Recently, a friend e-mailed me and asked if Orthodox Christians believe that Mary was “perpetually a virgin.” The short answer is, yes! The long answer is a bit more complex. I’ve pasted my response below, which I hope you can
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Mary, the Ever-Virgin?
Embracing the Shameful Cross
Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross In today’s Gospel lesson, Jesus says that if someone wants to follow him, that person must forget themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. The cross, at the time of Jesus, was
Read moreGazing Upon the Snake
Sunday Before the Feast of the Holy Cross In today’s gospel reading, Jesus references an event that occurred after the Exodus (Numbers 21:5-8). The Hebrews, having been freed from Egypt, now wander in the desert on their way to the
Read moreWhose Side Is God On?
Beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year Today is the beginning of the Church New Year and so we are reminded of the “Year of the Lord’s favor,” which is to bring good news to the poor, proclaim the release of
Read moreThe Lunatic and Faith
10th Sunday of Matthew Last week, we saw Peter fail his “test of faith.” This week, we see the disciples fail. A “moon-struck” man is brought to Jesus only because the disciples couldn’t heal him. By a word, Jesus heals
Read moreA Storm of “Trust”
9th Sunday of Matthew Over the past few Sundays, we’ve seen how the gospel is good news for everyone, of every background. Then, last week, we saw how the disciples are tasked with “feeding” the people with “spiritual bread,” that
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8th Sunday of Matthew Today’s Gospel message finds Jesus in the desert with a large crowd of people, who are hungry. But this doesn’t stop Jesus from making this desert a “garden full of food.” After asking his disciples to
Read moreIt Looks Like Losing
Yesterday, we celebrated one of the major feast days of the Church, the Transfiguration of Christ. Behold Christ’s Transfiguration In this feast, we see Jesus ascend Mt. Tabor and shine as brilliantly as the sun. Surrounding him are the Prophets
Read moreBlindly Come Together
7th Sunday of Matthew In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus encounters two blind men who ask for his mercy. As we saw, from the last two Sundays, Jesus is making it a point to show that God’s community and mercy is
Read moreLearning to Walk
6th Sunday of Matthew In this week’s passage, Jesus returns to his own city. As soon as he arrives, a paralytic man is brought to him to be healed. But Jesus doesn’t say, “Be well.” Instead, on account of their
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