St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church Bible Study
Each week, under the guidance of Mr. Anthony Ally, we delve into the Holy Scriptures through the rich and timeless lens of the Orthodox Church. Drawing from the wisdom of the Church Fathers, the rhythms of liturgical life, and the sacred Tradition handed down through the ages, our studies seek to illuminate the Scriptures in the light of Christ. Whether we’re reflecting on the daily readings, commemorating a feast or saint, or exploring the practical aspects of Orthodox Christian living, our purpose remains steadfast: to encounter the living Christ more deeply and more truly. These sessions are open to everyone—whether you’re an inquirer, a catechumen, newly received into the Church, or a lifelong Orthodox Christian seeking a deeper understanding of the faith. Come and journey with us.
Episodes
In today’s sermon on Matthew 14:14–22, Fr. Stephen spoke about the loneliness that drives people to attach themselves to online trends—whether it’s joining in on viral dogpiles like the recent attacks on Sydney Sweeney, or parroting whatever the algorithm rewards this week. Social media promises connection, but it delivers comparison, outrage, and spiritual exhaustion. Christ, on the other hand, sees the crowd and has compassion. H...
Sunday, July 27, 2025 — Dn. Vassily Kocher offered a heartfelt sermon reflecting on the legacy of our parish, St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church. He reminded us of who St. Mary Magdalene is—a faithful witness to the Resurrection—and how her devotion continues to inspire us. Dn. Vassily shared our parish’s journey from humble gatherings in homes to the building of our Temple in Rincon, GA, a story marked by perseverance, prayer, and...
In this wedding homily, Fr. Stephen Osburn reflects on the reality that marriage is not only about carrying the cross, but about remaining on it—through joy and sorrow, peace and struggle. Sometimes, spouses become the very nails that keep each other on the cross, reminding us that love is not always soft, but it is always salvific. True Christian marriage is a path of dying to self, so that both may rise together in Christ.
Fr. Stephen Osburn preached on July 20, 2025, about the healing of the paralytic in Matthew 9:1–8, focusing on how Christ first forgives the man’s sins before healing his body. The sermon emphasized that going to confession is not about excusing or justifying our sins, but about opening ourselves to Christ’s healing mercy. Like the paralytic, we come before the Lord unable to walk in righteousness on our own—and in confession, we h...
Many are surprised to learn that Orthodox bishops are always celibate—even though the Bible appears to say a bishop must be “the husband of one wife.” Is this a contradiction? A forgotten tradition? Or something deeper rooted in the ancient Church? Discover the surprising historical and theological reasons behind this enduring practice of the Orthodox Church.
Join Mr. Anthony Ally as we explore Shepherding Like Christ—what it means to lead as Orthodox Christians in both Church and home. Drawing from the lives of the saints, the wisdom of the Fathers, and the Gospel example of the Good Shepherd, we’ll discuss the calling of husbands, parents, and clergy to guide with both strength and tenderness. We’ll also confront one of the most difficult truths: how to rekindle the secret fire of lov...
On July 13th, 2025, Fr. Stephen preached on the Gospel account of the demon-possessed men, whose lives were marked by violence, isolation, and spiritual chaos—until they encountered Christ. Their healing reveals a profound truth: when we gain inner peace through repentance and strive to be true images of Christ, we no longer reflect the madness of the world, but instead radiate His peace. Fr. Stephen reminded us that in a world ove...
How can a Baptist tradition influence for a person to understand the reality that Christians in heaven can pray for us and the Theotokos can save us?
In this class, Anthony explores 2 Corinthians 3 as a roadmap from spiritual slavery to divine liberty, showing how the ancient Christian path of ascesis leads to true freedom. Through five key illuminations—liberation from the passions, participation in God’s uncreated Energies, the transformative role of ascetic struggle, the liturgical and sacramental life, and the eschatological promise—we discover that authentic freedom is not ...
July 6th Homily – Fr. Stephen Osburn - True freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want, but the grace-filled strength to live according to God’s Will. In this homily, Fr. Stephen reflects on how obedience to Christ sets us free from the tyranny of sin, selfish desires, and fleeting pleasures. Real freedom is found in surrender—where our will is united with God’s, and we become truly alive.
Mr. Anthony Ally led an enriching adult class on The One Body of Christ: Mysterion, exploring the deep mystery of the Church as the unified Body of Christ. Through Scripture, patristic insight, and engaging discussion, he helped illuminate how each of us, though many, are mystically united in Christ through the sacraments, love, and service—called not only to communion with God, but also with one another.
On June 29th, 2025, Dn. Vassily Kocher offered a powerful homily on the role of the deacon in the life of the Church, reminding us that the diaconate is not merely a liturgical function but a living icon of Christ the servant. Drawing from Scripture and the tradition of the early Church, he also challenged all of us—ordained and lay alike—to embrace our common calling: to serve God by serving one another in humility, love, and fait...
On June 22nd, 2025, Fr. Stephen Osburn offered a sermon on the saints who have shined forth in America—holy men and women who lived on this very soil and showed that sanctity is possible even in our modern age. Their lives bear witness that the Orthodox faith can be fully lived here and now, and their prayers give us hope, courage, and a call to follow Christ faithfully in our time and place.
Following the adult class, Mr. Anthony Ally led a thoughtful Q&A session where participants asked pressing questions about modern Israel, the end times, and how Orthodox Christians should respond to rising false teachings. He offered clear, Christ-centered answers rooted in Scripture and the Holy Fathers, emphasizing noetic repentance, vigilance against deception, and the centrality of the Church as the true Israel called to gl...
In this adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally explores the Orthodox understanding of Israel—past, present, and eternal. Drawing from Scripture and the patristic witness, he explains how the true Israel is fulfilled in Christ and His Church, not in bloodlines or political movements. Rejecting false dispensational theology, the class highlights the dangers of worldly compromise and the urgency of turning our hearts to Christ. The Church’s mi...
In this homily on June 15th, 2025, Fr. Michael Matsko reflects on how the Divine Liturgy itself is the true catechism of the Church. Drawing upon the profound insights of Fr. Alexander Schmemann, he shows how every word, gesture, and hymn of the Liturgy teaches us not only about God, but invites us into communion with Him. More than information, it is formation—a lived theology that shapes our hearts and reveals the Kingdom.
In this adult class, Mr. Anthony Ally guides us through the Orthodox path to cultivating inner peace amid the turmoil of the world. Drawing from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the Church’s ascetical wisdom, we explore how humility, stillness, and prayer anchor the soul in Christ—the Prince of Peace—even in times of war and unrest.
At Vespers on June 14th, 2025, Fr. Michael Matsko offered a powerful reflection on the Gift of Holy Baptism, emphasizing that its eternal substance—our union with Christ, death to sin, and rebirth in the Holy Spirit—far surpasses any external form. He reminded us that the mystery lies not in ritual alone, but in the transformative grace it bestows.
In this adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally leads a powerful and grace-filled discussion on healing from depression through the Orthodox lens. Drawing on the lives of the Saints, the wisdom of the Fathers, and his own journey, he explores how humility and grace—not self-condemnation—are the true spiritual opposites of depressive thoughts. Together we reflect on how the Orthodox path offers healing by helping us replace inner accusation w...
This Pentecost, Fr. Stephen preaches on the descent of the Holy Spirit not only as the birth of the Church, but as a divine call to see every human being as made in the Image and Likeness of God. Just as the Spirit came upon people of all nations and tongues, so too are we invited to look past divisions and see the sacred imprint of God in each person.
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