By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) In man, in every human being, there is an inner longing towards that which is perfect, but often, he is not aware of what that is. Man longs for fulfillment. He has an insatiable desire to get rich from everything. He wants to grow and increase in everything he loves, or…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) Icon of the Seventh Ecumenical Council During Holy Week, ecclesiastical media reported news of the ordination of a liturgical deaconess in one of the churches in Zimbabwe, Africa, affiliated with the Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. I won’t delve into the subject of ordaining a deaconess. That’s a matter I’ll leave to…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) His Eminence delivered this sermon at St. George Church of Houston, Texas on Renewal (Bright) Monday, May 6, 2024, the celebration of St. George the Great-martyr. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Christ is risen! Indeed, He is risen! My beloved,…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) April 26, 2024 Tomorrow, according to the liturgical calendar, and tonight, according to the customary timing, we embark on our journey into the Holy Week. We will walk alongside our Lord Jesus Christ step by step in His final days on earth. We will witness his ascent to Golgotha and His…

Prot. no.: 157/2024 Venerable Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, and Christ-loving Faithful of this Archdiocese, May you have much joy on this glorious feast of Palm Sunday! Today we see Christ riding triumphantly into the Holy City of Jerusalem and the crowds welcoming Him with praise and loving service, as they shout “Hosanna!” and lay down palm…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) The term “repentance” scares many people because self-reflection has become undesirable, if not irrelevant. Today’s human beings do not want to see their own flaws and shortcomings. They prefer to be praised by everyone, honored in every circumstance. Hiding inside all people are illusions about themselves that they don’t want to…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) St Gregory of Palamas The joyful Lent is here again. Let us approach it with joy and eagerness. This season nourishes us spiritually, purifying us to rise to the level of life worthy of human beings created in the image and likeness of God. In our Christian circles, Lent is often…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) The humble person is objective and aware of his duties and rights; he knows the extent of his impact on society and realizes his position and role within it. He does not monopolize his talents and abilities but is happy to share them with others, even if their talents end up…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) Today there is widespread misconception among believers between “being worthy” and “being ready” to receive Holy Communion. Whoever refrains from partaking of the chalice of Holy Communion due to unworthiness is confusing this with unreadiness. No human being is worthy of God dwelling in Him and uniting with Him. Who among…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) Until the 1970s, the Orthodox did not practice frequent Communion for many reasons, including the liturgical stagnation caused by a long history of continuous persecution. Education ceased and ignorance prevailed, so the prevailing concept was to limit participation in the holy things to a few times a year, such as great…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) Christmas remained connected to the feast of Epiphany, in the early Church, until the fourth century. After Christianity became a recognized religion in the Roman Empire, and then the state religion, the Church made the birth of the Lord in the flesh an independent feast, separated it from Epiphany, and appointed…

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper) Saint Paul begins his letters with one of the following greetings: “From Paul… to the holy brethren” (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians), or “To those called to be saints” (Romans), or “To the Church of God in…” (2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians), or “To the church of God in… who have…