St. John of Damascus Icono-Graphic | Orthodox Christian Saint | Red Gold & Black High Contrast Design | Orthodox Christian Art PosterStichera for the Dead by St. John of Damascus Tone 1 What pleasure in this life remains unmarked by sorrow? What glory can endure upon this earth unchanged? All is feebler than a shadow, more deceptive than a dream; for death in a single moment takes all things away. But in the light of Thy countenance, O Christ, and in the joy of Thy beauty, give rest to those whom Thou hast chosen, for Thou lovest mankind. Tone 2 As a flower withers and a dream

the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach

for the Day will declare it

Christ in rising up

Like warriors they charge

That thou art Peter

may God make my heart his home

the remedy of infirmities

Sometimes I think the answer to this question is that the penitent has not yet begun to see him or herself as a sinner

For the Lord has shown strength with His arm

The practice of asceticism - called ascesis - is most often associated exclusively with monasticism

Demonstration of Apostolic Teaching

“Orthodox Christians live today in one of the great critical times in the history of Christ's Church