The Idolatry of Self-esteem Among the contributors to self-worship, is the possibility of falling into a form of idolatry associated with self-esteem. It is easy to fall into this form of idolatry, since our society has placed a great deal of emphasis on the need for self-esteem. The modern religion
Category: The Morning Offering
The Militant Attacks on Christianity Western European and American Christianity is experiencing an increase in the attacks of militant neo-atheists and devout secularists. Following the Roman Catholic Church’s battle against same-sex marriages in Great Britain, the British government decided to stand against two women who are attempting to take their
The Good Side of Being Ill “…There are times when illness is better for sinners than good health, because it helps them towards salvation and blunts their inborn evil impulses. Inasmuch as it repays the debt of sins by means of suffering, it makes them able to receive healing of
Human Justice or Divine Justice In an age when so many seek justice, it is good to remember that true justice comes only when our communion with God has been restored. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, and do not seek the justice of men, or honor bestowed by
God’s Love Consumes All It is good to remember that in Orthodox teaching, heaven and hell are not about places, but about relationship. God is everywhere, and He did not create a heaven for some, and a hell for others. We choose how we will experience the presence of God
Within the Fold but Without Love That our Orthodox Church possesses the Truth is a given, yet in our weakness as believers, the obviousness of that Truth is often invisible to others. In our weakness as a people, clergy as well as laity, we fail to demonstrate a love and
Spiritual Work and Physical Work The compartmentalization of the work week can wreak havoc on the inner life. It is easier to keep your prayers, spiritual reading, and focus on Christ, reserved for the weekend. Like so many, you struggle to keep spiritually grounded while at work. So many jobs
Hoping this is our last snow for the season. Beware of False Idols Idolatry is a pejorative term for the worship of an idol, a physical object worshiped as though it were a god. Idolatry can also involve objects, persons, entertainment, even self. Anything that replaces the centrality of God
Novice Theofil, Abbot Tryphon, Hieromonk Paul, and Monk Moses (click photo to enlarge) Forgetfulness of the Things of God The Lenten struggle is a perfect time to do battle with the passions that create a state of unrest in our hearts. Anything that causes us to forget the goal, which
Fasting and Prayer go Together One of the great benefits of fasting is to be found in the aid it lends to the controlling of our bodily inclinations to resist communion with God. Fasting and prayer go together for the precise reason that fasting helps the body conform to the