Akathist to Saint Aphrahat the Persian Sage

Discover the Akathist to Saint Aphrahat the Persian Sage, a beautiful Orthodox Christian hymn of praise and supplication honoring the 4th-century Syriac Church Father, known as the Persian Sage. This full text features 13 Kontakia and Ikos celebrating his life as an ascetic, martyr, converter from Zoroastrianism, defender against heresy, miracle-worker, and teacher of inner prayer, hesychasm, fasting, and the priesthood of the heart. Commemorated on January 29 in the Orthodox calendar, Saint Aphrahat (c. 270–345) — the earliest prominent Syriac writer beyond the Roman Empire — authored the profound Demonstrations on Christian faith and practice. Pray this akathist for intercession in cultivating pure prayer, repentance, obedience, and spiritual enlightenment. Perfect for Orthodox faithful, devotees of early Church Fathers, Syriac heritage enthusiasts, or those seeking deeper hesychastic devotion. Read and chant the complete akathist hymn with concluding prayer on Orthodox Reflections.

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Recovering Credibility From the Shame of the Lost Pascha

For the Orthodox, Pascha is the holiest day of the year. Our entire faith centers around the Empty Tomb. When we allowed the government to close our churches on Pascha, we lost a lot of credibility that is only now being regained.

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