Author: Abbot Tryphon

When despondency seizes us The renowned 19th century Russian saint, Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833), said of himself, “I don’t know anything”. These words were remarkable coming from a hermit who was the most sought after spiritual adviser of his age, with even the Tsar seeking out his counsel. Yet Saint

The essential element Saint Anthony the Great said, “Our life and our death is with our neighbor. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our brother, we have sinned against Christ.” Christianity is a communal faith, one that requires it’s followers to be actively

We must beware of looking at others through the devil’s eyes When we place negative judgments on others, we ultimately prevent a joyous encounter in the name of Christ, that images true Christian community. If we would genuinely wish to transform the world around us and ourselves, we must look

The incubator for a life of righteousness Prior to electricity and central heating, most families gathered in parlors, spending evenings with reading, sewing, and family conversations. The notion that everyone would retreat to bedrooms, kitchens, or dens, separating themselves from other family members, was unthinkable. The communal nature of the

The enemy of faith is pride “Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”” (John 6:29). The absolute necessary element for salvation is faith, and faith is a clear sign that God’s grace has been activated in us,

Don’t shelve a part of you When we enter into communion with one another in the life of the Church, we come broken, and far from the image and likeness that God intended when He created us. We, to a one, are in need of the healing that comes from

The Church on earth is in the midst of a battle The Church Militant, which is the Church of Christ here on this earth, is in the midst of a battle. Our enemy is not one of flesh and blood, but one of darkness and evil. The survival of humankind

Spiritual healing or spiritual pain control? Since the Church is the hospital for the soul, it is important we take full advantage of all the resources for healing found within the Church. Confession is all important for this healing process to begin. The grace imparted during a good confession opens

We must be joyful and loving ambassadors for the Faith Some forty years ago I’d found myself wandering in a spiritual wasteland, knowing I was drying up, spiritually, and hoping there was something out there that would fill the void. Orthodoxy had not been in my scope, seeming, as it

Passing on the gift of love My father was a golf pro in Spokane, Washington, during my grade and early middle school years, and the country club was the center of our family’s social life. My brother, Dwayne, and I use to play an average of 18 to 36 holes