Fr. Geoff’s Blog

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Her Majesty prays before a special icon

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Mon, 31/08/2009 - 4:40pm

A year ago, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent expressed a wish to obtain a holy Orthodox icon as a gift for the Queen during his informal visit to the town of Nevjansk in Sverdloskiy Region. The Prince particularly liked one of the most highly cherished icons in Russia, Our Lady’s icon “Tenderness.” St. Seraphim of Sarov, a highly revered 19th-century Russian monk, kept it in his cell and treasured its healing power. He called this the “Tenderness icon,” representing Mary’s feelings of tenderness at the Annunciation, the “Joy of All Joys.”  

Historic Orthodox decision, migrant communities to have their own bishops’ conferences

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Mon, 10/08/2009 - 1:11pm

Just discovered this report from http://directionstoorthodoxy.org/ on a recent meeting of Bishops Sabezy (Geneva) on the subject of what is known as the ‘Orthodox Diaspora’ (in Greek, διασπορά – “a scattering [of seeds]“) refers to the movement of any population sharing common ethnic identity (Antiochian, Greek, Romanian, Russian, etc.) who were either forced to leave or voluntarily left their settled territory, and became residents in areas often far remote from the former.) of which Australia is a part.  

Miracle Icon in Israel

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Tue, 21/07/2009 - 3:36pm

Christians have been flocking to the dusty Israeli town of Ramla to see what locals are calling a miracle: streaks of what looks like oil mysteriously dripping down an icon of St. George at a Greek Orthodox church named for the legendary third century dragon slayer. Let’s learn more about this miraculous icon.

On Celebrating Darwin

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Tue, 21/07/2009 - 11:09am

This year we have an important double anniversary of Charles Darwin: the 200th anniversary of his birth, and the 150th anniversary of his classic work, The Origin of the Species. Already plenty of celebrations and commemorative events are under way. With February 12 being his birthday, even more attention will be drawn to the man. So what is one to make of Darwin? In truth, there is a real mix of opinion in regards to Darwin and his thought. Many applaud his life and work while others find much which is problematic.  

What is “Once Saved, Always Saved”?

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Thu, 25/06/2009 - 9:58am

While “Original Sin” and “Once Saved, Always Saved” are mainstays of Western Christian doctrine, the Orthodox have quite a different view on our relationship with God. Discover the truth taught by Orthodox Christianity.

Theophan the Recluse on Spiritual Practice

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Thu, 11/06/2009 - 10:41pm

Many Orthodox prayer masters talk about three powers of the soul — mind, will and heart. St. Theophan the Recluse describes how to educate each power of the soul. The Christian life of virtue depends on educating and training each power.   Educating the Mind We educate the mind (the intellectual power) through study of the faith - scripture, ancient church writers, and helpful books.  

Why Does God Sing?

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Wed, 01/04/2009 - 3:53pm

Why would God sing? The question may sound strange and yet it is said in Zephaniah 3:17 that “He will rejoice over thee with singing.” I first noticed this verse when I was a very young Christian and have puzzled about it for nearly forty years. Equally puzzling to our modern way of thought is the question, “Why does anybody sing?” I have been to plenty of operas and have to admit that even the ones in English need subtitles — singing does not necessarily make something more easily understood. And yet we sing.

Why Do the Orthodox Believe in Guardian Angels?

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Fri, 02/01/2009 - 2:25pm

Many Christians today question belief in angels, and especially guardian angels. The Orthodox their inherited belief in guardian angels from the Hebrews. We have scriptural passages detailing interactions with guardian angels, and some people who have seen guardian angels in visions. Let’s learn some more about guardian angels.  

Five Good Reasons NOT to Visit a Monastery

Submitted by Fr. Geoff Harvey on Mon, 22/12/2008 - 5:36pm

Even the very best choices in life come with temptations. Temptations to take things to excess, or to approach things with the wrong motives. Visiting a monastery is no exception. While monasteries are holy places and visiting them can prove a great blessing, it can come with temptations.  

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