St. Justin Popovich proclaims that through the whole incarnate action of Christ the Lord, He “has sentenced mankind to immortality.” Truly, it is for immortality that we were made. St. Gregory Palamas teaches, in light of Christ Jesus' Ascension, “He ascended in glory (cf. Acts 1:9), entered the Holy of Holies not made by hands …
Category: Orthodoxy in America
To the Church of Thyatira: Beware of Jezebel
“To the angel of the Church in Thyatira write ...” (Rev. 2:18) The ancient town of Thyatira had little historical significance, “but,” notes Archbp. Averky, “it is known in the history of Christianity because from it there came Lydia, who was enlightened with the light of faith in Christ by the Holy Apostle Paul (cf. …
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Knowing the Underlying Reality of Events
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). Every believer has been given a commandment to test the spirits. That is each believer is to cultivate the ability, by God's grace, to discern …
The State and Religious Affairs
“Another area of discussion was Religion. This is an avowed atheist speaking. And he said: 'Religion is not necessarily bad. A lot of people seem to need religion, with its mysteries and rituals – so they will have religion.' But the major religions of today have to be changed because they are not compatible with …
The Mysterion That Transcends Seclorum
“And He [the Father] put in subjection all things under His [the Son] feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all things in all” (Eph. 1: 22-23). It seems fitting at the moment to put forth a very brief …
Please Do Not Touch Jesus
Could we imagine … +++ A Notice from the Disciples - If you are suffering from disease, sickness, or ailment of any kind please do not touch, kiss, or venerate in any way, Jesus; this includes but is not limited to: the hem of his garment, his clothing in general, his feet, hands and so …
A Famine to Hear the Word of the Lord
Below is a translation from Russian of a word from St. Dimitry of Rostov. He speaks of the famine to hear the Word of the Lord. I found his words first and foremost a challenge to myself and from there I thought it profitable to share them with my readers. I find it worthy to …
The Hearts of Men and the Winnowing of God
“His winnowing fork is in His hand, to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire” (Lk. 3:17). These words were spoken by St. John the Baptist regarding our Lord Jesus Christ at the start of His public ministry. The Lord has …
Uniformity of Behavior, Reconstruction, and Such Musings
The Reconstruction. Перестройка. Gray high-rise apartment buildings loomed in the gray overcast sky. Through the dust-covered window of the charter van, I watched as we passed an overcrowded electric trolley bus which was leaning heavily to one side. I wondered how the trolley was even driving … at the time it seemed more like a …
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Pestilence, Perfidious Persistence, and Penitence
“Past and present, God's will prevails. Hence, understanding is always best and a prudent mind” Beowulf. Godless persons will use even the greatest of tragedies for wicked ends. I think that it is very important to be soberly aware of such goals. I have already indicated this in some of my past posts. I find …
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The Inkless Pen 