Pastoral Messages

The Feast of Epiphany in the Orthodox Church commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan by the hand of John the Baptist. It is considered one of the twelve major feasts of Jesus Christ in the Orthodox Church. This particular feast has several titles, which help tell us something about its meaning. The word ‘epiphany’ means manifestation. Most Orthodox refer to this feast as Theophany, which means “manifestation of God.” Another title for Jesus’ baptism is “The Feast of Lights.” The Orthodox ... [Read more]

September marks the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical Year in the Orthodox Church, and I have been thinking a lot this past month about renewal and recommitment. Many of the basics of our Orthodox Faith have come to mind, and I have been setting some personal goals related to my own repentance and relationship with God. I have also been thinking about ways our parish needs to grow. One area of needed growth is in Christian Stewardship, and specifically in our monetary giving. I would like to ... [Read more]

The beginning of the New Ecclesiastical Year, historically and among other things, is an invitation for all the faithful to give thanks to God for the harvest of the summer, and to bless the coming months of life for yet another year. We are reminded that the Word of God, who made all things in wisdom and appointed the season and times for our salvation, is the Master of the universe and orders all things in perfect harmony for the good of all mankind. It is very humbling, yet extremely ... [Read more]

“For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them.” (Rom. 12:4-6) The members of the local church community make up the Body of Christ, and as with a human body, the Body of Christ has many different members and all the members are important. They each serve a unique and necessary role in the ... [Read more]

What God desires for us and what we desire from God resembles more of a crossroads rather than two railroad tracks running parallel with each other. Theoretically, and perhaps in the back of our minds, we may know that God desires that we strive towards holiness, but practically speaking and in our everyday lives we may not feel like we are seeking the same thing. Conforming our will to the will of God is a tremendous challenge. It is a battle that most of us will fight to our last day. The ... [Read more]

“It seems everybody needs prayer right now,” one parishioner said last week. True. When we look at the past six weeks of parish life, we see families who have negotiated interstate moves to Portland and others making or contemplating substantial moves across town. Three expectant families welcomed new little boys into the world. Others are preparing for surgeries, baptisms, weddings, graduations, beginning the job search process and making changes in their careers in an uncertain economy. ... [Read more]