Tag: reconciliation

Living an African-American Orthodox Christian Life: Dealing with “Bumps and Bruises”

September 28, 2021

In a recent post on Facebook, I mentioned that “There will be some bumps and bruises in some parishes for black Inquirers.” Over thirty years after a wave of evangelicals converted to Orthodox Christianity under the Antiochians, the hurdle of ethnicity can still be daunting for anyone seeking the faith. Along with that are the … More Living an African-American Orthodox Christian Life: Dealing with “Bumps and Bruises”

Evangelism Across Boundaries: A Welcoming Heart

February 23, 2018

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

Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: We Own Nothing

March 27, 2017

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

Reconciliation On Social Justice: A Society Within A Society

March 23, 2017

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

Reconciliation On Social Justice: The Consequences of Low Aim

March 15, 2017

  If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me. When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. —– Matthew 19:21, 22 Although you say you have never murdered, … More Reconciliation On Social Justice: The Consequences of Low Aim

Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: Jacob’s Soldierly Comfort

March 9, 2017

Shall I show you another bed?  I mean Jacob’s.  He had bear ground underneath him and a stone under his head.  For this reason, he saw the spiritual Rock and the ladder where the angels were ascending and descending.  St. John Chrysostom, First Sermon on Lazarus and the Rich Man Jacob was a deceiver who … More Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: Jacob’s Soldierly Comfort

Reconciliation: Ambassadors of the Greater Kingdom

November 7, 2016

Tomorrow is the end of the road (I hope) to the most contentious presidential campaign of my lifetime.  Many things have already been said about both of the major party candidates, the question of why third parties are not given an equal public platform, and how some groups will respond if the results do not … More Reconciliation: Ambassadors of the Greater Kingdom