An interview with Elder Justin Parvu of Petru Vodă Monastery (Romania) given on October 7th, 2009. Elder Justin spent 16 years in prison under the communists and tirelessly served the Romanian people until his repose on June 16th, 2013. Read a brief account of his life with the text of this interview below.The vaccine Elder Justin is referring to i…

St. Tikhon’s pointed advice to monk suffering from apathy and despondency. “If you follow these four instructions, believe me, little by little you will attain both zeal and inclination.”📖 Read St Tikhon’s letter here:https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/a8455a5a/files/uploaded/Moot%201.1.pdf🎧 On Love for God - St. Tikhon of Zadonskhttps://youtu.be/…

A homily to stir up our hard hearts to sincerely repent, both now, wherever we are, and before our priest where we receive reconciliation with Christ and the Church.Reading from: Season of Repentance: Lenten Homilies of Saint John of Kronstadt, p. 76-81📖 Season of Repentance: Lenten Homilies of Saint John of Kronstadthttps://bookstore.jordanville.o…

Abba Pambo, a 4th century Egyptian desert father, speaks prophetically about the state of the Church and the world in the last times.📖 Text is from the Gerondikon (Sayings of the Desert Fathers). The translation I read can be found here:https://orthodoxheritage.org/2003%20Issues.pdf🎧 The 38 Sayings of St. Anthony the Greathttps://youtu.be/YNh81oWWJ…

St. John Maximovitch describes the usual journey of the soul after death and how those still on earth can best help departed souls to be uplifted by the grace of God.Text here: http://livingorthodoxfaith.blogspot.com/2009/11/life-after-death-by-st-john-maximovitch.html?m=1📖 Man of God: St. John of Shanghai and San Franciscohttps://hvcbookstore.com/…

So many in the West today are learning about Orthodoxy but may not yet have a concrete answer to the fundamental question: What is Orthodoxy? Archbishop Averky offers us the answer.📖 What is Orthodoxy? (Orthodox Life, May-June, 1976)https://orthodoxlifemagazines.blogspot.com/2015/10/v41-1.html🎧 Archbishop Averky: His Significance for the Ecumenical…

The full passage of St. Paisios’ famous saying: Be the BeeReading from “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. III: Spiritual Struggle”, p. 29-31📖 “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. III”:https://www.holycross.org/products/spiritual-struggle-elder-paisios?srsltid=AfmBOooXR9CN7PYCrw_LtAPzstMv45LrxH5kcB9DeLsMIOd7zKxBD9gj🎧 Spiritual Laws - St. Paisios the Athonitehttps://you…

"The striking phrase, 'God is dead,' is the poetical expression of modern unbelief", writes Eugene (Fr. Seraphim) Rose in his short but piercing analysis of the modern world and its apostasy. Christianity in the West fell long ago and its departure from the True Church, Holy Orthodoxy, is more and more evident. See the links below for more from Fr.…

Elder Aimilianos the Athonite discusses the post-industrial and digital information era, its blessings and dangers, and how Orthodox Christians can preserve a true life in Christ. As he says, "In post-industrial society, [people] are also becoming consumers and slaves to images and information, which fill their lives. Restraint and spiritual vigila…

A thorough examination of Fr. Alexander Schmemann's views on the historical development and meaning of the Orthodox Church's prayer and worship. Fr. Michael Pomazansky, author of the popular book Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, provides an antidote to the poisonous stance of Fr. Alexander, which Fr. Seraphim Rose warns of, describing it as "the inevita…

A short but substantive article on priestly attire and why it is important that they wear their cassocks. Ecumenical Canons, comments from the author (a priest of the Russian Church Abroad), and stories illustrating the importance of the cassock for priests provide a memorable word on this topic. A reading of "Priestly Attire" from Orthodox Life, J…

St. Theophan discusses the aether, the way our prayers reach God, Saints, and Angels, the covering of our souls, and how to live life according to the Spirit. A reading of letters 13, 14, and 15 from _The Spiritual Life And How to Be Attuned to It_0:00 Beginning0:15 Letter 13: Aether, True Happiness, Soul's Covering11:19 Letter 14: The Covering of …

A love poem written by St. Joseph to our Lord Jesus Christ. One can quickly feel the deep love he has for Christ. Reading from _Letters & Poems by Saint Joseph the Hesychast_ , p. 529-531📖 _Letters & Poems by Saint Joseph the Hesychast_https://www.monasterevmc.org/en-us/products/letters-poems📖 _Monastic Wisdom: The Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesyc…

Two passages from St. Nikodemos on how Orthodox Christians should approach smoking in general, and specifically smoking tobacco. St. Nikodemos writes, "But when they inhale and swallow the foul fumes of tobacco through their nose and mouth... how afterwards are they to be, in accord with their calling [i.e. Bishops and Priests, but indeed all Ortho…

St. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome (+461) offers another homily during the Holy Fast of Nativity calling us again to active love for God and neighbor. "[Satan] is aroused with keener stings of hatred, that under a false profession of the Christian name he may corrupt those whom he is not allowed to attack with open and bloody persecutions, and for thi…

A few passages from Fr. Seraphim Rose regarding the canons of the Ecumenical Councils. There are other passages from Fr. Seraphim one should find and read (see link below, for example). This collection presents a good overview of his views. The canons are laid down by the fathers of the Ecumenical Councils, are the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and…

Fr. Daniel Sysoev (+2009) addresses the dynamics of men and women, husbands and wives, headcoverings, and the often misunderstood teachings of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11. Fr. Daniel draws heavily on St. John Chrysostom and St. Theophan the Recluse in his analysis, offering timeless teachings for all Orthodox Christians. "...he is the imag…

Drawing upon St. Theophan the Recluse's commentary, Fr. Seraphim Rose briefly discusses how souls formed in the "emotional and spiritual wasteland of our times" can become aware of this reality and how to live spiritually profitable lives in the Orthodox Church. Sometimes, as a stepping stone, even the best of the secular arts can be used to form t…

Learn how St. Porphyrios responded to seeing women dressed immodestly and to his spiritual children who were a bit judgmental.A reading of two accounts translated from the Greek:https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2012/07/elder-porphyrios-and-scantily-clothed.htmlSource: Ἀνθολόγιο Συμβουλῶν Γέροντος Πορφυρίου, p. 168, 169.⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and…

Ever-timely gems of wisdom from St. John of Kronstadt on prayer. He speaks especially to people living in the world with everyday cares and responsibilities. Anyone discouraged in their prayer life will find consolation and inspiration in these words from this great saint of Russia.0:00 Introduction 0:09 Perseverance in Prayer 5:17 The Ordering of …

St. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome (+461) calls us to embark on the Holy Fast of Nativity with gratitude and active love for God and neighbor. “For by prayer we seek to propitiate God, by fasting we extinguish the lusts of the flesh, by alms we redeem our sins: and at the same time God's image is throughout renewed in us, if we are always ready to pra…

How should a man relate to his wife, and a women relate to her husband? St. Paisios presents us the royal path: why love and respect are really the same thing, and how the husband is the head of his wife but also the "lowest laborer", and how the wife is subject to her husband but also the "noble lady of the household".A reading from _Spiritual Cou…

Practical advice for daily life in the world from St. Ignatius Brianchaninov. His wisdom is summarized when he says, "The essence of any striving toward the Lord is attentiveness."Reading of chapter 27 from _The Field: Cultivating Salvation_ by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov📖 _The Field: Cultivating Salvation_ by St. Ignatius Brianchaninovhttps://www.h…

The great Theologian of the 11th century stirs up the hearts of his readers, calling us to a truly Christian life that daily stands ready for the dread Day of the Lord.Reading from St. Symeon's Tenth Ethical Discourse "On the Fearful Day of the Lord and the Future Judgement" from _On the Mystical Life, The Ethical Discourses, Vol. I: The Church and…

St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia on Mount Athos discusses how to pray the Jesus Prayer and why it is "the key to the spiritual life" for every Orthodox Christian.A reading of _Wounded by Love_ p. 118-122📖 _Wounded by Love: The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios_https://www.holycross.org/products/wounded-by-love-the-life-and-the-wisdom-of-elder-p…

What separates the Orthodox Church and the various Non-Chalcedonian churches? Is it merely semantics and misunderstandings, as some today proclaim? The Holy Monastery of Gregoriou on Mount Athos, in this 1994 treatise, gives a detailed examination of the issues and offers much for anyone interested in the truth of Christ, His Church, and the Non-Ch…

A reading of the revelation of Jesus Christ to St. Silouan from _Saint Silouan the Athonite_ by St. Sophrony (p. 429-431)📖 _Saint Silouan the Athonite_ by St. Sophrony: https://www.holycross.org/products/saint-silouan-the-athonite🎧 Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not - St. Silouan and St. Sophrony (Commentary on the Saying)https://youtu.be/n0CCxF…

What is the firmament? What does Scripture mean by “waters above the heavens”? St. Ambrose expounds upon the Scriptural testimony and raises our minds and hearts both to God’s creation and God Himself. As he asks rhetorically, "When you hear this, why do you marvel if, by the operation of such majesty, water can be held suspended above the celestia…

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, one of the most beloved Russian saints of the past few centuries, describes the duties of husbands and wives towards each other in marriage.Text is from "Journey to Heaven: Counsels on the Particular Duties of Every Christian" by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk⛪ FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you:https://orthodox-world.org/…

Excerpt from "For Catechumens in the Orthodox Church" by Metropolitan Augoustinos (Kantiotis) of Florina (+2010), from his book “On the Divine Liturgy: Vol. 1"📖 “On the Divine Liturgy: Vol. 1" by Met. Augustinos: http://ibmgs.org/chatechetic.html🎧 For Catechumens in the Orthodox Church - Met. Augoustinos of Florinahttps://youtu.be/pE52JnVeueQ⛪ FIND…

A reading of Homily 8 from St. Isaac the Syrian's Ascetical Homilies📖 Buy “Ascetical Homilies of Saint Issac the Syrian” here: https://www.bostonmonks.com/product_info.php/cPath/75_105/products_id/635🎧 The Prayers of St. Isaac the Syrianhttps://youtu.be/nq5L6RXiH9M🎧 On the Power of Sin & What Causes Sin To Cease - St. Isaac the Syrianhttps://youtu.…

A homily describing the dreadful Antichrist, his deceitful tactics, and how Christians of the last times can remain faithful to Christ amidst intense pressure. As St. Ephraim says, "I entreat you, brethren, being the least among you, let us not be lax, O Christ-lovers, rather let us strengthen ourselves even more by the power of the Cross. The inev…

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, one of the most beloved Russian saints of the past few centuries, describes the duties of the pastor towards his flock and of the flock towards their pastor.0:00 Beginning0:10 On the Duty of Pastors (Bishops and Priests)9:02 On the Duty of the Flock Toward the PastorText is from "Journey to Heaven: Counsels on the Particular …

A reading of the Life of Saint Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch (February 12) from the Great Collection Collection of the Lives of Saints by St. Dimitri of RostovThe life of St. Meletius of Antioch is instructive regarding many things, including those of our times who have separated themselves from unity with the rest of the Orthodox Church in their…

Upon meeting the Holy Virgin Mary, St. Dionysius the Areopagite wrote to the Apostle Paul about his experience with her.This letter is found in the Great Collection of the Lives of Saints of the Orthodox Church on the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, August 15th.https://panagiaquicktohear.com/2016/09/05/the-theotokos-and-st-dionys…

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, one of the most beloved Russian saints of the past few centuries, describes how fitting it is for man to love God and the signs that such love is true and genuine. "Truly is it said by all, 'How can we not love God?'"Text is from "Journey to Heaven: Counsels on the Particular Duties of Every Christian" by St. Tikhon of Zadons…

The Pope wanted Elders Paisios and Porphyrios to visit him at the Vatican…how did they respond?0:00 Beginning0:21 The Invitation from the Pope and the Elders’ Response—Commentary by Elder Savvas Hagiorite on the meaning of the Elders' Response—1:00 The Pope is a heretic1:56 Not dialogue, but prayer is helpful2:58 The Pope believes the Orthodox do n…

Three accounts of St. Porphyrios' teachings regarding ecumenism and ecumenical meetings.—"Did he say nothing? Was he never asked by anyone about Ecumenism?" asked Prof. Tselengidis.—"But," replied the Saint's spiritual child, "he certainly was, Professor! Of course! He told us so... We used to ask him... And he said: 'Downright scum, spiritual filt…

St. Porphyrios, our God-bearing Elder abounding in love and divine gifts, is not known for addressing contemporary issues of dogma and how Orthodoxy compares to other religions. However, the Elder did address these topics and in these two recorded conversations we hear his views plainly expressed: he embraces Orthodoxy as the only true religion, th…

What is feminism? What are the consequences of the movement? What is the role of women in the Church and the world? And what women and the priesthood? Abbess Theologia gives succinct and clear answers to these questions.0:00 IntroThe Feminist Movement 0:14 Causes for the Movement1:51 The Movement’s Success 3:00 Problems with the Movement Orthodoxy …

Fellow soldiers in Christ’s army: our weapons are fully sufficient to defeat our spiritual enemies. In this brief passage, St. Paisios re-awakens us to the power of Christ and His Cross. Reading from “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. 1: With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man”, p. 58-61-BUY “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. I”: https://www.holycross.org/products/w…

Speaking to Russians in exile who saw firsthand the Bolshevik revolution, Archbishop Averky contrasts the true freedom in Christ from the tyrannical slavery of sin, indulgence, and worldly ambition that many falsely call “freedom.” As St. Paul wrote, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ made us free, and be not entangled again with…

What is the firmament? What does scripture mean by “waters above the heavens”? St. John expounds upon the Scriptural testimony and raises our minds and hearts both to God’s creation and God Himself. 0:00 Introduction1:26 Scripture: Genesis 1:6-8 and Psalm 148:4-62:33 Commentary on Psalm 148:43:00 Commentary on Genesis 1 (Homily 4)18:16 Commentary o…

A reading of Chapter Four from "Noetic Prayer as the Basis of Mission and the Struggle Against Heresy" by Archimandrite Ephraim TriandaphillopoulosIn six short chapters Fr. Ephraim, like a spiritual doctor and specialist in spiritual diseases, dissects the disease of heresy and its cause, offering both as method of cure and cure itself the medicine…

The story of how Gerondissa Makrina become a beacon of Orthodox life in Greece under the guidance of St. Joseph the Hesychast. Gerondissa's nuns later helped start many monasteries in America and Canada under the leadership of Geronda Ephraim of Arizona.Text is from "My Elder Joseph the Hesychast" by Elder Ephraim of Arizona, p. 574-580-BUY "My Eld…

The Christian soul loves the Mother of God and that love is exemplified and ignited listening to these reflections from St. Silouan the Athonite.This text is found in "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony the Athonite, pp. 390-393-BUY "Saint Silouan the Athonite" by St. Sophrony here: https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/saint-sil…

"I'm bored!" we hear people say, maybe even we ourselves have said this. St. Theophan the Recluse offers practical advice to overcome boredom and the feeling of being all alone. -BUY the book which includes this text: "The Spiritual Life and How to Be Attuned to It":https://stpaisiusgiftshop.com/new-products/the-spiritual-life-new-edition/-LISTEN t…

Elder Ephraim reflects on the great love of God for man and how critical humility is to remain in communion with God and His grace.Excerpt "Counsels from the Holy Mountain: Selected from the Letters and Homilies of Geronda Ephraim of Arizona", p. 379-384-BUY "Counsels from the Holy Mountain": https://stanthonysmonastery.org/products/counsels-from-t…

"What is the hallmark of a priest? To gather prosphora? To perform nice services? To preach sweetly and 'usefully' from the ambo and make a few young ladies tear up emotionally from his contemplative thoughts? What is the hallmark of a priest and bishop in these difficult years?..."A reading from "The Christian in the End Times", 2nd edition, pp. 3…

The miraculous sign of St. Euphemia at the 4th Fourth Ecumenical in Chalcedon proved the truth of the Orthodox confession of two natures in Christ, united and yet distinct. This text includes a brief Life of St. Euphemia, the events of the 4th Ecumenical Council, including those preceding it, and the miracle of St. Euphemia. St. Euphemia's miracle …