“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” …
Category: Orthodoxy in America
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 Found Witches! The Inquisition of Control over Human Freedom
“You have to force behaviors,” Larry Fink of BlackRock. The above quote comes from a 2017 interview that has resurfaced on the internet. In it Mr. Fink (sounds like a Dickens character, “Squeeze them Mr. Fink, squeeze them!”) speaks about how behavior must be forced to change and, in basic, certain prominent groups should use …
Continue reading We Found Witches! The Inquisition of Control over Human Freedom
Where is the Lord Jesus Christ?
Below the reader will find, in full, chapter 15 from my translation of select works form St. Dimitry of Rostov. The chapter title in the book is “The Search for Christ.” I believe it offers very profound themes of contemplation for us as we prepare to enter the Great Fast. Ultimately, every blessed thing that …
The Disobedient Disciple
Below the reader will find a beautiful account of a disciple who through his seeming lack of strict obedience brought forth great fruit. He rightly coupled discernment with obedience. For without discernment, it is possible for obedience to become abusive. Of course, such discernment was (and must be) exercised with great Christian love and devotion. …
Without Icon, there is no Christianity
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life” (Jn 8:12), says the Lord Jesus. It is only in the purifying light of God that we see light and become full of light. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore …
Spiritual Guidance on the Christian Path
I'm very pleased to announce the republication in book form of my translation of select works by St. Dimitry of Rostov. I formerly had a post on my blog with a PDF version, entitled “Instruction on the Path of Virtue.” I have spent a bit of time revising and editing it for publication in print …
The Inkless Pen 