I want to have a vacation in SRBIJA!!

I am still planning for my dream vacation, now that I am free of almost any impurity of being scared to say what I desire. I know, it may take up to two years or it depends because I have a lot to pay. In a perfect world, I could not have to deal with it totally. Nuff said.

With my pursuit of that, I am thinking of the best way to remove all the stress in my life, once I stepped on Serbian soil. There are a lot of things I would do, and hopefully I can accomplish.

Going to various churches and monasteries is my primary reason. To relax, have time with God more and have some cross or icons of the saints.

Buy a Serbian medieval costume and the flag of Serbia, so I can display it on my house and some t-shirts reading "Kosovo je Srbija!" would be great for me.

Go to historic places and try to speak some Srpski to the natives with the aid of the dictionary.

And maybe, find my dreamgirl there although it seems impossible that I can find it there.

With all said, would I make it?

One Blessed Experience

Yesterday, me and my girl went to the church for the transferring a part of Saint Nicholas of Japan(Sveti Nikola Japanski)'s relics in the Nagoya church, with the Metropolitan Bishop Daniel Nushiro leading the Divna Liturgija. It was one of the most surprising moments for me to meet someone whom i saw only in the internet webpages but i wasn't able to get a blessing, since my girl can't stay for long, citing her developing womb.

That's the first time i saw an Orthodox bishop face to face and it was an honor. I wish i could have more but time constraints and that next time i am looking forward will still happen.

I wish also two of my close friends have arrived as well but i am sure to meet either of them in the mere future. God is truly merciful and recognizes our good hearts and forgives us, because we truly are repentant.

Filipinska Pravoslavna Crkva(Budućnost?)

When i was in an unspecified canonical Orthodox church in my homeland, i envisioned of having all canonical churches(Greek, Russian, Antiochian(Antiochians are however not recognized by the Greeks) churches) in my homeland. Between what i saw on their missions, the Russians are more active in the true evangelization of my country, spreading rapidly than the Greeks. 

When people see the light, they will do everything for it no matter what. That happens as some Philippine Aglipayan churches(2 Archbishops, 8 priests and all parishes) joined the Russian mission followed by another Aglipayan diocese. Would i even see a Roman Catholic diocese join the Russian Mission as well? Let's see.

I saw everything even if i am here in Japan and feels optimistic the true grace of God will be felt by all Filipinos in the future.

Now, the hopes of at least an autonomous church in my homeland regardless of Russian or Greek Archbishop of true Filipino descent will be feasible in the future, though there is a saying: "small beginnings have a brighter future."

Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Unity is much better to realize

Ya, it doesn't make sense to me why the Roman Catholic church is asking for unity. Would those who believe in the Orthodox church want that kind of scenario if that is on the basis of theology? If for everyone, it could. But for theological purposes, it will not.

I would raise the question now. Would it make sense if the Eastern and Oriental churches reunite and that they set aside their theological differences, territorial disputes and minor problems?

For me, I thought on that subject even years before. No political pun intended. What is that matter that makes this two seperated Orthodox groups to unite in the future? 

Belief-they have almost the same doctrines.

Religious identity-intact for almost a two thousand years without breaking what the apostles had taught them.

Social identity-Secularly, they are a much better citizen because what good we hoped is what most of them envisioned for the future generations.

Of course, this is just my idealism. But when these two Orthodox groups put an end to its division and truly unite as one, a beacon of hope would be felt on the other major Christian groups that all Christians would come back to the church of Peter, Paul and the rest of the apostles.

Places in Srbija i want to visit when i get there

Hram Svetog Save

The largest Orthodox Christian cathedral in the world by size, it was the site of the burning of Saint Sava's relics by the Turkish oppressors in 1595. If i would be there, i will take a picture near its gates and i will flash the tri prsta, symbolising the Serbian nation.

Manastir Ravanica

A monastery where the headless incorruptible body of Saint Prince Lazar is buried. One friend of mine told me that one day he will take me to that monastery and be baptised there, as Lazar. How i hoped that wish would be granted, that is why i will give my very best to achieve God's plan for me. +++

Ćele Kula(Skull tower)

Skull tower in Niš is one of the most significant places for me in Srbija. The Serbian rebels were fighting a losing war, the leaders themselves blew up the whole place rather than to be captured by the Turkish oppressors. After that, the Turks were ordered by their Grand vizer to collect all the heads and put it as a skull tower. To this day, only a few remain.

Beogradski vrt dobre nade

The Blegrade Zoo, since i love animals and want to see the famous breeding site of white lions.

Hala Pionir

Where most basketball games played by KK Partizan and my favorite team, KK Crvena Zvezda plays their home games. I would love to wear red and support my Crvena Zvezda.

See you all in Srbija and i will consider it as my homeland one day.

My favorite icons

When i will have that freedom i worked hard for, i will have an altar at my own home or appartment.

Sveti Knez Lazar(Saint Prince lazar)

Manastir Hilandar Ikone Isus Hristos(Jesus Christ icon from Hilandar Monastery)

Bogorodica Trojeručica(Three handed Mother of God)

Bogorodica Ljeviška(Our Lady of Ljeviš)

I am not really a religious guy before but when i discovered Orthodoxy, it made me felt that i must fight for what i believe in or to survive cleanly to prove to everyone that, God is with us even to our personal struggles. +++