Theophany
In the Christian East, the Baptism of our Lord is honored in the Church’s annual celebration of Theophany (commonly called Epiphany in the West) on January 6. This feast is celebrated, moreover, as the manifestation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.… Read More
Forgiveness Sunday
The Sunday before the beginning of the great lent has two themes: one theme is the expulsion of Adam from Paradise and the other theme is forgiveness. … Read More
Preparing for Lent
During the four weeks prior to Great Lent, the Church prepares us with several “pre-lenten” themes: repentance and humility, God’s mercy, judgment and salvation, and forgiveness. The pre-lenten Sundays prepare us for our “lenten journey.” They arm us with that … Read More
On Prayer and Repentance
Written by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov; Translated by Nun Cornelia (Rees) In today’s Gospel, the prayer of the publican is shown drawing God’s mercy to him. This prayer consisted of the following words: God be merciful to me a sinner (Lk. … Read More
On the Nativity of Christ (St John of Kronstadt)
He has come upon earth, He Who in the beginning created us from earth and breathed His Divine breath into us; He has come Who “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25.); He has come, … Read More
Akathist of Thanksgiving
As I am sitting with family after our Thanksgiving dinner, I am truly grateful for all our Lord has given us. I have found God to be so good to me and I am thankful for all He has done. … Read More
Give Thanks in All Things
When you sit down to eat, pray. When you eat bread, do so thanking Him for being so generous to you. If you drink wine, be mindful of Him who has given it to you for your pleasure and as … Read More
The Nativity Fast
By Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the … Read More
Prayer, Fasting, and Mercy
From St Peter of Ravenna – There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other.… Read More
Confession and Repentance
Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we complete the 5th week of Great Lent, we know full well by now that we have been focusing on the process of repentance: our turning away from our sins and turning to … Read More
The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
Fr. Seraphim Holland The Great Canon of St Andrew, Bishop of Crete, is the longest canon in all of our services, and is associated with Great Lent, since the only times it is appointed to be read in church are … Read More
Sermon on the Annunciation – Saint Proclus
Our present gathering in honor of the Most Holy Virgin inspires me, brethren, to offer her a word of praise, of benefit also for those who have come to this holy celebration. It is a praise of women, a glorification … Read More
Forgiveness Sunday
Father Alexander Shmemann In the Orthodox Church, the last Sunday before Great Lent, the day on which – at Vespers, Lent is liturgically announced and inaugurated – is called Forgiveness Sunday. On the morning of that Sunday, at the Divine … Read More