May we not forget the multitude of Christian martyrs who have suffered under the brutalities of Islam. Once again, Christians and minority Muslim groups are being brutally murdered by Sunni Islamists, may we recall the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have a hard-to-find and out-of-print book, “New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke,” translated …
Continue reading Christian Martyrs of the Muslim Yoke: Holy Martyr Manuel
“Bodily exercise is profitable for a little, but piety is profitable for all things” St. Paul (1 Tim. 4:8). Should an Orthodox priest be working out? Is it possible that in doing so he would somehow detract from the very spiritual nature of being a priest? The question may be expanded, should Orthodox Christians in …
Dear readers of the Inkless Pen, Thank you for your support in reading my writings and translations. I'm very thankful. I have been writing and publishing on this blog for almost 8 years now. Not long ago, I also started a page on “Substack.” Substack provides an easy method and opportunity for people to become …
Continue reading The Diary of an American Priest and Substack
Not long ago, I encountered an article posted on social media entitled, “Orthodox Christian Destroys Satanic Temple Display in New Hampshire.” The comment section was of interest, in it there were a fair amount of even Orthodox Christians commenting, in basic, “I don't agree with the actions of this person.” They claimed it is, in …
A primary necessity for the Christian life is to stay centered on Christ in all things. It is only in the purifying light of God that we see light, and become enlightened. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.”1 By abiding in …
Continue reading The Destruction of Christian Symbolism and the Rise of Utilitarian Materialism
“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it in order to receive a corruptible crown, but we seek an incorruptible crown,” 1 Cor. 9:25. The true Christian life requires self-discipline. This discipline is known as asceticism. Typically, for the modern person this word evokes images of a hermit …
“Virtue (in the Latin virtus) means manliness, strength, and goodness” Fr. Dumitru Staniloae.1 Bogatyr is an interesting word. It has a varied etymology in Russian. Some sources claim that it comes from the Old Turkic word for “hero” - baytur. Other sources doubt the foreign influence and root the origin in two Russian words: “God” …
“Wondrous is the time of tribulation if your heart is burning for the word of Christ,” Elder Arsenie (Papacioc). Ultimate and essential freedom is not primarily an external reality. True freedom is found within the human person. In its fundamental existence it is not a parcel that is measured out by worldly authorities, for its …
Continue reading The Revolution Begins Within: The Burning Bush of the Heart
The Twentieth Century was the bloodiest century known to mankind. The Twenty-First Century seems to have learned nothing from the previous, or maybe, rather, it is purposefully applying the instructions of the last century. More Christians were martyred in the Twentieth Century than any previous one. More Christians were martyred during the Twentieth Century than …
“'Which jurisdiction do you belong to?' I answered to all: 'To Christ's jurisdiction!'” Fr. Gerasim of Spruce Island. We must be digging deep into the Rock of our Salvation, our Lord and God Jesus Christ. The winds are blowing and the storm only seems to be growing. The Lord knows, He will use all things …
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