Monthly Archives: November 2015

Saint Frumentius of Axum and Orthodoxy in Africa

There is sometimes an idea that Christianity is a European and North American religion. At one time these areas considered themselves to be “Christendom”. This now no longer is the case. We know, of course, that there are many Christians in Asia, … Continue reading

Posted in Church Services, Commemorations | Comments Off on Saint Frumentius of Axum and Orthodoxy in Africa

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

On this day the church celebrates the entrance of the Theotokos (the Mother of God) into the temple in Jerusalem. Like the stories about the birth of the Mother of God, celebrated on September 8th, the feast is not found in the … Continue reading

Posted in Church Services, Commemorations | Comments Off on The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

Saint Gregory Palamas (Nov 14th) and Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (Nov 15th)

Before considering St. Gregory and St. Paisius we should look at the Jesus Prayer, a form of prayer which influenced them and which they influenced. In its longer form it is “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a … Continue reading

Posted in Church Services, Commemorations | Comments Off on Saint Gregory Palamas (Nov 14th) and Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (Nov 15th)

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers

Some think that Christians pray to an “old man in the sky,” that for Christians God is rather a distant figure. Of course God is in heaven, but He is omnipresent, he is everywhere. As the prayer “O Heavenly King” says, God … Continue reading

Posted in Church Services, Commemorations | Comments Off on Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers

St. John Kochurov

St. John Kochurov is a 20th C. martyr, but before we consider him, let us look at martyrdom in general. First, Christianity has always been a church of martyrs. One often hears it said that St. Stephen is the first Christian martyr. … Continue reading

Posted in Church Services, Commemorations | Comments Off on St. John Kochurov