[easypokergonj]

I have found a wonderful site : In communion Website of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship
In communion – Peace from Above includes an Orthodox Resource Book on War, Peace and Nationalism
I am still exploring it (and will still probably be exploring in a year or so!!!) but what I have read so far is very helpful.

The URL is : http://www.incommunion.org/resources/PeaceFromAbove.asp

"God is not a God of war and fighting. Make war and fighting to cease, both that which is against him, and that which is against your neighbor. Be at peace with all people, consider with what character God saves you." -- St. John Chrysostom

This site also gives you practical guide-lines on what you can do personally to help the peace effort e.g. pray, fast, join peaceful demonstrations, study and discuss the issues, protest against one-sided reporting . take part in merciful activities designed to help the victims of war, etc.
* * *
I also found another terrific site where you can download beautiful recordings of Orthodox hymns in midi or MP3. http://en.liturgy.ru/zvuk/zvuk.php
The choir of the Saviour-Transfiguration Cathedral.

Effie

[plaiskegizils]

Marina,

I was not talking about not spelling your name correctly. I am sorry that I did not make myself clear, but have said all that I will to you, on any subject. Thank You.

Fr. Averky

[Styparty]

“John, I have always felt that the Greeks, who proudly point to themselves as being the founders of democracy, cannot as a people, seem to function well in a democratic system. “

Father Averky, I found your above statement to be incredibly condescending.
I have both positive and negative feelings about Americans, mainly negative at the moment due to the political situation I admit, but I would never dream of making a similar comment about the US. It is this interference in the internal affairs of other countries that has created so much anti-American feeling in many countries around the world.

I ask your forgiveness for my above words but I will not be silent when someone, no matter who he or she is, maligns my country and my countrymen like that.

I did not vote for our Prime Minister Simitis, and I disagree very strongly with a lot of his policies but for an outsider to suggest that we need a king to keep us in line is unacceptable.

E. Ganatsios

[Styparty]

Chris, would you elaborate please on the following comment :

"...but in terms of the Geneva conventian, which dictates these things, it was to the letter...."

Thank you.

Effie

[Trebbinsa]

Do you want to know just HOW righteous America is?
This article certainly opened my eyes
http://www.observer.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12239,935648,00.html

[bypeTeenehalT]

It seems I am doubly blessed. An Australian living in Greece .
As much as I love Australia, particulary walking in the bushland, I would have a hard time leaving Greece for the very reasons stated by Father Averky. It does have its down side, Father Averky has mentioned the Socialist government which seems to keep getting re-elected (perhaps Greeces punishment for largely turning away from God) and in Summer Greece turns into a flesh market so it is not the place for men of weak wills. I have had to train myself to look only at faces and if I happen to see a woman with a beautiful figure, to NOT take a second "lingering" look. Andonis, take note, stick to the places of solitude while you are here in June

John.

[MadMark]

Marina,

I can see that you and I will not be able to engage in many discussions - I don't feel moved to argue with you over every little point. This form of communication does not interest me. Let us simply agree that you are absolutely right about everything, and let it go at that. God bless you!

Father Averky

[Styparty]

I have posted a message about peace and Vietnam veterans on the Orthodoxy and War thread if anyone is interested.

The following is part of a statement made by George Mizo, a Vietnam war veteran and a man who found peace for his soul by doing something practical to help right a terrible wrong.
“Dear Friends, We can't change the past. We can't bring back our friends, our sons, our fathers or brothers . . . nor can we bring back the Vietnamese, no matter which side they fought on . . . nor can we bring back the children or other innocent victims of war . . . but we can change the present and the future.”

The last sentence is particularly sad because we seem determined to keep on repeating our mistakes.

Effie