Soul Trek: Life in the Spirit

Life in the Spirit. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of
spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of
the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!



Schedule of presentations:



June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life



June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society



June 30: Resistance is Futile



July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)



July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)



July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)July 28: The Awakening



August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)



August 11: Life in the Spirit



August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Who's in?

Soul Trek: Kirk, Spock & McCoy

Kirk, Spock & McCoy. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of
the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!



Schedule of presentations:



June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life



June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society



June 30: Resistance is Futile



July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)



July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)



July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)



July 28: The Awakening



August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)



August 11: Life in the Spirit



August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Who's in?

Soul Trek: The Awakening

The Awakening. That's the topic of conversation this Thursday (note the day change!) at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!


Schedule of presentations:

June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life

June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society June 30: Resistance
is Futile

July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)

July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)

July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)

July 28: The Awakening

August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)

August 11: Life in the Spirit

August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Who's in?

Soul Trek: Fighting Klingons

Fighting Klingons. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!

Schedule of presentations:
June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life
June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society
June 30: Resistance is Futile
July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)
July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)
July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)
July 28: The Awakening
August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)
August 11: Life in the Spirit
August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Are you ready to fight some Klingons?

Soul Trek: Confronting the Dark Side

Confronting the Dark Side. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!

Schedule of presentations:

June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life

June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace Bishop
Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society

June 30: Resistance is Futile

July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)

July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)

July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)

July 28: The Awakening

August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)

August 11: Life in the Spirit

August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

What risks do you need to take? What risks should you be avoiding?

Soul Trek: The Need for Spock

The Need for Spock. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of
spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the
topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what
is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we
decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of
the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that
determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our
summer spiritual trek!



Schedule of presentations:

June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life

June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society

June 30: Resistance is Futile

July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)

July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)

July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)

July 28: The Awakening

August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)

August 11: Life in the Spirit

August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Who plays Spock in your life?

Soul Trek: Resistance Is Futile

Resistance is futile! That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!

Schedule of presentations:

June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life


June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society


June 30: Resistance is Futile


July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)


July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)


July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)


July 28: The Awakening


August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)


August 11: Life in the Spirit


August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

How are you cultivating your spiritual life?

FOS Open House

If anyone knows how to party, it's Greeks. Tonight Holy Trinity is transforming their cathedral ballroom into a lounge. They're laying down a dance floor and bringing in neon-lit cocktail tables and plushy sofas. Singing sensation Vangelis Alkimos will be performing along with The International Sounds.

As if the entertainment wasn't enough, there is going to be free Greek appetizers for guests to sample and a cash bar. Savory appetizers like spanikopita and kefthedes have been generously donated by Kellari, Fantis, Thalassa, Avra, Kefie, Plaka Restaurant, and Mythos Restaurant.

The event begins at 6:30 and probably won't shut down til after midnight. Free admission. Holy Trinity is located on 74th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues.

This open house is the kick off for the next "semester" of FOS -- Forum on Orthodox Spirituality -- a lively discussion group led by Father Frank Marangos that meets on Tuesday evenings at the Cathedral.

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger

The Forum on Orthodox Spirituality (FOS) is hosting a movie night tonight:

We are pleased to invite you to the third FOS Movie Night. The featured film is DINNER WITH A PERFECT STRANGER. This film is right on topic to our recent sessions on faith and doubt and touching on some of the points Fr. Frank made in the marriage sessions. (Please see below for information and review on the movie.) Father Frank will interject at relevant points during the showing to expand on the film's parallels to Orthodox Christian theology and as always its relevance to our lives.

FRIDAY, May 8

Cathedral Ballroom

337 E 74th St. (1&2 avenues)

6:30: Assembly, Pizza, Snacks & Refreshments

7:30: Showtime

9:30: Conclusion, Q&A

10:30: Get-together

All are welcome.

FOS periodically hosts movie showings where Fr. Frank discusses spiritual themes in contemporary films. The second movie FOS hosted was The Lord of the Rings. The major themes highlighted are: the ring represents power either for corruptibility or for good, for disfigurement or transformation; God uses broken and imperfect people to accomplish His Will; the power in mercy and forgiveness are the greatest of messages that Tolkien wished to convey. The first film shown was The Matrix. Some of the most significant Christian themes highlighted are: God seeks and finds us and never gives up on us; our free will is never taken from us and, at every turn, we always have a choice in how to respond; when we are cut off from God, we lose our way and/or give up; nothing else has power over us when God’s Love resurrects us.

FOS, geared toward NY area professionals, welcomes Cathedral members, non-members and individuals of all faiths. The aim of FOS is to enrich our lives by comprehending the meaning behind our worship in the context of Orthodox Christian theology while creating relationships and community. For more information on FOS, please visit the Cathedral website: http://www.thecathedral.goarch.org/

Has anyone seen this movie before? Opinions??

No Running Actually Involved

When someone mentions a "Homeless Run" it's only natural to think that means either running to raise money for the homeless (a sportier version of the AIDS Walk) or making the homeless run, right? Right?? The latter sounds kinda cruel, but Paul did say to run the good race....

FOS (Forum on Orthodox Spirituality) is participating in Midnight Run on March 10. There's no running actually involved. Rather, as will be explained at the organizational meeting next Tuesday, volunteers are collecting second-hand clothes and money for food and toiletries that they will then distribute (again, not running; via car) to those who live on the streets. Although the so-called "run" will take place in the evening, it will start quite some time before midnight.

All who are interested in participating are invited to attend the organizational meeting on Tuesday, February 17, at 7:00 PM, at Holy Trinity Cathedral, located at 319 E. 74th St.

Cocktail Kick Off for Series 4 of FOS (1/13)

Next Tuesday, January 13, the Forum on Orthodox Spirituality (FOS) will host an informal cocktail event to launch its next series. The event, which is free (cash bar) and open to all, will start at 6:00 PM and take place at Thalassa Restaurant (179 Franklin Street).

About FOS:

FOS (Forum on Orthodox Spirituality) is a Christian ministry at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and led by Reverend Dr. Frank Marangos, Dean and Protopresbyter. Geared toward NY area professionals, FOS was created in response to their need for continual spiritual illumination and nourishment and inaugurated on February 12 of 2008. The aim of FOS is to enrich our lives by coming into a deeper meaning of Orthodox Christian faith and worship in view of contemporary society while at the same time creating relationships and community. FOS covers a particular series topic for a certain number of consecutive weekly sessions and generally meets on Tuesday evenings. Individuals are welcome to join at any point in the series.

Fr. Frank is a highly dynamic, sophisticated and personable theologian and clergyman. His presentations allow for faith to become more relevant in our lives. In a very kind and humorous way, he dispels much of the "yiayialogy" with which many are familiar. We explore such themes as faith and doubt, rationalism, humanism, religion as the cause for wars and other world ills, "spiritual, but not religious", comparison of religions, the real meaning of the Resurrection for us, and how the world has changed in 2000 years through Jesus Christ.

In addition to its Tuesday night discussions, FOS is active in sponsoring various events: a Christmas Toys for Tots Drive, a bone marrow drive, cocktail gatherings, movie nights. Previously, Fr. Frank discussed the spiritual themes in the Matrix, The Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.

Father Frank will announce the topic for series 4 at the event. The Tuesday night discussions will begin on January 20, at 6:00 PM, and will be held at Holy Trinity Church (319 East 74th Street).

[image from Thalassa website]