Orthodox Christians around the world observe four (4) Fasting Seasons during the year. Two of these-the Great Fast for the forty days of Holy Lent, and the Holy Dormition Fast during the first fifteen (15) days of August--are considered "strict' fasts. The other two are generally observed as "lesser" fasts: the so-called "Christmas Lent" or fast during the forty days before the Feast of the Nativity, and the Fast of the Holy Apostles which occurs in June.

The sixth Commandment prohibits the taking of life. This Commandment, therefore, applies equally to the taking of one's own life (suicide), the taking of another's life (murder) and the taking of the life of the unborn (abortion).

In the first place in the series of Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Holy Orthodox Church stands the Mystery (Sacrament) of Baptism. "It serves as the door leading into the Kingdom of Grace, or the Church, and it grants access to participation in the other Mysteries (Sacraments). Even before the establishment of the Mystery of Baptism, the Lord Jesus Christ in His conversation with Nicodemus indicated the absolute necessity of it for salvation.

The guidance that our Orthodox Church offers, with the Holy Services, Patristic Theology, Monasticism, is theanthropocentric guidance. Its center is the God-Man Christ, and it leads to Theosis (Deification). This brings great joy into our life when we know what a great destiny we have, and what blessedness awaits us. To set our sights on Theosis (Deification) sweetens the pain in every trial and all the worries of life.

According to the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Article 18, Section 1-7 says, "Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to: adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith;

Even after 47 years in the Priesthood I am still surprised and deeply saddened by "Orthodox" Christians who are concerned about the state of the Holy Eucharist. In other words they are outright afraid of receiving Holy Communion from the same chalice and by the same communion spoon. Some run to be first so that they could avoid catching germs or something else. Others have gone even beyond that and treat the Precious Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as though it is ordinary bread and wine. Others analyze how it tastes.