A letter to the editor entitled “Stalin didn’t purposely starve Ukrainians” recently appeared in the local paper. The author attempts to dispel the “myth”, “tall tale”, and “legend” of the Ukrainian Holodomor in 1932-33. Sifting through his … [Continue reading]
The Orthodox Witness of Peace and the Repose of +Ihumen Gregory
It is with a “profound depth of sadness and prayer” that I share the news that the servant of God, Ihumen (abbot) Gregory fell asleep in the Lord this past Thursday evening. You will remember that I have asked all of you to pray for him: please … [Continue reading]
Remembering the Holodomor
It was another busy week here at St. Michael’s. Here are some highlights: Monday While I spent most of Monday on administrivia, the highlight came in the evening with the opening of the Holodomor exhibit at the Rhode Island Community College … [Continue reading]
Thoughts on a Busy Week
This was another busy week here at St. Michael’s, culminating with the visit of our archpastor, His Eminence Archbishop Antony. While much of the business was pretty mundane, there were some things you might be interested in. Tuesday was … [Continue reading]
Gadget Updates – more that I like
About three weeks ago, the budget committee passed a resolution allowing for the purchase of a couple of fairly major items: a projector and and a Roku device. I recommend them both. We’ve also tested some light bulbs and a new thing to help me lose … [Continue reading]
On the Obligations of Christian Citizenship
The demands of sacrificial love and citizenship are hard to reconcile. Christ demands that we welcome strangers, turn the other cheek, and love our enemies. But the governments we elect have immigration laws, prisons, and armies that they use to turn … [Continue reading]
More Thoughts on Immigration Policy
[FIRST POSTED ON AUGUST 18 2008; UPDATED ON OCTOBER 10, 2008] I am not a political activist - my activism is “in the trenches”, building up the community of Christ rather than than trying to lobby the government. But as a citizen in a … [Continue reading]
A New Direction in Pakistan’s COIN Effort
The weeks since my last post have been a busy time for those who follow Pakistani politics. As I wrote last time, I was waiting for the “other shoe to drop” as various groups in Pakistan reacted to our increased cross-border attacks. The shoe has … [Continue reading]
Thoughts on the Bailout
On the Bailout How did we get into this mess? Well, it started when Adam and Eve decided to go against God... Okay this may be taking things a bit too far back, but it really is about choosing selfishness over prudence; of choosing to create a new … [Continue reading]
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop in Pakistan
While few of us will ever know the complete truth (at least this side of the eschaton), it looks as though the Coalition finally made good on its threats to take matters into its own hands in the tribal areas of Pakistan. According to local reports, … [Continue reading]