So the day which was first will also be the eighth, so that the first life might not be done away, but rather made eternal. ~ St. Augustine Early church writings and practice prescribed certain feasts to be celebrated as …
…icons in our churches do the same. The medium, the image becomes the message. And, reading this icon of the Incarnation and Revelation of Christ our God at His Baptism we get the message, of assurance and confidence that at …
We Armenians know well, that whenever you meet someone for the first time and are invited to their house, you cannot go empty handed. Neither did the wise men when they went to see Jesus for the first time. It …
The name “January” comes from the Roman god Janus, the god with two faces, one looking to the past and the other looking to the future. This is indeed a time to look back at the year that is ending …
Jesus walks into a restaurant and says “table for 26 please”. Confused, the maitre does a quick head count and says, “but there are only 13 of you.” Jesus replies, “Yes, but we are all going to sit on the …
St. Nicholas of Myra (270-343), also known as Santa Claus, was one of 318 bishops who attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. The council was called together to discuss the beliefs of Arius. While Arius was defending his …
The Christmas season is a time for getting together with family and friends. These reunions are intended to be a time to rejoice. However, for many people, the holidays are filled with tension. In today’s charged political climate many worry …
The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give their food in due season. you open your hand and fill all things living with your bounty. (Armenian Prayer Before Meals) In this ancient Armenian prayer of Thanksgiving, …
In a pastoral cohort that I met with regularly, I came to know an older colleague who is of Native American ethnic background. As you might expect, he has a very different take on American history then most people. He …
O Lord, who wills that which is good, and are the director of the will, let me not follow the inclinations of my heart, but lead me to live always according to Your good will. Have mercy upon Your Creatures …