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 …
Category: Living the Faith
The Destruction of Christian Symbolism and the Rise of Utilitarian Materialism
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 …
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Ascetic Strength
“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 …
The Bogatyr of Virtue
“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” …
The Revolution Begins Within: The Burning Bush of the Heart
“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 …
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The Burning Bush in a World on Fire
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 …
The Schism of False Unity
“'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 …
Earth, Death, and Life
“For all things there is a time … a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted” (Eccl. 3:1-2). Certain things must be done in their proper season. I guess that's one of the reasons there is the saying, “strike while the metal is hot.” Certain times in life seem to …
Homilies on the Divine Liturgy, by St. Seraphim (Zvezdensky) now available in print!
Greetings in Christ Jesus! I'm very excited to inform you, my dear readers, that the incredible "Homilies on the Divine Liturgy," By St Seraphim (Zvezdensky) are now available in print! By God's grace, I was able to translate these homilies from Russian into English. They may also be found on my blog but having them …
We Have no God but Government!
“We have no king but Caesar,” the Pharisees and chief priests. This post is a continuation of the reflection that I embarked upon in my last article, 'We Found Witches, the Inquisition of Control Over Human Freedom.” If you have yet to read it, I'd recommend you read it before reading this post. Here I'm …
The Inkless Pen 