(For the most part, the following is a True Story – some minor details have been changed to protect the identities and sanctity of the characters).
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Christopher received an e-mail from Maria on his 25th birthday, and a check for a 100 dollars in the mail with a note that read “Dear Son, Happy 25th, I love you, have a fantastic day and treat yourself on me. Go have a drink with your friends.” Maria had raised Chris all on her own, the father was never in the picture. Chris did not have a father. He was born to Maria out of wedlock. Mother and son had a very close relationship, even though they lived 50 miles apart. Chris visited Maria once a month.
Chris was not a guy with imposing presence, and was just a little above average height of around 6 foot, 160 lbs, thin and bony built, and hairstyle that of a rock star, with on and off beard (could be due to saving money on blades). He didn’t have a college degree and worked odd jobs in the city, tried carpentry for living, but sucked at that. Couldn’t make a straight cut. He worked on an animal farm as a training and development manager. On Friday evenings after work, he will get together with Peter and Johny for drinks. While Johny and Peter were babe magnets, Chris usually kept mostly to himself and was a quiet man with only a few words to say (although there were rumors of Chris and Maggie having a romance – no one knows for sure). There was something about him that people around him started noticing, but they couldn’t place a finger on what it was. His eyes glared with optimism. Few years later he became known for his activism. He challenged some of the stuff that went around and started talking openly about the government’s inhumane policies. All the networks sought his appearance on their shows. Larry King and Barbara Walters tried everything to book him, and according to National Inquirer, Bill O’Rielly offered Chris a million dollars to appear on the Factor. Chris turned it down.
Chris became talk of the town. His popularity made some people, including some of his friends, very uncomfortable. The authorities were already upset with his activism and anti-government activities. The FBI kept a thick file on him and all his movements were being closely monitored. The government couldn’t find any other excuse, so booked him on some stupid blasphemy charge, with a mandatory death penalty. He was nailed.
Yesterday was the anniversary of his rising (for the Orthodox; others celebrated it almost a month ago). Even though he died a long time ago, billions around the world celebrate his life, as well as his rising. He was a good man, the son of God.
Three weeks ago a German was chosen to lead the standard that Chris started. The world saw white smoke come out of a little chimney (smoke and Chimney and a German – now that is scary).
With Jesus anything is possible.
Jesus rocks.
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Easter is the holiest day of Orthodox calendar and a very important day in my household, as important as, Christmas, Eid, Chanuka, and Divali. My family celebrates Easter by attending a midnight Mass at our local Greek Church, and by eating Koulourakia (cookies); Tsoureki (sweet bread) and colored boiled eggs (eggs have multiple purposes – from decoration to playing games, to eating). Of course, all accompanied by the best wines and beers and delicious Greek cheeses.
“Christos Anesti!” (Christ is risen!)
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:24
. I smoked in college as well but never inhaled (gunaa na ho jai ghalti seh).