Love this!!!!
I am truly saddened by not being able to enter the church (which I have not done since March this year) and receive Holy Communion normally.
I admire and applaud your brave and, I believe, Right-On comments re:gov’t telling us what to do. Like they ever have a clue.
Keep up the Faith, Dear Abbott!!!
Much Love and prayers,
Lori
Sorry, my my daughter has told she does not recommend I use the social media outside of emails. She is only trying to protect me. Although I do my email quite comfortably and safely. And with your blog, thank you for being here. I pray for the monks at your monastery and so glad and thankful you were in conference with all the orthodox priest lately from all Wa.
I don’t know where you are.
But i went to Church this morning St, George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville Tn
and received Holy Communion just as normal from the same spoon as everyone else .
Thank God,
My church is not Orthodox but my pastor, too, hurts to see people not attending the church nor gathering together and living in fear. Thank you for standing up and speaking out for the need to be brave, live out what we say we believe, and live the reality of Christ’s victory over death. A timely message that needs to be preached in more churches right now.
Might we know where it is that churches are not allowed to be open for worship right now? I am not aware of where this is. My own archdiocese is entirely open, has been for some time, and friends I have out east, in the midwest and in California are all able to attend church. I believe some are doing outdoor worship, and some are doing a mix of in person worship and virtual services. As far as I know, all do require masks and social distancing and so forth. Obviously I am missing something!
In oregon and washington our churches are not being permitted to hold normal services. That was also true in some counties in Texas but I think that has ended in Texas.
Thank you, James – I have been trying to figure out where services are not being permitted. Helpful to understand for those of us who still have our churches open.
I live in Eugene, OR and churches here ARE allowed to hold services. I attend St. George GOC. There are certain rules that must be followed to do so, which mainly consist of the wearing of masks for parishioners and social distancing. Our clergy and chanters, however, do not wear masks. And, thankfully, we serve Communion from a common spoon.
I am a Christian but not Orthodox. But that aside, I greatly appreciate your comments and how you are taking a stand. Thank you. May God give us all strength to rise up and say “Enough is enough!” God bless you.
We at Christ The Savior, Harrisburg Pa.
Have been blessed, we were having services on line, then moved to 50 in the Church, and 50in the fellowship hall. We also have had many services outside.
Having services on zoom, was good for awhile, but got old quick.
I will always remember you, when you visited our church, you inspired us, fed us, and loved us.
You also made us laugh like crazy. I will continue my prayers for you and the Monastery.
Once again you are correct! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH…..
Thank you for this sermon. Enough is enough! How distressing that priests are reporting that 1/3 will not return to church. Please encourage all the priests to contact, personally, their parishioners and talk to them about their spiritual life at home during this time and encourage them to have family church, private prayers, increase their prayers to the saints – to use this time for personal growth. Do not wait for the parishioners to contact them. The priests are responsible for our spiritual growth. We at home know we need the body and blood of Christ and long for it. Bring it to our homes, serve it to us outdoors, on the porch,, wherever you can. Encourage the laity to not let the powers at be to “win this war against Christianity” but to strengthen our faith and commitment to the church. I assume that priest are able to bring the body and blood to the sick and dying – well, we are all sick and dying – be creative in getting us this life-giving, soul saving gift of Christ. We need it at home, we need the personal contact with our priest. May God have mercy on us and give us strength, courage, and hope.
AMEN! Father Tryphon , you’re a true shepherd looking out for the flock.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – St. Matthew 10:28
When will this end? When people en mass rise up and shout “ENOUGH!” Enough with the placebo mask, Enough with physical(social)distancing, Enough bulking to the destruction of livelihoods , and really encompassing all the above – Enough with acquiescing to tyrannical dictates from mediocre men(and women) drunk on new found power. Have humans lost their immune functions as of March 2020? We have survived greater viral threats than this without ruining more lives than actually “saving”. Yes, Enough…
I am usually heartened and encouraged by your words but find this message to be having the opposite effect.
What can you tell me about wearing a mask in church if it gives a severely immunosuppressed friend enough comfort to return? I am not going to talk about fear to someone who has already been on death’s doorstep several times during her young life.
I am growing very weary over the wearing or not wearing of a mask being the penultimate test of someone’s faith. I dare not presume so much about anyone, especially when I don’t know their story.
I am not suggesting one should refrain from wearing a required mask in services. I am, however, addressing the fear some exhibit concerning the holy spoon, and communion. I am also standing firm against the governmental closure of our churches, all the while allowing museums, liquor stores, and other “essential” institutions to remain open. The Church IS THE ESSENTIAL INSTITUTION.
Thank you for that clarification. The debate of to wear or not to wear a mask is tearing at my church. My friend indeed does not fear receiving Holy Communion.
What are your thoughts about people who feel that wearing a mask is tantamount to blasphemy?
I do not feel that just because I am a priest that it is impossible for me to spread a virus. I am speaking only of the Holy Mysteries. I should also make it clear that I do not approve of priests, and those serving in the altar, wearing masks.
I’m so sorry. I’m speaking about the parishioners wearing masks. Our building is too small to perfectly maintain social distancing so masks have become a flash point for a very heated discussion.
Father Bless, We are thankfully open with social distancing practices and masks in church. We do have 3 spoons for communion, not because there is fear from our bishops or priests that one will catch the virus from the precious body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, but more to ease the anxiety of those who do have fear and would not come to church or partake in Holy Communion because of the virus. A type of economia for the weak who definitely need the saving/healing power of Holy Communion at this time (well we all need it). Hopefully by the example of other parishioners and our priests and of course the grace of Christ Himself, their fear will be eased and they will have more confidence in their Faith and draw near to Him.
I understand the concept of offering multiple spoons for those who might fear receiving the Holy Mysteries from a common spoon. However, doing so only confirms in many peoples minds that there is a possibility one could get the virus from participating in holy communion. This multiple spoon offering only undermines the faith.
I like the phrase, “economia for the weak.” That is what I have always appreciated about the Orthodox Church in that while it “sets the bar high,” it understands that we all might not able to clear it at first attempt (or several!)
Dear Fr Abbott Tryphon,
Do you know how we can do anything, if the bishops and the synod of any church (and her dioceses) have capitulated to gubment? Everybody is so “obedient”. Where is the Church Militant? We, as lay members, feel like our hands are tied and that we are gagged (masked).
Thank you so much. Father, bless!
Ps. I visited you and Fr Paul ages ago when you were in the house. In the pre-coffee years! Do you remember Jim Ayala? He introduced me to my beloved Fr Basil, who baptized me.
Love this!!!!
I am truly saddened by not being able to enter the church (which I have not done since March this year) and receive Holy Communion normally.
I admire and applaud your brave and, I believe, Right-On comments re:gov’t telling us what to do. Like they ever have a clue.
Keep up the Faith, Dear Abbott!!!
Much Love and prayers,
Lori
Sorry, my my daughter has told she does not recommend I use the social media outside of emails. She is only trying to protect me. Although I do my email quite comfortably and safely. And with your blog, thank you for being here. I pray for the monks at your monastery and so glad and thankful you were in conference with all the orthodox priest lately from all Wa.
I don’t know where you are.
But i went to Church this morning St, George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville Tn
and received Holy Communion just as normal from the same spoon as everyone else .
Thank God,
Thank you, Abbot Tryphon!
I, the Catechumen, and you the long faithful servant, apart from each other, have come to the same conclusion on the same weekend. “Enough is enough”.
This is the first Sunday homily video I’ve seen posted on Ancient Faith.
Thank you for posting and please continue. This is wonderful.
Agreed. Please can you make this a regular event
My church is not Orthodox but my pastor, too, hurts to see people not attending the church nor gathering together and living in fear. Thank you for standing up and speaking out for the need to be brave, live out what we say we believe, and live the reality of Christ’s victory over death. A timely message that needs to be preached in more churches right now.
Might we know where it is that churches are not allowed to be open for worship right now? I am not aware of where this is. My own archdiocese is entirely open, has been for some time, and friends I have out east, in the midwest and in California are all able to attend church. I believe some are doing outdoor worship, and some are doing a mix of in person worship and virtual services. As far as I know, all do require masks and social distancing and so forth. Obviously I am missing something!
Crazy-fornia , possibly?
In oregon and washington our churches are not being permitted to hold normal services. That was also true in some counties in Texas but I think that has ended in Texas.
Thank you, James – I have been trying to figure out where services are not being permitted. Helpful to understand for those of us who still have our churches open.
I live in Eugene, OR and churches here ARE allowed to hold services. I attend St. George GOC. There are certain rules that must be followed to do so, which mainly consist of the wearing of masks for parishioners and social distancing. Our clergy and chanters, however, do not wear masks. And, thankfully, we serve Communion from a common spoon.
Glory to God!
I am a Christian but not Orthodox. But that aside, I greatly appreciate your comments and how you are taking a stand. Thank you. May God give us all strength to rise up and say “Enough is enough!” God bless you.
We at Christ The Savior, Harrisburg Pa.
Have been blessed, we were having services on line, then moved to 50 in the Church, and 50in the fellowship hall. We also have had many services outside.
Having services on zoom, was good for awhile, but got old quick.
I will always remember you, when you visited our church, you inspired us, fed us, and loved us.
You also made us laugh like crazy. I will continue my prayers for you and the Monastery.
Once again you are correct! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH…..
Thank you for this sermon. Enough is enough! How distressing that priests are reporting that 1/3 will not return to church. Please encourage all the priests to contact, personally, their parishioners and talk to them about their spiritual life at home during this time and encourage them to have family church, private prayers, increase their prayers to the saints – to use this time for personal growth. Do not wait for the parishioners to contact them. The priests are responsible for our spiritual growth. We at home know we need the body and blood of Christ and long for it. Bring it to our homes, serve it to us outdoors, on the porch,, wherever you can. Encourage the laity to not let the powers at be to “win this war against Christianity” but to strengthen our faith and commitment to the church. I assume that priest are able to bring the body and blood to the sick and dying – well, we are all sick and dying – be creative in getting us this life-giving, soul saving gift of Christ. We need it at home, we need the personal contact with our priest. May God have mercy on us and give us strength, courage, and hope.
AMEN! Father Tryphon , you’re a true shepherd looking out for the flock.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – St. Matthew 10:28
When will this end? When people en mass rise up and shout “ENOUGH!” Enough with the placebo mask, Enough with physical(social)distancing, Enough bulking to the destruction of livelihoods , and really encompassing all the above – Enough with acquiescing to tyrannical dictates from mediocre men(and women) drunk on new found power. Have humans lost their immune functions as of March 2020? We have survived greater viral threats than this without ruining more lives than actually “saving”. Yes, Enough…
Blest day, Father.
Dear Abbot Tryphon,
I am usually heartened and encouraged by your words but find this message to be having the opposite effect.
What can you tell me about wearing a mask in church if it gives a severely immunosuppressed friend enough comfort to return? I am not going to talk about fear to someone who has already been on death’s doorstep several times during her young life.
I am growing very weary over the wearing or not wearing of a mask being the penultimate test of someone’s faith. I dare not presume so much about anyone, especially when I don’t know their story.
I am not suggesting one should refrain from wearing a required mask in services. I am, however, addressing the fear some exhibit concerning the holy spoon, and communion. I am also standing firm against the governmental closure of our churches, all the while allowing museums, liquor stores, and other “essential” institutions to remain open. The Church IS THE ESSENTIAL INSTITUTION.
Thank you for that clarification. The debate of to wear or not to wear a mask is tearing at my church. My friend indeed does not fear receiving Holy Communion.
What are your thoughts about people who feel that wearing a mask is tantamount to blasphemy?
I do not feel that just because I am a priest that it is impossible for me to spread a virus. I am speaking only of the Holy Mysteries. I should also make it clear that I do not approve of priests, and those serving in the altar, wearing masks.
I’m so sorry. I’m speaking about the parishioners wearing masks. Our building is too small to perfectly maintain social distancing so masks have become a flash point for a very heated discussion.
Father Bless, We are thankfully open with social distancing practices and masks in church. We do have 3 spoons for communion, not because there is fear from our bishops or priests that one will catch the virus from the precious body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, but more to ease the anxiety of those who do have fear and would not come to church or partake in Holy Communion because of the virus. A type of economia for the weak who definitely need the saving/healing power of Holy Communion at this time (well we all need it). Hopefully by the example of other parishioners and our priests and of course the grace of Christ Himself, their fear will be eased and they will have more confidence in their Faith and draw near to Him.
I understand the concept of offering multiple spoons for those who might fear receiving the Holy Mysteries from a common spoon. However, doing so only confirms in many peoples minds that there is a possibility one could get the virus from participating in holy communion. This multiple spoon offering only undermines the faith.
I like the phrase, “economia for the weak.” That is what I have always appreciated about the Orthodox Church in that while it “sets the bar high,” it understands that we all might not able to clear it at first attempt (or several!)
Thank you for your bravery and encouragement! We need it amidst all of the other noise “out there”.
God bless you,
Monica
Thank you so very much for your words of wisdom! I pray that I may continue to stand firm in my Faith!!☦
I am ashamed of the lack of courage in the Synod of the OCA.
Dear Fr Abbott Tryphon,
Do you know how we can do anything, if the bishops and the synod of any church (and her dioceses) have capitulated to gubment? Everybody is so “obedient”. Where is the Church Militant? We, as lay members, feel like our hands are tied and that we are gagged (masked).
Thank you so much. Father, bless!
Ps. I visited you and Fr Paul ages ago when you were in the house. In the pre-coffee years! Do you remember Jim Ayala? He introduced me to my beloved Fr Basil, who baptized me.