Desire and Climbing the Tree

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The five Sundays before the beginning of Great Lent are important for helping us get ready to observe and participate in the Great Fast. We got started with the Sunday of Zacchaeus a few days ago. As many may know, Fr. Alexander Schmemann identified the theme of Zacchaeus Sunday as “desire.” Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. He faced several obstacles. … Read More

Who Is God?

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This Sunday evening, we will be doing our livestream on this question. I am looking forward to it. I wanted to share a few preliminary thoughts on this, as unworthy as I am to do so. In August of 1993, my father passed away. I had completed my second year at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. I was at the funeral home … Read More

The Vaccine as the “Mark of the Beast?”

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There has been some controversy about the vaccine for Covid 19. People are of different mindsets as to whether it is a good idea to get the vaccine. I think the recent statement from the Episcopal Assembly of Orthodox Bishops in America is a good statement to follow to help you decide. That link can be accessed here: https://domoca.org/statement-regarding-developments-in-medicine-covid-19-vaccines-immunizations/ There … Read More

Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

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Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  The baptism of our Lord can be hard … Read More

An Encyclical of Hope

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On December 31st of 2020, the OCA web page published an encyclical from the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America entitled “Encyclical of Hope.” You can access it by clicking on this link: https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/synod/2020-1231-encyclical-hope.pdf I would encourage families to read this encyclical together over a three or four day period. As you chew on this, it will make … Read More