Fasting 1 – The Scriptural and Theological Basis of Fasting

The Theological Basis of Fasting Do not say to me that I fasted for so many days, that I did not eat this or that, that I did not drink wine, that I endured want; but show me if thou from an angry man hast become gentle, if thou from a cruel man hast become Read more about Fasting 1 – The Scriptural and Theological Basis of Fasting[…]

Do Orthodox Neglect Evangelism?

A 60 second thought I had: Is it a fair criticism of the Orthodox that we do not evangelize like the protestants, and especially the non-denominational protestants? Yes and no. In an absolute sense (and probably a per capita sense if such were measurable) I think it is true there is more emphasis on evangelism Read more about Do Orthodox Neglect Evangelism?[…]

Does the Orthodox Church Not Believe the Bible?

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?[…]

Be Perfectly Joined Together

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

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[…]

Did St. Tikhon Write a Western Rite Liturgy?

The “Liturgy of St. Tikhon” is not a liturgy of St. Tikhon at all, nor was it ever approved by the Russian Synod of Bishops at the behest of St. Tikhon. As explained by the Antiochian Archdiocese: “In 1904, Archbishop Tikhon received a response from the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church to his Read more about Did St. Tikhon Write a Western Rite Liturgy?[…]

The Light and the Spirit: Homily for Holy Pentecost

On Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Irineos reflects on the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, and the founding of the Church. He also discusses how, though the Spirit may lead us into all Truth, this is only possible through the guidance of the Light of Christ.

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Of Faith and Works – Part 1

This subject recurs with sufficient frequency that I anticipate there will be a second installment at some point.  In this initial treatment, I wish to demonstrate that the Orthodox treatment of works is not as a means to merit salvation, but rather is an honest assessment of the importance of works as the fruits which prove Read more about Of Faith and Works – Part 1[…]