In this article, I would like to present some of the quotes of the Church fathers on chastity. This is the fruit of their experience and strife towards Holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Thus we are encouraged to walk like them in the path of holiness.

We will continue our discussion about the virtue of humility. After we learned about humility and how to come near to it, it is important for us to know :

Since we are in the journey of lent, I would like to talk about an important virtue, rather it is the virtue that encompasses all virtues, the virtue of humility.  The church fathers said that it is the fertile ground in which all other virtues can grow, and without it none will grow. Indeed, humility is a virtue-bearing ground.

This verse from the book of Psalms is used in the prayer of the third hour, Psalm 33 in the book of Agpeya starting with “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth…” When we meditate up on this verse, we can extract many important meanings to our spiritual life:

This beautiful phrase is the beginning of Psalm 45 which we pray at the third hour of the daily Agpeya prayers. This Psalm is filled with confidence in God's love, His power, and care, regardless of the dangers surrounding us, or how severe the hardships are.

The children of God believe in several key facts:

Witnessing to the truth is a core believe for the children of God who know Christ and are united with Him, for He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 6:14)

Many thoughts are running through my mind regarding the recent events: 

After last week’s article, I couldn’t get myself to quickly write about and analyze the horrific terrorist act that took place on New Year’s Eve, and extract the important facts that were revealed thorough it. Rather, I would like to first convey to you some of the overwhelming emotions and the thoughts that linger on my mind.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”

Saint Mary and Saint Elizabeth both are great examples of humility and this was revealed when they met each other. Thus, we discovered the secret of their greatness, and the reason for one to deserve being the mother of the incarnate God, while the other being the mother of the greatest one born of women.

The annunciation of Archangel Gabriel to St. Mary for the birth of our Savior was a clear transition in the history of humanity. Through it, the divine incarnation started, and blessings has outpoured on mankind.  Therefore, the Church counts the Annunciation feast as the first major feast of the Lord, as it is indeed the first among all feasts.