Glory to God For All Things

July 20, 2007

Orthodoxy and the Christ-Haunted Culture of the South

One of my favorite priests in the Diocese of the South is Fr. Paul Yerger who serves Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Clinton, Mississippi. His gentle demeanor and kind words are what I have always associated with the South, though it is rarely witnessed today. I had a chance to visit with him this week […]
Read more: Orthodoxy and the Christ-Haunted Culture of the South
Conversion, Culture, Orthodox Christianity, Union with God
July 19, 2007

The Intercession of the Saints

Doubtless one of the less understood aspects of the Orthodox faith, particularly by Protestants, is the importance of the intercession of the saints. Orthodox doctrine and teaching is quite clear that we do not treat saints as objects of worship, nor as worthy of worship. This would be blasphemous to us. Nevertheless, it is a […]
Read more: The Intercession of the Saints
Icons, Knowledge of God, Liturgy, Orthodox Christianity, Prayer, Saints, Union with God
July 19, 2007

The Boundary of Death

This was posted originally last Spring. I have posted again for re-reading and for its assurance that Christ is the only guarantee of our dignity. Having spent two-and-a-half years as a Hospice Chaplain, I had opportunity to be present to over 200 deaths (that does not include the many I have witnessed in my years […]
Read more: The Boundary of Death
Knowledge of God, Orthodox Christianity, Prayer, The Journey of Faith, Union with God
July 17, 2007

Christ the Only Assurance of the Dignity of Man

I am in Miami attending the annual Diocesan Assembly for the South. This first evening was primarily time with with our Archbishop DMITRI, and my brother clergy in the Diocese. I have known His Eminence since around 1994 and have, on occasion, spent a extended periods with him. I have heard him speak at […]
Read more: Christ the Only Assurance of the Dignity of Man
Orthodox Christianity, Union with God
July 16, 2007

Can The World Be Changed?

In a recent exchange on one of my postings I was congratulated for my advocacy of attention to small things, and told that thereby we will change the world. I wrote a light-hearted response in which I demurred from such a lofty goal – but have thought much of it since – and have decided […]
Read more: Can The World Be Changed?
Orthodox Christianity, The Journey of Faith
July 12, 2007

Before the Feast

I will not likely get a chance to post until after the weekend – the wedding is coming soon upon us and it’s not local. Bags are being packed – last minute details that seem to be endless are all coming to an end that lack of time alone can bring. When it’s all said […]
Read more: Before the Feast
Family, Orthodox Christianity, Prayer, The Journey of Faith
July 11, 2007

The Unity of the Faith

It is said proverbially in Orthodoxy that “one who prays is a theologian and a theologian is one who prays.” This intends fully to say that an unlettered peasant may be a greater theologian than someone who holds many degrees and can offer page after page of published articles. There is only one reason this […]
Read more: The Unity of the Faith
Conversion, Knowledge of God, Orthodox Christianity, The Church, The Journey of Faith
July 10, 2007

I’m Glad We Cleared That Up!

Pope Benedict XVI has just released a clarification on the documents of Vatican II where he explains what is meant by calling the Orthodox “Churches” while still maintaining that they are “defective.” In a major problem that exists between Orthodox understandings of the nature of the Church and Roman Catholic understandings of the nature of […]
Read more: I’m Glad We Cleared That Up!
Orthodox Christianity, The Church
July 9, 2007

The Fire of Pentecost in Orthodoxy

No one, of course, can describe the fire that fell on the Apostles at Holy Pentecost. At most we are told that the Spirit appeared “like tongues of flame lighting upon the heads of the Apostles.” Not much a description. Other times in Scripture we are told of a Pillar of Fire and of the […]
Read more: The Fire of Pentecost in Orthodoxy
Conversion, Knowledge of God, Orthodox Christianity, The Journey of Faith, Union with God
July 9, 2007

Some Things Have to Be Posted

My house is quickly being swallowed up by impending nuptials. Tomorrow my oldest daughter and my second’s daughter’s husband arrive. News continues to reach us of family the will be joining us in S.C. for my son’s wedding. He is marrying an Orthodox girl who delights our heart. Indeed our hearts are very full. But […]
Read more: Some Things Have to Be Posted
Orthodox Christianity

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