by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher The goal of the parish is to contribute to the salvation of souls.  Because there is a correlation between salvation and spiritual health, a parish is “successful” if it is conducive to spiritual health.   How much the people love God: how well they keep Christ’s commandments, and how strong their faith, prayer, humility, and reverence are;   How much the people love their neighbors: in the degree of unity in the parish so that “one soul is seen in many bodies” (St. Basil the Great), and in … [Read more...]

By Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher This liturgical phrase occurs in the closing prayers of the services of sunset (Vespers) and early morning (Matins), and as a refrain in certain Canons (i.e., extended prayers based on nine Biblical songs).  It is both a statement and a petition for the Virgin Mary to help us. Consider that God is not the only subject of the verb to save.  St. Paul writes: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22).  To Timothy: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.  Continue … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher “The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.  Jesus answered him, ‘I spoke openly to the world.  I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.  Why do you ask Me?  Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them.  Indeed they know what I said.’” (John 18:19-21) Christianity, like many religions, can be characterized by its doctrine, its particular teaching(s).  One of the earliest Christian documents beside the … [Read more...]