by Archpriest Victor Potapov Incense symbolizes prayer. That is pointed out in Sacred Scripture: And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5: 8). As sweet-smelling smoke lightly rises up, so true prayer coming from a purified heart, should rise up to God. As incense has a pleasant aroma, so prayer, done with love and humility, is pleasing to the Lord. The Holy Apostle Paul says, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children: and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us … [Read more...]

by Abbott Tryphon The Old Testament is filled with the image of God’s people being a holy people, set apart. The ancient Israelites were not like their neighbors. Their values and their faith impacted everything about them. They dressed differently than many of their neighboring pagan tribes. Their worship was centered on the God that had revealed himself to them and made them his chosen people. Their spiritual and moral views reflected this relationship with the One God that had entered into communion with them and who had revealed Divine Truth through the prophets. The Church is the continuation of the Church of the Old Testament and as such, we are the chosen people of God. Our lives … [Read more...]

The first Arizona Icon Writing Workshop, sponsored by ASONA and Christ the Savior Churches is complete. Running from June 12-17, 2023, the week long Iconology Workshop was led by Tatiania and Dimitry Berestova of the Prosopon School of Iconology, and featured 12 students, lay and clergy, including two advanced students who have studied under the Prosopon School previously. Consisting of 22 distinct steps that were executed in 6 days, the Christology, anthropology, patterns, symbolism, and allegories of the icon and iconography were well presented by Tatiania Berestova. Running all day, from morning til evening, the workshop closed at around 5 pm on Saturday evening, just in time for Great … [Read more...]