In June 2022, I was invited to speak on Eastern Orthodox Christianity at Zootown Church in Missoula, Montana. I talked with with my bishop, and he agreed that it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It was a wonderful visit. I met some very devout and kind hearted believers, and I made some new friends. The theme of my message was how the ancient Christian Church understands the story of our salvation.
Why the Incarnation?
A look at how the Eastern Orthodox Church understands why the Son of God had to become human and what his incarnation did for us.
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.
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
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.
Press on in Faith
After Christ’s death the Myrrh-bearing Women, Jospeh of Arimathea, and Nicodemus press on to serve their Lord, no mater what. My sermon on the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, April 30, 2023.
Why liturgy?
Summary
Simple question (and one that I get fairly often): Why is liturgical worship so important for the Orthodox Church?
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Transcription
With Him in Glory
The Good News & the bad news are the same – everyone gets to be with God in his glory.
On Great and Holy Friday
Today He Who hung the earth upon the waters is hung on the tree. The King of the angels is decked with a crown of thorns. He Who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery. He Who freed Adam in the Jordan is slapped on the face. The Bridegroom of the Church is affixed to the Cross with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced by a spear.
We worship Your Passion, O Christ.
We worship Your Passion, O Christ.
We worship Your Passion, O Christ.
Show us also Your glorious Resurrection.
Eastern Orthodoxy 