Hidden well away in the Greek of The Mysteries of Christ’s Genealogy All biblical names carry meaning and were predominantly inspired by prophecy. No translation can fully communicate the richness of the biblical names and the images they evoke. The genealogy with which St. Matthew opens his Gospel reveals a significant theological insight, one that…
N. Klimova. St. Anastasia the Deliverer from Bonds In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! Every saint has a unique podvig that they have particularly excelled in. Certainly, all those whom we honor as saints endeavored to uphold every commandment of God, which is essential for any…
Photo: monastery.ru In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! As we celebrate the forefeast of the Nativity of Christ today, the holy Church presents us with images of the righteous figures from the Old Testament who spent their lives anticipating the coming of Christ the Savior. They…
Let’s begin our conversation about the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with a reaffirming statement: “God exists.” God didn’t merely exist in some moment or location far removed. He is present today. The Lord did not remain confined to the tenth century during the lifetime of Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, who…
Message for Christmasfrom His Holiness Patriarch Kirillof Moscow and All Russiato the Archpastors, Pastors, Monastics, and All Faithful Childrenof the Russian Orthodox Church Your Graces, esteemed archpastors, honored presbyters, deacons, beloved monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters, Offering glory to God, who is exalted in the Trinity, and sharing the joy of this festivity…
Dear esteemed brother-archpastors, honorable fathers, Beloved brothers, sisters, and children in Christ! With great joy in the Newborn Christ, I extend my greetings to my brother-archpastors, esteemed fathers, monastics, and all the devoted faithful of the Russian Church Abroad on the occasion of Christ’s Nativity, a moment of salvation for the world, along with the…
The Solemnity of the Epiphany invites us to reflect on the manifestation of Christ as the light of the world. Today’s readings—Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, and Matthew 2:1-12—illuminate the mystery of God’s revelation, fulfilled in the appearance of Jesus, the child born on Christmas Day. In the Gospel, the Magi’s journey to…
St. Gregory Nazianzen, also known as Gregory the Theologian, was a 4th-century theologian and Church Father renowned for his contributions to Christian doctrine and his defence of orthodoxy. Baptised at the age of 30, he initially pursued a monastic life alongside his close friend, St. Basil the Great. However, family obligations drew him away to…
As we embrace 2025, a unique and transformative New Year’s resolution could be the practice of engaging with the lives of saints daily. This spiritual journey offers an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Church history, gain inspiration from remarkable figures, and connect with their enduring relevance in today’s world. Discovering Saints Beyond the…
The widespread image of Jesus Christ as a blue-eyed, blond-haired figure is a relatively modern interpretation. Long before this depiction gained prominence, African Christianity portrayed Jesus in ways that aligned with the continent’s own cultural and historical narratives. This alternative representation is exemplified by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, whose rich Christian heritage dates back to…