Orthodox Articles


Statement From the Chancery of the Western American Diocese on the Tragic Events in Las Vegas

[lvwsiblock width=”60%”]

WESTERN-AMERICAN DIOCESE: October 4, 2017

Statement From the Chancery of the Western American Diocese on the Tragic Events in Las Vegas

With horror and pain in my heart I have followed reports of the recent atrocity in Las Vegas, as a result of which so many are dead and many more are injured. Our prayers, deepest feelings and sympathies are with all those affected by this unimaginable cruelty. We offer our prayers at the holy shrine of St John (Maximovich)
the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, which contain his incorrupt, healing and life-bearing relics; and we fervently plead for his Godly intercessions, to warm and comfort the relatives of the reposed and those undergoing treatment in hospitals and elsewhere, and to appeal to the Lord of All that He would
send His heavenly peace into the hearts of all men.

From my heart I wish God’s help to the clergy and faithful of the fraternal Orthodox Churches in the region,
affected by this horrific event; to the doctors and law enforcement officials who continue even now to labor
on site for the aid of the innocent; and to those who even at this hour seek out the circumstances of this incident,
striving to bring assistance and support to those now in need.

Though in the face of such evil the darkness of the world feels overwhelming, as Christians we must never
forget that there is “a Light that shines in the darkness” (John 1:5), and that the darkness has not, and will not,
and cannot overcome it. May this terrible tragedy lead us selflessly to work toward the good, to bring more
of the Light of Christ into this “adulterous and sinful” world, making it less dark through the proclamation of His divine presence.

+ KYRILL
Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America
ROCOR

[/lvwsiblock][lvwsiblock width=”39%”]

ЗАПАДНО-АМЕРИКАНСКАЯ ЕПАРХИЯ: 4 октября 2017 г.

Заявление из канцелярии Западно-Американской епархии в связи с трагическими событиями в Лас Вегасе

С ужасом и болью в сердце следил за сообщениями о чудовищном злодеянии в Лас Вегасе, в результате которого есть погибшие и раненые. Наши молитвы, глубокие переживания и соболезнования со всеми, кого затронула эта невероятная жестокость. У священной раки с нетленными и многоцелебными мощами святителя и чудотворца Иоанна (Максимовича) молимся о том, чтобы он своим теплым предстательством согрел и утешил родственников убитых и проходящих лечение в больницах, чтобы Господь всеял именно Свой неземной мир в сердца всех людей.

От души желаю помощи Божией духовенству братских Православных Церквей, врачам и правоохранительным органам, работающим на месте, выясняющим обстоятельства произошедшего и оказывающим всем необходимую помощь и поддержку.

Пусть эта страшная трагедия подвигнет нас на то, чтобы, самоотверженно трудясь в добре, приносить побольше Света Христова в этот мир, “прелюбодейный и грешный”, делая его менее темным.

+ КИРИЛЛ
Архиепископ Сан-Францисский и Западно-Американский
РПЦЗ

[/lvwsiblock]

Source: synod.com


Recurring Donation



On the participation of the faithful in the Eucharist

February 3, 2015

Document  approved  at  the  Hierarchal  Consultation  of  the Russian  Orthodox  Church,  February 2–3, 2015 in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow…


Participation of the faithful at the holy eucharist


The eucharist is the main Sacrament of the Church, instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ on the eve of his saving Passion, death upon the Cross, and resurrection. To participate in the eucharist and to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ is commanded by our Saviour who through his disciples said to all Christians: “Take, eat: this is My Body,” and “Drink of it, all of you: for this is My Blood of the New Testament” (Matt 26:26-­‐28). The Church herself is the
Body of Christ and, therefore, the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ visibly manifests the mystical nature of the Church, building up the ecclesial community. The spiritual life of an Orthodox Christian is inconceivable without the communion of the Holy Mysteries. Receiving the Holy Gifts, the faithful are sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit and are united with Christ our Saviour and with each other, making one Body of Christ. The Sacrament of the Eucharist requires special preparation. In the Church, the time itself – be it the span of a human life or the entire history of mankind – is an expectation and preparation for
the encounter with Christ, while the entire rhythm of liturgical life is an expectation and preparation for the Divine Liturgy and, accordingly, for communion, for which sake the Liturgy is celebrated [in the first place].

—-

[Read the entire article]