Below the reader will find the English translation of an open letter by the faithful of the Zaporozhye Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. The faithful Hierarch of this Diocese is Luke. I have in the past translated a few of his writings (which may be found on this …
Month: March 2023
The Divine Liturgy – The Hymn of the Seraphim
Below the reader will find my translation from the Russian of sermon number 19 by St. Seraphim (Zvezdenski), On the Divine Liturgy. The preceding sermons may be found by clicking here. We are reminded of the reality that the Divine Liturgy is a Divine revelation, that is it is not ultimately the creation of man, …
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The Eternal Paradise of the Cross
My dear readers, during this most beautiful week of the Cross, in the middle of the Great Fast, I wanted to share with you the words of the holy Archbishop Averky. They are from his work, “The Kingdom of God on earth - progress or the Cross?” Which is a chapter is a greater work …
There is no place for despair for a Christian on earth
Words and consolation from our sweetest Lord Jesus come in various ways. This past week I encountered a rather tumultuous situation, in the midst of which two dear priests (I believe unbeknownst to each other) shared this letter by St. Justin Popovich with me. Although I fall short, it brought words of consolation to me. …
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You may not, not kiss the Icon
For Orthodox Christians, what does it mean to properly venerate an icon? Are there required physical actions of Orthodox when venerating an icon? Can one simply venerate it in one's heart and forego outward physical greetings? Many people are already familiar with the theological teaching behind the use of icons as proclaimed especially in the …