Archive for Month: June 2011

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The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles; mankind draws its first breath of the Spirit of God

The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles was mankind’s first inspiration of breath from the Spirit of God. Remember Ezekiel’s prophecy about the valley full of human bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Remember how, by his word, bone joined to bone, how the bones were then covered with sinews, flesh […]

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His Eminence, Metropolitan Vitaly

His Eminence, Metropolitan Vitaly, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, was born in Petrograd on March 18, 1910, and bore the name Rostislav Petrovich Ustinov in secular life. His father, Peter Konstantinovich Ustinov, was a naval officer of the Black Sea Fleet; his mother, Lydia Andreyevna […]

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Bishop Sava of Edmonton

In our modern secular society it is often difficult for us to practice even the most elementary Christianity.  How, then, can we not marvel at one who not only overcame the seductions of the world, but completely dedicated himself to Christ and persevered through even the most difficult circumstances?  Truly, […]

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Archbishop Ioasaph, Enlightener of Canada

Brief life of Archbishop Ioasaph, founder of St. Vladimirs church, Edmonton from “The Orthodox Word”, March-April 1968 It was Novgorod the Great that nourished and formed the future hierarch-enlightener of Canada. Vanya (diminutive form of Ioann-John) Skorodumoff [in English, “Quick thinker”] was born on January 14, 1888, the son of […]

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When we go to Church

by St. Innocent Irkutsk Orthodox Church Originally Printed in Orthodox America The effect of the Divine Liturgy is great. It is celebrated openly and visibly before the eyes of all the world , and yet it is full of mystery. If the worshipper follows every action reverently and diligently, his […]

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Admonitions for Parents

By Holy Father John Chrysostom 1. Having children is a matter of nature; but raising them and educating them in the virtues is a matter of mind and will. [1] 2. By the duty of raising them I mean not only not allowing them to die of hunger, as people […]

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Children and Prayer

Translated by Mary Mansur “May the following incident from the life of Abbot Theodosius of Optina, wherein a holy bishop instructs children on the subject of prayer, serve as an example and inspiration to Orthodox parents of the last times!” As Orthodox parents, our most basic task is to bring […]

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The Emotional Development of Children and on Christian Hope

by Metropolitan Philaret The emotions of the human heart, and many other emotions, have a great significance for the Christian. For example,the elevated feelings of sympathy and antipathy, of mercy, compassion, etc., must be developed in the heart of the Orthodox Christian – if possible, from the very earliest years. […]

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Prayer to the Holy Fathers of Optina

by Anonymous O divine community of holy fathers, ye God-bearing elders of Optina, in the angelic life ye have shone forth upon the earth and are glorified in the heavenly city! We know that in the days of your earthly service no one departed from you empty and disconsolate, for […]

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Akathist for Holy Communion

by Unknown An akathist to be read as part of the prayers said in preparation for Holy Communion. Kontakion I Chosen Bridegroom of our hearts and souls, through Thine incarnation and death on the cross Thou hast betrothed all mankind to Thysclf forever and hast given us as a pledge […]