God’s goodness is in all things Christ told us that in the last days, many trials and afflictions would befall the world. For those Christians who would lose their lives in this pandemic, we must see it as God harvesting the souls of His saints for His Kingdom. The very
Category: The Morning Offering
Further thoughts concerning the pandemic and its effects on society As we continue to endure this pandemic, with many Americans now sequestered in their homes, with restaurants, bars, and most businesses and hotels closed down, many of us are now considering the possibility that we could be heading into a
Do we think ourselves wiser than the Church? In an age of unbelief it can be a struggle to submit to the laws of the Church. When the society around us regards the Church’s laws and traditions unfavorably, we can easily give in to thinking the same thing, and disregard
Let this plague serve as a call to reorient our gaze The State of Washington has greatly reduced the number of people who can be gathered in public places, including our churches. Given the lack of faith demonstrated by so many, blaming bishops and priests for the closure of churches,
Let us taste the presence of Jesus Christ within us We all need a good dose of silent prayer each and every day. Finding that perfect place in your home that can become your cave, or prayer closet, will afford you that sacred space wherein you can go deep into
In such times of trial it is important to live in accordance with the Gospels After further consultation with other monastery leaders and personal prayer and searching on the matter, we as a community have felt it to be important to make the Church services available to those who wish
Watchfulness and the guarding of the heart Watchfulness has been described by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou as “the axe which shatters the large trees, hitting their roots. When the root is struck, it doesn’t spring up again.” A conscientious attention to our thoughts is an important tactic in spiritual warfare,
What should a Christian’s response be to dark times As an Orthodox Christian, I do not believe God makes us suffer. However, I know that God sometimes allows me to suffer as a means of delivering me the salvific medicine that can bring about healing of my fallen nature. God
Having encountered Christ our life turns direction In the story of the Magi we read of three wise men who, having seen a star in the east, travel to a desert cave, wherein they find the Child, laid in a manger by His Virgin Mother. Once they had beheld the
Doing combat against the critical spirit within yourself Fearing the loss of control, we construct a wall of defense around us, keeping authenticity at bay. Fearing rejection, we see ourselves as unlovable, and blame others. Knowing we are inauthentic, we flee from the truth by becoming critical of others. We