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Shepherd’s Field – Peace on Earth on whom His Favor Rests

April 14, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of The Lord appeared to them, and the glory of The Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, The Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which The Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:8-15)

I am sitting in Shepherd’s Field… the Holy Site in Beit Sahour where thousands upon thousands of pilgrims travel every year to spend time in the place where the angels made this proclamation to the local shepherds. We are just outside of Bethlehem… only a few kilometers from Jerusalem.

It is Sunday morning, a day of Sabbath… and rest… and time set aside to meet in fellowship and community with the body of Christ and with our Creator. It is such an incredible privilege to work in this place. The opportunity to regularly enter into the pilgrims experience – to see and breathe and rest in the holiest of places where Jesus lived, breathed, and ministered on this earth. I pray regularly to have the opportunity to see and experience God in this place.

Here is a small picture of the things I am seeing and experiencing: A rooster crows in the distance. A group of worshipers is singing unto God in a language that I do not understand from the chapel up on the hill. Waves of pilgrims come – at first with a few dozen and then the crowd seems to abate. A cat is meowing. And in the distance is the sound of construction. A Palestinian community is being built. The building interrupts the quiet spirit of worship in this place. The settlement of Har Homar stands tall and large in the distance. The fence of the separation barrier cuts across the rocky fields where shepherds today still herd their sheep.

Many times I cannot make sense of all of the things we see and experience here in this place. This is the Holy Land. A land of contradictions. A land with historic value and profound spiritual significance. A land of great beauty, sacred space, incredible people. It is also a land of great suffering and brokenness. A land of impoverished people seeking freedom and independence. A land of a people who have experienced historic suffering and are seeking peace, security, and safety.

In our devotions this morning, the following passage was shared (Isaiah 55:8): “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares The Lord.

I rest into these words. May The Lord give us a better understanding of his heart, mind, and thoughts. Glory to God… and on earth – and here in this place – peace to those on whom his favor rests.

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Filed Under: Christianity, Israel/Palestine, Middle East, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: conflict, Holy Land, peace, rest, sabbath

Cathedrals of Moscow and the Kremlin (Russia)

April 8, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Christianity came to Russia in AD 988 when Vladimir I adopted Christianity from Constantinople to found the Russian Orthodox Church. One of the earliest churches in Old Moscow was built in the mid-15th century on the grounds of the Kremlin. Since then, Cathedral Square has housed the Kremlin’s cathedrals and been one of the historic centers of social and religious life in Moscow. Today, I am told there are more worshiping Protestants in Moscow than Orthodox followers of Jesus, although almost 90% of the population self-identify as Russian Orthodox. Numerous books have been written about the effects of the Soviet regime on Christian presence, identity, and worship in the former USSR. Russia has deep roots in Christian tradition. Some say the historic mission of Russia was interpreted through a Messianic lens. One guide book wrote: “She [Russia] was to liberate mankind from its enemy and destroy his plans to rule the whole world.” The Christ the Savior Cathedral was built as a representation of Moscow as the third “Rome”… having been betrayed by the two previous Romes (the Roman Empire and Byzantium), Russia believed Moscow could become the new center of world Christianity. Here is a brief overview of a few of the key Cathedrals in Moscow and snapshots of their significance.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

My first post from Russia was about the magnificence of the Red Square and the significance of St. Basil’s. The church is viewed as a political statement because it was built to commemorate a victorious battle. Click here to read more about the significance of St. Basil and its patron saint.

Dormition (Assumption) Cathedral (Kremlin)

Also called the Dormition Cathedral, many consider Assumption Cathedral to be one of the main highlights of the Kremlin. Since 1948, new “Great Princes” were crowned in the cathedral beginning with Dmitry, the grandson of Ivan III. The first czar to be given the Russian crown in the Assumption Cathedral was Ivan the Terrible in 1547. Other significant events in this Cathedral include Peter the Great’s son Alexei’s abdication of the throne. This cathedral was also the place of worship for several Russian princes, czars, and czarinas and still includes the Patriarch’s seat and a “praying seat” for the Czarinas. The church of the Assumption was the main worship center for all of Russia through the early 20th century. Even today, many pilgrims still travel to this site. On any given afternoon, believers, mostly Orthodox, can be seen lighting candles, prostrate in devotion before the iconic figure of the Our Lady of Vladimir icon (1514) which is considered the patron icon of Moscow.

Annunciation Cathedral (Kremlin)

Annunciation Cathedral

Foundations for the Annunciation Cathedral were laid in 1484 by Grand Prince Ivan III. The multi-tier iconostatis of the cathedral is one of the oldest surviving in Russia (from the end of the 14th century). It is believed the Russian painter Andrei Rublev contributed along with Theophanes the Greek. The Cathedral today includes reliquaries from the 16th and 17th centuries that were collected by the czars of Russia. Closed for much of the 20th century (since 1918), the first contemporary liturgy reconvened in 1993.

Archangel Michael Cathedral (Kremlin)

This cathedral serves as a necropolis where many of the early Princes and first Czars of Russia are buried. The Archangel Michael is the heavenly patron of the Russian Army; this church was dedicated in his honor. The foundation for the original church was laid in 1333. Covered in frescoes and scenes from the life of the Archangel Michael, the cathedral is covered from head to toe with historic works of art, icons, and portraits. This church is the burial of many including Ivan IV (the Terrible), Mikhail Fyodorovich (the first Czar of the Romanov Dynasty), and Prince Mikhail of Chernigov who was murdered in 1246 and canonized by the Russian church as a martyr.The last Czar buried here was in 1727, after which the monarchy of Russia was buried in St. Petersburg.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Like St. Basil’s, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built to commemorate a victory in battle. After the successful defeat of Napoleon on December 25, 1812, Emperor Alexander I signed a decree to begin construction. According to the Czar, the cathedral was built “to show our gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from the destruction that threatened Her.” Tchaikovsky’s The Year of 1812 was written and performed during the consecration of the cathedral in 1883. The original church building was destroyed (intentionally blown up) under Stalin in 1931. In its place, the world’s largest swimming pool was built which existed until 1994. In 1995, the cornerstone of the new Christ of the Savior cathedral was blessed and laid. It’s construction was completed in 2000. The patriarch of the Russian Orthodox church typically leads worship services during Easter and Christmas in the new cathedral. When I visited the church, a small choir was singing songs of praise leading up to the Easter holiday… The awe immense size and magnitude of the church, with the beautiful sound of music exalting God was quite an inspiring experience. The cathedral symbolically represents the martyrdom of Christ and is a sign of gratitude to God for saving Russia.

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Filed Under: Christianity, Russia, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: cathedrals, churches, History, orthodox, Russian orthodox

Post-Soviet States – 21st Century Geography Lesson

April 5, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Perhaps others are more geographically versed than I . . . my last course in geography was in the 7th grade. Without confessing the year, suffice it to say, that was a LONG time ago! The world has changed since then. Some countries don’t exist any more; new countries have established their independence. The geo-political landscape of the 21st century is quite different than it was when I was in grade school!

I have gotten in the habit recently of playing a game on my cell phone which tests your world geography competence. Sometimes I practice memorizing U.S. states and capitals (yes, I have forgotten more than a few state capitals!). Other times I focus on my familiarity of South American countries. (Test your geography knowledge: Here’s a fun online geography quiz!) During my recent trip to Russia, I was struck by my significant lack of awareness of the post-Soviet states – most of which came to being in the early 1990s. I thought it would be fun to take a minute to review!

When I was initially asked about the post-Soviet states – three immediately came to mind – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. I was proud that I knew them by name! I couldn’t name their capitals, but I am fairly confident I could find them on a map. Imagine my dismay when I learned that there are not 3 but 15 states that were established after the fall of the former Soviet Union!

1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Belarus 4. Estonia 5. Georgia 6. Kazakhstan 7. Kyrgyzstan 8. Latvia 9. Lithuania 10. Moldova 11. Russia 12. Tajikistan 13. Turkmenistan 14. Ukraine 15. Uzbekistan | Image from Wikipedia

The Baltic independence movements gained their first official success in 1990 when Lithuania established its independence. Several others followed suit in 1991 and later in what became known as a “parade of independence.” All of these regions were a part of the former USSR. I have committed to memorizing these states and to learning more about them in the months ahead! Hope you will join me on the journey.

Baltic States
* Note: These are not necessarily in any particular order

1. Lithuania

2. Latvia

3. Estonia

Central Asian States
* An easy way to remember theses: 3 Ts, 2 Ks, and 1 U

4. Turkmenistan

5. Tajikistan

6. Kazakhstan

7. Kyrgyzstan

8. Uzbekistan

Caucus Region
* This is where the term Caucasian comes from!

9. Georgia

10. Armenia

11. Azerbaijan

Slavic States

12. Russia

13. Ukraine

14. Belarus

15. Moldova

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Filed Under: Russia Tagged With: education, geography, History, soviet, travel

Easter Morning Hospitality

March 31, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

This morning we celebrated Easter at the US Embassy in Moscow as a part of the local Catholic parish. Father Michael, an Irish priest, has lived in Russia for decades and has been pastoring the community for many years. We had dinner with him last week as a part of our “welcome” and it was fun to hear some of his stories of going out into the woods outside of Moscow in an attempt to find palm branches which could be used in last week’s Palm Sunday services.

This morning, we worshiped together with a lovely choir, alter boys, a homily about the glory of Christ’s resurrection… and the Gospel message being shared. Only a few of the songs were familiar, but it was still beautiful – in the presence of my father, husband, cousin and his family – to be together remembering the Good News of Christ’s resurrection from the cross. We were reminded of the hope that comes through the person of Jesus… that darkness does not conquer… but Light overcomes darkness. This is good news indeed!

One of the things that very much surprised me – and also blessed me – was the opportunity to participate directly in the service. Father Michael, at the end of the time of communion, called me forward to offer a final Easter blessing. He introduced me as “reverend” and “pastor” – while a true identification – one that is not openly acknowledged in the Catholic Church. What a gift to be called forward in invitation – and on Easter Sunday nonetheless!

My final blessing was not profound, but here are a few words of blessing this Easter morning:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of your presence. We praise you for your goodness, your glory, and your magnificence. Bless this community – the men, women, children, and families who worship here in this place. May the truth and power of your love and grace penetrate our hearts this Easter morning. May we go into the world sharing your light and being a blessing to others. Thank you for the hope and good news of your glorious resurrection! In Christ. Amen.

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Filed Under: Christianity, Easter, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: Catholic, Easter, hospitality, Moscow, Russia

Beauty from Ashes: Welcoming the Stranger

March 29, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

I am blogging today over at World Vision’s Women of Vision blog as part of their Lenten devotional series!

Jaclyn, Joni, Marie, and Angela

I began my journey with World Vision just over a year ago when I was hired to work with our supporters to educate and encourage around our work in the Holy Land. Little did I know, that in one of the world’s most conflict ridden places, I would find an unexpected beauty in the welcome and hospitality of our staff, supporters, and children!

One of my first work responsibilities was to host a small group from our Orange County Women of Vision chapter – traveling with one of the champions of the faith, Angela Mason, former Chapter Advisor for Women of Vision. I had known Angela from my previous work in the local church in California. I admired her vitality, passion, and zest for responding to the needs of the world’s poor. For years, her work had captured my attention and my heart for children from Romania, to Lesotho, and all over the world. The idea of traveling with her to the Holy Land was thrilling! I consider it a great privilege that she asked me to lead the trip.

Check out the full entry there . . .

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Filed Under: Christianity, Easter, Guest Blogging, Israel/Palestine, World Vision Tagged With: hospitality, lent, stranger, women

Good Friday, Oberammergau, & God’s Love

March 29, 2013 By admin 1 Comment

In past years, I have sometimes looked to the remembrance of “Good” Friday with a spirit of dread… The darkness of the day. The magnitude of what we commemorate. Christ – the perfect unblemished human and Son of God, diety incarnate – willingness gave Himself, even unto death on a cross for the forgiveness of sins for those who believe.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

“Good” Friday remembers the day of Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. Christians enter into the reality of our brokenness, depravity, and need for God. In the church calendar, it is a day of mourning, sorrow, and grief. A time when we allow ourselves to wait in anticipation for what will come three days hence… In many churches, the clergy wear black and no candles are lit. For a time, there is only darkness.

The holiday is also known as “Black” Friday which emphasizes the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. As Christ was praying in the Garden of Gethsemene, Judas appeared and greeted him with a holy kiss. Then the guards took him and arrested him. After his arrest, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus was detained, taunted, and whipped by the guards. They cast lots for his garments. He was forced to wear a crown of thorns upon his head. “After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.” (Matthew 27:31)

One of the most powerful experiences I have ever had in relation to Good Friday was in 1990 at the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. The play has been performed for centuries in the small German village as a commemoration of God’s favor upon the town. During the time of the bubonic plague, when almost half of the European population died of disease, the small town of Oberammergau prayed that Christ would spare their village. Not one member of the village died. In honor of God’s faithfulness, the town committed to performing a play every ten years to tell the story of the Passion of Christ.

The Crucifixion of Christ - Oberammergau

During the performance I attended, the scene of Christ’s betrayal and crucifixion was so vividly real. The drama took place on a stage set against the outdoors. Thus, the weather provided the backdrop as the story unfolded. When it came time for Christ to be crucified, the sky darkened and a blackness descended.

I will never forget hearing the words ring out “It is finished.” (The play is performed in German but translation is provided.) Just as the drama climaxed to this moment – thunder burst out and a stream of lightening lit up the sky. It was as if Creation itself was giving credence to the story that was being acted out on the very stage in front of us.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open.” (Matthew 27:50-51)

The power and significiance of Christ’s death on the cross provides the opportunity for us to take pause. Although the story may be familiar, it is no less powerful year by year as we commemorate the most precious gift of Christ’s sacrifice.

May the reality of the Lord’s gift enter into our hearts this day. In Christ.

Amen.

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Filed Under: Christianity, Easter, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: Easter, God's Love, Good Friday, Oberammergau

Maundy Thursday – Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

March 28, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

All over the world this evening, churches throughout the east and the west will host services to celebrate Maundy Thursday. This Thursday of Holy Week reminds believers of the Last Supper Jesus had with the disciples… and more specifically His teaching them about the power of what it means to be a servant.

Jesus knew what was to come. He had loved the disciples and the world while He lived amongst them and John 13:1 tells us he “loved them to the end.” Christ’s ultimate act of love would follow a few short days after the meal, but His lessons for those who followed Him were not yet complete.

Judas Iscariot had already made the decision to betray Jesus. And Christ knew what was to come. The Scriptures remind us that Jesus knew “all things were in his power” and that He had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3).

My favorite part of this passage recounts the interaction between Jesus and Peter… As the meal progressed, Jesus got up, removed his outer clothing, and placed a towel around Him. The following conversation ensued between Peter and Jesus (John 13:6-10):

Jesus Washing the Feet of the Disciples (Pskov, Russian, early 16th century)

Russian icon from Pskov early 16th century - Jesus Washing the Feet of the Disciples

He [Jesus] came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean,though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

What an incredibly powerful picture. Bold, proud, stubborn, determined Peter. “No, Lord… you shall never wash my feet.” I can see his defiance and resistance. Of course Peter would never allow Christ the Savior to humble Himself to such a degree…

Jesus’ actions of washing the disciples feet was an ultimate act of humility and servanthood. He wanted the disciples to follow His example and to be servants to the world, just as He served them in the simple act of washing their feet.

Christ gently responds to Peter’s reticence… “unless you allow me… you will have no part with me…” Peter – chastised and perhaps ashamed – unabashedly responds – I can see him wholeheartedly and with great exuberance replying “then not only my feet but wash every part of me” – the indication of these words imply Peter’s deeply passionate commitment to Jesus. The thought of not being “with him” was too much to bear – Peter’s desire was to be completely intimate and close to Christ. The symbol of desiring his whole body to be washed represents Peter’s intentionality in being fully devoted to Jesus.

The cleanliness Jesus discussed was more than that of dirt simply being removed from the feet of his disciples. Rather, Christ spoke of cleanliness synonymous with purity of spirit. He spoke of “not every one” being clean because He knew already that Judas would betray Him.

As with Peter, Jesus invites us to experience the forgiveness of having our whole bodies cleansed. His act of service – first exemplified in the washing of feet and later profoundly expressed in His death on the cross – is an invitation for all who follow Him to be purified and washed completely clean.

May Christ reveal Himself to us as we reflect upon His actions of service this Maundy Thursday.

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Filed Under: Christianity, Easter, Russia, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: Easter, Foot Washing, Holy Week, Last Supper, Maundy Thursday, Russia, Simon Peter

Holy and Great Wednesday – Jesus Anointed

March 27, 2013 By admin 1 Comment

Eastern Orthodox Christians all over the world celebrate today as “Holy and Great Wednesday.” One of the key aspects of their worship today remembers the sinful woman who anointed Jesus with her tears.

Traditionally, the Hymn of Kassiani is sung which commemorates this event and tells the story from the woman’s perspective. The hymn was written in the 19th century by St. Kassia who is now acknowledged as one of the saints of Russia.

Hymn of Kassiani

O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sins, sensing Your Divinity, takes upon herself the duty of a myrrh-bearer.

With lamentations she brings you myrrh in anticipation of your entombment. “Woe to me!” she cries, “for me night has become a frenzy of licentiousness, a dark and moonless love of sin. Receive the fountain of my tears, O You who gather into clouds the waters of the sea. Incline unto me, unto the sighings of my heart, O You who bowed the heavens by your ineffable condescension.

I will wash your immaculate feet with kisses and dry them again with the tresses of my hair; those very feet at whose sound Eve hid herself in fear when she heard You walking in Paradise in the twilight of the day. As for the multitude of my sins and the depths of Your judgments, who can search them out, O Savior of souls, my Savior? Do not disdain me Your handmaiden, O You who are boundless in mercy.”

This story is written about in the Gospel of Luke… Jesus went to the Pharisees Simon’s house to have dinner. A woman, who lived a sinful life, heard the news and came to Jesus with a jar of expensive perfume and wept over him washing his feet. Jesus used the occasion to teach about forgiveness. As we prepare and remember Christ’s death and resurrection – this is a beautiful passage upon which to reflect:

Luke 7:36-48 (NIV)

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them… [Jesus interacted with Simon the owner of the house]… Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head,but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Blessings to you this Great and Holy Wednesday.

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Filed Under: Christianity, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: Easter, Eastern Orthodox, Great Wednesday, Holy Week, St. Kassia

Tretyakov Gallery – Christian Themes in Russian Art

March 22, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Many claim the Tretyakov Gallery possesses “the finest collection of Russian art in the world.” On one of our first excursions into Moscow, I was not expecting to find an art museum that compares to the likes of the Musee d’Orsay (Paris), the Uffuzi (Florence), and El Prado (Madrid). I could have spent weeks within the walls of Tretyakov’s former residence.

A few highlights included the first several rooms of early Russian art. Full of iconography (frescoes, mosaics, and other paintings on wood), “liturgical life came to Russia from Byzantium after its conversion to Christianity” (from Valentin Rodionov’s Pages of the Gallery History).

The Don icon of the Mother of God (1390s). This late 14th century piece is believed to have been created by Theophanes the Greek. The icon was originally located in the Dormition Cathedral (Kolomna) and commemorated the greatest battle of Dimitry Donskoy with the Tartars.

The Tree of the State of Muscovy (1668) was painted by Simon Ushakov and includes representations from Jesus' genealogy. Depictions of Prince Ivan Kalita and Peter planting a grapevine represent "sanctity" and show the connections between the Russian monarchy and the person of Christ. The Vladimir icon of the Mother of God is at the center (as the patron of Moscow) and surrounding medallions include portraits of Russian princes, tsars, and bishops in the church.

Our host throughout Russia has been my cousin’s wife Lesya Covert. I have told her – even after only a few days that she is – “expanding our horizons.” There is so much to learn and to see! I am fascinated by the commitment in Russian history toward Christianity since the 10th century and the conversion of Vladimir the Great. In the 15th century, it was believed that Moscow would become the “third Rome” after Constantinople (and Rome itself) – the arts and culture of the city followed suit (p. 25).

Vrubel's The Demon Seated

Moving toward the 19th century, Mikhail Vrubel came to be known as one of Russia’s most “avant-garde artists” (p. 76). His painting The Demon Seated is one of a few pieces which highlighted “the demon” as his main subject. Yet in looking at the painting, one cannot help but be moved by the beauty and sadness of the creature manifested on canvas. The blues, purples, and other soft hues lead one to grieve on behalf of the young being who is distant and separate from God. Lesya said it is a sign of our humanity if we are able to grieve and have empathy on behalf of those who are lost. I thought this was beautiful perspective – as the picture is captivating and draws one’s heart toward its subject.

I could highlight dozens of pieces from Tretyakov’s gallery and collection… but in keeping with the theme of Christian art over the centuries, one of the masterpieces included is Alexander Ivanov’s The Appearance of Christ to the People painted in the mid-19th century. This oil painting required more than 600 studies – drawings and sketches used to create this episode from the Gospels. Rodionov describes it this way: “The painting is not a mere illustration to the New Testament text. Ivanov offers his own interpretation of the event. For him Christ is the Word that has become flesh, the prophecy that has come true and shows the people the path to salvation.” (p. 48). You can see in the faces of those witnessing the event those who choose to follow Jesus and look upon him with anticipation; and the Pharisees who turn their heads with disdain and judgement in the distance.

Ivanov's The Appearance of Christ to the People

It is an incredible gift to see the glory of God revealed in the artistic talents of his creation. I hope this small glimpse of some of Russia’s greatest artists might be an encouragement to your spirit as well!

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Filed Under: Christianity, Uncategorized Tagged With: art, History, icons, Russia, travel

St. Basil – Foolish for the Sake of Christ

March 21, 2013 By admin 1 Comment

Wednesday was my first day in Moscow. I have heard it said that the first thing one must see upon entering the city is a visit to the Red Square (Plaza Roja). One of the most magnificent of sights to see is the Cathedral of the Intercession – or more commonly known as the “Cathedral of St. Basil.” The cathedral was originally built by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to commemorate a victory at battle. In 1588, St. Basil (or Vasily) was buried in the north-east corner of the church. A chapel was built in his honor, and over time, the church has become known as St. Basil’s.

Basil (the blessed) was a Russian saint who was known as a “fool for Christ.” It is believed he was actually born in a church to local peasants near Moscow. His reputation of crazy behavior caught the attention of many. It is said he was a frequent shoplifter – who would steal from local merchants in order to give to the poor. As we think about what it means to be passionate about Jesus, I am not particularly condoning this behavior. Basil would often run around naked bearing chains to remind others of the weight of our sinfulness. Just for the record, I don’t condone that behavior either!

The Orthodox Church in America writes that Basil challenged people in their giving: “The saint harshly condemned those who gave alms for selfish reasons, not out of compassion for the poor and destitute, but hoping for an easy way to attract God’s blessings upon their affairs.”

Basil was known for his generosity to the poor and his commitment to be obedient in his worship of God. He was known to have frequented bars and taverns – praying for those who were over indulging. He would weep on their behalf and ask for God to intervene: “Angels stand in sorrow at the house and are distressed by the sins of the people, but I entreat them with tears to pray to the Lord for the conversion of sinners.”

His prayers were attributed to him as holiness and he was glorified on August 2, 1588. May we all be willing to act unfettered in our worship and expressions of faithfulness as “fools for Christ” as we seek to follow Jesus!

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Filed Under: Christianity, Spiritual Formation Tagged With: Russia, Saints, Travels

Shepherd’s Field – Peace on Earth on whom His Favor Rests

Cathedrals of Moscow and the Kremlin (Russia)

Post-Soviet States – 21st Century Geography Lesson

Easter Morning Hospitality

Beauty from Ashes: Welcoming the Stranger

Good Friday, Oberammergau, & God’s Love

Maundy Thursday – Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

Holy and Great Wednesday – Jesus Anointed

Tretyakov Gallery – Christian Themes in Russian Art

St. Basil – Foolish for the Sake of Christ

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