In Matthew 17:14-23, the disciples encounter something they cannot overcome. They have followed Christ, received authority, and already seen God work through them, yet they are unable to cast out the demon afflicting a young boy. When they ask why, they are pointed back to faith, prayer, and fasting. This sermon looks at what that passage teaches Orthodox Christians about the difference between claiming the faith and actually living it. It also connects this Gospel with the Great Commission and the meaning of Christian baptism.

Baptism is not the finish line of the Christian life. In Orthodox Christianity, baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of repentance, prayer, worship, fasting, and growth in faith. The Orthodox Church teaches that what we receive in baptism is meant to shape the rest of our lives. We cannot simply call oursel ...