Recent Comments
mysticalprayers on The End of the Sacraments – Th… Nicky on Concerning Halloween Michael Metcalf on Missionary Trips padrerichard on Why not partake of the Divine… David on Why not partake of the Divine…
Category Archives: Sacraments and Rituals
The End of the Sacraments – The End of All Things
January 13, 2023 · Fr. Stephen Freeman Here is an excellent writing on the Holy Mysteries, we as Orthodox, partake of and why they are the completion of our purpose, the purpose we are created for! “There are those who … Continue reading
Posted in Church, Community, Sacraments and Rituals
Tagged Bible, Christ, Christianity, Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mysteries, Orthodox, Prayer, Sacraments
1 Comment
The Heavenly Marriage
“Now He Who … has anointed us is God; Who has also sealed us and given (us) the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 2nd Cor 1: 21 – 22) It is beautiful to see a wedding. There, in … Continue reading
Posted in Church, Community, Sacraments and Rituals
Tagged Bible, Christ, Christianity, Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Marriage, Orthodox, Prayer
Leave a comment
The Cross leads us to Jesus Christ
This week marks the midpoint of Great Lent and on this middle Sunday of the Fast, we look forward to the Holy Cross. Later on, during Holy Week, the Cross reappears as an element in the remembrance of our Lord’s … Continue reading
Breaking Ground
As you look around today you can see the artist drawings of our new walls and the outline of the new roof that will be our Church. And we remember where we are now and realize how much has changed … Continue reading
Posted in Church, Community, Sacraments and Rituals
Tagged confession, forgiveness, Orthodox Church, repentance, Sacrament
Leave a comment
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Exaltation of the Cross (Sep 27) St. John of Shanghai Before The Time of Christ, the cross was an instrument of punishment; it evoked fear and aversion. But after Christ’s death on the Cross it became the instrument and … Continue reading
Posted in Church, Quotes, Sacraments and Rituals, Scripture
Leave a comment
The Significance of the “Six Psalms” of the Orthodox Matins Service
Matins (also spelled Mattins, from the Latin, matutinae, “morning”), also called Orthros (from Greek, meaning “morning”, “dawn” or “day break”), is the longest and most complex of the daily cycle services. Matins is celebrated in the morning, unless it is … Continue reading
Posted in Church, Sacraments and Rituals, Scripture
Leave a comment
The Divine Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy is truly a heavenly service upon earth, during which God Himself, in a particular, immediate, and most close manner, is present and dwells with men, being Himself the invisible Celebrant of the service, offering and being offered. … Continue reading
Posted in Sacraments and Rituals, Uncategorized
Tagged Bible, Christmas, Church, Divine Liturgy, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Orthodox, Prayer, Russia
Leave a comment
The Mystery of Communion
As a Priest I have become disturbed and distressed. Why? It is because of the lack of Orthodox Christians partaking of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist during the Divine Liturgy!! This lack of participation in receiving, weekly, the Divine … Continue reading
Posted in Sacraments and Rituals
Leave a comment
Why not partake of the Divine Eucharist?
St Paul tells us: “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks [Gr. eucharistesas], … Continue reading
Posted in Sacraments and Rituals, Theology
2 Comments
Presanctified Liturgy
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts: Its Meaning and Practice in Today’s World It is impossible to understand the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – its ritual, origin, and necessity – without love for the Mysteries and for the practice … Continue reading
Padre Richard's Blog 