Holiness comes only to those who keep vigil If we find we’ve neglected our spiritual struggle, and acted with foolish abandon, we, in our weakness, must turn to God in repentance, and this can happen only with an hourly examination of the heart. We must resolve to turn ourselves around,
Author: Abbot Tryphon
I am abbot of All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Monastery (ROCOR) on Vashon Island, WA. The island is a twenty minute ferry ride from West Seattle, and a fifteen minute crossing from Tacoma.
Surrounded by the Salish Sea, the island is some 87% undeveloped forest, with a rural population of around eleven thousand citizens. If you wish to contact me personally, you can email me at: abbottryphon@vashonmonks.com
All creation will come into the presence of God in the afterlife The Ancient Church taught that all creation will come into the presence of God in the afterlife. Some will bask in eternal joy because of the infinite love that is Almighty God. Yet those who will cower in
Continuing my struggle where God has placed me Following the foundation of the monastery in 1986, we chose to dedicate it to Christ Our All-Merciful God and Saviour. Thus began a journey that would lead Father Paul and me to a deeper commitment to Christ, even though it proved to
Seeking help from friends in high places Vigil lights are placed before the icons of the saints, according to Saint Symeon the New Theologian, as a way of showing that without the Light, Who is Christ, the saints are nothing. It is only as the light of Christ shines on
The compartmentalization of work can wreak spiritual havoc The compartmentalization of the work week can wreak havoc on the inner life. It is easier to keep your prayers, spiritual reading, and focus on Christ, reserved for the weekend. Like so many, you struggle to keep spiritually grounded while at work.
Giving our loved ones the gift of Orthodoxy through our witness We who have embraced Orthodoxy, naturally want to share it with friends and loved ones who are important parts of our lives. As we’ve experienced the Ancient Faith preserved into the modern age, we naturally want those who are
We should not remain static Anyone who is Orthodox knows that no Orthodox church is ever really finished. From the grandest cathedral to the simplest village church, there is always change taking place. Either a new icon is introduced to the church, or a new fresco is completed. Grander vestments
We must live our lives as though they are With the polarization of the American political scene, the increase of deadly terrorist attacks around the world, and the mass shootings we read about on an almost daily basis, increasing numbers of Christians have been talking about the possibility we may
The proper attire for the House of God The Church is our home, a place where we should feel comfortable, and at ease. It is also God’s house and is a temple set aside for worship of the Holy Trinity. Although times have changed and we have become a very
Everyone will spend eternity in God’s presence According to Saint Gregory of Nyssa, heaven and hell are not about location, but about relationship. God is everywhere, and He did not create a heaven for some, and a hell for others. If we love God, His fire will be a comforting