Reflection on the commemoration of the Holy Apostle Andrew
The holy apostle Andrew the First-called, according to tradition, founded the Church at Byzantium and planted a cross at the future site of Kyiv. Most likely…
Reflections in Christ
Reflection on the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Today, the holy Maiden enters into the temple of the Old Law, and all the shadowy symbols of the ancient covenant—the jar, the staff, the golden censer…
Reflection on the commemoration of Apostle and Evangelist Matthew
Two days ago, at entrance into the fast, we heard the Lord command St. Philip, “Follow me.” Today, we hear him give that same command to Saint Matthew, and Matthew…
Reflection on the Beginning of the Nativity Fast
Reflection on the commemoration of the Holy Apostle Philip
The day before the Nativity Fast begins, we celebrate the feast of St. Philip. In fact, in Russian, the coming fast is commonly called Saint Philip’s Fast. In today’s Gospel reading…
Reflection on the commemoration of Saint John Chrysostom
It is difficult to overstate the importance of St. John Chrysostom for the holy Tradition of the Church: in many monasteries and cathedrals, his Anaphora is used to offer…
Sermon on the Good Samaritan
Picture if you will the scene: a man lying by the side of the road, beaten, robbed, stripped, suffering. Passing by on the other side, going out of their way to avoid this man in need, this man…
Reflection on the commemoration of Saint Nectarius of Aegina
When he was still a boy, Saint Nectarius of Aegina, born into a poor family, traveled to Constantinople for work. Though he found a job with a tobacco merchant, he still experienced…
Reflection on the commemoration of the Synaxis of the Holy Bodiless Powers of Heaven
Today we celebrate the angels, “ministering spirits sent forth to serve.” Let us take this as an opportunity to remember our guardian angels, who aid us…
Reflection on the commemoration of Priestmartyr John Kochurov
At this time of year, Western culture gives temporary rein to images of the macabre. For a few rare moments around Halloween, secular people give thought to the existence of…