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Free Book Offer
| Free Book Offer
Anyone living within 40 miles of Los Alamos, New Mexico may request a copy of the informative and balanced book Light from the Christian East written by James Payton, Jr.. This book provides a concise introduction and overview of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. You will receive one copy of the book as a gift from Saint Dimitri's (while supplies last). One copy per household only, please. Send your name and mailing address to Father John at monkjohn@gmail.com
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Saint Dimitri of Rostov Orthodox Church - Los Alamos, New Mexicowww.stdimitri.org
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St. Dimitri of Rostov Orthodox Church, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Christ is in our midst!
He is and ever shall be!
Saint Dimitri Orthodox Church is an Orthodox Christian Church: the ancient, historic, and original Church of the New Testament, which has neither added to, nor taken away from, the Faith of the Apostles received from Jesus Christ Himself. Saint Dimitri is a mission of the Diocese of the South of the Orthodox Church in America under the spiritual guidance of His Grace, Bishop Nikon, Bishop of Boston and New England, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South.
Visitors are always welcome - "Come and see!"
Christ is Risen!
Indeed He is Risen!
Taking questions for column in the Los Alamos Monitor
We are taking questions for our column in the Los Alamos Monitor. Feel free to email questions to: monkjohn@gmail.com
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| From "Pilgrims in Paradise" Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio
This podcast reflects on Theosis as a realistic reality, NOT a lofty impossibility. This is a help for laypeople in the Orthodox Church, and perhaps even monastics. LINK
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| On Liturgy and Prayer
Important teaching on what it means to be the Body of Christ, and what is the Body's activity. Found on Ancient Faith Radio under "Worship in Spirit and Truth," a podcast by Fr. Thomas Hopko.
LINK 1
LINK 2
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| Fr. Meletios Webber on Spiritual Fathers
This is an interview by Subdeacon Stephen Robinson of Fr. Meletios Webber on the topic of Spiritual Fatherhood in the Orthodox Church. He touches on the theme from a convert perspective and provides clarification about the role, and reality of Spiritual Fatherhood. A highly important interview even for priests during these times.
ON SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
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| Ukrainian Egg Dying
On March 31st, a number of us gathered to learn the art of Pysanky Egg dying. This old tradition from Ukraine is a fine art, similar to batik, that produces detailed decorations on eggs. They make for wonderful Easter eggs and Pascha decor. We particularly enjoyed learning Pysanky from Alexis Perry who led the workshop. Next year, we may even open the workshop up to the wider Los Alamos community.
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On March 18, our community of St. Dimitri of Rostov Mission held the annual meeting with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Nikon. It was a wonderful time. At the end of the Divine Liturgy we installed three new members to the parish Council. The other two are finishing their three year terms. Down stairs at the Agape Meal Hieromonk John gave his annual "State of the Mission." In it Fr. John restated the vision of missions in general and ideas pertaining to our mission in particular, per the Mission Planter's Packet, a document presented at a recent OCA All America Council. Then the new mission-parish Warden, George Peters, gave a brief report as well as thanks to the council members who proceeded this recent council. Next, the treasurer, Elizabeth Bezzerides, gave her report, presented the budget from last year, and gave the proposed budget for this year. The budget was voted and received unanimously. It is a very exciting time, with a new mission-parish council with many wonderful ideas and zealous to serve. Your prayers as we have another fruitful year in our Lord Jesus Christ!
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| On Saturday February, the people of St. Dimitri's hosted a Russian Blini breakfast for Los Alamos. We had a marvelous success and wonderful fellowship. We tried a new approach this year. We used incandescent lamps instead of the over head florescent lights, which created a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Also, instead of buffet style, like previous years, we served our customers at table. It was a wonderful time. Thank you all who supported our fundraiser! God bless you!
 The Servers and Plate Preparers | The Servers and Plate Preparers |
|  Fr. John setting up to take credit cards with Square | Fr. John setting up to take credit cards with Square |
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| Brief Catechism
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At the Reel Deal Theater in Los Alamos
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| By the grace of God the 2011 Nativity Cookie Sale was a success! Despite the poor state of the economy our sales were $3500! This will greatly aid in the upkeep of our Church as well as allow us to minister to the community in various ways. We are very thankful for your support of our Church!
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Orthodox Prayer
Website
A comprehensive website on Orthodox Prayer. It covers teaching, and practice as well as provides many prayers. They even provide a PDF of a simple lay-rule of prayer.Orthodox Prayer
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Orthodox Way of Life Blog
"Walking the Path to Theosis"
Orthodox Way of Life is a great blog maintained by pious Deacon Charles. It provides insight into many things Orthodox. Currently, the lead article explains the Nativity Icon! Beautiful!
The Path to Theosis Link
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For Orthodox Mothers
Adventures of an Orthodox Mom is a great source for all Orthodox Mothers
out there who are interested in deepening their faith and fulfilling
her task of being an Orthodox Mom. For Orthodox craft ideas to share
with one's children to unique perspectives on our faith from a mother's
point of view, this website is a wealth for not only mothers but all
Orthodox Christians.Orthodox Mom Link
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|  Archbishop Dmitri's Interment Chapel Cleared
The Chapel where the remains of Archbishop Dmitri will be interred has been cleared for construction by the Dallas Texas Authorities. If you are interested in making a donation toward the construction of this chapel please contact Fr. John for further details. (505) 603-3430
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Baptism of Infants
Link to Article explaining the necessity of baptism and chrismation even for infants.Infant Baptism
Infant Baptism image in 2nd Cent. Catacomb
 2nd Century Catacomb of St. Callisto Depicting Infant Baptism | 2nd Century Catacomb of St. Callisto Depicting Infant Baptism |
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On Confirmation & Chrismation: Not Waiting for Reason
Chrismation & Confirmation
Link to Article explaining the difference between the Western practice of waiting for the age of reason to be confirmed and the Orthodox practice of Chrismation (confirmation) occurring immediately after one's baptism.Not Waiting for Reason
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| Orthodox Answers
Great site providing answers to a multitude of questions on a variety of topics. Highly suggested! What do you get when you ask an Orthodox Christian questions?Orthodox Answers
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Video with Answer to Question "Are you saved?" Beautiful answer at this link --Are you Saved?
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Approaching Protestantism
Luther's Interest in Eastern Orthodoxy
It is no secret that Martin Luther in an attempt to find a church with roots more ancient that the Roman Catholic began a dialogue with Eastern Orthodoxy. This article elaborates on that original dialogue.Martin Luther & Orthodoxy
Approaching Protestantism - A Bridge to the Reformed
This is a great website that attempts to bridge the gap between Orthodoxy and the Reformed Churches. Bridge
Approaching Protestantism - Sola Scriptura
This thesis approaches Protestantism by addressing the single most influential issue among Protestants -- Sola Scriptura. For those who encounter Protestants in day-to-day life; and find themselves at a loss with the Protestant frequent intolerant approach to dialogue, this lengthy exegesis will help. It answers many questions and provides a framework for relationship with Protestants. Sola Scriptura Article
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Addressing Concerns for Iconography
Article that succinctly addresses the issues raised by Calvin himself against Icons. Very helpful! Calvin & Icons
Addressing Concerns for Iconography
On Venerating and Bowing
Article that addresses distinctions between worship and veneration in regard to Icons in Church. Veneration
Addressing Concerns for Iconography
Responding to "Credenda/Agenda"
Another great article that address "Credenda/Agenda" in particular which contains the main issues against Iconography. Credenda/Agenda
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Ancient Translation of the OT
The Septuagint is the ancient translation of the Old Testament Canon used by Hellenistic Jews in the time of Christ. It was translated by 70 Jewish scribes at the commission of Ptolemy Philadelphus in the 3rd Cent. BC. When the canon of Scripture was established this was the text used by the Apostles and the Lord. Thus, this is the version of the Old Testament that the Orthodox Church uses. Link: Septuagint
Classical Christianity
A great website for exploring and continued education in ancient Christianity, the Orthodox faith.
www.classicalchristianity.com/
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Orthodox Research Institute
The Orthodox Research Institute is a Pan-Orthodox Institute founded for the advancement of the faith among peoples. The goal is to provide in one place a deposit of articles to help in the continuing education of Orthodox Christians. This site covers a with range of topics via sermons, article, and additional links. These writings are provided by contemporary Orthodox Christians, from Hierarchs to Laity, and and serve to imbue us with the fragrance of Orthodoxy. O.R.I.
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Fr. John Begins Column in Los Alamos Monitor
On October 7th, Fr. John will begin a bi-monthly column in the Los Alamos Monitor. Anyone can submit questions to Fr. John who will select and respond in the column. At this point the name of the column is "Ask Fr. John." May it be blessed!
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Ancient Christian Texts
We are adding a reference page called Ancient Christian Texts to
our website. Please find the link in the tab to the right. Our goal is
to provide in one place many of the writings of the Ancient Church as a
way to guard ourselves and learn in the midst of an questionable age. In
a time when many Christians are giving over Christ, swayed by the
movements of the world, it behooves us to educate ourselves. By learning
our faith in heart and mind, we will be like the rock that was beaten
by the weather and was unmoved.
"Meditate
on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may
be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue
in them, for in so doing this you will save both yourself and those who
hear you." 1 Tim 4:15-16
“He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:10
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Why Orthodoxy Attracts Men
Men & Church - This article written by Fredrica Matthews-Green for Beliefnet, beautifully
describes why so many men are flocking to the Orthodox Church in droves.
She quotes many men and clergymen, as well as women, she quotes
converts as well as "cradle Orthodox." This article is strongly
recommended and provides answers to questions that are common for men
and women.
http://www.frederica.com/writings/men-and-church.html
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| Frequently Asked Questions -from Holy Resurrection Church, MS.
- What does “Theotokos” mean? Theotokos (Mother of God) is a title for the Virgin Mary. Orthodox love and honor (but do not worship) her because of our union with her Son. The attention given her in the Church also expresses our faith that Jesus Christ is truly human, born of a woman as we are, yet mysteriously has always been God, so His human mother can be called the Mother of God. In many hymns she is a sign of the Church as the beloved bride of God (Rev. 21:2); her exaltation as “more glorious than the Seraphim” is a sign of the exaltation awaiting all who “hear the Word of God and keep it” as she did.
- What are Icons? Icons are paintings of Christ and the Saints. They must be painted according to a strict tradition because they are an important way the Faith is handed down and taught. Icons and crosses are kissed (“venerated”), but not worshipped, as a sign of our belief that in Christ God took a physical body, became part of our physical world so we could know Him. Other human beings who unite themselves with Christ become holy and the image of God becomes visible in them so we honor their icons, as well.
Icons Idolatry? Article- Incense, vestments, and candles are part of the imagery of heavenly worship in the Book of Revelation. In the Liturgy we participate while still in this world in the worship of the angels and saints in heaven. Many people buy candles and place them in the church as an offering of light to the Lord, who told us to let our light shine.
- Standard prayers and hymns are used rather than extemporaneous or modern ones because they contain the accumulated insights of many centuries of Christians, and most of them are packed with Biblical quotations. They are repetitious because that way they become rooted in our minds. They are chanted or sung rather than spoken so we are less conscious of the personality of the individual reader.
- Body Worship Orthodox worship with their bodies as well as with words, so you will see that people at times bow, make the sign of the Cross, etc. If you are not Orthodox, of course no one expects you to do these things – just sit or stand and listen, and participate to the degree that you wish.
- Standing (and kneeling) are the Biblical postures for prayer and Orthodox traditionally stand at Sunday services. But for most people this takes some “getting in shape”, feel awkward, or are physical limitations, so feel free to sit as much as you wish. We have chairs and benches for those who need to sit. We don’t normally kneel on Sundays, as Sunday is the Day of Resurrection and kneeling is considered penitential; we kneel a good bit at weekday services during Lent
- Children – we don’t have a nursery because we believe it is appropriate and beneficial for children to be in the services as much as possible. It may take a few visits, but young children can learn to settle down, and it’s surprising how much even toddlers absorb. It’s no problem if they move about quietly, but please be considerate and take them out briefly if they become very noisy, especially during the scripture readings and sermon..
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| How Can I Join this Church?
We don’t rush anyone to join; many people “visit” for years. After some time as a visitor and if you wish to become Orthodox, speak to the priest. Those wishing to become Orthodox Christians are received as catechumens (learners), and spend from nine months to three years attending the services and learning the Faith. The duration of the catechumenate varies from person to person and depends on their individual situation. If one has not already received Christian baptism the person is baptized. In every case every person is chrismated (anointed with oil - the “Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit”) and receives the holy eucharist, thus becoming full members of the Body of Christ. Orthodoxy can be captured and explained in textbooks to a certain degree but the theology of the Church is best experienced and understood by immersing in Her prayer and worship. The first step for anyone interested in Orthodoxy is to begin the journey of "knowing God" by attending services frequently. Not only does it bring one close to God and teach, it demonstrates ones seriousness in considering the Orthodox Church.
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Saint Dimitri of Rostov Orthodox Church - Los Alamos, New Mexico
www.stdimitri.org
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