Of great relevance to contemporary issues is the following incident from the life of Archbishop Theophan of Poltava of blessed memory. Such an incident gives guidance to lovers of truth in the midst of certain unstable situations. An evident example is the current situation in Ukraine (which affects America too) and the establishment of a …
Hades’ Flame
In the dark abyss of worldly light, Hell's fire burns deep and bright; At the dusk of this fading mortal day, Hades' flames methodically flicker and sway, Burning, smoldering, the stony callus of my heart, Scorching deep my innermost part. Frigid and fierce Gehenna's coals do burn Underfoot and around every turn, Upon my head, …
With Whom to Stand?
There is, generally speaking, in the Western world a sad silence that reigns with regard to topics like the persecution of Christians. One such example in recent decades has been the mass persecution and destruction of Christian populations in the Middle East. A number of years ago I gave a small talk in which I …
The Prodigal’s Lament
The tears leave a stain Upon my filthy cheeks; My head hung low with pain, Drives my knees to the earth. I've squandered all You gave, Your riches and my worth; With Your gold, I did pave My very path into the mire. Everything You gave, I let blow away Like dark ashes …
Cruising on Broad Way
“Have I surrendered to the will of God, or am I still acting like the boss? Bob Dylan, Are you Ready. An epidemic of the modern disposition is the search for spirituality without sacrifice. This is reflected in modernity's disdain for absolutes (even though secularism, a fundamental of modernity, is ultimately absolutist in its expression) …
What Will You Choose?
I was rereading this article by Archbp. Averky (of Jordanville) of blessed memory and could not help being struck by its extreme pertinence to our times. I believe it most worthy of sharing, it is a sober but stirring message (the above title is the one which I have given to this post) - Few …
New Martyrs of Russia: An All American Feast Day
“Christianity must remain eternally unchanging, in no way being dependent on or guided by the spirit of each age. Instead, Christianity is meant to govern and direct the spirit of the age for anyone who obeys its teachings.” St Theophan the Recluse Millions upon millions of martyrs; a concrete number is hard to ascertain. Indeed, …
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Morning’s Fire
The gloomy shadows of the night, Ran at dawn's radiant light, Taking refuge in man's heart 'Till the morning's fire will start. From a cavern of the earth, Springs forth mankind's rebirth, Primal water's formless tomb, The life-energizing divine womb. The cosmic heavenly expanse, Torn asunder by God's advance, Encompassing all creation, In Tri-Hypostatic salvation; …
Moral Heresy
In true Christianity, Orthodoxy, right faith and living go hand in hand. For instance, a person cannot confess that Jesus Christ is not God and be an Orthodox Christian, in confessing something contrary to the revelation of God in His Church such a one is setting himself at odds with that revelation. Of course, one …
Sweet Kisses of Betrayal
“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What will you give me if I deliver Him up to you?' And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.” Matthew 26:14-15. Whatever the means by which Judas came to the point where his heart was ripe to …
The Inkless Pen 