Speaking The Truth In Love

In this last week of Great Lent, Father Thomas connects the parable of the rich man and Lazarus with Christ's raising from the dead of the actual Lazarus.

Fr. Thomas contrasts the story of the fallen, then raised Mary of Alexandria with that of another Mary - the Theotokos.

Fr. Thomas gives an overview of the services for the 5th week of Great Lent and their final emphasis on penitence and repentance.

Fr. Thomas starts with a review of the Gospel reading of Mark for the Fourth Sunday of Lent and transitions to the Fifth Sunday explaining how reigning with our Lord is dependent on suffering with him.

On April 7, we remember the repose of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Apostle to America. Fr. Tom has 3 stories to tell about this venerable Saint.

It is at this point in our Lenten journey that the Church contemplates the instruction of St. John Climacus and his Ladder of Divine Ascent. Fr. Tom takes us step by step through this treasure and makes it practical for us non-monastics!

On the third Sunday of Great Lent, we concentrate on the Cross of Christ, and Fr. Tom helps us understand what it means to take up our cross.

Fr. Thomas explains the significance of St. Paul's letter to the Hebrews in our Lenten journey.

Fr. Thomas examines the Prayer of St. Ephraim and why it is so appropriate for us during Great Lent.

As we continue to remember the significance of the Annunciation, Fr. Tom gives a helpful reflection on the Magnificat.

On March 25, exactly 9 months before Nativity, the Church celebrates the Annunciation to the Theotokos that she will be the Mother of God. God's declaration through the angel Gabriel, however, had a contingency attached. Listen to find out what it was.

Fr. Tom offers thoughts on the healing of the paralytic.

On the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent we remember St. Gregory Palamas and Fr. Tom instructs us on why he is so important in our theology about knowing the unknowable God.

Fr. Tom gives a meditation on the rich meaning of the pre-sanctified liturgy of Great Lent. 16:37

You won't find a more concise and helpful explanation of why Orthodox Christians keep and venerate icons.

Great Lent is considered the tithe of the year, during which believers try to be what they ought always to be. Fr. Tom, in response to a request once made of him, shares with us a list of "things that a believer would do if he were really a believer."

Fr. Tom considers the act of asking for forgiveness, as well as who it is we hurt when we sin.

Fr. Tom reflects upon the expulsion of Adam from Paradise, one of the two themes of Forgiveness Sunday.

Father Tom discusses Psalm 137, which is included in a special way during the Matins Service for the three Sundays leading up to Great Lent.

Fr. Tom reflects upon Matthew 25:31-46, the Parable of the Last Judgment.