For the first time since his debilitating stroke four years ago, His Eminence, Metropolitan Pavlos offered a Monday night talk at the Cathedral of St. Markella, following Great Compline.
Prior to his illness, the Monday night discussions were a staple at the Cathedral. His Eminence had long wanted to resume them, and was finally able, by the grace of God, to offer such a talk. He spoke for around 45 minutes on a variety of topics, including the Descent of Christ into Hades, and the lack of faith in the Holy Eucharist which is leading some to propose plastic disposable spoons for Holy Communion; naturally, His Eminence criticized this blasphemy. For one thing, these people seek to make liars out of the authors of the prayers which speak of Holy Communion being for the health of both soul and body. Receiving Christ cannot make one sick, and the fact that the idea has even been entertained by some is a cause for sorrow.
It is hoped that the Monday talks will resume with regularity, and we will post any relevant schedules here on the website.
“Trust ye not in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.”
(Psalm 145:3)
We mustn’t have absolute trust in human beings for our salvation, no matter what dignity they have. Human beings are changeable. Today they are saints, tomorrow—deniers. Today—sinners, tomorrow—righteous. We must have absolute trust in God, and in Him we must base our hopes of salvation. “Blessed is he of whom the God of Jacob is his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm 145:5). Read more...
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is a beautiful mission parish near downtown Tucson, a city in southern Arizona. It was started in 1997 by Father John Bockman, who was a missionary Priest formerly serving missions in Tennessee and Massachusetts since 1990. Father John served the faithful in Tucson and the surrounding area in his home Chapel until his repose in November of 2000. His wife, Presbytera Valerie, continued to make her home Chapel available for the mission, with clergy from Saint Nectarios Orthodox Church in Seattle and His Eminence, Metropolitan Moses of Toronto (then of Portland), visiting to provide the Divine Services.
Read more...2023 Youth Conference
Please join us for the 2023 youth conference in Chicago, IL! To learn more, visit the home page or visit the conference website.
Q. Are the prayers in the blue prayer book [A Prayerbook for Orthodox Christians by the Holy Transfiguration Monastery —ed.] compulsory for everyone? I mean their morning prayers and the service of Small Compline. My confessor gave me a special rule but wasn’t clear about whether this replaced the book prayers or was in addition to them. Read more...