An Easter reflection on the account of the meeting of Mary Magdalene with the Resurrected Christ in the garden and comparing it with the encounter of the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden
Today, the Indian Orthodox Church and her children begin our spiritual journey towards the cross on Calvary, where our Master was crucified for our sakes and redeemed us and on the third day rose again defeating death. We undertake this journey through the Great Lent. As we begin this journey, on this Sunday we begin with a feast where Jesus had gathered along with His disciples and began His public ministry. He began His ministry by performing a miracle, which is only mentioned in the Gospel of St. John – a miracle of transforming the water into wine.
we intercede to 26 saints and fathers of the Orthodox Church who lived until the 600 AD and 3 saints of the Indian Orthodox Church to keep us strong in the faith that they have handed down to us. We remember him as chief among mourners. He is a father who welcomed sufferings for the sake of His Master Christ and for upholding the true faith of the Church. He prayed by constantly by standing throughout day and night.
The Sunday after the Three Day Lent is commemorated as the Sunday for remembering our departed priests who have been our spiritual guides at every point of life. The Church remembers its fathers who had baptised her, taught her, nurtured her, and fed her with the Holy Body and Blood of her Master and Saviour Jesus Christ. Today’s parable on the loyal servant teaches us the qualities of a loyal servant waiting for his Master’s return and the punishment that awaits the unfaithful servant.
We who call ourselves followers of Christ and baptized with Him are also called to be prophets along with Him. We are called to be prophets to the dark and sinful world. Being followers of Christ and called to be His prophets, we are called to share in the life and death of Christ. Being His followers and being baptized in His name does not give us any extra dignity or privilege in life but it should make us able to wade into the depths of human sinfulness and proclaim the love of God. We are not meant to carry on our responsibility through our own strength but through the grace and mercy we receive from the world.
With the background of the Feast of Theophany and as we look towards our great pilgrimage to the Cross of Calvary and from there to the Feast of Resurrection of our Lord, the Three Day Fast calls us to imitate Christ in our lives to attain the glory of ever lasting life.
The Church commemorates the martyrdom of St Stephen – deacon and first martyr of the Church on Jan 8 right after the celebration of the feast of Theophany. While we are still in the mood to celebrate, the Church calls our attention on how to live a true Christian life by telling us about the life of her son, Stephen. Let us learn more more about him and understand the lessons he teaches us.
In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus The Indian Orthodox Church welcomes a new year by remembering two of the saints of the Orthodox Church – St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory of Nazianzus. This…
The Church commemorates the memory of St Basil on January 1. Saint Basil is also called “the revealer of heavenly mysteries”, a “renowned and bright star,” and “the glory and beauty of the Church.” Basil the Great (ca. 330 – January 1, 379), was bishop of Caesarea, a leading churchman in the 4th century, known especially for his philanthropic labors. The Church considers him a saint and one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, together with Saints Gregory the Theologian (Gregory Nazianzus) and John Chrysostom. Basil, Gregory the Theologian, and Basil’s brother Saint Gregory of Nyssa are called the Cappadocian Fathers. He is also known as the Doctor of the Church. Let us learn about his life and about his ministry to Christ.
On this Sunday of Annunciation to Mother Mary when we see a young woman accepting the will of God, let us contemplate on the greeting, “Hail, full of grace”. Also let us look at how a confluence of divine and human will led to the Incarnation of Christ.
