Sermons at St. Nicholas

On the feast of Theophany, the baptism of Christ, Fr Thomas teaches on the Orthodox understanding of the Holy Trinity.

At the approach of the new year, the Church presents the example of Joseph and Mary taking the young child, Jesus, to Egypt, to protect Him and keep the promise they made to God. Fr Thomas encourages us also, to imitate their tenacious faith in keeping the promises of our baptism, no matter what challenge we face.

On Christmas Eve, Fr Thomas reminds us that Christ came as a human to restore the image of God in us and show us how to become what we were always meant to be.

The Parable of the Great Banquet is read to prepare us to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. Fr Thomas weaves the epistle and gospel for the Sunday to inspire and direct us toward closer communion with God Himself by accepting the invitation that God gives to us week after week.

Like the Good Samaritan, the scriptures give us yet another story about an exemplary Samaritan, among other so-called believers who failed to live up to their calling. Jesus heals ten lepers, but only the Samaritan returns to give thanks. Fr Thomas reminds us that we are continually being healed, and when we fail to give glory and thanks to the One who heals us, He says, "Where are you?"

When an Orthodox Christian is baptized, the priest proclaims, "you are justified!" But what does it mean to be righteous before God? Fr Thomas cites the readings of the Sunday, Ephesians 2 ("For by grace you have been saved through faith...") and the parable of the Good Samaritan, to outline the Orthodox understanding of our salvation in Christ.

The most endearing secular holiday in the American calendar is Thanksgiving Day. It was set aside by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 "as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father." Later, the modern culture invented Black Friday, driving consumers to the stores in a buying frenzy. Fr Thomas reminds us that "covetousness is idolatry" (Col 3:5), that everything we have belongs to G...

St Paul's letter to the Galatians opens with an impassioned plea to those who once embraced the truth of the Gospel, to return to it. In our own day, numerous Christians are succumbing to the spirit of the age and compromising fundamental truths. Fr Thomas makes his own fervent plea not to accept any other Gospel but that which is given to us by the apostles and their successors. As a listener to...

The Parable of the Sower, also known as the Parable of the Soils, teaches us important lessons about how different people receive the Word of God. Fr Thomas reminds us that the ultimate lesson of this famous parable is, "Let us attend! Pay attention!"

The raising of the Widow of Nain's Son is a dramatic scene where the Power of Life confronts the reality of death. Fr Thomas reminds us that we experience this encounter every time we participate in the Divine Liturgy, entering into the presence of the One Who has victory over Hades and death. (Our apologies for the poor audio quality of this recording.)

One of the most challenging commands of the teachings of Christ is to love our enemies. Fr Thomas explains what it looks like and why it's so important.

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers comes at an important point in the life of Christ, only days before his crucifixion. Jesus reveals the Scribes and Pharisees to be those who rejected the message of the prophets, and now they're going to kill God's Son. Fr Thomas reminds us that, in our own day, those who reject the message and the messengers by choosing the world's lies about God and humanit...

Fr Thomas uses the stories of two different healings by Jesus (Mt 9:27-35) to demonstrate the importance of developing an interior life. After the sermon (at 20:00) Fr Thomas talks with three nuns from the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA, about cultivating the interior life and the challenges and blessings of monasticism.

St Paul bemoaned that his fellow Jews "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." Fr Thomas discusses the relationship between faith and the prevailing culture and how we can make a greater impact on society. The second half of the podcast features a conversation with Dr John Burgess of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary about the lessons we can learn from the Russian Orthodox Church regar...

After Jesus taught the crowds about what faithfulness looks like in the Sermon on the Mount, they were amazed. Then a living example of great faith came to Jesus, and He was amazed! Fr Thomas unpacks the important story of the healing of the centurion's servant, and shows us a pattern of faithfulness to emulate.

In a pluralistic society, the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the way, the truth, and the life, can become a casualty, even in the minds of Christians. Fr Thomas reminds us of the uniqueness of the Christian message: that the only way to peace with God is through faith in Christ. (This episode of our podcast introduces a new format, interspersing the thoughts and comments of faithful...

On the Sunday of the Healing of the Paralytic, Fr Thomas took the opportunity to speak honestly and encouragingly to his congregation about what it is to be a healthy church. Using the gospel and epistle readings, he gently reminded them that we're called to be a house of mercy, intentionally Christian, and a place of good works and of love for one another.

On the third Sunday of Pascha, we hear of the courageous acts of both Joseph and Nicodemus, and the Myrrhbearing women. Fr Thomas reminds us that being a Christian in today's world takes courage. God does not force us to make the right choices and do the right things, but He does expect it of us—and for this we need courage.

Christ appeared to his apostles, and Thomas, eight days after his Holy Resurrection. Fr Thomas teaches us that we learn of the mystery of the Resurrection, the mystery of the Church, and the mystery of Faith, all in a single life-changing encounter.

On the First Sunday of Great Lent, Fr Thomas teaches us that icons are not merely beautiful decorations, but rather absolutely necessary witnesses to the incarnation of Christ and the presence of the Kingdom of God.

As we approach the Great Lenten period, Fr Thomas teaches us about the purpose of Lent and how to enter into it, restoring those things which have fallen away in our spiritual life.

The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee is the first of several pre-Lenten Sunday gospel readings to prepare our hearts for Great Lent. Fr Thomas reminds us that humility is the chief virtue because God Himself, the creator of all things, is humble. (Luke 18:10-14)

When we hear the story of the Prodigal Son, our focus is often on the actions of the son in his return to the father. Fr Thomas emphasizes from the same story, that we can also learn much about the nature of God, how He is eager to forgive us with abundant mercy, and how He wants everyone in the community to share in His joy. (Luke 15:11-32)

The Great Day of the Lord, the Last Judgment, when Christ appears in glory, will come suddenly upon all of humanity. Fr Thomas reminds us that every time we gather together in church to be in the presence of God, the angels, the saints, and one another, we're practicing for that last and great day when we will answer for every deed. (Mt 25:31-46)

The healing of blind Bartimaeus is is the last public healing Christ performs before His passion. Fr Thomas teaches us that this "last message" of Christ to the world is an important one even today: give up your stubborn willfulness and throw yourself into the mercy of God.