Speaking of that solar eclipse, what a relief that it is over. At least for me. Did anyone see it ?
I hid inside. Perhaps I was feeling danger from THIS type of interpretation :
"John Hays drove up from Bishop, California, for the total eclipse in Salem, Oregon, and said the experience will stay with him forever.
"That silvery ring is so hypnotic and mesmerizing, it does remind you of wizardry or like magic," he said."
http://idahostatejournal.com/news/local ... 16123.html
The age of John Hays is not given. But he sounds like someone part of the Harry ___ter-mania generation. Wizardry ? What does a dramatic solar eclipse have to do with wizards - ?? Evidence of a successful job of brainwashing by the usual forces.
Immeasurably more pleasant reportage came from St Martin the Merciful Orthodox Church in Corvallis, Oregon in the form of a spectacular photo. This Church is due to be consecrated exactly 2 months after the eclipse. I take this dazzling image as a heavenly show of blessing on the parish's choice of patron Saint, St Martin of Tours. This French city is pronounced 'Tour', with the 's' silent.
I think this was the first Orthodox parish in North America - perhaps anywhere in the world with the possible exception of France - to be named for the famous miracleworker and founder of French monasticism, who reposed in 397. Notably, like the tradition of Russian Orthodox Bishops many centuries later, St Martin, Bishop of Tours, paid a pastoral visit once a year to each of the parishes he had established throughout the land.