Petty Clergy Pettiness is that sickness of the heart that can lead some clergy to constantly be on the lookout for anyone who might offend them. Ready at a moments notice, they are poised to confront the offender. Such clergy build up their low self esteem by finding someone they
Rejected There are people who insist on holding on to resentment, often inventing situations in their minds that never happened, justifying their bad behavior, and putting the blame on others. They see themselves as the abused party, always quick to take offense. Rarely are they able to have healthy relationships,
The Great Fast As we begin the Great and Holy Fast, let us remember that our soul is immortal, and care must be given to ensure its health. Our bodies will die, yet we often give more attention to the health of our bodies, than we do for our souls.
Fasting The late afternoon sun (). The Lord condemned the Pharisee, not because he fasted, but because his motivation was based on pride. The Pharisee wished to be seen by men, and he had no fear of God. He dared to stand before the Lord in pride and arrogance, while
The Sins of Other Some people abandon themselves to sin in order to cover up their lack of self esteem. In their need for intimacy and acceptance, they seek out worldly pleasures, thinking these will fill the void that has kept them from happiness. In their desperate search for love,
The Caregiver Saint Gebriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Cathedral in Seattle. Caregivers must Care for Themselves My dear mother was diagnosed with dementia, back in 2003. Soon after the diagnosis I moved her from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and into an assisted living place on Vashon Island, where I could be
Depression First signs of Sprin Prayer is the remedy for gloom and despondency Depression is one of the plagues of the modern age, overtaking many with it’s insidious poison, and ravaging many a life. The pain and suffering that comes with deep depression can infect those who surround the sufferer,
Compassion Becoming a More Compassionate People As our nation faces critical decisions that will in all likelihood impact the lives of countless elderly and poor, it is right that we consider the teachings of the Orthodox Church concerning our duties to those who have less then we. Saint John Chrysostom
Orthodox Christian Fellowship, University of Washington The Preeminence of Love Obedience is a central theme throughout the history of salvation. Without obedience to God’s commandments, there can be no salvation, for the nous (our spiritual center) must be healed before we can be made whole. The role of obedience is
The Patronal Icon of the Monastery Transformation through the Lenten Journey The Byzantine Court was filled with sycophants, busying themselves with building alliances that would help them rise in status and influence. Many emperors were tricked into believing these sycophants were truly their friends, and could be trusted, when in