June 1, 2018 176 0 Why a New Name at Tonsure? Question: In connection with what, at a tonsure to monasticism, is the one receiving the schema given a new name? Answer: Monasticism is…
May 25, 2018 384 0 Why Do We Decorate Churches with Grass, Flowers and Tree Branches on Pentecost? Since ancient times, there is a pious tradition to decorate churches on the day of Pentecost with greenery – leaves, flowers, birch branches and…
May 15, 2018 14166 10 A Guide to Women’s Headcoverings in the Orthodox Church For 2000 years in the Orthodox Church, the tradition has been for women and girls to veil their heads during worship, whether…
May 4, 2018 62 0 The Dangers of Hate and Anger A natural desire of a normal person is to become better and, consequently, to live better. We are not always satisfied with ourselves…
May 3, 2018 3103 5 Matushka: Lots of Titles for the Priest’s Wife Every “traditionally Orthodox” country has a special title in its language for the priest’s wife. In America, we tend to bring these terms…
May 2, 2018 10302 23 The Reason Why Orthodox Christians Cross Themselves from Right to Left Orthodox cross themselves from right to left. First, we will describe the mechanics of making the sign of the Cross, then explain why it…
May 2, 2018 4901 1 The Origins of Orthodox Crosses with a Crescent The main parts of the Cross were two bars: one was vertical (the longer one), while the other one was horizontal and was joined…
May 1, 2018 347 0 Developing a Proper Understanding of Monastic Life “They wandered about in sheepkins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and…
April 30, 2018 3168 0 Being a Reader in the Orthodox Church: Ordination, Terminology, Vestments and Duties A reader, also called a Lector, Cantor, or Psalti, the Reader is the first order comprising participation in the Priesthood of Christ, and is…
April 17, 2018 73 0 On the Meaning of Radonitsa “On this day, the Tuesday of St. Thomas week, according to the order instituted by our Holy Fathers, we call to remembrance, in Paschal…