Sermons from St. Herman's

Homilies given either at Saint Herman Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wasilla, Alaska or by its priest, Fr. Matthew Howell during his travels outside the parish. Feel free to play "Homily Bingo" while listening! Get a bingo card here: https://myfreebingocards.com/bingo-card-generator/30-free-cards/gbhcwg3

Sermons from St. Herman's is a religion podcast hosted by Fr. Matthew Howell, with 434 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Fr. Matthew Howell hosts Sermons from St. Herman's, a religion show with 434 episodes published.

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  Sermons from St. Herman's

  The Cross is the Intersection of Our Lives — The Sunday Before the Elevation of the Holy Cross

  Sep 13, 202616 min

  On the Forefeast of the Elevation of the Cross , Fr. Matthew Howell traces the history of this feast from St. Constantine entrusting his mother, St. Helen, to search for the true cross of Christ, through its discovery and eventual return to Jerusalem. He explains that there is power in the cross through the grace of Jesus Christ, and this is why we display it so prominently in our lives: it symbolizes our life in Christ and in His Church — it is the intersection of our lives. We bring our pain from below, our brothers and sisters bring love from beside, and God brings joy from above, redeeming our pain through the Cross. The cross also reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians: to carry our own cross and to follow Christ. Previous Homilies for the Sunday Before the Elevation of the Holy Cross: September 7, 2025 - We Need to Know What's Important by Bishop John September 11, 2022 - Christ’s War on Terror and Death by Fr. Matthew Howell September 12, 2021 - Believing in God’s Only-Begotten Son as did the North American Saints by Fr. Matthew Howell ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS 6:11-18 Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. JOHN 3:13-17 The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

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  Sermons from St. Herman's

  Microwaves, Olive Orchards, and Joy — The Nativity of the Theotokos

  Sep 8, 202612 min

  On the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos , Fr. Matthew Howell reminds us that this day honors not only the Theotokos, but her parents, Joachim and Anna. They endured years of public shame and ridicule due to their lack of children, remaining faithful through prayer. Along the way, he references an old commercial from Burger King , advocates for mothers to receive presents on their children's birthdays, and challenges listeners to follow the example of Joachim and Anna by turning away from the fast-food consumerism of our modern culture and becoming communicants with Christ; trading instant gratification for the lasting joy that only Christ can give Previous Homilies for the Nativity of the Theotokos: September 8, 2024 - The Cross of the Grandparents of Christ September 8, 2023 - A Christian in Name and Reality September 7, 2022 - “Don’t Give Up; Don’t Ever Give Up” September 7, 2021 - “Through a woman came forth the better things.” Other Homilies About the Theotokos August 15, 2026 - Mary WAS a Little Lamb -- Dormition of the Theotokos November 21, 2025 - We, Too, Should Be Living Arks of God -- The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple November 21, 2024 - We Should Offer God a Continual Sacrifice of Worship -- The Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 Brethren, have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

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  Sermons from St. Herman's

  Funnel Cakes and Villains — The 14th Sunday of Matthew

  Sep 6, 202616 min

  On the 14th Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches on the parable of the Great Supper. He walks us through the spiritual implications of the King's invitation, the excuses of those who refuse, and the wedding garment worn by those who are gathered in. And he urges us to view ourselves as the villains in these parables so that their words can penetrate our hearts. Along the way, he checks off multiple boxes from the Homily Bingo Card by citing multiple scripture passages, referencing multiple movies including The Lego Movie and Up , using a "Both/And" reference, getting Linda to say "Amen", and finishing with "Brothers and sisters." Additionally, he explains why it is appropriate and highly encouraged that Funnel cakes be enjoyed on the Feast of the Archangel Michael . Related Homilies: December 14, 2025 - A Weekend with Taylor Swift, Liturgy on the Moon, and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb -- the Parable of the Heavenly Banquet December 15, 2024 - “We Must Live from Liturgy to Liturgy” – On the Parable of the Heavenly Banquet December 17, 2023 - Literally the Most Important Meal of the Week, and the Most Important Food of Your Life December 11, 2022 - The Soul’s Espousal to Christ

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  Sermons from St. Herman's

  Abide in the Vine -- The 13th Sunday of Matthew

  Aug 30, 202616 min

  On the 13th Sunday of Matthew, Fr. Timothy Kolb walks through the parable of the wicked vinedressers verse by verse, drawing on the Fathers' interpretation of each detail. He explains the vineyard as Israel, the hedge as the Law, the winepress and tower as the altar and temple, and the vinedressers as the scribes and Pharisees entrusted with tending God's people. He traces how the prophets, sent again and again to gather fruit, were beaten and killed, culminating in the sending and rejection of the Son himself. Fr. Timothy connects this to the church as the new Israel, with the apostles and saints as the true vinedressers, and closes with Christ's own words from John 15 on abiding in the vine, calling us to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Previous Homilies for the 13th Sunday of Matthew: September 3rd, 2023 - "Black Ingratitude" ST. PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 16:13-24 Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. MATTHEW 21:33-42 The Lord said this parable, "There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'"

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  Sermons from St. Herman's

  Forgiveness, Sin and Tithing -- 12th Sunday of Matthew

  Aug 23, 202614 min

  On the 12th Sunday after Pentecost and the 12th Sunday for the readings from the gospel of Matthew, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the ridiculous debt of the wicked servant and how it relates to our sinfulness toward God. He also discusses forgiveness and tithing and their importance to one's spiritual life. Previous homilies for this gospel reading: August 24, 2025 -- Repentance is the Seed; Forgiveness is the Fruit August 28, 2022 – The Heart of the Matter…Forgiveness September 5, 2021 – Gratitude is the Key to Forgiveness Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Brethren, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. Gospel: Matthew 19:16-26 At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

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