Author Archives: Fr. Charles

Even when you feel pressed on every side, remember that you are not crushed. The strength within you is not your own, but God’s, and He does not fail. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are … Continue reading →

Question: Do you think the Jehovah’s Witnesses are a valid Christian denomination? I think they deny the Nicene Creed, but even some Baptists do too. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, under the leadership of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, are not … Continue reading →

The trials we face today are not walls—they are only thresholds; walk through each one with courage. Every step taken in faith draws us closer to the quiet victory prepared for us. “But they that hope in the Lord shall … Continue reading →

The Orthodox Church does not have a definitive, universally binding position on the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. While some Orthodox Christians venerate it and believe it to be the authentic burial cloth of Christ, others are more cautious … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →