An Interpretation of the Hymnography of Matins on Holy Tuesday
"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 →
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 →
A song of Romanos the Melodist for the Feast of Palms
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 →
Great Week is a sacred time for Orthodox Christians to observe the Passion of Christ through thanksgiving, prayer, fasting, Holy Communion, and forgiveness. In this homily we are taught that these 168 hours honour "great events, unique and world historic, which shocked the earth, the heavens, and that which is below the earth." 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 →
Where does one begin, when you start looking at it? I mean that in no way to be some pervasive effort at a meaningful thought, but rather that I was looking at a pernicious shrub outside the entrance to our
Shrewsbury Orthodox Church 2025 Holy Week and Pascha service schedules in English, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Russian, and Serbian Continue reading →
Life of our Holy Mother Mary of Egypt (St. Sophronios of Jerusalem) By St. Sophronios of Jerusalem “It is good to hide the secret of a king, but it is glorious to reveal and preach the works of God” (Tobit
This week I was handed the latest in a life of hand-me-downs items; a pair of tall Sony speakers from my uncle no less. This was exciting because that uncle was always a prickly pear when it came to stereo
Today we commemorate Saint Alchmund of Derby. Saint Alchmund's church in Shrewsbury is dedicated to the saint possibly because his relics were brought here by Queen Aethelflaed’s to save them from the invading Danes. Continue reading →
