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 …
Continue reading The Destruction of Christian Symbolism and the Rise of Utilitarian Materialism
“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 …
“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 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 …
“'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 …
“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 …
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 …
Below the reader will find part two of the very spiritually profitable talk given by Archbishop Averky of blessed memory. The original title is “‘Salt is beguiling’ – a sign of the approaching end: To the centenary of the blessed repose of Bishop Ignatius (Bryanchaninov).” Part one may be found here. I provide the text …
Continue reading Understanding the Signs of the Times: Apostasy and Antichrist (Part 2).
“These things I have spoken to you, in order that you should not be made to stumble. They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, moreover there comes an hour that everyone who kills you should think that he offers God a service” (Jn. 16:1-2). The path of a true Christian can be nothing …
Continue reading The Desert: the End Time Dwelling for the Church
“Speaking the truth in love, may we grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth and love may never be separated. “God is love” proclaims the holy theologian John (cf. 1 Jn. 4:8). Our Lord proclaims, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (cf. Jn. 14:6). …
The Inkless Pen 