I’m a doubter like Thomas, too.
April 6, 2013
Tomorrow is Thomas Sunday, according to the Byzantine liturgical calendar. This commemoration serves as a worthy reminder to all of us - Thomas isn't the only one with a doubt problem.
The Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom
March 31, 2013
If any be a devout lover of God, let him partake with gladness from this fair and radiant feast. If any be a faithful servant, let him enter rejoicing into the joy of his Lord. If any have wearied himself with fasting, let him now enjoy his reward. If any have laboured from the first [...]
Why Cardinal Mahony’s Opinion Really Doesn’t Matter
March 20, 2013
Cardinal Mahony made a minor stink in the Twittersphere last week with some remarks he made regarding Pope Francis' assumed preference for simplicity over grandeur in matters of Liturgy and the trappings of the Papal office.
Akathist to the Sweetest Lord Jesus
March 12, 2013
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful written services of prayer to Christ I’ve found. While the Akathist hymn itself consists of a series of thirteen kontakia and twelve oikoi, the closing prayer to Our Lord is just incredible. I’ve copied the text of this prayer below. Sweetest Lord Jesus, mighty Son of God, [...]
Refreshed Blog Design Finally Launched
March 11, 2013
It only took me two months (I suppose it could be worse), but today I'm releasing the updated look and feel of the blog. It is a substantial departure from the old design, which was decidedly iconoclastic but aesthetically clean.
Sede Vacante or How the Pope Destroyed my Worldview
March 1, 2013
The Chair of St. Peter is now empty. While I am very happy – relieved even – that tomorrow, Joseph Ratzinger will be able to breathe a bit easier, I still find myself saddened by his absence. His impact on my life and relationship with Christ is not something I’ve written too extensively. Suffice it [...]
St. John Chrysostom on Fasting
February 19, 2013
An excerpt from St. John’s homily on Fasting: Fasting is a medicine. But medicine, as beneficial as it is, becomes useless because of the inexperience of the user. He has to know the appropriate time that the medicine should be taken and the right amount of medicine and the condition of the body which is [...]
Calling all Men! Time to Man up!
February 15, 2013
The old Petra song "Get on Your Knees" came to mind when I started to write this post. I've had some struggles over the last few weeks that have really brought to bear the entire idea and meaning of manhood - BEING A MAN - which has brought on a few observations, a couple of rants, and some (hopefully) constructive reflections as we begin our trek into Great Lent.
Our Holy Father, Benedict the Pope of Rome
February 11, 2013
…is now set to “retire” at the end of the month. Pope Benedict’s impact on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ has been incredible. Without his teaching of the Gospel, I’m not sure where I would have ended up. Something of note: http://marysaggies.blogspot.com/2013/02/very-interesting-insight-from-scott-hahn.html I’m a bit too shaken to reflect further, but I will write [...]
St. Gregory of Sinai on Spiritual Progress
January 21, 2013
Below is an excerpt from St. Gregory of Sinai’s On Commandments and Doctrines, Warnings and Promises; On Thoughts, Passions and Virtues, and Also on Stillness and Prayer: One Hundred and Thirty-Seven Texts: 120. The short ladder of spiritual progress – which is at the same time both small and great – has five rungs leading [...]
Save the Greek Catholics. Join Euro Team Outreach!
January 7, 2013
This is a difficult post for me to write on a number of levels. First, as a former Protestant, I can identify with the missionary spirit and evangelical nature of what this group is attempting to accomplish. I get it. Sharing the Gospel is what our goal as Christians is all about, right? On the other hand, however, is that as a Catholic and more specifically as a Byzantine Catholic, this group's efforts feel like a slap across the face.
Msgr. Talley named Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta
January 4, 2013
Some exciting news from our local Roman Catholic Archdiocese here in Atlanta - Msgr. Talley, pastor of St. Brigid's Catholic Church (which, incidentally, is right up the street from our Byzantine parish) has been appointed to the episcopacy by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Nativity Homily of St. John Chrysostom
December 18, 2012
I'm posting this here now as a powerful reflection for this final week of Advent - I'll post it again on Christmas Day. St. John's words encapsulate the mystery of the Nativity perhaps better than anyone I've ever read. Slava Isusu Christu!
Penal Substitutionary Atonement and Eastern Theology – Part One
December 14, 2012
The Eastern Christian world has some funny ideas about things. For this former sometimes Methodist, sometimes Evangelical Protestant, the typically understood formula for our salvation was pretty simple, and could be expressed thusly: 1. Repent of your sins (though only privately – me and Jesus, baby!). 2. Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and [...]
Working on a Re-Design…
December 9, 2012
A good friend and fellow Catholic took a look at my blog some weeks ago and remarked, "Gee whiz, Rob, it looks like a Baptist designed it!" With no offense intended toward my Baptist brothers and sisters - I have to agree.
Celebrating Advent in the Byzantine Tradition
December 6, 2012
According to the Roman calendar, the liturgical season moved into Advent this past Sunday. Looking at the Byzantine calendar, however, Advent proper isn’t anywhere to be found. My family, as relatively new Byzantine Catholics, have celebrated Advent for several years. What to do? In the Byzantine Rite, we actually start celebrating Advent several weeks earlier [...]
