I try my best to not talk politics at Church. At seminary we were taught to preach the Gospel, not politics from the pulpit (or, in Orthodox terms, from the “ambo”.) The reason was because a) taking a political position would immediately alienate a portion of the congregation, and b) the point of the sermon […]
Category: Faith Matters
Revenge and Forgiveness
The Eighteenth Century Russian Bishop, St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, often gave the following word to those who sought guidance and counsel: “Forgiveness is better than revenge” Saint Tikhon was known for his very humble and austere way of life and appearance. He was strict with himself but indulgent with others, which is a sign of […]
Tradition! Part Two: “By word or by letter” (2 Thess. 2:15)
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. “- Proverbs 15:22 As I mentioned in my last post, my wife […]
Tradition! Part One
Go ahead… sing it if you need to…. I’ll wait. Traditioooooon! Tradition! In our home, my wife often sings that line when our conversation veers into the topic of “tradition”. Most of us, even if we weren’t raised on “Fiddler on the Roof” know the reference, and certainly know and use the word. Tradition. Foods […]
Jesus the Loser
Every time I read the scriptures I keep finding that God tends to side with the losers. The poor, the immigrant, the outsider, the refugee, the outcast, the broken, the condemned. This is present in the Old Testament, but is made undeniably clear in the person of Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, […]
The Sweet Relief of Repentance
The end is approaching, O my soul – it is approaching! So why do you not care or prepare yourself for it? Arise! The time is short! The Judge already stands at the door. Life is vanishing like a dream – so why do you continue living in vanity? Arise, O my soul, and reveal […]
Facts, Faith and Fear
I’d like to ask to share something today. I think its important. It might be disjointed, but its my best attempt to communicate my thoughts about the past weeks. Its been building for much longer than that, but the terrorist attacks in Paris and our national conversation this past week about Syrian refugees broke something […]
Cassocks and Costumes
I had a funny experience in my neighborhood the other day. I was getting into my car to head to church. I was wearing the traditional ‘uniform’ of an Orthodox priest – a black robe (called a ‘cassock’) and a cross. While I don’t always wear it everywhere, my neighbors are used to seeing me […]
Syrian Jesus
Jesus began his earthly life as refugee a migrant under threat suspected, turned away, unwelcome It is no wonder that it was those suspected, turned away, unwelcome that he continued to identify with You shall not oppress the sojourner among you For you were strangers in the land of Egypt The Father commanded The Father […]
Militant Love
Last week gave us a most heartbreaking image. One of a young boy washed upon a shore, just one of the victims of the Syrian Refugee Crisis, the worst refugee crisis since World War II and among the worst in history. Last week also gave us a number of profound statements and calls to action […]
Saved Together 