Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas: Extract from the Agioritic Tome
The clearest short statement of the teachings of St Gregory Palamas and the Hesychasts can be found in "The Declaration of the Holy Mountain in Defence of Those who Devoutly Practise a life of Stillness," otherwise known as the "Hagiortic Tome." St Gregory defended the reality…
Feast of The Sign of the Theotokos (November 27)
The icon of the Mother of God of the Sign is one of the most venerated icons of Russia. Its history is linked with the history of Novgorod, which in Kievan Russia was the cultural and commercial center of the North of Russia and one of old…
FORGIVENESS SUNDAY
In the Orthodox Church, the last Sunday before Great Lent – the day on which, at Vespers, Lent is liturgically announced and inaugurated – is called Forgiveness Sunday. On the morning of that Sunday, at the Divine Liturgy, we hear the words of Christ:
“If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also…
The Feast of The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple (February 2nd)
Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light to enlighten the Gentiles and for the glory of Your people Israel.…
THE LORD’S BAPTISM - THE BLESSING OF WATER (January 6)
Water does not mean much to us today. It’s one of life’s essential comforts, accessible automatic, cheap. You turn on the tap and there it is… However, for thousands of years water was a primary religious symbol and to understand why this was so we must…
The Nativity of Our Lord And Saviour
Christmas Kontakion:
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! Angels, with shepherds, glorify him! The wise men journey with the star! Since for our sake the eternal God was born as a little child!
The Child as God, God as Child…Why does joyful…
FEAST OF THE SIGN OF THE THEOTOKOS (November 27)
The icon of the Mother of God of the Sign is one of the most venerated icons of Russia. Its history is linked with the history of Novgorod, which in Kievan Russia was the cultural and commercial center of the North of Russia and one of old…
SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGELS (November 8)
On this day the Church celebrates the present Synaxis, that is our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, for the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?"…
Feast of the Exultation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
On September 14th, for centuries, when the feast of the Elevation of the Cross was celebrated in cathedrals, the bishop would take his place in the center of the church and, surrounded by a great assembly of clergy, would majestically raise the cross high over the…
The Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Church’s veneration of Mary has always been rooted in her obedience to God, her willing choice to accept a humanly impossible calling. The Orthodox Church has always emphasized Mary’s connection to humanity and delighted in her as the best, purest, most sublime fruition of human history and of…
