The Good Shepherd Blog
Climbing the Ladder: St. John Climacus and the Ascent to God
In this sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Sub Dn. Timothy Grace explores the life and teaching of St. John Climacus, author of the Ladder of Divine Ascent. Drawing on the imagery of Jacob's ladder and the structure of this celebrated spiritual classic, he reflects on the Christian life as a long and demanding ascent — and how the Ladder itself becomes a gateway through which God comes down to meet us.
The Cross We Venerate, the Cross We Carry, the Cross That Saves
Fr. Geoff Harvey reflects on three dimensions of the cross: the cross we venerate as the sign of our salvation, the cross we carry in our daily lives, and the cross that saves through Christ's self-offering for the world. A timely encouragement for the Lenten journey, preached at The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church.
Faith in Action: St. Gregory Palamas and the Call to Lived Orthodoxy
In this sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent, Daniel McInnes reflects on the feast of St. Gregory Palamas and the Gospel account of the paralysed man lowered through the roof by his four faithful friends. Drawing on the theological legacy of St. Gregory Palamas — including his defence of Hesychasm and the distinction between God's essence and energies — Daniel calls us to move beyond intellectual faith into a truly lived, embodied Christian life. A timely reflection for the Lenten season on what it means to act on what we believe. Preached at The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church, 8th March 2026.
Three Triumphs of Orthodoxy: A Sermon for Orthodox Sunday
In this sermon for Orthodox Sunday (the Triumph of Orthodoxy), Fr. Geoff reflects on three triumphs: the historical restoration of icons after the iconoclastic controversy, the ongoing hope for Orthodox worship in the English language, and — the greatest triumph of all — the transformation of Christ's image within the human heart. Preached at The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church, 1st March 2026.
Awaken to the Light: Embrace Lent with Purpose
In this inspiring sermon, Joseph Stoeghofer encourages believers to awaken from spiritual slumber as they enter the meaningful season of Lent. With a focus on repentance, humility, and forgiveness, he highlights how Lent is not about outward discipline but the conversion of the heart.
The Path to Repentance and Renewal
In this profound sermon, Athanasius Wilkins reflects on the themes of separation, service, and salvation as taught in the Gospel. With insights from the Fathers, he urges believers to prepare their hearts for repentance during the journey to Great Lent, emphasizing acts of mercy as expressions of faith. Wilkins calls the faithful to embrace fasting, almsgiving, and prayer in pursuit of a deeper communion with God.
The Journey of Repentance and God's Boundless Mercy
In this heartfelt sermon, Luke Ebsworthy explores the profound lessons within the parable of the Prodigal Son. Through theological insights, Luke delves into themes of sin, repentance, and divine forgiveness, drawing from patristic interpretations to illustrate the path from spiritual separation to reconciliation with God. Ebsworthy's message is a compelling reminder of the endless mercy that awaits all who seek to return to the Father's embrace.
The Power of Humility (first sermon ever from Stylianos)
In his first ever sermon, as part of February youth month, Stylianos Petroulias delves into the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, highlighting the transformative power of humility and the dangers of pride. Drawing on wisdom from the saints, he challenges his listeners to follow the example of the publican and embrace a life of repentance and humility.
Climbing the Sycamore: The Path to Repentance
In this insightful sermon, Fr. Nicholas explores the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector whose encounter with Christ becomes a profound lesson on repentance and humility. Fr. Nicholas invites us to see beyond our obstacles, urging us to humble ourselves and embrace the transformative power of Christ's presence in our lives.
Discovering Faith and Gratitude
In this enlightening sermon, Daniel McInnes delves into the story of the ten lepers from the Gospel, exploring themes of faith, gratitude, and spiritual well-being. Through insightful reflections, he challenges us to consider the depth of our relationship with Christ and the importance of giving thanks.
