Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 There is a difference between a peacemaker and a peace-taker. A peace maker is someone who tries to bring calm into a situation. A peace-taker brings chaos. A peacemaker lowers the blood pressure of Read more
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Hopefully you never have to be in an operating room at the hospital (unless of course you work in one). But if you ever are in one, you will see that these rooms are spotless. Hard Read more
He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into Read more
For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once Read more
Each Sunday is a special chance for us to come together, pray, and learn about our Orthodox Christian Faith. We are excited to share with you our new weekly Children’s Newsletter, OCN Pew Pals. Sign up HERE to receive in your inbox. We pray that this weekly newsletter will provide Read more
Blessed are the merciful, for that shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 Mercy is one quality that is sorely missing in the world today. The business world is built around hard work, the will to succeed and survival of the fittest. How can one be successful in business and be Read more
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 The world says “You’ve got to be kidding. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness in this world is a waste of time. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. You’ve got to be on your toes or Read more
When he (Elder Iosif Vatopaidinos) was encouraging us once to study Patristic writings, he mentioned that there was benefit not only in their teaching and exhortations, but also from their prayers. As well as studying their works, we should call upon them. In his hermitage at New Skete, on the Read more
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Many people confuse “meekness” with “weakness.” The world will say, in response to this Beatitude, that “being meek and mild is okay for a ladies’ aid croquet match, but that’s not where it’s at in the real world. You’ve got Read more
Archimandrite Varnavas Lambropoulos As we enter the time of the Triodio, a period of contrition, the Church loses no time in reminding us of the clear distinction between genuine and affected godliness. At the start of the spiritual struggle, which will soon be intensified as we begin Great Lent, Read more
For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power Read more
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Why would Jesus call those who mourn blessed? Isn’t there enough mourning in the world? There is a difference between grieving and mourning. Grief is an inner feeling of sorrow that we experience upon a death or loss. Mourning Read more