The blog of a Cuban who became an Eastern Orthodox priest.
We all know that every culture has practices that leave other cultures scratching their heads. I have lived in several cultures, and understand this quite well. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that the news story below most certainly fits into the … [Continue reading]
Saint Onuphrius flourished in the fourth century, first in the cenobium near Hermopolis of Thebes in Egypt, and later as a solitary in the desert, where he was discovered by Saint Paphnutius. When Paphnutius first encountered him deep in the desert, … [Continue reading]
Recently, I posted a meme that began a discussion concerning Constantine I and the silliness of the argument that is made about how Constantine I somehow stole the Church. This was in spite of the fact that the Church has successfully resisted … [Continue reading]
The meme above was recently making the rounds. Most memes are rather logically-challenged. This particular meme actually has maintained a fair degree of logical consistency. It is, of course, too short to deal with complexity, but it summarizes well … [Continue reading]
Recently I wrote an article on the similarity between the Calvinist doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints and the Orthodox doctrine of the ability to lose one's salvation. In either case, the emphasis is on the idea that a Christian is one who … [Continue reading]
There have been lots of news for the last several years of both law enforcement officers being killed and law enforcement officers inappropriately killing civilians. If you were to watch any, and all, of the cable news, you would say that the rate of … [Continue reading]
“However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So, He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed,” (Luke 5:15-16). There are many … [Continue reading]
If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus and say, "He died for all." -- Hymn, There Is A Balm in Gilead "Love can be sacrificial, and in so doing, it becomes redemptive." -- Bishop Michael Bruce … [Continue reading]
The term "once saved always saved" is used frequently among various--but not all--Evangelicals in English-speaking countries. The concept, however, is treated in one of two ways. While the Orthodox would agree with neither way, it may surprise you to … [Continue reading]
I just watched the opening of the USA Embassy in Jerusalem. It is a move with which I agree. I am not the only socially progressive person to also agree. I listened with interest to a Congressman who is a Bernie Sanders backer who also agreed with … [Continue reading]
