” THINGS GOOD AND PROFITABLE FOR OUR SOULS” Divine Liturgy

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

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST1 HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

" FOR THOSE THINGS THAT ARE GOOD AND PROFITABLE FOR OUR SOULS"
[Divine Liturgy]

"Those things that are good and profitable" which we ask of the Lord are not what worldly people call ‘good and profitable.’ Because ‘for believers "things profitable" means something different, not what the broad mass of people think they mean. A Christian KNOWS THAT THE SOUL EXISTS AND THERE IS ANOTHER LIFE, AND HE SEES EVERYTHING THROUGH THE PRISM OF ETERNITY.

Nevertheless, we Christians often do not know what is profitable for our souls, and that is why we ask Christ to give us whatever He judges to be in our interests. Saint John Chrysostom says: "You yourself do not know wha is in your best interest–unlike God, Who knows your interests very well. Often you ask for things that are harmful and dangerous; yet God, Who is more concerned with your salvation, does not pay attention to your request, but IN EVERY CASE TAKES CARE OF YOUR INTERESTS." So the believer is not upset when he does not receive what he asked for, because he believes that the Lord ‘orders all things out of love for man in the depths of His wisdom, and distributes to all what IS PROFITABLE TO THEM. And whether or not he receives an answer to his request, he gives thanks and glorifies God’s love.

If we do not receive from God what we ask, IT IS BECAUSE WE ASK FOR A STONE AND NOT FOR THE Bread of Life [cf. Matthew 7:9]. "Let your petitions be spiritual, and then without fail you will receive what you ask" stresses Saint John. The Lord Himself exhorts us not to ask for trivial things because, as He has assured us, "ONE THING IS NEEDFUL" [Luke 10:42]. And we in turn ask in the Divine Liturgy for the Heavenly Bread, which is CHRIST. This is the One Thing which profits us — in Greek, SYM-PHERI, which literally means, ‘brings together.’ IT BRINGS US ALL TOGETHER CLOSE TO THE HEAVENLY FATHER.

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

The magnitude of the gift of God the Father gave the world shows the greatness of His love: You "did so love Your world as to give Your Only-begotten Son." He gave His Only-begotten Son to the world which was as dead, so that life could come anew. ‘It was not that He was unable to deliver us in some other way, but in this way He showed us His exceeding love. He drew us to Himself through the death of His Only-begotten Son. And if He had had anything more precious than Him, He would have given that for our sake in order to bring our race back to Him!’ [Saint Isaac the Syrian]

"God so loved the world" [John 3:16]: notice how much wonderment is contained in this. Reflecting on the magnitude of what he had to convey, Saint John the Evangelist could not but say, "so loved…" Tell us, blessed John, how much is that "so loved?" Tell us the measure; tell us the magnitude; teach us of the superabundance. "God so loved the world that He gave His Only-begotten Son." ‘Each word has great significance… and [the whole] demonstrates the exceeding greatness of the Divine love. For the distance separating God and mankind was vast, infinite even. The Immortal God Who is without beginning, the boundless greatness, "loved" those who were formed from earth and dust, who were filled with innumerable sins. He "loved" the ungrateful, those who were constantly contravening His Divine will.’ [Saint John Chrysostom]

The sacrifice of Christ IS THE MANIFESTATION OF LOVE. "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the expiation for our sins" [1 John 4:9-10].

At the Mystical ("Last") Supper, Christ celebrates sacramentally His Sacrifice on the Cross. He offers His Holy Blood and by calling it the "blood of the New Covenant [or Testament], ‘He shows that He is going to die. That is why he talks about a testament, A WILL. And indeed He recalls the earlier Covenant [the Old Testament], because that too was ratified by blood [cf. Hebrews 9:18-21].’ At the Mystical Supper, we see the past (Old Testament), the present [New Testament] and the future [His imminent death] coexisting in the Person of Christ.

In the Liturgy of Saint James (Iakovos], before the Consecration of the Holy Gifts, the people sing with compunction: ‘Your death, O Lord, we proclaim, and Your Resurrection we confess.’ The Divine Eucharist is the sacramental ‘LIVING OUT’ OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE. During the celebration ‘Christ the Master IS PRESENT, and His death is accomplished, the awful Sacrifice.’ ‘Revere this Sacred Table,’ says Saint John Chrysostom, ‘revere the Sacrifice that lies upon it which is Christ slaughtered for us.’ [Saint John Chrysostom]

The Lord was given over to death for our sake, or, rather, He gave HImself up WILLINGLY [cf. Matthew 26:21]. In Holy Scripture ‘it is said that He was betrayed, but it is also written that He gave Himself up’ [cf. Ephesians 5:2]. Christ ‘SUFFERED DEATH ON OUR BEHALF’ and for our sake, willingly. We see Him going to His death VOLUNTARILY, even though He could easily have avoided the Passion. [Saint Gregory the Theologian]. Christ was handed over to the chief priests by "Judas, or, rather, gave Himself up, for the life of the world."

The Divine Eucharist is the MYSTERY OF CHRIST’S DEATH ON THE CROSS. So as we participate in this Mystery, WE TASTE THE FRUITS OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE. Through the Cross of Christ, ‘DEATH WAS ABOLISHED, RESURRECTION WAS GRANTED TO US, THE GATES OF PARADISE WERE OPENED… WE BECAME CHILDREN OF GOD.’ [Saint John of Damascus] Man was freed from enslavement to the Devil, and HIS ORIGINAL BEAUTY WITH WHICH HE WAS ENDOWED WHEN FIRST CREATED WAS RESTORED: ‘When Christ ascended the Cross and died and rose again, THE FREEDOM OF MANKIND WAS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED, AND FORM AND BEAUTY [THAT OF THE FIRST-CREATED MAN] WERE FASHIONED.’ MAN AND THE COSMOS WERE SANCTIFIED FOR ALL AGES: ‘A FEW DROPS OF BLOOD RE-CREATE THE ENTIRE WORLD.’ [Saint Nicholas Cabasilas]

Upon the Table of Life we encounter the Loving Father, Who ‘through the Passion of His Son was reconciled with the human race, and showed love to His enemies.’ DIVINE AGAPE (LOVE) IS AT ONCE THE ROOT AND THE FRUIT OF THE CROSS. [The Divine Liturgy.  A Commentary in the Light of the Fathers by Hieromonk Gregorios]

_________
"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

“LET US ENTRUST OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND OUR WHOLE LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD” Divine Liturgy

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.

"Let us Entrust Ourselves and One Another and Our Whole Life
to Christ Our God" [Divine Liturgy]

The Saints know from their own experience that ‘the soul which in faith has surrendered itself to God, once and for all time, and has liberally tasted of His help, will not take thought for itself again but falls silent in awe-struck wonder.’ ENTRUSTING OUR LIVES TOTALLY TO GOD, however, is not something that is achieved easily. It becomes a reality ‘WHEN OUR HEARTS DO NOT CENSURE US…WHEN WE DISDAIN OUR OWN CONCERNS SO AS TO CONCERN OURSELVES WITH THE THINGS OF CHRIST.’ For this reason we ask the help of the Lady Mother of God and all the Saints, and that is what is meant by the word "COMMEMORATING:" CALLING TO OUR AID, BESEECHING.’

There is also another reason why we beseech the Theotokos for her aid. The act of entrusting our lives to the Lord is something analogous to her own dedication to God. The Mother of God, at the age of three, was dedicated to the Lord in order to become His Living Throne, and in a similar way every believer is offered to the Lord IN ORDER TO BECOME HIS DWELLING-PLACE. On the day of her Entry into the Temple, the Ever-Virgin went ‘to be dedicated as a dwelling for the Ruler of All.’ At the Divine Liturgy, the celebrant priest or bishop exhorts us TO DEDICATE OURSELVES TO CHRIST, SO THAT THE MAY DWELL WITHIN US. HE EXHORTS US TO BECOME LIKE THE MOST PURE VIRGIN — ‘THE DWELLING-PLACE OF JESUS, BEAUTIFUL AND LOVELY.’

GOD’S LOVE FOR MANKIND BEYOND ALL TELLING

In the first prayer of the Divine Liturgy, the priest addresses God Himself. ‘Just as when you have boldness and a close friendship with some important person you are able to approach him and speak to him privately — that is how it is with a priest. Having boldness before Christ because of the grace and dignity of the priesthood, he approaches Him and tells Him all his secrets privately, that is, in a very careful, quiet and low voice. For that is how the preset says the prayers, and it demonstrates two things: first, the extreme Majesty of the Person with whom he is speaking, and secondly the pure love and great boldness that [the priest] has towards Him.’

As the priest says in the prayer, God’s LOVE FOR MANKIND AND HIS MERCY ARE BEYOND HUMAN MEASURE AND BEYOND HUMAN WORDS. The measure that does reveal God’s love for mankind IS THE EVENT OF THE INCARNATION: "On account of Your inexpressible and boundless love for mankind, You became man without change or alteration." ‘We human beings were the reason for the Incarnation of God the Logos/Word, and IT WAS FOR OUR SALVATION THAT HE SHOWED SUCH LOVE FOR MANKIND AS TO BE BORN AND MANIFEST HIMSELF IN A HUMAN BODY.’

God’s love IS UNBOUNDED IN MAGNITUDE AND NOBLE IN CHARACTER. From God we receive not merely a human sympathy, BUT THE LOVE OF A KING AND LEADER. ‘Just as His love for mankind is ineffable…so also the manner in which He approaches us and works for our good is wonderful, such as is fitting only to the God who does wondrous things. [Saint Nicholas Cabasilas]

GOD LOVES US IN AN EXCLUSIVE MANNER, AND WANTS US TO LOVE HIM IN THE SAME WAY. ‘From wherever we are He brings us back to Himself, and does not allow us to fix our intellect on anything else, nor to love any created thing…With a wondrous compulsion and authority full of love for mankind. He draws us toward Himself alone, and UNITED US TO HIMSELF ALONE. By this "force" he has gathered into the house and to the feast those He invited, saying to His servant: "COMPEL THEM TO COME IN, THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED" [Luke 14:23].

God prepares the Table of Life and invites man to seat himself at it. Yet His love for mankind has LIMITLESS ROOM. The pastors of the Church, who invite the guests, tell Him: Lord, what You commanded has been done, and "still there is room" [Luke 14:22]. It is the "room" of His noble love which remains empty as long as there are people who refuse to come into His House and sit down to His Supper. Until then, the mystery of love towards mankind will be at work: the Good Shepherd will be SEEKING THE LOST SHEEP; LOVE WILL BE SEARCHING FOR THE LOST COIN" [cf. Luke 15:4-10].

THE SOUL IS A CONSUMMATE MUSICIAN

PSALMODY OR SINGING is one of the three ways in which we address God: WE SING SACRED HYMNS, WE READ PRAYERS AND WE INTONE PETITIONS AND READINGS. Psalmody is especially helpful when we are struggling to communicate with Christ: ‘Nothing so exalts the soul…and aids it to live spiritually and not be concerned with everyday matters, as a harmonious melody and a rhythmical hymn to God…Great benefit and abundant sanctification are to be gained FROM SPIRITUAL PSALMODY, AND IT CAN BECOME THE FOUNDATION FOR THE WHOLE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. For the words of the hymns purify the soul and the Holy Spirit enters immediately into the soul that sings them.’ ‘One who sings in a genuine manner [that is, attentively] RENEWS HIS SOUL AND BECOMES A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.’ (Saint John Chrysostom)

If the soul that sings is to draw t itself the grace of the Holy Spirit, it is not enough for the melody to accord with the rules of music; IT MUST ALSO BE CONSONANT WITH THE PRAISES SUNG BY THE ANGELS. In church psalmody, ‘if someone is aged, or very young, or has a poor voice, or is entirely ignorant of rhythm, HE CANNOT BE REPROACHED, FOR WHAT IS REQUIRED IS A VIGILANT SOUL, A WAKEFUL INTELLECT, A HEART FILLED WITH COMPUNCTION, A HEALTHY MIND AND CLEAR CONSCIENCE.’ "Sing praises to the Lord, O you His saints," says the Prophet David [Psalm 29:5]. "Those who are able to sing to God are those who send forth their psalmody WITH A PURE HEART AND WHO ARE SAINTLY AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR IT IS THEY WHO FITTINGLY OBSERVE THE SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS.’ [Saint Basil the Great]

In the Orthodox Church, WE DO NOT USE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN WORSHIP. EVERY BELIEVER IS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MADE BY GOD, AND AT THE SAME TIME A MUSICIAN. If the musician [THE SOUL] keeps the instrument (THE BODY) pure and uses it properly, the two together raise to the Creator a hymn of praise that is pleasing to God. For the hymns that are sacred ‘IS BORN FROM THE SOUL’S PIETY, NOURISHED BY A GOOD CONSCIENCE, AND ACCEPTED IN HEAVEN BY GOD.’ (Saint John Chrysostom) (Resources: The Divine Liturgy by Hieromonk Gregorios of the cell of Saint John the Theologian Koutloumousiou Monastery at the Holy Mountain).

(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

THE LITANY OF PEACE AND THE ANTIPHONS

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 MYSTERY OF PEACE

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Cantor: Lord, have mercy [Kyrie eleison].

Immediately after the blessing of the Kingdom of God,

THE LITANY OF PEACE AND THE ANTIPHONS

[The Priest, lifting up the Gospel Book, and making

the sign of the cross with it over the Antimension, 
proclaims in a clear voice:  “Blessed is the Kingdom
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
now and forever, and to the ages of ages.]

Choir [or chanters]: Amen.

The Liturgy transforms earth into heaven

At Christ’s Incarnation, the mystery of the Triune God was revealed to man. ‘Because the rites performed in the Divine Liturgy are a sacramental initiation into the Incarnation of the Lord, it is necessary for the Holy Trinity to shine forth and be proclaimed from the very beginning of the Liturgy. This is why the priest begins with the Trinitarian Doxology: “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The Divine Liturgy IS THE REVELATION OF THE BLESSED KINGDOM OF THE TRIUNE GOD.

The Liturgy, as a manifestation of the Kingdom, is at the same time the mystery of Christ’s presence, FOR THAT IS WHAT THE KINGDOM IS. ‘What is the Kingdom of God?’ asks Christ, through Saint John Chrysostom. And He replies: ‘It is My presence.’ It is the ACTUAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST THAT IS CELEBRATED IN THE DIVINE LITURGY. Throughout the Liturgy, Christ ‘APPEARS IN THE MYSTERIES THEMSELVES.’ [Matthew 41:2].

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Chanters: Lord, have mercy [Kyrie eleison].

THE MYSTERY OF PEACE OF GOD

Immediately after the blessing of the Kingdom of God, our Mother Church teaches us the way of liturgical prayer: “Let us pray to the Lord in peace.”
The road that leads to the Divine Liturgy IS PEACE OF SOUL. Without this peace, we cannot take part in the Liturgy: ‘Without tranquility of thoughts, the human intellect cannot explore hidden mysteries.’ Real participation in the eucharistic Mystery is proportionate to our inner peace: ‘The more the heart ceases to be disturbed by recollections of external things, the more the intellect is astounded by understanding divine meanings.’

True peace of soul, however, is to be had at the heavenly Altar where the Holy Anaphora is celebrated: ‘True peace is from above.’ And we approach the Altar IN PEACE. Saint Basil writes: ‘Seek peace… Acquire a calm mind and a state of soul untroubled and undisturbed…that you may acquire the peace of God “which passes all understanding” [Philippians 4:7] as the guard of your heart.’ [Saint Basil the Great]

The fact that man has been created in the image of God means that human nature has been created ‘PEACEABLE, FREE FROM STRIFE AND FACTION, BOUND TO GOD AND TO ITSELF BY LOVE.’ The peace which man received as a gift from God was enjoyed by living a virtuous life close to Him. For ‘nothing gives such peace to our soul as knowledge of god and the acquisition of virtue.’ Sin, however, BROUGHT CONFUSION AND TROUBLE TO MAN AND TO THE WORLD. ‘For evil by its nature is DISPERSIVE, UNSTABLE, MULTIFARIOUS AND DIVISIVE.’ Through sin, man became an enemy both to himself and to God. Once man had reached that point, Christ was able to help him and give him peace. ‘Christ is the only one who can reconcile with God, the only one who gives peace of soul.’ It was for precisely this reason that ‘in His love for man God became man so that He might unite human nature to Himself and stop it from acting evilly towards itself, or rather from being at strife divided against itself.’ [Saint Maximus the Confessor]

The peace that Christ brought by becoming man is ACQUIRED THROUGH REPENTANCE: ‘From her unceasing tears, the soul receives peace in her thoughts. And from peace in thoughts she is raised to the limpid purity of the intellect. And through this limpidity of the intellect a man comes to see the mysteries of God. [Saint Isaac the Syrian] Tears of repentance are the beginning of the road. They form the first rung of the ladder that takes us up to contemplation of the divine Mysteries. The second rung is PEACE OF SOUL.

When we approach Christ in repentance, He sends us to the place where His peace reigns: “Go in peace” [Luke 7:50]. He sends us into the church, which is the ‘IMPREGNABLE PALACE OF [God’s] PEACE.’ There our soul, guided by Christ the High Priest, occupies itself with the contemplation of God in the Holy Spirit: that contemplation which is ‘peaceful and free from any disturbance.’ [Saint Maximus the Confessor]

The Divine Liturgy IS THE MYSTERY OF THE PEACE OF GOD: “This Mystery is a Mystery of peace.’ For the Divine Liturgy IS OUR ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST, WHO IS “THE TRUE PEACE” FOR MAN. [Saint John Chrysostom]. Having instructed us in the first petition how we should pray, the Church now teaches us what we should first ask for: the peace of God and the salvation of our souls. That is what Christ taught us when He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” [Matthew 6:33], for ‘the salvation of our souls’ means the Kingdom of God, and the ‘peace form on high’ means righteousness.’ The righteousness of God is virtuous life, the life that man scorned when he fell, and that has been given us anew as a gift from Him “who became for us…righteousness from God and sanctification'” [1 Corinthians 1:30]. [Saint Nicholas Cabasilas]

As the Angels heralded at His birth, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill among men” [Luke 2:14]. Christ BROUGHT TRUE PEACE TO THE EARTH. The Angels guarded well the place assigned to them ‘and are at peace with God, FOR THEY HEED HIS WILL AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SANCTITY. We wretched humans, on the other hand, exalted our own desires in opposition to the will of the Master and assumed an attitude of enmity towards Him. This enmity WAS ANNULLED BY CHRIST, for He is our peace and through Himself He UNITED US WITH GOD THE FATHER, PUTTING SIN TO FLIGHT…SO CHRIST BECAME PEACE AND GOODWILL FOR US.’ [Saint Cyril of Alexandria]. [Resources: The Divine Liturgy by Hieromonk Gregorios of the Holy Mountain]

(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

On our adoption by God

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 OUR ADOPTION BY GOD
By Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

"Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" [1 John 3:1], and so we are. O blessedness! O God’s love for man! O how much God’s love has accomplished! O how profusely has God’s grace abounded! Poor and rejected sinners are made the children of God! The Apostle of Christ wonders at this and says, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God," and so we are. For what is more astonishing than that a sinner should become a child of God? God’s love toward man has wrought this. What is more glorious than to be called and to really be a child of God? God’s grace has bestowed this on man. It is glorious to be the child of an earthly king; it is incomparably more glorious to be the child of God the Heavenly King. This honor, glory, merit, nobility, and name is more excellent than all titles of this world. For this, glory to God Who loves mankind!

If Christians are children of God, they are also heirs, "heirs," then, "of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" [Romans 8:17]. If they are children of God, what then, and whom should they fear? Why fear traitors, enemies, the devil, demons, death and hell? God shall stand up for them. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" [Romans 8:31}.  We receive this most exalted gift of God in Baptism, for then we men are born of God and receive this most glorious title.


   Beloved Christians! Let us remember our holy Baptism, and this most exalted mercy which God then showed us; we then became children of God.  Glory for this!  But it is required of children that they should be like their parents, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" [John 3:6]. Therefore Christians must be like God as they are born of God. God is Holy, let us also be holy. God is Righteous, let us also be righteous. God is Good, "for He maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45}; let us also be good and do good both to our friends and to our enemies, to those that love us and to those that hate us. God is compassionate, let us also be compassionate and show mercy to our unfortunate brethren. God hates sin, let us also hate every sin and turn away from it. God loves us, let us also love one another. God forgives us our transgressions when we repent, let us also forgive men their transgressions

The Apostle of Christ admonishes us to do this: "Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children" (Ephesians 5:1). When we show such character in ourselves, then we shall be true children of God and we shall receive both the inheritance and all good things promised to the children of God in Jesus Christ the Lord.

ON THE HONOR AND NOBILITY OF TRUE CHRISTIANS

Beloved Christians, I cannot wonder enough the goodness of God and His compassionate love for us men; and contemplating this, I cannot but exclaim with the Prophet, "O Lord, what is man, that Thou art made known unto him? Or the son of man, that Thou takest account of him?" [Psalm 143:3], when I consider what honor the Lord has granted man! The honor and nobility which God bestows on men who are true Christians is so great and so high that it is impossible not only to describe it or to explain it in words, but even to comprehend it with the mind. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people" [1 Peter 2:9], says the true Apostle of Christ.

From what can we see the incomprehensible goodness and compassionate love of God toward man? Let us but look and set the honor and nobility of a Christian before our inward eyes, that we may be zealous for it and seek it out with eagerness. Open then, the hearing of your souls, and you shall hear a word told about true Christians.

1. They are called and truly are the children of God. What is more glorious to man than this name? The Apostle of Christ rightly wonders at this and with wonder says to Christians, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God?" [1 John 3:1-2), and so we are…

      2.  True Christians have a close union and fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  The Apostle of Christ assures us of this saying, "our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ."  How great this is you can see for yourself…

      3.  In true Christians as in spiritual  temples, God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, abides with love.  The Lord says of this, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode in him" [John 14:23]…

4. True Christians are spiritual members of the Most Heavenly Head, Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Apostle says concerning this, "We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" [Ephesians 5:30]…

5. The souls of true Christians are betrothed to the Immortal Bridegroom, Jesus Christ… As the Bridegroom is glorious, so also does His bride partake of His glory. What is more honorable and noble than Jesus Christ the Son of God? What is more noble and honorable than a Chrstian soul betrothed to Him?

6. True Christians are "HEIRS OF GOD, AND JOINED-HEIRS WITH CHRIST" [Romans 8:17).  Theirs are the eternal and heavenly Kingdom and all good things.  "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).  These and others are the names and titles that the Holy Spirit attributes to true Christians… The glory of true Christians is not now manifest, but can only be attained and known by faith. "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness" [1 John 3:2-4]. "Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" [Matthew 13:43].
[Resources:  Journey to Heaven]

___________
"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

ON THE INNATE LAW OF GOD: ON CONSCIENCE

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 INNATE LAW OF GOD: ON CONSCIENCE
By Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

When God created man He SET A CONSCIENCE WITHIN HIS SOUL SO THAT HE MAY BE GOVERNED BY IT AS BY A RULE, and so that he may be guided in what to do and what to avoid. CONSCIENCE IS NOTHING OTHER THAN NATURAL OR INNATE LAW, WHICH IS WHY IT ALSO AGREES WITH THE WRITTEN LAW OF GOD. For whatever the Law of God teaches, conscience teaches also.

The Law of God commands us to know the ONE GOD; conscience teaches the same. Wherefore even parents, convinced by conscience, acknowledge ONE GOD.

The Law of God commands us to reverence God above all creatures and to render Supreme Honor to God alone; conscience teaches the same. The Law of God teaches us not to hold anything equal to God; conscience teaches the same. The Law of God commands us to show submissiveness, subordination, and obedience to God as the Supreme Authority; conscience teaches the same. The Law of God commands us to fear God s the Most Righteous Judge; we hear the same from conscience. The Law of God commands us to punish those that blaspheme the name of God; our conscience cannot endure it either. The Law of God teaches us to listen to God more tan to man; conscience teaches the same. The Law of God demands that we love God above all things; conscience demands the same. For God is the most exalted and Supreme Good and the Source of All Good, therefore we must love Him above all created things.

The Law of God teaches us to thank God for all things; conscience teaches us the same, for conscience itself convinces us to be thankful to our Benefactor. The Law of God commands us to put all our hope in God; conscience commands the same. For God alone is able to do all things as Almighty. Every created thing is powerless without God and apart from God, therefore hope in them is inconstant and infirm. The Law of God commands us to submit and give honor to parents and all authorities sent by God; we hear the same thing from our conscience.

The Law of God forbids us to harm a man and to deprive him of life; conscience forbids the same thing. The Law of God commands us to help a man in misfortune and need; conscience commands the same. The Law of God forbids adultery and fornication; a man hears the same from his conscience, and it thunders within him not to defile himself with uncleanliness.

The Law of God forbids us to lay hold of the goods of others without the consent of hte proprietor; conscience cries out the same. The Law of God forbids lying, flattery, and deceit; conscience forbids it too. The Law of God commands us not to desire anything that belongs to another; conscience commands it too. Thus the Law of God and conscience mutually agree and are appointed for the same end, that is our blessedness, whence even the pagans, enlightened by philosophical teaching wrote many useful precepts. This comes from nothing other than conscience or natural law illumined by much labor and instruction.

Therefore everyone who sins against conscience ALSO SINS AGAINST THE LAW OF GOD AND AGAINST THE LAWGIVER HIMSELF, GOD. Whoever does NOT LISTEN TO HIS CONSCIENCE LISTENS NEITHER TO THE LAW OF GOD NOR TO GOD HIMSELF. Whoever OFFENDS HIS OWN CONSCIENCE ALSO OFFENDS GOD HIMSELF. Those Christians who sin against their conscience do not truly worship God, but are hypocrites, for it is impossible to worship God WITHOUT A CLEAN CONSCIENCE. A true Christian does not wish to, and keeps himself from sinning against his conscience, and so break the Law of God. He would rather suffer than sin. FAITH RESTS IN SUCH A CONSCIENCE AND MAKES A MAN JOYFUL; FOR WHERE THERE IS A CLEAN CONSCIENCE, THERE IS FAITH AND JOY. JUST AS THE LAW OF GOD ACCUSES A MAN OF SIN, SO LIKEWISE CONSCIENCE ACCUSES HIM ALSO. So it is that when a word of reproof is spoken in general, then sinners are wounded in conscience and troubled.

Just as the Law of God puts the fear of God’s judgment into a sinner, so likewise conscience puts fear into him and cries within the sinner, ‘Man, it shall go miserably for you.’ Just as the effect of the Law of God and of conscience are the same, so shall they be the same at the Judgment of Christ. There the Law of God which he violated will accuse the sinner; the conscience offended by his sins will also accuse him. There, these two, CONSCIENCE and the LAW OF GOD, will be the witnesses and the accusers against every sinner. It happens that an evil conscience is as though asleep; but when it awakens and begins to accuse the sinner, then cruel torment will come upon him through his conscience, whence it is that many kill themselves, not enduring the pangs of conscience…

O sinners, why do we sleep? Let us awaken and repent and cleanse our sins BY REPENTANCE and CONTRITION OF HEART, and let us correct ourselves and cease from sinning and offending our conscience, lest we appear before the Judgment of Christ with an evil conscience blackened with sins, when the books of the conscience shall be opened and each receive according to his works.

Do not do what conscience forbids you to do, for an unerring conscience forbids what the Law of God also forbids. For A GOOD CONSCIENCE IS IN AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW OF GOD. The Law of God says, "Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal" [Exodus 20:13-15], and so on. You also hear the same within your conscience, and it tells you the same thing. AVOID, THEN, DOING WHAT CONSCIENCE FORBIDS, LEST HAVING WOUNDED YOUR CONSCIENCE YOU WOUND YOUR SOUL

Shun evil and do good for God’s sake, and for no other reason than that God forbade the former and commanded the latter, for everything that IS NOT DONE FOR GOD’S SAKE IS NOT PLEASING TO GOD. LET YOU AIM IN ALL YOUR DEEDS, THEN, BE THE WILL OF GOD, WHICH DOES NOT DESIRE EVIL, BUT DESIRES GOOD. [Resources: Journey to Heaven]

_____________
"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

“ONE THING IS NEEDFUL” Luke 10:42.

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.

"ONE THING IS NEEDFUL" [Luke 10:42].
By Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

Our Savior said this saying, "One thing is needful" to us all, O Christians! Many Christians trouble themselves and take care of one thing or another, but they themselves often do not know for what they trouble themselves. The Lord warns us of this useless care and says to all, "One thing is needful!" What is it? ETERNAL SALVATION.

This is the foremost task of a Christian. With Christians the foremost care ought to be for this. We need food, clothing, a house, and other things necessary for this life, and we also pray for this to our Heavenly Father, "Give us this day our daily bread" [Matthew 6:11]. But ETERNAL SALVATION IS SO NECESSARY THAT WITHOUT IT EVERYTHING ELSE IS AS NOTHING. For "what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul?" [Matthew 16:26]. There is no profit, truly none, WHERE THERE IS NO SALVATION.

What use is it to us, though we gain the whole world, we lose our soul? We protect our temporal life above all things. How much more ought we to protect our eternal life, WHICH IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN THE WHOLE WORLD! Then just as for each man (person), task is his calling — as for a judge it is to judge, for a farmer it is to farm, for a mechant it is to ply his merchandise, for a herdsman it is to herd his cattle, for a teacher it is to teach, for students it is to learn, and so on — SO FOR THE CHRISTIAN HIS FOREMOST TASK SHOULD BE TO PLEASE GOD, WHOM HE CONFESSES AND REVERES, IN FAITH AND IN TRUTH, AND SO TO HOPE FOR AND AWAIT ETERNAL LIFE FROM HIM. This is the Christian’s FOREMOST TASK, CARE, AND LABOR. THIS IS THE ONLY THING NEEDFUL.

Beloved Christians! We are created for not temporal but FOR ETERNAL LIFE. We are renewed unto eternal life through Holy Baptism. We are called to eternal life by the word of God. Christ the Son of God came into the world, SUFFERED, AND DIED FOR THE SAKE OF OUR ETERNAL LIFE. Do you see how dear God held our eternal salvation? He created everything for the sake of it, and for the sake of it He HImself came into the world. Our foremost care and labor, then, should be for this.

Satan endeavors to steal it from us and to destroy us eternally. Then we ought not slumber, but we should protect THIS PRICELESS TREASURE.

But we see and sigh, that many Christians neglect this foremost task. FORNICATORS, ADULTERERS AND DEFILEERS NEGLECT IT. Blasphemers and revilers neglect it. Drunkards and lovers of pleasure neglect it. Robbers, thieves and brigands neglect it. Liars, flatterers, and hypocrites neglect it. Slanderers and accusers neglect it. All that please the world and their whims, but not God, neglect it.

All these and others like them set at nought the treasure of eternal salvation obtained by the labors, pains, suffering, and death, even death on the Cross of Christ, the Son of God, and so they dishonor the very One Who suffered and died. Among present day Christians, it is held to be a great thing and dear to be in honor, glory, riches, and luxury, but hey hold their eternal salvation AS THE LEAST OF THEIR CONCERNS, WHICH THESE OTHER CONCERNS SHOULD FOLLOW. Eternal salvation is "the one thing needful," according to the words of Christ, but it is either gained or lost here. IT IS GAINED BY REPENTANCE AND FAITH, IT IS LOST BY AN UNREPENTANT LIFE.

Listen, you sinners, and you blessed Christians, eternal salvation IS FOR US "THE ONE THING NEEDFUL," and it is either GAINED OR LOST HERE. Beloved, let us deepen this in our memory. Sinners! Let us remember the vows which we made at Baptism, and let us repent, lest we appear slothful before God.

Let us remember THE HOUR OF DEATH and REPENTS, lest we depart this world without hope of salvation. Let us remember THE DREAD JUDGMENT OF CHRIST AND REPENT, lest we appear there with our sins. Let us remember THE SWEETNESS OF ETERNAL LIFE and the bitterness of eternal death, and turn to God, and propitiate Him with tears and repentance, that He open to us the doors of His loving kindness and His eternal Kingdom.

LORD OF HOSTS CONVERT US AND MAKE THY FACE TO SHINE ON US AND WE SHALL BE SAVED! [Resources:  Journey to heaven]

____________
"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

ON ETERNITY

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 ETERNITY
By Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk

Nothing so moves a sinner to repentance as ETERNITY, and nothing is so useful to every Christian as remembrance and contemplation of eternity. Eternity restrains a man (person) from sin, calms his passions, turns him from the world and all its vanity, makes his heart contrite, gives birth to tears of repentance, incites him to prayer, and works true sighing of the heart. Contemplation and remembrance of eternity can correct even the most depraved man (person).

Contemplation of eternity filled dwellers of the desert, caves, mountains, and clefts of the earth. By contemplating eternity the holy martyrs willed to endure the most grievous torments rather than submit to the will of ungodly kings and deny Christ.

From consideration of eternity brigands, murderers, robbers, fornicators, and prostitutes, and all manner of grievous sinners were made Saints and the elect of God. Glory to God Who loves mankind, for He opens the doors to Himself unto all, even the most grievous sinners.

It is amazing that Christians of the present age while hearing in the Holy Scripture of eternity, are nevertheless so attached to the vanity of this world, and seek honors, glory, and riches in this world, and build, add onto, and adorn their houses and other edifices, as though there were no eternity. Forgetfulness of eternity works in them, and the enticement of the vanity of the eyes darkens their hearts.

Beloved Christians! Let us inscribe eternity in our memory, and without fail, ceaselessly, in true repentance, contrition of heart, and prayer, let us not be enticed by any vanity of this world, and let us shun every sin as a venomous serpent. All that seems beautiful, pleasant, and dear to the sons of this age is loathsome to us. Let us truly be content with a morsel of bread and a little shack and ragged clothing. Remembrance and consideration of eternity will work this contentment in us.

Do you know what eternity is? ETERNITY IS THE BEGINNING WITHOUT END. THAT IS, ONCE IT BEGINS IT NEVER ENDS. Or, it is always and never. That is, it shall always be and never cease. This is eternity. All the ages from the foundation of the world to the end are as the smallest speck as compared to the whole world, or as a minute as compared to thousands of years.

There are TWO ETERNITIES, that most fortunate and that most unfortunate. In fortunate eternity there shall be the Kingdom of God. God will be seen face to face, and there will be unspeakable joy and gladness. The soul and body will receive their perfect blessedness, and a man will be vouchsafed good things which "the eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man" [1 Corinthians 2:9]. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" [Matthew 13:43].

The unfortunate eternity there shall be deprivation and separation from God, and every suffering and torment of body and soul. There men will wish to die and death will flee from them, that is THE SECOND DEATH and ETERNAL DEATH.

Sinners! We hear of eternity from the word of God, and we see that there are two eternities. Fortunate eternity is full of joy of joy and everything good, and is eternal life. Unfortunate eternity is full of torment, sorrow, disease, and everything evil, and is eternal death. Let us repent, then, and wash away our sins with tears that we may avoid, the unfortunate eternity and that we may enter into eternal life and the Kingdom.

After the Dread Judgment as Judge shall pronounce a fitting sentence on everyone. He shall say, "Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels… And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous INTO LIFE ETERNAL" [ Matthew 25:41, 46].

REMEMBER US, O LORD, WHEN THOU ENTEREST INTO THY KINGDOM. [Resources: Journey to Heaven.  Counsels on the particular duties of Every Christian.]

_____
"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

SUFFERING WHITH FAITH AND PATIENCE

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.

Suffering with Faith and Patience

The Holy Apostle James writes:

"My brethren, take the Prophets, who spoke
in the name of the Lord, as an example of
SUFFERING AND PATIENCE. Indeed, we count
them blessed who endure. You have heard of
the perseverance of Job and seen the end
intended by the Lord–that the Lord is very
compassionate and merciful…
Is anyone among
you suffering? Let him pray. [James 5:10-13].

No person is a stranger to suffering including Prophets, our Savior Himself, the Holy Apostles, the Holy Martyrs, the Saints, the Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church and a multitude of Christians, men, women, and children throughout the centuries. We all learn how to suffer from the example set for us by Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, and the people of God throughout the ages. The genuine and true follower of Christ is not afraid of suffering especially for Him and for the Faith. Jesus said to Ananias about the new convert Paul: "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake." [Acts 9:16]. And indeed the Holy Apostle suffered greatly for Christ. Saint Paul says, "Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often , in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in eariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." [2 Corinthians 11:25-27]. According to Saint John Chrysostomos, "Saint Paul not only embraced his sufferings but actively sought them out, viewing them as a great honor and a way to participate more fully in Christ’s suffering, considering them as ‘weapons of righteousness’ and a means to achieve a great glory in God; he rejoiced in enduring persecution and hardship for the sake of the Holy Gospel, seeing it as a privilege to be persecuted for Christ’s sake.

Like the Holy Apostle Paul, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffered, we too, must emulate his holy example by embracing our own sufferings with faith, devotion, and courage and seeing them as opportunities to grow spiritually and , therefore, to demonstrate our unconditional love for our Redeemer Christ. There are of course different kinds of persecutions and sufferings in life and hardly anyone is able to avoid them completely. Nevertheless, we all must prepare ourselves to confront them with boldness, and real confidence, assured that Christ is always with us. He will not allow any suffering that befalls us to be much more than we are unable to bear. We suffer with faith and hope and rejoice over the opportunity to prove to ourselves like David the king, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid" [Psalm 27:1].

With every kind of experience in life, good or bad, we become stronger and acquire a better understanding of ourselves and God’s plan for us. We become resilient, more sure of our abilities, we come to know our weaknesses and strengths, we come to know how strong our faith in God is, and how sincere our love is for our fellowman. By the grace of God we come to know the best way to use the gifts which He has given us and become better stewards of His gifts. A good Christian strives always to serve Him with humility and meekness without expecting rewards and/or to be compensated for anything done by him, We learn from our Savior Christ, "Freely you have received, freely give" [Matthew 10:8].

The Holy Apostle Paul speaking to the Philippians says, "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but TO YOU OF SALVATION, AND THAT FROM GOD. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE IN HIM, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE" [Philippians 1:27-28]. "To suffer for His sake" is a repeated theme in his Epistle to the Philippians. Suffering not onl bears witness to others, as Saint Paul’s chains have done, but also can serve to increase our faith. SUFFERING IS A GIFT FROM CHRIST, AS IS FAITH: IT IS A PARTICIPATION IN HIS GRACE.

Orthodox Christians wear around their necks a gold cross given to them by their Sponsor at their baptism. All Christians understand the symbolism of the cross, however, Orthodox Christians are given a cross at their baptism as a symbol of their NEW LIFE IN CHRIST, signifying that they now belong to Him and are called to "take up their cross" and follow Him throughout their lives; wearing the cross serves as a protection from all evil and a reminder of their commitment to the Christian faith and the Sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross for their salvation. There is a solemn hymn to the Cross chanted on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross that says, "The Cross is the guardian of the world; the Cross is the beauty of the Church; the Cross is the might of kings; the Cross is the glory of Angels, and the wounding of demons."

Orthodox Christians offer reverence, honor and veneration to the Cross of Christ. "We venerate the Cross of Christ, by which the power of the demons and the deceit of the devil were destroyed." Throughout the centuries Orthodox Christians consistently celebrate the Cross as an emblem of victory over evil. While the cross was an intrument of torture, agony, and death, the Holy Apostle Paul associates Christ’s Cross with power. The Holy Apostle warns against fake attitudes toward the life of the Church of Corinth, "so that the Cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power" [ 1 Corinthians 1:17).  He also points out "the message of the Cross is.. the power of God" [1 Corinthians 1:18]. While not diminishing in any way the sufferings of Our Lord Christ endured, Saint Paul proclaims the triumph of the Lord and Savior on the Cross. Also, Saint Justin Martyr states, "The concealed power of God was in Christ the crucified."

The Holy Orthodox Fathers of the Church speaking to believers on suffering write: "If you love Christ God, then endure as He endured, and do all that is pleasing to Him." Also, You are truly free only when you are struggling, when you are present on the cross." Furthermore, "If a man (a person) views life as a time of sorrows, correction, and purification, then suffering and pain become not only bearable, but even useful." We all know and believe that suffering is a part of earthly life, and that it can be a way to grow spiritually.

A Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
for one suffering:

" O Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, the Physician of our
souls and bodies, Who didst become Man and suffer
death on the Cross for our salvation, and through Thy
Thy tender love and compassion didst heal all manner
of sickness and affliction, do Thou, O Lord, visit me in
my suffering and grant me grace and strength to bear
it with faith and a humble and contrite heart and to
turn my suffering and distress into a greater love for
Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 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

THE SYNAXIS OF THE HONORABLE, PROPHET, FORERUNNER, AND BAPTIST JOHN

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 Synaxis of the Honorable, Prophet, Forerunner,
and Baptist JOHN.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Forerunner. Second Tone

THE memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the
Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast
proved to be truly even more Venerable than the Prophets, since thou
was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they
proclaimed. Wherefore having congested for the truth, thou didst
rejoice to announce the Good Tidings even to those in Hades: that
God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world
and granting us great mercy.

Kontakion of the Forerunner. Plagal of Second Tone

TERRIFIED at Thy bodily presence, Jordan turned back in fear; and
having fulfilled his Prophetic Ministry, John drew back in trembling.
The orders of Angels were amazed to see Thee in the streams
baptized in the flesh, and all those in darkness were illumined and
;praised Thee, Who hadst appeared and hadst enlightened all things.
+

Saint John, the Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist, today, January 7th, is commemorated by the Holy Church. The word SYNAXIS signifies A GATHERING OR ASSEMBLING. In this case, ODAY’S SYNAXIS IS AN ASSEMBLY OF THE CONGREGATION FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP, with a vigil and Eucharist, and instruction regarding the Feast-Day of Saint John, following the Major Feast of the Theophany, in which he materially participated.

Saint John the Baptist’s Life and
Ministry (Diakonia).

Saint Ephraim the Syrian (306-383 A.D.) says that "the daughter (Elisabeth) of Aaron the priest gave birth to the voice in the desert [Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3], and the daughter (Mary) of King David to the Logos/Word of the heavenly King." The hymnographers of the Church proclaim John as that "VOICE." Saint Kyril of Jerusalem (349-386 A.D.) observes: "John {the Baptist) alone, while carried in the womb, leaped for joy [Luke 1:44]; and though he saw not with the eyes of the flesh, HE KNEW HIS MASTER BY THE SPIRIT. For since the grace of Baptism was great, it required greatness in its founder also. Saint Ephraim writes: "He who was to baptize with water would proclaim Him Who would baptize in fire and in the Holy Spirit…" [cf. Matthew 3:11].

The Prophet Isaiah also said, "Be glad, thou thirsty desert: let the wilderness exult, and flower as the lily. And the desert places of Jordan shall blossom and rejoice [Isaiah 35:1-2]. And, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT THE PATHS OF OUR GOD’… And the glory of the Lord shall appear, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God, for the Lord hath spoken it [Isaiah 40:5]. Saint Kyril of Alexandria [378-444 A.D.] says, "The blessed Isaiah knew the work of the Forerunner in proclaiming Christ, and styled John His MINISTER and SERVANT, and said that he was a lamp advancing before the True Light, the Morning Star heralding the Sun. He foreshadowed the COMING OF THE DAY THAT WAS ABOUT TO SHED ITS RAYS UPON US; AND THAT HE WAS A VOICE, NOT A WORD, FORERUNNING JESUS, AS THE VOICE DOES THE WORD.

Saint John Chrysotomos (347-407 A.D.) writes of the Forerunner’s life and ministry: "Conceive, for example, how great a thing it was to see a man AFTER THIRTY YEARS COMING DOWN FROM THE WILDERNESS, being a son of a Chief Priest [Luke 3:2], who had never known the common wants of men, and was on every account Venerable, and had Isaiah with him…For so great was the earnestness of the Prophets touching these things, that not their own Lord only, but him also WHO WAS TO MINISTER UNTO HIM, THEY PROCLAIMED A LONG TIME BEFOREHAND. And they not only mentioned him, but the place too in which he was to abide, and the manner of the doctrine which he had to teach when he came, and the good effect that was produced by him."

Saint John said, "PRODUCE FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE" [Luke 3:8]. According to Saint Kyril, "THE FRUIT OF REPENTANCE IS, IN THE HIGHEST DEGREE, FAITH IN CHRIST; AND NEXT TO IT, THE EVANGELIC MODE OF LIFE, AND IN GENERAL TERMS THE WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO SIN, WHICH THE PENITENT MUST BRING FORTH AS FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE." The Baptist then says, "Think not to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for a father’; for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham" [Luke 3:8]. Saint Kyril observes that Saint John "skilfully humbles their foolish pride . For of what benefit is nobility of birth, if men practice not the like earnest deeds, nor imitate the virtue of their ancestors? The relationship GOD REQUIRES IS ONE IN CHARACTER AND MANNERS; SO THAT IT IS A VAIN THING TO BOAST OF HOLY AND GOOD PARENTS, WHILE WE FALL SHORT OF THEIR VIRTUE."

The Baptist John answered those who asked whether or not he was Christ, saying, "I INDEED BAPTIZE YOU IN WATER, BUT THE ONE MIGHTIER THAN I COMETH, OF WHOM I AM NOT FIT TO LOOSE THE STRAP OF SANDALS. HE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU IN THE HOLY SPIRIT AND IN FIRE" [Luke 3:16]. Saint Ambrose explains: "Since man IS OF TWO NATURES, NAMELY, HE SUBSISTS FROM A SOUL AND BODY, THE VISIBLE IS HALLOWED BY THE VISIBLE THINGS, THE INVISIBLE BY AN INVISIBLE MYSTERY; FOR THE BODY IS WASHED IN WATER, BUT BLEMISHES OF THE SOUL ARE CLEANSED IN THE SPIRIT."

Saint John "was clothed with camel hairs, and he wore a leathern belt about his loins" [Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6]. Saint John Chrysostomos tells us: "For this reason his outer garment was of hair, in order that by his form HE MIGHT INSTRUCT THE PEOPLE TO LEAVE HUMAN THINGS, AND TO HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH THE EARTH, BUT HASTEN BACK TO THEIR EARLIER NOBILITY, WHEREIN ADAM WAS BEFORE HE WANTED GARMENTS AND COVERINGS. THUS THAT DRESS BORE THE TOKENS OF A KINGDOM AND REPENTANCE."

As to his food, he ate locusts and wild honey [Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6]. Saint Theophylactos comments that "some say that THE LOCUSTS ARE A KIND OF HERB, WHICH IS ALSO MELAGRA; BUT OTHER SAY IT IS A TYPE OF FRUIT GROWING ON THE UPPER BRANCHES OF TREES, ESPECIALLY HARD-SHELLED FRUITS WHICH WERE WILD FRUITS.

The Baptist John was proclaiming A BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE TOWARD REMISSION OF SINS," "And all the land of Judaea, and of Jerusalem , were going out to him; and all were being baptized in the Jordan River by him, CONFESSING THEIR SINS" [Mark 1:4-5]. Blessed Theophylactos comments: "John preached THE BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE which led toward the remission of sins…The Forerunner proclaimed the baptism of repentance so that those who repent and receive Christ would have the forgiveness of sins." And elsewhere, "John’s baptism GAVE NEITHER SPIRITUAL GRACE NOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN, BUT CHRIST WILL FORGIVE YOU AND GIVE YOU THE SPIRIT ABUNDANTLY." Saint John says that Christ "SHALL BAPTIZE YOU IN THE HOLY SPIRIT AND IN FIRE" [Matthew 3:11]. Saint John Chrysostomos comments: "He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit; and by this metaphor he declares THE ABUNDANCE OF GRACE. For he NOT, "He shall give you the Holy Spirit," but "He shall baptized you in the Holy Spirit." And by the additional mention of the fire, he again indicates the EXCEEDINGLY STRONG AND ROVING QUALITY OF THE GRACE."

THE SPIRIT DESCENDING AS A DOVE

Saint John bore witness, saying, "I have beheld the Spirit descending out of heaven as a dove, and He abode upon Him. And I new Him not, but the One Who sent me to baptize in water, that One said to me, ‘UPON WHOMSOEVER THOU SHALT SEE THE SPIRIT DESCENDING AND ABIDING ON HIM, THIS IS THE ONE WHO BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. AND I HAVE SEEN AND HAVE BORNE WITNESS THAT THIS IS THE SON OF GOD" [John 1:32-34]. Saint Ambrose comments: "It was not a dove that descended, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT "AS A DOVE" [Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10]. Saint Gregory the Great: "We must ask why the Spirit appeared over our Redeemer, the Mediator between God and men, like a dove? The Only-Begotten is the Judge of the human race. Who could bear His Righteousness if before He gathered us in through His gentleness He had willed to examine our sins through His righteous fervor? Having become Man, H showed Himself mild to us, willing rather to gather us than to smite us. He will first TO CORRECT GENTLY… Thus, the Spirit appeared over Him like a dove, since He was not coming to smite our sins now in His fervor, BUT TO CONTINUE TO PUT UP WITH THEM IN HIS GENTLENESS."

Saint Athanasios, Archbishop of Alexandria (328 A.D.), observes that "the Spirit’s descent on Him in the Jordan WAS A DESCENT UPON US, BECAUSE OF HIS BEARING OUR BODY. For when the Lord, as Man, was washed in the Jordan, IT WAS WE WHO WERE WASHED IN HIM AND BY HIM. AND WHEN HE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT, IT WAS WE WHO BY HIM WERE MADE RECIPIENTS OF THE SPIRIT. [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

THE PURPOSE OF THE THEOPHANY AND BAPTISM ACCORDING TO THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE CHURCH

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 PURPOSE OF THE THEOPHANY AND BAPTISM
ACCORDING TO THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE CHURCH.

Saint Kosmas, Bishop of Maiuma, tells us that "our Lord, Who clothed material flesh with the immaterial fire of His Divinity, formed Adam anew, who fell into corruption, IN THE STREAMS OF THE RIVER JORDAN." David prophesied, "Come unto Him, and be enlightened, and your faces shall not be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his tribulations" [Psalm 33:5-6).   Saint Kosmas the Melodist chants, "Fallen Adam, the poor man, cried and the Lord heard him:  He has come and in the streams of Jordan He has made new again, who was sunk in corruption."


   Speaking eloquently upon Christian Baptism, Saint Justin Martyr (100-165 A.D.) says, "As for this rite, we have learned from the Apostles this reason.  Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training, in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children OF CHOICE AND KNOWLEDGE, AND OBTAIN IN THE WATER THE REMISSION OF SINS FORMERLY COMMITTED, THERE IS PRONOUNCED OVER HIM WHO CHOOSES TO BE BORN AGAIN, AND HAS REPENTED OF HIS SINS, THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER AND LORD OF THE UNIVERSE… AND THIS WASHING IS CALLED ILLUMINATION, BECAUSE THEY… ARE ILLUMINATED IN THEIR UNDERSTANDINGS.  AND IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, WHO WAS CRUCIFIED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, AND IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO THROUGH THE PROPHETS FORETOLD ALL THINGS ABOUT JESUS, HE WHO IS ILLUMINATED IS WASHED."

   Holy Bishop Hippolytus of Rome asks,  "Do you see, beloved, how the Prophet Isaiah [Isaiah 1:16, 18] spoke before time of the purifying power of Baptism? For he who comes down in faith TO THE LAVER OF REGENERATION, RENOUNCES THE DEVIL, JOINS HIMSELF TO CHRIST, DENIES THE ENEMY, MAKES THE CONFESSION THAT CHRIST IS GOD, AND PUTS OFF THE BONDAGE AND PUTS ON THE ADOPTION, COMES UP FROM THE BAPTISM BRILLIANT AS THE SUN. Such a one, flashing forth the beams of righteousness, most importantly of all, RETURNS A SON OF GOD AND JOINT-HEIR WITH CHRIST."

Saint John Chrysostomos tells of the prodigious RENEWAL IN THE BAPTISMAL FONT: "All the fabric of our nature is framed above, of the Holy Spirit and water. The water is employed, being made the birth to him who is born. What is the womb is to the embryo, the water is to the believer, FOR IN THE WATER HE IS FASHIONED AND FORMED."

Thus, the fruits of Baptism are manifold, according to both the Prophets and the Holy Fathers. Saint Kyril of Jerusalem writes: "Great is the prize set before you in Baptism: RANSOM FOR CAPTIVES, REMISSION OF SINS, DEATH OF SIN, A NEW SPIRITUAL BIRTH, A SHINING GARMENT, A HOLY SEAL INVIOLABLE, A HEAVEN-BOUND CHARIOT, DELIGHTS OF PARADISE, A PASSPORT TO THE KINGDOM, THE GRACE OF THE ADOPTION OF SONS."

INFANT BAPTISM

Saint Kyril of Alexandria comments on the Gospel of Saint Luke, writing: "The mothers, desiring His blessing, brought the babies, begging for their infants the touch of His Holy hand [cf. Luke 18:15-17]. I do not think that anyone will dispute that the passage means that parents desired Christ to bless their little children or infants. Now, here, although the infants plainly could neither bring themselves to Christ or confess faith in His ability to sanctify them with His blessing, yet Christ not only blessed and sanctified them, but HE EVEN FORBADE ANYONE TO HINDER INFANTS FROM BEING BROUGHT TO BE BLESSED AND SANCTIFIED. If Christ considered the state of an infant no impediment to receiving His sanctifying blessing, why would He consider the infantile state a hindrance to Baptism."

Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (130-200 A.D.) concurs and writes: "The Son of God came TO SAVE ALL PERSONS BY MEANS OF HIMSELF–ALL, I SAY, WHO THROUGH HIM ARE BORN AGAIN TO GOD–INFANTS, CHILDREN, BOYS, YOUTHS, AND OLD MEN." Saint Hippolytios of Rome also says, "Baptize FIRST THE CHILDREN; AND IF THEY CAN SPEAK FORMSELVES, LET THEM DO SO. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them."

Saint Gregory the Theologian (388 A.D.) urges parents and guardians to baptize their children, saying, "Give your child the Trinity, that Great and Noble Protector… Do you have an infant child? Allow sin no opportunity; rather, let the infant be sanctified from childhood. From his most tender age let him be consecrated by the Spirit. DO NOT FEAR THE SEAL OF BAPTISM BECAUSE OF THE WEAKNESS OF NATURE? O, what a pusillanimous mother and of how little faith! But some will say, ‘What do you have to say about those, being children, who are unaware of what it taking place and the grace inherent in the sacrament? Shall we baptize them too? Certainly, especially if there is any pressing danger. Better that they be SANCTIFIED UNAWARE, THAN THAT THEY DEPART UNSEALED AND UNINITIATED."

IS THERE HOLY BAPTISM OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH?

Prophet Jeremias wrote: "Why do they that grieve me prevail against me? My wound is severe; whence shall I be healed? It is indeed become to me as deceitful water, that has no faithfulness (as to healing) [Jeremiah 15:18]. Saint Cyprian (258 A.D.) asks, "What is this DECEITFUL AND FAITHLESS WATER? Certainly that which falsely assumes the resemblance of Baptism, and frustrates the grace of faith by a shadowy pretense. But if, according to a pervereted faith, one could be baptized without (outside of Orthodoxy) and obtain remission of sins, according t the same faith he could also attain the Holy Spirit; and there is no need that hands should be laid on him when he comes, that he might obtain the Holy Spirit and be sealed. Either he could obtain both privileges without by his faith, or he who has been without has received neither." In an Epistle to the bishops, Saint Cyprian states, "For certain no one can be baptized abroad outside the Church, SINCE THERE IS ONE BAPTISM APPOINTED IN THE HOLY CHURCH. And it is written: ‘They have hewn out for themselves broken cisterns, which will not be able to hold water [Jeremiah 2:130.


   Saint Athanasios warns, "There are many other heresies too, which use the words only, but not in a right sense, …nor with sound Faith, and in consequence the water which they administer is unprofitable, as deficient in piety; so that he who is sprinkled by them is rather polluted by the irreligious than redeemed."   Saint Ambrose concurs, "The baptism of unbelievers does not heal, does not cleanse, but pollutes."

   Baptism must also BE PERFORMED IN THE PROPET MANNER BY THE PRIEST Canon 50 of the Holy Apostles REQUIRE TRIPLE IMMERSION AS THE PROPER FORM OF BAPTISM.  THIS IS THE TRADITION THAT HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN TO US.  SAINT BASIL THE GREAT SAYS, "WHETHER A MAN HAS DEPARTED THIS LIFE WITHOUT BAPTISM, OR HAS RECEIVED A BAPTISM LACKING IN SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TRADITION, HIS LOSS IS EQUAL."

   Canon 46 of the Holy Apostles clearly states:   "We order any bishop, or presbyter, that has accepted AMY HERETICS' BAPTISM OR SACRIFICE, TO BE DEPOSED; FOR 'WHAT CONSONANCE HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL?  OR WAHT PORTION HATH A BELIEVER WITH AN UNBELIEVER?'"  The early document of The Didache cautions, "Let no one eat and drink of your Eucharist, but those baptized in the name fo the Lord." {Resources: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

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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