Sermons & Homilies – Tagged "2017"– Page 4 – Holy Cross Monastery

Aug 06, 2017

Sermon for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost (2017)

...Often we look away from Christ, and we focus on the boisterous winds and the crashing waves—that is, the great turmoil of the world, its political and national battles, our many passions and sins. Then, we begin to sink, for we have allowed ourselves to think that all these things are more powerful and real than Christ.

Yet, we can still cry out like Peter: “Lord, save me!” And He will quickly reach out His hand to us, gently rebuking our lack of faith; and then, when we become aware of our great weakness, and when Christ sees fit, He will establish us in His grace again, making the winds to cease. And, like the apostles, we will then be convinced of His power, confessing that He is the Son of God, and worship Him in spirit and truth. And like Thomas our doubt will vanish when we feel Christ’s life-giving action within our very souls and bodies...

Jul 12, 2017

Sermon for the Feast of the Apostles Peter & Paul 2017

These luminaries are actually and chronologically our “Fathers among the Saints,” who have begotten us through the Gospel throughout time, us who were living among the dead. They are the fountainhead after whom the Holy Spirit has coursed through the ages of men, that fountain of living water bringing life and light to all men who live in a dry and deserted place. Out of this righteous pair grows that tree of righteousness, which the Preacher says will flourish, the root of which shall not be moved and the fruit of which becomes a tree of life to those of us, barren of all good works.

Jul 09, 2017

Sermon for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost 2017

With this saving hope, let us fix our whole mind and heart upon Christ, always watching and waiting for Him to appear at His second and glorious coming. For, those who await Him and hope in Him are always being made more like God.

Jun 18, 2017

Sermon for All Saints of Russia 2017

All of these saints of Russia are calling us to heaven, interceding with pain and tears for us; they are here to help us at all times. She is our Patroness, Holy Rus’. She is our Mother; and Her saints are our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers.

1 comment ·Jun 11, 2017

Sermon for the Sunday of All Saints (2017)

Today marks the end of a particular cycle in the Church year. This cycle began with the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, which is also the beginning of the Lenten Triodion. Today is the end of this period, not only the end but also its apex. It is an apex because the fruit of the work of Christ, which has been illustrated, exemplified, chanted about and homilized on since the beginning of Lent, is born out in the members of the Church. This fruit is the transformation of members of the Church into Saints. The Saints are those who are partakers of God, each in varying degrees and are recognized as such by the Church through their lives.