Fasting is a holy tradition passed down to the Orthodox Church from the Old Testament times, and is one of the means by which we partake of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In guarding ourselves against gluttony and impure thoughts, words and deeds, we gain God’s grace and power to resist spiritual temptations and [...]

The holy Orthodox Church sets certain guidelines for members to prepare themselves for the joyous partaking of the divine Body and the precious Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Death  separates us only bodily from our loved ones, not spiritually.  Because of this and the immutable bonds of faith and love, Orthodox Christians pray fervently for the departed, especially on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after days, and at other appointed times.

When we venerate the holy icons, the Cross of the Lord, and the Holy Gospel, we do not dare to touch with our lips the sacred faces painted thereon;

The bread which we receive after the Divine Liturgy, known as Prosphora or ‘Dora’, is given especially to those who for some reason or other did not or could not prepare for the Holy Communion.

The water blessed in church on the Eve of Theophany with the Great Blessing is to be preserved in a clean container in the homes of the faithful, and regarded as a great holy object.