Doxastikon of Saint George                           This Doxastikon is chanted at the Matins service for St George, the Great-martyr, victory-bearer and wonderworker. Although the Saint’s feast day is normally celebrated on April 23, this date is moved to Bright Monday (the day after Easter) if it falls before Easter. In this way, the Church always celebrates St George’s memory after Holy Pascha, which is why the chant commences with calling the faithful to ‘be merry’ given that ‘Christ’s resurrection has shone brightly’. In a similar manner to how Christ [...]

St Symeon the New Theologian on The Life-Giving Death of Christ   This Discourse by St Symeon the New Theologian, written in the 10th and 11th centuries, discusses the implications of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. It calls the reader to examine themselves and the state of their soul in the light of the perfect virtue and knowledge that were made clear through Christ. Reflecting on Christ’s death on the Cross, St Symeon considers that we too should struggle spiritually even to the point of dying to achieve a single virtue. This level of spiritual warfare is something that [...]

The Icon of the Mystical Supper A common icon found in our dining rooms is that of The Mystical Supper. The West calls it ‘The Last Supper’, and its iconography focuses on the tragedy of the crucifixion, and the end of Christ’s earthly ministry surrounded by deceit and betrayal. In contrast the Orthodox icon does not simply capture Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but it also focuses on the institution of the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Through this mystery, Christ marks the beginning of a New Covenant which is to be repeated in remembrance of Him and offered [...]

What is the significance of the Holy Light? The Holy Light (το Άγιο Φως) refers to a miracle that happens every year at Pascha at the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The flame of the Holy Light lights up on its own, without a material flame source. There are references to the miracle of the Holy Light from the fourth century AD, and it has been documented consecutively every year since 1106 AD. Each year, the miracle has occurred at the same time (in relation to Pascha), in the same manner, at the same place, and to the [...]

St Sebastian of Jackson St Sebastian of Jackson is known for being the first American-born Serbian Orthodox priest, and a saint who worked tirelessly to unite the Orthodox people of America. Born on 21 June 1863 in San Francisco, St Sebastian was a part of a devout Serbian immigrant family. After the completion of high school, St Sebastian’s ministry work began. He was the reader and teacher in his local parish, and before making his journey to Russia he spent some time helping with parish ministerial work at Archangel Michael Cathedral in Sitka Alaska. In Russia, St Sebastian studied theology [...]