Experience the fullness of the Christian Faith

The Good Shepherd Blog

Fr. Geoff Harvey
March 27, 2021

This blog post offers practical guidance for preparing for Great Lent, emphasizing the importance of spiritual reflection, prayer, and community involvement. It suggests specific activities and practices to enhance one's Lenten journey, aiming to foster deeper connections with faith and personal growth during this significant season in the Christian calendar.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
December 24, 2020

Explore ten meaningful ways to reinvigorate the true spirit of Christmas by focusing on Christ. This thoughtful guide offers practical suggestions for incorporating faith and gratitude into holiday traditions, fostering genuine connections, and embracing the essence of giving and love during the festive season.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
July 14, 2020

This blog post explores the concept of joy from a spiritual perspective, emphasizing its significance in nurturing well-being and community connections. It reflects on how joy can be cultivated through gratitude, mindfulness, and service to others, ultimately fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
May 10, 2020

Explore the significance of Holy Mysteries in the Christian faith, emphasizing their role in deepening spiritual connection and understanding. This post highlights the transformative nature of sacraments, their historical context, and their ongoing relevance in nurturing faith and community among believers.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
April 17, 2020

This blog post explores the significance of Pascha, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Orthodox tradition. It delves into the rich traditions, cultural practices, and spiritual reflections that accompany this sacred time, emphasizing themes of renewal, hope, and community. A thoughtful guide for understanding Pascha's meaning.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
April 5, 2020

This blog post reflects on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, emphasizing themes of repentance and spiritual renewal. It explores the significance of the day within the Lenten journey, offering insights into prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as essential practices for deepening one's faith and preparing for the celebration of Easter.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
March 21, 2020

This blog post discusses the transition of services at Good Shepherd Orthodox Church to an online format. It highlights the benefits of digital accessibility for the community, including the ability to participate in worship from home and connect with church activities, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth during challenging times.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
March 20, 2020

The Episcopal statement addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities, emphasizing the importance of compassion, solidarity, and faith during challenging times. It encourages adherence to public health guidelines while fostering hope and support for those affected, reinforcing the Church's commitment to serve and uplift its members and the wider society.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
March 16, 2020

The blog post addresses the response of the Antiochian Patriarchate to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of faith, community support, and safety measures. It outlines guidelines for worship and gatherings, encouraging adherence to health protocols while fostering spiritual connection during challenging times.

Fr. Geoff Harvey
February 4, 2020

Explore the significance of the Presentation of Our Lord at the Temple in this thoughtful post. It delves into biblical foundations, the importance of purification and dedication, and the rich traditions surrounding this event in Christian liturgy, highlighting its lasting impact on faith and community practices.

Blog

The Two Kinds of Suffering: Voluntary and Involuntary
Sdn Tim Grace
Sdn Tim Grace
August 9, 2026 10:00 AM
In this sermon, Sub Dn. Timothy Grace explores the Orthodox understanding of suffering, distinguishing between the voluntary hardships we take on through the ascetic disciplines of the Church and the involuntary trials that come to us against our will. Drawing on the day's epistle and gospel readings, he shows how both kinds of suffering, when met with patience and the right attitude, can open the heart to the grace of God. He reminds us that the Church is the place where these two forms of suffering meet, and that even what feels like failure by the world's standards can become our victory in Christ.
What Will You Do? The Feeding of the Five Thousand
Daniel McInnes
Daniel McInnes
July 26, 2026 10:00 AM
In this sermon on the feeding of the five thousand, Daniel McInnes reads St Matthew's account alongside the fuller detail of St John's Gospel, where Christ tests the disciples with the question, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" Daniel draws out how God chooses to work through people who bring the little they have, how the miracle foreshadows the Eucharist, and how the same question — "What will you do?" — meets us in the needs we encounter every day.
More...
Get involved by visiting our Facebook Page
Follow us on X.
Follow us on Instagram
@TheGoodShepherdOrthodoxChurch
Sign up to receive a regular email newsletter from Fr. Geoff.