The central act of Orthodox Christian worship is participation in the Divine Liturgy. Rarely, if ever, do the new forms of "church" cropping up place much emphasis on liturgical acts of worship. Rather they seem to avoid liturgy. Due to this fact, Orthodox Christians might tend to dismiss this video as impertinent to Orthodox Christianity, however, perhaps we ought to have a more open mind. Although the Divine Liturgy will always be the central act of Orthodox Christian worship, the Divine Liturgy does not preclude novel acts of Orthodox Christian mission and evangelistic outreach. Certainly, Orthodox Christian outreach must proceed from the heart of the Church, living the spiritual life of thanksgiving to God, but such outreach must also be created in dialogue with contemporary culture. This video affords us, as Orthodox Christians, a look into contemporary culture and the impact that certain forms of Protestant outreach are having in the lives of people who perhaps would never darken the door of an Orthodox Church. We can easily ignore such people and, unlike the Good Samaritan, pass by such wounded souls, and continue on our way to Divine worship like the priest and the Levite. Perhaps, we, as a community, can do something different, however. Perhaps we can reach out to such people in novel ways and guide them toward the healing and salvation offered us in the sacramental life of the Church. Four thousand churches may be closing each year, yet another 4,000 new ones open. Such is the transitory landscape of American religion. Will our parish be one of those closing statistics? If we continue in a rut, perhaps, but if we can break out of our rut, perhaps not. The Orthodox Faith offers a stability that many of these opening and closing churches cannot offer. Will this parish continue to shine the Light of Christ in Reno or will this parish fold? We should remember the words of Jesus Christ to John the Theologian: "These things saith He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands; I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear those who are evil: and you have tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars: and have endured, and have patience, and for my name's sake have labored, and have not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from whence you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent" (Revelation 2:1-5). ( )