Let us be the Light of Christ in the midst of a world in darkness One of the most beloved movies ever made was Frank Capra’s, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Staring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, the movie tells the story of an ever optimistic man, who, while facing life’s hardships, set aside his own dreams in order to help…
The Saint Herman of Alaska Pilgrimage continued Please forgive me for not writing a blog article, but the pilgrimage is taking it’s toll on my aging body. I am, however, posting the saints of the day, along with the scripture readings. Hope you enjoy these latest photos. Tomorrow we head to Spruce Island, and will celebrate a Hierarchical Liturgy in…
The Saint Herman of Alaska Pilgrimage An Akathist to Saint Herman of Alaska was chanted in Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in Kodiak. It was followed by the Archbishop’s Tea, with Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop David. Friday August 9, 2019 / July 27, 2019 8th Week after Pentecost. Tone six. Fast. Food with Oil Holy Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon (305). Commemoration…
My dear mother was diagnosed with dementia, back in 2003. Soon after the diagnosis I moved her from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and into an assisted living place on Vashon Island, where I could be involved in the supervision of her care. The dementia progressed for the next four years, and almost from the beginning, she needed me to be…
The chief sign of a priest If a priest is not himself filled with the Holy Spirit he will be unable to impart genuine Orthodoxy to others. If a priest is not working on the acquisition of a humble and contrite heart, he will have failed in his priestly ministry, and will betray himself, and fail in his ministry to…
Imparting the faith as a missionary people The first missionary monks to the North American came to a land where Orthodoxy had never been. Their encounter with the native peoples was one of mutual respect. They did not greet their new neighbors as pagans, but as a people who’s experience with God was limited, but who nevertheless held to certain…
With authority comes responsibility When people are hurting, and seeking professional help, they are vulnerable, and the trust they place in the professional makes them particularly open to exploitation. This is why we must have institutions and lines of authority that hold professionals accountable. We can not allow anyone who is vulnerable, be they a child, or an adult, to…
With the blessing of Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, I have accepted the invitation of Archbishop David of Sitka and Alaska, to participate in the Saint Herman of Alaska Pilgrimage, and to deliver the Pastoral Retreat for his clergy. This trip to Alaska will be my first, and the knowledge that I will finally be able to…
Proper attire in the House of God The Church is our home, a place where we should feel comfortable, and at ease. It is also God’s house and is a temple set aside for worship of the Holy Trinity. Although times have changed and we have become a very casual society, this attitude can not be allowed to influence how…
God’s temple must be entered with awe and fear We must practice reverence in the temple, whether during services or when we step into the church to light a candle and venerate the holy icons. The temple is the place set apart for the worship of the Holy Trinity and is the place where the Bloodless Sacrifice is offered before…
Complaining is in opposition to the message of the Gospels A bad attitude has the ability to keep us from growing spiritually, and can even impact the way we live, and hurt those around us. It is therefore important that we learn to keep a positive attitude, for negative thinking will not make anything better. Complaining is in opposition to…
We must free ourselves from the illness of religion The Church must act with an authority that is grounded in love. Since the Church has the authority to make her people the children of God, she has the authority to forgive, and the capacity to love. And just as her Head, Jesus Christ, she exists to serve, and not to…