The Orthodox Church teaches that we are created with, not five, but six senses. Our sixth sense is the least developed and yet the most important, because through it we are able to perceive reality in its fullness.
Resisting Orthodoxy
Q: I want to draw closer to Eastern Orthodoxy but my spouse wants no part of it. What do I do?
A: These situations are more common than you might think. In fact, they are more the rule than the exception. Because this is an issue that touches directly on someone’s core values, you cannot push your spouse into a decision. Take your time and do your best to be a good witness to the Orthodox Faith, answering questions with kindness and accepting their resistance with patience. It’s a longer road, but one with much more fruitful possibilities for your family’s faith journey. And, of course, pray without ceasing that the Lord warms your spouse’s heart to the beauty and truth of Eastern Orthodoxy.
Online group for Orthodox seekers
The Fellowship of St Theophan the Recluse is a ministry of the Orthodox Church in America’s Bulgarian Diocese. We currently have over 100 members. Most members are from North America but we also have people from the British Isles, Latin America, Africa, and Australia.
It’s a mixed bag of interest levels. Some are very intentional about becoming Orthodox, but aren’t anywhere near an Orthodox church. Some would like to become more involved in the Orthodox Church, but cannot for a variety of reasons. Others are just checking Eastern Orthodoxy out.
We also have Orthodox Christians who can’t get to church regularly, or the church they attend has services and programs in a language they don’t understand.
All are welcome.
I send out an email every weekday to stay in touch and once a month we have a live meeting on Zoom.
If this sounds like something you might find helpful, send me an email for more info.
The Law-Giver
In his earthly ministry, was Jesus really being a rebel… or was something else going on?
Why pray to the saints?
A question that I hear quite frequently concerns the intercession of the saints. Why do the Orthodox believe in this? Can you find references to it in the scriptures? I want to keep these posts short, so let me share with you a link to an episode of my podcast where I talk about this in a bit more detail.
First let me say this. The popular understanding of heaven and earth is that the dead are “up there” while we are “down here” and that there is largely no practical connection between the “up there” and the “down here.” Classical Christianity (ie, Eastern Orthodoxy), does not see the world in this way. The spiritual realm is a lot closer to us than we think, but our ability to perceive it is impaired.
So with that said, here’s the link.
https://anchor.fm/frajarmus/episodes/The-intercession-of-the-saints-e204h4m
Opportunities unexpected and unavoidable
God puts people into our lives whom we could not ignore, in spite of our best efforts. These people are sent by God for our salvation. My sermon at St Nicholas Cathedral in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sunday, May 7, 2021.
Conspicuous love
The saints’ love for God and neighbor was deep and unshakable… and it showed!
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Preparing the Way
“Prepare the way of the Lord… Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low.” (Isaiah 40:3,4)
When we are alone
The Holy Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness to fast for 40 days. Isolation is a unique spiritual challenge. When alone, be on guard.
The lost person
The Prodigal Son lost a great deal more than his material wealth.
Eastern Orthodoxy 