as well as Readers Opinions about Capital Punishment, Music Reviews, and Sex Before Marriage
Well readers, May is upon us and that means finals cannot be far behind.
Just wanted you to know that we here are thinking about all of you and
praying that you keep focused, study hard, and remember that life (in
whatever form) will continue after finals are over. Remember, while, they
are important exams, your future is, in fact, bigger than your grades this
semester. It's easy to lose perspective and think that your entire life
will be made or ruined because of your average.
One word of warning, however. Don't procrastinate until the "11th hour"
and then start praying for God to give you the answers on the exam or the
strength to stay awake for 48 hours. It doesn't work that way. God will
give you what you need, though it may not be what you want.
For those of you who need to be studying this week, save this to a file
and read it later. This a longer issue with lots of stuff in it. Don't
lose focus. It'll be here when you can read it with a calmer mind.
Hang in there! Remember, you're not alone.
Jn 5:1-15 (from the Gospel on the Sunday of the Paralytic):
In this reading we are hit with the contrast between healing on OUR terms
(exemplified in the pool of Bethesda) and healing on God's terms. At the
pool of Bethesda, healing is only for one person, and takes place in a
superstitious, disembodied way (an angel stirring up the water
mysteriously). In Christ, healing takes place through the loving touch of
a person, and this person doesn't merely stir the water, but rather is
the well of life.
It's interesting that in the scripture Jesus first asks if the man WANTS
to be healed. At first glance it seems to be a silly question - who
wouldn't want to be healed? But after thinking about it a little, it
become clear that for this man to accept the healing, love, and power of
Christ in his life, it means he has to let go of his old ways - his
superstitions, misconceptions, misbeliefs and even his reliance on himself.
Christ is really asking, "Are you willing to let go of all these things,
turn, and trust in Me? This is the only way I can heal you."
The same is true for you and me today. Sure we want for Christ to heal us
of our problems, our struggles, our sin and to bless us with certain gifts
(real true love, a great job, a wonderful family: all needs met). But do
you and I want to be made well? If we say yes, then that means we are
willing to be shown that we need to let go of our control, our
superstitions, our opinions and life plans. It means you and I need to
trust in Christ ... completely.
Something to think about:
"God, there are so many ways in my life that I try to go it alone -
forgetting that you are here always and want to help, bless, guide, and
heal me. Show me ways today to put my own agendas aside and let You be in
charge of my words, actions, thoughts, and decisions. I do want to be made
well. Amen."
Lost in Space has the prestige of being the first movie to knock Titanic
off the number one spot at the box office, even if it was only for one
week. Whilethe special effects were very good, and the characters were
interesting, the movie left many of us feeling a little cheated as we left
the theater, thinking that we saw a pilot episode for TV rather than a
feature film. There are, however, some interesting things about the movie
to mention.
On the upside:
On the downside:
Remember, for the purposes of YO-Mail:
Workshop 1 -- ONE FAITH
Workshop 2 -- ONE FAMILY
Workshop 3 -- ONE FUTURE TOGETHER
Attendees must be 18 years of age or older. A picture ID is MANDATORY
at registration.
For more information:
phone +1.407.331.4687,
email holytrinity@orlandogoc.org,
webpage http://www.orlandogoc.org
As we get updates to the summer happenings and camps we will post them
immediately to
or you can follow the link from the YO! page (www.oca.org/YO!). You
will find all the listings there. If we don't know about this year's
events, you will find the contact names, places, and dates from prior
years.
We will be updating the listings of Summer Camps in the next 24 hours
with a complete schedule -- as we have it -- for this summer.
This trend, however, raises some serious questions:
Q.
(from NJ from PA)
A.
NJ, your question and the way you phrased it demonstrate that you have
a great concern for the people that come to our Church as guests,
meaning non-Orthodox guests.
In the Orthodox Church only baptized members of the Orthodox Church who
have properly prepared themselves may receive Holy Communion. The main
reason for this is based upon a strong conviction in what the Holy
Eucharist is.
For Orthodox Christians the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) is the
"sacrament of sacraments." It is what defines who we are as Christ's
Church, and for this reason, the Church is given the responsibility of
making sure that everyone who receives Holy Communion understands what
it is they are receiving and what it is they are doing when they
receive it. St. Paul warns that anyone who "eats and drinks without
recognizing the body of the Lord, eats and drinks judgement on himself"
(1Cor 11:29). The Church is, in fact, the guardian of this mystery and
must insure that it is not abused or neglected.
In the Divine Liturgy before we ask the Holy Spirit to come down upon
the bread and wine and show them to be Christ's body and blood,
everyone in Church confirms that they hold certain beliefs by singing
the creed (I believe ...).
Everyone in the Church sings "I believe" saying that they believe and
try to live by everything the creed says. It is this unity of belief,
of faith, that allows Orthodox Christians to approach and receive
communion. Even Orthodox Christians, however, while encouraged to
receive Communion as often as possible, are cautioned not to receive
unless they have prepared themselves, realize what they are doing, and
understand the consequences of their action.
Some people will argue that they agree with the Orthodox Church about
all the things that "really matter" and that because of this they
should be able to go to communion. These things that "really matter"
can be very different to different people. Some people don't believe
that Holy Communion is really the body and blood of our Lord, but is
rather just a symbolic act. Others say that icons are idolatrous, or
that the sacrament of Confession is unnecessary. Any of these beliefs
would be completely unacceptable to Orthodox Christians and would
signify that there is a real difference and division between Orthodox
Christians and the people who believe them.
In the spirit of hospitality, many parishes, while not allowing
non-Orthodox people to receive Holy Communion, will bless them with the
chalice, offer them blessed bread and wine that communicants use to
break their fast after receiving Holy Communion, and invite them to
kiss the cross at the end of the service.
The Orthodox Church would love nothing more than for everyone on Earth
to come to the chalice. The Church, however, has an obligation to be
sure that everyone who approaches that one chalice are first one in
faith.
If you have a question, or know a friend who does, send it to us at
youth@oca.org. We'll give you a direct
and concise answer!
NW from MN writes:
Well, I hope this is the place to send all of this; it was the only
logical choice ... anyway, I got a bit of a "heavy" question. With the
talk of a unified; recognized by ALL of the other autocephalous
[self-governing] Orthodox Churches, and a sincere desire for unity on
the N. American Continent... how can we, as the future of our Church,
actively participate in making the dream and vision of the Russian
Orthodox Church, specifically St Tikhon's, a reality?
I really don't know if this could be addressed in "YO-Mail," but it
doesn't change the fact, that the future of the Church needs to come
together and I want to be a part of that.
In Our Risen Lord, ...
>>
Let's talk about it!
Well readers, here's a new question for you ...
How can we actively participate in helping develop a single unified
Orthodox Church in North America where all Orthodox Christians of
all ethnic backgrounds witness to the Gospel of our Lord?
Let us know at youth@oca.org
HE from ?? writes:
I am a college student who could really use that verification of my
religion.
Hope you take my questions into consideration. Also, I have some
thoughts on the sex issue. I do also believe that God will love us no
matter what we do before we are married; after all, if He didn't want
us to have those devious thoughts, then He would have made us all
perfect and no one would have sex until they were married officially in
a church.
Keep up the good work with the YO-Mail. I am not a subscriber because
I am not at the computer all the time, so when I get the chance I only
read it on the web page. Good luck with all future issues!!!
>>
Jonathan from MD writes:
I was also a bit surprised at your approval of Puff Daddy and Co
thanking God for their achievements -- these are the kind of people who
thank God that their drug shipments came in without the feds sniffing
them out, or after [having sex], et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Many
of these R&B or Rap groups have a messed up sense of religion (by the
way, you've gotta hear the Puff Daddy song "Victory" on the radio --
it's hilarious the way they try to censor everything).
Speaking of which, I have noticed many Protestants, Baptists,
Non-Denominational, etc friends of mine tend to think that "whatever"
they do God will accept them into the Kingdom of Heaven. While it may
be true that God will always love us, I don't think it's right to say
that you may do whatever you want and you're automatically forgiven
just because nine years ago you accepted Christ.
Many of these people are forgetting that forgiveness first takes
repentance (this is partially in response to OS's letter). If you've
dropped low enough that your sins are no longer affecting your
conscience, you've got problems ...
And finally, a few comments on capital punishment: I believe that when
you commit a crime such as that of murder, you are giving up your
chance to try to become a better person. While Mrs. Tucker may
honestly have changed, she could not have been pardoned -- this would
totally destroy the system. People could lie their way out of death
row. If you commit a crime such as murder, and get put on death row,
your only reward for repentance is salvation. That in itself should
be enough.
Jonathan Daisaku Mukai (and yes, you can use my full name)
>>
In regard to your comments about Puff Daddy, there is no question
that his behavior (and some of his music) is often very far from
what we would consider "Christian." His recent arrest for having
sex on a public beach with a woman that wasn't his wife (or even
current girlfriend) is proof enough of that. In our review of the
Grammys (issue #3) we mentioned that it was great to hear him and
some of the other musicians recognize that God had a role in their
success.
It is a tragedy that some of them, such as Puff Daddy, don't see a
connection between believing in God and behaving as He would want
them to.
Be sure to check out our future issues for some of the reviews you
requested.
DV from VA writes:
>>
Read their lives, say some prayers, talk to your priest, and choose
one. Check out our last issue for how to celebrate a name's day.
You will find some of these on the OCA website at
(We are in the process of building a whole calendar for every day
of the year -- there will be 366 days in all, plus some saints
and feast days are celebrated on days that vary from year to year.
This may be a starting place to learn about Orthodox Saints
throughout the ages.
Aaron Olson I recently attended the Orthodox [Young Adult] Conference at the
Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA over the Christmas holidays and we
discussed sex before marriage. I'd just like to share what I learned
concerning sex and marriage. It was a revelation.
As we all know, God created "everything" and gave us many gifts,
including sex. Human beings are the only creatures on Earth who enjoy
sex, and sexual expression is a gift from God. He meant it to be
enjoyed. However, the Orthodox view of the human being is one of a
total PERSON, instead of just a bunch of parts. Every aspect of
humanity is linked to every other aspect.
What goes on physically has effects on the mental, emotional, and
spiritual parts, as well as any other part you can think of which we
possess as human beings.
When we exercise these sexual gifts outside of a secure, holy, blessed,
lasting relationship (marriage), it causes DAMAGE. This damage affects
us in almost every respect, especially emotionally. God doesn't just
say, "Don't have sex before marriage" for no reason; He says it because
sex just isn't MEANT to be experienced outside that stable
relationship. He loves us all dearly and doesn't want to see us hurt.
When we have sex outside of marriage, we form bonds with our partner.
When the emotional and spiritual (yes, spiritual) support isn't there;
and then all of a sudden the relationship is broken off, those bonds
are ripped apart and we are hurt -- damaged. That is why sex is such a
big deal. It affects the total person, and it can be devastating if
abused.
Within marriage, the blessed union between a man and a woman in love
and in Christ, sex is safe because the bonds that it forms will not be
broken and the emotional and spiritual support is there. Sex is simply
UNSAFE outside of this union. It just wasn't meant to be done that
way. Would you jump out of a plane without a parachute or walk a
tightrope without a net? Of course not.
Sex is the same way.
I apologize for the length of my e-mail; please publish part of it (or
all if possible/practical) as you see fit. As well, please feel free
to list my full name and email address.
Your brother in Christ, Aaron,
>>
In case you forgot: YO-Mail is your mail.
If you have an opinion about something in YO-mail or something going on
at school, in the Church, or in society, send it in! Send it to
youth@oca.org Don't worry! All entries
will be treated anonymously unless you tell us otherwise.
From the Office:
A Few Words on Finals
Food for the Soul
"Do you want to be made well?"
An Orthodox Look: Lost in Space
On the Calendar
Young Adult League (YAL) Conference in Orlando, FL 2-Jul to 5-Jul-1998
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will have its 16th Annual
YAL Conference this summer in Orlando, FL. In addition to an
"All-American Bash," Divine Services, a Walk/Run to raise funds,
the following workshops are being offered:
Summer Camp Information 1998:
http://www.oca.org/OCA/units/ecl/Summer-Camps.html
In the News
B.U.G.s and L.U.G.s: Turning Sex into a Toy
On many university campuses across the continent there is a movement of
people calling themselves B.U.G.s (Bi-sexuals Until Graduation) and L.U.G.s
(Lesbians Until Graduation). While these people are not part of a
sponsored "club" on campus, they are a strong and growing segment of
student populations. The trend is part of the desire for people to use
their time at college and university as an "experimental" time where they
can "have fun" before they "get serious" after graduation.
Real Questions, Real Answers!
Why Can't Guests to our Church go to Communion?
Why do we Orthodox Christians deprive our guests that come to our
Church of the Body of Christ (Communion?)
Readers Write ...
A New Question On Orthodox Unity, as well as Readers' Opinions
about Capital Punishment, Music Reviews, and Sex Before Marriage
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!
The vision of St. Tikhon to which you are referring is to have one
Orthodox Church in North America where all Orthodox of all ethnic
backgrounds witness to the Gospel of our Lord. You have a great
question which needs to be discussed. Your desire and concern show
that you are not only the future of the Church but a living part of
the Church NOW.
The YO-Mail is fantastic. It was a very good idea to start. I have
some questions and comments for it, though. First of all, why is it
that church services in the Orthodox Church are so long? Secondly, do
you think there is a way to meet people through this YO-Mail: people
that we would be able to communicate back and forth with? This would
let us teenagers know that there are other Orthodox people out there.
Thanks, HE! We're investigating how we can set up a email penpal
group for people who want to be in touch with other Orthodox
students. We need to find a way to make it safe, though.
Hopefully, we'll have something in place this summer.
Hello, having received my first issue of YO-Mail yesterday, I
downloaded all of the back issues. I was surprised at the reviews of
pop CDs, movies, etcetera -- they are much better than the typical
conservative Christian reviews of media today. I especially applaud
the review of OK Computer. I would also like to suggest reviews of
Harvey Danger's CD "Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone" and
Metallica's "Re-Load." Also, Creed's "My Own Prison" might be
interesting.
Thanks for all your input, Jonathan!
Hello, I was just wondering whether or not I had a "name day" [His
name is David]. I do not believe that I do, but I wanted to verify
this. Thank you.
Actually DV, there are a number of Davids that are considered
saints. You can choose from the following "name days":
December 31: David, the King
January 26: David, King of Georgia
October 2: David, Martyr
September 6: David of Egypt
May 27: David of Garesjei
September 24: David of Serbia
June 26: David of Thessaly
www.oca.org/Feasts-and-Saints
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Thanks, Aaron! I think that will be the last word on the "sex
issue," until people have some new things to say.