– 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups) – 1 lb corned beef brisket – 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – 1 large carrot, sliced – 1 white sweet onion, diced – 2-3 garlic cloves, minced – 1-2 tomatoes, chopped – 1 bay leaf – 6-8 cups hearty beef broth – 2 tbsp avocado oil or butter – Salt and black pepper, garlic powder to taste – Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Sour cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1. In a skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, cooking until softened (5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic and tomatoes (or tomato paste) and cook for 2 more minutes. 2. Add potatoes to the broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Add shredded cabbage and sautéed vegetables. Toss in the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until cabbage and potatoes are tender. 3. Return shredded meat (if using) to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf. 4. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh dill or parsley, and serve with a dollop of sour cream and rye bread on the side.
Tips
– For a tangy variation, add 1-2 tbsp sauerkraut or a splash of pickle brine near the end. – Shchi tastes better the next day as flavors meld. – Adjust broth thickness by adding more water or simmering longer for a denser soup.
my grandson has moved up in the cub scouts. It’s changed a lot since I had entered the program. I dare not sound like a member of the old guard but to say that it’s maintained much of its virtues. Where this goes depends on his parents and his desires. It’ll be interesting to see if his Viking genes lead him to the Sea Scouts!
our lovely Aussie named Ronnie passed away after being our companion for 12 years. Ronnie the diva entered our lives with simple demands. She was fed salmon and meats that I smoked for years! She passed uneventfully with Laura. She was wonderful.
the family is experimenting with AI and art! Laura’s jumped into AI to find out how to adjust to students who cheat.
life goes on and I hope you can sit back with a big cup of coffee and enjoy!
The role of the laity in keeping and passing down Christian relics is a fascinating aspect of Christian history, deeply tied to devotion, tradition, and the preservation of sacred memory. Relics—physical objects associated with Jesus, the Virgin Mary, saints, or martyrs—have long held spiritual significance in Christianity, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. While clergy and religious institutions like churches and monasteries have often been the primary custodians of relics, the laity (ordinary believers not ordained as clergy) have also played a significant role in their preservation and transmission across generations.
Historical Context
Relics emerged as important in early Christianity, especially during the era of martyrdom (1st–4th centuries). Bones, clothing, or objects associated with martyrs were venerated as tangible connections to those who witnessed Christ or lived holy lives. After Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire (313 CE, Edict of Milan), relic veneration grew, with churches built over martyrs’ tombs and relics distributed widely. While bishops and clergy oversaw major shrines, laypeople were often involved in the grassroots spread of relics, especially during times of persecution, migration, or upheaval.
Today in Eastern Orthodoxy:
In Orthodox traditions, laypeople frequently venerated relics in homes or local parishes, especially icons believed to contain or be associated with relics. In Russia, for instance, lay families might keep icons with relic fragments as part of household prayer.
Searching for the Provenance of a Relic
In searching for where your relic may have originated it would help to know something. The more you know, the closer you can get to an answer. Finding a relic in Europe is not the same as breaking the seal and opening up a tomb in Ancient Egypt. Europe has had many upheavals with Wars, persecution and revolution which often forced moving relics about and putting them in hiding.
Many relics are passed down in families, some obtained from monasteries and some even obtained from churches. Vatican 2 made a change in removing the small altar. Altars contain relics which sometimes were found a new home. There were also some organizations who believed that relics could be venerated in homes of believersand found those they believed worthy.
There are plenty of hints to the provenance of the relics picture above of two Apostles Andrew and Phillip. They have Bishops seals on either side of the tubes (thecae). The cuts on the bones suggest a Medievil origin or redistribution. Relics are often repaired and given a new presentation over generations and this is typical.
lastly, the issue of fakes or fake relics sanctified as placeholders to receive veneration is always possible. The detail , gold threads, and care aids credibility to authenticity. These relics may or not be authentic, but many believed they were for apparently hundreds of years.
One could carbon date your relics, but I uncovered a great story which I will keep private on request.
I asked the premier AI why he thought young men were attracted to Orthodoxy and Grok 3.0 beta said:
Orthodoxy, particularly Eastern Orthodox Christianity, has been drawing attention from young men in recent years, especially in Western countries where traditional religious practice has declined. Several factors seem to contribute to this phenomenon, based on cultural trends, personal accounts, and broader societal shifts.
One key reason is the appeal of structure and meaning. Orthodoxy offers a deeply rooted framework—liturgical traditions, rituals, and a clear moral worldview—that contrasts with the often chaotic, relativistic culture many young men feel lost in. The faith’s emphasis on discipline, such as fasting or regular prayer, resonates with those seeking purpose beyond materialism or fleeting digital distractions. It’s not uncommon to hear young men describe this as a counterweight to the “nihilism” they perceive in modern life.
Another draw is the sense of timelessness and authenticity. Orthodoxy claims an unbroken lineage to the early Christian church, with practices and theology that haven’t bent to modern trends. This appeals to those disillusioned by what they see as watered-down or overly progressive versions of Christianity. The elaborate liturgy, iconography, and mysticism also offer a visceral, almost masculine aesthetic—think incense, chants, and the warrior-like imagery of saints—that can feel raw and unapologetic compared to more sanitized worship styles.
Community plays a role too. Orthodox churches often foster tight-knit, hierarchical groups where mentorship from older men—priests or lay leaders—is baked into the experience. For young men craving belonging or fatherly guidance in an age of fragmented families and online isolation, this hits a nerve. It’s less about “self-help” and more about being part of something bigger, with clear roles and responsibilities.
There’s also a cultural rebellion angle. Embracing Orthodoxy can feel like a rejection of secular liberalism or the shallow consumerism dominating youth culture. Some are drawn to its countercultural stance on issues like gender, sexuality, and authority, which align with a broader resurgence of traditionalism among certain Gen Z and millennial cohorts. Posts on X often highlight this, with users praising Orthodoxy’s refusal to “conform” as a sign of strength.
Data’s thin—Orthodox Christianity is still a small slice of the religious pie in places like the U.S.—but anecdotes abound. You see it in online spaces: young guys sharing clips of Divine Liturgy, debating theology on forums, or even growing beards and wearing prayer ropes as a badge of identity. It’s not a mass movement, but it’s a noticeable trickle, especially among those already skeptical of mainstream narratives.
What’s your take? Are you seeing this trend in your circles, or is there a specific angle you’re curious about?
