Gabriel's Dragon Blog

Quo Vadis?

2009-08-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Quo Vadis?

Which way Lord? The past eight months have seen a rise in internet activity regarding the role of bishops and the Archdiocese as well as the Patriarchate of Antioch. Most of what I read was anonymous, erroneous, often libelous, and scandal mongering..even out right lies. One can disagree on the polity of the church without "hitting below the belt" shadow boxing, since most do not identify themselves. Over all these

very disagreeable months of "splashy" headlines and editorials and charges and counter-charges, the emphasis has been on position, power and authority. Even from the Mother Church, over the past century, the tone and tomes have been on "who is in charge." One does not have to restate what has already been out there for all to luxuriate over. My question is, where is Christ in all of this? Not once have faith issues been raised not how do we live as Orthodox Christians in a modern society with all its complexities. At the Archdiocese Biennial Convention,

a similar observation is relevant. How the Archbishop who has served for fifty years of his life, over forty of them in North America, was subjected to such quizzing with utter disrespect, is beyond the wildest imagination of this priest......who incidentally is close behind in years of service. I was praying for someone, including the clergy to raise the important issues of the day and the response of the church. No, instead,

hidden agendas sprung forth challenging the Metropolitan, again on the "things of Martha" clamoring among the kitchen utensils with great bravado. Shame! The Word of the Lord was consigned to oblivion while clergy and laity alike caucused in silent corners fixated on the literalism of the Pharisees.

Is this the Church of St. Raphael, Archbishop Antony Bashir, Protosyngelos Ellis Khouri, Archbishops Samuel and Michael and the scores of

heroic clergy and laity, as Monsour Laham and Ernest Saykaly (Lay Vice Chairmen) and hundreds of others who sacrificed so much asking for very little in return? Quo Vadis, which way Lord.......which way to we want our church to go|? To spend countless hours debating what the word "assistant" means, or to immerse ourselves in the Transfigured Glory of Christ and hence transform our inner lives to embrace others with

a "touch of grace" as the woman who whisked the hem of Christ's garment and was healed. We need to be healed, fellow Antiochians from

within and without. The "kairos" has arrived for a renewed look at the Church as a Eucharistic gathering and not some exterior object subject

to the verbal microscope of examinations. Rome and the Protestant world view the Church as an institution:, it is the gift of Orthodoxy to view

the Church as a Pentecostal Mystery, the Parousia, the Out-pouring of the Spirit among the people of God. Is not every liturgy a simultaneous

Ascension and Descension of the faithful in the Sprit.........Is not all authority ultimately "spiritual?" That is, like James, it seems good to the Hoy Spirit and to us......The New Testament is replete with Apostolic answers to "useless chatter."

And so my friends, I leave you with the question again Quo Vadis? Which way Lord, do we Antiochians proceed in the 21th. century?

2009-05-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Great Lent

2009-03-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Great Lent is a time of reflection...introspection... Fasting also includes, fasting from idle chatter, gossip, lusting (eh)....if one can abstain from the stuff you adore, like kibbee, shish-ka-bob maybe one can think about one's faults, weaknesses, sins....even people you do not like...which is why we have Forgiveness Sunday...at least to make the gesture....and one can pray for one's enemies. Lent is a time to slow down...and fasting includes doing good deeds for others such as extending oneself to the wounded and the broken and the " least of the brethren."
More services...too concentrate on God..which in this society..as we know from the recent MTC initiative, is totally absent...Great Lent can be a creative time to not be "pharisaic" but gently humble..in approaching the Holy One....and making HIM more present in our lives......in another words....it is the time of hope that one can change their lives for the better...more human and more divine...

Response to MTC boards denouncing God...

2009-02-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

MTC's announcement regarding ads that denounce God, make me and will make me laugh........if God does not exist, why does anyone waste so much ink and energy denouncing what does not exist...this is like the proverbial squirrel in a cage chasing the "nut" round and round...going no where. Who exactly are they trying to convince? Also, the secularists are working hard at leveling any divinity in life and guess what? Is our society better off with no accountability?

Look at the Wall Street greed...the killings in schools........the pre-pre-sexual activities........the disrespect and on and on goes the list of aggressive and inappropriate behavior by the youth of today. They live in a moral vacuum. Lawlessness is the result of no rules, no God, no accountability for one's actions.

This whole idea is repulsive.......it is like renouncing your parents and probably, those engaged in this so-called movement, have dysfunctional family relationships. It often goes hand in hand...Where there is no love, God is absent. So they reject God as they have been rejected. Darwin and Einstein both admitted that there is a mysterious force in the universe.........I believe, if there is no God, there can only be chaos. And by the way, at the moment of truth, like a life threatening disease...I have seen the most hardened person turn towards THE ONE! There is so much to write...wow.........it is said that an insensitive soul is already a corpse.........it seems to me, finally, that without God, a shell is built around the heart.........May He have mercy on those poor souls who live in a void...........

OH BOY! On marriage:

2009-02-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

Nadia Lawand who attended our latest session on marriage in preparation to her union with the other half of the web-site Jason Bolanis.....they are really a virtual reality couple! In any case, said she, put something on my BLOG on the subject. Having been there and done that for close to 50 years, I might have some advise. WAIT! No, just be ready, spiritually, emotionally,and above OH BOY! On marriage:all BE REALLY IN LOVE.....NOT IN LUST. A cliché, guess...but I have celebrated countless weddings where there was great sex but no intimacy. The earth can move but do the souls unite? I have suggested mutual prayer together, and some even chuckle..ha! Ha! Me pray and for her!? Oh, well such emptiness. I think that couples need to move together ....in the rhythm of their souls and hearts through worship and mutual prayer. An Odd idea, huh,,,Guarantee everyone is "praying" that the economy gets better or the weather will permit skiing this weekend...so why not for one another...thanking God for this special relationship. Orthodox weddings are rich in rituals but have more real depth in the meaning of the actual ceremony...all of which is participation in the love of God that flows from the communion of the Holy Trinity......who crowns and

consecrates the relationship into a union.....which flows from the Ultimate Union of the Godhead. Flowers do not make a wedding, nor the fluff on the wedding,day nor exuberance of the festivities afterwards......this is only a prelude, that cost lots of $s. What is important is the idea, that God enters the lives of the couple through the power of the holy Spirit. If some are already at the physical level and not married, I suggest " provisional celibacy" to have something special on your day....after this is the "Day that the Lord "has made"....There are no accidents....there are reason that you have been brought together, dig deep in your hearts and finds that center, that core...and unfold it to one another. One last word.....no material object nor the pursuit of

external wealth will ever replace the richness that is discovered within one another! "The pearl of Great Price, Christ."

Fr. Antony Becomes a Star!!

2009-02-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

This past summer I was featured in a documentary 'Strength Through Unity', which, documented the life of Metropolitan Philip. Here is just a small clip of what turned out to be a fantastic little film.
If you with to obtain a copy or have more information behind the making of this film, you could either contact St.George Montreal at 514.276.8534 or e-mail Jason at jasonbolanis@gmail.com

On Laughter

2009-02-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight I visited a fellow sufferer...is there such a word...? One who has cancer..it was a lousy night, but I made the visit and when I walked into the house all was dark and sad. My funny machine went into full gear and I said to myself...no way! And funny stories and dreams came falling out of my lips and the house roared with laughter.........Besides prayer, nothing is so healing as
laughter ...it is a balm for the soul.....especially when it comes from down deep...and the story is true! To laugh at oneself and pass this on to others is a binding power...it connects soul to soul.....

Thoughts on being sad....

2009-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

Throughout the past few weeks and even more, there have been so many good people, even saintly folks, who are struggling with cancer. Today, it really got to me, and mid-day, I came home for an hour or so...stuck myself under the covers and slept from sheer exhaustion of speaking and feeling with those who are suffering. Their pain is deeply felt by yours truly, especially, since I journeyed along this path, and know the sense of dread, that one feels when confronted with the possibility of mortality. And there are so many new families who are undergoing the trauma of cancer. A wounded healer reaches out to each and everyone of them with a prayer of hope for their victory over this dreaded disease. We will have a special prayer of anointing on January 31st mid day..... just to let everyone know of our love and concern.....It just makes me sad to see my friends in so much pain.....

Some American Thoughts....

2009-01-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Hello

For sometime, while I knew America needed a drastic change, I wondered about the level of experience of Barack Obama. The past few days completely changed my hesitation. First of all, the inauguration ceremonies and the massive joyous crowds was like a transcendent experience. As an American living in Canada, I was proud to see so many people come together to celebrate and to inaugurate a new era. His immediate decisive actions bespoke of a maturity beyond his years. The graceful touches towards the Bush family only added to the dignity which he carries himself. And it is nice to see a young family in the White House.....headed by two obviously intelligent and caring parents. May God protect them and bless the USA. Both are needed in these trying times.....Prayer!

St. George on the CBC

2009-01-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hello all, For those who has not had the chance to watch the service filmed by the CBC here is a link to where you can watch it. The service was filmed January 11, 2009.

Enjoy!!

Getting Nervous? No, Not Fr. Antony...

2009-01-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

On January 11, 2009 the CBC set up shop at St. George Montreal to film the Liturgy. Here's a quick behind the scenes look.

Keeping the Connection going...

2009-01-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

Economos Antony talks about how he keeps the connection with people in the hospital....

Father's Morning Routine

2008-12-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

Visiting the elderly....

2008-12-18T00:07:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, one of my greatest joys is visiting the shut-ins, elderly and the infirm.......I never hesitate to think of my parents and grandparents.....This generation of people who toiled to give us a better life....I look at those wrinkled hands that labored, those beautiful hearts that have enveloped us in so much love and milky eyes that bespeak of gratitude for the "presence" and I well up inside. They love to tell their stories and I love to listen, they enrich my life and take me on journeys that are so wondrous....In fact I receive more from my visit to the "sittos and jiddos" than I give...even when tired by trudging through the snow...to make the visit. Tomorrow I will see a young doctor with MS and a woman close to 100...still making kibbee......contrasts that shake us up.....BUT, it is gratifying to go beyond oneself........

A cross to bear...

2008-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

I see people suffering every day from many and various afflictions...It seems to me each one of us has an opportunity to touch another person with the grace of our presence by acts of kindness...It is not a matter of words but of a loving presence.... to be a wounded healer. Each of us has a "cross" to bear, but it can be lighter when we offer ourselves for others...Peace.

The loss of a great man.

2008-12-07T06:49:00.000-08:00

We have lost a great spiritual leader in the falling asleep in the Lord, ALEXSY, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

He brought the Church out of the dark ages of tragic oppressive communism into the light of freedom in the new Russia...reopening and dedicating new churches everywhere so the faithful could breath the fresh air of the fragrance of Orthodoxy......

Also our dear friend Bishop Niphon lost a father and a champion....the great significance of his death, essentially during his tenure in office was the resurgence of Orthodoxy which is the largest community of believers in the world. He helped to overcome seventy years when the church was suppressed but Christianity was essentially in their souls and was underground...but look what happened, Christianity rebounded when a great leader took the helm and led them to green pastures......SEE what One Person can do......he is an example of heroic efforts....

Being a Cancer Patient...

2008-12-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

Economos Antony tells one of his many hospital stories from being a cancer patient. Check it out below:

Joy is born on sorrow....

2008-12-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

My thoughts.....

Joy is born on sorrow, our suffering can give birth to a whole new person. Giving to others, from the depth of our experience allows us to transcend our wounds. One can begin the healing process through reaching out to others...even in our "brokenness"....

Our friends are treasures to be nourished.....their love sustains us through out the years......A true friend will always be faithful no matter what are the circumstances.

I am tired now..good night

The Man Behind the Collar...

2008-11-28T11:12:00.000-08:00