2019 is nearly upon us and inevitably we become more conscious of the passage of time and with this, questions about time, being human and living a full life in our relationships with God and each other become more prominent. Fr. Gregory Hallam gives the sermon.

Bobby Maddex interviews Fr. Michael Shanbour, the author of the new AFP book Know the Faith: A Handbook for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers.

When we are intentional in our listening and silence, we are in the best position to commune with Christ.

Fr. Lawrence Farley reminds us that the resolution to our fearful inability to know and plan for the future lies in trusting Jesus.

Our culture continues along its escalating trajectory of militant anti-Christian sentiment. Life in such an unwelcoming environment will be good for us, says Fr. Lawrence Farley, for persection has always had a purifying effect upon the Church.

Drawn from one of the sayings of the Desert Fathers relating to the life of Abba Ammon, this week’s episode focuses on the question of our attentiveness to God, in the Divine Services as well as in our whole life. Where is our mind—where our heart? Do we not know that we stand in His presence, speaking to Him?

John Maddex catches up with IOCC representatives Nicholas Chakos (Development Officer) and Vasi Jankovich (Outreach Coordinator) at the Antiochian Archdiocese convention in Palm Desert to get a glimpse of the work of IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) worldwide.

Meet Fr. Dale Brown, pastor of the Church of the Advent in Atlanta, an Anglican parish on the way to Orthodoxy. Learn about their journey but also about Save Christians Now, a grass roots effort to bring attention to the plight of persecuted Christians.

Bobby Maddex interviews a handful of OCF students and alumni about the importance and reach of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. In part, the students discuss the OCF Now Campaign. Help OCF reach $25,000 by August 4, and this amount will be matched! Find out more here.

Researchers find that people think they know enough to make informed decisions—regardless of what information they have. / Ars Technica

A detailed investigation into how Russian propaganda reaches and influences Americans. / NBC News

Donald Trump blames Ukraine for Russia's invasion. / The Washington Post

Analysts at the Department of Homeland Security warn of right-wing extremists attacking election facilities. / WIRED

What does merch mean to political campaigns? "It's a medium for expressing a networked collection of different beliefs and values." / It's Nice That

Some thoughts on what the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar means for the Middle East. / NPR

A short quiz about Shein, Delhi's Chandni Chowk market, and the global fashion business. / rest of world

See also: Notes from a day in the life of a small British bookstore. "Shop goes quiet for ages but it's okay." / Receipt from the Bookshop

A young person's tips for navigating an urban social life while newly sober. / plant life

A deep dive into all things tech-related from 2004. / The Verge

Some aerial photographs of scrap yards with their junk arranged into collages. / Kottke

For everyone who's not from southern Ontario, an explainer for understanding the rare game of Crokinole. / The Pudding

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