Христос Воскресе!

[sufitom]

Christ is Risen!

To all that have shared this greeting with me and those who do not yet know the joy of this season, Christ is Risen!

He has trampled death by death. And upon those in the tombs bestowed life.

What would it be like to be there...to go to the tomb expecting to anoint the body only to find He is risen? Would I be joyful? In my

Comments

[asakiyume]

Happy Easter, Tom--glad to see your entry!

[sufitom]

Happy Easter to you also.

I wish the various Christian churches could find a way to celebrate Easter/Pascha the same Sunday every year. I've learned some of the reasons why and it isn't just a snap of the fingers, but still, it would be worth the effort.

The Resurrection of Christ is, after all, about the only thing we all have in common.

[sufitom]

Actually, not the same Sunday every year, but together on whatever Sunday it happens to be.

Have to remember the critical editor eye is on me...er, upon me?...is observing me?... ah well, you know what I mean. :~)

[mimima]

Indeed, He is Risen!

[sufitom]

Hope you are well. Thanks for the Link to the many Paschal greetings. I also meant to thank you for a link a few entries back about a monastery on the west coast, I believe?

Anyway, hope you are well.

[sufitom]

I'm too anal to let this go....I had to go back and find the entry and the name of the monastery....

http://mimisbooks.blogspot.com/2007_03_04_archive.html

http://www.monasteryofstjohn.org/

whew...glad i got that off my chest. printed some of the essay's from the newsletter...thanks again for the link.

Hope your mom is feeling better.

by the way...you were a beautiful bride ;~)

[mimima]

I've not been to the Monastary, but I have met the Abbot, he is a wonderful man (and went to seminary with my priest). The newsletter is very good, they just started it earlier this year. This reminds me, I need to send a donation to fund the newsletter.

And, thank you for prayers for my mom - she's 1/3 of the way done with the nasty chemo! Yay!

And, blush, thanks!

[barbarakelley]

Indeed He is risen!

I still duck out on coffee hour most of the time. Sometimes I wish I could be more like other people--more outgoing and friendly--but then other times if I can cheerfully worship with the people there then go on my way, it feels all right. I figure there's nothing to be gained by staying, losing the feeling of the service while gritting my teeth with something like dread from shyness or frustration with other people. They just spend so much time talking...

Talking isn't my strong suit ;)

[sufitom]

Thank you for reminding me others can share my shyness and frustration. If I can get past the initial awkwardness I can usually keep up a good conversation on various subjects...but the weird thing is, sometimes when I think I have it beat, all of a sudden it will be like my first time meeting everyone and I will not be able to go into that hall. It's such a strange feeling. I thank you for your thoughts.

[barbarakelley]

you know, I don't have it licked at the church I go to now, but I did start to feel at ease at the cathedral where I used to go. The thing that did it, oddly, was spending time there alone. I was asked to do some work on the choir books and so for several weeks I was borrowing the key and letting myself in to work on them. Something about being there like that, I started feeling more at home there. I was still stressed about driving to and from, but it did start feeling like a second home. I don't know that it would work for everyone, but it seemed to help.

At that time also, they started charging for breakfast at the cathedral. I didn't have much money to tithe, but I found myself leaving and buying food elsewhere--I finally made myself stay in order to give my money to the church rather than the grocery store.

But even if we never adjust to the social side of it, we can still belong and be a part of it the Body of Christ.

Perhaps I'm too longwinded... I'll stop rambling now ;)

I'm glad it isnt' me, too; Thanks! :)

[alexa_angel]

Indeed He is Risen! (Alithos anesti! or Adeverat a inviat! or Voistinu voskrese!)

As far as sneaking out, I don't do that, but I do go hide in the bookstore/library. Far less people there, and many books! :)

[sufitom]

Our Library/Bookstore is at one end of fellowship hall.... :<(

Whta's going on with the discussion you had about religious life?

[alexa_angel]

Ah. . . well, Fr. Andrew told me that I was the final arbitor of that decision, and seeing as I don't feel the *least* bit called to monasticism, that's a closed subject. However, we did talk about me becoming an iconographer. He says that I need to be orthodox for a few years before we officially proceed with training. He says I can take classes in icon writing (as long as they are truly orthodox). He said that the most important thing about an iconographer is his/her prayer life. So I have some things to work on. Anyway, if things are going well and I still want to be an iconographer in a few years, Fr. Andrew will talk with Archbishop Job, and if he agrees he will get me an apprenticeship with an iconographer.

Hope that answered your question. Sorry I haven't gotten around to writing about this before now.:)

[catandfiddle]

Indeed He is Risen! I was wondering how you'd been! :)

COFFEE. WHEN?!

[sufitom]

Let me know your schedule...I'm usually busy with Vespers and classes on Tuesday and Thursday...I would like to talk to you in person , if not, on the phone...involves Chrismation and the ongoing question of the Chrismation service. Talked to him again tonight and he really seems adamant about at least one prostration and some kneeling. (He veeeeery reluctanly said we could work around it but only half-heartedly. I'm going to start figuring out a way to do it, come hell or high water. He is sooooo stubborn and by the book. Yet, I love the guy.....so anyway, let me know or call me on the cell or I'll call you....how's Fr Ted?