Church Life

What is the 'hell was embittered' part of the Paschal homily?

Christ is risen. Hell was embittered when it encountered him in the lower regions. It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked.

Is it okay for a Christian to cut off a toxic person?

First, let's define terms. I'm not talking about people with quirky personalities or special interests who get on your nerves a little.

I feel called to the priesthood. Is that enough?

Feeling called is my all-time pet peeve. That bubbly gut feeling that God is somehow conveying you're supposed to be a priest is a completely Western model.

I love Orthodox theology. Should I become a priest?

Loving theology in an academic way is not a precursor to becoming a priest. Historically there was no seminary.

I want to help people. Should that lead me to the priesthood?

Wanting to help people is a worthy endeavor, but some people want to help in the way they think people need to be helped, on the timeline of transformation they have decided.

Why does the spiritual life need structure instead of just doing what feels right?

The whole idea that you're going to make any progress in life without structure, on anything, is total nonsense.

Should Orthodox church services be in English?

George makes a fantastic point here, and I couldn't agree more with him. The reality is that people have to deny themselves.

What should I wear to an Orthodox church and how should I act?

Think wedding casual. If you're a man, slacks and some kind of polo shirt at minimum. If you're a woman, a knee-length skirt or dress, something modest that covers you up, and a head...

Which Orthodox jurisdiction or parish should I go to?

Of course, I'm in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, ROCOR. I love the way Orthodoxy is preserved within ROCOR.

Why do people kiss the priest's hand and ask his blessing?

It's easy for people to see the priest but forget that what is so significant and special about him is the priesthood he carries within him, which is Christ's priesthood.

What practical steps give a man a purposeful life?

The first step is simply to go to church. Embed yourself within the life of the church community.

Is it OK to make Orthodox icons with AI?

You ask AI to create an icon and it creates it? I wouldn't do that. There are prayers of preparation before writing an icon. There's the state of the person who is writing the icon.

How do I know if I'm called to be an Orthodox priest?

You are called when you are being called, and the number one person who should be calling you to the priesthood is your spiritual father.

Is being a priest as glorious as it looks?

People have wild ideas about the priesthood. They think it's a position of authority, an exalted position where everybody loves and respects you. That's not the reality.

Can I be a priest if I don't really like people?

No. If somebody said to me, Father, I love the liturgy, I love the theology, I love the music, but I'm not really big on coffee hour or interacting with people, I would say, do not...

Can you apply one saint's advice to every Orthodox Christian?

In Protestantism people take the Bible and proof-text: they make a statement, then say, this is what the Bible says, therefore what I'm saying is true, and they all come to different...

How do I find a real spiritual father?

There's the priest at your parish, who is your father confessor and hears your confessions regularly, particularly for us in the Russian tradition.

Why do some converts become harsh and judgmental about the rules?

I asked the bishop about this trap of hypercorrectness, where converts become zealous without discernment and even judge people who don't do things the way they think Orthodoxy should...

What does 'seek first the kingdom of God' actually mean for my life?

Christ says in verse 33, but seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Should new Orthodox converts make videos or teach the faith?

Somebody who's brand new to the Church says, "I'm going to make a video on the Jesus Prayer." It's not necessary. It's really not.