Archive for June 2022
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
We say in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed that we believe in “One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” and we casually understand the idea of Apostolic Succession as the meaning behind this phrase. The Holy Apostles, through the laying on of hands, ordained bishops who ordained bishops who ordained bishops, all the way through to today. But…
Read MoreHoly and Glorious Chief Apostles
Today is the Feast of the Apostle Peter and Paul, chief apostles according to the Tradition of the Church. Some think that the ‘real’ feast is tomorrow, the Synaxis of all the Holy Apostles, but if you’re paying attention to the life of the Church, you realize today is the Feast of note. Here are…
Read MoreTime to Do More
All this talk about life has created a great opportunity for Christians. We have been challenged to care for the very lives we protect in the womb once they are born. It seems, though I admit I am not in contact with those who believe this, we are accused of ‘only caring’ for babies until…
Read MoreSin and the Law
When it comes to living as God wants us to live, humans have always struggled to keep His Commandments, beginning in The Garden until now. While we have never been 100% successful in following The Law, that in no way should dimmish the purpose of The Law. The purpose of The Law has always been…
Read MoreEpisode 369 – Immediate Response to Follow God
The world is at war with the Church, trying to convince us what is good and what is not good. The world believes that life is disposable. The Church teaches that life is sacred. When we choose to follow Christ, and leave behind the world, it begins with not allowing how the world thinks to…
Read MoreAbortion is Horrible and Tragic and Sometimes Unavoidable
Yesterday our nation began the next step in a journey that began many years ago. With the release of the most recent decision on Abortion by the United States Supreme Court, what had been our nation’s legal basis for debate has been changed. After more than fifty years, it has been declared the Court that,…
Read MoreSummer of Faith
Some people pray on their knees for hours each day. Others eat only one or two meals per week. Some walk about dangerous neighborhoods and hospitals blessing people and giving hope in Christ. Those who are really devoted, enter the desert caves to live in extreme asceticism. Then there are those who climb up on…
Read MoreFinding Peace
Saint Seraphim of Sarov taught, “Acquire the Spirit of Peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved.” We pray for peace in ever Orthodox Christian Church service, not just once but many times. Saint Paul taught, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12.18)…
Read MoreI Remember When
I have been working for the Church professionally for nearly thirty years. Throughout my entire career in the Church, there is one common dysfunction that I always encounter. It isn’t bad intentions, nor even lack of effort. The dysfunction common in every place I have ever worked is the refusal to see the past didn’t…
Read MoreScience Does Not Trump Sacred
Yesterday the Assembly of Bishops, made up of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, released a document titled, “On the Sacredness of Human Life and its Untimely Termination” in which the bishops outlined the Church’s teachings on issues such as murder, capital punishment, abortion, euthanasia, miscarriage, and suicide. Immediately many began to argue…
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