192. Second Sunday of Pascha – Seeking the Truth with the Apostle Thomas

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! Some Bible commentaries say that Saint John the Evangelist portrayed the Apostle Thomas as “the clueless one”, a shallow skeptic, and otherwise sought to “discredit” him. Really? I don’t think so! From what I read in John’s Gospel, I admire Thomas immensely, and I think John did too. Remember […]

Read More »

191. GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA: The Resurrection of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

Christ is risen! Truly he is risen! Father Alexander Schmemann called our Orthodox Paschal celebration “an explosion of joy”. There are many videos here. I’m guessing you won’t listen to them all today. Why don’t you spread them out through the week? There is so much pure joy in them, and we could use that […]

Read More »

190. Great and Holy Saturday Morning: Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil

I meant to have this published last night before the Liturgy. Forgive me for being late. Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:1-20 Brothers and sisters, there is a whole lot going on this morning. Follow closely. This Liturgy begins as a celebration of Christ’s victory over Satan and death “down below”, and by the end we’re proclaiming the Resurrection […]

Read More »

189. Great and Holy Friday Evening Matins – “The Lamentations Service”

Please find yourself a place to worship live-stream tonight. This is much too beautiful to miss – my favorite service of the year. Is this a funeral service? Is this a resurrection service? The answers are: Yes! We stand before the bier on which Christ is laid out before us. On the Epitaphion see His […]

Read More »

188. Great and Holy Friday Afternoon: Great Vespers – “The Descent from the Cross”

In many Orthodox churches *  the Crucifix stands behind the Altar. But from the middle of the Twelve Gospels Service on Holy Thursday night until Holy Friday afternoon – less than 24 hours – it is placed out in front of the icon screen for veneration. Then it returns to its usual place often half hidden from […]

Read More »