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...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher Orthodox Christianity is unique among all the other varieties of Christian belief, practice, and expression.  Orthodoxy is the original way of Faith and Life given by our Lord Jesus Christ to His one Body, the Church (see Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4-6; Jude 3). Our Lord warns: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.  But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with arousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectantly.  For it will … [Read more...]

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher “Flee Sodom and Gomorrah.  Flee the flame of every irrational appetite.” (Ode 3, Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete)  We pray this during the first week of Lent. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah exemplify the depth of humanity’s sin especially practiced as sexual perversion.  The story of these cities situated at the south end of the Dead Sea is recorded in the Book of Genesis, chapters 18 and 19.  “Then the Lord said, ‘The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah has been completed, and their sins are exceedingly … [Read more...]

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