Audio: http://www.orthodox.net/catechism/catechism-2023-03-05+language-of-the-7th-council+how-to-view-the-non-orthodox.mp3 Video: https://youtu.be/4MdY3_sXm2I A question during catechesis about the rough language of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. It’s not something that modern people are accustomed to, and it is something that greatly offends many people. How are we to understand this language, and in a larger sense, how are we to refer to and think about those who consider themselves to be Christians and believe things that the church knows are not true? In other words, what is a heretic, and what is heresy? We also discuss the recent Asbury revival, which any Orthodox Christian should understand with charity and in the light of true Christian teaching. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MdY3_sXm2I

AUDIO: http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/nativity-03_2023+christ-is-born-to-raise-the-image-that-fell-of-old.mp3 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/_SiFhf9ySys The World “celebrates” the Nativity of our Savior with much noise but it is actually a very quiet feast. We talk about the Gospel of Luke, which we read twice on the day before Nativity which shows that the Nativity of our Savior happens in the midst of the mundane. We reflect about how much holiness is around us that we miss. We also talk about the Troparion that is sung on the forefeast and its beautiful ending: “Christ is born to raise the image that fell of old.” All this is happening in the midst of the mundane, with all of our distractions and everything else. Everything matters! Perhaps we can do a little bit more to do things that will prosper us and those we love. Troparion of the Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord, in Tone IV —Once Mary, being with child by a seedless conception, * was registered in Bethlehem with the aged Joseph as being of the seed of David. * The time came for the birth, and there was no room in the inn; * but the cave proved a delightful palace for the Queen. * Christ is born to raise the image that fell of old. Partial, incomplete timestamps 0:00 – 8:10 The whole event of Nativity was missed by most of the world. Only a few animals and a few shepherds knew about it. We look at Luke 2:1-20 and ponder: what are we missing? 8:10 “Once Mary, being with child by a seedless conception…” 09:02 “Christ is born, to raise the image that fell of old.” 09:54 We should be careful … to pay attention to everything. Two simple examples, using my experience with my grandsons). What thing will we do, say, think, and pray that will make the difference? ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SiFhf9ySys