Ray Dobson

A Few Christian Symbols Explained During a gathering with members of the Altar Guild, someone asked a wonderful question: “What does that ‘IHS’ stand for that is on many things in the Church?”I opened the question to the group and quickly heard several thoughtful answers.One person suggested: “In His Service.” A beautiful thought—and certainly fitting […]

One question I have been asked more than once is this: “Does calling a priest ‘Father’ violate Christ’s command in Matthew 23:9?” The historic answer of the Church is: No.The reason is remarkably simple. Jesus says: “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.”Yet Holy Scripture

DRAWN NEAR, NOT TAKEN OVERNot more God. More communion…a reflection on the indwelling of GodFor much of my life, if I am honest, I understood God something like this: God the Father was “up there.” Jesus was near. The Holy Spirit was perhaps a feeling, a comfort, or a presence… but only to the degree

Drawn not dragged     The Holy Trinity truly matters? “We have found the true faith, worshipping the undivided Trinity.” from the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom During the mid week group today (Wed May 27, 2026) a series of short questions were asked which I share with the reader now. Perhaps you may find the

Shadow and Reality -a companion to a talk by Fr .Tom Hopko Most people think worship means “going to church,” singing songs, or sitting quietly while someone talks. But what if worship is much bigger that that idea? What if worship begins not with us trying to reach God… but with God reaching toward us?

Table theology and inconvenient questions… A quick note: I am posting this in narrow format  to see if those reading via tablet or phone can read more comfortably  without shifting the screen from side to side Please comment I was working through John 8:44 and writing about the evil one as “father of lies.” Greek