Kissing the hand of the priest is all about Christ The kissing of the hand of the priest is not about the man, but rather about Christ. It is much like the kissing of an icon, which is not about the veneration of paint and wood, but about the archetype
Acquiring a humble heart Our brotherhood’s beloved Father Spiridon (the Scotsman whose own humility inspired us, and who died a number of years ago), told us a wonderful story of humility in action. It concerned the Ever memorable Metropolitan Laurus, the saintly bishop who led the Russian Orthodox Church Outside
Abbot Tryphon has not been posting on his blog because he has been asked by his Archbishop to cease his internet ministry for a while. We hope to resume soon. Father is physically fine. Please keep him in your prayers. Hieromonk Paul
Results in our inheritance of death The fact that we Orthodox do not accept the doctrine of original sin as espoused in the West, does in no way suggest that we do not need to be born again (born anew). We believe, as did the Early Church Fathers, that we
Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved “We have all sinned and fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23).” We Orthodox often miss the mark in understanding and ministering to this world. We fail the words of Christ, “to love one another as God
If we desire mercy, we must be merciful Some people abandon themselves to sin in order to cover up their lack of self esteem. In their need for intimacy and acceptance, they seek out worldly pleasures, thinking these will fill the void that has kept them from happiness. In their
The litmus test for all human rights Freedom of religion has has always been the hallmark of our American way of life. Our Founding Fathers migrated to the shores of the New World primarily to seek religious freedom, fleeing as they where the religious persecution they suffered in England. The
Bringing the spiritual life into our workplace This blog was born out of an attempt on my part to help a young man begin his work day with a spiritual focus. I’d asked him to read the appointed Scripture readings for the Church’s liturgical cycle at his desk before beginning
Changing our bad behavior We often become frustrated with ourselves, wanting to change bad behavior, but seemingly incapable of making the changes we desire. Each week we confess the same sins over and over. We know the priest has heard the same confession, week after week, and we’re aware that
The transformational power of a Faith unchanged In an age when many Christian denominations are trying to appear relevant and modern, I am finding that large numbers of people are drawn to the Ancient Faith by the beard and robe. I am constantly thanked for dressing as I do by