We communicate mainly through word, and it does matter how we do it. Our word is a reflection of the Incarnate Word. The Lord said, "Let there be light." And the invisible received its existence through word. Word is the greatest power in the world. "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth" (Ps. 33:6). So also in us the … [Read more...] about The Importance and Power of Words
Topics in Orthodox Theology
The Meaning of Holy Chrism and Holy Unction
By Mario Baghos The Holy Oil used for Holy Unction in the healing prayers and Holy Chrismation during baptism is a symbol but in the Greek, not English, meaning of the term. In Greek the term symbol (σύμβολον) means the place where two realities come together, in this case the oil becomes a concrete means by which the grace (energy) of God is offered. Grace and nature work … [Read more...] about The Meaning of Holy Chrism and Holy Unction
An Open Letter to a “Gay-Rights” Advocate
Editors Note. This essay, written by Dr. David C. Ford, Professor of Church History at St. Tikhon's Seminary, responds to a homosexual activist who argues that the Orthodox moral tradition should be retooled to sanction homosexual behavior. The arguments, while unfamiliar to some Orthodox readers, are not new. They were first used against the Episcopal Church over four decades … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to a “Gay-Rights” Advocate
Advice to Future Priests: Be Open to Questions
St. Vladimir’s Seminary Commencement Address Delivered May 19, 2018 By David Bradshaw Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Reverend Fathers, fellow scholars and students of Holy Orthodoxy, graduates, family and friends, It is a great pleasure to be with you on this happy occasion. Like many of you, I had heard of St. Vladimir’s through its publications and graduates … [Read more...] about Advice to Future Priests: Be Open to Questions
A Friend is Revealed in Times of Trouble
By Fr. Sergei Sveshnikov Much has been written about original sin. The Scripture is quite laconic about what happened. Adam and Eve—they!—stole a piece of fruit. Surely, the original sin was not theft. Many correctly say that it was disobedience. But there has to be more—much more!—to the story. Making a rule just for its own sake, for the sake of … [Read more...] about A Friend is Revealed in Times of Trouble