Category: Blog
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 your life after mine, you will inherit my faults along with whatever virtues may be present, and that is a burden no soul should bear. Instead, fix your gaze upon Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, who alone is perfect in word, deed, and…
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 grieved, he set fire to the bridge, convinced it was the only way forward. As the flames rose, he watched not just the bridge burn, but all that he had sacrificed to build it—his labour, his trust, his craftsmanship. And when the fire died, he…
You can download my homilies collection in large print at no charge. The book consists of 278 pages with a table of scripture references and a topical index. Feel free to share the e-book with others. In the future I might consider publishing a hard copy.
The notion of two Messiahs—one priestly and one kingly—is an erroneous innovation without basis in Scripture or authentic tradition. There is one Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, Who is fully Priest, fully Prophet, and fully King. This is clearly set forth in the prophecy of Zacharias. “Thus saith the Lord Almighty; Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall spring up from his stem, and build the house of the Lord. And he shall receive power, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace…
“All will be saved who believe faithfully in the entire Gospel and order their lives according to its saving commandments. However, those who do not fully believe in the Gospel will not be saved, as Christ declared: ‘But whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments (that is, the Gospel commandments) and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 5:19). By the term ‘least,’ Zlatoust instructs us to understand nothing other than Gehenna or torment (see the discourse on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom).” – St. Arseny Uralsky
The true Christian faith does not pander to the emotional instability of modern society. It does not reshape itself to suit the lusts of fallen man. Christianity, when it is authentic, is not designed to make men comfortable in their sin, but to call them to repentance. “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:14) The gate is narrow. The way is hard. There is no room on this path for compromise with the world’s passions. We do not have the authority to dilute the…
The season of the Great Fast approaches, and with it, the Church calls us to repentance, prayer, and ascetic labour. Fasting is not an optional devotion, nor is it a tradition of human invention. It is a commandment from God, given for our salvation. The Lord Himself fasted forty days in the wilderness, not because He needed purification, but to show us the path we must follow. If Christ fasted, how can we, who are weak and full of sin, neglect it? Yet, fasting is more than abstaining from food. The Prophet Isaiah warns against an empty fast, saying: “Is…
As the new year approaches, many reflect on the past twelve months and begin making resolutions. While it is common to focus on physical health or professional goals, we must not neglect our spiritual growth. The turning of the calendar is an opportune time to assess our spiritual lives and set resolutions that draw us closer to God. Unlike secular resolutions that often prioritise worldly success, spiritual resolutions aim to deepen our relationship with the Lord, conform us more closely to Christ, and prepare our souls for eternity. Our lives on earth are a pilgrimage, and setting spiritual goals helps…
The use of icons in Orthodox Christianity has often been misrepresented as idolatry, yet the biblical record provides clear evidence that sacred images were not only permitted but commanded by God in specific contexts. Understanding the distinction between veneration and worship is crucial. The Orthodox Church teaches that icons are not objects of worship but serve as windows into the divine, much like the sacred imagery employed in the Old Testament. One of the strongest biblical precedents for the use of icons is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. God Himself commanded Moses to include sacred images in its…
Prayer is the lifeline of our spiritual journey. It is through prayer that we open our hearts to God, commune with Him, and deepen our relationship with our Lord. In Orthodox tradition, prayer is not simply an obligation but the very breath of the soul, drawing us into the divine presence and transforming us through grace. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us about the intimate nature of prayer: “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew…
