Did you ever try to find something even remotely Orthodox in your local superstore, gift shop, or bible book store? Chances are, you’ll find all manner of things purporting to be spiritual, religious, newfangled and Christian — though nary even a wall calendar reflecting the Ancient Faith. Besides, what should you do when you do find one? Here’s a snippet of this week’s [Best Of] podcast … Hello! Welcome to Betsy’s Cards and Things! May I help you? — Oh... Read more

On the day after celebrating the Birth of Mary, we remember her parents. Be glad, O barren one;Be glad, O aged Anna.You will conceive and give birthTo a wondrous child, a chosen one – As once did the aged Sarah,And the mother of Samson,And the mother of Samuel,And the mother of John – Yet you will be more glorious than all,For you will give birth from the wombTo the wonderful Virgin, the onlyWonderful Mother of the Most-high King. Be glad,... Read more

The “4 years ago” part is found within the text (which is taken from a post from 2006).Glory to God for all things! This 16th century icon, the Korsun Mother, is taken from the Index of Early Christian and Byzantine Image Pages — a wonderful site! For most American Orthodox, today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. (Check here for a complete look at the Church year.) These Orthodox, though they’ll wait 13 days to celebrate this... Read more

Today, with so much reading, people end up like tape recorders, filling up their cassettes with superfluous matters. According to Abba Isaac, however, wisdom not based on righteous activity is a deposit of disgrace. You see, many who are interested in sports read sports magazines and newspapers while they are sitting. They may be like the fatted calf, but they still marvel at athletes … they gain nothing … the same thing is done by people who read spiritual books.... Read more

St Elizabeth was from the lineage of Aaron and was the sister of St Anna, the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos. She and her husband Zachariah, walking in all the commandments of the Lord (Luke 1:6), suffered barrenness, which in those times was considered a punishment from God. When Elizabeth gave birth to a son, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit she announced that his name would be John, although no one in their family had this name.... Read more

On the last episode of the Orthodixie Podcast, I interviewed two Deacons of the Church – both hailing from the Old Country (i.e., Tennessee and West Virginia). This week, a Yankee. Actually, some would say he hails from the Holy Land. (You know, Pittsburgh.) On this week’s episode of the Orthodixie Podcast, I interview Fr John Salem on the high calling of Priesthood. Fr John is a very funny guy. Thus, I was surprised by his very serious reflections on... Read more

Make Yours Acceptable to the Lord! It seems odd saying “Happy New Year” in September, but that’s when the Church marks Her annual beginning. September 1st is, for the Church, the first day of a New Year. A pious tradition of the Church holds that Jesus of Nazareth began preaching the good news of His mission on September 1st. When our Lord entered the Synagogue, He was given the book of the Prophet Isaiah to read, and He opened it... Read more

Many come to the Holy Mountain, visit various Fathers, become enthused with what they hear from each, interpret them in their own way, muddle them up in their heads and then say, ‘We had a really good time.’ Whereas, if they visited only one Father, heeded his advice and tried to apply all that he said to their life, they would have some positive help. Now what they are doing is spiritual tourism; they are wasting their time, exhausting themselves... Read more

On this episode of the Orthodixie Podcast, I sit down with two Deacons of the Church – both hailing from the Old Country (i.e., one was reared in middle Tennessee and the other was born and raised in the hills of West Virginia). Take a listen: The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. That’s Deacon Joseph Carter and Deacon Symeon Kees, both of St George Church, Houston, Texas. I’d like to thank Carole Buleza, Director of the Antiochian Archdiocese Christian... Read more

This was sent to me by Fr Justin McFeeters. True … and funny (as all funny things are) … and, in a way, sad: Read more