jaygresh

Seeking Ordination?: Strive for a Greater Goal

A friend made an observation in Sunday School once. “So many people claim that ‘God called me to preach.’ Doesn’t He ever call people to be quiet?” There is no shortage of people who want to proclaim the Gospel. In some Protestant circles, it is easier for a church to find a pastor than itContinue reading “Seeking Ordination?: Strive for a Greater Goal”

Making Time for Prayer: Act of Renunciation

The martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity is one of the most heroic stories of early Christians defying the world. Perpetua was a Cartheginian noblewoman and Felicity was her slave. Yet, they were both catechist in the Church and shared a sisterly bond that went beyond social status. Both were new mothers at the time theyContinue reading “Making Time for Prayer: Act of Renunciation”

Planting a Presence

My goal for All Saints is to plant an Orthodox Christian presence in West Point and the surrounding area. Where it goes from there is up to God’s will. What do I mean by an Orthodox Christian presence? Am I trying to start a parish? Yes and no. Of course, the thought of becoming aContinue reading “Planting a Presence”

Developing a Prayer Rule: Pray As You Can

“The Apostle Paul taught us to pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The constant prayer of the Church was behind Peter’s release from prison (Acts 12:5). There are stories of saints who were so focused on their union with God that nothing distracted them. Not only monks and nuns, some deeply religious person inContinue reading “Developing a Prayer Rule: Pray As You Can”

A Lesson from Antioch: Christ Above All Else

“… it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.” Acts of the Apostles 11:26 The story of the first community described as “Christians” impresses me. Jews who believed that Jesus was the Christ fled from Jerusalem after the Pharisees stoned Stephen to death. Some of them took residence in Antioch and beganContinue reading “A Lesson from Antioch: Christ Above All Else”

Lesson From Antioch: Bringing Stories Together

I will try to be consistent on making video post. The Church of Antioch was not one dimensional. Believers their understood the value of martyrdom, miracles, friendship, carrying the cross, encouragement, knowledge, and prophecy (I left out the presence of Abagus. My mistake).

Sermon: Being Myrrh-bearers

May 16th, 2021 was the second Sunday after Pascha (Easter) on the Orthodox calendar. We commemorate Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and the Myrrh-bearing Women. The Gospel lesson was taken from Mark 15:43-47 & 16:1-8. I have a habit of writing my sermon notes in a small journal that I keep other notes from my personalContinue reading “Sermon: Being Myrrh-bearers”

St. Moses the Black: Fellowship for the Journey

Inquiring about the Orthodox Church, never mind becoming a catechist or convert, can be a challenge. Major cities have well advertised Greek, or some other ethnic festivals and local communities that support the parish. For many years, there were no Orthodox Churches between Richmond and Newport News. I was warmly welcomed into the Church atContinue reading “St. Moses the Black: Fellowship for the Journey”

A Day in the Orthodox Life: Pascha (Easter)

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! It’s Sunday, May 2nd 2021 and I am winding down from the greatest and oldest Christian feast day. Pascha is the celebration of Jesus Christ rising from the grave having total victory over death and sin. As I said before in a previous article, the Orthodox Church calculatesContinue reading “A Day in the Orthodox Life: Pascha (Easter)”

Humility: An Answer to a Violent Society

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, … taking the form of a bondservant … He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 “But give instead to your servant a spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love.” – St.Continue reading “Humility: An Answer to a Violent Society”