Father’s Day was an extra blessing for me this year. My daughter was born just over a year ago and this is the first Father’s Day we’ve had together. I’ve been a stepfather much longer, and that has its own …
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Abbot Tryphon and Praying for Enemies
Abbot Tryphon, an Orthodox monastic from Vashon Island, Washington, was attacked by a stranger this week. The host of the popular podcast The Morning Offering was pumping gas when a man approached him asking, “How’s Trump?” before sucker-punching Tryphon, who …
The Practice of Prayer
I’m out of practice with my guitar. I’m not a particularly good player, but it’s fun to noodle around and make what music I can. But it’s been weeks since I’ve picked it up, and I know it will take …
God Has Answered My Prayer
God has answered my prayer, and I can truly say I believe in miracles. Because there is one sleeping on my shoulder as I write this. This week my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. The last few …
An Orthodox Wedding In The Age of Bridezilla
My Orthodox wedding was over two years ago. In that time my wife and I have had the typical ups and downs. We’ve gone through the loss of a child together. Through it all, we have leaned on each other …
Witness To an Orthodox Chrismation
My Orthodox Chrismation and reception into the Church was just over two years ago. On Palm Sunday I was witness to another Chrismation, as we received another member into the Church. A young man began attending services several months ago, …
Getting the Right Medicine in Confession
Getting the right medicine for what ails you involves understanding the ailment itself. Giving your doctor all the details of your symptoms helps in making the right diagnosis. It makes no sense to lie to your doctor about your symptoms. …
Have No Further Concern For Your Sins
I’m getting a little better at confession. I’m not as good at forgetting my sins. I try not to hold onto my sins after confession. And I do think I’m getting better at letting go each time I confess. But …
Forgiveness Sunday And Getting It Right
Forgiveness Sunday is the final Sunday before Great Lent. It’s also Cheesefare, after which Orthodox Christians abstain from dairy for the length of the fast. After the Divine Liturgy today, we ate macaroni and cheese, blintzes and various dips. It …
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Do You Want To Be Orthodox?
One of my favorite films is Martin Scorcese’s The Departed. It’s a thriller about an undercover cop sent to infiltrate the Irish mafia. His mission is to uncover a mole inside the Boston police department. There’s a line in the …
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An Anniversary Letter To My Readers
Today is my anniversary, and it’s long past time I wrote to you once again. Two years ago on the day I publish this, my wife and I were received into the Orthodox Church. On the same day, we were married. …
On Being Unworthy To Serve
When I post something on this site, I am writing to you. Some of you are baptized Orthodox Christians. Others are considering Orthodoxy, or merely curious about a faith all but unknown in America. But I try to consider what …
The Panikhida: Prayers For The Departed
Recently our church offered prayers for the departed. A long time member of our parish passed away, and on the evening before his funeral, we held a a panikhida. Our small parish more or less split down the middle on …
Was Hurricane Irma A Punishment From God?
Hurricane Irma unleashed its fury on the topics and Florida. The storm destroyed homes and upended lives. People across the state are without power and dealing with flooding. Off the southern coast of the state, the destruction is even worse. …
Solar Eclipse Mobile Wallpaper Download
A solar eclipse is passing across the Earth later today. I’ve seen far too many posts on social media about its meaning and its relation to the End Times. God has a plan for this universe and all that is …
Confession: Getting Rid Of The Clutter
I have a confession to make. The clutter on my nightstand is taking over my life. When I make a purchase I save the receipt and enter it into an app that keeps track of my spending. Then I compare …
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Martyrdom In The Age Of Facebook
“I no longer fear martyrdom.” These were the first words to appear on this website. I wrote this not long after my conversion to Orthodox Christianity when I was full of zeal and eager to share my new faith. The …
People Are Not Problems To Be Solved
“People are not problems to be solved.” It had been a rough Sunday morning. As you’ve heard me say again and again, getting my daughter ready for church can sometimes be a challenge. It’s a test that I tend to …
Win A Legacy Icons Gift Certificate
I’m giving away a Legacy Icons gift certificate, and all you have to do is sign up. My subscribers already get free stuff all the time. In addition to email updates, they get access to a growing collection of goodies. …
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Orthodox Evangelism: Using Words Only If Necessary
Orthodox evangelism is something I believe will become more common in America as more people seek out the ancient church. More converts will take the lessons they have learned elsewhere and apply them to Orthodoxy, for better or worse. So …