Path to Theosis in the Carmelite Tradition

Embarking on a journey from early Protestant roots, where the concept of divinization initially sparked skepticism, to a deep dive into the Carmelite tradition’s mystical spirituality, “Introduction to The Path to Theosis in the Carmelite Tradition: Understanding Divinization” offers a transformative exploration of divine intimacy. This article unveils the nuanced and profoundly biblical understanding of theosis, moving beyond initial misconceptions to a rich tapestry of spiritual growth and union with God. Through the lives and writings of Carmelite saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, readers are invited to discover a path to theosis that emphasizes not the erasure of the Creator-creature distinction, but a deepening communion with God through grace, prayer, and a life marked by the pursuit of holiness. This introduction sets the stage for a seminar aimed at those who may harbor hesitations about theosis, promising a journey into the heart of Carmelite spirituality where divine transformation is embraced through the love, mercy, and holiness of God.

A theological review of Sin

In confronting sexual sin, the Church Fathers drew heavily on Scripture, which offers clear directives against sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). They consistently condemned actions such as fornication, adultery, and homosexual acts, viewing them as distortions of the gift of sexuality. Their condemnation was rooted in a vision of sexuality as sacred and bounded within the covenant of marriage.

An Invitation…

Rediscover Your Spiritual Home in the Apostolic Western Orthodox Church Dear Clergy and Faithful Seekers, In a world that often feels unmoored, where the modern expressions of church can seem adrift amidst the tumultuous seas of societal change and spiritual uncertainty, we extend to you a heartfelt invitation to rediscover your spiritual home within the […]

Road to Hell Lined with the skulls of Heterodox Clergy

To all clergy who align with the teachings of the Apostolic Western Orthodox Church presented here, a solemn exhortation is extended: Uphold with unwavering commitment the sanctity and authenticity of the Apostolic Tradition. As custodians of a legacy bequeathed by Jesus, His Apostles, and a lineage steeped in divine wisdom, your role transcends mere conveyance […]

On the Unity of the Church and the Perilous Road of Contemporary Christendom

In the season of Advent, where we await the arrival of the Prince of Peace, our hearts yearn for solace amidst the growing storm clouds in the vineyard of the Lord. Divisions amongst those who call themselves Christian rend the garment of Christ, and voices raised in anger drown out the gentle whisper of the […]

Rome’s Journey from it’s apoas

Rome’s Journey from her Apostolic Foundations to Numerous Schisms Books by Bishop Callahan What is a Christian Faith of Our Fathers Deathly Silence Pray Without Ceasing By Bishop Michael Callahan, Apostolic Western Orthodox Church The Roman Catholic Church, with its majestic heritage and unparalleled reach across continents, began as a part of the Apostolic foundations […]

Appointment to Apostolic Vicar

Apostolic Western Orthodox Church Office of the Presiding Bishop Apostolic Western Orthodox Church 216 S.124th ave, Avondale, AZ 85323 CathChurchAmerica@gmail.com 623-261-4809 10/20/2023 Subject: Appointment to the Office of Apostolic Vicar To: Bishop Robert Pilkington Dear Bishop Pilkington, Grace and peace be with you. During my episcopal ministry, I have had the privilege of forging numerous […]

Homily 10/22/2023

Books by Bishop Michael Callahan   Lectionary Readings of the day FIRST READING Isaiah 45:1, 4–6 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, subduing nations before him, and making kings run in his service, opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred: For the sake of Jacob, my servant, […]

The Coming Great Apostasy

Warning to the Church Regarding the Great Apostasy By Michael Callahan,Presiding Bishop, Apostolic Western Orthodox Church (AWOC) There is a growing concern among many Christians that the Church is facing a great apostasy, a time when many people will fall away from the true faith in Jesus Christ. This concern is heightened by the ongoing […]

Carmelite Formation

Saint John of the Cross Our Lady of Mount Carmel Saint Teresa of Avila An outline for the AWOC Carmelite Novitiate The period of novitiate in the Carmelite order is a significant and formative time where the novice is gradually introduced to the monastic life, community living, and the spiritual and apostolic tradition of the […]