Ekteleo Ministry

06/01/2020

Feeling unsettled today or angry, sad, scared by all that is happening in our country and the world, then take a few minutes and listen to this lovely choir of international voices! You will feel calmer and a smile will spread across your face and heart! It did mine! May God bless and protect us and give us peace.

09/14/2019

Just completed an update to the Ekteleo website. Stop by when you get a moment! www.ekteleo.org

07/09/2019

Check out this marvelous opportunity to learn more about how modern Protestant reformers are inspired by ancient Christianity. Also join us to explore how their theologies compare with Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian theologies (both Protestant and Catholic). Great program for anyone interested in spiritual enrichment!

05/17/2019

This is a great article about grieving. “Grieving is like breathing, but we act like we have to hold our breath,” she says. “It's a natural process and if you pretend like you don't have to do it or that it doesn't exist, you'll end up choking or passing out.” If you are grieving a loss and would like to talk, please call on me. I can help.

Grief is an unpredictable and unavoidable part of life. Mental health experts share coping strategies for mourning when curling up in bed isn't an option.

04/09/2019

An excellent explanation of the Western theories of atonement as compared with the understanding of the early Christian Church, which is still the understanding of the Eastern Orthodox Church. You may be surprised by the differences in understanding. Well worth a listen.

Fr. Panayiotis continues his discussion on salvation and redemption by pointing out some of the theories of atonement in the West and then makes a comparison with the ancient Christian view to show how these new theories deviated from the original un

01/22/2019

An encouraging thought and admonition to stay the course and fight the good fight!

“When the soul leaves the body, the enemy advances to attack it, fiercely reviling it and accusing it of its sins in a harsh and terrifying manner. The devout soul, however, even though in the past it has often been wounded by sin, is not frightened by the enemy’s attacks and threats. Strengthened by the Lord, winged by joy, filled with courage by the holy angels that guide it, and encircled and protected by the light of faith, it answers the enemy with great boldness: ‘Fugitive from heaven, wicked slave, what have I to do with you? You have no authority over me; Christ the Son of God has authority over me and over all things. Against Him have I sinned, before Him shall I stand on trial, having His Precious Cross as a sure pledge of His saving love towards me. Flee from me, destroyer! You have nothing to do with the servants of Christ.’ When the soul says all this fearlessly, the devil turns his back, howling aloud and unable to withstand the name of Christ. Then the soul swoops down on the devil from above, attacking him like a hawk attacking a crow. After this it is brought rejoicing by the holy angels to the place appointed for it in accordance with its inward state.”

+ St. Theognostos, On the Practice of the Virtues, Philokalia Volume 2

12/19/2018

Why the eternal perspective is a powerful life changer! Glory to God!

"Nothing so moves a sinner to repentance as eternity, and nothing is so useful to every Christian as remembrance and contemplation of eternity. Eternity restrains a man from sin, calms his passions, turns him from the world and all its vanity, makes his heart contrite, gives birth to tears of repentance, incites him to prayer, and works true sighing of the heart. Contemplation and remembrance of eternity can correct even the most depraved man. Contemplation of eternity filled dwellers of the desert, caves, mountains and clefts of the earth. By contemplating eternity the holy martyrs willed to endure torments rather than submit to the will of ungodly kings and deny Christ."\

-St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, "Journey to Heaven

11/27/2018

The holidays are a difficult, lonely time for many people, especially for those who are alone, are grieving, or both. Those who are grieving or who do not have ...

07/13/2018

The death of a pet is one of the most difficult losses. This post is offered as a bit “tough love”, with the intent of offering hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation. Much of what is presented here appears in earlier posts as well. So, please take the time to read all the way through and peruse earlier posts. You will be glad you did.

Many of us have furry friends (cats, dogs, and other critters) that become beloved parts of our family, and we are devastated when they die, either by accident,

07/02/2018

Fr. Paul Lundberg inspired me. He offered America the Beautiful as his prayer for our country as we celebrate Independence Day. It is my prayer as well.

05/28/2018

I am honored to serve as a volunteer chaplain with Southwest Christian Care. It truly is an amazing place. They offer hospice and senior care as well as respite care for children with developmental disabilities - all at no cost to the patients and families. Funding is by donations. If you're looking for a charity to support, please consider SWCC. Thank you. BJ Spanos, Spiritual Director, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Ekteleo Ministry