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Holy Silence Blog
Check out weekly reflections from Fr. Thomas


The Water's Edge
I walk along the water’s edge, Aware that I live in liminal spaces. One foot seemingly on solid ground, Relying on what’s familiar. Grasping for something that comforts, Stuck in the here and now. I walk along the water’s edge, Aware that I do not want to live in between. Remembering the familiar waters of Baptism, Relying on what cannot be seen. Reaching out beyond my capacity, Toward the there and then. I walk along the water’s edge, Aware of the rocks piercing my feet. Or

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Mar 13, 20211 min read


Dawn of the Light of Knowledge
"Your birth, O Christ our God, dawned the light of knowledge upon the earth. For by Your birth those who adored stars were taught by a star to worship You, the Sun of Justice, and to know You, Orient from on High." O Lord, glory to You. - From the Apolytikion (a dismissal hymn) of the Feast of the Nativity - Icon of the Adoration of the Magi (from the Menologion of Basil II, 10th-11th c.)

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Jan 7, 20211 min read


Christ is Born!
"Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! Angels with shepherds glorify Him! The wise men journey with a star! Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!" - Kontakion (thematic hymn) from the Nativity Service

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Jan 6, 20211 min read


God Offers Us Transfiguration
The Divine nature of Jesus was revealed on Mt. Tabor; Peter, James. and John were transfigured because of it. These three Apostles saw Jesus for what He has always been, still is, and shall be: the Eternal and Primordial Image of God. We know Sacred Scripture. We have the Sacraments. Why are we not transfigured? Because we have not fully committed ourselves to love God, to desire God, and to strive toward God. For this we must purify our worldly eyes, train our distracted min

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Aug 19, 20201 min read


Get Rid of All Obstacles
During this time of isolation, I encourage you to learn more about your inner life with God. If you do so in all earnest, you will taste His spiritual sweetness and find true rest in Him. "16. Therefore, O beloved brethren, since such good things have been offered to us and such wonderful promises have been made to us by the Lord, let us get rid of all obstacles. Let us renounce all love for the world and devote ourselves to that one good by a thorough seeking and yearning so

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Apr 16, 20201 min read


Descending Deep in the Heart
"I am descending deep into my heart, to see who is dwelling in it besides me and You, O Eternal God. "And I am filled with fear as I find legions of strangers fighting over portions of my heart. I found as many of them in my heart as time contains human and inhuman souls from the Fall of Adam. "And then I understood why my heart has become weary, and cannot receive either You or me into its chambers, but instead shoves us to the outer perimeter – pushing the proprietors out t

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Apr 4, 20203 min read


A Prayer for the Sick
You can help during this Covid-19 Pandemic. Pray for those who are sick and suffering. Here's a short and effective prayer you can use. "O Lord our God, the Physician of our souls and bodies, look down upon Thy servant (insert name), and cure him/her of all infirmities of the flesh, in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy Most Holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen." - The Divine

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Mar 27, 20201 min read


A Prayer for You When You're Sick
With all of the fear and concern about COVID-19, we encourage you to pray for your recover using this beautiful prayer below. Remember, the Lord never abandons us. He is with us until the end of days (Matthew 28:20). "O Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, the Physician of our souls and bodies, Who didst become Man and suffer death on the cross for our salvation, and through Thy tender love and compassion didst heal all manner of sickness and affliction: do Thou, O Lord, visit me in

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Mar 26, 20202 min read


Feeling Vulnerable
There can be any number of reasons that we feel susceptible to emotional harm. Whether we recall experiences of the past that have taught us not to trust or we're entering a new phase in life and don't yet feel grounded in it, we all find ourselves in a place of not feeling like we have the personal support we need to feel safe. Without pretending like this doesn't hurt, we also have to remember that our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds can deceive us. All balled up with pride,

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Feb 27, 20202 min read


Face the Difficult Tasks
Do not be afraid to do what is difficult in order to get on the path of completing the will of God. If you avoid those tasks, you will not be able to move forward. This will cause you great sorrow at later times and in unexpected ways. And it will be much worse than facing the task in the first place. - If you need help completing the work to get on the straight path, implore the Mother of God who intercedes for us. Try using one of the kontakia (a special type of hymn) from

Fr. Thomas Colyandro
Feb 26, 20201 min read
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