As Orthodox parishes across the country experience a massive influx of inquirers and converts, the old church model—where the priest handles all "spiritual things" upstairs while laymen handle logistics downstairs—is completely unsustainable. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12 and 13, Father Andrew Stephen Damick (FrASD) tackles the reality of parish growth and explains that most of the spiritual functions listed by St. Paul (teaching, helping, administration, and guidance) do not require ordination. Yet, while the body of Christ has many members and gifts, love remains the essential blood and breath that keeps the community alive. Discover how everyday parishioners—from seasoned members to brand-new neophytes—are called to build up the body of Christ. The day's readings https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday/4724 #OrthodoxChristian #LayMinistry #BodyOfChrist #FrDavid #OrthodoxSermon #ChurchGrowth #1Corinthians12 #OrthodoxChurch #ChristianLove 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

When St. Paul writes in Galatians 2 that we are "not justified by the works of the law," what is he actually condemning? In this sermon, Father David explores how modern Western Protestantism created a false dichotomy between "faith" and "works," wrongly tossing baptism, communion, repentance, and righteous living into an "unnecessary" pile. Examining the historical context of Galatians, Father explains that "works of the law" referred specifically to Gentile converts being forced to adopt Old Testament Jewish ceremonial practices, such as circumcision. Far from preaching a gospel of mere intellectual belief, St. Paul invites us into a total, living devotion to Jesus Christ. Salvation is not about changing an angry God's mind through good deeds, but about being healed from sin and death through living communion with the Triune God. 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 #FaithVsWorks #Galatians2 #StPaul #OrthodoxSermon #Protestantism #OrthodoxTheology #Salvation #OrthodoxChurch

During an archpastoral visit to All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Thomas reflects on the remarkable influx of new believers entering the Orthodox Church. Drawing from the Gospel reading where Christ instructs His disciples to rejoice not in spiritual authority, but that their "names are written in heaven," Bishop Thomas offers a timely warning against the distractions of church culture. Through the powerful monastic story of the Abbot and the Silent Vespers, this homily challenges both lifelong Orthodox and newly chrismated converts to move beyond music, icons, and aesthetics. The Church is a hospital for sinners where we are called to true repentance, transfiguration, and perfection 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 #BishopThomas #AntiochianOrthodox #OrthodoxConvert #HospitalForSinners #BookOfHeaven #OrthodoxSermon #SpiritualGrowth #OrthodoxChurch

What does it truly mean to "love your enemies" and live out the Golden Rule? In this sermon, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick breaks down Luke 6 and explains why the Christian ethic is fundamentally "unfair"—demanding kindness, mercy, and love with no expectation of return. Drawing from Scripture, Psalm 82, and the Church Fathers, Fr. Andrew explores what it means to be called "sons of the Most High." True sonship isn't just biological or legal—it is revealed by whose works we imitate. Discover how intimate communion with God through prayer and worship transforms us to image the Heavenly Father and love even those who oppose us. To support the 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 #FrAndrewStephenDamick #OrthodoxChristian #GoldenRule #LoveYourEnemies #OrthodoxSermon #ChristianEthics #Sonship #ImageOfGod #OrthodoxChurch On the 2nd Sunday of Luke, the readings: https://www.antiochian.org/liturgicday/4696