Ask the Priest

Having Nothing, Possessing All Things 19.10.2026 4:21 ↓

We often hear Saint Paul quoted, "I can do all things through Christ to strengthens me", and this gets co-opted into a sort of self-help affirmation. This is absolutely wrong.

Doing the Work of Watchfulness 18.10.2026 11:32 ↓

Guarding the mind, watchfulness, and realizing that we're either going to work for spiritual freedom or as slaves.

The Saving Trauma 16.09.2026 25:24 ↓

Some reflections on the previous Sunday's epistle readings and on bearing in our body the trauma of the Gospel.

Intrusive Thoughts 24.08.2026 12:39 ↓

A brief word on dealing with intrusive thoughts.

Sorrow, Repentance and Fasting 21.08.2026 18:21 ↓

Why do we need to sorrow and grieve if we are already Christians? Is repentance authentic without grief and sorrow? What does all this have to do with fasting?

Reading and reflection from Wounded by Love. 11.08.2026 13:26 ↓

A reading from the remarkable book Wounded by lLove about Saint Porphyrios and a short reflection.

The Church the Family of God 18.05.2026 17:45 ↓

Why do we pray to the Mother of God and the Saints? Because the Church is not a bureaucracy or an institution but the family of God.

Ongoing Catechism 16.04.2026 27:52 ↓

Encouragement to be a lifelong catechumen with a little sidenote on Holy Tradition.

A Warning Before Pascha 07.04.2026 9:59 ↓

A gentle warning before Pascha and Bright Week.

The Lamentations of Holy Saturday 01.04.2026 1:07:59 ↓

Discussion of the Lamentations of Holy Saturday.

Church vs Babel: the True Synaxis 19.03.2026 14:54 ↓

A little reflection on today's Old Testament reading and the overthrow of Babel in order, ultimately, to create the Church.

Saint Gregory Palamas on the Cross 17.03.2026 1:09:52 ↓

Book Group discussion of the homily of Saint Gregory Palamas on the Cross for the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent

Book Group Discussion, March 10, 2026 16.03.2026 1:08:05 ↓

Discussion of a couple of chapters from the 50 Spiritual Homilies of Saint Macarius.

Hierarchy of Body, Soul and Spirit 10.03.2026 16:04 ↓

There is a hierarchy within each of us, and if we ignore it or turn it upside down we have problems.

Planning ahead for Holy Week 09.03.2026 6:38 ↓

A little encouragement to begin now to plan for Holy Week.

Discussion of the 50 Spiritual Homilies of St Macarius as paraphrased by St Symeon Metaphrastes. 03.03.2026 57:48 ↓

A different but related reading continuing from last week.

Praying in church, forest and trees, practice before understanding. 03.03.2026 10:20 ↓

Some people get discouraged because they come to services and they don't understand exactly what's going on, they lose sight of the forest for the trees. Here's a little encouragement.

Sola Scriptura? Or Scripture and Tradition? 27.02.2026 17:26 ↓

There's a lot of confusion about the Bible and the Tradition in the Orthodox Church,. I try to simply answer some of the questions around this.

If you will you can become all flame! 26.02.2026 2:25 ↓

A very short meditation about giving up on giving up.

To be Taught by the Church 12.02.2026 12:26 ↓

If we come to the Orthodox Church we must be careful not to bring all of our old practices and habits with us.

Discussion of Saint Romanos' Kontakion on the Prodigal Son 10.02.2026 59:34 ↓

Reading and discussion of Saint Romanos the Melodist kontakion on the Prodigal Son.

Guarding the Heart: Stewardship of the Thoughts and Freedom from the Passions 16.01.2026 36:53 ↓

How do we obtain freedom from the passions? How do we overcome temptation? A personal reflection (and rambling) on essential spiritual matters.

St Ephrem the Syrian: On the Eucharist, Fire and Spirit 13.01.2026 59:41 ↓

Reading and discussion of a remarkable hymn of Saint Ephrem on the Eucharist.

Swimming for the Cross! 12.01.2026 19:06 ↓

Monday morning reflections after the Great Blessing of Waters, the joy of swimming for the Cross.

Beginning the new year. 02.01.2026 10:07 ↓

A few simple thoughts at the beginning of 2026.