Author Archives: Fr. Charles

Respect in the Church

The Holy Church confesses that in the Divine Liturgy the Holy Gifts truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, and that, in every consecrated temple, the Lord abides among His people in a manner at once mysterious and real. … Continue reading

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Living with Hope

Living with hope is at the heart of the Christian life as the Church understands it. In our tradition, hope is a theological virtue given by God and received in freedom, binding the soul to the promises already inaugurated in … Continue reading

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Imitating our Lord Jesus Christ

The Christian life takes its shape from the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who took our flesh and healed our nature. The Apostle sets a clear pattern for us: “Be imitators of me, as I am of … Continue reading

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Augustine on Perseverance and Grace

“I assert, therefore, that the perseverance by which we persevere in Christ even to the end is the gift of God; … Therefore it is uncertain whether any one has received this gift so long as he is still alive.” … Continue reading

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Yet Another Nasty Email From Johnson City

I have been receiving these types of email for a few years now. I usually do not respond to most of them because of the filth they contain. For nearly a month, this individual has pelted me almost daily with … Continue reading

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Steadfast Under the Cross

“My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation. Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble” (Sirach 2:1–2). These words, preserved in the Septuagint and cherished by … Continue reading

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On Cultivating Godly Friendship

In the spiritual life of an Orthodox Christian, genuine companionship is far from a peripheral matter. It is central to the human vocation, for we are made in the image and likeness of the Triune God. In the world today, … Continue reading

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Sustained by the Gift of Perseverance

Though the way may seem unending, the Lord grants the grace to endure. Trust that each moment of steadfast faith is blessed from above and brings you nearer the goal. “My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made … Continue reading

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Perseverance in the Trial

Growth is forged not in a comfortable lifestyle, but in the crucible of trials—stand fast today in quiet confidence. Each challenge faced is a step deeper into endurance, each moment of faith edging you nearer to the promise kept. “My … Continue reading

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Strength in the Climb

Do not measure your worth by the ease of the path, but by the faith with which you climb. The ascent may be steep, but every upward step is seen and sustained by God. “The Lord is faithful, who will … Continue reading

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