Sword in the Fire

Orthodoxy is probably never associated with creativity and innovation. A hallmark of Orthodoxy is to resist novelty in doctrine, because we are " should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3)." Yet in ministry there have been time of great creativity in the Church. Last night during a meeting at church, I was introduced to several Orthodox parishes that are building successful schools. I was impressed not only by their ability to create a school, but the innovative and creative way they did it. These churches are examples of ways of doing ministry that are crucial right now. Here's a video of their vision and ministry: Question: What are parishes doing that are creative and innovative in spreading the Gospel?

In a previous post , I discussed the need for us as Orthodox ministering in the U.S. to begin to understand what America is so that we might incarnate Orthodoxy in American clothes. I need to clarify some things. I don't envision Uncle Sam presiding over the Divine Liturgy or jumbotrons with rotating icons. This is not about becoming politically American or adopting our Hollywood/entertainment culture. Our liturgy, doctrines, and lifestyle have stood the test of time and are trans-historical and trans-generational. My intention is regarding ministry and how we take the gospel to the streets and neighborhoods of our countrymen. So back to the question that I asked in the last post: What is America ? What are the true, good, and beautiful characteristics of America that should be adopted as we take the gospel throughout our country? It is easy to pick on the sins and excesses of our country. By now, they should be obvious to all, but can we identify what we love and wh

I've never been out of the country (well, I did drop into Canada for about an hour back in college, but that doesn't count), but whenever I meet those who are arriving from places afar their responses are always the same: "I loved my trip, but it feels great to be home", "I realize how much I love my country when I saw the Statue of Liberty", "On touchdown, I love this place." I know I have similar feelings when I have been away for while whether on vacation or business. There is something about where you call home. It is that love of place that touches on the previous post. It is that love of place that allows you to embrace the beautiful. It is that love of place that will transform it. Fr. Andrew Damick speaks eloquently about this in a collection of posts on place. Follow these link to see what I mean: The Politics of Hobbits (The Transfiguration of Place, Part I) The Locus and Economy of Community (The Transfiguration of Place, Part II)

Cradle Orthodox don't leave Orthodoxy for no faith but for an American faith. Orthodoxy's journey to America was a blessing from God. However, we have struggled to incarnate the body of Christ in American clothes. Our people have become thoroughly American in character. Outside of the Church they act, think, and speak like Americans, but their life inside does not reflect this transformation. This is our great challenge. We must answer the question, "What is America?", and incarnate the body of Christ in American clothes if we are to impact the nation where we have been planted. The Church has always done this task. The most obvious example of this is the communication of truth in the language of the people to whom the Church entered. Many nations and peoples can thank Orthodox missionaries for creating an alphabet and giving them the gospel in their own tongue. Yet language is not the only way the Church has incarnated herself among the nations of the earth