What is meant by the phrase “He was not tempted by Hades”, and is it the case that Jesus appeared first to the Theotokos? We look to the Scriptural teaching on the despoiling of Hades, to the cultural associations of Hades in the Greek and Roman mind, and to the prophet Isaiah for help in understanding the joy of Holy Saturday’s conquest.

This week we consider Revelation 16 as an intensification of Exodus 7-12, looking to Haggai 2:6-7, and various other NT passages, as well as some Church fathers, in our reading of this sobering passage.

This week we consider Revelation 18:1-8, considering the inevitable judgment of Babylon in the light of the prophet Isaiah (13:21-22; 47:7-9) and Malachi.

This week we behold the dramatic laments and final symbolic action concerning Babylon. The colorful vision of Rev 18:9-24, amplified by Amos 3:15-4:2, reveals the network of evil and oppression surrounding “Babylon,” and leads us forward towards joy in the victory of the God’s light and truth.

This week we consider Psalm 19 LXX (20 Hebrew Text), the “royal beginning” to Matins, in which we are taught confidence in King Jesus, who ruled even from the cross. We are helped in our reading by several ancient commentaries, Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 7-8, and Hebrews 7, all of which show gratitude for the LORD’s actions in raising us up and glorifying us with Him.

"Saint Basil the Great," by Vasilia Tussing, age 11, winner of the 10-year anniversary children's story competition.

Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent, "The Prophet Ezekiel and The Prophet Daniel in Babylon," by Elissa Bjeletich, illustrated by Jelena Jeftic (Sebastian Press, 2017).

1. In her inaugural broadcast, Chrissi reads her own composition for younger children - Under the Grapevine: A Miracle by St. Kendeas of Cyprus (Conciliar Press 2006) and for the older children part 1 of The Boy, a Kitchen, and His Cave by Catherine K. Contopoulos (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press 2002).

53. Book 1: Baby Moses by Mother Melania (Conciliar Press, 2008) (4:04 mins) Book 2: O God of Demetrios part two, by Angeline Eliakopoulos (Destro Publishers, Chicago, Illinois. 2002. For orders Tel: 773-561-2332) (23:06 mins) Book 2 begins at 4:50

145. Under the Grapevine: A Miracle by Saint Kendeas of Cyprus by Chrissi Hart (Concilar Press, 2006).

Fr. Ted speaks to the need for children to be raised in the House of God, and addresses the challenges that parents of young children face when they come to Church.

Raised by the Hell’s Angel’s motorcycle gang as a youth, John Franklin lived a hell on earth before submitting to Christ and discovering The Orthodox Church while serving a third-term in prison. A story of (continuing) repentance and the grace and mercy of God, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Father James Bernstein, author of the newly-released "Surprised by Christ: My journey from Judaism to Orthodox Christianity", speaks about his conversion from Judaism to Orthodoxy and why he believes Orthodox Christianity is the "fulfillment" of biblical Judaism.

Hunter Haynes, midwest policeman and self-proclaimed "nominal Presbyterian", spent a year in Kosovo (then part of Serbia) as a United Nations peacekeeper. The experience changed his life. Find out why in this compelling interview!

Jeremy (Basil) Dannnebohm was an ardent young Catholic. What made him journey from his cradle Church to the Eastern Orthodox Church, only to return to Rome and then revert to Orthodoxy? His story is on this episode of the Illumined Heart.

St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVOTS) celebrated two milestones at the 2018 edition of Orthodox Education Day (OED) on Saturday, October 6: fifty years of OED and fifty years of St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVS) Press. The day included several highlights befitting the historic celebration, including a passionate call to spread the Gospel as individuals in addition to supporting Orthodox evangelistic enterprises such as SVS Press and Ancient Faith Ministries, delivered by Ancient Faith co-founder John Maddex.

On its return to Orthodox Education Day at St. Vladimir's Seminary October 6, 2018, the Boston Byzantine Choir, directed by Charles R. Marge, delivered a beautiful performance at Three Hierarchs Chapel in celebration of the choir's own 25th anniversary.

Dn. Pawel, explains how the mission came to minister to victims of abuse.

Dn. Theodore, the Director of Community of St. John the Compassionate Mission, tells a story about Libby, a non-Orthodox woman who attends prayers every day.

Brother Luke shares about an addict and a group of mourners he met at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie.

Nick Heer on the ever-increasing user-hostile demand for your attention from the biggest social platforms #

The Feast of the Elevation of the Cross could also be called The Feast of Byzantium.

"We are called to be saints. We are called to fellowship with God. We are called to sanctification and true freedom in Christ. We are called to lay hold of eternal life. May we ever strive to walk in that manner, worthy of the high calling as we press on in our Lenten journey."

On Friday, October 29, 2010, St Nicholas Church in McKees Rocks/Pittsburgh was vandalized. The assailants smashed through a stained glass window, ripped down a royal door, and overturned a candle stand. Fr Tom reminded his flock that though these trials may come, no one can take away the gift of our faith in God. (Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost)

On the Feast of Pentecost, Fr Thomas teaches us that our Christian life must be empowered by the Holy Spirit of God in order to be one with each other and to tell the world of the good things God has done for us.

Being judged by God is far more than a legal pronouncement. Listen as Fr. Tom reminds the faithful that God's judgment has much more to do with our purification and our becoming truly human.

Saving repentance happens when we come to our senses, to our natural state and identity as children of God made in His image and likeness. By coming back to God we return to our true self; restored to God we become fully human again with the fullness of life.

Fr. Christopher delivers the homily on Great and Holy Pascha.

Fr. Gregory Hallam draws on St. Augustine for his sermon on the Ascension.

Great martyr Demetrius, that good soldier in the fight against invisible enemies, warns us in the words of St Paul that we should be vigilant, man up and don the armour of God. If his blood prevailed in Christ so shall ours.

New Assistant Priest Fr. George Robinson tells us that the righteous will inherit the kingdom of God because only the righteous will want to.

We are not saved by good works. We are saved by grace for good works. We do good works not only for Christ but also to Christ. Such are the prepositions of salvation: "by", "for" and "to."

Fr. Gregory preaches on the story of the Paralytic in the Gospel lesson.

The Annunciation is one of the most important announcements in human history. And the announcement—the message—is not only to Holy Mary that she is the Theotokos, but a message to each of us that our lives, like the life of Holy Mary, can be suddenly and unexpectedly changed because of the intervention of Christ guiding us to His purposes.

Fr. Emmanuel preaches on the Sunday of the Canaanite Woman but first a practical lesson for the children with Fr. Gregory.

We can be confident that Jesus Christ will forgive us and guide us and heal us - always.

Fr. Gregory Hallam gives the sermon for Palm Sunday.