| Home |
| About Us |
|
News and Events
|
| Orthodox Christianity |
| Schedule of Services |
| Ministries & Organizations |
| Multimedia |
| Directions |
| Contact |
 |
June 2010
"There is no more ascetic feat more difficult, more painful, than the effort to draw close to God Who is love." Fr Sophrony
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
Christ is in our midst!
Long ago, when I was a little boy, a Roman Catholic priest came to speak at our church in Erwin, Tennessee. We attended a Presbyterian church at that time having left the Baptist church just down the street a year or so earlier. The priest's name was Fr. LaFrance. He was an imposing figure for a small child: tall, a full head of jet black hair, and eyes that seem to have their own source of light.
I remember only two things about that evening. I remember that Rev. Kribbs introduced Fr. LaFrance as a man who was headed to a monastery in New Orleans where he was prepared to take a vow of silence! For the rest of his life! The second thing I remember is that at the end of the service I was introduced to him. He took my little face in his hands, looked down at me, and smiled a most beautiful smile. I don't remember if he said anything or not. Words were not necessary. That moment for me was a glimpse into the face of God.
There was something about the smile that moved me. Behind it was a life of service to God, of trials and tribulations that cleanse the soul endured, of a commitment to unceasing prayer, and to holiness I had not previously imagined possible. There were deep spiritual riches behind those eyes. I have searched long and hard all of my life to find a way to imitate what I saw that night.
Purity, humility, and prayer are the necessary elements. Purity is the gateway, humility lights the way, and prayer polishes the soul. I saw them all in that remarkable priest.
Have a blessed and relaxing summer. Stay present. Be mindful. Remember God as often as you breathe.
Love in Christ,
Fr. Antony
Archives of Fr Antony's Monthly Notes
2011
Summer 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
June 2010
May 2010
March 2010
2009
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
2008
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
2007
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
Summer 2007
May 2007
May 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
2006
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
2005
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
2004
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
2003
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
2002
May 2002
April 2002
March 2002
February 2002
January 2002
2001
November 2001
October 2001
May 2001
April 2001
© 2012 - St. Mary Orthodox Church - Cambridge, MA
8 Inman Street Cambridge, MA 02139 | (O) 617-547-1234 | (F) 617-902-2370 | Directions | Contact