June 20, 2017 The Concept of “Economy” in the Orthodox Church Unlike secular law, or Mosaic law, the purpose of the Church’s law is the spiritual perfection of her members. Mere application of the letter…
June 20, 2017 What do the two snakes on a bishop’s staff mean? The episcopal staff has the cross of Christ with two snakes and this may seem disconcerting. There are actual two explanations for this symbolism….
June 19, 2017 The History of the “Pimenovskaya” Icon of the Mother of God The iconographic type of the “Pimenovskaya” icon of the Mother of God is Odigitria. For the first time, the icon was mentioned in the…
June 19, 2017 On the Meaning of the “Age” and “Unto Ages of Ages” St. John of Damascus (+749 A.D.) On the meaning of the AGE (aion/vek/vicie) and UNTO AGES OF AGES (eis tous ton aionas ton aionon/vo…
June 16, 2017 A Brief History of the Tabynsk Icon of the Mother of God The Tabynsk icon of the Mother of God is known for its many miracles. The icon first appeared in the second half of the…
June 13, 2017 What Is Blessable as an Icon in the Orthodox Iconographic Tradition? One of the great difficulties that I believe the Orthodox Church has always had is control over her iconographers. More than ever, especially today,…
June 12, 2017 An Explanation of the Sunday of the Synaxis of All Saints The Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to All Saints, both those who are known to us, and those who are known only to God….
June 12, 2017 What Is the Fast of the Apostles and How to Follow the Fast? Orthodox Christians around the world observe four fasting seasons during the year. Two of these—the Great Fast for the forty days…
June 9, 2017 10 Things to Know Preparing for Holy Communion 1. The most important “thing” about preparation for preparing for communion is that one must strive to be a Christian. If you are not…
June 8, 2017 Why Do Orthodox Christians Pray Facing East and Why Does the Priest not Face the People When He Prays? I have a pet saying that I like to tell to my parishioners: “The priest prays for the people, and with the people,…
June 8, 2017 The First 40 Days after Death Explained by St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Limitless and without consolation would have been our sorrow for close ones who are dying, if the Lord had not given us eternal life….
