"The Church is the earthly heaven in which the heavenly God dwells and moves" (Saint Germanos of Constantinople).

The place of worship is a consecrated and dedicated holy place or space. Soon after the church building is erected, the Hierarch (Bishop or Metropolitan) is invited to consecrate it. It takes place during the Divine Liturgy and it is a much longer divine service. The interior of the church, beginning with the altar table is blessed and anointed by the bishop. Holy relics of Saints are place in the crypt (opening on top and in the center of the altar table) and stay there for as long as the church is standing. From the day of the consecration the church cannot be used for any other purpose, other than for worship and conducting the various sacraments and other divine services. It is a holy place of prayer and contemplation.

In the teachings of the Holy Fathers, the three stages of spiritual life are characterized by use of the terms "praxis" and "theoria." I think we should dwell upon this subject also, in order, on the one hand, to understand more clearly what is meant by repentance and purification of heart; and, on the other hand, to ascertain the misinterpretation of the terms "praxis" and "theoria" by contemporary individuals, I would like to begin with an analysis of the latter.

Orthodox Christians around the world observe four seasons during the year. Two of these--the Holy and Great Fast (Lent) for the 40 days of Lent, and the Holy Dormition Fast during the first 15 days of August--are considered "strict" fasts. The other two are generally observed as "lesser" fasts the so-called "Nativity (Christmas) Lent" or fast during the 40 days before the Feast of the Holy Nativity, and the Fast of the Apostles which occurs in June--after the Sunday of All Saints (the Sunday following Pentecost) and culminates in the feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29).

From What Am I Saved?

*       First, then, from what am I saved?

*       How does the Orthodox Christian Tradition understand our fallen and sinful condition?

Based on the treasure of the holy memory of the Church, the study of Holy Scripture leads to unity, and not the breakdown of the Church. This way the Will of Christ for the unity of the faithful is fulfilled (St. John 17:20-21). That is why the Holy Apostles advised Christians to hold on to the traditions - that is, the treasure with which they entrusted them (1 Corinthians 11:2; Phil. 4:9) "either by word or by epistle" (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:13).