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.