"We should seek the intercessions and the fervent prayers of the saints, because they have special 'boldness' (parresia), before God." Saint John Chrysostom THROUGH THEIR INTERCESSIONS . . . The Orthodox Church is a living and vibrant community of faithful Christians made up of the members of the Church militant and the church triumphant. The Church militant are those of us who are still part of this world, diligently striving to live our lives according to God's teachings and commandments. The Church triumphant are those individuals who have been called by God to be with Him in paradise and continue to pray for us. Holiness or sainthood is a gift given by God to mankind through the Holy Spirit. Man's effort to become a … [Read more...]
St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Cæsarea in Cappadocia
Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, “belongs not to the Church of Caesarea alone, nor merely to his own time, nor was he of benefit only to his own kinsmen, but rather to all lands and cities worldwide, and to all people he brought and still brings benefit, and for Christians he always was and will be a most salvific teacher.” Thus spoke Saint Basil’s contemporary, Saint Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium. Saint Basil was born in the year 330 at Caesarea, the administrative center of Cappadocia. He was of illustrious lineage, famed for its eminence and wealth, and zealous for the Christian Faith. The saint’s grandfather and grandmother on his father’s side had to hide in the forests of … [Read more...]
The Making of Christ Pulling Peter from the Water
Source: Orthodox Arts Journal By Jonathan Pageau Since I began icon carving full time 4 years ago now, I had a secret list of the things I wanted to make, certain objects and images that were dear to me. To my own joy and surprise, I have been progressively checking off items from that list with ongoing commissions, making even those objects and icons I did not think could find patrons such as complex reliquaries, wedding crowns, opus sectile icons or the image of the Holy prophet Jonah. One of the images I had secret hope of making is Christ pulling St-Peter out of the water. For those who have read some of my writings one can quickly see how it encompasses so much of my vision of the incarnation, of death, … [Read more...]
Recipe for Phanouropita
Everyone loved Fr. Stephanos' phanouropita so we published the recipe below! St. Phanourios is a saint who helps us in difficult situations including finding lost things, employment troubles, a saint to go to when we need something we do not have. When he answers the custom is to bake a cake in gratitude and thanksgiving and share it with others. St. Phanourios' name "Phanourios" comes from the Greek word, φανερώνω "phanerono", meaning "I reveal". Learn more about St. Phanourios on the Antiochian Archdiocese website. … [Read more...]
What is Salvation For?
From the Palamas Institute for Orthodox Christian Pastoral Studies. By Fr. Gregory Jensen If I ask myself this question at all, “What is salvation for?” I’m likely to answer that my salvation is for me; so that I can be saved from sin and enter the Kingdom of God. But this is only a partial answer. In his defense of the Christian faith, St Justin Martyr (Apology, 66 & 67) makes a couple of points that are worth reflecting on as we try to answer the question. Let’s begin, with Justin’s outline of the basic structure of how the Church celebrated—in fact still celebrates—the Eucharist. Interestingly, he doesn’t start with telling us what the Eucharist is but the conditions for … [Read more...]
