SACRED LESSONS - January 2011

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) C I R CUM C I S I O N O F CH R I S T O UR S A V I O UR C I R CUM C I S I O N O F CH R I S T O UR S A V I O UR C I R CUM C I S I O N O F CH R I S T O UR S A V I O UR C I R CUM C I S I O N O F CH R I S T O UR S A V I O UR –––– 1 J ANU AR1 J ANU AR1 J ANU AR1 J ANU AR Y 2 0 1 1Y 2 0 1 1Y 2 0 1 1Y 2 0 1 1

May the Peace and Joy of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ, heal all hearts and souls!

1

Greek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f AlexandriaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f AlexandriaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f AlexandriaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr ica& Al l Afr ica& Al l Afr ica& Al l Afr ica

Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And le t us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

1111 January January January January 2020202011111111

Circumcis ion of Chris t our SaviourCircumcis ion of Chris t our SaviourCircumcis ion of Chris t our SaviourCircumcis ion of Chris t our Saviour &&&& The Feast o f S t Bas il the GreatThe Feast o f S t Bas il the GreatThe Feast o f S t Bas il the GreatThe Feast o f S t Bas il the Great

Also the Feast of St Basil of Ancyra ---- St Emilia,

Mother of St Basil the Great, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Makrina & St Peter of Sebaste - St Gregory of Nazianzos, father of St Gregory the Theologian - St Peter the New Martyr of Peloponnesos – St Theodotos, Holy Martyr – St Theodosios of Triglia – St Telemachos, Holy Martyr – St Fulgentios of Ruspe – St Basil, Holy Martyr of Ankyra A p o l y t i k i o n O f T h e C i r c um c i s i o n O f C h r i s t

Morfin analliotos anthropinin proselaves, Theos on kat’

ousian Poleiefsplaghne Kyrie, ke Nomon ekpliron

peritomin, thelise katadehi sarkikin, ina pavsis ta

skiodi, ke perielis to kalimma ton pathon imon.

Doxa ti agathotiti, ti Si! Doxa ti efsplahnia Sou! Doxa

ti anekfrasto, Loge, singatavasi Sou!

Thou took on human form without change in Thee,

being God in Essence, O Lord Most Compassionate.

And Thou accepted Circumcision in the Flesh, in

total fulfilment of the Law, to put an end to the acts

of darkness, and roll away the veil of our sufferings.

Glory to Thy Goodness, O Lord! Glory to thy

Tenderness! Glory to Thine inexpressible

Condescension, O Word! Ko n t a k i o n O f T h e C i r c um c i s i o n O f C h r i s t – T o n e 3

O ton olon Kyrios peritomin ipomeni ke vroton ta

ptesmata os agathos peritemni. Didosi tin Sotirian

simeron kosmo: Here de en tis Ipsistis ke O tou

ktistou Ierarhis ke Fosforos, O Thios Mystis Hristou

Vasilios.

Now the Lord of all that is undergoes Circumcision, in

His Goodness cutting off the sins and failings of

mortals. He this day grants Salvation to the whole

world; and the Hierarch and Bright Daystar of the

Creator now rejoices in the Highest: Basil the Wise

and Divine Initiate of Christ. Ap o l y t i k i o n O f S t B a s i l T h e G r e a t

Is pasan tin gin exilthen o fthongos sou, os dexamenin

ton logon sou; diou theoprepos edogmatisas, tin

fisin ton onton etranosas, ta ton anthropon ithi

katekosmisas. Vasilion ieratevma, Pater Osie;

Presveve Hristo to Theos, Sothine tas psihas imon.

Thy voice has gone out all over the earth, which was

ready to accept thy word; by which in a Godly

manner thou Dogmatised; the nature of all that

exists thou clarified; the manners of people thou

purified. As Royal Priesthood that thou art, O Father

Righteous, Intercede with Christ our God, that our

souls may be Saved. Ko n t a k i o n O f S t B a s i l T h e G r e a t – T o n e 4

Ofthis vasis asistos ti Ekklisia, nemon pasin asilon, tin

kiriotita vrotis, epi sfragizon sis dogmasin,

Ouranofantor Vasilie Osie.

For the Church art thou in Truth a Firm Foundation,

granting an inviolate lordship to all mortal men and

sealing it with what thou has taught, O Righteous

Basil, Revealer of Heavenly Things. I s o d i k o n – G r e a t E n t r a n c e :

Defte proskinisomen.... SOSON IMAS IIE THEOU, O SARKI

PERITIMITHIS, psallontas Si, Allelouia!

Come let us worship... Save us, O Son of God,

CIRCUMCISED IN THE FLESH, who sing to Thee:

Allilouia!

Matins Gospel : John 10 : 1 Matins Gospel : John 10 : 1 Matins Gospel : John 10 : 1 Matins Gospel : John 10 : 1 –––– 9 9 9 9 Ch r i s t I s Ou r Go od S h eph e rd

At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say you, he who does not enter the Sheepfold by the Door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But He Who enters by the Door is

the Shepherd of the Sheep. To Him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice; and He Calls

His own Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before

them; and the Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger,

but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them

again: “Most assuredly, I say to you: I Am the Door of the Sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the Sheep did not heed them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be

Saved and will go in and out and find Pasture.”

Proke imenon:Proke imenon:Proke imenon:Proke imenon: My mouth shall speak Wisdom... Hear this, all you Nations!

The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Coloss ians 2 : 8 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Coloss ians 2 : 8 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Coloss ians 2 : 8 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Coloss ians 2 : 8 –––– 12121212 S t P a u l S p e a k s O u t A g a i n s t F a l s e T h e o l o g y O f H e r e t i c s

Brethren, Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy, and vain deceit; according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, but not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the Fullness of the Godhead corporeally; and you are filled in Him, Who is the Head of all Principality and Power; in Whom also you are Circumcised with Circumcision Not Made By Hand, in the despoiling of the body of the flesh, but in the Circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in Baptism, in Whom also you are Risen again by the Faith of the Operation of God, Who has raised Him up from the dead.

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) CCCC IIII RRRR CCCC UUUUMMMM CCCC IIII SSSS IIII OOOO NNNN OOOO FFFF CCCC HHHH RRRR IIII SSSS TTTT OOOO UUUU RRRR SSSS AAAA VVVV IIII OOOO UUUU RRRR –––– 1111 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 2

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 2: 20 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 2: 20 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 2: 20 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 2: 20 –––– 21; 40 21; 40 21; 40 21; 40 –––– 52525252 T h e C i r c um c i s i o n O f O u r L o r d & H i s F i r s t T e a c h i n g I n T h e T em p l e A t T h e A g e O f Tw e l v e Y e a r s

At that time, the Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the Circumcision of the Child, His Name was called Jesus, the Name given by the Angel before He was Conceived in the Womb. And the Child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom and the Grace of God was upon Him.

His parents went to Jerusalem every year to attend the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. However, Joseph and His Mother did not know it, and supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey. Then they sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, to look for Him.

So it was that after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His Mother said to Him: “Son, why have Thou done this to us? Look

Thy father and I have sought Thee anxiously.” So He said to them: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s Business?” But they did not understand what He said to them.

Then He went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them, and His Mother kept all these things in her heart,

while Jesus increased in Wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED CIRCUMCISION ACCORDING TO THE PRECEPTS OF MOSAIC LAW – WHICH HE FAITHFULLY FOLLOWED THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY BECAUSE HE FULFILS THE LAW AS GIVEN BY GOD TO ST MOSES.

AFTER THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, HOLY BAPTISM REPLACED PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION AS THE UNIVERSAL MYSTERY OF SALVATION AND INITIATION INTO THE CHURCH. (IT IS REFERRED TO AS BEING THE “NEW CIRCUMCISION.”)

In the Orthodox Church it is an ancient Tradition to name a child on the Eighth Day of its life. This is not the Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of Baptism and Chrismation that takes place a month or two later. It is also a different Service to the 40 Day Churching of the Mother that occurs 40 days after the birth of a baby.

THE INCARNATION [ASSUMING OR TAKING ON A VISIBLE, PHYSICAL BODY OF FLESH AND BONE] MEANS THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST EXPERIENCED NORMAL HUMAN PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND

INTELLECTUAL GROWTH, BUT UNDER THE SPECIAL OVERSHADOWING GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD that fills Him with

WISDOM AND STRENGTH – both physical and spiritual. PILGRIMAGES TO JERUSALEM ON THE THREE GREAT FEASTS OF

PASSOVER, PENTECOST AND TABERNACLES, WERE

CUSTOMARY for all Hebrews except those who lived at great distances from the Temple. Entire Clans and Communities would travel together for safety and companionship.

When our Lord Jesus Christ referred to “MY FATHER’S BUSINESS” He referred to GOD’S WILL IN PREPARATION FOR

HIS DIVINE (AND PUBLIC) MINISTRY. THIS WAS THE FIRST STATEMENT MADE BY CHRIST CONCERNING

GOD AS HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.

Christ did not break the 5th Commandment, “Honour thy father and mother” because what He had done by remaining at the Temple after His parents had left the city, was AN ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

HE OBEYED GOD AND DID GOD’S WILL ALTHOUGH ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED AND THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS DID NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND AT THE TIME AND WERE NATURALLY CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY.

While He grew up, CHRIST WAS SUBJECT TO HIS PARENTS –

HIS LEGAL GUARDIANS, clearly demonstrating HIS

HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO AND RESPECT FOR HIS EARTHLY FAMILY.

HE GREW UP HEALTHY IN BODY AND SPIRIT, INCREASING DAILY IN

“WISDOM, STATURE AND FAVOUR WITH GOD AND MEN” and bringing into plain view the Wisdom and Grace inherent in Him.

In His Incarnation, JESUS CHRIST MAKES HUMANITY

COMPLETELY HIS OWN, INCLUDING PROGRESS IN WISDOM AND GRACE.

HE EXPERIENCED AND SANCTIFIED EVERY STAGE OF HUMAN LIFE.

Since he is at once both god and man, OUR LORD

INCREASED HUMANLY IN THE GRACE AND WISDOM THAT WERE ALREADY FULLY HIS IN HIS DIVINE NATURE.

THE GROWTH OF CHRIST’S HUMANITY PREFIGURES OUR OWN GROWTH INTO UNION WITH HIM.

AS CHRIST OUR GOD AND CREATOR took on complete humanity, HE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ACHIEVE

SPIRITUAL PURITY OR THEOSIS AND BECOME “GOD-LIKE”

The Presence of God The Presence of God The Presence of God The Presence of God THERE IS A STRANGE ASPECT TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN THE

WORLD AROUND US. That aspect is His apparent absence. I read with fascination (because I am no philosopher,

much less a scientist) the discussions surrounding “intelligent design” and the like.

Everybody agrees that the Universe is just marvellous and wonderfully put together... But then begins the parting of ways as one sees God everywhere and another sees Him nowhere.

Reason surely need not deny God, although reason does not seem forced to acknowledge Him.

I have spent most of my life around these arguments – in one place or another.

I can stand in either place and see both (GOD’S) Presence and absence.

But as the years have gone by, I have come to see something I never saw before – THE PRESENCE WITHIN

THE ABSENCE. I don’t mean to sound too mystical here – only that I SEE IN

THE HIDDENNESS OF GOD A REVELATION OF HIS LOVE.

THE CREATOR OF US ALL DRAWS US TOWARDS HIMSELF AND KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, WITH HINTS AND INTIMATIONS, WITH SEEN AND YET UNSEEN SIGNS.

The strange deniability that He leaves us is THE SPACE IN WHICH LOVE IS BORN.

] LOVE CANNOT BE FORCED, CANNOT BE DEMANDED.

] LOVE MUST COME AS GIFT, BORN OF A WILLINGNESS TO GIVE -

TO GIVE GOD TRUST THAT WHAT I SEE IS INDEED EVIDENCE OF THE WISDOM IN WHICH HE MADE ALL THINGS IS ALSO A SPACE – ONE WHICH GOD FILLS WITH HIMSELF AND THE ECHO - THE “YES!” THAT THE UNIVERSE SHOUTS BACK TO US.

It is where I grow weary of the arguments – not because they need not be made – but because IT BECOMES HARD

TO HEAR THE SILENCE IN THE NOISE OF OUR OWN VOICES – A SILENCE THAT INVITES US TO HEAR THE SOUND OF THE VOICE OF GOD THAT RUMBLES ALL AROUND US.

There’s more to say – but not now. ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS” – FATHER STEPHEN -

http://fatherstephen.wordpress.com/

The Circumcis ion of Chris t our SaviourThe Circumcis ion of Chris t our SaviourThe Circumcis ion of Chris t our SaviourThe Circumcis ion of Chris t our Saviour On the eighth day after His Nativity, our Lord Jesus Christ

was circumcised in accordance with the Old Covenant Law - as were all male Hebrew infants - as a Sign of God's Promise to the Holy Forefather Abraham and his descendants.

He was named “ Jesus,” (“Saviour”) signifying His Divine Work of Salvation of the world, just as the Archangel Gabriel had revealed at the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos.

The Creator of the Law, underwent Circumcision as an Example of how faithfully the Divine Ordinances ought to be fulfilled and so that later no one would

doubt that Christ had truly assumed human flesh, and that His Incarnation was not merely an illusion.

Old Covenant Circumcision prefigured the New Covenant Holy Mystery of Baptism, which is the beginning of our Life in Christ.

The Canon of the Feast was written by St Stephen of the St Sava Monastery.

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY BBBB EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE FFFF EEEE AAAA SSSS TTTT OOOO FFFF TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– 2222 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 3333....

Greek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr ica

Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Fore f eas t o f TheophanyFore f eas t o f TheophanyFore f eas t o f TheophanyFore f eas t o f Theophany Tone ( (7) Varys/Grave Tone ( (7) Varys/Grave Tone ( (7) Varys/Grave Tone ( (7) Varys/Grave 2 January 20112 January 20112 January 20112 January 2011

Sunday Before TheophanySunday Before TheophanySunday Before TheophanySunday Before Theophany

Also the Feast of St Sylvester of Rome - St Kosmas of Constantinople - St Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov – St Juliana the Righteous of Lazarevo, Muron - St Theogenes Hieromartyr of Parios, Hellespont – St Theopemptos – St Theodota, Mother of the Holy Unmercenaries – St Mark the Deaf – St Basil of Ankyra – St Sergios – St Theopistos – St George the New Martyr of Mytilene– St Nilos the Sanctified – St Sylvester of Kiev Near Caves – St Theologia the New Martyr

R e s u r r e c t i o n A p o l y t i k i o n - T o n e ( 7 ) V a r y s / G r a v e

Katelisas to Stavro Sou ton thanaton. Ineoxas to listi

ton Paradison. Ton Miroforon ton thrinon metevales ke tis sis Apostolis kirittin epetaxas, oti Anestis, Hriste O Theos, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos.

By Thy Cross Thou destroyed Death; Thou opened

Paradise to the Thief; Thou changed the funeral wail of the Myrrh-bearing Women, and Commanded them to announce to Thine Apostles that Thou had Risen from the dead, O Christ our God, Who bestows on the world Great Mercy!

Ap o l y t i k i o n O f T h e F o r e f e a s t O f T h e o p h a n y – T o n e 4

Resurrec t ion Gospel 10Resurrec t ion Gospel 10Resurrec t ion Gospel 10Resurrec t ion Gospel 10 : John 21 : 1 – 14 - O u r L o r d J e s u s S e r v e s B r e a k f a s t T o H i s E l e v e n A p o s t l e s Proke imenonProke imenonProke imenonProke imenon

Arise, O Lord, my God, and let Thy Hand be lifted up: forget not Thy poor forever.

I will confess to Thee, O Lord: with my whole heart

The The The The SecondSecondSecondSecond Epis t le o f St Paul to St Timothy 4 : 5 Epis t le o f St Paul to St Timothy 4 : 5 Epis t le o f St Paul to St Timothy 4 : 5 Epis t le o f St Paul to St Timothy 4 : 5 ---- 8 8 8 8 S t Pa u l ’ s E xamp l e t o b e im i t a t e d

Timothy, my son: always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an Evangelist and fulfil your Ministry. For I am

already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my Departure has come. I have fought the Good Fight; I have finished the Race; I have kept the Faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the

Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but

also to all who have loved His Appearing.

St Paul wrote this personal letter to his beloved disciple, St Timothy (circa 65 – 67) from Rome where he was imprisoned weighed down with chains, suffering physical pain and facing execution.

St Paul had elected St Timothy Bishop of Ephesos where some Church members had promoted a variety of self-conceived “theological” opinions ranging from the irrelevant to the heretical.

St Paul had therefore found it necessary to excommunicate some of these speculators and heretics so he knew with which internal and external pressures the Church had to deal.

The Hellenistic mystery religions misused the terms “Salvation” and “Saviour” and the cult of Emperor worship accorded the title “Lord” to the Emperor.

St Paul strove to guide St Timothy through all the Pastoral Challenges and questions he had to endure.

EVERY DEVOUT CHRISTIAN WHO IS TRULY A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST, MUST ALWAYS

] “WATCH IN ALL THINGS,” [BE CONSTANTLY ALERT TO

TEMPTATIONS AND HERESY, FALSE BELIEFS OR TEACHING],

] “ENDURE AFFLICTIONS” [PATIENTLY TOLERATE ALL

SUFFERING, PERSECUTION, CRITICISM, UNKINDNESS, ETC], AND THROUGH DAILY STRIVING “DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST” [OUR PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR, HABITS AND PRACTISES REVEAL OUR TRUE NATURE: SPIRITUAL OR WORLDLY].

EACH VIRTUE IS AN UNSPOKEN, SHINING EXAMPLE OF AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY.

St Paul exhorted not only St Timothy but everyone who would either read this letter or hear it read out, to CONTINUE LIFE ACCORDING TO ALMIGHTY GOD’S

COMMANDMENTS AND CHRIST’S MOST PERFECT EXAMPLE.

] OUR PERSONAL GOALS IN THIS EXISTENCE SHOULD BE TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, FINISH THE RACE AND KEEP THE

FAITH.

] This means that WE MUST STRUGGLE CEASELESSLY

AGAINST ALL TEMPTATION AND EVIL INFLUENCE THAT

THREATENS TO DRAW US FURTHER AWAY FROM ALMIGHTY GOD.

Each day is a new beginning and another opportunity to grow closer to God and His Eternal Kingdom.

] AT THE END OF EVERY DAY, WE MUST DO A PERSONAL

“ACCOUNTING” AND ASK OUR BELOVED LORD TO FORGIVE OUR FAULTS, SINS AND WEAKNESS, AND BESEECH HIM TO ASSIST US TO DO BETTER TOMORROW.

Although THE “RACE” REFERS to the Life and Work given to St Paul it also refers TO OUR OWN LIFE AND WORK

The comparison of Spiritual Life to an athletic contest is common in the writings of the Ascetic Fathers.

THE “CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS” IS A MOST GRACIOUS BLESSING THAT ALMIGHTY GOD, WHO IS THE ONLY

RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, MAY AWARD TO DESERVING SOULS WHO TRULY LOVE HIM AND THEREFORE HAVE STRUGGLED THE HARDEST TO OBEY AND TO SERVE GOD IN WHATEVER MANNER REQUIRED OF THEM.

Etimazou Zavoulon, ke evtrepizou Nefthalim. Iordani

potame, stithi ipodexe skirton, tou Vaptisthine

erhomenon ton Deepotin. Agallou O Adam Sin ti

Promitori. Mi hriptete eaftous, os en Paradiso to prin.

Ke gar gimnous idon imas epefanen, ina endisi tin

protin stolin. Hristos efani, tin pasan ktisin, thelon.

Anakenise.

Prepare, O Zebulon, and adorn yourself, O Naphtali;

River Jordan, cease flowing and receive with joy the Master coming to be Baptised. Adam, rejoice with our First Mother and do not hide yourself as you did of old in Paradise; for having seen you naked, He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment. Christ has appeared to renew all creation.

Ko n t a k i o n O f T h e F o r e f e a s t O f T h e o p h a n y

En Tis rithris simeron tou Iordanou, gegonos O Kyrios,

to Ioanni ekvoa: Mi diliasis Vaptise Me: Sose gar iko,

Adam ton Protoplaston.

Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John: "Do not be afraid to Baptise me. For I have

come to Save Adam, the First-formed man."

4 . (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY BBBB EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE FFFF EEEE AAAA SSSS TTTT OOOO FFFF TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– 2222 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

] The Lord Our God, Who is infinitely Merciful, clearly sees our souls as they really are – NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM HIM – and HE WILL JUDGE EACH

SOUL ACCORDING TO HIS ABSOLUTE TRUTH. ] IT IS VITAL THAT EVERY EFFORT WE MAKE, WHETHER

SPIRITUAL OR PHYSICAL, IS DUE TO OUR SINCERE

DEVOTION AND LOVE FOR GOD AND ALL HIS CREATION and not done in order to impress other human beings or for our personal glorification and material gain!

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 1 : 1 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 1 : 1 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 1 : 1 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 1 : 1 ---- 8 8 8 8 S t J o h n T h e B ap t i s t & F o r e r u n n e r T o C h r i s t O u r L o r d &Sa v i o u r

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My

Messenger before Thy Face, who will prepare Thy Way before Thee.” “The voice of one crying in the

wilderness: ‘Prepare the Way of the Lord; make His Paths straight!’” John came Baptising in the wilderness and preaching a Baptism of Repentance for the Remission of sins. Then all the

land of Judea and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all Baptised by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying: “There comes One after me Who is mightier than I, Whose sandal strap I am not worthy to

stoop down and loosen. I indeed Baptised you with water, but He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit.

“Beginning” refers to the opening Events of the Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ: in other words: the Preparatory Activity of St John the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ and also the Temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is truly the actual Son of Almighty God the Father.

The expression “prepare the Way” refers to St John the Baptist who is the last Holy Prophet of God of the Old Testament or Covenant who fulfilled Divine Prophecy and who prepared the people of God for the Messiah’s Coming. ] HEARTS WERE SOFTENED IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE

GOD’S DIVINE LIGHT – HIS TRUTH AND WISDOM.

“Baptism... For the remission of sins...” (literally ‘to let go of sins’) was a major part of St John the Baptist’s Preparation of the people for the Coming of our Lord and Saviour. ] Later, IN CHRISTIAN BAPTISM, GOD NOT ONLY FORGIVES

OUR REPENTED SINS, BY LETTING THEM GO – BY SETTING US COMPLETELY FREE OF THEIR IMPRISONING, ENSLAVING SHACKLES - HE ALSO BRINGS US INTO A PERSONAL UNION

WITH CHRIST.

“All the land of Judea... went out to him...” Indicates THE SWEEPING IMPACT OF THE MINISTRY OF ST JOHN THE

BAPTIST who was perhaps the leading religious figure outside official, rabbinic Judaism.

St John the Baptist’s clothing was similar to that of St Elijah, indicating that HE FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF ST ELIJAH’S RETURN.

] Baptism with the Holy Spirit means that ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO IS THE TRUE SON OF GOD, FULLY POSSESSES AND GRANTS US THE HOLY SPIRIT.

] Therefore, IN ORDER FOR US TO RECEIVE THE HOLY

SPIRIT, WE MUST BE BAPTISED IN CHRIST AND DIVINELY

ADOPTED AS CHILDREN OF ALMIGHTY GOD. IN OUR SPIRITUAL ADOPTION BY GOD, CHRISTIANS BECOME

‘ANOINTED ONES’ and it was concerning these adopted Children of God whom God Commanded and caution others: “DO NOT TOUCH MY ANOINTED ONES!” (PSALM 105:15)

The Fore feThe Fore feThe Fore feThe Fore feas t o f Theophanyast o f Theophanyast o f Theophanyast o f Theophany The first day of the Forefeast of Theophany falls on 2 January. Like the Hymns for the Nativity, many of the Church's Hymns of this period are slightly modified versions of the Hymns of

Holy Week.

One of the Hymns that we chant during Matins today informs us that the approaching Feast of Theophany will be "even more radiant" than the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, because at the Baptism of our Saviour, the Holy Trinity is revealed to us – the Three separate Persons of the One Divine Godhead: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Sunday Before TheophanySunday Before TheophanySunday Before TheophanySunday Before Theophany The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the Twelve

Great Feasts, one which is celebrated with no less solemnity than is the Nativity of Christ.

One might say that the Nativity and the Baptism of Christ are two related Feasts comprising one single celebration, the Feast of Theophany, for together they present to us the Appearance of all three Persons of the Holy Trinity.

In the cave at Bethlehem, the Son of God was born according to the flesh, and at His Baptism, from the Heavens the Holy Spirit descended and hovered above His Head “like a dove,” while the Voice of God the Father was heard, saying: “Thou art My beloved

Son; in Thee I am well pleased!” (LUKE 3: 22) Our Holy Hierarch, St John Chrysostom, explained that

“...it is not the day of our Saviour’s Birth that we

should call His Appearance, but the day on

which He was Baptized, for He did not become

known to all by His Birth, but by His Baptism,

and that is why it is not the day of His Birth that

is called ‘Theophany,’ but the day on which He

was Baptized.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who had returned from Egypt after the death of King Herod, grew up in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee.

With His Most-Holy Mother, He remained in that small town until He was thirty, earning a living for Himself and the Most-Holy Virgin Mary by doing carpentry just as Her Righteous Guardian, St Joseph the Betrothed, had taught Him.

Upon attaining thirty years of earthly life - i.e. the age according to Hebrew Law when men were permitted to

teach in the Synagogues or enter the Priesthood – He began His public Mission to the people of Israel.

However, before Christ began His Divine Mission and in fulfilment of the prophecies of the Old Covenant Prophets of God, the Forerunner – St John the Baptist - bore the great responsibility of preparing God’s Chosen Nation of Israel to receive the long awaited Messiah.

St John the Baptist was the one whom St Isaiah had

prophesied as “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the Way of the Lord! make

straight the Paths of our God!” (ISAIAH 40: 3) Far from the people, in the depths of the severe Judean

Desert, the Word of God came to St John the Baptist - the son of St Zacharias and a cousin of the Most-Holy Virgin Mary.

While being six months in the womb of his mother, the Righteous St Elizabeth, St John had leapt in Joyful welcome to our Saviour - the One about Whom no one on earth yet knew - except His Most-Pure Mother, who had received the Good News from the Archangel Gabriel.

That Word of God had directed St John to go out into the world to preach Repentance and to Baptize Israel - to bear witness to the Divine Light of God so that all might believe through his Inspired Teaching. (JOHN 1: 7).

Heeding God’s Word, St John walked throughout the land of Jordan, preaching the Baptism of Repentance for the remission of sins. (LUKE 3: 3)

All the people of Jerusalem and the surrounding region went to listen to his Preaching, to be Baptized by him in the waters of the River Jordan, and to confess their sins to God and to their fellow mankind. (MARK 1: 5)

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY BBBB EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE FFFF EEEE AAAA SSSS TTTT OOOO FFFF TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– 2222 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 5555....

Among those who went to St John the Baptist, there naturally arose the question of whether he was Israel’s anticipated Redeemer and Comforter.

However, St John the Baptist made it very clear to them: “There comes One after me Who is mightier than

I - Whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop

down and loosen. I indeed Baptize you with

water: but He shall Baptize you with the Holy

Spirit.” (MARK 1: 7-8) And behold! On one of those ordinary days, as St John

was preaching to all those who were gathered at the Jordan River, he was Inspired by the Holy Spirit, and recognized among the people the One before Whom thirty years earlier he had leapt for Joy inside his mother’s womb.

Our Lord Jesus had gone from Galilee to Jordan to be Baptized, along with everyone else, by St John the Baptist.

Yet St John tried to prevent Him, exclaiming in amazement: “I need to be Baptized by Thee, but

Thou come to me?” (MATTHEW 3: 14). Seeing the Son of God Who is sinless, standing before

him, St John asked that he himself - being subjected to the sin of disobedience, which had been passed from Adam to all mankind - be Baptized by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless Christ responded to his request by saying:

“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for

Us to fulfil all Righteousness.” (MATTHEW 3: 15). Sinless and incorrupt, born of the Most-Pure Virgin Mary,

and in His Divinity the Source of all Purity and Holiness, our Lord Jesus had no need of that Baptism.

However, as He had taken on Himself the sins of the entire world, He had gone to the River Jordan to purge the waters through His own Baptism.

He went to be Baptized by St John, so as to Sanctify the water of the Jordan River with Himself - in order to grant us – all humanity - the Font of Holy Baptism.

He also went to be Baptized so that St John might behold the Fulfilment of God’s Word that had directed him to leave the isolation of the desert and to prepare the people for the Coming of the Messiah: “I did not

know Him, but He Who sent me to Baptise with

water said to me: ‘Upon Whom thou shall see the

Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the

same is He Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit.” (JOHN 1: 33).

St John the Baptist obeyed God, and the Jordan River received into its waters (POLLUTED BY SIN) the One by Whose Divine Command it had begun to flow.

According to the Holy Gospels, after being Baptized our Lord immediately came out of the water.

St John the Baptist usually held those being Baptised neck-deep in the water until they had confessed all their sins and only then would they be allowed to get out of the water.

Christ, being sinless, could not be held in the water, and therefore He immediately began to get out of the river and as He went, Heaven opened, the Holy Spirit descended and hovered above His head like a dove

and the Voice of God the Father proclaimed: “ Thou art My Beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased!” (Luke 3: 21-22).

Just as, in the days of Noah, when a Dove brought the Good News that the flood waters had receded, so here again, the Holy Spirit, like a hovering Dove signified the end of the overwhelming flood of enslaving sin.

The Holy Spirit appeared to the people “like a Dove,” because that little bird symbolises Love, Purity and Meekness or Humility.

God the Holy Spirit is the Divine Source of Purity - the bottomless depth of Divine Love for all mankind and the Divine Teacher of True Humility and Peace.

The Preaching of St John the Baptist and Forerunner to Christ and his Baptism of our Saviour occurred at the site of the ancient crossing over the Jordan River, approximately 5 km from its entrance into the Dead Sea.

Already in the times of King David, a ferry had been set up there, and in the 19th Century the place was referred to as “Pilgrims’ Ford,” on account of the multitude of Pilgrims coming together there to be washed in the waters of the Jordan River.

It was by that path that 12 centuries before our Saviour’s Nativity, ancient Israel, led by St Joshua son of Nun, entered the Promised Land.

It was there that, one thousand years before the Divine Incarnation, King David went beyond Jordan, fleeing from his own son Absalom, who had risen up against him.

It was at that site that the Holy Prophets of God, St Elijah and St Elisha crossed the river.

Later, during the Christian era, Venerable St Mary of Egypt departed by that way for the desert beyond the Jordan River to weep over her sins.

Today, the nearby Greek Monastery of St John the Forerunner reminds Pilgrims of the Events of Holy Theophany that transpired there.

Back in Apostolic times the Holy Church had already been celebrating the day of Holy Theophany and among its

Ordinances it bequeathed the direction: “May you

hold in great reverence the Day upon which the

Lord showed us Divinity.” Since antiquity, and in remembrance of the Baptism of

Jesus Christ when He descended into the waters of the Jordan River, the Orthodox Church has performed the Great Blessing of the Waters, both on the Eve and on the actual Feast of Theophany.

The Order of Service for the Blessing of the Waters, and the Divine Grace imparted to the waters on the Eve of Theophany, and on the actual Feast of Theophany, are one and the same.

The solemn Blessing of the Waters stems from the Tradition of the Church of Jerusalem, where already in the first centuries of Christianity, solemn Processions to the River Jordan for Blessings of the Waters to commemorate our Saviour’s Baptism were made.

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP:

http://www.stjohndc.org/Russian/homilies/e_0801_theophany.htm

St Sylves ter o f RomeSt Sylves ter o f RomeSt Sylves ter o f RomeSt Sylves ter o f Rome St Sylvester, Bishop of Rome (314-335) was born at Rome

of Christian parents, named Rufinos and Justa. His father died soon after he was born and he was

nurtured by his mother until he was old enough to be educated by the Priest, Father Quirinos, who instructed him well and raised him as a True Christian.

St Sylvester fulfilled our Lord's Great Commandment to unconditionally Love one another and he welcomed many strangers and passing travellers into his home, taking the best possible care of each person.

During a persecution against Christians, St Sylvester immediately accommodated the Holy Confessor, St Timothy, Bishop of Antioch, who stayed with him for more than a year, converting many souls to Christ through his Inspired Preaching.

Bishop Timothy was eventually arrested and after he had been executed by order of the Prefect, Tarquinios. St

Sylvester secretly took the martyred body of the Saint and buried it with suitable Christian Prayers.

When his actions were reported to the Prefect, Tarquinios ordered St Sylvester to be arrested and tried for treason against the state.

During the unjust trial of St Sylvester, Tarquinios demanded that he renounce Christ, threatening him with torture and death but St Sylvester remained steadfast in his Confession of Faith, which resulted in his imprisonment.

Then the Prefect Tarquinios suddenly died after the trial and St Sylvester was set free, whereupon he fearlessly Evangelized the pagans, converting many to Christianity.

At thirty years of age St Sylvester was ordained Deacon, and then Presbyter (Priest) by Bishop Marcellinos (296-304).

6 . (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY BBBB EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR EEEE FFFF EEEE AAAA SSSS TTTT OOOO FFFF TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH AAAA NNNN YYYY –––– 2222 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

Following the repose of Bishop Militiades (or Melchiades, 311-314), St Sylvester was elected Bishop of Rome.

He ceaselessly encouraged his Flock to a Righteous Life in Christ and he insisted that all Priests should strictly fulfil their Sacred Duties and not be involved with any secular business at all.

St Sylvester became renowned as an expert on Holy Scripture and was a staunch Defender of our Faith.

During the reign of the Emperor, St Constantine the Great, when persecution against all Christianity had ended, the Hebrews challenged the Christians in a public debate to determine which Faith was the True Faith.

St Constantine and his mother the Empress, St Helen, attended the debate, together with a very large crowd.

St Sylvester spoke on behalf of the Christians, while the Hebrews had 120 of the most learned Rabbis led by Zambres, a magician and sorcerer.

Quoting the Sacred Writings of the Old Testament, St Sylvester convincingly demonstrated that all the Prophets had foretold the Birth of Jesus Christ from the All-Pure Virgin, as well as His voluntary Suffering and Death for the Redemption of fallen mankind, and His glorious Resurrection.

St Sylvester was declared the victor in the debate. Then Zambres the sorcerer resorted to his tricks, until the

St Sylvester obstructed him by invoking the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Consequently, not only Zambres but also other Hebrews accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and asked to be Baptized into our True Faith.

St Sylvester guided the Roman Church for more than twenty years, earning the esteem of his Flock and, at a ripe old age - in the year 335 - he reposed peacefully in Christ.

Holy WaterHoly WaterHoly WaterHoly Water ---- Blessed & Sanct i f iedBlessed & Sanct i f iedBlessed & Sanct i f iedBlessed & Sanct i f iedOn Theophany, the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ’s

Baptism, EVERY YEAR A GREAT MIRACLE OCCURS . THE HOLY SP I R IT , COMING DOWN UPON THE WATER ,

CHANGES I TS NA TURAL PROPERTIES SO THAT I T

BECOMES INCORRUPT , not spoiling, remaining transparent and fresh for many years.

THIS HOLY WATER RECEI VES THE D I V INE GRACE OF GOD TO HEAL I LLNESSES , TO DRI VE AWAY DEMONS

AND EVERY EV IL POWER , TO PRESERVE PEOPLE AND THEIR DWELL INGS FROM EVERY DANGER , TO SANCTI FY VAR IOUS OBJECTS - WHETHER FOR CHURCH OR HOME USE .

Therefore, Orthodox Christians DRINK THE HOLY WATER

WITH REVERENCE — FOR I T I S A GREAT “AG IASMA ” (SOMETHING SANCTIFIED - CHANGED FROM THE MUNDANE INTO THE

EXTRAORDINARY OR SUPERNATURAL BY DIVINE BLESSING), as the Greeks call it.

We should always have enough Theophany Holy Water at home to last the whole year, and we must USE I T

WHENEVER TO BEG IN EACH DAY , DURING I LLNESS

AND VARIOUS A ILMENTS , BEFORE DEPARTI NG ON A JOURNEY , WHENEVER WE ARE UPSET B Y SOMETHING , B Y S TUDENTS PR IOR TO THEI R EXAMINATIONS , ETC .

Those who drink a little Holy Water daily, especially before eating any kind of food, do well.

HOLY WATER S TRENGTHENS THE POWERS OF OUR SOUL – PARTICULARL Y I F DONE TOGETHER WITH

PRAYERS AND REVERENCE FOR GOD AND ALL H IS HOL Y THINGS .

However, we must not partake of Holy Water with the mere expectation of a mechanical result for EVERYTHING I S

DONE ONL Y B Y THE D I V INE W ILL OF OUR LOVING AND MOST BENEVOLENT HEAVENLY FA THER ,

THROUGH HIS MERC I FUL SON AND BY THE L I FE -G IV ING AND ALL HOLY SP I R IT .

Priests usually take care to Bless a sufficient quantity of Holy Water for the needs of their Parish churches, so that it may be available to those who request it, throughout the year.

As faithful Orthodox Christians, we should receive sufficient Holy Water at Theophany for our personal needs throughout the year and even for longer.

ONCE WE HAVE A SMALL QUANTI T Y OF HOLY WATER , WE MA Y ADD MORE WATER TO I T S INCE WHATEVER

HAS BEEN SANCTI F IED B Y GOD, SANCTIF I ES EVERYTHING ELSE I T COMES I NTO CONTACT W I TH .

So it is that a continued supply of Holy Water that has been Blessed and Sanctified by the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Holy Theophany each year, is available at all times.

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “HOLY WATER” BY ST JOHN OF SHANGHAI & SAN FRANCISCO

http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/john/2/

The Eternal Wisdom of our GodThe Eternal Wisdom of our GodThe Eternal Wisdom of our GodThe Eternal Wisdom of our God---- Inspired Holy Church FathersInspired Holy Church FathersInspired Holy Church FathersInspired Holy Church Fathers

] S t Cyri l o f Al exandr iaS t Cyr i l o f Al exandr iaS t Cyr i l o f Al exandr iaS t Cyr i l o f Al exandr ia (375-444) ... we are taught through this example [St Peter's denial

of our Lord Jesus] not to slacken in God's Service by inconsiderately dwelling on our own infirmities.

We are, rather, to trust in Him Who is able to make all of us strong, and we are to boast in God's Miraculous Works and Favour shown to us who were beyond hope.' (COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12)

] S t Augus t ine o f HippoS t Augus t ine o f HippoS t Augus t ine o f HippoS t Augus t ine o f Hippo (354-430) '"I have sinned" is just three syllables; and yet in these

three syllables the flames of the heart's sacrifice [rise] up to Heaven.' (SERMON 393.1)

] S t S imeon the New Theolog ianS t S imeon the New Theolog ianS t S imeon the New Theolog ianS t S imeon the New Theolog ian No matter what happens to you, accept everything as

good, knowing that nothing happens without God.

] Abba Doro theoAbba Doro theoAbba Doro theoAbba Doro theos o f Gazas o f Gazas o f Gazas o f Gaza Believe that everything that happens to us, even the

least thing, happens according to God's Providence, and then without trouble we will endure everything that comes to us.

] S t Ph i lare t o f MoscowSt Ph i lare t o f MoscowSt Ph i lare t o f MoscowSt Ph i lare t o f Moscow In the adventures of life, the Voice of Providence is

heard, calling man to the Lord's Path. The bitter, sent from the Hand of the Heavenly

Physician, is more favourable for the health of the soul than the sweet, offered by the world.

And well-being can be more dangerous than calamity, and calamity more Saving than well-being.

In every matter undertaken by you, do not first ask whether it will be pleasant, advantageous for you, and praiseworthy before others, but first and

foremost test whether it will be pleasing to God, and will not be contrary to His Commandments.

Without God, not only a city, or a man's house is not built, but even the nest of a dove.

] S t Mark the Ascet icS t Mark the Ascet icS t Mark the Ascet icS t Mark the Ascet ic When temptation comes upon you, seek not whence

and wherefore it came, but be concerned about enduring it thankfully, without sorrow and without remembering evil.

While remembering God, increase you Supplication, so that when you forget Him, He will not forget you!

] S t John Chrysos tomSt John Chrysos tomSt John Chrysos tomSt John Chrysos tom God does not leave us forever either in unhappiness, so

that we would not grow weak, or in happiness, so that we would not become careless; but by divers means He arranges our Salvation.

Take care of what is God's, and God will take care of what is yours.

] S t Isaac o f Syr iaS t Isaac o f Syr iaS t Isaac o f Syr iaS t Isaac o f Syr ia Remember God at all times, and He will remember you

when you fall into calamity.

] S t S imeon the S tud i teS t S imeon the S tud i teS t S imeon the S tud i teS t S imeon the S tud i te Acquire God as a Friend, and you will not require

human help.

] S t . Augus t ineS t . Augus t ineS t . Augus t ineS t . Augus t ine : Where can we find Him? …Not on earth, for He is not

here. And not in Heaven, for we are not there. But in our own hearts we can find Him. He ascended to Heaven openly so that He could come back to us inwardly, and never leave us again.

DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) H O L Y T H E O PHAN Y – B AP T I SM O F CH R I S T & R E V E L A T I O N O F T H E H O L Y T R I N I T Y – 6 JANUARY 2011 7



6666 JanuaJanuaJanuaJanuary 2011ry 2011ry 2011ry 2011

Holy Theophany Holy Theophany Holy Theophany Holy Theophany The Bapt ism of our SaviourThe Bapt ism of our SaviourThe Bapt ism of our SaviourThe Bapt ism of our Saviour &&&&

TheTheTheThe Revelat ion of the Holy Tr ini tyRevelat ion of the Holy Tr ini tyRevelat ion of the Holy Tr ini tyRevelat ion of the Holy Tr ini ty

Apo l y t i k i o n O f T h e o ph a n y

En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados

efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni

prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke

to Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to

asfales. O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon

Fotisas, Doxa Si!

When Thou, O Lord, was Baptised in the Jordan, the

Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the

Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling

Thee “the Beloved Son,” and the Spirit like a dove,

confirmed His Word as sure and steadfast. O Christ

our God, Who has appeared and Enlightened the

world: Glory to Thee! Kon t ak i o n O f T h e op h a n y

Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to fos sou Kyrie,

esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas se. Ilthes

efanis to Fos to aprositon.

Thou hast appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who

with knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come,

Thou art made manifest, the Light that no man can

approach. S ec o nd A n t i p h on

Soson imas Ie Theou O EN IORDANI IPO IOANNOU

VAPTISTHIS, psallontas Si: Allilouia!

Save us, O Son of God BAPTISED BY JOHN IN THE

JORDAN, who sing to Thee: Allilouia! I n s t e ad O f T h e T r i s a g i o n ( Ag i o s O T h e o s . . . )

Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe.

Allilouia!

As many of you as have been Baptised into Christ, have

put on Christ: Alleluia!

The Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 The Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 The Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 The Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 –––– 16161616 Th e H o l y H i e r a r c h s O f O u r Ch u r c h Wer e G o od S h e ph e r d s T o O u r L o r d ’ s F l o c k

At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have

come so that they may have Life, and so that they may have it more abundantly.

“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But a hireling, he who is not

the Shepherd, one who does not own the Sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the Sheep and flees;

and the wolf catches the Sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does

not care about the Sheep.

“I Am the Good Shepherd; and I know My Sheep, and Am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even

so I know the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have, which are not of

this Fold, them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will be one Flock and one

Shepherd.

The Epis t le o f S t Paul to S t Ti tusThe Epis t le o f S t Paul to S t Ti tusThe Epis t le o f S t Paul to S t Ti tusThe Epis t le o f S t Paul to S t Ti tus 2 :112:112:112:11---- 14 & 3 :414 & 3 :414 & 3 :414 & 3 :4 ----7777 Th e G ra c e O f G od Sa v e s U s T h r o u g h Bap t i sm I n J e su s C h r i s t , T h e H o l y S p i r i t

Titus my child: the Grace of God that brings Salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, Righteously, and Godly in the present age, looking for the Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, so that He might Redeem us from every lawless deed and Purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for Good Works.

But when the Kindness and the Love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by Works of Righteousness which we have done, but according to His Mercy He Saved us, through the Washing of Regeneration and Renewing of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having been Justified by His Grace we should become Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life.

While Christian Ethical Teaching often appears similar to other systems - St Paul used both Roman and Jewish ethical terms - THE BAS IS OF CHRIS T IAN ETHICS I S

UN IQUE . CHRIS T IANS ARE GOOD NOT MERELY BECAUSE OF

OBEDIENCE TO LAW OR HARMONY W ITH NATURE , NOR IN ORDER TO GA IN IMMORTAL BL ISS FOR THE

SOUL . Rather, THEY ARE R IGHTEOUS IN

ANTIC IPA TION OF THE AGE TO COME , THE ESCHATON , THE AGE OF THE FULLNESS OF CREATION IN THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD.

“GRACE ” I S THE UNCREATED ENERGY OF GOD , THE

G IFT OF THE HOLY SP IR IT , through which He grants His Gifts to mankind in Tender Mercy and Good Will.

DIV INE GRACE I S A FORMATIVE POWER, THE RULE OF THE L I FE OF THE AGE TO COME , REQUIR I NG OUR

DETERMINED PARTIC IPATION .

] TO BELONG TO GOD I S TO BECOME L I KE GOD – not in our fallen human nature but according to the perfect Creation of God – TO REGA IN OUR LOST

L IKENESS TO GOD .

] To be Ransomed, or “Owned” by God is not simply a legal and static condition, but A L I FE IN

COMMUNION WI TH H IM: OUR BLESSED V ICTORIOUS S TRUGGLE .

THE “WASHING OF REGENERATION , ” BAPTISM , AND RENEWING OF THE HOLY SP IR IT , CHRISMATION ,

FORM A UN IT Y IN OUR SALVATION , which is clear throughout the New Testament.

Our Lord Jesus revealed the fact that WE ARE BORN FROM

ABOVE THROUGH “WATER AND THE S P IR I T . ” St Peter preached SALVATION IN CHRIS T THROUGH

HOLY BAPTISM AND B Y RECE IV ING “ THE G I FT OF

THE HOLY SP I R IT . ”

8. (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) H O L Y T H E O PHAN Y – B AP T I SM O F CH R I S T & R E V E L A T I O N O F T H E H O L Y T R I N I T Y – 6 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1

St Paul called us to THE WASH ING OF THE WATER AND

THE RENEWING OF THE HOLY SP IR IT .

While St Paul was painfully aware that we are awaiting the Consummation of the Age to come, he knew:

] WE ALREADY PARTIC IPATE I N THE L I FE OF THE

K INGDOM .

] BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION ARE THE BEG INNING , THE R ITE OF PASSAGE TOWARD A PROGRESS I VE

L I FE OF RENEWAL IN CHRIST .

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 3 : 13 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 3 : 13 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 3 : 13 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 3 : 13 ---- 17171717 Jesus Chr i s t I s Pub l i c l y P roc l a imed The Son O f God A t H is Bap t i sm

At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be Baptised by him. And John tried to prevent Him,

saying: “I need to be Baptised by Thee, and art Thou coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him: “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all Righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been Baptised, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the Heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a Voice came from Heaven,

saying: “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I Am well pleased.”

OUR LORD JESUS D ID NOT NEED PURIF ICA TION .

However, by making the Purification of humanity His own, HE WASHED AWAY THE S IN OF HUMANITY ,

GRANTED REGENERATION , AND REVEALED THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TR IN I T Y .

Thus, HIS BAPTISM WAS NECESSARY FOR THE

FULF ILMENT OF ALL GOD ’S R IGHTEOUSNESS . St Gregory of Nyssa taught us: “Our Lord Jesus entered

the filthy [i.e. SINFUL] waters of the world and when

He came out, He raised up [I.E. P[I.E. P[I.E. P[I.E. PURIFIED]URIFIED]URIFIED]URIFIED] the entire

world with him.” The “Spirit of God” hovered over the water at the first

Creation. Now THE HOLY S P IR IT HOVERED L I KE

A DOVE TO ANOINT THE MESS IAH , THE SON OF GOD , AT THE BEG INNING OF THE NEW

CREATION .

Jesus Christ did not become the Son of God this day; rather, I N H IS BAPTISM THE ETERNAL SON OF

GOD I S REVEALED TO ALL HUMANITY . THE HOLY SP I R IT ALWAYS RESTS ON CHRIS T .

The Feast of Epiphany (a Divine Manifestation or Revelation), or Theophany (a Manifestation or Revelation of God), commemorates THIS MOST

S IGNIF ICANT DAY I N HUMAN H IS TORY AND POINTS TO THE AGE TO COME – E TERNI TY – THE

AGES OF AGES . “Thou art My Son, today I have Begotten Thee,” is

a composite quotation from Psalm 2:7

I s a i a h 4 2 : 1 “Behold! My Servant Whom I uphold, My Elect One, in Whom My Soul delights!”

The substitution of “Son” for “Servant” reveals THE

DE I TY OF CHRIST , THE NATURALL Y AND ETERNALLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T REVEALS THE GREAT MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TR I N IT Y :

] THE FA THER SPEAKS ;

] THE HOLY SP I R IT DESCENDS ;

] THE INCARNATE SON I S BAPTISED AND ANOINTED .

A Theophany WithinA Theophany WithinA Theophany WithinA Theophany Within Do you ever wonder: "If our Lord Jesus is Who He says

He is, why don't I see Him more clearly?" St Thomas had the same doubts when his brother

Disciples told him that our Lord Jesus had Resurrected.

Christ heard his sceptic words and responded by

answering each of St Thomas’ statements: "Put your finger here, and see My Hands; and put

out your hand, and place it in My Side; do not

be faithless, but believing ...” Then, without touching His Wounds, St Thomas joyfully

confessed his Faith in Christ: “My Lord and my

God!” (JOHN 20 27-28). Yet if St Thomas got such a visible Sign of Christ’s

Resurrection, why does it seem we are left in the dark?

We Do Not Know How To L isten!

Look at communication in today's world for example. So much of the media is overpowering. It ranges from

the lyrics of rap music to the pulsating beat of rock and roll, to commercials played everywhere it seems, even to “Muzak” in the toilets and on the television in fast food shops -- all of it is calculated to appeal to the senses.

Some Christian churches even lace their Services with splashy, pulsating music and Las Vegas style light shows.

But what does any of this have to do with God? We have all this noise and distraction because the world

wants to hold us captive, and the destructive, misleading path to our incarceration is through our senses! (I.E. THROUGH THE FLESH – THE DESIRES OF OUR PHYSICAL FLESH OR BODIES.)

THE HUMAN BODY I S CAPTIVA TED B Y THE SENSES . Sounds, smells, tastes, and what our eyes behold become an intoxicating, temporary delight. And when it wears off, it takes even more sounds, stronger smells and tastes, and greater visual stimulation to renew the intoxication.

THIS I S THE DEADLY DECEPTION AND D ISTRACTION OF THE EV IL ONE .

The Church Fathers noted the problem years ago.

St Ilias the Presbyter wrote: " ... the Light of the Spirit

has grown dim within the soul, whereas the

light of the sensible world shines more

brightly within it" (PHILOKALIA III).

What St Ilias means is that a person drunk on sensory stimulation will crowd out the Light that burns naturally in the soul – I F WE PUSH I T AS IDE FAR

ENOUGH THE HOLY L IGHT W IL L D IM TO A LMOST NOTHING .

We Must F ind God!

"God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him

must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth," as Christ has taught us. (JOHN 4:24)

] OUR WORSHIP BEG INS W ITH A S I LENC ING OF

THE HEART AND MIND SO THAT THE SOUL CAN RECEI VE H IM .

ST DIDOCHOS OF PHOTIKI said: "... where there is richness of the Spirit, no speech is possible.

At such a time the soul is drunk with the Love

of God and, with voice silent, delights in His

Glory." (PHILOKALIA I). He meant that FOCUS ING ON SENSORY THI NGS

ALONE CANNOT LEAD US TO GOD . Furthermore, WHEN FOCUS I NG BECOMES EXTREME

WE ENTER I DOLATRY . ] SELF -MANI FESTATION OF GOD I S NOT

APPREHENDED THROUGH SENSORY EXPERI ENCE BUT IN THE ST IL LNESS OF THE SOUL .

] ENCOUNTERING GOD I S B Y NECESS I T Y QU I ET

AND PEACEFUL .

] God comes to us when we prepare ourselves to receive Him BY BR ING ING OUR SENSES UNDER

CONTROL , B Y EL IMINATING THE NOISE AND

CLAMOUR OF THE WORLD , AND B Y REFUS ING THE INTOXICATION THAT THE WORLD OFFERS THROUGH OUR SENSES .

And this manifestation replicates in its own way the physical Manifestation of our Lord Jesus as the Son of God at Theophany (the Baptism of Christ): " ... And I saw the Spirit of God descending like a

dove, and alighting on Him; and lo, a Voice from

Heaven, saying: ‘This is My Beloved Son, with Whom I Am well pleased!’" (MATTHEW 3:16-17)

Breaking Free Of Sensory Capt ivat ion

Contemporary empirical findings in scientific Psychology lend insight into how this Psycho-Spiritual Intoxication takes place.

Zuckerman (1993) found a personality dimension he termed “sensation seeking.”

People scoring high on this dimension have a "generalized preference" for high levels of sensory

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) HO L Y T H EO PHAN Y – B AP T I SM O F CH R I S T & R E V E L A T I O N O F T H E H O L Y T R I N I T Y – 6 JANUARY 2011 9.

stimulation. They constantly look for fresh exhilarating experiences.

Zuckerman reported a strong genetic predisposition for this personality trait.

HIGH SENSATION SEEKERS ARE INCL INED

1) to thrill and adventure seeking such as skydiving 2) to unusual activities such as wild parties 3) at the extremes are usually uninhibited thus

prone to heavy drinking, drug use, gambling and sexual experimentation

4) exhibit a susceptibility to boredom with low

tolerance for routine repetition. While few people are at the extreme, even those

moderately inclined toward sensation seeking prefer external sensory stimulation over internal reflection.

It is easy to see how SUCH INDIV IDUALS CAN MISS

THE UNKNOWN GOD WHO REVEALS H IMSELF I N

S I LENCE - THEY S IMPLY DON 'T KNOW THIS D IMENS ION OF HUMAN EXPERI ENCE .

] Those who are inclined to sensation seeking should try to DEVELOP A S P IR I TUAL RULE .

] Many Church Fathers have pointed out that I T I S

BETTER TO SAY ONE PRAYER DEEP FROM THE

HEART , THAN MANY PRAYERS IN A ROUTINE AND SUPERFIC IAL WA Y .

People disposed to high sensation seeking might ä KEEP PRAYERS , MEDI TA TIONS , AND QU I ET

T IMES SHORT

ä BE OPEN TO GOD REVEAL ING H IMSELF

ä L ISTEN FOR H IS VOICE .

Theophany & Free Wi l l

GOD REVEALS H IS SON I N THE S I LENCE OF OUR

SOUL .

Why might God do this? ] COMMUNION WI TH GOD REQU IRES OUR ACTI VE

PARTIC IPA TION .

] OUR WILL MUST BE CONFORMED TO GOD 'S W I LL .

Many passages of Holy Scripture are not clear cut and we may struggle to make sense of them.

When we look at our Lord's Life as recorded in Holy Scripture for example, we always see an ambiguity.

Almost everything our Lord did demands an interpretation that we must provide.

] OUR INNER ORIENTATION - - OUR CAPAC ITY TO

SEE AND UNDERSTAND - - MUST BE DEVELOPED I N ORDER TO SEE WHO OUR

LORD JESUS CHRIS T REALLY I S .

The self-righteous, arrogant Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes continually saw the Work of Jesus Christ but concluded that He was merely a malefactor (TROUBLE-MAKER).

YET THOSE W I TH PURIT Y OF HEART SAW THE SAME HOLY WORKS AND CONCLUDED THAT HE WAS TRUL Y THE SON OF GOD, THE GOOD GOD WHO LOVES MANKIND .

Which group are we?

Meditate on the Troparion (Hymn) of the Theophany:

Lord, when Thou were Baptized in the Jordan,

the worship of the Trinity was made manifest.

For the Voice of the Father gave Witness to Thee,

calling Thee ‘Beloved;’

and the Spirit, like a dove,

confirmed the certainty of His Words.

Glory to Thee, Christ our God,

Who Appeared and Enlightened the world!

If we experience the Theophany within ourselves, we will see the Lord all around us.

St David, the King and Psalmist wrote in Psalm 19:1:

"The Heavens declare the Glory of God,

and the firmament declares His Handiwork!”

] I F WE REALLY L ISTEN FROM WITHIN , WE W I LL

SEE C LEARLY WHAT L IES ON THE OUTS IDE .

] THE SENSES ARE FREED AND THE C LAMOUR OF

THE WORLD LOSES I TS POWER OVER OUR MINDS AND HEARTS SO THAT THE LORD MIGHT REVEAL H IMSELF TO US MORE AND MORE .

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “A THEOPHANY FROM WITHIN” BY FATHER GEORGE MORELLI – ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA – WWW. ANTIOCHIAN.ORG

The Eternal Wisdom of our GodThe Eternal Wisdom of our GodThe Eternal Wisdom of our GodThe Eternal Wisdom of our God---- Inspired Holy FathersInspired Holy FathersInspired Holy FathersInspired Holy Fathers

Father George Calc iu - On the Power o f Prayer

FATHER GEORGE REPOSED IN 2006 AT THE AGE OF 81, HAVING UNJUSTLY SPENT MORE THAN A QUARTER OF HIS LIFE IN THE DIABOLIC PRISONS OF COMMUNIST ROMANIA - ONLY BECAUSE HE STEADFASTLY AND FAITHFULLY CONFESSED THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. FROM THESE EXPERIENCES IN PRISON, HE EMERGED AS A WITNESS TO GOD’S LOVE, FORGIVENESS, AND ABILITY TO RESURRECT MAN FROM THE DEATH OF HIS SOUL.

My will for you is to NEVER CEASE PRAYING. My hope for you is to UNDERSTAND that THERE IS A

PROTECTION EXTENDING OVER HUMAN SOCIETY, OVER OUR

COUNTRY, which is THE POWER OF PRAYER. ] Do not execute a Prayer of routine, but PUT YOUR

HEART IN MOTION, FILL YOURSELF WITH THE SHIVER OF PRAYER.

I am convinced that many of you are praying; I too was praying, and believed – before they placed me in prison – that I knew how to pray. There, (in the gulag), I DISCOVERED THAT I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO PRAY!

] IF THE SHIVER OF FAITH DOES NOT PENETRATE YOU FROM YOUR HEAD TO THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET, YOU ARE NOT IN TRUE PRAYER.

It is not easy.

But IF YOU PERSIST, THE LORD WILL HELP YOU AND GRANT YOU

THE GRACE OF PRAYER. However, His Divine Grace is only granted when you beseech God for It.

] THE GRACE OF PRAYER IS GAINED THROUGH GREAT EFFORT

AND PERSISTENCE.

Our Saviour told us “... the Kingdom of Heaven is

taken by force (conquest)!” And THIS IS OUR

“CONQUEST” – TO ASK WITH PERSISTENCE FOR THE GRACE

THAT ONLY THE LORD CAN GRANT.

Now, I would like to address the Theologians and advise them: LEARN HOW TO PRAY, SO THEN YOU MAY

TEACH OTHERS! AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PRAY, IT IS IN VAIN TO

SAY TO YOUR SPIRITUAL CHILDREN “PRAY!” When a Priest (OR A GOD-PARENT - OR PARENT) knows how to

pray, he will TRANSMIT THIS FLOW OF POWER OF PRAYER to his Spiritual Children.

Father Mi lovan Katanic – On “What ’s Inside Matters” WHY DO SO FEW PEOPLE GET “DRESSED UP“ FOR CHURCH ANY

LONGER?

It is perhaps difficult to define exactly what “dressed up” means these days. Certainly it seldom implies a suit and tie, for the polo shirt or T-shirt has trumped the more formal shirt and tie.

Suffice it to say that “fashion” has changed and one does not have to wear a three piece suit to appear respectful. Moreover, a popular argument maintains that appearances aren’t everything: “It’s inside that counts.”

ANY AMOUNT OF TIME, PLANNING AND EXPENSE IS SPENT ON CLOTHING WHEN THERE IS TO BE A DANCE, WEDDING, ETC – VARIOUS SOCIAL OCCASIONS WHEN ALL WANT TO “LOOK THEIR BEST.”

BUT WHEN IT COMES TO GOING TO CHURCH – TO THE HOLY TEMPLE OF GOD – WE SIMPLY COULD NOT BE BOTHERED AND PULL ON WHATEVER IS “COMFORTABLE.”

WE DOGGEDLY OBEY ALL THE MAN-MADE RULES OF CLUBS AND SOCIAL COMMITMENTS BUT IGNORE THE RESPECTFUL REQUIREMENTS OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACE ON EARTH!

In a 1998 newspaper article, many examples of how lax things have become when attending Holy Services

were discussed: from Altar Boys wearing tennis shoes and denim jeans to women who exposed their underwear and parts of their bodies that should be modestly covered in sacred places of worship.

A certain member of the Protestant Clergy was quoted in the article, having seen it all.

He concluded : “… I think we have figured out - it

really is the heart that matters. If they don’t

know it’s disrespectful, then it’s not

disrespectful…”.

Nevertheless THE AVERAGE PERSON KNOWS ENOUGH TO

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT

RESPECTFUL IN THE HOLY HOUSE OF GOD – A PLACE OF COMMUNAL PRAYER, THANKSGIVING AND WORSHIP.

Whether we are dressing a little more leisurely nowadays than our parents might have done is one thing but A LINE HAS TO BE DRAWN SOMEWHERE.

10. (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) HO L Y T H E O PHAN Y – B AP T I SM O F CH R I S T & R E V E L A T I O N O F T H E H O L Y T R I N I T Y – 6 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1

Just because we’ve decided that “formal wear” is no longer necessary for Holy Church Services unless the Patriarch or Archbishop is in attendance, IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT “ANYTHING GOES!”

When we look at old photos of Church gatherings, it is ironic how the faithful Christians were all so modestly dressed - clearly evident that NOTHING

WOULD DISTRACT THEM FROM THEIR CONCERTED WORSHIP OF GOD!

Yet these days the opposite motivation is indubitably noticeable - seeing all the bare shoulders, exposed flesh, provocative and casual attire, which proclaims a totally different approach to and reason for Church attendance!

UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE BECOME A LITTLE TOO COMFORTABLE IN OUR MANNER OF CLOTHING, WHICH INDICATES BEING TOO COMFORTABLE OR CASUAL WITH THE STATE OF OUR INNER SELVES – OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE.

Consequently those who are guided by their erroneous presumption that it’s “what’s in the heart that

counts after all...” are so concerned with defending

their unorthodox appearance that THEY FAIL TO

RECOGNISE THAT THEIR OUTER, CASUAL APPEARANCE SIGNIFIES SOMETHING LACKING INSIDE AS WELL – THE DISREGARD AND/OR DISRESPECT OF THE PROPER AND

FITTING WORSHIP OF GOD IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE.

IT IMPLIES A LACK OF LOVE AND HUMILITY BEFORE GOD AND OUR FELLOW STRUGGLERS.

IT SHOWS THAT WE DO NOT CARE ABOUT GOD OR OTHERS, NOR THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF OUR ACTIONS, WHICH MIGHT DUE TO OUR LACK OF TRUE TEACHING AND DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.

When we attend Holy Services dressed in a manner that draws attention to ourselves, WE DISTRACT AND

PERHAPS OFFEND OUR FELLOW WORSHIPPERS WHOSE CONCENTRATION IS REMOVED FROM GOD AND ALL HOLY THINGS.

SO OUR LACK OF MODESTY OR CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS IN THE

HOLY TEMPLE OF GOD, CAUSES US ALL TO FALL INTO SIN WITH UNWORTHY THOUGHTS – ATTITUDES - WORDS AND DEEDS.

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS” BY FATHER MILOVAN KATANIC – “AGAIN & AGAIN” – www.frmilovan.wordpress.com

Father Anthony M. Coniar is - On Remember ing Our Bapt ism THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM WE “PUT ON CHRIST.”

This has tremendous implications. If we have put on Christ, then WE HAVE PUT ON HIS LOVE,

HIS FORGIVENESS, HIS PEACE, HIS JOY. If we have put on Christ, WE HAVE PUT ON HIS HOLY

SERVANTHOOD: “If I your Lord and Master have

washed your feet, then you also ought to

wash one another's feet.” If we have put on Christ, then WE SHALL SUFFER as Christ

suffered; WE SHALL BE PERSECUTED FOR THE TRUTH as Christ was persecuted.

If we have put on Christ, WE SHALL BE RESURRECTED as Jesus was.

WE SHALL BE GLORIFIED as Christ was Glorified; WE SHALL

ASCEND TO THE FATHER as He ascended to the Father. WE SHALL SIT AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER with our

Lord Jesus Christ. WE SHALL PARTAKE OF HIS DIVINE NATURE AND SHARE IN HIS

LIFE AND GLORY, becoming “gods by Grace” as He is God by Nature and Essence.

Some early Church Fathers see this as THE RECOVERY OF THE “ROBE OF GLORY”, WHICH WAS LOST BY ADAM AT THE

FALL.

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: FATHER ANTHONY M CONIARIS – “ON REMEMBERING OUR BAPTISM – THE ROBE OF GLORY REGAINED” - www.goarch.org

St . Gregory the Theologian

God always was, and always is, and always will be. Or rather, GOD ALWAYS IS. For Was and Will be are fragments of our time, and of

changeable nature, but He is Eternal Being. And this is the Name that He gives to Himself when

giving the Oracle to Moses in the Mount.

For IN HIMSELF HE SUMS UP AND CONTAINS ALL BEING - HAVING

NEITHER BEGINNING IN THE PAST NOR END IN THE FUTURE; like some great Sea of Being, LIMITLESS AND

UNBOUNDED, TRANSCENDING ALL CONCEPTION OF TIME AND NATURE, ONLY ADUMBRATED [INTIMATED] BY THE MIND, AND

THAT VERY DIMLY AND SCANTILY.

St . Symeon the New Theologian

Provided they LIVE A WORTHY LIFE, both those who choose to dwell in the midst of noise and hubbub and those who dwell in Monasteries, mountains and caves can ACHIEVE SALVATION.

SOLELY BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH IN HIM, GOD BESTOWS GREAT

BLESSINGS on them.

Hence THOSE WHO BECAUSE OF THEIR LAZINESS HAVE FAILED

TO ATTAIN SALVATION WILL HAVE NO EXCUSE TO OFFER ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT.

FOR HE WHO PROMISED TO GRANT US SALVATION SIMPLY ON

ACCOUNT OF OUR FAITH IN HIM IS NOT A LIAR!

Bishop Kal l i s tos Of D iokle ia

“Let us go forth in Peace" is the last Commandment of the Liturgy.

What does it mean? It means, surely, that THE

CONCLUSION OF THE DIVINE LITURGY IS NOT AN END BUT A BEGINNING.

THOSE WORDS, "LET US GO FORTH IN PEACE," ARE NOT MERELY A COMFORTING EPILOGUE. THEY ARE A CALL TO SERVE AND BEAR WITNESS.

In effect, those words, "Let us go forth in peace," mean the Liturgy is over, THE LITURGY AFTER THE LITURGY IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.

This, then, is the aim of the Liturgy: that we should RETURN TO THE WORLD WITH THE DOORS OF OUR

PERCEPTIONS CLEANSED. We should return to the world after the Liturgy, SEEING CHRIST IN EVERY HUMAN

PERSON, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE WHO SUFFER. In the words of Father Alexander Schmemann, THE

CHRISTIAN IS THE ONE WHO WHEREVER HE OR SHE LOOKS, EVERYWHERE SEES CHRIST AND REJOICES IN HIM.

WE ARE TO GO OUT, THEN, FROM THE LITURGY AND SEE CHRIST EVERYWHERE."

Our Lord Jesus Chris t Explains Our Li fe in Chris tOur Lord Jesus Chris t Explains Our Li fe in Chris tOur Lord Jesus Chris t Explains Our Li fe in Chris tOur Lord Jesus Chris t Explains Our Li fe in Chris t > I Am the True Vine, and My Father is the

Vinedresser.

> Every Branch of Mine that bears no Fruit, He

takes away, and every Branch that does bear

Fruit He prunes, that it may bear more Fruit.

> You are already made clean by the Word which I

have spoken to you.

> Abide in Me, and I in you. As the Branch cannot

bear Fruit by itself, unless it abides in the

Vine, neither can you, unless you abide in

Me.

> I Am the Vine, you are the Branches. He who

abides in Me, and I in him, bears much Fruit,

for apart from Me you can do nothing.

> If a man does not abide in Me, he is cast forth as

a Branch and withers; and the Branches are

gathered, thrown into the fire and burnt.

> If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you,

ask whatever you will, and it shall be done

for you.

> By this My Father is Glorified: that you bear

much Fruit, and so prove to be My Disciples.

> As the Father has Loved me, so have I Loved

you; abide in My Love.

> If you keep My Commandments, you will abide

in My Love, just as I have kept my Father's

Commandments and abide in His Love.

> These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy

may be in you, and that your Joy may be

full.

> This is My Commandment, that you Love one

another as I have Loved you.

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) HO L Y T H EO PHAN Y – B AP T I SM O F CH R I S T & R E V E L A T I O N O F T H E H O L Y T R I N I T Y – 6 JANUARY 2011 11.


Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together wi th all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

After Feas t o f TheophanyAf ter Feas t o f TheophanyAf ter Feas t o f TheophanyAf ter Feas t o f Theophany 7 January 20117 January 20117 January 20117 January 2011

Synaxis o f S t John the Bapt is t & ForerunnerSynaxis o f S t John the Bapt is t & ForerunnerSynaxis o f S t John the Bapt is t & ForerunnerSynaxis o f S t John the Bapt is t & Forerunner

Also the Feast of St Pachomios of Keno Lake – St Brannock of Braunton - St Cedd of Lastingham

Ap o l y t i k i o n O f T h e o p h a n y

A p o l y t i k i o n O f S t J o h n T h e B a p t i s t & F o r e r u n n e r T o C h r i s t O u r L o r d & S a v i o u r – T o n e 2

Mnimi dikeou met engomion; si de arkesi i martiria

tou Kyriou Prodrome; anedihthis gar ontos ke

Profiton sevasmioteros, oti ke rithris Vaptise,

katihiothis ton kirittomenon. Othen tis Alithias

iperathlisas, heron evingeliso ke tis en Adi:

Theon fanerothenta en Sarki, ton eronta tin

amartian tou kosmou, ke parehonta imin to

Mega Eleos.

The memory of the Just is praised; but for thou shall

suffice, the Witness of the Lord, O Forerunner; for

thou hast truly come forth as more honoured than the

Prophets, since thou proved worthy to Baptise, in the

streams, the One they preached about. Thus, having

contended for the Truth supremely, with Joy thou

brought the Good News, even to those in Hades: of

God Who appeared in the Flesh, and took away the

sin of the world, and grant to all His Great Mercy. Ko n t a k i o n O f T h e o p h a n y

Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to fos sou Kyrie,

esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas se. Ilthes


Thou hast appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who

with knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come,

Thou art made manifest, the Light that no man can

approach. S e c o n d A n t i p h o n

Soson imas Ie Theou O EN IORDANI IPO IOANNOU

VAPTISTHIS, psallontas Si: Allilouia!

Save us, O Son of God BAPTISED BY JOHN IN THE

JORDAN, who sing to Thee: Allilouia! I n s t e a d O f T h e T r i s a g i o n ( A g i o s O T h e o s . . . )

Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe.

Allilouia!

As many of you as have been Baptised into Christ, have

put on Christ: Alleluia!

The Acts of the Apos t les 19 : 1 The Acts of the Apos t les 19 : 1 The Acts of the Apos t les 19 : 1 The Acts of the Apos t les 19 : 1 ---- 8888 T h e D i s c i p l e s O f S t J o h n T h e B a p t i s t

Brethren, it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesos. And finding some Disciples, he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what

then were you Baptised?” So they said, “Into John’s Baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed Baptised with a

Baptism of Repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on Him Who would come after him, that

is, on Christ Jesus.”

When they heard this, they were Baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all. And he went into the Synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things

of the Kingdom of God.

Ephesos was a large, magnificent city, the capital of the Roman Province of Asia Minor. Located on the main route from Rome to the East, it was a major centre of trade and commerce, not only in goods but also in ideas.

St Paul remained in Ephesos for at least two years and three months.

Because of its strategic location, the city became a centre of outreach for the growing Church.

Churches were formed in almost every city and town in the province within three years, including the churches to which the Seven Letters in the Book of Revelation/the Apocalypse are addressed.

In the Church, THE LAY I NG ON OF HANDS FOR THE

RECEI V ING OF THE HOLY SP I R IT IMMEDIATEL Y

FOLLOWS THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM . THE TWO EVENTS ARE D I ST INCT BUT NOT SEPARATED .

The Orthodox Church continues this Apostolic Sacramental Practice.

FA ITHFUL PREACHING OF THE HOLY GOSPEL DEMANDS PREACHING THE K INGDOM OF GOD.

ANY RELATIONSHIP W I TH CHRIS T W ITHOUT THE REAL I TY OF H IS K INGDOM - AS I T I S EXPERI ENCED I N THE CHURCH AND IN THE AGE TO COME - FALLS FAR SHORT OF TRUE

CHRIS T IAN I TY .

The Holy GoThe Holy GoThe Holy GoThe Holy Gospe l According to S t John 1 : 29 spe l According to S t John 1 : 29 spe l According to S t John 1 : 29 spe l According to S t John 1 : 29 –––– 34343434 S t J o h n Th e Bap t i s t ’ s Te s t imony To Ch r i s t Ou r L o rd

At that time, the next day John saw Jesus coming towards him, and said: “Behold! The Lamb of God Who takes away the

sin of the world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who is preferred before me, for He was before

me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came Baptising with water.”



prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa.

Ke to Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou

to asfales. O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton

kosmon Fotisas, Doxa Si!



Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee

“the Beloved Son,” and the Spirit like a dove, confirmed

His Word as sure and steadfast. O Christ our God, Who

has appeared and Enlightened the world: Glory to

Thee!

12. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) A F T E R F E A S T O F T H E O PHAN Y - S YNAX I S O F S T J O HN T H E BAP T I S T & F O R E RUNNE R – 7 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1

And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He Who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: ‘Upon Whom thou see

the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have

seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

St John’s naming our Lord Jesus Christ publicly as “the Lamb of God” recalled St Isaiah’s “Servant of God” Who died for the transgressions of His People.

The Prophecy of St Isaiah foretold of Christ: “Surely He has borne our infirmities and carried

our diseases; yet we accounted Him stricken -

struck down by God - and afflicted.

And He was Wounded for our transgressions,

crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the

Punishment that made us whole, and by His

Bruises we are Healed.

All we - like sheep - have gone astray; we have all

turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid

upon Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He did

not open His Mouth; like a lamb that is led to the

slaughter, and like a sheep that before its

shearers is silent, so He did not open His Mouth.

By a perversion of justice He was taken away.

Who could have imagined His Future? For He was cut

off from the Land of the Living, stricken for the

transgression of My People.

They made His Grave with the wicked and His Tomb

with the rich, although He had done no

violence, and there was no deceit in His

Mouth.

Yet it was the Will of the Lord to crush Him with

pain.

When you make His Life an Offering for sin, He shall

see His Offspring and shall prolong His Days;

through Him the Will of the Lord shall

prosper, out of His Anguish He shall see Light; He shall find satisfaction through His Knowledge.

The Righteous One, My Servant, shall make many

Righteous and He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the Great and

He shall divide the spoil with the strong: because

He poured out Himself in Death, and was

numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore

the sin of many and made Intercessions for

the transgressors.” [ISAIAH 53:4 – 12] Christ, the True Paschal Lamb, offered Himself for our

Deliverance from Darkness [OF SIN, IGNORANCE,

DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD, ETC] as St Peter the Holy Apostle reminded us: “(…conduct yourselves throughout

the time of your stay here in Fear;) knowing that

you were not Redeemed with

corruptible/perishable things, like silver or

gold, from your aimless conduct received by

tradition from your Fathers, but with the

Precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb Without

Blemish and Without Spot.” [1 PETER:18-19] The Holy Spirit “...remained upon Him,” because

Christ our Lord possesses the Holy Spirit in His Fullness!

The Preaching of St John the Bapt is tThe Preaching of St John the Bapt is tThe Preaching of St John the Bapt is tThe Preaching of St John the Bapt is t Since the approximate age of two years old, St John,

son of the elderly couple, the Righteous St Zacharias and St Elizabeth, had lived in the wilderness in Fasting and Prayer.

His clothing consisted of a rough garment of camel’s hair, fastened with a leather belt. He nourished himself with green shoots of the locust bush, various other edible herbs and plants, dates and wild honey, and quenched his thirst with fresh flowing spring or river water.

When he was thirty years of age, the Lord God directed him to go to the valley of the Jordan River in order to proclaim the coming of the Messiah and to prepare them with Repentance and Baptism.

Thus it was that St John became known throughout the region as “the Baptist,” who loudly and clearly preached: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"

At last the long-awaited Saviour of the world was to appear before them, summoning all God’s Chosen People to His Everlasting, Eternal, Kingdom.

400 years had passed since St Malachi, the last Holy Prophet of God, had tried to prepare the Hebrew nation for the coming of the Messiah.

Therefore, when they heard of St John the Baptist and the facts of his amazing life, the people from all over the region went to hear what he was preaching and all those who heard and believed his inspired words repented their sins and were Baptised by St John in the River Jordan.

He fully immersed each repentant sinner in the water by placing his hands firmly upon their head and pushing them down.

St John strictly required of everyone that their repentance be sincere and confirmed by the eager fulfilment good works or deeds.

The Baptism of St John meant that as the body was washed and cleansed by the flowing waters of the River Jordan, so the soul of a repentant and believing sinner would be completely cleansed by Christ of all sins when Baptized into His Holy Church.

Among those who went to St John the Baptist were some who considered themselves as being

Righteous, yet had no desire to repent their sins and remained vicious and evil.

Some of these unrepentant sinners were held in high esteem by Hebrew society.

The Pharisees were proud of their descent from Abraham, praised themselves for fulfilling the Law, and considered themselves worthy to enter the Kingdom of Christ the Messiah and the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or in the future Life.

St John addressed these arrogant and Spiritually Blind people when he said: "Brood of Vipers! Who

warned you to flee from the Wrath to come?" (I.E. WHO TOLD THEM THAT THEY - BY THEIR OWN POWER - COULD ESCAPE THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD AND ETERNAL PUNISHMENT OF ETERNITY?)

"Therefore bear Fruits worthy of Repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves: ‘We have

Abraham as our Father.’ For I say to you that God

is able to raise up children to Abraham from these

stones! And even now, the axe is laid to the root of

the trees. Thus every tree that does not bear

Good Fruit is cut down and thrown into the

Fire!” St John taught those who wanted to improve

themselves: "He that has two tunics, let him give to those who have none; and he who has

food, let him do likewise.” To the despised Tax Collectors he said: “Collect no more that what is

appointed for you.” And to the soldiers he said:

“Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely,

and be content with your wages.” Many wondered if St John was the Messiah but he made

it quite clear: “I indeed Baptise you with water; but

One mightier than me is coming, Whose

sandal strap I am not worthy to loosen. He

will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit and Fire.

His winnowing fan is in His Hand, and He will

thoroughly clean out His Threshing Floor, and

gather the wheat into His Barn; but the chaff

He will burn with Unquenchable Fire!” THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST GRANTS US TRUE FREEDOM FROM OUR

SINS AND THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO ENABLES US TO ACHIEVE ALL OUR SPIRITUAL GOALS AND TO

DO WHAT FOR US ALONE IS IMPOSSIBLE!

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “THE LAW OF GOD” BY ARCHPRIEST SERAPHIM SLOBODSKOY

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) A F T E R F E A S T O F T H E O PHAN Y - S YN AX I S O F S T J O HN T H E BAP T I S T & F O R E RUNNE R – 7 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1 13.


Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with al l the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone. (8) Plagal 4 Tone. (8) Plagal 4 Tone. (8) Plagal 4 Tone. (8) Plagal 4 9 January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011

Sunday After TheophanySunday After TheophanySunday After TheophanySunday After Theophany The Eternal Kingdom of HeavenThe Eternal Kingdom of HeavenThe Eternal Kingdom of HeavenThe Eternal Kingdom of Heaven

The Feast of St Polyeuktos of Meletine, Armenia – St Eustratios the Wonderworker – St Philip of Moscow & All Russia – St Shemaiah, Holy Prophet of God – St Peter of Sebaste

R e s u r r e c t i o n A p o l y t i k i o n - T o n e ( 8 ) P l a g a l 4

Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo

triimeron, ina imas elevtherosis ton pathon. I Zoi ke

i Anastasis imon, Kyrie, > Doxa Si!

Thou descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;

Thou endured the three-days’ burial, so that Thou might free us from our passions, O our Life and

Resurrection: > Glory to Thee! A p o l y t i k i o n O f T h e o p h a n y

K o n t a k i o n O f T h e o p h a n y

Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to fos Sou, Kyrie,

esimiothi ef imas, en epignosi imnountas se. Ilthes,

efanis, to Fos Aprositon

From Above, Thou appeared today, to the earth’s people and Thy Light, O our Lord, has been marked upon us who in True Knowledge sing unto Thee: Thou came,

Thou appeared, O Light Unapproachable!

Resurrec t ion Gospel 11Resurrec t ion Gospel 11Resurrec t ion Gospel 11Resurrec t ion Gospel 11 – John 21 : 14 John 21 : 14 John 21 : 14 John 21 : 14 –––– 25252525 - The Res t o ra t i o n & Ho l y C omm iss i o n o f S t Pe t e r

ProkProkProkProke imenoneimenoneimenoneimenon The Lord shall reign forever! Praise the Lord, O my soul!

The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Ephes ians 4 : 7 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Ephes ians 4 : 7 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Ephes ians 4 : 7 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Ephes ians 4 : 7 –––– 13131313 We mus t u s e o u r S p i r i t u a l G i f t s

Brethren: to each one of us Grace was granted according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on High, He led captivity captive, and granted Gifts to mankind.’(Now this “...He scended...” – what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He Who descended is also the One Who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the equipping of the Saints for the Work of Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, until we all come to the Unity of the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, to a Perfect Man, to the measure of the stature of the Fullness of

Christ...”

WHILE THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIS T I S ONE IN ESSENCE , I T I S D I VERSE I N I TS HOL Y G I FTS AND FUNCTIONS .

Unity does not mean uniformity and EACH MEMBER OF

THE BODY OF CHRIS T – H IS HOLY CHURCH – I S UN IQUE IN THE S IGHT OF GOD , W I TH D I FFERENT G IFTS AND SPEC IF IC ROLES GRANTED TO EACH

SOUL B Y GOD. D IVERS I TY IN OPERATION I S BASED ON THE ASCENT

OF THE SON OF GOD INTO HEAVEN AND THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SP IR I T WHO ENABLES AND

ACTIVA TES US - PROVID ING E VERYTHING

NECESSARY FOR OUR ETERNAL L I FE IN CHRIS T , which we alone are unable to do.

WE ARE ALSO GU IDED , TAUGHT AND ASS ISTED BY SPEC IALLY G I FTED PEOPLE WHO WORK B Y THE GRACE OF GOD FOR THE SAKE OF THE MATURI TY AND S TABIL I TY OF THE ENTI RE HOLY CHURCH OF

CHRIS T – i.e. for all the faithful Disciples of Christ, as well as those who are presently outside the nurturing Protection of the Holy Church.

St Paul’s Rabbinic manner of I NTERTWIN I NG THE

ASCENS ION OF CHRIS T W I TH THE DESCENT OF THE

HOLY SP IR I T , REVEALS THE UN IQUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BODY OF CHRIS T – H IS HOLY CHURCH – AND THE D I V INE G I FTS OF THE HOLY SP IR IT THAT MAKE EVERYTHING POSS IBLE FOR US

TO ACHI EVE .

The reference to “the lower parts of the earth” concerns either the earth itself – i.e. the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God or physical burial and Hades – the place of the dead (before the coming of Christ) and the

Death of Christ and His descent into Hades in His human Nature.

ONLY CHRIST - WHO I S BOTH GOD AND MAN - CAN “F I L L ALL THI NGS . ”

ONL Y CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR CAN RE IGN OVER THE UN I F ICATION AND FULFILMENT OF ALL CREATION .

The Divine Gifts that St Paul mentions in this particular section of his Epistle to the Ephesians are limited to those who lead our Holy Church.

THE HOLY SP I R I T EXTENDS H I S D IV I NE G I FTS TO EACH PERSON A T THEI R CHRISMATION IMMEDIA TEL Y

AFTER THEIR HOLY BAPTISM , but the “Ministry Gifts” listed here form one Leadership Group who are responsible for equipping the laity – the people – for our own Holy Work of Ministry.

THERE I S A D I VERS I T Y OF PEOPLE AND HOLY G I FTS I N CHRIS T ’S HOL Y CHURCH FOR THE UN IT Y OF

SERVICE , FOR THE METICULOUS PRESERVATION OF TRUTH , AND FOR THE OPERAT ION OF D I V INE LOVE – AGAPE – WHICH I S THE PR IMARY QUAL I TY OF CHRIS T IAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT .

THE CHURCH in which Christian Life – i.e. our Life in Christ – develops, I S NOT PR IMARILY AN

ORGANISATION , BUT AN ORGANISM WHOSE PARTS OR MEMBERS RECEIVE THEI R EDI F Y ING POWER FROM CHRIS T TO GROW I NTO H IM .

St Paul did not look at CHRIST IANS as being isolated individual who progressed towards Perfection – Theosis – but rather as UNIQUE AND SANCTI F IED

MEMBERS OF CHRIS T ’S BODY , EACH SOUL



prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa.

Ke to Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou

to asfales. O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton

kosmon Fotisas, Doxa Si!



Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee

“the Beloved Son,” and the Spirit like a dove, confirmed

His Word as sure and steadfast. O Christ our God, Who

has appeared and Enlightened the world: Glory to

Thee!

14. (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) A F T E R F E A S T O F T H E O PHAY - S UNDA Y A F T E R T H E O PHAN Y 1 9 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1

STRI V ING TO REACH THE PERFECT FA ITH AND FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD .

Thus UNI TY OF FA I TH CANNOT BE S EPARATED FROM

KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD.

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 4 : 12 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 4 : 12 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 4 : 12 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 4 : 12 –––– 17171717 R e p e n t a n c e & t h e K i n g d o m o f H e a v e n

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by way of the sea, beyond

the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness have seen a Great Light, and upon those who

sat in the region and shadow of Death, Light has dawned…”

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”

After the illegal imprisonment of St John the Baptist, our Lord Jesus went to live in Galilee

Consequently the Inspired Prophesy of St Isaiah, the Holy Prophet of God, was fulfilled.

St Isaiah had lived so many centuries before and his prophecies were recorded in the Book of Isaiah (circa 745 – 680 BC, which was between 25 years before the Assyrian captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Judah to approximately 40 years afterwards.)

ST I SA IAH ’S PROPHECY CONCERNING OUR LORD AND

SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST - I . E . H IS V I S ION OF THE GLORY OF GOD – I S ONE OF INF I N ITE TRANSCENDENCE .

Mankind’s role is one of Faith in response to Divine Holiness and Vision for the entire world and St Isaiah revealed the Messiah – our Lord Jesus Christ – “the Holy One of Israel” – in amazing detail – as if he were relating history instead of predicting the distant future!

He even described Theotokos and how she was to Conceive and bear God the Son Incarnate with her Virginity intact.

Furthermore, St Isaiah described the suffering Passion of Christ together with His Glorious Resurrection from the dead, proclaiming His Eternal Kingdom as if it had already happened!

The term: “”Galilee of the Gentiles” indicates that many non-Hebrews lived in the region.

Having a mixed population, Galilee was not considered to be a genuinely Jewish land, even though many Gentile residents had converted to Judaism during the Maccabean period.

Because many of the Hebrews there had been influenced by the Greek or Hellenistic culture and customs, they were generally regarded as being “second class citizens by the Judean Hebrews.

THE REFERENCE TO “DARKNESS ” MEANS A STA TE OF

UNGODL INESS – I .E . BE ING IN A STA TE OF SP IR ITUAL DEATH OR DARKNESS WHERE THE D IV I NE L IGHT OF GOD HAS BEEN REJECTED .

In this context, I T REPRESENTED THE GENTILES ’

UNAWARENESS OF THE ONE TRUE L I V ING AND ALMIGHTY GOD AND THOSE HEBREWS WHO REMA INED IN THE SHADOWS OF THE OLD

COVENANT with God instead of accepting the Divine Light and Truth of the New Covenant with God through the Guidance, Enlightenment and Teaching of Christ our Lord and Saviour Who is in reality the actual Incarnate Son of God.

For anyone TO “S IT IN DARKNESS ” MEANS TO BE

OVERCOME OR ENSLAVED BY A SP IR I TUAL IGNORANCE OR REBELL ION AGA INST GOD.

THE “GREAT L IGHT ” I S THE HOLY GOSPEL OR GOOD

NEWS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T – the long-awaited Messiah of God.

THE F IRS T D IV I NE MESSAGE OF CHRIS T TO THE WORLD – L IKE THAT OF H I S FORERUNNER AND

BAPTIS T , S T JOHN , WAS “REPENT! (MATTHEW 3: 1–3)

The preparation for our Saviour’s Divine Ministry begins

with ST JOHN THE BAPTIS T ’S CALL TO

REPENTANCE , WHICH ACCOMPANIES FA I TH AND

WHICH A TOTAL REFORMATION OF OUR EARTHLY

HABITS AND L I FESTYLE . ] TRUE AND S INCERE REPENTANCE I S BROUGHT

ABOUT B Y OUR TRUE AND S I NCERE FA I TH IN

CHRIS T AND THE HOLY TR IN I T Y . Our continuing Repentance is motivated by our Faith. We are in a perpetual state of Spiritual Life and Spiritual

Death – i.e. Repentance and Forgiveness (Spiritual Life and a return to Divine Grace) and surrendering to the temptations through our sinful thoughts, which become sinful words and deeds – i.e. falling into Spiritual Death , which is our alienation from the Divine Grace of God.

] So THIS L I FE OF PREPARATION FOR ETERNI TY I S A

CONSTANT S TR I V ING AND S TRUGGLE AGA INST THE WEAKNESS OF OUR FLESH AND THE TEMPTATION OF THE FA LLEN WORLD AND THE DECEPTIONS OF THE EV I L ONE .

] THE “K INGDOM OF HEAVEN ” I S PRESENT WHEREVER CHRIS T OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR I S so through our constant Spiritual Watchfulness and Struggle, we are able to return after each fall to His Divine Presence and Love.

THE WORD “METANOIA ” (REPENTANCE) L I TERALL Y MEANS TO CHANGE ONE ’S MIND , OR MORE GENERALL Y , TO TURN AROUND COMPLETEL Y .

Thus TRUE REPENTANCE I S A RADICAL CHANGE OF

BODY AND SOUL – A COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION OF A TT I TUDE , BEL IEF , MOTI VATION , DEEDS - OF BE ING – A GENUINE L I FE I N CHRIS T !

This is the only and most essential or necessary first step on the Path or Way of the Lord, which – after Holy Baptism and Chrismation - is accompanied by regular Confession of sins, the partaking of Holy Eucharist (Communion), regular participation and attendance at all Holy Services, and the commitment to Fasting every Wednesday and Friday as well as whenever prescribed by the Holy Church.

] OUR L I FE IN CHRIST I S FUL F ILLED AND CLEARLY

EV IDENT B Y THE RESULTS OF OUR SP IR I TUAL TRANSFORMATION – B Y THE SP IR I TUAL HARVEST OF FRU I TS OF OUR LABOURS OF LOVE

THROUGHOUT THIS L I FE . In other words, whatever we do must bear good results for

everyone concerned and especially for the Glory, Honour and Worship of God.

Every word, thought and deed has an Eternal Consequence!

Although we might like to think that we can get away with our “secret sins,” we must never forget that NOTHING

I S H IDDEN FROM GOD OR THE CLOUD OF W ITNESSES WHO WATCH OVER US CONSTANTL Y !

] WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERYTHING WE THI NK , E VERYTHING WE SAY AND EVERYTHING WE DO – EXCEPT FOR THOSE S INS THAT WE REPENT AND CONFESS BEFORE GOD AND HIS HOL Y PR I ES THOOD! ! !

The Divine Mystery of Holy TheophanyThe Div ine Mystery of Holy TheophanyThe Div ine Mystery of Holy TheophanyThe Div ine Mystery of Holy Theophany ] THEOPHANY I S OUR SANCTI F ICATION AND

RENEWAL .

When our Lord descended into the waters of the Jordan River HE PURIF I ED THE WATERS .

CHRIS T RENEWED THE ENTI RE COSMOS – the Universe. CHRIS T I S THE HOLY ARK THAT DROWNED S IN I N

WATER as in the days of Noah. CHRIS T I S THE PURI FY I NG S ALT of the Holy Prophet of

God, St Elisha, which made the bitter waters pleasant and drinkable.

CHRIS T I S THE ULT IMATE TREE , which was thrown into the brack waters of Marah to make them sweet.

HIS PRESENCE SANCTIF I ES (MAKES HOLY) THE WATER , which cleanses our Spiritual Leprosy, just as Namaan the Syrian was cleansed by dipping himself seven times into the water.

And now CHRIST H IMSELF BR INGS H IS SA V ING

PRESENCE TO US IN THE BLESSED WATERS FOR THE HEAL I NG OF OUR SOULS AND BODIES , FOR THE A VERTI NG OF EVERYTH ING EV IL , FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF V IRTUE , FOR THE HOL INESS OF OUR HOMES .

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) A F T E R F E A S T O F T H E O PHAY - S UNDAY A F T E R T H E O PHAN Y 1 9 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1 15.

THE PRACTICE OF HOUSE BLESS INGS , which always

follows the Great Feast of Theophany whereby our Priests visit the homes of the Faithful - to Bless them with the Sanctified Water from the Holy Service of the Great Sanctification - TOGETHER WITH THE

CUSTOMARY OUT -OF-DOORS BLESS ING OF ALL

BODI ES OF WATER , ARE VERY IMPORTANT Signs that we are “joyously drawing water from the springs

of salvation.” ] THE I LLUMINATION OF THEOPHANY CANNOT BE

CONTA INED IN THE CHURCH . I T I S SPREADS OUT TO OUR HOMES AND I NTO ALL OF

CREATION and this is exactly how it is supposed to be.

Thus also did St Isaiah the Holy Prophet of God foretell: “I will appoint you as a light to the nations, to

open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the

dungeon, and those who dwell in darkness from

the prison. I am the Lord, that is My name; I

will not give My glory to another, nor my praise

to graven images. Behold, the former things

have come to pass, now I declare new things” (ISAIAH 42:6-9).

] MAY THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY TR IN I T Y

I LLUMINE OUR HEARTS SO THAT WE MA Y KNOW

THE ONLY L I V ING AND A LMIGHTY GOD .

] And may we HASTEN TO FULF IL THE

RESPONS IB IL I T Y OF THOSE WHO KEEP THIS FEAST B Y JOYOUSL Y DRAWING WATER FROM THE SPRI NGS OF SALVATION AND MAKING KNOWN GOD ’S DEEDS TO OURSELVES , OUR

FAMIL I ES , AND EVEN AMONG A LL NA TIONS .

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: FATHER JOSIAH TRENHAM - ST. ANDREW ORTHODOX CHURCH, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA

The Opaci ty of S inThe Opaci ty of S inThe Opaci ty of S inThe Opaci ty of S in “And this is the condemnation: that the Light has come into the world and men preferred darkness to the

Light for their deeds were evil” (JOHN 3:19). ] THERE I S AN OPAC ITY [MURKINESS] TO S IN : WE DO

NOT S EE THROUGH I T .

Sin sheds light on nothing beyond itself. It refers only to itself and because of this I T I S DARKNESS .

] I T I S THE NATURE OF L IGHT TO G I VE BEYOND I TSELF AND WHAT I T I LLUM INES BECOMES L IGHT AS WELL TO A CERTA I N EXTENT .

L IGHT ALWAYS REACHES OUT . L IGHT I S NEVER

TURNED INWARDS .

IN THE PA INT ING (OR “WRITING”) OF HOLY ICONS – THE USE

OF “L IGHT” I S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT .

Generally, I CONS ARE PA INTED BEGINNING WITH

DARKER COLOURS , EACH SUCCESS IVE COLOUR BE ING L IGHTER .

THE VERY LAS T TOUCHES ARE THEMSELVES CALLED “THE L IGHT . ”

Often they are white (sometimes gold) and, to a degree, mark those places that are closest to the viewer.

It is also of importance that SHADOW IS USUALLY NOT PART OF

AN ICON.

The exception to this is the darkness of figures such as the demons when they are portrayed at all.

] It is also of note that HOLY F IGURES IN ICONS ARE

NEVER PORTRA YED I N PURE PROFILE OR W I TH

THEIR FACES TURNED COMPLETEL Y AWAY from the viewer. We may see them turned slightly, gazing at our Saviour, but never in pure profile.

I am not an Iconographer, but what little I have learnt over the years has been instructive and the subject of frequent reflection.

THE USE OF L IGHT AND THE RULES FOR I TS USE ARE A REPRESENTATION OF THE HOLY L I FE AND THE

CHARACTER OF R IGHTEOUSNESS , as well as the character of sin.

I recall a conversation with a very dedicated Iconographer once about materials.

The traditional medium for a panel Icon is egg-tempera. I asked about other materials, such as oil paint. I received an immediate response (almost of disgust). “No. It is opaque!”

Light cannot enter and pass back from such a medium – certainly not in a manner similar to that of egg tempera.

But my point in writing is not to think of Icon-technique, but rather the opacity of sin.

] REFLECTION ON HOLY ICONS I S DEEPLY

IMPORTANT , FOR WE OURSELVES ARE ICONS (IMAGES).

Holy Icons are not meant to be opaque. The Light of the Glory of God is not given to us in order

to “spotlight” us as though we were an antique on display.

] THE L IGHT SHI NES AND I LLUMINES US B Y

BECOMING BOTH PART OF US AND BE I NG REFLECTED FROM WITHIN US .

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your Father

Who is in Heaven.” (MATTHEW 5:16)

] THE L IGHT THAT SHINES FROM US I S NOT OUR

OWN L IGHT , BUT THE REFLECTED GLORY OF GOD .

] NEI THER ARE THE WORKS OUR WORKS , BUT THE

WORKS OF GOD G I VEN TO US B Y GRACE .

THUS THE L IGHT THAT SHI NES FROM US REVEALS THE GLORY OF GOD , THE AUTHOR OF ALL GOOD THINGS .

Light and Grace shine on everything and everyone. ] WITHOUT THE GRACE OF GOD (WHICH I S H IS

L I FE ) NOTHING WOULD EXIS T OR L I VE .

The Creation is not self-existent but is rather contingent (CONDITIONAL OR PROVISIONAL).

The opacity of sin is not a quality of the Light, which it receives, but rather the quality of its own existence, because it is turned away from the Light and has reference only to itself.

The most common word used by our Holy Church Fathers for the “root” sin is philautia (“SELF-LOVE”).

TURNED TOWARDS OURSELVES AND OUR OWN CONTINGENT EXIS TENCE , THE L IGHT OF GRACE

S IMPL Y D ISAPPEARS W ITHIN US .

] THE L IGHT OF D I V INE GRACE I S G IVEN AND

RECEI VED BY US (or else we would cease to be) BUT I T CANNOT DO WHAT I T I S INTENDED TO DO .

I T CANNOT L IGHTEN AND REFLECT FROM WI THIN US AND I T S IMPL Y D ISAPPEARS W ITHIN THE SELF -SUSTA INED SHADOWS OF OUR OWN EGOTIST ICAL , SELF -CENTRED WORLD .

THIS I S THE EXIS TENTIAL HADES OF HUMAN L I FE .

Traditionally, HADES , OR SHEOL , was understood to be a place where no sound was heard, although the silence was not the Stillness of Heaven.

HADES I S THE VOICELESS VO ID WHERE NO PRA ISE AND THANKSGI V ING ARE HEARD.

It is not a silence that is fullness, but A S I LENCE THAT I S

EMPTI NESS .

“In the grave who shall give Thee Thanks?” (PSALM 6:5).

When Job spoke of Sheol he said: “I go to the place

from which I shall not return, to the land of

Darkness and the Shadow of Death, a land as

dark as darkness itself, as the Shadow of

Death, without any order, where even the light

is like darkness.” However we are to understand Hades and Hell in a

metaphysical sense - we can already understand them on an existential level – particularly in the imagery given us by Christ as the preference of darkness to Light (because our deeds are so evil).

NO L IGHT COMES FROM EVIL DEEDS FOR THEY ARE NOT THE WORKS OF GRACE .

Rather, THEY ARE OUR OWN SELF -GENERATED

ACTIONS WHOSE PURPOSE I S UTTERL Y SELF -REFERENTIAL .

WHEN S INS ARE EXPOSED TO THE L IGHT , THEY ARE

REVEALED AS LACKING ANY TRUE EXISTENCE . THEY ARE OPAQUE .

] REPENTANCE , in these terms, can be easily understood - it I S A TURNING FROM DARKNESS

TO L IGHT (Metanoia). THE CRY OF REPENTANCE I S not, “I promise to do

good deeds from now on,” but the cry – “ Lord,

have Mercy!” FOR WE HAVE NO GOOD DEEDS OF

OUR OWN TO PERFORM.

] WE HAVE NOTHING SELF -REFERENTIAL THAT HAS

THE CHARACTER OF OFFERING .

Instead we say, “Thine own of thine own we offer

unto Thee, on behalf of all and for all!”

16. (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) A F T E R F E A S T O F T H E O PHAY - S UNDA Y A F T E R T H E O PHAN Y 1 9 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1

] “Lord, have mercy!” is A CRY FOR THE L IGHT

AND A TURNING TO THE L IGHT .

] “Lord have Mercy!” is A RENUNC IAT ION OF A

SELF -REFERENTIAL EXIS TENCE AND AN EMBRAC ING OF TRUE EXIS TENCE – ONE L I VED

IN AND THROUGH THE L IGHT .

And THE L IGHT SHINES AND THE DARKNESS DOES

NOT OVERCOME I T .

] ALTHOUGH OUR EV IL DEEDS D ISAPPEAR I N THE CLEAR L IGHT OF GOD ’S GRACE , WE

OURSELVES ARE SA VED (1 CORINTHIANS 3:15). TO L I VE AS THE IMAGE OF GOD I S TO L I VE FULL Y I N

THE L IGHT OF GOD – the opacity of our hearts transformed.

But WE ALL , W ITH UNVE I LED FACE , BEHOLDING AS

IN A ( FOGGED UP ) MIRROR , THE GLORY OF THE

LORD, ARE BE I NG TRANSFORMED INTO THE SAME IMAGE FROM GLORY TO GLORY , JUST AS B Y THE

SP IR IT OF THE LORD . (2 CORINTHIANS 3:18) And “…if we walk in the Light as He is in the Light,

we have Communion with one another, and the

Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from

all sin.”

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS!” BY FATHER STEPHEN

http://fatherstephen.wordpress.com/2010/01/

The Eternal and Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Eternal and Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Eternal and Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Eternal and Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church Fathers

St Nikolai , B ishop of Ochr id and Zicha – On the Seriousness o f L ife ] THIS SHORT L I FE I S A SP IR I TUAL STRUGGLE .

] I T I S ALL ABOUT WHETHER WE ARE TO CONQUER

(OUR FALLEN STATE ) OR TO BE DEFEATED (B Y PERSONAL S IN ) !

] I F WE CONQUER , WE W ILL ENJOY THE FRU I TS OF

V ICTORY THROUGHOUT ALL ETERNITY ; I F WE ARE DEFEATED , WE W ILL ENDURE THE HORRORS OF DESTRUCTION THROUGHOUT ALL

ETERNITY .

] THIS L I FE I S A DUEL BETWEEN MANKIND AND A LL

THAT I S CONTRARY TO THE D I V INE .

] GOD IS AN ALMIGHTY ALLY TO ALL WHO S INCERELY CALL UPON H IM FOR HELP .

St John of Kronstadt warned us: "This life is not a joke or a game... However, the capricious (fickle-

minded) people fool around with this precious

time that is granted to us by God for our

preparation for Eternity with their ignorant,

contemptuous and empty words.

They gather together as guests or mere brief

visitors.

They sit and chatter aimlessly and impassively or

they amuse and entertain themselves in various

unprofitable ways with more mindless

preoccupations with absurd, unimportant things.

For the ungodly all aspects of this life consist of

senseless activities or distractions.

Yet woe to those who only amuse or occupy

themselves with no thought of Eternity!"

Archbishop Andrei Rymanrenko o f Blessed Memory – One Thing Needful Have you noticed, dear Brethren in Christ, how the Holy

Church continually connects our life with Events from the Life of Christ?

During the days of Christmas, while worshipping at the

Manger of Christ, we received the "Spirit of

Adoption.” On the day of our Lord’s Circumcision, we gave our heart

to Christ and began our Spiritual New Year. And here, for these past days, the Holy Church has been

Calling us to the shores of the Jordan River, and on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, She revealed to us a Great Mystery — the Manifestation of God – the Theophany or Epiphany!

Placed before us is the Divine Purpose of our whole life, and this is COMMUNION WITH GOD.

And we are granted Divine Grace – His Divine Help for this kind of Holy Life.

This Divine Help- this Divine Grace - comes to us from the One God worshipped in Trinity, Who is revealed to us in the Gospel Lesson of Theophany. And as material proof, as a Symbol of this Grace, we are granted the Blessed Baptismal Water of Theophany, which is tangible, and as so often, through something tangible the Holy Church unites us with the Intangible - with the Grace of God.

Be attentive to what the Holy Church teaches us through

St Paul’s Epistle: "For the Grace of God that brings

Salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us

that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we

should live soberly, Righteously, and Godly, in

this present world; looking for that Blessed

Hope, and the Glorious Appearing of the Great

God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (TITUS 2:11-13). With the Feast of Theophany we are granted not only

Knowledge, but also Renewal. During the Holy Services of Theophany, perhaps we did

not hear or understand everything but at the same time - just as it happens in God’s World - when we go outside we experience a breath of God’s Mysterious Power.

Perhaps this is incomprehensible or intangible to some of us.

However, for all of those who were expecting this Power of Divine Grace, it does visit us and prepare us for our Life in Christ, which is according to our own free will – according to our own eager and willing choices that we make for ourselves.

Therefore, during these days after Theophany and the Baptism of Christ, we must constantly contemplate and keep in our hearts and souls the words of our Lord and Saviour: "Repent: for the Kingdom of

Heaven is at hand!" (MATTHEW 4:17). And soon we begin the great Lenten Triodion (A LITURGICAL

BOOK CONTAINING THE CYCLE OF HOLY SERVICES FOR GREAT LENT AND THE FOUR WEEKS THAT PRECEDE IT, DEALING ESPECIALLY WITH THE PASSION OF JESUS

CHRIST), which will reveal to us the Laws of Life and the Laws of our heart which we need so much.

During this time of preparation, we join our Holy Fathers and Forefathers who already enjoy Eternal Life and for that reason, we must strive to fill our hearts with everything that our Holy Church grants to us.

St Ambrose of Opt ina � S INFUL THOUGHTS CONTINUALLY D ISTURB US . BUT

I F WE DO NOT COOPERATE W ITH THEM, THEN WE ARE NOT GU ILTY OF THEM .

� A certain Ascetic woman was besieged for a long time with unclean thoughts. When the Lord came and cast them away from her, she called to Him: “Where were

you before now, O my sweet Lord Jesus?” The Lord answered: “I was in your heart.” She asked Him: “How could that be? For my heart was

full of unclean thoughts!” And our Lord told her: “Know that I was in your heart,

for you were not disposed to the unclean

thoughts, but strove rather to be free of them;

and when you were not able to be free, you

struggled and grieved. By this you prepared a

place for Me in your heart.’” � One man sinned but Repented, and this continued all

his life. Finally he Repented and died. An evil spirit came for his soul and said: ‘He’s mine!’ but

our Lord said: ‘No! He has repented.’ ‘But he repented and then sinned again,’ argued the devil.

Our Lord answered: ‘If you, being evil, take him back

after he Repented to Me, then how can I not

accept him if after sinning he has turned to Me

in Repentance? You forget that you are evil, and

I Am Good.’”

(ANY DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS TTTT GGGG RRRR EEEE GGGG OOOO RRRR YYYY OOOO FFFF NNNN YYYY SSSS SSSS AAAA 1111 0000 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 11117777....



10 10 10 10 January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011 S t Gregory of NyssaSt Gregory of NyssaSt Gregory of NyssaSt Gregory of Nyssa

Also the Feast of St Dometianos of Melitene – St Markianos the Presbyter - St Paul, Abbot of Obnora Monastery,Vologda – St Makarios Abbot of Pisma – St Theosebia, Deaconness (Sister

of St Basil the Great, St Gregory of Nyssa & St Peter of Sebaste – St Antipas of Valaam Monastery – St Theophan the Recluse of Tambov

Apo l y t i k i o n O f Th eophany


efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, Doxa Si!


Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee “the Beloved Son,” and the Spirit like a dove, confirmed His Word as sure and steadfast. O Christ our God, Who has appeared and Enlightened the world: Glory to Thee!

Apo l y t i k i o n O f S t G r e g o r y O f Ny ssa – Ton e 4

O Theos ton Pateron imon, O pion ai meth’ imon kata

tin Sin epiikian, mi apostrisis to Eleos Sou af’ imon,

alla tes afton ikesies en Irini kivernison tin Zoin

imon.

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to

Thy Gentleness: take not Thy Mercy from us, but by

their Entreaties guide our Life in Peace.

Kon t ak i o n O f Th eophany

Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie,

esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes


Thou appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with

knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou came;, Thou art

made manifest, the Light that no man can approach.

Kon t ak i o n O f Th e F ea s t O f S t G r e g o ry O f Nyssa

Tis Ekklisias O entheos Ierarhis, ke tis sofias

sevasmios imnografos, Nissis O Grigoros nou

Grigorios, sin Angelis Horefon, ke entrifon to tho

Foti, presvevi apafstos iper panton imon.

Rejoicing with the Angels and taking delight in the Divine

Light, Gregory of Nyssa, the vigilant mind, the God-

Inspired Hierarch of the Church, and Wisdom's revered

Hymnographer, intercede unceasingly for us all.

Proke imenon:Proke imenon:Proke imenon:Proke imenon: O Lord, Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance.

I Will appeal to Thee, O Lord our God. The Epis t le o f S t Paul to tThe Epis t le o f S t Paul to tThe Epis t le o f S t Paul to tThe Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Ephes ians 4: 7 he Ephes ians 4: 7 he Ephes ians 4: 7 he Ephes ians 4: 7 ---- 13131313

We Mus t A l l Us e Ou r S p i r i t u a l G i f t s

Brethren, To each one of us Grace was granted according to the measure of Christ’s Gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on High, He led captivity captive, and granted Gifts to men.”

(Now this: “He ascended,” – what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He Who descended is also the One Who ascended far above all the Heavens, that He might fill all things.)

And He Himself granted some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the equipping of the Saints for the Work of Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, until we all come to the Unity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, to a Perfect Man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of

Christ...

While the Church is One in Essence, it is diverse in Gifts and Function.

Unity does not mean uniformity for each member is unique before God, with Gifts and Roles granted by God.

Diversity in operation is based on

] The Ascent of the Son of God and the Descent of the Holy Spirit,

] Guided by specially gifted people and ] For the sake of the maturity and stability of the Body of

Christ – His Holy Church.

The Holy Gospe l o f Chris t According to The Holy Gospe l o f Chris t According to The Holy Gospe l o f Chris t According to The Holy Gospe l o f Chris t According to S t Luke 3 : 19 St Luke 3 : 19 St Luke 3 : 19 St Luke 3 : 19 –––– 22222222 Ou r Ca l l To Rep en t a n c e & Th e D i v i n e R ev e l a t i o n o f Th eophany

At that time, Herod the Tetrarch, being rebuked by St John the Baptist concerning Herodias, the wife of his brother, Philip, and for all the evil deeds that Herod had done, also added this, above all, that he imprisoned John.

When all the people were Baptised, it came to pass that Jesus also was Baptised; and while He prayed, the Heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended like a dove upon Him, and a Voice came from Heaven, which said: “Thou art

My Beloved Son; in Thee I Am well pleased!”

KING HEROD WAS A TETRARCH, MEANING THAT HE WAS ONE OF FOUR RULERS OF THE REG ION THAT WAS UNDER ROMAN OCCUPATION .

He was a wicked, paranoid ruler who called himself “King,” even though, in reality he was not of any royal lineage.

His cruelty and persecution of the innocent was infamous and St John the Baptist loudly and vehemently condemned both him for his unbridled wickedness and Herodias for her similar evil lifestyle.

Herod had divorced his own wife and co-habited unlawfully and immorally with Herodias, the wife of his living brother, Philip.

However, WHEN HE HAD S T JOHN THE BAPTIS T

I LLEGALL Y AND UNJUSTL Y IMPRISONED , I T WAS THE B IGGEST MIS TAKE OF H IS L I FE .

Herod actually feared the wrath of the people and secretly respected St John the Baptist so he did not dare to harm him – and apparently listened to what the Holy Prophet loudly and clearly preached, even from his dark and dank dungeon below the palace.

18. (ANY DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS TTTT GGGG RRRR EEEE GGGG OOOO RRRR YYYY OOOO FFFF NNNN YYYY SSSS SSSS AAAA 1111 0000 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

But all too soon, THE DEVIOUS PLOTTING AND

PLANNING OF S T JOHN THE BAPTIST ’S ARCH-ENEMY , HERODIAS , WOULD F I NALLY BE GRATI F IED DURING A DRUNKEN BANQUET WHEN SHE WOULD

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE S I TUATION AND HAVE H IM MURDERED .

] OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T MOST CERTA I NL Y D ID

NOT REQUIRE BAPTISM FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF S INS BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONLY “HUMAN BE ING” ( I . E . I N H IS HUMAN NATURE) WHO WAS

COMPLETEL Y S INLESS .

Having fully taken on our human nature, Christ resisted all temptation and HE NEVER FELL INTO ANY S IN

WHATSOEVER . HE THEREBY SHOWED US B Y H IS PERFECT EXAMPLE

THAT DESP I TE ALL THE TEMPTATION THAT TR IES TO OVERWHELM AND DEFEAT US , I T I S POSS IBL E

TO REJECT I T AND BECOME V I CTORIOUS OVER THE EV IL ONE AND H IS SL Y DECEPTIONS .

] By being Baptised, our Lord Jesus accomplished several things:

1 . HE A FF IRMED ST JOHN THE BAPTIS T ’S HOL Y MIN IS TRY OF REPENTANCE IN PREPARATION OF GOD ’S K I NGDOM OF HEAVEN .

2 . HE WAS REVEALED AND CONFI RMED WI THOUT A DOUBT BY GOD THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SP IR IT AS THE LONG -AWA I TED MESS IAH – THE ETERNAL CHRIS T GOD - THE INCARNATE

ETERNAL WORD AND BELOVED ONL Y BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD THE FATHER .

3 . HE IDENTI F IED W ITH H IS PEOPLE B Y DESCENDING INTO THE BAPTISMAL WATERS W ITH THEM.

4. HE PREFIGURED HIS OWN DEATH ON THE CROSS ,

THEREBY G IV I NG HOLY BAPTI SM I TS ULT IMATE

MEANING . (THE DEATH OF SIN AND THE REGENERATION OF ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST)

5. HE FULFILLED THE MANY T YPES MENTIONED IN

THE OLD TESTAMENT such as when Moses led

God’s people out of bondage through the Red Sea and when the Ark of the Covenant was carried into the Jordan River so that the Hebrew Nation could finally enter the Promised Land

6 . HE OPENED HEAVEN – THE ETERNAL HEAVENLY

K INGDOM OF GOD – TO OUR FALLEN WORLD THAT HAS BEEN SEPARATED FROM OUR LOVING GOD THROUGH OUR S INS – OUR FALL FROM DIV I NE GRACE – THE ANCESTRAL S IN OF ADAM

AND EVE .

] THEOPHANY MEANS “GOD REVEALED , ” and THE SON

OF GOD WAS REVEALED BY THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SP IR I T AND B Y THE VOICE OF GOD

THE FA THER , which was the greatest and most clear public Manifestation of Almighty God as Holy Trinity in human history/

] The Divine Declaration of God the Father ALSO

APPL IES TO EVERYONE WHO I S BAPTISED INTO

CHRIS T JESUS AND WHO FA I THFULL Y L I VES I N

CHRIS T since our Holy Adoption as Heirs of God is bestowed upon us during our Holy Baptism by God.

] THE HOLY SP IR I T WHO HOVERED ABOVE THE HEAD

OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRI ST WAS NOT AN INCARNATION BUT RATHER A V I S IBLE S IGN FOR THE PEOPLE TO W I TNESS .

TH IS D I V INE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLY S P IR I T FURTHER FULFILS THE T YPE PREFIGURED A FTER

THE GREAT FLOOD: “Just as a dove announced to

Noah that God’s Wrath had ceased, so too the

Holy Spirit announces here that Christ has

reconciled us to God by sweeping sin away in

the Flood Waters of Baptism!” (ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE)

St Gregory of NyssaSt Gregory of NyssaSt Gregory of NyssaSt Gregory of Nyssa (circa 335 – 385) St Gregory of Nyssa was Bishop of Nyssa and a

prominent Theologian of the fourth century. He was the younger brother of St Basil the Great and

friend of St Gregory the Theologian. St Gregory of Nyssa's influence on Church Doctrine has

remained important, although some have accused this Theology of containing an Origenist influence.

St Gregory was raised in a very pious (and large) Christian family of ten children; his grandmother, St Macrina the Elder, his mother St Emilia, his father St Basil the Elder, his sisters, St Macrina the Younger and St Theosebia, and his brothers, St Basil the Great and St Peter of Sebaste.

He received a good education and taught rhetoric at one point.

In 372, his brother St Basil the Great ordained him Bishop of Nyssa in Cappadocia (in present-day Turkey).

St Gregory and St Basil both spent much effort defending the Faith against the attacks of the Arians and St Gregory was twice deposed as leader of his See because of false accusations made by the heretics. However, his position as Bishop was finally restored in 378.

The next year, 379, his brother St Basil the Great died. As the two were extremely close, St Gregory of Nyssa was

deeply grieved at his loss. To honour his brother, St Gregory wrote his Funeral Oration and then completed St Basil's Hexaemeron, a series of nine Sermons, delivered during Great Lent, which described and elaborated upon the Genesis account of the world's Creation in six days. (HEXAEMERON MEANS "SIX DAYS").

The following year, St Gregory's sister St Macrina also died, and St Gregory wrote a Hagiography detailing her Holy Life in Christ.

About this time St Gregory attended the Council of Antioch, a local Synod, in which he zealously defended Orthodoxy.

The Council was called to rebut a heresy that denied the perpetual Virginity of the Theotokos, while also forbidding worship of her as being Divine or any part of the Divine Godhead.

St Gregory simultaneously continued his fight against the heresies of Arianism.

Then he attended the Second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople, which added the final section

concerning the Holy Spirit to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.

For the rest of his life, St Gregory of Nyssa continued to attend Church Councils, discuss Doctrinal matters, and combat various heresies.

He reached old age before finally reposing in the Lord near the end of the fourth century.

St Gregory Of Nyssa & Tr iadology

St Gregory is remembered above all for two major contributions to Theology.

The first was his Doctrine or Teaching of the Holy Trinity, a development of the Theology of St Basil and their mutual friend St Gregory Nazianzos.

Following St Basil's lead, St Gregory argued that the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity can be understood along the model of three members of a single class: thus, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three in the same way that St Peter, St Paul, and St Timothy were three men. However, there are not three Gods because as St Gregory explained, normally, we can distinguish between different members of the same class by the fact that they have different shapes, sizes, and colours. – different attributes.

Even if they are identical, they still occupy different points in space.

But none of this is true of Incorporeal (Bodiless, Invisible) Beings like God.

Even lesser Spiritual Beings can still be distinguished by their varying degrees of Goodness, but this does not apply to God either.

In fact, the only way to tell the three Persons apart is by their mutual Relationship — thus, the only difference between the Father and the Son is that the former is the Father of the latter, and the latter is the Son of the former.

As St Gregory explained, it is impossible to think of one Member of the Holy Trinity without thinking of the other Divine Members too: The Holy Trinity is like a chain of three Links, pulling each other along.

St Gregory & The Inf ini ty Of God

He was the first Christian Theologian to argue for the Infinity of God for he taught that if Almighty God were limited He would be restricted by something greater than Himself and as there is nothing greater than God, He is without boundaries – He is Infinite and cannot be comprehended, contained or

restricted by any means!

(ANY DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 0000 TTTT HHHH SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 2222 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– UUUU NNNN GGGG RRRR AAAA TTTT EEEE FFFF UUUU LLLL LLLL EEEE PPPP EEEE RRRR SSSS –––– 1111 6666 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 19.

Greek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr ica Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

16 January 201116 January 201116 January 201116 January 2011 30303030 thththth Sunday After Pentecost Sunday After Pentecost Sunday After Pentecost Sunday After Pentecost ---- Tone. 1Tone. 1Tone. 1Tone. 1

12121212 t ht ht ht h Sunday of S t Luke Sunday of S t Luke Sunday of S t Luke Sunday of S t Luke The Ungrate ful LepersThe Ungrate ful LepersThe Ungrate ful LepersThe Ungrate ful Lepers

Also the Feast of the Veneration of St Peter’s Chains (the Veneration of St Peter’s Chains (the Veneration of St Peter’s Chains (the Veneration of St Peter’s Chains (the Liberation of St Peter by the Angel of God) - St Makarios, Deacon of Kalogeras – St Pevsippos, St Elasippos, St Mesippos & St Neonilla, Holy Martyrs – St Nicholas, New Martyr of Mytilini

R e s u r r e c t i o n A p o l y t i k i o n – T o n e 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke stratioton filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis trimeros,

Sotir, Doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e

Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon si Zoodota. Doxa ti

Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti

Ikonomia Sou, mone Filanthrope!

While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and soldiers

stood on guard over Thy Body undefiled, Thou rose on the Third Day, O Saviour, Who grants Life to the world. For which cause the Heavenly Powers cried aloud to Thee: O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind!

Apo l y t i k i o n o f S t P e t e r ’ s Cha i n s

Tin Romin mi lipon, pros imas epedimisas, di’ on

eforesas timion Aliseon, ton Apostolon Protothrone.

As en Pisti proskinountes deometa, tes pros Theon

presvies sou, dorise imin to Mega Eleos

Without leaving Rome, you came to us by the

precious chains that you wore, O Foremost of the

Apostles. And venerating them with Faith we pray:

by your intercessions with God, grant us Great

Mercy. Kon t ak i o n – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry

O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou

Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin

esosas imas, Hriste O Theos. Allirinefson en

polemis to politevma, ke krateoson vasilis ous

igapisas, O Monos Filanthropos

O Thou Who Sanctified by Thy Birth a Virgin Womb, and

Blessed the hands of Symeon as seemed most appropriate, Thou came, indeed, O Christ our God, and Saved us all. But bring Peace to the commonwealth in time of war, and secure in strength, the Rulers Thou hast truly Love, as the Only One Who Loves mankind.

Resurrec t ion Gospel Resurrec t ion Gospel Resurrec t ion Gospel Resurrec t ion Gospel 1111 ---- Matthew 28 : 16 Matthew 28 : 16 Matthew 28 : 16 Matthew 28 : 16 –––– 20202020 ---- The Gr ea t C ommiss i on o f our Lor d J esus Chr is t

Proke imenonProke imenonProke imenonProke imenon “Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will establish them in Salvation...”

The words of the Lord are pure words.

The Acts o f the Apos tles According to S t Luke 12 : 1 The Acts o f the Apos tles According to S t Luke 12 : 1 The Acts o f the Apos tles According to S t Luke 12 : 1 The Acts o f the Apos tles According to S t Luke 12 : 1 –––– 11111111 The L i be r a t i on o f S t Pe t e r by t he Ange l o f G od

About that time Herod the King stretched out his hand to harass some from the Church. Then he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Hebrews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also.

Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested Peter, Herod imprisoned him and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to present him before the people after Passover.

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant Prayer was offered to God for him by the Church. And when Herod was about to take him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were guarding the prison.

Then, behold, an Angel of the Lord stood by him and a Light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying: “Arise, quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the Angel said to him: “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals.” And so he did. And he said to him: “Put on your garment and follow me.”

So Peter went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the Angel was real, but thought he was seeing a Vision.

When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they arrived at the iron gate that led to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the Angel departed from him.

And when Peter had come to himself, he said: “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His Angel, and has

delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Hebrew people.”

“Herod the King” was Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great, who had tried to kill our Lord Jesus in His infancy.

Like his grandfather, Herod Agrippa ruled in Palestine under the occupation of the Roman Empire during the years 41 – 44.

The dates of his reign determine the period during which St James was martyred and St Peter imprisoned.

St James, the brother of St John, and a cousin of the Ever Blessed Theotokos, was the first of the Twelve Apostles of Christ to be martyred and this particular event reveals that by the year 44, THERE WAS A

GROWING POPULAR D ISPLEASURE AGA INST THE

20. ((((ANY DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 0000 TTTT HHHH SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 2222 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– UUUU NNNN GGGG RRRR AAAA TTTT EEEE FFFF UUUU LLLL LLLL EEEE PPPP EEEE RRRR SSSS –––– 1111 6666 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

CHRIS T IANS , especially of the Hebrews who were encouraged to regard them as blasphemers and heretics.

The “Days of Unleavened Bread” mark the Passover Period, and thus the Commemoration of the Great Passion and Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

] THE TREMENDOUS POWER OF I NTERCESSORY PRAYER B Y THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST ON

BEHALF OF I TS LEADERS I S EV IDENT FROM ST PETER ’S MIRACULOUS RELEASE FROM A GUARDED PR ISON B Y THE ANGEL OF GOD .

] ST PETER ’S IN I T IAL CONFUS ION AND SUBSEQUENT UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING

H IS SUDDEN RELEASE FROM PR ISON DEMONSTRATE THAT GOD ’S D IV I NE WORKS ARE NOT ALWAYS CLEAR TO US WHILE THEY ARE UNFOLDING , BUT I N H INDS IGHT H IS D IV I NE PURPOSE OFTEN BECOMES QU I TE

CLEAR TO US .

This passage from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles by St Luke is usually read on the Feasts commemorating our Holy Martyrs.

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 17 : 12 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 17 : 12 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 17 : 12 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 17 : 12 ---- 19191919 Our Lo rd J esus Chr i s t H ea l s Ten Leper s – On l y One is G r a te f u l !

At that time, as Jesus entered a certain village, ten lepers who stood afar off met Him. And they lifted up their voices and cried out: “Jesus! Master! Have Mercy on us!”

And when He saw them, He said to them: “Go and show yourselves to the Priests!” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice, he glorified God, and fell down on his face at His Feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

So Jesus answered and said: “Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Were there no any found who

returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?!”

And He said to him: “Arise! Go your way... Your Faith has made you well.”

Leprosy was one of the most dreaded diseases of the time, and it is still feared today.

It brought great physical suffering as well as a total banishment and isolation from society.

] LEPROS Y I S ALSO SYMBOL IC OF OUR

DESTRUCTI VE S IN .

The lepers “stood afar off” because they were not permitted to approach anyone or to enter the villages.

Sometimes they wore or rang little bells so that people knew they were approaching and could avoid them.

Leprosy was regarded as a “punishment from God” and everyone feared the lepers for various reasons.

The people were terrified of being infected themselves so they not only shunned these poor sufferers but often chased them away with sticks and stones.

Whenever anyone received a miraculous cure, he or she had to immediately consult the Priests at the Temple who would then examine and confirm or deny the Miracle.

I F ONE WAS INDEED HEALED , VAR IOUS FORMS OF PURI F ICATION R ITUALS HAD TO BE CAREFULL Y FOLLOWED BEFORE NORMAL L I FE AND WORSHIP AT THE TEMPLE WAS ALLOWED TO PROCEED .

] CHRIS T INS TRUCTED THE LEPERS TO GO TO THE

PR IES TS FOR CONFI RMATION OF THEIR HEAL ING ACCORDING TO MOSA IC LAW .

] Furthermore, St Cyril of Alexandria believed that CHRIS T ALSO I SSUED THE INS TRUCTION FOR THE LEPERS TO PRESENT THEMSELVES TO

THE PR I ESTS SO AS TO CONVI NCE THEM B Y A TANGIBLE MI RACLE THAT CHRIST I S DEFIN I TEL Y SUPERIOR TO S T MOSES THE ANC IENT PATRIARCH.

The Hebrew Priests maintained the belief that St Moses was greater than the Messiah – the Christ (Anointed One) of God – yet our Lord Jesus Christ healed lepers immediately by His own Divine Authority!

Yet when St Miriam, the beloved sister of St Moses, was infected with leprosy, he had to seek the Divine Mercy of God and she was then only healed after seven days. (READ NUMBERS 12: 10 – 15)

Nine of the lepers rushed off to have their healing confirmed and authenticated by the Priests.

They were totally self-absorbed. Only “a Samaritan” who was despised by the Hebrews

as being a heretic, set the example of gratitude for his healing.

ONLY THE DESP ISED SAMARI TAN – the “foreigner” - IMMEDIA TEL Y F IRS T GAVE THANKS TO A LMIGHTY

GOD , expressing his gratitude for the Great Blessing he had received so unexpectedly, WHICH

REVEALED HIS GENU INE HUMIL I TY , THANKSGI V I NG TO AND LOVE FOR GOD .

] Sadly, MOST OF US ARE L IKE THE N I NE

UNGRATEFUL LEPERS who all too easily take for granted or forget almighty God’s Great Blessings because we are too involved with our own enjoyment and celebration.

We totally ignore the fact that EVERY BLESS ING WE

HAVE , WHETHER GREAT OR SMALL , I S ONLY BESTOWED UPON US THROUGH THE MERCY , LOVE AND D I V INE GRACE OF GOD.

Let us learn to take stock of His Blessings – as abundant as they are – and LET US SHOW OUR HUMBLE

APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE TO HIM AT ALL TIMES!

] AFTER PARTAKING OF HOLY COMMUNION AND

RECEI V ING D I V INE FORGI VENESS OF S I NS

AND EVERLASTING L I FE , we must stand before the Holy Altar, make the Sign of the Cross expressing our Worship of God with all our mind, our heart, our strength and our soul, and BOW DOWN BEFORE GOD IN AN ACT OF S INCERE HUMIL I T Y AND THANKSGIV ING

] OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T - THE SON AND WORD

OF GOD INCARNATE – CAME TO HEAL ALL FALLEN HUMANITY, YET ONLY A VERY SMALL PORTION RECEIVE HIM WITH SINCERE FAITH AND THANKSGIVING – AND WHO CONTINUOUSLY GIVE GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL OUR

BLESSINGS! SO IT IS THAT AS OUR LORD SADLY COMMENTED: “MANY ARE

CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN ! ” (MATTHEW 20 : 16) ] THE V I TAL LESSON FOR ALL ORTHODOX

CHRIS T IANS I S THAT WORSH IP OF GOD I S OUR MOST ESSENTIAL PR IORI TY !

The Ungrate ful Lepers Today’s Holy Gospel Reading teaches us THE

IMPORTANCE OF BE ING TRULY GRATEFUL FOR THE HELP THAT WE RECEIVE FROM GOD AND

FROM OTHERS .

As we see in today’s Sacred Lesson, ONLY ONE OUT OF

THE TEN LEPERS WHO RECEI VED HEAL ING FROM CHRIS T WENT BACK TO THANK H IM .

That ratio is something we should grieve over. Our Lord Jesus Christ used this shocking example of

the ten lepers, to show us that we are all too often just like the nine ungrateful Lepers!

Why would God’s People - we who are the adopted Heir to His Eternal Heavenly Kingdom - not give thanks to God for all His gracious Deeds and Healings?

] Our Holy Church Fathers with one voice point out to us: WE ARE NOT QU ICK TO THANK GOD

BECAUSE WE ARE TOO PROUD OF "OUR OWN " PERCEIVED ACCOMPL ISHMENTS .

] St. Maximos the Confessor warned us: “AS LONG AS YOU HAVE BAD HAB I TS , SUCH AS A

LACK OF TRUE GRAT I TUDE IN YOUR HEARTS

FOR EVERYTHING CHR IST HAS

ACCOMPL ISHED FOR US , DO NOT REJECT

HARDSHIP , SO THAT THROUGH IT , YOU MAY

BE HUMBLED AND EJECT YOUR PR IDE” .

So often personal success stories are discussed in conversation but rarely is the most significant aspect of such accounts mentioned – our sincere and humble gratitude to God for His abundant Blessings that make everything possible!!

If we were really honest we would acknowledge that we are ridiculously puffed up with self-pride due to our deceptive belief in “our own achievements!”

In our complete lack of Humility and disregard of God, we do not have even a momentary appreciation of God’s infinite Providence!

(ANY DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 0000 TTTT HHHH SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 2222 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– UUUU NNNN GGGG RRRR AAAA TTTT EEEE FFFF UUUU LLLL LLLL EEEE PPPP EEEE RRRR SSSS –––– 1111 6666 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 21.

We are so intensely consumed by our own perceived abilities that we do not have the slightest thought of Thanksgiving to our Creator and Saviour.

Today’s example of one man’s sincere and immediate gratitude to God is a good reminder for us to be thankful at all times, and to always remember that our loving and patient God watches over us constantly.

He does not want us to perish in a state of sin – in a state of Spiritual Death - so He patiently waits for us to Repent and thereby return to Him.

Throughout Holy Scripture, our Lord Jesus Christ cautions us and advises us how to live in a Godly Life that leads us to Communion and Unity with Him.

We have heard how the Ten Lepers dared to get as close as possible to Christ before calling out to Him in their desperate isolation and suffering due to an illness beyond their control.

God’s Mercy is instant so they were all healed as they rushed off to receive the certification of the Temple Priests, thereafter fulfilling the required rituals of the Old Covenant Laws and resuming their lives in society once again.

Even though the nine did not return to glorify God or to give thanks to Christ, they still received God’s Healing, which is a most important point for us to consider and to remember.

] ALTHOUGH WE SELDOM – I F EVER - EXPRESS

OUR DEEP GRATI TUDE AND APPREC IA T ION

FOR THE I NNUMERABLE G I FTS OF GRACE we continuously receive from our Most Benevolent God, HE ALWAYS BLESSES US AND NEVER

W ITHHOLDS H IS PROVIDENCE FROM US .

] EXPRESS I NG OUR GRATI TUDE TO GOD AND TO ONE ANOTHER I S IMPORTANT BECAUSE I T

TEACHES US HUMIL I T Y AND OBEDI ENCE , AND WE LEARN TO CHERISH THE NUMEROUS WAYS WHEREBY WE ARE D I V INELY LED AND GUIDED I N OUR SP IR I TUAL L I FE .

The most significant Lesson for us to learn today is that THE ONE GRATEFUL LEPER WHO RETURNED

WITH SUCH SPONTANEOUS GRATITUDE TO GOD ,

RECEI VED EVEN MORE THAN A PHYS ICAL

HEAL ING from such a dreaded disease. ] THANKFULNESS AND TRUE GRATI TUDE TO GOD

ARE CLEAR EV IDENCE OR PROOF OF DEEP , S INCERE FA I TH .

THE N I NE UNGRATEFUL LEPERS - according to our Holy Church Fathers - DID NOT POSSESS FA I TH IN

GOD ; YET DESP I TE THEIR SELF -ABSORBED

STATE , THEY WERE ALL COMPLETEL Y HEALED OF LEPROS Y BY CHRIS T ’S GREAT MERCY .

] However, although all ten lepers were physically healed, ONLY THE ONE GRATEFUL LEPER

ALSO RECEI VED SP IR I TUAL HEAL I NG - ETERNAL L I FE – ETERNAL SALVATION !

Similar to those ten lepers, we also receive so many Mercies from God whenever we call out to Him in our times of need.

But most times, once we have received our Great Blessings, we respond just like those Nine Ungrateful Lepers!

Very seldom do we immediately turn to God and Glorify Him and offer Him, with all our being, our most humble and heartfelt Thanksgiving!

True gratitude for Divine Providence opens the Door to our Eternal Salvation for sincere, joyous appreciation for all God’s wonderful Blessings sets our feet firmly upon the Path of Righteousness.

Therefore, WE SHOULD WI THOUT FA IL ACKNOWLEDGE

ALL THE G I FTS OF GOD AND G IVE H IM GLORY , HONOUR AND WORSHI P , AS I S WORTHY AND CORRECT .

We must BE AWARE A T ALL T IMES OF GOD ’S

PROVIDENCE in all things, and thank Him for each and every Divine Gift, which leads us slowly but surely towards Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom.

] EVERY S UCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT W ILL BE F I TT I NGLY ACKNOWLEDGED AS GOD’S

BLESS INGS THROUGH WHICH WE HUMBLE OURSELVES AND F IND TRUE W ISDOM AND SALVATION .

ä We must not overlook or neglect THANKSGI V I NG TO GOD FOR ALL THI NGS !

ä We must not carry on as usual, but we must PAUSE REGULARLY THROUGHOUT THE DA Y TO RE -EXAMINE OUR ATT ITUDES TOWARDS GOD AND THOSE AROUND US .

ä We must BE AWARE OF EVERY ASPECT OF

OUR L I VES W ITHIN THE PRESENT MOMENT!

] Our Holy Church Fathers have taught us that OUR

L I FE I N CHRIST I S TRUL Y A S TATE OF GRACE THAT COMES THROUGH PRA YER AND THE G IFT OF THE HOLY S P IR I T .

The Syriac Fathers have this to say about gratitude: “When evening comes, collect your thoughts and

ponder over the entire course of the day:

observe God's Providential Care for you;

consider the Grace He has wrought in you

throughout the whole span of the day;

consider the rising of the moon, the joy of

daylight, all the hours and moments, the

divisions of time, the sight of different

colours, the beautiful adornment of Creation,

the course of the sun, the growth of your own

stature, how your own person has been

protected; consider the blowing of the winds,

the ripe and varied fruits; how the elements

minister to your comfort, how you have been

preserved from accidents, and all the other

activities of Grace.

When you have pondered on all this, the wonder

of God's Love toward you will well up within

you, and gratitude for His Acts of Grace will

bubble up inside you.” LET US BE THE ELECT OF GOD - HOL Y AND BELOVED

- by following the Good Example of our Lord Jesus and His Apostles.

AND WHENEVER WE ARE TEMPTED B Y A SENSE OF

PERSONAL SA TIS FACTION LET US NOT FORGET TO G I VE GLORY TO GOD FOR EVERYTHING WE HAVE RECEI VED FROM HIM - A CCORDING TO H IS INF I N ITE AND LOVI NG D I V INE PROVIDENCE .

LET US BECOME TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

CHRIS T AND WORTHY CARRI ERS OF H IS NAME . Amen. ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: HOLY APOSTLES ORTHODOX CHURCH – www.holy12.org

Growing in the Knowledge of Chris t Growing in the Knowledge of Chris t Growing in the Knowledge of Chris t Growing in the Knowledge of Chris t –––– Par t 1Part 1Part 1Part 1 To Know Ch r i s t - Th e S i g n i f i c a n t O t h e r

THE F IRS T ASPECT OF AN AUTHENTIC KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST I S TO KNOW HIM AS OUR

“S IGNI F ICANT OTHER .” 1 A significant other is someone of decisive importance

in one’s life. He or she is a model, a guide, an inspiration - someone we follow, someone we count on, someone we admire and tend to emulate.

One may even dedicate or sacrifice his or her life to a significant other whose lifestyle, principles, and values are highly influential.

No one is without a significant other in his or her life.

1 THE TERM “SIGNIFICANT OTHER” IS USED BY CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY AND

SOCIOLOGY AS A VALUE AND PRIORITY REFERENCE.

In fact, many tragedies result from a bad selection of a phony or an unworthy person as a significant other.

To know Christ as our Significant Other means that we consciously and deliberately select Him as our Significant Other, over and above anyone else.

It means we have our Lord Jesus Christ as the most superb and irreplaceable Model and Prototype of what is really, fully, and originally human.

He thus becomes the concrete Image of our highest aspirations, the Perfect Expression of what we dream and we want to be.

His Person and Grace becomes a Divine, Perfect Guide that drives (OR COMPELS US) to continuously transform - making us become more and more like Him.

22. ((((ANY DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 0000 TTTT HHHH SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 2222 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– UUUU NNNN GGGG RRRR AAAA TTTT EEEE FFFF UUUU LLLL LLLL EEEE PPPP EEEE RRRR SSSS –––– 1111 6666 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

The great Apostle St Paul, writing to the Galatians, eloquently revealed an advanced stage of knowing Christ as the Significant Other: “I have been

crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who

live, but Christ Who Lives in me.” (GALATIANS 2:20) When Christ becomes our Significant Other, He

automatically becomes a firm, unchanging, and Eternal point of reference, the ultimate Criterion for our values, priorities, and ideas.

In a world of constant change, of ideological confusion, and of ephemeral options, Jesus Christ, our Significant Other, remains absolutely actual and relevant: “...the same yesterday and

today and forever.” (HEBREWS 13:8)

He has been the unique Significant Other for the people of the Roman Empire, for Medieval and Renaissance generations, for heroes of the industrial revolution, and for the anxious witnesses of the epoch of microchip supremacy, star wars, terrorism, and nuclear nightmares.

To know Christ means to have Him as the Determining Criterion and Judging Reference in all matters of value and priority in life and death.

The Church’s long experience attests to the fact that our Lord Jesus, as the Significant Other, never disappoints the Believer.

When arrested for being a Christian, Saint Polycarp, a venerable aged Bishop of second-century Smyrna, was asked to renounce Christ, to which he responded: “For eighty and six years I have been His servant, and He has done me no wrong - He has not disappointed me - so how can I renounce Him?” “MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP,” 9:3 - ORIGINAL GREEK TEXT WITH

ENGLISH TRANSLATION IN K. LAKE, THE APOSTOLIC FATHERS, (CAMBRIDGE, REPR. 1976), 2, PP. 312-45

Disappointments and incurable traumas occur every day with all kinds of significant others, but not with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The significant question is: how many young people have made the right choice?

How many Christians have the Saving Knowledge of Christ as the Significant Other?

. . . to be cont inued. . .

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST” BY BISHOP DEMETRIOS TRAKATELLIS

The Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church Fathers (& Mothers )(& Mothers )(& Mothers )(& Mothers ) St . Isaac the Syr ian

The man who follows Christ in solitary mourning is

greater than he who praises Christ amid the congregation of men.

Abba Ti thoes

The way of Humility is this: Self-control, Prayer, and

regarding yourself as being inferior to all creatures.

St . T ikhon of Voronezh

My poor soul! Sigh, pray and strive to take upon you

the Blessed Yoke of Christ, and you will live on earth in a Heavenly Manner.

O Lord, grant that I may carry the Light and Goodly Yoke, and I shall be always at rest, peaceful, glad and joyous; and I shall taste on earth of Crumbs that fall from the Celestial Feast, like a dog that feeds upon the crumbs which fall from the Master's Table.

St . Clement o f A lexandr ia

I think that one must approach the Logos Saviour, not

induced by the fear of punishment and not in the expectation of some kind of a reward, but primarily for the sake of the Good in itself.

Such will stand on the right in the Sanctuary.

St . Maximus the Confessor

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “... Love your enemies,

do good to those who hate you, pray for

those who persecute you." Why did He Command these things? So that He might free you from hatred, sadness, anger

and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of all: Perfect Love, which is impossible to possess except by the one who Loves all equally in imitation of God.

St . John o f Kronstadt

Remember that the Lord is in every Christian.

When your neighbour comes to you, always have great respect for him, because the Lord is in him, and often expresses His Will through him.

“It is God Who Works in you both to will and to

do of His Good Pleasure.” (PHILIPPIANS 2:13) Therefore, do not begrudge anything to your brother,

but do unto him as unto the Lord; especially as you do not know in whom the Lord will come and visit you.

Be impartial to all, be kind to all, sincere and hospitable.

Remember that sometimes God speaks even through unbelievers, or disposes their hearts towards us, as it happened in Egypt when the Lord gave Joseph

favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (GENESIS 39:21)

Mother Mar ia of Par is

However hard I try, I find it impossible to construct

anything greater than these three words, 'Love one

another' — only to the end, and without exceptions: then all is Justified and Life is Illumined, whereas otherwise it is an abomination and a burden.

St . Thalassios the Libyan

He who does not envy the Spiritually Mature and is merciful to the wicked has attained an equal Love for all.

St . Isaac of Syr ia Directions On Spiritual Training

Always let mercy outweigh all else in you.

Let our compassion be a mirror whereby we may see in ourselves that Likeness and that True Image, which belong to the Divine Nature and Divine Essence.

A heart hard and unmerciful will never be pure.

Phi l ip Ner i

Cast yourself into the Arms of God and be very sure

that if He wants anything of you, He will lift you for the work and give you Strength.

Bishop Kal l i s tos [Ware] "The Mystery Of The Human Person"

As Christians we are here to affirm the supreme value

of direct sharing, of immediate encounter —not machine to machine, but person to person, face to face.

St John Chrysos tom

To Love Christ means not to be a hireling, not to look

upon a noble Life as an enterprise or trade, but to be a True Benefactor and to do everything only for the sake of Love for God.

St . Symeon the New Theologian

Provided they live a worthy life, both those who choose to dwell in the midst of noise and hubbub and those who dwell in Monasteries, mountains and caves can achieve Salvation.

Solely because of their Faith in Him, God bestows Great Blessings on them.

Hence those who because of their laziness have failed to attain Salvation will have no excuse to offer on the Day of Judgement.

For He Who promised to grant us Salvation simply on account of our Faith in Him is not a liar.

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T AN THON Y T H E G R E A T O F A L E X AND R I A 1 7 J ANU AR Y 2 0 1 1 23.


Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together wi th all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Chris t our God. Amen.

17 January 201117 January 201117 January 201117 January 2011

St Anthony the Great of AlexandriaSt Anthony the Great of AlexandriaSt Anthony the Great of AlexandriaSt Anthony the Great of Alexandria

Also the Feast of St Anthony the New of Berroia - St George the New Martyr of Ioannina – St Anthony of Dumsk, Novgorod – St Anthony of Chernoezero - St Anthony of Krasny

Kholm – St Theodosios the Great – St Achilles the Confessor

Ap o l y t k i o n O f S t An t h ony Th e G r ea t

Kon tak i on O f S t An t hony The Gr ea t

Tous viotikous thorivous aposamenos, isihastikos ton

vion exetelesas, ton Vaptistin mimoumenos, kata

panta tropon Osiotate, sin afto oun se gereromen,

Pateron Pater Antonie!

Thou retreated from the tumult of daily life and led thy

life in stillness, imitating John the Baptist in every

way. We honour thee and him together, O Most

Holy Father of Fathers: St Anthony! Kon tak i on O f T he P resen ta t i on O f C hr is t - - T one 1

O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to toko Sou, ke hiras tou

Symeon evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin

esosas imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis

to politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O

monos filanthropos

Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly

Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come

and Saved us O Christ, our God, give peace to Thy

Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen

those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only

Lover of mankind.

Matins Gospel Matins Gospel Matins Gospel Matins Gospel –––– Matthew 11 : 27 Matthew 11 : 27 Matthew 11 : 27 Matthew 11 : 27 –––– 30303030 Res t i ng i n C hr i s t

At that time our Lord Jesus said: “All Things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills

to reveal Him.

“Come to Me, all you who labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest.

“Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for

your souls. For My Yoke is easy and My Burden is light.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us in no uncertain manner that AS THE INCARNATE SON AND WORD OF GOD

THE FA THER , HE HAS D IV I NE AUTHORITY AND THAT ONL Y THROUGH HIM – I F HE SO W ILLS I T –

MAY WE OBTA IN KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF GOD AND ALL H IS HOL Y

MYSTERIES that are beyond our normal human understanding or perception.

Christ also reassures us that WE CAN REST IN H IM BY

LEANING OR DEPENDING ON H IM TO GRANT US WHATEVER I S NEEDED TO COMPLETE AND TO FULF IL THIS D I FF ICULT JOURNEY OF L I FE TOWARDS ETERNI TY .

WHEN OUR L I VES BECOME TOO D I FF ICULT , THROUGH

OUR PRA YERS AND PETI T IONS , OUR MERC I FUL SAVIOUR L I FTS US UP AND CARRIES US THROUGH THE WORST OF I T SO THAT WE ARE NE I THER

HARMED NOR TRAUMATISED by the stumbling blocks along the rocky pathway.

THE YOKE OF CHRIS T I S OUR W ILL ING SUBMISS ION

TO THE K I NGDOM OF GOD and although a “yoke” may be regarded by some as being a sign of hardship, burdens and responsibilities, I N CHRIS T

JESUS S UCH A YOKE I S EAS Y FOR THE D I V INE POWER OF ALMIGHTY GOD WORKS IN EACH

PERSON , MAKING THE HUMANLY IMPOSS IBLE THI NGS POSS IBLE FOR US BY THE GRACE OF

GOD . Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD OF SUCH

STRUGGLES I S IN F IN I TELY GREATER THAN THOSE OF ANY MERE HUMAN ENDEAVOURS (REFER 3 KINGS 12 : 1 – 11 - JEREMIAH 34 : 1 – 11 - WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1)

The term “gentle” is literally “meek.” MEEKNESS I S AN ATT I TUDE OF BE I NG CONTENT W I TH

BOTH HONOUR AND D ISHONOUR .

It is AN IMI TA TION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T Who

instructed us to “Learn from Me, for I Am gentle (meek) and lowly in heart.”

THOSE WHO ARE TRUL Y MEEK ARE GOD -CONTROLLED AND HAVE MASTERY OVER THEI R PASS IONS , ESPEC IALL Y THAT OF ANGER .

MEEKNESS I S NOT PASS IVE WEAKNESS BUT

SP IR ITUAL STRENGTH THAT I S D IRECTED AND CONTROLLED .

The earth that the meek will inherit is not the power or possession of this fallen, temporary world, but that of the the new, everlasting Kingdom of God.

The Epis t le o f PaulThe Epis t le o f PaulThe Epis t le o f PaulThe Epis t le o f Paul to the Hebrews 13 : 17 to the Hebrews 13 : 17 to the Hebrews 13 : 17 to the Hebrews 13 : 17 –––– 21212121 A summary o f H o l y L i f e i n C hr is t

Brethren: obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.

Let them do so with Joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are confident that we have a good conscience – in all things desiring to live honourably. But I especially urge you to do this, so that I may be restored to you sooner. Now may the God of Peace Who raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead – that Great Shepherd of the Sheep – through

the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you complete in every Good Work to do His Will, working in you what is well pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory forever and ever.

Amen.

Ton zilotin Ilian tis tropis mimoumenos, to Vaptisti

evthies tes trivois epomenos, Pater Antonie, tis

erimou gegonas ikistis, ke tin ikoumenin estirixas

evhes sou. Dio presveve Hristo to Theo, sothine tas

psihas imon.

Imitating the manner of Elijah the Zealot, and following

the straight paths of John the Baptist, O Father

Anthony, thou colonised the desert, and thou

supported the Empire by thy Prayers. Therefore

intercede with Christ our God to Save our souls!

24. (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T AN THON Y T H E G R E A T O F A L E X ANDR I A 1 7 J AN UAR Y 2 0 1 1

ALL OUR ORDA INED PR IES TS AND SP IR I TUAL LEADERS – THE HOLY PR IES THOOD OF CHRIST – MUST BE RESPECTED AND OBEYED FOR THEY ARE OUR SP IR ITUAL FA THERS OF CHRIS T ’S HOL Y CHURCH.

They will have to give an account of their Holy Ministry at the Final Judgement – which will be far more strict than those of us whom they lead, guide and teach.

ST PAUL , being one of these Holy Spiritual Fathers of Christ’s Church, ASKED THE EARLY CHRIS T IANS TO

PRAY FOR H IM SO THAT HE COULD LEAD AN EXEMPLARY L I FE , WORTHIL Y AND CORRECTL Y FULF ILL I NG ALL H IS SACRED TASKS IN H IS HOL Y MISS ION .

THOSE WHO “RULE OVER” US are especially our Bishops and Priests who perform all the essential Holy Mysteries and they MOST CERTAINLY NEED OUR PRAYERS SO

THAT THEY MAY LIVE EACH DAY WORTHILY IN ORDER FOR US TO IMITATE AND FOLLOW THEM AS GOOD MODELS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AS WELL.

THE FAITH OF OUR HOLY FATHERS IS THE SAME FAITH THAT THEY

SHOULD BOTH BE TEACHING AND LIVING.

Because of the important role and function of our Spiritual Fathers, they are subjected to worse temptations than any other sinners, so our concerted Prayers must be offered to God for them as well as ourselves and our loved ones.

Furthermore, BY RESPECTING THE HOLY PR IES THOOD -

SUPPORTING THEM AND APPLY I NG THEIR

ORTHODOX TEACHINGS TO OUR DA IL Y L I FE , THEY W ILL BE ENCOURAGED AND REJOICE IN THEI R SACRED LABOURS – AND THEY W ILL BE INSP I RED TO GREATER EFFORTS AND LESS TEMPTATIONS .

With regard to St Paul’s concluding Blessings: THE

SUFF IC IENCY OF THE D IV I NE BLOOD OF CHRIS T I S REAL ISED IN H IS RESURRECTION AS OUR LORD OFFERS H IS PREC IOUS , L I FE -G IV ING BLOOD IN THE

ETERNAL SANCTUARY , thereby inaugurating a New, Everlasting Covenant, which makes us complete as we cooperate with God in all things – a Holy Synergy that promotes our Spiritual Progress towards Holy Sainthood.

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 –––– 23232323 Chr i s t ’ s Sermon on t he P l a i n – t h e Bea t i t udes and t he Woes

At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who went to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.

And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for Power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted up His Eyes towards His Disciples and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall

rejoice. Blessed are you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out

your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your Reward is great in Heaven, for in like manner, their

fathers did to the Prophets.”

After having prayed all night on a high mountain, our Lord Jesus summoned His Disciples to Him and then named His Chosen Twelve Apostles, after which He addressed those who had gathered to His Divine Wisdom.

This Sermon on the Plain or “level place” is slightly similar to His great Sermon on the Mount, which is more detailed.

HIS REFERENCE TO THOSE WHO HUNGERED (AND THI RSTED FOR D I V INE R IGHTEOUSNESS ) WERE THOSE WHO KNEW THAT THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS D I V I NE K I NGDOM WERE THE MOST

IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR L I VES and such souls have a deep compulsion and craving for whatever is right in the Sight of God, compared to a starving person’s need for food.

THE K INGDOM OF GOD CALLS US TO BE FREE FROM

ALL ANXIETY CONCERNING EARTHLY MATTERS and our Lord Jesus directs us to REMA IN FOCUSED ON

HEAVEN WHILE BE I NG SECURE IN THE FA I TH THAT GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES US W ITH ALL NECESSARY EARTHLY BLESS INGS .

Nothing in this world compares with the priceless Eternal Treasures of Salvation and Spiritual Life – WE SHALL

BE R ICHER BEYOND ALL EARTHLY MEASURE ! OUR SP IR I TUAL HUNGER AND THIRST W IL L BE MORE

THAN SATISF I ED W I TH HEAVENLY BL ISS AND THE

TRUE JOY OF GOD’S LOVE AND PEACE W ILL F I LL US BEYOND BEL IEF !

Christ also reassures us that no matter how badly our worst enemies may treat us because of our Faith in God, WE HAVE WONDERFUL D IV I NE THINGS TO

LOOK FORWARD TO I N ETERNI TY . THE MORE WE ENDURE FOR OUR LOVE OF GOD , THE

GREATER WILL BE OUR SP I R ITUAL REWARDS IN

GOD ’S HEAVENLY K I NGDOM.

Furthermore, THE CLOSER WE GROW TO CHRIST OUR

SAVIOUR – INDEED TO THE HOLY TR IN I T Y – THE

LESS OUR WORLDLY WOES AFFECT US AND THE GREATER OUR ETERNAL JOY AND PEACE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD WILL BE !

We can take much courage and joy from knowing that THE

MORE WE STR I VE TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T , THE GREATER THE TEMPTATIONS AND EV IL SCHEMES AGA INST US ARE INCREASED B Y THE EV I L ONE AND H IS DEMONS – BOTH SP IR I TUAL

AND HUMAN!

So THANK GOD FOR ALL THINGS – EVEN OUR

D IFF ICULTI ES , WHICH DRAW US ALL THE MORE

CLOSER AND CLOSER TO OUR LOVING AND

MERC IFUL LORD – and which make us all the more stronger and determined to progress towards our ultimate Destination!

St Anthony the Great of AlexandriaSt Anthony the Great of AlexandriaSt Anthony the Great of AlexandriaSt Anthony the Great of Alexandria St Anthony was born in Egypt circa 250, in the village of

Koman near Herculea. Following the repose of their noble parents, he divided his

inheritance with his younger sister, and arranged for their relatives to ensure her safety and welfare.

St Anthony then distributed his remaining possessions amongst the poor and at the age of 20, he dedicated himself to the Ascetical Life for which he had yearned since childhood.

Initially St Anthony lived close to his village but, in order to flee the disturbance of others, he withdrew into the wilderness along the shore of the Red Sea, where he spent the next twenty years as a recluse, being entirely alone with the exception of God through his constant Prayers, reflections and contemplation. He patiently endured unspeakable temptations from the evil one.

Many Disciples gathered around him whom he guided along the Path of Salvation by his example and Inspired Wisdom.

During 85 years of Ascetical Life, he went twice to Alexandria - to suffer Martyrdom during the persecution of the Church and at the invitation of St Athanasios to refute the accusation of the Arians who

presumed that he, too, was an adherent of their heresy.

St Anthony reposed at the age of 105, leaving behind a Blessed Legacy of faithful disciples and imitators.

Although St Anthony had not been properly educated, he became a great Spiritual Counselor and Teacher by Divine Grace to some of the most learned men of that era, such as St Athanasios the Great.

When certain Greek Philosophers tried to tempt him with their literary wisdom, St Anthony shamed them by

asking them: “Which is older, the understanding

or the book? Which of these two was the cause

of the other?” The Philosophers departed, realising they only had a

literary knowledge without understanding while St Anthony had profound understanding.

St Anthony attained Spiritual Perfection to the greatest degree humanly possible - for 85 years having perfected himself to such a degree that he was able to guide so many others towards Theosis until finally, after so many years of Great Labour, he reposed in Christ in 335.

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T A T H ANA S I O S & S T C YR I L O F A L E X ANDR I A 1 8 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1 25.


Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with al l the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.


St Athanasios & St Cyri l o f AlexandriaSt Athanasios & St Cyri l o f AlexandriaSt Athanasios & St Cyri l o f AlexandriaSt Athanasios & St Cyri l o f Alexandria

Also the Feast of St Zenia - St Athanasios of Syandemsk, Vologda – St Athanasios of Novolotsk – St Marcian of Cyrrhus,

Syria – St Cyril, Schemamonk & father of St Sergios of Radonezh – St Maria, Schemanun & mother of St Sergios of Radonezh – St Joachim I of Trnovo & Bulgaria – St Maximos

of Serbia – St Maximos the New – St Ephraim the Lesser – St Alexei, Hieromonk of Teklati

Apo l y t i k i o n O f S t A t h a na s i o s & S t Cy r i l O f A l e xand r i a : To n e 3

Ergis lampsantes, Orthdoxias, pasan svesantes,

kakodoxian, nikite tropeofori gegonate; ti efsevia

ta panta ploutisantes, tin Ekklisian megalos

kosmisantes, axios evrate, Hriston ton Theon

imon, doroumenon pasi to Mega Eleos.

You shone in words of Orthodoxy; you extinguished all false believing, and conquering Victors you became, by enriching all things with you piety and adorning the Church so greatly, deservedly you found Christ our God Who grants to all the Great Mercy.

Kon t ak i o n O f S t A t h a nas i o s & S t Cy r i l O f A l e xand r i a

Ierarhe Megisti tis evsevias, ke gennei promahi, tis

Ekklisias tou Hristou, pan tas frourite tous

melpontas: Soson Iktirmon, tous Pisti timonats se.

O Great Hierachs of piety and brave champions of the

church of Christ: you watch over all who sing: Save us O Compassionate One who in Faith honour Thou,.”

Kon t ak i o n o f Ch r i s t ’ s P r e s en t a t i o n – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry



esosas imas, Hriste O Theos. Allirinefson en

polemis to politevma, ke krateoson vasilis ous

igapisas, O Monos Filanthropos

O Thou Who Sanctified by Thy Birth a Virgin Womb, and

Blessed the hands of Symeon as seemed most appropriate, Thou came, indeed, O Christ our God, and Saved us all. But bring Peace to the commonwealth in time of war, and secure in strength, the Rulers Thou hast truly Love, as the Only One Who Loves mankind.

Matins Gospel Accord ing to S t John 10 : 9 Mat ins Gospel Accord ing to S t John 10 : 9 Mat ins Gospel Accord ing to S t John 10 : 9 Mat ins Gospel Accord ing to S t John 10 : 9 –––– 16161616 Ou r L o rd J e su s Ch r i s t i s t h e Go o d S h eph e rd & Th e Doo r

At that time our Lord Jesus said: “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and

out and find pasture.

The thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come so that they may have

Life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But a hireling – he who is not

the Shepherd, who does not the Sheep – sees the wolf coming and leaves the Sheep, and flees; and the

wolf catches the Sheep and scatters them.

The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd; and

I know My Sheep, and Am known by My own.

As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep.

And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice;

and there will be One Flock and One Shepherd...”

St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 : 7 S t Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 : 7 S t Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 : 7 S t Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 : 7 –––– 16161616 Loya l t y t o O r t h od ox Do c t r i n e & Wo rsh i p

Brethren: remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose Faith you must follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! Do not be carried away with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by Grace – not

with foods that have not profited those who have been occupied with them. We have an Altar from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals,

whose blood is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, are burnt outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also – so that He might Sanctify the people with His own Blood – suffered outside the gate. So let us go forth to Him – outside the camp – bearing His Reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek

the one to come. Thus by Him, let us continually offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God – that is: the Fruit of our lips – giving Thanks to His

Name.

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 –––– 19191919 Fa i t h f u l D i s c i p l e s o f Ch r i s t a r e t h e L i g h t o f t h e Wo r l d

At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “You are the Light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives

light to all who are in the house.

Let your Light so shine before mankind, that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your Father in

Heaven.

26. (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T A T H ANA S I O S & S T C YR I L O F A L E X ANDR I A 1 8 J ANU AR Y 2 0 1 1

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil, for

assuredly, I say to you: until Heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass

from the Law until all is fulfilled.

Whoever, therefore, breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be

called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the

Kingdom of Heaven.

St Athanasios of AlexandriaSt Athanasios of AlexandriaSt Athanasios of AlexandriaSt Athanasios of AlexandriaSt Athanasios was one of our great Holy Church Fathers

and a pillar of Orthodoxy. He was born into a family of pious Christians, circa 297, in

Alexandria and received a fine secular education, acquiring even more knowledge by his diligent study of Holy Scripture.

From childhood, the future Hierarch became known to St Alexander, Patriarch of Alexandria when, from his window, he observed a group of children, including young Athanasios, playing on the seashore.

The children had decided to “Baptise” their pagan playmates and St Athanasios, whom the children had designated as "Bishop," performed the Baptism, repeating the words precisely as he had heard them recited in church during this Holy Mystery of Baptism.

St Alexander then requested all the children and their parents to be brought to him.

He conversed with them for a long while, and determined that the Baptism performed by the children had been done exactly according to the Church Order.

Consequently, he then acknowledged the Baptism as being real and he Sealed it with the Mystery of Holy Chrismation. From that moment on, the Patriarch looked after the Spiritual Upbringing of St Athanasios and in time Ordained him into the Holy Priesthood, at first as a Reader, and then as a Deacon.

In 325 St Athanasios accompanied St Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea where he steadfastly refuted of the heresy of Arius. His speech was approved by the Orthodox Fathers of the Council, but the Arian heretics, openly and secretly hated St Athanasios and persecuted him for the rest of his life.

After the repose of Patriarch Alexander, St Athanasios was unanimously chosen as his successor in the See of Alexandria.

However, he refused, accounting himself unworthy, but at the insistence of all the Orthodox populace that it was in agreement with their wishes, he was consecrated Bishop and installed as the Patriarch of the Alexandrian Church, which he faithfully guided for 47 years, continuously enduring persecution and grief from his antagonists.

He was expelled from Alexandria on several occasions and hid from the Arians in desolate places, since they repeatedly tried to kill him, spending more than 20 years in exile, returning to his flock, and then being banished once again.

There was a time when he was the only True and Faithful Orthodox Bishop in the area - a dark time when all the other Bishops had fallen into heresy.

At the false councils of Arian Bishops he was deposed as Bishop but despite being persecuted for so many years, St Athanasios continued to defend the Purity and Divine Truth of the Orthodox Faith, writing countless letters and tracts against the Arian heresy.

When Julian the Apostate (361-363) began a persecution against Christians, his wrath first fell upon St Athanasios, whom he acknowledged as a great Pillar of Orthodoxy but whom he intended to kill so as to strike a grievous blow to True Christianity.

But he himself died instead after being mortally wounded by an arrow during a battle, and crying out in despair: "Thou hast conquered, O Galilean!”

After Julian's death, St Athanasios guided the Alexandrian Church for another 7 years before reposing in Christ in 373, at the age of 76.

Numerous works of St Athanasios have been preserved.

St Cyri l o f AlexandriaSt Cyri l o f AlexandriaSt Cyri l o f AlexandriaSt Cyri l o f Alexandria Just like St Athanasios, St Cyril of Alexandria was a wise

Teacher of Divine Truth and a Defender of Christ’s Holy Church.

Consequently, they share a joint Feast in recognition of their Dogmatic Writings, which explain and affirm the Divine Truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpreting Holy Scripture, and censuring the delusions of the destructive and deceptive heretics.

St Cyril was a nephew of Patriarch Theophilos of Alexandria, who educated him since his early childhood.

St Cyril was elected Patriarch of Alexandria in 412, but was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorian heretics.

He later resumed his See and presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 441, which censured the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos.

His wise words clearly and concisely demonstrated and exposed the error of their false doctrine.

Finally, on 9 June 444, St Cyril reposed in the Lord, having laboured so faithfully in God’s Heavenly Vineyard.

S t Cyri l the Patr iarch o f Al exandr ia S t Cyr i l the Patr iarch o f Al exandr ia S t Cyr i l the Patr iarch o f Al exandr ia S t Cyr i l the Patr iarch o f Al exandr ia –––– On the Resurrec t ion o f Chr is t our GodOn the Resurrec t ion o f Chr is t our GodOn the Resurrec t ion o f Chr is t our GodOn the Resurrec t ion o f Chr is t our God He Who descended into the regions beneath the earth came up

again; and our Lord Jesus, Who was buried, truly Rose again the third day.

And if the Jews ever worry you, meet them at once by asking thus: Did Jonah come forth from the whale on the third day, and has not Christ then Risen from the earth on the third day?

Is a dead man Raised to Life on touching the bones of Elisha, and is it not much easier for the Creator of mankind to be Raised by the Power of the Father?

Well then, He truly Rose, and after He had Risen was seen again by His Disciples; and Twelve Apostles were witnesses of His Resurrection, who bore witness not in pleasing words, but contended even under torture and death for the Truth of the Resurrection.

What then? Shall every word be established by the mouth of two of three witnesses, according to the Scripture? And although Twelve bear witness to the Resurrection of Christ, are you still incredulous in regard to His Resurrection?

St Athanasios S t Athanasios S t Athanasios S t Athanasios –––– Fes tal Le t tersFes tal Le t tersFes tal Le t tersFes tal Le t ters Not only in outward form did those wicked men dissemble,

putting on, as our Lord said, “sheep’s clothing,” and appearing like whitened sepulchres; but they took those Divine Words in their mouths, while they inwardly cherished evil intentions.

And the first to put on this appearance was the Serpent, the inventor of wickedness from the beginning – the devil, who in disguise, conversed with Eve, and immediately deceived her.

But after him and with him are all inventors of unlawful heresies, who indeed refer to the Holy Scriptures but do not hold such opinions as the Saints have handed down, and receiving them as the traditions of men, err because they do not rightly know them nor their power.

Therefore, St Paul justly praised the Corinthians because their opinions were in accordance with his Holy Traditions.

And our Lord most Righteously reproved the Jews, saying:

“Wherefore do you also transgress the

Commandments of God on account of your

traditions?” For they changed the Commandments they had received from God according to their own understanding, preferring to observe the traditions of men.

And about these, a little after, St Paul again gave directions to the Galatians who were in danger thereof, writing to them:

“... if any man preach to you anything else than that

which you have received, let him be accursed.” [FESTAL LETTER 2.6]

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T A T H ANA S I O S & S T C YR I L O F A L E X ANDR I A 1 8 J ANUAR Y 2 0 1 1 27.




St Euphemios the GreatSt Euphemios the GreatSt Euphemios the GreatSt Euphemios the Great

Also the Feast of St Eusebios – St Zacharias, New Martyr of Patras – St Euthymios, Schemamonk of Kiev Caves – St Laurence the Recluse – St Euthymios of syanzhemsk, Vologda – St Inna, St Pinna & St Rimma of Scythia, Disciples of St Andrew, First Called Apostle of Christ – St Bassos, St Eusebios, St Eutychios & St Basilides of Nicomedia – St

Euthymios of Trnovo & Bulgaria – St Euthymios the Confessor

Apo l y t i k i o n O f S t E u t h ym i o s Th e G r ea t – To n e 4

Efrenou erimos i ou tiktousa, efthimison i ouk odinousa;

oti eplithine si tekna, anir epithimion ton tou

Pnevmatos, efsevia fitefsas egratia ekthrepsas, is

areton teliotita. Tes aftou ikesies Hriste O Theos,

soson tas psihas imon.

Rejoice, O Desert that gives no birth! Cheer up O one

who never tasted birth’s travail! For a man has

filled you with children who are the desires of the

Spirit, that he planted in Piety, and nurtured with

Temperance, for the Perfection of the Virtues.

Through his intercessions, O Christ our God, Save

the souls of all of us. Kon t ak i o n – Ton e ( 8 ) P l a ga l 4

En ti septi gennisi sou, haran i ktisis evrato. Ke en ti

thia mnimi sou Osie, tin Euthymian elave ton pollon

sou thavmaton, ex on parashou plousios tes psihes

imon, ke apokatharon amartimaton kilidas, opos

psallomen. Allilouia!

Creation found delight and joy in thine august nativity

and the good cheer of thy numberless miracles on

thy divine memorial. Now bestow thereof richly on

our souls and wash clean the stains of our every sin,

Euthymius Most Righteous, that we may chant:

Alleluia! Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry



esosas imas, Hriste O Theos. Allirinefson en polemis

to politevma, ke krateoson vasilis ous igapisas, O

Monos Filanthropos

O Thou Who Sanctified by Thy Birth a Virgin Womb,

and Blessed the hands of Symeon as seemed most

appropriate, Thou came, indeed, O Christ our God,

and Saved us all. But bring Peace to the

commonwealth in time of war, and secure in

strength, the Rulers Thou has truly Loved, as the

Only One Who Loves mankind.

Matins Gospel Matins Gospel Matins Gospel Matins Gospel –––– Matthew 11 : 27 Matthew 11 : 27 Matthew 11 : 27 Matthew 11 : 27 –––– 30303030 Res t i n g i n Ch r i s t

At that time our Lord Jesus said: “All Things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills

to reveal Him.

“Come to Me, all you who labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest.

“Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for

your souls. For My Yoke is easy and My Burden is light.”

St Paul ’s Second Epis t le to the Cor inthians 4 : 6 S t Paul ’s Second Epis t le to the Cor inthians 4 : 6 S t Paul ’s Second Epis t le to the Cor inthians 4 : 6 S t Paul ’s Second Epis t le to the Cor inthians 4 : 6 –––– 15151515 Rema i n i n g F a i t h f u l t o t h e Gosp e l o f Ch r i s t

Brethren: It is the God Who commanded Light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ.

However, we have this Treasure in earthen vessels so that the excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of our Lord Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake so that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but Life in you.

And since we have the same spirit of Faith, according to what is written: “I believed and therefore I spoke...” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He Who Raised up the Lord Jesus will also Raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

For all things are for your sakes, so that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause Thanksgiving to abound to

the Glory of God.

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 6 : 17 –––– 23232323 Ch r i s t ’ s S e rmon o n t h e P l a i n – t h e Bea t i t u d e s a nd t h e Woes

At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who went to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.

And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for Power went out from Him and healed them all.

Then He lifted up His Eyes towards His Disciples and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall

rejoice. Blessed are you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out

your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your Reward is great in Heaven, for in like manner, their

fathers did to the Prophets.”

28. (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS TTTT EEEE UUUU PPPP HHHH EEEE MMMM IIII OOOO SSSS TTTT HHHH EEEE GGGG RRRR EEEE AAAA TTTT 2222 0000 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

S t EuSt EuSt EuSt Euphephephephemios the Greatmios the Greatmios the Greatmios the Great

After many years of childless marriage St Euphemios was born to a Righteous Christian, Paul and Dionysia who, despite their sorrow, had kept their faith in God and their Prayers constant.

Having heard a voice from Heaven announcing: “Be of good cheer! God will grant you a son, who will

bring Joy to the churches!”

In due time Dionysia brought forth a son, whom the thankful parents named Euphemios, which means “good cheer.”

St Euphemios was educated by his uncle, Eudoxios, who was a Priest, and as he matured, he became a Reader, a Monk, and finally a Priest.

Because of his Monastic zeal and great Piety which soon became evident to his Bishop, he was appointed as Overseer of all the Monasteries in that region, but the great responsibility weighed heavily upon St Euphemios, whose deepest desire was to live a life of solitude and uninterrupted Prayer.

Eventually he left Armenia and went, first to Jerusalem, and from there into the wilderness beyond Jericho to live amongst the Desert fathers.

Seeking even greater solitude, St Euphemios and his close friend and Brother Monk, St Theoktistos, moved even further into the desert, and finally found a hidden cave high on the side of a river’s gorge where they thought they could finally pray undisturbed. But God had other plans for St Euphemios and it was not long before they were noticed by passing shepherds, who reported the news of their discovery in the village.

Soon, many people went to the gorge to visit the Saints, seeking Spiritual Guidance, after which many other Monks from the region’s Monasteries also sought their Spiritual Wisdom and Guidance and in a short time an entire Monastic Community was established.

Realising that he simply could not escape the Will of God, St Euphemios finally accepted the responsibility of Spiritual Father to all those who wentto him in their quest for Eternal Salvation.

He had profound Spiritual Wisdom and Loved everyone with a sincere and pure heart and his Inspired Teaching was simple and direct:

"Whoever desires to lead the Monastic Life should

not follow his own will. He should be Obedient

and Humble, and be mindful of the Hour of

Death. He should fear the Judgment and

Eternal Fire, and seek the Heavenly Kingdom." All of us would do well to heed his advice. Once, a Monk named Auxentios refused to carry out his

assigned Obedience. Despite the fact that St Euphemios had summoned him and urged him to comply, he remained rebellious.

The Saint then shouted loudly: "You will be rewarded for your insubordination!" And immediately a demon seized Auxentios and threw him to the ground.

The terrified Brethren asked St Euphemios to help him, and the kind-hearted Holy Father immediately healed the unfortunate one, who came to himself, begged forgiveness and promised to Repent.

St Euphemios said: "Obedience is a great Virtue. The

Lord Loves Obedience more than sacrifice, but

disobedience leads always to death." St Euphemios was also granted the Power to Heal all

infirmities and all illnesses among the vast numbers of people who visited him and many Miracles occurred through him as well.

Once, when 400 Pilgrims had descended upon his Monastery and St Euphemios was quietly informed that there was no food for them, the Holy Father insisted that the Monks should feed their visitors anyway, and that God would surely provide for everyone.

The worried Monks returned to the storeroom expecting to see it nearly empty as before but to their utter astonishment, the wine and oil jars were filled to the

brim, and the storage boxes were overflowing with delicious bread.

For the next three months while the Pilgrims remained at the Monastery, they ate their fill every day, yet the food in the storeroom continued to multiply at such a pace that it eventually blocked the doorways.

God had indeed provided – and in great abundance! St Euphemios also taught and Baptised many Arabs,

converting them to True Faith in Jesus Christ. He built Lavras - Monastic churches - and aided

countless souls in their journeys towards Eternal Life.

When he served the Divine Liturgy, witnesses reported that a Mysterious Fire often descended from Heaven and surrounded him as he prayed and he, too, admitted that he often saw the Angels serving with him at such times.

He had received the Divine Gift of Clairvoyance and could determine a person’s Spiritual Condition—and whether or not they took Communion worthily—by merely looking at their faces.

In 451, following the Fourth Ecumenical Council which took place in Chalcedon, there remained many dissenters who would not accept the Council’s decision. So St Euphemios reviewed the decision and accepted it as completely Orthodox.

When word of this got out, a great many of these people who had at first rejected the Council of Chalcedon, completely changed their opinions and joyfully accepted it, trusting implicitly on the honesty of St Euphemios whom they Loved and respected so deeply.

Thus he saved countless souls from serious error and division.

St Euphemios truly deserves the title bestowed upon him by the Church of “St Euphemios the Great”.

At the age of 97, having been informed by God that he would soon lay aside his earthly life, St Euphemios gathered his Spiritual Children and told them:

"Look to yourselves, and preserve your souls and bodies in Purity. Do not fail to attend the

Church Services, and keep the Traditions and

Rules of our Community. If one of the Brethren

struggles with unclean thoughts, correct,

console, and instruct him, so that he does not

fall into the devil's snares. Never refuse

hospitality to visitors. Offer a bed to every

stranger. Give whatever you can to help the

poor in their misfortune." After he had reminded them of more of his Divinely

Inspired Teachings, he finally dismissed everyone and remained at the Holy Altar for three more days, until he finally reposed in the Lord on 20 January 473.

What a Blessing it is to remember that while the earthly portion of the lives of such Saints may indeed have ended long ago, they continue to live in Christ.

We must never forget: there is no such thing as a “dead Saint” – for St Paul assured us that nothing shall separate us from the Love of God in Christ – not even death!

Thus all the Saints who have reposed are very much alive in Christ—alive to a degree infinitely greater than our own – since they dwell in Union with Him.

Thus while we commemorate St Euphemios the Great and remember his life from so long ago, in truth, he is with us here today.

As we celebrate the Divine Liturgy this morning we are in the Blessed company of them all and what a Great Blessing this is!

What a great and fearful blessing this is! ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “ST EUPHEMIOS THE GREAT” BY FATHER MICHAEL REAGAN

– ST BARNABAS ORTHODOX CHURCH - THE ABANDONED MIND BLOGSPOT - WWW.THEABANDONEDMIND. BLOGSPOT.COM

� 'If You Eat Bread That Comes Not From Your Own Labours, That Means That You Eat The Labour Of Another'.

� `A Tree That Is Frequently Transplanted Does Not Bear Fruit.'

(DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS TTTT TTTT IIII MMMM OOOO TTTT HHHH YYYY 2222 2222 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 29.




St Timothy S t Timothy S t Timothy S t Timothy

Also the Feast of St Anastasios the Persian – St Anastasios Deacon of Kiev Near Caves – St Makarios, Wonderworker of Zhabyn – St Manual, St George, St Peter & St Leontios

Hieromartyrs of Bulgaria – St Sionios, St Gabriel, St John, St Leontios, St Parados, martyred Presbyters of Bulgaria, together with 377 other Faithful Christians of Bulgaria – St

Brihtwald of Wilton – St Euthymios

Apo l y t i k i o n O f S t T imo t h y O f Th e 7 0 Apo s t l e s - T o n e 4

Hristotita ekdidahthis, ke nifon en pasin, Agathin

sinidisin iroprepos endisamenos, intlisas ek tou

Skevous tis eklogis ta aporrita. Ke tin pistin tirisas,

ton ison dromon tetelekas, Apostole Timothee.

Presveve Hristo to Theos sothine tas psihas imon.

Since thou has been instructed in uprightness

thoroughly and is vigilant in all things clothed with

a good conscience as befits one who is Holy, thou

drew from the Chosen Vessel Ineffable Mysteries;

and having kept the Faith, thou finished a similar

course, O Hieromartyr and Apostle Timothy.

Intercede with Christ God so that our souls will be

Saved. Kon t ak i o n O f S t T imo t h y O f Th e 7 0 Apos t l e s – Ton e 1

Ton Thion Mathitin, ke sinekdimon Pavlou, Timotheon

Pisti, animnisomen pantes, sin touto gererontes,

ton sofon Anastasion, ton eklampsanta, ek tis

Persidos os astron, ke elavonta, ta psihika imon

pathi, ke nosou tou somatos.

With Hymns let us, the Faithful, sing Timothy's praises

as Paul's Divine Disciple and Faithful Companion;

with him let us also laud Anastasios the Godly-wise,

who shone forth with splendour like a star out of

Persia and drove away from us our bodily sickness

and Spiritual Maladies. Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry





Monos Filanthropos








St Paul ’s Second Epis t le to S t Timothy 1 : 3 S t Paul ’s Second Epis t le to S t Timothy 1 : 3 S t Paul ’s Second Epis t le to S t Timothy 1 : 3 S t Paul ’s Second Epis t le to S t Timothy 1 : 3 –––– 8888 Gra t i t u d e & S t T imo t h y ’ s G i f t b y t h e Pow e r o f God

To Timothy, a Beloved Son: I thank God, Whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my Forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my Prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, so that I may be filled with Joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine Faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your Grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, and I am persuaded is in your also.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the Gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but Power and of Love and of a sound mind.

Therefore, do not be ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His Prisoner, but share with me in the Sufferings of the Gospel, according to the Power of God Who has Saved us and Called us with a Holy Calling, not according to our Works, but according to His own Purpose and Grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began...

The Gift of God is the Divine Grace of the Holy Spirit, or Charisma, which was given to St Timothy at his Holy Ordination.

This Divine Grace fills up whatever is lacking in human beings and gives authenticity to the Holy Priesthood.

However, it is not an automatic Divine Gift so we must stir it up and rekindle it continuously – never allowing it to cool down or worse, die out.

While any Christian may be persecuted, we reject feelings of fear or timidity.

J o h n 1 5 : 2 0 Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater

than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will

also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they

will keep yours also.” The fallen world hated our Lord Jesus Christ and so it will

also hate all those who strive to imitate Him. M a t t h e w 5 : 1 1 - 1 2 – Our Lord said: “Blessed are you

when they revile ad persecute you, and say all

kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is

your Reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted

the Prophets who were before you. “

Our Lord told us that it would never be easy to follow in His Divine Footsteps and those who suffer persecution for His sake walk along the same Holy Path as that of God’s Faithful Holy Prophets, Saints and Martyrs.

The literal translation from the Greek expression “be exceedingly glad” means to “leap exceedingly with Joy.”

A c t s 5 : 4 0 – 4 1 : “When they had called for the Apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should

not speak in the Name of Jesus, and they let them go.

So the Apostles departed from the presence of the

Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy

to suffer shame for His Name.” Suffering is not necessarily a sign of God’s displeasure or

abandonment, as believed by many Hebrews. (REFER LUKE 13: 1-4 & JOHN 9: 1 – 3)

Instead Faithful Disciples of Christ accept persecution joyfully, knowing that the Rewards of Eternal Life far outweigh any persecution or earthly suffering.

We do not “quench the Spirit” but act with Power and Courage. (REFER 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19, MATTHEW 10:33 & LUKE 9:26)

30 (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) SSSS TTTT TTTT IIII MMMM OOOO TTTT HHHH YYYY 2222 2222 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 10: 32 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 10: 32 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 10: 32 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 10: 32 –––– 33; 37 33; 37 33; 37 33; 37 –––– 38 & 19: 27 38 & 19: 27 38 & 19: 27 38 & 19: 27 ---- 30303030 Ou r L o rd J e su s Ch r i s t p r e pa re s H i s Ho l y Apos t l e s f o r t h e i r S a c r ed M i s s i o n

At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “... whoever confesses Me before men, him will I also confess before My Father

Who is in Heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, Him will I also deny before My Father Who is in

Heaven...”

“...He who loves father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter

more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me, is not worthy

of Me...” Then Peter said to Him: “Behold! We have left everything and followed Thee. Therefore, what shall we have?” And Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to you: in the Regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of

His Glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on Twelve Thrones, judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

And everyone who has left homes, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or

lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit Eternal Life.

“But many who are first will be last and the last first!”

St Timothy St Timothy St Timothy St Timothy St Timothy was born in Lystra in Lyconia of a pagan

Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice. His grandmother was a Christian and it was perhaps

through her influence and teaching that he came to follow Christ.

When St Paul visited Lystra, the young St Timothy was already a full member of the Christian Church and after the two discussed the many difficulties Christianity was facing, the younger man expressed a desire to serve as a Missionary, despite its hazards.

It was after the departure of St Barnabas and St Mark that St Paul summoned St Timothy to accompany him on his Missionary Journey.

St Timothy and St Paul travelled to Europe, accompanied by St Silas, on a Missionary Journey of staggering proportion.

In most areas theirs was at best a thankless task, but with the zeal born of a profound Love for our Saviour, they succeeded in securing a foothold in the Spiritually Darkened corners of the known world.

They brought the Light of Christ to these ungodly people with their inspired abilities even when confronted by tremendous opposition that might have discouraged less hardy souls.

With sincere and heartfelt oratory, they summoned thousands to the Fold of Christ and established Christian Communities where for centuries people had worshipped man-made idols or beasts out of their superstitious fears and pagan beliefs.

When St Paul was summoned to Athens, he commissioned St Timothy to carry the Holy Gospel of Christ to Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Philippi and in these regions St Timothy displayed his God-given talents to the fullest degree by establishing a nucleus of Christian churches, which became the firm foundation upon which our Faith has grown to its present day proportions.

St Timothy made his way to Ephesus were he was established as Bishop of the city until a frenzied mob of resentful pagans whom he had denounced for their ungodly ways, stoned him to death.

St Timothy suffered Holy Martyrdom for Christ on 22 January 72.

St Timothy has the solemn honour of being the recipient of two well-read Epistles from the great Apostle to the Gentiles, St Paul.

St Nicholas of Zicha St Nicholas of Zicha St Nicholas of Zicha St Nicholas of Zicha –––– Prayers by the LakePrayers by the LakePrayers by the LakePrayers by the Lake Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I Bless them and do not curse them. Enemies have driven me into Thine Embrace more than friends have. Friends have bound me to earth. Enemies have loosened me from earth and have demolished all my aspirations in the world. Enemies have made me a stranger in worldly realms and an extraneous inhabitant of the world. Just as a hunted animal finds safer shelter than an unhunted animal does, so have I - persecuted by enemies - found the safest

Sanctuary, having ensconced myself beneath Thy Tabernacle, where neither friends nor enemies can slay my soul.

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I Bless them and do not curse them. They, rather than I, have confessed my sins before the world. They have punished me, whenever I have hesitated to punish myself. They have tormented me, whenever I have tried to flee torments. They have scolded me, whenever I have flattered myself. They have spat upon me, whenever I have filled myself with arrogance. Bless my enemies, O Lord, Even I bless them and do not curse them.

Whenever I have made myself wise, they have called me foolish. Whenever I have made myself mighty, they have mocked me as though I were a dwarf. Whenever I have wanted to lead people, they have shoved me into the background. Whenever I have rushed to enrich myself, they have prevented me with an iron hand. Whenever I thought that I would sleep peacefully, they have wakened me from sleep. Whenever I have tried to build a home for a long and tranquil life, they have demolished it and driven me out. Truly, enemies have cut me loose from the world and have stretched out my hands to the hem of Thy Garment.

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. Bless them and multiply them; multiply them and make them even more bitter against me: So that my fleeing to Thee may have no return; So that all hope in men may be scattered like cobwebs; So that absolute Serenity may begin to reign in my soul; So that my heart may become the grave of my two evil twins, arrogance and anger; So that I might amass all my Treasure in Heaven; Ah, so that I may for once be freed from self-deception, which has entangled me in the dreadful web of illusory life. Enemies have taught me to know what hardly anyone knows - that we have no enemies in the world except ourself. We hate our enemies only when we fail to realize that they are not enemies - but cruel friends. It is truly difficult for me to say who has done me more good and who has done me more evil in the world: friends or enemies. Therefore Bless, O Lord, both my friends and enemies.

A slave curses enemies, for he does not understand. But a son Blesses them, for he understands. For a son knows that his enemies cannot touch his life. Therefore he freely steps among them and prays to God for them.

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 1111 SSSS TTTT SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 4444 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE BBBB LLLL IIII NNNN DDDD MMMM AAAA NNNN OOOO FFFF JJJJ EEEE RRRR IIII CCCC HHHH OOOO 2222 3333 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 31.

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All AfricaGreek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All AfricaGreek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All AfricaGreek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

ArchdioceseArchdioceseArchdioceseArchdiocese of Good Hopeof Good Hopeof Good Hopeof Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

33331111 s ts ts ts t Sunday Af ter Pentecos tSunday Af ter Pentecos tSunday Af ter Pentecos tSunday Af ter Pentecos t ToneToneToneTone 2222 23 January 201123 January 201123 January 201123 January 2011

14141414 t ht ht ht h Sunday of S t Luke Sunday of S t Luke Sunday of S t Luke Sunday of S t Luke –––– The Blind Man of The Blind Man of The Blind Man of The Blind Man of Jer ichoJer ichoJer ichoJer icho

Also the Feast of St Clement of Ancyra – St Agathangelos – St Dionysios of Olympos – St Gennadios of Kostroma – St Theoktistos of Novgorod, translation of Relics – St

Mausimas the Syrian – St Salamanes the Silent of Euphrates – St Paulinos the Merciful of Nola – Synaxis of the Saints of Kostroma – St John the Archimandrite

R e s u r r e c t i o n A p o l y t i k i o n – T o n e 2

Ote katilthes pros ton thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote

ton adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke

tous tethneotas ek ton katahthonion anestisas,

pase e Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon.

Zoodota Hriste, O Theos imon, Doxa Si!

When Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,

Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from the subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!

Kon t ak i o n O f Th e C i r c umc i s i o n O f Ch r i s t – To n e 3

O ton olon Kyrios peritomin ipomeni ke vroton ta

ptesmata os agathos peritemni. Didosi tin Sotirian

simeron kosmo: Here de en tis Ipsistis ke O tou

ktistou Ierarhis ke Fosforos, O Thios Mystis Hristou

Vasilios.

Now the Lord of all that is undergoes Circumcision, in

His Goodness cutting off the sins and failings of

mortals. He this day grants Salvation to the whole

world; and the Hierarch and Bright Daystar of the

Creator now rejoices in the Highest: Basil the Wise

and Divine Initiate of Christ. Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry





Monos Filanthropos








Matins Resurrec t ion Gospel 2 : Mark 16:1 Matins Resurrec t ion Gospel 2 : Mark 16:1 Matins Resurrec t ion Gospel 2 : Mark 16:1 Matins Resurrec t ion Gospel 2 : Mark 16:1 ---- 8888 - Our Lord Jesus Christ is Risen and the Tomb is Empty Proke imenonProke imenonProke imenonProke imenon

Awaken, O Lord my God, in the Ordinance Thou Commanded...

O Lord my God in Thee I hope!

St Paul ’s Firs t Epis t l e to S t Timothy St Paul ’s Firs t Epis t l e to S t Timothy St Paul ’s Firs t Epis t l e to S t Timothy St Paul ’s Firs t Epis t l e to S t Timothy 1111 : : : : 15 15 15 15 –––– 17171717 Fo l l ow S t Pau l ’ s Exampl e – Sa lva t ion by t he G race o f God

Timothy my Son: ... this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner, of whom I am the worst.

However, for this reason I obtained Mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might display His Perfect Patience, as an example to those who are going to believe in Him for Eternal Life.

To the King Eternal, Immortal and Invisible – to God Who alone is wise – be Honour and Glory forever and ever. Amen.

ST PAUL , AS A FORMER HEBREW ZEALOT AND

PERSECUTOR OF THE CHRIS T I AN CHURCH , GAVE GLORY TO GOD FOR H IS CALL ING AS AN APOSTLE OF CHRIS T - BECOMING KNOWN AS THE GREATEST “APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES .”

Throughout the Old and New Covenants – and throughout our Holy Church history, the greatest sinners have so often become the most notable of Saints – e.g. St Moses, St Rahab, St David, St Photini (of Jacob’s Well), St Matthew, St Paul and St Mary of Egypt.

THE INF IN I TE AND INDISCRIMINATE LOVE OF ALMIGHTY GOD PROVIDES FOR OUR S INCERE

REPENTANCE -CONFESS ION AND THE FORGI VENESS OF S INS THAT RE INSTATES US AND RETURNS US TO H IS EMBRAC ING , PROTECTI NG AND RENEWING D IV INE GRACE ,

MAKING I T POSS IBLE FOR EVEN THE WORST S INNER TO BECOME A SA INT AND A SHIN ING EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO IMI TATE .

As long as we live in this preparatory life before Eternity, WE HAVE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO

CHANGE OUR WICKED HABITS AND REPENT OUR EV IL WORDS , THOUGHTS AND DEEDS .

That is why we have this allotted lifespan – EACH SOUL

HAVI NG EXACTL Y THE R IGHT AMOUNT OF T IME THAT GOD ALONE KNOWS I S REQUIRED FOR OUR UN IQUE AND PERSONAL SP IR ITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND MATURITY .

Therefore, not a moment should be wasted and every effort should be made to improve ourselves and grow closer to God – which does not mean that we have to be miserable or feel dejected in any way.

Instead, GROWING CLOSER TO GOD F I LLS OUR

HEARTS AND SOULS TO OVERFLOWING WI TH

D IV I NE AGAPE , JOY AND SERENI TY that comes from a solid and firmly founded Faith that makes perfect sense - which guides us clearly and without fail through every circumstance of earthly existence.

THE I NSTANT WE BEG IN TO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THIS AMAZ I NG L I FESPAN , WE BECOME SO ELATED , REL IEVED , GRATEFUL AND COMPELLED TO GLORIFY , HONOUR AND THANK THE LORD OUR GOD WI TH ALL OUR BE ING - AND NEVER AGA IN TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED OR AS A CAUSE FOR COMPLA I NT OR SELF -P I T Y !

32. (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 1111 SSSS TTTT SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 4444 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE BBBB LLLL IIII NNNN DDDD MMMM AAAA NNNN OOOO FFFF JJJJ EEEE RRRR IIII CCCC HHHH OOOO 2222 3333 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

The Holy Gospe l According to S t LukeThe Holy Gospe l According to S t LukeThe Holy Gospe l According to S t LukeThe Holy Gospe l According to S t Luke 18 : 35 18 : 35 18 : 35 18 : 35 –––– 43434343 Our Lo rd J esus Chr i s t H ea l s a B l i nd Man in Jer i cho

At that time, as our Lord Jesus was leaving Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the roadside begging, and upon hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.

So when they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out: “Jesus, Son of David! Have mercy on me!” And those who went before Jesus warned him that he should be quiet, but he cried out all the more: “Son of David! Have mercy on me!”

And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him, and when he came near, He asked him: “What do you

want Me to do for you?” And he replied: “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him: “Receive

your sight. Your Faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people – when they saw it – praised

God.

St Matthew mentioned “two blind men” in his Holy Gospel account of this Miracle of Christ.

However, such sMALL DETA ILS ARE UN IMPORTANT

COMPARED TO THE MORE S IGN IF ICANT ASPECTS .

Our Lord Jesus Christ was greeted as “Son of David,” which is A SPEC IAL T I TLE THAT I S S TR IC TL Y

ASSOC IATED WI TH THE LONG -AWA ITED MESS IAH OF GOD .

THE T I TLE “LORD , ” WAS RESERVED FOR GOD ALONE and the Blind Man of Jericho instinctively knew that CHRIS T I S INDEED OUR LORD FOR WHOM EVERYTHING I S POSS IBLE – ESPEC IALL Y

MIRACULOUS HEAL ING OF BOTH BODY AND SOUL .

Although our Lord knows the deepest desires and secrets of every soul – even before we have acknowledged or expressed them – HE WANTS US

TO FREEL Y AND CONFIDENTLY REQUEST H IS GREAT MERCY , WHICH I S FULF ILLED ACCORDING TO H IS D IV I NE W ILL AND PURPOSE .

W ITHOUT FA IL GOD HEARS EVERY PRAYER AND

PETI T I ON – EVEN THOSE THAT REMA IN

UNEXPRESSED - but we do not always understand or realise when He has answered us and SOMETIMES OUR PRAYERS TAKE LONGER TO BE FULF ILLED BECAUSE WE LACK SOMETHING NECESSARY FOR OUR SP I R ITUAL GROWTH OR WELFARE .

All too often WHAT WE THINK WE NEED MAY MERELY DISGUISE

OR PREVENT SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS FAR MORE ESSENTIAL

FOR OUR BENEFIT OR THAT OF MANY OTHERS – and until we grasp the Truth, we may have to endure our current circumstances with patience and contemplation.

ONLY W I TH GOD ’S W ISDOM AND HELP CAN WE

REAL ISE WHAT WE TRUL Y NEED FROM HIM – and that is why Christ often asked what seemed to be an absurd question of those who were obviously seriously afflicted.

Our Holy Church Fathers made a Spiritual Interpretation of this Divine Miracle.

THE BL IND MAN OF JERICHO SYMBOL ISED THOSE FUTURE GENERATIONS WHO WOULD BECOME CHRIS T IANS OR D ISC IPLES OF CHRIST ONL Y B Y HEARING AND WITHOUT THE BENEFI T OF SEE ING

CHRIS T I N PERSON .

J o h n 2 0 : 2 9 Our Lord Jesus Christ said to St Thomas

after His Glorious Resurrection: “Thomas, because

you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed

are those who have not seen and yet have

believed!” The doubt or incredulity of St Thomas is described in

our Hymns as “Blessed” for I T WAS NE ITHER

DOUBT OF OR RES ISTANCE TO TRUTH BUT INSTEAD SHOWED ONE WHO DESPERATEL Y

DES IRED TRUTH .

It was “... a doubt that gave birth to Faith...” once the Truth was revealed and confirmed.

In our Hymns, we chant the words of Christ to St

Thomas: “... your doubt will teach My Passion and Resurrection to all...”

SUCH INCREDUL I T Y OR DOUBT “... brought the

hearts of believers to Knowledge...” BECAUSE

ST THOMAS ’ CONVERS ION I NTO FA I TH LED H IM

TO THE CLEAREST CONFESS ION OF CHRIST ’S D IV I N I T Y WHEN HE SO JOYFULL Y ADDRESSED

OUR SAVIOUR AS “. . . My Lord And My

God!” THOSE WHO TR IED TO S I LENCE THE BL IND MAN OF

JERICHO S IGNI F Y THE PERSECUTORS AND T YRANTS WHO – I N E VERY GENERATION – TRY TO S I LENCE THE D I V I NE TRUTH AND WORSHIP OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST .

Nevertheless, under persecution, the Holy Church – i.e. all Faithful Christians – confess our Lord Jesus Christ all the more!

What Do You Des ire?What Do You Des ire?What Do You Des ire?What Do You Des ire? If someone asked you "What do you desire?", you

might think of a favourite food, a nice place to visit, maybe even simple peace and quiet.

Have you ever thought about your desire for God? You may say, "Of course I have a desire for God. That's

why I go to Church." But think this through. Do you miss God when you're away from Him for a

while? Do you yearn for Him like you yearn for warmer weather

in the winter? The Orthodox Christian Tradition teaches a

foundational Truth: Every desire we have, whether it be for food, sex, or companionship, for example, is a reflection of our desire for God.

God created us in His Image and Likeness (GENESIS 1:26). Every creature longs to know its Creator. If we want to know who we are and how we work, where

should we go? To our Creator.

"Yes, in the way of Thy Judgements, O Lord, we

have waited for Thee. The desire of our soul is

for Thy Name; And for the remembrance of

Thee." (ISAIAH 26:8). How is your Relationship with God? Do you know our Lord Jesus Christ? How much time do you spend with Him, talking with

Him in Prayer? Do you visit His Holy House – His Holy Church? Do you read His Letters to you – His Holy Scripture?

Are you friendly to His adopted sons and daughters – our Brethren in Christ – and all others - whom He Loves as much as He Loves you?

All too often we cheat God. We have many reasons for ignoring God but it comes

down to thinking that we don't need Him. Then the terrible cycle of sin starts: having grown

further away from God, we feel His Presence less and less in our lives.

We believe that the soul's persistent longing for God can be satisfied apart from Him.

But the sense of deep emptiness does not go away because nothing else can substitute for the Love of God.

Trapped within this cycle, fulfilling our natural desires for things like food and companionship becomes the way that we try to satisfy our yearning for God.

Sometimes these physical desires can be supplanted by more abstract longings like the desire for wealth, power, or control over others that can gain a strong strangle-hold in our lives.

Since nothing can fulfil our desire for God except God alone, we keep eating, controlling, spending - whatever the vice may be - until these desires begin to control and enslave us.

Discipline breaks down and we spin out of control. Addictions are the extreme examples of this cycle.

"In our hearts is the Heavenly Fire of Grace. If we

pray and meditate on the Love of Christ, we

add Wood to the Fire and our hearts burn with

longing for God. If, on the contrary, we are

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 1111 SSSS TTTT SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 4444 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE BBBB LLLL IIII NNNN DDDD MMMM AAAA NNNN OOOO FFFF JJJJ EEEE RRRR IIII CCCC HHHH OOOO 2222 3333 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 33.

negligent and give our attention to worldly affairs, vice enters the heart, takes it over and

torments us," wrote St Makarios (HOMILY 40).

Holy Scripture states: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires

and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived,

it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-

grown, brings forth death" (JAMES 1:14-15). Some people recognize our need for God in their life

but take the wrong path. A recent Encyclical of the Orthodox Christian Bishops in

America warned: “... people have gone searching to fulfil their need

for meaning.

Yet this search often involves popular and

personal spiritualities that lack a coherent

Theology.

"New Age" religions that mix and match

according to personal taste give the illusion of

Spiritual Fulfilment, but lack the qualities of

True Worship.

The substitution of purely humanistic social and

political movements for a True Relationship

with God is another example.

Remaking oneself without grounding in True

Existence is a recipe for confusion and even

disaster.

The Newness that we desire can only be found in

God.”

Some recognize their dependence on God but are naive to the dangers of a solitary Christianity.

The Encyclical continues: “There is an ancient Christian saying: ‘A single

Christian is no Christian. . “

Still others pervert Christianity, even Orthodoxy,

into their own interpretation through

ritualism or a smorgasbord pick and choose

approach.

Sometimes we forget that religion is not about

"religion" but about our Relationship to God,

to one another, and to Creation. How does the Holy Church of Christ help us quench

our Spiritual Thirst? One way is through THE THREE PILLARS OF

LENT : PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING . The Encyclical stated:

"One of the distinctive characteristics of Orthodox Christian thinking is that it sees the Gospel

Message not as Law, but as Relationship.

Everything we learn in the Church should gear us

towards building and deepening our Relationship with our Creator and direct us

toward Loving our neighbour.

We can learn how to pray through the Worship of

the Church and studying the Lives of the

Saints.

We cannot draw close to God without spending

time alone with Him in Prayer.

He wants our undivided attention, if only for a

short while each day.

Prayer Enlivens us, grants us fulfilment, gives us

Joy, instructs us, and fills us with God's

Peace.

Fasting is also important.

The Great Fast of Lent is a purifying experience.

The purification is not just physical but also

spiritual because it reorients our desire

towards God.

We are called to Fast not just from food, but from

sinful thoughts, words and actions.

We need Repentance and Confession to

accomplish this Spiritual Cleansing.

To skip Confession during Lent makes a clear

statement once again: "God I don't need Thee

and I don't need the people Thou place in my

life to help me." Finally, Almsgiving – our Sacrificial Offerings to the poor

and needy - reinforce the Teaching that our Relationship with God is dependent on the quality of our relationship with others.

"True Joy, True Happiness, True Community, True Fulfilment comes only through the giving of

ourselves out of Love for our Brethren.." the Encyclical pointed out.

This is what our Lord meant when He cautioned us: "Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but

whoever loses his life will preserve it" (LUKE 17:33). We find True Joy in our Love for others - the same

Love our Lord showed us on the Cross. Coming to God is not an insurmountable task only

capable by a select few. God is available to everyone. Some say that when we take one step towards God, He

comes running the rest of the way to reach us.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" wrote St James (JAMES 4:8).

The Psalmist wrote: "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in Truth.

He will fulfil the desire of those who fear Him;

He also will hear their cry and Save them. The

LORD preserves all who Love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy" (PSALM 145:18-19).

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “WHAT DO YOU DESIRE?” BY FATHER RICHARD DEMETRIUS ANDREWS - ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, USA

HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXYTODAY.ORG/ARTICLES6/ANDREWSDESIRE.PHP

Keeping I t S impleKeeping I t S impleKeeping I t S impleKeeping I t S imple Wisdom and Insight are in short supply these days. We do not live in a land that has Monasteries

everywhere within walking distance (or even a short drive).

We do not have centuries of unbroken, living Knowledge of the Way of Christ in many places.

What we do have is a commercialized Christianity that panders to our culture and its passions at least as much as it considers the Gospel.

We do not thus produce a profound Christianity, but a passionate Christianity in which the impulse to consume remains unchecked and unnamed.

But to travel towards the Kingdom of God and to make True Progress in the Spiritual Life is not necessarily dependent upon a Holy Culture or hordes of Holy People.

Indeed, it depends upon the Grace of God and the very little that we know (if we put into practice that same “very little”).

In Christ - in the true light of the Gospel - what do we know? ä We know that God truly Loves the world and

gave us His Only Begotten Son that we might have Life, True Life, Communion with the True and Living God;

ä We know that this life is marked by Love and Forgiveness; even including - and especially including - the forgiveness of our enemies;

ä We know that giving is more Blessed than receiving – thus we already have the means of being Blessed;

ä We know that the Way of the Cross is the Way of Life and that following Christ on that Way means freely laying down our lives for others.

ä We know that we have been Commanded to give Thanks for all things, thus affirming God’s Goodness as the True Ground of our existence;

ä We know we are not alone – that many have walked this Way before us and that our success in following Christ is of concern to them;

I certainly could add to this list with some further thought, although I find it is easy to state some things that not many of us know.

What I believe is that - even in the absence of great and Holy Men - we can take the little that we know and live by it.

34. (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) 3333 1111 SSSS TTTT SSSS UUUU NNNN DDDD AAAA YYYY AAAA FFFF TTTT EEEE RRRR PPPP EEEE NNNN TTTT EEEE CCCC OOOO SSSS TTTT –––– 1111 4444 TTTT HHHH OOOO FFFF SSSS TTTT LLLL UUUU KKKK EEEE –––– TTTT HHHH EEEE BBBB LLLL IIII NNNN DDDD MMMM AAAA NNNN OOOO FFFF JJJJ EEEE RRRR IIII CCCC HHHH OOOO 2222 3333 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

ä It is better to live seeking Communion with the True and Living God than to believe that God is somewhere at a distance;

ä It is better to Forgive and to Love even if it means we make ourselves victim to the hate and cruelty of others;

ä It is indeed better to give than to receive, even if I can give but little. No one can keep me from giving.

ä It is better to die for others than to die alone. ä It is better to give Thanks for all things than to

be eaten alive with regret and bitterness;

ä It is better to have the Saints as friends than to be famous or popular with those of this fallen world.

I know that these things are small (although they are truly large).

But such small things - lived and acted upon with Prayer - will make the Way for Paradise in our heart and write our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

He who is Faithful in a very little is Faithful also

in much… (LUKE 16:10) ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS” – “KEEPING IT SIMPLE” –

FATHER STEPHEN - http://fatherstephen.wordpress.com/2010/01/

The Eternal & Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Eternal & Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Eternal & Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church FathersThe Eternal & Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Church Fathers

Father George Calc iu - On the Holy Pr iesthood

What does the Holy Priesthood mean? It means to be an enduring Witness to human suffering

and to take it upon your own shoulders. To be the one who warms the leper at his own breast,

the one who gives life to the miserable through the breath from his own mouth.

To be a strong comfort to every unfortunate soul, even when you yourself are overwhelmed with weakness.

To be a Ray of Shining Light to unhappy hearts when your own eyes long ago ceased to see any Light.

To carry mountains of others’ sufferings on your shoulders, while your own being screams out with the weight of its own suffering.

Your flesh will rebel and say, ‘This heroism is absurd,

impossible! Where is such a man, where is the

Priest you describe so that I may put my own

suffering on his shoulders?’ Yes, nevertheless, he does exist! From time to time there awakens within us the Priest of

Christ who, like the Good Samaritan, will kneel down by the side of the man fallen among thieves and, putting him upon his own donkey, will bring him to the Church of Christ for Healing.

And he will forget himself and comfort you, O man of suffering!

Father Epiphanios Theodoropoulos – On Fai th , S in, D isbel ie f & Bel ie f

An intensely materialistic father of one of the Elder’s Spiritual Children visited him one day to complain that the Holy Father was exerting an “unacceptable” influence upon his son.

Then, smirking and mockingly the worldly man remarked: “...And don’t tell me, Father Epiphanios,

that you - such a smart man – actually believe all

these things about Christ, Paradise, Hell, etc!” The usually serene Elder stood up, set his politeness

and meekness aside and, with a loud voice, told the sceptical parent: “Listen, Mister! If Ι did not believe ‘all these things,’ Ι would prefer to be selling

lemons at Omonia, rather than to waste my time

and energy trying to fool you or anyone else!

“Ι would prefer to be a completely illiterate

labourer, rather than a lettered liar!”

The shocked and ashamed visitor quickly departed with his head bowed . . . .

Sin is that which prevents us from believing - not

logic. For this reason, if you tell an unbeliever to live for six

months according to the ethics of the Gospel, and he does it, he will become a believer without even realizing it

“God does not exist” is usually said by people who are lewd and unethical.

There has not been found nor will there be found an ethical and virtuous person who will rather easily say: “God does not exist! “

Elder Paisios o f S ihastr ia Monastery – On Not Condemning our Neighbour

May you not judge anyone, my dear. It’s a great sin for you to judge!

When you see someone who has sinned, be merciful to him and pray: “0 Lord, the poor thing, look

what the devil did to him;’ … and don’t judge anyone.

And see everyone the same - never think nor say that anyone is better and another is not as good.

Do not condemn anyone. See everyone as being better than yourself and don’t

concern yourself with what others do; and always pay attention to what you do.

There was a Brother named Coprios who - seeing that he was unable to fight with heretics - began to pray:

“Lord, take so and so from the earth, because,

look, he does so much evil; he is a stumbling

block to so many people.” And thus he would pray continually until one night he

dreamt that our Lord Jesus descended from the Cross and turned His cheek toward Coprios and

said to him: “Strike me, Coprios, strike me …. If I

Am ready to crucify Myself a second time for

this soul, why are you praying for Me to kill

him?” So, do you see how things are, my dear?

Elder Ephraim – On Tr ia ls & Temptat ions

God allows temptations so that they might rouse us to remember Him.

When we call upon Him, He acts as though He does not hear us so that we multiply our Supplications and cry out His Holy Name, in fear of the various passions.

Then, through pain of the Entreaties, our heart is Sanctified, and through experience we learn the weakness of our lame nature.

And thus we realize in practice that without God’s Help we are not able to do anything.

This deep experience is acquired with the blood of the heart and remains indelible; it becomes a foundation for the remainder of one’s life.

The Grace of God leaves and comes again, but experience never leaves, because it has been branded within the heart.

And no matter how much Satan praises the heart, it points to what is indelibly written within its depths, that without God it is impossible to do anything.

DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T G R E G O R Y T H E T H E O L O G I A N 2 5 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0 33335555....




S t Gregory the TheologianSt Gregory the TheologianSt Gregory the TheologianSt Gregory the Theologian

Also the Feast of St Moses of Novgoros – St Felicitas & her Seven Sons: St Januarios, St Felix, St Philip, St Silvanos, St Alexander, St Vitalos & St Marcial, Holy Martyrs of Rome - St Publios, Ascetic of Syria - St Mares the Singer of Syria – St Axentios, New Martyr of Constantinople – St

Anatole I of Optina – St Dositheos of Tbilisi – St Gabriel of Imereti – Translation to Moscow of the Holy Icon of the Theotokos “Assuage My Sorrow” – the Holy Icon of the Theotokos, “The Unexpected Joy.”

Apo l y t i k i o n O f S t G r e g o ry Th e T h eo l o g i a n - To n e 1

O Pimenikos ailos tis Theologias Sou, tas ton ritoron

enikise salpingas: os gar ta vathi tou Pnevmatos

ekzitisanti, ke ta kalli tou fthegmatos prosetethi Si.

Alla presveve Hristo to Theo, Pater Grigorie, sothine

tas psihas imon.

The pastoral flute of Thy Theology conquered the trumpets of orators. For it called upon the depths of

the Spirit and Thou were enriched with the beauty

of words. Intercede to Christ our God, O Father

Gregory, that our souls may be Saved. Kon t ak i o n O f S t G r e g o ry Th e Th eo l o g i a n – Ton e 3

Theologo glotti Sou, tas simplokoas ton ritoron,

dialisas endoxe, orthodoxias hitona, anothen

exifanthenta tin Ekklisian, estolisas: on ke forousa,

sin imin krazi, tis sis teknis: Heris Pater, Theologias

O nous O akrotatos.

O Glorious One, Thou dispelled the complexities of

orators with the words of Thy Theology. Thou has

adorned the Church with the Vesture of Orthodoxy

woven from on High. Clothed in this, the Church

now cries out with us to Thy children: "Hail Father,

the Consummate Theological Mind." Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry





Monos Filanthropos








The Ep is t l e o f S t Paul to the HebrewThe Ep is t l e o f S t Paul to the HebrewThe Ep is t l e o f S t Paul to the HebrewThe Ep is t l e o f S t Paul to the Hebrews 7 : 26 s 7 : 26 s 7 : 26 s 7 : 26 –––– 8 : 2 8 : 2 8 : 2 8 : 2 The Ru l e s O f P r i e s t l y O rd e r s

Brethren, such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and Who is Higher than the Heavens; Who does not need daily – like those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s sins, for this He did once for all when He offered Himself up.

For the Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law, appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever.

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest Who is seated at the Right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heaven, a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

St Paul tried to explain to the Hebrews that not ONLY

I S THE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT PR IES THOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT , BUT I N ADDIT ION , THE RULES OF

THE NEW COVENANT ’S PR IES T ORDER ARE ALSO SUPERIOR .

Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with the Divine Covenant that should the Holy Priesthood Ordained by God be changed, so too would His Holy Covenant with us be changed.

The term “Majesty” is a Biblical title for God the Father. A H IGH PR IES T WHO WAS SEATED AT THE R IGHT

HAND OF MAJESTY WOULD HAVE TO BE BOTH

HUMAN AND D IV I NE . Furthermore, to be seated at the right hand of God

means that the greatest honour is bestowed on such a Person for two reasons:

c NO ONE BUT AN EQUAL COULD BE SEATED I N

THE PRESENCE OF A MIGHTY RULER – and even more so in the Divine Presence of God the Father. And our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ Who is the Only Begotten Son of God and equal in all Divine Attributes with God the Father, most definitely has the right to be seated next to Him.

c THE GREATEST POS IT I ON OF HONOUR I S AT THE R IGHT HAND S IDE OF SOMEONE IMPORTANT AND THERE I S NO ONE MORE IMPORTANT IN EXIS TENCE THAN OUR HEAVENLY FA THER .

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T I S THE ONL Y HEAD OR LEADER OF OUR HOLY CHURCH AND ONL Y HE I S S INLESS AND PERFECT – I .E . ONL Y CHRIS T I S INFALL I BLE .

All those who serve Him – the Holy Priesthood – the Bishops and the Priests are equal among equals – i.e. NONE I S MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE NEXT I N THE

S IGHT OF GOD . However, various Ranks of Priesthood are necessary in

order to efficiently perform the Sacred Duties and take on the heavy responsibilities of caring for the Holy Flock of Christ’s Church.

As the Holy Priesthood is Instituted and Sanctified by God, we must always have respect for it and be Obedient to our Holy Church Fathers who guide us faithfully towards Eternity.

THE HOLY PR IES THOOD I S E TERNALLY HOLY AND WILL

NEVER BE DESTROYED .

We must not confuse this Holy Priesthood with our human frailties and no matter what type of character any man is, the Holy Priesthood is above and beyond him.

Finally, BECAUSE CHRIST FULF ILLED ALL

REQUIREMENTS OF THE OLD COVENANT , I T I S NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR US TO DO SO AND AS CHRIS T IANS WE MUST BE COMMI TTED SOLEL Y TO THE NEW COVENANT W I TH GOD , WHICH I S A

BLOODLESS COVENANT .

No blood sacrifices are necessary because Christ willingly offered Himself as the ultimate, Perfect Sacrifice as the Priceless Ransom for our Immortal Souls and Eternal Life.

Since His Harrowing of Hades when He smashed open the imprisoning gates and set the Righteous souls free to repose in Paradise until His Reappearance on Judgement Day, ONLY THE UNREPENTANT S INNERS

36 (DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T G R E G O R Y T H E T H E O L O G I A N 2 5 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

WILL SUFFER THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR S INS .

Every Sunday, which is Holy Pascha – the Resurrection of Christ – and AT EVERY D I V INE L I TURGY , WE

OFFER THE BLOODLESS SACRI F ICE TO GOD FOR

THE REMISS ION OF OUR S INS AND ETERNAL L I FE .

The Holy Gospe l Accord ing to S t John 10: 9 The Holy Gospe l Accord ing to S t John 10: 9 The Holy Gospe l Accord ing to S t John 10: 9 The Holy Gospe l Accord ing to S t John 10: 9 ---- 16161616 Our Lo rd & Sav i our , Jesus Chr is t , I s T he Good Shepherd

Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

“I have come so that they may have Life and that they may have it more abundantly. I Am the Good

Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But a hireling – he who is not the Shepherd,

one who does not own the sheep – sees the wolf coming and leaves the Sheep and flees; and the wolf

catches the Sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about

the Sheep.

“I Am the Good Shepherd; and I know My Sheep, and Am known by My Sheep. As the Father knows Me,

even so I know the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have which are not of

this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will be One Flock and One

Shepherd.”

This passage of the Holy Gospel is read on days commemorating our Holy Hierarchs and it is a continuation of the conversation our Lord Jesus Christ had with the Pharisees at the conclusion of the Feast of Tabernacles.

Our Lord Jesus contrasted His Spiritual and Eternal Leadership with their own.

They had failed as God’s appointed Shepherds for His Holy Flock, the Hebrew nation because their leadership had been polluted by personal deceit and pride.

Furthermore, it lacked the essential Compassion, guidance and encouragement for fallen sinners.

CHRIS T , ON THE CONTRARY , FUL F ILLED ALL V I RTUE :

HE HAD INF IN I TE COMPASS ION AND WISEL Y GU IDED AND ENCOURAGED EVERYONE , UNCONDI T IONALL Y .

According to St John Chrysostom, THE DOOR TO WHICH

CHRIS T REFERRED I S GOD’S D IV I NE WORD – MEANING BOTH THE HOLY SCRIPTURE AND OUR LORD JESUS H IMSELF , S INCE HOLY SCRI PTURE CLEARLY REVEALS GOD THE WORD TO US .

Those who try to lead God’s Flock in a manner that is neither IN CHRIS T nor ACCORDING TO THE

TEACHING of Holy Scripture – i.e. the Divine and True Teachings of God that were Inspired by God the Holy Spirit – are condemned by God as thieves and robbers.

Rather than using the Holy Door so that all can see God’s Works openly, THESE FALSE SHEPHERDS USE

DEVIOUS MEANS TO CONTROL , ROB AND MANIPULATE PEOPLE FOR THEIR OWN SELFISH ,

W ICKED PURPOSES – ULT IMATEL Y DESTROYING THEIR SOULS AND CONDEMNING THEM TO ETERNAL DEATH AND ETERNAL BANISHMENT .

ALL FA I THFUL AND OBEDI ENT PR IES TS WHO LEAD AND GUIDE GOD’S HOLY FLOCK ACCORDING TO CHRIS T ’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS , W ILL

ENJOY ETERNAL L I FE .

The worst thief is Satan who spreads his deadly lies and heresies, luring away both leaders and people.

THE TERM “L IFE” MEANS L I V I NG IN D I V INE GRACE ON

EARTH , WHILE THE MORE ABUNDANT L I FE INDICATES THE ETERNAL K INGDOM TO COME .

Christ revealed Himself as the Good Shepherd Who enters by the Door – He is our Compassionate Protector and Divine Guide Who fulfils all Holy Scripture concerning Himself – the Messiah and our Saviour.

HE I S KNOWN B Y OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND I N TURN , HE KNOWS EVERY HUMAN BE ING PERSONALL Y – THERE I S NOTHING H IDDEN FROM HIM – AND HE I S

ALSO INT IMATEL Y KNOWN B Y H IS FA I THFUL FLOCK – THOSE WHO ENJOY A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP W I TH GOD .

Furthermore, our Good Shepherd offered Himself as the definitive Sacrifice for the sake of our Salvation, which was a direct prophecy of His approaching Passion.

CHRIS T ’S REFERENCE TO H IS “OTHER SHEEP” WAS A REFERENCE TO THE GENTILES – THE PAGANS AND THE NON -HEBREW NATIONS WHO WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK UNDER OUR ONE

AND ONL Y GOOD SHEPHERD – OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR , JESUS CHRIS T .

Therefore, His Holy Church transcends ethnic and racial line.

It has been Orthodox Teaching since the beginning of the Holy Church of Christ that there be one Bishop serving a city, a principle affirmed in every generation.

Writing in the early second century to a Church that celebrated separate Divine Liturgies for Jewish and Gentile Christians, St Ignatios warned us: “Be careful

to observe a single Eucharist, for there is One

Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and One Cup of

His Blood that makes us One, and One Altar, just

as there One Bishop... This is in line with God’s

Will.”

S t Gregory thS t Gregory thS t Gregory thS t Gregory th e Theologiane Theologiane Theologiane Theologian St Gregory was born in Nazianzus of a Greek father and

a Christian mother. Before his Baptism, he studied in Athens along with St

Basil the Great and Julian the Apostate. St Gregory often prophesied that Julian would become

an apostate and a persecutor of the Church which actually happened.

St Gregory was especially influenced greatly by his good mother, St Nonna.

When he completed his studies, St Gregory was Baptized.

St. Basil consecrated him as Bishop of Sasima, and Emperor Theodosios the Great summoned him to fill the vacant Archiepiscopal Throne of Constantinople.

St Gregory wrote numerous works of which his most famous are those concerning Theology for which he is called The Theologian.

Especially known because of its depth is his work: “Homilies on The Holy Trinity.”

St Gregory wrote against the heretic Macedonios (who blasphemously taught that the Holy Spirit is a creation of God) and, St Gregory also wrote against Appolinarios who erroneously taught that Christ did not have a human soul but that His Divinity was in lieu of His Soul.

Additionally St Gregory wrote against Emperor Julian the Apostate, his one-time colleague in school.

In 381, when a debate began regarding his election as Archbishop, he withdrew on his own and issued a statement: "Those, who deprive us of our

Archiepiscopal Throne cannot deprive us of God." After that, he left Constantinople and went to Nazianzus

and there lived a life of Solitude and Prayer, writing excellent books.

Although he was in poor health throughout his entire life, St Gregory lived to be eighty years old.

His relics were later transferred to Rome and a reliquary containing his head reposes in the Cathedral Church of the Assumption in Moscow.

He remains a great and wonderful Light of the Orthodox Church as much by his Meekness and Purity of character as well as for the unsurpassable depth of his mind.

He reposed in our Lord in the year 390. May his memory be Eternal!

DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) S T G R E G O R Y T H E T H E O L O G I A N 2 5 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0 33337777....


ArchdioceseArchdioceseArchdioceseArchdiocese o f Good Hopeof Good Hopeof Good Hopeof Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together wi th all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

27272727 January 2011January 2011January 2011January 2011

St John Chrysos tomSt John Chrysos tomSt John Chrysos tomSt John Chrysos tom (Trans la t ion o f Re l i c s )(Trans la t ion o f Re l i c s )(Trans la t ion o f Re l i c s )(Trans la t ion o f Re l i c s )

Also the Feast of St Peter the Righteous of Egypt - St Demetrios the New Martyr of Constantinople

Ap o l y t i k i o n O f S t J o h n Ch ry sos t om – Ton e ( 8 ) P l a ga l 4

I tou stomatos Sou kathaper Pirsos, eklampsasa Haris.

Tin ikoumenin efotisen, afilargirias to kosmo

thisavrous enapetheto. To ipsos imin tis

tapinofrosinis ipedixen. Alla sis logis pedevon, Pater

Ioanni Hristostome, Presveve to Logo Hristo to Theo,

Sothine tas psihas imon.

The Grace of Thy Words Illuminated the Universe like a

shining Beacon. It amassed Treasures of

munificence in the world. It demonstrated the

greatness of Humility, teaching us by Thine own

words; therefore, O Father John Chrysostom,

Intercede to Christ the Logos for the Salvation of our

souls. Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry





Monos Filanthropos







Only One Who Loves mankind. Kon t ak i o n O f S t J o h n C h ry s os t om – Ton e 1

Evfranthi Mystikos, i septi Ekklisia, ti anakomidi, tou

septou sou lipsanou. Ke touto katakripsasa, os

hrision politimon, tis imnousi se, adialiptos parehi,

tes presvies sou, ton iamaton tin harin, Ioanni

Hrisostome.

The Holy and August Church is Mystically gladdened today on the Translation of thy Holy Relics. And

although she had kept them hidden like precious

gold, by thine Intercessions she unceasingly grants

to those who praise thee, the Divine Grace of

Healing, O Father John Chrysostom.

Matins Gospel According to S t John 10 : 1 Matins Gospel According to S t John 10 : 1 Matins Gospel According to S t John 10 : 1 Matins Gospel According to S t John 10 : 1 –––– 9 9 9 9 Chr i s t I s Our Good Shepherd

At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say you, he who does not enter the Sheepfold by the Door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But He Who enters by the Door is

the Shepherd of the Sheep. To Him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice; and He Calls

His own Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before

them; and the Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger,

but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them

again: “Most assuredly, I say to you: I Am the Door of the Sheep. All who ever came before Me are

thieves and robbers, but the Sheep did not heed them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be

Saved and will go in and out and find Pasture.”

Proke imenonProke imenonProke imenonProke imenon My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding.

Hear this, all you nations! Listen, all you inhabitants of the world!

St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 7 : 26 St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 7 : 26 St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 7 : 26 St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 7 : 26 –––– 8 : 28 : 28 : 28 : 2 Our Lo rd J esus Chr i s t i s ou r Most P er fe c t and E t e r na l H i gh P r i e s t

Brethren; Such a High Priest is fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and Who is higher than the Heavens, Who does not need daily – as those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices – first for His own sins and then for those of the people – for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

For the Law appoints as High Priests men who have weakness, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law, appoints the Son Who has been Perfected Forever.

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: we have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the Majesty in Heaven – a Minister of the Sanctuary, and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not man.

NOT ONL Y I S THE D I V I NE FOUNDER OF THE NEW

COVENANT PR IES THOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT , BUT THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT ’S PR I ESTL Y ORDER ARE ALSO SUPERIOR .

A Priesthood is so intertwined with its Covenant that if any attributes of the Priesthood is changed, so would the Covenant be altered.

AND AS ONL Y GOD CAN CHANGE H IS ETERNAL AND PERFECT HOLY COVENANT W ITH MANKIND , WE CERTA INL Y HAVE NO R IGHT OR AB IL I T Y TO

CHANGE ANYTHING AT ALL . I NSTEAD I T I S OUR SACRED DUTY TO ENSURE THAT

ALL ASPECTS OF THE NEW COVENANT – E VERY

JOT AND I OTA - AS G I VEN TO US BY THE WORD

AND SON OF GOD HIMSELF - I S CAREFULLY PRESERVED AND UNALTERED IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM!

God’s Divine Truth is Absolute Perfection so if such Perfection is even slightly changed by us mere mortals, it is no longer His Perfect Truth but rather mankind’s warped and erroneous – and often heretical – concept of It.

The title “Majesty” is a Biblical Name for God the Father. A High Priest Who sits at the right Hand of Majesty would

have to be both Human and Divine – which is exactly what our Lord Jesus Christ is.

38. (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) SSSS TTTT JJJJ OOOO HHHH NNNN CCCC HHHH RRRR YYYY SSSS OOOO SSSS TTTT OOOO MMMM –––– TTTT RRRR AAAA NNNN SSSS LLLL AAAA TTTT IIII OOOO NNNN OOOO FFFF RRRR EEEE LLLL IIII CCCC SSSS –––– 2222 7777 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

Being seated next to Divine Majesty means that He is equally Divine, Eternal and Majestic since anyone

less than Christ would not be seated in the very Presence of Almighty God!

ThThThThe Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 e Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 e Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 e Holy Gospe l According to S t John 10 : 9 –––– 16 16 16 16 Our Lo rd & Sav i our , Jesus Chr is t , I s T he Good Shepherd

Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

“I have come so that they may have Life and that they may have it more abundantly. I Am the Good

Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But a hireling – he who is not the

Shepherd, one who does not own the sheep – sees the wolf coming and leaves the Sheep and flees;

and the wolf catches the Sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and

does not care about the Sheep.

“I Am the Good Shepherd; and I know My Sheep, and Am known by My Sheep. As the Father knows Me,

even so I know the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have which are

not of this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will be One Flock and

One Shepherd.”

St John Chrysos tom St John Chrysos tom St John Chrysos tom St John Chrysos tom –––– Transla t ion of Rel icsTransla t ion of Rel icsTransla t ion of Rel icsTransla t ion of Rel ics St John Chrysostom was a great Ecumenical Teacher

and Hierarch He had finally reposed in Christ in the city of Comana in

407 on his way to a place of exile. He had been condemned by the intrigues of the

heretical Empress Eudoxia because of his bold and fervent denunciation of the vices that had become rife in Constantinople and which caused the corruption of so many Christian souls.

The transfer of his venerable relics was made in 438, thirty years after his falling asleep during the reign of Empress Eudoxia's son, Emperor Theodosius II (408-450).

St John Chrysostom had been Blessed with the warm Love and deepest respect of the people, and grief over his untimely death overwhelmed the hearts of Faithful Christians.

St John Chrysostom’s former disciple, St Proclos, had been elected Patriarch of Constantinople (434-447), and during Holy Services in the Church of Agia Sophia (Holy Wisdom), he had preached a Sermon praising St John:

"O John, Thy Life was filled with sorrow, but Thy death

was glorious. Thy grave is Blessed and Thy Reward

is great, by the Grace and Mercy of our Lord Jesus

Christ, O Graced One, having conquered the

bounds of time and place! Love has conquered

space, unforgetting memory has annihilated the

limits, and place does not hinder the Miracles of the

Saint."

Those who were present and who had listened intently to every word St Proclos spoke, were so deeply touched that they did not allow him to complete his Sermon.

With one accord they besought the Patriarch to intercede with Emperor Theodosios so that the Holy Relics of their beloved Holy Father, St John Chrysostom might be brought back to Constantinople where they belonged.

Consequently, Emperor Theodosios - being convinced by St Proclos’ appeal - gave his consent by issuing an Imperial Edict, transferring the Holy Relics of St John Chrysostom from Comana back to Constantinople.

However, those he sent to fetch the Holy Relics were unable to lift the casket, let alone carry it out from where it lay .

Only when it was realised that Emperor Theodosios had had sent his special contingent by Imperial Edict instead of with a humble Prayer, he immediately wrote a letter of apology to St John Chrysostom, meekly begging him to forgive his audacity, and to return to Constantinople where they awaited his return with loving hearts.

After the Emperor’s message was read at the grave of St John, they were easily able to remove the undamaged coffin and carry it safely all the way back to Constantinople.

The casket was reverently laid to rest in the Church of Agia Irene (Holy Peace) and when Patriarch Proclos opened it, the body of St John Chrysostom was found to be incorrupt.

Emperor Theodosios approached the casket with tears, begging forgiveness for his mother, the late Empress Eudoxia, who had banished St John into exile.

Throughout the day and night the Faithful people of Constantinople watched over the reposing Holy Father until finally it was carried to the Church of the Holy Apostles and preserved in Peace and Sanctity.

The Faithful spontaneously cried out in unison: “O Holy Father! Take up Thy Throne!”

Suddenly the Patriarch of Constantinople, St Proklos, and all the Clergy who were standing around the open casket witnessed an amazing Miracle: St John Chrysostom opened his mouth and said clearly: "Peace be to all!"

From that time forth, innumerable multitudes have paid their respects to our beloved Holy Father, and those who suffered both physical and Spiritual Ailments were healed and comforted.

The Commemoration of the Translation of St John Chrysostom was established in the ninth century.

May he continue to Intercede for us and may his memory be Eternal.

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “THE LIVES OF THE SAINTS” BY THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF

AMERICA- h t t p : / /www .oc a .o r g/ f s l i v e s . a s ph t t p : / /www .oc a .o r g/ f s l i v e s . a s ph t t p : / /www .oc a .o r g/ f s l i v e s . a s ph t t p : / /www .oc a .o r g/ f s l i v e s . a s p

Teachings of S t John Chrysos tomTeachings of S t John Chrysos tomTeachings of S t John Chrysos tomTeachings of S t John Chrysos tom � In the matter of Piety, poverty serves us better than

wealth, and work better than idleness, especially since wealth becomes an obstacle even for those who do not devote themselves to it.

Yet, when we must put aside our wrath, quench our envy, soften our anger, offer our Prayers, and show a disposition that is reasonable, mild, kindly, and loving, how could poverty stand in our way?

For we accomplish these things not by spending money but by making the correct choice.

Almsgiving above all else requires money, but even this shines with a brighter lustre when the alms are given from our poverty.

The Widow who paid in the two mites was poorer than any human, but she outdid them all.

� For Christians above all we are forbidden to correct the stumblings of sinners by force...it is necessary to make one another better - not by force but by persuasion.

We neither have Authority granted us by Law to restrain sinners, nor, if it were, should we know how to use it, since God bestows the Crown to those who are kept from evil, not by force, but by choice.

� When an archer desires to shoot his arrows

successfully, he first takes great pains over his posture and aligns himself accurately with his mark.

It should be the same for you who are about to shoot the head of the wicked devil.

Let us be concerned first for the good order of sensations and then for the good posture of Inner Thoughts.

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) SSSS TTTT IIII GGGG NNNN AAAA TTTT IIII OOOO SSSS ,,,, TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH OOOO RRRR OOOO SSSS (((( GGGG OOOO DDDD ---- BBBB EEEE AAAA RRRR EEEE RRRR )))) &&&& HHHH IIII EEEE RRRR OOOO MMMM AAAA RRRR TTTT YYYY RRRR OOOO FFFF AAAA NNNN TTTT IIII OOOO CCCC HHHH 2222 9999 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111 39.

Greek OrtGreek OrtGreek OrtGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icahodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icahodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icahodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr ica

Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together wi th all the Saints. And le t us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.


St Ignat ios the Holy GodSt Ignat ios the Holy GodSt Ignat ios the Holy GodSt Ignat ios the Holy God----Bearer ing Hieromartyr of AntiocBearer ing Hieromartyr of AntiocBearer ing Hieromartyr of AntiocBearer ing Hieromartyr of Antiochhhh (Transla t ion of Re l ics )(Transla t ion of Re l ics )(Transla t ion of Re l ics )(Transla t ion of Re l ics )

Also the Feast of St Laurence the Recluse of Kiev Caves, Far Caves & Bishop of Turov, Near Caves – St Gerasimos of Perm – St Pitirim of Perm – St Jonah of Perm

– St Romanos, St James, St Philotheos, St Hyperichios, St Habib, St Julian & St Parigornios of Samosata - St Silvanos, St t Luke the Deacon & St Mokios the Reader of Emesa, Hieromartyrs – St Ashot Curapalati King & Holy Martyr of Artanuji – St Ignatios the Wonderworker of Smolensk – St Aphraates of Persia – St Sarbelos & St Bebaia of Edessa – St Demetrios the New Martyr – St Akepsimas, Holy Martyr

Apo l y t i k i o n O f S t I g na t i o s Th e G od -Bea r e r – Ton e 4

Ke tropon metohos, ke thronon diadohos, ton

Apostolon genomenos, tin praxin evres theopnevste,

is theorias epivasin. Dia touto ton Logon tis Alithias

orthotomon, ke ti Pisti enithlisas mehris ematos,

Ieromartis ignatie. Presveve Hristo to theo, sosthine

tas psihas imon.

As a Sharer of the Ways and a Successor to the Throne

of the Apostles, O Inspired of God, thou found

discipline to be a means of Ascent to Divine Vision.

Wherefore, having rightly divided the Word of Truth,

thou also contested for the Faith even unto blood, O

Hieromartyr Ignatios. Intercede with Christ our God

that our souls be Saved. Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry





Monos Filanthropos







Only One Who Loves mankind. Kon t ak i o n O f S t I g na t i o s Th e Go d -Bea r e r – Ton e 4

Ex Eoas simeron exanatilas, ke tin ktisin apasan,

katalamprinas didahes, to Martirio kekosmite, O

Theoforos ke Thios Ignatios.

Dawning from the East this day, Divine Ignatios, that

God-bearer praised of all, has made the whole

Creation bright with his Wise Teachings of Piety and

is adorned with the beauty of Martyrdom.

The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Hebrews 10 : 32 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Hebrews 10 : 32 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Hebrews 10 : 32 The Epis t le o f S t Paul to the Hebrews 10 : 32 –––– 38383838 We mus t C on t i n u e t o Pe r s e v e r e – No Ma t t e r Wha t Happens !

Brethren: Recall the former days in which – after you were Illuminated – you endured a Great Struggle with sufferings; partly while you were made a spectacle, both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in Heaven.

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has Great Reward.

For you have need of Endurance, so that after you have done the Will of God, you may receive the Promise: “For yet a little while, and He Who is Coming will come and will not tarry. Now the Just shall live by Faith; but is

anyone draws back, My Soul has no pleasure in him.”

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 9 : 33 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 9 : 33 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 9 : 33 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Mark 9 : 33 –––– 41414141 The Way o f D i s c i p l e s h i p

At that time Jesus went to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked his Disciples: “What was it that you disputed among yourselves along the road?” but they remained silent, for along the way they had disputed among themselves as to who would be the greatest.

So He sat down, called the Twelve together and said to them: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all

and servant of all.” And He took a little child and set him in the midst of them.

And when He had taken him into His Arms, He said to them: “Whoever receives one of these little children in My

Name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him Who sent Me.” Then John answered: “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Thy Name, and we

forbade him because he does not follow us.” And Jesus said: “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a

Miracle in My Name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I

say to you: he will by no means lose his Reward.”

The discussion between the Disciples of Christ concerning which of them would be the greatest, indicated a selfish interest in worldly power and social status, which has no meaningful Eternal Significance at all.

That is why our Lord Jesus used the little boy to illustrate the meaning of True Discipleship in Christ – simple – uncomplicated – and pure of spirit – virtuous qualities that are required for our Entrance into the Eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

The very young boy became known and loved as St Ignatios the God-bearer of Antioch.

From early childhood he had possessed such pure and virtuous qualities of Humility and Obedience, dependence, lowliness, simplicity and a willingness to Love unconditionally and to be Loved.

St Ignatios is also the young boy who offered his meagre food parcel that his loving mother had packed for him before he accompanied our Lord and His Disciples: two little sardines and five small bread rolls - the basis of the abundance, which

40 (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) SSSS TTTT IIII GGGG NNNN AAAA TTTT IIII OOOO SSSS ,,,, TTTT HHHH EEEE OOOO PPPP HHHH OOOO RRRR OOOO SSSS (((( GGGG OOOO DDDD ---- BBBB EEEE AAAA RRRR EEEE RRRR )))) &&&& HHHH IIII EEEE RRRR OOOO MMMM AAAA RRRR TTTT YYYY RRRR OOOO FFFF AAAA NNNN TTTT IIII OOOO CCCC HHHH 2222 9999 JJJJ AAAA NNNN UUUU AAAA RRRR YYYY 2222 0000 1111 1111

God provided for the 5000 families – approximately 15 000 – 20 000 men, women and children - with 12 basketsful of leftovers that provided enough food for everyone to share for their homeward journey!

May we all learn to have such complete confidence in God, trusting Him in all things with an uncomplicated and child-like Love!

God’s “little children” is reference to both children and adults who possess that innocent simplicity and purity of heart – these are the “poor in spirit.”

St Theophylact believed that St John’s mentioning “someone ... casting out demons in Thy Name,” was motivate d by having his conscience pricked when our Lord said: “If anyone desires to be

first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” St Ambrose felt that St John mentioned it because he

understood that our full Obedience to God should accompany the Divine Blessing of the Gift of Healing.

In either interpretation, Christ’s Teaching reveals that those who act in Good Faith are not excluded from His Heavenly Kingdom, even if they are not currently numbered among His Faithful Disciples.

“See how Divine Grace is at work – even in those

who are not His Disciples.” (ST THEOPHYLACT)(REFER TO NUMBERS 11 : 24 – 30)

It is the Work of Christ to gather the Children of God, while those who scatter them are in direct opposition to God.

Those who work in opposition to Christ are different to those who work in Good Faith towards His Divine Purpose but are not yet united to His Holy Church.

“Only Good Deeds that are done for the sake of

Christ ( FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF GOD) bring forth Fruit (HAVE BENEFICIAL RESULTS THAT BRING US CLOSER TO ETERNAL LIFE.)

However, deeds that are done for any other purpose “...

even if they are good, are deeds that scatter

abroad!” (ST SERAPHIM OF SAROV)

St Ignat ios the Theophoros (GodSt Ignat ios the Theophoros (GodSt Ignat ios the Theophoros (GodSt Ignat ios the Theophoros (God ----Bearer) o f AntiochBearer) o f AntiochBearer) o f AntiochBearer) o f Antioch St Ignatios, one of our Apostolic Fathers, was the third

Bishop of Antioch, after St Peter the Apostle of Christ and St Euodios, whom St Ignatios succeeded circa 68.

He was known as “the Theophoros” ("God-bearer"), because he constantly bore the Name of the Living God in his heart and on his lips.

As a small child, St Ignatios had often been held in the Arms of our Lord Jesus Christ and when He was

teaching His Disciples Humility, “...He took a child and placed him among them, saying:

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as

this little child, the same is greatest in the

Kingdom of Heaven (MATTHEW 18:4).

St Ignatios, together with St Polycarp (who became Bishop of Smyrna), was a disciple of two of Christ’s Apostles - St John the Theologian and St Peter.

As Bishop of Antioch, St Ignatios governed the Church of God as a Good Shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting in the Church, whereby two choirs alternate the chanting.

This manner of chanting was revealed to St Ignatios by the Angels in Heaven.

When Emperor Trajan was passing through Antioch on his way to do battle with the Persians, he heard of St Ignatios, summoned him and tried to persuade him to offer sacrifices to the pagan idols.

The infamous persecutor of Christians tried to assure St Ignatios that once he had “pleased the gods” he would honour him by bestowing the important rank of Senator upon him.

Of course, when all the flattery, bribery and then deadly threats of the Emperor proved to be in vain, St Ignatios was arrested, shackled in irons and sent to Rome under the watchful guard of ten of the most sadistic and merciless pagan soldiers.

He had been sentenced to death by being thrown to ravenous wild beasts for the entertainment of the blood-thirsty audience at the circus of Rome.

Nevertheless, St Ignatios unwaveringly rejoiced at his approaching Martyrdom, even while enduring many public degradations that were meant to discourage the spread of Christianity.

Instead St Ignatios was met everywhere by the love, support and encouragement of not only the Christians but also the amazed pagans, many of whom chose to devote themselves to serving Christ and who gladly accepting Holy Baptism – and all too often, bravely facing persecution and Holy Martyrdom.

He wrote innumerable letters to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrneans and Romans, as well at to his beloved friend, St Polycarp.

These Epistles were greatly influential in the development of Christian Theology, since the number of extant writings from this period of Church history are very few and rare.

St Ignatios was the first known Christian writer to put great stress on loyalty to a single Bishop in each city, assisted by both Presbyters (Priests) and Deacons.

Earlier writings only mentioned either Bishops or Presbyters, and give the impression that there were usually more than one Bishop per Congregation.

St Ignatios also emphasised the value of the Holy Eucharist, calling it "a Medicine to Immortality."

The very strong desire for bloody Martyrdom in the Arena, which St Ignatios expressed rather graphically in places, may seem quite odd to the modern reader, but an examination of his Theology of Soteriology (THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION THROUGH OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST) shows that he regarded Salvation as being from the power and fear of death.

So, for him, to try to escape his Martyrdom would have been to fear death and place himself back under its power.

After a long and difficult journey from Asia through Thrace, Macedonia and Epiros, St Ignatios arrived in Rome and was immediately taken to the arena and thrown to the lions.

The wretched beasts, having been starved and tormented into a terrified frenzy quickly tore the Faithful and Blessed Saint to pieces and devoured him, leaving only several of the larger bones and his heart.

This glorious, humble and devoted Lover of Christ was Perfected in Holy Martyrdom on29 January 106 in Rome at the time of the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan and since that day St Ignatios has appeared on numerous occasions, working Miracles, helping and interceding for all who call upon him for help.

May his memory be Eternal!

"As a pilot calls on winds and a storm-tossed mariner looks homeward, so the times call on you to win your way to God.

As God's Athlete, be sober; the stake is

Immortality and Eternal Life.”

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) 3 2 n d S UNDAY A F T E R P E N T E CO S T - S YNAX I S O F T H E T H R E E HO L Y H I E R AR CH S – 3 0 J A NUAR Y 2 0 1 1 41

Greek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr icaGreek Orthodox Patr iarchate o f Alexandria & Al l Afr ica Archdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good HopeArchdiocese o f Good Hope

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spiri t, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

32323232 n dn dn dn d Sunday Af t e r Pen tecos t Sunday Af t e r Pen tecos t Sunday Af t e r Pen tecos t Sunday Af t e r Pen tecos t Tone 3Tone 3Tone 3Tone 3 30 January 201130 January 201130 January 201130 January 2011

Synaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchs:Synaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchs:Synaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchs:Synaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchs: S t Bas il the Great , St Gregory the TheSt Bas il the Great , St Gregory the TheSt Bas il the Great , St Gregory the TheSt Bas il the Great , St Gregory the Theologian & St John ologian & St John ologian & St John ologian & St John

Chrysos tomChrysos tomChrysos tomChrysos tom

Also the Feast of St Hippolytos, Hieromartyr of Rome, together with St Censorinos, St Sabinos & St Chryse, Virgin Martyr of Rome – St Felix, St Maximus, St Herculianos, St Venerios, St Stirakios, St Menas, St Commodos, St Hermes, St Mauros, St Eusebios, St Rustikos, St Monagrios, St Amandinos, St Nymphodora, St Kyros, St Theodore the Tribune, St Maximos the Presbyter, St Archelaus the Deacon & St Kyriakos Hieromartyr, all beheaded Holy Martyrs of Ostia – St Zeno the Faster of Kiev Caves – St Zeno the Hermit of Antioch & Disciple of St

Basil the Great – St Theophilos the New of Cyprus – St Peter, King of Bulgaria – the Discovery of the Holy Icon of the Ever Blessed Theotokos of Tinos – St Demetrios the New Martyr of Sliven – St Theodore the New Martyr of Mytilene

R e s u r r e c t i o n A p o l y t i k i o n - T o n e 3

Evfrenestho ta Ourania, agaliastho ta epigia, oti epiise

Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to

Thanato ton thanaton.Prototokos ton nekron

egeneto. Ek kilias Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to

kosmo to Mega Eleos.

Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the

Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has trampled down Death by Death; He has become the First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He has delivered us, and to the world He has granted Great Mercy.

Apo l y t i k i o n O f Th e Th r e e Ho l y H i e ra r c h s – Ton e 1

Tous Tris Megistous Fostiras, tis Trisiliou Theotitos, tous tin ikoumenin aktisi, dogmaton thion

pirsevsantas. Thous melirritous potamous tis

sofias, tous tin ktisin pasan theognosias namasi

katardevsants. Basilion ton megan, ke ton

Thologon Grigorion, sin to klino Ioanni, to tin

Glottan Hrisorrimoni. Pantes i ton Logon afton

eraste, sinelthontes imnis timisomen. Afti gar ti

Triadi, iper imon ai presvevousin.

The Three Most Great Luminaries of the Three-Sun

Divinity have Illumined all the world with the Rays

of Doctrines Divine and True. They are the sweetly

flowing Rivers of Wisdom, who with Godly

Knowledge have watered all Creation in clear and

mighty Streams; the Great and Sacred Basil, and the

Theologian, Wise Gregory, together with the

renowned John, the famed Chrysostom of Golden

Speech. Let us all who Love their Divinely Wise

Words come together, honouring them with Hymns;

for ceaselessly they offer Entreaty for us to the

Trinity. Kon t ak i o n o f t h e P r e s en t a t i o n o f Ch r i s t – Ton e 1 – F r om 14 J a nua ry – 9 F eb rua ry





Monos Filanthropos







Only One Who Loves mankind. Kon t ak i o n O f Th e Th r e e Ho l y H i e ra r c h s - To n e 2

Tous Irous ke Theofthongous Kirikas, tin Korifin ton Didaskalon Kyrie, proselavou is apolavsin ton

Agathon Sou ke anapavsin. Tous ponous gar

ekinon ke ton kamaton, edexo iper pasan

olokarposin, O monos Doxazon tous Agious Sou.

Thou hast taken to Thyself, O Lord, the Sacred and God-proclaiming Heralds, the Crown of Thy

Teachers, for the enjoyment of Thy Blessing and for

repose; for Thou hast accepted their suffering and

Labours above all sacrifice, O Thou Who alone

Glorifies Thy Saints.

Resurrec t ionResurrec t ionResurrec t ionResurrec t ion Gospel 3 : Mark 16 : 9 Gospel 3 : Mark 16 : 9 Gospel 3 : Mark 16 : 9 Gospel 3 : Mark 16 : 9 –––– 20202020 Our R i s e n L o rd A pp ea r s To H i s Ap o s t l e s & D i sc i p l e s B e f o r e H i s A sc e n s i o n

Proke imenonProke imenonProke imenonProke imenon

Say among the Gentiles, “The Lord is King, for He established the world, which shall not be shaken.”

O sing a new song to the Lord.

St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 St Paul ’s Epis t le to the Hebrews 13 –––– 7 7 7 7 –––– 16161616 Loya l t y t o O r thodox Doc t r i ne & Worsh ip

Brethren: remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose Faith you must follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! Do not be carried away with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by Grace – not

with foods that have not profited those who have been occupied with them. We have an Altar from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals,

whose blood is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, are burnt outside the camp.

42 (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) 3 2 n d S UNDA Y A F T E R P E N T E CO S T - S YNAX I S O F T H E T H R E E H O L Y H I E R AR CH S – 3 0 J ANU AR Y 2 0 1 1

Therefore Jesus also – so that He might Sanctify the people with His own Blood – suffered outside the gate. So let us go forth to Him – outside the camp – bearing His Reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek

the one to come. Thus by Him, let us continually offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God – that is: the Fruit of our lips – giving Thanks to His

Name.

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

] WE HAVE A SACRED DUTY TO PRAY FOR THE

HOL Y PR IES THOOD AND TO FOLLOW , RESPECT AND OBEY OUR SP I R I TUAL FA THERS WHO ARE OUR MODELS , OUR GU IDES AND

OUR TEACHERS .

This is the reason for striving to DEVELOP THE

INSEPARABLE V IRTUES OF HUMI L IT Y AND OBEDIENCE FROM WHICH WILL COME THE

OTHER TRUE V IRTUES THAT I NCREASE OUR SP IR ITUAL GROWTH AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP W I TH GOD .

] FA ITH I N CHRIST NEVER FA ILS US OR

D ISAPPOINTS US FOR OUR LORD JESUS I S ETERNAL GOD WHO NEVER CHANGES .

God is Perfection, which needs no change at all! And if His Perfect Truth – His Holy Gospel, His

Teachings and Revelations - is altered to the slightest degree, it is no longer Absolute Perfection but warped and distorted by our own weakness!

If the Faithful of the Old Covenant and the Faithful of the early Church of Christ attained Eternal Life through Faith, so can we, for OUR HOLY ORTHODOX

CHURCH HAS ALWAYS STR IVED TO CAREFULL Y PRESERVE HER TRUE TEACHING AND WORSHI P

PURE AND UNALTERED S INCE THE T IME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIS T AND H IS HOL Y APOSTLES .

“Strange doctrines” are flawed, heretical human concepts that are NOT DIVINELY INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT NOR TAUGHT BY CHRIST – not coming from the One, Holy Catholic (Universal) and Apostolic Church of Christ – the Orthodox Church of Christ.

In this case, St Paul was warning the Hebrew Christians against the legalistic Jewish teachings and kosher laws that dealt with food and which has NO

SP IR ITUAL BENEFI T I F D I V INE GRACE DOES NOT COMPEL ONE ’S ACTIONS .

Our Holy Church has always taught THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEP ING THE SP I R IT OF THE LAW rather than every word and rule of the Law.

For example, OUR COMMI TMENT TO FASTI NG

CONCERNS NOT MERELY THE PERMISS IBLE OR

FORBIDDEN FOODS we may or may not eat OR THE

DENIAL OF OTHER PLEASURES OF THE FLESH but ALSO THE SP I R ITUAL FAST – i.e. resisting, avoiding or denying ourselves the Vices that we habitually commit: EXAMIN ING OURSELVES AND

UPROOTING AND REPENTING EVERY W ICKED, UNWORTHY THOUGHT , WORD AND DEED OF OUR OWN!

According to the Old Covenant, only the Priests were permitted to eat certain parts of the sacrificed animals that were blood offerings for various sins, but the laity was forbidden to eat any of it.

Now, according to the New Covenant – a bloodless Covenant – ALL FA ITHFUL CHRIS T IANS MA Y

PARTAKE OF SANCTI F IED FOOD OF THE HOLY ALTAR – THE BLESSED AND SANCTI F IED ALTAR BREAD (ANTIDORON ) AND THE CONSECRATED

BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST ( HOLY EUCHARIST ) .

On the only day of the year when the Holy of Holies could be entered – the Day of Atonement – only the High Priest could enter, and then carrying the blood of sin offerings for his own sins and those of the people, which had to be repeated each year.

The bodies of the sacrificed animals were not eaten but had to be burnt outside the camp or city walls.

Christ our Saviour identified with this supreme offering of the Old Covenant when He Himself suffered and died on the Cross outside the city gates. And although His Most Precious Blood was not carried by a Priest into the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem, HE CARRI ED H IS OWN BLOOD

OFFERING INTO THE ETERNAL , HEAVENLY MOST

HOLY OF HOL I ES IN THE EVERLASTING PRESENT “TODAY .”

This Great Entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ shows us that THE D I V INE L I TURGY I S ETERNAL AND FOR

ALL THOSE WHO ARE UNDER THE NEW COVENANT of God and WE, AS FA ITHFUL D ISC IPLES OF

CHRIS T , BE ING MEMBERS OF OUR H IGH PR I EST JESUS CHRIS T , MAY ALWAYS ENTER THE HOLY SANCTUARY AND STAND BEFORE THE HOLY ALTAR OF GOD .

The reference to “the camp” is the Old Covenant Israel and all its institutions and worship, while “the city” is the earthly Jerusalem as the Temple City of the Hebrews.

] I T I S IMPOSS IBLE FOR ANYONE FOR FOLLOW BOTH THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS OF GOD AND ALTHOUGH THE EARL Y CHURCH I N

JERUSALEM RETA I NED I TS HEBREW CUSTOMS AND EVEN THE REL IG IOUS TRADIT IONS , I T WAS EXCLUS IVEL Y UNDER THE NEW

COVENANT , which frustrated and angered those still under the Old Covenant.

] AS CHRIS T IANS AND D ISC IPLES OF CHRIS T , WE MUST BE PREPARED TO BEAR THE SCORN AND WRATH OF OTHERS , REGARDING OURSELVES AS BE ING IN EXILE DURING THIS

EARTHLY L I FE , for the Heavenly City we seek is the one to which we have already come.

] WE EXPERIENCE GOD ’S HEAVENLY C I T Y AND THE HEAVENLY MOST HOLY PLACE WHENEVER WE

SACRIF ICE OUR WHOLE BE I NG – BODY AND

SOUL – IN THE D I V INE L I TURGY – a Holy Mystery during which our part is that of praise and thanksgiving, which is consistent with True Doctrine – True Teaching of Christ.

] GOOD WORKS AND L I FE I N COMMUNI TY MUST ALWAYS BE UN I TED WI TH TRUE WORSHIP AND THANKSGI V ING .

The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 The Holy Gospe l According to S t Matthew 5 : 14 –––– 19191919 Fa i t h fu l D i s c i p l es o f C hr is t ar e t h e L i gh t o f t h e Wor l d

At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “You are the Light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill

cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives

light to all who are in the house.

Let your Light so shine before mankind, that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your Father in

Heaven.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil, for

assuredly, I say to you: until Heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass

from the Law until all is fulfilled.

Whoever, therefore, breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be

called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the

Kingdom of Heaven.

c EVERYONE WHO IS B A P T I S E D I N C H R I S T AND WHO THEREFORE HAS P U T O N C H R I S T , IS A D I S C I P L E O F C H R I S T AND MUST L I V E I N C H R I S T – FAITHFULLY FOLLOWING STEP BY STEP AS HE LEADS US THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY.

c Our Lord Jesus Christ used the terms “salt” and “light” to illustrate THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF HIS

FAITHFUL DISCIPLES IN HUMAN SOCIETY AND TO REMIND THE HEBREWS OF THEIR ETERNAL COVENANT WITH GOD.

> SALT WAS A SYMBOL OF AN INDISSOLUBLE

COVENANT WITH GOD, so it was added to the Grain Offering.

> OIL SYMBOLISED THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND INCENSE WAS A SYMBOL OF PRAYER.

(DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) 3 2 n d S UNDAY A F T E R P E N T E CO S T - S YNAX I S O F T H E T H R E E HO L Y H I E R AR CH S – 3 0 J A NUAR Y 2 0 1 1 43

c GOD IS THE TRUE AND UNCREATED LIGHT. In the Old Testament “Light” symbolises

> GOD: ISAIAH 60 : 1 – 3 – “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem! For your Light is come, and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Behold! Darkness and gloom shall cover the earth upon the nations, but the Lord will shine on you; and His Glory shall be seen upon you. Kings shall come to your Light, and the Gentiles to your Brightness.”

> THE DIVINE LAW OF GOD: PSALM 118:105 – “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and a Light to my Paths.”

> and ISRAEL in contrast to all other nations. In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the

SON OF GOD is called “Light.” � JOHN 1: 4 – 9 “In (THE WORD WHO IS GOD) was Life and

the Life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the (SPIRITUAL) Darkness, and the Darkness did not comprehend It. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. This man came as a Witness, to bear witness of the Light, so that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the True Light Who grants Light to every one coming into the world.”

� JOHN 8: 12 – “... Jesus spoke to them again, saying: ‘I Am the Light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in (SPIRITUAL) Darkness, but have the Light of Life.’”

� 1 JOHN 1:5 – “This is the Message that we have heard from Christ and declare to you: God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all!”

Light is necessary both for clear vision and for the existence of life itself.

Faith relies on this Divine Light of God and faithful Christian Believers become “sons of Light” at our Holy Baptism and Chrismation, when we are adopted as Sanctified Heirs to the Eternal Kingdom of God.

� JOHN 12:36 – “While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These Things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.”

> “The Light” referred to Christ Himself.

> These words of Christ meant that HE WOULD ALL TOO SOON COMPLETE HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY BEFORE REVERTING TO HIS DIVINE STATE AS THE SON OF GOD – i.e. RETURN TO HIS SPIRITUAL AND THEREFORE INVISIBLE

DIVINE NATURE – after His Ascension into Heaven in His human, glorified and Resurrected Nature.

> He also clearly told us that OUR EARTHLY LIVES ARE VERY LIMITED AND WE HAVE ONLY A VERY SHORT TIME TO REPENT AND TO BELIEVE IN CHRIST BEFORE WE EXPERIENCE OUR PHYSICAL DEATH, when our mortal, physical body is separated from our immortal, invisible soul and returned to the earth from whence it came, to be resurrected later together with our immortal souls that, hopefully, will have reposed in the Peace of Paradise until the Second Coming of our Incarnate God – our Lord Jesus Christ – for His Final Judgement.

> Finally, CHRIST ENCOURAGES US with the Knowledge that HIS SECOND COMING (OR REAPPEARANCE IN HIS GLORIFIED, PHYSICAL FORM OR HUMAN,

VISIBLE, NATURE) IS MERELY A SHORT WHILE OR TIME-SPAN COMPARED TO ETERNITY ( WHICH HAS NO BEGINNING AND NO END AT ALL! ETERNITY IS ALSO AN UNCHANGABLE STATE OF EXISTENCE SO WHATEVER STATE WE ENTER ETERNITY, THAT IS HOW WE WILL REMAIN FOREVER AND EVER!!

� 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5 “You are all sons of Light and sons of the Day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness.”

> AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE MUST BE CEASELESSLY AWARE OF THE PRIMACY OF GOD’S KINGDOM AND MAINTAIN FULL CONTROL OVER ALL OUR SPIRITUAL FACULTIES.

Therefore BEING SANCTIFIED, ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD, WE MUST SHINE in the perverse, fallen world that surrounds us.

� PHILIPPIANS 2:15 – “... become blameless and harmless Children of God, without fault in

the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as Lights in the (SPIRITUALLY DARKENED) world.

> Because of Christ’s Supreme Sacrifice, we must EAGERLY TAKE HOLD OF, MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE EVERYTHING THAT GOD OFFERS US, BY ACCEPTING HIS DIVINE GRACE AND WORKING CEASELESSLY TOWARDS OUR PERSONAL MATURITY IN CHRIST.

c WE WORK OUT OUR OWN SALVATION.

c GOD NEVER FORCES ANYONE to accept His Divine Will and His free offer of Salvation and Eternal Life in His Kingdom of Heaven.

c HE CREATED US WITH HIS DIVINE GIFT OF FREE

WILL SO THAT WE COULD CHOOSE what type of Eternity we wanted for ourselves.

c BECAUSE OF GOD’S INFINITE LOVE FOR US and knowing how the evil ones perpetually seek our Spiritual Death - our alienation from God – OUR LORD HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE: His Commandments, His Teachings, His Holy Church that guides, guards and encourages us without fail.

c IT IS COMPLETELY UP TO US WHETHER WE USE THESE DIVINE TOOLS OF HIS TRUTH AND LIFE OR NOT.

> GOD’S HOLY ANGELS AND SAINTS are also assigned to us to HELP US, GUIDE US, PROTECT US AND LEAD US TOWARDS OUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION.

> And then, for our immediate help GOD GRANTS US EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES

who are our contemporary fellow travellers. These special people – OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS

(our Spiritual Fathers who may be our Father Confessors, Parish Priests, Bishops, Monks or Hermits) AND OTHER FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS WHO

ARE MORE SPIRITUALLY EXPERIENCED than us - DO NOT COME INTO OUR LIVES BY MERE CHANCE OR BY SO-CALLED “COINCIDENCE,” BUT BECAUSE GOD KNOWS THAT THEY WILL BE OF GREAT SPIRITUAL ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE TO US.

Subsequently, WE MUST BE HUMBLE ENOUGH TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY TELL US AND TO APPLY SUCH SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT, WISDOM AND ADVICE TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS!

c WHEN WE ACCEPT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH AND COMMIT TO LIFE IN CHRIST, GOD WILL UNFAILINGLY MAKE EVEN THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE HAPPEN!

> GOD WORKS WITHIN US – ENABLING US TO FREELY AND JOYFULLY FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL.

At midnight, on Holy Pascha (Easter) Sunday morning, the Paschal Divine Services (i.e. Paschal Matins, followed by the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom) begins when the Priest (or Bishop, if it is a Hierarchal Service) will emerge from the Holy Sanctuary into the darkened Nave of the church with a simple, lit candle, loudly and joyfully pronouncing the glorious words of the Resurrection of Christ: “Come! Receive the Light that is never overtaken by night!”

c ALL CHRISTIAN VIRTUES HAVE BOTH A PERSONAL

AND A PUBLIC FUNCTION, for OUR VIRTUE AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST CAN BRING OTHERS who hunger and thirst for Divine Truth TO GLORIFY GOD THE FATHER.

c OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE LAW of the Old Covenant between God and the Hebrew Nation IN HIMSELF, IN HIS WORDS AND IN HIS ACTIONS

> by PERFORMING GOD’S WILL IN ALL ITS FULLNESS

> by NEVER TRANSGRESSING ANY OF THE PRECEPTS (TEACHINGS AND RULES) OF THE LAW

> by DECLARING THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF

THE LAW, which He was about to deliver to them

> by GRANTING RIGHTEOUSNESS – the ultimate Goal of the Divine Law – to us

� ROMANS 3:31 – “Do we then make void the Law through Faith? Certainly not! On the contrary: we establish the Law.”

The Law of God teaches us that:

> ATTAINING RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH GOOD WORKS ALONE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE.

44 (DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED) 3 2 n d S UNDA Y A F T E R P E N T E CO S T - S YNAX I S O F T H E T H R E E H O L Y H I E R AR CH S – 3 0 J ANU AR Y 2 0 1 1

> RIGHTEOUSNESS IS ATTAINED ONLY BY FAITH AND GOOD WORKS, WHICH ARE BOTH FREE DIVINE GIFTS FROM GOD

> GOD IS IMPARTIAL FOR BOTH HEBREWS AND GENTILES ARE JUSTIFIED ON THE SAME BASIS OF ONGOING FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.

There is no difference between the terms “by Faith” and “through Faith.”

BY TEACHING JUSTIFICATION BY OUR FAITH IN CHRIST, WE ESTABLISH OR UPHOLD THE DIVINE LAW OF GOD BECAUSE CHRIST HIMSELF FULFILS THE LAW OF GOD.

ROMANS 8:3-4 “... what the Law could not do in because it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the Righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the (Holy) Spirit.”

> THE LAW OF MOSES FAILED DUE TO THE WEAKNESS OF HUMAN NATURE.

The term “sinful flesh” does not imply that our human nature is inherently sinful, but that OUR FLESH HAS BECOME CORRUPTED AND GIVEN OVER TO ALL MANNER OF SIN.

> CHRIST FULFILLED BOTH THE LAW OF MOSES AND THE LAW OF OUR HUMAN NATURE BY BECOMING FLESH (I.E. BY BECOMING A HUMAN BEING – TAKING ON OUR HUMAN PHYSICAL BODY WITH ALL ITS WEAKNESSES BUT WITHOUT OUR INCLINATION TO COMMIT SIN.)

> CHRIST NEVER COMMITTED ANY SIN AT ALL because although He came in the likeness of our human sinfulness HE NEVER

SUCCUMBED TO IT. (GOD CAN DO NO EVIL, HARM OR ANYTHING WICKED OR DESTRUCTIVE OR NEGATIVE FOR HE IS 100% HE IS 100% HE IS 100% HE IS 100% GOODNESS AND LOVEGOODNESS AND LOVEGOODNESS AND LOVEGOODNESS AND LOVE! IT IS HIS DIVINE NATURE TO DO ONLY GOOD THINGS.)

Because the Son of God became Man, HE CONDEMNED SIN ITSELF AND DESTROYED ITS ENSLAVING POWER OVER ALL MANKIND.

c In our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, OUR HUMAN

NATURE HAS FINAL VICTORY OVER ALL SIN – ALL WICKEDNESS, DEATH AND DESTRUCTION IS CONQUERED AND DEFEATED BY GOD!

GOD HAS NOT ONLY ELEVATED OUR HUMAN NATURE by uniting it with His Divine Nature, BUT HAS ENABLED US TO REALLY MAKE SPIRITUAL PROGRESS as long as we wish to do so. It is now entirely up to us to decide which path to follow.

� ROMANS 10:3-4“...they, being ignorant of God’s Righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the Righteousness of God, for Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to everyone who believes.”

> THE ZEAL OF THE HEBREWS WAS NOT BASED IN DIVINE TRUTH

> IF THEY HAD MERELY BEEN IGNORANT IN THEIR REJECTION OF CHRIST, THEIR OFFENCE WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN PARDONABLE.

However, THEIR REJECTION OF CHRIST WAS DUE TO MORE THAN IGNORANCE, for it was not because they simply did not know Christ, but THEY WERE DETERMINED TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN CONCEPT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS INSTEAD OF SUBMITTING TO THE TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

In other words, just like so many of us today, THEY TRUSTED IN THEMSELVES AND THEIR OWN EFFORTS AND REJECTED THE TRUE WAY OF FAITH IN CHRIST – EVEN WHEN IT WAS PRESENTED TO THEM BY GOD INCARNATE HIMSELF!

c CHRIST HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE WAY OF SALVATION – ACCORDING TO BOTH THE OLD AND THE NEW COVENANTS WITH GOD.

THE LAW OF GOD – MOSAIC LAW OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD – WAS GRANTED TO THE HEBREW NATION IN ORDER TO PREPARE THEM FOR

CHRIST, while HIS COMING INTO THE WORLD – God Himself entering our world to teach us directly and to offer Himself as the Ultimate Most Unique and fulfilling for all time Sacrifice - WAS THE END OF THE LAW AND THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS.

c CHRIST ALSO FULFILLED ALL THE PROPHECIES OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD

> by BEING EVERYTHING THEY HAD FORETOLD CONCERNING HIM

> by FULFILLING EVERYTHING THEY HAD PROPHESIED CONCERNING HIM.

c THE WHOLE LAW OF GOD IS AFFIRMED BY CHRIST AS THE FOUNDATION OF HIS NEW TEACHING.

His statement “... all is fulfilled...” was a reference to His approaching Passion and Resurrection.

> CHRIST STERNLY WARNED US THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS ACCORDING TO THE LAW IS A UNIFIED WHOLE so the observance of all the seemingly least important Commandments of God is in keeping with THE OBSERVANCE OF THE WHOLE LAW, while THE VIOLATION OF THE SEEMINGLY LEAST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENTS OF GOD IS A SERIOUS VIOLATION OF THE ENTIRE LAW OF GOD.

> In other words, THERE IS NO CHANGE AT ALL TO THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, which compel, guide and encourage us towards His Eternal Kingdom.

> THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD GIVEN TO MOSES AND TO HIS HOLY PROPHETS STILL APPLY TO US UNTIL THE FINAL JUDGEMENT DAY.

WHEN CHRIST TOLD US IN ONE SENTENCE: “LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND, WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL – AND (LOVE) YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS (MUCH AS YOU LOVE) YOURSELF!” IT ENCAPSULATED ALL THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD – IT DID NOT NULLIFY OR REJECT ANY OF THEM!!

SSSSynaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchsynaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchsynaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchsynaxis o f the Three Holy Hierarchs A dispute arose in 11th century Constantinople among

various prominent citizens and clergy, about which of our three Holy Church Fathers - St Basil the Great, St Gregory the Theologian, or St John Chrysostom - was the greatest.

In typical Byzantine fashion, the people of Constantine joined the dispute, which became more serious when it divided Christian churches into three hostile factions who referred to themselves as “ Basilians... Gregorians... or Joannites.”

The “Basilians” argued that St Basil the Great was superior to St John Chrysostom and St Gregory the Theologian because of his explanations of Christian Faith and Monastic example.

Supporters of St John Chrysostom - the so-called “Joannites” countered that the "Golden Mouthed" (Χρυσόστοµος - Hrisostomos) Archbishop Of Constantinople was unmatched in both eloquence and in compelling sinners to Repentance.

A third group – “the Gregorians” - insisted that St Basil's close friend, St Gregory the Theologian, was preferred to the others due to the magnificence, purity and profundity of his Homilies (Sermons) and his unwavering defence of the Faith against the Arian heresy.

After a prolonged and bloody Controversy and desiring to restore peace to the City and the Holy Church, the Three Holy Hierarchs appeared together in a Vision to a humble monk, St John Mauropos, in 1084 (later he became the Bishop of Euchaita).

They clearly and concisely informed him that they were

all equal before God: "There are no divisions among us, and no opposition to one another."

As they stand together in harmony and in equal Glory before the Heavenly Throne they instructed him to compose a common Service and since then, a common Feast Day on 30 January, which commemorated all three “The Synaxis of the Three Holy Hierarchs” was instituted.

The Three Holy Hierarchs are commemorated on separate Feast Days in January:

� St Basil - 1 January � St Gregory - 25January � St John Chrysostom - 27 January.

Documents

SACRED LESSONS - January 2011