On the 27th of December, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates the Holy Apostle STEFANOS (STEPHEN), PROTOMARTYR (FIRST MARTYR AND ARCHDEACON.)

My beloved brothers and sisters in Divine Incarnate Logos/Word, Lord, God, and Savior JESUS CHRIST,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

On the 27th of December, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Holy Apostle STEFANOS (STEPHEN), PROTOMARTYR
(FIRST CHRISTIAN MARTYR) AND ARCHDEACON.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Martyr. Fourth Tone

The crown of the Kingdom hath adorned the brow of thy head
because of the contests that thou has endured for Christ God, thou
first of the martyred Saints; for when thou hadst censured the Jews’
madness, thou sawest Christ thy Savior standing at the right hand
of the Father. O Stefanos, ever pray Him for us, that He would save
our souls.

Kontakion Hymn of the Martyr. Third Tone

Yesterday the Master came, to be with us in the body; and today
His faithful slave departeth out of the body; yesterday the King
was born in the flesh for our sakes; and today the servant
suffereth death by stoning; and for His sake is perfected the first
of Martyrs, Stefanos the truly divine.
+

Saint Stefanos (Stephen) the Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon was a kinsman of the Holy Apostle Paul and one of those Jews who lived in a Hellenic milieu. Stefanos WAS THE FIRST OF THE SEVEN DEACONS WHOM THE HOLY APOSTLES ORDAINED FOR THE SERVICE OF THE POOR IN JERUSALEM. This is why he is called the Archdeacon — the first, or chief, of them. By the power of his faith, Stefanos worked many miracles (Wonders) among the people. The wicked Jews, disputed with him, but were always confounded by his wisdom and the power of the Spirit who acted through him. Then the shameful Jews, adept at calumny and slander, stirred up the people and leaders against this innocent man. They slandered Stefanos, saying that he had blasphemed against God and against Moses, and quickly found false witnesses who supported their assertion. Then Stefanos stood before the people, and ALL SAW HIS FACE "LIKE THE FACE OF AN ANGEL" : THAT IS, HIS FACE WAS ILLUMINED BY THE LIGHT OF GRACE AS WAS THE FACE OF MOSES WHEN HE TALKED WITH GOD. Stefanos opened his mouth and spoke of God’s manifold works and marvels, performed in the past for the Peopleof Israel, and of the people’s manifold transgressions and opposition to God. He especially denounced them for the slaying of Christ the Lord, calling them "BETRAYERS AND MURDERERS" [Acts 7:52]. While they grounded their teeth, Stefanos looked and saw THE HEAVENS OPEN AND THE GLORY OF GOD, AND SPOKE TO THE JEWS OF WHAT HE SAW. "BEHOLD, I SEE THE HEAVENS OPENED, AND THE SON OF MAN STANDING ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD" [7:56]. Then the malicious men took him out of the city and STONED HIM TO DEATH. Among his murderers was his kinsman Saul, later the Apostle Paul. At that time, the Most Holy Mother of God was standing on a rock at a distance with Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian, and witnessed the martyrdom of THE FIRST MARTYR FOR THE TRUTH OF HER SON AND GOD, AND SHE PRAYED FOR STEFANOS. This happened exactly a year after the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Holy Apostles. Saint Stefano’s body was taken secretly and buried by Gamaliel in his own ground. He was a Jewish Prince and SECRET CHRISTIAN. T hus this first of Christ’s Martyrs made a glorious end and entered into the Kingdom of Christ our God. [Resource: The Prologue from Ochrid]

(To be continued)

___________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +
With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Birth,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

HEROD MEETS PRIVATELY WITH THE WISE MEN Part III

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

HEROD MEETS PRIVATELY WITH THE WISE MEN [Part III]

King Herod had a private audience with the Magi and sent them to go to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also." When they heard the king, they departed, and, lo, the Star, which they saw in the east, went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy [Matthew 2:8-10]. In reality, he planned to slay Christ.

The Wise Men Enter the House

The Magi, being led by the Star, followed it "till it came and stood over where the young Child was [Matthew 2:9] with His Mother. Now, by this time, Joseph had secured a room for the Theotokos and her Son. Thus, in Orthodox iconography of "The Veneration of the Magi," they are depicted in a house, which is in agreement with the words of the Evangelist Matthew that "they (the Magi) came into the house (εις τήν οικίαν) [Matthew 2:11]. The Theotokos is usually seen sitting on a throne with a high polygonal back. The Child Jesus is sitting on His Mother’s lap. The Magi then said to her: "Who art thou who hast produced and brought forth such a One? Who is thy father? Who is thy mother? For thou has become the mother and nurse of a fatherless Son. It was His Star that we saw when we came to behold a young Child, the Pre-eternal God.

The Magi did not see before them either scepter or throne, only utter poverty. And after they opened their treasures, they offered gifts to Him: GOLD, AND FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH " [Matthew 2:11]. What was the significance of these gifts? Hymns from the Canon of the Forefeast disclose their meaning. "The kings, first-fruits of the nations, bring Thee gifts; …by MYRRH THEY POINT TO THY DEATH, By GOLD TO THY ROYAL POWER, By FRANKINCENSE TO CHRIST THE KING OF ALL AT HIS BIRTH."

At the present time, portions of the gifts of the Magi are to be found in the Holy Monastery of Saint Paul on the Holy Mountain. They were donated to the monastery by the Empress Kyra-Maro or Mara, the daughter of Serbian Prince George Brankovic. History records that she was the wife of Sultan Murat II and the mother of Mohammed II. It was her desire to present the gifts of the Magi to the monastery, albeit NO WOMAN WAS ALLOWED TO SET FOOT ON THE HOLY MOUNTAIN. Nevertheless, the monks received her on the shore and, out of respect and deference to her rank, did not protest when she proceeded up the path to deposit the gifts within the monastery. When she was halfway up the path, however, the Mother of God INTERVENED. STRAIGHTWAY, THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE, AND A FAMINE VOICE FROM HEAVEN WAS HEARD, SAYING, "DO NOT PROCEED ANY FURTHER, FOR ANOTHER QUEEN RULES THIS PLACE." In other words, the "other Queen" was Mary the Theotokos. Mara immediately halted and gave the Magi’s gifts to the monks and withdrew to the ship. To this day, a chapel may be seen that was built on this site, commemorating the event. By this little narrative, we learn that the virgin Mother wisely did not wish to have a precedent set by allowing females to tread on that parcel. As a solicitous Mother OVER HER STRUGGLING SONS, THE MONKS, SHE WISHED TO PREVENT ANY TEMPTATIONS THAT MAY ENSUE WITH FEMALE VISITORS.

The Magi Return Home

"And having been divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into their own country by another way" [Matthew 2:12]. As they were warned in a dream–a type of communication most familiar and acceptable to them–in that same hour there appeared to them an Angel in the form of that Star which before had guided them on their journey; and they went away, following the guidance of its light, until they arrived in their own country. Saint John Chrysostom describes the conclusion of their journey, saying that when "they had returned home, they continued to worship Him, more than before. And they preached Him, and instructed many. Finally, when the Holy Apostle Thomas came to that region, they joined themselves to him, and were baptized. They then became his helpers in the work of preaching the Gospel." [Resources: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

Through the intercessions of Thy Saints,
O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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

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

THE THREE WISE MEN Part II

My beloved brothers and sisters,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

THE THREE WISE MEN [Part II]

The Wise Men Enter Jerusalem

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, saying.
"Where is He Who was born King of the Jews"? [Matthew 2:1-2].

The star appeared in the east at the same time of the Annunciation and led the Magi for about nine months. The Tradition of the Church never held that the star was truly A CELESTIAL STAR but that it was some INVISIBLE POWER TRANSFORMED INTO THIS APPEARANCE AND MADE VISIBLE TO MEN. Saint John Chrysostom points our in a homily that "NO NATURAL STAR COULD HAVE TRAVERSED SUCH A COURSE, NOR COULD IT HAVE SHONE SO BRILLIANTLY AT MIDDAY; AND, FURTHERMORE, IT STOOD STILL OVER THE Child."

In his Epistle to the Ephesians, Saint Ignatios the God-bearer (110 A.D.) writes: "A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was EXCEEDINGLY GREAT ABOVE THEM ALL. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else in the heavens. Hence, every worldly wisdom became folly; conjuration was seen to be mere trifling; and magic became utterly ridiculous. Every law of wickedness vanished away; vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as Man, and man displaying power as God. Now the former was not mere imagination; and the second did not imply a bare humanity. But the one was absolutely true, and the other an economical arrangement. And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth, all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated on the abolition of death."

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

Herod Makes Inquiries

Entering Jerusalem, the Wise Men asked, "Where is He Who was born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and casme to do homage to Him." But after Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him" [Matthew 2:3]. Why was Jerusalem troubled with him? This is because they were living in unrighteousness, and the time of censure had come. Sadly, Saint John Chrysostom comments, "See, too, how the Jewish people are troubled, though they SHOULD REJOICE THAT IT WAS A JEWISH KING"THAT WAS BORN. BUT THEY WERE TROUBLED BECAUSE THE WICKED CAN NEVER REJOICE AT THE COMING OF THE JUST. HENCE WE HAVE, "AND ALL JERUSALEM WITH HIM."

The Protoevangelium relates the following: Herod then sent messengers to the priest (rabbis) and to the Wise Men, so that he might pose inquiries to them in the public hall. Now when Herod had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where it was written concerning Christ the King and where the Christ should be born. The Jews then answered: "And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art in no wise the least among the governors of Judah; for out of thee shall come forth a Governor Who shall shepherd My people Israel" [Matthew 2:6].

Blessed Jerome chides the Jews for causing many more children’s deaths: "Here the Jews are to be reproved for ignorance, since the Prophet says, ‘And thou Bethlehem Ephratah,’ but they say, ‘Bethlehem of Judaea’ [Matthew 2:6]; thus, they greatly expanded the territory involved. Saint John Chrysostom then remarks that "MUTILATING THE PROPHECY IN THIS MANNER, THEY HAVE BECOME THE CAUSE OF THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INFANTS. For it is written: ‘out of thee shall One come forth to Me, to be a Ruler of Israel; and His goings forth were from the beginning, even from eternity,’ [Micah 5:2].

Continuing, Saint John Chrysostom says: "After Herod had received an answer, he believed it to be credible for two reasons: first, because it was spoken by the priests, and second, because it was confirmed by prophetic testimony. Herod was not inclined toward reverence for the newborn King; rather, HE WAS DISPOSED TO COMMIT THAT EVL SLAUGHTER–AND THAT BY TREACHERY. He perceived that he could not bguile the Magi by flattery, nor frighten them by threats, nor corrupt them by gold, so as to force them to consent to the death of the future King; accordingly, he planned to deceive them."

Here too, Saint John Chrysostom points out a wondrous dispensation. "The Jews and the Magi mutually teach each other. The Jews learn from the Magi that a star in the east proclaimed the Christ, and the Magi learn from the Jews that of old the prophecies have foretold Him. Thus strengthened by this twofold testimony, the Magi desired Hm with more ardent faith. [The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

(To be continued)

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

With sincere agape in Our Incarnate Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

The Veneration of the MAGI

THE VENERATION OF THE MAGI

My beloved brothers and sisters in incarnate Logos, our only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

On the Veneration of the MAGI

Magi, or WISE MEN, referred to a class of priestly scholars, who had great power among the Persians, not unlike the Levites among the Jews. This group of intellectuals was occupied with the study of medicine, philosophy, the natural sciences, scientific observation of the stars and planets (astrology), and the interpretation of dreams. We know that the Prophet Daniel, as a youth, was one of the first of the Jewish captives taken to Babylon in 605 B.C. He was renamed Baltasar (or Valtasa) and made chief over this society of scholars that held great honor and respect in the court of the Persian kings. Recognizing Daniel’s God as the “God of gods and Lord of kings, Who reveals mysteries.” Chaldeans, and soothsayers [Daniel 2:48; 4:6; 5:11]. The prophet then asked the king to appoint Ananias, Misael, and Azarias over the affairs of the Province of Babylon, which was done [Daniel 2:49].

The Wise Men of the Gospel were among the last successors of this group that held a dual Priestly (a hereditary Priesthood) and governmental office. The writings of their chief Magian, Daniel or Baltasar, during the 6th century B.C. concerning the Messianic prophecies, had a profound and motivating effect upon them. Among the prophecies concerning the time of the coming of Christ [Daniel 9:25-26]. The Archangel Gabriel had answered Daniel’s prayers by revealing the time span that would intervene: “Thou shalt know and understand that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks [Daniel 9:25]. They were also familiar with Balaam’s prophecy about the star shining forth from Jacob [Numbers 24:17].

Saint John Chrysostom rebuked an unbelieving Jewish nation when comparing them to the Gentile Magi. “The Magi sought the Lord Christ, born King of the Jews, among those from whose race they knew that Balaam, a Prophet from Gentiles, had prophesied that He would come. The faith of the Magi is the condemnation of the Jews. The Magi believed in the authority of their one soothsayer Balaam and the Prophet Daniel; but the Jews, from the testimony of many Prophets, refused to believe. Whereas the Magi acknowledged that the coming of Christ WOULD TERMINATE THEIR PROFANE KNOWLEDGE AND MAGICAL ARTS, THE JEWS WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE LAWGIVER DOING AWAY WITH THEIR SACRIFICES AND REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE MYSTERIES OF THE DIVINE DISPENSATION. THE MAGI CONFESSED A Stranger, the Jews REJECTED THEIR OWN.”

The Church and Canons forbid us to dabble in astrology and horoscopes; and the Magi understand that the coming of Christ was the utter destruction of their art. The great Church doctor, Saint Gregory the Great Pope of Rome, exhorts us not to believe that one’s destiny is determined by the stars, and remarks, “Far be it from the faithful to believe that there is such a thing as fate. Certain HERETICS (Priscillian believe that every person born is subject to the rule of the stars. They assume this to support their error, that a new star came out when the Lord appeared in the flesh. They hold that his same star was His destiny. Let us reflect on the words of the Gospel that speak of this very star: “till it came and stood over where the young Child was” [Matthew 2:9]. Thus it is clear that it is not the Child Who hastens to the star, but THE STAR THAT HASTENS TO THE Child. And is the destiny of the star… For it is the Creator Who has made the lives of all men Who alone governs them. Man was not made for the stars, but rather the stars were made for man.” [Homily, 10, On the Gifts of the Magi, P.L. 74:1110]

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

Saint Kosmas the Poet writes concerning this: “The Magi, beholding the strange course of an unknown and newly shining star that exceeded the brightness of all heavenly light, learned thereby that Christ the King was born on earth in Bethlehem for our salvation.” The Magi, a group already involved in political maneuvering, apart from being wise and knowledgeable, brought gifts to the newborn King. They were good men who struggled to maintain the purity of their souls. They accepted divine inspiration and were obedient to it. They then understood that the Messianic prophecy of the Kingdom would not be fulfilled immediately then and there, and they obediently departed to their own land to proclaim the newborn Christ; hence, the Persians were the first fruits of the Gentiles. “And kings shall walk in Thy light, and nations in Thy brightness” [Isaiah 60:3].

The Identities of the Magi

Thus, we see in holy icons that three Magi are travelling, either walking or riding spirited horses over mountain trails in pursuit of the star of Bethlehem. They are often depicted beyond and opposite the cave, for they were not present during those first hours after the virgin birth. One magus is a beardless youth. The second magus is a middle-aged man with a short, dark beard, while the third magus is an old man with a gray beard. In the shepherds, we witness the first sons of Israel to worship the Christ Child. The Church sees the beginning of the Hebrew Church. In the Wise Men, we see the beginning of nations, the Church of the Gentiles. According to Saint Dimitri of Rostov (1651-1709), in his investigation of the identities of these three kings, he asserts that they were kings of small regions in Persia, Arabia, and Egypt. They had arrived in Bethlehem very soon after the birth of Christ. MELCHIOR was old and withered, with long white hair and beard. It was he who offered the Lord THE GIFT OF GOLD. GASPAR or CASPAR was of ruddy complexion, young and beardless. He OFFERED THE LORD THE GIFT OF FRANKINCENSE. The third, BALTHAZAR, was dark-complexioned and heavily bearded. He GAVE THE GIFT OF MYRRH. He further writes that these three Wise Men represented THE THREE CHIEF RACES OF MEN THAT DESCENDED FROM NOAH’S THREE SONS, THAT IS, SHEM, JAPHETH, AND HAM: THEREFORE, THE ARABIAN, GASPAR, REPRESENTED SHEM; THE PERSIAN, MELCHIOR, REPRESENTED JAPHETH; THE EGYPTIAN, BALTHAZAR, REPRESENTED HAM. Thus, through these three Magi, the human race worshipped our incarnate Lord and God. [Resources: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

(To be continued)

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

With sincere agape in our Incarnate Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George


On the Saving Nativity According to the Flesh Of our Lord and God and Savior JESUS CHRIST

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

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

On the Saving Nativity According to the Flesh Of our
Lord, and God, and Savior JESUS CHRIST.
By Saint Gregory Palamas

THIS IS THE FESTIVAL of the virgin birth! Our address must be exalted therefore in accordance with the Greatness of the Feast, and enters into the mystery, as far as this is accessible and permissible, and time allows, that something of its inner power might be revealed even to us… Nothing done by God from the beginning of time was more beneficial to all or more divine than Christ’s Nativity which we celebrate today.

The Pre-eternal and uncircumcised and Almighty Logos/Word is now born according to the flesh, WITHOUT HOME, WITHOUT SHELTER, WITHOUT DWELLING, AND PLACED AS A BABE IN THE MANGER, SEEN BY MEN’S EYES, TOUCHED BY THEIR HANDS, AND WRAPPED IN LAYERS OF SWADDLING BANDS. He is not a spiritual creature coming into being after previously not existing; nor flesh which is brought to birth but will soon perish; nor flesh and mind united to form a rational creature, but GOD and flesh mingled unconfusedly by the divine Mind to form the existence of one THEANDRIC HYPOSTASIS, who entered the Virgin’s womb for a time. By the good pleasure of the Father and the cooperation of the Spirit, the Logos/Word who transcended being came into being in this womb and by means of it, and now He is delivered from it He and born as an infant, not losing but preserving the signs of virginity. HE IS BORN WITHOUT SUFFERING, AS HE WAS CONCEIVED WITHOUT PASSION, for as His mother was shown to be above the pleasure of passion when she conceived, so she is above grievous pains when she gives birth. "Before the pain of travail came upon her, she escaped it," as Isaiah says [cf. Isaiah 66:7].

"God, thy God," says, "hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows" (Psalm 45:7). The same one IS BOTH PERFECT GOD AND PERFECT MAN; THE SAME GOD IS BOTH THE ONE WHO ANOINTS AND IS ANOINTED. For it says, "God, thy God hath anointed thee." It is as man that the Logos/Word from God the Father is anointed, and He is anointed with the Co-eternal Spirit Who is of one nature with Him." "…The very Logos/Word of God from God emptied Himself in an indescribable way came down from on high to the lowest state of man’s nature, and indissolubly linked it with Himself, and IN HUMBLING HIMSELF AND BECOMING POOR LIKE US, HE RAISED ON HIGH THE THINGS BELOW, OR RATHER, HE GATHERED BOTH THINGS INTO ONE, MINGLING HUMANITY WITH DIVINITY AND BY SO DOING HE TAUGHT EVERYONE THAT HUMILITY IS THE ROAD WHICH LEADS UPWARDS, SETTING FORTH TODAY HIMSELF AS AN EXAMPLE BEFORE MEN AND HOLY ANGELS ALIKE.

"Because of this, the Angels, now possess steadfastness, having learned in a practical way from the Master THAT THE WAY TO BE EXALTED AND TO RESEMBLE HIM IS NOT ARROGANCE BUT HUMILITY. Because of this, men are easily set right, as they recognize HUMILITY AS THE ROAD BY WHICH THEY ARE RECALLED. Because of this, the PRINCE OF EVIL, who is conceit itself, has been PUT TO SHAME AND OVERTHROWN…Now that Christ has been born, the devil IS TRAMPLED DOWN BY THOSE WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY UNDER HIS FEET, WHO ARE NO LONGER PRESUMPTUOUS, AS THE DESTROYER ADVISED, BUT IDENTIFY WITH THE LOWLY (cf. Romans 12:16), AS THE SAVIOR TAUGHT THROUGH HIS DEEDS, AND WIN HEAVENLY EXALTATION THROUGH HUMILITY.

"But what is the cause of this praise from men and Angels together and this much-extolled GOOD NEWS which so gladdens the shepherds and all men? "Behold", it says, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" [Luke 2:10).  What does this mean, and what is this universal joy?  Listen to the Gospel song to the end and you will understand, "PEACE," IT SAYS, "GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN" (Luke 2:14).  For God, Who was angry with the human race and subjected it to terrible curses, HAS COME IN THE FLESH, GRANTING HIS PEACE AND RECONCILING THEM TO THE HEAVENLY Father.  Behold, says the hymn, He HAS NOT BEEN BORN FOR US ANGELS, THOUGH NOW THAT WE SEE HIM ON EARTH WE EXTOL HIM AS WE DO IN HEAVEN, BUT FOR YOU MEN, THAT IS TO SAY, FOR YOUR SAKE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR NATURE A SAVIOR IS BORN, CHRIST THE LORD, IN THE CITY OF DAVID.


   "What is meant by linking God's good will with peace?  "Peace," it says, "good will toward men."  There were times when He gave signs of peace to men.  To Moses "the Lord spake, as a man speaketh unto his friend" (Exodus 13:11); and He found David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) and He granted tokens of peace to the whole Jewish nation when He came down upon the mountain for their sake and spoke to them through fire and the thick dark cloud (Exodus 19:9, 16-18, Deuteronomy 4:10-11), but not according to  His good pleasure… That is why, just as God called many people His sons, but THERE IS ONLY ONE IN WHOM HE WAS WELL-PLEASED (cf. Matthew 3:17; 17:5), so He gave His peace on many occasions, BUT ONLY ONCE ACCOMPANIED BY HIS GOOD PLEASURE, WHICH HE GRANTS, PERFECT AND UNCHANGING, THROUGH THE INCARNATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO EVERY RACE AND TO AS MANY AS DESIRE IT.

   "BRETHREN, LET US PRESERVE THIS PEACE IN OURSELVES as far as we can, for we have received it AS IN INHERITANCE FROM OUR SAVIOR WHO HAS NOW BEEN BORN, WHO GIVES US THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, THROUGH WHICH WE HAVE BECOME HEIRS OF GOD, AND JOINED HEIRS WITH CHRIST [Romans 8:15, 17]. Let us be at peace with God, DOING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE WELL-PLEASING TO HIM, LIVING CHASTELY, TELLING THE TRUTH, BEHAVING RIGHTEOUSLY, "CONTINUING IN PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION" [cf. Acts 1:14]. "singing and making melody in our heart" (Ephesians 5:19), NOT JUST WITH OUR LIPS. Let us be at peace with ourselves, by subjecting our flesh to our spirit, choosing to conduct ourselves according to our conscience, and having the inner world of our thoughts motivated by good order and: purity. Let us be at peace with our another, "forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: EVEN AS CHRIST FORGAVE YOU" (Colossians 3:13), and showing mercy to each other out of MUTUAL LOVE, JUST AS CHRIST, SOLELY FOR LOVE OF US, AND FOR OUR SAKE CAME DOWN TO US. Then, recalled from the sinful fall through His help and grace, and lifted high above this world by virtues, we may have our citizenship in heavenly places (Philippians 3:20), whence also we wait for our hope (Romans 8:23), REDEMPTION FROM CORRUPTION AND ENJOYMENT OF CELESTIAL AND ETERNAL BLESSINGS AS CHILDREN OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER.

"May we all attain to this, at the future Glorious Advent and Epiphany of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom belongs glory unto the ages. Amen. [Resources: Saint Gregory Palamas, The Homilies]

A MOST DIVINE AND GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!

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

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

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!GOD

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

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

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Holy Feast of the Nativity

Thy nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the
light of knowledge to rise upon the world. For
Therein the worshippers of the stars were by a star
instructed to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness,
and to know Thee as Orient from on high. Glory to
Thee, O Lord.

Kontakion Hymn. Mode 3.

On this day the Virgin gives birth to the Super-essential.
To the Unapproachable, earth is providing the grotto.
Angels sing and with the shepherds offer up glory.
Following a star the Magi are still proceeding. He was
born for our salvation, a newborn Child, the Pre-Eternal
God.

The Great and Divine Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ in its kontakion hymn, composed by Saint Romanos the Melodist, through the blessing and aid of the Ever-virgin herself: "Today the Virgin giveth birth to Him Who is Supra-essential; and the earth presenteth a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. Angels with shepherds give glory; with a star, the Magi journey; for our sake a young Child is born, Who is Pre-eternal God." "What mysteries beyond mind and speech! God, in His compassion, is born on earth, putting on the form of a servant that He may snatch from servitude to the enemy those who with fervent love cry out ‘Blessed art Thou, O Savior, Who loves mankind."

Saint John of Damascus chants of our renewal saying that, though Christ did not depart from His own nature, He nonetheless shared in our substance. "A most glorious mystery is accomplished today: nature is renewed, and God becomes Man. What He was, He has remained; and who He was not, He has taken on Himself without suffering commingling or division."

The Only-begotten of the Father, even after His NATIVITY IN THE FLESH, has REMAINED ONE IN ESSENCE WITH THE FATHER AND THE SPIRIT. From the Canon of the Forefeast, we chant: "In the strength of Thy Divinity Thou hast been joined with mortal men, through a union without confusion, O Savior, in the likeness of the flesh of Adam, and in thus assuming human nature Thou dost bestow upon it immortality and salvation."

Journey to Bethlehem

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

Saint Joseph the Hymnographer marvels at how the Great God will enter a small cave as a small child. "How shall a small cave receive Thee, for Whom the world cannot find room, O Thou Whom none can comprehend, O Thou Who with the Father art without beginning, how shalt Thou appear as a small child?" And, "The Great King comes in haste to enter a small cave, that He may make me great who had grown small. And, so that by His POVERTY WITHOUT MEASURE, HE, THE TRANSCENDENT GOD, MAY ENRICH ME WHO HAD GROWN POOR [2 Corinthians 8:9].

Saint Justin Martyr, born in Sichem (Nablus) spoke of the "cave" near Bethlehem. He provides us with one of the earliest testimonies on the subject. "When Joseph could find no lodging in the village, he went to a cave nearby, and there Mary gave birth to the Child and laid Him in a manger." In holy icons, the dark background in the cave can be explained by a homily attributed to Saint Gregory of Nyssa, WHERE HE COMPARES THE BIRTH OF CHRIST IN A CAVE AND THE SPIRITUAL LIGHT SHINING FORTH IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH THAT ENCOMPASSES MANKIND. THUS, THE BLACK MOUTH OF THE CAVE SYMBOLICALLY MEANS THE WORLD, STRICKEN WITH SIN THROUGH MAN’S FAITH, IN WHICH THE "SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" SHONE FORTH.

The place where Mary brought forth VIRGINALLY and PAINLESSLY was an empty and uninhabited place. It could be compared to the wilderness, as depicted in the nativity icon. The world did NOT accept Him, but the wilderness offered refuge. This, too, is a fulfillment of the Old Testament PREFIGURATION when the Hebrew nation departed Egypt for the wilderness of Sinai. It was there, in Bethlehem, the "House of Bread," that the symbol of the Eucharist was given–MANNA. Now He Who rained manna upon His people Israel would Himself become the Bread of the Eucharist. The wilderness will also offer the manger where He chose to lie, thereby symbolizing the Lamb upon the Altar. The CAVE, THE MANGER, THE SWADDLING CLOTHES ARE INDICATIONS OF THE EMPTYING OR KENOSIS OF THE GODHEAD (DIVINITY), HIS UTTER ABASEMENT AND HUMILITY. ALSO, WE SEE FORESHADOWED HERE HIS FUTURE DEATH, BURIAL, SEPULCHRE, AND BURIAL CLOTHES.

WHERE GOD WILLS, THE ORDER OF NATURE IS OVERRULED

"And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her to bring forth" (Luke 2:6). Concerning His birth, the Prophet Isaiah spoke thus: "Before she that travailed brought forth, before the travail-pain came on, she escaped it and brought forth a male [Isaiah 66:7]. Saint John of Damascus adds to this saying that "after the normal nine-month gestational period, Christ was born at the beginning of the tenth, according with the law of gestation. It was a birth that SURPASSED THE ESTABLISHED ORDER OF BIRTH GIVING, AS IT WAS WITHOUT PAIN; FOR, WHERE PLEASURE HADNOT PRECEDED, PAIN DID NOT FOLLOW. AND JUST AS AT HIS CONCEPTION HE HAD KEPT HER WHO CONCEIVED HIM VIRGIN, SO ALSO AT HIS BIRTH DID HE MAINTAIN HER VIRGINITY INTACT, BECAUSE HE ALONE PASSED THROUGH HER AND KEPT HER SHUT."

GOD Made Man

We chant: "He Who is equal in honor with the Father and the Spirit,
out of compassion, has clothed Himself in our substance…and He Who
before the Morning Star was begotten without mother of the Father, is
today without father made flesh upon earth of thee>"

Saint Paul confirms His manhood, saying, "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent for His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order that He might REDEEM THOSE UNDER THE LAW, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE WHAT IS OUR DUE, THE ADOPTION AS SONS" [Galatians 4:4].

In his sermon on the Feast of the Nativity, Saint Leo the Great (461 A.D.) writes: "The bodily nativity therefore of the Son of God took nothing from and added nothing to His Majesty, because His unchangeable substance could be neither diminished nor increased. For that ‘the Logos/Word became flesh’ does not signify that the nature of God was changed into flesh, but that the Logos/Word took the flesh into the unity of His Person (hypostasis); and therein undoubtedly the whole man was received, with which within the Virgin’s womb was made fruitful by the Holy Spirit; her virginity was FOREORDAINED NEVER TO BE LOST. Thus, the Son of God…Who was born without time of the Father’s essence was Himself in time born of the Virgin’s womb. We could not otherwise be released from the chains of everlasting death but by Him becoming humble in our nature. Thus, our Lord Jesus Christ, BEING AT BIRTH TRUE MAN, THOUGH HE NEVER CEASED TO BE TRUE GOD, MADE IN HIMSELF THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CREATION, AND IN THE ‘FORM’ OF HIS BIRTH STARTED THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF MANKIND AFRESH."

THE NEW ADAM

The false theory that our ancestors’ transgression was the source of an "original sin," by which the human race became guilty of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, IS NOT WHAT THE ORTHODOX CHURCH TEACHES. The Church teaches that the human race inherited death, becoming enslated to the devil through THE PASSIONS. Concurrently, nature, which was subject to our first parents’ rule, was now also subject to the same curse: "THE BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION" [Romans 8:21]. We SIN ON ACCOUNT OF OUR MORALITY. All men, on account of our inheriting death–the "INFECTIONS" –have "SINNED AND ARE COMING SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD" [Romans 3:23].

Our Lord Jesus Christ in His conversation with Nicodemus indicated THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF BAPTISM FOR SALVATION: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be BORN AGAIN, HE CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD. " When Nicodemus expressed his perplexity, "How can a man be born when he is old?" our Savior replied that THE NEW BIRTH WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY WATER AND THE SPIRIT: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE FLESH, AND THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE Spirit is spirit" (John 3:3-6).

While we celebrate His Birth, we pause to think of our REBIRTH through water and the Spirit. The Mystical, Grace-given aspect of Baptism which according to the Holy Scripture is a "NEW BIRTH," and it is performed FOR THE SALVATION OF MEN (Mark 16:16). Moreover, setting for the Grace-given significance of Baptism, the Holy Apostles in their Epistle indicates that in it we are "SANCTIFIED," "CLEANSED," "JUSTIFIED"; that in Baptism we "DIE TO SIN" so as to walk IN RENEWED LIFE; WE ARE "BURIED WITH CHRIST," AND WE ARISE WITH HIM." [Resources: 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

THE CONSTANT SPIRITUAL BATTLE WITH THE PASSIONS

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 CONSTANT SPIRITUAL BATTLE
WITH THE PASSIONS.

What are the passions? There are seven major sinful passions and they are, gluttony, lust, avarice, anger, dejection, listlessness and pride. These passions are only strengthened when we attempt to body the letter of the law. Without Chrst’s healing and power, they only get worse, resulting in the second death. Passions, which are uncontrolled desires, lead to sin. These desires that come from bodily needs can make the soul subordinate to the flesh. They can be caused by forgetting God and only thinking about one’s own carnal needs.

Saint Porphyrios advises turning to Christ instead of looking at sin. He says, "You won’t become saints by hounding after evil. Ignore evil. Look towards Christ and He will save you." Frequent prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer, will help create new patterns that are beneficial to the soul. Alone, and with the proper spiritual guidance, such as a spiritual father, sinful passions are extremely difficult to overcome. Saint Paul writes, "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do." [Romans 7:14-15]. Our Holy Orthodox Church teaches that sin is not a normal part of human life. Every sin and wickedness is a "parasite" on what is primarily good and perfect. Our Holy Fathers who also fought the passions become our good example. Saint John Cassian says, "Like skilful doctors who not only treat existing diseases, but also know how to prevent future ones and to take precautions with wise advice and medicine, in the same way these true doctors of the soul treat the emerging diseases of the heart in advance with their spiritual teaching like a heavenly antidote, and do not allow them to grow in the minds of the young ones, instructing them both in the causes of their present temptations and the means to cure them."

Saint Basil the Great explains clearly what a virtue is and what a passion is. He writes that virtue is the proper use of the faculties and gifts of God created inside us, using these gifts to turn toward God and make ourselves into His likeness. A passion is the opposite, it is the improper use of our faculties, turning them toward something that is temporal, created rather than toward the Creator. A person who is spiritually weak and spiritually immature is in danger of surrendering much easier and quicker to the desire and sin. We are taught by our Holy Church to always remain alert and vigilant and possess discernment. Temptations are a wicked provocation. Let us not forget that the evil one is our greatest enemy and wants to separate us from our Creator. No one should underestimate the cunning of the evil one and his determination to lead us to sin (Gk "αμαρτία). The Greek word for sin is "hamartia" and literally translates to "missing the mark." In its broader concept of human is the propensity to sin. Theologically the term "harmatria" is often used to represent the idea of falling short of God’s perfect will.

The evil one (devil) and his angels (demons) explore us individually, looking for our weaknesses. He will use the passions and desires and our senses to ensnare and tempt us to sin, i.e., appealing visions to our eyes, music to our ears, arouses our tongues to speak evil. our hands to hurt our fellow man. The passions and temptations begin with wicked thoughts (logismoi) therefore we must be alert for his many-faceted attacks ready to resist him at every turn. We must also consider that anger, hatred, and malice against others can be translated into a passion. If we have enemies we ought to attempt to forgive them and reconcile with them and banish every remembrance of injury committed by them. This recalls the commandment of Christ, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother (or sister) has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" [Matthew 5:23-24]. Delaying reconciliation gives room for the working of more evil.

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spiritually use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" [Matthew 5:43-46]. The Christian’s guide is Christ and it is He Who will bring us to participate in the very life of God, which is AGAPE (LOVE).

We are now at the threshold of the Holy Nativity of Christ Jesus the Savior. The journey was long and challenging for most but by the grace of God we are almost there. During the 40 day spiritual journey of prayer, fasting, worship, and metanoia (repentance) each of us was touched by the Holy Spirit and the eyes of understanding of what Christmas truly is, were opened. We can truly say as the three kings, "we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him" [Matthew 2:2]. And hopefully just like the shepherds after they saw Him and worshipped Him, they, "returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen" [Luke 2:20]. We, too, like the shepherds, should share with others the message of salvation.

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH GOD’S LOVE AND PEACE
TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!

______
"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 CONFESSION OF THE DOGMA OF THE HOLY TRINITY IN THE ANCIENT 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 CONFESSION OF THE DOGMA OF THE
HOLY TRINITY IN THE ANCIENT CHURCH.

THE CREED
[Nicaean-Constantinopolitan]

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible, And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, the Only begotten, begotten of the Father before all
ages. Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one
essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us
men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate
of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. And He was
crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried.
And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and
ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He
shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, whose
Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver
of Life, who PROCEEDS FROM THE FATHER, who with the Father and
the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the
Prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge
one baptism for the remission of sins, I look for the resurrection of
the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
+

The TRUTH OF THE HOLY TRINITY has been confessed by the Church of Christ in all of its fullness and completeness from the very beginning. For example, Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, a disciple of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, who was himself instructed by the Apostle Joh the Theologian, speaks clearly of the universality of faith in the Holy Trinity.

Defending the catholic truth of the Holy Trinity against heretics, the Holy Fathers of the Church not only cited as proof the witness of Sacred Scripture, as well as rational philosophical grounds for the refutation of heretical opinions, but they also relied upon the testimony of the first Christians. They indicated (1) the example of the Martyrs and Confessors who were not afraid to declare their faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit before their torturers, and they cited (2) the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and, in general, the ancient Church writers, and (3) the expressions which are used in the Divine services. Thus, Saint Basil of the Great quotes the Small Doxology: "Glory to the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit," and another: "To Him (Christ) with the Father and the Holy Spirit may there be honor and glory unto the ages of ages."

The Church has experienced great disturbances and undergone a great battle in the defense of the dogma of the Holy Trinity. The battle was chiefly fought on two points: first one the affirmation of the truth of the ONENESS OF ESSENCE and EQUALITY OF HONOR of the Son of God with God the Father; and then on the affirmation of the ONENESS OF HONOR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT with God the Father and God the Son.

God is ONE in Essence and TRIPLE in Persons. The dogma of the Trinity is the second fundamental dogma of Christianity. A whole series of the Chruch’s Great Dogmas are found immediately upon it, beginning first of all with the dogma of our Redemption. Because of its special importance, the doctrine of the All-Holy Trinity constitutes the content of all the Symbols of Faith which have been and are now used in the Orthodox Church, as well as all the private confessions of faith written on various occasions b the shepherds of the Church.

Because the dogma of the All-Holy Trinity is the most important of all Christian dogmas, it is at the same time the most difficult for the limited human mind to grasp. This is why no battle in the history of the ancient Church was as intense as that over this dogma and the truths which are immediately bound up with it.

Protestants often focus more prominently on Jesus in their teachings, because of their emphasis on PERSONAL SALVATION through faith in Jesus ALONE, while still acknowledging the Trinity, which includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; this can sometimes appear as if they only speak about Jesus because their focus is on the individual relationship with Christ as the means to salvation, unlike Orthodox Christianity which places more emphasis on the interconnectedness and unity of the Holy Trinity within the Church Holy Tradition.

"The whole of Protestantism denies the bond with the heavenly Church, that is, the veneration in prayer of the Mother of God and the saints, and likewise prayer for the dead, indicates that they themselves have destroyed the bond with the one Body of Christ which unites in itself the heavenly and the earthly. Further, it is a fact that these non-Orthodox confessions have "broken" in one form or another, directly or indirectly, with the Orthodox Church, with the Church in its historical form; they themselves have cut the bond, they have "departed" from her. Neither we nor they have the right to close our eyes to this fact. The teachings of the non-Orthodox confessions contain heresies which were decisively rejected and condemned by the Church at her Ecumenical Councils. In these numerous branches of Christianity there is no unity, either outward or inward–either with the Orthodox Church of Christ or between themselves." [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


HOLIDAY VS HOLY DAY

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.

HOLIDAY VS HOLY DAY

Originally “holiday” and “Holyday” essentially mean the same thing. However, over the years the meaning changed. “Holyday” is believed to be a more ancient term with a stronger emphasis on the religious connotation of “holy day” — meaning a day dedicated to religious observance; “holiday” is now used more broadly for any day of celebration or rest. Holy day is concentrated on God, worship and ministering to others. A holiday is more about entertainment, eating, resting, and having fun. Also, a holiday is taking a short break from work, a kind of vacation. There are many people, however, who are confused and use the terms interchangeably and the meaning becomes a blur. For example, is Christmas a holiday or a holy day? Here some may argue. Some may say it is both a holiday and a holy day. In our contemporary and secular world, however, it is clear that the celebration of Christmas has been reduced from being a Christian Holy Day to a more secular day, a holiday, i.e., time off from work, a time for fun and entertainment, a time of rest and frolicking.

Is it possible that the conflict between holiday and holy day has an ulterior motive? This play on words, done purposefully to undermine the Holy Day of Christmas? In other words, is it done deliberately to undermine this Christian day of honoring the Birth of Jesus Christ, a day of family prayer and worship? No matter, the observance of this major Christian Holy Day has been altered significantly to be more of a holiday even among Christians. No one is looking for conspiracies here, but how realistic is it to have the same thing happen to Pascha (Christian Day of the Resurrection or Easter) as well as the day of Thanksgiving? The question does carry real legitimacy.

It is up to all Christians to make sure that they, their families, their churches, and their ministries maintain the integrity and the authentic purpose of all Christian Holy Days intact. All the Holy Days of the Church must neither be compromised or prostituted by anyone. Every Christian must be focused on the sacredness of this observance and not be influenced by the non-Christian institutions and the marketplace, the advertisements on Television, and Internet. We are told by the business that we must be loyal consumers because the economy is at risk, whether we have the financial means or not. To make certain that we continue to purchase items, or objects, which we may or may not use, or need, they (the banks) came up with the credit card which makes it possible for us to spend money which we do not have and fall into debt for the rest of our lives. This is the result of condoning the secular concept of the holiday to replace the celebration of the ancient observance of the Christian Holy Day.

Christmas is indeed a Major Holy Day celebrated by Christian believers throughout the world. Everyone of the Christian Faith must honor and observe it and follow faithfully the Holy Tradition of the Church. No one should ever lose sight of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, and the saving events in His earthly life; and above all, to always glorify Him! It is only when we are assembled together, in the church, that we may reverently doxologize Him and worship Him. The enemies of Christ are determined to remove the Person of Christ completely from the Great Feast-Day of Christmas. How evil is that! This will never happen!

Why is the Day of Christmas a holy day and not a holiday? Saint Luke the Evangelist gives us the answer in his Gospel: “And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, therefore, also, that Holy One who IS TO BE BORN WILL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD” [Luke 1:35]. Our Savior Jesus Christ is GOD! HE IS THE HOLY ONE! “Holy One” is a Messianic title. That He is to be born of Mary demonstrates Christ’s Human Nature. But that the Virgin will conceive and bear “the Son of God,” reveals the Divine Nature of Christ. We note especially the reference of the Holy Trinity: God the Father (Highest), the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

What the unbelievers are attempting to accomplish is blasphemy and heresy. The Gentiles and unbelievers seek to distort the truth and belittle the Christian faith and the Founder Jesus Christ, just as another religious leader. Mocking Christ is nothing new and distorting His Divine Teachings is nothing new; when over the centuries there have been a great number of heresies produced by His enemies. The Orthodox Synods have fought vehemently against all these heresies and the heretics have been excommunicated from the Church. Christ’s Teachings must always be preserved pristine and pure as He taught them by all Christians. Including the Great Events in His life while on earth. Everything must be treated with reverence, respect and dignity especially the Holy Gospel.

Everything Jesus Christ endured, the spitting, scourging, buffeting, the mockery, the abuse, the torture, betrayal, the suffering on the Cross, and His death was done to save all of mankind form evil and death. Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ was victorious over death and rose triumphantly. “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified, HE IS NOT HERE; FOR HE IS RISEN, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples, that He is risen from the dead” [Matthew 28:1-7].

The “earthquake” is a sign of Jesus’ great victory over death, pointing to the General Resurrection. The two women are the first witnesses to the most amazing event in all human history. “Rejoice” is the first word of the Risen Christ, a common greeting here filled with great blessing. Just like His Resurrection as well as all other great events i.e., His Nativity, should be inspiring, edifying, and filled with godly joy for those who believe. Let us all prepare for that magnificent and awesome day of His Christ’s Birth and be filled with gladness and assurance that God is with us. Amen.

A VERY MERRY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU

___________
“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

PROPHET ISAIAH’S PROPHESY OF THE COMING MESSIAH

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.

Isaiah 11: 1-10

Thus saith the Lord: There shall come forth a rod out of the stem
of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of
of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the
spirit of knowledge an dof the fear of the Lord; and shall make Him
of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not
judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing
of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and
reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite
the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips
shall He slay the wicked… [Nativity according to the flesh, Vespers]

THE LITY
[The Nativity According to the Flesh)

              

Tone One
(by John the Monk)

   Let heaven and earth today make glad prophetically.
Angels and men, let us keep spiritual feast.  For God, born of
a woman has appeared in the flesh to those that sit in darkness
and shadow.  A cave and a manger have received Him.
Shepherds announce the wonder; Magi from the east offer
gifts in Bethlehem.  Let us, then, from our unworthy lips,
offer praise like the angels:  Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace.  For the Expectation of the nations has come,
He HAS COME AND SAVED US FROM THE BONDAGE OF THE
ENEMY.

   Heaven and earth are united today, for Christ is born.
Today has God come upon earth, and man gone up to heaven.
Today for man's sake is seen in the flesh He Who by nature is
invisible.  Therefore let us also give glory and cry aloud to Him:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, which Thy
Coming has bestowed upon us, O Savior: Glory to Thee.

   'Glory to God in the highest', I hear today in Bethlehem from
the angels, glory to Him whose good pleasure it was that
there be peace on earth.  The Virgin is now more spacious than
the heavens.  Light has shone upon those in darkness, and his 
exalted the lowly who sing like the angels: Glory to God in the
highest.

   Beholding him that was in God's image and likeness fallen 
through the transgression, Jesus bowed the heavens and come
down, and without changing He took up His dwelling in a Virgin
womb: that thereby He might fashion corrupt Adam anew, who
cried to Him: Glory to Thine Epiphany O my Deliverer and my
God.

   The Magi, kings of Persia, knew with assurance that Thou,
the heavenly King, wast born on earth.  Led by the light of a 
star, they came to Bethlehem, and offered their chosen gifts,
gold and frankincense and myrrh.  Falling before Thee they
worshipped Thee: for they saw Thee Who art timeless lying
as a babe in the cave.

   All the Angels in heaven are of good cheer and greatly
rejoice today.  The whole creation leaps with joy, for the
Savior and Lord is born in Bethlehem.  Every error of
idolatry has ceased, and Christ reigns unto all ages.

   Our journey to Christmas is nearing its end as we approach closer and closer to the Great Feast Day of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the 25th of December.  "Today the ancient bond of the condemnation of Adam is loosed.  Paradise is opened to us: the serpent is laid low.  Of old he deceived the woman in Paradise, but now he sees a woman become Mother of the Creator.  O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  The sinful vessel that brought death upon all flesh has through the Theotokos become the first fruits of salvation for the whole world.  For God the All Perfect is born a babe of her, and by His birth He sets the seal upon her virginity.  Through His swaddling clothes He loses the hands of sin, and through becoming child He heals Eve's pangs in travail.  Therefore let all creation sing and dance for joy, for Christ has come to restore it and to save our souls." (The Lity)

   How does one evaluate the 40 day spiritual journey to Christmas?  Each Orthodox Christian must examine his/her own experience and hopefully the result will be good and beneficial.  Our prayer is for all Christians to come nearer to Christ through faith, love, repentance, humility, kindness, and a more resolute attitude toward change and the willingness to grow in Christ. The Christian has both the God-given talents and Christ's example of holiness, to even become a saint.  As we know from the Lives of the Saints, not all Saints started out as saints.  Some had much to overcome and for a dramatic change to take place within themselves and lives.  A good example is Saint Mary of Egypt but there are many more.  Nothing is impossible for those who believe.

   During Holy Seasons such as the Nativity period the faithful strive to progress spiritually and to strengthen their commitment to God.  A Christian, as someone said, is not someone who never falls, but one who falls and rises again.  A Christian is someone who comes to his senses and the prodigal son says, "I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am longer worthy to be called your son.  Make me like one of your hired servants" [Luke 15:18-19]. Our thinking ought to be one of yearning to return home to our Father and remembering always the profound. forgiving, and compassionate love He feels for us. Therefore, as we travel back to our home we rejoice on the anticipated reunion and the end of our self-induced exile from home.

This Holy Season of the Nativity according to the flesh is a time of rejoicing. Joy is a heavenly gift to man. Joy and sorrow are a shared experience of our life on earth. Sorrow without the possibility of joy would be unbearable in life. Jesus uses the powerful image of a woman giving birth to express both the pain and joy of the birth of His new creation. Joy will come with the revelation of Christ risen from the dead, after the sorrow of the Cross. In Philippians 3:10 we see the same combination of sorrow and joy–the sufferings of Christ combined with His Resurrection, giving us entrance into the Kingdom of God. Mary the Theotokos said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and by spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…For He who is mighty has done great things for me and Holy is His Name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him…" [Luke 1:46-49].

Humanity thirsts for joy, peace, and love. Our Merciful and Almighty God grants and bestows joy, peace and love to mankind but mannkind either resists or rejects His gifts. How can people not rejoice with the birth of the long awaited Messiah, the Christ? All the Angels and Heaven is rejoicing over His birth. "And suddenly there was with th while angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill
toward men." [Luke 2:13-14].
Christ comes to bring peace and goodwill toward men, for He is the INCARNATE AGAPE (LOVE) OF GOD, RECONCILING HUMANITY TO GOD AND PEOPLE TO EACH OTHER. Is that not enough reason to REJOICE? When we speak of the gifts coming from God as in the case of joy, peace, and love, these gifts are special because they are divine. Our conception of joy, peace, and love is limited by our small mind. God’s gifts of joy, peace and love are infinite in nature and unconditional, while our understanding of joy, peace and love is superficial, conditional, and temporary. We only need to see the actions and behavior of humanity over the centuries which verify this very fact. Where is joy? Where is peace? Where is love? And how long do they last? In Orthodox Christianity JOY, PEACE, AND LOVE ARE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GIFTS FROM GOD: According to Saint Paul’s epistle to the Galatians 5:22, the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Holy Spirit is a way for people to receive gifts from God, share in His Divine nature, and fulfill the commandment to love one another.

Therefore, dear friends, there is so much more to this Holy Season of the Nativity of Christ. However, people are blinded by the shopping of presents or gifts, of planning meals for themselves and guests, for making plans to travel, etc. and in the frenzy of the moment the real meaning of Christmas is lost. The Coming of the Anointed One, the Messiah and Son of God is forgotten. The arrival of the God incarnate is more than the celebration of one day, December 25th. For many the day after Christmas, people move on to their normal routine and life as though nothing extraordinary happened. The Birth of The Christ, the Savior is just another annual event. It is very sad to think about it isn’t it?

Although Christ’s life on earth was for 33 years before He Ascended to Heaven, He in fact, never left us for He said, "LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE" [Matthew 28:20]. We know Him directly, here and now, in the present as our Savior and our Friend. "To the end of the age" does not by any means imply that we are to be separated from Him after that great consummation, He is with us now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. REJOICE, MY FRIENDS, REJOICE!

_______
"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