Further Reflections on the Orthodox Study Bible

Earlier, I gave some very superficial initial impressions of the Orthodox Study Bible. (This webpage gives a list of translators and commentators, but it is manifestly an old document, dated 19 September 2002, and may not be entirely accurrate/updated.) I’ve spent a week now with the OSB, and have some further thoughts.
First, a bit of [...]

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The Faith of Abraham

Genesis 12.4 notes that Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Haran out of obedience to God to go to the land that God would show him. In 12.7, God promised Abraham that he would give this land to Abraham’s seed. Abraham had no heir; Sarah was barren. In 13.14-17, when [...]

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Prayer Efficacy

But if he still does not reform or perhaps (which God forbid) even rises up in pride and wants to defend his conduct, then let the abbot do what a wise physician would do. Having used applications, the ointments of exhortation, the medicines of the Holy Scriptures, finally the cautery of excommunication and of the [...]

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The Lenten Fasting Rule of the Orthodox Church

The traditional Orthodox Lenten fast is a rigorous one:
The Lenten Fast
Great Lent is the longest and strictest fasting season of the year.
Week before Lent (”Cheesefare Week”): Meat and other animal products are prohibited, but eggs and dairy products are permitted, even on Wednesday and Friday.
First Week of Lent: Only two full meals are eaten during [...]

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Fasting and Great Lent: Pastoral Instructions from the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese

From our archdiocese comes the pastoral instructions for Fasting and Great Lent (props to Huw for the link).
THE TRIODION
Great Lent is the 40-day season of spiritual preparation that comes before the most important Feast of the Christian year, Holy Pascha (which means ‘Passover’ and is commonly called ‘Easter’). It is the central part of a [...]

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