40 Days of Blogging: Immortality

Today’s topic is immortality.  Priests spend a lot of time immersed in the reality of death, and yet we simlutaneously proclaim the truth of Christ’s victory over death.  How can a rational mind keep such concepts juxtaposed without compromise or delusion?  Three quick thoughts (as I prepare to leave the Holy Land for Constantinople): – […]

40 Days of Blogging: Rules and Vocational Discernment

I have been the Director of Vocations for the UOC-USA for about a year and a half now. It has been a real blessing to help men and women understand, discern, and live their calling to serve God and His children. There are challenges, though. One of them is that in order to discern and […]

From Unchurched to Disciple: the dynamic of discipleship

The continuum of commitment and membership in the Church looks like this: The Unchurched.  According to survey research, “none” is the fastest growing religion in America.  We should not be surprised.  People who have not truly given their lives to Christ and accepted His salvation have no reason to come to church when society no […]

Podcast: Rapturemania and the Underground Church w/ Fr. John Peck

20140929  Rapturemania and the Underground Church   The rapture: why are people excited about it and what’s it all about?  Why is the Church facing hard times and how can/should it respond?  Fr. John Peck and I talk about these things, an alternative approach to catechizing and doing missions, and the best Nicolas Cage movies […]

Genealogy: Perkins Ancestors in Colonial America

ISAAC PERKINS (1571-1639).  Isaac was born in Rugby Borough, Warwickshire, England and christened on 20 December 1571 in Hillmorton, Warwichshire, England and emigrated to New England in the 1620’s.  In Ipswich, MA he is listed as Yeoman (i.e. Landowner)  “Issache” Perkins.  He was married twice (both wives were named “Alice”); Abraham was born of his first […]

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 […]

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 […]

Four Orthodox Christian Lessons from MLK Jr

 This is a nice article by Andrew Estocin. Here’s a quote; “Martin Luther King Jr. and Archbishop Iakovos both knew that the human person as the image and likeness of God was a truth worth breaking the law, fighting and (in Rev. King’s case) ultimately dying for. Orthodoxy in America needs this type of courage […]

20140110 Preble on Monastic Vocation

Christ is born!  Glorify Him! Social Media Maven and Monastic, Fr. Peter Preble (Shepherd of Souls) talks with me about the vocation of monasticism in 21st century America.  I also snuck in another story by my son, Nicholas.  In this one, Kira is engaged in some serious spiritual warfare.  Enjoy the show! Check out this […]

Guest writer: “Come When Called” by Nicholas Perkins

Skeletons danced in silver mist, and Kira wondered whether he was dreaming.  He pinched his arm and gasped.  Nope; definitely still awake.  There really were dancing skeletons, and the cavern floor really was covered in a swirling layer of silver mist.  His breath was hot and stifled behind his mask, and his robes were starting to stick to his […]