Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. (Ephesians 5:11-13) This verse from Ephesians was part of the epistle reading for … Read More

It is true that a person’s life is not from one’s possessions or because of having an overabundance. He who is rich toward God is very blessed and has glorious hope. Who is he? Evidently, one who does not love wealth but rather loves virtue, and to whom few things are sufficient. It is one whose hand is open to … Read More

For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God— not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 These verses are difficult to understand. On … Read More

You know the saying “the truth hurts”? Well, I’m sure in some cases it does but in this case it never felt so good. Did you ever have one of those moments when you read something you’re sure was written especially for you? This was one of those moments. It’s funny how you could read something over and over again … Read More

I used to have this image of what I thought my children would look like during prayer. They’d be knelt down with their hands neatly folded, eyes closed with a tranquil look upon their faces as they conversed with our Heavenly Father. Something resembling a Precious Moment figurine or like the pictures I’d seen in children’s prayer books. Reality, however, … Read More

I started these notes on voting and polarization about 5 weeks ago. I want to leave you with a few final thoughts as I wrap up this series. Whatever issues we talk about, whether they be moral issues like LBGTQ, abortion rights, gun control, school violence or issues like immigration, health care and refugees, we need to understand that these … Read More

Jesus teaches us that we are in the world but not of the world (John 17:6-11). He told Pilate during his passion that His Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). This is important for us to understand as Orthodox Christians. On the other hand, at the wedding banquet gospel from Matthew, mention is made that both good and … Read More

In my Family note dated September 16th I asked the following question: How do we keep the embittered political discord of our society from entering the life of the Church? As we learn from the Feast of the Exaltation, the bitter waters of the Israelites’ lives were made sweet when the Wood was tossed into the bitter waters of Marah. … Read More

Everyone is free to vote for either candidate for President and for other items on this year’s ballot. A person’s vote seems to revolve around the policies each candidate puts forward during the campaign and the party platforms passed at each convention before the election. Everyone should vote according to each candidate’s policies and values that are consistent with their … Read More

It is important to undertake one’s responsibility to vote at elections. We pray in our services for good laws to be established in our country. This is part of our Christian witness. But we also need to understand that our witness to Christ is a transcendent one, made in this world but pointing beyond this world. So, when we go … Read More