Blog Posts
Periodically, I pick up my copy of the biography of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, written by Lubov Millar, and re-read certain parts. Photographs, anecdotes from people who knew her, and letters written by Elizabeth all provide a level of detail that is unusual within the genre of Orthodox hagiography. While I love having such an extravagant window into the life of an Orthodox saint, I also have found it interesting that the spiritual process of cultivating communion with a saint, whether modern or ancient, seems to happen apart from the noise of biographical detail.
We want to tell you about an exciting change to our Advisory Board. Please help us welcome Dr. Christina Maranci! She is a former Woman of the Week, who impressed us with her groundbreaking work in the study of the history of Armenian art and architecture, and inspired us even more with her compassion and the way she views failure as key to her success. Here she is in her own words:
You proved we were right: good things DO happen when Orthodox women come together! We far exceeded our fundraising goal! Excluding our matching donation, you gave $3200 to help Axia expand. We cannot thank you enough.
Concluding Bright Week on a bright note. Spring--even if she is a little late for some of us--is finally showing her colors!
Let's start with some flowers found in a coffeeshop in Portland, Oregon. If you know what these spectacular blooms are, please tell us!
Christ is Risen!
Indeed He is Risen!
Lazarus bread rolls are traditional in many Greek parishes to celebrate Christ's resurrection of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany. If you’ll look at an icon of Christ calling Lazarus from the tomb, you’ll see that little strips of dough have been wrapped around the central body of the roll to resemble the wrappings of his shroud. Traditionally, you also press into one end of the dough two whole cloves, raisins, or chocolate chips to resemble his eyes. (Some people substitute a single peeled almond for his face instead.)