Yah | יָהּ (Yah) | Name
Etymology and Semantic Analysis The term ‘Yah’ is a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Derived from the Tetragrammaton יהוה (YHWH), ‘Yah’ appears predominantly in poetry and songs. The etymology is connected to the Hebrew verb היה (hāyāh), meaning ‘to be’ or ‘to become’, suggesting a dynamic and […]
Theoctistus, Saint: The Ascetic Companion of the Great Euthymius
Saint Theoctistus (d. 451) was a great ascetic who withdrew from the world and took refuge six miles outside of Jerusalem at the Lavra Pharan monastery. There he enclosed himself in a cell and devoted himself to the strictest ascetic struggles. During this time, the eminent Euthymius also came to reside in a neighboring cell […]
Angelus | Significance and Practice in Marian Devotions
The Angelus, a revered practice within Christian Marian devotions, holds a profound place in the religious and cultural life of many believers. This devotional exercise, deeply rooted in Christian tradition, serves as a daily reminder of the Annunciation – the moment when the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary her role in the birth […]
Great Lent | Eastern Orthodox Christian Observances
Great Lent, a significant fasting season within Eastern Christianity, marks a period of spiritual introspection and preparation for Pascha (Easter), the most celebrated feast in the Christian calendar. Originating alongside Western Christianity’s Lent, Great Lent possesses unique features and dates, deeply rooted in Byzantine tradition. The Origins and Purpose of Great Lent Eastern Orthodoxy’s Great […]
The secret of sanctity, according to St. Francis de Sales and Father Crasset, S. J
A Journey Through Spiritual Guidance and Historical Reflections “The secret of sanctity, according to St. Francis de Sales and Father Crasset” is an enlightening compendium that delves into the spiritual insights of two remarkable figures in Christian history. Compiled in 1893 and enriched by the contributions of Ella McMahon as translator, this book stands as […]
Philokalia | A Guide to Orthodox Spirituality
The Philokalia, a seminal collection of texts central to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, emerges as a profound guide in spiritual growth and contemplation. Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Makarios of Corinth, this anthology spans writings from the 4th to the 15th centuries. Though the exact dates of its compilation are not […]
Doxology: The Articulation of Divine Praise in Liturgical Practice
Origins and Historical Context Doxology, a term deeply embedded in Christian liturgical traditions, stands as a testament to the enduring nature of praise and worship. This liturgical formula, dedicated to exalting God, has traversed centuries, evolving yet retaining its core purpose: the glorification of the divine. The origins of doxology trace back to early Christian […]