Constantinople

Recently I read, “Constantinople – The Last Great Siege 1453”, by Roger Crowley. The book, written in 2005, gives a vivid and balanced account of the 53 day siege and ultimate fall of Constantinople. It describes in great detail the activities/actions within the Ottoman camp and Byzantine camp.


The fall on May 29th 1453 was a momentous historical event: A turning point, if you will. The balance of power had shifted away from Europe. The future of Christian Europe was uncertain.

Numerous invasions of Constantinople had been attempted in prior centuries but were repulsed: It’s as if this great city-which was both the second Jerusalem and the second Rome - was a prize – desired by would be conquerors for recognition and glory. The Ottoman siege succeeded primarily because of a new technological innovation in warfare: The use of massive cannons – which knocked down the city’s protective ring of walls.

In the 16th century a Frenchmen, Pierre Gilles wrote: “While other cities are mortal, this one will remain as long as there are men on earth.”

Today, Constantinople lives in the hearts of Hellene’s and Philhellenes.

Constantinople evokes emotion within me. There is no logical reason for this. Rather it this: Our essence is a product of our unique experiences in life and the history of the community that we came from. The past is part of us today. Constantinople is part of my past.

I hope that Turkey joins Europe. When this occurs, Istanbul – Constantinople will again rise in prominence and assume its traditional role as a multicultural European capital that unites East and West.

James- Δημήτρios

Saturday January 23, 2010

Toronto Ontario

O' Humble Lord

O’ Lord, you taught humility by becoming man
O’ Lord, you taught humility by enduring and suffering on the Cross
O’ Lord, you taught humility by forgiving your persecutors
O’ Lord, grant to me the courage to be humble

O’ Lord, you taught humility by washing the feet of your disciples
O’ Lord, you taught humility by doing your work in a quiet way
O’ Lord, your taught humility by praying to your Father
O’ Lord, grant to me the fruits of humility; peace and freedom.


James

Written on Good Friday April 25, 2008
Toronto Ontario

My Special Wife

Her heart is pure
I know for sure
An angel on earth
Is my Joanne.

Daily she faces pain
Without complaint
For the Lord is near
Helping with her fears.

She has no career
No university degree
Yet her wisdom inspires
Angela, Peter and me.

James
Written on March 29, 2008
Toronto Ontario

Me The Crucifier

If I were present at the Creator’s crucifixion what would I do? Would I be part of the crowd yelling, “Crucify Him, and crucify Him”? Would I be like Peter and pretend that I don’t know Him? Would I be like the Virgin Mary, supporting Him with unwavering faith at the foot of the Cross?

With shame I admit that I would be like Peter and a crucifier. For every day I hurt Christ: Every day I ignore His presence in me and in others. Every day I pretend that He can’t see me. Every day I knowingly sin. Yet every day, He welcomes me with open arms saying, “son come home I love you”.

Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner.


Written on March 21, 2008

Toronto Ontario

No Escaping Winter

I returned home this morning at 4:00am and was met by the worst snow storm of the year. It took me over an hour to shovel the snow! The lesson for me is that one can't escape from reality: One must face it! Even if that reality comes with howling winds. Dealing with reality will bring benefits. I appreciated the opportunity to burn calories in the quiet darkness.

On the flight I read, "Befriending the Stanger", by Jean Vanier. The book created in me a peaceful state of mind as it demonstrated the infinite love that our humble God has for me and for you. No matter how difficult our reality may be, we are not alone, for He is with us: If only we call His name.

Escaping Winter Blahs

When feeling blue
I blow blue bubbles
And watch my troubles
Rise and fly away

When feeling blue
I think of Bugs Bunny
Foiling the Wile E Coyote
Escaping being Elmer Fudd’s stew

When feeling blue
I dream of me and you
Secluded beach-hand in hand
Kissing and kicking sand


James
Toronto Ontario
Written on Feb 25,2008

Confronting Fear

I go where I fear
Confronting it
Face to face
Thought for thought

I call on the Lord
For His might
As I engage
In this fight

Wearing my cross
With Bible in hand
I bury fear in sand
And loudly declare

Fear be gone
Through the Son
I do it all
Never to fall

I am free
To be
For faith
Is again in me


Written between February 22
and February 24, 2008

James

Toronto Ontario