Posts Tagged ‘Church History’
News Cycle
The week after the feast of the Holy Cross, the Church begins a new cycle. We began yesterday reading from the Gospel of Luke, and we will continue throughout the Fall. I bring that to you attention because if your discipline includes reading the ‘daily readings’ of the Church, you might be tempted to skip…
Read MoreThe Church is Our Family
When I visit the parish where I grew up, we greet each other with kisses and stories about the past. We introduce each other to new faces. We begin new relationships that last over time. What binds us together is the past we spend together, knowing there will also be a future together. Each trip…
Read MoreThe Past is more than History
Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. This very popular quote came to my mind today. You may wonder why the Church spends so much time remembering the past. Some may think it is because we honor those who came before us. That is only history. The past is something more. The…
Read MoreMotives for Change
Humanity has benefited a great deal from innovation. In just about every sector of life, innovation has improved upon what was before. Medical, scientific, technological, and even food production have all been improved by innovation. There is one place, though, where innovation is not necessarily making things better. Religious and moral innovation has continually brought…
Read MoreHistorical Perspective
If you grew up in the Church and attended Sunday school, chances are pretty good that you were told we were the Church that never changes. You were told that every time someone came up with a teaching that was wrong, the entire Church came to an agreement through divine inspiration. You may not want…
Read MoreThere are no Free Agents in the Church
It is not uniquely American, but very prevalent in American Christianity. It is a symptom of what is called non-denominationalism. It has become popular for anyone who wishes to establish a church and name himself or herself pastor. This was not always the case, nor should it be. In those days, Barnabas and Saul returned…
Read MoreA Church for All
As Orthodox Christians we proclaim to know and follow the true faith of Christ as given to the Holy Apostles. The faith that was kept by the Holy Fathers. The faith that, for many of us, was chosen for us by our parents and grandparents. The faith that has established the universe. Yet, still so…
Read MoreThe Battle Over Language
It isn’t enough that the various Orthodox jurisdictions in America argue over their ‘native’ language vs English in worship. In America we even argue over which English is best. I’ve heard it all my life. Do we call God, You or Thee? It might be hard to believe, but the fight over language is not…
Read MoreDon’t Stop Sharing the Good News
Christ is Risen! There is an old saying. Don’t talk about politics or religion in polite conversation. You may want to keep the peace among friends, but there is a negative impact on taking this advice. First, you’ll never know what your friends believe. Second, you’ll never preach Christ raised from the dead. Neither is…
Read MoreA Fasting Refresher
Christ is Risen! Today the Greek Orthodox Church returns to what I would call a ‘normal fasting’ schedule. From now until Holy Pentecost we will return to fasting every Wednesday and Friday. So, I thought it would be a good day to have a refresher about fasting. Refresher One: One thing is clear. Fasting is…
Read More