St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church Bible Study

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 invi...

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. W...

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 divin...

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 t...

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...

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 be...

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 se...

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, w...

This week, we explore the heart of Orthodox spiritual life through the lens of Hesychasm and the teachings of St. Gregory Palamas . Mr. Anthony Ally guides us through the profound reality of inner stillness, unceasing prayer, and the vision of God—not as abstract theology, but as lived experience. We discuss how St. Gregory defended the Church’s teaching that through God’s uncreated energies, we c...

In this Sunday’s study, Mr. Anthony Ally reflects on the teachings of Saint Haralambos and explores why the Orthodox Church does not concelebrate the Eucharist with non-Orthodox Christians. Rooted in love and truth, this episode unpacks the Orthodox understanding of unity—not as mere external agreement, but as full communion in faith, sacraments, and life in Christ. Drawing on patristic witness, S...

In this episode, Mr. Anthony Ally leads a thoughtful discussion on what it truly means to experience God—not just intellectually or emotionally, but in the full, living reality of Orthodox life. Drawing on Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the sacraments, we explore how God makes Himself known through prayer, liturgy, suffering, beauty, and the stillness of the heart. Whether you’re new to Orthod...

This week, we dive into the Didache , one of the earliest Christian writings outside of Scripture, often called The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles . Mr. Anthony Ally walks us through its rich, practical guidance on the Christian life—from the “Two Ways” of life and death, to early teachings on baptism, fasting, the Eucharist, and discerning true teachers. We’ll see how the Didache reflects the li...

In this episode, we explore the Orthodox teaching that salvation is not just about being forgiven, but about being united to God in our very being. Mr. Anthony Ally unpacks the meaning of ontological union—how Christ’s Incarnation, death, and Resurrection make it possible for us to truly participate in the divine life. Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the liturgical life of the Chur...

Catechumens often struggle with navigating the depth of Orthodox Tradition, understanding how Scripture, liturgy, and daily life all interconnect, and learning to let go of old ways of thinking shaped by secular or heterodox influences. In this week’s Bible Study, Mr. Anthony Ally addresses these challenges head-on, offering encouragement and clarity by grounding the discussion in the wisdom of th...

The Feast of Theophany is about the manifestation of the Holy Trinity and the sanctification of the waters and creation. It invites us to be renewed in our baptismal identity , which includes turning away from these passions and striving toward the virtues of Christ . As we bless our homes and hearts at Theophany, the Church calls us to cast out these eight vices, cleansing not just with water, bu...