One time, a well-known lawyer told me: ‘I had a case involving a lady of very high standing, an exceptional person, extremely well-educated. But she didn’t go to church, didn’t confess, didn’t believe. I was able on one occasion to persuade her to come with me to see Elder Porfyrios. Read more…
The Elder (Saint Ieronymos Simonopetritis) related a story of something that happened to him at that time (about 1928, when he was still Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Simonos Petras): When I was in Thessaloniki the father of one of my spiritual children was moved by action of the Read more…
Do you live in a big city or a little, tiny town? God can make little, humble places be impressive. In this week’s Gospel reading, we hear about where our Lord, Jesus Christ lived. After He was baptized, Christ started His ministry—His real work! The Gospel tells us that Jesus Read more…
Saint Efraim, whose secular name was Konstantinos Morfis, was born in Trikala, on 14 September 1384 in an idyllic place near the River Lithaios. He lost his father at a young age and he and his seven siblings were brought up, with God’s help, by his mother. At the age Read more…
Like millions of others concerned about their health, Hank Hanegraaff never knew which diet plan to trust, but he believes that he has found the secret to healing the whole of you–body, mind and spirit. Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding…
Metropolitan Anthony Bloom † The day of the Theophany is the day when the whole world is being renewed and becomes a partaker of the sanctity of God. But at the same time, it is the day when Christ enters on the way to Calvary. He came to John Read more…
Georgios N. Manolis, Theologian The life and activity of John the Baptist and Forerunner is an enduring testimony in Christ, culminating in his martyrdom for Him. Just as then, when he was active in the wilderness of the Jordan, so today his voice can be heard in the wilderness Read more…
Since my mom passed away I thought I was getting the hang of it all, of moving through loss, accepting absence, and learning how to replace empty space with gratefulness. My Orthodox Christian faith and avid practice of yoga both underscore the power and opportunity we are offered through challenge Read more…
George Mantzaridis, Professor Emeritus, Theological School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki The eschatological nature of the Church is revealed especially in the sacrament of the Divine Liturgy. The celebration of this sacrament is the central and pre-eminently eschatological action of the Church. It is its Liturgy (= function). It constitutes Read more…
Give God the Glory! Have you ever had to admit somebody was better than you are at something? Maybe you lost an arm wrestling match, or maybe you lost a race. Maybe you lost at a spelling bee or another contest. It is humbling when we have to admit somebody Read more…
George Mantzaridis, Professor Emeritus, Theological School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Christ’s advent brought the kingdom of God into the world. And the realm where the kingdom of God is made manifest is the Church. This retains eternity within history and provides history with the perspective of eternity. The Church Read more…
Stylianos G. Papadopoulos Until then, Orthodoxy in Cappadocia seemed very much like an islet in the East. Valens let loose the evils of heresy everywhere. The combination of his brutality and cunning brought shocking results. He swept through Orthodoxy and then dug his claws into Caesarea. It’s true to Read more…