Reflection on Acts 2:38-39

Post date:   2016-10-22
Autor:   BCP
In his sermon, Peter spoke about Jesus, His death and resurrection. In the end, he said painful words: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” On hearing those words of accusation – whom you crucified – the pilgrims could take offence. They came to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Pentecost; many of them had not been there on the feast of Passover. They could not influence the Jewish council of elders headed by Annas and Caiaphas who exploited Pilate and forced him into committing a crime of justice – the killing of the innocent Christ. However, they neither took offence nor clenched their fists nor shouted fanatically like the hateful crowd on the feast of Passover a few weeks ago. They asked penitently: “What shall we do?” Do I ask myself the same question? What should I do for the sake of my salvation and the salvation of my household and my nation? Peter said to them that they should repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Let us be men of faith like Abraham (video)

Post date:   2016-10-20
Autor:   BCP
Let us be men of faith like Abraham. + Elijah Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

An appeal to the American people before the election

Post date:   2016-10-19
Autor:   BCP
Dear American Christians and people of good will, the presidential elections in previous years do not compare with this historic moment! Whether there had been this or that candidate running for presidency, both of them represented the program of the behind-the-scenes elite which pursued gradual elimination of moral and spiritual values as well as of orthodox Christianity. Today God gives a new chance in the person of a similar candidate in order to turn America in this historic moment away from the inclined path leading to both temporal and eternal hell! None of the US citizens will be able to make excuses before the judgment seat of God that he became a victim of higher politics. Through this election, God puts the US’ destiny in the hands of every single US citizen – in your hands!

To remain faithful to God in essential things (video)

Post date:   2016-10-16
Autor:   BCP
To remain faithful to God in essential things. + Elijah Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

Life becomes fruitful through the cross

Post date:   2016-10-13
Autor:   BCP
Through the cross our life becomes fruitful, otherwise we would die of apathy or vanity. Many times we do not give thanks for our cross but rather avoid it; however, if we begin to give thanks, the Lord will gradually fill us with joy and we will be happy that we could deny ourselves instead of groaning or being in fear.

One for all, all for one

Post date:   2016-10-12
Autor:   BCP
Although the four musketeers were fighters of the world, fighting in unity against evil and against church hierarchy, there was a lot of sense in their motto, if correctly understood: One for all, all for one. Jesus is the One because He has already died for us, and He wants to build this unity in us all.

Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (video)

Post date:   2016-10-11
Autor:   BCP
Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. + Elijah Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

Abraham trusted in God with all his heart (video)

Post date:   2016-10-09
Autor:   BCP
Abraham trusted in God with all his heart. + Elijah Patriarch of the Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

Reflection on Acts 1:5.8

Post date:   2016-10-08
Autor:   BCP
We know from experience that just as it was not enough for the apostles to have a one-time spiritual experience of receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit – the baptism with the Holy Spirit, as the Scripture says – so also it is not enough for us either (Jn 1:33). We need to walk in the Holy Spirit – it means to seek the will of God and to do it by faith. Walking in the Holy Spirit is a lifelong way. The way of following Christ, the way of unity with Christ, the way of a spiritual fight with sin in us and around us as well as a fight against the forces of darkness (Eph 6:12f). The receiving of the Holy Spirit is the beginning, which each of us experiences once in our life; however, walking in the Spirit means to renew the receiving of the Holy Spirit time and again and to do the will of God. However, this is not by our own might but by the power of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The vision of restoration of Christianity in Russia and Ukraine

Post date:   2016-10-06
Autor:   BCP
It is necessary for the Orthodox priests to resolve to devote at least one and a half days a week to God and their souls in prayer and reflection on God’s Word. This would lead to the spiritual resurrection of all Russia and Ukraine.