The Protection of the Mother of God (Gk. Agia Skepi) is one of the great feast days on the Orthodox Christian calendar among the people of Greece, also commemorated on October 1st.

The Feast of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos commemorates the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos in the church of Vlachernae in the city of Constantinople in the 10th century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool-for-Christ's sake. While the faithful were assembled in the church, Saint Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Ever-Virgin Mary above the faithful Christians and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. 

The 7th Ecumenical Council of the Orthodox Church took place in Nicaea in 787 A.D. and is also as the Second Council of Nicaea. The 7th Ecumenical Council dealt with the holy icons.

Listen to what our Lord Jesus Christ says: "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (St. Matthew 16:26).

"Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (St. Matthew 10:28).

"Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' And he said, 'From childhood.

During a somewhat casual conversation that strayed from subject-to-subject within my family circle a few days ago, we collectively arrived at a very rare consensus of opinion: There is just too much "noise" at practically any venue one chooses to attend or visit.

Force yourself to get up early and at a definite time. Do not sleep for more than seven hours, unless you have a special reason. As soon as you wake up, direct your thoughts to God and piously cross yourself, thinking of our crucified Lord Jesus Christ, Who died on the Cross for the sake of our salvation.