Author Archives: jaygresh

Rethinking Exodus:  A Forgotten Pursuit of Virtue?

The Christian Education Department of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese has made the Book of Exodus the focus of our Sunday School year 2025-26 and the summer’s Bible Bowl.  Brainstorming ideas of teaching the Teen SOYO class, my partner advisor, Philip Riske, brought up “The Life of Moses” by St. Gregory of Nyssa as a goodContinue reading “Rethinking Exodus:  A Forgotten Pursuit of Virtue?”

The Need for Spiritual Fatherhood

I was recently asked, “Why do you call yourself, ‘Father’ Deacon?”  Growing up in the Baptist church, only a male parent (or stepparent) was to be called ‘father.”  I have no children by birth or adoption.  So, who am I to be called such?  No one seems to question my role as a teacher eitherContinue reading “The Need for Spiritual Fatherhood”

Keep Christmas? Keep Christ Through the Hours!

I love the Royal Hours services of the Orthodox Church. Among the Akathist Prayers, Liturgies, and other worship services, this one is like icing on a cake to my spiritual life. I practice the Hours of Prayer every Monday through Saturday (Sunday I have pre-Eucharistic prayers, the Divine Liturgy, and I try to pray NinthContinue reading “Keep Christmas? Keep Christ Through the Hours!”

Advent Two: Hope in Restoration

Human nature is good.  According to Genesis, God created us in His image and likeness, breathed His breath of life in us and we became living souls.  On the final day of creation, He made us and said it was very good.  Satan didn’t create or give life to humanity.  God did that.  So weContinue reading “Advent Two: Hope in Restoration”

Advent One: The Need for Realignment

We are nibbling on our Thanksgiving Day leftovers as we walk into the Advent Season.  Many non-Denominational congregations as well as mainline Protestants and Roman Catholics will have special candle lightings, prayers, and scriptures readings to prepare hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (Feast of the Lord’s Nativity).  New calendar EasternContinue reading “Advent One: The Need for Realignment”

First Hour Rule of Prayer: Heal Thyself

One of the main things that led me to a disciplined prayer rule was the recognition of my spiritual illnesses and that deliberately being in God’s presence was the only cure. I’ve never been to prison or rehab for my sins. Then again, any sinful habit is a jail cell. “White lies” don’t seem destructiveContinue reading “First Hour Rule of Prayer: Heal Thyself”

First Hour Rule of Prayer: My Call

I’ve been in the storm so long. I’ve been in the storm so long children. I’ve been in the storm so long. Lord, give me a little time to pray. My call to prayer does not come from any Eastern or Oriental prayer book. They are the words of a Negro spiritual. Bishop Dimitri ofContinue reading “First Hour Rule of Prayer: My Call”

First Hour Rule of Prayer: What is This?

I’m one of these strange humans called a “morning person.” My mind and body are best functioning before noon and even greater than evening and nighttime. A prayer rule is a practice of being in God’s presence throughout the day. The Apostle Paul taught early Christians to pray without ceasing. St. Ignatius Briancahninov suggested thatContinue reading “First Hour Rule of Prayer: What is This?”