Ancient Faith Commentaries

Fr. Philip LeMasters reads an essay he wrote for Jacob's Well, the official magazine of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (OCA).

"What is the border between Christ’s Kingdom and the kingdoms of the world? The Savior said clearly that His Kingdom “is not of this world,” but the world is where we have to live out our lives as His followers. Throughout the Divine Liturgy, we pray for the salvation of all, peace for the world, and the wellbeing of our civil authorities and armed forces. To do this with integrity, we must discern how to deal with political and social matters in ways that not only convey the transcendence of the Kingdom, but also show how God’s will can be done, albeit imperfectly and partially, here on earth. The border between these realms is real, but not impermeable."

Read the essay at https://issuu.com/jacobswell/docs/jacob_s_well_spring_2021_final/s/12860328.

Fr. Barnabas Powell - Part 4 of a 4 part series

Fr. Barnabas Powell - Part 3 of 4.

Fr. Barnabas Powell - Part 2 of 4.

Fr. Barnabas Powell - Part 1 of

On line discussions about using the common spoon or multiple spoons for the Eucharist during the pandemic has prompted this commentary by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou.

Dr. Constantinou has been teaching Biblical Studies and Early Christianity at the University of San Diego since 2002. Previously she taught New Testament at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology from 1998-1999. She has led bible studies, taught and lectured on the Bible and Orthodoxy at parishes, conferences, retreats and seminars for over thirty years. Her Search the Scriptures Live podcast is a popular feature on Ancient Faith Radio.

Fr. Andrew Damick says stay home but don't stay idle.

In her March 14, 2020 blog post, Elissa Bjeletich reflects on this year's Great Lent in light of the COVID-19 virus. Did this virus make for a bad Lent or "a tangible opportunity to curtail our own will in service to others and to learn to rely on God rather than on the material comforts we take for granted"?

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick posts a picture of the incorrupt hand of St. Katherine of Alexandria every year on Facebook. And every year, people freak out. But why?

Nic Hartmann, a parishioner at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, reminds us that God sometimes wills that we lead a life seeking our salvation through the world.