The Orthodox Church considers prayers for the dead to be of the greatest importance. As stated by St Theophen the Recluse: “The lot of the departed is not considered decided until the general Last Judgment. Until then, we cannot consider anyone as finally judged; and on the basis of this we pray, convinced in our hope in God’s immeasurable mercy!” But what … [Read more...] about “Pray for Our Loved Ones who Are Beyond!”: Canon of Supplication to St Varus
Philosophy & Theology
Fr. Seraphim Rose and the Signs of the Times Part I
In these times of global pestilence, it is easy to engage in speculations about whether the Last Days are upon us, seizing upon things uncommon or extraordinary as signs of Apocalypse. Anything from the arrival or locusts in East Africa to corona shaped hailstones in Mexico may be taken as coded messages from God. It is, then, perhaps a good time to reflect soberly upon … [Read more...] about Fr. Seraphim Rose and the Signs of the Times Part I
St. Porphyrios Elucidates the Meaning of Pascha
Unlike the English term Easter, which evokes the Teutonic spring-goddess Ostara or Eastra, the Greek word Pascha is a direct transliteration of the Aramaic pascha, which in turn renders the Hebrew pesach, meaning Passover. St Porphyrios explains here in simple, but compelling language how Christ Himself has become our true Passover from darkness into light, from sin and death … [Read more...] about St. Porphyrios Elucidates the Meaning of Pascha
St. Patrick of Ireland: A Saint for Dark Times
In this talk, given to monks and pilgrims at the St. Herman of Alaska Monastery on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1977, Fr Seraphim Rose shows how St Patrick must be regarded not just as a romantic figure from a bygone era, but also as our own contemporary, enlightening not just the ancient Celts but ourselves as well, who are surrounded by a very different kind of darkness from … [Read more...] about St. Patrick of Ireland: A Saint for Dark Times
How The Great Truth Dawned
A lingering vestige of the Cold War between the United States and Russia includes what could be called a 'reflexive bi-polarism;' a simplistic and crude reduction that caricatures not only Russia's political role in the world today, but its history, culture, and people. It's an unfortunate and impoverishing state of affairs. Gary Saul Morson sees through that. Drawing on … [Read more...] about How The Great Truth Dawned