This is part three of a series to dialogue with parents AND kids, on issues that we see in the service
Continue reading DEAR PARENTS… PART Three: attendance, participation & liturgy
On Sexiness and Chastity
I’ve participated in or witnessed numerous conversations about whether or not the Church talks about sex enough. Regardless of the answer to that, I think secular society talks about sex too much. It shows it too much. It plasters it all over the place too much. It makes us think about it too much. I want to talk about one particular aspect of purity, which is chastity.
Divisive language in the church
Clearly. Obviously. Of course. Definitely. Naturally. Absolutely. Exactly. Never. Always. False. Fake. Authentic. Leftist. Rightist. Far right. Far left.
For those who prefer audio, the link can be found here. I recommend that as it flows better and is followed by a Q&A!
Continue reading Divisive language in the church
Q&A: Can I have lab-grown meat during the fast?
Q: Is lab-grown meat acceptable during the fast? Is the “Beyond Burger” acceptable during the fast?
Continue reading Q&A: Can I have lab-grown meat during the fast?
5. Freedom
4. Purpose
Let’s repent
It’s the season of repentance. Of course, all year long, every moment and every day is a season for repentance, but it’s time for spiritual ICU. These next 55 days should be marked by a real intentionality of improved health. We don’t do vows and stuff, but what New Years resolutions are to secularity, Lent is to spirituality.
Continue reading Let’s repent
Lent program, 2019
This is not to be practiced without consultation with your spiritual father.
Lent, 2019
Continue reading Lent program, 2019
Sanctify a fast!
Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God; and cry to the Lord.
(Joel 1:14)
Remembering Tunt Samira
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I thought long and hard about writing about our beloved “Tunt Samira” (Doherty), and I have refrained for a long time because I do not believe it is my story to tell. The closest to her spiritually, without any doubt, was our beloved Abouna Kyrillos Ibrahim, who I’ve dubbed “the beloved of the Saints” (they all seem to really like him). I have also refrained because I do not want to be misperceived as being closer to these holy people than I was. I was undoubtedly loved by Tunt Samira, but I cannot say that I was a loving and faithful son to her. It is in that context that I think perhaps I have something valuable to share with you from some of my own experiences with her.