Shows
The Orthodox VineHow to grow in love for GodWe often talk about how much God loves us. But how much do we love God and how can we grow that love?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-09-1210 min
The Orthodox VineA warning from ChristThere are few gospel readings where we hear Christ giving us a stern warning. The reading from Matthew 18:25-35 is one of them. If we are to be true Christians and children of our Father, we must have the compassion and forgiveness of the King in the parable and not be like the wicked servant.
The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he c...2021-09-0911 minThe Orthodox VineSeek the Truth. Begin with yourself.A sermon on the commemoration of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-08-3011 minThe Orthodox VineCatechism: The IncarnationIn this session from our Orthodox Faith and Life catechism class we discuss the Orthodox Icon of the Nativity and reflect on the meaning and universal significance of the Incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-08-271h 20The Orthodox VineWhy we fear and doubtWe all fear something. But fear is not a natural condition of human beings but something that entered into us when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Ultimately, all fear is rooted in the fear of death. In the gospel reading from Matthew 14:23-33, we see how fear leads to doubt and this makes it difficult to keep and increase our faith. But there's a way to overcome both fear and doubt and trust and live in the power of God.
At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the o...2021-08-2316 minThe Orthodox VineOur Mother the TheotokosSermon on the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-08-1919 minThe Orthodox VineCatechism: The Image of God - Creation, Fall, RestorationA recording from our Orthodox Faith & Life Catechism Seminar
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-08-191h 02The Orthodox VineSermon: Real men love JesusLove for Christ makes a person truly human. Without knowing Christ and loving him, we remain incomplete beings. This love for Christ is something that must be developed so that faith might also grow. The key to growing in both love and faith is humility. If we do not humble ourselves before God who humbled himself before us, then God will humble us by allowing us to suffer in order that this development of our love and faith might occur. We see this demonstrated in the two blind men in the gospel reading today. It was their suffering which...2021-08-1218 minThe Orthodox VineCatechism: The Unknowable Essence of GodA recording of the first lecture from our Orthodox Faith & Life catechism class discussing the unknowable essence of God, how God reveals himself as Holy Trinity, and how we can know God through the participation and experience of his energies. We also discuss the reason why God created the world and his plan for human beings which he never revoked even after the fall of Adam and Eve.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-08-121h 30The Orthodox VineCatechism: Introduction - The goal of Orthodox CatechismThe first class of our Orthodox Faith & Life catechism seminar where Fr. Ninos explains the Orthodox approach to catechism as beyond learning with our minds but, more importantly, cultivating an Orthodox phronema (mindset) so that love for God and the journey of union and life with Christ can occur in accordance to one's struggle in the spiritual life within the arms of the Church.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-08-0537 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Heal your soulWe can spend our short lifetime on this Earth worrying about our bodily health only and neglect the health of our souls. The sickness and wounds of the soul that are caused by sin will be eternal, if left untreated. But if we desire it, they can be healed through our repentance and the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ as we heard in the gospel reading today.
At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and w...2021-08-0213 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: What is the light of Christ?Matthew 5:14-19
The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I...2021-07-1914 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: What you “see” is what you getSermon on the Sunday gospel reading from Matthew 6:22-33. What is the purpose of our eyes? How do we use them to increase our spiritual vision? How does that affect our daily lives?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-07-1216 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Denying the world and following ChristToday's Sunday Gospel reading is from Matthew 4:18-23.
At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called t...2021-07-0513 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: The Purpose of LifeThe Sunday of All Saints Gospel reading and sermon.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-06-2722 minThe Orthodox VineUnited through the ChurchPentecost is the day when true unity between human beings was made possible through The Church and through the Holy Spirit our path to reunion with God was opened.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-06-2117 minThe Orthodox VineThey Are MineThe Gospel reading and Sermon on John 17:1-13.
At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with...2021-06-1420 minThe Orthodox VineThe Purpose of MarriageFrom our bible study discussion on St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, chapter 6. God's purpose for marriage is hidden in the mystery of Christ's love for the Church.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2021-03-2359 minThe Orthodox VineHe who is forgiven little, loves littleThe more we repent the more we receive God’s mercy and the greater our capacity to love becomes.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-10-1208 minThe Orthodox VineFollow meHow do we follow Christ in an authentic way? Not out of religious obligation. Not out of fear or pressure. Not because we want a reward. The secret is to first really know Jesus Christ.
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:39-45
Brethren, not all flesh is alike, but there is one kind for men, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are celestial bodies and there are terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of...2020-10-1007 minThe Orthodox Vine"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few," our Lord Jesus Christ tells his disciples in the gospel reading today. What is the harvest? Who are the laborers?
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16
Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are...2020-10-1012 minThe Orthodox VineWe are what we doIt's so easy and even enjoyable to talk about Orthodoxy. I can meditate on all the interesting theological truths, the mystery of faith, the sacraments, repentance, the journey of Theosis and all the beauty and struggle it entails. I could do this all my life and feel like I really understand it all. But if I haven't actually applied or experienced it, I will quickly collapse when the troubles of life or persecution come against me.
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 5:25-33
Husbands, love...2020-10-1007 minThe Orthodox VinePeace be with youAs Orthodox Christians, it's so important for us to always be discerning about what is happening around us in our society. There are forces at work whose only goal is to sow division and destruction. Divide and conquer, is the oldest tactic in the book. As long as we seek peace, justice, fairness, equality, according to the standards of an ever-changing and flawed humanistic agenda instead of repenting and submitting ourselves to the divine will and truth of God, like Adam and Eve, we will again only achieve self-destruction. Because when we turn away from God, we will eventually tur...2020-10-0712 minThe Orthodox VineSix rules for being a ChristianThe epistle and gospel readings from Ephesians 4:25-32 and Matthew 6:24-30 give us rules for the Christian way of life. If we look at them closely, we'll quickly realize that we all fail to live up to these standards from time to time. But let us not be discouraged and lose hope. Instead, let us ask God to give us his grace to inspire and encourage us in the struggle.
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:25-32
Brethren, putting away falsehood, let every one sp...2020-10-0508 minThe Orthodox VineFaith & PatienceLet us imitate the faith and patience of the saints before us who received the prize of eternal life.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-08-2604 minThe Orthodox VineHow can any good come from something bad?Has the Covid 19 pandemic done any good?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-07-0303 minThe Orthodox VineThe Saint of San FranciscoSaint John Maximovitch
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-07-0304 minThe Orthodox VineHow to love your enemiesThe central message of the gospel and the purpose of the Christian life is to be reunited with God and to know and love him. This is only possible through repentance without which we can never truly know and love God and thereby others, including our enemies.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-06-1204 minThe Orthodox VineA stranger they will not followChrist warns his disciples not to follow after strangers but to always hear the familiar voice of the Good Shepherd and follow only him. Who is this stranger? What is this voice?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-06-0403 minThe Orthodox VineHe will guide you into all the TruthThe importance of being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit so as to remain in the Truth and not fall for the deception of our times.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-06-0203 minThe Orthodox VineI go and prepare a place for youAfter the resurrection, the apostles understand the hidden meaning behind Christ's words and what is prepared for those who love God.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-05-2906 minThe Orthodox VineIn this Sign, ConquerCelebrating the feastday of our church, honoring our patron saints Constantine and Helen and their testimony on the power of the Holy Cross.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-05-2108 minThe Orthodox VineThe Father of Truth and the Father of LiesThe more that we remain in Christ through repentance, confession and prayer along with the healing and sanctification through God's Grace in the Holy Sacraments, the more we will remain in Truth and have power to discern what is right from wrong, what is godly or evil, within a world where falsehood and deception are ubiquitous and relentless.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-05-1804 minThe Orthodox VineDo I need a sign from God?The people wanted to see signs and wonders performed by Christ and his apostles. We often desire the same thing in order to believe. The solution is to see what’s always been there all along.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-05-0505 minThe Orthodox VineHow to be the Light of the WorldThe Holy Tradition is a fire that we must preserve burning within our lives. In this way, we can be disciples who are the light of the world.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-05-0208 minThe Orthodox VineSeek after the Glory of GodThe difference between seeking the glory of the world and the glory of God. John 5:30-47 and John 6:1-2, and the difference
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-05-0103 minThe Orthodox VineStay with usThe post-resurrection appearances of Christ and the courage and power given to the apostles.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-2103 minThe Orthodox VineChrist is RisenThe signs of the resurrection have been revealed from the beginning in all creation.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-1903 minThe Orthodox VineSave me from meToday we witness the great humility and love of Christ. He saves us by assuming our weak and defenseless condition so that he could lift it up by his power and glory.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-1609 minThe Orthodox VineLearning from our Fig TreeA meditation on Holy Monday.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-1304 minThe Orthodox VineThe Cry of the PoorA meditation on the proverb “He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard”
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-0704 minThe Orthodox VineSuffering, Death and ResurrectionSuffering is not meaningless but meaningful and necessary for our salvation. Just as Christ suffered, died and resurrected, so our suffering can help us repent by putting to death the spiritual illness within us so that Christ will resurrect us also.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-0505 minThe Orthodox VineGod is testing usGod tested the heart of Abraham. The corona virus pandemic is testing our hearts. What will we learn about ourselves and God?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-04-0306 minThe Orthodox VineThe Touch of ChristMeditation on how we can overcome the restraints of social distancing by coming closer to God and one another spiritually. In this way, we experience the touch of Christ.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-2804 minThe Orthodox VineIs God punishing us?Mediation on how illness and death is a result of sin. What does the current crisis of the corona virus tell us about God’s chastisement and our need for repentance.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-2706 minThe Orthodox VineGod will wipe away tears from all their facesMeditation on Isaiah 25:19, Genesis 9:8-17, Proverbs 12:8-22
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-2603 minThe Orthodox VineDeath is the Door to LifeIn these days where we are experiencing the threat of illness and death, we must remember that the Cross of Christ has transformed death into the door to true and eternal life.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-2310 minThe Orthodox VineThe Fear of God and the Fear of Death - Part 2A meditation continuing on the theme of last Sunday’s sermon.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-2008 minThe Orthodox VineFear of Death and Fear of God.We may be driven to fear and anxiety over the threat of dying from the corona virus. Rather than just listening to the media and being filled with anxiety, let us turn to Christ and be filled with his peace and strength. If we have the fear of God, we will not have the fear of Death.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-1507 minThe Orthodox VineWhen Evil is Good and Good is EvilDaily Meditation on the words of Isaiah, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil"
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-1106 minThe Orthodox VineThe Deeds of the LordDaily Meditation for March 10. The danger of pride and self-reliance how thinking about the deeds of the Lord can help us live up to our purpose and identity.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-1002 minThe Orthodox VineI die dailyDaily Meditation for March 9. What the martyrs teach us about faith, perseverance, sacrifice and reward.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-1003 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: No guileSermon on the Sunday of Orthodoxy where we declare and rejoice in the triumph of Truth and how we are accountable to attain and remain in it as well.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-1005 minThe Orthodox VineBible Study: Pride and HumilityIn this meeting, we discuss the role of humility in our restoration to our original identity and purpose as created by God. Based on Isaiah 2:11-21, Genesis 2:4-19 and Proverbs, 3:1-18
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-0957 minThe Orthodox VineKnow your Faith: The Sacrament of Confession - Part 2How should I prepare for confession? What should I confess? This episode offers answers on the importance of coming to confession and how to prepare for it.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-03-0418 minThe Orthodox VineBible Study: Beware of false teachersThe apostle Jude warns the believers to remain in the correct, apostolic faith and not be misled by heresies and false teachers who will only lead a person to spiritual death. How can we remain there as well but also live out our faith instead of existing in a duality, i.e. I act one way in church and different at home or in public. How can Christ remain within me and live in me always?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-2739 minThe Orthodox VineBible Study: God commands fastingAs we prepare to begin our journey to Pascha (Easter) during Great Lent, we hear the words of the Prophet Joel telling us how and why God commands us to practice fasting.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-2759 minThe Orthodox VineBible Study: To love as God loves usIn this meeting, we look at the themes of the Triodion as they prepare us for the journey of Great Lent. In this meeting, the readings from the Gospel of Mark 15 and St. John first epistle depict the incomprehensible and radical love of God and how we must strive to love in that way if we are to be called his children.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-2753 minThe Orthodox VineUnderstanding the Divine Liturgy - Part 3In this session, we discussed the ending petitions of the first part of the Divine Liturgy called the Liturgy of the Catechumens, specifically the petitions asking for help, safety, salvation and the role of Grace. The commemoration of the Holy Virgin and the meaning of her many titles that are mentioned in the petition. The significance of committing ourselves and our whole life to Christ. We also discuss the proper posture for prayer and how to participate in the worship more intently.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/me...2020-02-2746 min
The Orthodox VineUnderstanding the Divine Liturgy - Part 2In this episode, we cover a few of the petitions at the beginning of the liturgy, during the great litany, such as the meaning of "for this holy house" and the "fear of God" as well as praying for good weather and the connection between sin and environmental calamities.
About this series:
We are devoting ourselves to learning about The Divine Liturgy. What is the meaning, the divine phenomenon and mystery of the Divine Liturgy? What happens to us when we are in church for the Divine Liturgy? If you've ever wondered about the w...2020-02-2749 min
The Orthodox VineUnderstanding the Divine Liturgy - Part 1In this session, we discuss how making contact with God is the ultimate purpose of our life and how this happens in the Divine Liturgy.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-2739 minThe Orthodox VineBlessed or CursedThe icon of Christ enthroned reflects how we will be judged at his second coming.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-2313 minThe Orthodox VineAm I one of them?Christ is a mirror that reveals the truth of who we are. Are we one of his disciples or one of his betrayers?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-1905 minThe Orthodox VineGod knows everythingMost of the time we behave like God doesn't see us. But today's reading from St. John's Epistle tells us that "God knows everything," and he wants us to know this as well. But that's not all. If we want to truly know him, we have to know ourselves first.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-1804 minThe Orthodox VinePlay by the RulesWhat are the rules of the spiritual life? Today's daily meditation is on St. Paul's words to Timothy, "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes by the rules.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-1802 minThe Orthodox VineRemember who you areSermon on the Parable of the prodigal son.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-1710 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Love & HumilityHow should we stand before God in prayer?
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-1017 minThe Orthodox VineKnow Your Faith: The Sacrament of Confession - part 1Understanding the sacrament of confession in the Orthodox Church
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-02-0224 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Desire, Humility and Hope.A sermon on how the desire, humility and hope of Zacchaeus led to his transformation and salvation.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-01-3013 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Cleansed by ChristA sermon on the healing of the 10 lepers.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-01-1912 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Repentance as a way of lifeRepentance is a way of life. A life of always growing in holiness through our own ascetics efforts combined with God’s Grace.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2020-01-1208 minThe Orthodox VineAnother Chance.A new year brings another chance to grow in holiness through increased spiritual struggle and the grace of God.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-12-2913 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: God is with usThe old tale of the king who disguised himself as a beggar reflects in many ways how God emptied himself to become one of us.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-12-2313 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: The Banquet is life with ChristA sermon on the parable of the banquet from Luke 14:16-24
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-12-1509 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Worthy of your callingA sermon on the epistle to the Ephesians 4:1-7
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-12-0817 minThe Orthodox VineKnow Your Faith: FastingA teaching sermon about the Orthodox practice of fasting.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-12-0120 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: What do I lack?Sermon on the gospel reading of the Rich Man who desired eternal life.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-11-2514 minThe Orthodox VineDon’t be a fool. Be rich towards God.A sermon on the Parable of the Rich Man and what King Solomon’s hard-earned wisdom can teach us.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-11-1716 minThe Orthodox VineChances to “Go and do likewise”Sermon on the Parable of the Good Samaritan
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-11-1109 min
The Orthodox VineLive a life worthy of the LordEPISTLE READING:
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 1:1-3; 7-11
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossai: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ from the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth, as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on our...2019-11-0508 min
The Orthodox VineSeek his Kingdom“Man seeks joy and happiness in heaven. He seeks what is eternal far from everyone and everything. He seeks to find joy in God. God is a mystery. He is silence. He is infinite. He is everything. Everyone possesses this inclination of the soul for heaven. All people seek something heavenly. All beings turn towards Him, albeit unconsciously.
Turn your mind towards Him continually. Learn to love prayer, familiar converse with the Lord. What counts above all is love, passionate love for the Lord, for Christ the Bridegroom. Become worthy of Christ’s love. In order not to l...2019-11-0410 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: Are we like the Rich Man or Lazarus?Sermon on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-11-0413 min
The Orthodox VineWoe to you PhariseesOn the Gospel reading: "Woe to you Pharisees"
A man went into the forest to choose a tree from which to make roof-beams. And he saw two trees, one beside the other. One was smooth and tall, but had rotted away inside, and the other was rough on the outside and ugly, but its core was healthy. The man sighed, and said to himself: “What use is this tree to me if it is rotten inside and useless for beams? The other it is rough and ugly, is at least healthy on the inside and so, if I...2019-10-3007 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: We are Children of Our FatherSermon on the raising of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood and how in confession we need to tell "Our Father" everything with humility and love as the woman in the gospel reading.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-2912 min
The Orthodox VineYour eye is the lamp of your bodyWhat else does he mean by “the eye” than simply the mind, which will never become simple unless it contemplates the simple light? The simple light is Christ. He who has his light shining in his mind is said to have the mind of Christ. When your light is this simple, then the whole immaterial body of your soul will be full of light. If the mind is evil, that is, darkened and extinguished, then this body of yours will be full of darkness….We say, “See to it, brothers, that while we seem to be in God and think th...2019-10-2908 min
The Orthodox VineBecause of their unbeliefOn the Gospel reading: "Because of their unbelief"
“When you read a worldly magazine or newspaper, it is light and agreeable reading, you easily believe in everything in it. But if you take up a religious publication or book to read, especially one relating to church matters, or sometimes when you begin reading prayers? You feel a weight upon your heart, you are tormented by doubt and unbelief, and experience a sort of darkness and aversion. Many acknowledge this. From what does it proceed? Of course, not from the nature of the books themselves, but from the na...2019-10-2411 min
The Orthodox VineLord, teach us to prayOn the Gospel reading: "Forgive us our sins"
“When you pray that your sins may be forgiven, strengthen yourself always by faith, and trust in God’s mercy, Who is ever ready to forgive our sins after sincere prayer, and fear lest despair should fall on your heart — that despair which declares itself by deep despondency and forced tears. What are your sins in comparison to God’s mercy, whatever they be, if only you truly repent of them? But it often happens that when a man prays, he does not, in his heart, inwardly hope that his sins...2019-10-2211 min
The Orthodox VineBlessed are the eyes that see the things you seeLike the disciples to whom our Lord addressed these words, as Christians today, we also are blessed to be able to see what all the ancient prophets, kings and wise men of the world died not seeing. We are able to see God, face to face, in the person of Jesus Christ. Not in a symbolic way, but by participating in and living within a spiritual reality. Through the Holy Spirit, which is received at baptism and chrismation, I am made capable of knowing God and seeing him, experiencing him, of seeing him with the eyes of my heart...2019-10-2113 min
The Orthodox VineTake up your crossDaily meditation: "Take up your cross". Today we commemorate St. Lucian the Martyr.
When we were baptized, we each received a cross around our necks. This wasn't simply a beautiful ornament but an outward sign of an inner calling. The calling to remain loyal to Christ no matter what may happen in our life. Loyal in the sense that one believes all things come from God, whether good or bad, and that one trusts in the Providence of God, that he is in control, even in the most desperate and difficult times. This is the essence of fai...2019-10-1513 minThe Orthodox VineSermon: The Heart is a ParableFr. Ninos Oshaana offers a sermon on the Parable of the Sower and how the deeper meaning of the the parable corresponds to the deeper meaning of who we are.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-1318 minThe Orthodox VineYou give them something to eatDaily Meditation
We find in the gospels many references to food and eating. In particular, having to do with the miracles that Christ performs, as in today's Gospel reading where he feeds 5000 people. Other examples are when Christ is visiting the outcasts of society, the publicans and sinners, and dining with them. Elsewhere we see him dining with the religious leaders such as the pharisees. Before his passion, he gathers his disciples for the Passover meal, where he first institutes the sacrament of Holy Communion, offering his own body and blood as the sacrificial lamb. After his...2019-10-1116 min
The Orthodox VineThe harvest is plentiful but the laborers are fewDaily Meditation, Scripture readings, Saints of the Day: St. James son of Alphaeus
On the Gospel Reading Matthew 9:36-38; 10:1-8: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few"
With these words, our Lord is referring to the disciples who, although only twelve of them, will go out into the vast world and spread the Gospel. The harvest are all the people in the world who were desperate for the message of salvation, who were helpless and had no hope, who were enslaved to the power of the devil and death. As it was then...2019-10-0909 min
The Orthodox VineYou are no longer strangersThis episode offers a meditation on Ephesians 2:19-22; 3:1-7 and the theme of being citizens of the household of God and not of the Devil. Also the life of St, Pelagia along with the other saints of the day.
Household of God
"Brethren you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God". Ephesians 2:19-22, 3:1-7
These opening words of the epistle today beautifully express what each of us has been given. Like myself, some of you come from families t...2019-10-0812 min
The Orthodox VineHe who is forgiven little, loves little.A meditation on Christ's words, "he who is forgiven little, loves little" which reflect a central truth of Christianity, from the Gospel reading for today. Also the life of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-0714 min
The Orthodox VineGrief turned into JoySermon on the raising of the son of the widow in Nain. Luke 7:11-16.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-0610 min
The Orthodox VineWe have redemption through the blood of ChristIn this episode we reflect on today's epistle reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, specifically the words "we have redemption through the blood of Christ," and we look at St. John's Chrysostoms meditation on Christ' sacrifice and our redemption. You'll also hear about the saint of the day, Hierotheos, the first bishop of Athens.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-0418 min
The Orthodox VineShall we look for another?In this daily episode, we begin with a prayer followed by the scripture readings of the day, a meditation on the gospel or epistle readings, the saints we commemorate today and quotes from the writings of the Church Fathers. There's also a daily memory verse and a daily act of kindness suggestion.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-0314 min
The Orthodox VineAnnouncing The Vine - our new parish podcast!Welcome to the first episode of The Vine, our new parish podcast, this is Fr. Ninos Oshaana and I'm looking forward to using this new format to keep you informed about our parish as well as offering inspiration and encouragement in your Orthodox faith journey. This podcast will offer a number of different things. For example, some of you receive our daily prayer and bible readings and meditation email. Now it will also be available as a daily episode that you can listen to on this podcast. Other episodes will offer recordings of our small discussion group on the D...2019-10-0301 min
The Orthodox VineJudge not and you will not be judged.Today's episode is Christ's words about judging others and a meditation by St. Paisios the Athonite on the final judgment.
Lord and Master of my life, deliver me from the spirit of laziness, meddling, ambition and gossip.
Give me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love. Lord and King, grant that I may see my sins and faults and not judge my brother, for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-10-0111 min
The Orthodox VineBe watchful. Be ready.Readings and mediation on being vigilant against the attack of the enemy the Devil and being ready for the unknown hour of our death.
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-vine/message2019-09-3010 min