PARISH VOICES

When I think of forgiveness, I think about Fr. Tom introducing us to Henri Nouwen, a renowned spiritual writer who often spoke about forgiveness as a process akin to unveiling a canvas. Forgiveness can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly transformative. It requires a deep understanding and compassion that transcends our human nature. Henri Nouwen described people as canvases, covered over time by layers of hurt, pain, and mistakes. These layers obscure the image of

But let all who hope in You be glad; They will greatly rejoice forever, For You will dwell in them; And all who love Your name will boast in You. —Psalm 5:12 ​Psalm 5 is included in my daily prayers. I have read it weekly for many years now. Recently, verse 12 jumped out at me. It does seem that bible verses that I have read many, many times before can suddenly become like new words. The Orthodox Study Bible commentary states that the 5th Psalm was written by David and emphas

I had a brilliant, talented, creative friend, Jim, who got in an argument with his UW professor 40 years ago. He became enraged at the professor, yelled profanities at him, and stormed out of class. He was so angry that he never came back. He failed that class and was only one class short of his degree at UW! Redemption and Second Chances Jim never graduated. He held on to that resentment and bad judgment and never spoke to the professor for forty years. A week before a sudde

There is a common illustration for self care based upon an oxygen mask on an airline flight. The main message is that you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Dr. Albert Rossi uses the illustration at the beginning of his beautiful book Becoming a Healing Presence. He writes: The adult is to put his or her own oxygen mask on first, and only then put a mask on the infant. For me, as an Italian grandfather, those instructions are counterintuitive. I

Well-Baby Check-Ups and Spiritual Health Most parents realize that keeping our babies healthy requires taking them to the pediatrician for their "well baby" check-ups. At each visit the doctor weighs and measures our kids to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate, checking eyesight and hearing, and answering any questions about behavior and health issues. As parents, we can't wait for our children to reach important milestones – the first pounds gained, sitting up strai

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. —Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV I am reading the biography of St. Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833), An Extraordinary Peace: St. Seraphim, Flame of Sarov by Archimandrite Lazarus (Moore). I find when I read biographies of the Holy Fathers & Mothers,

Presbytera Pat was in Baltimore with her sister, an accomplished violist and two other fantastic musicians who are part of Our Joyful Noise.

Pastor Allan passed away a short while ago. He was the first pastor I remember having when I was a kid at a small Baptist church in eastern Washington. You might wonder why I would share about a Baptist pastor when I am an Orthodox Christian. I remember hearing Fr. Barnabas Powell on Ancient Faith Radio sharing spiritual guidance he received while entering Orthodoxy. He was told, “You cannot be Orthodox until you are thankful for everything that brought you to today.” I am s

During Fr. Tom’s sermon on Sunday, January 26th, something truly resonated with me. The gospel reading was about Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax...

How long can you wait patiently for something? A month? A year? A decade? Your entire life? I don't think I'm particularly patient. I recently grumbled because I spent five-and-a-half slightly uncomfortable hours on an airplane, and in that time traversed the entire continent. Fewer than 200 years ago, that trip would have taken about 140 days in a wagon! We live in an age of miracle and wonder, but to say we also live in an age of instant gratification may undersell just how