When I comment on current affairs, even if I am careful not to mention any political party or affiliation, I am more and more often challenged with the statement that I am engaging in politics. I have noted that other clergy and, yes, even our own OCN (Orthodox Christian Network) are beginning to encounter that challenge more and more. Inevitably, because bishops, priests, and deacons preach, teach, and talk about reaching out to those less fortunate or speak about life issues or actively engage in social ministry of some type or even lead some marches (such as Metropolitan Jonah who is strongly involved in pro-life activities), this type of challenge is becoming a regular part of our lives. “Father, you are engaging in politics and you should not do so. You should just preach the Gospel.”

When I was in high school, I went to the prom twice. Senior year, I went with my hilarious, charismatic Big Crush. He chose a moment to ask me when I happened to be standing under a blossoming cherry tree, in a drift of floating pink petals.

Junior year, I went with the last person on earth I would have chosen.

"He is not here; for He is Risen, as He said, Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (St. Matthew 28:6).

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

60 Minutes came last May to see where the Lord lay. My nephew Canaan Khoury, Harvard Class 2013, was interviewed for this program. I have helped with the background information for the last four years and I highly trust 60 Minutes and wanted to share the following message from the producers.

American Orthodox bishops have weighed in on a subject that is at the top of the news breaks these days -- the HHS mandate. The bishops have joined other religious people defying the government's ruling that all employers pay for birth control and sterilization in spite of their own beliefs.

Last month, the United States Department of Health and Human Services decided that religious institutions that were not directly related to “ministry” work were not exempt from a requirement that they provide contraceptive services to all their employees.

We have all heard the words spoken by friends and relatives, "I am saved, are you?" or "Do you believe in the rapture?" But where do we stand as Orthodox Christians? What is our language? Do you speak Orthodox Christian? Read the article I found while browsing the CNN site this evening and let me know your thoughts...

Is the world suffering from an economic crisis or a spiritual one? Make sure you read below and watch our travel blog.

Syria, the Arab Spring and Orthodox Christianity. What is actually happening there? Just received a video featuring the Patriarch of Antioch that you have to see.

New York became the largest state in the United States to pass Gay Marriage. Which states are next? Does anyone care what our Lord teaches or are we on our way to the end? What is the Church saying about this new law in the the light of her clear teaching of the sanctity of marriage and homosexuality? It isn't about homophobia I can tell you that! After you read the Pan Orthodox Consensus form the Hierarch's of the Orthodox Christian Churches in America and read the NY Times article I want to hear from you.

God helps those who help themselves. God works in mysterious ways. You have heard these statements before. Haven't you? They both come from Holy Scripture, or do they? This week I was scanning the internet and came upon this fabulous and yet revealing article. Let me know what you think. Have you ever heard people making such claims..