(105) A Good Sunday

In someways today began with finding out that

the much beloved Elder Ephraim of Arizona died.

See here for more information and here.

I lit a candle for him (one of the red ones in the glass).

My Husband and I talked a lot about his death today;

he founded many (17) Greek Monasteries in the States

and when I learned of his death, my first thought was

that I had been told that a Saint had died. I am not alone in Orthodoxy in 

thinking this; it's hard to explain here, to many of you who are so kind to me

and comment on my blog ... but if you want to know more just ask.

Sometimes it's easier to know what to write if I know what you want to know

about such things! :) 

Meanwhile, we are praying for the Monks at St Anthony's and everyone

who was close to Elder Ephraim (he had thousands of spiritual children) and who

can be feeling that difficult grief of losing one who was a father/spiritual father and/or guide

or one who they knew or served in some fashion.  

The loss is great; far greater than I can understand that some people will feel;

HOWEVER Orthodox Christians believe that those who have fallen asleep in 

Christ are in Christ still and can pray for us.  As my friend A in Romania said,

we have gained a great heavenly intercessor.

I know that all of us who love Orthodoxy and Orthodox Monasteries are feeling

his passing, that this is suddenly a very holy solemn time,

but that grief in Christ is a bright-sadness. 

***

We stayed local for church, which was great.

We saw L. after church and she is much more herself today

than yesterday - prayer sure works - yesterday she herself said was

super difficult - she could barely talk 6 minutes on the phone with breaks to me- 

but today was much better.  Please keep praying for her; pneumonia when you are older

is no joke, as it were.  She really wants to be back in her own home by Christmas.

Having major surgery and now pneumonia it's hard to say but 

we will keep praying and hoping. 

I don't know what to think other than to keep praying.

***

We had leftovers (Fish and Pasta) for dinner.

And the last of the apple crisp!

It was a blessing! 

***

I am slowly getting the house packed up from the St Nicholas luncheon...

and our dryer is being fixed on Wednesday... 

tomorrow I go to NYC, Tuesday cleaning house + church,

Wednesday phone meetings and my Husband working from home,

Thursday vespers locally, Friday morning liturgy... all DV

It's a good season but very busy.

***

It is a hard time for so so many!

May God have mercy on us!