| |
|
|
MEMORY ETERNAL!
 | Repose of one of our Founders
It is with great sadness that we learned of the repose today - Bright Wednesday - of the V. Rev George Sondergaard. Father George has served us and guided for many years. Since 1991 Father George has been our spiriual father and guide in all things related to our community. We will remember him always among "the founders of this holy house." Memory Eternal!
|
Icon Workshop 2013
 | ICON WORKSHOP PROSOPON SCHOOL OF ICONOLOGY Instructor Father Mefodii, Master Iconographer
Dates June 24-29 2013. Meeting daily Monday through Saturday, 9am - 4pm Please contact Elizabeth, Workshop Coordinator
505-660-9113 or ebezzerides@gmail.com
|
Great and Holy Week
 | Great and Holy Week and PASCHA The liturgy of the Church is more than meditation or praise concerning past events. It communicates to us the eternal presence and power of the events being celebrated and makes us participants in those events. Saint Dimitri Orthodox Church celebrates Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) this week April 28 through May 5. In addition to daily evening Matins, services of Holy Friday on May 3 will begin at 4 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. On Holy Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy will begin at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday evening the great Feast of Feasts - Pascha (Easter) - begins at 11:30 p.m. with Matins and procession at midnight followed by the Paschal Liturgy. The Blessing of Baskets and Agape meal breaking the Lenten Fast will follow.
We welcome Rev. Sergius Clark, Associate Pastor of Saint Justin Martyr Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, FL who will celebrate services. We welcome all - join us in the greeting of the Feast - Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
|
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 Searching for God in a Land of Shallow Wells written by Matthew Gallatin. This book provides a concise introduction and overview of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The author is an Orthodox Convert and a former pastor of the Calvary Chapel churches.
You will receive one copy of the book as a gift from Saint Dimitri's One copy per household only, please. Send your name and mailing address to book@stdimitri.org |
LENTEN STUDY AND DISCUSSION
Lenten Discussion - Wednesday evenings Reading and discussing "Meditations for Great Lent - Reflections on the Triodion" by Father Vassilios Papavassiliou Archimandrite Vassilios (Papavassiliou) is a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, He is author of numerous articles on the Orthodox Christian Faith and theology as well as the author of "Journey to the Kingdom: In Insider's Look at the Liturgy and Beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church." Meeting at 6:00 p.m. before midweekVespers.
|
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!"
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory forever!
PYSANKY EGG PAINTING
Alexis will be teaching Ukrainian Pysanky making again this year to anyone who's interested. On this Saturday April 27, to be specific. Anyone - all ages - is welcome. All you need to bring is a few white eggs (hard-boiled if small children will be participating), and a candle with a candle holder if you have it. Plan to show up by 10 AM to get things started. Hope to see you there!
Sarov Sister City Delegates Visit
 Tuesday evening Mar 27, Saint Dimitri Orthodox Church enjoyed a visit of the current delegation from Sarov, Russia, Los Alamos’ Sister City.
All of the members of the delegation had expressed interest in learning more about life in Los Alamos and in smaller communities in the US and asked their Sister City hosts to include a visit to the local Orthodox Church as part of their week long visit.
Eugene Kovalenko surprised the delegation as he sang God is with us (S nami Bog)in Slavonic, Father John Hennies shared an unexpected, truly American moment, when he sang a prayer in the Native American Lakota language. Father John then presented the delegation with a gift of a panel icon of All Saints of North America. The Sarov visitors presented a prayer rope from Sarov.
The delegates along with their Sister City hosts, Dr Robert Thomsen and Paul Winter continued their warm visit with the members of Saint Dimiti community over cups of Russian tea.
The communities of Sarov, Russia and Los Alamos, NM have had a Sister Cities relationship since the early 90’s which has resulted in exchange visits between citizens of Sarov and Los Alamos in the fields of medicine, education, local government, in addition to many scientific visits between the laboratories of the two cities through the years.
Prior visits to Saint Dimitri Church have included delegations including the Deputy Mayor of Sarov and most recently a visit by a team of firefighters from Sarov. The firefighters’ visit was part of learning from their Los Alamos counterparts effective methods to fight wildfires, especially methods to employ in highly technical areas. .
|
|
|
|
|  Billboard to Attract Youth in Russia | Billboard to Attract Youth in Russia |
Tom Hanks Active Orthodox Christian
Roughly translated from Russian, Tom Hanks testifies: " "Tom Hanks, actor:
I clearly understand how important and wonderful it is to have an opportunity to go to church and to think over significant questions that confront mankind, as well as about answers, which Orthodoxy gives you specifically." This image of Tom Hanks is a billboard found throughout Russia attempting to attract youth to the Russian Orthodox Church. Technically Tom Hanks is Greek Orthodox. Since he must have given his blessing to use his image in this way in Russia, makes this a pan-Orthodox missionary endeavor. Clearly, Orthodoxy is not just a "Greek thing." Tom Hanks converted to the Orthodox Church when he married his wife, Rita Wilson, in 1988. It is no secret that the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding was produced by Tom Hanks. He is attends St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. LINK- Regarding the billboards throughout Russia. LINK- Tom Hanks "goes to church almost every day in throughout the Holy Week." LINK- Carrying the Epitaphion on Holy Friday LINK- Tom Hanks hosts Greek Festival in Los Angeles.
|
|  Children of St. Dimitri's and Fr. John prep coats | Children of St. Dimitri's and Fr. John prep coats |
LOLA (Ladies Outreach of Los Alamos, of St. Dimitri's) Sponsors
Coats, Gloves, and Socks for LA Kids Project
There are many outreach projects by many churches in Los Alamos. These churches send many dollars to the needy in far away lands, even if off the Los Alamos hill. We are aghast to learn there we have needy right here at home! We were informed by counsellors at several schools that there are numerous children coming to school in the winter, without being dressed properly.
There are at least 200 people, needy children and their families, exist in Los Alamos county. These souls are also dear to Christ, and who scarcely have enough to eat. Help us serve those in need right here at home.
We are raising funds and purchasing quality winter wear for these children. If you are interested in donating please call:
(505) 695-9663
|
| Fr. Thomas here addresses an issue that remains important for certain Christian groups. In the West, due to abuses that arose in both Rome and in the Protestant reformations, the Protestors sought any way to demonstrate the guilt and evil nature of the abuser. Fr. Hopko explains why we call priests father in a very succinct and understandable way. LINK
|
| From his podcast Worship in Spirit and Truth, Fr. Thomas reflects on time in the Orthodox Church. His series is specifically reflecting on the Divine Liturgy. However, he gives numerous presentations to prepare us to think about the Divine Liturgy and include how we believe about time. LINK
|
| Fr. Stephen Freeman, contrasts remembrance of God and remembrance of wrongs in light of our spiritual journey. One can not have remembrance of God when one has remembrance of wrongs. LINK
|
| 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
|
| 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
|
| Brief Catechism
|
|
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
|
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
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|  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) 661-7466
|
|
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 |
| | | |
|
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
|
|
| 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
|
|
Video with Answer to Question "Are you saved?" Beautiful answer at this link --Are you Saved?
|
|
|
|
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
|
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
|
|
|
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/
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
| |
|
|
| 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..
|
| 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.
|
| |
| Saint Dimitri of Rostov Orthodox Church
Los Alamos, New Mexico
www.stdimitri.org
|
