Reflection on the Beginning of the Nativity Fast
The Nativity Fast, whose beginning we mark this day, encompasses forty days of preparation for the Nativity of the Savior. This fast is notably less intense than the fasts of…
Reflections in Christ
Reflection on the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers
Today we celebrate the synaxis of the holy archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers of heaven. The tradition of the Orthodox Church speaks of seven or eight archangels…
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…
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…