My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

On the 6th of August, the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates
the Holy TRANSFIGURATION (METAMORPHOSIS) OF OUR LORD,
GOD, AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Grave Tone

THOU wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing
to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. Shine forth
Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy Light Ever-unending, through
the prayers of the Theotokos, Light-bestower, glory to Thee.

Kontakion Hymn. Grave Tone

ON the mount Thou wast transfigured, and Thy disciples, as much
as they could bear, beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God; that when
they should see Thee crucified, they would know Thy Passion to be
willing, and would preach to the world that Thou, in truth, art the
Effulgence of the Father.

+

The Holy TRANSFIGURATION (METAMORPHOSIS) actually took place in February, forty days before the Passion. If we celebrated this feast at that time, it would be necessary to celebrate it during the Great Fast, when according to tradition such a feast should be celebrated for eight days. The feast was moved by the Church Fathers to the month of August for the following reasons: since the Transfiguration took place 40 days before the Passion and the Cross, by choosing the 6th of August it would be forty days before the Feast of the Elevation of the Honorable and Holy Cross, celebrated by the Holy Church on the 14th of September.

Now Mount Tabor was prophesied to be the mountain chosen by the Lord: "David the ancestor of God, foreseeing in spirit from after the sojourn with men of the Only-begotten Son in the flesh, called the creation together to rejoice with him, and prophetically lifted up his voice to cry, ‘Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name" (Psalm 88:12).

The Evangelist Luke records that "BOUT EIGHT DAYS AFTER THESE WORDS," Jesus took PETER and JAMES (IAKOVOS) and JOHN (Luke 9:28). Sint Matthew says, "after six days" (Matthew 17:11). Why does Christ take with Him these three disciples only? Because these were superior to the rest. Peter indeed showed his superiority by exceedingly loving Him, but John by being exceedingly loved by Him, and Iakovos (James) again by his answer which he gave with his brother, saying, "WE ARE ABLE TO DRINK THE CUP." But it was not only by his answer but also by his works… For so earnest was Iakovos (James) that he had bestowed a very great favor on the Jews, that Herod the king himself supposed that he had bestowed a very great favor on the Jews when he slew him."

Blessed Theophylact (11th century) observed that Christ "brings them up onto a high mountain, showing that unless a man is raised up high, he does not become worthy of such divine visions. A mountain set apart, because Christ would often perform the most wondrous of His miracles in secret, lest the multitude should see Him as God and think that He was human in appearance only." Continuing Blessed Theophylactos says, "When you hear ‘He was transfigured’ do not think that He cast off the body at that moment; for His body remained in its own form, as you hear mention of His face and clothing. But it appeared more resplendent, the Divine exhibiting in small part its effulgence as much AS THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE." He further explains that when we pray WE MUST BE ALONE, AND WE MUST ASCEND IN SPIRIT AND NOT INCLINE OURSELVES TO ANYTHING EARTHLY. "And it came to pass, as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance became different, and His garments became white, flashing as with lightning" (Luke 9:29). He was not changed in nature. He REMAINED WHAT HE WAS, EXCEPT THAT THE APPEARANCE OF HIS FACE WAS BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE. AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH HIS CLOTHING. IT WAS ONLY THE APPEARANCE OF HIS CLOTHING AND ONLY THE SURFACE APPEARANCE WAS DIFFERENT."

According to Saint Ephraim the Light seen by Jesus’ Disciples on Tabor, EXISTED WITHIN CHRIST BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRANSFIGURATION, AS THE NATURAL BRIGHTNESS INTO WHAT HE WAS NOT, BUT BY REVEALING HIMSELF AS HE WAS TO HIS DISCIPLES, OPENING THEIR EYES AND HEALING THEIR BLINDNESS." In chiefly apophatic terms, Saint Gregory calls THE LIGHT OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, "INEFFABLE, UNCREATED…INCORPOREAL, INACCESSIBLE…WITHOUT END OR LIMITS." In positive terms, he characterizes it as "THE CHANGELESS BEAUTY AND GLORY OF GOD, GLORY OF CHRIST, GLORY OF THE SPIRIT, RAY OF GOD." The Light of the Transfiguration of Our Lord neither comes into being, nor ceases to be, nor can be described, nor apprehended by bodily powers; IT WAS INDEED SEEN BY THE EYES OF THE BODY… BUT THROUGH A TRANSFIGURATION OF THE SENSE…AND THAT MOMENT THEY PASSED FROM THE BODY TO THE Spirit."

At the time of His Transfiguration, Saint Gregory Palamas says that Christ "BESTOWED A DIVINE POWER UPON THE EYES OF HIS APOSTLES AND ENABLED THEM TO LOOK UP AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES. This LIGHT, then, WAS NOT A HALLUCINATION. This LIGHT WILL REMAIN FOR ALL ETERNITY, HAVING EXISTED FROM THE BEGINNING. In fact, "Christ always possessed this Light and always will have it with HIm." Indeed, "THIS LIGHT IS NEITHER AN INDEPENDENT REALITY NOR SOMETHING ALLIEN IN THE DIVINITY." If it were an independent reality, Christ would b composed of three natures: HUMAN, DIVINE, AND THIS LIGHT.

" It is Good for Us to be Here" (Matthew 17:4)

Saint Leo affirms that to "Peter’s suggestion to make three tabernacles the Lord makes no answer–nor implying that it was unworthy, but that it was at variance with the Divine purpose."

Saint John Chrysostom exclaims, "Look a the ardent lover of Christ…for what does the ardent Peter says? "IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE" (Matthew 17:4). Now because Peter heard that Christ was to go to Jerusalem and TO SUFFER, BEING IN FEAR STILL AND TRAMBLING FOR Him..For Peter would have Him be there continually. For this cause, he speaks of ‘tabernacles.’

Saint John Chrysostom observes: "To further show that Peter was held with great fear, both "Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep; but after they fully awoke, they saw His glory" (Luke 9:32). By deep sleep here, he means the deep stupor engendered in them by THAT VISION. For as eyes are darkened by an excessive splendor, so at that time also did they experience." Saint Ambrose adds: "The incomprehensible magnificence of the Godhead overwhelms the perception of our body."

The Voice and the Cloud

Saint Leo says, "The Father was proclaimed to their ears by the voice from out of the cloud: Ang hearing His voice the Disciples fell on their faces in great fear. And they feared, not only because of the Divine Majesty of the Father but also because of the Majesty of the Son; for with their heightened perception they perceived the Divinity common to both of Them."

"And after the disciples heard it, they fell on their face and were exceedingly afraid. And having come to them, Jesus touched them and said, ‘Arise, and cease being afraid.’ And after they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone" (Matthew 17:6-8).

Now "how was it," poses Saint John Chrysostom, "that, when they heard these words, they were dismayed? And yet, before this also, a like voice was uttered at Jodan, and a multitude was present, and no one felt anything of the kind. And indeed, again afterward, when the crowd remarked that ‘thunder had occurred" (John 12:29), they did not experience anything like what took place here. How come they fell down in the mount? Because there was solitude, and height, and great quietness, and a transfiguration full of awe, and pure light, and a cloud stretched out. All of which things put them in great alarm. And the amazement came thick on every side, and they fell down both in fear at once and in adoration. But that the fear abiding so long might drive out their recollection, presently, He puts an end to their alarm and is seen Himself alone.

Taboric Light

Saint Gregory Palamas speaks OF THE UNCREATED GLORY. He made a defense in reply to the Calabrian Barlaam, who commented that the Tiboric "light was a sensible light, visible through the medium of the air, appearing to the amazement of all and then at once disappearing. One calls it ‘divinity’ because it is a symbol of divinity." Saint Gregory Palamas exclaims, "What a novel opinion! How can one speak of a sensible and created divinity which lasts only a day, appearing only to disappear (actually in a single hour) on the same day?" Saint Gregory Palamas refutes this by saying that "the Light on Tabor shone more brilliantly than the sun, yet the people of the area did not even see it. In fact, we will no longer need air in the age to come, and certainly the Light, natural to Divinity, does not require it."

Saint Gregory Palamas, quoting several holy Fathers, concludes: "According to the promise of the Savior, they saw the Kingdom of God, that Divine and Ineffable Light. The Great Gregory the Theologian called it DIVINITY, saying, ‘Light is the Divinity MANIFESTED TO THE DISCIPLES ON THE MOUNT,’ and Saint Basil the Great called it DIVINITY, saying, ‘ A BEAUTY OF THE TRULY MIGHT ONE IS HIS INTELLIGIBLE AND CONTEMPLATED DIVINITY. ‘ Saint Basil the Great also says that LIGHT IS THE BEAUTY OF GOD CONEMPLATED BY THE SAINTS ALONE IN THE POWER OF THE DIVINE SPIRIT. And so he says in turn, ‘Peter and the sons of thunder saw His beauty on the mountain, surpassing the brightness of the sun in its radiance. And they were deemed worthy to receive with their eyes A FORETASTE OF HIS ADVENT. Saint John of Damascus called THE LIGHT A NATURAL RAY OF THE DIVINITY…and wrote: ‘THE SON WITHOUT BEGINNING, BEGOTTEN FROM THE FATHER, POSSESSED FROM THE DIVNITY THE NATURAL RAY WITHOUT BEGINNING. AND THE GLORY OF THE DIVINITY BECAME ALSO THE GLORY OF THE BODY."

The Eighth Day

The TRANSFIGURATION IS ALSO A TYPE OF ETERNITY, the Eternal Age to come, THE EIGHTH DAY, in which all shall be transfigured. Saint Ambrose tells us that "IN ORDER THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT PETER, IAKOVOS (JAMES) AND JOHN DID NOT TASTE DEATH, THEY WERE WORTHY TO SEE THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION, FOR, ABOUT EIGHT DAYS AFTER THESE WORDS, HE TOOK THOSE THREE ALONE… FOR THE RESURRECTION COMETH TO PASS ON THE EIGHT DAY.

Saint Gregory Palamas writes: "The Light which illuminated the Disciples… WILL CONTINUALLY AND ENDLESSLY DAZZLE US WITH ITS MOST BRILLIANT RAY IN THE AGE TO COME, WHEN "WE SHALL ALWAY BE WITH THE LORD (1 Thessalonians 4:17), according to His promise. [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

___________________

"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 Christ God,

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

THE FALLING ASLEEP (KOIMISIS) OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

It must be remembered that this is NOT the ASSUMPTION that the Holy Orthodox Church observes on the 15th of August, but THE FEAST OF THE DORMITION (KEEMEESIS or KOIMISIS) or "FALLING ASLEEP" of the Holy Virgin. This Most Sacred Feast marks THE FALLING ASLEEP OF THE MOTHER OF GOD, which was followed by the TRANSLATION (METASTASIS) of her Sacred Body three days later into heaven. This Feast, therefore, marks HER SOUL BEING COMMENDED INTO HER Son’s hands and the short sojourn of her divine body in the tomb. Death IS NOT THE ANNIHILATION OF OUR EXISTENCE, BUT A PASSAGE FROM EARTH TO HEAVEN.

It was Saint Juvenal (5th Century) Patriarch of Jerusalem, who related to Saint Pulcheria the earliest traditions concerning the translation of the holy relics of the Theotokos. At the end of the 6th century, Emperor Maurice (582-602 A.D.), dated the Virgin Thetokos’ August Dormition as the 15th of August. He ordered that the Feast be celebrated throughout the universe. Unlike the Resurrection of Christ, the mysterious character of her death, burial, resurrection, and ascension were not the subject of Apostolic teachings, or at least there are no extant epistles; yet it has been revealed to the inner consciousness of Our Holy Orthodox Church. Inaccessible to the view of those outside the Church, the glory of the Theotokos’ Dormition can be contemplated only in the inner light of Holy Tradition. The GLORIFICATION of the Virgin Mother is a result of the voluntary condescension of the Son Who is Incarnate of her and made "Son of Man," capable of dying. The Mother of God is now established beyond the General Resurrection and the Last Judgment, having passed from DEATH to LIFE, from TIME to ETERNITY, from A TERRESTRIAL CONDITION to CELESTIAL BEATITUDE. Hence, the Feast of August 15th IS A SECOND MYSTERIOUS PASCHA, since the Holy Church celebrates, before the end of time, the SECRET FIRSTFRUITS OF ITS ESCHATOLOGICAL CONSUMMATION.

The Theotokos is Bodily Translated (Metastasis) on the Third Day
The holy Apostle Thomas

While Thomas was enlightening the lands of India by preaching the Gospel, the honored Dormition of the Mother of God took place. All the holy Apostles had been caught up from various lands on the clouds of heaven and were transported to Gethsemane, to the bier of the All-Blessed Virgin. By God’s SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT. Thomas was not brought hither. This was permitted by the will of God, that the faithful MIGHT BE ASSURED THA THE Mother of God WAS BODILY TRANSLATED (METASTASIS) INTO THE HEAVENS. For just as they were more greatly assured of the Resurrection of Christ through the disbelief of Thomas, so did they learn OF THE BODILY TRANSLATION (METASTASIS) INTO THE HEAVENS OF THE ALL-PURE Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, through the delay of Thomas.

On the THIRD DAY after the burial, Thomas was suddenly caught up in a cloud in India. He was transported in the air above the tomb of the Virgin. From that vantage point, he beheld the translation of her body into the heavens, and cried out to her, "Whither goest thou, O All-Holy One?" And, removing her cincture, she gave it to Thomas, saying, "Receive this, my friend." And then she was gone.

Thereafter, he descended to find the other Disciples keeping watch over the sepulcher of the Theotokos. He sat down beside them, with the cincture in his hand, greatly saddened that he had not been there when she reposed, as had been the other holy Apostles. Hence, he said, "We are all Disciples of the Master. We all preach the same thing. We are ALL SERVANTS OF ONE LORD, JESUS CHRIST. How, then, is it that you were counted worthy to behold the repose of His Mother, and I was not? Am I not an Apostle? Can it be that God is not pleased with my preaching? I beseech you, my fellow Disciples, Open the tomb, that I also may look upon her remains, and embrace them, and bid her farewell!"

Taking pity on him, the holy Apostles then did as Thomas requested and opened the tomb so that he might at least behold and venerate the sacred relics. The holy Apostles then rolled away the stone and opened the tomb. All were aghast when THEY DISCOVERED THAT HER REMAINS HAD VANISHED, NOT REALIZING THAT JUST MOMENTS BEFORE SHE HAD BEEN BODILY TRANSPORTED TO PARADISE. All that remained were the burial clothes, which emitted a wonderful fragrance. Thus they stood in amazement and then each of them kissed the burial clothes which were lying in the tomb. They then prayed to the Lord that He would reveal to them where the body of the Theotokos HAD BEEN TRANSPORTED.

The Queen goes to dwell with her Son and to
rule with Him forever.

It is noteworthy that the zealous pastor, Saint Gregory of Tours (538-594 A.D.), in his Book of Miracles, testifies to his belief in the dormition of the Virgin–the first of its kind in the West: "Finally when Blessed Mary having completed the course of this life and was to be called from the world, all the holy Apostles gathered to her house from their different regions. And when they had heard that she was to be taken from the world, together they kept watch with her. And lo, the Lord Jesus came with His Angels! Taking her soul, He gave it to the Archangel Michael and withdrew… Again, using the imagery of the Apocrypha, Saint Gregory of Tours speaks of Mary’s body being "taken up and borne on a cloud into Paradise where, now, reunited with her soul and rejoicing with the elect, she enjoys the good things of Eternity which shall never come to an end."

Mary Theotokos and the Orthodox Church

From what we have previously read, we see that the Virgin Mary is more than an example of piety. She is more than a Saint. She is "All-holy," "Ever-virgin," and "Mother of God." She is the Church’s Greatest Theologian. She is the one human–body and soul resurrected, united divinized person who is "more honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than Seraphim." "In her," writes Saint John of Damascus "THE WHOLE MYSTERY OF THE DIVINE ECONOMY" IS PERSONIFIED.

Rejoice, O our intercessor and strong defense!
Rejoice, intercessor of sinners unto salvation!
Rejoice, Queen of those who call themselves by thy Son’s name and
who, after God, art the hope of the heavenly Kingdom!
Rejoice, Mother of Life who, after the Lord, art unto us hope of
eternal life! [Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in Honor of Her Dormition]

(Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

_____________

"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

ON THE DORMITION (KOIMISIS) OF THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER-VIRGIN MARY.

The Theotokos returns to her home

After completing her prayer, the Theotokos returned to her home. Then by the invisible power of God, the Theotokos shone forth with the glory of God. Her lovely face, which always shone with the grace of God–more so that the face of Moses who spoke to God on Sinai–became even more radiant with indescribable glory. The Theotokos then prepared for her repose. She told the matter to the beloved Disciple John, who had taken her into his home as his own mother. She also showed him the flowering branch from Paradise and told him to carry it before her bier.

The Virgin then disclosed her pending repose to the rest of the household and virgins. Mary Magdalene, Sepphora, Abigail, and Jael that dwelt with her; and they bewailed their orphanhood. But she consoled them saying that she would intercede for them and all the world. She then ordered that her bed and room should be decorated, and that incense and as many lamps as possible were to be lit therein. She then changed her clothes. Simply put, all necessary preparations for her burial were made.

The Theotokos then made a will concerning her two garments. She desired that they be given to the poor widows who had faithfully served her and received their maintenance from her. With regard to her pure body, the Mother of God made her will known that it should be buried on the Mount of Olives, not far from Jerusalem, in the Garden of Gethsemane. There also were interred her parents, the Righteous Joachim and Anna, and her spouse, Saint Joseph. The tombs lay in the Valley of Jehosephat between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives.

The choir of Apostles is most wondrously
brought together from the ends of the world

While the Theotokos was making these arrangements, all of a sudden a noise was heard similar to a clap of thunder. A cloud then encircled the home of Saint John the Theologian. By the command of God, Angels had seized the Apostles that were scattered to the ends of the world and brought them on clouds to Jerusalem. All, save the Apostle Thomas, were then transported to Mount Sion, before the door of the house where the Theotokos dwelt. Some are of the opinion that Saint John the Theologian had also been caught up in a cloud, like the others; no doubt it was from some place close by.

Rejoice, Honorable Crown of the Disciples!

Then during this conversation, the chosen vessel arrived–the holy Apostle Paul. Falling at the feet of the Theotokos he opened his mouth praising and blessing her, “Rejoice, Mother of my life and my preaching! Gazing on thee now, I think that I see thy Son.” Already the divine Paul’s close disciples had arrived, that is, Saint Dionysios the Areopagite, Saint Herotheos, Apostle Timothy, and other godly-wise hierarchs. Also, present were the rest of the 70 holy Apostles. All had been gathered by the Holy Spirit that they might be granted the blessing of the Theotokos. Then the immaculate Lady called to herself each of the holy Apostles by name, and she praised their faith and labors in the preaching of Jesus Christ. To each one, she wished everlasting beatitude, and she prayed for the peace of the whole world.

Then she addressed them, saying, “The Lord has brought you here for the consolation of my soul which, as our mortal nature demands, is soon to be separated from the body. Already the time appointed by my Creator draws near.” In sorrow, they then replied, “During thy life on earth, O Lady, we were consoled by gazing upon thee as upon our Lord and Master Himself. But now, deprived of thy presence, how shall we bear the heavy sorrow that envelops our souls? But now, by the will of Him Who was born of thee, Christ God, thou art going away to the heavenly abodes, and it is impossible for us not to rejoice at the decision of God regarding thee, though at the same time we cannot refrain from weeping that we are to be left orphans; for we shall no longer see thee, our Mother and comforter.” At these words, the holy Apostles wept.

The Theotokos delivers her soul, full of light

It was the Lord’s Day, and the 15th of the month of August when that blessed hour that all were awaiting drew near. It was the third hour of the day (nine o’clock in the morning). In the room, a number of lamps were burning. The holy Apostles were offering praise to God. Upon a beautifully adorned bed, the Theotokos was lying and preparing herself for her blessed end when her beloved Son and Lord would come to her. She then greeted each Apostle with a blessing.

She then stretched her hands heavenward and prayed, “I ever, praise, and glorify Thy much to be praised name, O Lord, because Thou hast looked upon the low estate of Thy slave. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” After this prayer, she said to the Apostles, “Cast incense and pray, because Christ is coming with a host of Angels. And, behold, Christ is at hand, sitting on a Throne of Cherubim!” When they had prayed, there was thunder from heaven and there came a fearful voice, as if of chariots. Behold, a multitude of a host of Angels and Powers, and a voice, as if of the Son of Man was heard!

Then there shone in the room an ineffable Light of Divine Glory which dimmed the lamps. Those that were granted this vision were struck awestricken. Many beheld the roof of the apartment open and the glory of the Lord descending from heaven. It was Christ the King of Glory with Hosts of Angels and Archangels, and all the Heavenly Powers. Also, with them were the holy Fathers and Prophets, those who prophesied of old concerning the pure Virgin. Together with them, there also approached Christ’s immaculate mother all the Righteous souls.

“May it be to me according to Thy word!”

At the sing of the approach of her Son, the Theotokos cried with great joy unto her Son. “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). And, behold, a stream of Light came upon the Virgin because of the presence of her Son, and all the Powers of the Heavens fell down and adored Him! He then said, “Mariam.” And she answered, “Here am I, Lord.”

Raising herself from her bed as if she were trying to go to meet her Son, she worshipped the Lord. Looking at her with love, He said, “Arise, come, My beloved, My fair one, My dove. Arise from the dead with authority, because Thou art My Mother. Arise and come to My Kingdom, for Thou art the Queen of all. Arise to receive My Divine Glory, O My sweet Mother. Arise and come unto Me…”

And the Lord remained by her and said, “Behold, presently thy soul will be TRANSLATED TO THE HEAVENS, to the treasures of My Father in exceeding brightness…” Feeling unspeakable joy at the sight of the radiant face of her Son and Lord, the Theotokos, filled with spiritual rapture out of love for Him, surrendered her pure soul into the hands of the Lord.

The solemn procession

In the midst of these events which had accompanied the dormition (koimisis) of the Theotokos, they began the solemn procession to inter her most honorable body. The holy Apostles bore her bier aloft on their shoulders, toward the head were Saint John the Theologian and Saint Peter on the other side, then Saint Iakovos (St. James) and Saint Paul opposite him. The other holy Apostles and hierarchs proceeded chanting, while Saint John the Theologian also carried the branch from Paradise, which shone brightly. The rest of the faithful, with lights and censers, walked close by, surrounding the bier.

The Garden of Gethsamane, the Sacred Abode of the Theotokos

The tomb in the Garden of Gethsemane is East of Jerusalem, across the Kedron Valley. Finally, the holy Apostles with all the multitude of the Christians reached the Garden. When they laid down the bier with the Most Precious Body, again the Christians began to weep. All bewailed their orphanhood at the loss of such a treasure. In giving the last kiss, the Christians prostrated themselves before the holy body of the Theotokos. Kissing it, they shed copious tears, so that only toward evening could the Most Honorable Body be placed in the New Tomb. Here sacred relics were interred with the greatest honor, while chanting and weeping took place. When the holy Apostles stepped before her bier to hid her farewell, each according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they uttered psalms of triumph and thanksgiving and chanted prayers.

Descent into Hades

The soul of the Theotokos was then received into the hands of her Son. Panagia then asked her Son if she could visit Hades to see where He Himself had gone to deliver the forefathers. Then radiant Angels escorted the soul of the Theotokos to this region. [Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church]

(To be continued)

___________________

“Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!”

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF FASTING ACCORDING TO
THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

The Lord Jesus Christ says:

"Moreover, when you fast, do NOT be like the hypocrites, with a
sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may
appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have
their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash
your face, so that you do NOT appear to men to be fasting, but
to your Father who is in the secret place and your Father who
sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:16-18).

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
by the devil. And when He HAD FASTED FORTY DAYS AND FORTY
NIGHTS, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him,
he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become
bread. But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:1-4).

Our Lord Jesus Christ off fasting and in the end abolished the serpent’s tyranny, set us free, and brought us back to life, as Moses foretold. After fasting on the mountain Moses received tablets, the work of God, and later received again, on the second set of tablets, the law written by the finger of God… Also, the whole Hebrew nation, while Moses was fasting on the mountain for their sake, were indulging themselves to their own detriment. They ate and drank and rose up to play, as the Scripture says (Exodus 32:6), and their sport was worshipping an idol, for it was then that the incidents surrounding the fashioning of the calm took place among them.

Saint Gregory Palamas writes, "Sensual pleasure causes ungodliness as well as sin, but FASTING AND SELF-CONTROL RESULT IN THE FEAR OF GOD AS WELL AS VIRTUE. Why? Because eating one fill, even of humble foods, is a hindrance to the purifying mourning, godly sorrow, and contrition in our souls, which bring about unswerving repentance leading to salvation. For without a contrite heart we cannot really lay hold or repentance. It is the restriction of self-indulgence, sleep, and the senses according to God’s will that crushes our hearts and makes us mourn for our sins.

When that rich man in the Gospel said to himself, "Eat, drink and be merry" (Luke 12:19), the wretch made himself fit for the eternal flames and unfit for this present life. Let us, on the contrary, brethren, tell ourselves to be temperate, to fast, to keep watch, to be restrained, to be humble, and to suffer hardship for our salvation. Then we shall finish this present life in a good way pleasing to God and inherit the blessed life without end."

Saint Gregory Palamas continues: "In this time OF FASTING and PRAYER, brethren, let us with all our hearts forgive anything real or imaginary w have against anyone…having good thoughts and disposition within us before God and men. In this way, our fasting will be readily received. We shall rightly call upon Him as our Father by grace and we can boldly say to Him, "Father, forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12).

Again, he who schemes against our souls another means to render our prayer and fasting useless, SELF-CONCEIT. Because that Pharisee was conceited when he fasted and prayed, he was sent away empty-handed (Luke 18:10-14). We know, however, that people with PROUD HEARTS ARE UNCLEAN AND UNACCEPTABLE TO GOD, AND WE ARE WELL AWARE THAT WE OWE GOD MANY LARGE DEBTS AND PAY BACK VERY LITTLE. So let us forget those things which are behind as worthless, and reach out towards those things which lie ahead (cf. Phil. 3:11). Let us fast and pray with contrite hearts, self-reproach, and humility that our fasting and our regular attendance and presence in God’s Church may be pure and pleasing to Him.

Another of the evil one’s methods of making our toil and fasting and prayer fruitless is to persuade us TO ACCOMPLISH THEM HYPOCRITICALLY FOR THE SAKE OF VAINGLORY. This is why the Lord COMMANDS US in the Gospel, saying, "Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6).

"When we practice both spiritual and bodily fasting and pray, for us too, the fire of fleshly desire will be extinguished with the help of good Angels, and anger will be tamed like a lion. We will become partakers of prophetic food with hope, faith, and an inner vision of good things to come, and we will be able to tread on serpents and scorpions and over, all the power of the enemy.

"Fasting which is neither like this nor carried out in this way is more akin to the evil angels, for their own abstention from food is accompanied BY ANGER, HATRED, PRIDE, AND OPPOSITION TO GOD. As servants and helpers of the good, WE ARE THEIR OPPONENTS. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood", says the Apostle, "BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS" (Ephesians 6:12). We do not resist them just by fasting, BUT WE USE THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO PROTECT US, THE HELMET OF SAVING WORKS OF MERCY, AND THE SHIELD OF FAITH (cf. I Thessalonians 5:8; Ephesians 6:16). Also, the sword of the Spirit, which is more than sufficient for defense, that is, God’s saving word to us (Ephesians 6:14-17). So let us fight the good fight (I Timothy 6:12), keep THE FAITH FIRM, QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE EVIL ONE (cf. Ephesians 6:16) and, when we have been proclaimed victors in everything, we shall attain to pure heavenly crowns and rejoice eternally together with the Angels in Christ Himself, our Lord.

To Whom belong all glory, might, honor, and worship, together with His Father without beginning, and the All-Holy, Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. [Source: Saint Gregory Palamas.  The HOMILIES]

________________

"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 Christ God,

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

On the 15th of August, the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates
the Venerable Dormition and Translation [Metastasis] of our most
Glorious Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin MARY.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. First Tone

IN giving birth, thou dist preserve thy virginity; in thy dormition,
thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou was
translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by
thine intercessions, dost thou redeem our souls from death.

Kontakion Hymn. Second Tone

THE grave and death could not hold the Theotokos, who is unsleeping
in her intercessions and an unfailing hope in her meditations. Bor as
the Mother of Life she was translated to life by Him Who dwelt in her
ever-virgin womb.

After the Ascension of Jesus Christ, the Theotokos was the one consolation for His Apostles, their joy in sorrow, and their firm teacher in the Faith. All the words and wondrous events which she had laid up in her heart, from the beginning, she then disclosed to them. She related to them the Archangel Gabriel’s joyful tidings regarding the seedless conception and the incorruptible birth of Christ from her virgin womb. She strengthened her Son’s Disciples when she spoke to them about His earlier years prior to the Baptism by the Forerunner John.

She was present at the Ascension of the Lord and the day of Pentecost. The gifts of the Holy Spirit were also poured out upon the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, and in greater abundance than upon the Apostles–just as a larger vessel can contain more water. The Theotokos was a vessel most rich in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for she had been a worthy Temple of Him before this, in which He constantly dwelt. The Theotokos was possessed of all the virtues in her blessed soul. She is Higher than the Apostles, Prophets, and all the Saints.

According to Saint Gregory Palamas (1359 A.D.), Mary’s ultimate purpose, through the divine maternity, has a vastness that inclines all creatures in its influence and calls for the higher gifts in her person. "Mary is the cause of what had gone before, the pioneer of what has come after her; she distributes eternal goods. She is the thought of the Prophets, the head of the Apostles, the support of the Martyrs, and the certainty of the Holy Fathers. She is the glory of the earth, the joy of heaven, the ornament of creation. She is the Source and the root of ineffable good things. She is the summit and the fulfillment of all that is Holy.

The idea of mediation on the part of the Theotokos is not open to doubt or question for Saint Gregory Palamas, who is quite explicit when he says, "No divine gifts can reach either Angels of men, save through her Mediation. As one cannot enjoy the lamp…save through the medium of this lamp, so every movement toward God, every impulse toward good coming from Him is not realizable, save through the mediation of the Virgin. She does nto cease to spread benefits on all creatures not only on us men but also on the celestial incorporeal ranks." Saint Gregory Palamas also says that Mary received gifts of knowledge precociously. THE MUTUAL LOVE BETWEEN HER AND JESUS WAS PERFECT.

Hence, the Orthodox Church chants with Saint George of Nicomedia "O pure Virgin, thou are truly exalted above all!" Saint John of Damascus writes: "Rejoice, O Bride of God, thou who art more sacred than the noetic hosts and higher than all created nature."

After the Pentecost, at Jerusalem, she blessed Mary Magdalene to go to Rome and speak with Tiberius Caesar. The Virgin Theotokos dwelt in the house of Saint the Theologian at Mount Sion. She influenced many and strengthened the desire for virginity in not a few. On account of her companionship, the Evangelist John spoke more than others of Divine mysteries. She remained constant in her ascetic labor of fasting and prayer. She ever harbored a fervent desire to behold her Son.

Epiphanios the Mon (1015 A.D.), in his writing, left as the legacy that the Virgin Theotokos "healed many sick and freed those overcome by impure spirits, she gave alms and sympathy to the poor and to the widows. Indeed, all who beheld the Mother of God considered themselves blessed. Truly blessed were the eyes that beheld her and the ears that were granted to hear her most precious words, which renew the spiritual life, verily, what joy and grace they received! Elsewhere, Saint Ignatius commented that "he who is devout to the Virgin Mother will certainly never be lost." The Evangelist Luke, chief of the iconographers, depicted her image. She approved the making of sacred images, saying, "May the grace of Him Who was born of me, through me, be imparted to the icons."

Some ten years after the crucifixion, the Theotokos traveled abroad. Saint John the Theologian, believing it prudent to escape persecution, thought to flee with her. They departed Jerusalem for Ephesos, which was the lot that had fallen to the Apostle. The Theotokos and the Apostle John spent some time in that city. She continued in prayer and meditation. Together, they did not confine their stay to Ephesos. They traveled to other cities, illuminating many with the light of Christian teaching. The Theotokos visited Antioch, where she visited with Saint Ignatios. The Theotokos did return to Jerusalem, to the house of Saint John the Evangelist. The All-Powerful hand of God preserved His Mother from the plots of the synagogue of the Jews. After this period in Jerusalem, she journeyed to Cyprus. A storm blew her vessel off course to a divinely appointed destination: ATHOS. She went ashore with Saint John the Theologian. She also preached to the inhabitants of that peninsula. After praying for the new flock, she entered a ship and set sail for Cyprus, and Bishop Lazaros, presenting him with vestments that she had sewn with her own hands. Following Cyprus, she returned to Jerusalem.

The Virgin n the Garden of Gethsemane

At the foot of the Mount of Olives, there is the Garden of Gethsemane. At that time, there was a small plot belonging to the house of Zebedee, the father of Saint John the Theologian. The Theotokos would visit the very place where our Lord kneeled down and fell upon His face, praying to God the Father. She would present herself on this spot and, watering the earth with her tears, she offred up fervent prayers. However, toward the end of her earthly sojourn, she received consolation from the Lord’s Angel when he revealed her imminent departure to heaven.

In accordance with Divine Providence, the Theotokos, having come from mortal loins, had a death conformable to nature for the consolation of all people, SO THAT THEY TOO MIGHT NOT FEAR TO PROCEED TO HEAVEN BY THE SAME GATES OF DEATH through which the Queen of Heaven passed, SHARING THE LOT OF ALL THE EARTHBORN. Saint John of Damascus writes: "It was necessary that that which was composed of earth should return to earth and only then pass to heaven, having embraced on earth a most pure life through the subjection of the flesh. It was necessary that the body should be purified through death, as gold through fire, from every darkness and coarse burden of filth, and should rise from the grave incorrupt, pure and illumined by the light of immortality."

The Theotokos had now reached an advanced age. If she were born in about 20 B.C., when construction of Herod’s temple commenced, and Saint Dionysios the Areopagite came to visit her and received her blessing after A.D. 52, she had to be about 70 years old. As we know, she dwelt many years among the frist Christians, for our Lord Jesus Christ intended to have her live among His Disciples. It was their desire to behold her Most Holy countenance constantly and to receive strength, grace, and spiritual reinforcement throughout the afflictions, misfortunes, and adversities of life. Thus, through her personal presence, holy sayings, and sweet words, the holy Apostles indeed received STRENGTH, ENERGY, AND CONSOLATION. They not only accorded her reverence but even glorified and blessed her. With the rapid advance of the young Church, the Theotokos would rejoice over her Son’s boundless mercy. She was also thankful for the growing number of faithful and those who maintained reverential fear of Christ.

Nevertheless, her fervent and unceasing desire was to leave the body and to be with her beloved Son and God that she might behold His sweet face. She shed copious tears and prayed that the Lord might remove her from this vale of tears to the blessed abode on high. The Mother of God neither feared death nor sough to avoid it. She knew that death had already been overcome by her Son and God. One Church account records that she asked the Lord for one thing: "That I may NOT see the dismal sight of the demons." Why? This is because they are vile and foul. It is natural for chastity and modesty to seek to avoid all contact and even proximity with those who bear filth, impudence, or shamelessness.

Thus the Virgin heard those much longed-for words which she received with gladness. The Archangel then said, "Thy Son and our God, with the Angels, Archangels, Cherubim, Seraphim, and all the Heavenly Hosts, and the souls of the Righteous, will receive thee, His Mother, into the Heavenly Kingdom that thou mayest live and reign with Him forever. Holy Tradition haas it that this occurred on a Friday. Thus after three days, on a Sunday, she would depart and be with Christ. Teh Archangel then told the Virgin the hour of her death. Again, as in her youth, he said that she should receive his words with joy, since she was being called to immortal life and to the Eternal King of Glory.

As a sign of the truth of all his words, THE ARCHANGEL GAVE INTO HER HAND A DATE PALM BRANCH FROM PARADISE. It shined with the light of heavenly grace. It signified victory and that bodily death would NOT have power over her, just as spiritual death had not had dominion over her. She would merely FALL ASLEEP FOR A SHORT TIME AND, THEN, AS IF WALKING FROM SLEEP, WOULD RISE AND SHAKE OFF DEATH LIKE SLEEP FROM THE EYES. She would then see in the Light of the Lord’s Countenance THE IMMORTAL LIFE AND GLORY TO WHICH SHE WOULD GO WITH SHOUTS OF JOY AND SPIRITUAL HAPPINESS. The Archangel informed her that the branch was to be carried before the bier of her Most Honorable and pure body. Upon hearing these words, the Theotokos was filled with ineffable joy and spiritual rapture. For what could be more joyous and acceptable to her than LIFE IN HEAVEN WITH HER SON AND THE HAPPINESS OF CONTEMPLATING HIS FACE? Then, falling to her knees she fervently thanked her Creator. That the Virgin should receive in advance a pledge or assurance from Paradise will not be an unheard of occurance in the history of the Orthodox Church. Others, too, have received gifts from Paradise, such as Saint Methodios, Patriarch of Cosntantinople, Saint Irene Chrysovalantou, and Saint Ephrosynos the Cook. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

[To be continued]

___________________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE HOLY DORMITION (KOIMISIS) OF THE
MOTHER OF GOD (Part II)

By Saint Gregory Palamas

What words can describe your divinely-radiant beauty, O Virgin Mother of God? We cannot circumscribe you in our words and thoughts, for everything about you surpasses our speech and understanding. But, with your loving permission, we may sing your praises. In you, all graces find a place. You are the fullness of everything noble and good, a living picture worthy and icon of all goodness and kindness, for you alone were found worthy of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their entirety, or rather, you alone had mysteriously dwelling in your womb Him in Whom all these gifts were stored. In a way past understanding, you became His Tabernacle, and now through death you proceed hence to immortality and are fittingly translated from earth to heaven, to live with Him forever in the heavenly tabernacles. From there you care for your inheritance, and by our unsleeping intercessions, you reconcile as to your Son.

The Mother of God is so much closer to God than others who draw near to Him that She is able to intercede more powerfully than any of them, and by this I mean nor just human beings but even all the ranks of Angels. Isaiah writes of the highest order of Angels in heaven, "And the Seraphim stood round about Him" (Isaiah 6:2), whereas David says of the Mother of God, "Upon Thy right hand did stand the Queen" (Psalm 45:9). Do you notice the difference in their standingS? You can also see from this the difference in honor between the Seraphim’s rank and Hers, for the Seraphim are "round about" God, but ONLY the Queen of all stands beside Him. She is admired and praised by God Himself, as though He were extolling Her to the powers around Him in the words used in the Song of Songs, "How beautiful is my companion!" (cf. 4:1; 6:4). She is more brilliant than light, She blossoms more beautifully than the Garden of Divine Paradise, and She is more delightfully adorned than the visible and invisible worlds. It is fitting that She stands not just beside God, but on His right hand, for where Christ sat in heaven, namely, having ascended from earth to heaven. Nor is this solely because no one longs for Christ as She does, and no one is so longed for in return, which would be in accordance with the laws of nature, but because She is truly His Throne; and where the King sits, there stands the Throne.

Prophet Isaiah saw this Throne in the midst of the Choir of Cherubim, and described it as "high and lifted up" (Isaiah 6:1), thus indicating that the Mother of God had risen higher than the heavenly powers. For that reason, he refers to the Angels themselves glorifying God for Her and saying, "Blessed be the glory of the Lord from His place" (Ezekiel 3:12). The Patriarch Jacob, seeing obscure glimpses of this Throne, said, "How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the House of God, and this is the Gate of Heaven" (Genesis 28:17). Elsewhere, David, uniting in himself all the multitude of the saved, and using as different strings or notes all those brought together from diverse races into one faith by the Ever-Virgin, plays a most harmonious song to Her, and the words, "I will make Thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise Thee forever, even for ever and ever" (Psalm 45:17).

Notice how all creation praises the Virgin Mother, not just in past times, but "for ever even for ever and ever". From this, we can see that She will never cease doing good to the whole of creation, not just to the human race, but also to the immaterial supernatural Hosts of Angels. The fact that they, like us, partake of and touch the intangible Divine Nature only through Her is clearly shown by Isaiah. For he did not see the Seraphim taking the live coal directly off the Altar, but picking it up with tongs, which he also used to touch his prophetic lips to purify them (Isaiah 6:6-7). This vision of the tongs is the same AS THE GREAT VISION WHICH MOSES SAW OF THE BUSH BURNING WITH FIRE BUT NOT CONSUMED (Exodos 3:2). Is there anyone who is unaware that the Virgin Mother IS BOTH THAT BUSH AND THOSE TONGS, WHICH HELD THE DIVINE FIRE WITHOUT BEING BURNT; FOR WAS IT NOT TO THIS VERY MYSTERY THAT THE ARCHANGEL MINISTERED AT HER CONCEPTION, WHICH UNITED THROUGH HER THE ONE WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD WITH THE RASE OF MEN, AND WHICH, THROUGH THIS INDESCRIBABLE UNION, HAS THROUGHLY CLEANSED US? She ALONE STANDS AT THE BORDER BETWEEN CREATED AND UNCREATED NATURE, AND NO ONE CAN COME TO GOD UNLESS HE IS TRULY ILLUMINED BY HER, THE TRUE LAMP OF DIVINE RADIANCE. "FOR GOD IS IN THE MIDST OF HERE", SAYS THE SCRIPTURE, "SHE SHALL NOT BE MOVED" (Psalm 46:5).

God requires us according to the measure of our love for Him, and he who lives the Son is loved by Him and by His Father, and becomes a place for them both to dwell, secretly living within him and going about with him, as the Lord promised (cf. John 4:22-23). But who could love the Son more than His Mother, Who did not just bear Him as Her Only Child, but gave birth alone to Him WITHOUT A HUSBAND, SUCH THAT HER PARENTAL LOVE WAS TWICE AS STRONG SINCE IT WAS NOT SHARED WITH A SPOUSE? Or who could be more loved by the Only-Begotten Son than His Mother, especially as He came forth ineffably from Her alone in the last times, as He had come forth from the Father alone before time began? How could He Who came down to fulfill the Law (cf. Matthew 5:17) fail to increase many times over, in addition to the loving disposition of a son, the honor due to His Mother under the Law?

Just as it was only through Her that the Son came to us, was seen on earth, and lived among men, after previously being invisible to all, so from now on for endless eternity all progress towards the manifestation of Divine Light, every revelation of Divine Mysteries, and all forms of spiritual gifts are beyond everyone’s grasp without Her. She was THE FIRST TO RECEIVE THE ALL-PERVADING FULLNESS OF HIM WHO FILLS ALL THINGS (Ephesians 1:23; cf 4:10), and She brought Him within reach of all, distributing to each as he is able to receive, in proportion to the measure of his purity, such that She is both the Treasure-House and Mistress of God’s riches.

It is an Eternal custom in heaven that those who are lesser should participate through those who are greater in what lies beyond existence, and the Virgin Mother is INCOMPARABLY GREATER THAN ALL. So as many as will share in God will do so THROUGH HER, all those who know God WILL KNOW HER AS THE ONE WHO HOLDS HIM WHOM NOTHING CAN CONTAIN, AND ALL WHO SING GOD’S PRAISES WILL HYMN HER AFTER GOD. SHE IS THE CAUSE OF WHAT PRECEDED HER, THE PROTECTRESS OF WHAT COMES AFTER HER, AND SHE PROCURES ETERNITY. SHE IS THE PROPHETS’ THEME, THE APOSTLES’ STARTING POINT, THE MARTYRS’ MAINSTAY, AND THE TEACHERS’ FOUNDATION. OF ALL THOSE ON EARTH SHE IS THE GLORY OF THOSE IN HEAVEN THE DELIGHT, THE ADORNMENT OF ALL CREATION. SOURCE, FOUNT, AND ROOT OF INEFFABLE GOOD THINGS, SHE IS THE CROWN AND PERFECTION OF ALL THE SAINTS…

"…Therefore, O Lady generously share your mercy and your graces with all your people, your inheritance. Rescue us from the terrors that encompass us. See how many dangers of all kinds afflict us, from our own people and from strangers, from within and without. Through your power turn everything for the best. Bring mutual calm between fellow citizens at home, and drive away those who attack like wild beasts from outside. Bestow your aid and healing on us to counteract our passions, and give our souls and bodies abundant grace sufficient for every need. And if we are unable to contain it, increase our capacity and give us more, that saved and strengthened by your grace we may glorify the Pre-Eternal Logos/Word, Who took flesh from you for our sake, together with His Father without beginning and the Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever and unto unending ages. Amen. [Source: Saint Gregory Palamas.  The HOMILIES]

_________________

"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 Christ God,

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

AUGUST FAST: AUGUST 1-15

THE GREAT FEAST OF THE MOST VENERABLE DORMITION
OF OUR EXCEEDINGLY PURE LADY, MOTHER OF GOD AND
EVER-VIRGIN MARY.

The death of the Theotokos was Life-Giving and led to heavenly immortal life, and its day of remembrance is a joyful holiday and worldwide festival. Not only does it renew the memory of the wonders (miracles) of the Mother of God, but it also commemorates the unheard-of way in which all the holy Apostles were gathered from every country to her Sacred funeral, the hymns of Divine revelation sung on that occasion by these inspired men, the attendance of Angels, singing and ministering around Her. They escorted Her and followed behind, they aided or opposed, protected and defended, and with all their might assisted in deed and song, those who in any way reverenced that body which had held God IS THE STARTING-POINT OF LIFE, THE SAVING OF OUR HUMAN RACE, SOLEMNLY CHOSEN FROM THE WHOLE CREATION. On the other hand, they secretly fought and opposed the Jews when they insulted Her and rebelled against God in thought and deed. The Lord of Hosts, meanwhile, the Son of the Ever-Virgin, was invisibly present, honoring His Mother’s departure. Into His hands, she entrusted her God-bearing soul, and through Him, Her body, Her soul’s companion, was soon TRANSLATED [METASTASIS] into a heavenly place of Eternal Life, as rightly befits Her whole life from the very beginning.

"…Standing between God and the WHOLE HUMAN RACE, She alone made God a son of man, and men sons of God, rendered the earth heaven and made mankind divine. She along among women was declared the Mother of God by nature TRANSCENDING EVERY NATURE. Through Her unutterable childbearing, She became Queen OF ALL CREATION IN THIS WORLD AND BEYOND, and through Herself, She raised up those below Her, and made Her subjects HEAVENLY INSTEAD OF EARTHLY. She shared in the noblest honor, THE MOST SUBLIME POWER AND THE ORDINATION BESTOWED FROM HEAVEN THROUGH THE Divine Spirit (Acts 1:14-; 2:1-4), and was set HIGH ABOVE ALL, The Supremely Blessed Queen of a blessed race.

Today She has moved from earth to heaven, and now has heaven too as a fitting dwelling place, a palace meet for Her. She has stood on the right hand of the King of All, clothed in vesture wrought with gold, and arrayed in divers colors, as the psalmist and Prophet say of Her (cf. Psalm 45:9); and you should take this garment interwoven with gold to mean Her divinely radiant body, adorned with every type of virtue. For at the present She is the ONLY ONE WHO HAS A PLACE IN HEAVEN WITH HER DIVINELY GLORIFIED BODY IN THE COMPANY OF Her Son. Earth, the grave, and death could not ultimately detain Her Life-Giving body which has held God and been a more beloved habitation for Him than heaven and the heaven of heavens. For it a soul which has the grace of God dwelling within it goes up to heaven when released from this world, as we believe and is evident on many accounts, how can that body which not only received within it the Pre-Eternal, Only-Begotten Son of God, the Ever-flowing Fount of Grace but was also plainly seen to bear Him, fail to be taken from earth to heaven? Could She Who, when only three years old, before the heavenly child had dwelt within Here and been clothed by Her in flesh, lived in the Holy of Holies, and Who became excellent and truly heavenly earth subject to corruption? How could this seem reasonable to people who take a rational view?

It was right, therefore, that the body WHICH BROUGHT FORTH THE SON SHOULD BE GLORIFIED WITH HIM IN DIVINE GLORY AND THAT THE ARK OF CHRIST’S HOLINESS SHOULD ARISE WITH HIM WHO ROSE ON THE THIRD DAY, AS THE PROPHET SANG (cf. Psalm 132:8). The linen cloths and winding-sheets left behind in the tomb, which were all that those who came to look for her found there, proved to the Disciples that She too had risen from the dead, just as was earlier the case with Her Son and Lord (cf. Luke 24:12; John 20:5-7). It was not, however, necessary for Here, as it was for Her Son and God, to stay for a while longer on earth, SO SHE WAS TAKEN UP DIRECTLY FROM THE GRAVE TO THE HEAVENLY REALM, WHENCE SHE SENDS BRIGHT SHAFTS OF HOLY LIGHT AND GRACE DOWN TO EARTH, ILLUMINATING ALL THE SPACE AROUND THE WORLD, AND IS VENERATED, ADMIRED, AND HYMNED BY ALL THE FAITHFUL.

It is as though God wanted to set up an icon of everything good and, in so doing, to display His own image clearly to Angels and men, and thus He made Her so truly beautiful. Bringing together all the various means He had used to adorn all creation, He made Her A WORLD OF EVERYTHING GOOD, BOTH VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. Or rather, He revealed Her AS THE SYNTHESIS OF DIVINE, ANGELIC, AND HUMAN LOVELINESS, A NOBLER BEAUTY TO EMBELLISH BOTH WORLDS, ORIGINATING FROM THE EARTH BUT REACHING UP, THROUGH HER ASCENSION NOW FROM THE TOMBE TO HEAVEN TO THE HEAVENS AND BEYOND. She UNITED THINGS BELOW WITH THINGS ABOVE AND EMBRACES THE WHOLE OF CREATION WITH THE WONDERS SURROUNDING Her. The fact that she tasted death, which, as I mentioned in the beginning, meant SHE WAS A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, INCREASES THE UNIVERSAL EXCELLENCE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD. That is why all things rightly join together to rejoice the celebration today (Day of Dormition) of the Event.

It is fitting that She, who held Him Who fills all Things and is above all things, should Herself outstrip all, and become higher than all in Her virtues and great honor. She embraces in their entirety the virtues which distributed among the noblest of every age, were sufficient to make them great, and the various graces with which Angels and men have individually been favored by God, and perfects them all in Herself alone with inexpressible excellence. Also, She is Superior to everyone in the after death She became immortal, and She alone lives in Her body with Her Son and God in heaven. Thence She pours down abundant grace on those who honor Her and bestows on them the possibility of reaching up to Her, the receptacle of such great graces, who lavishes the highest benefits upon us in Her goodness, and never ceases to yield a rich harvest and plentiful gifts for us. Anyone observing Her help and generosity in everything good and would say that, for those who live virtuously, the Virgin radiates virtue as the sun radiates visible light for those dwelling below. But were you to shift your mental gaze to the Sun Who marvelously shone forth to mankind from Her, and Who possesses by His very nature everything bestowed on Her by grace, and far more besides, then the Virgin would immediately seem like heaven to you. Having a far more abundant share in God’s good things than all other recipients of His grace in heaven or below, she is as much greater than them as the heavens are greater than the sun, though the Sun is brighter. [Source: Saint Gregory Palamas.  The Homilies]

(To be continued)

_______________

"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 Christ God,

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

On the 27th of July, Our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates
the holy, glorious, and far-famed Venerable Martyr of Christ,
PARASKEVE of Rome.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. First Tone

SHOWING a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness,
thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O
prizewinning Paraskeve. Hence, thou poorest forth healings and
intercedest for our souls.

Kontakion Hymn. Plagal of Fourth Tone

WITH one accord, ye faithful, let us sing a hymn of praise to the
prizewinner, the victorious Paraskeve, for she shineth forth, with
wonders throughout the whole world, as she driveth off delusion’s
black and moonless night and doth grant abundant grace unto
believing souls as they cry to her: Rejoice, O much suffering
Martyr of Christ.

Saint Paraskeve (Paraskevi), the far-famed righteous Martyr of Christ, was born during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 A.D.). Paraskeve’s father, Agathon, was a wealthy and devout Orthodox Christian. His wife, also a Christian, was named Politia. The couple lived in a suburb of the great city of Rome. Before Paraskeve’s birth, her parents, engaged in charity work and the giving of alms, had no child–neither male nor female–which causee them continual and deep distress. The couple, therefore, besought God for a child. This was because hey desired not only an heirof their large estate byt also a continuation of the family name lest it should disappear.

The All-Good God, Who does will of those who fear Him and Who does hearken to their entreaties, hearkened to the prayers of Politia and Agathon. Soon Politia cnceived and, in due time, she gave birth to a girl. Since the infant was born on the sixth day of the week, Friday, it came to pass that when she was baptized, they named her Paraskeve (the Greek word for Friday or, much rather, day of "PREPARATION").

From her infancy, Paraskeve presaged what she would be later in life. She played in neither an undisciplined disorderly manner, as some foolish girls, nor did she paricipate in improper pastimes. Paraskeve possessing the love of learning Sacred Scriptures from girlhood, was neer absent from church. She was studious and no ne behelf her without a book in her hands, unless she was eating or engaged in personal chores. Desirinig to emulae the purity of the Most Holy Mother of God, Paraskeve greatly admired virginity. Therefore, she was careful with her eyes lest unrestrained vision and gazing upon men usher in lust. She also guarded her mouth against shameful words and protected her ears from hearing disgraceful account that are not suitable or conducive o purity. Indeed, it is not only important to keek bodily virginity but also to maintain a pure soul. She is truly a virgin who does not entertain unseemly thoughts and desires.

When Paraskeve reached twenty years of age, her parents reposed. As a wealthy heiress, she immediately exhibited an excellent and superior course of action. She did not use her large inheritance for raiment, or bodily relaxation and recreation, or for feasting. Instead, she elected to hearken to the Lord, Who said, "Sell your possessions and give alms. Make for yourselves purses whichdo not become old, an unfailing treasure in the heavens, where no thief draweth near nor moth destroyeth; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12:33-34). Therefore, in the name of the Lord, she disributed all of her goods among the poor.

Paraskeve then betook herself to a Women’s Monastery and donned the monastic garb. Nun Paraskeve excelled in obedience and humility, as she served the Lord and the eldress of the Monastery. Since Paraskeve loved to witness on behalf of the name of Christ, she received the Abbess’ blessing and that of the sisterhood, to leave the Monastery and preach in every city and town the name of the True God, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mother Paraskeve was thirty years old when the Emperor of Old Rome was Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), an idolater. In one city, where she proclaimed the Gospel, certain Jews were inimical toward the Christians. When they beheld the Christian community growing, they became antagonistic and outraged at her missionary activities. Now Emperor Antoninus would not execute a Christian without a trial. A Christian could only stand trial if a formal complaint were lodged by a citizen of Rome. Several disgruntled Jews lodged complaints against the Venerable Nun Paraskeve. They presented their case to Antoninus saying, that a certain nun named Paraskeve proclaims Jesus Christ as theonly true God and that the deities of thy realm are deaf and senseless wood!"

Upon hearing this accusation, the Emperor was filled with wrath. Straightway, the Emperor sent soldiers to apprehend Mother Paraskeve. Brought before the imperial tribunal, all were astonished at her loveliness. The Emperor, admiring her beauty, began to flatter her. He went to say to her "If thou wilt remain steadfast in thine own wilfulness, disdaining our conmmands, know this, I shall punish thee by many tortures. Mother Paraskeve then made the sign of the Cross, and answered him, "Do not think, O Emperor, that by means of either faltteries or threats that I could renounce my sweet Jesus Christ. Indeed, there does not exist even one torment, or punishment, or afflictions which can separate me from His love."

Upon hearing the bold response of the holy Paraskeve, the Emperor, infuriated, ordered that an iron helmet, fired to be burning hot, was to be placed on the nun’s head. However, as the Lord preserved the Three Children in the Babylonian furnace, He wrought in His Saint, Paraskeve. When the fiery helmet was placed upon her head, it felt as cool water upon her head. He then ordered that the holy nun be imprisoned until he should decide what means of torture could lead to death.

When Mother Paraskeve was in her cell, she, with tears, prayed to God and said, "Keep me, O Lord, in Thy true Faith, and deliver mer from the stumbling blocks of the enemy, for unto Thee do I lift up my soul." An Angel of the Lord said, "Rejoice, Paraskeve, prize bearer of Christ! Fear not the torments of the tyrants, because our Lord, Who ondescended to be crucified for the salvation of all and to be crowned with a crown of thorns, shall be thy Helper. He shall deliver thee out of every temptation." After uttering these words, the Angel loosed the righteous woman from her bonds. The Saint, after hearing the words of the Angel, continued praying until daybreak.

Trial by a Hot Cauldron of Oil and Pitch fill
by
In the morning the Emperor ordered his soldiers to hang the Saint by her hair, upon a pole. Included amSaintong the application of torments by the tormenters were lit tortures for burning her armpits and extremities. Suffering all these tortures, the Saint bravely endured as she rebuked and mocked the Emperor and his false gods.

Observing that this torture was of no account to the holy nun, he commanded the preparation of a large cauldron of oil and pitch. Coming to a boiling oil, he had the holy woman cast inside it. Saint Paraskeve then stood rejoicing in the midst of the cauldron, as though she were enjoying a deliciously cool and dewy garden. Astounded at this miraculous spectacle, the Emperor approached the cauldron and asked her, "Sprinkle me with the oil, O Paraskeve. I, too, desire to know indeed whether or not I am seeing burning pitch and oil or an illusion." Cupping her two hands together, the Saint filled the with oil and pitch. Casting the concoction into his face, instantly, the Emperor was stricken with blindness. Letting out a loud cry, he said, "Grieve for me, O handmaid of the True God! Grant me the light of my eyes, because I, too, believe in the God Whom thou dost preach." Christ’s all-round contestant then emerged from the cauldron. Healing both his bodyand soul, she baptized him in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, the one Godhead.

After this incident, Emperor Antoninus truly came to believe in Christ, and cast off the vile religion of the pagan Greeks. Having formerly received the sees of impiety, the Empero now enjoyed cultivation by the Gospel. Thus, during his reign, all persecutions against Christians in the Roman Empire ceased. Released from prison, Saint Paraskeve left Rome and went to other cities and countries, heralding the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Saint Paraskeve Suffers Great Tortures

King Asklepios commanded that Paraskeve be brought outside the city to the cave where a huge serpent lurked. Many who were condemned were cast as prey to this creature. As Mother Paraskeve approached the serpent’s lair, the creature, bellowing, let out a ghastly vapor, as it slithered forward to devour her. Standing by the creature, making the sign of the Cross, the Saint declared, "O most wicked beast, the wrath of God has overtaken thee! Behold, thy destruction approaches, because thou hast consumed many innocent victims!" The dreaded serpent then stopped and straightway, making a hissing sound and turning about, it split asunder. Beholding this extraordinary event, King Asklepios and those with him came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Paraskeve left that city. She then proceeded to enter other cities and countries, pushing forth, as a wellspring of life, the reaching of Christ.

King Tarasios

As for Mother Paraskeve, she entered a new city. The Saint preached the word of Truth. The king of that region, Tarasios, learning of her missionary activities, had her presented before his tribunal. "Why dost thou preach Him Who was crucified by the Jews as a criminal, a deceiver, and one contrary to God?" The Saint answered, "An evil spirit has not sent me here, O king, to preach the Truth, but Christ, the True God, sent me to preach His unoriginate Divinity…The pre-eternal God that I preach is perfect God and perfect Man. The idols that you foolish Greeks worship are deaf and senseless. I mock and trample upon them, since they are only dead wood and senseless sttones."

Tarasios, hearing this, was extremely incensed. Then he immediately ordered the preparation of a large cauldron of oil, pitch, and lead. Brought to a boil, the Saint was cast in. What, then, was wrought by our Wonderworking God? As teh Lord sent His Angel to bedew the holy Three Children in teh Babylonian furnace He, also, in this hour, sent forth a luminous Angel. The radiant being descended and extinguished the flames, making the cauldron a pool of cool water. By this miracle, many of the greeks turned to the knowledge of God.

King Tarasios, again, said to his soldiers, "Seize that abominable woman and defamer of the gods. Stretch her out on the ground and tie her hands and feet. Without mercy, scourge her until she either agrees to offer sacrifice to the great gods or succumbs to death under torture." Saint Paraskeve verily rejoiced under torture as though she were nt experiencing the scourging. The perverse king, observing her patient endurance, was shamed before the people and cast into prison.

Mothe Paraskeve was then stretched, prone to the earth, by her hands and feet. A large marble slab was then placed upon her chest. Christ’s athlete was made to undergo this punishment, by order of the king, until he chose the manner of her death…that evening Christ, escorted by a multitude of Angels and Archangels, appeared to the Saint and said, "Rejoiice, Paraskeve, O beautiful virgin! Do not be timid amid the torments, because My grace shall be with thee to deliver thee from every temptation. Be patient a little longer, and then thou shalt reign with Me forever." After Christ healed her wounds and released her form her bonds, He ascended into the heavens.

King Tarasios ordered that Paraskeve escorted outside the city so that her impious head should be struck off. After this, the soldiers took hold of the Saint and led her out of the city to behead her. Arrivinig at the execution site, the holy nun made a last request for a little time to pray. With permission granted, she knelt and raised her hands heavenward in prayer. After the Saint utttered her last words, she heard a voice–like unto thunder–say, "I have hearkened to thine entreaty, O Paraskeve, and I desire it to be as thou hast requested."

With profound joy, the Venerable Paraskeve, inclined her head. The soldier acting as headsman, a the king’s command, struck off her sacred head. The date was teh 26th day of the month of July, in the year 180 A.D. She is now counted among the choirs of prize-bearing women in the Kingdom of the Heavens. The Saint’s revered relics were taken by certain Christians, who hid for fear of the pagan Greeks. Anointing her holy relics with myrrh and sweet-smelling spices, she was laid to rest ia a solemn place.

The Lord, desiring to make wondrous His Saint, granted countless miracles at her tomb. Many infirm came and, by only taking the soil from her tomb, reeeived healing. The Saint lavished cures upon the lame, enabling them to walk. So many blind received their sight that the Saint came to be known as the "Patroness of the blind." (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

__________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ God,

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

THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT PANTELEIMON THE HOLY MARTYR
AND HOLY UNMERCENARY HEALER. (Part II)

The Emperor pronounced the sentence: "If Panteleimon in three days does not comply with the imperial order, he is to be thrown to the wild beasts for their consumption." The entire city heard this pronouncement. They all converged to have a look at the handsome young man to become prey for beasts. When they gathered in the amphitheater, the Emperor took his place on a lofty throne so that he might view the spectacle better. Once again, Pantoleon observed Christ in the shape of Hermolaos. He emboldened Panteleimon, saying, "I am with thee, Cease fearing." The holy man stood in the midst of the arena. But he was not in the presence of irrational and ferocious beasts, but creatures that were like those who are possessed by reason and self-control. With much deference and gentleness as they wagged their tails, they licked the feet of the Saint. Indeed, it could be seen that a rivalry developed between the animals as each attempted to draw close to the martyr in order to fawn over him and reverence him. When the crowd beheld this scene, they marveled. They began to cry out together in one voice: "Great and true is the God of the Christians! Let the righteous man go free!" Instead, the Emperor ordered that the animals be slaughtered.

The Emperor then returned his attention to Pantoleon. He devised a wheel, large enough onto which the Saint’s limbs were stretched and tied. As the executioners prepared Pantoleon for the torture, from which he would be thrust down a dizzying height, the city waited at the foot of the incline. All observed that the wheel of torture was a fearsome-looking contraption, into which Pantoleon was bound hand and foot. The time arrived and the wheel with its martyric passenger was rolled down the hill. The wheel, guided by the Angels of God, then came to a halt at the bottom where the people were waiting. The saintly rider was miraculously loosed from his fetters and stood aright without a trace of injury, glorifying and blessing God. The wheel then moved of itself and rolled upon the unbelievers, crushing them to death.

The abominable Maximian, finally distinguishing that neither flatteries and gifts nor threats and punishments, nor any other machination worked in persuading or breaking the adamantine resolved of the unc=beatable confessor for Christ. The Emperor gave his final sentence. The prisoner was to have his head removed. His dismembered remains were to be consigned to the flames until they were consumed. the soldiers, therefore, escorted the brave-hearted man to the site of execution. Pantoleon could only fathom entering 128:2).joy and gladness upon exiting from his present world’s frenzied strife and life of affliction and weariness, for which opportunity for martyrdom he gave voice to by reciting this verse: "May times did they make war upon me from my youth, and indeed, they were not able to prevail over me" (Psalm 128:2). An extraordinary and wondrous sign then soon occurred, after the executioner bound Pantoleon to an olive tree. The heathen, headman drew his sword in order to sever the confessor’s head. But lo, the miracle! The blow was blunted when the cutting edge of the sword began to melt like wax. The other soldiers standing by were startled at this terrifying sight, so that they went to their knees and exclaimed, "we believe that Christ is the true God. We beseech thee not to be angry with us, O Pantoleon, but rather do thou forgive us and entreat Christ that He would accept our repentance."

The Saint obliged them and uttered a prayer on behalf of his enemies and tormentors, including petitions that they might enter into right-believing piety. Upon concluding his supplication, an audible response promptly proceeded out of the heavens: "Whatsoever thou seekest, it shall be and much more besides. Pantoleon then emboldened the soldiers, exhorting them not to cower but to fulfill the imperial order of his execution. They first demonstrated their love and reverence toward him, by ardently kissing his hands and feet. After this show of unfeigned respect and affection, they severed his honorable on the 27th day of the month of July, in the year 305 A.D. God, Whose will it was to glorify even the earthly of His servant Panteleimon, showed forth another miracle. When Panteleimon’s precious head was separated from his body, there flowed milk instead of blood. The olive tree which was previously dry and withered immediately blossomed forth with broad dark green leaves, white flowers, and edible olive fruit.

Now, after the martyric death of Saint Panteleimon, some Christians came and took up his holy relics. They were laid to rest after the reverent application of myrrh and incense. The grave was situated outside of the city in a place called Scholastikos Adamantinos. Saint Panteleimon, after his repose, worked a multitude of cures for diverse illnesses and demonic possession. Not many from among the numberless miracles, regrettably, were recorded. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

__________

"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 Christ God,

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

On
27th of July Our Holy Orthodox Church
commemorates the Glorious holy Martyr
and Unmerceneray Healer
PANTELEIMON.

Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Third Tone

O HOLY prizewinner and healer Panteleimon, intercede with the
Merciful God that He grant our souls forgiveness of offenses,

Kontakion Hymn. Plagal of First Tone

SINCE thou art an imitator of the Merciful One and hast received
from Him the grace of healing, O prizewinner, and Martyr of Christ
our God, by thy prayers, heal the diseases of our souls, and ever
dispel the stumbling blocks of the enemy from them that cry
unceasingly: Save us, O Lord.

Saint Panteleimon, the glorious Great-Marty, flourished during the years of Emperor Galerius Maximian [305-311 A.D.]. Saint Panteleimon hailed from the city of Nicomedia. He was born there in 284 A.D. He was the son of a pagan physician, named Efstorgios. His mother, named Evoulee, came from Christian lineage. As much as Efstorgios depended on the idols to effect cures, so much was Evoulee’s love and eagerness heightened toward the Orthodox Christian Faith. She brought up their child, whom they name PANTOLEON (meaning "a lion in all"), not only with what was necessary for the body but more so with what was needful for the soul. She would instruct and exhort him in the Faith handed down by Christ. Within a few years, however, the blessed Evoulee reposed. Pantoleon was sent to school, studying first the curriculum and then undertaking those subjects integral to Greek education. When he was taught sufficient knowledge, his father apprenticed him to a splendid doctor of that time, named Ephrosynos, that Pantoleon might gain experience in medical science. The young man, on account of his quick mind, surpassed his fellow students.

Pantoleon possessed a handsome countenance. His manner of speech was sweet and soft-spoken. His figure was modest and average. He was a man of excellence with a well-ordered mind. Whoever encountered him and entered into a conversation with him found him to have a pleasing manner of address and a congenial disposition, so that one received both joy and delight from his acquaintance. By reason of his virtues, he came to be widely known. Emperor Maximian, who saw him one day when he accompanied Ephrosynos to the palace, asked after the young man. He learned from Pantoleon’s teacher of the apt pupil’s dexterity and genius. But Maximian could discern for himself both Pantoleon’s prudence and self-possession. He was impressed with his demeanor and speech. So prudence and self-possession. He was impressed with his demeanor and speech. So pleased was the Emperor that he commanded Ephrosynos to instruct Pantoleon as much as possible so that he might become the ultimate doctor and fit for his palace. At the same time, in the year 304 A.D., the saintly Hermolaos, the priest of the church of Nicomedia was in hiding. He was concealed in a house with other Christians for fear of the Emperor. Since Ephrosynos’ surgery and home were in the same neighborhood, the Christians observed the goodly young man coming and going to read his lessons at his tutor’s clinic. Hermolaos discerned that the young man was most modest in his deportment. He perceived that his soul was replete with goodness and innocence. He understood in the Spirit that if the seed of the word fell upon the good ground of the aspiring doctor’s soul, it would bear a hundredfold. The Lord led him to understand that "this one is a vessel of election to Me, to bear My name before the nations, and kings…" [Acts 9:15], as it was once said of the Apostle Paul who was then Saul.

The priest opened the door of the house and cordially invited the young man inside for a conversation. The youth was straightforward in his responses. He added that his late mother had been a Christian, but that his father was an idolater. Hermolaos interjected, "But thou, child, which religion dost thou love better?" Pantoleon answered, "When my mother was alive, she was always exhorting me to become a Christian when I came of age, which was also my desire as well… Hermolaos said to Pantoleon the true God is one: Jesus Christ if thou will believe in Him with all your heart, He shall heal every disease without application of any medicinal herbs or botanicals. By His grace, He cleanses lepers, delivers demoniacs, stanches hemorrhages, and heals other implacable and incurable illnesses. Indeed, it would be easier to count the sands of the seas and the stars of the heavens than to measure the wonders of the Christ.

Pantoleon, hearing these promises, sensed an abundance of joy in his heart. He responded thusly: "Whatsoever thou hast said, O holy elder, I have heard many times from my mother in the past. Pantoleon then expressed his thanks for the counsel rendered by Hermolaos. Little by little, Pantoleon was besing confirmed in the Faith of the Christ. Then one day, as the young man was coming from his tutor, he encountered a child in his path. The young boy lay dead on the ground being the victim of a venomous snake bite. The reptile was still poised in an upright position over the child. Pantoleon, observing this scene, brought to mind the words spoken by Hermolaos who previously cited the Gospel passage of Christ’s words: "Be healing the sick, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, casting out demons, freely ye received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). He also remembered the Lord’s promise: "Behold, I give you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy; and nothing in anywise shall injure you" (Luke 10:19). Pantoleon said inwardly, "If Christ should fulfill this request of mine, that is, if He should resurrect the child slain by the serpent, I would ask for no further demonstration. I will believe all the teachings that the honorable elder has imparted to me. Moreover, I am going to become a Christian this instant." Pantoleon, straightway, uttered a prayer. In that same moment, the child rose up as though he had been sleeping. Pantoleon then observed how the viper suddenly sundered before his eyes and utterly destroyed.

Pantoleon, true to his word, believed with all his soul and heart in the Christ. He happily directed his steps toward the house where Hermolaos was abiding. The priest perceived that Pantoleon would become an elect vessel of the myrrh of the Holy Spirit. Gladly did Father Hermolaos baptized him, after which he had the newly illumined Pantoleon commune the Master’s Body and Blood. The priest also taught him the mysteries of the Truth of Our Faith. Pantoleon, by the grace of God, curred many ailing from significant illnesses in the name of Christ. As many as suffered from sickness, they all sought no other physician other than Pentoleon.

As for the other doctors in that city, they were moved to envy and malice beholding the wonderworking (miracle-working) wrought by that young physician. Their resentment and malice toward Pantoleon multiplied. They sought a reason to bring him into discredit before the Emperor…they addressed the Emperor and said, "we, who are thy faithful servants and loyal to the empire’s gods, counsel thee to remove him as quickly as possible out of the minds of both Greeks and Christians…he claims his cures are not wrought by Asklepios but by his Christ. If, O Emperor, thou wouldest learn the truth for thyself. give the command that the formerly blind man be brought in for questioning. He claims to have been healed by Pantoleon. Hear from this man’s own lips how he praises Pantoleon to the heavens for bringing the light not only to his eyes but to his soul in the knowledge of Christ.

Maximian summoned the saintly physician before him. When he arrived at the palace, the Emperor commenced the interrogation and said: "I have heard many unseemly reports regarding thee, Pantoleon. I have heard it said that thou dost insult and disdain Asklepios and the other deities, preferring to believe in the Christ and saying that Jesus alone is God…However, I know this also oftentimes contenders are moved to jealousy ad speak falsehood of their rivals. Surely, many others aspire to be appointed as court physicians. It is for this reason that t have invited thee here to offer a sacrifice. In this way shall I learn the truth about thy religious persuasion." The holy physician answered, "Deeds, O Emperor, are superior to words as everyone well knows…The God Whom I venerate and reverence, Who made the heavens and the earth, gives light to the blind, cleanses the lepers, restores the paralytics, and works signs and wonders with a word or a command…"

The Martyrdom of Saint Panteleimon

Maximian was unable to persuade Pantoleon with either blandishments or threats, he began his punishment with the application of instruments of torture. First, they suspended Pantoleon upon a wooden pole, where they lacerated and flayed his flesh with iron nails. This painful chastisement was followed by the application of fiery torches that badly burned his sides and his wounded members. While the shredded and charred body of the martyr was subjected to these punishments, his mind was fixed upon that One, the Christ, Who was able to bestow aid. As he directed his gaze heavenward, Pantoleon was entreating the Lord noetically. The Lord heard him nd came to him, before Pantoleon’s eyes, in that same hour. Jesus came in the form of Hermolaos, who spoke to him with genuine paternal affection, "Cease fearing, my child, for I am with thee. I am indeed, thy helper in all thy sufferings for My sake." Together with those words, there also came to pass a demonstration of deeds of power. Immediately, the hands of the soldiers extending the torture became paralyzed. The torches were extinguished. The wounds of the Saint were healed. Asf rot he transgressing Emperor, he was put to shame at these spectacles…

"The Emperor commanded the preparation of a large cauldron filled with molten lead. A blazing fire was kindled underneath it. The martyr was pitched inside. Pantoleon, having again resorted to prayer as his comfort and consolation which was to small help, began to utter, "Hearken, O God, unto my soul from fear of the enemy [Psalm 63:1] –and the rest of the psalm. However, the fire was extinguished and the molten lead became. cool…The Emperor, hardened and insensible persisted in his belief that everything he had witnessed was brought about by sorcery. He was advised by bystanders to tie a large rock about the martyr’s neck and cast him into the sea. Maximian ordered the execution of this punishment. While the soldiers hastened to expedite the command, God, once more, provided His servant with help.

The men took hold of the Saint and plunged him, with the heavy rock, into the sea. Christ appeared to him again, causing that weight mass to become as light as a tree leaf so that it floated and bobbed on the waters. As for Pantoleon he was able to walk upon the waters even as the chief Apostle Peter came down from the ship, and "walked on the water to go to Jesus (Matthew 24:29). Pantoleon then exited the waves and came onto the shore, healthy and unharmed. However, Maximian’s heart did not soften in the least before such wonder-workings. Instead, he resumed the punishments. This time that beast, ordered that the martyr be hurled into the arena with wild animals. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

[To be continued]

_______________

"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"

– Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

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

+ Father George