On the Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick preaches on why Amalek shows up so often in the hymns of the Cross in the Orthodox Church. The day's readings https://www.antiochian.org/epistleliturgicday/4676

Are we approaching the Holy Mysteries of Christ with true fear of God, faith, and love—or with casual presumption? In this homily on the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22) and Isaiah’s "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5), Deacon Seraphim warns against reducing the Orthodox Faith to a mere aesthetic, a political identity, or a checklist of duties. Drawing from the Holy Fathers and the hauntingly beautiful hymn of Bridegroom Matins ("Thy Bridal Chamber I See Adorned"), we are invited to stop applying the Scriptures to others and instead examine our own souls. True Orthodoxy is not an external brand—it is the daily, heart-transforming practice of the Resurrection and constant repentance before our heavenly Bridegroom. To support our parish and its ongoing ministries as we share the light of Christ with our community, you can give securely online here:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E3E4Q2M6NHJT4 #OrthodoxChristian #WeddingGarment #BridegroomMatins #OrthodoxSermon #Repentance #Isaiah5 #Matthew22 #OrthodoxFaith

13th Sunday of Matthew, readings: https://www.antiochian.org/epistleliturgicday/4661 What excuse do we have when we refuse to repent? Drawing from Matthew 21, Fr. David connects the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants to reveal a sobering spiritual truth: like the Pharisees, we often condemn ourselves by our own self-righteous judgment of others. Surrounded by the holy icons, the sacraments of the Church, and the witness of the Saints, Orthodox Christians are left without excuse. In this homily, we are challenged to examine our stewardship of God's vineyard, lay aside our defensive scheming, and discover the true joy and sweetness of a humble, repentant life in Christ. To support our parish and its ongoing ministries as we share the light of Christ with our community, you can give securely online here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E3E4Q2M6NHJT4 #OrthodoxChristian #ParableOfTheTenants #Repentance #FrDavid #OrthodoxSermon #GospelOfMatthew #ChristianFaith #OrthodoxChurch