Saving yourself from the damage of war

I am going to stay on this soapbox a bit longer because I am worried.  Many people who are dear to me are following the news from Ukraine very closely, searching out every twitter feed, youtube release, live video feed, local (i.e. Ukrainian) blogger, and MSM commentary that will keep them update on what is […]

Podcast – 20140313 Epistemology, Schindler, and Ukraine

This episode begins with a reflection on the Orthodox understanding of knowledge (epistemology), but the bulk of it is an interview with John Schindler, PhD (XXCommittee.com) on spycraft, propoganda, provokation, disinformation and Ukraine.  I know you will love it! http://traffic.libsyn.com/orthoanalytika/20140312-Schindler-Ukraine.mp3

War, Ukraine, and Orthodox Epistemology

“Love your enemies… unless they invade your ancestral homeland, overthrow a government you prefer, or enact policies you find abhorrent.”The Antigospel of Satan (i.e. “Things Jesus NEVER said”).  Introduction: the temptation of demonization in times of warI have seen what what war does to the souls of good people. Far too often, the temptations of […]

Nick Perkins – Allegory on Afghan Education

Saturday- 0800 There was no time for fear.  There was no time for anything.  One moment, the world was still.  Aeva sat eagerly in her chair as the teacher introduced the class to letters, things that Aeva had only ever seen her Aunt or big sisters work with.  Her littlest (and favoritist) sister, Habiba, was […]

Some Advice for Ukrainian “Experts”

I’ve done several interviews on the Maidan and the pig’s breakfast the situation in Ukraine is becoming.  Here’s the most recent (lightly edited). As for my statement, I am a retired military intelligence officer (and political science professor) who spent many years working the war in Afghanistan for the US Intelligence Community.  I’m also a […]

Homily on the Last Judgment

Homily on the Last Judgment In his homily on the Last Judgment, St. Gregory of Nyssa asks “why would God set standards of charity for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven?” We need to know the answer. Why have conditions at all? Isn’t God’s love for us unconditional? Hasn’t He taught us that forgiveness and […]

Maidan Casualties for All-Souls

A dear friend compiled this list from multiple sources (Date of Information: 21 February 2014). MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL! Alexandr Scherbaniuk Anatoliy Zhalovaha Anatoliy Zherebnev Andrii Movchan Andriy Chernenko Andriy Dihdalovych Andriy Fedyukin Andriy Korchak Andriy Sayenko Andriy Tchernenko Antonina Dvoryanets Bohdan Bayda Bohdan Solchanyk Bohdan Vaida Bohdan Kalyniak David Kipiani Dmytro Pahor Dmytro […]

From Intelligence Officer to Orthodox Priest

I gave this talk as part of the “Orthodoxy on Tap” program.  It is designed to take Orthodoxy out to where it can meet people where they are (the fact that that place happens to have good food and drinks is a bonus).   While the conversation went in many directions (but not into aliens, […]

Homily Notes: The Sunday after Theophany

Homily Notes: The Sunday after TheophanyEphesians 4:7-13; St. Matthew 4:12-17 Three Points from today’s scripture lessons:  Point One:  Darkness vs. Light.  Christ came to bring us light.  4:16  “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” (quoting Isaiah) […]

A Meditation on MLK Jr and Our Own Cowardice

The Lord God stands in the midst of the Divine Council and judges among the gods.”How long will you rule unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?Defend the poor and fatherless, maintain the rights of the afflicted and the destitute.  Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:1-4) […]