St. Alexander

I just posted the Life of St. Alexander Jacobson whose feast is September 8.
His service is chanted on the ninth of the month.

The Burning Bush Icon of the Theotokos

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God called The Burning Bush. In the Slavonic service the Theotokos is called upon to protect against fire and lightening by means of this icon. The story goes that many many years ago there was a fire in a village, and one old woman was seen standing in front of her house holding a copy of this icon and praying fervently. The man who witnessed this was moved by the Babushka's faith. the next day he came back to the scene of the fire and found the woman's house intact, though all around her the house had been destroyed. 

The copy of this icon which is in the altar of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Brookline was restored by one of Russia's best restorers, a believer from Moscow named Nicholas. Please pray for him. I believe he has reposed. He restored the icon in the early 70's.

New Icons for our Cathedral

Here are some photos of our recent installation in St.Nicholas in Toronto.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59612229@N08/sets/72157635498615913/

Met. Makarius in Greece

Just talked to Met. Makarius. He was at Agia Zoni I think, and the church was packed. 14 priests were concelebrating for the Vespers/Vigil, and they are expecting as many at least tomorrow. The Archbishop spoke beautifully, and it was recorded so we will be able to hear the talk eventually.

Consecration Banquet

I recently received links to two videos from the Consecration so here they are.

Bp. Gregory speaking

Met. Makarius speaking

Link to Pictures of Met. Makarius and Bp. of Gregory in Greece

Liturgy in Thessalonica

Vespers of St. Phanoutius

Life of St. Maxim Sandovich

On August 24/September 6 we celebrate together with the feast of St. Cosmas of Aetolia that of St. Maxim Sandovich . Here is a link to his life. Life of St. Maxim Sandovich

Link to a chilling article about the march of Islam

Don Feder's latest article