On Martyrdom
A selection from St. Ignatius’s Epistle to the Romans For it is not my desire to act towards you as a man-pleaser, but as pleasing God, even as also you please Him…For if you are silent concerning me, I shall become God’s; but if you show your love to my flesh, I shall again have to run my race…Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but – …
Treasures of the Fathers: Third Sunday of the Holy Fifty Days (Samaritan Woman)
God Tires for Us In the Gospel lesson the holy evangelist has shown us most abundantly that our Lord Jesus Christ assumed the weakness of the human race…Our Lord Jesus Christ came to the field which holy Jacob had left to his son, Joseph. I do not think that this field was left to Joseph as much as to Christ, whom holy Joseph the patriarch prefigured, for truly the sun and moon adore Him, while – …
Treasures of the Fathers: Fourth Sunday of Kiahk
"Elijah will come to give confidence to the faithful, and this Christ says; "Elijah will come and shall restore all things." (Matthew 17:11.) Therefore it is said, "In the spirit and power of Elijah." (Luke 1:17.) For St. John neither wrought signs nor wonders, as Elijah did. For "John," it is said, "did no miracle, but all things which John spoke of this Man were true." How then was it "in the spirit and power – …
Treasures of the Fathers: Second Sunday of the Holy Fifty Days (The Bread of Life)
The saints and those who truly practice virtue, "put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire (which is idolatry)." [Col. 3:5]. As the result of this, they are pure and without spot, confiding in the promise of our Savior, who said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." [Matt. 5:8] Having died to the world and renounced the merchandise of the world, they gained an – …
Oration 38: On the Manifestation of God in the Birth of the Christ
I. Let Us Celebrate Christmas. Christ is born, glorify Him! Christ from heaven, go out to meet Him! Christ on earth, be exalted! Sing to the Lord all the whole earth (Ps. 96:1,11), and that I may join both in one word, let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, for Him who is of heaven and then of earth. Christ in the flesh, rejoice with trembling and with joy; with trembling because – …