Category Archives: Introduction to Orthodoxy

On 22 February, at 10am, there will be a Divine Liturgy and Memorial service for Ψυχοσάββατο – Moșii de iarnă – Задушница – Saturday of Souls. In the Orthodox Church, there is an important and long-standing tradition of praying for

by Theo Andreou Over one thousand years stands between these two images of the Mother of God tenderly embracing her Son. They testify to the truth of Mary’s own words in Luke 1:48: ‘For behold, from now on all generations will

Introduction The Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible are part of God’s revelation to mankind.  The Orthodox Church claims that the author of the Old Testament is truly God Himself, but it recognises that it is equally the

Experience the profound tradition of the Epitaphios this Holy Friday as we adorn Christ's tomb with flowers and join in the moving funeral procession that is represents His victory over death. Join our parish in this beautiful and sacred observance where we lament at the tomb of our Lord before celebrating His glorious Resurrection. Please consider donating towards the flowers that will decorate our church's sepulchre. Continue reading →

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Koroneia explains the true meaning of Christ's crucifixion—not as punishment to satisfy Divine Justice, but as an act of love that enables Him to help us in our own suffering and unite us with God the Father. Continue reading →

Join us this Holy and Great Friday as we commemorate the awesome, holy, and saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ who endured suffering and death willingly for our salvation. Through the twelve Gospel readings and solemn services, we are invited not merely to witness a tragedy, but to participate in the greatest triumph the world has ever known—where Christ's sacrifice on the Cross transforms our sorrow into the joy of salvation. Continue reading →

Join us for Holy and Great Thursday as we commemorate the Mystical Supper—the first Eucharist served by Christ Himself—where He established the new covenant through His Body and Blood. In this sacred service, we are reminded not only of Christ's sacrifice but also of His commandment to love one another, for "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Continue reading →

Join us for the ancient sacrament of Holy Unction this Wednesday evening, where olive oil is blessed through seven prayers for the healing of both soul and body, continuing a tradition established in the earliest days of the Church. "Are any among you sick? Let them call for the presbyters of the Church to pray over them and annoint them with oil in the Name of the Lord" (James 5:14) Continue reading →

"Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight"—read about the profound hymns of Holy Tuesday that remind us to keep our spiritual lamps burning with virtues and right faith. Dr. Michael Koutsos's illuminating interpretation reveals how these ancient texts call us to be vigilant and ready, multiplying our God-given talents so that we may be found worthy to enter the bridal chamber of Christ's Kingdom. Continue reading →

On Holy Monday, we commemorate the righteous Joseph, whose life foreshadows Christ's—betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, yet rising to save his people from famine. We also reflect on the barren fig tree cursed by Christ, reminding us that we too must bear spiritual fruit as we begin our journey through Holy Week with the solemn "Behold, the Bridegroom Comes." Continue reading →

The first three evenings of Holy Week are marked by the beautiful and solemn Bridegroom Matins services, focusing on Joseph the Excellent, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, and the Anointing of the Lord by the penitent woman. Each service calls us to be vigilant and prepared for Christ's coming, with oil in our lamps—representing the Holy Spirit and compassion—and hearts ready for repentance like the woman who anointed Jesus' feet. Continue reading →

This Pascha is for one day and it passes, while that Pascha has no successor. From it pain, grief and sighing have fled away; there everlasting joy awaits. Continue reading →

The simple answer to this question is “To meet God and share in His Life”. But how does this happen? Let us start by asking some fundamental questions. What is the Church here for? What is the distinctive and unique

Starting 31 March, there will be short catechism sessions after the Divine Liturgy during the period of the Great Fast. The theme of the catechism is living the Orthodox Christian life. Everyone is welcome to attend. After a ten-minute introduction,

Joyful is today’s festival, and splendid is the joy it conveys to the ends of the earth. The joy it yields scatters old sorrow; the joy it yields banishes the curse of the world, inaugurates the raising of him who

Watch the keynote lecture delivered by world renowned iconographer Aidan Hart at the Scala Foundation’s 2023 Conference on Art, the Sacred, and the Common Good. The lecture is followed by a discussion with Hart, Common Sense Society Senior Fellow Paul

Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. He was the only disciple absent; on his return, he heard what had happened but refused to believe it. The Lord came a second time;

"Something strange is happening—there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep." In this homily from St. Epiphanius, we witness Christ's triumphant descent into Hades where He takes Adam by the hand and declares, "I am your God, who for your sake have become your son; rise from the dead, for I am the Life of the dead." Continue reading →

Experience the profound beauty of Romanos the Melodist's ancient hymn for Palm Sunday, where Christ is praised as both the humble rider on a colt and the Almighty who comes "to call back Adam" from death. Contemplate this poetic masterpiece that captures the paradox of our Saviour—throned in heaven yet willingly embracing poverty on earth—as we prepare for the journey through Holy Week. Continue reading →

In certain parts of the Church, especially those influenced by Russian practice, there has grown up a tradition that it is not possible to receive holy communion unless you have first made a confession.  In many places the result has