It’s sixth century Arabia and a Jewish ruler invaded a Christian village and it’s inhabitants killed because of their faith. Across the Red Sea, the Ethiopian King Elesbaan sought to avenge the lives of his brothers and sisters of the faith by conquering the invaders. He went through a series of initial defeats in battle. … More An Elesbaan Among the Maroons?: A Story of Tom Copper
I’m amazed at how long the Maroon community of the Great Dismal Swamp lasted. This huge wetland was more than just a stop on the Underground Railroad to the free northern states and Canada. Indeed, this watery colony within North Carolina & Virginia existed well before the antebellum abolitionist. It can be said the Maroons … More The Protective Hand of God in the Great Dismal Swamp: Marooned in Abraham’s Bosom
“Moving into the desert meant taking a step into the realm of freedom: Freedom from slavery, freedom from obligatory subjection, freedom from exploitation, and especially freedom from possession.” Fr. John Chryssavgis In his book, In the Heart of the Desert, Fr. John Chryssavgis explains that women were considered to be the possession of their fathers, … More Maroon Freedom & Inspiration
Abba Pachomious, like so many other men and women dissatisfied with the laxity of the Christian world around them, sought refuge for his soul in the desert. But it probably didn’t take him long to realize that not everyone was cut out to live in such harsh conditions alone. This is especially true for ladies … More Swamp Monasticism: Brotherhood Among the Maroons
(The following is a rough manuscript of my presentation at St. Basil the Great (Antiochian) Orthodox Church in Hampton on Saturday, June 24th. Somewhere in mid speech, I attempted to make some changes off the cuff. Those who heard my talk say it was great. Of course, I am my own worst critic. A link to … More The Need to Know
The 23rd Annual Conference fo the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black was held at the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church in Indianapolis last weekend. I had a lively drive with Sarah Motley and Johanna Hargraves from Charlottesville. I was excited to be there serving as a member of the National Board and one … More St. Moses Conference: Advice from the Bishop
A Blessed Nativity Feast to all who observe the new calendar date. Martin Luther King Day is supposed to be a day off for me as a state employee (Ranger at York River State Park). But, I couldn’t help but to notice that workplaces and schools tend to be more integrated than most worship services. … More Step into the New Year
Every mainstream should have an antithesis. This is not to be combative or dismissive to the denomination that left. Had it not been for the African-American Baptist Church, I probably would have never been born, much less born again. I think the black church of the various denominations and non-denominations are able to lead souls … More Alternative Christianity: Orthodoxy and the Mainstream Church
What is the relevance of this ancient African Christianity? What is the relevance of Orthodox Christianity? I tell you the relevance is the future of our community and nothing short … Subdeacon Paul Abernathy Broken souls need a home to come to. Those souls are not finding a suitable home in the poor theologies … More Relevance and a Need for Real Faith: Reflections from the First Symposium of the VA Chapter of the Brotherhood
We are pleased to announce the First Symposium of the Virginia Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black! The event will be held at the new, and still under renovation, Saint Basil the Great Antiochian Orthodox Church on 1520 Todds Lane in Hampton on Saturday, September 13th at 4 pm. The topic … More Announcing the First Symposium!!!!
