Reflection on the commemoration of Saint Mark of Ephesus

Saint Mark of Ephesus is rightly known foremost as a confessor and defender of Orthodoxy, for his rejection of the Florentine Council and his treatise against the Latin doctrine of purgatory. But he was also a prolific hymnographer and author of prayers. Indeed, his life serves a double reminder: first, Orthodox doctrine is indispensable for our salvation. Second, right doctrine is foundation, but a foundation upon which we must build. Correct doctrine should lead us to correct worship and to the life of prayer, and worship and prayer will lead us to the heart of God, the very life of the Trinity.