Bible Study – Genesis One I

After summarizing the Orthodox approach to scripture, Fr. Anthony begins a verse by verse examination of Genesis One.  We made it up to “Image and Likeness!” Review. We have to read texts according to their purpose and scope. The purpose of the Bible is to describe the economy of our salvation (i.e. mankind’s sin, Christ/Messiah […]

Class – On a Noetic Effect of the Fall (mirror imaging)

Today Fr. Anthony continues his introduction to Orthodoxy by talking about something very real and necessary – how our pride handicaps our ability to have healthy relationships and thus fulfilling God’s desire that we be one as He (God) is One (John 17:21).  In this case, the main example is mirror imaging.  Enjoy the show! […]

Homily – The Bronze Serpent and Iconoclasm

John 3:13-17.  Why did God have Moses create an image (a statue) of a serpent to deliver them from the pain of sin (grumbling) and what does that teach us about the the use and misuse of icons?  Two things about this homily – the first is that Fr. Anthony’s iPhone decided to use his […]

Bible Study – Introduction to the Christian Old Testament

Opening prayer (from the Prayer before the Gospel during the Diving Liturgy) Make the pure light of Thy divine knowledge shine in our hearts, Loving Master, and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the message of Thy Gospel. Instill also in us reverence for Thy blessed commandments, so that overcoming all […]

Class – Orthodoxy and the Problem of Pride

In this, the first part of a series (Fall, Sunday afternoon adult education), Fr. Anthony provides an introduction to the Orthodox conception of the mind, how pride corrupts it, and how Orthodoxy heals and perfects it.  Enjoy the show!  Check out this episode!

Homily – Vineyards, Parishes, and Minds

St. Matthew 21:33-42.  The Parable of the Vineyard.  After describing the most immediate meaning of the parable (a warning and prophecy to the Jewish leaders), Fr. Anthony applies the lessons to the mission of the parish and the transformation of the mind.  Enjoy the show! Check out this episode!

Homily – Not Salvation but Perfection

Matthew 19:16-26.  The reading on the rich young man, the camel, and the needle.  After wrapping up his series on community virtues (let all be done in love), Fr. Anthony draws on St. Nikolai Velimirovic, to distinguish between eternal life (salvation) and perfection (theosis).  [Note – the point Fr. Anthony was making about not becoming […]

Fr. Eugen Rosu – Church Ministries on a Shoestring Budget

Today it is my blessing to share an interview with Fr. Eugen Rosu.  Fr. Eugen has been a priest for 31 years, married for 32 years, and enjoying fatherhood for 11 years.  He recently published the book “Church Ministries on a Shoestring Budget” to share his experience and encourage evangelism. The book offers information on […]

Homily – Forgiveness May Involve Boundaries or Goodbye

Matthew 18:23-35.  The parable on forgiveness (the wicked servant).  God desires us to be one as He is one.  This is good and beautiful (!), but it isn’t easy because we (unlike God) we are not holy!  This means that we need to learn to forgive.  After assuring us that God requires forgiveness but NOT […]

Homily – Ignore the Orcs

In this homily on the healing/exorcism of the lunatic (St. Matthew 17:14-23), after talking about the life skill of monitoring the response to and use of compliments and criticism, Fr. Anthony continues his metaphor of the mind as terrain that has considerable ungoverned territory.  The prayer and fasting that Christ says is required for advanced […]