Shows
Sermons from St. Herman'sTwo Stories and a Sermonette -- The Sunday after ChristmasOn the Sunday after Christmas, Fr. Matthew Howell pulls from the Prologue of Ohrid to read two short stories and a brief homily from St. Nikolai Velimirovic. He starts with a story about the 20,000 martyrs of Nicomedia because the relics in the antimins of St. Herman Church are from those martyrs. Then he reads a story about the Christ-child being kind to a robber while traveling to Egypt (see the Reflection on Dec. 26 from the Prologue). He finishes with a Christmas homily by St. Nikolai.Previous Homilies for the Sunday after Christmas: December 29, 2024 - Like the Ma...
2025-12-2810 minSermons from St. Herman's"He became broke to heal our brokenness" -- The Sunday before ChristmasOn the Sunday before Christmas, Fr. Matthew Howell explains why St. Matthew the Evangelist spent so much time writing out boring names of a family tree to begin his gospel. Fr. Matthew spends time sharing some of the horror stories from Jesus' ancestors, and then discusses why it matters: Christ became a full human, and did not avoid the pain of an ugly family history, but endured it and redeemed it. In a similar manner, Christ can do the same for us by taking our broken human condition and circumstances and turning them into a message of hope through...
2025-12-2118 minSermons from St. Herman'sHe Became A Living Gospel -- St. Matthew the EvangelistOn the feast of his patron saint, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about how St. Matthew the Evangelist embodies the classic redemption story found throughout the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Orthodox Church. He gives context to the life of a tax collector and tells the story of St. Matthew's conversion of Ethiopian royalty. He reminds listeners that St. Matthew not only wrote a gospel, but became so transformed by Christ that he became a living gospel, shining with the uncreated grace of God and living out St. Paul's edicts from today's epistle to bless when reviled, endure when...
2025-11-1615 minSermons from St. Herman's"We Need to Know What's Important" -- Homily by Bishop John for the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy CrossOn the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross, Bishop John Abdalah preaches about the circumcision of the heart at Saint Herman Church in Wasilla while making a pastoral visit on behalf of His Grace, Bishop Anthony. He talks about the humility of Christ, who descended from heaven to take on human nature, is even circumcised, and even descends to the pit of hell in order to raise us up in order to be joined to Himself as members of the royal priesthood. Bishop John points out that we must focus what is important in the Faith (that...
2025-09-0713 minSermons from St. Herman'sEntering Eternal Life Through Detachment -- The Encounter with the Rich Young ManOn the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the encounter between Jesus Christ and the rich young man who walked away from Christ sorrowful over the idea of selling all his possessions. Fr. Matthew points out that the young man was moral but not holy and that he was too attached to his riches or possessions to be filled with the grace of God and to follow Christ. Fr. Matthew refers to his homily bingo card, then quotes Monty Williams in pointing out that the young man did not want to do what was hard to...
2025-08-3116 minSermons from St. Herman'sChecking a Lot of Boxes -- The Beheading of St. John the BaptistOn the feast of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, Fr. Matthew talks about the different categories of saints that he fills as a prophet, monastic, martyr and more. Father Matthew then points out how we follow St. John's example in terms of his asceticism, his truth-telling, and his martyrdom either via blood but at the very least in our will to crucify (or martyr) our selfish will. Previous Homilies for this feast by Fr. Matthew Howell:August 29, 2024 - Faithfulness to Righteous VowsAugust 29, 2023 - I Must Decrease, and He Must IncreaseAugust 28, 202...
2025-08-2904 minSermons from St. Herman'sRepentance is the Seed; Forgiveness is the Fruit - The Parable of the Wicked ServantOn the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Fr. Matthew Howell expounds on the parable of the wicked servant who begs for mercy from his king for an unpayable debt but refuses to show mercy to his fellow servant. Fr. Matthew does the math conversion from talents and denarii to days, years, and lifetimes of work in order to show that the wicked servant owed more than 3,000 lifetimes of work to the king. Fr. Matthew quotes St. Nikolai Velimirovic to explain that forgiveness is a fruit of repentance and is absolutely the expected behavior of the family of God (Christians who...
2025-08-2422 minSermons from St. Herman'sFear Not: The I AM is ComingOn the 9th Sunday of the readings from the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about how Jesus walks on water and tells the disciples not to fear because "I AM." He also uses the epistle reading to point out that boats weather storms based on how they are built in the port ahead of team, so we need to build good spiritual habits to weather the spiritual storms of life. Along the way, he points out that Jesus comes to save us in the storm, not from the storm. Previous Homilies for...
2025-08-1017 minSermons from St. Herman'sTime Travel and the Transfiguration -- by Fr. Adam RobertsOn the feast of the Transfiguration, guest preacher Fr. Adam Roberts from Saint Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Katy, Texas preaches about time travel. He talks about how connecting with God transports us through time in a mystical way, and uses examples from scripture to prove his point. However, Fr. Adam insists that more important than time travel is being present with God and working out our salvation here and now. Along the way, he refers to the Back to the Future movie trilogy. Previous homilies for the feast of the Transfiguration: August 6, 2024...
2025-08-0607 minSermons from St. Herman's"You Give Them Something to Eat" - Feeding of the 5,000On the 8th Sunday of readings from the Gospel of Matthew for this year, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the feeding of the 5,000. He starts by telling about how his friend and daughter think his homilies are boring, and then launches into his main point about how Jesus wants us to do the best we can with what we have and then leave the impossible up to Him. He explains how with God nothing is impossible, but we just need to bring our gifts to Him and ask Him to do that which we are unable to do. He...
2025-08-0317 minSermons from St. Herman'sFiery Faith and Frequent Prayer: Lessons from the Prophet Elias (Elijah)On the feast of the Prophet Elias (Elijah), Fr. Matthew Howell talks about how the good works and fiery faith of the prophet stemmed from a lifetime of prayer and quietness that cultivated a deep relationship with the living God. Fr. Matthew talks about how St. Elias was fed by ravens, conquered the prophets of Baal, met God on Mount Horeb, was carried into heaven in a chariot of fire, and spoke with Christ on Mount Tabor during the Transfiguration. Along the way, Fr. Matthew discusses how St. Elias experienced the uncreated light of God, tells a story from...
2025-07-2017 minSermons from St. Herman'sRadiate Light: Letting Good Works Shine to the Glory of GodOn the Sunday in which the Orthodox Church commemorates the 630 Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the Gospel reading from Matthew. He mentions how God's love should radiate through us to illumine those around us so that they can praise God. "Simple, loving, humble, kindness" is the way to love God and love neighbor. He uses as an example Righteous Matushka Olga of Kwethluk and Saint John of San Francisco. Along the way, he takes another shot at the "selfie culture" fostered by social media. Previous Homilies for the S...
2025-07-1316 minSermons from St. Herman'sWeight Watchers Weekend - Sunday of All SaintsThis homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at St. Herman Church on the first Sunday after Pentecost on which the Church commemorates all the saints who have loved God since the beginning of the world. Fr. Matthew latches on to St. Paul's epistle to the Hebrews and claims that the saints are "Weight Watchers" or "Biggest Losers" set "aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely" in order to make it to the kingdom of heaven. Rather than losing physical weight, the saints lost the spiritual weight of sin and passion and enabled the grace of God...
2025-06-1515 minSermons from St. Herman'sHasten to the Lord and Finish the Work -- 3rd Sunday of Pascha (Myrrhbearing Women)On the 3rd Sunday of Pascha on which the Church commemorates the Myrrhbearing Women, Fr. Matthew Howell starts by offering an apology for the previous week's outburst and then explains in a much calmer and better manner what he tried to convey in the previous week: the importance of hastening to be early or on time to Church to care for the Lord's body (the Liturgy). He uses Zacchaeus as an example of the fruit of "hastening" to the Lord. He also talks about how the Myrrh-bearing women finished their work, and how we need to finish the work...
2025-05-0414 minSermons from St. Herman'sMy Lord and My God -- 2nd Sunday of Pascha (Thomas Sunday)On the 2nd Sunday of Pascha known as Thomas Sunday, Fr. Matthew Howell contrasts the unbelief of Thomas with the cynicism and skepticism of the Pharisees and the crowd at the foot of the Cross. Fr. Matthew points out that Thomas was looking for reasons to believe and then was willing to dedicate his life to the mission of the resurrection even to the point of martyrdom, whereas the others were searching for reasons not to believe and didn't want to be inconvenienced with changing their lives. Thomas's unbelief turns into unwavering faith when the Lord appears to Him...
2025-04-2709 minSermons from St. Herman'sPaschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom (in English)This homily was originally given by St. John Chrysostom (+407 AD). In the Orthodox Church, this homily is read during the Pascha Vigil in every parish throughout the world. This reading of the homily was read in English by Fr. Matthew Howell on April 20, 2025 during the Pascha service at St. Herman Antiochian Orthodox Church. Previous Readings of the Homily of St. John Chrysostom by Fr. Matthew Howell:May 5, 2024April 16, 2023April 24, 2022May 2, 2021Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8Gospel: John 1:1-17TRANSCRIPT: The P...
2025-04-2003 minSermons from St. Herman's"Stand Firm and see the Salvation...which [the Lord] will perform for us today": Holy Saturday LiturgyOn Holy Saturday at the Vesperal Liturgy, Fr. Matthew Howell offers three reflections. First, the 15 Old Testament Readings that are curated by the Church for this day are simply beautiful and should get people excited about hearing them in Church. He points out that if someone complains about hearing all these scripture readings in Church then they should probably read the Bible more at home during the year to grow one's love for the Bible.His second point focuses on the sixth reading from Exodus which describes the Israelites' passage from Egypt, their desire to go back...
2025-04-1913 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Meaning of Unfailing Faith - Holy Thursday Vesperal LiturgyDuring the Vesperal Liturgy for Holy Thursday for the Mystical Supper, Fr. Matthew Howell unpacks the line from the Gospel at Orthros that Christ says to Peter: "I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail" (Luke 22:32). Fr. Matthew gives his opinion that "unfailing faith" does not mean not sinning but it means having the strength and fortitude to return to God in repentance, trusting in God's mercy, love, and forgiveness while having the courage to change our lives. Along the way he makes a reference to Billy Graham and jokes about "never speaking in absolutes."
2025-04-1707 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Cross, Palms, and Christ's Victory - Palm SundayOn Palm Sunday, Fr. Matthew Howell tries to tie together the Cross, the Palms, and the Victory of Christ over Death that contrasts with the people's disappointment that He wasn't building an earthly kingdom. Along the way, we tells a story the donkey's experience carrying Christ and the lesson that the donkey learned in the barn later that evening. Fr. Matthew Howell's previous homilies from Palm Sunday:The Significance of Palms - April 9, 2023“Gospel” with a Capital “G” - April 17, 2022Aligning Ourselves with the King of Humility - April 25, 2021Epis...
2025-04-1319 minSermons from St. Herman'sFriends of Christ vs Friends to Christ - Lazarus SaturdayOn Lazarus Saturday, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the how Christ calls His Disciples (and us) friends, but says "You are my friends if you keep my commandments." Fr. Matthew then explains, in the context of the baptisms and chrismations from that morning, the nuanced difference between being a friend of Christ and a friend to Christ.Epistle: Hebrews 12:28-29; 13:1-8Gospel: John 11:1-45Previous Homilies by Fr. Matthew Howell for Lazarus Saturday:Lazarus Saturday - April 8, 2023Entering Into Holy Week - April 16, 2022"Unbind Him and Let Hi...
2025-04-1210 minSermons from St. Herman'sAll that I have is thine - The Prodigal SonOn the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the lessons of the parable that Jesus tells: 1) that God can forgive any sin; 2) that we must repent by leaving our sin behind; 3) that being in the "Father's house" and sharing his life is heavenly; and 4) that our self-righteous criticism and condemnation will separate us from the love of the Father. Using extensive quotes from chapter 8 of Remember Thy First Love by Elder Zacharias Zacharou, Fr. Matthew goes through the parable and highlights to the lessons to be learned from each character. Along the way, he connects...
2025-02-1618 minSermons from St. Herman'sHumility vs. Self-Righteousness -- The Publican and PhariseeOn the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, Fr. Matthew Howell gives a brief explanation of the Lenten Triodion period before discussing the content of the parable spoken by Jesus today. He talks about the humility of the Publican (Tax Collector) and contrasts it with the self-righteousness of the Pharisee who prays with or to himself and ends up condemning the Publican. He offers three things to do to cultivate humility: 1. Gratitude; 2. Criticize ourselves and not others;3. Stay off social media (the cesspool of pride, vainglory, judgment and criticism)Along the...
2025-02-0913 minSermons from St. Herman'sLike the Magi, We Must Return (to Paradise) by Another WayOn the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, Fr. Matthew Howell uses a paragraph from Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos in the book The Feasts of the Lord (page 61) to describe how we should be like the Magi and not return to Herod, who represents the flesh of the world. Rather, we should return to Paradise through a virtuous life of asceticism and sacramental participation. Fr. Matthew also mentions how if we want Christ to lay his head in the manger of our hearts and dwell within us permanently, then we must protect him from those who wish to slay him.
2024-12-2905 minSermons from St. Herman'sGod Is With Us - The Sunday before Christmas
On the Sunday before Christmas, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about how God is with us in spite of the messiness, brokenness, and sinfulness of the human family. He talks about how the Word of God joined a really broken family and how He did not fear to jump into the swamp of sin and pain with us in order to raise us up above it. Along the way he breaks down some of the stories of the names mentioned in the genealogy of Christ: Abraham, Jacob, Judah and Tamar, Rahab, David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Joseph and Mary. He r...
2024-12-2216 minSermons from St. Herman'sA Sad Rich Man -- On Love of Money and On TithingOn the 13th Sunday of Luke, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the encounter between the rich young ruler and our Lord Jesus Christ. He points out that the money is not the problem per se, but that the love of money interferes with the young man's ability to follow Christ. Because God gave us free will, we use that will to serve a master: either our possessions and passions or our uncreated God. Following the lead of St. Nikolai of Zica, Fr. Matthew talks about how neither states of wealth nor poverty are virtuous in and of themselves, but...
2024-11-2412 minSermons from St. Herman'sFaithfulness to Righteous VowsOn the eve of the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, following the end of Great Vespers, Fr. Matthew Howell contrasts the faithfulness of St. John the Baptist with Herod. He points out that St. John was faithful to God's righteousness and to the truth while Herod was faithful to an unrighteous vow that he should have broken. Fr. Matthew says that we should be true to our word, but our word should lead us to holiness in God rather than into sin.
Previous Homilies for this feast by Fr. Matthew...
2024-08-2904 minSermons from St. Herman's"Bid Me to Come to Thee"On the 9th Sunday after Pentecost and the 9th Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about Jesus and Peter walking on the water. He points out how Peter was not interested in merely performing some miracle but was deeply drawn to be with the Lord as shown by the phrase "Bid me to come to thee." He also talks about Peter's powerful prayer, "Lord, save me." Along the way, Fr. Matthew references the Apostle Titus (the saint of the day), the morning's gospel reading from Matins, and even throws in his favorite catchphrase from former NBA coach Monty...
2024-08-2516 minSermons from St. Herman'sGod Multiplies Our 'Not Enough'On the 8th Sunday after Pentecost and the 8th Sunday of the readings from the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about Jesus multiplying not nearly enough food for thousands of people and then relates it to how God will work in our lives if we offer everything we have to Him.
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and...
2024-08-1811 minSermons from St. Herman'sSet Your Sights on the High Mountain: The Feast of the TransfigurationOn the feast of the Transfiguration, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the role of the mountain in the feast and how we should leave the low things of the earth and strive for the mountain of the Lord. Along the way, he quotes from Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos and references Revelation 22.
Previous Homilies for this Feast:
2023 by Very Rev. Gregory Rogers
2021 by Rev. Matthew Howell
Epistle: 2 Peter 1:10-19
BRETHREN, be more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will n...
2024-08-0606 minSermons from St. Herman's"Let Love Be Genuine": A Look at Romans Chapter 12On the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Fr. Matthew Howell looks at Romans 12.
Please note that toward the end of the homily, Fr. Matthew relayed an anecdote about Saint Sophrony of Essex. He realized after the liturgy that the anecdote was about a monk featured in the book "Everyday Saints and Other Stories," and was not about St. Sophrony. He apologizes for the mixup.
Epistle: Romans 12:6-14
Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to...
2024-08-0413 minSermons from St. Herman'sDo We Set Out a Welcome Banner or a Do Not Disturb Sign for the Holy Spirit?On the fifth Sunday after Pentecost and the fifth Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell uses his just-completed sabbatical as an opportunity to discuss the importance of hospitality. He then asks whether we set out a "Do Not Disturb" sign for God similar to the townsfolk in today's gospel passage.
Epistle: Romans 10:1-10
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that...
2024-07-2816 minSermons from St. Herman'sHospitality for the Holy Spirit -- Pentecost in Emmaus, PAOn the feast of Pentecost, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches at Saint Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania where he interned for three years during seminary. He talks about how Pentecost is a feast of evangelism, and then connects evangelism to hospitality. He claims that evangelism won't happen if people who visit a parish are not received warmly. He uses his current experience on his sabbatical as perspective on authentic hospitality. He goes on to say that by extension the Holy Spirit will not "come and abide in us" if we have a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the...
2024-06-2318 minSermons from St. Herman'sPaschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom (in English)This homily was originally given by St. John Chrysostom (+407 AD). In the Orthodox Church, this homily is read during the Pascha Vigil in every parish throughout the world. This reading of the homily was done by Fr. Matthew Howell on May 5, 2024 during the Pascha service at St. Herman Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Previous Readings of the Homily of St. John Chrysostom by Fr. Matthew Howell:
April 16, 2023
April 24, 2022
May 2, 2021
Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8
In the first book, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, u...
2024-05-0504 minSermons from St. Herman's"The Lord will fight for you, and you will keep silent." -- Holy Saturday Vesperal LiturgyThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell during the Vesperal Divine Liturgy for Holy Saturday. He explains that when we feel broken, wounded, hopeless, helpless and stuck, that we must turn to Christ who can do for us those things which we cannot do for ourselves, such as rescue us from Hades and free us from the slavery to sin and the fear of death. He harps on the verse from Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, and you will keep silent." He also draws on other examples from the fifteen Old Testament readings to explain the dept...
2024-05-0408 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Weather and the Thief - Holy Thursday Evening 12 Passion GospelsOn Holy Thursday Evening at the end of the Orthros Service with the 12 Passion Gospels for Holy Friday, Fr. Matthew Howell offers a reflection about the weather and the wise thief. First, he notes that the clouds have darkened in response to our Lord's arrest and crucifixion and that it happens every year during Holy Week. He also encourages everyone to reflect on the darkness and sin in their own heart and how we are also responsible for Christ's passion. Then, he pivots to talk about the Wise Thief (Dismas) who repented on the cross and was promised Paradise...
2024-05-0305 minSermons from St. Herman's"I prayed that your faith should not fail" - Holy Thursday Vesperal LiturgyOn Holy Thursday Morning at the Divine Liturgy commemorating the Mystical Supper, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches that the true test of faith is not in sinning but is found in how we repent. To support this, he highlights Luke 22:32 which was read in the Orthros Gospel earlier in the morning. He asks the questions: "Jesus prayed for Peter that 'his faith should not fail.' But Peter denied Christ. Did Peter's faith fail? Was Jesus' prayer somehow not heard or unsuccessful?" Fr. Matthew points out that Peter returned to Christ in tears and deep repentance but Judas instead despaired...
2024-05-0212 minSermons from St. Herman's"Melancholy of the Soul": The Ladder of Divine Ascent Step 7 -- On Mourning (4th Sunday of Lent)On the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Fr. Matthew Howell continues his years-long preaching series on the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus. This year he preaches about “Step 7: Mourning.” He curates quotes from the chapter to illustrate the importance of mourning (i.e. grieving) over our sins, and even mourning over our lack of repentance, while also highlighting the necessity to avoid despair by remaining assured of God's mercy. Along the way, he alludes to the movie Megamind with his mispronunciation of the word "melancholy."
Fr. Matthew Howell's 2023 homily on "Step 6: Remembrance of Death" can...
2024-04-1416 minSermons from St. Herman'sReturning to Paradise through Repentance and Forgiveness (Forgiveness Sunday)On Forgiveness Sunday, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the expulsion of Adam from Paradise and how our Lenten journey is our effort to return to Paradise after being cast out due to our sin. He ties this together liturgically by explaining the transition from bright to dark vestments during Forgiveness Vespers and why the Holy Doors in the church are closed so much more during Lent and their symbolism of being opened for good at Pascha and during Bright Week. In the second half of the homily, Fr. Matthew explains how our journey back to Paradise cannot happen without...
2024-03-1720 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Fruit of Repentance: St. Savva of Serbia & St. Nina of GeorgiaOn the day on which the Orthodox Church celebrates the memories of St. Savva of Serbia and St. Nina of Georgia, Fr. Matthew Howell uses the readings from the leavetaking of Theophany to talk about how these two saints evangelized their respective countries as a fruit of their repentance and adherence to Christ. Along the way, Fr. Matthew shares what happened to Christ's robe after His crucifixion, and also drops a reference to legendary radio journalist Paul Harvey.
Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13
BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the...
2024-01-1413 minSermons from St. Herman'sSpecial Episode: Burial of Kh. Sally HowellIn a special episode, Fr. Philip McClanahan, the pastor of St. Athanasius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California, gives a homily at the burial of Khouria Sally Howell (the mother of Fr. Matthew Howell).
2024-01-0304 minSermons from St. Herman's"An Invincible Shield of Holiness"During the liturgy for the feast of St. Herman of Alaska, Fr. Matthew Howell uses as a basis for his sermon a line from one of the Old Testament readings from Great Vespers the evening before: "He shall take holiness for an invincible shield" (Wisdom of Solomon 5:19). Fr. Matthew talks about how St. Herman, in the austere setting of Alaska, took holiness for an invincible shield against all sorts of enemies and sufferings. Fr. Matthew points out that we can take the shield of holiness by living out St. Herman's most famous saying: "From this day, from this hour, f...
2023-12-1306 minSermons from St. Herman's"Black Ingratitude"On the 13th Sunday after Pentecost and the 13th Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the parable of the wicked vinedressers. Quoting from St. Nikolai Velimirovic of Zica who refers to the wicked servants as having "black ingratitude", Fr. Matthew explains how their repeated acts of ingratitude led them to envy, anger, delusion, hatred and murder. He talks about how we can fall into the same traps with attitudes of entitlement and ingratitude, and how we should always give thanks to God for all things, carrying with us the prayer "Glory to God for all things."
2023-09-0319 minSermons from St. Herman'sI Must Decrease, and He Must IncreaseDuring the divine liturgy for the feast of the beheading of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the need to shrink our ego in order to allow God to fill us with Himself.
Other homilies by Fr. Matthew Howell for this feast:
August 28, 2024
August 28, 2023
August 29, 2022
August 29, 2021
Acts of the Apostles 13:25-33
IN THOSE DAYS, as John was finishing his course, he said, "What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is...
2023-08-2905 minSermons from St. Herman'sMake Straight the PathsFollowing Great Vespers for the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the Old Testament reading from Isaiah which says, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight the paths for our God" (Isaiah 40:3). Fr. Matthew says that we all have a savage wilderness in our heart that needs to be straightened out so that we can follow the narrow path that leads to God.
Previous Homilies for this feast by Fr. Matthew Howell:
August 29, 2022
August 29, 2021
The...
2023-08-2906 minSermons from St. Herman'sStop Loading Pianos into Your LifeboatOn the 12th Sunday after Pentecost and the 12th Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell uses a long introduction from St. Nikolai of Zica to tell an imaginary tale of a man loading a lifeboat with unnecessary items, such as pianos and boxes of gold. Fr. Matthew then uses this to frame the perspective we need about the gospel reading about the rich young man who walked away from Jesus disappointed about what is necessary for eternal life. Fr. Matthew points out that God wants our whole heart and our whole live to be committed to God Himself, but...
2023-08-2719 minSermons from St. Herman's"Here I Am"On the 11th Sunday after Pentecost and the 11th Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell talks very briefly about forgiveness and the need to forgive our neighbors unlike the wicked servant mention in the gospel reading. Fr. Matthew then preaches about the Prophet Samuel who is commemorated on this day. He points out the power of Samuel's faithfulness and availability to God when, as a child, Samuel responds to God's call by saying "Here I Am." Fr. Matthew highlights other passages in the Bible that show saints responding to God's call with those words, and shows how this availability...
2023-08-2018 minSermons from St. Herman'sFasting Moves Mountains of SinOn the leave-taking of the feast of the Transfiguration and the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the importance of fasting and prayer as pillars of personal faith that can move mountains as laid out by our Lord Jesus Christ in today's gospel. He points out that prayer and fasting and enable someone--by God's grace--to move the mountains of sin that grow in one's heart. In the middle of the sermon, Fr. Matthew reads a paragraph from St. Nikolai Velimirovic (of Zica) about how fasting purifies the body and makes it a clean vessel to receive...
2023-08-1316 minSermons from St. Herman'sRetirement Speech for Archpriest Stephen HowellAt a retirement party in Sacramento, Fr. Matthew Howell gives a speech honoring his dad, the Very Reverend Father Stephen Howell.
This video has most of the speeches from the retirement party. Fr. Matthew's speech begins in the video at minute 56:45 and goes to 1:16:36. The video cuts off before Bishop John Abdalah and Fr. Stephen Howell give their speeches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o-AkegkuWI
2023-07-1919 minSermons from St. Herman'sGood Works Stem from the True Light of ChristOn the Sunday in which the Orthodox Church commemorates the 630 Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon, Fr. Matthew Howell explains the theological debate centered on the two natures of Christ. He claims that everything in the Church is built upon this Truth of how Jesus Christ is one divine person with both a fully human and fully divine nature. He then ties this feast to the Gospel (Matthew 5:14-19) by pointing out that the closer we draw to Christ, who is the Light of the World, the more we should be filled with His Light and Love...
2023-07-1619 minSermons from St. Herman's"Where Have You Been Hiding?"On the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, a day on which the Orthodox Church commemorates the saints of a local church (in our case, the saints of North America), Fr. Matthew Howell talks relates a story about a man who saw that he was a Christian based on his shirt and asked "Where have you been hiding?" Fr. Matthew then talks about Jesus calling His disciples to follow Him, the saints of North America following Christ and sharing their faith with others, and the importance of living a wholehearted Christian life that is shared with others so that they can...
2023-06-1819 minSermons from St. Herman'sSpiritual DehydrationOn the fifth Sunday of Pascha, Fr. Matthew Howell uses John 4:13 to talk about the Living Water that Jesus offers and the dangers of spiritual dehydration. Along the way he incorporates stories from his recent roof-building mission trip to Puerto Rico.
References from the Orthodox Study Bible used by Fr. Matthew in the homily:
John 4:13: “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him...
2023-05-1416 minSermons from St. Herman'sLazarus SaturdayOn the day before Palm Sunday called Lazarus Saturday, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about one of the meanings of the miracle of Christ raising from the tomb. He explains how Lazarus represents each one of us, and how the stench of his body and its corruption are an image of each one of us rotting in our sins in the darkness. Fr. Matthew says that Christ stands outside the tomb of our sins and calls us to the light to be healed so that we can be "loosed" and unbound from our sinful passions. Along the way Fr. Matthew...
2023-04-0809 minSermons from St. Herman's"Live Like You Were Dying" - Step 6 of the Ladder of Divine AscentOn the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Fr. Matthew Howell continues his years-long preaching series on the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus. This year he preaches about "Step 6: On Remembrance of Death." He uses Tim McGraw's 2004 hit, "Live Like You Were Dying" to illustrate the point that remembrance of death can lead us to deeper love and stronger repentance. He then asks the important question: Why wait until we are actually on our deathbed to make change our life in order to live in a holy manner and without regret? Why not just start living righteously n...
2023-03-2618 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Cross: The Throne of Glory and Portal of GraceOn the third Sunday of Great Lent, Fr. Matthew Howell pulls from the epistle reading from Hebrews chapter 4 in which St. Paul says "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Fr. Matthew explains how the Cross of Christ is the throne of glory and grace. He talks about how the Cross is a weapon for everyone on the journey to the kingdom of heaven, which will be the fullness of the experience of God's grace and glory. He also points...
2023-03-1917 minSermons from St. Herman'sHunger and Thirst for RighteousnessOn Forgiveness Sunday (Cheese Fare), Fr. Matthew Howell discusses the themes of the day: the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, forgiveness, fasting, and repentance. He uses Matthew 6:16, "When you fast..." as a springboard to discuss Great Lent.
He frames everything in the context of Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." He claims that when Adam and Eve stopped hungering for communion with God that they fell into sin, and therefore we must control our selfish impulses in order to unite ourselves with God's self-emptying love. He...
2023-02-2620 minSermons from St. Herman'sJudgment of LoveOn the Sunday of the Last Judgment, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about how God loves us so much that He gives us freedom to choose to love Him or not, and how God will judge us based on who and what we love. Our good or bad deeds, then, are a reflection of the faith and love that are in our hearts. So Fr. Matthew points out that God's judgment involves simply giving us what we desire: either God Himself, something else which will lead us into the lake of fire. Fr. Matthew also explains why Jesus uses sheep...
2023-02-1915 minSermons from St. Herman'sJonah was like an AmericanThree weeks before the feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Fr. Matthew Howell continues his reflections on the Nativity Katavasia. This time he focuses on the 6th ode which is based on the prayer of Jonah from inside the belly of the sea monster (Jonah 2:3-10). Fr. Matthew explains how the "sign of Jonah" (cf. Mt. 12:38-40) refers to both Christ's resurrection and the preservation of Mary's Virginity after giving birth to Christ. Fr. Matthew also discusses Jonah's unfaithfulness; his pursuit of vanity (cf. Jonah 2:9); his small repentance, obedience, and half-hearted preaching; and how God can...
2022-12-0415 minSermons from St. Herman'sLessons Learned from St. John the BaptistOn the feast of the beheading of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about lessons that we can learn from the life and ministry of St. John the Baptist. These lessons include preaching and living the gospel, even in Hades; repenting, "for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand;" and having courage to speak the truth when facing sin.
Previous Homilies for this feast by Fr. Matthew Howell:
August 29, 2021
2022-08-2905 minSermons from St. Herman'sPrayer is an Act of FaithAfter hearing in the Gospel reading (Matthew 17:14-23) that "this [demon] only comes out by prayer and fasting," Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the importance of prayer. Along the way, he explains the difference between merely saying prayers and actually praying, and also gets a little carried away when commenting on the difference between the phrases "taking communion" versus "receiving communion."
Editor's note: After listening to this homily, please listen to the first five minutes of the homily from the following Sunday, August 28, 2022. In that one, Fr. Matthew makes follow-up comments about today's homily.
2022-08-2119 minSermons from St. Herman'sChildlike, not ChildishOn the third Sunday after Pentecost, Fr. Matthew Howell shares some of the teachings that he received from the previous week's diocesan Parish Life Conference where the theme was from Matthew 18:3: "Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." He then connects this conference theme to today's gospel reading from the sermon on the mount. Notably, he discusses screen time in terms of quantity and quality as it relates to the eye being the lamp of the body (cf. Matthew 6:22).
2022-07-0319 min
Sermons from St. Herman'sKnowing GodOn the Sunday after Ascension on which the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, Fr. Matthew Howell uses John 17:3 to discuss the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God, leaning on a quote from St. Nikolai Velimirovic: "We should not, then, consider that a man knows God when he comes, through his mental processes, to the conclusion that God exists somehow and somewhere. The man knows God who feels the living breath of God in himself and all around him; who with heart and mind and soul senses the majestic and fearsome pre...
2022-06-0519 minSermons from St. Herman's"We can do this the easy way or the hard way"At the end of the Little Compline with the Canon for the Raising of Lazarus, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about how Christ is issuing a warning to Hades along the lines of a parent saying, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." Fr. Matthew points out a few hymns that show how Hades is afraid of Christ's voice which calls Lazarus back to life. And if Hades is afraid of Christ's voice, how much more afraid should it be of His presence when He is crucified? Fr. Matthew brings this home by reminding us that...
2022-04-1503 minSermons from St. Herman'sSlaying Dragons in the HeartOn the fifth Sunday of Great Lent, Fr. Matthew Howell explores the lessons to be learned from the life of St. Mary of Egypt, including the hope that God can forgive anyone who is repentant, the importance of lifelong and complete repentance, the meaning of keeping vows, and the importance of running away from evil. He frames this within the context of spiritual battle in the heart, quoting St. Macarius of Egypt to discuss how the heart holds contains evils such as dragons, poisonous beasts while also being the realm of heavenly cities and treasures of grace. He puts...
2022-04-1020 minSermons from St. Herman'sWhy We Pray for the DepartedOn the Memorial Saturday of Meatfare week, Fr. Matthew Howell explains why we pray for those who have died. In doing so, he reads excerpts from a homily by St. Augustine (+430), expressing that we pray for those who have died with hopeful expectation for their salvation and our own.
Fr. Matthew takes the homily excerpts from St. Augustine from the book Synaxarion of the Lenten Triodion and Pentecostarion, published in 2001 by HDM Press, pages 31-32.
2022-02-2606 minSermons from St. Herman'sHumility, Faith and Perseverance in PrayerOn the Sunday of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28), Fr. Matthew Howell contrasts her humble reaction to Christ's perceived indifference with his own grandfather's not-so-humble reaction to a perceived insult. He also explains how her humility, faith, and perseverance are the traits that we should emulate as we head toward Lent.
2022-02-0618 minSermons from St. Herman'sTrue Desire vs. Wishful ThinkingOn the Sunday of Zacchaeus (in the Byzantine tradition), Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the difference between true desire and wishful thinking. He points out that Zacchaeus brought his desire to fruition, how he acted on his desire rather than merely wishing to meet Jesus, and how in like manner we must do more than wish to be with Christ but our desire must bear fruit through the work of repentance in order to gain salvation, which is union and communion with God: "When we desire the Lord and encounter the Lord, that desire must bear fruit, otherwise it...
2022-01-3019 minSermons from St. Herman'sThree Prayers You Should Never Leave Home WithoutRecalling a talk given a few years earlier at St. Herman Church by Rev. Fr. Calinic Berger, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about three prayers that you should never leave home without: "Thy will be done" (The Lord's Prayer); "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me" (The Jesus Prayer); and "Glory to God for All Things" (the dying words of St. John Chrysostom). Fr. Matthew uses the gospel passage about the blind man, Bartimaeus, to illustrate the use of these prayers. He points out how we "shush" our faith similar to how the crowd shushed Bartimaeus when h...
2022-01-2313 minSermons from St. Herman'sBaptism: God's Gift of GraceOn the Sunday following the feast of Theophany, Fr. Matthew Howell uses the first line of the epistle reading (Ephesians 4:7-13) to talk about the gift of God's grace in baptism, both Christ's and ours. He talks about how baptism is a gift from God that avails us to the grace of God for the remainder of our lives if we live in union and communion with God by following his commandments. He compares the phrase "Crossing the Jordan" to "Crossing the Rubikon", and explains how we take sacred vows at our baptism to follow God without turning back, d...
2022-01-0920 minSermons from St. Herman'sSt. Romanos the Melodist on the Baptism of ChristDuring the Vesperal Liturgy for the Paramon (Eve) of the Feast of Theophany, Fr. Matthew Howell reads excerpts from the full Kontakion of St. Romanos the Melodist on the Baptism of Christ. Fr. Matthew then talks about the themes brought forth by St. Romanos, concluding that the miracle of God being baptized in the Jordan River continues to happen today in the Church through the consecration of the bread and wine during the Liturgy.
2022-01-0512 minSermons from St. Herman'sCelebrating Christmas Year RoundWouldn't it be nice to celebrate Christmas throughout the entire year? Well, the Orthodox Church actually does celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ throughout the year because every Sunday is a celebration of the Resurrection. On the Sunday after Christmas, Fr. Matthew Howell compares the Nativity of Christ to the Resurrection, pointing out parallels, types, and fulfillments between the two feasts. Because the two feasts are so closely connected in the life of Jesus, Fr. Matthew explains how the Church actually does celebrate Christmas throughout the entire year and allows us to enter into both feasts simultaneously in every...
2021-12-2616 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Nativity Sermon of St. Gregory the TheologianDuring the Vesperal Liturgy for the Paramon of the Nativity of Christ on December 24, Fr. Matthew Howell reads excerpts from the Nativity Sermon of St. Gregory the Theologian, #38 in his collection called The Orations. The full Oration by St. Gregory can be found here. The excerpts read by Fr. Matthew can be found at https://sainthermanwasilla.org/sermons/the-nativity-sermon-of-st-gregory-the-theologian/.
2021-12-2409 minSermons from St. Herman'sChrist's Life Must Be Our LifeOn the Sunday before the Nativity of Christ, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about what Christmas is really about: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). He talks about the family that Jesus was born into and how Christ came to redeem the family history, making it His story, and how He also can redeem us and our families. He also talks about how the Word of God took on the entirety of human nature and how in return He wants us to put on His divinity by putting off our part-time Christianity and becoming full-time faithful f...
2021-12-1919 minSermons from St. Herman'sGet Straight with GodFr. Matthew Howell offers a homily about Christ's healing of the woman in the synagogue who had been hunched over for 18 years. He talks about the liturgical use of the word "Orthoi" which means "straight" (usually translated "Stand Aright"). He also discusses how we need to straighten out our souls, and by doing so we receive the fruit of the Holy Spirit mentioned by St. Paul in the epistle reading from Galatians 5:22. Along the way he mentions how we get bent out of shape or out of sorts in both body and soul.
Post S...
2021-12-0517 minSermons from St. Herman'sMeeting Christ Empty HandedIn this homily about Luke 18:18-27, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about how we need to meet Christ "empty handed" when we die. He starts by reading the opening two pages of a homily on this gospel reading from St. Nikolai Velimirovic (Homilies, Vol. 2, pp. 308-309). St. Nikolai sets up an image of a sinking ship that has someone who gets into a lifeboat and then begins loading as many things as possible from the sinking ship into the boat, ultimately causing his own demise. St. Nikolai says that only those who "swim empty handed" are able to reach out...
2021-11-2816 minSermons from St. Herman'sDesperate FaithIn this homily given at St. Herman Church, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the desperation we need to have in our faith in order to move closer to Christ and beg for healing. This desperation is not a hopelessness, but instead is an answer to our listlessness that lulls us into inaction in our faith. The woman with the flow of blood and Jairus the ruler of the synagogue both display this desperation in their interactions with Christ (Luke 8:41-56). Along the way, Fr. Matthew references a pep talk from Dave Ramsey.
2021-11-0714 minSermons from St. Herman'sYou Never Regret Being GenerousThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell at St. Herman Church on the Sunday in which the Orthodox Church gives us the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Fr. Matthew discusses how the Rich Man in the parable did not love and did not see Lazarus as a person worth loving, and how he became numb to the needs of others through over-attachment to his riches. Along the way Fr. Matthew makes a strong statement that people will never regret being generous.
2021-10-3117 minSermons from St. Herman's"He Who Sows Bountifully Will Also Reap Bountifully"Fr. Matthew Howell gave this homily at St. Herman Church in Wasilla, AK on the 18th Sunday after Pentecost. He talks about St. Paul's admonition in his second letter to the Corinthians that "one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor. 9:6). Fr. Matthew discusses how this is true both with money and with virtues.
2021-10-2417 minSermons from St. Herman'sChrist's Body is Life-GivingOn the 16th Sunday after Pentecost and the Third Sunday of Luke, Fr. Matthew Howell explains how by raising of the widow's son in Nain Jesus shows us that His body is life-giving as are His words in Scripture. Fr. Matthew also reminds us of St. Paul's exhortation in today's epistle reading that "now is the acceptable time" and "now is the day of salvation," so we must take advantage of Christ's gifts (His Body and Blood, and His words in Scripture) given to us.
2021-10-1013 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Cross Gives Us Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of HolinessAt the Liturgy for the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the relationship between carrying our cross/crucifying our passions and being transfigured by the glory of God. He talks about how the cross is foolishness to Americans in the context of the American dream of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." But instead, through the Cross our Lord Jesus Christ offers us "life, liberty (free will), and the pursuit of holiness." Along the way, Fr. Matthew mentions three Old Testament examples that show how the power of the cross brings...
2021-09-1314 minSermons from St. Herman's"Through a woman came forth the better things."During Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Nativity (birth) of the Theotokos, Fr. Matthew Howell explains how St. Kassiani (commemorated September 7) refuted Theophilus the Iconoclast by pointing out how Virgin Mary brought forth the "better things", that is the Incarnation of God the Word. Along the way, he also quotes St. Gregory Palamas in asking "What shall we offer God's mother as a birthday present?" The answer is "exercise of the virtues" and repentance, and Fr. Matthew explains how offering those "birthday gifts" will build the grace of God within us.
2021-09-0708 minSermons from St. Herman'sGratitude is the Key to ForgivenessOn this 11th Sunday after Pentecost, the Church sets before us the parable of the wicked servant (Matthew 18:23-35). Preaching as a guest at St. Athanasius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California, Fr. Matthew Howell explains how gratitude is the key to unlocking forgiveness, and why both are essential to the Christian life. Along the way, he tells a story about Nelson Mandela while also quoting Mark Twain, Don Henley, and Andy Griffith.
2021-09-0518 minSermons from St. Herman'sJesus came to save us IN the storm, not FROM the stormThis homily was given on the 9th Sunday of Matthew which also is the 9th Sunday after Pentecost this year. Fr. Matthew Howell relates the epistle reading from 1 Cor. 3:9-17 to the gospel reading from Matthew 14:22-34, talking about how we are both temples of God and ships in the storm, and how we need to build our ships in calm harbors in order to be ready for the storms that come our way.
2021-08-2213 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Most Beautiful DeathThis homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at St. Herman Church on Sunday August 15, 2021 on which the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Fr. Matthew explains that in order to have a beautiful death as the Virgin Mary had--a "Christian ending" so to speak--we need to live a holy and beautiful life of righteousness, emulating the Theotokos by doing God's will in all things and ever striving to be with Christ.
2021-08-1512 minSermons from St. Herman's"A man's mind must swim in the Scriptures."This homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at St. Herman Church on the seventh Sunday after Pentecost, which also happened to be the Sunday after the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Matthew uses St. Paul's verses in Romans 15 to discuss the hope and encouragement that come from the Scriptures. He then talks about the importance of having our "mind swim in the Scriptures," how the Scriptures can transform us and renew our mind (nous), and how we should read the Bible daily.
2021-08-0816 minSermons from St. Herman's"Everything You Want is on the Other Side of Hard"This homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell at St. Herman Church on the fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Fr. Matthew shared his two favorite quotes from Monty Williams, the head basketball coach of the Phoenix Suns: "This is a 'Get To', not a 'Got To,'" and, "Everything you want is on the other side of hard." He explains how these quotes relate to our spiritual lives. He also ties the latter quote in with today's gospel reading about the Gergesene Demoniacs and today's feast of the dormition of St. Anna.
2021-07-2517 minSermons from St. Herman'sSt. Sophrony of Essex: Love of EnemiesThis sermon was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on the third Sunday after Pentecost which happened to fall on the feast of St. Sophrony of Essex. Fr. Matthew discusses how St. Sophrony taught--as did his elder, St. Silouan--that the application and true test of the Christian life is the love of enemies.
2021-07-1116 minSermons from St. Herman'sSaints Peter and PaulThis homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at St. Herman Church on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Fr. Matthew talks about how Peter and Paul were not perfect but were leaders of repentance.
2021-06-2912 minSermons from St. Herman'sMaking the Heart a "Thin Place"This homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at St. Herman Church on the first Sunday after Pentecost on which the Church commemorates all the saints who have loved God since the beginning of the world. Fr. Matthew talks about the idea of "thin places", prevalent in the culture of ancient Celtic Christians. "Thin places" are places in which heaven and earth meet. When Fr. Matthew says that we need to become "thin people," he does not mean that our physical size is essential to our salvation, but that we must make our hearts, minds, and entire beings "thin...
2021-06-2715 minSermons from St. Herman'sPentecost: Communion (Koinonia) with the Holy SpiritThis homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at St. Herman Church on the feast of Pentecost on which the Church celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit 50 days after Pascha. Fr. Matthew explains how the Holy Spirit is a (Father's Day) gift to us from God the Father, and how we enter into communion with the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy.
2021-06-2017 minSermons from St. Herman'sWe Are All Called To Be ProphetsThis homily by Fr. Matthew Howell was given at the conclusion of Great Vespers for the Feast of Pentecost on which the Church celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit 50 days after Pascha. Fr. Matthew uses the first of the Old Testament readings from Vespers (Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29) to talk about how we are all called to be prophets today and what that means.
The reading from Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29
The Lord said unto Moses: Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders of the people, whom thou thyself knowest to be t...
2021-06-1904 minSermons from St. Herman'sIs Your Heart Ready to Receive the Living Water?This homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on May 30, 2021 at Saint Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, Ohio. Fr. Matthew was visiting Fr. Colin Barker--the rector of St. Mark's--who was a summer intern at St. Herman Church in Wasilla back in 2019. In this homily, Fr. Matthew discusses the importance of cleansing our heart (our "vessel") through confession so that it is ready to receive the Living Water that Jesus promises to the Samaritan Woman.
2021-05-3026 minSermons from St. Herman'sRescued by Christ from HadesThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell during the Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Holy Saturday on May 1, 2021.
The Old Testament Readings done before this homily included:
Genesis 1:1-13
Isaiah 60:1-16
Exodus 12:1-12
Jonah 1:1-4:11
Joshua 5:10-15
Exodus 13:20-15:19
Daniel 3:1-88
The Epistle was Romans 6:3-11.
The Gospel was Matthew 28:1-20
2021-05-0116 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Battle March into HadesThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on Friday April 30, 2021 at the end of the service of Orthros for Holy Saturday (known as the "Lamentations" service).
In this homily Fr. Matthew references the April 23, 2021 episode of the "Lord of Spirits" podcast.
The reading that Fr. Matthew references from Ezekiel which was read during the service is Ezekiel 37:1-14:
Again the hand of the Lord came upon me,
and brought me by the Spirit of the Lord, and set
me in the midst of...
2021-04-3011 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe Dark Weather Reflects Our Darkened HeartsThis reflection was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on Thursday April 29, 2021 at the end of the Orthros Service for Holy Friday which includes the 12 Passion Gospels.
Holy Thursday - Twelve Gospels
by Fr. Paul Lazor
Holy Thursday begins with the celebration of vespers and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil with a Reserved Eucharist in representation of the earthly presence of Christ realized at the Last Supper.
In the evening, anticipating the Matins of Friday morning, the Holy Passion service of the reading of the Twelve Gospels is c...
2021-04-3001 minSermons from St. Herman'sReceiving the Grace of God through Holy UnctionThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell at the end of the Holy Unction service on Holy Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
In one part of the service, there are seven sets of Epistle and Gospel readings and prayers.
a. James 5:10-16; Luke: 10:25-37
b. Romans 15:1-7; Luke 19:1-10
c. I Corinthians 12:27-31;13:1-8; Matthew 10:1,5-8
d. II Corinthians 6:16-18, 7:1; Matthew 8:14-23
e. II Corinthians 1:8-11; Matthew 25:1-13
f. Galatians 5:22-6:2; Matthew 15:21-28
g. I Thessalonians 5:14-23; Matthew 9:9-13
Each of the seven prayers asks for the remission o...
2021-04-2805 minSermons from St. Herman'sShe Paid a Year's Worth of Wages for the Spikenard, but Received an Eternity of SalvationThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on April 27, 2021 at the end of the Bridegroom Matins service for Holy Wednesday (served on the night of Holy Tuesday). At this service, the Orthodox Church remembers the repentance of the sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with costly spikenard and contrasts her repentance to the wickedness of Judas Iscariot.
Here is the text of the "Hymn of Kassiani" (referenced by Fr. Matthew in the homily) about the sinful woman's repentance:
"O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sings perceived T...
2021-04-2709 minSermons from St. Herman'sTaking to Heart the Piercing Words We Hear During Holy WeekThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on April 26, 2021 at the end of the Bridegroom Matins service for Holy Tuesday (served on the evening of Holy Monday). He references the passage from Matthew's Gospel in which Jesus repeatedly says "Woe to thee, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites!" (Matthew 22:15-46; 23:1-39) and reminds us that we all must hear Christ speaking of our own hypocrisy, judgement of others, and hard-heartedness.
2021-04-2603 minSermons from St. Herman'sAligning Ourselves with the King of HumilityThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on Palm Sunday, on which the Orthodox Church commemorates our Lord's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.
**Editor's note: A minute into the homily, Fr. Matthew says "Imagine for a minute, the the relief that would come if your homeland were occupied by foreign invaders." What he meant to say was, "Imagine for a minute the relief that would come if you saw your potential Deliverer after your homeland were occupied by foreign invaders." He apologizes for this mistake.
2021-04-2521 minSermons from St. Herman'sThe First Death of LazarusThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell at the end of the Presanctified Divine Liturgy on the 6th Wednesday of Great Lent. On this day the Orthodox Church commemorates the first death of Lazarus--known as "the friend of Christ"--before Jesus raised him from the tomb on the fourth day. Fr. Matthew talks about how the Orthodox Church counts the days after someone dies and also how the death and resurrection of Lazarus is a reflection of our spiritual death in sin but resurrection in Christ.
2021-04-2106 minSermons from St. Herman'sBreaking Up (With Sin) Is Hard To DoThis homily was given by Fr. Matthew Howell on the 5th Sunday of Great Lent, on which the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Mary of Egypt.
In the homily, Fr. Matthew reads the following quote from St. Ephraim the Syrian:
"How dare I ask for forgiveness of my former sins when I do not attempt to abandon my former love of sin?" (The Spiritual Psalter, Prayer #40)
2021-04-1818 min