Goodbye sub-deacon J!
Categories: uncategorized
Date: 29 May 2005 04:43:11
[Thanks for your messages and suggestions all. Monastic life may feature a bit in the next few weeks as I try and sort out a few things. Writing thoughts down helps me greatly, so more thoughts may be inflicted upon this wiblog in the next few weeks...months...decades... ;-)]
A sad day today: the last day our wonderful sub-deacon from Kansas J was with us. We had a great meal at an Italian restaurant after Vespers last night -- I managed, along with many others, three courses: I had shared anti-pasto and garlic bread; spinach and ricotta crepes for my main; and hazelnut gelato for dessert. The servings were large and I didn't manage to finish my main [not many people did].
After Divine Liturgy today our priest said a few words and then J said a few words as well. He will be greatly missed, both here in Sydney [where he spent 5 months] and in Melbourne [where he spent 3 to 4 months]. J was a great blessing to us all, especially to the youth, and Kansas is very blessed to be getting him back. We all pray he may return here sometime. J: may God bless you and grant you many, many years.
We also had two visitors from a Russian church. It is always great to meet other Chrisitans, and we have an invite to their parish which I hope we can take up soon. One was a Catholic turned Anglican turned Orthodox and the other way a Presbyterian turned Anglican turned Orthodox. It was interesting to hear their stories of their journey to Orthodoxy -- there were some similarities with mine.
Today we celebrated the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman. The Paschal hymns continue, and there were some beautiful hymns and verses on the topic of the Samaritan Woman. I'll have to look them up and hopefully find them so I can post them during the week!
Christ is Risen!
 | The Samaritan Woman came to the well in faith; She saw You, the Water of Wisdom, and drank abundantly She inherited the Kingdom on High and is ever glorified! Kontakion |