As at times happens, life has been very busy of late. As an Orthodox Priest Holy Week and Pascha are very busy but wonderful times. I have been wanting to sit down and write something for a while now but have not managed to get to it. I will be traveling for a few weeks, …
Aspirations of Global Dominion
Those who read my blog know that a theme which I revisit on a frequent base is that of the events transpiring in Ukraine. These events have many long years of development. Although there are many aspects to the events there, I have focused mainly on the implications with regard to Orthodox Christianity. The Orthodox …
With Whom Will I be Left?
Of great relevance to contemporary issues is the following incident from the life of Archbishop Theophan of Poltava of blessed memory. Such an incident gives guidance to lovers of truth in the midst of certain unstable situations. An evident example is the situation in Ukraine (which affects America too) and the establishment of a pseudo-church …
Hades’ Flame
In the dark abyss of worldly light, Hell's fire burns deep and bright; At the dusk of this fading mortal day, Hades' flames methodically flicker and sway, Burning, smoldering, the stony callus of my heart, Scorching deep my innermost part. Frigid and fierce Gehenna's coals do burn Underfoot and around every turn, Upon my head, …
With Whom to Stand?
There is, generally speaking, in the Western world a sad silence that reigns with regard to topics like the persecution of Christians. One such example in recent decades has been the mass persecution and destruction of Christian populations in the Middle East. A number of years ago I gave a small talk in which I …
The Prodigal’s Lament
The tears leave a stain Upon my filthy cheeks; My head hung low with pain, Drives my knees to the earth. I've squandered all You gave, Your riches and my worth; With Your gold, I did pave My very path into the mire. Everything You gave, I let blow away Like dark ashes …
Straddling the Fence
“Have I surrendered to the will of God, or am I still acting like the boss? Bob Dylan, Are you Ready. An epidemic of the modern disposition is the search for spirituality without sacrifice. This is reflected in modernity's disdain for absolutes (even though secularism, a fundamental of modernity, is ultimately absolutist in its expression) …
What Will You Choose?
I was rereading this article by Archbp. Averky (of Jordanville) of blessed memory and could not help being struck by its extreme pertinence to our times. I believe it most worthy of sharing, it is a sober but stirring message (the above title is the one which I have given to this post) - Few …
New Martyrs of Russia: An All American Feast Day
“Christianity must remain eternally unchanging, in no way being dependent on or guided by the spirit of each age. Instead, Christianity is meant to govern and direct the spirit of the age for anyone who obeys its teachings.” St Theophan the Recluse Millions upon millions of martyrs; a concrete number is hard to ascertain. Indeed, …
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Morning’s Fire
The gloomy shadows of the night, Ran at dawn's radiant light, Taking refuge in man's heart 'Till the morning's fire will start. From a cavern of the earth, Springs forth mankind's rebirth, Primal water's formless tomb, The life-energizing divine womb. The cosmic heavenly expanse, Torn asunder by God's advance, Encompassing all creation, …
