The following reply was sent, a few years back, to a frustrated Orthodox Christian who had written me with thoughts of leaving the Orthodox Church. I found this while looking through some old files. I post it here for the sake of others who may find themselves in a spiritual funk. Forgive me. Dear XXX, First off, please forgive the delay in my reply. I have nothing but excuses, save fear of failing you in my answer. I was once... Read more

Dear Father Joseph, I have been listening to some of your podcasts and felt compelled to drop you a line. I am also a former Southern Baptist who became Orthodox. I am currently living in Saint Petersburg, Russia; prior to that I was living in Moscow and prior to that in Constantinople (aka Istanbul). Your Orthodox White Boy podcast made me think a bit about the current situation here in Russia. In Russia, at least in Moscow and St Pete... Read more

Each year, Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers is hosted by a different parish in the Houston area; this year: Holy Forty Martyrs Mission in Sugar Land. Hairy, here, is Fr John Whiteford; thinnin’ and bespecaled is moi; Fr Florin Craioveanu follows. Wait! That priest looks Early! New to the Houston area, Fr Stephen Burke, center (with Christ), is flanked by Reader Herman Engelhardt and Archpriest John Salem at the Chanter’s stand. Our senior priest, Archpriest Joseph Shahda, leads the way in... Read more

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, I sat down with long-time friend Fr Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, to chat about things old, things new, the Church’s missiology — and Nashotah House too. The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. Or just listen right here. Pic Source Read more

My Confessor and Spiritual Father of 16 years, Fr Damian, fell asleep in the Lord last night (Saturday, March 7th). Your prayers are coveted. May his memory be eternal! UPDATE: For a good word on the passing of Fr Damian, listen to Clark Carlton’s podcast.Fr Damian is pictured here with my family, 2003. Read more

In a recent podcast, I mentioned that a priest who gets a good night’s sleep on Saturday night is “not worth his salt”. Now comes this … The nation’s cooks will be seasoning their daily bread with salt of a different denomination if a Maryland entrepreneur has his way. Examiner.com reports that retired barber Joe Godlewski, 73, was inspired to develop his own Christian Blessed Salt after repeatedly hearing television chefs call for the Kosher variety. The sea salt, blessed... Read more

In A.D. 2009Lent was beginning. Captain: What happen? Mechanic: Somebody set up us the bomb. Operator: We get signal. Captain: What!! Operator: Main screen turn on. Captain: It’s you!! Cats: How are you gentlemen!! Cats: All your base are belong to us. Cats: You are on the way to destruction. Captain: What you say!! Cats: You have no chance to survive make your time. Cats: Ha ha ha ha… Image Source Read more

On this Sunday of Forgiveness, I beg you — faithful readers, lurkers, and surfers — to forgive my many sins, failings, and shortcomings. Prayers coveted and assured, for you and yours, as we prepare, during this holy season of the Great Fast, to meet the Lord in the Bright and Glorious Day of Resurrection (Pascha – April 19, 2009). Read more

With the advent of the Great Fast – Lent – here’s a serious look at a familiar prayer written by St Ephraim the Syrian in the 4th century. St Ephraim’s prayer is a regular part of the Orthodox Christian’s prayer “diet” during the Great Fast of Lent. It may also be said throughout the year as part of one’s prayer rule. This Lenten meditation is taken from the book DEFEATING SIN – Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever (published by... Read more

Last year, the annual Clean Monday Retreat at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral was led by none other than Metropolitan KALLISTOS (Ware). This year, they got me. :)I hope to see you there!March 2, 2009, 10-2 pm DEFEATING SIN: Overcoming our Passions and Changing Forever Guest Author: Fr. Joseph HuneycuttHe is also the best selling author of the book on American converts and their pastoral struggles, One Flew Over the Onion Dome – American Orthodox Converts, Retreads & Reverts. Another program... Read more