Author Archives: local

Orthodox Christians and Japanese Buddhist Funerals in Hawaii

Posted on August 1, 2026 by local

  by Robert Arakaki © 2026, adapted for LocalOrthodox In recent years growing numbers of local Orientals have converted to Orthodox Christianity.[1]  [See End Notes] They often find themselves living in two different worlds, Buddhist and Orthodox. While their immediate … Continue reading →

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Fasting for Lent – Local Kind Food

Posted on February 27, 2026 by local

  To “fast” means “skip food.” In the Orthodox Church, Lent is 40 days all the way to Easter (Pascha). That mean we skip some food when Lent. When come Lent, Orthodox Christians not supposed to eat meat, fish, milk, … Continue reading →

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Lent – The Spiritual Marathon

Posted on February 22, 2026 by local

There are no spiritual couch potatoes in Orthodoxy. Every Orthodox Christian is called to be a spiritual athlete who reach their full potential through spiritual exercise. In practical terms, this is done through participating in the Liturgy and through the … Continue reading →

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He Touches the Mountain and They Smoke!

Posted on April 8, 2025 by local

Kilauea has become active again capturing the attention of many. The sight of lava shooting a thousand feet into the air is awesome to behold. It inspires awe and wonder in the hearts of Hawaii Locals and visitors. Pre-contact Hawaiians, … Continue reading →

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Christmas 2022

Posted on December 25, 2022 by local

Mele Kalikimaka! The Meaning of Christmas “For He was made man that we might be made God.” St. Athanasius Incarnation of the Word §54 Contrary to the cultural holiday called “Christmas,” the Christian Christmas is about the birth of the … Continue reading →

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Where’s the Rice?

Posted on October 30, 2022 by local

Where’s the Rice? – An Asian American Response to Kevin Allen’s “Ready for the Coming Evangelical Collapse?” By Lopaka Iliahi Kevin Allen recently wrote: “Are We Ready for the Coming Evangelical Collapse?”  In it he notes that while the Orthodox … Continue reading →

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Aloha Ke Akua

Posted on July 14, 2022 by local

  The Hawaiians are known worldwide for their “aloha.” The word “aloha” has often been translated into the English word “love.” Aloha has also been understood to mean warmth and welcome, as well as kindness, sympathy, or compassion. The word … Continue reading →

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Resurrection Sunday 2022

Posted on April 24, 2022 by local

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! For Orthodox Christians, the highpoint of the year is Easter Sunday when we celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Easter is more than one man coming back to life.  It is about the Son of … Continue reading →

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Da Pidgin Bible

Posted on January 30, 2022 by local

  Da Jesus Book is the New Testament translated into Hawaii Pidgin — the language spoken by about 600,000 people in Hawaii. Many locals in Hawaii have a hard time relating to English bibles that have unfamiliar words like: justification, … Continue reading →

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The Bishop Likes Shave Ice!

Posted on January 6, 2022 by local

Bishop BENJAMIN of Berkeley, CA, (OCA), on a visit to the St. Juvenaly Mission in Kailua-Kona has some shave ice. This shows that Orthodoxy can embrace local culture.

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