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Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

So opens, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It’s an interesting thought.  I’ve only just begun the book, so I’m not sure how this opening sentence might play out in the rest of the story, but I have thought about that idea quite a bit. Happy families are all alike. Do I know of any families I can say are truly, “happy.”  Maybe, but I think in modern times we have this idea of functional vs. Dysfunctional. I’m not sure that’s the best classification since there are now talk show hosts making their livings by saving “dysfunctional” families in neat 60 minute segments. This is probably why I don’t like talk shows.

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Paschal Procession

20090419-Paschal-Procession-JWN0017, originally uploaded by neepeople.

Taken somewhere between 12:30 and 1am Pascha (easter) morning. We’d just finished processing around the parish, reenacting the myrrh-bearing women’s trip to the empty tomb in the early morning. Upon entering the parish, all the lights were finally on and the chandelier was swinging. The boy to left left wondering at the giant, swinging chandelier was just brought into the Church the previous afternoon.

Relic:James the Persian

20090327-Holy-Transfiguration-Monastery-JWN0072-2, originally uploaded by neepeople.

This relic of St. James the Persian, who suffered around 400AD, is found at the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA. I was quite surprised when I saw it; I didn’t know there were relics of the venerable Saint circulating about.

His story is one of my favorites, not only because of his endurance, but also because of the strong influence of his wife and mother in the letter they wrote him after he apostatized. Here is an abridged version of the story, and a longer version with the aforementioned letter included.

Icon

20090327-Holy-Transfiguration-Monastery-JWN0012-2, originally uploaded by neepeople.

Life-size icon of the Virgin Mary, standing beneath the cross. Located at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA.

The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

This short essay is taken from a “Lenten Reflection for Kids” I wrote a few years ago. I hope it is edifying.

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
Memory Verse: Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ” Matthew 11:29

Gospel Text: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:10-14

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People get ready...

Lent is coming.  This weekend finds us beginning the Lenten Triodian with The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee.  I wrote a series of Lenten reflections for kids a few years ago.  Perhaps I will post them each week here.  I actually learned quite a bit with that project and have forgotten most of it, so it will be edifying for me as well.

I’m sure I should post something of deep spiritual significance, with Lent being just around the corner, but, I’m not.  Instead, I’m going to confess one of my guilty pleasures.  I really enjoy reading the “gossip” pages of British tabloids. 

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After the Rain (or font, in this case)

20090110-JWN0039, originally uploaded by neepeople.

My goddaughter, her parents, Jonathan and Calise and I, just after her baptism, chrismation and churching. Busy day! The icon is of her patron, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and contains a relic of St. Elizabeth.

iJane

My goddaughter, “iJane”, just after her first communion.

I was privileged to travel balmy LA and stay with her family, my friends, for four days. I must say, “I love LA”. At least what I saw of it. Hopefully I’ll make it back out there sometime soon!

First Communion

20090101-JWN0114, originally uploaded by neepeople.

Little Ana’s* first communion, following her Baptism and Chrismation on January 1. Her godmother Lily is holding her.

*This is not my Ana. I just take pictures during Baptisms/Chrismations at our parish.

Stomachs and Souls...

I’ve been reading Women and Men in the Early Church:  The Full Views of St. John Chrysostom by David C. Ford.  I must admit my initial reason for starting this book is a somewhat silly one.  My husband has several times quoted from the book, and I took issue with some of the ideas. One idea in particular was the idea that, “women get it all back” once the kids are grown.  I’m wondering exactly it is that I’m going to, “get back,” so I’m reading the book to find out.  I’m assuming the quote will make more sense once it’s surrounded by content and I won’t be so angry about that particular idea!  But really…can I get the continual sleep deprivation back?  No, I don’t think so!

It’s taking a while for me to make it through the book, mainly because I’ve never been much for scholarly reading.  I admire people who read text books because they enjoy them.  It amazes me that there are people out there who like to read words that don’t have a story attached!  However, even at my slow and oft interrupted pace, I am gleaning much from the book.

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