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Sunday, April 18, 2021

Keeping the Proper Perspective

Today is the final Sunday of Great Lent, and the Church continues to teach us about Christian humility within the proper context. As Christ was preparing His Disciples to understand what was soon about to happen in Jerusalem, rather than acknowledging the great blessing they were receiving, they could only think about themselves. The Disciples had just been told, in clear concise language, that Jesus was the Son of Man, that He was going to be betrayed, judged, mocked, beaten, condemned,... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, April 18, 2021

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Saint Mary of Egypt

On the fifth Sunday in Lent we remember Saint Mary of Egypt. She was a sinner, publicly known, a temptation and a scandal to men. One day she came to a church and she felt that she couldn’t enter it. There was some miraculous force that was preventing her from entering. She realized that it was all her sins that were keeping her out. This was her wake-up call. All her past was darkness, and she knew only one way to get out of it. She needed to shake off all the evil and to... Read More

Posted by Fr Theofanis Katsiklis at Saturday, April 17, 2021

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Welcome from Fr. Theofanis

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, by God’s Grace, I am very happy and grateful to be welcomed back to St. Nicholas Cathedral. This pandemic has changed our lives. It has kept us physically away from each other and away from the Church. It has made it difficult for us to participate in the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion. We missed a year of celebrations together, including Pascha, Christmas, and Holy Epiphany. But spiritually and mentally, I... Read More

Posted by Fr Theofanis Katsiklis at Thursday, April 15, 2021

Sunday, April 11, 2021

We Can’t ‘Do It’ without God

As we get closer and closer to Pascha, the Church recalls the story of the man who brought his son to Jesus to be healed because nobody else could help him. Even the disciples could not help him. He had nowhere else to go so he came to Jesus, “Teacher, I brought you my son who has a mute spirit.” (Mark 9.17) The father explained everything, how the demon would torture his son, how his son would so often come very close to death, and even how the disciples could not cast out the... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, April 11, 2021

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Gospel Accuracy and Divine Healing

Saturday's Gospel from Mark starts with the words, "At that time, Jesus returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of Dekapolis" (Mark 7:31). It is absolutely fascinating that Mark includes such precise geographic detail from the Holy Land. When I was in the Holy Land for the Senior Holy Cross Seminarian trip, our Tour Guide pointed out that a trip or rather a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is like a Fifth Gospel. Such a... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, April 10, 2021

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Why All the Talk About Fasting?

You can’t escape the topic of fasting during Great Lent. In fact, the topic can be quite stressful for many people in the Church. The conflict is understandable since everyone fasts in a different way during Great Lent, and some choose not to fast at all. From the outside looking in, it can seem as if the Church teachings are being either ignored all together, or at the very least altered to our individual desires. There must be some reason the Church emphasises fasting so much during... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, April 4, 2021

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Renewed in Christ Jesus

Christ tells us that, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:13 and Mark 2:17). Throughout the Gospels, we see that Christ, as the True Physician of Souls & Bodies, does in fact call sinners to repentance, He calls those who are spiritually sick to work with Him so that He can make them spiritually well. In Luke 7:36-50, Christ accepts the repentance of the Sinful Woman... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, April 3, 2021

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Salvation is a Group Effort

Here we are on the Second Sunday of Great Lent, and after spending weeks reminding us during the Triodion about our personal spiritual journey, and after reminding us of the truth of the Church last week on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, today the Church makes a bold statement. Salvation is a group effort. Today the Church brings us a beautiful understanding that when our personal spiritual commitment is aligned with each other as members of the Church, healing can take place. In today’s... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, March 28, 2021

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Different Types of Prayer

There are different types of prayer. There is communal prayer and private prayer. In Church we collectively pray together, this is communal prayer or prayer as a community in Christ. Then there is private prayer, which one does on his or her own. In Saturday's Gospel (Mark 1: 35-44) we learn about private prayer. It says at the beginning of Saturday's Gospel, "[a]t that time, Jesus rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed" (Mark 1:35). Through this incident our... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, March 27, 2021

Saturday, March 20, 2021

The ‘Plucking of the Ears of Wheat’ Part II

Saturday’s Gospel Reading from Mark (2:23-28; 3:1-5) is the second time we see it over the past few months, the last time we read it on a Saturday was on January 23rd. The Gospel Readings are full of layers and layers of teaching, as we learn one teaching we uncover more. Last time we talked about that the eating by the Holy Apostles of the grains was actually a lawful act and not condemnable as it was permitted by the law of Moses. God allowed it so that the weary travelers would not die... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, March 20, 2021

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Why and Old Covenant and Why a New Covenant? Saturday’s Gospel (Matthew 6:1-13) has the Answer.

In the Old Testament, God made an agreement – a Covenant – with His people. This First Covenant was given to Moses alone to the Hebrew People. With the Old Covenant, God would also agree to give the Hebrews the promised land if they would follow His Commandments and offer the Sacrifices. With the New Covenant, God Himself through His Incarnation as Jesus Christ, God promises us His Heavenly Kingdom if we follow His Commandments and participate in His Sacraments. The Old... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, March 13, 2021

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Don’t Be Shocked!

As we continue our Triodion journey of preparing our mindset for Great Lent, the Church offers to us, Judgment Sunday. Today’s Gospel lesson, one of the more popular social justice lessons from the Holy Scriptures, reminds us that judgment is coming to everyone. That much we can all agree on, but what happens after the judgment might be another story. In the Gospel for today found in Matthew 25.31-46, we hear about the moment God will judge us. Sometimes we like to focus on the works... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, March 7, 2021

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Washing, Watching and Watchfulness

On the grounds of the Great Church of Christ, Agia Sophia in Constantinople, there historically was a water fountain that had an inscription on it, Νίψον ἀνομήματα, μὴ μόναν ὄψιν. This fountain is no longer there, but the meaning remains. It is a very interesting statement because if you write it backwards in Greek, the words are the same and the meaning also remains the same: Wash your sins, not only your face.... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, March 6, 2021

Sunday, February 28, 2021

What Does it Mean to Be Yourself?

It is quite common for people today to use the expression “I have to be myself,” or “Be who you are!” These expressions are related to an ancient Greek saying “Γνώθι Σ’αυτον” which is translated as “Know Yourself!” If we are to get anywhere in life, we must first know who we are “on the inside” with all honesty. Then, and only then, can we progress toward our goals in life.... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, February 28, 2021

Saturday, February 27, 2021

The Widow who gave all that her life had

I would like to draw our attention to the Poor Widow in Saturday’s Gospel Reading. Our Lord Jesus Christ pointed her out as the correct example to follow: a person with true love for God and for her neighbor. The poor widow who gave all that she had to the treasury for the poor! In giving all she had to the poor, it was as if she had given it to the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:40). The treasury at the Temple was a public fund for charity and the poor widow had such love in... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, February 27, 2021

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Mercy, Justice, or Both?

Today we begin our annual great journey to Pascha. To send us off on the correct path for our salvation, the Church recalls the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. If we are able to hear this parable with humility and an open mind, only then will the journey before us be of any value. The story should be familiar to us. One sinner and one supposedly religious man both go to Church. Both pray, but only one returns home justified. As the story reveals to us, it is only when we accept our... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, February 21, 2021

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Spiritual Justice, Healing through Prayer and Faith

Saturday’s Gospel reading reveals to us one of these many aspects of prayer; which is that even after we have asked God repeatedly for something and for a long time and do not receive it, we must not lose our trust in God. We must undeterred continue to pray. We must trust that God will never abandon us, He tells us in John 14:18 that He will never leave us as orphans. If, in Saturday’s Gospel, the Widow received justice by essentially being annoying to the Unjust Judge, how much... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, February 20, 2021

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Humility Heals

Among the seven Gospel readings of the Holy Unction service, which is celebrated here at St Nicholas on the first day of Great Lent (March 15 this year) and on Holy Wednesday each year as well as other days, we hear about the Canaanite Woman who begged for help from Christ. At first Christ ignored her, then His Disciples tried to get her to be sent away, and finally Christ Himself rebuffed her by saying, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, February 14, 2021

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Faith as a Mustard Seed

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Faith is an indispensable part of our lives which we may overlook sometimes. When an infant takes his or her steps it is on faith that it can walk. Seeing those around walking believes that it is possible. When an army engages in war it is because they believe they can overcome or achieve their intended goal by engaging an enemy. Without faith, in what they want to achieve, they do not engage the enemy, they surrender. When Apostle Peter was commanded to walk on... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, February 13, 2021

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Good and Faithful, or Wicked and Lazy?

The Bible is filled with parables from the Lord, which He used to teach truth to His followers. Many times these parables began with the words, “For the kingdom of heaven is like…” and continues with simple stories of life that help us to understand what we can expect when we are judged by God. Today’s Gospel story is one such parable, so from the beginning we must prepare ourselves to hear about judgment. We don’t always like hearing about judgment, but when... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, February 7, 2021

Saturday, February 6, 2021

The Prudent Parents are like Good Shepherds who bring their children to Christ

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Saturday's Gospel Reading of the Good Shepherd, from the Gospel of St. John, may have sounded familiar. It is the same Gospel Reading for the Feast of the Three Hierarches Great Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom and also for their independent feast days. Today is the Feast of St. Photios the Great, who is also a Great Saint and Hierarch, which is to say a Bishop, also like the Three... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, February 6, 2021

Sunday, January 31, 2021

What Would You Do?

Each year, the Church calendar repeats itself. Each year, the Church reads (if you’re in Church every day) the entire New Testament, excluding the Book of Revelation, from cover-to-cover. Each year, the Church urges us on to a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each year, we are expected to make a decision to welcome Him into our hearts. But what about welcoming Him into our homes? What would you do if Jesus came to your house this year? Each year, near the end... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, January 31, 2021

Saturday, January 30, 2021

The Saints are the Light on Hill of the Christian Life - January 30, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In Saturday's Gospel we hear our Lord, in the Holy Gospel-reading, telling his disciples that "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” The Holy Apostles became such prominent lights, glorious cities on a hill, giving their light to all who look upon their glory. After the passing of the Holy Apostles from this world, our Lord gave us more such glorious lights, such cities on a hill; brilliant lights which... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, January 30, 2021

Sunday, January 24, 2021

What Happens AFTER is What Matters!

When Our Lord was met by the road by a blind man begging. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18.38) Over and over the man called out to Jesus for mercy. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” FINALLY, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18.41) The man only wanted to be able to see. “Receive your sight, your faith has made you well.” (Luke 18.42) The miracle isn’t the only important thing to hear in this Gospel... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, January 24, 2021

Saturday, January 23, 2021

January 23, 2021 - Reflections from Fr Simeon

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In the Law of Moses, it was permissible for travelers to take fruit or wheat from vineyards or fields but only what they could eat and they could not take more with them (Deut. 23:24,25). This was because most travel those days was done on foot and this would be a gift that the people would offer to any traveler or passersby. God, through Moses, ensured that the weary travelers, would not die from starvation. So, in the case of the holy Apostles in... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, January 23, 2021

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Return and Give Thanks

When our Lord was passing through a village one day, He was met by ten lepers who were standing at a distance. When He heard them begging for mercy, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17.14) As they were on their way to the priests, they discovered they had been healed by Christ. One of the men, a foreigner, immediately turned back to Christ and worshipped and glorified Him. The others continued on their way, causing Christ to ask, “Where are the nine?”... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, January 17, 2021

Saturday, January 16, 2021

January 16, 2021 - Reflections from Father Simeon

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is interesting to note that Saturday’s Gospel Reading (John 21:14-25) is mistranslated. What the Greek actually says is the following: At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I'm your friend." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, January 16, 2021

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Are You Prepared to Share Your Light?

Last week, after months of preparations and weeks of negotiations with city and county officials, our parish once again celebrated the Feast of Lights, the Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of a pandemic when such celebrations were cancelled throughout the country, we came together, albeit much fewer of us, and prayed for God’s Light to shine upon the world. The eyes of the world were watching to see, not only if we followed the pandemic rules, but to watch... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, January 10, 2021

Saturday, January 9, 2021

January 9, 2021 Reflection from Father Simeon

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In today's Gospel Reading the Devil attacks Christ directly as he know that Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Messiah. Plus, had the Devil gone with the intent to tempt Christ secretly, Christ being God incarnate, who had created all things including the devil before his fall from Heaven, would have looked right at the devil and the devil would have had no to place to hide. But with us, the devil and or his demons, comes in secret and uses deceit to... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, January 9, 2021

Sunday, January 3, 2021

New Year's Resolutions!

This week is the week that everyone focuses on improving something about life in the New Year. As clocks hit midnight all across the globe last week, good intentioned men and women rushed to confirm New Year resolutions. Of course many if not most if not all New Year resolutions end up in the garbage pail by the end of the first week of the New Year, but that didn’t stop millions across the globe for faithfully committing to improving their life this year. By no means am I against... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, January 3, 2021

Saturday, January 2, 2021

January 2, 2021 Father Simeon Reflection

St. John the Baptist and Forerunner came out of the Wilderness of the Holy Land preaching that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We should look at this prophetic statement carefully. He does not say that the Messiah or Christ is coming. He does not say that the King of Israel was born and has now reached the age of maturity (which at that time was considered roughly about 33 years of age). He says the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. In the Gospels the phrases Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, January 2, 2021

Sunday, December 20, 2020

We Can Learn from our Ancestors

On the Sunday before Christmas the Church commemorates the earthly ancestors of Christ from Abraham to Joseph. The long list of names brings into our mind not only the righteous men and women of the Old Testament, but their spiritual struggles as well. The hearing of Christ’s ancestors, which are our ancestors, is never just an exercise in biblical knowledge. Today’s commemorations have a purpose. First of all we know they were real human beings, not just literary... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, December 20, 2020

Saturday, December 19, 2020

December 19, 2020 Reflections from Father Simeon

The Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews, tells us that Adam, the first man, had prophesied that the world would be destroyed twice, once by water and once again by fire. But Adam did not make it clear which would happen first, the fire or the water. So the Ancients, Josephus tells us, built two monuments to preserve all of their knowledge. The first monument, in Egypt, was built of stone and was designed to survive should the world be destroyed with a Flood.... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, December 19, 2020

Sunday, December 13, 2020

The Invitation from God is Freely Given - December 13, 2020

The Invitation from God is Freely Given and Should be Freely Accepted One of the most difficult things about living the Christian life is free will, not our free will, but the free will of others. It isn’t difficult to exercise our free will. We do that every time we leave the house. But when we are expected to honor the free will of others, it can be incredibly difficult. It could mean, and often does, that people will behave in ways that we do not want. It could mean, and often does,... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, December 13, 2020

Saturday, December 12, 2020

December 12, 2020 Reflections from Father Simeon

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Saturday's Reading from the Gospel of John quoted our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ as having said that "... the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). In another place the same Gospel also quotes the Lord as having said that, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (John 15:13). This is who Christ is to us, He is our True Shepherd, who is our True... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, December 12, 2020

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Don’t Allow Your ‘Christmas Preparations’ to Stop You from Preparing for Christmas

The so-called Christmas Season for many can be weeks of anxiety, guilt, gluttony, depression, and all-around hectic atmosphere. Have you asked yourself why it has to be this way? The answer is simple yet profound. We normally spend the weeks leading up to Christmas shopping, cleaning, decorating, going over our ‘to do lists’ and in a constant state of panic that we won’t get everything accomplished in time for Christmas (at this point) a WHOLE TWO WEEKS away. ... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, December 6, 2020

Saturday, December 5, 2020

December 5, 2020 Reflections from Father Simeon

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is easier to do good than it is to do evil. It is a lie of the evil one that it is easier to give up to his temptations. But there are two ways to do good, one way is on our own and the other way is with God. Since something broke when humanity fell in paradise, and again when we fell personally for the first time (I.e. when we commit our first sin), things do not work correctly as they should and thus it is extremely difficult to do good deeds on our... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, December 5, 2020

Sunday, November 29, 2020

We Need Help

When we are young children it is easy for us to acknowledge we need our parents. One of the realities of growing up into adults is learning that we no longer need our parents for everything, and eventually realizing standing on our own. We start families and we enjoy professional carriers. Every now and then we encounter a situation for which we need help. Whether it be a health issue, a legal issue, or any number of personal relationship issues, as adults we appreciate that there are... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, November 29, 2020

Saturday, November 28, 2020

November 28, 2020 Reflections from Father Simeon

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Somethings must be said about this Saturday's Epistle and Gospel. Saturday's Epistle, from Apostle Paul to the Galatians, warns us against about receiving, accepting or presenting a false version of the Gospel. Saturday's Gospel, from Apostle Luke, rejoices though for the one who has received the correct Gospel as if they were young children or babes. How can we, through our behavior, preach a false Gospel? By not following the commandments... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, November 28, 2020

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Give Thanks unto the Lord

This week on the mind of every American is whether or not to gather for a celebration on Thanksgiving Day. The spreading of the pandemic in recent weeks has created a new dilemma for politicians and Church leaders. Should we gather or should we stay home this year for Thanksgiving? Each and every Divine Liturgy is a Feast of Thanksgiving in the Orthodox Church, whether or not it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. As Orthodox Christians we gather, as our ancestors gathered... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, November 22, 2020

Saturday, November 21, 2020

November 21, 2020 Reflections from Father Simoen

The Three Choices in Life: Good, Evil, and God's Will Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, There are always three or more choices in life, but the Enemy who is the Father of all lies (John 8:44), does his utmost to only let you see the two choices. He shows us two options, two extremes: to do good entirely on our own or to give up and do his will. Christ God tells us clearly that without Him, we can do nothing [good] on our own (John 15:5). We live in and are born in a fallen... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, November 21, 2020

Sunday, November 15, 2020

And who is my Neighbor?

The Gospel tells of a certain lawyer who “stood up and tested” Jesus trying to trick Him. He asked a question many of us ask either directly or in the secret of our prayers, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10.25) Our contemporary society seems to be preoccupied with this question. In hospital waiting rooms every day, family members of terminally ill patients are asking doctors, “What can we do to save his life?” Hundreds of millions... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, November 15, 2020

Saturday, November 14, 2020

November 14, 2020 Reflections from Father Simeon

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Saturday, November 14th, is the day before the 40-day fast of Christmas. On this day we also we celebrate the memory of our Holy Apostle Philip. Apostle Philip was called by our Lord just after Apostle Peter. As we are told in the Holy Gospel of John, Philip was from the same city as the Apostles Andrew and Peter; Bethsaida. (John 1: 43) Philip started his Apostleship even before our Lord send him and the other Apostles to preach the Good News! He... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, November 14, 2020

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Change Your Expectations of God

In our daily prayers, many times we ask God for a variety of blessings. The blessings we ask from God have a wide range, from relationship issues to employment issues to physical issues, all in need of healing. These issues are very personal to us, and as the saying goes, we know what we want. We go to God in prayer, hoping and sometimes even expecting, to receive exactly what we want from God. And as the saying goes, you can’t always have what you want. In the Gospel for 7th... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, November 8, 2020

Saturday, November 7, 2020

November 7, 2020 Reflections from Father Simeon

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Daily Readings of the Gospel and Epistle and even the readings from the night before for Vespers, are all interconnected and combined are a centralized teaching that the Church Fathers wanted to present to us. Saturday morning's Epistle and Gospel are an excellent example of this. The Epistle, for Saturday, teaches us the concept that "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please..." our Lord Jesus Christ (2... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, November 7, 2020

Sunday, November 1, 2020

The World Needs More UNmercenaries

Today the Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Unmercenaries. Trained in medicine, they treated people FREE OF CHARGE in the NAME OF CHRIST. In today’s political environment it has become almost second nature to hear someone speak about the need for universal health care. For sure the cost of healthcare in our nation has gotten out of control with premiums so high that many families hold down a second job JUST for health insurance, and if the... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, November 1, 2020

Saturday, October 31, 2020

What is truth?

“What is truth?” Is a question that many have asked. Christ has given us the exact definition of Truth, Himself (John 14:6). The Truth is not something that belongs to us. We cannot own truth. The only way to have some ownership of the Truth is by sharing it with others. The Truth is the Light of Christ that we cannot hide under a basket (Luke 8:16) as Saturday’s Gospel Reading tells us. If we hide an open flame under a basket, the basket will catch flame. In the same way, we... Read More

Posted by Fr Simeon Pardalis at Saturday, October 31, 2020

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Don’t Allow Greed to Send Christ Away

After Jesus cast out legion demons from someone, the demons entered a herd of swine. As a reaction to having the demons enter, the entire herd ran off a cliff and drowned. The demons were so violent and oppressive, the swine just couldn’t handle the presence of so many demons. Demons have a nasty effect on people, but there is always a limit to their abilities. During the exorcism prayers of every baptism, the Church recalls this Gospel story, as the demons are cast out of the... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, October 25, 2020

Sunday, October 11, 2020

God is Speaking to You

It is a fairly common question especially when we are struggling with something in our lives. “Is God speaking to me? If He is, why can’t I understand? Why can’t this struggle end? Why can’t I change?” In our struggle, when we can’t seem to hear God, we presume the answer to these questions is, “No. God is not speaking, He isn’t even listening to me.” There is nothing that could be further from the truth. In the Gospel lesson for today we... Read More

Posted by Fr Athanasios Haros at Sunday, October 11, 2020