Reflections in Christ

On the two Sundays prior to Christmas, we focus on the Old Testament.  Two Sundays before that blessed day, we focus liturgically upon…

Within the Orthodox Church, the Sunday between December 11-17 is called, simply enough, the “Second Sunday Before…

“Think not it is of small things you art hearing when you hear of this birth, but rouse up your mind and…

Acts 8:14-25 The Holy Spirit and Simon the Samaritan Magician

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that…

Not long ago, I ran across a copy of my granddaughter Nadia’s edition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”—a book that she had thoroughly enjoyed when she was…

Acts 8:4-13 Philip and the Samaritans

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching…

“The magic of childhood” is a phrase which has become so proverbial that there is a Pinterest selection dedicated to it.  Childhood is wistfully hailed and…

Thanksgiving

As Americans prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday…

Acts 7:54-8:3 The Martyrdom of Stephen and the Persecution of the Church

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and…

In the Orthodox Prayer Book under the heading “Before Sleep,” we find “A Prayer of Saint John of Damascus, said pointing at the bed.”  This particular prayer begins…