-
The Double Mystery of Christ’s Cross
Read more: The Double Mystery of Christ’s CrossSt. Gregory Palamas, in his Homily on the Precious and Life-Giving Cross (Homily 11), makes reference to what he calls the “double mystery” of the Cross. He cites St. Paul’s statement, “The world is crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). The first mystery is embodied in our denial of the world […]
-
Why Morality is Not Christian
Read more: Why Morality is Not ChristianI recall my first classes in Moral Theology some 35 or so years ago. The subject is an essential part of Western thought (particularly in the Catholic and Anglican traditions). In many ways the topic was like a journey into Law School. We learned various methods and principles on whose basis moral questions – questions […]
-
Forgive Everyone for Everything
Read more: Forgive Everyone for EverythingIn Dostoevsky’s great last work, The Brothers Karamazov, the story is told of Markel, brother of the Elder Zossima. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, he is dying. In those last days he came to a renewed faith in God and a truly profound understanding of forgiveness. In a conversation with his mother she wonders how he can […]
-
So Great A Cloud of Witnesses
Read more: So Great A Cloud of Witnesses…who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, […]
-
The Chariot of Israel and Its Horsemen – The Repose of Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas
Read more: The Chariot of Israel and Its Horsemen – The Repose of Archbishop Dmitri of DallasAnd so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me […]
-
Memory Eternal – The Hymn
Read more: Memory Eternal – The HymnThe final hymn of the memorial service offered for the departed. “Grant rest eternal in blessed repose, O Lord, to the soul of Thy servant, N., and make his memory to be eternal.” These are words that echo in my mind as I pray for the soul of my newly-departed father – and all the […]
-
The Shadow of Death
Read more: The Shadow of DeathJesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took […]
-
The End of History
Read more: The End of HistoryThis past Friday morning, I arrived to visit my invalid father, only to find that he had fallen asleep in the Lord some five minutes earlier. Today (Monday) we laid him to rest beside my mother to the sounds of an Orthodox funeral – a source of reality and hope. His passing is something of […]
-
The Benefits of Ignorance
Read more: The Benefits of IgnoranceI have had conversations in recent comments sections on the role of reason in the Orthodox life. I readily acknowledge that no one lives without some use of reason – but I contend that most of what forms the content of our life in Christ is not reason. The faith does have to contend with […]
-
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Read more: The Day the Earth Stood StillOrthodox Christians (New Calendar) are currently observing a two-week fast in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition, a day which marks the death (“falling asleep”) of the Mother of God. For those for whom such feasts are foreign, it is easy to misunderstand what the Orthodox are about – and to assume that this […]
Subscribe to blog via email
Support the work
Your generous support for Glory to God for All Things will help maintain and expand the work of Fr. Stephen. This ministry continues to grow and your help is important. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Latest Comments
Margaret, There’s an ambiguity in the term “world” in the New Testament. In John 3:16, we’re told that “God so…
Father Stephen, I’ve really appreciated this series, reading and re-reading the posts from time to time. Thank you for it.…
In my town there are four Orthodox parishes: three Antiochian and one Greek. My late wife and I started attending…
Matthew and Mallory, I think conversion to Orthodoxy can be difficult for some. For me the most difficult part was…
Read my books
Listen to my podcast
Please Read
Categories
Archives
Father, That does help. It can be hard to understand how the “nature” of creation is good, and the “state”…