Reflection for October 31
In the ancient Western Rite of the Church, today is All Hallows’ Eve, the vigil of the Western Rite feast of All Saints; as is well known, it is this liturgical celebration that…
Reflections in Christ
Sermon on the First Feast Day of Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk
“Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” These words, spoken by the Lord to his disciples 2,000 years ago, were doubtless…
Reflection on Saint Olga of Kwethluk
This is the first annual feast of our righteous mother Olga of Kwethluk, and we rejoice in the goodness of God, who continues to make saints and reveal them to us for our comfort, help, and inspiration. Among…
Reflection on the Memorial Saturday of Saint Demetrius
According to the practice that the Orthodox Church in America has inherited from the Russian Orthodox Church, this day, known as Demetrius Saturday, is a universal commemoration of the departed. Though…
Sermon on the Sower
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Today, the Lord speaking in parables describes the faithful as different types of soil: some are good fruitful soil, but others are bad soil – rocky, thorny, shallow. ...
Reflection on Clergy Appreciation Month
October is recognized across the Christian world as Clergy Appreciation Month, a time to honor those who serve the Church in pastoral ministry. While not a designated observance within the Orthodox Church in America…
Reflection on Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
Happy Thanksgiving to my flock in Canada! As we celebrate the bountiful harvest of the earth this day, we are reminded that God “established the earth; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited”...
Reflection on the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos
Today we celebrate the Protection of the Theotokos and also two of the Church’s great singers and melodists, St. Roman and St. John Cucuzeles. There is a deep connection between our hymnography and the person…
Reflection on the Feast of the Conception of the Forerunner
The first event of the New Testament, chronologically, is the conception of the Forerunner. Only St. Luke deals with the Baptist’s conception and birth, but three of the four Gospels…
Sermon for the Exaltation of the Cross
Today, as we bow down before the Cross, the wisdom of the world is put to shame by the foolishness of God. Today, as we exalt this instrument of torture and death as an ensign of life, we testify…