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”
Category Archives: self examination
Where Did Christianity Come From?
Three Reasons for a Prayer Rule
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?”
What Are We Seeking?!
It’s been too long since I have written on this platform. With my right hand not back to normal from last year’s surgery, teaching with the St. Athanasius Academy, and struggling to establish some sort of Orthodox mission in inner city Richmond, I’ve ignored my once heavily written All Saints of West Point blog. IContinue reading “What Are We Seeking?!”
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”
Religious People: What Kind?
Today is the Sunday of the Blind Man, the sixth Sunday of Holy Pascha (Easter). I was supposed to preach at St. Basil this morning. But, I damaged my left foot and have to let it rest for a couple of days. In the Gospel lesson in John 9:1-38, there are two types of religiousContinue reading “Religious People: What Kind?”
CHRIST IS RISEN! … (now what?)
This Sunday, Western oriented Christians will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We Orthodox Christians will worship and feast on Pascha the following weekend this year. I think everyone looks forward to Easter Egg Hunts, outdoor cooking, non-COVID restricted gatherings with family and friends. This holiday isn’t as commercially popular asContinue reading “CHRIST IS RISEN! … (now what?)”
Nativity Fast (Advent): The Challenge of Self-Examination
One of the Desert Fathers and a few of his disciples went to Alexandria to speak with the Patriarch. Along the way, they walked past an actress bargaining for a fancy outfit. Seeing her, the great monk started to cry. “Abba, why are you weeping,” asked his disciples. “Because she may be more devoted toContinue reading “Nativity Fast (Advent): The Challenge of Self-Examination”
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 