As we approach Great Lent, here is an important clarification: An exact keeping of the fast, attending all the extra services, and reading all the Biblical readings each day will not, in and of themselves, justify us before God. These things are all there for our good but not for our justification. If we are […]
Today’s Epistle reading is from James 3:1-10. The photo, which was taken on a backpack on the Continental Divide Trail, reminded me of this passage. After informing us that the tongue is a fire, St. James continues with these words: “The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on […]
CHRIST IS BORN!! GLORIFY HIM! “Never judge anyone, for any reason. Never do anyone harm. Discipline yourself, purging both material and spiritual evil. Nurture a modest and gentle spirit. Do these things, noticing your own faults rather than those of others, and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will be with you lavishly.” ~~An Egyptian […]
Dear to Christ members of the OCPM family… I had the great honor and blessing to Chrismate two men in prison yesterday. The men were filled with such incredible joy. Things worked out perfectly to hear both of their confessions before the service. They also received Holy Communion. It was truly holy ground. Please pray […]
This story came to me from two different priests. After reading it, I found that it was definitely one to pass on to you. The Saints are truly wonderous in the Lord! Love in Christ… Fr. Stephen “One day in Athens, Saint Porphryios was with a nun and needed to take a taxi. The taxi […]
December 6th is an important day in my home each year. The “why?” is best answered by sharing this true story with you. If you are a fan of the Paul Harvey radio programs, you will be familiar with one of his shows called “The Rest of the Story”. This story could easily be one of those stories. I would […]
Have you ever asked God: “Why am I here on this earth? What is it You want me to do with my life Lord?” Those are great questions to ponder. There can be various answers given to each individual, but there is one answer that is common to all of us. “For we are His […]
I confess to you, the reader, that I have played the “fool” in my own life. I remember as if it were yesterday, coming home from college for Christmas. My mom was cooking breakfast and mentioned something about God to me. I responded: “Mom, I no longer believe in God.” I thought we would embark […]
Saint Paul prayed that the Lord Jesus Christ “would grant you (us), according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and […]
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So, he arose and followed Him. (Matthew 5:16) And there you have it. The Holy Apostle Matthew has just described his own conversion to Christ. There is no doubt a whole lot more […]