I came across this gem while preparing for a Bible Study class on the readings for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (esp. 2 Timothy 3:10-15). This mirrors the advice given to a friend by his doctor when my friend complained about the pain an upcoming procedure was sure to inflict. In … [Read more...]
What is a Priest? An Orthodox Statement
by Thomas Hopko The following remarks are intended as a brief apologia for what I understand to be the theological and spiritual vision of the sacrament of the priesthood in the Christian Church. I believe that this vision is rooted in the Church’s understanding of God as the Holy Trinity, with … [Read more...]
A Reflection on a Quiet Celebration
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to do something special; I concelebrated with a man on the 44th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. From the outside it looked pretty simple: just a quiet service in a small chapel. On this, what I hope to be the first of a "40 Days of (Old … [Read more...]
True, Priestly Image: Bishop, Priest, Deacon
by St. Symeon of Thessalonica Priests are servants of the Creator of all things, who are to serve in the restoration of those, who were alienated by their own free choice and fell into being evil. Priests are ministers of the greatest and most divine work, through which earthly and heavenly beings … [Read more...]
What a Clergyman Should and Should Not Be
Presentation by His Grace Bishop Christoforos of Andida. It is truly an exceptional honour but also a great responsibility for all of us that we have been chosen by God to be clergymen. The Lord Himself affirms: “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16). The Greek word for a … [Read more...]
Do Clothes Make the Man? Keeping the Cassock
by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos (The cassock) has a history connected with sacrifices, struggles, tears and blood. … To clergy the cassock reminds them that they are spiritual physicians and not just social workers. The life of the cleric is sacrificial, an ongoing offering that requires … [Read more...]
How Angels Serve Priests in the Holy Altar
by Fr. Stephanos K. Anagnostopoulos This incident was narrated to the author by the blessed departed Gerondas Gabriel, who for a great period of time was the abbott at the Holy Monastery of Dionysios on Mount Athos. "There once lived a most devout Priest. Even though he barely knew how to read … [Read more...]
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