Importance of the Holy Apostles

Importance of the Holy Apostles
In Personal Spiritual Development

This is the time of the Holy Apostles. Fr John Brian uses the Malankara-Syrian hymns before the Epistle readings in Holy Qurbana to elucidate the purposes of St Paul and the Holy Apostles - not just in history of the Church but in the spiritual work of all who have become Christian since.

Fr John Brian also clarifies the importance of the Holy Apostles in our spiritual development, personally and collectively, using the Gospel reading from Matthew (Chapter 10) appointed for this Sunday of Pentecost.

This sermon uses the English translation of the Aramaic by Lamsa. The Aramaic Bible, also called the Peshitta, was written in the original language of Jesus and his apostles.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, June 26, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

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Roots and Wings

Roots and Wings

During this time after Pentecost, the church focuses on it's apostolic roots and reflects on angelic wings of a post-ascension world.

Fr John Brian uses the American proclaimed "Father's Day" to speak to our legacy of roots and wings, their importance in our work in the Holy Spirit and the advancement of the Gospel.

This sermon uses the English translation of the Aramaic by Lamsa. The Aramaic Bible, also called the Peshitta, was written in the original language of Jesus and his apostles.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, June 19, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
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Importance of the Holy Spirit in Holy Orthodoxy

It is the fullness of the Spirit that is manifest at Pentecost, the birthday of the Holy Church. This is the time for the fullness of Christian mystery to bring illumination to the dark recesses of mind and limitless depth to the mortal existence.

Fr John Brian clarifies the importance of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual development, personally and collectively.

Using part of the Gospel the reading appointed for the Sunday of Pentecost, the beginning of John Chapter 16, Fr John Brian shows that the rebuke of this world is connected to our oneness with God. The Ethiopian Church calls this Tewahdo - which is a sacred unity of Divinity and Humanity available in the mysteries of Holy Orthodoxy - and in the fullness of the Holy Spirit realized in this world by the Apostles' Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Giver of Life!

This sermon uses the English translation of the Aramaic by Lamsa. The Aramaic Bible, also called the Peshitta, was written in the original language of Jesus and his apostles.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, June 12, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here:

Essential Ascension

Essential Ascension

Without the Ascension, there is no proof of unity with God. And yet, it is promised that we will be with God in His kingdom to come.

Fr John Brian explores this mysterious event recorded in the scriptures as an essential moment in spiritual development as well as a signal of hope for everyone.

Reflecting on the reading appointed for the Sunday of Ascension, the end of John Chapter 17, Fr John Brian reminds us that Christ came to be like us so that we might become more like Him through the power of the cross.

This sermon uses the English translation of the Aramaic by Lamsa. The Aramaic Bible, also called the Peshitta, was written in the original language of Jesus and his apostles.

This sermon lesson uses the readings and services appointed from the Malankara Syrian lectionary and was given on Sunday, June 5, 2011 by Fr. John Brian Paprock at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7.

PODCAST OR DOWNLOAD: http://feeds.feedburner.com/frjohnbrian or
http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/spiritual_reflections_or_fr_john_brian.xml
Listen on-line here: