“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 …
Category: Orthodoxy in America
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 force must be used to change behavior and, in basic terms, certain prominent groups …
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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 Loss of True Reason and the Fall of Mankind
Below is another portion of my current continued effort to translate more of the works of St. Dimitry of Rostov. The preceding translations may be found through these links - Chapter 2: A True Mind and an Evil Mind. Chapter 3: Without the Purification of the Mind, Everything is Foolishness. Here, I offer Chapter 1, …
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Should We Ever be Silent on the Matters of Faith? Lessons from the Life of St. Maximus the Confessor.
It is, most likely, a tactic as old as history. Incite questions, or clear attack, as to the motive and character of your opponent, discredit him, and thereby circumvent addressing any viable and legitimate topics or issues he may raise or present. In modern times this is called character assassination. In the study of fallacies, …
Without the Purification of the Mind, There is only Foolishness
Below is little more of my translation (from Russian) of a work by St. Dimitry of Rostov on the topic of knowledge, reason, and the mind. The reader may find the previous article on this subject, by St. Dimitry, here - “A True Mind and an Evil Mind.”The topic of true knowledge and understanding is …
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The Inkless Pen 