Musing On Mission

Fr. Gabriel completes his podcast Musing on Mission. He offers some concluding thoughts on beginning a mission parish. Fr. Gabriel would like to offer a special thanks to all those who listened to this series.

Fr. Gabriel reflects on his summer as well as future goals for his mission parish.

Fr. Gabriel continues his conversion discussion, focusing on the meaning of truth .

Fr. Gabriel offers the first part of a discussion on the significance of the word "conversion" to the Orthodox Christian.

Fr. Gabriel discusses the eight components he's found essential to building a mission.

Fr. Gabriel meditates on the trials and tribulations he has experienced over the last forty years of ministry.

Fr. Gabriel asks, "What does it mean to have koinonia—to have a 'unity of the spirit'?"

Fr. Gabriel takes a moment to reflect on the growth of his mission parish and what it will take to keep it growing.

Fr. Gabriel addresses the "evanescence" of the Church. Please note that Fr. Gabriel experienced technical difficulties while recording this episode. We apologize in advance for the poor audio quality.

Pani-matka Susan interviews Vladimir Laven, a fellow parishioner who just recently began a network called the St. George Orthodox Military Association.

What happens when a congregation reaches the point of homeostasis? Fr. Gabriel answers this question and more on a new Musing on Mission.

Fr. Gabriel explains that the notion of religion is something we do in order to enter into God's presence.

Fr. Gabriel enumerates the various ways in which secular individuals replace the one true Messiah who is lacking in their lives.

Fr. Gabriel engages in a sustained meditation upon the centrality of the Resurrection for Christians.

Fr. Gabriel explains that missions is not just about getting people into church; rather, it's likewise about enabling people to think like Christians.

Fr. Gabriel shares the results of an evening forum he hosted on Orthodox conversions.

What role does culture play in bearing faith to people? What role should culture play in bearing faith to people? How are we ever going to develop an American Orthodox Church? Fr. Gabriel answers these questions and more on a new Musing on Mission.

What do Orthodox teens love about the Church? The community, the stability, the history, and the worship. Fr. Gabriel shares the results of a conversation he recently had with a Ukrainian Orthodox Teen Missions team.

How do you deflect the false issues with which potential seekers confront you? Fr. Gabriel suggests that you maintain your focus on the central message of Christianity.

Fr. Gabriel explains the distinction between joy and happiness.