“Listening to the Hymn of Kassiani (sung on Holy Tuesday) 'The woman who had fallen into many sins'one cannot help thinking Have we not all fallen into many sins? But how else could we have felt the Miracle of His…

“When the door of the steam baths is continually left open, the heat inside rapidly escapes through it; likewise the soul, in its desire to say many things, dissipates its remembrance of God through the door of speech, even though…

“It was necessary for her to carry within herself such a strong spiritual fire, such a deep, undoubting faith with which the impossible became possible.” On the life of Holy Xenia of St. Petersburg I have spoken with people who…

“Orthodox spirituality is knowledge acquired through suffering rather than through learning.” Mother Gavrilia Most people when asked if they consider themselves to be “spiritual” will answer, “Yes.” In a recent conversation a friend told me how “the pursuit of a…

“All that is truly beautiful carries the soul to You in a mighty call, and forces it to sing rapturously: Alleluia!” Akathist of Thanksgiving, Kontakion 7 Ahhhh, vacation! I will be the first to say it is good to get…