My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
ON THE DUTY OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES IN MARRIAGE
By Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk
First, the husband as well as the wife must both come to marriage by voluntary consent and agreement, which is also why the priest asks both persons at the crowning, "Hast thou, (Name), a good, free, and unconstrained will, and a firm intention to take to thyself (Name), whom thou seest here before thee?"
For this reason a marriage decidedly must not take place without the consent of both parties. And priests that see a lack of consent in either party and yet crown them sin gravely and are subject to canonical punishment; for from this proceeds every evil in marriage.
2. Second, those that correctly enter into marriage ought to preserve love and faithfulness to the end of their life.
3. Third, the husband must not abandon his wife nor the wife her husband until death, but according to their vow and consent they must remain inseparable to the end.
4. Fourth, the husband and wife must lay virtue, and not passion, as the foundation of their love, that is, when the husband sees any fault in his wife, he must nudge her meekly, and the wife must submit to her husband in this. Likewise when a wife sees some fault in her husband, she must exhort him, and he is obliged to hear her. In this manner their love will be faithful and unbroken, and thereby having mutually composed their happiness, they shall take pleasure in the virtue. There is a custom that some men leave their wives and some wives leave their husbands under the pretense of abstinence, but this is a very dangerous matter, for instead of continence there may follow the grave sin of adultery in one or the other or in both parties. When the husband leaves his wife and the wife sins with another, then the husband is responsible for this sin, as he gave his wife occasion for sin. Likewise, when a wife leaves her husband and the husband sins with another, then the wife is guilty of that sin, for the same reason.
5. Fifth, the Holy Apostle Paul says to those who are married, "The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does" [1 Corinthians 7:4].
6. Sixth, those living as spouses, and above all, priests and deacons, should remember that they are Christians, that they confess the Holy Name of God, that they call upon and pray to God, that they partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and so on. And therefore the Holy Apostle tells them that they must not live in their marriage as the heathens do, "that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" [1 Corinthians 7:5].
7, Seventh, a man must not treat his wife as a slave, but as a helpmate; but the wife ought to submit to her husband. As the Holy Apostle teaches, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" [Ephesians 5:22]. And a little further, "And let the wife see that she respects her husband" [Ephesians 5:33], and in another place, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord" [Colossians 3:18]. When the husband and the wife are of the same character and of good morals then the marriage will be happy and excellent, for there will always be unanimity, agreement, and peace among them, in which consists great happiness. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" [ Psalm 132:1[133:1], says the Prophet. But because Satan, the enemy of human souls, attempts to break the union of love and agreement, then the husband and wife must condescend to any infirmity that the other may have and suffer each other with love, and thus concord and peace will be preserved.
8. Eight, when either the husband is of good character and the wife is of bad character, or the wife is of good character, and the husband is of bad character, then perpetual suffering and a cross will ensure for the party of good character. Then in that case he must apply patience, and endure and overcome whatever evil may occur with patience.
________________
ON ADULTERY
The Lord God said:
"THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY"
Exodus 20:14.
The Commandment of the Lord God exhorts husband and wife to be faithful to each other. From the very beginning, the Almighty God set the law that a man and a woman should be for one another only. "Be fruitful and multiply. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they (two) shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24), we read in the Book of Genesis, With regard to the duty of spouses to preserve MUTUAL FAITHFULNESS, THE LORD SAID: "So then, they are no longer two but ONE FLESH. Therefore what God has joined together, LET NOT MAN SEPARATE" [Matthew 18:6].
It is the practice currently in different places, but specifically in Europe, to promote and encourage what is referred to as an "open marriage" which is no less than a consensual adultery. It is agreed by the couple that they could have an extramarital union with others as long as they are both discreet. This of course violates the Commandment: "Thou shalt NOT commit adultery. Saint John Chrysostom states, the adulterer’s conscience cries out and tears him daily. If he brings to mind God’s judgment, he is unable to stand from fear. And the pleasure from the sin committed is brief, but the agony is protracted."
The yearning of a husband and wife for one another was planted in human nature by the Creator God before the Fall. The harmony of Adam and Eve with God and with each other was a great virtue. Adam considered Eve a part of himself when he said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man" [Genesis 2:23). It is understood that this in this joining, he will be devoted to her with sacrificial love and devotion, and she to him.
The Holy Apostle Paul writes: "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" [Hebrews 3:4). The Holy Scripture reveals how grave of a sin is adultery and how God punishes those that participate in it: "Do you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither FORNICATORS, NOR IDOLATERS, NOR ADULTERERS, NOR HOMOSEXUALS NOR SODOMITES, NOR THIEVES, NOR COVETOUS, NOR DRUNKARDS, NOR REVILERS, NOR EXTORTIONERS WILL INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD" [1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Also, in his letter to the Galatians, Sant Paul writes, "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, LEWDNESS…THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD" [Galatians 5:19-21[.
___________
"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.
WE ARE FELLOW-TRAVELLERS (Gk. Συνοδοι)
Whether we know it or not we are travel companions as we traverse through life. We most certainly share in the various and challenging occurrences in this world. And more specifically, as Christians, we share in a common faith in our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ and the unrelenting spiritual warfare and constant battle against the wicked principalities. It is most important that we understand that we confront everything together and by doing so we find strength and comfort.
We are never alone. The Holy Apostle Paul reminds us, "We are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses" [Hebrews 12:1]. We as followers of the Savior are instructed that we are always protected and guided by our guardian angel and that God is always with us. There should be absolutely no fear or concern that what we experience while living in the world, we experience without any help from above. Without this help from our Lord we could never win the battle against the evil one. He said clearly that " for without Me we can do nothing" [John 15:5]. In other words, nothing which is properly motivated and gives glory to God.
Every human experience, good or bad, joyful or sad, has its purpose in life. Our Almighty God seeing our profound weakness and our vulnerability has taken all the necessary measures to prevent our demise and extinction. He treats all of us with agape. patience, care, and His Divine grace so that we are saved from evil and death. He knows what we are up against and of what we are capable of doing. What He desires of all of us is to love one another. It is wonderful when Christians help each other,when they worship together, when they work together to help the poor, the destitute, the naked, the hungry, the sick, those in prison and those persecuted for their faith.
The good Christian is a person with courage and who always strives to serve God and mankind selflessly and with sincere humility. He believes that all human beings are children of God and therefore we are brothers and sisters in Christ. In other words we all, together, comprise a human family, with the same needs and aspirations. There is only one path that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven and only one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Who grants it to His faithful ones. It should be understood by all that when humanity as a whole abides by His life-saving commandments that His Kingdom becomes attainable. Eternal Life is what our Savior God promises to all those who believe in Him. When a person witnesses loved ones die and depart from this life, life here on earth, is temporary life, and very brief. Knowing this fact lets do as much good as possible and use this precious time to prepare for eternal life.
In an Orthodox Monastic service we pray for the Egoumene (Abbess) or Egoumenos (Abbot) of the monastery and his or her synodia in Christ. Why? because monks and nuns travel together on the same spiritual path that leads to the Angelic life. However, this does not only apply to the monastics but to all Christian believers who share a common spiritual path, purpose, and goal. The path which leads to Christ is glorious and a splendid one for all who are willing to take it. How extraordinary of our Almighty God to guide us and "show us the path of life" [Psalm 16:11]. May it be, by the grace of God, be "a smooth path" [Psalm 27:11].
I believe that all Orthodox Christian understand that the journey which eventually all must take is an irreversible journey and that there is no turning back. Understanding this very fact is important because a believer comes to realize the necessity to be ready and prepared to take it. It is similar to an ordinary trip which we take and how we know something about the country or place which we wish to visit and the kind of clothing which we must take with us. We may need a passport to identify us upon our arrival to the officials in that country, and things like flight tickets, extra funds, medicines, toiletries, and other "essentials." For the one way trip to eternal life we need to make sure to be baptized in the true faith, to have been adhering to the commandments of God, to have been living a godly and moral life, to have been remorseful and penitential for offences and transgressions we had committed while on earth, to have had reconciled with our enemies, to have been compassionate and loving to the unfortunate and poor, etc. We must not forget that our Creator knows the absolute truth about us and what kind of lives we have led for the many years living on earth.
The genuine and authentic Christian person has always looked forward to the spiritual journey awaiting us. He or she looks forward to meeting the Lord in His Heavenly Kingdom and therefore has prepared all of his/her life for that glorious day. Which brings to mind Jesus’ Parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins [Matthew 25:1-13]. The Gospel says, "Then the Kingdom of heaven shall likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went off to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard; ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘give us some of you oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those WHO WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE WEDDING; AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT. AFTERWARD OTHER VIRGINS CAME ALSO, SAYING, ‘LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US!’ But He answered and said, ‘ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, I DO NOT KNOW YOU.’ Watch therefore, for YOU KNOW NEITHER THE DAY OR THE HOUR IN WHICH THE SON OF MAN IS COMING."
As one can see, this Parable illustrates clearly the importance of preparedness, or lack of it, while the bridegroom was "delayed." Their refusal to give oil to the foolish ones is not lack of love. It portrays the fact that spiritual preparedness CANNOT BE CONVENIENTLY GIVEN OR BORROWED. This Parable also encourages the proper use of God’s gifts: to bear fruit. Traditionally, virginity has been considered a special "lamp" and philanthropy (almsgiving) or help to the poor a special "oil." [Resources: The Orthodox Study Bible)
_________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +
With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
CHEIROTONIA IN THE ORTHODOX HOLY TRADITION [Part II]
The Essence and Effectuating Words of the Mystery
Thus the Mystery [Sacrament] of Priesthood is a sacred action which, through the prayerful LAYING ON HANDS OF A BISHOP upon the head of the chosen person, brings down upon this person the Divine Grace which SANCTIFIES and ORDAINS him to a certain rank of the Church hierarchy and later cooperates with him in his passing through the hierarchical obligations. The prayer of CHEIROTONIA is the following: "The Divine Grace which always healeth that which is infirm and completeth that which is wanting, elevated (name) the most devout subdeacon, to be a deacon (or deacon, to be a priest). Wherefore, let us pray for him, that the Grace of the All-Holy Spirit may come upon him."
The Mystery (Sacrament) of CHEIROTONIA IS ALWAYS INCLUDED IN THE RITE OF THE DIVINE LITURGY. Distinct from the Mystery of Cheirotonia is ordination by prayer to the lower ranks of the clergy (reader, subdeacon); this is called CHEIROTHESIA (from the Greek word that has a purely Christian ecclesiastical meaning and came into use relatively later).
The Celibacy of Bishops
For a bishop there exists THE OBLIGATION OF CELIBACY. In the first centuries of Christianity such a demand was not obligatory, but even in Apostolic times it was allowed for bishops TO AVOID MARRIAGE FOR THE SAKE OF THE ASCETIC STRUGGLE OF CONTINENCE. This custom became strengthened, and the Sixth Ecumenical Synod made it a canon. As regards priests and deacons, the Church regarded that such a burden should NOT be laid upon them as obligatory, and that the ancient canon should be followed which FORBIDS CLERGY, AFTER RECEIVING ORDINATION, TO ENTER INTO MARRIAGE, BUT WHICH ALLOWS TO THE MYSTERY OF PRIESTHOOD PERSONS WHO ARE ALREADY BOUND BY MARRIAGE, even regarding this as natural and normal. A SECOND MARRIAGE, as well as having a wife who has been married before, ARE HINDRANCES TO ORDINATION. In the Roman Catholic church in the 4th to 6th centuries, CELIBACY BEGAN TO BE INTRODUCED LIKEWISE FOR PRIESTS AND DEACONS. This INNOVATION WAS REJECTED BY THE Sixth Ecumenical Council; but this prohibition WAS NOT HEEDED BY THE Roman popes.
The Protestants HAVE REJECTED THE PRIESTHOOD AS A "SACRAMENT." Their pastors are ONLY ELECTED and APPOINTED by the people, but DO NOT RECEIVE ANY KIND OF SPECIAL CONSECRATION, and in this sense they are NOT TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. However, we see from the teaching and practice of the Holy Apostles, and from the CONSTANT BELIEF OF THE CHURCH, THAT CHEIROTONIA (ORDINATION) FROM THE BEGINNING WAS A SACRAMENTAL, GRACE-GIVING SACRED ACTION, AND THEREFORE THE FACT THAT IN A LATER PERIOD IT BEGAN TO BE CALLED A "SACRAMENT" DID NOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW, BUT ONLY EXPRESSED ITS ESSENCE MORE PRECISELY IN A SINGLE WORD. In a similar way, for example the term HOMOOUSIOS, accepted at the First Ecumenial Council, did not introduce anything new into the ancient Church teaching of the Divinity of the Son of God, but only defined it more precisely and confirmed it. Unfortunately, Protestant scholars, defending THE FALSE POSITION OF PROTESTANTISM, continue stubbornly, but WITHOUT PROOF, to deduce the very concept of the Christian Mysteries (Sacraments) from the practice of THE PAGAN MYSTERIES. [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 PRIESTHOOD–EARTHLY AND ETERNAL
"Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for
under it the people received the law), what further need was there
that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizwdek,
and not be called according to the order of Aaron? [Hebrews 7:11).
"And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek,
there arises another priest who has come, not according to the
law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an
endless life. For He testifies:
'You are a priest forever
According to the order of
Melchizedek" [Hebrews 7:14-17).
"And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath (for
they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath
by Him who said to Him:
'The LORD has sworn
And will not relent,
You are a priest forever
According to the order of
Melchizedek"), by so much more Jesus has become a surety of
a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they
were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He
continues forever, has AN UNCHANGEABLE PRIESTHOOD.
Therefore HE is also able to save to the uttermost those who
come to God through Him, since He always lives to make
intercession for them. For such a High Priest ws fitting for us,
who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and
has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily,
as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own
sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when
He offered up Himself.
For the law appoints as high priests men who have
weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law,
APPOINTS the Son Who has been perfected forever" [Hebrews 7:20-28].
A major theme of the Book of Hebrews is the contrast between the earthly, or Levitical, priesthood, and the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek, which is fulfilled IN CHRIST. The Levitical Priesthood, established by Aaron of the Tribe of Levi, is limited simply because those who fill it are ordinary human beings. The Levitical priests carry out God’s instructions and assist the people in their worship, but they cannot ultimately reconcile people with God.
The mysterious figure of Melchizedek, on the other hand, represents an entirely different kind of Priesthood. Melchizedek appears in Genesis {Gen. 14:18-20), long before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. He is given no genealogy, and nothing is said of his death. He receives tithes from Abraham, implying he is superior to Abraham in rank–and by extension, superior to Abraham’s descendants, the Levites. Melchizedek is NOT ONLY a priest but a KING as well. In this dual office he is able to reconcile the justice of God (the business of a king), with His mercy (the business of a priest). His name means "King of Righteousness," and his title "King of Salem" [Genesis 14:18) means "King of Peace." He may be A THEOPHANY–A PREINCARNATE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST; AT THE VERY LEAST IS A TYPE OF CHRIST, AS THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS EXPLAINS IN DETAIL.
There are several specific points of contrast between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood
of Melchizedek, which is fulfilled in Christ.
The Priesthood of Levi
(1) Genealogical requirement: The Levitical
priesthood is limited to one Tribe. It cannot
transform mortal and corrupt humanity,
because it consists of mere men.
(2) Ordination: The power given at ordination is
incomplete. The Levitical priesthood is weak, its
sacrifices have to be repeated, and it cannot perfect
the worshippers. It CANNOT RECONCILE PEOPLE
TO GOD, NOR GIVE THEM THE INNER POWER TO
OBEY. THE ORDINATION IS WITHOUT DIRECT
CONFIRMATION FROM GOD.
(3)Term of office: The Levitical priesthood is temporary.
Since it is composed of mortal men, it requires many
members.
(4) Moral and spiritual requirements. These must be less
than perfection, for the Levitical priests are all created
beings subject to sin.
THE PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK
As Melchizedek was without earthly genealogy, so is Christ by virtue of His virgin birth. He is God incarnate, immortal and sinless, and therefore His priesthood is able to transform humanity. The power given at ordination is strong and effective. The power of Christ's Priesthood is PERFECT AND DRAWS US NEAR TO GOD. HIS SACRIFICE IS OFFERED ONCE FOR ALL. The Father Himself ORDAINS THE SON.
Since Christ IS IMMORTAL, the PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK NEEDS ONLY ONE, ETERNAL PRIEST. The REQUIREMENT OF PERFECT HOLINESS IS MET IN CHRIST, THE ONLY SINLESS ONE. HE IS MORE THAN MERE MAN–HE IS THE SON OF GOD.
According to the Orthodox Holy Tradition of the Church in every good work we ask the blessing of God and the help of God, can we imagine entering upon such an exalted and responsible pastoral ministry–entering upon it for whole life–without the invocation of God's Grace which this labor, which cooperates with it and strengthens the future pastor? This blessing does indeed take place. It is brought down upon the one approaches with sacred trembling to the reception of the sacred ministry in the Mystery of Priesthood, through THE LAYING ON OF HANDS BY A BISHOP WHO HIMSELF BEARS BY SUCCESSION THE GRACE OF THE PRIESTHOOD, ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRAYER OF THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION OF CLERGY AND PEOPLE WHO ARE PRESENT AT THE DIVINE SERVICE. IT IS CALLED THE Mystery of CHEIROTONIA.
The Holy Scripture gives direct and clear indications that placing in the rank of Priesthood is the communion of a special Grace-giving mystical gift, without which this ministry cannot be fulfilled. The Holy Apostles, by the authority of Christ, established THREE HIERARCHICAL DEGREES, and that for the raising up of selected persons into three degrees THERE WAS ESTABLISHED ORDINATION, WHICH COMMUNICATES TO THEM THE ACTIVE GRACE OF GOD, WHICH IS INDISPENSABLE FOR THEIR MINISTRY (DIAKONIA). It goes without saying that the SUCCESSORS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES, THE BISHOPS, had to fulfill precisely what had been decreed by the Apostles: THAT IS, ORDINATION THROUGH LAYING ON OF HANDS, JOINING TO IT THE SAME EXALTED MEANING AND THE SAME SIGNIFICANCE THAT WERE GIVEN BY THE HOLY APOSTLES.
And so it has been in actual fact in the Church in later times. Although in the early Church ordination to the rank of PRIESTHOOD OCCURRED AFTER A GENERAL ELECTION, WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE CHURCH COMMUNITY OR THE LOCAL CHURCH, THIS "ORDINATION" ITSELF WAS AN ACT TOTALLY SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM THE AGREEMENT OR ELECTION, AND IT WAS PERFORMED BY PERSONS EQUAL IN THEIR AUTHORITY TO THE APOSTLES, AND WHO WERE THEIR SUCCESSORS:THE BISHOPS. So it has remained up to our days. Among the earliest testimonies of this we may indicate the homily of Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (2nd century), which says: "One must follow those presbyters (in the sense of the 'eldest' in the Church, that is, bishops) who are in the Church and who have THE SUCCESSION FROM THE APOSTLES, AND WHO, TOGETHER WITH THE SUCCESSION OF THE EPISCOPACY, BY THE GOOD DISPOSITION OF THE FATHER, HAVE RECEIVED THE RELIABLE GIFT OF THE TRUTH."
The Apostolic Canons command: "Let a bishop be ordained by two or three bishops. Let a presbyter (priest), deacon, and the rest of the clergy be ordained by one bishop." Here also is established THE UNREPEATABILITY OF THE CHEIROTONIA (ORDINATION: "If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon shall receive from anyone a second ordination, let both the ordained and the ordainer be deposed; unless indeed it can be proved that he has his ordination from heretics." Thus the Grace given in the Cheirotonia (Ordination) of the PRIESTHOOD IS ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE JUST AS UNCHANGING AND INEFFACEABLE AS THE GRACE GIVEN IN BAPTISM. However, the Grace of Cheirotonia (Ordination) IS SPECIAL AND DISTINCT FROM THE GRACE WHICH IS GIVEN IN BAPTISM AND IN THE MYSTERY (SACRAMENT) OF CHRISMATION.
[Resources: The Orthodox Study Bible and Orthodox Dogmatic Theology]
(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 brother and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE
THE THREAT OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS
"The people who sat in darkness have
seen a great light." [Matthew 4:16].
DARKNESS means ungodliness. To sit in darkness means to be overcome by spiritual ignorance. The "Great Light" is the Gospel of Christ. The Holy Apostle John writes, "In Him was life, and life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" [John 1:4-5]. "The life was the light of men: Saint John now introduces mankind as receiver of the Divine Light.. By participating in the life of the Son, believers themselves become children of light (Ephesians 5:8). "Darkness" indicates both spiritual ignorance and satanic opposition to the Light. However, darkness can never overpower the Light of Christ, nor can it understand the way of agape (love).
Saint Paul writes: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8-9). Saint Paul’s sharp contrast between the two ways is in thoughts, words and actions. "Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while long the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness DOES NOT KNOW WHERE HE IS GOING. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you become sons of light.’ [John 12:35-36). The theme of Jesus as the "Light" receives renewed emphasis. The crowd wants to know the identity of the Son of Man. But Jesus challenges them to come to the Light while there is still time to become children of Light. Christ is "light from Light" (Nicene Creed). In UNION with Him, we partake of His light, becoming children of light.
It is evident that there is a great battle raging between good and evil or between light and darkness. Saint Paul writes, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the RULERS OF DARKNESS of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" [Ephesians 6:12). All Christians who stand for good must wage a constant battle with the forces of evil. As the Holy Scripture reveals that "darkness" is primarily used as a symbol of evil, ignorance, sin, and separation from God. On the other hand "light" represents God's presence, goodness, knowledge; essentially, "darkness" signifies a state of moral depravity or spiritual blindness, where one is not guided by God's grace or truth.
In the Holy Gospel of Saint Matthew we are taught about the "Outer darkness" ( 8:12). This phrase refers to a place of eternal punishment, described as a place of darkness and separation from God. Darkness is the absence of light, the Eternal Light, Christ the Lord. The Light of Christ shines everywhere. Light is pure energy and it is that energy which gives life to those who are in the light. People in general love the sun and the warmth of the sun. When the day is cloudy people are unhappy and feel weak and even depressed. In the parts of the world where the sun does not shine for eight months the people suffer and are miserable and turn to alcohol and in some cases, even are led to swiside.
Man was created by God to enjoy the energy of the light and to be always in the light. "In Thy light shall we see light." The Holy Apostle Paul exhorts us not to participate in what takes place in darkness, because it is unfruitful and bad for our salvation. "For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by tem in darkness. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore, He says 'Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light" [Ephesians 5:12-14). To walk in the light is to walk in one's baptism. Our goal is not to abandon the world, but to keep oneself in Christ.
Light brings joy and everyone is energized and strong. Darkness makes us listless and spiritually bereft. For the practicing Orthodox Christian the word of God is light and life. Whoever keeps near to the Holy Gospel will never experience darkness. In our Holy Orthodox Christian Tradition the presence of our Lord Christ is emphasized in the form of light, through the use of sunlight, lamps, candles and gold illuminating the interior of our churches, especially as they light the holy icons of Christ, the Theotokos, the Angels and the Saints. At the All-Holy Pascha (The Resurrection) after the Church is darkened, the Priest, standing before the Holy Altar, lights a white candle from the eternal vigil light and exiting from the Royal Doors chants aloud holding the candle high: "COME YE AND RECEIVE THE UNWANING LIGHT; AND GLORIFY CHRIST, WHO AROSE FROM THE DEAD." All the faithful theen light their lights from that one candle and the darkness in the church is dispelled and the whole church is lit up as though on fire.
The Christians life must be a life of light. Where there is no light there is only darkness, hopelessness, and death. The church where you as an Orthodox Christian worships in is a little glimpse of the Kingdom to come. The Kingdom of God, is the Kingdom of the Eternal Light. Jesus reminds us, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life" [John 8:12]. The Holy Spirit illuminates our hearts and souls, allowing us to illuminate others with God’s love and the Good News of salvation.
______
"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 Sinlessness of Christ: "And you know that He was
manifested to take away our sins, and in Him THERE
IS NO SIN" [1 John 3:5].
"For He made Him who knew NO SIN to
be sin for us, that we might become the
righteousness of God in Him" [2 Corinthians
5:21].
How was Christ made "to be sin for us?" He, the Incarnate Son of God, voluntarily assumed the consequences of our sin–CORRUPTION AND DEATH–WITHOUT SINNING HIMSELF. And He submitted to unjust suffering because of the sinful passions of men and of angels. This means salvation is far more than forgiveness of sins. It IS A NEW LIFE: OUR RECONCILIATION TO GOD [vv 18-20] and our becoming NEW CREATURES (v. 17}, participants in the very "righteousness of God" (v. 21). This means our salvation is not just juridical (the static, legal pronouncement of a judge) but IT IS PERSONAL AND RELATIONAL (the dynamic, sacrificial love of a father for his child).
As Man, Jesus Christ, was baptized of John in the Jordan; He went about the cities and villages with the preaching of salvation; not once before His Resurrection did He encounter a need to prove His humanity to anyone. He experienced HUNGER, AND THIRST, THE NEED FOR REST AND SLEEP, AND HE SUFFERED PAINFUL FEELINGS AND PHYSICAL SUFFERINGS.
Living the physical life natural to a man, the Lord also lived the life of the soul as a man. He strengthened His spiritual powers WITH FASTING AND PRAYER. He experienced HUMAN FEELINGS: JOY, ANGER, SORROW. He expressed them outwardly: "He was troubled in spirit" [John 13:21], SHOWED DISSATISFACTION, SHED TEARS–for example, at the death of Lazaros. The Holy Gospels reveal to us a powerful spiritual battle in the garden of Gethsemane on the night before He was taken under guard: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death" (Matthew 26:38)–thus did the Lord describe the state of His soul to His Disciples.
The RATIONAL, CONSCIOUS HUMAN WILL of Jesus Christ unfailingly placed all human strivings in submission to the Divine will in Himself. A strikingly evident image of this is given in the Passion of the Lord, which began in the garden of Gethsemane: "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt" [Matthew 26:39]. "Not My will, but Thine, be done" [Luke 22:42].
Concerning the truth of the Savior’s FULLY HUMAN NATURE, the Holy Fathers of the Church speak thus:
Saint Cyril of Alexandria: "If the nature which He received had not had a human mind, then the one who entered into battle with the devil was God Himself; and it was therefore God who gained the victory. But if God victorious, then I, who did not participate in this victory at all, do not receive any benefit from it. Therefore I cannot rejoice over it, for I would then be boasting of someone else’s trophies."
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem: "If the becoming man was a phantom, then salvation is a dream." Other Holy Fathers expressed themselves similarly. If the word of God says that the Son of God came "in the likeness of sinful flesh" [Romans 8:3], it is thereby expressing the idea that this flesh was true human flesh; RATHER, IT WAS COMPLETELY PURE OF EVERY SIN AND CORRUPTION, BOTH OF THE ANCESTRAL SIN ("ORIGINAL SIN") AND OF VOLUNTARY SIN. When the Son of God became INCARNATEs, He voluntarily assumed the passibility and mortality that were THE CONSEQUENCES OF ADAM’S SIN WHILE REMAINING HIMSELF WHOLLY SINLESS. Christ did NOT assume the corruption of human nature and inclination toward sin that all other people have inherited from Adam. In this sense, CHRIST REMAINED FREE OF ANCESTRAL SIN. While being PASSIBLE (that is, subject to suffering), HE WAS COMPLETELY FREE OF SINFUL PASSIONS AND OF THE DISEASE OF SIN.
Not so with man. "For ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD" [Romans 3:23). This verse establishes THAT ALL PEOPLE SIN, regardless of how long they live. "The human race is subject to three kinds of sin, for when we sin, it is either by THOUGHT, OR WORD, OR DEED" [Ezech. 43;23). The Holy Scripture tell us in Saint Matthew 15:19 that it begins in our hearts and minds: "Four out of the heart proceed EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDERS, ADULTERIES, FORNICATIONS, THEFTS, FALSE WITNESS, BLASPHEMIES." Before we commit an act of sin, we will think about it. All sin starts in the mind. Reflect on those ideas and thoughts that have occupied our mind already today. Sin is actually trying to do right and missing the mark. Transgression is s intentionally aiming at the wrong thing.
- "When Jesu heard it He said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I DID NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS, TO REPENTANCE" [Mark 2:17]. Christ came TO SAVE AND TO HEAL, NOT to judge [John 1:17]. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" [John 3:17]. True repentance of one’s sins is the medicine through which one finds forgiveness and healing. Saint Isaac the Syrian writes, "Repentance is fitting at all times and for all persons, for sinners as well as for the righteous who look for salvation. There are no bounds to perfection, for even the perfection of the most perfect is nothing but imperfection. Hence, until the moment of death, neither the time nor the works of perfection can ever be complete." And Saint John Climacus writes: "It is the property of Angels not to fall, and even, as some say, it is quite impossible for them to fall. It is the property of men to tall, and to rise again as often as this may happen. But it is the property of devils, and devils alone, NOT TO RISE once they have fallen."The Five Paths of Repentance according to Saint John Chrysostom: (1) Condemnation of sins (2) Forgiveness (3) Prayer (4) Almsgiving) (5) Humility. CONDEMNATION OF SINS: Admitting sins and acknowledging guilt is a first step in repentance. FORGIVENESS: Forgiving others and oneself can help expiate sins. PRAYER: Prayer from the heart is a path to repentance. ALMSGIVING: Giving to the needy is a path to repentance.
7th Prayer of Repentance: of Saint John Chrysostom:
O God, absolve, remit and pardon me my transgressions–as many sins
as I have committed b word, or action or thought, willingly or unwillingly,
consciously or unconsciously,; forgive me everything since Thou art good
and loves mankind. And by the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, of Thy
spiritual servants, the holy Angelic powers and all the Saints, who from all
ages have been well-pleasing to Thee, be pleased to allow me to receive
Thy Most Pure Body and Thy Most Precious Blood for the healing of my
soul and body, and the purification of my evil thoughts. For Thine is the
Kingdom and the power and the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
[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.
On the 10th of February, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Holy and Glorious Hieromartyr HARALAMBOS of Magnesia.
Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone
An unshaken pillar of the Church of Christ art thou, an ever-
resplendent lamp, O Haralambos most wise, which shineth
throughout the earth; in martyr contest thou hast shined on
the whole world, and thou hast dispelled the moonless night
of the idols. Now boldly intercede thou with Christ that we
may all be saved.
Kontakion Hymn. Fourth Tone
Thou didst rise up in the East, a luminary that enlightened
faithful men with thy bright shafts of miracles, O Haralambos;
hence we revere thy godly contest, O Martyr of sacred fame,
Saint Haralambos, the sacred Hieromartyr, the grace-filled and splendid athlete and sacrificer in his sacerdotal ministry to the Lord, who is the boast of all Greece and the adornment of believers, was from Magnesia. Magnesia is the name that was given to three ancient cities: one in Thessaly of Greece and two in Asia Minor. He set himself aside for Christ from his youth, desiring only to follow Him. He served the Church and the flock for many years, abundantly serving every need, until the time of the grossly impious Emperor Severus, when Lucian (Loukianos) was provincial governor. The holy priest was arrested by them and subjected to a death by Martyrdom on account of his faith in, and love for, the Christ.
The King of All, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us in the divine and sacred Gospel that whosoever is willing to come after Him, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and keep following Him. [Matthew 16:24; 10:21; Luke 9:23] This was achieved by many wondrous and holy persons, such as the ascetics and hermits who forsook the world and the things of the world, together with the enjoyments of the flesh, wealth, and glory. They exchanged all for wilderness places and deserts. They were concerned for nothing save how to please God, their Creator and Fashioner.
Such were also the wise Teachers of our Church. Each one had the same aim: HOW TO BENEFIT THE SOULS OF MEN (PEOPLE); HOW TO CONVERT TO THE RIGHT DOCTRINES OF THE CHURCH THOSE WHO WERE DECEIVED AND THOSE LED ASTRAY; AND HOW TO MAKE THE FLOCK STEADFAST IN ORTHODOXY. They did not seek to provide for their own bodily comfort and rest, nor endeavor to acquire wealth and properties for themselves. This is especially true of the most Holy Martyrs, those brave soldiers of the Heavenly King Christ, the gloriously triumphant victors against deception and impiety before the ruler of this world, the devil.
Such a glorious champion and vanquisher do we commemorate today. The valiant warrior of Christ whom we honor is Hieromartyr Haralambos the Great-Martyr. As we said, he was first a priest lawfully ordained for the Magnesian Diocese. While he was serving the flocks of Christ, the profane Severus in Rome assigned the rough, hard, and cruel Lucian to Magnesia. The governor tortured many Christians in an attempt to have them renounce piety and venerate the inanimate idols. It was during those tumultuous times that the Blessed Haralambos was arrested by the odious Lucian. The governor had been notified that Haralambos, as the priest of the Christians, set at nought the idols and treated them with contempt. The holy priest was also accused of boldly and openly preaching to the people to believe in the Christ. The governor was informed against the priest: “This fellow cites their Prophets and Apostles as examples to follow. He belittles our idols, saying they are powerless and broker perdition for their followers. The report of these activities angered the pagan officials. Lucian dispatched soldiers to bring to him the priest who would incite disobedience. After this order was carried out, Lucian began the interrogation, asking the man of God, “Why dost thou despise the idols and the imperial decrees?” The Saint answered, “I obey the just and saving commands of the Heavenly King, Christ…Our Christ is able to heal every incurable disease and infirmity for those who call upon Him with faith.” The governor retorted, “Leave off all this talk, old man, and act prudently and do what is in thine interest. Worship the gods, lest I should put thee to the rest by means of harsh tortures. The holy man replied, “If we do not suffer troubles in this temporal life, we shall not inherit those everlasting good things.”
The governor then bade his officers to disrobe the Christian priest. The executioners took up hand tools and flayed the holy man from his head to his feet. The blessed man endured this unbearable torture bravely, as his flesh was dreadfully rent asunder. He began to say, “I give thanks to you, O brothers, that you have tortured my body, for this shall usher in for my soul everlasting blessedness in the future age.” The torturers said, “Though the talons penetrate the flesh, yet he recovers and abides unharmed and intact!” The governor could not doubt it: the evidence was before his eyes.
The executioners resumed until they were worn out. They declared the power of Christ and glorified Him, together with His servant whom He strengthened. Forthwith, two of the officers, Porphyrios and Vaptos, were beheaded for their confession of Christ as God. The cruel military commander who attempted to torture the priest and the governor himself suffered greatly for their barbarism and savagery to the elderly presbyter. Then a voice was heard from out of heaven, saying, “Rejoice, athlete Haralambos, thou companion of Angels and sharer of the life of the Apostles! I have heard thine entreaty and shall grant healing to the impious.” Instantly, those who had been punished were cured. The military commander Lucius believed and was baptized and Lucian the governor halted the persecution against Christians until the events could be reported to the emperor.
The unholy emperor Severus hearing the testimony of his governor, found the news insupportable. He dispatched three hundred soldiers with the orders to take custody of the presbyter Haralambos and insert nails down his spine. Then they were instructed to drag the Christian priest from Magnesia to Antioch. The soldiers carried out their commission. The savage soldiers pitilessly executed this torture. However, Severus was not satisfied and devising a heinous punishment for the holy priest, he ordered that a great skewer be made to pierce Haralambos’ chest. Next he bade his men to fetch wood and then light a fire. He planned to have the Saint burned until he gave up his spirit. After the spit was thrust into his chest, they burned him for a long time. Glory be to God! Saint Haralambos was again unharmed by this horrific torture. The Saint appeared to have revived and stood forth as a fragrant rose. There were many other tortures inflicted upon the Saint and still he was untouched by them.
Emperor Severus pronounced judgment, the last sentencing, upon the holy priest. He charged his executioners to seize Haralambos and conduct him to the execution site and there to be beheaded. Upon arriving at the spot, the Saint raised his hands and eyes heavenward, and he began to pray. After he had prayed in this manner, the heavens opened. The Lord, with a multitude of His Angels, came down. It was a spectacle full of wonder. He said to His holy priest and martyr, “Come, My pleasing and beloved one who, for My name’s sake, suffered such ill-treatment and hardships. As of Me whatsoever gift thou dost wish, and I shall grant thine entreaty.” Then the blessed hieromartyr of the Christ, answered, “To whomsoever should read the account of my martyrdom, and invoke my name, I supplicate for his salvation and that his soul not suffer evil…Do thou also, O Lord, pardon the sins of the faithful ones…” The Lord then said to His Saint, “Let it be according to what thou hast asked, My faithful servant!” The Lord then ascended into the heavens. The Saint soon thereafter surrendered his soul in peace, before the severing of his head by the executioner.
The holy, glorious, and most august relics of the Saint, Hieromartyr Haralambos, have been distributed, for the sake of reverence, everywhere to Orthodox Christians. The holy relics of Saint Haralambos are able to help, defend, and keep off dreadful circumstances. They have proved to be an excellent remedy of every infirmity. His most holy precious skull is now found at the Monastery of Saint Stefanos, a women’s monastery, under the Bishop of Stagi.
Let us therefore acclaim Saint Haralambos, Great among Martyrs, who is crowned with a double crown of the PRIESTHOOD and MARTYRDOM. He cast down the tormentors, crushed the feeble audacity of the demons, and emerged as victor. He showed himself a temple of the Holy Spirit, and a pillar of endurance. In the midst of sufferings, he was shown to be an eminent tree, sheltering those who needed deliverance from the scorning heat of sin. He has left us his holy relics as a source of healing from life-threatening diseases. Do thou, O Saint Haralambos, intercede for us who love and honor thee! [Resources: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]
_________
“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.
INNER BEAUTY
When one turns to see God’s creation he or she beholds with wonder that everything that God created, He created with wisdom and beauty. Whether we look at the sky, the heavenly and brilliant stars, the majestic mountains, the glorious forests and awesome rivers and lakes, the vastness of the blue oceans, the multicolor sunsets and sunrises, the powerful mammals, the incredible beauty of the variety of birds, fish, and even insects. One cannot ignore the beauty of the human race and the unique beauty of every human being. However, there is another kind of beauty, the beauty within the human being which is often unnoticed and missed, it is INNER BEAUTY.
Inner beauty is found in man’s soul. "Then God saw everything He had made, and indeed, it was very good" [Genesis 1:31] The term kalos can mean both "good" and "beautiful." Everything God created is "very good" and very beautiful. This includes the life-giving soul that God created and placed in man. "Then God formed man out of dust from the ground, and BREATHED IN HIS FACE THE BREATH OF LIFE; AND MAN BECAME A LIVING SOUL" [Genesis 2:7]. The "breath of life" is the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life. God breathed the BREATH OF LIFE into man’s body, and he became a "living soul." Therefore, Adam was a living soul because he possessed a body, and the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Eph
Everything that originates from God is good and beautiful. God’s creative command is life-giving. pure, divine, and perfect. God is Omnipresent and whether we speak of His Heavenly Kingdom or the universe He bestows His grace and unending agape. There is no place that God is not present, including man’s heart when the heart is free from sin and human infirmities. The Holy Apostle Paul says, "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in INNER MAN, that CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH; THAT YOU, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE…TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH PASSES KNOWLEDGE; THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD" [Ephesians 3:16-19].
The challenge of the Orthodox Christian is to keep his/her heart pure and holy so that God may enter it and abide in it. Sin and anything evil pollutes and stains the soul and heart. God is ultimate and perfect goodness and beauty, while sin and evil is the ultimate ugliness and darkness. Saint Paul states, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift" [Ephesians 4:7]. While the Church is one in essence, it is diverse in gifts and function. Unity does not mean uniformity. Each member of the Church is UNIQUE BEFORE GOD, WITH GIFTS AND ROLES GRANTED BY HIM.
The responsibility of each member of the God’s Church is to discover one’s God-given gifts and to use them for His glory. The special gifts that each one possesses should be used wisely to bring joy, goodness, love, peace, harmony and beauty to the world and the human race. There is absolutely no reason for any human being to be unhappy and miserable when we stop to consider that all of us were created by Him and we are His children. Also, we come to understand that "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" [John 15:13-14]. Friendship is higher than servanthood. A servant obeys his master out of fear; a friend is a servant who obeys out of agape.
The word agape translated as love has its origin in God Who is Agape. Agape is good and beautiful and divine. There is no ugliness in love but not so in hatred. Jesus says, "if the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you… Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" [John 15:18-20]. The heart and soul of the Christian has no room to harbor hatred in it. A Christians heart and soul have been sanctified and consecrated by the Holy Spirit and therefore the believers body and soul is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
No Christian must allow anyone or anything to desecrate God’s temple. All followers of Christ should defend the sacredness of God’s dwelling place with all his/her strength and power. There is much at stake here and no one should be caught unawares. We are told to be watchful. Christ Himself tells us, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" [Matthew 26:41]. "Watch and pray" is a key to Christian spirituality and our struggle against temptations. A "willing" spirit, recognizing the weakness of "flesh", knows it needs God’s presence and power. True faith is nourished by ardent, vigilant prayer.
Protect your inner beauty and God’s holy temple. Offer thanksgiving to the Almighty God Who loves you and died to save you. Be sober and prudent in everything. Be a person who sees God’s goodness and beauty in others and rejoices. We are surrounded by God-created beauty; both inward and outward beauty. Let us glorify our Creator and Savior for His infinite and unending agape. Amen.
______
"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.
MAN’S GREATEST ADVERSARY
The Holy Apostle Peter writes:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because
YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL walks about
like a roaring lion, seek whom he may
devout." [1 Peter 5:8].
Saint Basil the Great says, "that the devil wanders over all the earth under heaven and ranges about like a mad dog, seeking whom he may devour." Justin the Martyr explains this by saying that before the coming of Christ the devil did not know what the weight of his punishment would be, but that when the Lord came and proclaimed that eternal fire was prepared for hm and his angels he reacted by becoming even more determined to ensnare believers, in order to have as much company as possible in his rebellion. Hilary ofArles says, "There is a world of difference between God and the devil. If you resist God, he will destroy you, but if you resist the devil, you will destroy him." And the Venerable Bede states, "The stronger you are in your faith, the greater will be your confidence that you can overcome the wilse of the devil. You will also be aided in this endeavor by the knowledge that what you are going through is something common to the fellowship of all Christians throughout the world. Ever since the beginning of time it has been the lot of the righteous to suffer, and wht a shame it would be if you were to be the only one unable to endure this."
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning" [1 John 3:8]. The word "devil" means ‘slanderer." Bringing together the evidence of Holy Scripture, we see that the devil, our adversary, is one of the rational spirits or angels who deviated into the path of evil. Possessing, oke all rational creatures, the freedom which was given him for becoming perfect in the good, he "abode not in the truth" and fell away from God. The Savior said to him: "He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it" [John 8:44].
The evil spirits are mentioned in only a few passages in the Old Testament Revelation. These places are the following: We read of the "serpent," the TEMPTER of the first people, in the third chapter of the Book of Genesis. The activities of "Satan" in the life of the righteous Job are related in the first chapter of the Book of Job.
An incomparably more complete representation of the activity of Satan and his angels is contained in the New Testament Revelation. From it we know that Satan and the evil spirits are constantly attracting people to evl. Satan even dared to tempt the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in the desert. The evil spirits rush into the souls and even into the bodies of men; of this there is the testimony of many events in the Gospel and of the teachings of our Savior Christ. Concerning the habitation of evil spirits in men, we know from the numerous healings by our Savior of the demon-possessed. Evil spirits spy, as it were, on the CARELESSNESS OF MAN SO AS TO ATTRACT HIM TO EVIL: "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than first" [Matthew 12:43-45].
Man’s adversary [Gk. ο αντίδικος], our opponent or antagonist is the evil one. He relentlessly pursues man to separate him from God and Creator and destroy him by leading him to sin and spiritual death. The Holy Apostle Paul writes: "but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity in the law of sin which is in my members" [Romans 7:18, 22-23]. The sinful inclinations in man have taken the reigning position; man has become "the servant of sin" [Romans 6:17]. Both the mind and the feelings have become darkened in him, and therefore his moral freedom often does not incline towards the good, but towards evil. "Lust" and "pride" have appeared in the depths of man’s impulses to activity in life. Of this we read in I John 2:15-16: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
The "lust of the flesh" is a weakening of the authority of the spirit over the body, a subjection of it to the lower, fleshly desires; the "lust of the eyes" means the false idols and attachments, greed and hunger for the world, envy; and "pride" is self-esteem, egoism, self-exaltation, a despising of others who are weaker, love of self, and vainglory. As we can clearly understand that man’s battle against evil is constant and formattable. No one should underestimate the dark powers we are up against. We are up against pure evil and man is no match to the cunning and deviousness of the adversary.
What is at stake here is our very soul. When man lost the Grace of God, he experienced SPIRITUAL DEATH, and this spiritual death made him subject to physical death. Thus, Saint Gregory Palamas writes: "It was indeed Adam’s soul that died by becoming through his transgression SEPARATED FROM GOD; for bodily he continued to live after that time, even for 930 years. The death, however, that befell the soul because of the transgression not only crippled the soul and made man accursed; it also rendered the body itself subject to fatigue, suffering, and corruptibility, and finally handed over to death" [Philokalia vol. 4, p, 296].
Elsewhere, Saint Gregory Palamas expounds further on what is meant by the death of the soul: "Physical death is when the soul leaves the body andis separated from it. The DEATH OF THE SOUL IS WHEN GOD LEAVES THE SOUL AND IS SEPARATED FROM IT, although in another way, the soul remains IMMORTAL. Once separated from God it becomes more ugly and useless than a dead body…"
It is imperative, therefore, that man takes the adversary seriously and his capability to deprive us of God’s salvation and Kingdom. Just like all other adversities in life and our effort to overcome them, this too, must be dealt with prudently, carefully, and deliberately to triumph over the many poisonous arrows fired and temptations against us. We are taught by our Orthodox Christian Church to always be alert and vigilant and to use God’s-given discernment to fight the good fight. We all know that one needs to have faith, confidence, courage, and God’s grace to win. The demonic assaults will continue as long as we live here on earth but we never succumb to them. The Christian must keep our Creator’s Commandments and trust in Him at all times.
It is up to the individual Christian to choose where he or she wants to spend eternity. There are Christians of other traditions that have come to believe that there is no heaven or hell. That there is no such being as the devil and that there is no sin. These Christians have been deceived and have been separated from the truth. The word Satan (which means literally THE ENEMY OR THE ADVERSARY) seeks to obstruct man’s effort to strengthen his relationship and communion with God but he has no power to impose his will on man. However, beloved, "Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary (enemy), the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. RESIST HIM, STEADFAST IN THE FAITH…" [1 Peter 5:8-9]. No one should ever let their guard down but be watchful for he and his angels (demons) always look for our weaknesses. And when he is unable to tempt us, he brings forth a threat of persecution so that fear may cause us to betray the faith.
As Orthodox Christians we are taught by our Holy Church to be actively engaged in spiritual warfare. The Holy Apostle Paul writes: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST THE POWERS, AGAINST THE WORLD RULERS OF THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES" [Ephesians 6:11-12]. All Christians who stand for good must always wage a constant battle with the forces of evil because the demons still have power in the world until CHRIST COMES AGAIN IN GLORY. This is clearly acknowledged in the prayers at the conclusion of Orthodox baptism. Orthodox Christians fight back with God’s arms, that is, His Uncreated Divine energy, given to us and actively used by us. The Orthodox Christian has "put on" at baptism all of the qualities listed as armor, "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT, BEING WATCHFUL TO THIS END WITH ALL PERSEVERANCE AND SUPPLICATION FOR ALL THE SAINTS" [Ephesians 6:14-18].
Again just as important as spiritual armor is a Christian’s READINESS and ALERTNESS: DILIGENT PRAYER AND WATCHFULNESS IN SUBMISSION TO THE Holy Spirit. Those on the "FRONT LINES," bishops, priests, deacons, missionaries, theologians etc. require the back up power of a praying Church. Please remember that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ HAS DESTROYED THE POWER OF THE DEVIL. He came into the world specifically for this reason. If one is "in Christ" he or she is led out of temptation and delivered from the evil one. The goal of our spiritual life is to be triumphant over the machinations, snares and allurements of the devil. [Resources: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology]
"…AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE.."
___________
"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.
CHRISTIAN MARTYRS AND MARTYRDOM
ACCORDING TO THE HOLY ORTHODOX
CHURCH.
The name MARTYR (from the Greek Μάρτυς} was first applied to the Holy Apostles as the authoritative witnesses of the life and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As persecutions began and spread everywhere, those who had undergone hardships for witnessing their faith were called martyrs. Finally, the name martyr was restricted only to those from among the persecuted who were put to torture and death. The Diocletian (Roman pagan emperor) era of persecutions that actually began in 303 A.D. is considered to be the ‘Era of the Martyrs’ until Saint Constantine the Great proclaimed in 313 A.D. at Milan freedom of belief and worship. Those Christians who suffered severe physical punishment but were not executed were accorded special honors by the Church. From the earliest time, MARTYRDOM, called BAPTISM OF BLOOD, was considered to be an equivalent of normal Baptism for those who had not been already baptized. And since the end of the 2nd century, THE ANNIVERSARY OF A MARTYR’S DEATH, CALLED HIS ‘HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY’, was kept as A FEAST with a celebration of the Divine Eucharist on his tomb, and later, churches were frequently built on these sites. The fame of martyrs often spread beyond their particular locality and even their own country. Their holy relics were sought after, they were VENERATED AS POWERFUL INTERCESSORS TO GOD ON BEHALF OF THE LIVING, AND THEIR LIVES WERE WRITTEN DOWN AND WIDELY READ. They were often elaborated by legends of the invention of their pious biographers. In the hierarchy of Sainthood, MARTYRS RANK FIRST. For an Orthodox Altar to be CONSECRATED, MARTYR’S HOLY RELICS MUST BE ENTOMBED IN IT.
The Holy Altar (Gk. Θυσιαστήριον – Αγία Τράπεζα. Although many of the early Holy Fathers of the Church speak of the Altar as ‘THE SACRIFICIAL TABLE,’ the name Holy Table finally came into use, the term ‘holy’ meaning Eucharistic. In the early Church the table on which the breaking of the Bread as a sacramental ‘ANAMNESIS’ (REMEMBRANCE) of the Lord’s Sacrifice was celebrated was of common wood, just as the table on which the Mystical (‘Last’) Supper took place. But as, in response to the rapid spreading of the faith of Christ, persecutions began to create the FIRST TRIUMPHANT CHURCH OF CHRIST, Christians used to gather in cemeteries and USE THE TOMBS OF THEIR HOLY BROTHERS AND SISTERS (HOLY MARTYRS) AS EUCHARISTIC TABLES. Gradually, the wooden altars of the early Church began to be replaced with stone altars usually bearing on tomp a stone or marble slab (Latin, mensa; Greek τράπεζα [trapeza]. But then it became necessary that the new altars should BEAR A SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL AFFINITY WITH THE TOMBS OF THE HOLY MARTYRS IN WHICH THEIR SACRED BODIES (RELICS) WERE LAIN.
The Sacred blood of the Holy Martyrs is seen as the "SEED OF THE CHURCH," signifying the growth of the faith through their sacrifice. Martyrdom is not only dying for one’s faith, but "witnessing" {μαρτυρία) to Christ through one’s torment and death and revealing to all the power of the Martyr’s faith even at the threat of persecution. In the Lives of the Saints we are told of the countless of Christian men, women, and children who confessed their faith before the pagan ruler or emperor and their willingness to die for Christ God and His Kingdom. We, as Orthodox Christians, venerate all the Saints and Holy Martyrs, praying for their intercessions (prayers) and drawing inspiration from their unconditional faith and great courage and fidelity to our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. Those individual Christians who died for their faith during periods of persecution, such as those under the enslavement of Ottoman Turks (Moslems) for 400-500 years and later under communism, are also martyrs and we refer to them as the "Neo-Martyr." or ¨"Νew-Martyrs."
"The death of martyr’s is encouragement to the faithful, daring of the Church, confirmation of Christianity, destruction of death, proof of the Resurrection, mocking at demons, condemnation of the devil, teaching of true wisdom and a pious way of life, instillation of disdain for present material benefits and the path of striving for the good to come, comfort in the face of the misfortunes which befall us, an inducement to patience, instruction in courage, the root and fount and mother of all blessings…The blood of martyrs nourishes the Church muchmore than the moisture of dew brings gardens into bloom." {Saint John Chrysostomos}
Christians throughout the centuries were willing to be tortured and die for Christ. "Thus, a person is a martyr if with his death he bears witness to the fact that Christ has conquered death, that He was resurrected from the dead. One’s witness lies in this, and not in the fact that he has been tortured."
No Christian ever hesitated to openly and boldly confess his/her faith in Christ. The devout and faithful Christian is always prepared to face persecution and to suffer if need be for the Faith. The Christian’s first and only loyalty is to his/her Lord and Master Who suffered and died to save all of mankind. Just as He died for us, we, too, must be willing to suffer and die for Him.
Saint John Chrysostom writes, "Again, the memorial of the martyrs, and again a feast day and a spiritual solemnity. They suffered, and we rejoice; they struggled, and we leap for joy; their crown is the glory of all, or rather, the glory of the whole Church. How can this be? you will say. The martyrs are our parts and members. But :whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it" (I Corinthians 12:36). The head is crowned, and the rest of the body rejoices. One becomes a victor in the Olympic games, and the whole people rejoices and receives him with great glory. If at the Olympic games those who do not in the least participate in the labors receive such satisfaction, all the more can this be with regard to the strugglers of piety. We are the feet, and the martyrs are the head; but "the head cannot say to the feet, I have no need of you" (I Corinthians 12:21). The members are glorified, but the preeminence of glory does not estrange them from the bond with the other parts: for then especially are they glorious when they are not estranged from the bond with them." "If their Master is not ashamed to e our Head, then all the more are they not ashamed to be our members; for in them is expressed love, and love usually joins and binds things which are separate, despite their difference in dignity" [Saint John Chrysostom, 'Eulogy for the Holy Martyr Romanus"]. [Resources: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology and A Dictionary of Greek Orthodoxy]
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"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
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With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George
The Eastern Orthodox Christian Ethos 