“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things..” (Phillipians 4.8)
From the book, “Thoughts for Each Day of the Year”, St. Theophan the Recluse: Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee Luke 18: 10-14 Yesterday the Gospel reading taught us persistence in prayer, and now it teaches humility, or the feeling that we have no right to be heard. Do not assume that you have the … [Read more…]
Today the Church commemorates an important event in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:22-40). Forty days after His birth the God-Infant was taken to the Jerusalem Temple, the center of the nation’s religious life. According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2- 8), a woman who gave birth to a male … [Read more…]
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, “in radiant joy with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs together with the angels and the apostles,” we give thanks to God for the revelation of His abundant grace and glorious power through the life and witness … [Read more…]
Christ is in our midst! Following are reflections on the Dormition of the Mother of God as we look forward to the Dormition Fast: From the Antiochian Women of North America: The Church Fathers have written that we should remember three things every day: the Lord Jesus Christ, our Baptism and the remembrance of the … [Read more…]
In my recent reading, I came across this beautiful explanation of the benefits of prayer, which I feel is a great help to us all. According to St. Ephraim the Syrian, “Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the … [Read more…]