Our first snow of the season (). The Church, like a forest, provides needed Oxygen Growing up in Northern Idaho, I was surrounded by mountains and forests. I don’t remember a time when forests did not tug at my heart and fill my imagination with thoughts of adventure. As a
Without Suffering, the Cross cannot be Embraced In comparison to eternity, the trials we suffer in this life are but a blip on the meter. Many are suffering job loss, illnesses, mortgage foreclosures, and all kinds of strife and hardships. Yet if we look at all these difficulties in light
True Peace is the Way of the Cross In an age that seems to be forever witnessing wars between nations, and civil wars within nations, peace seems to be something that is about as possible as the alchemy that would turn metal into gold. Peacemakers struggle to find peaceful solutions
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
Chaplaincy: Manifesting God’s Love This year’s Northwest Regional Training of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, included a day long seminar on “Principle Based Leadership, the Importance of Ethics”, presented by Chief Bob Vernon, retired Police Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. As the conference came to a conclusion
Photo taken at Ecola State Park My how God has blessed our eyes.As we are nearing the conclusion of this year’s Northwest Regional Seminar of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, we’ve all marveled at the beauty that surrounds us. The location of the conference center is Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Cannon Beach, Oregon Community: The Essential Element Christianity is a communal faith, one that requires it’s followers to be actively involved with others. The Church’s worship is communal, and salvation itself is a corporate act, one that necessitates interaction with others. One is not “saved” in a vacuum, but as
The Oregon Coast (click photo to enlarge) Leaving the ninety-nine for the one The work of the Church is to seek out the lost sheep, and bring them into the fold. The modern mission of the Church is to go out into the community and find those who are lost.
Thirty Years a Monk After almost thirty years as a monk, and nearing eighteen years in the priesthood, I am hard pressed to think there could be any other life for me. I am content. Living in community with my brothers, celebrating the divine services in the monastery’s temple, counseling
Godly Friends and Spiritual Progress It is easy to feel trapped by our bad habits. We don’t like certain behavioral patterns that have become habitual, and we feel helpless in our attempt to change. Growing as Christians is often fraught with failure, and we find ourselves stuck. Our spiritual progress