“Come to me, all you who labour and have been burdened, and I will refresh you.” – Matthew 11:28 Christ’s invitation is not a vague offer of comfort but a profound reality for those who truly seek Him. In our struggles, we often turn to our own strength, relying on our willpower, routines, or external solutions to manage life’s burdens. Yet Christ does not say, “Endure alone,” or “Find your own way.” He commands us to come to Him. This is an act of faith, a conscious movement toward the One who alone can provide true refreshment. The Orthodox Christian…
“And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” —Romans 8:17 The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, reveals the great mystery of our adoption as children of God. To be an heir of God is to receive an inheritance not of fleeting earthly riches but of eternal communion with Him. This inheritance is given to us through Christ, in whom we are made partakers of the divine life. It is not an abstract promise; it is the very…
The Nativity Fast, or Advent, is not merely a season of waiting but a time of spiritual renewal, calling the faithful to prepare their souls for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In a world that rushes to celebrate Christmas with excess and distraction, the Holy Church bids her children to step away from the noise and turn inward, seeking the true light that is Christ. This season is not one of idle anticipation but of active preparation, where fasting disciplines the body, prayer lifts the soul, and repentance purifies the heart. The joy of Advent is not superficial…
The words of Christ in the tenth chapter of the Gospel According to St. Mark is a strong affirmation of the sacredness and permanence of marriage. In a world where human weakness seeks to redefine or diminish the divine order, Jesus Christ speaks with absolute clarity, reaffirming that marriage is not a trivial human contract subject to revision, but a holy and indissoluble covenant established by Almighty God Himself. His response to the Pharisees, who sought to test Him regarding divorce, is not only a rejection of their legalistic mindset but a call to return to the original divine plan…
In recent years, an ugly trend has emerged among certain self-satisfied segments of the Orthodox Church—a dismissive and prideful contempt toward converts, frequently labelling them as “LARPERs” (Live Action Role Players)—a term originally coined to describe those engaging in theatrical, artificial mimicry. Within this context, it is used to accuse converts of play-acting Orthodoxy, of adopting external forms and customs with no inward conviction or spiritual integrity. This accusation, sometimes uttered with scorn by cradle Orthodox, is not only unjust; it is unchristian. Worse, it betrays a festering pride that blinds such accusers to their own spiritual poverty.
As we come to the close of the month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we continue to meditate on the boundless love of Christ. While the devotion to the Sacred Heart has been especially cultivated in the West, its essence is deeply Orthodox—rooted in the love of God made manifest in the Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection. The heart of Christ is the wellspring of divine mercy, overflowing with grace for all who seek Him. Let us reflect on five key aspects of this devotion in light of the Bible and Orthodox spirituality. 1. Prayer…
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) The infinite love of Jesus Christ for each of us is perfectly expressed in His Sacred Heart. In Orthodox theology, the heart is not merely a symbol of emotion but the very centre of our spiritual being—the place where God meets man. The Sacred…
The use of icons in Orthodox Christianity has often been misrepresented as idolatry, yet the biblical record provides clear evidence that sacred images were not only permitted but commanded by God in specific contexts. Understanding the distinction between veneration and worship is crucial. The Orthodox Church teaches that icons are not objects of worship but serve as windows into the divine, much like the sacred imagery employed in the Old Testament. One of the strongest biblical precedents for the use of icons is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. God Himself commanded Moses to include sacred images in its…
Prayer is the lifeline of our spiritual journey. It is through prayer that we open our hearts to God, commune with Him, and deepen our relationship with our Lord. In Orthodox tradition, prayer is not simply an obligation but the very breath of the soul, drawing us into the divine presence and transforming us through grace. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us about the intimate nature of prayer: “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew…
“The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food at the right time.” In Psalm 145:14-20, we encounter an immense expression of God’s divine providence and compassion, reflecting the Orthodox understanding of our loving and merciful Creator. The Lord upholds all who fall and raises up those who are bowed down, offering strength and solace to those who turn to Him in humility. His mercy is boundless, extending to all who seek Him with a sincere heart. All creation looks to God in hope, recognising Him as the source of all sustenance, both physical and…
