SACRAMENTAL LIVING

Understanding Christianity as a Way of Life

Sophistication

“There is always the danger, in this scientific age, that we will discount the possibility of falling into idolatry. The Israelites seem unsophisticated when they demand the creation of “gods that shall go before us” (Ex 32:1). Yet we modern thinkers often show ourselves capable of being captivated by secular things and ideas. We fall into the trap of giving persons, programs, movements, or theories the devoted attention and obeisance due to God alone. This constitutes idolat

Beauty

“…a Christian’s experience of beauty is by necessity a faith experience.” (Jeffrey L. Morrow) “What Christians call “repentance”—from the Greek metanoia, to turn back—is often sparked by an encounter with the beautiful.” (Makoto Fujimura) “…beauty requires people who live beautiful lives. They need neither wealth nor power, only the living icon of the Logos to be manifest in their being. It is the secret to Christian “civilization” – not an empire maintained by force of arms

Being a True Disciple of Christ in Today’s World

Being a True Disciple of Christ in Today’s World

On Friday, June 26 at 7 pm, Michael taught a Zoom class to people for the St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral Community called, Being a True Disciple of Christ in Today’s World. The class lasted an hour with an opening prayer, lecture and then interactive discussion. Michael offered a brief reflection on what it is to be a true disciple of Christ in today’s world, and what this is in practice regarding money, authority and obedience, and our spiritual disciplines.

Healthy Mind

“…before his conversion on the Damascus Road, Paul was suffering from paranoia, was out of his right mind. And afterwards he was in a state of metanoia—and metanoia means being turned around, repentant, being in a healthy state of mind.” (Madeleine L'Engle) “When we think about maintaining our health you might not always consider your mind as a part of that process. However, maintaining a healthy mind is extremely important. Furthermore, you may not consider that your relatio

Being a True Disciple of Christ in Today’s World

Being a True Disciple of Christ in Today’s World

On Friday, June 26 at 7 pm, Michael taught a Zoom class to people for the St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral Community called, Being a True Disciple of Christ in Today’s World. The class lasted an hour with an opening prayer, lecture and then interactive discussion. Michael offered a brief reflection on what it is to be a true disciple of Christ in today’s world, and what this is in practice regarding money, authority and obedience, and our spiritual disciplines.

Orientale Lumen Conference XXV

Orientale Lumen Conference XXV

I have been attending the Orientale Lumen Conference for nearly 10 years and have met so many wonderful people, and haven spoken at it a few times myself. This year’s conference was a Zoom session due to present conditions. The theme of this year’s conference wad “Liturgy and Icons: Worshiping with Images.” The plenary speakers were: 1. Plenary I - Archbishop Elpidophoros, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of New York 2. Plenary II- Fr Mark Morozowich, Dean, The Catholic Univ

Rebellion

“Genesis 1-11 narrates three “falls.” There are three distinct times described when human persons joined with spiritual beings in rebellion against God. The first of these, in Genesis 3, led to the devil being cast into the underworld and humanity’s expulsion from Paradise, the presence of God. Through Adam’s sin, death laid claim to the human race. The second rebellion is described in Genesis 4-6. Cain and his descendants join with rebellious angelic powers to bring sin and

Compassion

“Empathy and compassion are necessary preconditions for human community…Compassion means suffering with.” (Vigen Guroian, Orthodox Study Bible, Matthew 9:36) “ ‘When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’ (Matthew 9:35-38). Compassion is

Speaking/Talking

“ ‘Do not speak evil of one another’ (James 4:11). Belittling criticism of others is another case of pride coming out in what we say. It is a lack of faith united with evil works, an offense both to the person criticized and to God. God's will is to love others (James 2:8) with humility and mercy, even if they are in the wrong…” (Orthodox Study Bible, James 4:11-12) “Every wicked act dulls the sense of our thoughts and gives birth to arrogance. For although it is necessary fo

Boat (Being in it)

“The image of Christ and His disciples in a boat is traditionally used to illustrate the Church. God both permits storms and delivers us through them, so that we can see His protection more clearly. Christ's rebuke of the storm is also an illustration of His calming the tempests in the human soul.” (Orthodox Study Bible, Matthew 8:23-27) “Following the Lord Jesus involves far more than simply getting into a boat. The following which Christ requires of us is the self-denial of

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