What is the Church’s position on controversial end of life issues? Firstly the Church is often at pains to point out that human life is by its very nature sacred, that is, it is intrinsically good and deserves respect and protection. Secondly, the Church and many thoughtful people are aware that suffering can be redemptive: through suffering we can grow spiritually and in other ways. Indeed, it could be that proponents of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide do not have a deep understanding of the purpose of suffering. Active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide is forbidden by the Orthodox Church. The word [...]

Was St Thomas a Doubter? When the Apostle Thomas was told that Christ had resurrected and had appeared to the other disciples, he responded that he would not believe unless he had palpable proof. So when Jesus appeared to him also, presenting him with that proof, He also stated, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). These words have led Thomas to be labelled as “doubting”. However, to what extent was the Apostle Thomas a doubter? When the Apostle Thomas saw the resurrected Christ himself, [...]

Is it necessary to prepare for Holy Communion?   Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, is not merely one of a number of sacred actions. It is at the very heart of the Church, without which the Church cannot be imagined. In this sacrament we receive the very Body and Blood of Christ. The fruits of worthy participation in Holy Communion are huge. Worthy participation is “for the forgiveness of our sins”. We receive a new life, the life of the Spirit, the life of sanctity. Jesus said: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink [...]

What do I do if there’s no Orthodox Church near me?   When our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was asked, “teach us to pray”, he started with the words “Our Father”. He did not say “my father”. In this way he was teaching us that it is not “God and me”, rather it is “God and us”. Common worship means coming together as a group and worshipping God, with prayer, doxology, song, with our hearts, our minds and our bodies, together in one space. This is a foundational aspect, not only of the Orthodox Church, but of the whole [...]