Road to Emmaus

It has been said that, with the exception of St. John Chrysostom's Nativity and Paschal Homiliesthe only part of the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church that is not inspired is the sermon. Well, I think we might have to add one more to that list. I've been reading back issues of the Orthodox Journal road to Emmaus for the last couple of days. It has been pure joy. For example, take this little story about a sermon:

My mother was at a church once where a very kind and prayerful batiushka
serves. One day, on the Nativity of the Mother of God, after liturgy he
came out of the royal doors to give the sermon. It was obvious that he felt
the feast deeply. He crossed himself and began... “The Most Holy
Theotokos...” (his voice trembled) “...our Lady, the Mother of God.” Tears
stood in his eyes and began to run down his cheek. People in the church
began sniffling. “...her holy parents, Joachim and Anna...” he continued,
crying openly now. The people were weeping quietly. Batiushka tried to continue,
but was unable. Tears were choking him. He made a hopeless gesture
with his hands and retreated into the altar. The people sobbed aloud, and
leaving the church, my mother heard two of his parishioners say that it was
the best sermon they had ever heard.
– Sergei Laposhin

You can read many more articles (And you must read about the missionary vayages of St. Andrew!) at the Road to Emamaus website.