Ηow does the Triodion prepare us for Lent? Lent is a period of intense spiritual struggle using repentance, forgiveness, charity, prayer and fasting. In the weeks prior to Great Lent, the Church teaches us what Lent is about and how to get the most out of this beautiful and deeply spiritual period. The Triodion is the liturgical service book that contains the variable portions of the Liturgy and other services for this period that begins pre-Lent and ends on the Saturday of Holy Week. Each week at the commencement of Triodion has its own distinct theme which is expressed in [...]

Saints Aquila and Priscilla (Commemorated on 13th February) Saints Aquila and Priscilla were a married Christian couple who lived in the first century. The two tentmakers were close companions and disciples of St Paul, who described them as his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). In AD 49, Saints Aquila and Priscilla were among the Jews who were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius. They made their way to Corinth where they met St Paul who baptised them and lived with them for 18 months. They then travelled with him to Ephesus, where they stayed to support and build [...]

The Meaning of Life The problem of the meaning of life, and the purpose of us being on earth, has been the dominant existential question which every human being will have to answer at some stage of his existence in this world. It concerns not only grownup people, but also affects young people regarding their place in the complex society we live in. The great thinkers of history tried to discover the purpose of man on earth, but the answer was beyond the ability of the human mind. It is the True and only God, the Creator of the whole [...]

Joyful Sadness: The Journey to Easter Most assuredly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy (John 16:20) As Great Lent begins, we embark upon a challenging but rewarding spiritual journey towards Easter, the Feast of Feasts. It can be tempting to begin the fast focused solely on the difficulty of the fast itself, which is why it is important to begin the fast with the correct attitude and intentions. We should firstly remember our destination – the joyful Resurrection – [...]

Holy Matrimony Marriage is a sacrament of the Church through which the union of man and woman is blessed by God. That Jesus chose a wedding to enact His first earthly miracle is the most profound indication of the dignity attributed to the union of man and woman by God. The primary purpose of marriage is to unite two people into a communion of love for their mutual companionship and as an aid to theosis, or sanctification, being the attainment of the Eternal Kingdom. As read by the priest at the end of the service “take their Crowns unto Your [...]