by “Khanya” (Orthodox Christians from South Africa)
Someone pointed me to an interesting article on theocracy recently ‘Of Course Christians Are Theocrats’, by Peter J. Leithart: Continue reading “Theocracy, anyone?”
Theocracy, anyone?
The “Our Father”
When Jesus’ taught His disciples how to pray, He gave them the “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4). They were not to mindlessly recite it, saying it with their lips only (Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6) but rather that the words would be said with the heart and mind and become a vehicle for communion with the Father. Continue reading “The “Our Father””
Orthodox Faith and Natural Sciences
By Fr. George Metallinos, Dr.Theol., Dr. Phil., f. Dean of the Athens University School of Theology
1. In Orthodoxy, the antithesis – and the conflict – between faith (or Theology) and science is not something self-evident. It is only a pseudo-problem, because Orthodoxy in its authentic expression and realization is likewise a science, however with a different cognitive subject. Continue reading “Orthodox Faith and Natural Sciences”
What is the memory of death and what does it mean?
The memory of death (memento mori) helps us to overcome the old person because it brings humility to our soul. When we forget death, we have the illusion that we’re never going to die and this increases our arrogance, our greed, our worship of our bodies, the desire to exploit other people. The memory of death gives us a sense of our boundaries upon this earth and the importance that our actions, our words, our thoughts have for eternity and life after death. Continue reading “What is the memory of death and what does it mean?”
Do you want to see God?
Abba Olympios recounts: ‘One time, a pagan priest came down to Skete and slept in my cell. When he saw the way the monks lived he asked me: Continue reading “Do you want to see God?”
Philokalia – Saint John Cassian – On Pride
Our eighth struggle is against the demon of pride, a most sinister demon, fiercer than all that have been discussed up till now. He attacks the perfect above all and seeks to destroy those who have mounted almost to the heights of holiness. Just as a deadly plague destroys not just one member of the body, but the whole of it, so pride corrupts the whole soul, not just part of it. Each of the other passions that trouble the soul attacks and tries to overcome the single virtue which is opposed to it, and so it darkens and troubles the soul only partially. But the passion of pride darkens the soul completely and leads to its utter downfall. Continue reading “Philokalia – Saint John Cassian – On Pride”
Novo Scriptorium 