From a talk by Fr. Deacon Photios Touloumes During the liturgy, the deacon stands in the midst of the faithful as master of ceremonies, directing them in the proper posture and movements of the service. Let us bow our head unto the Lord and (Lock) the doors, the doors are examples of this. It was … [Read more...]
The Ministry of the Deacon in the Orthodox Church
From a talk by Fr. Deacon Photios Touloumes The ministry of the deacon is based in the ministry which Christ performed for us. This ministry is one of service and is expressed by Christ with these words: I am among you as one who serves. With these words Christ reversed the order of things, … [Read more...]
The Diaconate in the Orthodox Church
From a talk by Fr. Deacon Photios Touloumes Preface My Lord Bishops, Honoured Hieropriests, Archpriests, Presbyters, Fellow Deacons, and Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I greet you with the words of our Saviour: If any one serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my … [Read more...]
Survey Results: Observations and Advice for New Priests
We are coming up on graduation day for our seminaries, so I fielded a survey to gather the collective wisdom of priests to share with our new graduates and ordinands. These sets of “five things” are offered with thanks to the priests who answered the survey and prayers for all our clergy. It's a bea … [Read more...]
The Meekness of a Spiritual Father
By Fr. Joseph Gleason From The Orthodox Life (21 March 2015) St. Gregory the Great says that a spiritual father should be gentle and meek. If he reproves a person who unintentionally sinned, this is especially true. If a person has malice, and has sinned willfully, that is a different story. But … [Read more...]
A Plea for Pastoral Gentleness
Thoughts on the calling of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew Matthew was a tax collector. When Jesus gave him the invitation to “follow me”, he responded with hospitality. He opened his house to the Lord, his disciples, fellow tax collectors, and unspecified sinners. Just to make sure e … [Read more...]
7 Things the Church Can’t Do for the Pastor
By Ron Edmondson (March 2015) at RE RonEdmondson; thoughts on leadership, church and culture Pastor, there are some things your church can’t do for you. They simply can’t. Please understand. I love the church. Greatly. I’m a local church guy. But, they simply can’t do these things for you … [Read more...]
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