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

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

WHO WERE THE CHURCH APOLOGISTS AND
WHAT WAS THEIR PURPOSE?

Apologetics is a field of study concerned with the systematic defence
of Christianity. The term "apologetic" is derived from the Greek word
apologia (απολογία), which means IN DEFENSE OF (also means "REPLY"
oe "ANSWER).

The word "apologetics" is used eight times in the New Testament. The word most commonly associated as the basis of this: "But "sanctify the Lord" God in your hearts, and BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU A REASON CONCERNING THE HOPE IN YOU, WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR, HAVING A GOOD CONSCIENCE, THAT WHILE THEY MAY SPEAK AGAINST YOU AS EVILDOERS, THOSE WHO SPEAK DISPARAGINGLY OF YOUR GOOD MANNER OF LIFE IN CHRIST MIGHT BE PUT TO SHAME" [1 Peter 4:15-16].

In Orthodox theology, the term Apologetics is used in regards TO DEFENDING THE TRUE FAITH against atheists, heretics, pagans, Jews and others. This defense, however, is done in a manner that is loving , gentle, and in order to bear good fruits. It should not be polemical or obsessive in manner, which in many cases is considered detrimental to the Apostolic Faith.

The earliest Apologists were the Church Fathers. Their apologies cover a range of topics including the Divine origin of the Church, Christ’s Natures, Holy Scripture, the Theotokos (Mother of God), miracles, Christian social interaction and the function of Doctrine. There were SEVEN ECUMENICAL SYNODS THAT WERE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WHOLE CHURCH AND FORM THE KEY "APOLOGETICS" FOR THE ORTHODOX FAITH.

The most severe Christian persecutions were conducted the first three hundred years, and millions of our Christian brethren were tortured and summarily executed. This did not discourage the holy Apostles and early Christians from preaching Christ Crucified and Resurrected as a veritable fact, and were unafraid, ready and willing to die for the Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. They were willing to openly and boldly defend their faith in Christ while remembering His Divine words: "Therefore settle it for yourselves in your hearts not to premeditate to make a defense: "FOR I WILL GIVE YOU A MOUTH AND WISDOM, WHICH ALL THOSE WHO OPPOSE YOU SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTRADICT NOR WITHSTAND" (Luke 21:14).

Throughout the twenty-one centuries, there have been evil forces that have attempted to silence the Christians and the Gospel of the Lord, but have always failed to do so. In Orthodox Christian history, there were Moslims that had conquered and enslaved Orthodox Christians and lands for five centuries. Later, the Holy Church was persecuted by the Communists and atheists for seventy four years, during which millions of Orthodox Christians were slaughtered, tortured, imprisoned, exiled and executed. The Faith, however, grew and prospered and the Church became even stronger and greater than before.

Orthodox Christian Saints, men and women, who witnessed to the faith and suffered tortures and other atrocities, such as imprisonment or labor in the mines, exile; but not to the point of death, and thus distinguished from a martyr became known as Confessors. With the decrease in persecution of Christians in the 5th century, this designation was also given to those Christians who lived a holy life. Our Holy Orthodox Church was blessed and enriched by the countless men and women who were convicted in the faith and who without any fear or any trepidation for their own lives witnessed their Christian faith boldly and loudly before nonbelievers.

The Holy Confessors continue to spread the Holy Gospel message throughout the world. They refuse to be silenced by any civil authority or hostile government. They faithfully adhere to Our Lord’s admonition to, "Go into ALL the world and preach the gospel TO EVERY creature" [Mark 16:15]. Our Lord Jesus Christ desires ALL TO BE SAVED AND TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH. ALL NATIONS are to be His disciples and to bear witness to His Holy Resurrection. "EVERY CREATURE," means the entire cosmos (world), is affected by it. "He who believes and IS BAPTIZED will be saved; but he who DOES NOT BELIEVE will be condemned" [Mark 16:16]. Every Christian, as were the holy Apostles, are commissioned to teach, preserve, defend and spread the word of God to all of the earth. We are all apostles of Christ with a common mission to bring the Good News to all of mankind.

The dark powers in the world will once again attempt to prevent the Christian message from reaching those who have not heard the Divine Gospel message, but we must not be deterred by their threats. We, ALL CHRISTIANS TOGETHER AND UNITED, must go forward with His Cross as our banner and fulfill the will of God. The Christian of faith believes, "For with God nothing will be impossible" [Luke 1:37]. Christians work always in cooperation with God Himself Who said, "FOR WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING" [John 15:5], that is, nothing which is properly motivated and gives glory to God.

Tragically, there are those brothers and sisters who have apostatized from the Faith and some may be scandalized by their betrayal of Christ. However, it is our duty to continue loving them and praying for them, hoping that our Merciful Lord and Savior will be forgiving and compassionate with them. Weak Christians are nothing new. Over the centuries, we have seen those who initially were very excited and elated to be Christian, but when persecutions began, abandoned the Faith and Christ. Others betrayed Him by introducing to the Church heretical concepts and teachings that created schisms, unrest, and confusion among the faithful. Still, others in higher offices within the Church sought total power and wrongly thought that they could usurp even the power of the Head of the Church, Christ Himself. There have also been thieves who became wealthy at the expense of the people of God. Indeed, we have witnessed many grave sins committed by hierarchs, clergy and monastics over the centuries, but the Church of Christ remains whole, holy and chaste.

Today’s Christian believer is confronted with different spiritual warfare and threats. Evil secular governments have indirectly and suddenly declared the Christian Faith as their opponent and enemy to their insane ideological agenda. It is Christ and His Church and followers that stand as an obstacle to destroying the human race. We are witnessing a deliberate attack on the human being, who God created in His image and likeness with His own Divine hands. "Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…So God made man; in the image of God He made him; MALE AND FEMALE He made them. Then God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; FILL THE EARTH AND SUBDUE IT, AND HAVE DOMINION OVER THE FISH OF THE SEA, OVER THE BIRDS OF HEAVEN, AND OVER EVERY LIVING THING THAT MOVES ON THE EARTH" [Genesis 1:26-28].

The insane and evil powers that govern the various countries of the world seek to destroy what God has created. They wish to distort, to deface, to corrupt human nature and to destroy that which is natural and normal. To destroy the IMAGE OF GOD IN THE PERSON. This is how much they hate God and His perfect creation. "Then God saw everything He had made, and indeed, IT WAS VERY GOOD" [Genesis 1:31]. Their intent is not only to destroy the person, but to ERASE GOD AND REJECT HIS DIVINE ENERGY AND POWER TO CREATE. They desire to REPLACE GOD with themselves. In other words, they OPENLY DECLARED THEMSELVES TO BE the "new god." This is a deliberate REBELLION AGAINST GOD and it is THE GREATEST SINISTER BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD. This is the world that Christians dwell in currently.

Be strong and prayerful, for we live in EVIL DAYS. The Adversary is using deranged humans to do his dirty work for him. It is the evil one who hates humanity and God alike. He now has allies to undermine what the Almighty God created and bring chaos into the world. It is a sign of the Antichrist, whom the Church has anticipated over the centuries. In the Holy Bible, 1 John 2:18 we read: "Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard THAT THE ANTICHRIST IS COMING, EVEN NOW MANY ANTICHRISTS HAVE COME." "Many Antichrists are THE HERETICS, THROUGH WHOM THE ANTICHRIST OF THE END TIME IS DOING HIS SPADEWORK. The holy Apostle John defines who is antichrist by saying, "Every spirit that DOES NOT CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH IS NOT OF GOD. AND THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, WHICH YOU HAVE HEARD WAS COMING, AND IS NOW ALREADY IN THE WORLD" [1 John 4:3]. In his Second Letter he writes: "For many deceivers have gone out into the world who DO NOT CONFESS JESUS CHRIST as coming in the flesh, THIS IS A DECEIVER AND AN ANTICHRIST" [2 John 7].

Christian must not be complacent and unwilling to see what is happening around us. Everyone must be prepared for what is happening now and of things to come in the near future. Every Christian must strengthen his relationship with our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ and be willing to face persecution when it comes. Our weapons are our faith in our God the Creator and our Savior Jesus Christ Who is the Savior of the world. Be prayerful, worship in Church and receive Holy Communion as frequently as possible. Whether Christians will face the Antichrist now or in the future is unknown. However, the Holy Church and the Holy Scripture state that he is coming. Don’t be afraid and always believe THAT GOD IS WITH US!

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

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

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

THE SOUGHT AFTER ILLUSIVE AND FLEETING EARTHLY "HAPPINESS"

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He
was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and
taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
For righteousness sake,
For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and
persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice
and be exceedingly glad, for great is your
reward in heaven, for so they persecuted
the prophets who were before you"
[Matthew 5:1-11].

The Greek word "μακάριος" (makarios) is translated as "blessed," and/or "happy." The word "Beatitude" (Gk. "Makarismos") is translated as "a state of utmost bliss or happiness. There are some that have translated the Beatitudes as "Happy are the poor in spirit…" etc. However, the most accurate translation of the Holy Scripture is the word "blessed."

Christ’s Beatitudes clearly define true blessing and genuine happiness for all of mankind. The human race foolishly has sought happiness in such things as wealth, material things or objects, relationships, possessions, earthly power, physical beauty, travel, entertainment, athletic achievements, luxury, esteem from others, high office or positions in government or the corporate world, etc., however, people are eventually disappointed because all of the above fail to give us that which we seek and strive for. They may offer one some kind of personal satisfaction or instant gratification but not true and lasting happiness. True and lasting blessings, happiness, and joy can only be bestowed on us by God as is revealed by Christ’s Beatitudes.

A brief example of this was my personal experience with one of my wealthy parishioners many years ago. He was the owner of a bank, he had a prominent position in the city and was the president of the parish council. He was married and had a son and a daughter. He had a private plane and could travel anywhere he wished. He had many other profitable investments. He had cars, a beautiful house and boats. It was assumed that he had everything that anyone could want or desire. I also assumed this. However, one day when I visited the bank, I stopped at his luxurious office to greet him and, to my surprise, I found him to be emotionally distressed and sad. I asked him if he was ill or if something happened to one of his family members, but he responded that everyone was well. He requested that I sit down for a moment. He was practically in tears when he revealed to me that he was very unhappy. He said, "Father, I have been thinking and wondering if my wife and children are staying with me because they love me or because of my money or what they will inherit one day." Here was a man that had everything he wanted but was tormented by the idea that his wife and children had no real love for him. I offered him words of encouragement and told him that I would have him and his family in my prayers. Sadly, a year later his wife divorced him and his children abandoned him.

The Christian believer turns to our Almighty God and Savior Jesus Christ for true joy and lasting happiness. Our Merciful Lord says to us, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven" [Matthew 5:12]. We see vividly in the Holy Scripture, from the beginning to to the end, the Theotokos and His holy Apostles continually rejoicing in the salvation which Christ has given to the human race. In the Gospel of Saint John 15:11 He says, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy remains in you, and that your joy may be full." Further on He says, "…your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you…ask and you will receive that your joy may be full" (John 16:22-24).

Orthodox Christians understand that divine joy is not earthly happiness, pleasure or entertainment. It is the joy that one feels in God’s unconditional love, it is joy in serving God through our fellow man, it is joy "in believing" [Romans 15:13), it is the joy in the joy of being made worthy to "share in Christ sufferings" (1 Peter 4:13), it is the joy of Christian Martyrdom. The holy Martyrs of our Christian Faith went into their martyrdom rejoicing and praising God. Therefore, spiritual joy is inseparable from suffering. One has to only read the Lives of the Saints of the Church to see how they suffered and at same time rejoiced during their horrific tortures, which they endured gladly for the sake of Christ.

No matter what a Christian experiences in life, he or she must never become despondent and depressed. Whether one is married or single, whether one has children or not, whether one is rich or poor, whether one is all alone or not, whether one possess worldly goods or not, whether one has a high office or not, know one thing, however, that as long as your faith in God is real and you first seek His divine joy, you will never be unhappy, distressed, or sad. People rely too much on others to find happiness. Happiness for many is transitory, conditional, and illusive. That is one of the reasons people are disappointed, hurt, and disillusioned. True happiness is found only in the Divine and spiritual blessings and God-given gifts.

If one is abandoned by relatives, friends, co-workers, or colleagues, don’t be surprised or devastated, but carry on with your life, believing always that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will never abandon you. He is your best Friend and Who suffered and Who willingly died on the Cross to save you. He has prepared a special place for you in His Heavenly Kingdom. We must not forget that joy as an essential element of spiritual life, and one of the divine "fruits of the Holy Spirit" [Galatians 5:22). Do not be fooled by all the promises made on the various media to make you happy. Promising happiness today is big business. They attempt to convince and entice you to believe that their product will not only satisfy your appetite, but also give you abundant joy. Everyone seeks happiness, but everyone has a different concept of happiness and how to obtain it. The Orthodox Christian seeks the grace of God, where happiness is eternal.

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

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

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

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

THE INNER MAN

The holy Apostle Paul writes: "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal,
sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I
do not practice; but what I hate, that I do…For the good that I will to do, I do not do;
but the evil I will not to do, that I practice…I find then a law, that evil is present with me,
the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward
man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and
bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" [Romans 7:14-23].

Man believes himself to be all knowing and, therefore, filled with conceit and pride; yet, knows very little, if anything, about his inner nature, his inner-self. Man’s inclination and concern is only for the outer man and his immediate gratification, while inwardly, his inner-self, is neglected and his needs are ignored. Outwardly, man may seem happy and content while his inner-self is famished, grieved, and in great need of God’s grace and healing.

Whether men or women, the spiritual challenges are the same and so are the goals. In order for either to attain their spiritual goals there must be a greater understanding of who they truly are. For that to be achieved we must come to know ourselves both from within as well as without. No one should be satisfied by his or her outward appearance, personality and intelect. If that is the case, a person remains unfulfilled, shallow and superficial. There is no substance or depth in his/her character.

Man is not sinful by nature. The Orthodox Church rejects any teaching that man has a "sinful nature’ or that man’s nature is depraved to the core. In Roman 7:17 clearly shows that it is something distinct from our nature. Because we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), there is an indelible goodness in our human nature that can never be undone. While we can become immersed in sin, we believe that it is still not part of our nature, but a foreign force "that dwells in ” us. Thus, sin is what we do, NOT what we are. Saint Paul clarifies the distinction between the will of the soul and the will of the flesh because the soul is reborn in baptism, it can strive to follow "the law of God." Yet we understand that our flesh remains corrupt in this world, and it often fights against our will to do good.

Christians, on the other hand, live in a new mode of existence by the power of the Holy Spirit our God. As we have been liberated from the way of the flesh, in our marriage to Christ we bear fruit to God. Our Almighty God and Creator deems necessary that we seek Him not only with our intellect but completely, in other words, both body and soul. God does not want part of me. He wants all of me. Commitment to God requires us to completely rely on Him. It also means our complete trust and surrender to Him. Our commitment to Him must always be whole and unreserved. This is expressed by the litanies of our Holy Church which call upon us to "commit ourselves, one another, and our whole life to Christ our God." And, prior to receiving Holy Communion, we pray: "O Master Who loves mankind, unto You we commit our whole life and our hope."

Just as we constantly feed the body we must also constantly feed our soul. The soul needs the grace of the Holy Spirit Who is the "Comforter, the Spirit of Truth… Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life..". There is no life and salvation without Him. Our soul hungers for the blessings of the Holy Spirit Who fulfills all our spiritual needs. He is the One Who satisfies all the needs and nourishment and cleansing of our souls and bodies. He is the only True Guide to a life in Christ. Believers "do not know" how to pray effectively. The guidance of "the Spirit" in prayer aids in overcoming our "weakness" by teaching us how to pray and by interceding directly for us when our own prayers are inadequate.

Strive with all your might to discover your true Christian identity and when you accomplish it to protect it. There is the evil one and his evil forces that we must contend with daily but we need to always seek God’s wisdom, protection and illumination to discern good from evil. Prayer must alway be in our mind, lips and heart throughout day and night. and say: "Enlighten the eyes of my understanding O God. Open my heart to receive Your words; teach me Your Commandments; help me to do Your will, confessing Your from my heart, singing and praising Your All-Holy Name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."

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

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

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

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

THE PRAYER OF THE HOLY GOSPEL.

Shine in our hearts, O Benevolent Lord, the pure Light
of Your Divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind
that we may comprehend the proclamations of Your Gospels.
Instill in us the fear that Your Blessed Commandmentsinspire,
so that, crushing carnal desires, we may seek the spiritual citizenship,
thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You.
For You, Christ our God, are the illumination of our souls
and bodies, and to You we we offer up glory, and to Your
Father, Who is without beginning, and Your All-Holy, Good,
and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of
ages. Amen. [Divine Liturgy]

SUNDAY GOSPEL: SAINT MATTHEW 25:14-30
The Lord said this parable: "A man going on a journey called his servants and
entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to
another one, each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had
received five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents
more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who
had received one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts
with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five
talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made
five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant;
you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of
your master.’ And he who also who had the two talents came forward, saying,
‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’
His master said to Him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been
faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’
He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew
you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you
did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.
Here you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and
slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather
where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with
the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with
interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents.
For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but
from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the
worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash
their teeth." As he said these things he cried out: "He who has ears to hear,
let him hear!"

Glory to Thee, O Lord,
glory toThee.

THE COMMENTARY AND BIBLICAL EXEGESIS OF TODAY’S GOSPEL READING IS GIVEN BY SAINT THEOPHYLACT:

"Having said the above. "You do not know the day when the Lord will come." He adds this Parable as well, showing that He will come suddenly. For like a man about to travel into a far country, so too the Lord has called His own servants and distributed His property among them, some toone, some to another. Christ, Who became man for our sake, is the "man travelling into a far country," in reference either to His ascent into the heavens or to the length of time that He is long-suffering and does not summarily demand works from us, but waits. His servants are those who have been entrusted with the Ministry (Diakonia) of the Logos/Word, such as bishops, priests, and Deacons, and who have received spiritual gifts, some greater, some lesser, each one according to his own strength, that is, according to the measure of his faith and purity. For into the vessel which I will offer to God. He places His gift to me. If it is a small vessel, a small gift; if it is a large vessel, a large gift. Immediately he who had received the five talents went and traded with them. See the speed with which he acts, not in the least bit negligent, but immediately trading and doubling what he had received. For whether a man (person) be gifted with speech, wealth, the authority of kingship, or any other power or skill, if he desires to benefit not only himself but others as well, he doubles what has been given to him. But he who buries the talent is he who cares ONLY FOR HIS OWN BENEFIT AND NOT FOR THAT OF OTHERS, AND HE IS CONDEMNED. But if you should see an intelligent and skilled man (person) misusing his intelligence in various pursuits, deceitfulness, and in earthly affairs, you may say that such a man (person) has buried his talent in the earth, that is, in earthly matters. But after a long time he who bestowed the silver talent returns. The silver talent may be in the form of A SILVER TONGUE, THE GIFT OF ELOQUENCE, FOR THE ELOQUENCE OF GOD IS AS SILVER THAT IS TRIED BY FIRE. Or, the silver talent may be any gift that makes one brilliant and glorious. He comes and demands a reckoning from those who received.

vs 20-30.
But of those who had worked and traded with the talents given to them are praised equally by the Master, each one hearing, "WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT." "Good" we understand here to mean "loving all mankind" and "with spite," he who imparts his own goodness to his neighbors. Those who have shown themselves to be faithful over a few things are made rulers over many things. But even if we are deemed worthy of gifts in this life, that is nothing in comparison to the good things that are to come. "The joy of the Lord" is the UNENDING GLADNESS WHICH GOD HAS, REJOICING IN HIS WORKS, AS DAVID says, With such a joy do the Saints also rejoice in their works, just as the sinners grieve over their own deeds and regret them. The Saints have the Lord AS THEIR WEALTH AND THEY REJOICE IN HIM. See that he who received the five talents and he who received two were deemed worthy of the same good things. Though a man (person) may have received but a few things, if he is a good steward even of his small gift, he will enjoy the same honor as he who was deemed worthy of, and accomplished, great things. For each one, according to what he has received, is seen to be perfect to the degree that he accomplishes what he has been given to do. Such are the good servants; but the wicked and slothful servant justifies himself differently, in a manner befitting to him. For he calls his master "hard," as many today call their teachers “hard" or "exacting." It is indeed exacting to look FOR OBEDIENCE FROM MEN, FOR GOD DID NOT CREATE OBEDIENCE WITHIN MAN, NOR DID HE SOW IN HIM AN OBEDIENT DISPOSITION, [BUT INSTEAD GOD GAVE MAN FREE WILL]. This is what the unprofitable servant means when he says, "You reap where you have not sown," that is, YOu require an obedient disposition from all men, although You have implanted in no man an obedient disposition. When the servant says that the master is hard, HE CONDEMNS HIMSELF. For the servant ought all the more to have been diligent knowing that his master was hard and severe. For if the master required this of others, so too would the master require this of him. And you, O unprofitable servant, ought also to have multiplied what you had received and made disciples from whom I, the Master, could demand what is due. Chris calls disciples "bankers," for both exactly account for that which has been delivered to them. What is the increase which He requires of the disciples? The showing of works transacted. For the disciple who receives the word from the teacher, must keep the word and given back in its entirety; but the disciple also adds to it the interest, WHICH IS THE DOING OF GOOD. So God takes the gift away from that wicked and slothful servant. He who has received a gift by which to benefit others, and does NOT so use it, FORFEITS THE GIFT ITSELF. Do you see that he who applies the greater diligence draws to himself the greater gift? To him who has the greater diligence, MORE GRACE WILL BE GIVEN AND IN ABUNDANCE. But from his who is not diligent, even the gift which he thinks he has will be taken away. For he who is not diligent and does not work and trade with what he has received, does NOT have the gift, but ONLY APPEARS TO HAVE IT. For he has blotted it out by his neglect."

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

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

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

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

On the 10th of February, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the holy and glorious Hieromartyr HARALAMBOS of Magnesia.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

AN unshaken pillar of the Church of Christ God art thou, an ever-
resplendent lamp, O Haralambos most wise, which shineth
throughout the earth; in martyric contest thou has shined on the
whole world, and thou hast dispelled the moonless night of the
idols. Now boldly intercede thou with Christ that we may all be
saved.

Kontakion Hymn. Fourth Tone

THOU didst rise up in the East, a luminary that enlightened faithful men with thy bright shafts of miracles, O Haralambos; hence
we revere thy godly contest, O Martyr of sacred fame.
+

Saint Haralambos, the sacred Hieromartyr, the grace-filled and splendid athlete and sacrificer in his sacerdotal ministry to the Lord, who is the boast of all Greece and the adornment of believers, was from Magnesia. He set himself aside for Christ from his youth, desiring only to follow Him. He served the Church and the flock for many years, abundantly serving every need, until the time of the grossly impious Emperor Severus, when Lucian (Loukianos) was Provincial Governor. The holy priest was arrested by them and subjected to a death by martyrdom on account of his faith in, and love for, the Christ.

The valiant warrior of Christ whom we honor is Hieromartyr Haralambos the Great Martyr. As we said, he was first a priest lawfully ordained for the Magnesian Diocese. While he was serving the flock of Christ, the profane Severus in Rome assigned the rough, hard, and cruel Lucian to Magnesia. The Governor tortured many Christians in an attempt to have them renounce piety and venerate the inanimate idols. It was during those tumultuous times that the blessed Haralambos was arrested by the odious Lucian. The Governor had been notified that Haralambos, as the priest of the Christians, set at nought the idols and treated them with contempt. The holy priest was also accused of boldly and openly preaching to the people to believe in the Christ. The Governor was informed against the priest: “He belittles our idols, saying they are powerless and broken perdition for their followers. He consoles the Christians by saying our religion is diminishing.” Lucian dispatched soldiers to bring to him the priest who would incite civil disobedience. Lucian began the interrogation, asking the man of God, “Why dost thou despise the idols and the imperial decrees?” The Saint answered, “I obey the just and saving commands of the Heavenly King, Christ…My Master Christ bestows Everlasting Life and Blessedness upon His servants (slaves). Those who invoke His Almighty name cause the demons, who are wanting in strength and to whom you make obeisance, to take flight. Our Christ is able to heal every incurable disease and infirmity for those who call upon Him with faith.” The Governor retorted, “Leave off this talk, old man, and act prudently and do what is in thine interest. Worship the gods, lest I should put thee to the test by means of harsh tortures. The holy man replied, “If we do not suffer troubles here in this temporal life, we shall not inherit those everlasting good things.”

The Governor then bade his officers to disrobe the Christian priest. The executioners took up hand tools and flayed the holy man from his head to his feet. The blessed man endured this unbearable torture bravely, as his flesh was dreadfully rent asunder. He had been well taught to bear violence. He began to say, “I give thanks to you, O brothers, that you have tortured my body, for this shall usher in for my soul everlasting blessedness in the future age.” The torturers were amazed and said, “This man deems indignities to be honor and torments to be rest. Peradventure he is the Christ disguised and has come among us to test us? His body is being torn to shreds by iron instruments, and yet he is stronger than iron. Though the talons penetrate the flesh, yet he recovers and abides unharmed and intact! The Governor could not doubt it: the evidence was before his eyes.

The executioners resumed the torture until they were worn out. They declared the power of Christ and glorified Him, together with His servant whom He strengthened. They too suffered martyrdom. All the inhabitants of Magnesia, and surrounding parts, gathered about the Saint. They confessed their sins and were baptized. The abundance of grace with which the Saint was supplied wrought many miracles and cures for those who were ailing. The blind received their sight, the lame walked about, the demons took flight, the dead were raised, and every disease and infirmity was healed. Governor Lucian, an eyewitness, went to the palace and reported all the incidents pertaining to the holy Christian presbyter. Lucian also did not conceal the fact that he himself had converted to Christianity. The ungodly Severus, was moved with anger and in his rage, Severus dispatched three hundred soldiers. Their orders were to take custody of the Presbyter Haralambos and insert nails down his spine. Then they were instructed to drag the Christian priest from Magnesia to Antioch. The soldiers carried out their commission. They took nails and, without the least pity, hammered them into, and throughout, his body. Next they braided his long beard and wound it about his neck. His hair was thus used to pull the elderly presbyter along the road. After they dragged the Saint 1.72 miles.

The Saint was brought before Severus by the soldiers. Severus wasted no time in devising a heinous punishment for the holy priest. He ordered that a great skewer be made to pierce Haralambos’ chest. Next he bade his men to fetch wood and then light a fire. He planned to have the Saint burned until he gave up the spirit. After the spit was thrust into his chest, they burned him for a long time. Severus intended it to be so, lest the prisoner should expire quickly. However, it was observed that the martyr was untouched by the flames. The Saint appeared to have revived and stood forth as a fragrant rose. Severus then bade his men to release the prisoner and bring him closer to his judgment seat. The emperor asked the Saint how old he was. The Saint answered, “I am one hundred and thirteen years old.” The emperor remarked, “Thou hast lived so many years, so how is it that thou hast not acknowledge the immortal gods? Instead, as one ignorant, thou dost offer homage to the Christ?” The Saint replied, “Indeed, I have lived many years, O emperor, during which time I have acknowledged the truth and have venerated the One Who is God, the Almighty and compassionate One.”

“Sacrifice to the gods, O Haralambos, that thou mightiest attain release from the torments.” The athlete of Christ commented, “The more thou dost torture me, more so does my soul rejoice.” The emperor was angered at this response. Thereupon, he commanded his men to shatter with stones the cheeks and sides of the face of the priest. This was to be followed by applying burning lamps to his face and beard. The fire, as though it possessed a rational power, leaped forth and spread and burned those present.

Finally the Emperor pronounced judgment, the last sentencing, upon the holy priest. He charged his executioners to seize Haralambos and conduct him to the execution site. His order was carried out. On his way to execution, the Saint chanted the following psalm: “Of mercy and judgment will I sing to Thee, O Lord, I will chant and have understanding in a blameless path; when will Thou come to me” [Psalm 100:1]. After he had prayed , the heavens opened. The Lord, with a multitude of His Angels, came down. It was a spectacle full of wonder. The Lord was seen to be sitting on a Throne of pearl. He said to His holy priest and Martyr, “Come, My pleasing and beloved one who, for My name’s sake, suffered such ill-treatment and hardships. Ask of Me whatsoever gift thou dost wish, and I shall grant them entreaty.”

Then the blessed Hieromartyr of the Christ, the namesake of joy and brightness and light, who was rich nor only in love for God but also in love toward his neighbor. The Lord ascended into the heavens and the Saint soon thereafter surrendered his soul in peace, before the severing of his head by the executioner. The blessed Galeenee, the daughter of Severus who had converted to Christianity, quickly took up the Saint’s sacred relics and wrapped them. It was her happiness to inter the Saint in a gold coffin, after having placed costly myrrh and aromatic spices with his relics. As for Severus, still alarmed and in awe, he did not take action against his daughter, perceiving that the God of the Christians was with her. Thus, Princess Galeenee sent the remainder of her life in right faith and piety.

The holy, glorious, and most august relics of the Saint, Hieromartyr Haralmbos, have been distributed, for the sake of reverence, everywhere to Orthodox Christians. The holy relics are able to help, defend, and keep off dread circumstances. They have proved to be an excellent remedy of every infirmity. His most holy and precious skull is now found at the Monastery of Saint Stefanos, a Women’s Monastery at Meteora. [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church].

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

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

 

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

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

WHAT PRAYER IS

Saint John Chrysostom writes: "There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and converse with Him, for prayer UNITES US WITH GOD as His companions. What light is to the eyes, THIS IS WHAT PRAYER IS TO THE SOUL; and being unable to see the light is considered a great loss, then how great is the loss we suffer when we fail to pray and prevent the Light of Christ from entering our souls? And just as one who wishes to stand in the light must avoid the darkness, so too those who wish to converse with God MUST ABANDON THE DARKNESS WITHIN THEMSELVES; FOR IMPIETY AND A LAWLESS LIFE ARE THE DEATH OF THE SOUL, WHILE PRAYER AND THE WORSHIP OF GOD ARE ITS LIFE. Whoever lacks these things has only to ask for them, for if one seeks to live virtuously, whether in virginity (purity) or in marriage, he will learn that the virtues ARE ACQUIRED ONLY THROUGH PRAYER, FOR THERE IS NO ONE WHO ASKS GOD FOR HOLINESS, RIGHTEOUSNESS, GENTLENESS, KINDNESS, PEACE, PATIENCE, OR ANY OTHER VIRTUE, AND DOES NOT RECEIVE IT AS HOLY SCRIPTURE SAYS: "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks, finds" [Matthew 7:7-8]. And elsewhere it says: "What father among you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone instead? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" [Luke 11:1013].

With these words, and with such great promises, the Lord CALLS US TO PRAYER. PRAYER IS THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF THE SOUL. IT IS AN EVERLASTING BOND UNITING US TO GOD. Whoever does NOT pray or has no desire to enjoy COMMUNION WITH GOD, is already LIFELESS AND DEAD. For what the soul is to the body, THIS IS WHAT PRAYER IS TO THE SOUL, and just as the body without the soul is dead, corrupt, and foul smelling, SO TOO A SOUL WITHOUT PRAYER IS DEAD, WRETCHED, AND FOUL. Abandoning prayer is thus the sight OF THE GREATEST FOOLISHNESS, NOT TO SAY MADNESS, FO WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE CALL THE UNWILLINGNESS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE GREATNESS OF THE HONOR THAT HAS BEEN BESTOWED ON US, NAMELY TO SPEAK WITH GOD, KNOWING THAT TURNING AWAY FROM GOD LEADS ONLY TO DEATH? This is why the Great Apostle Paul says: "Persevere in prayer, being watchful and thankful" [Colossians 4:2], and PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE, FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS [1 Thessalonians 5:17-18], and elsewhere, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication" [Ephesians 6:18].

These and many other Divine words in Holy Scripture call us to pray WITHOUT CEASING, for all human beings need prayer no less than plants and trees need water. And just as they cannot grow and bear fruit if they are NOT receiving water and nourishment through their roots, neither CAN WE BRING FORTH THE FRUIT OF PIETY, GODLINESS, AND A LIFE PLEASING TO GOD IF WE ARE NOT WATERED BY THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PRAYER, "FOR THE SPIRIT HIMSELF INTERCEDES FOR US WITH SIGHS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS" [Romans 8:26].

Elder (Geronda) Aimillianos of the Simonopetra Monastery at the Holy Mountain speaks on prayer. He says, "Prayer is the journey of the soul toward God. If a car or a ship is going the wrong way, it will never reach its destination–and if our prayer is not going the right way, we will never reach God. If we do not know how to pray, or if our prayer is lifeless and weak, we will be unsuccessful and unhappy in everything else we do. The harm that befalls us if we do not pray IS INCALCULABLE! But when our prayer is right, it will bring our whole life into order, overcome all our difficulties, solve all our problems, remove all our worries, and arrange all things properly.

There are some things that go together–THEY CANNOT BE SEPARATED–LIKE "FAITH" and "WORKS," since ONE HAS NO MEANING APART FROM THE OTHER [James 2:14-16]. The same is true prayer, which is linked to something else, namely, LITURGY AND HOLY COMMUNION. If there is no worship and no Holy Communion, then there CAN BE NO PRAYER, AND ANY PRAYER UTTERED APART FROM THEM IS FALSE. At the same time, if our worship is divorced from intense, inward personal prayer, which cries out to God from our depths, then you can be certain that our worship and our Holy Communion is in vain: it is an attempt TO DECEIVE GOD AND OURSELVES BY PRETENDING WE LOVE HIM, WHEN IN FACT WE HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM WHATSOEVER. ONE DAY HE WILL SAY TO US: "I DO NOT KNOW YOU" [Matthew 25:12].

I cannot say, "I will go to church," if I do not pray. It is pointless for me to receive Holy Communion if I am not constantly praying. And it is pointless for me to pray if I have no part in the Divine Liturgy and the worship of the Church. It should be clear that THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE GO TOGETHER, EACH PRESUPPOSES THE OTHER, AND TO HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER IS TO HAVE NEITHER. But when PRAYERS and LITURGY are inseparably united, God BECOMES PRESENT TO ME; AND AS I ADDRESS MYSELF TO HIM, HE RUSHES TOWARD ME, HE STRETCHES OUT TOWARD ME, AND, THROUGH PRAYER, I STRETCH OUT TOWARD HIM, UNTIL WE ARE COMPLETELY UNITED.

The quality and intensity of our prayer to Christ reflect our desire for Him. "Ask, and it shall be given to you, knock and the door will be opened to you" [Matthew 7:7]. If you call upon Christ, He will answer you. The Holy Spirit will come to you. No one can be our teacher except Chist, to Whom His Disciples said: "TEACH US HOW TO PRAY" [Luke 11:1]. Every other teacher offers us nothing more than a weak and impoverished voice.

For you to stand before God and say, "Lord Jesus Christ, you are great and sublime, you are Holy and Mighty," and soon, is easy. But to say, with full knowledge, "God, have mercy on me the sinner," well, how many times can I do that–if I do it at all? For this to happen, I must be crushed and broken; MY HEART MUST BE BROKEN OPEN SO THAT ALL THE GARBAGE IF CONTAINS CAN BE THROWN OUT; SO THAT I CAN SEE WHAT I HAVE INSIDE OF MY SELF, WHAT I AM, AND WHAT UNWORTHY THINGS I HAVE LOVED, WHAT UNLOVELY LOVES I HAVE DESIRED, which Saint Paul calls "dung" [Philippians 3:8], and which I must reject and cast aside. I have to understand that all those things are the lowest forms of waste and let go of them, so I can be filled with God. In the beginning I thought God’s Kingdom was being revealed to me; I thought His Light was being poured out on me; but now I see my own darkness, and my great distance from God and this requires me to make a decision: Will I move toward God or stay where I am? Will I accept Him, or reject Him?

Anyone seeking to understand the Orthodox Church must at some point consider how the Church prays. In prayer we encounter the deepest expressions of Orthodox faith, and through prayer we enter the mysterious place of intimacy between God and the human heart, reconnecting with the hidden source of our being and life. A person of prayer, therefore, is NOT simply someone who reads prayers from books, but someone who allows the Holy Spirit TO ENTER HIS LIFE AND WORK WITHIN HIM, "FOR IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING" [Acts 17:28].

A Prayer of the Third Hour

OPEN my mind to understand Your wisdom, O Word of God without beginning! – Raise up
my mind and my thoughts to You, my Creator and Benefactor – Lift up my heart, so that,
with insatiable desire, it may praise and glorify the Majesty of Your Kingdom – Turn Your face
away from my sins, and wipe out all my transgressions – Send down upon me Your grace,
and dispel the darkness of my wretched soul – so that I might offer to You praises and
doxologies that are pure – Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, and goodwill
among all people – Lord, open my lips, and m mouth will show forth Your praise – I will
meditate on Your words – I will call to mind your Great Wonders – I will glorify Your Holy Name –
My mouth will speak of Righteousness and Your Greatness all the day long – Let all the earth
sing to You, and praise You, O Master and Creator of all! Amen.

[Source:  The Light of the world.  Prayers to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ]

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

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

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

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

ON THE STATE OF SOULS AFTER DEATH
By Saint Mark of Ephesus Evgenikos

The ORTHODOX TEACHING on the state of souls after death is one that is often not fully understood, even by Orthodox Christians themselves; and the comparatively late Latin (Roman Catholic) teaching of "purgatory" has caused further confusion in people’s minds. The Orthodox Doctrine itself, however, is not at all ambiguous or imprecise. Perhaps the most concise Orthodox exposition of it is to be found in the writings of Saint Mark of Ephesus at the Council of Florence in 1439 A.D., composed precisely in order to answer the Latin (Roman Catholic) teaching on "purgatory."

In the Orthodox Doctrine which Saint Mark teaches, the faithful who have died with small sins unconfessed, or who have not brought forth fruits of repentance for sins they have confessed, are cleansed of these sins either in the trial of death itself with its fear, or after death, when they are confined (but NOT permanently) in hell, by the prayers and Liturgies of the Church and good deeds performed for them by the faithful. Even sinners destined for eternal torment can be given a certain relief from their torment in hell by these means also. There is no fire tormenting sinners now, however, either in hell (for the eternal fire will begin to torment them only after the Last Judgment), or much less in any third place like "purgatory"; all visions of fire which ar seen by men are as it were images of prophecies of what will be in the future age. All forgiveness of sins after death comes solely FROM THE GOODNESS OF GOD, WHICH EXTENDS EVEN TO THOSE IN HELL, WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE PRAYERS OF MEN, AND NO "PAYMENT" OR "SATISFACTION" IS DUE FOR SINS WHICH HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN.

THE STATE OF SOULS UNTIL THE LAST JUDGMENT

Some souls find themselves (after the forty days) in a condition of foretasting eternal joy and blessedness, and others in fear of the eternal torment which will come in full after the Last Judgment. Until then changes are still possible in the condition of souls, especially through offering for them the Bloodless Sacrifice (commemoration at the Divine Liturgy), and likewise by other prayers.

The Church’s teaching on the state of souls in heaven and hell before the Last Judgment is given by Saint Mark Ephesus. The benefits of prayer, both public and private, for the souls in hell have been described in many Lives of Saints and ascetics and in Patristic writings. In the Life of the third-century Martyr Perpetua, for example, the fate of her brother Dimocrates was revealed to her in the image of a cistern filled with water which was too high for him to reach in the filthy, intensely hot place where he was confined. Through her intense prayer for a whole day and night the cistern was made accessible to him and she saw him in a bright place. By this she understood that he had been released from punishment.

In the life of an ascetic who died in the 20th century there is a similar account. The Life of the Nun Athanasia (Anastasia Logacheva), a spiritual daughter of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, relates:

"Now she undertook a labor of prayer for her own brothers by blood, Paul, who had hanged himself while drunk. She went at first to Pelagia Ivanovna, the blessed one who lived in the Diveyevo Convent, to take counsel from her as to what she could do to make easier the lot beyond the grave of her brother, who had unfortunately and dishonorably ended his earthly life. After counsel, the following was decided: Anastasia would lock herself up in her cell to fast and pray for him, every day reading 150 times the prayer: "Virgin Mother of God, rejoice…" At the end of forty days she saw a great abyss; at the bottom of it was a bloody stone, and upon it there lay two men with iron chains on their necks; one of them was her brother. When she informed the blessed Pelagia about this vision the latter advised her to repeat this labor. At the end of the second forty days she sas the same abyss, the same stone on which were the same two people with chains around their necks, but her brother was now standing and was going around the stone, but then fell again on the stone; the chain was still around his neck. After she informed Pelagia Ivanovna about this dream, the latter advised her to perform the same labor for a third time. After forty more days Anastasia saw the same abyss and the same stone, but now there was only one man, unknown to her, and her brother had gone away from the stone and was hidden from sight. The one who remained on this rock said, ‘it is good for you; for you have powerful intercessors on the earth.’ After this, blessed Pelagia said, ‘Your brother has been delivered from tortures, but he has not received blessedness.’

PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD

How important commemorations at the Divine Liturgy is may be seen in the following occurren: Before the uncovering of the holy relics of Saint Theodosius of Chernigov (1896), the priest-monk (the renowned Starets Alexis of Goloseyevsky Hermitage, of the Kiev-Caves Lavra, who died in 1916) who was conducting the re-vesting of the holy relics, becoming weary while sitting by the holy relics, dozed off and saw before him the Saint, who told him, "I thank you for laboring for me. I beg you also, when you will serve the Liturgy, to commemorate my parents” –and gave their names.

Saint Gregory the Great, in answering in his Dialogues the question, "Is there anything at all that can possibly benefit souls after death?" teaches: "The Holy Sacrifice of Christ, our saving Victim, brings great benefits to souls even after death, provided their sins (are such as) can be pardoned in the life to come. For this reason the souls of the dead sometimes beg to have Liturgies offered for them…The safer course, naturally, is to do for ourselves during life what we hope others will do for us after death. It is better to make one’s exit a free man than to seek liberty after one is in chains. We should, therefore, despise this world with all our hearts as though its glory were already spent, and offer our sacrifice of tears to God each day as we immolate His Sacred Flesh and Blood. This Sacrifice alone has the power OF SAVING THE SOUL FROM ETERNAL DEATH, FO RIT PRESENTS TO US MYSTICALLY THE DEATH OF THE Only-begotten Son" (Dialogues IV: 57, 60, pp. 266, 272-3). [Source: The Soul After Death by Fr. Seraphim Rose)

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

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

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

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

LIFE AFTER DEATH
By Saint John Maximovitch

Limitless and without consolation would have been our sorrow for close ones who are dying, if the Lord had not given us Eternal Life. Our life would be pointless if it ended with death. What benefit would there be from virtue and good deeds? Then thy would be correct who say: "Let us out and drink, for tomorrow we die!" But man WAS CREATED FOR IMMORTALITY, and by His Resurrection Christ opened the gates of the Heavenly Kingdom, of Eternal Blessedness for those who have believed in Him and have lived righteously. Our EARTHLY LIFE IS A PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE LIFE, AND THIS PREPARATION ENDS WITH DEATH. "It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment" [Hebrews 9:27]. Then a man leaves all his earthly cares; the body disintegrates, IN ORDER TO RISE ANEW AT THE General Resurrection.

But HIS SOUL CONTINUES TO LIVE, and not for an instant does it cease its existence. By many manifestations of the dead it has been given us to know IN PART what occurs to the soul when it leaves the body. When the vision of its bodily eyes ceases, ITS SPIRITUAL VISION BEGINS.

Bishop and Saint Theophan the Recluse, in a message to a dying woman, writes: "You will not die. YOUR BODY WILL DIE, but YOU WILL GO OVER INTO A DIFFERENT WORLD, BEING ALIVE, REMEMBERING YOURSELF AND RECOGNIZING THE WHOLE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS YOU." After death THE SOUL IS MORE, NOT LESS, ALIVE AND AWARE THAN BEFORE DEATH. Saint Ambrose of Milan teaches: "Since the life of the soul remains after death, there remains a good which is not lost by death but is increased. THE SOUL IS NOT HELD BACK BY ANY OBSTACLE PLACED BY DEATH, BUT IS MORE ACTIVE, BECAUSE IT IS ACTIVE IN ITS OWN SPHERE WITHOUT ANY ASSOCIATION WITH THE BODY, WHICH IS MORE OF A BURDEN THAN A BENEFIT TO IT."

Saint Abba Dorotheos, the 6th century monastic Father of Gaza, summarizes the teaching of the early Holy Fathers on this subject: "For as the Fathers tell us, THE SOULS OF THE DEAD REMEMBER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED HERE–THOUGHTS, WORDS, DESIRES–AND NOTHING CAN BE FORGOTTEN. But, as it says in the Psalm, "In that day all their thoughts shall perish" [Psalm 145:4]. The thoughts he speaks of are those of this world, about houses and possessions, parents and children, and business transactions. ALL THESE THINGS ARE DESTROYED IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE SOUL PASSES OUT OF THE BODY…But what he did against virtue or against his evil passions, he remembers, and nothing of this is lost…In fact, THE SOUL LOSES NOTHING THAT IT DID IN THIS WORLD BUT REMEMBERS EVERYTHING AT ITS EXIT FROM THIS BODY MORE CLEARLY AND DISTINCTLY ONCE FREED FROM THE EARTHLINESS OF THE BODY."

The great 5th century monastic Father, Saint John Cassian, sets forth quite clearly the active state of the soul after death of the body, in answer to the early heretics who believed the soul was unconscious after death. "SOULS AFTER THE SEPARATION FROM THE BODY ARE NOT IDLE, DO NOT REMAIN WITHOUT CONSCIOUSNESS; THIS IS PROVED BY THE GOSPEL PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS [Luke 16:22-28]…THE SOULS OF THE DEAD NOT ONLY DO NOT LOSE THEIR CONSCIOUSNESS, THEY DO NOT EVEN LOSE THEIR DISPOSITIONS–THAT IS, HOPE AND FEAR, JOY AND GRIEF, AND SOMETHING OF THAT WHICH THEY EXPECT FOR THEMSELVES AT THE Universal Judgment THEY BEGIN ALREADY TO FORETASTE…They become yet more alive and more zealously cling TO THE GLORIFICATION OF GOD. And truly, if we were to reason on the basis of the testimony of Holy Scripture concerning the nature of the soul, in the measure of our understanding would it not be, I will not say extreme stupidity, but at least folly, to suspect even in the least that THE MOST PRECIOUS PART OF MAN (THAT IS THE SOUL), in which, according to the blessed Apostle, the image and likeness of God is contained (I Corinthians 11:7; Colossians 3:10), after putting off this fleshly coarseness in which it finds itself in the present life, should become unconscious–that part which, containing in itself the whole power of reason, makes sensitive by its presence even the dumb and unconscious matter of the flesh? Therefore it follows, and the nature of reason itself demands, that the spirit after casting off this fleshy coarseness by which now it is weakened, should bring its mental powers into a better condition, should restore them as pue and more refined, but should not be deprived of them."

Only in the grace-given visitation to the righteous, when Saints and Angels appear can we be certain that is actually beings from the other world who come. In the ordinary cases when the dying person begins to see departed relatives and friends, the experience is perhaps only a kind of "natural" introduction to the unseen world which he is about to enter; the actual nature of the images of hte departed which then appear is perhaps known to God alone.

Apparently God grants this experience as the most evident ay to inform the dying person that the other world is not, after all, a totally strange place, that life in the other world is also characterized by the love that one has for one’s close ones. Saint Theophan the Recluse expresses this touchingly in his words in the dying woman: "THERE YOU FATHER AND MOTHER, BROTHERS AND SISTERS WILL MEET YOU. BOW DOWN TO THEM, AND GIVE THEM OUR GREETINGS, AND ASK THEIR PRAYERS FOR US. YOUR CHILDREN WILL SURROUND YOU, WITH THEIR JOYOUS GREETINGS. IT WILL BE BETTER FOR YOU THERE THAN HERE." [Source: The Soul After Death by Father Seraphim Rose)

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

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

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

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

On the 6th of February, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Great and Most Resplendent Father and Patriarch of
Constantinople, Saint PHOTIOS.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

SINCE thou wast of like way with the Apostles, and a teacher of the
world, O Photius, entreat the Master of all, that peace be granted
unto the world and great mercy on our souls.

Kontakion Hymn. Plagal of Fourth Tone

LET that resplendent and far-shining star of Christ God’s Church, let
that divinely-given guide of all the Orthodox, be now crowned with
comely garlands of songs and praises; the Good Comforter’s
divinely-sounding harp of truth and the steadfast adversary of all
heresy: Let us cry to him: Rejoice, O Photios Most Venerable.
+

Saint Photios, our holy and God-bearing Father, of holy fame, was born in Constantinople around the year 820 A.D. to affluent, distinguished, and God-fearing parents. Sergios was attached to the Imperial Court, as "Guardian of the Emperor and the Palace," that is, the Office of Spatharios. Sergios’ brother was Saint Tarasios, the Patriarch of Constantinople (784-787 A.D.), commemorated by our Holy Church on the 25th of February. Patriarch Tarasius presided over the Seventh Ecumenical Synod (Council) in 787 A.D. It was at this Synod that the Orthodox VENERATION OF HOLY ICONS WAS CONFIRMED AND THE ICONOCLASTIC (ICON-BREAKING) HERESY WAS CONDEMNED. Saint Photios’ mother, the pious and virtuous Irene, often received monks into her home, sought their holy prayers, and gave them alms.

Though Photios was a lover of knowledge, yet it is important to note that, for him, there was hierarchy of truth and knowledge, which placed the knowledge of God in a place of primacy. Saint Photios knew that the Holy Scripture was the chief tool in the struggle against evil. Saint Photios was adorned with gentleness, modesty of spirit, and love for neighbor.

Emperor Michael III on the 13th day of March, in the year 856 A.D. having attained to an age of discretion, turned the government over to his uncle Bardas and elevated him to the supreme rank of Caesar. Over the years Bardas had become the main regulator of political affairs. Bardas sought to have his sister and nieces tonsured nuns but Patriarch Ignatios refused to tonsure the dowager Empress Theodora and her daughters, declaring that it was against the canons to drive women into monasteries. This and other matters created a breach between Bardas and Patriarch Ignatios. Eventually Bardas deposed Patriarch Ignatios and the Patriarchal throne was vacant for a year. Now, the cunning Bardas found a solution–or rather Providence intervened–that from the wrong he committed, good should arise. He recommended to the bishops the election of Professor Photios as Patriarch. Saint Photios was the most distinguished scholar of that time. He also had an admirable lineage. He was the nephew of Saint Tarasios, who presided over the 7th Ecumenical Synod, and, like Saint Tarasios, was head of the Imperial Chancery when he was appointed Patriarchs. Photios’ Orthodoxy was above suspicion, since both and his family had been persecuted by the iconoclasts.

The meek Photios, however, resolutely declined to accept the complex and demanding office of the Patriarchal throne. He never considered leaving his books and studies to enter the clergy. Saint Photios wrote a letter to Caesar Bardas, attempting to escape from the dignity that was to be imposed upon him, for the honors that Photios enjoyed at court were already a burden to him. He knew that once raised to the Episcopal Chair, he would be compelled to give up that peaceful life in which he enjoyed the truest delights of learning .

Pressed by the urgent need of the situation, the government and the bishops, Photios at last reluctantly obeyed and accepted the ordination. Photios had to be rushed through the stages of ordination. He was raised to the Apostolic, Ecumenical, and Patriarchal throne of Constantinople in the year 857 A.D.

The many struggles that this thrice-blessed one undertook for the Orthodox Faith against the Manicheans, the Iconoclasts, and other heretic, and teh attacks and assaults that he endured from Nicholas I, the haughty and ambitious Pope of Rome, and the great persecutions and distresses he suffered, are beyond number. Contending against the Latin heresy of the FILIOQUE, that is, THE DOCTRINE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT PROCEEDS FROM BOTH THE FATHER AND THE SON, HE DEMONSTRATED CLEARLY WITH HIS MYSTAGOGY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT HOW THE FILIOQUE DESTROYS THE UNITY AND EQUALITY OF THE TRINITY. He has left us many theological writings, panegyric homilies, and epistles, including one to Boris, the Sovereign of Bulgaria, in which he set forth for him the history and teachings of the Seven Ecumenical Synods. Having tended the Church of Christ in holiness and in an evangelical manner, and with fervent zeal and having rooted out all the tares of alien teaching, he departed to the Lord in the Monastery of the Armenians on February 6, 891 A.D.

Through the prayers of Saint Photios the Great, the defender of Orthodoxy, the divinely sounding harp of the Spirit, and the illustrious teacher of the world, may the Lord have mercy on us and save us! Amen. [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church and the Great Horologion}

__________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things1"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

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

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

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

On the 5th of February, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the holy Martyr AGATHA.

Saint Agatha, the holy Martyr, was from Catania of Sicily. This wealthy maiden was conspicuous for the beauty of both her body and soul. At that time, the impious Decius reigned (249-251 A.D.) Lusting to rule, he had murdered Philip, called the Arabian (244-249 A.D.), so he might seize the throne. To corroborate his claim that he did not slay Philip, he charged the former Emperor with being one who revered the One called the Christ.

Thereupon, Decius instigated a great persecution against Christians. The most vile man installed his princes and governors in all cities and lands, commanding them to seek the Christians diligently. Utilizing every manner and method, they were to exterminate the Christians and the name of Christ. The harshest and most savage of his Prefects, Quintianus, was appointed as Governor of Sicily. In addition to this man’s other base actions, he was guilty of three sins: first, though he was a man of coarse and peasant stock, yet he attained his rank by evil dealings; second, he was immersed in the mire of carnality; and third, he was exceedingly fond of money.

At that time, in Catania, the comely and lovely maiden Agatha was a fifteen-year old virgin. Both her body and soul were adorned with various virtues and good works, for she put to death all ungodliness. Disdaining carnal-mindedness, Agatha desired only to be a bride of Christ. This God-instructed maiden worshiped only the crucified Christ Whom she loved with all the power of her soul, in accordance with the Divine command: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy mind, and with all soul, and all thy strength” [Deuteronomy 6:5].

Saint Agatha surpassed all other virgins in three ways: first, she was the daughter of one of the most noble houses; second, she was the most exquisite of all the maidens in that city; and third, she possessed both movable and stationary property which she, personally and compassionately, lavished, without regard to cost or risk, upon the poor. Moreover, she had consecrated her virginity to God; that is, she decided to preserve her bodily purity from defilement. Now it was not long before Quintianus learned of the excellent fame, virtues, and good deeds of Agatha. He then meditated upon the evil reasoning of his heart, saying to himself, “If, in some manner, I should bring Agatha to do my bidding, and take her to my wife, I would profit thrice! First, I shall fulfill my lust by possessing one of such beauty and comeliness of form. Second, with her as my wife, I shall share in the nobility of her blood, since I am of low birth and plebeian stock. Third, and above all, with my own hand, I shall be in charge of all of her wealth. Thus, I shall be richer than all others!”

Pondering upon these boons in his heart, the profane tyrant commanded that she be made to stand before him. Beholding and marveling at her beauty, as one out of his senses, he remained speechless for a long time. Afterward, he plied her with compliments, so that she might through flattery submit to his will. He also promised her many honors, majesty, and rank. However, the wise and beautiful damsel in no wise considered his nonsensical prattle. Instead, she delivered such a knowledgeable defense before him that he might immediately understand from the outset her immovable heart.

When Quintianus, who was devoid of understanding, beheld that he succeeded neither by his flattery nor by his promises, he summoned a certain wicked and indecent woman, named Aphrodisia (Frondisia). This disreputable woman had nine daughters who followed their mother’s example in leading a profligate lifestyle. Thus, all these women wallowed in the mire of carnal sins. The all-abominable Governor then addressed Aphrodisia and her daughters, saying, “Take this maiden to your house. Attempt in every way to master her resolve and bring her to your ways. If you should succeed and incline her to sensuality and to do my will, I shall bestow so much money upon you that you will leave off from your contemptible profession.”

Those shameless women then took the blessed Agatha into their house of ill-repute. For an entire month, they unceasingly afflicted and tormented the virgin, promising her great gifts and favors. Oftentimes, they terrorized her with diverse threats and punishments. They gave her little food and water, and hardly any rest. Through most of the night, they relentlessly attempted to incite her to partake in sensual pleasures and worldly vanities. The holy Agatha said to them, “My mind is founded and established in my Master Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone; whereas your words are as the wind, and your promises and threats as flowing rivers, which strike the tower of my mind. However, in no wise shall you shake it. The more you fight against it, the more you will find it firmly established in the love of my Creator.” After uttering this, Agatha wept and supplicated God to grant her peace, so she might enter quickly the expected and hoped-for Martyrdom.

After thirty days, Aphrodisia went to the Governor and said to him that she and her daughters had failed in their attempt to corrupt or frighten her with threats. The Governor became infuriated and he commanded that Agatha be brought before him. When this had been done he said to her, “Put away her faith in Christ and either offer sacrifice to my gods or expect destruction with the harshest punishments by me!” He commanded that she be led to prison. Soon after he demanded that she must immediately renounce Christ and sacrifice to the idols. When the Saint refused he ordered that the holy woman be completely undressed and that he hands be tied behind her back. His men were then ordered to suspend he from a pillar and flog her with bullwhips. Next, the executioners were to burn her all about her head, hands, and feet. The horrific tortures continued so as to increase the Saint’s suffering.

During her suffering, Saint Agatha beheld a sacred and august elder who was holding in his hands a vessel containing medicinal herbs. Before him there marched a handsome youth, bearing a radiant torch. The elder was the holy Apostle Peter, who was accompanied by Agatha’s guardian Angel. The holy maiden, at first, did not recognize them. The Apostle spoke to her, saying, “It is for this, O daughter, that I am come: to heal thy wounded members. “Now this, O daughter, that I am the Apostle Peter; and behold, I heal thee by the grace of Christ.” Upon uttering this, the Apostle of the Lord vanished, leaving the holy maiden instantly healed. All of Agatha’s members were restored without the slightest trace of the former gashes and wounds. The maiden then knelt to the ground and prayed to the Lord, eulogizing the favor, and said, “Blessed be God the Father and my Lord Jesus Christ Who, through His Apostle Peter, healed my breasts and the remaining wounded members of my body!”

The following day, the Saint was brought again into the palace, where the Governor said to her, “Make obeisance and worship my gods, O perverse girl, or indeed, thou shalt receive even grimmer chastisements!” She remarked, “O vain and frenzied man, why should I want to renounce my Master Who has healed by wounds, so that I might worship stones?” The Governor charged his men to ready a huge coal fire and ordered them to cast upon the burning coals not only pitch and tile shards but also iron-spiked instruments to pierce her flesh. The tyrant then ordered that Agatha be bound hand and foot with iron chains. She was thereupon cast into the flaming coals. God helped His handmaiden, as he once bedewed the Three Children in the fiery furnace [Daniel 3:20-27]. However, Saint Agatha suffered no ill-effects from the fire. She was thereupon cast into prison to await further orders from Quintianus.

In her cell, Saint Agatha knelt in prayer. She prayed to the Master Christ: “Lord Jesus Christ, my God, Who made from nothing and caused me to be in this world… Who empowered me to overcome the punishments of the impious tyrant… I entreat and supplicate Thy goodness to receive me this day in Thy glory, that I might be made worthy to behold with my spiritual eyes Thy Holy Countenance.” Praying thus, the Saint straightway reposed. Her soul, adorned with the beauties of true virginity and luminous with the splendors of Martyrdom, then was received into the hands of her Bridegroom, to rejoice with Him in unspeakable delight and everlasting glory. The year was 251 A.D. When the people learned the news of her repose, all hastened weeping to the prison. With profound reverence, they took up her holy and virginal body. They prepared the holy relics for interment with myrrh and other fragrant spices. Her precious holy relics were then wrapped in a clean linen cloth and piously laid to rest in a purple marble tomb.

During the hour that Saint Agatha was interred, a handsome and wondrous youth, of luminous appearance, entered the city bearing a marble slab in his hands. Before this youth, there advanced another hundred youths in rows of two. Their apparel was as white as snow and extremely beautiful. When they arrived at the grave of the Saint, their chief placed upon the tomb this very marble slab he had been bearing. Immediately, thereafter, that youth and his entire company disappeared. They were the holy Angels. The one who was carrying the marble slab was Saint Agatha’s guardian Angel. Upon that marble was written the following: “A holy and self-determining mind, honor from God, and redemption of country.” [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

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

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