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?”
Category Archives: Orthodox Life
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 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”
Where Did Christianity Come From?
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”
Call No Man Father?
Visitors to my YouTube channel may be put off by the title Father Deacon John Gresham. In the Orthodox Church, I am officially Father Deacon, Reverend Deacon, and since I was ordained in the Arabic speaking Antiochian Archdiocese, Abouna Shamas. I don’t fly off the handle when people only refer to me as “Deacon” sinceContinue reading “Call No Man Father?”
To Carry Your Cross
We are about halfway through the Great Lenten journey. Orthodox churches mark this point with the Veneration of the Holy Cross at the end of the Divine Liturgy. The Church Fathers saw it was good for Christians to have a special commemoration to remind us of why we endure this time of fasting, almsgiving, repentance,Continue reading “To Carry Your Cross”
Theophany: Transition to the Fullness of God
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father didst bear witness unto Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, didst confirm the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God Who hastContinue reading “Theophany: Transition to the Fullness of God”
How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Spiritual Guidance
“Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 Seeking oneness with God was not left to chance by early Christians. Catechist and baptized believers sought spiritual guidance from clergy, monastics, and wise elders in their communities. Bishops, priest, and deacons were ordained through the succession from the Apostles and Christ. MonksContinue reading “How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Spiritual Guidance”
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 