• Theophany

    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

    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

    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

    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)

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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