Some monks once went to Abba Agathon of Thebaid, a disciple of St. Pimen, and asked him the following question; "Amongst all good works, which is the value which requires the greatest effort ( Read more... )

When I as a Roman Catholic first encountered Eastern Orthodoxy, I noticed that they did the sign of the cross differently than I was used to. They did it "backwords," i.e. from right to left instead of from left to right. I now understand that there is an important reason for this. The sign of the cross is actually a summary of the Apostles Creed. ( Read more... )

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There is so much new age junk out there about the angels, that I felt it important to post the actual Orthodox teachings on the angels. My patron saint is St. Raphael the Archangel, so I have a special love and devotion to all the angels. Enjoy ^_^

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Church Slavonic is a liturgical language you don't hear much anymore. I guess the closest equivalent would be Latin in the Western Churches, which was once a near universal language but is now only heard in a few Traditionalist Catcolic churches. Church Slavonic was used in Russia, Serbia and many other parts of Eastern Europe, but is today far ( Read more... )

I have no idea what is being chanted here, but even without knowing that I just enjoy the music. There is something otherworldly about Orthodox Chant. Just like the Divine Liturgy, the focus is completely on God. I remember hearing a story about a Protestant Pastor who attended an Orthodox Liturgy one Sunday. When later asked about what he thought ( Read more... )

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I live maybe 2 to 2 and a half hours away from the Holy Trinity Monestary in Jordanville. I'd love to go there someday. Maybe I can talk the wife into going on a tour there with me someday (she's Pentecostal).

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1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his ( Read more... )

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I know the Antiochian Orthodox Church I'm in isn't in union with the Ethiopian Orthodox, but I really like this song for some reason. Probably because it's in honor of St. Michael.

A collection of photos of Orthodox Elders and Anchorites (hermits) to the chanting of Psalm 50 (Psalm 51 in non-Orthodox Bibles).

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Psalm 50

1 Have mercy upon me, O God,
according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity,
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