Third Sunday: Veneration of the Cross

Archbishop Andrei, Novo-Diveevo Convent The One Thing Needful Mark 8:34-9:1 The Lord said, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it …

Sermon from Bishop Benedict on Feast Of St. John The Russian

Who can fully recount all the struggles and labors St. John endured for Christ? All his prayers and tribulations were known only to the Lord. How can we not marvel at his humility and wisdom? Knowing that nothing happens without God’s permission, he served his earthly master with the understanding that even his slavery had been allowed by God for …