“I am building a temple!”

The following is taken from the excellent BLOG by Fr Milovan. He sometimes gleans things from other sources, and I often glean things from him! I am building a temple! January 29, 2009 H/T: ????????, Archbishop Ignaty’s blog Three builders were carrying the same exact work. -What do you do? -each of them was asked. -I… Continue reading “I am building a temple!”

Fasting cannibals

I just came across the term "fasting cannibals" and it is so descriptive that I could not resist mentioning it, although it is still more than a month before Great Lent begins. The context is not really that important – just some arguing about prospective candidates for Patriarch in Russia. For some, this is a… Continue reading Fasting cannibals

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Categorized as Fasting

Justification, faith and works. 33rd Mon after Pentecost.

Today’s readings, followed by a few pastoral & personal thoughts. Today’s reading from St James is one of my favorites. It is also one of the least understood parts of the NT, because of a misunderstanding about what “justification” is. Some Orthodox Christians may not see what the “big deal” is here, but this is… Continue reading Justification, faith and works. 33rd Mon after Pentecost.

Sunday after Theophany 2009: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

LISTEN NOW Matthew 4:12-17 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,… Continue reading Sunday after Theophany 2009: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Forgiveness and faith

  Todays’ reading is about faith and forgiveness. The two are connected in a marvelous, and unexpected way by our Lord.   He was answering the apostles, who were marvelling that a fig tree He had cursed had withered away. As is always the case, His answer was deeper than the question. He first adresses… Continue reading Forgiveness and faith

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Great is the Feast that is past…

Brothers and Sisters, I had one of those "moments of clarity" at Wednesday night’s Vespers for St. Seraphim, and I thought I should share it. This was the first day of the forefeast of Theophany, and in one of the stichera we sang (quoting from memory), "Great is the feast that is past (Nativity), but greater… Continue reading Great is the Feast that is past…

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Jan 1/14 Circumcision of Christ. Commentary on OT readings.

The Readings for the Circumcision and St Basil include 3 OT readings in Vespers, a Matins Gospel and the usual Epistle and Gospel in liturgy. The readings follow the commentart, because they are so long.   The Vespers readings cover three different subjects, and taken in total, describe a substantial part of the moral content… Continue reading Jan 1/14 Circumcision of Christ. Commentary on OT readings.

Moments of clarity.

The mindless man and the witless shall perish together, and they shall leave their riches to others. And their graves shall be their houses unto eternity, their dwelling places unto generation and generation, thought they have called their lands after their own names. (Psalm48:10-11 Boston)   It is wonderful to read the Psalter daily. Just… Continue reading Moments of clarity.