My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast: The Parable of the Rich man
and Lazarus.

There are certain parts of the sea which reem with huge beasts like sea monsters. Those who sail there hang bells from their ships so that the creatures panic and flee at the sound. Many wild things far more horrible breed in the sea of our life: THE EVIL PASSIONS and the even more EVIL DEMONS who supervise them. God’s Church sails upon this sea like a ship, and instead of bells, IT HAS SPIRITUAL TEACHERS to ward off the invisible beasts by the holy sound of their teaching. Prefiguring this, Aaron’s robe had sweet-sounding bells fastened to its edge, and it was decreed that when Aaron ministered their sound should be heard [Exodus 27:21-35].

Turning the literal into the spiritual good effect,, let our words ring out to you now spiritually, especially in this time of fasting when VISIBLE and INVISIBLE BEASTS MAKE TERRIBLE ATTACKS. The visible ones ARE GLUTTONY, DRUNKENNESS, and the like. The ones that lie INVISIBLY IN WAIT ARE VAINGLORY, PRIDE, SELF-CONCEIT, AND HYPOCRISY. The same sound puts such beasts to flight and safeguards those who practice fasting.

If we practice true fasting we shall trample here and now on the fire in our flesh and quench it, and in the time to come, we shall pass unharmed through the furnace when each one’s work will be tried by fire (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15). As for the Lord of the Prophets, what can we say about Him? When He took flesh and became man for our sake, He taught us THE WAY TO DEFEAT THE DEVIL by the fact that, while fasting, He was completely victorious over him when he stirred up every kind of temptation against Him. He also told His Disciples, with reference to the deaf and dumb spirit, that "This demon comes forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29; Matthew 17:21).

Let us show you, brethren, what sort of fasting is true and pleasing to God. You should be aware that we do not commend physical fasting FOR ITS OWN SAKE, but because IT BRINGS ABOUT OTHER, GREATER BENEFITS FOR THE SOUL. Fasting is beneficial when it is undertaken for quelling desire, humbling the soul, transforming hatred, extinguishing anger, erasing remembrance of wrongs, and for the purity of the understanding and the practice of prayer. If you are well off, let your surplus food be a consolation for the needy. When you fast like this you not only suffer with Christ and are dead with Him but you are risen with Him and reign with Him forever and ever. If through such a fast you have been planted together in the LIKENESS of His Death, you shall also share in His RESURRECTION and inherit life in Him (cf. Romans 6:5). Should the faster be tempted, he overcomes his tempter. Should he not be, he preserves the peace of his soul and body by bruising his body, according to Saint Paul, and bringing it into subjection, for fear of being rejected (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27).

The holy Gospel reading on this Sunday is Luke 16:19-31. "And there was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen., and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain poor man named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the poor man died, and was carried by the Angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried…"

Saint Theoopylact in his commentary writes: "These words follow closely upon what was said before. Because the Lord taught how we are to be good stewards of wealth, and He appropriately adds this Parable which teaches that through the example of the rich man. The Lord fashioned this story to teach those who show no mercy and give no alms (charity) what punishments await them, and to teach those who are suffering what good things they will enjoy on account of the sufferings they patiently endure in this life. The Lord gave no name to the rich man in this Parable because such a man is not worthy to be remembered by God by name. But the Lord mentions the poor man by name, for the names of the righteous, are inscribed in the Book of Life…The rich man was awash in wealth, so much so that he clothed himself in purple and costly linen. Not only this, but he also luxuriated in every other kind of luxury…But Lazarus was destitute and grievously diseased, for it says that he was "full of sores." Lazarus also had the added torment of seeing others feasting to excess while he himself starved. He desired to be fed, not with their costly foods, but with the crumbs of these foods, the same crumbs which the dogs ate. Did he revile the luxury of the rich man? Did he condemn his callousness? Did he accuse the Divine Providence? He did none of these things, even in thought; rather, he bravely and wisely endured all. How do we know this? From the fact that the Angels took him when he died. For if he had been a grumbler and a blasphemer, he would not have been deemed worthy of such an honor, to be escorted by the Angels. "The rich man also died, and was buried." In truth, while he still lived HIS SOUL HAD BEEN BURIED ALIVE, ENTOMBED WITHIN HIS FLESH. Therefore, when he died, his soul was NOT led away by the Angels but instead was borne downwards into hades. He who has never had a single lofty or heavenly thought deserves the lowest place. Thus by saying that he was "buried" the Lord implies that the rich man’s soul received its portion in the lowest and darkest place.

vs. 23-26. "And in hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."

"When the Lord cast Adam out of Paradise He settled him in a place just opposite, so THAT THE CONTINUOUS SIGHT OF PARADISE BEFORE HIS EYES WOULD KEEP FRESH IN HIS MIND THE CALAMITY THAT HAD BEFALLEN HIM AND WOULD AROUSE IN HIM A SHARPER SENSE OF HIS FALL FROM GOOD THINGS. In like manner, the Lord condemned the rich man to a place just opposite Lazarus, so that the sight of him in such a blessed state might awaken in the rich man the realization of the good things he lost because OF HIS CRUELTY. Why was it that he saw Lazarus in the bosom "of Abraham," and not of any other of the righteous? Because Abraham showed HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS. The rich man sees Lazarus with Abraham AS A REPROOF OF HIS OWN INHOSPITALITY.

"The chasm indicates the separation and the difference that exists between the RIGHTEOUS and the SINNERS. Just as their choices were far different in this life, so too their dwelling places in the next life are separated by a great distance, each one receiving as his due the reward appropriate to his choices in this life…Therefore it is impossible for anyone to go from the place apportioned to the righteous to the place of the sinners, and likewise. Abraham teaches us, it is impossible to go from the place of punishment to the place of the righteous. What is hades? Some say that it is a place of darkness beneath the earth; others have said that hades is the departure of the soul from that which is seen to that which is unseen and invisible. While the soul is in the body, it is manifested through ITS OWN ENERGIES [WHICH ANIMATE THE BODY], BUT WHEN THE SOUL HAS DEPARTED FROM THE BODY IT BECOMES INVISIBLE. This is hades, they say. "The bosom of Abraham" is the ENCLOSURE WITHIN WHICH ARE STORED UP THE GOOD THINGS THAT AWAIT THE RIGHTEOUS, who after the storm have found the heavenly haven.

vs. 27-31. "Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: for I have five brothers; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment…"

"The miserable rich man, having failed in his request for himself, now makes supplication on behalf of others. How then does Abraham reply? "They have Moses." …Let them hear Abraham who says that if we do not give heed to the Scriptures, we will not believe even those who come from hades. For the devil by trickery has appeared to raise the dead and by this means has deceived the foolish, and concerning those in hades he spreads doctrines worthy of his own wickedness. But no such trickery can prevail against those who make wise study of the Scriptures. For the Scriptures are a lamp and a light, and when light shines, the thief appears and is discovered. Therefore, let us believe the Holy Scripture let it lie idle, and let us not seek out resurrections from the dead.

"Do not be rich in wickedness and overlook your mind which is starved and cast down, although it was created to be borne aloft. Do not let it wander outside, nor let it lie idly on the ground, but lead it within and let it act. Then there will be in you the working of the mind and the spirit, and not merely the feasting of the flesh. Likewise, there are other elements of this Parable that may easily be understood for your moral benefit." [Source: Saint Gregory Palamas.  The HOMILIES; The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke]

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

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

Fifth Sunday of Holy and Great Lent: Saint Mary of Egypt,
Model of Penitents. (Part IV)

For seventeen years I have fed on herbs and all that can be found in the desert. I shivered from the frost and frequently fell to the ground I lay without breath and without motion. But from that time till now the power of God in numerous ways has guarded my sinful soul and my humble body. When I only reflect on the evils from which Our Lord has delivered me I have imperishable food for hope of salvation. I am fed and clothed by the All-Powerful Logos/Word of God, the Lord OF ALL. For it is not by bread alone that man lives. And those who have stripped off the rags of sin have no refuge, hiding in the clefts of the rocks" (Job 24) "They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented–of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth" Hebrews 11:37-38).

Hearing that she cited words of Scripture, from Moses and Job, Father Zosimas asked her: "And so you have read the psalms and other books?" She smiled at this and said to the elder: "Believe me, I have not seen a human face ever since I crossed the Jordan, except yours today. I have not seen a beast or a living being ever since I came into the desert. I never learned from books. I have never even heard anyone who sang and read from them. But the Logos/Word of God which is alive and active, by itself teaches a man knowledge. And so this is the end of my tale. But, as I asked you in the beginning, to pray to the Lord for me who am such a sinner." Thus concluding her story she bowed down before him. And with tears, the elder exclaimed: "Blessed is God Who creates the great and wondrous, the glorious and marvelous without end. Blessed is God Who has shown me how He rewards those who fear Him. Truly, O Lord, Thou dost not forsake those who seek Thee!"

The woman, not allowing the elder to bow down before her, said: "I beg you, holy father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our God and Savior, tell no one what you have heard until God delivers me of this earth. And now depart in peace and again next year you shall see me, and I you, if God will preserve us in His Great Mercy. But for God’s sake do as I ask you: Next year during Lent do not cross the Jordan, as is your custom in the monastery. Remain, Abba, in the monastery. And even if you wish to depart, you will not be able to do so. And at sunset of the holy day of the Mystical Supper, put some of the Life-Giving Body and Blood of Christ into a holy vessel and bring it. And wait for me on the banks of the Jordan so that I can come and partake of the Life-Giving Gifts. Pray for me!"

With these words, she vanished into the depths of the desert. For the whole year, Father Zosimas kept silent, not daring to tell anyone what he had seen. And when at length the first Sunday of the Great Fast came, all went out into the desert with the customary prayers. Only Father Zosimas was held back by illness — he lay in a fever. And he remembered what she said to him: "And even if you wish to depart, you will not be able to do so."

When again the monks returned and the day of the Mystical Supper dawned, he did as he had been ordered. And placing some of the Most Pure Body and Blood into a small chalice and putting some figs and dates and lentils soaked in water into a small basket, he departed for the desert and reached the banks of the Jordan where he awaited for the Saint. As he was pondering he saw the holy woman appear and stand on the other side of the river. The thought came to him that she could not cross the river Jordan. Then he saw that she made the sign of the Cross over the waters and then she at once stepped onto the waters and began walking across the surface towards him. And when he wanted to prostrate himself, she cried to him while still walking on the water: "What are you doing, Abba, you are a priest and carrying the Divine Gifts!"

Father Zosimas prayed: "Truly God did not lie when He promised that when we purify ourselves we shall be like Him. Glory to Thee, O Christ Our God, Who has shown me through this Thy servant how far away I stand from perfection."

Here the woman asked him to say the Creed and Our Father. He began, she finished the prayer and according to the custom of that time gave him the kiss of peace on the lips. Having partaken of the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), she raised her hands to heaven and sighed with tears in her eyes, exclaiming: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Lord, according to Thy word; for my eyes have seen Thy salvation." Then she said to the elder: "Forgive me, Abba, for asking you, but fulfill another wish of mine. Go now to the monastery and let God’s grace guard you. And next year come again to the same place where I first met you. Come for God’s sake, for you shall again see me, for such is the will of God."

Touching the Saint’s feet and asking for her prayers for the Church, the Kingdom, and himself, he let her depart with tears. Again the Saint made the sign of the Cross over the waters of the Jordan and stepped on and walked across as before.

When another year passed, he again went into the desert. He reached the same spot but could not see any sign of anyone. So raising his eyes to heaven as before, he prayed: "Show me, O Lord, Thy pure treasure, which Thou hast concealed in the desert. Show me, I pray Thee, Thy Angel in the flesh, of which the world is not worthy." Then on the opposite bank of the river, her face turned towards the rising sun, and he saw the Saint lying dead. Her hands were crossed according to custom and her face was turned to the East. Running up he shed tears over the Saint’s feet and kissed them, not daring to touch anything else. He wept for a long time.

Then he saw words traced on the ground by her head: "Abba Zosimas, bury on this spot the body of humble Mary. Return to dust that which is dust and pray to the Lord for me, who departed in the month of Fermouth of Egypt, called Apri by the Romans, on the first day, on the very night of our Lord’s Passion, after having partaken of the Divine Mysteries.

Reading this the elder was glad to know the Saint’s name. Then Father Zosimas thought: "It is time to do as she wished. But how am I to dig a grave with nothing in my hands?" And then he saw nearby a small piece of wood. Picking it up he began to dig the ground. But the earth was hard and dry and did not yield to the efforts of the elder. He grew tired and covered with sweat. He sighed from the depths of his soul and lifting up his eyes he saw a big lion standing close to the Saint’s body and licking her feet. Guarding himself with the sign of the Cross, the thought came to him that the power of the one lying there would protect him and keep him unharmed. Father Zosimas said to the lion: "The Great One ordered that her body was to be buried, but I am old and do not have the strength to dig the grave so can you carry out the work with your claws? Then we can commit to the earth the mortal temple of the Saint."

While he was still speaking the lion with his front paws began to dig a hole deep enough to bury the body. The elder covered the body with earth in the presence of the lion, then both departed. Father Zosimas returned to the monastery glorifying and blessing Christ Our Lord. Upon reaching the monastery the elder told all the brothers about everything and all marveled on hearing of God’s miracles. And with fear and love, they kept the memory of the Saint. Saint Zosimas died in the same monastery, almost attaining the age of a hundred, and passed to eternal life. The monks kept this account without writing it down and passed it on by word of mouth to one another.

May God Who works amazing miracles and generously bestows gifts on those who turn to Him with faith, reward those who seek light for themselves in this account, who hear, read, and are zealous to write it, and may He grant them the lot of blessed Mary together with all who at different times have pleased God by their pious thoughts and labors.

And let us also give glory to God, the Eternal King, that He may grant us His mercy in the Day of Judgment for the sake of Jesus Christ Our Lord, to Whom belongs all glory, honor, dominion, and adoration with the Eternal Father and the Most Holy and Life-Creating Spirit, now and always, and throughout all ages. Amen.

____________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint Johnn Chrysostmos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

5th Sunday of Holy and Great Lent: Saint Mary of Egypt,
Model of Penitents (Part III).

And, resuming her story, she went on to say:

“That youth, on hearing my shameless words, laughed and went off. While I, throwing away my spinning wheel, ran off towards the seas in the direction which everyone seemed to be tasking. Shamelessly, as usual, I mixed with the crowd, saying, ‘Take me with you to the place you are going to; you will not find me superfluous.’ Seeing my readiness to be shameless, they readily took me aboard the boat. Those who were expected came also, and we set sail at once.

“How shall I relate to you what happened after this? Whose tongue can tell, whose ears can take in all that took place on the boat during that voyage! There is no mentionable or unmentionable depravity of which I was not their teacher. I am amazed, Abba (father), how the sea stood our licentiousness and how it was that hell did not swallow me alive when I had entangled in my net so many souls. But I think God was seeking my repentance. For He does not desire the death of a sinner but magnanimously awaits his return to Him. At last, we arrived in Jerusalem. I spent the days before the festival in the town, living the same kind of life, perhaps even worse. I was not content with the youth I have seduced at sea and who had helped me to get to Jerusalem; many others — citizens of the town and foreigners — I also seduced.

“The holy day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross dawned while I was still flying about — hunting for youth. At daybreak, I saw that everyone was hurrying to the church, so I ran with the rest. When the hour for the holy Elevation approached, I was trying to make my way in with the crowd which was struggling to get through the church doors. I had at last squeezed through with great difficulty almost to the entrance of the temple, from which the Life-Giving Tree of the Cross was being shown to the people. But when I trod on the doorstep which everyone passed, I was stopped by some force that prevented my entering. Meanwhile, I was brushed aside by the crowd and found myself standing alone on the porch. Thinking that this had happened because of my woman’s weakness, I again began to work my way into the crowd, trying to elbow myself forward. Again my fee trod on the doorstep over which others were entering the church, without encountering any obstacle. I alone seemed unaccepted by the church. It was as if there was a detachment of soldiers standing there to oppose my entrance. Once again, I was excluded by the same mighty force and again I stood on the porch.

“Having repeated my attempt three or four times, at last I felt exhausted and had no more strength to push and to be pushed, so I went aside and stood in a corner of the porch. And only then with great difficulty, it began to dawn on me, and I began to understand the reason why I was prevented from being admitted to see the Life-Giving Cross. The word of salvation gently touched the eyes of my heart and revealed to me that it was my unclean life that barred the entrance to me. I began to weep and lament and beat my breast, and to sigh from the depths of my heart. And so I stood weeping when I saw above me the icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. And turning to her my bodily and spiritual eyes I said: “O Lady, Mother of God, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Logos/Word, I know, O how well I know, that it is no honor or praise to thee when one so impure and depraved as I look up to thy icon. O Ever-Virgin, who did keep thy body and soul in purity. Rightly, do I inspire hatred and disgust before they virginal purity. But I have heard that God Who was born of thee became man on purpose to call sinners to repentance. Then help me, for I have no other help. Order the entrance of the church to be opened to me. Allow me to see the Venerable Tree on which He Who was born of thee suffered in the flesh and on which He shed His Holy Blood for the redemption of sinners and for me, unworthy as I am. Be my faithful witness before thy Son that I will never again defile my body by the impurity of fornication, but as soon as I have seen the Tree of the Cross I will renounce the world and its temptations and will go wherever thou will lead me.”

“Thus I spoke and as If acquiring some hope in firm faith, and feeling some confidence in the mercy of the Mother of God, I left the place where I stood praying. And I went again and mingled with the crowd that was pushing its way into the church. And now no one seemed to thwart me, no one hindered my entering the church. I was possessed with trembling and was almost in delirium. Having got as far as the doors which I could not reach before — as if the same force which had hindered me cleared the way for me — I now entered without difficulty and found myself within the holy place. And so it was I saw the Life-Giving Cross. I saw too the Mysteries of God and how the Lord accepts repentance. Throwing myself on the ground, I worshipped that holy earth and kissed it with trembling. Then I came out of the church and went to her who had promised to be my security, to the place where I had sealed my vow. And bending my knee before the Virgin Mother of God, I addressed to her such words as these:

“O loving Lady, thou has show me thy great love for all people. Glory to God Who receives the repentance of sinners through thee. What more can I recollect or say, I who am so sinful? It is time for me, O Lady, to fulfill my vow, according to thy witness. Now lead me by the hand along the path of repentance!’ And at these words I heard a voice from on high: “IF YOU CROSS THE JORDAN YOU WILL FIND GLORIOUS REST.’ Hearing this voice and having faith that it was for me, I cried to the Mother of God: ” O Lady, Lady, do not forskae me!” With these words I left the porch of the church and set off on my journey. As I was leaving the church a stranger glanced at me and gve me three coins, saying: ‘Sister, take these.’ And, taking the money, I bought three loaves and took them with me on my journey, as a blessed gift. I asked the person who sold me the bread: ‘Which is the way to the Jordan?’ I was directed to the city gate which led that way. Running on I passed the gates and still weeping went on my journey. Those I met I asked the way, and after walking for the rest of that dasy (I think it was nine o’cloack when I saw the Cross) I at length reached at sunset the church of Saint John the Baptist which stood on the banks of the Jordan. After praying in the temple, I went down to the Jordan and rinsed my face and hand in its holy waters. I parrtook of the Holy and Life-Giving Mysteries (Sacraments) in the church of the Forerunner and ate half of one of my loaves. Then, after drinking some water from the river Jordan, I lay down and passed hte night on the ground. In the morning I found a small boat and crosssed to the opposite bank. I again prayed to Our Lady to lead me where she wished. Then I found myself in this desert and since then up to this very day I am estranged from all, keeping away from people and running away form everyone. And I live here clinging to my God Who saves all who turn to Him from fainthheartedness and storms.”

Father Zosimas asked her: ‘How many years have gone by since you began to live in this deset?’ She replied: ‘Forty-seven (47) years have already gone by, I think, since I left the holy city.’ Father Zosimas asked: ‘But what food do you find?’ The woman said: ‘I had two and a half loaves when I crossed the River Jordan. Soon they dried up and become hard as rock. Eating a little I gradually finished them after a few years.’ Father Zosimas asked. ‘Can it be that without getting ill you have lived so many years thus, without suffering in any way from such a complete change?’ The woman answered: ‘You remind me Father Zosimas, of what I dare not speak of. For when I recall all the dangers which I overcame, and all the violent thoughts which confused me, I am again afraid that they will take possession of me.’

Father Zosimas said: ‘Do not hide from me anything; speak to me without concealing anything.’

And she said to him: “Believe me, Abba (father), seventeen years I passed in this desert fighting wild beasts — mad desires and passions. But when such deisres entered me I struck myself on the breast and reminded myself of the vow which I had made, when going into the desert. In my thoughts I returned to the icon of the Mother of God which had received me ant to he I cried in prayer. I implored her to chase away the thoughts and after weeping for long time I used to see lgiht at last which seemed to shine on me from everywhere. And after the violent storm, lasting calm descended.

“And how can I tell you about the thoughts which urged me on to fornication, how can I express them to you, Abba? As soon as this craving came to me, I flung myself on the earth and watered it with my tears. And I didnot rise from the ground (sometimes I lay thus prostrate for a day and a night) until a calm and sweet light descended and enlightened me and chased away the thoughts that possessed me. But always I turned the eyes of my mind Protectress, asking her to extend help to one who ws sinking fast in the waves of the desert. And I always had here as my Helper and the Accepter of my repentance. And thus I lived for seventeen years amid constant dangers. And since then even till now the Mother of God helps me in everything and leads me as it were by the hand.”

______________

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

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE LIFE OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT (Part II0

After crossing the Jordan River, they all scattered far and wide in different directions. And this was the rule of life they had, and which they all observed — neither to talk to one another nor to know how each one lived and fasted. If they did happen to catch sight of one another, they went to another part of the desert, living alone and always singing to God, and at a definite time eating a very small quantity of food. In this way, they spent the whole of the fast and used to return to the monastery a week before the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, on Palm Sunday. Each one returned having his own conscience as the witness of his labor, and no one asked another how he had spent his time in the desert.

Father Zosimas did the same as all. And he went far, far into the desert with a secret hope of finding some father who might be living there and who might be able to satisfy his thirst and longing. He has already walked for 20 days and when the 6th hour came he stopped and, turning to the East, began to sing the Sixth Hour and recite the customary prayers. As he sang thus without turning his eyes from the heavens, he suddenly saw to the right the semblance of a human body. At first, he was confused thinking he beheld a vision of the devil. But, having guarded himself with the sign of the Cross and banished all fear, he turned his gaze in that direction and saw some form gliding southwards. It was naked, the skin dark as if burned up by the heat of the sun; the hair on its head was white as a fleece, and not long, failing just below its neck. Father Zosimas was so overjoyed at beholding a human form that he ran after it in pursuit, but the form fled from him. He followed. At length, when he was near enough to be heard, he shouted: "Why do you run away from an old man and a sinner? wait for me, whoever you are, in God’s name I tell you, for the love of God for Whose sake you are living in this desert."

"Forgive me for God’s sake, but I cannot turn towards you and show you my face, Abba (father) Zosimas. For I am a woman and naked as you see with the uncovered shame of my body. But if you would like to fulfill one wish of a sinful woman, throw me your cloak so that I can cover my body and can turn to you and ask for your blessing." Here terror seized Father Zosimas, for he heard that she called him by name. But he realized that she could not have done so without knowing anything of him if she had not had the power of spiritual insight. He at once did as he was asked. He took off his old, tattered cloak and threw it to her, turning away as he did so. She picked it up and was able to cover at least a part of her body. Then she turned to Father Zosimas and said:

"Why did you wish, Abba (father) Zosimas, to see a sinful woman? What do you wish to hear or learn from me, you who have not shrunk from such great struggles?" Father Zosimas threw himself on the ground and asked for her blessing. She likewise bowed down before him. And thus they lay on the ground prostrate asking for each other’s blessing. And one word alone could be heard from both: "BLESS ME!" After a long while the woman said to Father Zosimas: "Abba Zosimas, it is you who must give blessings and pray. You are dignified by the order of Priesthood and for many years you have been standing before the holy altar and offering the sacrifice of the Divine Mysteries."

This flung Father Zosimas into even greater terror. At length, with tears, he said to her: "O mother, filled with the Spirit, by your mode of life it is evident that you live with God and have died to the world. The Grace granted to you is apparent — for you have called me by name and recognized that I am a priest, though you have never seen me before. Grace is recognized not by one’s orders, but by gifts of the Spirit, so give me your blessing for God’s sake, for I need your prayers." Then giving way before the wish of the elder the woman said: "Blessed is God Who cares for the salvation of men and their souls."

Father Zosimas answered: "Amen." And both rose to their feet. Then the woman asked the elder (geronda): "Why have you come man of God to me who am so sinful? Why do you wish to see a woman naked and devoid of every virtue? Though I know one thing — the Grace of the Holy Spirit has brought you to render me a service in time. Tell me, father, how are the Christian people living? And the kings? How is the Church guided? Father Zosimas said: "By your holy prayers, mother, Christ has granted lasting peace to all. But fulfill the unworthy petition of an old man and pray for the whole world and for me who am a sinner, so that my wanderings in the desert may not be fruitless." She answered: "You who are a priest, Abba Zosimas, it is you who must pray for me and for all — for this is your calling. But as we must all be obedient, I will gladly do what you ask." And with these words she turned to the East, and raising her eyes to heaven and stretching out her hands, she began to pray in a whisper. As he took his eyes off the ground and saw that she was raised about a forearm’s distance from the ground and stood praying in the air. When he saw this even greater terror seized him and he fell on the ground weeping and repeating many times, "LORD HAVE MERCY."

Father Zosimas said, "I beg you by the Name of Christ our God tell me who you are and when and how you came into this desert. Tell me everything, tell me all, I implore you.

"I am ashmed, Abba (father), to speak to you of my disgraceful life, forgive me for God’s sake! I shall tell you all without hiding anything, onlly imploring you first of all to pray incessantly for me, so that I may find mercy on the day of Judgment." The elder wept and the woman began her story.

"My native land, holy father, was Egypt. Already during the lifetime of my parents, when I was twelve years old, I renounced their love and went to Alexandria. I am ashamed to recall how there I at first ruined my maidenhood and then unrestrainedly and insatiably gave myself up to sensuality. It is more becoming to speak of this briefly, so that you may just know my passion and my lechery. For about seventeen years, forgive me, I lived like that. I was like a fire of public debauch. And it was not for the sake of gain — here I speak the pure truth. Often when they wished to pay me, I refused the money. I acted in this way so as to make as many men as possible to try to obtain me, doing free of charge wha tgave me pleasure. I lived by begging, often by spinning flax, but I had an insatiable desire and an irrepressible passion for lying in filth. This was life to me. Every kind of abuse of nature I regarded as life. That is how I lived. Then one summer I saw a large crowd of Lybians and Egyptians running towards the sea. I asked one of them, ‘Where are these men hurrying to." He replied, ‘They are all going to Jerusalem for the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, which takes place in a few days.’ I said to him, ‘Will they take me with them if I wish to go?’ ‘No one will hinder you if you money to pay for the journey and for food.’ And I said to him, ‘To tell you the truth, I have no money, neither have I food. But I shall go with them and shall go aboard. And they shall feed me, whether they want to or not. I have a body — they shall take it instead of pay for the journey. I was suddently filled with a desire to go, Abba (father), to have more lovers who could satisfy my passion. I told you, Abba Zosimas, not to force me to tell you of my disgrace. God is my witness, I am afraid of defiling you and the very air with my words." Father Zosimas, weeping replied to her: "Speak on for God’s sake, mother, speak and do not break the thread of such an edifying tale."

(To be continued)

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

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

5th SUNDAY OF HOLY AND GREAT LENT:
SAINT MARY OF EGYPT, THE MODEL OF
PENITENTS.

Troparion of the Saint. Tone 8

In you, O Mother, is preserved undistorted
what was made in the image of God; for
taking up the cross, you followed Christ and
by example taught, that we should overlook
the flesh, since it passes away, and instead
look after the soul, since it is immortal. And
therefore, O devout Mary, your spirit rejoices
we the Angels.

Kontakion Hymn. Tone 4

Having escaped the fog of sin, and having illumined thy heart
With the light of penitence, O glorious one, thou didst come to
Christ and didst offer to Him His immaculate and Holy Mother
as a merciful intercessor. Hence thou hast found remission of
transgressions, and with the Angels thou ever rejoicest.

This corresponds closely to the preceding Sunday: just as the Fourth Sunday is dedicated to Saint John Climacus, THE MODEL OF ASCETICS, so the Fifth Sunday celebrates Saint Mary of Egypt, THE MODEL OF PENITENTS. Like that of Saint John Climacus, her feast has been transferred from the fixed calendar, where she is commemorated on April 1st. Her recounted by Saint Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem — it is read, on Thursday in the Fifth Week — sets before us a true verbal icon OF THE ESSENCE OF REPENTANCE. In her youth, Saint Mary lived in a dissolute and sinful way at Alexandria.

There was a certain Elder in one of the monasteries of Palestine, a priest of holy life and speech, who from childhood had been brought up in monastic ways and customs. This Elder’s name was Zosimas. He had been through the whole course of the ascetic life and in everything he adhered to the rule once given to him by his tutors as regards spiritual labors. He had also added a good deal himself while laboring to subject his flesh to the will of the spirit. And he had not failed in his aim. He was so renowned for his spiritual life that many came to him from neighboring monasteries and some even from afar. While doing all this, he never ceased to study the Divine Scriptures. Whether resting, standing, working, or eating food (if the scraps he nibbled could be called food), he incessantly and constantly had a single aim: always to sing of God, and to practice the teaching of the Divine Scriptures. Father Zosimas used to relate how, as soon as he was taken from his mother’s breast, he was handed over to the monastery where he went through his training as an ascetic till he reached the age of fifty-three. After that, he began to be tormented by the thought that he was perfect in everything and needed no instruction from anyone, saying to himself mentally, "Is there a monk on earth who can be of use to me and show me a kind of asceticism that I have no accomplished? Is there a man to be found in the desert who has surpassed me?"

Thus thought the Elder, when suddenly an Angel appeared to him and said:

"Zosimas, valiantly have you struggled, as far as this is within the power of man, valiantly have you gone through the ascetic course. But there is no man who has attained perfection. Before you, lie unknown struggles, greater, than those you have accomplished. That you may know how many other ways lead to salvation, leave your native land like the renowned Patriarch Abraham and go to the monastery by the River Jordan.

Father Zosimas did as he was told by the Angel. He left the monastery in which he had lived from childhood, and went to the River Jordan. At last, he reached the monastic community to which God had sent him. Having knocked at the door of the monastery, he told the Porter who he was; and the Porter told the Egoumenos (Abbot). On being admitted to the Egoumeno’s (Abbot’s) presence, Father Zosimas made the usual monastic metanoia (prostration) and prayer. Seeing that he was a monk the Egoumenos asked:

"Where do you come from, brother, and why have you come to us, poor old men?"

Father Zosimas repied:

"There is no need to speak about where I have come from, but I have come, father, seeking spiritual profit, for I have heard great things about your skill in leading souls to God."

"Brother," the Egoumenos (Abbot) said to him. "Only God can heal the infirmity of the soul. May He teach you and us His Divine ways and guide us. But as it is the love of Christ that has moved you to visit up poor old men, then stay with us, if that is why you have come. May the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for our salvation fill us with the grace of the Holy Spirit."

After this, Father Zosimas bowed to the Egoumenos, asked for his prayers and blessing, and stayed in the monastery. There he saw elders proficient both in action and the contemplation of God, aflame in spirit, working for the Lord. They sang incessantly, they stood in prayer all night, work was ever in their hands and psalms on their lips. Never an idle word was heard among them, they knew nothing about acquiring temporal goods or of the cares of life. But they had one desire–to become in body like corpses. Their constant food ws the Logos/Word of God, and they sustained their bodies on bread and water, as much as their love for God allowed them. Seeing this, Father Zosimas was greatly edified and prepared for the struggle that lay before him.

Many says passed and the time drew near when all Christians fast and prepare themselves to worship the Divine Passion and Resurrection of Christ. The monastery gates were kept always locked and only opened when one of the community was sent out on some errand. It was a desert place, not only unvisited by people of the world but even unknown to them.

There was a rule in that monastery which was the reason why God brought Father Zosimas there. At the beginning of the Great Fast the priest celebrated the Divine Liturgy and all partook of the Holy Body and Precious Blood of Christ. After the Divine Liturgy they went to the refectory and would eat a little lenten food.

Then all gathered in church, and after praying earnestly with prostrations, the elders kissed one another and asked forgiveness. And each made a prostration to the Egoumenos (Abbot) and asked his blessing and prayers for the struggle that lay before them. After this, the gates of the monastery were thrown open, and singing, "The Lord is my Light and my Savior; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom I be afraid? (Psalm 26:1) and the rest of that psalm, all went out into the desert and crossed the River Jordan. Only one or two brothers were left in the monastery, not to guard the property (for there was nothing to rob), but so as not to leave the church without Divine Service. Each took with him as much as he could or wanted in the wya of food, according to the needs of his body: one would take a little bread, another some figs, another dates or wheat soaked in water. And some took nothing but their own body covered with rags and fed when nature forced them to it on the plants that grew in the desert. (Source: The Great Canon. The Work of Saint Andrew of Crete)

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

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL (Part II)

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

SUPREME Commander of the Hosts of the Heavens, we, the unworthy,
importune and beseech thee that by they supplications thou encircle
us in the shelter of the wings of thine immaterial glory, guarding us
who now fall down and cry to thee with fervor. Deliver us from dangers
of all kinds, as the great marshal of the heavenly hosts on high.

SUPREME Commander of God and minister of the Divine glory, guide
of men and leader of the bodiless hosts: Ask for what is to our profile
and for great mercy, since thou art Supreme Commander of the
bodiless hosts.

The Celestial Powers are like fire, like flame, like light, the appearance of which is terrifying for humans. They are divinized creatures, vehicles of the Uncreated Glory and Secondary Lights, "Illumined with effulgences past understanding and divinized in a sacred manner, thou, O Gabriel, standest in awe ministering before the Throne of Grace, and, seen as light, thou dost illumine those who honor thee with faith, O sacred Gabriel, ARCHISTRATIGOS (Chief Commander).

Despite the excellence of their nature, the economy of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Logos/Word was, according to Saint Paul, hidden from the ages in God, and "made known to the principalities and to the authorities in the heavenlies through the Church, according to purpose of the ages which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord [Ephesians 3:9-11]. Saint Peter concurs that these were things into which Angels desired to look [1 Peter 1:12]. Saint John Chrysostom says that "the Church enlightened Angels and Archangels and Principalities and Authorities. The much-variegated wisdom of God was made manifest to them; for they knew not these things. The Virgin who had given birth to the Fire of the flaming ministering spirits, becomes the first participant of divinity among all creatures. She is more eminent than the incorporeal armies and surpasses the Celestial Hierarchies. She receives from the Angels the glory which belongs to her.

The Archangel Gabriel also announced the future Incarnation of the Logos/Word to those of the Old Testament. He inspired the Prophet Moses to write the Book of Genesis. He also foretold coming tribulations to the Prophet Daniel and the time of the Messiah’s appearance [Daniel 8:16; 9:21-25]. He explained to Daniel the vision of the horned ram, as portending the destruction of the Persian Empire by the Macedonian Alexander the Great, after whose death the Kingdom will be divided up among his generals, from one of whom will spring. Antiochus Epiphanes [Daniel 8]. Then, after Daniel had prayed for Israel, we read that the man Gabriel, flying, swiftly touched Daniel and communicated to him the mysterious prophecy of the "SEVENTY WEEKS" of years which should elapse before the coming of Christ [Daniel 9].

He also appeared to the Virgin Mary’s mother, Anna (commemorated on the 25th of July), and announced the conception of a daughter when Anna was praying in the garden. The Archangel also visited the young Virgin Mary regularly when she lived n the Temple of Jerusalem. He continued to watch over her throughout her earthly sojourn. He appeared to the Priest Zacharias [Luke 1:19], the future of Saint John the Baptist, and foretold the birth of the Forerunner of the Lord.

The name of the Archangel Gabriel is mentioned only twice in the New Testament, but it is not unreasonable to suppose with Christian tradition that it is he who appeared to Righteous Joseph, to the shepherds, and also to the Lord in the garden. Thus, many believe that the Archangel was dispatched to Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, appearing to him in a dream and telling him NOT TO FEAR to take Mary his wife who shall bring forth a Son Whom Joseph was to name JESUS [Matthew 1:20-21]. This same Angel also appeared to Joseph to take the Child and His Mother into Egypt [Matthew 2:13], forewarning him of Herod’s evil designs. While Joseph was in Egypt, he appeared to him, telling him to return to Israel [Matthew 2:19-20]. When our Lord prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His Passion, it was the Archangel Gabriel, according to some, whose very name signifies "MAN OF GOD," who appeared to Jesus, strengthening Him [Luke 22:43]. He is also accounted to be that Angel who rolled away the stone from Christ’s tomb [Matthew 28:21] and announced the Resurrection to the Myrrh-bearers [Matthew 28:7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6].

In the Archangel’s manifestations to us, there is a simplicity and absence of terror which corresponds to his character AS A COMFORTER. In Christian tradition, Gabriel IS EVER THE ANGEL OF CONSOLATION while MICHAEL is RATHER THE ANGEL OF JUDGMENT UPON GOD’S ENEMIES. Saint Proklos, Patriarch of Constantinople, interprets Gabriel’s name as meaning "GOD AND MAN." In accordance with his name, therefore, "Gabriel," comments Saint Proklos, "WAS MOST SUITED TO MINISTER TO THE MYSTERY OF THE DIVINE ECONOMY OF THE INCARNATION OF THE GOD-MAN." The Archangel also announced to the Virgin that word— "REJOICE!" –WHICH HAS BECOME A FORM OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING N THE Church.

"The Logos/Word, desiring to mingle with men IN A FLESHLY HYPOSTASIS (INCARNATION), had thee, O sacred Gabriel, go before Him and prepare a sacred place: do thou still the dreadful tempest of the barbarians which ever assail thy slaves; cause the schisms of the Church to cease; and reward him with the rescue from transgressions those who hymn thee, and grant victories to our civil authorities through THINE ARDENT INTERCESSIONS." (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

____________

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

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (MInistry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

On the 26th of March, the Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Synaxis of the Archangel GABRIEL.

"Gabriel, that Godlike and sublime spiritual intellect, brilliant
and heavenly, with the Host of Hierarchies on high, seeing and
perceiving the Tri-solar Light of God was sent to the pure
Virgin; and he announced the awesome and Divine Holy
Mystery of the plan of God. And he prays now, interceding
for our souls.

O Gabriel, you are ever full of the Light of God, the Ruler over
all, and you do His will, obeying His commands. Marvelous
Archangel, Chief of the Angelic Hosts, protect us who with
longing now honor you, and every pray to Christ, interceding
that surpassing peace and great mercy be upon our souls
bestowed. [From Vespers]

+

Archangel Gabriel, the Most Holy and Divine Archangel, is commemorated on March 26th. He was chosen by God to announce the gladsome tidings to the Virgin [Luke 1:26).  Thus, we glorify the Mother of God and Venerate the Lord's Messenger who contributed to the Mystery of Salvation.  Today's Synaxis ("Assembly") celebrated the day after the Annunciation of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, is not the only day we honor the Archangel Gabriel.  He is also commemorated on the 8th of November at the Synaxis of the Archangels and the rest of the bodiless and heavenly ranks.  His memory is also celebrated at his other Synaxis on the 13th of July, as well as when he chanted "IT IS TRULY MEET" or Axion Estin on Mount Athos, on the 11th of June.