Being Called to Holiness through my initiation into the Church, means being called to believe that human life is immortal because it is a sharing in God’s own life. True holiness means putting on the mind of God – of … Continue reading
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Blessed Is He Who Comes In the Name of the Lord With our celebration today of the Lord’s voluntary entrance into Jerusalem, the place of His death, our prayerful and thoughtful reflection on the last days of His earthly life … Continue reading
The magnificence of Constantinople and the refined civilization of its empire excited the envy of many peoples and nations. Grandeur and dignity, security and ease, progress and glory wafted from every story, from every piece of information coming from the … Continue reading
During the past several weeks I have shared information about the oldest Liturgy that that Church developed. It is the Clementine Liturgy and is the basis for all subsequent Eastern, Liturgies. The Clementine Liturgy enables us to form a reasonably … Continue reading
After sharing with you the thoughts of our Patriarch and Synod of Bishops about an initiative meant to help all communities become vibrant parishes, I have shared my thoughts about what it means to be Called to Holiness. It is … Continue reading
It must be remembered that for Paul the Church was the Body of Christ continued in time. Unity was key to this idea of the Body of Christ. In Corinth, when the meal ceased to be a common meal, this … Continue reading
In Eastern thought, salvation is understood essentially in terms of participation and communion with the deified humanity of the incarnate Logos – Christ. The Eastern fathers even dare to call the Spirit the “image of the Son”; by this they … Continue reading
We must realize that change in a person is only truly produced by God’s grace; yet it does not occur without the participation of a person’s free will. In repentance or metanoia, free will must participate in the very act … Continue reading
I rejoice that on Palm Sunday, on the day of the Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, I again have the opportunity to address you. “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33) You always, and … Continue reading
In you, O Mother Mary of Egypt, the divine likeness shone forth faithfully, for by taking up the cross, you followed Christ. You gave example to be not concerned with fleeting life, but to be watchful over the eternal soul. … Continue reading