Political vs Spiritual Authority It is a temptation for those who serve the Church to think their parishioners should adhere to the political ideals of their priest or bishop. This is a gross temptation that can lead to the alienation of some members of their flock, especially the young. The
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
Celebrating the glorification of a great saint I’ll be back in the monastery sometime this afternoon, following my journey to San Francisco for the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Glorification of Saint John the Wonderworker. Since I’d been present for his glorification, my road trip was a revisiting of that joyous
Fifteen bishops and 1500 laypeople TheoldestChristian Church in the world We are part of the worldwide Orthodox Church – theoldestChristian Church in the world. This is not a theological statement, it is an historical one. And in every part of the world, there are Orthodox Christians, Churches and missions: in
Orthodoxy is about Christ, not religion Orthodoxy is not a religion, but a way of life that is centered in Jesus Christ. Orthodoxy, as a way of life, has the cure to what ails us and can return us to that state of wholeness that was God’s original intent for
Our response to God’s love casts aside all estrangement When we feel estranged from God it is a true sign we are in need of working more diligently on building up our faith. Faith is a gift from God that requires our cooperation and when we are feeling dry we
Everything proceeds out of God’s mercy There is a common misconception concerning the word “mercy”, used throughout the liturgical services of the Church, as well as our private prayers, and the Jesus Prayer. It is a given that we are all sinners, but the asking for God’s mercy is not
Drive out all negative thoughts Our thoughts really do have an impact on our world. Negative thoughts about family members or fellow employees, change our relationships. If we dislike someone at work and allow ourselves to think poorly of them, they are likely to fulfill our low expectations. If we
The 20th Anniversary of the Glorification of Saint John I’m late posting The Morning Offering after nine and a half hours of sleep following my road trip to the Bay Area, where I will be participating in the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Glorification of Saint John the Wonderworker of
The Orthodox Faith is nothing without transformation of life If your spiritual life is concentrated only on external practices and traditions, but does nothing to bring about real change, you have gained nothing. Too many people think as long as they keep the fasting rules, do their prayers, and