Author: orthodoxpacifika

In the Midst of the Feast – A Priest for the Pacific

Some events in the Church take place without great ceremony or attention, yet they mark a quiet turning in the life of a community. The recent ordination of Fr. Timothy in Fiji was just such an event. Held in a modest church of Holy Trinity in Saweni, among people who had long prayed for a … Continue reading In the Midst of the Feast – A Priest for the Pacific

Where the Celebration of Resurrection First Rises: Orthodoxy at the Edge of the World

“It is the day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O you peoples: Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha!” Before any other land utters the words, it is on Tongan soil that the Feast of Resurrection breaks forth into the world. In the far reaches of the Pacific, where the earth first greets the light of the … Continue reading Where the Celebration of Resurrection First Rises: Orthodoxy at the Edge of the World

Joyful in hope

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) While painting the Icons on the walls of the small chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul, on the Island of Tongatapu – the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga – we have been pondering on the joyful hope of the Christ’s Apostles, their patience … Continue reading Joyful in hope

We remain cheerful anticipating the appropriate time of the Lord

Our family was blessed to visit New Zealand for three weeks, both to help serve Holy Week and Pascha services at the Holy Archangels Monastery in Levin, and to have a short rest from our work in the Apostolic Ministry in the Kingdom of Tonga. Following a beautiful all-night Pascha celebration at the Monastery, filled … Continue reading We remain cheerful anticipating the appropriate time of the Lord

How much we give and how much we receive?

Reflections of Mission Life It is easy to be in Fiji if you are on holiday. The sun, the beaches, the smiles, and the constant `Bula Vinaka’ greetings make you feel noticeably special. It’s a home away from home with resorts catering for every need and want.  Yet dig beneath the surface and park yourself … Continue reading How much we give and how much we receive?