Orthodox Illustrations
Theosis, liturgical tradition, patristic theology.
Key question: “How does this reveal the path to union with God?”
16504 illustrations found
On This Day: Pope Clement III is elected. (1187)
On December 19, 1187: Pope Clement III is elected. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it when preachin
On This Day: The first Palmer Raid is conducted on the second anniversary of the Russian... (1919)
On November 7, 1919: The first Palmer Raid is conducted on the second anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Over 10,000 suspected communists and anarchists are arrested in 23 U.S. cities. This histo
On This Day: US Secretary of State William Seward proclaims the adoption of the Thirteenth... (1865)
On December 18, 1865: US Secretary of State William Seward proclaims the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting slavery throughout the United States. This historical event can serve as a p
On This Day: President Warren G. Harding delivers the first speech by a sitting U.S.... (1921)
On October 21, 1921: President Warren G. Harding delivers the first speech by a sitting U.S. president against lynching in the Deep South. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustr
On This Day: Iraq War: The interim government of Iraq calls for a 60-day state of emergency... (2004)
On November 7, 2004: Iraq War: The interim government of Iraq calls for a 60-day state of emergency as U.S. forces storm the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. This historical event can serve as a pow
On This Day: Charles Edward Stuart invades England with an army of approximately 5,000 that... (1745)
On November 8, 1745: Charles Edward Stuart invades England with an army of approximately 5,000 that would later participate in the Battle of Culloden. This historical event can serve as a powerful se
On This Day: The National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam organizes a march... (1967)
On October 21, 1967: The National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam organizes a march of fifty thousand people from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon. This historical event can serv
On This Day: In Lebanon, pro-Iran kidnappers claim to have abducted American writer Edward... (1986)
On October 21, 1986: In Lebanon, pro-Iran kidnappers claim to have abducted American writer Edward Tracy (he is released in August 1991). This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustra
On This Day: World War II: French Resistance coup in Algiers, in which 400 civilian French... (1942)
On November 8, 1942: World War II: French Resistance coup in Algiers, in which 400 civilian French patriots neutralize Vichyist XIXth Army Corps after 15 hours of fighting, and arrest several Vichyist
On This Day: Former Massachusetts Attorney General Edward Brooke becomes the first African... (1966)
On November 8, 1966: Former Massachusetts Attorney General Edward Brooke becomes the first African American elected to the United States Senate since Reconstruction. This historical event can serve a
On This Day: Republican Revolution: On the night of the 1994 United States midterm elections,... (1994)
On November 8, 1994: Republican Revolution: On the night of the 1994 United States midterm elections, Republicans make historic electoral gains by securing massive majorities in both houses of Congres
On This Day: Premiere performance of The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Saint... (1892)
On December 18, 1892: Premiere performance of The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God w
On This Day: The Treaty of Aberconwy, a humiliating settlement forced on Llywelyn ap Gruffudd... (1277)
On November 9, 1277: The Treaty of Aberconwy, a humiliating settlement forced on Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by King Edward I of England, brings a temporary end to the Welsh Wars. This historical event can
On This Day: Trần Duệ Tông succeeds his brother Trần Nghệ Tông as King of Vietnam. (1372)
On November 9, 1372: Trần Duệ Tông succeeds his brother Trần Nghệ Tông as King of Vietnam. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Con
On This Day: American Civil War: Union General Ambrose Burnside assumes command of the Army... (1862)
On November 9, 1862: American Civil War: Union General Ambrose Burnside assumes command of the Army of the Potomac, after George B. McClellan is removed. This historical event can serve as a powerful
On This Day: American Revolutionary War: In the Battle of Fishdam Ford a force of British and... (1780)
On November 9, 1780: American Revolutionary War: In the Battle of Fishdam Ford a force of British and Loyalist troops fail in a surprise attack against the South Carolina Patriot militia under Brigadi
On This Day: Spain, France and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Seville. (1729)
On November 9, 1729: Spain, France and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Seville. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the pursuit of peace in a broken world. Consid
On This Day: A major earthquake strikes Zagreb and destroys many buildings, including Zagreb... (1880)
On November 9, 1880: A major earthquake strikes Zagreb and destroys many buildings, including Zagreb Cathedral. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works t
On This Day: The United States receives rights to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (1887)
On November 9, 1887: The United States receives rights to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's heart for justice and righteousness. Cons
On This Day: Warsaw is awarded the Virtuti Militari by the Polish government-in-exile. (1940)
On November 9, 1940: Warsaw is awarded the Virtuti Militari by the Polish government-in-exile. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On This Day: Japanese prime minister Eisaku Satō becomes the first post-World War II sitting... (1965)
On August 19, 1965: Japanese prime minister Eisaku Satō becomes the first post-World War II sitting prime minister to visit Okinawa Prefecture. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon il
On This Day: Cambodia gains independence from France. (1953)
On November 9, 1953: Cambodia gains independence from France. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using it when preach
On This Day: Cold War: Fall of the Berlin Wall: East Germany opens checkpoints in the Berlin... (1989)
On November 9, 1989: Cold War: Fall of the Berlin Wall: East Germany opens checkpoints in the Berlin Wall, allowing its citizens to travel to West Berlin. This historical event can serve as a powerfu
On This Day: Mother Teresa establishes the Missionaries of Charity. (1950)
On October 7, 1950: Mother Teresa establishes the Missionaries of Charity. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about showing Christ-like compassion to others. Consider u