Homily for the Feast of Saint Herman of Alaska
On a day-to-day basis, we go through our earthly lives with a sense of control and purpose. We feel in charge of our fate, that our decisions matter, that we can determine our own present, our own…
Reflections in Christ
Reflection on the commemoration of Saint Herman of Alaska
On this winter feast day, let us pray to our most venerable father Herman: O venerable father Herman of Alaska, wonderworker of America, heavenly patron and intercessor: we are sinful and unworthy of thy legacy…
Reflection on the commemoration of Saint Nicholas
There is no more beloved saint, among Orthodox Christians or throughout the world, than St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. He was not a bishop in an important see; he left behind no writings…
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…
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…