How to Be an Orthodox Christian
Almsgiving: How to Be Like God
In this episode, Dcn. Seraphim takes up the third great discipline of the Sermon on the Mount and shows why the Orthodox Church understands almsgiving not as an optional extra but as the practice by which we become like the God who gives Himself away. Drawing on Christ's teaching in Matthew 6 and 25, the Book of Tobit, the parable of the Widow's Mite, and the writings of Sts. Basil, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, and Clement of Alexandria, he traces almsgiving back to its roots in the very nature of the Trinity. He then turns to the practical questions: tithing, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, parish stewardship, and how the whole Divine Liturgy forms us as a school of giving. Show notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WENS_5xjgyLnr5kJQPTiK3qqYTgi5Hd6/view?usp=sharing
Monday, May 18, 2026 51 mins
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About
Deacon Seraphim Richard Rohlin presents in podcast form many of the catechetical lessons, materials, and videos that he uses as a catechist at the St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, Texas. This series is an introduction to catechism for the use and benefit of Orthodox Christian parishes around the world, and for people who are interested in becoming Orthodox Christians, who want to learn more about the Faith, or go deeper into the same Faith that they have already received. It is not intended to substitute for or replace instruction in the Faith from your own spiritual Father.
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