Xanthippe and Polyxene of Spain September 23 The Righteous Women Xanthippe and Polyxene were natives to Spain when the Apostle Paul came and preached to their land. Polyxene, still a pagan, was kidnapped and taken to Greece, but was kept unharmed by her kidnapper through the Grace of God. While in Greece, she was baptised by the Apostle Andrew himself and was present at his martyrdom. Having returned to Spain, both sisters fervently preached the gospel to their people for about forty years. They both reposed in peace at an old age. Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἦχος πλ. α´. Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον. Ἀποστόλων [...]

Holy Prophet and God-seer Moses September 4 The Holy Prophet and God-seer Moses was born in a time where any male child was killed in fear of overtaking the Egyptian throne. Being saved by his mother, she floated him in a basket in the Nile River and he was rescued by the Pharaoh's daughter who raised him as his own. At 80 years of age, Moses fled to Mount Sinai where he received the 10 Commandments from God himself. He then led the nation of Israel out of Egypt by foot, crossing the Red Sea as if on dry land. [...]

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary September 8 For many years, the Righteous Joachim and Anna could not conceive as Anna was barren and for this, they were treated harshly by many around them. Childlessness in that time was considered a punishment from God for their sin. This did not stop the righteous ones from praying for a child, promising to dedicate it to God. When the couple were of an advanced age, the Archangel Gabriel announced to them that they would bear a child. Truly, the Righteous Anna bore the Most Holy Theotokos [...]

Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania by Bev Cooke. Published by Conciliar Press (2008). Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania is not only an account of the life of an Orthodox Romanian Princess and her intense spiritual struggles, but a thorough history book. The book documents her life from her birth as Princess Ileana, to her death as Mother Alexandra, and at every moment she continuously practiced her Orthodox Faith and expressed her love for God. The book begins with a recount of the Princess’ highly anticipated birth, vividly highlighting the overwhelming love and respect she received from her country, [...]

The Red Egg Easter is a special time of year for all Orthodox homes. Preparations are made for our spiritual journey towards Pascha, which includes extra Church Services, fasting, prayer, Confession and alms giving. On the ascent towards Pascha, we have the tradition of dyeing eggs on Holy Thursday. In the Greek tradition, the eggs are dyed red while in other Orthodox jurisdictions these may be dyed multiple colours. The custom of the Easter egg originated amongst the early Christians of Mesopotamia, who dyed the eggs red to represent the blood of Christ, which was shed on the Cross. The [...]