Blog
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The Seven Sacraments: A Mystalogical Exploration
A contemplative, mystagogical exploration of the sacraments as doorways into Divine Mystery—united with Catholic–Orthodox lineage and the inclusive, evolving sacramental vision of the ISM. Contents Introduction: The Sacramental Cosmos Baptism — The Descent into… Read → -
Would Christ Have Come Even Without the Fall?
Joseph Martinka — Spiritual Hub JOSEPH MARTINKA Writing on spirituality, growth, and healing About Blog Audio Contact Would Christ Have Come Even Without the Fall? Reading the Gospel Through the Aramaic Lens and the… Read → -
Following the Words of Jesus — Not as a Label, But as a Life
Following His Words Changes Everything Over time, I’ve discovered that truly following the words of Jesus — His actual words in Scripture — is not only transformative, it’s the purest way to live a life of… Read → -
Writing Again: Returning to the Page After a Season of Study
After months of deep immersion in my Master of Divinity program, I find myself writing again. The pause was necessary—absorbing, integrating, and wrestling with the content of five challenging, beautiful courses left little space… Read → -
My Soul Cries for a Wounded World
When I look at the state of the world today, my heart aches. The division in our politics, the hatred and bigotry that pour out in our communities, the cruelty of homelessness in the… Read → -
Reflection on Pilgrimage to Sedona and Flagstaff
26 August 2025 [Note: This article was originally written as a reflection essay as part of my studies for seminary. I share it here in its entirety for anyone who might gain spiritual insight… Read → -
Coming Home: My Journey to the Shrine of Holy Wisdom
For much of my life, I have searched for a place where faith felt alive—where spirituality was not about fear or exclusion, but about love, healing, and truth. There were seasons when I thought… Read → -
Preparing My Heart for the Acolyte’s Path
On August 15th, I will kneel before the altar and be ordained to the ancient Order of Acolyte—an order that has quietly endured through the centuries, often unnoticed but deeply significant. This moment comes… Read → -
A Reflection on Acceptance into Seminary
“Called Beneath Her Mantle: A Seminary Acceptance on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel” On July 16, the Church commemorates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—a day soaked in mystery,… Read → -
Marian Dogmas & Titles Comparison Chart
Doctrine / TitleRoman CatholicEastern OrthodoxIndependent Catholic (e.g. Old Catholic, CACA, OSST)1. Divine Motherhood (Theotokos)✅ Defined at Council of Ephesus (431)✅ Affirmed at Ephesus; central to Orthodox theology✅ Affirmed; considered foundational2. Perpetual Virginity✅ Dogma: Virgin… Read →