Seek first the Kingdom of God
In the midst of our busy days, how often do we pause to consider what truly matters?
We are excited to share the latest issue of Orthodoxy Now, an invitation to slow down, reconnect with our faith, and reflect on Christ’s beautiful reminder to “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
In this fall edition, you’ll find inspiring reflections, timeless wisdom from the saints, and practical encouragement for bringing Christ into the heart of everyday life. From strengthening our families and cultivating hospitality to finding peace in life’s simplest moments, each article offers an opportunity to grow closer to God.
As we approach the Nativity season, we hope these pages bring you moments of reflection, renewed purpose, and spiritual encouragement.
We invite you to read and share this issue with family members, friends, clergy, parish communities, and anyone who might need a little inspiration today.
A QR code is available below to place in your church bulletin, notice board or website.
Content
Message from the Chairman of the Board
John Zevitas, Chairman of the Board of the Orthodox Christian Network (OCN)
Seek First the Kingdom of God: Restoring the Right Order of Life
Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Network, considers Christ’s call to seek first the Kingdom of God by placing Him at the center of our lives and sharing the hope of the Orthodox faith with others.
Bloodshed in the House of God: Nine Orthodox Christians Murdered in Jordan
A Time for Outrage, Prayer, and An Unwavering Demand to End Religious Terrorism
From Chaos to Character: Reclaiming Who We Are
Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos presents a new fall series from the Orthodox Christian Network.
Thirty-Five Years of Faithful Leadership: Honoring His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Do Not Be Anxious About Your Life
Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis teaches that anxiety is diminished when we trust in God’s providence, allowing the worries and material concerns of everyday life to assume their proper place.
The Image of Woman
Alexander Schmemann presents the Theotokos as an image of humility, trust, compassion, and spiritual freedom, revealing a life fully open to the will of God.
Surprised by Christ
Frederica Mathewes-Green recounts her unexpected journey from skepticism to faith, and the encounter with Christ that ultimately transformed the direction of her life.
The 55 Maxims of Fr. Thomas Hopko
Fr. Thomas Hopko offers simple, practical wisdom for living each day with greater faithfulness, humility, and attentiveness to Christ.
The One Thing Needful
Fr. Luke Veronis reflects on the story of Martha and Mary and the example of the Theotokos to show how choosing the “one thing needful” brings clarity and purpose to a life pulled in many directions.
The Path to Simplicity of Heart
His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon examines the complexity of modern life and proposes that true simplicity comes not from escaping the world but from purifying the heart.
Three Practical Ways to Put Christ at the Center of Our Lives
Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos offers three practical ways to place Christ at the center of daily life: simplifying our possessions, giving God the first portion of our time, and replacing dependence on worldly security with trust and generosity.
Remembering God While Working
Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis encourages Christians to see their daily work not simply as a means of earning a living, but as an opportunity to serve others and remain mindful of God throughout the day.
The Business of Work, Wealth, and Pursuit of Holiness
Charles T. Lelon draws on Christ’s encounter with the rich young man to consider whether a career in business—with its wealth, ambitions, responsibilities, and difficult choices—can itself become a path toward holiness and a means of faithfully serving the Lord.
“Seek First the Kingdom”: St. John Chrysostom on Matthew 6:33
St. John Chrysostom teaches that seeking the Kingdom first frees us from anxiety over earthly needs and teaches us to trust in God’s providence.
Simplicity and Innocence
St. Porphyrios Kavsokalyvitis † teaches that simplicity and purity of heart draw us closer to God, freeing us from self-interest and the thoughts that complicate our spiritual lives.
St. Paul the Simple
Palladius of Helenopolis tells the remarkable story of St. Paul the Simple, whose humility, obedience, and uncomplicated faith transformed him from an elderly peasant into a holy monk.
The Saints on Living a Simple Life
Drawing on the wisdom of the saints, these passages show how fewer desires, less unnecessary busyness, and a deeper longing for God create room for what matters most.
The “Fool” and the Clever Ones: St. Isidora
Metropolitan Meletios of Nikopolis † recounts the story of St. Isidora, whose hidden spiritual beauty and Christlike humility were mistaken by those around her for foolishness.
The Saints on Hospitality
Through the teachings of the saints, these passages present philoxenia—the love of strangers—as a Christian practice of hospitality, generosity, and seeing Christ in those we welcome.
Making Room for Christ: Our Homes, Minds, Bodies, and Time
Cynthia Damaskos and Molly Sabourin show how simplifying different areas of our lives can free us from distraction and help us live with greater peace, gratitude, purpose, and awareness of God’s presence.
Raising Children in a Kingdom-Shaped Home
Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis considers how families can resist the distractions competing for their children’s attention by creating a home shaped by prayer, worship, stillness, and the steady rhythms of Orthodox life.
A Generous Spirit: The Heart of Christian Hospitality
The Very Rev. Archpriest Basil Zebrun explores hospitality as a Christian virtue that extends beyond welcoming guests to a generous spirit of charity, compassion, and joyful openness to others.
Seeking Christ First at Christmas
Christo Pappademos shows how fasting, prayer, Scripture, and time with others can reorient the Christmas season toward Christ and help us rediscover the peace and joy of His Nativity.
How Can I Better Prepare Myself to Hear the Voice of God in My Life?
Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos explains how cultivating a quiet and prayerful heart can help us recognize God’s voice, discern His direction, and respond faithfully.
Listening for God’s Call and Following Where He Leads
Fr. John Souza, in a conversation with Fr. Gary Kyriacou, recounts his journey from Brazil to Orthodoxy and the priesthood, and how a persistent sense of God’s call led him to follow a path he could never have anticipated.
What if the Interruptions Are the Kingdom?
Michael Haldas invites us to see time as God’s rather than our own and to recognize that the people and unexpected circumstances before us may be opportunities to live the Gospel.
Greek-Inspired Sausage, Spinach, and Feta Stuffing
This Mediterranean-inspired stuffing combines crusty bread with savory ingredients for a hearty accompaniment to a Thanksgiving turkey.
When Tomorrow Becomes Larger Than God
Fr. Michael Psaromatis examines how a life centered in Christ frees us from fear of the future and teaches us to entrust tomorrow to God.
Download the QR code below to place in your church bulletin, notice board or website.
