The Prodigal Awakens | Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

The Prodigal Awakens

- Fr. Micah Hirschy -

Today in the Orthodox Church is known as the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The Gospel reading for the day comes to us from Luke 15:11-32. In this well-known parable, the younger son demands his inheritance from his father only to lose it through prodigal living leading to hunger. Hunger helps us realize we are not autonomous and need communion with others and God. The heart of Father Micah's sermon is when the younger son comes to himself. Before this, he was not present and asleep to reality. The parable reveals to us the path back to the Father's house. We must realize life to be an exodus from self into the promised land of neighbor and God. We must recognize our sinfulness, unworthiness, and repent. And we must trust in the Goodness of God as One who provides and nourishes.

307 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 | Fr. Gregory Edwards, Dean | 205.716.3080

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej

Fr. Micah Hirschy grew up in St. Paul, MN and attended St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He graduated from Hellenic College in 2004 and continued his studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he graduated with an M. Div. in 2007. Upon graduating, he began working at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis, TN as Pastoral Assistant. He was married in 2011 to Anastasia Hartzes of Mobile, AL and was ordained to the Deaconate and Priesthood by Metropolitan ALEXIOS of Atlanta in December of 2012. He currently serves as Ephemerios at the Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham, AL.