The three weeks before the start of Great Lent (the Triodion) has begun with the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee. Christ thrusts before us a stark contrast between the prideful, judgmental, and self-righteous Pharisee and the humble, self-effacing repentant Publican. Like the Pharisee, we can too easily find ourselves following all the ‘rules’ of […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – February 2, 2014
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – January 26, 2014
Pride is one of those vices easy to come by and for this reason it’s so evident in our fallen world around us. Pride manifests itself in increasing self-focus, ego, and disregard for the value and divine image of those around us, leading to a great many sins. Humility, on the other hand, is hard […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – January 19, 2014
Today we reflect on Christ’s miraculous healing of the blind man. The blind man repeatedly and undauntedly calls after Christ God for His mercy, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Undeterred by those who would silence him, the man catches Christ’s attention who rewards him for his faith in the living God, who […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – January 12, 2014
Monday begins the season of house blessings. We invite Christ into our homes to set them aside another year, to bless them, and pray God to make them places manifesting Christ’s light, peace, truth, and love. Please contact Fr. Robert this month with two suggested days and times for a house blessing as soon as […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – January 5, 2014
“Today the waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by the coming of the Lord. Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan… Today we have been delivered from darkness and illuminated with the light of the knowledge of God. Today the blinding mist of the world is […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – December 29, 2013
I pray for each of you a most blessed celebration in continuation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ’s holy Nativity! Even as our preparation for the Feast has its own season (the Nativity Fast or Advent), as Orthodox, we remember that Christmas/Nativity is a season and not just a day. On these holy, […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – December 22, 2013
St. Athanasius writes, “It was in the power of none other to turn the corruptible to incorruption, except the Savior Himself, that had at the beginning also made all things out of nought: and that none other could create anew the likeness of God’s image for men, save the Image of the Father…” (4th century, […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – December 15, 2013
“Sleepers awake!” is the name of Bach’s popular cantata, originally sung during Advent. The title refers to a common theme of the Holy Scriptures, and, therefore, of our Orthodox Faith, particularly during this season of preparation for Christ’s coming: The parable of the wise Virgins, whose lamps where lit and ready to meet the Lord […]
Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – December 8, 2013
Having recently celebrated Thanksgiving, today’s Gospel is another reminder of the importance of giving thanks to God for His work in our lives: healing us, growing us, saving us. Of the ten lepers that were healed, only ONE came back to prostrate himself before God and offer his humble thanksgiving to God. We easily take […]