By the end of the 16th century, Ottoman suzerainty had become extremely oppressive, particularly due to increased tribute, frequent changes in rulers, the purchase of the throne for large sums of money, and other injustices and obligations. The princes of the three lands were often overwhelmed by this Ottoman oppression, particularly those of Wallachia, who …

Transfiguration of the Lord is the great feast of August, an opportunity to strengthen the faith. Miracle “Transfiguration” the Savior is the iconographic usually this: Jesus to a high mountain, dressed in bright clothes with Moses and Elijah one side, and on the basis of image three disciples, Peter, James and John, who fell to …

For every Despotic and Mother of God feast we have great joy no matter where we celebrate. But in the Holy Land everything is more real. There you feel like you are flying in the clouds. Sometimes you don’t realize what is happening to yourself, whether you are in heaven or on earth. And this …

In the Orthodox Christian tradition, there are two Paraclis dedicated to the Mother of God: the first Paraclis, composed by the monk Teostirict in the ninth century (some say Teofan), and a second Paraclis. Throughout the year, only the first Paraclis dedicated to the Mother of God is chanted; however, during the Fast of the …

Throughout the history of the Church, the mother’s role in giving birth to and nurturing faith in a child’s soul has always been significant. A mother sows the seeds of living, active faith in the soul of her child. Through her warm and tender love, she opens up the unseen universe of spirituality within the …