Author: Abbot Tryphon

Keeping vigil against those habitual sins There are certain sins that have become habitual, and behavior that we would like to change, but seem to repeat, even against our will. Saint Isaac the Syrian suggested that we confront these struggles head on. “If you bear your weakness constantly in mind,

More than acquittal and justification Salvation can not be explained in legalistic terms of acquittal and justification, for salvation is much more than simply being forgiven and getting into heaven. The close tie between faith and works, when it comes to the Orthodox view of salvation, is not about being

When the gift of sexuality becomes an occasion for sin Sins of a sexual nature are common among many people today. Much of the struggle is directly related to the fact that people do not take advantage of having a regular confessor. If you are your own spiritual guide, the

And the acquisition of a humble and a contrite heart When the monk attempts to rely on his own strength to do battle with his fallen nature, he will be defeated. The arena, his field of battle, takes place in his own heart, and will be a life long battle.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).” While sitting in Victoria, B.C’s, Murchie’s sidewalk cafe, back in June of 2013, with my friend Archpriest Basil Rhodes, we noticed a homeless man stop behind me. The man was staring at our food, so

Enduring trials can make us grow stronger Sometimes we find ourselves so caught up in what we think we need, we become despondent as we face disappointment. We get so caught up in our desire for things to go just as we want, we end up wondering why God hasn’t

The murdering of innocent animals for sport Most of the civilized world has looked on in disbelief and disgust, following the shocking death of the much loved senior lion of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, who was tricked into leaving the safe haven of a wildlife preserve. This magnificent animal was

All you need for happiness is right in front of you It is easy to resist taking care of oneself if we run at full speed as though we are the only one who can get things done. We all need to set priorities, making sure we focus on Christ

Our self-assurance can lead to spiritual delusion We have spiritual fathers as guides so as not to fall into delusion and pride. We should never trust ourselves, for our pride can mask self deception, making us believe we have become more spiritual, when in fact we’ve gone in the opposite

The Limits of Human Reason and the Knowledge of God There is the seen, and there is the unseen, the material and the immaterial. That which is material can be scientifically examined and experienced, the immaterial can only be seen and experienced spiritually. These are two worlds that are only