St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church Bible Study
Each week, under the guidance of Mr. Anthony Ally, we delve into the Holy Scriptures through the rich and timeless lens of the Orthodox Church. Drawing from the wisdom of the Church Fathers, the rhythms of liturgical life, and the sacred Tradition handed down through the ages, our studies seek to illuminate the Scriptures in the light of Christ. Whether we’re reflecting on the daily readings, commemorating a feast or saint, or exploring the practical aspects of Orthodox Christian living, our purpose remains steadfast: to encounter the living Christ more deeply and more truly. These sessions are open to everyone—whether you’re an inquirer, a catechumen, newly received into the Church, or a lifelong Orthodox Christian seeking a deeper understanding of the faith. Come and journey with us.
Episodes
This Sunday, we reflect on the courage of the Holy Fathers who, filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, stood boldly against the heresy of Arius at the First Ecumenical Council. Just as they defended the truth of Christ in their time, we too are called to stand firm against the heresies of our own day—including the lies promoted during so-called “Pride” celebrations. Let us, like the Fathers, proclaim the unchanging truth of the ...
In this engaging and spiritually enriching class, Mr. Anthony Ally delves into the profound importance of the Ecumenical Councils in the life of the Orthodox Church. These councils, inspired and upheld by the grace of the Holy Spirit, were not merely historical gatherings—they were divinely guided moments that preserved the true doctrine of Christ, upheld the unity of the Church, and protected the faithful from heresy and confusion...
In this homily for the Sunday of the Blind Man, Fr. Stephen reflects on Christ’s healing as a sign not just of physical restoration, but of spiritual sight. We are reminded that just as the blind man boldly proclaimed Christ before others, we too are called to bear witness and preach the Gospel to all nations — beginning with the world right around us.
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally reflects on the compassionate encounter between Christ and Saint Photini, the Samaritan woman at the well, as a powerful example of how the Lord draws near to the brokenhearted. Once an outcast burdened by shame, Photini becomes a fearless evangelist after meeting the Messiah who knows her completely—and loves her still. Through Scripture and the tradition of the Church, we follow her tra...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally examines how Satan, the father of lies, has sown confusion and division through historical deviations from the apostolic and biblical faith preserved in the Orthodox Church. We explore how both Roman Catholic innovations and Protestant reactions—though often well-intentioned—introduced distortions that obscured the fullness of truth found in the undivided Church. Rooted in Scripture and t...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally guides us in understanding how the Church prepares for Pentecost while still rejoicing in the light of the Resurrection. Far from moving past Pascha, we are called to deepen our experience of Christ’s victory and anticipate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the hymns, Scripture readings, and traditions of the Paschal season, we explore how to remain spiritually watchful, cul...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally helps us prepare our hearts and minds for the sacred journey of Holy Week, the most solemn and grace-filled days of the Orthodox calendar. Drawing from Scripture, hymnography, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, we reflect on how to enter into the Passion of Christ with attentiveness, humility, and repentance. Whether it’s through increased prayer, fasting, confession, or deeper partici...
In this Bible/adult study, Fr. Stephen Osburn continues his reflection on the Proskemedia in light of Lazarus Saturday, diving deeper into the theological and pastoral significance of this sacred preparation. In Part 2, we examine how the Proskemedia prefigures Christ’s victory over death and anticipates the resurrection—not only of Lazarus, but of all the faithful. Through the placing of particles on the diskos and the prayerful r...
In this Bible/adult study, Fr. Stephen Osburn begins a two-part reflection on the Proskemedia—the preparation service before the Divine Liturgy—and its profound connection to Lazarus Saturday. In Part 1, we explore the spiritual depth of this hidden liturgical act, where the gifts are offered and the names of the living and departed are commemorated. Fr. Stephen draws rich connections between the raising of Lazarus and the Church’s...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally explores how the Orthodox Church understands the energies of God, His grace, and His power at work in our lives. Rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers—especially St. Gregory Palamas—we reflect on how God, though unknowable in His essence, makes Himself truly known and experienced through His uncreated energies. These are not symbolic or abstract, but the real presence and activity...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally unpacks the teachings of St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain on what it means to evangelize with a pure heart rooted in humility and inner stillness. Far from mere external preaching, true evangelism begins in the transformation of the heart—a heart purified by grace, prayer, and repentance. Drawing from St. Nicodemus’ writings and the Philokalic tradition, we explore how the witness of a ...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally reflects on the powerful life of St. Mary of Egypt as a model of true repentance and the transformative journey to sanctity. Once consumed by sin, St. Mary’s radical turn toward God in the desert reveals that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy. Drawing from her life, as well as the teachings of the Church, we explore how holiness is not reserved for the sinless, but for those who ...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally addresses the reality of stress and how the Orthodox faith equips us to confront it with peace and purpose. Through Scripture, the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and the rhythm of liturgical life, we explore how trust in God, prayer of the heart, and detachment from worldly anxieties can calm the soul. Rather than offering shallow comfort, the Church invites us to cast our cares upon Chris...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally unpacks the Orthodox understanding of confession as a sacrament of healing and restoration—not merely a listing of wrongs, but a return to the loving embrace of the Father. Rooted in Scripture and the practice of the early Church, confession is shown to be a gift that frees the soul from the weight of sin and renews our communion with God and neighbor. We explore how humility, honesty, an...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally reflects on the role of the Theotokos, the Mother of God, in the life of the Church and in our own spiritual journey. Far from being a marginal figure, the Virgin Mary is the highest example of obedience, humility, and theosis—fully united to Christ and fully responsive to His will. Drawing from Scripture, the hymns of the Church, and the teachings of the Fathers, we come to understand wh...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally explores the Orthodox teaching on the divine nature of Christ, affirming that Jesus is not merely a prophet or moral teacher, but truly God in the flesh. Drawing from Scripture, the Ecumenical Councils, and the writings of the Church Fathers, we delve into the mystery of the Incarnation—how the Son of God took on human nature without ceasing to be divine. Understanding Christ’s divinity i...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally guides us through the deep spiritual meaning of the Cross and the unfolding mystery of Holy Week. Far from being just a historical remembrance, Holy Week is a living participation in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Drawing on Scripture, patristic insight, and the liturgical beauty of the Orthodox Church, we reflect on how the Cross is not a symbol of defeat, but the thro...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally leads a reflection on the Orthodox understanding of forgiveness as a path to healing, freedom, and communion with God. Drawing from the teachings of Christ, the Church Fathers, and the liturgical life of the Church—especially during the lead-up to Great Lent—we explore how forgiveness is not optional, but essential for salvation. True forgiveness goes beyond feelings, calling us to humili...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally examines the deep connection between fasting and hesychasm in the Orthodox journey through Great Lent. Far more than dietary rules, fasting is revealed as a sacred tool to still the passions and quiet the soul, preparing the heart for true prayer and inner watchfulness. Rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers and the practice of the saints, this session reflects on how Lent is not j...
In this Bible/adult study, Mr. Anthony Ally explores how the Orthodox Church honors women through the lens of Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the example of the Theotokos. Far from being marginalized, women are revealed as bearers of courage, holiness, and deep faith—playing vital roles in both the Gospel and the life of the Church. From the Myrrh-bearers to monastic mothers and martyrs, we reflect on the unique and God-giv...
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