As we approach the Feast of the Annunciation, we may recall the words of the Troparion for the feast: “Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin.” That is, Christ becomes incarnate as fully man at the time of His conception, and so too did each one of us become fully man at the time of our own … [Read more...] about The Embryo in Orthodox Christian Theology and Tradition
The Wider World
Our Secular Theodicy
Source: First Things Magazine By Matthew Rose I live in Berkeley, one of the most religious cities in America. Its churches are being converted into mosques and Buddhist temples, but its one true faith endures. A popular yard sign states its creed: “In This House, We Believe: Black Lives Matter, Women’s Rights are Human Rights, No Human is Illegal, Science is … [Read more...] about Our Secular Theodicy
Different Light: Youthful Travelers in America
Source: Road to Emmaus. Reprinted with permission. By Mother Nectaria McLees Twentieth-century readers knew Kerouac’s On the Road and Jack London’s earlier hobo classic, The Road, but how many of us know what the 21st-century counter-culture is up to, their life-styles and aspirations? We see the tattoos, nose-rings, attitudes, but do we hear the cries of the … [Read more...] about Different Light: Youthful Travelers in America
Who’s Mary Magdalene?
Source: Orthodox Christianity. Reprinted with permission. By Olga Rozhneva Marina was shivering and reached for her warm sweater—the air conditioner was blasting. True, it was much more comfortable in the new Israeli bus than in the former, shabby Egyptian one, where even the seat backs were broken and wouldn’t stay upright. Regina the tour guide, a … [Read more...] about Who’s Mary Magdalene?
Why Early Appalachian Settlers Originally Celebrated Christmas in January
Source: Appalachian Magazine. Ask any of the millions of children scattered throughout the Appalachian Mountains what day of the year Christmas is on and you will undoubtedly hear, “December 25th”. Everyone from Northern Alabama to the Katahdin Summit in Maine knows that it is on this date that Santa Claus comes to town. Interestingly, if you had been roaming … [Read more...] about Why Early Appalachian Settlers Originally Celebrated Christmas in January