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I

  An Orthodox Woman 

2 May 2010

Dear Souls -

        Yours, Prudence

II

  Faith 

4 May 2010

Dear Souls -

        Yours, Prudence

III

  The Cross 

4 May 2010

Dear Souls -

    For NY Times article today link here:  When Is a Cross a Cross? 

        Yours, Prudence

IV

  Charity 

5 May 2010

Dear Souls -

                               Some children are blessed with a warm, safe place to sleep.

        Yours, Prudence

V

  You-nitty 

6 May 2010

Dear Souls -

     Of course, I 'm just a simple soul and my opinion matters very little, but I believe the term Unity flies about The Church with minimal restraint.

     A wise soul once told me he sometimes wonders what St. Paul would think if he walked into Church on Sunday for Divine Liturgy (Father, I thought, St. Paul is at Divine Liturgy every Sunday...oh well). But I wonder, did St. Paul see The Church as staying stationary for 2000 years? He must have known there would be twists, turns, bumps, and large gaping pot-holes ahead.

     Attend Divine Liturgy and witness a constant form of worship. Take a peek at the roots of The Church St. Paul established with the help of his friends. The worship is there in Divine Liturgy as a constant . . . a unifying element within The Church. Attend Divine Liturgy at a random Orthodox Church some Sunday and see the unity within The Church in the form of worship.

    Liturgy at some Orthodox Churches is in an unfamiliar language, but I suspect you will feel the beauty of Divine Liturgy in any language. Some Orthodox Churches may have small tweaks and differences and if you're impatient and intolerant these may bother you, but Divine Liturgy is Divine Liturgy - a unified form of worship within The Church.

    unity - does not mean sanitized. Take the flavor and difference out of the Orthodox Church and you may have a sanitized form of worship. Groups of individuals have different tastes and sanitizing worship may just startle St. Paul when he enters The Church on Sunday.

    Unity - within the Church as a topic of organizational structure is complex beyond St. Paul's worst visions. But, addressed within the framework of the twenty-first century is necessary for peace within the Orthodox Church. There exists a structure of diversified Unity within Orthodoxy, which we should seek for the benefit of Orthodox Christians in America (and worldwide). But Unity tolerates differences, avoids pettiness, and doesn't eradicate culture (including American culture). Unity finds a comfortable spot here in our twenty-first century society.

    Unity - also takes a form within the structure of The Church established by St. Paul. This Unity belongs to all Christians and begins with a resolution to The Impractical Schism (see 22 March letter). Important people in high places (all men) must sort out this Unity, and make it a priority. Complacency with 1000 years of dysfunction within The Church is not an excuse. Shake hands, kiss The Cross and move on . . .

    St. Paul enters The Church on Sunday and maybe he is content with what he finds.

    Or maybe he sees our struggles with u-n-i-t-y, and guides us toward UNITY.

        Yours, Prudence

VI

  An American Orthodoxy 

7 May 2010

Dear Souls -

    Remember, my opinion is just my own, but somehow I'm inclined to share it with you. So read on and ponder . . .

    Having grown up in the Orthodox Church with a family deeply rooted in the Orthodox faith, I'm accepting of The Church. I accept the structure, the Liturgy, the music, the complicated organizational chart, and whatever else goes along with the package. And to be honest I love the influx of those new to the Orthodox faith. To me, those newer Orthodox Christians who come from varied backgrounds add additional color to a faith with an existing broad spectrum of color.

    No doubt some awkwardness exists with the merging of styles, but this adds shades of color, even if sometimes the brightness requires me to shield my eyes. As with bright fabrics on furniture placed near a window with beaming sunlight, the brightness will fade over time and take on a worn comfortable appearance.

    America has a history of melding folks from different backgrounds and this merging of styles is nothing new for a melting pot society. If you remember, this country was founded by immigrants, although at some point American must become its own ethnicity. In the meantime, we bungle along merging styles the best we can.

    My grandparents (on both sides) were immigrants from the Middle East, but I'm full fledged American. The only language I speak is English, although I grew up hearing my grandmother speak a mix of English and Arabic. (It's amazing how you can listen for only the English words in a sentence splattered with Arabic.) So although you may see me (or in this case, not see me) as an ethnic Orthodox Christian, I'm just plain old American Orthodox.

    Not too long ago I attended an Orthodox Church with my parents and commented on how the service included a lot of Arabic, which I didn't understand. My mother leaned over and whispered, "That's not Arabic, that's Greek." Oh well, if I don't understand the language, I'm not sure it mattered if it was in Greek or Arabic (surprising lack of ability on my part to discern the difference).

    But the question remains, what is American Orthodox? The answer is much clearer than most Orthodox Christians in America believe. American Orthodoxy is what you see around you, the melting pot of Orthodox Christians. Some Greek, some Russian, some Arabic, some of European descent, but here in America, we are American. If we strain too hard to include an ethnic basis to Orthodoxy, we end up with confusion; an American Orthodox Church with confused parishioners who mumble along in a foreign language they don't understand.

    The struggle to define American Orthodox, is not a struggle. We are American Orthodox, so accept the differences and merge styles as fit your particular setting.

     Our Founding Fathers never crossed paths with the Church Fathers, but their exceptional vision opened the door for American Orthodoxy.

        Yours, Prudence

VII

  Mother 

8 May 2010

Dear Souls -

    As a mother begin with prayer

baptize at birth

raise with faith

 nudge toward God

lead by example

spend time at church

and Pray

Pray

Pray

        Yours, Prudence

VIII

  Sunday 

9 May 2010

Dear Souls -

     Sunday morning.

        Yours, Prudence

IX

  TRUE WISDOM RADIO 

12 May 2010

Dear Souls -

      The meandering path of life leads you places despite yourself. God has a plan, whether you like it or not, and you can travel along willingly or drag your feet - because you will meander along, despite yourself.

       And when I reflect back I see my feet dragging at times when I wish they hadn't, and now I'm here writing to you, despite myself. When God has a plan, I believe He plunks it down in front of you, and if you're not paying attention, He hits you over the head with His plan. And if you're not paying attention, He has you trip over His plan, again and again. Sometimes we start to pay attention, despite ourselves.

      Now I'm writing to you, which is a rather unlikely scenario in itself, as I share my perspective on The Church (which varies from the main thread on the web). And sharing my perspective requires varying tools and the guidance of far wiser souls than myself. So despite myself, a meandering path led me here to introduce TRUE WISDOM RADIO - featuring the Homilies of Fr. Jon E. Braun.

       In 1987 a historic event took place as Fr. Jon and some two thousand others from the Evangelical Orthodox Church were brought into the Orthodox Church. An important moment in American religious history as the largest single entry of Christians into the Orthodox faith. At the time I wasn't interested in attending, despite attempts by my family to convince me of the significance of the event.

      But despite myself, my path was still on track for encountering the rich teachings of Fr. Jon Braun, because he soon arrived in my community and started a mission church. Once again I wasn't interested in attending, despite attempts by my family to convince me of Fr. Jon's talents as a priest.

      Fr. Jon's initial six months at the mission church turned into a permanent position as priest, and eventually (after some steady feet dragging) I became a regular at his church. And I discovered (after being smacked over the head) the brilliance of the teachings of Fr. Jon Braun. He is known throughout the Orthodox community as a gifted speaker, but for me he is the most gifted teacher.

      Our backgrounds couldn't diverge more. Fr. Jon has a background with the Evangelical Christian movement and Campus Crusade for Christ. I have a background avoiding the Evangelical Christian movement and ducking away from Campus Crusade for Christ. Fr. Jon quotes Scripture in full texts, I recite ten commandments. If you think of a theological question, Fr. Jon has too, and he's probably already researched the answer. I haven't even thought of the question. But in the middle we meet, because that's part of God's plan, despite myself.

     And now Fr. Jon's offered to share his collection of homilies here, as I introduce you to

     TRUE WISDOM RADIO.       

        Yours, Prudence

X

"A Thorn in the Flesh"

18 May 2010

Dear Souls -

     As I work through the stacks of homilies I've received from Fr. Jon, I've found much to contemplate (in the simple sense of the term). And I've arrived at my own thoughts on St. Paul's thorn in the flesh. As Fr. Jon mentions in his homily "Strength Made Perfect in Weakness" (see TRUE WISDOM RADIO) this is a topic of limitless speculation (except of course by me, since I've really never worried much about St. Paul and his thorn).

    But, now I'd like to offer my theory on St. Paul and his thorn in the flesh. I believe St. Paul's thorn was nothing other than his acute awareness of the presence of God. Imagine the challenge for St. Paul after his road to Damascus experience, living each day knowing he could be bowled over at any moment by a vision of Christ. Seems to me, as he worked his way through his travels this thorn was an ever present awareness of truth.

    Although I'm sure this concept of the thorn has been addressed by wiser souls than myself, I'm confident St. Paul's thorn wasn't an issue with his eyes or his bowels. His thorn, in my mind, was his true knowledge of God, and the contrast with his ever present worldly reality.

        Yours, Prudence

XI

Sunday

23 May 2010

Dear Souls -

      Sunday morning.

        Yours, Prudence

XII

Peace

24 May 2010

Dear Souls -

    In this complicated world there is peace hidden in a quiet moment. 

    Find the quiet moment; it's there wherever you are.

       But, here lies a path towards wisdom.

        Yours, Prudence

XIII

Perspective

24 May 2010

Dear Souls -

     In some cultures (I'm thinking of the Hawaiian culture) there is respect given to ancestral history and traditions. Although many enjoy visiting Hawaii and some decide to make the state their permanent home, there continues a traditional respect of the native culture. Some may believe the native Hawaiians are no different from other residents of the state, but to me it seems clear that those who have deep Hawaiian roots differ from those who have recently taken up residence in the tropical paradise. I love to hear about the roots of the Hawaiian culture, and I'm curious about those whose families have lived in the state for generations.

   It's a matter of perspective, isn't it?

        Yours, Prudence

XIV

Becoming Hawaiian

25 May 2010

Dear Souls -

     For years I've searched for the one true culture, and I now decided to become Hawaiian. A few of my close friends became Hawaiian five years ago and have spent time introducing me to the Hawaiian culture. They loaned me a number of books on ancient Hawaiian traditions, and I devoured them and soon searched out books on a variety of Hawaiian topics. Now, I am well versed on the subject of Hawaii, with an emphasis on ancient Hawaiian traditions. I believe in all my heart the Hawaiian culture is the truest existing ancient American culture. So, I've packed my bags and moved to Hawaii to immerse myself in the ancient culture.

     Every Sunday I attend the local Hawaiian gathering in the small town center. Families drive from all over the island to attend this traditional Hawaiian Luau. When I first attended this Luau with my close friends I felt rather uncomfortable with their traditions. But now, I've adjusted and in fact know the true way of ancient Hawaiian Luaus. The Hawaiians themselves sometimes don't know the true traditions of their ancient culture, which rather surprises me. Their culture is such a gem, I'm not sure they see the gift they've had right here in front of them their whole lives.

     The new Hawaiian Luau director just arrived from Florida where he spent most of his life, but he knows Hawaii is the truest existing ancient American culture. He and his wife are committed Hawaiians and their energy is perfect, since many of the Hawaiian families who have attended this Luau for years seem burned out. Although I've heard some of the elders complain, I know this director does everything by the book. It is important to follow all the ancient traditions exactly right, and to take any shortcuts would be incorrect.

     I'm disappointed when I see Hawaiian parents who are not diligent with teaching their children the traditional culture, as I've learned from my reading. They seem not to understand the importance of teaching young children the ancient Hawaiian traditions. My own children will learn the ancient traditions if I have to pound them into their head, and we read and practice the traditions each day despite our already hectic schedule. How else will my children gain an understanding of this true ancient culture?

    I see the elders shaking their heads sometimes when I attend the Luau and introduce the traditions lost over the years, but it's clear these traditions were practiced in the earliest Luaus. Maybe they talk amongst themselves, or maybe not. I did overhear one elder Hawaiian saying he'd been attending the Luau for eighty years and never seen some of the traditions we now practice. But the new energy infusing the Luau is strong, and I'm sure the elders will appreciate our dedication to the correct ancient Hawaiian traditions. 

    There is a strong Hawaiian internet community with numerous blogs by recent Hawaiian converts, which I read. There is a wealth of knowledge on a range of subjects, and I appreciate connecting with others to share my experience as I transition from my former culture. We are all committed Hawaiians, and want to share the true ancient Hawaiian traditions with others through all types of media. The Hawaiians have not publicized their ancient culture effectively over the last several centuries, so we're working to update the publicity campaign for the state. There is a plan to start two mission Luaus on the island, which will attract more residents from outside Hawaii. It's unclear whether any of the Hawaiian elders will attend the mission, since their families have gone to the other Luau on the island for generations. But, with our campaign we are sure to attract many others from out of state, and our mission Luau will not be led by the disapproving elders. Our Luau will be the true truest ancient existing American culture.

     But I do sometimes wonder, and I hear a quiet little voice in the back of my mind which asks if I'm sure this is the truest ancient existing American culture. There is a confidence I lack, which the elders have - I see it on their face and in their eyes. Where and how do the elder Hawaiians gain this faith in the ancient Hawaiian traditions? Perhaps my approach to absorbing the Hawaiian traditions requires a slight tweaking. The elders have something deep in their hearts which my friends and I don't have, which isn't available on the internet, or in the stacks of books on my shelves.

     The wisdom, knowledge, and experience

      of a lifetime.

        Yours, Prudence

XV

Becoming Hawaiian:

Ten Years Later

27 May 2010

Dear Souls -

      As I consider the changes I've made since becoming Hawaiian ten years ago, I'm surprised when I see myself peering back at me when I glance in a mirror. But, it's still me there in the reflection, a wiser me.

      Several years after becoming Hawaiian we started a Look, Listen and Feel program to supplement our Come and See campaign. The Come and See campaign left some new Hawaiians feeling lost after their relocation to the state, so the Look, Listen and Feel program encourages Hawaiians of multiple generations to share perspectives and work together. To me it's now clear the windowpanes of my life were muddy for years after I became Hawaiian. In my first years as a Hawaiian the small glimmer of sunlight through the window looked bright, but now I'm aware of the deep, heavy layers of dust on all my windows.

      The seasons change here in Hawaii, but they go unnoticed if you're not careful - some find the pattern monotonous. But I've learned from observing the elder Hawaiians, they feel comfort in the steadiness, rather than monotony. I've learned to reign in my Western zeal by watching the elders, and focusing on blending my exposure to Hawaiian culture with those of multiple generations and backgrounds. If I'm not careful I become isolated from the elders, which I know limits my perspective. And now I understand the Hawaiians consider it un-Hawaiian to let me know when I'm lapsing into my former non-Hawaiian self. This is the reason the Look, Listen and Feel campaign works for me - I fumble without focus.

      Being Hawaiian is a state of mind.

      With my aggressive approach I'm on a self-defeating path, because I must look, listen and feel my way into the Hawaiian state of mind. Watching the elders I see the wisdom they've gathered through years of attending the same unchanging Luau, week after week. My Western nature requires an adjustment; my choice to become Hawaiian was my first step in changing to a different, slower paced life - to cleaning the layers of dust off my windows. But I didn't move to this tropical paradise to live as I did in Detroit.

      Becoming Hawaiian is far more complex than packing my belongings and shipping them across the sea. Despite cleaning my closets before I left Detroit, many of the items I've brought along are not appropriate for the new climate. Treasured possessions or not, I need to let them go and find the items most suited to this new environment. I need to look, listen and feel my way along, respecting the elders who offer their quiet wisdom.

      The journey along this path is long, but I'm patient and know I'm not here alone.

XVI

Sunday

30 May 2010

Dear Souls -

    Sunday morning.

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