On March 5, 1958, the New York Times ran the following article:
AUTHOR ADOPTS FAITH
Elliot Paul, in Hospital, Joins Greek Orthodox Church
PROVIDENCE, R.I., March 4 (AP) — Elliot Paul, author, became a member of the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church today in bedside ceremonies at the Veterans Administration Hospital here.
Mr. Paul is seriously ill with arteriosclerosis and heart disease. When he entered the hospital a few weeks ago, he listed his religion as “agnostic.” He was born in Malden, Mass., a member of a Congregational family.
The 68-year-old author said his desire for conversion came from his admiration for Greek Orthodox friends whose faith and warmth appealed to him.
Elliot Paul lived a fascinating life. He worked as a journalist, authored novels, and later wrote ten Hollywood screenplays, most notably Rhapsody in Blue. His friends included the famed novelists James Joyce and Gertrude Stein. He was a huge fan of jazz, moonlighting as a pianist and writing the screenplay for Billie Holliday’s only acting role. Paul was married (and divorced) five times, and, as the Times indicates, he identified as an agnostic until the very end of his life.
And it was the very end — just a month after joining the Church, Paul died of his ailments. His obituary in the Bridgeport Post offers a bit more detail on his conversion:
“After his hospitalization, Paul mentioned his desire to enter the church to the hospital Protestant chaplain, Rev. Frank S. Hall. The chaplain notified the Very Rev. John A. Limberakis, pastor of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.”
The obituary also re-emphasized that the biggest factor in Paul’s conversion was the faith and love of his Orthodox friends. It’s a reminder that quiet example and loyal friendship can be just as effective as overt evangelization.
[...] Read more… 3,486 more words I have not yet visited a monastery, I keep being "too busy" and put it off. Part of the reason is my own social anxiety – I don't like being put in new situations. I suspect my other so-called reasons are just as valid (or should I say they are invalid excuses?). Regardless, this is good advice, and while I have been blessed to find a spiritual guide in my priest, I know that spending time at a monastery away from the world is just beneficial to the soul. ☆ ☆ ☆ 6) Marlylad court says pit bulls are inherintly dangeroushttp://ad-orientem.blogspot.com/2012/05/marlylad-court-says-pit-bulls-are.htmlBy noreply@blogger.com (John (Ad Orientem)) on Wednesday, May 2nd 3:18 pmKeywords: dogs, Law, pets A new ruling makes it easier for anyone attacked by a pit bull or pit bull mix in Maryland to take legal action against the dog's owner.The Maryland Court of Appeals ruling declares pit bulls as a breed are "inherently dangerous," and the owner of a pit bull or a cross-bred pit that attacks is strictly liable for damages, as is any landlord who rents to a pit bull owner.Read the rest here.A rare victory for common sense in the courts.Syndicated by Atom A new ruling makes it easier for anyone attacked by a pit bull or pit bull mix in Maryland to take legal action against the dog's owner.The Maryland Court of Appeals ruling declares pit bulls as a breed are "inherently dangerous," and the owner of a pit bull or a cross-bred pit that attacks is strictly liable for damages, as is any landlord who rents to a pit bull owner.Read the rest here.A rare victory for common sense in the courts.Syndicated by Atom ☆ ☆ ☆ 7) OrthodoxHistory.org: Author & Hollywood screenwriter Elliot Paul converts to Orthodoxyhttp://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2012/05/02/orthdooxhistory-org-author-hollywood-screenwriter-elliot-paul-converts-to-orthodoxy/By Fr. John on Wednesday, May 2nd 3:17 pmKeywords: Agnostics, News & Convert Stories, convert, Elliot Paul, Orthodox History, orthodoxy On March 5, 1958, the New York Times ran the following article: [...]
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