Sermons at St. Nicholas: Recent Episodes
Fr. Thomas Soroka and Ancient Faith Radio
Each week, we hear the current Sunday sermon from St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Mckees Rocks, PA by Fr. Tom Soroka. Fr. Tom is also heard on The Path, available Monday through Friday.
The story of Zacchaeus teaches us that God does everything possible, including becoming a man, to seek our union with Him. (Luke 19:1-10) 37th Sunday after Pentecost
Fr Thomas unpacks the Parable of the Wedding Feast and reminds us that union with Christ starts with baptism but continues in keeping our baptismal garment clean through righteous living. (2 Corinthians 1:21-2:4; Matthew 22:1-14) Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Fr Thomas teaches us to be on guard against the secular trend of cremating the dead and why Orthodox Christians are buried in light of the Resurrection. (1 Cor 15:1-11; Mt 19:16-26) Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Fr Thomas teaches us to be on guard against the secular trend of cremating the dead and why Orthodox Christians are buried in light of the Resurrection. (1 Cor 15:1-11; Mt 19:16-26) Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Fr Thomas teaches us why the most important healing we can receive from Jesus is the forgiveness of our sins. (Matthew 9:1-8, Romans 12: 6-14) Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 16, 2023
In the third of his Holiness Month series, Fr Thomas encourages us to not only spread the good news of Jesus Christ but to live out the law of Christ. (Matthew 4:18-23) All Saints of North America Sunday, June 18, 2023.
In the second of his Holiness Month series, Fr Thomas dispels three myths about Christianity. (Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30) All Saints Sunday, June 11, 2023
Fr Thomas expounds on the innate connection between belief in Christ and the reception of the Holy Spirit, in whom we are called to be truly holy humans. (John 7:37-52, 8:12) Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Fr Thomas teaches us that we need to cultivate in ourselves an openness to the truth based on all the goodness of the teachings of Christ. (John 9:1-38) Sunday of the Blind Man, May 21, 2023
Fr Thomas reminds us that the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan Woman was not about her condemnation, but her salvation. We can also embrace a change of life through encountering Christ. (John 4:5-42) Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, May 14, 2023
Fr Thomas shows us the amazing examples of caring in the Myrrhbearers, explains the purpose of questioning with trust in God, and challenges us to go out and call others to the Truth. (Mark 15:43-16:8) Myrrhbearers Sunday, April 30, 2023.
Fr Thomas explains the mysterious nature of the resurrection of Christ which transcends the limited nature of our current three-dimensional human experience. (John 20:19-31) St Thomas Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Join Deacon John Skowron in today's discussion. What are we withholding from God's will? Are we making time for Christ in our lives?
Fr. Tom discusses the uncleanliness of humanity, the image God made us in, and maintaining our true selves.
When we discuss Eternal Life, do we think primarily of being a good enough person so that we can get to Heaven? When does Eternal Life begin? Listen as Fr. Tom calls us to focus on becoming like Christ here and now.
Fr. Tom discusses the false ideas surrounding religion today and how one truly comes to know Christ in the Church.
Fr. Tom discusses the reality of spiritual warfare and the deep need to, daily, subjugate our will to Christ.
We've all heard the saying "paradoxy is Orthodoxy". Fr. Tom discusses the path to salvation found by embracing the paradoxy of life and choosing to bear our cross.
Fr. Tom discusses how God makes the Church for growth . . . and not just numerical growth.
Fr. Tom discusses St. Paul's exhortation to have nothing to do with idols. Idols bring a communion of death, while the Divine Image of God destroys death and brings life.
Listen as Fr. Tom discusses what it means to be truly human and why we can't settle for being anything less.
Fr. Tom discusses how the Christian life consists of personal transformation and a deep urgency to bring others into the fold.
Listen as Fr. Tom discusses how active participation in the life of the Church now gives us a foretaste of the inheritance that awaits us in eternity.
There is a prevalent view that religion is all about "being a good person" or completing a checklist of commandments. Fr. Tom shows us that the problem isn't the commandments themselves, but rather using them as a means to an end. What we really need is communion - with God and with one another.
Listen as Fr. Tom discusses the foundations of an authentic Christian community founded on forgiveness, love, and mercy.
Our society is ripe with anti-authority sentiments such as "dismantle the patriarchy", but how should Christians respond? Listen as Fr. Tom shares Christ's vision for authority and why it's both good and necessary.
We all have fears, worries, and anxieties - but, what do we do with them? Fr. Tom focuses on the Existing One and what that means for the difficulties of life.
Comparing how we invest in bodily health over spiritual health, Fr. Tom exhorts us to remember that it's possible to enter Hell while physically healthy and possible to enter Heaven broken. It is only in Heaven that we will find eternal healing.
In this time of chaos and pandemonium, to what - and to whom - will we turn for truth and guidance? The news? Politicians? YouTube? Listen as Fr. Tom calls us back to the Word of God.
When we struggle with hopelessness and disbelief, we can turn to the world and the nihilism it espouses - or, we can turn to Christ in faithfulness for comfort and true hope. We must always ask ourselves, "what do I actually believe about God?"
The purpose of the Christian life is to become fishers of men, but the power to do so can only be found through Christ, in the Church. Listen as Fr. Tom calls us to build the Church like the Saints of North America!
On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Tom reminds us that our sainthood can only be achieved through dying to the world and pursuing a life of true discipleship in the bosom of the Church.
As we celebrate Pentecost, Fr. Tom discusses what "dead religion" really is - ritual and form devoid of power. The descent of the Holy Spirit allows us to partake of the world-changing power of Christ but only if we thirst for it, only if we draw deeply from the well of the Church.
As we move from Pascha to the Ascension towards Pentecost, Fr. Tom discusses Christ's role as our eternal priest and sacrifice and what true unity looks like.
On the Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. Tom discusses what it means to walk in darkness and in the light, and how we must have the truth born in us by being made a new creation in Christ.
On the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Fr. Tom reminds us of the deep human need for Truth and how the Holy Spirit guides us into that truth, both in belief and in worship.
Listen as Fr. Tom reminds us that the promise of eternal life is tied to the commandment to persist until the very end.
On the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing women, Fr. Tom draws many parallels between the servants of God, the Angels, the women to whom the resurrection was revealed, and our ever-serving mothers.
Listen as Fr. Tom unpacks the overflowing implications of Pascha - the eternal eighth day, the resurrected body, and St. Thomas.
Listen as Fr. Tom shows the many facets of what Palm Sunday means for us who seek to put Christ first.
As we inch closer to Holy Week, Fr. Tom recenters us on Christ and His humble death's effect on our humanity
Fr. Tom reminds us that the spiritual life is full of ups and downs, but the downs are a provision from God for our salvation.
Fr. Tom reminds us that the Cross - both the Cross of Christ and the personal crosses we're called to carry - are the source of our salvation.
Truth is more than an internal reality or a set of external precepts - it is the transformative power of Christ!
In this back-to-basics message, Fr. Tom reminds us that the real triumph of Orthodoxy begins with being a true follower of Christ.
The Gospel reading of the Last Judgement can bring incredible fear and awe; however, as Fr. Tom reminds us, it should also be a great source of consolation!
On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Tom shows us how the love of the Father embraces us in all of our filth. The only washing required is that of our own tears.
Calling upon commentary from St. John Chrysostom on the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, Fr. Tom spurs us on to win the race by lightening our spiritual chariots with humility.
As we approach the Great Lenten season, we first hear about Zacchaeus. Fr. Tom reminds us that the same message harkening to Zacchaeus to hasten and come down to receive Christ is being spoken to us now.
Everyone has encountered long periods of suffering and grief. How do we engage these times in a manner that is beneficial to our spiritual life? How do we develop patient endurance? Listen as Fr. Tom brings this encouraging message of hope in Christ.
As we read about the healing of the blind man, Fr. Tom implores us to always see ourselves, the Church, and - most importantly - Christ with new, spiritual eyes.
In this convicting message, Fr. Tom shows us that following Christ can - and will - cost us everything; however, we are promised so much more here and in the world to come.
As the celebration of Theophany continues, Fr. Tom shows us that all of Christ's redemptive work is set forth to build the Church and bring us to perfection.
Listen as Fr. Tom reminds us that, to fully worship God, we need both our souls and our bodies.
Fr. Tom greets us on the blessed feast of the Nativity to remind us that only in the light of Christ can we find true fulfillment.
As we work our way through the Nativity Fast, Fr. Tom cautions us not to get bogged down in earthly matters, but to embrace our healing in the incarnate Christ.
Listen as Fr. Tom shows from the Scriptures how the only response to the truth is to be crucified to the world.
Often we're quick to hope that we can identify with the Good Samaritan in the Scriptures; however, Fr. Tom reminds us that Christ is always the Good Samaritan, and we are the ones broken, on the side of the road awaiting His healing.
We all suffer and struggle in our lives, but how often do we think of the reality that the demons seek to oppress us? Listen as Fr. Tom shows clearly from the Scriptures that this is the case, and what we must do about it.
Reading the Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus, Fr. Tom urges us to remember our own death and to take heart that the final justice is God's.
Fr. Tom reminds us that the part of the world seeking the Truth desires authenticity and that we must remove ourselves far from compromise with the declining worldly values.
The beauty of Orthodoxy is in its Christ-centeredness. Fr. Tom reminds us that Christ is everything and that we are only saved in and through Him; however, that doesn't mean we do nothing! Salvation comes not through easy belief-ism, but through following the command of our Lord to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.
The dark reality of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist is one that is the direct result of sin. Listen as Fr. Tom encourages us that while this life may not require such a fate, our persecutions are nothing compared to the glory which awaits us.
Tying together the Gospel readings from this week and the week prior, Fr. Tom lays out the reality that the One who prays, the One who walks on water, the One who gives us Himself in the Eucharist is always present . . . especially in our trials.
Pulling from all of the scripture readings of the day, Fr. Tom shows that the doctrine of the Theotokos - and, ultimately, every doctrine of the Orthodox Church - is really about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Fr. Tom meditates on how encounters with Christ and His miracles - both today and in the Scriptures - elicit opposite responses. We see some who accept them and some who deny them in the most vicious ways. What will your response be?
As we remember the saints of North America, we remember that what made them special wasn't ethnicity or cultural preservation . . . it was their desire to preach the Gospel!
All Saints Sunday is about far more than remembering especially holy people. It's about hearing Christ's call for us to become truly human.
We're all familiar with the high priestly prayer of Christ, but what are its implications for us here and now? How does it dictate our worship, our service, our unity? Listen as Fr. Tom unpacks the prayer of our Lord.
Lest we forget the cosmic realities of our Orthodox worship, Fr. Tom unpacks the reading of the Samaritan Woman in order to remind us that worship in spirit and in truth is not bound to space or time, and includes - not least of all - personal sacrifice.
The story of the Myrrh-Bearing Women should serve as a reminder to us that the resurrection demands action on our part, including a bold proclamation of the truth.
On the eighth day of Pascha, Fr. Tom reminds us to heed the signs which point us to the Eternal Day.
As we enter into Holy Week via the Triumphal Entry, we are reminded that there is cause for great joy - Jesus Christ is the King over all and ever shall be!
Unpacking the Sunday epistle reading, Fr. Tom helps us to enter into the cosmic mystery that is Christ and the New Covenant. The Divine Liturgy is not a dead work; it is a provision to allow us to enter into the eternal sacrifice of God every time we gather.
Is there anything upon which our faith is contingent? Fr. Tom reminds us that, while we may not always have certainty or the privilege of seeing the Lord as the disciples, our prayer will be the seal of our faith.
What must we remember when we bow before the Holy Cross? Fr. Tom reminds us that the central call of the cross is to die to ourselves.
Listen as Fr. Tom reminds us that the Sunday of Orthodoxy is about so much more than icons alone . . . it is about the triumph of truth.
Leading into the Great Fast, Fr. Tom urgently calls us to remember that all of the fasting in the world is useless if we neglect the weightier matters.
Being judged by God is far more than a legal pronouncement. Listen as Fr. Tom reminds the faithful that God's judgment has much more to do with our purification and our becoming truly human.
Fr. Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America brings us a preparatory message in anticipation of Great Lent: observe the religious practice of the Church like the pharisee, but beg our Lord for the humble heart of the publican.
As we inch closer and closer to the Great Fast, Fr. Tom harkens us back to the basics - that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, even those of us like Zacchaeus.
Exhorting us from the Parable of the Talents, Fr. Tom reminds us that - as true members - we must use our gifts to build up the Body of Christ.
As we read the story of blind Bartimaeus, Fr. Tom reminds us that when we know who Jesus truly is, and ask His mercy, He will heal us.
Fr. Tom unpacks the Epistle reading to show the importance of doctrine for our understanding of Christ, ourselves, the world, and everything.
Leading into the feast of Theophany, Fr. Tom calls to remembrance the Forerunner and how he points us to repentance in order to see clearly our Savior in the Holy Trinity.
Fr. Tom calls to remembrance all of the ways that Christ fulfills the prophecy of the Old Testament - especially how He fulfills the role of King David.
On the Sunday before the Nativity, Fr. Tom reminds us of God's promise all throughout the Scriptures - that He is faithful and that we enter into His salvific plan as the Savior enters into our humanity at Christmas.
Fr. Tom calls us to consider the invitation of the Gospel: union with one another and union with God Himself. Invariably, we all make excuses to God's invitation - what's yours?
Fr. Tom draws from both of the Scripture readings to tell us about the inner life of God and how it plays out in our interactions with one another.
If true unity is only found in the Church, then we must ask ourselves, "what can I give up to submit myself to Christ and His Body?" Listen as Fr. Tom calls us to remember our unique individuality, but not to the exclusion of our connectedness to one another.
Fr. Tom implores us to understand the parable of the Good Samaritan from a different perspective and ask ourselves, who is the Samaritan? Who is the one left for dead on the road?
On the Sunday of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Fr. Tom reminds us of the constant, unseen warfare that surrounds us. How are to understand the role of the Angels in our lives? Do we remember that they are our constant helpers? While this is true, we're not to forget that nothing will override our personal free-will and that we must choose always to be a disciple of Christ first and foremost if we are to benefit from the Angels' help.
Special guest Fr. John Mikita from Holy Ascension Church in Mount Pleasant, SC encourages us to recall the light of Christ when we face spiritual darkness. Fr. John also warns us that to encounter Christ is to have to choose between the darkness we're comfortable with and the change to which He calls us.
Who or what receives our worship? Is it material things, the creation, or is it the Creator? Fr. Tom exhorts us from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus that we must order our lives around the Divine and live it out by loving those who are Lazarus to us.
Will we live as believers or unbelievers? The line of demarcation can be thin! Fr. Tom argues from the Scriptures and the lives of the saints that we must constantly choose to live out our baptism as the holy and set apart people of God.
The multitudes pressed to hear the Word of God; will we do the same? Fr. Tom teaches us that the Word of God, both the Incarnate Eternal Word and the Holy Scriptures, lead us to life, joy, and ultimate meaning in every action we take as Orthodox Christians.
How do we love God with all of our heart, with all of our mind, and with all of our soul? Fr. Tom shows us that Cross serves as the paragon example of fulfilling the greatest commandment of our Lord.
We all receive an invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb, but how will we respond? Will we be found ready in our wedding garments? Fr. Tom calls us to look to the precious and life-giving cross to prepare ourselves as a bride waiting for the consummation of all things in Christ.
Is the Kingdom of God some far away concept of heaven? Dn. Luke shares with us the tools the Church has provided to live as citizens in the Kingdom of God here and now as well as how to joyfully prepare for the fullness of the Kingdom at Christ's second coming.
What must we do to be saved? Listen as Fr. Tom exhorts us to an understanding that the Christian life is not one where we can sit idly by, be a hearer of the word only, or rely on ritual action alone; it is a life whereby we must cooperatively be incorporated into Christ Himself.
How can we find the power of God and strength amidst feelings of weakness and persecution? Fr. Thomas urges us to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, the apostles, and saints as we find ourselves in a world opposed to the Christian life.
How can we remain peaceful during the Pandemic? Fr Thomas presents the practical teachings of St Paul and the Lord Jesus Christ to give us perspective about how to actually grow in faithfulness during times of trouble.
At the celebration of the feast of All Saints of North America, Fr Thomas shows us the relationship between the holiness demonstrated in the lives of the Saints and our mission as Christians in the world.
During a Saturday morning Divine Liturgy, Fr Thomas teaches us that, being justified by faith in Christ, we must transcend the demands of the Mosaic Law.
On the Great Feast of Pentecost, Fr Thomas teaches us about our participation in the first Pentecost through the sacramental grace of the Holy Spirit in Chrismation.
On the Sunday before Pentecost, Fr Thomas teaches us about being our united to God in Christ.
In the healing of the Blind Man, Jesus restored the sight of a man born blind. Fr Thomas reminds us that the goal of our spiritual life is to purify ourselves so that we can see the glory of God.
During a Saturday Divine Liturgy, Fr Thomas teaches from John 10:27-38 on how we can hear the voice of God in the words of Jesus.
At the incredible encounter of the Samaritan Woman with Jesus as the well, Fr Thomas teaches us that the Lord models how to speak the truth in love.
During a Saturday Divine Liturgy, Fr Thomas taught from John 8:31-42, "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Even as Jesus healed the Paralytic, Fr Thomas teaches us that the Jewish religious leaders sought to kill Him, because He dared to show compassion on the Sabbath.
On the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers, Fr Thomas teaches about their great mercy and compassion.
Fr Thomas encourages us from the scriptures to patiently endure the Coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to turn back to God in repentance.
Fr Thomas teaches us that a Triumph of Orthodoxy is when we persevere in practicing the fullness of the Faith.
Fr Thomas encourages the faithful by outlining the goals of Great Lent in the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
On the Pre-Lenten Sunday of the Final Judgment, Fr Thomas speaks out against the false teachings of universalism, millenarianism, and the doubted return of Christ.
As we begin the pre-Lenten Sunday readings, the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector reminds us that the only true measure of our holiness is God Himself.
Fr Thomas teaches us that God keeps his promises so that everyone can have an encounter with him—he is faithful.
What would you do if God gave you the silent treatment? Fr Thomas reminds us that we must persist in our pleas to God and in so doing, exercise great faith.
On the Sunday after Theophany, the scripture readings teach us that the light of Christ shines in the darkest corners of the world. Fr Thomas reminds us that the Gospel is not simply for one culture, but for all people everywhere.
As we approach the feast of Theophany, the Baptism of Christ, John the Forerunner shows us the way to unite ourselves to Christ, crying, "He must increase, but I must decrease!"
In the incarnation, God demonstrates His love for man, not only by sending His Son, but by uniting His Divinity to humanity.
As soon as our Lord is born in Bethlehem, the Scriptures record that the evil one is working through Herod to destroy him. Fr Thomas reminds us that the darkness will always fight against the Light, but we can choose our path wisely.
The famous parable of the Good Samaritan is often relayed as a story about doing good to others. However, Fr Thomas teaches us the background of the story and why the Good Samaritan points directly to Christ as the one who heals us in the Church.
When we hear about the miracles that Christ performed for people, it can seem distant. Fr Thomas reminds us that the grace they received is the same life-giving power that we are granted in the Eucharist: the fullness of Christ.
The saying goes, "actions speak louder than words." Christ Himself condemned the Jewish religious leaders for saying one thing but doing another. Fr Thomas teaches us that, as Orthodox Christians, our actions are important because they have to align with what we claim about God and ourselves. In fact, our eternal judgment is at stake.
One of the greatest challenges that we face in our modern era is to resist the ever-changing values of the world. Fr Thomas teaches us that we receive truth, not from politics or social movements, but from the word of God which is planted in our heart by God Himself.
Jesus told His disciples that they could not cast out the demon in the epileptic boy "except by prayer and fasting." Fr Thomas reminds us that if we want to live in the midst of the Kingdom of God, we also must strengthen our faith through these essential disciplines.
The dramatic story of Peter attempting to walk on the water to come to Jesus is a reminder that God is with us in our problems even if we can't see Him. Fr Thomas teaches us that we're not called to a life without problems, we're called to be faithful through them.
In the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, Jesus reveals Himself to the provider of all good things. Fr Thomas teaches us that when we receive communion, we receive the Lord Himself, Who provides the nourishment to live the Christian life.
Fr Thomas teaches us that, because Jesus is the truth, sharing our faith in Him is at the very heart of our experience as Orthodox Christians. (At 17:00 the power went out in the church on the hottest day of the year!)
Deacon Luke Loboda teaches us that because we bear God's image, we must resist being slaves to our bodily desires, living like mere animals. Instead, we're called to fulfill the potential of holiness in us by the gift of the Holy Spirit.
As Christians, the Holy Spirit gives us a new perspective on life and that includes what we do with our time, talent, and treasure. In short, everything belongs to God. He gives it all to us as a gift and we're called to offer a portion back to Him in thanksgiving.
On the Feast of All Saints of North America, Fr Thomas reminds us of our Apostolic mission and how to meet the unprecedented challenges facing us in the 21st century.
On the Sunday of All Saints, Fr. Thomas gives clear and direct evidence from the scriptures explaining how and why we ask for the prayers of the saints who have gone before us.
On the Feast of Pentecost, Fr Thomas teaches us that our Christian life must be empowered by the Holy Spirit of God in order to be one with each other and to tell the world of the good things God has done for us.
Fr. John Parker, Dean of St Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, PA, delivered the sermon on the Seventh Sunday of Pascha. Fr. John shares the story of his new leadership position at the seminary and how he grew to know the life of the seminary through daily experience. He reminds us that our knowledge of God must exceed simply knowing about Him to become instead the daily experience of God as members of the Church. (The recording begins in mid-story as he relates a call he received from Archbishop Michael to organize a talk at the All-American Council on church growth.)
In the story of the healing of the Blind Man, the willfully blind refuse to believe the truth about Jesus even when confronted with irrefutable proof. Fr Thomas reminds us that we must carefully consider all the teachings and deeds of Jesus so that we can be witnesses to the Son of God.
In John 4, Jesus, the Master Teacher, shares the good news with the Samaritan Woman that He is the Savior of the World, and brings her to a life-changing faith. Fr Thomas shows us how this incredible story is the pattern for sharing our faith in Christ with anyone.
On the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers, we hear of the courage and love demonstrated by the men and women who cared for the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fr Thomas reminds us that this is also a powerful reminder that we must never succumb to the disrespectful practice of cremation because we deeply care for the body that God created and will raise from the dead.
The Resurrection of Christ destroys death, division, and despair. And though the Lord provides proof of His Resurrection to destroy doubt in us, our hearts must be unlocked from the inside through faith.
At Christ's entry into Jerusalem, there were those who were wondering how they could be rid of Him, those who were wishing He would be a social activist, and those who worshipped Him as the Son of the Living God. Today is no exception.
The Gospel reading for the fifth Sunday of Lent relates the story of the audacious question posed by the apostles James and John, who asked for glorification without first drinking the cup of humiliation. Fr Thomas reminds us that this basic principle of the Christian life proves true even for seemingly mundane things that we might mistakenly think are unimportant, like going to church to worship.
"God is Love" has become one of the most abused verses of Scripture. It's used today to justify every sin and excuse every condition. Fr Thomas urges us to look at the entirety of the Gospel message to truly understand the implications of being a creature of God Who is Love.
On the day before the Great Feast of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, Fr Thomas weaves the themes from the gospel of the Second Sunday of Lent (the healing of the paralytic) and from the Annunciation to remind us that the Word of God is given to us to increase our faith and trust in Him.
On the Sunday after Theophany, the reading from the Apostle teaches us that there is a close relationship between Christ's filling all of creation with Himself and the gifts that He bestows on us. Fr Thomas reminds us that those gifts need to be discerned and exercised to continue the work of renewal in the world and in our parishes.
Christmas is indeed a time to enjoy the delight of children during the feast. Fr Thomas teaches us to also remember yet another great gift of Christmas: we become children of God.
On the Sunday before Christmas, the kingly lineage of Jesus according to St Mathew is read. Fr Thomas teaches us that the names recount that Jesus is anything but a distant ruler, but rather that He identifies with the brokenness of humanity and comes to redeem us from it.
The beauty of Orthodoxy is richly expressed in her magnificent iconography adorning the walls and ceilings of our churches. As the parish of St Nicholas continues the iconographic renewal of their temple, Fr Thomas encourages parishioners to look up and see the Kingdom to come.
One day after the horrendous killings of 11 Jewish worshippers in a Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Fr Thomas gives a sobering reflection from the reading of the Sunday: the exorcism of the Gadarene demoniac.
Christians are called to live in the will of God, but how do we find it? Fr Thomas teaches us that living in the will of God means identifying with God's Kingdom and not with the values of this fallen world.
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus illustrates the consequences of unforgiveness. Fr Thomas teaches us that it is the God of love, mercy, and compassion who commands us to forgive and warns us of the judgment to come if we do not.
Using the example of the crowd who followed Jesus to a deserted place where he healed and fed them, Deacon Luke Loboda encourages us to trust Christ to come into the desolate places of our life to be present with us and heal us.
Everyone has difficulties and problems that they face on a daily basis. Fr Thomas teaches us that in the midst of the storms of life we can experience the "peace from above" which is found only in Christ.
The societal and moral changes sweeping across the world pose profound challenges to Orthodox Christian believers. Fr Thomas reminds us that we must face these challenges squarely and never compromise what we believe by adopting worldly values.
Fr Thomas challenges us to recognize that our task as Christians is not simply to come to church to be fed for our own purposes, but to be sent out to build up the body of Christ.
in Romans 10, St Paul writes about the importance of his fellow Jews hearing about Christ and why it's important for their salvation. Fr Thomas reminds us that evangelism should not be a foreign concept to Orthodox Christians. We must get comfortable with sharing our faith in Christ and speaking about God's work in our life.
On the seventh Sunday of Holy Pascha we recall the words of our Lord to His apostles before His passion, reminding them that what He taught them was given by God Himself. Fr Thomas reminds Orthodox Christians that we must also receive this apostolic teaching and pass it on to new believers without any change or error.
The healing of the blind man in John 9 is a dramatic story of the healing power of God. Fr Thomas teaches us that we also have been healed by virtue of our baptism and we should tell others the story of our recreation.
Fr Thomas shows us how the story of the Lord's conversion of the Samaritan Woman at the well is the pattern for telling others about the good news of Jesus Christ to make them true worshippers.
On the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers, Fr Thomas reminds us that every Sunday, the Lord's Day, is set apart for us to sacrificially offer our time to worship the Risen Christ.
On the Sunday of St Thomas, we hear of the encounter of the Apostle with the risen Christ. Fr Thomas teaches us that we too must make every effort to encounter the resurrected Christ both in the Holy Scriptures and in the Eucharist.
On the great feast of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, Fr Thomas reminds us that the message given by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary is the very essence of the gospel message. This same message about the person of Jesus Christ also requires a response from us.
On the fourth Sunday of Lent, the Church presents the Gospel reading of the healing of the demon possessed boy, and we also commemorate St John of "The Ladder." Fr Thomas teaches us that, if we want to spiritually grow, we have to be able to accept God's difficult answers to our ultimate questions.
On the Sunday of the Cross in Great Lent, Fr Thomas teaches us that the power of God is found in the righteous actions required of us when we take up our own cross to follow Christ.
Fr Thomas shares a powerful message, correcting those who make themselves the measure of faith, and encouraging all of us to remember that Orthodox Christianity is the ideal we are striving for.
Fr Thomas gives a compelling case for the intense spiritual and physical efforts involved in observing Great Lent, beginning with the end in mind: the true significance of the Resurrection of Christ.
As the Church prepares us for the Great Lenten season by hearing the parable of the Last Judgment in Matthew 25, Fr Thomas reminds us that our preparation for that Great Day begins every time we prepare ourselves for the Eucharist. It is a fire that consumes the unworthy.
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 God, and should be used for His glory.
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 podcast wrote, "truth doesn't bow to feelings."
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 humanity over the truth we receive in the Church commit the same grave error. (Matthew 21:33-44)
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 regarding faith and culture.
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 parishioners. We hope you enjoy it!)
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.
The question, "What must I do to be saved?" is usually interpreted of as, "How can I get to heaven?" Fr Thomas teaches us that eternal life is defined by Jesus as something we can have here and now and He teaches us what we need to do to experience it.
The feasts of the Nativity and Baptism of Christ are dramatic examples of the intersection of the spiritual and material in the life of humanity. Fr Thomas teaches us that we must acknowledge and experience this intersection to participate in God's recreation and renewal of the world.
In the powerful parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus teaches us about the eternal Kingdom of God that awaits those who follow Him. Fr Thomas reminds us that we are given a foretaste of this glorious union with God through the reception of the Holy Eucharist. (Luke 14:16-24)
After a tumultuous week in the nation, Fr Thomas teaches us that the parable of the Good Samaritan commands that we must not only physically serve our neighbor who is beat up and in need, but spiritually heal them as well.
Using the stories of the healing of the woman with the flow of blood and the raising of Jairus's daughter, Fr Thomas points out that the only answer to the empty promises of the world and its false philosophies is faith in Christ. (Lk 8:41-56)
In the dramatic parable of the Lazarus and the Rich Man, the Lord teaches us the importance of sharing our wealth with those in need. Fr Thomas turns to the topic of generosity, and how it can transform our lives and even our parishes.
The first parable that Jesus taught is the beloved Parable of the Sower. Fr Thomas explains its place in the scripture and its crucial importance in our lives.
In an age when people are cynically feeling distant from (the concept of) God, it is important to be reminded that God is nearer than our very breath. Citing the gospel story of the great catch of fish, Fr Thomas teaches us concerning the assurance of the living God in our lives and the abundant life He promises.
The role of God in suffering has long been questioned: trials, tribulations, wars, sickness, death - Where is God? Why would He allow it? Fr Thomas reminds us that, though God is not the author of these things, He teaches us to endure them to draw us closer to Him. (Mt 14:22-34)
The scriptural readings for the eighth Sunday after Pentecost reveal a clear picture of who we are to be in Christ. St Paul teaches us that we are to be of the same mind, while St Matthew records the miracle of feeding the 5,000. Fr Thomas teaches us that we must consciously reject the choices the world presents to us, but rather fully immerse ourselves into the Church's life, which is transforming us into the likeness of God.
Recent news has reported that, in the US, church attendance is down, in direct relation to the social changes sweeping the country. Fr Thomas teaches us that when the winds of change blow, the most important thing we can do is assess our own commitment to faith in Christ by checking for spiritual blindness.
In light of the national unrest after numerous shootings of black men during police stops, followed by the ambush shooting of over a dozen police in Dallas where five died, Fr Thomas uses the providential lectionary readings of the following Sunday to illustrate how to seek peace with other people, and the importance of casting off anxiety to put our trust in God.
Today it's fashionable in some circles to sanction any "lifestyle" under the rubric of humanity being "created in the image of God." Fr Thomas teaches us what bearing the image of God implies for every human person, and why the gospel is at the heart of it.
On the first Sunday after Pentecost, the feast of All Saints, Fr Thomas teaches us that, because we are created in the image of God, we have the calling to become Saints who have grown in the likeness of God.
On the great feast of Pentecost, guest homilist Fr Basil Biberdorf teaches us the importance of knowing Who the Holy Spirit is, and of His role in our Christian life.
Cutting through the din of religious pluralism, Fr Thomas reminds us that the Orthodox Faith uniquely gives us everything for life, faith, and spiritual understanding.
We can sometimes take the blessings we receive and miracles we read about in the New Testament for granted. The reading about the healing of the blind man is one such event, because the Lord didn't simply heal his sight, He actually created eyes for the man! Fr Thomas teaches us that the health of our sight is measured by what we're willing to see regarding the love and works of God.
In a spirited presentation about growing the Church, Fr Thomas gives us practical advice about sharing our faith taken from the example of Jesus's conversion of the Samaritan Woman.
Jesus's question to the paralytic, "Do you want to be made well?" is at the heart of our Christian life. Fr Thomas explains the important doctrine of synergy, or cooperation with God, as the key to our daily growth in life, faith, and spiritual understanding.
At every post-Resurrection appearance, the Lord Jesus Christ greets His Disciples with the words "Peace be with you! Do not be afraid!" Fr Thomas teaches us that because of Christ's destruction of the sting of death by His own death, and our participation in His death and resurrection through our baptism, we have nothing to fear, not even death itself!
Modern western societies are experiencing decreasing interest in attending church. Even some Orthodox Christian families are succumbing to secular activities on Sunday morning instead of gathering together as God's People in the church. Using the story of St Thomas' encounter with Christ eight days after His Resurrection, Fr Thomas teaches why coming to church is so important, and reminds us that, if we miss church, we miss a lot!
The Christian life is surely a paradox. Our Lord teaches those who love Him that if they want to be exalted, they must be humble; if they want to be great, they must be a servant. Fr Thomas leads us into Holy Week by telling us that the Lord Jesus Christ not only teaches this paradox, but He lives it, and by so doing, He wins our salvation.
The gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Lent is about the healing of the demon-possessed boy. In it, we can all relate to the pleading of the boy's father: "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!" To help us in our Lenten journey, Father Thomas gives us three practical ways to strengthen and deepen our faith, taken directly from this Sunday's readings.
As the Precious Cross is brought out into the midst of the faithful marking the midpoint of the Lenten journey, Fr Thomas offers two sermons for our edification. The first was preached on Sunday morning at St Nicholas about "Three Aspects of the Cross." The second (beginning at 14:00) was recorded at the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh Diocesan Sunday Evening Vespers in Ambridge, PA on "Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life Through the Lens of the Cross."
Before we enter into Great Lent, the Church presents us with a depiction of the awesome and fearful Final Judgment of the world by Christ to motivate us to love God and man. In teaching this, Fr Thomas offers an answer to the age-old question, "Why do we have to be judged?"
In some Orthodox traditions, the story of Zacchaeus is the first reminder of the coming of Great Lent. Fr Thomas teaches us that Zacchaeus exhibits the zeal that is an essential prerequisite for true conversion, the conversion that Christ desires of us during the Great and Holy Fast.
Christ crossed over a border to hear the pleas of the Canaanite woman and heal her daughter. But more than a story about a healing, Fr Thomas delivers an important lesson about the makeup of the Church that every parish and every parishioner needs to hear: The Church isn't just for your kind of people.
The Parable of the Talents is a rich but difficult story, calling everyone who has been given gifts in God's vineyard to the responsibility of growth. On the Sunday of their parish's annual meeting, Fr Thomas delivers a pointed and challenging message to his congregation, reminding them that no one is exempt from accountability in matters concerning church life, since we are all individually members of the one body of Christ.
The image of Christianity is being sullied by TV preachers who justify their desire for riches under the guise of a distorted piety. Hence, prayer, which allows us to ask God for good things, is instead cheapened to demand things which are self-serving. Fr Thomas teaches us the riches of prayer mined from the story of the healing of blind Bartimeaus.
Navigating the din of conflicting messages outside of the Church can be confusing for the uninitiated. Sadly, even Orthodox Christians are susceptible to being confused and influenced by false doctrines concerning Christ. Fr Thomas teaches us about how we come to experience the true Christ in Orthodox worship.
As we continue the celebration of Theophany, the baptism of Christ, the Church turns our attention to the grace which is given to us "according to the measure of Christ's gift." Fr Thomas teaches us that Christ fills the universe with Himself so that we also can be by grace what He is by nature.
At the feast of Theophany, the Baptism of Christ, we celebrate much more than a historic event. Fr Thomas teaches us that we participate in the beginning of the re-creation of the world by God in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
In a special Christmas edition of Sermons at St Nicholas, Fr Thomas reminds us of the cosmic significance of the birth of Christ. Because God the Father sends His Son to us, the world will never be the same!
On the Feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple, Fr Thomas preached a sermon on the significance of the feast for the hundreds gathered to venerate the Myrrh-Gushing Icon of St Anna at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA.
In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, Jesus dramatically demonstrates the reward for greed and selfishness. Fr Thomas reminds us that helping the poor is not only a matter of money, it's a matter of love. (Luke 16:19-31)
Today, many view religion with a consumerist mentality in a marketplace of choices. Fr Thomas enumerates three Orthodox distinctives to encourage and challenge us and those who are seeking the true faith. (Gal 1:11-19)
It is an inescapable fact that suffering is a part of the fallen human condition. In a powerful message, Fr Thomas describes three important principles to help us form our perspective on suffering.
In the wake of the Roman Catholic Papal visit to the US, Pope Francis received much adulation for his message of inclusiveness. Fr Thomas reminds us that while the gospel calls us to love all people, we're also called to love a holy God who separates us from the world of sin and leads us to a transformed life.
The parable of the talents can sometimes seem unfair. Why have some been given more than others? Fr Thomas relates this parable to the contemporary decline in religious faith and reminds us that, today, our cross is to take up the gift of faith and grow it. (Sunday after the Elevation of the Precious Cross)
On the Sunday before the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, the Church presents readings to prepare us to celebrate the feast. Fr Thomas reminds us that the Cross is lifted up in our midst to encourage us and to show us how to become more faithful and loving.
Bishops and priests are most accountable before God for the state of the church. But Fr Thomas reminds us that all of us share responsibility for our church communities and gives practical advice on how to remain faithful and focused.
Being a believer in Christ is more than just assenting to doctrines about God. In a stirring homily, Fr Thomas reminds us that it's not "what the gospel means to me" that's important, it's how we apply the true meaning of the gospel in our life that helps us to grow in the likeness of God. (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)
In the press and popular culture we're hearing more and more that the God of the Christians is "too demanding" and "angry" and often point to scriptures such as this parable of the Unforgiving Servant to make their point. Fr Thomas reminds us that to have a true understanding of Who God really is, we have to reject the god which people sometimes create in their own image and likeness. (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)
One of the most enduring questions in the minds of people is, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Christians are certainly not immune from either bad things happening or questioning why. Fr Thomas, using the story of Jesus walking on the water, reminds us that He is the Master Teacher, and can use all struggles to bring us closer to Him. (Mt 14:22-33)
Often the Orthodox Church is criticized for practicing what is sometimes called "closed communion," which means only Orthodox Christians are permitted to receive the Eucharist. Using the story of the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Fr Thomas reminds us that God shares his fullness with us in Holy Communion. And since we experience unity with one another at the chalice, the implications are enormous!
In light of recent events regarding the racist slaying of African-American Christians and the Supreme Court ruling on so-called "same-sex marriage," Fr Thomas delivers a stirring and challenging message from the scriptures asking, "Who is your authority?"
On the Sunday of All Saints, the gospel reading reminds us of the narrow way of being a disciple of Christ. Fr Thomas powerfully contrasts the imperatives in Christ's teaching on discipleship with the contemporary rise of the "Dones," those who illogically proclaim themselves faithful to Christ but "done with church."
In Christ's encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, we find the Master Teacher deftly bringing her to faith in Him. Fr Thomas relates this gospel message to the imperative of sharing our own story of faith in Christ with those who are thirsting for God.
On the Sunday after Pascha, we commemorate the Lord's appearance to His disciples and St Thomas's proclamation, "My Lord and My God!" In this practical and helpful message, Fr Thomas teaches us three important points from this story to help us turn unbelief into belief.
The celebration of Palm Sunday is juxtaposed against the dark events that we experience in the life of Christ during Holy Week. Fr Thomas reminds us that our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem is an example of having the "peace from above" even if you're marching to the Cross.
With the words, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem," the Lord Jesus Christ invites all of us to journey with Him to His Passion. Fr Thomas teaches us that the ransom that Christ freely pays on our behalf saves us from sin and death, but also allows us to freely follow Him.
In a powerful message on the value of faith, Fr Thomas reminds us that forgiveness is the most important healing we'll ever receive.
On Meatfare Sunday we commemorate the Last Judgment, when Christ returns to His creation to judge the world and redeem His people. Fr Thomas reminds us that our fasting is related to the Judgment. As we fast to prepare for Pascha, the Lord's resurrection is the first sign of our resurrection and the coming Judgment.
The feast of Theophany heralds the light which overcomes all darkness. Fr. Thomas reminds us that this darkness, which is present in many places in our life, is destroyed by the truth and life of Christ himself.
As we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Christ, the eternal Word of God become man, we remember that the Lord Jesus Christ has both a familial and spiritual lineage. Through His birth, He heals the brokenness of His, and our, human family. (Sunday before the Nativity of Christ)
Sometimes Christians unfortunately feel burdened by the frequent call to worship. Fr Thomas reminds us that worship is not only one thing we do as Christians, it is the very purpose of our life: to constantly give thanks to God.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is universally known as an encouragement to good works, to serve those who are in need. Fr Thomas reminds us that behind the parable is a deeper meaning which helps us experience the Church as a spiritual hospital.
The New Testament is full of amazing stories about the healings performed by Jesus and the Apostles. Fr Thomas reminds us that in order to be made completely whole by the Lord, we must continue in our effort to glory in the cross by dying to the world. (22nd Sunday after Pentecost)
The parable of the Lazarus and the Rich Man is a story rich with lessons about life and about death. Fr Thomas focuses on the implications of living with unprecedented wealth in our modern society.
As cultural changes rapidly sweep across the Western world, the question of who we are as individuals becomes a persistent theme. Fr Thomas reminds us that one of the central doctrines of our faith, growing in the likeness of God, reveals who we truly are in Christ. (19th Sunday after Pentecost)
The two great commandments of loving God and neighbor are presented by Christ as the focus of all the Law and Prophets. Fr Thomas reminds us that in fulfilling these commands, we grow in God's likeness, accomplishing our original purpose. (15th Sunday after Pentecost/Leavetaking of the Exaltation of the Cross)
The accusation is sometimes leveled against Orthodox Christians that they are "concerned with symbols over substance." Fr Thomas reminds us that both symbols and the meaning behind them are important for deep faith in God. (Sunday before the Elevation of the Cross)
Orthodox Churches are often culturally rich and sometimes churches hold festivals to showcase their delicious ethnic foods. Fr Thomas reminds us that, while there is nothing wrong with ethnic foods or festivals, we should ensure that our emphasis is on the Faith and that our focus is on Christ. (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)
Jesus issued a stern warning in the book of Revelation for the church which was lukewarm and apathetic: "I will spit you out of my mouth." Fr Thomas reminds us that every Divine Service we attend at church, we have an opportunity "practice" the unity and care that we're called to manifest every day of the week. (7th Sunday after Pentecost)
We can often take membership in the church for granted, wrongfully thinking it's just another organization. Fr Thomas reminds us that our calling is not just to be a member, but a disciple, a follower of Christ. (Second Sunday after Pentecost)
It's becoming more and more common today for some people to leave the religion of their childhood and explore other faiths. While Orthodoxy has recently gained a tremendous number of converts from this movement, admittedly, "the door swings both ways." Fr Thomas teaches about why the Church is one and gives an impassioned and compelling presentation on the remarkable uniqueness of the Orthodox Faith. (Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council/7th Sunday of Pascha)
In the healing of the man born blind, Jesus heals not only his blindness, but also his spiritual understanding. Fr Thomas reminds us that just as the man born blind came to a fuller revelation of who Jesus was, we too must also allow the mercy and grace of God to heal us in order to experience Him in a deeper way. (Sunday of the Blind Man)
In the story of the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's Well, Jesus has a life-changing conversation with her. Fr Thomas reminds us that each one of us needs to have this conversation with God, which can ultimately lead us to put Him first above all things. (Fifth Sunday of Pascha)
Orthodox Christians around the world will embark upon the most important time of the year, Holy Week, leading to the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Fr Thomas reminds us that Holy Week is our opportunity to experience the value of Christ above all things in our life. (Palm Sunday)
While discerning the will of God for us is an important aspect of our life, Fr Thomas reminds us that becoming a humble servant of all in every situation will ensure that we are always doing His will. (Fifth Sunday of Great Lent)
At the mid-point of Great Lent, the church brings out the precious cross in our midst for veneration. Fr Thomas reminds us that the cross is more than just a lifeless symbol, it's the very path of our salvation. (Third Sunday of Lent)
On the first Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the triumph of Orthodoxy over the icon smashers. Fr Thomas gives us some straight talk about the Orthodox Christian faith, the nature of truth, and our relationship with world religions. (Sunday of Orthodoxy)
Lent is a time of great anticipation as we move toward the celebration of Christ's holy Pascha. But Fr Thomas reminds us that it is also a preparation for our entire Christian life, where we face the challenges of increased prayer, fasting and almsgiving and in turn, learn much about our true selves. (Forgiveness Sunday)
In order to further prepare our thoughts for the coming of Great Lent, the Church presents us with our Lord's description of His return in glory. Fr Thomas reminds us that the Last and Final Day is both terrifying and awesome, dread and joyful, as we prepare now in this life for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Sunday of the Last Judgment)
The Parable of the Publican and Pharisee is the Church's herald to prepare for Great Lent. To begin, Fr Thomas presents three important principles to bear in mind when approaching God in prayer. (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee)
When we hear about Old Testament Temple worship, we can sometimes think we're far removed from it. Fr Thomas reminds us that Orthodox Christian worship is, in fact, directly related to Old Testament Temple worship, because it's the fulfillment of those old forms and rituals. (Great Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple)
Though oftentimes it seems God is silent and does not hear our prayers, Fr Thomas reminds us that God is always reaching out to us and uses the circumstances of our life to draw us closer to Him. (Thirty-first Sunday after Pentecost)
We all know of someone who's given up on The Faith for one reason or another. Fr Thomas reminds us that our love for God and for one another must be the bond that brings us together and keeps us together. (Thirtieth Sunday after Pentecost)
Technology has become so pervasive that many people are now enslaved to their smartphones, constantly looking down into them! Fr. Thomas reminds us that, like the woman bent over with a spirit of infirmity, the Lord heals us so that we can look up to see the gift of life in Christ. (22nd Sunday after Pentecost)
The parable of the soils sets the tone for other parables taught by our Lord. Fr. Thomas reminds us that this parable brilliantly expresses the importance of both hearing and actively receiving the Word of God in us. (Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
The parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is a dramatic illustration of the importance of being merciful to those in need. Fr Thomas reminds us that the torment experienced by the Rich Man is a result of his choice to ignore Lazarus laying at his gate. (Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost)
The American religious scene is full of false teachers preaching a "gospel" that is focused solely on making people feel good about themselves. Fr Thomas reminds us that the truth of Christ promises us God's comfort in suffering, not the absence of suffering in this world. (Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
The cross of Christ is the ultimate sign of God's love for his creatures. Fr Thomas reminds us that the cross is also a sign of the path that awaits us: our own cross. (Sunday after the Exaltation of the Cross)
The Orthodox Faith is rich with tradition and discipline, but sometimes we can seem disinterested in being faithful to it all in our lives. Fr Thomas reminds us that obedience done out of love for God and each other is the "linchpin" which holds it all together. (13th Sunday after Pentecost)
Time is both an inescapable reality and a gift of God full of promise. On the Church New Year, Fr Thomas reminds us that God takes the finite time of each day and redeems it to become an experience of the Kingdom of God for us.
Christ walking on the water is often portrayed as a demonstration of His power over creation. But Fr Thomas reminds us that even though the storms of this life are always present, Jesus uses this difficult circumstance to remind his disciples that He is always with those who love Him and that they should never fear. (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)
Our Lord taught his disciples to put away anxiety about life and instead trust in God. Fr Thomas reminds us that by seeing life through the teachings of Christ, even the difficulties and tribulations of life will build us up to be stronger followers of Him. (Third Sunday after Pentecost)
On the second Sunday after Pentecost, the Orthodox Church celebrates local Saints of a particular land. Fr Thomas reminds us that Saints teach us in their way of life that they are devoted to accomplish a divine mission, that they have become holy through their practice of the Orthodox way of prayer, and most importantly, that they love God above all else. (Second Sunday after Pentecost - All Saints of North America)
The Samaritan Woman encountered the giver of Living Water at the well of her forefathers. Fr Thomas teaches us that we must seek the Living Water Who is pure Truth, and ourselves be clean containers to receive the grace that God grants to us.
The story of the appearance of Christ to his disciples on the evening of the Resurrection, as well as eight days later, richly demonstrates the importance of gathering together on the Lord's Day - Sunday. Fr. Thomas Soroka reminds us that our gathering together allows us to experience the coming eternal kingdom here and now. (Antipascha - St Thomas Sunday)
The healing of the paralytic is a wonderful gospel scene rich with meaning for us. Fr Tom reminds us that God demonstrates His power when formerly "paralyzed" lives are healed and transformed to become living testimonies to the truth of Christ.
The awesome day of the Lord's return in glory to judge the earth is presented powerfully by the words of the Lord Himself. Fr Tom reminds us that we will experience the mercy and truth of God's presence as the ultimate judgment of how we've lived His command to love God and neighbor.
The Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee is presented to us by the church to set the tone in our preparation for Great Lent. Fr Tom reminds us that both our actions and our attitude counts when it comes to loving God and neighbor. (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee)
God uses even the difficult circumstances of our life for our salvation. Fr Tom reminds us that in these tests of life, God wants us to persevere and draw closer to Him. (Thirty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost)
The parable of the talents can be perplexing to understand if we see the Master's demands as unreasonable and unfair. Fr Tom reminds us that God has given every believer certain abilities to build up the church. But more importantly, He gives everyone the ability to love. (Thirty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost)
On the great feast of Theophany, God shines the light of the Truth, in the person of Christ, to the whole world. Fr Tom reminds us that we also are individually given the gift of this light through our renewal, by virtue of our baptism.
In the parable of the Rich Fool, Christ warns us of the dangers of acquiring too many material possessions. Fr Tom reminds us that our life should always maintain an eternal perspective, focusing on love of God and of neighbor. (Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich man is a dramatic story about the end result of a selfish life. Fr Tom reminds us that our most fundamental call as Christians is, not only to love God, but also to love our neighbor. (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)
A temptation for some Orthodox Christians is to take in the beauty of the church services while remaining somewhat mentally disengaged. Fr Tom reminds us that Christ's command to "launch out into the deep" is given to everyone to plumb the depths of the wisdom and word of God. (Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
As the Church prepares us to celebrate the Elevation of the Precious Cross, Fr Tom reminds us that the Cross is the sign and reminder of the firm, unchanging truths found in the the person of Christ. (Sunday Before the Elevation of the Precious Cross)
Gifts are given to each one of us by God for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and being salt and light in the world. Fr Tom shows us how both of today's scripture readings clarify our purpose as individual members of the Church.
Today's cultural values can sometimes keep us from fully embracing important scriptural concepts like being the subject of a 'kingdom' or becoming a 'slave' to righteousness. Fr Tom reminds us that, in order to conform to the image of Christ, we must recognize ourselves as being slaves of God and servants of men. (Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
On the second Sunday after Pentecost, every local Orthodox Church celebrates the saints who have been glorified by God in their own lands. Fr. Tom reminds us that the gospel reading reveals the calling for every disciple of Christ to fulfill the mission of the Gospel where they live.
On the Sunday after Pentecost we celebrate the life of the Holy Spirit in all those who have become sanctified by God's Grace. Fr Tom reminds us that all Christians are called to be holy, as he expounds on the teachings of our Lord to His disciples.
Though we have the revelation of the one God in Christ, people the world over are free to believe in the god of their choosing, or no god at all. Fr Tom reminds us that as Orthodox Christians, though we firmly believe in the right to religious freedom, we must always assert to everyone the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ, because what we believe about God matters. (Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council)
We fully experience the joy of the Resurrection when we worship God during the divine services. Fr Tom reminds us that, by the Holy Spirit, the Kingdom of God is manifested to us when we know in truth who God is and who we are. (Sunday of the Samaritan Woman)
At the foundation of our life as Christians, we are given the gift of new life in baptism. Fr Tom reminds us that this baptism is given to us not to escape the crosses and illnesses of this life, but rather so that we can endure them.
On the eighth day after Pascha, we remember the appearance of the resurrected Christ to St Thomas and the apostles. Fr Tom reminds us that, as Orthodox Christians, we live in expectant hope of our own resurrection to eternal life, Christ Himself being the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, the first-born of the dead.
Before we enter into the Passion Week, the Holy Church gives us the festal celebration of our Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem. Fr Tom reminds us that, like Christ, we are to remain faithful and joyful on the way to, or in the midst of, the various crosses that we might face in our life.
On the feast of the Annunciation to the Mother of God, we celebrate the good news that Jesus takes on human flesh from the womb of the Virgin Mary. In Mary's faithfulness, she becomes the icon of all believers who strive to live life in total obedience to God.
On the last Sunday of preparation before we begin the Great Fast, the Church calls us to offer and receive forgiveness from everyone. Fr Tom reminds us that we are commanded to forgive precisely because this action allows us to participate in and experience the Divine Life of God Himself.
On the third preparatory Sunday before Great Lent, the gospel of the Last Judgment is read. Fr Tom reminds us that though today we can choose to acknowledge or to ignore Christ as Lord, on that great and final day everyone will acknowledge Him and give an account of their life.
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful image of our returning to God and the Father's rich mercy in restoring us. Fr Tom reminds us that we must be able both to admit that we have separated ourselves from God's life and have the deep desire to return to the riches of His Kingdom.
As we begin preparing our hearts for the annual Lenten journey, the Church presents us with the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Fr Tom reminds us that fulfilling God's commandments should not be a cause for pride, because humility teaches us that we are only doing our duty to Him as unprofitable servants.
Jesus is given various titles in the New Testament: Teacher, Master, Lord and others. Fr Tom reminds us that, as Orthodox Christians, we must strive to approach God for not only who He really is, but who we really are too. (Thirty-first Sunday after Pentecost)
The feast of the Circumcision of Christ stands as a bridge between the old and new covenants. As we begin the new year, Fr Tom reminds us that we should resolve to fulfill the "Circumcision of Christ," our baptism. (Sunday before the Theophany)
On the feast of the Nativity of Christ, we celebrate the eternal Word of God taking on Human flesh and identifying with our humanity. Fr Tom reminds us that we also celebrate being adopted by God into His family as true children of God. (The Nativity of Christ)
The Church is the community where Christ has established peace among all people. Fr Tom reminds us that we should live in that mercy and peace with everyone we encounter. (Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
Faith is initiated in us by the gift of God in Christ being given to us in baptism. Fr Tom reminds us that it is our responsibility to live a life in light of that gift. (Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost)
The parable of the Good Samaritan is among the most beloved of all stories in scripture. Fr Tom reminds us that showing mercy to those who have fallen into the ravages of sin is essential to their healing. (Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost)
Anyone can do a good deed, but Fr. Tom reminds us that truly godly works are motivated by a faith in Christ which leads to salvation. (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)
The New Testament epistles as well as the Divine Liturgy constantly encourage us to be of one mind because we are members of the Body of Christ and of one another. Fr Tom used today's epistle reading as an opportunity to encourage his parishioners to develop oneness with each other in order to achieve parish goals. (Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)
The Scriptures and the Fathers have much to say about the Jewish people, and unfortunately, this view has largely been misrepresented. Fr Tom teaches us that the people of God, Israel, will always be those who love and follow the true God. (Fifth Sunday after Pentecost)
On the Sunday after Pentecost, we commemorate all of the men and women who attained holiness through obedience to the commandments of Christ. Fr Tom reminds us that it is within our free choice to love God above all and to follow His will for our lives. (First Sunday after Pentecost)
The eternal Word ascends to Heaven in His resurrected body, receiving the glory He had with His Father before the world began. Fr Tom reminds us that Christ does all this so that He can share this heavenly life with us. (Sunday after the Ascension)
As Christians, we have been raised to a new life with Christ in baptism. Fr Tom reminds us that as we grow, we must constantly cooperate with God's grace by asking ourselves if we truly want to be healed. (Fourth Sunday of Pascha - Healing of the Paralytic)
Eight days after the Lord's Resurrection, Jesus appeard to Thomas in His glorified body, manifesting the power of God's Kingdom. Fr Tom reminds us that the Lord grants us His Kingdom, here and now, and we recieve it when we are faithful. (Second Sunday of Pascha)
On the feast of feasts we celebrate the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fr Tom reminds us that our joy on this uniquely singular day also comes from the hope that God Who began this marvellous work in His Son will also complete it in us. (The Holy Pascha)
We can all relate to the father who cries out to Jesus, "help my unbelief!" But Fr Tom teaches us that focusing on the unchanging promises of God will keep us faithful.
On the Third Sunday of the Great Fast, the Church places the precious cross of our Lord in the midst of the temple for our veneration and contemplation. Fr Tom reminds us that the scriptures present the cross as a sign both of comfort and of judgment, encouraging us to fulfill the Lenten effort to take up our cross and follow Christ. (Veneration of the Precious Cross)
In the gospel reading for the second Sunday of Great Lent, Christ heals a man of debilitating paralysis. But Fr Tom reminds us that Jesus reveals something even more important, that He forgives sins as the eternal Son of God. (Second Sunday of Great Lent - Healing of the Paralytic)
On this first Sunday of Lent we celebrate the historical Triumph of Orthodoxy over the Iconoclasts. Fr Tom reminds us that we also need an ever-present Triumph of Orthodoxy in our lives to fulfill the evangelical call of Christ. (Sunday of Orthodoxy)
On the day before the beginning of Great Lent, the Church teaches us that our journey of repentance begins with offering forgiveness. Fr Tom reminds us that forgiveness is the essential action to grow in the likeness of God, because it is what He freely offers to us. (Forty-first Sunday after Pentecost - Forgiveness Sunday)
On the second Sunday before the beginning of the Great Fast the Church calls to our attention the Last Judgment. Fr Tom teaches us that our fate at the appearance of the Son of Man in His glory will be determined by our reaction to the brightness of His Love and Mercy. (Sunday of the Last Judgment)
As we approach the Great Fast, the parable of the Prodigal Son prepares our hearts to return to God. Fr Tom teaches us that in this important parable we learn the truth about who we can be and who God is. (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)
Short-of-stature Zacchaeus overcomes his obstacles to seeing Jesus. Fr Tom reminds us that our actions and behaviors reveal to the world and to God what things are most important to us, but we can rise above the crowd of the world in order to be united with God. (Thirty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost)
Asking for mercy from God is at the heart of the Church's prayer. Fr Tom teaches us that that two seeminly opposing attitudes, humility and boldness, are necessary to continually approach the throne of God. (Thirty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost - The Canaanite Woman)
The Gospel contains both words of comfort and words of challenge and warning. Fr Tom reminds us not to make the mistake of listening only to messages which comfort us, but to live up to the words that challenge our faith to continue on the difficult way of Christ. (Thirty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost)
Throughout the scriptures the imagery of the supper is used to depict the hospitality of God toward us. Fr Tom reminds us to respond well to the invitation to be united to Christ. (Twenty-ninth Sunday after Pentecost. Sermon given in Florida.)
The Creed which we profess states that God created things "visible and invisible." Fr Tom reminds us that there is an invisible warfare constantly being waged on us, and we must be prepared by putting on the whole armor of God.
As the popular holiday of Thanksgiving in the USA approaches, we gather around our tables to focus on being thankful to God for the many blessings He has given us. Fr Tom reminds us that the only thing we will take with us when we die is our virtue, not our 'stuff.'
While the story of the Good Samaritan can inspire us to do good works, Fr Tom reminds us that ultimately the parable points to something much greater: Our salvation. (Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost)
On Friday, October 29, 2010, St Nicholas Church in McKees Rocks/Pittsburgh was vandalized. The assailants smashed through a stained glass window, ripped down a royal door, and overturned a candle stand. Fr Tom reminded his flock that though these trials may come, no one can take away the gift of our faith in God. (Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost)
We are partakers of the rich mercies and blessings that God has liberally poured out upon our lives. Fr Tom reminds us that all of our blessings, both spiritual and material, are meant to be freely given to others, just as they have been given to us. (Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost)
Our God is not a benign spirit in the sky. Our God is the God Who reaches out to us in our sinfulness. Fr Tom teaches us that we are called to have a life-changing encounter with the God Who snatches us from the grip of sin and death. (Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost)
God did not create sickness and disease nor does He desire for us to suffer. However, Fr Tom teaches us that the sovereign God uses suffering to draw us closer to Him. (Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
Christ was obedient to His Father in all things. Fr Tom teaches us that God blesses those who are obedient to His commands and the result of loving obedience to God is the growth of the Church. (Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
Membership in the Body of Christ is not like being a member of any human organization. Fr Tom teaches us the words of our Lord which clearly state that begin a joined to Him requires total commitment. (Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross)
Even though we live in a pluraistic society, Orthodox Christians must uphold the uniqueness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fr Tom teaches us that Christ and the Cross are not simply one way to the Father, but the only way. (Sunday before the Elevation of the Precious Cross)
The scriptures are replete with examples describing the union between God and His people as a marriage. Fr Tom teaches us that the intimate union God desires to have with us begins with our baptism. It's up to us, however, to keep our garment undefiled in order to worthily partake of the eternal Marriage Supper of the Lamb with His Bride. (Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Beheading of St John the Baptist)
As Christians, we have been entrusted with the Kingdom of God. But this great gift comes with a responsibility. Fr Tom explains that the parable of the Vinedressers is God's warning to us to fulfill our essential mission to grow the Church. (Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
The readings presented by the Church on this day remind us of the most fundamental teachings about what we believe and who we are called to be as Christians. As we celebrate the Falling Asleep of the Mother of God, Fr Tom tells us that the Virgin Mary is the one who embodies hearing and keeping those most basic teachings. (Dormition of the Mother of God, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)
Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel message and Christian experience. As Christians living in the community of faith, we are called to share all things in common. Fr Tom explains that this includes sharing the mercy and compassion with one another that we first received from Christ. (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)
Sermon on the First Sunday after Pentecost - All Saints (Hebrews 11:33-12:2; Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30)
Sermon on the Sunday of the Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem (Philippians 4:4-9; John 12:1-18)
Sermon on the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (II Timothy 3:10-15; Luke 18:10-14)