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
Heavenly Worship must Enter into the Heart The beauty of Orthodox worship is meant to lift us up, and connect us to the Heavenly Worship that is eternally taking place before the Throne of God. The very description of Heavenly Worship as found in the Book of Revelation is clearly
The remains of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church The Decline of Christianity in America Some twenty five years ago our monastic brotherhood arrived on Vashon Island, establishing ourselves in a rental house near the Village of Dockton. This little village had two churches, built by the original founders of the community.
Photos of the Monastery’s library and community room. Christianity Under Attack The cover of the February 13th addition of Newsweek magazine displayed a photo of a blood stained Coptic Orthodox icon of Christ, with the headline, “The War on Christians”. This article is the first of note that has appeared
In Surrendering we have Victory All that we have comes down from the Father of Lights. We should not become impatient, wanting more than we are ready to receive, for the Lord knows what is best for us. He measures His giving, according to our need, sometimes delaying the things