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...]
New Study Highlights Jurisdictions’ Differing Experience of Covid Pandemic
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...]
Christianity and Communism
From "On the Law of God," by Metropolitan Philaret (Voskresensky). Translated by Hieromonk Varlaam Novakshonoff. Let us now examine the question of the relationship of Christianity with Communism more precisely, to that particular form of communism which has now appeared as an attempt to realize the ideas of socialism. This form of communism emerged in history as a sworn and bitter enemy of Christianity. For its part, Christianity recognizes it as completely alien and inimical with itself. The history of the Church in apostolic times reveals that, in those times, it had its own Christian communism and the faithful held everything common, as the Acts of the Apostles says. Even now, this … [Read more...]
Baptism with Water, and Baptism with the Holy Spirit
by Fr. John Whiteford Question: "What is the difference between the Baptism in water and the Baptism by the "Holy Spirit and Fire" in Acts 1:5?" In Acts 1:5, Christ said: "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence," which is very similar to what St. John the Baptist said himself: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire" (Matthew 3:11, cf. Luke 3:16). What St. John Chrysostom points out is that Christ did not say that the Apostles would be baptized with water in the … [Read more...]
Using the Fear of Epidemics to Shut Down Churches
by Fr. John Whiteford Having watched how parish churches have been shut down around the world on the basis of the Coronavirus, I had thought prior to reading the following that there must be a bunch of old Soviets kicking themselves that they hadn't thought of it first. But the fact of the matter is, they not only thought of it... they did it. I recently read the book "Red Priests," which is a book about the schismatic "Living Church," and the use that the Soviets made of them to try to undermine the real Russian Church, and I found this quote, which was speaking about various strategies the Soviets were using during the 1930's to try to eradicate the Church: "Parish churches were often … [Read more...]
“Planting and Starting a New Mission” Course Available through Midwest Pastoral School
On the heels of our Missions Development Conference, Metropolitan Jonah wanted to be sure we were all aware that he will be teaching a course on what we are doing and discussins - Planting and Starting New Orthodox Missions. The summer session runs from June 21 to August 7. The Pastoral School of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia’s Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America is also offering several other courses during its summer semester that are open to the general public. The classes offered this summer are: Liturgics Intermediate/Advanced Church Slavonic Parish Management and Operations Thesis Writing Workshop New Testament Greek New Testament Latin The Pivotal … [Read more...]
2021 Arizona Missions Development Conference
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the 3rd annual AZ Missions Development Conference a successful and happy gathering for all. Attendees, both clergy and laity, gathered from all over Arizona and 3 other states to attend. Pictures of the event are below. And extra special thank you's to our speakers - Metropolitan JONAH, Fr. Hans Jacobse, and Fr. Thaddaeus Hardenbrook. More photos will be added soon! Recordings of the talks will be available on the APP only. … [Read more...]
Ascension and Pentecost in Fourth Century Jerusalem According to Nun Egeria
Egeria was a nun who authored a detailed account of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the early 380s, making it the earliest of the kind. Regarding the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost, she writes: Easter to Pentecost Now, from Easter to the fiftieth day, that is, to Pentecost, no one fasts here, not even those who are apotactitae.* During these days, as throughout the whole year, the customary things are done at the Anastasis** from the first cockcrow until morning, and at the sixth hour and at vespers likewise. But on the Lord's Days the procession is always to the Martyrium,*** that is, to the great church, according to custom, and they go thence with hymns to the Anastasis. … [Read more...]
From Pascha to Pentecost
By Protopresbyter Dr. George D. Dragas 1. The Pentecostal Period. The word, Pentecost means “the fiftieth” and is used to designate the great event of the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Epiphoitesis) upon the Apostles and the Church on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ, just ten days after His Ascension into Heaven. Before His Passion, the Lord spoke to his Disciples about the gift of the Holy Spirit, which they were to receive after the Ascension. The details are preserved in the Gospel of Saint John: “I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will defend you and always be with you” (14:16). He also said, “The Holy Spirit can not come to defend you until I … [Read more...]
On the Midfeast of Pentecost
by Fr. Seraphim Rose Lay Sermon by Eugene Rose (future Hieromonk Seraphim), May 1965 For too many of us, perhaps, the weeks following the radiant Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ are a time of relaxation and even of indulgence; the rigors of the Fast being ended, the body revels while the spirit grows weak. But if this is unfortunately so, it is our own fault and not the fault of the Holy Church; for she never ceases to draw our minds upward and instruct us as to what thoughts and actions are appropriate for Orthodox Christians in this holy season. Each Sunday after Easter has a special name drawn from the appointed Gospel reading; between Easter and the Ascension there … [Read more...]
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