Christianity confronts the world without being part of it Christianity confronts the world, but does not seek to be part of the fallen spirit of this world. The genuineness of the simple message of our Christian faith should teach us that we must bring thought and action into Godly and
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
The necessity of Christian friendships In this age where secularism is on the rise, and materialism has become a major distraction from spiritual pursuits, Christian friendship has never been more important. The pursuit of personal fulfillment, entertainment, worldly pleasure, and the acquisition of material goods, has become the dominant theme
A humble heart opens the door to peace Whatever the circumstances in which we find ourselves, God is giving us an opportunity to gain the freedom that comes from acquiring humility. Whatever our job, which ever task we are asked to perform, whatever life places before us, all is an
The battle for my soul Every morning I must examine my heart, lest the enemy of my soul cause me to stumble. Not an hour should pass without my taking time to to look closely at my speech, my motives, my hidden sins, and my relationship with those around me.
The things of God are beyond our finite mind The science of the soul is noetic and can be examined and experience only through the activation of the nous. The nous in Orthodox Christian theology is the eye (mind) of the heart or soul. Since the human intellect is not
We can be either very good, or very bad There is a lot that is wrong with the world, but it begins with me. If there is to be peace in our world, it must begin with me. If hatred, anger, envy, lust, and spite, are to end, it must
Combating moral relativism while remaining true stewards of Christ’s mercy The Church reaches out with compassionate love to anoint those who are ill with sickness because the Church is a hospital. Likewise she must reach out with the same love and compassion to those who are struggling to live Christ-centered
God never washes His hands of us God never washes His hands of us. We may disappoint Him every day, but His love is without measure, and He responds with His saving Grace and Mercy. The Church, as the hospital of the soul, is the very institution founded by Our
Monasticism and the love of God Monasticism in the tradition of the Orthodox Church has many expressions. Some are called to live in the wilderness as hermits, living the solitary way of life. Others, such as Saint Maria of Paris and Saint John of San Francisco, are called to live
During the Nativity Fast it is good to remember that fasting is not just about food FAST from self-concern and FEAST on compassion for others. FAST from discouragement and FEAST on hope. FAST from lethargy and FEAST on enthusiasm. FAST from suspicion and FEAST on truth. FAST from thoughts that