Orthodox Christian Initiative for Africa: Fr. Nathaniel Johnson: "The Church That Has It ALL"...

Τρίτη 14 Μαρτίου 2017

Fr. Nathaniel Johnson: "The Church That Has It ALL"...

I had the great pleasure of concelebrating liturgy with Fr. Nathaniel, and his fellow clergy at St. Lawrence Orthodox Church in Felton, CA, this past weekend. What a glorious encounter!
Fr. Nathaniel Johnson (photo from here) served the Orthodox Church as a deacon in the San Lorenzo Valley for 28 years before his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. He and his wife Presbytera Susan have 3 children; two daughters and a son. The oldest daughter is an Orthodox nun at St. John the Forerunner
Father Nathaniel was Ordained to the Priesthood in 2015. He was raised in a Black Baptist church from birth and converted to Orthodoxy in 1980’s. Father Nathaniel is an accomplished musician, playing professionally for over 55 years; has designed and built a wooden boat and enjoys wood carving as well.
Monastery in Goldendale, Washington. Their son and youngest daughter and her husband live locally.
Hear his story in his own words.

Answering the Questions

More of Fr. Nathaniel Johnson, talking about his favorite seasons, his immersion into Orthodoxy, and his favorite saints.

Holy Martyr Deacon Lawrence of Rome: 225-258 A.D.

St. Lawrence Orthodox Church in Felton

St. Lawrence Orthodox Church is named for Archdeacon Lawrence of Rome, a third-century martyr. We chose him for our patron because he is the patron of the San Lorenzo Valley, where our church is located, and also because he embodies the ideals of care for the poor and of cheerful faith in the face of suffering.

Archdeacon Lawrence had the duty of using church funds to care for the poor and needy. He was commanded by the Roman Emperor Valerian to turn over the treasures of the church in which he served. At the appointed time, Lawrence appeared in court along with a crowd of the poor, diseased, and unwanted of Rome. The furious emperor demanded, "I told you to bring me your treasures! What is this rabble doing here?"
Lawrence coolly replied, "Your honor, these are the treasures of the Christian Church."
For his audacity, Archdeacon Lawrence was sentenced to a particularly cruel death. He was trussed up like a chicken and roasted on a gridiron over a slow fire. But even in his torment he gave thanks to God, and mocked the emperor for his paganism and unbelief. After he had roasted for some time he remarked to his torturers, "Better turn him over now; he's done on this side."
St. Lawrence is commemorated in the Orthodox Church on August 10 (August 23 according to the Old Calendar).