Lent is that time during the Christian Year when we can all, to some humble degree, emulate the life of monastics — attending numerous services during the week along with the usual Saturday Vespers and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.not to mention keeping the Great Lenten Fast, all of this together with our Orthodox brothers and sisters. But it is also a time to get … [Read more...] about Orthodox Spirituality 101: A Primer with Benchmarks
The Hesychast Way
The Message of the Teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas for our Time
Source: Mystagogy Resource Center By Protopresbyter George Metallinos Hesychasm1 is the quintessence of the Orthodox tradition, identified with what it encompasses and expresses, the term ORTHODOXY. Outside of the hesychast tradition Orthodoxy is non-existent and inconceivable. The practice of hesychasm, moreover, is the "touchstone" for the recognition of authentic … [Read more...] about The Message of the Teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas for our Time
Prayer: An Ever-New Creation
By Elder Sophrony of Essex Prayer is infinite creation, far superior to any form of art or science. Through prayer we enter into communion with Him that was before all worlds. Or, to put it in another way, the life of the Self-existing God flows into us through the channel of prayer. Prayer is an act of supreme wisdom, of all-surpassing beauty and virtue. Prayer is delight … [Read more...] about Prayer: An Ever-New Creation
St. Paisios: How the Jesus Prayer Differs from the Hindu Mantra
Source: Agape en Xristou Excerpt from: The Gurus, Young Man, and Elder Paisios By Dionysios Farasiotis One of the greatest spiritual gifts that Elder Paisios gave me was his guidance along the mystical path of the Jesus Prayer. This started at the beginning of our acquaintance and continued until his repose twelve years later. The Jesus Prayer consists of the … [Read more...] about St. Paisios: How the Jesus Prayer Differs from the Hindu Mantra