Invitation When the Fathers of the Church preach, or write, or pray, they assume familiarity with the Scriptures, in which they themselves were immersed. Specifically, […]
Reading the Old Testament in 2026 Read More »
The Church’s formal rule for fasting on the first three days of Lent are perhaps the strictest of the year: no food from Monday until
Keep the fast. Reclaim silence by taking a break from virtual ‘voices’ – even Orthodox ones (TV, news, social media, games, podcasts, etc.) Read a
A Handful of Seeds for Lent Read More »
On March 14 we commemorate St Benedict of Nursia (d. 547), who had perhaps the greatest single influence on monasticism, and by extension all Christianity,
Preparation for the coming season of repentance continues in the Church with the Sunday of the Last Judgment. On this day we are reminded of
Sunday of the Last Judgment: Course Corrections Read More »
The second Sunday in preparation for Lent is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, again named for the Gospel reading appointed for the day. (Luke
Sunday of the Prodigal Son : The Heart’s Direction Read More »
The Church’s liturgical book for Great Lent, the Triodion, opens with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, named for the parable the Lord
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee : Sails down Read More »
This coming Sunday offers the first notes of preparation for Great Lent. Because the Gospel reading recounts Zachaeus’ encounter with Christ, this Sunday is commonly
Zachæus Sunday : Let Us Run Ahead Read More »
Elder Aimilianos, the recently reposed (†2019) abbot and Elder of Simonos-Petras monastery on Mount Athos, would often remind his monks that the grace they receive
[Fr. Zacharias is a monk of St. John the Baptist Monastery in Essex, England and a spiritual son of St. Sophrony of Essex] Many people
Father Zacharias’ Word of Consolation Read More »