Categories: orthodox-life, parish-life
Date: 02 July 2006 06:18:55
Coming home from church today, I saw a great number of skydivers, against some very dark and threatening clouds, though no rain came, gliding on their way back down to earth. From my car, they seemed to be descending at a rather rapid rate, though looks may be deceiving. Regardless, it's not for me: if I'm in a plane, I'm more than happy to remain in it for the entire flight.
A few people away today at church: perhaps the winter temperatures are keeping some in bed! Though we were blessed to have a visitor, a young man who is looking at returning to church after several years away. It is always a joy to see new faces and meet new people.
Last night, I went to Vespers and Matins at St John the Baptist Skete, which is in the The Australian and New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. I was the only congregation for Vespers and the beginning of Matins, at which point two more people came in. It was beautiful, though: and it was a blessing to be led in worship with Hieromonk Joachim, who comes across in the quick talks I've had with him after services as a very humble and wise man. It was a joy also to experience Vespers and Matins in the Russian tradition: there were differences in some parts compared to what happens in my (Antiochian) parish. The parish itself is the old monastery church, and is covered with beautiful icons of Christ, the Theotokos and innumerable saints. God willing, as well as my fortnightly visits there on Tuesdays for the Molieben and Akathist to the Theotokos, I may be able to worship there again on Saturday evenings and worship at Divine Liturgy one Sunday.