Common Life

Unity" written on a chalkboard background.

In every Divine Liturgy we proclaim our common life in Christ when we pray, “Let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” We do not commend our unison lives to Christ. We commend our life, singular, to Christ. That should mean something. Brethren, let any one who thinks…

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To Convert or Not to Convert

Hand drawing yellow arrow, conversion rate increase.

Are you searching for a Church to attend? Maybe you have come across this blog searching about Orthodox Christianity. Maybe you are already Orthodox but reading this blog because you have a friend who is searching. Maybe you are considering becoming Orthodox. Maybe not. Brethren, do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah,…

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Spiritual Maturity

Silhouette of parent and child at sunset.

There is an old joke that says, “Everything I needed to know, I learned in kindergarten.” It is a joke because even teenagers know they didn’t know enough after kindergarten to ‘get along’ in the world. How much is enough? High school? College? It isn’t about learning. It is about maturity. If all we needed…

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Separation is Death

Burning branches with bright orange flames.

It’s just one Sunday. I’ll go to Church next week. Weeks become months. Months become years. The next thing you know, you can’t remember the last time you were in Church. Sound familiar? May as well be true if you just replace attendance with Holy Communion. The Lord said to his disciples, “Let not your…

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Remain or Depart

Person walking on a rural dirt road.

Free will has been given by God to every human being. We are free to choose to do good or to do evil. We are free to love God or that hate Him. We are free to remain close to Him, or to depart far from Him. The choice is ours to make. Not everyone…

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The Awesome God

Icon of Jesus with crown of thorns.

As human beings we are constantly surrounded by examples of power and authority. Just turn on the TV for any brief moment and you will find countless examples of earthly power. Politicians and celebrities are all vying for your attention. The one thing missing in every example of earthly authority is lasting power. Every example…

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The Power of the Incarnation

Icon of Jesus with crown of thorns.

Today the Church ‘takes a brief break’ from the strict fast of Great Lent for the Feast of the Annunciation. Today the Church remembers the Good News that God gave humanity through the Archangel Gabriel. Today all humanity receives hope in the power of God’s Incarnation. Nothing says power like a virgin giving birth. To…

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Episode 421 – The Sunday of Truth

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

The Sunday of Orthodoxy is a celebration of the truth of God’s incarnation. It is much more than the celebration of paint and art. Holy Icons are a crucial reminder that God has become human so that we commune with Him. Holy Icons are a reminder of the truth that God has brought us the…

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It is about Communion

Icon of Jesus with crown of thorns.

Many people wonder why coming to Church on Sunday is so important. For some, coming to Church is about connecting to friends and family. For others, attending Church is about learning the Bible and Church history. It is good to see friends and we should always want to learn more about God. This is true,…

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An End Brings a New Beginning

Dead end sign

As we wrap up the Triodion Period this week, our annual Lectionary is coming to an end. Beginning next week, we will read from the New Testament only on Saturdays and Sundays. The weekdays are reserved for Old Testament readings during the Great Fast. There are just a few more days to inspire us to…

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