In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the fear of God is not about terror or punishment but a deep reverence born from love.
What is the Fear of God?
A World of Rebellion and Glory
As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to engage the world by discerning between its God-given goodness and its potential to become a rival to God.
Judgment and Grace as One
“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16) The same divine fire brings warmth to the repentant and burns the unrepentant. God’s presence doesn’t change—we do.
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Exploring the Messianic Fulfillment in Luke 4:17-19
Here’s an excerpt from my online Bible Study. In this discussion of Luke 4, we delve into the second half of Luke 4:17-19, where Jesus reads from Isaiah’s prophecy and declares His Messianic mission. The passage states that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Jesus, anointing Him to preach the Gospel, heal the broken-hearted, deliver the captives, and give sight to the blind. In this discussion, we link Jesus’ mission to the concept of the Jubilee Year, a time of liberty and restoration in Israel, symbolizing the Messianic reign.
The Ministry of Jesus in Galilee: Insights from Luke 4:14-15
In this excerpt from my online Bible Study, we explore Luke 4:14-15, where Jesus returns to Galilee empowered by the Spirit and begins teaching in synagogues, earning widespread praise. Saint Ephraim the Syrian and Origen emphasize Jesus’ spiritual power and the significance of teaching within the synagogue. The discussion highlights the centrality of the worshiping community in experiencing and learning the faith. The episode concludes with a reflection on facing temptations with God’s strength and becoming ambassadors of His grace.
The Temptation of Christ: A Paradigm for Christian Struggle
Just as Jesus faced 40 days of temptation after His baptism, we too can expect spiritual struggles when we get serious about our faith. Being in the wilderness isn’t a sign of failure.
Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly
Repentance isn’t abstract—it’s manifested by love in action. If you love God, serve your neighbor. That’s the fruit God is looking for.
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The Eucharist
Too Big for Words (4)
In this fourth episode on the Holy Mysteries – the sacraments, we examine the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the Eucharist. In the Orthodox Church, Holy Communion is called “the medicine of immortality and the antidote to death.”
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Born in Humility That We May Rise in Glory
Here’s an excerpt from my online Bible Study. We were looking at the Nativity of Christ as told by the Holy Evangelist Luke.
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On the Nativity of Christ
This is Saint Isaac the Syrian on the Feast of Christ Nativity: “This is the night of the most gentle one. Let no one be cruel. This is the night of the humble one. Let no one be proud. Now is the day of joy. Let us not revenge.” → [Watch Video]
Eastern Orthodoxy 