Sunday of the Holy Cross Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-6 The themes arising in this Epistle reading are central to our Orthodox Christian faith. The first theme is that Christ truly became human and took on the fallen human nature: ‘…was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin’ (4:15). Christ’s example shows the state to which humanity can ascend in spite of the temptations which are thrown at it, and lays the groundwork for the idea of theosis, which is further elaborated upon by Church Fathers such as St Athanasius and St Gregory Palamas. The next theme is of [...]

Circumcision of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Luke 2:20-21; 40-52) Following His birth, our Lord was circumcised on the eighth day in accordance with Jewish custom, and was named ‘Jesus’ (Luke 2:21). Abraham's covenant with God meant that every male descendant after him was to be circumcised (Genesis 17:10-12). This marked man's union with God. Christ's circumcision was a sign of His submission to this covenant between man and God. Beyond His incarnation, Christ shows us also that He was born under the law (Galatians 4:4) and that He was subject to the weakness of human nature. By reason [...]

Hymn of Love (1 Corinthians 13:1- 8) This passage is the definitive explanation of what is expected of Christian love (agape). St Paul explains to the Corinthians, and to us today, that love surpasses other graces or talents. St Paul rejects the idea that the gifts of tongues (v.1), prophecy, knowledge and faith (v.2), and even the acts of almsgiving and martyrdom (v.3) can be performed in a Christian manner without love. This helps us to understand that though works and faith are spiritually essential for us, they of themselves are not adequate to bring us closer to Christ. They [...]

On the calling of the first apostles (Luke 5:1-11 ) St Luke introduces us to the blessed moment when Jesus first began choosing His Disciples. When Jesus was done with teaching the people at the Lake of Gennesaret, he told Peter to let down his net to catch some fish. St Peter was an experienced fisherman and even though he hadn’t caught anything after a whole night of fishing, Peter obeyed in humility. The two boats subsequently filled so greatly with fish that they began to sink. All who witnessed this catch were amazed. Jesus then told Peter, and the [...]

Sunday of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (Titus 3:8-15) This is the Epistle Reading of the Sunday of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (14 July), and it was at this Council in 453 that the Church denounced Monophysitism as a heresy. The reading starts with St Paul telling Titus, his disciple, to affirm to his flock that they should continue living virtuous lives filled with good works. It continues with St Paul contrasting the good in the virtuous life with the folly of “foolish questionings, genealogies, strife and disputes about the law” (Titus 3:9). St John [...]