2 Corinthians 11:2, 5-6. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I … [Continue reading]
From the Archives: An Explanation of the (Christian) Heresy of Islam for Orthodox Believers
October 10, 2015 By
A friend of mine has been encouraging me to put something together on this for a church publication. I wanted to write so much more (e.g. presenting more of the patristic work on the subject), but time and space didn't allow for it. I am guessing … [Continue reading]
Homily Notes for the Sunday after the Cross: The Impotence of the Law
October 4, 2015 By
This was my first homily at Pokrova Parish in Allentown, PA. Warm-up: on the Cross. Don’t be ashamed of the Cross! Don’t be ashamed of following the Christ who died on the Cross! Don’t be afraid to follow him in persecution and even … [Continue reading]
Notes from a Baptismal Homily – Baptism as Cosmic Spiritual Warfare
August 29, 2015 By
Welcome Guests. Congratulations. What is it that just happened? What is it that baptism accomplishes? There are many ways to look at it: In secular terms, the community of St. Michael’s welcomed a family into formal membership. This is, of … [Continue reading]
From the Archives: Baptism and the Baptismal Liturgy
August 29, 2015 By
Homily: Baptism and Baptismal Liturgy Welcome guests. Beautiful day. I am so happy that the [family] agreed to allow us to Baptize [their child] during Divine Liturgy. Nothing wrong with doing it after Liturgy: this is the way most of you were … [Continue reading]
On My Leaving St. Michael’s in Woonsocket (from the bulletin)
August 24, 2015 By
Why I Asked to be Transferred from St. Michael's in Woonsocket(From a Summer 2015 Bulletin) When Pani Matka Tina Marie and I look back on the eight years we spent with you here, I expect that we will recognize them as some of the best years of our … [Continue reading]
Homily: On the Need to Ritualize Gratitude
August 23, 2015 By
Reflection on the Rich Young Man St. Matthew 19:16-26 Prologue What would you give to inherit eternal life? Because we are here together right now, I know that you are at least willing to give up the best two hours of the week for worship on … [Continue reading]
Homily Notes: On Forgiveness
August 16, 2015 By
Matthew 18:21-35 (The Unforgiving Servant) Made for something wonderful: to be sons and daughters of God. To minister to one another, selflessly and continually seeking their improvement To be part of a family that is united in a perfection of … [Continue reading]
Homily Notes: Faith, Charcoal, and Parish Leadership
July 19, 2015 By
I offered this homily on the Sunday we confirmed our new parish board. Story of charcoal during the summer: it gets humid in the sacristy; the charcoal ends up damp and won’t light easily. Charcoal: Made to light easily, Made for worship (let … [Continue reading]
Homily – All Saints of Kyivan Rus’
June 14, 2015 By
Today we are remembering the Christian nation of Kyivan-Rus not just because they created a nation that built churches where they got baptized, married, and buried. We remember them because they accepted Christ and they filled their lives with him. … [Continue reading]
