St. Matthew Orthodox Christian Church
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
Torrance, CA

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About Our Gifts to God

Through the centuries, the Orthodox Church has generally recognized seven primary sacraments: baptism, chrismation (the seal of the grace of the Holy Spirit, Eucharist, repentance-confession, ordination, marriage, and healing. These seven do not define the extent of sacrament, for we recognize that all of life is sacramental. That is, every aspect of our lives is to be hidden with Christ in God.

One area which dearly comes under this sacramental perspective is our substance, our wealth and possessions. God not only provides us with the financial means necessary for our existence (Matthew 6:24-34). He also expects us to use these means wisely and compassionately in the advancement of His Kingdom (l John 3:17). Thus, giving and receiving have a direct and immediate impact upon our relationship with our Creator.

Excerpt from “Tithing” by J. Richard Ballew, Conciliar Press

Today's Commemorations
Monday of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Hieromartyr Dorotheus, Bishop of Tyre, Holy Martyrs Nicandrus, Gorgus and Apollonus and those with them, Christophoros & Konon the Martyrs of Rome
Today's Scripture Readings
ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 5:8-19
Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
MATTHEW 18:10-20
The Lord said, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. For the Son of man came to save the lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven, for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Today's Thought

O heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art in all places and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come, and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O good One. Hymn to the Holy Spirit