Pastoral Reflections
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How We Face the Future Without Fear? Together!
In the midst of these angst-filled days of the world, our society is filled with fear. Fear about the future. Fear about those who don’t see the world as we do. Fear of the strangers. Fear of the foreigner and immigrant. Fear of those who seem so different. Fear of the extremists, whether right-wing or left-wing. Fear of our former friends who have now become our enemies because of the pandemic or politics or other social issues. Continue Reading... »
Noticing Our Neighbor
“During my second year of nursing school,” a student described, “Our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who every morning is cleaning the building?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was a tall, dark-haired, Hispanic woman, but how would I know her name? Continue Reading... »
The Demon of Laziness
What demons do you struggle with in your life? Let’s each think about this. Maybe you’ve never thought about them as demons, but what habits, temptations, inclinations, struggles and addictive behaviors have tried to direct and even control your life? We all have certain “demons” with which we wrestle! And if we aren’t careful, these demons can subtly lead us away from God and sometimes even take over our lives! Continue Reading... »
How Open Are We to Encountering God?
How many of us can say we have ever seen God? Or could any say we have encountered God’s presence in some special way in our lives? We read about miracles in the Bible, and throughout Church history, and yet, some people will say, “Why don’t those things happen today?” Or if someone says, “Yes, God does act in the world today” there will be plenty of skeptics who doubt, question, and outright reject such claims of faith. Continue Reading... »
The Golden Rule
“Do unto others what you want them to do unto you.” The Golden Rule. Jesus basically said this rule summarizes the law and the prophets. Here is the spirit of our Orthodox Christian faith. Treating others the way we want to be treated. Continue Reading... »
Seven Steps to Christ
How do we find ultimate meaning and peace in our busy, and often confusing lives? Jesus Christ and His Church promise all believers a new and abundant life of unconditional love, unquenchable joy and deep peace. Continue Reading... »
Christ Lives in Me
In today’s epistle reading from the Apostle Paul, we hear something enlightening. St Paul talks about himself and says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 1:20) Continue Reading... »
Divine Love and September 11th
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” The call to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” is one of the most radical teaching of Jesus Christ and His Church, and yet, it is a teaching upon which we need to reflect today more than ever. Continue Reading... »
The Healing Aspect of Forgiveness
In today’s Gospel story, we get a glimpse of Peter wrestling with this topic of forgiveness. “How many times,” he asks Jesus, “do I have to forgive another? Seven times?” Continue Reading... »
What and Who Influences Us?
What influences us most in our lives? Who are the people or figures who consciously or maybe unconsciously influence us? We all are surely influenced by a variety people, by certain ideologies, by contemporary movements or fads, by the things that surround us. There are societal influences, financial influences, political influences, cultural influences, and individual influences. Continue Reading... »
Our Need of Prayer
In today’s Gospel story we hear about how Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5000 with only five loaves and two fish. Following that miracle, Scripture says “Jesus dismissed the crowds and then went up into the hills by himself to pray” It’s a phrase that can easily be lost in the midst of the major events of the Gospel. Continue Reading... »
The Joy of Giving and Serving Others
Jesus went about all the cities and villages preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, healing every sickness and every disease among the people, and showing compassion whenever He saw the multitudes. We hear this beautiful description in today’s Gospel reading. Continue Reading... »
Let Your Light Shine Before Others
Jesus Christ said, “I am the Light of the world.” Yet Jesus also told His followers, “YOU are the light of the world.” He challenged His disciples and challenges each one of us to reflect and shine His divine light of love and mercy and grace on others. So how do we do this? How do we share God’s light and shine His Divine Light - as individuals and as a community of faith – in the world! Continue Reading... »
Seek First the Kingdom of God
“What is life all about?” the man asked me as he watched his 41 year old brother die. “How do I understand what is happening? What lesson am I supposed to learn from all of this? Tell me, please, what is life all about?” Continue Reading... »
We Value Life
We value life. This is a pretty basic statement that seems quite obvious. Yet we need to remind ourselves of this every day. Continue Reading... »
Becoming Like Jesus
When Jesus calls His first followers, Peter and Andrew, James and John, to leave their fishing boats, leave their livelihood, leave their families, leave everything they know and feel comfortable with, and follow Him in today’s Gospel story, He is inviting them to begin a journey of imitating His life! Continue Reading... »
The Holy Spirit - The Feast of Pentecost
We all want a comforter and an encourager in our lives, someone who stays with us and helps us in our times of need, someone who guides us in truth and empowers us to fulfill all that is good. Where can we find such a comforter and helper, such a guide and one who empowers us? Continue Reading... »
Is God Enough?
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania shares the story about how he made the decision to go as a missionary to Africa back in the 1960s. He was a young, dynamic theologian and deacon in Greece, preparing for his ordination to the priesthood. For the previous decade, he built a reputation as a charismatic preacher who had written much about missions. Now came a critical point in his life. Continue Reading... »
We Need to Do More Than Just Pray
The “unthinkable” has happened once again with the latest school shooting in Uvalde, Texas this past week following the supermarket and racist shooting in Buffalo. And yet, is it really “unthinkable?” Unfortunately, we all are becoming desensitized to these horrific, mass killings. Unfortunately, they are NOT so unthinkable anymore. They have become too common, and we all are just waiting for the next one to happen. Sadly we all realize that it may happen closer to home, in our own schools, among our own people, sooner than later. Continue Reading... »
Breaking Down Barriers
Breaking Down Barriers. How often do we create barriers which hinder us from coming closer to God? We can create barriers through our sin, with our pride, through certain habits and actions. Yet, throughout the Gospels we see how Jesus continually breaks down barriers that separate people from Him. He doesn’t want anything to hinder someone from coming closer to Him and receiving the good news of salvation He offers to all people. Continue Reading... »
Celebrating 100 Years with Paschal Joy
What a special celebration our Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Webster had last weekend! After postponing our 100th Anniversary Celebration twice because of COVID, we finally concluded our centennial celebration when 190 of our church family gathering for a Gala celebration. It was a quite an evening for our loving community! Continue Reading... »
Go and Preach the Good News
“I wish I could convince my friend to come to church,” someone said to me. “He doesn’t believe in God, but when I invite him to Church, he won’t come. What should I do?” Continue Reading... »
What is Reality?
Christ is Risen! Or is He truly risen? How many people doubt the greatest event in world history – the reality that someone who was dead for three days resurrects back to life and never dies again? It sounds quite improbable, even impossible? It’s no wonder that plenty of people in our contemporary society question or outright reject this miracle as nonsense. We live in quite the skeptical age that won’t readily accept miracles and quite frankly rejects most religious claims. Continue Reading... »
What Type of Heart Are We?
My father tells me about his mother, my yiayia, who was a very pious woman and who loved her Lord Jesus, the Virgin Mary and His saints above all else. Continue Reading... »
Life from an Eternal Perspective
Death is all around us, even though we often try to ignore it. Whether natural disasters like we’ve seen in our country that bring unexpected tragedy. Or long-term illnesses that numerous people in our Church family are battling. Or this ongoing pandemic. Every day we can read about tragedies and death happening throughout the world. Continue Reading... »
Deny Yourself to Save Yourself
I recently read about the life of Maximillian Kolbe, the Polish Catholic priest who died in the Auschwitz Nazi death camp during WW2. His story is one of truly “denying yourself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus Christ.” Continue Reading... »
No Greater Love Than This
On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 smashed nose-first into the rock-solid ice covering the Potomac River just outside Washington, D.C. To horrified onlookers, it seemed impossible that anyone could be alive inside the mangled steel carcass slowly vanishing into the water. But one by one, six survivors gasped to the surface and grabbed desperately at the tail of the plane. Continue Reading... »
The Power of Forgiveness
We get an understanding of this in today’s Gospel story of the Unforgiving Servant. Jesus describes a servant who owed a king an insurmountable debt. Continue Reading... »
The Prophetic Witness of St. John the Baptist
In our society today, how often do we compromise the “Truth,” whether consciously or unconsciously, in order to appease public opinion? How often do we allow opinion polls to sway our understanding of right and wrong, instead of relying on the unchangeable truth of the Gospel and the Church? Continue Reading... »
The Legacy of Saint Kosmas Aitolos
"If it were possible for me to climb up into the sky and shout with a great voice, to preach to the entire world that only our Christ is the Son and Word of God, true God and life of all, I would have done it. But because I can't do such a thing, I do this small thing of walking from village to village and teaching my brothers and sisters as I can, not as a teacher but as a brother." Continue Reading... »
The One Thing Needful
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things but one thing is needful and Mary has chosen the better part and this shall not be taken away from her.” Continue Reading... »
Learning From the Virgin Mary
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” These words offer a summary of the life of the Virgin Mary, because they show how she lived a life totally dedicated to serving God and proclaiming the Good News of the Savior of the world. Continue Reading... »
Do We Ignore the Demons in Our Lives?
How many of us prefer to ignore the demons in our lives? When I’m talking about demons, I’m talking about certain passions we can’t we get under control? Our temper. Our pride. Our anger. Our greed. Our lust. Our laziness. What about certain addictions or daily habits that control us? It’s so easy to get used to many of these demons and to simply accept certain habits as a part of who we are. Continue Reading... »
Learning From St. Maria Skobtsova of Paris
What can we learn from a nonconformist, chain-smoking, twice divorced Russian nun who scandalized many people with her non-traditional behavior? People in church circles sometimes found it hard to relate to Mother Maria Skobtsova, better known as St Maria of Paris, whose feastday we celebrate this week on July 20th. Continue Reading... »
Lay Aside All Cares and Worries - Seek First the Kingdom of God
Why worry about anything? Instead, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all your worries will be taken care of by Your Father in Heaven! Continue Reading... »
Christ’s Invitation to Become Disciples
“Come and follow me!” On one hand it seems like such a simple invitation, and yet, when one understands the implications, it demands a radical response! Continue Reading... »
Becoming A Saint
How many times we pray at every Divine Liturgy: “Remembering the most holy, pure blessed Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.” Continue Reading... »
Why Believe? Part 4: The Power of God
How many of us try to do something but don’t have the discipline we need? We want to change certain things in our lives but simply don’t have the strength or fortitude to do it. We realize we are weak or undisciplined or maybe a bit complacent or lazy and can’t accomplish certain goals or changes in our lives. Where do we find strength? Where can we discover a Source of power? Continue Reading... »
Why Believe? Part 3: Striving For Greatness
Greatness inspires! Think of someone who has inspired you in your life, someone who has pushed you to strive for greatness. Continue Reading... »
Why Believe? Part 2
In part 2 of this sermon series of “Why Believe and What to Believe?” I want to turn to another commonality among the world’s religions and the experiences of all peoples throughout every culture. Throughout history we have seen how all humanity strive to discover answers to the existential questions about the world we live in, about our experiences in life, and what is ultimate reality. Continue Reading... »
Why Believe? What Do We Believe? Do We Need the Church? Part 1
I recently had the opportunity to sit with 13 young adults between the ages of 16-30 and talk about faith issues. I asked them “What do you believe? Why do you believe or don’t believe? And what do you think about the Church? Is it something necessary or unnecessary, helpful or unhelpful, for someone’s journey of faith?” Continue Reading... »
The Power to Change
How many of us struggle with certain issue in our lives? Maybe they are issues which we think can never change. It could be an illness, or a bad habit we have had since forever, or some personality or character flaw. Some of us have gotten so used to our weaknesses or brokenness that we think there’s nothing we can do about it; there’s no hope for change or renewal. Continue Reading... »
The Resurrection of Christ Changed the World
Christ is Risen! And with His Resurrection, Christ changed the world! That’s a bold statement, and yet when one studies world history and understands the impact of Christians throughout the centuries, there’s no denying the influence of Christianity on a global scale. Christ, and His followers, changed the world for the better. We can also point to the fact that one out of every three people who live on planet earth claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. This means that more than 2.3 billion people would say that Jesus Christ has played some role in their identity, and of course, for those who are serious in their commitment to Christ, surely His Resurrection has touched them and fundamentally influenced their worldview! As bold as this statement is – that Christ changed the world - it’s truly not an exaggeration. Continue Reading... »
My Lord and My God!
What does this statement imply when we say it with faith. “My Lord and my God.” Thomas the Apostle, whose memory we celebrate today, was the first to proclaim these words a week after our Lord’s Resurrection. We heard his story in the Gospel reading of today. First, the Risen Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb, then to Peter and 10 of the 12 disciples in the upper room, as well as to Cleopas and Luke on the road to Emmaus. Jesus had truly risen from the dead, and numerous people had encountered the Risen Lord, much to their astonishment and delight. Continue Reading... »
The Message of Pascha - God is In Control
If we learned anything from our journey through Holy Week, it should be this. Nothing happens outside the knowledge and will of God. No matter how dark and unsettling things appeared during the Passion of Christ – especially with the betrayal of Judas, the rejection of Jesus by His own people, the hypocrisy and blindness of the religious leaders, the cruelty of the Roman soldiers, and the unfairness of the perfect man becoming a sacrificial lamb crucified on the Cross for an ungrateful world – nothing happened outside the knowledge and will of God. Continue Reading... »
How Will We Welcome Christ?
After traveling and living with Jesus for three years, listening to all his inspiring words, witnessing his amazing miracles, observing his life of love for all people, everything seems to culminate in the events of yesterday. For the Apostles, going to Bethany where Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus had died and been buried in a tomb four days prior, they thought that the Lord would simply comfort the sisters Martha and Mary, giving them words of hope and strength in the midst of their mourning. Yet Christ not only shocked everyone with his greatest miracle – giving life to a man who had been dead four days – but he reaffirmed His divine identity to His followers. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though they may die, they shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26) Continue Reading... »
Growing In Faith
How strong is your faith? Have you thought about how your faith has changed over the years? Have you nourished it and has it grown over, say, the last 10 years, or has it weakened and withered and become more uncertain? Of course, for you who come to Church, you obviously have nourished your faith to at least some degree, and that’s why you’re here on a Sunday. How sincere, though, are we in cultivating a living, vibrant faith and relationship to God? Continue Reading... »
The Life of the Cross
“May God bless you with a life of sacrifice, a life of struggle, maybe a short-lived life and a life denying your own desires and serving others?” Continue Reading... »
How Hard It Is to Forgive - Yet We Have to Forgive
Why do we find it so hard to forgive others? Continue Reading... »
Facing Death and Judgement
Recently I spoke with a 62 year old woman who is dying. Several months ago her doctors told her that she has six months to live due to a rare form of cancer. Of course, this woman is extremely sad at her prospects. Yet she is preparing herself for what may happen much sooner than she ever dreamed about. She is making her funeral arrangements. She called me up to talk about the funeral service. She’s confronting the likelihood that she will die soon. Obviously, life takes on a radically new perspective when confronted with such reality. Continue Reading... »
Capturing the Spirit of the Loving Father
How many of us think we’re better than some others? Honestly, how many of us have judged someone else, thinking that we’re not like them because we’re better? We condemn others, while we praise ourselves before God! Continue Reading... »
The Danger of Judging Others
How many of us think we’re better than some others? Honestly, how many of us have judged someone else, thinking that we’re not like them because we’re better? We condemn others, while we praise ourselves before God! Continue Reading... »
Nurturing our Faith Like that of the Cannanite Woman
The Bible teaches us, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.” Christ encourages us to “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be open to you.” A central element of our understanding of Orthodox Christianity has to do with FAITH. If we believe, not in ourselves, but in God, then nothing can limit or hinder us. St. Paul even writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Continue Reading... »
Using Our Talents Wisely
Jesus told to his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16). Understanding this foundation of faith helps us see today’s Gospel lesson from a new perspective. Continue Reading... »
Distractions
Distractions. How many of us find ourselves distracted? From our phones? Social media? 24/7 News? Never-ending sports? Constant distractions all around us. Distractions that don’t allow time to sit in silence, reflect or meditate, or even focus in prayer. Continue Reading... »
Our Ultimate and True Identity
Who are we? And how do we identify ourselves? In fact, what would we say is our primary identity in our lives? Which identity do we value most? Continue Reading... »
Give thanks in all circumstances!
“Give thanks in all circumstances!” This was the response that an amazing prisoner gave me, when I asked him how he maintained such a grateful spirit inside the medium security prison where he lived. I met this man over a three year period when I would weekly visit a prison during my seminarian years. Throughout my friendship with this man, he shared with me how he was serving a life sentence with no chance of parole. Yet, while in prison he encountered Jesus Christ and had a radical conversion of faith. Continue Reading... »
Beware of the Virus
A new year has begun and the entire world is happy to say goodbye to 2020 and to welcome 2021 with hope for a better year! We all pray that this will be the year that we put the global pandemic behind and start to normalize our lives once again. Yet, take care and reflect on what “normal” is. Should we go back to what our “normal life” was? Continue Reading... »
Four Pillars of A Meaningful Life
“There is more to life than being happy.” How many people agree with that statement? As we enter into a new year, I want to draw our attention to this challenging statement – “There is more to life than being happy.” What do you think could be more important than a “happy life?” Or maybe the question should be, how do we understand what a truly happy life is? Continue Reading... »
What Shall We Offer to Christ?
Following the fall of communism in Albania, there was a state-run orphanage where 100 boys and girls lived under squalid conditions. With the freedom of religion came the opportunity for the Church to be more involved in these state institutions, and to bring such children the joy and good news of Christmas. A priest and some of his parishioners happened to go to this orphanage and share the Christmas Story with all the children. He told them about the Virgin Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem finding no room in the inn. How the holy family found refuge in a cave, where the baby Jesus was born, and how they placed Him in a manger among the animals. Continue Reading... »
Divine Light Has Shone Forth in Our Dark World
“The people walking in darkness has seen a great light… The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it… I am the light of the world, whoever believes in me shall not walk in darkness but will walk in the light of life.” (Isaiah 9:2; John 1:5; John 9:5) Continue Reading... »
Saying Yes to the Heavenly Feast
A few years ago Tony Campolo, a sociologist and professor from Eastern University, flew to Hawaii to speak at a conference. He tells the story of how he checked into his hotel and tried to get some sleep. Unfortunately, his internal clock wakes him at 3:00 a.m. The night is dark, the streets are silent, the world is asleep, but Tony is wide awake and his stomach is growling. Continue Reading... »
The Real Santa Claus - Saint Nicholas
Sinter Klaas, the Dutch name that we Americans transliterated into Santa Claus, obviously refers to Saint Nicholas, one of the most beloved of all saints throughout the world, and whose memory is actually celebrated today on December 6th. Travel across Europe and you can literally find thousands of churches named in honor of St. Nicholas. Greece and Russia look upon St. Nicholas as the patron of their country. In fact, in almost every port throughout Greece you will find a St. Nicholas Chapel, signifying him as the patron of sailors. And not only sailors, but orphans and children turn to St. Nicholas as their patron and protector. Continue Reading... »
An Attitude of Gratitude
Lord, help me to have a continual “Attitude of Gratitude.” Continue Reading... »
Being Rich Towards God
Being “Rich Towards God.” What does that mean? Are you “Rich Towards God?” Continue Reading... »
The Idolatry of Politics
As we continue to deal with the contentious aftermath of our presidential election, I really want to challenge all of us to take a step back and look deeply and honestly at ourselves and our actions over these past weeks and months. Whether supporting the left or right, whether rejoicing with Biden or sympathizing with Trump, or simply agonizing over the sad reality of our broken country and its uncertain future with our divisive and angry spirit, as Christians we need to pause and reflect, and then deeply repent! We need to sincerely repent over the ways we’ve given in to fear and turned away from trusting in God. We need to soberly repent for allowing ourselves to fall into the many ways of worshiping and trusting in the idols of our society, idols we’ve created with our political leaders and even the idolatry of our ideologies! Continue Reading... »
Reach Out and Touch Someone
“Reach out and touch someone!” Do you remember that advertisement for a telephone company many years ago? I think it must have been when I was a youngster back in the 1970s, but I still recall the ad encouraging us to pick up the phone and call someone. “Reach out and touch someone!” Continue Reading... »
How We Face the Future Without Fear? Together!
In the midst of these angst-filled days following our presidential election, our society is filled with fear. Fear about the future. Fear about the opposing presidential candidate. Fear about those who don’t see the world as we do. Fear of the strangers. Fear of the foreigner and immigrant. Fear of the extremists, whether right-wing or left-wing. Fear of our former friends who have now become our enemies because they are voting differently than ourselves. Continue Reading... »
What Is Your Name?
”Who are you? and What is your name?” The name of every individual is very important to the identity of who someone is. A name, in past times, often told us something about a person – whose son or daughter they were, what family they came from, what profession they held, and what their cultural or religious tradition is. Names are very important. How many parents tell their children, “Be careful of what you do or how you behave, because we don’t want you to embarrass the family name.” Names are a sacred part of who we are. Continue Reading... »
My Brother Is My Life
“My brother is my life,” noted St. Silouan. Think about that for a moment. My brother or sister is my life. The other, my neighbor, my co-worker, my acquaintance, the person I encounter on the street or in my daily routine, is my life. As individualistic as we Americans can be, our Orthodox Christian faith runs radically counter to this autonomous spirit. Continue Reading... »
Hear the Word of God and Bear Fruit
Good news that offers love and joy. Good news that fills us with strength and hope. Good news that overcomes all darkness and even death itself. Good news that ushers in the kingdom and reign of God. Good news that renews our lives. Continue Reading... »
Our Greatest Call: To Love Our Enemies
Jesus teaches us in his famous Sermon on the Plain “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:27-30) Continue Reading... »
Do We Want Christ To Live In Us?
How many of us truly want Jesus Christ to live in us, to know that God is always with us, dwelling in us? Shouldn’t that be the goal of our Christian lives? Isn’t that the Good News we try to proclaim week after week – that God wants to live in each one of us, and He wants us to live in Him?!? Continue Reading... »
Words That Bless During This Political Season
As we approach our political elections two months from now, we all hear plenty of political ads. Unfortunately, many of these ads are filled with fear, negativity, half-truths and distortions, along with outright lies of what the other candidate said. All this in an attempt to influence and even manipulate the voters. Continue Reading... »
How to "Enter Into Life"
Think about this comment Jesus offered to the rich young ruler who approached him. “If you want to ENTER INTO LIFE, keep God’s commandments.” Continue Reading... »
Learning to Do What Is Hard - How Often Must I Forgive Another?
How often do I have to forgive someone who hurts me? That’s a pretty common thought all of us have had at one time or another. And when we look for answers, we can get all kinds of responses. Some will tell us not to forgive. Others will limit forgiveness. Continue Reading... »
Sharing the Mountain Top Experiences With Others
How many of us have ever had some type of spiritual “mountain top” experience in our lives? Each summer when I take a mission team to Project Mexico, everyone who goes typically has such an experience. Being around 100 volunteers from various parts of the United States, along with the summer interns and long-term missionaries living in Tijuana is always an inspiring and renewing experience. Continue Reading... »
How God Cares for Those in Need Through You
When we look at people in need – a poor family that can’t take care of their children, a lonely person with no one to turn to, an elderly person who has no one to help them, scenes of the horror from war and poverty around the world – whatever the situation, when we see people in need, how do we feel? What do we think? But most importantly, how do we respond? Continue Reading... »
Hope, Patience and Prayer
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; continue steadfast in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) Continue Reading... »
Addictions, Demons and Redemption
Demon possession. We heard about it in today’s Gospel story when Jesus cast out demons controlling two men. In the other Gospels, we read about legions of demons possessing a single man. Too often, when we contemporary people hear about demon-possession, we simply roll our eyes. Continue Reading... »
What Do We Believe? How do we share it?
How many of you have ever had a conversation about your Orthodox Christian faith with a friend? How about with a co-worker, or even a stranger? Have any of you ever had the experience of talking about your faith, and someone looks perplexed at what Orthodoxy is, and they ask, “Are you Jewish?” Or “Do you Greeks still worship the Greek gods?” What is Greek Orthodoxy, or Orthodox Christianity? Do you even believe in Jesus?” Continue Reading... »
True Freedom
The Statue of Liberty has always been a symbol of hope for millions and millions of immigrants who have come to this country, often fleeing poverty, oppression and the harsh realities of their homeland. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me, for I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” We children of immigrants understand these words better than most and should always thank God!!! Continue Reading... »
Seek First the Kingdom of God
“What is life all about?” the man asked me as he watched his 41 year old brother die. “How do I understand what is happening? What lesson am I supposed to learn from all of this? Tell me, please, what is life all about?” Continue Reading... »
The Dangers and Values of Extremism
We see such terrible extremism today, and the psychology of ideological extremists is the same, whether on the far right or the far left. Continue Reading... »
Called to be Saints!
Our Church calendar is filled with names of saints - kings, bishops, priests, monks, martyrs, as well as common people like you and me, men and women, old and young from every walk of life. One unique factor about all these saints, however, which may differ from our own lives, is their total and absolute dedication to and love for Jesus Christ and His Church. They all had such a strong desire for the Kingdom of Heaven, that they placed this passion before all else! Continue Reading... »
The Spirit that Heals Division and Unites What is Broken
Our country is so bitterly divided. We all face the common danger of a pandemic. This past week we have been confronted with the greater and more insidious virus of racism and hatred, whose historic wounds have once again reopened. Our protests for justice and change have been met by chaos and confusion. And through it all, we choose to remain divided. Bitterly divided. Continue Reading... »
Overcoming Our Biases and Prejudices
In a fairly recent study published in Psychological Science, evidence was given to show that the human brain categorizes people within the first second after seeing a face. In other words, our brain very quickly will separate people according to groups, typically in the “us” verses “them” category. This separation most often occurs according to race. Even infants as young as 3 months old showed a preference for their own racial group, over some other racial group. Continue Reading... »
Is the Light of Christ a Shining or a Blinding Light?
Jesus sees a man blind from birth and tells his followers, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (Jn 9:5) In other words, He says, “I have come to bring light to those who live in darkness!” This promise of light shining in the darkness repeats what Jesus proclaimed earlier in the Gospel of John after his encounter with forgiving a woman caught in adultery, when he stated - “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Continue Reading... »
The Amazing Life in the Early Church
The first Christians continued steadfastly in the apostles TEACHINGS. They SHARED ALL THINGS in common, even selling their possessions to help those in need. They PRAYED DAILY in the temple and in each others’ houses. They ate their food with GLADNESS and SIMPLICITY OF HEART. They were FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and SPOKE THE WORD OF THE LORD with BOLDNESS. With great power they GAVE WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION of the Lord Jesus. When they were beaten for speaking in the name of Jesus, they REJOICED that they were counted WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME for Christ’s name. Daily and in every house THEY DID NOT CEASE TEACHING and PREACHING Jesus as the Christ! And GREAT GRACE was upon them as the Lord added to the church daily those being saved. (Acts 2:42-46; 4:31-34; 5:40-42) Continue Reading... »
The Final, Post-Resurrectional Words of Christ
When one is dying, typically the final words of a dying person are among the most cherished. They often will give you a unique perspective into what the dying person values, and what he most wants to pass on as his/her legacy. I know that if I was dying, I would think very carefully about what I wanted to say, and how I would want my children and friends to remember me. Continue Reading... »
The Great Cosmic Joke
In some parts of Greece, there is a tradition that the day after Pascha is a day devoted to telling jokes. This tradition came about because they said that during Holy Week God pulled the greatest joke on Satan himself, when Christ willingly accepted to die on the Cross. Satan thought he won - that he had defeated Jesus, that darkness had conquered light, evil had conquered good, and death had conquered life – Satan thought he had won only to find out that when Christ entered the devil’s domain, hades, he could not contain the Eternal One. Continue Reading... »
God Is My Help
“God is my help.” That is what the name Lazarus means. “God is my help.” And truly, God was the help of his friend Lazarus. Imagine, Lazarus died. He was buried in a tomb for four days. Lazarus tasted the terrible mystery of death. He witnessed the horrors of the evil one in His glory in Hades. He did not know for how long he would suffer in this terror of darkness. Yet after only four days, in the midst of all hopelessness, he hears a voice calling him – “Lazarus, come forth!” Continue Reading... »
Humbly Serving One Another
The other day I watched a nurse gently take the socks off of an elderly patient and begin to massage their feet and then carefully rub them with lotion. The tender way in which the nurse spoke with her patient, carefully taking off the socks, lovingly addressing her patient the entire time so that she would not feel embarrassed, and truly making the patient feel that she really wanted to be doing what she was doing, touched me in a special way. I got the sense that the nurse truly cared about what she was doing. This was not simply a job to her, but a tender act of love. Continue Reading... »
The Annunciation – God is With Us
Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden. The king was like no other king. Every statesman trembled before his power. No one dared breathe a word against him, for he had the strength to crush all opponents. And yet this mighty king was melted by love for a humble maiden. How could he declare his love for her? In an odd sort of way, his very kingliness tied his hands. Continue Reading... »
The Lord Tests the Heart
These times in which we live seem so uncertain. What will tomorrow bring? What will the social, spiritual, financial and global impact look like a month from now? Six months from now? Although this crisis may appear unprecedented, if we study world history, we know that there have been countless forms of “unprecedented” calamity and insecurity from man-made and natural causes in every generation. Continue Reading... »
Discovering our true selves
Who am I? When one hears the question, “Who am I?” some may respond with their name or may tell where they are from. Some may talk about their parents or children, and the family from which they came or which they have. Or they may talk about their work because they find their self-identity in their professional life. Or someone may talk about what they like to do, since they connect their life with their hobbies or pleasure. Continue Reading... »
May God Forgive the Killers - Imitating the Coptic Martyrs
“May God forgive the killers. We don't have hatred towards them. This is Christianity. God forgives the sinners. So shall we." These are the words of Fifi Shehata, whose father Maged was one of the 21 Coptic Christians beheaded by ISIS back in 2015. Continue Reading... »
The Last Judgement: Caring for Christ in the Least of Our Brothers and Sisters
In his book “The Brothers Karamazov”, Dostoevski describes well the tremendous responsibility and influence a Christian has on his neighbor. Continue Reading... »
God’s Unfathomable Love for Fallen Prodigals
I was in district court this week for several hours and had an opportunity to watch a variety of cases which exemplified fallen humanity. Continue Reading... »
The Wings of Humility
“Better is the person who has sinned, if he knows he has sinned and repents, than the person who has not sinned and thinks himself righteous.” This advice came from the Desert Fathers, who were holy saints of the 4th century and to whom thousands of people flocked for spiritual wisdom during their time. Continue Reading... »
Waiting for the Lord
How many of us have ever waited a long time for something special? Continue Reading... »
Our Desire for God - Our Risks for God
“I don’t have time to go to church.” “I can’t find the time to pray, or to read the Bible every day.” “I don’t have time to visit the nursing homes, to help some family in need, or to visit someone in the hospital. I just don’t have time!” Continue Reading... »
Always Be Grateful in All Circumstances
One day a man who thought he had too many problems in his life went to see his priest. He felt overwhelmed with the challenges he faced, and began complaining about how unfair life was. “Why did this happen,” he lamented, “What did I do to deserve all this? It’s just not fair!” The priest patiently listened as the man went on and on with his list of complaints. Continue Reading... »
A Light Has Dawned: Inspiration from Les Miserables
In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the Evangelist Matthew describe the beginning of Jesus’ ministry by saying, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light… Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16) Continue Reading... »
The Light of Epiphany/Theophany
Hatred, anger, and violence. Cheating, corruption and greed. Impurity, lust and uncontrolled sex. Self-centeredness, self-love, and self-interest. These all seem to be a part of our so-called progressive, “enlightened” society. Although we live in an age of unbelievable technological, medical and scientific advances, and live in a world where we have greater freedom than ever before in history, still the same centuries-old vices of humanity continue to plague us - the darkness of greed, hatred, anger, lust, self-righteousness, self-centeredness and self-love. Continue Reading... »
Beginning a new Year of CHANGE and transformation
Having just celebrated the entrance of God into the world at Christmas, can we return back to our normal routine of life and our typical schedule? If we have sincerely experienced Christ’s birth, and invited Him to be born anew in our hearts and lives, no one can enter the new year the same! We should be changed people! Or at least be people who are in the process of change! Encountering Jesus, and allowing Him to be born anew in our lives should transform our motives, our values, our attitudes, and our entire worldview! Continue Reading... »
The Kingdom of God as a Celebration
Christmas day – how will you celebrate? Will you gather with family and friends, eating a great feast, listening to music, and enjoying one another’s company? Think of the happiest moments of your life and reflect on the type of celebrations you had. One thing we can say about all humanity, the world over, and that is we all love to celebrate. Continue Reading... »
Giving Thanks
There is a beautiful story about one of the greatest world leaders, Abraham Lincoln. One day an elderly woman made an appointment to see the president. When she entered his office, he welcomed her and asked, “How may I help you?” The woman responded in a quiet voice, “Mr. President, I know that you must be very busy. I didn’t come to ask anything of you. I simply came because I heard that you liked certain cookies, and I decided to bake some for you.” Continue Reading... »
Casting Out the Darkness and Putting on Christ
Today we hear about a man terrorized and paralyzed with a legion of demons, and yet Jesus simply casts them aside and offers new life to a pathetic, broken man! Continue Reading... »
Using Time Wisely to Cultivate the Seeds of Faith
Every day has 1440 minutes. If we sleep eight hours a day, that leaves us awake 960 minutes a day. What do we do with those minutes? How do we pass the precious time that God gives us each day of our lives? Continue Reading... »
Imitate the Compassion of Christ
How many of us are deeply disturbed and greatly saddened by the political circus we continually watch in the news. No matter what political side one defends, I think many Americans are dismayed and depressed about the anger, bitterness, callousness and even hatred that people feel for others who disagree with their own opinion or political view. Is anyone actually listening to those who are politically opposite themselves, and trying not only to understand the other perspective, but to see and feel what the other side is experiencing. The vitriol comments thrown at people from the other side, and at those who disagree with our own opinion, is extremely disturbing. Continue Reading... »
What Does Christ Expect of Us?
What does Jesus expect from us? Do you ever think about that? What does our Lord want us to do in our lives, and what does He expect us to offer back to Him? Continue Reading... »
The Ultimate Goal and the Path to Reach It
“Learning How to Exert Self-Control.” I read this interesting article by Pamela Druckerman, in which she talks about Dr. Walter Mischel, a professor at Columbia, who is known as the “Marshmallow Man” for a test he did 50 years ago with pre-school kids. He tested how long 5 year old kids could sit at a table with cookies on it. If these children could resist eating the sweets for 15 minutes, they would get double the sweets; otherwise they would just get one. Future studies followed these children and showed that those who waited longest for the sweets went on to have higher SAT scores, and later in life were healthier, earned more advanced degrees, and coped better with stress. In some ways, one could say they ended up more successful. Continue Reading... »
God Does Not Want to Condemn, He Wants to Love!
God doesn’t want to condemn us, He wants to love us! Think about that statement. God doesn’t want to condemn us. He’s not looking to punish us. He’s not sick and tired of us, wanting to reject us. NO! We need to understand God for who He is and what He really wants from us. And that is, He wants to love us! Continue Reading... »
The Beginning - The Good News of Jesus Christ
Imagine this setting. Jesus has lived in Nazareth for 30 years. Of course he’s well known in the village. Everyone knows one another in Nazareth. People like Jesus because he’s lived a quiet, humble, and pious Jewish life. Everyone thinks of him as the son of Joseph the carpenter. They know Mary his mother as well. Some would surely remember the scandal of Mary’s pregnancy three decades earlier, and the strange stories that circulated about his birth, but 30 years have passed since all those events, and now everything seemed pretty normal. Of course for a Jew, it was a little unusual that Jesus was a grown man and still unmarried. Yet everyone overlooked that because they liked Jesus and his kind, gentle, loving demeanor. Whenever he was around, he encouraged people and lifted them up. Whenever he was around, his presence seemed to bless people. He was a hard worker, quiet, humble, and in the eyes of all a good Jewish man. Continue Reading... »
Divine Faith That Moves Mountains
In 1924, the Englishman George Mallory and a group of men tried to be the first people to climb to the top of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. After enduring unbelievable hardships, they reached the 25,000 feet mark. From this point Mallory and his partner set out for the summit, but their heroic attempt failed. They were buried in the snows of the Himalayan peak. When their colleagues returned to England to tell their story, one of them gave a report before a large audience in London. At the end of his talk, after describing the difficulties and tragedies of their expedition, he turned before a picture of Mt. Everest projected on a screen, and spoke to the mountain, “Everest, we tried to conquer you once, but you overpowered us. We tried to conquer you a second time, but again you were too great for us. But Everest, I want you to know that we are going to conquer you, for you can’t grow any bigger, but we can!” Continue Reading... »
Keeping Our Eyes On Christ
What happens when an eagle, flying in the sky, meets a storm? Well, the eagle does not try to fly away from the storm. Instead, as the storm sweeps in, the eagle sets his wings at the proper angle so that the winds will lift him above the storm. While the storm is punishing the earth below, the eagle is soaring above it, using the very winds of the storm itself to propel it above the storm! Continue Reading... »
Showing Compassion to the Weary and Tired
There is a story of a simple monk who one day was praying in his cell. As this humble man prayed, suddenly a bright light began shining in his room. He looked up and saw Christ in all his glory, surrounded by the angelic powers. The monk gazed at this vision filled with awe and exaltation. He felt himself richly blessed to see such a vision, and his heart was humbled with love and thanksgiving that the Lord should show such a revelation to a humble monk. Continue Reading... »
Being Transfigured
Why do we come to Church each week? What are we seeking from our Christian faith? Or maybe we need to ask, are we consciously and seriously seeking anything from our faith? Ultimately, what is our goal as Orthodox Christians in this brief life here on planet earth? Continue Reading... »
Confession: "Your Sins Are Forgiven You"
How many people have a past sin that still haunts them? How about some hidden secret that you want no one to know about? Is there anything from your past that you are not proud of, or which lays heavy on your heart? I know people who are broken and hurting, who have made past mistakes and poor choices, and who can’t get beyond them. In fact, I see how some people allow their past to actually paralyze their present and future. Continue Reading... »
Casting Out Demons in Our Lives
Do you realize that the very first thing we do in the Sacrament of Baptism, which is our entrance into the Christian way of life, is to renounce Satan and all his works and all his worship and all his angels and all his pride? In other words, we begin our Christian life by acknowledging the reality of the devil and his demons, and then declaring an all out war upon them by renouncing them. Even by spitting upon them! We totally and absolutely reject Satan’s demonic side of life! Continue Reading... »
A Light to Influence Others
“The criminal in your community may be less guilty for his crime than you, his Christian neighbor,” the great Russian writer Dostoievski wrote in his book The Brothers Karamazov. “For you could have been a light to the evil doer, yet you were not. For the man remained beside you in darkness. Had you been the kind of example you ought to have been and allowed your light to shine on that lost man’s path, perhaps he might not have stumbled into his crime. If you had loved your neighbor as yourself and lavished upon him some of the care you generously lavish upon yourself, shared some of the warmth God has privileged you to possess, that criminal might have changed in time.” Continue Reading... »
Seek First the Kingdom of God - The Life of Fr. Arseny
“Fr. Arseny helped so many people that we, looking at him, began helping others. How did I become a believer?” noted a former communist atheist, “After watching Fr. Arseny for a long time, how could I NOT become what he was! He was a light in unbearable darkness!” Continue Reading... »
Fools For Christ
Who wants to be considered a fool? Anyone? Foolishness is not a virtue that we admire, or strive to attain, and yet, today as we celebrate the Holy Apostles, the first followers of Jesus Christ, and a day after we honored the Apostles Peter and Paul, the foremost leaders of the Apostles, we hear in St. Paul’s Epistle about the “foolishness” of the first Christians. Continue Reading... »
All Saints Sunday
The saints of the Church represent quite a wide range of fascinating people. Some were apostles, prophets and martyrs; bishops, priests and ascetics; men and women; rich and poor; old and young; some who were murderers and thieves early in their lives; others were prostitutes and quite immoral in their behavior; all who were sick and broken to some degree, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually; many who were quite lost in their lives. Continue Reading... »
Sunday of the Paralytic: The Plague of Lonliness
Someone once asked a famous doctor, “What is the most devastating disease among people today.” He immediately replied, “Loneliness. The longer I practice medicine, the surer I am that no condition is so painful and universal as loneliness.” Continue Reading... »
Great and Holy Pascha: The Good News of Christ's Resurrection
On this glorious feast of Pascha, let us not listen to the voices of society that try to ridicule and reject the resurrection as some myth. Instead, let us rejoice in hope! Christ is Risen and He offers new life to all the world! We no longer fear anything, even death itself! Continue Reading... »
Palm Sunday: Commitment vs. Crowd Mentality
It’s easy to join a crowd and go along with the masses. And we often see how easy it is to get hyped up with mass hysteria. Yet to make a commitment is something quite different. To commit to following a path, despite what the majority say or do, is quite a challenge. Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Friday Of The Sixth Week
Today’s reading is taken from the final passages from the Book of Genesis... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Thursday Of The Sixth Week
Be glad, O Bethany: for Christ shall come to you, performing in you a great and fearful miracle... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Wednesday Of The Sixth Week
Growing up as an Orthodox Christian, I will admit I never understood the significance of Holy Communion... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday Of The Sixth Week
“Jesus Wept” “There is not a shorter verse in the Bible, nor a larger text.” ~John Donne Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Monday Of The Sixth Week
Has this Lent made a difference in your everyday life? Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Sunday Of The Fifth Week
On this day, we remember in a special way a woman that many would probably not think of as being holy or worthy of honor... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Friday Of The Fifth Week
We look to Jesus to discover how God acts in the world Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Saturday Of The Fifth Week
The answer to life’s most troubling questions is simple... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Thursday Of The Fifth Week
It is so easy to fall into routine, often without realizing it! Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Wednesday Of The Fifth Week
It is no secret that one of the greatest obstacles to the growth of Christianity today is the life of most Christians... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday Of The Fifth Week
Open unto me, O Giver of Life, the gates of repentance... Continue Reading... »
The Sanctity of Life by Fr. Luke A. Veronis
I rarely preach politics from the pulpit. I realize in our congregation we have Democrats and Republican; we have those who may be more conservative and others more liberal. Our country is so divided, and if we talk politics, our own church family will quickly become divided. That is, we will become divided if we forget that our ultimate leader is Jesus Christ, and His call is for us to live under the reign of His Kingdom. Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Monday Of The Fifth Week
Have you ever been stopped dead in your tracks? Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Sunday Of The Fourth Week
From our youth we have certainly learned that prayer is like having a conversation with God... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Saturday Of The Fourth Week
Tomorrow, the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to Saint John Climacus... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Friday Of The Fourth Week
Fasting is a constant means of renewing oneself spiritually... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Thursday Of The Fourth Week
Is your life the same ol’, same ol’? Is it full, is it non- existent? Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Wednesday Of The Fourth Week
When we seek God’s Kingdom, we don’t physically journey anywhere, yet we travel a great distance.... Continue Reading... »
Struggling to Stay on the Faithful Path
“O Faithless generation. How long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?” (Mk 9:19) Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday Of The Fourth Week
“I believe Lord, help my unbelief”. Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Monday Of The Fourth Week
There is no shortcut to glory... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Sunday Of The Third Week
Through the sanctification of the Cross, all the symbolism of the Old Testament becomes apparent... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Saturday Of The Third Week
Tomorrow, we will reach the midpoint of Great Lent... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Friday Of The Third Week
In our world of quick fixes and transformations, the Church proclaims a new makeover... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Thursday Of The Third Week
Halfway between the beginning of Lent and Palm Sunday, we are reminded to venerate the Cross... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Wednesday Of The Third Week
In the midst of Great Lent it would be interesting to take a ‘Spiritual Audit'... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday Of The Third Week
Today our lives are so full of the demands of work and family that often precious little time is left for us to cultivate our spiritual life... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Monday Of The Third Week
“If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Sunday Of The Second Week
Deep down, we usually know what God is saying to us... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Saturday Of The Second Week
Each of us is seeking direction in our life... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Friday Of The Second Week
I am reminded of what I learned in my first year of youth ministry 19 years ago...SILENCE IS GOLDEN! Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Thursday Of The Second Week
What is prayer? Is it an almost magical attempt to influence God, to change his will or to call Him to his duties? Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Wednesday Of The Second Week
You enter the Church and take your pew. You find yourself in an holy environment... Continue Reading... »
The Three-Fold Call of the Annunciation
“Today is the beginning of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery of ages, for the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin.” Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday Of The Second Week
As we seek to improve ourselves spiritually during this holy time... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday of the Second Week 2
When the Disciples of Christ were unable to cast out the demon from a young man, their master admonished them saying that the demon could only be cast out by prayer and fasting. The Great Forty Days is a time we when we are called to a heightened awareness of prayer and fasting. Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Monday Of The Second Week
St. Paul tells us to “pray constantly”... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Sunday Of The First Week
The first Sunday of the Great Lent is known to many as the Triumph of Orthodoxy... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Saturday Of The First Week
Today, in all of our parishes, we celebrate the life of Christ in the Divine Liturgy even as we remember our departed loved ones... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Friday Of The First Week
On this night in most parishes there is a beautiful prayer service dedicated to the Theotokos... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Thursday Of The First Week
The Great Lent in the Orthodox Church is unique not only among Christians but even in comparison to other faiths... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Wednesday Of The First Week
When I was a teenager I learned a simple truth that a true relationship must go both ways... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Tuesday Of The First Week
One of the most powerful services in our liturgical cycle is the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete... Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Clean Monday
The Church in Her wisdom gives us this time during Great Lent to assist us in refocusing our attention on the inner and more substantive issues in our life that relate to faith, daily living, spirituality, life and death. Continue Reading... »
Clergy Reflection: Forgiveness Sunday
Today is the last day before Great Lent. This day is dedicated to Forgiveness; from God and from each other. Continue Reading... »
Seeing God in the “Other”
Let us use these tools of the Lenten season – fasting, discipline, ascesis – to help us cultivate more the essence of our faith – CONCRETE LOVE THROUGH SIMPLE ACTIONS TO ALL PEOPLE! Continue Reading... »
The Wings of Humility: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
“Better is the person who has sinned, if he knows he has sinned and repents, than the person who has not sinned and thinks himself righteous.” Continue Reading... »
Depression
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. Continue Reading... »
Could There Ever Be Another Ewe?
Over the past few months we have heard about the scientific ability to clone a sheep. Fr. Demetrios Demopulos, one of my former students at the Seminary, is a brilliant priest who holds a Doctorate in Chemistry. He has commented recently, both as a theologian and a scientist about the cloning of “Dolly”, the ewe. Continue Reading... »
The Witness of Monastics
This week seven young men from my church and I visited St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery in Roscoe, NY. I’m sure most people have never visited a monastery and have no clue of what Orthodox Christian monks and nuns do. Why do these men and women renounce the world and go off to live in a secluded monastery? Continue Reading... »
The Way of the Cross
Let us use these tools of the Lenten season – fasting, discipline, ascesis – to help us cultivate more the essence of our faith – CONCRETE LOVE THROUGH SIMPLE ACTIONS TO ALL PEOPLE! Continue Reading... »
Greatness in the Eyes of God
How many of us wish to be great in the eyes of God? I would hope that any serious believer would make this a central goal in life – to be considered great in the eyes of God. And yet, how should we understand such spiritual greatness? What makes someone great? Continue Reading... »
Suffering as an Opportunity to See God: Sunday of the Blind Man
In today’s Gospel lesson, we get a glimpse into the problem of suffering. Many people often ask me, “Why do people suffer? Why does God allow pain and problems in the world? The disciples posed this question to Jesus today in the Gospel lesson. Continue Reading... »