While suffering under the pandemic I have been painfully aware that many people are feeling betrayed by their bishops and priests because of the closure of our churches, during this pandemic. Some have suggested that we priests are enjoying the services because we no longer have to suffer the hassles
Our Lenten journey sequestered into the heart of the desert This period of the Great Lenten Fast, especially during a time when most Americans are confined to their homes because of the pandemic, is the perfect time to confront our sinful habits and weaknesses, such as the spirits of impatience,
Turning Orthodoxy into an ideological religion If we allow ourselves to become spiritual gluttons, and turn the traditions of Orthodoxy into occasions for sensual and prideful displays, we will not embrace the grace that can be ours through quiet and penitential struggle. If our public displays of piety become distractions
What about people who are not Orthodox? It is always a pity when people who claim to be Orthodox make judgements against fellow Christians. In the tradition of Orthodoxy, wherever we find beauty and truth, it is of God, and it is our calling, as Orthodox Christians, to rejoice when
If you choose yourself you are choosing nothing Our world has been turned upside down since this pandemic has hit. That our restaurants and bars are closed, businesses shut down, and even sporting events canceled, a society that has made these places the center of our social, and if I
Let us seek the intercession of the Holy Virgin during this pandemic The Holy Virgin is a stumbling block for many protestants looking into Orthodoxy. The idea that this woman described in the Gospels in such humble terms could be called the Mother of God seems unbiblical to them. She
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
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,