(Feast day ~ December 31) How blessed are those who devote themselves completely to God, serving him faithfully in whatever ways and circumstances occur in their lives. Some have reached great heights of sanctity through heroic missionary efforts and others have been called upon to give their lives in martyrdom. For St. Sylvester, Bishop of […]

(Feast Day ~ December 31) As the end of the calendar year approaches, many Americans think about their charitable giving. In order to receive credit on the year’s tax return, contributions must be made by December 31, so those of us who have left this until the last minute now make decisions about what charities […]

(Feast Day ~ December 31) On December 31, we celebrate the feast day of St. Theophylact of Ochrid, a saint of the Church who overcame disappointment and disillusionment to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. Theophylact enjoyed robust health and worldly comforts; he had a brilliant mind and had received an excellent education, both secular […]

(Feast Day ~ December 28) The martyrs for the faith which the Church venerates are beyond number. These saints, who have received the palm of victory, gave witness in many different ways. Some who were in public positions, such as St. George, challenged the persecuting authorities and converted many others through their great courage. Bishops […]

(Feast Day ~ December 25) At every Liturgy, we hear the names of some of the martyrs of the early Church read, as we ask God to grant us “some lot and partnership” with them. Among these courageous men and women is named Anastasia, a widow who faced execution rather than denying her faith in […]

(Feast Day ~ December 23) At this time of year, the world is obsessed with gifts – gift-giving, gift-receiving, and especially gift-purchasing. Surrounded by the commercial frenzy, it is often difficult for Christians to remain focused on proper gift-giving – on the spirit of charity and generosity and on preparing to receive again in our […]

Feast Day ~ December 21 Those of us who live and work in the Washington DC area know what it is to have busy schedules – to work 10 and 12 hour days and commute 2 and 3 hours, to work week-ends and holidays and give up any hope of seeing family or enjoying “free” […]

(Feast Day ~ December 20) Those of us who live and work in the Washington DC area know what it is to have busy schedules – to work 10 and 12 hour days and commute 2 and 3 hours, to work week-ends and holidays and give up any hope of seeing family or enjoying “free” […]

(Feast Day ~ December 16) Every four years, we Americans endure what always seems like an endless political campaign. And then the maneuvering and “wheeling and dealing” of the political arena begin in earnest as a new president-elect makes appointments and congressional leaders seek new alliances. This is normal life for those of us who […]

(Feast day ~ December 13) As our nation was being formed from the settlements in the 13 colonies on the East coast, a chain of events was beginning on the other side of the world that would eventually be of great spiritual significance for this new country. A young adolescent man, the son of a […]