T-Shirts and Architectre, Saints and War, Saint Nicholas, Blue Stars

Item #1: I came across an unusual website today. It has nothing to do with architecture. (It is a website at which you can buy limited edition t-shirts.) But it says something about architecture, something I agree with.

"To understand, look at architecture, where we see two kinds of buildings. First there are old buildings, made with care and dedication, often built by hand. They were created not as mere shelter, but as a testament to the people who lived or worked inside. Those people took pride in their families, businesses, and heritage.
Then there are modern buildings, often prefabricated and unremarkable in appearance. These structures are cheap and efficient, built to meet the needs of the bottom line rather than the individual. Whereas older buildings often provide a visitor with a sense of a places unique culture and history, modern building are devoid of such feeling."

I enjoyed reading the stuff on this website. Maybe, you will, too.


Item #2: Some time ago I was engaged in a conversation via letters with the Secretary of the OPF, Jim Forest. (He is also the person who helped me overcome my last objection to Orthodoxy.) One of the things he told me is that "there is no just war theory in the Fathers." Maybe there isn't, at least not like the Roman Catholic Church's just war theory; the Orthodox church has never been too big on defining the mystery out of things. Nevertheless, there is some talk about war in writing of the Church- more than I expected. Here are two quotes:

"It is not permissible to murder anyone, yet in war it is praiseworthy and lawful to slay the adversaries. Thus at any rate those who have distinguished themselves in war are entitled to and accorded great honours, and columns are erected in memory of them reciting their exploits. So that the same manner in some respect at some time but in another respect and at some other time when there is a good occasion for it, may be allowed and permitted." - Saint Athanasius

"Our Fathers did not consider murders committed in the course of war to be classified as murders at all, on the score it seems to me, of allowing a pardon to men fighting in defense of sobriety and piety. Perhaps though, it might be advisable to deny them communion for three years on the account that they are not clean handed." - Saint Basil


Item #3: My favorite picture of St. Nicholas

Item #4: Perhaps, you know a woman who has children serving under arms? Thank her for the gift she has given you. Find out if she has a Blue Star Banner; if she does not, buy one for her.