The subject of Halloween is something that has caught my attention over the last few weeks. Some might ask Why? As this is a natural part of life in America, they may add that: “this is the second important occasion on our yearly calendar after Christmas. Its a fun time for us and our children, who dress up in a scary clothes and go around trick or treating and having lots of fun” Fun? I – …

‘Euthanasia’ is a Greek word that means ‘happy death. It is used to signify the medical intervention in discontinuing the life of patients with complicated diseases, or those who suffer sever pain from incurable diseases. This intervention is seen as stemming from the doctor’s mercy and pity on his patients. The concept also calls for discontinuing the lives of children or infants who suffer from mental retardation or complicated diseases, thus having mercy upon them – …

Thirty theologians from the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches met in the Halls of the Holy Cross Church of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus, Syria from February 2-5, 1998. The Opening session was blessed and honored by the presence of H.B. Patriarch Ignatius IV, Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and H.H. Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and all the East. The – …

"I write to you, youth because you are strong and the word of God is abiding in you and you have overcome the evil one." (1 John 2:14). We should be strong, especially youth, because we were created in the image of God. God is not only strong and mighty, but Almighty. The Church reminds us of this quality of the Divinity. During Holy Week, we recite each day "Thine is the Power;" we declare – …

“The Blessings of Egypt” By Saint Gregory the Theologian I will address myself as is right to those who have come from Egypt; for they have come here eagerly, having overcome ill will by zeal, from that Egypt which is enriched by the River, raining out of the earth, and like the sea in its season, — if I too may follow in my small measure those who have so eloquently spoken of these matters; – …

Printed in EL Karaza Magazine, April 29, 2005‎ The rising of Jesus Christ from the dead was the biggest event that shook Jews and ‎they tried to fight it in all ways to the extent that they said about resurrection that ‎this last deception will be stronger than the first deception which is Christ’s ‎Preaching. So what was the power of resurrection and what was its impact?‎ ‎1- Christ came out of the tomb while – …

Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, had spent forty days with His disciples the saints talking to them about the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3)…afterwards and prior parting ascending to Heaven, He told them “tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Lk. 24:49). So what was this power which they needed to await? He told them “But you shall receive power when the Holy – …

“Give us this day our daily bread” may be understood both spiritually and literally, because either way of understanding it is rich in divine usefulness to our salvation. For Christ is the bread of life; and this bread does not belong to all men, but it is ours. Just as we say, “Our Fr.” because He is the Fr. of those who understand and believe; we also call it “our bread,” because Christ is the – …

Rejoice, Highly Favored One Set before you the blessed Mary, whose surpassing purity made her meet to be the mother of the Lord. When the angel Gabriel came down to her, in the form of a man, and said: "Rejoice, highly favored one; the Lord is with you," (Luke 1:28) she was terror-stricken and unable to reply, for she had never been saluted by a man before. But, on learning who he was, she spoke, – …

THE OFFICE OF DEACONESS Oftentimes in our Church girls wonder why they can not be ordained as deaconesses. It is hard to argue against their ability to learn and chant the hymnology of the Church (al-han) as well as the boys. In order to answer this question, as Orthodox Christians, we have to clarify the service (ministry) of the ordained deacon (male diaconate), as well as discuss the service (ministry) of the deaconess (female diaconate) – …

Actually friendship is a vital part of young people’s lives today. They cannot do without their friends. They would feel so threatened if they lost their friends. It is a natural part of growing up. Everyone needs Friends; even adults cannot do without certain friends. So, it is a human need. Rarely do we find someone who does not have a couple of friends, especially in the teenage years. I am worried however, that perhaps – …

Drug addiction is considered to be one of the most serious issues which society faces in the modern age, for addiction is the destruction of man and the loss of the most valuable thing that society possesses, namely, youth. It is an expression of the frustration and the pain from which the community suffers. Addiction and crime are two sides of the same coin, and they are a threat to humanity at large. Addiction is – …