire different meaning to its initial definition.

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1073506771401922482004-01-07T12:19:00.000-08:002004-01-07T12:20:44.686-08:00

Troparion in tone 2 The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, But the Lord's testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner. You were shown indeed to be the most Honorable of the Prophets, For in the waters you baptize the one whom you preached. After suffering with joy on behalf of the truth, You proclaimed even to those in hell the God who appeared in the flesh Who takes

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1072771151412481662003-12-29T23:59:00.000-08:002004-01-27T09:04:28.576-08:00

"Since this is the case, following the royal path and the teaching divinely inspired by our holy Fathers and the Tradition of the catholic Church—for we know that it is inspired by the Holy Spirit who lives in it—we decide in all correctness and after a thorough examination that, just as the holy and vivifying Cross, similarly the holy and precious Icons painted with colors, made with little

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1072728876120484102003-12-29T12:14:00.000-08:002003-12-29T12:15:40.560-08:00

From time to time I'll reflect on the darker things of life. A few days ago the wife and I were having a discussion based around our kids and the reality that they could be taken from us even while we're still here to witness it. I look into the face of my 10-month old and often say to her…"You're perfect!" What I mean by this is…just that - she's perfect. Her sweet disposition and clever

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1072465979415745712003-12-26T11:12:00.000-08:002003-12-26T11:16:05.530-08:00

Turned 34 on Wednesday. Feels kinda weird. 34 is not 24…it's not even 27! The focus of this year - albeit rather sanctimoniously - will be to maintain some form of steady fitness. Just writing those words made me shriek. Having spent the majority of my life engaged in some variety of vigorous movement, I can't grasp the idea of having to set aside designated timeframes for exercise. Welcome to

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1072116408056593442003-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:002003-12-22T10:08:37.826-08:00

The repose of Fr. John Sergieff was Saturday. It virtually went unnoticed in my house do to the current chaos sustaining it. I did manage to have a hearty reflection on his life and the impact his example has had on me. A straightforward Christian existence was his approach to living and he was rewarded noticeably by God's grace while still here among us. The only other saint I sincerely

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1071157155412318822003-12-11T07:39:00.000-08:002003-12-11T07:40:57.106-08:00

Finals today. After the debacle of misconstruing the submittal date of the 30-page paper due, my instructors have extended me the grace to present it at the date in which I thought it was initially scheduled. Lord, Have Mercy. No matter…I still intend to take some time off from school and focus on family and home life. Maybe some music too. With Uncle Bev driving out to live on this coast, and

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-107100705753503762003-12-09T13:57:00.000-08:002003-12-09T13:58:22.496-08:00

Long time no babble. A whole month. Which isn't to say that there wasn't anything to say…it just means there wasn't enough time to say it. We bought a house - Glory to God in all things! It looks like it'd be an Orthodox mission parish in Alaska. Multi-tiered and really wide. No cupolas though. Not yet anyway. It's kinda weird…it's a lot more space than we are accustomed to live in. You can

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1066072772625883182003-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:002003-10-13T12:22:01.500-07:00

Whew! I'm still tired. House things have changed tremendously. We made a bid on a house, thought we had it, didn't, and made another on a house that we -communally - really want. I even requested the holy prayers and intercessions of my priests on this one. Call in the "Big Guns" when you aren't messing around. The Nomads had their first match on Wednesday and we got trounced. No worries

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1065469422118909452003-10-06T12:43:00.000-07:002003-10-06T12:43:41.633-07:00

Teaching church school is always interesting. I'd much rather sit among the kids and wax intellectual over the topics that concern their lives in the Church, than squabble the issue of God's Essence vs. His Energies with the big brains. The kids conversations are more pure, more true. Cyb made a comment during breakfast that hit it right on…"You needed to have more immediate, communal siblings

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1065205473132394732003-10-03T11:24:00.000-07:002003-10-03T11:26:30.843-07:00

Got the results of my History 10 test last night. The instructor placed both the multiple-choice parts as well as the blue books across three different desks. Judging from the numbers billboarded across the top of them, the majority of the class didn't do very well. Myself included. Out of 50 questions I only answered 31 of them correctly. I saw that most were in the low twenty's and even

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1065116225147783782003-10-02T10:35:00.000-07:002003-10-02T10:37:04.753-07:00

Had a terrible fit of panic last night when I awoke to voices in the next room. Turned out to be mom and Is, but for some strange reason I felt dread. No good reason, other than what I thought I could hear of their whispered heart-to-heart which seemed to be serious and subdued. A glance at the clock read 1:15 AM, which brought consolation, but I still couldn't get back to sleep. I'm

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-106502435397701342003-10-01T09:05:00.000-07:002003-10-01T09:07:26.143-07:00

"Dude…we're gettin' the team back together!" That's all I could think about coming out of the mouth of Lil' Mark as I emailed the Nomads of the impending 7 on 7 outdoor league in Los Alamitos. Red and I even went shopping to pick up new boots, socks and shorts for him to play in this season. I felt like his mistress…"Oh no Red, those socks don't go with those shorts - you never mix navy with

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1064707244910159872003-09-27T17:00:00.000-07:002003-09-27T17:01:35.223-07:00

Had the weirdest dreams last night. I was serving as an acolyte in a cathedral when I thought it best to get a quick shower before the service. So I’m finishing up and at the sink brushing my teeth when I get this really strange, kind of creepy – kind of serene feeling that something or someone is about to reveal themselves to me. Before I can grasp a second thought about it, St. John

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1064619372117665212003-09-26T16:36:00.000-07:002003-09-26T16:46:02.523-07:00

The world is spinning and I'm in a windstorm. We discussed on a Thursday, that as a result of inheriting our mother (if even in the near future) and the rapid rate at which our family seems to want to grow, that it might be a good idea to think about buying a bigger house. That was Thursday. On Friday the sign went up and now, seven days later, we've had seven bids, all of which have gone at

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5739290.post-1062790521172596132003-09-05T12:35:00.000-07:002003-09-05T12:35:21.103-07:00

"Hi Diary."

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105948548023914527noreply@blogger.com0