Insensibility and Vainglory from The Ladder, by St. John of Sinai (Klimakos; 570-659) STEP 18: “Insensibility (Gk., anaisthesia) is negligence that has become habit, benumbed thought, the child of predispositions, a snare for zeal, the noose of courage, ignorance of compunction, a door to despair, the mother of forgetfulness which gives birth to loss of the fear of God.  And then she becomes the daughter of her own daughter (i.e., forgetfulness leads to the loss of the fear of God leading to more insensibility). “He who has lost … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher The Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts, or Presanctified Liturgy as it is popularly known, is the distinctive weekday service during the Orthodox season of Lent.  “On all the days of the holy fast of Lent, except on the Sabbath (Saturday), the Lord’s day (Sunday), and the holy day of Annunciation (March 25), the Liturgy of the Presanctified is to be said” (Canon 52, Quinisext Council). In many Orthodox parishes during Lent, the Presanctified Liturgy is served at least on Wednesdays, and in some on Wednesdays and … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher “In the beginning God made heaven and earth.” (Genesis 1:1) “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom…godliness toward God is the beginning of perception.” (Proverbs 1:7, 8) “Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth.  For the Lord has spoken: ‘I have begotten and brought up sons, but they rejected Me…Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean.  Put away the evils from your souls before My eyes.  Cease from your evils.  Learn to do good.  Seek judgment and redeem the wronged.  Defend the orphan and justify the … [Read more...]