The Rev. Dr. Russell Levenson, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson Jr. has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over 30 years and a spiritual advisor to thousands. He served as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, the largest Episcopal Church in North America, for 17 years until his retirement. Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bush. He is the author of many books, including the acclaimed Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" (Hachette, 2022) and "In God’s Grip." His latest book is latest book is "Witness to Belief" (Church Publishing, October 7, 2025.) He lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Split of Jane Goodall British ethologist and primatologist.

November 15, 2025

Jane Goodall’s surprising lesson on death changed how this retired pastor sees life

Author reveals Jane Goodall's deep faith through final interview months before her death, showing how spirituality guided her conservation work and fearless view of dying.

Actor Denzel Washington smiles for the cameras in Paris.

October 4, 2025

What Denzel Washington taught this retired pastor about faith

Actor Denzel Washington reflects on a 50-year-old prophecy about preaching to millions and how his faith has grown stronger with age in a discussion with retired pastor Rev. Russell Levenson.

Voting in North Carolina

November 2, 2024

The most important decision you will make on Election Day

The old adage is true – "religion and politics make strange bedfellows," but when it comes to being a person of faith – your belief system should guide your politics, not the other way around.

A cross

March 28, 2024

Holy Week and Easter Sunday offer a message like no other. And it can change your life

Holy Week and Easter mark the most important time in the calendar year for Christians all over the world. And it brings a powerful message that is unlike any other.

image of two pairs of hands praying

December 31, 2023

3 profound New Year's resolutions you can make when you feel helpless in our chaotic times

Many have told me they feel helpless. Maybe you feel that. I certainly have, and yet I am in the “hope" business! Is there anything you can do? The answer is a resounding “yes."

American flag

July 4, 2023

July Fourth blessings on America, with lessons from the red, white and blue

As we celebrate our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July, no greater symbol more visibly displays the call to patriotism than our American flag.

three crosses on a hil

April 9, 2023

Easter has the last word when all you can do is feel helpless

It's Easter 2023 and what does it mean for you? Does Easter have a message for you in your day-to-day life? Here's the deepest truth that Easter holds for you and your family.

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2009, file photo, former President George H. W. Bush, left, walks with his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, followed by their son, President George W. Bush, and his wife first lady Laura Bush, to a reception in honor of the Points of Light Institute, in the East Room at the White House in Washington. Bush died at the age of 94 on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, about eight months after the death of his wife, Barbara Bush. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

February 20, 2023

George and Barbara Bush modeled true leadership. Honor their example this Presidents Day

This Presidents Day 2023 I want to lift up the example of George H.W and Barbara Bush. I invite you to examine their leadership and dignity and consider living your life differently.

FILE - In a Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, file photo, former first lady Barbara Bush listens to a patient's question during a visit to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. A family spokesman said Sunday, April 15, 2018, that the former first lady Barbara Bush is in "failing health" and won't seek additional medical treatment. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

November 27, 2022

'Witness to Dignity': What I experienced at Barbara Bush's bedside in her final days

'Witness to Dignity': I experienced ‘demonstrable presence of God’ at Barbara Bush's bedside in her final moments. I later told the president she was at peace.