Homilies, commentary, and the shownotes for OrthoAnalytika, a podcast on spirituality, science, culture, prepping, the paranormal, and current events
Homily for the Sunday after Christmas [“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”] It is common for us to lament the commercialization of Christmas, complaining that we have lost the “reason for the season.” I think this is true. … [Continue reading]
As Orthodox Christians, we can draw on a lot of wisdom on how to improve our lives. As we go into the New Year and all its hopes, let me share some nuggets that I have found useful. Resolution (i.e. “willpower”) is not enough. Our faith is … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
PERMANENT CONFERENCE OF UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX HIERARCHS BEYOND THE BORDERS OF UKRAINE Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ 2013/2014 To the Venerable Clergy, Monastics and Faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church beyond … [Continue reading]
I love it when our hierarchs write homilies for us! - Fr Anthony + BARTHOLOMEW, By God’s Mercy Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical PatriarchTo the Plenitude of the Church: Grace, mercy, and peace from the Savior Christ, born in … [Continue reading]
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 … [Continue reading]
A few days ago, I wrote about how much we are like the toy monkey with the cymbals: our buttons get pushed and we start to clang. It's as if everything were pre-programmed. Psychologists have found that this isn't far from the case. My favorite … [Continue reading]
Even if Professor William Tighe is correct and the Church was re-appropriating the date from the pagans (possible, but there were competing claims), the broader evangelical point made below remains valid. It even gains additional urgency: the Church … [Continue reading]
The most iconic image of the comfort is found in Psalm 22/23: "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Those words bring to mind all the warm fuzzies of a mother's hug and all the calm of a father's protection. Psalm 22/23 is like the greatest … [Continue reading]
2 Timothy 3: 3-9 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, … [Continue reading]
