Before posting, sharing, or liking anything today Ask the following questions: What am I hoping to achieve by passing this along? Is it to make me feel justified? Validated? Superior? Clever? If so, ask whether doing this will really do the trick, or if that’s even something I should be pursuing (especially on the whole […]
Father Tom Taught Me…
Today the Church mourns the passing of a truly great man. Fr. Thomas Hopko fell asleep in the Lord this afternoon surrounded by his family and by the prayers of so many; those close to him, former students and colleagues, and also many who had only met him a few times or not at all […]
No One Takes My Life From Me: On ISIS and Martyrdom
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 […]
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. […]
Surprised By Soccer
or… ‘How I Got Hooked On the Beautiful Game This Summer’ It might be a sign of midlife crisis, or, if Ann Coulter’s right, a ‘clear sign of moral decay’, but whatever it is, I can’t explain it, but it’s real. This Midwestern ‘born-and-raised on John Madden’s color commentary – still gets chills at the […]
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,…
Saved Together 