My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Risen Lord, God, and Savior JESUS CHRIST.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!

On the 3rd of May, Our Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the holy and glorious Martyrs TIMOTHY and MAVRA.

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon
death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Mode 2.

When Thou descended unto Death, O Lord, Thou
Who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the
lightning of Thine Divinity. And when Thou raised
the dead from the netherworld, all the Hosts of
Heaven sang aloud to Thee, "O Christ God, Giver
of Life, glory to Thee!

For the Saints. Mode 4.

Today, O believers, let us honor Timothy and Mavra, the bride
of Christ, his fellow martyr and spouse, extolling their martyrdom,
bravely, and endurance. They were crucified together. With
longing they followed the example of the Savior, Who was slaughtered
and Who nailed to the Cross the sins of all.

The holy and glorious Martyrs Timothy and Mavra, the holy couple from the Thevaid of Egypt. They lived during the reign of the pagan Roman Emperor Diocletian (284-305 A.D.) and when Arrianos was governor of the Thevaid. Today, for your love and edification, we shall set before you the lives of these glorious and sacred Martyrs for our True God and Lord Jesus Christ.

The holy Timothy was from the village of Panageon, near Antinoe of the Thevaid. He was the son of pious and upright parents. After Timothy was weaned from the mother’s milk, he was given to a certain virtuous and God-fearing teacher so that the lad might learn Sacred Scripture. Since Timothy was vouchsafed a well-ordered mind, in a short time, he learned whatever was needed to know his Creator, the Only True God. He also quickly perceived the God-given nobility and immortality of the soul. The youth also came to understand the corruption and vanity of this present life. When Timothy came of age, according to the sacred laws of our Holy Church, he took a wife from a Christian family. She was the ever-memorable and worthy of love, Mavra. The couple lived a holy and blessed life, to the continual admiration of the faithful.

Though a newly married couple, the Bishop of the Thevaid observed Timothy’s remarkable manner of life and zeal for piety which also was acknowledged by everyone. Thus, the Bishop decided to honor Timothy by enrolling him n the Clergy. Timothy, with the consent of Mavra, accepted this Diakonia (Ministry). Thus, the Bishop ordained Timothy to the Priesthood. Moreover, Timothy was appointed to teach and strengthen the Christians in the Truth, so they might not be timid or fainthearted in the face of persecution and torment. For it was a time when the enemies of Truth oppressed and abused the devout Christians. Timothy was determined to emulate the Teacher, Christ. Together with instructing the God-fearing, he exhorted all through works and deeds. Thus, Timothy enthusiastically carried out his duties. Not one to tarry with the work of God, he counseled those among the faithful who were in turmoil or confusion that they should stand firm in the Orthodox Faith.

When the Christians heard Timothy’s God-inspired words, they received delight in their souls and were further confirmed in godliness. God also quickly blessed his endeavors when many idolaters were brought into the Church. When the pagans heard his sermons and observed his manner of life, they scorned the idols and became Christians. Timothy would admonish the idolaters to forsake their deceptive superstition. He urged them to believe in the One and Only True God, known in three Hypostases, Who, out of compassion, sent His Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, into the world. Christ CAME THAT HE MIGHT SHOW US THE PATH OF SALVATION., AND BLOT OUT THE DECEPTION OF THE DEVIL WHO HAD BEGUILED MANKIND. Thus, more and more, idolaters abandoned their impiety and came to the Faith of Christ. They were baptized in the Name of the Holy, Co-Eternal, and Undivided Trinity.

Now a mere twenty days passed since he was united to the blessed Mavra in their God-consecrated marriage when Governor Arrianos was set at variance with Timothy. Arrianos heard reports from pagan leaders of this Cleric and teacher of the Christians. Arrianos himself was an irreconcilable and harsh persecutor of the Faith of Christ. The atrocities of pagan Diocletian against the Christians were also cruelly enforced in Upper Egypt by Arrianos, a vessel of the devil and an enemy of godliness. He dispatched his minions of impious deceit to arrest Timothy and those Christians with him. Thus, the pious were made to stand before the tyrant who, without any previous questioning, singled out Timothy with a stern gaze. Arrianos commanded him to fetch the holy books by which he instructed the Christians. The real motive of Arrianos, a son of the devil, was to destroy the precious and priceless handwritten books of the Christians. He supposed that the holy Timothy, without the books, would be unable to establish the Christians in the Orthodox Christian Faith.

However, the great general of the Heavenly Kingdom, Timothy, cowered neither before the tyrant’s angry countenance nor at his death threats. Instead, he courageously responded, "O governor, what prudent father delivers, voluntarily, his children to death? If that father, who loves his children, yields to the law of nature, he will in no wise surrender the children of his flesh to death. So, how shall I give up my spiritual children, the Sacred Books, into thy profane hands? Nay, this will never be! I am ready to die rather than hearken to thy godless commands."

After the lawless tyrant heard Timothy’s declaration, he was mighty incensed and directed that iron skewers be laid to the fire. When they were brought to a red-hot glow, they were used to puncture the ears of the Martyr. Upon inserting the skewers into the glorious hero’s ears, the pupils of his eyes dropped. Yet–O the boundless steadfast patience of the Saint!–this excruciating punishment was valiantly borne by that blessed man for the Name of Christ. The enraged Arrianos ordered that they bind the prisoner to a wheel designed to rend to pieces Timothy’s bodily members. Timothy was told that if he persisted in not doing Arrianos’ bidding, he could expect a death befitting his civil disobedience. Since the Saint remained steadfast in his conviction, the minister of deception bound him to that grisly weel. They violently turned that contraption causing the notched-in nails to tear the athlete’s flesh mercilessly. Nevertheless, Christ’s soldier, once more, bravely withstood this torture, while he chanted, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Psalm 117:6).

In the interim, the Christians, including Mavra, were informed that Timothy had been captured. Straightway, a multitude of Christians converged upon the place where the holy Martyr was being tortured. Meanwhile, his companion in life, Mavra, prayed to God, seeking endurance and steadfastness for her husband. Moreover, she entreated God that He furnish relief for Timothy’s pain. All the while, Arrianos could not help but admire the prisoner’s capacity for pain. Finally, that dreadful wheel was brought to a halt by the executioners. Those present beheld the Martyr as a mass of bloodied flesh. His eyes were put out and his body sundered and shattered. He was gasping for. breath. Then, suddenly, a miracle! Forthwith, Timothy recovered his strength. He opened his eyes. His wounds vanished without a trace. Before such a spectacle, all the bystanders were dumbfounded and astonished. There was, at first, a hush in the crowd, then all were filled with enthusiasm for the victory of the Martyr and THE POWER OF GOD. This divine display of power brought many to confess the Faith of Christ. Mavra was stirred and joyous. She approached her husband and embraced him, glorifying God. Though many were enlightened by this miracle, Arrianos became more cruel and more determined than ever to do away with Christ’s witness. He continued with hideous new tortures. When, however, Arrianos was informed that the prisoner’s wife was in the crowd he thought to use her as a means to break Timothy’s resolve. (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 Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Risen Lord, God, and Savior JESUS CHRIST,

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!

On the 2nd of May, the Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates the
Translation of the precious Relics of Saint ATHANASTIOS THE
GREAT, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Third Tone

Thou was Orthodoxy’s steadfast pillar, holding up the Church
with godly dogmas, O Great Pierarch, for thou didst preach unto
all that God the Son is one essence in very truth with God the
Father; thus thou didst shame Arius. Righteous Father Athanasios,
do thou entreat Christ God that His great mercy may be granted
unto us.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

Having planted the dogmas of Orthodoxy, thou didst cut out the
thorns of false doctrine; and with the rain of the Spirit, thou didst
increase the see of the Faith. Wherefore, we praise thee, O
righteous Athanasios.

+



Our holy Father among the Saints, Athanasios the Great (295-373 A.D.) lived throughout the years of the illustrious Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337 A.D.), and during the time of the latter’s son, the Arian Emperor Constantius II (337-361 A.D.), whom Saint Athanasios said was "worse than Saul, Ahab, and Pilate," and through to the short reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate (361 A.D.), Saint Athanasios attended the First Ecumenical Synod in Nicaea (325 A.D.), which put down the profane and heretic Arius. He was elected Archbishop of Alexandria on the 8th of June, in the year 328 A.D., following the illustrious Patriarch Alexander, Athanasios, 1903)the initiate of heavenly mysteries, who also suffered five exiles (335, 339, 356, 362, and 365 A.D.). He is commemorated today in remembrance of the translation of his relics, first to Constantinople and then to Venice; but we also honor the memory of his tireless labors and everlasting exhortations. The Holy Church, on the 18th of January, commemorates Saint Athanasios with his fellow Alexandrian, Saint Kyril. A service concerning the translation of Saint Athanasios’ sacred relics was composed by Nikodemos the Hagiorite.

Saint Athanasios addressed those questions pertaining to the Holy Trinity, as well as to the incarnation of the Logos (Word) of God. His chief work, as the champion of the Logos (Word), was the disproving of Arian dogma in his four orations or discourses. The divinization of man was paramount to him, which was now made possible since the incarnate Logos put on human flesh. This was inconsistent with Arian ideas, but Saint Athanasios refuted them and said THAT JESUS "WAS NOT A MAN WHO LATER BECAME GOD, BUT GOD WHO LATER BECAME MAN IN ORDER TO DIVINIZE US."

Saint Gregory the Theologian delivered an oration on this Venerable Father and Pillar of Right-believing Orthodoxy. It was a panegyric given at the Church of Constantinople at the annual feast in honor of Saint Athanasios. It is unknown whether Saint Gregory gave the oration on the 18th of January or the 2nd of May. He opens his address to the faithful by saying, "In praising Athanasios, I shall be praising virtue. To speak of him and to praise virtue are identical because he had embraced virtue in entirety…To speak of and to admire him fully would perhaps be too long a task for the present purpose of my discourse, and would take the form of a history rather than of a panegyric…This I will say, in the discharge of his Office, he was sublime in action, lowly in mind; inaccessible in virtue, most accessible in intercourse. He was gentile, free from anger, sympathetic, sweet in words, and sweeter in disposition. He was Angelic in appearance, but more Angelic in mind. He was calm in rebuke, persuasive in praise, without spoiling the good effect of either by excess; rather, he reproved with the tenderness of a father. He praised the dignity of a ruler. His severity was not sour. In all his ways he was reasonable, prudent, and truly wise. His disposition sufficed for the training of his spiritual children, with very little need of words.

"Let one praise him in his fasts and prayers; for Athanasios was as one disembodied and immaterial. Let another laud his unweariedness and zeal for vigils and psalmody. Let some extol his patronage of the needy, while others proclaim his dauntlessness toward the powerful or his condescension to the lowly. Let the virgins celebrate the friend of the Bridegroom…".

Simply put, the Arian heretical position was that (1) God made the Son out of nothing, and called Him His Son; (2) the Logos/Word of God is one of the creatures; (3) there was a time when the Logos/Word was not; and (4) He is alterable, and He is capable, when it is His will, of altering. We learn of Saint Athanasios’ attitude toward heretics in his own words: "A HERETIC IS A WICKED THING IN TRUTH. AND IN EVERY RESPECT HIS HEART IS DEPRAVED AND RELIGIOUS. FOR–BEHOLD!–THOUGH CONVINCED ON ALL POINTS AND SHOWN TO BE UTTERLY BEREFT OF UNDERSTANDING, THE HERETICS FEEL NO SHAME. THEY, THEREUPON, LOSING THEIR LIFE IN THE OBJECTIONS WHICH THEY ADVANCE, INVENT FOR THEMSELVES OTHER QUESTIONS, JUDAIC AND FOOLISH, AND NEW EXPEDIENT, AS IF TRUTH WERE THEIR ENEMY. THEY, THEREBY, RATHER REVEAL THAT THEY ARE CHRIST’S OPPONENTS IN ALL THINGS…AFTER SO MANY PROOFS AGAINST THEM–AT WHICH EVEN THE DEVIL WHO IS THEIR FATHER HAD HIMSELF BEEN ABASHED AND GONE BACK–THEY, AS FROM THEIR PERVERSE HEART, AGAIN MUTTER FORTH OTHER EXPEDIENT, SOMETIMES IN WHISPERS AND SOMETIMES WITH THE DRONE OF GNATS."

Saint Athanasios believed the Divinity of Father and Son IS ONE. ALL things that can be said of the Father CAN ALSO BE SAID OF THE Son, excepting only that the Father is said to be Father. "And why are the things of the Son proper to the Father, except because the Son is the proper Offspring of His essence? And the Son, being the proper Offspring of the Father’s essence, reasonably says that the things of the Father are His own also."

His words were like thunder that smote the ears of the heretics when he said, "The Son is begotten NOT from without but FROM THE FATHER; WHILE THE FATHER REMAINS WHOLE, THE EXPRESSION OF HIS HYPOSTASIS (SUBSISTENCE) ABIDES FOREVER, AND PRESERVES THE FATHER’S LIKENESS AND UNVARYING IMAGE, SO THAT HE WHO SEES HIM, SEES IN HIM THE HYPOSTASIS TOO, OF WHICH HE IS THE IMPRESS (χαρακτήρα). And from the energy of the impress, we understand the True Divinity of the hypostasis, as the Savior Himself teaches when He says, ‘the Father Who abideth in Me, He doeth the works [John 14:10]’ which I do; and ‘I and the Father are one’ (John 10:30), and I am in the Father and the Father in Me’ (John 14:11). Therefore let this Christ-opposing heresy attempt first to divide the examples found in things originate, and say, ‘Once the sun was without his radiance,’ or, ‘Radiance is not proper to the essence of light’ or ‘it is indeed proper, but it is part of light by division.’

The Saint speaking OF OUR REDEMPTION, saying that "Mankind IS PERFECTED IN THE Son, and RESTORED AS HE WAS MADE N THE BEGINNING, AND WITH A MUCH HIGHER GRACE. For, being raised from the dead, WE NO LONGER FEAR DEATH, BUT REIGN ETERNALLY WITH CHRIST IN THE HEAVENS. " The Saint also speaks of the DIVINIZATION OF MAN, THAT IS: "AS THE LORD PUT ON THE BODY AND BECAME MAN, SO ALSO E ARE DIVINIZED (θεοποιούμεθα) BY THE Logos/Word.

Saint Athanasios was a great proponent of Baptism, fo rat that Mystery (Sacrament) is "the HOLY SPIRIT POURED OUT. WE ARE GIVEN THE INDWELLING AND INTIMACY OF THE SPIRIT." He goes on to say that BY VIRTUE OF BEARING JESUS’ BODY, "WE RECEIVE THE SPIRIT AND THUS ARE SANCTIFIED. BY PARTICIPATION IN THE SPIRIT WE BECOME SONS AND ONE WITH THE FATHER AND SON. IT IS THE RECEPTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO OUR HEARTS THAT EMPOWERS US TO CALL GOD ‘FATHER’ AND TO BECOME HIS CHILDREN. THOSE WHO RECEIVE INTO THEIR HEARTS, AS THE APOSTLE SAYS, ‘THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON INTO OUR HEARTS, CRYING, "ABBA, FATHER" (Galatians 4:6), are they, who, RECEIVING THE LOGOS/WORD GAINS POWER FROM HIM TO "BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD" (John 1:12). For men CANNOT OTHERWISE BECOME SONS, SINCE THEY ARE BY NATURE CREATURES UNLESS THEY RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE NATURE AND TRUE SON. THAT THIS MIGHT TAKE PLACE, THE LOGOS/WORD BECAME FLESH, THAT HE MIGHT MAKE MAN CAPABLE OF DIVINITY."

Saint Athanasios, therefore, urges THE NECESSITY FOR HOLY BAPTISM. For He believes that this Mystery (Sacrament) USHERS IN BOTH GRACE AND CONSECRATION. IT IS THE MEANS OF ADOPTION. HE BELIEVES THAT ITS ADMINISTRATION IS NOT SIMPLY RECITING THE CORRECT WORDS BUT ALSO WITH THE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING AND THE CORRECT FAITH THAT FOLLOWS FROM SUCH UNDERSTANDING. AND THE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING AND BELIEF IS THAT THE DIVINITY OF THE SON IS THE SAME AS THAT OF THE FATHER."

Some might ask, "Why could not God restore man by just a word?" "RESTORATION," Saint Athanasios informs us, "BY A MERE FIAT WOULD HAVE SHOWN GOD’S POWER; THE INCARNATION SHOWS HIS AGAPE (LOVE). For it was not things without being that needed salvation, so that a bare command would suffice, but man, ALREADY IN EXISTENCE, WAS GOING TO CORRUPTION AND RUIN. Therefore, He put on a body that He might find death in the body and BLOT IT OUT. FOR HOW, COULD THE LORD HAVE BEEN PROVED AT ALL TO BE THE LIFE, HAD HE NOT QUICKENED WHAT WAS MORTAL?… And if death had been kept from the body by a mere command on His part, if would nonetheless have been mortal and corruptible, according to the nature of bodies, but that this should not be, IT PUT ON THE INCORPOREAL LOGS OF GOD, AND THUS NO LONGER FEARS EITHER DEATH OR CORRUPTION; FOR IT HAS LIFE AS A GARMENT, AND CORRUPTION IS DONE AWAY IN IT."

That we have the ability to call God "Father" IS DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF THE LOGOS/WORD and the Spirit WITHIN US. It is the Son’s good pleasure that we should call His Father our Father. The Saint prefers the word "Father" to the word "unoriginate" as a name for God. He says, "We have not been instructed to baptize in the name of ‘Unoriginate and Originate’ or in the ‘Uncreate and Creature,’ but in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For in this manner, when we are thus INITIATED, WE ARE TRULY MADE SONS. When saying the name of the Father, we, too, acknowledge also from that name the Logos/Word in the Father." [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

__________

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

With sincere agape in His Holy and Glorious Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Risen Lord, God, and Savior JESUS CHRIST,

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!

RESURRECTION ODE

Let us who have beheld the Resurrection of Christ, worship Our Holy Lord Jesus,
Who is alone without sin. We worship, Thy Cross, O Christ, and praise and glorify
Thy Holy Resurrection. For Thou art Our God, and we know none other beside
Thee, and we call upon Thy Name. Come, all you faithful, let us worship Christ’s
Holy Resurrection, for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole
world. We praise His Resurrection, and forever glorify the Lord. He endured the
Cross for us, and by death destroyed Death.

Jesus, having risen from the grave, as He foretold, has given to us Eternal Life
and the Great Mercy.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death,
and has bestowed life to those in the tombs.

+



THE FEAST DAY OF THE HOLY APOSTLES JASON AND SOSIPATER

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Third Tone

O Holy Apostles, intercede with the Merciful God that He grant
unto our souls forgiveness of offenses

Kontakion Hymn. Plagal of Second Tone

Being illuminated with the teachings of Paul, ye became luminaries
unto the whole world, O thrice-blessed ones; for ye ever shine upon
the world with miracles, O Jason, thou fountain of healings, and
Sosipater, thou glory of the Martyrs of Christ. O God-bearing Apostles,
ye protectors of them that be in need, entreat God that our souls be
saved.

The holy Apostles, Jason, and Sosipater were of the secret Seventy (70) holy Apostles and celebrate with them on the 4th of January. From the beginning were genuine Disciples and followers of the blessed Apostle Paul.

Introduction

We read in the Acts of the Holy Apostles that Saint Paul and Silas, having traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, came to Thessaloniki, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. "And according to what was customary to Saint Paul, he went in to them, and for three sabbaths was discoursing with them from the Scriptures, laying open and setting forth that it was needful for the Christ to have suffered, and to have risen from the dead, and that ‘this Jesus Whom I proclaim to you IS THE CHRIST." And some of them were persuaded and were allotted to Paul and Silas–both of the Greeks who were reverent, a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But those Jews who were not persuaded became jealous, and took to themselves certain evil men of the market-loungers, and formed a crowd, and made an uproar in the city; and having taken a stand against the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. But not having found them, they were dragging Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying out: "These who have upset the inhabited world are present here also, whom Jason hath received…"

The Life and Martyrdom of Saints Jason and Sosipater

Jason and Sosipater lived at the time when Kerkyllinos reigned over the Ionian island of Kerkyra (Corfu), a tributary of Rome. There were many then who were believing in the Lord, though punishment followed such a profession of faith. Many entered the struggle for deathlessness and were counted worthy of THE CROWN OF MARTYRDOM. Such were the Glorious Apostles JASON and SOSIPATER who entered these lists.

During the time of the missionary activity of the blessed Paul–that precious vessel of election, the mouth of Christ, the Light of the World–Who, to the very end, traversed the inhabited world and sowed the word of Truth in every place, he banished the devil through the planting of the knowledge of the Faith of Jesus Christ. His tours also brought him to the city of Thessaloniki, where he spread his mystical nets of the Lord’s Teaching. Among those who were caught was JASON, and with him SOSIPATER who hailed from Achaia Greece. They proved to shine forth as ever lit beacons illuminating all of the inhabited world. A passage from the Epistle to the Romans serves as the original encomium of these two Apostles, woven by Saint himself who comments: "Timothy my fellow worker, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you" (Romans 16:21). (please note: Achaia, a Roman Province during New Testament times, included the whole Peloponnesos, and most of Greece (Hellas) proper, with the islands. This Province, with Macedonia, comprehended all of Greece.) Though there were no consanguineal ties, yet they were identified with Saint Paul by reason of coinciding virtues and love and obedience to his directions.

These divine and most excellent men, JASON and SOSIPATER, from the start, as we said, were fruit-bearing fields of the divine Paul. In the West, they enlightened those in darkness, by the Light of the Truth of Christ, undergoing for themselves no small perils. Their lives were irreproachable as they taught the divine word in every quarter into which they passed. The thrice-blessed Jason, initially, had taken up the governance of the Metropolis of Tarsus, whereas the blessed Sosipater fulfilled his duty toward the protection o the Iconium Church. For a considerable time, after they served and shepherded the flocks of these cities by the grace of Christ, blessing many by their teachings, divine zeal and moved both Apostles to travel further West.

JASON and SOSIPATER came to the city of Kerkyra, the chief city, port, and capital that lies on a Peninsula on the East Coast of the island. The Apostles constructed a very beautiful church outside of the walls of the city, which they dedicated to the Protomartyr Stefanos (Stephen). In that sanctified place, they offered glorification to God both night and day. God blessed their endeavors, as they guided multitudes to the True Faith. One night, as the Saints were praying and extending their supplication, some of the idolaters entered within and questioned them, saying, "Tell us, O foreigners, what is this new teaching? What kind of belief is this? What should we expect of you? Forasmuch as it appears that great and wondrous are these tidings of which you speak so that these things transcend the mind of man." The Apostles replied, "Certainly, those things which we preach are mysteries of the True God, even as the Faith which we proclaim is True and blameless." The Holy Apostles then showed them the Cross of the Christ and the Gospel, saying, "the faith of Christians is not apprehended through demonstrative speeches, as you think, but RATHER THROUGH WORKS, MANIFEST AND WITHOUT DECEIT. FROM TIMES OF OLD, FULLNESS OF ASSURANCE WAS GIVEN BY WAY OF DEEDS RATHER THAN A SHOW OF WORDS. AND WHERESOEVER THE FAITH APPEARS, IT ENERGIZES, THEREBY GIVING PROOF OF THE WORDS."

These and many other EDIFYING COUNSELS were uttered by the Holy Apostles. Those who had been attracted by God were persuaded and came to believe in the Savior Christ. Each one of them was baptized, thus adding to the faithful of the Lord both men and women. Now the king of the island, who was named Kerkyllinos, when he heard of these events and was informed about the Saints, became indignant. He dispatched his men, who were commissioned to bring Jason and Sosipater before him. He addressed them and said: "Tell me, from what parts do you come? And who is the one who delivered such teachings to you, which not only oppose the customs of the fathers but also prevent sacrifices to the great gods? Why do you seek to expand and magnify worship for the Crucified One?" The Holy Apostles answered, "…We have been ordained Disciples of the Apostles of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Behold, we pre and bach the gladsome news to all men! They, thereby, have the opportunity to shun the vain and falsely named gods, so that they also may turn to the True God, THE LIVING One, Who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and all that is therein."

The king, hearing these things, said to the men of God, ‘Be obedient to me. Once you renounce that Christ Whom you took up, then you can offer sacrifice to the gods before whom all the inhabited world sacrifices, and thus will your souls live in honor. Come now! You know what I mean unless you prefer to be put to the test by diverse tortures, the like of which have been neither heard nor seen so that your bodies would be left as prey for carnivorous beasts and birds. The Saints answered, "…Hear, O king, on the one hand, thou have authority over our bodies and have the power to punish them as thou hast said, whether it be by scourging, burning to fire, casting us into the sea…but on the other hand, thou have no authority over our souls, only God has such power as the One Who exercises authority over every creature that has breath…"

The Holy Apostles JASON and SOSIPATER suffered many tortures for Christ’s Name, drew many souls to salvation, and finished the course of their life there. As a result of their martyric account, there are holy icons depicting both of the Holy Apostles within a fiery cauldron, as shown in the Thessalian icons from the monasteries of Doussikon (16th Century) and Transfiguration of the Great Meteoron. In the ancient city of Kerkyra (Corfu), a church from the first centuries built in their honor and bearing inscriptions that mention the Saints by name, verify the historical account concerning them. [ Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

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



With sincere agape in His Holy and Glorious Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Risen Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!

On the 25th of April, Our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the holy,
and Glorious Apostle MARK the Evangelist.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hyn, Third Tone

O holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, intercede with the Merciful
God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offenses.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

When thou hadst received the Spirit’s grace from Heaven’s
heights, thou rentest apart the webs of the philosophers; and
on catching all of the nations in thy net, O all-lauded Mark, thou
didst offer to thy Lord, by preaching the Gospel of divine renown.

The compilers of The Great Synaxaristes (in Greek) believe that Papias (A.D. 60-130), Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia is the first one to connect the Gospel of Mark with Peter. The tradition recorded by him was universally accepted by those who came after him. Now there are few who believe that the divine Mark was not of Hebrew stock, but that he previously was an idolater from Cyrene of Pentapolis, which is near Libya. Thus, there are divergent views, some say that the Evangelist Mark is not John Mark, the son of the widow Mary, while others say he was the kinsman of Barnabas. Having come to the Faith of Christ through the Apostle Peter, he followed him to Rome. While there, at the prompting of Peter himself and at the request of the Christians living there, he wrote his Gospel in Greek, and it is second in order after Matthew’s. Afterward, traveling to Egypt, he preached the Gospel there and was the first to establish the Church of Alexandria. The idolaters, unable to bear his preaching, seized him, bound him with ropes, and dragged him through the streets until he was cut to pieces on rocks, and gave up his soul. It is said that he completed his life in martyrdom about the year A.D. 68. He is depicted in holy icons with a lion next to him, one of the living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), and a symbol of Christ’s Royal Office, as Saint Irenaeus of Lyons writes.

MORE OF SAINT MARK’S LIFE ACCORDING TO THE
GREAT SYNAXARISTES OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH:

His ministry (diakonia) took place during the reign of Tiberius Caesar Augustus (A.D. 14-37) until the era of Nero (54-68).

Introduction

There is some confusion surrounding the life and suffering of the Evangelist Mark on account of there being at least three with the name of the Apostle Mark mentioned in the Synaxariste.

Another subject that engages writers was how and where Saint Mark write his Gospel. Meletios writes that while Peter was preaching in Rome, the Romans were dissatisfied with only oral discourses. Upon requesting a written version for posterity, Saint Peter commissioned Mark who was greatly familiar not only with Saint Peter’s teachings but also with the language. Evsevios, the Church Historian writes of Saint Peter’s hearers that neither were they satisfied with hearing the word once only nor were they content with just the unwritten teaching of the divine Gospel. Therefore, with all sorts of entreaties, they besought Mark, a follower of the holy Apostle Peter, and the one whose Gospel is extant, that he would leave them a written monument of the doctrine which has been orally communicated to them. Nor did they cease until they had prevailed with the man, and thus, it brought about the occasion of the written Gospel which bears the name Mark.

"And they say that Peter, when he had learned through a revelation of the Spirit of that which had been done, was pleased with the zeal of the men, and thus, the work obtained the sanction of his authority for the purpose of being used in the churches."

In the divine office of the Saint, we chant: "Thou didst become a companion of Paul, and with him, thou didst pass through Macedonia; when thou didst come to Rome, thou didst become the pleasant disciple of Peter and was shown to be his interpreter." And, "Manifestly following Peter, O wise one, as his disciple thou didst give lasting form to the Gospel, receiving from him the light of theology and clearly proclaiming the coming of God in the flesh." "The preeminent Apostle Peter clearly led thee to spiritual truths and initiated tee into divine mysteries so as to write down the august Gospel."

The Great Synaxaristes (in Greek) places the Evangelist’s repose in the year A.D. 64. His holy relics are found in Alexandria. According to the vision of the Prophet Ezekiel there appeared to him "as it were, the likeness of FOUR LIVING CREATURES (Ez. 1:5)." Saint Jerome writes: "The four-faced creature that we met in the Apocalypse of Saint John (Rev. 4:6-8) and in the beginning of Ezekiel’s prophecy…has also special significance for the Gospels: MATTHEW is signified by the face of A MAN. LUKE with the face of AN OX, JOHN AN EAGLE, and MARK THE LION CRYING IN THE DESERT."

Mark, the holy Apostle, was the scion of Hebrew parentage. His lineage could be traced to the Tribe of Levi, the priestly caste. He lived at first in Jerusalem. Among the Jews, Mark was called John (that is, JOHANAN), his more commonly used name, Mark, was of Latin derivation. He joined this name to his Hebrew name later before departing to a foreign land, when he went with the Apostle Peter to preach the Gospel in Rome, then the Capital of the world.

According to a tradition accepted by the Orthodox Church, which is in agreement with the testimony of several ancient writers, he was one of the Seventy (70) Disciples of the Lord and, consequently, was himself an eyewitness to certain events in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. The book of the Acts of the Holy Apostles bears witness that the mother of the Evangelist Mark, Mary by name, owned a house in Jerusalem. It was there that the Apostle Peter found refuge after his miraculous deliverance from prison by the Angel [Acts 12:1-12]. After the Lord was taken up into the heavens, this house, during the persecution of the Christians, were able to gather together and worship. Thus, in the home of his mother, Saint Mark was able constantly to join in converse with Christians, taking part in their prayer meetings. He, at length, grew close to the holy Apostles themselves. He developed a particularly close relationship with the Apostle Peter, who showed him love and disposition which were truly paternal. This is apparent from Saint Peter’s own words. For, in his Epistle, he calls Mark his son and says: "She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, greeteth ou, and Mark my son [1 Peter 5:13].

Saint Mark was a cousin of the holy Apostle Barnabas, who was also, a Levite by descent [Acts 4:36], though the latter was born on the island of Cyprus. The holy Mark, through Barnabas, was introduced to the other preeminent Apostle. Saint Paul. This took place after Saint Paul’s wondrous conversion to the Christian Faith when the latter returned to Jerusalem. Having entered into a close relationship with these two preeminent Apostles Peter and Paul. Saint Mark became their closest co-worker and carried out their orders.

The holy Relics of Saint Mark

The unquenched wickedness of the heathen was not satisfied with the death of the holy Apostle. They, therefore, decided to consume his body with fire at a place called Angels. The blaze was already kindled and they were ready to burn to ashes his holy relics. Then, suddenly, by the Providence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there descended a furious storm, and driving rain, and heavy winds. The rays of the sun were cloaked. There was a dreadful clap of thunder. The rain fell until the evening, which resulted in submerged houses and many deaths. The heathen were so terrified that they scattered, leaving the holy relics. Some of the pagans began saying, by way of deceit and derision, "Our thrice-blessed Serapion wrought this, visiting this man fo his nativity.

Then pious men took up the holy relics of the Righteous man from the ashes and reverently buried them. The funeral was performed with prayers and psalmody. The internment took place in a hewed-out tomb of stone, in the place where they held their prayer services. Thus, the holy relics became the first heirloom acquired by the Alexandrian Church. In the year A.D. 310, a church was erected over the tomb of Saint Mark, and his holy relics remained in Alexandria until the 9th century. In 828 A.D. the holy relics of the holy Evangelist were transferred to Venice, near which he had for a time preached the Gospel. The head of Saint Mark remained in Egypt. At Venice, the holy relics are in the Basilica of Saint Marco which was erected in his honor. Saint Mark became the Patron Saint of Venice.

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

+ + +



With sincere love in the Glorious and Divine Resurrection of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Risen Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!
[Part II]

Evnomianos the Saint’s father was filled with fear and trembling. Great astonishment was instilled in his soul. Then the couple approached the most venerable Archbishop and gave him the customary greeting. He vouchsafed the child the seal of Christ. Then after having given some instruction or catechism to the parents, he baptized the girl, naming her Elisabeth, as the Martyr foretold. The hierarch prayed at length for the infant just baptized, after which he spoke to the newly-illumined Elisabeth and said, "Through thee, child, may the Lord be gracious to me, granting me forgiveness of my sins." The parents then returned to their home rejoicing. The child kept on advancing in wisdom and stature.

Saint Elisabeth entered the Women’s Monastery of the Holy and Great-Martyr George of "the little hill" as it was called. Elisabeth’s paternal aunt was the hegumene or abbess. She undertook to tread the path of ascetic, struggles and dedicate her life as a bride of Christ. She desired to become one of the assembly of pious nuns. She was clad in the Angelic Schema or the monastics, to which conduct of ascetic struggle she went forth with all her soul. Elisabeth succeeded in attaining every kind of virtue, so as to become replete with all the gifts of the Spirit. In imitation of the great Moses and Elias the Thesbite, she oftentimes engaged n forty-day fasts, without partaking of food. She never partook of oil but was nourished solely upon the heavenly bread alone, that is, the Eucharist. Since she was continually adorned with exalting humility and noetically contemplated divine beauty with the eyes of the heart, she di not wish to lift up her eyes to heaven at all. Consequently, for three years, Elisabeth kept her head downward. She, therefore, fastened her mind only upon God, never beholding the beauty and breadth of the sky. She was so aflame with divine love that she tolerated with fortitude the cold and icy winters, even with feet bereft of shoes.

Two years after her journey in the Women’s Monastery, her father’s sister departed from this present life after appointing the Righteous Elisabeth as her successor. The Office of Hegoumene (Abbess) of that Monastery was confirmed by the great Genadios, who was then steering the Patriarchate. By her godly labors, she manifested the superiority of her excellences and the height of her extreme virtue and perfection. She was accounted worthy by God of such divine energy that she was enabled to heal incurable diseases and dispel demons by invoking Christ. She also was vouchsafed divine illumination and revelation from on high, so that she prophetically foretold future events.

There were numerous miracles attributed to Saint Elisabeth. She came to the aid of people who lived in a neighborhood with many old ruins and abandoned buildings where there as a lair of a dragon. Since many suffered injury and loss, no one could pass through safely. When the holy Elisabeth learned of these conditions she was inspired by divine zeal. She took into her hands the weapon of the Cross and went to that suburb. She lifted her eyes heavenward and called upon help from on high. Though the beast did not wish to emerge, yet she summoned that creature to come forth from its lair. She then made the Sign of the Cross over the reptile. She next filled her mouth with saliva and spat upon its head. Following this, with her feet, she trampled the creature underfoot and slew the dragon, saying, "Thou shalt tread upon asp and basilisk, and thou shall trample underfoot lion and dragon, with the honorable Cross as a wall of protection. As a result of her fearless deed, the entire city was utterly delivered from the menace of that reptile. Therefore, her fame spread throughout the region.

Since her good fame had spread, there came forward a father and his daughter. The man, wealthy and wellborn, had an only daughter who was afflicted with an issue of blood. The father expended the greater pat of his fortune on physicians in order his daughter’s infirmity. The physicians were unable to help his infirm child. Finally, after having grown weary of finding salvation from the doctors, he brought his child to the holy Hegoumene (Abbess). He placed her before the feet of Mother Elisabeth and, with tear-filled eyes, pleaded, "Save my unfortunate daughter, O slave of God! It is to God and thy holy prayers and hands that I commit her. Indeed, if thou dost wish it, take all that I possess." The Saint answered him sincerely, "On the one hand, that which is in thy house, child, keep as thine own; for I have need of none of those things. On the other hand, if thou believes unhesitatingly and in accordance with the Gospel commandments, give thy promise to abide to the end both humble-minded and merciful to the poor, and thy daughter shall be cured." Mother Elisabeth anointed the daughter with holy oil from the vigil lamp set before the Great Martyr George. The daughter was restored to health. The father and daughter, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, were then sent to their home by the woman of God. Now there were many other women who also suffered from the same disease of hemorrhaging, which infirmity caused their strength to fail. They, with faith, approached Mother Elisabeth and received healing for the issue of blood infirmity.

Among the others who also visited the Saint, there as a man who had been blind from birth. When he learned of the Venerable woman’s miracle, he came being led by the hand. He said to Mother Elisabeth, "Have mercy on me, O thou faithful disciple of God! Do thou open my eyes, so that, seeing the sweet light by means of thee, I may glorify the Creator of all." The blessed woman was moved to pity by his lamentations. Without delay, she raised her hands heavenward and sent up supplication. She then took holy oil from the lamp of Saint George and anointed the blind man’s eyes. By the close of seven days, he was able to see sharply. He, thereupon, glorified God with a great voice.

Saint Elisabeth left Herakleia, boarding a ship. She arrived at her sacred Monastery on the 1st of April. Thereafter, she did not cease in exhorting and admonishing the sisterhood with her honey-tongued teaching. By beseeching, instructing, and teaching them at length, she stressed all those edifying disciplines that lead to salvation. When the number of appointed days had been completed before her repose, she celebrated with splendor that gladsome and universal feast of the Ever-Memorable Martyr George on the 23rd of April, which was also the feast day of the Women’s Monastery. After she communicated the immaculate and Life-Giving Mysteries (Sacraments), her countenance, straightway, shone radiantly as the sun. Replete with joy and good cheer, she raised her hands and stretched forth her arms, crying aloud with thanksgiving, "Now lettest Thy handmaid depart in peace, O Master, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."

From the sixth hour, that is, noon, she was taken with a high fever. Mother Elisabeth continued until the next day. Then, at the third hour, that is, nine in the morning, she commended her spirit into the hands of God. She reposed in peace on the 24th day of April. All the monastics from the surrounding monasteries hastened to pay their last respects to the monument of virtue. She was reverently interred in the church of the Holy Great Martyr George.

Such were the life, the works, and the spiritual gifts by which the Master of All glorified her both while she lived and after she was translated to the realms on high. Through her intercessions, may all of us, who desire to have rendered to us her protection and help, ever be preserved and held above both bodily and spiritual passions! Thus, in this way, may we escape harm from the scandals and stumbling blocks of the invisible and visible enemies. And having finished the present life in peace, may we attain that blessedness in Christ Jesus our Lord, to Whom belongs all glory, honor, and veneration, now and ever and to the ages of ages! Amen.

________________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His All-Glorious and Divine Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George