My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate Lord,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

ON THE 29th OF DECEMBER
OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH
COMMEMORATES THE HOLY FOURTEEN THOUSAND INFANTS
(INNOCENTS) SLAIN AT HEROD’S ORDER IN BETHLEHEM

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Holy Infants. First Tone

BE Thou entreated for the sake of the sufferings of Thy Saints which
they endured for Thee, O Lord, and do Thou heal all pains, we pray,
O Friend of man.

Kontakion Hymn of the Holy Infants. Plagal of Second Tone

WHEN the King was born in Bethlehem, the Magi arrived from the
East with gifts guided by a Star on high, but Herod was troubled
and mowed down the children like wheat; for he lamented that his
power would soon be destroyed.

When Herod "saw that he was mocked of the wise men" (Matthew, Ch. 2), he became "exceeding "wroth", both with them and the newborn King of the Jews. He was angry with the Magi because they had failed to return and tell him where the Child was, and with Christ, because he was afraid to lose his kingdom. He thought Christ wished to establish an earthly empire and failed to understand that the Lord’s Kingdom is not of this world. What, then, did wretched Herod do? He could harm neither the Magi who had departed, nor Christ; Whose whereabouts were unknown to him, so he poured out his anger upon INNOCENT CHILDREN. Like a savage wounded beast that does not care what injured it, but lunges at whatever happens to be nearby, Herod in his rage attacked the blameless infants because those who had aroused his fury were out of reach. He sent soldiers armed as if for battle to Bethlehem, with orders to slay every child that was "two year old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men."

Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Theophylact (as was said in the Narrative of the Adoration of the Magi) inform us that the Star was first seen quite some time before the Nativity. The Wise Men arrived in Jerusalem on the day of the Nativity, worshipped Christ in Bethlehem before the purification of the spotless Theotokos, then "departed into their own country another way." Herod did not immediately realize that he had been mocked by the Magi, but at first, thought that they had failed to find Him Whom they sought, and not wishing to become a laughing-stock, had secretly slipped away in shame.

For a whole year Herod vainly searched for Christ. Then necessity required him to visit Caesar in Rome, and he became very worried that the people would acclaim the Child king and he would lose his throne. Therefore, he decided to destroy ALL THE INFANTS IN BETHLEHEM, and with them, Christ the Lord. The slaughter of the INNOCENTS took place twenty-one months after the Star appeared, in the year following the Nativity, on the 29th of December; therefore, our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates these blameless sufferers on this day. Because he wished to be certain he had achieved his aim, "fearful Herod slew all the children from two years old or less was put to death," says Saint John Chrysostom. The raging tyrant was a coward, so his order was intended to allow the soldiers no possibility of error" according to Saint John. Efthymius Zigavenus’ explanation agrees with Saint Chrysostom’s: "Herod knew that the Star appeared some time before the Child was born, and to prevent Christ’s escape, commanded that no babe less than two years old survive."

Some of the Innocents were run through with the sword, others smashed against walls or with rocks, and others were hurled to the ground and trampled underfoot, others strangled, others had their limbs torn off, others were speared, others cleaved asunder. Their mothers wailed pitifully, piercing heaven with their cries. They ripped out their hair and tore their flesh and clothing. On that day the saying of the Prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

"In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping, and
great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not
be comforted, because they are not" (Jeremiah, Ch. 31).

Rama was a city on a hill within the allotment of the Tribe of Benjamin. Rachel is another name for Bethlehem, since Rachel, mother of Benjamin and wife of the Patriarch Jacob, was buried there. When the infants were slaughtered in Bethlehem, that is, in Rachel, "the lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning" of the mothers could be heard in Rama, which is not far away.

Both Saint John Chrysostom and Saint John of Damascus described how the mothers mourned their slain babes. Saint John writes: "The mothers pleaded with the murderers, ‘Why do you butcher our children? What offense have they committed against you or your king? But the soldiers were too busy with their grisly work to reply. Nothing could calm the women, who were in a frenzy and cried out with ever-increasing desperation, ‘Mercy! Mercy! Have you no mothers? Do you not have wives? Are you not put to shame by our naked breasts? What if these were your children? Have compassion on us, slay us rather than our little babies. We cannot bear to see them destroyed! Take our lives first! Wet your swords with our blood! If these children have committed some wrong, put us to death with them.’

Saint John of Damascus describes the mothers’ lamentation like this: "With heads uncovered and hands uplifted to God, the mothers sat beside their murdered sons, experiencing anew the pangs of childbirth. Tearing out their hair, throwing dust upon themselves, and weeping bitterly, they begged heaven to serve as witness to the injustice. They reproached Herod as if he were present: ‘For what reason have you issued such a command, O King? You are a father; you know what love parents, have for their children, Was it the Star that angered you? Then you would have done better to lose arrows into the sky and to have let milk continue to flow from our breasts. Did the Wise Men scorn you? If so, you should have launched an attack on Persia and allowed Bethlehem to keep her sons. Did you learn from books that a new king was born? Why, then, did you not lay hold of Gabriel, the Herald, and cast him into prison?’

Soon after the massacre of the holy children, Divine retribution overtook Herod. According to Saint Theophylact, he "came to a miserable end, with fever, spasms of the bowels, itching swelling of the feet, rotting of the private parts, breeding of worms, difficulty in breathing, trembling, and spasms in every member until he spat out his wicked soul. It is said that he was not satisfied with slaughtering the children of Bethlehem and that shortly before expiring he executed many of the most noble and eminent citizens of Jerusalem. Among those he put to the sword were the Jewish High Priest Hyrcanus and all the chief priests and scribes of the people. As for the holy infants slaughtered for Christ, they reside on High with the Angels, "FOR OF SUCH CHILDREN IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD" (Luke, Ch. 8), in Christ Jesus our Lord. Unto Him be glory forever. Amen. [Source: The Great Collection of The Lives of the Saints)

_________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +



With sincere agape in Our Incarnate Lord,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God,

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΑΤΑΙ! ΔΟΞΑΣΑΤΕ!

On the 28th of December, Our Holy Orthodox Christian Church
commemorates the Holy Twenty Thousand Holy Martyrs
Burned Alive in the Church at Nicomedia and Others Put to Death
by Various Means.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Martyrs. Second Tone

BLESSED is the earth that drank your blood, O prizewinners of the
Lord, and holy are the tabernacles that received your spirits; for in
the stadium ye triumphed over the enemy, and ye proclaimed Christ
with boldness. Beseech Him, we pray, since He is Good, to save
our souls.

Kontakion Hymnof the Martyrs. First Tone

A TWENTY-THOUSAND numbered battalion of Martyrs ariseth
like an unwaning star great with brightness, enlightening by faith
the hearts and the minds of all godly folk. For, enkindled with
divine love unto the Master, this courageous host received a
sanctified ending when eagerly burned with fire.

During the second year of emperor Maximian’s reign, the Church was enjoying a foretaste of the blessed peace she would experience under the Great Constantine. Christian piety gained a foothold even in the imperial palace. Nicomedia is Maximian’s Capital. Many members of the Court forsook the pagan idols and were converted to Christ God, and the word of this soon reached the ruler’s ears. He, being a pagan, was already making preparations for a savage persecution of the Christians, and would have launched his attack on Christ’s Church at once, had not the frontiers come under assault by barbarians. He was compelled to deal with these foreign enemies and to postpone taking up arms against those he considered domestic enemies. Yet the Christians were not his enemies at all.

Maximian returned triumphant over his enemies but did not ascribe the victory to the God of heaven, Who is Might in battle, but to his lifeless idols. Intending to offer sacrifices in thanksgiving to the demons and initiate the persecution of the Christians. The persecution was launched by order of the emperor destroying God’s holy churches, raising up pagan shrines, and dispatching cruel governors to various lands with orders to torture Christians mercilessly. He himself was the chief and most savage persecutor, butchering the faithful to such numbers that innocent blood flowed like water.

The feast of Christ’s Nativity arrived, and with it, the time for a great holocaust to the newborn Lord. All the faithful were assembled in the church, and the impious servants of the ungodly Maximian said to him, "O Emperor, on this day the God of the Christians was born, according to the fables told by these deceivers. The Nazarenes are all gathered in the church to celebrate their feast, therefore, we advise you to send troops to guard the entrance and prevent any escape. Have them erect an altar to our gods at the threshold of the building, and a herald announces that whoever wishes to leave must offer sacrifice. Do as you wish with the obedient, and have your soldiers burn the others of the miscreants that cause such harm to the Empire, and in the future, you will enjoy freedom from care."

The Emperor bade the Commander of his bodyguard lead a strong force to the church, and to pile hemp, wood chips, and other flammable materials against it. When everything was ready, the tyrant’s herald entered the building, and shouted, "Listen! Maximian, master of the whole world, sends you this message: either leave this place at once, sacrifice to the gods on the altar at the entranceway, and save your lives, or defy the imperial will and perish miserably. Fire is ready and kindling prepared; make your choice quickly!"

In response to this ultimatum, the Archdeacon standing in the sanctuary stepped forth and addressed the people: "Behold, brethren, and co-believers, the courageous example of the Three Youths in Babylon remains fresh in your minds, for it was only a few days ago that we honored their memory and extolled their valiant witness in the truth. They were mere children, only three in number, but there is an enormous crowd of us, and many of our number have reached old age; furthermore, we have numerous models of courageous suffering for Christ to inspire us. May love for this fleeting existence not turn us into sniveling cowards. May we never prefer the present life to God, Who created us and underwent death in the flesh for our sake!

As the holy Archdeacon spoke, the spark of divine love burst into flame in the hearts of the whole congregation, and the people shouted with a single voice, "WE ARE CHRISTIANS! WE ARE CHRISTIANS, AND REFUSE TO WORSHIP YOUR FALSE GODS, O EMPEROR!"

Word of this challenge reached Maximian, who, without a moment’s delay, ordered the church burned to the ground, with the believers in it. Meanwhile, the catechumens n the building were separated from the faithful, divided into four groups, baptized, and chrismated. Then everyone received the Holy Mysteries, while the contemptible Emperor’s soldiers lit the fire. Flames shot up, igniting the roof, and soon the blaze had spread inside. As the fire drew near, the Christians raised their voices to God, summoning all nations to join them in chanting the hymn to the Three Holy Children. Before they could complete their hymn, they surrendered their souls into the hands of the Lord, becoming pleasing sacrifices to the Spotless Lamb of God slaughtered for the sins of the world. Altogether 20,000 faithful, a veritable army of holy Martyrs, were immolated and added to the Church Triumphant, with which they keep high festival unto the ages.

Five days later the ruins of the church and the charred bodies of the Saints were still smoldering but gave off no stench. Instead, they filled the air with wonderfully fragrant smoke. A golden ray of light, brighter than the mourning sun, shone down upon the scene of destruction. Meanwhile, the Emperor, confident he had disposed of most of the Christians n Nicomedia, enjoyed himself with horse races and other entertainments. [Source: The Great Collection of The Lives of the Saints]

____________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in Our Incarnate God,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΑΤΑΙ! ΔΟΞΑΣΑΤΕ!

THE MARTYRDOM OF THE HOLY PROTOMARTYR AND
ARCHDEACON STEFANOS (Stephen).

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Fourth Tone

THE crown of the Kingdom hath adorned the brow of thy head
because of the contests that thou hast endured for Christ God,
thou first of the martyred Saints; for when thou hadst censured
the Jews’ madness, thou sawest Christ thy Savior standing at
the Right hand of the Father. O Stefanos, ever pray to Him for
us, that He would save our souls.

Kontakion Hymn. Third Tone

YESTERDAY the Master came, to be with us in the body; and today
His faithful slave departeth out of the body; yesterday the King was
born in the flesh for our sakes; today the servant suffereth
death by stoning; and for His sake is perfected the First of Martyrs,
Stefanos the truly divine.

“And Stefanos (Stephen), full of faith and power, did great Wonders
and Signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8).

“…But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw
the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and said, ‘Look! I see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of
God!’ …and they cast him out of the city AND STONED HIM” (Acts 7:55-58).

“… And they stoned Stefanos as he was calling on God and saying, ‘LORD JESUS,
RECEIVE MY SPIRIT.’ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘LORD,
DO NOT CHARGE THEM WITH THIS SIN.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep”
(Acts 7:58-60).

STEFANOS (Stephen), being full of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, was the foremost of the Seven Deacons and received the title Archdeacon. He did “great Wonders and Miracles among the people” (Acts, Ch. 6), although these are not described in the Holy Scripture. Actually, not even Christ’s miracles are full recorded, for it says, in the Gospel, “There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that seen the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John, Ch. 21). Nonetheless, like the Twelve Apostles, laid his hands on many sick people and returned them to health. Being a man mighty in word, he confirmed the believers in the faith as well, and from the Law and the Prophets proved to the Jews that Jesus, Whom THEY SLEW OUT OF MALICE, was the Son of God, the Messiah awaited from ancient times.

Confuted by the truth, which shone brighter than the sun, the Jews burned with anger and paid men to accuse Stephen before the High Priest of having blasphemous Moses and God. In addition, they “stirred up the people, and the elders. and the scribes,” and “came upon” Saint Stephen, “and caught him,” and “brought him” to the High Priest and the council of Jewish teachers. Then they “set up the false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the Law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

As the holy Stefanos stood in the midst of the murderers, HIS FACE SHONE WITH DIVINE GRACE, like Moses’ in days of old. His flesh was gloriously transfigured, “and all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw HIS FACE AS IF IT HAD BEEN THE FACE OF AN ANGEL.” The High Priest asked whether the things said by the accusers were true, and Stefanos replied by recounting the history of the Hebrew people from the time of Abraham (who was first among them to receive the Promise of the Messiah) till Moses. He spoke reverently and respectfully, demonstrating clearly that he was neither a reviler of Moses nor of the Law given by God through the Prophet, as his slanderers alleged. He showed that it as the fathers of the Jewish people that were blasphemous, REBELLING AGAINST MOSES, “and in their hearts” turning “back again into Egypt” (Acts, Ch. 7).

I confess that the Lord DWELLS CHIEFLY IN IMMATERIAL TEMPLES NOT CONSTRUCTED BY HUMAN CRAFT, THAT IS, HE ABIDES IN THE HEARTS OF THE PURE. “The Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the Prophet. Heaven is My Throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me? Or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?” (Isaiah, Ch. 66).

With that, divine zeal filled Stephen’s heart as it had Elijah’s in ancient times, and the Saint began to censure the entire assembly. When they heard the Saint say this, the High Priest, Scribes, and the entire crowd of Jews were filled with hatred, but he was not afraid in the least, for HE WAS FULL OF GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH EMBOLDENED HIM AND ENABLED HIM TO SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD WITHOUT HESITATION. Looking up “INTO HEAVEN,” he “SAW THE GLORY OF GOD,” which he had long hoped to behold. As his end drew near, he transcended the flesh and received the first fruits of his reward: HE GAZED UPON CHRIST JESUS THE LORD BECKONING HIM AND REMINDING HKM THAT WHERE THE MASTER IS, THERE SHALL BE THE SERVANT BE. (John, Ch.12). WITHOUT A LOUD VOICE STEPHEN PROCLAIMED: “I SEE THE HEAVENS OPENED, AND THE SON OF MAN STANDING ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD” (Acts Ch. 7).

Unlike other Saints, who, out of humility, concealed divine revelations granted them, Saint Stefanos made known HIS VISION TO ALL, so that believers would be confirmed in the faith and unbelievers roused. He wished to assure those who would be martyred after him that they would encounter no obstacle or resistance on their way to judgment, but that the path would be open and that the Ruler of the contest awaited them in Divine Glory at the celestial gates. Declaring boldly what he saw, the holy Protomartyr summoned others TO WIN THE CROWN OF SUFFERING.

The malicious Jews, however, who slew the Prophets and rose up against the Lord Himself, the Fulfiller of the Law and the sayings of the Prophets, could not endure hearing Saint Stefanos SPEAK THE TRUTH. “They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,” laying murderous hands on him. Then Saint Stefanos was led out of the city, like his Lord, Who deigned to suffer outside Jerusalem. The bloodthirsty hypocrites, preparing to stone Christ’s good and faithful servant, removed their outer garments so that they could move more freely, and laid them at the feet of a young man named Soul, (the future Saint Paul), a kinsman of the victim. Saul, it is written, was “CONSENTING UNTO” Stephen’s death. (Acts, Ch. 8), being more infuriated with him than any of the others, o account of his fanatical devotion to the ancient Law. “He was sorry,” Saint John Chrysostom tells us, “that he did not have innumerable hands with which to stone Saint Stefanos, but consoled himself with the thought that many false witnesses were found to kill the Martyr, and that he was able to guard their clothing.”

While the Saint was being murdered in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The Valley of Jehoshaphat is situated between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. Through it runs the torrent of Kedron, which has many rocks scattered on the banks, the Most Pure Virgin, with Saint John the Theologian, was standing on a hill some distance away, praying fervently to her Son and Lord that He strengthen Stefanos and enable him to endure, and that He receive the Archdeacon’s soul into His hands. Oh, how sweet was the death of the holy Protomartyr! As the Lord Jesus watched from Heaven and His sweetest Mother and the Beloved Disciple looked down from the heights, stones rained upon him. Bloody, weak, and dying, but still standing, he called out, “LORD JESUS, RECEIVE MY SPIRIT,” then his thoughts turned to his slayers, and “he fell prostrate.” He prayed more fervently for them than he had for himself: his heart ached WITH COMPASSION FOR THE MURDERERS, AND HE “CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE, LORD. LAY NOT THIS SIN TO THEIR CHARGE. AND WHEN HE HAD SAID THIS, HE FELL ASLEEP.” Thus the Valiant struggler and Protomartyr finished his course, lying amid blood-stained rocks. His soul flew up through the heavens to reign forever with the King and Lord of Glory, Whom he had been deemed worthy to behold before his death.

The holy Archdeacon was ordained by the holy Apostles soon after Pentecost. He suffered on the 27th day of December, during the year following Christ’s Ascension. He was just over 30 years old and was a handsome man, but the beauty of his soul far surpassed that of his countenance.

Saint Stephen’s corpse was thrown out to become food for beasts and birds and lay a day and a night without burial. On the second night Gamaliel, the renowned teacher of the Jews of Jerusalem (who later, with his son Abib, believed in Christ), sent honorable and trustworthy men to remove the holy relics secretly. Shedding bitter tears, they reverently buried the holy relics on Gamaliel’s property in the village called Kaphargamala, which was two miles from Jerusalem. And who would not have wept, asks, Saint John Chrysostom, seeing the gentle lamb’s dead body, battered by stones?

Many years later the pious Empress Evdokia, wife of Theodosios the Lesser, went to Jerusalem. At the place where the holy Protomartyr Stefanos was killed and his blood stained the ground, the Empress, wishing to honor Christ, built a magnificent church dedicated to the Saint. Unto our God be glory forever. Amen [Source: The Great Collection of The Lives of the Saints]

Please note: The words of Saint Stephanos the Protomartyr are reminiscent of Christ’s words from the Cross (Luke 23:34). Also, the Martyrdom of Saint Stefanos was the beginning OF THE FIRST WIDESPREAD PERSECUTION OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS. In response to it they “scattered throughout the regions” of Palestine, using the opportunity to spread the Gospel.

________________

“Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!”

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in Our Incarnate God,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΑΤΑΙ! ΔΟΞΑΣΑΤE!

A PRAYER FROM SAINT BASIL THE GREAT

The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great

THE HOLY ANAPHORA

WITH these blessed powers, Master and lover of mankind, we sinners also cry out and say: truly You are Holy, and All-Holy; there is no bound to the Majesty of Your Holiness. You are Holy in all Your works, for in Righteousness and true judgment You have brought all things to pass for us. Taking clay from the earth, You shaped man, and honoring him, O God, with Your likeness, You set him in a Paradise of delight, promising him immortality and the enjoyment of everlasting blessings in the keeping of Your commandments.

But once he disobeyed You, the True God Who created him, and fell under the serpent’s guile, becoming subject to death by his own transgression, in Your just judgment, O God, You exiled him from Paradise into this world, returning him to the earth from which he was first taken, yet planned for him SALVATION THROUGH REBIRTH IN YOUR CHRIST.

For You did not turn away altogether from what You had fashioned, O Gracious God, nor did You forget the work of Your hands. But in the depth of Your love, You watched over him in many ways. You sent forth Prophets, You worked mighty signs through Your Saints, who in each generation were pleasing to You. You spoke to us through the mouths of Your servants the Prophets, announcing to us beforehand THE SALVATION THAT WAS TO COME. You gave the Law as guide; You set Angels as guardians. And when THE FULLNESS OF TIME CAME, YOU SPOKE TO US THROUGH YOUR VERY SON, THROUGH WHOM YOU CREATED THE AGES.

For though He is the reflection of Your Glory and the very Likeness of Your Person, sustaining all things by the power of His Logos/Word, He "did not count equality with [You, God and Father] a thing to be grasped. But though He was God BEFORE ALL TIME, He was sent on earth and lived among the people. AND TAKING FLESH FROM THE Holy Virgin, He "EMPTIED HIMSELF, TAKING THE FORM OF A SERVANT, BEING IN THE LIKENESS" of "our lowly body," that He might "CHANGE [US] TO BE LIKE His glorious body."

For SINCE IT WAS BY MAN THAT SIN ENTERED THE WORLD, AND DEATH THROUGH SIN, Your Only-Begotten Son, He Who was in the bosom of God the Father, CONDESCENDED TO BE BORN OF WOMAN, the Holy Theotokos, and Ever-virgin Mary; TO BE BORN UNDER THE LAW, SO AS TO CONDEMN SIN IN HIS FLESH, THAT THOSE WHO DIE IN ADAM, MAY BE BROUGHT TO LIFE IN YOUR CHRIST.

And HAVING LIVED IN THIS WORLD AND HAVING PRECEPTS FOR SALVATION, TURNING US AWAY FROM THE DELUSION OF IDOLATRY, HE BROUGHT US TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF YOU, THE TRUE GOD AND FATHER, REDEEMING US TO HIMSELF AS "A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION," AND, WHEN HE HAD CLEANSED US IN WATER AND SANCTIFIED US WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE GAVE HIMSELF UP AS A RANSOM TO DEATH, TO WHICH WE WERE IN BONDAGE, SOLD UNDER SIN. HE DESCENDED INTO HADES BY WAY OF THE CROSS, "THAT HE MIGHT FILL ALL THINGS" IN HIMSELF AND "LOOSED THE PANGS OF DEATH."

RISING ON THE THIRD DAY, HE PREPARED THE WAY FOR THE RESURRECTION OF ALL FLESH FROM THE DEAD, "BECAUSE IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR HIM [THE AUTHOR OF LIFE] TO BE HELD BY IT." HE THUS BECAME THE FIRST FRUITS OF THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP," "THE FIRST-BORN FROM THE DEAD, THAT IN EVERYTHING HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT." ASCENDING INTO HEAVEN, HE WAS ENTHRONED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF YOUR MAJESTY ON HIGH, WHENCE HE SHALL COME TO RENDER TO EACH OF US ACCORDING TO OUR DEEDS.

But He left us remembrances of His Saving Passion, these which we have set forth as He COMMENDED. For as He was about to go forth to His VOLUNTARY AND ETERNALLY MEMORABLE AND LIFEGIVING DEATH, ON the night when He gave Himself up FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD, TAKING BREAD IN His Holy and Spotless hands, and presenting it to You, God and Father, He gave thanks, blessed it, Sanctified it and broke it, then He gave it to His holy Disciples and Apostles, saying: Take eat, this is My Body which is broken for you for the remission of sins. Amen. Likewise, taking the cup "of the fruit of the vine" mixing it, giving thanks, blessing, and sanctifying it, He gave it to His holy Disciples and Apostles, saying: Drink of this all of you; this is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. Amen.

Do this in remembrance of Me. For whenever you eat this Bread and drink this cup, you proclaim My death and confess My Resurrection. Therefore, Master, as we too remember His Saving sufferings, the Lifegiving Cross, the three days in the tomb, the Resurrection from the dead, the Ascension into Heaven, the Enthronement at Your Right Hand, God, and Father, and His Glorious and awesome Second Coming.

Offering You these gifts from Your Own Gifts, IN ALL AND FOR ALL.

WE PRAISE YOU, WE BLESS YOU, WE GIVE THANKS TO YOU, AND WE PRAY TO YOU, LORD OUR GOD.

Please Note: The Divine Liturgy conducted for Christmas is the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great.

MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED, HEALTHY, AND SAFE CHRISTMAS.

With agape in the Incarnate Logos,

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM.

The Homeless Christ Child of Bethlehem

"…there was NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN." (Luke 2:7).

The Son of God is born not in a palace but in a humble cave. "He was laid in a manger, that is, in a feeding trough," writes, Saint Theophylact, "as if to teach us from the very beginning simplicity and frugality. But He was also laid in a manger to show us symbolically that He came to dwell in this world, the dwelling place of us who have become like the irrational beasts. Just as the trough is the usual and fitting place where the irrational cattle are found, so too this fallen world appears familiar and suitable for us. The manger, then, IS THE WORLD, and WE ARE THE IRRATIONAL BEASTS. And it was for this very reason that the Lord came here, TO DELIVER US FROM IRRATIONALITY" says, Saint Theophylact.

Jesus Christ, perfect God, and perfect Man, experiences fully human birth, and being "wrapped in swaddling clothes", and laying in a feeding trough for animals, a manger. The Theotokos and Joseph along with her "firstborn Son" are homeless. The Incarnate God, the Creator of All, is Himself, homeless on earth. "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). In His Incarnation Jesus makes humanity completely His own, including progress in wisdom and grace. He experiences and sanctifies every stage of human life. Since He is at once both God and man, He increases humanly in the grace and wisdom which are already fully His in His Divine Nature. Indeed, that growth of His humanity prefigures our own growth into union with Him.

Homelessness has become most prominent throughout the world, including in the most powerful and wealthiest county in the world, America. The homeless are literally living on our city streets, in parks, in school parking lots, in airports, in shopping centers, and in other places. Instead of living in caves, they live in make-shift caves, tents, and cardboard boxes. What we witness is the manifestation of human misery, suffering, hopelessness, agony, and plight. Fellow human beings, many of which are mentally ill, addicted to drugs and alcohol, who were abused pysically or sexually, products of disfunctional families, injured veterans who were crippled and traumatized in battle, and others who lost the will to live. It is truly a humanitarian crisis fraught with many dangers, including death. Treated, unfortunately, by some as the refuse of society.

Saint John the Apostle exhorts the followers of Christ, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8). Many of those homeless people perhaps have never known real love or never had people who were willing to take care of them. Christians believe, that just as the "Only begotten Son" sacrficially gave Himself "that we might live through Him," so we, are to give of ourselves to Him, and to one "another." The holy Apostle James asks, "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" (James 2:15-16).

Saint Maximos the Confessor (580-662 A.D.) states, "Do not say you are the temple of the Lord". Nor should you say that faith alone in our Lord Jesus Christ can save you, for this is impossible unless you acquire love for Him through your works. As for faith by itself, ‘the devils also believe, and tremble." (The Philokalia, Volume II, page 56). When we refer to "good works" we refer, of course, to works of philanthropy or charity.

As we witness the suffering and the daily struggle of homeless people, we need to remind ourselves of the Divine Child in Bethlehem and His earthly parents. We, also, need to put ourselves in their place, in their shoes, and feel what they feel. There are many powrful emotions that a homeless person experiences, such as loneliness, anger, a sense of unworthiness, guilt, feeling unloved or foresaken, disillusioned because they were betrayed by someone, lacking self-esteem, and despair. They may also have experienced cruelty, neglect and violence in their lives and, therefore, find it almost impossible to trust anyone. Their situation, we understand, is very complicated but there are ways of saving these suffering fellow human beings, What they need IS AGAPE, KINDNESS, COMPASSION, MERCY, TO BE COMFORTED AND TO BE REASSURED THAT WE ALL CARE ABOUT THEM.

I, too, as a child, had a brief experience with homelessness and I still remember what it feels like to be homeless to this day. What made a difference in my life was the kindness of a complete stranger. An ordinary but compassionate man, who took us; my father, sister Ioanna, and me, into his house when we needed a place to stay on a cold and rainy night in the city of Ahtens. And also another total stranger who, thanks to his kindness, accepted to be our American sponsor and, therefore, be able to leave Greece and come to America as a family. Two complete strangers who saved a family of seven through their compassion and kindness. I am totally convinced that the wealthiest country on earth, a country of over 340 million people can certainly save few hundred thousand American people who are homeless and are suffering. Material poverty is bad but what is even much worse is SPIRITUAL POVERTY. Spiritual poverty is the lack of faith, not believing in God and not loving our neighbor or fellow man. Without love man is an empty shell. The holy Apostle Paul says it better: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, BUT HAVE NO LOVE, I HAVE BECOME SOUNDING BRASS OR A CLANGING CYMBAL…" (1 Cor. 13:1). All of you must read 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13:1-13, to see what true love means. AGAPE (LOVE) outshines "prophecy" and "all faith." "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS AGAPE (LOVE)." (1 Cor. 13:13)

Herod the king represents evil and a world devoid of love. "..he (Herod), sent forth to put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem from two years old and under" (Matthew 2:16), hoping that one of them was the Christ Child, God in the flesh. The mothers of these children wept for the slaughter of their children, the Holy Innocents, who in our Holy Orthodox Church are regarded as Saints and Martyrs. 14,000 innocent children were murdered by this cruel man. And yet, mankind today, continues to kill the innocent children by the millions. Approximately 65 million innocent children have been murdered through abortion thus far, but the killing continues. Is this a civilized world? Is this a God-fearing world? Along with homelessness there is also violence. The life of the Savior is threatened and because ot this, "an Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt…for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him" (Matthew 2:13). Evil seeks to always kill LOVE, even if this LOVE is God Himself. When LOVE is gone from the world, there is nothing to replace it with. The world immediately turns from LIGHT to DARKNESS, ETERNAL DARKNESS!

Let us, my brothers and sisters in Christ Our Savior, EMBRACE THE LIGHT, EMBRACE LOVE, EMBRACE KINDNESS, EMBRACE HOPE, EMBRACE PEACE, EMBRACE MERCY, EMBRACE ONE ANOTHER IN GENUINE LOVE, IN FAITH, IN CHRIST, OUR LORD, OUR SAVIOR AND OUR GOD. AMEN.

____________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +



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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

THY Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the light of
knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the worshippers
of the stars were by a Star instructed to worship Thee, the Sun of
Righteousness, and to know Thee as Orient from on High. Glory
to Thee, O Lord. (Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn of the Feast.
Mode 4)

Entrance Hymn. Mode 2.

"I have begotten Thee from the womb before the Morning Star,"
The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou are a Priest forever
according to the Order of Melchizedek." Save us, O Son of God,
Who were born of a Virgin.

Kontakion Hymn. Mode 3.

On this day the Virgin gives birth to the Super-essential. To
the Unapproachable, earth is providing the grotto. Angels
sing and with the shepherds offer up glory. Following a Star,
the Magi are still proceeding. He was born for our salvation,
a newborn Child, the Pre-Eternal God.

Our King and Master, in His earliest infancy, clearly indicated how great would be His power and accomplishments. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought to Him from afar symbolized the wealth laid up for those who love Him. His troubling of Herod and all of Jerusalem foretold His triumph over death, the devil, and Hades. Angels and shepherds were stewards of the mystery of His Incarnation, and kings from the East worshipped Him, showing that authority over both the visible world and the visible is conferred upon His Human Nature, as He Himself says: "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew, Ch. 28). David foretold that "all kings of the earth shall worship Him" (Psalm 71), and today we see the beginning of the prophecy’s FULFILLMENT, for three temporal kings honor the King of kings with gifts and adoration.

Such strength and authority are already manifest in our new-born Lord Jesus Christ, that even as a little Babe He is known as Master, "the mighty God, and Potentate" (Isaiah, Ch. 9). We discern in the small, feeble limbs of an infant the Omnipotence of Jesus Christ, Whom the Holy Church likens to a little lamb. "The shepherds hastened as to a Shepherd," she chants, "and beholding Him as a spotless Lamb, pastured in Mary’s womb, her they hymned, and said, "Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd" (Akathist to the Theotokos, Oikos 4). Here Christ is both likened to a lamb and directly called the Lamb born of the Virgin. But what strength does the Lamb possess? His strength is certainly invincible, as is evident from the following. Saint John the Theologian saw in a vision beasts and serpents emerging from the sea, and out of the abysses, and from the wilderness. Their heads were terrible to behold, their jaws agape, and their bite venomous. They rose up against the Lamb, in accordance with the saying of the Holy Scripture: "These shall make war against the Lamb" (Revelation, Ch. 17). But instead their intended Victim prevails over them all, utterly annihilating them, as it is written: "The Lamb shall overcome them, for He is the Lord of lords and King of kings." The Lamb represents the Son of God; the serpents and wild animals, demons. But let us consider: why did the Angel, in revealing the struggle between the Son of God and His enemies, not employ the name disclosed to the immaculate Virgin at the Annunciation and given the Child at His Circumcision? Why did he say, "These shall make war with the Lamb," and not "These shall make war with Jesus Christ?" Because already at His Nativity, the Savior lays low His enemies, not waiting to receive His name. He is a tiny lamb resting on a bed of hay, but already He has crushed NOETIC BEASTS and DRAGONS like reeds, shattering their bones as if they were potters’ vessels.

From the hour of His Birth this Child possessed wisdom as well as strength, for it is written: "Great is our Lord, and great is His strength, and of His understanding, there is no measure" (Psalm, 146). Ordinary new-borns comprehend nothing, and as they grow, they require instruction, if they eare not to remain ignorant; but this Divine Child was Wisdom itself before His Nativity, and at His birth, He is called the "depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans, Ch. 11). He has taken the form of a little boy, but His wisdom is Pre-Eternal. He is at once an infant, and the Ancient of Days; a son and a father. When speaking of His Nativity, Prophet Isaiah called Him, "Father of the age to come" (Isaiah, Ch. 9). What other babe has ever been referred to as a father? It is because the Divine Infant Christ shares the wisdom and understanding of the Father that the Prophet uses his term. Moreover, the Heavenly Offspring of the immaculate Virgin cares for us exactly as a father cares for his children, and because He does so, we know Him TO BE OUR SAVIOR. His Nativity permits us, WHO WERE DEAD IN SIN, TO BE BORN ANEW, like the Prodigal son in the Gospel, who had perished but was RESTORED TO LIFE.

Without a doubt, Christ our Savior imparted to us a kiss on the day He was born. We were dead to sin, but He brought us back to life by His grace; though only a child, He showed Himself to e the Wisest of fathers.

To be convinced that Christ imparted to us a kiss at His Nativity, we have only to turn to the Divine Scripture. In the Song of Solomon we read how a soul that loves the Lord expresses its yearning to be united with God: "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth" (Song of Solomon, Ch. 1). And just wh is it that so desires God’s kiss? Saint Ambrose tells us that it is we ourselves, our nature, our flesh, that so desire to see the Son of God, face to face, as it were, and to press our lips lovingly against His in a holy kiss. This He made possible by His Incarnation…Undoubtedly, the kiss Christ gave us when He was born brought us back from the death of sin and was for us the beginning of the life of Divine grace.

Unto the Divine Infant born for our sake be honor, thanks, and worship from all creation; and may the Most Pure, Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Him, be glorified and praised by all generations unto the ages. Amen. [Source: The Great Collection of The Lives of the Saints]

___________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +



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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David,
the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob,
and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers…” (Matthew 1:1-25).

JESUS means “O Lord, save,” referring to Jesus’ role as Savior. CHRIST means “the Anointed One,” the MESSIAH, the One Who is filled with the Spirit (see John 1:33). Though the Son alone became a man, God the Father and the Holy Spirit work in the Savior to save us.

Jesus became man as a Jew, of the lineage of ABRAHAM, the father of all Jews, with Whom God established the COVENANT of circumcision (Genesis 17), and of DAVID, Israel’s greatest king, THE PROTOTYPE OF THE ROYAL MESSIAH. Jesus fulfills the promise and the Righteousness of the Jews, bringing those who are FAITHFUL and RIGHTEOUS to Himself, God Incarnate. The “Book of Genealogy” (vv. 1-17) REVEALS THE HISTORY OF GOD’S CHOICE OF His servants and THE PREPARATION OF HUMANITY FOR His Coming.

“…So ALL THE GENERATIONS from Abraham to David are FOURTEEN GENERATIONS, from David until the captivity in Babylon are FOURTEEN GENERATIONS, and from the captivity, in Babylon, until The Christ are FOURTEEN GENERATIONS.” (Matthew 1:17). This SELECTIVE LIST of Christ’s Ancestors is arranged in THREE GROUPS of FOURTEEN GENERATIONS each. Fourteen is the numerical value of the consonants in the name David, underlining Jesus’ Davidic Descent.

The Gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke give the Genealogies of Joseph: Saint Matthew, in the opening passage of the Gospel, and Luke, after the story of the Baptism. The two lists differ, and various explanations have been given for the discrepancies. Writing in Aramaic to the Jewish Community, Saint Matthew’s list descends from Abraham, “father of believers,” at the origin of the Old Testament (Covenant), to Jesus, Author of the New Testament (Covenant). The Jews desired to see a Glorious King in the person of the Messiah, therefore, Saint Matthew cites David the King in His Genealogy. King David fathered Solomon, and then a whole line of Royal Descendants. The Evangelist also introduces women, something that the Evangelist Luke does not do. And what sort of women? Women who could neither be saved by descent from Abraham (Rahab of Jericho and Ruth the Moabitess), nor by true integrity of character and righteousness (Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah and Bathsheba the wife of Uriah). According to Jewish traditions, the holy Evangelist did not lose sight either that all the rights and privileges of a family passed onto the oldest of each generation. In Saint Matthew’s listing from Abraham and David, it was precisely the elder line that he had to choose everywhere (with the exception of Solomon). David’s family line wends its way through Solomon the king and reaches Zorobabel, in whom both lines, Solomon’s and Nathan’s join together, either through adoption or in accordance with the law of Levirate marriages [Deuteronomy 25:5-6]. Further, David’s family runs along the line of Abiud (the elder) and reaches, Joseph, THE PUTATIVE FATHER OF JESUS. Despite the fact that Joseph was not Jesus’ natural father, but only his legal one, he could still pass on rights of inheritance and all the privileges of his family to his “Adopted Son.” For a Jew, it was the legal relationship of a son to his father that was important, not the natural one. The sense of the word “BEGAT” which is used in Hebrew Genealogies was not exact: it indicated immediate or remote descent, and adoptive relationship, or legal heirship, as well as procreation. The holy Evangelist Matthew’s Gospel was intended for the Jews living in Judea and Galilee. He also follows at once with the Story of the virgin Birth, the work of the Spirit, SIGN OF A WHOLLY NEW WORLD.

On the other hand, writing in Greek, the glorious Evangelist Luke’s longer list ascends to Adam, reflecting the “UNIVERSALISM” which is the feature of his Gospel. The sacred author was writing for both Jews and Greek pagans. Nevertheless, both Genealogies contain the name of David, essential to Christ’s place among His people. While Saint Matthew traces the Genealogy of Christ through the kings and makes Christ appear as a King. Saint Luke puts the Regal Dignity of Christ in second place. Saint Luke lists the descendants of Nathan [2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Chronicle 14:4) and not of Solomon the king.

My beloved brothers and sisters in Our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

The Preparation of the Human Race
To Receive the Savior.

The word of God calls the Savior the Lamb of God "FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD" (1 Peter 1:20).

"But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Sono, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons" (Galatians 4:4-5).

In what consists this "FULLNESS OF TIME" which was ordained for the work of redemption? In the verses which precede the quoted words of the Apostle Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians, the Apostle speaks of the time before the coming of the Savior as being "WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN" (Galatians 4:3). Thus, he calls the period of the Old Testament "childhood," the time of upbringing, the guidance of children under the law of Moses; while the coming of the Savior IS THE END OF "CHILDHOOD."

We can understand the significance of the PREPARATORY PERIOD if we are guided by the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The father sorrowed over the departure from his house of his beloved son. However, NOT VIOLATING THE DIGNITY AND FREEDOM OF HIS SON, HE WAITED UNTIL THE SON, HAVING EXPERIENCED THE BITTERNESS OF EVIL AND RECALLED THE GOODNESS OF LIFE IN HIS FATHER’S HOUSE, HIMSELF BECAME HOMESICK FOR THE FATHER’S HOUSE AND OPENED HIS SOUL FOR THE FATHER’S LOVE. Thus it was with the human race also, "My soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land" (Psalm 142:6) could have, been said by the best part of mankind; it had become a "THIRSTY LAND," having tasted to the dregs the bitterness OF ESTRANGEMENT FROM GOD.

The Lord DID NOT ABANDON MEN, did Not turn utterly away, but from the moment of the fall into sin led them toward the future salvation.

1. Having cut off the criminality of the original mankind by means of the Flood, the Lord chose first the descendants of Noah, who had been saved from the Flood, a single race for the preservation of piety and faith in the One True God, and likewise of faith IN THE COMING SAVIOR. This was the race of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and then the whole Hebrew people. In His care for His chosen people, God led them out of slavery, preserved them in the desert, settled them in a land with milk and honey; He made COVENANTS–the covenant of circumcision and the covenant of the law of Sinai; He sent them judges and Prophets, warned them, chastised them, and again had mercy, leading them out of the Babylonian captivity; and finally, from their midst, He prepared a chose one, who became the Mother of the Son of God.

The chosenness of the Hebrew people was confirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ when He said to the Samaritan woman that "SALVATION IS FO THE JEWS" (John 4:22). The writings of the Apostles testify abundantly to the same thing: the speeches of the First Martyr Stefanos (Stephen) and the Apostle Peter in the Book of Acts, the Epistles of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, and Galatians, and other places in Sacred Scripture.

2, Further, preparation for the reception of the Savior consisted of (a) THE COMFORTING PROMISES OF GOD, AND (b) THE PROPHESIES OF THE PROPHETS CONCERNING HIS COMING.

a) THE PROMISE OF GOD began in Paradise. The words of the Lord to the serpent concerning "the Seed of the woman" possess a mystical significance: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her Seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Genesis 3:15). The PROMISE given here concerning the Seed of the woman became even clearer for the chose ones of faith with the increase of prophecies ABOUT THE SAVIOR Who Himself would endure suffering from the violence of the devil (Psalm 21), and strike him down: "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD; HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM" (Apocalypse (Revelation): 12:9)…

"PROPHECIES: the blessing of Judah. The Patriarch Jacob, in blessing one of his sons just before his death, uttered an even more definite prophecy concerning the Savior: "A ruler shall not fail from Judah, nor a prince from his loins, until there come the thing stored up for him" (in the Hebrew: "UNTIL THERE COME A RECONCILER") and he is the expectation of nations" (Genesis 49:10, SEPTUAGINT). In other words, the authority of the Tribe of Judah shall not cease until the RECONCILER, the hope of the nations, comes; and consequently, the termination of the authority of the Tribe of Judah will be a clear sign of the coming of the Savior. The ancient Jewish teachers saw in the "Reconciler" THE AWAITED MESSIAH, TO WHOM THEY APPLIED THIS NAME (in Hebrew SHILOH, the Reconciler)…

"These PROMISES and PROPHECIES, first of all, gave support to the chosen people, especially during the difficult periods of its life; they gave support to its firmness, faith, and hope. Secondly, they prepared the people so that they would be able to recognize by these prophecies that the TIME OF THE PROMISE WAS NEAR, and that the might recognize THE SAVIOR HIMSELF IN THE FORM GIVEN HIM BY THE PROPHETS.

Thanks to these Prophecies, as the time of the Savior’s coming neared, the expectation of Him was intense and vigilant among pious Jews. We see this in the Gospels. This is revealed in the expectation of Symeon the God-receiver, to whom it was declared that he would not see death until he had beheld Christ the Lord (Luke 2:26). It is revealed in the reply of the Samaritan woman to the Savior: "I know that the Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things" (John 4:25). It is revealed n the questions of the Jews who came to John the Baptist. "Art thou the Christ?" (John 1:20-25); in the words addressed by Andrew, the First-called Apostle, after his first meeting with Christ, to his brother Simon: "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41), and likewise in the similar words of Philip to Nathaniel in the Evangelist’s account of their calling to the Apostleship (John 1:44-45). Another testimony to it is the people’s attitude at the time of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem.

3. To what has been said above must be added THE FACT THAT IT WAS NOT ONLY THE JEWS WHO WERE BEING PREPARED FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE SAVIOR, BUT ALSO THE WHOLE WORLD, ALTHOUGH TO A LESSER DEGREE.

Even in the pagan world there were preserved–even though in a distorted form–traditions concerning the origin and originally blessed condition of mankind (the Golden Age), concerning the fall of our first ancestors in Paradise, concerning the Flood as a consequence of man’s corruption, and–most important of all–THE TRADITION OF A COMING REDEEMER OF THE HUMAN RACE AND THE EXPECTATION OF HIS COMING, AS MAY BE SEEN IN THE WORKS OF Plato, Plutarch, Virgil, Ovid, Strabo, and likewise in the history of the religions of the ancient world (for example, the prediction of the sibyls, of which we read in Cicero and Virgil)…

Over two centuries prior to Christ’s Nativity, a translation of the Sacred Books of the Hebrews had been made into Greek, and many pagan scholars, writers, and educated people, in general, made use of it; there are various testimonies of this, particularly among the ancient Christian writers. [Source: The Orthodox Dogmatic Theology)

________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +



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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in our Incarnate God,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

"The Lamb of God Who taketh Away the Sin
of the World" (John 1:29)

The Orthodox Christian Dogma of salvation in Christ is the central dogma of Christianity, the HEART of our Christian faith. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Redeemer and Savior of the human race. All the preceding history of mankind up to the Incarnation of the Son of God, in the clear image given both in the Old Testament and the New Testament Scripture, is A PREPARATION for the Coming of the Savior. All the following history of mankind, after the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord, is THE ACTUALIZATION of the salvation which had been accomplished: THE RECEPTION AND ASSIMILATION OF IT BY THE FAITHFUL. The CULMINATION of the Great Work of SALVATION is bound up with the end of the world. The Cross and the Resurrection of Christ stand at the very center of human history.

Neither description nor enumeration can take in the Majesty, breadth, power, and significance of the Earthly Ministry of Christ; there is no measuring-stick for the All-surpassing Wealth of God’s AGAPE (Love), manifest in His mercy for the fallen and for sinners IN MIRACLES, IN HEALINGS, AND FINALLY , IN HIS INNOCENT SACRIFICIAL DEATH, WITH PRAYER FOR HIS CRUCIFIERS. CHRIST TOOK UPON HIMSELF THE SINS OF THE ENTIRE WORLD; HE RECEIVED IN HIMSELF THE GUILT OF ALL MEN. HE IS THE Lamb slaughtered for the world. Are we capable of embracing in our thoughts and expressing in our usual, everyday conceptions and words all the economy of our salvation? We have no words for heavenly mysteries.

"We the faithful, speaking on things that pertain to God, touch upon an ineffable mystery, the Crucifixion that mind cannot comprehend, and the Resurrection that is beyond description: FOR TODAY DEATH AND HELL ARE DESPOILED, WHILE MANKIND IS CLOTHED IN INCORRUPTION" (Sedalion after the second kathisma, Sunday Matins, Tone 3).

However, as we see from the writings of the Apostles, the VERY TRUTH OF SALVATION, THE TRUTH OF THIS MYSTERY, WAS FOR THE APOSTLES THEMSELVES ENTIRELY CLEAR IN ITS UNDOUBTEDNESS AND ALL-EBRACINGNESS. Upon it they base all their instruction, by means of it they explain events in the life of mankind, they place it as the foundation of the life of the Church and the future fate of the whole world. They constantly proclaim the GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION in the most varied expressions, without detailed explanations, as a self-evident Truth. They write: "Christ SAVED US"; "YOU ARE REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW"; "CHRIST HAS JUSTIFIED US"; "YOU ARE BOUGHT AT A DEAR PRICE"; CHRIST "HAS COVERED OUR SINS"; HE IS A "PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS"; BY HIM WE HAVE BEEN "RECONCILED WITH GOD"; HE IS "THE SOLE CHIEF PRIEST"; "HE HAS TORN UP THE HANDWRITING AGAINST US AND NAILED IT TO THE CROSS"; HE "WAS MADE A CURSE FOR US"; WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD "BY THE DEATH OF HIS SON"; WE HAVE BEEN "SANCTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD"; WE HAVE BEEN "RESURRECTED TOGETHER WITH CHRIST." In such expressions, chosen here at random, the Apostles have contained a Truth which in its very essence surpasses human understanding, but which is clear for them in the meaning and in its consequences. In a simple and accessible way this Truth has penetrated from their lips into the hearts of the faithful so that they all might know what is "THE ECONOMY OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST" (Ephesians 3:9).

In the preaching of the holy Apostles, especially worthy of attention is the fact that they precisely teach us to distinguish between the Truth of the salvation of mankind as a whole, which has already been accomplished, and another truth–THE NECESSITY FOR A PERSONAL RECEPTION AND ASSIMILATION OF THE GIFT OF SALVATION ON THE PART OF EACH OF THE FAITHFUL, AND THE FACT THAT THIS LATTER SALVATION DEPENDS UPON EACH ONE HIMSELF. "YOU ARE SAVED THROUGH FAITH, AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD" writes the holy Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2:8); but he also teaches, "WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING" (Philippians 2:12).

Man’s SALVATION consists in the ACQUIREMENT OF ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD, IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. "BUT NOTHING UNCLEAN CAN ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD" (cf. Ephesians 5:5; Apocalypse (Revelation) 21:27). God IS LIGHT, and there is NO DARKNESS in Him, and those who enter the Kingdom of God MUST THEMSELVES BE SONS OF THE Light. Therefore, ENTRANCE INTO IT NECESSARILY REQUIRES PURITY OF SOUL, A GARMENT OF "HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD" (Hebrews 12:14).

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR the Son of God came INTO THE WORLD IN ORDER (A) "TO OPEN THE PATH" TO MANKIND IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR THE PERSONAL SALVATION OF EACH OF US; AND IN ORDER BY THIS MEANS (B) TO DIRECT THE HEARTS OF MEN TO THE SEARCH, TO THE THIRST FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND "TO GIVE HELP, TO GIVE POWER ON THIS PATH OF SALVATION FOR THE ACQUIREMENT OF PERSONAL SPIRITUAL PURITY AND SANCTITY." The first of these HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY CHRIST ENTIRELY. The second DEPENDS UPON OURSELVS, ALTHOUGH IT IS ACCOMPLISHED BY THE "ACTIVITY OF THE GRACE OF CHRIST IN THE HOLY SPIRIT."

The Orthodox Church takes a MAXIMALIST approach to salvation, seeing it AS A PROCESS which ends IN DEIFICATION (THEOSIS). As Harry Boosalis (St. Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, Pa.) explains: "For the Orthodox Church, SALVATION IS MORE THAN THE PARDON OF SINS AND TRANSGRESSIONS. IT IS MORE THAN BEING JUSTIFIED OR ACQUIRED FOR OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST GOD. ACCORDING TO ORTHODOX TEACHING, SALVATION CERTAINLY INCLUDES FORGIVENESS AND JUSTIFICATION, BUT IS BY NO MEANS LIMITED TO THEM. FOR THE FATHERS OF THE CHURCH SALVATION IS THE ACQUISITION OF THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. TO BE SAVED IS TO BE SANCTIFIED AND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LIFE OF GOD–INDEED TO "BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE" (2 Peter 1:4) [Orthodox Spiritual Life according to Saint Silouan the Athonite, p. 19)–3rd Ed. (Source: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology by Protopresbyter Michael Pomazansky)

Personal Note: As everyone can see and understand why, we, as Orthodox Christians, celebrate the Birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ NOT only one day of the year, but every day of our life with faith and unconditional love for Him. The One Who has saved us and opened His Heavenly Kingdom to us. It has nothing to do with custom or tradition, it is not a secular celebration with food and entertainment, it is not about gift exchange, it’s not about family gatherings, and consumerism. All these things are mere distractions and diversions from the authentic observance of our Christian Holy Feast Day.

Christmas Day for all Orthodox Christians, IS A DAY OF WORSHIP AND GIVING GLORY AND THANKSGIVING TO OUR LORD, GOD, AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST FOR SAVING US AND THE WORLD.

________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in God Incarnate,

CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

"What Mysteries beyond mind and speech! God, in His
compassion is born on earth, putting on the form of a
servant that He may snatch from servitude to the enemy
them that with fervent love cry out: "Blessed art Thou, O
Savior Who lovest mankind" (Saint Romanos Melodos).

THE PREACHING OF THE PROPHETS
HAS REACHED ITS FULFILLMENT

Saint Andrew of Crete (660-740 A.D.) comments, "Of thee O Mary, all interpreters of the Spirit sand." Nowhere in the Divinely Inspired Scripture can one look without seeing some allusion of Her. "Rejoice, Mdiatress of the law and of grace, Seal of the Old Testament, clear fulfillment of the whole prophecy, of the truth of Scriptures, inspired by God, the Livin and Most Pure Book of God and the Logos/Word in which, without voice or writing, the Writer Himself, God and Logos/Word, in everyday read."

Saint Gregory Palamas (+ 1359) thought that "ALL DIVINELY INSPIRED SCRIPTURES WAS WRITTEN BECAUSE OF THE VIRGIN WHO BROUGHT FORTH GOD INCARNATE."

Saint John of Damascus (676-750 A.D.) interprets the Burning Bush [Exodos 3:1-8] as an image of the virgin Birth when he chants: "Plainly foreshadowed by the burning bush THAT WAS NOT CONSUMED [Exodos 3:2] A HALLOWED WOMB HAS BORN THE LOGOS/WORD. God is mingled with the form of mortal men, and so loses the unhappy womb of Eve from the bitter curse of old" [Genesis 3:16]. And, "That which was revealed to Moses in the bush, we see accomplished her in a strange manner. The Virgin bore Fire within he, yet was not consumed when she gave birth to the Benefactor Who brings us Light."

Saint Andrew of Crete also chants elsewhere that, "As Thou art One of the Trinity, Thou wast seen to become flesh, not changing Thine essence, O Lord. Neither didst Thou burn THE INCORRUPT WOMB OF HER that bore Thee since Thou art Wholly God and fire."

The "BURNING BUSH" was traditionally interpreted as A TYPE OF THE VIRGIN. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (335-394 A.D.) is insisting on the "virginitas in partu." From the image of the burning bush seen by Moses on Sinai, "WE LEARN THE MYSTERY OF THE VIRGIN: the Light of Divinity, which through birth shone from Her into human life, did not wither the Flower of Her Virginity, just AS THE BURNING BUSH WAS NOT CONSUMED."

Saint Ildephonsus (607-667 A.D.), Archbishop of Toledo, wrote that, "The Holy Spirit heated, inflamed, and melted Mary with love, as fire does iron; so that the flame of the Holy Spirit was seen and nothing was felt by the fire of the love of God."

The Prophecy of Isaiah

Isaiah, as he watched by night, beheld the Light that knows no evening, the Light of Thy Theophany, O Christ, that came to pass from tender love for us; and he cries aloud: "Behold, a Virgin shall conceive in the womb" (Isaiah 7:14), and shall bear the INCARNATE LOGOS/WORD, AND ALL THOSE ON EARTH SHALL REJOICE EXCEEDINGLY."

Saint Irenaeus also speaks of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning THE ROD and FLOWER from the root of Jesse. "Thereby the Prophet says that it is of her, who is descended from David and from Abraham, that He is born. For Jesse was a descendant of Abraham, the father of David; the descendant who conceived Christ, the Virgin, is thus become THE ‘ROD’. Moses too worked his miracles before the Pharaoh with a rod; and among others too of mankind, the rod is a sign of empire. And the ‘FLOWER’ refers to His body, for it was made to bud forth by the Spirit."

From the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, we chant, "REJOICE, O MYSTICAL ROD WHICH BLOSSOMED THE UNFADING FLOWER. And, "REJOICE, O Bride of God; thou art the Mystical Rod from whom the Unfading Rose blossomed and budded forth."

THE APPELLATION ‘THEOTOKOS’
OR ‘GOD-BIRTHGIVER’

CHRIST, Who was born of the Virgin, is True God become Man. There are not two sons: a Son of God and a son of the Virgin. He is ONE Son, from above, MOTHERLESS, out of the Father; from below, fatherless out of a mother. It is proper to call the Virgin Mother ‘Theotokos,’ on the ground that she truly gave birth in the flesh to God.

Saint John of Damascus says, "We hold that God was born of her, not implying that the Divinity of the Logos/Word received from her the beginning of its being, but meaning that God the Logos/Word Himself, Who was begotten of the Father TIMELESSLY BEFORE THE AGES and was with the Father and the Spirit WITHOUT BEGINNING AND THROUGH ETERNITY, took up His abode in these last days for the sake of our salvation in the Virgin’s womb, and was without change made flesh and born of her. For the Holy Virgin did not bear mere man but TRUE GOD: and not only God but GOD INCARNATE, Who did not bring down a body from heaven, nor simply passed through the Virgin as a channel, but RECEIVED FROM HER FLESH OF LIKE ESSENCE TO OUR OWN FROM HEAVEN AND HAD NOT PARTAKEN OF OUR NATURE, WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE USE OF His becoming man? For the purpose of God, the Logos/Word becoming man was that the very same nature, which had sinned and fallen and become corrupted, should TRIUMPH OVER THE DECEIVING TYRANT AND SO BE FREED FROM CORRUPTION. Hence, it is with justice and Truth that we call the Holy Mary the ‘Mother of God.’ For this name, ‘THEOTOKOS,’ EMBRACES THE WHOLE MYSTERY OF THE DISPENSATION."

Saint John continues saying, "We NEVER SAY that the Holy Virgin is the Mother of Christ (Christotokos), because this appellation came about in order to do away with the title Mother of God (Theotokos), and to bring DISHONOR on the Mother of God, who alone is in Truth worthy of honor above all creation. It was the impure and abominable Nestorius, that vessel of dishonor, who invented this name for an INSULT.

WHERE GOD WILLS
THE ORDER OF NATURE IS OVERRULED

"AND SO IT WAS, THAT, WHILE THEY WERE THERE, THE DAYS
WERE ACCOMPLISHED THAT SHE SHOULD BE DELIVERED" [Luke 2:6].

Concerning His birth, the Prophet Isaiah spoke thus, "Before she that travailed brought forth, before the travail-pain cam eon, she escaped it and brought forth a male" (Isaiah 66:7). Saint John of Damascus adds to this saying that "After the normal nine-month gestational period, Christ was born at the beginning of the tenth, in accordance with the law of gestation. It was a birth that surpassed the established order of birthgiving, as IT WAS WITHOUT PAIN; for, whre pleasure had not preceded, pain did not follow. And just as at His conception He had kept her who conceived Him virgin, so also at His Birth did He maintain her virginity INTACT, because He alone passed through her and kept her shut."

THE IDENTITIES OF THE MAGI

Thus we see in holy icons, THREE MAGI traveling, either walking or riding spirited horses over mountainous trails in pursuit of the Star of Bethlehem. They are often depicted beyond and opposite the cave, for they were not present during those first hours after the virgin birth. One magus is a beardless youth. The second magus is a middle-aged man with a short, dark beard, while the third magus is an old man with a gray beard.

According to Saint Dimitri of Rostove ( 1651-1709), in his investigation of the identities of these Three Kings, he asserts that they were kings of small regions in Persia, Arabia and Egypt. They had arrived in Bethlehem very shortly after the birth of Christ. MELCHIOR was old, withered, with long white hair and beard. It was he who offered the Lord THE GIFT OF GOLD. GASPAR OR CASPAR, was of ruddy complexion, young and beardless. He offered the Lord THE GIFT OF FRANKINCENSE. The third, BALTHAZAR, was dark-skinned and heavily bearded. He gave THE GIFT OF MYRRH. He furtehr writes that these three Wise Men represented THE THREE CHIEF RACES OF MEN THAT DESCENDED FROM NOAH’S THREE SONS, THAT IS, SHEM; JAPHETH, AND HAM: Therefore, the Arabian, Gaspar represented Shem; the Persian, Melchior, represented Japheth; the Egyptian, Balthasar represented Ham. Thus, through these three Magi, THE HUMAN RACE WORSHIPPED OUR INCARNATE LORD AND GOD. [Source: The Life of hte Virgin Mary, The Theotokos by Holy Apostles Convent)

___________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +



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

+ Father George