THE FIRST CALLED HOLY APOSTLE ANDREW (Part II)

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

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

THE FIRST CALLED HOLY APOSTLE ANDREW (Part II)

"Enraged, Aegeates ordered that Saint Andrew be crucified. He did not wish the Apostle to die quickly, but as slowly and painfully as possible, so he had his hands and feet tied to the cross rather than nailed to it. As the servants of the persecutor led the Saint to the place of execution, the people cried out, ‘How has this righteous man, the friend of God, sinned? Why is he to be crucified? But Saint Andrew entreated the crowd not to hinder his suffering, and went to meet his end gladly, teaching the people without interruption. He caught sight of his cross from some distance away and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Hail, O cross, sanctified by the flesh of Christ and adorned by His members as with pearls!’

After saying this, Saint Andrew removed his clothing and gave it to his tormentors. Having bound his hands and feet to the cross with cords, they lifted him up. About twenty thousand people stood watching, among whom was Stratocles, Aegeates’ brother. He cried out with the others, ‘This holy man suffers unjustly!’ But Saint Andrew continued to strengthen those who believed in Christ and exhorted them to endure every transitory affliction, teaching them that no suffering can be compared with the reward earned by it.

Fearing the people, Aegeates hastened to take Saint Andrew down. The servants could not succeed in untying the Saint. One after another, they tried to loose him, but were unable, because their hands at once became numb. Meanwhile, Saint Andrew cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Lord Jesus Christ, do not permit me to be taken down from the cross upon which I have been suspended for Thy Name’s sake! Receive me, O my Teacher, Whom I love, Whom I know, Whom I confess, Whom I long to see, through Whom I have become what I am! O Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit in peace, for the time hath come for me to go to Thee, Whom I so wish to behold! Receive me, O Good Teacher and do not allow me to be taken down from the cross until Thou hast accepted my spirit! ‘ As Saint Andrew spoke, a light resembling lightning flashed upon him from heaven in the sight of all. So brilliantly did it shine around him that the corruptible eye of man could not bear to gaze upon him. The heavenly light continued to shine for about half an hour, and when it vanished, the spirit of the Holy Apostle Andrew departed and went to stand in the light of the Lord.

Maximillia, the chaste, holy, and noble wife of the Proconsul, who has come to believe in Christ, learned that Saint Andrew had departed unto the Lord. She took down his body from the cross with great reverence, and anointing it with costly ointments, placed it in her own tomb. Aegeates was furious with the people and considered how he might wreak vengeance on them, punishing those who had arisen against him openly. As for Maximillia, it was his intention to denounce her to the Emperor himself. While he was devising his plans, a demon suddenly possessed him, and he perished in torment in the middle of the city.

These things took place on the last day of the month of November, in the city of Patras in Achaia, Greece, where, even till the present day, many blessings are bestowed on the people through the prayers of the Holy Apostle.

Thus concludes the account of the passion (suffering) of the Holy Apostle Andrew written by the Presbyters and Deacons of Achaia. Many years later, the holy relics of the Holy Apostle Andrew were translated to Constantinople by the Martyr Artemius, at the behest of the Emperor of Constantine the Great. They were placed together with the remains of Saint Luke the Evangelist and Saint Timothy, the disciple of the Holy Apostle Paul, in the most splendid Church of the Apostles, beneath the sacred table of oblation.

Through the prayers of Thine Apostle Andrew, O Christ God, confirm Thy faithful in Orthodoxy, and save us. Amen. [Resources:  The Great Collection of The Lives of the Saints]

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

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

NOVEMBER 30th – THE FEAST DAY OF THE HOLY, GLORIOUS AND ALL-FAMED APOSTLE ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED

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

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

On the 30th of November, the Holy Orthodox Church Commemorates
the Feast-Day of the Holy, Glorious and All-Famed Apostle
ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) hymn of Saint Andrew. Fourth Tone

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

Kontakion hymn. Second Tone

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

SAINT ANDREW, the First-Called Apostle of Christ, was a native of the city of Bethsaida, the son of a Hebrew named Jonah and brother of the holy chief of the Apostles Peter. Disdaining the vanity of this world and preferring virginity to wedlock, he did not wish to marry, and having heard that the holy Forerunner and Baptist John was preaching repentance by the Jordan, he forsook all things and became his disciple. When his teacher pointed to Jesus as He passed by, saying, "BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD," (John, ch. 1) Andrew and another disciple, whom many believe to have been the Evangelist John (who wrote these things in his Gospel), left the Baptist and followed Christ. Andrew knew from the books of the Prophets that Jesus was truly the long-awaited Messiah, so he hurried to find his brother Simon Peter, to whom he declared, "WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAS, WHICH IS, BEING INTERPRETED, THE CHRIST!" He then led Peter to Jesus. Afterwards, while he was fishing with Peter off the shore of the Sea of Galilee and Jesus called to them, saying, , "FOLLOW ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN" (Matthew, ch. 4) Andrew dropped his nets and without delay obeyed the Lord’s summons, following Christ together with his brother Peter. Thus Andrew is known as the First-Called because he became a follower of Jesus Christ before any of the other Apostles.

After the Lord’s voluntary Passion and Resurrection, Saint Andrew, like the other Apostles, received the Holy Spirit, Who descended on him in the form of a tongue of fire. When the Apostles divided the countries of the earth among themselves, it fell to Andrew to spread the Gospel in the lands of Bithynia and the Propontis, in Chalcedon, Byzantium, Thrace, Macedonia, and as far as the Black Sea and the Danube, as well as in Thessaly, Hellas (Greece), Achaia, Amisus, Trebizond, Heraclea, and Amastris. Saint Andrew did not merely pass through these lands and cities, he underwent numerous afflictions in every place where he preached Christ. Strengthened by the Lord’s All-powerful succor; he gladly endured every misfortune.

Especially great sufferings befell Andrew in the city of Sinope. There the people cast him to the ground, bound him hand and foot, and dragged him about, beating him with switches and stoning him all the while. Although they severed his fingers and shattered his teeth, he was made completely whole by the grace of his Savior and Teacher. After leaving that city, Andrew continued on his way to Neo-caesarea, Samosata, and the countries of the Alans, Abchasians, Zychians, and Bosporians. From there he sailed to Byzantium, where he was the first to preach Christ. He instructed many in the faith there, ordained Presbyters, and consecrated as bishop Stachys, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans.

Then, returning to the Apostolic labor of spreading the Gospel of Christ, Andrew passed through Pontus, the lands bordering the Black Sea, Scythia, and the Chersonese. By God’s Providence he reached the river Dnieper in the land of Russia, and halting beneath the hills of Kiev, said to those with him, "DO YOU SEE THESE HILLS? BELIEVE ME: ON THEM THE GRACE OF GOD WILL SHINE, AND A MIGHTY CITY WILL RISE. GOD WILL CAUSE MANY CHURCHES TO BE BUILT HERE AND WILL ENLIGHTEN THE FUTURE LAND OF RUSSIA WITH HOLY BAPTISM." As he climbed the hills, the Saint blessed them, and he set up a cross, prophesying that the people who dwelt there would receive the faith from the Apostolic See which he had established in Byzantium.

After passing through towns in the north, in the region where Novgorod the Great now stands, Andrew continued on to Rome and Epirus. Then he returned to Thrace where he confirmed the Christians in the faith, appointing bishops and teachers for them. Having traveled through many other lands, he reached the Peloponnesus, and entered Patras, a city of Achaia, lodged with an honorable man named Sosius, whom he raised up from his bed of sickness. As a result of this miracle, Andrew succeeded in converting the entire city of Patras to Chist in a short time. The holy Apostle also restored the health of Maximillia, wife of the Proconsul Aegeates. After her healing, she also came to believe in Christ. Likewise, the wise Stratocles, the Proconsul’s brother, and many others were healed when the Apostle laid his hands on them. Because of this, Aegeates became very angry, seized the holy Apostle, and commanded that he be crucified. Concerning these things the Presbyters and Deacons of the land of Achaia wrote the following:

"We, the Presbyters and Deacons of the Church of Achaia, write to all churches of the East, West, South and North to tell the Passion of the holy Apostle Andrew, which we beheld with our own eyes. Peace be unto you and to all who believe in the one God, perfect in Trinity: the true, unbegotten Father; the true begotten Son; and the true Holy Spirit, Who PROCEEDS FROM THE FATHER AND RESTS IN THE SON! This is the faith we were taught by the holy Andrew, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, whose suffering we beheld and wish to relate, as much as we are able.

"The Proconsul Aegeates was on his way to the city of Patras, intending to compel those who believed in Christ to sacrifice to idols. Before reaching the city, however, he was met by Saint Andrew, who said to him, ‘It would behoove you, a judge of men, to come to know Him Who is your Judge and dwells in heaven. Acknowledge the true God and worship Him, turning away form the false divinities you now adore!’

"Aegeates answered, ‘Are you Andrew, who razes the temples of the gods and teaches the people the sorcerous faith which has recently appeared and which the Emperors of Rome have ordered destroyed?’ The Emperors of Rome , said Andrew, do not understand what was clearly demonstrated by the Son of God, Who came to the earth to save mankind: that the idols are not gods but the abodes of unclean demons, enemies of the race of man, which teach men to anger God and cause Him to turn away from them. When God turns from men in anger, the demons lead them astray and enslave them. Finally, their souls issue forth naked from their bodies, possessed of nothing but their own sins.’

"The Jews nailed your Jesus to the Cross because He was a preacher of fables,’ scoffed Aegeates. Andrew replied, ‘O, if only you could understand the Mystery of the Cross and comprehend that it was out of love for us that the Creator of the human race endured voluntary crucifixion! He knew beforehand when He would suffer and prophesied that He would rise on the third day. At His last supper with us, He announced His betrayal, plainly foretold what would befall Him, and went unconstrained to the place where He was delivered into the hands of the Jews.’

"…Speak of these things to those who wish to hear you!’ Aegeates said when Andrew had concluded. ‘But if you do not sacrifice to the gods, I will have you beaten with staves and then crucified upon the cross which you so glorify.’ …the next morning, the Proconsul Aegeates sat on his judgment seat and ordered that Saint Andrew be brought before him. He said to the Apostle, ‘Do you agree to cease your foolish preaching of Christ, that you may enjoy the present life with us? It is utter insanity to surrender yourself to torture and fire voluntarily.’

"Answered the Saint, ‘I would much prefer to see you believe in Christ, and reject the idols. This would bring me true joy! It was Christ that sent me to this land, and I have gained many people for Him herre.’ ‘I will force you to sacrifice,’ vowed Aegeates, ‘so the people whom you have deceived will abandon your vasin teaching and offer oblations to the gods… ‘To this Saint Andrew replied…It was my hope that you would prove to be a reasonable man, recognize the truth, renounce the idols, and worship God, Who dwells in the heavens; but since your remain obstinate and imagine that I fear your tortures, I invite you to devise for me the most terrible torments of which you are capable. The more grievous the tortures I endure, the more I will please my King.’

‘Aegeates then commanded that the Saint be stretched out and beaten. Andrew’s floggers were divided into groups of three, each of which thrashed him seven times. After this the Saint was returned to the judge, who urged him, ‘Hearken unto me, Andrew, and do not let your blood be shed uselessly! If you refuse to obey me, I will have you crucified.’ Saint Andrew answered, ‘I am the slave of the Cross of Jesus Christ. I do not fear death by crucifixion, but desire it! Yet, even after you have tried my endurance, you can escape eternal torment by believing in Christ. I grieve more over your perdition than over my sufferings, for my tribulations will end in a day, or two days at most, but your tribulations will not cease even after a thousand years. Therefore, do not kindle for yourself everlasting fire or add to the torments that await you.’

(to be continued)

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

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

THE NECESSITY OF FAITH IN GOD AND THE HUMAN INITIATIVE

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

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

THE NECESSITY OF FAITH AND HUMAN INITIATIVE

There is an ancient Greek saying, Συν Αθηνά και χείρα κίνει", which translates to "Move your hands and (goddess) Athena will come to your aid." The story has it that this man was drowning and he desperately began shouting for Athena to help him but a voice came from above saying, "Move your hands and Athena will come to your aid." It actually means that while divine help is helpful, it requires human effort or action, you must act to achieve your goals, and the goddess of wisdom will help come to your assistance. This of course embodies the idea that success depends on a combination of Divine guidance and personal responsibility. Furthermore, the saying is still used today to convey the importance of self-reliance and the belief that success is a result of both hard work and God’s inspiration.

The Orthodox Christian teaching emphasizes that salvation is a collaborative process requiring both God’s grace and human action, a concept called theosis or deification. In short it is called synergy. The Holy Apostle James taught, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). "Faith alone" (by "itself"), static faith, does not save. We must nurture our faith in God and love for Him through our works or actions. For example Abraham’s faith was a living and active faith.

Orthodox Christians do not believe they should be totally dependent on God without making any effort; instead they see the relationship with our Almighty God as collaboration of human effort and Divine grace. This understanding is often called synergy, where believers actively strive to do their part through spiritual discipline and good works or works of agape, while relying on the Lord to provide the grace, strength, and power needed for salvation and spiritual growth. Orthodox theology emphasizes a cooperative relationship where humans and God work together. The believer makes an effort, and God provides grace. A "do-nothing faith" is seen as dead. Genuine faith is active and is demonstrated through action, which is seen as the natural fruit of a living faith, not a way to earn salvation.

Our Holy Orthodox Church teaches a balance between Divine Providence and human effort, emphasizing that while we rely on God’s grace and guidance, we are also expected to use our free will, gifts, and diligence to actively work and find our vocation. God works within us to "will and to do," but this is not a substitute for our own effort. Our actions matter and are an integral part of our spiritual journey. God does not necessarily have a specific "perfect" job waiting, but rather our attitude and effort is whatever chosen vocation is what matters. Our Holy Church rejects the idea of "faith alone" (a dead faith that produces no fruit) and the idea that work alone can earn salvation. A living faith naturally produces good works, which are a living expression of God’s will. There is a need for balance between prayer for guidance and personal action. We pray for God’s will to be done and ask for guidance, but we also use the gifts and opportunities He has provided to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13).

On a more personal level one must not ever yield to pessimism and defeatism if one truly believes in God. People of faith place all their trust in Him Who died on the Cross to save us. Our faith is tested when we face trials, sufferings, pain, disappointments and various threats. Our Heavenly Father desires only that which is good for us and those whom we love. God has given each and everyone of us the needed strength to overcome all painful experiences in life and not to be crushed by them. To surrender to adversity and to allow it to destroy us is not an act of a person of faith. A person of faith remains strong and resolute. Saint Paul knew all about suffering. He called it his "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). Here he was a great man of God, whose prayers were continually answered, pleading for God to take this from him. After three times of begging God to remove it, he received this response: "My grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

"Elder Paisios was able to ignore his pain. ‘You do your job, and I’ll do mine,’ he would say to his sicknesses, and continue praying, doing manual labor, or seeing people. Though he was suffering himself, he comforted others who were suffering." Through suffering a believer becomes stronger and more committed to God. An Orthodox Christian should not despair in feelings of failure, as despair is considered a great spiritual danger and one of the enemy’s greatest weapons. Instead of giving up, the faith encourages fighting against despair with hope, repentance,, perseverance, and prayer, trusting in God’s agape and the power of Christ’s Resurrection.

Despair is a spiritual attack. The Orthodox Church teaches that despair is not from God but a weapon of the enemy (devil) that suggests there is no forgiveness or hope and that God has abandoned you. Despair is seen as a sin against hope which breaks the connection with God, THE SOURCE OF HEALING. Allowing despair to linger makes a person vulnerable to other sins like anger, pride, and most of all fear. Even a brief, simple prayer like "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner" can help keep the heart open. Our Holy Orthodox Church teaches that our Creator God does not control our lives but has given mankind free will to choose between good and evil. Instead of direct control, God’s relationship with humanity is seen as A CO-WORKING, o a partnership where people are called to work with God’s grace. For example, even though the Lord’s Prayer includes the line "Give us this day our daily bread," in its original Greek, it implies that human beings must also work for it, rather than passively expecting God to always provide.

What have we learned from our experiences in life and how have we acted to improve our situation in life? Everything that we experience in our daily struggle and suffering has a purpose and must be used to our advantage. Our Orthodox Faith teaches that God allows the consequences of human choices to occur, providing opportunities for learning and growth. This is often similar to a loving parent allowing a child to learn from their mistakes, even if the parent could have prevented them. The Holy Apostle Paul said: "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child. I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11). The Holy Scripture differentiate between being dependent upon God, or childlike and being "childish" and fulfilling.

A Prayer Against Fear

O Greatly-Merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ, hae mercy on me and cleanse me from
every sadness and disturbance and cowardice. Drive away from me every spiritual
choking and demonic sorrow, that I sense in my body and my soul. For Your are our
joy, and the hope of all the ends of the earth, and those far off at sea. Be merciful to
me, O Master, upon my sins. Take from me the heavy burden of sin and despair.
Drive far away from me every sadness and laziness. Confirm me in Your Love, and
with unassailable hope and unshakable faith in You, through the intercessions of
Your Spotless Mother, and of all Your Saints. Amen.

Prayer Against Adversity

Dear Heavenly Lord, it is as if I take One step forward and Two steps back. Things
go wrong in the most unexpected ways. It seems like the whole world Works against
me sometimes. And my failure ties me up in knots. Yet I know one thing, For Your
Word has told me, that I AM NOT ALONE. So once again I call out to you, Rise up,
oh Lord, rise up! Strike down the resistance and fear that seek to silence my faith.
Give me strength and clarity to continue, no matter how hard the wind blows against
me. I TRUST IN THE RESURRECTION THAT SETS MY SOUL FREE. You are my
Almighty God and I am your beloved child. Christ won this for me upon the Cross.
Only by your grace, according to Your All-holy Will, Through the prayers of our
Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

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

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

A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER AND UNION WITH OUR LORD, GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

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

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

A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER AND UNION WITH OUR
LORD, GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and
broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘TAKE, EAT;
THIS IS MY BODY.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks,
and gave it to them, saying, ‘DRINK FROM IT, ALL OF YOU.
FOR THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW COVENANT, WHICH
IS SHED FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS" [Matthew

26:26-28].

"I am THE LIVING BREAD which came down from heaven. If
anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread
that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of
the world.’ The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves,
saying, ‘How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?’
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, UNLESS
YOU EAT THE FLESH OF THE SON OF MAN AND DRINK HIS
BLOOD, YOU HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU. WHOEVER EATS MY FLESH
AND DRINKS MY BLOOD HAS ETERNAL LIFE, AND I WILL RAISE
HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY" [John 6:51-54].

FROM THE ORTHODOX DIVINE LITURGY:

"With these blessed powers, O Master Who lovest mankind, we also
cry aloud and say: Holy art Thou and All-Holy, Thou and Thine
Only-begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit! Holy art Thou and
All-Holy, and magnificent is Thy glory! Who hast so loved Thy
world as to give Thine Only-begotten Son, that WHOEVER
BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVER-
LASTING LIFE; when He had come and had fulfilled all the
dispensation for us in the night in which He was given up–or
rather, gave Himself up for the life of the world–TOOK BREAD
IN HIS HOLY, PURE, AND BLAMELESS HANDS; AND WHEN HE
HAD GIVEN THANKS AND BLESSED IT, AND HALLOWED IT,
AND BROKEN IT, 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.

And likewise, after supper, He took the cup,
saying:
Drink of it, 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.

For the Orthodox Christian the Divine Liturgy is more than a worship service, it is a personal encounter and union with our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. The Divine Eucharist (literally "thanksgiving") is the Mystery in which the bread and wine of offering are changed by the Holy Spirit INTO THE TRUE BODY AND TRUE BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, and then the believers receive communion of them FOR A MOST INTIMATE UNION WITH CHRIST AND ETERNAL LIFE. This Mystery is composed, thus, of two separate moments: (1) the changing or transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of the Lord, and (2) the Communion of these Holy Gifts. It is called "the Eucharist," "the Lord’s Supper," the Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ." The Body and Blood of Christ in this Mystery (Sacrament) are called the "Bread of heaven and the Cup of life" or the "Cup of salvation"; they are called the "Holy Mysteries," "the Bloodless Sacrifice." The Eucharist IS THE GREATEST MYSTERY (Sacrament).

In heterodox Christian traditions [i.e. Protestant Christians], unlike Orthodox Christian practice, worship is mainly composed of prayers, hymns and the sermon. These services are reverent, solemn and even inspirational, however, the core and main purpose of Christian worship, the Eucharist, is absent. How can this be when our Lord and Savior and God Jesus Christ Himself instituted Holy Communion? It is absolutely clear in the New Testament: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood dwelleth in Me, and I in him" (John 6:53-56).

Further, Christ adds, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing. The words I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). By this remark Christ does not ask that His words about the Bread of Life be understood in any "metaphorical{ meaning. "There are some of you that believe not," He added immediately (John 6:64). By these words the Savior Himself indicates that His words are difficult for faith: How is it that believers will eat His Body and drink His Blood? But He confirms that He speaks of His ACTUAL BODY. His words concerning His Body and Blood are "Spirit and life." They testify (a) that he who partakes of them will have Eternal Life, and will be resurrected for the Kingdom of glory in the last day; and (b) that he who partakes of them will enter into the most intimate communion with Christ. His words speak NOT of life in the flesh, but OF LIFE IN THE SPIRIT. "The Bread of Heaven and the Cup of Life; taste and see the Lord is good"—these are words we hear at the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. This Communion of His Body and Blood is not important for the quenching of physical hunger, as was the feeding with the manna in the desert, for the feeding of the five thousand–BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ETERNAL LIFE.

Christian worship is not limited to words of praise and thanksgiving but far more. One has to be careful about reducing worship to emotion or feelings, sentimentality, ecstasy, skits and theatrical performances. Of course, "fellowship" is of great importance to all church related gatherings. We live at an age when people seek quick satisfaction or instant gratification. A "good preacher" is one who incites and excites the Christian believer. One who is able to stir up one’s emotions and passions so the faithful feel good about themselves and continue their lives convinced that they are saved just by reciting a few words from the Holy Scripture. But is this all to our Christian faith? How does this attitude compare with the Divine words of Christ Himself? In Matthew 26:26-28 Jesus institutes the Eucharist, the long-awaited MESSIANIC BANQUET, in which He admits even Judas, seeking by all means to save him. These words are repeated in the Orthodox Divine Liturgy at the invitation of Christ to receive His "Body" and "Blood". Thus it is clear we are invited to feast, to the Mystical ("Last") Supper, at which we become TRULY UNITED TO CHRIST. He gave "thanks" (v. 27) to teach us (1) how we should celebrate this Mystery (Sacrament), (2) that He comes willingly to His Passion, and (3) whatever we may suffer, TO BEAR IT AS HE DID: THANKFULLY.

Sunday worship in the Orthodox Church is not optional or left to each one’s discretion. As a matter of fact according to the Canon 80 of the Sixth Ecumenical Council a cleric or layman who misses THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS of Divine Liturgy without a grave necessity will face a consequence: a cleric is to be deposed from office, and a layman is to be removed from communion. This means the individual Orthodox Christian is excommunicated and excluded from the community of the Church. As one can see, attending and participating in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays is a necessity and a duty or an obligation for all believers. However, if this Canon was to be implemented or enforced today a great many people would be in trouble. Not attending the Sunday Divine Liturgy without a serious reason is an affront to the Lord and certainly a sin.

Depriving oneself of worship God on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) is an offence and against the commandments of God who said: "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work,but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your GOD" [Exodus 20:8-11). It is abundantly clear that the Lord’s Day is His Day, a day for all Orthodox Christians to worship, praise, thank and honor God for His many blessings. Sunday is a holy day to be set apart for Him and Him alone. In our Holy Orthodox Tradition, every Sunday is celebrated as a "little Pascha" or "little Easter," a weekly commemoration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This practice stems from the early Church, which designated the First Day of the week as the Lord’s Day(Gk.Κυριακή η Ημέρα Κυρίου) to remember the Resurrection. The central Theme of Orthodox Christian worship IS THE RESURRECTION WHICH IS WHY IT IS OBSERVED ON A WEEKLY BASIS, NOT JUST AS THE ANNUAL PASCHA FESTIVAL. Therefore each Sunday Divine Liturgy is a miniature version of the Great and Holy Pascha feast, which celebrates victory over death. Why? because the Resurrection is considered the most significant event in the Christian faith, making Christ’s defeat of sin and evil and death. This weekly remembrance in the church reinforcing the belief that Jesus Christ is RISENs and has brought new life to the world.. The Holy Apostle Paul argued that without the RESURRECTION, faith would be futile and believers would still be in their sins, as Christ’s death would have been insufficient to those for them. The RESURRECTION also serves as proof of future judgment and provides believers with the assurance of their own future bodily resurrection.

There is absolutely no justification for missing the Divine Liturgy on Sunday for the Orthodox Christian. Nothing but nothing can replace worship on Sunday. Every Orthodox Christian is expected to be spiritually prepared through confession, fasting, repentance, to approach the Holy Gifts. No Orthodox Christian attends the Divine Liturgy to be a spectator of a so-called "drama" taking place. Receiving Holy Communion is to receive "remission of sins and life eternal." Let us not forget that the Church according to the Orthodox Tradition is "a hospital" and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the "Physician of our souls and bodies." We, Orthodox Christians, arrive at the church hospital as people injured by our sinful ways, spiritually crippled and in need of therapy and healing. Through the grace of God we are restored to spiritual health and continue our earthly life with all its demands, dangers, challenges and victories.

See you in church!!!

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

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

THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT KATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA

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

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

THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT KATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA

Emperor Maximinus was a rude, ignorant and superstitious tyrant, equal in cruelty as Galerius, Emperor of the East, but surpassing him in incredible debauchery. In the autumn of 308 A.D., he issued a fifth edict of persecution, which commanded that all males with their wives and servants, and even their children, should sacrifice and actually taste the accursed offerings. This terrible law introduced a reign of terror for two years, and left the Christians with the alternative of martyrdom, apostasy or starvation. All the pains which iron and steel, fire and sword, rack and cross, wild beasts and beastly men could inflict, were employed to gain this useless end.

Emperor Maximinus concentrated all his attention on the holy Katherine, but he was unable to vanquish her with philosophical arguments. Instead, he attempted to deceive her with subtlety and flattery. He even offered her half of his kingdom and to live with him in the royal palace. However, the Saint being wise and prudent, perceived his subtle scheme and said to him, "I have come to be the bride of Christ Who alone is my Bridegroom and advisor, the adornment and vesture of my virginity; and I desire martyrdom more than a purple robe or crown!"

The pagan Roman Emperor, pretending to be concerned for her welfare replied,"Do not force me to degrade thine honor against mine own will." But the holy Martyr Katherine said, "Do whatsoever thou wishest, for with temporary dishonor thou shalt bestow upon me true and Eternal Glory. Many will believe in Christ, especially people of thine own palace, for they will go before me to the Sacred Mansions with untold glory and majesty."

Thus Saint Katherine spoke, and God would bring it to pass. The cruel Emperor then ordered that she be stripped of the royal mantle and lashed without pity with whips of rawhide. After this, they scourged her about the stomach and back for two hours. Her virginal body, once fair, became lacerated and unsightly from the welts. So much blood flowed that the ground was dyed red. Yet, the holy one withstood all this with such courage, to the amazement of the bystanders. After sunset, the savage beast ordered that she be cast into prison. She was given no food or water for twelve days, until he might devise a method to put her to death.

A certain Prefect named Hursasaden, an ill=tempered and sadistic man, tried to win the Emperor’s favor; and out of his perverted intellect proposed, "I O Emperor, have invented an instrument of torture wherewith thou shalt either win over this maiden or she shall experience a dreadful death. You should order the construction of four wooden wheels attached to an axle, from which steel blades and other sharp spikes protrude. Two ot the wheels will rotate to the right, and two to the left. The maiden would be placed below, bound, at its center, so that when the wheels turn, her body will be completely mutilated. However, first exhibit the wheels turning so as to instill terror in her, that she may do as she is ordered; if not, let her receive an evil death." The idea pleased the pagan Emperor, and he commanded the plan into effect.

In three days’ time, the dreadful apparatus was readied, When they brought the holy Katherine forth, they turned the wheels with a mighty force so as to frighten her. The sadistic Emperor said, "Behold, by this instrument you shall receive a bitter death if you do not worship the gods!" She replied, "Many times already I have told you my opinion. Therefore, waste no more time, but do as you desire!" Yet the wretched one tried flattery and cunning again to persuade her to change her mind; but was unsuccessful.

The beastly Emperor then ordered that they cast the Saint, bound, before the wheels and rotate them violently, so that with rapid passes thereof she might suffer a bitter death. But, by the intervention of the grace and will of God, it did not come to pass in this way. An Angel of the Lord came down from Heaven and aided Saint Katherine, who was instantly loosed from the bonds and rendered whole and uninjured. The wheels spun on their own, striking many of the unbelievers, and bringing upon them a hideous death. Those who stood about were ae-stricken, witnessing this terrible sight; and cried, "Great is the God of the Christians!" The Emperor raged with a blind fury, and at once sought to devise a new ay to torture the Saint.

The following day, they brought Saint Katherine to the judgment hall, and the Emperor cried aloud, "You have caused me great pain and sorrow! You have deceived my wife, and my valiant companion and commander-in-chief, who was the strength of my army. Many more evils have vistted me on your account. I should have subjected you to a cruel death; nevertheless, I will forgive you, because I do not wish to see a beautiful and wise maiden such as yourself lost by torture. Therefore, listen to me, my love, and sacrifice to the gods. I will make you my lawful consort and shal neve grieve you, nor will I do anything without your counsel; you will be so happy and joyous, more so than any other queen in all the world."

With these vain words and others like them, the subtle one tried in every way possible, turning over every stone, to change the Saint’s mind. But observing that neither by flattery, promises, nor threats could he soften the adamant one, he gave up all hope and, having no control over his senses, issued the order that she be beheaded outside the city limits. The soldiers took the Saint and marched her to the site of execution. A large crowd followed them, of both men and women, weeping bitterly at the loss of such a beautiful and wise young woman. On their arrival at the site of execution, the Saint made the following prayer: "My Lord, Jesus Christ and God, I thank Thee that Thou hast secured my feet on the rock of patience and hast directed my steps. Stretch out Thy Sacred hand, which was nailed to the Cross for our sake, and receive my soul, which today is separated from the body, out of love for Thee. Be Thou mindful, O Lord, that we are but flesh and blood, and do not allow the dark inquisitors to expose my transgressions, which I committed unwittingly, before Thy Dread Judgment Seat; but wash them away with the blood that I shed for Thee, and grant my body, cleaved for Thee, will become invisible tho those who seek it, keeping it safe and secure wheresoever Thou wishest. Look down from on high upon Thy people who surround me, O Lord, and guide them to the light of Thy knowledge. Bestow upon those who invoke Thy Name, through me, all they seek for their betterment, that Thy works may be praised by all and that Thou mayest be glorified with Thine Unoriginate Father and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto endless ages. Amen.

After uttering this prayer, she told the executioner to carry out the sentence. He raised his sword and cut off her precious and sacred heads on November 25th, in about the year 305 A.D. Again, our Loving God desired to honor His Saint and Venerable Martyr, and one miracle followed another! At her beheading, all the bystanders witnessed milk flow from her sacred head instead of blood. Whereupon, that hour, her revered precious relics were devoutly translated by holy Angels and deposited on Mount Sinai in a secret place. According to Holy Tradition it was translated to the peak of the highest mountain in Sinai, which now bear her name. Indeed, this is the account of the Martyrdom of the wise, and remarkable Katherine, who so loved Christ, the Heavenly Bridegroom, that she disdained wealth, glory, and every vain enjoyment. Wherefore, she now rejoices and delights with the choirs of Saints unto endless ages.

Thus, tormented in transitory sufferings, Saint Katherine received everlasting rest. Therefore, listen and emulate her, and become a martyr by you conduct; a witness by you disposition and principles, without shedding your blood. Presently, though no one constrains us, no one compels us to worship idols, nor to renounce our Savior, nevertheless, deny yourself and overcome the bodily passions; or be long-suffering and patiently bear insults for our Lord’s sake, that you may be honored by Him eternally… If you will vanquish and repudiate all lusts and vices, Christ, Who awards the prizes, will bestow upon you an imperishable crown, and you will rejoice with the holy Martyrs forever, and glorify the Most Holy Trinity and Ever-Virgin Lady, unto endless ages. Amen.

Centuries later, guided by a dream, monks of the Monastery of Holy Transfiguration in Sinai, erected by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, found her holy and precious body. They brought her down from the mountain and placed her in a golden casket in the church. The sweet fragrance of her sacred relics is today a continuous miracle. [Resources: The Lives of the Holy Women Martyrs]

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

+ + +

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

On the 25th of November – FEAST-DAY OF THE HOLY AND GREAT MARTYR KATHERINE

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

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

On the 25th of November our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates
the Holy and Great Martyr KATHERINE.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Plagal of First Tone

LET us praise the all-lauded and noble bride of Christ, the godly
Katherine, the guardian of Sinai and its defence, who is also our
support and succour and our help; for with the Holy Spirit’s
sword she hath silenced brilliantly the clever among the godless;
and being crowned as a Martyr, she now doth ask great mercy
for us all.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

ROUSE up now a choir, O ye that love the martyred Saints, august
and inspired, acclaimed the supremely-wise Martyr Katherine,
who hath proclaimed and preached of Christ in the stadium and
hath trampled the serpent down and spat on the knowledge of
the eloquent.

The Holy and Great Martyr Katherine, who was from Alexandria, was the daughter of Constas (or Cestus). She lived with her mother in Alexandria after her father’s death. Her mother was secretly a Christian and, through her spiritual father, brought Katherine to the Christian faith. In a vision, Saint Katherine received a ring from the Lord Jesus Himself as a sign of her betrothal to Him. This ring remains on her finger to this day. Saint Katherine was greatly gifted by God, exceptionally well-educated in Greek philosophy, medicine, rhetoric and logic. She was an exceedingly beautiful maiden, most chaste, and illustrious in wealth, lineage, and learning. By her steadfast understanding, she utterly vanquished the passionate and unbridled soul of Maximinus, the tyrant of Alexandria; and by her eloquence, she stopped the mouths of the so-called philosophers who had been gathered to dispute with her. When the wicked pagan Roman Emperor Maxentius offered sacrifice to idols and ordered everyone to do the same, Saint Katherine came with daring before him and denounced his idolatrous errors. The Emperor, seeing that she surpassed him in wisdom and learning, summoned fifty of the wisest men, to dispute with her about faith and put her to shame, but Katherine was wiser than they, and put them to shame. The furious Emperor commanded that all fifty wise men be burned. These wise men, at Saint Katherine’s prayers, all confessed the name of Christ at the moment of death, and proclaimed themselves Christians. She was crowned with the crown of Martyrdom in the year A.D 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the Holy Mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many years later; the famous Monastery of Saint Katherine was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to the Holy and Great Martyr Katherine. [Resources: The Great Horologion and The Prologue from Ochrid]

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

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

THE ORTHODOX Nicene-Constantinopolitan CREED (“SYMBOL OF FAITH”) BEGINS WITH THE WORDS, “I BELIEVE…”

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

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

The Orthodox Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed ("Symbol of Faith") begins with the words,
"I BELIEVE…". [First Ecumenical Synod in Nicea (A.D. 325) and the Second Ecumenical

Synod (A.D. 381) in Constantinople.

   In the Orthodox  Church the creed is called the Symbol of Faith which means the "bringing together" and  the "confession" of the faith.  The Orthodox Church is celebrating the 1700 year anniversary of the First Ecumenical Synod in Nicea this year.  It is a most significant celebration for Christendom because it was through these two Synods, the First and Second Ecumenical Synods or Councils that the whole Symbol of Faith  was ultimately adopted throughout the ENTIRE CHURCH.  It was put into the first person form "I BELIEVE" and used for the formal and official confession of faith made by a believer (or his/her sponsor-godparent) at his/her baptism.  It is also used as the FORMAL STATEMENT OF FAITH by a non-Orthodox Christian entering the communion of the Orthodox Church.  Also, the Symbol of Faith became part of the life of Orthodox Christians and an essential element of the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church at which each Orthodox Christian formally accepts and renews his baptism and membership in the Church.  It is repeated before  Holy Communion.  All other hymns and prayers of the Divine Liturgy are plural, beginning with "we" but only the Symbol of Faith begins with "I".  It must be understood that to be an Orthodox Christian is to affirm the Orthodox Christian faith but not only in words,  but in the essential meaning of the Symbol of Faith.  This confession implies all that has been expressly developed from it and built upon it in the history of the Holy Orthodox Church over the many centuries down to our present day.

  Church history reveals that the unity was threatened by significant internal conflict, primarily due to heresies that challenged its core doctrines, such as the nature of Christ's Divinity, and the Holy Trinity.  Major issues included the spread of heresies such as Arianism, the iconoclastic controversy, and the filioque heresy, which led to the Great Schism between the Latin West and the Orthodox East.  "Even the briefest survey of the heretical movements in Christianity from the first days of the Church's existence is profitable in that is shows, side by side with the common teaching of the Universal Church, the "RULE OF FAITH," how various were the deviations from the truth, and how very often they assumed a sharply aggressive character and evoked a bitter battle within the Church…But the Church–with the help of the epistles of bishops, the exhortations and excommunications of local and regional councils (and, beginning with the 4th century, ECUMENICAL SYNODS OR COUNCILS), brought the "rule of faith" unshaken out of the battle and preserved Orthodoxy unharmed.  Thus it was in the first thousand years."

   "The second millennium has not changed this situation.  In these years the deviations from Christian truth, the divisions and sects, have been many more than in the first millennium.  Certain currents hostile to Orthodoxy are no less passionate in their proselytism and hostility to Orthodoxy that was the case in the epoch of the Ecumenical Synods.  This means that it is essential to be vigilant in preserving Orthodoxy.  A special vigilance in defending dogmas is required now because of  a false path which has come from Christian circles outside the Church; this false path, while  it seeks to attain a seemingly good aim, is unacceptable for the Orthodox Church:  It is disdainful with regard to the dogmatic side of Christian faith in its striving to realize the unity of the whole Christian world."

   Protopresbyter Michael Pomaxanski writes:  "The term "INVISIBLE" can refer only to the Heavenly Church.  The Church on earth, even though it has its invisible side, like a ship a part of which is hidden in the water and is invisible to the eyes, still remains visible, because it consists of people and has visible forms of organization and sacred activity.

   Therefore it is quite natural to affirm that these religiisous organizations are societies which are "near," or "next to," or "close to," or perhaps even "adjoining" the Church, but sometimes  "against" it; but they are all "OUTSIDE" THE ONE CHURCH OF CHRIST.  Some of them hae cut themselves off, other have gone far away.  Some, in going away, all the same have historical ties of blood with her; others have lost all kinshi, and in them the very spirit and foundations of Christianity HAVE BEEN DISTORTED.  None of them find themselves under the captivity of the Grace which is present in the Church, and especially the Grace which is given in the Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church.  They are not nourished by that mystical table which leads up along the steps of spiritual perfection.

   The tendency in contemporary cultural society to place SALL CONFESSIONS ON ONE LEVEL IS NOT LIMITED TO CHRISTIANITY; on this same ALL-EQUALLING LEVEL ARE PLACE ALSO THE NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS, ON THE GROUND THAT THEY ALL "LEAD TO GOD," and besides, taken all together; they far surpass the Christian world in the number of members who belong to them.

   All of such "UNITING" and "EQUALIZING" views indicate a forgetfulness of the principle that THERE CAN BE MANY TEACHINGS AND OPINIONS, BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH.  And THE AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN UNITY–UNITY IN THE CHURCH–CAN BE BASED ONLY UPON ONENESS OF MIND, AND NOT UPON DIFFERENCES OF MIND.  The Church is "THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH" (I Timothy 3:15)."

   The contemporary Orthodox theologians must adhere to the dogmas of Our Holy Church and not trivialize, ignore, distort or deviate from the truth.  We, as Orthodox Christians have been blessed to be members of the Church of Christ and due to the Holy Fathers of the Church who under the inspiration and Grace of the Holy Spirit gave us the authentic Christian faith which all must protect and preserve as they gave it to us.  Outside the Orthodox Church and specifically among the  heterodox Christians, the Christian Gospel has been damaged beyond repair.  Many have been reduced to powerful and influential cults [ie. Mormons, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah Witnesses, etc.) which distort who our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is, and furthermore, promote and spread  antichristian propaganda and misinformation and disinformation.   These heretics and blasphemers seek to undermine authentic Christianity and prevent the spread of the AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN GOSPEL AND CHRIST'S MESSAGE OF SALVATION TO THE WORLD.

   [Resources: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology]

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

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

“THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF OUR HOLY FATHERS, LORD JESUS CHRIST. OUR GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US AND SAVE US.”

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

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

“Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and save us.”

Unlike the prayers of Christians of heterodox traditions, the Orthodox Christians conclude their prayers by saying, “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, Our God, have mercy on us and save us.” This prayer is a way of asking for our Lord Christ, our God, to have mercy on us and save us. Salvation is a gift from Him Who is merciful, and not something that is acquired by us. Furthermore, we approach Him with genuine humility knowing that we are sinful and unworthy and, therefore, we seek the intercessions of the Saints and holy Fathers acknowledging their holiness and close relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. The Saint’s prayers are most powerful and can assist the believer in receiving God’s mercy.

In our Holy Orthodox Faith we believe that Saints are living in heaven with our Lord Christ and are very much aware of the spiritual struggles and warfare of us on earth, so they constantly pray as our friends and intercessors. This is not understood as praying to the Saints for worship, but rather as requesting of them to pray for us, just as one might ask a fellow Christian, a friend or relative to pray for us at times of danger or illness. For the Orthodox Christian God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, and that those who have died in Christ are alive with Him.

Should we pray to the Saints? Absolutely! Shall we not call blessed and holy those who are “the glory and the honor of the nations”? [Revelation 21:26] We call the Holy Virgin and all of God’s friends (Psalm 138 (139), the Saints, blessed. We ask incessantly for their intercessory prayers–not in order to be saved by them, because ONLY JESUS CHRIST SAVES, but in order to be saved through their intercessory prayers to Christ.

“The Saints who inhabit God’s Kingdom live in active fulfillment of His eternal plan.” In the Kingdom, humanity becomes all it is meant to be. There is nothing at all in Holy Scripture to suggest that Eternal Life means people strumming on harps or passively afloat on huge white clouds unto the ages of ages.

How can the Saints be “the glory and honor of the nations”? Do we not sing to the Triune God, for You belong glory, honor, and worship and for Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory…” How can we attribute glory to human beings? Saint Paul says that the afflictions in life prepare “for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Human being can thus become sharers of God’s Eternal Glory.

Therefore we are all called to honor the Saints. They are “the general assembly and Church of the first born” (Hebrews 12:23), “the righteous people (who ended their course and were) perfected” (ibid). The Saints are “those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), through whom God is “bearing witness, both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4).

The Saints intercede for us before the Throne of God. Here are a few Biblical examples:

1) The Holy Apostle Paul says, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
2) Elsewhere he says, “I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance” (Philippians 1:19).
3) The Holy Apostle James (Iakovos) writes: “The prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
4) In the book of Job we read: “My servant Job shall pray for you; for him will I accept” (Job 42:8).
5) God said to king Abimelech about Abraham: “He (Abraham) will pray for you and you shall live” (Genesis 20:7).
6) Again we read: :Moses supplicated the Lord God…and the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people” (Exodus 32:11-14). Moses interceded with God for the impious Jewish nation and they were saved from His wrath. For other instances of intercession see 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thes. 1:11 and 3:1; Colossians 4:2 and Hebrews 13:18.

We invoke [the Saints] to help us, since they too were of our same nature, taking thought for us and having power with God because they struggled for His glorification. (Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki) The Saints have dedicated themselves to God, even offering their very lives to Him. We too are called to be vessels of sanctification, dedicated exclusively to God’s service. We too pledged to do precisely that at our baptism. During the Divine Liturgy we renew this pledge and commitment to live consciously for Christ our God.

So by the testimony of God’s word, we are saved through the prayers of the Saints to Christ. Let us repeat: There is only One Who saves: CHRIST THE SAVIOR.

Originally created to inhabit Paradise, our first parents chose to sin against God and were expelled from the Garden. The Kingdom of God was closed to mankind (Genesis 3:24). But God in His agape called His creation back to Himself, speaking to us through the Law and the Prophets and ultimately through His Incarnate Son. Through NEW LIFE in Jesus Christ, we are brought back by God’s mercy into THE NEW CREATION, HIS EVERLASTING KINGDOM. As kings and priests we will reign with Him forever (Revelation 1:6).

“We experience a foretaste of the Kingdom in the Church.” The very first words of the Divine Liturgy spoken by the priest are: “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto ages of ages.” The Church at worship enters or ascends to the Heavenly Kingdom. For it is in the Church that we are seated “together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6) and are raised to “where Christ is, sitting at the Right Hand of God” (Colosssians 3:1).

In worship we join the Heavenly Hosts–the Saints and the Angels–in giving praise to our God. As the body of Christ we participate with that “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) surrounding us as we come to “the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). We come liturgically “to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of Angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all” (Hebrews 12:22-23). With this heavenly vision, the Orthodox Church each Sunday remembers not only those in the parish but “ALL THOSE WHO IN FAITH HAVE GONE BEFORE US TO THEIR REST.”

The Holy Apostle John writes: “Beloved, now we are children of God and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3). [Resources: The Heavenly Banquet and Orthodox Study Bible)

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

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

“I AM EXCEEDINGLY JOYFUL IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION” (2 Corinthians 7:4)

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

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

“I AM EXCEEDINGLY JOYFUL IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION”
[2 Corinthians 7:4]

The Holy Apostle Paul reminds the faithful that our God “comforts the downcast” [2 Cor. 7:6]. Our Holy Orthodox Church teaches that true joy in Christ is a spiritual gift that is not dependent on circumstances, unlike fleeting worldly happiness. This “bright” sadness or “joyful sorrow” comes through embracing suffering and tribulation, as it helps us to develop endurance and character by aligning us with our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ’s suffering, ultimately leading to a deeper, permanent joy in God the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit are: agape, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, the Source of true joy is found in the person of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, a joy that cannot be taken away.

Orthodox Christianity also teaches the concept of “bright sadness” (Gk. Charmolype), a paradoxical state of “joyful mourning” where suffering is combined with Divine consolation and agape. A good example is the Cross of our Lord Christ, which brought sorrow, is also the very source of this joy, showing that suffering can lead to rejoicing. We are taught that we are called to embrace suffering as an opportunity for spiritual growth and development, believing that trials test and develop endurance, patience, character, fortitude, hope, trust in our path to salvation and His Kingdom.

We, as Orthodox Christians, view the lives of the Prophets, Righteous, Saints, Martyrs, Confessors and holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church as the par excellence example of Christian spirituality and authentic life in Christ. They all serve as timeless guides who endured horrific suffering, inspire all believers how to live this joy through sincere faith, solemn prayer and lifting one’s cross. The Holy Apostle Paul reveals how a Christian should act in different circumstances: “In all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonment, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fasting; by purity, by knowledge, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere agape, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand an on the left… a sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). Christ’s Church requires a spurning of immorality and false religions, and devotion to “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).

The Holy Apostle Paul exhorts us to “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The Old and New Testament emphasize that faith in God and our communion with Him is one of joy. Nehemiah the Prophet states, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Saint Isaac the Syrian wrote, “always ponder on the Holy Word of God and always be filled with the incomprehensible wonder and joy of God.” Divine joy is not fleeting, is not weak, is not temporary, is not empty but eternal and fulfilling. In the divine service of the Vespers of Agape on Pascha Day we chant: A Pascha of delight, a Pascha of the Lord, Pascha; an All-Venerable Pascha has dawned for us; a Pascha on which let us embrace one another with joy, O Pascha, ransom from sorrow! From the tomb as from a bridal chamber, Christ today came forth, and filled the women with joy, saying, “Proclaim ye to the Apostles.”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy of Pascha Sunday we read the Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom and in it he says, “…Let all then, enter into the joy of the Lord. Ye first and last receiving alike your reward, ye rich and poor, rejoice together. Ye sober and ye slothful, celebrate the day. Ye that have kept the fast, and ye that have not, rejoice today; for the Table is richly laden… Christ is risen , and the tomb is emptied of the dead..” Saint Isaac the Syrian wrote: “There is no greater sin than to be insensitive to the joy of the Risen Christ.”

Christianity is not a faith of gloom and doom but celebration and delight. This does not mean that the Christian walks around with a pasted or foolish smile on his face. In looking at a Christian one sees the joy of the Lord in his eyes. It is a solemn, genuine, a revealing joy which originates in the Christian’s heart. The Holy Prophet Habakkuk says, “For though the fig tree will not bear fruit and there be no grapes on the vines; the labor of the olive tree fail and the fields yield no food; though the sheep have no pasture and there be no oxen in the cribs; Yet I will glory in the Lord; I WILL REJOICE IN GOD MY SAVIOR” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

No Christian ever pretends to be joyful and happy. Whatever challenges we face daily, we confront them with faith and trust in God’s Providence. We believe that there is a purpose and a reason why the Lord allows things to happen whether good and dreadful. When we recite the Lord’s Prayer we say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. This indicates trust in His judgment. His Only-Begotten Son experienced pain, suffering, sorrow, torment, humiliation, betrayal, abandonment, doubt, crucifixion, slander, accusations of blaspheme, and cruelty. Do we consider ourselves as Christians better than our Master and Savior? Why would we go through this earthly and temporal life unscathed?

Christian Tradition records that many early Christian martyrs rejoiced as they faced execution, seeing it as a way to show their profound faith and unconditional love for our Lord Jesus Christ and to be united with Him in suffering and being counted as “worthy” to do so. Saint Polycarpos was a very old man when he suffered martyrdom. When he was told to deny Christ his answer was, “For 86 years have I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

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

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

THE HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MARTYRS AND DIVINE MARTYRDOM

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

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

THE HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MARTYRS AND
DIVINE MARTYRDOM.

"O holy Martyrs who have contested well
and have been crowned, intercede with the
Lord, that mercy be granted to our souls."
[Troparion]

"The Word (Logos) of God enlightened the world by His
Incarnation, and through Him sprung forth the multitude
of the martyrs which spilled their blood in great suffering
making themselves protectors of those in need for this
we sing to you." [Eikos 1]

"Let the passions you endured be a help toward our
own passions and let the wounds of your body be a
protection for the pains that trouble our rest. Give us
therefore in perils, your patience, O Holy Martyr, so
through it we may achieve the salvation of our souls
and strengthen our shortcomings, so we can sing:
Alleluia!" [Kontakion]

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr and Wonderworker
Menas of Egypt.

O, Most Holy and all-lauded Great Martyr and wonder-worker Menas
receive this prayer from me, your unworthy servant, because to you,
as a true fountain of healings, ready to help and miraculous helper,
I come with tears of repentance to your holy icon and pray: See my
loss, O Holy Martyr, my insufficiency and my wickedness, see the
wounds and the plague of my soul. Therefore, I pray to you, blessed
and Holy Menas, hasten to help me with your holy prayers and sustain
me you servant. Take heed to my sorrows and do not overlook me the
sinner, for I know , O Holy Martyr of God that you endured dreadful and
terrifying tortures from the lawless ones for the love of Christ, but
through these sufferings you live enlightened today and you found the
gift from God. We are certain that even after your divine passing from
the ephemeral life, all the ones that asked your help with faith in your
church were not deceived and continued to receive your help. For
who called you for help and you did not hear? Or who called you,
O wonder-worker, and you overlooked? Or who, being at loss and
running to your help, did not recover his deficit?"

In the Orthodox Church there is a liturgical book known as the MARTYROLOGION that lists Saints, particularly MARTYRS, with their feast days, and the hymns are the liturgical chants and prayers associated with them. Hymns are chanted for the various divine services i.e., Divine Liturgies, including daily prayers, feasts, and other services, to honor the Saints and holy Martyrs, who are remembered in the Martyrologion.

According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, a MARTYR is a Christian who suffers and dies for their faith rather than deny Christ. A holy Martyr is considered a "a witness" and is someone who has been persecuted, tortured, and killed for their steadfast belief, viewing their death as a path to holiness and a way to gain Christ and His Kingdom. This is different from someone who is simply killed unjustly. The word "martyr" comes from the Greek word for "witness." Holy Martyrs, men, women and children, are seen as witnesses to their faith, testifying to the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, even unto torture and death. There are of course those who fall into a special category known as "Great-Martyrs." These are Saints who endured horrific and extreme tortures, often performing miracles and converting others during their martyrdom.

The Holy Apostle in his epistle to the Hebrews writes: "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockiings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth" (Ephesians 11:35-38).

"The Cross is the path of the Christian and the Church. The Orthodox Christian finds spiritual strength in the awareness that after the Lord’s death on the Cross there followed the Resurrection; that by the Cross the world has been conquered; that if we die with the Lord we shall reign with Him, and shall rejoice and triumph in the manifestation of His glory (I Peter 4:13). The Cross is the BANNER of the Church. From the day when our Savior bore the Cross on His shoulders to Golgothaand was crucified on the material Cross, the Cross became the visible sign and banner of Christianity, of the Church, of everyone who believes in Christ.

With the Cross is bound up the whole grandeur of our redemption, which reminds us of the necessity of personal struggle for the Christian. In the representation of the Cross, even in its name, is summed up the whole history of the Gospel, as also the history of MARTYRDOM and the confession of Christianity in all ages."

Saint John Damascene sums up what has been accomplished through the Cross, which, as he says, is a term denoting the death of Christ: "Every action of Christ and all His working of miracles were truly very great and Divine and wonderful, but of all things the most wonderful is His honorable Cross. For nothing else except the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ has death been brought low, the sin of our first parent destroyed, hell plundered, resurrection bestowed, the power given us to despise the things of this world and even death itself, the road back to the former blessedness made smooth, the gates of Paradise opened, our nature seated at the right hand of God, and we made children and heirs of God…"

There is no greater Martyr than our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life on the Cross to save mankind. On Holy Thursday evening the Priest carrying the Crucifix proceeds all around the Church, reciting the following Hymn: "Today is hung upon the Tree, He Who suspended the land in the midst of the waters. A crown of thorns crowns Him, Who is the King of Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery, Who wrapped the Heavens with clouds. He received buffetings, Who freed Adam in the Jordan. He was transfixed with nails, Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Thy Passion, O Christ, Show also unto us Thy Glorious Resurrection."

There have been countless martyrs following the Divine Martyrdom of our Savior God Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christians and Christians in general have never ceased to suffer and die for the Faith, for Christ Himself. Every century since our Lord’s crucifixion is soaked in Christian blood who would rather suffer and die than betray Christ and the Church. As long as their persecution of Christianity there will be martyrs. Even currently Christian are persecuted, suffer and are executed by infidels in various parts of the world. However, the true spirit of a Christian Martyr is always the same as that of our Lord Jesus Christ who forgave His enemies and executioners from the Cross: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). These Divine words form a remarkable prayer, showing the boundless mercy and agape of the Crucified Jesus. The first holy Martyr to emulate the Lord was Stefanos (Stephen) who was stoned to death. But before he died said, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:60). The Martyrdom of Saint Stefanos, whose name means CROWN in Greek, [ A MARK OF VICTORY OR HONOR], and who is called the PROTOMARTYR (FIRST MARTYR), was the beginning of the widespread s PERSECUTION of the early Christians. [Resources: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology and Orthodox Study Bible]

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

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