The skies were gray above, the asphalt and sidewalks dark and wet below, but colors jumped out at me as we were leaving Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco this afternoon.
Two of us had traveled to attend lectures by Father Alexander Golitzin on “The Advent of the Christ.” Father Alexander is Professor of Patristics at Marquette University, and the lectures were rich with references to ancient Judaic texts, little-known Persian Christians in the 4th Century, the Dead Sea Scrolls, New Testament scriptures and the beloved liturgical hymns that tie our salvation history together into a whole.
My heart and mind didn’t want Fr. Alexander to stop, even though I had the feeling as of a voice saying, “Whoa — that is a bit much to feed me all at once.” I left the cathedral worn out and happy, holding my notebook full of scrawls that I hope to meditate on further.
Gladsome Lights 
San Francisco looks gorgeous. I can't believe you get flowers like that in winter! You should come take a look at my blog; http://www.wandering-the-dream-space.blogspot.com
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Sounds like something I would have liked to have gone to. I hope you manage a few blog posts from your scrawls at some time.
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The colors of advent straight from the song of earth…may the potency of the retreat continue with you and sustain your vision for a holy season of expectancy.
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what a beautiful opportunity! so glad you had this blessing!
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Lovely flowers…and church. I was in San Francisco for the glorification of Vladika John…gosh 15 or so years ago! It was amazing. I was there again about 10 years ago and got to spend a lot of time at Golden Gate park, in Chinatown, at Holy Virgin Cathedral (I worked at the school there for 3 months).
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Your pictures are beautiful–the colors pop off the screen! It sounds like a wonderful day, though I'm sure, like you, I would have left quite worn out …
xofrances
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Gorgeous! Oh, do share your scratchings!
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My goodness! What joyful flower pictures burst forth from your page! The lectures sound very intriguing and interesting.
Jody
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Oh Joanna, this sounds fascinating! I'd love to go to something like this.
And San Francisco, always beautiful, isn't it? Not to mention, some of the best restaurants in the world!
Blessings,
G
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Thanks for those pics. I really needed to see that pic of the amazing flowers.
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