Very many of us will have a sound or a smell or a sudden temperature drop that, for each, signals the beginning proper of what, in its broadest and most literal sense, we might term the festive season ...

In 626, Constantinople was under siege. Sasanian, Avar and Slavic forces were attacking the city. This attack was just one of many in a war that had been going on since A.D. 602. The bombardment was ...

The Akathist Hymn is one of the most well-loved services of devotion in the Orthodox Church. Although there is some debate concerning the particulars of its authorship, many scholars agree with the ...

Chosen by the Holy Spirit of God from thy swaddling clothes, blessed eldress Matrona, thou didst receive bodily infirmity and blindness from God for thy spiritual cleansing. Thou wast enriched with ...

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Ave Regina Caelorum is a hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The opening words Hail Queen of Heaven, form one of four Marian antiphons contained in the Liturgy of the House ...

Hills of the North, rejoice Rupert Gough, Organ Wells Cathedral Choir Malcolm Archer, Conductor Martin (Fallas) Shaw, Composer On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Rupert Gough, Organ Anonymous, ...