Let the Children Come to Me Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) The love that Jesus shows for children is profound. The disciples were dismissive of the parents who sought Jesus’ blessing for their children. They did not want the Master disturbed by little children as he was going about His business of teaching adults. They thought He was too important for them. Yet Jesus turned everything on its head, teaching the disciples and us to be lowly, and to trample upon [...]

Spiritual Messages From Satellites When the Russian Sputnik (Vostok 1) went into orbit around the earth in April 1959, the atheists in the Soviet regime declared that, “the Kingdom of God has come to an end. The Kingdom of man has now begun.” When in 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first man to circumnavigate the Earth in a satellite, on his return they further declared in his name that he did not see God, whom the majority of people on earth believe in. On the other hand, after the moon landing 50 years ago by the Americans Neil Armstrong and [...]

St John Chrysostom (Commemorated 13 November) St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, is one of the most influential and important Fathers of our Church. In addition to writing the Divine Liturgy, which we celebrate most Sundays, he gave countless sermons to the people, of which more than 1,400 are available today. His words have inspired and shaped countless Christians and, for that reason, his Apolytikion begins with the words, “the grace of your words illuminated the world like a shining beacon.” Indeed, his great eloquence earnt him the title of “Chrysostom” (“goldenmouth” in Greek), and he is regarded as one [...]

Chrismation In our previous article we spoke about the Mystery of Baptism and the threefold immersion into the water to shed the ‘old’ man and create a ‘new’ creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Chrismation (anointing), the newly baptised person receives the Holy Spirit through the anointing with Holy Chrism/Myrrh by the priest. In anointing the recipient with chrism, the priest makes the sign of the cross on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands and feet using the following words each time, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Christ repeatedly promised the gift of [...]