In the iconographic type known as the deësis (supplication), Christ sits enthroned in the center, flanked by saints who approach him in prayer on behalf of the world. Chief among these saints…
In today’s Gospel, we heard how the Lord called four of the greatest apostles, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, four simple men from the land of Galilee, four fishermen who were dutifully fulfilling their work, casting their nets…
Last Sunday, we were called to the heavenly contemplation of all the saints from every age standing roundabout the throne of God in eternal glory. Today, we consider instead the ways…
If we wish to master a subject, we must study; if we wish to become saints, we must learn about sanctity from the example of those who have achieved it. Today we celebrate ...
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Finally, we have reached “the last day, that great day of the feast,” the Fiftieth Day which we have awaited…
“Blessed art thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit.” The rude fishermen from Galilee were revealed by the God and Lord of all things…
In the troparion for today’s feast, we sing that God has “established the holy fathers as lights on the earth” and that “through them” he has “guided us to the true faith.” These troparia remind us…
On Holy Saturday, Christ completed his descent, going all the way down to the depths of hell; today, he completes his ascent, passing into the heavens with his body and bodily taking…
The Leavetaking of Pascha is often understood, on some level, to be a sorrowful occasion; we take our leave fondly, looking forward to next year. More truly, the leavetaking…
Today, as we draw near to the end of the Paschal feast, whose Leavetaking will take place two days from now, our liturgical readings strike a seemingly ominous chord. ...