jaygresh

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee: What Justifies Us

This past Sunday was the first of the three Sundays (the Triodion) leading to the Great Lenten Fast of the Orthodox Church. Coming up will be the Sunday of the Prodigal Son followed by Judgement Sunday. After these, most parishes will hold a special Vespers (evening) service on Forgiveness Sunday as we repent to andContinue reading “Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee: What Justifies Us”

Embracing Humility

Athanasius the Great is a much heralded saint of both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Liturgical denominations also hold him in high esteem for his defense of the doctrine of Christ being of the same substance as God the Father (First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea 325 AD) and creating the list of books whichContinue reading “Embracing Humility”

Become All Flame: My Path to Being Published

My good friends Sarah Motley and Popedia Susan Fury gave me Prologue from Ohrid as a gift for my Diaconate ordination in December 2018. Reading the stories of the saints as well as the homilies and reflections became a regular part of my spiritual journey. Somewhere along the way, I thought it would be aContinue reading “Become All Flame: My Path to Being Published”

Orthodox Christian Life: Voluntary Obligations

A close relative of mine expressed her misgivings about my converting to Orthodox Christianity several years ago. To her, the faith seemed complex and ridged with the ancient prayers, praying at certain times of the day, iconography and so many other things that are absent in modern denominations and non-denominational churches. “Do you really needContinue reading “Orthodox Christian Life: Voluntary Obligations”

Ten-Year Challenge vol. I: Playing Orthodox

Recently on Facebook, I have seen people post pictures of themselves from ten years ago and a recent photo to compare what they looked like then and now. I probably will play along and post my 2012 self. Going back on one of my old blogs, my spiritual journey has gone through a far greaterContinue reading “Ten-Year Challenge vol. I: Playing Orthodox”

Unlearning the Lie: Unnecessary Sex

Perhaps since the beginning of time, Satan has sold us a lie about sexuality. The lie is that we humans need to have a sex partner, hetero or homo sexual, monogamous or “open.” It does not matter what partner one has as long as the activity is consensual. Of course, the Christian standard is theContinue reading “Unlearning the Lie: Unnecessary Sex”

Christmas: The Continuum of Christ

CHRIST IS BORN, GLORIFY HIM! CHRIST HAS COME FROM HEAVEN, RECEIVE HIM! CHRIST IS ON EARTH, BE YE EXALTED! Undoubtedly, this is the most festive and joyous holiday on the calendar. Some of us started decorating and shopping as early as the day after Halloween. And what a variety of things we have to celebrateContinue reading “Christmas: The Continuum of Christ”

Nativity Fast (Advent): Don’t Go Back

Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.” Mark 8:26 Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 8:22-26) does not identify who brought the blind man to our Lord when he entered Bethsadia. We do know that Jesus took him outside of town to enlighten andContinue reading “Nativity Fast (Advent): Don’t Go Back”

Nativity Fast (Advent): The Foundation of Saint Nicholas

Everyone loves Santa Claus. From the toddler with a limited vocabulary. To college professors at dinner parties; we look forward to the fictional symbol of gift giving. Not only do we look forward to receiving gifts, giving to family, friends, coworkers, and those in need instills the joy of the season inside of us. AContinue reading “Nativity Fast (Advent): The Foundation of Saint Nicholas”

Nativity Fast (Advent): Our Costly Calling

They immediately left their nets and followed Him., … and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-22 We celebrated the feast day of the Apostle Andrew the First Called on November 30th. Fr. Adam Sexton and the members of the St. Andrew Parish (Orthodox Church of America) in Ashland had specialContinue reading “Nativity Fast (Advent): Our Costly Calling”