The Ascension Of Our Lord
Each year on the 40th day after Pascha, the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension, when Christ ascends into heaven.
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.
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.

Many Protestants think Confession is not biblical. In this post, we explore what the Bible really says about Confession in the Church.

In this post, we explain what the sacrament of Confession is, why we need it, and how often Orthodox Christians should go.
In this post, we examine Romans 2:2-16, which describes the basis of God’s judgment and shows us how we can prepare ourselves for it.
Many people believe the Second Commandment forbids icons. But the Scriptures disprove this. What does this commandment forbid, if not icons?

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.

Orthodox Christians hold incredible respect for clergy. In this post, we explain the proper way to greet an Orthodox priest or bishop.

Delve into the theological differences between Orthodox and Roman Catholic teachings on purgatory.

Can Orthodox Christians use tarot cards? Discover the insights on tarot and its compatibility with Eastern Orthodox views on spirituality.

If God is knows all things, do we really have free will? In this post, we explore the early Church’s teachings about free will and choice.
***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.