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Welcome to the OCIC Web site, one of the largest and oldest sites on Orthodox Christianity. Think of the OCIC as a vast online article repository, with over 700 articles and 6,000 printed pages. This site has been online since 1996 and receives over 36,000 unique visitors per month, according to Google Analytics.
Orthodox Calendars
An integrated calendar may return in a future version of this site. It was, however, not as functional as these other online options:
Recent Additions
March 3/16, Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, and with him Martyrs Cleonicus and Basiliscus (308).
The following was sent to the OCIC by Fr. Peter Heers, an American serving as a Priest in the Church of Greece near Thessaloniki. The commentary is his, but the quotes (in Greek) were taken from the blog of Panagiotis Televantos, a Cypriot living in Astoria, NY who often writes about the dangers of ecumenism. Father Peter comments:
I think most people know that the famous "Fr. Maximos" in The Mountain of Silence: A Search for Orthodox Spirituality is the Metropolitan of Lemesou, Athanasios. He was a monk on Athos, who had the opportunity to spend time with such holy elders as Elders Paisios and Ephraim of Katounakia and others. He was, at the time of the writing of the book, the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Panagia Machera". Since then he was consecrated Bishop of Lemesou (or Limassol).
His Eminence gives talks almost weekly and these talks—in the thousands—have now circled the globe, being reproduced by his spiritual children. In one of his talks, which was recently cited in a much-discussed article, the Metropolitan had this to say of ecumenism and the dialogues between the "churches."
«…Είναι μερικά πράγματα παιδιά, στα οποία πρέπει νά 'μαστε σαφείς. Δηλαδή κι αυτή η σαφήνεια δεν είναι μισαλλοδοξία ...Αυτή η ιδέα του διαλόγου των Εκκλησιών… Ε! Είναι μία.... θα την πω έτσι, δηλαδή... συγγνώμη για τη φράση... θα την πω. Να μην την πω; Θα την πω. Είναι μία σατανική ιδέα. Οπότε ξέρετε …αυτοί οι δήθεν διάλογοι δεν καταλήγουν πουθενά, είναι δηλαδή... μία απάτη. Ξέρω 'γω, μαζεύονται, μιλούν, πάνε στα ξενοδοχεία, τρώνε, πίνουν. Τίποτα, ουσιαστικά τίποτα. Είναι μία απάτη, μία... αίρεσις, δηλαδή, ότι είμαστε όλοι το ίδιο πράγμα. Μα αν όλα είναι το ίδιο πράγμα, τότε πού υπάρχει η αλήθεια;…».
(Απομαγνητοφωνημένη ομιλία του Μητροπολίτη Λεμεσού αρ. 1028 “Η σημασία της αυτογνωσίας”).
Fr. Peter's translation:
"...There are some things about which we must be clear. And this clarity of thought is not bigotry. This idea of dialogue between Churches...A! It is. . . I will say it, ok. . . forgive me for the phrase. . .I will say it. I shouldn't say it? I'll say it. It is a satanic idea. You know that. . . these supposed dialogues will come to nothing; they are, in other words, a sham, fraud. What to say?: they gather together, talk, go to hotels, eat, drink. Nothing [of meaning], essentially nothing. They are a sham, heresy, that is, [the idea] that we are all the same. If we were all the same, then where is the truth....?"
(Recorded talk of Metropolitan Lemesou, no. 1028: "The importance of self-knowledge")
For those who loved The Mountain of Silence, it is important to realize that such spiritual life, such wisdom, does not "walk together" with heresy and delusion, cannot conscience any compromises in matters of Faith. It is easy to be "wowed" by the elders, it is quite another thing to mature spiritually and crucify one's mind to this world and its delusions (like ecumenism). The former—spiritual maturity and wisdom—doesn't come without the latter—crucifying our mind to the world and its lusts and deceptions.
December 18/31, Martyr Sebastian at Rome and his companions: Martyrs Nicostratus, Zoe, Castorius, Tranquillinus, Marcellinus, Mark, Claudius, Symphorian, Victorinus, Tiburtius, and Castulus (287).
John the Blessed, a special story by Photios Kontoglou for the Civil New Year and Feast of St. Basil. Translated by Archbishop Chrysostomos of Etna, who noted elsewhere: "The story, whatever the time of year, is a charming statement about those who, so rare in today's world, sense the presence of God, live simply in concord with the world as He created it, and show that joy which comes from a wholly natural and simple way of life." If you enjoy this story you should also read the short stories of Alexandros Papadiamandis: The Boundless Garden.
December 5/18, Venerable Sabbas the Sanctified.
A Strange Miracle of St. Nicholas, translated by Moses Hawk.
Holy Scripture and the Church, by New Hieromartyr Hilarion (Troitsky), Archbishop of Verey. This is an especially important article for Protestants to read. From The Orthodox Word, Issue #264-265, Jan-Apr 2009.
Preaching the Gospel of Christ in the Modern World, by Hieromonk Damascene. From The Orthodox Word, Issue #250, Sep.-Oct. 2006, Vol. 42, No. 5.
Edifying Blog on the Writings of Elder Paisios the Athonite and Living an Orthodox Life. Fr. Luke Hartung is translating some of the writings of Elder Paisios as well as posting helpful comments about life in the Church. Well worth reading and following.
November 8/21, Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers: the Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel.
Orthodox Priest Shot and Killed by a Muslim in Moscow. On November 20, 2009 Fr. Daniel Sysoev was shot in St. Thomas Orthodox Church in South Moscow. Holy New-Martyr Daniel, pray to God for us!
Please sign the Manhattan Declaration! A message from His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita:
Dear to Christ:
We invite you to join with other Christians across the nation who support the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty by endorsing the Manhattan Declaration.
Throughout the centuries, God has graciously provided His people with teachers and prophetic voices who apply His word to the critical issues of the day and who lead their hearers to embrace His life-giving authority and counsel in the midst of cultural madness. The Manhattan Declaration extends and honors that tradition, and we urge you to join us in affirming it. The Manhattan Declaration addresses with urgent eloquence the devaluation of human life, the corruption of marriage, and the erosion of religious liberty. With careful instruction, it brings light and clarity to all who read it. We trust that millions of believers will sign it, that countless others will be drawn or driven to give it fair consideration, and that our society will be changed by its strong yet sweetly reasonable message.
The Manhattan Declaration was released today, Friday - November 20, 2009, at a press conference in Washington D.C. It bears the signatures of many religious leaders, including myself, but this is just the beginning. The list of supports will grow dramatically in a short time and those who most need to hear this word will not be able to escape or downplay it. It has already grown ten-fold since its release at 12 noon (EST). So if, after carefully reading the document, you feel so moved, please endorse this document by your signature and spread the word to others who might endorse it as well. Thank you.
Click here to view the Manhattan Declaration and prayerfully consider lending your name to those who have already signed: www.ManhattanDeclaration.org.
+ B a s i l
Bishop of Wichita and the Diocese of Mid-America
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
November 5/18, Martyrs Galacteon and his wife Episteme at Emesa.
Heresy vs. Truth, Part II: A Reply to Dr. Bouteneff’s “Open Response to Patrick Barnes”, by Patrick Barnes.
Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake, Sermon Nine on the Beatitudes, from the highly edifying new book Delight in the Law of God, by the Rev. Dr. James Thornton.
Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness Against Thy Neighbour, Sermon Nine on the Commandments of God, from the highly edifying new book Delight in the Law of God, by the Rev. Dr. James Thornton.
September 30/October 13, The Holy Hieromartyr Gregory the Enlightener, Catholicos of Armenia.
An Open Response to Patrick Barnes, by Dr. Peter Bouteneff. I am grateful to Dr. Bouteneff for taking time out of his busy schedule to respond to my criticism of his podcasts. I will be posting a "response to his response" in the near future.
What Pan-Orthodox Decision?, by Fr. Anastasios K. Gotsopoulos, parish Priest of St.Nicholas' Church, Patrae, Greece. This is a response to the Ecumenical Patriarch's harsh criticism of the "Confession of Faith Against Ecumenism". Links in this article will help those who wish to study this matter understand what is taking place in Greece concerning ecumenism. Awareness of this "Confession" is spreading to America, as is the debate. The entire matter is of utmost importance and worthy of the attention of all Orthodox Christians.
September 4/18, The Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner.
The Unity of the Church and the World Conference of Christian Communities [MP3 Audio Book], By Saint Hilarion (Troitsky). Read by Patrick Barnes. This is the first audio book offered by the Orthodox Christian Information Center. Please send your feedback!
Heresy vs. Truth: A Response to Dr. Peter Bouteneff [PDF and MP3], By Patrick Barnes. This is my response to Dr. Bouteneff's two-part Ancient Faith Radio podcast episode on ecumenism. This is the first time I have offered an article in both audio and text formats. I did an audio version because I am replying to Dr. Bouteneff's audio comments. I am also considering a podcast series for OrthodoxInfo.
June 7/20, Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra (303).
Spiritual Study, By Elder Paisios the Athonite (+1994). An Excerpt from Spiritual Awakening.
Connecticut's 5th Century Church, By John Gallager. A fascinating article about Orthodox Christians in North America over 1500 years ago. From Ancient American, Issue #54.
A Lenten Commentary on Humor, Laughter, and Frivolity, By Archbishop Chrysostomos of Etna.
The Person of the Theotokos in Protestant Theology, By Presbyter Basileios A. Georgopoulos, Th.D.
Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television, by George Karras. This is a summary of the classic book by Jerry Mander.
Photos of the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Life-Giving Spring. See also the new pictures in the photo album for Saint Anthony the Great Monastery, especially those of the recently built Chapel of the Holy Prophet Elias.
March 24/April 6, Forefeast of the Annunciation. Venerable Zacharias the Recluse of Egypt (4th c.).
A Liturgical Explanation of Holy Week, by Father Alexander Schmemann.
On the Priesthood (MP3): Three Audio Lectures by Fr. Josiah Trenham.
Embracing the Cross of Christ (MP3): Four Audio Lectures by Fr. Paul Jaroslaw.
Saint John Chrysostom for the 21st Century, by Fr. Josiah Trenham. See especially Part IV.
Safely Home to Heaven, A Letter from an Orthodox Nun to a Former Calvinist. From
Road to Emmaus.
Raising Children According to Saint John Chrysostom, by Protopresbyter Theodoros Zisis.
The Lord’s Prayer Interpreted according to Saint Maximos the Confessor, by Protopresbyter Theodoros Zisis.
Announcing a new book: Solovetski Patericon: The Holy Fathers of the Solovetski Isles (Gozalov Books, The Hague).
November 24/December 7, Afterfeast of the Entry into the Temple. Great-Martyr Catherine of Alexandria.
Shine As the Sun: C.S. Lewis and the Doctrine of Deification, by Chris Jensen (Road to Emmaus). One of the best articles I've ever read on C.S. Lewis.
Notes on the Jesus Prayer, by Fr. Artemy Vladimirov (Road to Emmaus).
What Beef Have Women Theologians with Divine Order? Orthodox Theologies of Women and Ordained Ministry, by Rebecca Herman. A response to Dr. Valerie Karras’s argument for women Priests in
Thinking Through Faith—New Perspectives from Orthodox Christian Scholars (St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2008).
Photos from Feast Day of St. Paisius Convent in Safford, AZ, November 28, 2008. These photos show the tremendous progress the nuns have made in building their beautiful Byzantine-style church (modeled after St. Nicholas Church at St. Anthony's Monastery in Florence, AZ). They need a plasterer! The convent is in great need of a real plasterer (i.e., not a stucco man—there is a difference). The plasterer does not need to have any experience with limestone plaster specifically. They just need to be able to screed a wall flat (using beads is normal), watch the curing in order to add a second color coat on top of the first at the right time, etc. Anyone who has experience with traditional plaster should be able to learn how to apply the product they are using. The convent is willing to pay for travel. If you can help or know of anyone that can, please contact them.
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