How do we keep our youth in the Church? We are living in an age that has witnessed changes on a massive scale as never before. The way we communicate has changed with the coming of the internet, with information available that would have required a library and advanced degrees
Conclusion of the three day young adult retreat The Pan Orthodox Youth Retreat, taking place for the past three days at a church camp in Okanagan, British Columbia, concludes this morning. I will start my eight hour drive back to the monastery, following breakfast, parting ways with some of the
Letting Christ lead us out of the stagnation of this present world For those who immerse themselves in partying and entertainment, all in an attempt to avoid the hardships and life struggles that make great souls, they will have failed to embrace the essential element that makes this life journey
Okanagan, British Columbia I am in Okanagan, British Columbia, leading a Pan Orthodox Youth Retreat, taking place in a lakeside church camp. I will be returning to the monastery, God willing, on Tuesday evening. Due to the remoteness of the camp, I do not have cell phone service, but I
Giving thanks for everything Every day we are given opportunities for acquiring a grateful heart. Whatever comes our way, whether it be good or bad, are occasions for being grateful. When we realize that even difficulties and hardships are allowed by God for our salvation, we are more likely to
Living our lives in total commitment Christianity is a religion of asceticism, instructing us to store up our treasures in heaven, where the benefits have eternal value. Throughout the New Testament we read of the importance of struggle, where focus on the acquisition of a humble and contrite heart is
Blame can not be placed beyond my own thoughts There is a lot that is wrong with the world, but it begins with me. If there is to be peace in our world, it must begin with me. If hatred, anger, envy, lust, and spite, are to end, it must
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 of Wednesdays and
A place for the sick and the lost Our Orthodox Church has always seen herself as a hospital for the soul, the place where her children can seek healing. It is within her walls that we find the medicine we need to make us holy (whole), and where we can
Successful membership in a health club requires exercise Health clubs make much of their profit from people who decide to join because they want to get in shape, but after a few sessions with the weights, drop out. Membership in the Church, like the health club, requires that we put