Today’s feast celebrates the St. Michael and the angels! My patron saint is Saint Michael – he is amazing!!! Today is also my name day!!! I will look forward to writing some good stuff about Michael and an interesting story about New York City. God bless! Here is a GREAT overview from the Orthodox Church … Continue reading Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and other bodiless powers
If you’re in the DC area this weekend, join us for our 25th annual Middle Eastern food festival!! Smell the aromas from the outdoor grills, partake of Shawarma, Chicken Kebabs, Falafel, Fattoush, Hummus, and Stuffed Grape Leaves, or any number of other delicious menu choices, including a Roast Lamb Dinner served on Saturday from 6:00-9:00 … Continue reading 25th Annual Food Festival tomorrow & Sunday!!
Tomorrow begins the Dormition Fast, which is in honor of the Virgin Mary and her falling asleep in the Lord on August 15th (this is known as the Assumption in the Western Church). The tradition is to go vegan (except for shellfish) and save wine and olive oil for the weekends. On Wednesdays and Fridays … Continue reading Dormition Fast
The Holy Water before bed worked! That night I had a great dream about the daily readings from St. Isaac of Syria! Today’s post is by a profound prayer written by a saint I was recently introduced to, St. Symeon the New Theologian. St. Symeon is one of only three saints to be honored with … Continue reading Supplication to the Holy Spirit by St. Symeon the New Theologian
Spiritual writers throughout the ages have seen fasting as a critical weapon in spiritual warfare. St. Isaac the Syrian teaches, “… since fasting is a weapon established by God …the human race knew no victory before fasting, and the devil was never defeated by our nature as it is: but this weapon has indeed deprived … Continue reading St. Isaac the Syrian on Fasting
I’ve talked a lot about the health benefits of fasting and a lot of recipe ideas (you have no excuse now!). But fasting without prayer is simply dieting. I could say “well I’m on the gluten free diet (true) so I’m good on prayer and fasting.” Nope. That is just a diet. What about paleo? … Continue reading Fasting without prayer is just dieting
Yep, I totally love you guys! Thank you for reading! Here are MORE TASTY RECIPES for your enjoyment. All are vegan, gluten free, and regularly eaten by the longest living people in the world. White Bean Posole Verde Vegan Berry Protein Smoothie Perfect Crockpot Beans Baked Falafel Bowl Chickpea Pizza Black Bean Soup Ikarian Longevity Stew … Continue reading More tasty “fast food” ideas
One of the initial daunting realizations when you start fasting is, “uhhh, what do I eat?” Got you covered in this post! For breakfast, eat oatmeal. Jazz it up by adding chia seeds, honey, or fresh fruit! I just keep a big tub in my desk and add water + microwave = reliable and super … Continue reading Healthy foods during the fast
Every night during the fast we’re reading a selection from Daily Readings of St. Isaac of Syria, a very thoughtful gift from my godfather! I’ll post some nuggets throughout the fast time. St. Isaac lived in Nineveh in the seventh century and was a bishop and a monastic. The book notes: “He is acknowledge as one … Continue reading St. Isaac of Syria: Love from God
Today we start the Apostles Fast, which leads up to the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. This year the Apostles Fast is longer due to the calendar (it starts the second Monday after Pentecost, which is 30 days this year; some years it’s only a week and a hafl). This … Continue reading Apostles Fast Begins!
More Incense, Less Nonsense! 