February is the month where we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of African-Americans. Some of us also recognize noteworthy kings and queens of Africa as well. It is not unusual to have church bulitien boards filled with pictures of great religious leaders from Richard Allen (founder of the African Methodist Episcopal … More Black History Month: Come and See
Many blessings to the Ethiopian Tehwado Orthodox Church in Celebration of Timket. This African version of Epiphany is perhaps one of the most lively celebrations of any kind anywhere in the world. Unlike the drunken revelries of Carnival or Mardi Gras which have been hijacked from their religious intent, Timket is welded to it’s Christian … More A Blessed Timket
Extending congratulations to my sponsor, Seraphim (Tom) Hamilton who was ordained as a Reader at the St. Basil the Great Antiochian Orthodox Church in Poquoson, VA. He was ordained today (January 19th) by His Grace Bishop Thomas of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, and the Mid-Atlantic. Also, Brad & Carrie Holmes were inducted into the … More AXIOS!
Martin Luther King, Jr. is the closest person that African-Americans (no, all Americans) have to a canonized saint. Like the holy men and women of old, he had his failures in his struggles against sin. But, whatever those failures may have been, they do not detract from his leadership in the struggle for human dignity, … More From Martin to Macarius: A Weekend of Saintly Reflection
Now, here is a practice that modern day African-Americans (or anyone else outside of a liturgical tradition) ain’t havin’. “Hmph! Kissing some preacher’s hand.” Maybe it wouldn’t be the worst obstacle for a black inquirer if the priest looks like Fr. Maximus Cabey or Fr. Jerome Sanderson. Maybe it would be easier in an Ethiopian, … More Kiss The Who’s What?
I have had the pleasure of hearing and meeting to men who seek to bring the Orthodox Church to the African-American Community. Subdeacon Paul Abernathy (yes, he is related to the late Civil Rights leader) is a brilliant foot soldier in the faith serving as the Director of FOCUS Pittsburgh. This organization is giving hope … More Voices of Evangelism: Subdeacon Paul Abernathy & Bishop Thomas
There are a lot of titles being used in African-American churches these days. It used to be the only black churches that had bishops were the AME and other Methodist, Episcopalians, and COGIC. Today with the modern interpretations of the “Five Fold Ministry,” it is not uncommon to see apostles, prophets, and bishops in both … More Reading The Ancient Apostolic Alternatives
Yeah, it is about time I got that idea going. But, it is here. The Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black/Virginia Chapter is up. Join, post, and/read. Again, if you have comments, ideas, and thoughts; contact me. Thanks.
Originally posted on The Modern Monastic Order Of Saint Simon of Cyrene:
And so it begins. At 8:45 AM, I received Chrismation beside my sponsor, Seraphim Hamilton, by my priest, Fr. James Purdie. Fr. James joked with my wife saying that she had better take her photos quickly as the ceremony is over in the…
Congratulations to John Norman. He and Michael Janakis were ordained to the office of Sub-Deacon at Saint George Cathedral Antiochian Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, Pa on the Feast of the Nativity (Christmas Day) Wednesday, December 25th, 2013. John is a graduate of Tuskegee University and continued his education through the Antiochian House of Studies. He is … More AXIOS!
Desert Fathers Dispatch 