They’re called icons – artistic portrayals of Jesus or other holy figures that are meant to draw the viewer into deeper prayer. It’s an ancient tradition dating all the way back to the early days of Christianity. Correspondent Katie Breidenbach meets with Ayman Fayez, an iconographer who is keeping this tradition alive. He is visiting from Egypt, his twin brother is Fr. Francis Fayez, pastor of Resurrection Coptic Church in Park Slope.
Archives
A Brooklyn Church Is About To Vanish
A year after the Civil War ended, an Episcopal church opened on Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn to serve waves of immigrants arriving from England. More than a century later, the Church of the Redeemer served a different population of immigrants: from the Caribbean and West Indies. Now that rich history is about to end with demolition. Currents correspondent Michelle Powers reports.
Consecrated and Serving
What is consecrated virginity? Correspondent Katie Breidenbach investigates this largely unknown vocation as part of Currents’ continued coverage of the Year of Consecrated Life. One of the first consecrated virgins in the Brooklyn Diocese, Angela Scannapieco, explains her unique call.
Forgiveness
Life coach Candice Harper breaks down the “forgiveness diet” with Joumana Kidd, not simply to shed pounds, but also to let go of resentment and the transgressions that may occur on a daily basis. Candice Harper brings meaning to why forgiveness is important for the recipient and for one’s own well being. Candice and Joumana also look to why people do wrong, and how to approach the other party’s nature in feelings of sympathy.
St. Vincent Ferrer
City of Churches heads into the heart of New York City with a visit to St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Manhattan. Host Anthony Mangano explores many facets of this unusual gothic style church and its miracle bell. Also, just down the street, he discovers some lost remnants of 19th century Civil War era architecture, as well as the home of a former U.S. President.
The Church and the Scouts
Following the decision by the Boy Scouts of America to allow openly homosexual troop leaders, Currents anchor Liz Faublas spoke with the Catholic Chaplain for the Boy Scouts in the Borough of Brooklyn, Father Thomas Vassalotti.
Trump’s Race Could Be “Detrimental”
Currents Correspondent Katie Breidenbach speaks with political activist Michael Long who worries that presidential candidate Donald Trump might hurt the republican party and the issues that he is trying to uphold.
Making Science an Activity
Currents Correspondent Katie Breidenbach checks in at St. Bernadette School in Dyker Heights where they are renovating the science room into a state-of-the-art lab, with lab tables, microscopes, sinks and other equipment that will allow the students to learn, hands-on. They will also incorporate a new curriculum that will give the kids an edge as they learn by doing rather than by memorizing.
Prayer Leads Planned Parenthood Manager
Currents anchor Liz Faublas speaks with former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino, who has written a book about her experiences at that organization.
Baseball’s Best Face Off in Borough Cup
Currents sports correspondent Jim Mancari visits a youth baseball team from St. Patrick Parish in Bay Ridge, which is participating in the Second Annual Borough Cup, where teams from across New York City face each other.