Orthodox Faith

Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!

Psalm 99:2

Father Seraphim Rose

☦️ St Silouan The Athonite

To the Theotokos

Quench the flame of my passions, for I am poor and miserable. Deliver me from the remembrance of troublesome thoughts and evil deeds. For you are blessed by all generations and your most glorious name is extolled to all ages. Amen.

In 1981, two walkways collapsed at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, killing 114 people and injuring many. It also caused a paralyzing back injury to a young Orthodox woman, who is now a nun at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Monastery, Thebes, Greece

"I remember that I was crushed - bent over with my face between my knees ... there were sixty tons [of concrete and debris] on top of me. My knees broke my ribs. ... Then, at some point, I spoke to my guardian angel: "Where are you?" I felt my right hand clasped, without pulling, and then I was out. I was lying on my back, totally free of the rubble. Someone I did not recognize was holding me and told me that I would be OK. No one remembers seeing this person." - Sister Aemiliane

In Greek Orthodox churches, young altar servers are called Papadàkia: "little priests." God bless our little priests. May they grow up to be faithful servants of our Lord.

Of Your Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant, for I will not speak of Your Mystery to Your enemies, neither like Judas will I give You a kiss, but like the thief will I confess You: Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom. ☦️ St. Simeon the Translator

What do you mean you slept through your alarm?

Science

Distressed by many temptations, I flee to you seeking salvation, O Mother of the Word and Virgin. Deliver me from ordeals and afflictions. Most holy Theotokos, save us!

☦️ St Nikolai Velimirovich

☦️ St Justin Popovich

There never was, and there will never be a place on earth free from sorrows. The only sorrow-less place possible is the heart when the Lord is present there.

☦️Saint Nikon of Optina

“The message of the Christian Faith is meant to disrupt your life and change you, every day, and in every way. You were made to become by grace what Christ is by nature. That fact alone is going to disrupt your life. That's what it is supposed to do!”

— Fr Barnabas Powell

Church Tradition holds that St Luke painted the first icon-- of the Mother of God-- during her lifetime. Several celebrated and wonderworking icons in Greece, are said to be original icons written by the apostle.

“Holy Apostle, heal the wounds of our souls, and pray for our salvation!”

The holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke (Oct 18/ Oct 31) was a close companion of the Holy Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys and gave a doctor's help when Paul was beaten, stoned or nearly drowned.

A Gentile born in Antioch, the Holy Apostle is the writer of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. In it, he emphasizes Christ's compassion for sinners and for those who suffer.

Only in Luke's gospel are the stories told of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat, the Presentation and Jesus' remaining in Jerusalem.

Only in Luke's gospel are the words spoken by the angel to Mary at the Annunciation recorded. "Hail Mary, full of grace." We also hear Elizabeth's words to Mary, "Blessed are you and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus."

☦️ St Paisios

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you…” Psalm 54:22

The Church is Eternal. Satan’s victories are fleeting.