REFLECTIONS & TEACHINGS

Parish Blog

Sermons, Catechism Classes, and Essays from Holy Apostles

  • Interpretation of the Bible and Explanation of Patrology –Lectures 3–4, 5

    Interpretation of the Bible and Explanation of Patrology –Lectures 3–4, 5

    Fr. Dr. Andria Saria Today’s meeting is dedicated to a very painful topic and question that we often hear, and about which we almost never have a sufficient or convincing answer. Why is it that we are told that Christians have one God and one Bible, yet we have so many differences and divisions among…

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  • What Is the Church

    What Is the Church

    I could begin this lecture with many topics: with the first lines of the Nicene Creed or with any catechism textbook. However, before touching on these matters, I want to start with the meaning of the Church itself. This may sound simple, even childlike, but everything important begins with something simple. “I believe… (The Nicene…

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  • Hagiography

    Hagiography

    Fr. Dr. Andria Saria This section gives a general overview of Georgian ecclesiastical–historical literature and its main character. It also discusses the beginning of complex Georgian hagiographical writing, especially translations. Hagiography developed in Georgia both before the tenth century and after it.Hagiography comes from the Greek words “hagios” (holy) and “grapho” (to write). It is…

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  • The Precious Soul

    The Precious Soul

    Fr. Dr. Andria Saria Dear beloved brothers and sisters, Today I would like to speak about life according to the Gospel. In the Gospel, the word “life” is understood in a deep and elevated way. Often, it is closely connected with the soul. We hear these words in the Gospel: “For what does it profit…

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  • The Orthodox Liturgy and Spirituality

    The Orthodox Liturgy and Spirituality

    By His Eminence Metropolitan Saba (Isper) The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the Mystery of the Church. When we say “sacrament,” we mean an action that surpasses human reasoning, because it does not submit to the measures of the material world. It is an action in which God Himself participates. He sends His grace through…

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  • The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent:  Saint John Climacus and the Ladder of Divine Ascent.

    The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: Saint John Climacus and the Ladder of Divine Ascent.

    Fr. Andria Fr. Andria Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, we remember Saint John of the Ladder. He is one of the great teachers of the Orthodox Church. His famous book, “The Ladder of Divine Ascent” shows us the path to spiritual growth and union with God.…

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  • The First Appearance of the Risen Christ to Mary Magdalene and Ascetics

    The First Appearance of the Risen Christ to Mary Magdalene and Ascetics

    Fr. Dr. Andria Saria After the resurrection of Christ, the first appearance of the risen Christ was to Mary Magdalene. This is because this period, when the body of Christ was gloriously raised from the dead, was a time of mourning and sadness. So the first witness is a woman. The Gospel says: “Mary Magdalene…

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  • Dogma and Economy

    Dogma and Economy

    Fr. Andria Saria From a distance, church life seems to be made up of many rules and prohibitions. Modern thinking does not like this very much, because we see ourselves as free people. We are especially afraid that someone might limit our ability to think. Church dogmas often appear to us as laws that restrict…

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  • Last Judgment

    Last Judgment

    – Fr. Dr. Andria Saria In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. One God, Amen. Today is Sunday, the Day of the Remembrance of the Last Judgment. How should we approach this day? The Church stands as our guide, our teacher, preparing us in advance for the…

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  • Pharisee and the Tax Collector

    Pharisee and the Tax Collector

    Fr. Dr. Andria Saria In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. One God, Amen. Today’s Gospel parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector has a very deep meaning for all of us. It clearly shows us what we should avoid and what we should seek, so…

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  • Apologetic Theology Today

    Apologetic Theology Today

    By His Eminence Metropolitan Saba (Isper) The discipline (science) of theology is divided into several fields. Instruction in the faith that focuses on Holy Scripture is called biblical theology; instruction concerned with doctrine is called dogmatic theology; and so forth. Instruction in the faith that confronts erroneous concepts or teachings, responds to heresies and distortions,…

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  • Zacchaeus

    Zacchaeus

    Sermon – Sunday 1/25/25 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear brothers and sisters, today we hear the story of Zacchaeus, a story of sin and God’s great mercy. At that time, Palestine was under Roman rule. The Romans appointed local people to collect taxes.…

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