Our economy continues to “correct” itself after decades of being artificially inflated by easy credit, poor saving habits, and superfluous spending. The government is attempting to ease the effects of this correction by replacing the suddenly prudent (i.e. risk-averse) credit market with its own. In this way, it forces more money into a system in […]
The Holodomor – not just bureaucratic excess
November 24, 2008 By
A letter to the editor entitled “Stalin didn’t purposely starve Ukrainians” recently appeared in the local paper. The author attempts to dispel the “myth”, “tall tale”, and “legend” of the Ukrainian Holodomor in 1932-33. Sifting through his hyperbole, his argument relies on the following “facts”; I will briefly address each in turn: The Holodomor serves […]
The Orthodox Witness of Peace and the Repose of +Ihumen Gregory
November 23, 2008 By
It is with a “profound depth of sadness and prayer” that I share the news that the servant of God, Ihumen (abbot) Gregory fell asleep in the Lord this past Thursday evening. You will remember that I have asked all of you to pray for him: please continue to do so. Those of us with […]
Remembering the Holodomor
November 17, 2008 By
It was another busy week here at St. Michael’s. Here are some highlights: Monday While I spent most of Monday on administrivia, the highlight came in the evening with the opening of the Holodomor exhibit at the Rhode Island Community College (Knight Campus) Art Gallery. As part of the commemoration, Professor Cheryl Madden (who teaches […]
Thoughts on a Busy Week
November 10, 2008 By
This was another busy week here at St. Michael’s, culminating with the visit of our archpastor, His Eminence Archbishop Antony. While much of the business was pretty mundane, there were some things you might be interested in. Tuesday was election day, one of my favorite times. I love election day not just because it means […]
Gadget Updates – more that I like
November 5, 2008 By
About three weeks ago, the budget committee passed a resolution allowing for the purchase of a couple of fairly major items: a projector and and a Roku device. I recommend them both. We’ve also tested some light bulbs and a new thing to help me lose weight. We were able to find a projector for […]
On the Obligations of Christian Citizenship
October 20, 2008 By
The demands of sacrificial love and citizenship are hard to reconcile. Christ demands that we welcome strangers, turn the other cheek, and love our enemies. But the governments we elect have immigration laws, prisons, and armies that they use to turn away strangers, imprison those who assault others, and fight against those who declare war […]
More Thoughts on Immigration Policy
October 8, 2008 By
[FIRST POSTED ON AUGUST 18 2008; UPDATED ON OCTOBER 10, 2008] I am not a political activist – my activism is “in the trenches”, building up the community of Christ rather than than trying to lobby the government. But as a citizen in a democratic country who pastors the same, and as an amateur political […]
A New Direction in Pakistan’s COIN Effort
October 3, 2008 By
The weeks since my last post have been a busy time for those who follow Pakistani politics. As I wrote last time, I was waiting for the “other shoe to drop” as various groups in Pakistan reacted to our increased cross-border attacks. The shoe has dropped, but the result has been much more muted than […]
Thoughts on the Bailout
September 30, 2008 By
On the Bailout How did we get into this mess? Well, it started when Adam and Eve decided to go against God… Okay this may be taking things a bit too far back, but it really is about choosing selfishness over prudence; of choosing to create a new reality apart from the Truth. This fallen […]
