A Classic Respite During this First Week of Lent

This piece is titled:
St. Matthew's Passion: the Lord's Supper

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It is written and composed by Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev,
the Leader of the Russian Orthodox Church.
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enjoy
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The lack of taste for solitude and silence is one of the most common illnesses of the modern person. Many are even scared of remaining in stillness, being alone or having free time: they feel more comfortable being constantly occupied; they need words, impressions; they always hasten in order to have the illusion of an abundant and saturated life. But life in God begins when words and thoughts fall silent, when worldly cares are forgotten, and when a place within the human soul is freed to be filled by Him.
–Prayer and Monasticism in Orthodox Tradition

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January 2012

The travel route: from San Diego, south, to San Francisco, north:

St. Francis greets you in downtown San Francisco:

These two say it better than I ever could:

Alcatraz:


Sea Lions:

So long, Golden Gate!

The Catherdal of St. Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco:

Front exterior:

A view from the front doors of the Cathedral looking toward the altar area (sanctuary):


Looking straight up in the center of the Cathedral:

The Sacntuary:

The Sculpture hanging above the altar area:


The Tabernacle:

The Cathedral of Christ our Light in Oakland, CA

strikingly beautiful

and the last of my pictures of the Golden Gate.

Alcatraz:

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good-bye california
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Wendy's celebrates Lent: we see a lot of these commercials over the next few weeks:

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Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return

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Ash Wednesday: 2012

(excuse the ads that may come first):

Driving Along the Pacific Coast Highway. enjoy

a great respite: