On Sunday, August 1st ASONA will hold the first Instructional Proskomedia in 3 years. The Proskomedia (from the Greek προσκομιδή, “offering”), sometimes referred to as prothesis (from the Greek πρόϑεσις, "setting forth") or proskomide, is the Office of Oblation celebrated by the priest prior to the Divine Liturgy during which the bread and wine are prepared for the Eucharist. The Proskomedia is a prerequisite for the Divine Liturgy. The priest conducts the Office of Oblation behind the Iconostasis at the Table of Oblation or Table of Preparation that is located to the left of the Altar Table. Proskomedia, when translated to English, means "preparation." Don't miss this chance to see the … [Read more...]

In the next two weeks, ASONA will have the honor of having two miraculous icons visit for prayer and veneration. During these turbulent times, this is a fantastic and opportune time for us to gather together to praise God and entreat the Theotokos, the Mother of Mercy, for her intercessions. … [Read more...]

Every Orthodox Christian is aware and generally knows the reason behind the fasts for Pascha and Christmas. But while they may know of the Dormition Fast, it is notable that some do not observe the fast, and more than a few question why it is there, not understanding its purpose. Given the pervasive misunderstanding of the purpose of fasting itself, a refresher on its purpose is always a good idea. There is a perception that we should fast when we want something, as though the act of fasting somehow appeases God, and seeing us “suffer” gets Him to grant our request. Nothing can be further from the truth. Fasting Pleases God? It is not our fasting that pleases God, it is the fruits of our … [Read more...]

A new report from Alexei Krindatch, the National Coordinator of the Census of Orthodox Christian Churches, details the initial results of an ongoing study on how the COVID pandemic has impacted Orthodox Christian parishes in America. The study, “Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Parishes: Innovation Amidst and Beyond COVID-19,” is being conducted in partnership with many other denominations, coordinated by the Hartford Institute for Religious Research and the Faith Communities Today research initiative. The survey was conducted July 1-14, with the participation of 151 clergy, offering a balanced representation of all jurisdictions and geographic distribution of parishes (only the Antiochian … [Read more...]