Many Years to Sophia

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An old web friend of mine is getting married today. She probably doesn’t read my blog, or even know that she is still in my buddy list. (We became acquainted back in 1997 when I was a member of the infamous Indiana List-Serv Orthodox mailing list. Hey, at least I got out when it was clearly not edifying.)

May God grant many years to his servant Sophia.

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3 Responses to “Many Years to Sophia”

1. 

   Matt Says:
   June 27th, 2005 at 4:43 pm

   I’ve heard of the “Indiana List” but I’ve never seen it. What is it?

2. 

   Basil Says:
   June 27th, 2005 at 8:25 pm

   Matt, the Indiana list is one of the original online fora where Orthodox Christians and those interested in Orthodoxy discussed Orthodoxy. There were many who were both unaware of how to conduct polite conversations online and stricken with convert syndrome. There were many flame wars. Suffice it to say, I left after being flamed by a ROCOR priest because I alluded to a quote by St Isaac the Syrian which intimates the hope for universal salvation:

   And what is a merciful heart? It is the heart’s burning for the sake of the entire creation, for men, for birds, for animals, for demons and for every created thing; and by the recollection and sight of them the eyes of a merciful man pour forth abundant tears. From the strong and vehement mercy which grips his heart and from his great compassion, his heart is humbled and he cannot bear to hear or see any injury or slight sorrow in creation. For this reason he continually offers up tearful prayer, even for irrational beasts, for the enemies of the truth and for those who harm him, that they be protected and receive mercy. And in like manner he even prays for the family of reptiles because of the great compassion that burns in his heart without measure in the likeness of God. St. Isaac the Syrian

   Ironically, this same priest includes this quote in a web page of Orthodox quotes.

3. 

   Johanna Says:
   June 28th, 2005 at 9:15 am

   Hi Basil. Hope you are well. Where are you these days?

   I’m happy you put forth that beautiful quote from St. Isaac…I’ve read it before…that you put it forth even in the face of flaming…because perhaps you planted a seed, even a very small seed, of compassion that may grow in the heart of this man…for when we see how far we are from this, even though we be too proud to admit it, the door to allowing that seed to sprout has been opened…

   We’re having a beautiful heavy rain up here today. It’s been very tropical the last few days, but nice. Summery…