Comments for Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

Comment on Selections from Vespers, Liturgical Music Committee of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, Choral Seminar, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas. May 5/18 – 7/20 2012 by helen

helen — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:36:23 +0000

So beautiful! I wish I was there. Congratulations to Ms. Sander and all the choir. Great job, Fr. Seraphim!

Comment on “Having become bold” – What made Joseph, Nicodemus and the Myrhhbearers bold? by helen

helen — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:48:56 +0000

That's a great sermon, very inspiring and very instructional. Thank God!

Comment on Rocking Christ is risen troparion from Africa, and beautiful Serbian Orthodox Paschal Song by St. Vladika Nikolaj Velomirovich by seraphimholland

seraphimholland — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:16:22 +0000

Thank you Carol! Christ is risen! It has been a long time I hope all is well with you and your family. I will add this poem to the post.

Comment on Bright Week Do’s and Dont’s, Holy Week/ Pascha pictures and video by helen

helen — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:15:38 +0000

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

Comment on Rocking Christ is risen troparion from Africa, and beautiful Serbian Orthodox Paschal Song by St. Vladika Nikolaj Velomirovich by Carol Surgant

Carol Surgant — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:56:03 +0000

The above Serbian song is a poem by St. Vladika Nikolaj. Here is a translation:

People rejoice, all nations listen:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Dance all ye stars and sing all ye mountains:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Whisper ye woods and blow all ye winds:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
O seas proclaim and roar all ye beasts:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Buzz all ye bees and sing all ye birds:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
O little lambs rejoice and be merry:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Nightengales joyous, lending your song:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Ring, O ye bells, let everyone hear:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

All angels join us, singing this song:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Come down ye heavens, draw near the earth:
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Glory to Thee, God Almighty!
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!
Glory to Thee, God Almighty!
Christ God is risen! Let us rejoice!

Comment on Cheesefare Wednesday Feb 9/22 2012 Joel 2.12-16; Joel 3.12-21 by Simply

Simply — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:46:42 +0000

I love this site! The material is priceless. Thank you for most of the posts and making my personal week. Compliments, Simply

Comment on Great Monday:The cursing of the fig tree teaches that we must bear fruit or we will wither and die and that we have no excuse for our lack of fruit; faith comes from obedience. by Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:15:17 +0000

Father, Bless,
(I posted this as a comment on your Facebook link to this and then decided that it might be better to post here.):

Thank you very much, Father, for a timely reminder. I always read this story in conjunction with the parable in Luke 13 where the Master comes to cut down the unfruitful fig tree and the steward pleads on behalf of the tree and asks to be given the time and chance to prune and fertilize the tree to see if he can get it to bear fruit. I know I cannot bear fruit without the help of the intercessors that God has placed in my Path to be the stewards of my soul. The story of the cursed fig tree is frightening. On my own I cannot bear fruit even in season, much less out of season and under adverse conditions. This other story of a barren fig tree given help and more time to bear fruit is a great comfort to me. I am thankful beyond words for the Lord's mercy and provision of grace through intercession.

Pray for,

Deborah

Comment on “You will die in your sins.” by Dn. Nicholas Park

Dn. Nicholas Park — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:11:19 +0000

To expand on what Fr. Seraphim has said, this is in fact a heresy that the Church condemned in the 3rd century. There *is* a remedy — namely, a desire to repent and turn back to Christ, coupled with the aid of Grace through the Sacrament of Confession.

Comment on “You will die in your sins.” by seraphimholland

seraphimholland — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:06:00 +0000

That is not what the quote said, or what we believe Anathamus.

Comment on “You will die in your sins.” by anathamus

anathamus — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:48:27 +0000

I have sinned, I accepted Christ, I sinned again, I am now damned without remedy.

Comment on Twelve hour vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in McKinney TX. Abortion Euphemisms. Anger. Do not reason with the unreasonable. by helen

helen — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:48:13 +0000

Thanks for sharing all this experience, Father Seraphim. You really tell it like it is. Raw truth and raw feelings. The part that made me cry was that 90 per cent of the motorists were positive towards you. I'm surprised but extremely glad that you got a thumbs up from some people.

Thanks for sharing all of it, the bad, the good, and the funny (papers scattering).

Next Saturday I'm praying with you. I can't come there, but I'll be praying from home, in New York. Two hours, at least. Stop whatever I'm doing and pray for you all and the cause. God be with you and those praying with you there next Saturday.

Comment on Twelve hour vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in McKinney TX. Abortion Euphemisms. Anger. Do not reason with the unreasonable. by Fr. Photius Avant

Fr. Photius Avant — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:53:51 +0000

May God bless you abundantly for your witness and your prayers! What that poor angry soul shouted at you, "You should have been abortions!" speaks volumes about the reality of abortion and what people REALLY know about it. They shouted that you should have been killed as a poor, helpless infant–that this would have been a GOOD thing, so that "enlightened" people like them would not have to tolerate your "stupidity." That, indeed, your stance on the issue makes you worthy of death.
Again, God bless you for the holy work you are doing.

Comment on Newsletter December 26 / January 8 Sunday after Nativity by helen

helen — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:12:34 +0000

Thanks for the reminder to give thanks to God!

Comment on Prison Ministry Pastoral Letter. The Jesus Prayer. A short and eclectic teaching about baptism by helen

helen — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:16:05 +0000

Yes, I agree, Kyriaki, there's a lot of beautiful information in the above article on baptism. I love it. There's a lot of hope for all of us struggling in our journey of life.
Thank you, Father Seraphim, for all this great and awesome info. And also, thanks for including the quotes from the saints.

Comment on Prison Ministry Pastoral Letter. The Jesus Prayer. A short and eclectic teaching about baptism by Kyriaki

Kyriaki — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:46:29 +0000

Thank you Father!
I am sorry to have missed Anna's baptism, as it was a bit before my time. Thank you for re-printing it!
This is a wonderful reminder of all that baptism is, and of course gave new things I hadn't known before.

Comment on Parable of the Harvest of the Rich Man. Two kinds of men, of ground, of rooms, of ways to talk to the soul, of goods, or treasure, of wealth. by Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:52:11 +0000

Father, Bless,

Thank you for inspiring a lot of thought…never before in reading this story had I noticed that the rich man had mistaken his body for his soul. Since our bodies, minds and souls are linked I can see how easy it is to make this mistake. When my body chemistry is just right from having eaten a nice meal, the temperature in my climate controlled house is just right, my bank account tells me that I have nothing to worry about, or I have relationships with others that make me feel good, etc, etc….all these things can make me feel like "God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world…"

Even when things aren't so good—-in dreaming, planning, coveting, grasping, in all the ways I struggle to arrange my world in a certain way according to the desires of my flesh, ego–my will, I am acting as if by obtaining the state of 'feeling good' that somehow everything is as it should be.

It is hard. My mind can convince my body that it feels good or bad. My body can convince my mind that it feels good or bad. And in all these fluctuations, the soul gets lost. Often the only way the soul gets attention is through suffering. It is in those times where mind and body, like Job, have lost everything (or a deep realization has come that we will one day lose it all)….when health, security, prosperity (or the dream and hope of attaining these things) are gone, it is then that we really become aware–in a deep, tangible way, that life is more than food, drink, raiment…comfort, order, relationships….

Comment on That the whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.” Why do we pray this prayer, when past experience tells us that it will not be fulfilled today? by helen boukas

helen boukas — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:29:22 +0000

May God grant you many years, Father Seraphim. I just listened to this sermon and I cannot wait until Monday to take it down in shorthand so I can transcribe it. This is a wonderful sermon in which you bring out the important point of praying fervently and forcefully, which is a theme I hear in almost all of your sermons. Thank you, Father Seraphim, for caring so much. I really want this sermon and this information to be available for all to read.

Comment on The purpose of the commandments. St Maximus the Confessor by Fonda Berrospe

Fonda Berrospe — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:39:28 +0000

he website was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Many thanks

Comment on Let us not grieve when we make a slip, but when we become hardened by it by helen

helen — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:56:48 +0000

Good article, Father Seraphim. It's good to be reminded to repent and confess our sins. And even more than a reminder, here is a WARNING that we can actually be hardened– our hearts getting cold and stony– by not confessing. Thanks for printing this saying of St. Isaac the Syrian!

Comment on Words of wisdom from a 6 year old: Key to living a good life: You have to twy!! by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:19:54 +0000

Sophie sure lives up to her name. Once you try, it is indeed a whole lot easier to be good. It's getting to the point of trying that's so hard.

When I am not trying it's either because I'm unaware that I've quit trying to be good—or, worse, I don't care that I'm not trying to be good. It's a combination of mindlessness, sloth and pride that keep me from trying.

Once I realize that i am not trying, I have to find the motivation to want to try. This only comes through prayer and confession. Only through admitting that I don't want to try, and that this is sin, do I receive the help to want to try, again. And then the rest is easy–or easier…

It's a simple process—so simple that even a child can figure it out and do it. But it's also hard—so hard that even a middle-aged woman, with years of trying behind her, still struggles to do it.

Comment on Words of wisdom from a 6 year old: Key to living a good life: You have to twy!! by helen

helen — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:33:05 +0000

How cute is that!!! And profound! Truly words of wisdom! May God ever bless Sophie all her life!!!

Comment on Confession of sins in the Scripture. by Dn. Nicholas Park

Dn. Nicholas Park — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:22:09 +0000

An interesting note regarding your last point: if you look up the dictionary meanings of the word "confess," it encompasses both of the meanings found in scripture. And both meanings basically come down to an acknowledgement of something — and here specifically of two things: of our own sins and sinfulness, and of God's dominion, kingdom, power, glory, loving-kindness, reliability, etc. And isn't that — those two acknowledgments — the starting point of Christian life?
As far as these quotes go, many are good references to Confession of sins after Baptism, but some refer specifically to the confession on sins that marks the beginning of Christian life, in connection with repentance prior to baptism.

Comment on Detailed explanation of the troparion and kontakion for the day before and day of Theophany. by Dr. Mark Hoeplinger

Dr. Mark Hoeplinger — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:25:30 +0000

A wonderful discussion, Father! I am a Diaconate student and this was most helpful as I prepare my first homily assignment. Thank you
In Christ, Dr. Mark Hoeplinger, Buffalo NY

Comment on Confession of sins in the Scripture. by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:07:02 +0000

Father, Bless,

Here is an interesting article on the subject of confession by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware:
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/49592.htm

Comment on Confession of sins in the Scripture. by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:02:26 +0000

let's try that again:
Matthew 3:6
Mark 1:5
James 5:16

Comment on Confession of sins in the Scripture. by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:58:46 +0000

Matthew

Comment on Hieromartyr Lucian of Antioch, a living antiminsion by Hieromartyr Lucian of Antioch, a living antiminsion — Rudy Carrera

Hieromartyr Lucian of Antioch, a living antiminsion — Rudy Carrera — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:06:35 +0000

[...] Texas, have proven to be fruitful reading for me while I live outside of the United States. This sermon covers the life of Hieromartyr Lucian, one of the strongest and bravest of all saints, whose story is unique even [...]

Comment on And the Lord is become a refuge for the poor man, a helper in times of well-being and in afflictions. (Psalm 9:8) Laziness, forgetfulness and ignorance by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:47:38 +0000

"...(I think in many ways the latter two passions are quite the same in their results, as a lazy man is always fearful when faced with something that should rouse him to action, because he is unaccustomed to labor)." In myself I find that faintheartedness and anxiety both precede and follow stony insensibility and sloth. It is a terrible vicious cycle. Because I lack sufficient faith, I am anxious over all the complexities and burdens of my life. In the attempt to escape this anxiety, I shut down, run away to distractions that dull my senses, making me forgetful and leading to 'stony insensibility'. But then, as you have written, when I am faced with a new challenge, my sluggishness, slothfulness and insensibility make it hard for me to muster the energy to deal, leading to more anxiety, thus continuing the cycle. Pray for me!

Comment on Orthodox Icons related to Abortion by melxiopp

melxiopp — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:36:50 +0000

The "obscure" icon without a name is the "Help in Birth-giving" Icon, commemorated on 26 December / 8 January. It's available on the St. John's website under this date in the "Icons of the Mother of God" section (see sidebar).

The Life:

"From time immemorial, it has been known that in moments of the most intense suffering of the birthing process, women run with especially fervent prayer to the Savior and to His Most-pure Mother. In our time as well, pious families keep copies of the Icon of the Mother of God known as the “Help in Birth-giving” Icon. In this Icon, the Most-pure Virgin is depicted full-length, standing with hands upraised, and with the Babe in her arms, as in the “Sign” Icon. Mothers bow down before this Icon, calling in fervent prayer upon the assistance of the Most-blessed Virgin Mary, the one who had painlessly given birth to Christ the Savior. They call out to her in a mother’s awesome, uniquely mysterious and secret moment, in the belief that she is a strong intercessor and helper before God for all who suffer and are heavy-laden. And who, running to the Queen of Heaven, can come away without being comforted by her in times of sorrow and ills?! Her almighty intercession brings a solution to all the illnesses and sufferings from which no earthly power or earthly riches could save us.

There is another very ancient Icon, known as the “Icon of the Most-holy Theotokos, helper to women giving birth to children.” On that Icon, the Mother of God is depicted with head uncovered, her hair flowing down her shoulders, and her arms folded upon her breast. The fingers of the left hand partially cover the fingers of the right. Below the level of her wrists sits the Divine Infant, the fingers of His right hand forming the acronym of His Name (ICXC), and the left resting upon His knee. His feet protrude from below the hem of his garments. The Theotokos’ outer garment is red and gold, with a gold star on each shoulder. Her inner garment is dark green, with flashes of gold and with gold stars, and the same kind of trim on her collar and cuffs. The Theotokos’ head inclines slightly. The Savior’s clothing is yellow and gold, blending on his chest into a dark green color. The entire composition is written on a semi-circle."

The icon in question was posted courtesy of http://www.pravoslavie.ru.

Comment on Orthodox Icons related to Abortion by Joseph

Joseph — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:44:08 +0000

If you go to St. Maximus in Denton there's a large icon of the Lament of Rachel I had made for pro-life marches. It made quite an impression.

Comment on Orthodox Icons related to Abortion by John Grapsas

John Grapsas — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:21:08 +0000

Fr Bless!
Dear Father in Christ Seraphim
With regards to the abortion icon above that you have attributed to Zoe for Life, I can confirm that it was commissioned by Bishop Joseph of Arianzos, then of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. This is described at our website at http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/abortion.htm
Yours in Christ,
John Grapsas
webmaster@orthodoxchristian.info

Comment on The Christian view of suffering and pleasure. 1 Peter 4:1-2 by Isaiah Thirtyfive

Isaiah Thirtyfive — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:21:22 +0000

christian youth movement…

[...]The Christian view of suffering and pleasure. 1 Peter 4:1-2 « Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church[...]…

Comment on Kingdom parables Children’s liturgy, Children’s sermon Prayers in the mother tongue Prayer and doing things prayerfully. by Kingdom parables Children's liturgy, Children's sermon Prayers in … - Sermon Ideas, Notes, and more - Sermon Impact

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:19:17 +0000

[...] Excerpted Recommended SERMON IMPACT article from http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2010/07/22/kingdom-parables-children%E2%80%99s-liturgy-children... [...]

Comment on 40 Days for Life Dallas Rally (Sat, Oct 15) with Priest Seraphim Hipsch speaking by 40 Days for Life Dallas Rally (Sat, Oct 15) with Priest Seraphim … | Harp and Bowl Worship

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:24:53 +0000

[...] Excerpted Recommended HARP AND BOWL Article FROM http://orthodox.net/redeemingthetime/2011/10/06/40-days-for-life-dallas-rally-sat-oct-15-with-priest... [...]

Comment on Abba Moses the Ethiopian. Icon, Sayings, and Life by Good Sayings

Good Sayings — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:28:47 +0000

Famous Quotes…

[...]Abba Moses the Ethiopian. Icon, Sayings, and Life « Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church[...]…

Comment on Nativity of the Theotokos. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Text/Audio Homily. by Kyriaki

Kyriaki — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:52:31 +0000

Thank you, Father, for these reminders!
I am always so hopefully chastened when I read your homilies!

Comment on Old Testament references to the Cross. 4th Week of Great Lent – Friday Matins by Dn. Nicholas

Dn. Nicholas — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:30:47 +0000

Jerry, like all prophecies, the OT types of the cross are subtle – this is why we need the tradition to help us see them. So yes, the pole with the serpent is a type (symbol, prophecy) of the cross. So is:
- the wood which sweetened the bitter water
- the cross-like way in which Moses held out his arms while fighting Amalek
- the cross-like manner in which Israel blessed the sons of Joseph
- the letter "tau" which was marked on the lintels at the Exodus
- the way Moses held his staff to part and re-join the waters of the Red Sea: first he held it one direction, then perpendicular to that.
and so forth : ).

Comment on Old Testament references to the Cross. 4th Week of Great Lent – Friday Matins by jerry williams.evangelist

jerry williams.evangelist — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:50:41 +0000

where in the bible the cross.i see pole , not the cross
this is in num:21;9.are the pole and the cross are the same?

Comment on Quiet and healing for the soul. Monday Moleben and Akathist by Marlene Buettner

Marlene Buettner — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:58:10 +0000

I was looking for info on "moleben" and came upon your site; and your article of Jan. 2011 on praying for others. I was touched by your honesty and sincerity Father Seraphim, and your humaness. It must be so difficult at times to fulfill priestly duties, especially as you note the special and feast day services, Vespers, etc. that often are not well attended in most Orthodox churches, which is sad. I liked your focus on "prayer" and how calming and fulfilling it can be. It heals. Marlene

Comment on Beheading of the Glorious Prophet Forerunner and Baptist John. Exegesis of Vespers Readings by Beheading of the Glorious Prophet Forerunner and Baptist John. Exegesis of Vespers Readings — Rudy Carrera

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:35:49 +0000

[...] Fr. Seraphim Holland has some words on this celebration here. [...]