Archive for October 2024
We Long for Each Other
Throughout human history we have lived in groups and families. This is by design from God. “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2.18) God wasn’t talking about super bowl parties. He wants us to help each other find God. We are meant for Communion. Brethren, God is my witness, how I…
Read MoreCultural Faith
You have read many times in this blog, and you have heard me say even more times in Bible Studies and sermons, that Orthodox Christianity is a lived experience. It is much more than just a system of beliefs. Orthodox Christianity is a life lived according to those beliefs, like today. For Greeks throughout the…
Read MoreTrue Faith Doesn’t Demand Favorites
As a Priest of a large community, I have the difficult task of choosing between one ministry and another. I am forced to limit time spent with people simply because I am needed in another place. I don’t like to cut time short, but nobody can be in two places at once. I say this…
Read MoreAre You Growing?
I’m sure we can all agree that learning and growing are good things. It would be extremely difficult to survive in the modern world with only a kindergarten education. If we aren’t learning, we cannot grow. If we are not growing, then ultimately, we are dying. Brethren, we are no longer to be children, tossed…
Read MoreThings Will Be Better
There is a malaise over the town after our doubleheader hurricane. Many are still digging out after record floods. Others are ‘back to normal’ on the outside but shouting on the inside. How much worse can it get? What’s next? These are natural questions after disaster. Brethren, to me, though I am the very least…
Read MoreThe Household of God
Our host parish in Tarpon Springs was in the throngs of a doubleheader hurricane in the past three weeks. At one point I was forced to evacuate my home with my family for a safer place to ‘ride out the storm’ before returning home. Leaving, wondering if you will return is emotional. Returning home is…
Read MoreEpisode 435 – God’s Grace is for All People
When God’s blessings come, we don’t always understand them for what they are. In the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8.5-15 we learn that God’s sends out His Son for all people, but not everyone is able to understand God’s grace fully. In every situation, good and bad, God’s grace is for everyone.…
Read MoreAll Things Under His Feet
For many years I have struggled with the idea that God is ‘in control’ as if He was playing some sort of game with humanity. “God did…God placed…God chose…” These are expressions of power, not love. God is in control, but He doesn’t play chess. God’s control is based on love. Brethren, God has put…
Read MoreEpisode 434 – Everything is Going to be OK
When we are faced with struggles we wonder sometimes where is God? This is especially difficult in times of disaster or tragedy. The Gospel tells the story of the burial of the only son of a widow from Nain. She was not alone. God had compassion on her. We are never alone. God is always…
Read MoreWhat if it was God the Whole Time?
I am not afraid of truth. Science doesn’t scare me. It doesn’t shake my faith. It doesn’t matter what someone tells me, I believe God, Father-Son-Holy Spirit, is the Creator of the Universe. The only difference between my belief and countless other ‘creator stories’ is God. In those days, while Paul was waiting for them…
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