Good Morning Liturgy

Because this is what I do when I should be memorizing Greek declensions and Tone 5. (To the tune of Good Morning Baltimore): SINNER Oh, oh, oh Woke up today Feeling the way I always do Oh, oh, oh Hungry for something That I can eat (Not dairy or meat!) The bells call their song Now it won’t be long, It's like a message from High above Oh, oh, oh Calling me out To the smiles and the Saints that I love SINNER (& CHOIR) Good morning Liturgy! Sunday's like an open door Every prayer is so heavenly Every hymn like a symphony Good...

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First Glimpse of St. Vladimir's

So, most of you know and have been following with edge-of-your-seat excitement our long trip across the United States from California to New York. Here, however, are some photos you didn't see of Athanasius visiting a zoo in Oklahoma with OrthoMom's Mom: The giant black ball fountain, which he at first seemed to think was the entire point of the trip. He was very upset to leave behind the big "Bah." The petting zoo was exciting for him, however. Exciting for us too, as we got to yell "THOSE AREN'T JELLYBEANS!" in a horrific moment of realization...

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Don't You Wish Your Wife Made Jam Like Mine

Don't cha? I have a confession; I hate strawberries. I don't eat 'em. Nasty little buggers. A sentiment not shared by Athanasius However, some people can do magic. Some people take this: And after this happens: That's the baby sign for "please" Leading to… and… And even… Before culminating into… Those magic people can make strawberry jam. And if its been very warm and you live in an area where fresh, roadside strawberries are as cheap as talk, you can buy a whole mess of them. And if you buy a whole mess...

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CHRIST IS RISEN!

CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH, AND UPON THOSE IN THE TOMBS BESTOWING LIFE! Couldn't you just sing those words over and over, every day for the rest of your life? Best news EVER! Pascha makes OrthoDad excited. Hope you all have a blessed and amazing Pascha!  CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN! The Harrowing of Hades: Christ, by the Cross standing upon Death, who is bound, raising Adam and Eve from their graves.  ...

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Dying Eggs for Pascha

If there's one thing Orthodox take seriously, it's dying eggs. Well, Christ, but the eggs come a close second. Maybe after the Theotokos. And the Saints. and Liturgy. And Baklava. But eggs, man, they're up there. Most people are used to a variety of pastel colored eggs for Easter. For Orthodox Pascha there's just one color (usually). Red. A deep, crimson red. It's dark for a reason - it represents the blood of Christ. The dye we make can look like a bowl full of blood. It's a sad reminder of the tortures Christ endured and His ability to meet...

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The Smash Cake Photos

I know, I know. I'm really sorry. Life has been insane lately. But this is one of my favorite weeks of the year, and I had to share how we celebrate. That means that I owe you the photos of his birthday party from...a month ago. So first thing's first. I forgot the camera when we drove down south to celebrate the day Li'l Athanasius erupted into this world, completely (unwantedly) quietly. So all I think I have photos of is him devouring his smash cake that my mother so graciously took for us, and a few of his birthday presents from my sister....

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Merry Christmas!

The face you all come to see. My witty remarks are all just filler, I know.  ...Happy New Year...Happy St. Valentine's? Ok yes, I've been gone for a long time. The new semester involved, quite unexpectedly, a lot more work than I had anticipated, mainly with applying for graduation (finally!) and applying to grad school. Especially with a school that takes joy in screwing around with student's records, this has been rather involved. So the last time we saw each other we were about to celebrate Nativity. Here's a guide to Nativity in Ortho-house....

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