[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pJE2neHk1I] What is Prayer? Prayer, by reason of its nature, is the conversation and union of man with God, and by reason of its action, upholds the world and brings about reconciliation with God; it is a bridge over temptations, a wall against afflictions, a crushing of conflicts, food of the soul, enlightenment of the mind, an axe against despair, …

Author: Fr George Dimopoulos Source: Orthodox Sermons for all the Sundays of the Year – Volume I Publisher: Christian Orthodox Editions “He rejoiced, and so did all his family, that He had become a believer in God”. (Acts 16:16-34) Dear brethren, in order to fully understand today’s epistle reading, we should explain the whole chapter as well as the historical …

(Commemorated on 2nd of June) What we know of Saint Constantine’s early life are only a few brief facts, since fellow family members and Ottoman Christians at the time of his martyrdom, hesitated to speak about his very public confession which stirred much ill-will amongst Ottoman Hagarenes (Muslims) and Ottoman civil authorities. His own family from what research seems to …

Author: Fr George Dimopoulos Source: Orthodox Sermons for all the Sundays of the Year – Volume I Publisher: Christian Orthodox Editions “It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:19-30). The Book of Acts, dear brethren, gives us the history of the Church during the Apostolic Era. Its purpose is related to us by its author, …

Author: Stella Tzobanakis Published: Brimbank Leader Newspaper, 28 May 2013 (Syndicated in Herald-Sun Newspaper – 28 May 2013) A CENTURIES old religious tradition was cut short because a Sunshine church could not afford a hefty council bill. The annual night-time Good Friday procession on May 3 at St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church in Armstrong St was shorter than usual because …

Author: Fr George Dimopoulos Source: Orthodox Sermons for all the Sundays of the Year – Volume I Publisher: Christian Orthodox Editions “Lord, I don’t have anybody to put me in into the pool when the water is stirred. And while I’m trying to get there, somebody else steps in ahead of me” (John 5:1-15). This Sunday, dearly beloved, is known …

Bookings are now available for all our Parishes and Communities throughout Australia OFFICIAL OPENING His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos will officially open the Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre on 1st October 2013 in the presence of Federal, State and Local politicians together with other official guests and our youth from around Australia. This exciting and highly anticipated event will be part of the 10th Annual Youth …

Author: Fr George Dimopoulos Source: Orthodox Sermons for all the Sundays of the Year – Volume I Publisher: Christian Orthodox Editions   “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve the tables” (Acts 6:1-7). I read the other day an article in a newspaper concerning the sermons of contemporary preachers. The title was, “What …

By Archpriest Michael Vorobiev The Typikon calls every festive meal a “great consolation for the brethren.” Pascha, which in importance stands outside the ranks of the twelve main feast days and is called the “Feast of feasts and the Celebration of celebrations,” presupposes a particularly abundant and diverse trapeza. However, in allowing this consolation, the Church nonetheless does not particularly …

ASSASSINATION PLOT AGAINST PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW UNCOVERED An alleged plot against Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Bartholomew is being investigated by an Ankara public prosecutor, private broadcaster NTV reported today. The investigation was launched after a letter was sent from the Central Anatolia province of Kayseri, claiming that the Istanbul-based patriarch would be the target of an assassination attempt on May 29, …