by Fr. Nektarios Serfes Over the years, I’ve seen many of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer from ‘holiday’ depression. It is not uncommon. I have found that the Nativity Fast, when sedulously applied, lifts this spiritual malaise and depression with great effectiveness. Likewise, I have seen, and continue to see, those who complain or suffer from this Christmas depression, but refuse to life a finger to even try to fast, and thus remain in their despair. If you suffer from Christmas depression – try it and see how simple it is to remain joyful throughout the Nativity fast and the Christmas season. – Fr. John Much of the post-holiday blues and Christmas depression that occur in … [Read more...]
2024 Inaugural All Saints Party
On Thursday, October 31st the parishioners of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church held an 'All Saints Party', the first of an annual tradition. A fall themed potluck dinner was followed by the quizzing of the saints, in order to determine who dressed as which saint. An amazing amount of creativity went into the presentations. Finally, a pumpkin carving contest was held, with third place being won by a 4 year old! Well done everyone! See the galleries below. … [Read more...]
The first Great Feast of the Church Year is the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos
Your Nativity, O Virgin, has proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, has shone from you, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He has granted us eternal life. -Troparion of the Feast The first Great Feast to fall in the Church Year is the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos. It is entirely fitting that at the beginning of the new religious year all Orthodox Christians should come before the highest example of human holiness that the Orthodox Church holds precious and venerates — that of Mary, the Theotokos and Mother of God. This day is seen as one of universal joy; for on this day — the boundary of … [Read more...]
September is National Preparedness Month
At ASONA, we take preparedness seriously, whether spiritual, mental, or physical. Start with this: IOCC Emergency Supply Checklist (basic) The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) recommends that EVERYONE make preparations, or increase and improve their preparations during the month of September. ASONA’s website has a READY page, with a wealth of information to help you prepare. There you will find articles, and checklists, on many very real and frightening circumstances, including, Civil Unrest and Violence, Nuclear attack, EMP or loss of power, Covid-19 or other pandemic outbreaks, Martial Law, shelter-in-place orders, and more Also checklists for the … [Read more...]
Arizona Pastors Urge Flocks to VOTE NO on Prop 139
A grassroots effort has begun to unify Arizona Christian pastors around the sanctity of human life while providing a clear voice against the proposed “Arizona Abortion Access Act” (Prop 139) that will most likely be on the ballot November 2024. The proposed constitutional amendment called “The Abortion Access Act” makes abortion a “fundamental right” in Arizona. It puts that newly created right above the health and safety of girls and women and the life of the unborn. The amendment is written so broadly that, according to attorney analysis, it: Allows unlimited abortion up to birth under the broad “mental health” exemption that is frequently used to rubber stamp late-term abortion. … [Read more...]
Famous Greek TikTokker Becomes Orthodox Nun
A famous Greek TikToker with hundreds of thousands of followers gathered over the past eight years has dropped out of the “influencer” game to dedicate her life to Christ as a nun. 23-year-old Eleni Mazlou had nearly 480,000 followers who enjoyed her videos that often included scenes from everyday life, vacations, beauty tips, fashion, and other similar topics, reports the Union of Orthodox Journalists with reference to celebrity.reporter.com.cy. However, most of Mazlou’s videos recently disappeared, leaving her followers wandering what happened to her. Thus, she decided to publish photos on Instagram from her monastic tonsure, where she was given the name Ipomoni … [Read more...]
Alaskan Old Believer Parish Joins ROCOR
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia now has a second canonical Old Rite parish in America. In 1983, the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Erie, Pennsylvania, joined ROCOR and the parish leader was ordained as its first priest—Fr. Pimen. There are many parallels between the Erie parish and the Old Believer community in Nikolaevsk, Alaska, which is now on the same path, reports Sokritaya Rus’. The village of Nikolaevsk was founded in 1968. Today there are about 350 inhabitants. The community was originally of the priestless Old Believer tradition, but in 1983, a bishop in Romania ordained Nikolai Yakunin to the priesthood, who is now leading the community—with his son, Deacon … [Read more...]
Axios! New Ordinations for ASONA
Axios and congratulations to our newly ordained clergy. Priest Joseph MacPherson, and Deacon Patrick Gill were ordained at Holy Transfiguration Cathedreal in Los Angeles on their patronal feast day Monday August 19th, 2024 by Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and All Western America. Several parishioners had driven all the way to LA and were on hand for the liturgy. See the gallery below. Axios! … [Read more...]
ASONA Feast Day: Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
On Sunday, July 14, 2024, ASONA celebrated our Patronal Feast, and the hierarchical visitation of Bishop James of Sonora. It was the first time one of our bishops attended the new location for ASONA. A feast followed the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Here is a photo gallery of the event. … [Read more...]
Is There Such a Thing as Moral Heresy?
Apologetic students take notes! by Fr. John Whiteford We have previously discussed Aristotle Papanikolaou's strange notion that, unlike the dogmas of the Church, Orthodox Christian morality is open to dispute and change (see The Living Church 2.0). In the wake of a recent conference in Oxford of Orthodox "scholars, pastors, clinicians, and other experts" who gathered to "dialogue" about LGBTQP+ issues, Papanikolaou has asserted that never in the history of the Church has the term "heresy" been used to describe a false teaching on a moral issue. In the course of a Twitter exchange about the problems with this conference, I commented: "It's the idea that holding the position that … [Read more...]
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