“... his blood, I shall require at the watchman's hand” (Eze. 33:6). Fearful words are revealed to the Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord commands Ezekiel to speak to the “sons of your people” (Eze. 33:1), which means all of Israel of old and for us today it may be understood as those within the Church. The …
Tag: Ecclesiology
The Divine Liturgy is the Heart of the Church
“Instead of learning to live, people are learning to die” Bob Dylan. A reflection on the Div. Liturgy during these trying times. The Divine Liturgy not only teaches us how to live, but it is also the means whereby we truly live. We must understand that first and foremost we are “Ekklesia.” That is …
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Christians in Times of Epidemic, Then and Now
Addendum, 3/19/20 - Since I penned this article the synod of the OCA issued a statement effectively closing all the churches under their jurisdiction [4/13/20, since that time, limited services have been restored in some places]. I penned this reflection before that action was taken. In the article, I have strived to offer a reflection …
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Union Under the Kingdom of Man: Incense on the Altar of Caeser
One of the physical reasons that the early Church was at times heavily persecuted by the ancient Roman Empire is because She would not proclaim the State and the leader of the State as "god." Ceaser desired to reign supreme over all things. But early Christians would not participate in the cult of the emperor. …
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Met. Onuphry, Ukraine, and Orthodox Unity in America (and throughout the world)
With great joy today I received in the mail a copy of the Orthodox Word. One of the subjects in this issue is His Beatitude Met. Onuphry of Ukraine. I will start by encouraging anyone reading this to get a copy and read it, here is a link to the digital copy (hard copies may …
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The Church of Smyrna: Times of Persecution
The message to the church of Smyrna is the shortest of the seven letters. “And to the angel of the Church in Smyrna write: “These things says the First and the Last, Who became dead and came to life ...” (Rev. 2:8). Also, see Rev. 1:17-18. Archimandrite Athanasios understands “angel” to refer specifically to the …
Extensive Study of the Book of Revelation in English
Dear Readers, As I slowly continue to produce brief studies on the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, I wanted to provide you with the link to the extensive study by Archimandrite Athanasios of blessed memory. It is a voluminous work which seems to be firmly grounded upon the Patristic ethos. Link - Study …
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The Church of Ephesus: Praise and Rebuke
“To the angel of the Church in Ephesus write: 'These things says the One Who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One Who walks about in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” (Rev. 2:1). According to the Patristic understanding, the seven stars represent bishops and the lampstands the churches. Christ the …
The Seven Churches of Revelation: A Message to the Church For All Time.
Introduction. “Write these things which you saw, and the things which are, and the things which are about to take place after these things” (Rev. 1:19). In the opening pages of the most cryptic book of the New Testament, the book of the Apocalypse, or Revelation, Our Lord Jesus, the First and the Last, addresses …
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Stricken with Death
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments,” John 14:15. A true Christian is one who is striving to abide in the commandments of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. For the one tasting of the goodness of God, even just a little bit, the commandments become “good and light” (cf. Matt. 11:30). …
