from the OCA.org website Especially at the feast of Pascha (Easter) non-Orthodox Christians ask why they may not receive Holy Communion in Orthodox parishes. As painful as this refusal is, it is based on our understanding of the true meaning of the sacrament as revealed in Scripture and ecclesial experience. A few months ago someone […]
St. Gregory the Great on the Unity of the Three Apostolic Sees of Rome, Antioch and Alexandria
March 17, 2017 By
On mutual authority of the Petrine Sees. When Saint Gregory the Great (Mar. 12) was Pope of Rome, he had a lively correspondence with Saint Eulogios, Pope of Alexandria (Feb. 13), and in Letter 40 of Book 7 he writes the following about the unity of the three Sees of Rome, Antioch and Alexandria due […]
Tracing the Origins of the Presanctified Liturgy
March 16, 2017 By
On the origins of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. By Panagiotis Melikides During the period of Great Lent, except Saturdays and Sundays, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated, which is the result of two factors. First, during this period the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, which is paschal and festive in character, […]
Ordination to the Diaconate – A Homily by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
March 1, 2017 By
The Primary task of the diaconate is love. The deacon protects the prayer of the priest. The deacon proclaims the Gospel with power and authority, but only if he himself has received the word. Translated by Dcn. Nicholas Parks The ordination of one of the members of a Christian parish to sacerdotal rank is an […]
What is an Anathema?
March 1, 2017 By
by St. Theophan the Recluse Rarely does the Rite of Orthodoxy, which is now being performed, take place without censures and reproaches on somebody’s part. And no matter how many sermons are given explaining that the Church here acts wisely for the salvation of her children — still the malcontents just keep repeating their line. […]
On the Last Times, the Antichrist, and the End of the World
February 19, 2017 By
by St. Ephraim the Syrian Dearly beloved brothers, believe the Holy Spirit who speaks in us. We have already told you that the end of the world is near, the consummation remains. Has not faith withered away among mankind? How many foolish things are seen among youths, how many crimes among prelates, how many lies […]
The Fathers of the Orthodox Church on Abortion
February 8, 2017 By
The following represent the teaching of the Orthodox Church on abortion from the [early] second century through the fifth century…. Note that penalties, when they are given, are neither civil nor criminal, but ecclesiastical and pastoral (excommunication for the purpose of inducing repentance). Also note that the these quotes deal with both surgical and chemically […]
A Saint’s Advice for Discouraged Priests
February 7, 2017 By
From Fr. Anthony Perkins at Good Guys Wear Black – I came across this gem while preparing for a Bible Study class on the readings for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (esp. 2 Timothy 3:10-15). This mirrors the advice given to a friend by his doctor when my friend complained about the pain […]
