Here is the link to the podcast episode. We are stressed. Being a priest is stressful. Time and money are in short supply, reasons to grieve are everywhere, and parishes can be difficult and demanding at the best of times. It’s hard to witness to the peace and joy that are our rightful i … [Read more...]
Eight Characteristics of the New Bivocational Pastor
by Thom Rainer As predicted, this is a trend which those preparing for priesthood should be aware of as Christian exclusion increases. They are appearing on the scene quietly. Not many pundits are noticing the emerging trend. They are a different kind of bivocational pastor. The … [Read more...]
Why 734 Pastors Quit (and How Their Churches Could Have Kept Them)
by Lisa Cannon Green Not from an Orthodox source, but no less informative. Maybe even more important for Orthodox clergy. Self-care isn't essential for clergy. It is an existential reality for any one in a pastoral role. If it doesn't exists for those in a pastoral role, neither will you for … [Read more...]
Six Things Growing Churches Do That Others Don’t
by Travis Stephens I saw this article and knew it applied universally. Take note and take action! Ninety percent of the churches in the United States today are stagnant or declining. Dying churches are closing their doors at the rate of ten per day. Even church members who have been … [Read more...]
On Transitions – how to leave well
On 13 September 2015, I served my last Divine Liturgy at St. Michael's in Woonsocket, RI. Although in many ways the situation was ideal (it was an amicable parting; I wasn't driven out by them or by frustration with them), it was still very difficult. I wanted to do it well, for their benefit, for … [Read more...]
Refresher for the Orthodox Pastor
by Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) 1. Having accepted the grace of ordination, bear in mind of what a gift and of what mercy the Lord has found you worthy – and what responsibility you now bear. A priest is an apostle to his flock. "I do not belong to myself, but to others," said the great R … [Read more...]
The Power of the Priestly Cassock
by Fr. Moses Samaan One of the most disturbing ideas I’ve heard in the recent push to “modernize” the Coptic Orthodox Church and make it more “attractive” to people in today’s society is the idea of priests putting aside their priestly cassocks in favor of pants, shirts, and collars, like other we … [Read more...]
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