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Psychology Crossroads A Community for the Integration of Psychology & Christianity Rev Fr John Brian Paprock has: 6 friends Rev Fr John Brian Paprock has invited you to join Psychology Crossroads Psychology Crossroads is a community for those interested in the integration of Christianity and psychology and related mental health disciplines.     Come join me on Psychology Crossroads! Thanks, - Rev Fr John Brian Paprock Check out Psychology Crossroads: http://psychologycrossroads.ning.com/?xgi=8r2PcWQ     Members already on Psychology Crossroads Teresa Peneguy Paprock philip mamalakis Rev. Fr. Stavrophoremo- nk Symeon... Elijah Partain Fr Gregory Jensen     About Psychology Crossroads... Psychology Crossroads is a community for those interested in the integration of Christianity and psychology and related mental health disciplines. 778 members 367 photos 240 music tracks 7 videos 45 blog posts     To control which emails you receive on Psychology Crossroads, go to: http://psychologycrossroads.ning.com/profiles/profile/emailSettings

11th Hour Apostles

11th Hour Apostles

This is the first of three sermons on the Orthodox celebration of the Apostles, beginning with the Malankara-Syrian lectionary readings for St Peter and St Paul.

This sermon talks about the apostles and then examines the parable of the vineyard appointed for reading at Divine Liturgy (Qurbana) :
Matthew 20:1-16
Acts 1:12-14
1 corinthians 12:28-13:10

Sermon given on Sunday June 29, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy
Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel.

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Where When How to Be of Christ

Where When How to Be of Christ

How can we tell our position along our spiritual journey? When do we need to demonstrate spiritual gifts? How do we show ourselves to be ambassadors of God's kingdom here? This sermon focuses homiletics on the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthian (5:14-6:10) to bring us to a greater realization of our purpose in this life.

Sermon given on Sunday June 22, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel.

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Aspiring to Spirit for Inspiration

Aspiring to Spirit for Inspiration

We know God through Spirit and Truth. This sermon includes how the prophecy of Ezekiel 36:25-27 gives us inspiration in our spiritual aspirations

Sermon given on Sunday June 15, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel.

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With Trinity Help...

With Trinity Help...

The Trinity is revealed in the multiple triples in Ephesians Chapter 4 (1-16) to bring us to our life's purpose.

Sermon given on Sunday June 8, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel.

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God Made You For This Day

God Made You For This Day

Sermon given on Sunday June 1, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel

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Orthodox Christianity: Introduction - Part 1

Orthodox Christianity: Introduction - Part 1 of 2

About a dozen from the youth class of Merrimac United Methodist Church came to Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission recently to learn a little of other churches.

Fr John Brian condenses history and theology, doctrine and practice into about 45 minutes (in two parts)

Recorded at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, May 28, 2008

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Part 2 of 2

http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2008/05/orthodox-christianity-introduction-part.html

Orthodox Christianity: Introduction - Part 2

Orthodox Christianity: Introduction - Part 2 of 2

About a dozen from the youth class of Merrimac United Methodist Church came to Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission recently to learn a little of other churches.

Fr John Brian condenses history and theology, doctrine and practice into about 45 minutes (in two parts)

Recorded at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Chapel, May 28, 2008

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part 1 of 2

http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2008/05/orthodox-christianity-introduction-part_31.html

a children's book!

From: Teresa Kochamma

Greetings, friends ... relatives ... church folks ... co-workers...

I'm sending this out to everyone I can think of that has young kids, or
grandkids, or nieces or nephews - well, anyone who enjoys a good story with
a spiritual message.

Fr. John-Brian has just published a children's book, "What the Grub Found
Out." Actually, he wrote and illustrated this book back in 1992. But now
through Lulu Press, he was able to publish it.

"What the Grub Found Out" can be can be purchased as a regular book for
$10.63, or downloaded on to your computer for $2.50. It makes a great gift
for little ones ... hint, hint. ;)

http://stores.lulu.com/transfiguration

Half (50%) of the proceeds from this book (as well as "Living in the Eighth
Day") go to mission efforts.

View or download the latest mission report, Holy Transfiguration Mission
2008, written in the words of members and those who participate and benefit
from the Madison area (Wisconsin) mission -
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/theosis/mission08bklt.pdf (large file ~2M)

Love and Blessings!

Teresa Peneguy Paprock
words&stuff freelancing

Fulfilling the Gospel as God Made Us

Fulfilling the Gospel as God Made Us

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday May 18, 2008

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Nueral Buddhists, Atheism and God

May 13, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist NYT
The Neural Buddhists
By DAVID BROOKS

In 1996, Tom Wolfe wrote a brilliant essay called “Sorry, but Your Soul Just Died,” in which he captured the militant materialism of some modern scientists.

To these self-confident researchers, the idea that the spirit might exist apart from the body is just ridiculous. Instead, everything arises from atoms. Genes shape temperament. Brain chemicals shape behavior. Assemblies of neurons create consciousness. Free will is an illusion. Human beings are “hard-wired” to do this or that. Religion is an accident.

In this materialist view, people perceive God’s existence because their brains have evolved to confabulate belief systems. You put a magnetic helmet around their heads and they will begin to think they are having a spiritual epiphany. If they suffer from temporal lobe epilepsy, they will show signs of hyperreligiosity, an overexcitement of the brain tissue that leads sufferers to believe they are conversing with God.

Wolfe understood the central assertion contained in this kind of thinking: Everything is material and “the soul is dead.” He anticipated the way the genetic and neuroscience revolutions would affect public debate. They would kick off another fundamental argument over whether God exists.

Lo and behold, over the past decade, a new group of assertive atheists has done battle with defenders of faith. The two sides have argued about whether it is reasonable to conceive of a soul that survives the death of the body and about whether understanding the brain explains away or merely adds to our appreciation of the entity that created it.

The atheism debate is a textbook example of how a scientific revolution can change public culture. Just as “The Origin of Species” reshaped social thinking, just as Einstein’s theory of relativity affected art, so the revolution in neuroscience is having an effect on how people see the world.

And yet my guess is that the atheism debate is going to be a sideshow. The cognitive revolution is not going to end up undermining faith in God, it’s going end up challenging faith in the Bible.
Over the past several years, the momentum has shifted away from hard-core materialism. The brain seems less like a cold machine. It does not operate like a computer. Instead, meaning, belief and consciousness seem to emerge mysteriously from idiosyncratic networks of neural firings. Those squishy things called emotions play a gigantic role in all forms of thinking. Love is vital to brain development.

Researchers now spend a lot of time trying to understand universal moral intuitions. Genes are not merely selfish, it appears. Instead, people seem to have deep instincts for fairness, empathy and attachment.

Scientists have more respect for elevated spiritual states. Andrew Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania has shown that transcendent experiences can actually be identified and measured in the brain (people experience a decrease in activity in the parietal lobe, which orients us in space). The mind seems to have the ability to transcend itself and merge with a larger presence that feels more real.

This new wave of research will not seep into the public realm in the form of militant atheism. Instead it will lead to what you might call neural Buddhism.

If you survey the literature (and I’d recommend books by Newberg, Daniel J. Siegel, Michael S. Gazzaniga, Jonathan Haidt, Antonio Damasio and Marc D. Hauser if you want to get up to speed), you can see that certain beliefs will spread into the wider discussion.

First, the self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic process of relationships. Second, underneath the patina of different religions, people around the world have common moral intuitions. Third, people are equipped to experience the sacred, to have moments of elevated experience when they transcend boundaries and overflow with love. Fourth, God can best be conceived as the nature one experiences at those moments, the unknowable total of all there is.

In their arguments with Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, the faithful have been defending the existence of God. That was the easy debate. The real challenge is going to come from people who feel the existence of the sacred, but who think that particular religions are just cultural artifacts built on top of universal human traits. It’s going to come from scientists whose beliefs overlap a bit with Buddhism.

In unexpected ways, science and mysticism are joining hands and reinforcing each other. That’s bound to lead to new movements that emphasize self-transcendence but put little stock in divine law or revelation. Orthodox believers are going to have to defend particular doctrines and particular biblical teachings. They’re going to have to defend the idea of a personal God, and explain why specific theologies are true guides for behavior day to day. I’m not qualified to take sides, believe me. I’m just trying to anticipate which way the debate is headed. We’re in the middle of a scientific revolution. It’s going to have big cultural effects.

Rev. Dr. K.M. George - 8th day

The Eighth Day
From “Easter and Ecology” by Rev. Dr. K.M. George

With scientific speculation on time becoming more and more complex in a universe "with no edge of space-time", as Stephen Hawking says in A Brief History of Time, the old image of the cycle re-emerges in the human consciousness in different ways.

Many ancient cultures represented time as turning on itself, as is shown by the cycles of the day, the week and the year.

To the early Christian theologians, the cycles of the week seemed to symbolize the meaninglessness of earthly existence taken into itself. Like the legendary Greek image of the snake swallowing its own tail, the seven day week returns to itself, repeating its cycle.

So the patristic tradition proposed "the eighth day", which broke open the cyclical chain of seven days. The seven day week represented the history of the created world; the eighth day symbolized eternity. Sunday, the day of the resurrection of Christ, was the first and the eighth day at the same time.

Sunday is the day of the sun, the source of life, the first day of the week, and symbolically the first day of creation. It is also the eighth day, the day of the new creation, the day of resurrection, which initiated all creation to eternal life.

The eighth day breaks the monotonous cycle of time and liberates time from bondage to boredom and death. There is no longer evening or morning to mark the bounds of the day, no sun or moon to determine the course of day or night.

The eighth day, outside the weekly cycle, signals the end of the fatalistic resignation to despair built into the ever-repeating cycles of history. It implies rest from the cyclical chain of work.

Industrial civilization has been marked by the assembly line, the infernal cycle of production to which human laborers are chained. The "weekend", which it invented to break the cycle and provide time to rest, is only the beginning of another week's cycle.

The eighth day of resurrection breaks the chain of birth and death. (We may note here the irony that many supermarkets are chain stores - a fitting image of the new slavery which is inescapable in industrialized societies and whose tentacles are spreading quickly to. the rest of the world.)

In the risen Christ, material creation enters the infinity of new life. There is no more recycling or bondage to the laws of time and space. Yet created matter is not annihilated but reconstituted according to a higher law. It is the untold possibilities for our life that are unfolded in this recomposition of matter, as shown by the resurrected Christ.

Matter does not now return to be recycled. It opens itself to the life of God, to the splendor of uncreated light. Time is permeated by Sunday, the day of light, life and joyful rest.

Time, the attribute of the cycle of birth, death and decay, now acquires a new quality and meaning in its open-ended hope in participation in God's own life.

Easter and Ecology
Rev. Dr. K.M. George
Complete article: http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8028.asp
Copyright: Printed by Orthdruk Orthodox Printing House, Bialystok, Poland, 1996.
Source: The Orthodoxy and Ecology Resource Book is produced by SYNDESMOS, The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth.
Editor: Alexander Belopopsky and Dimitri Oikonomou
The author. Rev. Dr K.M. George is a priest and theologian of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India, and was a member of staff of the WCC Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland.

After Resurrection - Divinity and Humanity

After Resurrection - Divinity and Humanity

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday May 4, 2008

After resurrection....now what? This sermon is further teaching about the gift of Christ Resurrection to us, for us and with us. This is more teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing as preparation of the life to come.

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Through Resurrection - Everything

Through Resurrection - Everything

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday April 27, 2008

This short sermon is about the gift of Christ Resurrection to us, for us and with us. It is the culmination of the teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing as preparation of the life to come. 4 minutes, 59 seconds

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Preparing for Our Resurrection

Preparing for Our Resurrection

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday April 20, 2008 and Monday April 21, 2008 (this recording)

This sermon continues the teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing as preparation of the life to come.

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sermon: giving giving up giving away giving way

giving giving up giving away giving way
"God loves a cheerful giver"

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday April 13, 2008

This sermon continues the teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing. Using the scriptures: John Chapter 9; Deutronomy 26; end of the book of Job, Malachi 3 and 2 Corinthians 9 - as well as encouraging the reading of 1 Peter 4 and the last two chapters of Malachi.

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the peace question

the peace question

"How do we justify working for peace using the Bible to those who justify the opposite using the same book?" asks an Orthodox Christian woman.

Christ says: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" In other words, like working to eradicate poverty, it is more about doing the work as individuals as response to God's love - the outcome needs to be left to God: "with men many things are impossible, but with God all things are possible."

God will not judge us according to that which is outside our control, only that which is.

In one place Christ says, "The poor you will have with you always" and in another He challenges us to tend to the poor as though He was among them "Whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me"

In Orthodoxy, we do not see contradiction, rather we see opportunity.
As long as there are poor, we can practice compassion, generosity and other spiritual skills.
As long as there is conflict, we can practice inner peace and peace-making, repentance and prayer.
Because of the persistence of these things in this world, we can practice mercy and humility, accepting God is greater than all of this and that eternity is longer than all of this. In Orthodoxy, we trust in the greatness of that and allow for the mysteries to persist as to eventual resolution

Lord, have mercy on us all.

your servant,

Fr John Brian

Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission Parish
o HEALING LIFE o DEEPENING FAITH
o ENRICHING PRACTICE o REFRESHING SPIRIT

Mar Makarios 40day Memorial Tribute

A Tribute to Mar Makarios Thirumeni


This tribute eulogy given by Fr John Brian was recorded at Holy Transfiguration Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on the 40th day memorial ocassion of His Grace, Metroplolitan Thomas Mar Makarios on the evening of April 2nd, 2008.





This tribute was delivered by Fr John Brian at St Gregorios Cathderal in Chicago (Bellwood), Illinois on April 5th for the memorial gathering there.


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OR READ THE TEXT HERE:
Memorial Tribute for Metropolitan Thomas Mar Makarios
Delivered April 5, 2008 for the 40th Day Memorial
(Mar Makarios departed this life February 23, 2008)
St Gregorios Cathedral, Bellwood (Chicago), Illinois
By Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock, Holy Transfiguration Mission, Madison, Wisconsin


Peace be with you.

To explain how I come to make this tribute to a beloved departed bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, let me give a short introduction. I am Fr John Brian, an American priest of the Mission Society of St Gregorios of India serving Holy Transfiguration Mission in Madison, Wisconsin. I also serve as a hospital chaplain and a chaplain at the local hospice care center. I was ordained to the Orthodox priesthood in 1987 in a now defunct American mission of the Holy Synod of Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, the only church membership I had known. I took a personal and voluntary leave of absence from active priesthood in 1992 which lasted until 1999 when I was fully re-activated to the priesthood. It was then that I was mystically led (I believe) through a series of events that brought me to an American mission of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church founded by His Grace Thomas Mar Makarios. This is how I have come to address you today.

When grieving the loss of loved ones, we are reminded of the unique presence they had been in our lives. Our memories of them are activated as we walk down the hall or sit at a table. There are shared places and we can almost see them in that place and, out of the corner of our eye, there they are. We hear their voice speaking to us, singing, praying. Shared plans and promises left unfulfilled stand before us as unpainted sketches or unfinished symphonies.

There is no replacement for any of us – we are all created unique. And yet we are all intricately and intimately connected. So we miss those that depart ahead of us. We long for them to return or for us to catch up to where they are. There is a pit in our hearts and a lump in our throats. We cry. The sorrow when one dies is natural. Grieving is one of the shared experiences of humankind.

Our Holy Fathers, in meditation and experience, help us in our grief with heavenly wisdom when they draw our attention inversely. Instead of sorrow for those that have departed, it is sorrow for ourselves that remain. Instead of focusing on the loss, they tell us to focus on heaven’s gain; that there will be a reunion with those who are waiting for us in God’s love; that there is another light in the heavens to illumine the darkness of this world.

It is only through God that I am able to do anything of positive impact. I am a servant; as such the Master deserves all the credit. All glory and praise is due to God, the source of all goodness, righteousness and truth. Of myself I am nothing, it is the spirit of God within that sustains me, gives me hope and direction. I also acknowledge that my service would not be available without the kindness, pity and encouragement of His Grace Metropolitan Thomas Mar Makarios who was a reminder of God’s graciousness in the difficult times that we live.

So, I see our beloved Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios here and there; in memory and in unfinished plans; in heaven and buried in a tomb in India. I cried the night of the accident and prayed when he was in the hospital. I longed for another chance to talk with him, hear his advice, receive his blessing, and feel his love. The honor and respect Thirumeni gave to others was precious to behold. I was a humble recipient of that honor and respect – I have referred to it as “taking pity on me and my circumstance” but it was bigger and more encouraging than pity – he made me feel that we were in a partnership, a collective activity that benefited everyone. He was encouraging and empowering in our mission efforts.

Thirumeni was a willing servant of the Holy Spirit, even when it meant going somewhere he had not been before or helping someone he only knew by the Spirit. In this we shared a common bond. His face seemed to glow whenever he announced the good activities of those under his charge and I am sure I am not alone in how good it felt when he made such a compliment. When he made compliments publicly and in private, there was an authenticity. These were made more gracious by his keen understanding of human nature.

Thirumeni was able to reach a great variety of people. He was greatly respected among Keralites. He asked me to meet him once when the national meeting FOKANA was in Chicago. I was the only blonde in the entire hotel. He introduced me with graciousness to one leader and then another. I met Bishop Nicholovos there. Even when everyone else spoke Malayalee, he would interject enough English so that I could understand. It was clear that the respect given me then was only due to His Grace. Perhaps I am being too harsh, but I spent part of my youth in poor Chicago neighborhoods where I did not become accustomed to such graciousness.

Not that I should have been surprised at his ability to see the truth in me, despite cultural and age differences. I knew Thirumeni taught at a Protestant college where European-Americans were the overwhelming majority. At the 2005 family-youth conference, we got a chance to see the tremendous love and respect that the president of Alma college had for Thirumeni and heard how much they helped him during very difficult times.

Mar Makarios was an invited speaker and chair at an international and interfaith conference in Bahrain in 2002. “The Role of Religions for a Peaceful Co-existence in a Modern Society” designed to bolster understanding between Islam and Christianity. He chaired a session entitled “The New Role of Religion in a Multicultural, International Society.” I hope everyone can appreciate the expertise Thirumeni held to be included in this conference. In discussion with me, he was very proud of the acknowledgement and accomplishment on the world stage of inter-religious relations.

Thirumeni was also very proud of consecrating churches. It was one of his greatest joys. I was able to be at the consecration of St Gregorios in Bellwood (as well as its elevation to Cathedral status) and I was at the consecration of St Gregorios in Spokane, Washington – the first church of the Mission Society of St Gregorios of India whose vicar is the first American priest ordained by Thirumeni. All truly historic events.

Our Catholicos, Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, wrote in his memorial kalpana the day after Mar Makarios’ death (February 24, 2008):
“His ability to face problems with equanimity and creativity was astounding. Mar Makarios had an extraordinary capacity to act befittingly in tense and uncertain situations and influence people with his glib tongue and rare sense of humour. He took special care to maintain his personal contacts and relationships. He was also a noted scholar in church history. Let us praise our Almighty Father for gifting us with this revered father who was a multifaceted genius. The Holy Church shall always cherish his memory. May this departed father be able to offer mediation for us all before our Almighty Father from his new heavenly abode along with the holy angels and our blessed forefathers.”
* * *
“Patience John. Patience. Everything works together for good for those that love the Lord,” Mar Makarios would tell me. The first time was when we met at St Gregorios in October of 1999. And again, in 2000. He accepted our mission congregation and received me into the Mission Society at the Toronto conference in July 2001, mentioning later that he felt he was prompted by an angel to do so. He sent Mar Militios Thirumeni to bless our small picnic that summer as confirmation.

Following the example of St Gregorios of Parumala, Makarios Thirumeni ordained Americans to the priesthood. Ordination is an established ceremony of bringing servants to the priesthood. There was no ceremony for accepting an Orthodox priest who has already been ordained by an Orthodox bishop into the Malankara Church. Thirumeni told me that people wanted one, but that there wasn’t one…yet. I told him, I didn’t need fanfare or ceremony to serve and asked him what he wanted me to do. “Keep doing what you are doing. Keep working on the mission. That is service enough for now.” he would say. When a priest or member from India, the Middle East, Cleveland or Philadelphia would make a request of me, he would ask, “Who asked you to do that? Can you do it? …. Then, you should.”

Pastorally, Thirumeni would tell a favorite story of when he was a priest in Delhi. There was a young man who helped him out quite a bit, but he would only come to church two times a year. One time, Thirumeni asked, “How is it with all the faith and good things that you do that you only come to church two times a year?” The young man replied, “Thirumeni, my father used to go church only once a year, but I am going two times!” He wanted us to know not to judge others by our own standards, but try to see them with the eyes of Christ.

Thirumeni rarely told me not to serve the church in whatever capacity was requested of me. If there was any doubt, he was very clear about what I should or should not do. One time, I was asked by an Orthodox woman to perform a marriage for her to a Muslim gentleman. I initially declined, but after a discussion with the woman, I decided to meet with them. Their love for each other seemed quite genuine. I know enough about Islam to have asked him how much would he do for her (in Islam, a woman can ask anything of a future husband before marriage and he must give it or else there can be no marriage). He said, “Anything.” - As I would expect from an honest Muslim. “Even baptism?” I asked. He looked at her and then looked back at me and said, “Yes.” It was encouraging. Then he said, “But my family must never know.” That is when I said I would need to get advice and approval from my bishop. I called Makarios Thirumeni. He listened with polite encouragement and said, “It seems you covered everything with them, but it needs to be a public acknowledgement of Christ for a Christian marriage. If he agrees, then there is no deception and no problems. If he doesn’t, then there is some deception and the marriage will not succeed.” The Muslim gentleman refused to be public, citing the fear of his execution by his own family. I gave His Grace’s warning. They were married by a judge and I found out later that the marriage did not last just as Thirumeni predicted.

Very shortly after we joined the Mission Society, church issues in India began to require more of His Grace. As a good servant, he served where he was needed most. It seemed to me that he was in Kerala almost as much as he was in North America. Then last couple of years, he spent more time in England as well. In all of it, he was glorious in the struggles, invigorated by the growth of churches and missions, and always found time to speak with the youth. One time, he called my son over. Thirumeni said, “I am gathering the next generation for a cup of tea.” And there they were, more than half a dozen young boys – not one of them over 12 years old - seated at a round table with tea cups and saucers in front them. I had never seen an Orthodox hierarch with such confidence and such love for the future of the church. His vision was for our church to be more spiritually minded, culturally enlightened and inter-personally sensitive. He wanted us to be a leading example to the world of the goodness of Christian heritage, embracing the fullness of the Holy Orthodox Church and reaching out to those who do not know her.

The first American priest ordained by Mar Makarios, Chorespiscos Fr Michael Hatcher of Spokane wrote:
“The mission effort established by Bishop Makarios has already shown the potential for growth among other ethnic groups. Since Christ commanded us to go forth and baptize all people, we can have no other goal than to include everyone who wishes to embrace the faith…We have been greatly blessed, as I said from the beginning, to have had a Metropolitan of such great vision, courage and wisdom given to us by God.”

Mar Makarios Thirumeni was like an apostle. He was willing to go to the corners of the world, making missions and churches alive, right up until his final acts in this world. It was as he was leaving the consecration ceremonies for a church in England that he was struck by an automobile in the accident that ultimately took his life from this world. It also seems apostolic for him to survive long enough for the faithful in at least five continents to prayer for his recovery – five continents. From our mission in Madison, Wisconsin, I learned that there were prayers being said in Ethiopia, India, Australia/New Zealand, England and throughout North America. Thirumeni would be quick to point out that the miracle here was not that he survived seven weeks, but that all these people agreed to pray for the same thing.

Thirumeni was like that, seeing miracles in all our lives – willing to follow the Holy Spirit even when it led him away from us to that other side of the veil. He passed through that veil on the anniversary of his ordination to full deacon to share the same memorial date of one of his personal heroes, St. Dionysius our Vatteserril Thirumeni.

I have no doubt he is still working for us, praying for us, blessing us. If we see him sitting there, maybe he is only reminding us of his love – or rather God’s love that he was so willing to share.

Let me close this memorial tribute with Thirumeni’s own words.

At the 25th Jubilee Anniversary of his 1979 enthronement as the first Metropolitan of the American Diocese in 2004, he wrote:
"With utmost humility and profound gratitude, We thank the Almighty for His abundant grace showered upon Us during these years of challenges and opportunities. We also thank you, all Our beloved children in the Lord, for your support, guidance, and above all, for your love and prayers. We ask you to continue to remember Us in your prayers. God bless you all."

Mar Makarios would bless us every year in His Grace’s annual kalpana:
“With all these gifts showered upon us in abundance by the Almighty, let us join the angels and archangels and sing "glory to God on high, peace on earth and good will among humans" and pray that the peace of God, which He only can give us, dwell in our church, in our families and in our hearts always.”

Thirumeni, we miss you. Pray for us. May your memory be eternal!

More Than Animal Nature

More Than Animal Nature

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday March 30, 2008

This sermon continues the teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing. Using the scriptures: Romans 7:14-25; Matthew 15:21-31; Acts 4 and Isaiah 56. In addition Numbers 17 and 1 Samuel 7 are mentioned for further insight in rising above the lower nature.

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Necessary Weakness

Necessary Weakness

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday March 23, 2008

This sermon continues the teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing. Using the scriptures: Mark 2:1-12; Exodus 4:10-17; Ezekiel 34:1-6; Isaiah 5:20-25; Romans 5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Listeners are encouraged to read 2 Kings 20:1-11 for further insight in spiritual healing and length of days.

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Ancient Iconography Honors Colorful 'Windows into Heaven"

Ancient Iconography Honors Colorful ‘Windows into Heaven”

By Rev. John-Brian Paprock

For Capital Newspapers ~ Easter Worship Directory

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Worship of God has always been intentionally multi-sensory, multi-dimensional. In most of the world’s religions devotion and practice has been the driving force of sacred architecture, music, and art. These reflect the stories and symbols of spiritual teachings. This is apparent in Christianity.

Although written words have been around for thousands of years, literacy of a majority is relatively new - only a few hundred years in only a few places on earth. Yet, Christianity is 2,000 years old. The other factor was dissemination of books. Until the printing press (circa 1500 AD), copies of books, especially sacred texts, were hand written by scribes on parchment and kept in monasteries and libraries for the use of the privileged. Today’s ability to publish millions of pages and make them available is astonishing. And yet, even this is not the culmination of written words. Computers and the internet have created a cyber-space for a new multi-sensory, multidimensional life that can be shared instantaneously around the world.

In the early Christian experience, that reached so many, the main manner of communicating the spiritual teachings was experiential, reaching all levels of human experience. The church was a place and time to be surrounded by divinity through chanted hymns, scripture read aloud, architecture and religious art, especially icons.

Icons are not just antiques or historic art. They continue to enrich Orthodox Christian worship and have been growing in popularity with Catholics and Protestants as well.

The main uses of icons are devotional and instructional. Icon is from the Greek, ‘eikon,’ which means ‘a likeness, image, or picture.’ In the Middle Ages, ‘holy eikon’ meant an image used for Christian purposes. The holy images, holy pictures, with layers of symbols and depth of teaching are intended to tell sacred stories of Christianity. The stories may be historic events or parable or explaining theology. Since icons are telling stories, sometimes the painting of these holy images is called “writing an icon” and looking at them, “reading an icon.” So, one could “read” a chapel or church in similar manner.

The tradition of icons continues in the Orthodox Christian Churches and come in a variety of styles and from every ethnic community that has been Orthodox Christian. In America, the Byzantine-style is the most common. They adorn the walls of altars and churches, as well as homes, cars and offices of the faithful. Candles are lit and incense burned in front of them and prayers are said, hymns sung. In this way icons are aides in focusing and worshipping God. They are not worshipped, but venerated or given reverence as instruments of divine interaction with humanity and windows into heaven.

In Eastern Christianity, it is not common to see the body of the dying or dead Jesus on the cross. The exception is during Good Friday when the story of the crucifixion is experientially incorporated into the cycle of devotion in preparation for the holiest event of the year - the resurrection of Christ. On Good Friday eve, the crucifixion icon is seen, but during that evening service, the “body” is removed from the cross and placed on a “winding sheet” (Greek = epitaphios) which is used for a ritual burial. In all Orthodox Christian churches this is re-enacted. To tell this story, there are icons of crucifixion and removing the body as well as the burial and entombment.

The icons of the Resurrection tell the stories of the women coming to anoint the body according to tradition and seeing the empty tomb or encountering an angel in white. The teachings of Christ’s “descent into hell to free the captives there” (from Orthodox hymnology) is depicted in one the favorite icons of Jesus trampling on the doors of hell (usually under His feet, with blackness and bones under that) and pulling up Adam and Eve with His hands. Often the scriptural reference how many of the dead arose is also depicted as crowds in the background.

With these sacred images, candles lit and incense wafting through the church, Orthodox sing loudly with bells ringing, as they have been for centuries, “Christ is risen from the dead trampling on death by death and on those in tombs bestowing life.”

This year Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 27 due to a difference in interpreting calendars that is centuries old. The author encourages non-Orthodox to use this opportunity to visit an Orthodox church during that Holy Week.

[published with three full color icons of resurrection]

Thanks to St. Isaac of Syria Skete, Boscobel, for providing images of the icons.

Living Limitless Life

Living Limitless Life

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday March 16, 2008

This sermon continues the teachings about the transformative power of Orthodox Christian fasting and healing. Using the scriptures: Luke 5 (with a couple of verses from Chapter 4) and the end of Jeremiah Chapter 15

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Prophet Elias Award 2002

On October 20, 2002, His Grace Thomas Mar Makarios presented Rev. Fr. John Brian Paprock with the Prophet Elias Emblem "in recognition of committment to the spiritual development of Orthodox Christian young people through the programs of Scouting."

St. Gregorios Church, Bellwood, Illinois.

[Note: This is posted in honor and memory of His Grace - died February 23, 2008 - who saw community service as important to spiritual growth and mission. These pictures were finally scanned into digital form. His quick wit and deep understanding of individuals made this award very dear to my heart. - JB+]

Eternal Memory, Thirumeni - Pray for us

When Light Increases Growth - fast

When Light Increases Growth - fast

Sermon delivered by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Mission Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday March 9, 2008

Listen online here:


This sermon speaks to the transformative power of why Orthodox Christians fast and hold fast to Truth. Using the scriptures: Joel 2:12-13, Isaiah 58:5-14, Colossians 3:1-17 (with reference Exodus 20 and other scripture)

Living Through Death on Both Sides

Living Through Death on Both Sides

Homiletic and memorial sermon delivered Sunday March 2, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Based on readings of the Sunday of the Departed as we continue to honor the memory of our beloved Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios who died February 23, 2008

Eternal memory!

Listen To Sermon Here:

The Lord assign the soul of our beloved bishop to where the just repose in a place of light
whence all suffering, sorrow, and sighing have fled away - life everlasting!

Thirumeni pray for us!

Bishop Among the Departed Clergy

Bishop Among the Departed Clergy

Homiletic and memorial sermon delivered Sunday February 24, 2008 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in
Madison, Wisconsin.

Based on readings of the Sunday of Departed Clergy and the memory of our beloved Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios who died February 23, 2008

Eternal memory!
The Lord assign his soul to where the just repose in a place of light whence all suffering, sorrow, and sighing have fled away - life everlasting!
Thirumeni pray for us!

Do Not Neglect the Very Things of Salvation

Do Not Neglect the Very Things of Salvation

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday January 20, 2007 by Fr John Brian at
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

First, discussing the different Easter dates - then focusing on the scriptures for the day in this order: Hebrews 2; Proverbs 9; Isaiah 55; end of John 1; and 1 Peter 3.

These are among the readings appointed for the post-Epiphany period in Orthodox Syrian Church calendar year.

Pray for our mission efforts.

Listen here:

The Eagle and the Grasshopper

The Eagle and the Grasshopper

As told by Mubarak Nawaz, Hyderabad

Once upon a time there was a grasshopper, who through diligent practice
became one of the best hoppers in the land. She loved hopping so much, she
began teaching other grasshoppers how to hop. She was very disciplined and
required they faithfully follow her commands. She told her students what to
eat, when to eat and how to eat. During their practice sessions, she barked
out orders telling them exactly what to do.

Soon, baby grasshoppers that had never hopped before were learning how to
hop, adults that could barely hop were hopping much better, and even those
who already were good hoppers could now hop much higher. The teacher felt
very fulfilled.

Then one day a creature showed up that she had never seen before - an eagle.
She was determined to teach the eagle how to hop, as she was certain that
hopping was the path to fulfillment and enlightenment. But every time she
approached the eagle, he just said, "There is no need." She kept trying, but
the eagle insisted, "There is no need." Finally, at a large gathering of all
the grasshoppers, she pointed to the eagle and announced angrily, "No matter
what I say or do, this stupid eagle will never learn how to hop. He does not
understand us."

The eagle looked at the grasshoppers and said, "You are content with
hopping, but I can fly."

"Stop this foolish talk of flying!" screamed the teacher. "Flying is just
imagination and fantasy." She turned to the grasshoppers and said, "Any time
such thoughts arise, immediately focus your energy back on your hopping -
this is how you will become enlightened."

"You know nothing about flying!" said the eagle with a commanding voice that
silenced the grasshopper. The eagle turned to the grasshoppers. "I can show
you a world far beyond your grass fields. If you listen to me, I will teach
you all to fly."

The eagle waited for them to respond, but when he looked around, incredibly,
all he saw were blank looks on the faces of the grasshoppers. He walked
away, very sad.

Later that day, while soaring far above the tall grass of the fields, an
insight emerged from deep within the eagle's innermost being. He realized
that to communicate with the grasshoppers, he would have to speak the
grasshopper's language - the language of hopping.

The next day, the eagle returned to the grasshoppers' world and began
hopping with them. The grasshoppers were surprised. Not only could the eagle
hop, but he could hop as well as any of them.

The teacher kept a wary eye on the eagle. She feared her grasshoppers would
get swept away by the eagle's stories.

But the grasshoppers were curious and some of them began to sneak away to
talk to the eagle. "How is it that you know how to hop and yet you talk of
flying? It goes against our teacher's orders."

"Hopping is useful, but when you can fly, it is no longer necessary."

"Tell us more," said the grasshoppers.

The eagle began describing the world beyond the grass fields, a world that
included mountains, rivers and oceans. He sensed they were nervous but
assured them was nothing to fear.

The grasshoppers asked, "What's it like to fly?"

"When you are flying, you are totally at peace. Sometimes, I feel like I am
connected with everything and watch as everything happens automatically
without any effort on my part. I am no longer an eagle flying, but I become
flying itself."

Later that day, a solitary, brave grasshopper approached the eagle and
asked, "Can you take me flying?"

The eagle nodded and gently took the grasshopper in his powerful talon. With
a few beats of his wings they were aloft. Circling overhead, the grasshopper
could see the mountains, rivers and ocean that the eagle had described, far
beyond the familiar grass fields. Careful not to go too high, the eagle soon
returned the grasshopper to the ground.

Hearing the commotion, the other grasshoppers rushed over to find out what
had happened.

"He took me flying!" announced the brave grasshopper proudly, but then
admitted, "I got dizzy. I didn't like it."

"But our teacher has told us that flying is just imagination." said another
grasshopper.

"Bless your teacher and be grateful to her, for she has taught you to hop,"
said the eagle. "But now you know the truth."

The eagle looked deep within the eyes of the brave grasshopper. Though she
was still a bit dizzy, he saw a spark within her very being. He looked at
the others and saw that the spark was already spreading to them. Soon, they
would no longer be content with just hopping - they would all want to fly.

"My work here is done," announced the eagle abruptly. "Some day you will all
learn to fly!"

"But if you leave, who will teach us?"

"Rest assured, as it has always been, when the student is ready, the teacher
will appear."

With that, the eagle unveiled his powerful wings and soared off into the
sky.

God Sees, Come and Show Yourself

God Sees, Come and Show Yourself

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday January 13, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the prophecy of Isaiah Chapter 49 in light of Acts Chapter 2, Ephesians Chapter 1 and Matthew 4:12-22.

These are among the readings appointed for the post-Epiphany period in Syrian Church calendar year.

Pray for our mission efforts.

God is Here, Where Are You?

Sermon delivered Sunday January 6, 2008 by Fr John Brian
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the meaning of Nativity and Epiphany - God's manifestation.


Pray for our mission efforts.

God is Ready - Are You?

God is Ready - Are You?

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday December 23, 2007 by Fr John Brian
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the meaning behind the genealogy of Luke 3. Attention given to the beginning of Isaiah Chapter 11, Acts Chapter 3 and Galations 4:18-20.
These are among the readings appointed for the preparation period for
Holy Nativity in Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church calendar year.

Pray for our mission efforts.

Fr John Brian at 2nd Annual Good Neighbor Interfaith Gathering

2nd Annual Good Neighbor Interfaith Gathering
Middleton Public Library - December 12, 2007

Rev Fr John-Brian Paprock spoke about interfaith dialogue and interfaith gathering (while technical problem with computer presentation was resolved).

Christopher River Paprock read the Middleton Mayoral Proclamation of Interfaith Awareness Week.

Audio recorded live - presented unedited.
22 minutes, 15 seconds




Part 2 of the event (along with pictures) can be found at www.interfaithsociety.blogspot.com

God HAS a Better Idea

God HAS a Better Idea

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday December 16, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the last passage of Matthew Chapter 1, Joseph's dream. Attention given to the beginning of Genesis Chapter 13, John 6:42-46 and the end of Galations Chapter 1.
These are among the readings appointed for the preparation period for Holy Nativity in Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church calendar year.

Pray for our mission efforts.

Article - Involving Children in the Reason for the Season

Involving Children in the Reason for the Season

by Rev. John-Brian Paprock (for Capital Newspapers)

published in the Holiday Worship Supplement ~ Sunday, December 16, 2007

One of the delights of the Christmas season is gift-giving, especially to children. Watching them open gifts with excitement, with big genuine smiles even giggles, is truly a joy to parents, grandparents and adults everywhere. Finding the right toy or proper gift can be part of the fun, giving even grown-ups with empty nests a reason to go into a toy store. As important as this tradition is in America to our collective culture and economy, Christmas has always been about so much more.

Gift giving is the emulation of those three king-sages that traveled to see the infant king, Jesus in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. It is also a tribute to St. Nicholas, that generous saint of Asia Minor.

But there were angels singing and shepherds adoring. And there is the baby Jesus, God incarnate, according to most of Christian denominations. He is the Son of God, the Prince of Peace who came and served creation with altruistic sacrifice. Through his recorded life, he fed the hungry, healed and gave comfort to the sick, the poor, the destitute. He forgave sinners and gave dignity to those that were separated from society. So, there are more than the kings to emulate at this time of year.

Other than just giving children gifts from Santa Claus, how can children be included in understanding the deeper meaning of what Christmas is about?

A word of caution before reading further – following these may deepen adult faith in God and humanity. In fact, you probably do not need a child to do any of these suggestions.

Emulating Angels with singing and bringing hope:

- Have children create the holiday cards you send out, rather than using store-bought ones. What messages should be included? If it’s too late this year, file this idea away for next year OR come up with next year’s card this year.

- Take children with you to go caroling at a retirement home or hospital. If you haven’t caroled before (or haven’t in a long time) - join a group of carolers or start one at your church. Caroling is sharing the joy of seasonal music with others.

- Join Handel’s Messiah sing-a-long as a family.

Teaching altruism - giving to those in need

- Take your kids shopping to pick out gifts for a needy family. Find out where you could actually bring the gifts so they could be distributed – several local agencies and churches have families you can "adopt" for Christmas

- Go through toys and clothes and helping decide what can be donated to charity before Santa Claus comes.

Teaching altruism - giving of self

- There ARE plenty of volunteer opportunities that are appropriate to do with children or as a family. Children can help ring bells for the Salvation Army. They help collect non-perishable foods for pantries. Check with United Way or your local non-profit for opportunities and how your children can be involved.

- Letting children give "gifts" of time by helping others (shoveling the sidewalk for the single mom next door or vacuuming grandpa's house)

- Be an example to children, even if there is not much they can do. Allowing them to watch you demonstrate the reason for the season can be as important, especially for the younger children.

Teaching peace – reaching out to make the world better

- Attend events that work for peace with different cultures or beliefs.

- Research national charities as a family and choose one to donate to, such as Christian Children's Fund or Heifer Inc. Children can give a portion of their allowance that month so they're really participating. If the family "adopts" an overseas child, they can draw pictures to send to the child overseas.

- Sit in a mall and wave to people; wish those good tidings and peace

- Smile and be courteous

Adoring God

- Revive an old family or church tradition. Explore your cultural heritage. What did your ancestors do to adore God?

- Reading the Nativity Gospels as a family. Have the children tell the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus in their own words at a family dinner, or have siblings put on a Christmas play at home.

- Make church attendance as a family a central part of the holiday celebration. There are over 500 churches of over 50 denominations in the area to choose from if you don’t have a church home.

At the darkest time of the year, children can be agents of light. They can be included in the work of the greater good in society. Anything we can do to bring the gifts of light, love, peace, charity and hope into fruition in this world is the reason for the season – the fulfillment of the birth of Jesus Christ, the consummate gift for the world, for those that believe.

Forerunning for Christ

Forerunning for Christ

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday December 9, 2007 by Fr John Brian
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the last passage of Luke Chapter 1, the Birth of John the Baptist and the prophecy of his father Zechariah, with special attention Isaiah 62, Psalm 127 and 1 John 3:1-3 - as well as touching on other scriptures.

These are among the readings appointed for the Birth of John the Baptist during
the preparation period for Holy Nativity in Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
calendar year.

Last week, for the first time in mission history, excessive snow fall caused cancellations of Sunday services.

Pray for us.

Encounter Divine Changes

Encounter Divine Changes

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday November 25, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the next passage of Luke, the Annunciation to the Mother of God Mary, with special attention on Jacob's Ladder (Genesis 28), Conception of Samson (Judges 13), Isaiah 64, Galation 4 and 1 John 3. This is further understanding of angels and the power of God.

These are the readings appointed for the Annuciation to Mary during the preparation period for Nativity in Malankara Syrian Church calendar year.

Angels Incense Rise

Angels Incense Rise To Get Our Attention

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday November 18, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the beginning of Luke (with discussion of the beginning of 2 Peter, Ephesians 5, Genesis 17, Numbers 8 and 1 Samuel 1) with explanation of angels and prayers for incense.

These are the readings appointed for the Annuciation to Zechariah, the preparation period for Nativity in Malankara Syrian Church calendar year.

Every Place You Are The Temple

Every Place You Are The Temple

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday November 11, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on Hebrews 9, Acts 7, and Isaiah 55 - inspired (as always) by the Gospel: John 10:22-28 - this sermon deals the physical temple and our spiritual transformation.

These are the readings appointed for Hoodhosh Eetho (Sunday of Church Dedication), at the beginning of the Malankara Syrian Church calendar year.

Baptism of Lydia

Baptism of Lydia

Homiletic sermon delivered Saturday November 10, 2007 by Fr John Brian at
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

On the occasion of the baptism of the infant Lydia, focusing on the scriptures appointed to be read at the baptism of a daughter (end of John Chapter 3 and end of Galations Chapter 3) as well as the story from Acts 16 about Lydia in Phillippi.

Man Building God Building

Man Building God Building


Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday November 4, 2007 by Fr John Brian at
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

This could also be named: Stones, Angels, Blocks and Pillars

Focusing on the end of Exodus, Isaiah 6:1-8, Matthew 16:13-23, 1 Peter 2:1-12 (with some verses from 1 Corinthians) - dealing with a suitable dwelling place for the Lord and the materials to build.

These are the readings appointed for Koodhosh Eetho (Sunday of Church Sanctification), the beginning of the Malankara Syrian Church calendar year.

Our Altar-native Opportunity

Our Altar-native Opportunity

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday October 28, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on Matthew 5:21-26 citing other scriptures readings for the day included (1 Peter 2, 1 Corinthians 6, Job 23, Exodus 12 and Isaiah 52), speaking of sacrifice at the altar and our brethren. Readings were appointed for the Last Sunday of the Holy Cross 2007.

A Charge Account With Interest - October 2007

A Charge Account With Interest

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday October 14, 2007 by Fr John Brian at
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on begining of Matthew 23 and the end of 1 Timothy (which reflects the entire epitsle teaching) which is a charge of great interest to Orthodox Christians. Readings are appointed for the 5th Sunday of the Holy Cross.

God Knows Hearts God Loves - October 2007

God Knows Hearts God Loves

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday October 7, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Focusing on the end of Luke Chapter 16 and 1 Kings Chapter 8 with reference to appointed Psalm 42 - appointed for the 4th Sunday of the Holy Cross.

Light Crosses Dark, Life Crosses Death - September 2007

Light Crosses Life Crosses

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday September 30, 2007 by Fr John Brian
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin - on the occasion of Meskel (Holy Cross) festival.

Focusing on Romans Chapter 8 and a passage from Matthew Chapter 5 and other scriptures appointed for the 3rd Sunday of the Holy Cross.

Together With God - September 2007

Together With God

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday September 23, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Scriptures for the 2nd Sunday of the Holy Cross: 1 Kings 3:5-9, Isaiah 48:12-16,
Act 5:17-32, I Corinthians 2: 14-3:9 and St. Matthew 16-5-12

As Time Runs Out, Happy New Year

Loving Enemies Among Us

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday September 16, 2007 by Fr John Brian at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Scriptures for the Sunday of the Holy Cross
I Corinthians 2: 10-16 and St. Mark 13: 28 -37

Loving Enemies Among Us - September 2007

Loving Enemies Among Us

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday September 9, 2007 by Fr John Brian
at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Scriptures for the 4th Sunday after Assumption of St. Mary: Beginning of Book of Job,Isaiah 1:15-20; Beginning of Chapter 2 of Peter's First Epistle, End of Chapter 3 of First Corinthians; and End of Matthew Chapter 5.

Dear Sweet Unlovable You - September 2007

Dear Sweet Unlovable You

Homiletic sermon delivered Sunday September 2, 2007 by Fr John Brian at
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Madison, Wisconsin.

Scriptures for the 3rd Sunday after Assumption of St. Mary: End of Ezekiel Chapter 18; Beginning of 2 Corintians Chapter 10; Beginning of James Chapter 5; and End of Matthew Chapter 17.