The Bible says that to avoid sin, remember death. “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and you will never sin.” – Sirach 7:36 The phrase originated in ancient Rome: as a Roman general was parading through the streets during a victory triumph, standing behind him was his slave, tasked with reminding […]
All Glory Is Fleeting
“All glory is fleeting” is from a loose translation of the Latin “Sic transit gloria mundi”, literally “Thus passes the glory of the world”.
In Defense Of The Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is completely biblical in origin.
The Christmas Tree and Orthodox Tradition
By Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos of Nafpaktos For more on the specific Christian origins of the Christmas Tree, see the article, In Defense of the Christmas Tree. I suspect that the custom of decorating a tree at Christmas time is not simply a custom which came to us from the West and which we should replace […]
On Beautiful Feet
by Fr. John A. Peck I am an artist, so you should believe me when I say that there are few body parts as ugly as feet. Feet aren’t pretty. Among beginning artists, they are hard to render accurately and take some time to get right. Isaiah tells us How beautiful are the feet of […]
How to Avoid Holiday Depression
by Fr. Nektarios Serfes Over the years, I’ve seen many of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer from ‘holiday’ depression. It is not uncommon. I have found that the Nativity Fast, when sedulously applied, lifts this spiritual malaise and depression with great effectiveness. Likewise, I have seen, and continue to see, those who complain […]
An Old Rabbinic Saying
Let us remember that the word “Eucharist” literally means “Thanksgiving.” “In the coming Messianic age all sacrifices will cease but the sacrifice of thanksgiving, which will never cease.” Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 9:7 Welcome to the Messianic Age.
How To Carve A Turkey Like A Man – And The One Thing You Must Do To Pull It Off
by Fr. John A. Peck This Thursday is National Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America, and a great national holiday. STEP ONE, AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING This is the one thing you must do to get it right, so pay attention. Unlike those ‘other blogs’ that make you wait until the end […]
Faith In A Can
by Fr. John A. Peck “What is in this can?” This is how I begin my class on faith for catechumens. You see, the faith question is not about God, it’s about us. Let me explain.
In Church Is The One Thing Needful
By St. John of Kronstadt Here in church is the one thing needful; here is a refuge from vanity and the storms of life; here is the calm harbor for souls seeking salvation; here is incorrupt food and drink for souls; here is the light, which enlightens every man who comes into the world; here […]