Humbled When we first become aware that someone we know is suffering, we must begin to pray for them. We must pray with much sincerity, and with tears, knowing that our brother is being tormented, and is filled with despondency. As Christians, we must believe that intercessory pray, when spoken
Category: The Morning Offering
To Die or Deny? The main reason Christianity spread so rapidly following the Resurrection of Christ was the power behind the resurrection. The truth of Christ’s resurrection empowered believers to joyfully embrace martyrdom, knowing that they would be joined in eternal bliss with their resurrected Saviour. Although their martyrdom would
No Admission Needed A desert father was told by one of his monks that he’d forgiven his brother who had wronged him. However, his brother would not admit to his own actions against him. The abbot told him that, in having forgiven his brother, it was he, himself, who
Endure The Lord does not allow anything to afflict us that we cannot endure. Whenever difficulties come our way, we only sin if we are unwilling to endure. Suffering is meant to be salvific, for the Holy Apostle Paul tells us, “God is faithful and will not allow us to
In Good Company We don’t like certain behavioral patterns that have become habitual, so we feel helpless in our attempt to change. Our growth as Christians is often fraught with failure, and we seem to find ourselves stuck. Our spiritual journey to God feels more like a treadmill, and
Shortly after my graduation from college, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and decided that I wanted to work out at a local weight lifting gym. After asking around, I discovered Laprinzi’s Gym, a Portland institution to this day. Laprinzi’s has always been known for having some of the best trainers,
Abbot Tryphon had tests yesterday that all came out well. I think it’s just a matter of time, God’s help, and his determination now. Pray that insurance will extend their coverage of the nursing facility. I will be requesting that today. -Fr. Martin
Like many of my readers, I’ve experience much pain and sorrow over this past year. But a beloved bishop friend gave me this sound advice: “The grass is greener where the manure is thickest.” The devil, warring against us, would have us believe the grass IS greener elsewhere, but we
Our attitude has an impact that can keep us from growing spiritually. A bad attitude impacts the way we live, and hurts those around us, negatively influencing our family, our friends, and our church community. We must commit ourselves to keeping a positive attitude, for negative thinking will not make
That our Orthodox Church possesses the Fullness of Truth is a given, yet in our weakness as believers, the obviousness of that Truth is often invisible to others. In our weakness as sinful people, we Orthodox clergy, as well as the laity, often fail to demonstrate the love and joy