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.

MATERIALISM: POSSESSIONS

Jesus says, "Take heed and beware of covetousness,
FOR ONE’S LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST IN THE
ABUNDANCE OF THE THINGS HE POSSESS" (Luke 12:15].

In the Gospel of Saint Luke the Evangelist we are given
the following Parable of Christ:

"The ground of a rich man, yielded plentifully. And he thought
within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do since I have no room to
store my crops? So he said, ‘ I will do this: I will pull down my
barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and
my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods
laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’
But God said to him, ‘Fool this night your soul will be required of
you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward
God" [Luke 12:16-21].

Man has proven over and over again to be a "fool" in all of his material quests and his obsession of becoming wealthy. He wastes his entire life to acquire as many possessions as possible. The rich man is a fool indeed, despite his material success, because he vainly puts all his trust in his possessions instead of God. HIs interests were reduced to an earthly good life and his thoughts and soul were distant from God and having a virtuous life. He also made the mistake to call everything his own, forgetting that everything belongs to God and not to him. We ought to know that we are simply travellers on this earth passing through and what we think we possess is given to us by God for temporary use. As a matter of fact our very life is in God’s hands and all its days are counted by God before our birth. The Psalmist writes: "My bone You made in secret was not hidden from You. And my substance was in the lowest part of the earth; Your eyes saw me when I was unformed" [Psalm  138:15-16]. By the way this psalm reveals the sanctity of life OF AN UNBORN CHILD and explain why both in ancient Israel and in the Church, ABORTING A BABE IN THE WOMB IS SEEN AS THE SIN OF MURDER.

"To be rich toward God" is to have a life of close communion with Him through faith and works of love. Our Lord Christ speaking to all says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where both moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart be also" [Matthew 6:19]. By attaching ourselves to "treasures on earth" (possession or material things) we cut ourselves off from heavenly treasures. We become slaves, not free in Christ. The heart of the believer, the faithful, lies in disentangling ourselves from the chains of earthly things, and attaching ourselves to God our Creator, the True Treasure. We have a need for certain material things. bit we use them according to God’s will and purposes.

Mankind has made things into an idol of worship. Man’s entire life revolves around purchasing luxurious and expensive things and displaying them to his friends as though they reflect his worth as a person. Part of it is his vanity and pride. In giving over our heart to "earthly treasures," a person becomes their slave. The Parable of the arrogant rich man relates to each of us and to every contemporary person of today. We are constantly looking for opportunities to shop, to buy more things and it resembles a drunk who is unable to contain himself from drinking although he knows the outcome will be bad for him. Many of the objects that we purchase end up either in the garage or the basement of the house. Some people after some time elapses conduct garage sales and one by one the objects which they held dear at one time they are now sold. The more charitable simply call for a pick up from the Salvation Army to help those in need.

Our Christian Saints who inherited the wealth of their parents once their parents died they would sell it and distribute the funds to the poor. Jesus speaks about a young rich man who said to Him that he had kept all the commandments. So "Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for HE HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS. Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter in the Kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God" [Matthew 19:16-24].

Salvation, my friends, does not depend on external things, whether they be many or few, great or small, but on the virtues of the soul–FAITH, HOPE, AND AGAPE–REWARD WHICH IS SALVATION. The phrase of a camel going through "the eye of a needle" means the difficulty of salvation for those who are attached to riches, just like the young man of the Parable. The rich man spoke to his soul in the Parable which indicates that he believes he has one. How many people, how many Christians not only speak but think of their immortal soul at all? Many neglect their soul and ignore to take good care of it and to nourish it, to clean it, to heal it, to preserve it whole and healthy. Christ Lord asks the question, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? [Matthew 16:26].

"And God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man BECAME A LIVING SOUL" (Genesis 2:7). Two actions, or two aspects of action, are distinguished here, and they may be understood as simultaneous the formation of the BODY, and THE GIVING OF LIFE TO IT. Saint John Damascene notes: "The body and the soul were formed AT THE SAME TIME–not one before and the other afterwards. "According to the description of the Book of Genesis, God created the body of man from already existing earthly elements and He created it in a very special fashion: not by His command or word alone, as was done in the creation of the other creatures,but by HIS OWN DIRECT ACTION. This shows that man, even in his bodily organization, IS A BEING SURPASSING ALL OTHER CREATURES FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF HIS EXISTENCE. Further, it is said that God breathed into his face the breath of life and the man became a living soul…"

"The body must serve as the companion, organ, and even fellow laborer OF THE SOUL. It depends on the soul itself whether to lower itself to such an extent that it becomes the slave of the body, or, being guided by an enlightened spirit, to make the body its obedient executor and fellow laborer. Depending upon the soul, the body can be a vessel of sinful impurity and foulness, or it can become a temple of God, participating with the soul in the glorification of God." [This is taught in Holy Scripture (Romans 13L14; Galatians 3:3; 1 Corinthians (;27; Galatians 5:24).

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

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

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

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

THE SYSTEMATIC COMMERCIALIZATION AND DEGRADATION OF CHRISTIAN
MAJOR HOLY DAYS, i.e., CHRISTMAS, PASCHA (EASTER) AND
THANKSGIVING.

Christians of all major traditions have witnessed for decades, upon decades, their holy days being hijacked by big businesses and unscrupulous opportunists that have commercialized,debace, corrupted, and altered the significance and meaning behind the original celebration in favor of profitability. These major Holy Days of Christianity reflect the faith and celebration of the importance of key occurrences in the life of Jesus Christ, such as His birth and His Resurrection. Holy Days respected and honored by all major Christian Churches throughout the world for two thousand years or more. These Holy Days are not only events in the calendar but Christian history itself.

These Christian Holy Days were reverently observed by believers and widely respected by even the non-Christian world for centuries. To disrespect them would be to offend millions upon millions of Christians who would vehemently protest against it. At one time this kind of insult would not be tolerated and it would have political and economic negative ramifications. It seems, however, the Christian community has been either inductrinated or desensitized to accept this offensive, grotesque and a caricature of a holiday. The present reality is that the authentic, traditional and original meaning of these three major Holy Days have been almost completely lost.

Christians must make a concerted and united effort to reclaim their Holy Days and Tradition. It all begins in the Christian home and in church. The history, tradition, and spiritual significance of the Holy Days must be taught and explained to the children, future generations of Christians. It is up to the Christians to protect and preserve the integrity and sanctity of the Faith. A faith which must be practiced and implemented in our daily life. The world is mostly a secular place and not a friend of Christianity. This secular world has its own Gentile agenda which seeks to dominate it with its very radical and liberal philosophy.

Throughout the centuries, Christianity, has experienced deliberate hostile actions and persecutions against it. Beginning with Israel and the killing of the Founder and Head of Christianity, Jesus Christ and later His Apostles and followers. The Roman caesars and the systematic persecutions of Christians and through horrific tortures to prevent the spread of Christianity and to bring it to its total defeat. Another powerful enemy of Christianity were the Moslem Ottoman Turks which brought terror to the hearts of innocent Christian people. A totalitarian political foe of Christianity was communism which was responsible for the death of millions of Christian men, women and children. Also, an insidious and melovelent power for centuries has infiltrated Christianity and has sought to destroy Christianity from within through heresy, corruption, power struggle, greed and byzantine style political intrigue and conspiracy.

Everyone decries the commercialization of Christmas and at the stores when a Christian says, "Merry Christmas" the answer much of the time is "Happy holidays" to you. The Person of Jesus Christ, Whose Birth we celebrate, has been replaced by the symbol of commerce, Santa Clause, reindeer, elves, and gift giving, eating and fun. At Pascha (Easter) the Person of Jesus Christ and His Triumphal Resurrection has been replaced by the "Easter bunny" and egg hunts. Thanksgiving, a time that all should be offering prayers of thanksgiving, has been replaced by gluttony, drinking, and football games. Therefore, these major Holy Days in the Christian calendar have been hijacked, diluted and neutralized. This cannot be allowed to continue and for the traditional Christian celebration to fade away. In the Orthodox Christian Tradition the Holy Nativity Fast begins on November 15th to December 24th, Christmas Eve. Traditionally Orthodox Christian do not exchange gifts on Christmas Day. Christmas for Orthodox Christians is a day of worship at their local parish church. For Pascha (Easter) again it is a 40 day Fasting period (Lent) in preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the Orthodox Christians every Lord’s Day (Sunday) is one of thanksgiving and praise. The Greek word for thanksgiving is efcharistia (eucharistia or Eucharist). At the Divine Liturgy we pray, "It is meet and right to hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion."

Christians must not be dictated by a non-Christian society and world how these Holy Days are observed. These sacred traditions, when conducted reverently and solemnly, with profound faith, are very inspiring and memorable to all, but especially to our children. Through our Orthodox liturgical tradition we relive those memorable and holy events in the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We truly honor and glorify Christ God for everything He has done to save us through the commemoration of His life on earth i.e., His Birth, His Baptism, His Sacrifice on the Cross, His death and Resurrection, His Ascension. The true meaning and significance of these Holy Days must be preserved and protected by all Christians no matter where they are.

An assault on the major Holy Days of our Church is an assault on Christ Himself. Christians have always been the defenders of their Divine Leader, Lord, God and Savior and willing to die for Him. Even when they were threatened with horrific tortures they were never afraid and never betrayed Christ. Are Christians currently any different than those who suffered imprisonment, tortures, beheadings and crucifixion for the sake of Jesus Christ? Have contemporary Christians become fair weather Christian today? Is there no commitment to Christ and for the Gospel? Is the faith of the Christian now a lukewarm faith? Historically, Christians would confront pagan rulers and the Roman Caesars, and openly defend their faith in Christ, and would declare it unafraid of the consequences. Many of the early Martyrs were young women, young men and even children. Why do the Christians and Christian leaders and Churches currently remain silent and passive? Is there no faith, no courage, no commitment, no loyalty to the Son of God Who gave His life to save us and all of mankind? Christianity has never been about safety, comfort, convenience, pleasure, glamor, prestige, entertainment (fun); Christianity is the Cross! The Holy Evangelist Mark writes, "When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME" [Mark 8:34]. You see there is a cost to discipleship: SELF-DENIAL, CARRYING ONE’S CROSS (A SYMBOL OF SUFFERING), AND OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST.

Pray for God to strengthen you so as to remain steadfast in your faith in Him. If there are some Christians who are embarrassed to be a Christian, the Lord Christ has a message for you. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels" [Mark 8:38]. Good Christians do not question Jesus’ Divine Teachings, His Holy Gospel, the Good News. He is our Master and we are His servants or His willing slaves. There are no debates, no philosophical arguments, no deliberations, controversies, scientific findings, scholarly facts, there is only total obedience to Christ God. One is either a Christian or he/she is not.

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

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

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

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

SAINT SPYRIDON’S LIFE WAS A
LIFE OF MIRACLES.

The Miraculous Filling Church Lamp

On another occasion, as the Saint was chanting Vespers (Esperinos), the lamp was about to be extinguished, which would interrupt the Divine Office. He stood there grieved as he looked at the waning lamp. Straightway, an invisible power filled the lamp with oil overflowing, so that some spilled on the floor. Consequently, the church servers brought in jar after jar, and the jars were being filled by the overflowing oil. Thus with the miraculous filling of many vessels, even as it happened in ancient times for the widow by Prophet Eliseos, the abundance of grace that dwelt in the holy bishop was made manifest.

The Pagan Idols are Brought Down Through Prayer

At that time, the Patriarch of Alexandria convened a Synod. As a zealot of ardent piety, he wished to assemble all the hierarchs of his Dioceses so that they might send up common prayers for the breaking and elimination of all the idols that still existed in the various regions. All the invited Bishops came, together with other godly individuals, that they might offer up both conciliar and private entreaty. God indeed hearkened to his servants and brought the idols down. They fell to the ground, broke, and became dust. There was, however, one idol that remained in the Patriarch’s jurisdiction. Once again the Bishops and fathers offered up common supplications for the fall of that particular idol, but that most profane object remained whole. This took place by Divine economy that the servant of the Lord, Spyridon, might be glorified and revealed to others. For many did yet know the power procured by the Great Saint Spyridon’s prayer. That same night, in his sleep, the Patriarch beheld the Angel of the Lord appear to him and say, "Cease grieving on account of that idol which did not fall, for thus God wills until the coming from Cyprus of the Great Spyridon, Hierarch of Trimythous. Do thou quickly invite him." The Patriarch, hearing these words, arose and with all dispatch wrote to Bishop Spyridon, disclosing to him the reason for such a visit and vision he beheld. He added that his coming must take place,as no excuse would be countenanced.

Upon receiving the Patriarch’s letter, the Saint, as one obedient, was not negligent or careless. He straightway made arrangements and arrived in the Alexandrian harbor, which was called New City (Neapolis). The Saint was readying to disembark and go directly to the Patriarchate. All the while he kept constant prayer. The moment he left the ship and his foot set upon dry land, that hideous idol came crashing down. Behold, the miracle! The Patriarch saw the collapse of the idol and understood that it signaled the coming of the Saint. The Patriarch then remarked to those standing by, "You may be sure that the Great Spyridon has come; and for this cause that idol was thrown headlong down." This prodigious wonder (miracle) was proclaimed in every place, which generated universal joy. Indeed, the event not only confirmed the Orthodox in their Faith but also caused many of the Greek pagans to come forward for holy illumination in holy Baptism. This miracle was not only circulated by word of mouth but also depicted in holy icons. There is also the famous portrayal of the Saint and the transformation of the golden serpent. Both oral and written tradition confirm these miracles. We must now speak of these events leading to the end of his earthly sojourn.

The Saint Works on His Farm

Toward the close of Saint Spyridon’s life, during harvest time, he, as one humble-minded, worked alongside his laborers in the field. One time, when it was very hot and not a cloud was in the sky, THERE FELL FROM ABOVE A DELICATE DRIZZLE UPON THE HOLY MAN, SO AS TO COOL HIS HEAD. This DID NOT TAKE PLACE FOR ANYONE ELSE PRESENT, but the others noticed the phenomenon. Christ, the Heavenly Cultivator, wished not only to bedew that excellent head but also to gather in His animate fruit; that is, the time of Spyridon’s earthly sojourn was drawing near to an end. Now when the Saint laid his right hand on his sacred head and showed the bystanders teh dew, it was observed that he suddenly generated hairs on his head that were both blonde and black. "I," says the Greek compiler, "knew not the significance of this sign." The Saint, however, understood and said to those present, "Know that in a little while my soul shall be separated from the body; for the All-Good God wishes to honor me with much glory upon my repose. Countless crowds of people came to celebrate that day with a great festival." Thus, the dew of heaven that came down upon his head prefigured the future, for God would glorify His servant’s sacred memory and relics, and sanctify the faithful by his intercessions.

The holy man then uttered other prophecies. He also exhorted and admonished those present that they should keep the commandments of the Lord, but he mostly emphasized that they ought to preserve love for God and neighbor.

The Saint’s Repose

Then, on the 12th day of December, in the year 348 A.D., Saint Spyridon gave his soul into the hands of God. He was 78 years old. He bequeathed his sacred relics to the island of his birth, as a consolation for the faithful and as a fountain of healings. Upon his repose and up to present day his boldness before the Lord is even greater than when he was alive, as he has been shown to be a wellspring of miracles. The wonderworkings have not ceased.

The Miracles of Saint Spyridon

Let us examine closely, O blessed Christian, Saint Spyridon’s wondrous works; for they are indeed beneficial to the soul and its development. They enable us not only to avoid vice but also to advance in virtue, each being motivated to act according to his strength, striving to emulate their example. We beg all to give heed with contrition at the telling of these exceptional miracles.

In the days of old, the island of Kerkyra (known in modern times as Corfu, was stricken by a severe famine, and many necessities of life were lacking. On Holy and Great Saturday, the Saint appeared to the captain of certain nearby vessels and informed them of the serious need, and they brought wheat to the island. Therefore, the Holy Pascha was celebrated on the previously afflicted island with great splendor and joy with the provisions bestowed by the Saint.

The number of splendid processions held is also notable. They celebrate events in which the Saint saved the people. The most elegant and lengthy of all processions is the one that circles the entire city once. It is conducted on Palm Sunday on the occasion of the epidemic which struck in 1630. Another procession is also scheduled for the first Sunday in November, and was instituted in 1673, by the Venetians, due to a plague that swept the island that year. Another important procession is held on the 11th of August, in memory of the liberation of the island from the Turkish invasion in 1716.

Up until the year 1605, during processions, the holy relics were completely uncovered, borne in the arms of a single priest. This practice, however, was considered improper. Therefore, a silver reliquary was constructed in Venice, gilded and partially covered with crystal and the Saint’s holy relics placed in it. The case itself was then set within a larger silver reliquary. During the processions, which are conducted with great splendor, the reliquary is borne about by the priest. The magnificent order of the processions lasted into the period of French and English rule and until Kerkyra was united with Greece. [Resources: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

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

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

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

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

SAINT SPYRIDON’S LIFE WAS A
LIFE OF MIRACLES.

The Miraculous Filling Church Lamp

On another occasion, as the Saint was chanting Vespers (Esperinos), the lamp was about to be extinguished, which would interrupt the Divine Office. He stood there grieved as he looked at the waning lamp. Straightway, an invisible power filled the lamp with oil overflowing, so that some spilled on the floor. Consequently, the church servers brought in jar after jar, and the jars were being filled by the overflowing oil. Thus with the miraculous filling of many vessels, even as it happened in ancient times for the widow by Prophet Eliseos, the abundance of grace that dwelt in the holy bishop was made manifest.

The Pagan Idols are Brought Down Through Prayer

At that time, the Patriarch of Alexandria convened a Synod. As a zealot of ardent piety, he wished to assemble all the hierarchs of his Dioceses so that they might send up common prayers for the breaking and elimination of all the idols that still existed in the various regions. All the invited Bishops came, together with other godly individuals, that they might offer up both conciliar and private entreaty. God indeed hearkened to his servants and brought the idols down. They fell to the ground, broke, and became dust. There was, however, one idol that remained in the Patriarch’s jurisdiction. Once again the Bishops and fathers offered up common supplications for the fall of that particular idol, but that most profane object remained whole. This took place by Divine economy that the servant of the Lord, Spyridon, might be glorified and revealed to others. For many did yet know the power procured by the Great Saint Spyridon’s prayer. That same night, in his sleep, the Patriarch beheld the Angel of the Lord appear to him and say, "Cease grieving on account of that idol which did not fall, for thus God wills until the coming from Cyprus of the Great Spyridon, Hierarch of Trimythous. Do thou quickly invite him." The Patriarch, hearing these words, arose and with all dispatch wrote to Bishop Spyridon, disclosing to him the reason for such a visit and vision he beheld. He added that his coming must take place,as no excuse would be countenanced.

Upon receiving the Patriarch’s letter, the Saint, as one obedient, was not negligent or careless. He straightway made arrangements and arrived in the Alexandrian harbor, which was called New City (Neapolis). The Saint was readying to disembark and go directly to the Patriarchate. All the while he kept constant prayer. The moment he left the ship and his foot set upon dry land, that hideous idol came crashing down. Behold, the miracle! The Patriarch saw the collapse of the idol and understood that it signaled the coming of the Saint. The Patriarch then remarked to those standing by, "You may be sure that the Great Spyridon has come; and for this cause that idol was thrown headlong down." This prodigious wonder (miracle) was proclaimed in every place, which generated universal joy. Indeed, the event not only confirmed the Orthodox in their Faith but also caused many of the Greek pagans to come forward for holy illumination in holy Baptism. This miracle was not only circulated by word of mouth but also depicted in holy icons. There is also the famous portrayal of the Saint and the transformation of the golden serpent. Both oral and written tradition confirm these miracles. We must now speak of these events leading to the end of his earthly sojourn.

The Saint Works on His Farm

Toward the close of Saint Spyridon’s life, during harvest time, he, as one humble-minded, worked alongside his laborers in the field. One time, when it was very hot and not a cloud was in the sky, THERE FELL FROM ABOVE A DELICATE DRIZZLE UPON THE HOLY MAN, SO AS TO COOL HIS HEAD. This DID NOT TAKE PLACE FOR ANYONE ELSE PRESENT, but the others noticed the phenomenon. Christ, the Heavenly Cultivator, wished not only to bedew that excellent head but also to gather in His animate fruit; that is, the time of Spyridon’s earthly sojourn was drawing near to an end. Now when the Saint laid his right hand on his sacred head and showed the bystanders teh dew, it was observed that he suddenly generated hairs on his head that were both blonde and black. "I," says the Greek compiler, "knew not the significance of this sign." The Saint, however, understood and said to those present, "Know that in a little while my soul shall be separated from the body; for the All-Good God wishes to honor me with much glory upon my repose. Countless crowds of people came to celebrate that day with a great festival." Thus, the dew of heaven that came down upon his head prefigured the future, for God would glorify His servant’s sacred memory and relics, and sanctify the faithful by his intercessions.

The holy man then uttered other prophecies. He also exhorted and admonished those present that they should keep the commandments of the Lord, but he mostly emphasized that they ought to preserve love for God and neighbor.

The Saint’s Repose

Then, on the 12th day of December, in the year 348 A.D., Saint Spyridon gave his soul into the hands of God. He was 78 years old. He bequeathed his sacred relics to the island of his birth, as a consolation for the faithful and as a fountain of healings. Upon his repose and up to present day his boldness before the Lord is even greater than when he was alive, as he has been shown to be a wellspring of miracles. The wonderworkings have not ceased.

The Miracles of Saint Spyridon

Let us examine closely, O blessed Christian, Saint Spyridon’s wondrous works; for they are indeed beneficial to the soul and its development. They enable us not only to avoid vice but also to advance in virtue, each being motivated to act according to his strength, striving to emulate their example. We beg all to give heed with contrition at the telling of these exceptional miracles.

In the days of old, the island of Kerkyra (known in modern times as Corfu, was stricken by a severe famine, and many necessities of life were lacking. On Holy and Great Saturday, the Saint appeared to the captain of certain nearby vessels and informed them of the serious need, and they brought wheat to the island. Therefore, the Holy Pascha was celebrated on the previously afflicted island with great splendor and joy with the provisions bestowed by the Saint.

The number of splendid processions held is also notable. They celebrate events in which the Saint saved the people. The most elegant and lengthy of all processions is the one that circles the entire city once. It is conducted on Palm Sunday on the occasion of the epidemic which struck in 1630. Another procession is also scheduled for the first Sunday in November, and was instituted in 1673, by the Venetians, due to a plague that swept the island that year. Another important procession is held on the 11th of August, in memory of the liberation of the island from the Turkish invasion in 1716.

Up until the year 1605, during processions, the holy relics were completely uncovered, borne in the arms of a single priest. This practice, however, was considered improper. Therefore, a silver reliquary was constructed in Venice, gilded and partially covered with crystal and the Saint’s holy relics placed in it. The case itself was then set within a larger silver reliquary. During the processions, which are conducted with great splendor, the reliquary is borne about by the priest. The magnificent order of the processions lasted into the period of French and English rule and until Kerkyra was united with Greece. [Resources: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

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

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

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

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

THE MANY MIRACLES ATTRIBUTED TO SAINT SPYRIDON
THE WONDERWORKER.

Drought in Cyprus

It was the will of the All-Powerful God, as the Righteous Judge, to punish the island of Cyprus with the deprivation of rain. The drought was of such a degree that a great and deadly famine resulted. These consequences usually follow severe shortages and a dearth of water and food, which in this case brought about untold fatalities. In the face of this great chastisement of God there was need of another Prophet Elias or someone like him in works, who could open the heavens by means of his prayer. Such a person, magnanimous and wondrous, was Saint Spyridon. Overcome by fatherly love, he sent up urgent and fervent entreaty to God. Our Heavenly Father, as one compassionate, did not hesitate to answer the prayer of His slave, straightway dark clouds filled the sky. Then the most marvelous phenomenon took place. Lest anyone should think that the imminent fall of rain was due to the laws of nature, God dispensed that those somber clouds stand still and hold their moisture for an inordinate amount of time. Nothing would take place until the holy Spyridon repeated his entreaty with the same faith. The Saint offered up supplication with tears, which streamed down his face and to the ground. By the grace of the All-Merciful God, he commanded the clouds, which watered the entire island. The parched earth with her thirsty crops came to fruition, and the people were delivered from this dreadful situation.

Deliverance From the Death Sentence

A certain virtuous man, a particular friend of the Saint, was hated by certain perverse and malignant men on account of his upstanding way and his God-loving deeds. In their mischief to hurt him, they slandered him, accusing him of committing some great criminal act. Since the witnesses were so manh, the Prefect condemned him to death, though unjustly, that innocent man. Saint Spyridon learned of his friend’s plight and hastened to visit him, where he was being held in bonds, so that he might release him from that unfair sentence. Now it was winter, and the road had been submerged by the river, since heavy rains created flooding. The Saint, seeing he was not able to cross over, then brought to mind Jesus of Navee at the Jordan when he passed over miraculously with the ark [Joshua 3:11-17]. The holy man, having unwavering faith that the same God Who wrought mightily such wonders was able to do so here in like manner, thereupon commanded the river as though it were a slave, saying: "Hail! The Master of all has determined that I should pass for the sake of my friend’s deliverance." Thus he spoke, and straightway the word took effect. O exceptional wonderworking! The current of that rushing torrent stood in place, leaving a path empty of water. The flow of water remained at attention until the Saint and those travelling with him passed over. This was another miracle attributed to the Saint. All those who happened to be with him witnessed with fear at the wonder. They hurried and went ahead of the holy man, proclaiming loudly the wonderworking brought about by the Saint’s word. The Prefect also learned of this wonder and was most amazed. Out of respect for the holy man, the Prefect happily released that friend and received in exchange Saint Spyridon’s blessing. The Saint had not only the gift of wonderworking but also THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS OF PROPHECY, CLAIRVOYANCE, AND CLEARLY THE CONCEALED SECRET THINGS AND SINS OF EACH. Consequently, he used every means to bring each to repentance.

First Ecumenical Synod

When the Great Constantine reigned, he convened the First Ecumenical Synod in 325 A.D. The major Sees of the Eastern Empire were well represented. The Anti-Arians included legates from the Churches of Alexandria, Antioch, Ankyra, Jerusalem, Palestinian Caesarea, Nicaea, Chalcedon, Libya, Carthage, Pannonia, Gaul, Calabria, Cordoba, Rome, Persia, Scythia, Cyprus Myra, Alexandria, Constantinople, Neo-Caesarea. The universally accepted tradition of the Church states that 318 members comprised the Synod.

The Synod was assembled against Arius the heretic, who kept spreading his blasphemy, saying that the Son and Logos/Word of God was NOT COESSENTIAL (HOMOOUSIOS) WITH THE Father. Thus, Arius was declaring that Jesus is NOT the true God but A CREATURE (KTISMA), a Greek word meaning anything THAT IS BUILT.

In the midst of this company of luminaries was the humble-minded Spyridon, whose indwelling of the Holy Spirit and virtue empowered him to surpass the worldly philosophers who were given imperial permission to attend. Though both the holy and knowledgeable Alexander and Athanasios championed Orthodoxy, in their speeches and put to shame the heretics, yet our Spyridon routed the benighted Ariomaniacs and philosophers not with words, but rather with a work of power. The Saint did not pretend to anything. He deemed himself a simple and unlettered man; nevertheless, he could not stand by idly, as the philosopher’s heated and abusive words and arguments reviled the Christ.

He approached the blasphemous philosopher and said, "Come and speak with me, O philosopher." The other Orthodox, knowing the Saint’s simplicity, frankness, and sincerity, also knew his inexperience in profane Greek learning were concerned about him and therefore wanting to rescue him from that puffed-up philosopher, they would not give him leave to speak. The Saint, however, knew how much more powerful was spiritual and lofty wisdom than fleshly wisdom and book learning. The Saint did not listen to their warning, but said these things to the philosopher" "In the Name of Jesus Christ, give me also a little hearing." The rhetor said to hi, "Speak on whatever thou dost wish."

The Saint Spyridon, great in virtue and simple, or should we say singular in learning, borne about and filled full of the All-Holy Spirit, took up A TILE IN HIS HANDS AND WENT ON SPEAKING: "ONE IS GOD WHO MADE THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS. THE SAME ONE CREATED THE HEAVENLY POWERS WITHOUT HIM NOT EVEN ONE THING CAME INTO BEING THAT HATH COME TO BE [John 1:3]. And ‘by the Logos/Word of the Lord were the heavens established, and all the might of them by the Spirit of His mouth [Psalm 32:6]. The Logos made the heaven and the earth, and the firmament, which He called the heavens and divided the water which was under and above the firmament…God then said, "Let us make man" –a great and wondrous creation–according to our image and similitude [Genesis 1:26]. This Logos/Word, Whom we know to be the Son of the True Godand of one essence with the Father, we believe to be born of the Virgin. He was crucified and buried as Man, and as God He raised us up with Himself. It is He Who grants us incorruptible and everlasting life. Furthermore, we believe that, as Judge of the cosmos, He shall come in order to judge all, at which point we shall give Him an accounting of all our works, words, and desires.

"Again, we know Him to be COESSENTIAL with the Father, COEQUAL in dignity, honor, and glory. The Holy Trinity, though ONE IN ESSENCE, is tri-hypostatic, three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is an ineffable and incomprehensible mystery, and the mined of man is not able to comprehend the greatness of infinite Divinity…That you mightest be assured of the truth of these things, attend to this small and common ROOF-TILE. Though it is not proper that we should liken the Uncreated and Superessential Nature with this created and perishable creation, nevertheless, the eyes are deemed more credible witnesses in us than our ears. For all those of LITTLE FAITH, such as thyself and others who do not believe easily unless they see with their bodily eyes, I shall demonstrate before your very eyes the truth with this here CLAY TILE, which is compounded of THREE ELEMENTS THOUGH IT IS ONE IN ESSENCE.

After the Saint, inflamed with love for the Holy Trinity made the sign of the Honorable Cross with his right hand, while holding the tile in his left hand, he pronounced: "In the name of the Father, ," and instantly–lo, thy wonders, O Christ our King!–the fire which had baked the tile flared upward. Then he said, "and of the Son," –and at once, the water wherewith it had been mixed ran down, "and of the Holy Spirit," and he opened his hand in which only the clay from which it was made remained. This miracle was witnessed with astonishment by all, especially the philosopher, who was awestruck to the depths of his soul and fell silent. Thus, the Saint put to shame the disputers reputed to be wise. [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 His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George

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

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

On the 12th of December, we celebrate the Feast-Day of our Father among the Saints,
SPYRIDON THE WONDERWORKER, Bishop of Trimythus in Cyprus.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Hierarch. First Tone

THOU was shown forth as a champion of the First Council and a
wonderworker, O Spyridon, our God-bearing Father. Wherefore,
thou didst speak unto one dead in the grave, and didst change a
serpent to gold. And while chanting thy holy prayers, thou hadst
Angels serving with thee, O most sacred one. Glory to Him that
hath glorified thee. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to
Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

Kontakion Hymn of the Hierarch. Second Tone

PIERCED through with the love of Christ, O sacred Spyridon, thou
gavest thy mind diviine wings with the Spirit’s light; in the active
vision of God were all thy labors, O inspired of God, whereby thou
became the Lord’s divine altar, asking divine light for all.

Saint Spyridon, the God-bearing Father of the Church, the great defender of Corfu, and the boast of all the Orthodox, had Cyprus as his homeland. He was simple in manner and humble of heart, and was shepherd of sheep. and tilling his own land. He consumed very little of his own produce, giving the greater part to the poor. He performed great wonders by God’s power, making rain fall in a drought, stopping the course of a river, raising several of the dead, healing the Emperor Constans of a grave illness, seeing and hearing Angels, foreseeing future events and penetrating the secrets of the human heart. He turned many to the true Faith, and did much else. He dressed so simply that once, when he was invited by the Emperor to the imperial court, a soldier took him for a beggar and struck him a blow. The meek and guileless Spirydon turned him the other cheek. When he was joined to a wife, he begat of her a daughter, whom they named Irene. After his wife’s departure from this life, he was appointed Bishop of Trimythus, and thus he also became a shepherd of rational sheep. When the First Ecumenical Synod was assembled in Nicaea, he also was present, and by means of hismos simple words stopped the mouths of the Arians (heretics) who were wise in their own conceit. By the Divine grace which dwelt in him, he wrought such great wonders that he received the surname "WONDERWORKER." So it is that, having tended his flock piously and in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord about the year 350 A.D., leaving to his country his sacred relics as a consolation and source of healing for the faithful.

FOR CONSIDERATION

Nothing will help us if we are not generous and forgiving towards human weakness in others. If we do not forgive others, how can we hope that God will forgive us? Saint Spyridon once sold a merchant a hundred goats at a given price, and told the buyer to produce the money. Knowing that Spyridon himself would never count it, he put down enough for ninety-nine goats and secreted the money for the hundredth. Saint Spyridon then counted out a hundred goats for him, but, when the merchant and his servant started driving them away, one of them returned bleating. It was driven off again, and again returned. It kept returning to the flock, and would not go with the other goats. The Saint then whispered into the merchant’s ear, ‘You know, my son, that animal is not acting like this without a reason. Have you, perhaps, withheld the price?’ The merchant was ashamed and acknowledged his sin, and, as soon as he had paid the full amount, the goat immediately went off and joined the rest of the flock.

On another occasion, some thieves went into Saint Spyridon’s pasture. When they had seized as many rams as they wanted, they tried to leave the field, but an invisible force riveted them to the earth and they could not move from the spot. At dawn, the bishop came to the pasture, and, seeing the thieves, reproached them mildly and told them to try, in future, to live by their own labor and not by thieving. He then caught a ram and gave it to them, saying: ‘Take this, so that your trouble and night vigil should not have been in vain,’ and he sent them away in peace.

After he arrived back home from Nichaea a woman told him that she had given his daughter Irene, who had died while he was away, some jewelry for safekeeping. Now that his daughter was dead, no one could find where she had put them. Saint Spyridon looked everywhere but he could not find them either. The Saint went to his daughter’s grave, spoke to her, and was able to restore the jewelry to its owner.

A traveler came upon a journey to visit him on one of those days in which it was his custom to keep a continuous fast with his household, and on the day appointed for tasting food, he would remain without nourishment until mid-day. Perceiving that the stranger was much fatigued, Saint Spyridon said to his daughter, "Come, wash his feet and set meat before him." The virgin replied that there was neither bread nor barley-food in the house, for it would have been superfluous to provide such things at the time of the fast. Saint Spyridon first prayed and asked forgiveness, and asked her to cook some salt pork which happened to be in the house. When it was prepared, he sat down at a table with the stranger, partook of the meat, and told him to follow his example. But the stranger declined, under the plea of being a Christian, he said to him, "it is for that very reason that you ought not to decline partaking of the meat; for the Divine word shows that to the pure all things are pure."

About the middle of the 7th century, because of the incursions made by the barbarians at that time, his sacred relics were taken to Constantinople, where they remained, being honored by the Emperors themselves. But before the fall of Constantinople, which took place on May29, 1453, a certain priest named George Kalokhairetes, the parish priest of the church where the Saint’s sacred relics, as well as those of Saint Theodora the Empress, were kept, took the away on account of the impending peril. Travelling by way of Serbia, he came as far as Arta in Epirus, a region in Western Greece opposite to the isle of Corfu. From there, while the misfortunes of the Christian people were increasing with every day, he passed over to Corfu about the year 1460. The holy relics of Saint Theodora were given to the people of Corfu; but those of Saint Spyridon remain to this day, according to the rights of inheritance, the most precious treasure of the priest’s own descendants, and they continue to be a staff for the faithful in Orthodoxy, and a supernatural wonder for those that behold him; for even after the passage of 1,500 years, they had remained incorrupt, and even the flexibility of his flesh has been preserved.

A different account of where the holy relics of Saint Spyridon states that the sacred relics are housed in a silver casket in a church of Saint Spyridon in Corfu built in 1589. According to local tradition, his holy relics are carried around the island of Corfu four times a year. [Resources: The Great Horologion and The Prologue from Ochrid]

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

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

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

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

MIRACLES AND WONDERS ACCORDING TO
ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY.

“JESUS answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John [Baptist and Forerunner]
the things (miracles) YOU HAVE SEEN and HEARD: that the BLIND SEE, THE
LAME WALK, THE LEPERS ARE CLEANSED, THE DEAF HEAR, THE DEAD
ARE RAISED, THE POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM” [Luke 7:22].

What is a Miracle?

The Orthodox Christian definition is the following: “A sign whereby God
SUPERSEDES THE NORMAL LAWS OF NATURE in a mysterious way in
order to MANIFEST HIS POWER as Master of the universe. Jesus Christ
PERFORMED COUNTLESS MIRACLES–some showing His mastery over
nature, others demonstrating His power over SIN, DISEASE, AND DEATH.
The Holy Apostles continued to manifest the power of God through miracles.
HEALINGS, WEEPING ICONS, AND HOLY RELICS, and other contemporary
miracles also show His power in the world today. [see Matthew 6:1-34;

The Greek word for “miracle” is “THAVMA”, which directly translates to “WONDER” in English. “Thavma” comes from the verb “thavmazein” (“θαυμάζειν”) which means “to wonder at” or “to be amazed by.”

The Old Testament records over 80 miracles. According to the New Testament, Jesus conducted over 40 miracles. Our Holy Orthodox Church believes that miracles are from God and are meant to lead the faithful to faith. Orthodox Christian also believe that the Almighty and Merciful God may conduct miracles as an act of mercy to help those in need. Furthermore, the Holy Church believes that the Holy Spirit is always present in the Church, and that this is why the Church has Saints, holy icons, holy relics and oil and water that are considered to be “wonderworking.” One most frequent miracle is a miracle that occurs in every Divine Liturgy. The priest invokes the Holy Spirit to come upon him and upon the Precious Gifts: “Again we offer unto Thee this reasonable and bloodless worship, and beseech Thee and pray Thee and supplicate Thee SEND DOWN THY HOLY SPIRIT UPON US AND UPON THESE GIFTS HERE PRESENTED. And make this bread, the Precious Body of Thy Christ. Amen. And that which is in this Chalice, the Precious Blood of Thy Christ. Amen. CHANGING THEM BY THY HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN, AMEN, AMEN. “The Sacrament (Mystery) of the Holy Eucharist is consummated and the Divine Lamb has been bloodlessly immolated by the priest. Through his blessing the power of the Holy Spirit has CHANGED the Precious Gifts, the bread and wine on the altar, INTO CHRIST’S Precious Body and All-Holy Blood in a manner that the senses cannot perceive and created intelligence cannot understand.”

Miracles and Miraculous Healings

Do miracles happen? Our faith is based on the miracle of the bodily RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ from the dead. If this miracle did not take place, then our faith is in vain [1 Corinthians 15:14]. The Holy Bible records many miracles, also called “SIGNS” or “WONDERS” OR “PORTENTS” (Acts 2:22; 2 Corinthians 12:12) or plain “WORKS” {Matthew 12:2; John 5:20.36, 10:25) performed by the Lord. Also many Saints performed miracles, including miraculous healings. Through miracles GOD MANIFESTS THAT HE IS THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE AND THAT EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO HIM. A miracle is not an “interference” on part of God in His creation. Certainly is not a violation of the natural order, since God cannot be “unnatural.” Rather a miracle is included in God’s inscrutable plan of creation, its governance and its ultimate purpose. Through miracles the Lord MANIFESTS HIS DIVINITY AND SHOWS THAT HE IS THE ONE WHO GIVES US LIFE, CARES FOR US AND LOVES US. Miracles also STRENGTHEN OUR WEAK FAITH. “Signs” are A CONDESCENSION TO HUMAN WEAKNESS.”

Miracles are not definitive proofs of the uniqueness of the Christian faith. They DO NOT PRODUCE FAITH WHERE THERE WAS NONE. Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, yet the miraculous plagues brought upon his people were a source of faith among the Hebrews for generations [Exodus 10:1-2] What good is there, then, to have miracles, if they cannot offer proof of the existence of the supernatural? Well, what good would there be if God had to violate our free will in order to convince us? “FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN” [Hebrews 11:1], and will always remain personal subjective matter–miracles notwithstanding. FAITH REQUIRES A PREDISPOSITION OF THE HEART: OPENNESS TO THE TRUTH, AND WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT IT AND TO LIVE BY IT. This is why the unrepentant hearts of the Pharisees and of Pharaoh remained unmoved.

RATIONALISM refuses to accept an event that cannot be explained away by our intellect. Dead people do not come back to life. Blind people do not obtain their vision nor do paralyzed people stand up and walk instantaneously. Water does not turn into wine. You cannot have twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish after 5,000 men (besides the women and the children) eat to their satisfaction out of five fish and two loaves of bread. There is, however, a misunderstanding over what constitutes a miracle. A miracle is not an event contrary to nature, a violation or an infraction of the “laws” of nature. Even when it is perceived as against nature, it is NOT “UNNATURAL” or “ILLOGICAL.”

MIRACLES happen around us, but either we don’t perceive them or we don’t acknowledge them. “The miraculous multiplication of the loaves in the hands of the Savior seemed insufficient to [the Pharisees]. This was done quietly with the holy humility in which all of the God-man’s actions were imbued but the people needed a spectacle; something which produced an effect. They needed the skies to be covered by dense clouds, for the thunder to roll and the lightning to dazzle, and the loaves to fall from heaven.” Why didn’t the Lord do just that (impress everyone with a really spectacular “sign”)? That way He would have turned the most obstinate unbeliever into a believer; He would surely make everyone believe. But, as we said, that would be a violation of the human will, something God would not do. If He did He would be taking away the gift which separates us from the animal world.

As we pray for healing and good health, we place our trust in God Who knows best what is good for us. Do we pray with the same intensity to receive the spiritual gifts as we do in order to receive material benefits? We should always keep in mind that the most important thing IS TO DO GOD’S WILL. [Resources: The Heavenly Banquet.  Understanding the Divine Liturgy by Father Emmanuel Hatzidakis].

(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