The Energy of the Mind Inside the Heart The patristic tradition teaches that the heart is the center of our self-awareness. This self-awareness is the energy of the mind inside the heart, something the holy fathers referred to as our “noetic faculty”. There is an important distinction that must be
Category: The Morning Offering
Let us not react, but be at peace Each day brings on new challenges regarding the health of our soul. Those moments when a family member or coworker makes a remark that are meant to anger us, are those times we need to guard our hearts. When those around us
The Forerunners of Antichrist Manufacture the Image of ‘Political Criminals’ For anyone with eyes to see, the parallels between pre revolutionary Russia, and that which is happening in America, are clear. If we have any chance of reversing this sad decline in our American democracy, we need, as Christians, to
We have reasons to rejoice!
We Must Become the Image of Christ to Others If we are to be true to our calling as the children of God, we must live in imitation of Christ. We must imitate His meekness and humility. We must love others just as did He. We must be willing to
Community is the Essential Element to Living the Christian Life Christianity is a communal faith, one that requires it’s followers to be actively involved with others. The Church’s worship is communal, and salvation itself is a corporate act, one that necessitates interaction with others. One is not “saved” in a
The Saints Encourage Us By Their Prayers and Example We Orthodox are known for our veneration of the saints, recognizing as we do the truth that there is no separation between the Church Militant, here on earth, and the Church Triumphant, in heaven. In the Divine Services we are not
Due to the order of Washington State’s governor, Jay Inslee, that all State employees be vaccinated against Covid, or be fired, it looks like I will no longer be allowed to serve as Police and Fire Chaplain for Vashon Island. After some twenty years serving the people of this island,
Demanding Miracles from God Because of Our Smugness and Pride Demanding miracles in order to believe betrays a sort of smugness on our part, sort of like asking for an expensive gift from a prospective friend, before considering their overture for friendship. It could hardly become a true friendship if
Remembrance of God Leads to Conversion of Heart The importance of having a regular confessor can not be underestimated. Most of us find it uncomfortable to think upon our faults, failures, and sins, because we like to “feel good” about ourselves. We puff up our image around others, brag about