“Our thoughts create either harmony or disharmony in the world.”

Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

There can never be enough said to reprove the belief that whatever a man does behind closed doors, “as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else,” is his own business. This erroneous way of thinking comes from the church of rugged individualism. It cannot be emphasized enough what a flat out lie this belief is, a masked entitlement that has become an embedded deception at the very foundation of what “enlightened” men call personal freedom.

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“Be mindful, O Lord, of the presbytery, the diaconate in Christ and every priestly orde.”

From the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

We returned yesterday from Chicago and the 50th Biennial Antiochian Archdiocese National Convention.  It was a week which proffered spiritual renewal, the rekindling of old friendships and many good memories.  In particular I am somewhat overwhelmed by the reality of my best friend and brother in Christ, Fr. Anthony Michaels, being elected for consecration to the Holy Episcopate and assigned to serve as auxiliary for our own Midwest Diocese.  [I teased Bishop ANTOUN saying, “You took away my friend and gave me a boss.”  He merely replied, “He’s still your friend!”]

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“A devout woman once wrote thus, ‘In my own family I try to be as little in the way as possible, satisfied with everything, and never to believe for a moment that any one means unkindly toward me… It all tends to my one aim, forgetfulness of self, in order to please God.’”

From the work GOLD DUST translated by C. M. Younge

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(Fr. Patrick’s Pascha Sermon—2011)  

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Christ is Risen!  Let us take a moment to rest on this long beautiful night, which has begun with a few interesting moments.  Wouldn’t you say?  The fire alarm, switching around a couple of hymns, bell ringers forgetting to turn on the microphone, candle cups catching fire; but that’s all okay because this night is not about all those things.  It’s nice when things go well, but more important is our faith in God, our unity in love for one another, and our confession of faith in the Risen Christ.

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“Joy, like thanksgiving, is at once a gift and a decision. They are nothing without both. God provides the occasion; we respond by entering. Turning away from the occasion, neither glorifying God nor thanking Him, blinds us to His presence and to the occasion He provides.”

From The Stepstool of Divine Ascent by Rev. Fr. John Konkle

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