Question: Geronta, how can a husband become practiced in the virtues?Answer: God will give him opportunities. Many men, however, after asking God to give them opportunities to practice the virtues, grumble when they are faced with a certain difficulty. For example, sometimes the Good God, in His boundless love, and in order to provide practice in humility and patience, will take away his Grace from the wife, and she will begin acting outlandishly and treating the husband inconsiderately. Then the... Read more

MOSCOW – The remains of the last czar’s hemophiliac son and heir to the Russian throne, missing since the royal family was gunned down nine decades ago by Bolsheviks in a basement room, may have been found, an archaeologist said Thursday. Bones were found in a burned area in the ground near Yekaterinburg, the city where Czar Nicholas II and his wife and children were held prisoner and then shot in 1918. A top local archaeologist said the bones belong... Read more

Prayer is more essential to us, more an integral part of ourselves, than the rhythm of our breathing or the beating of our heart. Without prayer there is no life. Prayer is our nature. As humans we are created for prayer just as we are created to speak and to think. The human animal is best described, not as a logical or tool-making animal or an animal that laughs, but rather as an animal that prays, a eucharistic animal, capable... Read more

When I’m in my car, I usually listen to National Public Radio. That’s quite a transformation for a man who once saw KISS, Willie Nelson, and Prince all in the same year – BUT … and I paraphrase … “Those without sin cast the first 8-track.” Honestly, over the years I’ve found that listening to Classical Music is the best way to not only control road rage — but to actually enjoy driving. Therefore, I listen to NPR stations a... Read more

Lord, this warfare in the body is a heavy burden and to have fought until now is enough. But if it is Thine order that I toil on still, mounting guard over the camp of Thy people, I do not refuse, nor plead the feebleness of age. I will consecrate myself to the fulfillment of the duties Thou dost lay upon me; I will fight on under Thy banners, so long as it is Thy command. Sweet to an old... Read more

1) Icon of All Saints of Great Britain and Ireland 2) The earliest extant image of the Theotokos in the British Isles (from the wooden coffin of St Cuthbert, dated to A.D. 698) The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church instituted a holiday to honor Christians who lived on the islands of Great Britain and Ireland and were canonized before the 1054 schism that divided Christendom into the Western Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The holiday will be an... Read more

The chapel is intended to be a part of the retreat’s rehabilitation program that already includes a hairdressing saloon [sic], a physiotherapist’s room, gymnastic trainers, a psychological relief room, and a gerontology department is to be started soon. Religion is considered as a special rehabilitation method. A priest visits the retreat on major festivals to administer confessions and communion. The prayers are held in the lobby …You can read the news story (below) about this joint effort with Protestant volunteers.... Read more

Please forgive, especially you techies & geeks, this Podcast primer. However, as I often get questions or comments that indicate a tiny bit of frustration and a goodly dollop of ignorance in regard to “acquiring” internet recordings (broadcasts) known as “Podcasts” — here’s some helps: You do not need to tune in at a particular time to listen to a Podcast. You do not need to have — or be able to operate — an iPod. You do need a... Read more

It’s that time of year again …O God, our heavenly Father, Who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon these your children, Thy servants, for whom we humbly pray Thee, and commend them to Thy gracious protection. Be Thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors; lead them in the path of Thy truth, and draw them near to Thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Thy love and... Read more

The following is an English translation, by Fr Luke Hartung, from a teaching on family life by the late Elder Paisios the Athonite.Geronta, a certain young man who has chosen the married life asked me how one properly begins this. From the beginning, he should seek to find a good girl who will comfort him, as people are relaxed and find comfort differently with different people. He should not seek to find someone who is rich or beautiful, but above... Read more