I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Job. The Book of Job is part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, classified as wisdom literature. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and prosperous man from the land of Uz, who becomes the focus of a challenge between God and an adversary (the satan).
If you would like to a... moreDear Templar Brothers and Sisters,
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Job. The Book of Job is part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, classified as wisdom literature. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and prosperous man from the land of Uz, who becomes the focus of a challenge between God and an adversary (the satan).
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture do... moreAugust 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture do... moreAugust 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily...
_O Lord, Almighty and Eternal,
Commander of Heaven’s hosts,
grant me the strength to bear the weight of my vows.
Let my sword defend the innocent,
and my shield stand firm against the darkness.
In times of trial, steel my heart with courage,
and keep my soul steadfast in Your truth.
May my faith be as unshakable as the walls of Your Holy City,
and my spirit as pure as the Lamb who redeems us.
Guide my steps on the narrow path,
that I may serve You with honor,
fight with justice,
and ... more_O Lord, Almighty and Eternal,
Commander of Heaven’s hosts,
grant me the strength to bear the weight of my vows.
Let my sword defend the innocent,
and my shield stand firm against the darkness.
In times of trial, steel my heart with courage,
and keep my soul steadfast in Your truth.
May my faith be as unshakable as the walls of Your Holy City,
and my spirit as pure as the Lamb who redeems us.
Guide my steps on the narrow path,
that I may serve You with honor,
fight with justice,
and walk humbly in Your light until my last breath.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Due to the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Rabbi Eisner, the Bible Study scheduled for Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 9:00 pm EST will be canceled. He is the first Department Chaplain to die during active service.
Members of the MTA Police Department will attend his service tomorrow evening. Please keep the men and women of the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department and the Chaplain’s Unit in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, ... moreDue to the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Rabbi Eisner, the Bible Study scheduled for Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 9:00 pm EST will be canceled. He is the first Department Chaplain to die during active service.
Members of the MTA Police Department will attend his service tomorrow evening. Please keep the men and women of the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department and the Chaplain’s Unit in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
It’s been a busy and emotional week, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect.
These photos are from this past Friday—a day filled with pride, gratitude, and deep emotion. My daughter officially earned her Gun and Shield and has now joined the ranks of the NYPD. Watching her stand tall after pushing through the challenges of the Police Academy was a moment I won’t forget. She showed strength, courage, and the kind of perseverance that honors the badge.
We are truly a blue family. Law enforceme... moreIt’s been a busy and emotional week, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect.
These photos are from this past Friday—a day filled with pride, gratitude, and deep emotion. My daughter officially earned her Gun and Shield and has now joined the ranks of the NYPD. Watching her stand tall after pushing through the challenges of the Police Academy was a moment I won’t forget. She showed strength, courage, and the kind of perseverance that honors the badge.
We are truly a blue family. Law enforcement isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Every day, I pray for my wife and children as they step out to serve and protect others, often in ways unseen and unrecognized. The risks are real, the sacrifices great, but they choose to wear that uniform with duty, honor, and integrity.
I couldn’t include my son from NJ in the photos due to the sensitive nature of his work, but he is very much in our thoughts and hearts. His path is just another reflection of the deep commitment our family has to service.
To all who wear the badge, especially our Templar Brothers and Sisters, may you be protected, strengthened, and blessed in all you do. And to everyone reading—please keep my family and all of us in your prayers.
GOD Bless Our Templar Brothers and Sisters who lay their lives on the line daily.
GOD Bless the OMSDT Templars.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther is a story from the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament about a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from a planned genocide. The narrative is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus (often identified with Xerxes I) in the Pe... moreDear Templar Brothers and Sisters,
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther is a story from the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament about a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from a planned genocide. The narrative is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus (often identified with Xerxes I) in the Persian Empire.
