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by St. John Chrysostom This is perhaps the greatest sermon ever written. It is read in every Orthodox Church in the world, every year at the Paschal Vigil, during the Matins of Pascha. St. John was the Archbishop of Constantinople during the fourth century. He was fearless when denouncing sin in high places, and was a prolific writer, and bold preacher, unafraid to hit the topical issues of the day squarely between the eyes with all … [Read more...]
by St. Constantine the Great Emperor and Equal to the Apostles, St. Constantine the Great (early 4th century) was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, establishing a policy of religious toleration that paved the way for the freer expansion of the Church. This text is taken from his great oration 'To the Assembly of the Saints' - an extensive examination of several Christian topics. That presented here is the opening chapter, … [Read more...]
by St. Justin Popovich Our father, Archimandrite Justin Popovich (1894-1979) was a theologian, a champion, a writer, a critic of the pragmatic church life, a philosopher, and archimandrite of the Monastery ?elije, near Valjevo. Sentenced to Immortality Man sentenced God to death; by His Resurrection, He sentenced man to immortality. In return for a beating, He gives an embrace; for abuse, a blessing; for death, immortality. Man never … [Read more...]
by St. Melito of Sardis Our father among the saints, Melito, bishop of Sardis, was a prominent figure of second-century Christianity. A leader of the Church in Asia, Melito was, according to Eusebius of Caesarea, a supporter of the Quartodeciman theory. Hippolytus of Rome reports that he was among the earliest proponants of the two natures in Christ, and Jerome echoes Tertullian in noting that Melito was considered a prophet by many in his … [Read more...]
by St. Athanasius of Alexandria Our father among the saints Athanasius of Alexandria (also spelled "Athanasios"; from Greek, "immortal") was a bishop of Alexandria and major theological writer in the fourth century. He is also called Athanasius the Great and Athanasius the Apostolic. He was born in 298 and died on May 2, 373. His feast day in the Orthodox Church is January 18. This excerpt from a Easter letter by Saint Athanasius (Ep. 5:1-2: PG … [Read more...]
by St. Leo the Great St. Leo the Great was the bishop of Rome during difficult times. He was an eminent scholar of Scripture and rhetoric. During an invasion by Attila the Hun, St. Leo met him outside the gates of Rome. After some short words, to everyone’s surprise, Attila turned and left. Three years later, during an invasion by Genseric the Vandal, St. Leo’s intercession again saved the Eternal City from destruction. I. … [Read more...]
by St. Gregory the Great Our father among the saints Gregory I, also known as Gregory the Great, was the Pope of Rome from September 3, 590, until his death on March 12, 604. He is noted for his writings. Also, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts has been attributed to him. The following is an excerpt from the homilies of St. Gregory the Great (also known as "St. Gregory the Dialogist"). In both East and West, the Sunday after … [Read more...]
by St. Symeon the New Theologian Our venerable and God-bearing father Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022) is one of three saints of the Orthodox church to have been given the title of Theologian (the others are St. John the Apostle and St. Gregory Nazianzen). Born in Galatia and educated at Constantinople, he became abbot of the monastery of St. Mamas. His feast day is celebrated by some on March 12, the date of his repose, while others … [Read more...]
by St. Leo the Great Our father among the saints, Leo the Great was the bishop of Rome during difficult times. He was an eminent scholar of Scripture and rhetoric. During an invasion by Attila the Hun, St. Leo met him outside the gates of Rome. After some short words, to everyone’s surprise, Attila turned and left. Three years later, during an invasion by Genseric the Vandal, St. Leo’s intercession again saved the Eternal … [Read more...]
By Archbishop Averky Our father, Archbishop Averky, was bishop of Syracuse and Abbot of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Monastery in Jordanville, NY. Christ is Risen! It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O ye people; Pascha, the Lord's Pascha: for from death to life, and from earth to heaven, Christ God hath brought us, as we sing the hymn of victory.(Eirmos, Ode I, Paschal Canon) We greet you, beloved in Christ brothers … [Read more...]
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