Mother Raphaela speaks at the 2009 JR ACRY convention

Mother Raphaela spoke at youth convention and after quizzing the children to see who had read their Bibles found that none of them had read it all the way through, had read all of the New Testament, or even all 4 gospels. Her talk is really worth listening to. To quote a snippet, "If your understanding of what it means to be an Orthodox Christian stops right about now, when you get to be 30, 40, 50 ... you're going to look upon your religion as something that is childish and let's kick it. And you say no, but look at how many people middle-aged people leave the Church just because their knowledge, their faith, their understanding of their religion hasn't kept pace with the rest of them."

BINGHAMTON- NY (ACROD) - A video featuring a spiritual talk given by Mother Raphaela of Holy Myrhhbearer's Convent of Otega, NY, delivered at the 2009 JR ACRY convention is now posted. Mother Raphaela's talk is entitled "Practical Spirituality" and while addressed to youth, it provides an excellent insight into the struggles adults face in maintaining a rule of prayer and a fostering a deeper relationship with Our Lord. You may view the video at the featured videos link or in its permanent location on the Arena Youth website.