Kneeling A mother was worried about her child. She asked St Porphyrios (recently canonized) for his prayers and counsel. His response surprised her: “show me your knees”. He pointed out that there were no callouses and that more prayer for her child on bended knee was required! Prayer, which is our lifeline to God, can be done either standing, kneeling or sitting, be it at home or in church. The stance we take during prayer can be telling of our spiritual state. In the Old Testament, there are many references to bowing, kneeling and prostrations. King David wrote: “O come [...]

The Easter Candle (Λαμπάδα) It is approaching MIDNIGHT. The church is shrouded in darkness... only one solitary flame flickers gently in the altar unseen behind closed doors. Anticipation hangs in the air... Silence... as with bated breath we wait with unlit candles and prepare for the announcement from the Liturgist... “come  receive the light from the never-setting light; and glorify Christ, Who has risen from the dead”. No longer does death have a hold, CHRIST IS RISEN! The light spreads quickly as the community of faithful pass it on, person to person, candle to candle. The wonderful mystery of the [...]

Kalanta - Carols Kalanta (κάλαντα) in contemporary times are traditionally sung on Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and Epiphany. The carols are different for each festivity as they refer to the Nativity of Christ for Christmas, to St Basil for New Years and to the Baptism of Christ at Epiphany. The tradition of the Kalanta however, has its roots in ancient Greece adopted during the Byzantine period. The word itself derives from the Latin calendae which means “the beginning of the month”, and while the form of the custom has changed as we moved from the ancient to the Christian [...]

It is said that icons are a pictorial representation of Scripture, where iconographers utilise not only geometry and colour, but also symbolism, theology and perspective. This is true for the icon of the Nativity of Christ where the mystery of the Incarnation, which was hidden from before time, is now revealed to all through its contemplation. Isaiah states that “the ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not consider” (Isaiah 1:3). Here the least intelligent of domesticated animals show wise instinct to recognise the Saviour, whereas Israel did not [...]

The Kandili – Vigil Lamp The pace of family life today has become undeniably hectic. The vigil lamp (καντήλι) serves as a means to slow us down. When the family, 'the little church', comes together in prayer in front of the iconostasis, it should be a haven, a shutting out of the outside world and an entry into a world of peace. The kandili is a necessity for ALL Orthodox homes and should be kept alight at all times. It is placed on our iconostasis in front of our icons as a reminder that Jesus Christ is the light of [...]