In the soul we find three powers: the intellect, the will, and the heart, or, as the Holy Fathers say, the intellectual, desiring and incensive powers. Each of them is assigned particular curative exercises by the holy ascetics. These related exercises are both receptive and conducive to grace. They need not be contrived according to some theory, but rather chosen from tested ascetic labors particularly suited to a given power: For the intellect 1) Reading and hearing the Word of God, the writings of the Holy Fathers and the lives of the God-pleasers. 2) Studying and impressing upon yourself all the God-given truths in brief statements (the catechesis). 3) Asking questions of those … [Read more...]

On Tuesday, 13 September, 2022, the election of the new Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by its Council of Bishops took place. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion, signed on 17 May, 2007, the Council will send the Act of the election, drafted by the counting committee to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia with a request to bless the electee to assume the duties of the First Hierarch entrusted to him by his brethren archpastors, and for confirmation of the election by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. The rite of enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, newly-elected First … [Read more...]

Former university provost and chief academic officer Michael Emerson has publicly testified that faculty and administrators conspired to get rid of Nassif for standing in the way of the school’s transition away from the Christian view of marriage. The administration characterized his views of marriage as “too extreme.” A tenured Orthodox professor was fired recently from Chicago’s North Park University for taking a stand on traditional marriage. The school is sponsored by the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), which itself professes that, “A publicly declared, legally binding marriage between one woman and one man is the one appropriate place for sexual intercourse.” However, it … [Read more...]

It is a great joy for any parish when one of their own is raised to Holy Orders and service to the Holy Altar. On Sunday, August 21, 2022 the  ordination of Dcn Joseph MacPherson took place at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, the resting place of the relics of St. John Maximovitch. The MacPherson family, Matushka Mary, and their children Juliana and Seraphim, all travelled to witness this glorious event.  Here is the link to the entire service (the diaconal ordination begins at 1:48:02). Here is the link to to the service starting with the diaconal ordination (at 1:48:02) To Dcn Joseph, Mka Mary, and their entire family - AXIOS!  Enjoy these photos, some of them are positively … [Read more...]

This fall, we will be holding several classes and seminars designed to help you advance in the spiritual life, train  your children, and serve the Church. If you have interest in any of these, please inform Fr. John by September 1st. Thanks! The "Spouse" Class Date and Time TBD by interest For those looking to become future husbands and wives. Life lessons, questions and answers from a successful Orthodox Christian married couple What will we talk about? Dating, Courting, Marriage, Finances, Being Happy (!), Intimacy, Sex, and what questions you have. [/one-half] [cl] … [Read more...]