RIOCF: Statement on Same-Sex Marriage

Rhode Island Orthodox Clergy FellowshipStatement on Same-Sex Marriage  We, the clergy of the Orthodox Churches of Rhode Island, express our disappointment over recent developments concerning the status of marriage in our country and in our state.  … [Continue reading]

Class. The ABC’s of Salvation through Christ and His Orthodox Church (why do we have all this stuff?)

Our Faith: Orthodox Christianity at St. Michael’sWoonsocket, Rhode Island Opening Prayer: O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, who is everywhere present and fills all things; come and abide in us, cleanse us from every impurity, and save our … [Continue reading]

Homily: Threading the Needle

Homily on St. Matthew 19:16-2615 September 2013 And that thou mightest learn, that not by addition but by taking away this evil is stayed; if thou hadst ever had an absurd desire to fly and to be borne through the air, how wouldest thou extinguish … [Continue reading]

20130910 Fr. John Peck on Vocations and Preparedness

In this episode, Fr. John and Fr. Anthony share their friendship and love of Christ and His Church with you.  They talk about vocations (Fr. John is the manager of the popular "Good Guys Wear Black" website and Fr. Anthony is the Director of … [Continue reading]

Some thoughts on the priestly vocation (impediments and advice)

The following represents my own personal reflections and are not necessarily representative of anyone else’s opinions.  I focus on the UOC-USA because it is the Church I serve and the example I know best.  With some minor modifications, these … [Continue reading]

Homily: On (not) Giving Clergy their Due

Homily on 1 Corinthians 9:2-12 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? (Excerpt) Pani and I went on vacation this past weekend. … [Continue reading]

My notes for the talk on Moral Psychology

I had hoped to find time to write these up properly - but two moths later I haven't!  So here it is, mis-spellings, poor grammar, and all! Notes for a talk on Orthodoxy, Ritual and Moral Psychology Warning: I use the words “conservative” and … [Continue reading]

Podcast: 20130807 Being a Hero and Moral Psychology

This podcasts begins with advice for young people to become heroes.  The rest is devoted to introducing listeners to some findings in moral psychology and their relevance to Orthodoxy (hint- it's about ritual/Orthopraxis).  Lord willing, I'll be … [Continue reading]

“Children are not our future – they are our present!”

Homily in Celebration of our Children and Youth (All Saints Day, 2013) "Children are not our future – they are our present!” These words of our beloved Metropolitan Constantine of blessed memory are not a call to put our children and youth on some … [Continue reading]

Moral Psychology, Orthodoxy, and Ritual (video)

Here is a link to the YouTube Video of the talk. YouTube Blurb:  Sometimes it seems like religious conservatives and liberals are speaking a different language when it comes to morality. Framing plays an issue as both groups try to establish which … [Continue reading]