Do Not Search out Trouble

Shroud of Turin, Holy shroud

I write often about embracing our suffering for the sake of Christ and our spiritual journey. I write often about our willingness to suffer for the truth. Being willing to suffer is one thing. Searching for suffering is quite another. As Christians we should not search for suffering. In fact, it is within our tradition…

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Another Year; Another Chance

Shroud of Turin, Holy shroud

We come once again to the Sunday before the Feast of Holy Cross. Year after year the Church begins the cycle of Feasts in September. Our annual commemoration of the Holy Cross is an annual reminder both of God’s love for us and our love for Him. It gives  us another chance, year after year,…

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Division Cannot Stand

All hands united together

It is easy to get wrapped up into the political frenzy ‘of the day’ no matter what side of the aisle you stand. Today’s frenzy is tomorrow’s silliness. When it comes to politics, you will always find yourself changing sides. You change not because you changed, but because your side changed. That is the nature…

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Evangelism Then and Now

Candles lighting

When you read the Holy Scriptures, and sometimes even when you hear the leaders of our Church, it sounds as if there is a conflict in what is said. On the one hand we are called to love all people but hate our enemies. On the other hand, we are called to repent for the…

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Eternal Life or Eternal Boredom?

Lit candles in transparent holders, close-up.

In the Holy Scriptures we hear, over and over, that Christ has promised eternal life. You would think that people would jump at the chance to live forever with God, and yet, many do not. Many would rather continue to live in the sin of the world rather than giving up luxuries. Why give up…

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How to Choose a Spiritual Father

Priest giving communion to a young boy.

The other day, I wrote about the tradition of the spiritual father in the Orthodox Church. I realize that it is one thing to speak about having a spiritual father, and it is quite another thing to choose a spiritual father. If we are going to be obedient to him, then we should know, as much as…

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