Perhaps every African American Orthodox Christian has August 28th circled on a calendar. It is the feast day of Abba Moses the Black. He is also known as the “Ethiopian” (due to his very dark “burnt” complexion), “Robber” (he was a former gang leader and thief), and “Strong” (mostly by Copts referring to a story … More Saints of Africa: August
It never ceases to amaze me how the Ancient Faith & Afro-American Conference brings us all together. So many of us have now been a part of these Brotherhood gatherings that we have made the event a family reunion and homecoming combined. It is the only time when one can see an African-American priest of … More 2019 St. Moses Conference: The Broader Scope of the Ancient Faith
I grew up with traditional black Baptist revivals. Over the years, I’ve been to various conferences and services of different races and denominations. No matter what the event, there always seemed to be a push to get some sort of “high.” Perhaps from the keynote speaker, music concert, prayer session, something was supposed to give … More Ancient Christianity and Afro-American Conference 2018: A Sober Joy
The community room at my hometown West Point Branch of the Pamunkey Regional Library is free for any person or organization to use as long as there is no charge or nothing being sold. As I am not a member of the clergy, taking up an offering is out of the question. I do have … More Reconciliation: Sharing a Little Bit of Myself
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
The 23rd Annual Conference fo the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black was held at the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church in Indianapolis last weekend. I had a lively drive with Sarah Motley and Johanna Hargraves from Charlottesville. I was excited to be there serving as a member of the National Board and one … More St. Moses Conference: Advice from the Bishop
The goal of our profession is the kingdom of God. Its immediate purpose, however, is purity of heart, for without this we cannot reach our goal. We should therefore always have this purpose in mind … St. Moses from St. John Cassian’s On the Holy Fathers of Sketis (Philokalia vol. I) For anyone that thinks … More St. Moses: The Immediate Purpose of the Christian
Glory to God! Not only was someone gracious enough to photograph scenes from this year’s conference. The lectures are on Ancient Faith Radio as well! Thanks to those who contributed the work on the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black Facebook Page and to all the good work on AFR! Oh, and blessings to St Stephen … More 21st Ancient Christianity Afro-American Conference: Lectures and Photos
Every mainstream should have an antithesis. This is not to be combative or dismissive to the denomination that left. Had it not been for the African-American Baptist Church, I probably would have never been born, much less born again. I think the black church of the various denominations and non-denominations are able to lead souls … More Alternative Christianity: Orthodoxy and the Mainstream Church
What is the relevance of this ancient African Christianity? What is the relevance of Orthodox Christianity? I tell you the relevance is the future of our community and nothing short … Subdeacon Paul Abernathy Broken souls need a home to come to. Those souls are not finding a suitable home in the poor theologies … More Relevance and a Need for Real Faith: Reflections from the First Symposium of the VA Chapter of the Brotherhood
Desert Fathers Dispatch 