The asceticism that goes into the most-important work of letting go of the physical, emotional, intellectual, relational, and spiritual...

St. Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022) is one of three saints of the Orthodox church to have been given the title of Theologian (the others are St. John the Apostle and St. Gregory Nazianzen). Born in Galatia and educated at Constantinople, he became abbot of the monastery of St. Mamas. His feast day is celebrated by some on March 12, the date of his repose, while others commemorate his feast on October 12, because March 12 falls within Great Lent. St. Symeon was a theologi

In the span of a mere nine weeks during late spring, the faithful are exposed to the most important elements of the faith. On the...

Standing at the base of an old, graying, wooden ladder I didn’t know what I would find in that mountain-cave turned church. As I ascended...