Orthodox Faith

27 Jan 2024 19:02

St Nina (Nino), Equal-to-the-Apostles, Enlightener of Georgia (Jan 14/ Jan 27)

“O handmaid of the Word of God, who in preaching hast equaled the first-called Apostle Andrew, and hast emulated the other Apostles; O enlightener of Iberia and reed-pipe of the Holy Spirit, holy Nina, equal to the Apostles: Pray to Christ God to save our souls.”

Orthodox Faith

25 Jan 2024 04:11

Why do we criticize others? Because we do not try to know ourselves. Judge yourself and you will stop judging others.
+ Magdalina the nun

Photo: Church of St. Mary Magdalene, taken from the walls of Jerusalem

Orthodox Faith

23 Jan 2024 14:59

“Marriage is not between two but three, the husband, the wife and God. And for it to be successful the three must perfectly cooperate and become a Holy Trinity.”

—Fr Demosthenes Nicolaou

Orthodox Faith

23 Jan 2024 14:56

Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything. People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to our knees.

✝️ St Gregory of Nyssa (Jan 10/ Jan 23)

Orthodox Faith

22 Jan 2024 02:10

“Like tax-collectors sitting in the narrow ways, and laying hold upon the passers-by, so do the demons spy upon souls and lay hold of them; and when they pass out of the body, if they were not perfectly cleansed, they do not suffer them to mount up to the mansions of heaven and to meet their Lord, and they are driven down by the demons of the air. But if whilst they are yet in the flesh, they shall with much labour and effort obtain from the Lord the grace from on high, assuredly these, together with those who through virtuous living are at rest, shall go to the Lord…” ✝️ St Macarius the Great (Jan 19/ Feb 1)
Icon: Archangel Mikhail, taking the soul of a dead man.

Orthodox Faith

22 Jan 2024 02:08

“I was born blind! And I glorify the Panagia because that way I commit fewer sins! At some point, the Panagia gave me my sight, but when I saw that it didn't help me, I asked her to take it back... And she listened to me!”

✝️ Elder Isidoros the Blind Monk of Philotheou Monastery, of Blessed Memory

Elder Isidoros, devout spiritual child of the Blessed Geronda Ephraim of Arizona, reposed on Sunday November 27, 2022 at the Athonite Monastery of Philotheou at the age of 87.

Twice a year, when the humble elder would come out of Mount Athos, many souls were blessed by his wisdom and many miracles.

Orthodox Faith

20 Jan 2024 05:52

"Christ is illumined, let us shine forth with Him. Christ is baptized, let us descend with Him that we may also ascend with Him." ☦️ St. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration on the Holy Lights.

Theophany (Epiphany) is also known as the Feast of Lights, a day in which the Church celebrates the illumination of the world by the light of Christ.

Image: Imperial menology, 11th century

Orthodox Faith

18 Jan 2024 23:40

Christ’s baptism in the Jordan was “theophany,” a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a “theophany” in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father’s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son.

The theme of “manifestation” or “revelation” is also expressed in Scripture with the symbolism of light. In the hymn of the Feast we sing, “Christ has appeared and enlightened the world.” Thus, January 6 is also known as the Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ.

—Abbot Tryphon, All Merciful Savior Monastery, Vaschon Island, Washington

Orthodox Faith

18 Jan 2024 23:37

"The potency of prayer hath subdued the strength of fire; it hath bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt." + St John Chrysostom

Orthodox Faith

18 Jan 2024 07:02

On judging others

"Have compassion on him who has not. Do not condemn him for what he does not have, that he is sinful, wicked, deceitful, talkative, a thief, a fornicator, and a liar. If you gain this knowledge, you can never judge anyone, even if you see him mortally sinning. For immediately you say, "He has not Your grace, my Christ, therefore he sins. If You go away from me also, I will do worse. He is poor. So how do you demand that he be rich? Give him riches so he can have them. He is blind. Give him eyes to see."

☦️ St Joseph the Hesychast

Orthodox Faith

15 Jan 2024 18:25

St Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov (Jan 2/ Jan 15) was once nearly beaten to death by robbers and walked with a bent back for the rest of his life from the injuries he received. This hunched stance shows in many icons. After recovering from his injuries, he spent a thousand days and nights in prayer on a large rock in the forest, sometimes standing, other times kneeling, leaving the rock only for brief periods. The Uncovering of the Relics of St Seraphim is commemorated on July 19/ Aug 1.
"You loved Christ from your youth, O blessed one, and longing to work for Him alone you struggled in the wilderness in constant prayer and labor. With penitent heart and great love for Christ you were favored by the Mother of God. Therefore we cry to you: 'Save us by your prayers, venerable Seraphim, our father.'” --Troparion, Tone 4

Orthodox Faith

15 Jan 2024 07:15

"All images reveal and make perceptible those things which are hidden. For example, a man does not have immediate knowledge of invisible things ... Therefore the icon was devised that he might advance in knowledge, and that secret things might be revealed and made perceptible. Therefore, icons are a source of profit, help, and salvation for all, since they make things so obviously manifest, enabling us to perceive hidden things. Thus, we are encouraged to desire and imitate what is good and to shun and hate what is evil."

+ St John of Damascus

Orthodox Faith

13 Jan 2024 21:10

“God can create beauty from complete desolation.” + Recently Sainted Mother Olga of Alaska

Orthodox Faith

13 Jan 2024 20:49

I was once at a grocery store in south St. Louis when I noticed a group of Ethiopians being instructed on how to shop in an American supermarket. As I went down the bread aisle, I noticed a woman sitting on the floor in tears, holding her knees and rocking back and forth. I asked the young White woman who was teaching the group what was the matter with that lady. She told me that she'd sent her to the bread aisle, but upon being confronted with everything from pita to hamburger buns to whole wheat, the woman was overcome with sensory overload in this land of plenty. That's when I knew that I had to establish some sort of organization to address the needs of these people. This was the first conception of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black.

We turned our storefront church basement into a free store with mostly household items, and one of the church's outreaches focussed on the welfare of the refugees. We were quite fond of one woman, Freyawitz. She was always sincere and pious in church and eager to lend a hand however she could. One early morning after Liturgy, Freyawitz asked me if she could remain in church and just pray. I told her she was welcome to do so, but I had to go to work, and that I'd return to get the key from her when the workday ended. When I arrived, I saw that the sidewalk in front of the church had been swept and rinsed, in the "scrubby Dutch" manner of old south St. Louis. Upon entering the narthex, I noticed that the windows had been washed, the baseboards cleaned - everything was spotless. I realized that Freyawitz must have spent the day cleaning. The nave had also been cleaned, but there was an overwhelming smell of cheap perfume. The carpets had been doused with a Dollar Store knockoff of Chanel #5. I was quite offended. Then I looked at the back of the church, where Freyawitz was standing by an icon of the Mother of God, placed on an analogion. She was smiling from ear to ear at the God-pleasing effort she had made to beautify the church, including providing a lovely (to her) incense-like scent. Seeing her labor of love, I realized how often we reject our brothers' and sisters' acts of lovingkindness when these acts don't mesh with our sensibilities. Freyawitz had given a gift, the best she could give, and it was acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. How often a gift is offered us, but rather than being thankful, we shut a door against it, and by extension, the giver.

Orthodox Faith

12 Jan 2024 05:33

“When we are praying let us be mindful that we are not alone. We are joining our prayers with all the Holy Monks of Mt. Athos, with all the Holy Saints. In this manner, we are connected with them. Let us not lose connection. But rather see this as a privilege that in spite of our sinfulness and our heavy heart, we are being united with the totality of the whole church with those who are in heaven."

☦️ Fr. Felipe Balangit

Orthodox Faith

27 Jan 2024 05:15

On Feb 9 / Jan 27 the Church celebrates the translation of the honourable relics of Saint John Chrysostom from the village of Comana, where he died in exile, to Constantinople, where earlier he had presided over the Church.

When the coffin of St John was brought to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, the people cried out, “Father, take up your throne.” Patriarch Proclus and the clergy standing by the relics witnessed St John opening his mouth and saying, “Peace be to all.” Many were healed of sickness at his tomb.

Orthodox Faith

23 Jan 2024 15:07

☦️ St Gregory of Nyssa (Jan 10/ Jan 23)

Orthodox Faith

23 Jan 2024 14:57

“And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up!” (James 5:15)

Make a list of people you know who are sick and pray the following: "O Christ, You alone are prompt to defend us; quickly visit Your suffering servants (say their names). Through the prayers of the Mother of God, deliver them from sickness and bitter pain. Heal them so that they may sing to You and always praise you – for You alone love us."

Orthodox Faith

22 Jan 2024 12:24

“Make your heart a monastery. There sound the semandron, there call your vigil, cense and whisper ceaseless prayers. God is next to you…”

☦️ St Luke the Surgeon of Simferopol

Orthodox Faith

22 Jan 2024 02:09

Have great care of your children. We live at a time when much freedom is given to the expression of thought, but little care is taken that thoughts should be founded on truth. Teach them to love truth.

✝️ St Macarius of Optina

Orthodox Faith

22 Jan 2024 02:08

“Difficult times are our lot, but we Christians must choose the Cross. Christ has placed us on His sleigh, and he will take us where He will.”
+St Matrona, the Righteous Wonderworker of Moscow
St Matrona led an ascetic life on her bed of pain. She fasted constantly, slept little, her head resting on her chest. Her forehead was dented from making innumerable signs of the Cross that she made. People from afar, of all ages and conditions, thronged around her to seek her wisdom and her prayers. Miracles continue at her tomb at the women’s monastery of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God

Orthodox Faith

20 Jan 2024 05:51

“If you do not have a confessional spirit … [i]t will be hard to answer before God, Whom you did not confess openly, but only secretly, for fear of ridicule.”

☦️ St Alexy (Solovyov)

“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.” —Philadelphia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov, after refusing to wear LGBTQ jersey in 2023

Orthodox Faith

18 Jan 2024 23:39

"The world is against you, Athanasius!"
"Then I am against the world."

Saint Athanasius (Jan 18/ Jan 31) didn't "go with the flow". Fighting against the Arian heresy, St Athanasius defied 4 emperors and lived with the constant threat of death. More than 20 of his 50 years as bishop were spent in exile.

St Athanasius, radiant beacon of Orthodoxy, pray to Christ our God to give us courage to stand for truth against all compromise.

Orthodox Faith

18 Jan 2024 19:31

Annual Theophany Miracle at the River Jordan

The annual Theophany miracle is a re-creation of Psalm 113/114 when the "sea beheld and fled, Jordan turned back" (verse 3), as well as the parting of the Jordan for Elisha (2 Kings 13-14). This is depicted in icons which display the swirling waters at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan.

What of this miracle and other miracles like the Holy Fire of Pascha and Holy Cloud of the Transfiguration, all unique to the Orthodox Church?

St Paisios of the Holy Mountain reminds us, "From the outside, all things pertaining to the spiritual life seem upside down. Indeed, the mysteries of God will be impossible to know and will appear strange and contrary to nature as long as we don't overturn our secular mindset and see everything with spiritual eyes. Those who believe that they can come to know God's mysteries through mere scientific theory, without a spiritual life, resemble a fool who thinks he can look through a telescope and see Paradise."

Orthodox Faith

15 Jan 2024 22:28

St John Chrysostom on Marriage

Orthodox Faith

15 Jan 2024 07:16

"It is obligatory with prayer and faith to widely bless each other with the Cross! Never, never forget to do it! Even if the spouses quarreled because of something or they have some other temptation, they still have to overcome themselves and necessarily bless each other with the Cross before leaving the house and before going to bed." —Fr. Nikolay Starovatykh

Orthodox Faith

13 Jan 2024 21:12

“[W]hatever is touched by the Holy Spirit is sanctified and converted." ☦️ St Cyril of Jerusalem

During the Holy Anaphora the priest prays: “Again we offer unto thee this rational and bloodless worship and beseech thee and pray thee and supplicate thee: Send down thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts here spread forth. And make this bread the precious Body of thy Christ; Amen. And that which is in this cup, the precious Blood of thy Christ; Amen. Changing them by thy Holy Spirit; Amen. Amen. Amen.”

St John Chrysostom: “At this point, the Divine Liturgy signifies the time of Pentecost.”

Orthodox Faith

13 Jan 2024 20:50

I've noticed that brothers and sisters of good will are at odds with one another these days over so many little things. We need to be careful not to let something like our opinion about the wrong kind of perfume get in the way of something much more profound, such as our shared discipleship.

After I aired out the church overnight, the perfume smell was nearly gone and the offense, such as it was, quickly passed, as is most often the case.

Orthodox Faith

13 Jan 2024 20:47

A beloved contributor to African American Orthodox Christianity has reposed. Eternal be the Memory of Abbamoses Berry.

A GIFT REJECTED— by Abbamoses Berry

In the late 1980's, we started an Orthodox Christian Community in St. Louis, Mo. It was located in a storefront, in a depressed part of town (which has since been gentrified).

After the massacre at St. George's Church in Addis Ababa, where 116 people lost their lives, there was an exodus of Ethiopians and Eritreans who had crossed Sudan on foot to safety in refugee camps in Kenya. Some of them were sent from Kenya to the U.S. During this time, St. Louis was one of a few Red Cross refugee centers scattered across the country, which gave assistance to people seeking asylum. In our city, there were established communities of previous refugees, some with their own churches, but this was not the case with the Ethiopians.

Orthodox Faith

12 Jan 2024 05:32

“Then I remembered . . . ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.’

George Calciu was first imprisoned in 1948 for openly being a Christian in Communist Romania. He was repeatedly tortured until he denied Christ. Anguished over his “weakness,” George vowed to become a priest if he survived. He kept his promise, secretly studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1973.

Fr. George preached so boldly for Christ and His Church that Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu's secret police imprisoned him and tortured him to such exhaustion that he could not even recall the Lord’s Prayer. “Then I remembered . . . ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.’ . . . I was no longer scared . . . and I was able to resist.”

Fr. George of blessed memory, pray for us sinners.