Gladsome Light Dialogues - An Orthodox Blog » Christian Virtues

The Akathyst of the Holy Martyr Menas the Wonderworker

Fr. Vasile — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:09:29 +0000

The shrine of St. Menas used to be for the Ancient Eastern Orthodox world what Lourdes is for Roman Catholics, a place where thousands of pilgrims would bring their prayers in distress and receive the grace of God in return, through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr. Though the Shrine of Saint Menas was one of [...]

Fasting and the revelation of our shortcomings

Fr. Vasile — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:41:10 +0000

Most of the Orthodox people have a hard time fasting. Every beginner realizes sooner rather than later that fasting is difficult, and the discipline of the stomach is not easy to master. The struggle of fast has however another curious secondary effect: the amplification of all our other shortcomings. When we fail in fasting we feel guilty and unworthy.

The struggle of prayer – a short practical guide

Fr. Vasile — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:19:16 +0000

If you ask anyone in church about prayer they will most likely us a descriptor like: a pleasant experience, a conversation with God, a link with the absolute or other general terms, all positive in nature. Things are different however when, during Confession, a Father Confessor asks the same question. He will most likely hear more about lack of time, loss of focus, procrastination and struggle in general. The truth is that prayer is easier said than done.

How to live an ecological life in Christ

Fr. Vasile — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:50:23 +0000

Raising awareness of our spiritual footprint

There is a lot of talking these days about the environment and the impact our civilization will have on the planet for generations to come. A lot of damage has already been done and we are here now

The Postmodern Truth of Resurrection

Fr. Vasile — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:13:13 +0000

As citizens of the post-modern world we got so used to relative truth that we are quick to label any one that supports a fundamental truth of any kind as a fundamentalist. But there is no shame in upholding a fundamental truth. Imposing it on others yes, this could be a problem. But there is no evil in standing by it

The Vanishing Pascha Multitudes

Fr. Vasile — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:11:40 +0000

It is always uplifting to see the multitudes filling the Church for the beautiful services of Holy Week and Pascha. At this time most of the Churches seem too small to accommodate all the people wanting to receive God's blessing. There is however one question that arises naturally: where are these people during the rest of the year?

Love in times of recession

Fr. Vasile — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:21:03 +0000

"The LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loved you."

(Deu 23:5)

What makes our Christian religion unique is our concept of salvation. As Christians we have a Savior that loves us and in His love He comes down on Earth and saves us by

The Egypt’s Desert Fathers – Humility

Fr. Vasile — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:55:54 +0000

An old man was asked, "What is humility?" and he said in reply, "Humility is a great work, and a work of God. The way of humility is to undertake bodily labour and believe yourself a sinner and make yourself subject to all." Then a brother said, "What does it mean, to be subject to all?"