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According to one observer, Ketevan’s steadfastness delayed the Islamization of the Georgians in Persia: “The question arose as to why it was that, while all young Georgians were forced to embrace Islam, their mothers were not. The explanation given was that since the Queen would not change her faith Georgian mothers likewise refused.”
Featured Saint: Ketevan
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Interested in unplugging and creating a space to experience the presence of God more deeply? Then consider setting your sights on a pilgrimage. Out of all the possibilities, there is one out there for you!
On October 15th, Axia will be hosting a pilgrimage panel to explore the many ways we can be a pilgrim. Our panel will cover the emotional, physical and spiritual benefits that come from traveling to and/or creating a sacred place to worship and experience the presence of God. Through the stories and lived experience of four different women, we will work through a broad definition of what it means to be on pilgrimage - whether alone or with others; virtually or physically; staying put in a sacred place or a walk that is just as important as the destination.
We will be making a special announcement during the panel discussion—you don’t want to miss this!
About Our Panelists
Arpi Nakashian: After growing up in the Old City of Jerusalem, where she encountered pilgrims from across the world, Arpi went on to lead both in-person and virtual pilgrimages, eventually inspired by the pilgrims’ faith to establish her own pilgrimage ministry, Holy Land Lights.
Jennifer Rich: The author of 'Prayer Spa: Ancient Treatments for the Modern Soul’ and member of the Orthodox Speakers Bureau, when not tending her flock of sheep and stationery business Oblation Press in Portland, Oregon, Jennifer leads pilgrimages such as her recent tour with Frederica Mathewes-Green to Greece, focused on stillness in prayer.
Jen Nahas: An REI guide certified in both spiritual accompaniment and outdoor meditative walks, Jen’s adventurers all prepared her for the Camino de Santiago, one of the many pilgrimages she has sauntered.
Teva Regule: Among her contributions as President of the Orthodox Theological Society of America, Teva was one of the motivators behind the creation of the annual New Skete pilgrimage in New York and hopes to be an example for anyone else who would like to create a pilgrimage place for their own community.
$14 (let us know if cost is an issue)
(Orthodox women only, please.)
Friday, September 22, 2023
The first in our new series of pilgrimage stories comes from Bess Crider:
At Bethany in the Holy Land, I felt the knowledge of Jesus Christ move from my head to my heart.
I have been a Christian most of my life, actively pursuing a faith that is real, sincere, earnest, honest, and true. I became Orthodox in 1998 at age 41 and continued my faith journey.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Blessed Elevation of the Cross to everyone who celebrated on September 14 and to everyone who will celebrate on September 27!
Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to us over our adversaries and, by virtue of Your Cross, preserve Your habitation.
Friday, September 8, 2023
“Why should I pray to Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg for help?” I asked my persistent friend, Ginny, as we chatted on our cell phones. “After all, she was homeless—like me! Why should she care if I get a home?”
It was an oddball phone call. I’d been living with various family members for eight months after becoming widowed and selling my home in Connecticut during the real estate boom of 2021, and I was tired of living out of a suitcase, and even more tired of disrupting the lives of my children and siblings. I had sought housing out West in an effort to be nearer to my sons and grandchildren, but the high cost of living had deterred me, and the intermittent wildfires and smoke had spooked me.