Author page: Fr. Barnabas Powell

You know the old saying “God works in mysterious ways.” Well, that may be true, but that doesn’t make my confusion over why things happen in my life any better! In fact, I have to confess to you that most of the short and cute little theological phrases (“Just trust the Lord” or “It’s all…

Gives us some vital perspectives about an historic and theologically wise attitude towards death and, specifically, the Christian funeral. The truth is the Eastern Orthodox funeral service is one of the most profound services for Christian truth! Please don’t say these six things at my funeral! Please Don’t Say These Six Things at My Funeral

The old saying is “blood is thicker than water” and it seems that every culture has some form of this saying to reinforce the idea that family comes first! One of the strongest memories that I have as a boy growing up is my own mother reminding me that my behavior reflects on her and…

Our ladies group at our parish is putting together a recipe book as a fundraiser for their many ministries. So, one of the leaders approached me and asked “Father, would you like to include a recipe and a message in our cookbook?” Of course, I said “yes.” I love to bake, so I included a…

One of the greatest practical jokes ever played on me was when some friends actually hid my car from me while I was at work. As a teenage boy, my car was my ticket to freedom. It represented my passage from a child to a man! Besides, I looked really cool driving it around the…

  Politics in the US has really devolved into the competing desires and power of different “groups.” And it seems current political operatives are bound and determined to make sure every “American” is shuttled into one of several defined “groups” of competing “ideologies.” The “rich” against the “poor”; this “race” against that “race”; this orientation…