Reflection on the feast of the Conception of the Theotokos
Speaking of the most holy Theotokos, St. Maximus the Confessor writes that, “She was blessed by all and was full of all grace, and I will say even further that she was supremely worthy…
Reflections in Christ
Reflection on the feast of Saint Nicholas
St. Nicholas, known the world over for his miracles, is also specifically known for his depiction on a number of wonder-working icons. Though these miraculous images of St. Nicholas are not as…
Reflection on Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving to my entire flock in the United States of America! Today many of us celebrate with family or friends, giving thanks for the unnumbered blessings that we enjoy. But…
Reflection on the Great Feast on the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple
Today we celebrate entrance of the most holy Theotokos into the temple; today the three-year-old most pure Ever-virgin enters into the inner sanctuary, fleeing the company of men…
Reflection on the Beginning of the Nativity Fast
The Nativity Fast, whose beginning we mark this day, encompasses forty days of preparation for the Nativity of the Savior. This fast is notably less intense than the fasts of…
Reflection on the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers
Today we celebrate the synaxis of the holy archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers of heaven. The tradition of the Orthodox Church speaks of seven or eight archangels…
Reflection for October 31
In the ancient Western Rite of the Church, today is All Hallows’ Eve, the vigil of the Western Rite feast of All Saints; as is well known, it is this liturgical celebration that…
Sermon on the First Feast Day of Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk
“Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” These words, spoken by the Lord to his disciples 2,000 years ago, were doubtless…
Reflection on Saint Olga of Kwethluk
This is the first annual feast of our righteous mother Olga of Kwethluk, and we rejoice in the goodness of God, who continues to make saints and reveal them to us for our comfort, help, and inspiration. Among…
Reflection on the Memorial Saturday of Saint Demetrius
According to the practice that the Orthodox Church in America has inherited from the Russian Orthodox Church, this day, known as Demetrius Saturday, is a universal commemoration of the departed. Though…