Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Wisdom is the Fear of God   This phrase from the Proverbs of King Solomon, written towards the end of his life, provides an insight into how the spiritual life is to be approached. What is wisdom? St Ambrose of Milan in commenting on this verse identifies wisdom as the path of virtue, as does St John Chrysostom. Following the path requires that we first cut off the passions that Chrysostom calls “a result of a lack of wisdom”. Essentially, it means looking towards the true source of joy and not to the pleasures [...]

Lenten Hymn of Great Compline   Μεθ' ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός, γνῶτε ἔθνη καὶ ἡττᾶσθε. Ὅτι μεθ' ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός. God is with us, learn you nations and be defeated, for God is with us.   In our Church’s daily Services cycle the Compline service is performed after supper, hence the name Απόδειπνο. There are Small and Great versions of this service. The Great Compline is performed in Monasteries and Parishes alike, from Monday to Thursday of each week of Great Lent and this hymn, “God is with us” is chanted during the service. This ancient hymn is derived from verses [...]

We need and want many things in our life. Yet, Christ says, “but one thing is needful”. What is this one thing that we need? The one thing that is needful is the salvation of our souls. This is our first priority. The needs and wants of the body are of secondary importance. Indeed the needs of the body are few and limited. “But one thing is needful” is a timely reminder that our primary concern should be to lead a God-pleasing life and to draw near to Him in prayer and sacramental life. “But one thing is needful” acts [...]

The Theory of Evolution   The theory of evolution was developed by Charles Darwin (and supported by others such as Alfred and Wallace, Joachim Barrande). It proposes that all life is related and descended from a common ancestor. Darwin states in The Origin of Species that evolution is a gradual process where complex creatures have naturally evolved over time from more simplistic ancestors. He purports that as random genetic mutations occur within the genetic code of an organism, the beneficial mutations are preserved because they aid survival. Over time, the beneficial mutations accumulate, resulting in an entirely different organism. Proponents [...]

Is it necessary to prepare for Holy Communion?   Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, is not merely one of a number of sacred actions. It is at the very heart of the Church, without which the Church cannot be imagined. In this sacrament we receive the very Body and Blood of Christ. The fruits of worthy participation in Holy Communion are huge. Worthy participation is “for the forgiveness of our sins”. We receive a new life, the life of the Spirit, the life of sanctity. Jesus said: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink [...]