On March 25, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation by Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she should become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God, as today is exactly nine months before Christmas.
Tag: Jesus Christ
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. It is one of the most important periods in the Orthodox calendar, often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. The first Saturday of Lent includes the commemoration of various saints and events, enhancing its significance within the liturgical calendar.
The oldest known depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ is housed in the Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai. This rare icon blends Greco-Roman art traditions with early Christian iconography, offering a glimpse into the cultural and artistic heritage of the time. Its intricate details and symbolic composition continue to inspire scholars and believers, serving as a living witness to the dawn of Christianity.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s Christmas message calls for a focus on Christ’s humility amidst the holiday rush, reminding Christians of the true meaning of the season.
Holidays and rituals have always been integral to human culture, deeply rooted in community and society. While Western festive days are largely based on Christian traditions, many of these customs can trace their origins to Ancient Greece and Rome. Christmas, for example, is widely believed to have evolved from pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. Although the Bible does not specify the exact date of Christ’s birth, December 25th was likely chosen to coincide with the Roman winter solstice festival, Die Natalis Solis Invicti, celebrating the “Unconquered Sun.” This date also aligns with the symbolism of Christ as the “light that shines in the darkness,” reinforcing the connection between solar and religious traditions.
The **Nativity Fast**, one of the four main fasting periods in the Orthodox Church, begins on **November 15** and ends on **December 24**, leading up to the celebration of the **Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ** on **December 25**. This period invites faithful Christians to prepare spiritually for the joyous occasion of Christ’s birth. It is a time of reflection on the mystery of the **Incarnation**, when God became flesh. As part of this preparation, the Church calls on believers to engage in fasting, embracing the discomfort and sacrifice it brings, as a means of drawing closer to Christ in anticipation of His coming.
Nicolas Cage stars in “The Carpenter’s Son,” a film exploring the childhood of Jesus Christ, set against the backdrop of a transformed biblical village in a remote area of Greece. Under Lotfy Nathan’s direction, the movie weaves a dark narrative inspired by the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas, featuring Cage as the Carpenter and a talented cast including FKA Twigs and Noah Jupe.
The debate over the Shroud of Turin, the linen cloth some believe shrouded Jesus Christ after his death, has been reignited by a new scientific study. Italian researchers claim their analysis suggests the cloth could indeed date back 2,000 years, aligning with the time of Jesus. This latest study injects fresh uncertainty into the Shroud of Turin’s already controversial history. While some may view it as evidence supporting the artifact’s authenticity, others remain unconvinced, highlighting the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny and open dialogue.
A 25-year-old man was arrested in the city of Larisa, central Greece, on Friday after…
In the Greek Orthodox church, the Epitaphios procession on Great and Holy Friday serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s burial, inviting believers to contemplate the profound sacrifice and ultimate triumph celebrated in the Easter resurrection.
On March 25, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation by Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she should become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God, as today is exactly nine months before Christmas.
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Lent is one of the most important periods in the Orthodox calendar. Lent is often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God.
Ask Greeks when is their favourite time of year and the answer for many will…
It’s that time of year, the beginning of January 6, the Feast of Theophany, when…
Instead of the usual joyous festivities, Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem held a somber Christmas vigil…
Holidays and rituals seem to have always been a universal aspect of the human experience,…
An explosion occurred within the grounds of one of the world’s oldest churches, Gaza’s St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, on Thursday while numerous Palestinian families were seeking refuge on the premises. A beacon of faith through the ages, read about its rich history.
On March 25, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation by Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she should become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God, as today is exactly nine months before Christmas.
It’s that time of year, the beginning of January 6, the Feast of Theophany, when…
Holidays and rituals seem to have always been a universal aspect of the human experience,…