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The Orthodox Vine

The Orthodox Vine

By Fr. Ninos Oshaana

A podcast by Fr. Ninos Oshaana from Sts. Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church in Vallejo, CA offering spiritual inspiration and encouragement through meditations on the Orthodox Christian scripture, including recordings from our small group discussion on the Divine Liturgy, the Sunday sermons, and our bible and faith study classes.
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Take up your cross

The Orthodox Vine Oct 15, 2019

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13:07
Luke 17:11 -19 - The Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11 -19 - The Ten Lepers

The story of the 10 lepers teaches us about physical and spiritual illness and healing and the power of calling upon the name of Jesus Christ.

Jan 22, 202412:08
Reclaiming our purpose

Reclaiming our purpose

Christ changes the nature of water when he was baptized, reclaiming it for our sanctification. In the same way, when we are baptized in Christ, our true identity is reclaimed and our purpose is revealed and we are called to fulfill it.

Jan 07, 202406:56
A new year in the Lord

A new year in the Lord

Welcoming a new year let us prepare the way of the Lord and make his path straight within our hearts and lives.
Dec 31, 202312:52
Luke 5:1-11 Called to be disciples

Luke 5:1-11 Called to be disciples

Called to be disciples
Sep 25, 202212:21
Mark 8:34-38 - Overcoming the false self through our cross

Mark 8:34-38 - Overcoming the false self through our cross

Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Sep 21, 202210:20
John 3:16

John 3:16

John 3:16 The love of God and our love for God
Sep 11, 202220:55
Possesions

Possesions

What do we posses and what possesses us?
Sep 04, 202209:07
Gratitude to God for his mercy

Gratitude to God for his mercy

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Aug 29, 202209:42
The power of prayer and fasting

The power of prayer and fasting

The power of prayer and fasting
Aug 22, 202217:45
The Divine Reality

The Divine Reality

There is another reality that we too often forget about or don’t allow ourselves to see.
Aug 14, 202213:02
It is more blessed to give than to receive

It is more blessed to give than to receive

Cultivating an attitude of giving.
Aug 11, 202211:22
Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

The blind men cried out the words we say in every Divine Liturgy.  This is the cry of the universe. 

Jul 31, 202222:37
The Light of Christ in us

The Light of Christ in us

The Light of Christ in us

Jul 18, 202212:08
Obedience and Trust demonstrates Faith

Obedience and Trust demonstrates Faith

Obedience and trust demonstrates faith

Jul 11, 202210:59
God and Mammon

God and Mammon

Do we desire God or Mammon?
Jul 04, 202212:27
The cost of following Christ

The cost of following Christ

The cost of following Christ
Jun 26, 202213:02
Denying Christ

Denying Christ

Denying Christ
Jun 20, 202214:53
The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit
Jun 19, 202213:06
The Holy Fathers

The Holy Fathers

The Holy Fathers
Jun 05, 202215:05
Spiritual Blindness

Spiritual Blindness

The consequences of spiritual blindness in our world
May 30, 202220:56
Laziness

Laziness

The spiritual dangers of laziness.

Apr 21, 202206:37
Maranatha

Maranatha

Living in expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christ by being always prepared for death.
Feb 28, 202217:04
So that I might change, God's love is unchanging

So that I might change, God's love is unchanging

The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals God's unchangeable and unending love and how it attracts us back to Him even though we have spent all our love on something else. 

Feb 21, 202201:16:52
How to pray to God

How to pray to God

As we begin the Triodion period, we are reminded of two ways of praying. One that God hears and the another which he doesn't. 

Feb 21, 202212:45
What God expects from us

What God expects from us

What God expects from us.
Jan 16, 202213:33
Prepare the way of the Lord...to your heart.

Prepare the way of the Lord...to your heart.

Christ desires to come to us. Let us remove the things in our lives that block his path to our hearts.
Jan 03, 202208:42
You’re invited to the Great Banquet

You’re invited to the Great Banquet

You’re invited to the Great Banquet. How will you respond?
Dec 12, 202108:36
Whose spirit is inside you?

Whose spirit is inside you?

Sermon on Galatians 5:22
Dec 06, 202117:28
A good heart

A good heart

Sermon on the parable of the Sower. 

Oct 18, 202110:34
Becoming a vessel of divine love

Becoming a vessel of divine love

God is love. And we are called to be his love in the world.
Sep 27, 202127:47
Catechism: Creed and Covenant

Catechism: Creed and Covenant

A recording of our catechism class discussing the Creed and the old and new Covenant that God made with human beings. 

Sep 23, 202101:32:58
Die before you die

Die before you die

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

Sep 20, 202101:18:44
How to grow in love for God

How to grow in love for God

We often talk about how much God loves us. But how much do we love God and how can we grow that love?
Sep 12, 202110:19
A warning from Christ

A warning from Christ

There are few gospel readings where we hear Christ giving us a stern warning. The reading from Matthew 18:25-35 is one of them. If we are to be true Christians and children of our Father, we must have the compassion and forgiveness of the King in the parable and not be like the wicked servant. 

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Sep 09, 202111:28
Seek the Truth. Begin with yourself.

Seek the Truth. Begin with yourself.

A sermon on the commemoration of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. 

Aug 30, 202111:45
Catechism: The Incarnation

Catechism: The Incarnation

In this session from our Orthodox Faith and Life catechism class we discuss the Orthodox Icon of the Nativity and reflect on the meaning and universal significance of the Incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  

Aug 27, 202101:20:02
Why we fear and doubt

Why we fear and doubt

We all fear something. But fear is not a natural condition of human beings but something that entered into us when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Ultimately, all fear is rooted in the fear of death. In the gospel reading from Matthew 14:23-33, we see how fear leads to doubt and this makes it difficult to keep and increase our faith. But there's a way to overcome both fear and doubt and trust and live in the power of God. 

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

Sermon on Matthew 14:23-33. 

Aug 23, 202116:35
Our Mother the Theotokos

Our Mother the Theotokos

Sermon on the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Aug 19, 202119:29
Catechism: The Image of God - Creation, Fall, Restoration

Catechism: The Image of God - Creation, Fall, Restoration

A recording from our Orthodox Faith & Life Catechism Seminar

Aug 19, 202101:02:45
Sermon: Real men love Jesus

Sermon: Real men love Jesus

Love for Christ makes a person truly human. Without knowing Christ and loving him, we remain incomplete beings. This love for Christ is something that must be developed so that faith might also grow. The key to growing in both love and faith is humility. If we do not humble ourselves before God who humbled himself before us, then God will humble us by allowing us to suffer in order that this development of our love and faith might occur. We see this demonstrated in the two blind men in the gospel reading today. It was their suffering which had humbled them and thus increased their love and their faith; a faith so great that they believed with all their heart that Christ could heal their blindness instantaneously. And that is what he did, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."

The Gospel reading is from Matthew 9:27

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Aug 12, 202118:08
Catechism: The Unknowable Essence of God

Catechism: The Unknowable Essence of God

A recording of the first lecture from our Orthodox Faith & Life catechism class discussing the unknowable essence of God, how God reveals himself as Holy Trinity, and how we can know God through the participation and experience of his energies. We also discuss the reason why God created the world and his plan for human beings which he never revoked even after the fall of Adam and Eve.  

Aug 12, 202101:30:27
Catechism: Introduction - The goal of Orthodox Catechism

Catechism: Introduction - The goal of Orthodox Catechism

The first class of our Orthodox Faith & Life catechism seminar where Fr. Ninos explains the Orthodox approach to catechism as beyond learning with our minds but, more importantly, cultivating an Orthodox phronema (mindset) so that love for God and the journey of union and life with Christ can occur in accordance to one's struggle in the spiritual life within the arms of the Church. 

Aug 05, 202137:26
Sermon: Heal your soul

Sermon: Heal your soul

We can spend our short lifetime on this Earth worrying about our bodily health only and neglect the health of our souls. The sickness and wounds of the soul that are caused by sin will be eternal, if left untreated. But if we desire it, they can be healed through our repentance and the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ as we heard in the gospel reading today. 

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. - Matthew 9:1-8 

Aug 02, 202113:29
Sermon: What is the light of Christ?

Sermon: What is the light of Christ?

Matthew 5:14-19
The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Jul 19, 202114:48
Sermon: What you “see” is what you get

Sermon: What you “see” is what you get

Sermon on the Sunday gospel reading from Matthew 6:22-33. What is the purpose of our eyes? How do we use them to increase our spiritual vision? How does that affect our daily lives?
Jul 11, 202116:41
Sermon: Denying the world and following Christ

Sermon: Denying the world and following Christ

Today's Sunday Gospel reading is from Matthew 4:18-23. 

At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Jul 05, 202113:29
Sermon: The Purpose of Life

Sermon: The Purpose of Life

The Sunday of All Saints Gospel reading and sermon.
Jun 27, 202122:07
United through the Church

United through the Church

Pentecost is the day when true unity between human beings was made possible through The Church and through the Holy Spirit our path to reunion with God was opened.
Jun 20, 202117:46
They Are Mine

They Are Mine

The Gospel reading and Sermon on John 17:1-13.
At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.

"I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."
Jun 13, 202120:18
The Purpose of Marriage

The Purpose of Marriage

From our bible study discussion on St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, chapter 6. God's purpose for marriage is hidden in the mystery of Christ's love for the Church. 

Mar 23, 202159:36