CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! (In case I probably don’t greet you on Pascha) Have you ever noticed that none of the enemies of Christ were able to seize and kill Him without Judas? Herod massacred thousands of children but couldn’t find that One born in Bethlehem. The Sadducees tried a trick questionContinue reading “Judas: The Insider Enemy”
Category Archives: humility
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee: What Justifies Us
This past Sunday was the first of the three Sundays (the Triodion) leading to the Great Lenten Fast of the Orthodox Church. Coming up will be the Sunday of the Prodigal Son followed by Judgement Sunday. After these, most parishes will hold a special Vespers (evening) service on Forgiveness Sunday as we repent to andContinue reading “Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee: What Justifies Us”
Embracing Humility
Athanasius the Great is a much heralded saint of both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Liturgical denominations also hold him in high esteem for his defense of the doctrine of Christ being of the same substance as God the Father (First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea 325 AD) and creating the list of books whichContinue reading “Embracing Humility”
Evangelism to the Death
From 33 to 313 AD, confessing to be a Christian was somewhere between a ticket for ridicule and a death sentence. Even when heretics like Valens and Julian the Apostate ruled the Roman Empire, true believers gladly went to their martyrdom rather than go along with what was safe. St. Nikolai Velimirovich retells the storyContinue reading “Evangelism to the Death”
Dormition Fast: Humility in Prayer
Orthodox Churches using the modern calendar began the 14 day fast observing the Dormition of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary = “she who bore God) this past Sunday. Wise Christians of old often taught that we should remember our own mortality as we live and that we will have to face the Lord’s dread judgementContinue reading “Dormition Fast: Humility in Prayer”
Seeking Ordination?: Strive for a Greater Goal
A friend made an observation in Sunday School once. “So many people claim that ‘God called me to preach.’ Doesn’t He ever call people to be quiet?” There is no shortage of people who want to proclaim the Gospel. In some Protestant circles, it is easier for a church to find a pastor than itContinue reading “Seeking Ordination?: Strive for a Greater Goal”
Humility: An Answer to a Violent Society
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, … taking the form of a bondservant … He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 “But give instead to your servant a spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love.” – St.Continue reading “Humility: An Answer to a Violent Society”
All Saints West Point 