The blog of a Cuban who became an Eastern Orthodox priest.
October 2003 ONESIMUS: A TALE OF SANCTUARY I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. . . . If he has … [Continue reading]
I saw the picture above on Facebook, with the meme, "That moment when you try to explain to Jesus how hard your life has been lately." I laughed about it and re-posted it and thought little more about it until today. Then today I found myself … [Continue reading]
One of the most interesting sides to the story of the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has been the obvious deep friendship that there was between the most conservative justice on the Supreme Court and the most liberal Justice, Ruth … [Continue reading]
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her … [Continue reading]
“Idolatry is committed, not merely by setting up false gods, but also by setting up false devils; by making men afraid of war or alcohol, or economic law, when they should be afraid of spiritual corruption and cowardice.” – G.K. Chesterton I wrote … [Continue reading]
Joint Declaration of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you” (2 Cor 13:13). By God the Father’s will, … [Continue reading]
Many Orthodox have a New Year’s, or Christmas or Epiphany, custom that has to do with the baking and eating of the Vasilopita (Basilopita). So, what is it? The Vasilopita “is a New Year's Day bread or cake in Greece and many other areas in eastern … [Continue reading]
As a priest I have all too often had to deal with parents, or spouses, or close friends, or … who have had to face a situation such as the one above. It is Christmas, but you have just lost someone. It is Christmas, but you are about to … [Continue reading]
Frodo is a hero. He was celebrated by Aragorn, King of Gondor. He was celebrated by all the assembled hosts. He was celebrated by his friend and compatriots. But, Frodo failed to complete his mission. In fact, had it not been for Gollum, Frodo would … [Continue reading]
“I do not know whether anyone has ever succeeded in not enjoying praise. And, if he enjoys it, he naturally wants to receive it. And if he wants to receive it, he cannot help but being distraught at losing it. Those who are in love with applause have … [Continue reading]
