Interrupting the Silence

Category: Saints

  • The Feast of Thomas Merton

    Today, December 10, we remember, celebrate, and give thanks for the life and resurrection of Thomas Merton. This is a new and welcome commemoration to the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church as set forth in Holy Women, Holy Men – Celebrating the Saints. The date of this commemoration marks the anniversary of Merton’s death.… Read more

  • Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

    In 373, while serving as governor in Northern Italy, Ambrose became involved in the election of the Bishop of Milan as the mediator between the battling factions of Arians (those who believe the Word of God to be a creature) and Athanasians (those who believe the Word of God is fully divine even as the… Read more

  • The Feast of St. John of Damascus

    Today, December 4, is the Feast of John of Damascus. St John has sometimes been described as an unoriginal thinker, a mere compiler of the existing tradition. It was not St. John’s intent to come up with ideas unique to himself. Toward the beginning of his work, The Fountain Head of Knowledge, he writes, “I… Read more

  • The Feast of St. Gregory Palamas

    Today, November 14, is the Feast of St. Gregory Palamas, monk, archbishop, and eminent theologian. He dedicated most of his active life to theological argument focused on one central truth: The living God is accessible to personal experience because he shared his own life with humanity. He taught that humanity’s true knowledge of God comes… Read more

  • Detachment – Opening the Way to Salvation

    A brother came to see Abba Macarius the Egyptian, and said to him, “Abba, give me a word, that I may be saved.” So the old man said, “Go to the cemetery and abuse the dead.” The brother went there, abused them and threw stones at them; then he returned and told the old man… Read more

  • The Feast of Leo the Great

    Today, November 10, is the Feast of Leo the Great (Bishop of Rome 440-461). He was involved in one of the great Christological controversies. The question dealt with the relationship of divinity and humanity in Christ. Eutyches argued a form of monophysitism, the idea the Christ has only one nature. He conflated the two natures… Read more

  • Love Came Down – St. Symeon the New Theologian

    “Love came down, as is its way, in the appearance of a luminous cloud. I saw it fasten on me and settle upon my head. And it made me cry out, for I was so afraid; and so it flew away and left me alone. Then how ardently I searched after it; and suddenly, completely,… Read more

  • A Sermon for the Feast of All Saints

    Today, November 1, is the Feast of All Saints. The collect and scriptures for today can be found here. The lectionary appoints John 11:23-44 as the gospel. As permitted by the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer I lengthened the gospel to begin at verse 17. 17When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had… Read more

  • Unwedded Bride, Agni Parthene, O Virgin Pure

    Refrain: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride! O Virgin pure, immaculate/ O Lady Theotokos O Virgin Mother, Queen of all/ and fleece which is all dewy More radiant than the rays of sun/ and higher than the heavens Delight of virgin choruses/ superior to Angels. Much brighter than the firmament/ and purer than the sun’s light More… Read more