(Feast Day ~ January 5) In the history of Judaism and Christianity, God has sometimes accomplished his purpose through the strange behavior of his saints. The Old Testament prophets risked condemnation and ridicule (and sometimes death) to bring the message of repentance to the people through their strange behavior. The article on the prophets in […]

Feast Day ~ January 4 In the early days of the Church, as the good news of the Gospel was being spread around the world, many different talents, abilities, and skills were needed. In order for the Church to survive and thrive, leaders were needed to accurately pass on the teachings of our Lord and […]

(Feast day – January 3) The pages of church history – which are filled with that great procession of holy men, women and children whose saintly lives have shown forth the love of Christ – contain the stories of many formidable women. Led by the most venerated of all saints, St. Mary the Theotokos, the […]

(Feast day ~ December 31) How blessed are those who devote themselves completely to God, serving him faithfully in whatever ways and circumstances occur in their lives. Some have reached great heights of sanctity through heroic missionary efforts and others have been called upon to give their lives in martyrdom. For St. Sylvester, Bishop of […]

(Feast Day ~ December 31) As the end of the calendar year approaches, many Americans think about their charitable giving. In order to receive credit on the year’s tax return, contributions must be made by December 31, so those of us who have left this until the last minute now make decisions about what charities […]

(Feast Day ~ December 31) On December 31, we celebrate the feast day of St. Theophylact of Ochrid, a saint of the Church who overcame disappointment and disillusionment to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. Theophylact enjoyed robust health and worldly comforts; he had a brilliant mind and had received an excellent education, both secular […]

(Feast Day ~ December 28) The martyrs for the faith which the Church venerates are beyond number. These saints, who have received the palm of victory, gave witness in many different ways. Some who were in public positions, such as St. George, challenged the persecuting authorities and converted many others through their great courage. Bishops […]

(Feast Day ~ December 25) At every Liturgy, we hear the names of some of the martyrs of the early Church read, as we ask God to grant us “some lot and partnership” with them. Among these courageous men and women is named Anastasia, a widow who faced execution rather than denying her faith in […]