Glory to God For All Things

June 6, 2009

Babylon and the Trees of Pentecost

From the Feast of Pentecost The arrogance of building the tower in the days of old led to the confusion of tongues. Now the glory of the knowledge of God brings them wisdom. There God condemned the impious for their transgression. Here Christ has enlightened the fishermen by the Spirit. There disharmony was brought about […]
Read more: Babylon and the Trees of Pentecost
Culture, Last Things, Orthodox Christianity, Union with God
June 3, 2009

In the Secret Place of the Most High God

This article first appeared in 2007. It speaks of one of the most essential elements of our spiritual life – the secret place. I have not written often on the topic – but it bears repeating. Without a proper regard for the ‘secret place of the Most High God’ and the secret place that is […]
Read more: In the Secret Place of the Most High God
Conversion, Culture, Knowledge of God, Orthodox Christianity
June 2, 2009

Eastern Christian New Media Awards Voting

Eastern Christian New Media Awards has opened its voting for its annual blog awards. There are a growing number of excellent Orthodox and Eastern Christian websites, worthy of reading, and worthy of encouraging with a thank you for their work. Glory to God for All Things is nominated in two categories. My podcast, Glory to […]
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Orthodox Christianity
June 2, 2009

Heaven On Their Minds

Years ago, I recall hearing someone complain about zealous Christians, “They are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” The truth of the statement depends entirely on the understanding of heaven and earth. It is possible to pursue a version of “heaven” such that the spiritual life is undermined. It is also […]
Read more: Heaven On Their Minds
Beauty, Icons, Last Things, Orthodox Christianity, Union with God
May 31, 2009

The Hypostatic Nearness of You (A Repost)

Originally posted in February 2007. I have updated a few things. It is a piece that is quite relevant as my youngest child graduates high school this week. The fullness only grows. Sometimes I sit down to write with an idea and I know that I am either getting ready to write something good, or […]
Read more: The Hypostatic Nearness of You (A Repost)
Family, Icons, Orthodox Christianity
May 30, 2009

A Mystery Solved

If you practice an excellent virtue without perceiving the taste of its aid, do not marvel; for until a man becomes humble, he will not receive a reward for his labor. Recompense is given, not for labor, but for humility. -St. Isaac of Syria +++ I cannot count the number of times that people have […]
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Knowledge of God, Saints
May 29, 2009

Self-Emptying

I offer a brief apology to Buddhists – forgive me if I have mischaracterized your religious practices. We are enjoined by St. Paul to have within us the mind that was in Christ – specifically in His self-emptying love in going to the Cross (Philippians 2:5-11). It is the very heart of humility. Of course there […]
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Knowledge of God, Orthodox Blogs, Orthodox Christianity, Union with God
May 28, 2009

Isaac of Syria on Humility

From Met. Hilarion Alfeyev”s The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian: To speak of humility (mukkaka or makkikuta) meant to Isaac to speak of God, for God in his vision is primarily the One who is ‘meek and lowly in heart’. God’s humility was revealed to the world in the Incarnation of the Word. In […]
Read more: Isaac of Syria on Humility
Fathers, Knowledge of God, Orthodox Christianity
May 26, 2009

The Church and the Cross

This article is also found in my pages section as The Ecclesiology of the Cross. It seems that as the Orthodox world begins another level of internal discussions on ecclesiology – that these thoughts are worth re-posting. I was pleased to see the article quoted recently in an Orthodox discussion on another site. Of course, […]
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Orthodox Christianity, The Church
May 25, 2009

To Change the World

This is a reprint from the summer of 2007. Some recent meanderings have brought up yet again the subject of “social progress” as a Christian goal. Our cultural metaphor is deeply indebted to 19th century Liberal Protestant theology (Rauschenbusch, et al). I think the utilitarian approach (we need to be “practical”) can be very alluring […]
Read more: To Change the World
Culture, Orthodox Christianity

Dee, we both appreciate you and the rest of the friends. Sincerity has been my approach. I have been blessed…

Beloved Michael, And may the Holy Spirit and the holy angels surround you and bring you and Merry comfort, victory…

I give thanks to all here and pray the Holy Spirit to fill your lives in victory and abundance.

Bonnie, I find writing to be similar –

Thanks to the two of you who shared about the stresses of radiation therapy while firmly held immovable. Me too.…