When despondency seizes us The renowned 19th century Russian saint, Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833), said of himself, “I don’t know anything”. These words were remarkable coming from a hermit who was the most sought after spiritual adviser of his age, with even the Tsar seeking out his counsel. Yet Saint
Entering into the Silence All Orthodox Christians are aware of the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, in our journey to God. These three practices are at the heart of our faith. Prayer is our way of communicating with God on a daily basis, and fasting days (Wednesdays and Fridays) are
Those who use abortifacients commit homicide–Saint Clement The heinous crimes committed by ISIS have shocked the civilized world. Burning innocent men alive, stoning women in the streets of Islamic countries, beheading captive Christians, and raping women with such abject cruelty and total disregard for the life of another human, have
With authority comes responsibility When people are hurting, and seeking professional help, they are vulnerable, and the trust they place in the professional makes them particularly open to exploitation. This is why we must have institutions and lines of authority that hold professionals accountable. We can not allow anyone who
Bound together in a community of sorrow Many years, ago, I met Richard, Rose, Savannah, and Ryan on a forest trail, where we discovered to our joy, we had many connections: we were connected in very general ways as people who live on Vashon Island. We were connected more intimately
Leaving the ninety-nine for the one The work of the Church is to seek out the lost sheep, and bring them into the fold. The modern mission of the Church is to go out into the community and find those who are lost. Many who were previously Orthodox, but never
Let my prayer arise as incense before Thee From Old Testament times believers have burned incense as an offering when worshiping God. The ancient temple in Jerusalem even had priests whose sole duty was to keep the censer burning twenty-four hours a day. Ancient pagan kings were often escorted with
Mercy and legality in one soul is like a man who worships God and the idols in one house. — Saint Isaac the Syrian I think it should be part of catechetical instruction, as demonstrated in the Didache, be left up to the individual convert to implement, or not, the
And the clock is ticking At seventy-one I am no spring chicken, as the saying goes, and I realize I need to be prepared for my own inevitable demise. The clock is ticking for all of us, but once you have experience heart troubles, your own eventual end can no
Displaying the symbol of our faith Christians must not remain passive in response to the vandalism against our cultural and theological inheritance. It is not about being in opposition to the rights of others, but in standing tall in the face of increased Christophobia. Perhaps it is time for all