They aren’t hearing what we mean to say; A critique of our reaction to concerns about Communion and the coronavirus Fr. AnthonyPerkins Despite our intention and our ability to justify our words, our witness has been damaged by our response to this crisis. We run the very real risk of strengthening the misperception that Orthodoxy […]
Homily: Murder in the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33-42)
August 26, 2018 By
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants St. Matthew 21:33-42 The primary purpose of this parable at the time it was given was to warn God’s chosen people that God had sent His Son – who was now among them – to see how the stewards of his vineyards were doing; to remind them what they […]
Parish Talk – Home is WHAT the Heart Is
February 5, 2018 By
We often hear that “Home is where the heart is”, and this is certainly true. But what if the longing we felt towards home could be satisfied not by a place, but by a condition of being? What if we could “be” in that place where we find joyful contentment at any time and at […]
Book Discussion: Lynette Hull on Iconography
September 21, 2017 By
http://traffic.libsyn.com/orthoanalytika/20170921-IconographyBookDiscussion.mp3 This month (September 2017), the St. Sophia Seminary Library Book Discussion Group invited iconographer Lynette Hull to speak about “The Art of Seeing; Paradox and Perception in Orthodox Iconography” by Fr. Maximos Constas. Enjoy the show! Check out this episode! *** Here is Lynette Hull’s review of the “The Art of Seeing” at the Orthodox […]
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!” […]
On Starting at a New Parish (AFR Podcast and Notes)
March 18, 2016 By
The Podcast is here. Review: Ten (Eleven!) Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation In a previous post and podcast, I reviewed Rev. Lawrence W. Farris’ book Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation. It was full of good advice to help set your successor and the parish you are leaving up for success and ensure […]
On Transitions – how to leave well
December 1, 2015 By
On 13 September 2015, I served my last Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s in Woonsocket, RI. Although in many ways the situation was ideal (it was an amicable parting; I wasn’t driven out by them or by frustration with them), it was still very difficult. I wanted to do it well, for their benefit, for […]
Personal Tribute to St. Sophia Seminary
November 30, 2015 By
I wrote this for the “Tuesday of Giving” development effort at St. Sophia’s. V. Rev. Anthony Perkins, rector of St. Mary Protection of the Holy Theotokos Cathedral, Allentown PA.Vocations Director, Associate Academic Dean, & Adjunct Professor of Spirituality at St. Sophia’s My CallingWhen I was about fourteen, I was studying the Gospel of St. […]
A Plea for Pastoral Gentleness
March 17, 2015 By
Thoughts on the calling of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew Matthew was a tax collector. When Jesus gave him the invitation to “follow me”, he responded with hospitality. He opened his house to the Lord, his disciples, fellow tax collectors, and unspecified sinners. Just to make sure everyone had a good time, this was […]
What is a “Peacemaker”? A Reflection
March 1, 2015 By
Then Jesus Christ said; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (St. Matthew 5:9) We sing this every Sunday as part of the Beatitudes (sung during the Little Entrance, when the clergy process to the Holy Doors with the Gospel), but what does it mean? Let’s start with the […]
