Shayne Swenson

“Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not.” These words were recounted by the wise monk Silouan as given to him by God when he was struggling with the demons that tempted him. The message may seem at...

As is recorded in the Prologue of Ohrid by Saint Nikolai of Ohrid and Zhicha, the icon of the Lord Jesus Christ “Not made by Hands” (also known as the Holy Face, Holy Napkin or Mandylion) is a...

Originally named Saul, Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee. He was a leader of Christian persecutors, and was responsible for the stoning of Saint Stephen, a deacon and the first Christian martyr. When...

“And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…”(John 1:17, Orthodox Study Bible). Thus, John recorded the birth of the Creator of the Universe and the Savior of our souls...

Embracing Divine Love: The Story of the Sweet Kissing Icon In the heart of Orthodox Christian tradition lies a beloved icon known as the "Sweet Kissing" or "Glykophilousa" icon. This sacred image...

Saint Seraphim is one of the Orthodox Church's most beloved holy elders. He was born in western Russia in 1754. According to tradition, he was sickly as a child but was healed through the Kursk Root...

As a rose among the thorns, Alexander Schmorell lived a Godly and courageous life even during some of the darkest times in history. Alexander was born in 1917. After living for several years in...

Saint Patrick is one of the most well-known and beloved saints, especially for Christians in the West—Orthodox or otherwise. Painted by contemporary iconographer Shayne Swenson, Patrick is depicted...