My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

“THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM” [Matthew 16:19]

“He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son
of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah,
and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to the, ‘But
who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said
to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has
not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also
say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church,
and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give
you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on
earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will
be loosed in heaven” [Matthew 16:13-19].

“Peter/rock”(Gk. πέτρα) is a play on the word for rock in Aramaic and Greek (petros/petra). Rock refers NOT to Peter himself but TO THE CONFESSION OF HIS FAITH. The True Rock and foundation of the Church is, of course, Christ Himself. The Church rests upon this Rock by her unchanging faith, her confession,. With this faith as the foundation, “the gates of Hades” the powers of death, are powerless against her. In the Old Testament “gates” suggest a fortified city (Genesis 22:17; 24:60; Isaiah 14:31). Hence, by shattering the gates, Christ is opening the stronghold of death to set free the souls of righteous men. In the Gospels, “church” is mentioned twice by the Lord, here and in 18:17, describing the true Israel whose citizenship is heavenly. She IS THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE DIVINE-HUMAN ORGANISM, AND TO HER COMES THE CALL OF JESUS FOR THE WHOLE OF MANKIND TO ABIDE WITH HIM AND IN HIM (Ephesians 1:23).

“Keys of the Kingdom” clearly implies a special authority given to the Holy Apostle Peter himself, but NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH. While Saint Peter was a leader of the disciples and of the early Church, ALL THE HOLY APOSTLES WERE EMPOWERED WITH CHRIST’S AUTHORITY (18:18). Further, the Holy Apostle Peter was NOT a leader over the others but A LEADER AMONG THEM, as seen at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), where elders, or presbyters, met with the Apostles together AS EQUALS. Papal claims in later centuries must not be confused with the New Testament witness regarding Saint Peter, nor should the role of the Holy Apostle Peter in the New Testament be minimized in opposition to those claims. After Saint Peter’s confession, Jesus reveals the true nature of His Messiahship, the mystery of the Passion.

“Peter took Him aside” (16:22), expecting Him to enter Jerusalem and establish the Kingdom immediately (as Saint Peter understood it, an earthly political kingdom), not to go to the Cross and death. The Holy Apostle Peter thought the Messiah would reign forever, not die. But Jesus was to be A SUFFERING MESSIAH, a scandalous idea to the Jews.

“The Holy Apostles, departing from this world, put off the earthly body, but have not put off the Church body. They not only were, but they also remain the foundation of the Church. The Church is built “upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Being in heaven, they continue to be in communion with believers on earth.”

Orthodox theology views the Holy Apostle Peter as having a primacy OF HONOR as THE FIRST AMONG EQUALS, but NOT a primacy of jurisdiction, and holds that all the Holy Apostles had EQUAL AUTHORITY, with Christ as the one True “ROCK” of the Church. The Orthodox Church rejects the idea t hat Saint Peter’s authority was unique or that it was transferred to a single successor who could rule over the other Apostles and Churches. Matthew 18:18 {“Keys” given to All Apostles) and the disciples’ debate over who was the “greatest” (Luke 22:24-27), arguing that this would have been unnecessary if Saint Peter’s superiority had already been established. He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But NOT SO AMONG YOU; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Yet I AM AMONG YOU AS THE ONE WHO SERVES”.

“First Among Equals” (Primus inter Pares): Saint Peter is seen as the head or spokesman of the Apostles, holding a “primacy of honor.” This preeminence is based on his zeal, his confession of faith, and his leadership in the early Church (e.g., preaching at Pentecost, leading the election of Matthias). The “Rock” in Matthew 16:18 is interpreted by the Orthodox Church “upon this rock I will build My Church” and the Church Fathers interpret the “rock” as the “FAITH OR CONFESSION. Saint Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) emphasized that while a primacy of honor was given to Peter to symbolize unity, all the Apostles received an “equal fellowship both of honor and power.” The Church is settled upon all bishops equally. “This is that firm and immovable faith upon which, as upon the rock whose surname you bear, the Church is founded” (Saint John of Damascus).

“…Two basic problems — the PRIMACY OF THE BISHOP OF ROME and the PROCESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT — WERE INVOLVED as the cause OF THE SCHISM… These Doctrinal novelties were first openly discussed in Photius Patriarchate. By the 5th century, to repeat, Christendom was divided into Five Sees with Rome holding the primacy. This was determined by canonical decision and DID NOT ENTAIL HEGEMONY OF ANY LOCAL CHURCH OR PATRIARCHATE OVER THE OTHERS. Rome began to interpret her primacy in terms of sovereignty, as a God-given right involving universal jurisdiction in the Church. The collegial and conciliar nature of the Church in effect, was gradually abandoned in favor of a supremacy of unlimited Papal power over the entire Church…Characteristically, Rome insisted on basing her monarchial claims to “true and proper jurisdiction” (as the Vatican Council of 1870 put it) on Saint Peter. This “Roman” exegesis of Saint Matthew 16:18), however, was UNKNOWN TO THE FATHERS WHO HAD RUED ON THE CHURCH’S ORGANIZATION. For them specifically, Saint Peter’s primacy could never e the exclusive prerogative of any one bishop. All bishops must like, Saint Peter, confess Jesus as the Christ and as such, all are Saint Peter’s successors. To believe otherwise WOULD BE TO VIOLATE THE BISHOP’S CHARISMATIC EQUALITY, NO ONE CAN HOLD A POSITION SUPERIOR TO THAT OF OTHERS.

Equally disturbing to the Christian East was the Western (Latin) interpretation of the procession of the Holy Spirit. Like the primacy, this too developed gradually and entered the Creed in the Latin West almost unnoticed. This theologically complex issue involved the addition by the West of the Latin phrase Filioque Clause (“and from the Son”) to the Creed. The original Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed DID NOT CONTAIN this phrase. The original text sates, “the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, ” WHO PROCEEDS FROM THE FATHER.” The Ecumenical Synods had forbidden any subtraction or addition to the Text (Creed). This is one of numerous heresies introduced by the Latins over the centuries. [Resources: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology]

_________
“Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!”
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker and
Metropolitan of Pentapolis.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of Saint Nektarios. First Tone

THE offspring of Selyvria and the guardian of Aegina, the true friend
of virtue who didst appear in the last years, O Nektarios, we faithful
honor thee as a godly servant of Christ, for thou pourest forth healings
of every kind for those who piously cry out: Glory to Christ Who hath
glorified thee. Glory to HIm Who hath made thee wondrous. Glory to
Him Who worketh healings for all through thee.

Kontakion Hymn of Saint Nektarios. Plagal of Fourth Tone

COME, let us all laud Orthodoxy’s newly-shining star and the divine
and newly-builded bulwark of the Church; and in joyfulness of
heart, let us sing his praises. By the working of the Spirit was he
glorified, and doth pour forth the abundant grace of wondrous cures
upon them that cry: Rejoice, O Father Nektarios.

SAINT NEKTARIOS was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1st, 1846. After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labor, he became a monk on the island of Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained Deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarios. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria, Nektarios went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronios ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Savvas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarios showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God’s house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, Egypt, and year later, when Nektarios was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high.

On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Father Nektarios was CONSECRATED Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in Eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarios’ swift ascent through the degrees of Ecclesiastical Office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronios that Nektarios had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarios, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Patriarch Sophronios relieved Metropolitan Nektarios of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarios to leave Egypt.

Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Evoia; then, in 1894, he was appointed Dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons, his unwearying labors to educate fitting men for the Priesthood, his generous almsdeeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his Women’s Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet Dean of the Rizarios School of Theology; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his Women’s Monastery and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured evil slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked Miracles (Wonders) in life an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarios is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world. (The Great Horologion)

Orthodox Christians who practice their faith are always inspired by the innumerable pious examples of authentic and genuine spirituality of the Saints, Holy Martyrs, Holy Confessors and Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church. They are taught that the Christian faith is not a theory but life divine in Christ. No power on earth can ever defeat or destroy this kind of life ever. They understand being a Christian, no matter what century, and no matter what hazardous conditions exist in the world, they remain loyal to Him and Him alone. It means not only but to strive for holiness through humility, meekness, and the willingness to suffer for Christ and always maintaining agape and hope.

The life of Saint Nektarios demonstrates how to endure as a Christian all manners of persecution, humiliation, slander and unjust condemnation. The Christians never seek ways to retaliate against their enemies or to seek revenge. Instead, as Saint Nektarios, we turn to prayer and our only response is that of agape and forgiveness. Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ has taught us how to forgive when from the Cross He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). The Divine words of our Lord, "Father, forgive them," is a remarkable prayer, showing the boundless mercy of the crucified Jesus.

The greatest example of authentic Christianity after our Lord and Savior Christ, are the Saints of our Church. They serve as our guides, revealing that through God’s grace, one can overcome sin and personal frailty and be able to walk as He walked. The Christian is always ready and open to God’s grace so that he or she surrenders his/her own will for God’s will which will lead him/her to love everyone unconditionally.

The life of Saint Nektarios reveals that through his faith no persecution, humiliation, slander, anger, injustice, cruelty and hardship could obstruct or prevent his divine mission to serve his/her Master and God. We, as Orthodox Christians, revear the Saints, Holy Martyrs, Holy Confessors, Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church, as the friends of Christ as well as our friends who constantly pray for the salvation of all mankind. They truly adhered to Christ’s command, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" [Matthew 17:24-25]. The "cross" is a symbol of suffering by Christians in imitation of Christ. Self-denial is for the sake of Christ and the Holy Gospel, for a better life; it is not a punitive end in itself. By sacrificing everything we can know, we gain unimaginable wealth. The Saints, the Holy Martyrs, Holy Confessors, Holy Father and Mothers of the Church, believed by dying, we live.

___________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

On the 8th of November, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Holy Archangel MICHAEL AND ALL THE BODILESS POWERS
OF HEAVEN.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

SUPREME Commander of the Host of the Heavens, we, the
unworthy, importune and beseech you that by your supplications
ye encircle us in the shelter of the wings of you immaterial glory,
guarding us who now fall down and cry to you with fervour:
Deliver us from dangers of all kinds, as the great marshals of
the heavenly hosts on high.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

SUPREME Commanders of God and ministers of the Divine glory,
guides of men and leaders of the bodiless hosts: As for what is to
our profit and for great mercy, since ye are Supreme Commanders
of the bodiless hosts.

Epistle Lesson of Feast. Hebrews 2:2-10

Brethren, if the message declared by Angels was valid and every transgression or
disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a
great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those
who heard Him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various
miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was
not to Angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has
been testified somewhere, "What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of
man, that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the Angels, you have
crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet."
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control.
As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, Who
was made a little lower than the Angels, crowned with glory and honor because of
the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for every one.
For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many
sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.

The Angels of God have been commemorated by men from the earliest times, but this commemoration often degenerates into the divinization of Angels (IV Kings 23:5; A.V. II Kings). Heretics always wove fantasies round the Angels. Some of them saw the Angels as gods and others, if they did not so regard them, took them to be the creators of the whole visible world. The local Council in Laodicea, that was held in the 4th century, rejected in its 35th Canon the worship of Angels as gods, and established the proper VENERATION of them. In the time of Pope Sylvester of Rome and the Alexandrian Patriarch Alexander, in the 4th century, this Feast of the Archangel Michael and the other heavenly powers was instituted, to be celebrated in November. Why in November? Because November is the 9th Month of March. The Ninth Month after March was chosen because of the NINE ORDERS OF ANGELS THAT WERE THE FIRST CREATED BEINGS. Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, a Disciple of the Apostle Paul (that Apostle who was caught up to the Third Heaven), writes of these Nine Orders in his book: ‘Celestial Hierarchies.’ These Orders are as follows: SIX-WINGED SERAPHIM, MANY-EYED CHERUBIM, GODLY THRONES, DOMINIONS, VIRTUES, POWERS, PRINCIPALITIES, ARCHANGELS AND ANGELS. The Leaders of the whole Angelic Army is the Archangel MICHAEL. When Satan, Lucifer, fell away from God, and carried half the angels with him to destruction, then Michael arose and cried to the UNFALLEN ANGELS: "LET US GIVE HEED! LET US STAND ARIGHT; LET US STAND WITH FEAR!" and THE WHOLE ANGELIC ARMY SANG ALOUD: "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY LORD GOD OF SABAOTH; HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF THY GLORY!" [See on the Archangel Michael: Joshua 5:13-15 and Jude v. 9). Among the Angels thee rules A PERFECT UNITY OF MIND, OF SOUL AND OF AGAPE, OF TOTAL OBEDIENCE OF THE LESSER POWERS TO THE GREATER AND FOR ALL TO THE HOLY WILL OF GOD. Each Nation has its Guardian Angel, as DOES EACH INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN. We must keep in mind that WHATEVER WE DO, OPENLY OR IN SECRET, WE DO IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL AND THAT, ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, A GREAT MULTITUDE OF THE HOLY ANGELS OF HEAVEN WILL BE GATHERED AROUND THE THRONE OF CHRIST, AND TEH THOUGHTS, WORDS, AND DEEDS OF EVERY PERSON WILL BE LAID BARE BEFORE THEM. May God have mercy on us and save us at the prayers of the Holy Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless powers of Heaven. Amen. (Prologue from Ochrid)

All the Angels, according to the Holy Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, "sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). God set them as overseers of every Nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deuteronomy 12:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each Nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Psalm 90:19-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the Thrice-Holy Hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Isaiah 6:2-3; Matthew 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, OUR PROTECTORS AND GUARDIANS, celebrate today the present SYNAXIS, THAT IS, OUR COMING TOGETHER IN ASSEMBLY FOR THEIR COMMON FEAST TO CHANT THEIR PRAISES, especially FOR THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL AND GABRIEL, who are mentioned in the Holy Scripture by name. The name MICHAEL means "Who is like God," and GABRIELS means "God is Mighty." The number of the Angels is not defined in the Divine Scripture, where Daniel says that "THOUSANDS OF THOUSANDS MINISTERED BEFORE Him, and TEN THOUSANDS OF TEN THOUSANDS attended upon Him" (Daniel 7:10). But all of them ARE DIVIDED INTO NINE ORDERS which are called THRONES, CHERUBIM, SERAPHIM, DOMINIONS, POWERS, AUTHORITIES, PRINCIPALITIES, ARCHANGELS, AND ANGELS. (The Great Horologion)

_________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PRAYER LIFE OF THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

"Rejoice always, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, in
every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold
fast what is good. ABSTAIN FROM EVERY FORM
OF EVIL" (Colossians 4:16-22).

There can be no spiritual life without prayer. The Holy Apostle Paul exhorts everyone with words such as "rejoice, always", without ceasing or "constantly", "and give thanks" refer PRIMARILY TO PRAYER. The Holy Fathers of the Church teach that UNCEASING PRAYER IS A PROPER GOAL, FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH COMES THROUGH SUCH DISCIPLINE. For centuries Orthodox Chistians have used the "JESUS PRAYER" or "prayer of the heart" as a way to pray unceasingly from the heart: "O LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME A SINNER."

It is evident that the Orthodox Holy Fathers of the Church teach that UNCEASING PRAYER IS ESSENTIAL FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE, viewing it as the "breath of the soul" that connects the faithful to the Almighty God at all times. They explain this not just as formal prayer times but as a state where one’s entire life becomes an offering to our Creator and All-Loving God. This is accomplished through broth structured prayer rules and constant inner prayer, represented by the JESUS PRAYER, which aims to make prayer a continuous, even subconscious, state of the heart.

There is absolutely no spiritual life without it. The Holy Fathers of the Church compare a Christian without prayer to a bird without wings or a soldier without arms, emphasizing that prayer is necessary for spiritual flight and defence against all forms of evil and wicked temptations. A prayer is a dialogue with the Almighty God. Furthermore, prayer is defined as the constant communion with God, and the goal of unceasing prayer is to enter into a constant, direct, and personal relationship with our Creator. Unceasing prayer transforms our whole life by bringing our every thought, word, and deed under the domain of prayer, one transforms their life into a constant offering to God, which leads to spiritual growth and deification (theosis). It also brings about a continuous presence of God the Holy Spirit. As prayer becomes unceasing, the Holy Spirit is said to abide in the heart, leading to prayer continuing even in sleep.

Saint John of the Ladder (Climacus) instructs that if the mind wants to praye united with the heart and is unable to achieve this, then the prayer should be said with the mouth, while the mind holds and attends to the words of the prayer. In time the Lord will bless us with the prayer of the heart when we will be able to pray without constraints and distracting imaginations. This charisma (gift) is given, "as are all charismatat (gifts), to the simple and humble soul," in accordance with the austere and precise "spiritual order." To the one who "is simple, humble, and temperate in all things," Christ Himself "will bestow the prayer of the heart."

Saint John Chrystostomos says that "the acquisition of the prayer of the heart is not a matter of one or two days,. but involves much time and effort, until the enemy (Satan), is banished and Christ comes to dwell in our heart." According to Saint Neilos the Ascetic, "the best defence against the enemies is the name of Jesus." And who are the enemies? "Burning desires (wicked passions), sinful thoughts, diabolical schemes and the like." As to how to offer the Jesus Prayer properly we have instructions in the book entitled Philokalia.

"Unceasing Prayer" comes from great agape (love). It is not of course when"one becomes inattentive, idle, and critical. Our agape (love)for God CANNOT BEIMPEDED BY THE WORKS WE DO." No one should be distracted by anything no matter the situation but "have a constant remembrance of God, a constant doxology (praise), a constant thanksgiving. God loves us all, but He loves even more those who love Him. Our prayer reveals the measure of our love for Him. The "infinite love of God for man has provided for prayer , so that, ast nay moment one so desires all the days of his life, one can have conversation with God. All the Saints kept "thier life of prayer unceasing."

The ultimate spiritual goal of the Orthodox Christians is to attain deification (theosis). Deification is the ancient theological word that describes the process by which a Christian BECOMES MORE LIKE GOD. Saint Peter the Holy Apostle speaks of this process when he writes, "AS His divine power ahs given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,,,you may be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-4). But what does it mean to partake of the divine nature, and how do we experience it? To give an answer, we must first address what deification (theosis) is not, then describe what it is,

What DEIFICATION (THEOSIS) is not. When the Church calls us to pursue godliness, to be more like God, this does not mean that human beings then become divine. We do not become like God in His nature. That would not only be heresy, it would be impossible. We are human, alway have been human, and always will be human. We cannot take on the nature of God. Saint John of Damascus, writing in the 8th century, makes a remarkable observation. The word "God" in the Holy Scripture refers NOT to the divine nature or essence, for that is UNKNOWABLE. "God" refers rather TO THE DIVINE ENERGIES, the power and grace of God which we can perceive in this world. The Greek word for God, THEOS, comes from a verb meaning "run," "see," or "burn." These are energy words, so to speak, NOT essence words.

What deification is. Deification (Theosis) means we are to become more like God through His grace or divine energies. In creation, humans were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26) according to human nature. In another words, HUMANITY BY NATURE IS AN ICON OR IMAGE OF DEITY: THE DIVINE IMAGE IS IN ALL HUMANITY. THROUGH SIN, HOWEVER, THIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD WAS MARRED, AND WE FELL.

When the Son of God, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ assumed our humanity in the womb of the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, the process of our being renewed in God’s image and likeness, was begun. Thus, those who are joined to our Savior Christ through faith in Holy Baptism BEGIN A RE-CREATION PROCESS, BEING RENEWED IN GOD’S IMAGE AND LIKENESS. WE BECOME, AS THE HOLY APOSTLE PETER WRITES, "PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE" (2 Peter 1:4).

Because of the INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD, BECAUSE THE FULLNESS OF GOD HAS INHABITED HUMAN FLESH, BEINGJOINED TO CHRIST MEANS THAT IT IS AGAIN POSSIBLE TO EXPERIENCE DEIFICATION (THEOSIS), THE FULFILLMENT OF OUR HUMAN DESTINY. THAT IS, THROUGH UNION WITH CHRIST, WE BECOME BY GRACE WHAT GOD IS BY NATURE–WE "BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD" (John 1:12). HIS DEITY INTERPENETRATES OUR HUMANITY.

Historically, DEIFICATION (THEOSIS) has often been illustrated by the "sword and fire" example. A steel sword is thrust into a hot fire until the sword takes on a red glow. The energy of the fire interpenetrates the sword. The sword neve becomes fire, but it picks up the properties of fire. By application, the divine energies interpenetrate the human nature of Christ. Being joined to Christ, our humanity is interpenetrated with the energies of God through Christ’s glorified flesh. Nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ, we partake of the grace of God–His strength, His love–and are enabled to serve Him and glorify Him. Thus we, being human, are being deified. [Resources: Orthodox Study Bible]

____________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +
With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS MEANT BY "HONOR"

"Jesus answered, If I honor Myself, My honor
is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of
whom you say that He is your God" (John 8:54).

"For God commanded, saying ‘Honor you father
and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or
mother, let him be put to death" (Matthew 15:4).

"Does not the potter have power over the clay,
from the same lump to make one vessel for
honor and another for dishonor?" (Romans 9:21).

"And those members of the body which we think
to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater
honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater
modesty, but our presentable parts have no need.
But composed the body, having given greater
honor to that part which lacks it, that there should
be no schism in the body, but that the members
should have the same care for one another.
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer
with it; or if one member is honored, all the
members rejoice with it"
(1 Corinthians 23-26).

The word "honor" is found both in the Old and New Testament but what does it mean? In our Holy Orthodox Church the word "honor" (Hebrew kavod, Greek τιμή (teemee) signifies profound deep and unwavering reverence or respect offered to someone special or something sacred. We honor first of all our Creator God, and He commands that we honor our father and mother. All people are worthy of honor because they are made in the image and likeness of God Who bestowed this inherent value bestowed by our Creator.

When we as fellow human beings acknowledge and respect the divine image in others, we are, in effect, honoring God who created them. The Holy Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans writes, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10). True honor is not just a word but a way of life, a life of virtue, of self-respect, respect of others and everything which we hold sacred and dear.

First of all we love and honor God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit "from our whole heart, form our whole soul, and from our whole power" (Deuteronomy 6:5). We are to honor our parents, the elderly, (19:30), the church leades, government officials, our spouse, marriage, sacra,ets and divine services, the poor, strangers, holy relics, holy days, especially, the Lord’s Day, and we honor all things blessed by the Church. However, we must understand that giving honor to someone or something is not an abstract concept but involves concrete actions: helping the poor and destitute, acting in righteous and moral conduct, and speaking well of others.

Orthodox Christians understand that "honor" is an indispensable and foundational Christian ethic that guides everyone of us away from self-aggrandizement and towards seeking a life of selfless-love, ministering, and always respect for others. "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). At the Sacrament of Marriage in the Orthodox Church and specifically at the crowning ceremony and after the priest places the crowns on the heads of the groom and bride, the brief hymn is chanted, "Lord our God, crown them with glory and honor." The crowns allude to the crown of martyrdom, as true Christian marriage involves self-sacrifice, a willingness to bear crosses, and prioritizing God and each other above oneself.

A person who is honorable is a person of dignity, of integrity, of honesty, of faith, of kindness, of compassion, forthright, and righteous. "Honor all people, Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). As Orthodox Christians, ultimately, our loyalty and obedience is always to our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ and His Divine Gospel. The true believer must be one who acts with faith and courage to glorify Him and not to ever dishonor His Holy Name. The Orthodox Christian’s goal should be to do the will of God and to live as though today is his/her last day on earth. Jesus Himself reminds us, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). This passage explains that a mere vibal acknowledgment of Jesus IS NOT ENOUGH; TRUE SALVATION REQUIRES OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WILL, WHICH IS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH A LIFE OF FAITH AND GOOD WORKS OR WORKS OF LOVE. The verses that follow (Matthew 7:22-23) describe people who will say they performed miracles, cast out demons, and prophesied in Jesus’ name. Yet Jesus will declare, "I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART FROM ME, YOUR WORKERS OF LAWLESSNESS" (v. 23).

The Christian must always be alert and vigilant because throughout history there have been charlatans and deceivers whose aim has been to take advantage of the trust and innocence of good people. It is therefore necessary to use discernment and good judgment before anyone decides to believe all those who claim to possess great knowledge of the gospel, who proclaim to speak on behalf of God, and who pretend to be devout Christians, who can explain the mysteries that lead to heaven. This is not an exaggeration or hyperbole but a fact. Look at all the millions of Christians outside the Orthodox Church who feel lost, confused, disillusioned, frightened and misled. They are searching to find the Mother Church, the New Testament Church, the Church of the Holy Martyrs, the Church of the Holy Fathers, the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, the Authentic Church of Christ which continues to remain loyal and faithful to our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ and not to a self-made Christian leader.

The Orthodox Church has preserved the authentic teaching of our Lord Jeus Christ unadulterated and uncorrupt. Our Holy Church does not need to be reimagined and to be secularized to fit in modern society. The world must always conform to Christ and NOT Christ to the world. Tragically, contemporary heterodox Christian leaders have surrendered to the secular and godless world. The Holy Apostle to the Nations, Saint Paul writes to the Romans, "AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD" {Romans 12:2).

Faithful relationship to God changes our relationship to the world (1) We renounce the pretenses of "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4). "Conformed to this world is to be identified with and shaped by the world’s values and pleasures. (2) We are "TRANSFORMED", starting with the inward man, the "mind", by virtue, the keeping of God’s commandments. "Mind" here is more than the rational faculty, it is the HIGHEST FACULTY OF HUMAN NATURE: "THE EYES OF YOUR HEART" ( "NOUS") (Ephesians 1:18), literal translation, by which one sees and comprehends God.

We live out this faithful relationship to God in His Holy and Undivided Church, the body of Christ with (a) humility–contentedness with one;s role (b)) self-control ("to think soberly"), especially control over the sinful passions (c) proper use of spiritual gifts and ministries. Ministry (Diakonia) requires functioning together, fitting into the corporate whole of the Church. Each person has a "measure of faith" and divine gifting. Saint Paul gives seven examples of gifts (Romans 12:6-8): "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us use prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." However, there are many more.

Strive through faith, prayer and fasting to honor our God and Savior Jesus Christ in word, in deed or thought. Amen. [Resources: Orthodox Study Bible)

____________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lod, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

On the 1st of November, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Feast-Day of the holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers
Ss COSMAS AND DAMIANOS (DAMIAN)

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Plagal of Fourth Tone

O Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, visit our infirmities;
freely ye received, freely give to us.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

Having received the grace of healing, ye extend health to those in
need, O glorious and Wonderworking physicians. Hence, by your
visitation, cast down the audacity of our enemies, and by your
miracles, heal the world.

Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, they were brothers in the flesh and in the spirit, born somewhere in Asia of a pagan father and a Christian mother. After their father’s death, their mother Theodota devoted all her time and energy to the bringing-up of her sons as true Christians. God helped her, and her sons grew as two choice fruits and as two holy lamps. They were skilled in medicine and ministered to the sick without payment, and so fulfilled Christ’s command: "Freely have ye received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8). They were so strict in their unpaid ministry to men that Cosmas became greatly enraged with this brother Damianos when he took three eggs from a woman, Palladia, and gave orders that, after his death, he should not be buried with his brother. In fact, holy Damianos had not taken those eggs as a reward for healing Palladia’s sickness, but because she had sworn by the Most Holy Trinity that he should have them. However, after their death in Fereman, they were buried together in obedience to a revelation from God. These two holy brothers were great Wonderworkers both during their lifetime and after their death. A farm laborer, on lying down to sleep at one time, was attacked by a snake, which entwined itself around his mouth and stomach. This poor man would have breathed his last in the greatest torment had he not at the last moment invoked the help of Saints Cosmas and Damianos. Thus the Lord glorified forever by miracle those who glorified Him here on earth by their faith, purity and mercy. [Resources: The Prologue from Ochrid]

_______
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George