St Cyril of Alexandria (Commemorated 9th June and 18th January)   St Cyril of Alexandria lived from 376 to 444. He was the nephew of Theophilus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and received a classical education in languages and philosophy. St Cyril was Patriarch of Alexandria, succeeding his uncle, from 412 to 444. He left many works and commentaries on the Gospels of St Luke and St John, as well as the Epistles of St Paul. St Cyril was well-versed in theology, contributing greatly to the honouring of the Theotokos in our Church. He fought the heresy of Nestorius, who was [...]

Words do not Change Reality   Every citizen born and raised in a Country where his forefathers lived and established themselves for centuries, loves and defends the place of his birth, and feels happy and secure only there. This is particularly true for the Greek people, who since antiquity the ideal was that their Country was superior to father, mother and anything else. The Spartan women when sending their sons to war, on giving them the Shield, the major armour of protection, were saying to them – “Come back either with it (as victor), or on it (as dead)”. The [...]

St Paul: The Definition of an Apostle   One of the first names that comes to mind when reflecting on the role of an Apostle is St Paul. This is not a mere coincidence, but rather recognition of St Paul’s amazing accomplishments in establishing the Church through his Apostleship. So how is it that such a persecutor of the Church and enemy of the first Christians, transformed from Saul of Tarsus into the great Apostle Paul? His conversion is well documented multiple times in the Acts of the Apostles. It records that just like the twelve disciples, St Paul was [...]

The Great and Miraculous Power of Repentance Published by Orthodox Kypseli   The greatest miracle is this; A proud man to become humble. An unrighteous to become righteous… A man of vice to become a man of virtue. This transformation is of course achieved through the great and miraculous power of repentance. This short book contains a collection of the sayings of the Holy Fathers with an emphasis on sayings and examples relating to salvation which springs from the repentant way of life. Examples include such Fathers as St John Chrysostom who says, “The one who repents does not repeat [...]

Palm Sunday Crosses (Βάγια)   When our Lord entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, sitting on the colt of a donkey, he was greeted with crowds waving palm leaves. They welcomed Him as the Messiah who would liberate Israel from the tyranny of the Romans. He had resurrected Lazarus from the tomb after four days, He had performed countless miracles, His fame had spread and the people came out to greet Him. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!” Hence the use of the palm branch which was considered a symbol of triumph and victory! Jesus [...]