What’s new?

Dismissal Hymn of the Holy Fathers Ὑπερδεδοξασμένος εἶ, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ φωστῆρας ἐπὶ γῆς τοὺς Πατέρας ἡμῶν θεμελιώσας, καὶ δι' αὐτῶν πρὸς τὴν ἀληθινὴν πίστιν, πάντας ἡμᾶς ὁδηγήσας· πολυεύσπλαγχνε, δόξα σοι. You are glorified above all, Christ our God, who established our Fathers as beacons on the earth, and through them guided us all to the true faith. O highly compassionate, glory to you! “Among the ministers of God some were outstanding for the word of wisdom, others for their severity of life and patient endurance, others were adorned by their moderation. Some among them were honoured for [...]

Orthodox Students in an anti-Christian Environment   The title follows the advice of Jesus to his disciples: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matt 10:16) Academic teachers almost universally enjoy challenging students to question authority, yet are taken aback when their own authority is questioned. They know that they are addressing a class of impressionable minds, and almost make a sport of attacking the positions of the students. The Orthodox Christian student must refuse to be intimidated and discouraged. Most of these teachers took years to [...]

St Athanasius the Athonite (Commemorated 5th July)   St Athanasius the Athonite is attributed the honour of being the founder of monastic (Κοινοβιακό) life on the Holy Mountain (Mt. Athos) in Greece. He was born in Trepezond (or Trabzon) in modern North East Turkey around 920AD, and was given the name Abraham. Orphaned at a young age, Abraham was adopted by a pious nun who taught him ascesis through fasting and prayer. Finding himself at the Byzantine court, and under the tutelage of the great orator Athanasius, Abraham excelled in his studies surpassing even the expertise of his tutor. Recognising [...]

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 [...]

On the 25th March 2019 as is known, the former Archbishop of Australia, Stylianos slept in the Lord. The whole body of the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia mourned the passing of its Shepherd. For a short while, we all felt like we were lost, somewhat like orphans. The question naturally and inevitably came to our lips: Who would come now? Who would take the rudder? Who would guide the Church? Who would sanctify our collective pain? The prayers of all the faithful were united. They became “a sweet-smelling spiritual fragrance.” And the Lord accepted those prayers and responded. Through [...]