On this first weekend of the Great Fast we hear Paul’s words to the Hebrews about FAITH. After he enumerates the faith of many good men that came before Jesus he says: let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, … Continue reading
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St. Gregory also teaches, along with all the great Fathers of the Church, that the vision of Christ in glory – our salvation – is synonymous with the mystery of the precious and life-giving Cross. And this is true precisely … Continue reading
In the Eastern Church’s experience and tradition, the Church is herself a sacrament. Historians of theology have many times noted that in the early patristic tradition we find no definition of the Church. The reason for this, however, lies not … Continue reading
The spiritual life calls for total commitment. Once we sincerely enter into the discipleship of Christ, we have to reorient not only part, but the whole of our activities and relationships. This explains why our liturgical texts touch all sectors … Continue reading
During the next seven days of the Fast why don’t you try to turn off the radio and television and just spend the time you would watching or listening to spiritual reading, or sending a note to someone you have … Continue reading
It is a long-held Eastern tradition that the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated during the weekdays of the Great Fast. Why? Because the celebratory nature of the Divine Liturgy conflicts with the idea of fasting. However the Church, in order … Continue reading
St. John includes on his 12th Step FALSEHOOD, something that he calls False Promises or Oaths. He categorizes false promises as another form of lying and quotes Christ’s warning in His Sermon on the Mount: Again you have heard that … Continue reading
Many scholars believe that the remarkable concordance found among the three Evangelists is the result of a primitive oral gospel. In its most extreme form this solution excludes any common literary dependence on a single written Gospel. The primitive preaching … Continue reading
The weekend immediately before the beginning of the Great Fast, which is called Cheesefare, we are called to offer forgiveness to all in our lives. Why? Because we cannot truly grow spiritually if we are at odds with others. We … Continue reading
Although this may be an old fashion approach to observing the Great Fast, I would like to suggest this practice on this first week. Why not decide to put aside each day a certain amount of money. Then for 40 … Continue reading