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
Christ made mercy and compassion essential Compassionate love is not merely an act that has sprung up from a sense of ethical duty, but something that binds our world. The world seen is bound to the heavenly world, that world which is unseen. One world is temporal, and the other
Centers for spiritual healing Monastics are an integral part of the Church and should not be seen as independent of the Church Universal. Monks are bound by the same Gospel as other Christians and need to avail themselves to the missionary and pastoral needs of the Church, as needed. Although
Darkness does not exist in its own right Our Orthodox Christian theology views evil not as a primeval essence that is coeternal and equal to God, but rather a falling away from good. Evil does not exist in and of itself, and was not created by God. Our Orthodox Church
Walking in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ Vashon is the largest of the southern most islands in the Salish Sea, surrounded by waters known as the Puget Sound. Eighty-five percent undeveloped forest, Vashon is about the size of Manhattan, New York, but with a rural population of only
The Church is the mother who nurtures It is important that we always remember, the Holy Spirit guides the Church. The early Christians worshiped in secret places, and were not able to have formal temples, yet as the Church gained her freedom, public places of worship were built. These new
Should we be concerned about infections or germs when receiving from a common spoon? A recent poll among Orthodox Christians reported that many voiced concern regarding the safety of receiving the Holy Gifts from a common spoon, worried it might expose them to germs, infections, or some disease. They were
A monastic as a Police and Fire Chaplain It has been a great blessing for me to have been serving as a police and fire chaplain for the past sixteen years. My interest in chaplaincy began when I was asked by a number of inmates to serve as their Orthodox
The Age of Enlightenment, and the fall of the West Without Christ, all things are permissible, to paraphrase Dostoevsky. There is the real problem this country and all ‘Western’ formerly Christian nations are facing today. As the last shreds of Christian morality and belief fall away, the reality of the
The restoration of the true self The Lord Jesus Christ was humble, meek and good, and with the help of the Lord we too can be humble. Fasting and prayer are the means by which God can change our hearts, but we must approach both with humility and purpose. Saying