579. Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: Saint John Climacos – Climbing the Ladder to Heaven

  The theme for this Fourth Sunday of Lent is Saint John Climacos (of “the Ladder”) so called because of his book The Ladder of Divine Ascent, one of the most popular books in the ancient world. More about him in a bit. A Wandering Introduction to the Ladder of Saint John Climacos Two stories: 1 […]

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578. Third Sunday of Great Lent: Sunday of the Holy Cross

  Lest we forget:   The Third Sunday of Great Lent It’s Mid-Lent. A good time to review your Lenten Rule. Is it too easy to be challenging? Too difficult to be kept? Say a prayer and adjust it, if need be. Great Lent Does the Holy Orthodox Church ever change? Actually, yes. But not […]

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577. Second Sunday of Great Lent – Saint Gregory Palamas: Can we know God?

   Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.    Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.    For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.   […]

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576. First Sunday of Lent: The Triumph of Orthodoxy – A Feast during the Fast

  A blessed and refreshing and challenging Lent to you! This year during Lent (and perhaps through Paschal season as well) we’ll concentrate on the Sunday Scripture readings and themes of the season. We haven’t done this for a while. The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy After all these years, I still feel slightly […]

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575. Last Sunday of Pre-Lent. Forgiveness Sunday.

Last week we talked about how to be saved. This week we’ll talk about a sure way not to be saved. But first: Please pray for the brave people of Ukraine (which is about 75% Orthodox, 35 million people), still being bombarded day after day by Russia in this unjust unholy war, now entering its […]

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