The Orthodox don’t go for brevity in anything, and last night’s service was a wonderful example of this. Six psalms, twelve Gospel readings, and many, many hymns — full of deep imagery and even deeper theology. A candle is lit every time one of the Gospel readings is read: the light of Christ [...]
Thank you all for your prayers and comments — very much appreciated. I read them before I set off to the Migrant Centre today and was greatly comforted. Thank you.
I spoke to my mentor teacher who put my mind at rest about a few things. We would see how today went and [...]
While yesterday was a wonderful day, with the First Australian Wibmeet and a wonderful Palm Sunday service at church, things aren’t 100% at the moment.
I’ve fallen back into depression, and I am struggling with what to do. I’ve resumed my medication but it will take a while to kick in. Meanwhile, I’m getting [...]
The meeting of Deeleea, Yay and myself happened!
It was wonderful to meet Deeleea and Yay: they are two truly fantastic people! I did a scout of the restaurant looking for two women but was unsuccessful, so I walked back to the front of the restaurant, passing a woman on the way. I wondered, [...]
By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion,
You did confirm the universal Resurrection, O Christ God!
Like the children with the palms of victory,
We cry out to You, O Vanquisher of death;
Hosanna in the Highest!
Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!
Troparion
Christ the Joy, the Truth and the Light of all,
The Life [...]
The Gospel lesson of Jesus’ healing of the deaf man came in handy in an unexpected way at work today.
We received a letter from someone at a place named Ephphatha, and management remarked about the word. I explained it. They seemed rather impressed.
Off to Hong Kong and China for a week or so, and then off to seek fame and fortune in London for a year or so.
After a minor set-back with the zipper on her bag breaking, A loaded her 33 kgs (!) of luggage into a new bag and went to the airport. Then [...]
Unordered enquired about saints and their role in Orthodoxy. Still being an enquirer, I ask that you take the following with the necessary bucket of salt — and if anyone reading this spots an error please point it out to me!
The saints play a huge part of the life of an Orthodox Christian. [...]
The past few days have been a bit hectic, with my running around helping my grandmother move into her new home, helping out a bit more around the home as my mum is unwell, and enjoying a picnic with various friends as a farewell to three friends who are leaving for a year in London.
While [...]
The image of God was truly preserved in you, mother,
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away,
but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore your spirit, holy mother Mary, rejoices with the angels!
Troparion
Today is the Fifth Sunday of [...]