Articles

The Nativity (Advent) Fast

November 9, 2026 by bradmin

by St. Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome (d. 461) [N.B. The Church's fasting season, known as Advent (Lat., "Arrival"), prior to the Feast of Christmas is an ancient practice. Today this Orthodox Nativity Fast is 40 days long, from November 15 to December 25.] On the Fast of the Tenth Month, VIII (Sermon XIX). Self-restraint leads to higher enjoyments. When the Savior would instruct His disciples about the Advent of God’s Kingdom and the end of the world’s times, and teach His whole Church, in the person of the Apostles, He said, … [Read more...]

A Concise Explanation of the Divine Liturgy

August 12, 2026 by bradmin

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher Introduction The classical Greek word leitourgia (liturgy) refers to public works, or duties, performed on behalf of the organized society of people, often religious in nature. Thus in the organized society of God’s people according to the Old Covenant in Israel fulfilled in the New Covenant of the Christian Church, liturgy refers especially to the services of the worship of God (see Num. 4, et al.). In the eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the High Priest Jesus Christ is called the “Liturgist of … [Read more...]

The Perfect Form of Government

July 27, 2026 by bradmin

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher The perfect form of government does exist in and for the Church of Christ, but not according to any form of this world corrupted in sin and death. “Perfect” means the form actually leading to perfection, not just an “ideal” which may or may not be achieved (cf., Plato, Republic), or the “best” that mankind can devise (cf., Aristotle, Politics). The Lord instructed His disciples, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” He then taught His disciples to pray: “Your kingdom come. … [Read more...]

The Frequency of Confession

May 28, 2026 by bradmin

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher … [Read more...]

Fasting and Feasting

May 14, 2026 by bradmin

by Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher The practice of the Orthodox Christian faith consists of two complementary activities: fasting and feasting. The primary, essential act of participation in Holy Communion at the Divine Liturgy, the marriage feast of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9; 1 Cor. 5:8), is celebrated by the faithful who are fasting (Carthage, Canon 41; Quinisext, 29). The weekly succession of days beginning with and giving way to the Lord’s Day of Resurrection (Sunday) includes two days of fasting, Wednesday and Friday (Didache, 8), commemorating … [Read more...]