Podcasts about great fast

Listen To Full Sermon: "Hosanna Sunday | 2026" @ Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church - Melbourne, FL ~ April 5, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/G8UhmI9rlvX21bdr4q

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Samaritan Woman | 2026" @ St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church - Oviedo, FL ~ March 15, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/bCkFqN53YFs4P7n8hS

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Man Born Blind | 2026" @ St. Stephen Coptic Orthodox Church - Cypress, TX ~ March 22, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/cbhYWDDkY9eDGa77We

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Paralytic Man | 2026" @ St. Barbara Coptic Orthodox Church - Nashville, TN ~ March 22, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/OhoHD9cADPTXoLl353

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelor's of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: How do we know if our Lent was a good one? Where did the people who were released from the bonds of Hades by Jesus go on Easter Saturday? Does the Eastern Catholic Church have the same Catechism as the Roman Catholic church? Are there anonymous confessions in the Eastern Catholic Church? Has Father Michael ever met the Byzantine Franciscans? Why do we still celebrate Mass during the Great Fast? What is the difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism? Can certain liberties be taken with liturgical music? What is the difference between the Catholic and Orthodox beliefs about the Holy Spirit's procession? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Paralytic Man | 2026" @ St. Barbara Coptic Orthodox Church - Nashville, TN ~ March 22, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/tfcNOGBcOemzsYGQ72

“Fat Day” or Feel Ugly…How to feel great fast? “Fat Day” or feeling ugly - emotional or a reality, here's how to have a great day every day, and feel self-confident and happy regardless of how we look…

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Samaritan Woman | 2026" @ St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church - Oviedo, FL ~ March 15, 2026 | Paremhotep 6, 1742https://on.soundcloud.com/2BdpMTSbXahKwoTacH

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Samaritan Woman | 2026" @ St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church - Oviedo, FL ~ March 15, 2026 | Paremhotep 6, 1742https://on.soundcloud.com/2BdpMTSbXahKwoTacH

Listen To Full Sermon: "Asceticism; the Cure for Spiritual Illness" @ St. Barbara Coptic Orthodox Church - Nashville, TN ~ March 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/ClXv5ZdEC1hbByFfwb

Last Sunday Of The Great Fast(March 22nd 2026AD) by Duchovny Dom Monastery

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Samaritan Woman | 2026" @ St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church - Oviedo, FL ~ March 15, 2026 | Paremhotep 6, 1742https://on.soundcloud.com/gTiF6EY7zDWTEocLdA

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Temptation | 2026" @ St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church - New Orleans, LA ~ March 1, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/kzA5yN5SmfCwLZagCM

Listen To Full Sermon: "Overcoming Warfare of Prayer" @ Pope Kyrillos the Sixth Coptic Orthodox Church - North Richland Hills, TX ~ March 8, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/clUR2DXGr6cEWIOq03

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Temptation | 2026" @ St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church - New Orleans, LA ~ March 1, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/kzA5yN5SmfCwLZagCM

Listen To Full Sermon: "Sunday of the Temptation | 2026" @ St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church - New Orleans, LA ~ March 1, 2026 | Meshir 22, 1742https://on.soundcloud.com/V58JKDYX5Xi1VdcC0c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFRui6y1IBk&t=392s

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

Listen To Full Sermon: "The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting" @ St. Youstina Coptic Orthodox Church - Waco, TX ~ February 20, 2026https://on.soundcloud.com/jWyYToO4mo7SDNORFn

In our big Lenten episode, we explore Jesus's three temptations in the desert and all things Sawma Rama (the Great Fast). We break down Matthew's account of Jesus tempted by Satan and reflect on how Jesus overcomes each temptation through love—and how we can apply the same strength during Lent through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving to grow in love of God, love of neighbor, and proper love of self. In this Lent special, we cover: - The deeper meaning of Jesus entering the wilderness to be tempted - The unforgettable Grand Inquisitor scene from Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" - Why Jesus had to face real temptation as a man? - Pope Leo's practical Lenten message - We revisit the topic of mixed marriages in the Chaldean and Assyrian diaspora: balancing cultural preservation, language, heritage, and community concerns with the Church's priority on salvation of souls and sacramental validity. - And we BLIND RANK our favorite Lenten foods! Featuring: Fr. Chris Somo, Fr. Andrew Younan, Fr. Tristan Farida, Fr. Augustine Joseph ––– 00:00 Sawma Raba Begins 02:51 Dostoevsky's Grand Inquisitor: Love as Christ's Response 08:37 First Temptation (Bread): Deeper Hunger & Deuteronomy 13:28 Temptation vs. Exorcism: Grace, Sacraments, and Spiritual Realism 15:21 Second Temptation (Temple): Pride, Forced Faith, and Misusing Religion 23:06 Why Jesus Had to Fast: New Adam, Identity Tested, and Defeating Sin 30:45 Pope Leo's Lent Message: Fasting from Hurtful Words 33:17 Beyond ‘Not Sinning': Lent as Freedom to Love 35:20 Do Priests (and the Pope) Forget Their Homilies? 38:01 Responding to Comments on Marrying Outside the Culture 49:38 The Top 7 Lenten Foods (Blind Ranking) ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/65XzF8s52qY    

In this sermon, Fr. Younan William reflects on the true meaning and purpose of the Great Fast as a season of spiritual renewal and loyalty to Christ. He emphasizes that fasting is not merely about dietary restrictions but a tool for gaining self-control, deepening prayer, repentance, and fellowship with Christ and the church. Fr. Younan encourages preparing the right mindset, combining physical fasting with spiritual practices, and consecrating time away from distractions like media addiction. He also stresses the importance of seriousness, consistency, and adhering to the church's fasting rules under the guidance of one's spiritual father. By avoiding half-hearted fasting and focusing on inner transformation, believers can persevere through challenges and strengthen their spiritual journey. Fr. Younan calls on all to follow Christ not only for blessings but even amid hardships, walking with Him in humility and endurance.

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, but secretly revered the icons, and protected others who did, until the emperor's death. Upon his death, she quickly restored veneration of icons to churches throughout the empire, the event celebrated on the upcoming Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of the Great Fast. She ruled wisely as regent for the young emperor Michael for fifteen years: she is said to have initiated the mission of Sts Cyril and Methodios to the Slavs. Before Michael III reached his majority, he was prevailed upon by Bardas, Theodora's brother, to depose her and send her to a monastery, where she finished her life in peace and holiness.   When Constantinople fell, her incorrupt relics were taken to Corfu along with those of St Spyridon. They are still venerated there.   There is a much-debated story that, when Theophilus was dying, the Empress, moved by compassion for him, brought an icon of the Mother of God out of hiding and laid it on his face; and that Theophilus, coming to himself, kissed the holy icon and confessed the true Faith before giving up his soul. Other accounts say that the Emperor died in heresy. It seems possible that the holy Empress circulated the story to ensure that her departed husband would be remembered in the Church's prayers.

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers from Matthew 21. He explains how the parable reveals the magnitude of human sin in rejecting God's gifts and messengers, including the prophets and ultimately His Son, Jesus Christ. Fr. Matthias discusses the landowner's efforts in preparing the vineyard and the patience God shows despite repeated rejection and hostility from the vinedressers. He highlights the themes of God's love, patience, and the consequences of sin. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the call to bear fruit with the talents and blessings God has given, serving Him faithfully rather than selfishly. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the coming judgment and an encouragement toward repentance during the Great Fast, urging believers to seek God's mercy and live in gratitude for the gift of salvation. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad teaches on Christ's words, “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” by examining where believers place their treasure during the Great Fast. Fr. Matthias explains how worry, materialism, and attachment to possessions distract the heart from God and shift focus away from spiritual life toward earthly concerns. Fr. Matthias traces this struggle back to the fall of humanity and shows how Christ calls His followers to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness rather than becoming consumed with food, clothing, wealth, or status. He discusses different attitudes toward material possessions, including worry, indulgence, greed, desire for recognition, and trusting riches for security. Fr. Matthias concludes by explaining how fasting helps detach the heart from earthly treasures, restore proper priorities, and refocus life on God as the true provider, calling believers to make heaven their lasting treasure. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

This week Mother Natalia shares a recent conviction she had about being silent during periods of silence. She uses that to give suggestions on what we can do for the Great Fast, moderate things instead of grand gestures.References:The Philokalia, Volume 2Great Lent: Journey to Pascha by Alexander SchmemannFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Is steak overrated… or are we just too obsessed with beef?In this mouthwatering and laugh-packed episode of The Ben and Skin Show, Ben Rogers, Jeff “Skin” Wade, Kevin “KT” Turner, and Krystina Ray—dives fork-first into the results of the Food 500 Awards, sparking a spirited debate over America's most beloved fast food chains. From the most craved bites to the best burger joints, this episode is a full-course meal of hot takes, hilarious banter, and surprising revelations.Fast Food Face-Off: The gang fills out their predictions for categories like Most Craved, Best Burger Chain, Best Chicken Chain, and Best Overall Experience. Spoiler: Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out stir up some serious passion.KT's Bold Beef Stance: “Steak is overhyped.” Yes, he said it—and the fallout is instant. Is KT out on beef for good? The crew grills him harder than a Texas ribeye.Unexpected Winners: From Shake Shack to Texas Roadhouse and even Little Caesars, the results spark both cheers and jeers. And yes, Canes gets the love it deserves.

This week Fr. Michael talks about prayer, fasting, and alms-giving in relation to the Great Fast and the paradoxes that exist within each  of those. He talks about humility and how we can find a paradox within our humility as well.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

This week Mother Natalia talks about some of the things she's excited to encounter while on the upcoming pilgrimage. She differentiates between pilgrimage and vacation, reminding us that we're supposed to be uncomfortable on pilgrimage. She connects pilgrimages to the Great Fast, and talks about how pilgrimages ultimately connect us to longing for heaven.References:The Shattering of Loneliness by Bishop Erik VardenPrayer Resources in the Great Fast from Mother CeciliaFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

Short but mighty, brief but powerful, the Prayer of St. Ephrem is the official prayer of the Great Fast in the Byzantine Catholic Church exposing our demons yet pointing to virtues.

Listen To Full Sermon: "Growing in Spirituality in Fasting" @ St. Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church - Antioch, TN ~ March 9, 2025 https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/growing-in-spirituality-in-fasting

In this week's episode of Double Edged Sword, '25 Down, 25 to Go,' Father Genard leads us to the midpoint of the Great Fast with a stirring call to deepen our faith. Marking 25 days of Lent completed and 25 to go, he reflects on a childhood memory to urge believers not to turn back, but to press forward in devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. This episode explores the true heart of fasting—beyond abstaining from food, it's about privileging our mouths with prayer, our ears with God's truth, and our lives with repentance and praise. As the Church offers the Mid-Lent Eucharistic service to cheer us onward, Father Genard challenges us to examine our fast: Have we committed wholeheartedly to Christ? If not, there's grace for the next 25 days. Join us to refocus on the Savior's Passion and Resurrection, finding strength in scripture, worship, and the promise of eternal life through Him who is holy, mighty, and merciful.

الأحد الثالث من الصوم الكبير

With President Trump's latest executive order cracking down on illegal immigration, many Christians are asking: What would Jesus do? Where do we draw the line between compassion and protecting our nation and families?Today, I sit down with Fr. Ambrose Criste, a Norbertine priest and theologian, to break down the Catholic perspective on this heated issue. We explore the U.S. Bishops' response, Pope Francis' stance, and J.D. Vance's bold critique of the Bishops for profiting from illegal immigration.This is a conversation you don't want to miss—because the answer isn't as black and white as some would have you believe. Let's talk about it.The Great Fast: https://theabbotscircle.com/the-great-fast-joinThe Abbot's Circle: https://theabbotscircle.com/Join our Locals community: https://lilarose.locals.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LilaRose865 A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world's leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/ Check out our Sponsors:-EveryLife: https://www.everylife.com Buy diapers from an amazing pro-life diaper company and use code LILA and get 10% off!-Covenant Eyes: http://covenanteyes.sjv.io/Kjngb9 Sign up to grow in purity and gain traction over sexual addiction: use code “LILA” for a free month!-Crowd Health: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ The new alternative to health insurance - sign up and use the code "LILA" for a special deal of $99 for your first 3 months!00:00 - intro02:39 - Fr Ambrose's Intellectual Background04:34 - What is the Christian view of deportation?06:48 - The problem with the word ‘deportation'11:16 - Covenant Eyes12:20 - Another factor to consider:15:06 - Most people in this country…23:20 - CrowdHealth24:19 - USCCB Statement26:03 - Not the church's concern28:30 - We're playing clean up30:42 - Incentivizing illegal immigration32:26 - EveryLife33:30 - JD Vance's statements37:19 - The church has to be a safe place38:52 - Pope Francis41:25 - Obedience to Pope:43:47 - Ordo Amoris44:45 - Good Samaritan51:34 - Trump deporting less than Biden53:54 - Ed Feser on Immigration58:22 - Lent

Vespers Doxologies @ St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church - Phoenix (Peoria), AZ ~ March 1, 2025

Youth Meeting @ St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church - Phoenix (Peoria), AZ ~ March 2, 2025

Once again, we are blessed by the practical counsel of the fathers in regard to the struggle with the passion of lust and fornication. What becomes evident is that the struggle is primarily with the thoughts and how we address them in our lives. The origin of such thoughts may be from ourselves and our own memories, what we experience with our senses in the present moment or from demonic provocation. Whatever their origin, our asceticism must be such that we are willing to lay all such thoughts aside in preference for remaining in stillness with our focus set upon Christ.  It is always best not to engage the thoughts that rush upon us understanding that we will be overwhelmed, especially if their origin is from the demons. We are not to argue or wrestle with the thoughts but rather call upon the holy name of our Lord and to plead for his help and strength.  This is the source of our healing, even in ways that we do not comprehend. The more we call upon the Lord, the deeper the healing becomes and the more free we become from our attachment to the things of this world. The Jesus Prayer in particular can be used as a gentle weapon to cut away the thoughts as they come upon us. When we are able, it is beneficial to say the prayer in an audible fashion making use of multiple senses. Having a chotki in hand as we say the Prayer and making prostrations repeatedly involves the whole self in the spiritual battle. When we humble ourselves in mind and body before God, He rushes to our aid.  Thus, humility, vigilance and constancy of prayer must be the foundation of our ascetic practice. Furthermore, we must be simple and not count ourselves as clever in this battle. The wiles of the evil one can turn even our conversations about piety into instruments that agitate and stir up the heart. Let us examine our hearts well as we approach the Great Fast and ask the Lord to be our strength. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:11:46 Niño: Have a nice day everybody

Fr. Mark gives the sermon on the Sunday Gospel before lent, on how to prepare for the great fast.

Fr. Benjamin gives the sermon on the Sunday Gospel before lent, on how to prepare for the great fast.

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, but secretly revered the icons, and protected others who did, until the emperor's death. Upon his death, she quickly restored veneration of icons to churches throughout the empire, the event celebrated on the upcoming Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of the Great Fast. She ruled wisely as regent for the young emperor Michael for fifteen years: she is said to have initiated the mission of Sts Cyril and Methodios to the Slavs. Before Michael III reached his majority, he was prevailed upon by Bardas, Theodora's brother, to depose her and send her to a monastery, where she finished her life in peace and holiness.   When Constantinople fell, her incorrupt relics were taken to Corfu along with those of St Spyridon. They are still venerated there.   There is a much-debated story that, when Theophilus was dying, the Empress, moved by compassion for him, brought an icon of the Mother of God out of hiding and laid it on his face; and that Theophilus, coming to himself, kissed the holy icon and confessed the true Faith before giving up his soul. Other accounts say that the Emperor died in heresy. It seems possible that the holy Empress circulated the story to ensure that her departed husband would be remembered in the Church's prayers.

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, but secretly revered the icons, and protected others who did, until the emperor's death. Upon his death, she quickly restored veneration of icons to churches throughout the empire, the event celebrated on the upcoming Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of the Great Fast. She ruled wisely as regent for the young emperor Michael for fifteen years: she is said to have initiated the mission of Sts Cyril and Methodios to the Slavs. Before Michael III reached his majority, he was prevailed upon by Bardas, Theodora's brother, to depose her and send her to a monastery, where she finished her life in peace and holiness.   When Constantinople fell, her incorrupt relics were taken to Corfu along with those of St Spyridon. They are still venerated there.   There is a much-debated story that, when Theophilus was dying, the Empress, moved by compassion for him, brought an icon of the Mother of God out of hiding and laid it on his face; and that Theophilus, coming to himself, kissed the holy icon and confessed the true Faith before giving up his soul. Other accounts say that the Emperor died in heresy. It seems possible that the holy Empress circulated the story to ensure that her departed husband would be remembered in the Church's prayers.

1st SUNDAY of the Great Fast

Her radiant life is also commemorated on the Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast. The Life of St Mary of Egypt, written by St Sophronios of Jerusalem, is read in its entirety on the Thursday of the Great Canon during Lent. Click on the link to read it.   The date of her repose is very unclear: it is given variously as 378, 437, and 522.

This week Fr. Michael reflects on the encounter of Simeon and Anna with the child Jesus when Jesus was presented in the Temple. Fr. Michael also shares some creative ideas for almsgiving that you can incorporate during the Great Fast and even throughout the year.Episode 200!We're celebrating our upcoming episode 200 by hearing from you! Record a 20-30 second video (or audio only) clip talking about how the podcast has impacted your life. Upload to your Google drive and then share with dbratnick@gmail.com so our friend David can compile. Your videos can be vertical or horizontal. We may not be able to use all the submissions but look forward to watching them! Thanks for your support.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSupport the show

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, but secretly revered the icons, and protected others who did, until the emperor's death. Upon his death, she quickly restored veneration of icons to churches throughout the empire, the event celebrated on the upcoming Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of the Great Fast. She ruled wisely as regent for the young emperor Michael for fifteen years: she is said to have initiated the mission of Sts Cyril and Methodios to the Slavs. Before Michael III reached his majority, he was prevailed upon by Bardas, Theodora's brother, to depose her and send her to a monastery, where she finished her life in peace and holiness.   When Constantinople fell, her incorrupt relics were taken to Corfu along with those of St Spyridon. They are still venerated there.   There is a much-debated story that, when Theophilus was dying, the Empress, moved by compassion for him, brought an icon of the Mother of God out of hiding and laid it on his face; and that Theophilus, coming to himself, kissed the holy icon and confessed the true Faith before giving up his soul. Other accounts say that the Emperor died in heresy. It seems possible that the holy Empress circulated the story to ensure that her departed husband would be remembered in the Church's prayers.

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, but secretly revered the icons, and protected others who did, until the emperor's death. Upon his death, she quickly restored veneration of icons to churches throughout the empire, the event celebrated on the upcoming Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of the Great Fast. She ruled wisely as regent for the young emperor Michael for fifteen years: she is said to have initiated the mission of Sts Cyril and Methodios to the Slavs. Before Michael III reached his majority, he was prevailed upon by Bardas, Theodora's brother, to depose her and send her to a monastery, where she finished her life in peace and holiness.   When Constantinople fell, her incorrupt relics were taken to Corfu along with those of St Spyridon. They are still venerated there.   There is a much-debated story that, when Theophilus was dying, the Empress, moved by compassion for him, brought an icon of the Mother of God out of hiding and laid it on his face; and that Theophilus, coming to himself, kissed the holy icon and confessed the true Faith before giving up his soul. Other accounts say that the Emperor died in heresy. It seems possible that the holy Empress circulated the story to ensure that her departed husband would be remembered in the Church's prayers.

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast, but secretly revered the icons, and protected others who did, until the emperor's death. Upon his death, she quickly restored veneration of icons to churches throughout the empire, the event celebrated on the upcoming Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of the Great Fast. She ruled wisely as regent for the young emperor Michael for fifteen years: she is said to have initiated the mission of Sts Cyril and Methodios to the Slavs. Before Michael III reached his majority, he was prevailed upon by Bardas, Theodora's brother, to depose her and send her to a monastery, where she finished her life in peace and holiness.   When Constantinople fell, her incorrupt relics were taken to Corfu along with those of St Spyridon. They are still venerated there.   There is a much-debated story that, when Theophilus was dying, the Empress, moved by compassion for him, brought an icon of the Mother of God out of hiding and laid it on his face; and that Theophilus, coming to himself, kissed the holy icon and confessed the true Faith before giving up his soul. Other accounts say that the Emperor died in heresy. It seems possible that the holy Empress circulated the story to ensure that her departed husband would be remembered in the Church's prayers.