The veneration of icons is not an option in Orthodox Christianity. It is essential. It is not a cultural embellishment or devotional tool for the simple-minded, but an active and visible confession of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Icons are not tolerated—they are required. Those who oppose icons do not merely misunderstand Orthodox worship; they misunderstand the very Gospel itself. The Incarnation is the Theological Foundation of Iconography The centre of the Christian faith is not an idea, not a principle, not a philosophy, but a Person: the Incarnate Word of God. “And the Word became flesh and…
Fasting, Prayer, and Confession in the War Against the Passions The Orthodox Church has never promised comfort. She promises salvation—and salvation is acquired by violence against the old man, by struggle against the passions, by war against the flesh. It is not won through vague spirituality or passive attendance in the temple. It is won by crucifying the body and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matt. 11:12) If a man would be freed from lust, pride, anger, gluttony, and sloth, he must live…
The spiritual life is warfare. It is not a sentimental experience or a hobby of the pious. It is the daily crucifixion of the flesh, the relentless struggle against the passions that seek to drag the soul into damnation. Among the most destructive of these passions in our age is lust—fed, glorified, and weaponised through pornography. The Apostle does not speak lightly on this subject. He declares war on it. “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col. 3:5) Fornication—πορνεία in the Greek—is not a weakness…
The Jesus Prayer, known in its most common form as “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” stands as one of the most ancient and revered prayers in the Holy Ancient Orthodox Church. It is not a formula invented for convenience, nor a casual repetition of words for sentimental comfort. It is the distillation of the Gospel’s entire message. It is a spiritual weapon, a lifeline of the soul, and the heart of true hesychasm—the path of stillness and prayer leading to union with God. This article will examine its roots, meaning, scriptural foundation, liturgical…
