
Why We Call The Virgin Mary “Theotokos”
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, we call the Virgin Mary “Theotokos”, because she is the mother of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
On this blog, we write about the teachings and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. We also write about the Church’s response to controversial issues, like abortion and divorce. Not sure where to start? Start with the Church’s teachings or check out our Ultimate Guide to Etiquette in Orthodox Churches.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, we call the Virgin Mary “Theotokos”, because she is the mother of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.

In this post, we explain what blessed bread is and lay out some basic etiquette guidelines for receiving blessed bread during services.

In this post, we’ll give you some advice on how to handle your little ones during church services.

In this post, we outline some basic rules for modest and respectful dress for men and women in an Orthodox church.
Each year on the 40th day after Pascha, the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension, when Christ ascends into heaven.

In this post, we explore the difference between the Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Churches and explain why they are not in communion.

After 40 days, a mother and her newborn child are “churched”, welcomed back into the life of Christ with special blessings and prayers.

In this post, we explain the holy mystery or sacrament of unction – the anointing of the sick with oil – in the Orthodox Church.

In this post, we explore the true nature of repentance, and how we can cultivate this transformation in our spiritual lives.

In this post, we explore Saint Gregory Palamas’ contributions to Orthodox Christian theology and his defense of hesychasm.

Discover the importance of the Sunday of Thomas as the Church embraces doubt and recognizes its place in the journey of faith.
Bright Week is here—and with it, the joyful echo of “Christ is Risen!” fills our churches, homes, and hearts. In the Orthodox Church, the week

Holy Friday is a day of mourning and deep reflection. Discover its importance in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

Feeling like you are failing at Great Lent? Discover hope and support in your spiritual journey this Lent season.

Discover how to balance the medical and dietary needs while fasting to maintain a strong spiritual connection in the Orthodox Church.

Explore the insights of Church Fathers on fasting, revealing its true spiritual significance and transformative power.

Explore the nuances of fasting at work and school for Eastern Orthodox Christians. Learn how to maintain spiritual renewal during busy times.

Explore the significance of almsgiving and prayer during fasts in the Eastern Orthodox tradition for spiritual renewal.

Far too often, we make fasting into something it is not, imposing the views of secular culture onto the Church.

Learn how to prepare for a fast with spiritual and practical tips to enhance your fasting experience and deepen your faith.
***If you would like to offer prayers for living and departed, please submit two separate requests: one for the living and one for the departed.