Glory to God for All Things

An Unnecessary Existence

Posted on 2/8/2013 in Dostoevsky, Existence, Forgiveness, Orthodox Christianity, Personhood, Thankfulness with 92 Comments

In Dostoevsky’s The Demons, the character, Kirillov, is insanely fascinated with freedom. He cannot bear the fact that he did not choose his own existence. Life is a “given.” In what must be seen as a parable of the radical thought of the 19th century, Kirillov determines to kill himself, the only act of true freedom he can take. His … Continue reading →

A Life of Thanksgiving

Posted on 11/11/2012 in Knowledge of God, Orthodox Christianity, Thankfulness with 56 Comments

Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation. Fr. Alexander Schmemann I have just completed a week in New Mexico, visiting a monastery and leading a retreat in Santa Fe. One of the retreat participants reminded me of this post on giving thanks and shared how helpful it had been for her. We are coming to a season where … Continue reading →

The Luck of the Draw

Posted on 9/7/2012 in Asceticism, Orthodox Christianity, Thankfulness with 60 Comments

I have heard Fr. Thomas Hopko quote his father-in-law, Fr. Alexander Schmemann, many times as saying: “Spirituality consists in how you deal with what you’ve been dealt.” The image, of course, is of playing cards. Fr. Alexander’s point is that the circumstances of our lives are beyond our control – our spiritual lives consist in how we respond to what is … Continue reading →

The Morning Prayer of the Last Elders of Optina

Posted on 11/10/2006 in Orthodox Christianity, Prayer, Thankfulness with 11 Comments

I have loved this prayer for years and found it essential in beginning the day. Key phrases have a way of coming back throughout the events of each day. It is worth committing to heart. O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself … Continue reading →

Read “Everywhere Present”

Have you ever referred to God as “the Man upstairs”? Most Christians living in a secular society have unwittingly relegated God and all things spiritual to the “second storey” of the universe: Read More...
Christianity in a One-Storey Universe