Our Lord is coming to change us!

As we enter into the year-end holiday season, it's more important than ever to seriously examine our priorities. So many activities beckon us--parties, trips, children, entertainment--our schedules seem more packed than ever! Yet, as we approach the sacred time of Advent, and enter into the fast of the Nativity, it is imperative to spend a greater, not lesser, amount of time in pursuance of the "one thing needful". For despite the plethora of distractions that beset us all in this wonderful season, we must never forget that without the impending entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into the history of humankind by His gracious choice to show His love for all of us in becoming a man, there would be nothing for the world to celebrate! It is precisely because of His presence among us that this time of the year is so important to so many people, whether for those believing in our Lord or those who ignore Him.

Who Is the Ancient of Days?

Fr. Steven Ritter discusses the mysterious figure in Daniel 7:13-14:  "I beheld one coming with the clouds as the Son of man, and he came unto the Ancient of Days, and was brought near to Him. To him was given the dominion, and the honor, and the kingdom.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away."

Purgatory and the Final Judgement of Christ

What is the Orthodox view on Purgatory and the Last Jodgement?

The Descent of Christ Into Hades

His Grace Hilarion, Russian Orthodox Bishop of Vienna, discusses Eastern and Western traditions about the descent of Christ into hell and the iconography of his victory over death by which He "trampled down death by death and to those in the tombs bestowing life."

Heaven and Hell according to Orthodox Tradition

Protopresbyter George Metallinos explains Orthodox traditions about heaven and hell and how they differ from Western concepts.

Blurred Lines: Priestly Pastoral Care and the Responsibility of the Laity

Fr. Steven Ritter discusses the relationship between clergy and laity, the responsibilities of each, and the importance of the laity having realistic expectations of the priesthood.

Scriptura Sola: What Is It?

Fr. Steven Ritter explains the differing views regarding Scripture by the Orthodox and Protestants.  In particular, he discusses the misuse of Scripture in the Protestant concept of scriptural sola.

Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Say?

Hieromonk Michael examines Scriptural passages regarding heaven and hell from the Orthodox perspective.

St. Amphilochios on Avoiding Despair

Amphilochius of Iconium was a fourth-century bishop who was influential among the Cappodocian Fathers.  It is to St. Amphilochius that St. Basil the Great dedicated his well-known patristic text "On the Holy Spirit."  This story about resisting despair is attributed to him.