2013
- Order of prayers. Resurrection, Compunction, Martyrs. Rhythm of prayer. Monday of the Myrhhbearers
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Also in format: WORD
- Faith and works. John 5:28-29 2nd Wednesday of Pascha, 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- Healing of the Paralytic. Wilt thou be made whole? John 5:1-15 2nd Tuesday of Pascha, 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- Kermit Gosnell and the culture of sexualism and death. On the date of the guilty verdicts in his trial. April 30/May 13 (civil calendar) 2013 Second Monday of Pascha
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Also in format: WORD
- Healing of the nobleman's son. Most healing is not flashy, and is preceded by patience and faith. John 4:46-54 2nd Monday of Pascha, 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- Thomas is just like us in at least one way; it must be in two ways if we are to be saved.
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The Apostle Thomas is a perfect example of how we are, deep inside. We have doubts, problems, unresolved issues. We must follow his example to resolve all these problems. We also talk about the closing of the doors in the altar on Bright Saturday night, and what it means. It is VERY related to the story of Thomas, which must become our story if we are to be saved.
Audio Homily - Heavenly things are hard to learn John 3:7-12 Bright Friday 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- "...Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it " [John 2:18]The Greatest signs are in the heart. Bright Thursday 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- A homily on "...Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it " [John 2:5]. Bright Wednesday 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- "Come and see" - It applies to everything. John 1:46 Bright Tuesday 2013
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Also in format: WORD
- How to BECOME a child of God - John 1:12-13
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Also in format: WORD
- Comments on the 2013 Lenten Pastoral Retreat - Diocese of Chicago and Middle America ROCOR - Mar 20/April 2 - Mar 22/ April 3 2013
- Prison Ministry Trip. "Compel them to come in" - choose to not have a choice! Are you content?
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February 8/21, Great martyr Theodore Stratelates.
Also in format: WORD - And in one, holy, Catholic and APOSTOLIC Church. Apostolic succession explained by St Clement of Alexandria
- Thou wilt send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created; and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Psalm 103:3 St Ambrose teaches that this is about the Incarnation and recreation of man in Christ.
2012
- "Oh me of little Faith". An account of a change of heart at a Dallas Abortion Clinic
- "Thy faith hath made thee whole"; understanding the faith of the leper who was healed.
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The response of gratitude of the one leper of the ten who were healed by Jesus prompted our Lord to say to him "Thy faith hath made thee whole."" This common expression of Jesus must be investigated closely, for in each instance, different aspects of faith are revealed. This Samaritan's faith was expressed in two ways, that he prayed for mercy and he gave thanks for his great gift. Regarding his prayer, we have a detailed interlude to talk about the Jesus prayer and how we should pray it, including praying it for others. Then we link the prayer to thanksgiving, for without the latter, the former withers. As we become aware of how much God's mercy surrounds us and helps us. We thank Him, and seek his mercy even more, for ourselves and others. Our heart becomes softer, and feels the needs of others - our heart becomes like that of Jesus. These two things, seeking God's mercy and thanking him for everything - are required for salvation.
- "Wash ye, be ye clean" Chrysostom's interpretation of Isaiah 7:16-18 Forgiveness is a collaboration!
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Synopsis: Forgiveness is a collaboration! To ask forgiveness without repentance is a non-starter, and disobedient to God, Scripture, and common sense. We must remember this especially when attempting to be delivered from habitual sins. We may be making an incompetent effort, but without the effort, there is no forgiveness. The proper understanding of forgiveness from God is total cleansing - the eradication of sin, by the grace of God, in response to our effort and entreaty. ...
Also in format: doc
This is the meaning of St John Chrysostom's inspired words about Hebrews 7:1-3 - The Holy Orthodox Faith; Finding True Freedom Through Slavery And Total Victory Through Surrender by Archimandrite Demetrios Carellas
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Three talk series at St Nicholas, Nov 26-28, 2012
Fr. Demetrios currently serves as the chaplain to the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Saxonburg PA. He firmly believes that the Spirit-filled teachings and lives of the holy Church Fathers are imperative to our being able to incarnate the Gospel of Jesus Christ within the trenches of our daily lives. Papa Demetri has hundreds of spiritual children and has delivered talks and retreats extensively across North America. - "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." The Parable of the unjust steward explains how to fulfil this commandment.
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Synopsis: The Gospels read today, for the Evangelist Matthew & the Parable of the unjust steward, are perfectly compatible, and the parable gives us some insight into how we must fulfill the solemn commandment of our Lord, given after the calling of the Evangelist. In the exegesis of these passages, several anecdotes from Archimandrite Demetrius Carellas' talks, which were included the night before, are mentioned, because we must be a zealous in taming our will as the unjust steward was in taking care of himself, in order to fulfill the commandment: "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
- What is the meaning of life? An Orthodox Christian answer.
- Martyr Zosima the Wilderness-Dweller Commemorated Sep 19
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I am a Christian!
Also in format: doc - The world, that is life enslaved by the affections of the flesh. St Basil the Great.
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Also in format: doc
- Commentary on the verse: For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.
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Also in format: doc
- "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Commentary by Saint Nicolai Velimirovich, Missionary Letters, Part 1, Letter 9, followed by contemporary commentary.
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Also in format: doc
- Twelve hour vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in McKinney TX. A day in the life, praying for the healing of life. Abortion Euphemisms. Anger. Do not reason with the unreasonable
- A prayer is a promise. Exposition of the Theotokion from the Great Canon: Spotless Mother of God, only all-hymned Virgin, pray intensely that we may be saved.
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Also in format: doc
- Flier for McKinney “Forty Days for Life” for Orthodox Christians Mar 6, Tue, 7am-7 pm Mar 17, Sat 7am - 3pm
- Happiness (Salvation) is having our outside match our inside.
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An essay on the aphorism: "Happiness (Salvation) is having our outside match our inside.", with real world examples of how to make this happen.
01/25/2012
Also in format: Word - Progress on the Deck.
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11/30/2011
- Some answers to prayer for people on our public prayer list.
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Also in format: Word
- Let us not grieve when we make a slip, but when we become hardened by it. Do not be afraid of sin, be afraid of not repenting. Sayings of St Isaac the Syrian and poor emulators of him.
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Also in format: Word
- Words of wisdom from a 6 year old: Key to living a good life: You have to twy!!
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Also in format: Word
- An exhortation to partake of the Holy Eucharist, based upon the example of Hieromartyr Lucian of Antioch, a living antiminsion.
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He fulfilled the words: "being made conformable unto his death". His zeal for the Eucharist rebukes our lukewarm age. Commemorated Oct 15
Also in format: Word - And the Lord is become a refuge
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Also in format: Word
- Orthodox Icons related to Abortion
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Also in format: Word
- The Rich get sick more because of self-indulgence. Saint John Chrysostom understands medicine! A quote from his homilies and an short explanation about fasting.
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Also in format: Word
- Service Commemorating the Ten Year Anniversary of September 11, 2001 Served in churches of the Greek Archdiocese, Metropolis of Atlanta.
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Also in format: Word
- Prayerful Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Terrorist attacks of 9-11 (2001)
- Names of Confirmed Orthodox Christians,Who Were Killed by the Muslim Terrorists on 9/11/2001
- St. John Chrysostom on the necessity of reading scripture daily.
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Also in format: Word
- A Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos, by St John of Damascus From His Third Sermon on the Dormition
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Also in format: Word
- Holy Martyr Jacinthus (Hyacinth) Commemorated July 3 It is all because of holiness. Commemorated July 3
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Also in format: Word
- Life of St Mary of Egypt - "By the numbers"
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Also in format: Word
- Intrigues in the Church. First Saturday of Great Lent - St Theodore the Tyro. Bishop Jerome of Manhattan
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Also in format: Word
- Why do we fast? Because we love God more than the gifts He gives us. Patriarch Daniel of Romania
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Also in format: Word
- Beloved brothers and sisters, what is the purpose of Great Lent?
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Also in Russian (on the same page)
Also in format: Word - Evil Ignorance vs. Ignorance pleasing to God. Ilias the Presbyter, Gnomic Anthology
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Also in format: Word
- The Liturgical Theme of the Sunday of Forgiveness, The Casting out of Adam from Paradise. The prerequisite for true forgiveness.
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Also in format: Word
- As we think, so we live. Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Pilgrimage to the Hermitage of the Holy Cross, Wayne, WV Part 1
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Also in format: Word
- The Parable of the Publican and Pharisee. St. Nikolai Velimirovic. Luke 18:10-14
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Also in format: Word
- The Significance of Communing by Fr George Calciu
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Also in format: Word
- On the Lord's Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. The meaning of "Two men went to the temple". St Gregory Palamas
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Also in format: Word
- Arm yourselves with the same mind. He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. The Christian view of suffering and pleasure.
- On the Lord's Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Humility and Conceit. St Gregory Palamas
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Also in format: Word
- "let him refrain his tongue from evil" One cannot be a Christian without enduring persecution without complaining. 1 Peter 3:10-22 Mark 12:18-27
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Also in Word
- On the Lord's Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee - Various ways the Evil One attacks virtue. St Gregory Palamas
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Also in Word
- Murphy's law and molebens. Logismoi. How to think about personal intercessory prayer.
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Also in Word
- As many have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27. An explanation by Saint Gregory Palamas
- I am come to save Adam, the first-fashioned man. Royal Hours of Theophany. Kontakion of the pre-festival - Tone 4
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Explanation of Prefestal Kontakion for Theophany Also in Word Format
- Royal Hours of Theophany - Troparion of the pre-festival – Tone 4. Whereby we cross the flowing stream of life.
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Also in Word Format
- Quiet and healing for the soul - Monday Moleben and Akathist
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Also in Word Format
- Hubbard Squash Soup
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A well liked recipe at our parish Trapeza. Also in Word Format
Also at http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2011/01/05/fasting-hubbard-squash-soup/ - Hummus Recipes
2010
- O Good Physician… A prayer inspired by St Ephrem the Syrian. Monasticism applied to everyone! The Modern Illness in Orthodoxy
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Also in Word format
- The Good Turkish Judge. From the Life of the Elder Ieronymos of Aegina (+1966)
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Also in format WORD
- Apostle Titus of the Seventy
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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Sin makes you stupid.
Ya gotta know what you are not to become what you should be!
Commemorated Aug 25/ Sep 7 Also in format WORD
- God gave us a Church. We need to make use of it as we should - St Theophan the Recluse.
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Festal Vigil Turnout Also in format WORD
- Reflections of the Life of St Mary of Egypt. It is always personal. Things are never as they seem.
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Also in Word format
March 3/16 2020, 5th Tuesday of Great Lent. - NB: Just one resolution for Great Lent. Fasting and prayer
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Clean Thursday, 2010, Feb 4/17 2020
Also in Word format - Snow in Texas. Hope in the soul.
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Saturday before the Sunday of Forgiveness, Jan 31/Feb 13 2020
Also in Word format - NB: Prayer for the Dead. "Saturday of the Dead" & "All Souls Saturday" Why do we do it?
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Also in Word format
2009
- Ordination to the Diaconate - Homily by Met Anthony Bloom.
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The Primary task of a deacon is love
The deacon protects the prayer of the priest.
The deacon proclaims the Gospel with power and authority, but only if he himself has received the word. Also in format WORD
- The Psalter chases the blues away. The Psalter applies to everything. The Psalter always applies to you. Weak faith.
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Also in format WORD
- Avoid profane and vain babblings. Life is short. Treat each day as your last, and you will never sin. 1 Timothy 6:17-20. Nov 27/ Dec 10 27th Thursday after Pentecost
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Also in format WORD
- Christian Life Skills: Praying for others. Praying for enemies. The Jesus Prayer. To pray for someone more diligently
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Also in format WORD
- Priest Daniel Sysoiev. Matushka Julia Sysoieva. Collection for his family.
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Nov 14/27 2009 25th Friday after Pentecost
Also in Word format - His Holiness, Patriarch Pavle, Another glimpse into his remarkable life.
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Nov 12/25 2009 25th Wednesday after Pentecost
- Christian Life Skills: The Jesus prayer. Pray without ceasing. New Testament Challenge and the Jesus Prayer Challenge.
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Nov 11/24 25th Tuesday after Pentecost
Also in Word format - Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Children's liturgy and children's sermon. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
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The sermon in the Children's liturgy contained something for all children of God - we are children of the light - it is really THAT simple.
Nov 6/ 19 2009 24th Thursday after Pentecost
Also in Word format - The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
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Nov 6/ 19 2009 24th Thursday after Pentecost
The Apostle exhorts regarding the judgment, a theme that is mentioned every day in Orthodox services, and refers to darkness as sin and being in the light as the calling of all Christians.
Also in Word format - 30(40) days of blogging
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Nov 5/18 2009 24th Wednesday after Pentecost
- Patriarch Pavle stories
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Nov 4/17 2009 24th Tuesday after Pentecost. Also in format WORD
- The cry of every pastor and shepherd: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord, For ye are our glory and joy. What is life? Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:20-3:8
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Nov 3/16 2009 24th Monday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Idolatry, Honesty. Mat 5:33-37
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Oct 31/Nov 13 2009 23rd Friday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- ST. BASIL THE GREAT ON THE PSALTER, from the Russian Orthodox Psalter
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Oct 30/ Nov 12 2009 23rd Thursday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- THE ATHANASIAN CREED. From the Russian Orthodox Psalter. Mystery
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Oct 29/ Nov 11 2009 23rd Wednesday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- "Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" is only possible when there is "work of faith, and labor of love". When is the Gospel… "not … in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost"?
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Oct 27/Nov 9 2009 23rd Monday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Holy Father Nicholas, pray to God for us! Summing things up in the Akathist to St Nicholas. Understanding prayer to the Saints.
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Nighttime pictures of temple construction.
Oct 24/ Nov 6 2009 22nd Friday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- The Great Litany. The Litany of Peace. A short introduction.
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With a great painting of a deacon.
Oct 22/Nov4 2009 22nd Wednesday after Pentecost. Holy Equal to the Apostle Abercius. Also in format WORD
- That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and necessity… Thoughts on a petition in the Great Ectenia, the Litany of Peace
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Oct 21/Nov 3 2009 22nd Tuesday after Pentecost. Monk Hilarion the Great. Also in format WORD
- St Longinus the Centurion. St Sergius of Radonezh. Children's School - ages 6-11.
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Oct 15/28 2009 21st Wednesday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- The Law and Sin. What is Sin? Romans 3:20
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Oct 14/27 2009 21st Tuesday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Twelve Meanings of Candles Based on Their Properties
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by Mitred Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff, rector of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA
Oct 13/26 2009 21st Monday after Pentecost. Holy Martyr Zlata. Also in format WORD
- I count all things but loss - The knowledge of Christ Jesus - That I may win Christ - Philippians 3:8 - Biblical Exegesis
- A house upon a rock. Words to build by. Luke 6:46-7:1. Children's Liturgy.
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Oct 8/21 2009 20th Wednesday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Construction Photos - Building of the Apse
- Christian Life Skills - The Four Bows. Give the first fruits of your day to the Lord
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October 6/19 20th Holy Apostle Thomas, 20th Monday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- What is a Christian? What is a Saint? The Orthodox Dogma of sanctity, by St Justin Popovich
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Oct 3/16 2009 19th Friday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Parable of the ten Virgins. The Oil is the Holy Spirit. The proper dogma regarding works
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St. Seraphim of Sarov's Conversation With Nicholas Motovilov
A Wonderful Revelation to the World
Oct 2/15 2009 St Anna of Kashin Also in format WORD
- Christian Life Skills -Being on time
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Oct 1/Oct 14 2009 19th Wednesday after Pentecost. Protection of the Theotokos Also in format WORD
- Christian Love is not the same as the World's love. Love without knowledge and judgment is not love. The Dogma of Love. Philippians 1:8-14
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Sep 30/Oct 13 2009 19th Tuesday after Pentecost. Also in format WORD
- Iconostasis Design Meeting, with pictures and design sketch of altar and iconostasis
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Sep 29/ Oct 12 2009 Also in format WORD
- Everything MUST have meaning! Sickness. Drug Addiction. Priorities.
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Sept 26/ Oct 8 2009. Repose Of The Holy Apostle And Evangelist John The Theologian Also in format WORD
- Raising the Dead vs Influencing the belief of the dead, from St John Chrysostom, Homily 3 on Ephesians
- Construction Photos - The walls are almost done.
- Classic Chrysostom.
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How to read St John Chrysostom.
Psychology and Theology.
Refuting all our excuses for sins.
Sept 16/29 2009. - The Raising of Lazarus Church, Muromansky Monastery
- The Church is shown to be a many-lighted heaven, Happy anniversary to us.
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Construction progress with PICTURES - the walls are almost done.
Sep 13/26 2009 Saturday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Also in format WORD
- Venerable Theodora. True Repentance. False Accusation. A sinner helping other sinners not to sin.
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Sep 11/24 2009 16th Thursday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Prayer of Intercession. A Prayer in Accord. Father Arseny, a Cloud of Witnesses
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Sept 10/23 2009 Also in format WORD
- Nativity of the Theotokos. Grace beginneth to produce splendid fruit. The all-holy mountain.
- Deliver my soul from a lying tongue (short mp3 audio reflection)
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Reflection of verses in the Antiphons (Songs of Ascent) before the Matins Gospel, Tone 5, Sunday.
An important "double meaning" that we must understand.
Aug 31/ Sep 13 2009 14th Sunday after Pentecost. - A unified Russian Church is a great Spiritual Force
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Interview with Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Aug 30 / Sep 12 2009 14th Saturday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Martyrs Adrian and Natalia, Pouring the Slab
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Aug 26/ Sep 8 2009 14th Tuesday after Pentecost Also in format WORD
- Aug 13/26 2009 Two Days before Dormition.
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Dormition hymns: The Furnace and the Theotokos
The Three Holy Children.
The Angel of the Lord.
The Best time to hear the hymns of the church.
Everything depends on our disposition.
Also in Word format - Aug 1/ 14 10th Friday after Pentecost. Beginning of Dormition Fast.
- July 30/ Aug 12 2009 10th Wednesday after Pentecost
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What happened on the Cross?
Dispassion.
Tue Vespers, Tone 8, Lord I have Cried, Sticheron 1 Also in format: WORD
- July 29 / Aug 11 2009 10th Tuesday after Pentecost
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Daily Readings.
Guidelines for reading, with freedom for departures.
Who are we hanging out with?
What we do IS who we are with.
EVERYTHING we do affects our intelligence. Also in format: WORD
- July 25 / Aug 7 2009 9th Friday after Pentecost
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Information regarding the Establishment of English Speaking Convent in the Mid-American Diocese Also in format: WORD
- July 24/ Aug 6 2009 9th Thursday after Pentecost.
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Moleben on the Land - Pictures
The littlest choir member.
Let them sing!
It should be illegal to be this cute. Also in format: WORD
- 07-14, 07/27 2009 8th Monday after Pentecost
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Repentance, it's not just for Lent anymore.
A church that forgets its monastic heritage is not a church.
Nine Angelic ranks
Seven Archangels.
The Fig Tree. Also in format: WORD
- 07/10-23 2009 6th Thursday after Pentecost
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REALLY believing in the resurrection.
Good manners.
Dogma is not just facts.
Thursday Matins Tone V, First Sessional Hymn Also in format: WORD
- 7/7 - 7-20 2009 7th Monday after Pentecost
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The Importance of Monasticism
Poverty, obedience, chastity, stability.
We obey those whom we know love us.
Chastity is Integrity.
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Women's Monastery Also in format: WORD
- 07/01 - 07/14 2009 6th Tuesday after Pentecost
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Parish news - building progress.
Pledge letter.
Two things I ask my flock to do.
The Octoechos (Paraklitiki)
The Services are the Scriptures Explained.
Can't get enough of that true about myself stuff. Also in format: WORD
- 06/24 - 07/07 2009. Nativity of John the Baptist.
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Cut to the chase.
The Angel of the Lord.
What is a Vespers "Parable"?
Comments on First Vesper reading.
Genesis 17:15-17, 19; 18:11-14; 21:1-8
Laughing. - 06/23 - 07/06 2009. 5th Monday after Pentecost.
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Future plans.
Building Permit.
Parish prayer helps everybody.
It is always about morality.
If you cannot stop sinning, at least be kind.
Romans 12:4-5, 15-21 Also in format: WORD
- June 21/ July 4 2009. 4th Saturday after Pentecost, Matins
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Moments of Clarity.
Many feelings.
The importance of evening services.
The easy way to be an Evangelist.
We need quantity in order to obtain quality. Also in format: WORD
- 3rd Wednesday after Pentecost. June 11/24 2009.
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More commentary on Monday's reading.
Matthew 10:5-7
To the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.
Freely you have received, freely give.
Hunters for humility. Also in format: WORD
- 3rd Monday after Pentecost. June 9/22 2009.
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Freely ye have received, freely give.
A fundamental principal of priestly ministry.
Simony.
Almsgiving.
A great privilege.
The multitudes and the pastoral heart.
Laborers. Also in format: WORD
- May 28/June 10 2009. Wednesday after Pentecost
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Romans 1:18-27
Two sins that lead to all others.
It's always about you.
Idolatry.
Sexual immorality.
The delusion of the age.
We must have courage. Also in format: WORD
- Monday, May 26/Jun 8 2009. Day of the Holy Spirit
- Saturday before Pentecost. Soul Saturday. May 24/ Jun 6 2009
- Tuesday before Pentecost - John 16:2-13
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What is "all truth"? How do we find it?
Campus Crusade for Christ.
Dogma is moral.
Monasticism. Also in format: WORD
- Friday after Ascension, May 16/29 2009
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Prayer for the Prosperity of the Russian Church
Pastoral Zeal.
Liturgical Renovationism.
A three sided coin. Also in format: WORD
- 5th Tuesday of Pascha - May 6/19 2009
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Holy Righteous Job
An Eclectic Commentary on the Book of Job
How should we read "difficult" books?
Praying for our children with the Jesus prayer Also in format: WORD
- 5th Monday of Pascha, May 5/18 2009
- 4th Saturday of Pascha. May 3/16 2009
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Why do we pray facing East?
Why does the priest not face the people when he prays?
Orthodox Christian worship is prayer, not entertainment.
Some people smile too much.
The Domino Theory.
St. John of Damascus, Book IV, chapter 12. Also in format: WORD
- 3rd Friday of Pascha, Apr 25/May 8 2009
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Scripture is blunt.
Slogans.
Jesus wept.
Even right brains can get things done. Also in format: WORD
- Friday of Thomas Week 2009
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The pleasure of little things.
Pascha season fasting rules.
Difference in services in the Paschal season.
Repetition is necessary.
The safe way to sauté with Olive oil.
Rutabagas are great.
A recipe that has no name. Also in format: WORD
- 2009-04-02 ns (3/20) 5th Thursday of Great Lent.
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Prison Ministry
Hackberry trees
Serendipity
Just showing up - 2009-03-02 ns. (3/19) 5th Wednesday of Great Lent 2009. After the Great Canon service.
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A happy heart.
Fasting creates simple pleasures.
Lentil Curry, & cooking oil and onions.
"Yummy" Black Cherry soda.
The Theme of the Great Canon.
St Mary of Egypt.
Irony.
What is the "Pastoral Journal"?
Most of the day to day writing done for this website and our blog is commentary on scripture and the service texts. These are the most important things to understand, because both contain the "words of life" (Scripture being them, and the services par-excellence, a comprehensive commentary and explanation of scripture and our Orthodox theology).
My number one practical goal as a pastor is to induce in others a fervent desire to know and live the true Christian faith. We moderns know the scripture and service texts poorly, so that is my main concentration. I figure that if anyone, Orthodox or not, begins to perceive the beautiful intricacy and precision of the Scripture and the service texts, they will see that the Orthodox church is the perfect expression of the truth, and they will be drawn to adopting it, or living more fully and seriously in it.
As a rule, I try to follow the church calendar, and the readings for the day, or the services upcoming.Sometimes, inspiration just does not come about these things, or I just think of something else, in that never ceasing churning of my mind, and want to write something edifying that does not really fit into any category. Hence, the "Pastoral Journal", with its sporadic, sometimes "stream of consiousness" posts. Priest Seraphim.
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