Talking and thinking about immigration, a hot topic today, from the standpoint of church history.
Week 1: Reading and discussion of the Sayings of Saint Anthony the Great
Week 2 discussion of St Ephrem on reading scripture.
Discussion of an article with numerous quotes from St Ephrem the Syrian on reading the scriptures.
A short reading and discussion of the beautiful words of Saint Porphyrios that there is no salvation outside the Church.
Discussion of Saint Ephrem the Syrian's hymn 10 from the Hymns of Faith on the eucharist.
We have to be perpetual catechumens, returning again and again to the the Cross.
A few brief thoughts on the possibility and hope of beginning to overcome our addiction to social media and the Internet in general.
Week 2 discussion of St John Of Damascus Oration on the Nativity of the Theotokos
A simple recording of the Prayers before Holy Communion, which includes the Canon and the prayer of Saint Basil.
Week 1 discussion of St John Of Damascus Oration on the Nativity of the Theotokos
Some good conversations following up on the homily yesterday on the parable of the unmerciful servant, so a few reflections on mercy and justice here.
Week 3 of Saint John Of Damascus on the Transfiguration
Week 2 of Saint John Of Damascus on the Transfiguration.
Week 1 of discussion of Saint John Of Damascus' Oration on Transfiguration
Discussion of the first homily of Saint Gregory Palamas on the Ascension.
We discussed two short readings from Saint Gregory of Nyssa on the Church in his commentary on the Song of Songs. At the end we got into a long discussion about salvation for those outside the Church following up on the Sunday homily.
Reading excerpts from St. John Chrysostom's homilies on the Eucharist.
A bit of a wide ranging discussion of Bright Week, St. Thomas Sunday, Luke and Cleopad on the road to Emmaus, the opening of the scriptures, and, finally, the Church as temple and Christ's Body and how that relates to keeping the commandments, etc.
A simple reflection in these bright and holy days.