A Little History Lesson
Not long ago,the question about whether or not Orthodox Churches could accept homosexuality as a valid lifestyle came to the fore. The year was 1983. A denomination by the name of the “Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches” applied for membership in the association of mainline Protestant churches, the National Council of...
From “Death and Illness, Our Saving Road”
The expression that a Christian is a vessel of the Holy Spirit makes it seem as though the body is passive, but the body might rather be seen as an activation of the spirit within. In doing things that foster wellness, one is more useful for God’s purposes, which follow...
The Marriage of Love and Hate
By Fr. Stephen Freeman The genius of Dostoevsky lies in the profound theological insight of his tumbled novels. They can be difficult reads for many people – particularly in our modern setting. He has “too many characters” and they “talk a lot.” His characters are complex: I was a scoundrel,...
God Is Always With You
Ms. Jessica Precop traveled to the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan to interview Father Roman Braga, who grew up and served in Romania under a communist regime. We are very thankful to Ms. Precop, Father Roman, and the Sisterhood at the Monastery for making...
The “D” Word: Why Dogmas Matter
By Amir Azarvan “I don’t have a problem with religion, I just don’t like dogmas.” Statements like this are reflective of the growing disdain that people have for religious doctrine. Even many traditional Christian believers seem reluctant to use the word “dogma”, as they are aware of its negative connotations. For...
The Purifying Prayer
Every prayer of the Church assists with the purification of the heart. But especially the Jesus Prayer: ‘Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, sinner that I am’. This prayer, which has been passed down over the centuries on the Holy Mountain has the following advantage: since it’s only a...
Where Have All the Fathers Gone?
I seem to remember reading somewhere that at least one factor in the question of why young people join gangs was the absence of a father figure in their home. There are other factors, of course, but this one stood out for me, for it highlighted the importance of fatherhood....
Co-Workers of God and Fishers of Men
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The very first promise that Jesus made to His disciples and followers was that IF they would follow Him, He would show these fishermen how to “fish for people.” His first promise was not one of a special blessing that...
The Monastic Life: The way of perfection
By Prof. Georgios Mantzaridis With the advent of monasticism, a special way of life appeared in the Church, which however did not proclaim a new morality. The Church does not have one set of moral rules for the laity and another for monks, nor does it divide the faithful into classes...
