Originally published in the Journal Review “Faith” Section, March 7, 2015 I’m sure many who are reading this are aware of a story from several weeks back about 21 Egyptian men who were killed by the so-called Islamic State. Their deaths made the news, and showed up all over social media because of the public […]
Category: Faith Matters
Mystery Matters: On Icons and Explanation
In the Orthodox Church, the first Sunday of Lent is referred to as the “Sunday of Orthodoxy”. It is focused on the unity of the Church, but also is a remembrance and celebration of the historical event that occurred in the 8th century. After nearly a century of great conflict surrounding the veneration and use […]
An Apology to Matthew Heimbach
A week ago I made a comment on a Facebook post that I need to make a public apology for. In the midst of a robust discussion on a friend’s page about issues of globalism vs. nationalism, recent events involving a group based in Bloomington, IN led by Matthew Heimbach were mentioned. To be clear, I […]
How to Live, How to Die: A Sermon on the Feast of St. Stephen
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Today, as we continue in the celebration of Nativity, looking ahead to the New Year and Holy Theophany – a season celebrating the light which is Christ, coming into the world and sanctifying it – we also have the […]
Saints?
Originally published Septmeber 20, 2014 in the Journal Review, Crawfordsville, IN. “So, what’s the deal with Saints in your church?” This is a question I have received many times, as an Orthodox priest in central Indiana. Sometimes it is from serious, honest inquirers, sometimes from folks who are just curious at something that is very […]
Imagine
My version of “Imagine” doesn’t erase heaven, or even religion. I Imagine, and actually believe, maybe naively, that most people just want to live peaceably, raise their families and worship freely (if they are people of faith). I Imagine that most people (of faith or not) are actually generous and compassionate if given the chance. […]
Judas and the Harlot
Originally posted on Saved Together:
The halfway point of Orthodox Christian Holy Week begins, really, on Tuesday evening, with the Matins of Holy Wednesday. One of the characteristics of Holy Week is the way time is turned “upside down”. If immersed in the services, in contemplation of the events remembered, it sets a unique tone,…
The “R” Word
Religion. Depending on a person’s background, age, or beliefs, this word can conjure up a wide variety of responses. It seems like lately, though, the word has become very unpopular. Various polls (I won’t include them here, but email me if you want my sources) I’ve recently read show that Americans (especially young people) increasingly […]
Sorrow
“When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”” (Luke 22:45-46) In the weeks before Lent the Orthodox Church prescribes reading through the passion gospels that we will hear at […]
Auto-Correct!
A few weeks ago I reflected on a impulsive Facebook blast I was guilty of surrounding the rant by Seattle Seahawks DB (and now Super Bowl Champion) Richard Sherman. The morning after the rant I realized my need to keep any ‘teaching moments’ in the appropriate space between father and son (or daughter). Well, something […]
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