Sermon for the Exaltation of the Cross
Today, as we bow down before the Cross, the wisdom of the world is put to shame by the foolishness of God. Today, as we exalt this instrument of torture and death as an ensign of life, we testify…
Reflections in Christ
Reflection on the Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
The final chapter of the Didache refers to a sign of outspreading, or expansion, and many have understood this sign to be the sign of the Cross. On the Cross, Christ stretches…
Homily on the Nativity of the Theotokos
One of the folk-names for today’s feast is translated in English as the “Little Most Pure.” The literal meaning here is clear: today we see the Theotokos as a baby; looking at the festal icon we behold…
Reflection on the Great Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Last week we celebrated the beginning of a new ecclesiastical year; now we mark the first great feast of the year, the birth of the Theotokos. The outer proclamation of…
Greetings at the Conclusion of Liturgy Concelebration with Archbishop Stefan of the Macedonian Orthodox Church
It is my great joy to welcome you to my primatial See of Washington, D.C., and to my cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. I pray that this historic concelebration will mark the beginning…
Sermon for the Divine Liturgy Concelebration with Archbishop Stefan of the Macedonian Church
In today’s Gospel, we hear of the calling of the apostles, and we are reminded of the ragtag and varied group of men that our Lord called to his service: Peter, bold but wavering; the thunderous…
Reflection on the Ecclesiastical New Year
Happy New Year to all! September 1 marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical new year, which has always been reckoned according to the creation of the world. This is not a matter of mere pious tradition…
Reflection on the Placing of the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos
On July 2, we celebrated the robe of the Theotokos; today we celebrate the placing of her belt. These feasts are not merely connected with ancient relics as a source of pious…
Reflection on the Beheading of Saint John the Forerunner
Today we fast, honoring the greatest born of women, the crown of the prophets, the one who must decrease, the friend of the Bridegroom, the holy Prophet and Forerunner and Baptist John. John’s death…
Exhortation to the Newly-Ordained Bishop Vasily
Our Lord Jesus Christ, whose image we honor today, has gathered us together to participate in this glorious liturgy and in the sacred office for the ordination to the holy episcopacy of His Grace…