Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

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

1 / 28 October 2018
Holy Protection of Our Ever Blessed, All Holy Lady, Theotokos
(C OMME M OR ATED ON 28 O C TOBER IN G R EECE – NA TIONAL “OXI” D AY )

Also the Feast of St Ananias of the 70 Apostles of Christ – St Romanos the Melodist – St John
Koukouzelous.

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF THE HOLY PROTECTION – TONE 1

Tis Skepis Sou Parthene, animnoumen tas haritas, in os We sing the praises of the Graces of Thy Protecting Veil,
Fotoforon Nefelin, efaplis iper ennian, ke Skepis ton O Virgin, which, like a Light-bearing Cloud, Thou
Laon Sou noeros, ek pasis ton ehthron epivoulis. Se gar unfolds beyond understanding, and Thou Spiritually
Skepin ke Prostatin ke voithon, kektimetha voontes Si.. protects Thy People from every assault by their foes.
✞ Doxa tis Megaliis Sou Agni! Doxa ti Thia Skepi Sou! For was have gained Thee as Protectress, and Defender,
Doxa ti pros imas Sou, promithia Ahrante! and Helper, as we cry out to Thee: ✞ Glory to Thy
Mighty Deeds, O Pure One! ✞ Glory to Thy Protection!
✞ Glory to Thy Providence towards us, O Immaculate!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF THE HOLY PROTECTION – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Theotoke Aiparthene, tin Agian Sou Skepin, di is Ever Virgin Theotokos, Thy Holy Protection, by which
periskepis, tous is se elpizontas, kratean to Ethni Sou Thou protects those who hope in Thee, Thou hast
katafigin edoriso; oti os pale ke nin thavmastos imas granted to Thy nation, as a Mighty Shelter; because, as
esosas, os noiti nefeli, ton laon Sou perivalousa. Dio of old, even now Thou miraculously Saved us, by
disopoumen se, irinin ti politia Sou Dorise, ke tes psihes enveloping Thy people, like a Spiritual Cloud.
imon to Mega Eleos Wherefore, we implore Thee: Grant Peace to Thy
commonwealth, and to our souls, Great Mercy.
MENAION - SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon Deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
28 OCTOBER – MENAION - FESTAL KONTAKION – HOLY PROTECTION -TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Osper Nefeli aglaos episkiazousa, tis Ekklisias ta Like a Cloud brightly overshadowing the whole Company
pliromata Panahrante, en ti poli pale ofthis ti Vasilidi. of the Church, O All Pure One, Thou appeared of old
All’ os Skepi tou Laou Sou ke ipermahos, periskepason on the Royal City. But as the Protection and Champion
imas ek pasis thlipseos, tous kravgazontas. Here, of Thy People, Protect from every affliction us who cry
Skepi Olofote. to Thee: Hail, O Protection wholly Light!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – THEOTOKOS’ MAGNIFICAT - LUKE 1 – TONE 3
Megalini i psihi mou ton Kyrion ke igalliase to pnevma My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God
mou epi to Theo to Sotiri mou! my Saviour!
Oti epevlepsen epi tin tapinosin tis Doulis Aftou For He has regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 9 : 1 – 7
Brethren: ... the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service and the Earthly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was
prepared: the first part, in which was the Lampstand, and the Table, and the Showbread, which is called ‘the
Sanctuary.’ Behind the Second Veil, the part of the Tabernacle, which is called the ‘Holy of Holies,’ which had the
Golden Censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the Golden Pot that
contained the Manna, the Rod of Aaron that budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim
of Glory, overshadowing the Mercy Seat.
Of these things we cannot these days speak in detail.
When these things had been prepared, in the first part of the Tabernacle, the Services were always performed by the
Priests. In the second part, the High Priest went alone once a year – not without blood, which he offered for himself
and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance...
THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE MOSAIC TABERNACLE, WHICH A most important detail in St Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews
PREFIGURED THE HEAVENLY ALTAR. concerns THE INNER VEIL – THE SECOND VEIL – WHICH
This passage is read during the Great Feasts of our Lady SEPARATES THE HOLY PLACE – THE HOLY SANCTUARY – FROM
Theotokos and Advent (before the Feast of the Nativity THE MOST HOLY PLACE – THE HOLY OF HOLIES OR THE HOLIEST
of Christ) in order to describe the Great Holy Mystery OF ALL, WHICH CONTAINED THE MYSTERIOUS ARK OF THE
of the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God. COVENANT AND INTO WHICH ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD
THE EVER BLESSED, EVER VIRGIN MARY’S WOMB WAS PREPARED TO ENTER ON ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR.
BE THE HOLY TABERNACLE OF CHRIST – THE VERY DWELLING The Inner Veil forms THE LOCUS OF THE LITURGICAL PRACTICE
PLACE OF THE LORD OUR GOD. OF THE OLD COVENANT and reveals its imperfection – for

H OLY P R OTEC TION OF OU R E VE R BL E SSE D AL L H OLY LA DY , THE OTOKOS - 1 & 28 OC TOBER 1.

 the people could not draw close to God and the High
Priest could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year
for his own sins as well as those of the people.
At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RESOLVED
OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM GOD. (MATTHEW
27:51)
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT CONTAINED ALL THE PRECIOUS HOLY
RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT AND OF ISRAEL – THE GOLDEN
POT OF MANNA, AARON’S ROD, AND THE STONE TABLETS OF THE
MOSAIC LAW, given to the ancient Patriarch by God
Himself.
GOD IS ENTHRONED UPON THE CHERUBIM, hence, God’s Throne
in the midst of Israel – the Mercy Seat – had a Cherub
depicted on each side.
THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY
DEPICTION OF THE CHERUBIM.
THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the Holy
Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty and
detailed workmanship of everything that was made
for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST HOLY ICONS
OF THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31)
This and various other passages PUT TO REST THE FEAR THAT
THE SECOND DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF GOD PROHIBITS ALL
IMAGERY. (EXODUS 20: 4 – 6)
God the Father and God the Holy Spirit cannot be
represented or depicted because their Divine Nature
is unknowable and hence cannot be depicted.
Their Eternal Unity and Presence with Christ is usually
depicted as two differently coloured shapes behind
the Figure of our Lord such as in the Holy Icon of
the Transfiguration.
The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy
Spirit as an Old Man and a White Dove is a modern,
western influenced heresy, because the Persons of
the Holy Trinity may only be depicted as three
identical “Angels” such as at the Oaks of Mamre –
“the Hospitality of Abraham.”
They NEVER manifested visibly at any other time and
our Lord Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
ONE GOOD THING – HEARING
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ entered a certain village. A woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.
And she had a sister called “Mary,” who sat at Jesus’ Feet, listening to His Word. Martha was distracted with much
serving. She approached and said: “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore
tell her to help me!” Jesus answered and said to her: “Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled about many
things. One thing is needed. Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
... As He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him: “Blessed is the Womb
that bore Thee, and the Breasts that nursed Thee!” He replied: “More than that: Blessed are those who hear the
Word of God and keep It!”
THESE VERSES ARE READ ON MOST OF THE GREAT FEASTS OF OUR
LADY THEOTOKOS
“MARY” AND “MARTHA” ARE THE SISTERS OF ST LAZAROS, (who
ALL HUMANITY IS BLESSED BY GOD WHEN WE HEAR THE WORD
had been dead for four days and whom our Lord
Jesus Christ had resurrected.)
OUR LORD JESUS DID NOT REBUKE ST MARTHA FOR SERVING, BUT
RATHER FOR COMPLAINING AND FOR BEING SO DISTRACTED,
WORRIED AND TROUBLED BY SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS THAT
SHE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD A WORD THAT HE SPOKE.
Instead of listening to what He was saying, even while
busy with her serving, ST MARTHA WAS FOCUSSED ON HER
OWN SELFISH NEEDS AND CONCERNS.
In following our Lord Jesus Christ, WE SERVE IN ORDER TO
FACILITATE THE SPREAD OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL. (ACTS 6 : 1 – 4)
In the second portion of today’s Sacred Lesson, CHRIST
CORRECTS THE WOMAN who shouted from the gathered
crowd – NOT BY DENOUNCING HIS ALL PURE MOTHER, BUT BY
HOLY PROTECTION
The Holy Protection of the Mother of God is one of the most
beloved Feast Days of the Eastern Orthodox Christian
Church, which is COMMEMORATED ON 1 OCTOBER BY THE
SLAVIC CHURCH AND ON 28 OCTOBER BY THE GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH.
It is also known as ‘ the Feast of the Virgin Mary’s Cerement,’
which in most Slavic languages means either “Veil” or
“Protection.” The Russian word “Pokrov” – like the Greek
word “Skepi” - has a complex meaning. First of all it
refers to a cloak or shroud, but it also means “Protection”
or “Intercession.” For this reason, the name of this Feast
is variously translated as “the Veil of our Lady,” “the
Protecting Veil of the Theotokos,” “the Protection of the
Theotokos,” or “the Intercession of the Theotokos.”
2. H OL Y P R OTEC TION OF OU R EV ER BL E SSED
whoever has seen Him, has also seen His Co-
Eternal, Co-Essential Father (and thus also the
Holy Spirit!) mp
However, God the Son – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ - can be depicted according to His Incarnation,
for He is God-Man and thus His human Nature can
and is imaged.
Furthermore, Christ left a photographic image upon His
discarded burial clothes – on the inner Face Cloth,
which He left neatly folded - and on the long Shroud,
which were both left in His Empty Tomb after His
Glorious Resurrection.
When St Peter and St John entered the Empty Tomb, they
were immediately amazed by the Precious Holy Relics
that had been left behind.
In many churches, the Holy Icon of Christ Not Made by
Hands is depicted being held aloft by two Cherubim,
situated over the Royal Gates of the Iconostasion.
While Priests were allowed to enter the Holy Place daily,
only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies on
the one Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur.)
The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies carrying the
blood of sacrificed animals for the atonement of his
own sins as well as those of the people.
This annual Blood Sacrifice reveals the imperfection and
temporary status of the Old Covenant, for only one
man could enter into God’s Divine Presence – but not
continually – and only to repeat the annual Sacrificial
Offering for his and the people’s sins.
Furthermore, that Blood Sacrifice dealt entirely with
materials from this age, which are imperfect and
impermanent – which cannot begin a participation in
the Age to come.
In addition, that imperfect Atonement Offering dealt
mainly with the outer being for it was superficial and
could not purify mankind’s heart, mind or soul – let
alone Restore our fallen human nature.
TO ST LUKE 10 ; 38-42 & 11: 27 – 28
AND FULFILLING GOD’S WORD
EMPHASISING HER HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, WHICH
EPITOMISED HER UNSHAKABLE FAITH.
OF GOD AND “KEEP IT.”
 WE ARE BLESSED WHEN WE HEAR AND ACCEPT THE DIVINE
TRUTH AND WISDOM AND APPLY IT TO OURSELVES – our
own lifestyle, words, thoughts and deeds.

WE ARE BLESSED WHEN WE APPLY ALL GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
AND TEACHINGS TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS.
The Greek word ‘menounge’ – which is rendered in this
translation as “... more than that...” is actually “Yes,
indeed!” (REFER TO ROMANS10:18)
This particular word, therefore, CORRECTS BY AMPLIFYING –
NOT BY NEGATING.
OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
THE FEAST DAY CELEBRATES THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LADY
THEOTOKOS AT THE HOLY CHURCH OF BLACHERNAE (VLAHEMA)
TH
IN THE 10 CENTURY.
AT THE END OF THE LIFE OF ST ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, HE –
TOGETHER WITH HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLE, ST EPIPHANIOS, AND
VARIOUS OTHERS – BEHELD THE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLY
MOTHER OF GOD, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND SEVERAL OTHER
HOLY SAINTS AND HEAVENLY HOSTS DURING AN ALL NIGHT VIGIL
IN THE CHURCH OF BLACHERNAE, which was situated near
the city gates of Constantinople.
The Blachernae Palace Church was where several of the
precious Holy Relics of our Lady Theotokos were kept,
such as Her robe, Her veil and part of Her belt (sash,
AL L H OLY L ADY , TH EOTOKOS - 1 & 28 O CTOBE R
 cincture or girdle) that had been transferred from
Palestine during the 5th century.
Our Lady Theotokos was seen to approach the centre of the
church, where She knelt down and remained in Prayer
for a long time. Her Face was wet with flowing tears.
Eventually She removed Her veil and spread it over the
congregation - as a Sign of Holy Protection.
At that time, Constantinople was threatened by a
barbarian invasion – and after the Appearance of our
Lady Theotokos and Her Holy Companions during the
All Night Vigil, the impending danger was averted and
the citizens were spared from terrible bloodshed and
suffering.
The Holy Protection of Theotokos is commemorated most
fervently in Slavic churches since St Andrew of
Constantinople was a Slav by birth. The first celebration
in the Russian Orthodox Church dates back to the 12th
century and today, is celebrated throughout the
Orthodox Church.
ST IGNATIOS BRIANCHANINOV - ON READING THE
The chief occupation of a Novice in his cell should be THE
READING AND STUDY OF THE HOLY GOSPEL AND OF THE WHOLE
NEW TESTAMENT.
The whole New Testament can be called ‘the Gospel,’
since it contains nothing but THE GOSPEL TEACHINGS OF
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
However, a Novice should FIRST OF ALL STUDY OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST’S DIVINE TRUTH – i.e. HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS
AND TEACHINGS that are recorded in the Holy Gospel
according to St Matthew and St Luke.
FROM THE STUDY OF HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS IN
THESE WRITINGS OF THE HOLY EVANGELISTS, COMBINED WITH
THE ACTUAL PRACTISE OF THEM, THE OTHER SCRIPTURES THAT
CONSTITUTE THE NEW TESTAMENT ALSO BECOME MORE EASILY
AND CORRECTLY UNDERSTANDABLE.
While reading the Evangelists, the Novice should also
READ ‘THE HERALD,’ - THE EXPLANATION OF THE GOSPELS BY
OUR BLESSED HOLY FATHER, THEOPHYLACT, ARCHBISHOP OF
BULGARIA.
The reading of ‘The Herald’ is indispensable, for it is AN
AID TO THE RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF THE HOLY GOSPEL AND,
CONSEQUENTLY, TO OUR MOST EXACT PRACTISE OF IT.
Moreover, the Rules of our Holy Church require that
SCRIPTURE SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD as our Holy Fathers
explain it, and not at all arbitrarily.
BEING AIDED IN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE HOLY GOSPEL BY
MEANS OF THE EXPLANATION OF OUR HOLY FATHERS, BY THE
EXPLANATION RECEIVED AND USED BY THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
OF CHRIST, WE KEEP THE SACRED TRADITION OF HIS HOLY
CHURCH. [In all well-ordered Cenobitic Monasteries the
Explanation of the Holy Gospel for the day given in ‘The
Herald’ is read daily at Matins.]
The works of St Tikhon of Voronezh are also very useful for
our Enlightenment and Understanding.[ Better known
as ‘St Tikhon of Zadonsk’ his only work currently available
in English and related to the theme in question is ‘Journey
to Heaven,’ or ‘Counsels on the Particular Duties of Every
Christian’]
They have no exclusive aim and serve as EXCELLENT
DIRECTION FOR ATHLETES OF CHRIST LIVING IN THE WORLD, as
well as for Cenobitic Monks, and for Monks living in
state-subsidized Monasteries, and for Solitaries
(Hermits) living the Contemplative Life.
THE GRACE OF GOD INSPIRED THESE SAINTS TO PRODUCE WRITINGS
ESPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY NEEDS, which
explain the Divine Teachings of our Lord’s Holy
Gospel.
THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT US FROM LIVING ACCORDING TO
CHRIST’S DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS – whether
we live in the world, or in any Monastery, whatever
may be the Rule of that Monastery - however far a
Monastery may be from being well-ordered.
(This is emphasised to encourage and set at rest those
who are dissatisfied with the running of their
Monastery, whether rightly or wrongly.)
IT IS SURER AND FAR BETTER FOR US TO SEEK THE CAUSE OF ANY
DISSATISFACTION IN OURSELVES, RATHER THAN IN OUR
SURROUNDINGS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
Self-condemnation always brings us Peace and rest to
our heart.
H OLY P R OTEC TION OF OU R E VER BL E SSED
The Feast Day commemorating the Miraculous
Appearance is celebrated with an All Night Vigil, with
many of the same elements that occur on the Great
Feasts of our Ever Blessed Lady Theotokos. However,
this Feast has no Afterfeast leading to the Apodosis
(Leave-taking).
THE INTERCESSION OF THE THEOTOKOS WAS DESPERATELY NEEDED FOR
THE PROTECTION OF THE CITIZENS OF CONSTANTINOPLE when a
large fleet of pagan Rus, led by Askole and Dir,
threatened the city. Nevertheless, the invading fleet was
defeated and the Event was commemorated every year
thereafter. Strangely, THE FEAST WAS CONSIDERED A MAJOR
EVENT INITIALLY ONLY BY THE SLAVIC ORTHODOX CHURCH BUT
NOT BY THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH.
IN RECENT YEARS, THE FEAST HAS BECOME ONE OF THANKSGIVING FOR
THE DELIVERANCE OF THE GREEK NATION FROM THE ITALIAN
INVASION OF 1940 ON 28 OCTOBER -“OCHI DAY” OR “NO DAY” –
the response of the Greek leader, Metaxas to Mussolini’s
ultimatum.
HTTP://ORTHODOXWIKI.ORG/PROTECTION_OF_THE_MOTHER_OF_GOD
GOSPEL AND THE WRITINGS OF THE FATHERS
It does not, therefore, by any means, follow that a well-
ordered lifestyle in the world, or in a Monastery, is
preferable to a lax or disorderly lifestyle or Monastery,
when the choice depends on us. Nevertheless, that is
not always the case.
Having set the learning and fulfilling of our Lord’s Divine
Commandments and Teachings as our Rule of Life,
without allowing ourselves to be diverted nor
distracted by the directions given by the different
writings of our Holy Fathers, we should READ THEM IN
ORDER TO OBTAIN AS INTIMATE AND EXACT A KNOWLEDGE AS
POSSIBLE OF THE LABORIOUS, PAINFUL BUT NOT JOYLESS
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE.
In reading THE WRITINGS OF OUR HOLY FATHERS, IT IS ESSENTIAL
TO OBSERVE THEIR GRADATIONAL CHARACTER.
In other words, THEY ARE WRITTEN FOR DIFFERING STAGES AND
DEGREES OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE, AND THUS, ON NO ACCOUNT
SHOULD THEY BE READ HURRIEDLY.
Books that have been written for Cenobitic Monks should
be read, such as: ‘The Instructions’ of St Dorotheos, the
‘Catechetical Sermons’ of St Theodore the Studite, the
‘Directions for the Spiritual Life’ of St Barsanuphios and
St John the Prophet, beginning with Answer 216 (the
preceding answers are given primarily for Hermits and so
are less suitable for Novices), ‘The Ladder of Divine
Ascent’ of St. John Klimakos, the Works of St Ephraim
the Syrian, and the ‘Cenobitic Institutes and
Conferences’ of St John Cassian. [Many of these, if not
all, are now available in English in various forms. Search for
individual volumes, but also check in the multi-volume
‘Philokalia.’ Another Work that needs to be mentioned in
this class of introductory Works is Elder Basil of Poiana
Marului: ‘Spiritual Father of St Paisy Velichkovsky,’ by a
Monk of Prophet Elias Skete. Read an excerpt:
"Introduction to the Book of the Blessed Hesychios."]
MUCH LATER, AFTER SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME - HAVING ACQUIRED
SUFFICIENT SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE - BOOKS WRITTEN BY OUR
HOLY FATHERS FOR SOLITARIES OR HERMITS, MAY ALSO BE READ
– for example: ‘The Philokalia,’ the ‘Skete Patrology,’
the chapters of St Isaiah the Solitary, the Treatises of St
Isaac the Syrian, the Writings of St Mark the Ascetic,
the Words and Homilies of St Makarios the Great, the
prose and verse works of St. Symeon the New
Theologian, and other similar writings on the Active
Life.
All these enumerated Writings belong to the category of
Active or Ascetic Writings, since THEY DEAL WITH AND
EXPLAIN THE ACTIVE MONASTIC LIFE.
(Faithful Disciples may learn how to actually Live in Christ and
lead an Ascetic Life – to a greater or lesser degree - in the
world.)
St John Klimakos encouraged us: "As you are leading
an Active (Ascetic) Life, read Active (Ascetical)
books."
ACTIVE/ASCETIC BOOKS MOTIVATE US TO FULFIL MONASTIC
ACTIVITIES AND OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES – AND ESPECIALLY
TO A PRAYERFUL LIFE.
VARIOUS OTHER WRITINGS OF OUR HOLY FATHERS LEAD US TO
MEDITATIONS AND CONTEMPLATIONS which, for any
Ascetic insufficiently Purified of the passions, is
premature.
AL L H OLY L ADY , TH EOTOKOS - 1 & 28 OC TOBER 3.
 ST THEOPHAN THE
1. We must ENTER INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE PRAYERS THAT WE
HEAR AND READ, REPRODUCING THEM IN OUR HEART; and
in this way offer them to God, as if they had been
born within us by the Action and Power of the
Grace of God.
2. Prayer is THE PRIMARY WORK OF OUR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL
LIFE IN CHRIST.
3. The atmosphere of OUR SOUL IS NOT PURIFIED UNTIL A
SMALL SPIRITUAL FLAME IS KINDLED WITHIN US, for It is
the Work of the Grace of God... which appears
when we have attained a certain measure of
Purity in the general moral order of our Life.
4. THE PRINCIPAL ASPECT OF PRAYER IS A FEELING HEART.
5. WE MUST NOT LET OUR THOUGHTS WANDER AT RANDOM, and -
as soon as they drift off – we must immediately
bring them back, reproaching ourselves,
regretting and deploring this lack of focus that
requires great effort.
6. THOSE WHO ARE VIRTUOUS AND HUMBLE HIDE THEIR VIRTUES
“...as a rich man hides his treasures, and does not
follow his own wishes.”
7. WE MUST NOT ALLOW OUR MIND TO BE IDLE, but let it
MEDITATE AND PRAY IN SECRET...sometimes meditating
on a verse from the Psalms, and sometimes
praying, “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have
mercy on me, a sinner.”
8. We must MEDITATE ON THOUGHTS OF GOD, ON THE
REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH, AND RECOLLECT OUR SINS WITH
SELF REPROACH. We must always BE CONSCIOUS OF
THESE AND CONTEMPLATE THEM OFTEN within ourselves
– asking ourselves where we are going and
regarding ourselves as being “... a worm and not
man!”
9. PRAYER MUST NOT BE SIMPLY AN OCCUPATION FOR A CERTAIN
TIME, BUT A PERMANENT STATE OF SPIRIT.
10. WHEN WE PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, WE WILL DWELL
CONSTANTLY IN OUR LORD, KNOWING OUR LORD AS
ALMIGHTY GOD, ACQUIRING HOLY FEAR OF HIM, WHEREBY
WE ENTER INTO PURITY, AND BY PURITY INTO DIVINE LOVE.
11. The Lord our God is everywhere! Thus OUR THOUGHTS,
too, MUST ALWAYS BE WITH GOD.
12. Our principle Purpose is to ALWAYS
WALK BEFORE GOD - IN GOD’S SIGHT – BEING CONSTANTLY
AWARE THAT OUR LORD GOD IS LOOKING AT US, SEARCHING
OUR SOUL AND HEART, AND SEEING ALL THAT IS WITHIN US.
13. There is just ONE METHOD OF PRAYER THAT IS OBLIGATORY for
all of us: WE MUST STAND WITH OUR ATTENTION IN
FOCUSSED IN OUR HEART AND SOUL.
14. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO DWELL IN GOD. We must BE PERPETUALLY
CONSCIOUS THAT OUR LORD GOD IS WITHIN US just as He
is in all Creation, FIRMLY ASSURED THAT HE SEES
EVERYTHING THAT IS WITHIN US - knowing us far better
than we know ourselves!
15. WE MUST AWAKEN THE THIRST FOR SALVATION IN OUR
SOUL...AND CONSTANTLY CRY OUT TO HIM IN PRAYER...
REACHING OUT TOWARDS OUR LORD WITH OUR THOUGHTS,
WORDS AND DEEDS.
16. THE ‘JESUS PRAYER’ (OR ‘PRAYER OF THE HEART’) MUST ALWAYS
BE ON OUR TONGUE, AND THE DIVINE PRESENCE OF GOD IN
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ELDER EPHRAIM OF ARIZONA
We are Saved through sorrows. None have ever been
Saved without sorrows, for without sorrows and
trials, we cannot expect to Repose in Peace in
Eternal Life beyond the grave!
ELDER EPHRAIM OF KATOUNAKIA
All of Creation – the mountains, the hills, the trees, the
flowers, the land and the sea, and everything upon
and in them, praise the Lord our God. However,
because we have darkened and blinded the
understanding of our soul, we understand very
little of this – very little indeed!
ST BASIL THE GREAT
We must always take great care to KNOW the state of
the health and sickness of our soul!
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAFSOKALYVIA
It is great to walk, to work, to move and to have our
good health, but first we must have and maintain
our Spiritual Health, which is fundamental, and
which comes even before our physical health.
Almost all sicknesses come from the lack Faith and
4. H O L Y P R O T E C T I O N OF OUR EVE R BL E SSED
RECLUSE – ON PRAYER – PART 1
OUR MIND, WHILE OUR HEART MUST HUNGER AND THIRST
FOR GOD, for Communion with the Lord. When all
this becomes our permanent Spiritual State, then
our Lord, seeing how we exert ourselves will grant
us whatever we beseech Him.
17. TO ACHIEVE SPONTANEOUS PRAYER, WE MUST FORCE OURSELVES
TO PRAY IN A PARTICULAR WAY — WITH THE JESUS PRAYER.
18. BEFORE OR AFTER OUR RULE OF PRAYER, NIGHT AND MORNING,
OR THROUGHOUT THE DAY, CONSECRATE A FIXED PERIOD OF
TIME FOR THIS ONE PRAYER – “O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son
of God, have Mercy on me, a sinner.”
19. The more the Jesus Prayer penetrates our heart, the
warmer our heart becomes, and AS WE BECOME
MOTIVATED TO CONTINUOUSLY RECITE THIS PRAYER OF THE
HEART, THE FIRE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE IS KINDLED AND
AFLAME WITHIN US.
20. WE MUST NOT END OUR PRAYER WITHOUT HAVING AROUSED IN
OUR HEART SOME PROFOUND FEELING FOR GOD - whether
it be reverence, or devotion, or Thanksgiving, or
Glorification, or Humility and contrition, or Hope
and Trust.
21. After Prayer, when we read the Sacred Scriptures or
Writings of our Holy Fathers, WE MUST FEEL WITHIN US
THE TRUTH OF WHAT WE HAVE READ, AND APPLY IT TO
OURSELVES.
22. We must STRIVE TO ACQUIRE THE HABIT OF KEEPING OUR
ATTENTION ALWAYS ON OUR LORD...
23. ANY RULE OF PRAYER THAT IS PROPERLY FOLLOWED WILL
PRODUCE AS ITS FIRST FRUITS ATTENTION AND A WARM
TENDERNESS OF HEART.
24. It is necessary– certainly essential - for us to be
Cleansed of passions.
25. We must ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL SORROW AND CONTRITION IN OUR
HEART FOR OUR SINFUL CONDITION AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
26. We must ALWAYS REGARD EVERYONE ELSE TO BE FAR BETTER
AND MORE WORTHY THAN OURSELVES.
27. WE MUST ESTABLISH IN OUR HEART A QUIET BUT HUMBLE, WARM
AND CONSTANT LOVE FOR GOD, WITHOUT EXPECTING ANY
ECSTASY OR ANY EXTRAORDINARY STATE, for as soon as
we expect to acquire any Virtue by our own power
or self-mastery, True Spiritual Life full of Divine
Grace is immediately extinguished by such
vainglory and pride!
28. WE MUST FORCE OURSELVES TO SELF-BELITTLEMENT,
REGARDING OURSELVES AS THE POOREST, MOST WRETCHED
AND LOWEST OF ALL OTHERS.
29. We must REFRAIN FROM IDLE TALK – AND ALWAYS
CONTEMPLATE THE WORDS OF OUR LORD, KEEPING THEM
ON OUR LIPS AND IN OUR HEART.
30. We must AVOID IRRITATION AND ANGRY SPEECH...
31. We must NEVER THINK OF OURSELVES AS HAVING ATTAINED
ANYTHING WORTHY, but ALWAYS SEE OURSELVES AS BEING
POOR, NAKED, BLIND, AND WORTHLESS.
32. We must remember that THOSE WHO IN TOTAL HUMILITY
AND OBEDIENCE PUT THEMSELVES IN THE HANDS OF OUR
ALL MERCIFUL GOD, DRAW HIM TO THEMSELVES!
... to be continued...
http://orthodoxwayoflife.blogspot.com/2018/08/prayer
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
Trust in the Lord our God, which creates dangerous
stress.
ABBA DOROTHEOS
Because we do not look at our own wickedness and
Repent, and because we do not weep over our own
dead self, we are incapable of doing anything at
all to put ourselves to rights, so we constantly
concern ourselves with the faults and weaknesses
of others! There is nothing that angers the Lord our
God more – nothing that exposes us so much and
leads to our isolation that idle gossip, condemning
and Spiritually Slaughtering others!
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
We must always think only good things about others,
for with our Prayers, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
we can have a Beneficial effect on them. We must
never think ill of anyone because then we will be a
bad influence to everyone.
ABBA PIMEN
We need Humility and Fear of God more that breath!
When harmed, we must respond with goodness
and thereby defeat evil.
AL L H OLY LA DY , THE OTOKOS - 1 & 28 OC TOBE R
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all
the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.

Tone 2 7 October 2018

19th rd
Sunday After Pentecost – 3 Sunday of St Luke
T H E W ID OW OF N AIN
The Feast of ST SERGIOS & ST BACCHOS OF SYRIA – St Polychronis the Priest – St Julianos
the Priest & St Ceasarios the Deacon of Terracina – St Sergios the Abbot of Nurma
Monastery & St Sergios the Obedient of Mount Athos & Kiev Caves Monastery - St
Martinian of White Lake – St Pelagia of Tarsos, Cilicia – 99 Holy Fathers of Crete – St
Joseph the Elder, Wonderworker of Khevi, Georgia – The Holy Icon of our Lady,
Theotokos of Tenderness of Pskov Caves Monastery

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 8 - JOHN 20:11-18

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

OCTOECHOS - RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 2

Ote katilthes pros ton Thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote ton When
Adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke tous
tethneotas ek ton katahthonion anestisas, pase e
Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Hriste, O
Theos imon, ✞ Doxa Si!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST BACCHOS & ST SERGIOS
I Martyres Sou, Kyrie, en ti Athlisi afton, Stefanous
ekomisanto tis aftharsias, ek Sou tou Theou imon.
Shontes gar tin ishin Sou, tous tyrannous kathilon,
ethrafsan ke demonon, ta anishira thrasi. Afton tes
ikesies, Hriste O Theos, Soson tas psihas imon.
PARISH PATRONAL HYMN 
SEASONAL KONTAKION -
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas,
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton
Se.
Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,
Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy
Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from the
subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried
aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, ✞ Glory to Thee!
– TONE 4
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by Thee, the
Crowns of Incorruption, in that They Contested for
Thee, our Immortal God. Since They possessed Thy
Power, They defeated tyrants, dashing the demons’
powerless displays of defiance. O Christ our God: at
their Fervent Entreaties, Save our soul!
THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Protector of the Christians unashamable, Mediator to
the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
aid of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten
Thine Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who always protects all who honour Thee!

RETURN TO THE DIVINE LITURGY SERVICE BOOK 

RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON – PSALM 117/118 – TONE 2
The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He became my Salvation.
The Lord Chastened and correct me, but did not give me up to Death.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 11: 31 – 12 : 9
Brethren, 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 reminded us that THE LORD OUR GOD KNOWS St Paul mentioned how HE WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE BEING
EVERYTHING ABOUT US – WHETHER WE ARE LYING OR TELLING ARRESTED IN DAMASCUS FOR PREACHING CHRISTIANITY TO THE
THE TRUTH. CITIZENS BUT he pointed out that he DID NOT DO SO IN
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT ORDER TO BOAST.
TO SPEAK ONLY THE TRUTH and avoid being devious to Using his opponents’ level of argument, ST PAUL LISTED HIS
any degree, which is unworthy and sinful. JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN CREDENTIALS.

19 T H
S U ND AY A FTE R P ENTEC OST – 3 R D
OF S T LU KE – TH E W ID OW OF NA IN – 7 O C TOBE R 2018 5.
If genealogy was significant to the Judeans, ST PAUL
CERTAIN HAD THE RIGHT LINEAGE, and HE HAD ALWAYS BEEN A
MOST FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD – ALTHOUGH INITIALLY
MISGUIDED.
Furthermore, HIS “CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE” MORE THAN
QUALIFIED HIM DUE TO HIS PERSONAL SACRIFICES AND
SUFFERINGS AS WELL AS HIS UNWAVERING COMPASSION AND
INVOLVED CONCERN FOR HIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN ALL HIS BIZARRE
ADVENTURES THAT HE WAS FORCED TO ENDURE.
St Paul’s opponents liked to boast of their own and other’s
“visions and revelations.”
Therefore, St Paul mentioned his own, uniquely personal
“Visions and Revelations of the Lord” which he
relates by saying “I know a man in Christ...”
THIS MARVELLOUS SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE WAS HIS OWN FOURTEEN
YEARS PREVIOUSLY, WHEN HE WAS CONFRONTED BY OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST, which utterly changed him AND CAUSED
HIM TO BECOME THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND FAITHFUL
APOSTLE OF OUR LORD AS HIS “APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES.”
St Paul used two Hebrew terms to describe the Heavenly
Realm:
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE WIDOW
At that time, our Lord Jesus went into a city called ‘Nain.’ And many of His Disciples went with Him, as well as a large
crowd. They arrived at the gate of the city, and behold! A dead man was being carried out – the only son of his
mother – and she was a widow. And a large crowd was with her. And seeing her, our Lord felt Compassion for her,
and said to her: “Do not weep.”
And He touched the bier, and said: “Young man! To thee I say: get up!” And he who was dead sat up and began to
speak. And He presented him to his mother.
Then Fear came upon everyone, and they Glorified God, saying: “A great Prophet has risen among us! And “...for God
has Visited His people!”
The raising of the Widow’s son at Nain is ONE OF THREE
GREAT DIVINE MIRACLES OF RESUSCITATION FROM DEATH BY
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
EACH OF THE THREE MIRACLES DEPICTED DIFFERENT STAGES OF
DEATH:
1. Jairus’ little daughter had just died.
2. The Widow of Nain’s son had been dead for some
time and was about to be buried.
3. St Lazaros had been dead for four days and had
already begun to decompose in his tomb.
THEY CONFIRM THE DIVINE PROMISE GIVEN TO ST EZEKIEL, THE
HOLY PROPHET OF GOD, THAT OUR LORD WOULD ONE DAY
OPEN THE TOMBS OR GRAVES AND RAISE THE DEAD – NO
MATTER HOW LONG THEY HAD BEEN DEAD, FOR HE IS TRULY
THE MASTER OF LIFE:
 EZEKIEL 37 : 1 – 4: “... the Hand of the Lord came upon
me, and took me by the Spirit of the Lord, and set
me in the midst of the plain, which was full of
human bones. And He led me round about
them, and behold! There was a great multitude
of bones on the face of the plain. They were
very dry. And He said to me: “Son of Man: can
these bones live?” And I answered: “O Lord, Thou
know this.” And He said to me: “Prophesy to these
bones and say to them: ‘O dry bones, hear the
Word of the Lord: thus says the Lord to these
bones: ‘Behold, I will bring the Spirit of Life upon
you. I will put muscles and flesh on you. I will
cover you with skin and put My Spirit into you.
And you shall live and know that I Am the Lord!’”
Although many people have exercised their authority
over the living, ONLY THE SON OF GOD “... HAS POWER
OVER THE LIVING AND THE DEAD!” (ORTHODOX FUNERAL SERVICE)
As the Incarnate Eternal Son of God the Father, OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST HAS DIVINE POWER THROUGH HIS WORDS
ALONE.
19TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE WIDOW OF NAIN
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, no one – not even our
Lord Jesus Christ - likes hypocrites - those who say
one thing yet does another.
As Christians, we must BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO CONDEMN
OURSELVES AND SCANDALIZE OTHERS BY NOT LIVING
ACCORDING TO WHAT OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS TAUGHT AND
COMMANDED US, and especially, what we teach others
as being our True Life in Christ.
6. 1 9 T H
S U ND AY AF TE R P E NTEC OST – 3
 “... the Third Heaven...” refers to the Highest Heaven
 “...Paradise...” is where the Lord our God is
surrounded by the Great Assembly of the Heavenly
Hosts and all His Just and Righteous – His Heavenly
City/Kingdom.
Unlike his opponents who publicly proclaimed their own
greatness in their Mystical Experiences, St Paul
regarded his person “...thorn in the flesh...” as have
been “... given to him...” in order to keep him humble
and not “...be exalted...”
Although it is never clarified exactly what St Paul’s
“...thorn in the flesh...” was, our Holy Fathers
considered it as being either a chronic, painful
physical ailment or the deluded Christian leader or
heart-hearted Judeans with whom he had to contend.
Nevertheless, St Paul regarded his personal
“...weakness...” which kept him humble - but not his
Mystical Experiences - as being the means whereby
the Divine Grace and “... Power of Christ...” remained
upon him.
TO ST LUKE 7 : 11 - 16
OF NAIN – THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST
However, compelled by His Love and Compassion for
the bereft Widow of Nain, He touched the open
coffin and showed us that ANYTHING THAT COMES INTO
CONTACT WITH HIS BODY IS CHANGED FROM THE MUNDANE
(ORDINARY – A DEAD MAN) INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY –
SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT – in this case, someone who
was brought back from Death to Life – and whose
life would never be the same as before.
This particular Event prefigured our Lord’s Crucifixion
and Resurrection for JUST AS THE WIDOW WEPT FOR THE
LOSS OF HER BELOVED AND ONLY SON, SO TOO WOULD HIS
EVER BLESSED MOTHER WEEP FOR HIM at that foot of His
Cross – yet later her tears of sorrow would become
tears of Great Joy at His Glorious Resurrection.
CHRIST KNEW THE EXACT CIRCUMSTANCES THAT FACED THE
MOURNING WIDOW OF NAIN:
Without a close male relative to take care of her and to
protect her, ALL HER PROPERTY AND POSSESSIONS WOULD
HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM HER AND SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN CAST
OUT INTO THE STREET TO DEPEND ON THE KINDNESS OF
STRANGERS.
Perhaps this woman had much property and
possessions that was about to be seized and that
could have been why there were so many people
following her to the cemetery.
EVEN TO THIS DAY, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS ARE TAKEN FULL
ADVANTAGE OF AND MISTREATED ABOMINABLY BY THE WICKED
AND MERCILESS.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES AND
APOSTLES TO TAKE CARE OF ALL WIDOWS AND ORPHANS and
it is ONE OF OUR MOST SACRED DUTIES TO FULFIL.
HAVING WITNESSED SUCH A MARVELLOUS MIRACLE, THE PEOPLE
WERE NATURALLY RATHER SHOCKED - and ALTHOUGH MOST
OF THEM GLORIFIED AND OFFERED PRAYERS OF
THANKSGIVING TO ALMIGHTY GOD, THERE WERE OTHERS WHO
PLOTTED AGAINST OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
We must CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES OF INTEGRITY
BY THINKING, SPEAKING AND ACTING ACCORDING TO OUR
CHRISTIAN FAITH EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
As Faithful Disciples of Christ we must STRIVE CEASELESSLY
TO IMITATE OUR DIVINE LORD AND MASTER IN EVERY ASPECT OF
OUR BEING – I.E. TO BE “CHRIST-LIKE!”
Our Lord Jesus Christ is certainly the Perfect Example of a
Life lived with integrity, for He is a human Being Who
is also Divine.
R D
OF S T L U KE – TH E W ID OW OF N AIN – 7 O CTOBE R 2018
 He Himself is THE PERFECT INTEGRATION OF THE IMAGE OF GOD
WITH GOD HIMSELF. And HE DOES NOT ASK US, NOR ANYONE
ELSE, TO DO ANYTHING THAT HE HAS NOT ALREADY DONE.
When we read the account of our Lord raising the son of
the Widow of Nain from Death, we are reminded of St
James’ Teaching: “Pure and undefiled religion
before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans
and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself
unspotted from the world.”
And that is precisely what Christ does: He has
Compassion for a Widow who mournedthe death of
her only son.
HE COMFORTED HER, saying “Do not weep,” and then BY
SIMPLY TOUCHING THE COFFIN, HE BROUGHT THE YOUNG MAN
BACK FROM THE DEAD – RETURNING HIM TO THIS PREPARATORY
LIFE until he would eventually Repose in his due time.
OUR LORD’S GREAT ACT OF COMPASSION AND LOVE FOR THAT
WIDOW SIGNIFIES OUR SALVATION.
For WE WEEP AND MOURN - not only for our loved ones whom
we see no more, but also for the broken, disintegrated
state of life that the sins of humanity—and our own
sins—have brought upon us and to our world.
DEATH, DESTRUCTION, HATRED, FEAR, AND DECAY IN ALL THEIR
FORMS ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR REFUSAL TO LIVE
FAITHFULLY AS BEING THOSE WHO ARE CREATED IN THE IMAGE
OF GOD.
We have worshipped ourselves, our possessions and our
pride, and found only despair and emptiness as a
result, as well as slavery to our own self-centred
desires.
SO WE WEEP with the widow of Nain for losing loved ones
and FOR LOSING OURSELVES.
THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL, HOWEVER, IS THE COMPASSION
OF GOD.
Rather than simply observing human suffering and
letting us bear the consequences of our actions, OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER SENT HIS ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO
ENTER INTO OUR SUFFERING - into our distorted and
disintegrated world - IN ORDER TO SET US RIGHT, TO STOP
US FROM WEEPING, AND EVEN TO RAISE US FROM THE DEAD INTO
THE GLORY OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
With heartfelt Compassion, God the Son touched the
coffin of the dead man of Nain, and IMMEDIATELY HE
RETURNED TO THIS PREPARATORY LIFE, AND WAS RESTORED to
his widowed mother - to take care of her and TO FULFIL
HIS JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY.
CHRIST’S LOVING KINDNESS FOR US IS SO PROFOUND THAT HE
VOLUNTARILY SUBMITTED TO DEATH and was laid to rest in
a tomb.
HE WILLINGLY DESCENDED INTO HADES, the dark, shadowy
place of the dead because - due to His Love for all
mankind - HE COULD NOT ALLOW US TO BEAR THE FULL
CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINFUL ACTIONS.
It is most important to understand that OUR FAITH IS NOT
FUNDAMENTALLY ABOUT JUSTICE OR PUNISHMENT OR WRATH
FOR SINNERS.
OUR ORTHODOX FAITH CONSISTS ENTIRELY OF THE INFINITE, DIVINE
LOVE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST Who stops at
nothing in order to bring His “... One Lost Sheep...”
back into His Sacred Fold.
OUR LOVING, GRACIOUS AND ALL MERCIFUL LORD GOD IS ALWAYS
PATIENTLY WAITING TO WELCOME HOME “...the Prodigal
Son...” – every Repentant sinner.
HE HAS OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE MOST PERFECT AND FINAL BLOOD
SACRIFICE – THE ULTIMATE, UNPAYABLE RANSOM FOR OUR TRUE
LIBERATION FROM THE ENSLAVEMENT OF SIN - by having
submitted to public humiliation, indescribable torture
and death by crucifixion, thereby DESTROYING DEATH
AND REOPENING PARADISE BY HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION!
✶✶✶ Nevertheless, let us never forget that WE HAVE TO
RESPOND TO HIS INFINITE DIVINE LOVE BY FULFILLING OUR OWN
SACRED TASKS OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
If we seek to follow our Lord Jesus Christ - if we are
members of His Body – His Holy Orthodox Church and
thus His Faithful Disciples, who are Nourished by His
Precious, Life-giving Body and Blood in the Holy
Eucharist - then His Divine Compassion must become
evident in our own lifestyle.
If we are True and Faithful Partakers the Divine Nature in
Him, then HIS LIFE MUST BECOME OURS ACCORDING TO ST
PAUL’S DECLARATION: “...it is no longer I who Live, but
Christ Who Lives in me!”
19 T H
S U ND AY A FTE R P ENTEC OST – 3 R D
OF
WE WERE BAPTISED INTO CHRIST JESUS and HAVING “...PUT ON CHRIST...” WE
MUST FAITHFULLY LIVE IN CHRIST FOREVER!
HAVING RECEIVED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S LOVE, GRACE, MERCY
AND COMPASSION, WE MUST EXTEND OUR OWN LOVE, MERCY
AND COMPASSION TO OTHERS.
We must suffer with them according to our Love for God
and for each other, by sharing their pain and by
having sincere empathy with all mankind - showing
them to the best of our abilities, the Great Mercy and
Loving Care that we have been granted so
abundantly by our Lord God.
(Whatever we do for others, will be returned to us “... a
hundredfold!”)
But we need to understand that BY EXTENDING OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST’S LOVING COMPASSION TO OTHERS IS NOT THE
SAME AS BEING A COWARD, BEING VICTIMISED NOR ONLY TO
ENSURE THAT EVERYONE WILL LIKE US OR APPROVE OR PRAISE
US.
IT TOOK IMMENSE LOVE, DISCIPLINE, STRENGTH, AND COURAGE FOR
OUR LORD JESUS TO FULFIL HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY –
especially at the time of His Passion, and whenever He
was confronted by the egocentric animosity and
stubborn ignorance of His own people!
While He Healed the sick or raised the dead, He surely
knew that the self-righteous but Spiritually Blind
Pharisees, as well as the Roman authorities, were
watching Him – erroneously thinking that He was a
threat to their social status, power and control. And
they certainly did not like Him nor His Divine Ministry,
which they failed to understand at all.
✶✶✶ IF WE ARE TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WITH INTEGRITY, WE,
TOO, MUST POSSESS SIMILAR DIVINE VIRTUES - LOVE, PATIENCE,
DISCIPLINE, STRENGTH AND COURAGE.
THESE DIVINE VIRTUES ARE ESSENTIAL TO LIVING IN CHRIST AND
FULFILLING OUR SACRED TASKS AND COMMITMENTS TO OTHERS
- to those who suffer, who mourn, and whose days are
filled with various degrees of pain and disorder.
Perhaps they brought some of these conditions upon
themselves. Maybe they did not always do “... the
right thing...” and are reaping the consequences of
their own bad choices, and in some cases, they may
actually believe that what they are doing is
acceptable.
THIS IS OUR HUMAN CONDITION IN WHICH WE ALL PARTICIPATE –
VOLUNTARILY OR INVOLUNTARILY!
Our Lord Jesus Christ does not grant His Great Mercy only
upon those who ‘deserve’ it, for MERCY, KINDNESS,
COMPASSION AND LOVE ARE DIVINE VIRTUES THAT ARE BY
DEFINITION, FREELY GIVEN – NONE OF WHICH ARE DESERVED,
OWED NOR PURCHASED!
The Widow of Nain and her son did not ‘deserve’ the
Love and Compassion of our Lord, yet He Loved
them unconditionally!
NONE OF US HABITUAL SINNERS ‘DESERVES’ OUR LORD GOD’S LOVE,
YET HE LOVES US UNCONDITIONALLY AND COMPLETELY!
The relevance of God’s infinite, unconditional Love for all
mankind – for His entire Creation - should be
obvious.
Therefore, IF WE HAVE INTEGRITY AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
who strive constantly to imitate Him in all aspects of
our human condition, we will SPONTANEOUSLY RESPOND
TO OTHERS WITH THE SAME LOVING KINDNESS THAT WE HAVE
EXPERIENCED IN OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.
Our Life in Christ is by no means a Sacred Calling for
cowards who are afraid of their own shadow nor for
egocentrics who are self-serving and greedy.
TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE REQUIRES US TO BE DISCIPLINED, SELF-
CONTROLLED, UNSELFISH, GENEROUS, KIND, LOVING AND
EMPATHETIC towards everyone else - all of which
requires A STRENGTH OF CHARACTER BEYOND OUR OWN
LIMITED ABILITIES AND POWER – ACQUIRED ONLY BY THE GRACE
OF GOD.
Unfortunately, it has become ‘second nature’ for us to
judge and condemn others as though we had the
Wisdom and Divine Authority of our Lord God!
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST STRENUOUSLY AVOID
FALLING INTO THAT DEADLY TRAP, FOR NOTHING REJECTS LOVE
AND MERCY MORE THAN SELF-RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT AND
CONDEMNATION OF OTHERS!
The judgement of others inflames our passions and gives
us perverse pleasure by POINTING OUT THE FAULTS OF
S T LU KE – TH E W ID OW OF NA IN – 7 O C TOBE R 2018 7.
 OTHERS, WHICH ALL TOO OFTEN ARE REFLECTIONS OF OUR VERY
OWN SINS AND ERRORS!!
Popular social media encourages this dreadful assessment of
others, which we should try to avoid altogether! mp
THIS PRIDEFUL, ARROGANT AND HYPOCRITICAL ATTITUDE QUICKLY
TAKES ROOT IN OUR HEART, WEAKENING RELATIONSHIPS AND
DESTROYING FAMILIES AND FRIENDSHIPS, PROVIDING US WITH
EVERY EXCUSE NOT TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT MEASURE
UP TO OUR PERSONAL STANDARDS, THEREBY MAKING IT
IMPOSSIBLE TO FULFIL OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE WITH TRUTH,
HONESTY AND LOVE.
Our Lord Jesus Christ certainly has integrity – all the
Marvellous Attributes of unconditional Love!
THE LORD OUR GOD AND ALL MANKIND IS INTEGRATED IN HIS OWN
PERSON and so HE LIVED THE EXACT LIFESTYLE THAT HE
TAUGHT US TO IMITATE in this very same fallen world that
we experience every day.
HE HAS BROUGHT US INTO HIS ETERNAL LIFE OUT OF HIS INFINITE
LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND. He suffered with us to the point
of death. The One Who is the Highest became the
Lowest for our sake.
If we desire God’s infinite Love and Great Mercy, we must
be Lovingly Compassionate to all others – especially
to those who suffer and sorrow - despite their bad
choices and habits.
Nevertheless, THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE SHOULD GIVE
EVERYONE EXACTLY WHAT THEY DEMAND, NOR LET THEM
CONTROL OR RUIN OUR LIFE, NOR REFUSE TO SPEAK AND ACT
ACCORDING TO THE TRUTH.
On the contrary, it means that WE MUST SHARE THEIR SORROW
AND EMPATHISE WITH THEIR SUFFERING - and we must
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST JOHN OF DAMASCUS
We are truly Blessed when we seek the Holy Virtues,
Struggle to acquire and keep them by practising and
examining them carefully to understand their
importance and significance.
If we wish to be governed by the Lord our God, we must
reject our sinful habits and all the temptations that
confront us, for if we wilfully sin, how can we expect to
be governed by our All Merciful and Loving God?
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
One of the most powerful ploys of the evil one is to
debilitate our heart through sloth. In this way he
weakens both our Spiritual and our bodily powers.
In such cases, our heart is drained of Faith, Hope and
Love and we become overwhelmed with a lack of
Faith, despair, hopelessness and an insensitivity
towards our Lord God and towards our fellow
mankind, for “...the salt has lost its taste!”
ELDER JOSEPH THE HESYCHAST
Divine Grace is Sweet, Peaceful, Humble, Quiet, Cathartic,
Illuminating and Joyful. And there is no room for
doubt that it is Divine Grace!
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
We must not allow the seeds of doubt nor of disbelief to
enter our soul! For it will be bad for us, when at the
time of Prayer, our heart hovers between Faith and
disbelief and if our Faith is not firm and unwavering.
We must not expect our Lord God to grant us what we ask
of Him if our Faith is unsteady or doubtful!
ELDER CLEOPAS OF ROMANIA
Temptations teach us the Experience of Spiritual Warfare.
They toughen us up in life and help us to make
Spiritual Progress.
Temptations also humble us and reveal our weaknesses
and incapacity when we are alone and without
Divine Assistance. They reinforce our Patience,
Prayers, Tears, Humility and Faith.
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
We will all be paid by our Master. Those who Labour for
our Lord Jesus Christ will receive “... a hundredfold
and Life Eternal...” while those who work for the dark
slave-master have their life made darker for them
even while in this life!
8. 1 9 T H
S U ND AY AF TE R P E NTEC OST – 3
DISCERN PRAYERFULLY HOW TO DO WHATEVER IS FITTING, WHICH
BEST MANIFESTS CHRIST’S LOVE IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH
THEM.
BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, EACH OF US MAY BECOME A
BETTER LIVING ICON OF OUR LORD’S COMPASSION, but in
order to do that, WE MUST OPEN OURSELVES MORE FULLY TO
THE PRESENCE OF GOD, MINDFULLY REJECTING THE LIES THAT
WE TELL OURSELVES about who is not worthy of our time,
attention, and assistance.
THE GREATER FOCUS WE PLACE ON PRAYER, THE MORE SERIOUSLY WE
TAKE OUR FASTING, THE MORE CONSCIENTIOUS WE ARE IN
CONFESSING AND REPENTING OF OUR SINS ON A REGULAR BASIS,
THE MORE AWARE WE WILL BECOME OF THE GREAT MERCY THAT
OUR LORD HAS SHOWN US and of where we need to grow
in sharing His Love with others.
Then we will grow in integrity as Christians, TREATING
OTHERS AS THE LORD HAS TREATED US, AND LIVING OUT WHAT
WE SAY WE BELIEVE.
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST SHOULD CLEARLY DEMONSTRATE OUR LORD
GOD’S SALVATION IN ALL ITS ASPECTS - BECOMING LIVING
EVIDENCE OF HIS VICTORY over sin and Death AND OF THE
POWER OF HIS UNFATHOMABLE LOVE, WHICH NEVER FAILS!
And THAT SAME DIVINE LOVE AND COMPASSION that raised the
son of the Widow of Nain WILL RAISE US, AND OTHERS, INTO
THE BLESSED ETERNAL LIFE OF HIS KINGDOM OF LOVE.
Amen.
Reverend Father Philip LeMasters
http://www.pravmir.com
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYIA
The Saintliness and Faith of parents Saves their children.
For this to happen, Divine Grace has to act upon the
soul of the parents, for we do not become Saints on
our own. The same Divine Grace will then Enlighten,
warm and grant Life to the soul of the children.
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
Any Prayer spoken with Humility and pain of the heart is
always heard by our Lord God.
ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR
Those who believe that they have achieved the limit of
Virtue will no longer seek the Ultimate Cause Who
provide all Good Things, because they have restricted
the force of their desire to themselves alone and they
lose the necessary requirement for their Salvation –
our Lord God. But those who are aware of their
natural poverty do not stop running in haste to Him
Who can make up for all our shortcomings.
Those who have stood that Holy Virtue is boundless never
cease to run towards it – first, so as not to miss the
beginning and the end of Divine Virtue – our Lord
God – by restricting the movement of their desire to
themselves, and, secondly, in case – without realising
it – they believe that they have reached Perfection
and thus fall away from the True Being, Whom
everyone who strives, hastens to reach.
ELDER JOSEPH THE HESYCHAST
Our Lord God always Helps us. He always arrives but we
need to remain Patient. Whenever we cry out to Him,
He always hears us immediately but not in the way
we think!
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
Many of our Saints changed dejection into Joy through
their Love for Christ Jesus. In other words, they took
this Spiritual Force, which the evil one wishes to
destroy, and gave it to Almighty God, Transforming it
into Joy and Exultation.
Prayer and Worship of God gradually Transforms
dejection and turns it into True Joy!
ST ARSENIE BOCA
Meekness and Patience have Greater Power than anger
and stubbornness. We cannot put out a fire with fire
but with water. In the same manner, anger is not
conquered by anger, but by Meekness and immense
Patience. It is better to prevent irritation with a smile
than to attack like a wild beast.
R D
OF S T L U KE – TH E W ID OW OF N AIN – 7 O CTOBE R 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

9 October 2018
St James Alphaeus – Holy Apostle of Christ our Lord
Also the Feast of St Abraam the Righteous Forefather & his nephew, St Lot – St Publia the
Confessor & Deaconess of Antioch - St Andronikos & his wife, St Athanasia of Egypt – St Tikhon of
Moscow, Apostle to America (Glorification) – St Juventinos & St Maximos of Antioch – St Peter of St
Phokas Monastery, Galatia – St Dionysios the Bishop, St Rustikos the Priest & St Eleftherios the
Deacon of Paris, Gaul – The Holy Icons of our Lady, Theotokos of Korsun and “Assuage my
sorrows” – St Stephen the Blind of Serbia

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ISODIKON – TONE 2
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O EN AGIIS THAVMASTOS, Save us, O Son of God, WHO ART WONDROUS IN THY
psalontas Si: Allilouia! SAINTS, as we sing to Thee: Allelouia!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST JAMES ALPHAEUS - TONE 3
Apostole Agie Iakove, Presveve to Eleimoni Theo, ina O Holy Apostle, James, Intercee with our Merciful Lord
ptesmaton afesin, parashi tes psihes imon. God, so that He may grant Forgieness of offences to
our soul.
MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST ANDRONIKOS – TONE 1
Tis erimou politis ke en somati Angelos ke Thavmatourgos As a Citizen of the Desert, and an Angel Incarnate, and
anedihthis Theofore Paitr imon Andronike. Nistia, Wonderworker, Thou shone forth, O Andronikos, our
agripnia, prosevhi, Ourania harismata lavon. God-bearing Father! Since Thou received the Spiritual
Therapevis tous nosountas ke tas psihas ton Pisti Gifts by Fasting and Vigil, and Prayer, Thou can Cure
Prostrehonton Si. ✞ Doxa to dedokoti Si Ishin! ✞ Doxa to those who are ailing, and heal the soul of those who
Se Stefanosanti! ✞ Doxa to energounti dia Sou pasin hasten to Thee with Faith. ✞ Glory to Him Who
iamata! granted His Might to Thee! ✞Glory to Him Who
Crowned Thee! ✞ Glory to Him Who Works through
Thee, providing Cures to all!
KONTAKION - ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER – TONE 2
Profita Theou, ke Prodrome tis Haritos, tin Karan tin Sin, O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Divine Grace, since
os Rdon Ierotaton, ek tis Gis evrameni, tas iasis Pantote we have obtained Thy Head from beheath the Earth, as
lamvanomen. Ke gar palin os proteron, en kosmo if a Most Sacred Rose, we receive the Healings
kirittis tin Metanian. continually. And, once again, as before, Thou preaches
throughout the world, Repentance.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 18 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
His Voice has gone out into all the Earth!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God!
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 Christ’s 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 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 - the offscourings of all things unto this
day.
I write these things not to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. Although you have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet you have not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you.
I beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
IRONY AND SARCASM ARE BITTER MEDICINE, which St Paul used THEY ENDURED ALL THEIR HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING FOR THE
on this occasion with full force. PURE JOY OF SERVING OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR – THEREBY
The three parallel statements: “... we are fools... weak... RECONCILING THE FALLEN WORLD TO GOD.
dishonoured...” were heaped upon each other in a St Paul soothed the pain of his rebuke by reminding the
stinging series. Faithful of his Spiritual Fatherhood to them. THE HOLY
THE RELATIVE COMFORT OF THE CORINTHIANS CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SIMILAR TO ANY OTHER FAMILY – WITH
COMMUNITY WAS CONTRASTED WITH THE PERSECUTED, MATURING CHILDREN WHO NEED PARENTAL GUIDANCE.
POVERTY-STRICKEN AND UNCERTAIN LIFESTYLE OF THE HOLY As Struggling Disciples of Christ, WE WHO ARE THE MATURING
APOSTLES OF CHRIST. CHILDREN, NEED OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH AND GUIDE
THEY ENDURED ALL KINDS AND DEGREES OF HUMILIATION – being US.
treated as filth and even like the “off-scourings” – YET, ST PAUL URGED US AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO IMITATE
INSTEAD OF RETALIATING IN A SIMILAR FASHION – striking HIM JUST AS HE CEASELESSLY STROVE TO IMITATE OUR LORD
back in a similar manner at their persecutors – THE JESUS CHRIST.
HOLY APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
RESPONDED WITH UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE!

9. ST JAMES ALPHAEUS – HOLY APOSTLE 9 OCTOBER 2018

 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 go, 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 NEVER CONDEMNED SINNERS for He THE LISTS OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES ARE NOT ALL IDENTICAL AS
regarded them as “Lost Sheep” who needed to be MANY OF THEM, AS WAS COMMON PRACTISE IN THOSE DAYS,
found and brought to the safety and Love of His Fold – WERE KNOWN BY MORE THAN ONE NAME.
His Holy Church. ST MATTHEW RECORDED THESE NAMES IN PAIRS, suggesting who
“Compassion” means TO SUFFER WITH OR HAVE EMPATHY FOR may have travelled together on their “First Missionary
THOSE WHO ARE SORROWING OR SUFFERING FROM ALL KINDS OF Journey.”
AILMENTS, AFFLICTIONS AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. St Mark mentioned in his account that THE TWELVE APOSTLES
The illustration of “... Sheep having no Shepherd...” is WERE SENT OUT IN PAIRS BY OUR LORD JESUS. (Mark 6 : 7)
drawn from the Old Testament and is AN ACCUSATION Our Lord Jesus Christ sent forth His Apostles to preach and
AGAINST THE JUDAEN LEADERS WHO HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH to Heal – but AT THIS STAGE HE HAD INSTRUCTED THEM TO
THE SACRED DUTY OF SHEPHERDING – guiding and SEEK OUT ONLY HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE – THE HEBREW NATION.
protecting – GOD’S PEOPLE BUT WHO INSTEAD ACTED LIKE This was TO PREVENT HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES
RAVENOUS WOLVES! (READ NUMBERS 27:17 – 3 KINGS BEING BLAMED LATER for associating with “uncircumcised
22:17 – EZEKIEL 34:5) men” which had been forbidden by the Jewish
“The Harvest” suggests THE ABUNDANCE OF THOSE WHO ARE leaders for centuries in order to keep their lineage
READY TO ACCEPT OUR LORD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE. pure and restricted to the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS BOTH THE SOWER AND “... the Lord of (Furthermore the Israelites had to marry and produce children
the Harvest.” within their own Tribe.)
His FAITHFUL APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES WERE SENT OUT – not to After our Divine Saviour’s Resurrection, before His
sow, but TO REAP WHAT HE HAD SOWN THROUGH HIS HOLY Ascension into Heaven, our Lord gave His Great
PROPHETS. Commission to His Faithful Disciples and Apostles,
St John Chrysostom taught us that THOSE WHO “SOW” AND Commanding them to : “...make Disciples of all the
THOSE WHO “REAP” ARE THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD Nations, Baptising them in the Name of the Father,
ACCORDING TO THE OLD COVENANT AND THE HOLY APOSTLES and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT. to observe all things that I have commanded you...”
THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD SOWED IN PREPARATION FOR THE (M A T T H E W 2 8 : 1 6 – 2 0 )
COMING OF THE DIVINE MESSIAH – our Lord Jesus Christ – From the beginning, our Lord Jesus Christ taught His
BUT THEY did not live to witness His Coming so COULD Faithful Apostles and Disciples to BE SINGLE-MINDED –
NOT REAP THE SPIRITUAL HARVEST, while tHE HOLY APOSTLES FOCUSSED ENTIRELY – ON THEIR SACRED MISSION TO PREACH –
OF CHRIST, WHO HAD NOT PREPARED GOD’S PEOPLE for our TEACH OTHERS HIS DIVINE TRUTH – AND TO HEAL ALL THOSE
Divine Saviour, EVENTUALLY DREW THOUSANDS UPON WHO WERE AFFLICTED BY PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL SICKNESS
THOUSANDS OF FAITHFUL SOULS TO HIM DURING THEIR AND SUFFERING.
LIFESPAN. HE CONSISTENTLY TAUGHT THEM TO ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND:
How many were actually sent to Harvest is less important 1. His Divine Power was freely bestowed upon them in
that with what Divine Power they were able to do so! order TO FULFIL THEIR SACRED MISSION.
“Apostles” and “Disciples” were INITIALLY INTERCHANGEABLE 2 . ALL DIVINE GIFTS ARE GRANTED ONLY BY THE LORD OUR GOD
TERMS concerning our Lord’s Twelve Apostles. FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE – HIS DIVINE COMMISSION ON
 A DISCIPLE LEARNS AND IS TAUGHT UNDER THE DISCIPLINE EARTH. ( R E F E R T O M A T T H E W 2 8 : 1 6 - 2 0 )
OF A TEACHER. 3. They were to carry no money with them so that they
Thus, AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE ARE UNDER THE DISCIPLINE OF could NEITHER BE ACCUSED NOR GUILTY OF BEING GREEDY
OUR LORD GOD and should always be EAGER AND WILLING AND MERCENARY.
TO LEARN AND TO OBEY EVERYTHING HE TEACHES, REVEALS OR 4. THEY WERE TO LABOUR FOR THEIR FOOD AND SHELTER SO THAT
COMMANDS – being COMPELLED BY OUR INTENSE AND THEY WERE NOT BURDENS UPON THE PEOPLE.
PROFOUND LOVE FOR HIM. 5. By carrying no extra food nor clothing with them they
 AN APOSTLE IS ONE WHO IS SPECIFICALLY SENT OUT TO had to to BECOME ENTIRELY DEPENDENT UPON THE DIVINE
CALL, TO GUIDE AND TO ENLIGHTEN OTHERS – in our PROVIDENCE AND BENEFICENCE OF OUR LORD GOD WHO
case – concerning the Divine Truth of Almighty PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING WE NEED.
God. Our Lord admonishes us to always remember that GOD
✶✶ IN ORDER TO FULFIL THEIR ALLOTTED MISSION, OUR LORD JESUS FREELY GRANTS US HIS ABUNDANT PROVIDENCE – EVERYTHING
CHRIST “...GAVE THEM THE POWER...” THEY REQUIRED IN ORDER THAT WE NEED, AND MORE!
TO HEAL AND PERFORM VARIOUS DIVINE MIRACLES, WHILE HE, Therefore, WE IN TURN, MUST SHARE OUR GREAT BLESSINGS WITH
BEING GOD THE SON AND WORD, PERFORMS DIVINE MIRACLES OTHERS AS FREELY AND AS GENEROUSLY AS OUR LORD.
BY HIS OWN POWER.
PUTTING OUR TRUST IN GOD – ABBOT TRYPHON
It is often difficult for us to put our TOTAL TRUST IN GOD. HARMONIOUS AND GOOD THINGS ARE FROM GOD, but when
We have our own agenda as to what WE think needs to disappointing or calamitous circumstances occur, WE
happen and wonder where God is when we do not MUST UNDERSTAND THAT OUR LORD GOD IS ALLOWING US TO
get the answer to our Prayers the way we think it EXPERIENCE SOMETHING THAT IS NECESSARY FOR OUR ETERNAL
should be. SALVATION.
We are like little children who doubt our parents’ Love Learning to trust that God really does Love us, helps us to
when we do not get what we want, even when we ACCEPT WHATEVER COMES OUR WAY AS BEING SALVIFIC.
know it is unnecessary or inappropriate! If everything went according to our own selfish desires,
When good things happen to us we are convinced God is we would never mature spiritually, and this life would
looking kindly upon us, but WHEN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES be meaningless.
ARE DISAPPOINTING, UPSETTING OR REALLY BAD WE THINK THAT But BY BELIEVING THAT THIS LIFESPAN IS A SHORT,
OUR LORD GOD IS ABSENT! PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY, WE ARE ENCOURAGED
AS GOD IS EVERYWHERE PRESENT, HE IS VERY MUCH INVOLVED TO FULFIL OUR SACRED TASKS WITH PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE.
WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO US.

10. ST JAMES ALPHAEUS – HOLY APOSTLE 9 OCTOBER 2018

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

Tone 3 14 October 2018

th th
20 Sunday After Pentecost – 4 of St Matthew
The Sower & Seed
The Feast of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council - St Celsios, St Nazarios, St
Protasios & St Gervasios of Milan - St Kosmas - St Ignatios - St Silvanos of Gaza – St
Paraskeva of Serbia - St Nicholas Sviatosha, Prince of Chernigov & Wonderworker of Kiev
Near Caves Monastery

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 3

Evfrenestho ta Ourania, Agaliastho ta Epigia, oti epiise
Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to Thanato
ton Thanaton.Prototokos ton nekron egeneto. Ek kilias
Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to kosmo to Mega Eleos.
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – HOLY FATHERS – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Iperdedoxasmenos i Hriste O Theos imon, O Fostiras epi
Gis, tous Pateras imon themeliosas, ke di afton, pros tin
Alithinin Pistin pantas imas Odigisas, Poliefsplahne
Doxa Si!
Let the Heavens Rejoice and let the Earth be glad, for the
Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has
trampled down Death by Death; He has become the
First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He
has Rescued us, and to the world He has granted Great
Mercy.
Supremely praised art Thou, O Christ our God, Who
established on earth, our Fathers as Luminaries; and
through them, to the True Faith all of us Thou has
Guided, O Most Compassionate One: Glory to Thee!

PATRONAL HYMN OF THE PARISH 

SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS – TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, Mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon Deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
T R ISAGION HY MN 
PROKEIMENON – THE PRAYER OF AZARIAH – TONE 4
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TITOS 3 : 8 - 15
My Son, Titos: Faith of the Word is True, and I desire Thee to insist on these Things so that those who believe in God may
be careful to apply themselves to Good Deeds that are excellent and profitable to mankind. Avoid senseless
controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile.
As for a factious man – after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a
person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned!
When I send Artemas or Tychikos to you, do your utmost to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the
winter there. Make every effort so as to speed Zenas the Lawyer and Apollos on their way, ensuring that they lack
nothing. Let our people apply themselves to Good Deeds so as to help those in urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.
Greetings are sent by all who are with me. Greet those who Love us in the Faith. Grace be with you all.
St Paul was painfully aware that WE ARE ALL AWAITING THE ✽ THE REFERENCE TO “THE LORD” IN THE NEW TESTAMENT,
CONSUMMATION OF THE AGE TO COME AND HE KNEW THAT WE USUALLY REFERS TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – the Word
ALREADY PARTICIPATE IN THE ESCHATOLOGICAL COMMUNITY. and Son of God the Father, Who is also referred to
(i.e. Concerning our immortal souls in their relation to Death, as “the Lord.” (MATTHEW 11:25; 22:44 – LUKE 1:32; 4:12 &18,
Judgement, Eternal Life and Eternal Condemnation and Hell) 10:21 – ACTS 3:22; 4:26 – REVELATION 11:15; 21:22)
✽ HOLY BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION ARE THE BEGINNING OF OUR The Holy Spirit is also referred to as “Lord” both in this
TRUE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY towards Eternal Life in God’s instance and in our Creed of Faith – the Nicene
Eternal Kingdom of Love, Peace and Joy. Creed: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and
THESE HOLY MYSTERIES GRANT US THE RITE OF PASSAGE TOWARDS A Giver of Life...”
PROGRESSIVE LIFE OF RENEWAL IN CHRIST. Since THE TERM “LORD” APPLIES TO ALL THREE PERSONS OF THE
 2 CORINTHIANS 3 : 16 – 18: “... when one turns to the HOLY TRINITY, there might be a difference of opinion as
Lord, the Veil is taken away. Now the Lord is to which of the three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity
Spirit; and where the Spirit of our Lord is, there the word “Lord” refers in this instance.
is True Liberty. But we all - with unveiled face, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are in no way
beholding as in a mirror, the Glory of our Lord – confused here for St Paul had in mind one Person or
are being Transformed into the same Image Another.
from glory to Glory – just as the Spirit of our The Son, for example, cannot be the Holy Spirit.
Lord.” ✽ THE “SPIRIT” IS SPECIFICALLY THE HOLY SPIRIT – not an
impersonal Force – although ELSEWHERE IN THE NEW

11. 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – THE SOWER & THE SEED – 14 OCTOBER 2018
 TESTAMENT THE TERM “SPIRIT” OCCASIONALLY REFERS TO HIM, THEREBY SLOWLY REGAINING OUR LOST SPIRITUAL
THE SOUL, A REALM OR A MANNER OF EXISTENCE. (GODLY) LIKENESS.
In this instance, St Paul described how ALMIGHTY GOD Having been created in God’s Image (and Likeness) WE
REIGNS IN OUR WORLD. It does not describe the Eternal ARE ABLE TO SEE HIS UNCREATED IMAGE – God Incarnate –
Relationship of the three separate and distinct Persons our Lord Jesus Christ – in two ways:
of the Holy Trinity: the Holy Spirit, for example,  THROUGH THE SON’S DEIFIED HUMANITY (1 CORINTHIANS
Proceeds from God the Father ALONE – and not from 13:12 & JAMES 1:23-35)
God the Son.  IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
✽ ST PAUL TRANSFORMED THE OLD COVENANT UNDERSTANDING As we grow closer to God and are able to truly behold
OF ONE GOD – THE LORD GOD – INTO THE NEW COVENANT Him, we become what we were created by God to be
TEACHING OF CHRIST’S DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY – i.e. WE REGAIN OUR LOST HOLY LIKENESS.
TRINITY IN ONE DIVINE GODHEAD – THREE PERSONS – EACH GOD IS INFINITE – there are no limitations to Almighty God,
OF WHOM IS “LORD” – DIVINE. SO THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO GROWING IN HIS IMAGE AND
Consequently, WHEN WE “TURN TO THE LORD,” WE TURN TO THE LIKENESS and the more we are Transformed into His
FATHER, THROUGH THE SON AND BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY Likeness, the more clearly we shall see God!
SPIRIT – AND EVEN WHEN WE PRAY – ALTHOUGH WE MAY A “divisive” person is one who picks and chooses from the
ADDRESS ONE OF THE TRINITY IN PERSON, IT ALWAYS INCLUDES whole - complete and Perfect – Truth of God.
THE OTHER TWO PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY BECAUSE A sect is a group of people who follow their own ideas
EVERYTHING IS IN PERFECT HARMONY AND UNITY OF THE HOLY and choices rather than being Obedient and Humble
TRINITY: BY THE WILL OF THE FATHER, THROUGH THE before God.
TEACHINGS AND REVELATIONS OF THE SON AND BY THE LIFE- They are isolated and independent of God’s Holy
GIVING ENABLING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Tradition and such INCOMPLETE OR ERRONEOUS BELIEFS
✽ THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US TRUE LIBERTY – RESULT IN IMMORAL BEHAVIOUR AND A SELF-IMPOSED SPIRITUAL
TRUE SPIRITUAL FREEDOM – freeing us from the DEATH AND ALIENATION FROM ALMIGHTY GOD Who never
constraints and shackles of Spiritual Darkness and forces Himself on anyone – waiting ever so patiently
sin – so that WE ARE ABLE TO BEHOLD GOD, HAVE OPEN for their return to His Divine Light through sincere
ACCESS TO HIM AT ALL TIMES, AND GROW EVER CLOSER TO Repentance.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 8 : 5 – 15
THE SOWER AND THE SEED
At that time our Lord Jesus Christ said: “A Sower went out to sow His Seed. And as He sowed, some fell by the
wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon
as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the
thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a
hundredfold.”
When He had said these things, He exclaimed: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Then His Disciples asked Him: “What does this Parable mean?”
And He said: “To you it has been granted to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest it is
given in Parables, so that ‘Seeing, they may not see; and hearing, they may not understand.’
“Now the Parable means this: the Seed is the Word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear –
then the devil comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be Saved.
“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the Word with Joy; but these have no root,
for they believe for a while and in times of temptation, they fall away.
“Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who – when they have heard, go out and are choked with
cares, riches and pleasures of life, and bring no Fruit to maturity.
“But the Seed that fell on good ground are those who – having heard the Word with a noble and good heart –
keep it and bear Fruit with Patience.”
AS THE SOWER in this Parable, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST One’s unwillingness to understand Christ’s Parables is due to a
FULFILS THE DIVINE PROPHECY RECORDED IN THE OLD rejection of His Eternal Kingdom.
COVENANT BOOK OF ISAIAH: S T J O H N C H R Y S O S T O M commented: “If the blindness were
 I S A I A H 5 5 : 1 0 – 1 3 : “... as rain comes down, or snow natural, it would have been proper for God to open their
from Heaven, and does not return until it saturates eyes; but because it was a voluntary and self-chosen
the earth, and brings forth and produces, and gives blindness, He does not overthrow their free will...”
seed to the Sower, and bread for food, so shall My for doing so would have been not only to “... no advantage
Word be, whatever proceeds from My Mouth. It shall for them, but an even greater Condemnation...”
not return until it accomplishes whatever I Willed, and UNLESS WE – AS ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS – CONTINUE TO LEARN
I shall prosper your ways and My Commandments... ALL THE DIFFERENT FACETS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL FAITH AND PUT
and the Lord shall be for a Name and for an THEM INTO PRACTISE, WE TOO, SHALL FALL AWAY FROM GOD’S
Everlasting Sign, and He shall not fail.” TRUTH and become ensnared in the evil one’s deadly
“MY WORD” IS THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, traps.
WHICH ACCOMPLISHES GOD’S DIVINE WILL. If all we had to do was to declare our belief in our Lord Jesus
Although there are times when the Preaching of the Holy Christ in order to receive Eternal Life, THERE WOULD BE NO
Gospel seems to bear no Fruit, GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK – NEED FOR THE HOLY CHURCH WITH ALL ITS DIVINE MYSTERIES
whether or not we see visible Results. AND DIVINELY INSPIRED, TRUE TEACHINGS – AS WELL AS
While some people might believe that one is permanently EVERYTHING ELSE THAT MAKES UP OUR LIFE IN CHRIST WHILE
Saved at the very moment one professes Faith in our Lord ON EARTH.
Jesus Christ – a dangerous and erroneous belief that is We could then all simply Repose for there would be no further
rejected by Orthodox Teaching – CHRIST HIMSELF IS VERY purpose for our unique lifespans, which God grants each
CLEAR ON THIS SUBJECT – for, as He teaches by means of of us, knowing how much time we will need to achieve our
this significant Parable, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ONE TO BELIEVE best Spiritual Condition.
FOR A WHILE AND THEN FALL AWAY DUE TO VARIOUS IF IT WAS AS EASY AS THAT, DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT OUR LORD
CIRCUMSTANCES AND PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO GOD. JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE OFFERED HIMSELF AS OUR
OUR SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR ETERNAL LIFE IN THE ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE OR THAT ALL THE SAINTS AND
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF GOD CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT HOLY MARTYRS WOULD HAVE SUFFERED UNNECESSARILY??
A DETERMINED AND CONSTANT STRUGGLE – both physically If it was as easy as that, OUR LORD JESUS WOULD NOT HAVE
and spiritually. SPENT THE THREE YEARS OF HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY TRYING TO
WE ARE IN A PERMANENT STATE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE against TEACH US EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR ETERNAL LIFE – even
the evil one and his demons who never cease their efforts returning to us in His Resurrected State to show us and to
against us – to lead us astray and to destroy our confirm His Truth - and to give us His Final
Relationships with God and each other. Commandments that benefit and develop our Immortal
 THE HOLY MYSTERIES ARE NOT OBSCURE INTELLECTUAL Soul.
CONCEPTS OF MANKIND.
 THE HOLY MYSTERIES ARE THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE
KINGDOM OF GOD, WHICH CANNOT BE DEFINED.

12. 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – THE SOWER & THE SEED – 14 OCTOBER 2018
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 8 : 5 - 15
THE SOWER & THE SEED
At that time, our Lord spoke this Parable:
“A Sower went out to sow His Seed. And as He sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trodden down, and the
birds of the air devoured it. And others fell on rock, and as soon as they sprang up, they withered away for lack
of moisture. And others fell among thorns, which sprang up with them and choked them. And others fell on
ground that was good, sprang up and yielded a crop a hundredfold.”
His Disciples asked Him, saying: “What does this Parable mean?”
He said: “To you it has been given to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in
Parables, so that ‘... seeing, they may not see, and hearing, they may not understand.’
“The Parable is this: The Seed is the Word of God. “Those by the Wayside are the ones who hear. Then the devil
comes and takes away the Word out of their heart, lest they should believe and be Saved. The Seed that falls on
the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the Word with Joy, and have no root, they believe for a while
and in time of temptation fall away. The Seed that falls among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go
out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no Fruit to maturity. The Seed that falls
on good ground, are those who – having heard the Word with a noble and good heart – keep It and bear Fruit
with Patience.”
Having said these things, He cried: “He who has ears to hear – let him hear!”
AS THE SOWER IN THIS PARABLE, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS Truth and become ensnared in the evil one’s deadly
CHRIST FULFILS THE ANCIENT PROPHECY OF ST ISAIAH: traps.
 THE BOOK OF ISAIAH: “...as rain comes down, or snow If all we had to do was to declare our belief in our Lord
from Heaven, and does not return until it Jesus Christ in order to receive Eternal Life, THERE
saturates the Earth, and it brings forth and WOULD BE NO NEED FOR THE HOLY CHURCH WITH ALL ITS
produces, and gives Seed to the Sower and DIVINE MYSTERIES AND TRUE TEACHINGS – as well as
Bread for food, so shall My Word be – whatever everything else that makes up our Life in Christ while
proceeds from My Mouth. sojourning on Earth.
“It shall not return until It accomplishes whatever We could then all simply Repose for THERE WOULD BE NO
I Willed, and I shall prosper Thy Ways and My FURTHER PURPOSE FOR OUR UNIQUE LIFESPAN, which God
Commandments. For Thou shall go forth with grants each of us, knowing how much time we need
Gladness and shall be taught with Joy, for the to achieve our best Spiritual Condition.
mountains and hills shall exult to receive Thee ✶✶ IF IT WAS AS EASY AS THAT, DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT OUR
with Joy; and all the trees of the field shall LORD JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE OFFERED HIMSELF AS OUR
applaud with their branches. ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE OR THAT ALL THE SAINTS AND
“Instead of the broom tree shall come up the HOLY MARTYRS WOULD HAVE SUFFERED UNNECESSARILY??
cypress, and instead of the nettle, shall come ✶✶ If it was as easy as that, OUR LORD JESUS WOULD NOT HAVE
up the myrtle; and the Lord shall be for a SPENT THE THREE YEARS OF HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY TRYING TO
Name and for an Everlasting Sign, and He TEACH US EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR ETERNAL LIFE – NOR
shall not fail.” WOULD HE HAVE RETURNED TO US IN HIS RESURRECTED STATE
✶“My Word” is THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, which TO SHOW US AND TO CONFIRM HIS TRUTH - NOR WOULD HE
ACCOMPLISHES GOD THE FATHER’S DIVINE WILL. HAVE GIVEN US HIS FINAL COMMANDMENTS THAT BENEFIT AND
There are times that the preaching of the Holy Gospel DEVELOP OUR IMMORTAL SOUL.
seems to bear no Fruit, but GOD IS AT WORK, WHETHER OR ✶✶✶ Once again OUR LORD GOD URGES US TO HEAR AND
NOT WE SEE VISIBLE RESULTS. TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE TRUTH!!
While some might teach that we are permanently Saved  If we regard ourselves as being Faithful Disciples
at the moment we profess our Faith in Christ – a of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, WE MUST
concept that is unacceptable to the Orthodox Church LIVE UNDER THE HOLY DISCIPLINE OF GOD AND ALL HIS
of Christ – THE DIVINE TEACHING OF OUR SAVIOUR IS TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT IT IS INDEED POSSIBLE TO “BELIEVE FOR In order to be Faithful and True Disciples of Christ, WE
A WHILE” AND THEN “FALL AWAY.” MUST BE HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT TO OUR LORD IN ALL ASPECTS
✶✶ THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH ARE NOT OF THIS PREPARATORY LIFESPAN, so that we BECOME WORTHY
OBSCURE CONCEPTS, BUT THE PRESENCE OF THE KINGDOM CITIZENS OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
OF GOD, WHICH CANNOT BE DEFINED.  Furthermore, WE MUST VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT THE
AN UNWILLINGNESS TO UNDERSTAND Christ’s profoundly Wise GUIDANCE AND TEACHINGS OF OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS
Parables IS DUE TO A REJECTION OF HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM. – ancient and modern – who are Christ’s
“If the blindness were natural, it would have been appointed Shepherds to us who are His Holy
proper for God to open their eyes; but BECAUSE IT WAS A Flock.
VOLUNTARY AND SELF-CHOSEN BLINDNESS, HE DOES NOT WE MUST ACCEPT CORRECTION when we err and we must
OVERTHROW THEIR FREE WILL.” correct our fellow sinners with Love whenever the
FOR BY DOING SO WOULD HAVE BEEN not only to “... no need arises.
advantage for them, but AN EVEN GREATER This temporary lifespan is not a solo Journey that we can
CONDEMNATION.” (ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM) accomplish merely by our own efforts.
Unless we – as Orthodox Christians – CONTINUE TO LEARN ✶✶ WE NEED THE GUIDANCE OF GOD’S HOLY CHURCH IN ALL HER
ALL THE DIFFERENT FACETS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL FAITH AND PUT FACETS IN ORDER TO MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
THEM INTO PRACTISE, we too, shall fall away from God’s
20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE SOWER AND THE SEED
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy GOD DESPITE HAVING RECEIVED EVERYTHING WE NEED FROM
Spirit... OUR LORD IN ORDER TO FULFIL THAT SACRED TASK.
Dearly Beloved: Today’s Sacred Gospel Lesson So then, the question arises as to WHY OUR LORD SHOULD EVEN
concerning “The Sower and the Seed” consists of BOTHER WITH US AT ALL – and thus atheist detractors
Words of warning, and Words of Hope. gleefully point out the existence of Hell is ‘proof’ of a
The vital fact that we all need to contemplate is: “IF GOD ‘Divine Experiment’ gone horribly wrong!
TRULY LOVES MANKIND AS INTELLECTUAL CREATURES MADE FOR Furthermore, they argue, our Lord God in Whom we
HIS GOOD PLEASURE, HOW IS IT THAT THERE ARE SOME OF US believe must be “...some kind of a cosmic monster who
WHO WILL NOT INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?” takes a pleasure in seeing His failed creatures suffer
Why did our Lord Jesus Christ clearly state that “Many in Hell...” where Christ Himself revealed there is
are Called but few are Chosen...” and He also ceaseless “...weeping and wailing and the gnashing
specifically cautioned us that “...the Gate is narrow of teeth!”
and the Way is hard that leads to Eternal Life, and Why would God bother with creating the world at all if it
few are those who enter it”? all goes so catastrophically wrong?
✶✶ We must seriously ponder the cause of SO MANY OF US This is why atheists think that the Holy Gospel – and in
FAILING MISERABLY TO PRODUCE A WONDERFUL HARVEST FOR fact, all Sacred Scripture and our Faith - is nonsense!

13. 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – THE SOWER & THE SEED – 14 OCTOBER 2018
YET WE ARE ALL GATHERED TOGETHER TO WORSHIP, GLORIFY AND
GIVE THANKS TO OUR LORD GOD TODAY BECAUSE WE DO
BELIEVE – WE KNOW - THAT THE HOLY GOSPEL AND ALL DIVINE
TRUTH MAKES PERFECT SENSE – including “HELL” BEING THE
ULTIMATE STATE OF HUMAN FAILURE – the complete
absence of God and all His Loving Goodness.
Our Holy Fathers have explained to us that Hell is a
phenomenon, which we humans have created for
ourselves!
Simply put: God Loves and Cherishes everything He has
created, for every living creature and all earthly
beauty of His Creation, He declared as being “Good” –
every aspect, element, atom, particle and quark of His
Creation is indeed Good, for nothing is excluded from
His Immeasurable Love.
✶✶✶ AS MANKIND CREATED IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS, GOD HAS
GRANTED US FREE WILL TO MAKE OUR OWN CHOICES, INCLUDING
WHETHER TO ACCEPT OR REJECT HIS DIVINE LOVE.
He did so because WITHOUT FREEDOM, THERE IS NO LOVE.
LOVE AND FREEDOM ARE COMPLIMENTARY REALITIES THAT CANNOT
EXIST WITHOUT EACH OTHER.
Accordingly, for those who accept it, such LOVE IS THE VERY
CONTENT OF HEAVEN AND ETERNAL LIFE.
However, those who reject Divine Love, voluntarily
condemn themselves to an irrevocable Eternal
Darkness, unending sadness, and alienation or exile
from everything that is Good, Light, Joyful and Loving
– i.e. from God’s Divine Presence.
Today’s Parable of the Sower and the Seed is therefore,
firstly AN URGENT EXHORTATION TO EACH OF US TO HEED OUR
SACRED CALLING TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – to
BECOME HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES WHO LISTEN CAREFULLY AND
THEN FULFIL HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS TO THE BEST OF OUR
ABILITY.
St Paul urges us as Faithful, Struggling Disciples of Christ
throughout all ages: “Beware, Brethren, lest there be
in any of you an evil and unbelieving heart, which
leads you to fall away from the Living God!”
✶✶ ALTHOUGH ALL OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S PARABLES WERE TO
CAUTION US OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR HABITUAL, WILFUL,
SINFUL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDE, HE ALSO TAUGHT US THAT
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE FOR US THROUGH OUR SINCERE
REPENTANCE, WHICH PROFOUNDLY RECONCILES US WITH OUR
LORD GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER.
Despite having a heart that is cold and calloused, or
being shallow and superficial, or having become
infected by worldly distractions and deceptions, IT IS
ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR US TO OVERCOME THESE SPIRITUAL
DEFICIENCIES AND ADVERSE ATTITUDES.
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO BECOME
TRANSFORMED FROM A STATE OF SPIRITUAL BARRENNESS TO A
STATE OF SPIRITUAL FRUITFULNESS, if only we are willing to
WORK WITH GOD IN ORDER TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
OUR LOVING AND PROVIDENTIAL LORD PROVIDES US WITH ALL THE
NECESSITIES THAT ARE SPIRITUALLY BENEFICIAL.
It is entirely up to us to undertake the preparation and
nurturing of the rich, fertile soil within us, so that the
Seed of God’s word can take firm root, sprout and
ripen in the way He intended.
In order to do so, WE MUST FULFIL THE ASCETICAL DISCIPLINES
WITHIN HIS HOLY CHURCH, SO THAT WE TRULY LIVE IN CHRIST.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ELDER THADDEUS OF VITOVNICA
Our thoughts, moods, and desires set a Path for our Life.
Our thoughts reflect our whole Life. If our thoughts are
quiet, peaceful, and full of Love, Kindness, and Purity,
then we have Peace, for Peaceful Thoughts make
possible the existence of Inner Peace, which radiates
from us. However, if we breed negative thoughts, then
our Inner Peace is shattered.
Our Holy Fathers taught us: “If thoughts that take away
our Peace assail us, know that they are from Hell.”
Such thoughts must never be accepted. They must be
banished immediately.
We must Struggle for our own good and strive for Peace to
take root in our soul— Peace, Joy, and Divine Love.
Our Heavenly Father wants all His Children to have His
Divine Properties. He wants us to be full of Love,
Peace, Joy, Truthfulness, and Kindness. He wants us
to be able to comfort others. We also want to become
Meek and Humble, for only such people radiate
Goodness and Kindness....
14. 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – THE SOWER & THE SEED – 14 OCTOBER 2018
We begin our Life of Faith by STRIVING TO OBEY ALL GOD’S
COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, for these Heal our heart
and soul that has become hardened by our habitual,
wilful sins.
PRAYER, FASTING, REGULAR PARTAKING OF THE ESSENTIAL HOLY
MYSTERIES AND PARTICIPATION IN THE DIVINE LITURGY AND
VARIOUS HOLY SERVICES DEEPENS AND PLOUGHS OUR HEART
AND SOUL IN PREPARATION FOR THE IMPLANTATION AND
NURTURING OF THE DIVINE TRUTH.
BY STEADFASTLY “...FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT...” IN ORDER TO
OVERCOME THE SINFUL PASSIONS, WE UPROOT THOSE WORLDLY
“TARES” THAT spring up, overwhelm and DESTROY THE
GOOD HARVEST.
Our Lord Jesus Christ concluded His Sacred Lesson
concerning the Sower and the Seed with the following
affirmation: “...And as for those with the Good Soil,
they are those who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in
an honest and good heart, and bring forth Fruit with
Patience.”
OUR LORD GOD WILL PROVIDE US WITH AN ABUNDANTLY GOOD
HARVEST WHEN AND IF ONLY WE DO OUR PART.
The final words of our Lord Jesus Christ that we hear
today, are the crux upon which His entire Parable
stands.
✶✶ Our Divine Saviour emphasised that IT IS NOT SIMPLY
THOSE WHO HAVE A GOOD AND HONEST HEART HEAR THE WORD
AND MULTIPLY IT, BUT THAT THEIR HEART IS “...GOOD AND
HONEST...” BECAUSE THEY FULFILL IT ALL “...WITH
PATIENCE.”
As Orthodox Christians – Faithful Disciples of Christ - WE
MUST FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON THE “...LITTLE THINGS...” OF
OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE: our Daily Rule of Prayer,
attendance of Church Services, the study and
contemplation of Holy Scripture and the Writings and
Life of our Holy Fathers, the constant guarding of our
thoughts and emotions, the Repentance-Confession of
our sins, and everything else required of us.
WE FULFIL ALL THESE SACRED TASKS PATIENTLY, REGULARLY, TIME
AND TIME AGAIN, knowing that God Blesses us
abundantly when we REMAIN FAITHFUL TO OUR LABOURS:
“...For he who endures to the end will be Saved.”
So today, may God help us to SERIOUSLY AND EAGERLY HEED
THE WARNING OF THE VERY REAL POSSIBILITY OF OUR SPIRITUAL
FAILURE.
WE MUST TRULY BELIEVE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE LIFE OF OUR
HEART IS ALL THAT MATTERS, and that WHEN WE CONSECRATE
OURSELVES WHOLLY TO THE CULTIVATING LABOURS OF OUR
HEART AND SOUL, WITH HUMILITY, PATIENCE AND
PERSEVERANCE, THEN WE CAN REST ASSURED THAT OUR LORD
GOD CAN AND WILL BRING FORTH WITHIN US AN ABUNDANT
HARVEST.
As our Lord Jesus Christ told us so clearly and concisely:
“For by this is My Father Glorified, that you bear
much Fruit and so prove to be My Disciples.”
Amen.
ARCHPRIEST PAUL M JANNAKOS - 29 OCTOBER 2011
ST MARY MAGDALENE ORTHODOX CHURCH
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST GREGORY OF SINAI
Everyone Baptized into Christ should pass progressively
through all the Stages of Christ's own Life, for in
Baptism we receive the Power to progress, and
through the Commandments we can discover and
learn how to accomplish such progression. To Christ's
Conception corresponds the Foretaste of the Gift of the
Holy Spirit, to His Nativity the actual Experience of
Joyousness, to His Baptism the Cleansing Force of the
Fire of the Holy Spirit, to His Transfiguration the
Contemplation of Divine Light, to His Crucifixion the
dying to all things, to His Burial the Indwelling of
Divine Love in our heart, to His Resurrection our soul's
Life-quickening Resurrection, and to His Ascension
Divine Ecstasy and the Transport of our intellect into
God. Those who fail to pass consciously through these
Stages is still callow in body and spirit, even though
they may be regarded by all as mature and
accomplished in the practise of Virtue.
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 4 21 October 2018

st th
21 Sunday After Pentecost – 6 of St Luke
The Gadarene Demoniac
The Feast of ST HILARION THE GREAT OF PALESTINE AND EGYPT – St Christodoulos of Patmos – St
Theodotis & St Sokratis – St John the New Martyr of Monemvasia – St Philotheou - St Hilarion,
Bishop of Meglin, Bulgaria – St Hilarion, Schemamonk of Kiev Caves Monastery – St Hilarion,
Abbot of Gdov & Pskov Lake, Disciple of St Euphrynos of Pskov - St Theophilos & St James,
Abbots of Omutch Monastery, Pskov – St Dasios, St Gaius & St Zoticus of Nicomedia – St
Philotheos of Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos – St Bessarion Sarai the Confessor of Romania – St Oprea Nicholas of
Salistie, Romania – St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev – St Moses Macinic the Confessor of Bucharest & St John the
Bishop of Transylvania & Galesh

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 10 - JOHN 21: 1 - 14

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

OCTOECHOS - RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 4

To fedron tis Anastaseos Kirigma ek tou Angelou When the Women Disciples of the Lord had learnt from
Mathouse e tou Kyriou Mathitrie ke tin Progonikin the Angels the Glad Tidings of the Resurrection that
apofasin aporipsase, tis Apostolis kafhomene elegon. had cast away the Condemnation of their Forefather,
Eskilefte O Thanatos, igerthi Hristos O Theos, they spoke exultingly to the Apostles: Death is no
doroumenos to kosmo to Mega Eleos. more! Christ-God is Risen, granting to the world Great
Mercy.
MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST HILARION – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Tes ton dakrion Sou roes, tis erimou to agonon egeorgisas, With the rivers of Thy tears Thou made the barren desert
ke tis ek vathous stenagmis, is ekaton tous pnous bloom, and with Thy sighs from deep within, Thou
ekarpoforisas, ke gegonas Fostir ti ikoumeni, lampoon made Thy Labours bear their Fruit a hundredfold, and
tis Thavmasin, Ilarion Patir imon Osie, Presveve Hristo Thou became a Star – Illuminating the world by Thy
to Theo,Sothine tas psihas imon. Miracles, O Hilarion, our Holy Father. Intercede with
Christ our God, for the Salvation of our soul.
PARISH PATRONAL HYMN 
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon Deiseon fonas, Creator Immovable: despise not, the pleading voices of
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
Timonton Se. Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 103/104 – TONE 4
Greatly Magnified shalt be Thy Works, O Lord. All Things were made in Wisdom.
Bless, O my soul, the Lord!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 2 : 16 – 20
HAVING PUT ON CHRIST, WE NOW LIVE IN CHRIST
Brethren: knowing that a man is not Justified by the Works of the Law but by Faith in Jesus Christ, even we have
believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be Justified by Faith in Christ and not by the Works of the Law; for by the
Works of the Law, no flesh shall be Justified.
If, while we seek to be Justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found to be sinners, is Christ therefore a Minister of sin?
Certainly not!! If I build again those things that I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. I - through the Law - die
to the Law so that I might Live in God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Lives in
me. The Life that I now Live in the flesh, I Live by Faith in the Son of God who Loves me and Who gave Himself for
me!
ST PAUL GIVES THE CONTENT OF THE TRUE GOSPEL by contrasting Sanctified nature in Christ at our Baptism and
it with the false doctrines of the Judaizers. Chrismation.)
THE SOURCE OF JUSTIFICATION IS FAITH, not the works of the Works of the Old Covenant Law begin with mankind’s
Old Covenant Law. actions, while FAITH BEGINS WITH GOD’S DIVINE ACTIONS.
Works of the Law deal with mankind in our fallen state – EVERY WORK OF FAITH IS THE COMBINED ACTION OF GOD AND US,
in our corrupted state (i.e. a state of Spiritual Death) for it is AN ESSENTIAL SYNERGY – a Holy Cooperation
FAITH ‘CRUCIFIES’ OUR CORRUPT CONDITION AND DEALS WITH OUR between us and God – between Divine Will and
NEW BEING IN CHRIST (i.e. we abandon our old, fallen, human will.
corrupt nature and take on a Regenerated, New and

21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6 T H
OF ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – 21 OCTOBER 2018 15.
THIS FAITH AND THESE ACTIONS HAVE THEIR SOURCE AND Faith in Christ is parallel to the works of the Law and can
FULFILMENT IN GOD – in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus be translated as “the Faith of Jesus Christ,” which is
Christ. the Holy Gospel.
WE EXPERIENCE THESE AMAZING FAITH AND ACTIONS THROUGH OUR As the Source of works is the Law, so THE SOURCE OF FAITH IS
UNION WITH THE HOLY TRINITY – God the Father, God the CHRIST – His Beliefs, His Trust, His Obedience that
Son and God the Holy Spirit in Whose Names and by Justifies us , not our Faith as such.
Whose Power and Authority we are Baptised and CHRIST’S FAITH IS SEEN IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE ON EARTH, not in
Chrismated. merely a few of His crucial Works.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US HIS POWER AND ENERGY FOR THE WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST AND IN CHRIST, for our
ONGOING LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST – the Justification is not simply legal but actual – effected
wonderful Life of Blessing, Great Mercy and infinite by our real, personal Union with Christ in His Glorified
Love. human Nature.
THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH ABRAHAM IS OUR HOLY FATHER OF FAITH The fact that we can still be sinners clearly shows that
AND OF THE BLESSINGS OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS HOLY UNION NEVER TAKES AWAY OUR FREE WILL and it
However, the Judaizers, who have based their also explains how some chose to defect to Judaism.
Righteousness on the works of the Law, have received St Paul destroyed THE WORKS OF THE LAW in the sense that
Condemnation – not the Blessings of the Holy Spirit! they PROVED TO BE INEFFECTUAL FOR OUR ETERNAL
THE STATUS CONFERRED BY RIGHTEOUSNESS IS HOLY SONSHIP, for SALVATION.
WE BECOME ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH OUR UNION The real transgressors are those who try to reinstate the
WITH GOD INCARNATE. Old Covenant Law.
THE SOURCE OF SONSHIP IS GOD – not humanity. WE DIE THROUGH THE LAW – not bypassing or dishonouring it,
SONSHIP IS A DIVINE PROMISE – not achieved by human but by RECOGNISING THAT IT IS HOLY; that WE DESERVE ITS
deeds and it is ATTAINABLE ONLY BY OUR FAITH – not by CONSEQUENCE, WHICH IS DEATH.
our works – not by any effort we may make. WE VOLUNTARILY DIE TO THE LAW THROUGH OUR DEATH WITH
GOD INTRODUCED THE WORKS OF THE LAW IN ORDER TO PROTECT CHRIST, for being crucified with Him through our Holy
HUMANITY against the evil wiles of the devil and his Baptism, WE COME ALIVE TO THE DIVINE, ETERNAL LAW OF
demons who ceaselessly our Spiritual Death and THE HOLY SPIRIT, which Perfects the intention of the Old
destruction. Covenant Law.
The Old Covenant Laws were to protect us until the time THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION BETWEEN THE OLD COVENANT LAW
of Divine Sonship when our Union with the Eternal, AND THE NEW COVENANT GOSPEL, FOR THE LAW IS “... HOLY
Only Begotten Son of God became possible. AND JUST AND GOOD...” (ROMANS 7:12)
THE PURPOSE OF HOLY SONSHIP IS FOR US TO BECOME GODLIKE AND However, the Law is weak and obsolete for it is Fulfilled in
TO ENTER HEAVEN. the Holy Gospel – in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, Himself! (ROMANS 8 : 3 & HEBREWS 8 : 13)
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF ST LUKE 8 : 26 – 39
THE GADARENE DEMONIAC
At that time, when our Lord Jesus Christ stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had
been demon-possessed for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house, but in tombs.
Beholding Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said: “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus,
Son of the Most High God? I beg Thee – do not torment me!” He had commanded the unclean spirits to come out of
the man. For many years they had possessed him, and he had been kept under guard, bound with chains and
shackles. And he had broken the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.
Jesus asked him: “What is your name?” He replied: “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged Him
not to Command them to go out into the Abyss. A herd of many swine were grazing on the mountain, and they
begged Him to permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. The demons went out of the man and entered
the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep incline, into the lake and drowned.
Seeing what had happened, those who herded them fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Having gone out to
see what had occurred, they went to Jesus, and they found the man Cleansed of the demons sitting at the Feet of
Jesus – clothed and in his right mind - and they were afraid. Those who had beheld it, told them how the
demoniac had been Healed. And the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to
depart from them, for great fear had seized them.
He (Jesus) got into the boat, and returned.
The man from whom the demons had departed, had wanted to stay with Him. Sending him on his way, Jesus had
said: “Return to your own house, and tell everyone what Great Things have been done for you by God.”
And after departing, the man proclaimed throughout the whole city what Great Things had been done for him by
Jesus.
The Gadarene Demoniac had suffered demonic CAN DO NOTHING AT ALL AGAINST THE DIVINE WILL OF
possession “... for a long time.” HE HAD BEEN EXILED FROM ALMIGHTY GOD.
GOD AND HIS LOVING GOODNESS FOR A VERY LONG TIME. Because, in Truth, THEY ARE POWERLESS TO DO WHATEVER THEY
To add to his degradation and misery, the Demoniac was DESIRE!
naked and lived in the tombs with those who were This is clearly evident in this case when THEY BESOUGHT THE
dead. PERMISSION OF CHRIST TO ENTER THE LARGE (FORBIDDEN) HERD
In other words, THE WRETCHED DEMONIAC WAS STRIPPED OF HIS OF SWINE, which grazed on the steep mountain slope.
NATURAL HUMAN ATTRIBUTES, AND BEING POSSESSED AND THEY WERE TRYING TO AVOID BEING BANISHED TO THEIR ALLOTTED
ENSLAVED BY THE EVIL SPIRITS, HE WAS SPIRITUALLY DEAD, ABYSS OR OUTER DARKNESS OF HELL WHERE THEY ARE
Having broken the “...chains and shackles...” that had CONDEMNED TO SPEND ETERNITY.
kept him bound INDICATED THE STRENGTH OF THE DEMONS INSTANTLY, THE SWINE WENT BERSERK AND STAMPEDED OVER THE
WHO CAUSED HIS TERRIFYING AND EXTREME VIOLENCE – CLIFFS INTO THE SEA BELOW AND PERISHED.
having become a danger to himself and to others. ✶ THIS CLEARLY SHOWS US HOW THE MAN HAD IN FACT BEEN
✶✶ IMMEDIATELY AND WITHOUT FAIL, DEMONS RECOGNISE AND PROTECTED BY GOD ALL THE TIME.
ACKNOWLEDGE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THE ETERNAL ✶✶ DIVINE GRACE AND LOVE PREVENTED THE WRETCHED DEMONIAC
“...SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD.” FROM BEING KILLED by the demons who had possessed
They know and fear their ability to torment mankind will him all those years.
soon end when THEY WILL BE BANISHED TO THE OUTER Although some may believe that the presence of those
DARKNESS, THE ABYSS OR HELL, WHICH HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR large herds of swine indicated a Gentile population,
THEM AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONDEMNED THEMSELVES. since OUR LORD FORBADE HIS DISCIPLES TO GO TO THE
When forced to reveal their true identity, the demons GENTILES, and was Himself reluctant to seek them out,
revealed themselves as being “Legion,” which THE GADARENES PROBABLY WERE JUDEANS WHO WERE ENGAGED
inferred the wretched man’s POSSESSION AND ABUSIVE IN SINFUL OR UNLAWFUL AFFAIRS.
ENSLAVEMENT WAS DUE TO MANY DEMONS. In addition, THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE HERD OF SWINE
Although their spiteful malice against us is often REVEALS:
overwhelming and unbearable, SATAN AND HIS DEMONS
16. 21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6 T H
OF ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – 21 OCTOBER 2018
  it was UNLAWFUL FOR THE JEWISH GADARENES TO OWN
SWINE AND TO EAT PORK
 THE INCOMPARABLE VALUE OF HUMAN BEINGS whose ALL HUMAN BEINGS – INFINITELY LOVED BY GOD – ARE PROTECTED
Salvation is worth every sacrifice
 WHILE ANIMALS ARE A VENERABLE PART OF CREATION,
MANKIND IS OF FAR GREATER VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE.
 CHRIST REMOVED A SOURCE OF SIN, for swine herding
was AN ABOMINATION ACCORDING TO THE OLD
COVENANT DIETARY LAWS.
 DEMONS HAVE NO POWER OVER DIVINE CREATION AND ARE
STRICTLY SUBJECT TO THE DIVINE WILL OF ALMIGHTY
GOD – that is why they could only enter the
21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – SUNDAY OF THE GADARENE DEMONIAC
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ: today’s Sacred
Gospel Lesson concerns our Lord Jesus Christ’s
Healing and Restoration of the wretched Gadarene
Demoniac.
Although our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ, is God the Son
and Word of God our Heavenly Father - Who
created everything visible and invisible, Who
became Incarnate/Man for our sake and Who
reigns over all Creation by His Almighty Wisdom -
He forgets everything around Him and with
determined resolve, He focuses on the suffering,
Spiritually Dead and enslaved Gadarene Demoniac
who had been possessed by an entire legion of evil,
unclean spirits and forced to live an inhuman life
amidst the tombs of the dead.
The degradation and intense suffering of that poor
man drew the attention of our Compassionate and
Loving Lord Jesus Christ, Whose very Presence
terrified the demons into defeated submission.
This Encounter is all the more remarkable in contrast to
the intolerance, isolation and neglect suffered by
that afflicted Demoniac by his own people who had
abandoned him to the brutality of the vicious and
malicious demons.
It is possible that the Demoniac’s own lack of self-
respect had driven him towards this degraded state.
As attested to by our Holy Fathers our own unrepentant
sin, blatant self-indulgence and Spiritual Neglect of
our soul can very well lead us towards a Spiritual
State that makes us completely susceptible to
demonic attack, possession and enslavement.
Into just such a Spiritually Darkened and seemingly
hopeless situation our Most Compassionate Saviour
appeared.
St Gregory Palamas believed that He had purposely
landed where the Gadarene Demoniac was
located, for our Lord Jesus Christ does not simply
Appear anywhere randomly or ‘by chance’ or
coincidentally, but with Foresight, Knowledge and
Great Mercy He went there specifically to Heal and
Restore that wretched Gadarene man who had
been so terribly persecuted by demons for so long.
As soon as the demons saw our Lord Jesus Christ, they
recognised His Divine Identity and being typically ,
torn between two wicked selfish passions, they
immediately cried out – trembling with abject Fear
of God, but still as arrogant and self-serving as ever
with self-righteous excuses and justification: “What
have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Son of the Most High
God? I beg Thee – do not torment me!”
Even in the demons’ pride, hatred and wrath, they
cowered in the Divine Presence of Christ, and
respectfully addressed Him as “...Son of the Most
High God.”
Our Gracious Lord tolerated the demons’ testimony that
He is truly “...Son of the Most High God...” for the
instruction of His Disciples.
Shortly before this Miraculous Event, they had
witnessed the Divine Power of our Lord as they
sailed across the Sea of Galilee during a frightening
storm, when He had calmed the tempestuous
weather.
The Disciples had cried out in astonishment and
wonder: “What manner of Man is this, for He
commands even the winds and water - and they
obey Him?”
21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6 T H
OF
forbidden swine at the Command of Christ
Who is God Himself.
UNDER HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE. Otherwise the man would
have been killed long ago by the demons who
obsessively hate us and ceaselessly seek our Eternal
Death – to suffer all the permanent torments of being
alienated from God and all His Divine Goodness.
THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ECONOMIC LOSS OF THOSE LARGE HERDS OF
SWINE COULD REMAIN AS A SIGN FOR THE HARD-HEARTED
(SPIRITUALLY STUBBORN) PEOPLE who had fled to that
region.
Now it was clearly evident Who our Lord Jesus Christ is,
and thus the Great Mercy and Providence of God
during this Encounter begins to unfold.
St Gregory Palamas explained: “Even the devil always
works in co-operation with God’s Will, without
wishing or intending to do so, which is why one of
the God-bearing Fathers [ S t M a k a r i o s t h e G r e a t ]
said that ‘...evil assists good, while intending what
is bad.’”
Regardless of whether or not the possessed man’s
demonic possession had been self-inflicted or not,
our Lord Jesus Christ had permitted this to happen
so that the Glory of God may be manifested
(revealed.)
By permitting the demons to enter the very large herd
of swine, Christ allowed the demons to remain on
Earth (for their malicious schemes against mankind are
used for our Spiritual Benefit!)
Our Blessed Holy Father, Theophylaktos, pointed out
that our Lord God permits these evil spirits to hang
around because their Spiritual Warfare against us
makes us Spiritually Experienced – Spiritual War
Veterans!
For if we have no adversaries nor difficulties with which
to contend on a daily basis, there would be no
Spiritual Struggles and Contests - and if there were
no Contests or Races to be won, there would be no
Glorious Crowns of Victory!
Due to His infinite Love for all mankind, and, in this
case, the degraded, persecuted and possessed
Gadarene Demoniac, Christ our Lord and Saviour,
permitted the legion of demons to enter those poor
creatures who immediately went berserk, causing
them to stampede headlong over the high cliffs and
perish.
Meanwhile, the Gadarene man was Healed, Cleansed
and Restored to his complete human nature by the
Love and Great Mercy of our Almighty God.
Nevertheless, having witnessed such a Great Miracle,
the Gadarenes - who should have rejoiced and
been grateful and relieved by the liberation and
restoration of their relative, friend or neighbour –
manifested the same fear, arrogance, hatred and
wrath as the demons, by their reaction!
Instead of Joy and Thanksgiving the Gadarenes were
are afraid of Christ, and extremely unhappy and
angry at the loss of their illicit livestock – the
forbidden herd of swine!
Terrified that they might lose even more, ”... the whole
multitude of the surrounding region of the
Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them!”
It is very easy to criticise or judge the selfish,
disobedient and rebellious Gadarenes who chose
corruptible material possessions and lifestyle rather
than the imperishable Spiritual Treasures offered to
us by our Lord God.
But who are we to judge anyone? What self-indulgent
vices and sins do we secretly nurture and cherish?
From what passions do we really need to be Healed
and Liberated, yet we dare to ask Christ to “...
depart...” from us!
We assume that we will have enough time to Repent our
innumerable sins before our final Repose, typically
protesting: “Not now! Not just yet! Let me indulge
myself just a little longer...”
St Nikolai Velimirovich very wisely cautioned us:
“...Let us not be in a hurry to condemn these Gadarenes’
love for their swine, before we consider the society
of our day, and count up all our swine-loving fellow-
ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – 21 OCTOBER 2018 17.
 townsfolk, who would - just like the Gadarenes -
have more concern for their pigs than the life of
their neighbours.
“Just think how few there are today - even among those
who cross themselves and confess Christ with their
tongues - who would not quickly make up their
minds to kill a man if this would give them
thousands of pigs.
“Or think if there are many among you who would
sacrifice thousands of pigs to save the life of one
madman.
“Let those who condemn the Gadarenes before first
condemning themselves be filled with deep shame.
“Were the Gadarenes to rise up today from their graves,
and begin to count, they would arrive at a vast
number of like-minded people today!
“The Gadarenes at least “...asked...” Christ to leave
them, while the people of today drive Him out.
“And why? In order to be left alone with their pigs and
their slave-masters, the demons.”
If we consider our own situation, are we not very much
like the Gadarenes - perhaps afraid of losing or
having to sacrifice whatever we are unwilling to do
(even slightly!)
Are we also so afraid and unwilling to give ourselves
totally and completely to Christ our Divine Saviour
Who offers us unimaginable Spiritual Treasure for
all Eternity in return?
Are we so scared of risking or forfeiting something of
ourselves as well as our deluded current ‘freedom’?
Our Lord God never forces us nor does He deceive or
entrap us into acting against our natural free will.
Similar to the Gadarenes, we are strongly attached to
our worldly possessions and, social status, and we
continue to crave even more of those things that are
utterly unbeneficial to our Spiritual Welfare.
We think that we are happy with our possessions, our
worldly kingdom and the status quo, so, due to our
arrogance, pride and fear of losing anything at all,
we choose to reject or ignore our Providential God
Who has granted us everything we have or need!
Even those of us who have chosen Monastic Life, having
“...renounced the world...” must continually examine
ourselves closely so as to avoid becoming similarly
possessed!
Demonic possession is extreme and intensely dramatic.
This account of the Gadarene Demoniac was certainly
not allegorical – it was very real.
Our Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Faith teach us and
severely caution us that SLAVERY TO OUR PASSIONS IS FAR
WORSE THAN DEMONIC POSSESSION, SINCE IT IS VOLUNTARY –
HAVING BEEN WILFULLY CHOSEN, whereas DEMONIC
ATTACKS ARE SPIRITUAL WARFARE WAGED AGAINST US FROM
“THE OUTSIDE.”
✶✶ ONLY THE WILFULLY CHOSEN PASSIONS TAKE ROOT IN THE
DEEPEST PART OF OUR SOUL AND THE HIDDEN CHAMBERS OF
OUR HEART.
Having freely surrendered to their enslavement, it is
vital for us to consciously and meticulously Repent
and Confess our vices and passions
St. John Chrysostom pointed out : “...A demon certainly
will not deprive us of Heaven… but sin will
assuredly cast us out. For this is a demon we
willingly receive - a self-chosen madness.”
What demons do we harbour in our soul, and in the
depths of our heart so that, when we Encounter our
Lord Jesus Christ - the Living God - we instantly
cower in Fear with prideful impunity, and dare to
cry out like the evil spirits: “What hast Thou to do
with me, O Lord Jesus? Do not Torment me! Leave
me alone!”
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST ANTHONY THE GREAT
We must understand that our body is corruptible and
short-lived, whereas our soul is Divine and Immortal
and, while being God's Breath, is joined to the body
to be tested and Deified.
Now those who have understood what our soul is,
regulates their Life in a Way that is Just which
conforms to God. By not submitting to their body, but
seeing God with their intellect, they noetically
18. 21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6 T H
OF
What hidden lusts, envy, anger, resentment, jealousies,
pride have we hidden away and allowed to take
root in our soul?
To what hidden passions do we cling - in a weird and
perverted sense of comfort and familiarity?
What destructive passions have we harboured for so
long that we have begun to identify with them –
thinking of them as part of who we are?
OUR COMPASSIONATE AND LOVING CHRIST COMES TO US ALL -
INDIVIDUALLY – as He did to the Gadarene Demoniac
– in order to remove all those self-imposed chains of
passions – those deeply hidden obsessions and
destructive sins – and to Heal, Cleanse and Restore
our created human nature.
Christ desires nothing more than our Eternal Salvation,
our Healing, Cleansing and Restoration – despite us
being shunned by the world and being miserable
outcasts in strange and foreign circumstances and
situations.
Our All Merciful and Compassionate Lord is always
willing to Restore us as He created us to be - even if
we are located amidst the tombs of the dead and
surrounded by herds of illicit swine - symbolising
Spiritual Death and the voluntary, self-imposed sin
of this fallen world.
In the seemingly hopeless circumstances of that
wretched Gadarene Demoniac, only our Lord Jesus
Christ had the Power to liberate and Restore him –
which He did not only for the former Demoniac but
especially for the Enlightenment and Edification of
all who witnessed that Great Miracle.
Afterwards, when the extremely grateful Gadarene
man wanted to accompany them, and to leave
behind his uncaring, callous and selfish fellow
citizens, our Lord Jesus Christ instructed him to
“...return to your home, and declare how much
God has done for you.”
However, the Restored Gadarene “...proclaimed
throughout the whole city what Great Things had
been done for him by our Lord Jesus.”
We must never be afraid to give ourselves totally and
completely to our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have absolutely nothing to lose except our chains –
the chains of our sins and passions and our slavery
to the prince of this fallen world.
We have everything to gain, because Almighty God
alone grants us everything!
✶✶✶ OUR TRUE FREEDOM, OUR TRUE HAPPINESS AND OUR TRUE
JOY ARE IN CHRIST ALONE.
As depicted on the Holy Icon of the Glorious
Resurrection, our Lord Jesus Christ reaches out to
each and every one of us in order to pull us out of
the prison of our passions and sins and into the
Kingdom of God.
Our Divine Saviour clearly told us: “Behold, I stand at
the Door, and knock. If any man hears My Voice,
and opens the Door, I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
If only we soften our heart towards God and towards
each other with Love and Humility, we will meet
Christ our God with inexpressible, overwhelming
Love, Joy, and Peace - and through our own Life in
Christ, we can, like the Restored Gadarene
Demoniac, declare to the world what great things
our Most Gracious and All Merciful Lord has done
for us.
Amen.
https://www.holycross-hermitage.com
2016
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
contemplate the Eternal Blessings that are granted to
our soul by God.
ST JOHN CASSIAN
Whoever has achieved Love has God within himself and
his intellect is always with God.
ELDER THADDEUS OF VITOVNICA
We can keep Guard over the whole world by keeping
Guard over the Atmosphere of Heaven within us.
ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – 21 OCTOBER 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed
and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

23 October 2018
St James Joseph – Adelphotheos (Brother of our Lord)
( THE ELDEST SON OF ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED & HIS WIFE, ST SALOME)
Also the Feast of St James the Wonderworker of Borovichi, Novgorod – St Ignatios the Patriarch
of Constantinople – St Elisha the Igumen (Abbot) of Lavreshev Monastery, Belarus – St Makarios
the Roman of Mesopotamia

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST JAMES ADELPHOTHEOS – TONE 4

Os tou Kyriou Mathitis, anedexo Dikee to Evangelion. Os As a Disciple of our Lord, Thou accepted the Gospel, O
Martys ehis to aparatrepton. Tin parrisian os James the Just. As Martyr Thou hast Unchangeability;
Adelphotheos, to Presvevin os Ierarhis. Iketeve Hristo to as the Brother of our Lord, Thou hast confidence; and
Theo, Sothine tas psihas imon. Thou can Intercede as Hierarch: Wherefore, Intercede
with Christ our God Entreating His to Save our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION – THEOTOKOS – TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon Deiseon fonas, Creator Immovable: despise not, the pleading voices of
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
Timonton Se. Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 18 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
His Voice has gone out into all the Earth!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God.

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 1 : 11 – 19

Brethren: I certify that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not according to mankind.
For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but It came to me through the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
You have heard of my former conduct in Judaism – how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure, and tried to
destroy Her. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own Nation, being more
exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my Fathers.
When it pleased God, Who separated me from my mother’s womb, and Called me through His Grace, to reveal His Son
in me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I
go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him for fifteen days. The other Apostles I did
not see, except James, the Brother of our Lord.
APOSTOLIC TRADITION IS GROUNDED IN DIVINE REVELATION St Paul knew that his ENCOUNTER WITH OUR LORD JESUS
FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. CHRIST, HIS INSTRUCTION IN THE HOLY GOSPEL AND HIS
 Just as the Twelve Apostles were CALLED BY CALL TO APOSTLESHIP WERE HIGHLY UNUSUAL.
CHRIST, so was St Paul. IN ALL PRIVATE REVELATIONS, THE ONLY OTHER WITNESS IS
 Just as the Twelve RECEIVED THE HOLY GOSPEL ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF.
DIRECTLY FROM CHRIST, so did St Paul. However, ST PAUL KNEW THAT HE HAD TO TEACH THE SAME
 Just as the Twelve STOOD TOGETHER AS ONE, so St HOLY GOSPEL AS THE OTHER APOSTLES OF CHRIST.
Paul entered their UNITY IN CONSENSUS AND “James” refers to ST JAMES THE JUST, THE FIRST BISHOP OF
MUTUAL SUBMISSION. JERUSALEM AND AUTHOR OF THE EPISTLE OF ST JAMES.
PEOPLE ARE CALLED BY GOD not according to their former THE TERM “BROTHER” IS ALSO A REFERENCE TO A COUSIN OR CLOSE
conduct – whether good or bad - but BY DIVINE MALE RELATIVE.
GRACE. ST JAMES WAS THE ELDEST SON OF ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED
ST PAUL, WHOM GOD CALLED IN MERCY, RECEIVED DIVINE AND HIS LATE WIFE, SALOME (a sister of St Anna, the
GRACE FROM ST ANANIAS’ HANDS AND THE BLESSED WATERS mother of the Blessed Virgin) and therefore a COUSIN
OF HOLY BAPTISM. TO THEOTOKOS AND OUR LORD.
The words “... separated me from my mother’s womb...” ST JAMES’ DEEP LOVE FOR AND DEVOTION TO OUR LORD JESUS
refer not to St Paul’s physical birth but to GOD’S DIVINE SINCE HIS BIRTH, ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE REASON FOR HIS
CALL TO APOSTOLIC MINISTRY BEFORE HE WAS BORN. HONOURABLE TITLE OF BEING OUR LORD’S BROTHER.
As with St Paul, GOD’S INTENTIONS FOR PEOPLE MAY LIE HIDDEN According to some, he was the only one of St Joseph’s
FOR MANY YEARS. sons who was quite willing to share his inheritance
As a True Apostle of Christ, ST PAUL SUBMITTED HIMSELF TO with Christ.
THE CHURCH AND HER HOLY APOSTLES RATHER THAN In accordance with Mosaic Law, adopted children
ELEVATING HIMSELF. were supposed to have equal rights to inheritance,
but often this proved problematic due to human
greed or other motivations.

S T J AME S J OSEP H A DELP H OTHE OS (B ROTHE R OF OUR L OR D ) 23 O CTOBER 2018 19.

 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
At that time, our Lord Jesus went to His own country, and taught the people in their Synagogue so that they were
astonished and said: “Where did this Man get this Wisdom and these Mighty Works? Is this not the Carpenter’s Son?
Is not His Mother called “Maria’? And are not His Brothers James and Joses, and Simon and Jude? And are not all
His Sisters with us? Where is this Man get all this?”
And they were offended by Him.
Jesus said to them: “A Prophet is not without honour except in his own country and in his own house.”
And He did not do many Mighty Works there because of their unbelief.
The Gadarene Demoniac had suffered demonic
possession “... for a long time.”
To add to his degradation and misery, the demoniac was
naked and lived amongst the tombs – among the
dead - having escaped the “...chains and shackles...”
with which he had been constrained – and having
broken them, it also indicated that he was extremely
violent – a danger to himself and to others.
DEMONS, WITHOUT FAIL, IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISE OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST AS THE ETERNAL “...SON OF THE MOST HIGH
GOD.”
They know and fear that their power to torment mankind
will soon end when THEY WILL BE BANISHED TO THE OUTER
DARKNESS, THE ABYSS OR HELL, WHICH HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR
THEM AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONDEMNED THEMSELVES.
When forced to reveal his true identity, the demon
declared himself to be “Legion,” which inferred the
wretched man’s POSSESSION BY MANY DEMONS.
Although their spiteful malice against us is often
overwhelming and unbearable, SATAN AND HIS DEMONS
CAN DO NOTHING AT ALL AGAINST THE DIVINE WILL OF
ALMIGHTY GOD.
Because, in Truth, THEY ARE POWERLESS TO DO WHATEVER THEY
DESIRE, they besought the permission of Christ to enter
the large (forbidden) herd of swine, which grazed on
the steep mountain slope.
INSTANTLY, THE SWINE WENT BERSERK AND STAMPEDED OVER THE
CLIFFS INTO THE SEA BELOW AND PERISHED, which clearly
shows us how THE MAN HAD IN FACT BEEN PROTECTED BY
GOD ALL THE TIME.
DIVINE GRACE AND LOVE PREVENTED THE WRETCHED DEMONIAC
FROM BEING KILLED by the demons who had possessed
him all those years.
Although some may believe that the presence of those
large herds of swine indicated a Gentile population,
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST ILIAS THE PRESBYTER
We must let our words combine insight and self-
awareness so that the Peaceable Divine Logos may
not be ashamed to enshrine Himself in then
because of their brashness and lack of restraint.
ELDER THADDEUS OF VITOVNICA
The evil spirits cannot touch those who are Meek and
Humble of heart, for they are United with Peace and
Silence. They have no negative thoughts.
ST GABRIEL OF GEORGIA
In the End Times we will be Saved by Love, Humility
and Kindness.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
Lay thy cares before our Lord God and be Strengthened
against all fear.
Those who entrust their Life to God, will dwell in Peace.
ST EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN
Send Thy Peace, O Lord to all the ends of the Universe,
and may the evil one flee from our midst.
ST NEKTARIOS OF AEGINA
Prayer Unites us with God, being a Divine Conversation
and Spiritual Communion with the Being Who is
Most Beautiful and Highest. Prayer is forgetting
earthly things, and ascending to Heaven. Through
Prayer we flee to God.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
Do not approach the quarrelsome lest thou e compelled
to leave thy peaceful customs.
ST ISAIAH 12:2
Behold, God is my Salvation. I will trust, and will not be
afraid; for the Lord God is my Strength and my Song,
and He has become my Salvation.
20. S T J AME S J OSEP H A DEL PH OTH EOS
TO ST MATTHEW 13: 54 – 58
since OUR LORD FORBADE HIS DISCIPLES TO GO TO THE
GENTILES, and was Himself reluctant to seek them out,
THE GADARENES PROBABLY WERE JUDEANS WHO WERE ENGAGED
IN SINFUL MATTERS
In addition, THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE HERD OF SWINE
REVEALS:
 it was UNLAWFUL FOR THE JEWISH GADARENES TO OWN
AND TO EAT PORK
 THE INCOMPARABLE VALUE OF HUMAN BEINGS whose
Salvation is worth every sacrifice
 while animals are a venerable part of Creation,
MANKIND IS OF FAR GREATER VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE.
 CHRIST REMOVED A SOURCE OF SIN, for swine herding
was AN ABOMINATION TO THE OLD COVENANT.
 DEMONS HAVE NO POWER OVER DIVINE CREATION AND ARE
STRICTLY SUBJECT TO THE DIVINE WILL OF ALMIGHTY
GOD – that is why they could only enter the
forbidden swine at the Command of Christ
Who is God Himself.
 ALL HUMAN BEINGS – INFINITELY LOVED BY GOD – ARE
PROTECTED UNDER HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
Otherwise the man would have been killed
long ago by the demons who obsessively hate
us and ceaselessly seek our Eternal Death – to
suffer all the permanent torments of being
alienated from God and all His Divine
Goodness.
THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ECONOMIC LOSS OF THOSE LARGE HERDS OF
SWINE COULD REMAIN AS A SIGN FOR THE HARD-HEARTED
(SPIRITUALLY STUBBORN) PEOPLE who had fled to that
region.
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
...we must believe that He is All Sufficient to Whom we
have entrusted ourselves.
ST EVAGRIOS THE SOLITARy
We cannot attain Pure Prayer while entangled in
material things and agitated by constant cares. For
Prayer means the shedding of thoughts.
ST ILIAS THE PRESBYTER
The nature of those who pray must be supple and
malleable, like that of children, so that it is receptive
to the development brought about by Prayer. Thus,
if we want to be United with Prayers, we must not be
negligent.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
The desire of everyone is known by our works; and that
which we care for, we will be anxious to seek in
Prayer.
ELDER THADDEUS OF VITOVNICA
When we seek the Lord from our heart, He is here! He is
our Parent!
ST EVAGRIOS THE SOLITARY
In our Prayers we must seek only Righteousness and the
Kingdom of God - that is, Virtue and Spiritual
Knowledge - and everything else will be granted to
us.
THE DESERT FATHERS
We need to pray until our dying breath! That is the
Great Struggle!
ST SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN
We must visit the sick, console the distressed, and do not
make our longing for Prayer a pretext for turning
away from anyone who asks for our help; for Love is
greater than Prayer.
(B R OTHE R OF OU R LO RD ) 23 OC TOBER 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

26 October 2018
St Dimitrios the Great Holy Martyr & Myrrh-
Streamer of Thessalonika
Also the Commemoration of the Great Earthquake of Constantinople – the Feast of St Lupos,
Faithful Servant of St Dimitrios - St Theophilos of Kiev Caves Monastery & Bishop of Novgorod
– St Athanasios of Medikon Monastery – St Joseph of Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos – St
Dimitrios of Tsilibinksk

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ISODIKON
Defte proskinisomen ke prospesomen hristo. Soson imas,
Iie Theou, O en Agiis Thavmastos, psallontas Si:
Alleluia!
MENAION - APOLYTIKION
O epivlepon epi tin gin, ke pion aftin tremin, Rise imas tis O
foveras tou sismou apilis, Hriste O Theos imon. Ke
katapempson imin, plousia tae lei Sou, Presvies tis
Theotokou, mone Filanthrope.
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION
Megan Evrato en tis kindinis, Se ipermahon i ikoumeni,
Athlofore ta ethni tropoumenon. Os oun Lieou kathiles
tin eparsin, en to stadio tharrinas ton Nestora, outo
Agie, Megalomartis Dimitrie, Hriston ton Theon iketeve,
dorisasthe imin to Mega Eleos
– TONE 2
Come, let us Worship and Bow Down before Christ.
Save
us, O Son of God, Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints,
who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
OF THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE
Thou Who look upon the Earth and make it tremble,
deliver us from the frightful threat of earthquake, O
Christ our God. Send down Thine Abundant Mercies
on us, at the Intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord and
only Lover of mankind.
OF ST DIMITRIOS – TONE 3
All the world has Thee, its Mighty Champion, fortifying
us in times of danger, and defeating our foes, O
Victorious One. So, as Thou humbled Lyeos’ arrogance
by giving Courage to Nestor in the stadium, thus, O
Holy Great Martyr Dimitrios, to Christ our God pray
fervently, beseeching Him to grant us His Great Mercy.

SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS – TONE 2

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon Deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 63/64 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shalt Hope in Him.
Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplications before Thee.
Timothy, my Son: be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among
many witnesses commit these to Faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure
hardship as a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one engaged in Warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a
soldier. If anyone competes in athletics, he is not Crowned unless he competes according to the Rules. The
hardworking Farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
Consider what I say: may the Lord grant you Understanding in all things.
Remember that Jesus Christ, of the Seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my Gospel, for which I suffer
trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains. But the Word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the Elect, that they also may obtain the Salvation, which is in Christ Jesus
with Eternal Glory.
St Paul established a clear chain of Faithful Witnesses to This stands in clear contrast to the elitism of the major
Oral Tradition. religions of the 1st century Roman world, including
 Christian Tradition is for all Believers. Gnosticism and the various ‘mysterious religions.’
 Christian Tradition is “Catholic” – Universal Faithful Ministry requires discipline:
 Christian Tradition belongs to the entire Holy Church  Obedience
of Christ.  Self-denial
 Christian Tradition is to be most carefully preserved in  Spiritual Struggle
Divine Truth and Spiritual Perfection Our icons, models or examples are soldiers, athletes and
 Christian Tradition is to be passed down to all farmers, who constantly strive with all their being to
generations – without any hindrance, without any achieve their goals.
change and without incorrect interpretations

21. ST DIMITRIOS – MYRRH-STREAMING GREAT HOLY MARTYR OF THESSALONIKA – 26 OCTOBER 2018

 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 15 : 17 – 16 : 2
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “... these things I command you, that you Love one another.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love
its own. Because you are not of the world for I chose you out of the world, the world hates you.
“Remember the Word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also
persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will keep yours also. But all these thing they will do to you for My
Name’s sake, because they do not know Him Who sent Me.
“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates
Me also hates My Father. If I had not done the Works among them - which no one else did – they would have no sin.
“Now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. Yet this happened so that the Word might be fulfilled,
which is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
“When the Helper comes – Whom I shall sent to you from the Father – the Spirit of Truth Who Proceeds from the Father
– He will Testify of Me. And you, too, will bear witness for you have been with Me from the beginning.
“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the Synagogues.
But the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he serves God.”
The term “World” is used in several distinct ways in Holy “... in the Holy Spirit – the Lord – the Giver of Life Who
Scripture. Proceeds from the Father.”
In some cases, it refers to all that is glorious, beautiful and While God the Son is Begotten of God the Father alone,
Redeemable in God’s wondrous Creation. the Holy Spirit Proceeds from God the Father alone.
At other times, it refers to that which is finite in contrast to The Source – the Fountainhead – of both Persons of God
that which is Eternal. the Son and God the Holy Spirit – is God the Father.
In still other instances – as in this case – it indicates all Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us these Divine
that is in rebellion against the Lord our God. Revelations to teach us and to reveal His Eternal,
 JOHN 8:23 – “(Christ) said to the Judeans: ‘You are from Absolute and Perfect Truth so that we will understand
beneath; I Am from Above. You are of this world. them fully and are able to differentiate between His
I Am not of this world.” Divine Truth and man’s flawed, limited and erroneous
The rebellion of this fallen world against God reveals ideas that are utterly imperfect, often heretical and
several aspects: completely wrong!!
1. While Union with Christ brings us His Love, Truth and Our Lord God does not want us to be deceived and
Peace, it also brings us persecution, because the misled by Satan’s lies and deceptions that can cause
world hates Love and Truth. our Fall from Divine Grace, Spiritual Death, confusion,
2. The world hated Christ so therefore it hates all who try frustration and alienation from God and all His
to be Christ-like – i.e. Christian. Goodness.
3. The world hates because it neither knows nor desires Knowledge is indeed power – so we must always measure
to know God the Father. everything we see, hear or think, by the Divine Truth,
4. Hatred for our Lord Jesus Christ is utterly irrational, Teachings and Commandments of Christ our Saviour
illogical and unreasonable for He brings all Who never fails us at all!!
humanity His infinite Divine Love and Great Finally, our Lord Jesus Christ clearly warns us that we will
Mercy. be persecuted by self-deluded slaves of Satan who
Consequently, as prophesied so many centuries before: will be convinced that they are serving the Divine Will
our Great Saviour is “hated without a cause!!” of Almighty God.
With respect to God’s Working Salvation in our world, God Tragically, however, they are serving the evil one and
the Son sends our Divine Comforter – God the Holy certainly not our Loving, Peaceful and
Spirit from the Father. Compassionate Lord God.
With respect to the Divine Nature, the Holy Spirit Eternally As faithful Disciples of Christ, we must always be ready to
Proceeds from God the Father exclusively. face animosity and persecution, confident in our Faith
In other words: God the Holy Spirit receives His Eternal and knowing that God will Deliver us from the evil
Existence ONLY from God the Father. one and his deadly machinations!
In conformity with our Lord Jesus Christ’s Words, the
Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed Confesses belief
ST DIMITRIOS OF THESSALONIKA
St Dimitrios came from a noble family of the Roman to defeat the Roman champion, so St Nestor was
Province of Macedonia. Through this noble dragged outside the city and beheaded, while
ancestry and his own ability and Virtue he rose to a several soldiers were sent to where St Dimitri was
high military position under Emperor Galerius imprisoned and they impaled him to death with
Maximian, who co- ruled the Eastern sector of the their spears.
great Roman Empire , while Emperor Augustus, St Lupos was the faithful servant of St Dimitrios, who
Diocletian, ruled the Western sector. recorded everything that had occurred. He had
Despite St Dimitrios’ significant social status in the carefully preserved his beloved Master’s blood-
pagan Roman Empire, he remained fervent in his stained tunic and signet ring, which worked many
Faith and Works – encouraging many other Divine Miracles through the Intercessory Prayers of
Christians to endure the prevailing persecution, St Dimitrios and St Lupos.
and by his own good example and secret Soon St Lupos was also arrested and beheaded for
teachings, he converted innumerable pagans to encouraging Faithful Christians and for the
Faith in Christ Jesus. conversion of many more pagans.
After one of his campaigns, Emperor Maximian The Christians buried St Dimitrios and St Nestor next to
returned to Thessaloniki (his capital city) and each other in the public bath house where St
ordered games to be held and sacrifices offered to Dimitrios had been imprisoned and martyred.
the pagan gods to celebrate his triumphant return. During the 7th century a Miraculous Stream of fragrant
St Dimitrios was denounced by certain envious Holy Myrrh began to emanate from the tomb of St
pagans, whereupon he was arrested and Dimitrios, which is the reason why he was entitled:
imprisoned. ‘Myrovlitis’ - ‘The Myrrh Gusher /Streamer.’ The
One of St Dimitrios’ visitors was a young Christian tomb of St Dimitrios, which contains his Holy Relics
named ‘Nestor,’ who asked him for his Prayers and is located in the crypt of the Church of St Dimitrios
Blessings as he was about to challenge the popular in Thessalonika.
giant of a man, Lyaeos, who was the reigning St Dimitrios is the Patron Saint of Thessalonika, having
champion infamous for killing all his opponents. Saved the city over the years from various invading
Against all expectations – similar to the ancient young Slavic Nations, Bulgarians, Arabs, Saracens, and
King David who had defeated the giant Philistine, others.
Goliath – St Nestor killed his opponent in the arena, May his memory be Eternal, and may St Dimitrios
much to the shock and outrage of the Emperor, ceaselessly Intercede with our Lord and Saviour,
who immediately and unjustly, ordered his arrest Jesus Christ, for the sake of our immortal souls and
and imprisonment. our Eternal Salvation.
The enemies of St Dimitrios informed Emperor
Maximian that somehow he had enabled St Nestor

22. ST DIMITRIOS – MYRRH-STREAMING GREAT HOLY MARTYR OF THESSALONIKA – 26 OCTOBER 2018

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

Tone (5) Plagal 1 28 October 2018

nd
22 Sunday After Pentecost
7th Sunday of St Luke – Jairus’ Daughter
Holy Protection (Greek National Day)
Also the Feast of St Terence, St Neonilla, his wife and their children: St Sarbelos, St Photios, St Theodoulos, St Hierax, St Nita, St
Vele and St Eunice of Syria & Carthage – St Stephen, Hymnographer of St Sabbas Monastery, Palestine – St Arsenios,
Archbishop of Serbia – St Job the Venerable Abbot & Wonderworker f Pochaev – St Dimitrios of Rostov – St Nestor the
Venerable of Kiev Caves Monastery - St Africanos & 39 Fellow Martyrs of Carthage, North Africa – St Kyriakos, Patriarch of
Jerusalem – St John the Chozebite, Bishop of Caesarea, Palestine – St Neophytos of Urbin, Georgia – St Athanasios the Young,
Patriarch of Constantinople – St Arsenios of Farasa, Cappadocia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 11 - JOHN 21 : 14 - 25

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION - TONE (5) PLAGAL 1

Ton sinanarhon Logon Patri ke Pnevmati, ton ek Parthenou The Word, Who with the Father and the Spirit has no
Tehthenta is Sotirian imon, animnisomen, Pisti, ke beginning, and Who, for our Salvation, was born of a
Proskinisomen. Oti ivdokise sarki anelthin en to Stavro Virgin, let us faithful believers hymn and adore. For it
ke Thanaton ipomine ke egire tous tethneotas en ti was His Good Pleasure to ascend the Cross in the
Evdoxo Anastasi Aftou. Flesh, and to Suffer Death, and through His own
Glorious Resurrection to raise the dead.
MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – HOLY PROTECTION – TONE 1
Tis Skepis Sou Parthene, animnoumen tas Haritas, in os We sing the Praise of the Graces of Thy Protecting Veil, O
Fotoforon Nefelin, efaplis iper ennian, ke Skepis ton Virgin, which like a Light-bearing Cloud, Thou unfold
Laon Sou Noeros, ek pasis ton ehthron epivoulis. Se gar beyond understanding, and Thou Protect Thy People
Skepin ke Prostatin ke voithon, kektimetha voontes Si. ✞ from every assault, for we have gained Thee as our
Doxa tis megaliis Sou Agni! ✞ Doxa ti Thia Skepi Sou! ✞ Protector, and Defender, and Helper, as we cry out to
Doxa ti pros imas Sou, Promithia Ahrante! Thee: ✞ Glory to Thy Mighty Deeds, O All Pure! ✞ Glory
to Thy Protection! ✞ Glory to Thy Providence, O
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION  Immaculate!
SEASONAL KONTAKION – HOLY PROTECTION – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Osper Nefeli aglaos episkiazousa, tis Ekklisias ta pliromata Like a Cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company
Panahrante, en ti Poli pale ofthis ti Vasilidi. All’ os of the Church, O All Pure, Thou Appeared of old above
Skepi tou Laou Sou ke Ipermahos, periskepason imas ek the Royal City. But as the Protector and Champion of
pasis hlipseos, tous kravgazontas. Here, Skepi Olofote. Thy People, protect from every affliction us who cry
out to Thee: Hail! O Protection wholly Light!
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK 
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – THEOTOKOS’ MAGNIFICAT - LUKE 1 – TONE 3
My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!
For He has regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 9 : 1 – 7
Brethren: ... the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service and the Earthly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was
prepared: the first part, in which was the Lampstand, and the Table, and the Showbread, which is called ‘the
Sanctuary.’ Behind the Second Veil, the part of the Tabernacle, which is called the ‘Holy of Holies,’ which had the
Golden Censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the Golden Pot that
contained the Manna, the Rod of Aaron that budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim
of Glory, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. Of these things we cannot these days speak in detail.
When these things had been prepared, in the first part of the Tabernacle, the Services were always performed by the
Priests. In the second part, the High Priest went alone once a year – not without blood, which he offered for himself
and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance...
This is A DESCRIPTION OF THE MOSAIC TABERNACLE, WHICH
PREFIGURED THE HEAVENLY ALTAR. A most important detail in St Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews
This passage is read during the Great Feasts of our Lady concerns the Inner Veil – THE SECOND VEIL – which
Theotokos and Advent (before the Feast of the Nativity SEPARATES THE HOLY PLACE – THE HOLY SANCTUARY – FROM
of Christ) in order to describe THE GREAT HOLY MYSTERY THE MOST HOLY PLACE – the Holy of Holies or the Holiest
OF THE INCARNATION OF THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD. of All, which contained the Mysterious Ark of the
THE EVER BLESSED, EVER VIRGIN MARY’S WOMB WAS PREPARED AS Covenant and into which only the High Priest could
THE HOLY TABERNACLE OF CHRIST – THE VERY DWELLING enter on only one day a year.
PLACE OF THE LORD OUR GOD.

22 N D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 7 T H
OF LUKE – HOLY PROTECTION – 28 OCTOBER 2018 23.
THE INNER VEIL FORMS THE LOCUS OF THE LITURGICAL PRACTICE THEY NEVER MANIFESTED VISIBLY AT ANY OTHER TIME and our Lord
OF THE OLD COVENANT AND REVEALS ITS IMPERFECTION – for Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that WHOEVER HAS SEEN
the people could not draw close to God and the High HIM, HAS ALSO SEEN HIS CO-ETERNAL, CO-ESSENTIAL FATHER (and
Priest could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year thus also the Holy Spirit!) mp
for his own sins as well as those of the people. However, GOD THE SON – OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST
At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RESOLVED - CAN BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, FOR HE
OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM GOD. (MATTHEW IS GOD-MAN AND THUS HIS HUMAN NATURE CAN AND IS
27:51) IMAGED.
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT CONTAINED ALL THE PRECIOUS HOLY Furthermore, CHRIST LEFT A PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE UPON HIS
RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT AND OF ISRAEL – the Golden DISCARDED BURIAL CLOTHES – ON THE INNER FACE CLOTH,
Pot of Manna, Aaron’s Rod, and the stone Tablets of WHICH HE LEFT NEATLY FOLDED - AND ON THE LONG SHROUD,
the Mosaic Law, given to the ancient Patriarch by God which were both left in His Empty Tomb after His
Himself. Glorious Resurrection.
GOD IS ENTHRONED UPON THE CHERUBIM, hence, GOD’S THRONE When ST PETER AND ST JOHN entered the Empty Tomb, they
IN THE MIDST OF ISRAEL – THE MERCY SEAT – HAD A CHERUB WERE IMMEDIATELY AMAZED BY THE MYSTERIOUS AND MOST
DEPICTED ON EACH SIDE. PRECIOUS HOLY RELICS THAT HAD BEEN LEFT BEHIND.
THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST NOT MADE BY
DEPICTIONS OF CHERUBIM. HANDS IS DEPICTED BEING HELD ALOFT BY TWO CHERUBIM,
THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the Holy situated over the Royal Gates of the Iconostasion.
Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty and While Priests were allowed to enter the Holy Place daily,
detailed workmanship of everything that was made ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD ENTER THE HOLY OF HOLIES ON
for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST HOLY ICONS THE ONE DAY OF ATONEMENT (Yom Kippur.)
OF THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31) The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies CARRYING THE
This and various other passages put to rest the fear that BLOOD OF SACRIFICED ANIMALS FOR THE ATONEMENT OF HIS
the Second Divine Commandment of God prohibits all OWN SINS AS WELL AS THOSE OF THE PEOPLE.
imagery. (EXODUS 20: 4 – 6) THIS ANNUAL BLOOD SACRIFICE REVEALS THE IMPERFECTION AND
GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT BE REPRESENTED OR TEMPORARY STATUS OF THE OLD COVENANT, for only one
DEPICTED BECAUSE THEIR DIVINE NATURE IS UNKNOWABLE AND HENCE man could enter into God’s Divine Presence – but not
CANNOT BE DEPICTED. continually – and only to repeat the annual Sacrificial
THEIR ETERNAL UNITY AND PRESENCE WITH CHRIST IS USUALLY DEPICTED AS Offering for his and the people’s sins.
TWO DIFFERENTLY COLOURED SHAPES BEHIND THE FIGURE OF OUR LORD Furthermore, THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE DEALT ENTIRELY WITH
such as in the Holy Icon of the Transfiguration. MATERIALS FROM THIS AGE, WHICH ARE IMPERFECT AND
The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit as IMPERMANENT – WHICH CANNOT BEGIN A PARTICIPATION IN THE
an Old Man and a White Dove is a modern, western AGE TO COME.
influenced heresy, because THE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY In addition, THAT IMPERFECT ATONEMENT OFFERING DEALT
MAY ONLY BE DEPICTED AS THREE IDENTICAL “ANGELS” SUCH AS AT THE MAINLY WITH THE OUTER BEING for it was superficial and
OAKS OF MAMRE – “the Hospitality of Abraham.” could not purify mankind’s heart, mind or soul – let
alone Restore our fallen human nature.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 8 : 41 – 56
JAIROS’ DAUGHTER & THE HAEMORRHAGING WOMAN
At that time, there was a man named ‘Jairos,’ and he was a Ruler of the Synagogue. And he fell down at the Feet of
Jesus and begged Him to go to his house, for he had only one daughter, who was twelve years of age, and she was
dying. As He went, the multitudes thronged Him.
And a woman, who had a flow of blood for twelve years and who had spent all she had on Physicians - none of whom
could heal her – approached from behind Hm and touched the border of His Garment. And immediately the flow
of her blood ceased. And Jesus said: “Who touched Me?”
When all denied having done so, Peter and those with him said: “Master, the multitudes throng and press against Thee,
and Thou ask: ‘Who touched Me?’” Jesus said: “Someone touched Me. I perceived Power going out from Me.”
When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she went trembling and fell down before Him. She explained to Him,
before all the people, and how she had instantly been Healed. He said to her: “Be of good cheer, Daughter. Thy
Faith has made thee well. Go in Peace.”
While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the Ruler of the Synagogue, saying to him: “Your
daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” Jesus heard and answered him, saying: “Do not be afraid. Only
believe, and she will be made well.”
Entering the house, He permitted no one to enter except Peter, James and John, and the Father and Mother. All wept
and mourned for her. He said: “Do not weep. She is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that
she was dead. He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called: “Little girl: arise!” And her spirit returned,
and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were
astonished. He requested them not to tell anyone what had happened.
✶✶ ALL AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS EXCLUSIVELY IN THE This Statement is made in contrast to all the false (man-
CONTROL OF AND ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD. made) gods of the pagans. (ST ATHANASIOS THE GREAT, ST
 DEUTERONOMY 32:39: “Now behold: I – even I – Am BASIL THE GREAT & ST HILARY OF POITIERS)
He, and there is no god besides Me; I take  1 KINGS 2:6: “The Lord takes away life and grants
away life and I grant life; I wound and I heal; life; He takes down to Hades and raises up.”
nor is there any who can deliver from My THIS VERSE FORESHADOWS THE RESURRECTION and is likely a
Hands.” description of our Lord’s own (voluntary) descent
This Divine Statement could be expressed not only by into Hades and His glorious Resurrection.
God the Father, but also God the Son and God the St Aphrahat the Holy Prophet of God used this passage
Holy Spirit because among many to demonstrate THAT THE BELIEF IN THE
 BEING CO-EQUAL IN ONE GODHEAD - EACH DIVINE RESURRECTION EXISTED EVEN IN THE OLD COVENANT ERA.
PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY CAN TRULY SAY:
“There is no god besides Me.”
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 7TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – ST VERONICA & JAIROS’ DAUGHTER
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the However, what we do have in common as Orthodox
Holy Spirit... Christians is far more profound than any of that.
Dearly Beloved: Even in a small Parish, it is clearly OUR SALVATION IS NOT DUE TO ANY CONVENTIONAL HUMAN
evident that we are different to each other in so many CHARACTERISTIC NOR ENDEAVOUR, BUT DUE TO THE HEALING
ways. MERCY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
We have different interests, personal backgrounds, and In today’s Sacred Gospel Lesson, we are reminded of TWO
opinions on all kinds of things. We do not all look nor VERY DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE WHO HAD APPROACHED HIM
dress alike. IN HUMBLE FAITH, and had subsequently, RECEIVED NEW

24. 22 N D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 7 T H
OF LUKE – HOLY PROTECTION – 28 OCTOBER 2018
 LIFE AS A RESULT OF THEIR PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH OUR
DIVINE SAVIOUR.
Jairus was “...a Ruler of the Synagogue...” and thus
respected in the Hebrew Community.
On the other hand, the poor suffering woman (whom we
now know as St Veronica) had very little in common with
Jairus.
For twelve years she had been isolated from society
because of her physical condition, which could not be
healed by any Physician nor medicines of that time.
She had used all her finances and worldly possessions
while seeking a Cure and had become quite destitute
and utterly desperate.
Being isolated from society due to her chronic condition
whereby she was considered “unclean” she was all
alone, for anyone who had physical contact with her
would also be regarded as being “unclean.”
SHE COULD NOT GO INTO THE STREET NOR MARKETPLACE FOR FEAR
OF BEING HUMILIATED AND SEVERELY PUNISHED FOR BREAKING
THE LAW THAT DEMANDED HER SEGREGATION AND SOLITARY
CONFINEMENT, WHICH ALSO FORBADE HER FROM ENTERING A
SYNAGOGUE FOR COMMUNAL WORSHIP AND PRAYER! .
While Jairus, the respected Ruler of the Synagogue, was
able to directly approach and beseech our Lord Jesus
Christ to Heal his beloved daughter, the humble and
Faithful Woman would not dare to do so.
She was painfully and intensely aware of her physical
and social circumstances - and no doubt regarded
herself as being utterly unworthy of our Divine
Messiah’s attention.
She did not dare to ask Him to lay hands on her in order
to Heal her, for that would have made Him “unclean”
as well, and she might have thought that He would
have refused to Heal her for that very reason!
She was understandably terrified and deeply ashamed
to discuss her medical condition with Christ, yet she
had enough Faith and Hope in Him to surreptitiously
reach out and touch the hem of His Sanctified
Garment in the midst of that large, pressing, pushing
crowd.
SHE HOPED TO BE HEALED BY SECRET CONTACT WITH OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST, WITHOUT DRAWING ANY ATTENTION TO HERSELF.
WITH ABSOLUTE FAITH IN HIM, SHE QUICKLY REACHED OUT AND
TOUCHED MERELY THE HEM OF HIS SANCTIFIED GARMENT, AND
WAS INSTANTLY HEALED OF HER AFFLICTION!
She had not made Christ unclean by touching Him, nor
had she been refused, rejected nor humiliated by
Him!
Her complete Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ had Restored
her health instantly!
Then, most unexpectedly, our Divine Saviour asked
aloud: “Who touched me?”
Naturally, the Faithful Woman was terrified! But -HAVING
HUMBLY KNELT DOWN BEFORE HIM, TREMBLING WITH FEAR IN
EXPECTATION OF HER PUBLIC CONDEMNATION AND PUNISHMENT
- .SHE BRAVELY CONFESSED WHAT SHE HAD DONE.
And we cannot possibly imagine exactly how she must
have felt in that moment when our Loving,
Compassionate Lord told her: “Daughter, be of good
cheer! Thy Faith hast made Thee well. Go in Peace.”
Before her Healing, she had not said anything to our Lord
Jesus Christ – she did not call out to Him for His Great
Mercy, and she neither identified herself nor tried to
justify herself to Him. Yet SHE DID WHAT LITTLE SHE COULD
BY REACHING OUT TO HIM IN COMPLETE FAITH AND HOPE!
Although THE SON OF GOD KNEW EXACTLY WHO HAD TOUCHED HIS
GARMENT AND, due to her Faith, had CAUSED HIS DIVINE
POWER TO HEAL HER, He had loudly enquired who it was
in order to give her an opportunity to Confess her
Faith - TO MAKE CLEAR TO HERSELF AND EVERYONE ELSE, THAT
HIS HEALING MERCY WAS GRANTED EVEN TO HER – despite
her “unclean” status – AND IN ORDER TO TEACH HIS PEOPLE
ABOUT THE GREAT POWER AND MYSTERY OF TRUE FAITH AND
HOPE IN THE LORD OUR GOD.
In doing so, He showed that HIS ABUNDANT MERCY IS
GRANTED ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE SO BROKEN AND
DISCOURAGED THAT THEY CAN BARELY REACH OUT TO HIM.
We might identify with her humble example, if we, too,
have been embarrassed and discouraged due to
some long-term Struggle, personal weakness or
burden that we have almost no hope of overcoming?
22 N D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 7 T H
OF
Some of us might have experienced an embarrassment
or humiliation so profound that we can barely
acknowledge it to ourselves, much less to God or to
other people.
For whatever reason, we may have come to believe that
we are “...unclean and unworthy...” of His Great Mercy
or of healthy, stable relationships with others.
It may seem impossible to find the words to express our
sufferings either in conversations with those closest to
us or in Prayer – and similar to St Veronica before her
Miraculous Healing, we may feel alone, isolated,
alienated, unworthy, and ashamed.
Whatever type of problem we are experiencing, we must
FOLLOW HER COURAGEOUS EXAMPLE BY REACHING OUT TO OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR HIS GREAT MERCY AND HEALING!
Despite her worst fears, He did not embarrass, condemn
nor reject her, and neither will He do so to us.
OUR GRACIOUS SAVIOUR ALWAYS RESPONDS WITH LOVE,
COMPASSION AND MERCY WHEN WE APPROACH HIM WITH
UNWAVERING FAITH, LOVE, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND
REPENTANCE.
Instead of us “contaminating” Him with our personal
“uncleanliness” HE WORKS THROUGH OUR FAITH IN HIM, TO
BESTOW HIS DIVINE HEALING, MERCY, AND STRENGTH.
Jairus approached our Divine Saviour very differently to
St Veronica, for he directly besought Christ our Lord
to Heal his dying daughter. But his wavering Faith
was then put to a very difficult test when he received
the devastating report of her death.
However, our Lord Jesus responded by immediately
reassuring the bereft father: “Do not be afraid. Only
believe, and she will be made well.”
And arriving at the house where mourners were weeping
and wailing, again He tried to comfort them by telling
them what only God knows: “Do not weep. She is not
dead, but sleeping...” whereupon “...they ridiculed
Him...” thinking they knew more than Him!
How difficult and confusing it must have been for Jairus
and his wife to believe our Lord’s Words of Comfort
when their beloved little daughter had just been
pronounced “dead” and they heard the weeping and
wailing of the mourners, which had begun, and
preparations for her funeral were already underway.
Disregarding the experienced mourners and having
“...put them all outside...” OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REFUTED
WHAT WAS OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE ELSE! ( FOR HE IS TRULY LORD OF
ALL CREATION!)
The Faith of the bereft parents was put to the ultimate test,
but they now believed Him and, together with three of
His Holy Apostles, they witnessed the return to life of
their adored child.
This ‘Healing’ was not at all anything like Jairus had
previously hoped for. It was A MIRACULOUS
RESUSCITATION BY THE CREATIVE, LIFE-GIVING POWER OF
ALMIGHTY GOD!
Jairus was probably the kind of person who was used to
getting whatever he wanted.
If anyone could expect the Help of our Divine Saviour, it
was a respected Ruler of a Synagogue.
But just as the ancient Patriarch Abraham’s Faith was
tested by the command to sacrifice his beloved son,
Isaac, Jairus’ Faith was tested when his daughter
actually died.
It is one thing to Heal the sick, but quite another to
believe that Someone can raise the dead!
Nevertheless, Jairus learnt to trust our Lord Jesus Christ
implicitly (especially after having witnessed the Miraculous
Healing St Veronica and hearing our Lord saying to her:
“...Thy Faith hast made Thee well...”)
And through that little bit of Faith, our Lord revealed His
Power over Death and His Unfathomable Mercy for His
suffering sons and daughters.
The social differences between Jairus and the Faithful
Woman were ultimately irrelevant to our Lord, and
they had both knelt in humble Supplication and Faith
before Him.
OUR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DIFFERENCES ARE
COMPLETELY INSIGNIFICANT TO OUR LORD GOD, which is
clearly evident from the example of these two Faithful
people.
Although we differ in so many ways, WE CAN ALL LAY OUR
WOUNDS AND SORROWS BEFORE HIM IN HUMBLE SUPPLICATION,
LUKE – HOLY PROTECTION – 28 OCTOBER 2018 25.
 and even though the depth and extent of our Faith
may vary, HE DOES HEAR US AND RESPONDS ACCORDING TO
WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR SALVATION.
(Perhaps, like Jairus, we need a little extra time to increase and
firmly establish our Faith in God!)
WE CANNOT JUDGE OURSELVES NOR OTHERS TO DETERMINE WHO IS
“WORTHY” OF OUR LORD GOD’S LOVE, COMPASSION AND GREAT
MERCY! FOR TRULY, NONE OF US IS “WORTHY OR DESERVING!”
Our Hope is not based in ourselves nor what is “owed” to
us.
OUR HOPE IS FIRMLY ROOTED IN THE GRACIOUS MERCY AND LOVE
OF OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD WHO GRANTS HIS INFINITE DIVINE
BLESSINGS TO ALL WHO REACH OUT TO HIM FROM THE DEPTHS
OF THEIR SOUL WITH ANY DEGREE OF HUMBLE FAITH.
As Faithful, Struggling Disciples of Christ, we must NEVER
DOUBT OR QUESTION THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING HEALED AND
TRANSFORMED BY OUR ALL MERCIFUL SAVIOUR!
WE MUST REMEMBER THE POWER OF THE FAITH OF ST VERONICA
who was instantly Healed, merely by touching the
hem of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Garment, AND OF JAIRUS
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF
ABBA OLYMPIOS
‘One time, a pagan priest came to Skete and slept in my
cell. When he saw the way the Monks lived he asked
me: “The way you live, do you never see anything of
your God?”“No”, I answered. He replied: “Well, with us,
when we hold a service for our god, he does not hide
anything from us, but reveals all his secrets. You make
so much effort, with Vigils, Stillness and Asceticism
and yet you say that you do not see anything. If you
do not see anything, it must be because you have bad
thoughts in your heart which separate you from your
God and prevent Him from revealing Himself to you!”
“I went later and told the Elders what the pagan priest
had said. They were amazed and said: “He was right.
Because impure thoughts do, indeed, separate us
from God!”’
This incident shows us why it is that, DESPITE HIS DESIRE TO
DO SO, OUR OWN GOD CANNOT REVEAL HIMSELF TO US, NOR
CAN HE REVEAL THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE, NOR THE REASON WHY
SO MANY UNPLEASANT THINGS HAPPEN TO US.
It appears that our bad reactions, the tortured
questioning, the complaints, the doubts will never
stop tormenting us as long as our heart is filled with
bad thoughts.
These prevent the ‘God of our heart’ from revealing
Himself as Love and from showing us that WHAT IS
HAPPENING AROUND US IS A CONCESSION TO US FROM HIM IN
ORDER TO ACHIEVE OUR CURE AND REDEMPTION.
Through Purity of heart, Prayer, Fasting, Quietude,
Asceticism, as well as the observance of Christ’s
Commandments, we not only learn the ‘hows’ and
‘whys’ of Life, but also Who our God is, how He Lives
and how He is Revealed.
We meet Him ‘Face to face’, converse with Him, talk to
Him as our own familiar Friend, as did - and do - all
the Saints, as Friends of Christ.
ELDER GABRIEL OF DIONYSIOU MONASTERY
When He came into the world, our Lord Jesus Christ
had complete respect for the freedom of us, His
servants: ‘Let those who wish to do so follow Me’.
So, are we, His supporters and Disciples, to declare
implacable warfare against anyone who does not
accept our views, against those who disagree with
our views on ideology, politics or party?
ELDER PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
We should learn to Love rather than want others to
Love us. We should Love everyone and make
selfless sacrifices, as great as possible, for all our
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, without expecting
Praise or Love from them.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Wealth does not destroy, and neither does poverty.
What does destroy is bad intentions, which cannot
use either of these states properly. Intentions beget
more intentions and just as a flame burns more
fiercely the more it is fuelled, the same is true of
intentions. Evil and Virtue are not the result of
nature but of our intentions!
26. 22 N D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 7 T H
OF
WHO BELIEVED that his beloved daughter’s life would
indeed be Restored.
SIN AND DEATH HAVE NO POWER OVER US WHEN WE HOLD ON FIRMLY
TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO HAS PROVIDED US AND
EMPOWERED US WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH - Who voluntarily
offered Himself as the Ultimate Blood Offering for all
mankind’s sin, IN ORDER TO BRING US INTO THE ETERNAL
JOY OF HIS RESURRECTION.
When we come to Him in Humble Faith, presenting all our
wounds for His Healing as best as we can, HE WILL
NEVER DISAPPOINT NOR REJECT US.
Instead, He constantly Heals us by His Gracious Mercy
and Love, and enables us to already participate in
Life Eternal.
Amen
Father Philip LeMasters (2016)
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com
OUR HOLY FATHERS
At the Divine Liturgy, where we serve Him as the Church,
and also in private Prayer, we have the opportunity to
meet Him and see Him ‘...in another form...’ as long as
we DO NOT ALLOW RANDOM THOUGHTS TO COME BETWEEN US.
BECAUSE THEN THE LITURGY AND PRAYER WILL PROCEED
WITHOUT THE AWARENESS OF HIS PRESENCE. ✶
The Struggle against thoughts is our consent to HIS
INVITATION TO MEET HIM IN THE LOCUS OF OUR HEART, WHERE
HE WILL REVEAL HIS MYSTERIES TO US, WHERE WE SHALL SEE
AND HEAR HIM AS OUR LIVING GOD.
Those who have achieved this assure us that - although it
requires effort - it is Beautiful, Sweet and Restorative.
Ours is not the God of Philosophers, nor of the
imagination. Nor is He a tyrant, oppressing poor
people with threats and punishments.
He is ‘...the God of our Fathers...’ who saw Him, heard
Him, touched Him, knew Him and who show us the
Way whereby we, too, can meet Him and enjoy the
untold Delight of beholding His human and Divine
Face ‘...in the present age and in the next.’
✶ Theology is ‘...talking about or describing God...’ - what we
know of Him.
It is not explicitly present in the Old Testament or the Gospels
(although a case could be made for some passages, in the
Books of St John in particular).
There is, in Greek, however, another word ‘Theognosia’, which
looks as though it ought to mean ‘...Knowledge of God.’
The Fathers - the Theologians - tell us, however, that God cannot
really be known, so perhaps ‘...Awareness of God...’ – an
Awareness of His Presence - is a better rendition.
This, of course, is very much present in both the Old and New
Testaments and is open to all of us.
ST NEKTARIOS OF OPTINA
There are people who never turn to God and never
pray. Suddenly their soul experiences melancholy,
their spirit experiences worry and their heart,
sorrow. Then they realise that in such
unhappiness, no one can help them, and they may
turn to God and with deep sighs pray: “O Lord,
have Mercy on me!” And our Lord hears them
although at first they only just sense Divine Grace,
while later they will Experience It much more and
feel great relief.
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
All Christians want to go to Paradise, but they do not
want to work for Paradise. It is not enough just to
want Salvation. For our wish to be fulfilled we have
to Struggle and we need to have cast iron
determination.
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
Fervent Love for Christ nourishes us more than any
material food and grants lots of energy to our soul
and body, heals incurable diseases and brings
Peace to our soul.
LUKE – HOLY PROTECTION – 28 OCTOBER 2018