Albemarle Tradewinds July 2017 Web Final

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY - SAYINGS OF THE DESERT FATHERS:
ABBA JOHN THE DWARF
Abba John the Dwarf was born about 339 AD to poor Christian
parents in Basta, in lower Egypt. At the age of eighteen
he went with his brother, Daniel, to Scetis of the monks;
where John became a disciple of Abba Ammoes. In time,
John attracted many disciples to whom he taught his austere
way of life. Among these was St. Arsenius the Great.
The number of Abba John’s preserved sayings indicates his
importance among his disciples. The fi rst passage below
references John’s early training as Scetis.
submit to him. It is the same with the passions of the flesh: if
a man goes about fasting and hungry the enemies of his soul
grow weak.”
Abba John said, “We have put the light burden on one side,
that is to say, self-accusation; and we have loaded ourselves
with a heavy one, that is to say, self-justifi cation.”
It is said of Abba John the Dwarf that he withdrew and lived
in the desert of Scetis with Ammoes, an old man of Thebes.
This abba took a piece of dry wood and planted it and said to
John, “Water it every day, until it bears fruit.” Now the water
was so far away that he had to leave each evening and return
the next morning. At the end of three years the wood came to
life and bore sweet fi gs. Then Abba Ammoes took a basket
of the fruit to the church, saying to the brethren, “Take and eat
of the fruit of obedience and patience.”
It was said of the same Abba John that when he returned
from the harvest or when he had been with some of the old
men, he gave himself to prayer, meditation and psalmody
until his thoughts were re-established in their previous order.
He also said, “Humility and the fear of God are above all
virtues.”
Abba John the Dwarf said, “If a king wanted to take possession
of his enemy’s city, he would begin by cutting off the water
and the food and so his enemies, dying of hunger, would
The same abba also said, “It is by warfare that the soul
makes progress.”
All chapters copyright © 2016 by author N. M.;
inquiries c/o St. George’s Church, P.O. Box 38,
Edenton, NC. (252) 482-2006.
Adding value to our economy - Vasquez Painting
By Laura Bush Jenkins
After 13 dedicated years in Edenton’s marine industry, Edvin Vasquez
embraced the opportunity to start his own painting company with his brother
Isidro. Right away, they discovered a niche enhancing the charm of small
homes which often fell off the radar of large companies.
Hard work has been a constant in Edvin’s life from a young age. At seven
years old, he worked full-time providing for his family in the small town of La
Democracia, Guatemala. He never attended a formal school, but Edvin prides
himself in learning through practical experiences.
With support from an Edenton church community, Vasquez became fl uent in
English. He jokes about the friendly critiques he receives from his nine yearold
daughter while conversing in English. In addition, his eight and four yearold
sons talk with him about running the growing family business in the future.
Vasquez and Liliana- his wife of 14 years-aspire to buy additional property in
Chowan County to build outdoor family memories.
By popular demand, Vasquez Painting expanded its services to include garden
and lawn care. Edvin’s background in organic farming is a resource to individuals
who appreciate the health benefi ts of pesticide-free growing. In addition,
homeowners at Edenton Country Club and along the Albemarle Sound are
now able to spend more time with their families while leveraging Edvin’s lawn
care precision.
If you would like to connect with the Edvin Vasquez about your next painting
and home improvement project, contact 252 642 9047.
Do you know a person or family who immigrated to America and through hard
work became a “maker” in our community? Tell us their success story and
how they’ve made a difference.
Contact lauraebush@gmail.com, 315-225-6984
River City Flea Market
2017 season opening April 8th
8 Albemarle Tradewinds July 2017 albemarletradewinds.com
Before
After
Call for vendor space availability
Open every Saturday 7 am
to 2 pm ( rain or shine)
Admission is free to the public!
300 North Hughes Blvd.
Elizabeth City NC 27909
Phone # 252 337 5738