Ask Father Jim
QUESTION:
My first cousin recently told me that she would no longer be part of the Eastern Orthodox Church and preferred her Yoga Classes to find peace and God. How do I respond to her? (Very Upset)
ANSWER:
It seems to me that she is seeking some peace and tranquility for herself. That’s fine; but for an Orthodox Christian…Christ is the True Way, Christ is the Father and Christ Words ring so true… “WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING.” (John 15) Try to awaken your cousin to the true meaning of life. Christ - His Church - The Sacraments – they give us true life, the refreshment of life and ultimately our True Reward in Paradise.
Why do we seek answers outside the Church or outside our family? Usually because we refuse to accept the truth of our own personal situation or private sinfulness. It is then that we seek “outside” remedies to resolve our conflicts of life. It’s not the answer!
Embrace your cousin, love her, pray for her and constantly remind her that the Holy Church is our heaven upon earth. Bring her back to Christ and you will both be rewarded. Offer your relative also the gift of “JOY”. Joy is a sacrament of love filled with divine fragrance and beauty. Where there is no joy – there is no God.
“Enter into the Joy of your Master” (Mt. 25:21)
QUESTION:
Repentance is a word we hear so often in the Orthodox faith. Please note for me examples where we experience forgiveness through the Church. (Petros)
ANSWER:
We experience total forgiveness in the Sacrament of Holy Confession. An Orthodox Christian also experiences examples of forgiveness in personal PRAYER, in the petitions and supplication prayers in our Church Services. Forgiveness is also found in the Sacrament of Holy Unction and also with receiving Holy Communion…the Servant of God receives the Body and Blood of Christ for the “FORGIVENESS OF SINS” and eternal life.
It should also be said that the “LORD’S PRAYER” reminds us of the words: “Forgive us our Trespasses and we forgive those who Trespass against us”.
When we sin we separate ourselves from Jesus Christ, His Church and our fellowman. Unite yourself with Christ by confessing your sins, loving your bothers and sisters and keeping the Ten Commandments. Await your greatest Gift from God… “Your sins are forgiven!”
QUESTION:
Can you share just a brief thought on Saint Spyridon? He is the patron saint of my grandfather. (Tom)
ANSWER:
Saint Spyridon is known as the Miracle Worker. His Feastday is observed on December 12th. This saint was a simple pious man who was born in Kerkyra (Corfu). He was a true man of prayer who also memorized, lived and taught the Holy Scripture. He was ordained a Priest and then a Hierarch of the Church. Saint Spyridon took part in the First Ecumenical Council and is know till this day as a healer of the sick. He fell asleep in the Lord in the mi-part of the Fourth Century. We should note that Saint Spyridon’s body lies in state in perfect condition as with a Holy Anointing from God.
CHRISTMAS REFLECTION
It’s not Happy Holidays…It’s the Birth of Jesus Christ
It’s not candy and toys… It’s the Birth of Jesus Christ
It’s not drinking and eating… It’s the Birth of Jesus Christ
It’s not all Christmas Parties… It’s the Birth of Jesus Christ
It’s not all gifts, dinners and song… It’s the Birth of Jesus Christ
Indeed, It’s the Birth of Jesus Christ. Rejoice and Be Glad for the Christ Child appears today!
“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.” Luke 2:14
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