Tag: Greek culture

Translating the Untranslatable: Reflections on an Icon of the Mother of God

· Nicole M. Roccas 2 Leave a Comment on %s
Last week, my husband and I went to the funeral for his godfather, Demetrios, who had fallen asleep a few days prior from cancer. May his memory be eternal. At one point during the visitation, I came into the room where Demetrios’ body lay and found my husband standing quietly in the back corner while others milled around…

Condemned or Redeemable? Thoughts about Internet and Ministry after the #DMOPC18 Symposium

· Nicole M. Roccas 11 Leave a Comment on %s
As many of you know, I have recently returned from a trip to Greece, in which I participated in the Second International Symposium on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care, held from June 18-21 at the Orthodox Academy of Crete (of Great and Holy Council 2016 fame). The symposium was organized by Pemptousia, with support from various other…

A Cure for Despondency: Addressing Despondency and Inter-Generational Tension in the Church

· Nicole M. Roccas 4 Leave a Comment on %s
This past weekend, I was blessed to have the opportunity to speak at the biennial national assembly of the Ladies Philoptochos Association of Canada, a department of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) that assists the Church with philanthropy and service. I was asked to speak about despondency (acedia), one of the primary spiritual passions, and how…

A Basket-less Resurrection: 4 Ways Pascha is Different for Greeks than other Orthodox

· Nicole M. Roccas 6 Leave a Comment on %s
Christ is risen! Xristos Anesti! Christus ist auferstanden! A week or two before Holy Week, I mentioned to a friend that our Greek Orthodox parish (like most Greek parishes) doesn’t do blessed baskets at Pascha (1). I don’t think my priest would know what to do if–in the chaos of pre-Pascha preparations–I suddenly appeared on the solea with a basket full…