A beautiful and profound talk from Elder Zacharius on the theology of St. Sophrony of Essex. A deep talk and yet foundational to the Christian Life.

This week, Archimandrite Irenei explores two passages - one by St. John of Karpathos and the other by St. Ambrose of Milan - on the nature of the continual falling down and rising up of repentance, examining the question: How is the Christian person to respond to continual failings in his attempts to live a holy life?

Archimandrite Zacharias (from the Monastery of St John the Baptist, Essex) delivered this talk on 'Living outside the camp of the world' during the IOCS Conversation Day of 19 May 2018. The overall theme of the day was 'Monastic Life in Today’s World'. The talk is followed by a short response from Father George Guiver (Mirfield, Community of the Resurrection).

Can one call oneself a Christian without love? And what is the nature of the love we are called to show our neighbors? In this week’s episode, Archimandrite Irenei examines four patristic passages on love, and asks the question: What is it about Christian love that makes it unique in the world?

What is the whole purpose of the ascetic life? Why does the Christian life involve struggle?

What is a fast in the Orthodox Church? What is the aim of the fast? How many fasts are there? What is the improper way to fast and what is the more worthy way to fast? In this class we address all of these questions.