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JOHN KAPODISTRIAS          Count John Kapodistrias (1776-1831) was born on 11 February 1776 in the Ionian island of Corfu. He belonged to an ancient aristocratic Corfiote family, which had emigrated to Corfu from Istria in 1373. He studied medicine, philosophy and law in Italy. At the age of 24 Kapodistrias became secretary of the Ionian legislative council. He listened to the voice of the Ionian people and the democratic changes he initiated were gladly accepted by them. This would prove a stark contrast to the reception he received for the changes he later made in Greece. At [...]

How can we share in the joy of Christ's birth?   I suspect that the readers of Lychnos are aware of how terribly commercialised Christmas has become. My answer to your question on how can we share in the joy of Christ’s birth is to meditate on the real meaning of Christmas, and to also allow the example of Christmas to change our mindset and the way we relate to one another. I will answer your question by using a sermon on the Nativity by Saint Gregory Palamas. This very spiritual saint put it as follows: “The pre-eternal and almighty [...]

1821: The Power of the Spirit  The year 2021 is the year of the Greek Nation. It is celebrated both in Greece, and in the heart of every person with a drop of Greek blood in their veins and is dedicated to the revolution of 1821. The revolution succeeded in throwing off the tyrannical occupation of the country by the Ottoman Turks. This freedom has been enjoyed for 200 years. The Greek revolution was unlike any other before it or since. It was started by the people because of the unbearable suppression imposed by the Turks, which included: heavy taxes [...]

Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men  The birth narrative in Luke 2 describes the humble birth of Jesus in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. This great mystery of the incarnation of God and the opportunity for the salvation of man prompts the doxology in three parts from the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). The angels show us how we should respond to the birth of Jesus. Firstly, the angels praise God. We are made to praise God, and do not fulfil [...]

Our Creed "And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried." Just as the climax of the liturgical calendar for Orthodox Christians each year is Holy Week and Pascha, Article 4 of the Creed brings us to the climatic events of Christ’s saving work for mankind - His death and His resurrection. Christ Himself alluded several times to His upcoming death as we read in the Gospels. This is particularly evident in the Gospel according to Mark, where our Lord’s journey towards His Passion and Crucifixion is characterised by a sense of great determination and haste. [...]