In the town of Phrygia, central Asia Minor, about the year 160AD, a man named Montanus claimed to be “seized” by the Holy Spirit. He began to receive “special” messages, “speak in tongues,” “prophecy,” and so forth. Two women “prophetesses” soon join him: Priscilla and Maximillia. According to a Charismatic/Emerging Church history scheme, about 300AD …
The Charisma of the Age: An Orthodox critique of the Charismatic Movement
The modern world is not just secular. It is also the result of a great religious formation. Although I have argued elsewhere that even the secular world is “religious” in a broad sense, and I hold to it, at current I am using “secular” and “religious” in their classical juxtaposition. One of the most prominent …
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Heavenly Revelation
Why Orthodox Christianity? Through the deafening din of the modern age, Orthodoxy may appear as just another voice in the babble, and just another flavor choice on the “what would I like today” buffet. (To clear something up from the start, Orthodoxy Christianity is not a denomination. Denominations are the result of the Protestant Reformation …
Firsthand Reflection
I have just returned from a two and a half week trip to Ukraine. Although the trip entailed personal factors, one of my goals was to acquire a firsthand experience of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, specifically regarding the Church. To this end, I was blessed to have the opportunity to speak with some of …
In the Meantime
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 …
