Saturday, September 3, 2011

The Orthodox Writers and Readers Series

Writer and Orthodox Christian Melinda Johnson, who blogs at Saint Lydia's Book Club, has just launched the "Orthodox Writers and Readers Series."

This series will feature guest posts from writers, reflecting on matters of faith and their craft.

The launch features writer Molly Sabourin, whose essay explores the quest of the stressed and besieged modern Christian to calm their souls so as to celebrate the Liturgy.

It's a brilliant piece that pulses with biblical and theological allusions. Clearly Sabourin is deeply read and nurtured by the classics and primary texts of the Tradition.

She offers a vigorous, heartfelt, and refreshing defense of the institutional Church:

"I’d drift unknowingly into a comfortable lukewarm state of blasé-ness without the Church. Without the Church and Her sacraments, mystery, iconography, hymnology, antiquity, martyrs, saints to help lift my gaze up from the media-driven, materialistic mire, I’d merely pass the time instead of seizing it – making every second count."

She defines her self-understanding as a writer:

"Writing as a means of communion with the living God is my widow’s mite offered meekly in faith. That Christ can utilize my meager gift, despite my abundant weaknesses, to break through complacency or despair and pierce hearts with His mercy is nothing short of miraculous."

To read more of her reflections, visit Molly Sabourin's blog. She is also the author of Close To Home: A Quest for Patience, Peace and Perseverance.



1 comment:

  1. Hi
    My name is Robert Gusnowski and I am writing you this note to ask for your help and prayers to bring people to a forum I have just setup to build a sense of community among all Christians. In particular, I am reaching out to the Catholic and Orthodox community, but I believe that faith is a journey not a destination. With open minds and open ears, we can all learn and grow in faith
    http://apostolictradition.org
    The Guiding Principles I have set out are below:
    This forum has been created expressly for Christians of all faiths to meet, discuss, teach, and learn. Other than sections of the forum provided for specific internet communities, the intent is to be as open and uncensored as possible. Truthfully, can anyone in good conscience say they truly understand the mind of God? Please treat each other with the respect due to all of mankind. This isn't about agreeing on everything, but it also is not about being disrespectful, unkind, or condescending. Ad hominem attacks are NOT acceptable. You may disagree with what someone says or believes, but criticize the idea or belief, NOT the individual. Keep this in mind: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." Luke 6:37

    The reality of starting a forum is that finding enough people to participate is a challenge. No one will visit a discussion forum that is dead without people posting and being part of an active community. It is like the chicken and the egg. Who wants to join an empty discussion forum? How can a forum come to life without building a community?

    So I reach out and ask you to visit, register, and participate. Please share your faith. Please help me build a community by passing this message on to others.

    In Christ’s name…..

    Thank you

    Robert
    http://apostolictradition.org


    MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

    - Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

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