It has been some five months since we have willingly removed ourselves from worshipping in the temple of Holy Transfiguration Church at the request of our Bishops as part of the precautions taken in response to the COVID pandemic to limit the spread of the virus. I miss the worship life and fellowship we had before all this began. In addition, in … [Read more...]
The Most Important Question
What is the most important question of human existence? If we have not yet discovered this, then we can be assured that we are not very far along toward answering the question. My six-year-old grandson Collin suffers from severe asthma. When he heard that asthma was a condition that made people more vulnerable to the COVID virus he was worried. … [Read more...]
Mt Athos Needs Our Help
This is a letter I recently received from the Friends of Mt Athos regarding recent events that have left the small monastic republic vulnerable in a new way. They need our help and here is a way we can offer it. Letter From the Membership Chairman of the Friends of Mount Athos in the Americas Dear Friends, I hope you all had a chance to see the … [Read more...]
No Humpty Dumpty Theology
“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty famously said in a rather scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.” [1] In some ways our post-modern, fake news-attributing culture is very familiar with this perspective. It seems natural and even desirable to “create your own reality” and then disparage anyone who objects … [Read more...]
My God, My God, Why have we abandoned Thee?
Today I sat in one of my favorite spots in the middle of my walk around Cooper Creek. It's a stone picnic table sheltered under some tall pine trees overlooking the lake. Carolina Tarheel sky blue above with a whisp of clouds over the green earth and the undulating brown waters of the lake. Light infuses everything and as I collect my attention … [Read more...]
Rocks, Bread and Philotimo
The "Sermon on the Mount," including the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer and a host of other collected sayings of Jesus are found in the Gospel According to St. Matthew chapters 5-7. This teaching Jesus gave to people who sought him out because they wanted to hear him speak things that moved their hearts; things that were true; healing words; words … [Read more...]
Pastoral Challenges in Marriage
Description This conference is for clergy, seminarians, pastoral care workers, mental health professionals, ministry leaders, and all others who minister to Orthodox Christian couples. Although this conference is geared toward a specific audience, any interested lay people are welcome to attend. Sponsored by the Center for Family Care of the … [Read more...]
Words Into Spirit: Pastoral Perspectives on Confession
New Title From St. Tikhon’s Monastery Press – Words into Spirit Vasileios Thermos & Stephen Muse, (Eds) St. Tikhon’s Monastery Press is pleased to introduce its most recent title, Words into Spirit: Pastoral Perspectives on Confession. “The life of the father-confessor who perseveres in contrite mourning will be rich in experiences of both … [Read more...]
Ancient Faith Specials Page
Ancient Faith Radio has begun a new page which will contain occasional lectures by Fr. Dn. Stephen Muse. You can subscribe to the podcast and be notified of new additions to the specials at the hyperlink below. https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/fr_dn_stephen_muse … [Read more...]
The Church is Not Organized Religion But Communion to be Constantly Pursued
How often have I heard variations on the theme of 'I’m spiritual, but not religious? You can be spiritual without going to Church. I don’t like organized religion because the church is full of a bunch of hypocrites.' It sure is. Got that right. There is no one alive on the earth who is not hypocritical. We say one thing while thinking something … [Read more...]
