Category: Uncategorized (Page 4 of 14)

Dear Folks,

I just got word that the ClustrMaps feature will be reset around April 23.  This is a plug-in feature located in the right column showing a map of the world with red dots.  If you click on the map you will be taken to another page that shows where at-the-moment visits are coming as well as a state by state, and a country by country breakdown.

This feature helps me to track visitors from around the world.  The basic idea is each unique visit shows up as a red dot.  Multiple visits turn into bigger size dots.  The ClustrMaps plug-in shows overall number of visits and where the visits originate.  My understanding is that the dots represent the location of the ISP than the individual user’s computer.

In March 2014 the OrthodoxBridge received over 100,000 visits.  Thank you very much!

A state by state breakdown shows California and Texas to generate the most visits. Pennsylvania, which has a sizable Orthodox population, was at one time running a strong second.  My home state, Hawaii, showed 875 visitors as of today.  Mahalo!

Going down the country listing is fascinating.  One big surprise were the 40+ visits from the Holy See (Vatican City)!  It makes me wonder who in the Vatican likes to read the OrthodoxBridge?  I would like to say “Thank you!” to our secret lurker in the Vatican.

And a heartfelt “Thank You!” and “Mahalo!” to all our readers around the world.

Robert Arakaki

Ancient Faith Radio issued this exciting announcement: a live dialogue will take place between James Payton for the Reformed tradition and Badley Nassif for the Orthodox tradition on October 27.  The conversation will be hosted by Kevin Allen on “Ancient Faith Today.”

Topic: “Perspectives on the Church Fathers”

Date: Sunday, October 27, 2013

The program will stream live 5:00 pm Pacific, 7:00 pm Central, and 8:00 pm Eastern.

Here’s a link to a time zone converter for those living in other time zones.

James Payton – Reformed

Bradley Nassif – Orthodox

Getting the Ball Rolling

I’m delighted that we will be having a real live conversations between the Reformed and the Orthodox traditions.  In view of the upcoming conversation I thought I throw out a couple of questions for our readers and lurkers:

1.    How would you describe the current conversation between the Reformed and the Orthodox tradition?  Not just here on the OrthodoxBridge, but in general.

2.    What issues or topics deserve closer attention in this current conversation?

I asked ‘Nicodemus’ for his thoughts and here are his questions:

I look forward to your comments.  First time commenters are especially welcome!

Robert Arakaki

Dear Folks,

You have likely heard and seen much in the media about the recent tragedy taking place in Syria.  There are many calling for a military response to the atrocities committed by the Assad regime, but I would like to bring to your attention a letter to President Obama by his Eminence Metropolitan Philip that was just released.  Metropolitan Philip is the leader of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

In the letter Metropolitan Philip urged restraint and caution on the part of the US. His Eminence is no stranger to the region having been born and raised in nearby Lebanon.  Syria has deep Christian roots.  The Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate is headquartered in Damascus, the present day capital of Syria.  As an American I find it valuable to hear, not from an outsider, but from a Christian leader with deep roots in the region and who cares deeply about the region and its people.

For those of us who are US citizens, it is important that we pray for peace in the Middle East and for wisdom for our leaders.  For readers of other nationalities, Orthodox and non-Orthodox, I ask your prayers as well.  Let us all heed the words of the Apostle Paul:

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  (I Timothy 2:1-3)

Robert Arakaki