Why Orthodox?

The Incarnation
The reason I remain Orthodox is the same as the reason I became Orthodox. I remain confronted with the Incarnation. Confronted with what to do with the historical person of Jesus Christ.
I begin with this person Jesus. There hasn’t been any serious historical debate over his existence for some time. Those who simultaneously deny [...]

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Goals

For now, the goal is to learn as much as possible the fullness of Orthodoxy, to fix your thoughts on the Incarnation and the heart’s desire for theosis, to liberate the mind as much as possible from heresies and false ideas, and to eventually receive the Holy Mysteries. This is the first part of the [...]

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The Divine Liturgy & Other Services

Keep the calendar as much as you can, participating in the times and seasons even when you cannot participate in the services, but participate in the services whenever possible. Remember, the laity is a part of the priesthood as well, and the Divine Liturgy is a type of the liturgy in Heaven, the temple a [...]

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Attitude

Ours is a mind of repentance and mourning illuminated by joy. The fathers teach us to say “All will be saved, and I alone will be condemned.” When asked who crucified Christ, the proper response is “I did.” When one of the fathers was asked who the sheep are and who [...]

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Books

It is not possible to read every book that others or one’s own intellect may suggest, however holy or important they are. At the same time, it is a good idea to always keep a book going. While some prescribe reading the lives of the saints, and others the desert fathers (always with the blessing [...]

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The Pious Customs

Do not be weighed down with too much pressure, either self-imposed or presumably imposed by others, to learn and keep all pious customs as though they were commandments. But gradually add every pious custom to your own customs. It is not necessary to stock your icon corner with every implement, nor keep all the hours [...]

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Prayer at mealtimes

It is better not to eat, than to eat and not pray. It is customary to pray Our Lord’s Prayer, without adding the priest’s part: “For Thine is the Kingdom…” or to pray another pious prayer that confesses the Incarnation and that reminds of us what we are doing…
The eyes of all hope in Thee, [...]

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The icon corner

Treat the icon corner always with reverence and as an occasion to pray, if only briefly. It is the chapel of the home. When passing it, stop to face it not too hastily, and cross yourself. Use the lighting of the lamp to draw yourself into prayer. Do not hesitate to look directly at the [...]

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