*"If you thought we were planting a mission for our own comfort, you’re going to be disappointed."* In this homily for Thomas Sunday, Father David addresses the "good problem" facing our parish: the nets are breaking. While many modern churches are struggling to fill seats, we are facing a reality where the room is packed and the work is never-ending. We recently saw *Fr. Josiah Trenham* (of Patristic Nectar) speak with *Tucker Carlson* about the rise of Orthodoxy and the beauty of the Ancient Faith. That same hunger is what is filling our pews today. But as Father David explains, planting new missions isn't a "fix" for the crowds, nor will it make the priest’s life any less busy. *In this video, we discuss:* * *The Mission Fallacy:* Why expanding to two new missions won't make our home parish "comfy" or "empty." * *The Screen Delusion:* Why being "chronically plugged-in" makes us live in fear, and how the Church offers a way out. * *The Breaking Nets:* Lessons from St. Thomas and the Miraculous Catch on how to handle explosive spiritual growth. * *The Promise:* Why Father David is committing his life to this "crowded" ministry, no matter how busy it gets. If you are tired of watching the world through a *screen* and are looking for something eternal, the "Heavenly Banquet" is ready—even if the pews are too full. *#OrthodoxChristianity #FrJosiahTrenham #ChurchGrowth #ThomasSunday #TuckerCarlson #AncientFaith #NorthCarolina #FirstOrthodoxState #Amen*

Dcn John Pelikan reflects on the Third Sunday of Great Lent—the Veneration of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross—and explains why the Cross is not a symbol of defeat, but the very source of our strength, joy, and new life. At the midpoint of Lent, when the struggle begins to feel heavy, the Church sets the Cross before us as a banner of victory—reminding us that Christ has already conquered death. In this sermon, Deacon John explains Christ’s threefold call: • “Deny yourself” — what it really means to leave behind the old life of sin • “Take up your cross” — how we crucify the passions through repentance • “Follow Me” — how the Church reveals Christ and teaches us to live in Him Drawing from Scripture, the Fathers, and the Lenten journey, this homily connects: • The Cross and the Resurrection • Baptism as death and new life • The spiritual struggle of Lent • The call to true repentance and transformation “Through the Cross, joy has come into all the world.” If you are seeking authentic Christianity, the life of the early Church, and the fullness of the Orthodox faith, this message offers both clarity and encouragement for your journey. 🙏 Please keep our parish and ministry in your prayers. 🔖 Hashtags #OrthodoxChristianity #GreatLent #HolyCross #AncientFaith #TrueChristianity

https://www.allsaintsnc.org/schedule Fr. David reflects on the Second Sunday of Great Lent, when the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Gregory Palamas. In this homily, Fr. David explains the Orthodox teaching about the distinction between God's essence and His energies, and why this teaching matters for how Christians understand grace, prayer, and the Christian life. What did the Apostles actually see at the Transfiguration? When we receive grace from God, do we receive something created—or do we truly receive God Himself? Drawing on the teaching of St. Gregory Palamas, Fr. David explains how the Orthodox Church understands that when God gives His grace, He gives His very life, inviting us into communion with Him. Fr. David also reflects on St. Gregory’s deeper teaching about prayer—especially the struggle to bring the mind into the heart, overcoming distraction so that we may truly unite our mind, will, and heart with God. At the beginning of the homily, Fr. David also shares joyful news about the birth of his daughter Victoria and asks for prayers for his family. If you are exploring Orthodox Christianity or interested in the spiritual teaching of the early Church, this homily offers a simple introduction to one of the most important saints and teachings of the Orthodox tradition. 🙏 Please keep Fr. David’s family in your prayers. Support the mission and help us continue welcoming God's creation into the Orthodox Church: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E3E4Q2M6NHJT4 #OrthodoxChristianity #StGregoryPalamas #OrthodoxPrayer #OrthodoxTheology