Fathers

Keep Watch! No One Knows the Hour – Ephrem

Advent reminds us to be vigilant and awake. We should be watchful, longing and yearning for the coming of Christ says St. Ephrem the Syrian....

02 December, 2019 / 0 Comments

Two Fold Coming of Christ – Cyril of Jerusalem

This Advent reading on the two comings of Christ is an excerpt from Cyril of Jerusalem's famous catechetical instruction of adults getting ready for baptism around AD 360. Cyril contrasts Christ's first coming in humility with Jesus' second coming in glory....

01 December, 2019 / 0 Comments

singing songs joy augustine cecilia music november 22 jubilation

Songs of Joy & Jubilation – Augustine

Augustine, commenting on the psalms command to sing to God songs of joy, notes that the jubilation in our hearts sometimes overflows the capacity of all words, yet we cannot remain silent. The Church recalls such songs of joy on the feast of St....

22 November, 2019 / 0 Comments

ignsaius antioch God's wheat sacrifice rome romans martyr

I Am God’s Wheat – Ignatius of Antioch

An excerpt from the Letter of Ignatius of Antioch to the Romans, written while on his way to Rome to be martyred in the arena where he expects to become God's wheat, food for the wild beasts, a willing sacrifice with and for Jesus Christ....

14 October, 2019 / 0 Comments

september 13 john chrysostom whom should I fear

Whom Shall I Fear? – John Chrysostom

St. John Chrysostom proclaimed the Gospel fearlessly despite the jealousy and hatred directed at him by the supposedly Christian Empress and Imperial Court of Constantinople around AD 400. In the face of government threats he proclaims "If Christ is with me, whom shall I...

10 September, 2019 / 0 Comments

John Damascene Damascus dormition bodily assumption of Virgin Mary heaven assumed falling asleep August 15

Ancient Homily on Mary’s Dormition & Assumption – John Damascene

John Damascene, early Church Father, on the Dormition and bodily Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the end of her earthly life. This homily is cited by Pope Pius XII in his definition of the Assumption as a Dogma of faith....

15 August, 2019 / 1 Comment

gregory nyssa resentful resentment grudges emnity harmony unity

Peace, Unity & Harmony in Christ – Gregory of Nyssa

Gregory of Nyssa says we are not true Christians unless we reject emnity & become peacemakers, promoting unity, reconciliation, harmony & peace in Christ...

14 August, 2019 / 0 Comments

Terrorism 9/11 September 11 the triumph victory exaltation of the holy cross of Jesus Christ theodoret of Cyr passion sufferings gall vinegar crown of thorns cross tree meaning

Meaning of Christ’s Sufferings – Theodoret of Cyr

This reading on the mean of Christ's sufferings Savior's passion reflects on the Lord's passion by means of several key bible passages including of the piercing of Christ's side in John 19. Theodoret interprets the blood and water flowing from that wound as signs of...

12 August, 2019 / 0 Comments

polycarp marriage celibacy ignatius of antioch syria harmony unity

Marriage & Celibacy in God’s Honor – Ignatius to Polycarp

Ignatius of Antioch, in chains on his way to martyrdom in Rome, writes advice to his fellow bishop Polycarp. Married and celibate members of the community should live their marriage or celibacy as offering in God's honor. And the entire Church must offer to God...

03 August, 2019 / 0 Comments

Unity with the Bishop – Ignatius of Antioch

[dropcaps type='normal' font_size='100' color='' background_color='' border_color='']I[/dropcaps]t is right for you to give glory in every way to Jesus Christ who has given glory to you; you must be made holy in all things by being united in perfect obedience, in submission to the bishop and...

03 August, 2019 / 0 Comments