Spiritual Life and Christian Practices

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 gave them His Chalice. Christ’s Chalice is suffering. For those […]

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, the Lord’s Pascha: for from death to life, and from […]

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 love and today St. John the Theologian also instructs us […]

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 (Luke 10:27). The Lord Jesus Christ very categorically demands that […]

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 almost 2,000 years now, and is in no way overcome. […]

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 Cor. 9:15) Love, which rests in human hearts desires to […]

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 we all need to hear and understand, us whose hearts […]

catechesis 2:  On taking care for ourselves and fleeing sin’s destructive places and ways. [Given on the Sunday of the Paralytic] Brethren and fathers, after the feast the season invites us once again to talk with you and to return to the usual instruction. And we have come with enthusiasm […]

by Priest Andrew Kencis “Of all of the innumerable temptations that we have to wade through on the path to salvation, there is one facet or “bonding agent” that is common to all of them.   It is precisely that which weakens our resolve and allows thoughts contrary to what we […]