The Keiskamma triptych, a renowned altarpiece created by the people of Hamburg, South Africa, is on exhibit at Washington National Cathedral until mid-March. Using a medieval altarpiece as inspiration, they created a three-part display depicting the effects of HIV in their communities. The themes are Crucifixion showing the mourners and orphans; Resurrection showing hope, redemption and restoration; and Reality showing grandmothers caring for orphaned grandchildren.

 A users' guide for Episcopalians

Epiphany is a season celebrating the Biblical events traditionally understood as manifestations, or "epiphanies" of the divinity of the human being, Jesus. These include Jesus' baptism & the wedding at Cana (both still commemorated in Eastern Orthodox Christianity on January 6th and in Western Christianity on the Sunday following the Epiphany), the calling of the disciples, various miracle accounts, and the Transfiguration.

A users' guide for Episcopalians

"The ox knows its owner, and the ass it's master's crib; but Israel does not know, my people does not understand." (Isaiah 1:3)....We are now ready to experience the joy of Jesus's birth.  The concept of the Christmas creche, or manger scene, originated in Europe. The first modern presentation was by the Jesuits in 1562 in Prague, and the idea spread rapidly to Naples, Spain, and southern France.  

A users' guide for Episcopalians

The Christian church calendar starts each year with the first Sunday of Advent, the season of anticipation of God’s coming in the Christ Child. Advent continues until December 25th. Christmas in the church year isn’t a day, it’s a season of celebration that only begins on Christmas Day and continues for the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Peter Bocock was a remarkable man and we were fortunate at St. Thomas' Parish to share his life for a little while. Peter, an economist, was influential in shaping the World Bank's poverty reduction strategy in the seventies and helped prepare the bank's policies to advance the Middle East peace process in the 90's. Please read more about Peter's accomplishments in his Times Obituary available online.

» Read Sermon from Memorial Service

A Users' Guide for Episcopalians

"Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever."