June 20th is designated as World Refugee Day. This year it is also the day the UNHCR reported that the number of refugees and displaced persons has exceeded 60 Million for the first time since the organization began keeping track in 1950. Over 60 Million. That means one in every 113 people living on the […]
On the Christian Response to the Orlando Shootings
“I am so sick of this! I can’t believe people say those kinds of things!” My fourteen year old son burst through the door, visibly agitated. We could barely discern exactly what he was trying to communicate. But it was certainly urgent, and it appeared to have something to do with social media. “Ugh, more […]
What Has Corinth To Do With America?
I’ve been reading through the writings of the “Apostolic Fathers” recently. These works, some pastoral letters in the same vein as St. Paul’s epistles, others sermons, others accounts of martyrdom or histories, have one things in common: their connection to the Early Church, the Christians in the time just after the time of the Apostles. […]
Awake at the Airport
I recently had to travel by plane to a church conference. Anyone who has been in an airport, especially since 9/11 knows about the high focus on security. In airports this focus is not just in the hands of the TSA workers and law enforcement, but there is also an expectation that everyone be vigilant […]
Why I Must Oppose Donald Trump: One Priest’s Perspective
I am becoming more convinced that the era of argument is over. Whether in the public sphere, or sadly, even among family and friends, or communities I have witnessed the very swift decline of exchange of ideas, benefit of doubt, and allowance of nuance. I have certainly been guilty of contributing to this decline, perhaps […]
Winning
Winning At any cost Is not a Christian practice Power At the expense of another Is not a Gospel teaching Wealth Does not equal wisdom Nor authority Winning Does not equal strength Nor Righteousness #pastorsagainsttrump its not about politics. its about the gospel.
Opinions
“A truly humble person never behaves like a teacher; he will listen, and, whenever his opinion is requested, he responds humbly. In other words, he replies like a student. He who believes that he is capable of correcting others is filled with egotism.” – St. Paisios the Athonite I read that quote at some point […]
“Self-Appointed Tyranny”:Triumph and the Gospel
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 […]
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 […]
