It is indicative of its importance that the Parable of the 10 Maidens is read today as well as on the Leave-taking (Apodosis) of the Theotokos into the Temple and at other times of the liturgical year. Here it is: The kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and […]
I look out and see daffodils and violets blooming, trees leafing, and birds singing of new life. Another spring is here, anticipating that eternal Spring and the resurrection of all who love Christ and keep His commandments. This confluence of spring and Holy Week reminds us of a paradox at the heart of things. For […]
On April 12, 1961, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man thrust into outer space. On returning, he said, “I didn’t see God out there”. The Soviet propaganda machine made much of this. But Gagarin was an Orthodox Christian, and he spoke truly. He didn’t see God out there, and he wouldn’t see God out there—because, as Christ says, “The Kingdom […]
We have received many requests during this Lenten season on how to create an Orthodox Prayer Rope. Dr. Christine Kerxhalli of the Orthodox Christian Devotionals YouTube channel provides a very helpful step-by-step instructional video on how to tie a wool or acrylic yarn Orthodox Christian Prayer Rope with yarn cross and tassel. Within the Orthodox […]
Time always comes up short. We haven’t enough to do all the things we want to do. Our days are numbered, and our number is bound to come up sooner or later. Andrew Marvell is right: “Time’s winged chariot” hurries near regardless. And yet we want to break outby any means. We try to prolong […]
The subject of Tollhouses is certainly not new. This idea has been around since the 2nd century in the writings of Tertullian, Ignatius, and Origen and certainly by the majority of the Holy Fathers of the 3rd – 5th centuries. It is told that the blessed Theodora of Constantinople in the 10th century when she […]
Abbess Thaisia (+1915) was a spiritual mother to Holy Russia and spiritual daughter of St. John Kronstadt (+1909). In the first of her Letters to a Beginner, she talks about “the first condition of our salvation”: Here is the word: Strive to love everyone! The commandment is not difficult but is proper to our very nature…If […]
His Beatitude Patriarch Teoctist of blessed memory would often tell this story about the efficacy of prayer: There was once a young monk who complained that his prayers were never answered. His abbot asked him to take a straw basket used in gardening to a nearby brook and return with water. The monk did as he was […]
We’re currently in the process of developing a new experience here on Discover Orthodoxy. We’ll be featuring Orthodox content creators from around the world with new series and videos being added gradually throughout the year! Every Tuesday, we’ll be updating the website with new videos and posts; plus, we’ll be adding new sections featuring audio […]
With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, we are happy to announce that registration for the 2024 Summer Sessions of Ionian Village opens tomorrow, February 1, 2024! Ionian Village will once again offer three programs, catering to high school students and young adults. Registration is available online at www.ionianvillage.org. Need-based scholarships may be offered by contacting the IV office. Spots…
