Because this Sunday was also the commemoration of St. Savas, one who “made the tears with repentance”, I worked the theme of tears of repentance then gratitude (i.e. the second baptism) being the only thing that allows God to make the desert of our hearts and lives fertile. This is not reflected in the notes. On Gratitude […]
OT Bible Study #9: Introducing Moses
December 14, 2016 By
Old Testament Bible Study #9 Exodus: Introducing Moses Prayer: Make the pure light of Your divine knowledge shine in our hearts, Loving Master, and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the message of Your Gospel. Instill also in us reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that overcoming all worldly desires, we […]
Homily Notes: On the Transfer of Holiness in the Economy of Salvation
December 4, 2016 By
The main thing that has always struck me about this feast is the dynamic of transfer from holy place to holy place that is going on. Given: that God is holy and he seeks to meet us within a dedicated Holy Place. Places are sanctified by the presence of God. They should be set aside […]
OT Bible Study #8: The Patriarch Joseph the Comely
November 30, 2016 By
St. Mary (Pokrova) Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Allentown PA (11/30/2016) Old Testament Bible Study #8: The Patriarch Joseph, the Comely Prayer: Make the pure light of Your divine knowledge shine in our hearts, Loving Master, and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the message of Your Gospel. Instill also in us reverence […]
Homily: Achieving Unity with God
November 30, 2016 By
St. Luke 10:25-37 (Good Samaritan) St. John 1:43-51 (Philip and Nathaniel) The goal and necessity of the human life is union with God; the Good News is that this is possible through Christ (e.g. Vladimir Lossky). Should amaze us. Doesn’t? Perhaps because we have already made ourselves gods Or at least conceived of divinity as […]
Healing the Divisions of the Orthodox in Ukraine; the Diaspora as a Model for Reconciliation
November 19, 2016 By
This paper was prepared for presentation at conference; “Ecumenical Encounters between East and West. Catholicism and Orthodoxy in Ukraine” on Saturday, November 12th 2016 at La salle University organized by the St. Sophia Religious Association of Ukrainian Catholics, Inc. and the Lasalle University M.A. Program in Eastern European Studies and supported by the Shevchenko Scientific […]
Bible Study 5: Genesis One – Resting… and Falling
October 27, 2016 By
Opening prayer (from the Prayer before the Gospel during the Diving Liturgy) Make the pure light of Your divine knowledge shine in our hearts, Loving Master, and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the message of Your Gospel. Instill also in us reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that overcoming all […]
Homily Notes: The Law of (Joyfully) Sowing and Reaping
October 23, 2016 By
A Universal Law (cause and effect): Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly; whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Explain metaphor. What is sowing? What is reaping? What are WE supposed to sow? Ourselves. The Gospel. (same thing) What are we going to reap (what is a bounty? What will we really enjoy?!) […]
Bible Study 4: Genesis One – Image and Likeness
October 12, 2016 By
Bible Study 4: Genesis One – Image and Likeness St. Mary (Покрова) Cathedral Opening prayer (from the Prayer before the Gospel during the Diving Liturgy) Make the pure light of Your divine knowledge shine in our hearts, Loving Master, and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the message of Your Gospel. […]
Homily Notes: the high calling of the royal priesthood
October 10, 2016 By
Luke 5:1-11 The calling of the Apostles: be fishers of men! [a note on the purpose of the homily; it convicts, but does not accuse. We don’t give the “Devil’s Homily”.] Why? Why is the Gospel so important? [explain] Profound claim: “it is no longer I who live but Christ (GOD!!!!) who lives in me!” […]
