The Baptism of The Lord The Lord came to the Jordan and was baptized of John not because he was in need of that cleansing, but so that He might fulfill all that was attributable to human nature, which He had assumed, and to show that He had a true body and that he truly was an actual man. He did not want to transgress the law, and so answered: For thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness (Math. 3:15). It was for this reason that He entered into the waters of Baptism. But in so doing, He gave them incomparably more than He could receive from them, for he was in need of nothing. For with His light He illuminated those very waters, and gave them a certain special power by which those … [Read more...]

  Click HERE to Register for Practicum NOW Hotel information A block of rooms for Practicum participants has been reserved at the local Drury Inn 2335 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027 Ask for group: All Saints of North America Orthodox Church Click here to register: https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?groupno=10139584 Please make your reservations by Thursday, January 30, 2025 to receive your group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10139584. Questions? Email office@orthodoxacademy.org Sponsored by The … [Read more...]

The IOCC is on the ground in LA. A gift to IOCC’s US Emergency Response Fund allows IOCC to mobilize aid quickly and effectively. Your generosity helps address immediate needs following crises like this one, as well as supporting long-term recovery efforts. Join us in helping those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles and consider making a donation today. On January 7, a wildfire was ignited in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles that grew into a massive fire which so far has burned more than 23,000 acres. Another fire near Pasadena also ignited on Tuesday, burning at least 14,000 acres. Other fires have also broken out in the region, though their damage has been less significant … [Read more...]

Many of us are aware of the devastating fires that have struck the Los Angeles area and Southern California this week. Tens of thousands of acres burned; cities and neighborhoods leveled; lives lost and miles of decimation. It is in these moments that Orthodox Christians need to demonstrate the spiritual fortitude given to them, by the Grace of God, to help all those in need. First, I call upon the flock of the Western American Diocese to pray for an end to the suffering caused by the horrible infernos. “It is vital to continue in prayer for as long as we can, so that His invincible strength may penetrate and enable us to resist every destructive influence” - St. Sophrony of … [Read more...]