Why do the Orthodox pray for the souls of the departed?

(As we will do every Saturday during this Great Fast) Just as we love and respect living family members, relatives and friends, so do we love and respect those of them who have departed this life. Our God is Love (1 Jn. 4, 8), to Whom all are alive (Lk. 20, 38) We...

Is Unconditional Love a Biblical Concept?

Yes and no… First of all, what is it? Generally speaking, unconditional love is the acceptance of a person without him or her meeting any conditions. In other words, it means having affection for someone without establishing limitations. So, unconditional love means...

Why do we bless flowers, herbs, and seeds?

WHY DO WE BLESS flowers, herbs, and seeds on the feast-day of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos? The Tradition of the Orthodox Church states that when Mary, the Mother God, fell asleep, all the Apostles, except Thomas, came together in Jerusalem. Amid divine...