FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 2nd, 2015 Response of Assembly of Bishops to Obergefell v. Hodges The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America strongly disagrees with the United States Supreme Court decision of June 26, Obergefell v. Hodges, in which the Court invents a constitutional right for two members of the same sex to marry, […]
Statement of the Baltimore Council of Orthodox Churches to the City of Baltimore
The following statement was composed and sent to Baltimore City Hall on May 2, 2015, after Baltimore-area clergy and laity met to discuss the city’s recent turmoil in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray. STATEMENT TO THE CITY OF BALTIMOREFrom the Baltimore Council of Orthodox Churches May 2, 2015 Christ is Risen! “Every […]
Micro-Christendoms: Rebuilding the Rule
This is an interesting article. What do you think? by Peter Leithart Years ago, members of a Boulder, Colorado, ministers’ association determined that they were responsible for Boulder’s civic health. Taking a cue from the early chapters of John’s Apocalypse, they resolved to serve as the guardian angels of the city. They began to invite […]
Dachau 1945: The Souls of All Are Aflame
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! In 1945, a Paschal Liturgy like no other was performed. Just days after their liberation by the US military on April 29, 1945, hundreds of Orthodox Christian prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp gathered to celebrate the Resurrection service and to give thanks.
Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes
A you a “tithe-cripple”? Is your parish? Speak out now. Take the survey. To All Clergy and Laity Interested in the Subject of “Orthodox Christians and Giving to the Church.” A national study “Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes” has been launched by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. We […]
AXIOS!
Today was the consecration to the episcopacy of Bishop Daniel (Brum) of Santa Rosa. I am happy that such a good friend has ascended to this ministry as archpastor! At his consecration as bishop, as at all Orthodox ordinations, the clergy, the choir and the people repeatedly proclaim “Axios! Axios! Axios!” This happens in every Orthodox Church […]
On the Sakkos and the Mitre
by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) With the upcoming consecration of a friend to the episcopacy, I’m offering a little more on episcopal vestments for your edification. The Sakkos The sakkos, from the Hebrew sakk meaning “sackcloth” was part of the emperor’s wardrobe in Byzantium. This garment had no sleeves and was donned over the head and […]
The Rise of the ‘Done with Church’ Generation
by Thom Schulz John is every pastor’s dream member. He’s a life-long believer, well-studied in the Bible, gives generously and leads others passionately. But last year he dropped out of church. He didn’t switch to the other church down the road. He dropped out completely. His departure wasn’t the result of an ugly encounter with […]
AXIOS!
Today was the consecration to the episcopacy of Bishop Paul (Gassios) of Chicago and the Midwest. The Midwest Diocese is my canonical home, so I am happy that one of our own clergy has ascended to this ministry as archpastor! At his consecration as bishop, as at all Orthodox ordinations, the clergy, the choir and the […]
Meaningless Church
I continued to call myself a Christian into my early twenties. When I finally stopped… it was because being a Christian no longer meant anything.