“Greek Orthodox Christian Church - Birmingham, Alabama”

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej






Sunday Sermon

Not of the World
September 29, 2024

- Fr. Gregory Edwards, Ph.D -


In today’s Gospel reading, Christ contrasts the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of the world to come, his kingdom. Fr. Gregory focuses on this contrast in today’s sermon, and he encourages us to to be in the world but not of the world.

First, he clarifies the meaning of the term 'world,' which can be used in two different and opposite ways. It can reference God’s creation, the product of his goodness and subject of his love. God called the world 'good' and 'very good,' and Christ came to be the savior of the world. However, 'world' can also be used to reference creation in rebellion against God. In John 15, Christ tells us that there is enmity between him as this world, which is beset with sinful passions. 

To be in the world but not of the world, we must remember that our primary identity is found in Christ. We must view the world through the Christian lens and live our lives as witnesses to what Christ has done for us. Fr. Gregory encourages us to have moral courage, speaking the truth in love as St. Paul writes.

As Christians in the world but not of the world, let us immerse ourselves more in the church than in our culture.



The Rev. Fr. Gregory Edwards, Ph.D., was raised in Virginia and eastern Pennsylvania, and became a member of the Orthodox Church while studying for his Bachelor's degree ...[more]
“Greek Orthodox Christian Church - Birmingham, Alabama”

Photography Credits: Beth Hontzas - Music: Presbytera Katerina Makiej

Sunday Morning Divine Liturgy - 9:30

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





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The Rev. Fr. Gregory Edwards, Ph.D., was raised in Virginia and eastern Pennsylvania, and became a member of the Orthodox Church while studying for his Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies at Brown University. After completing a Master's Degree in the New Testament and early Christianity at Florida State University, he conducted doctoral studies in Greece at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, graduating summa cum laude in 2012. Ordained in 2007, he served parishes in Thessaloniki and Volos for 9 years. He and his wife Presvytera Pelagia lived in Greece from 2006-2016, where their four children were born. He has served as Assistant Professor of Missiology at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in New York since 2014. Before coming to Birmingham in March 2019, Fr. Gregory served St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey, FL from 2016-2019.