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.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to
condemn the world; but THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM
MIGHT BE SAVED” [John 3:16-17].

The annual celebration of the Birth of Christ, Christmas is a time of giving. Young and old together are full of anticipation of what kind of gifts they will receive on Christmas day and when they receive them they all rejoice. The gifts given to them are material gifts such as garments, jewelry, electronic gadgets, computers, or monetary gifts. However, the joy of possessing them is short lived and the impact on their lives is hardly noticeable. There is no doubt that people appreciate the generosity of their givers but for how long? Once the gifts are opened and all the boxes and wrapping paper are disregarded life goes back to the usual normality without any interruption.

But, how about the God-given gifts? Do we ever consider God’s gifts to us and to all of humanity? No one can compare to God’s priceless divine gifts to us. Beginning with “For God so loved the world that He gave His Only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” [John 3:16]. God’s gift of His Son is the ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE FOR THE WORLD. Is this not the reason for the celebration of Christmas? Christians understand that the purpose of Christ’s coming is to save us. There is no greater gift than this!

Goodness, we find, has its origin in God the Creator. One needs simply to turn to the Old Testament, to the book of Genesis, Chapters 1 and 2. We read: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of heaven, over the cattle, and over all the earth…The God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…Then God sid, ‘Behold. I have given you every seed-bearing herb that sows seed in the face of al the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food…” [Genesis 1:26-29]. “Then God formed man OUT OF DUST from the ground, and breathed in his face THE BREATH OF LIFE, AND MAN BECAME A LIVING SOUL” [Genesis 2:7]. The Almighty God finished of making heaven and earth for man’s sake. “The breath of life is the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of life.

Man needs only to be truthful and admit to himself of the countless gifts God has given him ever since he was created by Him. All God’s gifts to man express His enduring and infinite love for him. We also need to see and acknowledge clearly, our Lord Christ’s great and everlasting gifts to all of us beginning with His Birth and becoming man, and then of course, His Sacrifice and giving of His life on the Cross to save us from evil and death. Referring to His Birth, the Church hymn says, “Behold, He has not been born for us Angels, though now that we see Him on earth we extol Him as we do in heaven, but FOR YOU MEN, THAT IS TO SAY, FOR YOUR SAKE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR NATURE A SAVIOR IS BORN, CHRIST THE LORD, IN THE CITY OF DAVID.”

Every Orthodox Christian should know of the various gifts given him/her by God Gifts are given only to those who believe in the True faith, but not to those who have gone astray or ceased believing. The acceptance of Christ as the True God, is the highest gift given to the believer by the Holy Spirit. “There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit…But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: fro to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues. But the one and the same Spirit works in all things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” [1 Corinthians 12:4-11]. Every true gift and ministry of the Church manifests the Holy Trinity. The purpose of spiritual gifts is the spiritual growth of the believer and of the whole Church.

The Author of the Holy Scripture is the Holy Spirit; He guides and protects the Church of Christ, having given it life on the day of Pentecost. It is the Holy Spirit Who endows the members of the Church with a variety of spiritual gifts for their illumination and sanctification. This is why the Christian invokes in time of joy and sorrow the Holy Spirit to strengthen his/her faith with His Grace to accomplish his/her purpose in life. In his Epistle to the Galatians, the holy Apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He writes: “The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL” [Galatians 5:22]. Charismatic or spiritual gifts are blessings and abilities given by the Holy Spirit in believers for the building up of the body of Christ. It is almost common to confuse spiritual gifts with natural talents and emotions, or to misuse the authentic gifts of the Holy Spirit, resulting in the sin of pride and self-righteousness. Our Holy Orthodox Church however has always stressed humility and obedience to Christ in the use of the holy gifts. All the divine Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church are gifts of the Holy Spirit.

A “charisma” {Gk. “χάρισμα”] is defined as grace, favour, FREE GIFT. “Every perfect gift comes from above.” We do not earn or merit God’s gifts to us. Human beings, however, unlike God’s gifts, sometimes have an alternative motive. We hear at times people saying that there are strings (“conditions’) attached to someone’s gift to us. Of course it is not always the case. Good friends and relatives often give gifts out of love and friendship or in appreciation. It is a good feeling though when we receive a gift from someone we love for it brings joy to us and to the person giving it. How much more we need to be thankful and most grateful to Our Benevolent God for His continued and uninterrupted grace and Goodness to us, although none of us are ever worthy of His generosity and kindness. David in his psalm 92[91] writes, “It is a good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night” [vs,1-2).

The Orthodox Christian has much to be thankful for every time he/she receives Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ gives Himself to us in the Mystery of Holy Eucharist. In one of the prayers offered before receiving Holy Communion says: “Loving Mater, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and Kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of salvation.” The Orthodox Christian is convicted and is aware that by partaking of the Precious Body and Sacred Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. When administering Holy Communion the Priest says, “The servant of God (name) receives the Body and Blood of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.” Sharing in the Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ is the deepest, and most real way of participation, if we are properly prepared.

____________
“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.

“LIGHT OF LIGHT, TRUE GOD OF TRUE GOD…” [Orthodox Creed]

Orthodox Christians are approaching the great festival of the virgin birth, the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. Our path is brightly illuminated by a holy star to the honorable and humble cave, the manger, where the Divine Infant is born. “Nothing done by God from the beginning of time was more beneficial to all or more divine than Christ’s Nativity,” which we celebrate at Christougenna [Christmas].

Saint Gregory Palamas writes: “He is NOT a spiritual creature coming into being after previously not existing; nor flesh which is brought to birth but will soon perish; nor flesh and mind united to form a rational creature, but God and flesh mingled unconfusedly by the Divine mind to form the existence of one Theandric hypostasis, Who entered the Virgin’s womb for a time. By the good pleasure of the Father and the cooperation of the Spirit, the Logos/Word Who transcends being came into being in this womb and by means of it, and now He is delivered from it and born as an infant, not losing but preserving the signs of virginity. He is born WITHOUT SUFFERING, as He was conceived WITHOUT PASSION, FOR AS His mother was shown to be above the pleasure of passion when she conceived, so she is above grievous pains when she gives birth.”

The words of Saint Gregory Palamas should echo in our minds and hearts, when preparing to celebrate the great feast of His Divine Birth Day. This Great Day of His Nativity must not be commercialized, or trivialized and reduced to a time of eating, resting, traveling, and having fun. Christians must remain faithful to our Holy Tradition and treat all Christian Holy Days with reverence, dignity, and keeping them always sacred. It is extremely important for the followers and disciples of Christ to be pious and to perform the traditional acts of piety i.e., prayer, fasting, vigils, worship, philanthropy, repentance, forgiveness of one’s enemies, etc. but they must be done with understanding of why they are done, what their purpose is, and to be done with faith and sincere and contrite spirit. Every pious act must be real and not to do things mechanically and without meaning or not having in mind any spiritual goal. Otherwise we receive no spiritual benefit at all.

The Divine Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is hard to grasp by the human mind. “NOT only is His Divinity inscrutable , but the manner in which He was united with flesh IS PAST UNDERSTANDING… Even though you see in the flesh the child born to the Maid who knew no husband, He is still beyond compare,” says Saint Gregory Palamas. The Divine Redeemer did not come for any other reason other than to save all of humanity. Therefore, the celebration of Christmas is all about SALVATION! Saint Gregory writes: “Now that Christ has been born, the devil is trampled down by those who were previously UNDER HIS FEET, who are no longer presumptuous, as the DESTROYER advised, but identity with the lowly (cf. Romans 12:16), AS THE SAVIOR TAUGHT THROUGH HIS DEEDS, AND WIN HEAVENLY EXALTATION THROUGH HUMILITY.”

If the Christian does not think, feel, and act as a Christian he/she cannot understand the meaning and significance of the Holy Feast-Day of His Nativity. Even the divine services of the Church will be reduced to a mere superficial ritualistic or liturgical act of piety. Outward expressions of faith are condemned by Our Lord Christ when performed hypocritically and out of pride or show. He says, “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues” [Matthew 23:5-6]. The Pharisees considered themselves as the “elite” and “privileged” men of their time and perpetuated systematic hypocrisy which CREATED A WALL BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND GOD.

These warnings of Christ are especially important to Orthodox Christians. This historic Church has maintained the ancient liturgical obligations, beautiful holy objects, specific rituals which externally guard righteousness, and imposing tradition, hand down through God-fearing Fathers. These rites can be performed, invoked, defended and passed on without ever being taken by faith to heart, or they can be aids, safeguards, and doorways into the true life of Christ in us, which transforms us from glory to glory. It is the responsibility of each Orthodox Christian to act in true faith and spirit.

The Katavasias of Christmas changed at Orthros (Matins)) reveal the true meaning of the Birth of Christ:

CHRIST IS BORN, glorify Him! Christ is come from heaven,
go and meet Him. Christ is on earth, arise to Him. Sing
to the Lord, all you who dwell on the earth; and in merry
spirits, O you peoples, praise His Birth. For He is
Glorified.

To the Son, begotten without flux, of the Father, before
the ages, and Who was lately made incarnate of the
Virgin without seed; to Christ God now let us cry aloud:
You have exalted the horn of our strength.
Only You are Holy, O Lord.

Jesse’s root produced a branch, O Christ, and You
its flower blossomed forth, from the Virgin who by
Habakkuk prophetically once was called
overshadowed, dense mountain. From her who
knew not man You came incarnate, the immaterial
God. Glory to your power, O Lord.

God of peace and Father of mercies, Your Son You
have sent unto us as Your Messenger, the Angel of
Great Counsel Who is granting peace. Therefore
having been guided to the Light of godly knowledge,
waking from the night to dawn, we sing Your glory,
O Lover of man.

Such as it received Jonah as an embryo, the sea beast
disgorged him from its bowels intact. With the Virgin,
though, when the Logos/Word had dwelt in her taking
on flesh, He came forth from her preserving her yet
incorrupt. For from her no fluxion suffered He, and
He kept her unaltered in childbirth.

Kontakion Hymn. Node 3

On this day the Virgin Maid goes on to the grotto to give
birth to the Pre-Eternal Logos/Word in an ineffable manner.
Dance for joy, all the inhabited earth, on hearing. Glorify
along with Angels and with the shepherds Him Who willed
and appear as a newborn Child, the Pre-Eternal God.

____________
“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 FALLING ASLEEP IN THE LORD OF SAINT NICHOLAS
THE WONDERWORKER [Part III].

Even if the holy man should be in a crowd, he would be easily identified by his radiant and angelic countenance. As one replete with the Spirit, he was ever engaged in prayer and contemplation, so that of times when one happened to meet him on the road in the midst of others, though the Saint was not preaching but engaged in mental prayer, yet those who merely gazed upon him received benefit. If one were sorrowing and afflicted, such a one needed only to look upon the Saint, and his grief fled, leaving him consoled and even glad. Those who stopped and talked with the Saint were led to compunction. In his presence, they found themselves on the path to virtue and a fuller knowledge of God.

Since, however, Saint Nicholas was a mortal, the time approached for his repose. Prior to his falling asleep in the Lord, he became slightly ill. He reposed in peace and left his honorable and holy relics upon earth as a benefit to mankind, while his blessed soul joyfully ascended into the heavens, accompanied by the hymns of Angels. Both orphans and poor folk weep at the deprivation of their father and pilot. The Myraions, together with strangers, foreigners, and all the world lamented his passing from their midst; for they lost a shepherd and teacher. The holy Archangels and Angels rejoiced upon welcoming such a holy one into their bosoms. The Martyrs were glad and filled with delight upon beholding a fellow Martyr. The righteous were happy upon beholding one such as themselves. Shepherds and teachers were well pleased and received felicity, because he joined the rank of shepherds. Why should I speak and distinguish each order? All of the heavens and the ranks of the Saints and Righteous were cheered that day. Even though the blessed soul of Saint Nicholas went froth form this world, yet he has not forgotten those who invoke him. For this reason, after his blessed repose, miracles without bound have taken place for the faithful who have taken recourse in him. Now we shall recount them, though only a few for the sake of brevity.

RESCUE FROM THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA

At Constantinople, there was a pious and faithful Orthodox Christian who exceedingly loved our righteous Father Nicholas and who, as we shall see, was also beloved by the Saint. On account of some compulsory business, this Constantinopolitan was enjoined to take a sea voyage. Before he embarked, he wished to visit the Church of Saint Nicholas, where he prayed from the depths of his soul for a safe passage. Afterward, he bade farewell to his relatives and friends, and then put to sea. At the ninth hour at night, the crew arose. As they unfurled the sails, the wind changed. In the meantime, that most pious Constantinopolitan also arose to attend to his own personal needs. As the seamen began to busy themselves spreading the sails, that Christian became entangled in the sails and was thrown overboard into the waves. This type of incident was not rare in those times. Though the seamen attempted to help him, yet they were unable to draw him out of the midst of the sea, on account of the deep darkness of night. At the same time, a mighty wind forced the ship forward. The mariner sat on the deck, sorrowing and weeping on account of the bitter death of their passenger.

The Constantinopolitan who fell into those dark waves was fully dressed. He said into those cold, deep waters of the gulf. While he went down, he brought to his mind, which was immersed half in terror and half in hope, the Saint. He began to cry out noetically from the depths of his soul, “O Saint Nicholas, help me!” He kept crying this prayer, even as the midnight waters covered him. Then, O the Wonder! Many and incomprehensible are Thy Marvels, O Lord! The drowning Christian FOUND HIMSELF INSIDE HIS HOUSE. He, however, had not yet perceived his surroundings. In his confusion, he thought he was still submerged in the sea. Consequently, not only mentally but in truth was he shouting aloud, “O Saint Nicholas, help me!” The people in his house heard his shouts and rose up and lit the lamps. The neighbors and those outside also heard his plaintive cries. They ran to the house from which the commotion was emanating. They entered and found their neighbor standing, weeping, and shouting. They observed that HIS CLOTHING WAS SOAKED AND DRIPPING WITH SEAWATER. Out of their awe and consternation, the family, neighbors, and friends were beside themselves before this inexplicable spectacle. Therefore, to their surprise, they stood speechless, not knowing how to respond. That Constantinopolitan collected his mind somewhat and raised his voice at them: “Brethren, what is this that I see? I know very well that yesterday during the ninth hour, I bade you all farewell and put out to sea. We got underway with a mighty wind in our sails taking us forward. During the second or third watch of the night, I left my cabin aboard the ship to take care of a personal need. The mariners were attending to the sails, I became entangled in them and was pushed overboard. I kept calling upon Saint Nicholas for his help, as I sank down farther and farther. Now that I find myself in my own home, I know not how this came to pass. I beseech you to tell me, because I am beside myself and feel as though I have lost my mind

The Christians who had gathered in his home, hearing his fearful account and seeing the water running from his clothes, were sorely astonished. They deemed the extraordinary happenstance nothing short of a miracle. The wept out of joy and gratitude, as they kept exclaiming, “Lord have mercy!” The Constantinopolitan who was rescued from the sea changed his wet clothing for dry attire. He was in a state of profound compunction and went to the Church of Saint Nicholas, where he spent the remainder of the night. He prostrated himself with tears before the holy icon of the Saint. The man was filled with wonder and surprise as he rendered entreaty, supplication, and giving of thanks to the Saint.

The hour of Orthros (Matins) arrived. The faithful, according to tradition, began gathering in the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was then that the miracle of the Saint was made known to all. Now not only were the Venerable holy relics of their bishop interred with the good ointments of virtue, but a sweet-smelling myrrh was also exuding from them, as the previously rescued Constantinopolitan offered fragrant spices to the Saint. The Church of the Saint was also seen to be filled with radiant light, so that the people were questioning one another that they might learn the cause of these extraordinary occurrences. Upon being informed of the manner of their fellow Christian’s miraculous rescue, all were giving glory and thanks to the great Hierarch Nicholas.

This extraordinary and supernatural phenomenon and mighty work of the Saint spread quickly throughout the Great City of Constantinople. The miracle was reported to both the Emperor and Patriarch. The Constantinopolitan man was summoned before the holy Synod, that he might give an account of his ordeal in the deep. Upon presenting himself before all, the Constantinopolitan began to relate with boldness how, when, and in what manner the awesome and mysterious Wonderworking came about. After listening carefully to his remarkable testimony, all the members of the Synod cried aloud, “Thou art great, O Lord, and Wondrous are Thy works, and no words suffice to hymn Thy Wonders!” The Christians gathered together in the Church of Saint Nicholas and concluded a service of entreaty and vigil. They glorified and blessed God, assigning fitting thanksgiving to such a faithful servant of God, our own Saint Nicholas.

It is impossible to recount the countless miracles wrought by Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. Though the land of Myra, is now silent, yet his fame remains inextinguishable and extends throughout the world, which is enlightened by his example. He is a ready defender of widows, and orphans, a cheerful giver to those in need, an avenger of the oppressed and those suffering unjust judgments, and an apt helper to all those in affliction and misfortune. He is inexhaustible in the service he renders others and in his imitation of the Master’s love for people. His repose did not interrupt his wonders on land and sea, which continue to this day, to the Glory of Our Triune God. Amen. [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.

The Life of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker [Part II]

THE FIRST ECUMENICAL SYNOD (COUNCIL)

During Emperor Constantine the Great’s reign, Arius emerged from Alexandria and spread his vile beliefs and heresies. Arius had been sufficiently educated in the elements of secular learning. At first, he appeared to be reverent toward the Faith, as it has been handed down to us by Christ and His holy Apostles. Upon his ordination, by the late Martyr and holy Hierarch Peter [300-301 A.D.], Arius began to publicly speak blasphemies against God, saying that Christ, the Logos/Word, WAS NOT TRUE GOD. Arius was thus dismissed as a blasphemer from his duties. After the martyric death of the aforementioned Saint Peter; the next Archbishop of Alexandria, Achillas [311-312 A.D.], restored Arius to piety and ordained him to the Priesthood as Protopresbyter of Alexandria. As long as Archbishop Achillas lived, the most irreverent Arius maintained piety outwardly. Upon the repose of Achillas, the holy Alexander [312-328 A.D.] ascended the throne of the Alexandrian See. The new Archbishop perceived not only that Arius refused to be corrected, but also that he was leading other astray into his profane heresy.

Emperor Constantine the Great, seeing the confusion being created in the Church, dispatched orders to every corner of the Empire. He summoned all the Hierarchs and chief Monastics, that they should meet in the city of Nicaea, and discuss Arius, who was shown to be at fault and a blasphemer. Thus, the FIRST ECUMENICAL SYNOD WAS HELD IN NICAEA IN Bithynia during the reign of Constantine the Great, in 325 A.D. Among the notable men who were in attendance included Deacon Athanaasios (the Great), Spyridon of Trimythous, and our Great and Wonderworking Nicholas of Myra. They were adorned with not only Apostolic gifts but also the trials and sufferings of Martyrdom through which they survived. According to the Holy Tradition of the Church, there were present 232 Hierarchs, with 86 Priests, Deacons, and Monks, thus totaling 386 holy Fathers, together with a multitude of lower clergy.

Emperor Constantine took his seat on the throne, and 159 Fathers also took their seats. As we mentioned earlier, the Synod had been assembled against Arius, who blasphemed that the Logos/Word of God WAS NOT COESSENTIAL WITH THE FATHER; THAT IS, THAT JESUS WAS NOT TRUE GOD, BUT, ON THE CONTRARY, A CREATURE AND KTISMA, THE GREEK WORD MEANING "SOMETHING BUILT." This sessions lasted at least THREE AND ONE-HALF YEARS. This Synod produced the divine Symbol of the Faith [The Nicene Creed of 325 A.D.], proclaiming the Son and Logos/Word of God TO BE TRUE GOD COESSENTIAL WITH THE Father, saying: "I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD: the Father, Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, the One having having begotten of the Father before all ages–Light of Light, True God of True God, having been begotten, not having been made; co-essential with the Father; by Whom all things are made, including all things in the heaven and all things on the earth; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and became incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; and rose up the third day according to the Scriptures; and ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right of the Father; and shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; the Kingdom of Whose there shall be no end; and in the Spirit, the Holy One. As for those who are saying that ‘there was a time when He was not,’ He was made of things that were not,’ or assert ‘He is out of another hypostasis’ or ‘essence,’ or that ‘the Son of God is mutable or alterable,’ the catholic and Apostolic Church anathematizes them."

The original Nicene Creed was later enlarged in 381 A.D. at the Second Ecumenical Synod held in Constantinople, convened by and during the reign of Theodosios. At that time, besides some minor changes in the first two articles, there were added all the clauses after the "Holy Spirit"; the anathema was omitted.

The First Ecumenical Synod also delivered THE DECREE CONCERNING PASCHA, which the Orthodox Church OBSERVES UNGARBLED. Twenty Canons were issued at the present Synod. The debates commenced with Arius were terribly agonizing. Saint Nicholas, who thanks to his mellifluous teaching kept the Metropolis of Myra alone untouched by the filth of the Arian heresy, was filled with divine zeal as another Prophet Elias. The holy Archbishop of Myra perceived how Arius was attempting to silence all the Christ-loving Hierarchs, so he rose up, approached Arius, and gave him such a slap that Arius shook all over. Arius protested to the Emperor. The Emperor was much grieved by what had occurred.

Constantine addressed the Hierarchs: "Holy Hierarchs, the law commands the severance of the hand which dares to strike another in the Emperor’s presence. By your holiness’ leave, I commit judgment to you. Decide the matter as you see fit." The Hierarchs, not wishing to have the Saint mutilated, said: "O Emperor, we beseech thee, let us only dismiss him from the Synod and imprison him. This is the extent to which we should wish to sentence him." After Saint Nicholas, the Champion of piety, was reproved, deprived of his Episcopal insignia, and incarcerated, that same night, there appeared to him in the prison both Christ and the Theotokos. They asked the Hierarch, "O Nicholas, why hast thou been imprisoned?" The holy man of God answered, "For you love." Christ then said to him, "Take this," and He presented the holy Gospel to Archbishop Nicholas. The Theotokos then gave him the Hierarchical Omophorion. By the foregoing, that is, the receipt of these emblems of his Hierarchical rank, it was revealed that the Saint’s boldness was pleasing to God Who repeated the revelation He had once given concerning the Saint.

The following day, certain acquaintances of the Saint brought the prisoner holy bread. Upon entering Saint Nicholas’ prison cell, they observed that he was loosed from his fetters and was clad with an Omophorion. In his hands, they noticed that he was holding and reading the holy Gospel. They inquired of the Saint: "Where did you find these articles?" Saint Nicholas then communicated to them the entire truth. After the Emperor was informed of this miraculous event, Constantine, acknowledging the evident manifestation of Divine approval toward the Saint, immediately ordered the Archbishop’s removal from prison. The Emperor then sought Saint Nicholas’ forgiveness. The other Hierarchs also asked the Saint’s pardon, and peace was restored. After the last session of the Synod, all the Hierarchs, including our Saint Nicholas, returned to their Sees.

FAMINE

A great famine once struck Lycia. None of the inhabitants could remember a previous calamity of such intensity. Many people were in dire straits from the shortage,so that Myra was in danger of being destroyed. The Saint sorrowed for his flock; so how did he tend its rational sheep? A vessel, laden with wheat, was bound for France. While the ship’s captain was in his cabin, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in his sleep and said: "Bring thou the wheat to Myra of Lycia and not to France. because we are suffering terribly from hunger. Thou shall receive for thy cargo a very handsome price, which shall be quickly remitted. Take now, as earnest money, these three gold florins. Whenever thou shouldest arrive, the balance due shall be paid in full." The captain awakened in the morning and found three coins in his hands. Amazed, he commanded the crew and showed everyone the coins. The captain believed the vision to be from God, and he also wished to profit from the transaction. They therefore set sail for Myra in Lycia. The ship entered the port and the captain sold the wheat, reaping a great profit. The captain recognized the Archbishop and did not conceal from the people the miraculous appearance of their Hierarch to him while he was on board his ship and sailing toward Gallic lands. The starving people of the place gave glory to God Who provides for those who hope in Him. They also gave thanks to God for providing them with such a Wonderworker and nourisher of their souls and bodies as their Saint Nicholas. [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

(To be continued)

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

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

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

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

On the 6th of December, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates our
holy Father among the Saints, the Wonderworker, NICHOLAS, Archbishop
of Myra in Lycia.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith,
an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause,
thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O
Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our
souls be saved.

Kontakion Hymn. Third Tone

Thou, O righteous Nicholas, in Myra truly wast shown forth as a
sacred minister fulfilling Christ’s holy Gospel; for thou didst lay
down thy life for thy flock and people and, O Saint, didst save the
innocent from unjust death. Wherefore, thou wast sanctified as
a great initiate of the Divine grace of God.
+

Saint Nicholas, the namesake of victory and our Wonderworking Father among the Saints, was born in Patara, a city of Lycia. The exact date of his birth is unknown. He flourished during the 300s, the epoch of the impious autocrats Diocletian (286-305 A.D.) and Maximian (286-305 A.D.). Saint sNicholas was Archbishop of Myra at that time and continued his episcopacy through the reign of Emperor Constantine I the Great (306-337 A.D.). Constantine was the sole Augustus in the West after the defeat in 312 A.D. of Maxentius (308-312 A.D.), a rival Augustus in the West. In 324 A.D., Constantine became sole Emperor after the death of Augustus Licinius (306-324 A.D.) of the East, who had been sharing power with Galarius until the latter’s death. Maximinus (308-314 A.D.), who commanded Asia Minor, was overthrown by Licinius in 324 A.D. Emperor Constantine, upon ISSUING THE EDICT OF MILAN (313 A.d.), ENSURED FULL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FOR CHRISTIANS, THUS ALLOWING THE CHURCH TO EMERGE FROM THE CATACOMBS. Saint Nicholas participated in the First Ecumenical Synod at Nicaea, which convened in 325 A.D.

The life of our holy Father Nicholas and his accomplishments are also able to inspire one to implement such deeds as his. He was the scion of Christian parents, Theophanes and Nonna. They were neither very poor that they might be despised by others, nor very rich that they might become arrogant in their thoughts. They had what was sufficient for their needs; and yet, at the same time, they were able to aid the poor with their alms. The virtue of the parents was reflected in their son. The Lord says in the Holy Scripture, "The tree is known from the root" [Matthew 12:33]. The parents gegat no other son, either before or after their Nicholas. Even as an infant, Nicholas displayed what he would later become. Saint Nicholas practiced strict temperance during his entire life, especially on Wednesday and Friday. The infant was sanctified by the prayer and piety of both his parents, so that from his youth Nicholas’ heart and soul were devoted to God. After the birth of Nicholas, his parents adopted the celibate life. At his Baptism, the infant Nicholas afterward stood up straight in the font for three hours, thus glorifying the holy Trinity.

From his youth, whatever he could understand of the sacred writings and Sacred Scripture, he was in the habit of committing to memory. On account of his quick mind and the grace of the Holy Spirit, he attained wisdom and knowledge. The Bishop of Patara, who was his father’s brother, was also named Nicholas. He also took notice of the lad’s pursuits and manner of life. He recommended to the parent that they consecrate their son to the service of God. The parents readily heeded the bishop’s good recommendation and consecrated to the Lord the child whom they had received from HIs as a gift.

Ordination to the Priesthood

When Nicholas grew up, he showed himself to be an honorable man. He was deemed worthy of the Priesthood and was ordained by Bishop Nicholas. Just as Saint Nicholas was about to be ordained to the Priesthood, Bishop Nicholas was inspired by the Holy Spirit to utter, before the entire congregation, these prophetic words regarding his nephew: "Brethren, I see a new sun rising above the earth. Father Nicholas shall comfort and console many of the afflicted and shall dispatch many souls to the Kingdom of the heavens. Blessed is the flock that shall be vouchsafed such a shepherd; for he will nourish the souls entrusted to him on the pasturage of piety. We shall all find him a ready helper in misfortunes and tribulations." Indeed, all these divine predictions came to be, as the passage of time would clearly evince.

After the Saint was ordained to the Priesthood, one could not recount all his virtues and the good deeds he performed. His uncle the Bishop desired to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He decided to entrust his nephew with the care and supervision of the Church of Patara and its Monastery. The Bishop had built the Monastery, naming it New Sion. The holy Priest Nicholas governed the Diocesan house and Monastery, even as the bishop himself would have, had he been present. The dignity of this Office in fact would follow later for our Father Nicholas.

Father Nicholas lost his parents at an early age. He was left with not a little inheritance, which he distributed for the poor’s food and shelter. He clothed the naked and cared for the orphan and widow. Although his modest fortune was being distributed toward numerous acts of charity, Father Nicholas carefully watched for situations where the need was the greatest. Saint Nicholas practised almsgiving (charity) in secret. One of the most well known stories, is the story, of how Saint Nicholas saved the three young sisters from harlotry. The Priest Nicholas bound three hundred gold coins in a handkerchief and secretly went by night to the father’s house and tossed it through an open window. Saint Nicholas did this act of charity three times thus saving all three young women from prostitution. All three sisters were married thanks to the Saint. Their father found out that Father Nicholas was their generous benefactor and fell before the Saint’s feet and with tears began saying, "I thank thee, O servant of God, that thou didst pity me…". The Saint asked the Father to promise never to reveal and say anything regarding it. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the father kept the secret. His many other acts of kindness and generosity remained concealed, even as he wished. No one learned of his charities, vigils, fasts, and other virtues. God alone fully knows the labors of Saint Nicholas. The Saint refused to be praised by men, for he sought only God’s glory. The fact is, however, that a smuch as Father Nicholas kept concealing his works, God wished to reveal His servant and honor him: for the good works done by Saint Nicholas honored God.

On account of this history and the Saint’s many similar acts, he became the Patron Saint of children and model of the cheerful giver who expects nothing in return. In the East, he is especially venerated by sailors. In Northern Europe, his name was changed to Santa Claus. It was popularized in America by the Dutch Protestants of New Amsterdam, who had converted the name Saint Nicholas to Sint Klaes and then to Santa Claus.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

The Saint was desirous to visit the All-Holy Sepulcher of the Lord. He was filled with longing to see and venerate those holy sites, where the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ trod. It was also his keen hope to find a place of solitude and quiet, where he might abide alone. Father Nicholas boarded an Egyptian vessel with fellow Christians. After putting out to sea, the Saint fell asleep. In his sleep, by Divine revelation, he beheld the enemy of truth, the devil, sever the ropes of the mast. When the Saint arose in the morning, he foresaw imminent peril close at hand. The devil wished to drown all on board. Father Nicholas notified the seamen and said, "Today, a fierce storm shall strike us, because I beheld in my dream that we shall endure much. Nevertheless, don ot fear; have hope in God, and He shall deliver us from death." While the Saint was speaking these words, there immediately appeared a great and dark cloud. The wind rose up, and the sea became agitated. Having found themselves in such desperate straits, the passengers besought the holy Priest Nicholas with tear-filled eyes to entreat God Almighty on their behalf to cease the powerful wind. The Saint stood in their midst and offered up fervent supplication. Straightway, the mighty wind died, and the raging sea grew calm. Those on board rejoiced upon receiving so speedy a response to the holy Priest’s petitions.

Now during the time that the sea and wind rose up, one of the mariners ascended the mast in order to fix the cables of the sails. He then fell headlong down to the deck below and died instantly upon impact. The Saint prayed to the Almighty God to raise the dead mariner, as if the man were sleeping. The Lord heard His holy Priest’s entreaty and restored the dead sailor. {Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

[ To be cnntinued}

______________
"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 SACREDNESS OF MOTHERHOOD IN THE PERSON
OF THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER VIRGIN MARY.

"To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply your pain
and groaning, and in pain you shall bring forth children"
[Genesis 3:16].

"Now Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she conceived and
bore Cain, and said, ‘I have acquired a man through
God…" [Genesis 4:1].

"Naked I came from mother’s womb, and naked I
shall return" [Job 1:21].

God brings every human being into existence in the womb of the mother at the moment of conception. His creative activity is simultaneous with conception. Everything is accomplished by the will of God, including the blessing to conceive and bear children. Motherhood, therefore, is sacred and noble. It is a commandment of God Himself to "Honor your father and mother that it may be well with you, and your days may be long upon the good land the Lord your God is giving you" [Exodus 20:12]. To honor one’s father and mother is the first commandment in the Ten to promise a reward, namely a long and spiritually prosperous life on earth. The holy Apostle Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" [Ephesians 6:1-2]. The meaning of the Greek word for obey [hupakouo] begins with the idea of listening attentively.

There have been a number of holy women in the Old Testament who were blessed by God to bear holy children but none can compare to the Ever-Virgin Mary who was chosen by God to give birth to His Only-begotten Son Jusus Christ. The Theotokos taught humanity that motherhood is honorable indeed and that is far more than a biological act but divine and mystical. We, humanity, are truly united with the Divine through the Theotokos and her Son and Lord Jesus Christ. With the dogma of the Son of God, becoming man is closely bound up with the naming of the Most Holy Virgin as THEOTOKOS [Birth-giver of God]. "God was joined to Man from the very instant of His conception in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and that He, being perfect Man, is also perfect God."

The Ever-Virgin Mary’s womb became "more spacious than the heavens” [Gk. Platytera ton Ouranon"]. The Thetokos contained the uncontainable God in her sacred womb. Her blessed womb was transformed into the Holy of Holies. " God was made manifest in the flesh" [1 Timothy 3:16]: the flesh was woven for God the Logos/Word by the Most Holy Virgin Mary. The Apostolic Fathers taught "Our God Jesus Christ as in the womb of Mary"; "God took flesh of the Virgin Mary" [Saint Ignatius the God bearer, Saint Irenaeus]. The Third Ecumenical Council states: "If anyone will not confess that Immanuel is very God, and that therefore the Holy Virgin is Theotokos, inasmuch as in the flesh she bore the Logos/Word of God made flesh: LET HIM BE ANATHEMA"

By God’s actions womanhood, virginity, and motherhood, was exalted. "The Most Holy Virgin Mary was prepared by the best part of mankind as a worthy vessel for the Descent of God the Logos/Word to earth. The coming down of the Holy Spirit ("the Holy Spirit shall come upon thee") totally SANCTIFIED THE WOMB OF THE VIRGIN MARY FOR THE RECEPTION OF GOD THE LOGOS/WORD." The understanding of womanhood, virginity, and motherhood was changed by the divine words of the Archangel Gabriel who said: "Rejoice, full of grace! the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women!…The Angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God, behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you will call his name ‘Jesus.’ [Luke 1:30-31]. Panagia (All-Holy) was a young woman, a virgin, and the Mother of God’s Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. All three stations, womanhood, virginity and motherhood; were bestowed the grace of God and exalted never to be the same again.

Tragically, however, this 21st century has revealed a most alarming, perverse, corrupt, distorted, and sinister attempt to rebel outright against our very God the Creator and Great Fashioner of all. This ugly society can only produce ugliness and darkness. The dark (evil) powers of this age, attempting to alter and corrupt God’s creation is foolish and will lead to its own demise. Nothing that God has created "good" can be revised or reversed by an evil power. People who have fallen prey to this sinister indoctrination, deception and falsehood are to be pitied. "Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness…Thus the earth brought forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness" [Genesis 1:11-12]. The same applies to the man and the woman. "Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image,
and according to Our likeness" [Genesis 1:26]. "And God brought a trance upon Adam and he slept; andHe took one of his ribs, and filled up the flesh in its place. Then the Lord God built the rib He took from Adam into A WOMAN and brought her to him. So Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called WOMAN because she was TAKEN OUT OF MAN" [Genesis 2:21-23].

Orthodox Christians must not be diverted from God’s plan, commandments, and path but remain obedient to His Divine will. Mankind’s propensity to commit sin reveals that in the Fall, the image of God in man is also fallen. Christ, by His Death and Resurrection, CONQUERED THE DEVIL AND DEATH, FREEING MANKIND FROM THE FEAR OF DEATH [Hebrews 2:14-15] and making possible a more complete communion between God and man than was ever possible before. This COMMUNION allows people to become "partakers of the Divine nature" [2 Peter 1:4], to TRANSCEND DEATH AND, ULTIMATELY, ALL THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FALL. The Son of God came to the world in order to open the path to mankind in its entirety for the personal salvation of each of us…and "to give help, to give power on the path of salvation of the acquisition of spiritual purity and sanctity." The first of these has been accomplished by Christ entirely. The second depends upon ourselves, although it is accomplished by the activity of the Grace of Christ in the Holy Spirit." [Source: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology].

_________
"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 SINFUL PASSION OF ACEDIA

Man’s passions are without a doubt not only the great obstacles to spiritual wellness that must be overcomed but lead to the death of the soul. One such passion is the passion of acedia. Basically the passions are the enemies in our spiritual warfare that must not only be controlled but must be destroyed if we are to win this spiritual war.

Most Orthodox Christians, however, are not all aware of the existence of acedia and the danger that it presents to everyone. Others who are more spiritually attuned and aware of it, and are familiar with it, struggle to overcome it. This dangerous and sinful passion of acedia causes restlenesses, disatisfaction, sadness, indifference, apathy, loss of interest, laziness, and even an obsession with social media. Acedia causes a spiritual paralysis and the loss of communication and connection with other people.

A Christian suffering from the passion of acedia is easily distracted, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. The desert dwellers and ascetics considered this sinful passion as the tool of the evil one to prevent them from concentrating on their prayers, vigils, fasting, and daily discipline. The problem is that acedia is not only a sinful passion but an illness of the soul and must be treated as such. Everyone suffering from it should make every effort to seek a cure for it. It is most important, when suffering this spiritual illness, to first acknowledge its existence and secondly to combat it.

The evil one always uses passions such as acedia to prevent us from making any spiritual progress or to grow in Christ. We are tempted by him to postpone any spiritual activity or to maintain any kind of spiritual consistency with prayer, sacramental life, and worship. Also, the side effects of this passion are listlessness, anxiety, hopelessness, despair, anger and sadness. However, we must remain strong and fight all these negative feelings and to always keep our spiritual sights on our Lord Jesus Christ. It is imperative, however, to seek the holy intercessions of the Mother of God, our Holy Fathers and Holy Mothers, the Holy Martyrs and Saints of our Church and of course to never lose faith in God.

Saint Andrew of Crete in one of the hymns written by him says, "My soul, my soul arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is approaching and you will be confounded. Awake then, and be watchful, that you may be spared by Christ God, Who is everywhere and fills all things." No Orthodox Christian must never be caught unprepared spiritually for the salvation of our soul is at stake. Spiritual wellbeing takes much effort, determination, patience, devotion and commitment. No one should take the salvation of their soul. for granted. It is natural for one to be concerned about his physical health and to eat well and have the guidance of a good physician but what does one do to make sure that he/she is spiritually healthy? Our Holy Church, our spiritual Hospital, provides both the Physician, Christ, and the spiritual medicine, the Mysteries, to keep those interested and concerned in excellent spiritual health.

Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ has provided all of us with a panoply of spiritual weapons to fight the enemy but it is up to each believer to use them and to defend his life and salvation. Our spiritual warfare is not a one day experience but a life-long experience. We are never abandoned by our Lord Christ, the Theotokos, the Archangels and Angels, and the Saints of our Holy Church to fight the enemy and arch-deceiver on our own. Without them and their help, mankind would have absolutely no chance of survival. However, it takes synergy between God and man to win this war.

Although these sinful passions can take different faces or forms, the threats and outcome is the same. We all know that our spiritual fight is not acedia alone but every passion of man which has the same intent; to poison the mind, the heart, and soul of the human person. In other words to deprive him/her of the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Where does the believer find strength for struggle? He/she finds it through COMMUNION WITH CHRIST GOD, THROUGH LOVE FOR CHRIST, WHICH INSPIRES HIM TO "FOLLOW AFTER HIM." "The Orthodox path of the Christian is "the path of the Cross and of struggle." In other words, it is the path of patience; of the bearing of our sorrows, persecutions for the name of Christ, and dangers from the enemies of Christ, of despising the goods of the world for the sake of Christ, of healing against one’s passions and lusts."

___________
"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 30th of November, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates the Holy,
Glorious, and All-famed Apostle ANDREW, the First-called of Twelve.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

As the First-called of the Apostles, and brother of their leader, O
Andrew, entreat the Master of all that peace be granted unto the
world and great mercy to our souls.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

Let us acclaim the namesake of courage, that herald of things divine,
the First-called of the Savior’s disciples, and the kinsman of Peter;
for as he formerly cried out to him, so doth he now to us: Come, we
have found the Desired One.

Saint Andrew, the First-called Apostle of Christ, was the son of a Jew named Jonah and the brother of the holy preeminent Apostle Peter. He was a native of the Galilean town in Bethsaida. Disdaining the vanity of this world and preferring virginity to matrimony, he declined to enter into wedlock; and hearing that the holy Forerunner John was preaching repentance by the Jordan, he left everything, went to him, and became his disciple. Andrew beheld the holy Forerunner while he was pointing to Jesus as He passed by and saying, "BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD" [John 1;36]. Saint Andrew, together with another disciple of the Forerunner (whom many consider to have been the Evangelist John),, left the Forerunner and followed after Christ. He sought out his brother Simon Peter and said to him, "WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAH" (which is being, interpreted, the Christ) John 1:41), and brought him to Jesus. Afterward, when he was fishing with Peter off the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus called to them, saying, "COME AFTER ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN" (Matthew 4:19), Saint Andrew, immediately leaving his nets when he heard the Lord’s summons, followed after Christ with his brother Peter [Matthew 4:20]. Andrew is known as the First-called, because he became a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ before any of the other Apostles.

After the Lord’s VOLUNTARY Passion and His Resurrection, the holy Andrew, with the rest of the Apostles, received the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, there appeared to the disciples tongues, as if of fire, being distributed upon each one of them (Acts 2:3). When the countries were divided among them, it fell to him by lot to spread the Gospel in Bithynia, the Propontos, Chalcedon, Byzantium, Thrace, and Macedonia, all the way to the Amisos, Trebizond, Herakleia, and Amastris. Saint Andrew passed through these lands and cities, preaching the Christian Faith. In each city, he had to endure much affliction and pain, but, fortified by the Omnipotent help of God, he joyfully bore all such tribulations for Christ’s sake.

One of the centers of activity was the city of Byzantium, where he performed miracles in abundance and instructed many in the knowledge of God. Indeed, the people of Byzantium not only embraced the light of the truth, but even erected a magnificent church in honor of the All-Holy Theotokos. As bishop for them, Saint Andrew consecrated Stachys, one of the Seventy Apostles [Luke 10:1], of whom Saint Paul made mention in his Epistle to the Romans [Romans 16:9]. He traveled near to Herakleia of Thrace, which is situated to the West of Byzantium, and there he converted many of the Orthodox Faith, and ordained Apelles bishop [Romans 16:10].

The holy Andrew undertook Apostolic labors and endured pangs in the spreading of the Gospel of Christ. He passed on through Pontos, the seaboard of the Black Sea, Scythia, and the Chersonese. By God’s Providence, he reached the River Dnieper in the land of Russia, and halting upon the shore beneath the hills of Kiev, he lay down to rest. When he arose from sleep in the morning, he said to his disciples who had accompanied him. "BELIEVE ME: ON THESE HILLS THE GRACE OF GOD WILL SHINE FORTH. THERE WILL BE A GREAT CITY HERE, AND THE LORD WILL RAISE MANY CHURCHES IN THIS PLACE AND ENLIGHTEN ALL OF THE RUSSIAN LAND WITH HOLY BAPTISM." And ascending the hills, the Saint blessed them and set up a cross, PROPHESYING THAT THE PEOPLE WHO DWELT THERE WOULD RECEIVE THE FAITH FROM THE APOSTOLIC SEE HE HAD ESTABLISHED IN BYZANTIUM.

Passing through the Russian cities which lay to the North, where Novgorod the Great now stands, he went on to visit Rome. Then he made his way in the Greek land of Epirus and eventually arrived in Thrace, firmly establishing the Christians in the Faith and ordaining bishops and leaders for them. After passing through many lands, he reached the Peloponnesos, and, entering the Achaian city of Petras, he lodged with a certain respected man by the name of Sosios. He raised him up from his bed of sickness, and afterward he converted the whole city of Patras to Christ. It was here, however, that Saint Andrew was martyred. The order was given by the Proconsul Aegeates who was enraged. He commanded that the holy Andrew be crucified on a cross, his hands and feet bound. He at first, did not wish him affixed by nails, lest he should die in but a short time; for he thought that by hanging his bound, he might subject him to greater tortures.

When the servants of the tyrant brought him to the place of crucifixion, the people assembled, crying out, ‘Wherein has this righteous man and friend of God sinned? Why are they leading him to crucifixion?’ But Saint Andrew besought the people not to hinder his suffering, as the walked to his torment with gladness, never pausing in his teaching. When he reached the place where he was to be crucified, espying at some distance the cross being prepared for him, he cried with a loud voice, "HAILL, O CROSS SANCTIFIED BY THE FLESH OF CHRIST AND ADORNED BY HIS MEMBERS AS WITH PEARLS! …With boldness and Teacher, that, through thee, He Who Redeemed me through thee may receive me."

Thus saying, he removed his clothing and gave it to the torturers. They lifted him up on the cross, nailing and binding his hands and feet with cords; and thus they crucified him HEAD DOWNWARD and suspended him . Around him stood a multitude of the people, about twenty-thousand of them. Many of the people went to the home of Aegeates, crying out and saying, "This honorable and holy man Andrew is kind, and good-natured, meek, and an all-wise teacher. He should not suffer. Nay he ought to be taken down from the cross; for, though this is already the second day on which he is on the cross, he still teaches the truth."

Then Aegeates, fearing the people, went straightway with them to take Saint Andrew down from the cross. When the servants went to unfasten hm from the cross, they were unable to touch him. Indeed, a great many other people, one after another, tried to untie him, but were unable, because their hands became numb. Thereafter, the holy Apostle cried out with a loud voice, "O LORD JESUS CHRIST, DO NOT ALLOW ME TO BE TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS ON WHICH I HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED FOR THY NAME; BUT RECEIVE ME, O MY TEACHER, WHOM I HAVE LOVED, WHOM I HAVE KNOWN, WHOM I CONFESS, WHOM I DESIRE TO SEE, THROUGH WHOM I HAVE BECOME WHAT I AM! O LORD JESUS CHRIST, RECEIVE MY SPIRIT IN PEACE, FOR THE TIME HAS COME FOR ME TO GO TO THEE AND LOOK UPON THEE WHOM I HAVE SO ARDENTLY DESIRED! RECEIVE ME, O GOOD TEACHER, AND DO NOT PERMIT ME TO BE TAKEN DOWN OVER-SOON FROM THE CROSS, BEFORE THOU RECEIVEST MY SPIRIT!"

When he said this,, a light like lightening from heaven illumined him in the sight of all, and shined round about him, so that the eye of corrupt man was unable to look upon him. This heavenly light shined round him for the space of half an hour, and when the light departed, the holy Apostle surrendered his spirit and departed, amid brilliant Light, to stand before the Lord.

Maximilla, a woman of noble lineage, who lived a virtuous and holy life, when Saint Andrew had departed to the Lord, took down his holy body with great honor. She embalmed it with costly ointments and laid it in the tomb in which she herself had intended to be interred. This took place on the last day of November, in the city of Patras, in Achaia, Greece, where ever since, through the prayers of the holy Apostle many benefactions are bestowed upon the people.

When many years had passed, the holy relics of Saint Andrew were translated by the holy Martyr Artemios to Constantinople, commemorate by the Holy Church on the 20th of October, at the command of the holy Emperor Constantine the Great, and enshrined with those of the holy Evangelist Luke and Saint Timothy, the disciple of Saint Paul, in the most splendid Church of the Apostles, within the sacred table of Oblation.

Through the prayers of Thine Apostle, O Christ God, do Thou establish
Thy faithful servants in Orthodoxy, and save us all. Amen.
[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