The omophorion is an integral part of the bishop’s liturgical vestment. It is by this liturgical vestment that believers recognize holy hierarchs on icons. What is the origin of this item of vestment, how is it used during worship, and what does it symbolize? Origin The omophorion (Greek: Ὠ … [Read more...]
True, Priestly Image: Bishop, Priest, Deacon
by St. Symeon of Thessalonica Priests are servants of the Creator of all things, who are to serve in the restoration of those, who were alienated by their own free choice and fell into being evil. Priests are ministers of the greatest and most divine work, through which earthly and heavenly beings … [Read more...]
How Angels Serve Priests in the Holy Altar
by Fr. Stephanos K. Anagnostopoulos This incident was narrated to the author by the blessed departed Gerondas Gabriel, who for a great period of time was the abbott at the Holy Monastery of Dionysios on Mount Athos. "There once lived a most devout Priest. Even though he barely knew how to read … [Read more...]
On The Mystery Of Ordination
by St. Nikolai Velimirovich "And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them" - Acts of the Apostles 6:6 By laying their hands on the chosen faithful, the apostles consecrated bishops, priests and deacons. It is apparent from this that the Christian Faith is not only a teaching, but … [Read more...]
The Relationship Of The Pastor And His Flock
by Bishop Benjamin (Milov) of Saratov and Balashov Is there such a thing as an attachment to a pastor? Is it admissible, does it not get in our way on the path to salvation? An event from the life of St John Chrysostom provides an answer to these questions. As is well-known, the saintly bishop used … [Read more...]
Requirements For The Episcopacy
Have some respect for your bishops! When we recite the Psalter, we promise God: I will meditate upon your statutes, and will not forget your words. It is a salutary thing for all Christians to observe this, but it is especially incumbent upon those who have received the sacerdotal dignity. … [Read more...]
Dealing With A Bishop
This short post from the Restless Pilgrim Blog shows why I love Orthodoxy - the Apostolic tradition of the Episcopacy! The Gospel this week (Luke 13:25-33) was all about what it means to follow Christ and to have Him as Lord over your life, in first place before anything or anyone. Doing this, as … [Read more...]
