The Lenten Ladder   In the lead up to Pascha, we are slowly but steadily initiated into the Orthodox way of life through the period of Great Lent. Throughout these six weeks preceding Holy Week we are encouraged to: fast in order to detach from our desires; give alms so that we may connect with our neighbour; and, pray more than we usually do to be filled with the grace of God. As Pascha is the greatest feast on the liturgical calendar, it is also the best time to grow spiritually and to use each and every lead-up opportunity to [...]

From Christmas to Theophany   How many feast-days, each one of Christ’s mysteries, there are for me! All of which have one culmination, my perfection and renewal and return to the state of the first Adam. (St Gregory the Theologian, Sermon 38.16, On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ) As Christmas and Theophany approach, we too share in the grateful awe of St Gregory the Theologian’s child-like exclamation. The appearance of God amongst men, both with the Incarnation of the Word and the revelation of the Holy Trinity at Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River, far surpasses human logic and [...]

Guardian of Our Souls and Bodies   Long ago, before the creation of mankind, an epic battle took place that shaped the course of the entire cosmos. The angels of God, led by Archangel Michael, fought against the dark forces of Satan. The Archangel addressed the heavenly host saying: “Let us stand well! Let us stand with fear!” All the angels then replied with one voice: “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Your glory!” The outcome of this battle was the expulsion of Satan and his forces from heaven. As our Lord Jesus [...]

The Mother of Life   While most people ponder over what the meaning of life is, they tend to lose focus of what life is and where it comes from. Some say it is precious or is a gift, others say it is complicated and has its ups and downs; however, these accounts are too vague and superficial. When God created man the Scriptures say that He “breathed upon his face the breath of life, and the man became a living soul” (Gen 2:7). Our life originates from God Himself, as God lives, so too we receive life and we [...]

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 [...]