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?”
Tag Archives: spiritual living
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”
Advent Two: Hope in Restoration
Human nature is good. According to Genesis, God created us in His image and likeness, breathed His breath of life in us and we became living souls. On the final day of creation, He made us and said it was very good. Satan didn’t create or give life to humanity. God did that. So weContinue reading “Advent Two: Hope in Restoration”
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”
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”
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 