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Although
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
THE IMPRISONMENT
OF
TO
ST LUKE 16: 16 34
In those days, as the Apostles went to Prayer, a certain slave girl who was possessed with a spirit of divination met them, who
profited her masters much by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and Silas, and cried out, saying: These men are the
Servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the Way of Salvation! This she did for many days. So Paul, greatly
annoyed, turned and said to the spirit: I command you, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her! And it came out
of her that very hour.
When her masters saw that their hopes of profit were gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the
marketplace to the authorities. And they brought them to the magistrates, and said: These men exceedingly trouble our
city being Judeans, they teach customs that are unlawful for us to receive or observe being Romans! And the
multitude rose up together against them. And the Magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten
with rods. When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the Jailer to keep them
securely.
And having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. At midnight Paul
and Silas were praying and singing Hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, and the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were
opened and everyones chains were loosened.
The Keeper of the prison, having awoken from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, and supposing that the prisoners had
fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. With a loud voice Paul called, saying: Do not harm yourself, for we are
all here! The Jailer called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he took them out,
saying: Sirs: what must I do to be Saved? They said: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be Saved and your
household.
6TH SUNDAY
OF
OF THE
And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them that same hour of the night
and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were Baptised. When he had taken them into his house,
he had set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God, together with all his household.
FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST LED IMMEDIATELY TO HOLY
The Holy Baptism Service begins with three Exorcisms in
BAPTISM NOT ONLY OF THE JAILER AND THE ADULT MEMBERS
The Making of a Catechumen, which EXPELS SATAN
OF HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY, BUT TO HIS ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD
AND HIS DEMONS FROM HAVING ANY FURTHER INFLUENCE OVER
men, women and children the free and the
THE NEW BELIEVER THE NEW DISCIPLE OF CHRIST - who must
enslaved.
from that moment onwards LIVE DAILY BY THE PERFECT
RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW HOLY COVENANT WITH
EXAMPLE AND TEACHINGS OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
ALMIGHTY GOD, HOLY BAPTISM (I.E. THREE FULL IMMERSIONS) IN
Although the demon-possessed slave girl declared the
WATER AND WITH FAITH IN CHRIST ARE BOTH ESSENTIAL FOR
Truth concerning the two Holy Apostles of Christ, SHE
ENTRANCE INTO HIS HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH (THE HOLY
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD GOD AND SAVIOUR WITH ITS BLOODLESS
HERSELF NEEDED TO BE SET FREE IN ORDER TO ACCEPT CHRIST
SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS.)
BY MEANS OF HER OWN FREE WILL.
THE APOSTOLIC PATTERN OF CONVERSION IS HEARING BELIEVING
Furthermore, St Paul could not endure seeing her being
AND HOLY BAPTISM- (i.e. LEARNING CORRECTLY AND THEN
tormented and possessed by the evil spirit, which
APPLYING EVERYTHING TO DAILY LIFE LIVING IN CHRIST
FAITHFULLY AND CONSTANTLY NOT ONLY WHEN WE FEEL
misguides and deceives people into believing Satanic
LIKE IT OR HAVE A NEED FOR IT!)
inventions rather than Divine Truth, for THE DEVIL AND
BEING CHRISTIAN A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST IS A
HIS SERVANTS ALWAYS BAIT THEIR DEADLY HOOKS WITH A TINY,
CONTINUOUS LIFE-LONG PROCESS and that is one of the
TEMPTING MORSEL OF TRUTH, WHICH AS SOON AS ACCEPTED BY
reasons why GOD GRANTS EACH SOUL ITS OWN UNIQUE
THEIR PREY, PROVES TO BE FATAL.
NUMBER OF DAYS in this material world.
THE IMPURE PRAISE OF HYPOCRITES AND ENEMIES OF GOD IS
It is LIFE IN CHRIST meaning that EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY
COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD BE INSTANTLY
WE STRIVE TO IMITATE HIM WITH OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND
REJECTED.
DEEDS always remembering our Holy Baptism and
W I S D O M O F S I R A C H 1 5 : 9 Praise is not proper in
our inevitable, unavoidable, death, when we will face
the mouth of a sinner, because it is not sent from
our First Judgement, which is the Spiritual Foretaste of
the Lord.
the Final Judgement of Christ on the Eighth Day the
L U K E 4 : 4 1 ...And demons also came out of many,
beginning of Eternity for us.
crying out and saying: Thou art the Christ, the
LIFE IN CHRIST means a DEDICATION TO EVERY ASPECT OF
Son of God!
FAITHFUL WORSHIP, PRAYER AND DAILY LIVING not merely
THE ACCUSERS OF ST PAUL AND ST SILAS the owners of the
being a token member of the Orthodox Christian
slave girl - CARED LITTLE FOR RELIGION YET THEY USED
Church as though it was a mere hobby that we can
RELIGIOUS PREJUDICE AGAINST THE HEBREWS TO RETALIATE FOR
pick and choose to do, whenever or however we feel
THEIR FINANCIAL LOSS when she could no longer make
like it.
money for them through her fortune telling - by
Sadly far too many converts apostatize almost as soon
cheating the superstitious people out of their hardas they have made their Sacred Vows before Holy
earned wages.
NEVERTHELESS, BEING UNJUSTLY PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST LED ST
Baptism!
PAUL AND ST SILAS TO GREAT SPIRITUAL JOY RATHER THAN
THIS IS USUALLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT EITHER THEY HAVE NOT
BEEN TAUGHT CORRECTLY AND THOROUGHLY OR THEY HAD NO
REAL INTENTION OF LIVING IN CHRIST JESUS AT ALL! THEY HAVE
BETRAYED GOD!
AS
SORROW.
WE
SHOULD THANK GOD FOR ALL ADVERSITY, WHICH BRINGS US CLOSER TO HIM AND
STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH AS WE DEPEND ON AND APPRECIATE MORE AND MORE THE
GREAT MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD WHO PROTECTS US AND PROVIDES EVERYTHING
WE COULD POSSIBLE NEED FOR THIS EARTHLY AS WELL AS ETERNAL LIFE.
TO
ST JOHN 9 : 1 38
FROM OUR
CREATOR
At that time, as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His Disciples asked Him: Rabbi: who
sinned this man or his parents that he was born blind? Jesus answered: Neither this man nor his parents
sinned, but that the Works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the Works of Him Who sent Me while it
is day. The night is coming when no one can Work. As long as I Am in the world, I Am the Light of the world.
2.
6TH SUNDAY
OF
OF THE
When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva. And He anointed the eyes of the
Blind Man with the clay. And He said to him: Go. Wash in the Pool of Siloam, (which translated means Sent.) He
went, and washed, and returned, seeing.
The neighbours and those who previously had seen that he was blind said: Is this not he who sat and begged? Some
said: It is he! Others said: He is like him! He said: I am he! And they said to him: How were your eyes opened?
He answered, and said: A Man called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me: Go to the Pool of
Siloam and wash. I went and washed - I received sight. They asked him: Where is He? He replied: I do not
know.
They took him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees.
It was a Sabbath when Jesus had made the clay and opened his eyes.
The Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them: He put clay on my eyes, and I
washed, and I see. Some of the Pharisees said: This Man is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath!
Others said: How can anyone who is a sinner do such Signs? And there was a division among them.
They said to the Blind Man again: What do you say about Him because He opened you eyes? He said: He is a
Prophet. The Judeans did not believe him - that he had been blind and now could see until they called the
parents of him who had received his sight. And they asked them: Is this your son who you say was born blind?
How then does he now see? His parents answered them, and said: We know that this is our son, and that he was
born blind. By what Means he now sees, we do not know. Who has opened his eyes, we do not know. He is of age ask him. He will speak for himself.
His parents said these things because they feared the Judeans. For the Judeans had agreed already that anyone who
Confessed that He is the Christ, would be put out of the Synagogue. Therefore, his parents said: He is of age; ask
him.
They called again the man who was formerly blind, and said to him: Give God the Glory! We know that this Man is a
sinner! He replied: Whether He is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I do know is that although I was blind,
now I see! And they questioned him again: What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes? He replied: I
have told you already, yet you do not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His
Disciples?
They reviled him, and said: You are His Disciple! We are Moses Disciples! We know that God spoke to Moses. As for
this Fellow we do not know where He is from. The man answered them: Why, this is a marvellous thing! for you
do not know where He is from and He has opened my eyes! We know that God does not hear sinners, but if
anyone is a Worshipper of God and does His Will, He hears him. Since the world began it has been unheard of that
anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If He were not from God, He could do nothing!
They answered and said to him: You were completely born in sins, and you are teaching us?! And they cast him out.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out. And when He had found him, He said to him: Do you believe in the Son of
God?
He answered and said: Who is He, O Lord, that I may believe in Him? Jesus said to him: You have both seen Him
and He Who is speaking to you it is He. And he said: O Lord: I believe! And He worshipped Him.
This Divine Healing is THE SIXTH SIGN OF OUR LORDS DIVINE
The Pool of Siloam, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, was a
NATURE AND TRUE IDENTITY in St Johns Holy Gospel.
considerable distance from the Temple and provided
the water for the Holy Rites connected with the Feast
OF ALL THE MIRACLE ACCOUNTS THROUGHOUT HOLY
SCRIPTURE, THIS IS THE ONLY ONE WHEREBY A PERSON WAS
of Tabernacles (WHICH TOGETHER WITH PASCHA AND
PENTECOST WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FESTIVALS OF THE
BLIND FROM BIRTH I.E. BORN WITHOUT EYES AT ALL!
THE BLIND MAN SYMBOLISES ALL SPIRITUALLY BLIND HUMANITY
ANCIENT HEBREWS, WHICH INCLUDED NUMEROUS SACRIFICES AND
CELEBRATIONS. (LEVITICUS 23:33 43)
FOR WE ALL NEED SPIRITUAL ILLUMINATION BY CHRIST OUR
Siloam meaning Sent symbolises CHRIST WHO IS SENT
LORD WHO IS THE LIGHT OF THE FALLEN, SPIRITUALLY
BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and just as the Healing
DARKENED WORLD.
This Divine Miracle is AN ILLUSTRATION OF HOLY BAPTISM,
of the Blind Man confirms Christs claim as the
(Divine) Light of the World, so also HIS USE OF THE
which is also referred to as Holy Illumination.
POOL OF SILOAM CONFIRMS THAT HE IS THE TRUE AND
As Pascha (Easter) was the traditional day on which
DIVINE PURIFICATION OF THE HOLY TEMPLE AND ALL WHO
Catechumens were received into the Holy Church of
WORSHIP IN IT WITH TRUE FAITH IN GOD.
Christ, THE SACRED LESSONS OF THE HOLY PASCHA PERIOD
Just as the hypocritical Pharisees had ignored the
FROM THE GLORIOUS RESURRECTION OF CHRIST UNTIL
PENTECOST ALL REFLECT A BAPTISMAL THEOLOGY. Thus,
Healing of the Paralytic and focused only on the
perceived violation of the Sabbath, so too on this
this Sacred Lesson is read on the Sixth Sunday of Holy
occasion MANY OF THEM COULD NOT BEHOLD THE GLORY OF
Pascha.
GOD DUE TO THEIR PERSONAL WICKED PREJUDICE.
OUR SAVIOUR REJECTED THE ASSUMPTION - which was common
in the ancient world - THAT ALL TROUBLES AND MALADIES
When Christ was not present, the Pharisees dared to
pronounce Him as a sinner, yet earlier, WHEN HE HAD
WERE NECESSARILY THE CONSEQUENCE OF PERSONAL SIN OR
ASKED THEM FACE TO FACE: ...WHICH OF YOU CONVICTS ME OF
EVEN THE SINS OF PARENTS. (REFER EXODUS 20:5; DEUTERONOMY 5:9
& EZEKIEL 18:19-21)
SIN? THEY HAD ALL EVADED THE VITAL QUESTION.
ALTHOUGH SUFFERING CAN BE THE DIRECT RESULT OF PERSONAL SIN,
Give God the Glory was an Oath Formula, which was
THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.
always used before giving testimony.
THE MAN WAS BORN WITHOUT EYES, WHICH PROVIDED THE MOST
THE FORMERLY BLIND MAN MOST CERTAINLY GAVE GOD THE
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DIVINE WORKS OF ALMIGHTY
GLORY FOR THE MORE HE WAS QUESTIONED BY THE
GOD TO BE REVEALED TO EVERYONE CONCERNED so the man
HYPOCRITES AND DOUBTERS, THE MORE FERVENT HIS FAITH
was not blind due to anyones personal sin at all.
BECAME, WHILE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES LAPSED
The Work i.e. the Spiritual Labour - that we are able to
DEEPER AND DEEPER INTO SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND DEATH.
fulfil consists of FAITH, GOOD DEEDS AND REPENTANCE.
THE HEALED BLIND MAN IS A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN WITNESS.
The night to which our Lord referred meant THE TIME
MOST PEOPLE DO NOT BEAR WITNESS TO CHRIST SINCE THEY
AFTER OUR DEATH AND THE AGE TO COME ETERNITY WHEN
FEAR THEY WILL BE ASKED QUESTIONS THAT THEY WILL NOT
THERE IS NO LONGER ANY OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OUR FAITH
BE ABLE TO ANSWER OR EXPLAIN.
because AT OUR DEPARTURE FROM THIS WORLD OR EARTHLY
THIS MANS HONEST AND SIMPLE ANSWER TO EVERYONE EVEN
LIFE, THERE IS NO CHANCE OF REPENTANCE OR CONFESSION
THOSE WHO WERE FAR BETTER EDUCATED THAN HIM
AND ALL IMMORTAL, HUMAN SOULS WHETHER BELIEVERS OR
PROVIDES THE TRUTH
NOT WILL HAVE TO SUBMIT TO DEATH.
HE ADMITS SOMETHING THAT HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT YET
THE UNPRECEDENTED HEALING OF THE MAN BORN WITHOUT
FOLLOWS UP WITH WHAT HE MOST CERTAINLY DOES KNOW
EYES CONFIRMS OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS TRUTHFUL
AND WHICH HE CAN POSITIVELY CONFIRM: ... One thing I
PROCLAMATION THAT HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
do know is that although I was blind, now I see!
St Irenaeos regarded THE MIXTURE OF CLAY FROM THE
BY CONFIRMING WHAT WE DO MOST DEFINITELY KNOW IN UTTER
EARTH AND THE SALIVA OF CHRIST OUR ALMIGHTY LORD
TRUTH AND WITHOUT ANY DOUBT IS FOUNDATIONAL TO
AND CREATOR LIKE THE ORIGINAL CREATION OF HUMANITY
WITNESSING OUR TRUE FAITH TO OTHERS.
FROM THE EARTH. (REFER GENESIS 2:7)
Have created perfectly healthy eyes for the formerly Blind
CHRIST REVEALS HIS DIVINE NATURE BY RESTORING A TINY PART
Man OUR LOVING LORD JESUS OPENED UP BOTH HIS PHYSICAL
OF CREATION BY USING THE SAME MATERIAL WITH WHICH
AND SPIRITUAL SIGHT FOR GOD ALONE CAN OPEN OUR HEART
HE HAD CREATED HUMANITY AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR
AND SOUL BY HIS DIVINE ILLUMINATION.
EXISTENCE.
All healings had to be confirmed by the Priests, followed
by various ritual cleansings, sacrifices, etc. This is the
6TH SUNDAY
OF
OF THE
OF
WITHOUT EYES
Every passion and sin sickens and drags the soul into
Spiritual Blindness, Spiritual Apathy and, ultimately, to
Spiritual Death!
This, in turn affects us physically and mentally, leading to
serious and even terminal diseases.
Unless we recognise, seek out and renounce through
Repentance, Confession and Spiritual Renewal, all
sins that enslave and sicken us, that Spiritual
Blindness, causes us Spiritual Death, which, if not
acknowledged and Repented, will ultimately lead us
to Eternal Condemnation, without the possibility of
Repentance and Restoration to all Divine Goodness
and Love after our physical Repose!
Only God knows how long our temporary lifespan is to be,
so as Orthodox Christians, we must regularly selfexamine ourselves and wherever possible, be
Guided by our Spiritual Fathers or Orthodox Teachers
so that we are as prepared as possible for our final
Falling Asleep.
In other words, we must always strive to ensure that
whenever we have fallen into a state of Spiritual
Death due to unrepented sins, we must immediately
Repent and correct ourselves so that we may be
restored to Spiritual Life!
Orthodox Christians who renounce the Faith and
abandon the Holy Orthodox Church that is founded
by Christ our Lord and Saviour, and by His Holy
Apostles, and falls into all sorts of heresies and
apostatises is without doubt in a terrible state of
Spiritual Blindness and Spiritual Death!
Orthodox Christians who do not attend any Holy Services
for many years, who do not pray nor read Orthodox
Writings or Holy Scripture, who never Repents their
sins, and never partakes of the Holy Mysteries of
Repentance-Confession, Holy Unction or Holy
Eucharist are also Spiritually Blind and in a state of
Spiritual Death, unless they realise the error of their
ways and seek Forgiveness and Repent their sins
before they Repose.
And those, too, who regard themselves as being
Christian, but spend their time, wealth and health
with earthly affairs, passions of the flesh, and other
deadly sins, ignoring or rejecting RepentanceConfession are, sadly, also very much Spiritually
Blind and in a state of Spiritual Death.
Dearest Brethren in Christ, let us examine ourselves very
closely while we still have time to do so, and let us
seek out the cause for Spiritual Blindness and Death
so that, through ceaseless Repentance-Confession
and all other Spiritual Requirements, we may remain
in a state of Spiritual Life, and be as ready as possible
for our Departure from this short preparatory period
and our entry into Eternity by Gods Great Mercy,
into His Eternal Life!
ELDER CLEOPA ON SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
HTTPS://ORTHODOXWORD.WORDPRESS.COM/2010/05/09/SUNDAY-OF-THEBLINDMAN
ST MAXIMOS CONFESSOR
The Father, therefore, through the Son Reconciles us to
Himself, not taking into account our offences and He
Calls us, not in so far as we are engaged in unseemly
works, but in so far as we are idle - although idleness is
also a sin, since we shall give an account even for an
idle word (2 CORINTHIANS 5:19 & MATTHEW 12:36)
But, as I said. God overlooks former sins and Calls us again
and again. And what does He Call us to do? To work in
4.
6TH SUNDAY
OF
9 June 2016
Ascension Thursday
Also the Feast of St Cyril of Alexandria - St Cyril of White Lake - St Alexander of Kushta,
Vologda - St Thekla, St Martha & St Mary St Columba of Iona, Enlightener of Scotland - St
John of Shavtel-Gaenati - St David Gareji & St Lucian
STIHOS 1 :
VERSE 1 :
Through
VERSE 2
VERSE 3
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3 :
Through
Spirit
the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
God is known
VERSE 2
Her.
STIHOS 3
VERSE 3
STIHOS 1
VERSE 1
VERSE 2
VERSE 3
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3
Tin iper imon plirosas Ikonomian, ke ta epi Gis enosas tis When
Ouraniis, Anelifthis en Doxi, Hriste O Theos imon,
oudamothen horizomenos, alla menon adiastatos, ke
voon tis Agaposi Se. Ego Imi meth imon, ke oudis kath
imon.
Be Exalted above the Heavens, O God, and Thy Glory above all the Earth.
My heart is ready, O God! My heart is ready! I will sing and offer Praises in my Glory.
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
TO
ST LUKE 1 : 1 12
In the First Book, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that our Lord Jesus began to do and teach, until after He had give
Commandments, through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles - whom He had Chosen - on the Day when He was taken
up.
To them He had presented Himself alive after His Passion by many proofs, Appearing o them during Forty Days, and
speaking of the Kingdom of God. And while with them, He charged them: Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait
for the promise of the Father, which you heard from Me. For John Baptised with water you will be Baptised with
the Holy Spirit before many days.
ASCENSION THURSDAY
9 JUNE 2016
When they had come together, they asked Him: Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore the Kingdom of Israel?
He said to them: It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His Own Authority. But you
shall receive Power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you shalt be My Witnesses in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.
And when He had said this as they were looking at Him He was lifted up, and a Cloud took Him out of their sight.
And while they were gazing into Heaven as He went, behold! Two men stood by them in white robes, and said: Men of
Galilee! Who do you stand looking into Heaven? This Jesus Who was taken up from you into Heaven, will come int
he same way as you beheld Him go into Heaven.
Then they returned from the Mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem a Sabbaths Day Journey.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO
ST LUKE 24 : 36 53
At that time, our Lord Jesus, having Risen from the dead, stood in the midst of His Disciples and said to them: Peace to
you! They were startled and frightened, and supposed that they were seeing a spirit.
And He said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold! My Wrists and My Feet
it is I, Myself! Touch Me, and see! For a spirit does not have flesh and bone as you can see that I have!
And when He said this, He showed them His Wrists and His Feet. As they still disbelieved for Joy and Wonder, He said to
them: Have you anything here to eat? They gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honey comb, and He took
it, and ate before them.
He said to them: These are My Words, which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about
Me in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.
Then He opened their minds to Understand the Scriptures, and said to them: ... for it is written, that the Christ should
Suffer, and on the Third Day Rise from the dead, and that Repentance and Forgiveness of sins should be
preached in His Name to all Nations, beginning with Jerusalem.
You are Witnesses of these Things. And behold: I send the Promise of My Father upon you. Stay in the city of
Jerusalem until you are Vested with Power from on High.
He led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up His Hands, He Blessed them. And as He Blessed them, He was carried
up into Heaven.
And they worshipped Him, and they returned to Jerusalem with Great Joy, and were continually in the Temple,
Blessing God.
Amen.
THE
6.
NEW JERUSALEM
ASCENSION THURSDAY
9 JUNE 2016
12 June 2016
Also the Feast of St Onuphrios the Great Ascetic of the Thebaid Desert, Egypt
St Petros of Mount Athos St Anna of Kashin, Right Believing Princess (Translation
of Holy Relics) - St Arsenios, Abbot of Konevits Monastery, Novgorod St Onuphrios, Founder & Abbot of the Nativity
of the Mother of God at ala, Pskov St Bassian of Pertomsk, Solovki St Onuphrios & St Auxentios of Vologda St
Stephen of Komel, Abbot of Ozersk Monastery, Vologda St John, St Andrew, St Heraclemon, & St Theophilos, Holy
Hermits of Egypt St John Tornike Eristavi of Georgia & Mount Athos St Jonah of Pertomsk, Solovki
RESURRECTION GOSPEL10 - JOHN 21: 1-14
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Angelike
The
Anelifthis
Thou
Tin iper imon plirosas ikonomian, ke ta epi gis enosas tis When
THE PROKEIMENON
THE
PRAYER
OF
AZARIAH TONE 4
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers, for Thou art Praiseworthy and Exalted beyond measure unto the ages.
For Thou art Righteous in all Thou did for us, all Thou brought upon us, and on Jerusalem, the Holy City of our
Fathers.
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
TO
ST LUKE 20 : 16 18 & 28 36
In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesos, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia. He was
hastening to be - on the Day of Pentecost if possible - at Jerusalem. From Miletos he sent to Ephesos and called to
him the Elders of the Church.
When they went to him, he said to them: Take heed to yourselves and to all the Flock, in which the Holy Spirit has
made you Overseers, to care for the Flock of the Church of God, which He obtained with the Blood of His own Son. I
know that after my departure fierce Wolves will come in among you - not sparing the Flock. And from among
yourselves men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw away the Disciples after them. Therefore, be alert
remembering that for three years I did not cease - night or day - to admonish everyone with tears.
And now I commend you, Brethren, to God and to the Word of His Grace, which is able to build you up and to grant
you the Inheritance among all those who are Sanctified. I coveted no ones silver or gold or apparel. You
yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.
In all things I have shown you that by so toiling, one must help the weak, remembering the Words of our Lord Jesus
how He said: It is more Blessed to give than to receive.
And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
St Paul wanted to be together with the other Holy Apostles
Consequently, ALL FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS TRUE DISCIPLES OF
of Christ in Jerusalem for the Feast of Holy Pentecost,
CHRIST LIVE ACCORDING TO THE FESTAL CALENDAR OF
since A LITURGICAL CALENDAR BASED ON SACRED FEAST DAYS
MAJOR FEASTS, FASTS AND CELEBRATIONS.
HAS ALWAYS BEEN OBSERVED BY THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST.
7TH SUNDAY AFTER HOLY PASCHA 318 HOLY FATHERS - 1ST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL 12 JUNE 2016
FOR
TO
ST JOHN 17 : 1 13
At that time, our Lord Jesus lifted up His Eyes to Heaven, and said: Father, the Hour has come. Glorify Thy Son that
Thy Son may Glorify Thee, since Thou hast granted Him Power over all flesh, to grant Eternal Life to all whom
Thou hast given Him. This is Eternal Life, that they know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou
hast sent.
I Glorified Thee on Earth, having accomplished the Work that Thou gave Me to do. And now, Thou Glorify Me in
Thine own Presence, Father, with the Glory that I had with Thee before the world was made. I have manifested
Thy Name to the men whom Thou gave Me out of the world. Thine they were, and Thou gave them to Me, and
they have kept Thy Word. Now they know that everything that Thou hast given Me is from Thee. For I have
given them the Words that Thou gave Me, and they have received them and know in Truth that I came from
Thee. And they have believed that Thou sent Me.
I Am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Mine.
All Mine art Thine, and Thine art Mine, and I Am Glorified in them. And now I Am no more in the world, but they
are in the world, and I Am coming to Thee.
Holy Father, keep them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me, that they may be One, even as we are One. While
I was with them, I kept them in Thy Name, which Thou hast given Me. And none of them is lost but the son of
perdition, that the Scripture may be fulfilled.
Now I Am coming to Thee; and these Things I speak in the world, that they may have My Joy fulfilled in
themselves.
THE PRAYER OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, is often
suffering and death - IS NOW GLORIFIED IN HIS HOLY
CHURCH AS LIFE-GIVING AND A WEAPON OF PEACE.
referred to as the High Priestly Prayer because it
CONTAINS THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A PRAYER THAT ORTHODOX
THE (EMPTY) HOLY CROSS OF CHRIST HAS BECOME A
CHRISTIAN PRIESTS OFFER TO THE LORD OUR GOD BEFORE A
VICTORIOUS EMBLEM OF DIVINE GOODNESS: RESURRECTION
(BLOODLESS) SACRIFICE OR OFFERING IS OFFERED TO HIM:
AND ETERNAL LIFE:
GLORIFICATION of Almighty God
The Holy Cross of Christ CONQUERS ALL SINFUL
REMEMBRANCE of Gods Divine Works
ENSLAVEMENT, ALIENATION FROM GOD.
INTERCESSION on behalf of others
The Holy Cross of Christ is OUR SANCTIFIED BADGE OR
A DECLARATION of the Holy Offering Itself
EMBLEM OF HONOUR whereby we strive to live each
This particular passage of New Covenant Holy Scripture is
moment of the day, for it REMINDS US OF THE PERFECT
read on the Seventh Sunday After Holy Pascha in
EXAMPLE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR IN WHOM WE LIVE
remembrance of the 318 Holy Church Fathers of the
AND IT INFORMS OTHERS OF OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE.
First Ecumenical Council, which had been convened
The Holy Cross of Christ is THE MOST POWERFUL FORM OF
in Nicaea in 325 in order to condemn and correct the
DIVINE PROTECTION, which repels and rejects Satan
heresy of Arianism (WHICH TAUGHT THAT THE SON OF GOD
and his evil schemes.
WAS CREATED BY GOD THE FATHER AND THUS THERE WAS A TIME
The Holy Cross of Christ is ALL WE NEED.
WHEN THE SON AND WORD OF GOD DID NOT EXIST!)
True Disciples of Christ do not wear evil eyes or any other so OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS ACTUAL WORDS BEAR WITNESS TO HIS
called good luck charms!
TRUE, ABSOLUTE AND ETERNAL DIVINITY, AS WELL AS HIS
Such pagan talismans, amulets or trinkets expose deep-seated
ETERNAL FILIAL RELATIONSHIP TO GOD THE FATHER.
superstitions, which reveal a lack of Faith in God - the denial
This Divine Testimony alone is more than sufficient to
of Gods Infinite Power and Love that conquers all threats
and wickedness against us.
dismiss any form of heretical Arianism.
True Disciples of Christ wear the (empty) Cross only against their
The Hour has come, signifies THAT CHRIST IS LORD OVER
hearts (not as mere ornamentation such as ear-rings, etc)
TIME: He voluntarily Willed to ascend the Cross in
and never together with any superstitious lucky charms!
the Flesh... (HYMN OF SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY)
Belief in anything else is a reversion to paganism the rejection
The expression Glorify refers to THE REDEMPTION OF ALL
of our One True and Living God!
CREATION THAT WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH OUR
The so-called peace sign is in fact the curse of Satan: a
LORDS CRUCIFIXION (the Final, Ultimate and Most Pure
cloven hoof and a broken, upside down cross declaring
Blood Sacrifice for sins and Eternal Life) AND GLORIOUS
the wearer as a slave of Satan that must be avoided at all
RESURRECTION (THE HARROWING OF HADES), which was THE
costs
by True Disciples of Christ.
DIVINE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE DIVINE WORD AND SON OF
KNOWLEDGE OF THE ONLY TRUE GOD IS FAR MORE THAN
GOD WAS SENT BY GOD THE FATHER INTO THE SIN
INTELLECTUAL UNDERSTANDING. IT IS PARTICIPATION OF
ENSLAVED AND DARKENED WORLD.
CHRISTS DIVINE LIFE AND BEING IN COMMUNION WITH
IN HIS DIVINE REDEMPTION, GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE
HIM.
SON ARE GLORIFIED.
CONSEQUENTLY, ETERNAL LIFE IS AN ONGOING, LOVING
FOR THAT REASON THE CROSS OF CHRIST - which was a
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
hideous form of execution with its excruciating
8. 7 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R H O L Y P A S C H A 3 1 8 H O L Y F A T H E R S - 1 S T E C U M E N I C A L C O U N C I L 1 2 J U N E 2 0 1 6
The physical world and all that is in it - which God created is all Good and Beautiful - and we as Earthly intellectual
beings - have been Ordained by God to preserve and
nurture it, yet through our sinful desires of greed and selfish
indulgence, we have almost destroyed it beyond recovery!
The fallen world consists of ALL WHO ARE IN REBELLION
AGAINST THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD AND WHO PREFER
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND BLINDNESS TO HIS DIVINE,
LIFE-GIVING LIGHT AND SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT.
The term Holy Father is echoed in THE EUCHARIST
PRAYER OF DIDACHE: We give Thee Thanks, O Holy
Father, for Thy Holy Name, which Thou has made
to dwell in our hearts... (DIDACHE 10:2)
The lost son of Perdition (Destruction) is Judas Iscariot
to whom Old Testament Prophesy alluded. (PSALM
40:10; PSALM 108:2 13; ZECHARIAH 11: 12-13)
7TH SUNDAY AFTER HOLY PASCHA THE 318 HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
OF THE
7TH SUNDAY AFTER HOLY PASCHA 318 HOLY FATHERS - 1ST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL 12 JUNE 2016
[In fact, everything that our Lord taught and revealed to us would be
a blatant lie!! That makes the heresy of Arius an enormous
blasphemy against God and His Divine Truth!!mp]
Due to the significance and gravity of the raging
controversy, an Ecumenical Council was assembled.
Arius had only a few Bishops who supported his heresy,
while the overwhelming majority of Bishops stood
firmly rooted in the Orthodox Faith, and condemned
the blasphemous heresy of Arius.
Finally they excommunicated him as a persistent and
uncorrected unrepentant - heretic whose wicked
notions continued to agitate and trouble the Church
for a very long time before finally disappearing
altogether.
St Basil the Great, St Gregory the Theologian, and St John
Chrysostom, who lived after the time of Arius
continued the fight against such misguided and false
ideas concerning our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
At last Divine Truth triumphed even though there was a
time when in the East, only St Athanasios the Great
and in the West, only St Hilary of Poitiers fought for
Divine Truth against these evil deceptions of the Arian
heretics.
The Eternal, Orthodox Church of Christ survived, even
when it was so difficult for St Athanasios to fight
against the heretics in the East.
WHAT
LIFE?
who are regarded as being merely lazy or ...looking
for a free hand out.
The less fortunate are regarded as a nuisance or an
annoyance, and barely noticed as being mirrors of
ourselves as suffering fellow sinners.
There is no pause for thought: There, but for the Grace of
God, go I!! or Today... my Brother... tomorrow... me!!
or How would I feel if that were me??!!
Conversely, when we actually look at those beggars, ask
them who they are their names - and speak with
them, and actually listen to their stories, we will
realise that they are struggling with the basic
elements of this temporary, difficult life, and our
granite hearts will soften and melt with Agape!!
Consequently, what we should do with this short,
preparatory life before Eternity, is to stop thinking of
grand schemes and turn with unconditional Love to
those who are near to us and with whom we come
into contact.
We must talk with them, listen carefully to them, and show
them that we do care about them.
One by one we can help each other - and in this way we
can impact society or mankind in general.
We should not waste our precious time, energy or
resources in general movements or causes, but that
pay attention to what is directly before us and around
us.
St Theophan the Recluse believes that ...those who
inattentively and unrealistically entertain thoughts of
contributing to the welfare of all mankind, allow
opportunities to do something good which is right
before them, to slip by!
Because they do not have the opportunity to perform a
general work, and lose the opportunity to perform a
particular work, they accomplish nothing towards
the main Purpose of this short lifespan.
All troubles come from a mental outlook that is too
broad.
It is better to humbly cast your eyes down toward your
feet, and to figure out which step to take next.
This is the Truest Path...
ELDER THADDEUS
VITOVNICA
18 June 2016
Saturday of the Souls
Forefeast of Pentecost Sunday
Feast Day of St Leontios, St Hypatios, & St Theodoulos, Roman Soldiers & Holy Martyrs of
Tripoli, Syria St Leontios of Kiev Far Caves Monastery St Leontios the Clairvoyant of
Mount Athos
FIRST MEMORIAL ANTIPHON TONE 2
1.
Agathon
1.
It
3.
So as
Afto.
Amin
Amen
SECOND MEMORIAL ANTIPHON TONE 2
1.
Kyrios
Enedisato
Soson
1.
Save
2.
2.
And
3.
3.
of days.
Amin
Amen
SECOND M
Defte agalliasometha to
OR
EMORIAL ANTIPHON
TONE 2
Sotiri imon.
Soson
Save
Profthasomen
Let us
Oti en ti Hiri Aftou ta perata tis Gis, ke ta ipsi ton oreon For
Amin
Amen
MEMORIAL APOLYTIKION
TONE
(8) PLAGAL 4
ISODIKON TONE 2
Soson imas,
Save
us, O Son of God, Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints...
OF THE
SOULS FOREFEAST
OF
Alleluia!
HOLY PENTECOST
18 JUNE 2016
11
Meta
OF
ST PAUL
PARTICIP
ATION
TO THE
IN
CH
THESSALONIANS 4:13 18
RIST
S RETURN
Brethren: I do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who have Fallen Asleep, lest you sorrow as others who
have no Hope.
If we believe that our Lord Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who Sleep in Jesus. For
this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the Reappearance of the Lord
will by no means precede those who are Asleep. For the Lord Himself with a shout - with the Voice of an Archangel
and with the Trumpet of God - will descend from Heaven. And the dead in Christ will Rise first. Then we who are
Alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And thus we shall always be with our Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE CLEAREST NEW TESTAMENT
2. ... THE SIGN OF THE TRUMPET...
PASSAGES
ON
THE
SECOND COMING OR PHYSICAL
3. ... THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD...
REAPPEARANCE OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR OUR FINAL
THE REAPPEARANCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GREATEST
AND ONLY DIVINE JUDGE!
JOY AND DIVINE COMFORT I.E. THE JOYOUS HOPE AND
THE DIDACHE the writings of the Holy Apostles lists THREE
EXPECTATION OF ALL THE RIGHTEOUS AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
SIGNS THAT WILL HERALD THE RETURN OF OUR LORD JESUS
OF CHRIST while it is regarded as a dreadful and
CHRIST:
much feared threat to the ungodly and unrepentant
1. ...THE SIGN SPREAD OUT IN THE HEAVENS... Christ and
sinners, including Satan and his demons.
all His Heavenly Hosts
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
OF OUR
TO
ST JOHN 21 : 14 - 25
At that time, our Lord Jesus showed Himself to His Disciples after He was Raised from the dead. And Jesus said to Simon
Peter: Simon Jonah: do you Love Me more than these? He said to Him: Yes, Lord. Thou know that I love Thee.
He said to him: Feed My Lambs.
Jesus said to him a second time: Simon Jonah: do you Love Me? He said to Him: Yes, Lord. Thou know that I love
Thee. He said to him: Tend My Sheep.
He said to him the third time: Simon Jonah: do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He asked him for the third
time: Do you love Me? And he said to Him: Lord, Thou know all things Thou know that I love Thee. Jesus said
to him: Feed My Sheep.
Truly, truly, I say to you: when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished. When you
are old, you will stretch out your hands and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.
This he spoke, signifying by what death he would Glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him: Follow
Me.
Turning around, Peter saw the Disciple whom Jesus Loved following, who also had leant upon His Breast at the Supper,
and had asked: Lord, who is the one who betrays Thee? Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus: Lord, what about him?
Jesus said to him: If I Will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!
Then this saying went out among the Brethren that this Disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he
would not die, but: If I Will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?
This is the Disciple who testifies to these Things, and wrote them. And we know that his Testimony is True. There are
also many other Things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one I suppose that even the world itself
could not contain the Books that would be written. Amen
.
The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ singled out St Peter has
a twofold significance:
1. ST PETER WAS THE LEADER OR SPOKESMAN AMONG THE
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST and being such a passionate
and impulsive character HAD TO BE THE FIRST TO
CONFESS HIS LOVE FOR OUR RESURRECTED LORD AND
SAVIOUR.
2. ST PETER HAD DENIED CHRIST THREE TIMES after His arrest
despite having been adamant that he would
never betray or deny him. KNOWING THE HEARTS AND
SOULS OF EVERYONE HE CREATES, CHRIST KNEW WHAT
MOTIVATED ST PETER.
Consequently, DUE TO HIS
INFINITE DIVINE LOVE AND GREAT MERCY, OUR LORD
RESTORED HIS DIVINE GRACE UPON ST PETER WITH HIS
THREEFOLD CONFESSION OF LOVE.
It is important to note that the first two times our Lord
Jesus inquired of St Peter: Do you Love Me? HE
USED A FORM OF THE WORD AGAPE, WHICH DENOTES THE
HIGHEST FORM OF SACRIFICIAL AND SELF-EMPTYING LOVE
THE KIND OF LOVE THAT ALMIGHTY GOD HAS FOR ALL
HUMAN BEINGS AND WHICH WE CAN DEVELOP ONLY
THROUGH MATURING IN GODS DIVINE GRACE.
However, each TIME ST PETER WAS UNABLE TO CLAIM SUCH A
LOFTY LOVE and when he answered: Lord, Thou know
that I love Thee, he used the term FILO, which IS A
LESSER FORM OF LOVE MERELY AKIN TO BROTHERLY
AFFECTION.
Then, WHEN OUR LORD ASKED ST PETER FOR THE THIRD TIME
WHETHER HE LOVED HIM, HE USED THE TERM FILO THEREBY
CONDESCENDING TO ST PETERS HUMAN WEAKNESS AND
ACCEPTING WHATEVER LOVE ST PETER WAS ABLE TO OFFER HIM
AT THAT STAGE OF HIS LIFE.
12.
SATURDAY
OF THE
SOULS FOREFEAST
HOLY PENTECOST
18 JUNE 2016
WAYS OF COMMEMORATION
SATURDAY
OF THE
SOULS FOREFEAST
OF
HOLY PENTECOST
18 JUNE 2016
13
OF
SOUROZH
ON WATCHFULNESS
SATURDAY
OF THE
SOULS FOREFEAST
OF
HOLY PENTECOST
18 JUNE 2016
OF
GOD
THE
THE
BEGINNING
OF THE
HOLY CHURCH
OF
CHRIST
Also the Feast of St Jude the Holy Apostle, son of St Joseph the Betrothed & his late wife,
Salome, cousin & Brother of our Lord St Barlaam of Shenkursk St Zosimos the Soldier of
Antioch, Pisidia St Paisios the Great of Egypt St John the Solitary, Holy Ascetic Hermit of Jerusalem St Paisios of
Hilandar, Bulgaria St Job, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia
KINDLY NOTE: FOR THE FESTAL HYMNS OF PENTECOST, AND THE VESPERS KNEELING SERVICE, PLEASE REFER TO
READINGS OF PENTECOST, WHICH ARE PRINTED SEPARATELY IN BOOKLET FORM... OR AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
MARGUERITE.PAIZIS@GMAIL.COM
Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God! The Firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE ACTS
TH
OF THE
ISCIPLES
APOSTLES ACCORDING
RECEIVE TH
HOLY SP
IRIT
TO
ST LUKE 2 : 1 11
FROM TH
RISEN CHRIST
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a
Sound from Heaven, as of a Rushing Mighty Wind, and It filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there
appeared before them divided Tongues, as of Fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the
Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other Tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There were dwelling in Jerusalem Judeans - devout men, from every Nation under Heaven. When this Sound
occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own
language. They were all amazed and marvelled, saying to one another: "Behold! Are not all these who speak
Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes
and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Hebrews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs
we hear them speaking in our own tongues the Greatness of God!"
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO
ST JOHN 7 : 37 8 : 12
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROMISES THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HIS DISCIPLES
On the last day, that Great Day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me
and drink. He who believes in Me - as the Scripture has said - out of his heart will flow rivers of Living Water."
This He spoke concerning the Spirit, Whom those Believing in Him would receive, for the Holy Spirit was not yet given,
for Jesus was not yet Glorified.
Many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said: Truly this is the Prophet." Others said: "This is the Christ." Or
they said:"Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that from the Seed of David and from the
town of Bethlehem, where David was, the Christ will come?"
There was division amongst them because of Him. Some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands upon Him.
The Officers went to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, who said to them: "Why have you not brought Him?" The officers
answered: "No man ever spoke like this Man!" The Pharisees answered them: "Are you also deceived? Have any
believed in Him of the Rulers of the Pharisees? But this crowd - who does not know the Law - is accursed!"
Nikodemos said to them - (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of His): "Does our Law judge a man before it
hears him and knows what he is doing?" They answered and said to him: "Are you also from Galilee? Search and
look, for no Prophet has arisen out of Galilee."
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying: I Am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in Darkness, but
have the Light of Life."
8TH SUNDAY AFTER HOLY PASCHA SUNDAY OF HOLY PENTECOST HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY
T HE D ESCENT OF G OD THE H OLY S PI RIT & THE B EGIN NING OF C HRIST S H OLY C HURCH
OF
G OD
THE
15.
OF
G OD
THE
IS
REQUIRED
TO
ACQUIRE
THE
HOLY SPIRIT?
OF
G OD
THE
17.
OF THE
HOLY
BY
HARRY M. BOOSALIS,
OF
G OD
THE
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
20June 2016
1.
1.
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
of
the
Theotokos,
2.
2.
Day
3.
3.
4.
4.
Their sound has gone out into all the Earth: and their
words to the ends of the world.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas
Amen
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us
1.
1.
of
the
Theotokos,
TONE 2
Mnisthii
3.
1.
May
FESTAL APOLYTIKION)
WITH
1.
2.
Tin
2.
Thou hast granted him his souls desire, and have not
3.
3.
4.
eonos.
Evlogitos
Blessed
Doxa
Glory to Thee!
ISODIKON OF PENTECOST
Be
Asomen ke psaloumen
tas Dinastias Sou. Soson imas, Paraklite Agathe,
psallontas Si Allilouia!
AFTERFEAST
19.
OF
PENTECOST MONDAY
When
OF THE
Allelouia!
AGIOS O THEOS...
O Lord, Save Thy People, and Bless Thine Inheritance, and Shepherd them, and raise them up forever.
To Thee, O Lord, I cry: O my God, may Thou never pass over me in silence; may Thou never be silent to me, or else I shall
become like those who do down into the pit!
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
EPHESIANS 5: 8 - 19
Brethren, walk as Children of Light. For the Fruit of Light is found in all that is Good , and Right, and True. Learn what
is Pleasing to our Lord. And take no part in the unfruitful deeds of Darkness - instead expose them. For it is a
shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret. When anything is exposed by the Light it becomes visible for anything that becomes visible is Light. Wherefore, it is said: Awaken, O Sleeper, and Arise from the dead, and
Christ shall grant you Light.
Watch carefully then how you walk not unwisely, but with Wisdom - making the most of the time, for the days are evil.
Do not be foolish, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is
debauchery; but be filled with the Holy Spirit, addressing one another in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Odes,
singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
We must carefully JUDGE STRICTLY ACCORDING TO WHAT OUR
AS FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE RENOUNCE
LORD GOD HAS TAUGHT US ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE,
THE WICKEDNESS AND FALLENNESS OF THE WORLD BUT NOT THE
PERFECT TRUTH whatever the fallen world tells us is
BEAUTIFUL CREATION OF GOD.
reasonable.
When we sincerely Repent, a surge of Life and Joy wells
BESIDES SEPARATING OURSELVES FROM SPIRITUAL DARKNESS SIN
forth.
A distinctive spirit, a kind of elation energizes both
AND IGNORANCE AS FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS WHO ARE FAITHFUL
darkness and light.
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST EXPOSE EVERYTHING TO THE
For those in (Spiritual) Darkness, this spirit is like
DIVINE LIGHT OF TRUTH.
drunkenness, artificial and temporary, while for
However, WE MUST FIRST COME OUT OF HIDING FROM THE DIVINE
Christians it is the Presence of the Holy Spirit (that
TRUTH OURSELVES and thus expose our own errors,
profoundly affects and changes us) and the
ignorance and sins accordingly, IN ORDER TO SINCERELY
indescribable Joy is the New Covenant worship of the
AND HONESTLY REPENT OUR SINS.
Holy Trinity, the Holy Eucharist (Thanksgiving) to God
The Hymn Awake, you who sleep! is an early Baptismal
the Father, through God the Son Incarnate, in God the
Hymn Holy Baptism is our Spiritual Illumination, so
Holy Spirit.
WHEN WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, WE WALK IN OUR HOLY BAPTISM
Those who are inebriated through alcohol totter and
IE. WE LIVE EVERY DAY OF OUR LIFE ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING
sway and even fall down, but THOSE WHO ARE INEBRIATED
THAT OUR HOLY BAPTISM SIGNIFIES.
WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE FIRMLY ROOTED IN OUR LORD AND
In other words, WE MUST LIVE EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIFE IN
SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, AND GLORIOUSLY SOBER!!
CHRIST BY MEANS OF OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND
WE CANNOT FULFIL OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE by reading or quoting
STRUGGLE AGAINST THE TEMPTATIONS, PASSIONS AND SINS BY
Holy Scripture or singing Hymns and Psalms IF WE DO
IMMEDIATELY ACKNOWLEDGING PERSONAL SIN AND REPENTING
NOT HAVE SINCERE, REAL OR TRUE HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND
THEM.
FEAR OF GOD (i.e. deepest Respect for God and the fear
OUR GOAL IS not to abandon the world, but TO KEEP
of disappointing our Most Beloved Heavenly Father
OURSELVES IN CHRIST AND TO SALVAGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
through our personal failures.)
FROM THE EVIL, FALLEN WORLD.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 18 : 10 20
Our Lord said: See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in Heaven their Angels always
behold the Presence of My Father Who is in Heaven. For the Son of Man came to Save the Lost.
What do you think? If a Man has a hundred Sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine
on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if He finds it, Truly, I say to you: He Rejoices over it
more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray! So it is not the Will of your Father Who is in Heaven that
one of these little ones should perish!
If you Brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have
gained your Brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be
confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church. If he
refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and Tax Collector. Truly, I say to you: whatever
you bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loosen on Earth shall be loosened in Heaven.
Again, Truly I say to you - if two of you agree on Earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father
in Heaven. For where there are two or three gathered together in My Name, there Am I in the midst of them.
Our Lords use of the term little ones includes all those
THE NINETY-NINE SHEEP SIGNIFY THE RIGHTEOUS WHO REMAIN
who have a childlike Humility and simplicity all
FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALMIGHTY GOD. (LUKE 15:7)
those who are ... poor in spirit.
Some of our Holy Church Fathers also regard this as a
With regard to the Angels, St John Chrysostom taught us
reference to Christs Incarnation whereby THE NINETYthat not only the Holy Saints but EACH OF US HAS OUR
NINE - SIGNIFYING THE HEAVENLY HOSTS OF ANGELS - WERE
OWN, PERSONAL GUARDIAN ANGELS, WHO WATCH OVER US,
LEFT IN HEAVEN WHEN HE CAME TO EARTH IN ORDER TO FIND
GUIDE US AND PROTECT US FROM HARM.
HIS LOST SHEEP ON EARTH MANKIND WHO HAD FALLEN INTO
CORRUPTION AND SIN.
(However, it all depends on whether we are Obedient and willing to
Mankind had gone astray and thus became severely
listen to those little voices that always tell us the correct way
alienated from God.
to behave and who warn us when we are in imminent danger.)
CHURCH DISCIPLINE IS BASED ON MUTUAL CORRECTION IN THREE
EXPANDING STAGES.
THE GUARDIAN ANGELS OF HUMBLE PEOPLE HAVE GREATER
SIN AND CORRECTION ARE TO REMAIN PRIVATE UNLESS THE
BOLDNESS AND GREATNESS ... in the Face of God... (in the
OFFENDER REFUSED TO REPENT.
Sight of God) because of the Humility of those whom
ALL CORRECTION MUST BE DONE WITH GREAT CARE AND HUMILITY,
they guard, guide and protect.
WITH THE HIGHEST CONCERN BEING THE SALVATION OF THE
It is not the Divine Nature of God but rather THE WEAKNESS
OFFENDER.
OF MANKIND THAT REQUIRES ANGELIC ASSISTANCE.
1 CORINTHIANS 5 : 5 ... deliver such a one to Satan for
Unlike human, earthly Shepherds and their flocks of
the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be
sheep, CHRIST OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, HIGHLY VALUES EVEN
Saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus.
ONE OF HIS HOLY FLOCK - to such a degree that HE WILL
IN THE CHURCH THERE IS PROTECTION FROM THE DESTRUCTIVE
LEAVE HIS OTHER SHEEP IN ORDER TO SAVE THOSE THAT GO
POWER OF SATAN. (MATTHEW 16:18)
ASTRAY AND WHO ARE LOST.
20.
AFTERFEAST
OF
PENTECOST MONDAY
OF THE
OF
ON GOD
THE
CHRYSOSTOM)
PENTECOST MONDAY
AFTERFEAST
PENTECOST MONDAY
OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT
HOLY SPIRIT
https://theinnerkingdom.wordpress.com
OF THE
21.
THAT
REVEALS
THE
Invisibility of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, Who
NEVER manifested in any type of visible Form !! mp).
In place of these widespread (Blasphemous) images of
God, they chose to USE ANDREI RUBLEVS TRINITY ICON AS
THE PROPER WAY TO DEPICT GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON
AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Russian Icon is difficult for non-Orthodox Christians to
grasp and - at first glance it may not appear to
represent the Holy Trinity.
The central scene of the Holy Icon comes from the Book of
Genesis, when Abraham welcome and hosted the
three Strangers into his tent, to share his meal, (which
he never partook of alone.)
...And the Lord Appeared to [Abraham] by the Oaks of
Mamre He lifted up his eyes and behold! three
Men stood in front of him. When he saw Them, he
ran from the tent entrance to meet Them, and
bowed himself to the Earth [Abraham] set [cakes,
curds, milk, and a calf he prepared] before Them;
and he stood by Them under the tree while They
ate. (Genesis 18:18)
St Andrei Rublevs Icon depicts this scene with THREE
ANGELS, WHO ARE SIMILAR IN APPEARANCE, SEATED AROUND A
TABLE.
IN THE BACKGROUND THE DWELLING OF ABRAHAM AND SARAH, AS
WELL AS AN OAK TREE (OF MAMRE) is depicted behind the
Three Guests.
While the Icon depicts this scene that is mentioned in
the Old Testament, St Andrei Rublev used the Biblical
Episode to make A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE HOLY
TRINITY THAT FITS WITHIN THE STRICT GUIDELINES, CREED AND
DOGMA OF THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
THE SYMBOLISM OF THIS HOLY ICON IS COMPLEX AND IS MEANT TO
SUMMARIZE THE HOLY CHURCHS THEOLOGICAL BELIEFS AND
TEACHINGS CONCERNING THE HOLY TRINITY:
1. First of all, THE THREE ANGELS ARE IDENTICAL IN APPEARANCE
corresponding to the belief of THE ONENESS OF GOD
IN THREE PERSONS.
2. However, EACH ANGEL IS WEARING A DIFFERENT GARMENT,
bringing to mind how EACH PERSON OF THE TRINITY IS
DISTINCT.
3. The fact that St Andrei Rublev depicts THE HOLY TRINITY
AS THREE ANGELS is also a reminder of THE DIVINE
NATURE OF GOD, WHO IS PURE SPIRIT.
HOW
THE
AFTERFEAST
OF
OF THE
HOLY TRINITY
4.
5.
6.
Iconography.
THE CRIMSON COLOUR SYMBOLIZES CHRISTS HUMAN NATURE
WHILE THE BLUE IS INDICATIVE OF HIS DIVINE NATURE.
8.
THE OAK TREE BEHIND THE ANGEL REMINDS US OF THE TREE OF
LIFE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN, AS WELL AS THE CROSS UPON
WHICH CHRIST SAVED THE WORLD from the Fall of Adam
and Eve.
9.
THE THIRD DIVINE ANGEL IS WEARING A BLUE GARMENT
(DIVINITY), UNDER A GREEN VESTMENT.
10. The green colour symbolises THE EARTH AND THE HOLY
SPIRITS MISSION OF RENEWAL.
Green is also THE FESTAL COLOUR OF THE LITURGICAL
VESTMENTS WORN ON PENTECOST SUNDAY (AND ON FEAST
DAYS OF THE LIFE-GIVING HOLY CROSS OF CHRIST
DEPICTING OUR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL) in the Orthodox
and Byzantine Tradition.
11. THE TWO DIVINE ANGELS TO THE RIGHT OF THE FIRST DIVINE
ANGEL, HAVE SLIGHTLY BOWED THEIR HEADS TOWARDS
HIM, illustrating the True Teaching that THE SON IS
BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER, AND HOLY SPIRIT PROCEEDS
FROM THE FATHER.
12. In the centre of the Icon is A TABLE THAT RESEMBLES A
HOLY ALTAR.
13. PLACED ON THE TABLE IS A GOLDEN BOWL OR CHALICE that
contains the calf that Abraham had prepared for
his Guests.
14. THE CENTRAL DIVINE ANGEL (OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST)
APPEARS TO BE BLESSING THE MEAL.
15. All of these details combined reminds us of THE HOLY
MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST.
While not the most direct Representation of the Holy
Trinity, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST PROFOUND VISUALIZATIONS
EVER PRODUCED.
This Holy Icon of the Holy Trinity, without doubt, remains
in the Orthodox and Byzantine Traditions the primary
way - (the only way!) - to depict the Triune God.
THIS HOLY ICON OF THE HOLY TRINITY IS FREQUENTLY USED BY
CATECHISTS TO TEACH OTHERS ABOUT THE DIVINE MYSTERY OF
THE HOLY TRINITY.
THE HOLY TRINITY IS A MOST PROFOUND DIVINE MYstery and
will always be so while we are on Earth in this
mortal lifespan.
However, sometimes by the Grace and Great Mercy of
our Lord - we are granted brief glimpses into Gods
Divine Life, and, certainly, St Andrei Rublevs Holy Icon
allows us a brief second to peek behind the Veil!
7.
22.
DIVINE MYSTERY
IN
US
FOR OUR
SALVATION
PENTECOST MONDAY
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/2011/01/HOWSPIRIT-WORKS-IN-US-FOR-OUR.HTML
OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT
20 JUNE 2016
24 June 2016
Prostasia
ULOUS
ONCEPTION
At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zaharias conceived; and she hid herself for five months, saying: Thus has the Lord
dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.
...Now Elizabeths full time came for her to be delivered. And she brought forth a son.
And when her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown Great Mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
And on the Eighth Day, they went to circumcise the child, and they would have named him by the name of his father,
Zacharias. And His mother said: No! For he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is no one among
your relatives who is called by this name. They made signs to his father what he would have him called. And he
asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all marvelled. Immediately his mouth
was opened, and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God.
And Fear came on all who dwelt around them. And all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of
Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying: What kind of child will this be? And the
Hand of the Lord was with him.
...And Zacharias, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for
He has Visited and Redeemed His People... ...And Thou, child, will be called the Prophet of the Highest. Thou will
go before the Face of the Lord to prepare His Ways...
...The child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his Manifestation to Israel.
Elizabeth Conceived: THE MIRACULOUS CONCEPTION OF ST
CRUCIAL ROLES HELD BY VARIOUS PEOPLE OF THE OLD
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
COVENANT: THE HOLY OFFICES OF PROPHET, PRIEST AND
is Liturgically celebrated on 24 September, and
KING
CONFIRMS THE SANCTITY OF MARITAL RELATIONS FOR THOSE
ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED ALL THREE HOLY
PAST THEIR CHILDBEARING YEARS.
OFFICES PERFECTLY.
Hid herself: SINCE THE TIME OF MALACHI, GOD HAD NOT SENT
CIRCUMCISION WAS A SIGN OF ISRAELS (BLOOD) COVENANT WITH
A GREAT PROPHET TO ISRAEL.
GOD and the means whereby a male became a
1 MACCABEES 9: 27: There was great perplexity in
member of Gods Community.
Israel, such as had not been seen since the days
GENESIS 17:10-14 (& LEVITICUS 12:3):
THIS IS THE
when the Prophets ceased to be seen in their
COVENANT YOU SHALL KEEP; between Me and you
midst.
and your seed after you throughout their
THIS SILENCING OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD SERVED TO
generations: every male child among you shall
HEIGHTEN THE ANTICIPATION OF THE MESSIAH AND TO MAKE IT
be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in
ALL THE MORE EVIDENT WHEN HE CAME.
the flesh of your foreskin. It shall be A SIGN OF THE
COVENANT BETWEEN ME AND YOU. A CHILD OF EIGHT
AS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS THE LAST AND GREATEST HOLY
PROPHET OF GOD WHO PREPARED THE WAY FOR CHRIST
DAYS OLD SHALL BE CIRCUMCISED BY YOU every male
child throughout your genealogy; he who is born
OUR SAVIOUR, HE WAS KEPT HIDDEN UNTIL CHRIST THE
in your house, and he who is bought with your
INCARNATE SON OF GOD WAS CONCEIVED.
money must be circumcised; and MY COVENANT
Only then ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS REVEALED THROUGH HIS
SHALL BE IN YOUR FLESH FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT.
FIRST PROPHETIC ACT OF LEAPING WITH JOY INSIDE ST
And the uncircumcised male child(s) ...soul shall
ELIZABETHS WOMB.
be cut off from his people for he has broken My
When ST ZACHARIAS WAS STRUCK DUMB DUE TO HIS LACK OF
Covenant.
FAITH, IT ALSO SERVED AS PROOF THAT ST GABRIEL THE
THE NEW COVENANT WITH GOD IS A BLOODLESS COVENANT
ARCHANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TRUE.
AND HOLY BAPTISM OF BOTH MALE AND FEMALE IS OUR
THE SILENCING OF THE HIGH PRIEST ALSO REVEALED A DEEPER
NEW CIRCUMCISION.
MYSTERY: THE MESSIAH WAS EXPECTED TO FULFIL THREE
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2016
23
WAKENED
OF
, A
ST PAUL
LERT
TO
ROMANS 13 : 11 14 : 4
RMOUR
OF LIGHT.
Brethren: ... and do this - knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our Salvation is
nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent the Day is at hand. Let us cast off the works of
Darkness, and let us put on the Armour of Light. As in the day, let us walk properly not in revelry and
drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ - and for the flesh,
make no provision to fulfil its lusts.
Receive those who are weak in Faith, but do not dispute over doubtful things. One believes that he may eat all things he who is weak, eats only vegetables. Let him who eats, not despise him who does not eat, and let him who does
not eat, not judge him who eats - God has received him.
Who are you to judge Anothers servant? To his own Master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for
God is able to make him stand.
EXPECTATION OF FUTURE SALVATION THROUGH THE
We must NEVER JUDGE OTHERS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO
GLORIOUS COMING OF CHRIST MOTIVATES US TO
AUTHORITY or right to do so, being wretched sinners
VIGILANCE AND PROPER CONDUCT.
ourselves.
WE ARE ALL GODS SERVANTS WHOM ONLY GOD CAN
The night is this life under the influence of evil powers
while the day is the Glorious Coming or rather, the
JUDGE.
Reappearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
WE WILL BE JUDGED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE like those
IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT
we dare to criticise, so therefore TAKE GREAT
CANNOT BE COMPROMISED BUT THERE ARE ALSO GREY
CARE NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS.
AREAS.
Instead LOOK CLOSELY AT YOURSELF AND CORRECT YOUR
GOD IS GRACIOUS AND ALLOWS DIVERSITY IN DOUBTFUL THINGS
OWN FLAWS.
[personal opinions - not Gods Truth] BUT NOT MATTERS
THROUGH CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS OF OURSELVES AND
INVOLVING CHRISTIAN DOGMA.
CORRECTION OF OUR OWN ERRORS, WE WILL GROW
SPIRITUALLY STRONGER AND LESS CRITICAL OF OTHERS.
WE MUST CONDUCT OR BEHAVE OURSELVES ACCORDING TO
CHRISTIAN TEACHING, HAVING PUT ON CHRIST AT OUR HOLY
ONLY GOD KNOWS THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF HIS
BAPTISM.
CREATURES AND HE WILL DECIDE WHO HAS ETERNAL
THE CROSSES WE WEAR ARE A REMINDER TO US, AND OTHERS,
LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH.
OF THE RISEN CHRIST WHOM WE ARE STRIVING TO IMITATE
The two examples of flexible areas in this reference
EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES. We must STRUGGLE TO LIVE UP TO
concern food restrictions and the observance of
THE CHRISTIAN IDEALS HE PRESENTED TO US.
Liturgical Calendars, thing that the Spiritually Weak
THOSE WEAK IN THE FAITH ARE CHRISTIANS OF IMMATURE
might try to use to judge others or to divide the
Church.
CONSCIENCE AND WISDOM who may attach primary
importance to secondary matters, such as foods and
In both cases, we are commanded to BE FLEXIBLE WITH
religious festivals.
OTHERS JUST AS GOD HIMSELF IS WITH US!
[Many pay more attention to the rituals rather than the complete,
DURING ANY PERIOD OF FASTING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things that have been fulfilled among us just as those who, from the beginning, were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, delivered them to us - it
seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an
orderly account, most excellent Theophilos, so that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were
instructed.
There was - in the days of Herod, the King of Judea - a certain Priest named Zacharias, of the Division of Abijah. And
his wife was one of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both Righteous before God,
walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because
Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
While he was serving as Priest before God in the Order of his Division, according to the custom of the Priesthood, his lot
fell to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord. And a whole multitude of the people was praying
outside at the Hour of Incense.
An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the Altar of Incense. And when Zacharias saw him,
he was troubled, and Fear fell upon him.
The Angel said to him: Fear not, Zacharias! Thy Prayer is heard, and Thy wife, Elizabeth, will bear Thee a son, and
Thou shalt call his name John. And Thou will have Joy an Gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. He will be
Great in the Sight of the Lord. And shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy
Spirit, even from his mothers womb. And he will turn many of the Sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will
go before Him in the Spirit and Power of Elijah, ...to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children... and the
disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
And Zacharias said to the Angel: How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.
24
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2016
And the Angel answered and said to him: I am Gabriel who stands in the Presence of God. And was sent to speak to
Thee and bring Thee these Glad Tidings. And behold! Thou will be mute and not able to speak until the day these
things take place. Because Thou did not believe my words they will be fulfilled in their own time.
And the people waited for Zacharias. And they marvelled that he lingered so long in the Temple.
When he came out, he could not speak to them. And they perceived that he had seen a Vision in the Temple. And he
beckoned to them, and remained speechless.
So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.
At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zaharias conceived.
And she hid herself for five months, saying: Thus has the Lord dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to
take away my reproach among people.
...Now Elizabeths full time came for her to be delivered. And she brought forth a son.
And when her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown Great Mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
And on the Eighth Day, they went to circumcise the child, and they would have named him by the name of his father,
Zacharias. And His mother said: No! For he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is no one among
your relatives who is called by this name. They made signs to his father what he would have him called. And he
asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all marvelled.
Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God.
And Fear came on all who dwelt around them. And all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of
Judea. And all those who heard them, kept them in their hearts, saying: What kind of child will this be?
And the Hand of the Lord was with him.
...And Zacharias, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for
He has Visited and Redeemed His People... And Thou, child, will be called the Prophet of the Highest. Thou will go
before the Face of the Lord to prepare His Ways...
...The child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his Manifestation to Israel.
AS EYEWITNESSES AND INTIMATE CONTEMPORARIES OF OUR LORD
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH HAD CONTINUOUSLY PRAYED FOR A
JESUS CHRIST, HIS DISCIPLES LISTENED TO HIS HOLY GOSPEL
SON and at last their Prayers were answered when St
(GOOD NEWS) AND SAW HIS DIVINE MIRACLES FIRSTHAND.
Gabriel, the Archangel of God, was sent to Announce
As St Luke himself was not one of the original Disciples of
the coming of their son who would always be
remembered as St John the Baptist & Forerunner to
our Lord Jesus, HIS HOLY GOSPEL IS ANCHORED ON THE TRUE
Christ our Lord. (The name John means the Grace
TESTIMONY OF THESE ORIGINAL WITNESSES.
of God.)
ST LUKE ADDRESSED HIMSELF TO THEOPHILOS, A PROMINENT
GENTILE, WHO HAD RECEIVED CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION.
THE ARCHANGEL GABRIELS DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER
AND ROLE OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IS AS AN ASCETIC
However, nothing else is known of him.
St Lukes Holy Gospel is written as AN ORDERLY ACCOUNT so
PROPHET OF GOD who was to prepare the Hebrew
as to provide greater certainty CONCERNING THE DETAILS
Nation for the long-awaited Coming of the
Messiah.
OF OUR LORDS HOLY MINISTRY.
ST LUKE WAS ON THE ONLY EVANGELIST WHO PROVIDED
The Hebrews expected St Elijah, one of the greatest
Prophets of Israel, to reappear from Heaven in order
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BIRTH AND INFANCY OF ST JOHN THE
to Anoint the Messiah.
BAPTIST.
ST ZACHARIAS QUESTION: How shall I know this? INDICATED A
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH WERE ACKNOWLEDGED AS
SLIGHT LACK OF FAITH IN GODS PROMISE AND HIS SUBSEQUENT
BEING A RIGHTEOUS COUPLE OF PRIESTLY LINEAGE, WHO
MUTENESS SERVED BOTH AS A DISCIPLINE FOR HIS UNBELIEF AND
LIVED THEIR ENTIRE LIVES IN THE FULFILMENT OF GODS
AS A SIGN OF THE DIVINE TRUTH OF ST GABRIELS
WILL.
ANNOUNCEMENT.
Nevertheless, ST ELIZABETH WAS BARREN, like so many other
CIRCUMCISION WAS A MOST IMPORTANT RITUAL whereby a male
significant women mentioned in holy scripture. (SUCH
AS SARAH - GENESIS 16:1; REBECCA GENESIS 25:21; HANNAH 1
child was initiated into the Covenant Nation of God.
SAMUEL 1:2).
AFTER CHRIST - ACCORDING TO THE NEW BLOODLESS COVENANT INFERTILITY WAS REGARDED AS A PUBLIC REPROACH and it was
CIRCUMCISION WAS REPLACED BY THE TONSURING IN THE HOLY
viewed very negatively because a womans most
MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
important role in family life was to produce as many
According to our New, Bloodless Covenant with God, Tonsuring is
living children as possible to continue the family
the Bloodless New Circumcision whereby we offer a tiny
name and to contribute to the welfare of the family.
portion of ourselves hair to God as our Affirmation of
BARREN WOMEN WERE USUALLY DENIGRATED AND INSULTED, being
Absolute Faith in our Triune, Almighty God. mp
regarded as parasites rather than valuable
THE SONG OF ST ZACHARIAS (THE BENEDICTOS) WAS A
contributors to society.
PROPHETIC HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD WHO IS BLESSED FOR
EACH PRIEST WHO SERVED GOD AT THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM WAS
HIS GRACIOUS AND REDEEMING ACTS AMONG HIS PEOPLE
ASSIGNED TO A DIVISION. [1 CHRONICLES 23:3-6; 28:13]
IN FULFILMENT OF THE MESSIANIC PROMISES.
There were 24 divisions in all, each serving a week at a
time by rotation. The responsibilities of the priests in
each division were decided by drawing lots.
THE NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
OF
ST JOHN
THE
THE
BAPTIST &
FORERUNNER
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2016
25
Repent!
THE
(MATTHEW 3:2)
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
ST GREGORY PALAMAS
THE HOMILIES, ON BAPTISM AND REPENTANCE
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/2011/01/WHAT-JOHN-BAPTISTTAUGHT-ABOUT.HTML
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2016
TONE
(8) PLAGAL 4
Ton en olon to kosmo Martiron Sou, os porfiran ke visson Thy Church having bedecked herself with the blood of all
ta emata, i Ekklisia Sou stolisameni, di afton voa Si,
Hriste O Theos: To lao Sou tous iktirmous
katapempson, irinin ti politia Sou Dorise, ke tes psihes
imon to Mega Eleos.
Os
Like
FAITH
OF
ST PAUL
OF
ERTAIN
TO THE
ISRAELITES &
THE
PERFEC
TION
OF
FAITH
Brethren: all the Saints, through Faith - subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword. Out of weakness (they) were made
strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead Raised to life
again. Others were tortured - not accepting Deliverance, so that they might obtain a better Resurrection. Others
had trials of mockings and scourgings, of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two,
tempted, slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted,
tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountain, in dens and caves of the
Earth.
And all of these witnesses through Faith having obtained a Good Testimony did not receive the Promise - God having
provided something better for us so that they should not be made Perfect apart from us.
Therefore we also - since we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of Witnesses - let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin that so easily ensnares us - and let us run with Endurance the Race that is set before us, looking unto the Author
and Finisher of our Faith - Jesus Christ.
BY LIVING WITH ALMIGHTY GOD, OBEYING ALL HIS
COMPLETE TRUST IN HIM, Who provides us with all
COMMANDMENTS AND LOVING HIM WITH ALL ONES BEING,
necessary abilities to achieve whatever is
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE in this world
required.
because HE GRANTS US THE STRENGTH TO ENDURE ALL
That is why GOD IS GLORIFIED THROUGH THE SUFFERINGS OF HIS
LIFES DIFFICULTIES, even the inhumane torture
BELOVED FAITHFUL who depend entirely upon Him to
inflicted by others as experienced by the
deliver them from all evil.
ONLY THROUGH THE POWER AND GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD IS
Martyrdom of so many of the Saints throughout the
ages.
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING POSSIBLE!
THE UNSURPASSED SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND DEPTH OF THE
CHRISTS INCARNATION AND ALL THAT HE ACCOMPLISHED FOR
US IN THE FLESH REDEEMED [SAVED] THE OLD COVENANT
FAITH OF THE SAINTS IS TO BE MARVELLED AT AND IMITATED
BY US.
SAINTS WHO, BY FAITH, PARTICIPATE IN HIS RESURRECTION
NOTHING COULD SHAKE THEM LOOSE FROM THEIR UTTER FAITH
AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.
IN AND LOVE OF ALMIGHTY GOD; not even promises of
This entire passage [BEGINNING WITH 10:9] is a
leniency in the midst of horrific tortures could
progressive discourse imploring us to SEEK GODS
make them denounce their Faith.
KINGDOM FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE!
STRENGTH TO ENDURE THE CRUELTIES OF MANKIND AND THE
Under the New Covenant, WE CAN ASCEND TO THIS
CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FALLEN SPIRITUALLY DARKENED HEAVENLY PLACE IN WORSHIP AND PRAYER.
WORLD, IS DUE TO GODS GRACE ONLY - BASED UPON
1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 1ST
OF
ST MATTHEW SUNDAY
OF
27
TO
WE PERSEVERE BY:
1. GETTING RID OF SIN the weight of which keeps us
from heeding the Truth
2. SETTING THE HEAVENLY CITY AS OUR DESTINATION running
the Race of Faith
3. KEEPING OUR ATTENTION FOCUSED UPON JESUS CHRIST OUR
LORD AND KING.
This Race is not a sprint but A MARATHON OF ENDURANCE WHICH DOES NOT END UNTIL WE FULLY ENTER ETERNITY the
Age to come. [1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 27]
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS BOTH THE AUTHOR THE INITIATOR AND FINISHER PERFECTER OF FAITH.
HIS JOY WAS TO DO GOD THE FATHERS WILL.
He endured the Cross meaning that HE VOLUNTARILY
ACCEPTED HUMILIATION AND DEATH and THEREFORE WE
ARE TO FOLLOW HIS DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE.
S T M A T T H E W 10 32 33; 37 38 & 19 : 27 30
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: ... Whoever Confesses Me before men, him will I also Confess before
My Father Who is in Heaven...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 his Cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me...
Peter said to Him: Behold: we have left all and followed Thee. Therefore what shall we have?
Jesus said to them: Truly, I say to you, that 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 houses or Brothers or Sisters or Father or Mother or Wife or Children or lands for My Names sake,
shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit Eternal Life.
Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
The reference to taking up our Crosses in order to
CHRIST JUDGES BY DISCERNING OUR HEARTS AND SOULS and
follow Christ our Lord and Saviour, means that
not by examining our deeds. So also THE APOSTLES
NOTHING MUST PREVENT US FROM BEING ABSOLUTELY
WERE SHAPED TO EXERCISE SPIRITUAL JUDGEMENT
FAITHFUL TO OUR LORD GOD.
CONCERNING FAITH, AND IN REBUKING ERROR WITH
A TRUE AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST MUST ALWAYS BE
VIRTUE.
In other words, GOOD DEEDS ALONE, CANNOT GAIN DIVINE
READY TO OBEY GOD AND EVEN, IF NECESSARY, TO
SACRIFICE FAMILY OR FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE
BLESSINGS FOR US UNLESS OUR HEARTS AND SOULS ARE AS PURE,
AS GOOD AND AS FAITHFUL AS OUR DEEDS - AND VICE VERSA.
SPIRITUALLY DESTRUCTIVE.
HOLY MARTYRDOM FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FAITH IN JESUS
THE APOSTLES WILL NOT JUDGE WITH EARTHLY JUDGEMENT BUT BY
THE WITNESS OF THEIR OWN LIVES.
CHRIST AND ALMIGHTY GOD, IS A FULFILMENT OF THE
PROPHECY of
SINCE GODS DIVINE AND HOLY KINGDOM BEGINS WITH THE
RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, THE AUTHORITY OF JUDGEMENT
MICHAH 7: 5 - 7: ...do not trust in friends, nor put your
HAS ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO THE HOLY APOSTLES AND
hope in those who govern. Beware of your wife
and do not tell her anything. For a son dishonours
THEIR SUCCESSORS IN THE JOURNEY OF THE CHURCH ON
his father, a daughter will rise up against her
EARTH. (MATTHEW 16:19 JOHN 20:23)
This brings us back to THE HOLY MYSTERY OR SACRAMENT
mother, a daughter-in-lay against her mother-inlaw; a mans enemies are all the people of his own
OF CONFESSION WHEREBY REPENTANT SINNERS, HAVING
REPENTED AND CONFESSED THEIR SINS BEFORE GOD AND
house but I will LOOK TO THE LORD...
OUR LORD JESUS AS THE ALL DIVINE AND ALL KNOWING SON OF
HIS HOLY PRIESTS (OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS) ARE FORGIVEN
GOD KNEW EVERYTHING THAT HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND
THEIR SINS BY MEANS OF DIVINE AUTHORITY BESTOWED
APOSTLES WOULD HAVE TO ENDURE IN THE TIME TO COME AND
UPON THEM BY GOD.
THROUGHOUT ALL THE AGES.
THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CONFESSION ALL OUR
OUR LORD ENCOURAGES US THROUGH ALL OUR DIFFICULTIES IN
REPENTED AND CONFESSED SINS ARE COMPLETELY
LIFE
REMOVED from the pages of our Books of Life
even if we are not confronted by terrible Martyrdom
wherein every word, thought and deed is
WE ARE CONSTANTLY THREATENED BY DESTRUCTIVE, FATAL
recorded by our Holy Guardian Angels who
UNGODLINESS AND SPIRITUAL ADVERSITY.
defend us after death and who help us TO ENTER
WE MUST DO EVERYTHING ACCORDING TO OUR LOVE OF GOD
ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD.
AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.
On the contrary: ALL OUR UNREPENTED SINS ARE ALSO
We must not follow the destructive norms of social life
RECORDED BY THE DEMONS WHO WILL LOUDLY ACCUSE US
OF THEM AND TRY TO CLAIM OUR SOULS FOR ETERNAL
but instead TAKE UP OUR CROSSES AND FOLLOW
FAITHFULLY IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST WHO IS OUR
CONDEMNATION AND EVER LASTING SPIRITUAL DEATH IN
ONLY JUDGE AND MASTER.
OUTER DARKNESS EXTREME AND PERMANENT ETERNAL
We must not worry about what our fellow sinners may
EXILE FROM GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD,
think or do. And, in fact, we will SHOW THEM THE WAY
PEACEFUL AND LOVING!
BY OUR OWN HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PEACEFUL LIFE IN
WHATEVER GOOD WE DO IN THIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
CHRIST.
LOVE OF GOD AND HIS CREATURES, BRINGS US ABUNDANT
THE DULL AND STUBBORNLY IGNORANT WILL REMAIN IN
BLESSINGS AND HELPS US TO PROGRESS TOWARDS ETERNAL
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS BY THEIR OWN CHOICE, but there
LIFE.
are SOME WHO WILL FOLLOW US INTO THE DIVINE LIGHT
God, being not only Just but also Merciful and Loving,
AND LIFE IN CHRIST.
grants to even the very last repentant sinner His
SPIRITUALLY STUBBORN AND DEAD SINNERS WILL ALWAYS FIND
Great Blessings THE VERY LAST REPENTANT SINNER
EXCUSES AND TRY TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM OBEYING
RECEIVES AS MANY BLESSINGS AND LOVE AS THE FIRST TO
GODS DIVINE WILL EITHER BY THEIR WORDS, THEIR DEEDS
ENTER ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD.
OR THEIR ATTITUDES.
WE ARE ALL EQUAL BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD BUT IT IS ENTIRELY
These are the people whom our Lord tells us to ignore
UP TO OUR OWN EFFORTS AND DECISIONS OUR OWN FREE WILL although WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL
WHETHER WE WISH TO LIVE ETERNALLY IN THE SIGHT AND LOVE
ENLIGHTENMENT AND DELIVERANCE, FOR, IF WE LOVE GOD AND
OF GOD OR WHETHER WE REJECT HIM AND ALL HIS ABUNDANT,
HIS CREATURES, WE DO NOT WISH ANYONE TO BE LEFT OUT OF
INFINITE LOVE AND BLESSINGS.
HIS DIVINE AND EVERLASTING KINGDOM.
28.
OF
ST MATTHEW SUNDAY
OF
OF
OF
ST MATTHEW SUNDAY
OF
ALL SAINTS
ST MATTHEW SUNDAY
OF
29
30.
OF
ST MATTHEW SUNDAY
OF
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.
29 June 2016
ikoumeni
THE
Prostasia
PROKEIMENON PSALM 18
(8) PLAGAL 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE SECOND EPISTLE
OF ST
PAUL
TO THE
CORINTHIANS 11: 21 12 : 9
ST PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP, RECOUNTING HIS SUFFERINGS, VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES
Brethren, ...to our shame I say that we were too weak for that! In whatever anyone is bold I speak foolishly I am
bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are
they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more - in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in
prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Judeans five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three
times I was beaten with rods. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have been in the deep.
In Journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.
In weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in Fastings often, in cold and nakedness besides the
other things that come upon me daily - my deep concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will
boast in the things that concern my infirmity.
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
In Damascus the Governor, under Aretas the King, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring
to arrest me; and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to Visions and Revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not
know, God knows such a one was caught up to the Third Heaven. And I know such a man whether in the body
or out of the body I do not know, God knows how he was caught up into Paradise and heard Inexpressible Words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast - yet of myself I will not boast, except in my
infirmities. Although I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool. I will speak the Truth. I refrain, lest anyone should
think of me above what he sees me to be, or hears from me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the Revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me a messenger of Satan - to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Three times I pleaded with the Lord that it
might depart from me. And He said to me: "My Grace is sufficient for you. for My Strength is made perfect in
weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.
St Paul listed his Hebrew and Christian credentials
AND PARADISE, WHICH IS WHERE GOD IS SURROUNDED BY THE
according to his opponents level of argument.
ASSEMBLY OF THE JUST IN THE CITY OF GOD.
GENEALOGY WAS IMPORTANT TO THE JUDEANS and ST PAUL HAD
Unlike his opponents who publicly boasted of their own
HIS OWN IMPRESSIVE GENEALOGY AND HIS CHRISTIAN
greatness in their Mystical Experiences, ST PAUL
EXPERIENCE WAS INCOMPARABLE WITH ANYONE ELSE his
REGARDED HIS OWN THORN IN THE FLESH AS HAVING BEEN
suffering, his compassionate, involved concern for
BESTOWED UPON HIM IN ORDER TO KEEP HIM HUMBLE.
others and even his rather extraordinary Missionary
His thorn was a chronic physical problem (some have
Journeys throughout the known world of the time and
suggested stomach or gastric ulcers or even cancer,
everything he endured since his Miraculous
which caused intense discomfort and constant pain)
Conversion.
as well as the deluded Christians or stubborn
St Pauls opponents had probably boasted of their Visions
Israelites with whom he had to daily contend.
and Revelations so St Paul mentioned one of his own,
Nevertheless, for St Paul, HIS HUMBLING PHYSICAL WEAKNESSES
fourteen years previously, which dated the Event
- NOT HIS MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES - WERE THE MEANS WHEREBY
before he began his Missionary Journeys HIS DIVINE
THE POWER OF CHRIST REMAINED WITH HIM.
CALLING BY CHRIST ALONG THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
DIVINE GRACE ACCOMPANIES TRUE VIRTUE ESPECIALLY THAT OF
St Paul used two Hebrew terms to describe the Heavenly
OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY.
Realms: THE THIRD HEAVEN, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST HEAVEN
OF
ST MATTHEW SUNDAY
OF
31
TO
ST MATTHEW 16 : 13 19
ST PETER CONFESSES OUR LORD JESUS AS THE CHRIST & IS PROMISED THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
At that time, when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, saying: "What do men say
Who is the Son of Man?" They said: "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah. Others, Jeremiah or one of the
Prophets."
He asked them: "And Whom do you say that I Am?" Simon Peter answered, saying: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
Living God." And Jesus replied, saying to him: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not
revealed it to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. I say you that you are Peter; and upon this Rock I shall
build My Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against Her. And I will give you the Keys of the
Kingdom of Heaven. And whatsoever you shall bind upon Earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven. And
whatsoever you shall Loosen on Earth, it shall be Loosened also in Heaven.
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? Is the greatest question Hence, BY SHATTERING THE GATES, CHRIST OPENED THE
STRONGHOLD OF DEATH AND SET THE SOULS OF THE
we can ever answer!!
RIGHTEOUS FREE.
St Peters ringing Confession: THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE
In all the Holy Gospels, the word Church [Ekklessia =
SON OF THE LIVING GOD! IS A DIVINELY INSPIRED INSIGHT
Gathering] is mentioned twice by our Lord (here and in
GIVEN TO HIM BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
MATTHEW 18:17) describing THE TRUE ISRAEL WHOSE
Our Lord Jesus Messianic Identity and Divinity, the Mystery
CITIZENSHIP IS HEAVENLY.
hidden from Eternity, cannot be truly known through
She is THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE DIVINE-HUMAN ORGANISM, and
human intelligence or reasoning, but only by Gods
to Her comes the Call of our Lord Jesus for the whole of
Revelation. [1 CORINTHIANS 12:3]
mankind TO ABIDE WITH HIM AND IN HIM. [EPHESIANS 1:23]
The title Christ means the Anointed One and AS CHRIST
The expression Keys of the Kingdom, clearly implies A
IS TRULY THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THE FATHER HAS
SPECIAL AUTHORITY THAT CHRIST GAVE TO ST PETER
ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. [acts 10:38]
HIMSELF, BUT WHICH WAS NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS
King David wrote: THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
ANOINTED THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE THAN
Furthermore, while St Peter was a Leader of the
THY COMPANIONS. [PSALM 45:7]
Disciples and of the early Church, ALL THE HOLY
St Isaiah, speaking in the Name of the Lord, said: the Spirit
APOSTLES WERE EMPOWERED EQUALLY WITH CHRISTS
of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath
DIVINE AUTHORITY.
Anointed Me. [ISAIAH 61:1]
Therefore, ST PETER WAS NOT A LEADER OVER THE OTHERS BUT
The name Peter is a play on the word for Rock or
A LEADER AMONGST THEM, as seen at the Council of
Stone in Aramaic and Greek. (Petros/Petra).
Jerusalem, where Elders or Presbyters [Priests] met with
THE TERM ROCK DID NOT REFER TO ST PETER HIMSELF BUT TO
the Apostles altogether AS EQUALS.
HIS SINCERE CONFESSION OF FAITH.
Roman Papal claims in later centuries must not be confused
THE TRUE ROCK AND FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IS, OF
with the New Testament Witness regarding St Peter, nor
COURSE, CHRIST HIMSELF.
should the Role of St Peter in the New Testament be
THE CHURCH RESTS UPON THIS ROCK BY HER UNCHANGING
minimised in opposition to those claims!
FAITH AND HER CONFESSION.
BINDING AND LOOSENING IS A REFERENCE TO THE
WITH THIS UNCHANGING, FIRMLY ROOTED, SOLID FAITH AS
TEACHING, SACRAMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS
THE FOUNDATION, THE GATES OF HADES, THE POWER OF
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES THAT WERE SUBSEQUENTLY
DEATH AND DESTRUCTION, ARE POWERLESS AGAINST
TRANSMITTED TO THE BISHOPS OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF
HER.
CHRIST.
In the Old Testament, the term Gates suggested a
fortified city. [GENESIS 22:17; 24:60; ISAIAH 14:31]
THE FEAST
OF THE
32.
29 JUNE 2016
30 June 2016
Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles :
St Andrew (First Called) & St Peter, St James (the Less or the Younger) & St John the Beloved
Apostle, (sons of Zebedee), St Philip, St Bartholomew, (formerly Nathaniel), St Thomas
(Didymos/the Twin), St Matthew Levi, (the Publican), St James the Just & St Jude (sons of St Joseph the Betrothed), St Simon
Zealotes (of Canaan), St Matthias (replaced Judas Iscariot the Betrayer of Christ)
Also the Feast of St Michael the New Martyr of Athens - St Peter the Prince of Ordinsk, Rostov St Sophronios of Irkutsk St
Gelasios of Rimit Monastery, Transylvania St Dinar, Holy Queen of Georgia
HYMNS
OF THE
Soson imas,
Iie Theou, O en Agiis Thavmastos, psallontas Si:
Allilouia!
Save
us, O Son of God, Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints,
who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Apostoli
OF
APOSTLES TONE 3
ikoumeni
SEASONAL KONTAKION -
THE
Prostasia
OF THE
12 HOLY APOSTLES -
TONE
(8) PLAGAL 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE FIRST EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you
are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and
are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place. And we labour, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the
world, and are the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. For although you have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet have you not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you. I
beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 9 : 36 10 : 8
At that time, our Lord Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with Compassion for them, for they were weary and
scattered, like Sheep without a Shepherd. He said to His Twelve Disciples: The Harvest is truly plentiful, but the
Labourers are few. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send out Labourers into His Harvest.
And when He had Called unto Him His Twelve Disciples, He granted them Authority against unclean spirits, to cast
them out, and to Heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother; James, the
son of Zebedee, and John, his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the Publican; James, the
son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who
would betray Him.
These Twelve Jesus sent out, and commanded them, saying: Do not go into the way of the Gentiles and do not enter
a city of the Samaritans. Go rather to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. As you so, preach, saying: The
Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Heal the sick, Cleanse the lepers, Raise the dead, cast out demons.
Freely you have received freely give!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DOES NOT SEE PEOPLE AS SINNERS TO
He always shares our Spiritual and physical suffering
BE CONDEMNED, BUT RATHER AS LOST SHEEP to be found and
because of His Infinite Love for us.
brought safely home.
The imagery of being ...like Sheep who have no
Shepherd... is drawn from the Old Testament and is
His Compassion means that HE SUFFERS WITH AND FOR ALL
THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY LOST.
AN ACCUSATION AGAINST JEWISH LEADERS WHO - although
CHARGED BY GOD WITH THE SACRED DUTY OF BEING SPIRITUAL
In His human Nature CHRIST UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT MEANS FOR
US HUMAN BEINGS TO BE LOST AND EXILED FROM THE DIVINE
SHEPHERDS OF HIS HOLY FLOCK His Chosen People ACTED LIKE RAVENOUS WOLVES instead:
PRESENCE AND GRACE OF HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.
SYNAXIS
OF THE
OF
CHRIST
OUR
30 JUNE 2016
33
THIS IS A
THE SYNAXIS
OF THE
OF
CHRIST
The Synaxis of the Glorious and All Praiseworthy Twelve Apostles of Christ is an ancient Feast. The Holy Church of Christ
honours each of the Twelve Apostles on separate dates during the year, and has a general Commemoration for all of
them on the day after the Commemoration of the Glorious and First-Ranked among the Apostles, St Peter and St Paul.
THE COMMEMORATIONS & MARTYRDOMS
St Peter
St Andrew
St James, (Zebedee)
St John, Theologian & Evangelist
St Philip
St Bartholomew
St Thomas
St Matthew, Evangelist
St James (Alphaeus)
St Thaddeus Jude (Joseph)
St Simon The Zealot
St Matthias
St Paul
THE CALL TO
The Remembrance of the Saints of God reminds us that
as Faithful, Struggling Disciples of Christ - each of us is
Called to be a Saint.
St Justin Popovich explained that the Saints are the most
perfect Christians, who have been Sanctified to the
highest degree.
St John Maximovitch said that the Saints are those who
possess a high degree of Righteousness, and are filled
with the Grace of God to such an extent that it flows
from them and profoundly touches those around
them.
Both St Justin and St John believed the same thing, for
Saints are Deified Sanctified, Spiritually Perfected
human beings, who are filled with Divine Grace -the
Uncreated Energies of God by having live the
Divine-human Life of Christ within His Holy Church.
Every Orthodox Christian partakes to some extent of this
Divine-human Life in Christ.
St Justin Popovich wrote: "Christ's Life is continued through
all the ages. Every Christian is of the same Body with
Christ, and we are Christian because we strive to Live
the Divine-human Life of this Body of Christ as Its
organic cell.
"Life according to the Gospel - Holy Life, Divine Life - is the
natural and normal Life for us, for according to our
Sacred Vocation, we are Holy."
To become completely Holy in soul and body is our
Sacred Vocation, which is miraculous, but rather
the norm - the Rule of Faith.
OF THE
SANCTITY
"Having united themselves spiritually and by Grace to the
Holy One - Christ our Lord - with the Help of Faith,
Christians receive from Him the Holy Energies that
enable them to lead a holy life." (ST JUSTIN)
It is our Task as Disciples of Christ to acquire more and
more of this Divine-human Life, growing deeper and
deeper into it, regaining our Likeness of Christ, and
being filled with more Divine Grace.
Even though we may never acquire as much Divine
Grace as our Greatest Saints, yet we are Called to
ceaselessly strive for the Acquisition of such an
overflowing measure of Divine Grace!
We have so much further to go in our Spiritual Life, yet
even the greatest Saints Struggled constantly right to
the end.
Constantine Cavarnos commented: "Sanctification admits
of degrees, for the Perfection of a human being
attained even in Theosis [Deification] is not complete
during this lifespan, as it is an 'unfinished Perfection,'
as referred to in The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St.
John Klimakos."
Even Spiritual Perfection or Holiness is not complete in
Eternity where it infinitely increases.
St Symeon the New Theologian, himself Deified human
being taught us: "Through a clear Revelation from
Above, Saints know that their Perfection is endless,
that their evolution in Glory is Eternal, that in them
there is a continual increase in Divine Radiance,
and that their Spiritual Progress will never cease."
HTTP://ORTHODOXINFO.COM/GENERAL/PLACE_LIVES.ASPX
34.
SYNAXIS
OF THE
OF
CHRIST
OUR
30 JUNE 2016