Featured Reflections
What the Skull Said: Finding Oneself in the Face of Others
By Douglas Cramer
There is an interesting story about hell told by St. Macarius, a Christian monk who lived in the fourth century Egyptian desert. Walking in the desert one day, he found laying on the ground the skull of a dead man.
Happy (Church) New Year!
Make Yours Acceptable to the Lord!
It seems odd saying "Happy New Year" in September, but that’s when the Church marks Her annual beginning. September 1st is, for the Church, the first day of a New Year.
What Can We Learn from Mary’s Falling Asleep?
From Fr. James Coles blog, Scholé
All the things we say about her could be said about us. But will they?
Within the Cradle
By Janice Bidwell
Raised in the Orthodox Church I’ve never viewed Orthodoxy from the outside, but I’m certain the view is different. My perspective reflects a lifetime spent within a Church known for Tradition.
The Quiet Cradle
By Janice Bidwell
As a cradle Orthodox Christian, for most of my life I’ve been quiet about my faith. My silence did not stem from apathy or ignorance, but rather from peace. There was never any reason to break my silence, until now when others want to listen.
Of Airports, Hospitals, and Psalms
An airport, a hospital, and the Book of Psalms - what do they have in common? This occurred to me recently when I found myself inside all three within the span of few days.
A Feast for East and West
by Fr. Patrick Reardon
Saints Peter and Paul: Both the East and the West, from the earliest centuries, have celebrated this double feast day of those two apostles, who are linked in a special way by their both being martyred in the city of Rome.
That They May Be One
by The V. Rev. Nicholas R. A. Sorensen
Disunity in the Church causes great trouble, frustration, anger, jealousy and despair, but true unity always bears the beautiful and gentle fruit of joy.
The Emergence of Local Orthodox Christian Societies in America
by His Grace Bishop THOMAS and Sdn. Symeon Dana Kees
Throughout the history of the Orthodox Church, the Church has found a home in every culture within which it has been divinely planted. As the unchanging Apostolic Tradition becomes the Way of the people, the language and the good aspects of the culture are sanctified and absorbed into the life of the Church.
Guidelines for the Paschal Season
By Fr. Dn. David Keim
These guidelines are intended by our Holy Church to help us experience the joy of this feast and celebrate our Lord’s victory over death and sin more completely!
FASTING – There is a general dispensation from fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays from Pascha through its Leavetaking (this year, May 12) on the Eve of the Feast of the Ascension.