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

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

HOLY AND GREAT SATURDAY (Part II)
By Saint Gregory Palamas

Believers should rejoice with hope, and since this life will have an end, should be prudent and glad as they wait with faith for the eternal blessedness of the life to come. They should patiently endure, with the understanding that comes from faith, the wretchedness to which this life has been justly condemned, and resist, by means of long-suffering, sin, its author and ally, and his underlings, to the point of shedding their own blood if need be (cf. Romans 8:16-18). Except for sin nothing in this life, even death itself, is really evil, even if it causes suffering.
15:43
When Saint Paul writes to the Philippians he expresses the aim of the renewal even more clearly, saying, "We look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body" [Pilippians 3:20-21). As Christ died in bodily weakness and dishonor, and rose in ;power and Divine Glory, so those who live like Christ are sown through death, to quote Saint Paul again, in weakness and dishonor, and are raised in power and glory (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:43). They receive A GLORIFIED, INCORRUPTIBLE BODY LIKE CHRIST’S AFTER THE RESURRECTION WHEN HE BECAME THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD (Colossians 1:18) and the firstfruits of them that sleep (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20). This bodily renewal is seen now through faith and hope rather than with our eyes, not being reality yet. The soul’s renewal, on the other hand, begins WITH HOLY BAPTISM THROUGH REMISSION OF SINS AND IS NOURISHED AND GROWS THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS IN FAITH. The soul IS CONTINUALLY RENEWED IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND THE VIRTUES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE ,AND WILL REACH PERFECTION IN THE FUTURE CONTEMPLATION OF GOD FACE TO FACE. Now, however, it sees through a glass, darkly (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:12).

Saint John, whom Christ loved especially, received both types of renewal, of body and soul, and says, "Now are we the sons of God". This is the starting point of adoption. However, "it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, we He shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). This is the perfection of the adoption of sons and renewal which God bestowed on us in Christ, and of which Saint John says in the Gospel that, "Christ gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13)…

"…Before the transgression, Adam shared in this divine illumination and brilliance. He was clothed in the true robe of glory and was not naked, nor was he ugly in his nakedness, but was truly unspeakably better adorned than those who wear diadems embellished with much gold and precious stones. When our human nature was stripped of this DIVINE ILLUMINATION and RADIANCE as a result of the ugly transgression, the Logos/Word of God had mercy on this nature and in His compassion TOOK IT UPON HIMSELF. On Mount Tabor he showed it clothed once more to His chosen Disciples (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-37; cf, 2 Peter 1:16-18), providing to all what we had once been and what those of us who believed in Him and attained to perfection in Him would be through Him in the age to come.

You will find that the earnestness of this perfection of those who live according to Christ IS OPENLY GIVEN HERE AND NOW TO GOD’S SAINTS. THEY REAP ALREADY, SO TO SPEAK, THE GOOD OF THE AGE TO COME. Moses foreshadowed this, because the children of Israel could not gaze upon the glory of his face (Exodus 34:30-35). Later, more clearly, the Lord Himself shone so brightly on the mountain in the Divine Light that even the chosen Disciples, who had received spiritual power from Him, could not stand and look at that radiance (Matthew 17:6; cf. Luke 9:34), Saint Stephen’s face was like the face of an Angel, according to the Holy Scripture (Acts 6:15), and he looked up from earth into the heights of heaven, where Christ sat on the right hand of the Majesty, and he saw the heavenly glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). It would take too long to recount and tell at length of the others who received here the earnest of the good things to come and were blessed to obtain this Divine Illumination and radiance.

May we too attain to this through the grace and love for mankind of our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sake was made man, suffered, was buried, rose from the dead, took our fallen human nature up to heaven, and honored it by sitting on the Father’s right hand. To our Lord Jesus Christ belongs glory, honor and worship, together with His Father without beginning and the All-Holy and Life-creating Spirit,now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

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

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

ON HOLY AND GREAT SATURDAY
By Saint Gregory Palamas

“…Man was led into his captivity when he experienced God’s wrath, this wraith being the good God’s just abandonment of man. God had to be reconciled with the human race, for otherwise mankind could NOT BE SET FREE FROM THE SERVITUDE. A sacrifice was needed TO RECONCILE THE Father on high with us and TO SANCTIFY US WHICH BOTH CLEANSED AND WAS CLEAN, AND A PURIFIED, SINLESS PRIEST. We NEEDED A RESURRECTION not just of our souls but of our bodies, and as resurrection. and also the ascension and the everlasting heavenly order, not only had TO BE BESTOWED UPON US BUT ALSO CONFIRMED. And all this was necessary NOT just for those alive at the time and those to come, but also for people born since the beginning of time. In Hades there were far more of such people than there were people to be born later, and far more were to believe and be saved at once. I believe that is why Christ came at the end of the ages. He had to preach the Gospel to those in Hades [cf. 1 Peter 3:19], TO REVEAL HIS GREAT PLAN FOR SALVATION TO THEM AND TO GIVE THEM COMPLETE FREEDOM FROM THE DEMONS WHO HELD THEM CAPTIVE, AS WELL AS SANCTIFICATION AND PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE. IT WAS CLEARLY NECESSARY FOR CHRIST TO DESCEND INTO HADES, BUT ALL THESE THINGS WERE DONE WITH JUSTICE, WITHOUT WHICH GOD DOES NOT ACT… As the Holy Apostle Paul says, “Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).

For such reasons as these the Logos/Word of God was made flesh and dwelt among us, appearing on earth and living with men. He took upon Himself our human flesh, which was subject to suffering and death, even though it was completely pure, and He used it in His Divine wisdom AS A BAIT TO HOOK THE SERPENT, THE ORIGINATOR OF EVIL, THROUGH THE CROSS, AND SET FREE THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE WHICH HE HAD ENSLAVED. WHEN A TYRANT FALLS, ALL THOSE HE TYRANNIZED ARE LIBERATED. This is what the Lord Himself said in the Gospels, that the strong man was bound and his goods spoiled (cf Matthew 12:29). His possessions were taken as spoil by Christ, and were set free, justified, filled with light and endowed with divine gifts. As David sings, “Thou hast ascended on high,” up on the Cross, or. if you wish, up to heaven, “thou hast led captivity captive thou has given gifts to men” [Ephesians 4:8; Psalm 68:18].

CHRIST OVERTURNED THE DEVIL THROUGH SUFFERING AND HIS FLESH WHICH HE OFFERED AS A SACRIFICE TO GOD THE FATHER, AS A PURE AND ALTOGETHER HOLY VICTIM — HOW GREAT IS HIS GIFT! — AND RECONCILED GOD TO OUR HUMAN RACE. He underwent the passion according to the Father’s will and became for us, who were destroyed through DISOBEDIENCE AND SAVED THROUGH OBEDIENCE, AND EXAMPLE OF HOW OBEDIENT WE SHOULD BE. He showed THAT DEATH WAS FAR MORE PRECIOUS THAN THE DEVIL’S IMMORTALITY, BECAUSE IT PROCURED LIFE THAT WAS TRULY IMMORTAL, LIFE THAT WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE SECOND AND ETERNAL DEATH, TO THE COMING DAMNATION, WHICH IS WORSE THAN TEN THOUSAND DEATHS, BUT STAYS WITH CHRIST IN THE HEAVENLY DWELLINGS. When Christ had RISEN FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY AND HAD SHOWN HIMSELF ALIVE TO HIS DISCIPLES, HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN. He remained immortal and bestowed on us with complete assurance, resurrection, immortality and truly blessed, eternal, incorruptible life in heaven. By means of the one death and resurrection of His flesh, He HEALED OUR TWOFOLD DEATH AND FREED US FROM OUR DOUBLE CAPTIVITY OF SOUL AND BODY.

When the evil one (Satan) was justly abandoned by the God of True Life BECAUSE OF HIS VOLUNTARY SIN, HE BECAME A DEAD SPIRIT. He was the FULLNESS OF WICKEDNESS, THE CAPTAIN OF ENVY, CRAFTY, AND THE ORIGINATOR OF EVIL, and he could NOT bear man to live in the place of delight, that is to say, IN PARADISE. He beguiled him with deadly advice and MADE HIM SHARE HIS OWN SIN AND SPIRITUAL DEADNESS. Of necessity BODILY DEATH followed this SPIRITUAL DEATH, so the evil one caused OUR DOUBLE DEATH BY HIS SINGLE DEATH…

“…Had the Lord not been human, it would NOT have been possible for Him to suffer; and had He not been God, and remained IMPASSIBLE IN HIS DIVINITY, He could NOT have have suffered death in the flesh for our sake, thereby bestowing upon us resurrection, or rather, rising from the dead and IMMORTALITY… For this reason the Lord patiently endured for our sake a death He was NOT OBLIGED TO UNDERGO, TO REDEEM US, who were obliged to suffer death, from servitude to the devil and death, by which I mean DEATH BOTH OF SOUL AND OF THE BODY, TEMPORARY AND ETERNAL Since He gave His blood, which was SINLESS and therefore GUILTLESS, as a ransom for us who were liable to punishment because of our sins, He REDEEMED US FROM OUR GUILT. HE FORGAVE US OUR SINS, TORE UP THE RECORD OF THEM ON THE CROSS AND DELIVERED US FROM THE DEVIL’S TYRANNY [cf. Colossians 2:14-15]…

“…Christ rightly became our King, after being wrongfully murdered at teh devil’s suggestion, and having mysteriously conquered the originator of evil by righteousness. He clearly demonstrated His Almighty Power BY OVERCOMING BODILY DEATH, RISING FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY, ASCENDING INTO HEAVEN AND SITTING ON THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER TOGETHER WITH THE FLESH WHICH HE WORE FOR OUR SAKE AND IN WHICH HE DIED. He proved to us that WE WOULD RISE FROM THE DEAD, BE RESTORED TO HEAVEN AND INHERIT THE KINGDOM IF, IMITATING HIM AS FAR AS WE COULD, WE OVERTHREW THE AUTHOR OF SIN THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS, BEATING OFF HIS ATTACKS AND HIS INCITEMENT TO EVIL PASSIONS, AND COURAGEOUSLY BEARING HIS TREACHERY.

The Lord has given us REBIRTH THROUGH DIVINE BAPTISM AND SEALED US WITH THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE DAY OF REDEMPTION (cf. Ephesians 4:30), but He HAS ALLOWED US STILL TO HAVE A BODY WHICH IS MORTAL AND PASSIBLE. Although He has cast out the teacher of evil from the treasure houses of our soul, yet He ALLOWS HIM TO ATTACK FROM WITHOUT. This is SO THAT ANYBODY WHO HAS BEEN RENEWED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEW COVENANT, THAT IT TO SAY, THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, WHO LIVES IN GOOD WORKS AND REPENTANCE, DESPISES THE DELIGHTS OF THIS LIFE, ENDURES SUFFERING AND IS TRAINED IN THE ENEMY’S ASSAULTS, CAN BE MADE READY TO RECEIVE IMMORTALITY AND THE INCORRUPTIBLE GOOD THINGS TO COME IN THE NEW AGE.

(To be continued)

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

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

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

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

Great and Holy Week: The Holy Sunday of PASCHA

(The service is Orthros (Matins) and Divine Liturgy
of Sunday morning chanted Holy Saturday Midnight
(50 days services).

On PASCHA SUNDAY (Holy Saturday midnight), the Life-Giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated. Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros (Matins) of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The Priest takes light from the vigil light resting on the holy Altar Table and gives it to the Orthodox faithful, who are holding candles. The priest chants: "Come ye and receive light from the Unwaning Light, and glorify Christ, Who arose from the dead," and all the people join him in chanting this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Orthodox Christian holds the Paschal candle as a symbol of his vivid, profound faith IN THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR. In many churches, THE PRIEST LEADS THE PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, WHERE HE READS THE GOSPEL OR THE RESURRECTION, which refers to the Angel’s statement: "HE IS RISEN; HE IS NOT HERE" (Mark 16:18).

Then comes the breathless moment as the faithful Orthodox Christians wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they joini him in chanting, repeatedly: "CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, BY DEATH TRAMPLING UPON DEATH, AND HAS BESTOWED LIFE UPON THOSE IN THE TOMBS." From this moment, the entire service takes on a joyous Paschal atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection which follow are of superb meaning and expression. The faithful confess, "It is the Day of Resurrection, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ is risen from the dead." By this hymn, they admit that love of one’s fellowman is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ.

The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostomos is then officiated. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of Saint John Chrysostomos is recited, which calls upon the faithful Christians to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death, for the death of the Savior has set us free… O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? CHRIST IS RISEN AND THOU ART OVERTHROWN. TO HIM BE GLORY AND POWER FRO MALL AGES TO ALL AGES. AMEN.

The Holy Scriptures are read: The Epistle is taken from Acts 1:1-8 and the Holy Gospel according to Saint John 1:1-17.

HOLY PASCHA AFTERNOON AGAPE VESPERS
20
"Peace be unto you…"

Pascha Sunday Afternoon, the faithful Orthodox Christians gather once more for prayer with lighted candles. All chant the hymn, "Christ is Risen," the Pascha salutation which is answered, "Truly He is Risen!" They sing, "The dark shadows of the Law have passed away by the coming of grace," and standing in exaltation, they exclaim, "Who is so great a God as our God?"

The Holy Gospel according to Saint John 20: 19-25 is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination. The FRUIT OF FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD IS AGAPE IN HIS NAME; THEREFORE, THIS DAY IS CALLED "SUNDAY OF AGAPE" (LOVE FEAST), A DAY DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, ESPECIALLY TO FORGIVENESS AND AGAPE. At this time, Orthodox Christians seek to end misunderstandings and arguments among those with whom they may be at odds. The Holy Apostle Paul firmly interprets the Resurrection of Christ, saying, if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The Orthodox Church also states in its Creed, "THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN."

A LIVING FAITH

Remembrance of the Events of the Last Week [Great and Holy Week) in the life of Jesus Christ has a practical appeal to the heart of the Orthodox Christian believer. One’s beliefs constitute his being; the more our beliefs are true and firm, the more purposeful meaning life has. The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthens and illuminates our beliefs; this is our being. It is not only a belief in a historical fact which took place in a certain place and time, but it is marvelous in its nature. The Resurrection of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in relation to His Crucifixion and Mystic Supper continue to be present in the mind and heart of the believer as a fact, as well as the Source of "THE POWER FROM ABOVE," FOR WHICH THE BELIEVER PRAYS. Assurance of a personal participation in the enactment of the same events in the life of Chris becomes AN UNFADED HAPPINESS FOR THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN.

This is the divine inheritance that the Church of Christ keeps as its treasure and solid foundation. The goal of a member of the Orthodox Church IS TO KEEP HIS/HER FAITH LIVING AND WORKING IN HIS EVERYDAY LIFE AND RELATIONS WITH OTHERS. The Christin will be recognized and identified as the friend and disciple of Jesus Christ. His/her beliefs will be like the flag which flies from the top of the centermost of his/her own ship, sailing to its divine destiny. The flag’s inscription bears the assurance that "CHRIST IS RISEN, INDEED."

A TRULY BLESSED PASCHA AND ANASTASI (RESURRECTION)!

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

With sincere agape in His Life-Giving and Glorious Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

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

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

GREAT AND HOLY WEEK: Great Holy Thursday Evening

"We worship Thy Passion, O Christ…"

(The service of the HOLY PASSION of our
Lord Jesus Christ. The service is Orthros
(Matins) of Holy Friday morning sung in
anticipation, on Holy Thursday evening.)

Great Holy Friday celebrates the holy, saving and awesome Passion of Christ. To take away our sins, Christ WILLINGLY ENDURED SPITTING, SCOURGING, BUFFETING, SCORN, MOCKING AND PURPLE ROBE; THE REED, SPONGE, VINEGAR, NAILS, SPEAR, AND ABOVE ALL, THE CROSS and DEATH. The confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ, is celebrated. This service is long, but its content is dramatic and deeply moving for the devout Orthodox Christian. Participation in the prayers and the historical sequence of the events, as elated in the Holy Gospels and sacred hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the Great Events yet to come. Following are the references of the "TWELVE GOSPEL" READINGS of the service.

1. Saint John 13:31 thru Ch. 18:1
2. Saint John 18:1-29
3. Saint Matthew 26:57-75
4. Saint John 18:28 thru Ch. 19:16
5. Saint Matthew 27:3-32
6. Saint Mark 15:16-32
7. Saint Matthew 27:33-54
8. Saint Luke 23:32-4911
9. Saint John 19:38-42
10. Saint Mark 15:43-47
12. Saint Matthew 27:62-66

These readings relate the last instructions of Christ to His Disciples, the prophecy of the drama of the Cross, the dramatic prayer of Christ and His New Commandment. The day should be devoted to reading the "Gospel of the Testament" of Christ which He left for all people. The Church services during Great and Holy Week RE-ENACT THE EVENTS OF THIS GOSPEL.

After the reading of the FIFTH GOSPEL comes the procession with the Crucifix around teh Nave of the church, while the priest chants the 15th antiphon: "TODAY IS HUNG UPON THE TREE, HE WHO DID HANG THE LAND IN THE MIDST OF THE WATERS. A CROWN OF THORNS CROWNS HIM WHO IS KING OF ANGELS. HE IS WRAPPED ABOUT WIT THE PURPLE OF MOCKERY WHO WRAPPED THE HEAVENS WITH CLOUDS. HE RECEIVED BUFFETINGS WHO FREED ADAM IN JORDAN. HE WAS TRANSFIXED WITH NAILS WHO IS THE BRIDEGROOM OF THE CHURCH. HE WAS PIERCED WITH A SPEAR WHO IS THE SON OF THE VIRGIN. WE WORSHIP THY PASSION, O CHRIST. SHOW ALSO UNTO US THY GLORIOUS RESURRECTION."

During the Procession, the faithful Orthodox Christian kneels and prays for his spiritual welfare, imitating the thief on the Cross who confessed his faith and devotion to Christ. He then approaches and reverently kisses the Crucifix.

Great Holy Friday Morning

"They cast lots upon my vesture…"

According to the Hebrew custom, the "Royal Hours," four in number, are read at this time. These services consist of hymns, psalms, and readings from the Old and New Testaments, all related propheticall and ethically to the Person of Christ. In some churches, the "Hours" are read in the afternoon, before the Vesper services.

Great holy Friday Afternoon

"Father, forgive them for they know not what
they do…"

(The service is Vespers sung on Great Holy
Friday afternoon.)

The Vespers (Gr. Esperinos) afternoon are a continuation of the Royal Hours. During this service, the REMOVAL (DESCENT) OF THE BODY OF CHRIST FROM THE CROSS (APOKATHELOSIS) IS COMMEMORATED with a sense of mourning for the terrible events which took place. Once more, excerpts from the Old Testament are read together with hymns, and again the entire story is related, followed by the removal from the Cross and the wrapping of the Body of Christ with a white sheet as did Joseph of Arimathea. Holy Apostle Paul, interpreting THE DREADFUL EVENT exhorts the Church: "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… we preach Christ crucified…the power of God and the wisdom of God" [1 Corinthians 1:18f.)

As the Priest reads the Gospel, "AND TAKING THE BODY, JOSEPH WRAPPED IT IN A WHITE CLOTH " he removes the Body of Christ from the Cross, wraps it in a white sheet, and takes it in the holy Altar. The priest then chants a mourning hymn: "When Joseph of Arimathea took the Thee, the Life of All, down from the Tree dead, he buried Thee with myrrh and fine linen…rejoicing. Glory to Thy humiliation, O Master, who clothest Thyself with light as it were with a garment." The priest then carries the cloth on which the Body of Christ is painted or embroidered around the church before placing it inside the Sepulchre (kouvouklion), a carved bier which symbolizes the Tomb of Christ. We are reminded that during Christ’s entombment, He DESCENDS INTO HADES TO FREE THE DEAD OF THE AGES BEFORE HIS INCARNATION.

The Gospel readings which related these events are: Matthew 27:1-38; Luke 23:29-43; Matthew 27:29-54; John 19:31-37; Matthew 27:55-61. Great Holy Friday is THE ONLY DAY IN THE YEAR ON WHICH THE DIVINE LITURGY IS NOT OFFICIATED.

Today, the devoted Orthodox Christian ponders in his/her heart the deep meaning of the Seven Last Words of Christ uttered on the Cross, the first Divine Pulpit of Christianity.

GREAT HOLY FRIDAY EVENING – THE LAMENTATION

"Do not weep for Me, but weep for
yourselves…"

(The service is Orthros (Matins) of Great Holy Saturday
morning sung in anticipation, on Great Friday evening.)

It consists of psalms, hymns, and readings dealing with the death of Christ, in contrast His Divinity, and in expectation of His Resurrection. One of the hymns relates: "He Who holds all things is raised up on the Cross and all creation laments to see Him hang naked on the Tree." The thoughtful and well-written Odes, sung by the chanters, compare the Compassion of God and the cruelty of man, the Might of God and the moral weakness of man. The Odes picture all Creation trembling when witnessing its Creator hung by His own creatures: "Creation was moved…with intense astonishment when it beheld Thee hung in Golgotha." The Odes remind us of hte vision of Isaiah, who saw Christ, "THE UNWANING LIGHT OF THE MANIFESTATION," and cried aloud. "The dead indeed shall arise and all those on earth shall rejoice." During this service, the Body of Christ is carried in procession around the church. In some parishes, THE ENTIRE FLOWER-BEDECKED SEPULCHRE (KOUVOUKLION), SYMBOLIZING THE TOMB, CARRIED IN THE PROCESSION OUTSIDE AND AROUND THE CHURCH.

The entire congregation joins in chanting the three parts of the "Hymns of Praise" (there are approximately 300 hymns, but only a few are chanted.) After these hymns are chanted, the priest sprinkles the Sepulchre and the whole congregation with fragrant water (rose water). There is simultaneous praise of both the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ with their purpose of the redemption of man. We no longer lament the sufferings of the Crucified One; WE NOW LAMENT FOR OUR OWN SINS BECAUSE WE ARE FAR FROM GOD. So these services should have a rather PERSONAL MEANING OF REPENTANCE AND OF STRONG FAITH IN GOD.

Orthodox Christians observe Great and Holy Friday with fasting, prayer, cleanliness, and good works (works of love for our neighbor), in humility and repentance so that the Grace of the Cross might descend upon them.

The Gospel reading is according to Saint Matthew 27:62-66.

GREAT HOLY SATURDAY MORNING

"Arise, O God, and judge the earth…"

(The service is Vespers and Divine Liturgy of
Great Holy Saturday Evening chanted in
anticipation on Holy Saturday morning.)

Psalms are read and Resurrection hymns are chanted which tell of Christ’s Descent into Hades "Today Hades cried out groaning" is the hymn’s description of the resurrection of Adam and THE CONQUERING OF DEATH. Thus this day’s celebration is called "FIRST RESURRECTION." Most readings of this day are from the Old Testament on the PROPHECIES AND PROMISES OF THE CONQUERING OF DEATH. On this day, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great is officiated. Holy Apostle Paul exhorts the faithful: "We were buried, therefore, with Him by baptism unto death, so we, too, might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4),

After the reading of the Epistle, the priest follows the tradition of TOSSING OF LAUREL MIXED WITH FLOWER PETALS IN THE AIR, CHANTING "ARISE, O GOD, AND JUDGE THOU THE EARTH: FOR THOU SHALL TAKE ALL HEATHEN TO THINE INHERITANCE." The Cherubic hymn of this day is: "Let all mortal flesh keep silence and stand with fear and trembling…" a thoughtful hymn of adoration and exaltation. The Divine Liturgy ends with the Communion Hymn: "So the Lord awakens as one out of sleep, and He is risen to save us."

The Holy Scripture Readings are: The Epistle taken from Romans 6:3-11 and Gospel Matthew 28:1-20.

(To be continued)

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

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

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

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

Great Holy and Monday Morning

“Both watch and pray…”

(The service is Orthros (Matins) of Holy Tuesday Morning
sung in anticipation of Holy Monday Evening.)

Great and Holy Tuesday of Holy Week commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13. Ethical preparation and wakefulness are the foundations of vivid faith. The Parable of the Ten Virgins is developed around the theme of the Bridegroom: “Why are Thou heedless, O my soul?… Work most diligently with the talent which has been confided to thee; both WATCH and PRAY.” The hymnologist reminds us “I do not possess a torch aflame with virtue, and the foolish virgin I imitate when it is the time for action”; and into the splendor of thy Saints, how can I , who am unholy, enter?” The exhortation is given: “Come, Ye faithful, let us work earnestly for the Master…increase our talent of grace…Wisdom through good works.”

The Gospel is Matthew 22:15-23 through
23:39; 24:26 through 26:2

GREAT HOLY TUESDAY EVENING

“When he came to himself…he came to his
father…”

(The service is Orthros (Matins) of Great Holy Wednesday Morning
sung in anticipation on Tuesday evening.}

On Great Holy Wednesday of Great and Holy Week (sung in
anticipation, now on Holy Tuesday evening), it has been ordained by the Holy Fathers of the Church that commemoration should be made of the anointing of Christ with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon, the leper, in Bethany. Repentance was the mission of the holy Prophets. It would be an apt one-word title for the Holy Bible, because “repentance” was the mission of our Lord. This woman who demonstrated her repentance and her warm faith toward our Lord still presents to us the aroma of her virtue for imitation today.

On this evening is such the beautiful “Hymn of Cassiane,” probably a work of Patriarch Photius. It begins: “The woman who had fallen into many sins recognized thy Godhead, O Lord; Woe to me, saith she; receive the sources of my tears, O Thou who doth gather into clouds the water of the sea. Who can trace out the multitude of my sins and the abysses of my misdeeds? O thou whose mercy is unbounded.”

The Holy Gospel reading is John 12:17-50

(The Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts)

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated on this day for the last time during Holy Lent. This very ancient Liturgy is a Vesper Service, with the Holy Gifts PRESANCTIFIED IN THE DIVINE LITURGY ON THE PREVIOUS SUNDAY. This Liturgy is offered every Wednesday and Friday during Holy Lent so that the faithful may receive Holy Communion. This Liturgy is solemn and reflects the grandeur and simplicity of the early Church. During Holy Lent, NO OTHER LITURGY IS HELD EXCEPT ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY, AND March 25 (Holy Annunciation), when the Liturgies of Saint Basil (on Sundays) and Saint John Chrysostomos are officiated.

GREAT HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING

“Anointing him sick with oil in the name of
the Lord…”

(The Mysterion [Sacrament] of Holy Unction)

The Sacred ceremony of the Mysterion (Sacrament) of the Holy Unction (Efchelaion) takes place on this Holy Wednesday evening, following an old tradition. It is the evening OF REPENTANCE, CONFESSION, AND THE REMISSION OF SINS BY THE LORD, PREPARING THE FAITHFUL TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION, USUALLY THE NEXT DAY, GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY MORNING. Holy Unction (Holy Oil) is the Mysterion (Sacrament) for CLEANSING SINS AND RENEWING THE BODY AND THE SPIRIT OF THE FAITHFUL. Holy Unction (Holy Oil) is one of the SEVEN MYSTERIA (SACRAMENTS) OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of Saint James (Iakovos) 5:14-15). At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil, THE VISIBLE CARRIER OF THE GRACE OF GOD.

GREAT HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING

“Let no fear separate you from Me…”

(The service is Orthros (Matins) of Holy Thursday morning
sung in anticipation, on Holy Wednesday evening.)

In many Orthodox churches, however, this service is sung at iits designated Holy Thursday morning time, before the Vespers and Divine Liturgy. “On Thursday in Holy Week (now Wednesday evening or Thursday morning) the Holy Fathers of the Church, who had well-ordained things handed down to us successively from the Holy Apostles and the Sacred Gospels to celebrate FOUR EVENTS: THE WASHING OF THE DISCIPLES’ FEET, THE INSTITUTION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST, THE MARVELOUS PRAYER, THE BETRAYAL.”

The Holy Gospel reading is Saint Luke 22:1-39.

GREAT HOLY THURSDAY MORNING

“Do this in remembrance of Me…”

(The service is the Vespers and Divine Liturgy of
Holy Thursday evening which is sung in the
morning in anticipation.)

Jesus drew His last breath of freedom on this Holy Thursday night. Christ knew all the incidents which were about to take place and called to Him His Apostles in order to institute the Holy Eucharist for them and for the Church FOREVER. At the end of March, with the full moon as a brilliant lantern in the sky and the weather mild, the people in Jerusalem enjoyed the beginning of spring. In this atmosphere, Christ presented BREAD and WINE as the ELEMENTS OF His Very Body and His Very Blood, they are the Precious Gifts which have been left as His PERPETUAL PRESENCE IN THE CHURCH. THE INSTITUTION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST AND ITS RE-ENACTMENT THROUGH THE CENTURIES, BOTH AS A SACRIFICE AND SACRED CEREMONY (MYSTERION OR SACRAMENT), IS THE LIFE-GIVING REMEMBRANCE WHICH, ALONG WITH THE CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, CONSTITUTES THE BASIS (FOUNDATION) OF SALVATION FOR THE CHRISTIAN.

Then followed the incidents of the dramatic closing moments of Christ’s life. After the washing of His Apostles’ feet, He pointed out the betrayer, INAUGURATED THE HOLY EUCHARIST, and pronounced THE NEW COMMANDMENT OF AGAPE (LOVE) FOR ONE ANOTHER. He spoke to them words of comfort, promising the DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO COMPLETE MAN’S UNION WITH CHRIST. His departure, Christ said, WOULD BRING TO THEM AND THE WORLD JOY. Christ took His Apostles out in the mild night where He could see face-to-face His CO-WORKERS in the bright light of the full moon. In this spiritual mood and physical setting, Jesus withdrew to pray. After this agony of the “bloody sweat” came THE KISS OF JUDAS AND HIS ARREST. He thus became THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL FREEDOM FOR MANKIND.

The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great is officiated on this day. The readings are: 2 Corinthians 11:23-32; Matthew 26:2-28; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-44; Matthew 26:40-75; Matthew 27:1-2. During this Divine Liturgy, the Orthodox Priest PREPARES THE “AMNOS” [“THE LAMB”), the Holy Communion, which is kept throughout the whole year to be given to the faithful IN TIMES OF SICKNESS. The Holy Body and Precious Blood IS PRESENT IN THE CHURCH DURING THE ENTIRE YEAR AND THROUGHOUT THE AGES. On this day, with greater feeling than ever, Orthodox Christians come for Holy Communion singing: “RECEIVE ME TODAY, O SON OF GOD, AS A PARTAKER OF THY MYSTIC FEAST; FOR I WILL NOT SPEAK OF THE MYSTERY TO THINE ENEMIES, I WILL NOT KISS THEE AS DID JUDAS, BUT AS THE THIEF I WILL CONFESS THEE, LORD, REMEMBER ME WHEN I COMEST TO THY KINGDOM.”

(To be continued)

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

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

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

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

A Daily Account of the Services During
GREAT AND HOLY WEEK
By Father George Mastrantonis

“For I delivered unto you first of all that
which I also received, how that Christ died
for our sins according to the Scriptures;
and that He was buried, and that He rose
again the third day according to the
Scriptures; and that He was seen of Cephas,
then of the Twelve; after that He was seen
of above five thousand brethren at once.”
[1 Corinthians 15:5-6]

Approach to the Great and Holy Week

Great and Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church institutes the sanctity of the whole calendar year of the Church. Its center of commemorations and inspiration is PASCHA, wherein the Glorified Resurrection of JESUS CHRIST is celebrated. Every Lord’s Day (Sunday) is dedicated in the Eastern Orthodox Church TO THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD. One hundred days also are dedicated to the All-Holy Pascha, 50 before it for preparation, and another 50 after it for commemorating the Glorification of the Lord Pascha is considered the “Feast of Feasts.”

The 50 days before Pascha, known as a part of the Period of Triodion (“three” + “odes”). are the period for strengthening faith in the Lord. The means are well-known to people of spiritual experience; PRAYER, which is considered the soul of faith, and through which faith emerges from theory INTO LIFE; and self-control, which governs our relationships with our fellowman. These means are practical indicators of our vivid faith in God. With this preparation, WE ARE INVITED TO ENTER THE SANCTUARY OF GREAT AND HOLY WEEK, NOT AS SPECTATORS, BUT AS PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMMEMORATION AND ENACTMENT OF THE DIVINE ACTS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. A Christian must keep HIS OWN SPIRITUAL KINGDOM INTACT AND HIS FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND UPRIGHTNESS VIVID IN ORDER TO BE A PART OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, WHERE THE COMPASSION OF THE LORD AND HIS RESURRECTION WILL BE EXPERIENCED. There is no other place where the Kingdom of God can be expanded except THE HEART OF MAN; and there is no other gate whereby we can enter the Kingdom but that of “REPENTANCE.” This was the proclamation of the new era of Jesus Christ, Who said, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2)

The 50 days which follow Pascha are signified by the Pentecostarion (Gk. Pentekontas 50). They are dedicated TO THE SPIRITUAL ENJOYMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE DEEP BELIEF THAT ALMIGHTY GOD IS OUR COMPANION IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE AND THOUGHTS. It starts with the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. During this period, the Church of Christ, which is His Mystical Body, was instituted and strengthened. His Disciples and Apostles were THE WITNESSES OF THE APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD; THEY WERE RECIPIENTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO CHANGED COMPLETELY THEIR ATTITUDE OF FEAR. Who made the Apostles into piercing heralds and ambassadors of the New Message of salvation in the name of Christ, the Savior. This was an experience, teaching, and inspiration they handed down as the treasure of the Christian Faith. Christians are called to commemorate the same Divine Events and TO ENACT THEM IN THEIR HEARTS AND MINDS, BASED ON THE REALIZATION THAT “CHRIST IS RISEN.”

The entire Christian confession is contained in the words “Christ is Risen.” Saint Paul, referring to this fact, clearly and emphatically says: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). This is the reason why, from the beginning, the Church of Christ set forth as the CENTER OF ITS WORSHIP AND FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION OF ITS LORD. From the earliest days of Pentecost, the Apostles designated “the first of the Sabbath” of each week for the REMEMBRANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD. This day was called the “LORD’S DAY” in the Revelation of John, who said: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day…” (1:10). It was this tradition which the writers and hymnologists of the Orthodox Church had in mind when they wrote hymns and odes FOR EIGHT CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS (LORD’S DAYS) having for their subject the Resurrection of Christ as the BASIC BELIEF OF REDEMPTION and WORSHIP. The Fifth Article of the Ecumenical Creed of Faith, the Nicene Creed, refers to this belief as well.

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, in relation to the CRUCIFIXION, constitutes the essence of the Christian Pascha, which is THE CENTER OF THE CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP OF GOD IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. Herein will be presented the events and services of the PASSION WEEK, RECORDED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, AS THEY EXIST IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH TODAY. The Passion Week, from the TRIUMPH ENTRANCE OF OUR LORD INTO JERUSALEM UNTIL HIS RESURRECTION, CONTAINS A SERIES OF EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST THE SAVIOR THAT LINKS PROPHECY WITH ITS FULFILLMENT.

DAILY OBSERVANCES OF GREAT AND HOLY WEEK

Saturday Morning of Saint Lazarus
[Saturday before Palm Sunday; the service

and the Divine Liturgy.]

On this day, THE RISING FROM THE DEAD OF SAINT LAZARUS, the righteous friend of Christ, is celebrated. Great and Holy Week begins with the phrase: “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany…” [John 12:1]. His arrival coincided with the Jewish Passover. It started on the 15th of the Month of Nissan in commemoration of the freeing of the Hebrew people, under the leadership of Moses, from the slavery of the Egyptians by the miraculous act of God. The Church RELATES PREPARATION AND REDEMPTION TO THE EVENTS OF THIS WEEK. The Church names this day the “Saturday of Lazarus” in remembrance of the resurrection of Lazarus AND ITS PROMISE OF UNIVERSAL RESURRECTION FOR ALL PEOPLE. The Church connects this celebration, by ANTICIPATION, WITH THE ENTRANCE OF CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM: “WE CARRY THE SYMBOLS OF VICTORY AND CRY HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.”

The readings: Epistle, Hebrew 12:28-13:8 and Gospel, John 11:1-45

PALM SUNDAY MORNING

“Blessed Is He that cometh in the Name
of the Lord…”

PALM SUNDAY celebrates the Glorious and brilliant Feast of the Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Zechariah had prophesied the Entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: “Rejoice greatly… O daughter of Jerusalem; behold the King comes unto Thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” [Zechariah 9:9]. The contemporary Jews associated this prophecy with THE EXPECTED MESSIAH. This action of Christ testifies to His nature as Savior, but with the definite declaration that His Kingdom was NOT of this world. The news that Christ was in Bethany provoked a general enthusiasm of acceptance, but also indignation among the High Priests, who had decided to kill Christ. The main road leading to Jerusalem was covered with palm trees. The multitudes, with palm branches in their hands, spread their cloaks on the road as a show of respect, crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.” All the actions and words of the people and of Christ had a Messianic meaning readily recognized by the Jews of that time. As usual, Christ went immediately to the Temple, where He prayed and taught. That evening He departed for Bethany.

A tradition of distributing branches of palms[ or palm crosses]to the faithful in the Church prevails to this day, commemorating THE VICTORY OF CHRIST AGAINST THE EVIL POWERS.

The Epistle reading is Philippians 4:4-9, and the Gospel reading is John 12:1-18].

“Behold the Bridegroom Cometh in the Midst of
the Night…”

(The service is Orthros (Matins] of Great Monday
and is sung by anticipation on PALM SUNDAY
EVENING.]

MONDAY of Great and Holy Week (sung by anticipation, now on Palm Sunday Evening) commemorates THE BLESSED AND NOBLE JOSEPH AND THE FIG TREE WHICH WAS CURSED AND WITHERED BY THE LORD. The withering of the fig tree was a miracle of special symbolism, since the tree had leaves, BUT NOT FRUIT. It is symbolic OF THE MANY PEOPLE WHO CLAIM ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS IDENTITY, BUT IN REALITY HAVE EMPTY LIVES THAT YIELD NO FRUIT. This was the case with some of the Pharisees of that period. Jesus cursed the tree: “May no fruit ever come from you again” (Matthew 21:19). The reference to the story of the virtuous Joseph of the Old Testament [Genesis 37-41] is made only for contrast, since the life of Joseph WAS A MODEL OF PROPRIETY AND SINCERE OBSERVANCE OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.

On this evening, we begin with the hymn of the Bridegroom, “Behold the Bridegroom comes in the midst of the night…beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be borne down in sleep…and lest thou be shut out from the Kingdom…” The canticle hymn also has a symbolic exhortation: “I see Thy bridal chamber adorned, O my Savior, and I have no wedding garment…O Giver of Light, make radiant the vesture of my soul and save me.” At this time, the solemn procession of the holy icon of Christ-Bridegroom takes place around the nave of the church. The faithful, anticipating the sufferings of Christ, sing: “Thy sublime sufferings, on this day, shine upon the world as a light of salvation.”

The Gospel reading this service is taken from the Gospel of Saint Matthew 21:18-43. It mentions that “the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” (v. 23). They sought to have Christ accuse Himself in answering this question.

[To be continued]

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

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

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

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

Saint Mary of Egypt’s Confession to
Father Zosimas. (Part II)

FOR THE DEVOUT WOMAN. Mode pl. 4.

In you, O Mother, is
preserved undistorted what
was made in the image of God;
for taking up the cross, you
followed Christ and by example
taught, that we should overlook
the flesh, since it passes away,
and instead look after the soul,
since it is immortal. And
therefore. O devout Mary, your
spirit rejoices with the Angels.
+

(cont.) “Thus I spoke and as if acquiring some hope in firm faith, and feeling some confidence in the mercy of the Mother of God, I left the place where I stood praying. And I went again and mangled with the crowd that was pushing its way into the temple. And now no one seemed to thwart me, no one hindered my entering the church. I was possessed with trembling, and was almost in delirium. Having got as far as the doors which I could not reach before — as if the same force which had hindered me cleared the way for me — I now entered without difficulty and found myself within the holy place. And so it was that I saw the Life=Giving Cross. I saw too the Mysteries of God and how the Lord accepts repentance. Throwing myself on the ground, I worshiped that holy earth and kissed it with trembling. Then I came out of the church and went to her who has promised to be my security, to the place where I had sealed my vow. And bending my knees before the Virgin Mother of God, I addressed to her such words as these:

“O Loving Lady, thou hast shown me thy great love for all men. Glory to God
Who receives THE REPENTANCE OF SINNERS THROUGH THEE. What more
can I recollect or say, I who am so sinful? It is time for me, O Lady, to fulfill my
vow, according to thy witness. Now lead me by the hand along the path of
repentance! And at these words I heard a voice from on high: “IF YOU CROSS
THE JORDAN YOU WILL FIND GLORIOUS REST.”

Hearing this voice and having faith that it was for me, I cried to the Mother of God: “O Lady, Lady, do not forsake me!” With these words I left the porch of the church and set off on my journey. As I was leaving the church a stranger glanced at me and gave me three coins, saying: “Sister, take these.” And taking the money, I bought three loaves of bread and took them with me on my journey, as a blessed gift. I asked the person who sold the bread: ‘Which is the way to the Jordan River?’ I was directed to the city gate which led that way. Running on I passed the gates and still weeping went on my journey. Those I met I asked the way, and after walking for the rest of that day (I think it was nine o’clock when I saw the Cross) I at length reached at sunset the Church of Saint John the Baptist which stood on the banks of the River Jordan and rinsed my face and hands in its holy waters. I partook of the Holy and Life-Giving Mysteries (Sacraments) in the Church of the Forerunner and ate half of one of my loaves. Then, after drinking some water from the River Jordan, I lay down and passed the night on the ground. In the morning I found a small boat and crossed to the opposite bank. I again prayed to Our Lady to direct me where she wished. Then I found myself in this desert and since then up to this very day I am estranged from all, keeping away from people and running away from everyone. And I live here clinging to my God Who SAVES ALL WHO TURN TO HIM FROM FAINTHEARTEDNESS AND STORMS.

Father Zosimas asked her: ‘How many years have gone by since you began to live in this desert?’ She replied: ’47 years have already gone by, I think, since I left the Holy City.’ But what food do you find? The woman said: ‘I had two and a half loaves when I crossed the River Jordan but soon the dried up and became hard as rock. Eating a little I gradually finished them after a few years.’ Can it be that without getting ill you have lived so many years thus, without suffering in any way from such a complete change? The woman answered: ‘You remind me, Zosimas, of what I dare not speak of. For when I recall all the dangers which I overcame, and all the violent thoughts which confused me, I am again afraid that they will take possession of me.’

Believe me, Abba (Father), seventeen years I passed in this desert fighting wild beasts — mad desires and passions. When I was about to partake of food, I used to begin to regret the meat and fish of which I had so much. For I drank a lot of wine when I lived in the world, while here I had not even water. When evil thoughts, desires, and memories entered my mind turned to the Mother of God and reminded myself of the vow which I had made, and cried in prayer and implored her to chase away the thoughts to which my miserable soul was succumbing. And after weeping for long I used to see light at last which seemed to shine on me from everywhere. And after the violent storms, lasting calm descended.

I beg you, holy father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our God and Savior, tell no one what you have heard, until God delivers me of this earth. And now depart in peace and again next year you shall see me, and I you, if God will preserve us in His great mercy. But for God’s sake do as I ask you. Next year during Lent do not cross the River Jordan, as is your custom in the monastery. Touching the Saint’s feet and asking for her prayers for the Church, the Kingdom and himself, he let her depart with tears, while he went off sighing and sorrowful,for he could not hope to vanquish the invincible. And the elder returned filled with joy and terror, accusing himself of not having asked the Saint her name. But he decided to do so next year.

For the whole year he kept silent, not daring to tell anyone of what he had seen. And when at length the first Sunday of the Great Fast came, all the monks went out into the desert with the customary prayers and the singing of psalms. Only Zosimas was held back by illness — he lay in a fever. And then he remembered what the Saint had said to him: ‘And even if you wish to depart, you will not be able to do so.’ Many days passed and at last recovering from his illness he remained in the monastery. And when the monks returned and the day of the Mystical Supper dawned, he did as he had been ordered. And placing some of the Most Pure Body and Blood into a small chalice and putting some figs and dates and lentils soaked in water into a small basket, he departed for the desert and reached the banks of the River Jordan and sat down to wait for the Saint. He waited for a long while and then began to doubt. As he was pondering thus he saw the holy woman appear and stand on the other side of the river. Father Zosimas got up rejoicing and glorifying and thanking God. And again the thought came to him that she could not cross the River Jordan. Then he saw that she made the sign of the Cross over the waters of the Jordan (and the night was a moonlight one, as he related afterwards) and then at once stepped on to the waters and began moving across the surface towards him. And when he wanted to prostrate himself, she cried out to him while still walking on the water: ‘What are you doing, Abba, you are a priest and carrying the Divine Gifts’ He obeyed her and on reaching the shore said to the elder: ‘Bless, father, bless me!’

The holy woman asked him to say the Creed and Our Father. He began, she finished the prayer and according to the tradition of that time gave him the kiss of peace on the lips. Having partaken of the Holy Mysteries, she raised her hands to heaven and sighed with tears in her eyes, exclaiming:

“Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Lord, according to Thy word; for my eyes have seen Thy salvation.” Then she said to the elder: ‘Forgive me, Father, for asking you, but fulfill another wish of mine. Go now to the monastery and let God’s grace guard you. And next year come again to the same place where I first met you. Come for God’s sake, for you shall again see me, for such is the will of God.’ She again made the sign of the Cross over the waters of the River Jordan and crossed over as before.

When another year had passed, he again went into the desert. He reached the same spot but could see no sign of anyone. So raising his eyes to heaven as before, he prayed: ‘Show me, O Lord, Thy pure treasure, which Thou hast concealed in the desert. Show me, I pray Thee, Thy Angel in the flesh, of which the world is not worthy.’ Then on the opposite bank of the river, her face turned towards the rising sun, he saw the Saint lying dead. Her hands were crossed according to tradition and her face was turned to the East. Running up he shed tears over the Saint’s feet and kissed them. Then reciting the appointed psalms, he said the burial prayers and thought to himself: ‘Must I bury the body of a Saint? Or will this be contrary to her wishes? And then he saw words traced on the ground by her head: ‘Abba Zosimas, bury on this spot the body of humble Mary, who departed in the month of Formoutin of Egypt, called April by the Romans, on the first day, on the very night of our Lord’s Passion, after having partaken of the Divine Mysteries.

Then Father Zosimas thought: It is time to do as she wished. But how am I to dig a grave with nothing in my hands? He attempted to dig with a small piece of wood left by some traveler in the desert but could not. He sighed from the depths of his soul and lifting up his eyes he saw a big lion, standing close to the Saint’s body and licking her feet. At the sight of the lion he trembled with fear, especially when he called to mind Saint Mary’s words that she had never seen wild beasts in the desert. But guarding himself with the sign of the Cross, the thought came to him that the power of the one lying there would protect him and keep him unharmed. Meanwhile the lion drew nearer to him, expressing affection y every movement.

Zosimas said to the lion” ‘The Great One ordered that her body was to be buried but I am old and have not the strength to dig the grave so can you carry out the work with your claws? Then we can commit to the earth the mortal temple of the Saint? While he was still speaking the lion with his front paws began to dig a hole deep enough to bury the body. Saint Zosimas then covered the body with earth in the presence of the lion. Then both departed. The lion went off into the depth of the desert and Saint Zosimas returned to the monastery glorifying and blessing our Lord. And on reaching the monastery he told the brothers about everything, and all marveled on hearing of the Saint.. Father Zosimas died in the monastery, almost attaining the age of one hundred.

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

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

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

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

SAINT MARY OF EGYPT: HER LIFE STORY IN
HER OWN WORDS.

"I am ashamed, Abba (Father), to speak to you of my disgraceful life, forgive me for God’s sake! But as you have already seen my naked body I shall likewise lay bare before you my work, so that you may know with what shame and obscenity my soul is filled… I shall tell you all without hiding anything, only imploring you first of all to pray unceasingly for me, so that I may find mercy on the Day of Judgment.
The elder wept and the woman began her story.

My native land, holy father, was Egypt. Already during the lifetime of my parents, when I was twelve years old, I renounced their love and went to Alexandria. I am ashamed to recall how there I at first ruined my maidenhood and then unrestrainedly and insatiably gave myself up to sensuality. It is more becoming to speak of this briefly, so that you may just know my passion and my lechery. For about seventeen years, forgive me, I lived like that. I was like a fire of public debauchery. And it was not for the sake of gain — here I speak the pure truth. Often when they wished to pay me, I refused the money. I acted in this way so as to make as many men as possible try to obtain me, doing free of charge what gave me pleasure. Do not think that I was rich and that was the reason why I did not take money. I lived by begging, often by spinning flax, but I had an insatiable desire and an irrepressible passion for lying in filth. This was life to me. Every kind of abuse of nature I regarded as life.

That is how I lived. Then one summer I saw a large crowd of Libyans and Egyptians running towards the sea. I asked one of them, ‘Where are these men hurrying to?’ He replied, "They are all going to Jerusalem for the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, which takes place in a few days." I said to him, ‘Will they take me with them if I wish to go?’ ‘No one will hinder you if you have money to pay for the journey and for food.’ And I said to him, ‘To tell you the truth, I have no money, neither have I food. But I shall go with them and shall go aboard. And they shall feed me, whether they want to or not. I have a body — they shall take it instead of pay for the journey.’ I was suddenly filled with a desire to go, Abba (Father), to have more lovers who could satisfy my passion. I told you, Abba Zossimas, not to force me to tell you of my disgrace. God is my witness, I am afraid of defiling you and the very air with my words." And resuming her story, she went on:

That youth, on hearing my shameless words, laughed and went off. While I, throwing away my spinning wheel, ran off towards the sea in the direction which everyone seemed to be taking. And, seeing some young men standing on the shore, about ten or more of them, full of vigour and alert in their movements, I decided that they would do for my purpose. Shamelessly, as usual, I mixed with the crowd, saying, "Take me with you to the place you are going to; you will not find me superfluous.’ I also added a few more words calling forth general laughter. Seeing my readiness to be shameless, they readily took me aboard the boat and we set sail at once.

How shall I relate to you what happened after this? Whose tongue can tell , whose ears can take in all that took place on the boat during that voyage! And to all this I frequently forced those miserable youths even against their own will. There is no mentionable or unmentionable depravity of which I was not their teacher. I am amazed, Abba (Father), how the sea stood our licentiousness, how the earth did not open its jaws, and how it was that hell did not swallow me alive, when I had entangled in my net so many souls. But I think God was seeking my repentance. For He does not desire the death of a sinner but magnanimously awaits his return to Him. At last we arrived in Jerusalem . I spent the days before the festival in the town, living the same kind of life, perhaps even worse. I was not in contact with the youths I had seduced and who had helped me to get to Jerusalem; many others — citizens of the town and foreigners — I also seduced.

The holy day of the Exaltation of the Cross dawned while I was still flying about — hunting for youths. At daybreak I saw that everyone was hurrying to the Church, so I ran with the rest. When the hour for the holy elevation approached, I was trying to make my way in with the crowd which was struggling to get through the church doors. I had at last squeezed through with great difficulty almost to the entrance of the temple, from which the Life-Giving Cross was being shown to the people. But when I trod on the doorstep which everyone passed, I was stopped by some force which prevented me from entering. Meanwhile, I was brushed aside by the crowd and found myself standing alone on the porch. Thinking that this had happened because of my woman’s weakness, I again began to work my way into the crowd, trying to elbow myself forward. But in vain I struggled. Again, my feet trod on the doorstep over which others were entering the church without encountering any obstacle, I alone seemed to remain unwanted by the church. It was as if there was a detachment of soldiers standing there to prevent my entrance. Once again I was excluded by the same mighty force and again, I stood on the porch.

Having repeated my attempt three or four times, at last I felt exhausted and had no more strength to push and to be pushed, so I went aside and stood in a corner of the porch. And only then with great difficulty it began to dawn on me, and I began to understand the reason why I was prevented from being admitted to see the Life-Giving Cross. The word of salvation gently touched the eyes of my heart and revealed to me that it was MY UNCLEAN LIFE WHICH BARRED THE ENTRANCE TO ME. I began to weep and lament and beat my breast, and to sigh from the depths of my heart. And so I stood weeping when I saw above me the icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. And turning to her my bodily and spiritual eyes I said: "O Lady Mother of God, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Logos/Word, I know, O how well I know, that it is no honor or praise to thee when one so impure and depraved as I look up to thy icon, O Ever-Virgin, who didst keep thy body and soul in purity. Rightly do I inspire hatred and disgust before thy virginal purity. But I have heard that God Who was born of thee became man on purpose TO CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE. Then help me, for I have no other help. Order the entrance of the church to be opened to me. Allow me to see the Venerable Tree on which He Who was born of thee suffered in the flesh and on which He shed His Holy Blood FOR THE REDEMPTION OF SINNERS AND FOR ME, UNWORTHY AS I AM. Be my faithful witness before thy Son THAT I WILL NEVER AGAIN DEFILE MY BODY THE UMPURITY OF FORNICATION, BUT AS SOON AS I HAVE SEEN THE Tree of the Cross I WILL RENOUNCE THE WORLD AND ITS TEMPTATIONS AND WILL GO WHEREVER THOU WILL LEAD ME.’

(To be continued)

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

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

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

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

Fifth Sunday of Holy and Great Lent: Saint Mary of Egypt,
the Model of Penitents.

Like that of Saint John Climacus, her feast has been transferred from the fixed calendar, where she is commemorated on the 1st of April. Her life, recounted by Saint Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem — it is read, on Thursday in the Fifth Week — sets before us a true verbal icon OF THE ESSENCE OF REPENTANCE. In her youth, Saint Mary lived in a dissolute and sinful way at Alexandria. Drawn by curiosity, she journeyed with some pilgrims to Jerusalem, arriving in time for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. But when she tried to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with the others, an invisible force thrust her back at the threshold. This happened three times. Brought to sudden contrition by this strange experience, she prayed all night with tears to the Mother of God, and next morning she found to her joy that she could enter the church without difficulty. After venerating the Holy Cross , she left Jerusalem on that same day, made her way over the River Jordan, and settled as a solitary in a remote region of the desert. Here for 47 years she remained, hidden from the world, until she was eventually found by the ascetic Saint Zosimas, who was able to give her Holy Communion shortly before her death.

Knowing the significance of repentance, it is most appropriate that we recount the life of Saint Mary of Egypt, the true model of penitence. Our Holy Orthodox Church very wisely placed Saint Mary’s life before us to encourage everyone during this holy season of Lent to repent of sins and transgressions committed by us and seek God’s forgiveness. We believe that no one is without sin but Christ alone. One sins daily, hourly, and from minute to minute, by thought, word or deed. The Church is a place of cleansing and healing. It is a hospital for the spiritually infirm that need a physician and medical attention. Sin injures the soul above all else and therefore the only one who can cure our infirmities is our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, the Physician of our souls and bodies. The Orthodox Christian is aware that he or she enters the church not only to praise and to worship God but to be restored back to health by Him.

Our life of disobedience of God’s commandments has become a spiritual desert. Without God’s presence and grace life itself becomes a wasteland and a place of death. And just like Saint Mary we wander throughout this desert to find a safe place, an oasis which would provide us with shade from the hot sun, water to drink,to wash off the dust, and cool off, and perhaps even find something to eat in order to survive. All those necessities of life are found in the Church if we truly desire to.

The Divine Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church offer us vital medicine, cleansing, nourishment, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. The Divine Mysteries such as Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist, Holy Oil (Unction), Confession, are offered to those who believe and are members of the Orthodox Church, the Body of Christ, for their spiritual welfare and salvation. Orthodox Christians benefit from the “Holy Mysteries” through experiencing God’s grace, healing and renewal., as they are understood as tangible expressions of God’s saving power, allowing participants to encounter our Lord Christ and share in his victory over sin and death. The Holy Mysteries of the Church facilitate spiritual growth, healing, and renewal, helping believers to live a life closer to God and to a life in accordance with His will and commandments.

Through participating in the Mystery of Repentance/Reconciliation (Confession) according to the Orthodox Church, the faithful receive forgiveness of sins committed, When we sin, our relationship to God and to others becomes distorted. Sin is ultimately alienation from God, from our fellow human beings, and from our own true self which is created in God’s image and likeness. Through this Mystery (Sacrament), Our Lord Christ continues to heal those broken in spirit and restore God’s agape (love) to those who are lost. According to the Orthodox Church, the penitent confesses to the Almighty God and is forgiven by Him. The priest or father Confessor is the sacramental witness who represents both our Lord Christ and His people. However, the priest is understood not as a judge, but as a physician and spiritual guide or counsel.

The Mystery of the Holy Eucharist, which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship in the Orthodox Church. Referred to as “the Sacrament of Sacraments,” it is the Church’s celebration of the Death and Resurrection of Christ offered every Lord’s Day (Sunday) and Holy Day. All the other Mysteries lead toward and flow from the Divine Eucharist, which is the center of the life of the Church. Through the reception of Holy Communion the Orthodox Christian receives, “remission of sins and life eternal.” Also, by receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, the believer becomes one with Christ and all those fellow Orthodox Christians who participated. The Eucharist (literally “thanksgiving”) is the Mystery in which the bread and wine of offering are changed by the Holy Spirit into the true Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the believers receive communion of the for a MOST INTIMATE UNION WITH CHRIST AND ETERNAL LIFE. The Lord Christ said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood dwelleth in Me, and I in him” (John 6:53-56).

The Mystery of Holy Baptism incorporates us into the Church, the Body of Christ, and is our introduction to the life of the Holy Trinity. Water is a natural symbol of cleansing and newness of life. Through the three-fold immersion in the water of Baptism in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. The Mystery of Baptism serves as the door leading into the Kingdom of Grace, or the Church, and it grants access to participation in the other Mysteries. Jesus Christ speaking to Nicodemus indicated the absolute necessity of it for salvation: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Again He says, “Verily, verily , I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” [John 3:3-6].

The Mystery of Chrismation follows immediately after Baptism. As the ministry of Christ was enlivened by the Holy Spirit, and the preaching of the Holy Apostles strengthened by the Spirit, so is the life of each Orthodox Christian sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Chrismation, which is referred to as one’s personal Pentecost, is the Mystery which imparts the Spirit in a mystical way. After a prayer is offered the priest anoints the baptized person with the holy chrism, and he makes the sign of the Cross upon the forehead and the eyes, and the nostrils and the mouth and the two ears and the breast and the hands, and the feet, and says: “THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Amen.

In the Anointing of the Sick (Holy Unction) holy oil is used to anoint the faithful. The Mystery of Holy Unction (Gk. Efcheleon) is a sacred action in which, while the body is anointed with oil, the Grace of God which heals infirmities of soul and body is called down upon a sick person. It is performed by a gathering of presbyters, ideally seven in number; however, it can be performed by a lesser number and even by a single priest.
The clearest testimony of the Mystery of Unction is to be found in the Apostle James (Gk. Iakovos) (5:14-15): “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders (presbyters) of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

There are of course other Mysteries such as the Mystery of Priesthood, the Mystery of Marriage, And along with the Mysteries or Sacraments there are many important divine services and blessings offered to the faithful. However, we receive the Grace of God and sanctification through the Mysteries. By the Grace of God, the Grace of Christ, is to be understood the whole economy of our salvation, performed by the coming of the Son of God to earth, by His earthly life, His death on the Cross, His Resurrection, and His Ascension into heaven: “For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” [Ephesians 2:8-9]. Also, Grace is the name applied to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit which have been sent down and are being sent down to the Church of Christ for THE SANCTIFICATION OF ITS MEMBERS, FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH, AND FOR THE ATTAINMENT BY THEM OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

The Holy Church of Christ is a treasure-house filled with the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Saint Mary of Egypt repented of her sins and dedicated the rest of her life, 47 years, atoning for them in the desert. She found God in the wilderness and through Him she found healing of body and soul. Not only was she sanctified but by the Grace of God attained holiness. Abba [Father] Zosimas recounts when he and Mary prayed together he witnessed something most inspiring. He said, “One could not hear separate words, so that Zosimas could not understand anything that she said in her prayers. Meanwhile he stood, according to his own words, all in a flutter, looking at the ground without saying a word. And he swore, calling God to witness, that when at length he thought that her prayer was very long, he took his eyes off the ground and saw that she was raised about a forearm’s distance from the ground and stood praying in the air.”

There so much to learn from Saint Mary of Egypt and her good example of penitence, what it means, and how very necessary it is to truly repent. REPENTANCE or “metanoia,” in Greek, literally means a change of mind and a radical transformation of one’s thoughts, attitudes, lifestyle, philosophy and a return to God, reuniting with Christ through the grace of the Holy Spirit. True repentance is a continuous process of self-examination, confession, and striving for holiness. Repentance is the path to forgiveness and reconciliation with God and is essential for spiritual growth and spiritual maturity. Repentance is the key to breaking free from the power of evil and sin. It takes a total commitment and obedience to Christ’s commandments and to be willing to live a virtuous life. We must emulate the Prodigal son who when he came to his senses said: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father…” [Luke 15:18-20]. [Resources: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology]

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

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

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

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

THE SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES PRESENTED IN
THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT. [Part III]

THE CONTINUATION OF THE FINAL STEPS:

Step 21

ON UNMANLY FEARS

"If you pursue virtue in a monastery or gathering of holy men, you are unlikely to be attacked by cowardice. But if you pass your time in solitary abodes, you must strive not to be mastered by cowardice…Cowardice is childish behavior within a soul advanced in years and vainglory. It is a lapse from faith that comes from anticipating the unexpected. Fear is sanger tasted in advance, a quiver as the heart takes fright before unnamed calamity. Fear is a loss of assurance. A proud soul is the slave of cowardice. Trusting only itself, it is frightened by a sound or a shadow… So as you go where fright will lay hold of you, put on the armor of prayer, and when you reach the spot, stretch out your hands and flog your enemies with the name of Jesus, since there is no stronger weapon in heaven or on earth. And when you drive the fear away, give praise to the God Who has delivered you, and He will protect you for all eternity, provided you remain grateful…"

Step 22
Step 22

ON VAINGLORY

"Saint Gregory the Theologian lists the eight principal temptation of Evagrius were: GLUTTONY, LUST, AVARICE, ANGER, DESPONDENCY, (ACCIDIA), VAINGLORY AND PRIDE.

Some would hold that vainglory is to be distinguished from pride, and so they give it a special place and chapter. After all, what pride remains in a man who has conquered vainglory? The difference is between a child and a man, between wheat and bread, for the first is a beginning and the second an end…To be a show off is to be vainglorious, and the fast of such a person is unrewarded and his prayer futile, since he is practicing both to win praise.
Vainglory induces pride in the favored and resentment in those who are slighted. Often it causes dishonor instead of honor, because it brings great shame to its angry disciples. It makes the quick-tempered look mild before men. It thrives amid talent and frequently brings catastrophe on those enslaved to it…"

Step 23

PRIDE

"Pride is a denial of God, an invention of the devil, and contempt for men. It is the mother of condemnation, the offspring of praise, a sign of barrenness. It is a flight from God’s help, the harbinger of madness, the author of dowfall. It is the cause of diabolical possession, the source of anger, the gateway of hypocrisy. It is the fortress of demons, the custodian of sins, the source of hard heartedness. It is the denial of compassion, a bitter pharisee, a cruel judge. It is the foe of God. It is the root of blasphemy… Pride begins where vainglory leaves off… Pride is utter poverty of soul disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness. The abominable vice not only stops our progress but even tosses us down from the heights we have reached…"

Step 24

ON MEEKNESS, SIMPLICITY, GUILELESSNESS,
AND WICKEDNESS.

"The light of dawn comes before the sun, and meekness is the precursor of all humanity. So let us to the order in which Christ, our Light, places these virtues. He says: "Learn from Me, because I am meek and humble of heart" [Matthew 11:29]. Therefore before gazing at the sun of humility we must let the light of meekness flow over us… Meekness is a mind consisten amid honor or dishonor. Meekness prays quietly and sincerely for a neighbor however troublesome he may be.
Simplicity is an enduring habit within a soul that has grown impervious to evil thoughts. Guilelessness is the joyful condition of an uncalculating soul.
Malice is honesty perverted, a deluded thought, a lying disposition, perjury, and ambiguous words. Malice is a false heart, an abyss of cunning, deceit that has become habitual, pride that is second nature. It is the foe of humility, a fake penitence, mourning depleted, a refusal to confess, an insistence on getting one’s own way.
The evil man is the namesake and companion of the devil, which is why the Lord taught us to call the devil by that name, saying, "Deliver us from the Evil One" (Matthew 6:13)…"
25

ON HUMILITY

"Do you imagine that plain words can precisely or truly or appropriately or clearly or sincerely describe the love of the Lord, HUMILITY, blessed purity, divine enlightenment, fear of God, and assurance of the heart?
Humility is constant forgetfulness of one’s achievements," someone says. "It is the admission that in all the world ONE IS THE LEAST IMPORTANT AND IS ALSO THE GREATEST SINNER," another says. "It is the mind’s awareness that one is weak and helpless," a third says. "It is the acknowledgment of Divine grace and Divine mercy." "It is the disposition of a contrite soul and the abdication of one’s will."

"As soon as the cluster OF HOLY HUMILITY BEGINS to flower WITHIN US, we come, after hard work, to hate all earthly praise and glory. We rid ourselves of rage and fury; and the more this Queen of Virtues spreads WITHIN OUR SOULS THROUGH SPIRITUAL GROWTH, the more we begin to regard all our good deeds as of NO consequence, in fact as loathsome…"

Step 26

ON DISCERNMENT

"…DISCERNMENT is–and is recognized to be–A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF THE WILL OF GOD IN ALL TIMES, IN ALL PLACES, IN ALL THINGS; and is found only among those who ARE PURE IN HEART, IN BODY, AND IN SPEECH.
EVERY DEMONIC UPHEAVAL WITHIN US arises from the following three related causes, namely, CARELESSNESS, PRIDE, OR THE ENVY OF DEMONS. The first is pitiable, the second deplorable, but the third is blessed. Let our God-directed conscience be our aim and rule in everything so that, knowing how the wind is blowing, we mau set our sails accordingly.
One has to distinguish between, Divine Providence, Divine assistance, Divine protection, Divine mercy, and Divine consolation. Providence is shown in all of nature, assistance among the faithful alone, protection among those believers whose faith is most alive, mercy among those who serve God, and consolation among those who love Him…"

Step 27

ON STILLNESS

"Stillness of the body is the accurate knowledge and management of one’s feelings and perceptions. Stillness of soul is the accurate knowledge of one’s thoughts and is an unassailable mind.
Brave and determined thinking is a friend of stillness. It is ALWAYS ON THE WATCH AT THE DOORS OF THE HEART, KILLING OR DRIVING OFF INVADING NOTIONS. What I mean by this will be well understood by the man who practices stillness in the deep places of the heart, while the novice will have no experience or knowledge of it.
The start of stillness IS THE REJECTION OF ALL NOISINESS AS SOMETHING THAT WILL TROUBLE THE DEPTHS OF THE SOUL. The final point is when one has no longer a fear of noisy disturbance, when one is immune to it…"

Step 28

ON PRAYER

"PRAYER IS BY NATURE A DIALOG AND A UNION OF MAN WITH GOD. Its effect is to hold the world together. It achieves a reconciliation with God. PRAYER IS THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER OF TEARS. IT IS AN EXPIATION OF SIN, A BRIDGE ACROSS TEMPTATION, A BULWARK AGAINST AFFLICTION. IT WIPES OUT CONFLICT, IS THE WORK OF ANGELS, AND IS THE NOURISHMENT OF ALL BODILESS BEINGS. PRAYER IS FUTURE GLADNESS, ACTION WITHOUT END, WELLSPRING OF VIRTUES, SOURCE OF GRACE, HIDDEN PROGRESS, FOOD OF THE SOUL, ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE MIND, AND AXE AGAINST DESPAIR, HOPE DEMONSTRATED, SORROW DONE AWAY WITH. It is wealth of monks, treasure of hermits, anger diminished. It is a mirror of progress, a demonstration of success, evidence of one’s condition, the future revealed, a sign of glory. For the person who really prays it is the court, the judgment hall, the tribunal of the Lord– and this prior to the Judgment that is to come.

Let us arise and pay heed to what that holy queen of the virtues cries out to us in a loud voice, saying: "Come to me, all of you who labor and are weighed down, and I will give you rest. Take upon yourselves my yoke, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29), and a balm for the blows that fall on you. "FOR MY YOKE IS EASY" and is remedy for great sins."

Step 29

ON DISPASSION

"Stars adorn the skies AND DISPASSION HAS THE VIRTUES TO MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL. By dispassion I mean a heaven of the mind within the heart, which regards the artifice of demons as a contemptible joke. A man is truly dispassionate–and is know to be such–when he has cleansed his flesh of all corruption; when he has lifted his mind above every created, and has made it master of all the senses; when he keeps his soul continually in the presence of the Lord and reaches out beyond the borderline of strength to Him…Dispassion is an uncompleted perfection of the perfect… A dispassionate soul is IMMERSED IN VIRTUES AS A PASSIONATE BEING IS IN PLEASURE.

Step 30

ON FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE

"And now at last, after all that has been said, there remains that TRIAD, FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, BINDING AND SECURING THE UNION OF ALL. "but the greatest of these is agape" (1 Corinthians 13:13), since that is the very name of God Himself (cf. I John 4:8). To me they appear, one as a ray, one as light, and one as a disk, and all as A SINGLE RADIANCE AND A SINGLE SPLENDOR. The first can make and create all things, the mercy of God encircles the second and keeps it from confusion, while the third never falls, never halts on its way, never gives respite to the man wounded by its blessed rapture.

The man who wants to talk about love is undertaking to speak about God. But it is risky to talk about God and could even be dangerous for the unwary. Angels know how to speak about love, but even they do so only in proportion to the light within them. "God is love" (I John 4:16). But someone eager to define this is blindly striving to measure the sand in the ocean. Love, by its nature, is A RESEMBLANCE TO GOD, insofar as this is humanly possible. In its activity it is the inebriation of the soul. Its distinctive character is to be a fountain of faith, an abyss of patience, a sea of humility.

HOPE is the power behind love. Hope is what causes us to look forward to the reward of love. Hope is an abundance of hidden treasure. It is the abundant assurance of the riches in store for us/ It is a rest from labor, a doorway of love. It lifts despair and is the image of what is not yet present. When hope fails, so does love. Struggles are bound by it, labors depend on it, and mercy lies all around it. Hope comes from te experience of the Lord’s gifts, and someone with no such experience must be ever in doubt. Hope is destroyed by anger, for hope does not disappoint and the angry man has no grace.

FAITH is the wing of prayer, and without it my prayer will return to my bosom. FAITH is the unshaken stance of the soul andis unmoved by any adversity. The believing man is not one who thinks that God can do all things, but one WHO TRUSTS THAT HE WILL OBTAIN EVERYTHING. FAITH is the agent of things unhoped for, as the thief proved (cf. Luke 23:42-43). THE MOTHER OF FAITH IS HARD WORK AND AN UPRIGHT HEART; THE ONE BUILDS UP BELIEF, THE OTHER MAKES IT ENDURE. FAITH IS THE MOTHER OF THE HESYCHAST, FOR AFTER ALL, HOW CAN HE PRACTICE STILLNESS IF HE DOES NOT BELIEVE. [Resources: The Ladder of Divine Ascent]

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

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