Most parents realize that keeping their babies healthy requires taking them to the pediatrician for their “well baby” check-ups. At each visit the doctor weighs and measures their kids to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate, checking eyesight and hearing, and answering any questions about behavior and health issues. As parents, we can’t wait for our children to reach important milestones – the first pounds gained, sitting up straight, rolling over, crawling, walking and eating solid ... [Read more]
About Fr. Tom Tsagalakis
Jesus: Enlightening the World and our Families
The apolotikion we chant on our Lord’s baptism reminds us of another extraordinary event that changed the course of this world. "At Your baptism in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest, for the Father’s voice bore You witness, by calling You His beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove, confirmed the truth of the Father’s Word. O Christ our God, You have appeared to us and enlightened the world. Glory to You!" This hymn confirms for us Orthodox ... [Read more]
Reflections on Confession – Part 1
It’s hard to imagine a marriage or close friendship without some sort of forgiveness being asked of one another—at some point. In the protracted dance of life, we have surely stepped on each other’s toes, if you will, and have felt hurt along the way. And likewise, we have—regretfully—caused each other to suffer. If we’ve done something that hurts, distorts or distances a deep and loving relationship, naming it, claiming it, and apologizing for what has happened is essential to restoring it. ... [Read more]
On Anxiety and Depression
Q: Stories about people with depression seem to pop up everywhere today: in print media, on the web, and on morning talk shows. Give us a working definition of depression, and tell us how it is different from just having the blues once in a while. Fr. Tom: Life is filled with many challenges and opportunities that create normal emotional ups and downs, sometimes referred to as “having the blues.” But when a person finds herself stuck in the “down” times for a long duration, she may be in the ... [Read more]
Addictions Rob Us of Life
“Addiction" might be the best word to help explain the lost, empty and isolated feelings that has deeply infected our culture. The deception of addiction makes us cling to what the world proclaims as vital and necessary for self-fulfillment. Obey your thirst! Do whatever makes you feel good! I am number one! In 2011, Carl’s Jr., a U.S.-based fast-food restaurant chain, turned to sexy women as the focal point in an advertisement campaign claiming: “We believe in putting hot models in our ... [Read more]
