The Christian life is the goal of every Orthodox Christian. We strive to live a life of rhythm between our earthly lives and communion with God. We do this in a number of different ways. Don’t be concerned with the number of each item – it’s difficult to put them in priority – except the first one!

  1. To be an Orthodox Christian is to be one who above all else desires to be in communion with God through the sacrament of Holy Communion. This is done of course within the context of the Divine Liturgy. Regular attendance is how Orthodox Christians live – missing liturgy for frivolous earthly affairs is antagonistic to the Christian life.
  2. In connection to Holy Communion – regular confession is a must! Saying our daily prayers and reading our pre-communion prayers is our practice. No daily prayers, communion prayers and confession is akin to going to the car wash that does not have water!
  3. Lectio Divina – the daily reading of Scripture – four chapters a day you will read the entire Bible in one year!
  4. Limited alcohol and sleep – too much will excite the passions.
  5. Sanctifying the day – prayers and sunrise and sunset, 12 noon, 3pm, 5pm, 8pm etc. – give thanks to God and stand before our icons at various times during the day.
  6. Pious language and speech
  7. Fornication, pornography, lying, stealing, cheating, slander, greed, sloth, indifference, despair etc. are not God’s goodwill for you!
  8. Sacrificial, meaningful and proportionate giving to the Church.
  9. Fast when it is time to fast and feast when it is time to feast – hold these things sacred and teach your children to do so.
  10. Bless and discipline your children.
  11. Keep the marriage bed pure and undefiled. Out do your wife or husband in serving the other. Marriage is a foretaste of the Kingdom.
  12. Completely believe and trust in God. Forgive everyone everything completely, no matter what.

Endure the trial of yourself, with all peace and serenity, knowing that God’s mercy far outweighs our wretchedness.