Category Archives: Spiritual Life and Christian Practices

Here are guidelines on the practice of Orthodox Christianity, how to live the spiritual life. Articles on the unseen warfare the Orthodox Christian faces in daily life, encouragement to struggle for salvation, instruction in spiritual growth and consolation in sorrows. Articles include the classic “Principles for a Pious Life” and the inspiring lecture “On the Modern World” by Archbishop Averky of Jordanville.

How to Understand Our Church Calendar

Posted on December 31, 2011 by frandrew

The late Very Reverend Boris Molchanov (Rocor) composed this study of the development of the civil and Church calendars and of the Paschalion at the end of which study he demonstrates profoundly the indissoluble bond between the Julian Calendar and … Continue reading →

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Saint Spyridon of Tremithus

Posted on December 25, 2011 by frandrew

  Prayer to St. Spyridon of Trimythus Dec 12(o.s.) O most blessed hierarch Spyridon, thou great Saint of Christ and glorious wonder-worker! Standing in heaven before the throne of God with choirs of Angels, look down with a compassionate eye … Continue reading →

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The Chalice of Christ by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninoff

Posted on June 21, 2011 by marianna

An exhortation to “take the cup of salvation” with the understanding that “By many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God” and a humble, faithful disposition. Two of his beloved disciples asked the Lord for thrones of glory. He … Continue reading →

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Paschal Sermon by Archbishop Averky (1976)

Posted on June 21, 2011 by marianna

A sermon on the meaning of the truth of the Resurrection of Christ for the whole world, and for our lives as Christians. Christ is Risen! It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O ye people; Pascha, … Continue reading →

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How to Learn to Love the Lord by Bishop Theophan the Recluse

Posted on June 21, 2011 by marianna

Blessed Bishop Theophan explains from the Holy Gospels and lives of saints what love for the Lord is, and how to acquire it.  An inspiring sermon from this revered teacher of Orthodoxy. Last week the Holy Myrrhbearers instructed us on … Continue reading →

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How Should We Conduct Ourselves in Relation to Other People?

Posted on June 21, 2011 by marianna

by Metropolitan Gregory of St. Petersburg, 1904 Metropolitan Gregory explains how Christians should act towards others in the world, and how to live peacefully with others. The answer to this question is given by the Lord Himself: Love thy neighbor … Continue reading →

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How to Live According to the Faith

Posted on June 21, 2011 by marianna

by Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow The great archpastor of the Russian Church, Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, describes how Christians should conduct their lives in this short catechitical essay. (+ November 19, 1867) Faith in Christ has existed on earth for … Continue reading →

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Love: The Foundation of Existence in Our World

Posted on June 21, 2011 by marianna

by Metropolitan Macarius A homily on the life-giving and unifying force of love, and a call to those lost in materialism to return to the love of Christ in the Church. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. (II … Continue reading →

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Letters of Elder Macarius of Optina

Posted on June 20, 2011 by marianna

A collection of excerpts from the letters of Elder Macarius of Optina, filled with deep spiritual insight and sobering instructions to people in a wide variety of situations. St. Macarius of Optina Introduction Elder Macarius of Optina was canonized by … Continue reading →

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The Vanity of Riches by St. John Chrysostom

Posted on June 20, 2011 by marianna

In this sermon, given while a fugitive from the wrath of the emperor had taken refuge in the church, St. John reveals the way spiritual values transcend and overshadow all physical things, how Christianity renders riches worthless.  This is something … Continue reading →

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