My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ’s Divine Nativity,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

"…So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed
for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were
in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And behold, an Angel of the Lord
stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were greatly afraid. Then the Angel said to them, ‘Do
not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy
which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the
sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths,
lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

‘GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST,
AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD
MEN!’ " (Luke 2:6-14)

ON THE 26th of December, the Holy Orthodox Church
commemorates
THE SYNAXIS OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS

Memory of the Flight Into Egypt

The Most Holy Theotokos’ flight into Egypt took place after the meeting of our Lord in the Temple at Jerusalem [Luke 2:22-39]. The Evangelist Luke informs us that "when they performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city Nazareth" [Luke 2:39]. Now before Herod gave the command to slay the children from two years old and under that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof [Mattheww 2:16], the goodly and just elder Joseph was then warned by God in a dream, "Behold, an Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, and take the young Child and His Mother, and flee thou into Egyp, and be thou there until I should tell thee; for Herod is about to seek the young Child, to destroy Him" [Matthew 2:13].

Thus, gentle and mild-mannered Joseph, when he arose, quickly set in order his household affairs. Then, full of faith, he took his son Iakovos (James) and, complying with the Angel’s bidding, "he arose and took the young Child and His Mother by night and departed into Egypt" [Matthew 2:14]. The Virgin rode a donkey, carrying the young Child in her arms. Joseph or Iakovos strode in front, taking turns in leading the beast.

According to Saint Kyril of Alexandria, Joseph fled into Egypt by the command of an Angel in the month of March, in order that "the lamb should not be killed in the milk of his mother" [Exodus 23:19]. Tradition places the entry of the Lord into Egypt at the 1st of June.

In Praise of Joseph

At the venerable age of 80, when most men have entered that stage of life of retirement and reflection, Joseph is called to active service. Saint John Chrysostom comments that "the elderly Joseph is not offended at hearing that he must flee home, family, and occupation. He resents not that he needs to fly, secretly, as a fugitive. He was a man of faith. Note that he does not make inquiry when he might return from dwelling in a strange land, although the Angel had spoken in an indefinite manner. Neither was he saddened nor embittered at the command, but submissive and obedient bearing these trials with cheerfulness.’

In icons depicting their flight, Mary is seen riding. We also see Iakovos (James), Joseph’s son, leading the donkey on which Mary is seated. Joseph strode behind the animal. Often w see the Infant Jesus astride on Joseph’s shoulders. There are other holy icons in which we see the Child Jesus and Joseph following behind the animal. Mary, then, is depicted turning about in the saddle and extending her arms to her Son, Who responds in like manner. It is not certain if other sons of Joseph accompanied them into Egypt.

The End of the Journey

"But after Herod died, behold an Ange of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, ‘Arise, and take the young Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they who sought the soul of the young Child have died" [Matthew 2:19-20]. Thus, after the family had lived about three years in Egypt, till the death of Herod (4 B.C.), that prophecy was fulfilled spoken by the Lord, "Our of Egypt I called My Son" [Matthew 2:15; cf. Hos. 11:1]. Saint John Chrysostom says that "this makes the Virgin also in no common degree glorious and distinguished; that the very thing which was the whole people’s special endowment in the way of praise, she also might henceforth have for her own. I mean, that whereas they (Israel) were proud of their coming up from Egypt, and used to boast of it… this pre-eminence belongs to the Virgin likewise."

Christ did not return to Nazareth till after the death of Herod, which history records as in April of 4 B.C. According to Egyptian tradition, the sacred family found refuge in Egypt for about three years. Thus we arrive at the date of Christ’s birth as 7 B.C., which also coincides with the date of the census which is recorded to have taken place in about the years 7 or 6 B.C. when Quirinius (Cyrenius) was governor [Luke 2:2].

There was a good reason to believe that the divine travelers returned to Palestine by the same ay they had come. On the return trip, the holy travelers again lodged in the cave that is now beneath the Church of Saint Sergios in Old Cairo, the ancient Babylon of Egypt. Therefore, from the haven of Egypt, Joseph "arose and took the young Child and His Mother, and came into the land of Israel. But after he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judaea instead of Herod his father, he was afraid to go there. And having been divinely warned in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city which is called Nazareth, in order that it might be fulfilled that which was spoken by the Prophets, that He shall be called a Nazarene [Matthew 2:22-23].

Joseph then returned to Nazareth and abided there, resuming his former occupation as a carpenter. "And the little Child was growing and showing Himself strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him" [Luke 2:40]. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

______________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in Christ our Savior, God, and Redeemer,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ the Logos,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

"What shall we offer Thee, O Christ, Who for our sakes hast
appeared on earth as Man? Every creature made by Thee
offers Thee thanks. The Angels offer Thee a hymn; the heavens,
a star; the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth,
its cave, the wilderness, the Mange; and we offer Thee a virgin
Mother, O Pre-Eternal God, have mercy upon us."
[Vespers Sticheron of Nativity, Mode Two]

On this occasion of the Divine Birth-giving, Saint Johnn of Kronstadt comments upon the unsurpassing affection of the Mother for her Son. "The Theotokos is one flesh and blood, and one spirit with the Savior, as His Mother. So infinitely great was her virtue by the grace of God that she became the Mother of God. She gave Him her most pure and most sacred flesh, nourishing Him with her milk, carrying Him in her arms, clothing Him, caring in every way for Him in His infancy, kissing Him over and over again, and caressing Him. O Lord, who can describe the greatness of the God-bearing Virgin? …She is one with God.

The SHEPHERDS who beheld the Lord

Shepherds, not far from the cave, are spoken of by the Evangelist Luke: "And shepherds were in the same country, living out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were afraid with a great fear. And the Angel said to them, "Cease being afraid, for behold, I announce to you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord, was born to you today in the city of David. And this shall be a sign to you: Ye shall find the newborn Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. And suddenly there came to be with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL AMONG MEN" (Luke 2:8-14).
The shepherds watched the flocks destined for sacrificial services, in the very place consecrated by tradition as where the Messiah would first be revealed.

Saint Kosmas the Poet writes: "The shepherds abiding in the flesh received a vision of light that filled them with terror. For the glory of the Lord shone around them, and an Angel cried aloud: "Sing praises, for Christ is born." Then, at the announcement of the one Angel, he was joined by myriads of others. "As the word of the Angel, the hosts of heaven suddenly cried aloud: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will among men, Christ has shone forth."

The Veneration of the MAGI

Magi, or wise men, referred to a class of priestly scholars, who had great power among the Persians, nor unlike the Levites among the Jews. This group of intellectuals was occupied with the study of medicine, philosophy, the natural sciences, scientific observation of the stars and planets (astrology), and the interpretation of dreams.

The wise men of the Gospel were among the last successors of this group that beheld a dual priestly (a hereditary priesthood) and governmental office. They were familiar with Balaam’s prophecy about the star shining forth from Jacob (Numbers 24:17). Saint John Chrysostom wrote, "The Magi sought the Lord Christ, born King of the Jews, among those from whose race they knew that Balaam, a prophet from the Gentiles, had prophesied that He would come."

The Magi believed that there was a mystical influence of the stars upon earthlings, they would constantly study the heavens, seeking extraordinary signs which might herald the "Expected One." As Blessed Theophylact, Patriarch of Bulgaria, aptly states: "Because the Magi were astrologists, the Lord brought them in an ordinary manner, as Peter, being fisherman, came away from the multitude of the fish." The famous Dismissal hymn for the feast also speaks of them, saying, "Those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star, to do homage to Thee, the Sun of righteousness" (Matthew 4:2), and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high."

In the holy icons of the Feast of the Nativity, we see both shepherds and Magi depicted. On one side of the cave, we see simple unsophisticated men, with whom the incorporeals on high enter into communication directly, amid their everyday occupations. Then we see Magi, men of learning, who have to undergo a long journey from the knowledge of what is relative to the knowledge of what is absolute. In the shepherds, we witness the first sons of Israel to worship the Christ Child. The Church sees the beginning of the Hebrew Church. In the wise men, we see the beginning of nations, the Church of the Gentiles. In the example of the Magi, we understand that the Church accepts ALL HUMAN SCIENCE THAT LEADS TOWARD IT, PROVIDED THAT THE RELATIVE LIGHT OF THE EXTRA-CHRISTIAN REVELATION BRING THEM THAT SERVE IT TO THE WORSHIP OF THE ABSOLUTE Light. Again, we see that the Magi are men of different ages (youth, middle age, and old age) which emphasizes the revelation vouchsafed to men independently of their years of experience.

According to Saint Demetri of Rostove (165-1709), in his investigation of the identities of these three kings, he asserts that they were kings of small regions in Persia, Arabia, and Egypt. They had arrived in Bethlehem very soon after the birth of Christ. MELCHIOR was old and withered, with long white hair and beard. It was he who offered the Lord the gift of GOLD. GASPAR or CASPAR was of ruddy complexation, young and beardless. He offered the Lord the gift of FRANKINCENSE. The third, BALTHAZAR, was dark-complexioned and heavily bearded. He gave the Lord the gift of MYRRH. He further writes that these Three Wise Men that descended from Noah’s THREE SONS: Shem, Japheth, and Ham, through these three Magi, the human race worshipped our incarnate Lord and God.

Patriarch and Saint Theophylact states that what was seen by the Magi was "THE DIVINE POWER AND AN ANGELIC APPEARANCE IN THE FORM OF A STAR. Saint Leo the Great adds that this light was hidden from the Jews, but shone forth to the heathen." Also, in the holy icon of the Nativity of Christ, we see, that the Star points directly to the cave. It is a long ray that connects the Star with a part of the sphere which goes beyond the limits of the icon. Here we have A SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF THE HEAVENLY WORLD. Hence, this Star IS NOT MERELY A COSMIC PHENOMENON, BUT ALSO A MESSENGER FROM THE WORLD ON HIGH, BRINGING TIDINGS OF THE BIRTH OF THE "HEAVENLY One" on earth.

Then they brought forth out of their treasures "And eagerly opening their treasures, they offered to Him precious gifts: REFINED GOLD, as to the King of the Ages, and FRANKINCENSE, as in the GOD OF ALL, and MYRRH they offered to the IMMORTAL, as to ONE THREE DAYS DEAD."

What was the significance of these gifts? Hymns from the Canon of the Forefeast disclose their meaning, "The kings, first-fruits of the nations, bring Thee gifts… In MYRRH they point to Thy DEATH, by GOLD to Thy ROYAL POWER, by FRANKINCENSE to the dignity OF THY DIVINITY. Furthermore, "The error of Persian has ceased: for the stargazers, kings of the east, bring gifts of GOLD, MYRRH, AND FRANKINCENSE TO CHRIST THE KING OF ALL AT HIS BIRTH." (Source: The Great Synxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

___________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine Incarnation,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ the incarnate Logos,

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

THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD, GOD, AND
SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST – CHRISTOUGENNA (Part II)

The Journey to Bethlehem

Christ comes to be born of a maiden who knew not wedlock. Saint Ephraim chants of the humble Maiden and city of Christ’s birth: "Blessed art thou, Bethlehem, that the towns envy thee–and the fortified cities! As they envy thee, so the women and the virginal daughters of princes envy Mary. Blessed be the Maiden in whom He deigned to abide, and the city wherein He deigned to sojourn. A poor maiden and a small city are where He chose to humble Himself."

Travel was slow, for both men and animals walked. The length of the day’s march depended upon the urgency of the trip. The average travel rate for people would be about fifteen miles a day. Donkey caravans tried to make twenty miles a day.

In the holy icon at the Monastery in Chora, Joseph is depicted with a slight stoop and the mincing gait characteristic of elderly men. His gaze is toward Mary, who turns her head toward him. One of Joseph’s sons is seen with a billowing mantle and a bundle of provisions for the journey slung from the end of a staff across his shoulder.

Saint Joseph the Hymnographer marvels at how the Great God will enter a small cave as a small child. "How shall Ia small cave receive Thee, for Whom the world cannot find room, O Thou Whom none can comprehend! O Thou, Who with the Father art without beginning, how shalt Thou appear as a small child?" And, "The Great King comes in haste to enter a small cave, the He may make me great who had grown small. And, so that by His poverty without measure, He, the Transcended God, may enrich me who had grown poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

In holy icons, the dark background in the cave can be explained by a homily attributed to Saint Gregory of Nyssa, where he compares the birth of Christ in a cave and the spiritual light shining forth in the shadow of death that encompasses mankind. Thus, the black mouth of the cave symbolically means the world, stricken with sin through man’s fault, in which the "Sun of righteousness" shone forth.

The place of Mary brought forth virginally and PAINLESSLY was an empty and uninhabited place. It could be compared to the wilderness, as depicted in the Nativity icon. The world did not accept Him, but the wilderness offered refuge. This, too, is a fulfillment of the Old Testament prefigured when the Hebrew nation departed Egypt for the wilderness of Sinai. It was there, in Bethlehem, the "House of Bread," that the symbol of the Eucharist was given–MANNA. Now He Who rained manna upon His people Israel would Himself BECOME THE BREAD OF THE EUCHARIST. The wilderness will also offer the Manger where He chose to lie, thereby symbolizing the Lamb upon the altar. The cave, the Manger, the swaddling clothes are indications of the emptying or kenosis of the Godhead (Divinity), His utter abasement and humility. Also we see foreshadowed here His future death, burial, sepulcher, and burial clothes.

In some holy icons, we see the virgin Mother half-sitting, or we may see her looking away from her Child, as though pondering His miraculous appearance. Her gesture and attitude also bespeak her perplexity at the virgin birth, yet she kept these things in her heart. Later depictions, of western origin, show her kneeling over her Son; thus also indicating A PAINLESS DELIVERY and THE UNNEEDED SERICE OF A MIDWIFE TO EFFECT DELIVERY.

The protoevangelium speaks of Joseph lacking perfect knowledge with regard t the virginal birth of Mary. However, his actions confirm the reality of the God-Man’s appearing in the flesh and not as some phantom.

Where God Wills, the Order of Nature is Overruled

"And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her to bring forth" (Luke 2:6). "Concerning His birth, the Prophet Isaiah spoke thus: "Before she that travailed brought fort a male" (Isaiah 66:7). Saint John of Damascus adds to this saying that "after the normal nine-month gestational period, Christ was born at the beginning of the tenth, in accordance with the law of gestation. It was a birth that surpassed the established order of birthgiving, as it was without pain; for, where pleasure had not preceded, pain did not follow. And just as at His conception He had kept her who conceived Him virgin, so also at His birth did He MAINTAIN HER VIRGINITY INTACT, BECAUSE HE ALONE PASSED THROUGH HER AND KEPT HER SHUT. Hence, the Ever-virgin remained virgin even after giving birth and never had conversed with a husband as long as she lived.

Where God so wills, the order of nature is overcome. Is anything too hard for Him Who called heaven, earth, and the sea into being by His word alone? Nature and the elements are creations of the Creator. Their laws and properties are immediately subject to their Lord Fashioner. Adam and Eve were given dominion over the fish of the sea, the flying creatures of heaven, and the reptiles and cattle and all the earth [Genesis 1:26]; all were subject to them before the fall. Saint Gregory Palamas comments that when the Logos/Word of God took on human nature,He bestowed on it the fullness of grace and delivered it from the bonds of corruption and death. The consequence of the hypostatic union in Christ of the two natures was the divinization of the human nature He assumed." The regeneration of man in Christ was the restoration of Adam and Eve.

Concerning the mystery of the incarnation, Saint Gregory of Nyssa wrote the following: "When God became known to us in the flesh, He DID NOT RECEIVE THE PASSIONS OF HUMAN NATURE; the Virgin Mary DID NOT SUFFER BIRTH PANGS, the Holy Spirit WAS NOT DIMINISHED IN ANY WAY; the power of the Most High was NOT SET ASIDE IN ANY MANNER. Indeed, ALL THIS WAS BECAUSE ALL WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY THE Holy Spirit. Thus, THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH WAS NOT ABASED, AND THE Child WAS BORN WITH NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER TO THE MOTHER’S VIRGINITY."

God Made Man

We chant: "He Who is equal in honor with the Father and the Spirit, out of compassion, has clothed Himself in our substance; …and He Who before the Morning Star was begotten without mother of the Father, is today without father made flesh upon earth of thee." Saint Paul confirms His manhood, saying, "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive what is our due, THE ADOPTION AS SONS" (Galatians 4:4).

Saint Athanasios the Great comments, "Therefore what came forth from Mary, according to the Divine Scripture, was human, and the Lord’s body was real; real, I say, since it was the same as ours. For Mary is our sister, in that we are all sprung from Adam." The TWO NATURES would be united without confusion or loss of identity as God or man. The humanity of Jesus WAS THE SAME AS OUR OWN; AND, ACCORDING TO His Divinity, He was OF ONE ESSENCE WITH THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

_________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ the Incarnate Logos/Word,

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

ON THE 25th OF DECEMBER,
OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES
AND COMMEMORATES THE DIVINE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
AND GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

Katavasia of Nativity

CHRIST is born, give ye glory.
CHRIST cometh from heaven, meet ye Him.
CHRIST is on earth, be ye exalted.
O all the earth, sing unto the Lord,
and sing praises in gladness, O ye people,
for He hath been glorified.

To the Son Who was begotten of the Father
without change before all ages,
and in the last times was without seed and made flesh of the Virgin,
to Christ our God let us cry aloud:
Thou hast raised up our horn,
holy art Thou, O Lord.

A strange and most wonderful mystery do I see:
the cave is heaven;
the Virgin the throne of the cherubim;
the manger a room,
in which Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain, is laid.
Him do we praise and magnify.

The Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord is celebrated by Saint Romanos the Melodist, through the blessing and aid of the Virgin herself: "Today the Virgin giveth birth to Him Who is Supra-essential; and the earth presenteth a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. Angels with shepherds give glory; with a star, the Magi journey; for our sakes, a young Child is born, Who is pre-eternal God."

"What mysteries beyond mind and speech! God, in His compassion, is born on earth, putting on the form of a servant that He may snatch from servitude to the enemy these who with fervent love cry out: ‘BLESSED ART THOU, O SAVIOR, WHO LOVEST MANKIND.’

The Preaching of the Prophets Has Reached Its Fulfillment

Saint Andrew of Crete comments, "Of thee, O Mary, all interpreters of the Spirit sang," Nowhere in the divinely inspired Scripture can one look without seeing some allusion to her. "Rejoice, Mediatress of the law and of grace, seal of the Old and New Testaments, clear fulfillment of the whole of prophecy, of the truth of Scriptures inspired by God, the living and most pure book of God and the Logos in which, without voice or writing, the Writer Himself, God and Logos, is everyday read." Saint Gregory Palamas thought that "all divine inspired Scripture was written because of the Virgin who brought forth God incarnate."

Saint John of Damascus interprets the burning bush [Exodus 3:1-8] as an image of the virgin birth when he chants: "Plainly foreshadowed by the burning bush that was not consumed [Exodus 3:2], a hollowed womb has borne the Logos. God is mingled with the form of mortal men, and so looses the unhappy womb of Eve from the bitter curse of old [Genesis 3:16]. And, "That which was revealed to Moses in the bush, we see accomplished here in a strange manner. The Virgin bore Fire within her, yet was not consumed when she gave birth to the Benefactor Who brings us light."

The Prophecy of Isaiah

"Isaiah, as he watched by night, beheld the light that known no evening, the light of Thy theophany, O Christ, that came to pass from tender love for us; and he cries aloud: ‘Behold, the Virgin shall conceive in the womb’ [Isaiah 7:14] and shall bear the incarnate Logos, and all those on earth shall rejoice exceedingly." Saint Kosmas the Poet also chants of this Virgin: "Lo, the Virgin, as it was said in days of old [Isaiah 7:14] has conceived in her womb and brought forth God made Man, and she has remained a virgin. Reconciled to God through her, let us sinners sing her praises, for she is verily the Theotokos."

Mary as Prophetess

In another prophecy, Esaias states, "And I went in to the prophetess and she conceived and bore a son. And the Lord said to me, "Call His name, "Spoil quickly, plunder speedily." For before the Child shall know His father or His mother, He shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria before the king of the Assyrians" [Isaiah 8:3-4]. The Persian sage, monk, and bishop, Saint Aphrahat (4th Century), speaks of Mary as a "prophetess," because of the Magnificat [Luke 1:46-55].

Saint Kyril of Alexandria (444 A.D.) says that "contemporaneously with the birth of Christ, the power of the devil was spoiled. The name ‘Spoil quickly, hastily plunder’ refers to our Lord. The prophetess is the Holy Virgin, and the name given to the Child suits not man, but God, for, says He, call His name ‘Spoil quickly; hastily plunder.’ for at His birth, the heavenly and supernatural Infant, while yet in swaddling bands and on His Mother’s bosom, because of His human nature, stripped forthwith Satan of his goods by His ineffable might as God; for the Magi came from the east to worship Him."

Rod of the Root of Jesse

Here again, Saint Kosmas composes hymns by weaving in Old Testament prophecies, showing the Virgin as the rod and the overshadowed mountain: "Rod of the root of Jesse [Isaiah 11:1], and flower that blossomed from his stem, O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. From the mountain overshadowed by the forest Thou hast come [Hab. 3:3], made flesh from her that knew not wedlock, O God, Who art not formed from matter." Saint Andrew also speaks of the Virgin as the rod and Christ as the Flower: "Let Jesse rejoice and let David dance; for behold, the Virgin, the rod planted by God hath blossomed forth the Flower, even the Everlasting Christ."

Creation is Renewed and Led to Its Former Beauty

Saint Kyril of Alexandria writes that "she bore Emmanuel, Who is truly God. "And the Logos became flesh" (John 1:14) and was born according to the flesh so that we might be found to be brothers of Him Who is above all creation." He also writes in another letter about Him Who was ineffably begotten of the Father before all ages and finally born as man from a woman, that He is one person and not two."

Orthodox theology of the incarnation is clear in the Church’s hymnology. Saint Joseph the Hymnographer chants: "The Son of the Father…has appeared to us…to give light to those in darkness and to gather the dispersed. Therefore, the far-famed Theotokos do we magnify." This hymnographer also writes that Mary Theotokos ushered in our renewal, thus: "Like a lily, like a fragrant rose, like a divine scent did the All-Divine Logos find thee, O All-Pure Bride of God, and He made His abode within thy womb, making fragrant our nature which had been full of fetor through sin." Thus, "in the fulness of time, He raised up man who of old had grievously fallen, leading him up to his pristine beauty."

The Appellation "THEOTOKOS" or "God-birthgiver"

Christ, Who was born of the Virgin, is True God become Man. There are not two sons; a Son of God and a son of the Virgin. He is one Son from above, MOTHERLESS OUT OF THE Father, from below, FATHERLESS out of a mother. It is proper to call the virgin Mother "THEOTOKOS," on the ground that SHE TRULY GAVE BIRTH IN THE FLESH TO GOD."

Saint John of Damascus says, "We never say that the Holy Virgin is the Mother of Christ (Christotokos) because this appellation came about in order to do away with the title Mother of God (Theotokos), and to bring dishonor on the Mother of God, who alone is in truth worthy of honor above all creation. It was the impure and abominable Judaizing Nestorius (a heretic), that vessel of dishonor, who invented this name for an insult. For David the king and Aaron the high priest are also called ‘christ’ or ‘anointed one.’ Moreover, every God-inspired man may be called ‘christ’ though he is not by nature God. Yes, the accursed Nestorius insulted Him Who was born of the Virgin by calling Him (Jesus) God-bearer (Theophoros), Who is in Truth GOD INCARNATE. God the Logos/Word divinized the nature that He assumed. He was not first made like us and only later became higher than us, but even from the first moment of incarnation, He existed WITH THE DOUBLE NATURE, BECAUSE He is God the Logos/Word Himself. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

_______________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE VENERABLE AND HOLY PROPHETS OF
THE OLD TESTAMENT

A prophet is one who proclaims the will of God and/or who
foretells the future, especially the incarnation and coming and Divine
Mission of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, through the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Venerable and holy Prophets were God’s αγγελιοφόροι (messengers) who revealed and proclaimed His will before the Nativity of Jesus Christ while declaring the coming of the promised Messiah. The Hebrew word for "prophet" means "God’s spokesman." Deuteronomy 18:15-19 foreshadows Christ as the promised Prophet. The Lord speaks to Moses: "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and I will put My word in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all I command Him" (v. 18). The words, "like you" and "from among their brethren" speak of the pre-incarnate Logos/Word taking on human nature to become the promised Prophet, Priest, and King. We have a Prophet Who is the Truth, a Priest Whose eternal offerings are accepted by the Father and received by us, and a King Who will rule and reign forever over His Kingdom.
The gift of prophecy in the life of the Church is a constant state in the believer which confirms the Eternal Truth of Christ’s words.

DANIEL THE HOLY PROPHET

Daniel, the holy Prophet, whose name in Hebrew means "God is my Judge" or "God is judging," was a scion of the house of David and of the royal tribe of Juda. Josephus states that he was of the line of Zedekiah. Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, tells us that his father’s name was Sabaan, and that he was born in Upper Bethoron, not far from Jerusalem. As an infant, he was taken captive from Judaea to Babylon.

Daniel, together with his three Jerusalemite friends, the brothers Ananias (Hananiah), Azarias (Azariah), and Misael (Mishael), was taken captive. Their names in Hebrew have the following meanings: Ananias, "The Lord is gracious", Misael, "Who is what the Lord is?"; Azarias, "The Lord helps." These three youths were of the royal seed of the line of Ezekias (Hezekiah). Their mother’s name was Kallinike. What did these youths do, forlorn as they were, begin captives, strangers, and slaves of those who commanded them to eat the forbidden meats.

Daniel "entreated the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself with the king’s table, nor with the wine of his drink. Now God had brought Daniel into favor and compassion with the chief of the eunuchs. "Thereupon,’ continues Saint John Chrysostom, "they approached the eunuchs who possessed the necessary authority and persuaded him by their arguments."

Thus, their steadfast adherence to their Faith was blessed by God. Though they partook of only pulse and water, yet their bodily appearance proved comelier than that of those youths who ate meat. Daniel continued to abstain from pleasant food and withered his flesh. He was in favor with the Most High, and by the grace of God was still a handsome man. The Prophet is usually depicted in holy icons as a beardless youth in the costume of the Persian court. Although he appears somewhat gaunt from fasting, yet he had a strong and well-proportioned frame. His wavy brown hair was cut slightly below his ears. His sober, sincere, and reflective countenance bespeaks a young man of self-possession and discipline. He was an individual of high morals and principles. He was not one to equivocate or compromise the truth before the mighty of this world. He is a model of wisdom and a genuine example of a just man persecuted by men, but free in God.

In iconography, Daniel may be observed in scenes from his life. He is shown taking an active part in defending the honor or Righteous Susanna; he is seen standing among the lions, or he is seen in the den with the Prophet Abbakoum, depicted off on the side, with an Angel taking hold of the latter by the hair, as he conveys food to Daniel. Prophet Abbakoum brings him bread, whih Saint Hyppolitos and others interpret as eucharistic prefiguration. In some Psalters, the Prophet’s vision of the Great Mountain (Daniel 2:34-35) is added.

According to The Great Synaxaristes, Prophet Daniel reposed in peace. According to the Lord, as it is written of Daniel: "Go thou, and rest; for there are yet days and seasons to the fulfillment of the end; and thou shalt stand in thy lot at the end of the days" [Daniel 12:13]. Daniel’s holy relics and tomb were preserved at the church of Saint Romanos in Constantinople, which was visited by pilgrims. With regard to his three companions, they may have eitehr reposed in peace or suffered martyrdom. The Great Synaxaristes (in Greek), together with Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic, who refers to Saint Kyril of Alexandria, record that Daniel and the three youths lived to a great old age in Babylon. After king Nebuchdnezzar, Attikos, who was troublesome ruler, arose. The three brothers, under examination, censured him for his impiety. Attikos ordered the severing of Righteous Misael’s head, which Righteous Azarias received when spreading his outer robe that was secured by a brooch. The king then commanded the severing of Righteous Azarias’ head, which was received by the divine Ananias. Thereafter they struck off his head. It is said that after the honorable heads of the three brothers were severed, they were miraculously re-attached to their bodies. And Angel of the Lord then took up their sacred relics and translated them to Mount Gebal, in Judaea, laying them to rest under a rock. With the passage of 400 years, they arose together with the other righteous ones, and then reposed again. Bishop Nikolai adds that at the time of our Savior’s three-day burial, the three brothers appeared to many, and then fell asleep (cf. Matthew 27:52-53).

Epilogue

When comparing the life, struggles, and sufferings of Christ with those of Prophet Daniel and the Three Children, Saint Aphrahat makes some very interings comparisons. "Daniel also was persecuted as Jesus was persecuted. Daniel was persecuted by the Chaldeans, the congregtion of heathen men; Jesus also was persecuted by the Jews, the congregation of wicked men. Daniel the Chaldeans accused; and Jesus the Jews accused before the governor. Daniel they cast into the pit of lions, and he was delivered and came up out of its midst uninjured; and Jesus they sent down into the pit of the abode of the dead, and He ascended, and dath had not dominion over Him. Concerning Daniel, they expected that when he had fallen into the pit he would not come up again; and concerning Jesus, they said: ‘The one falling asleep shall not rise again, shall he?" (Psalm 40:8). From attempting to harm Daniel the mouth of the ravenous and destructive lions was closed; and the mouth of death, though ravenous and destructive of living forms, harmed not Jesus. They sealed the pit of Daniel, and guarded it with diligence; and the grave of Jesus did they guard with diligence, as they said, "Command therefore tha tthe tomb he made secure until the third day" (Matthew 27:64)…

(Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

__________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

ON THE 15th OF DECEMBER
OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH COMMEMORATES
THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR ELEFTHERIOS, BISHOP
OF ILLYRICUM

Eleftherios (meaning freedom or liberty), the wondrous and glorious hieromartyr, shone forth as a brilliant luminary during the 2nd century after Christ. He was born in the renowned and great city of Rome of well-born parents, who were distinguished and wealthy. Their splendor was to be reckoned not only according to this world and the flesh but more so for their noble faith and extreme piety. The Saint’s mother, Anthia, had been taught the Faith with exactness by the disciples of the holy Apostle Paul. When she gave birth to her son, she named him Eleftherios, and she nurtured him in godliness. The Saint’s father, a man of property and consequence, held the office of the consul of Rome, which was one of the highest positions among the nobility. After the birth of Eleftherios, his father lived only a short time. The boy remained in obedience to his mother, who handed over her son to he hierarch of Rome, that he might learn the sacred writings. The Saint was sanctified from his mother’s womb; and, like another Samuel, was offered by his holy mother to Christ.

The Bishop of Rome, Aniketos, beheld the young man’s excellent manners, disposition, character, discipline, behavior, propriety, and many other virtues which he possessed, and assigned him to the clergy. When he became fifteen years old, he was ordained to the diaconate. Afterward, he was elevated to the Priesthood at seventeen years of age, and then to the episcopacy at twenty. He cleaved to God from his youth with a most pure mind. He shunned carnal understanding and cleansed his soul of the passions. He, therefore, was appointed Bishop of Illyricum. But marvel not that his being made a bishop was contrary to current ecclesiastical rule and forms, because this came to pass by Divine economy. Due to the young Eleftherius’ great virtue, but mostly because of his erudition and wisdom, his teaching drew all toward piety. Thereupon, the lamp was put upon the lampstand. Thus, benighted souls were enlightened and converted to godliness. Since the Bishop of Rome perceived in the Spirit how Eleftherios would illumine many, as indeed occurred, he elevated the young man to the dignity of episcopacy. Saint Eleftherios’ service was inestimable. He was responsible for bringing many pagan Greeks to the Faith and Holy Baptism because his sweet disposition and the wisdom of his words encouraged those who heard him come to the Truth.

The weak evil, who always wishes to deprive man of salvation, gnashed his teeth at the young bishop since he was powerless to put Eleftherios to death. Thus the hater of man entered into the ungodly emperor and instigated general persecution against the godly. That cruel and unseemly emperor singled out Eleftherios for destruction, placing him first on his list since he received intelligence that the Bishop of Illyricum was the cause of many conversions. The emperor sent forth his general, named Felix, urgently commanding him to apprehend Eleftherios.

Felix went to carry out his commission. He went with a company of soldiers and surrounded the church, where the Saint was teaching the flock at that very moment. Felix entered that sacred precinct with an evil disposition, a fierce look, and no civility. Even as Felix entered, he was immediately struck by the holy Bishop’s decorum and grace-filled countenance. Behold, the wonder? Saint Eleftherios’ sweet manner of address and his edifying words, filled with all wisdom, were sufficient to transform Felix and put a halt to the intended violence. The former ravenous wolf now became a gentle lamb. Instead of the defiant persecutor, he became the Saint’s obedient pupil. He disowned his acnes his ancestral impiety and assented to the teaching of the holy soul. He renounced wealth and kin. He attached no consequence to how he would answer the emperor. He quit that sphere of power and privilege. This ever-memorable Felix fell at the feet of the Bishop in repentance and believed in the Christ.

The Saint catechized and exhorted Felix in the exact Faith. Afterward, he counseled him that they together return to the emperor. Saint Eleftherios beheld Felix’s ardor and great readiness to receive the Mystery (sacrament) of illumination, and so he baptized him. After some days, they arrived in Rome and met with the pagan emperor. Ty tyrant spoke many words to the Saint, flattering ones, with also the promise of rich gifts and privileges, if he ere to consent and sacrifice in the idols. Conversely, upon the bishop’s refusal of these offers, he was threatened with diverse tortures. Eleftherios spoke at liberty and with much freedom of speech in his reply: "How shall I condescend to pay homage to such insensible deities and inanimate statures? With regard to you who observe such beliefs, indeed I am unhappy for your sakes, and I even weep… I have renounced the world and "have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20), for Whom I die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). When we were baptized into Christ Jesus, we were baptized into His death (Roman 6:3). Hearing such words the tyrant became enraged and ordered that a brass bed be heated to a red-hot temperature. The bishop was then to be stretched out on that fiery bed, while below a heap of coals was to be kept burning until Eleftherios should be utterly broiled.

When the Saint was cast upon that bed of fire, the people of the city were grieved. in the meantime, the Almighty God from on high lightened the pain and suffering of the martyr. For the Saint was bedewed and cooled, as though he was stretched out on soft and besprinkled grass. As he spent considerable time on that brazen bed, spread-out full-length and naked, the tyrant’s rage subsided somewhat. He commanded his executioners to remove Eleftherios from that red hot grate; for the tyrant thought that the prisoner had died. But then Eleftherios jumped up and stood straight showing he had suffered no burns or injury. Indeed, no trace of a single wound appeared on his flesh. A gladsome Eleftherios was then chanting the words of the psalm, which began: "I will exalt Thee, O my God, my King nd I will bless Thy name unto the age of the age" (Psalm 144:1). He then chanted the remaining verses.

This boldness of the holy martyr was interpreted as an insult by the emperor to his person. He, thereupon, found a new and worse punishment with which to torture the Saint. He gave the order that they bind the Saint upon an iron grill, aglow from the fire of coals below. From above they were pouring oil, so as to provoke the flames to rise higher. The grace of God attended Eleftherios in this gruesome episode also. Straightway, as they stretched forth Eleftherios upon the gridiron, the flame was extinguished, the iron grate cooled, and the Saint reclined, bedewed by Divine grace. The wrath and vexation of the tyrant now was multiplied. He commanded his lackeys to prepare a cauldron filled with tallow, wax, and pitch. The martyr was to be cast inside and boiled. Once again they labored in vain because Providence above turned the flame of the fire into cool droplets. The martyr sustained the punishment, completely uninjured, as though he were a nonparticipant, and was giving glory to the Lord.

Now the city Prefect Koremon, an inventive man, who was acquainted with the various forms of torture sought the emperor’s permission to prepare a brazen oven, completely lined with sharp iron spikes. The appliance was set up and heated to accept the martyr’s entry within. When the terrible chastisement was readied, the Saint then, as another Stefanos, supplicated the Lord. He entreated for no assistance other than the enlightenment of his persecutors, that they may receive salvation for their souls.

The words of the Saint’s prayer were heard by the Lord Who dispensed in His economy to enlighten the Prefect, Koremon then approached the emperor, as though he had not been the author of the martyr’s punishment, and asked, "What kind of misdeed was perpetuated by the godly Eleftherios that thou hast sentenced him to such an evil and harsh death?" The emperor, not expecting such a query, wondered what had befallen his Prefect and said, "What has thou suffered that thou shouldest change thy mind to a such a contrary opinion?" Koremon, filled with Divine Spirit, by the prayers of the holy Bishop, was enlightened in his mind and said, "… I wilfully became blond to the truth and did not acknowledge the infirmity and weakness of thy gods. They are not able to rescue even one of you from the fire, as all of you well know. But the Christ has delivered so many of His slaves and here He has rendered Eleftherios mightier than the fire and above every torment." Thus, by Eleftherios’ example, the gods were debased in Koremon’s eyes.

The emperor ordered his men to prepare the over so that it was red-hot, for he intended to cast the Prefect Koremon in the oven. The Saint of God blessed him an made the sign of the Cross over Christ’s athlete Koremon, thus fortified and empowered with the Saint’s prayer, entered into the oven. By the grace of Christ Koremon endued with faith, also remained unscathed and gave thanks to God. The ezasperated emperor meted out to his former friend a death sentence by beheading. The holy Koremon gained everlasting life and ineffable joy.

With the repose of Koremon, the tyrant turned his attention back to the Saint. He ordered the prisoner to the dungeon. Eleftherios was to be left in fetters and ill plight, until he should die fo starvation. When that evil scheme did not work he ordered his men to bind the Saint to a pair of wild horses. They were instructed to drag the holy bishop on the ground over stones and rocks, so ast to tear to pieces his flesh. God sent forth His holy Angel to convert these wild horses into take ones, and he loosed the bonds of Eleftherios, who was tiedto the chariot drawn by them. The bishop was plucked out of the hands of his tormentors and borne away to a nearby mountain. The wild animals gathered around him, and he lived peacefully in that wilderness with bears, lions, and other wild creatures. Howevse, when the animals of the wilderness caught sight of the pursuers,set themselves in motion against the men, as they bared their teeth and raised their claws in attack. The bishop then gave orders to the animals that they were not to injure no one. The Saint surrendered himself to the soldiers and on the way he ws teaching them and exhorted them to know the Creator of creation that they mgiht find everlasting life.

When they arrived in Rome the emperor set wild lions against the Saint but the beasts instead showed affection and reverence to Saint Eleftherios. After a succession of failures on his part, the emperor acknowledged that there was nothing further he could do but order the bishop’s beheading. This indeed took place, and with his blood he died his priestly raiment. Having set up glorious trophies over the enemies, the glorious Eleftherios delivered his blessed soul into the hands of God on the 15th of December.

The Saint’s mother, Anthia, embraced the holy relics of her son and martyr, kissing them ardently and magnifying him the he suffered so much for the Lord’s sake. Then the executioners as ones savage and cruel, without the least shred of compassion, put to death the mother by striking her head. Pious Christians from Avlona of Epirus, the seat of Bishopt Eleftherios’ Diocese, were then present in Rome. They took up the holy relics of their bishop and his mother, anointed them with myrrh, and exhibited fitting honor as lover of God, and reverently interred them. The Saint’s shrines poured forth ures and miracles for those in need, to the glory of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the One and Only God, unto the ages. We, too, beg his supplications to God that we might be freed from the passions. Amen. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

Saint Nicholas the Wonder-Worker, Archbishop of Myra

MIRACLES OF OUR HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS

Mariners were in danger of drowning during a gale so that the strong winds tore the sails. Now those on board had heard of the fame of Saint Nicholas who miraculously rescued ships in distress. They called upon him, entreating, "O Saint Nicholas, help us in this hour because we are drowning! Straightway, the great Nicholas appeared hastening toward them over the churning sea. He next took his place at the ship’s helm. As he took the wheel and steered the ship, he cried out to the mariners, "Cease fearing; I am with you. You invoked me, and I came to assist you." In a little while, the violent winds abated, and the turbulent sea became calm. The holy man then vanished from their sight. The mariners with one mind then exclaimed, "Let us set our course for the harbor of the Myraions. Let us go to Saint Nicholas that we might thank him properly for the help which he graciously bestowed upon us. Let us gaze upon his countenance because we did not see him clearly in the midst of that storm." Therefore they dropped anchor at Myra’s port, went out on dry land, and inquired, "Where does one find the hierarch?" They were told: "Even now, he is going to the church with his priests." The mariners thereupon sped to the church. After they entered, they immediately recognized the Saint from his figure, even as they observed him at the helm, though they had never seen him previous to that calamity at sea. The mariners fell before Saint Nicholas’ feet and began saying, "We give thanks to thee, O slave of God because if thou hadst not anticipated our need and peril at sea, we should have been drowned."

The crew then recounted the entire incident at sea. The Saint, as one clairvoyant and filled with the Holy Spirit, knew that they were not pure of heart; for with his spiritual eyes, he perceived the sin of fornication, which alienates a man from God and makes him indifferent to keeping God’s law and commands. Thus, the Saint wished to deliver them not only from physical danger but from spiritual death, so he spoke to them in his customary affable and fatherly way, saying, "I beseech you, my children, examine the intentions and thoughts of your hearts and minds, and direct them to the will of God. For even though things may be hidden from men and we appear good, yet before God, it is impossible to be concealed. Man sees the outward man, but God sees the heart. Hearken to the words of Scripture: "Be not carnal and walking according to man" (I Corinthians 3:3). The divine Paul also speaks elsewhere, saying, "Know ye not that ye are God’s temple, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any one corrupt the temple of God, God shall bring this same one to corruption" (I Corinthians 3:16-17). If you preserve the temple of God in a holy manner, you shall always have God as your helper." After he taught them as a loving father, the Saint returned to the cathedral. The mariners benefitted more from his instructions on land than his succor at sea. They departed to their own land, giving glory to God and thanking Him for being vouchsafed the solicitation of His Saint.

THE REPOSE OF SAINT NICHOLAS

First, let us describe Saint Nicholas. Even if the holy man should be in a crowd, he would be clearly identified by his radiant and Angelic countenance. At one replete with the Spirit, he was ever engaged in prayer and contemplation, so that oftentimes when one happened to meet him on the road in the midst of others, though the Saint was not preaching but engaged in mental prayer, yet those who merely gazed upon him received benefit. If one were sorrowing and afflicted, such a one needed only to look upon the Saint, and his grief fled, leaving him consoled and even glad. Those who stopped and talked with the Saint were led to compunction. In his presence, they found themselves on the path to virtue and a fuller knowledge of God.

Since, however, Saint Nicholas was a mortal, the time approached for his repose. Prior to his falling asleep in the Lord, he became slightly ill. He reposed in peace and left his honorable holy relics upon earth as a benefit to mankind, while his blessed soul joyfully ascended into the heavens, accompanied by the hymns of Angels. Both orphans and poor folk wept at the deprivation of their father and pilot. The Myraions, together with strangers, foreigners, and all the world lamented his passing from their midst; for they lost a shepherd and teacher. The holy Archangels and Angels rejoiced upon welcoming such a holy one into their bosoms. The Martyrs were glad and filled with delight upon beholding a fellow Martyr. The righteous were happy upon beholding one such as themselves. Shepherds and teachers were well pleased and received felicity because he joined the ranks of shepherds. Why should I speak and distinguish each order? All of heaven and the ranks of the Saints and Righteous were cheered that day. Even though the blessed soul of Saint Nicholas went forth from this world, ye the has not forgotten those who invoke him. For this reason, after his blessed repose, miracles without bound have taken place for the faithful who have taken recourse in him.

It is impossible to recount the countless miracles (wonders) wrought by Saint Nicholas the Wonder-worker. Though the land of Myra is now silent, et his fame remains inextinguishable and extends throughout the world, which is enlightened by his example. He is a ready defender of widows and orphans, a cheerful given to those in need, an avenger of the oppressed and those suffering unjust judgments, and an apt helper to all those in affliction and misfortune. He is inexhaustible in the services he renders others and in his imitation of the Master’s love for men. His repose did not interrupt His wonders (miracles) on land and sea, which continue to this day, to the glory of our Triune God. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

________

Please note: Orthodox Christians must take time with their children and teach them the authentic Life of Saint Nicholas the Wonder-worker. Orthodox Christians must not adhere to the distorted image of Saint Nicholas which is promoted and taught in today’s corrupt society by unbelievers and profiteers. The secular and Gentile world has deliberately sought out to corrupt and undermine the dignity, holiness, and sanctity of the Christian holy days and Saints by destroying their true purpose and intent. To stop all Christian messages of love, faith, hope, redemption, peace, forgiveness, and holiness. The Christian celebrations such as the holy Nativity of Jesus Christ (Christmas), the All-Holy Pascha (Resurrection) of Jesus Christ, and even the celebration of Thanksgiving with secular symbols. The unbelieving and enemies of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have systematically attempted to transform this most holy Christian celebration of His Divine Birth with a time of leisure, eating, gift-giving, and entertainment. To attempt to corrupt the holy person of Saint Nicholas by distorting his holy image from a caricature to a symbol of consumerism, gluttony, and greed. To attempt to replace the holy celebration of the Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Pascha) with pagan customs i.e., a celebration of spring and making an animal the so-called "Easter Bunny" its symbol and a time of eating and engaging children to look for "Easter eggs." The evil one is constantly working to bring to people "defective reasoning and confusion of thought." It is entirely wrong for Christians to fall for this deception and attack on our Christian faith and Holy Tradition.

_________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

Saint Nicholas the Wonder-Worker,
Archbishop of Myra (Part III)

The city of Patara, where the Lord guided Nicholas, was close to Myra. Since the Saint knew no one there, he sojourned among the poor of that city. His sole haven and consolation was the local church. At the time that Father Nicholas was in that city, Archbishop John of Myra had just reposed. The faithful inhabitants were searching for a hierarch worthy of the episcopal throne. Thereupon, the bishops and other clergy of the eparchy of Myra came together to select their new archbishop. Much thought and discussion took place as various candidates were scrutinized. One of the bishops rose up in their midst and addressed them: "O holy and sacred gathering, hearken to me! Those whom we prefer for archbishop, we deem excellent men among us; but let us entreat God that He might reveal His choice." They, therefore, adjourned their meeting. They fasted, and that very night they made entreaty to God to reveal who was worthy of the dignity. Suddenly, an Ange of the Lord appeared to a certain elderly bishop, saying, "O bishop, whey dost thou toil? The worthy archbishops is near at hand. Why do you all keep seeking for another one? Rise up and go to the church. Thou shalt behold a certain priest, full of undertaking and prudence, enter the doors of the church. His name is Nicholas, and he is filled with the Spirit. He it is whom you should consecrate metropolitan, for he is worthy to shepherd the people, and this is what God wills."

After that bishop beheld such a vision, he informed the other hierarchs. Upon hearing his disclosure, they gave glory to God for His revelation. The bishop who was vouchsafed the vision obeyed the words he heard in the vision. He entered the church, stood by the doorway, and awaited the coming of the priest prophesied by the Angel. At length, as the hour for Orthros (Matins) arrived, that bishop observed holy Father Nicholas walk into the church and pray. Father Nicholas, as usual, arrived before the other worshippers. The bishop perceived that this must be the man spoken of by the Angel. He approached Father Nicholas and said, "My child, how art thou called?" The Saint meekly answered, "Nicholas, O holy master (despota); I am the slave of your holiness." The bishop was certain that Nicholas was God’s choice, even as the Lord has spoken: "To whom will I have respect, but to the humble and meek, and the man that trembles at my words" (Isaiah 66:2)? The bishop then took Father Nicholas by the hand and brought him among the other bishops and clergy. As soon as they caught sight of Father Nicholas, they were well pleased and gave thanks to God Who granted them such a chief shepherd. Word traveled throughout the city quickly, so that a multitude of faithful came to the church. Thereupon, Father Nicholas was consecrated to the episcopacy. When the ordinand was presented to the faithful, one of the ordaining bishops addressed them: "Receive, brethren, the worthy archbishop, and shepherd sent forth by God. The Holy Spirit has anointed Archbishop Nicholas to be entrusted with your souls. We have found him whom we sought, but he was not chosen by us but by God Himself."

Initially, the Saint refused the dignity of such a high office, dreading the praise of men. However, before the repose of Archbishop John of Myra, the Saint had received a vision wherein he was commanded to accept consecration to the hierarchical rank. Saint Methodios, Patriarch of Constantinople (843-847 A.D.) and noted hagiographer, in his account of the Saint’s Life, records that Father Nicholas beheld a vision before he became a hierarch. The patriarch writes: "One night, Saint Nicholas beheld our Lord Jesus in glory. The Savior gave him the Evanggelion (Gospel book), which was adorned with gold, pearls, and precious stones. The Saint then saw that the Most Holy Theotokos stood at the right of her Son, bearing in her arms a bishop’s Omophorion, the symbol of episcopal dignity. The Saint then observed the Theotokos place the vestment upon the Evanggelion."

The holy man did not deem himself the proper person for such an office, yet he yielded on account of what was revealed to him in that vision. Thus, he bowed to the wish of the Holy Synod of bishops, clergy, and faithful, and received the elevation as though from God Himself. Who can recount Saint Nicholas’ toils, pains, sufferings, vigils, fasts, alms, and other good works after he was elevated to the episcopacy? The Saint, from the beginning of the episcopacy, was mindful of the words spoken to him by Christ while he was in the Holy Land. The Saint was often saying, "I am the slave of God. I live not for myself but others."

The First Ecumenical Synod (325 A.D.)

During Emperor Constantine’s reign, Arius emerged from Alexandria and spread his vile beliefs (heresy). Arius had been sufficiently educated int eh elements of secular learning. Arius began to publicly speak blasphemies against God, saying that Christ, the Logos (Word) of God, was NOT True God. Arius was thus dismissed as a blasphemer from his duties. Arius refused to be corrected and he continued to spread his heresy and lead others astray into his profane error. Arius was duly deposed and anathematized but he continued to proclaim his rotten dogma.

Emperor Constantine the Great, seeing the confusion being created in the Church, dispatched orders to every corner of the empire. He summoned all the hierarchs and chief monastics, that they should meet in the city of Nicaea and discuss Arius, who was shown to be at fault and a blasphemer. Thus, the First Ecumenical Synod was held in Nicaea in Bithynia during the reign of Constantine the Great, in 325 A.D. Among the notable men who were in attendance was the Wonder-Working Nicholas of Myra. They were men adorned with not only apostolic gifts but also the trials and sufferings of martyrdom through which they survived. According to the universal tradition of the Church, there were present 232 hierarchs, with 86 priests, 3 deacons, and monks, thus totaling 318 holy Fathers, together with a multitude of the lower clergy.

The Emperor took his seat on the throne, and one hundred and fifty-nine Fathers also took their seats. As mentioned before, the Synod had been assembled against Arius, who blasphemed that the Logos (Word) of God was not coessential with the Father; that is, that Jesus and was NOT True God, but, on the contrary, a creature and KTISMA, the Greek word meaning "SOMETHING BUILT." The sessions lasted three and one-half years, though Photios records six and one-half years. This Synod produced the divine Symbol of the Faith (The Nicene Creed of 325 A.D.), proclaiming the Son and Logos (Word) of God to be True God COESSENTIAL with the Father, saying: "I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD: the Father, Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, the One having been begotten of the Father before all the ages–Light of Light, True God of True God; having been begotten, NOT having been made; CO-ESSENTIAL with the Father; by Whom all things were made…"

The debates commenced with Arius were terribly agonizing. Arius kept monopolizing the meeting by his continual arguing. Saint Nicholas, who thanks to his mellifluous teaching kept the metropolis of Myra alone untouched by the filth of the Arian heresy, was filled with divine zeal as another Prophet Elias. The holy Archbishop of Myra perceived how Arius was attempting to silence all the Christ-loving hierarchs, so he rose up, approached Arius, and gave him such a slap that Arius shook all over.

Arius protested to the Emperor who was much grieved by what had occurred in his presence. Constantine addressed the hierarchs: "Holy hierarchs, the law commands the severance of the hand which dares to strike another in the emperor’s presence. By your holiness’ leave, I commit the judgment to you. Decide the matter as you see fit." The hierarchs reproved, deprived him of his episcopal insignia, and incarcerated, that same night, there appeared to him in the prison both Christ and the Theotokos. They asked the hierarch, "O Nicholas, why has thou been imprisoned?" the holy man of God answered, "For your love." Christ then said to him, "Take this," and He presented the holy Gospel to Archbishop Nicholas. The Theotokos then gave him the hierarchical Omophorion. By the foregoing, that is, the receipt of these emblems of his hierarchical rank, it was revealed that the Saint’s boldness was pleasing to God Who repeated the revelation He had once given concerning the Saint.

The following day, certain acquaintances of the Saint brought the prisoner holy bread. Upon entering Saint Nicholas’ prison cell, they observed that he was loosed from his fetters and was clad with an Omophorion. In his hands, they noticed that he was holding and reading the Holy Gospel. They inquired of the Saint: "Where di you find these articles?" Saint Nicholas then communicated to them the entire truth. After the emperor was informed of this miraculous event, Constantine, acknowledged the evident manifestation of Divine approval toward the Saint, immediately ordered the archbishop’s removal from prison. The Emperor then sought Saint Nicholas’ forgiveness. The other hierarchs also asked the Saint’s pardon, and peace was restored. After the last session of the Synod, all the hierarchs, including our Saint Nicholas, returned to their Sees. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

______________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George