The Kissing Part by Frederica Mathewes-Green When my friend Marvin came for a visit, I thought it would be safe to invite him to Vespers. Marvin and Susan belong to the Presbyterian Church in America, and are perhaps my most theologically stern friends. I've met conservative Christians across the country, and most take [...]
Who May Receive Communion in the Orthodox Church by Fr. Steven Tsichlis Orthodox Christians fully participate in the celebration of the Liturgy when they receive the body and blood of the Lord Jesus in the sacrament of holy communion, as the Lord commands (John 6:53). To receive communion in the Orthodox Church, one must be [...]
Worship, Beauty and the Desire for God Excepted from At the Corner of East and Now by Frederica Mathewes-Green Beauty is that which opens our eyes to the majesty of God and moves us to desire Him. Worship is not just an intellectual grasping of truths but a process of falling in love. Beauty [...]
Pentecost: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit by Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia an excerpt from his book, The Orthodox Way The whole aim of the Christian life is to be a Spirit-bearer, to live in the Spirit of God, to breathe the Spirit of God. “Where two or three are gathered together in [...]
Confession: The Sacrament of Healing By Jim Forest Confession! The word makes us nervous, touching as it does all that is hidden in ourselves: lies told, injuries caused, things stolen, friends deceived, people betrayed, promises broken, faith denied — these plus all the smaller actions that reveal the beginnings of our sins. Confession [...]
