In our blog you can find articles with useful information about the Garden of Virgin Mary, the Monasteries, Cells and Sketes, the routes, but also how to visit Holy Mount Athos. In addition, here you will find authentic monastic recipes, fasting and healthy, as well as prayers for various occasions!
In the Orthodox Synaxarion, there are several female Saints, who were also mothers. Mother Saints are a characteristic example of christian love, spiritual strength, and patience. Throughout their lives, they carried out a huge Christian work, stood by their family and sacrificed themselves for their faith and children. Furthermore, these mothers serve as a shining example for families today and reveal the power of motherhood and the upbringing of children on the path of the Lord. Through the lives of the Holy Mothers, the value of faith and boundless love for the Lord Jesus Christ and the family is raised.
At the location where the miraculous icon was found, acidic healing water flows to this day. According to tradition, this is the holy water of Saint George, which has healing properties. Today, the miraculous icon of Saint George is placed in the main Church of Saint George on the eastern column. The holy icon depicts Saint George in full figure, as well as the wound on his neck with blood, as a sign of the miracle that occurred centuries ago. Even today, the icon reminds the countless miracles that were performed by the Holy Great Martyr Saint George. The monks honor and commemorate Saint George the Trophy-Bearer and Saint Demetrius the Myroblyte daily during the dismissals of Divine Services.
During the Great and Holy Thursday, all the christians commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples and the washing of their feet. It is the fifth day of the Holy week and is also called Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the latin word ‘mandatum’ which symbolizes the words of Jesus Christ ‘I give you a new commandment’.
Throughout the Holy Week, the faithful attend the unfolding of the Divine Drama in the churches. Maundy Thursday constitutes the most dramatic day of this week, marked by four significant events.
The period of Great Lent dates back to the 4th century AD and constitutes the oldest fast of the Orthodox Church. During Lent, the faithful prepare themselves spiritually and physically for the great event of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The fasting that is followed during Great Lent is strict, with specific rules, as well as some exceptions. During the fasting period of Great Lent, the consumption of meat and fish is prohibited, as well as all dairy products. Additionally, eggs, wine and oil are also prohibited.
«You should respect your wives. If you don’t feel love, they will suffer and think that they are a means for your enjoyment, and they will feel terrible themselves... A woman wants love to be satisfied with her husband. She has a more delicate heart because she will raise children, and her condition is sensitive. She has tenderness. She doesn't want ribaldries and no dignities. That's why she gets hurt when they treat her like a ‘piece of meat’ and don’t care about her feelings.»
Quotes and teachings for the everyday life from Gerontissa Galaktia. Her teachings are simple and practical, yet distillations of holy wisdom and grace. Eldress' legacy and the testimonies of people who met her are collected in the new book about her life.
In this article you will read about the symbolism of various objects in Byzantine Iconography, such as the cross and the Church held by the Saints, the open palms, the Gospel, the scrolls, the rod, medical objects, as well as the choices of colors. Orthodox hagiography reveals to Christians the unearthly, which transcends the boundaries of our physical world. It functions as a way of communication and seeks to highlight the new world that will come with the Kingdom of God. This can be expressed through the icons of the Saints, where characteristics such as schematization, simplicity and differentiation prevail.
What Eldress Galaktia of Crete teaches us about humility and confession. Her legacy and the testimonies of people who met her are collected in the new book about her life.
As we know from the writings in the Old Testament, wine acquired distinctive symbolism. After the flood, Noah planted and managed to create his own vineyard. In Exodus, God gave a promise to bless three significant goods for human life: bread, water and wine. The lands and climate in the regions of Hebron and Palestine were conducive for the cultivation of vineyards. Viticulture flourished in a short time and gained great demand, as people cultivated their vines to produce the blessed wine. David hymns wine through his psalms, saying: "And wine that makes glad the heart of man..." (Psalm 104:15) and "You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased" (Psalm 4:7).
What Eldress Galaktia teaches us about the pain in our lives. The three reasons God sends us pain, according to Gerontissa. Eldress' wise words and the testimonies of people who lived close to her are gathered in the new book about her life.
When is the feast of Saint Aquila and Saint Priscilla Our Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of Saints Aquila and Priscilla on 13 February and they are honored as holy spouses in the Christian religion. Apostle Paul mentions the holy couple in many of his Epistles, who contributed greatly to hi...
