Food for the Soul:
Earthly Consequence, Heavenly Reward
The beheading of St. John the Forerunner (commemorated on August
29) remains one of the most chilling stories in the New Testament.
The image of the cunning Herodias instructing her beautiful
daughter to request from King Herod the head of the Forerunner
on a platter is surely one which leaves a lasting impression
on all who hear the Gospel lesson.
"For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and
bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's
wife; for he had married her. Because John had said to Herod, 'It
is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.' Therefore Herodias
held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for
Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and
he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and
heard him gladly. Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday
gave a feast for the nobles, the high officers, and the chief men
of Galilee. And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced,
and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the
girl, 'Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.' He
also swore to her, 'Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to
half of my kingdom.' So she went out and said to her mother, 'What
shall I ask?' And she said, 'The head of John the Baptist!' Immediately
she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, 'I want you
to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' And
the kind was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because
of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately
the kind sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.
And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter,
and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When
his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and
laid it in a tomb." (Mark 6:17-29)
From this Gospel reading, many catch phrases have developed
- all pertaining to our head being delivered on a platter for
one reason or another, usually in reference to a wrong doing.
In popular culture, we often use the image in the context of
"If I do that (insert something bad here), she'll have
my head served up on a platter." Yet, the story of John
the Baptist is not one in which he received just retribution
for crimes. Rather, he was beheaded for his conviction to remain
true to God's word and commandments and to speak out against
sin even when it was not "politically correct."
The road we face as Christians is not always an easy one. At
times, we will all be confronted with obstacles in our lives
where it seems as if acting in a Christian fashion will make
our lives more difficult, and if we only choose a simpler route,
things would be far less stressful for us. While it may be true
that if John the Forerunner hadn't been forthright to Herodias
she may not have been so angry and would have instead advised
her daughter to ask for a diamond tiara, he chose to instead
be true to what he knew was right in God's eyes. As followers
of Christ, we must be careful to follow the example of the Forerunner
and make our decisions in the interest of God's plan, not of
our own. We must always be true to God and think not of the
outcome we would like to see for ourselves, but of the outcome
God has in store for us.
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and
say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice
and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven."
(Matthew 5: 11-12)
Some things to think about:
- Are you true to Christ and His teachings at all times?
- What are some things that you know God wants you to do but
you are hesitating to do?
- Why do you think you are hesitating to do what God wants?
- How can you begin to put God's plan first with these things?
The memory of the righteous is celebrated with
songs of praise,
But the Lord's testimony is sufficient for you, O forerunner.
You were shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets,
For in the waters you baptize the one whom you preached.
After suffering with joy on behalf of the truth,
You proclaimed even to those in hell the God who appeared in
the flesh,
Who takes away the sins of the world,
And grants us great mercy.
An Orthodox Look
Movies: Pirates of the Caribbean
Many of us have fond memories of a childhood trip to Walt Disney
World or Disney Land where we first encoutered the Pirates of
the Caribbean. The ride took us sailing into a world of swash-buckling
pirates trapped in dreary dungeons while crewmates burned and
looted entire villages in fits of debauchery. We waited in long
lines with anticipation, but it was worth the simple thrill
to sail into a world we knew wasn't real and wouldn't really
scare us. We were fascinated by the mystique of an existence
far removed from our own.
The Disney movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black
Pearl, takes us into this very same world, all while we sit
in the comfort of an air-conditioned theatre. While the lines
into the theater may be as long as the ones for the ride, the
film delivers vivid special effects, offbeat humor, and a shot
of romance for the sentimental at heart. Johnny Depp's portrayal
of the pirate Captain Jack Sparrow leaves the audience feeling
sympathetic for the plight of the pirate, and it is quickly
apparent that this movie is as light-hearted as a walk through
The Magic Kingdom on a sunny day. Cheerful good fun coupled
with highly-skilled fencing maneuvers--what more could we ask
from a ghost ship of rogue pirates afflicted with an Aztec curse
and left to sail into eternity in skeletal form?
On the upside:
- For the most part, the movie is genuinely funny and entertaining,
mostly owing to Depp's finely tuned character. His quirks
and comic timing bring on chuckles, giggles, laughs, and everything
in between.
- If you've ever thought fencing looked like an interesting
sport, this movie may have you signing up for a class or two.
The meticulously orchestrated action sequences are reminiscent
of fine choreography, with carefully planned steps and true
artistic splendor.
- A ghost ship of skeletons is a difficult thing to imagine
without spectacular special effects. This movie does not disappoint,
and is an impressive visual spectacle.
- Greed is punished in a rather unforgiving manner, as the
pirates aboard the Black Pearl are condemned to a life of
decay as punishment for their lust of money and treasure.
On the downside:
- The movie wants the viewer to cheer for a pirate. It is
almost imposstible to not feel compassion and sympathy for
the quirky Jack Sparrow. There's no doubt he's the lesser
of two evils, but he IS still a pirate, with a reputation
for greed and money lust.
- In order to get ahead, the major players in this movie
rely on many skills. While cleverness, tenacity, and strength
are things everyone can aspire too, the vast majority of the
film is focused on deceit. In a match of wits between evil
and a slightly "better" evil, deceit consistently
is the method of helping the saving the day.
- In both the pirate and british "worlds", differences
of opinion are not solved with debates and discussions. Rather,
it is considered much more effective to cut off the head of
an opponent. There is a good deal of fighting, and most of
it with deadly intentions.
In the News:
OCA Young Adult Participates in Planning of Syndesmos 17th
Jubilee Assembly in Albania
The following article was submitted Larissa Pawelchak who
participted in Syndesmos' event "Organising International
Youth Events" 8 – 14 July 2003 at Resurrection of Christ
Theological Academy in Dürres, Albania. Larissa is
a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut and its very
active OCF and is a member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Orthodox
Church in Terryville, CT.
Thirty-five young adults from around the world gathered in
Durres, Albania at St. Vlash Theological Academy to prepare
for the Syndesmos 17th Jubilee Assembly. As the only American
in the group, I was not sure of what to expect. I was cautious
of what I said as notto cross any cultural boundaries and inadvertently
offend someone. However, all my concerns vanished once preparations
for the Assembly began. Every steward was washing a window or
sweeping a floor, thereby allowing us to share a common experience
despite different backgrounds and cultures.
In addition to bonding through out work, we all shared a common
faith, our Orthodox Christian Faith. I realize now how limited
my experience within the Orthodox world had been prior to this
experience. I asked questions about the Orthodox Churches in
places like India, Kenya and France. I learned that the state
of the Orthodox Church in America faces many of the same challenges
as other Church's around the world. The foremost concern of
many people I spoke with was the ongoing cooperation between
Orthodox Churches throughout the world. My experience as a steward
convinced me that this cooperation is very possible. If thirty-five
people with different cultures and languages can come together
for work, fellowship and worship, then the different Orthodox
churches of the world can work together and witness to Christ
to the entire world.
Archbishop Anastasios, head of the Church of Albania, spoke
to us after celebrating a liturgy and reminded us, "Wherever
there are people serving Christ, there will be joy." Every
aspect of my experience in Albania has filled my heart with
joy. I will never forget the people that I was privileged to
meet and I cherish our common faith that will always unite us.
The Orthodox Church in America Youth is a member of
Syndesmos, the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth. For more
information about the Orthodox Church in America's involvement
in Syndesmos go to http://yya.oca.org/TheHub/DeptPrograms/SYNDESMOS/GenInfo.htm.
On the Calendar: Youth and Young Adult Activities
Planned for St Vladimir Seminary Orthodox Education Day, Oct
4, 2003.
Crestwood, NY - St Vladimir’s Seminary will host its 34th
annual Orthodox Education Day on Saturday, October 4, 2003.
The annual event draws scores of people from the tri-state area
and beyond for a day of worship, fellowship, education, and
entertainment.
This year's theme is "Orthodox Tradition Yesterday and
Today." The event's featured speaker will be Frederica
Mathewes-Green, commentator on National Public Radio and highly
acclaimed author. Afternoon workshops on subjects ranging from
iconology, liturgy and patristic theology to developing a parish
website and the challenge of sexual abuse, will explore the
various aspects of the day's theme.
Metropolitan Herman, the primate of the Orthodox Church in
America and president of the school, will preside at the Divine
Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. There will also be a memorial service for
departed friends of the seminary at 4:00 pm. The day will end
with Vespers.
An afternoon program will feature a Festival of Music featuring
visiting choirs and culminating in a youth concert with recording
artist Peter Jon Gillquist.
An invitation is also extended to all youth and young adults
from around the country. In addition to the youth concert, workshops
for youth and young adults and a special children's booth are
planned. It is the seminary's hope that this day will serve
as an annual reunion for young people.
Guests will also enjoy foods from many lands and specialty
exhibits about Orthodox organizations, ministries, and movements.
For more information go to www.svots.edu.
Readers Write: Singles Fellowship
Submitted by a YO-Mail Reader in Washington,
DC.
On outward appearances, the early summer day began as one which
many of us in the Washington DC metropolitan area had grown accustomed…torrential
downpours, cloudy skies, and chilly temperatures. The gloomy weather,
however, did not dampen the festive mood or keep the crowds away
from the first Singles Gathering of Orthodox Fellowship in the Baltimore/DC
area. Over 150 people from 23 churches gathered to meet, greet,
and eat with fellow Orthodox singles. Crowds gathered around tables
of food, new friends enjoyed friendly games of pool, and strangers
learned that a game of air hockey can transform the shyest of individuals
into a spirited competitor.
First mention of hosting an event that would address the special
needs of singles within the Orthodox Church began at the January
FOCA meeting, at which it was suggested a group be started for
this purpose. It was proposed that other churches be included,
and from there a gathering developed that pleasantly surprised
all present.
As should be the case with any successful party, people did
not stay closely attached to members of their own church communities.
Rather, groups mingled, and business cards and email addresses
were exchanged. "What church do you go to?" was the
stepping-stone to varied conversations and not a distinguishing
factor used to differentiate between groups of partygoers. Wonderfully,
it was an event that met and exceeded all expectations in bringing
together Orthodox singles in the metropolitan area so that they
could feel attached to a body of people that share common interests
and needs within the larger community of God's church.
As the priest began his talk to the large crowd of varying
ages, ranging from the early twenties to late fifties, it became
clear just how vivacious and eager the singles subset of the
church community is and it would have been difficult for any
in attendance to not feel uplifted and excited as they looked
out on the sea of faces. Though the crowd may have been diverse
in nationality and background, one commonality rang true… all
were part of the same community, sharing a common faith.
While much planning went into this event, the only obligation
for those in attendance was to RSVP (with a resounding, "Yes").
And from that one "yes," guests were treated to great
food, a lot of fun, and a night of good times that extended
long after the bedtime of many attedning.
And if nothing else was discovered, it became clear that it
is a very small world. As one newfound acquaintance revealed
that he lived next door to my cousin in college, and thought
he was an excellent football player, I realized… each of us
really do know a little bit about everyone, if only we take
the time to talk to them to see oour similarities and discover
our common grounds.
Don't forget!
Here is your chance! We know you have great
stories to tell, and honest opinions to share. We know amazing
things have happened to you and you were just wondering, "Now, HOW
can I share this with others?" Well, the section IS entitled
"Readers Write", so what better venue than right here?
You're a reader, so…. You know the
next step. Send us something you've written and would like to see in
a future issue of YO-Mail. Commentary on YO-Mail is welcome, as is
anything that is pertinent to our lives as Christians. Send it in to
youth@oca.org and we will put it
here.
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