The method by which the Orthodox Church receives converts is a very controversial topic, and one which has provoked much online discussion. Should a convert be received by baptism, by chrismation alone, or perhaps simply after a recantation of previously-held errors? All three methods have been used in the past. And which groups should be received in which ways? Should the Oriental Orthodox (such as Copts and Armenians) be received in the same way as Pentecostals? What about Roman Catholics? The issue is far from clear, and has usually generated much more heat than light.

Fr. Apostolos shares about St. Mary of Egypt and other "rascal" saints.

Fr. Apostolos shares on the Sunday of the Paralytic. "Once healed and loosed from his paralysis, the paralytic took up his mat and started walking. So too must we shake off whatever form of spiritual paralysis has us in its grip and start walking actively, energetically, and intentionally in the Holy Orthodox faith God has given us."

Fr. Apostolos talks about God's mercy.

Fr. Apostolos Hill delivers a homily detailing the bridal imagery running through the Divine Liturgy and the Bridegroom Matins services of the week.

During the annual parish festival, Fr. Apostolos Hill addresses the difference between the Church building which patrons toured, and the Church which--or rather, who--were serving them on the festival grounds.

Fr. Apostolos speaks about the evangelical imperative of the Apostolicity of the Church.

Fr. Maxym Lysack addresses a question about the Jesus Prayer.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

All Saints of North America - Second Sunday after Pentecost

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Asking for mercy from God is at the heart of the Church's prayer. Fr Tom teaches us that that two seeminly opposing attitudes, humility and boldness, are necessary to continually approach the throne of God. (Thirty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost - The Canaanite Woman)

The parable of the Good Samaritan is among the most beloved of all stories in scripture. Fr Tom reminds us that showing mercy to those who have fallen into the ravages of sin is essential to their healing. (Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost)

The feast of the Circumcision of Christ stands as a bridge between the old and new covenants. As we begin the new year, Fr Tom reminds us that we should resolve to fulfill the "Circumcision of Christ," our baptism. (Sunday before the Theophany)

The awesome day of the Lord's return in glory to judge the earth is presented powerfully by the words of the Lord Himself. Fr Tom reminds us that we will experience the mercy and truth of God's presence as the ultimate judgment of how we've lived His command to love God and neighbor.

Jesus issued a stern warning in the book of Revelation for the church which was lukewarm and apathetic: "I will spit you out of my mouth." Fr Thomas reminds us that every Divine Service we attend at church, we have an opportunity "practice" the unity and care that we're called to manifest every day of the week. (7th Sunday after Pentecost)

The parable of the Good Samaritan is universally known as an encouragement to good works, to serve those who are in need. Fr Thomas reminds us that behind the parable is a deeper meaning which helps us experience the Church as a spiritual hospital.

The feast of Theophany heralds the light which overcomes all darkness. Fr. Thomas reminds us that this darkness, which is present in many places in our life, is destroyed by the truth and life of Christ himself.

Bishops and priests are most accountable before God for the state of the church. But Fr Thomas reminds us that all of us share responsibility for our church communities and gives practical advice on how to remain faithful and focused.

Christ crossed over a border to hear the pleas of the Canaanite woman and heal her daughter. But more than a story about a healing, Fr Thomas delivers an important lesson about the makeup of the Church that every parish and every parishioner needs to hear: The Church isn't just for your kind of people.

In some Orthodox traditions, the story of Zacchaeus is the first reminder of the coming of Great Lent. Fr Thomas teaches us that Zacchaeus exhibits the zeal that is an essential prerequisite for true conversion, the conversion that Christ desires of us during the Great and Holy Fast.

Modern western societies are experiencing decreasing interest in attending church. Even some Orthodox Christian families are succumbing to secular activities on Sunday morning instead of gathering together as God's People in the church. Using the story of St Thomas' encounter with Christ eight days after His Resurrection, Fr Thomas teaches why coming to church is so important, and reminds us that, if we miss church, we miss a lot!

The healing of blind Bartimaeus is is the last public healing Christ performs before His passion. Fr Thomas teaches us that this "last message" of Christ to the world is an important one even today: give up your stubborn willfulness and throw yourself into the mercy of God.

On the Sunday of the Healing of the Paralytic, Fr Thomas took the opportunity to speak honestly and encouragingly to his congregation about what it is to be a healthy church. Using the gospel and epistle readings, he gently reminded them that we're called to be a house of mercy, intentionally Christian, and a place of good works and of love for one another.

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers comes at an important point in the life of Christ, only days before his crucifixion. Jesus reveals the Scribes and Pharisees to be those who rejected the message of the prophets, and now they're going to kill God's Son. Fr Thomas reminds us that, in our own day, those who reject the message and the messengers by choosing the world's lies about God and humanity over the truth we receive in the Church commit the same grave error. (Matthew 21:33-44)

Fr Thomas challenges us to recognize that our task as Christians is not simply to come to church to be fed for our own purposes, but to be sent out to build up the body of Christ.

The societal and moral changes sweeping across the world pose profound challenges to Orthodox Christian believers. Fr Thomas reminds us that we must face these challenges squarely and never compromise what we believe by adopting worldly values.

At the celebration of the feast of All Saints of North America, Fr Thomas shows us the relationship between the holiness demonstrated in the lives of the Saints and our mission as Christians in the world.

Is the Kingdom of God some far away concept of heaven? Dn. Luke shares with us the tools the Church has provided to live as citizens in the Kingdom of God here and now as well as how to joyfully prepare for the fullness of the Kingdom at Christ's second coming.

As we read the story of blind Bartimaeus, Fr. Tom reminds us that when we know who Jesus truly is, and ask His mercy, He will heal us.

Fr. Tom discusses how God makes the Church for growth . . . and not just numerical growth.

The story of Zacchaeus teaches us that God does everything possible, including becoming a man, to seek our union with Him. (Luke 19:1-10) 37th Sunday after Pentecost

Although commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son this story in the gospel today is misnamed. It should rather be called: “the parable of the merciful Father” for the story concentrates all its attention on the compassion of the father.

The faith that overcomes the world is the true faith, Orthodoxy, not heterodoxy or otherwise believing.

This is the fulfilment of our divine vocation on earth ... to be the people of the covenant, ever relating to the trustworthy God with loving faith and to all people with that very self-same love with which He both loves us and loves all.

When we are commanded by our Lord to be merciful even as our Heavenly Father is merciful this means that we must try by an entire reliance on God and His grace to become in this world as God is in this world, merciful.

Fr. Gregory reads the two-part letter from Patriarch John X.

Fr. Gregory Hallam presents a small selection of the Holy Fathers on the discipline of fasting.

The appointment of Deacons in the church is the subject of today's sermon by Deacon Emmanuel Kahn.

Fr. Gregory preaches on the feast of St Aidan, patron saint of the parish.

Fr. Gregory begins with the children and then Fr. Emmanuel concludes with the sermon for Pascha.

Fr. Emmanuel and Fr. Gregory team together to celebrate the life of St. James but also to reflect on the growth of St. Aidan's.

Fr. Gregory Hallam says we are often not aware of how much we owe the Lord, how he looks after us, how he guides and protects us.

Fr. Gregory Hallam gives the sermon for Sunday, August 12, 2018.