Visiting the sick or shut-ins, either in the hospital or at home, is an essential ministry in the Orthodox Church. In Matthew 25, our Lord compares visiting the sick with visiting Him. If any member of your family falls ill, you should contact the priest of the parish immediately, and arrange a visit. The priest […]
Continue ReadingThe Tradition of Blessing Homes During the days following the Feast of the Theophany (January 6th), it is customary for the Priest to visit the homes of his parishioners, bringing with him the “Jordan Water” for the traditional Theophany House Blessing. The First Great Sanctification of Water is performed at the end of the Divine […]
Continue ReadingWhen an Orthodox Christian person falls asleep in Christ, the priest should be contacted immediately to come to perform the Trisagion Service and anoint the body. This is the first step of many, in order to give the person a dignified and respectful send-off to the Bosom of Abraham. After this, the body should be […]
Continue ReadingThe Tradition of Churching NewBorns After giving birth, the mother and child remain outside of the temple for 40 days. Churching is an ancient and venerable tradition of the Church, being instituted in the Mosaic Law. It is practiced for several reasons. Women remain outside of the temple and the normal routine of the Church’s […]
Continue ReadingWedding ceremonies and marriage are of great importance in Orthodox Church. The family is a crucial part of society and therefore the union between a man and a woman is sacred. It is recommended that the wedding takes place during the morning hours, if possible after the morning liturgy. It is vital that both bride […]
Continue ReadingThe practice of baptism as a religious symbol did not begin with Jesus. Baptism, which literally means immersion in water, was practiced among the people of the Old Testament as well as the people who belonged to pagan religions. The universal meaning of baptism is that of “starting anew,” of dying to an old way […]
Continue ReadingOur Lord says:” Return now in this (your treasure), and see if I will not open for the floodgates of Heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it is overflowing. And I shall send it to you for food, and I will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor will the vine […]
Continue ReadingThe Orthodox Meaning of Giving A pledge is simply a commitment that families make each year to their parish. The commitment is in 3 parts: an amount of money promised to be given during the year, an amount of time promised to work on parish activities and the use of specific talents with which you […]
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Continue ReadingThe Divine Liturgy (what Catholics often call the Mass) is the very heart of Orthodox life and faith. In it we receive Holy Communion which unites us with other Orthodox believers throughout the world. We are also united to the whole ‘communion of saints – all the departed martyrs, holy fathers, and mothers of past […]
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