My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or
father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s
sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life" (St. Matthew 19:29).

Those Orthodox Christians answering Christ’s call to enter the monastic life, a life of chastity, celibacy, poverty, prayer, fasting, and obedience are selected to live the life of Angels.

This austere Christian life is a spiritual vocation that very few Christians are able to commit to. Those who accept the call must be prepared to surrender totally and be obedient to their geronda (elder) or gerondisa (abbess), which is not a small challenge. We see this type of obedience in the military where the soldier has obedience to his superiors and, no matter the danger of the mission, he or she is willing to be obedient even unto death.

According to Saint Basil the Great, the monks were to practice Christian virtues, especially agape; to practice obedience to a spiritual father; to practice chastity and poverty, and share the common goods of the monastery. Once they had accomplished Christian perfection, they were permitted to return to the world and help and support others to attain Christian perfection.

The Monastic life is one of discipline, sacrifice, and, of course, humility. Growing up in the world, one is taught to be independent and assume all responsibilities pertaining to his or her life. We are taught the importance of self-esteem and to face all life’s problems on our own. However, instead, we develop a strong ego and enormous pride to the point of being conceited and arrogant. This is unlike monastic life, which is determined through obedience to strip the monk or nun of all of ego and pride. Ego and pride are two very great obstacles to perfection and theosis (deification). It was out of his pride that Satan, as Jesus says, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (St. Luke 10:18). Because he pursued his own will, Satan is fallen from heaven. That is how very dangerous it is for the monk or nun to be possessed by pride, which will lead to their spiritual demise.

The life of the monk or nun is a painfully difficult life of trial, the cross. The novice monk or nun submits willingly to a life of prayer, fasting, ascesis, and obedience, as well as to their spiritual father and confessor, hard physical work, vigils, and prayer-rope. They understand that no personal decision can be about anything without the blessing or consent of their egoumenos or egoumenisa (Abbot or Abess). They also come to realize how important and gratifying it is to serve without any regret or resentment. Whatever they do must be out of gratitude, selflessness, and above all, love. It is also extremely important to note that they have an intensive sacramental life ("Mysteriaki Zoe").

The Monastic life is not for the fainthearted. The novitiate can take between five to ten years in some monasteries. The monastery is not a prison, and only those candidates who are not ready for this life can end up feeling as though it is. Both the Egoumenos (Abbot) or Egoumenisa (Abbess) must evaluate the actions, attitude, development, behavior, and commitment of the candidate. Each candidate also must have enough time to experience it, understand what monastic life is all about, and decide if he or she is willing to dedicate the rest of their lives to it. Either way, one must proceed with great care for the good of all.

It has been said that a novice faces constant attacks and temptations from the evil one. Thoughts of despair, of doubt, of uncertainty, of defiance, and even of hostility are used to discourage and confuse the young novice. Everything they endure from the evil one must be revealed to their geronda or gerontisa, so that they will be able to help them go through this ordeal and trying time. There are no such things as secrets between the monk or nun and their spiritual father. To hide something from confession is wrong and sinful.

Once tonsured a monk or nun, everything settles down and they assume their new life and its many responsibilities. By the grace of God, as they grow in Christ they experience untold joy and peace. The monk and nun feel Christ’s presence and an extraordinary fulfillment within. No longer does one think of himself, his needs, his dreams, his desires, his expectations, and his ambitions. His or her life is now dedicated and devoted to the service of the Master and Savior Jesus Christ. The Theotokos, our Heavenly Mother, intercedes for them and guides and protects them in their diakonia (ministry). The "cloud of witnesses" embraces them and supports them. The holy Angels comfort them and serve as the example par excellence of service to the Theanthropos (Godman).

While we are all busy with our lives, with our business, with our professions, and with our families, our monks and nuns pray for our protection and salvation. They hardly sleep at night, instead reciting the "prayer of the heart" or commonly known as "the Jesus Prayer". They participate in the divine services daily, usually chanting, praying, worshipping, prostrating, and receiving Holy Communion. Each monk and nun have their daily chores i.e., making candles, icons, cleaning the church, working in the kitchen, sewing, serving in the monastery bookstore, serving at tables, offering hospitality, working in the garden/s, and other manual work.

We are truly blessed to have our many Men’s and Women’s Monasteries in our country, thanks to our most beloved geronda Father Ephraim of blessed memory, the founder of Greek Orthodox Monasticism in America and Canada. Our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has been enriched and strengthened by our monastic community. Thanks be to God!

________________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

HOLY PENTECOST

"The titles given to the Holy Spirit must surely stir the soul of anyone
who hears them and make him realize that they speak of nothing less
than the Supreme Being. Is He not called the Spirit of God, the Spirit
of Truth Who PROCEEDS FROM THE Father, the steadfast
Spirit, the Guiding Spirit? The Spirit is the Source of Holiness, A
Spiritual Light and He offers His Own Light to every mind to help it
in search for truth. By name, the Spirit is beyond the reach of our
mind but we can know Him by His Goodness. The Power of the
Spirit fills the whole universe, but He gives Himself only to those
who are worthy acting in each according to the measure of his
faith" (Saint Basil the Great)

PRAYERS TO OUR GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
By Saint Symeon the New
Theologian

Blessed is our God now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Come, O life of Delight, Eternity, and all Power. the All-Holy, Life-
Giving and Creative Spirit, Who are of Equal Honor in Authority
with the Father and the Son, Whose convergence and unity INTO
ONE is through the identity of worth and of will in the Three
Persons of the Divinity.

Come, O my Lord, my anguished soul has yearned and still
yearns for Thee.

Come, O yearning that is in me and causes me to desire Thee
Who are altogether inaccessible.

Come, O my breath, my life and the consolation of my soul.

Become one spirit with me. O Most Benevolent Lord, yet
without confusion, without change, without alteration, since
Thou are God ABOVE ALL.

Because for me the One Who is everything to all, inexpressible
nourishment, totally free, constantly flowing on the lips of my soul
and streaming in the fountain of my heart, a shining garment that
burns the demons, the catharsis that washes me with incorruptible
and holy tears that are granted by Thy presence to those Thou
approach.

Become for me, O Lord, the Light without night, the unsetting
sun that illumines me in every place, the One Who turns away
from no one at all, so that we may not be overcome by the
darkness of our sins and be unwilling to come to Thee.

Take away from me, O Lord, every destructive pride and give a
prudent countenance to my eyes set a bridle on my tongue, make
my ears obedient to Thy Holy Commandments, provide me with
patience in afflictions, make my heart wise and strong in forbearance,
in goodness, in restraint, in sympathy, in charity, in love, in
humility, in peace toward myself and all others, and in rejecting
the indolence and slothfulness of the demons in which I once
indulged as if they were mere confections.

Grant me the gift of seasoned discretion to be able to discern
which thoughts and whose judgments to prefer. Grant me also
the ability to discern the machinations of the devil and to reject
them and him. And may I cut off altogether my own will so that
I may rely upon Thy Providence, hoping to receive from Thee
whatever is beneficial for me. For my life is dependent upon Thee,
Who are my Light, my salvation! And I bless, glorify, and
worship Thee, together with the Father and the Son, with Whom
Thou are Co-eternal and Co-existing always, now and forever and
to the ages of ages. Amen.

+

HEAVENLY King, the Spirit of consolation, the Spirit of Truth,
Thou are everywhere present and Thou fulfill all things,
Thou are the treasury of virtues and the Giver of Life,
Come, and dwell in us,
Cleanse us of every stain,
And save our souls, O Good One.

+

LET US ALL GIVE GLORY TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.

_____________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

Beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

PENTECOST
THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
THE THIRD PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY

"And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who
proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the
Son together are worshipped and glorified; Who spoke
by the Prophets" (Symbol of Faith (The Creed).

The Holy Spirit is CONSUBSTANTIAL (OF ONE ESSENCE) with the Son and the Father because ALL THREE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY HAVE A COMMON ESSENCE OR NATURE, and A COMMON ENERGY OR INTENTION GLORY. This is why WHEREVER CHRIST, THERE IS THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND WHEREVER THE HOLY SPIRIT IS, THERE IS CHRIST.

The Persons of the Holy Trinity ARE NOT SEPARATE, NOR IN THEIR WORK INDEPENDENT. Saint Maximos the Confessor says that the IS Holy Spirit IS ACTIVE IN ALL PEOPLE, BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY IN EACH ONE. He works in all people without exception, SINCE THEY ARE CREATED BY GOD, Who is able to hold together, provide for, and set in motion the natural seeds.

The Church was founded on the day of Pentecost, in that the Apostles became MEMBERS OF THE Body of Christ. Thus, while they previously had A COMMUNION with Christ, now by the power and energy of the Holy Spirit they became members of the Body of Christ. The Church CHANGED FROM SPIRIT to FLESH. The saints, THE DEIFIED, had A RELATIONSHIP AND COMMUNION NOT ONLY WITH THE UNINCARNATE LOGOS/WORD BUT THE LOGOS/WORD BECOME FLESH, Christ the Godman. The theology that the Church is the Body of Christ and the saints are the members of the Body of Christ is explained by the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 13:1-31). He says THAT THE CHURCH IS NOT A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION, but THE BODY OF CHRIST. Moreover, he says that the distribution of the Gifts of Grace TAKES PLACE BY THE ENERGY OF THE Holy Spirit. To conclude, the Apostle Paul says, "Now YOU ARE BODY OF CHRIST, AND EACH ONE OF YOU IS A PART OF IT" (1 Corinthians 12:27).

It should be added that in the teaching of the holy Fathers two truths appear which show the common energy of the Persons of the Holy Trinity. The Christians are MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:27). but at the same time, they ARE TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 6:19). One does not exclude the other… The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost is that the Holy Spirit made the Disciples members of the Body of Christ and gave them THE POWER TO PARTICIPATE IN CHRIST’S VICTORY OVER DEATH.

"…The Holy Spirit came down into the hearts of the Apostles and IS WORKING IN MEN THROUGH THEIR OWN WILL AND NOT AS SERVANTS. But MEN MUST RESPOND TO THE ENERGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THEIR WILL SINCE GOD DOES NOT VIOLATE THEIR FREEDOM…

"…With the Holy Baptism MAN BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH, A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST. The day of Pentecost was THE DAY OF THE DISCIPLES’ BAPTISM BECAUSE THEY BECAME MEMBERS OF THE Body of Christ. Thus Christ IS NOT ONLY THEIR TEACHER BUT THEIR HEAD.

Christ said to His Disciples, right after His Resurrection: "For John baptized with water, but in a few days YOU WILL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT" (Acts 1:5). When the Holy Spirit DESCENDED ON THE DISCIPLES HE BAPTIZED THEM, AND SO THE HOUSE WHERE THEY WERE, AWAITING THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, BECAME FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH MADE THE HOUSE A SPIRITUAL FONT (Saint Gregory Palamas).

THE PRESENCE of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room came with a violent wind. Saint Luke writes: "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:2). This violent wind was prefigured and predicted i many1 situations in the Old Testament. It is the sound about which the mother of the Prophet Samuel said, "The Lord has gone up to heaven and has thundered" (1 Samuel 2:10). The Prophet Elijah’s vision of God predicted this sound when he saw God through the sound of a gentle breeze. Christ suggested this sound when He cried, "IF ANYONE THIRSTS, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK", FOR THIS POWERFUL WORD HE MEANT THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH WAS GOING TO RECEIVE ALL WHO BELIEVED IN HIM. Likewise, it was indicated beforehand by Christ’s BREATHING ON THE DISCIPLES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, GIVING THEM THE HOLY SPIRIT SO THAT THEY COULD FORGIVE SINS.

The MANIFESTATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A STRONG WIND IS SIGNIFICANT, BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT CONQUERS ALL THINGS, PASSES OVER THE WALLS OF THE EVIL ONE, DEMOLISHES THE CITIES AND EVERY FORTIFICATION OF THE ENEMY. At the same time, IT HUMBLES THE PROUD, LIFTS UP THE HUMBLE OF HEART, PUTS TOGETHER WHAT IS BADLY DAMAGED, BREAKS THE BONDS OF ERRORS, AND RELEASES WHAT IS CONFINED (Saint Gregory Palamas). By the power of the Holy Spirit man can become A LIVING MEMBER OF THE CHURCH AND CONQUER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, OVERCOME EVEN DEATH ITSELF.

All the graces and Gifts which are given to the members of the Church ARE GIFTS OF THE Holy Spirit. Prophetic vision, the Apostolic life, and the Martyr’s end are Gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. This means that the vision of the Prophets is not a fabrication of the mind and imagination, the Aposlolic faith is not anthropocentric mission, the Martyrdom of the Saints is not the activation of a strong will, FOR ALL ARE GIFTS GRANTED BY THE All-Holy Spirit.

Among the Gifts with which the one who receives the Gift of the Holy Spirit is endowed is the SAINTLY LIFE, when the person struggles to keep God’s Commandments to the highest degree and to live in purity of soul and body, the married life in Christ within the social customs, the pastoral diaconate in Christ with its many cares, etc – in other words, ALL THE GIFTS OF GRACE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS. THUS THE HOLY SPIRIT "WHOLLY MAKES UP THE INSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH", WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST.

"…Saint Nicodemos the Hagiorite says, "We must disregard all things of the world, and when our NOUS returns to the heart, as in a temple, we can pray without ceasing in accordance witih the words of the holy Apostle Paul "PRAY CONTINUALLY" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In other words, we must rise high above WHAT IS EARTHLY, ABOVE ALL SENSUALITY, LOVE OF MONEY AND LOVE OF GLORY AND EVERY OTHER PASSION, AND BE IN THE Upper Room all the time, in the PURE NOUS. Then the heart will be rid of passion and the soul will be at peace from blasphemous, evil and disgraceful thoughts". Saint Basil the Great says that it is impossible for us to become capable OF RECEIVING DIVINE GRACE UNLESS WE PUT ALL THE EVIL PASSIONS OUT OF OUR SOUL. What was there before must be poured out in order to be able to contain what is brought in.

Saint Diadochos of Photike teaches taht by HolyBaptism WE RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR HEART AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THE Body of Christ. However, we cover this grace with passions, but it is not lost completely, but IS COVERED BY THEM. We must, on the one hand, throw out the ashes ofthe passions, and in the other hand throw on as wood the doing of the Commandments. But in order for the wood TO BE IGNITED BY THE SPARKS OF DIVINE GRACE WE MUST BLOW STRONGLY WITH THE PRAYER: "LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON AND LOGOS/WORD OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME", while our nous returns to the heart. This prayer is called "NOETIC AND HOLY PRAYER."

The holy Apostle Paul is clear when he says, "THOSE WHO ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD ARE SONS OF GOD" (Romans 8:14). NOT ALL PEOPLE WHO WERE CREATED BY GOD ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, BUT ONLY THOSE WHO ARE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. Sonship is connected with inner noetic prayer" And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’ (Romans 8:15). The Spirit of God which will be present in the heart of man "testifies with our spirit that WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN" (Romans 8:16). He is himself the son of God who has the Holy Spirit WITHIN HIM, WHICH TESTIFIES WITH OUT SPIRIT AND CONFIRMS THAT THE MAN IS A CHILD OF GOD. However, THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CONFIRMED BY THE INNER PRAYER OF THE HEART WHICH COMES WITH A CRY.

If one DOES NOT HAVE the Spirit of God in him, HE DOES NOT BELONG TO CHRIST, which means that HE IS NOT A LIVING MEMBER OF THE Body of Christ. Even if he has been baptized at some time, THE GRACE OF BAPTISM REMAINS INACTIVE, AND THIS MAN IS A DEAD MEMBER OF THE CHURCH. This is said by the holy Apostle Paul in an important and revealing passage: "AND IF ANYONE DOES NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE DOES NOT BELONG TO CHRIST" (Romans 8:9). No one belongs to Christ if he does not have the Holy Spirit, with the preconditions which we have seen before. By contrast, IF ANYONE HAS IN HIM THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE IS REALLY A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, SINCE HE IS NOT "CONTROLLED BY THE SINFUL NATURE BUT BY THE Spirit" (Roman 8-9).

We should feel a great honor and blessing, for we belong to the Orthodox Church and have the possibility of sharing the Holy Spirit and becoming earthly worshippers of the Holy Trinity. Provided, of course, THAT WE LIVE UP TO THIS GREAT BLESSING. (Source: The Feasts of the Lord, by Metropolitan of Nafpaktos HIEROTHEOS)

________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All things!"

My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Feast.

Mode pl. 4.

BLESSED are You, O Christ our God. You made
the fishermen all-wise, by sending down upon
them the Holy Spirit, and through them, You drew
the world into Your net. O Lover of mankind,
glory to You.

Kontakion Hymn of the Feast

Mode pl. 4.

WHEN the Most High God came down and
confused the tongues, He divided the nations.
When He distributed the tongues of fire, He
called all to unity. And when with one voice
we glorify the All-Holy Spirit,

THE GREAT CHRISTIAN FEAST
OF PENTECOST

On June 20th our Holy Orthodox Christian Church celebrates the Great Feast Day of Pentecost. Our Lord Christ’s promise to His holy Disciples was fulfilled FIFTY DAYS after Pascha and ten days after His Holy Ascension into heaven. Thus in the Church, we observed the Feast of Pentecost, in which we honor God the Holy Trinity, and on the following day, Monday we celebrate and glorify the Holy Spirit. So the Feast of Pentecost is a feast of the Holy Trinity.

The Feast of Pentecost is included in what the Church calls the "Twelve Feasts", because it IS THE LAST FEAST OF THE DIVINE ECONOMY. The INCARNATION of Jesus Christ was aimed at victory over death and the coming of the Holy Spirit into the hearts of men. Moreover, it is well known that the purpose of the ecclesiastical and spiritual life is THAT WE SHOULD BECOME MEMBERS OF THE Body of Christ and RECEIVE THE Holy Spirit. These two are inseparably linked together.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit took place on the Lord’s Day (Sunday). And here we see the value of the Lord’s Day, for the Great Feasts of the Lord, took place on it. According to Saint Nicodemos the Hagiorite, THE CREATION BEGAN ON THE FIRST DAY, THAT IS TO SAY, ON THE LORD’S DAY (Sunday), for it was then that LIGHT was created; THE RENEWAL OF CREATION BEGAN ON THE LORD’S DAY (Sunday) with the Resurrection of Christ; THE COMPLETION OF CREATION TOOK PLACE ON THE LORD’S DAY (Sunday) WITH THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The making OF CREATION was done by the Father with the cooperation of the Son and the Holy Spirit, THE RENEWAL was done by the Son with the good will of the Father and the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, and THE COMPLETION OF CREATION was done by the Holy Spirit, WHICH PROCEEDS FROM THE Father and IS SENT BY THE SON.

The Feast of Pentecost is a Feast of the Holy Spirit because we learn from the Descent of the Holy Spirit that God is Threefold, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Saint Gregory the Theologian speaks of THREE LIGHTS. Thy Mystery of the Holy Trinity has been revealed to us by Jesus Christ Himself, who told His Disciples that the Holy Spirit PROCEEDS FROM THE Father and IS SENT BY Himself (St. John 15:26).

Many names have been given to the Holy Spirit. One of them which shows the work which He does in the Church as well IN THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE is the name "Comforter." Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself used this word for the Holy Spirit when He said to the Disciples shortly before His Passion: "I WILL ASK THE FATHER, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER COMFORTER TO BE WITH YOU FOREVER – The Spirit of Truth" (St. John 14:16-17). And a little further on, the Holy Spirit is characterized by Christ as the "PARAKLETOS" ("Paraclete"), the Comforter Who will teach the Disciples and will REMIND THEM ALL OF EVERYTHING He said during His life, "But the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send IN MY NAME , will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (St. John 14:25). Having the assurance that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, we pray to Him: "Heavenly King, Comforter,the Spirit of Truth…"

The Holy Spirit COMFORTS THE PERSON who is struggling against sin, trying to keep Christ’s Commandments in his life. It is hard because THE FIGHT IS AGAINST THE EVIL SPIRITS. Therefore the Holy Spirit is A COMFORTER or one WHO CONSOLES MEN. as Saint John Chrysostom says. It is a mark of God that He consoles men, so God is characterized by the same term as the Holy Spirit. (Source: The Feasts of the Lord by Metropolitan Hierotheos)

(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 spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

Our All-Loving and All-Forgiving Savior Jesus Christ speaks on the subject and says: "Therefore the Kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one who was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded THAT HE BE SOLD, WITH HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AND ALL THAT HE HAD, AND THAT PAYMENT BE MADE. The servant, therefore, fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, AND FORGAVE HIM HIS DEBT. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid his hands on him and took him by the throat, saying ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but he went and threw him into prison till he should pay his debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I FORGAVE YOU ALL THAT DEBT BECAUSE YOU BEGGED ME, SHOULD YOU NOT ALSO HAVE THE SAME COMPASSION ON YOUR FELLOW SERVANT JUST AS I HAD PITY ON YOU?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you IF EACH OF YOU FROM HIS HEART DOES NOT FORGIVE HIS BROTHER HIS TRASPESSES." (St. Matthew 18:23-35).

"Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, BUT UP TO SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN" (St. Matthew 18:21-22).

God’s message to everyone, and for all time, is quite clear, that forgiveness cannot be constrained or set limits to how often one should be forgiven. When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speaks, God speaks! The Jews had set a limit to forgiveness to "seven times." But our Lord said, "up to seventy times seven," in other words, there is no limit to forgiveness. Our Savior and God Jesus Christ very clearly makes it known that however many times he sins and repents, forgive him. Furthermore, he emphasizes the significance and necessity for all to be compassionate, knowing how very compassionate the Almighty God is with us.

When the Orthodox Christian recites the Lord’s Prayer, he/she supplicate God and say, "And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors." We are all indebted to God for disobeying Him and neglecting to do His will, although we pledge that "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We constantly break our promise to Him and yet our compassionate Creator forgives us over and over again when we sincerely repent.

We can never hope to repay back what we owe God, because the amount of debt owed to Him is too great. If God was not the loving, compassionate and forgiving God that He is, we would all end up into ‘debtors prison’ tormented for all eternity. The followers of Christ have understood this for over 2,000 years now and have come to the realization that the Lord has not given us the option not to forgive those who trespass against us but to continually forgive them from the heart. Just as the king shows mercy and severity toward the servant, so does God show love and strictness toward us depending in our willingness to forgive our brothers and sisters. God’s unconditional love is manifested in paying off the DEBT WE ACCUMULATED OVER THE YEARS BY FORGIVING OUR SINS. When the Christian forgives "FROM HIS HEART," (v.35) then true reconciliation and healing takes place.

Clearly, everyone has made enemies over the years; people who intend to slander and to hurt us. We need, however, to remember that it is inescapable. In the Person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we see a Perfect God and a Perfect Man, and yet He had enemies who hated Him so much that they saught His death. Not just any death, but death by crucifixion. Crucifixion was the penalty for hardcore criminals, murderers and traitors of the Roman empire. If the Messiah and Redeemer of the world can have ruthless enemies who saught His destruction, why then should we ordinary human beings expect anything different?

The reality is that we will have opponents, enemies, people who dislike us, people who are angry with us, people who are envious of us, people who resent us, people who disagree with our values, and people who hate us for who we are and for what we stand for. I would venture to say that it is practically impossible to go through life and not have made enemies. However, the point is how we treat our enemies and if we are willing to forgive them and to pray for them. Jesus says, "But I say to you who hear: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU, BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SPITEFULLY USE YOU… LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD, AND LEND, HOPING FOR NOTHING IN RETURN; AND YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT, AND YOU WILL BE SONS OF THE MOST HIGH. FOR HE IS KIND TO THE UNTHANKFUL AND EVIL. THEREFORE BE MERCIFUL JUST AS YOUR FATHER ALSO IS MERCIFUL" (St. Luke 6:27-26).

Our Christian God is the True God and the God of Agape. His Kingdom is a Kingdom of Agape and all the Angelic Powers and heavenly citizens are beings of agape. No one can enter God’s heavenly Kingdom who is not a person of agape. The Kingdom of God is a perfect world ruled by the Heavenly Father of infinite Agape. Our Lord will not allow anyone to enter His Kingdom who is full of hate, anger, contempt, and unwiling to forgive his enemies or fellow man. There is absolutely no room for an evil man who has chosen to follow the devil rather than the God of Love. The Kingdom of God is a perfect world in every way; full of Light, beauty, joy, peace, harmony, song. It is a world filled with celestial beings that are constantly worshipping and praising the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

PRAISE GOD!

My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

LET IN FRESH AIR…

Following the long and cold winter, we look forward to a calm, warm, and refreshing spring. How great is God’s wisdom to provide for us not one, but four seasons, each one with its own character, much different and more unique than the other? In the spring, nature slowly returns to life once again. The magnificent colors reappear and trees, bushes, plants, flowers begin to grow and are ready to exhibit their new colorful garments and fresh appearance. The air is soothing and the aroma from the flowering trees, bushes, and wildflowers are in abundance.

For all of the winter months, our windows at home are tightly shut so that the heat in the house will not escape. However, there is a drawback from the lack of fresh air. The air in the house becomes stale, dry, and unhealthy. The absence of fresh air is felt by all the members of our family. Everyone can’t wait for the winter to be over so that they may be able to once again open the doors and windows and let in the fresh air and fill the house with nature’s perfume.

True faith, my brothers and sisters in Christ, comes not through contemplation, but through ascesis (action). Not words and speculation, but experience teaches us who God is. As I said before, to let in fresh air we need to first open a window or a door. Attaining faith is no different; we never obtain or reach a goal by doing nothing or just sitting in our comfort and waiting for God to do everything for us. When our Savior Jesus Christ says, that without Me you can do nothing, His message is not only that we need His help, but that we need to also cooperate and work together with Him to accomplish anything and everything in life. In one word, SYNERGY! What hurts man is his intolerable laziness, indifference, and apathy. Saint writing to the Thessalonians says, "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thessalonians 4:10).

We must not make the mistake of postponing what we can do today for another day. Real and good opportunities are rare. Who knows if another opportunity will knock on our door again? One must act with courage and confidence and accept the challenges no matter how difficult they may seem at the moment. A person of faith is unstoppable and will not be afraid to attempt anything and assume all new tasks and responsibilities. A person of faith believes that he has God’s help and is not afraid of anything or anyone.

The Orthodox Christian never hesitates to kneel before the holy icon of Jesus and pray: ‘Lord, come to the aid of Your unworthy servant (name) for my hope is only in You, the God of my salvation. Amen." Our prayer is given with a contrite spirit and is heartfelt. God is not impressed with long-winded prayers which sound hallow and insincere. When the Holy Fathers of the Church speak of prayer are not referring to occasional prayer, morning and evening devotions and grace at meals, but for them prayer is synonymous with unceasing prayer, the life prayer. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (St. James 4:8). It is for us to begin. If we take one step toward the Lord, He takes ten steps toward us. "Man is created for prayer, just as he is created to speak and to think. But especially for prayer; for the Lord God put man "into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it" (Genesis 2:15). And where will you find the garden of Eden if not in your heart."

"When you awake, before you begin the day, stand with reverence before the All-Seeing God. Make the sign of the Cross and say: "In the Name of the Fathe, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Having invoked the Holy Trinity, keep silence for a little, so that your thoughts and feeling may be freed from worldly cares. Then recite the folllowing prayers without haste and with your whole heart: "God, be merciful to me a sinner."

Just as a dwelling place or any closed up building, the air can be polluted, so can man’s mind, heart, and soul. Spiritual pollution are the "logismoi" (evil thoughts), evil desires or passions. Other pollutants are such things as anger, hatred, jealousy, vanity, avarice, lust, pride, revange, slander, gossip, etc. In order to drive out the pollution from our hearts and souls, we must act immediately and allow the fresh air to enter within. More specifically, what we need is get rid of all the spiritual pollution that remains within us by a poweful wind. In the Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit is described as, "a rushing and mighty wind" (Acts 2:2). It is this kind of "wind" that we need to clean the air, and it is the grace of the Holy Spirit that can restore our spiritual health and bring healing to our soul and body.
When we open up our lungs to the fesh air and fill them with oxygen, we immediately feel renewed and full of vigor. We feel happier and more energetic. We feel the change almost immediately and we feel energized. When the Holy Spirit enters our minds, our hearts, and our souls, He fills the whole person with His grace. There is no room for anything else. He energizes the Christian with His uncreated energy that no human language can ever describe or explain.

As you can see, the decision is ours to make, whether we desire purification or not. Our Loving God gave us the gift of FREE WILL to freely chose Him or the evil one. Also, to decide whether we are satisfied with our spiritual status quo or if we will be willing to accept Christ’s call: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (St. Luke 9:23). We need to decide for ourselves which path to follow. We are taught by Our Savior Jesus Christ that, "narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (St. Matthew 7:14). Entering the Kingdom involves great labor and struggle. It does not happen without sacrifice. We must work hard to save our souls from evil and corruption. What is required of us is to first overcome our ego and pride. Secondly, we must overcome the world and all the worldly entrapments. Finally we must triumph over the evil one and his many deadly temptations.

________________________

"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 spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE BREVITY OF MAN’S EARTHLY LIFE

"As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he
flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is
gone,
And its place remembers it no
more" (Psalm 103:15-16).

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speaking against the greed of men offers the following Parable saying:

"The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying ‘what should I do since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘FOOL! THIS NIGHT YOUR SOUL WILL BE REQUIRED OR YOU; THEN WHOSE WILL THOSE THINGS BE WHICH YOU HAVE PROVIDED?’" (St. Luke 12:16-20).

Even after thousands of years, man has not learned that this earthly life is brief. But how can this be? How can man not believe it when family members, relatives, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances have died and, no matter their station in life, are no longer with us. People are born and people die every day. Over the centuries, billions have died, people with families, with professions, with businesses, wealthy and poor people, people in high positions, and ordinary people who are laborers, as well as kings, queens, presidents, Patriarchs, Bishops, Priests, professors, police officers, engineers, generals, adult men and women, seniors, young adults, children, and even infants. Death is INEVITABLE and no one, but no one, can escape death. Yet, mankind refuses to believe it and acts as though he/she can make short-term or long-term plans as though he/she has control over their life span. How very foolish?

Man is in denial of his mortality. He has convinced himself that he determines the length of his life and, therefore, he suffers from self-deception. Man is truly delusional and irrational. Perhaps this the reason why he places such importance on this life. He may even be guilty also of doubting that there is a life after this earthly life. That there is eternal life, that there is a Paradise. Unfortunately, even some Christians may have fallen into this disbelief. However, Our Most beloved Lord assures us when He says, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU" (St. John 14:2). What do you have to say to that? "Many mansions" literally "many dwelling places," a word picture of numerous living units surrounding a central courtyard, an abundance of living accommodations.
The reality is that all of us will eventually depart from the earthly existence. What we need to consider, though, is how we live this life and not how or when we will die. Our life, as the disciples of Christ, must be our willingness to conform and abide by His Divine commandments. Our personal relationship with our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ is one of love, trust, and obedience. We should never act with arrogance, but ought to approach Him with genuine meekness and profound humility.

Life is a gift from our Creator and we should use it wisely. We all have the capacity and the ability to be His true ambassandors to the world. We, as Orthodox Christians, have the opportunity to reprsent Him and to spread and preach His Gospel to the Gentile world or as, He commissioned His Holy Disciples, to "Go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU" (St. Matthew 28:19-20). We have a holy mission as followers and servants of Christ to bring hope to he world and to inspire those who as of now have not heard His "good tidings."

The Orthodox Christian believer is not one who lives in misery and despondency, but one who rejoices in everything. Saint John Chrysostom writes, "Glory Be To GOD for ALL THINGS!" There is always a purpose or a lesson that we find in all happenings in our life and we become stronger in character and in faith as a result. The Almighty created life out of love and for love. A love that is manifested through faith, compassion, charity, and kindness toward our neighbor. We should not think only of ourselves and ignore the needs of our fellow man. We have the opportunity to make a real difference in the cosmos.

Our Merciful Savior says, "…He who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God" (St. John 3:21). We believe that goodness and a pure heart welcome Christ’s Light, whereas evil deeds and malice resist the Light and seek to hide in darkness. God’s gift of life should not be wasted needlessly. Appreciate the great value of life and come to understand how sacred it is and protect it. In the world which we live in today, life is not only undervalued, but also not respected. There are those who are willing to take someone’s life as though it means absolutely nothing. An example of this are the millions of innocent children who are aborted and killed every year throughout the world. People are being killed every day for no good reason at all. In some countries, there are entire cities that are referred to as a "murder capital of the world." No one has the right to take a life, but God alone who gave it. Murder is evil and a crime against God and His will. Murder can never be justified in the eyes of God. Our Lord made it perfectly clear when He gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and to His chosen people. "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). As you can anyone see, this is NOT a suggestionn but A COMMAND from the One Who created life.

The Orthodox Christian must act with discernment and be the one who submits to the will of God and His Commandments. Appreciate God’s gift of life, for it is priceless. Treasure it with all your might. There is absolutely a purpose to every God-given life that comes into this world. Saint Isaac the Syrian says, "Weakness for wealth and for collecting and owning things of different kinds; the urge for physical (sensuous) enjoyment; the longing for honor, which is the root of envy; the desire to conquer and be the deciding factor; pride in the glory of power; the urge to adodorn oneself and to be liked; the craving for praise; concern and anxiety for physical well-being. All these are of the world; they combine deceitfully to hold us in heavy bonds." We are constantly reminded by the Holy Scripture not to love the world. Saint John writes: "DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD OR THE THINGS IN THE WORLD. IF ANYONE LOVES THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. For everything that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, IS NOT OF THE FATHER BUT OF THE WORLD. And the world IS PASSING AWAY, and the lust of it; but he who DOES THE WILL OF GOD ABIDES FOREVER" (1 John 2:15-17). It is true that the world is no longer oriented toward God, but dominated by inordinate passions, and subject to death (see Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31).

Knowing the brevity of life here on earth, one should use his time to prepare himself/herself for eternal life in God’s Kingdom. Our life as Orthodox Christians should be one of virtue and piety. A life of faith in God and unconditional love for Him and our fellow man. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him… whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him" (1 John 3:1-6). Christians are children of God by grace while remaining human by nature.

Glory be to God!

_______________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

ON THE GARDEN OF
THE HEART

"God shall be with you continually, and you shall be satisfied
as your soul desires. Your bones shall be enriched, and YOU SHALL
BE LIKE A WELL-WATERED GARDEN and like a spring of water
that does not fail" (Isaiah 58:11).

There is no better description of the heart than a flower garden. A beautiful garden filled with aromatic and colorful flowers. Along with the garden, of course, there must be a diligent and caring Gardner. The good soil he has received is from none other than God Himself. In addition, God provided the seed, the sun’s warmth, the rain, and the energy to grow.

The Gardner has assumed the responsibility to work hard for long hours to make certain that no weeds are growing and stifling the growth of the flowers or being chocked by aggressive weeds. Therefore, the Gardner must be constantly alert that nothing interferes with his garden, including the ferocious insects who present a real threat to his plants. Ultimately, however, everything depends on God, who is always in charge of His Creation and its longevity.

Our special and unique garden, our very own heart, must not be neglected. We have undertaken to tend and watch over it carefully and responsibly. The spiritual condition of our heart is strictly up to us and our decisions affect it immediately, either for the better or for worse. Just like a garden, it constantly needs to be taken care of. All the ingredients and all elements used must be the right ones to avoid harming it.

Weeds and insects that threaten the health of our beautiful flower garden can be easily compared to the passions, to evil thoughts, to wrong and negative feelings, to hate, to selfishness, to vanity, to greed, to envy, to slothfulness, to harmful phantasies, and to indifference. The Almighty God has given each of us all the spiritual ingredients that one needs in order to keep his/her heart vibrant and full of life and vigor.

What will nourish our heart is unceasing prayer, faith and trust in God, works of charity, compassion for others, and abiding by Christ’s commandments to prevent evil thoughts from poisoning it, avoiding pride, and always seeking God’s help and guidance for everything. Our Savior has given us a lifetime to till the soil of our heart, to cultivate it, to water it, to use the correct fertilizer, to make sure it has enough sun, and to pull up the weeds from it.

It takes a lot of love to have a good and beautiful garden, and so does a good and beautiful heart. We have all that we need to make this happen and to make sure the field of our own hearts is clear of all dangers. A good and virtuous heart leads to eternal life. Every man, woman, and child has the God-given ability and potential to succeed and keep the heart as beautiful as a flower garden.

As a young boy in my village in Greece, I remember that almost every home had a flower garden in front of it. The neighbors were proud of their individual gardens. If you asked them to give you flowers to take to your home, they were always willing to give you some. When you brought them home the house was immediately filled with fragrance and beauty. The flowers made you feel good inside and happy enough to forget all your problems and difficulties.

A beautiful flower garden may give us a slight glimpse of what awaits us in heaven. The glory, beauty, and joy in heaven are beyond our comprehension and imagination. Everything there is perfect and authentic. Nothing there, of course, is material, but everything is spiritual and eternal. Nothing there dies or decays, nothing loses its beauty, nothing ages, nothing needs replacing nor to be uprooted. Everything, as our Creator says, "is very good."

Everything begins here and now. To live in Christ is to live in eternal life. The stairway to His Kingdom is within each of us, in our immortal soul. "Cast off the burden of sin and you will find within you the upward path that will make your ascent possible." Just a few days ago, we celebrated the ascent of Our Risen Lord to His heavenly Kingdom and, therefore, we too must look forward to our own ascent to His Kingdom whenever we are called by Him.

May you all come to know your heart and the beauty and sweet fragrance within it. What a true blessing!

____________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THEOSIS (DEIFICATION) IS THE SUMMIT OF
ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY

In the Holy Orthodox Church of Christ, man can achieve theosis (deification) because the grace of God, according to the sacred teachings of the Holy Fathers, IS UNCREATED. God is NOT only ESSENCE, as the Latin West believes, but also ENERGY. If God was only essence, we would not be able to join, to commune with Him, because THE ESSENCE OF GOD IS TERRIFYING AND INACCESSIBLE TO MAN, according to "you CANNOT SEE My face: for there shall no man see Me, AND LIVE" (Exodus 33:20.

Let us mention some specific examples regarding people. If we touch a live bared cable we would die. However, if we connect a light bulb to the cable we are illuminated. The energy of the electric current we see, enjoy and use. Its essence we cannot hold. Something similar, if we may say, happens WITH THE UNCREATED ENERGY OF GOD.

The Human Nature of our Lord Jesus Christ through ITS UNION WITH THE Divinity participated in Divine qualities and was ENRICHED BY THEM, in other words, "DEIFIED." And not only the Human Nature of the Lord Himself was deified: THROUGH Him and IN Him OUR HUMANITY ALSO IS DEIFIED (THEOSIS), for "He also Himself likewise TOOK PART IN our flesh and blood" (Hebrews 2:14), UNITED Himself in the most intimate way WITH THE HUMAN RACE, AND CONSEQUENTLY UNITED IT WITH THE Divinity. Since our Lord Jesus Christ received flesh from the Ever-Virgin Mary, the Church books very frequently call her THE FOUNT OF OUR THEOSIS (DEIFICATION). "Through her, we have been deified." We are deified likewise THROUGH WORTHY RECEPTION OF THE Body and Blood of Christ. The term "theosis" ("deification") does not mean the same thing as the term "God-Manhood," and one who is deified in Christ is not placed on the path to personal God-Manhood. If the Church of Christ is called a Divine-Human organism, this is because the Head of the Church is Christ God, and the body of the Church IS HUMANITY reborn in Christ. (Orthodox Dogmatic Theology)

If God had only incommunicable Divine essence without His energies He would have remained a self-sufficient God, closed into Himself and NON-COMMUNING with His creation…

" With these, THE UNCREATED ENERGIES, God created the world and continues to sustain it. He gives essence and existence to our word… He is present in nature and sustains the universe with His sustaining energies. He enlightens man with His enlightening energies. He sanctifies him with sanctifying energies. And finally, He makes him a god with Godly energies. So, with His UNCREATED ENERGIES, Holy God enters nature, the world, history, and the lives of the people.

We, therefore, unite with God THROUGH HIS UNCREATED ENERGIES, and NOT through His essence. This the mystery of the Orthodox Faith and of our life.
The Church convened three great Councils in Constantinople which justified Saint Gregory Palamas and declared that the life in Christ IS NOT SIMPLY THE MORALIZINGOFMAN BUT HIS THEOSIS (DEIFICATION), WHICH MEANS PARTICIPATION IN THE GLORY OF GOD, OF HIS GRACE, AND OF HIS UNCREATED LIGHT." (Source: Archimandrite George, Egoumenos of Gregoriou Monastery).

_________________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

GREAT VESPERS (ΜΕΓΑΣ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ) ON THE EVE OF THE
HOLY ASCENSION – ON WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK
IN THE EVENING.

PRIEST
Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and
to the ages of ages. Amen.

READER

Come, let us worship and bow down before
God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before
Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow before
Him, Christ our King and God.

PSALM 103 (104)

BLESS the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God,
You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe
Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who
cover Yourself with Light as with a garment, who
stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He
Who covers His upper chambers with water, Who
makes the clouds His means of approach, Who
walks on the wings of the winds, Who makes His
Angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.
He established the earth on its stable foundation;
it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep
like a garment is His covering; the waters shall
stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they
shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall
be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains
sink down to the place You founded for them. You
set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither
shall they return to cover the earth. You are He
Who sends spring into the valley; the waters
shall pass between the mountains; they shall give
drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild
asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven
shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the
midst of the rocks. You are He Who waters the
mountains from His higher places; the earth shall
be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are
He Who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and
the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth
bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of
man, to brighten his face with oil, and bread strengthens
man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit,
the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the
sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron
takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for
the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the
moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You
established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the
wild animals fo the forest will prowl about the young
lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from
God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together;
and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go
out to his work and to his labor until the evening. O Lord,
Your works shall be magnified greatly; You MADE ALL
THINGS IN WISDOM; THE EARTH WAS FILLED WITH YOUR
CREATION. There is this great and spacious sea; the
creeping things are there without number; the living things
are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through;
there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait
upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When
You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your
hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when
You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take
away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust.
You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,
and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the
Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks
upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains,
and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to
my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing in Hm, and
I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and
the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was
night.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified
greatly; You made all things in wisdom.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

+

CLERGY AND PEOPLE

GLADSOME Light of Holy Glory of the Holy,
Blessed, Heavenly, Immortal Father, O Jesus Christ:
arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the
evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with
happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; and
therefore the world glorifies You.

DEACON

The evening Prokeimenon.

CHANTERS

Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 1.

Save me, O God, in Your Name, and judge me
In Your power. (2)

THE READINGS

READER (ANAGNOSTIS)

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON OR PRIEST

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Isaiah 2:2-3

Thus says the Lord: Now it shall come to
pass in the last days, the mountain of the Lord
and the house of God shall be visible on the tops
of the mountains and exalted above the hills. All
the Gentiles shall come to it. Many Gentiles shall
travel and say, "Come and let us go up in the mountain
of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He
will proclaim His way to us, and we shall walk in it."11

READER

The reading is from the Prophesy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Isaiah 62:10 – 63:1

Thus says the Lord: "Go through My gates make a way for My people, throw
the stones off the road, and lift up a standard for the Gentiles." For behold,
the Lord caused this to be heard to the ends of the earth: "Say to the daughter
of Zion, ‘Behold, your Savior is come, and has His reward, and His work before
His face." One shall call them a holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, and you
shall be called a City Sought for and Not Forsaken. Who is this who comes from
Edom with red garments from Bozrah, so beautiful in Hi apparel, with force of
strength?" I speak of righteousness and saving judgment." Why are Your
garments red and Your apparel as one who treads in a winepress? "I am full of
the treading of grapes, and there is no man with Me among the nations." I
remembered the Lord’s mercy, the praises of the Lord in all things in which the
Lord recompenses us. The Lord is a good Judge to the house of Israel, and He
deals with us according to His mercy, and according to to the multitude of His
righteousness. He said, "Surely My people, My children, have not rejected Me?"
So He became their salvation. Not an elder or an Angel, but the Lord Himself
saved them from tribulation because He loved them and spared them. He
redeemed and took them up, and lifted them up all the days of old.
14:1
READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of
Zechariah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Zechariah 14:4, 8-11

Thus says the Lord: Behold, the days of the Lord come. And on that day His feet will stand on the Mountain of Olives,
which faces Jerusalem on the east. And in that day living water shall come forth our of Jerusalem, half of it toward the
eastern sea and half toward the western sea. And the Lord shall be King of all the earth, and in that day the Lord shall be
one Lord, and His Name one Name, encircling all the land, even the wildness from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem [and