Question: A man who told me that Jesus’ image is based on that of Cesare Borgia. The problem with that statement is that Cesare Borgia lived in 15th century Italy. Thoughts? The claim that Jesus’ image is based on Cesare Borgia is historically and factually flawed. The notion that depictions of Jesus are modelled after […]
You Are Not Alone
Even when the path is steep and the sky is grey, you are not alone—grace walks beside you. Today is a gift. Rise, breathe deeply, and move forward with trust “And the Lord who is your leader, he himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee: fear not, neither be […]
Questions About Old Testament Orthodox “Canon”
Question: Is Tobit, Judith, additions to Esther and Daniel, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, Prayer of Manasseh and Josephus’ Wars of the Jews part of the Orthodox canon? Were they part of the Jewish Bible? And someone told me these books were never in the King James Bible. Is there any […]
Purpose in Every Moment
You have survived every hard day before this one—today is another chance to rise with strength. “The Lord is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation.” (Exodus 15:2) “Do not say, ‘This happened by chance, while this came to be of itself.’ In all that exists there is nothing disorderly, nothing […]
What “Denomination” of the Orthodox Church?
Question: You always talk about “The Church” and the Orthodox faith. What denomination of the Orthodox Church are you talking about? There are many different denominations in it. The claim that there are “different denominations” within Orthodoxy is not only inaccurate—it reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what the Orthodox Church is. The Orthodox Church is […]
The Lord Is Our Refuge
From the beginning of time, the human heart has groaned under sorrow, trial, and uncertainty. This world, fallen through sin, offers no lasting peace, and the faithful of every generation have endured many tribulations. Yet those who have remained steadfast in the Tradition of the Church, and who cleave to the unchanging deposit of Holy […]
Only Follow Christ
Do not follow my example, for I am but a flawed and fallible human being, subject to weakness, error, and sin. My thoughts are often disordered, my heart inconsistent, and my actions sometimes unworthy of the calling I profess. I am a work in progress, in need of daily repentance and grace. If you pattern […]
Serving One Another in Love
The Christian life is not one of self-exaltation, but of service, humility, and love. At the heart of the Gospel stands the example of Christ, who said, “The Son of Man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a redemption for many” (Matthew 20:28). This self-giving love […]
Peace With All Men
A man once spent years building a bridge of cedar and iron across a deep ravine to reach the home of a friend. He carried every beam himself, carved each joint with care, and laid every nail in sweat and good intention. The bridge stood firm through storms and time. But one day, betrayed and […]
A Safeguard Against Delusion
The personal interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, when severed from the mind of the Church, has proven throughout history to be not only hazardous but spiritually calamitous. The Bible is not a private possession, nor are they a playground for subjective speculation; they constitute the sacred inheritance of the Holy Church, written by men inspired […]