#Orthodox church

[soulrestinginstpetersburg]

If someone could mention me in a prayer, I would highly appreciate it. God bless you.

[religious-extremist]

The Blood of the Martyrs is the Seed of the Church

New Hieromartyr Daniel Sysoev received the crown of martyrdom 15 years ago in Moscow, at the Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew. He was a valiant confessor and preacher, infamous amongst the Muslims, atheists, neo-pagans, and Protestants in Russia. Prior to his martyrdom, he received countless death threats, but continued on his work preaching and baptizing those outside the Church, fearing not the threat of persecution but only the righteous judgment of God.

Father Daniel was hearing a confession in the sanctuary of the church when a masked Muslim gunman burst into the building, shot at the choir director and yelled “Where is Sysoev?”

Courageously, Father Daniel exited the sanctuary and revealed himself to the gunman. He was shot several times across the chest and to the back of his head, fighting for his life until the next morning.

On the 20th of November 2009, he departed this life and entered into the heavenly kingdom. He left behind a wife and three daughters, and a great example for us Christians to be fearless in the face of death and persecution.

Through the prayers of your new hieromartyr Daniel Sysoev, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

The pectoral cross of Father Daniel, washed in his blood.

[sayruq]

[allthingseurope]

Agia Triada Monastery, Crete, Greece (by Nik)

[eleutheria4ever]

believe it or not, i’m divinely protected and there will be consequences for wronging me

[thod0rakis]

ethel cain in white dress looking incredible

[lostmymarblesstuff]

[orthopunkfox]

Being queer and a Christian is often very difficult. I experience alienation from both sides. Often these two parts of myself feel impossible to reconcile. But, I want to share something beautiful that my priest does that nearly makes me weep every time. The Orthodox Church is not known for its inclusivity or progressiveness. It is ancient and its gears turn slowly. During Holy Communion, those who are not confirmed members of the Church may come forward for a blessing. The blessing is done by gender.

"The servant of God [Name] is blessed..." for men,

"The handmaid of God [Name] is blessed..." for women.

The first time I went up for a blessing, I was hesitant. My gender is no secret and I do not try to hide my queerness. Which blessing would I receive? With sadness, I concluded the priest would do what was simplest and default to my assigned gender.

I stood before him and bowed my head, arms crossed over my (noticeably growing) chest. He raised the golden chalice over my head and lovingly said:

"The beloved of God Quinn is blessed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen "

He has done this ever since and with this simple action, preaches one of the main, if oft forgotten pillars of Orthodoxy: It does not matter who you are, what pronouns you use, what colour your hair is, what clothes you wear, what mistakes you've made, what trials you have overcome, where you came from or where you are. You are beloved of God just as you are. You are created in the Image of God and are a sacred vessel of beauty, and there is a place for you here.

This is true inclusivity. Not the white liberal veneer placed on so many churches where the cishet, boomer congregation pats themselves on the back for the rainbow flag outside while actively misgendering the trans person sitting in the pew. My priest has not given any big speeches talking about how everyone is loved here. He doesn't have to. His genuine kindness and that of my fellow parishioners are the only sermon marginalised people need to hear. In these moments, the two parts of myself become one and I truly believe that the God I love delights in me.

[bast38]

“The one who requests less than he deserves from God will surely obtain more than he deserves. This is clearly shown by the tax collector who requested forgiveness but obtained justification, and the thief who merely requested to be remembered in His Kingdom but he inherited Paradise.”

—St John Climacus

[wgm-beautiful-world]

Orthodox Church of Holy Spirit in Chłopiatyn, POLAND

[teenageascetic]

“Everything will be very simple and easy if you decide to do it unto God, for God’s sake, and to the glory of God. Everything in life and in the soul will immediately come together.”

-Father Ioann Krestiankin.

[soulrestinginstpetersburg]

[religious-extremist]

The devil loves noise; Christ looks for silence.

☦︎ St. Ambrose

[noseysilverfox]

August 2013

On the territory of the Holy Dormition Joseph-Volotsky Stavropol Monastery, the village of Teryaevo, Volokolamsk district, Moscow region, Russia

[idylls-of-the-divine-romance]

*bangs head on the table repeatedly* Why. Do. The. Brothers. And. Sisters. Of. Christ. Love. To. Hate. Each. Other. So. Much.

You're Christian. I'm Christian. They're Christian. We all believe Jesus is God. We all believe God is love. Why all the hate?? So what if they believe Mary was assumed into heaven and you don't? So what if you believe Mary was ever a virgin and you don't?

There are lots of things we disagree on. But you know what? We agree on so much more!

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us humans and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one, holy, universal and apostolic Church. We confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and we look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We are all Christians for we are all anointed by the Anointed One, the Son of the Living God.

[sonyaheaneyauthor]

Kyiv, Ukraine in 1980.