Sermons At St. Nicholas

On the Feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple, Fr Thomas preached a sermon on the significance of the feast for the hundreds gathered to venerate the Myrrh-Gushing Icon of St Anna at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA.

In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, Jesus dramatically demonstrates the reward for greed and selfishness. Fr Thomas reminds us that helping the poor is not only a matter of money, it's a matter of love. (Luke 16:19-31)

Today, many view religion with a consumerist mentality in a marketplace of choices. Fr Thomas enumerates three Orthodox distinctives to encourage and challenge us and those who are seeking the true faith. (Gal 1:11-19)

It is an inescapable fact that suffering is a part of the fallen human condition. In a powerful message, Fr Thomas describes three important principles to help us form our perspective on suffering.

In the wake of the Roman Catholic Papal visit to the US, Pope Francis received much adulation for his message of inclusiveness. Fr Thomas reminds us that while the gospel calls us to love all people, we're also called to love a holy God who separates us from the world of sin and leads us to a transformed life.

The parable of the talents can sometimes seem unfair. Why have some been given more than others? Fr Thomas relates this parable to the contemporary decline in religious faith and reminds us that, today, our cross is to take up the gift of faith and grow it. (Sunday after the Elevation of the Precious Cross)

On the Sunday before the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, the Church presents readings to prepare us to celebrate the feast. Fr Thomas reminds us that the Cross is lifted up in our midst to encourage us and to show us how to become more faithful and loving.

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.

Being a believer in Christ is more than just assenting to doctrines about God. In a stirring homily, Fr Thomas reminds us that it's not "what the gospel means to me" that's important, it's how we apply the true meaning of the gospel in our life that helps us to grow in the likeness of God. (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

In the press and popular culture we're hearing more and more that the God of the Christians is "too demanding" and "angry" and often point to scriptures such as this parable of the Unforgiving Servant to make their point. Fr Thomas reminds us that to have a true understanding of Who God really is, we have to reject the god which people sometimes create in their own image and likeness. (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

One of the most enduring questions in the minds of people is, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Christians are certainly not immune from either bad things happening or questioning why. Fr Thomas, using the story of Jesus walking on the water, reminds us that He is the Master Teacher, and can use all struggles to bring us closer to Him. (Mt 14:22-33)

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 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.

In a powerful message on the value of faith, Fr Thomas reminds us that forgiveness is the most important healing we'll ever receive.

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.