A reflection on Fr. Thomas Hopko’s 55 Maxims~ “Have a keepable rule of prayer done by discipline. “

A reflection on Fr. Thomas Hopko’s 55 Maxims~ “…Pray as you can, not as you think you must”

Each week Edna and Angie will inspire you as they share their daily trials in attempting to live the prayer of St. Philaret one line at time.

How have Eastern and Western Christians historically viewed the end of the Virgin Mary’s life? Jacob examines this question in detail.

The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy is celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent. It is the celebration of the reinstitution of icons after they were outlawed for some time.

Holy Water is a beautiful practice of Orthodoxy that engages the senses for tangible worship.

A church’s agape meal yields many fruits, especially community and conversation.

Many people who watched the Dune movies walked away thinking that Paul Atreides was the hero of the story. But was he? Join Jacob as he explores the antichrist symbolism present in Dune.

Journey with Edna and she discovers the Chinese Orthodox church and the concept of Christ as the eternal Tao.

Wouldn’t it be great if a creative yet grounded Orthodox Christian wrote epic fantasy novels which could reach a modern audience, inspire heroism, and explore beautiful deep truths without being contrived or preachy? Edna reviews Nicholas Kotar's epic fantasy books which just might be what we're looking for.

Is the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura biblical? Jacob examines the Scriptures to see if this is the case.

How are we to react when suffering immensely for seemingly no reason? Jacob explores this question through looking at the Book of Job.

As she struggles to navigate the troubled waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, Angie shares scriptures, prayers, and wisdom from the saints which have helped her find peace and comfort.

Does the Orthodox Chruch teach about the rapture? Will Christians be swept away during an apocalypse?  Edna reflects on a quote from Father Gabriel of Georgia and relates it to her childhood terror of being left behind during the end times.

Edna King reflects on the everyday challenges of avoiding gossip and idle talk.

Photo credit Rebekah Markewich

Edna adds new musings to her series and book One Good Thought. Here she explores the importance of compunction.

In the Orthodox Christian Baptism, an exorcism is performed to push satan away before accepting Christ and the Church.

Father Paul leads a procession around the church to remember Sanctity of Life Sunday.

Khouria Faith explores the meaning of the phrase “Of Whom I am First” in the pre-communion prayer of the Divine Liturgy

Communion is served every morning at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy of the All American Council.

Angie shares her parish's joy in blessing the playground her son built for his Eagle Scout Project.

Angie shares her family’s experience attending an Orthodox campout in Hot Springs, NC on a chilly, wet weekend.

Almost six months after losing a baby, Khouria Faith writes about healing while grieving her miscarriage. This is her story about life after heartbreak.

Why do so many young people convert to Orthodox Christianity? Jacob explores this question by giving three reasons he has experienced in his own life.

When I was an agnostic, with an active dislike of Christianity and Christians, music was my savior. I looked to music to change my mood, whether I wanted a boost of energy or someone to commiserate with me through the bitter lyrics. After a painful breakup, I lost myself for months in my own curated break-up playlist of depressing songs that prolonged my pain. I did not have Christ or the Church to help me through my pain…