The Church is Our Homeland, and Our Allegiance
Must be Grounded in the Church
I am an American convert to Orthodoxy, and the abbot of a monastery within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. I am typical of the American Orthodox scene in that we are people of many races and nationalities who have embraced the Orthodox Faith as our own. I am also an American who is concerned about the direction our country has taken regarding Globalism, the war in Ukraine, the economic and military threat coming from China, and the abandonment of Christianity throughout the Western world.
As Christians we cannot look the other way when we see our leaders bent on war, even though our country is not under attack. As our government continues to cultivate endless enemies, I continuously offer my prayers, along with fellow Christians, that our nation will collectively return to the biblical standards that have been the foundation of this great nation.
As American Christians, we cannot abide having our names immorally ascribed on bombs meant for nations that have not attacked us. Nor can we abide by our government fighting a war on behalf of a Ukrainian government led by anti-Christian leaders who originally were allied with Nazi Germany during World War II. I believe it impossible for me, as an Orthodox priest, to remain with Christ, while silently ignoring the plight of Christians throughout the world who are increasingly under attack by Globalists and Marxists.
Given all this, I know that as an Orthodox Christian my first allegiance must not be to this nation, but to Christ and His Church. I am first and foremost a son of the Church, and my true brothers and sisters are those who have joined themselves to Christ’s Church. My true nationality is Orthodox.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Wednesday June 26, 2024 / June 13, 2024
Afterfeast of Pentecost. Tone seven.
Fast-free Week. Fast-free
Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Lebanon (293).
St. Triphyllius, bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus (370).
St. Alexandra, foundress of Diveyevo Convent (1789).
New Hieromartyr Alexis priest (1918).
New Hieromartyr Demetrius priest (1940).
Virgin-Martyr Pelagea (1944).
Venerable Andronicus (1395), disciple of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, and St. Sabbas (1410), abbots of Moscow.
Martyr Antonina of Nicaea (284-305).
Venerable Anna (826), and her son St. John of Constantinople (9th c.).
St. Antipater, bishop of Bostra in Arabia (458).
Finding of the relics of Martyr Nicholas the Deacon of Lesbos (Greek).
St. Eulogius, patriarch of Antioch (Greek).
Martyr Diodorus of Emesus who was crucified (Greek).
St. Anthimus, Metropolitan of Wallachia (1716) (Georgia).
The Scripture Readings
Romans 1:18-27
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
Romans 1:27 Lit. female
Matthew 5:20-26
20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder Begins in the Heart
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.