“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” …
Tag: Orthodox Living
The Revolution Begins Within: The Burning Bush of the Heart
“Wondrous is the time of tribulation if your heart is burning for the word of Christ,” Elder Arsenie (Papacioc). Ultimate and essential freedom is not primarily an external reality. True freedom is found within the human person. In its fundamental existence it is not a parcel that is measured out by worldly authorities, for its …
Continue reading The Revolution Begins Within: The Burning Bush of the Heart
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 Have no God but Government!
“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 …
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 …
The Inkless Pen 