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.
To fight against heresy, the Church convened seven Ecumenical Councils. In this post, we explain the sacred teachings these councils protect.
Discover tips for navigating Great Lent with children, fostering love and understanding during this spiritual season.
Many Muslims and Jews (and even some Christians) claim that all three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths worship the same God. This question is more than academic;
Can Orthodox Christians use crystals? Discover the Church’s stance on crystals in spiritual practices and their significance.
It’s that time again. Time to make your New Year’s Resolution(s). But what sorts of resolutions can/should we make as Orthodox Christians?
In anticipation of the Nativity of Our Lord, we must spiritually prepare not only ourselves, but also our children for this glorious Feast!
During the course of a year, Orthodox Christians fast between 180-200 days. Diligently following the fasting guidelines of the Church can be quite an undertaking.
As Eastern Orthodox Christians, fasting is an integral part of our spiritual journey. It is not merely a dietary restriction, but a means of drawing
The holiday season brings with it many cherished traditions, several of which have become deeply embedded in contemporary culture. Among these is the widespread practice
If we are to call Thanksgiving a holiday (“holy day”), it must be more than remembering the pilgrims and gorging ourselves on roasted turkey.
***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.
