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
Encountering the holiness and peace of the Ancient Church The very first time I entered an Orthodox church, I felt drawn to Her. There was a tangible, inner tug, and an overwhelming sense of peace, holiness, and awe, emanating from the very walls of the temple. The serving clergy were
Being empathetic allows us to see through the other persons eyes To be empathetic is to be more tolerant, for by being empathetic we can view the extenuating circumstances of other people’s lives. This means that we learn to seek a broader understanding of other people’s behaviors, because we’ve become
Anger must not be allowed to take root Most people, when angered by someone, think the best way to deal with the anger is by avoiding the person who offended us. The problem with this approach is that it allows the anger to take root in the heart, festering as
The Transfiguration of Christ is that pivotal moment Our Orthodox Christian theology assigns a great deal of significance to the Transfiguration, for this event is pivotal. It is that point where human nature meets God, and the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the
Avoiding this present darkness For those who embrace the enjoyment of 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 salvific. They will have avoided their service
When we conceal our sins from our confessor “And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven’ (John 20:22-23)”. Some time ago I wrote an article on
The good doctor versus the bad doctor The good doctor stands beside the hospital bed, offering the warm touch of his gentle hand, giving comfort to his patient, while explaining in simple detail his diagnosis, and his plan of action. This doctor lends compassionate support to his patient, realizing the
A religion for the sick 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 find the means
of the Holy Brotherhood of Christ Our All-Merciful Saviour Today our brotherhood celebrates the Patronal Feast of our monastery. Thirty years ago the beloved and ever memorable Archimandrite Dimitri (Egoroff) of Santa Rosa, CA tonsured Father Paul and me as Orthodox monks. Guided and inspired by Father Dimitri’s kind and