Saint Longinus (Commemorated 16th October)   Saint Longinus was the centurion under the command of Pontius Pilate who was present at the Crucifixion of Christ. According to the Holy Evangelist Matthew, ‘when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”’ (Matt 27:54). This faith of Longinus was perfected when he became a witness to the Resurrection of our Lord. When the chief priests bribed the soldiers, Longinus and two of his soldiers refused to keep silent but instead [...]

In Defence of our Faith   The Government has recently announced that between September 12th and November 7th, Australians will be voting in a postal plebiscite concerning the question of re-defining marriage, so as to allow two persons of the same gender to marry. The slogan of the campaign is “Marriage Equality”. As citizens, we will have to decide according to the principle values each one holds. For the Christian, the matter becomes a question of conscience, as he/she would either have to support those who are asking for change, so as to attain equal status in society as the [...]

Wealth and Possessions   We live in an age where many things are assigned a dollar value. “Everything costs”. “Time is money”. The value of a business is determined by its dollar turnover. Natural disasters are rated according to the cost of the damage caused. Even people are rated on their net worth. The Church puts forward Saints Kosmas and Damian (celebrated on 1st November) as examples of the correct attitude towards money and wealth. These brothers were well educated and became doctors. They travelled widely and healed all types of illnesses in people and animals. So why are they [...]

Living Prayer   Living Prayer by Metropolitan Anthony Metropolitan Bloom covers many topics relating to prayer and gives advice on how to begin and maintain a life of prayer. Bloom highlights the power of well-known prayers such as The Lord’s Prayer and The Jesus Prayer as ‘complete’ prayers which affirm our Faith. Metropolitan Bloom uses Biblical examples to highlight the great faith of certain people. One example used is the prayer of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46), when the blind Bartimaeus exclaims, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy upon me”. Metropolitan Bloom uses the perseverance of Bartimaeus, who as a blind [...]

Paraklisis to Panagia   A paraklisis is a supplicatory prayer that is chanted, at any time of distress or sorrow, for the benefit of the faithful. It can be chanted to a specific Saint, but prayers to Panagia are the most popular. Early Christians recognised the Theotokos as a powerful intercessor for those suffering and in need of protection. Christians have been seeking her intercessions from the time of the ancient Church up to this very day: “For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). During the first 14 days of August every year, the Orthodox faithful [...]