Parables of Community

Stories of the lives of the people who come to St. John the Compassionate Mission, an apostolate of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese located in Toronto, Ontario.

12.7.25 This is Heaven

True community is a place where the sick care for the sick, where mercy is better than life... it is Heaven on earth.

12-17
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11.30.25 Like Nathaniel

A meditative look at two Nathaniels and their love for truth and living "without guile."

12-10
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11.23.25 Finding Faith and Courage

The community's take on this Sunday's scriptures challenges us to find faith enough to speak to God about our pain; and courage enough to let go of things of this world.

12-03
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11.16.25 The Icon of Mercy

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community of the mercy that is poured out as people gather together and share.

11-26
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11.9.25 Longing for Union

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories from the community of those experiencing separation who long for union, extending the hope that the Father offers to all.

11-19
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11.2.25 Seeing Lazarus

A challenge to seek (and care for) for the Lazaruses around us and the one within ourselves, as well.

11-04
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10.19.25 In Praise of Weeping

Fr. Nicolaie discusses weeping (both for sorrow and for joy) and the value it brings to our spirits.

10-22
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10.5.25 On Communion

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on recent events in the community and how they draw us into communion with Christ.

10-15
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9.28.25 Fishing and Following

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights from the community about the disciples' fishing leading to deeper communion when following Christ.

10-08
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9.21.25 Not Ashamed

Fr. Nicolaie shares a story from the community about love in the place of shame, and relates it to the Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Holy Cross.

10-01
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Stories from Community Life

Brother Luke shares a handful of recent family-related stories from the community.

09-16
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Two Stories of Generosity

Fr. Nicolaie shares two stories of generosity by community members.

08-20
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6.29.25 Opportunities After Encountering Christ

Fr. Nicolaie reflects on how differently members of the community have responded after experiencing an encounter with Christ.

07-16
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6.22.25 The Value of Humility

Fr. Nicolaie shares examples from the community as they learn that walking with Christ can only be accomplished through humility.

07-09
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6.15.25 Leaving Everything to Follow Christ

Fr. Nicolaie compares the journey of those who have left everything to follow Christ to the beauty of a wildflower field.

06-25
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6.1.25 Shoes and the Path of Life

Fr. Nicolaie shares the stories of two community members, and ponders how "the right shoes" can help us to walk the path of life.

06-13
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5.18.25 Longings for Encounter with Christ

Fr. Nicolaie shares stories that reflect on loneliness and our need for an encounter with Christ.

05-28
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5.11.25 Illness, Mercy, and Building Community

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights from the community on how God can use times of illness to touch all of us with His mercy.

05-14
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5.4.25 Myrrhbearers at the Mission

Fr. Nicolaie shares the stories of myrrhbearers Sergei and Timothy who came to the mission this week bearing countenances reflecting the joy of the resurrection.

05-07
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4.13.25 New Life on Lazarus Saturday

Fr. Nicolaie shares insights into Michael's baptism on Lazarus Saturday.

04-16
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