Uncategorized – Page 4 – West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel

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”

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”

The Hours: A Daily Practice of Prayer

I learned a thing or two about the Islamic faith as a kid and thought it was cool that they made a point to pray five times a day every day. My question of, “Why don’t we Christians pray like that” was met with an answer of something like, “We pray when the Lord movesContinue reading “The Hours: A Daily Practice of Prayer”

Examples Needed: Addressing the Decline in Church Attendance

A brother asked Abba Poemen, ‘Some brothers live with me, do you want me to be in charge of them?’ The old man said to him, ‘No, just work first and foremost, and if they want to live like you, they will see to it themselves.’ The brother said to him, ‘But it is theyContinue reading “Examples Needed: Addressing the Decline in Church Attendance”

Stop the Hate? See a Saint

There is no shortage of past and present racism in America. The enslavement of Africans and African-Americans and the genocide against Native Americans is well documented. Today, we are witnessing ethnic based attacks that may have been swept under the rug in the days before video recording attacks on Asian Americans and the Black LivesContinue reading “Stop the Hate? See a Saint”