On The Veneration Of The Holy Cross 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 [...]
From The Word Magazine, March 1994, Page 35 SUGGESTIONS FOR GREAT LENT (from the Orthodox Observer) We are on the threshold of Great Lent: the 40-day period of fasting, prayer, soul-searching and general preparation for Holy Pascha. This is the time when serious Orthodox Christians strive to make the small sacrifices and "go that extra [...]
St. Leo the Great on Lent Dear friends, at every moment the earth is full of the mercy of God, and nature itself is a lesson for all the faithful in the worship of God. The heavens, the sea and all that is in them bear witness to the goodness and omnipotence of their Creator, [...]
Word Magazine April 1989 Page 17 SPIRITUAL WARFARE by Joy Corey LENT came upon us ever so quietly and most immediately war was launched to which I became a helpless and unsuspecting victim. I had no control over the Almighty One who allowed this battle to surge. The essence of this warfare was of a [...]
THE WORD MAGAZINE MARCH 1977 PAGE 11-13 SOME REFLECTIONS ON FASTING by John Boojamra Fasting, or more correctly, the practice of abstinence for certain days and certain periods of the year, has long caused difficulty in the minds of many Orthodox in North America. Every year, as the Easter lent approaches, Orthodox begin to wonder [...]
Word Magazine April 1969 Page 7 SILENCE THAT SCREAMS By THE REV. FR. JOSEPH J. ALLEN Bergenfield, N.J. It is difficult and almost impossible for us to imagine in today’s world that silence is beautiful. What was possible at one time is quickly becoming extinct in all areas, but greatest amongst those disappearing elements is [...]
Word Magazine February 2000 Page 21 PREPARING FOR THE GREATEST JOURNEY By Very Rev. Stephen Rogers As the sharp edge of winter cuts across February with its long shadows and long cold nights, Orthodox Christians know that this time of year is the herald of Great Lent, that solemn but beautiful 40-day journey to the [...]
Word Magazine February 1971 Page 7 THE RIGHT ATTITUDE FOR LENT by Rev. V. Berzonsky Holy Trinity Church, Parma, Ohio Before the Great Lent begins the Orthodox Church reserves three weeks in order to encourage in its members a proper mental preparedness towards the season of intense prayer, meditation and fasting. We must learn not [...]
Word Magazine March 1985 Page 21 RENEWAL AND ASCETICISM Homily By Father James C. Meena First I think it is necessary for us to understand what renewal really means before we go on to talk about asceticism. You have heard it said that Jesus Christ makes all things news. According to St. Paul “If anyone [...]
Word Magazine December 1960 Page 4 THE POWER OF FAITH By Subdeacon Michael I. Irvin Delivered in St. Mary’s Church, Brooklyn, N.Y., March 27, 1963 In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. What a contrast for Our Lord—to come down from the mount on which He [...]