Being who I am and my interests being what they are, it warms the cockles of my heart to see a new publisher of Orthodox Christian materials making a go at it. Do give a look at Anaphora Press to see what they’re doing and trying to do, and also check out their Nativity promotion.
Archive Page 43
A shout out for Anaphora Press
Published 10 December 2008 General , Media , The Orthodox Faith 2 CommentsTags: anaphora press, publishing
Please take a look at this; I think it’s worth a couple of minutes of one’s time to at least think about. I signed it, but make up your own mind.
Today’s awesome idea
Published 10 December 2008 General , The Orthodox Faith 1 CommentTags: egeria, egeria orthodox home and hospitality exchange, orthodox home exchange, orthodox travel, today's awesome idea, travel
Just a note that a year ago today (it being the Feast of the Conception of the Mother of God on the Byzantine calendar) I published my first entry here. It’s been very interesting keeping this going (more or less, depending on what was going on in my life) during that time, and I look forward to continuing with it.
Thanks for your support and interest!
Orthodox? Huh? You mean like that governor of Illinois? No, nope, Ortho-what? Never heard of it…
Published 9 December 2008 General , Media , The Orthodox Faith 2 CommentsTags: jonah paffhausen, metropolitan jonah, rod blagojevich, when orthodox christians make the news
Along the sensationalist lines of “When Dandelions Attack!” or “When Babies Eat Chili!”, I give you — “When Orthodox Christians Make the News!”
National coverage of Metropolitan Jonah’s election would have been nice, but I guess that’s not as newsworthy as a corrupt governor.
Update, 11 December 2008: One Orthodox Rod takes issue with the other.
One thing — lest we get too caught up in our own self-righteousness and outrage, I think we should be praying for Rod Blagojevich. He needs repentance, forgiveness, healing, and the love of God, just as we all do. “But he’s a corrupt slimeball!” Yes — and there but for the grace of God go I. I am the chief of sinners. “I’m not as bad as he is!” That may be. To quote Tolkien, “To sheep other sheep no doubt appear different.” Anyway — I don’t mean to be preachy, so I’ll leave it here.
By the way, when the movie gets made about Rod Blagojevich’s fall from grace, I think Mike Meyers should play him.
Tip jar, baby, tip jar — last call
Published 9 December 2008 General Leave a CommentTags: Tip Jar, tip jars
Amazon.com has notified me that the Honor System will be discontinued after 11 December 2008.
Many, many, many of you have already given exactly an amount commensurate with what you think my poor musings here are worth. For you deluded souls who have a number in mind greater than zero, however, I can refer you to a good therapist. Still, since it’ll take a few days to make the appointment anyway, you have until Thursday to take advantage of my tip jar in its present form. Click here.
News
Published 8 December 2008 Academia , College , General 4 CommentsTags: paths to grad school, the dark knight
I figured that probably the earliest I’d hear anything from West European Studies, particularly given that they seemed unaware that I had applied for next semester (as opposed to next year) until I told them in person three weeks ago, would be the week after Thanksgiving. I also figured, based on anecdotes and previous experience, that good news would come by e-mail and bad news would come by postal mail.
Today, I got home and saw an envelope in my mailbox from West European Studies.
My first thought, as might perhaps be predictable, called to mind Oedipus. I completed the idea by saying to myself, “Well, guess that didn’t work out.”
Just for grins, I decided to open the letter. Upon unfolding it, the first few words caught my eyes:
“We are pleased to inform you that…”
So, a door has, at long last, opened. We will see what happens on the other side of it — but in the meantime, I’m drinking champagne with my wife this evening.
(Oh, and the DVD of The Dark Knight arrived today, too.)
“But I’m keeping the collar” (warning: soda might spray through your nose)
Published 5 December 2008 General , Media Leave a CommentTags: christian humor, humor, postmodern christian humor
This is a couple of years old now, but it’s hysterical. Having heard the man whom they are (presumably) lampooning in person, let me tell you, they’re right on the mark.
End-of-year appeal from Cappella Romana
Published 5 December 2008 General , Media , music , The Orthodox Faith Leave a CommentTags: byzantine chant, cappella romana, ecclesiastical chant, ioannis arvanitis, liturgical music, sacred music
In support of an organization which does work I support and believe is very important, I pass on the following.
—
I’m writing to ask you to make a gift today to support Cappella Romana’s important work in Orthodox music.
This January, the world premiere of Kontakion on the Nativity by Antiochian composer Richard Toensing will require 30 singers — nearly twice our normal size. Individual gifts are critical to ensure our success, making up nearly 50% of the budget; grants and corporate support come only in addition to individual support from people like you.
Your gift of $25, $50, $100 – or whatever amount you choose – gives you a role in the timeless, world-class Orthodox music that you value. Your gift is also tax-deductible as the law provides.
This year, donors in North America giving $100 or more by December 31 will receive a free gift: the CD, Byzantium: 330-1453.
Make a gift today | View YouTube video from “Heart of Kiev”
TAKE PART TODAY
We are asking everyone in Cappella’s family (nearly 4,000 in our worldwide email list) to participate with a gift right now in a true grass-roots effort. It’s more important than ever. We’re saving precious resources by using email and online giving opportunities instead of costly printed materials and postage. If you prefer, feel free to write a check and mail it to our address below.
If you know someone who loves Cappella Romana like you do, be sure to pass on this message by clicking on “forward this email to a friend.”
Thank you for your support,
Maria Boyer
President
CAPPELLA ROMANA
Voices of Byzantium
—
Richard here… Just for fun, this seems like as good a place as any to add this performance of Cappella Romana with Ioannis Arvanitis:
Leitourgeia kai Qurbana: Contra den Zeitgeist 