The original Mother's Day was a day called Mothering Sunday, which really had very little to do with Mother's. It was a Sunday to honor your mother Church, the church where one was baptized, it still occurs, it is now also the UK's Mother's day, honoring both mothers and mother churches. But New Zealand and many others decided to follow the USA, in setting the date for Mother's day. We celebrated Mothering Sunday with the UK back in March during Lent.

It is only in the 20th Century that the more commercial and secular Mother's Day emerged, and here in New Zealand as in the USA and many other places we celebrate mother's today. This came about because two women in the USA wanted there to be a day that mother's were honored, for their nurture and care (Mothering Sunday being more for the mother Church). They campaigned and it was eventually established. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers today!

It is also today the 6th Sunday of Easter and our readings through the Book of Acts continue - today we read the beginning of Paul's historic speech in Athens on Mars Hill (Areopagus Hill). He made this "Sermon on an Unknown God" in 50 A.D. at the site that served as the ancient Athenian supreme court and Council. The Greek Orthodox Church, which shares with the Roman Catholic Church the distinction of being one of the first original Church's is proof that Paul word's and ministry bore much fruit that has endured down through the Centuries. They deserve much praise and thanks for preserving much of the original faith and teachings of the founding fathers.