Elder Ephraim of Arizona Born in Volos, Greece in 1927 on the eve of the nativity of St John the Baptist, Elder Ephraim was given the name Ioannis and raised with a deep love for God. At the age of nineteen with nothing more than his mother’s blessing he left home for the Holy Mountain. Upon his arrival at Mt Athos, St John the Baptist appeared to Elder Joseph the Hesychast informing him that he was entrusting him with a lamb called little Ioannis. He remained in Elder Joseph’s care for twelve years. Ephraim followed a stricter ascetical life than [...]

Jacob, Esau, and Birthright Jacob and Esau meet (Genesis 33:4) Certain people in the Old Testament who had deep reverence towards God experienced moments which gave them a foretaste of the grace, and truth, that would ensue in the fullness of time. The story of Esau and Jacob, twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, is an example. Esau loved to hunt and became Isaac’s favourite. Jacob, who was quieter, was Rebekah’s favourite. One day, Esau returned home after working in the fields. He was famished and asked Jacob for bread and a bowl of stew. Jacob seized the [...]

Orthodox Christianity in the 21st Century The last of our series about the spread of Christianity throughout the ages will reflect upon: how Orthodox Christianity came to Australia; and, on certain individuals preaching and spreading the word of God today throughout the world. In the great commission (Matthew 28:19), our Lord Jesus Christ commands the disciples to “make disciples of all nations”, “baptising them”, and “teaching them” the commandments of God. This commandment applies to all Christians, in every nation, in the past, present and future. Orthodoxy’s arrival in Australia The Orthodox Faith spread to our homeland Australia through mass [...]

St John of Damascus On the Resurrection In the Exact Exposition of the Christian Faith, St John of Damascus (675-749) takes readers methodically through Orthodox dogma and enhances our understanding of much of what is often taken for granted. This is particularly evident in Books 3 and 4 where he elaborates on what actually happened at the Resurrection. A key focus of St John is that Christ took on “death on our behalf” in both of His natures: human and divine. Death did not corrupt Christ’s body. It was a normal human body subject to the wounds of the flesh [...]

Sunday of Thomas (John 20:19-31) The Sunday of St Thomas follows after Easter Bright Week (Lambri Evdomada). The Gospel reading commences with the disciples assembled together in fear. Jesus comes and shows them His wounded hands and side (v 20). In doing so he dispels all doubt about who He is. Thomas was not present at Jesus’ appearance. When told by the others, Thomas showed his doubt (v 25). Jesus appeared again to the assembled disciples. This time Thomas was present (v 26-27). Like the Good Shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus came back especially for Thomas. [...]