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

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

THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS IN LIFE

The Holy Apostle James says,

"My brethren count it all joy when you fall into
various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience. But let patience have
its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking nothing" [James 1:2].

The Greek word for trial is δοκιμασία (Thokimacia) which also can be translated as, test. Whatever the world throws at us it does so by God’s permission. The issue is not TRIALS OR TESTING but our response to them. Properly received "trials" reveal where our hearts are. They are food for faith, which must grow or die. The godly reaction is joy and perseverance [Matthew 5:11-12; Acts 5:41; Romans 5:2-3, 8:18; Hebrews 12:11; 1 Peter 2:19]. Though unkind circumstances are from the evil one, to get angry at circumstances is to get angry at God who permits them. We are to rejoice even in temptations. They reveal whether or not we are prepared for heaven [1 Colossians 9:25]. Although the Holy Apostle James has discussed outward trials, he now turns to inward temptations, which deceive us and lead us into sin, but God never tempts us.

The immediate origin of a temptation is our own sinful passions, which the devil energizes. Temptation begins with "desires" or lusts, then progresses to being "conceived" a fixation on or delight in sinful desires, and ends as "birth to sin," a consent to or acting out of SINFUL DESIRES. We fall to temptation because WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO DO SO. NEITHER GOD NOR CIRCUMSTANCES FORCE US TO YIELD. We, as Orthodox Christians know that suffering is not necessarily a sign of God’s displeasure, as thought by many Jews. Rather, Christians accept persecution joyfully, knowing that the reward of the Kingdom far outweighs any suffering on earth. [Romans 5:3-5]. "For this is commendable," says the Holy Apostle Peter, "if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully" [1 Peter 2:19].

The Holy Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian Christians says, "But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in disrasses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fasting; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness…yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" [2 Corinthians 6:4-10].

No one, my friends in Christ, is immune to agony or spared from torment while one lives his life on earth for life is one of constant challenges. The Holy Apostle Peter writes: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the FIERY TRIAL which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but REJOICE TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU PARTAKE OF CHRIST’S SUFFERING, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" [1 Peter 4:12-14]. The "fiery trial" is the suffering of tribulations that tempt us TO UNFAITHFULNESS, to the RUIN OF OUR FAITH. God’s servants and believers have always suffered unjustly, but in baptism the "sufferings" in which we experience are those of Christ Himself, which will ultimately bring great "joy."

There should be absolutely no question that our faith will be tested; obstacles will present themselves to stop our spiritual progress and growth. We need to be prepared for these inevitable difficulties just like an athlete who participates in an obstacle course and when he approaches the obstacle that lies before him, he jumps over it and continues on to complete his run. Our Merciful Savior, in His wisdom will either permit testing or will allow it to happen at His own time. However, God’s timing is always perfect! Testing and trials are important to our spiritual growth and spiritual wellbeing. The Psalmist reminds in psalm 66 that God consoles believers, promising them they will receive the Holy Spirit if they accept God’s Logos/Word. He also consoles believers, promising they will ultimately be delivered from every affliction and from every spiritual captivity.

Trials and Tribulations are understood as a form of God’s discipline so that we may all become better people fit for the inheritance of His Heavenly Kingdom. Discipline from God, may seem to us kind of harsh, and may make us sad, yet it needs to be accepted by us with a sense of responsibility believing that it is to our spiritual benefit and for our own good. God’s reason is to bring us closer to Him and does not ever seek our destruction but our salvation. The Almighty God knows the future and warns us of what is to come. "But the end of all things is at hand, therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.’" [1 Peter 4:7].

Those crushed by the trials and tribulations of life are people who lack faith in God. These same people are not able to endure them, and unfortunately, they do not turn to God for help but, instead, turn to drugs, alcohol, or even go as far as to take their own life out of despair and hopelessness. The life of every Christian is one of prayer. Prayer is the key to everything that prevents us from entering in or communicating with. It is through prayer that we are able to speak directly to our Creator. When we converse with God at the time of prayer we become similar to the Angels for the most excellent work of the Angels is prayer and worship. It is through prayer that we are able to cultivate virtue and to live out a virtuous life. For how can anyone be virtuous who does NO PRAY and does NOT always bow reverently to the Provider and Giver of virtue?

Humility is the foundation of virtue. Trials and tribulations teach us humility for we see that we can do nothing without Christ. A humble person exercises patience and always with hope in God. To be patient literally means to suffer and endure. It means to wait on the Lord Christ through all tribulations and trials with courage and hope. Only those who are patient, according to our Savior Christ, bring forth fruit from the seeds of God’s Logos/Word that are sown in their hearts. "And as for that in the good soil, they are these who, hearing the Logos/Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience" [Luke 8:15].

No person can go through this temporal life unscathed or without injury of body and soul. It is very naive to believe that one can live up to 90 or 100 years on earth and not be hurt and acquire scars from various injuries. The lessons are many and sometimes difficult to accept but one must face the reality of life, and be as prepared as possible to face all kinds of problems with faith, determination and courage. No one should be willing to be crushed by these unexpected problems in life. After every storm or hurricane follows a clear sky and sunshine. You have heard of the patience of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. "Casting all your care upon Hi, for He cares for you" [1 Peter  5:7].

_______________
"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 8th of October, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
our holy Mother PELAGIA, the former courtesan, of Antioch and
Jerusalem.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Plagal of Fourth Tone

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking
up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst
teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the
soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Pelagia, thy spirit
rejoiceth with the Angels.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

With fasting didst thou consume thy body utterly; with vigilant
prayer didst thou entreat thy Fashioner that complete forgiveness
of thy former deeds be granted thee, which, O Mother, thou didst
receive. The path of repentance hast thou shown to us.

Our holy Mother Pelagia lived in Antioch during the reign of the pagan Roman Emperor Numerianus (283-284 A.D.). She was famous, wealthy, and extremely beautiful. Her soul, however, was sordid and defiled, and submerged in the morass of sensuality. She had no concerns other than to adorn her body and enhance her physical beauty with various cosmetics and expensive jewelry. Her goal was to attract lovers, thus plunging them into destruction. Many consumed their wealth and imperiled their lives and souls for her love. She owned many men and women servants. She boldly walked the streets with an incomparable appearance. The air about her was filled with scents of musk and perfumes which she heaped upon herself.

However, the All-compassionate and very Merciful Lord, not despising such an immodest and profane harlot, but as the Foreknower of the future, knew how much repentance she would later accomplish. Hence, in the following manner, He enlightened the eyes of her soul that she might know the truth.

In those days, at the See of Antioch, the Church assembled to discuss a certain issue. Numbered among the bishops was the very virtuous Nonnos. A marvellous man, he led a life equal to that of the Angels. He was learned and skillful in the knowledge of the Divine Scripture. Instructing the Orthodox Christians in what was beneficial to their souls, he gave a wonderful sermon outside the Church of Saint Julian. The wisdom of his words astonished all, because it was manifest that the Holy Spirit enlightened him. By the sweetness of his words, he attracted many sinners to repentance.

Now it happened that, at the very hour while he was preaching, Pelagia rode by in her carriage. Bedecked with her usual adornments, she also permeated the air with the fragrance of perfumes. All were dumbfounded by the brilliance of hte precious stones which she bore upon her person. Beholding such a shameless display, the other hierarchs turned their eyes away at the sight of her. However, the blessed Nonnos knew that oftimes what is contrary can bring benefit and fruit. By means of this, which incites the pleasures of the flesh, he would kindle divine love in the soul. Gazing a long while upon the harlot, he sighed deeply and wept sufficiently that he soaked his garments. He thought himself most unhappy, because he deemed the harlot’s adornments as evidence of his own condemnation.

He then said to the bystanders, "Woe and alas unto us, the negligent and useless ones! Indeed, we shall be ashamed during the hour of Judgment by this harlot who, to please mortal men, diligently adorns herself, so she might enjoy a little, but bitter, pleasure. We, the mindless ones, indifferently dismiss, without regard, the soul, instead of preferring the Immortal and Living God. Moreover, we prefer what is vain and perishable, theus insulting and disdaiing our dignity. Thereupon, we suffer loss of that ineffable and wonderful delight of perpetual blessedness, thus, we are to be condemned to everlasting damnation for our negligence."

This and many other soul-benefitting illustrations were given by that sacred man. Upon finishing, he went to his cell and prayed alone to God all that day, uttering with tears: "O Most High and very compassionate One, pardon my negligence; for one day of that harlot’s diligence surpasses the strength of all my life to adorn my soul as a habitation to Thee. What excuse, therefore, shall I find before Thee, Who knows all the secrets of the heart? Woe is me, the wretched one! I am unworthy to enter Thy holy altar and am not adorned according to Thy Divine will. Nonetheless, O Lord, do not condemn me on that day of examination, because I am desolate of every virtue and have not kept even one of Thy Commandments."

In the crowd of listeners was Pelagia. Now she was not there for the sake of piety, for she never went to church previous to this day. Her presence was solely the divine behest and oeconomy of the Compassionate God Who wills that ALL "BE SAVED AND COME TO A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH" [1 Timothy 2:4]. The harlot listened to the bishop’s sermon on the soul, the righteous judgment of God, and His Tribunal. Then–O the wonder!–she, who was previously immodest, CAME TO CONTRITION. She bitterly wept and despised her loathsome deeds, and desired only the True Lover and Bridegroom, Christ.

Pelagia then sent two of her servants to follow Nonnos and learn where he dwelt. After they had done so, she sent him a letter which stated: "To the holy bishop and disciple of Christ: from the disciple of the devil, Pelagia, an open sea of iniquities, renders abject homage. I have heard, O Saint of God, from a certain Christian, that the Master came NOT "to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" [Matthew 9:13]; and that He does NOT despise even loathsome harlots, thieves, and tax collectors. Much rather, He, Whom the Cherubim dare not gaze upon, associated and conversed with them. If, therefore, thou art also the servant and athlete of such a Teacher, show forth unto me this work. Do not loathe me the harlot who is, as thee, of the same race and a fellow slave. Instead, vouchsafe me, I entreat thee, to confess my sins to thee that I may save my soul through thee."

After reading this letter, the holy Nonnos hesitated. He did not wish to speak alone with her. Therefore, he ordered that she go to the church, when the other hieararchs were present, and say all that she desired. Pelagia seized the opportunity and went to the church. She then bowed to the ground and soaked the feet of the bishop with her tears, as the harlot of Christ’s times [Luke 7:38]. With the flow of her tears, she said in a great voice, "Take compassion on the sinner, O holy father, and imitate thy Master. Baptize me and guide me unto repentance, because I am a sea of iniquity, an abyss of destruction, and the devil’s snare and spoil; for by reason of me, many have gone to damnation. Now, by the grace of God, I regret my harlotry and seek repentance, so I might not be condemned eternally."

This divine change, wrought by the Right Hand of the Most High, was witnessed by the hierarchs. Only by constraining her did they make her rise up. The holy Nonnos then said to her. "The rules of the Church order that a harlot may not be baptized if she cannot produce certain to go surety for her that she will no longer return to her former sins." Upon hearing this requisite for Holy Baptism, she fell prostrate to the ground. Weeping, she said, "May my sins hang upon thy neck! Indeed, shouldest thou delay and not baptize me as quickly as possible, at the hour of judgment, wouldest then be able to give a word concerning my soul? I desire to receive spiritual rebirth so that I might be presented to the pure Bridegroom Christ as a pure and blameless bride. This is because I fear that, if I delay receiving Baptism, the supplanner (the devil) shall ensnare me again and cast me into my former wanton behavior."

When holy Nonnos heard her firm resolve, he glorified God at such repentance. Therefore, after she made her confession, he asked her for her name. She answered, "From the beginning I was called Pelagia. However, when the people admired the abundance and beauty of the many precious stones and pearls that I wore, they called me ‘Margaro.’ The bishop then baptized her in the name of the Holy Trinity, naming her "Pelagia." Her sponsor, or godmother, was a certain virtuous deaconess, the Nun Romana. At the completion of the Divine Liturgy, Pelagia communicated the immaculate Mysteries. All the people celebrated the occasion of the salvation of her soul, each deeming this happiness his own, since the supplanter was vanquished.

The blessed Pelagia went to the Mount of Olives where she remained immured for three years in a cell. She was unknown to all, since she took on a man’s appearance. She struggled and accomplished so many virtues against the devil and fears of wrestling that only God, Who sees the secret things, knows them. She became known as Eunuch Pelagios, a virtuous monk but no one knew that she was the former Pelagia. Her flesh was wasted from extreme continence. She was only skin and bones, and appeared a frightful sight. After a short time, it was heard by all that at the skete (a small monastic community) that Palagios had gone to the Lord. Therefore, man assembled not only from Jerusalem but also from Jordan, Jericho and surrounding parts to bury with great reverence the holy relics.

According to Tradition, the relics were to be anointed with holy myrrh. When this was about to be done, it was discovered that Father Pelagios was a woman. Astonished, all glorified the Lord Who empowered her to battle against the enemy and decisively defeat him. The fame of this discovery spread in the surrounding countryside, People converged and contende one with the other to honor and embrace the holy relics. Holy men then devoutly took up the relics, followed by a crowd bearing candles and censers. Thus, she was honorably buried as was fitting.

We have now concluded the life of this former harlot. Let us, therefore, emulate her repentance. Let us distance ourselves from what is bad and from this point move forward. Do we sin and defile the temple of the Lord, that is, our flesh? Let us weep, fast, and mortify our perishable bodies, so we may not be eternally condemned. Let us meditate upon death every hour, that we might defeat the pleasures of the flesh and rejoice with Christ Jesus the Lord, to Whom is due all glory, honor, and Veneration unto the ages of ages. Amen. [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.

"VANITY OF VANITIES, ALL IS VANITY" [Ecclesiates 1:2]

The author of Ecclesiastes was Solomon who wrote it in his old age. What does it really mean? All that is, everything in life that IS APART FROM THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH GOD CREATED US, "IS VANITY". Vanity is translated as conceitedness, a pretence. From the Orthodox Christian perspective we speak of vanity as a sin and the person engaged in it is someone seeking vainglory. However, vainglory is not the same as pride. The eight principal temptations of Evagrius were GLUTTONY, LUST, AVARICE, DEJECTION, ANGER, DESPONDENCY, VAINGLORY AND PRIDE.

Saint John Climacus writes, "From the point of view of form, vainglory is a change of nature, a perversion of character, a taking note of criticism. As for its quality, it is a waste of work and sweat, a betrayal of treasure, an offering of unbelief, a harbinger of pride, shipwreck in port…vainglory beams on every occupation (profession). What I mean is this. I fast, and turn vainglorious. I stop fasting so that I will draw no attention to myself, and I become vainglorious over my prudence. I dress well or badly, and am vainglorious in either case. I talk or I hold my peace, and each time I am defeated…".

One of the many weaknesses of people is the desire to be admired by others and therefore it leads to conceit or a high opinion of oneself. What fuels it is pride, arrogance and flattery. Saint John Chrysostom speaking on vanity described vanity as a passion that robs people of their souls’ serenity. Also, that vanity is a passion that causes people to feel like they are in a storm, trembling and afraid. People, he says, who are free from this slavery are like people in heaven, enjoying a liberty that is hard to attain.

Vanity can manifest itself in many various ways, including speech, silence, prayer, reading, and stillness. A person is one who speaks and does something only for the sake of human glory known as kenodoxia or empty-glory. A vainglorious person is a person who loves praise from others and can never have enough. "But a man will say, If they be vain and vanity, wherefore were they made? If they are God’s works, how are they vain? And great is the dispute concerning these things. But hearken, beloved; it is not the works of God which he calls vain; God forbid! The "Heaven" is not vain, the earth is not vain — God forbid!" — nor the sun, nor the moon and stars, nor our own body. No, all these are "very good" [ Genesis 1:31]. But what is vain? Let us hear the "Preacher" himself, what he says, "I planted me vineyards, I gat me men singers and "women" singers, I made me pools of water, I had great possession of herds and flocks, I gathered me also silver and gold, and I saw that these are vanity" [Ecclesiastes 2:4-8].

Pride and vanity belong to the most dangerous passions. The Optina gerondes (elders) wrote a great deal on the struggle to overcome these grave passions. Saint Lev sorrowfully called vanity "the poison which kills the fruits of even the most ripened virtues." This passion extends from youth to old age and to the very grave. It pursues not only the passionate and prosperous, but sometimes also the perfect, and therefore no little caution is required. Only the passionless Creator can uproot it. Saint Ambrose warned that nothing hinders progress in the spiritual life LIKE PRIDE AND VANITY, and the offspring of these passions are envy and hatred, anger and remembrance of wrong: "All of us suffer more often than not, more or less, from vanity and pride. And nothing hinders progress in the spiritual life like these passions. Saint Paul exhorts us, "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another [Galatians 5:26].

A vain person, if he is handsome, presents himself like an actor or a star and glories in his good looks. Everything is about appearance, expensive and fancy clothing, hair style and voice. However, the vain person is conflicted and lacks confidence in himself. He or she feels inwardly inept, without any real talent, unhappy with their career, envious of others, miserable and as failures. They are to be pitied because, here they are, having almost everything that one may want in life and yet, they are filled with sadness and unhappiness. Even their relationships with others are superficial and lack depth or even honesty. Outwardly they put on a happy face for all to see but in reality, they feel as failures. Saint Ambrose used to say: "Three little rings are hooked to each other: hatred to anger, and anger to pride." Vainglory doesn’t give a person any peace, inciting him to jealousy and envy, which makes him upset, raising in his soul a storm of thoughts."

Pride and vanity are like a powerful hurricane that strengths over the warm waters of the ocean. Bothe pride and vanity are strengthened by jealousy, by anger, by envy, by avarice, thoughts of grandeur, flattery, self-admiration, conceit and haughtiness. "Our self-esteem is the root of all evil. It is the beginning of all passions; it is the cause of all our misfortunes and suffering–sometimes in the present, but sometimes as a consequence of previous mistakes… The battle-axe for eradicating the roots of self-esteem is faith, humility, obedience and the cutting off of all one’s desires and opinions."

Vanity makes herself known even in the church. It is almost common among the faithful to want to be seen by their fellow members as successful and well-dressed. However, there are those who go overboard by flaunting their outfits and garments, jewelry, etc. Someone mentioned to me sometime ago that a wealthy woman came to church on Sunday with an expensive fur coat and all were envious of her. Well, some of the other women in the parish were offended and soon after they too came to church wearing a fur coat. However, men can be just as vain as women and in some cases even more. Vanity does apply only to clothing but to attitude, to behavior, to one’s egotistical conduct and competitiveness. Hierarchs and priests can also succumb to the sin of vanity i.e., expensive vestments, crosses, melodic voices, and the way they conduct the divine services of the Church. No one is immune to the passions of pride and vanity.

The sincere Christian knowing his/her spiritual weaknesses should seek the acquisition of the Holy Spirit and the virtue of humility. "God resists the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." Sain Nikon cautioned: "We should not be proud of our health, or beauty, or any other of God’s gifts…Everything earthly is liable to change: both beauty and health. We should thank the Lord, thank Him with humility, acknowledge our unworthiness, and not get conceited about something."

___________
"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.

"AS FOR ME, I TRUST IN YOU, O LORD" [Psalm 31:14]

"Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His kindness" [Psalm 31:21] throughout my life. A believer feels God’s presence and His limitless agape no matter what happens or what he or she experiences in life. Not only is the Almighty God our Heavenly Father and Fashioner, but He is also our best, wisest, and most faithful Friend. Those who remain loyal to Him and love Him will naturally trust in Him in everything.

Life is a vast and bottomless ocean which when calm is awesome and beautiful. However, that same ocean can become treacherous and deadly in an instant. We all know that life is unpredictable and anything can happen at any time without any warning. There are troubles that one can manage but there are adversities, however, that can be overwhelming and threatening to us which cannot be dealt with by us and we need help. Where does a person turn to for help? God of course! We depend on His mercy and kindness to deliver us from all adversity and grief.

Mankind, however, is fickle and untrustworthy and ungrateful. People turn to Him only when in trouble or when we need something from Him. We treat our Lord and Savior as our servant and not as our Master and Creator. If we pray, our prayer becomes a list of items that we expect from Him to deliver to us. We neglect to glorify God as our Lord and Creator. To praise and magnify His Holy Name and for our prayer to come out of humble and contrite heart. Every prayer must be one of thanksgiving and sincere gratitude. We should admit to ourselves and say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me. And delivered me from all my fears" [Psalm 34:4].

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, FOR I AM GENTLE AND LOWLY IN HEART, and you will find rest for your souls" [Matthew 11:29]. Meekness is the mother of agape, the foundation of discernment and the forerunner of all humility. Our LordGod Jesus finds rest in the hearts of the meek and humble, while the wicked spirit is home to the evil one. Our Savior Jesus Christ deals with us with gentleness and patience waiting for us to repent of our sins, ego, and pride. One must examine his/her life and to truly and honestly evaluate his behavior, attitude, and thinking to see how unworthy he/she is. And yet, our Merciful God continues to love us and to forgive us our sins and transgressions.

A "yoke" may be the symbol of hardship, burdens and responsibilities and it may feel heavy due to our sins, Christ’s yoke is easy and light. In Him the soul is refreshed and sees that the Lord is gracious. All the Lord’s actions towards us are gracious, comforting, and healing. Due to our sinful actions we have injured our souls severly and we are now ailing. There is no one else but our Merciful Physician of our souls and bodies, Jesus Christ, that can bring healing and restore us to health. When Jesus says to us "your sins are forgiven" forgiveness comes to mean cleansing and healing. It means restoration and salvation.

Knowing all that we have come to understand about our Heavenly Father and Savior, how can we not trust Him? How can we not appreciate His all-encompassing and Life-Giving agape? How can we doubt His promises to us and His goodness? Trust is founded on faith. It is imperative that we have true faith and complete trust in Our Savior Who died on the Cross to save us. Saint Paisios said, "Completely have trust in God, leave everything in His hands, and believe that His love will act for your own benefit, because there is nothing He cannot do; everything is easy for Him. The difficult thing is for man TO DECIDE TO HUMBLE HIMSELF AND LEAVE EVERYTHING TO GOD’S PROVIDENCE AND LOVE."

Saint John Chrysostom said, "Glory be to God for all things!." Saint John accepted everything in his life, including slandere, imprisonment, persecution, false accusations, and martyrdom. He trusted our Savior Christ completely and even during his exile never questioned why me Lord? He never had any regrets and stood prayerfully, humbly, and accepted his cross gratefully, for he trusted Him Who also suffered the Cross unjustly. There are reasons why our All-Loving Redeemer Christ permits certain events to take place in our lives and everyone of them is to our benefit and salvation. Our faith becomes stronger at times of adversity, pain, suffering, grief, persecution and even illness. There was a parishioner of mine at Saint John’s in Tampa, Florida who had lost his way for a long time and lived a very sinful life and never thought of God. One day he became very ill and his physician informed him that he had cancer and very little time to live. The news of his impending death brought him to me, to Saint John’s church, and most of all to God. He reminded me of the Prodigal Son in Christ’s Parable who after he had spent all that he had in loose living, came to his senses, repented, and began his return journey to his father and home. He confessed to me that he thanked God for his illness, not that he blamed Him, but he felt that it was through his cancer that he found God once again and considered his illness a blessing. He fell asleep in the Lord rejoicing and glorifying his Savior.

I don’t believe there is a person that goes through this earthly and temporal life without experiencing pain, sorrow, disappointments, injustice, slander, illness, betrayal, loneliness, and unfounded hatred. Some may have it more severely than others, but everyone has similar experiences no matter who one is or what he does. However, a believer, a person of faith, has greater strength to meet adversity head on, to have hope, to trust in God during his struggles and dangers storms, than one who has no faith, no hope, or trust in God at all. The pagans for example who persecuted the Christians, inflicted horrific pain and torture on them, however, the faithful believers went on to their martyrdom rejoicing and praising God. Our Lord of love was always with them and gave them the strength to endure their torments and bestowed upon them heavenly crowns and His Eternal Kingdom.

Our Most-Compassionate and forgiving God and Savior is always with us. His love for us is never diminished because of our way of life. We are His children, His creation, and friends. God is not like us who are not dependable, erratic, unstable, unreliable, unfaithful, vengeful, mean spirited, prideful, obstinate, corrupt, sinful and deceitful, among other things. God is AGAPE! Divine Love, the purest form of love, perfect love. For humans this kind of love is incomprehensible and a mystery. How can a believer not trust God Who has given him/her life and has made it possible for him or her to inherit His Heavenly Kingdom and Eternal Life? How can we not trust God Who gave us His Only-begotten Son and Whose Son sacrificed His life on the Cross to save all of mankind from evil and death? What more proof do we need of His unconditional and limitless love for us?

God the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit have given us everything. Now it is our duty to truly pledge to Him that we will be His obedient, good and faithful servants and children. To worship Him not only in words but with our actions and uncompromising fidelity to Him. It is understood by all that God can never be deceived by us. He knows what we think, what we feel, and how we act. He knows our past, our present and our future. God has seen it all and yet, He still loves us. Don’t be frightened or despair for God is near to pick us up and embrace us lovingly and to shed tears of joy upon our necks and to celebrate our return home where we belong. No matter how broken our life seems to be, don’t despair. God has the power to mend it with His own Divine hands and make it perfect once again. "Trust in God is a constant secret prayer that silently brings God’s power where and when they are needed." [Saint Paisios]

_____________
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 4th of October, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
our Venerable Father AMMOUN, the Egyptian.

Ammoun, our righteous father, was an Egyptian by race. Living in the Delta region, he was left a rich orphan upon the death of both his parents. At the age of twenty-two, his uncle compelled him to enter into matrimony. On account of the young man being unable to defy his uncle’s advice, he was forced into having the marriage crowns placed on his head and to sit through the wedding festivities, and, in a word, to fulfill everything according to what incumbent upon the bridegroom to conduct at his marriage feast. The year was about 313 A.D. when Ammoun submitted to outward appearances, but when he was led to the bridal-chamber on his wedding night, he rose up and shut the door. Seating himself, he then began speaking to the bride, saying, "Henceforth, thou shalt be my lady and my sister. Come, therefore, and I will tell thee something that is more excellent than marriage. The marriage contract is a perishable thing, so let us choose the marriage which perishes not, and the marriage feast that never ends. We shall keep separate chambers, for in this way we shall please the Christ. Let us guard our virginity unsullied, so that we may enter the incorruptible marriage feast."

Ammoun then took up a book and began reading to his bride passages from the Holy Apostles and Jesus Himself. Since she had no knowledge of the Sacred Texts, he added his own explanation, speaking to her on virginity and purity. By the grace of God, she consented in the arrangement tha they should not consummate their marriage, and answered, "Milord, I know well that a rule of life of such purity is more excellent than marriage. Therefore, whatever pleaseth thee, that I do." Thus, they dwelt in a holy manner for eighteen years. As Ammoun and his bride were conducting their lives in this manner, they attained to dispassion.

At length, Ammoun’s prayers were answered when, one day, his blessed bride said to her bridegroom, "Milord, I have something to say to thee. If thou wilt hearken to me, then I shall be convinced that thou truly loves me for God’s sake." The holy man urged her to speak: "Say that which thou dost wish." She then said, "Thou art a God-fearing man. It is not right that one who lives a life of righteousness, such as thyself, and who has brought to me to love this path also, that such a one, for my sake, even if he be dwelling with me in purity for the Lord’s sake, should hide the spiritual excellence and virtue of his life and the grace of the Most Holy Spirit. It is not seemly that thy good deeds remain hidden and obscure. Dwell apart from me, and thus thou shalt benefit many men." Ammoun praised her, and said, "Mylady, thy judgment is beautiful. Well hast thou spoken. If it be acceptable to thee, do thou abide in this house, and I shall go forth and make another one elsewhere." She agreed to this, and so he departed. He went on to build himself two domed cells in the mountain of Nitria. This cannot have been later than 330 A.D, as Ammoun lived on for twenty-two years in his desert. At that time, there were not many monasteries.

Those who came to join the monastic life with him received their own cells and whatever they needed within their dwellings. Ammoun converted the wilderness of Nitria into a city of cells. Saint Athanasius commented that "they came forth from their own people and enrolled themselves for citizenship in heaven."

Now Ammoun’s wife, in the meantime, had called all the members of her household to a life of chastity. She then turned her house into a nunnery; and thus other women seeking the ascetical life joined her. She was their Egoumenisa (Abbess), and Ammoun would come and visit his spouse twice yearly.

Saint Athanasios, Bishop of Alexandria, recounts, in his book on the deeds and life of Saint Anthony the Great, how Ammoun and Theodore, his disciple, wished to visit with the great man. Ammoun and Theodore went and found themselves before the river called the Lykos ("Wolf"). Ammoun was abashed to remove his clothes in order to swim across unhampered. Hence, boht men agreed that each should go away a short space from the other, lest they should see each other’s nakedness as they swam across. While he was engaged in such a quandry, suddenly, an Angel of the Lord came and bore him aloft over the river and safely set him down upon the other side. Theodore, in the meantime, had already stripped and swam across. He was startled to find his Elder had overtaken him, since he entered the river well before the Elder; yet now he observed his Elder’s hair, beard, feet, and clothing were utterly dry. His Elder has passed over the river by the might of the Holy Spirit. The righteous ascetic Theodore repeatedly asked, "How didst thou cross over, my father? Ammoun kept making excuses, but Theodore was convinced that Divine grace was at work here. Theodore then fell down before the holy man’s feet and took hold of them, saying, "Yes, or no, holy father; was it Divine grace? I will not desist until thou has shown me how this came to pass." Ammoun seeing his persistence said, "I shall disclose it to thee, but do thou promise not to reveal it until I shall have departed from this world." Theodore agreed, and Saint Ammoun revealed to him how he had been carried over by an Angel, and that his feet never at all touched the water.

When the holy Ammounand Theodore arrived at Saint Anthony’s retreat, the latter remarked, "The Lord has revealed to me thy many wondrous works, brother. But God has also revealed to me that thou wilt soon repose. Abba (Father) Ammoun, which is why I have invited thee, that I might receive consolation from thy visit before thy departure. Let us then pray for one another." Those geat old men then conversed for a long while. Father Ammoun, in no wise troubled or distressed at the report of his pending repose, then received Saint Anthony’s blessing and awaited his much sought after translation to his Lord,

The blessed and virginal Ammoun had attained the age of sixty-two when his departure from this life was at hand. The year was 356 A,D. Saint___ Anthony the Great, in the meantime, was sitting when suddenly he beheld in the Spirit the departure of Ammoun’s joyous soul ascending and being escorted by the Angels, asked why he was rejoicing; for the vision was not seen by them. The sublime Anthony then made the announcement in the presence of the brethren gathered there of the ascent of the holy Ammoun’s soul. Those who were present made a note of that day and the hour in which the God-bearing Anthony advised them of Saint Ammoun’s repose. As for the virgin wife of the Blessed Ammoun, she too reposed soon thereafter. [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.

"GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD"
[2 Peter 3:18].

The Orthodox Christian is never content and satisfied spiritually but continues to grow and strives to reach spiritual maturity in Christ. There is always a need to improve one’s spiritual daily life and by the grace of the Holy Spirit to come to a better understanding of God’s Holy Gospel and Divine commandments. Life on earth is brief and there is no one who knows when his/her life will come to the end. It is therefore necessary to use the gift of life wisely and realistically. It is easy for people to be distracted and preoccupy themselves with the routine responsibilities, problems and challenges of daily life but life is fleeting and unpredictable. The wise Christian sets certain spiritual priorities for himself or herself and works diligently to obtain them. Our most important priority ought to be our salvation and inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven and Eternal Life.

The defense against the world’s deceptions and allurements is to stay connected with our Holy Orthodox Church which is there to nourish us spiritually, to guide us, to encourage us, to inspire us, and protect us and to support us to continue growing in faith and knowledge of our Lord. We cannot permit our life to become static and unproductive. The Church, in which Christian life develops, is not primarily an organization, but an organism whose parts on themselves receive their edifying power from Christ TO GROW UP INTO CHRIST. The Holy Apostle Paul does not look a the Christian as an isolated individual walking towards perfection, but as A MEMBER OF THE BODY, STRIVING TO REACH THE PERFECT FAITH AND FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD. Thus unity of faith cannot be separated from knowledge of the Son of God [cf. Ephesians 4:11-16].

The procedure or process of Christian growth requires OUR FREE WILL COMMITMENT to walk in "righteousness and holiness" [Ephesians 4:17-24]. A CHILD OF LIGHT CAN NO LONGER ACT AS A CHILD OF DARKNESS. A change of LIFE-STYLE IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF CHRIST, THE ORIGINAL "NEW MAN" (v. 24). So Christ must be "learned," and relationship with Him must "be renewed," a process implying INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP. Further, Christ must be "put on", a clothing metaphor, an allusion to baptism and the baptismal robe. In the Mysterion of holy Baptism and at its conclusion the priest chants, "As many of you have been baptized into Christ HAVE PUT ON CHRIST. Alleluia." While SPIRITUAL GRACE MAKES MAN HEAVENLY, RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BOTH A GIFT AND A GOAL, A PRESENT REALITY AND A PROMISE TO BE STRIVEN FOR.

The way we live affects our relationship not only with God but also with each other–for in Christ WE ARE "MEMBERS OF ONE ANOTHER" [Ephesians 4:25]. The MORAL STANDARD for the New Humanity is the life appropriate to a child of God–of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Such A CHILD FULFILLS THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS [1] LOVE OF MAN, DEMONSTRATED IN SELF-SACRIFICING SERVICE "given Himself for us;" and (2) LOVE OF GOD, MANIFESTED IN WORSHIP (AN OFFERING AND A SACRIFICE TO GOD).

Saint Paul especially emphasizes that Christians must avoid sexual immorality, not just the act but thinking and talking about it also, and greed, which treats things as gods. Ungodly thoughts as well as behaviour can keep believers out of the Kingdom. Lying hurts the entire body of the Church. It is as if the eye were to see a trap and to tell the foot, or the tongue to taste poison and not spit out. Saint John Chrysostom states, "If you fail to master (control) your ANGER on the first day, then on the next day and even sometimes for a whole year you will still be dragging it out…Anger will cause us to suspect that words spoken in one sense were meant in another. And we will even do the same with gestures and every little thing… Be ANGRY WITH THE DEVIL AND NOT YOUR OWN MEMBER. This is why God has armed us with anger. Not that we should thrust the sword AGAINST OUR OWN BODIES, but that we should baptize the whole blade in the devil’s breast."

If we are to accomplish the renewing of our soul and body we must free ourselves first of all infirmities and sinful acts, feelings, and thoughts. There is got to be a complete and total katharsis or cleansing of soul and body. One cannot grow spiritually carrying the heavy burden of sins committed over many years. Along with the filth there is a stench that is an offensive odor which prevents anyone who wishes to approach you. Our sins also produce an appalling spiritual stench which prevents us from coming close to our Savior Jesus Christ. But those who have repented of their sins and forgiven by Him, emanate a sweet spiritual fragrance such as the holy relics of our Saints. What follows is heavenly joy and gladness. Ungodly thoughts as well as conduct can keep believers out of the Kingdom.

The Holy Apostle exhorts all believers, "And do not be conformed to this world, but BE TRANSFORMED TO THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD" [Romans 12:2]. Faithful relationship to God changes our relationship to the world. We RENOUNCE THE PROTENSES OF "THIS PRESENT AGE" [Galatians 1:4]. "Conformed to this world" is to be IDENTIFIED WITH AND SHAPED BY THE WORLD’S VALUES AND PLEASURES. We ARE "TRANSFORMED" starting with the INWARD MAN, the "mind" by VIRTUE, THE KEEPING OF GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. MIND (NOUS) here is more than the rational faculty; IT IS THE HIGHER FACULTY OF HUMAN NATURE: THE EYES OF YOUR HEART" [Ephesians 1:18 literal translation], BY WHICH ONE SEES AND COMPREHENDS GOD.

If a believer is not growing spiritually it means that he or she is either spiritually dead or dying. It means that the believer lacks the grace of the Holy Spirit, the necessary energy which bestowes life and the ability to grow in Christ. The grace of God is a Life-Giving energy and without it leaves one in darkness and eventual death. Pray that the Almighty God be merciful to you beginning with a renewed mind and integrity to worshipping the Creator in all we do. [Resources: Old and New Testaments]

_____________
"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 FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM [Psalm 111:10]

It is interesting to note that the first time that the word "fear" appears in the Holy Scripture is in the Old Testament Book of Genesis 3:10. Immediately following the breaking of God’s commandment by Adam and Eve who were told "But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you MAY NOT EAT; for in whatever day you eat from it, YOU SHALL DIE BY DEATH" [Genesis 2:17]. Man was to obey this commandment through the grace of God the Logos/Wod, If he was OBEDIENT, he would enjoy the blessing of Paradise. But if he were to disobey the commandment, he would die and his body would decay in the grave, writes Saint Athanasius the Great.

"God called Adam and said to him, ‘Adam, where are you?’ He replied, ‘I heard Your voice as You were walking in the garden, and I WAS AFRAID BECAUSE I WAS NAKED; SO I HID MYSELF’ [Genesis 3:9-10]. Our ancestors Adam and Eve now had A FALLEN WILL and tried to hide from their Creator and God. They broke God’s law. They now knew "good and evil," and, therefore, "they knew they were naked." Fallen or sinful man now experience fear for the first time which was brought about by their disobedience and listening to the serpent, the evil one, instead of God Who created them. However, as Orthodox Christians we believe that the grace of Our Lord God Jesus Christ heals the will of those who return to Him through REPENTANCE,so they might freely pursue God obediently do His will.

"There are two kinds of fear: the first is due to God’s Awesome Divine Nature and the second is due to our frail and sinful nature. The theme of the fear of the Lord is essential not only because it is the beginning or the source of our spiritual life "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" [Proverbs 9:10], but because we live in a generation that lacks this feeling or reverence and obedience toward God."

The Greek word for obedience is υπακοή (hypakoe) and the Greek word, I obey, is υπακούω (hypakouo) to LISTEN, to give ear to, to listen to and answer. Faith and obedience to God is inseparable and necessary. God is agape and His agape for humanity and all that He has created is infinite and real. Our Loving God is not a tyrant but a Loving Father and we must not forget that we are His beloved children. He rules out of love and always desires to be in communion with us and to guide us to attain salvation. To fear Him means to listen to Him and to trust Him as a child would listen to his father and mother. Saint Dorotheos states that there are two kinds of fear. One is the fear of a beginner and the other is that of a Saint. The first fear God because he/she is afraid of going to Hell. The other seeks to please God because he loves Him. In this latter case the fear is not one of being afraid of some punishment, but, because he has "tasted the sweetness of being with God," he does not want to lose it. He calls this perfect fear.

One of the Great Holy Fathers of the Church, Saint Basil offers his understanding of what it means to fear God. He says there are three states that we can please God: (a) By fearing Hell and adhering to God’s Commandments. In this case we are like slaves (b) By pleasing God out of agape for Him. In this case we are sons and daughters of God. If we live a life according to His commandments we will avoid a life of torment and suffering in Hell. A life of righteousness will lead us to obtain heavenly rewards. If one lives a good life out of fear of punishment, that life has no value or worth. The devout and obedient servant of God acts always out of love, respect, faith, humility, trust and obedience to please Him and to do His will.

The Christians relationship with God is one of agape for He says "If you love Me, keep My commandments" [John 14:15]. And again Jesus says, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" [John 14:23]. To experience the benefits of Christ’s complete work, Christians must be steadfast in their love for Him and obedience of Him. It is this basis that the Father and the Son–together with the Holy Spirit-come to dwell in the believer and "make their home with him."

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me YOU CAN DO NOTHING" [John 15:4-5]. Abiding in Christ IS LIVING OUT OUR UNION WITH HIM IN FAITH, BAPTISM, LOVE, OBEDIENCE, AND THE DIVINE EUCHARIST. The figure of the VINE and BRANCHES, shows our union with Christ is intimate and real– WE ARE A NEW PEOPLE IN CHRIST; secondly, life FLOWS FROM THE VINE TO THE BRANCHES–abiding in Christ is not static but dynamic. The fruit we bear is both good works and apostoly (mission), "go bear fruit" (John 17:18). Those who do NOT abide in Christ bear NO fruit, and are cut off from Him.

Fear also comes from knowing who God is and who we are. When one truly understands His Greatness, His power and His Majesty, then one comes to fear Him. However, if people understood His All-encompassing agape,and the lengths He has gone to save us, then again, we would truly fear Him, in the same way that we fear losing people who love us deeply. Where there is no fear of God there is pride, open defiance, and apostasy. "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear" [1 Peter 1:17]. Why should we pray "in fear?" Because the Father we serve WILL JUDGE US "according to each one’s work." While being certain of God’s mercy, we "conduct" ourselves with care. Also, these words indicate that the principal means for living piously and in holiness consists in the feat of God and the fear of the judgment to come and Eternal torments in Hell. Only with the cooperation of this fear, with God’s aid, can there even be the keeping of the Commandments, as it is said Psalm 112:1: "Praise! the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments." Of the psalms describing the righteous man, this is the most popular song (psalm) in the Orthodox Church for use on the day of commemoration of the Saints.

Saint Andrew of Optina writes: But without fear, even if one should live in heaven, as Saint Peter Damascene says, he will fall if he does not have fear and is proud. By this did Satan, Adam, and many others fall, God’s word prescribe fear of God even to all the Saints, as it is said: "O fear the Lord, all ye His saint; for there is no want to them that fear Him" [Psalm 33:9]. Even more doe it behoove us, sinners and defective as we are, to have the fear of God, the fear of death, fear of God’s Dread Judgment, eternal torments in hell–softening this fear with the hope of inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven if we will force ourselves as much as possible to repentance and correction. The fear of God and the remembrance of those four last things restrain us from falling into sin–as it is said, "Remember the hour of your death, and you will never sin" [Sirach 7:39].

How do we answer Christ when He asks us as He did the Holy Apostle Peter "Do you love Me?" ["Agapas Me?"] "He said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; you know that I love you." The Holy Apostle had denied Jesus three times. Now Jesus asks Peter three times TO CONFESS HIS LOVE FOR HERE and therefore Peter is RESTORED to continue his ministry of shepherding Christ’s flock. Does anyone ever contemplate on the number of times that he or she has denied Christ over his/her lifetime? I would say countless times and yet we have not sought to be restored like Saint Peter. How is one restored? THROUGH REPENTANCE! and as Jesus says, "SIN NO MORE." [John 5:14]. How often have we said Saint Peter’s words to our Lord God and Savior, "Yes Lord; You know that I love You."

Let us all Christians of true worship glorify Him through our works of love, of living a good and pious life, by abiding by His commandments, seeking always with profound humility and meekness His grace, the grace of the Holy Spirit and through sincere repentance and true righteousness. Obediently and with the fear of God to always say, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Amen.

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

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

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

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

On the 1st of October, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
SuEver-Virgin Mary, who served the faithful with her VEIL at the Church

of Vlachernai, as seen by Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ.

"Rejoice with God, ranking second only to the Trinity!’
[Saint Andrew of Crete]

The Sacred Feast of the Holy Protection of Our Most Holy and Glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated today, brethren, in remembrance of A VISION BEHELD BY OUR HOLY FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS, THE VENERABLE ANDREW, THE FOOL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, DURING THE REIGN OF EMPEROR LEO. Saint Andrew’s struggles and labors for God, amid the most severe deprivation, took him through the streets of Constantinople, He was vouchsafed many visions, but the last recorded one, which took place during a Vigil he attended, served as the basis of the establishment of the Feast of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos. It was Sunday, the 1st of October, in Vlachernai, at the Church of the Theotokos. This church is described as follows by an anonymous Byzantine hymnographer: "Throughout all the city, of all the churches and chapels dedicated to the Theotokos, this is the most glorious and the most honored. Now according to their custom, Saint Andrew and his disciple, Epiphanios, were attending church. At the Fourth Hour of the night, behold, the blessed Andrew, with his own eyes, observed the Most Holy Theotokos coming from ‘THE BEAUTIFUL DOOR’ of the Narthex. She shone as the sun and was upraised very high, even as high as the heavens, being born aloft by the awe-inspiring orders of Holy Angels. The Holy and Honorable Forerunner John, and Saint John the Theologian escorted, by the hand, the Queen of the Angels. The Angels, some going on ahead, and others following, were chanting spiritual songs and hymns in a ver delightful and pleasant manner. Only Saint Andrew and Epiphanios were able to hear the mystical chanting.

The Queen then entered the midst of the temple, where the ancient pulpit (ambo) was located, and then stood in the middle of the solea. The Lady Theotokos then kneeled down and was praying and entreating her Only-begotten Son for a long while, for the salvation of the faithful, tears streaming down her countenance that bore the likeness of God. Saint Andrew went to Epiphanios and said to him, ‘Dost thou see, child, the Lady of hte cosmos?’ Epiphanios said, "Yes, honorable father, I also see b thy holy prayers the Lady Theotokos, and I marvel."

After the Theotokos prayed a sufficient time in that place, then she rose up and entered the Holy Sanctuary (vema), wherein was kept the sacred reliquary coffin (soros) CONTAINING HER VEIL (MAPHORION). She took it up into her hands and exited. She then stood before the Royal Doors of the vema, and placed the veil on her All-Immaculate head, wrapping it with beautiful mo, fo rdesty. Then holding it by her undefiled hands, SHE TOOK THAT GREAT AND FEARFUL VEIL AND SOLEMNLY SPREAD IT OVER THE FAITHFUL THAT WERE PRESENT, COVERING ALL THOSE THERE THAT WERE CHRISTIANS. The two men observed that, over the faithful, for a considerable time, her OMOPHORION WAS EXTENDED AND EMITTING IMMATERIAL AND RADIANT RAYS, WITH GREATER LUSTER THAN ELECTRUM, FLASHING LIKE LIGHTNING. As long as the Lady Theotokos stood there and THE HOLY PROTECTION OF HER VEIL APPEARED SPREAD OVER THE FAITHFUL, SHE WAS DISTRIBUTING GIFTS OF GRACE. When the Lady Theotokos begun to mount to the heavens, little by little, her divine protection was becoming invisible, until it no longer appeared, but HER GRACE CONTINUED, HOWEVER, TO ABIDE THERE. Moreover, this PROTECTION OF THE FAITHFUL CONTINUED ON ACCOUNT OF THE PRESENCE OF HER SACRED AND GRACE-FILLED VEIL, which was preserved in that very church at Vlachernai. This then is the account of the Holy Andrew and his initiate Epiphanios, who was vouchsafed this vision through the meditation of our divine Father Andrew. Saint Andrew was so filled with the grace of lofty and spiritual contemplation and visions of revelations that TRANSCENDED NATURE, that he imparted this grace also to Epiphanios. This and many other similar visions both fearful and extraordinary, were vouchsafed to Saint Andrew.

Thus, the Holy Feast we celebrate on the 1st of October was inaugurated by this vision. Saint Gregory Palamas (+ 1359) saw the Mother of God as "the Source and Root of the race of liberty… The Virgin Mother alone dwells in the frontier between CREATED and UNCREATED natures, and those who know God recognize also in her the Habitation of the Infinite."

Let us speak now of these last and terrible times, when sin has abounded and we are placed in multifarious dangers, even as the Holy Apostle Paul once wrote about his battle with false apostles. Satan transforming himself into an angel of light, and his ministers who transform themselves as ministers of righteousness and enslave and devour the people. We hear that Saint Paul bears dishonor, weariness, concerns, fasts, and blows, and, as an example to us, he tells, "Yes, all those who wish to live piously in Christ Jesus SHALL BE PERSECUTED" [2 Timothy 3:12]. Our Savior tells His Disciples what shall be the sign of His Coming and the completion of the age, saying, "For nation shall be stirred up against nation, and earthquakes, in place after place" [Matthew 24:7).  "In these last days, we are assailed by attacks from aliens, civil wars, and deadly plagues.  Let no one be moved by these afflictions; for ye yourselves know that for this we are appointed [1 Thessalonians 3:3]; for "THROUGH MANY TEMPTATIONS IT IS NECESSARY FOR US TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD" [Acts 14:22]. The Most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God, renders her protection over us, that we might be delivered from every peril, whether it be famine, sick29-ness, or earthquake. Saint John of Kronstadt [1829-1908] writes in is memoirs:

"Holy Virgin, our Lady! O Thou, whose love toward Christians surpasses the
love of every earthborn mother and of every wife, hear our prayers and save
us! May we constantly remember thee! May we always pray fervently to thee!
May we ever undoubtingly and unfailingly take refuge beneath thy holy
PROTECTION!"

Being higher than any member of the Church, the Theotokos is near to Him, AS ONE HAVING GIVEN HIM FLESH. She stands in the firmament, between Heaven and earth, between God and man, between the Judge of the contest and Prize-Giver Christ and the struggling Church, even as the tower of David between Sion and Jerusalem. She, too, has those shields which are her All-mighty intercessions. As the Mother to her Son and God, and her Fashioner, she fervently prays with words full of compassion and love, saying such things as these: "O heavenly King, do Thou accept everyman who glorifies Thee and invokes Thy Most Holy Name. Do Thou sanctify and glorify those that glorify Thee and honor me, Thy Most Beloved Mother. Receive their every entreaty and supplication, and deliver them from every necessity and affliction."

In the vision of Saint Andrew, two of the most splendid Saints appeared with her: The Forerunner who was spoken of by the Lord Himself Who said, "Verily, I say to you, there hath not arisen among those born of women a greater than John the Baptist" [Matthew 11:11]; and Saint John the Theologian, the Beloved Disciple. Our Protectress was accompanied by these two, as ones who have great boldness before God; for keep in mind the words of the Holy Apostle James (Iakovos), "The entreaty of a righteous man hath much strength when it is energized" [James 5:16].

The Most Immaculate Virgin stands in the midst of these two virgins, even as the ark between the two Cherubim, and the Throne of the Lord of Sabaoth between the Seraphim, even as Moses when his hands were supported by Aaron and Or, so that Jesus (the son of Navee) routed Amalek and all his people with the slaughter of the sword. For with a secret hand the Lord wages war upon Amalek to all generations [Exodus 17:11-16].

We ought not to despise the wealth of God’s kindness and forbearance and long-suffering four our repentance. Therefore, we are in need, for all the days of our lives, and indeed especially on that Dread Day when our soul is separated from the body, of the Virgin Theotokos’ powerful assistance. We pray that she overtakes us then with her help and protection, and not the evil spirits in the air; but we also beg her mediation during that fearful day of Judgment that she might shelter us with her mystical protection.

Saint John of Kronstadt writes: "It was through the incarnation of the Logos/Word that the All-Holy Virgin has been given to us as an All-Powerful INTERCESSOR, who protects us from sins, misfortunes, and disasters. Praying for us day and night, Our Queen, whose power no enemy visible or invisible can withstand, truly is our mother by grace in accordance with the words uttered by Christ on the Cross to the Beloved Disciple, "Behold thy Mother!" and to her, "Behold thy son!" [John 19:26-27]. [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 Contemporary person is Suffering from Spiritual hunger
and Lack of Spiritual Nourishment.

"And JESUS said to them, "I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE, HE
WHO COMES TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER, AND HE WHO
BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER THIRST" [John 6:35].

"And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said,
‘TAKE EAT, THIS IS MY BODY WHICH IS BROKEN FOR
YOU, DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME."
In the same manner He also took the cup after supper,
saying, ‘THIS CUP IS THE NEW COVENANT IN MY BLOOD.
THIS DO, AS OFTEN AS YOU DRINK IT, IN REMEMBRANCE
OF ME" [1 Corinthians  11:24-25].

In affluent countries people get their fill of material food and more but because of their gluttony they suffer from obesity and many health issues and ailments. However, no matter how much one eats and drinks material food, he or she can never quench the spiritual hunger, and thirst that he or she feels and suffers from. Only our Savior God Jesus Christ can satisfy the spiritual hunger and thirst. He says, "I am the Bread of Life, he who comes to Me shall NEVER hunger, and he who believes in Me SHALL NEVER THIRST" [John 6:35].

The genuine and practicing Orthodox Christian has the blessing and the opportunity to satisfy his/her spiritual hunger by receiving the Holy Eucharist in the Divine Liturgy not only on Sundays but on holy days of the week throughout the year when the Liturgy is celebrated. The Orthodox Christian believes that the "ANAMNESIS" ("REMEMBRANCE") is far more than thinking back about something; it is participating in it; In the Divine Eucharist WE PARTICIPATE IN CHRIST’S HUMAN NATURE. His "BODY" and "BLOOD". The New Israel, the Holy Church, provides the faithful with this spiritual nourishment at the Heavenly Banquet, the Divine Liturgy each and every time it is conducted.

It is NOT only the flesh of a person that needs nourishment to live but most of all his/her soul. The soul needs this divine and heavenly food for its survival. It cannot live without God’s grace. It is a fact, however, that human beings think only of gorging themselves with earthly food and drink that other than providing certain nutrients for the needs of the flesh it has no other benefits. People hunger spiritually when God is absent from their lives. Their lives are empty and meaningless without Him. They need God’s spiritual gifts to grow and to obtain spiritual well being. Those who seek material food will hunger again and again but he/she who seeks the Bread of Life, Christ, will never hunger.

"Our fathers ate the MANNA in the desert;as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did NOT give you the bread from heaven, but My Father GIVES YOU THE TRUE BREAD FROM HEAVEN. For the bread of God is he WHO COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND GIVES LIFE TO THE WORLD. Then they said to Him, ‘Lord, give us this bread always.’ And Jesus said to them, "I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE, HE WHO COMES TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER THIRST" [John 6:31-35]. It is our Savior Jesus Christ that everyone who is truly spiritually hungry and thirsty must seek to avoid dying from spiritual starvation which is the result of not believing in Him. Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ reminds us, "Most assuredly I say to you, UNLESS YOU EAT THE FLESH AND DRINK HIS BLOOD, YOU HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU. WHOEVER EATS MY FLESH AND DRINKS MY BLOOD HAS ETERNAL LIFE AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY" [John 6:53-54]. The Eucharistic significance of this passage is indisputable and clear. Jesus’ declaration that He is Himself "THE LIVING BREAD" which brings us life is intended to reveal the Eucharistic Feast. His OFFERING is NOT ONLY for His people but "for the life of the world." "For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood ABIDES IN ME AND I IN HIM" [John 6:55-56]. There is absolutely no room left for doubt about the reality of His flesh and blood, because we have both the witness of His words and our own faith. Thus, when we eat and drink these elements we are in Christ and CHRIST IS IN US" .

The reality, however, is A PROFOUND MYSTERY OF FAITH AND GRACE. Orthodox Christian Theology teaches that in the Divine Eucharist WE PARTAKE NOT SIMPLY OF THE PHYSICAL MATERIAL. BUT OF THE DEIFIED AND GLORIFIED Body and Blood of Christ WHICH GIVES RESURRECTION LIFE. "This is the bread which came down from heaven–not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats THIS BREAD WILL LIVE FOREVER" [John 6:58]. In the Orthodox Christian faith, spiritual hunger and nourishment are related to seeking RIGHTEOUSNESS and GOD, and ca be achieved through a variety of practices, including fasting, repentance, and prayer.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Fof after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ‘But SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU" [Matthew 6:31-33]. "The Kingdom of God " is the central theme of the teaching of Lord Jesus, and "His righteousness" is the subject of the Sermon on the Mount. Calling us to be set free from ANXIETY ABOUT THINGS. Jesus directs us to look to heaven, to this Greater "COUNTRY" which will be received at the Day of the Lord, secure in the faith that God will provide needed earthly blessings.

____________
"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 Orthodox Christian’s Commitment to our Lord, God, and Savior
Remains Steadfast and Unyielding.

Proof of the Orthodox Christian resolve and commitment to our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ IS THE WILLINGNESS TO DIE FOR HIM. Over centuries of persecution both from within and without, our Orthodox Christian Church retains its purity, unity, integrity and her total devotion to her Divine Founder and Head. Her history of over two thousand years is one of victory over victory against evil threats and heresies that seek her destruction and demise.

The Orthodox Martyrologium is replete with accounts of the heroism of men, women and children who bore horrific tortures for the sake of Christ. Their sacred blood shed for Our Lord and Faith indicates their unconditional love for Him and their willingness to combat the evil powers and the enemies of Christ who have sought to distort His Holy Gospel and Truth. It is evident that a Christian’s faith is not something abstract and theoretical but real and tangible.

The Orthodox Christian’s faith NEVER WAVERS but remains authentic,uncompromising and true. According to the Holy Apostle Paul, the Church is "a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" [Ephesians 2:22]. She is the living body of Jesus Christ. She makes an indelible impact in the world, and those who live in her life and faith are personally transformed. She maintains the revealed truth of God as given by Christ and His holy Apostles. Not only did the Holy Church of God begin under the teaching of the Apostles, but she was also instructed to "STAND FAST AND HOLD THE TRADITIONS WHICH YOU WERE TAUGHT, WHETHER BY WORD OR OUR EPISTLE" [2 Thessalonians 2:15].

The holy Apostle Paul insisted that those matters delivered by him and his fellow Apostles, both in person and in the writings that would come to be called the New Testament, be ADHERED TO CAREFULLY. Thus followed such appropriate warnings as "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…WITHDRAW FROM EVERY BROTHER WHO WALKS DISORDERLY AND NOT ACCORDING TO THE TRADITION WHICH HE RECEIVED FROM US" [2 Thessalonians 3:6]. As Orthodox Christians we believe that the DOCTRINES TAUGHT BY CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES ARE TO BE SAFEGUARDED BY "THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH" [1 Timothy 3:15], AND NOT OPEN FOR RENEGOTIATION.

The Holy Apostles were commissioned indeed by Our Savior and God to "Go therefore and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU…" [Matthew 28:19-20]. We see that making disciples CANNOT BE DONE in the strength of men, but ONLY IN THE POWER OF GOD. It is the Resurrected Son of God, LIVING IN US AND ENERGIZING US, MAKES POSSIBLE THE SALVATION OF ALL. "And lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE" [Matthew 28:20]. By saying He is "with you always," our Lord and God Jesus Christ means His Resurrection is neither of the past, nor of the future. It is ALWAYS PRESENT IN OUR LIVES THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT. 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.

Moses said, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God IS ONE LORD! You shall love the Lord your God from your whole heart, from your whole soul, and from your whole power" [Deuteronomy 6:4]. THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD! "Every man is made foolish because of this knowledge, and every goldsmith is put to shame by his carved images; Because they cast FALSE gods that have NO spirit in them. They ARE VAIN WORKS THAT ARE RIDICULED, AND IN THE TIME OF HIS VISITATION THEY SHALL BE DESTROYED" [Jeremiah 10:10]. Jesus Christ Himself said, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Chrsit Whom You have sent" [John 17:3].

In the Book of Exodus God gives Moses and His people the Ten Commandments. God tells Moses: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out OF THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE. YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME. You shall not make for yourself an idol or a likeness of anything in heaven above, or in the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God" [Exodus 20:2-5]. We, Christians, believe that there is only One True God as Jesus says but recently the Roman Catholic Pope Francis stated that we, and the non-Christian religions, have and worship the same God; but how can this be? How can a Christian bishop make such a wrong and false statement? How can he contradict what the Lord clearly stated in the Gospel of Saint John 17:3 and also what God revealed to His people through His Prophet Moses?

Christian must stop from treating Christianity as another world religion or to believe that we all believe in the same God. The Orthodox Church teaches that Christianity IS A REVELATION FROM GOD, NOT A RELIGION, and the Church is inseparable from the Christian Faith. We, as Orthodox Christians believe that God REVEALED HIMSELF TO HUMANS, ESPECIALLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS THE SON OF GOD. The Christian Faith expresses the relationship between God and humanity, which is gracious and mysterious. God has revealed Himself to us, most especially in the revelation of Jesus Christ, Whom we know as the Son of God. The Revelation of God, His agape, and His purpose, is constantly made manifest and contemporary in the life of the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"The Orthodox Christian Faith does not begin with mankind’s religious speculations, nor with the so-called "proofs" for the existence of God, nor with a human quest for the Divine. The origin of the Orthodox Christian Faith is the Self-disclosure of God. Each day, the Church’s Morning Prayer affirms and reminds us of this by declaring, "GOD IS THE LORD AND HE HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO US." While the inner Being of God always remains UNKNOWN AND UNAPPROACHABLE. God has MANIFESTED HIMSELF TO US; AND THE CHURCH HAS EXPERIENCED HIM AS Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which is central to the Orthodox Faith, is not a result of pious speculation, but OF THE OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCE OF GOD. The doctrine affirms THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD, in Whom there are three distinct Persons, in other words, when we encounter the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit, we are truly experiencing CONTACT WITH GOD. While the Holy Trinity is a mystery which can never be fully comprehended, Orthodoxy believes that we can truly participate in the Trinity through the life of the Church, especially through our celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the Mysteria (Sacraments), as well as the non-sacramental divine services."

Christians throughout history were never concerned about offending anyone or any other religious leader by believing and declaring that the Logos/Word of God became Incarnate and became man. Jesus Christ is much more than a pious man or a profound teacher of morality. He is the "Son of God Who became the Son of Man." In Him, Divinity is UNITED WITH HUMANITY WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF EITHER REALITY. JESUS CHRIST IS TRULY GOD WHO SHARES IN THE SAME REALITY AS THE FATHER AND THE SPIRIT. MOREOVER, HE IS TRULY MAN WHO SHARES WITH US ALL THAT IS HUMAN. THE CHURCH BELIEVES THAT, AS THE UNIQUE GOD-man, Jesus Christ HAS RESTORED HUMANITY TO FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. THE GREAT HOLY FATHERS OF THE CHURCH SUMMARIZED THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST IN THE BOLD AFFIRMATION, "GOD BECAME WHAT WE ARE SO THAT WE MAY BECOME WHAT HE IS." [Resources: Old and New Testaments, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America].

___________
"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