Saint Gregory Palamas Orthodox Church

Hi all! Greetings in Christ!

All Orthodox churches have a relic of a Saint. Aside from the Blessing, it gives a connection and lineage to the early Church in this Lenten time. I thought it would be nice to share the Icon of whose relic bones I have on the altar of our St. Gregory Church Chapel. She is Saint Filothei, patron St. of Athens. Born in 1522, the Turk Muslims killed her for preaching Christ and the Gospel thus she became a Martyr Saint (you can look her up on the Internet). Also, the relics of St. John Christosom are there.

The Icons remind us of the uncreated Light of the Holy spirit within us and our body is the temple for that Spirit; thus we are the body of Christ. During Lent, we work at making the body and mind pure. The Icons of Saints are reminders on the path to our Goal of Divinization to the full image and likeness of God through the grace of the uncreated light in prayer and meditation or Divine Liturgy.

May the Blessings of God be with you.

Love your brother in Christ, foremost repenting sinner, Fr. Steven.