Orthodox Localism

The following advice is transcripted from Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick's The Transfiguration of Place: An Orthodox Christian Vision of Localism (Part 1  & Part 2).

In this two-part talk, Fr. Andrew describes how consumer-oriented society is at odds with traditional Christian faith. Orthodox localism, then, is a kind of corrective, an ascetic practice which though prayer and stewardship can sanctify a place. (See Fr. Andrew's series "The Transfiguration of Place," as well as his discussion of "thin places").

In the second part I this talk, Fr. Andrew provides some concrete suggestions for Orthodox Localism:

1. Buy local, especially food

2. Attend the (canonical Orthodox) church closest to you

3. Don't worry about having to "maintain" friendships 

4. Walk around your neighborhood and town

5. Take pictures of your town

6. Try to do all of your shopping and banking within two miles of your house

7. Move out of the suburbs or make your suburban area more of an urban center

8. Try to make new buildings reminiscent of the historical architecture in the area

9. Put a front porch on your house

10. Learn how to garden

11. Think up a name for your house

12. Give up the idea that privacy is an inherent good

13. Learn the history of your town

14. Get involved in local politics

15. Figure out ways to involve your parish in the immediate neighborhood and town

16. Give to local charities and help local people in need

17. Have your parish start a non-profit small business

If you are interested in discussing ideas like localism (not necessarily Orthodox) and the related economic concept of Distributism, check out the "Party of the Shires" group on Facebook.