Thursday, July 19, 2007

July's Food Recommendation

With temperatures soaring to record highs, I'm beginning to develop a real craving for a dish I had over two years ago while in Seoul. It was my first experience with Korean cuisine; I have not had it since - I haven't been able to find it here in Singapore (if anybody knows, please TELL ME!).

I'd strongly recommend it to anybody who, like me, is suffering under the intense heat and humidity of July.

Widely believed to be a cure for numerous physical ailments, samgyetang (삼계탕) is also an excellent remedy for a hot summer. Consisting of a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, and boiled in a delicious broth of Korean ginseng, dried jujube fruit, garlic and ginger, its nutrients are thought to replace those that are easily lost through excessive perspiration during the hot summer months. Do note that only whole uncut ingredients are used for the dish, as they preserve the maximum amount of nutrients.

Mildly fragrant, the soup is delicious and the chicken tender - a most appetizing dish for any time of year!

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Bishop of Vladivostok Visits Singapore

13.07.2007
Епископ Уссурийский Сергий совершит богослужения в Сингапуре

Владивосток. 13 июля делегация Владивостокской епархии во главе с епископом Уссурийским Сергием (Чашиным) прибыла в Сингапур.

В ответ на обращение православных российских граждан, находящихся здесь, епископ Сергий совершит всенощное бдение и Божественную литургию в связи с празднованием памяти св. первоверховных апостолов Петра и Павла. Богослужения пройдут в арендованном помещении, так как пока в Сингапуре нет постоянного прихода Русской Православной Церкви.

Большую помощь в организации визита оказывает Посольство Российской Федерации в Сингапуре.

13.07.2007
Bishop Sergey will celebrate the Divine Liturgy in Singapore.

On July 13th, a delegation of the diocese of Vladivostok led by Bishop Sergey arrived in Singapore.

Replying to the letter sent by the local Russian Orthodox, Bishop Sergey will preside over a vigil and Divine Liturgy, for the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul. The services will take place at a rented location, as there is currently no Russian Orthodox Church in Singapore.

Much help in the organization of the visit was rendered by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Singapore.


- the Eparchy of Vladivostok

Photographs and videos to follow soon!

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Today, We Remember...

Tsar Nicholas II, his family and those with them (+1918)

Most noble and sublime was your life and death, O Sovereigns; wise Nicholas and blessed Alexandra, we praise you, acclaiming your piety, meekness, faith and humility, whereby ye attained to crowns of glory in Christ our God, with your five renowned and godly children of bless fame. Martyrs decked in purple, intercede for us.

Troparion of the Imperial Martyrs Tsar Nicholas & Family
(1st Tone)


Today, we commemorate the 89th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Tsar Nicholas II and his family. In particular, I would like to remember Tsar Nicholas's youngest daughter, the Grand Duchess Anastasia, to whom I owe for bringing me into the Orthodox Church.

Little Anastasia Sewing

It was five years ago. I barely knew Orthodoxy then; and I was researching on the final days of the Russian Empire for a history project. Fascinated with all things pertaining to royalty, I delved deep into the individual lives of the last imperial family of Russia. Developing a deep fondness for Anastasia in the process, I became incredibly attached to her family as well. I wept when I read of their murder in detail. That one event affected me more than all the books on history and theology I had been reading till then. I was not compelled to convert however, but by then, I was firmly set on the path to Orthodoxy.

It comes as no surprise then, that Sydney Gibbes, the children's English tutor, who got out of Russia before the family were murdered, was so moved by his experience with them that when he returned to England he ended up a Russian Orthodox priest and monk.

Let us take time to pray to the Royal Martyrs and those with them. We will be in the end be ever comforted and blessed from these spiritually rewarding prayers.

At this time, let us follow our Christian path towards the Kingdom of our Lord God and seek to acquire the same great humility, piety, and faith. We should also offer constant forgiveness, throughout our lives as did these great Martyrs during their life time.

Святые царственные новомученики и новомученицы и страстотерпцы россiйскые, молите Бога о насъ!

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