Father James Dokos

Ask Father Jim

QUESTION:
As we observe Lent; fasting and prayer is so important for me and my family.  The family attends Church and gives Stewardship.  Should I be aware of any other spiritual avenues to bless my Lenten experience?  (B.Z.)
ANSWER:
Experience the SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION!
If we as Orthodox Christian sin daily…then how often should we confess?  The answer is daily…Not just to God in our prayer life; but to participate frequently in the Sacrament of Holy Confession.

Saint John Chrysostom speaks of REPENTANCE:
Acknowledge our sins
Forgiving the sins of our neighbor
In prayer
Through almsgiving
Humility
Forgiveness of Sins is His Gift to us all!

QUESTION:
Repentance is a word we hear so often in the Orthodox faith.  Please note for me examples where we experience forgiveness through the Church.  (T.A.)
ANSWER:
We experience total forgiveness in the Sacrament of Holy Confession.  An Orthodox Christian also experiences examples of forgiveness in personal PRAYER, in the petitions and supplication prayers in our Church Services.  Forgiveness is also found in the Sacrament of Holy Unction and also with receiving Holy Communion…the Servant of God receives the Body and Blood of Christ for the “FORGIVENESS OF SINS” and eternal life.

It should also be said that the “LORD’S PRAYER” reminds us of the words: “Forgive us our Trespasses as we forgive those who Trespass against us”.

When we sin we separate ourselves from Jesus Christ, His Church and our fellowman.  Unite yourself with Christ by confessing your sins, loving your bothers and sisters and keeping the Ten Commandments.  Await your greatest Gift from God… “Your sins are forgiven!”
QUESTION:
When did Holy Unction (oil) become part of the Church?  (N.T.)
ANSWER:
The Sacrament of Holy Unction became part of our Holy Tradition with Jesus Christ and His Apostles.  Healing was a frequent miracle in the Life of our Lord. We remember that Jesus instructed the Disciples to do the same.

“And He called the twelve together and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.”  Matthew 10:1

“Is any sick among you? Let him call for Priests of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”  James 5:14-15

PASCHA REFLECTION
You now see the Power and Glory of the Resurrection of Our Lord.  As you light your Paschal Candle and sing the glorious hymn of Christos Aneste – Christ is Risen, seize this opportunity… See Christ, Feel Christ, Taste Christ and you will be inspired forever.
Christos Aneste…Alithos Aneste (Greek)
Christ is Risen…Truly He is Risen (English)
Christos Voskresi…Voistino Voskresi (Slavonic/Russian)
Masih Kam…Hakin Kam (Arabic)

Receive the New Light of the Resurrected Lord and break the bonds of misery, hatred and sin.  Truly, Enter into the Joy of the Lord and Rejoice.