My beloved spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

"Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she
fell down at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here,
my brother would not have died.’
Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who
came weeping, He GROANED IN THE SPIRIT AND WAS
TROUBLED.
And He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him,
‘Lord, come and see.’

JESUS WEPT.

Then the Jews said ‘SEE HOW HE LOVED HIM…" (St. John 11:32-36).

According to our Holy Tradition, the Saturday before Palms Sunday we celebrate the raising of Lazarus at Bethany. "The miracle is performed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as reassurance to His Disciples before the coming Passion: they are to understand that, though He suffers and dies, yet He is Lord and Victory over death. It foreshadows His own Resurrection eight days later, and at the same time, IT ANTICIPATES THE RESURRECTION OF ALL THE RIGHTEOUS ON THE Last Day. Lazarus is ‘THE SAVING FIRST-FRUITS OF THE REGENERATION OF THE WORLD."

Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals His two natures, Divine and human. He shows THE FULLNESS OF HIS HUMANITY, "involving as it does human ignorance AND GENUINE GRIEF for a beloved friend. Then, disclosing THE FULLNESS OF His Divine power. Christ raises Lazarus from the dead, even though his corpse has already begun to decompose and stink. This DOUBLE FULLNESS of the Lord’s DIVINITY and His HUMANITY is to be kept in view throughout Holy Week, and above all on Great Friday. On the Cross, we see a genuine human agony, both PHYSICAL and MENTAL, but we see more than this: WE SEE NOT ONLY SUFFERING MAN but SUFFERING GOD."

According to Saint Theophylact, "The Lord "GROANED in the Spirit" at the appearance of the passion of sorrow in Himself, meaning that by the Spirit He rebuked the turmoil of His human emotions and held them in check. Saint Cyril of Alexandria in his commentary on the Gospel of Saint John — followed closely by Saint Theophylact — explains this phrase as follows: "By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ in a certain manner rebukes His own flesh; unable to endure this action of the Divine nature to which it was united, the flesh trembled in agitation." He acted thus so AS NOT TO BREAK DOWN IN TEARS when He asks the question, ‘Where have ye laid him?’ Because Jesus WAS GRIEVED BY THE DEATH OF HIS FRIEND — for He WAS TRULY HUMAN, and to confirm this He PERMITTED HIS HUMAN NATURE TO ACT ACCORDINGLY — He chastises the flesh and rebukes it by the power of the Holy Spirit. The flesh, unable to endure the rebuke, "WAS TROUBLED", meaning that it trembled and was agitated at being compelled TO RESTRAIN ITS GRIEF. The Lord PERMITTED HIS HUMAN NATURE TO SUFFER THUS, PARTLY TO CONFIRM THAT HE WAS MAN IN REALITY, NOT MERELY IN APPEARANCE, AND PARTLY TO TEACH US TO AVOID THE EXTREMES OF CALLOUSNESS ON THE ONE HAND, AND OF UNBRIDLED GRIEF ON THE OTHER. THE MAN WHO NEVER FEELS COMPASSION OR WEEPS IS BRUTISH; THE MAN WHO CANNOT CONTROL HIS ANGUISH AND TEARS IS EFFEMINATE. Sharing our flesh and blood [see Hebrews 2:14], Christ EXPERIENCED OUR NATURAL, HUMAN AFFECTIONS, BUT TAUGHT US THEIR PROPER LIMITS."

"Jesus wept." The image of Jesus weeping touches the very core of my heart. Just thinking of this scene brings tears to my eyes. I find it extraordinary for Christ shedding tears, human tears of course, but nevertheless tears flowing from the eyes of the Godman, the Savior, the Son of God. How can anyone not feel profoundly and share in His sorrow of His friend’s death, even though He knew that soon after He was to raise him from death?

As Orthodox Christians, we do not simply talk or read a narrative regarding our Savior, but we and He are one. We are united with Him and we should feel what He feels and we should think the way He thinks. In the words of Saint Paul: "I have been crucified with Christ; IT IS NO LONGER I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST LIVES IN ME; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I LIVE BY FAITH IN THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME" (Galatians 2:20). Don’t all of you recall what occurs when we receive Holy Communion, the very Body and Blood of Christ, we are UNITED WITH HIM AND WE BECOME ONE WITH HIM AND WITH ONE ANOTHER?

"Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will live again.’ Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME, THOUGH HE MAY DIE, HE SHALL LIVE. AND WHOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE. DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?’ She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, WHO IS TO COME INTO THE WORLD" (St. John 11:23-27). Martha misunderstood Jesus’ words because of her limited understanding. Jesus begins her by telling her, "your brother shall rise again." He then affirms His authority and power: ‘I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE."

We need to be Christians with deep and sincere feelings for Him and for one another. We need, as Christians, to be sensitive and compassionate. We need to be Christians with a heart and with genuine sympathy for our fellow man. We need to be people who share the sorrow as well as the joy of others. We need to be Christians who are not afraid to express emotion openly and not to be rigid and cold. Someone said once to be compassionate means to place yourself in the shoes of the one suffering or in need, and feel his pain, feel his suffering, feel his fears and his loneliness. This is what makes us human! To be a "philanthropos" is to love your fellow man. It is not mechanically giving someone a few dollars and sending him on his way. That is not charity or true philanthropy. What is important is not the monetary help, but instead GIVING OF ONESELF!

In our contemporary society, everything has become impersonal and frigid. We are afraid to become attached to someone who needs our love. We tend to show more emotion and concern for animals than for human beings. We act out of the internet and we send our monetary help to all kinds of charities without a personal commitment of any kind. Yes, it is important to assist someone financially and to support animals in distress, but it is altogether a different experience when we volunteer our services to the local soup kitchen and to personally dish out food to the hungry. By doing so, you witness personally the tragic circumstances of a fellow human being. You SEE THEM AS THEY ARE, you look into their eyes, you see their plight and hopelessness, you feel their agony and perhaps even despair, you sense their gratitude to you for helping them. It is a totally different experience and, at the end of the day, you feel good deep down in your soul for touching someone and giving him or her hope. As Our Lord Jesus Christ, to feel the sorrow and the pain and even to weep as Jesus did for his good friend Lazarus.

Kalo Pascha! Kali Anastasi! A Blessed Pascha! A Blessed Resurrection!

___________________

"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.

HOLY MARTYRDOM ACCORDING TO THE
HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH

"By contemplating eternity, the holy Martyrs
willed to endure the most grievous torments
rather than submit to the will of the ungodly
kings and deny Christ." (Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk)

"The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church,"
and the Body of Christ continually witnesses to
this reality when the persecution of the Orthodox
faith becomes great enough that Christians are
willed for their faith, history typically records a
resurgence of faith and piety among the people
of that region." (Tertullian)

MARTYRAS OR MARTYR comes from the the Greek, ‘Μάρτυς,’ which means "witness." A Martyr is a Christian believer who gives their life for Christ, physically dying as a witness to the faith. MARTYRDOM, especially Christ’s Passion, and the Martyrdom of Christians who willingly suffered torture and death for the faith.

MARTYRS are known under a number of descriptions. These are:

MARTYRS as a whole are those who suffer torture and death in Christ’s name, for remaining loyal
to the True faith, or for refusing to worship pagans idols.

GREAT MARTYRS are those Saints who suffered horific and extreme torture

HIEROMARTYRS are those Martyrs who suffered torture and death as priests.

VENERABLE MARTYRS are those Saints who suffered death as members of the Monastic Orders.

NEOMARTYRS are the more recent Martyrs and Confessors who had been tortured and executed by the
Ottoman Turks who had enslaved Greece and refused to convert to Islam.

ON APRIL 23rd
OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH
COMMEMORATES THE FEAST OF THE HOLY
GLORIOUS GREAT MARTYR GEORGE THE
TROPEOFOROS (TROPHY-BEARER).

The renowned and glorious Martyr George was born in Cappadocia, the son or rich and God-bearing parents. His father suffered for Christ, after which his mother moved to Palestine. When Saint George grew up he went into the army, in which he rose, by the age of 20, to the rank of Tribune, and as such was in service under the pagan Roman Emperor Diocletian. When this Emperor began a terrible persecution of Christians, St. George came before him and boldly confessed that he was a Christian and denounced him. The Emperor threw him into prison, and commanded that his feet be put in the stocks and a heavy weight placed on his chest. After that, he commanded that he be bound on a wheel, under which was a board with great nails protruding, and then be turned. He then had him burried in a pit with only his head above the ground, and left there for three days and nights. Then, through some magician, he was given deadly poison. In the face of all these tortures, Saint George prayed unceasingly to God, and God healed him instantly and saved him from death, to the great amazement of the people. When he also raised a dead man to life by the prayers, many embraced the Christian faith. Among these was the Emperor’s wife, Alexandra, and the chief pagan priest, Athanasios, the governor Glycerius, and Valerius, Donatus, and Therinus. Finally, the Emperor commanded that St. George and the Empresss Alexandra be beheaded. Blessed Alexandra died on the scaffold before being killed and Saint George was beheaded. This happened in the year 303 A.D. The miracles (wonders or thavmata) that have been performed at his grave are without number. Also his appearance in the dreams to those who, thinking of him, have sought his help, from that time unto the present day. Consumed by love for Christ, it ws not difficult for holy George to leave all for this love — his status, wealth and imperial favor, his friends and the whole world. For this love, the Lord rewarded him with a wreath of unfading glory in heaven and on earth, and with Eternal Life in His Kingdom. The Lord further endowed him with the power to help those in need and distress, all who honored him and call on his name.

His holy relics were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised up in his name. The Anakomide (Translation) of the Saint’s holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3rd; Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21st.

Through the centuries, Saint George has shown himself to be a swift and present helper to all who call on him with faith, whether on land or sea, and to the ends of the earth. So many miracles have been worked at his tomb in Lydda (the present-day Lod), that when Palestine was in the hands of the Muslims, they took half of his church and turned it into a mosque, which may still be seen to this day, dedicated in his honor and testifying to the abundant power of his holy intercession.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) hymn. Fourth Tone.

LIBERATOR of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick,
and champion of kings. O trophy-bearer Great Martyr George
intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion. Fourth Tone

HAVING been cultivated well by the Lord God, as the most
honored cultivator of piety thou has now gathered sheaves of
virtues for thyself; for, as thou didst sow with tears, thou dost
reap with rejoicing; with thy blood didst thou contest and thou
now hast received Christ. And by thine intercessions, O Saint
George, thou grantest all the forgiveness of trespasses.

A BLESSED NAME-DAY TO ALL THE GEORGES AND GEORGIES!

______________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

HOW SHOULD THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
APPROACH THE HOLY AND GREAT WEEK?

We prepare for the Lord’s Passion and death. We anticipate our Messiah’s entrance to the Holy City of Jerusalem riding upon an ass. He will be betrayed and sold for thirty pieces of silver. He will be whipped, slapped, spat upon, and ridiculed. His hands and feet will be pierced and He will be given vinegar mixed with gall to drink. His clothes will be distributed and "They divided My garments among them" (St. John 19:24). He will die and receive burial, but His soul will not be abandoned to corruption. We are aware that all the above were announced beforehand, and later fulfilled to the letter as prophesied.

Certainly, having fulfilled, indeed, all that God had announced years before to humanity through the Venerable Prophets.

Our Lenten journey is slowly nearing its noble and sacred destination. We are not traveling alone, but with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is leading the way to the holy city of Jerusalem. What happened and what did we experience as we traversed the spiritual desert? Each one has his own story to tell. In the words of Saint John Chrysostom, "…if any be weary with fasting, let him now receive his penny. If any have toiled from the first hour, let him receive his due reward…ye that have kept the fast, and ye that have not, rejoice…".

We faithful approach the Holy and Great Week with a sense of total unworthiness and tears. We know that the Son of God is approaching His Passion. Each day has a unique and solemn message as we call to mind the things that happened to our Lord long ago. Through the mystical divine services of our Holy Church, we are mentally and spiritually transported back to the time that everything occurred. Thanks to the liturgical sacred services, we relive these terrifying and yet glorious events. For the Orthodox faithful, this is not just merely a superficial commemoration of what transpired in the past.

It is with profound humility that we acknowledge and declare our heartfelt gratitude to Our Lord and Savior’s Passion. During the divine services of Holy and Great Week days, we hear the various announcements through the word ‘Today.’ ‘Today Christ enters the Holy City’, ‘Today Christ comes to the house of the Pharisee,’ "Today Judas makes a contract with the chief priests,’ ‘Today the Master of Creation stands before Pilate,’ Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.’ Everything revealed through the Holy Scripture and through the divine services, helps the pious Orthodox Christian to experience these dramatic and holy events in the life of Our Lord personally here and now. The greater the sadness is at the beginning of Holy Week, the more glorious is the exaltation, celebration, and triumph of His Resurrection.

We must be careful as Orthodox Christians not to treat the divine events commemorated during Holy and Great Week as simply practicing our religious tradition, nor as something we have inherited, nor as nothing other than an annual observence. We cannot treat it as something that will be over soon and then life will continue as before, nor that we have neither experienced nor learned anything and our spiritual life remains uneffected by the sacred events in the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, including His Sacrifice on the Cross to save us. God forbid that this observance has become meaningless to us and of no spiritual value.

Our Holy Orthodox Church, for over 2,000 years, has deliberately made it possible to all genuine believers to keep the whole life of the Son of God alive in our hearts, minds and souls. When we personally experience to some degree what He experienced, what He went through to redeem humanity and save us from evil and death, and to truly see His abundant and unconditional love for us, we should be in tears. Our love for Him should be real and profound. Remembering and experiencing personally these events should be for us life-transforming. Our personal commitment, our faith, our loyalty, our conformity to His Divine Teachings and commandments should be immediate and life-long.

We can no longer be Christians in name only. Nothing should be done mechanically, artificially, and hypocritically. We are not forced to stay Christian and we are not forced to follow Him. Our Lord says clearly, "If ANYONE DESIRES TO COME AFTER ME, let him DENY HIMSELF and TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME" (St. Matthew 16:24). Do you "desire" to go after Him? Are you pretending? Are you an imposter? Are you a true believer? What are you?

The true believer, the true follower of Christ can be seen by the life he lives, by his values, by his priorities, by his commitment, by his sincerity, by his acthions, by his honesty, by his willingness to even die for his faith, as did the countless Martyrs, Confessors, Saints, Holy Fathers and Mothers, of ordinary Christian men, women and children throught the Christian History. Christians who endured persecution, torture, imprisonment, exile, and all kinds of atrocities from pagans, infidels, communists, fascists, heretics, and unbelievers and enemies of Christianity, all went to their deaths praising and glorifying our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. Are we willing to emulate their example today?

The Church is NOT THEATER! We are not playing the part of a Christian! We are not actors! The local parish priest is not performing when conducting the divine services of our Faith. The Orthodox Christians attending the Mysteries and other holy services are NOT simply the audience observing the so called performance. People who at the end of the Divine Liturgy grade the priest’s ‘performance’ i.e., his voice, movements, quality of his sermons, etc., and some who disrespect God by walking into the Divine Liturgy any time they wish and when it is convenient to them, do not believe that He Who invited them into His Heavenly Banquet IS PRESENT! To prove to you how shallow and hollow the understanding and the faith of some is, I will tell you a true story. One day an older woman, wealthy, and what some would consider somewhat sophisticated, came to me following the Divine Liturgy
and said to me, ‘Father you are too serious when giving your sermon and so is the content. We attend services to feel good and my suggestion to you is that you add a little humor and even tell a joke, so that we may laugh.’ Believe it or not, I didn’t take offense. However, I was perplexed by what she said, because this poor woman was an educated person, sophisticated, wealthy, intelligent and an older woman who grew up in the Faith. Still, nothing had penetrated her heart and mind. She had no idea why she was at the Divine Liturgy.

Our faith IS A LIVING FAITH AND OUR GOD IS THE LIVING GOD! We must not abuse the blessinig, honor, or privilege of being in His PRESENCE. The following is a prayer given by the priest at the Divine Litury inaudibly: "Look down, O Lord Jesus Christ Our God, from Thy Holy dwelling place, and from the from the Throne of Glory of Thy Kingdom, and COME TO SANCTIFY US. Thou Who sittest on High with the Father, and ART HERE INVISIBLY PRESENT WITH US. And do Thou deign by Thy Mighty hand to give to us of Thy Immaculate Body and of Thy Precious Blood, and through us to all the people." Undoubtely, God is Truly present during the Divine Liturgy and believing that very fact, the question put to everyone, is what should be the prevailing attitude of the Christian when attending? Shoud he or she be on time? Should he or she be dressed modestly, respectfully, and should he or she be prepared spiritually through repentance and confession? Should he or she walk in His presence with the sense of wonder and fear, humility, and a feeling of unworthiness? How would you or anyone, let us say, come before the Queen or king of England or any other royalty in the world? How then should we come before the King of Kings? The Lord and Savior of the World? The Son of God?

There is much to ponder and much to contemplate. We must not take the Lord, the Church, nor Our salvation for granted. We must NOT offend God with our lack of respect and lame excuses. There can be no secrets from Him when He knows us "from our mothers womb." We cannot act stupidly and irresponsibly. We need God, but He does not have any need of us. He is the Creator and we are mortal creatures. We are not on the same level as He, and to even think it, is nonsensical and ludicrous. Some attempt to predict God’s actions and even, insane and sinful as that is, go as far as to analyze Him. How can any human being hope to know God when he or she does not even know himself, who he is? It is sheer foolishness and ignorance.

This would be a perfect opportunity to pray for the salvation of the world, which may be on a collision course with the Almigty. It is evident that evil in the world is more visible and emboldened. When mankind separates itself and ceases to believe in Him, defies His Commandments and rebels against all of His Teachings, mocking His Only-begotten Son and His Sacrifice on the Cross, there are consequences. Mankind is definitely provoking, challenging, and inviting His Divine wrath. Apostasy from God is a certain death. Let us all pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness during these holy days.

Enter Holy and Great Week with sincere faith, with the fear of God, and with love in your heart. Pray for His mercy and forgiveness. God be with you all!

____________________

"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.

THE EPOCH OF LYING, DECEPTION, AND HYPOCRISY.

"Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or
‘There!’ DO NOT BELIEVE IT.
For false Christs and false prophets WILL RISE and show
great signs and wonders (miracles) TO DECEIVE, IF
POSSIBLE, EVEN THE ELECT" (St. Matthew 24:23-24)

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, HYPOCRITES! for you are
like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful
outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all
uncleanness. Even as you also outwardly appear righteous to men,
but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (St. Matthew 23:27-28),

In his second epistle to the Christians of Corinth, Saint Paul writes, "Now I pray to God that YOU KNOW NO EVIL, not that we should appear approved, but THAT YOU SHOULD DO WHAT IS HONORABLE, though we may seem disqualified. FOR WE CAN DO NOTHING AGAINST THE TRUTH, BUT FOR THE TRUTH." (2 Cor. 13:7-8).

"Jesus said to him, I AM THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME" (St. John 14:6).

"However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will GUIDE YOU INTO TRUTH; FOR HE WILL NOT SPEAK OF HIS OWN AUTHORITY, BUT WHATEVER HE HEARS HE WILL SPEAK, AND HE WILL TELL YOU THINGS TO COME" (St. John 16:13).

The Church IS CHRIST! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is The Truth and therefore the His Church is the Church of Truth! Guided and protected by the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth! The Holy Mission of the Church is to spread the ‘Good Tidings", the Holy Gospel, the Gospel of Truth to all of the ecumene. The Church CANNOT BE DIMINISHED TO A HUMAN OR EARTHLY INSTITUTION. An institution that is spiritually and morally corrupt.

Our Savior condemns lying, deception, and above all, hypocrisy. More dreadful is our Lord Christ’s description of the hypocrites who are like "whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness" (St. Matthew 23:27). Our Lord and God Jesus Christ who knows what is in our the hearts cannot be deceived. "In the day when God WILL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN by Jesus Christ," (Romans 2:16) is a fact and inescapable. No man, however, has the divine gift or the ability to know what is in another man’s heart and, therefore, can never judge another human being without falling into sin himself and to the transgression of hypocrisy.

The Pharisees had not only transgressed but were deceivers, hypocrites, and had not remained faithful to God’s Law. The holy Apostles writes, "Let God be true but every man a liar" (Romans 2:4). When the Pharisees attempted to entrap Jesus they said to Him, "Teacher, a woman was caught in adultery, in the very act, and according to the Mosaic Law should be stoned, but what do You say? Jesus said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone" (Saint John 8:4-7).

On judging others our Lord says, " Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your eye? "Hypocrite, first remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye" (St. Matthew 7:1-5).

The humble and meek person considers themselves first, as many of our Saints did, as "the greatest sinner of all sinners." He does not ever place himself above anyone else, but quietly says the words of the publican, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner" (St. Luke 18:13). No Christian should ever be self-righteous, prideful, and arrogant, nor be ready to condemn others. No one should even think, no matter who he is or what rank or office in life he possesses, to foolishly believe that he can replace the Lord and usurp Gods Authrority, Who is the only True Judge of all.

One who is aware and alert of what is happening in society, and the world that we live in today, can clearly see the increase of dishonesty, disrespect, and blatant deception among people of this so called ‘modern world.’ I find it most troubling that there is almost a complete absence of conscience, of self-respect, and most of all, fear of God. It seems to some people that it is much easier to lie than to tell the truth. But the sincere Christian knows better "For our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20) and that his or her life and values here on earth must reflect that very fact.

Christians are committed to the truth. Jesus speaking to His disciples says, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (St. Matthew 5:13). Just as the salt has preservative powers and sustains food, so does the Christian believer preserve God’s covenant and give the proper flavor to the world through righteousness, holiness, integrity, honesty, truthfulness, morality, dignity, respect, love, and Christian virtues. Christians shine as lights in a perverse world.

No one should place himself or herself on a pedastal and condemn others as hypocrites. I recall many years ago in one of the parishes which I had served, the words of one very bitter person who confronted me and said to me, "Why should I come to church, Father, with all those hypocrites?" I was surprised and saddened to hear those judgemental words coming out of the mouth of a Christian woman. However, Jesus, Who knows what is in our hearts, good or bad, would still have compassion on her and seek her out to save her, knowing that she was a troubled soul, confused, and a ‘lost sheep’ suffering inwardly. We must always be very careful not to quickly judge and throw stones at others. "He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone" (St. John 8:7).

As a priest I have witnessed numerous people who, over the years, lost their way but by the grace of God returned to the Church. The Church, the Ark of Salvation, has saved countless souls throughout the thousands of years of her existence. Is this not the Divine Mission of the Church to bring everyone to our Savior Christ? The Church is indeed a fishing vessel and the clergy are the fishermen. Did not our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ call His disciples, the fishermen, when He said to them, "FOLLOW ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN" (St. Matthew 4:19).

The Divine Mission of the Church is the same mission as that of the holy Apostles of Christ. Jesus commissioned them to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the 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 commended you" (St. Matthew 28:29). The Divine Mission of the priest is the same as that of the holy Disciples of Christ, "baptizing" in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "TEACHING" the people "TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS" that our Lord has "COMMANDED", to minister to the spiritual needs of his flock, to offer spiritual guidance and encouragement, to love them unconditionally, and do all these things for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is the priest that leads them to the Good Shepherd, to the Redeemer, to the Physician of our souls and bodies. But it is only by the grace of the Holy Spirit that the believers are made disciples of Christ. The priest, who is commissioned by Christ, will direct them to the path to salvation and His Kingdom. We can never forget that the Church’s Divine Mssion is to save souls!

As Orthodox Christians we believe the Church to be a spiritual Hospital. The people entering it have one purpose, to be healed and restored to health by the Divine Physician, Jesus Christ. They come to be loved, to be restored to health, both body and soul, to regain their strength, to be renewed, to be regenerated, to be sanctified and forgiven, to commune with God personally. The world can be a beautiful place, but it can also be a cruel and dangerous place, and living in it can be hazardous to one’s health. It is true that a person living in the world is usually pulled in different directions and, just like swimming in the sea, there is always the danger of undercurrents. Undercurrents, whether at sea or in life, are dangerous, can be very powerful, and can drag you out into the deep where drowning is possible. People are always looking for a safe harbor, a place away from threatening storms, dangerous waves and the undercurrents of life. The Church is the only real hope of the world where humanity can find safety, calm, and peace.

When Jesus Christ, our God, and Savior founded the Church, He knew that the hope of mankind rested on her to provide everyone with everything that He provided when He lived on earth. He was the Teacher and so He taught, He was a Healer and so He healed people of all illnesses and evil possesions. He freed people from sin by forgiving them. He was a Provider and so He provided them not only with material food, but also, most importantly, with His Divine Teachings and commandments. He was a Father and so He treated all His children with the love of a true father. He was their Guide and so He guidad them and set them on the path to His Eternal Kingdom. He was their Savior and so He saved all of mankind from sin and death. He, as the Lamb of God, sacrificed Himself on the Cross and so He opened the gates of Paradize just as He did for the ‘good thief’. Our Holy Mother Church has all these attributes and "charismata" for one thing only, to bring the human race to salvation.

Do not be like the hypocrites when you pray to God. "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (St. Matthew 6:5-13).

Do not be like the hypocrites when you fast. "But you when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to others as someone who is fasting, but to your Father Who is in the secret place; and your Father will reward you openly." (St. Matthew 6:16-18). "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light" (St. Mark 4:22).

"Therefore, laying aside ALL MALICE, ALL DECEIT,
HYPOCRISY, ENVY, AND ALL EVIL SPEAKING, AS
NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE MILK OF THE
WORD, THAT YOU MAY GROW THEREBY IF INDEED
YOU HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS".
(1 Peter 2:1)

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me,
the work that I do he will do also; and greater works
than these he will do" (St. John 14:12).

_______________________

"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. (Part III)

The life and spiritual struggles of Saint Mary of Egypt. Saint Mary of
Egypt is one of the Most Excellent Example of REPENTANCE in our
Holy Orthodox Church.

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

And she said to him: "Believe me, Abba (Father), 17 years I passed in this desert fighting wild beasts — mad desires and passions. When I was about to partake of food, I used to begin to regret the meat and fish of which I had so much in Egypt. I regretted also not having wine which I loved so much…But when such desires 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 has received me and to her I cried in prayer. I implored her to chase away the thoughts to which my miserable soul was succumbing. And after weeping for long and beating my breast I used to see Light at last which seemed to shine on me from everywhere. And after the violent storm, lasting calm descended… I struggled with many afflictions and with terrible temptations. 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;). Saint Paul writes, "…of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth" (Hebrews 11:38).

Hearing that she cited words from the Holy Scripture, from Moses and Job, Father Zosimas asked her:
‘And so you have read the psalms and other books?’
She smiled at this statement and said to the elder:
"Believe me I have not seen a human face ever since I crossed the river Jordan, except your today. I have not seen a beast or a living being ever since I came into the desert. I never learned from books…But the 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, so even now I implore you for the sake of the Incarnate Logos/Word of God, to pray to the Lord for me who am such a sinner."

"…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 WILL SEE 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. Father Zosimas was amazed to hear that she knew the rules of the monastery and could only say: "Glory to God Who bestows great gifts on those who love Him."
She continued:
"Remain, Father, 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 worthy to hold such Mysteries for me, and bring it. And wait for me on the banks of the Jordan river adjoining the inhabited parts of the land, so that I can come and PARTAKE OF THE LIFE-GIVING GIFTS… I THIRST FOR THEM WITH IRREPRESSIBLE LOVE AND LONGING. And therefore I ask and implore you to grant me my wish, bring me the Life-Giving Mysteries at the very hour when Our Lord made His Disciples partake of His Divine Supper. Tell John the Egoumenos (Abbot) of the monastery where you live: Look in yourself and to your brothers, for there is much that needs correction. Only do not say this now, but when God guides you. PRAY FOR ME!"

With these words, she vanished in the depths of the desert. And, after wandering through the desert, he returned to the monastery on the day all of the brothers returned, Palm Sunday.

For the whole year, he kept silent, not daring to tell anyone of 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 then he remembered what the Saint had said to him: "And even if you wish to depart, you will not be able to do so."

Many days passed and at last recovering from his illness he remained in the monastery. And 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 River Jordan and sat down to wait for the Saint. He waited for a long while and then began to doubt. Then raising his eyes in heaven, he began to pray….As he was pondering he saw the holy woman appear and stand on the other side of the river. Father Zosimas got up rejoicing and glorifying and thanking God. And again the thought came to him that she could not cross the Jordan. Then he saw THAT SHE MADE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS OVER THE WATERS OF THE JORDAN AND THEN STEPPED ON TO THE WATERS AND BEGAN WALKING ACROSS THE SURFACE TOWARD HIM. And when he wanted to prostrate himself, she cried out to him while still walking on the water:
"What are you doing, Father, YOU ARE A PRIEST AND CARRYING THE DIVINE GIFTS!"
He obeyed her and on reaching the shore she said to him: "Bless, Father, bless me!"

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, Father, 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 SEE ME, FOR SUCH IS THE WILL OF GOD. "Pray, for God’s sake pray for me and remember a miserable wretch."

She again made the sign of the Crossover the river Jordan, and stepped on to the waters and crossed over as before. The elder Zosimas returned to the monastery filled with joy and fear, accusing himself of not having asked the Saint her name. But he decided to do so next year.

When another year passed, he again went into the desert. He reached the same spot but could see no sign of anyone. So prayed: "Show me, O Lord, Thy pure treasure, which Thoui had 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 toward the rising sun, he saw the Saint lying dead. Her hands were crossed according to custom and her face ws turned to the East. Running up he shed tears over the Saint’s feet and kissed them, not daring to touch anything else. He thought to himself: "Must I bury the body of a Saint? Or will this be contrary to her wishes?" And then he saw words on the ground by her head:

"Abba (Father) Zosimas, bury on this spot the budy 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 April by the Romans, on the first day, on the very night of our Lord’s Passion, after having partaken of the Divine Mysteries."

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 a small piece of wood left by some traveler in the desert. Picking it up began to dig the ground. But the earth was hard and dry an did not yield to the efforts of the elder. He grew tired and covered with sweat. He sighed and lifting up his eyes he saw a big lion standing close to the Saint’s body and licking her feet. At the sight of the lion he trembled with fear, especially when he recalled Mary’s words that she had not even seen wild beasts in the desert.

Father Zosimas said to the lion: "The Great One ordered that her body was to be buried. But I am old man and have not 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 sill speaking the lion with his front paws began to dig a hole deep enough to burry the body. The elder covered the body with earth in the presence of the lion. Then they both departed. Father Zosimas reaching the monastery he told all the brothers about everything, and all marvelled on hearing of God’s miracles. And with fear and love they kept the memory of the Saint.

The Egoumenos (Abbot) of the Monastery Father John, as Saint Mary had previously told Father Zosimas, found a number of things wrong in the monastery and got rid of them with God’s help. And Saint Zosimas died in the same monastery, almost attaning the age of 100 and passed to eternal life. The monks kept this story and passed it on by word of mouth to one another.

But I, adds Saint Sophronius, as soon as I heard it, wrote it down.. 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, who hear, read, and are zealous, bless them as He did Mary. And let us also give glory to God, the Eternal King, that he may grant us too His mercy to the day of Judgment for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

___________________

"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 brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

HOLY MOTHER MARY, PRAY FOR US!

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt: From a life of sin to
a life of holiness. From a sinner to a Saint.

Mary herself is the one telling her story to Father Zosimas.

"My native land, holy father, was Egypt. Already during the lifetime of my parents, when I was 12 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 17 years, forgive me, I lived like that…I lived by begging often by spinning flax, but I had an insatiable desire and so 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 toward 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 have 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 for 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 suddenly filled with a desire to go, Abba (Father), to have more lovers who could satisfy my passion. I told you Father 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."
And, resuming her story, she went on…

"…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.’ I also added a few more words calling forth general laughter. 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…There is no mentionable or unmentionable depravity of which I was not their teacher. I am amazed, Father, how the sea stood our licentiousness, how the earth did not open its jaws, 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…

"The holy day of the Exaltation of the Cross dawned while I was still flying about — hunting for youths. At daybreak, I saw that everyone was hurrying to the church (the church of the Holy Sepulchre), so I ran with the rest. When the hour of 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 else passed, I WAS STOPPED BY SOME INVISIBLE FORCE WHICH 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. But in vain I struggled. Again my feet trod on the doorstep over which others were entering the church without encountering any obstacle. I ALONE SEEMED TO REMAIN 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 WHICH 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 THY 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 WILT 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 temple. 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 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 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 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 shown me thy great love for all men. Glory to God Who RECEIVES 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 (RIVER) 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 forsake 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 gave me three coins, saying: ‘Sister, take them.’ 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. After walking for the rest of that day (I think it was nine o’clock when I saw the cross of the church) I at last reached at sunset the Church of Saint John the Baptist which stood on the banks of the River Jordan. After praying in the temple, I went down to the Jordan and rinsed my face and hands in its holy waters. I partook of the holy water and Life-Giving Mysteries in the Church of the Forerunner and ate HALF OF ONE OF MY LOAVES. Then I found a small boat and crossed to the opposite bank. I again prayed to Our Lady to lead me wherever 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 FROM EVERYONE. AND I LIVE HERE CLINGING TO MY GOD WHO SAVES ALL WHO TURN TO HIM FROM FAINTHEARTEDNESS AND STORMS."

Father Zosimas asked her: ‘How many years have gone by since you began to live in this desert?’
She replied: 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 JORDAN. SOON THEY DRIED UP AND BECAME 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.’

(To be continued)

My beloved brothers and sister in Christ God,

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

HOLY MOTHER MARY, PRAY FOR US
(SUNDAY OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT)

"It is good to hide the secret of a king, but it is glorious to
reveal and preach the works of God" (Tobit 12:7).

The Archangel Raphael said this to Tobit when he performed the divine healing of his blindness. Not to keep the secret of the king is dangerous and can result in one’s demise. But it is a greater loss for the soul of one who keeps silent about the works of the Almighty God. The author of the life of Saint Mary was Saint Sophronios.

Saint Sophronios begins by first narrating the story of the elder Zosimas from one of the monasteries of Palestine. Father Zosimas, a priest who lead a holy life and who from very young was brought up in the monastic tradition and lifestyle. He lived a life of true obedience and adhered to all the spiritual labors. He was renowned for his spiritual life and he was sought after for his piety and holy life. However, at one stage in his life, he began to question whether he had reached perfection and if there was "a monk on earth who could be of use of him and show him a kind of asceticism that he had not accomplished?" "Is there a man to be found in the desert who has surpassed me?"

Thus thought the elder (Geronda), when suddenly an Angel of God 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 and, like the renowned Patriarch Abraham, go to the monastery by the River Jordan."

Father Zosimas did as he was told by the Archangel. He went to the monastery located near the River Jordan. He knocked at the door of the Monastery, told the monk who he was, and was lead to the Egoumenos (Abbot). The Egoumenos asked, "where do you come from, brother, and why have you come to us poor old men?" Father Zosimas replied:

"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!"

Father Zosimas bowed to the Egoumenos, asked for his prayers and blessing and stayed in the monastery. There he observed the fathers proficient both in action and the contemplation of God, aflame in spirit, laboring in the Lord. Seeing this, Father Zosimas was edified and prepared for the struggle that lay before him.

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 Precious Body and Sacred Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Following the Divine Liturgy, they went to the refectory and would eat a little Lenten food.

After this, the gates of the monastery were thrown open, and chanting, "The Lord is my Light and my Savior; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 26:1) and the rest of the psalm, all went out into the desert and crossed the River Jordan. Only one or two fathers were left in the monastery. Each of the monks took with him as much as he could, or wanted to, the way of food and some took nothing.

Crossing the River Jordan, they all scattered far and wide in different directions in the desert. In this way, they spent the whole of the fast and used to return to the monastery a week before the Resurrection of Christ on Palm Sunday. Father Zosimas did the same as all. He went far into the desert with a secret hope for finding some ascetic who might be living there and who might be able to quench his thirst and longing. He wandered on tirelessly for 20 days.

While praying, he suddenly saw to the right of the hillside, a semblance of a human form. At first, he thought he beheld a vision of the devil and made the sign of the Cross out of fear. What he saw was naked, with dark skin and hair white as a fleece, and not long, falling just below its neck. Father Zosimas ran in pursuit beholding a human being, but the form fled from him. He followed. When he was near enough to be heard, he shouted:

"Why do you run away from an old man and a sinner? Save of the True God, 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 the desert."

"Forgiven 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."

Father Zosimas was filled with fear, for he heard that she called him by name. 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 threw her his cloak while 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, 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?" After a long while the woman said to Father:

"Father Zosimas, It is you who must give blessings and pray. You are dignified by the order of Priesthood and for many years have you been standing before the Holy Altar and offering the Sacrifice of the Divine Mysteries."

"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 RECOGNIZE 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 the woman asked the elder "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 replied, "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."

"I beg you, by the Name of Jesus Christ our God, Who was born of a Virgin, for Whose sake you have stripped yourself, for Whose sake you have exhausted your flesh, do not hide from your servant, who you are and whence and how you came to this desert. Tell me everything so that the marvelous works of God may become known…tell me all, I implore you.

"I am ashamed, Father, to speak to you of my disgraceful life, forgive me for God’s sake! But as you have already seen my naked body I shall likewise lay bare before you my work, so that you may know with what shame and obscenity my soul is filled. I was not running away out of vanity, as you thought, for what have I to be proud of — I who as the chosen VESSEL OF THE DEVIL? But when I start my story you will run from me, as from a snake, for your ears will not be able to hear the vileness of my actions. But I shall tell you all without hiding anything (her confession to a priest) only 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.

(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.

"BLESSED IS THE LORD MY GOD, Who trains my hands for battle,
My fingers for war;
He is my mercy and my refuge,
My helper and my deliverer,
MY PROTECTOR IN WHOM I HOPE…" (Psalm 143[144]:1-2)

Psalm 143 describes our war against Goliath, the giant who was arrogant and vainglorious against God. David slew him and cut off his head. This is an image of our war against powerful sinful passions as well as arrogance and vainglory (kenodoxia). In life, it is inescapable that we will face immense challenges of great odds but with God’s help, just like David, we can conquer anything that comes our way. David had faith in God and it was his faith in Him that won him the battle over the giant Goliath. Faith is much more than possessing a mental belief. Since neither faith nor righteousness originates in us but in our All-Merciful God, genuine faith transforms our lives, making us God-like, bearing the fruit of God the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul writes, "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also, we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and REJOICE IN HOPE of the glory of God. Not only that, but WE ALSO GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS, KNOWING THAT TRIBULATION PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE; AND PERSEVERANCE, CHARACTER; AND CHARACTER, HOPE. Now HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, BECAUSE THE LOVE OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED OUT IN OUR HEARTS BY THE Holy Spirit Who was given to us" (Romans 5:1-5).

My father, God rest his soul, used to refer to life as ‘βιοπάλη’ (viopale) which means literally, ‘wrestling life’. Indeed this wrestling or struggling in life begins almost immediately following our birth and does not end until the day that we fall asleep in the Lord. Life is compared at times to a vast ocean or sea which at times is calm and peaceful and other times, without any warning, it turns into a raging and dangerous place threatening our very existence. The logical question, however, is how ready are we as Christians to face the unexpected in life? How strong and prepared are we to face, not only the good days, but also the stormy ones that inevitably will come? There is a Greek saying, ‘O kalos o capetanios stin fourtouna fenete’ which means, ‘the good or worthy captain proves his ability during a storm.’ Anyone one of us can make all kinds of claims on how strong we are, or how capable, but it is only during the unexpected challenges in life that we prove what we are truly made of.

Losing hope is not an option for anyone. We can’t cower before adversity and danger. We must stand tall and determined to win. Surrender to it is not an option. We have the potential to be courageous and to face life head-on no matter the threats. The good captain never gives up no matter how high the waves of a stormy sea are. God has not left us without the means to conquer life’s problems and obstacles. We are intelligent people with logic and wisdom to think things out and make the necessary decisions and solve what needs to be solved. As people of faith in God, we automatically and naturally turn always to Him for assistance and inspiration before we make any difficult decision. By not seeking His help, we reveal our arrogance and pride.

We need God more than you know. God awaits our invitation to Him to come to our aid. Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM AND DINE WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME" (Revelation 3:20). He does NOT break down the door or force Himself into your heart, but "KNOCKS" for you to let Him in. Oh God, how great You are! God does not force anyone to cooperte with Him. He keeps knockig, awaiting a response. The one who cooperates with our Lord OVERCOMES or CONQUERS.

Why am I saying all these things to you all? It is because we are all sharing the same concerns, challenges, dangers, and consequences of the pandemic. I am saying these things to you because I am troubled with all the sad news being reported of how men, women, and children have fallen into despondency and depression and are beginning to drink, take drugs, and commit suicide. People all over the world have faced many tragedies from war and natural catestrophies and have not resorted to these unfortuate and sad actions. These extreme actions are actions of hopelessness, of faithlessness, of irrational and emotional reactions to a temporary situation that all of us face together. It must end and must not continue to happen. We must come together and support each other emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, brotherly, and encourage one another to avoid making these dreadful mistakes.

This is not the end of the world. Mankind has confronted all kinds of disasters of enormous proportions over the many centuries. Who can predict what will happen in the future? Everything that happens in our life-time is a learning experience that prepares us to face the next big challenge. It is our hope and prayer that by the grace of God it will not be as destructive.

Stay close to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to our Thetotokos, the holy Angels, to the Saints and righteous men and women of God. As Orthodox Christians we always seek their holy intercessions to our Creator to protect and keeps us safe and in good health. We believe that our prayers are joined with theirs to keep the world free of evil and for the Angelic powers to guard us from the influence of the Evil One.

I am profoundly gratified and rejoice when I hear Christians encouraging other Christians to pray. I just heard recently an American General urge everyone to keep on praying for our country and emphasize that there is nothing greater than prayer to Almighty God and Savior. Prayer is our greatest weapon against any form of evil. Thanks be to God! There is hope indeed when believers practice unceasing prayer and not lose faith in our Redeemer under any circumstances.

Stay strong! Keep the faith! Keep on praying!

______________________

"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.

GOD’S EVER PRESENCE (OMNIPRESENCE) IN THE WORLD
HE CREATED

"Where can I go from Your
Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your
presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are
there;
If I make my bed in hell,
behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the
morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts
of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead
me,
And Your right hand shall hold
me…" (Psalm 138[139]:7-10).

"..AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS,
EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE." Amen.
(St. Matthew 28:30)

Our Almighty God and Creator is with us for ever and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. God is not subject to absolutely any limitations, but fills everything. In Greek, we say, ‘O pantachou paron kai ta panta pleron’ (‘He Who is ever-present and fills all things.’) According to our Holy Father Saint John Damascenos, "The Divinity penetrates everything without being mingled with anything, but nothing can penetrate Him." Another great Saint of the Church, Saint John Chrysostomos says, "That God IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE WE KNOW, but how, we do not understand, because we can understand ONLY A SENSUOUS PRESENCE, and it is not given to us to understand FULLY THE NATURE OF GOD."

It is by the Divine Power of God that everything exists in the universe. It is He Who gives life to everything, including meaning and purpose. The Omnipresence of Almighty God is one of His Divine attributes. Other attributes are Omniscient, "All Things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him" (Hebrews 4:13). "My being while it was still unformed, Thine eyes did see" (Psalm 138[139]:16). God has FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE AND EVIL IN THE WORLD AND THE ACTS OF FREE BEINGS IS AS IT WERE CROWNED BY THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD, WHEN "God will be all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28). God is "ALL RIGHTEOUS. Righteousness is understood in the word of God and in its general usage as having two meanings 1) Holiness and 2) Justice. God IS ALMIGHTY (OMNIPOTENT). He spoke, and they came into being; He commanded, and they were created". God is the Creator of the world. It is He Who cares for the world in His Providence. "But if God tolerates evil and evil people in the world, this is NOT because He cannot annihilate evil, but because He has given freedom to spiritual beings and directs them so that they might freely, OF THEIR OWN FREE WILL, REJECT EVIL AND TURN TO GOOD." God IS UNCHANGEABLE. "In the Father of lights, there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17) Our Creator gives to His creatures, including us, as many good things as each of them can receive according to its nature and condition. (Source: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology)

In our Orthodox Christian liturgical tradition and worship, the opening prayer is directed to God the Holy Spirit: "O Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who ART IN ALL PLACES AND FILLEST ALL THINGS; Treasury of good things and Giver of Life! Come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Gracious Lord."

As Orthodox Christian believers, we believe without any hesitation or doubt that our God and Creator IS EVER PRESENT THROUGHOUT HIS CREATION AND OVERSEES AND "in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:27-28). Therefore, we should never feel alone or abandoned, but be confident and faithful knowing that He is ALWAYS WITH US AND CONTINUES ALWAYS TO CARE FOR US.

A person of faith, a true Christian, never despairs at times of danger or a time of crisis, for God is with us. A spiritually mature Orthodox Christian is someone who totally depends on God for everything, just like a child depends on his father or mother. One who strives to achieve or to reach this kind of spirituality does not become less dependent, but more dependent on His Creator. This is why, as A CHILD OF GOD, before making any decision, He turns to prayer and seeks God’s guidance and wisdom. We are reminded by the holy Apostle Paul, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

_____________________

"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.

ORTHODOX SANCTIFICATION OF PEOPLE, ANIMALS, AND
OBJECTS

In our Holy Orthodox Christian Tradition, there are blessings and prayers performed by the priest for just about everything living and even objects (i.e. homes, cars, icons, etc). Every pious and spiritual act is founded on faith in God’s love and the grace of God the Holy
Spirit. The Orthodox priest invokes the blessings of the Almighty God believing that He indeed responds to our supplication and fortifies and sanctifies the people, animals, and the various objects.

Doubt does not ever enter the mind or heart of the Orthodox Christian as to whether or not the blessing has occurred. There is a personal conviction, trust, and belief that is immovable and powerful.

The Orthodox priest is called upon by the faithful to bless their homes, to bless their cars, to bless their family members, to bless their religious items before they are worn, i.e., crosses, icon metals, prayer ropes, icons, etc., to bless them before they travel, before an exam at school, to bless children before they begin school, to bless ill members, to bless them before surgery, and to bless them when they are threatened by evil. There are blessings before a woman goes to be delivered, after the birth of the child, to offer the 8th-day blessing of the child following his birth, and the 40-day blessing of mother and child after birth. There is a blessing for the place of burial or grave. There are also blessings of large and small boats, blessings for the foundations of new homes before they are erected. And let us not forget the Consecration of a new church building or Chapel, the blessing of the Five Loaves of Bread, wine and oil at the solemn service of Artoklasia, the blessing of flowers on the veneration, and exaltation of the Cross, the Blessing of the Palms on Palm Sunday, of Pascha eggs and cheese and other foods, the blessing of the first-fruits i.e., grapes, on the feast of the Savior on 6th August, and blessing the corner-stone of a church building, etc.

For those who may not know, on the 8th-day after the child’s birth, the child receives his/her Orthodox Christian name and NOT at his/her baptism, just as our Lord Jesus received His name on the day of His circumcision 8 days of His birth (St. Luke 2:21). Every Orthodox Christian is aware that 40 days following the birth of the baby, according to the Old Testament Hebrew tradition observed by the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, (St. Luke 2:22-24) the mother brings her child for its first visit to the church.

There is the Great, as well as the Lesser, agiasmos or blessing of Waters. The Great Blessing of Waters takes place on the eve of, as well as the day of Theophany, which commemorates the manifestation of God the Holy Trinity during the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. It also signifies that the entire creation is destined to share in the glory of redemption and renewal in Christ. The Lesser Blessing of Waters may be performed according to need. It is referred to as the Lesser Blessing, not because it is shorter, but because it does not have the same solemnity as the Great Blessing conducted on the Glorious Feast of the Epiphany.

Allow me to offer you a sample of the blessing for the blessing of the Waters:

"That these waters MAY BE SANCTIFIED BY THE POWER, AND EFFECTUAL OPERATION, AND DESCENT
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, LET US PRAY TO THE LORD. That there may DESCEND UPON THESE WATERS THE
CLEANSING OPERATION OF THE SUPER-SUBSTANTIAL TRINITY, let us pray to the Lord. That He WILL
ENDOW THEM WITH THE GRACE OF REDEMPTION, THE BLESSING OF JORDAN, THE MIGHT AND OPERATION,
AND DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, let us pray to the Lord. That Satan may SPEEDILY BE CRUSHED UNDER
OUR FEET, AND THAT EVERY EVIL COUNSEL DIRECTED AGAINST US MAY BE BROUGHT TO NAUGHT, let us
pray to the Lord. That the Lord our God WILL FREE US FROM EVERY ATTACK AND TEMPTATION OF THE ENEMY,
AND MAKE US WORTHY OF THE GOOD THINGS WHICH HE HAS PROMISED, let us pray to the Lord…That this water
may be unto THE BESTOWING OF SANCTIFICATION, UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS; UNTO THE HEALING OF
SOUL AND BODY, AND UNTO EVERY EXPEDIENT SERVICE…THAT THIS WATER MAY BE A FOUNTAIN WELLING FORTH
UNTO LIFE ETERNAL..That it may MANIFEST ITSELF EFFECTUAL UNTO THE AVERTING OF EVERY MACHINATION OF
OUR FOES, WHETHER VISIBLE OR INVISIBLE…"

Please note that the Orthodox Christian Church teaches that the Great Blessing of Waters ACTUALLY CHANGES THE NATURE OF THE WATER, and that water so blessed is NO LONGER CORRUPTIBLE, BUT REMAINS FRESH FOR MANY YEARS.

The blessing of any object

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Kyrie eleison.

O Gracious and Author of mankind, Giver of spiritual graces and Bestower of
Eternal salvation: Do Thou, the same Lord, SEND DOWN THE Holy Spirit, with
a BLESSING FROM ON HIGH, UPON THIS (name of object); that FORTIFIED BY
THE MIGHT HEAVENLY PROTECTION, IT MAY BE POTENT UNTO BODILY
SALVATION AND SUCCOR AND AID, UNTO ALL WHO SHALL DESIRE TO MAKE
USE OF IT, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. Amen.

THE MYSTERY (SACRAMENT) OF HOLY OIL (UNCTION OR EFCHELAION)
(The Essence of the Mystery)

The Mystery of the Holy Oil is A SACRED ACTION in which, while the body
is anointed with oil, the grace of God WHICH HEALS INFIRMITIES OF SOUL
AND BODY IS CALLED DOWN UPON A SICK PERSON (Orthodox Catechism,
p. 65).

The clearest testimony of the Mystery of Efchelaion is to be found in the holy Apostle James (Iakovos) [5:14-15]: Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders (priests) of the Church, and LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK, AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HAS COMMITTED SINS, THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM." (Source: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology)

PRAYER OF ANOINTING (Holy and Great Wednesday)

O Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, Who did send Thine Only-Begotten Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, TO HEAL EVERY INFIRMITY AND DELIVER FROM DEATH:
HEAL THOU, ALSO, Thy servants FROM THE ILLS OF BODY AND SOUL WHICH DO
HINDER THEM, AND QUICKEN THEM, BY THE GRACE OF THY CHRIST, THROUGH
THE PRAYERS OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY, THE BIRTH-GIVER OF GOD AND EVER-
VIRGIN MARY; THROUGH THE INTERCESSIONS OF THE HONORABLE BODILESS
POWERS…"

Now that all the above has been said and has been established that THE SANCTIFICATION, HEALING, AND RESTORATION COMES FROM THE ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS DIVINE GRACE, WHY IS THERE IS SUCH FEAR IN THE CHURCH OF PARTICIPATING IN THE SACRED SERVICES OF
OUR HOLY CHURCH? WHICH IS GREATER COVID OR GOD’S GRACE? Why are there NOT venerations of the sacred icons and of the Holy Cross? Why is there is such fear of receiving the Precious Body and Sacred Blood of our Lord? Why is there so much fear to receive the sacrament of Holy Unction, the Sacrament OF HEALING? What happened TO SANCTIFICATION? What happened to THE HEALING OF THE SOUL AND BODY BY THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? Where is our faith? Where is our trust in God’s grace? I personally, as a priest of the Church for a half-century, find this ILL CONCEIVED ATTITUDE within our Church SCANDALOUS AND TOTALLY UNORTHODOX, to say the least.

KYRIE ELEISON!