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 … [Continue reading]
Healing the Divisions of the Orthodox in Ukraine; the Diaspora as a Model for Reconciliation
Bible Study 7: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (and the Logos!)
Bible Study St. Mary UOC (Pokrova) 9 November 2016 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 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 … [Continue reading]
Bible Study 6: Cain & Abel, the Nephilim, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel
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 … [Continue reading]
Homily Notes: A Thorn in the Flesh
The Balance of Mystery and Persecution 2 Corinthians 11:31-12:9 (Epistle) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. [In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city … [Continue reading]
Bible Study 5: Genesis One – Resting… and Falling
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 … [Continue reading]
Homily Notes: The Law of (Joyfully) Sowing and Reaping
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? … [Continue reading]
Bible Study 4: Genesis One – Image and Likeness
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 … [Continue reading]
Homily Notes: the high calling of the royal priesthood
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 … [Continue reading]
Spiritual Speaking: “Why can’t women go into the altar?”
Spiritually Speaking (weekly adult education series) The Big Question (and Third Rail): “Why can't women go into the altar?” The short answer; "they can". The longer answer; "it's complicated". Introduction: what is going on in the altar and what … [Continue reading]
Bible Study 3 – The First Four Days of (Functional) Creation
Bible Study 3: Genesis One – Creation as Liturgy 05 October 2016 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 … [Continue reading]