The Most Holy Theotokos
· Byzantine Heritage Artworks ·
Paint & Create Together Rediscover the Beauty of Orthodox Tradition.
A meaningful activity for all generations.
Discover the Collection
Blog, Religion, Spiritual life
Take Up Your Cross: Reflections on the Third Sunday of Great Lent
On the Third Sunday of Great Lent, a wooden cross is carried into the middle of the church and placed there for the entire week — not as decoration, but as a summons. Fr Thomas Hopko, Emeritus Dean of St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, reflects on what it truly means to venerate the cross: not merely to kiss it, incense it, or carry it in procession, but to pick it up. Drawing on Mark 8:34, the early Christian hymns of St Paul, and the missionary writings of St. Innocent of Alaska, this homily cuts to the heart of Lenten discipline — that to deny oneself and take up the cross is, in the end, simply to love. No matter what.
Tags: Ancient Faith Radio, Christian Life, Crucifixion, Discipleship, Eastern Orthodox, Fr. Thomas Hopko, Great Lent, Holy Week Preparation, Homily, Lenten Reflections, Liturgical Life, Love and Sacrifice, Orthodox Worship, Podcast Transcript, Resurrection Hope, Salvation, Self-denial, Sermon Notes, Speaking the Truth in Love, Spiritual Reading, Spiritual Warfare, St. Innocent of Alaska, St. Vladimir's Seminary, Stavrology, Suffering and Faith, Taking Up the Cross, The Cross, Third Sunday of Lent, Veneration of the Cross
Scan the QR code and read the latest issue of ORTHODOXY NOW Magazine.
Stay informed about parish announcements, events, spiritual gatherings, and community updates. Click and scan this QR code with your mobile device to join the parish group, or join with this link.
Orthodox Disability Theology for Christian Communities
Dr. Petre Maican, Orthodox theologian, PhD, and author based in Brussels, is devoted to bridging theology and disability. His work confronts a pressing question: how can Orthodox communities truly welcome people with disabilities, autism, mental illness, and neurodiversity?
This mission is sustained through his Patreon, where supporters receive monthly theological reflections, ministry updates, extended essays, and early access to resources—all while joining a community committed to building a more welcoming Church.
Dr. Maican’s goal is to reach 50 patrons, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to this work.
Leave a Reply