Holy Week & Feast Days: Recent Episodes
Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate Saint Basil the Great who is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers. Our own Father Micah shares with us an inspiring homily about this great saint of the Church, who was the eldest sibling of an entire family of saints. In a eulogy given by his brother Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Saint Basil is compared to Moses, Elijah, and Saint Paul. One of his contributions to Orthodoxy is his defense at the Second Ecumenical Council that the Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son. He is credited with establishing the first hospital for those who could not afford medical treatment. Saint Basil gives us a clue into his greatness by writing that anyone who wants to follow Christ needs quiet, devotion to reading the Holy Scripture and prayer. Father Micah elaborates on each of these steps to following Christ in this homily.
Today in Orthodoxy we celebrate The Nativity of Our Lord and although this cosmic event happened two thousand years ago is gives us the answer to all of life's questions. Father Micah shares with us that all humans search for the meaning of life and it's difficulties ask at times, why? The prophets, magi, creation itself and indeed each of us search for and desire that which we were created, Christ Our God who was born on this day.
Orthodox Christians celebrate a Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil on Christmas Eve. The Gospel reading comes to us from Luke 2:1-20 and it narrate for us Saint Luke's account of the birth of Christ. Luke being the good historian he is want us to know that God's Hand is behind all of human history. Father Gregory shares with us that the while the Jewish people had no room for Jesus either in their hearts or inn the lowly, humble shepherds who were not properly religious people received the message of Jesus' birth and moved with haste to see Him. The question is posed from Father Gregory as to whether we as Orthodox Christians will humbly make room in our hearts to receive Christ this Christmas day and indeed every day.
Father Gregory shares with us that from the earliest Christian times before the New Testament followers of Christ gathered with an expression of thanksgiving. This expression of thanksgiving should move beyond the Eucharist and fill each of us with an attitude of gratitude, where we can find joy in our given situation.
Father Micah shares with us insight into this Major Feast by giving us background information about The Theotokos' parents Joachim and Anna, who were barren until they prayed to God for a child who they would dedicate to God. Mary was brought to the temple by her parents at the age of three where she grew in favor with the Lord. Today we celebrate this event and pray that we too might remain faithful and trust God in difficult circumstances. We must learn as Mary did and the Saints that through time and with effort we too can grow in favor with the Lord.
Father Gregory shares with us the history behind this magnificent feast day in Orthodoxy. This Feast was originally celebrated on October 1st in both the Greek and Slavic Orthodox traditions. The Greek Orthodox Church changed the day of this celebrated feast to October 28th in remembrance of OXI day and the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos against Nazi Germany. Father Gregory also shares with us why the Epistle reading from Hebrews is selected by the Church for this feast and its significance to us in Orthodox Christian worship.
In this life we have a tendency to treasure things more than our faith. Father Micah shares with us that while many of the things we treasure are in and of themselves not bad they still distract us from that which is most important our faith,family and friendships. Saint Demetrios was a man of authority, wealth and even had the title of Duke but he had all of these worldly things taken away from him and spent his last days imprisoned and in poverty. Although he was anything but free he was truly free from this world though his faith in Christ for which he was martyred. Many miracles have been performed though Saint Demetrios a son of Thessalonica.
One of the greatest saints and men to walk the earth is Saint Iakovos or Saint James the Apostle. Father Micah shares with us the Saint Iakovos was the stepbrother of Our Lord because he was the son of Joseph the betrothed from a previous marriage. He was so revered that even the Jews called him James the Just. He lived a life of humility and true nobility. Iakovos was the bishop of Jerusalem and settled disputes in the early church, being sought out by Sts. Peter and Paul.
Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate Saint Luke the Evangelist, whose Gospel emphasizes repentance. In Saint Luke’s Gospel we hear about the thief on the cross and how Christ accepts his sincere repentance at the eleventh hour. Father Gregory shares with us a personal account of repentance he witnessed in the life his Presvytera Pelagia’s grandfather. Saint Luke is remembered for many things including the evangelist of forgiveness and repentance, the first iconographer and a companion of Saint Paul. Father Gregory also expounds on Luke 24 and the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Many mistakenly believe that love is experienced when we first arrive and or meet someone. Father Micah shares with us that we must live life with its joys and sufferings to come to a place where love resides. Saint Sophia's three daughters were martyred for their faith at young ages. Although Saint Sophia was not martyred but rather died because of grief after witnessing her daughters death she too is considered a martyr.
On this Sunday in Orthodoxy we commemorate both The Nativity of the Theotokos and the Sunday before the Holy Cross. Father Gregory shares with us that the Liturgical year began on September the 1st and we have two Major Feast days in the month of September. We find ourselves between the celebration of The Nativity of the Theotokos today and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in six days on September the 14th. Father Gregory explains our journey from the Old Testament into the New testament as we celebrate certain feasts.
Father Gregory shares with us his thoughts on this Feast day commemorating the Archangel Michael.
This evening we are celebrating the Vespers service for the commemoration of the Miracle at Colassai. Father Gregory shares with us his reflections from his recent trip to Mount Athos and his conversation with a monk during his pilgrimage.
Today in Orthodoxy we remember the beheading of the greatest to be born of woman, Saint John the Baptist. Father Micah shares with us that it is a day of both joy and sorrow. The beheading of Saint John the Baptist was truly a tragedy and yet it brought joy to those in hades who heard him preach that their darkness would soon come to an end.
Father Micah shares with us about one of the most beloved and least well known saints of the church.
On August 15th annually Orthodox the world over celebrate the Major Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Father Gregory shares with us how Mary is the first to follow Christ. In our human fallen nature we have the free will to choose not to sin. The Church gives us Mary because she heard the Word of God and out of her own free will chose to do it.
Today in Orthodoxy we celebrate the Major Feast of The Transfiguration. Father Micah references the Epistle reading today taken from II Peter 1:10-19. Peter likens the world to darkness, which is a place where many of us have or will experience in our lives. The feast celebrates Jesus' Transfiguration on Mount Tabor as He allows His Divinity to shine before Peter, James and John. As Orthodox Christians we should pay attention to what we have heard and seen in scripture and in the Divine Liturgy, which can help us to dissipate the darkness in the world and in our lives.
Father Gregory shares with us that this feast was particularly popular in antiquity. These seven youths were cadets in the military and from noble and wealthy families. Father Gregory shares a story about the youths that foreshadows the resurrection of the dead at the end of time.
Father Gregory shares with us both a practical and edifying message today about Saint Stephen the Protomartyr. He gives insight for us as Orthodox Christians on why the Church has placed certain feasts at various times during the Liturgical calendar. He also gives us practical ways we might offer ourselves as martyrs each and every day in our Christian journey.
Tonight is the first Paraclesis services that will be celebrated during the Dormition Fast. Father Gregory expounds on the Gospel reading from Luke, where Mary sits at the Lord's feet while her sister Martha is distracted by much serving. He reminds us that as Orthodox Christians the one thing needed and necessary to help us cope with our anxious and troubled lives is to sit at our Lord's feet. He asks us to bring our anxieties to the Theotokos and let her worry about them and we will see situations and our attitudes improve.
Father Micah shares with us both the history and relevance of this feast for Orthodox Christians as we begin the Dormition Fast.
Saint Panteleimon was raised by a Christian mother and pagan father. He was devoted to medicine putting his talents skillfully to use healing people. He also called on the name of Christ and the sign of the Cross to heal many others. He is the patron saint of doctors and his life reminds us that true healing and love reside in sacrifice for the other.
Today we commemorate Saint Paisios a modern day saint in Orthodoxy. Father Gregory and Father Micah both share personal reflections and stories about this beloved saint.
In the United States Christians take for granted the freedom we have to confess and worship our Lord Jesus Christ. In the late third century a group of fifty Christians of various ages was tortured and martyred for their faith in Christ. Saint Euphemia a teenage girl acted as the spokesperson for this group as she defended the Christian faith before the authorities. Many years later in 451 A.D. at the fourth ecumenical council 630 bishops gathered and settled a debate about Christ’s two natures. By the Divine Grace from Saint Euphemia’s relics and with fasting and prayer the bishops settled the debate and proclaimed that Christ was fully God and fully man.
All of us have heard the saying,"beauty is only skin deep". Saint Kyriaki is another of the virgin Saints who was well known for her physical beauty. Father Micah shares with us tonight that Saint Kyriaki literally shown like the sun because she had the light of Christ inside of her heart.
Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate Saints Cosmas and Damian the unmercenaries. Father Gregory shares with us they belong to a group of Saints known as healer saints. These brothers were doctors who healed without pay and said the only thing they wanted for their service was that the healed believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ gives us power to heal and justifies us before God. The Orthodox Christian Church has passed down the faith of the Apostles for centuries. Father Paul shares a short refection on the lives of Peter and Paul both of whom followed Jesus Christ by faith.
In our society many of us do not experience a life of struggle but rather one of ease. Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate the Nativity of John the Baptist a great Saint who gave up everything to follow Jesus. He struggled by living ascetically and preached a message of repentance as he prepared the way for Our Lord.
The custom in Orthodoxy after a Major Feast is to remember a major person through whom it came to pass. Today is known as the Monday of the Holy Spirit and it is the day after Pentecost. Father Gregory shares with us the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the Church.
Father Gregory shares with us why Orthodox Christians pray for the dead as well as historical facts about kollyiva and it use at memorial services.
Father Micah shares with us a few words about the lives of these apostles who were sent out establishing churches and ordaining bishops and priests.
One of the great paradoxes of the Christian Faith is in Jesus saying I will never leave you and yet He Ascends to the Father. Father Micah shares with us today how we may find Our Lord each and every day through Christian living and the Sacramental life of the Church.
Today is one of the great feasts of the church and is known as Mid-Pentecost. After the healing of the paralytic Jesus went into the temple to teach and astounded the people because His learning was not from this world, but was received with the Father from before all ages. This feast is the meeting point that brings together both Pascha and Pentecost. The Father's of the Church say that we receive Grace from both Feast's.
Father Ernesto reflects on a miracle that occurred at St. John's tomb every year on the anniversary of his death. He helps us remember that "God is with us" today just as He was both the Old and New Testaments and truly until the end of time.
Father Micah shares with us today the story of the Church named after the Theotokos and the spring which is contained within its walls. This Life Giving Font has been the source of innumerable miracles and wonder workings.
Today in Orthodoxy is Lazarus Saturday and it along with Palm Sunday form a bridge between Lent and Holy Week. Today is a turning point from Christ's ministry into His Passion, crucifixion and Resurrection. Father Gregory explains in detail the Gospel reading for today taken from
John 11:1-45. Jesus reveals Himself in a very public display which ultimately leads to His death. The Gospel tells us many believed in Him after seeing Lazarus raised from the dead and some went to tell the Pharisee's. The question is posed, are we among the ones who will stand with Christ or with the world against Christ?
Today is the Major Feast Day of The Annunciation. Father Gregory shares with us compelling thoughts about the month March as seen by the Church Fathers and ancient Israel. Eve's disobedience which leads to The Fall of mankind is contrasted today with Mary's obedience to God which leads to the birth of Christ and therefore the healing of our nature. Eve is seduced by an angel falling away from God while Mary is taught the good news by the Archangel Gabriel. The Virgin Mary is the culmination of the human race she is the fruit worthy to bear God.
Tonight we celebrate the Vespers service for the Feast of The Annunciation. We are reminded that the Orthodox Church is indeed scriptural as the Vespers service contains Old Testament readings pointing us to the Feast being celebrated the next day. Father Gregory expounds on two of the readings tonight taken from Genesis and Ezekiel. The former shows why Orthodoxy considers the Theotokos to be the ladder that connects heaven and earth and the latter reading from Ezekiel points to the Virgin Mary's Ever virginity.
Finding light in a weary world can be hard. Today Father Micah shares with us that Saint Photios was a light of wisdom and knowledge for Orthodoxy and stood up against many heresies during his life.
Today in Orthodoxy we celebrate three great Saints in the Church. There was a time when Sts. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom had such loyal followers that Constantinople was divided as to who was the greatest. The Bishop of Euchaita John Mavropous saw a vision in which the three Saints appeared and revealed the glory they have at the throne of God is equal. Father Micah shares with us one contribution each has had in Orthodoxy.
Father Paul shares with us today that Saint Gregory is one of only three saints who have the title Theologian. He lived a life of faith and was chosen Archbishop of Constantinople by the Second Ecumenical Council which assembled in that city in 381. He combated the Arians who had taken all the churches and was forced to serve in a house chapel dedicated to Saint Anastasia. From there he preached his famous five sermons on the Trinity, called the Triadica and when he left Constantinople after two years the Arians did not have one church left to them in the city.
Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate two great saints in the church. Father Ernesto shares with us that both were scholars and defenders of the Faith against heresies, while at the same time living Christ like lives under persecutions.
Today in Orthodoxy we commemorates one of the most revered saints in the church who is considered the father of all monks and this being Saint Anthony the Great. Father Paul shares with us that Saint Anthony lived his life adhering to the three pillars of spirituality, prayer fasting and alms giving.
Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate Saint John the Baptist who was called by Christ the greatest man to be born of a woman. Father Micah shares with us how Saint John brought many diverse things into communion. Saint John lived a strict ascetic life and preached a message of repentance to the people so that they might prepare for the coming of The Messiah. His greatness can be seen through his humility, saying " I must decrease and He must increase."
Today in Orthodoxy we celebrate the Major Feast Day of Epiphany. Father Micah shares with us a message about the significance of water in our lives. Water is symbolic of life, death, humility and it is also glorious. Jesus not only enters into the River Jordan, but into our lives to become like us except with out sin.
Father Micah shares with us today the beauty of how understanding the Old Testament can shed light on our understanding of the New Testament. The River Jordan the place of Jesus' Baptism is mentioned throughout the Bible. We are reminded today that as the waters reversed their course when Jesus entered the river, we too must change our minds about sin and heed the message of Saint John the Baptist for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Today in we commemorate Saint Basil the Great, who is one of the most revered Saints in Orthodoxy. He is known for starting hospitals, hospices, monastic communities and wherever he saw a need he made sure it was met. Father Micah reminds us today we also commemorate the Circumcision of Our Lord and His naming. It is in the name of Jesus, Saint Basil and we too can gain power and strength to serve and accomplish His will.
Today, as is with most days in Orthodoxy, there is more than one Saint remembered. Father Ernesto shares with us the Saint Wencelas,t who is remembered more for a Christmas carol than for being a saint. The Protomartyr Saint Stephen shares a similar story with Wencelast as Father Ernesto points out in this sermon.
The readings leading up to the Nativity are important in Orthodoxy. Father Ernesto reflects on these readings and their significance. He helps to understand that in Jesus' lineage there were less than perfect people. God accepts us as we are and can take our imperfections shaping us into the people He wants us to be, caring the world and those around us.
On this Christmas Eve Father Paul shares with us a reminder of the true message of Christmas. The Archangel Gabriel reassures Joseph as he is confused about Mary's pregnancy. We too need reassurance because of the enormous worldly commercialism of Christmas.
The Old Testament reading of Jonah in the belly of the fish is referenced by Christ and foreshadows His death and Resurrection. The service of the Royal Hours has many prophetic readings related to the birth of Jesus. Today Father Micah shares with us a key to unlock Holy Scripture, as he expounds on Psalm 131.
The two most significant events in human history happened in caves hidden from the world. Father Micah reminds us that material goods are secondary to that which is hidden in our hearts. The birth of Christ and the light of the Resurrection should find a place in our hearts and grow as a mustard seed in magnificence. Saint Anastasia devoted her life to Christ travelling the world serving others and died a martyrs death.
Orthodox missions in North America are not well known. Father Ernesto speaks to us about two North American Saints, Peter the Aleut and Herman of Alaska.
Jesus said He came into the world to serve not to be served. Today in Orthodoxy we commemorate one of the most beloved saints in the church, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, also known as Nicholas of Myra. He lived a life of love and service for our Lord. Saint Nicholas recognized that service is not an option but a prerogative.
Saint John of Damascus was a defender of Holy Icons in Orthodoxy. Father Micah shares with us a moving story about a parishioner from Constantinople who spoke to him about icons. He also gives us this idea to ponder that all of creation can be sanctified of offered back to God.
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Father Ernesto expounds on the Epistle lesson taken from the book of Philemon.
He shares with us that Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks as well as forgive those who have wronged us.
Father Micah shares with us the significance of this Feast Day as we prepare ourselves to receive Our Lord in The Nativity.
Today is the feast day of Saint Nektarios. Father Paul shares with us how the saint glorified God during and after his life on earth.
Saint Demetrios, like so many of us, learned what it meant to be a Christian from his parents. Fr. Paul reminds us that to follow Christ comes with a cost. The cost is we must give our lives to Christ totally like Saint Demetrios who did and died a martyrs death. Death did not end his story nor does it end our story.
Today in Orthodoxy the world over we commemorates the Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian, one of three Saints with this title. Saint John wrote five books in the New testament. During the course of his life he is transformed from one of the " Son's of Thunder" to "John the Beloved". In his life we can see how each of us can be transformed into light if we grow in the knowledge of God.
Today the Orthodox faithful worldwide celebrate the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Father Paul shares with us that this feast day commemorates two events. One event is Biblical and the other is historical.The Biblical event narrates for us the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ our Lord. The historical event is the finding of the Cross by Saint Helen and it's elevation by Saint Macarius for all to see.
Today the Orthodox Church world wide is celebrating The Dormition of the Theotokos.The Ecclesiastic year begins and ends with a Feast in honor of the Mother of our Lord. Father Paul shares with us a threefold significance of this Feast. First death is merely a falling asleep. Secondly how important the Theotokos is to Jesus. Thirdly while the Theotokos is the mother of our Redeemer and Savior she is also Mother of us who are being redeemed and saved.
Today we commemorate the Major Feast of The Transfiguration. Clearly the Apostle's witnessed the Energies of God flowing from Jesus Christ and God reveals He is the God of both the living and the dead with the presence of Moses and Elijah. Father Ernesto shares with us that the presence of Moses and Elijah means that even with a less than perfect past we are forgiven.
Today is the Major Feast Day of Pentecost. We commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles in the upper room and in our lives. Father Micah shares with us that Saint Seraphim of Sarov said that the purpose of the Christian life is to acquire the Holy Spirit. Father Micah gives practical advise on how we are to acquire the Holy Spirit and His fruit.
Today is Ascension Thursday. Father Paul shares insights into Jesus' departure into heaven following His Resurrection and appearing to His followers for forty days. Three reasons Jesus ascended include the following. He went to prepare a place for us. He opened the way into the holy of holies as our high priest, sitting down at the right hand of God mediaitng before the Father. Lastly He brings about the promise of the Holy Spirit, who allows us to fulfill our purpose in life.
"In the service, the 12 Passion Gospels are read (12 gospels recounting the sufferings of Christ) and the Cross is brought out for the veneration of the faithful. This hymn is sung during the procession with the Cross after the reading of the 6th gospel.
Its poetry is typical of the liturgical thought of the Fathers. The death of Christ is ironic – indeed – the whole of Christ’s ministry is ironic. Things are turned upside down. God becomes man so that man can become god – this is ironic beyond measure! But the Fathers also saw in this irony the hiddenness of the mystery of our salvation. A literal reading of the world – a straightforward approach to our salvation – would be expected and anticipated. There is nothing hidden within such an account. But the hiddenness of things is the nature of wisdom. Wisdom is for the one who seeks, the one who listens, the one who looks beyond the obvious.
And it is there that the Wisdom of God is revealed in all of its ironic glory: a King crowned with thorns; God wrapped in mockery and suspended from a tree! In our own lives this same wisdom continues. The way of life is found in the way of the Cross. He who loses his life saves it. The gospel commands can only be understood in this wise foolishness. Forgiving enemies is foolishness, yet is our only hope."
Excerpted from "Glory to God for all Things" blog by Fr. Stephen Freeman on Ancient Faith.
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2013/05/02/today-is-suspended-the-15th-antiphon/
Today in Orthodoxy we remember Jesus' Triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. The Epistle reading is taken from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians and it encourages us not to be anxious about anything. Father Paul shares with us that anxiety and worry are impediments to Christian living. We as Orthodox Christians should focus on Christ in a three-fold manner. Through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving we can make our requests known to God and find peace.
In the Orthodox Church we have a beautiful tradition of Churching new born babies dedicating them to God. The mother of the child is also prayed for during this service so she can enter back into the Church's communal life. Both of these actions have a strong Biblical basis. Today is the Major Feast Day" The Meeting of Our Lord" and as Symeon and the Prophetess Anna met the Lord we too can meet Him daily in our Orthodox Christian lives.
Today is the Major Feast of Theophany. Father Micah shares with us that is our Baptism into Christ and the daily renewal through faith that will keep us close to God.
Today is Thanksgiving. I Thessalonians tells us we should rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. Father Paul shares with us that when we are thankful God is Glorified and we do His Will.