Lord, Send Me

Fr John Parker shares a Tribute to Archbishop Dmitri, Apostle to the South, founder of the Diocese of the South of the Orthodox Church in America. His Eminence reposed on August 28, 2010, at his Episcopal Residence in Dallas, Texas. This tribute is an edited version of Fr Peter Robichau's M.Div. Thesis, prepared for his graduation from St Vladimir's Theological Seminary. Fr Peter's Tribute is published in Alleluia!, an introductory journal of Orthodox Christianity, by Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mount Pleasant, SC. Thank you, Fr Peter! And may Archbishop Dmitri's memory be eternal!

Fr John discusses a visit to the remarkable church built on the site of the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch--a church recently discovered and under excavation in near Bethlehem. The church contains one of the largest baptismal fonts found in Israel.

What does the Orthodox Church have to say about Charlottesville? In the vocabulary of the day, nothing. In the language of the redemption of mankind: the Good News of Redemption found alone in Jesus Christ, and a life committed to imitation of his Royal way. The greatest mistake any human person can make, in this situation or any other, is to think that human means and ways will solve the tragedies and disasters of the fallen world. The solution must come from outside us, above us. Salvation is not found in killing our neighbor or our enemy. Salvation is found is seeing the Lord Jesus Christ in neighbor and in blessing our enemy, both. So if you wish to be saved, and if you want to make “a positive change in the world,” look neither to the Left, nor to the Right. Look up to Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the World.

Fr John reflects on Liturgy at the Tomb of the Lord in Jerusalem

Fr John shares a few nuggets of Gospel living which he heard from a kindhearted Delivery Man, Michael, who came to deliver a playground set to Holy Ascension.

Fr. John reflects on the Resurrection and the importance of Christ's death.

Fr. John shares about some of the Orthodox missionaries from North America and reflects on the beauty of the Holy Saturday services (including baptisms) and Pascha services.

Fr. John reflects on the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles, commemorated on the day following the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. "Their proclamation has gone out into all the world, and their words to the end of the universe."

Fr. John comments about the amount of faith in Jerusalem and urges us to pray fervently.

Fr. John talks about the history of the church in Jerusalem, and the holiness of the tomb of Christ.

Fr. John continues to share from Jerusalem, and he talks about the Church of St. James.

Fr. John begins to discuss his pilgrimage to Jerusalem and how it is important to visit the locations talked about in the New Testament.

Fr. Michael Oleksa shares on the lives of saints in Alaska, the stories of their mission work, and connects his personal experiences with the many diverse cultures found there.

Fr. Michael Oleksa and Dr. Johnny Lake share from their life experiences on the difference between race and culture, and how Western society has skewed the lines between the two.

Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares practical ways about getting involved in missions.

Nathan Hoppe, Orthodox Christian Mission Center missionary to Albania, shares about the Incarnation and missions.

Nathan Hoppe shares reflections on Albania and the call that we have to invite others to meet Christ.

Fr. John encourages us to reflect on death and preparation for life eternal.

Fr. John talks with Sister Ksenia of Saint Elisabeth Convent, Minsk, Belarus.

Recorded on March 17, Fr. John remembers Fr. Thomas Hopko who reposed on March 18, 2015. May his memory be eternal. These links were referenced: Fr. John's reflection soon after Fr. Tom's repose Fr. Tom's lecture on Understanding the Cross Funeral homily by Fr. John Behr