Remember, Christian soul, that the ascent to heaven is indispensable for anyone who wishes to save his soul unto eternity. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Strive to enter in through the narrow gate." That is, the Christian ought to be an ascetic. Not only the monastic, but every Christian. But if while ascending this ladder of spiritual perfection by struggles and ascetic … [Read more...] about A Sermon of Metropolitan Philaret on the Sunday of St John of the Ladder
Fasting
On Fasting: A Stranger’s Tale
Fr. Stephen Siniari A man came to the parish. He remained in the back. Candles were burning. Vesperal prayers were rising with the incense. People had baked the Holy Bread. Three loaves were sitting on a table near the iconostasis in the front. The faithful were following the priest, making the Trisagion prostrations and kneeling for the Lord’s Prayer. Together they … [Read more...] about On Fasting: A Stranger’s Tale
Our Journey to Pascha! A Quick and Easy Guide to Lent and Holy Week
When we saw this chart at Byzantine, TX we couldn’t resist sharing it with our readers, many of whom will have seen it already. Thanks are especially due to Fr Jonathan Bannon, who assembled this very helpful guide to observing (and preparing for) Lent and Holy Week. … [Read more...] about Our Journey to Pascha! A Quick and Easy Guide to Lent and Holy Week