"Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing Life."
~ Paschal Troparion
Church and school phone: (617) 787-7625
St Herman of Alaska Christian School | see link below
On the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple
On the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, “Christ is born” begins to be sung, preparing believers for a worthy meeting of the Feast of Christ’s Nativity. Having understood this inspiration, act according to it. Delve deeply into the mystery of the Incarnation of the Only Begotten Son of God; ascend to its beginning in the pre-eternal counsel of God concerning the existence of the world and man within it; see its reflection in the creation of man; joyfully meet the first tidings of it immediately after the fall; rationally trace its gradual revelation in the Old Testament prophecies and prefigurations. Understand who prepared to receive God Incarnate and how they prepared, under the influence of Divine institutions and activities within Israel. Pass, if you wish, beyond the borders of God’s people and gather there rays of God’s light, shining in the darkness, and ponder to what degree those chosen from among all nations reached the presentiment of the extraordinary manifestation of God’s Providence for man. This will be a mental preparation. But now is the time of the [Nativity] Fast—prepare yourself, go to Confession, and receive Communion of Christ’s Holy Mysteries: this will be an active and living preparation. If, as a result of all this, the Lord grants you to sense the power of His coming in the flesh—then, when the Feast comes, you will celebrate it not out of a joy foreign to you, but out of an intimate joy.
—St. Theophan the Recluse in Thoughts for Each Day of the Year, 265-266
Featured Articles and Talks
Blessed are the Pure in Heart: Reflections on the Spiritual Nature of Suffering - by Fr Maximos, Simonopetra Monastery, Mt Athos
Click here to listen to Fr Maximos' March 23, 2013 lecture from the HROC Lenten Retreat for women.
Advice Concerning Why We Need To Read Scripture Daily - by St John Chrysostom
I also always entreat you, and do not cease entreating you, not only to pay attention here to what I say, but also when you are at home, to persevere continually in reading the divine Scriptures. When I have been with each of you in private, I have not stopped giving you the same advice. Do not let anyone say to me those vain words, worthy of heavy condemnation, "I cannot leave the courthouse, I administer the business of the city, I practice a craft, I have a wife, I am raising children, I am in charge of a household ..." Read More >>
News & Events
A new series of classes begins Saturday, September 7th at 4pm!
~Quick Links~
~Schedule of Services~
Orthodoxy 101: Begins Saturday, September 7th at 4pm
Vigil: Saturdays at 5:30pm
Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 9:30am
Open Door Dinner: Mondays at 6pm
Tree of Life Bookstore: Sundays after Church and by appointment
St Herman's School: 8am–3pm Monday–Friday during the school year
Please see the Monthly Calendar for Feast Days, other services, and events.
Our new Patriarch Neofit. Worthy! Достоен! May God grant him many years!
~Clergy~
Fr. Michael Kon, Assistant Rector
Fr. Dcn. John Williamson
Fr. Dcn. Andrey Sukharev
Fr. Dcn. Teodor Anastasoaie