In this wedding homily, Fr. Stephen Osburn reflects on the reality that marriage is not only about carrying the cross, but about remaining on it—through joy and sorrow, peace and struggle. Sometimes, spouses become the very nails that keep each other on the cross, reminding us that love is not always soft, but it is always salvific. True Christian marriage is a path of dying to self, so that both may rise together in Christ.

Fr. Stephen Osburn preached on July 20, 2025, about the healing of the paralytic in Matthew 9:1–8, focusing on how Christ first forgives the man’s sins before healing his body. The sermon emphasized that going to confession is not about excusing or justifying our sins, but about opening ourselves to Christ’s healing mercy. Like the paralytic, we come before the Lord unable to walk in righteousness on our own—and in confession, we hear the same powerful words: “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.”

Many are surprised to learn that Orthodox bishops are always celibate—even though the Bible appears to say a bishop must be “the husband of one wife.” Is this a contradiction? A forgotten tradition? Or something deeper rooted in the ancient Church? Discover the surprising historical and theological reasons behind this enduring practice of the Orthodox Church.

Join Mr. Anthony Ally as we explore Shepherding Like Christ—what it means to lead as Orthodox Christians in both Church and home. Drawing from the lives of the saints, the wisdom of the Fathers, and the Gospel example of the Good Shepherd, we’ll discuss the calling of husbands, parents, and clergy to guide with both strength and tenderness. We’ll also confront one of the most difficult truths: how to rekindle the secret fire of love in marriage and relationships, especially when love feels impossible. This is a study for anyone seeking to reflect Christ in their leadership, in their families, and in the quiet struggles of the heart.

On July 13th, 2025, Fr. Stephen preached on the Gospel account of the demon-possessed men, whose lives were marked by violence, isolation, and spiritual chaos—until they encountered Christ. Their healing reveals a profound truth: when we gain inner peace through repentance and strive to be true images of Christ, we no longer reflect the madness of the world, but instead radiate His peace. Fr. Stephen reminded us that in a world overcome by unrest, the path to stability begins within, as we become living icons of the Lord’s stillness and mercy.

How can a Baptist tradition influence for a person to understand the reality that Christians in heaven can pray for us and the Theotokos can save us?

In this class, Anthony explores 2 Corinthians 3 as a roadmap from spiritual slavery to divine liberty, showing how the ancient Christian path of ascesis leads to true freedom. Through five key illuminations—liberation from the passions, participation in God’s uncreated Energies, the transformative role of ascetic struggle, the liturgical and sacramental life, and the eschatological promise—we discover that authentic freedom is not self-assertion, but self-emptying union with Christ.

July 6th Homily – Fr. Stephen Osburn - True freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want, but the grace-filled strength to live according to God’s Will. In this homily, Fr. Stephen reflects on how obedience to Christ sets us free from the tyranny of sin, selfish desires, and fleeting pleasures. Real freedom is found in surrender—where our will is united with God’s, and we become truly alive.