On the Sunday of Orthodoxy by Fr. Alexander Schmemann Our father, Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, (d. 1983) was a prominent 20th century Orthodox Christian priest, theologian, and writer. He taught at St. Vladimir Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY and at St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris, France. His writings have been very influential in contemporary [...]
More on Fasting by St. John Chrysostom St. John was the Archbishop of Constantinople during the fourth century. He was fearless when denouncing sin in high places, and was a prolific writer, and bold preacher, unafraid to hit the topical issues of the day squarely between the eyes with all the subtlety of a ball [...]
On The Veneration Of The Precious Cross by St. John Maximovitch Our father among the saints, John Maximovitch, was a diocesan bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) who served widely from China to France to the United States. Countless miracles have been attributed to this holy bishop, both during his lifetime and [...]
Rejoice, O Bethany In Tone Six Rejoice, rejoice, O Bethany! On this day God came to thee, And in Him the dead are made alive, As it is right for He is the Life. When Martha went to receive Him, Grieving loudly with bitter tears, She poured out the sorrow of her heart to Him [...]
Sacrament of Confession Perhaps the most misunderstood sacrament of the Christian Church is confession (or repentance). How did it originate? What role does a priest play? Is there a special procedure for confession? The Holy Scriptures hold answers to these questions. God's Word promises "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to [...]
Word Magazine February 1962 Page 5 WHAT IS HOLY CHRISMATION? Father Michael J. Buben “Holy Chrismation is a Sacrament in which the baptized believer, being anointed with Holy Chrism on certain parts of the body, in the name of the Holy Spirit, receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit for growth and strength in spiritual [...]
Word Magazine March 1978 Page 8-9 FOR PRIEST AND PARISHIONER THOUGHTS ON CONFESSION By Father Alexander Leon Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. The Kingdom is indeed at hand, and we are called to a life of repentance. But how does the priest promote this process? Or, put another way, how can [...]
Word Magazine October 1963 Page 4 THE SACRAMENT OF LOVE Rev. Robert E. Lucas At the holy supper, the Redeemer’s voice reverberated throughout the room in significant tones, “Do this is commemoration of Me.” Thus Holy Mother Church has since that day celebrated on myriad altars throughout time this great mystery and has united its [...]
Word Magazine April 1993 Page 5 THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS It is the conviction of the Orthodox that Christ is the only Priest, Pastor and Teacher of His Body, the Church. He alone guides and rules His people. He alone forgives sins and offers communion with God, His Father. The sacrament of holy orders [...]
Word Magazine January 1985 Page 4-5 THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION AS A TOOL BY FATHER JOSEPH ALLEN “Until death, repentance is not limited either by seasons or acts.” —St. Isaac The Syrian When I was asked to share some thoughts on the Sacrament of Confession, one short phrase was added at the end of the [...]