Chrism

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10. A life of sorrow follows us around here on earth. Pains, aches and disease stream through … More Blessed are those who Mourn

As the new year is approaching, we are most likely busying ourselves with New Year’s resolutions, and preparation for parties to ring in 2024. As exciting as that is, let’s not forget to simply thank God for gifting us another year. A lot is happening in the world. The struggles are many, and the pain … More Every New Year is a Gift

About two thousand years ago, Mary and Joseph walked a cold and dark road to Bethlehem. As foretold by the prophet Micah, the Savior was to be born in a place that was “little among the thousands of Judah” (Micah 5:2). The One to be Ruler of Israel, the Messiah, the King of kings would … More The Road to Bethlehem

The Orthodox church holds Mother Mary in very high esteem and dedication. The Orthodox church’s respect and esteem is not to be misunderstood for worship. Orthodox Christians only worship one God, and no other. The reason Orthodox Christian value and appreciate St. Mary the way they do, is because God himself holds her in very … More A Special Mother

Many questions can be raised regarding correct and incorrect tradition. How do we know sound tradition from bad tradition? Who do we follow and why would we assume that the Orthodox Tradition is the correct tradition? The short answer is that all Orthodox Tradition can be traced back to the authority given to the Apostles … More Tradition in the Orthodox Church – Part 5

October 31, 2023 is getting close, and many people are preparing to celebrate Halloween. Orthodox Christians should not be engaging in any Halloween activities because every act revolving Halloween is in honor of false Gods and Satan. Don’t assume that its “just for fun” – since it is never okay to celebrate heathen practices such … More Halloween: Walk as Children of Light

Benefits of Tradition Through tradition, we came to know the Holy Bible itself. Through divine entrustment the Bible reached us. Ask yourself, how was the Bible written? How did those who contributed to and wrote portions of the Holy Bible know what to write and why to write it? They knew it with help of … More Tradition in the Orthodox Church – Part 4

Traditions come from the teachings of the Apostles It must be noted that many of the Apostles did not write epistles and their work is not in the Bible. It is hard to believe however, that they did not follow the Lord’s command and preach the word. Certainly the Holy Spirit worked through them and … More Tradition in the Orthodox Church – Part 3

The Holy Bible does not mention everything. Our Lord Jesus Christs teachings go well beyond what has been captured in the Bible. Simply speaking, the Holy Bible does not mention everything. It does not cover everything the Lord said or did. The Evangelists chose parts of His work and recorded it based on their recollection … More Tradition in the Orthodox Church – Part 2

What is tradition? Oxford Dictionary defines tradition as “a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people; a set of these beliefs or customs religious/cultural, etc.” In the Orthodox Church, traditions are the teachings that were entrusted to us by the Apostles and … More Tradition in the Orthodox Church – Part 1

Overthinking is recipe for stress and worry. Jesus asks you why do you think too much? “But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened.” (Mark 8:17) God knows everything, so why do you … More Think Less, Pray More

1. Be willing to give up everything for God Abraham gave up everything for God. He left the land of his fathers and followed God’s commandment to him. He did not question, he did not wonder, and he did not hesitate. When God gave him the word, he uprooted his entire family and went into … More Lesson From Our Father Abraham

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) What does it mean to deny yourself and how can we practically implement self-denial into our lives with God? Ask yourself the following questions: – Am I concerned … More Deny Yourself

There is joy of the world, and there is joy of the Lord. The joy of the world destroys the soul, the joy of the lord is our strength. Saint Clement of Alexandria used to say that the Christian person must always be cheerful, because they are a member of the body of the Lord … More The True Source of Joy

With Easter right around the corner, many of us are already planning the celebrations. Whether that be purchasing new clothes, or making a list of the foods we want to eat after we break our fast. Instead of thinking about these things that are undoubtedly exciting and fun, we should take a moment and reflect … More Prepare for Holy Week

Lent is a spiritual treasure to help the fasting person benefit the entire year. It is a period of repentance, reflection and doing mercy. It is a great period to do good deeds, and to help those in need. It is also a period of reconciliation with others, and as we ask God to forgive … More The Great Lent

As we approach the time of lent, it might be a good idea to explore the sin of gluttony. Gluttony is over-indulgence, habitual greed, or excess in eating or in earthly materialistic matters. We live in a society where we are pushed and encouraged to satisfy our desires in any possible way. It was gluttony … More Gluttony

During the time that Jesus was preaching to the masses, he returned to his hometown of Nazareth to teach his own people. However, although the people recognized his wisdom, and accepted that he performed powerful deeds, yet they lacked faith and questioned him. Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of … More He is Just a Carpenter

Sometimes life will throw you a curveball. Something can unexpectedly happen that might change your life or switch your routine in a frustrating manner. One day you have a job, the next day you might lose it. One day you have your health, and the next day you might lose it, and so forth. The … More Curve Ball

If we truly are looking to make the new year better than the last, we should try and shift the focus of our New Years resolutions from ourselves, to others instead. Greatness and improvements in our lives come from serving others, not just ourselves. Let each of you look out not only for his own … More New Year, New Me with Christ

During Christmas, we tend to overlook the role of a very important member of the Holy Family during these events, St. Joseph the carpenter. He was born in Bethlehem of Judea and came from the royal lineage of King David. St. Joseph was a modest man without great means. The Virgin Mary was his betrothed, … More St. Joseph the Carpenter

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; At the birth of John the Baptist, his father Zechariah the priest opened his mouth and said a prayer of praise, worship, and acknowledgment of God’s favor to his people. Zechariah also addressed the baby in his arms, and told him he would be … More The Prophet of the Highest

When our Mother Mary visited Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, John leaped in his mother’s womb because he was in the presence of God. Elizabeth tells Mary that the baby leaped in her womb, and she says “ Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! “But … More Magnify the Lord

The first step towards the reconciliation of heaven and earth is the annunciation of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ to our Mother Mary. It is the preparation for the reunion between God and men, and an announcement for the spiritual salvation that was to come. A savior would be born, and salvation of … More The Angel was Sent

The Lord said, “therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) Full perfection belongs to God alone, but to be a spiritual person, strive for relative perfection as to what you can achieve according to your abilities and the extent of the work of grace in you. The … More Be Perfect

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17) We all know how valuable time can be and we must all be watchful not to waste it. … More Time

A good morning routine is highly praised by all those who promote a successful and healthy lifestyle. Make up your bed, drink green tea, go for a run, have a good breakfast, etc. Yet, the most important part of your morning routine, and the first thing you do when you wake up, should be prayer … More Morning Routine

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14) Do you wait on the Lord when you are in trouble? If you do, then he will bring you strength, comfort and joy in due time. When adversity hits, do you crumble in … More Wait on the Lord

A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.And some fell among thorns, and the thorns … More The Parable of the Sower

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands (Duet. 24:19). Those that have been … More The Harvest

“The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7) Throughout the Holy Bible, we learn that God’s angels are our guardians and take care of us. They hold us in their hands, lest we fall and dash our foot against a stone (Ps 91:12). Our guardian angels … More Guardian Angel

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” (Psalm 146:5) If you hope in God, and live a life of dependence on him, you will be happy. Every believer can look up to the God of Jacob and hope in the providence of … More The God of Jacob

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 The “adornment” as St. Peter refers … More The Hidden Life

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) All things around us have been created by God, and if we pay attention to nature, we will continuously glorify God for its beauty. Whether its the waves of the ocean, the clouds in the sky, or the trees and plants that cover … More God’s Beautiful Creation

St. Matthew was born into a Christian family in the early 4th century, in Abkar Shatt, a village north of Amida. He was educated at the Monastery of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, after which he became a monk at the Monastery of Zugnin and was ordained as a priest. Upon the ascension of Emperor … More St. Matthew the Hermit

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) Before the crucifixion of our Lord, the cross represented punishment for criminals. After the Lord died on the Cross for our sins however, the Cross became … More The Cross

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:1-2) Lord have mercy on us, for mercy’s sake. We have nothing to plead God with, but he forgives us … More Have Mercy Upon Us

Often we think of generosity only in terms of giving money, possessions, or time. But generosity of spirit is not about these things; it’s about being generous in your goodwill toward others, about a growing desire to sow goodness all around you. The spiritually generous person always feels the need to do more for their … More Generosity of Spirit

You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3) Those whose minds are set on God will have a holy security and complete serenity. God will keep them in peace at all times; inward peace, outward peace, peace of conscience, and even peace in the … More Perfect Peace

“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the … More A Sign From God

“The lazy man says, there is a lion in the road; a fierce lion is in the streets!” (Proverbs 26:13) A foolish person dreads the way (the streets) where work is to be done, where a journey is to be taken, or where a mission is to be accomplished. Such person might hate working on … More A Lion in the Road

Do not procrastinate… 1. Do not procrastinate repenting. Ask forgiveness from God and people. Repentance is the key to peace. 2. Do not procrastinate saying sorry. Apologizing is extremely important. 3. Do not procrastinate love. By a call to someone, or a message or showing your care. Do Procrastinate… 1. Procrastinate thinking about negative things, … More Inner Peace Guidelines

“And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth … More Lessons From Noah

“I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 145:5) God does many things in our lives every day. It is important for us to speak of what God does for us, and how his works shine in our daily lives. Sharing experiences of God touching your life, … More Speak of His Majesty

We can learn many beautiful virtues from our Mother Mary on this blessed Feast of the Assumption. Her love, compassion, patience and faith are unrivaled. Through her constant intercession on our behalf, we are filled with comfort and daily peace. Our Mother Mary’s obedience is an important concept that we should admire and learn from. … More The Assumption

A spiritual person is a strong person. We are strong because we are created in the image of God and to His likeness. God is strong, so being a son or daughter of God, we should be strong in spirit as well. The strong person receives strength from the Holy Spirit that works in him. … More Are You Strong?

Although waiting is sometimes an unpleasant experience, it is essential for our spiritual life. It is a virtue that is connected to the growth of our patience, endurance, fortitude, and joyful anticipation. The Israelites waited 40 years before they reached the Promised Land, they waited 70 years in captivity, and God’s people in the Old … More Holy Waiting

Jesus comes to meet us. To welcome him, let us go meet him. He comes to us in the hungry, the naked, the lonely, the alcoholic, the drug addict, the prostitute, the street beggars. He may come to you or me in a father who is alone, in a mother, in a brother, or in … More Jesus Comes to Meet Us

“And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And … More Lessons from Cain & Abel

Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (Ps. 119:98) Reading God’s word makes you wiser. Meditating on his teachings gives you confidence. Keep His words in your mind all day long, and you shall be filled with comfort at all times. Seek His guidance in … More Wiser Through God

A Contemplation Of David. A Prayer When He Was in the Cave. Do you ever feel like you are in a cave? Locked up in your own thoughts and worries? I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication. Like a baby cries for their … More In The Cave

In our weakness, God’s Glory shines! Our trust should not be in ourselves, or in whatever is around us, rather it should be blind confidence in God. Sometimes it seems as if God intentionally weakens us, because through our weakness, God is glorified. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in … More Are You Weak?

Control your mind from worrying thoughts and stop it instantly once it wonders to worrisome thinking. Do not let your mind wonder to what could or would happen. Control your fear. When you feel fear creeping up, banish this fear with prayer and do not let thoughts of fear continue. Do not repeat worrying thoughts … More Do Not Worry

“For the man who is kindly, modest, merciful and just will not keep his good works to himself but will see to it that these admirable fountains send out their streams for the good of others. Again, the man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth will order his life so … More Contribute to Good

Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. (Ps. 81:1) Let us praise the Lord with all our expressions of holy joy and excitement. With our musical instruments, and with singing we should worship God with happiness, reverence and Godly fear. Let us be warm and affectionate in … More Sing

1. Do not let your heart become attached to materialist matters, because it will control your feelings and time, and destroy any spiritual desires. 2. Do not let your ambition become a competition with others, because you might lose your love for others in order to gain personal glory. 3. Ambition might turn into greediness … More Ambition

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) We are made in God’s image, by Him. He created us, and our parents are merely the instruments. Through God’s eternal wisdom, and by his divine operation, we are formed in the womb. “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet … More A Gift From God

“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.” (Pr. 11:24) It is a great advantage of our own to do good to others. The liberal soul, the soul of blessing, that prays for the afflicted and provides for them, that scatters blessings with gracious lips and generous … More The Liberal Soul

“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee…” (Pr. 23:22) It is our duty to listen to our fathers, and to understand how we can gladden their hearts, so that they can rejoice in their children. We can be a joy to our fathers if we be wise and righteous and by listening to their advice … More Father

St. Augustine argued that everyone in the world longs for happiness, but that for many it is intangible and elusive. Is happiness having everything you desire? No, because even if you had everything you desired, you would still fear tomorrow, when you might lose everything you possess. You would technically lose happiness before you even … More What is a Happy Life?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Ps. 119:105) If the Lord is our light, why would we ever fear? God and his Word are a light even in the darkest days. On Him we rely, as he lightens our path in this dark world. A world filled … More A Bright Path

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9) The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ up to heaven happened 40 days after the Resurrection. Jesus had been appearing to his disciples numerous times after his resurrection, teaching them … More Up In The Clouds

“We should give thanks to Him, as it is said: ‘In everything give thanks’ (I Thess. 5:18). Closely linked to this phrase is another of St. Paul’s injunctions: ‘Pray without ceasing’ (I Thess. 5:17), that is, be mindful of God at all times, in all places, and in every circumstance. For no matter what you … More Gratitude

Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. (Psalm 119:41-42) Our hope in our Lord is built on two major aspects which we can depend on and will never fail … More The Pillars of Hope

Change is essential in our lives. Change from bad to good; from angry to calm; from sad to happy; from rude to respectful; from sin to holiness, etc. At times, we might think it is difficult for someone to change, or difficult for ourselves to change. If change was our decision only, then it might … More Change

God is the source of strength. Any strength that is not from God is vain strength and will vanish. A spiritual person receives his strength from God as the psalmist says “The Lord is my strength and my song” (Ps. 118:14). Strength from God must be asked for through prayer, and will be received through … More The Source of Strength

“Mary became the field who received the grain of wheat in her womb. This grain of wheat is Jesus Christ our Lord, who gives life to the world.” – St. Ephrem the Syrian On the blessed day of May 15, we intercede to our mother for the blessing of the crops. Back in the day, … More A Blessed Harvest

“And God, then, has thought from all eternity of creating this flower for love of me!” – Anonymous Saint We are encouraged by Jesus Christ to live a life of wonder in our relationship with God. “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (Jn … More A Life of Wonder

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) This is a beautiful verse that praises mothers and their wonderful compassion towards their beloved children, as it simultaneously compares a mother’s love for her child … More Mother

We can feel peaceful when all is well, but can we find peace during difficulties? Can we find strength of endurance and a place of contentment during hard trials or tragedy? God performs incredible miracles for us, but we have to consider that God allowed the good and the bad in our lives. “In the … More The Good and the Bad

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. (Ps. 119:1). Those who walk in the law of the Lord are happy people. They conform themselves to the will of God and make sure to walk in a straight path according to His teachings.  We can achieve this through … More The Law of the Lord

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen” (Luke 24: 5-6)  Our Lord’s passion began at night; when he hung on the cross the sun was darkened; he was laid in the grave in the dusk of the evening; but he arose from the grave when … More Resurrection

“Christ is hung upon the Cross, and the devil has become a corpse. Christ has been stretched on the Cross, and a standard of salvation has been given to the world. Christ has been nailed to the Cross, and every soul has been released from bonds. Christ has been fixed to the Cross, and all … More The Cross

“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:4-5) Although Christ’s washing of his disciples feet was not a miracle, … More Jesus Shows Us Humility

“And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the … More Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Our behavior inside and outside the Church – During passion week the behavior inside the church is somber, solemn and all concentrating on the suffering of Jesus. We must make sure our demeanor outside of church is the same during that week as well.  Retreat – Spend more time with Jesus, seek solitude and stay … More How To Benefit From Holy Week

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2) We can never expect true help to come from people, but we see all our help laid up in God only. The help we are looking for is … More Where does my help come from?

Dear Lord you are first. I do not think twice, but put you first above everything in my life. Your commandments come first and foremost before people’s request. Help me lord to make my obedience to men be in the bounds of my obedience to you, and steer me away from anything that contradicts your … More Put God First

Care for the health of your spirit more than you care for the health of your body. Don’t show compassion toward your body while your spirit perishes. Your spirit is a heavenly element. It is what gives life to the body. If you take care of it, it can elevate the body to a high … More A Healthy Spirit

“Do you fast? Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned, have pity on the tortured, comfort those who grieve and who weep, be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious, so that God might accept your fasting and might plentifully grant … More Mid-Lent

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3). A person who discusses calmly, wins over the other person as a friend during the conversation. He speaks objectively, with complete calmness, and without interrupting. We can try and persuade others to agree with our opinion, without … More A Calm Discussion

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee (Genesis 12:1) Abraham was called by the Lord to leave his land and his family to journey to a strange country. As uncomfortable and difficult … More Travel

Prayer is a bridge between us and God. Prayers are not just mere words, but prayers must carry weight and meaning from the heart. All you need is to be in the presence of the Lord, and nothing else matters. God does not care if you express your prayers using your tongue or not. Prayer … More The Bridge

Depth in Prayer The length of the prayer is not as important as the depth of feelings in it. Pray out of the depth: the depth of humility, contrition, feeling of remorse and shame. Deep prayer is a prayer which has a feeling of relation with God, a prayer with passion, understanding, contemplation, concentration, warmth, … More Depth

You cannot be too gentle, or too kind. Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other. Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of him who gives and kindles joy in the heart of him who receives. All condemnation is from the devil. Never condemn each other. We condemn other only because … More Saint Seraphim of Sarov

And the Lord shall guide thee continually…(Isaiah 58:11) Our Lord is the perfect guide, leading us through all difficult and doubtful cases. As long as we are dealing with the storms of this world, we must look to the heavens for directions at all times. Without this guidance we will miss our way, and get … More The Perfect Guide

“I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path…”(Psalm 142:1-3) When David was overwhelmed, stressed, and persecuted, he was not … More He Knows Your Path

Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. (Ps. 96:7) We must give unto the Lord, not as if God needs anything from us, or could receive anything from us that isn’t already his. But we must do our best to give him our attention, affection, … More Give Unto the Lord

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Gen. 2:7) We are the creation of God, and we have in us a living soul granted to us by God. Unlike other creatures that were “made” or … More Lessons From Adam

How many times have we introduced Jesus to others? It is one thing to have a relationship with God, but it is another to share Jesus and his word with others. Jesus told his disciples, and He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).  It … More Let Me Introduce You

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” (Ps. 94:19) Divine consolations are the ultimate relief of a troubled spirit. Our thoughts can be noisy, like a wild crowd, unruly, ungovernable, sorrowful, tumultuous; but God’s comforts delight the soul, especially when they come in so seasonably to silence our unquiet … More God’s Comforts

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry.” (Jonah 4:1) Do we feel troubled when others are getting better? Does it displease us to see the repentance of others? Jonah was not happy with the repentance of the people of Nineveh because he had much rather see them perish. As wrong as he might … More Jonah – Part 4

So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” So the people … More Jonah – Part 3

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17) Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, just like our Lord Jesus Christ spent three days and three nights in the grave … More Jonah – Part 2

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” (Jonah 1:3) Jonah, among many other old testament prophets had two missions. One was to preach repentance to the people and … More Jonah – Part 1

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all … More Love

Is motivation a sin? If a person does not have any motivation, he cannot get forward in life. Saint Paul says: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil. 3:13). Saint Paul’s reaching … More Motivation

Pope Kyrillos VI, his prayers be with us, was born as Azer Yousseff Atta on August 2, 1902 in Damanhur, Egypt. In 1928 he was ordained Monk with the name Mina el-Baramousy, and subsequently in 1931 he was ordained priest. Pope Kyrillos longed for a life of solitude with God, and spent two years living … More Saint Kyrillos VI: The Weapon of Prayer