“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…
“The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1) Our God reigns in majesty, clothed in light and splendour beyond all comprehension. The psalmist calls us to lift our hearts in praise and adoration, for the Lord is the Most High over all the earth. In Orthodox hymnography, we repeatedly proclaim: “The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty!” (Psalm 93:1) This declaration is not mere poetry but a theological truth—God’s dominion is absolute, His authority unshakable, and His providence governs all things visible and invisible.
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.” (Psalm 85:8-9) In the midst of the distractions and burdens of daily life, it is crucial that we take time to quiet our souls and listen to the voice of the Lord. The psalmist reminds us that God speaks peace to His people and to those who turn their hearts toward Him….
The reading from the Wisdom of Solomon (12:13,16-19) reveals the nature of our God as the one true and sovereign Lord who cares for all creation. In these verses, we are given deeper insight into the attributes of God that should shape our understanding of His divine character and our response to Him. The passage begins by declaring, “For neither is there any god besides you.” The Lord alone is the supreme authority over all things, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is not distant or indifferent, but actively involved in the affairs of His creation. Unlike the…
“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun…
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who tirelessly seeks out His sheep, and His love knows no bounds. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) These words reveal the depth of Christ’s love, a love that is neither superficial nor temporary, but one that embraces all of humanity with unwavering devotion. He is not a hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of peril; rather, He stands firm, offering His very life to protect, nurture, and guide His flock.
“If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” (Romans 6:8) St. Paul writes about a truth that lies at the very heart of our faith—we have died in Christ. This reality, though seemingly paradoxical, holds the key to our redemption and the hope of eternal life. Through the sacrament of baptism, we were mystically united with Christ in His death and resurrection. As the water flowed over us, we were cleansed of sin and reborn into the family of God. This moment marked not just a symbolic transformation but a very deep…
