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The Canadian Orthodox Messenger Blog

Canadian Orthodox Messenger


After a long hiatus the Canadian Orthodox Messenger has entered the internet age as a blog presenting thoughtful, reflective and, moreover, edifying content that gives glory to God and strengthens its readers to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Articles of many different types will be considered for publication: reflections, reviews, essays, travelogues, interest pieces, and most well written pieces. Please send your submissions to messenger@archdiocese.ca.
 

Blog Articles

A new beginning, with old problems

by Fr Gregory Scratch

Always in our prayers! With the advent of September many of us come to the end of holidays. A new school year unfolds, new cycles in at work start, and there is harvest to collect. These changes of routine are almost instinctual, and we don’t think twice about them. It is just what one does, as one has ever done.

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Fr Philip Speaks to Our Time

by Fr Leonard Herrem

I was at the Archdiocese of Canada Assembly in July 2017 where Fr Philip Speranza spoke to us. I was deeply moved by his message then, and even more so now during the crisis we are facing during these days.

Fr Philip speaks of giving thanks to God, even for those things that bring suffering and loss, even through “clenched teeth.”

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A North American Joseph and Nicodemus

by Fr Gregory Scratch

This week we have the joy of commemorating two profound and wonderful saints who labored here in North America as missionaries, St. Vasily Martysz (Monday May 4th- the 75th anniversary of his martyrdom) and St. Alexis Toth (Thursday May 7th).

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Church in a Time of Isolation

by Anastasia Bartlett

Well, I can’t avoid talking about this Covid19 outbreak, especially since it has replaced the weather as the number one topic of choice. So here are a few thoughts.

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Stewardship

by Anastasia Bartlett of St. Aidan's Orthodox Church

Back when I was single and had only myself to worry about, I was introduced to a fuller understanding of stewardship. I had always equated stewardship with tithing, giving to God one tenth of any money I received, 10% for God and 90% for me (which seemed fair enough since I was the one who had worked to make the money).

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The Church New Year

Although January 1st is the beginning of a new calendar year, there doesn't seem to be anything that really denotes that. After all nothing really changes with the new year; it is as dark and cold on January 1st as it is on December 31st. This being said, everything changes when September 1st comes along.

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Christ is here!

By Anastasia Bartlett

Christ is here!

The twinkling lights speak of His presence. His birth returns light to the world as He illuminates every shadow of darkness in the world and within us.

Christ is here!

The evergreen speaks of eternal life, the candy canes display red and white stripes of blood and purity.

Christ is here!

The feast of favourite foods and drink is as dust in the mouth without the bread of life, the wine of gladness and the water of eternal joy.

Christ is here!

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The Dash Between the Dates

By Anastasia Bartlett

My mother died recently. My sisters and I ordered the marker and I was confronted with the dash between the dates, the dash in place of 84 years of living. We gave up trying to write an obituary for mom, she did so much in her life, it would never fit within the allotted space. She needed a longer dash.

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Annual Orthodox Women's Retreat Brings Blessings

By Tonia Howell, St Nicholas Orthodox Church, Kamloops

For those of us who have been drawn back year after year to the Orthodox Women's Retreat, our expectations of the serenity of the grounds and gathering areas and of the care from the organizers and staff and of the wisdom imparted by the speaker and clergy, are faithfully filled to overflowing. For those who made their first retreat this year, I trust that their outward senses and inward being were touched by the beauty of both their physical surroundings and the messages intended for their hearts.

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