Fr. Moses Berry, the president of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black, has often been asked for advice about sharing the Orthodox faith with African-Americans. He frequently responds, “You evangelize to blacks the same way you would to whites or anyone else. You make them feel welcome in your parish.” In this divisive and … More Evangelism Across Boundaries: A Welcoming Heart
Originally posted on The Modern Monastic Order Of Saint Simon of Cyrene:
When I launched the idea and gave an explanation of why African-Americans and Orthodox Christians should celebrate the feast day of St. Simon of Cyrene, a couple of criticisms came up from within the church. One criticism is a reasonable issue. In most…
Originally posted on The Modern Monastic Order Of Saint Simon of Cyrene:
http://sandersonicons.com/Every March 17th, people of Irish ancestry lead the celebration of their patron, St. Patrick. For one day, we all wear something green, eat corned beef & cabbage, look for four-leafed clovers, and drink Irish beer & whiskey. While we don’t honor him…
One thing I can say about being a black Orthodox Christian and among the leadership in the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black, is that there is always a reason to go forward beyond worldly standards. That my aim, our aim as Christians, is to live as citizens of the eternal kingdom while in the … More Where Do We Go From Here: A Reflection from the BSMB Conference
(The following is a rough manuscript of my presentation at St. Basil the Great (Antiochian) Orthodox Church in Hampton on Saturday, June 24th. Somewhere in mid speech, I attempted to make some changes off the cuff. Those who heard my talk say it was great. Of course, I am my own worst critic. A link to … More The Need to Know
In his autobiography, Malcolm X stated that the Desert Fathers were the founders of Christian Church structure (1). He also briefly mentioned St. Augustine as a defender of Church doctrine against heresy (2). While Malcolm said these things specifically in is critique of white racism in Christianity, he does make an incidental point that should … More The Desert Fathers: A Beacon for Evangelism
This is why God does not open His hand; because we have closed up our hearts to our brothers and sisters. This is why the fields are arid; because love has dried up. St Basil, In Time of Famine and Drought (1) It is not hard to find finger-pointing from both sides of the … More Reconciliation On Social Justice: Nineveh’s Repentance
Originally posted on The Modern Monastic Order Of Saint Simon of Cyrene:
Imagine being a young black pastor in the segregated south and you have been called upon to lead a movement against injustice. The demonstration is having some success and the supporters of the evil structure have constantly threatened and denounced what you are…
For our money is the Lord’s, however we may have gathered it. If we provide for those in need, we shall obtain plenty. This is why God allowed you to have more; not to waste it on prostitutes, drink, fancy food, expensive clothes, and all other kinds of indolence, but for you to distribute to … More Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: We Own Nothing
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common. and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all, as anyone had need. … Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the thins he possessed was his … More Reconciliation On Social Justice: A Society Within A Society
