Food for the Soul:
The Elevation of the Cross
The fourteenth of September marks the Holy Day of the Elevation
of the Cross. On this day we commemorate St. Helen's finding
of Christ's Cross. Found in the fourth century, it was then
stolen by the Persians and recovered by Emperor Heraclius in
the seventh century. At that time, the Cross was "elevated"
in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
A day of strict fast, this Holy Day stands as a reminder to
us of our one true allegiance to Jesus Christ and the victory
we enjoy as Christians as a result of His sacrifice for us on
the Cross. Just as the Cross was elevated to its place within
the walls of the Jerusalem church, so must our hearts and minds
be elevated to God, not only on this day of remembrance and
prayer, but throughout our lives. The epistle reading on this
day is explicit and forceful, telling us in no uncertain terms
in Whom we should put our trust and where our faith should lie.
"For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power
of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the
wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.'
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer
of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did
not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the
message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request
a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified,
to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God and the wisdom of God."
(1 Corinthians 1:18-24)
According to St. John Chrysostom, "it is the mark of them
that perish not to recognize the things which lead to salvation."
For us, we come to salvation by way of the Cross and through
Christ. In our daily lives, there are many distractions that
can take our minds away from Christ and lead us down paths that
will not bring us any great success. Though some of us may wish
one day to climb the corporate ladder faster than any that have
gone before, being the youngest CEO in history will not lead
us to salvation. And though it is good to have many friends,
being surrounded by the most people at a party will not grant
us eternal salvation. Our focus must always be kept on Jesus
Christ - on His sacrifice on the Cross for us and all He has
done for us. In God, and God only, will we ever experience true
victory.
Before the Cross, we bow down in worship, O Master, and
Thy Holy Resurrection, we glorify.
Some things to think about:
- In what/who do we place our faith? Do we place our faith
in God alone, or do we let things of this world take priority
over God in our daily lives?
- When the distractions of life get to us, how can we take
the time to remember to pray and thank God for all He has
done for us?
O Lord save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries;
And by the virtue of Thy Cross,
Preserve Thy habitation.
As Thou was mercifully crucified for our
sake,
Grant mercy to those who are called by Thy name;
Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Thy power,
Granting them victories over their adversaries,
By bestowing on them the invincible trophy,
Thy weapon of peace.
An Orthodox Look at TV
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
The dawn of the fall season brings with it many changes: leaves
turn brilliant colors and crunch beneath our feet, nightfall
comes sooner, and the fall lineup for primetime television is
advertised…and advertised…and advertised, promising new shows
to end the summer season of reruns.
So what will be the show to watch this season? If last year
is any indication, a huge number of Americans will likely tune
in with regularity to "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
The popular series captured the attention of many with its intricate
plotlines and equally provocative subplots. Each weekly episode
recounts the developments of an investigation from beginning
to end, following lead detective Grisom as he collects key pieces
of evidence to reveal a clear picture of the suspects and then
builds a hypothesized look inside the criminal mind.
On the upside:
- The artistry with which the scenes are filmed is remarkable
at times. Sequences are carefully edited to soaring operatic
arias and other musical scores, delivering to the television
viewer a scene that is as artistic as it is beneficial to
the plot development.
- The investigations are examined thoroughly; illuminating
details that many outside of forensic science have never had
the opportunity to see. The techniques the investigators use
are both educational and enlightening.
- The criminals are discovered and their gruesome crimes are
solved -- the ultimate message being that good triumphs over
evil.
On the downside:
- It is very gory. Scenes of blood and gore are graphic in
nature and little is hidden from the viewers. Limbs are shown
dismembered from bodies, hearts are shown removed from the
chest cavity, and blood is everywhere.
- A show set in Las Vegas would hardly fit the stereotype
of a good "sin city" show if it were not fraught
with sexual situations. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
fits this mold to a tee. Often, the situations are not only
sexual in nature, but also deviant and perverse.
- The criminals are often extremely disturbing individuals.
What is worse is that the show attempts to display criminal
actions through their eyes, so you see the crime laid out
as if you were present. This viewpoint is plainly disturbing
at times.
- Did we mention it was gory? It is. Very, very, very gory.
Coincidence that the lead character "Grisome" sounds
a lot like "Gruesome?" Hmmmm.
In the News:
TOP TEN BEST AND WORST PRIMETIME TELEVISION SHOWS
The Parents Television Council, an 800,000 member organization
monitoring sex and violence in television programs, recently
released its annual list of the ten best and ten worst "family-friendly"
prime-time shows.
Topping the list as the number one best show is CBS' "Touched
by an Angel." The show enjoyed a nine-year run, which ended
last spring. "Every episode emphasized the power of goodness
over evil, the need to strengthen familial relationships, the
importance of individual responsibility and an encouragement
to maintain faith in God," stated the Parents Televisions
Council, or PTC.
The most popular television show, as reported by the weekly
Nielson Ratings, also secured the spot of the worst show on
the air, according to the PTC. The watchdog organization declared
CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" the "least
family-friendly" for the prime-time viewing audience. The
show was criticized for dealing with seedy situations in a graphic
manner. The network, which airs the show during the 9:00 spot
on Thursday, has also begun airing reruns during the 8:00 slot,
a time when the PTC believes more children would be tuned in
and watching.
TOP TEN BEST:
- "Touched By an Angel" - CBS
- "Doc" - Pax
- "Sue Thomas F. B. Eye" - Pax
- "7th Heaven" - WB
- "Life with Bonnie" - ABC and "Smallville"
- WB
- "Reba" - WB and "Star Search" - CBS
- "George Lopez" - ABC
- "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teen-age Daughter"
- ABC
TOP TEN WORST:
- "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" - CBS
- "Kingpin" - NBC
- "Fastlane" - Fox
- "NYPD Blue" - ABC
- "Fear Factor" - NBC
- "Angel" - WB
- "Girlfriends" - UPN
- "Will & Grace" - NBC
- "Friends" - NBC
- "Big Brother 3" - CBS
Service Projects Overriding Theme with
Young Adults at FOCA Convention
Williamsburg, VA - The first-ever Young Adult Session
was held at this year's Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in
America's (FOCA) convention in Williamsburg, VA. The session
was a success on all levels, with over 30 young adults participating.
Father Robert Kondratick, Chancellor of the OCA, Father Michael
Anderson, Director of the OCA's Department of Youth, Young Adults
and Campus Ministries, and FOCA President John Kruchok participated
in the session.
The discussion focused on important issues to the Church's
young adults and areas where they would like to see growth.
The group showed an overwhelming interest in service opportunities
and it was decided that the young adults would immediately begin
work on two projects. In the first project, school supplies
will be collected for many of the Orthodox Church's orphanages
overseas. In the second, money will be raised for a much needed
van for St. Herman's Seminary in Alaska. (If you would like
to make a contribution or if your parish is interested in participating,
please contact Lara Herzak at lherzak@yahoo.com).
It was also determined that the FOCA young adults will sponsor
a service project followed by a social and dance at the 2005
All-American Council in Toronto. All young adults will be invited
to participate.
Leadership training was another key area of interest to many
of the young adults in attendance. In response, FOCA has decided
to conduct a training session, to be led by FOCA Past-President
Michael Herzak, during next year's convention in Grand Island,
NY. This session will include Robert's Rules of Orders - meeting
planning, public speaking and creating change.
During the course of the convention, it was revealed that young
adults would like to know more about other OCA and FOCA events
available for them to attend. To meet this need, a calendar
of OCA and FOCA events, with a brief description of each, will
now be posted on both the OCA young adult and FOCA web sites.
The group decided to use the OCA YYAChat rooms once per month,
so that they can use the web to enable discussions between young
adults. Beginning September 14, 2003, on the second Sunday of
each month, from 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM EST, young adults will have
an opportunity to catch up with their FOCA friends as well as
meet other young adults using the chat room.
It is the goal of the young adults to increase attendance at
FOCA National Conventions. As such, it is the responsibility
of all young adults in attendance to recruit their friends to
next year's convention and to promote the FOCA. The young adult
session was such a success and we look forward to seeing everyone
again at next year's convention.
Mark your calendar now - Next year's FOCA Convention
will take place July 15-19, 2004 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island
Resort in Grand Island, NY - 15 minutes from Niagara Falls.
To be added to the FOCA young adult e-mail distribution list,
please e-mail the addresses to lherzak@yahoo.com.
To see pictures from the first young adult session at the 2003
FOCA convention, visit http://www.oca.org/pages/events/2003/08.August/082903WilliamsburgVA-FOCA/index6.html
For more information on young adult opportunities, visit yya.oca.org.
For more information on the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians
in America (FOCA), visit www.orthodoxfellowship.org.
On the Calendar:
-
St Vladimir's Seminary to Hold Open House for Prospective
Students Nov. 13-15, 2003
-
OCF Announces Dates and Theme for 2003 College Conferences
Saint Vladimir's Seminary to Hold Open House for Prospective
Students
CRESTWOOD, NY -- Saint Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary
here will open its doors to prospective students at a three-day
open house November 13-15, 2003.
The open house will provide those contemplating ministry or
a deeper study of the Orthodox faith with a first-hand experience
of seminary life. Participants will attend classes, worship
in the chapel, tour the campus and its resources, and meet faculty
members and students. Detailed information on the seminary's
various degree programs, financial aid, and the admission process
also will be provided. Interviews with members of the faculty
may be arranged by appointment.
There is no cost to participants, who will be responsible for
their own transportation to and from the seminary campus, some
twenty miles north of New York City.
To obtain more information, a schedule of activities, and an
open house registration form, please contact the seminary's
recruitment office at 914/961-8313, ext. 328 or visit the seminary’s
web site at www.svots.edu.
Saint Vladimir Seminary, a graduate school of theology, offers
a Master of Divinity degree; a Master of Arts degree in Christian
Education, Liturgical Music, or General Theology; a Master of
Theology degree; and a Doctor of Ministry degree.
OCF Announces Dates and Theme for 2003 College Conferences
Join hundreds of Orthodox college-aged young adults at this
year’s OCF College Conferences!
Dates: December 27-31, 2003
Locations/Speakers
East Coast: Antiochian Village, Ligonier, PA – Keynote Speaker
– Fr. Stephen Powley.
West Coast: St Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, CA – Keynote Speaker
– Fr. Dan Suciu.
For more information go to the official
OCF web site at http://www.ocf.net
or contact the National OCF Office at 1-800-919-1OCF if calling
from the US and (617) 850-1356 if calling from Canada.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official campus
ministry effort under the Standing Conference of the Canonical
Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).
Real Questions/Real Answers:
Question:
Could you explain the symbolism of the the shape of the
Orthodox Cross?
Answer:
Great question! Below is a great answer available in the Question
and Answer section of the Orthodox Church in America's
web site (www.oca.org). For other answers to commonly asked
questions go to http://www.oca.org
and click on "Q and A."
The significance of the three-bar cross is a simple one. The
short bar on the top represents the sign that was placed on
the cross which read, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"
(in Latin the initials are "INRI," in Greek "INBI").
The middle bar -- the longest -- is the bar upon which Our Lord's
arms were stretched and nailed. The bottom bar is the footrest
which supported Our Lord's body.
While many people popularly refer to this cross as a "Russian"
cross, it actually predates the Christianization of Russia in
988 AD, although generally, in earlier depictions of the Crucifixion,
the bottom bar is horizontal rather than angled. Very early
depictions of the crucifixion, even those originating in Egypt,
generally portray the triple bar cross. In certain parts of
Central and Eastern Europe, the triple-bar cross with a slanted
footrest indicates that a given church is an Orthodox one, while
a triple-bar cross with a horizontal footrest indicates that
a given church is a Byzantine Rite, or Greek Catholic, one.
Various reasons have been given for slanting the bottom bar.
There is one tradition which states that, at the moment of His
death, Our Lord's foot slipped and the footrest tilted. A highly
symbolic interpretation states that the slanted bar refers to
the thief crucified on Our Lord's right side -- the "Wise
Thief" who repented -- who went to heaven and to the unrepentant
thief crucified on Christ's left side who did not. Another explanation
is that the slant is an attempt to depict that the footrest
slanted downward, toward the viewer, albeit in a two, rather
than three, dimensional form.
Readers Write: Is YO-Mail Too
Long?
As we told you in the last issue, we received e-mails
from readers mentioning that YO-Mail seemed a bit long. We then
turned it over to you the readers. These are the responses we
received.
"YO-Mail is the perfect length. Don't change
a thing!"
MR from WA
"In response to the length of the issue,
keep it as it is. If it is too long for some, The beauty of
the e-mail is that we can print it and read it at our leisure.
Thank you for all the hard work."
DH from OH
"I greatly applaud your efforts. However,
I think for High School kids I think it's a little too long.
FWIW [For What It's Worth]."
DH from WA
"It is only a few years since my conversion
to Orthodoxy. I am trying to learn as much as I can about our
faith and I find the content very much appealing and very practical
to my still somewhat younger stage in life. I have printed your
articles and given them to youth and/or encouraged them to check
it out for themselves.
In response to your question, “Is it too long?” My answer is
NO! I want it longer. I thoroughly enjoy your articles. Maybe
one compromise would be to send YO-Mail out more frequently.
But personally, I would like to see the same content or more
(including length if that’s what it takes)."
In Christ,
CJ from WI
"I think it is good as is. I just print it out and
read it at my leisure."
JS from CA
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 yomail@oca.org
and we will put it here.
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