This Sunday is called the Sunday of the Last Judgment, because of the Gospel reading, or Meatfare Sunday because, in the old discipline, it is the last day to eat meat and meat products until Pascha. St. Paul is explicit in warning us not to judge others because of what they eat or don’t eat. […]

“Called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord” is this year’s theme for the week of prayer for Christian unity. Who came up with this theme and who prepared the service we pray today? It was done by representatives of Christian denomination from various parts of Latvia. And, by the way, where is Latvia? […]

This homily was inspired by an article by Father Edward Steiner in Priest magazine, February, 2016. Let’s not begin with the prodigal son. Let’s not even begin with the loving father. Instead, let’s begin with the older brother. Actually, his reaction was the one that was expected as a matter of observance of the law […]

As we approach the beginning of the Great Fast, the Church prepares us by the Sunday Gospels leading up to it. We began singing the penitential stichera at matins today and on this first Sunday of the Triodion we hear the parable of the Publican and Pharisee. We see the contrast between humility and self-righteousness. […]

In last Sunday’s Gospel we heard St. John the Baptist call for repentance – metanoia – the continual turning back to God. In today’s Gospel reading we hear Jesus saying the same thing, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” as he begins his public life. Peter also initiated his apostolic ministry exhorting […]

Mark begins his Gospel account by flatly stating that Jesus is the Messiah – the anointed one of God – the Christ. As he continues, he makes this abundantly clear with what he recounts. John the Baptist’s clothing is the same as that which was worn by the prophet Elijah. It was believed that Elijah […]