So, today someone has reminded me of how hard of a job it is to be Matushka (affectionate title in Russian used to refer to priest's wife). Not only do these women run their houses, which is often times filled with children, but they manage things at church. I would imagine that life of a priest can get very hectic very fast. Matushkas are like the oil of this whole operation, making sure things work behind the scene. Often not publicly recognized, their role can stand on its own, but usually is seen in the scheme of things.
The reason why I'm so thankful that these women are here is because of emotional/spiritual support that they provide to the young women of the parish. Sometimes certain things can be very awkward to discuss with the priest, and women's point of view provides a wonderful explanation. The Orthodox Church has many monasteries, where young men are taught the theology, but not many places teach women how to be women of God. This spiritual guidance is carried through Matushkas. Young women, especially in today's society, need to learn the lessons of modesty, patience, and virtue. What other perfect place is there to see such love and beauty than in Matushka's eyes. Even though, sometimes our lives can become a labirynth of mundaine tasks and family to-do lists, I believe that each time we are greeted by Matushkas, God smiles at young women to let them know that things like love and affection still exist in this world!
In Christ,
Darina
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
I'm back
So, today is 04 of August, and the summer 2008 has flown by faster than ever.
I'm back from Italy, where I have spent the the month of July, and soon back to school. I'm very much excited for my senior year, actually. I'm getting the question, already though. So, to answer the question everybody will be asking me this year, I will be applying to Nursing School for Sept. 2009. The application is already online, and I have been making first efforts in essay writing. The only thing I can say is that I'm very excited for it, and cannot wait to hear whether they will accept me or not. :-) I have faith in God's path for me.
In other news, I love to sing, more specifically worship with my voice. I was in church this past Sunday, and the whole time I was singing I was getting this sensation that this is what I am supposed to do, when I pray. Even though my voice is not the most beautiful or powerful, but I can try to hold a pitch. It is a lot easier to concentrate on the Liturgy, when singing in the choir. It's almost impossible to see the crowds below (the ledge in the Cathedral in Des Plaines is quiet long) and all you can see from the choir loft is the altar. I say it is the best spot in the church. But even at St. Vladimir's (Ann Arbor, MI) singing in the choir produces the same effect. I am grateful that the choir directors tolerate me and let me worship with my voice!
Psalm 18:49 "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."
Blessings,
Darina
I'm back from Italy, where I have spent the the month of July, and soon back to school. I'm very much excited for my senior year, actually. I'm getting the question, already though. So, to answer the question everybody will be asking me this year, I will be applying to Nursing School for Sept. 2009. The application is already online, and I have been making first efforts in essay writing. The only thing I can say is that I'm very excited for it, and cannot wait to hear whether they will accept me or not. :-) I have faith in God's path for me.
In other news, I love to sing, more specifically worship with my voice. I was in church this past Sunday, and the whole time I was singing I was getting this sensation that this is what I am supposed to do, when I pray. Even though my voice is not the most beautiful or powerful, but I can try to hold a pitch. It is a lot easier to concentrate on the Liturgy, when singing in the choir. It's almost impossible to see the crowds below (the ledge in the Cathedral in Des Plaines is quiet long) and all you can see from the choir loft is the altar. I say it is the best spot in the church. But even at St. Vladimir's (Ann Arbor, MI) singing in the choir produces the same effect. I am grateful that the choir directors tolerate me and let me worship with my voice!
Psalm 18:49 "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."
Blessings,
Darina
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