One does get tired of the media going into a tizzy every time some idiot comes along with such manifestly baseless claims, and making pronouncements about how this could “rock the Christian faith.” It would probably help if more people in the media had a real education of their own — in some field other than how to look good on camera. — Fr John WhitefordClick the link found H E R E for the whole story. (What? Milli Vanilli?... Read more

For the past couple weeks I have been posting some of my notes from a clergy retreat led by Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou of the Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Baptist in Essex, England. Now, just in time for Lent, you can listen to the talks themselves … “The Hidden Man of the Heart” the 2007 Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America Clergy Brotherhood Retreat led by Archimandrite Zacharias of Essex is now available in a set of seven audio... Read more

Building up the heart by the grace of repentanceRejoice in temptation: an opportunity to prove our fidelity to God. We do not choose our cross — but accept the Cross of Providence. Choosing a cross can lead to faint heartedness. St Ambrose of Optina: “No better rule of prayer than that given us by the Publican — ‘Lord have mercy on me a sinner.'” Two steps toward repentance:1) sever ties with the world2) find the heart/unity with God. Faith &... Read more

I recently asked two knowledgable Archimandrites the same question: “Is there a set form or protocol for Confession? Perhaps some sort of ancient rules — a “confession typicon?” They both, independent of each other, said … “No.” Fr Zacharias, of St John Baptist Monastery, admitted that he currently hears most confessions in his office. Fr Daniel Griffith of All Saints, Salina, KS said the same. That’s been the norm for my own confessions. I meet with my Confessor in his... Read more

Prayer as Infinite Creation Prayer = proof of being [created] in the image and likeness of God. Communication, Man with God, was broken in the Fall. The Son of God came in the flesh to re-establish, continue, the communication. Prayer accompanies Man by accomplishing his salvation. Man, of himself, is not a true source of life. Faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ constitutes a beginning of relationship with the Divine. Our one concern = not to lose such a... Read more

On decorating our incorruptible house through the assumption of the virtues. Brethren and fathers, people in the world when they erect a luxurious house give themselves no rest at night and at the end of the day they toil and plan, laboring until they have achieved their object; and such is the longing that fills them that their mind is wholly occupied in this and in considering how the roof may be well-covered, how the floor, adorned with many different... Read more

Building up the heart by vigilance and prayerVigilance = watchfulness of mind You should regulate your attitude toward God at the beginning of the day. Exercise self-restraint and patience during prayer = helps direct the intellect. Three types of prayer:1) said aloud2) of the mind3) of the mind in the heart The Jesus Prayer is based on a revealed relationship with the Holy Trinity … other prayers/paths not so based. Divestiture of the world is only half of the model.Constant... Read more

It’s a pretty good piece. Really. Pic & link courtesy of THUNDERSTRUCK Read more

Once upon a time, Episcopalians were, I believe, personified by Thurston Howell the Third. Every now and then you’d find the bumbling Anglo-Catholic version, ala Hugh Grant, or the warm and homey granddad, ala Bill Cosby. As time passed, one began to see firebrands with faces and viewpoints contorted by controversy — like, say (in a twisted way) Michael Savage. Then, for what it’s worth, came the E.Y.W. — the Eternal Year of the Woman. They were ordained illegally …... Read more

Pardon my French, but … Episcopalians!The Sunday after General Convention I returned to my home parish for Gay Pride Sunday and participated in a Disco Mass for which gays and lesbians turned out in force. The opening hymn was a beautiful jazz rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” Musical offerings came from gay men in sequined tank tops and from the Director of Music who was ushered into the service singing a disco number complete with Go-Go girls. The queen of... Read more