Christina Sillari has been the minister of First Parish in Portland since 2010. She is the visiting minister at CVUUS during October, 2019.
Originally from Somerville, Massachusetts, she is from a working-class family of Greek Orthodox and Catholic Heritage. She rejected those faith-based traditions as a teenager, and sought meaning in mysticism and dance, and became a practicing Buddhist, embracing the ways of Eastern Philosophy. She became a Unitarian Universalist in her mid-20s after feeling empowered by a sermon given by a female UU minister in Boston. She values UU’s willingness to let individuals define their own brand of faith. And that open-mindedness drew her to our congregation.
In addition to her Masters in Divinity, Christina has her Masters in Psychology with a focus on yoga and mind/body health. Prior to becoming a minister, she worked as a therapist, yoga teacher, shamanic practitioner and group leader. After choosing her path as a UU minister, she was an integral member of the ministerial teams at UU churches in Newburyport and Arlington, MA.
Christina is a strong and supportive minister with varied experience, knowledge and belief that deeply benefits the First Parish Congregation. She is passionate about work in justice, compassion and understanding within the local, denominational and world communities. In addition to her insightful sermons and spiritual teachings, she provides perspective, support and growth to the church, its members and visitors.
How does our faith tradition cultivates wisdom? What does it means to be a Unitarian Universalist in these times? What role does CVUUS play in sharing our faith’s wisdom with the greater community? Led by Rev. Christina. We share our offering with … read more.
Rev. Christina explored class and classism from a personal and emotional perspective looking at it through the lens of behavior and language. We share our offering with Atria Collective (formerly WomenSafe).
See worship details here: OOS 3.10.24
See a … read more.
Are you a Universalist? Rev. Christina helped us explore the history and theology of Universalism and how relevant and necessary it is today. We are sharing our offering with Black Church Food Security in honor of Black History month.
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We know that there’s one thing we can count on in this life: that it will end! How can we prepare for this, and know that we’re not alone in the journey? Through looking at religious and cultural perceptions of death and our personal relationship … read more.
ON SITE & ZOOM. Through the gospel, music, stories and poetry we explored the light of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas. Led by Rev. Christina Sillari. Donations collected for CVUUS Discretionary Fund dispersed in collaboration with HOPE. Ended with the traditional lighting of … read more.
ON SITE & ZOOM. What is this human capacity for forgiveness? Where does it come from? How can it save the world? We explored forgiveness through powerful stories and personal reflection on our own lives. Led by Rev. Christina.
… read more.
What is liminality? How does being in a liminal space impact us? Can we use liminality as a teacher? Theologian Richard Rohr believes, “The unique and necessary function of religion is to lead us into this crazy, liminal time.” We surely are living in crazy … read more.
ON SITE & ZOOM. With Rev. Christina Sillari, Poppy Rees, and the CVUUS Choir What are you hoping for at CVUUS? How can we foster a sense of connectedness and community for the upcoming year? Through words, song, and ritual we explored what it … read more.
Rev. Christina Sillari continued in our pulpit and asked: God: What is God and why is God so prevalent in our culture? How does your mind and heart approach the notion of God? “Could anything actually exist in the universe, as science understands it, that … read more.
Rev. Christina Sillari returned to our pulpit and asked: “Frankly, do you need to believe in God to be convinced that sincerity is preferable to dishonesty, courage to cowardice, generosity to egoism, gentleness and compassion to violence and cruelty, justice to injustice, love to … read more.
