Mary in a Martha World

Chalkboard to-do list with humorous text.

From an early age we are taught to stay busy. Whether it is ‘morning work’ before school is even in session, or ‘working lunches’ looking for that promotion, taking a few moments for our soul is often the last thing on our minds every day. Today that changes. Today is the day we allow the…

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O God Save Your People

Crucifixion scene with religious figures background.

The Church teaches that everything in life is about our salvation. Our job, our free time, even the food we place in our stomachs are about our salvation. It isn’t because God cares what we eat, but because God wants to save us from ourselves. So, today we begin the fast. Today is also one…

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What is Your Plan?

Chalkboard with "What's Your Plan?" message.

As the saying goes, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ Nothing is truer when we speak about our spiritual life. We simply will not make much progress in our journey to God if we wake up every morning and just ‘do life’ as it comes. We need a plan if we want…

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Blessed Month

Religious altar items displayed on a table.

One of the sweet traditions of the Greek culture is the custom of wishing people a “Blessed Month” or Καλό Μίνα in Greek. This custom isn’t just empty words, but a prayer that is influenced by the traditions of the Church. During the Byzantine Empire it was customary for the clergy and people to process…

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Christ is Always Risen

Christ icon with "Christ is Risen" text.

Today is the Leave-taking of Pascha. It is the last day of Pascha for this year. It is the last day on which we greet each other with Christ is Risen. That does not mean Christ is not risen. He is always risen, but today we move on to the next feast of the Church.…

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Looking Forward to the Journey

Friends enjoying a convertible car ride.

Think back to a time when your parents told you about a great trip you were about to take. For days you would sit and dream about the great adventures that awaited your family. For days you would plan your adventures, even ‘practicing’ various skills you knew you would need. Today the Church takes a…

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Tough Love is Real Love

Silver bracelet with letters and heart.

You’ve heard the expression, but do you know how to express it? Expressing love can be one of the hardest things a person can do. Loving someone is wanting only what is best for them, even if it hurts you. Loving someone can also hurt them if they don’t want what’s best for them. At…

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Not Too Old to Learn

Hand writing "Never too old to learn.

One of my favorite sayings is, “I grow old always being taught.” For that to be true, that would mean I must try to discover something new every day. I’m not always successful, but today was a good day. I learned something new today. Today is the Feast of Saint Katherine the Great Martyr. Her…

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Choose a Team

Cheerful group celebrating with confetti indoors.

When we are young, we cringe at the idea of ‘choosing teams’ in gym class. The ‘time tested’ method of choosing who you wanted to compete with brought stress both to the captain and to those remaining unchosen. Choose incorrectly and you lose. Brethren, you who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your…

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A Confusing Lectionary

Man frustrated while looking at laptop screen.

If you are in the habit of reading the Holy Scriptures everyday using ‘The Readings of the Day’ you may have been a bit confused today. You may be wondering ‘which’ reading for today is the correct reading. You may be wondering how the Church chooses the readings it chooses. As Orthodox Christians, reading the…

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