Frederica Here and Now

Frederica reflects on Fr. Marc Dunaway's article "Taking Orthodoxy to America," which appeared in the In Community newsletter from St. John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River, Alaska.

Frederica shares an idea she had for improving parish life.

Frederica examines the salient Nativity scripture.

Frederica shares a piece that she wrote for National Review magazine in its special issue on women.

Frederica explains that worship is for believers to offer to God.

Frederica contends that, traditionally and historically, worship was aimed not toward other worshippers, as it is in the modern seeker-friendly church, but toward God.

Frederica examines the concept of unity, arguing that the Eastern understanding of unity is different from that of the West. In particular, the unity of all Orthodox churches under a single hierarch is not desired by the East, which believes instead that it is enough for us to be unified under a common theology.

Frederica reflects on giving to the needy, countering the cultural beliefs that the poor have nothing to offer, that it is okay to be consumers and not producers, that we must despise the wealthy, and that charity must go through an established organization.

Frederica reminds us that, despite repeated claims to the controversy, Jesus was simply not a revolutionary who wanted a military victory over the Roman state.

Frederica reminds us that a passion begins to die when you don't think about it.

Frederica discusses an email message she wrote that eventually become a post on Rod Dreher's blog at The American Conservative. In it she explains her view that trying to experience Christ exclusively with your brain and outside the Church is a futile endeavor—a stance that was not well-received by the blog's many readers.

Frederica argues that women's ordination is not the main reason converts come to Orthodoxy.

Frederica tries to account for why couples are increasingly living together without getting married.

Frederica wonders why some saints are more popular than others.

Frederica interviews Basil Athas, a godly man and key character in her first book Facing East.

Frederica examines a few of the differences between her parents' generation and her own.

Frederica examines the spiritual life of Albert Einstein as expressed in a 1929 article in the Saturday Evening Post—published just three days before the Wall Street collapse that began the Great Depression.

Frederica interviews Hieromonk Makary, the beekeeper at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Bombala, New South Wales, Australia.

Frederica explains that "worried prayer" can actually be hurtful to the suffering person

Frederica explains to non-liturgical Christians why the actions of the recently convicted Russian protest group were sacrilege and especially insensitive to the Orthodox individuals who remained faithful throughout the Soviet era.

Frederica argues that the concept of "theology always in flux" is a dubious one.

Frederica explores the many complex issues surrounding Orthodoxy clergy and their pastoral stance toward same-sex attraction.

Frederica recounts the fascinating story of an Armenian woman who threw a loaf of bread into a garbage pit every day for thirteen years.

Frederica interviews Fr. Martin Ritsi, executive director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.

Frederica reads "On Pentecost" by St. Romanos the Melodist.