View Larger Map I am always looking at statistics and maps as I plan out and pray about our mission strategy. Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Goldsboro, North Carolina are about the same distance apart, and we’ve recently had some interest from Mt. Olive, so I thought to add that to the map as well. The… Continue reading A Nice Column of Churches!
Orthodox Church in Pittsboro, NC
Last year, my family and I visited Pittsboro, North Carolina. We went shopping in their downtown area, and also drove around the area where Jordan Lake is (not being terribly outdoorsy people, though, we did not go on the Lake). I know two families that live in the area surrounding Pittsboro, and after my visit,… Continue reading Orthodox Church in Pittsboro, NC
Serving Proactively
My godson recently posted this reflection on his blog: Seeking for More. He notes for instance that: [R]outines and the sticking to the status quo can also have drawbacks. In our life as Christians, we might be able to do more. Maybe we could be doing more to help the poor and the sick, or… Continue reading Serving Proactively
Wake Forest Needs an Orthodox Church
Wake Forest, North Carolina is a fast-growing suburb of Raleigh, the state capital. The population in 2009 was estimated to be 27,915, up from 12,588 at the 2000 census. Wake Forest has a family-friendly atmosphere, a reputation as a safe place to live, and offers many opportunities for recreation and shopping, with a mixture of… Continue reading Wake Forest Needs an Orthodox Church
Oops, Wrong Number!
Today I was doing some chores around the house when the phone rang. It was my Google Voice account alerting me that someone was trying to reach me. For those who don’t know what Google Voice is, it allows you to have one number which can ring to all your phones, has voicemail, and call… Continue reading Oops, Wrong Number!
Peace on Earth
Dear Friends in Christ, Over the Thanksgiving break, I heard about fights breaking out in stores as shoppers vied to get the best deals on merchandise on so-called “Black Friday.” Below are two excerpts, one locally in the Kinston area of Eastern Carolina, and the other from across the country in California: Kinston, North Carolina,… Continue reading Peace on Earth
Why I Wear My Cassock to Wal-Mart
Orthodox priests wear distinctive clothing: an inner robe (called a cassock), an outer robe or vest, a cross in the practice of some Churches, and properly a hat. The Orthodox canonical tradition makes it clear that this is not optional; the 27th Canon of the 6th Ecumenical Council states: None who is counted with the… Continue reading Why I Wear My Cassock to Wal-Mart
Fall Reflects the Fall
Dear Friends in Christ, Four years ago this month, Bishop Christodoulos came to Raleigh and served the first liturgy at the Chapel of St. Mark the Evangelist. A half a year later, I was ordained a priest, and our parish here in Greenville was also established. At the liturgy, the bishop gave a sermon which… Continue reading Fall Reflects the Fall
Four Types of Magical Thinking in the Modern World
Dear Friends in Christ, October is upon us already! The Fall season has begun, and the temperature is finally starting to drop here in North Carolina. September was a busy month, with the feast days of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos (our parish feast) and the Holy Cross, along with the secular holiday of… Continue reading Four Types of Magical Thinking in the Modern World
Hurricanes and Charitable Vision
Dear Friends in Christ, Hurricane Irene came through the area of Eastern NC with a vengeance. Ironically, Irene means peace in Greek! I am grateful to God that none of our parishioners lost their lives—downed trees and flooding are truly dangerous. Property damage did affect our community, however. One family lost their home, having to… Continue reading Hurricanes and Charitable Vision