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

https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsnc The Triumph of Orthodoxy: Faithfulness in a Culture War Age https://www.allsaintsnc.org/monthly-calendar What does the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” really mean today? On the first Sunday of Great Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates the restoration of the holy icons in 843 AD — the victory over iconoclasm and the preservation of the true faith. But what does that triumph look like in America today? As Orthodox Christianity grows in places like Raleigh, North Carolina — and across the United States — new temptations arise. Will the Church become absorbed into the culture wars? Will we confuse political loyalty with faithfulness to Christ? Will we become defensive gatekeepers — or careless compromisers? In this sermon for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Fr. David reflects on: The historical restoration of the holy icons The real meaning of the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” The growth of Orthodox Christianity in the West How to welcome inquirers without surrendering the faith Why repentance — not culture war — is the Church’s true battle The triumph of Orthodoxy has never been worldly dominance. It has always been small groups of believers remaining faithful. If you are searching for the original Church, ancient Christianity, or authentic Orthodox faith in North America, this message is for you. Let us not become obstacles to repentance — for others or for ourselves. Christ is in our midst.... He was, He is, and He always shall be.