Dome Progress Moving Forward at St. Basil

The photos below were taken this morning of the dome at St. Basil - you can see the progress on the painting and the gold accenting on the molding and in the "fish-scale" design in the dome itself.  For more information on the capital campaign we're organizing to bring this work to completion, visit our parish website here.

Reflection Leading up to This Sunday's Stewardship Kick-Off

Which Sea of Palestine are You?

There are two seas in Palestine. One is fresh, and fish are in it. Splashes of green adorn its banks. Trees spread their branches over it and stretch out their thirsty roots to sip of its healing waters. Along its shores the children play, as children played when He was there. He loved it. He could look across its silver surface when He spoke His parables. And on a rolling plain not far away He fed five thousand people.

The River Jordan makes this sea with sparkling water from the hills. So it laughs in the sunshine. And men build their houses near to it, and birds their nests; and every kind of life is happier because it is there.

The River Jordan flows on south into another sea. Here is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, no children’s laughter. Travelers choose another route, unless on urgent business. The air hangs heavy above its water, and neither man nor beast nor fowl will drink.

What makes this mighty difference in these neighbor seas? Not the river Jordan. It empties the same good water into both. Not the soil in which they lie not the country about.

This is the difference. The Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the Jordan. For every drop that flows into it another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure.

The other sea is shrewder, hoarding its income jealously. It will not be tempted into any generous impulse. Every drop it gets, it keeps.

The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. This other sea gives nothing. It is named The Dead. There are two kinds of people in the world. There are two seas in Palestine.

- From everygoodandperfectgift.org/

A Thoughtful Youtube Video on Stewardship (as we approach our annual stewardship Sunday kick-off)

Work Continues on St. Basil Fire Repair

Some panoramic photos of work being done on the very ornate moldings (top photo) and the dome (after it was primed).

 

Philoptochos Sunday at St. Basil

On Sunday, November 2nd, throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, we honor our Philoptochos chapters and members.  At St. Basil, we offered a mnimosinon (memorial) service for the repose of all of our Philoptochos members who have fallen asleep in the Lord.  And we thank all of our Philoptochos workers for the time and dedication that they offer to our parish of St. Basil (and throughout the country).  May God continue to make fruitful their ministry.

 

Lunch Event at Greek Islands in Greek Town on November 16

To all of our parish friends, family and supporters, an FYI that on Sunday, November 16th, right after Divine Liturgy, we will be having a fundraiser lunch at Greek Islands Restaurant in Greek Town (see the flier below for more information).  The food should be excellent.  Hope you can join us.  God bless.

Progress Photos on Pulpit and Chanter Pews

The woodworker who is crafting the new pulpit and chanter's pews sent the following photos.