MAKE A BEGINNING (September 24, 2023)

In today’s gospel passage, the Lord begins to preach. Fr. Athanasios talks about the significance of “a beginning” in Creation and in our personal lives.

THE CROSS OF CHRIST, OUR ETERNAL GLORY (September 14, 2023)

It is the core of the Gospel, the center of spiritual life, the Tree of Life and the terror of demons. We should not be ashamed of the Precious Cross.

The Parable of the Wicked Farmers (September 3, 2023)

Fr. Athanasios Mitilinaios reveals deeper meanings in today’s parable that apply to all Orthodox Christians today.

The Theology of Bread (July 29, 2023)

Fr. Athanasios Mitilinaios talks about bread, the multiplication miracle, the miracle as preparation for the Eucharist, symbol vs. essence, and Artoklasia.

Teachings of Saint Nicholas Kavasilas: It is not necessary to become a monk (June 20, 2023)

St. Nicholas Kavasilas teaches that the spiritual life does not require one to go far-away and that he should learn all the sciences the world offers.

A Homily on the Jesus Prayer by Saint Mark of Ephesus (January 19, 2023)

Champion of Orthodoxy, St. Mark of Ephesus, explains the Jesus Prayer, its scriptural origin, its inner unity and how it leads us to godliness.

Everything depends on Christ (November 23, 2022)

On November 15, 2022, Metropolitan Seraphim issued the following encyclical, in which he openly and directly condemns the pan-heresy of ecumenism.

“I am an Orthodox Christian, but not a believer” (September 23, 2022)

Your good friend, a scientist and lifelong Orthodox Christian church-goer does not believe in Christ and His Resurrection. Have you shown them this evidence?

Eldress Galaktia: A blessing to the faithful (August 4, 2022)

Eldress Galaktia (+2021) gave her life to serve others, acquired all the virtues and was even visited by the Mother of God. Meet a new star of the Church!

THE AKATHIST HYMN: History, Significance, Analysis (April 6, 2022)

Take a glance at this post and see the structure of “The Akathist Hymn”, an acrostic poem and “jewel of Theology” comprised of a prelude and 24 stanzas.

How Christians of the 3rd millennium can apply The Ladder of Divine Ascent in life (April 1, 2022)

Almost fourteen centuries after Saint John wrote “The Ladder” for monks of his day, the way upward remains the same today.

The ultimate goal of ecumenists is to mix-up the faithful (November 3, 2021)

In the past, the devotees of ecumenism pretended to be pious and traditional. Today, they have thrown off their sheepskins, showing their real intentions.

Bishops: Do not persecute the priests for preserving Orthodox traditions! (July 20, 2021)

In a fiery open letter, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Kalavryta writes that bishops have done more to tear down our faith than anti-Christian government rules.

Abba Pambo’s frightful prophecy about the End Times (July 19, 2021)

A monk once asked Abba Pambo, “Is it true, Abba, that the customs and traditions of Christians will change and there will be no priests in the churches?”

The purpose of temptations (June 12, 2021)

Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis explains why God allows temptations and counsels us to “place our trust in God”.

Did you work in my field? (June 12, 2021)

Abba Isaiah went to a field where the harvest had just ended and teaches the monks a lesson about entitlement.

THE POWER OF THE PSALTER (June 2, 2021)

An age old weapon, an effective cure against fear, terror, and demonic forces are the Psalms of the prophet David. By Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou.

Why the story of the Three Holy Youths is so significant (December 16, 2020)

The Church remembers the story of the Three Holy Youths often–even daily–in her hymnology, and especially at Christmas. Read why it is so significant.

The “Jesus Prayer”:
11 quotations from the Saints (December 11, 2020)

The “Jesus Prayer”: “the lifeline of the soul and of the body”, the “foundation of perfection”, a “spiritual weapon” and the “source of all good works.”

How to make a country great again: 10 thoughts of Metropolitan Onuphry (November 20, 2020)

“If we want to be patriots of our country, we must fight our [personal] shortcomings.”

THE HEART: The instrument unknown to science (October 16, 2020)

By Saint Luke of Simferopol and Crimea. St. Luke the Surgeon tells us that the only instrument that enables us to know spiritual worlds and acquire the highest knowledge is “the heart”.

Breaking the logic barrier (October 16, 2020)

Are scientists in a position to dismiss the supernatural qualities of the Eucharist? The life of the Church proves that it cannot transmit diseases. By Protopresbyter George Christodoulou

THE BREAD, THE WINE, THE MODE (April 3, 2020)

Athonite Priestmonk Chrysostomos explains how God “innovates the mode” of bread and wine to acquire Divine properties while retaining their natural properties.

Let everyone examine himself (April 1, 2020)

Can holy Communion transmit Coronavirus? Orthodox theologians have answered on both sides of the spectrum. We offer a few brief reflections on this issue.

A “mercy” or an “offering” of peace? – PART II (March 26, 2020)

This follow-up to our post, “A ‘mercy’ or an ‘offering’ of peace?” presents new insights and clarifications to the “orthographic confusion” of the response.

Resemblance to animals but affinity with God (March 26, 2020)

Theologians and Scientists share their thoughts on faith and evolution. This article includes new translations from Greek sources.

A “mercy” or an “offering” of peace? – Part I (March 7, 2020)

If “A mercy of peace” sounds nonsensical to you, you’re not alone. Examine with us this response in Greek to see how we arrive at “An offering of peace”.

Unbaptized spouses: welcome to the Church! –Abp. Elpidophoros (February 29, 2020)

Taking one step closer towards complete apostasy, Archbishop Elpidophoros has declared non-Orthodox spouses to be “100% part of our community”.

Eternal suffering or eternal rewards (February 17, 2020)

Won’t the Lord bring all suffering to an end, so that eventually everyone will be saved and enjoy eternal blessings? Not so, says the Church.

There is only one way to reach salvation and life eternal (February 17, 2020)

The world would have us believe we’re assured of eternal life, but God’s ways are different. Here’s what to know about life eternal and how we get there.

The practice of reading “inaudibly” does not make sense (February 10, 2020)

The faithful need to follow the course of the Divine Liturgy to participate. We present a case for making the “inaudible” prayers audible.

A symbol or actual body and blood? (January 29, 2020)

“Do the bread and wine truly become the actual Body and Blood of Christ?” A reader asks to be assured of what the Church has always taught.

A Prayer for the Coming New Year (January 2, 2020)

Has the Church completely ignored the the new year? We offer a short sketch of where our calendar came from and “A Prayer for the Coming New Year”.

Contemplate the human nature of Christ in 50 slides (December 12, 2019)

50 quotations from the book Jesus: Fallen: The Human Nature of Christ Examined from an Eastern Orthodox Perspective

Did Christ have a fallen human nature? – Part 8 of 8 (December 12, 2019)

This post concludes our series of eight posts on the topic, “Did Christ have a fallen human nature?”

Did Christ have a fallen human nature? – Part 7 of 8 (December 12, 2019)

In this installment in our 8 part series, we look at other aspects of Christ‘s humanness that reveal His “otherness.”

THE ECUMENICAL MONARCH (November 18, 2019)

The special privileges of the Patriarch of Constantinople are no longer based on the canons, but on a new theory that he is the vicar of… God the Father.

Why bother to Christianize those outside the Church? (November 1, 2019)

We want everyone to know that salvation is available to all. What the Lord will do with outsiders is His business. Our business is to proclaim the Gospel.

“How long do we remain with the GOA?”… and 3 other questions answered (November 1, 2019)

Commemorating an ecumenist bishop does not necessarily pollute the clergy and people under them, as long as they declare their faith openly.

“UNITY OF ALL”: Who are we praying for? (November 1, 2019)

By petitioning the Lord, “…and for the unity of all…”, we mean Orthodox Christians. We explain the petition in this excerpt from “The Heavenly Banquet”.

The Church of Greece, autocephaly, Russia, and “the Occupant” (October 15, 2019)

Despite objections by certain hierarchs, the Church of Greece has recognized the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine”. We offer our comments in the aftermath.

What does the Church say about war? (October 14, 2019)

In this “Mini-study” from our book “The Heavenly Banquet”, questions about war are answered by the Saints and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Pope’s plan blocks our potential to reach union with God (September 27, 2019)

Pope Francis has invited “everyone” to a global event—a godless global alliance that ignores God, and replaces the Gospel of Christ with that of Antichrist.

The Pope’s “Launch of the Educational Alliance”, commented (September 27, 2019)

The Pope has called for a global alliance event. We comment on his invitation.

Keep your faith! An open letter to the monks of Mount Athos (August 28, 2019)

Regarding the upcoming visit to the Holy Mountain by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Luke issued an appeal not to accept the schismatics.

OUR CHRISTIAN ROOTS – Part I, Section 3 (August 1, 2019)

The early Church was organized. As you read the select passages presented from Holy Scripture, a convincing picture will appear before your eyes.

OUR CHRISTIAN ROOTS – Part I, section 1 (August 1, 2019)

Introduction to “Our Christian Roots”, a two-part presentation of primary sources from Holy Scripture and the writings of early Church Fathers.

Elder Emilianos eulogizes Fr. Dimitri Gagastathis (May 9, 2019)

Elder Emilianos (+2019), former abbot of Simonos Petra Monastery on Mt. Athos recalls the holy life of the simple village priest, Fr. Dimitri Gagastathis.

Why a Crucified Messiah? by Fr. Thomas Hopko – Part 1 (April 25, 2019)

Why did the Messiah, the Savior of the world, have to necessarily die an unnatural death by being murdered? Fr. Thomas Hopko answers in this talk .

Repentance: the beginning and end of our spiritual journey (April 12, 2019)

King Manasse, the wicked king of the Jews who repented after a 55 year reign, is just one figure the Church sets before us to show that change is possible.

How God’s power becomes effective (April 6, 2019)

Without our faith God’s power remains ineffectual, impotent, unrealized. With faith, the Fountain of mercy opens and pours down in a deluge.

The way of the Cross (March 30, 2019)

What differentiates the Orthodox Christian from the world is the Cross. How many Christians realize that the foundation of the Orthodox life is the Cross?

The great contribution of Saint Gregory Palamas (March 23, 2019)

What all religions, philosophies and Christian denominations in the world cannot explain is explained only in the Orthodox Church, thanks to Saint Gregory.

“The Son of God becomes Son of the Virgin” (March 23, 2019)

From all eternity, even before creating the world and humans, God knew of Adam’s fall. He also knew when, and by who the redemption would be accomplished.

Walled-off priest wins trial. Slap in the face for Metropolis (March 20, 2019)

Fr. Ioan Ungureanu ceased commemorating his Bishop after the Synod of Crete. The Metropolis filed an eviction suit. He prevailed, supported by his people.

“We shall not deny you, beloved Orthodoxy” (March 16, 2019)

The struggle against heresies is not finished. Today the insidious heresy of Ecumenism, like Iconoclasm, threatens to completely destroy the Church.

Characteristics of a missionary church (March 8, 2019)

“Bang.” The Church sprung out of the upper Room in Jerusalem and spread all over the world. What are the characteristics of this missionary Church?

Characteristics of Orthodox Clergy (March 2, 2019)

by Metropolitan Augoustinos Kantiotes. The main characteristic of the bishop and the priest is a fighting spirit, boldness.

What is the correct mindset and attitude a Christian should have? (March 1, 2019)

We reflect on a short hymn from the Triodion that admirably expresses the ethos and phronema, the correct mindset and attitude, a Christian should have.

The one and the nine (January 19, 2019)

What does it take for us to remember we are insignificant mortals before our Creator, and to give Him thanks for all the good things He bestows upon us?

There is no “valid” baptism outside the Church — Part 2 of 2 (December 1, 2018)

Those who are not reborn by the divine grace in the only ONE HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, do not belong to any church, either visible or invisible.

There is no “valid” baptism outside the Church — Part 1 of 2 (November 30, 2018)

If you have received a valid baptism, whether Roman Catholic or Protestant, why join the Orthodox Church?

You are invited to the Heavenly Banquet (November 3, 2018)

What is “The Heavenly Banquet”? Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis talks about his book on the Divine Liturgy in this interview he gave for “Come Receive the Light”.

“Pope of the East” throws napalm bomb on world Orthodoxy (October 20, 2018)

The Ecumenical Patriarch continues to attack, divide and murder pan-Orthodox unity while “legitimizing” canon violations and lawlessness. By Lykourgos Nanis.

FEAR “the Ecumenical”! (October 13, 2018)

Patriarch Bartholomew’s action to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is major—politically and geostrategically. By Demetrios K. Anagnostou.

What would the Orthodox Church be without the Ecumenical Patriarch? (October 1, 2018)

For many years now, Patriarch Bartholomew has been Vaticanizing the Orthodox Church. We do not want a Pope of the East. By Fr. Aggelos Aggelakopoulos.

The Parish: An Evangelism Center (September 15, 2018)

Read about the early efforts of Orthodox Witness to begin transforming our parishes into evangelism centers.

Whatever shines is not always gold (September 15, 2018)

The story of a Greek who went to Italy to study engineering at age 19, converted to Roman Catholicism, returned to the Orthodox Church, and became a priest.

Are we preaching the saving truth or hiding it? (September 4, 2018)

Does improving dialogue, understanding, cooperation and tolerance help communicate the true Faith in today’s post-modern world, or is it counterproductive?

Human justice and Divine justice (August 10, 2018)

The justice of men does not compare to God’s justice. Our great King and God’s justice is totally imbalanced–in our favor! Just what is Divine justice?

“I am with you. Don’t be afraid.” (July 28, 2018)

The good Lord allows us to be tested. When all seems lost, all He wants from us is to ask for Ηis help, and He will.

Are you working for the upbuilding of the Church? (July 28, 2018)

Rather than bringing more people, building a bigger church or increasing philanthropy, improving one’s personal moral life is the greatest church upbuilding.

Party spirit or unity? (July 21, 2018)

Quarrels, divisions, heresies and dangerous factions existed even in Saint Paul’s churches. In this sermon, a priest pleas for unity among his parishioners.

Jesus Christ: Our prototype of FREEDOM (July 4, 2018)

To be “free” is usually thought of as having the option to do anything at any time. Real freedom is when doing evil is not an option.

OUR CHRISTIAN ROOTS – Part I, Section 2 (June 27, 2018)

What is the Church and where is it? The Lord illustrated this by using many images, metaphors, allegories and parables. We explore the most important.

Bishop Longinus: “Cretan Council a lawless synod” (June 14, 2018)

Bishop Longinus chastises his fellow Bishops for gathering a Synod without Orthodoxy, and urges them to repent.

Bishop Longinus: Orthodox hierarchs are betraying the Faith (June 14, 2018)

Today, patriarchs, bishops and priests want to show a different way to eternal life—not the way the Lord showed us.

Is there grace outside the Church? (June 8, 2018)

Is God’s grace received only by members of the Church or can there be grace outside the Church? Are only Orthodox Christians saved?

Why is dogma important in my life? (June 8, 2018)

Why do we Orthodox insist on teachings that divide us more than unite us? Do these dogmas make any difference in the way we live? What is a dogma anyhow?

“Our Faith is alive!” Get to know Papa-Dimitri (May 30, 2018)

Is it possible, in our times, to become a saint? Witness the life of Papa-Dimitri (+1975), a prophetic figure, and married priest with nine daughters.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit (May 30, 2018)

Today, All Saints day, we’ll talk briefly about the virtues/fruit of the Spirit, providing examples from the lives of the Saints for a better understanding.

Holy Pentecost: OUR LIFE IN CHRIST (May 24, 2018)

The timid, scared, ignorant, “earthly” disciples were transformed into the courageous, bold, all-wise holy Apostles. They transformed the world. We can too.

Sunday of the Holy Fathers [Audio sermon] (May 18, 2018)

On the Sunday before Holy Pentecost, we honor the Holy Fathers, especially the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, who guide us inerrantly to Christ.

Three kinds of human blindness (May 10, 2018)

There are three kinds of darkness: the physical darkness, the intellectual darkness and the spiritual darkness. We look briefly at all three.

The darkness of ignorance (May 10, 2018)

The man blind from birth regains his eyesight and spiritual eyesight from the Lord; whereas the teachers of the law choose to remain in spiritual darkness.

A real Bethesda today (April 27, 2018)

The water of Bethesda became healing water for the body once in a while. The water of Holy Baptism in the Church is healing for the soul always.

The Myrrh-bearing Women and us (April 21, 2018)

On this Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, we pay homage to the woman as a human being and chiefly as a Christian.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and believe” (April 14, 2018)

Do you believe with an unshakable faith in the resurrection? Do you live His life? If so, you are among the “blessed”. Not sure? Read more in this post.

Stephen Hawking and Christian Faith (April 11, 2018)

Mr. Hawking’s explanation of “how” the universe was created is very similar to what the Church believes. It’s the “Who” that’s missing from his equation.

I’M AN EVOLUTIONIST! (March 19, 2018)

“Is there any opposition between the theory of evolution and Christianity? An evolutionist Orthodox priest makes a rebuttal to an atheist evolutionist.”

On Faith and Science (March 17, 2018)

St. Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona refused to carry “The Heavenly Banquet”, our book on the Divine Liturgy. Why? Because, according to them, the Theory of Evolution is…un-Orthodox!

The Unpardonable Sin (February 25, 2018)

What is this “unforgivable sin” or “unpardonable sin” the Lord spoke of, that will “not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come”?

“Judge not, that you be not judged” (February 10, 2018)

If we don’t want to be condemned at the Great Judgment that will take place at the Second Coming of the Lord, we must not condemn others, but practice love.

Saint Maximos the Confessor — Jan. 21 (January 21, 2018)

Saint Maximos was a champion defender of the Orthodox faith during a time of great confusion in the Church. Here is why his life matters to us today.

“Lead us not into temptation” (January 19, 2018)

The Pope’s translation “do not let us fall into temptation” has the opposite meaning of what the Lord taught us in the prayer He left us. Here is our commentary.

Themes and Significance of Holy Theophany (January 5, 2018)

Through many special hymns and readings before and after the feast, the Church presents us with several themes which show the significance of Holy Thephany.

How to give yourself Christ as a gift (December 27, 2017)

Did you forget to give yourself the greatest gift of all this year? Here’s how to give yourself this gift—Christ. No one else can give Him to you!

Marriage “in Christ” — Part IV (December 24, 2017)

We offer concluding remarks, based on our analysis of the sacrament of Orthodox Marriage in the previous three installments of this series.

Marriage “in Christ” — Part III (December 11, 2017)

How many know that marriage is holy, and it is called a sacrament, because of its connection with the Holy Eucharist?

Marriage “in Christ” — Part II (December 3, 2017)

We examine, in brief, the rite of crowning, considered by many to be the climax of the wedding ceremony.

Marriage “in Christ” — Part I (November 17, 2017)

Everything a Christian does should be done “in Christ”. In this first of four articles on marriage, we look at what it means to be married “in Christ”.

Eastern Catholics: Why compromise? Be Authentic! (October 22, 2017)

Eastern Catholics: There is no reason to remain attached to Rome. The mother Church will receive you with open arms. Free yourselves from the papal yoke.

The Eternal Beauty of the Church (October 15, 2017)

Strengthen your faith in Christ and in His One Holy Church He founded. A Roman Catholic theologian pays tribute to the Orthodox Church.

Are ALL Welcome? (October 6, 2017)

The message “ALL ARE WELCOME” is displayed in front of non-Orthodox churches all across America. Is it right for Orthodox churches to admit everyone to our services?

Marios Nasios: The wounded eagle (September 27, 2017)

Completely fulfilled, assured of the life to come, and not focused on this world, wheelchair bound Marios Nasios was thankful to God – for everything.

The mysterious ending of Saint John the Theologian (September 23, 2017)

Was the author of the Book of Revelation and the fourth Gospel translated into heaven like the Theotokos? Here’s what the primary sources say.

Fellowship is followship! (September 12, 2017)

What does the Lord mean when He says we must “deny” ourselves? And what is this “cross” we are supposed to take up? And what does “follow” the Lord mean?

On Christian marriage, parenthood and family (September 8, 2017)

We are witnessing an attack on traditional living in society today. How can an Orthodox Christian stay safe from the global storm of “new normality”?

Russian Mystery (September 5, 2017)

For almost a century, Communism attempted to remove the need for God from the soul of the Russian people, but failed. After emerging from the “cruel spiritual winter”, the Russian land produced new growth in the Orthodox Church, nourished by the blood of millions of new Christian Martyrs.

On the upbringing of children (September 2, 2017)

Raising children has never been an easy task. Here are some counsels on how to raise them properly and how to bring them back if they have gone astray.

“If you want to be perfect…” (August 27, 2017)

“…sell what you possess and give to the poor.” Is the young rich man in today’s gospel lesson a model of righteousness or an example of false perfection?

How do we reconcile our debts with God? (August 19, 2017)

We are all in debt to God more than we could ever pay back, yet He forgives everything. What is the key to receiving His forgiveness? Forgive as He forgives.

The Birthday of the Theotokos—into Heaven (August 14, 2017)

Like the death of other Saints, the Church remembers the death of the Theotokos, but unlike the Saints, we also hear of her birth into heaven with her body.

Move mountains with faith in Christ (August 10, 2017)

Even a little faith in Jesus Christ can “move mountains”. What is this faith? And how do we acquire this “super-power”?

Be all that you can be: TRANSFIGURED (August 4, 2017)

Does modern man really understand himself? All of us have the potential to achieve true “self-actualization” which is to be transfigured and saved.

We run to our Mother (August 1, 2017)

The Mother of God is our mother too. Run to her during these first 14 days of August to receive the loving consolation she provides.

Five loaves of bread feeds thousands! — 8th Sunday of Matthew (July 27, 2017)

Miracles happen. Are these supera-natural marvels “coincidence”, the result of “self-suggestion”, or is our Creator behind them?

The Lord “ignores” the two blind men – 7th Sunday of Matthew (July 22, 2017)

When our prayers seem to go unanswered, do we lose faith or persist like the blind men? They received their sight.

Imitate the Saints! — Sunday of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 15, 2017)

The Fathers of the Church guide us and guard the Faith, whether the 630 Fathers of old or Saint Luke the Surgeon, a modern-day Father of our days [VIDEO].

Are you falling prey to false teachings? — 5th Sunday of Matthew (July 8, 2017)

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Have you been told to confess the Lord with your lips? Take responsibility for what you believe, do and say!

An Outsider who Made it In – 4th Sunday of Matthew (July 1, 2017)

If we Orthodox Christians, the New Israel, turn our backs to God, He will fill His heavenly mansions with the innocent from heresy, schism and false belief.

The Uniqueness of Our Faith (June 28, 2017)

Our multi-culture world has created many religions which are being sewn together into a charming tapestry. Is the true Church a part of it? Absolutely not.

“COME, FOLLOW ME” (June 17, 2017)

What does it take to “follow the Lord”? Can you end your love affair with the world? A sermon for the Second Sunday of Matthew (Mt. 4:18-23).

Is “being good” good enough? Reading “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom (April 20, 2017)

As Christians, we seek to always draw nearer to Christ. Do the Morries of the world, who fill us with their humanistic values, help us or lead us astrary?

A Turk believes in Christ through Elder Ieronymos (April 20, 2017)

How can we give testimony to our faith without compromising it, and at the same time not offend others? Elder Ieronymos (+1966) from Aegina shows us how.

“Come and See” the true Church (March 25, 2017)

Is the Orthodox Church a cold, worldly organization, or the source of true light, theology, Grace, and Uncreated Energy of the Holy Spirit in the world?

A clear picture of Ecumenism (March 18, 2017)

What is ecumenism? The pan-heresy that threatens to destroy the Church is explained in this article.

MANIFESTO (March 10, 2017)

Our Church leaders have abandoned the faith of our Fathers. Here’s what you should know and how you can take action.

Let us stand well! (March 4, 2017)

The word “heresy” has quietly left our vocabulary. The “Sunday of Orthodoxy” reminds us that heresies are not to be taken lightly. Today, the pan-heresy of ecumenism is causing belief in the one, true Church to be left by the wayside.

One God? (February 18, 2017)

“Allah”, “Yahweh”, “Jesus Christ”. Do the Muslims, Jews and Christians all worship the same God, and just call Him by a different name?

Why did Elder Iakovos Tsalikis want Bartholomew as Patriarch? (February 3, 2017)

Elder Iakovos Tsalikis prayed fervently that Metropolitan Bartholomew would become Patriarch of Constantinople. Do we interpret this to mean that the Elder, who was seen as a holy man in the eyes of many Orthodox faithful, accepted the pan-heresy of ecumenism?

The Fall of Adam & Eve — a talk by Fr. Seraphim Rose (January 20, 2017)

Fr. Seraphim Rose illustrates the Genesis account: Paradise, our free will, the state of Adam before the fall, consequences of the fall, and what it all means to us.

Western Learning and Latin Influence in the Church — a talk by Fr. Seraphim Rose (January 20, 2017)

How is Western schoolbook learning different from divine knowledge? Fr. Seraphim Rose talks about the theology of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco.

The End of the World — A Talk by Fr. Seraphim Rose (January 20, 2017)

Fr. Seraphim Rose speaks about signs which are being fulfilled in our times which point to the end of the world.

Why I Believe in God – Part II (January 13, 2017)

In absence of definite answers and scientific proofs to the big questions of life, we taunt God, and declare our self-sufficiency. How do answers provided by the Church settle our questioning minds without denying any true scientific finding?

Why I Believe in God — Part I (December 27, 2016)

Faith in God and in an eternal life He grants us gives us hope, joy, drive, fulfillment, purpose. God instilled these aspirations in us to lead us to Him.

My desire was to be received through Baptism (December 13, 2016)

Congratulations to a former Protestant who asked to be received in the womb of the Holy Orthodox Church through Baptism, instead of chrismation.

How a “Byzantine wedding” is conducted (December 11, 2016)

How a Byzantine wedding is conducted

An Open Letter to Archons “The Defenders of the Faith” (December 3, 2016)

As an Archon, you have taken a sworn oath “to defend and promote the Greek Orthodox faith and tradition…[and] protect and promote the Holy Patriarchate and its mission.” Are you sure that the faith proclaimed by Patriarch Bartholomew is the faith you have sworn to defend?

How Patriarch Bartholomew is walking away from Christ (December 2, 2016)

Should Patriarch Bartholomew “walk together” with other religions or make disciples of them for the Lord? It’s one or the other. Here is our “play-by-play” commentary on a statement the Patriarch released at the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi.

27 Things We Should Be Giving Thanks For (November 19, 2016)

It is proper right to give thanks to God for our health, job and freedom. Here are 27 “higher gifts” to keep in mind this thanksgiving day and every day.

Psalm 129:4: “Christ will cut their necks” – an Interpretation (November 16, 2016)

In Psalm 129 we read: “For the Lord will also cut their necks with the cutting sword of torments.” As a Christian are you comfortable with this? Here’s an explanation.

Christ is Born! The Katavasiae of Christmas chanted in English (November 12, 2016)

The nine odes of the Katavasiae of Christmas, chanted in English, by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis and Anthony Hatzidakis.

Mocking our Lord: Commemorating Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (November 3, 2016)

By Archimandrite Maximos Karavas. How does God tolerate a blasphemer and heresiarch, called “the one who is rightly proclaiming the word of Truth” and does not send down fire to burn us—both those who commemorate him, and us who hear these words and do not protest?!

Is Orthodoxy Racist? (October 16, 2016)

The SPLC “is internationally known for tracking and exposing the activities of hate groups.” Who is their most recent target among such hate groups? The Orthodox Church!

Did Christ Have a Fallen Human Nature – Part 6 of 8 (September 9, 2016)

Indeed an extraordinary Being requires an extraordinary conception and birth! A Protestant may believe whatever s/he wants, but to be Orthodox a Christian must believe in the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ and the ever-virginity of the most holy Theotokos (Mother of God).

Did Christ Have a Fallen Human Nature? – Part 5 of 8 (August 31, 2016)

We are examining Christ’s human nature in a series of blog posts. In this post we address the question: What happened when the Son of God assumed our nature?

What is Orthodox Fundamentalism? (July 16, 2016)

Sometimes the stigma of fundamentalism is ascribed to theologians who faithfully follow the Fathers and abide by the Canons of the Church. A case in point is an article by Prof. George Demacopoulos.

Deliver us “from evil” or “from the evil one”? The last word of the Lord’s Prayer (June 23, 2016)

Evil or “the evil one”? We’ll look at why an incorrect translation endorsed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and other Orthodox jurisdictions is used in our churches today.

Are we allowed to judge other Christians? (June 18, 2016)

Ignoring a sickness can lead to death. Here is why to judge other Christians is necessary—for the health of the sick member and for the health of the Church.

WARNING: Holy and Great Synod ahead (June 6, 2016)

The Holy and Great Synod threatens to tear the Orthodox Church apart, not unite it. Will you accept the heretical ecumenism to be imposed on the Church?

Is “being gay and Christian” okay? (June 2, 2016)

Self declared lesbian Kimberly Knight applies her interpretation of holy scripture to justify being gay and Christian. Here’s why it’s manipulative.

Reasonableness of our Faith, Bishop Tikhon and Ecumenism (May 8, 2016)

A talk by Bishop Tikhon reflects the new order, the new reality that has emerged–the reality of ecumenism and syncretism. A brief analysis will reveal this.

Kerygma and Martyria: Two sides of the same coin (May 2, 2016)

Usage of the terms kerygma and martyria, particularly in ecumenical dialogues is problematic. We offer a brief explanation of what these terms really mean.

The Fall of the Third Rome: Moscow Capitulates to Papism (March 1, 2016)

Moscow, the bastion of Orthodoxy, suddenly capitulated to the Old Rome, when his Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embraced the pan-heresy of ecumenism.

Rebuilding St. Nicholas into an American Pantheon (February 12, 2016)

The Orthodox people sending their donations believe their money goes to the erection of an Orthodox church, not an ecumenistic and syncretistic temple.

Why did God Become Man? (December 21, 2015)

Everyone is called to ask: What does Christmas mean to me? When we then ask, “Why did God become man?”, we will come to understand the only “destiny” of man, the only purpose of our lives.

The Survival of the West Hangs by a Thread (November 30, 2015)

A Muslim talks to Andreas Andrianopoulos about the Islamization of the world. The author explains how Westerners usually don’t understand what is happening.

Is GOARCH’s “PRAXIS” Magazine GOing New Age? (October 26, 2015)

One would expect solid Orthodox material from an Orthodox Christian Department of Religious Education. Does the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s educational periodical dedicated to “Spiritual Disciplines” promote the New Age spirit expressed by Kyriakos Markides?

Why the “Holy and Great Synod” of the Orthodox Church should not convene (October 13, 2015)

The “Holy and Great Synod” of the Orthodox Church is slated to convene in 2016. Here is what Orthodox faithful need to know about this pseudo-synod.

The Transfiguration: Was Christ Transformed? (August 5, 2015)

Was Christ transformed into something He was not or did He allow the eyes of the three disciples to become receptive to see Him the way He always was?

Orthodox Church: End Relations with Boy Scouts of America (July 29, 2015)

Now that Boy Scouts of America has shown its true colors, the Orthodox Church should end relations with this synchretistic organization.

The Orthodox Church’s Reaction to Homosexual Marriage (July 13, 2015)

Shortly after the June 26 Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, a friend emailed me an article with her own comment in two short monosyllabic words: “So sad.” My reply was a bit longer: “The world continues its course, and Orthodox Christianity its own. The two are diametrically opposed. There should be no surprise there.” I think we should add a few more thoughts on this important subject.

What Should we do when our Bishop is an Ecumenist? (March 4, 2015)

What should we do when we witness the acknowledged first-in-honor bishop of the Orthodox Church flagrantly violating the canons of the Church with common prayers and with statements that compromise the uniqueness of the Church?

[Video] The Outpost: What the Church can accomplish (January 21, 2015)

To those who suffer in life, this video will provide comfort, and it will soften even the hardest of hearts.

Charlie Hebdo: Freedom out of Bounds? (January 12, 2015)

Charlie Hebdo: Has your right of expression gone too far? To joke, mock, caricature and satirize religious figures has boundaries of decency.

Is Reunification of Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches Imminent? (November 24, 2014)

With the ecumenical patriarch sacrificing almost everything for the sake of unity, the reunification of Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches is Imminent, now more than ever.

Dear Mr. Tim Cook: Being Gay is not from God (November 17, 2014)

Mr. Tim Cook: The sobering truth is that being Gay is not from God.

Islam: Compatible with the Western World? (September 9, 2014)

The west has still to learn its lesson that Islam is simply irreconcilable with western values.

Is Israel the Promised Land? (August 10, 2014)

Zionist Jews, and with them many fundamentalist Bible thumpers, literally believe in the eternal covenant Yahweh made with them, 4,000 years ago. Today, the behavior of Israel towards the Palestinians over earthly lands resembles the Nazis. The persecuted have become the persecutors. How can it be? And how can it change?

Is our prayer service on the birth of a child and for the mother offensive? (June 29, 2014)

Many people could conceive the Service on the Birth of a Child and for the Mother as offensive. It’s time we revisit our prayer books and make some changes.

Do all Religions Have the Same Heavenly Father? (June 15, 2014)

“WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS” Are we? First in Jerusalem (May 27, 2014), and more recently in Rome (June 8, 2014), Patriarch Bartholomew hammers the message of universal brotherhood with intra-Christian and interfaith prayer services (which according to the canons of the Orthodox Church are prohibited) and with statements and declarations to that effect.

The Story of the Mother of God in Iconography (May 9, 2014)

On Mother’s Day, together with our earthly mothers, we honor the mother of the Lord. She who is the mother of the head of the body is also mother of all the members of the body. In this post, we’ll take a look at the life of the Lord’s Mother depicted in holy icons.

Revising the Orthodox Christian Churching Ritual (February 1, 2014)

Presenting our children to the Lord, whether they are male or female, first born or otherwise, is proper and commendable, but certain prayers in the Orthodox Churching service, taken from the Mosaic Law, should be eliminated from our prayer books!

What was the Lord Jesus like as an infant? (December 23, 2013)

Was Christ born as a “helpless” baby? Did the infant Christ use his human will? Fr. Emmanuel responds to these questions from S.N. who read “Jesus: Fallen?”

Orthodox Thanksgiving Day Prayer (November 23, 2013)

An Orthodox Thanksgiving Day prayer for when we find ourselves among non-Orthodox.

Q&A — “Why do we venerate the Cross?” and 7 other questions about the Cross (September 13, 2013)

The Church places before us the Lord’s Cross to venerate and to remember. Why do we venerate this instrument of death? Eight questions and answers.

Did Christ Have a Fallen Human Nature? — Part 4 of 8 (September 2, 2013)

Part 4 of 8 in our series on the human nature of Christ, we address the question: “Did Christ exercise control over the passions?” from an Eastern Orthodox perspective.

“WHO AM I TO JUDGE?” – An Orthodox Understanding of Pope Francis’ remark (August 17, 2013)

What I read in Pope Francis’ remark on homosexuals is: Don’t judge someone who, being a homosexual, struggles with this “tendency” (his term).

Did Christ Have a Fallen Human Nature? – Part 3 of 8 (July 7, 2013)

In this, Part 3 of 8 of our series on the human nature of Christ, we’ll address the following question: Did Christ assume voluntarily the blameless passions?

Did Christ Have a Fallen Human Nature? – Part 2 of 8 (June 29, 2013)

The Church’s teaching is that Christ’s nature was as that of Adam before the fall. In this, Part 2 of 8, we bring in various authorities on the subject.

Did Christ Have a Fallen Human Nature? – Part 1 of 8 (June 23, 2013)

In this eight part series, Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis addresses many questions concerning Christ’s human nature from an Eastern Orthodox perspective.

The Two Kinds of Knowledge: Divine and Human (March 31, 2013)

Saint Gregory Palamas (14th c.) argued strenuously that there are two kinds of truths, two kinds of wisdoms, two kinds of knowledge – one divine, one human.

Was the Mystical Supper a Passover Meal? (March 25, 2013)

What was this meal the Lord ate with his disciples in the Upper Room? A Seder? A Chabûrah? The short answer is… neither!

How the Date of Pascha is Determined (March 16, 2013)

How is the date of Pascha determined? There are three calculations. We’ll try to provide a brief explanation to this very complex problem.

Difficulties Our Churches Face (January 26, 2013)

Have you heard of The Shropshire Ecumenical Council? The Council addresses the difficulties and challenges participant churches face. Food for thought!

Why do People Convert to Orthodox Christianity? (January 19, 2013)

Why have so many Evangelical ministers and others embraced the Orthodox faith? There is a certain “chemistry” involved, which cannot be easily verbalized.

Newtown: Seeking Answers (December 29, 2012)

Is our heavenly Father to blame for all the ills of humanity we brought upon ourselves? There is an answer, but the answer is for believing Christians only.

What is Sin? (December 18, 2012)

The prevalent notion in the West on what constitutes sin does not correspond with the Orthodox understanding. Sin goes beyond a personal bad choice.

Who is Jesus Christ? (December 18, 2012)

Who is Jesus Christ? Is He a human or a divine being? Does it matter what we believe about Him? We have an obligation to defend the truths of our faith.

Christmas 1,000 Years Before Christ! (December 2, 2012)

Centuries before our Savior was born, the prophets of the Old Testament, inspired by the Spirit of God, saw and proclaimed His Birth. David (1,000 B.C.), Micah and Isaiah (800-700 B.C.) wrote the first Christmas hymns before the birth of the Lord.

“What shall we offer You, O Christ?” (December 2, 2012)

This year let us present to the Divine Infant our own gifts, our very personal gifts. What might they be? It would be wise to draw near and worship Him.

Is it Necessary to Bless Icons? (November 23, 2012)

From The Rudder, compiled by St. Nikodemos. It is not necessary to anoint the holy icons with myron (or chrism oil), nor to have them sanctified…

Church History – A Simple Timeline (November 21, 2012)

Statement by the Church on Mission and Evangelism (November 7, 2012)

“We Orthodox in North America commit ourselves to bringing our household into order for the sake of the preaching of the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

The Church is a Therapeutic Center (November 5, 2012)

Orthodox people view the Church as a spiritual hospital, a clinic, a hospice, a therapeutic center, and a fitness center—all combined in one! The aim of the treatment is to provide spiritual cure, maintain wellness for its patients (faithful members) and lead them to eternal life!