Tapping into the Noetic Memory of the Heart The heart, in the Orthodox tradition, does not only have a natural operation, as a mere pump that circulates blood. In Orthodox patristic tradition the heart is the center of our self-awareness. Saint Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain (+1809) calls the heart
Creating a domestic church Creating a Christian home begins with the icon corner. The “bright corner” becomes the center for every domestic church, where the family devotions take place. This is also the family’s way of declaring to visitors that this is a Christian home, where Christ is the head.
Don’t react, be at peace Trials and temptations, when confronted with a peaceful heart, bring about healing and make the soul stronger and healthier. Reacting does nothing but bring forth paralysis of the soul, and binds us to our passions. Receiving temptations and disappointments with a peaceful heart, and not
The cure of a wounded heart is found in God’s mercy There is a common misconception concerning the word “mercy”, used throughout the liturgical services of the Church, as well as our private prayers, and the Jesus Prayer. It is a given that we are all sinners, but the asking
The difference between wisdom and knowledge In this age of information we must demonstrate to our youth the difference between information and wisdom. Wisdom is that which is passed down from the past and which imparts substance and enlightenment. Wisdom is not about information, and does not compete with worldly
To the founders of this holy monastery All of you who donate toward the support of the monastery are remembered before God during our services as “founders of this holy monastery”. As benefactors, you have made it possible for me to write these daily essays, record the five days
The Theotokos of the Burning Bush The Orthodox Church teaches that the miracle of the Burning Bush is to be understood in the theology and hymnography of the Church as a prefiguring of the virgin birth of Christ. The Theotokos gave birth to the Incarnate God without suffering harm, just
The Church New Year, and a new beginning Today we celebrate the Church New Year and with it a chance to recommit ourselves to working harder at making changes in our lives that will lead to spiritual growth. The Lord’s patience never runs out, so we always have the invitation
The sacramental nature of this material world Unlike angels, who are entirely spiritual beings, God has made each of us as creatures dwelling in a material world. To be whole, we therefore must worship God both in body and soul. This teaching is central to our Christian faith and is
And the demon of dejection Depression is one of the plagues of the modern age, overtaking many with it’s insidious poison, and ravaging many a life. The pain and suffering that comes with deep depression can infect those who surround the sufferer, for the depression of one person can spread