Jesse Dominick

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On the Monastic Life

Strength of Spirit, Part 10

The monastic life is arduous, filled with sorrows and ascetic struggles. Therefore, people of the world rarely understand it.

The Silence of the Theotokos

Strength of Spirit, Part 9

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The Silence of the Theotokos

Strength of Spirit, Part 9

Let us listen to the silence of Mary and learn from her! What does this incomprehensible spiritual labor mean? That Mary is a perfect vessel of grace.

On Cultivating a Prayerful Spirit

Strength of Spirit, Part 8

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On Cultivating a Prayerful Spirit

Strength of Spirit, Part 8

True Christians are always quickly heard by the saints because they are of the same spirit.

Federal employee blows the whistle about gov’t child trafficking, finds his way to the Orthodox faith (+VIDEO)

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Federal employee blows the whistle about gov’t child trafficking, finds his way to the Orthodox faith (+VIDEO)

“This is what’s basically saved me,” Stevenson said about his path over the past three years.

“Do You Trust Me?” (+VIDEO)

Personal Remembrances of St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) of Georgia

Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo

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“Do You Trust Me?” (+VIDEO)

Personal Remembrances of St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) of Georgia

Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo

We’re not supposed to literally copy the exact words and actions of the saints, but the important thing is to internalize the love of God that they were living out and ask them for help to find our own way to live out the love of God in today’s world.

Pentecost as the Fulfillment of Sacred History

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Pentecost as the Fulfillment of Sacred History

Through the Holy Spirit’s working in the Church, Christ’s presence is continued on Earth.

“I Can’t Stop Speaking About Fr. Seraphim!” (+VIDEO)

On the Local Canonization of Fr. Seraphim (Rose)

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“I Can’t Stop Speaking About Fr. Seraphim!” (+VIDEO)

On the Local Canonization of Fr. Seraphim (Rose)

In this interview, Met. Nikolozi spoke with us about his love for Fr. Seraphim (Rose) and his recent decision to locally canonize him in his diocese, and about what exactly this means.

To Enter the Bridal Chamber: From Palm Sunday to Holy Thursday

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To Enter the Bridal Chamber: From Palm Sunday to Holy Thursday

Today, Holy Thursday, the Disciples are led into the Bridal Chamber, partaking of the most intimate act of the Communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for the first time. And yet, the robe of the soul of Judas doesn’t shine, rather he is “stricken and darkened with the love of silver.”

St. Gregory Palamas today in the Example of St. Joseph the Hesyhast

The Second Sunday of Great Lent

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St. Gregory Palamas today in the Example of St. Joseph the Hesyhast

The Second Sunday of Great Lent

“If this spiritual work is flourishing on the Holy Mountain, it is primarily due to Elder Joseph the Hesychast and Cave-dweller, whose immense impetus brought back to the Athonite environment the true meaning and continuation of the theology of St. Gregory Palamas,” said Elder Joseph of Vatopedi.

“Everything I Am and Will Be is Because of Him”

An Interview on Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra and Neptic Vigilance

Bishop Emilianos of Meloa

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“Everything I Am and Will Be is Because of Him”

An Interview on Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra and Neptic Vigilance

Bishop Emilianos of Meloa

He’s not canonized but we all believe that he’s a saint; and saints like him are very rare—they’re very, very unique.

“Vladyka Nicholas Loves God, Deeply”

An Interview with Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe on the Election of the New First Hierarch of ROCOR

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

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“Vladyka Nicholas Loves God, Deeply”

An Interview with Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe on the Election of the New First Hierarch of ROCOR

Bishop Irenei (Steenberg)

From his youth he sat at the feet of two of our most notable First Hierarchs: Metropolitan Laurus and Metropolitan Hilarion, serving closely with both and, as it were, received their spirit of absolute trust in God, gentle guidance of the Church’s conciliarity, and deep love for the unique mission of the Church Abroad in the world.

Speaking to Each Other from the Heart

Fr. Seraphim's Friend

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Speaking to Each Other from the Heart

Fr. Seraphim's Friend

“Spiritual friendship is rooted in a common Christian faith, is nourished by prayer for each other and speaking to each other from the heart, and is always inspired by a common hope in the Kingdom of Heaven in which there shall be no more separation.”

“Significant Missionary Work Needs to be Done”

An Interview on Orthodoxy in Cambodia

Hieromonk Paisiy (Ipate)

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“Significant Missionary Work Needs to be Done”

An Interview on Orthodoxy in Cambodia

Hieromonk Paisiy (Ipate)

We need to bring the Gospel to Cambodia. We also need a firm footing in order to establish roots and thrive.

Lowered Expectations? On the Proposed Council of the Pentarchy

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Lowered Expectations? On the Proposed Council of the Pentarchy

Based on the Antiochian statements, it can be reasonably suggested that Constantinople has lowered its initial expectations for a council of a revived Pentarchy that will bring the hammer down upon the Russian Church.

A Timeline of the Moscow-Alexandria Schism

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A Timeline of the Moscow-Alexandria Schism

In late 2019, Patriarch Theodoros entered into communion with the Ukrainian schismatics, setting off a chain reaction that culminated in the Russian Synod’s decision to create an African Exarchate, beginning with the reception of 102 African priests. OrthoChristian presents here a brief timeline of the major events of the Moscow-Alexandria conflict and a more detailed timeline, including various statements and smaller events.

“Ye Shall Be Sons of the Most High”

Commentary on Luke 6:31-36

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“Ye Shall Be Sons of the Most High”

Commentary on Luke 6:31-36

In Scripture, you are the son of the one you serve, whose works you do, whose life you take on as your own. The Jews are not sons of Abraham simply by blood, but only if they do the works of Abraham. Meanwhile, Christ also warns them that they are, in fact, sons of their father the devil, for they do his works (Jn. 8:30-44).

God’s Providence Guides History Symbolically

Salvation History in the Book of Jonah

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God’s Providence Guides History Symbolically

Salvation History in the Book of Jonah

Scripture depicts history symbolically because God’s providence guides history symbolically.

Our Standard is Nothing Less than the Glory of Christ

A Reflection on the Sunday after the Exaltation

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Our Standard is Nothing Less than the Glory of Christ

A Reflection on the Sunday after the Exaltation

All that Christ wrought, He did that He might share His glory with us. This is the beginning, middle, and end of the spiritual life. This is our goal. In Orthodoxy, we can say that our standard is nothing less than the glory, the perfection of Christ.

On the Exceeding Chastity of Sts. Joachim and Anna

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On the Exceeding Chastity of Sts. Joachim and Anna

So, we can ask what characterized this “most exalted life;” what made them “two honored chaste ones?”

“My Son, Keep Your Father’s Command”

A Homily for the Second Friday of Great Lent

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“My Son, Keep Your Father’s Command”

A Homily for the Second Friday of Great Lent

And we obey our fathers in the faith because they guide us on the path of the Tradition of the Church, and here we see the foremost meaning of Solomon’s words—we are to keep the commands of God our Father, and the law of our Mother the Church.

Through the Help of the Saints and Brother Bishops

An Interview with Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce and Košice. Part 3

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Through the Help of the Saints and Brother Bishops

An Interview with Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce and Košice. Part 3

You have to put aside all the masks, all the false walking sticks that help you get through life, all the pretensions, all the unnecessary relations; and you just have to realize that the only thing you truly have in your life is the Lord, because you realize you don’t even own your own life.

Building Community Post-Communism: On the Modern Life of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia

An Interview with Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce and Košice. Part 2

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Building Community Post-Communism: On the Modern Life of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia

An Interview with Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce and Košice. Part 2

Families were crying and saying they miss the church, they miss the people, they miss the community, they miss worshiping together. It was stunning, because I think this is what Church should be.

The Oldest Slavonic-Speaking Church: On the History of the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia

An Interview with Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce and Košice. Part 1

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The Oldest Slavonic-Speaking Church: On the History of the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia

An Interview with Archbishop Juraj of Michalovce and Košice. Part 1

It doesn’t look like it, but we are actually the oldest Slavonic-speaking Church. We tend to trace our origin back to the mission of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, but we can go even beyond that, because where what is nowadays the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there used to be the border of the Roman Empire, going along the Danube River.

Great Are the Accomplishments of Faith!

On the Martyrdom of St. Theodore the Tyro

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Great Are the Accomplishments of Faith!

On the Martyrdom of St. Theodore the Tyro

The great accomplishment of St. Theodore, extolled by the Church on this day, was to be burned alive! To the world, this is pure madness. “Fool! Why dost thou vainly set thy trust in a man that was put to death?” the impious governor mocked the martyr. But the holy Apostle Paul already told us 2,000 years ago that the Cross is foolishness to the world.

The Doors of Repentance, the Doors of Our Hearts

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The Doors of Repentance, the Doors of Our Hearts

As is clear from the tone of the hymn, repentance is a much deeper matter than simply acknowledging and confessing our sins with our mouths.

The Culmination of a Fifteen-Year Search

An Interview with Fr. James Siemens, a Former Uniate, On His Long Road to Orthodoxy

Fr. James Siemens

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The Culmination of a Fifteen-Year Search

An Interview with Fr. James Siemens, a Former Uniate, On His Long Road to Orthodoxy

Fr. James Siemens

Fr. James shared the story of his long path to Orthodoxy with OrthoChristian, as well as his thoughts on what’s more important in the spiritual life and in his pastoral ministry.

“I Hope to Be Buried Here”

A Conversation with a Missionary Priest in the Caribbean

Hieromonk Ambrose (Sitalo)

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“I Hope to Be Buried Here”

A Conversation with a Missionary Priest in the Caribbean

Hieromonk Ambrose (Sitalo)

Hieromonk Ambrose (Sitalo) is a missionary priest in the Caribbean, visiting various islands from his base in Grenada, where he serves at the Church of St. George.

Remember Sins and Despair Not: A Homily on the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

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Rating: 10|Votes: 23

Remember Sins and Despair Not: A Homily on the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

Because of her sincere faith in Christ and her ardent desire to repent, her sins did not weigh her down. For her, the memory of her falls was not a victory for Satan, but it took part in the ultimate victory in Christ. I encourage you to take heart from her example. Our sins may have long-term consequences but even this can be reoriented to Christ.

Catch a Fire: An Athonite Missionary to America

On Elder Ephraim, Founder and Elder of St. Anthony's Monastery

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 35

Catch a Fire: An Athonite Missionary to America

On Elder Ephraim, Founder and Elder of St. Anthony's Monastery

Elder Ephraim received the unbroken monastic tradition from his spiritual father, the great Elder Joseph the Hesychast, and has brought it to North America in the form of the seventeen monasteries he has founded throughout America and Canada, including the main monastery in Florence, AZ, dedicated to St. Anthony the Great, where Elder Ephraim lives and serves as spiritual guide to all who come thirsting for spiritual guidance.

The Russian Royal Martyrs, the American Saints, and a Greek Monastery in the Mountains of Cyprus

An Interview with the Brotherhood of the Monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Mesa Potamos, Cyprus

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The Russian Royal Martyrs, the American Saints, and a Greek Monastery in the Mountains of Cyprus

An Interview with the Brotherhood of the Monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Mesa Potamos, Cyprus

We wanted to provide our readers with this interview with the brotherhood, in which we discuss the monastery’s history, its spiritual inheritance, its love of the Russian Royal Family and the American saints, and much more.

On Holy Relics, Primacy in the Church, and the Pastoral Life in the Bay Area

An Interview with Fr. Edward Henderson

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Edward Henderson

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On Holy Relics, Primacy in the Church, and the Pastoral Life in the Bay Area

An Interview with Fr. Edward Henderson

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Edward Henderson

Fr. Edward came to Russia to receive a portion of the relics of two recently canonized saints who are venerated in his parish. He also had to time to sit down with us for an interview on the reason for his trip to Russia, his interest in the Old Rite, his pastoral life in Berkeley, and much more.

“I Learned From Him How to Live and How to Die”

How Fr. Seraphim (Rose) Influenced the Life of One Future Priest

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Martin Person, Martha Nichols

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“I Learned From Him How to Live and How to Die”

How Fr. Seraphim (Rose) Influenced the Life of One Future Priest

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Martin Person, Martha Nichols

“The first time I met Fr. Seraphim, I saw how an Orthodox man should live. The second time I saw him, I saw how an Orthodox man should die.”

St. Herman’s Spruce Island: The Beauty America is Missing

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St. Herman’s Spruce Island: The Beauty America is Missing

St. Herman can be an aid to the reawakening of spiritually dull America. If we want it, the beauty of all things St. Herman can help us begin to know what is happening in our own hearts and souls.

The Unfortunate Opinion of the Representatives of the Great Lavra, Iveron, Koutloumousiou, and New Esphigmenou

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Rating: 6.8|Votes: 19

The Unfortunate Opinion of the Representatives of the Great Lavra, Iveron, Koutloumousiou, and New Esphigmenou

While the statement has been condemned in the broader opinion of the Sacred Community, we have decided to make comments on the statement for the good of our readers, as the attitudes in the statement are unfortunately prevalent in certain Church circles today.

Christ Descended That We Might Ascend

A Homily for the Feast of the Annunciation and the Sunday of the Ladder of Divine Ascent

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Rating: 9.6|Votes: 16

Christ Descended That We Might Ascend

A Homily for the Feast of the Annunciation and the Sunday of the Ladder of Divine Ascent

This is the wondrous love and mercy of our God—before He calls us up to Himself, He comes down to us. And this is the uniqueness of Christianity—it is not man searching for God, as are other religions, but rather, it is God searching out man. God has descended to us and become one of us—Jesus Christ. And because He is perfect God, He also perfected human nature, which allows us to seek perfection and climb the ladder of Divine ascent. This is the essence of salvation—this two-way motion—God loves and moves towards us, so that we can love and move towards Him.

”The Waters Have Been Muddied”

An Interview with Fr. John Whiteford on the Ukrainian Crisis and the Judgment of God

Archpriest John Whiteford, Jesse Dominick

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Rating: 9|Votes: 53

”The Waters Have Been Muddied”

An Interview with Fr. John Whiteford on the Ukrainian Crisis and the Judgment of God

Archpriest John Whiteford, Jesse Dominick

Since I became Orthodox, one of the big things I have been concerned with is trying to bring people into the Church. It’s harder to bring people into the Church now because it’s harder to explain what Orthodoxy is.

Comments on the Archons’ Town Hall Meeting on Ukrainian Autocephaly

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Rating: 8.9|Votes: 33

Comments on the Archons’ Town Hall Meeting on Ukrainian Autocephaly

The Archons are Patriarch Bartholomew’s PR arm and fundraisers and few expected anything new from this meeting—the right of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to intervene in any Church situation anywhere, any time would be asserted again with little real engagement of the serious issues involved in every aspect of the current Church crisis in Ukraine and Constantinople’s role in it.

Metropolitan Onuphry’s Pastoral Love for the Ukrainian People

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Rating: 9.2|Votes: 38

Metropolitan Onuphry’s Pastoral Love for the Ukrainian People

Undoubtedly, from a secular PR perspective, Met. Onuphry’s choice to remain seated was a nightmare, but he chose to represent a higher calling.

“I Never Had the Slightest Desire to Leave My Diocese”

A Conversation with Fr. Mark Tyson on His Decision to Leave the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Mark Tyson

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Rating: 9.6|Votes: 108

“I Never Had the Slightest Desire to Leave My Diocese”

A Conversation with Fr. Mark Tyson on His Decision to Leave the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Mark Tyson

Following his conscience, Fr. Mark Tyson recently moved from the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to ROCOR due to Constantinople's recent actions in Ukraine. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), Fr. Mark offered us the following interview in which he speaks more in-depth about his time in ACROD, his reasons for transferring to ROCOR, and what the future holds for him.

Remembering Fr. Seraphim (Rose) at a Monastery in Bulgaria

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Rating: 9.8|Votes: 37

Remembering Fr. Seraphim (Rose) at a Monastery in Bulgaria

I had the blessing of attending Liturgy at the Monastery of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Varna, Bulgaria, yesterday, on the thirty-sixth anniversary of the repose of Fr. Seraphim (Rose). While it is always a good thing to be at the Divine Liturgy anywhere, this day ended up having several blessings and connections with Fr. Seraphim.

“This is a Story of Resurrection:” An American Monk on the Spiritual Life in Kosovo

Jesse Dominick, Monk Sophronios (Copan)

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Rating: 9.9|Votes: 50

“This is a Story of Resurrection:” An American Monk on the Spiritual Life in Kosovo

Jesse Dominick, Monk Sophronios (Copan)

Monk Sophronios (Copan) is an American monk living out his monastic calling in a small monastery in Eastern Kosovo, dedicated to the Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael. Orthochristian.com recently had the opportunity to interview him about his experiences as an American and a monastic in Kosovo while he was in America giving talks about his monastery and the contemporary situation of Orthodox Christians in Muslim-majority Kosovo.

“Marriage Is a Defense Against Tyranny”

An interview with Adam Strock on translating G. K. Chesterton’s The Superstition of Divorce

Jesse Dominick, Adam Strock

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Rating: 9.9|Votes: 25

“Marriage Is a Defense Against Tyranny”

An interview with Adam Strock on translating G. K. Chesterton’s The Superstition of Divorce

Jesse Dominick, Adam Strock

The book is about the essence of marriage, and considers it from a practical, philosophical and sociological standpoint. In defining the essence of marriage, it helps the reader see how every other modern change in social mores is an attack on the sanctity of marriage, as well as who benefits from such efforts to tear it apart.

Obedience in the Christian Life According to St. Paul

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 22

Obedience in the Christian Life According to St. Paul

We tend to view obedience as a burden, but as we see in the Epistles of the great Apostle St. Paul, obedience is a necessary part of the Orthodox Christian life. But why is that?

Rejoice! For the Ancient Curse is Annulled

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Rating: 7.7|Votes: 3

Rejoice! For the Ancient Curse is Annulled

“For just as pain and sorrow came upon Eve and all her offspring until now, so too does the joy of Mary come upon all of her descendants,” declares St. Macarius the Great.

“We are One in Christ:” The Missionary Work of “Orthodox Africa”

A Conversation with Fr. Silouan (Brown) on His Missionary Trip to Kenya and the Continuing Work

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Rating: 9.3|Votes: 11

“We are One in Christ:” The Missionary Work of “Orthodox Africa”

A Conversation with Fr. Silouan (Brown) on His Missionary Trip to Kenya and the Continuing Work

Last July I sat down with Fr. Silouan (Brown) to ask him about his upcoming mission trip to Kenya, on behalf of the charitable organization “Orthodox Africa” he founded as a way for the global Orthodox community to be able to participate in the furtherance of God’s Kingdom by providing a means for the average layman who may not be able to travel to faraway lands, to participate in global missionary work. The organization works with several mission and shelters in Kenya. In this follow-up interview, Fr. Silouan shares his thoughts and reflections on the trip, how it compared to expectations, what he learned about how to better serve the people of Africa, and about the bond of Orthodox Christians worldwide, rooted in our common faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Caroling in Christmas in Glen Rock, PA

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Rating: 10|Votes: 5

Caroling in Christmas in Glen Rock, PA

It’s a quiet little place in Southern York County, PA of a humble population of 2,000. There’s only one traffic light in the whole town. Most of the year the strongest attraction is the Mignano Family Restaurant, with authentic Italian food made by authentic Italians. But ask anyone who has lived in Glen Rock, PA and they’ll tell you there’s only one place to be on the night of Christmas Eve into Christmas: huddled under that one traffic light in the center of the town at midnight, heralding our Lord’s salvific entrance into the world with hymns of nineteenth-century England.

Temples of the Holy Spirit

On relics and the “gift” to the Pope of Rome

Priest George Maximov, Jesse Dominick

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Rating: 8.4|Votes: 12

Temples of the Holy Spirit

On relics and the “gift” to the Pope of Rome

Priest George Maximov, Jesse Dominick

On September 15, 2016, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk gifted the Pope of Rome a piece of the relics of the much beloved great wonderworker St. Seraphim of Sarov, in a shrine the shape of a Paschal egg. Unsurprisingly, this has caused consternation among the Orthodox faithful, especially of the Moscow Patriarchate. The issue is not one of begrudging any and all pleasantries towards the Catholic prelate, but is focused rather upon the importance given to and the seriousness with which Orthodox Christians relate to the holy relics of the saints.

With Love for Truth

On Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II and the visit of Pope Francis to Georgia

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Rating: 7.5|Votes: 8

With Love for Truth

On Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II and the visit of Pope Francis to Georgia

As a wise and discerning shepherd, Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II maintained a balance between respect for his guest and respect for his own flock and Church, and his own ordination, with all its ensuing responsibilities, stating: “True faith, humbleness and our traditions—these are the ancient treasures that we preserve and will continue to do so in future. We greet you again and confess that our unity is in the true faith. Only true faith and love will open the path towards our communion.”

The Humility of St. Moses the Ethiopian

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Rating: 6.4|Votes: 19

The Humility of St. Moses the Ethiopian

St. Moses’ strict fasting and obedience and his compassion were his cross that he took up to follow Christ, “being glorified in godly works.” Even in his advanced spiritual state he remained profoundly humble, combining the righteousness of the Pharisee and the humility of the Publican. Upon his diaconal ordination the bishop said “Now Abba Moses is entirely white!” to which St. Moses replied, “Only outwardly, for God knows that I am still dark within.”

Man in Creation: The Cosmology of St. Maximus the Confessor

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Rating: 8|Votes: 25

Man in Creation: The Cosmology of St. Maximus the Confessor

The theology of creation and salvation in Orthodox Christianity upholds the centrality and kingship of mankind while simultaneously embracing a cosmological vision that is largely absent in western Christendom. A common characteristic of all creation is corruption and death, and yet we are told that God is not the author of death, and that all of creation awaits its redemption through the revealing of the saints, when all of heaven and earth will be united to God. Within this framework, St. Maximus the Confessor is recognized as a theological and spiritual giant by the Orthodox Church. In his two troparia he is hailed as an “enlightener of the universe” and a “herald of the faith.”

It’s All a Joy: A Conversation with Fr. Alexis Baldwin on His Experiences as a Young Mission Priest in South Carolina

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Alexis Baldwin

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It’s All a Joy: A Conversation with Fr. Alexis Baldwin on His Experiences as a Young Mission Priest in South Carolina

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Alexis Baldwin

I had the great pleasure of catching up with Fr. Alexis recently in Kiev where he was on pilgrimage, and especially of attending services together at the Kiev Caves Lavra. While there we also found some time to chat about his life, work, struggles, and joys as a young priest serving in a small mission parish in the American south.

Serving the Least of the Brethren: the Missionary Work of "Orthodox Africa"

A Conversation with Fr. Silouan (Brown) on Putting Matthew 25 into Action

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Rating: 7|Votes: 11

Serving the Least of the Brethren: the Missionary Work of "Orthodox Africa"

A Conversation with Fr. Silouan (Brown) on Putting Matthew 25 into Action

"The Kingdom is taken by violence and force. That implies to me in a lot of ways that we can’t sit on the sidelines as passive observers. We have to engage. You can’t sit by and wait for somebody else to do it. That’s what Orthodox Africa is for me—I saw a gap where there was a need and I asked myself what I could do, and Orthodox Africa is what I can do, so I went out and did it. It’s an invitation to everyone out there to get off their couches, and even if they can’t personally go travel and be a missionary, here’s one way they can be involved. Everyone has to be involved in some way in the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. Produce some good fruit."

From the Side of Adam, from the Side of Christ: the Creation of Eve and the Spiritual Life

A Study on the Book of Genesis

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Rating: 8.8|Votes: 5

From the Side of Adam, from the Side of Christ: the Creation of Eve and the Spiritual Life

A Study on the Book of Genesis

This sixth Bible Study on the book of Genesis covers the creation of Eve on the sixth day of Creation. In it we discuss several relevant topics including the status of Adam and Eve in the Church, the meaning of Eve's creation from the rib of Adam, experiences of God in Scripture, relationships between parents and children, the makeup of man, the role of desire and pleasure in the spiritual life, and much more.

You are the Crown of Creation: The Creation of Adam

A Study on the Book of Genesis

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Rating: 6.4|Votes: 7

You are the Crown of Creation: The Creation of Adam

A Study on the Book of Genesis

This fifth Bible Study on the book of Genesis covers the creation of Adam on the sixth day of Creation. In it we discuss several topics surrounding the creation of man, including what it means to be in the image of God, what it means that God "formed" man of the dust, the integral unity of man's body and soul, man's unique position as the summit of creation, and much more.

Salvific Details: The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Days of Creation

A Study on the Book of Genesis

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Rating: 10|Votes: 2

Salvific Details: The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Days of Creation

A Study on the Book of Genesis

This fourth Bible Study on the book of Genesis covers the fourth through sixth days wherein God created the heavenly luminaries, called forth aquatic and fowl life from the waters, and land animals from the ground. We discuss many interesting topics such as the spiritual symbols implanted by God in creation, the free will of man, the necessity of Church Tradition, the original state of animals, the witness of modern saints, and much more.

"After His Kind:" The Second and Third Days of Creation

A Study on the Book of Genesis

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"After His Kind:" The Second and Third Days of Creation

A Study on the Book of Genesis

The Fathers tell us there are boundaries of nature. Everything in creation is not fluid, going where it wills. Everything is defined by God, in the mind of God. Everything has its logos. This is why the Fathers emphasize that kind reproduces after kind and that the boundaries of nature can’t be broken down—you can’t break down the nature of dogness and make something new—because it’s defined in the mind of God.

To Thirst for What is Above

A Study on John 7:1-35 and the feast of Mid-Pentecost

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Rating: 8|Votes: 1

To Thirst for What is Above

A Study on John 7:1-35 and the feast of Mid-Pentecost

That Christ accomplished our salvation in His Person with the cooperation of His divine and human natures shows us that in order for us to receive that gift it must involve God and man—we have our part to play. This is, of course, the Orthodox doctrine of synergy, which leads us to the theme of thirsting. God offers us the water of eternal life—but we must thirst for it. He will never force it upon us.

"In the Beginning:" The First Day of Creation

A Study on the Book of Genesis

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Rating: 5.5|Votes: 2

"In the Beginning:" The First Day of Creation

A Study on the Book of Genesis

God is humble so we should be humble, and you can read the Scriptures as being entirely this story—God can do anything, and without Him we can do nothing. If God can create out of nothing He is infinitely greater than us. It’s essential for us to find in every verse and in every moment of life ways to become humble. We hear these verses all the time and it’s so easy to read one verse and pass onto the next, but if we can stop and think about what it’s really saying about God and ourselves in comparison to God, it will help us to find our humility which is an essential beginning point to the spiritual life.

The Hidden Gospel: A Study on the Book of Genesis

Introduction

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Rating: 7.9|Votes: 7

The Hidden Gospel: A Study on the Book of Genesis

Introduction

The whole of the Gospel can be found in the book of Genesis in a hidden form. It is important because it shows us how God intended man to be, it shows us why we’re in the condition we’re in now, and therefore it helps us to understand why we need Christ—what is it that we need to be saved from. The prophecies of Christ begin immediately after the Fall. If you study Genesis and read the Fathers’ commentaries you can basically learn the entirety of the Orthodox faith.

On the Remembrance of Death: the Sixth Step of the Ladder of Divine Ascent

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Rating: 8.3|Votes: 4

On the Remembrance of Death: the Sixth Step of the Ladder of Divine Ascent

The sixth step of St. John Climacus’s The Ladder of Divine Ascent is dedicated to the spiritual discipline of the remembrance of death, which is to have in mind the hour of one’s repose and the following judgment before God, in order to deter oneself from sin. St. John tells us that the remembrance of death is the highest work for one who is spiritually minded (6:4), and that “He who has mounted [this sixth step] will never sin again” (6:24).

St. Gregory Palamas: Traditionalist or Innovator?

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Rating: 8.3|Votes: 3

St. Gregory Palamas: Traditionalist or Innovator?

Although his theology was vindicated by several councils in Constantinople between 1341 and 1351, and he was canonized just nine years after his death in 1368, it remained a topic of disagreement. His theology and influence fell into nigh-obscurity from the late sixteenth century practically until the twentieth century, and today there is still disagreement within the Orthodox Church over how to understand his theology and interactions with his opponents, as well as continued debate from outside the Church.

Blessing Others With Our Talents From God

A Conversation on Moscow's St. Felix Orthodox Language Courses

Jesse Dominick, Alexei Makarov, Philip Champion

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Rating: 10|Votes: 5

Blessing Others With Our Talents From God

A Conversation on Moscow's St. Felix Orthodox Language Courses

Jesse Dominick, Alexei Makarov, Philip Champion

Several times a week a group meets at a church in central Moscow to study various foreign languages, and especially English. The gatherings are all part of the St. Felix Orthodox language courses. The group, founded two years ago and directed by Alexei Makarov, seeks to provide a valuable service to all who are interested, within an Orthodox context, in a spirit of Christian charity. From its humble beginnings the group has blossomed to offer courses in three languages at various levels of competency, as well as a Patristic-based Bible study for those of a high level of English, conducted by Philip Champion.

Torch-bearers of the Triune Godhead

A Homily for the Synaxis of the Three Holy Hierarchs

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Rating: 10|Votes: 2

Torch-bearers of the Triune Godhead

A Homily for the Synaxis of the Three Holy Hierarchs

From these fathers we learn that the content of theology, the entirety of the Christian spiritual life, is the Mystery of the Cross, which shapes the ethos of repentance—our prayerful striving to become like Christ in all things—in the Orthodox Church.

St. Basil, the Great Visionary of Creation

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Rating: 5.3|Votes: 22

St. Basil, the Great Visionary of Creation

As a theologian St. Basil is distinguished as a luminous visionary of the dogma of creation. His Hexaemeron, or commentary on the six days of creation, delivered as a series of nine sermons during Lent sometime around 370 AD, has stood the test of time to become the Church’s most authoritative text on the matter.

The Table is Laden: A Homily on the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

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Rating: 6.6|Votes: 7

The Table is Laden: A Homily on the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

"The table is laden. All passions, all wealth, all pleasure, all of our excuses, find their true fulfillment in the Incarnate Christ. Let us lay aside all these excuses and accept the festal invitation, for truly, the table is laden, and all are invited."

The Saints are Alive! A Homily on the Day of St. Jesse (Ise) of Tsilkani in Georgia

Commemorated December 2/15

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Rating: 4|Votes: 3

The Saints are Alive! A Homily on the Day of St. Jesse (Ise) of Tsilkani in Georgia

Commemorated December 2/15

St. Jesse of Tsilkani left his homeland to evangelize the people of Georgia and gave his life in asceticism to Christ and the people of his diocese. His selfless giving is an example for us all to follow in our own situations. St. Jesse gave his life to Christ. Through his prayers and those of all the saints we too can follow Christ, even to our last breath, and say with St. Jesse and our Lord: “Lord, into Thy hands I commit my spirit!”

For the Love of the People

A Conversation with Bishop David Mahaffey on Serving in Alaska

Jesse Dominick, Bishop David of Sitka and Alaska

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For the Love of the People

A Conversation with Bishop David Mahaffey on Serving in Alaska

Jesse Dominick, Bishop David of Sitka and Alaska

"I decided go to the church early and pray a Panihkida for my wife in front of St. Herman’s relics. I went back in the altar, and I don’t know if it was St. Herman talking to me or who, but somebody said to me in myself, 'I replaced the beauty of your wife with the beauty of Alaska, and I replaced that love that you and your wife had with the love of these people for you.' And then I understood."

Memorial Services in Honor of the Martyred Fr. Daniel Sysoev

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Rating: 10|Votes: 2

Memorial Services in Honor of the Martyred Fr. Daniel Sysoev

On Thursday November 19 and Friday November 20 memorial services were held in honor of Fr. Daniel Sysoev who was martyred in his parish in 2009 at the age of thirty-four.

On the Knowability of God in the Cappadocians and St. John Chrysostom

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Rating: 4|Votes: 7

On the Knowability of God in the Cappadocians and St. John Chrysostom

But the uniqueness of the Orthodox Church is precisely that it alone among the Christian confessions refuses to reduce the perfection of Christ, and what it means to be perfect in Christ. The martyric spirit of the martyrs themselves and the monastics after them is not driven and sustained by a wise teacher, but rather by the God Who is Life and Who offers that Life to us through His salvific economy in His Church.

"Convey to Them the Joy of the Resurrection"

A Conversation with a Mission Priest on His Experiences and Thoughts on Orthodoxy in America

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Timothy Hojnicki

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Rating: 10|Votes: 9

"Convey to Them the Joy of the Resurrection"

A Conversation with a Mission Priest on His Experiences and Thoughts on Orthodoxy in America

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Timothy Hojnicki

"Without the message of salvation you will not be able to rejoice in the rest of it. Christ has come into the world to save us. When we have friends that are suffering or sad or mournful, we must convey to them the joy of the Resurrection—that’s what we’re called to do. If you can’t do that, then just shut the doors. Start with the basics."

Discovering the Grand Duchess Elizabeth

A Conversation with English Pilgrims in Moscow

Jesse Dominick, John Harwood, Maria Harwood, Paul Oxborrow

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Rating: 10|Votes: 1

Discovering the Grand Duchess Elizabeth

A Conversation with English Pilgrims in Moscow

Jesse Dominick, John Harwood, Maria Harwood, Paul Oxborrow

A group of pilgrims from England recently made their way to Russia to explore the spiritual treasures of Moscow, and particularly those relating to the lives of their parish patron St. Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and New Martyr, and all the New Martyrs and Confessors who suffered under the Communist Yoke in the twentieth century. They took some time out of their busy schedule to chat with us at Sretensky Monastery and offer their thoughts and reflections on their trip, as well as the history and current state of Orthodoxy in England.

Facebook Condones Photo Calling for Patriarchal Assassination

Jesse Dominick, Nun Cornelia (Rees)

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Rating: 10|Votes: 5

Facebook Condones Photo Calling for Patriarchal Assassination

Jesse Dominick, Nun Cornelia (Rees)

St. Tikhon of Moscow's Gift to America

The Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

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Rating: 7.8|Votes: 23

St. Tikhon of Moscow's Gift to America

The Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

St. Tikhon’s Monastery is home to a rich history and a great many “treasures” of Orthodoxy, some known, some relatively unknown, which stand as a testament to the prayers and labors of our American apostle, St. Tikhon, and his continuing heavenly protection.

Journeying Up the Mountain: A Sacred Choral Music Workshop with Maestro Vladimir Gorbik

An Interview with Isaac Crabtree

Jesse Dominick, Isaac Crabtree

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Rating: 10|Votes: 1

Journeying Up the Mountain: A Sacred Choral Music Workshop with Maestro Vladimir Gorbik

An Interview with Isaac Crabtree

Jesse Dominick, Isaac Crabtree

"As I listened to us all singing Divine Liturgy with Vladimir Gorbik, on the feast of All Saints of Moscow, at the Podvoriye of Trinity-Sergius Lavra, surrounded by the holy fathers and the faithful, standing at the kliros before the icon of the holy Royal Passion-bearers, I remembered Maestro Gorbik’s mountain analogy from the beginning of our class. It occurred to me then that only as we reached the summit of this mountain was it revealed to be none other than Mount Tabor: 'Lord, it is good for us to be here.'”

A Visit to Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

+ October 3/16

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Rating: 8.2|Votes: 9

A Visit to Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

+ October 3/16

The saints continue to live in Christ, and there can be no doubt that Aegina continues to be the home of St. Dionysios, St. Nektarios, and also, the great elder Ieronymos, and may we know the benefit of his prayers.

"Where your treasure is, there your heart is." The state of Church singing in America

An interview with choirmaster Benedict Sheehan

Jesse Dominick, Benedict Sheehan

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"Where your treasure is, there your heart is." The state of Church singing in America

An interview with choirmaster Benedict Sheehan

Jesse Dominick, Benedict Sheehan

"I think if you really care then you’ll do something, you’ll do better, you’ll do really well if you really care. Christ said Where your treasure is there your heart is. If the liturgy in your church is sung poorly, or half-heartedly, or in a slovenly or disorderly manner, then your heart’s not there. It can’t be."

On the Word to St. Silouan, “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”

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Rating: 9.4|Votes: 18

On the Word to St. Silouan, “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”

The path to humility is encapsulated in the advice that St. Silouan heard from God in his heart: “Keep thy mind in Hell and despair not.” Our generation especially struggles with pride and all of its trappings, and thus we have much to learn from the life of St. Silouan.

The God-Seer Moses as a Prophet of the Past

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Rating: 3.7|Votes: 3

The God-Seer Moses as a Prophet of the Past

The prophet Moses occupies a unique position in the Scriptural Tradition of prophecy, having been granted not only to see the future and call the people to a greater faith in God, but alone was given to see the awesome creation of the world—that which God alone witnessed, and God alone can reveal. Moses, alone in the Scriptural canon can be called a prophet of the past, and his experience is confirmed for us in the experience of the saints in every age of the Church. He responded to the call of God and ascended the mountain to speak with Him, experiencing divine vision in His presence, and in turn offering to us the life-giving knowledge of the creation of the world, and there arose no greater prophet in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (Deut. 34:10).

St. Herman's Monastery Celebrates the 33rd Anniversary of the Repose of Fr. Seraphim Rose

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Rating: 10|Votes: 1

St. Herman's Monastery Celebrates the 33rd Anniversary of the Repose of Fr. Seraphim Rose

The monastery brotherhood was joined by Georgian Metropolitan Saba and Archimandrite Ilarion from Kosovo among other special guests to honor the memory of its holy founder, Hieromonk Seraphim Rose who reposed on August 20/September 2, 1982.

"Fr. Seraphim Was a Whole Man, and Therefore He Was a Healed Man"

A Conversation with Fr. Ambrose Young and Mother Theadelphi On Fr. Seraphim Rose

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Ambrose Young, Mother Theadelphi

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 10

"Fr. Seraphim Was a Whole Man, and Therefore He Was a Healed Man"

A Conversation with Fr. Ambrose Young and Mother Theadelphi On Fr. Seraphim Rose

Jesse Dominick, Fr. Ambrose Young, Mother Theadelphi

"I think he was probably the closest we will ever get to seeing or knowing someone like St. John or St. John of Kronstadt who was also a whole person. I think there are just so few of us in the Church, much less outside of the Church. We’re just very broken and wounded in this culture and in this society. And so it was wonderful to see someone who was healed because he just accepted everything, believed it and did it."

On the Dormition of the Theotokos

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Rating: 4.8|Votes: 9

On the Dormition of the Theotokos

She overcame nature by her unique childbearing and therefore “It was fitting that she, who preserved her virginity undamaged by childbirth, should have her body preserved from corruption in death," and thus her passing is referred to as a “deathless Dormition.” Although she was above nature, she submitted to the corruption of death as had her Son: “Imitating your Creator and Son, above nature you submit to the laws of nature. She was a little lower than the angels through mortality, but “by her proximity to the God of all … she has ascended higher than the angels and the archangels and all the hosts that are found beyond them.”

The Life of St. Seraphim of Sarov: A Musical Tribute

A Conversation with Robert Sirico of the Orthodox Christian Music Project

Jesse Dominick, Robert Sirico

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Rating: 3.9|Votes: 8

The Life of St. Seraphim of Sarov: A Musical Tribute

A Conversation with Robert Sirico of the Orthodox Christian Music Project

Jesse Dominick, Robert Sirico

St. Seraphim was a spiritual warrior in the flesh and a victor in the spirit. Through his severe asceticism he conquered the temptations which gave him power over the world and made him worthy to lead men literally into the light of Christ.

In Memory of the Royal Martyrs, Through Personal Testimony

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Rating: 9.9|Votes: 14

In Memory of the Royal Martyrs, Through Personal Testimony

Tsar Nicholas and his beloved family— the Tsaritsa Alexandra, the Tsarevich Alexei, and the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia—along with their faithful servants were eventually to go to their deaths in a dank basement in Ekaterinburg. In their lives they stood for family, humility, nobility, duty, the Russian people, and above all for the holy Orthodox faith. And in the end they gave their lives for their nation and for that holy Orthodox faith, prevailing as the early martyrs before the lions. Having given their lives for Christ, they now intercede for us before Christ.

“If Only We Would Take Seriously Our Spiritual Lives, We Would All Be Saints:” A Conversation with Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg)

Part 2

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Rating: 8.5|Votes: 6

“If Only We Would Take Seriously Our Spiritual Lives, We Would All Be Saints:” A Conversation with Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg)

Part 2

While visiting Moscow during the month of June, Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg), rector of the Sts. Cyril & Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies in San Francisco and an Archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, visited Sretensky Monastery for an interview with Pravoslavie.ru. This is the second part of our interview with Father Irenei, which focuses chiefly on the state of Orthodox scholarship and sanctity.

“The Only Voice with Which Any Orthodox Christian is Entitled to Speak is the Voice of the Church:” A Conversation with Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg)

Part 1

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Rating: 10|Votes: 5

“The Only Voice with Which Any Orthodox Christian is Entitled to Speak is the Voice of the Church:” A Conversation with Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg)

Part 1

While visiting Moscow during the month of June, Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg), rector of the Sts. Cyril & Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies in San Francisco and an Archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, visited Sretensky Monastery for an interview with Pravoslavie.ru. This is the first part of our interview with Father Irenei, which focuses on the nature of the human person and several of the challenges facing modern society.

On the Sunday of All Saints of America

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Rating: 9|Votes: 1

On the Sunday of All Saints of America

Although he is not officially canonized, Fr. Seraphim is the first truly American saint.

Homily for Mid-Pentecost

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Rating: 9.7|Votes: 3

Homily for Mid-Pentecost