Author: ephraimbee

Reverend Deacon of Russian Church Abroad, Pastoral Theology seminary graduate of The Orthodox Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, a Post-Graduate in Philosophy: Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Catechist, College Instructor and Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent. Husband and father.

Diakonia as “service” and its spiritual direction in Holy Tradition.

It is true that Diakonia (διακονία) literally means “service,” and among its 36 mentions in Holy Scripture, we see a range of uses, from service, to ministry/administration, to attendance, to relief, to St. Paul’s own characterization of his office. In the organicity of time in the Church it has come to be used to refer … Continue reading Diakonia as “service” and its spiritual direction in Holy Tradition. →

And the Glory of Thy People Israel: Theophany and the Bond of Perfection

The “people Israel” at this closing of the Nunc Dimitis prayer of St. Symeon of the Seventy consist of those of that other portion of all people than the Gentiles before whom has been set our Lord’s salvation: those of the Temple, which at the time of the presentation were the Jews and henceforth consists … Continue reading And the Glory of Thy People Israel: Theophany and the Bond of Perfection →

Concerning How the Christian Life Begins In Us (part one of St. Theophan the Recluse’s “The Path of Salvation”)

The following consists of the first discussion prompt Ephraim wrote 02/01/2010 (Ven. Macari the Great/Meatfare Monday) for the parish bookclub he was trying to start and which concerns the beginning of The Path of Salvation text.There is so much in this book, simple and easy to read as it is...it is easy to miss something … Continue reading Concerning How the Christian Life Begins In Us (part one of St. Theophan the Recluse’s “The Path of Salvation”) →

Chief Activities of the Body, Soul, and Spirit as regards Childrearing in the Church (a reading of the first part of St. Theophan the Recluse’s “Path to Salvation”)

The following consists of a discussion prompt Ephraim wrote on 02/19/2010 (+Bucolus of Smyrna, Clean Friday) for a parish bookclub he tried to spearhead ten years ago. It did not take off due to technological constraints of the interested members. Please excuse the errors/typos. Regarding child-rearing, Vladyka Theophan says we must direct the soul and … Continue reading Chief Activities of the Body, Soul, and Spirit as regards Childrearing in the Church (a reading of the first part of St. Theophan the Recluse’s “Path to Salvation”) →