40 Days of Blogging: The Mighty Chicken

Day 3 of The 40 Days Blogging Challenge. We've really lost something in separating ourselves from the land.  I know men who can maintain a mean lawn, but can't be bothered to plant a garden.  What does it say about us that we put resources into … [Continue reading]

40 Days of Blogging: Sunday Best

(From Jerusalem) At midnight last night, I was blessed to celebrate the Resurrectional Divine Liturgy at the site of the Resurrection, the Holy Sepulcher.  The experience was overwhelming in the same direction and way that every Paschal service is … [Continue reading]

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 … [Continue reading]

Podcast 20141104: Ukrainian Orthodoxy from the Inside

Two Ukrainian Orthodox priests share their thoughts on history and current events After a bit of satire on Putin's war against Ukraine, Fr. Anthony has a long discussion with Fr. Paul Koroluk, a priest of the UOC-KP (the largest, though … [Continue reading]

If Putin were President of Mexico: the Reconquista (update)

The Background: Before Putin came to Power in MexicoDue to the annexation of large portions of Mexican territory in the 19th century and generations of immigration, a significant portion of the population of US border areas was comprised of … [Continue reading]

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 … [Continue reading]

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 … [Continue reading]

Homily on Stewardship (the talents)

Homily on the Talents: What is (getting to) Heaven Like?St. Matthew 25:14-30 Main point: What do do with the riches God has given us? Multiply them! How? By investing all those riches in spiritual activities that provide a strong return on … [Continue reading]

Homily Notes for the Sunday of All Saints

Sunday of All Saints St. Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.  But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in … [Continue reading]

Homily Notes for Pentecost: How to Acquire the Holy Spirit

How to acquire the Holy Spirit Come to Church and follow the Orthodox Way.  A fruit of the Orthodox Way is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit. Won’t happen; can’t happen outside of Church. Look at the icon; look at the scripture It … [Continue reading]