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Noetic Memory. Noetic Faculty

02/20/2020

The heart, in the Orthodox tradition, does not only have a natural operation, as a mere pump that circulates blood. In Orthodox patristic tradition the heart is the center of our self-awareness. Saint Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain (+1809) calls the heart a natural and supernatural center, wherein resides “noetic” memory. Tapping into this noetic memory is manifested as the “incessant prayer” of the Holy Spirit inside the heart. Humankind’s mishandling of the memory of

Figures of the Nativity—The Magi

12/18/2019

By Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis, December 13, 2018 Today we continue on our study of the “Figures of the Nativity” by speaking about the Magi, the last people to take part in the story. We are not told how many “Magi” came to worship Jesus. We have settled on three, since three distinct gifts were offered. We know that the Magi came from far away and followed a star for two years before finding the Christ-child

The Third Day of Great Lent. The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts.

03/13/2019

The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts has a distinct character and order. It is comprised of three major parts or components: a) the service of Great Vespers peculiar to this Liturgy; b) the solemn transfer of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts to-the holy Table; and c) the preparation for and the distribution of holy Communion. The Liturgy does not contain the Anaphora, the Gifts of the bread and wine having been consecrated at the Divine Liturgy on

The Thirty-Seventh Day of Christmas Advent. The Story of Christ’s Birth.

12/21/2018

The story of Christ’s birth speaks to us about the mysterious ways of God. The Triune God acts in ways that we do not always expect! His ways are truly wonder-filled. For centuries, the Ancient Israelites had expected the Messiah. The prophets, especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, called the people to readiness and openness to God’s actions. Their message provided the people with indications about the coming Messiah. Yet, when ‘the fullness of time had come’

Sermon for Palm Sunday

04/01/2018

From: Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Brisbane QLD Throughout the entire history of the known world, men have conquered other men. Rulers have conquered cities. Emperors have conquered entire nations. At times, Kings have strived to conquer the entire world. But there remains one uncharted territory that has eluded men of power all throughout history. This unconquered territory is the human heart, and its sole conqueror is Christ the king. Today we celebrate together

Stillness and Silence: Wonder, Gratitude and Generosity Flow from the Well of Stillness

01/11/2018

One day Abba Arsenius consulted an old Egyptian monk about his own thoughts. Someone noticed this and said to him, “Abba Arsenius, how is it that you, with such a good Latin and Greek education, ask this peasant about your thoughts?” He replied, “I have indeed been taught Latin and Greek, but I do not know even the alphabet of this peasant.”21 Stillness opens the heart of the monk to a sense of wonder. When

Friday after Pentecost. “Common” is the Root of “Community”

06/09/2017

And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. Acts 2:43-45 In the Old Testament, we were introduced to the concept of the tithe, which is that ten percent of everything a person had was given to the temple, in

Feast of the Holy Spirit. Life in the Early Church

06/05/2017

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ”Brethren, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38 For the last week of these reflections that have brought us through

Tuesday after the Ascension. The Most Important Thing in Life Is the Only Non-Seasonal Thing We Do

05/30/2017

Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24: 50-53 There are many “seasons” in life, seasons that are anticipated, seasons that are endured, seasons that are enjoyed, seasons that end, sometimes even seasons that

Thursday of the 5th Week of Pascha. Grace Molds Us Gradually and Continually

05/18/2017

(John bore witness to Him, and cried, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, far He was before me.”‘) And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. John 1:15-16 (From the Gospel at the Divine Liturgy on Pascha) Christ is Risen! Back in the reflection on Holy Tuesday, I wrote about a cup, rocks and water and used these to illustrate the concepts of

Archive

Noetic Memory. Noetic Faculty

Figures of the Nativity—The Magi

The Third Day of Great Lent. The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts.

The Thirty-Seventh Day of Christmas Advent. The Story of Christ’s Birth.

Sermon for Palm Sunday

Stillness and Silence: Wonder, Gratitude and Generosity Flow from the Well of Stillness

Friday after Pentecost. “Common” is the Root of “Community”

Feast of the Holy Spirit. Life in the Early Church

Tuesday after the Ascension. The Most Important Thing in Life Is the Only Non-Seasonal Thing We Do

Thursday of the 5th Week of Pascha. Grace Molds Us Gradually and Continually

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