About Me

I'm an Orthodox Christian, and I strive to follow Christ day by day. I'm blessed to be married to Deacon Steve. We have four wonderful kids! I love to create comics, art, sew, write and read. :)

Monday, August 15, 2005

Something spiritual

When I'm not writing blogs, or working, or stimulating the economy with frivolous purchases (then raving about them online, of course), or eating, or sleeping, or twiddling my thumbs... I actually try to work on my spiritual life. Yeah, you'd probably never guess by the content of this blog.

That said, I hope all of my Orthodox brothers and sisters had a festive Dormition feast day. Our parish (St. John the Baptist GOC) had an all-night vigil last night. Everyone was a bit sleepy, but it was special nonetheless. How could it not be? Father Theodore gave a homily, and used the example of the Panagia's falling asleep to remind us that a righteous death is something to be celebrated. We should sorrowfully rejoice when a soul departs and is elevated to its true home, the Heavenly Kingdom.

I needed to hear this. I get so wrapped up in earthly "joys" and" splendours," and I soon begin to notice how strongly I cling to this life, and everything the world has to offer. I lose interest in the Heavenly Kingdom and dwelling with Christ for eternity. I'm glad that the Dormition of the Theotokos occurs towards the end of summer... it's a humble reminder of what truly matters.

Oh Holy Mother of God, intercede to your Son on our behalf.

6 comments:

existentialist said...

Thank you for reminding me of the importance of sermons. I had given up on posting my priest's because I was getting any feedback, but it's not about feedback now is it?

Lake Oz Fic Chick said...

Xenia, I haven't forgotten my offer, and I am still driving around with a huge bag of my cast-off You-Know-Whats in the trunk of my car.

I'll be back at church this weekend.

God bless,

kiera@kristinsdottir.com

Anonymous said...

I also was very moved by the Homily given at the Vigil. I kept thinking how glorious it must have been for the Theotokos to be welcomed "Home" by her Saviour and precious Son. Her longing to dwell with Him must have been a daily desire.
I still just struggle making time for God in prayer each day. Here- I'm blogging and haven't even said my morning prayers yet- I feel convicted!! thanks kt......mom

Xenia Kathryn said...

Olympiada,
If you look through my archives, you'll see a vast majority have no comments. Not that you have to waste your time doing that, I'm just agreeing with you that no, feedback (though it is always GREAT to receive) is not the most important. You just keep writing. People are always reading, and that's what's cool about blogging. Thanks for your comment!

Kiera,
Hello! I guess I'll see you at church this weekend :D I look forward to taking a peek at your stash of cast-offs. Now everyone will think we're talking about drugs or blackmarket babies or organs. EEk! :D hehehe. Thank you!

Mommy,
Thank you for your lovely, lovely reflection. I'm surprised I absorbed as much of the homily as I did, being that it was 1:30 in the morning when Father gave it :) I guess I'm still on "college time." Keep at those prayers, and I'll try to keep at mine too!!! Love you.

XK

Lake Oz Fic Chick said...

Yes, we are Women of Mystery now.

:-D

Mimi said...

I hope you had a blessed Feast indeed!

I love reading sermons by priests about our faith and our life!