Sermons at St. Nicholas

Often the Orthodox Church is criticized for practicing what is sometimes called "closed communion," which means only Orthodox Christians are permitted to receive the Eucharist. Using the story of the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Fr Thomas reminds us that God shares his fullness with us in Holy Communion. And since we experience unity with one another at the chalice, the implications are enormous!

Often the Orthodox Church is criticized for practicing what is sometimes called "closed communion," which means only Orthodox Christians are permitted to receive the Eucharist. Using the story of the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Fr Thomas reminds us that God shares his fullness with us in Holy Communion. And since we experience unity with one another at the chalice, the implications are enormous!

Often the Orthodox Church is criticized for practicing what is sometimes called "closed communion," which means only Orthodox Christians are permitted to receive the Eucharist. Using the story of the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Fr Thomas reminds us that God shares his fullness with us in Holy Communion. And since we experience unity with one another at the chalice, the implications are enormous!

In light of recent events regarding the racist slaying of African-American Christians and the Supreme Court ruling on so-called "same-sex marriage," Fr Thomas delivers a stirring and challenging message from the scriptures asking, "Who is your authority?"

On the Sunday of All Saints, the gospel reading reminds us of the narrow way of being a disciple of Christ. Fr Thomas powerfully contrasts the imperatives in Christ's teaching on discipleship with the contemporary rise of the "Dones," those who illogically proclaim themselves faithful to Christ but "done with church."

In light of recent events regarding the racist slaying of African-American Christians and the Supreme Court ruling on so-called "same-sex marriage," Fr Thomas delivers a stirring and challenging message from the scriptures asking, "Who is your authority?"

In light of recent events regarding the racist slaying of African-American Christians and the Supreme Court ruling on so-called "same-sex marriage," Fr Thomas delivers a stirring and challenging message from the scriptures asking, "Who is your authority?"

On the Sunday of All Saints, the gospel reading reminds us of the narrow way of being a disciple of Christ. Fr Thomas powerfully contrasts the imperatives in Christ's teaching on discipleship with the contemporary rise of the "Dones," those who illogically proclaim themselves faithful to Christ but "done with church."

On the Sunday of All Saints, the gospel reading reminds us of the narrow way of being a disciple of Christ. Fr Thomas powerfully contrasts the imperatives in Christ's teaching on discipleship with the contemporary rise of the "Dones," those who illogically proclaim themselves faithful to Christ but "done with church."

In Christ's encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, we find the Master Teacher deftly bringing her to faith in Him. Fr Thomas relates this gospel message to the imperative of sharing our own story of faith in Christ with those who are thirsting for God.

On the Sunday after Pascha, we commemorate the Lord's appearance to His disciples and St Thomas's proclamation, "My Lord and My God!" In this practical and helpful message, Fr Thomas teaches us three important points from this story to help us turn unbelief into belief.

The celebration of Palm Sunday is juxtaposed against the dark events that we experience in the life of Christ during Holy Week. Fr Thomas reminds us that our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem is an example of having the "peace from above" even if you're marching to the Cross.

With the words, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem," the Lord Jesus Christ invites all of us to journey with Him to His Passion. Fr Thomas teaches us that the ransom that Christ freely pays on our behalf saves us from sin and death, but also allows us to freely follow Him.

On Meatfare Sunday we commemorate the Last Judgment, when Christ returns to His creation to judge the world and redeem His people. Fr Thomas reminds us that our fasting is related to the Judgment. As we fast to prepare for Pascha, the Lord's resurrection is the first sign of our resurrection and the coming Judgment.

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.