From the Amvon: Recent Episodes
Fr. John Whiteford, and Ancient Faith Ministries
Fr. John notes that Genesis is read extensively during Lent and discusses the difference between being in the image of God and attaining the likeness of God.
Fr. John talks about the Lenten season and takes us to the Prophet Joel who admonishes Israel to not just rend their garments but also their hearts as true repentance.
Fr. John reflects on two "Meetings of the Lord": one joyful like that of St. Symeon, and the other on the last day when Christ returns.
Fr. John relates the story of St. Maria of Gatchina, who suffered greatly and patiently with a long life of terrible illness, and was a spiritual mother to lay people and clergy alike on her path to martyrdom during the Russian Revolution.
Fr. John explores the ministry of St. John the Baptist and his preaching on preparation for meeting Christ, a call that remains for all who come to Him even today.
Fr. John discusses the genealogy of Christ and the importance of reading Scripture to both enrich our spiritual life and more fully engage in the services of the church.
Fr. John discusses the meaning of "many are called but few are chosen" in light of the preaching of the Gospel.
Fr. John discusses The Ten Lepers and the biblical analogies about sin, leprosy, healing and repentance.
Fr. John discusses what it means to "walk circumspectly" in our Christian life and relationships to others.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the importance of edifying influences, such as Scripture and the saints.
Fr. John Whiteford continues his series of homilies on the Psalms of Ascent, this time focusing on Psalm 125.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about the name of Jesus in context of Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1:1-25).
Fr. John Whiteford continues his exploration of the Psalms of Ascent, focusing this time on Psalm 121.
Fr. John Whiteford explores the true meaning of loving our enemies, as demonstrated in Luke 6:27-36.
Fr. John Whiteford shares the story of the Kursk-Root Icon as a reminder that God always prevails over evil.
In the context of Mark 8:34 and Matthew 7:13-14, Fr. John Whiteford discusses how churches should be places of moral challenge, rather than marketing ploys.
Fr. John Whiteford explains the purpose and importance of the Hymns of Ascent. Psalm 119 is featured.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses true and false prophecy and the telling of difficult truths. Passages discussed are Jeremiah 26:11-19 and Matthew 19:16-26.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the meaning of the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-25).
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the meaning of the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-25).
Fr. John Whiteford explains the importance of our cooperation with God in our salvation. (1 Corinthians 3:1-9; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; John 15:1-8)
Fr. John Whiteford calls us to believe and live the true Orthodox faith. (1 Timothy 6:11-16)
Fr. John Whiteford speaks on the life of St. Anthony of the Kiev Caves, the founder of monasticism in Russia.
Fr. John Whiteford concludes his series of homilies from the Psalms on by discussing where the wicked and the righteous end up, and why we should put our hope in God. (PSALM 26:25-40)
Fr. John Whiteford offers a corrective perspective when viewing the 'success' of the wicked, and how the wicked fret when they see the righteous who rebuke their way of living. (Psalm 36:12-24)
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the call to trust in God and how we can 'fret not.' (Psalm 36[37]:1-11)
Fr. John Whiteford explains how the saints in heaven help us in his homily from the Sunday of All Saints 2023.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the Feast of Holy Pentecost about the seal of the Holy Spirit.
Fr. John Whiteford speaks about our need to know and love the truth so that we can stand firm in the faith. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17)
Archpriest Geoffrey Korz explains the historical practice of paganism and its resurgence today. (John 9:1-38)
Fr. John Whiteford describes the important role of motherhood as seen through life of the Theotokos, the mother of our Lord.
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the great love and faith the Myrrh-Bearing Women had for their Lord.
Fr. John Whiteford considers the costliness of worship in response to the extravagant love of God. (Palm Sunday 2023)
Fr. John Whiteford reminds us of the importance of forgiveness for our life in Christ. (Colossians 3:1-17)
Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the expectation of the coming judgment and the life that is to come. (2 Peter 3:1-13)
Fr. John Whiteford helps us to understand how to receive suffering in a way that is redemptive in our lives. (Acts 14:19-22)
Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the story of Jacob selling his birthright to his brother Esau, and helps us understand it through the lens of our lives today. (Genesis 25:19-34)
Fr. John Whiteford shares the depth of God's love for us, and how we can abide it in. (1 John 4:12-19)
Fr. John Whiteford shares about the healing power of Christ through the story of the woman who had an issue of blood. (Luke 8:41-56)
Fr. John Whiteford helps us to understand how to discern between the evil spirits, who seek our destruction, and those who worship the Holy Trinity and desire our good. (1 John 4:1-6)
Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the temptations of wealth and the need to align our resources with the Kingdom of God. (1 Timothy 6:3-10)
Fr. John Whiteford preaches from the story of Hosea in which God calls his unfaithful people to repentance. (Hosea 14)
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the victory over heresy, winning the spiritual war, by the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (Psalm 149).
Fr. John Whiteford preaches on the account of St. Paul's discourse on Mars Hill (Acts 17:18-34).
Fr. John Whiteford commemorates the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. (1 John 3:18-24)
Fr. John Whiteford encourages Christians to live up to our high calling in Christ Jesus, through the Parable of the Talents. (Matthew 25:14-30)
Fr. John shares about the particular relationship that the Mother of God has with her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fr. John reflects on what is necessary for us to become fruitful in the Kingdom of God.
Fr. John shares the story of David, Saul, and Doeg the Edomite as an example of the end of the wicked.
Fr. John shares the story of the martyrdom of the Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family as an encouragement for us to be faithful no matter what we face in life.
Fr. John preaches on the significance of the Feast of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Fr. John preaches on St. Paul's reflection on his life and the coming judgment, from Acts 20:18-35.
Fr. John reflects on lessons to be learned from the tragedy of the school shooting in Ulvade, Texas.
“A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, 'You are mad; you are not like us.” ― St. Antony the Great
Fr. John Whiteford preaches about the encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, from Luke 24:13-35.
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the miracle of the feeding of the multitudes, reminding us that God provides heavenly food for us.
Fr. John Whiteford uses verses from Matthew 9 and Luke 11 to remind his congregation that Christ will be with us through every trial we encounter, if we let him in.
Fr. John Whiteford delivers a homily about the life of St.Seraphim of Sarov. August 1 is the anniversary of his birth, according to the Julian Calendar.
Fr. John Whiteford delivers a homily on the relationship of faith and depression, using the life of the Prophet Jeremiah.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the life of New Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth to encourage the listeners to live a life of perseverance in the faith. Nothing is won without struggle and sacrifice.
Fr. John Whiteford uses Psalm 5 to remind his congregation that it is suffering that gives our prayers suction.
There is value in being friends with the saints, and Fr. John Whiteford uses the life of St. Matrona as an example.
On the final Sunday of Pascha, Fr. John Whiteford reminds us to come humbly and meekly towards Christ.
Fr. John Whiteford continues discussing Psalm 65, reminds the congregation about joy and suffering.
Fr. John Whiteford encourages his parishioners (and listeners) to prioritize the services of Holy Week, leading up to Pascha.
Fr. John Whiteford speaks about St. Mary of Egypt and how she opened her heart up to God's great mercy in order to become the great saint she is today. He reminds us that we must emulate St. Mary of Egypt by opening up our own hearts to put God first in our lives.
Fr. John Whiteford encourages his congregation on the Sunday of St. John Climacus to continue to pursue what is fruitful during this Lenten period.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses Passover and the importance of marking the doorposts of our hearts.
Fr. John Whiteford addresses what we know and do not know in our understanding of who God is.
On the first Sunday of Lent, Fr. John Whiteford reminds his congregation to pray for all people, including those in and out of the Church.
Using a line from the Joni Mitchell song "Woodstock", Fr. John Whiteford reminds us of the focus we should have during this Lenten season - returning to the Garden.
On Meatfare Sunday, Fr. John Whiteford delivers a homily about embracing the love of God.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the story of the Prodigal Son to remind us that we are never too far from the Love of God.
In preparation for the coming Lenten period, Fr. John Whiteford encourages us to keep our spiritual fires burning strong.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the life (and stature) of Zacchaeus to encourage his listeners in their faith.
Fr. John Whiteford reminds his congregation to turn to the lives of the Russian martyrs for inspiration to stay strong in the faith.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the life of St. Athanasius, to discuss the importance of standing firm in our faith.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the epistle from Theophany, Titus 2:11-15, to discuss the feast.
In preparation for Theophany, Fr. John Whiteford reminds his listeners to turn to Christ in times of hardship.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the reality of our actions in this life, and how that effects our salvation.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the challenges of the past year to remind his congregation to focus on blessing the Lord through our words and actions.
Fr. John Whiteford exhorts his listeners to keep strong in their faith in God, during every battle with the devil.
Fr. John Whiteford reminds us to keep our trust in the Kingdom, and not to invest our efforts and hope in earthly leaders and possessions.
Fr. John Whiteford's homily speaks about the anxiety we rightfully feel during this election season but reminds us that our kingdom is not of this world. We must remember to keep our trust in the Lord, lay aside our earthly cares, and look to Him, and not politics, for our deliverance.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the passage from Luke 7 to remind us that God arranges everything according to His providence.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches about the life of St. Philaret of Moscow, on the Synaxis of the Commemoration of the Hierarchs of Moscow.
Despite the hardships in the world today, Fr. John Whiteford encourages us to shine God's light into the world.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses Paul's epistle to the Galations, specifically chapter 3, verses 1-14.
Looking at verse 13 of Matthew 6, Fr. John Whiteford concludes his series of the Lord's Prayer.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about happiness in this life, and learning to lose ourselves for the love of our neighbors.
Fr. John Whiteford continues the discussion of the Lord's Prayer by looking at Matthew 6:12.
Fr. John Whiteford looks at Matthew 6:11, in the third sermon in his series on the Lord's Prayer.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches about the procession of the cross, which we celebrate on August 14th in the New Calendar.
Fr. John Whiteford continues his discussion on the Lord's Prayer. He talks about the importance of seeking to do God's will with all our hearts so that His will shall be done in us on earth the same as it is done in heaven.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about the Lord's Prayer, its different elements, and when Christ taught His disciples about the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches from John Chapter 3 verses 4-10, saying that to be a Christian is to live like a Christian. None of us are perfect but we must strive to overcome our sins and not give in to the devil.
Fr. John Whiteford's Sunday sermon, talking about how we need to anchor ourselves in God in order to make it through any hardship.
Saturday's Sermon, by the assistant priest, Fr. David Companik, speaking about building a strong foundation in God to withstand the earthly struggles and cares of life.
Fr. John Whiteford dives into a sermon about the lives of the saints, focusing on the story of St. Nicholas of Japan.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses faith, which is defined as the substance of things hoped for, and how we put it in the hands of things less trustworthy than God every day.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches about the Apodosis or Leavetaking of Pascha. He speaks to the importance of living our lives always preparing for Pascha instead of taking our time for granted as we do not know the hour of our death.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the importance of keeping our minds on Christ, especially in this time of earthly peril.
Fr. John Whiteford uses Acts 16 to describe for us the way we should glorify God in the midst of persecution.
Fr. John Whiteford uses Psalm 66 to instill the importance of sharing our light with the world.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the Gospel accounts of the life of St. John of Arimathea to illustrate our dedication to Christ.
Fr. John Whiteford delivers an exhortation to learn from this quarantine and use that spiritual wisdom in life moving forward.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about the struggles of Great Lent and Holy Week and exhorts us to continue in the fast with strength.
During this difficult time, Fr. John Whiteford gives a message of hope in God, using the challenges of the life of St. John of Shanghai.
Fr. John Whiteford shares from Mark 8:35 and tells the story of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches a message of hope during this difficult time, looking at passages from Matthew 10:28-31.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about the Last Judgment. How can a loving God send someone to eternal punishment?
Fr. John Whiteford shares about the lives of new martyrs and confessors of Russia, including St. Cyril of Kazan.
Fr. John Whiteford preaches from Psalm 118:169-176, the final part of the 22 part sermon series.
Fr. John Whiteford examines how the crossing of the Jordan shows the means by which we enter into the promise life of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God. He references Joshua 3:1-4:24 to discuss how we enter the Kingdom of God in our lives as Christians every day.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the Theophany and the role of Christ's baptism in our lives. Fr. John discusses this through Matthew 3:13-17.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the lives of Sennacherib and Hezekiah from passages 2 Kings 18:1-19:37 and Isaiah 36:1-37:38.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and how we must apply it to our own lives.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about the Great Commission that Christ gave to his disciples, from Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 24:44-49.
Fr. John talks about the life of the greatmartyr Euphemia and the impact she had on the church community after her repose.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses Psalm 41:1-5, and the importance of longing to be closer to Christ.
Fr. John Whiteford speaks about the Nativity of St. John the Baptist from Luke 1:5-25,57-80.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the importance of understanding the correlation between earthly and spiritual sickness, as well as modern loneliness.
Fr. John Whiteford tells the inspirational stories of Russian Martyrs from 100 years ago and encourages us to prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the importance of reading Matthew 1 during the Nativity season.
Fr. John Whiteford shares about the Good Samaritan and the story of his father-in-law's life in Communist China.
Fr. John Whiteford uses a passage from John 3 to convey the importance of salvation to walk in a newness of life.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses 1 Timothy 5:3-16, and notes that "We can’t call ourselves Christians if we don’t care for our own."
Fr. John Whiteford uses Matthew 5: 21-26 to comment on the importance of setting aside all unnecessary anger and chastisement.
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on 1st Corinthians 3, and the importance of keeping the temple of the body pure.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and the importance of filling ourselves with good things.
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the importance of having the Mind of Christ, from 1 Corinthians 2:11-16.
Fr. John Whiteford tells about St. Mitrophan, the first Chinese priest and martyr of the Boxer Rebellion, and encourages us to stand firm in the Faith.
Fr. John Whiteford discusses the need for perseverance as we struggle to get closer to God.
Fr. John Whiteford uses Psalm 2 to speak on the individuality of humanity and the importance of trusting in God.
Fr. John Whiteford reflects on the role of the Myrrhbearing women, and the true meaning of the words Christ is Risen.
Fr. John Whiteford uses the Ladder of Divine Ascent, written by St. John Climacus, to signify the importance of obedience.
Fr. John Whiteford comments on the role of Proverbs in Great Lent, by speaking on Proverbs 1:1-7.
Fr. John Whiteford refers back to the Fall of Adam and Eve when contemplating the most recent school shooting.
Fr. John Whiteford speaks on the importance of having solid roots in our faith, using the examples of the New Martyrs during the Communist Era.
Fr. John Whiteford speaks on the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, and the importance of repentance in understanding our relationship with Christ.
Fr. John Whiteford speaks about supporting the works of the church and the importance of giving Christ the reins of your heart.
Fr. John Whiteford talks about the name of the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ.
Fr. John talks about the importance of living according to the gospel and remaining a part of the Christian race.
Fr. John talks about what it means to be a Christian, using the epistle reading from Colossians.
Fr. John delivers an important exhortation regarding the Kursk icon, including the history and stories of the miracles that it has wrought.
Fr. John uses the prophecy of Micah to relate the importance of being prepared to receive Christ.
Fr. John speaks from Psalm 118, and the importance of not only understanding God's will, but also doing it.
Fr. John comments on Ephesians 2 and James 2, and the role of faith and works in the mystery of our salvation.
Fr. John talks about Luke 7, the raising of the widow's son, and how important it is to remember the timing of God.
Fr. John shares from Luke 8:5-15, and the importance of planting our life in Christ in good soil.
Fr. John uses the passage from Philippians 4 to illustrate the importance of being grounded in Christ.
Fr. John uses the passage of John 3:14-21 to illustrate Christ's love and the importance of going to His light.
Fr. John shares about the sanctity of marriage and familial love. He also draws from the relationship of Saints Peter and Febronia as examples of the importance of commitment to Christ.
Fr. John shares from Genesis 13, providing the comparison between the corruption of Lot and the social mentality of the 21st century.
Fr. John talks about All-Saints Sunday, and the importance of giving yourself to God without reservation.
Fr. John talks about Pentecost, the history of the feast, and relates it to the importance of knowing the fullness of the Holy Spirit within us.
Fr. John uses Psalm 118, and the life of King David, to discuss the importance of living according to God's will.
Fr. John talks about St. John the Theologian and the importance of connecting and loving each other.
Fr. John uses the story of the Samaritan woman to illustrate the significance of mothers.
Fr. John talks about the life of Saint Tabitha (Acts 9:32-42) and compares her raising to that of Jairus' daughter by Christ.
Fr. John reflects on the myrrhbearing women and apostles in how they reacted to Christ annulling the curse of death.
Fr. John shares about the cleansing of the temple from Matthew 21:12-14, Mark 11:15-19, and Luke 19:45-48.
Fr. John shares about the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, and the story of the life of St. Mary of Egypt.
Fr. John shares from 1 Timothy 4:12-15, in which St. Paul exhorts Timothy to set an example for the believers.
Fr. John shares the story of the healing of the woman who was bent over for 18 years, from Luke 13:10-17.
Metropolitan Jonah reflects on the importance of the Temple and Mary's role in our salvation.
Fr. John shares from the story of Christ and His apostles in the calming of the Galilee Sea (Mark 4:35-41).
Fr. John talks about the importance of marriage and family life. (Genesis 1:27; 2:18-25)
Fr. John shares about the miracle of the healing of the blind men, from Matthew 9:27-35.
Fr. John shares from the Evangelist John's words to the Church of Sardis in the book of the Revelation (3:1-6).
Fr. John shares from Psalm 118:65-72. "God puts people in our lives because He's trying to teach us things. When we encounter a difficult person, rather than necessarily trying to seek how we can get as far away from that person as we can, maybe we should ask ourselves, 'What is God trying to teach me?' and try to learn that lesson as quickly as we can."
Fr. John shares about love and forgiveness from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:43-48).
On the Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. John talks about spiritual self-deception from John 9:39-41.
On May 28, Fr. John spoke at a music conference hosted by the Patriarch Tikhon Russian American Music Institute (PaTRAM) at St. Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
Guest homilist Hieromonk Alexander (Reichert) shares encouragement from the Healing of the Paralytic.
Fr. John talks about the contrast between Mary (the sister of Lazarus) and Judas, from John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9.
Fr. John shares about the healing of the man with palsy, let down through the roof by his four friends (from Mark 2:1-12). He mentions St. Gregory of Palamas' explanation of our friends who help lead us to Christ for healing: self-condemnation, confession of our sins, renunciation of our sins, and prayer.
On the Sunday of the Last Judgment, Fr. John also shares from Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, and Revelation 20:11-12,15.
Fr. John talks about the impossibility of repentance without a changed life, from Luke 19:1-10.
Fr. John shares about the life of the New-Hieromartyr Vladimir of Kiev to strengthen us for the trials in our lives.
Fr. John shares the stories of the raising of Jairus' daughter and the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus deals with each of us where we are.
Fr. John talks about the necessity and importance of developing regular disciplines in our lives as we follow Christ.
Fr. John discusses an Orthodox Christian response when asked, "What did Jesus say about homosexuality?"
Fr. John reminds us of the story of the Prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel. "Let us say with the prophet, 'My God is the Lord,' and serve him faithfully, and slay the false prophets of the demons in our hearts, which are the passions."
Fr. John talks about the importance of taking time to read and understand the Scriptures.
Fr. John shares about the healing of the paralytic in John 5. "Let us endure whatever hardships we may face in this life and accept them as being for our salvation, so that a worse thing will not come upon us. Having been healed of our sins, we may rise up on that final day and enter into Paradise."
Fr. John shares from Acts 3:1-8. "We, apart from God's grace, are unable to offer God the true and spiritual worship that He requires of us. But if we will come to the Temple and beg for His mercy, He will say to us, 'Rise up and walk.' If we've come and still feel ourselves to be spiritual cripples, we need to not give up, but take every opportunity to come to the Temple of God, because this is where what we need spiritually is to be found."
Fr. John shares some of the cultural context of the story of the sinful woman and the Pharisee to better understand our own need of repentance, from Luke 7:36-50.
Fr. John shares about the life of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. "It's through our struggle that we are saved. There's a crown that's waiting for each and every one of us, but we have to take up the struggle and endure to the end."
Fr. John shares about how the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord fits in with the Old Testament and today.
Fr. John shares from Matthew 4:1-11. "It's necessary for us to fast so that we don't become fat and happy and forget that we need God, but it's also necessary for us to to feed ourselves daily on the Word of God."
Fr. John talks about the importance of repentance from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 3:1-11.
Fr. John answers the question, "Is God a God of love or of wrath?" as he looks at the Prophet Nahum.
Fr. John shares the example of Joseph, the son of Jacob, as an example of God's sovereignty.
Fr. John talks about Saint Paul's exhortation in 1 Corinthians 14:40, as it relates to traditions in worship.
Today's sermon is by Archbishop Gabriel (Chemodakov) of Montreal, who visited our parish on the eve of our patronal feast day (St. Jonah).
Fr. John talks about denying ourselves. "We want to be happy in the next life more than we want to be happy in this life."
Fr. John continues his series from Psalm 118, "Wherewithal shall a young man correct his way? By keeping Thy words."
Fr. John relates St. John's words to the Church of Pergamos, mentioned in Revelation 2:12-17, to us today.
Fr. John asks the question, "Will your children remain in the Church?" (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) and gives suggestions for parents to pass along the faith.
Fr. John, on the commemoration of the Smolensk icon of the Theotokos, explains the Orthodox belief of the ever-virginity of Mary.
Fr. John challenges us to learn from the example and words of the Prophet Ezekiel to turn to God for his love and mercy.
Fr. John shares about humbly using our spiritual gifts, from Romans 12:1-13.
Please note: "At one point in the sermon I mentioned Arsenius the Athonite, but actually meant to refer to the Elder Paisios, and the book I referred to is http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Paisios-Mount-Athos-Isaac/dp/960897643X"
Fr. John talks about the role of the law in the Old and New Testaments in our salvation.
Fr. John discusses our need to trust in God, from Matthew 6:22-33 and the example of St. Philaret the Almsgiver.
Fr. John shares about Christ's calling of the fishermen at Galilee, reflecting on his recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Fr. John addresses the differences between true and false unity as it relates to the Orthodox Church and Roman Catholicism.
Fr. John shares how, like the man born blind whom Jesus healed and his parents, we too have a choice whether or not we will stand with Christ. John 9 and Hebrews 13:11-13.
Fr. John shares from Psalm 117:1-14. "When we depend on ourselves, we cannot succeed. When we put our hope in God, we cannot fail."