Bright Sat. We cannot withstand all the grace – yet. Explanation of the closing of the altar doors. What was the baptism of John? VIDEO: https://youtu.be/tIKyJWqjEwU AUDIO: http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/pascha-sat-01_2024+we-cannot-withstand-all-the-grace+baptism-of-john_john-3:22-33.mp3 Bright Saturday is the culmination of a joyful week and, therefore, is somewhat bittersweet. On Saturday evening, we will close the Royal doors of the altar, which had been open all week. There are other practices of brightly that we will cease until the next year. Why do we close the Royal doors? It is because of a fundamental aspect of our human nature. We also talk extensively about the baptism of John and how it differs from Christian baptism. We touch on both of the readings for the day: John 3:22-33 and Acts 3:11-16. This homily was preached at St. John the Theologian mission in Hardeman County, Quanah, Texas ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIKyJWqjEwU

We became as men that are comforted. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG9y3p7Pz64

Memory eternal to the blessed saints of North America. Who they were. What they knew. The times in which they lived. Their closeness to each one of us. Recorded at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas. Visit us online at orthodox.net ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2qR-6dJ14A

The epistle today exhorts us: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace". Where does this boldness come from? The Gospel today explains: we must choose to take up our cross and follow Christ. We look at the readings today, and the hymn of the cross that we sing when we make prostrations: "Before Thy Cross, we bow down and worship O master, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify!", in light of two spiritual principles: "first the cross then the resurrection", and "first obedience and then following, understanding". Exaltation of the Precious Cross. Hebrews 4:15-16 Mark 8:34-35,9-1 2019-03-31 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa5CXQkD94o