This query was posted on Facebook by a friend of a friend: Why are the words of Jesus’s disciples discredited but the words of people appointed saints not? The bible says it was inspired by God. Inspired meaning in the original language is “to breath life into” just as God inspired Adam. Does Orthodox religion Read more about Does the Orthodox Church Not Believe the Bible?[…]
Recently, the retired OCA bishop Lazar Puhalo (also known as ROCOR deacon Lev Puhalo before his deposition) was asked “Is monasticism a form of moralism?” by a group that advocates a married episcopate. He responded as follows: “I suspect that it is. I have written many times that monasticism is in no way superior to Read more about Lazar Puhalo Attacks Monasticism[…]
The Epistle Reading for today gave me much to reflect on as I prepared my homily. And after I was done, I thought it was not my best effort to be sure. But the theme of the reading was so strong, it merits more comment. The Epistle (1 Cor. 1:10-18) begins: Now I beseech you, Read more about Be Perfectly Joined Together[…]
Orthodox evangelism is not like what passes for evangelism in the various Christian sects. We understand that we do not bring anyone to the Church. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to be ready to receive and welcome each inquirer as the prepare to come home to Holy Orthodoxy! How Read more about Orthodox Evangelism[…]
It was said concerning Abba Agathon that some monks came to find him having heard tell of his great discernment. Wanting to see if he would lose his temper they said to him ‘Aren’t you that Agathon who is said to be a fornicator and a proud man?’ ‘Yes, it is very true,’ he answered. Read more about Of Insults and Discernment[…]
by Bishop Irineos of Illyricum Even among the New Calendarists, there remain many traditionalists who will condemn, or at least voice uneasiness over, the Calendar innovation of Meletios Metaxakis (sometimes referred to as Meletios Metaxis) or the continuing ecumenism of Bartholomew of Constantinople, and generally will agree with the Genuine Orthodox position on ecumenism, Read more about Are the Objections of the Old Calendarists Just Modern Day Donatism?[…]
At the recent synod meeting in Avlona, Greece, I had the opportunity to sit down and visit with Abp. Gavrilo of Moravia about his missionary work on behalf of the True Orthodox in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The interview can be heard here:
It has become very fashionable among those who would attack the Church to hurl accusations of paganism at every turn. In almost every instance what these accusations betray is a fundamental lack of understanding of the transformative power of the incarnation. God became matter, sanctifying all matter. We cannot be at war with God’s creation Read more about Can an Orthodox Christian have a Christmas Tree? Isn’t It Pagan?[…]
From Vladimir Moss (http://www.orthodoxchristianbooks.com) The new calendarists have had many direct warnings from the Heavenly Church that the path they have embarked on by accepting newcalendarism-ecumenism is false. One such warning was given to the new calendarist Bishop Arsenius of Larissa on December 12/25, 1934, the feast of St. Spyridon according to the Old Calendar, Read more about ST. SPYRIDON VERSUS THE NEW CALENDAR[…]
My homily for the 28th Sunday after Pentecost if provided after the “Read More” line. Unfortunately, the recorder ran out of memory as I was giving the homily, so this is a rough draft of my notes. The following readings were given on Sunday.
Colossians 1:12-18
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Luke 17:12-19
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Now the homily: