5. An Orthodox perspective on yoga
Yoga
was first presented in the Western world as a kind of "physical
exercise", a method of relaxation and psychological calmness. Its basic
difference from the usual physical exercise lays, inter alias, in the
characteristic immobility. Many
yoga exercises have some positive effects on certain people –something,
nevertheless, that occurs with the exercises of other systems as well…READ
FULL ARTICLE
4. To
Obey like the Pharisee, to Repent like the Publican
We have already begun our
preparation for the Great Lent. We are on the verge of the period of our life
when we should follow Christ, step by step, on His way to Golgotha, to become
the witnesses of victory over death. These weeks should form a special attitude
towards the spiritual life inside us . We can say that the Great Lent, as well
as our life in general, is our preparation for Pascha…READ
FULL ARTICLE
3. Reflections
on the Holy Scripture: the Pharisee and the Publican
This short familiar
passage tells me once again, how important it is to read the Gospel carefully
and with prayer, to read the passage several times, as if you want to memorize
it. Then you get the wish to understand the meaning and the desire to check the
explanations of the words and expressions – and that which was clear after
first reading may lead to questions after the fifth reading…READ
FULL ARTICLE
2. The
meaning of the Deaconate in the Orthodox Church
The diaconate has been a
little understood ministry, in fact, often a misunderstood ministry.
Although it is one of three ordained orders, most lay people have little or no
contact with a deacon, no idea of the history of the diaconate or what it entails
today. We hope to clarify some of the questions about deacons below…READ
FULL ARTICLE
1. How
to Greet a Monk or Nun
The Russian approach is
usually rather easy: if they're wearing a pectoral cross, you can get a
blessing from them. Unless, of course, they're outside of the church and not
wearing their cross. . .READ
FULL ARTICLE
CONVERSATION