With the news of two high profile suicides last week, and a major study showing increasing rate of suicide in America, Bp. Irineos examines both the cultural conditions giving rise to this increase and the teaching of the Church on suicide.

In today's special message, Bp. Irineos announces that the parish founded as St. Andrew Orthodox Church has been renamed as Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, and that it is under the patronage of the Theotokos.

On the Sunday of Pentecost, Bp. Irineos contrasts the dividing of the nations at Babel with the unifying gift of tongues of the Holy Spirit, and discusses the gift of the spirit to the Apostles, the church and to us.

On the Sunday of the Holy Fathers, Bp. Irineos discusses the work of the Holy Fathers at the First Council of Nicaea to preserve the faith against the heretical teachings of Arius and his supporters.

At Liturgy Friday morning, the Gospel passage included the declaration of Christ, "I am the way and the truth and the life." Bp. Irineos looks at the context in which the statement is made and how it is understood.

Bp. Irineos examines the Gospel Reading for the Feast of the Ascension (Luke 24:36-53) and notes how it shows both the preparation of the Apostles for Christ's Ascension and his provision for them in the interim.

On the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Bp. Irineos discusses how Christ's interaction with the woman and offer of the Living Water, presages the opening of the Church to the Gentiles. We also look briefly at the missionary work of St. Photini.

On the Sunday of the Paralytic, Bp. Irineos looks at the enduring patience of the paralytic, his dispassion and example for us in our culture of instant gratification.

On Thomas Sunday, Bp. Irineos looks at the Western conception of Thomas as "Doubting Thomas" and asks whether this is a fair way to look at the Apostle who demanded direct, personal experience to believe that the Lord had Risen!

Bp. Irineos reflects on how, on Palm Sunday, many of the Jews says Christ as a conquering hero and an earthly ruler. He asks whether the way our culture engages in political discussion doesn't have the effect of driving away from the Church those who are most in need of its care.