Be Transfigured!

Ancient Humility for the Modern World

2012-01-26T16:24:00.002-05:00

In the Gospel of Matthew 15.21-28, (also in Mark 7.24-30) our Lord teaches just the sort of humility He expects from us when a woman approaches Him for a miracle. “He answered her not a word.” (Matthew 15.23) Only after she persisted did He answer, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15.26) And this He said only after she begged Him a third time

Jesus is Coming and I’m Fixin’ to Get Ready for Him

2012-01-19T10:42:00.002-05:00

Christmas is past now and the decorations have been put away. Our children have already grown tired of their new toys. Life goes on…until tomorrow. That’s right; life does go on, sometimes even without our realizing it. In just two weeks we will enter the Triodion Period, a season of preparation for the Holy and Great Fast, and the Church brings us together to hear the story of Zacchaeus who “

How do you Give Thanks?

2012-01-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

There are so many ways to say thank you. You can call. You can send a card or email. You can Facebook it. You can even Tweet it! But what’s the best way to say thank you to someone who has given you more than you ever imagined? How do you say thank you to that special person who gave you life? And I’m not talking about your mother. How do you say thank you to God for everything He has done for

The Faith-Life Disconnect

2012-01-10T13:50:00.000-05:00

One main purpose of this blog is to inspire readers to put their faith into action. Our Lord says: If you love Me, keep My commandments….If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (John 14.15,23) Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand – Matthew 4.17

2012-01-05T14:09:00.003-05:00

Immediately after His baptism by John in the Jordan and being tempted by the devil for forty days and nights in the wilderness, our Lord’s first public sermon was just a few words, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4.17) Could the message of Christ’s Gospel be so simple? What did He mean by telling us to repent? Are we doing something wrong? Are we sinning? Are we ignoring

On the Eighth Day of Christmas Our Lord has a Name, Jesus

2012-01-01T10:57:00.000-05:00

At that time, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every

On the 7th Day of Christmas we anticipate Theophany

2011-12-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

During the Royal Hours of Christmas we sang: Today is born of a Virgin, he who holds creation in the hollow of his hand (three times). As a mortal he is wrapped in swaddling rags, he who in his being cannot be handled. God lies in a manger, who of old established the heavens in the beginning. He is nourished with milk from the breast, he who rained Manna on the People in the desert. He summons

On the Sixth Day of Christmas I began to look forward

2011-12-30T21:23:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve and we all turn our attention ahead to a new year while glancing back at the past year with mixed emotions. In my case 2011 is the year I lost my mother but it is also the year in which my (Christ’s really as I am just a servant) ministry has begun to flourish with attendance at Church services (all services) and Bible studies on the rise. I will remember 2011 as a year

On the fifth day of Christmas and the world rejoices

2011-12-29T12:42:00.002-05:00

Well the world, most of it anyway, has already forgotten about Christmas. That is, all except for the nightly news which continues to report on the Christmas SHOPPING season, as if that is what really matters. It’s no wonder so many people accuse me of being “down on society” all the time. I don’t think I’m down at all. I believe I’m just willing to call it like I see it. Most people don’t

On the fourth day of Christmas and I’m feeling a bit reflective

2011-12-28T10:17:00.002-05:00

I was blessed to attend a funeral yesterday of a young 22 year old man, the son of a local clergyman associate of mine, who died tragically a few days before Christmas and I have become a bit reflective about my own blessings. During the funeral the presiding priest kept stating, “This is why Jesus had to die…” I’m not sure I agree with that since not only were we celebrating Christmas, but the

On the third day of Christmas I feel like I ate three French hens

2011-12-27T08:50:00.003-05:00

In addition to Church services and opening presents, for many people Christmas is also a time to eat…and eat….and eat. I think that may have been the reason for the three French hens. After all the turkey and stuffing and potatoes and pie and (at least in every Greek home) spanakopita and feta cheese, I’m looking forward to a quick workout this morning to burn some of those extra Christmas

On the second day of Christmas my friends were all burned out but I’m just getting started!

2011-12-26T11:15:00.002-05:00

So many people day returned to work. Some even have undecorated their homes already. What a shame that our society has devolved to such a level as to turn Christmas into a month long party leading up to the feast. It can so much more than that if we want it. So this year why not take your life back and spend the next few days reading the Christmas story in the Holy Scriptures and contemplate what

Christ is born; Glorify Him! Christ is come from Heaven; Encounter Him!

2011-12-25T19:25:00.000-05:00

These simple words bring our minds to what really matters today, Christmas Day. Our preparation is complete. Our fasting is over. Our gifts are wrapped and have been opened. Our homes are filled with family and friends. Our children are suffering from “new toy overload”. Our stomachs are full. Our hearts are warm. Christmas has arrived and our joy is fulfilled because Christ is born! Tomorrow

The End

2011-12-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 40 Revelation 12-21 As a society we seem to be obsessed with The End. Countless “prophesies” have come and gone and the Earth is still spinning and humans are still struggling to live day-to-day. What our annual New Testament Challenge can offer us is to ultimately understand that in the end, “There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (

Visions of Heaven

2011-12-23T10:51:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 39 Revelation 1-11 As you know if you are a regular reading of this blog, I don’t make it a practice to write about or preach about the Book of Revelation. I do this because the Church has removed it from public reading due to its deep allegory and imagery. Since it is a book about the end why would I be so bold as to preach about the end prophecy? Jesus says, “but

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines – Hebrews 13.9

2011-12-22T15:36:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 38 Titus, Philemon, Hebrews In today’s selection, among the numerous teachings of faithfulness and hope, Saint Paul reminds us that we must remain loyal to the true doctrine of Jesus Christ. To the Hebrews he wrote, “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not

Love one another - John 15.12

2011-12-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 37 John 15-21 With Christmas just a few days away most Christians are frantically going about looking for that last shopping deal or for that last minute gift for that last minute guest who decided at the last minute to come for Christmas. The last few days before Christmas are any BUT peaceful for so many these days so I thought I would offer a few words to remind

Neither do I condemn you – John 8.11

2011-12-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

ew Testament Challenge – Day 36 John 8-14 How often we get wrapped up into our own superiority that we seem to forget that we sin just as much as the next guy. Of course we say that, but in the context of today’s readings would we mean it? In the reading of the woman caught in adultery Christ challenge those who desire to stone the woman, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone

Come and See

2011-12-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 35 John 1-7 The immediate reaction of the first disciples of Jesus was to run to their friends and family with the words, “Come and see.” Andrew went and found his brother Simon Peter. Philip when and found Nathaniel. The Samaritan woman went and found the whole city. This year at Christmas who will we call and invite to “Come and see” Jesus Christ? It is the most

Where we have been must guide where we are going

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

On the Sunday before Christmas the Orthodox Church reads the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew’s account of Christ’s ancestry. Ever since the fall of humanity in the Garden, God has been working out His plan for salvation, played in the ancestry listed in the Gospel of Matthew. For the ancient Christian Church it was crucial to understand their Old Testament origins before they could properly

Did you lack anything? Luke 22.35

2011-12-17T09:02:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 33 Luke 22-14 Just before His Holy Passion, Christ reminded His disciples of the many times that He had protected them and provided for their sustenance. “’When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything? So they said, ‘Nothing.’” (Luke 22.35) These words of reminder should have served to comfort the disciples once the Lord had been

Once and for all delivered to the saints – Jude 3

2011-12-16T12:57:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 32 1,2&3 John and Jude I found it interesting that Christopher Hitchen, a world renown atheist, died yesterday. Specifically there were two things that interested me. First was how much attention he received with long stories and biographies written about him. The second, was that like every year, atheism conveniently lifts its head around Christmas. But in today’s

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3.23

2011-12-15T18:29:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 31 Philippians and Colossians First I must make a note that yesterday’s readings ended with Luke 20, but our challenge does not list the remainder of the Gospel of Luke. I will blog on these chapters Saturday. You’ll have to come back. I want to remain focused on the chapters of the New Testament Challenge. Today Saint Paul (along with Timothy) are in a state of

Orthodox Missions in New Zealand Needs Your Help Today!

2011-12-14T10:35:00.002-05:00

For those of you who enjoy reading this blog on a regular basis and for those who have just discovered this blog, please take a moment and make a contribution to the Patitsas Missions Effort in New Zealand. Father Paul Patitsas, Presbytera Kathryn and their children have been in New Zealand for just over a year preaching the Gospel and serving the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Zealand. I am

We have done what was our duty to do – Luke 17.10

2011-12-14T10:19:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 30 Luke 17-20 First allow me to congratulate all my fellow bloggers who have been participating in the 30/40 Days Blogging Challenge sponsored by preachersinstitute.com. Today is day 30 so some will be leaving the Challenge. I will attempt to stick with it until Christmas. After Christmas I’ll probably take a break and return to a few times per week. I mention this

Everyone who asks receives

2011-12-13T15:15:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 29 Luke 8-16 Christmas is just around the corner and by now millions of children have finished their Christmas wish lists – whether to Santa, Saint Nicholas or just mom and dad. The next 12 days will be filled with great expectations and a bit of fear (especially for those who misbehaved a bit this year) waiting to see what gifts are under the Christmas Tree this

How can this be?

2011-12-12T22:10:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 28 Luke 1-7 As I mentioned a few weeks ago I am reading a book titled, “The Language of God” by Dr. Francis Collins. The book discusses the relationship between science and faith. Dr. Collins points out in his book that what we KNOW as science today was considered miracles in centuries past. That came to my mind today while reading the stories of the conception of

God Expects Nothing Short of a Full Church

2011-12-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

In the Gospel we hear the Parable of the Great Feast (Luke 14.16-24) in which Christ calls us to fill His Church. The reality of poor church attendance is not a new phenomenon in the Church. For decades our national Church has struggled with the trend where half-full Churches have become the norm rather than the exception. In fact, just as in this parable, we have heard year’s worth of excuses

I do not know you – Luke 13.25

2011-12-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

Since we are allowed a day of rest from our New Testament Challenge, and yet we are still asked to read the Holy Scriptures daily, so I will offer a few words on today’s reading according to the Orthodox lectionary. Today the Church prescribes Luke 13.19-29 where the Lord offers several descriptions of what Heaven will be like. The kingdom of God is like….a mustard seed or leaven in today’s

“Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Romans 9.20)

2011-12-09T13:51:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 25 Romans 9-16 I cannot begin to tell how many times I hear people suggest market studies and member questionnaires etc in order to determine what types of ministries and programs a Church should offer. On the surface this sounds harmless enough, especially in our American democratic society. But taken to its logical conclusion, this philosophy of “give them what

Called to be Saints

2011-12-08T15:43:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 24 Romans 1-8 We are all called to be Saints according to today’s reading from Romans. I thought I would spend a few moments attempting to figure out what that really means because I often hear, “I’m not a saint Father…” normally just before someone justifies their unchristian behavior. But I would suggest that person has the incorrect understanding of what it

Let all that you do be done with love.

2011-12-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 23 1 Corinthians 11 – 2 Corinthians I say a great deal in this blog about living the Christian life. Nothing says it quite as clearly as 1 Corinthians 13. This year, as you prepare for Christmas, make THIS your goal. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift

“I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.” 1 Corinthians 7.6

2011-12-06T11:31:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 22 1 Corinthians 1-11 Saint Paul had a great deal of compassion for the Church as is clear in these words from today’s readings. Today’s readings are a blessing for our Christmas journey because they remind us that while we may have come to Christ in a broken condition – we are all broken – that doesn’t mean we should expect to remain in that broken condition.

Fulfill Your Ministry

2011-12-05T13:03:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 21 1 & 2 Timothy We are now passed the half-way point of the New Testament Challenge and we are reminded by Saint Paul via Saint Timothy to remain diligent in our work as ministers. The 40-day blogging challenge, in which I am also participating, is meant to encourage preachers to use 21st Century

The tools of the Church are offered to us; it’s up to us to use them!

2011-12-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

When I was young growing up in Colorado, our family spent many hours in the outdoors skiing, hiking, camping, and just about anything we could enjoy in the mountains. As a boy all I was responsible for during these excursions was myself. I didn’t have to carry anything but myself. I didn’t have to watch anything but myself. And I have to be honest it was pretty fun….until I got older. When I

I'm Not Fooled

2011-12-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

Driving around town this morning, listening to Christmas carols playing on the radio; it occurred to me that I AM NOT FOOLED one bit. Nope, you can’t fool me! Just because you sing or play or even like to listen to Christmas carols doesn’t mean you have “put Christ back in Christmas” this year. Saint Paul urges Christians to a dedicate life where certain behaviors are forbidden. With recent

“Do not grow weary in doing good.” – 2 Thessalonians 3.13

2011-12-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 18 1 & 2 Thessalonians In a world of hunger and oppression it is hard to imagine running out of opportunities to do good in the world. I’m not quite sure that Saint Paul had this particular reality in mind when he urged the Thessalonians to continue in their good works. He also says, “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not

Adoption as Sons

2011-12-01T12:55:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 17 Galatians and Ephesians In both books for today’s readings Saint Paul makes an impassioned plea to recall the gift of adoption into the Church of the Gentiles. We know historically and through Holy Scriptures that the Jewish believers resented the Gentile believers and Saint Paul makes repeated reference to this fact in today’s readings. What struck me today is

“So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.” (James 1.11)

2011-11-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 16 Epistle of James, 1 & 2 Peter I was discussing the economy yesterday and commented that I believe, as do other so-called experts, that our economy is undergoing a substantial change in America. I believe the “American Dream” is over and that our new way of life eventually will return to a new normal of working for today and being satisfied with the basics. There

In the evening

2011-11-29T15:18:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 15 Mark 12-16 I am currently at my desk in the afternoon preparing, among other things than this blog, to celebrate the Holy and Divine Mystery of the Eucharist this evening in memory of Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle. It occurred to me that, as many parishes are beginning to celebrate evening Liturgies, and that while our Faith and Holy Tradition are VERY

Maybe it’s time we all became lords of our time and dedicate it to God.

2011-11-28T11:37:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 14 Mark 1-11 It really struck me today how different the Gospel accounts can actually be. Having finished Matthew last week, and teaching Matthew in our weekly Bible study, Mark caught me as being very different as we read the first half of it today. I already knew of the difference but when one is expected to write or teach about something, one uses deeper

We All Know What to Do

2011-11-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

There are many times we find ourselves in a situation when we know the correct thing to do but are too afraid to do it. This is very common when we are children, but every now and then even as adults we find this to be true. And this is even more the case when it comes to our journey toward salvation or as we call it, “Theosis”. If we were asked to list the ten things every Orthodox Christian

Making an Offering Unto the Lord

2011-11-26T11:15:00.001-05:00

Since this is Thanksgiving weekend I thought I would say a few words about offerings from the perspective of the Old Testament as found in Leviticus. You might wonder, “Why is a Christian priest referencing Leviticus?” I believe that we receive great insight into the way in which we offer our gifts to God by studying His required offerings. First we have to rethink the use of the word sacrifice

Happy Shopping

2011-11-25T12:24:00.001-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 10 Acts 16-28 Thousands of shoppers awoke before the sun today to begin their annual shopping extravaganza for Christmas. They (and maybe some of you) will go from store to store parking lot to parking lot in search of the perfect present at the perfect “Black Friday” price. Along the way you will be greeted by store managers and fellow shoppers some of whom will be

What I’m thankful for…

2011-11-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

My Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ Having my mother for nearly 42 years Still having my father My beautiful wife My loving son My supportive brother Having known all four of my grandparents My health My education and life experiences which have helped to shape who I have become Supportive friends Allowing me to be a one of His Priests Allowing me to serve a blessed Greek Orthodox Church Parish

The Angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God – Acts 12.23

2011-11-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 9 Acts 5-15 As our reading reflected yesterday, we see again today the true origins of our blessings. When King Herod was being honored and praised by the people who said, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” (Acts 12.22) By not honoring God, Herod fell over dead. In another reading today we heard about how the early Christians sold their possessions and gave

By the name of Jesus Christ

2011-11-22T10:44:00.001-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 8 Acts 1-4 The other day I was enjoying a cup of coffee with a clergyman of another denomination. We were discussing a book I’m now reading titled, “The Language of God” by Francis Collins. You may have heard of it a couple year’s back because it rocked the science world. Dr Collins, head of the genome project, wrote this book to express his faith in God after

Repent! And Read Today!

2011-11-21T16:05:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 7 Matthew 25-28 By now I pray you have caught up over the weekend with the reading if you got behind last week. I know that taking on a challenge such as the New Testament Challenge can be harder than it looks. But once you set aside an hour or so each day, not so much when you consider how much time we waste every day in front of our computer screens or the TV, that

Giving Thanks

2011-11-20T21:26:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 6 Since there are no readings for today in the New Testament Challenge, I will instead offer a few thoughts about the parable in today’s lectionary – The Parable of the Rich Fool found in Luke 12.16-21. By the way I’ve decided to do this also as part of the 40Days Blogging challenge sponsored by http://preachersinstitute.com offered each year during Advent. I have

This is where the rubber hits the road…

2011-11-19T09:06:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 5 Luke 9.57-62 Since today was scheduled as a make-up day for reading, which by the grace of God I don’t need, I decided to write a few thoughts on the designated reading according to the Lectionary for today. It isn’t that long, so I will include it: Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, "Lord, I will follow You wherever You go."

And great multitudes followed Him – Matthew 19.2

2011-11-18T20:38:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 4 Matthew 19-24 Hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ brought great and profound commitment from the earliest believers. Both in Chapter 8 following the Sermon on the Mount, and again here in chapter 19, we crowds of faithful coming to Jesus after he preached. Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the

Then He spoke many things to them in parables – Matthew 13.3

2011-11-17T16:08:00.002-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 3 Matthew 13-18 For many centuries people have questioned why Jesus spoke in parables and stories. In fact many ask me why I always include some sort of story in my sermons and teachings. Of course I’m not suggesting that I am equal to Jesus but I do know that people associate better with stories. A truth told in the context of a story somehow sounds less

It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master - Matthew 10.25

2011-11-16T10:55:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 2 Matthew 8-12 Since today is also the Feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, we will honor his faith and commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Matthew 9.9-13 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the

Morever, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites - Matthew 6.16

2011-11-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

New Testament Challenge – Day 1 Matthew 1-7 I can’t believe it has been a year since we have undertaken this discipline. Of course I pray we are reading the Bible EVERY day, but I always look forward to our annual New Testament Challenge. If you’re not familiar with the New Testament Challenge you can read about it at: http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2011/10/27/the-2011-new-testament-challenge

Verb: A word indicating action or state

2011-11-10T12:33:00.003-05:00

When a lawyer asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10.25) he already knew the correct answer as he quoted the Old Testament Law: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” To this Jesus commanded the lawyer to “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10.28) Nothing

The Healing Touch of God

2011-11-04T11:15:00.002-04:00

“Who touched Me?” (Luke 8.45) With these resounding words Jesus shined a bright light upon the humble faith of a woman who had been suffering for twelve years. This woman, like so many of us, suffered for years with no relief from the world. She had nowhere else to turn but to approach God. Her suffering was so great that she didn’t even consider herself worthy enough to see Him fact-to-face so

Preparation for Holy Confession

2011-11-01T14:56:00.000-04:00

Preparation for Holy Confession I often encounter questions about Holy Confession, so I am offering this information to assist our faithful in the understanding and preparation of Holy Confession. It is taken from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule Holy confession, please contact your Spiritual Father directly

God Provides a Glimpse into Heaven

2011-10-28T09:19:00.002-04:00

Every now and then it helps to get a picture of what our future might become. We are taught to envision our future in order that we may embrace it and work toward it. A common theme in all “get rich quick” schemes is for you to picture yourself wealthy and to begin living to get there. The same is true for our spiritual future. Thankfully God again provides us with a glimpse of our future, no to

Hope for Something Better

2011-10-20T01:01:00.002-04:00

In the Gospel we hear of a man who was possessed by demons that drove him into the wilderness. We know from the Gospel also that this man had many demons that would regularly torture him and leave him naked and alone among the tombs. We also know that this man’s condition had lasted a long time. How can we in 2011 bring some connection to this story? First we must ask ourselves, are there any

Don’t Be Stingy with God’s Message

2011-10-14T09:45:00.000-04:00

In the Gospel we hear one of the great Parables of Our Lord about the “Sower.” This is the only parable where Christ also gives an explanation of the meaning of the parable. We are encouraged to be good fertile soil to allow the Word of God to take root in our hearts so that we can bear fruit with great abundance to the glory of God. There is another aspect to the parable that the Fathers of

So Guess Who Died Yesterday?

2011-10-06T19:59:00.002-04:00

You guessed it…..LOTS of people but the whole world is only talking about one….Steve Jobs. Please understand I don’t deny his amazing talent (a gift from God) and that he offered society a great number of tools for us to communicate (most of which is pornography) at volumes never before available to us. And I am not going to take away his place in American history as an innovator and clearly a

When Does Innocent Behavior Become Evil?

2011-10-05T10:04:00.002-04:00

There are many things in our day that by themselves are harmless. For example: playing or watching sports, enjoying the outdoors, attending the theatre, even our actual jobs are not spiritually harmful behaviors. It’s when any of these behaviors take us away from spending time with Jesus Christ IN CHURCH that they take on the role of evil in our lives. YES!, even enjoying the outdoors can be evil

Nobody Wants Fool’s Gold

2011-09-30T09:49:00.000-04:00

We have all had moments when we are utterly shocked at the words that come out of a person’s mouth, especially when the words are negative. “Can you believe she only worked one hour for the Festival? Doesn’t she know that isn’t enough?” This might sound familiar anywhere in America during Greek Festival season, but have you ever heard, “Isn’t it great? Even though she has so many things to do,

How Will You Help the Lord This Week?

2011-09-20T15:24:00.000-04:00

In the Gospel of Luke we hear the calling of the first disciples of Christ while they were “off duty” from their day of fishing. Jesus “saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.” (Luke 5.2) Their day was finished and I’m sure the fishermen were looking forward to a few moments of rest after a long day at work, but the Lord had other

Christianity is for Radicals

2011-09-15T14:41:00.002-04:00

Most people don’t associate being a Christian with being a radical especially in the “Bible Belt” South, but radical living is exactly what Jesus expects from His followers. “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8.37) That sounds pretty radical to me! Many of us have grown up believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we even believe in the Holy Trinity – Father, Son,

When It Matters Most

2011-09-09T10:14:00.002-04:00

When tragedy occurs in our life that causes us to reflect upon what really matters, our hearts turn toward God. When we are faced with the reality that life is fragile and hangs in the balance, our hearts turn toward God. When a loved one or friend dies suddenly and without warning, our hearts turn toward God. When it matters most, deep down inside our hearts know to turn to God. Such were

The American Dream is a Spiritual Nightmare!

2011-09-07T09:33:00.000-04:00

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” 1 Corinthians 10.23 We live in a society that is built upon the same freedom of action as expressed by these words of the Apostle Paul to the Church in Corinth 2000 years ago. Ancient Corinth was a city, not unlike most American cities today, with a great deal of wealth,

Good Thing Job Wasn’t an 21st Century Evangelical Christian

2011-09-05T10:40:00.001-04:00

The other day I was listening to a Christian radio broadcast of Dr Charles Stanley as he was talking about tithing. I listened attentively since I also preach the biblical and traditional truth of the tithe to God in thanks for the many blessing He has given us. I was disappointed however in the premise that if someone tithes he will be overly blessed financially by God. As if God is some sort of

Do YOU Want Eternal Life?

2011-09-02T10:32:00.002-04:00

When Jesus was asked, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” He responded by saying, “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19.16-17) After listing all the commandments the rich man chose to push the issue further by saying, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19.20) Ultimately, after Jesus said, “If you want

Why do we Fast on a Feast Day?

2011-08-30T12:33:00.000-04:00

Throughout the year the Church commemorates events in the life of Christ, the Mother of God, the Saints and Church History with a series of Feasts. Some Feasts are as short as one day, such as the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos on September 8th or as long as the Feast of Pascha which lasts for days. Throughout the year the Church also asks us to fast as a spiritual discipline on

A Student's Prayer

2011-08-29T17:20:00.002-04:00

This is a nice and breif prayer that EVERY student can offer as he/she sits down to begin homework... Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, Who opened the eyes of the blind man and made the fishermen into wise teachers of the Gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit; Shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment so I can make good choices,

2011-08-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

Are you struggling to understand God's will in your life? Do you wonder when the suffering will end? Do you believe in God but wonder why He doesn't spare your suffering? Then read these words from St. John Chrysostom and make them your new goal... "He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles the soul when lifted

An Evening Prayer

2011-08-19T15:14:00.000-04:00

O Lord, compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy: hear our prayer, and attend to the voice of our supplication. Work among us a sign for good; lead us in Your way, that we may walk in Your truth; gladden our hearts, that we may fear Your holy name: for You are great, and You work wonders; You alone are God, and there is no other like You among the gods, O Lord; You are

Questions of Faith

2011-08-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? Most people would answer by saying they believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came into the world to save sinners. And they would be correct, but is it enough to offer these few words about belief? The difficult answer unfortunately is, “NO!” It is not enough to just believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He came into the world

A Morning Prayer

2011-08-18T09:54:00.000-04:00

O Lord our God, Who grants the remission of sins to mankind through repentance, and Who shows us an example of forgiveness through the acknowledgment and confession of sin by Your prophet David’s repentance: despite our falling into many great sins, have mercy on us according to Your great mercy, O Master, and wipe out our offenses in the abundance of Your compassion; for we have sinned against

The Service of Blessing of the Children for the New School Year

2011-08-12T12:09:00.000-04:00

Since our children will be going back to school this week, we will call upon our Lord this Sunday to bless them. Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All‑holy Trinity, have mercy

Interesting.......Just Plain Interesting....

2011-08-04T13:14:00.000-04:00

In today's reading from 1st Corinthians Saint Paul says, Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman who prays

How Effective is YOUR Youth Ministry?

2011-08-03T11:10:00.000-04:00

There is a documentary out right now called Divided and it details the struggles of youth ministry and the objective failure in retaining youth within the Church. The movie is available for free viewing online until September sometime, so if you work with youth as a youth minister, pastor, parent, teacher, clergy or just care about youth in the Church, sit back and take an hour and watch this

Is Prostitution A Sin in Las Vegas?

2011-07-26T11:54:00.003-04:00

Having just spent a week with teenagers at St. Stephen’s Summer Camp for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, I began to ponder this question this morning…..well not really but I thought it was a grabber for the title of today’s post. Of course I believe prostitution to be a sin anywhere, but do you? The reason for this question is that our youth today are often confused by the

What’s All This Talk About Good Works Anyway?

2011-07-15T09:46:00.002-04:00

In his letter to Titus Saint Paul writes, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3.8,14) There has been a lot of

It's not all about us; it's about HIM

2011-07-07T15:22:00.002-04:00

Two very famous commercial slogans have shaped our way of life in America. “You deserve a break today,” and “Have it your way,” may sell millions of hamburgers but is this message what we want to be teaching our children? Marketing giants have profited great amounts of money on the prevailing idea that human beings are inherently selfish. In fact studies have shown that our social structure, at

The Forty Maxims

2011-07-07T11:22:00.000-04:00

I don't remember where I got these, but Presbytera came across them the other day in our computer and I really liked them, so in case I haven't posted them before.....here are the "Forty Maxims" 1. Be always with Christ and trust God in everything. 2. Pray, fast and do acts of mercy. 3. Read the Scriptures regularly. 4. Read good books, a little at a time. 5. Practice silence, inner and

Summer Activity Options

2011-06-10T09:50:00.002-04:00

As I said last week summer can be a time filled with anxiety about the activities in which our children participate. Over the next few weeks I will try to offer new ideas for summer activities for our youth and any other adult who wishes to give them a try. This week my suggestion is about reading. Many of our children spend time during the summer months trying to escape the summer heat by

Rejoicing After Final Exams

2011-05-27T12:07:00.000-04:00

June marks the end of another school year and the beginning of summer fun and celebration for our children…well only if they don’t have to return to summer school. Most students have learned to fear the end-of-year exams that reveal whether or not they have been working carefully during the year. If they pass the exams, that means summer is for fun and celebrating at the beach. Lucky for children

We are all Blinded by Something; What is it that Blinds You?

2011-05-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

In the Gospel of John 9.1-41 Jesus heals a man who had been born blind. His Disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9.2) In ancient Jewish understanding of suffering, since Adam and Eve brought death into the world by sin, it was presumed that all suffering and illness was a result of sin. Technically speaking they were correct. To the woman

Spiritual Self-Assessment

2011-05-26T14:27:00.000-04:00

Rate the following topics from 1 to 5 I read the Bible 1)Daily 2)3x per week 3)1x per week 4)<1x per month 5)Been a long time I fast at least from meat 1)Wednesdays and Fridays and every day the Church teaches to fast 2) Only Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year 3) Only Wednesdays and Fridays during each of the Lenten Periods

Following Christ is a Step-by-Step Process

2011-05-20T11:48:00.000-04:00

When Jesus encountered the Samaritan Woman, whom we know as Saint Photini, she immediately questioned His actions. “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (John 4.9) Saint Photini couldn’t bring herself to accept that someone would break with years’ worth of tradition as the Gospel points out, “For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” (John 4.9) Sometimes

2011-05-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

We ALL Have a Friend in Jesus The famous gospel song What a Friend We Have in Jesus touches deep in the hearts of many in the South. This song is not limited to so-called Gospel Churches, but is a long-time traditional hymn in many Western Christian Churches who share in the hope of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel on the Fourth Sunday of Pascha the Church commemorates the Sunday of the Paralytic

Not Seeing is Believing

2011-04-28T16:24:00.002-04:00

We have all heard the saying, “Seeing is believing,” but in some cases the opposite can be true. After our Lord’s Resurrection, He appeared to 10 of His Disciples. Judas had hanged himself in sin and a loss of hope. Thomas was also not present when the Lord first appeared. When Thomas returned to be with the Disciples, since the Lord had visited them, they said to Thomas, “’We have seen the Lord.

When It Comes to Loving God, It’s Never too Much

2011-04-15T14:35:00.002-04:00

Just six days before our Lord was crucified Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead, anointed the feet of Jesus with anointment worth an entire year’s salary. According to Forbes Magazine, the most expensive perfume on the market today is worth $2,150 per ounce or $33,002.5 per pound, the amount of oil that Mary poured lovingly on the Feet of our Lord. Not only did she

2011-04-05T20:52:00.002-04:00

In the Gospel we hear a prayer that could be from just about any of us. “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (Mark 10.35) In our daily prayers most of include words similar to these in our requests to God. And then, when God doesn’t do exactly as we demand from Him, we accuse Him of not answering our prayers. The Lord says, “You do not know what you ask.” (Mark 10.38) He knows

It’s Not About Being Perfect, It’s About Becoming Perfect

2011-04-03T08:48:00.001-04:00

In the Gospel of Mark we hear of a father who brought his son to Jesus for healing because the Apostles were unable to heal him. He called to Jesus, “’If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my

Won’t You Join Me at the Cross?

2011-04-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

This month we celebrate the Feast of Feasts, the Resurrection of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, on April 24th. But before we can celebrate Pascha, we must journey through the rest of Great Lent and ultimately endure the mystery of Holy Week, when we listen as the Gospels recount the final days of our Lord’s Earthly ministry. No service of our Holy Orthodox Church conveys this awesome

It is not Possible to Avoid Suffering as a Christian

2011-03-24T12:35:00.002-04:00

In the Gospel, our Lord invites us each to become His followers with a challenge; “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8.34-35) These words have been a point of confusion for some and salvation to others. How is

Freedom is a Gift from God

2011-03-23T14:35:00.000-04:00

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These famous words from the Declaration of Independence set in motion a national consciousness committed to defend and promulgate the ideal of freedom here and abroad that has endured for

Don’t Let the Roadblocks of Life Keep You from Christ

2011-03-18T09:53:00.002-04:00

Now that spring is upon us we have already noticed increased road construction. One thing about road construction: it always includes roadblocks that make it difficult to travel where and when we desire. The same can be said about our spiritual travels during Great Lent. Great Lent is a time when the Church has called us to a journey of increased prayer, increased fasting and increased works of

Take Great Lent One Day at a Time

2011-03-08T10:44:00.002-05:00

Like any journey, our Lenten Journey must be taken one day at a time. Take time TODAY for your journey focusing not on whether you can reach the end without failing but focusing rather on offering God your best today. Read Scripture, pray, fast, and do something for others.

Fasting Guidelines for Weekday Liturgies

2011-03-03T14:27:00.003-05:00

Now that Great Lent is upon us and the Church offers the Presanctified Liturgy each Wednesday evening, the question of fasting and Holy Communion again raises to the surface. On Sunday we know (provided we are healthy and no other prohibitions from our doctor regarding fasting) that we should refrain from all food and drink until after we receive Holy Communion on Sunday mornings. But what if we

Whenever You’re Ready…God is Waiting

2011-02-18T10:59:00.000-05:00

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32) we hear of a son who leaves his father for a life of selfish waste and “high living” until he finds himself broke and eating pig slop. In this state of lowliness the son remembers that his father’s servants lived better than he was, so he decided to return to his father and live as a servant. Anything would be better than living with pigs! The

The Need for Mercy

2011-02-11T11:31:00.000-05:00

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord offers us a chance to learn just what type of life He is expecting of us. In the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee, our Lord teaches, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18.14) Humility is at the very core of our Christian lifestyle and the root in understanding the need for mercy. The Tax Collector