by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher Orthodox memorial services include all the services of the Church appointed for a person who has departed this life, that is, whose soul has departed from their body in the hope of the resurrection and eternal life.  These services begin before the departure of the soul from the body, and they continue well after the departure of a person’s soul from their body, expressed as the Church’s ongoing prayers for the departed (“prayers for the dead”).  As with all things Orthodox, the actual theology of dying, death, … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher “If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of His honor, will accept the last even as the first; He giveth rest unto him who cometh at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who hath wrought from the first hour…Wherefore, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second.  You rich and poor together, hold high festival.  You sober and you heedless, honor the day.  Rejoice today, … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher “May God who works amazing miracles and generously bestows gifts on those who turn to Him with faith, reward those who seek light for themselves in this story, who hear, read, and are zealous to write it, and may He grant them the lot of blessed Mary together with all who at different times have pleased God by their pious thoughts and labors.” (St. Sophronius of Jerusalem, The Life of Our Holy Mother Mary of Egypt, epilogue) Here near the end of the season of Great Lent we have the story of Saint Mary of Egypt, … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (said during weekdays of Lent; translation mine): O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, curiosity, lust of power, and idle talk. (prostration)  But grant, rather, the spirit of whole-mindedness, humility, patience, and love to your servant. (prostration)  Yes, O Lord and King, gift me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother, for blessed are You unto ages of ages. (prostration) (1) General Characteristics of the Prayer: (A) Each … [Read more...]