Author: Christine Cheryl Kerxhalli
I am a married Eastern Orthodox Christian in Western New York State who is retired and leads an uncomplicated lifestyle as a volunteer church worker. I love to learn new things and this has led me to pursue different career paths over the years but, it has always been my favorite pastimes that have remained a consistent source of enlightenment, strength, encouragement and love throughout my life.
My favorite pastimes are: my family, my faith and my hobbies. Among my favorite hobbies are card-making, knitting/crocheting/sewing for my family and for non-profit charitable organizations; bird watching; historical stories and documentaries; and fun things like superhero family-friendly fantasy tales.
"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”. C.S.Lewis
Christine
Holy Water in the Orthodox Christian Church
With Theophany (Epiphany) occurring on January 6, it is a good time to recall what the Blessing of the Waters really means. Technically, the Blessing of the Waters is not a Sacrament in and of itself, but it is part of the sacramental life of the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. If one listens to the … Continue reading Holy Water in the Orthodox Christian Church
Does the Virgin Mary have a surname?
At the time of Jesus' birth, surnames as we know them today were not in use. A woman's identify was classified by her station in life, House and Tribe through her father if she is unmarried, or through her husband if she is married. Genealogy records were meticulously maintained by the Israelites. In the New … Continue reading Does the Virgin Mary have a surname?
Byzantine Church Architecture and Iconography.
This video is suitable for teen/adult Bible Study classes within the Eastern Orthodox Christian context. Play the video and have a discussion either in person as a group or through the internet. For spiritual guidance or clarification, please consult with your Priest or spiritual advisor.
The Old Testament Priesthood as compared to the New Testament Priesthood
...In the Old Testament, it was prophesied by Isaiah and Ezekiel that the Lord God would come as a shepherd to His flock (Isaiah 40:11) (Ezekiel 34:12, 34:23). In John 10:7-16, Jesus Christ declares himself as the shepherd and Jesus Christ's ministry is precisely that, the shepherding of the people, the body of the Church....
Matthew 8:5-13 (Luke 7:1-10). The healing of a paralyzed servant
...Some biblical scholars believe this move is a fulfillment of a prophesy...
Theosis
This study unit consists of nine (9) chapters which focus on experiencing life and working toward Theosis within the Orthodox Christian perspective. Appropriate age groups are teens and adults. For group study, read a chapter individually then discuss together as a group either in-person or virtually. For spiritual guidance or clarification, please consult with your … Continue reading Theosis
The Hymn of Kassiani
...Saint Kassiani the Hymnographer and poet was born between 805 A.D. and 810 A.D. ...
Pascha (Easter) date calculation for Orthodox Christians
The date for the calculation of Pascha in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church can be easily explained.....
The word ‘Catholic’ translated to English in the Nicene Creed.
The Greek word, Καθολικὴν (phonetically Katholikín), is actually a combination of two Greek words
How to make a good seal on Prosphoro (Offering Bread) for Orthodox Christian Churches
The Prosphoro (Offering Bread) is a very simple recipe...
Establishing the Home Church as an Orthodox Christian
I think most people experience a time in their lives when they cannot go to a physical church building to worship the Lord for one reason or another - health, distance, etc.
Mary, The Mother of God, an Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective.
This is a video lesson series exploring the Old Testament prefiguring of the Theotokos (Mother of God) and the hymnody used by the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church to venerate her.
Women in Jesus Christ’s Genealogy
Women are mentioned throughout the Old and New Testament, but the only New Testament scripture which mentions women in Jesus' Genealogy is the Book of Matthew 1:1.
The Symbolism of the Fig Tree. John 1:35-52 (Mark 11:11-23; Matthew 21:18,19; Matthew 21:20-22)
The Gospel of John 1:35-52 - Jesus' 12 Apostles and the Symbolism of the Fig Tree. Refer also to Mark 11:11-23; Matthew 21:18,19; Matthew 21:20-22...
False Teachings about Christianity. James 3:1-10
In the Apostle James’ letter, he addresses the 12 tribes of Israel which are scattered abroad...
How can one get to heaven – how is one saved? Ephesians 2:4-10
In Paul's letter to the faithful who live in Ephesus 2:4-10, he addresses this question and says that we are saved by grace through faith. But, Paul also points out in this letter that there is a unity of grace, faith and works for salvation - he makes it clear that we are not saved … Continue reading How can one get to heaven – how is one saved? Ephesians 2:4-10
Persecution and Martyrdom, Matthew 10:16-32
The Orthodox Church typically reads this passage on days commemorating martyrs and on August 1. Saint John Chrysostom wrote in his homily on the Gospel of Matthew that Jesus was preparing the apostles for a new type of combat. He does not tell them to fight back rather to submit and allow others to help … Continue reading Persecution and Martyrdom, Matthew 10:16-32
What about the Byzantine Double-headed Eagle?
The origin of the use of the double headed eagle symbolically is shrouded in antiquity and many ancient cultures have used the symbolism
Bible Translations
...In the modern world, we are still struggling with receiving the most accurate translations...
About the Man Born Blind, John 9:1-38
...The Israelites were waiting for the Messiah...
About the Holy Fathers of the Church and the First Ecumenical Council.
..Three-hundred years before the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Century convened in the First Great Ecumenical Council...
The Feast of Pentecost within the Orthodox Christian perspective. John 7:37-52, 8:12.
... It was on this important day of the Israelites that Jesus takes the opportunity....
Why the term “Father” is used for a Priest in the Orthodox Christian Church
...Since the early days of the Christian Church,....
Matthew 5:14-19 – What it means to be a true Disciple of the Lord
....some biblical scholars believe this refers to the Old Testament prophecies about the time when....
On Illness and Suffering. Matthew 9:1-8; James 5:10-20
...Within Scripture during Jesus’ time on earth, the Apostles....
The Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. Matthew 14:14-22; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
....Biblical scholars see various meanings in this scripture reading. Some biblical scholars conclude that this miracle performed by Jesus is a....
The Miracle of Jesus Christ Walking on Water, Matthew 14:22-34; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21
...Most Biblical scholars agree that the scriptural imagery of Jesus Christ in the boat with His Apostles is representative of....
Healing of the Boy with Seizures. Matthew 17:14-23; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42
...Many English translations of Matthew’s text in Greek, translate the Greek word σεληνιάζομαι (seleniazomai) as ...
How a Person can be Born Again. John 3:13-17
...Nicodemus questioned Jesus about how a man can be born again...
Exaltation of the Holy Cross, John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30.
...Most biblical scholars agree that chapter 19 of John’s Gospel ironically indicates that even when men are pushing their own agendas to accomplish something they desire, they are in fact fulfilling God’s Will without realizing it....
Jesus tells His disciples to deny themselves and take up their cross Mark 8:34-38; Matthew 16:21-18; Luke 9:18-21
The events of this reading occur as Jesus and His apostles are traveling...
The Calling of the Apostles. Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20
The Lake of Gennesaret, as mentioned in this scripture reading ...
Behave towards men as you would like them to behave towards you. Luke 5:12-16, Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19
After Jesus had gathered His 12 Apostles...
The Raising of the Widow’s Son from the Dead. Luke 7:11-16
In Luke’s Gospel, the miracle of raising a man from the dead in the city of Nain immediately ....
The Demon-possessed Man. Luke 8:26-39
This story in Luke is also told in Matthew 8:28-34 and Mark 5:1-20.....
The Apostle Matthew’s Calling, Matthew 9:9-13
When Jesus calls Matthew to be His disciple...
The Parable of the Rich Man and the Abundant Crop. Luke 12:16-21
The parable of the rich man and the abundant crop (Luke 12:16-21) is preceded in scripture by...
Jesus Healing the Woman with the Curvature of the Spine. Luke 13:10-17
This is an interesting Gospel reading. Jesus heals a woman who has a curvature of the spine on the Sabbath in the synagogue....
The Lenten Triodion in the Orthodox Christian Church.
The Sunday following the Sunday of Zacchaeus marks the beginning of the period the Orthodox Christian Church calls the Lenten Triodion....
How the Sacrament of Baptism is related to the Lord’s Passion and Pascha in the Orthodox Church – Mark 10:32-45, Matthew 20:17-19, Luke 9:22-27
This Gospel reading is the third time that Jesus Christ teaches of His crucifixion and resurrection to the 12 Apostles. The first time Jesus speaks of....
The Sunday of Zachaeus – Luke 19:1-10
Jesus meets Zacchaeus in Jericho. Jericho was considered a sinful place to live because ...
The Relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus Christ – Mark 1:1-1:8
Many biblical scholars believe that John the Baptist was related in some way to Jesus Christ through the Virgin Mary’s bloodline and ...
The Beginning of Jesus Christ’s Ministry – Matthew 4:12-17
After Jesus had been baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:32,22; John 1:29-34) and triumphs over Satan in the wilderness(Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1-13), He learned that John the Baptist had been arrested....
The Cleansing of the 10 Lepers – Luke 17:12-19
Prior to the Gospel of Luke 17:12-19 telling of the healing of the 10 lepers is a story of the healing of another leper in Luke 12:15 (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45). In both of these stories, Jesus instructs the people inflicted
The Parable of the “Sower and the Seed..” Luke 8:5 – 8:15; Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20
Many theologians speak on this topic, but few, if any, look at it from the seed’s point of view
Akathist Hymn prayers to the Mother of God and the Lord intoned Byzantine style in English and Greek.
How to intone the prayers to the Mother of God and the Lord in English and in Greek using Byzantine Style chant as found in Great Compline and the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos according to Greek Orthodox usage during Great Lent.
Bible Study – the Pentateuch, an Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective.
This Bible Study video series is conducted within the Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective and begins with the Book of Genesis progressing through to the Book of Revelation.
Bible Study – The Writings: Wisdom and Poetry. An Eastern Orthodox Christian Perspective.
This Bible Study video series focuses on the Old Testament Wisdom and Poetry writings listed below and is conducted from an Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective.
Bible Study – The Historical Books. An Eastern Orthodox Christian Perspective.
This Bible Study video series is conducted from an Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective. Please keep in mind that the Eastern Orthodox Church today continues to use the Septuagint (LXX) as their Old Testament.
The Nicene Creed of Faith in Greek, Phonetics, and English
Nicene Creed of Faith in Greek, Phonetics and English. Helpful video and printout for those using English phonetics to pronounce the Greek.
The Incense Censer in an Orthodox Church
A pictorial aid in describing the censer used in an Orthodox Christian Church.
The Lord’s Prayer in Greek, Phonetics, and English
It is a common fact in English speaking countries that English Translations of the Lord's Prayer used in the Orthodox Church deviates considerably from one text to another. They all say essentially the same thing but use different, sometimes complex, English words in the translation. What absolutely never changes is the original text in the … Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer in Greek, Phonetics, and English
How an Orthodox Christian makes the sign of the Cross
This is a helpful pictorial aid for religious education and home schools that explains how an Orthodox Christian positions their hand when making the sign of the Cross. How an Orthodox Christian positions their hand when making the sign of the cross How an Orthodox Christian positions their hand when making the sign of the … Continue reading How an Orthodox Christian makes the sign of the Cross
How an Orthodox Priest positions his hand to bless
How an Orthodox Priest positions his hand to bless.
Why do some Orthodox Christians dye their eggs red?
The whole world maybe in quarantine at Easter 2020, but that doesn’t mean we have to neglect our Easter Traditions. Today (April 16, 2020) is Holy Thursday for Orthodox Christians and by tradition people of Greek, Albanian, Antiochian and Romanian extraction dye their eggs red on Holy Thursday morning. Why? Some Orthodox have a tradition … Continue reading Why do some Orthodox Christians dye their eggs red?
Vacation Bible School
A 3-day Orthodox Christian Vacation Bible School program for children grades 1 through teen.
Sunday School Advent/Christmas program for Orthodox Christian Youth.
This is a Sunday School Advent/Christmas program that effectively includes all children in the Catechism program of the church, First Grade through Teens.
The purpose of the program is to create anticipation and preparation in awaiting the birth of our Savior during the 40-day Christmas Lenten period.
The Hours of the Orthodox Church
Hours of the Orthodox Church: Vespers. Since ancient times, Vespers was scheduled close to the time of the setting sun and has a two-fold purpose: to end the current day with thanksgiving to God and, to begin the next day with the lighting of the lamps of evening. It is a service thanking God for … Continue reading The Hours of the Orthodox Church
The Christian Symbol of the Fish
For a printable copy, access this link In the earliest of Christian times, when Christians were heavily persecuted, the fish symbol came to represent Christianity long before the Cross symbol was in use. The symbol of the fish was used to identify oneself as a Christian to others, mark burial places of the saints … Continue reading The Christian Symbol of the Fish
Guide to creating a didactic (teaching) Divine Liturgy in your Home School or Parish.
The following is a link to a helpful guide for establishing an Eastern Orthodox Christian Didactic (teaching) Divine Liturgy in your Home School or Parish: Didactic (teaching) Divine Liturgy Guide. Some helpful hints for stylizing the Didactic Divine Liturgy Guide and creating your own document for handout in your Home School or Parish are: Use … Continue reading Guide to creating a didactic (teaching) Divine Liturgy in your Home School or Parish.
Eastern Orthodox Christian Timeline with Brief Explanation of the Seven Great Ecumenical Councils
This is a convenient Eastern Orthodox Christian Timeline that provides a very brief explanation of some of the decisions of the Seven Great Ecumenical Councils that were held during the first 1000 years of Christianity
An Explanation of a set of Priest Vestments in the Byzantine Tradition
The following video will provide a brief yet comprehensive explanation of each Priest vestment piece according to the Byzantine Eastern Orthodox Tradition and the vesting prayers said by the Priest in the Greek Orthodox Christian tradition.
The Orthodox Tradition of a Prayer Rope (Komboskini, Chotki) for The Jesus Prayer
The Jesus Prayer is: "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner". Some will even revise this prayer to be, "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me THE sinner". (Refer to the image below for the Jesus Prayer in many languages) The prayer rope (komboskini, chotki) originated in … Continue reading The Orthodox Tradition of a Prayer Rope (Komboskini, Chotki) for The Jesus Prayer
Orthodox Christian Youth Craft for Christmas Lent – Christmas (Advent) Wreath
Orthodox Christian Safety Advent Wreath For Orthodox Christians, the fast period for the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ begins on November 15 and extends through December 25. Orthodox Christians often refer to this time as the Christmas Fast or Christmas Lent. This is a spiritual period of moderate fasting, prayer, scripture reading … Continue reading Orthodox Christian Youth Craft for Christmas Lent – Christmas (Advent) Wreath
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