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
40th Anniversary Banquet
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Today's Commemorations
2nd Sunday of Luke, The Holy Protection of the Theotokos, Ananias, Apostle of the 70, Romanos the Melodist, John Koukouzelis the Psalti
Today's Scripture Readings
ST. PAUL'S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 6:16-18; 7:1
Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
LUKE 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Today's Thought

The mind is the rudder of both the will and the heart. If the mind is permanently directed toward God, then it will eagerly meditate day and night on the Law of God, and will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. (Psalm 1:1) – St. Nicholai of Zica