God prefers to reveal His ways through paradox. Because mystery is paradoxical. But people don't like paradox; people want clearcut answers, clearcut methodologies. And so people get confused. Why did God choose this way? Wouldn't it have been easier and less messy if God did it otherwise, maybe by just waving his hand and telling …
Ancient Hymns of Holy Thursday
The Last Supper, by Julia Stankova (Reproduced here with her permission.) http://www.juliastankova.com/home.html On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet by Jesus. Throughout Holy Week some of the most profound meditations are found in the various Kanons that are sung throughout the week, usually in the Matins services …
Christian, Come Forth!
As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, it is easier for people to become even more alienated than usual from the worship services of the Orthodox Church. But today is Lazarus Saturday, the beginning of Holy Week - though this weekend of Palms is a kind of festal break between the end of Lent yesterday and …
Life is Eucharist
Human life is the expectation of that which is at the end, and at the end is the joy of the bridal chamber, the joy of the Resurrection. At the end are Mary and John and all the saints; at the end is the wonderful fullness of life. When I see this end, I want …
Matters of Language
At last Sunday's Matins I was shocked by the language in the Doxastikon of the Praises. The text refers to the Resurrection Gospel that was read earlier in the Matins service and which described the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the resurrected Jesus. Here is a translation of the Doxastikon: Verily, the fervid tears of …
The Fellowship of Baptism
"I saw the spirit descend and remaining upon him" - so speaks John the baptizer to his circle of followers about his baptism of Jesus. It is from this circle of John’s followers that Jesus drew his first disciples. In our reading from the Book of Acts this morning, we hear of an encounter between the …
Ancient Answers 