GUATEMALAN FAITHFUL CELEBRATE ORDINATION OF THEIR FIRST BISHOP

On October 13th, 3,500 Orthodox faithful joyfully shouted “Digno”and “Axios” (worthy) upon receiving the former Archimandrite Evangelios Patá, now His Grace Osios of Sasima, from the hands of His Eminence Santiago, Metropolitan of Mexico. His Grace Osios’ consecration took place at the Saints Peter … [Read more...]

INCARNATIONAL MISSIONS: PUTTING FLESH ON OUR FAITH

A message for Mission Walk Sunday on 10/13/24, sponsored by the Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of Greater Pittsburgh. It will benefit the mission work of the Church in Guatemala. I would like to begin with a marvelous story about a four-year-old child who awoke one night in fright. She was convinced … [Read more...]

MINISTERING TO THE WHOLE PERSON, BODY AND SOUL

MINISTERING TO THE WHOLE PERSON, BODY AND SOUL. Ten years as translator for numerous medical teams to Guatemala has opened my eyes to the need of ministering to the whole person, body and soul. Reaching out to the humble Mayan people in our village clinic of Aguacate, as they arrive in all their … [Read more...]

New Era Begins For Orthodox Church in Guatemala

The Orthodox Church in Guatemala began a new era in its short history with the blessing of its newly completed Seminary/Mission Center in Huehuetenango, that will serve the spiritual, educational and administrative needs of the faithful. The project, which began some two years ago under the … [Read more...]

THE LORD’S HARVEST IN GUATEMALA

The Holy Orthodox Church in Guatemala is experiencing a burst of evangelical growth due to the recent visit of His Eminence, Archbishop Athenagoras of Mexico. From the southern border of Mexico to the tropical shores of the Pacific Ocean thousands came out to warmly greet him with lively cheers, … [Read more...]

WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME? (Isaiah 66:1)

“WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME? says the Lord” (Isaiah66:1). In the prophetic book of Isaiah, we are reminded by the Lord that “Heaven is My throne, and earth is the footstool of My feet” (Isaiah 66:1). As such, every place made by His hands can serve as His habitation or resting … [Read more...]

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: A NEW SEMINARY/MISSION CENTER BEGINS

The Saints Peter and Paul Formation Center in Huehuetenango will house the future seminary and mission center. Excitement is growing in Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico, as the Orthodox Church carries out the vision of Archbishop Athenagoras of Mexico to take the Gospel message into all of … [Read more...]

WORSHIP IN GUATEMALA

During a recent trip to the Guatemalan village of Aguacate, I had the opportunity to reflect more fully on the worship services. The people seemed to be more engaged and connected to God with their prayers. The levels of enthusiasm were high, as reflected in the full participation of the faithful. … [Read more...]

FROM MANHATTAN TO MAYALAND: ONE CHURCH IN TWO WORLDS

As we approach the solemn anniversary of 9/11, indelible images of that fateful day flash across our minds. We recall with searing clarity the exact time of our whereabouts as the two projectile planes thrust themselves mercilessly into the glass and steel sides of the twin towers. Lost in the … [Read more...]

FROM GUATEMALA WITH LOVE : MAYAN ORTHODOXY COMES TO THE U.S.A.

The legacy of Fr. Andres lives on in America. Led by their charismatic leader in Guatemala- the late Father Andres Giron (2014), the Mayan people found a champion to vigorously address their spiritual and material needs. The social movement began with his advocacy for land reform and their … [Read more...]