Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church
McKinney TX Homilies, scripture commentary, spiritual reflections
As a portion of our Orthodox brethren are in the midst of the after feast of the Transfiguration, I thought I would make you aware of more Questions and answers abot this feast that serve as a catechetical instruction:
http://www.orthodox.net/questions/transfiguration_1.html
8. How did Jesus’ Transfiguration prepare the
apostles for His subsequent crucifixion?
9. Why were they heavy with sleep?
10. Why did the Apostles tell nobody about this startling event?
4. What made His raiment white and glistering? What occurrence in the OT proves it is possible for our “countenance to be altered”?
5. Moses and Elias conversation about events after their death proves and important truth about the dead, which a good part of those who profess to be Christians seem to not be aware of. What?
6. Why did Moses and Elias appear? What does each represent?
7. Why did Moses and Elias speak of Jesus’ upcoming passion? It would not be out of order to make an educated guess.
1. “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.” (LUKE 9:28)
What sayings?
2. Why did Jesus take three of His disciples?
3. What were the practical considerations and spiritual meaning of Jesus ascending a mountain to pray?
What significance does the event of the Ascension of Jesus Christ have for the Christian? We should understand why we celebrate any feast, and its inner meaning.
In the gospel reading for liturgy on the Ascension, two gifts are mentioned by Christ. One is given and one is promised. What are they? Comment on their importance and meaning for a Christian.
What mountain did Christ ascend from? How will this mountain be involved in another, cataclysmic event?
There is a significant occurrence in the Ascension story that can only be understood in the context of the church, and the absolute need for apostolic succession of bishops and priests. This occurrence, properly understood, should cause everyone who trusts his own interpretation of the bible outside of the context of a visible, authoritative and dogmatic church to flee from his false, individual understanding and seek out the church.
What is this occurrence? Comment on it, and try to specify other scriptures which point out or support this critical Christian teaching.
… and more questions and answers.
Ascension. The whole of our faith is Jesus Christ. Two prophesies, one fulfilled, one being fulfilled. Audio
Videos: The Nativity Troparion (English), in a beautiful Serbian melody:One of my favorites! Another video in a more typically heard Russian melody. Then a Nativity medley, in English and Slavonic, from last year.
Our encounter with the Nativity of Christ must change our way. MATTHEW 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (Matthew 2:12) This scripture describes what we must do if there is to be a “nativity” in our hearts.… Continue reading NB:“They departed into their own country another way.”
LISTEN NOW Matthew 2:13-23 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.… Continue reading Sunday after Nativity 2009. Audio Homily. How should we react to evil?
Brothers and sisters: Christ is born! When we read about the events that occurred right after the birth of Christ – in the 40 days or so right after the birth of Christ – we should be struck with how carefully God plans for our salvation. Everything was already arranged. He knew that Herod would… Continue reading Sunday after Nativity – events afterwards are to be expected.