Gabe Martini
Rating: 9,5|Votes: 2
Some Christians object to the idea of honoring Saints—whether that be venerating their relics and images, or asking them for their prayers—because they feel it is to ignore the living already with us in the Church here on earth. They will suggest that a danger lies in only “speaking with the dead,” as the dead either cannot or will not talk back to us, redirecting us when straying from the straight-and-narrow. But is this really the case?
Peter Davydov, Archpriest Alexei Sorokin
Seeing himself on the path of salvation as infirm, weak, and sinful, man asks that Holy Spirit God has given to His Church not leave us, that it would strengthen us, heal us of our infirmities and spiritual passions. This is what is said in the kneeling prayers.
Nun Nectaria (McLees)
Rating: 9,6|Votes: 9
Little known outside Wales and Great Britain, the secluded Welsh shrine of St. Melangel, deep in the Berwyn Mountains, is dedicated to a sixth-century Irishwoman, an anchorite who lived here for many years, alone and unknown. An early Christian treasure, it is the oldest existing Romanesque shrine in northern Europe.
Deacon Vladimir Vasilik
Rating: 2|Votes: 1
We are about to partake in the services for Holy Pentecost, as the Church celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples. The Matins service is especially notable for Canon II, a monument of ecclesiastical poetry. We offer this commentary on that canon by liturgical scholar Deacon Vladimir Vasilik. The excerpts from the canon are from the translation by Archimandrite Ephrem Lash.
Roman Savchuk
Rating: 9|Votes: 9
In the image of St. Xenia everyone can find something familiar and close. It seems that there are no barriers between the saint and the soul of any person—no misunderstandings, or difference of opinions. Just say a word, awaken a feeling in the heart, and you will immediately be heard, understood, consoled…