For the Orthodox, and particularly for the Greek people, the first 15 days of August is a time in the Church calendar with a very distinct character and spirituality: Daily Services of Supplication to the holy Mother of God.

Panteleimon, whose name means all-merciful, was born in Nicomedia, Asia Minor, in 275 AD. Even though his father was of a pagan background, he was able to foster a strong intellect in the young boy by providing him with a good education.

The feast of All Saints is not only a commemoration of saints long dead but of all the saints throughout time, from the origins of humanity to the consummation of the age and the Second Coming of Christ.

Fifty days after Pascha, the Church celebrates the feast day of Pentecost (in Greek 'Πεντηκοστή' literally meaning the 'fiftieth day'), which commemorates the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples.

Holy Week and Pascha are annual commemorations bringing us face to face with death and, in the process, helping us to discover the power of life.

On 25th of March, nine months prior to the Nativity, we celebrate the Annunciation; the "announcing" of Jesus' conception. The Greek word ευαγγελισμός, or "the telling of the Good News," adds a rich layer of spiritual and theological meaning, as we commemorate the setting-in-motion of God's plan for our salvation.

I speak not of such fast as most persons keep. But of real fasting; not merely abstinence from meats, but from sins as well. For the nature of a fast is such that it does not suffice to deliver those who practice it unless it is done according to a suitable law.

Some sacraments of the Church may be received only once, others may be received often; still others are not received by everyone in the Church.

In 320AD, forty soldiers of the Roman army of different backgrounds and races, were enrolled together into one troop and had great faith in Jesus Christ. At the time of sacrifice to the pagan idols, the forty soldiers refused to do so.