2015 - November Sacred Lessons

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary,
Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and
one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
1 November 2015
St Kosmas & St Damianos
HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS
OF
ASIA MINOR
ALSO THE FEAST OF ST THEODOTA (MOTHER OF ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS) St David the
Righteous of Evia St John the Bishop and St James the Presbyter of Persia St
Cyrenia & St Juliana of Cilicia St Hermeningilda, Prince of the Goths of Spain St Caesarios, St Dacios, St Savva, St
Adrian, St Sabinian, St Agrippa & St Thomas of Damascus St James of Kastoria, St James the Deacon & St Dionysios,
His Disciples, of Prodromou Monastery, Mount Athos
FESTAL APOLYTIKION THE HOLY UNMERCENARIES
Agii
TONE PLAGAL 4
Sainted Unmercenaries and Wonder Workers, regard our
Anargiri ke Thavmatourgi, episkepsasthe tas

astheneias imon: dorean elavete, dorean dote imin!
infirmities; freely you have received, freely share with

us.
FESTAL KONTAKION THE HOLY UNMERCENARIES
You
tin Harin lavontes ton iamaton, efaploute tin rosin tis

en anagkes, Iatri Thavmatourgi endoxi. Alla ti imon
episkepsi, ke ton polemion ta thrasi katavallete, ton
kosmon Iomeni en tis Thavmasi.
SEASONAL KONTAKION
Prostasia
received the Grace of Healing, and thus extend

health to those in need, O Glorious Wonder Working
Physicians. We pray that by Your Visitation You will
also bring down the insolence of our enemies, and
that You will Cure the world by Your Miracles.
OF THE
ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton

Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon
fonas, alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon,
ton pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton
Timonton Se.
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Protector of the Christians Unashamable, Mediator to

the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Aid of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed
up Thine Intercession, and present Thy Supplication,
O Theotokos who always protects all those who
honour Thee!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 15 TONE 4
The Saints that are in His Land, the Lord has Magnified
I have set the Lord always before me
THE FIRST EPISTLE
LOVE, A D
IVINE
OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 12 : 27 13 :

AND EVERLASTING GIFT THAT IS SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHER GIFTS
Brethren: You are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: first
Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Administrations, varieties
of Tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of
Healings? Do all speak with Tongues? Do all interpret?
Earnestly desire the best Gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent Way: Although I speak with the Tongues of men and
of Angels, but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of
Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and although I have all Faith, so that I could remove
mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing! And although I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give
my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it profits me nothing!
Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely,
does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth; bears all
things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
Furthermore, WHILE WE MUST AIM TO DO ALL THINGS OUT OF
THERE IS A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF THE
NEW COVENANT TO THIS DAY.
LOVE, WE MUST ALSO NOT CEASE FEARING I.E. RESPECTING
THE APOSTOLIC WORK THAT OF THE BISHOP SETS THE PACE FOR
GOD AND (WILLINGLY) OBEYING HIM.
ALL THE REST. When the oversight of the Bishop is in
To any church that is preoccupied with the speaking
order i.e. the supervision of the Bishop the rest of
of tongues different languages ST PAUL TAUGHT
the Holy Church is free to function at its optimal level.
THE ULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT THAT OF DIVINE LOVE
However, even with all the Divine Gifts in place and
AGAPE..
operative, there is SOMETHING EVEN MORE EXCELLENT and
DIVINE OR GODLY LOVE OUTSHINES PROPHECY AND ALL FAITH
that IS THE LOVE OF GOD AGAPE WHICH IS THE TRUE SIGN
because it is of far greater value and Spiritual
OF THE PRESENCE OF THE LIFE-GIVING, ALL HOLY SPIRIT.
Benefit than the miraculous ability to remove
mountains!
St Basil the Great taught us that THERE ARE THREE REASONS
ALL BIBLICAL AND ALL GOD-GIVEN THAT WE FOLLOW
OUR LORD JESUS URGED US TO GIVE TO THE POOR AND TO LAY
THE LORD:
DOWN OUR LIVES FOR OTHERS.
F E A R - PROVERBS 1:7 The Fear of God is THE BEGINNING
HOWEVER: EVEN SUCH A SELFLESS ACT OF HOLY MARTYRDOM AND
PERSONAL SACRIFICE THAT IS DONE WITHOUT LOVE WILL PROFIT
OF WISDOM.
O B E D I E N C E a recognition that BECAUSE HE IS GOD WE
US ABSOLUTELY NOTHING it will be a wasted effort
MUST FOLLOW HIM. ACTS 5:29 ... Peter and the other
because IT IS NOT COMPELLED, FULFILLED OR MOTIVATED BY
Apostles answered: WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER
LOVE FOR OTHERS AND ESPECIALLY FOR GOD.
THAN MEN...

This particular passage explains THE SPECIFIC
LOVE - 1 JOHN 4:19 We Love Him (God) because HE
CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE LOVE DIVINE GODLY LOVE FIRST LOVED US.
AGAPE: LOVE IS PATIENT, KIND AND GENTLE, especially
with those who are hurt
ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS
OF
ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY WONDERWORKERS 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5
1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 We exhort you, Brethren: WARN

those who are unruly, COMFORT the faint-hearted,
UPHOLD the weak, BE PATIENT WITH ALL.
EPHESIANS 4:32 ... BE KIND to one another, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING each other, even AS GOD IN
CHRIST FORGIVES YOU.) LOVE DOES NOT ENVY AND IS NOT
JEALOUS of what others have.
PROVERBS 23:17 DO NOT let your heart ENVY SINNERS,
but BE IN FEAR OF THE LORD the whole day long.
LOVE DOES NOT PARADE ITSELF or put itself on display.
JOHN 3:30 He (Christ) must increase, but I (St John
the Baptist) MUST DECREASE.
GALATIANS 6:3 ... If anyone thinks himself to be
something, when he is nothing, HE DECEIVES
LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP or arrogant or
HIMSELF.
proud. .
ECCLESIASTES 5:2 The voice of a senseless man is with
a multitude of words. LOVE DOES NOT ACT RUDELY or
brashly, mean-spiritedly nor does it insult anyone
1 CORINTHIANS 10:24: Let no one SEEK his own, but
each one the OTHERS WELL-BEING. LOVE DOES NOT
SEEK ITS OWN WAY or act forcefully
GALATIANS 6:2 BEAR EACH OTHERS BURDENS, AND SO FULFIL
THE LAW OF CHRIST. LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS it copes
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE REALITY
OF
with burdensome things or all difficulties of daily

life.
PROVERBS 3:5 TRUST IN GOD with all your heart.) LOVE
BELIEVES ALL THINGS AND TRUSTS IN GOD no matter
what the circumstances or what happens.
PHILIPPIANS 3:13 ... Forgetting those things that are
behind, and REACHING FORWARD to those things
that are ahead. LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS: it keeps
looking upwards, does not despair and is always
optimistic
GALATIANS 6:9 ... Grow not weary while doing good,
for IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, if we do not lose
heart. LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS: it puts up with
everything and does not wear out.
THE ONLY THING THAT LOVE CANNOT DO IS FAIL!
1 CORINTHIANS 16:14: Let all that you do be DONE WITH
LOVE.
THE DIVINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, as wonderful as they
are, ARE MERELY TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE. They
are FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS LIFE ONLY, while we are
still Spiritual Children Spiritually Immature.
However, DIVINE LOVE IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE AND FULFILLING,
AND IT CONTINUES INTO THE AGE TO COME ETERNAL LIFE.
TO
ST LUKE 16 : 19 31
DEATH THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: There was a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and
fare sumptuously every day. There was a certain Beggar, named Lazaros, covered with sores, who lay at his gate,
and desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the table of the Rich Man. All the dogs came and licked his
sores. The Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to Abrahams Bosom.
The Rich Man also died, and was buried. And being in Torments in Hades, He lifted up his eyes and beheld Abraham
afar off, and Lazaros in his Bosom. And he cried out and said: Father Abraham, have Mercy on me and send
Lazaros that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame!
Abraham said: Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise, Lazaros, evil things.
Now he is comforted - you are tormented. And furthermore, between us and you there is a Great Chasm fixed, so
that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.
He said: I beg Thee, therefore, Father, to send him to my Fathers house. I have five brothers that he may testify to
them, lest they, too, come to this Place of Torment!
Abraham said to him: They have Moses and the Prophets. Let them hear them. He said: No, Father Abraham. But if
one goes to them from the dead, they will Repent. He said to him: If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,
neither will they be persuaded to believe, although one rises from the dead!
When our Lord Jesus described the Rich Man being ...
Abrahams bosom was a Foretaste of Heaven and the place of
clothed in purple and fine linen... AND EATING
Peaceful Repose for Gods Faithful people until Christ
EXTRAVAGANTLY EVERY DAY, HIS AUDIENCE IMMEDIATELY
descended into Hades, smashed open the imprisoning gates
UNDERSTOOD THE EXTREME WEALTH that he possessed and
and set the Righteous free to rest in the re-opened Paradise
until the General Resurrection and the Final Judgement at
with which he indulged himself.
His Second Coming His visible, physical Reappearance.
ONLY KINGS, INFLUENTIAL RULERS AND THE VERY AFFLUENT WORE
ROBES THAT WERE DYED PURPLE.
Christ mentioned that THE RICH MAN HAD BEEN BURIED, which
Purple dye was produced from the mucus of the hypobranchial
our Holy Fathers regard as ILLUSTRATING THE STATE OF HIS
gland of various species of marine mollusks - notably murex
THOUGHTLESS, UNCARING AND MERCILESS SOUL WHICH WAS
- and it took approximately 12,000 shellfish to extract 1.5
BURIED BY THE PLEASURES OF HIS SELF-INDULGENT FLESH.
grams of the pure dye (purpura).
In other words, THE RICH MAN WAS ALREADY BURIED DURING HIS
Furthermore, IT WAS ALSO EXTREMELY COSTLY TO PRODUCE
LIFETIME by his ... couches, rugs, furnishings, sweet
FINELY WOVEN LINEN.
oils, perfumes, large quantities of wine, varieties of
In addition, THE CONSUMPTION OF SUCH LAVISH MEALS EVERY DAY
food, and his many flatterers... (St John Chrysostom)
WAS ALSO EVIDENCE OF MUCH PROSPERITY AND DECADENCE
In addition, THE FACT THAT CHRIST DID NOT IDENTIFY THE RICH
since others ate very simple meals of basic foods
MAN BY NAME, INDICATES THAT HE WAS ULTIMATELY
whatever they could either grow themselves or were
FORGOTTEN BY EVERYONE.
able to purchase at the marketplace.
PSALM 9:6: Thou rebukes the Nations, and the
Meat and any other extravagant dishes would be served
ungodly man destroys himself; Thou blot out
only on very special occasions and then only by those
their names in their lifetime and unto ages of
who were able to afford them.
ages...
OUR LORD JESUS ALWAYS CONTRASTED HIS SACRED LESSONS WITH
ALTHOUGH THE NAMES OF THE UNGODLY ARE FORGOTTEN, THEIR
EXTREME AND OPPOSITE SCENARIOS, AND IN THIS TRUE
WICKED AND UNREPENTED DEEDS WILL BE EXPOSED AND JUDGED
ACCOUNT OF THE TWO MENS CIRCUMSTANCES, He brings our
BY GOD because EVERYTHING WILL BE EXPOSED BY HIS DIVINE
attention to the complete opposite of the rich mans
LIGHT AND TRUTH AT THE FINAL JUDGEMENT ON THE EIGHTH
self-indulgent lifestyle - to that of the destitute and
DAY THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY.
suffering beggar lying so patiently at his gate.
THE RICH MANS DESPERATE APPEAL TO ST ABRAHAM AS A SPIRITUAL
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE NATURE BEING GOD - CHRIST KNEW
FATHER WAS NOT REJECTED, for he addressed the
THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF POOR LAZAROS AND THAT HE HAD
tormented man as Son, AND SPOKE TO HIM WITH
BEEN CARRIED BY ANGELS TO THE COMFORTING BOSOM OF
COMPASSION BY EXPLAINING THE TRUTH AND REALITY OF THE
ABRAHAM, WHICH REVEALED THAT LAZAROS HAD ACCEPTED HIS
SPIRITUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THOSE ALREADY IN HADES (I.E.
LIFE WITH PATIENT GRATITUDE TO GOD AND NEVER
BEFORE THE HARROWING OF HADES BY OUR CRUCIFIED CHRIST)
THE
COMPLAINED ABOUT HIS SAD SITUATION.
TORMENTED AND THE REPOSED - AND THOSE WHO WERE STILL
The ancient Patriarch, ST ABRAHAM, WAS MENTIONED BY
ALIVE ON EARTH.
CHRIST AMONG ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE IN STARK
The great Gulf is not a physical or geographical divide
CONTRAST TO THE RICH MAN, ST ABRAHAM HAD ALWAYS
but THE COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN VIRTUE AND VICE
SHOWN WELCOMING AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY TO ALL
goodness and wickedness AN IRREVOCABLE SEPARATION
STRANGERS EVEN THE HOLY TRINITY. (REFER GENESIS 18: 1 8)
THAT CANNOT BE OVERCOME OR CORRECTED AFTER DEATH.
On the contrary, THE RICH MAN WHO LIVED SUCH A LAVISH,
It is of great significance that NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS HE
THOUGHTLESS EXISTENCE, SUFFERED INDESCRIBABLE ...
SUFFERED IN HADES HAD CHANGED THE RICH MANS HEART
TORMENTS IN HADES... WHILE BEING ABLE TO SEE THE
because he still regarded poor Lazaros as a mere
RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WHO RESTED PEACEFULLY IN THE COMFORT
servant who existed to fulfil the Rich Mans own selfish
OF ABRAHAMS BOSOM
bidding and desires!
2. S T K O S M A S & S T D A M I A N O S
OF
In other words, NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS OF HADES CAN CHANGE

A STUBBORN, SELF-SEEKING SINNER!
THIS SACRED LESSON OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REVEALS TO US
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS: a man who was not even a
faithful servant of God called out for mercy from
Hades and conversed with St Abraham!
Some scholars see this After-death account as being set
after the Final Judgement of Christ, citing the
Punishment and Reward that will be received by the
two men respectively.
However, OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS REGARD THIS ACCOUNT AS
BEING DURING A TIME AFTER DEATH BUT BEFORE THE SECOND
COMING OF CHRIST, AS EVIDENCED BY THE MAN INTERCEDING
ON BEHALF OF HIS FIVE BROTHERS WHO WERE STILL ALIVE.
The multiple Torments the Rich Man experienced would
be merely A HIDEOUS FORETASTE OF HIS FINAL JUDGEMENT
AND SPIRITUAL STATE IN ETERNITY.
From this perspective, we are taught that SOULS OF THE
DEPARTED HAVE AN AWARENESS OF AND CONCERN FOR THE

SPIRITUAL STATE OF THOSE WHO STILL LIVE ON EARTH, BUT ALSO
THAT - ALTHOUGH THE INTERCESSORY PRAYERS OF THE WICKED
MAN FOR DIVINE MERCY FOR THE REST OF HIS LIVING FAMILY
ARE HEARD, SADLY THEY WILL BENEFIT NEITHER HIM NOR HIS
FAMILY.
LUKE 9:30-31: CHRISTS PASSION ON THE CROSS WAS a
fulfilment of the Old Covenant Passover and was

THE TRUE EXODUS FROM SPIRITUAL ENSLAVEMENT OF SIN
INTO GLORIOUS SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL FREEDOM OF
ETERNAL LIFE.
Only in His human Nature could Christ experience Death

and descend into Hades where, IN HIS DIVINE NATURE,
HE SMASHED OPEN THE GATES OF HADES AND SET THE
RIGHTEOUS
SOULS
FREE,
while
the
stubbornly
unrepentant souls remained there, tormented by the
Foretaste of Eternal Death suffering the unspeakable
horrors of the total absence of God and everything
good!
2 MACCABEES 15 : 12-16: The Hebrews believed that THE
DEPARTED SAINTS LIKE ST JEREMIAH ARE ALIVE EVEN
BEFORE THE GENERAL RESURRECTION.
This was clearly confirmed by the New Covenant when ST
MOSES AND ST ELIJAH APPEARED WITH CHRIST AT HIS
GLORIOUS TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR, WHICH WAS
WITNESSED BY ST PETER, ST JAMES, AND HIS BROTHER, ST JOHN
the Divine Apostle and Theologian.
MATTHEW 2:18: The Book of Jeremiah mentions that
when the people of Jerusalem were led into exile,
they passed Ramah, near Bethlehem, where the
tomb of St Jacobs wife, St Rachel, was situated.
In his Prophecy, ST JEREMIAH SAW ST RACHEL LAMENTING,
WEEPING AND MOURNING FROM HER GRAVE, BEING DEEPLY
SORROWFUL FOR THE FATE THAT HAD BEFALLEN HER
DESCENDENTS, AND THIS WAS REPEATED AT THE TIME OF THE
MERCILESS SLAUGHTER OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, which
occurred approximately two years after the Birth of

Christ when all male infants were murdered by order
of the insane and cruel King Herod.
Thus the weeping of St Rachel for her suffering children
demonstrates that SAINTS IN HEAVEN ARE VERY AWARE OF
AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS ALL WHO STRUGGLE IN LIFE ON
EARTH.
CONSEQUENTLY, WE TURN TO THEM FOR THEIR PRAYERS OF
INTERCESSION AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.
The human soul is immortal it never dies so it remains

alive and aware of both the visible and invisible worlds.
Souls that have been Blessed with a close and intimate
Relationship with God continue after this life to be in the
Divine Presence.
Obviously then, those that have rejected God and refused to
make any effort to get close to God have chosen their
alienation and Spiritual Exile for all Eternity and will thus
suffer the unceasing torments of Hell forever with no
respite or relief and being completely separated from
everything of God and His Goodness.
JAMES 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be
healed.
The effective, Fervent Prayer of a
Righteous person avails much.
OF
Some people allege that confessing our sins to God in the

presence of a Priest is not Biblical!
THE ANCIENT CHRISTIAN PRACTICE WAS TO CONFESS OUR
TRESPASSES TO ONE ANOTHER and when a Christian was
guilty of sinning, the matter was confessed before the
entire Church AS A MOST HUMBLE ACT OF REPENTANCE.
Early Churches consisted of gatherings of Faithful in small

groups in the homes of other Christians.
Everyone knew each other very well and there was an element
of complete trust because they were all united in the same
Faith and manner of worship.
Everyone understood and preserved the Sanctity of such
gatherings and sharing of one anothers physical and
Spiritual Burdens.
No one gossiped or scandalised about whatever they witnessed
during their sanctified gatherings.
They understood that we are all sinners seeking Redemption in
Christ Jesus so no one could or wanted to point accusing
fingers at each other.
However, as the Church grew, and more often than not,
other people who were not part of the Christian
Community would attend, many of whom hoped to
become Catechumens and then be Baptised
Christians.
Some attended out of mere curiosity or even possibly with
other more sinister motives.
Consequently communal, public Confessions became
less desirable and even dangerous during the
persecutions of Christians .
Instead of Confessions before the entire Christian
Community, REPENTANT SINNERS CONFESSED IN PRIVATE
BEFORE A PRIEST (WHO REPRESENTS OUR FELLOW SINNERS,) AND IN
THE DIVINE PRESENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD (WHO, THROUGH HIS
ORDAINED
SERVANTS,
THE
BISHOPS
AND
PRIESTS,
GRANTS
US
FORGIVENESS OF SINS.)
What is definitely NOT TAUGHT IN HOLY SCRIPTURE IS PRIVATE

CONFESSION ONLY TO GOD, WHEREBY WE REFUSE TO
ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OUR
FELLOW STRUGGLING SINNERS - AGAINST WHOM WE COMMIT
OUR SINS!
1 JOHN 1 : 8 10: If we say that we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us. If
we Confess our sins, (Christ) is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have not
sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not
in us!
FAITH
IS PROVED BY GOOD WORKS I.E. OUR FAITH MUST

PRODUCE PURITY IT MUST PRACTICE THE TRUTH - WHERE
TRUTH IS A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THAT IS
MANIFESTED IN A HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS LIFE IN CHRIST.
And
TRUE FAITH MUST ALWAYS SEEK FORGIVENESS for and

cleansing from sin THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST ...
CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.
SIN
MOST CERTAINLY DOES EXIST AND CONSEQUENTLY, THE

PRACTICE OF REGULAR CONFESSION IS THE ESTABLISHED
SPIRITUAL
GROWTH
TOWARDS
BASIS
FOR
OUR
RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Furthermore, ALTHOUGH WE CONTINUOUSLY COMMIT SIN, WE
MUST JUST AS CEASELESSLY STRIVE TO AVOID ALL TEMPTATION
THAT LEADS US INTO WICKEDNESS.
SALVATION IN CHRIST IS A LONG, PERPETUAL PROCESS A
CEASELESS AND WATCHFUL STRUGGLE the most essential
part of which is a CONSTANT AWARENESS AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EVERY SIN GREAT OR SMALL AND
REGULAR REPENTANCE-CONFESSION COMBINED WITH HOLY
EUCHARIST.
In
order for fulfil these requirements and to make

good Spiritual Progress, A CONSTANT ATTENDANCE AND
PARTICIPATION IN ALL HOLY SERVICES, HOLY MYSTERIES
AND PERSONAL PRAYERS IS VITAL.
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST EFFECTS HEALING PHYSICAL

AND SPIRITUAL THROUGH WORKS OF FAITH SUCH AS
CONFESSION OF OUR SINS AND THE POWER OF
INTERCESSORY PRAYER.
OF
ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS &
St Kosmas and St Damianos, and their pious mother, St

Theodota, lived in Asia Minor. Their pagan father had
died while they were still quite young and their mother
was able to raise them in Christian piety.
Through her own good example, and by reading Holy Books
to them, St Theodota preserved her children in Purity of
Life according to the Commandments of our Lord, and
St Kosmas and St Damianos grew in Righteousness and
Virtue. Having been trained and skilled as Physicians,
they received from the Holy Spirit the Gift of Healing all
illnesses of body and soul by the Power of Prayer, in the
Name of our Lord God. They also treated animals.
With fervent Love for both God and neighbour, they always
adamantly refused to accept any form of payment for
their services, thereby strictly observing the Divine
Commandment of our Saviour:
Freely have you
received - freely give! (Matthew. 10:8)
Their fame spread throughout the surrounding region, and
they were referred to as The Unmercenary Physicians.
One day, the Saints were summoned to a grievously ill
woman named Palladia, whom all the other Doctors
and Physicians had refused to treat because of her
seemingly hopeless condition.
Through Faith and
through the Fervent Prayers of the Holy Brothers, the
Lord Healed the deadly disease and Palladia got up
from her bed, perfectly healthy and Joyfully praising
Almighty God. In gratitude for being Healed and
wishing to give them a small gift, Palladia went quietly
to St Damianos, and presented him with three eggs,
saying: Take this small gift in the Name of the Holy LifeCreating Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Hearing the Name of the Holy Trinity, the Unmercenary
Physician did not dare to refuse. When St Kosmas
learnt what had happened, he became intensely sad, for
he thought that his brother had broken their strict
Sacred Vow and they remained alienated until their
Repose.
On his deathbed St Kosmas gave instructions that his
brother should not be buried beside him, and a short
while later, St Damianos also Reposed, and everyone
wondered where his grave should be dug.
However, through the Will of God a Miracle occurred: A
camel, which the Saints had treated for its wildness,
suddenly spoke with a human voice, saying that they
should have no doubts about whether to place St
Damianos beside St Kosmas or not, because St
Damianos had not accepted the three eggs from the
woman, Palladia, as payment, but out of his profound
respect for the Sacred Name of our Triune God.
The Venerable Relics of the two Holy Unmercenary
Physicians were buried together at Thereman in
Mesopotamia.
Many Divine Miracles occurred after their Repose.
At Thereman, near the church in honour of St Kosmas and
St Damianos, there lived a certain man named Malchos.
One day he set off on a long journey, leaving his wife all
alone for a long time.
He prayerfully entrusted her to the Heavenly Protection of
the two Saints, but the Enemy of mankind assumed the
appearance of one of Malchos friends, and planned to
kill the woman.
After a certain time had passed, he went to the home of
Malchos and told the wife that her husband had sent
him to take her to him.
At first the woman was reluctant to accompany the
stranger who professed to be a trusted friend of
Malchos, but he managed to persuade her to accompany
him. He gradually led her to a solitary place where he
intended to kill her, but she suddenly realised the
danger she was in and, having unwavering Faith in God,
she besought Him to Deliver her from the evil one.
Instantly two formidable men appeared, whereupon the
devil released the woman and fled in abject terror.
The two men escorted the woman safely to her home, and
thanking them with much gratitude, she bowed before
them, saying: My Brave Rescuers, I shall be grateful to
the end of my days, but tell me: what are your names?
They replied: We are the servants of Christ, Kosmas and
Damianos, and then they disappeared right before her
eyes!
Still trembling, but with great joy and gratitude, she
tearfully Glorified God and offered Prayers of
Thanksgiving for her Deliverance - standing before
the Holy Icon of the two Unmercenary Physicians,
whom she recognised as being her gallant Rescuers.
4. S T K O S M A S & S T D A M I A N O S
OF
WONDER-WORKERS
St Kosmas and St Damianos are the Patron Saints of the

Holiness, inviolability and Sacred Harmony of Christian
Marriage.
Strangely enough there were three sets of Brothers who
were Unmercenary Physicians and Wonderworkers
named St Kosmas and St Damianos. Besides the two
Saints of Asia Minor whose memory is Commemorated
on 1 November, those of Rome are Commemorated on 1
July and those of Arabia are Commemorated on 17
October.
May their Memories be Eternal, and may they all ceaselessly
Intercede with Christ our Saviour for the Salvation of
our immortal souls.
ELDER SERGEI
OF
VANVES: LIFE & TEACHINGS
Elder Sergei taught that Repentance was the ...beginning,

middle, and end of Spiritual Life, and distinguished
between two kinds of Repentance: for a specific sin, and
for a general sinful state.
The most vital Repentance is for specific sins: There are
three stages towards Repentance for specific sins.
1) Repenting of the sin in your mind as soon as it is
committed.
2) At the end of the day, when you are doing your
examination of conscience, recall the sin and ask God
for forgiveness again.
3) Confess the sin - Repenting when you receive the Holy
Mystery of Repentance-Confession.
1. The first stage allows us to obtain Forgiveness from God
when dealing with our lesser sins and impure
thoughts: If you have wicked thoughts and Repent by
desiring to think and act otherwise, this sin is erased
immediately.
2. Set aside time to concentrate on Repentance at the end
of each day, when we undertake a Spiritual Critique of
all that we did during the day, reviewing both the evil
as well as the good we have not done.
After this examination of our conscience, seek Forgiveness
from God with sincerity and contrition for all the ways
we have been unfaithful to Him: We must have a sharp
conscience, so that every night we can examine ourselves
and what we did during the course of the day and see
what we did wrong, what good we failed to do, and what
we did poorly. Then we should ask Gods Forgiveness for
all these things.
Ceaselessly Repent - not because you have necessarily
sinned, but because our nature is weak. We must Repent
for what we are. When we repent, we must consider not
just what we have done wrong, but all the good we have
failed to do.
3. The Holy Mystery of Confession before God with our
Spiritual Father is imperative as it ...allows us to
avoid remaining psychologically and Spiritually
Burdened by the sins we have committed in the past.
Examination of our Conscience involves our ongoing
character. Many sins we are unaware of have become
part of our nature. We must ask God: Forgive me my
sins of which I do not know - for all my unconscious
sins... We must also repent of all our failures and
insufficiencies. We should not allow ourselves any
excuses as there are no external circumstances that can
justify our weaknesses.
Repentance is necessary - as no one is without sin. Whoever
thinks they are sinless are living in delusion.
Repentance is an inner stance of the Fear of God,
remembrance of Death, And Above All, Humility. It Is
the Key To Spiritual Life: God prefers sinners who
Repent to those who think that they are sinless and never
Repent.
Those who have not Repented in a long time must ask God
for Forgiveness. God knows our Struggle, our mortality,
and has infinite Mercy for those who continually
Repent: Our attitude towards the Kingdom of Heaven
should be like that of a traveller who must not panic
about all the things he has to do once he arrives at his
destination, but must continue planning for his current
Journey. We do not know when we will depart we must
always be ready like the Wise Virgins - always having oil
in our lamps. We must never believe that our sinful
state is beyond repair. We must be confident that
there is always Forgiveness - all we need to do to is
to ask.

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos
yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and
our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
8 November 2015
Synaxis of the Holy Archangels, St Michael St Gabriel,
and all the Heavenly Hosts
Also the Feast of St Alexander of Guria
FESTAL APOLYTIKION SYNAXIS ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS TONE 4
Ton
Ouranion Stration Arhistratigi, disopoumen imas imis i

anaxii, ina tes imon deisesi, tehisite imas, skepi ton
pterigon, tis aflou imon doxis, frourountes imas
prospiptontas, ektenos ke Voontas.
Ek ton kindinon
litrosasthe imas, os Taxiarhe ton ano Dinamenon.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ENTRY
OF
Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke

Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa,
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti
iparhi Skini Epouranios.
ye Foremost of the Heavenly Hosts, we who are

unworthy, beseech you that by your Petitions you
encompass us with the shadow of your immaterial
glory, preserving us who kneel and cry ceaselessly:
deliver us from oppressions, since you are the
Princes of the Ranks of Dominions on High
THEOTOKOS
INTO
TEMPLE TONE 4
The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal

Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
is the Heavenly Tabernacle.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING

THE DIVINE PROTECTION
TO ST MATTHEW
OF THE INNOCENT
18 : 10 - 20
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones! For I say to you that in
Heaven their Angels always see the Face of My Father Who is in Heaven. For the Son of Man has come to Save that
which was lost.
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and
go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, Truly, I say to you: he rejoices more
over that sheep than the ninety-nine sheep that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the Will of your Father Who is in
Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Furthermore, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault - between you and him alone. If he hears you,
you have gained your brother. However, if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ...by the mouth of
two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the Church. If he
refuses even to hear the Church, let him be to you like a heathen and a Tax Collector!
Truly, I say to you: whatever you bind on Earth, will be bound in Heaven. And whatever you loosen on Earth will be
loosened in Heaven. Again, I say to you: if two of you agree on Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be
done for them by My Father in Heaven. For when two or three are gathered together in My Name, I Am there in the
midst of them.
Little Ones include all who have childlike innocence,
According to certain Holy Church Fathers, this also
Humility and simplicity all those who are poor in
symbolises the Incarnation, as the ninety-nine
spirit little children and those like them in their
represent the Heavenly Hosts of God, when the Son of
innocence and Spiritual Purity.
God descended from Heaven in order to seek the Lost
Concerning Angels, St John Chrysostom teaches us that
Sheep i.e. mankind who had fallen into corruption
not only the Saints, but all human beings have
and Spiritual Death alienation from God and all His
specially appointed Guardian Angels appointed to
Goodness and Blessings.
each immortal soul by our Loving, Benevolent God
Church Discipline is based on mutual correction in three
from the time of our birth.
expanding stages.
However, the Guardian Angels of those who are innocent
Sin and correction are to remain private unless the
and humble have greater boldness and greater
offender refuses to Repent.
honour in the Sight of God because of the genuine
All correction must be done with great care, Humility and
Humility of those whom they guide and protect.
Love the most important concern being the
It is not due to the Divine Nature of God, but to the
Repentance and Salvation of the offender. (1
CORINTHIANS 5 : 5 & GALATIANS 6 :1)
weakness of mankind that He has appointed
Nevertheless, correction must take place so that the sin
Guardian Angels for each of us.
does not spread to others as well.
At our Holy Baptism and Matrimony, other special
The Divine Authority to bind or loosen sins was granted
Guardian Angels are appointed to watch over us and
by Christ to His Apostles, transmitted to the Bishops,
to guide us along the Path of Righteousness and to
and eventually to the Ordained Presbyters.
protect us against demonic attacks.
This Divine Authority was granted to the Apostles and
When we choose to commit sin, they look away from us
now those of the Apostolic Succession for the sake of
until we Repent and are once again Restored to the
the Eternal Salvation of Repentant sinners.
Sight and Grace of God. (St David the Royal Psalmist often
St John Chrysostom explained: The sinner ... seeing that
besought the Lord our God not to turn His Sight away from him
he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the bond
because he had committed many sins, which he Repented. mp)
of his sin will remain in Heaven, may turn and
Unlike earthly Shepherds, Christ our Saviour values even
become gentle.
one of His Sheep so precious that He will leave the
(The sinner must realise the extent and Eternal Consequence of his
others at risk in order to save that one Lost Sheep.
sins, soften his hardened heart and soul with tears of contrition,
The ninety-nine Sheep represent the Righteous who
remain Faithful to God. (LUKE 15:7)
23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (7TH
OF
ST LUKE) SYNAXIS
OF THE
HOLY ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS - 8 NOVEMBER 2015
and thus seek and receive Divine Forgiveness - thereby, Eternal

Salvation - which is the Will of God for all mankind. mp)
God is Omnipresent everywhere but He is especially
present with them when two or three are gathered
together in His Divine Name for a specific Holy
Purpose.
Thus at the beginning of any Holy Endeavour, we must

first pray and invoke the Divine Blessings and
Assistance of the Holy Trinity with Prayers of
Thanksgiving and Glorification, because without God
nothing worthwhile can ever be achieved!!
Who makes His Angels Spirit; His Ministers a Flaming Fire!
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

THE EPISTLE
OF
BEWA
O Lord my God, Thou art Magnified!
ST PAUL
RE
OF
TO THE
HEBREWS 2 : 2 10
WILFUL NEGLIGENCE
Brethren, if the Word spoken through Angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a Just
Reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a Salvation, which was first spoken of by the Lord, and was
confirmed to us by those who heard Him.
God also bore witness - both with Signs and Wonders, with various Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His
own Will. He has not put the world to come - of which we speak - in subjection to Angels. One testified in a certain
place, saying: What is man that Thou art mindful of him? Or the Son of Man that Thou Visits Him? Thou hast
made Him a little lower than the Angels. Thou Crowned Him with Glory and Honour. Thou hast put all things in
subjection under His Feet. He put all in subjection under Him, leaving nothing that is not put under Him.
Now we do not yet see ...all things put under Him. Yet we see Jesus Who was ...made a little lower than the Angels, for
the suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour, that He, by the Grace of God, for everyone, might taste Death.
It was fitting for Him - for Whom are all things and by Whom are all things - in bringing many sons to Glory, to make
the Captain of their Salvation Perfect through sufferings.
confirmed by many Divine Miracles of God the
St Paul begins this passage with AN ADMONITION AGAINST
Holy Spirit, which is clear Proof that His Divine,
WILFUL NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS BY A SLOW PROCESS A
Eternal Kingdom has come upon us?
DRIFT OF ATTRITION OF SLOW SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTION.
If the Word spoken... and ... how shall we escape...
When we beseech Almighty God in the Divine Liturgy for
suggest a conditional statement or question.
... Pardon and Remission of our sins and
ISRAEL WAS EXPECTED TO OBEY THE WORDS OF CREATED ANGELS
transgressions... and ... a Good Defence before the
the Holy Messengers of God OR SUFFER PUNISHMENT.
Dread Judgement Seat of Christ... WE AFFIRM THAT
THERE IS TRULY A JUST REWARD, OR RETRIBUTION
NOW IT IS MUCH MORE VITAL FOR US TO HEED WHAT GOD
(RECKONING OR JUSTICE) A VERY REAL DIVINE JUDGEMENT
INCARNATE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS SAID TO US
THAT IS IRREVOCABLE AND UTTERLY UNBIASED!!
THROUGH HIS HOLY APOSTLES especially when His
Divine Word His Divine Truth has been
TO
JAIROS DAUGHTER & ST VERONICA - THE
ST LUKE 8 : 41 56
HAEMORRHAGING
WOMAN
At that time, there was a man named Jairos, and he was a Ruler of the Synagogue. And he fell down at the Feet of Jesus
and begged Him to go to his house, for he had only one daughter, who was about twelve years of age, and she was
dying.
As He went, the multitudes thronged Him. And a woman, who had a flow of blood for twelve years and who had spent all
she had on Physicians - none of whom could heal her went from behind and touched the border of His garment. And
immediately the flow of her blood ceased.
And Jesus said: Who touched Me? When all denied having done so, Peter and those with him said: Master, the
multitudes throng and press against Thee, and Thou ask: Who touched Me? Jesus said: Someone touched Me. I
perceived Power going out from Me.
When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she went trembling and fell down before Him. She explained to Him, before
all the people, and how she had instantly been Healed. He said to her: Be of good cheer, Daughter. Thy Faith has
made thee well. Go in Peace.
While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the Ruler of the Synagogue, saying to him: Your daughter
is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher. Jesus heard and answered him, saying: Do not be afraid. Only believe, and she
will be made well.
Entering the house, He permitted no one to enter except Peter, James and John, and the Father and Mother. All wept and
mourned for her. He said: Do not weep. She is not dead, but sleeping. And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she
was dead. He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called: Little girl: arise! And her spirit returned, and
she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished.
He requested them not to tell anyone what had happened.
ALL AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS EXCLUSIVELY IN THE

CONTROL OF AND ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.

D E U T E R O N O M Y 3 2 : 3 9 : Now behold: I even I
Am
He, and there is no God besides Me; I take away
life and I grant life; I Wound and I Heal; nor is
there any who can Deliver from My Hands.
This Divine Statement could be expressed not
only by God the Father, but also God the Son
and God the Holy Spirit because BEING CO-EQUAL
IN ONE GODHEAD - EACH DIVINE PERSON OF THE HOLY
TRINITY CAN TRULY SAY: There is no God besides
Me.
This Statement is made in contrast to all the false (manmade) gods of the pagans. (ST ATHANASIOS THE GREAT, ST
BASIL THE GREAT & ST HILARY OF POITIERS)
1 K I N G S 2:6: The Lord takes away life and grants

life; He takes down to Hades and raises up.
THIS VERSE FORESHADOWS THE RESURRECTION and is likely a
description of our Lords own (voluntary) descent into
Hades and His glorious Resurrection.
St Aphrahat the Holy Prophet of God used this passage
among many to demonstrate THAT THE BELIEF IN THE
RESURRECTION EXISTED EVEN IN THE OLD COVENANT ERA.
6. 2 3 R D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T ( 7 T H
OF
ST LUKE) SYNAXIS
It should be understood that God is neither destructive nor harmful

even though He permits us to experience physical death the
consequence of our human condition - before He returns us to
full physical and Spiritual Life at the Resurrection and Final
Judgement.
In other words, God permits us to depart from this life and enter a
state of Death i.e. physical Repose in Christ for His Faithful but
for the unrepentant and ungodly souls a restless Foretaste of
Spiritual Exile from God. Mp
BEING
OF ONE ESSENCE WITH GOD THE FATHER, OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST HAS THIS EXACT SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY
OVER LIFE AND DEATH.
J O H N 5 : 2 1 : ...as (God) the Father raises the dead
and grants Life to them, even so (God) the Son
grants Life to those whom He Will.
The instantaneous Healing of the bleeding woman St
Veronica - revealed and demonstrated Christs Divine
Powers of Healing and Cleansing.
Anything that comes into contact with the Divine with God - is
Sanctified and Divine Power is transferred via the medium such as
water, oil or even garments to the Faithful for their Spiritual and
physical Benefit according to the Will of our Loving and
Provident God.
OF THE
Thus the mundane becomes Extraordinary or Sanctified by God

always an inexplicable and Great Mystery to our limited
understanding. Mp
According to the Old Covenant, HAEMORRHAGING (BLEEDING)
WAS REGARDED AS CEREMONIAL AND SOCIAL DEFILEMENT,
one of the Mosaic Laws in order TO SEEK A CURE FOR

SOMETHING THAT ONLY GOD COULD GRANT.
The Healing of St Veronica also shows us that GOD ALWAYS
HAS TIME FOR EVERYONE WHO REACHES OUT TO HIM.
Furthermore, THIS MIRACULOUS HEALING of a twelve year
long ailment before the Resurrection of a little twelve
year old girl, SERVED A TWO-FOLD PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO
JAIROS AND HIS WIFE:
IT WAS A REMINDER OF THE GREAT MERCY AND POWER OF
DIVINE HEALING, WHICH CHRIST COULD DIRECTLY AND
IMMEDIATELY GRANT.
IT STRENGTHENED THEIR WAVERING FAITH WHEN
CONFRONTED BY THE DEATH OF THEIR BELOVED CHILD.
WHICH IMPOSED UPON THE SUFFERER STRINGENT RELIGIOUS AND

SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS since any contact with blood was
severely prohibited.
L E V I T I C U S 1 5 : 2 5 If a woman has a discharge of
blood for many days, other than at the time of her
menstruation, or if it occurs beyond this time, all
the days of her (haemorrhaging) shall be as the
days of her menstruation: she shall be unclean.
NEVERTHELESS THE WRETCHED SUFFERING WOMAN who was
regarded as unclean, daringly but secretly
APPROACHED OUR LORD JESUS WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN HIS
HEALING POWERS even though He was accompanied
by Jairos, a Ruler of the Synagogue, and a huge
crowd who would be defiled by her and who would,
without a doubt, ridicule and embarrass her beyond
measure if her circumstances became known!
Yet HER BELIEF IN CHRIST WAS SO FIRM AND UNSHAKABLE that SHE
KNEW SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT - THAT BY MERELY
TOUCHING THE EDGE OF HIS GARMENT, SHE WOULD BE HEALED,
SINCE ANYTHING THAT GOD TOUCHES OR BLESSES IS
SANCTIFIED BY GOD AND THROUGH ONES FAITH IN GOD, IS
ABLE TO ACHIEVE MIRACULOUS RESULTS. (REFER NOTE ABOVE )
HER FAITH AND DESIRE FOR GODS HEALING SUPPLANTED ALL

OTHER RESERVATIONS.
Consequently, CHRIST REVEALED HER UTTER FAITH IN GOD AS A
SHINING EXAMPLE TO OTHERS the majority of whom like
us - merely paid lip service to God while their hearts
were empty of Love for God or Faith in God.
HE EXPOSED HER IDENTITY - NOT TO SHAME OR EMBARRASS HER BUT TO BLESS HER AND ENCOURAGE HER FOR HER GREAT FAITH
AND TO SHOW OTHERS THE POWER OF SUCH FAITH IN GOD.
When our Lord asked His Apostles: Who touched Me? it

revealed HIS CONSTANT AWARENESS OF THE PAIN AND
SUFFERING OF ALL HUMANITY AND THAT HIS DIVINE POWER IS
IMPARTED DIRECTLY FROM HIMSELF TO THOSE WHO APPROACH
HIM WITH ABSOLUTE FAITH AND LOVE.
The Benevolence and Love of our Lord Jesus Christ is
clearly evident in the manner whereby He addressed
the faithful woman:
HE BLESSED HER for her courage and deep Faith,
HE CORRECTED HER THINKING that He would not be
aware of her and
HE DID NOT EXCLUDE HER FROM HIS PRESENCE NOR
CONDEMN HER for having the courage to seek His
i.e. Gods - Blessings due to her long illness.
HE
People are very quick to blame God for all misfortunes most of
which are caused by either direct or indirect human actions. Mp
When Jairos received the news of his daughters death he
was told not to bother our Lord any further due to the
inevitable belief that nothing could be done about it.
However,
OUR COMPASSIONATE SAVIOUR

COMFORTED THE GRIEF-STRUCK FATHER:
IMMEDIATELY
Do not be
afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.
Only God can reassure us like this!
Then at the house, Christ was again confronted by
despondent mourners who mocked His words of
consolation: Do not weep; she is not dead, but
sleeping, because they knew for sure that she had
died.
So it was that Christ made everyone else leave the room
while He and His Apostles: St Peter, St James and St
John, (who would also witness His Transfiguration on
Mount Tabor) together with the parents, remained
inside.
QUIETLY, BUT FIRMLY, CHRIST COMMANDED THE LITTLE GIRLS

SPIRIT TO RETURN TO HER BODY AND SHE PROMPTLY AWOKE.
Then He instructed her overjoyed parents to feed her (for
He knew she would be hungry and thirsty).
At this point of His Divine Ministry, our Lord did not want
everyone to know how great His Divine Powers were.
HE WANTED TO TEACH THE PEOPLE TO WORSHIP AND GLORIFY

ALMIGHTY GOD AND NOT A PERCEIVED PROPHET.
And so HE INSTRUCTED THEM NOT TO LET OTHERS KNOW what
had occurred with their resuscitated daughter.
The Resuscitation of Jairos daughter from Death was one of

three that we know of, which are significant for their THREE
DIFFERENT DEGREES OF DEATH:
Jairos daughter had just died, the Widow of Nains son had been
dead for several hours and St Lazaros of Bethany had been
buried for four days and already begun to decompose when
Christ Called him back to life.
All these clearly prove that Jesus Christ is no ordinary Holy
Prophet of God but God Himself who has dominion over all
stages of life and Death! M p
PURPOSELY REVEALED HER DEVOTION TO GOD for all to

witness SO THAT THEY MIGHT IMITATE HER rather
than to condemn and ostracise her for breaking

23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 7TH SUNDAY
Our Creator has made us in such a way that we are

composed of both the Earthly and the Heavenly
Elements.
Because our body is made from earth it is like unto earth,
but because our soul was breathed into us by Gods
Lips, we have our origin in the Heavens.
There are things seen, such as the many and various
bodies. There are also things unseen, such as the Angels
- simple spirits, not made from any kind of matter.
We possess the qualities of creatures both material and
immaterial, and although our Creator has given us the
greater Ascetic Struggle because of these nearly
opposite natures, we are, nevertheless obligated to
preserve a precise balance between them, so that by
observing what is natural to the body, we do not violate
the demands of the soul.
And by protecting the souls privilege, we do not neglect
the needs of the body.
In Her concern that we be Perfected, Gods Holy Church has
not deprived this important Ascetic Struggle of Her
attention and precautionary care.
It is with this intention that She has instituted the
celebration of such special days as the Commemoration
Days of Saintswho were people with similar passions
to our own as well as the Commemoration of the
Heavenly Hosts, whose essence is exactly like that of
our immortal souls.
23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (7TH
OF
ST LUKE) SYNAXIS
OF THE
OF
ST LUKE SYNAXIS
OF THE
HEAVENLY HOSTS
Thus, we must unfailingly strive to preserve our Purity and

not corrupt our likeness to them.
By observing those who pleased God, we would not doubt
our strength and ability to subject the passions and
demands of our flesh to the control of our immortal
soul.
Those who were Glorified by their Saintliness are already
numbered among the Angelic Hosts of Heaven, for,
having shed the garment of their earthly flesh, they are
now Blessed Spirits like the Angelic Hosts in Purity and
essence - comprising the Church Triumphant in
Heaven.
We who are still sailing the sea of life, are set towards the
Heavenly Harbour, and comprise the Church Militant
on Earth.
The Church Militant is composed of Virtuous Ascetic
Labourers - whose members are like Valiant Warriors,
who are always battling against the passions and vices
under the leadership of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, Who laid the Foundation for Asceticism, under
the Victorious Sign of His Holy Cross.
The Church Triumphant is composed of the Blessed and
the Righteous in Heaven, whose triumphant members
Repose in Peace and Glory in the Heavenly Habitations
after their Bright Victory over all worldly opposition.
St Paul explained both Churches: ... You have not come to
the Mount that might be touched, and that burnt with
Fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and

the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which
voice they that heard entreated that the Word should not
be spoken to them any more.
But You have come to Mount Zion, and to the City of the
Living God - the Heavenly Jerusalem - and to an
innumerable Company of Angels - to the General
Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written
in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits
of Just men made Perfect. (HEBREWS 12:1819 & 2223).
St Paul named a Mountain that is hard to climb, Fire,
Darkness, Tempest, the Sound of a Trumpet, and
terrible voices to indicate the Church Militant on Earth,
while he used the City of the Living God - the Heavenly
Jerusalem, the Innumerable Company of Angels, the
Triumph of the Firstborn written in Heaven, and the
Perfect, Just men to signify the Church Triumphant in
Heaven.
From St Pauls thoughts we too can see what relationship
one Church has to the other.
In the Church Militant there is essentially continual Ascetic
Labour.
The lot of Virtuous men is Labour and Vigilance.
As passions constantly seduce us and vices always attract
us by their pleasant appearance, the slightest
slackening brings the danger that they might gain the
upper hand and enslave our mind and Conscience.
Therefore the Ascetic Struggler must always be on guard
Spiritually Watchful and Alert.
We cannot accuse the Just Judge Who rules the world that
this Life of ours gives us more burdens than pleasure.
This is the very privilege that grants us supremacy over all
other creatures. No matter what their advantage is, no
matter how sound and excellent any of them may be,
none of them deserve Praise and Glory.
They do what they were born to do, are not guided by
reason, and perhaps do not even understand what they
do.
All Honour and Glory is due the Artist Who so wisely
created them, and because Honour goes to the Creator
for his artfully crafted clay vessel, the clay cannot share
that Honour with Him.
But the Creator had another wise Dispensation for us.
By assigning us Labour and Struggle, and placing at every
step of the way some hindrances to overcome, He has
prepared for us Honour and Glory, which we can receive
after having conquered them, thereby Glorifying our
Creator Who has most wisely ordered this our benefit.
We elevate ourselves by being able to use His Gifts of
Reason and Freewill for our own benefit and success.
If we consider our Appointed Struggle as arduous, then we
are ashamed of having been created human instead of
being irrational beasts, or trees or stones - but who
would dare to so debase mankinds glory?
If we consider this Struggle oppressive and refuse to strive
for the Acquisition of Spiritual Victory, it would be our
own choice, but without any effort on our part we will
soon see that nothing good or worthwhile is attained!!
Our spirit or soul will be weighed down with despondency,
sadness and tediousness, while our body will be
weakened and distressed by sickness.
Our immortal soul will be encumbered and overwhelmed by
wicked vices, and our Conscience will be agonized by
Her own criticism, reproach, and anxiety.
Consequently, we will be superfluous to ourselves. We will
be dangerous, incompetent, useless burdens to others.
However, without any sweetness of Divine Consolation
while being perpetually engaged in Ascetic Struggles,
fear and Vigilance will become oppressive and harsh.
Nevertheless, Ascetic Labours of Virtue are good and sweet
in and of themselves.
By the very exercise of Ascetic Labours of Virtue, we are
Spiritually Strengthened and the
possibly painful
consequences are forestalled, while our soul is filled
with Divine Peace, which in turn lightens the Virtuous
Struggle.
Worldly, materialistic people do not regard as being
difficult their great efforts that are expended for the
sake of material profits, yet they will avoid making
any effort for Eternal Spiritual Treasure or Profit!!
8. 2 3 R D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T ( 7 T H
OF
ST LUKE) SYNAXIS
As Faithful Disciples of Christ, we have been assigned great

exertion by have also been granted sufficient Spiritual
Strength, reliable Weapons, and a commensurate (equal)
Reward!
The Supreme Administrator of the world has provided all
the necessary Talents - so one can blame His Justness.
One person received five Talents, but we were maybe given
only one Talent: .... unto whomsoever much is given, of
him shall be much required: and to whom men have
committed much, of him they will ask more. (LUKE 12:48).
Those who have received one Talent can reap its benefits
with less work as long as they do not bury it in the
ground of slothfulness, and have praiseworthy zeal, so
that they might be comparable to the one who received
a greater number of Talents.
Diligence conquers all, while slackness puts all capabilities
to death.
We are members of the Church Militant on Earth but we
must never trespass the boundaries assigned to us by
Divine Providence for all the descendents of Adam
have gone that way.
No one in this short, preparatory life has ever obtained
direct Honour and Glory in any way other than the
courageous fulfilment of our personal Calling by God.
We are members of the Church Militant on Earth, so that we
can also attain and be numbered among the Heavenly
Hosts and Cloud of Witnesses of the Church
Triumphant in Eternal Heaven.
A Glorious Finish awaits our small Ascetic Struggle, and an
Endless Reward will be granted for our temporary
Labours.
None of those who Rest in Gods Bosom complain about the
Labours and Ascetic Struggles they bore on Earth!
Already experiencing the Indescribable Delight and
Blessedness that we hope for but have not yet achieved,
they doubtlessly accept - together with St Paul - that all
their former sufferings are nothing compared to the
Reward Gods Graciousness has conferred upon them,
and they would not refuse a thousand times more
suffering just to receive that Reward. (ROMANS 8:18)
If it were possible for us mortals to imagine the desire of
those Blessed Spirits in Heaven, it would no longer be
anything for themselves, for now their only desire and
Prayer is for us to achieve Spiritual Perfection.
Because of their similar nature to us, and because they
know about human temptations from their own
experiences, they zealously strive with all their souls to
bring us into their Most Pure Assembly.
However, we might deprive ourselves of their Blessed Lot
through our own wilful weakness and Spiritual
Stubbornness that refuses Repentance, which will cause
us to suffer Eternal Condemnation.
If only we could see ourselves surrounded by the
beneficent Angels of God who have left the
Peacefulness of Paradise in order to serve as our Holy
Guardians, Advocates and Guides for our Salvation both now and later!
Although our Struggles against vice and temptation may
come from our Enlightenment and Good Conscience, we
partly owe our success to the ready assistance of our
Guardian Angels.
Whenever Repentant sinners rise from their falls, the Most
Pure Spirits help them and support them - and when
our immortal soul separates from our body, they
receive us in their arms, and if we are proved to be
Righteous, they carry us through the Forty Days to the
comfort and Peaceful Repose of Gods Bosom.
Confirming ourselves in this Understanding and
Enlightenment, supporting ourselves by our Holy
Desires and ceaseless Prayers, and by encouraging
ourselves through Angelic Service to God and to others,
we must fulfil our Ascetic Labours with Courage and
Vigour, so that we would become Honourable Members
of the Militant Church on Earth, and Worthy Members of
the Church Triumphant in Heaven.
Amen.
OF THE
ST SERGIOS LAVRA, ARCHANGEL CATHEDRAL, 8/21 NOVEMBER

1780
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/49963

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and
unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos yet Ever
Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to
Christ our God. Amen.
St Nektarios of Pentapolis & Aegina

WONDERWORKER
OF
AEGINA PATRON SAINT
OF
9 November 2015
CANCER SUFFERERS
Also the Feast of St Onesiphoros and St Porphyrios of Ephesos - , St Matrona, Abbess of

Constantinople - St Theoktiste of Lesbos St Onesiphoros the Confessor of the Kiev Near
Caves Monastery St Alexander of Thessalonika St Anthony of Apamea, Syria St John the
Short, Holy Ascetic of St Pimen the Great Monastery, Egypt St Eustolia & St Sopatra of
Constantinople St Euthymios & St Neophytos, Co-Founders of Dochiariou Monastery, Mount
Athos The Holy Wonderworking Icon of Theotokos Quick to Hear at Dochiariou
Monastery, Mount Athos
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST NEKTARIOS
OF
PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA
TONE 1
Silivrias ton Gonon ke Eginis ton eforon, ton eskhatis hronis Silivrias
Offspring and Protector of Aegina, the True

Friend of all Virtue, who appeared to us lately,
Nektarios the Godly Servant of Christ, let us honour,
we the Faithful; for he pours forth Healings of every
kind, on those who Piously cry out: Glory to Christ
Who Glorified Thee! Glory to Him Who Magnified
Thee! Glory to the One Who Works through Thee,
Healings for everyone!
fanenta, aretis Filon Gnision, Nektarion Timisomen Pisti,

os entheon theraponta Hristou;
anavlizi gar iasis
pantodapas, tis evlavos kravgazousi:
Doxa to Se,
Doxanti Hristo, Doxa to Se Thavmastosanti! Doxa to
Energounti dia Sou, pasin iamata!
FESTAL KONTAKION ST NEKTARIOS
OF
PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Orthodoxias
The
ton Astera ton Neofoton, ke Ekklisias to

Neodmiton protihisma, animnisomen kardias en
evfrosini. Doxasthis gar energia ti tou Pnevmatos,
iamaton anavlizi Harin afthonon, tis kravgazousi.
Heris Pater Nektarie!
latest shining Star of Orthodoxy and the newly

erected Rampart of the Church let our hearts joyfully
praise. For, Glorified by the Work of the Spirit, he
abundantly pours forth the Grace of Healing to those
who cry out: "Hail, O Father Nektarios!"
SEASONAL FESTAL KONTAKION - ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS

Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,

today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
is the Heavenly Tabernacle.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 149 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Saints shall rejoice in Glory. Sing unto the Lord a New Song
THE FIRST EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
ST TIMOTHYS VISIT
TO THE
THESSALONIANS 2 : 20 3 : 8
THESSALONIANS
Brethren: You are our Glory and Joy. Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it would be good to be left
in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our Brother and Minister of God, and our fellow Labourer in the Gospel of Christ, to
establish you and to encourage you concerning your Faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions.
You, yourselves know that we are appointed for this. And, thus, as we told you before when we were with you, we would
suffer tribulations - just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to
know your Faith, lest by some means the Tempter had tempted you and our Labour might be in vain.
However, Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your Faith and Love, and that you always have
good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also desire to see you. Therefore, in all our affliction and
distress, Brethren, we were comforted by your Faith. For now we Live, if you stand fast in our Lord.
OUR SAVIOUR EXACTLY AS HE TAUGHT THEM TO US, without
ALL TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS OF OUR
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AND WARFARE WHILE WE LIVE IN CHRIST
any change or modernisation at all!
ARE TRULY WORTHWHILE.
HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND TEACHINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, AND
As Spiritually Healthy as the Thessalonian Christian
IF ONE JOT OR TITTLE IS ALTERED, DELETED OR ADDED TO, IT IS
Community was, St Paul took nothing for granted.
NO LONGER DIVINELY PERFECT!!
(There were many problems to contend with in the Corinthian
The expression always and remembrance refer to OUR
LIFE OF PRAYER.
Christian Community.)
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE CONSTANTLY PRAY FOR EACH
EVEN THOSE WHO ARE WELL-GROUNDED, FULLY ENLIGHTENED AND
OTHER, INCLUDING THOSE OF US WHO HAVE ALREADY REPOSED
DEEPLY COMMITTED NEED CONSTANT ENCOURAGEMENT,
IN CHRIST.
SACRED INSTRUCTION AND PRAYERS.
THESE ARE UNSELFISH PRAYERS that have much Spiritual
The term Minister is from the Greek word Diakonon,
Benefit to both those for whom we pray and for
from which Deacon is derived.
ourselves. So if we are asked to pray for others, we
Fellow Labourer is Synergon, from which the word
must definitely ensure that we do so!!
Synergy is derived.
Being fully committed to the Lord our God, WE STRIVE
As Ministers of God, ALL HOLY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST NOT ONLY
CEASELESSLY TO TRULY LIVE IN CHRIST always trying to
REPRESENT OUR LORD GOD, BUT WE ALSO CEASELESSLY WORK
fulfil His Teachings and Commandments.
TOGETHER WITH HIM AND WITH OUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS.
TO LIVE IN CHRIST IS TO TRULY, AND FULLY LIVE!! ALIVE AND
Consequently, each one of us must MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO
UTTERLY FREE!!
FOLLOW PRECISELY THE TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF
TO
ST LUKE 12 : 13 15 & 22 31
CHRISTS TEACHING AGAINST GREED & ANXIETY
At that time, as our Lord Jesus was teaching, one of the crowd said to Him: Teacher, tell my Brother to divine the
inheritance with me. He said to him: Man: who made Me a Judge or an Arbitrator over you?
He said to them: Take heed and beware of covetousness. For ones life does not consist of the abundance of the things
he possesses...
ST NEKTARIOS
THE
GREAT HOLY WONDERWORKER
OF
PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA
9 NOVEMBER 2015
...Therefore, I say to you: do not worry about your life what you will eat; nor about your body what you will put on.
No! Life is more than food and the body is more than clothing.
Consider the Ravens, for they neither sow nor reap - neither have they storehouse nor barn and God feeds them. Of
how much more value are you than the birds? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you
then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
Consider how the Lilies grow they neither toil nor spin. I say to you: even Solomon in all his glory was not
arrayed like one of these. If the grass is so clothed, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the
oven, how much more will God clothe you, O you of little Faith?
And do not seek what you should eat, or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. All these things the
Nations of the world seek after. Your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God, and
all these things shall be added to you.
It was customary for respected Rabbis to arbitrate
The ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE MAIN FOCUS OF OUR
personal disputes.
LORDS DIVINE TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
However, A DISPUTE OVER AN INHERITANCE IS DETRIMENTAL Christ encourages us to FOCUS ON HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
TO OUR SALVATION, FOR SUCH GREED IS PURE IDOLATRY AND
LOVE SO THAT WE BECOME UTTERLY SECURE IN OUR FAITH our
UNFITTING FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS GOD who has a
confident Trust that our Loving Creator provides us all
close, intimate Relationship with God and who
with every Blessing on Earth everything that we
strives to faithfully fulfil all Christs Teachings and
could possible need or require for our physical and
Commandments.
Spiritual Welfare and Progress.
This account is totally incompatible with our Saviours
Our Lord draws our contemplation to the fauna and flora
Teachings and Revelations concerning our Most
the beautiful Creation of God, for which He provides
Merciful, Benevolent and Providential God.
everything necessary for it to flourish, blossom and
produce the next generation of fruit, vegetation or
OUR LORD JESUS ALWAYS WARNS US AGAINST BEING ANXIOUS
animal.
AND GREEDY. HE DOES NOT WARN US AGAINST CAREFUL
Once we realise the magnificence of Gods Divine
PLANNING THOUGH.
Creation that is absolutely dependent on His Great
OUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE IS DIRECTLY DEPENDENT ON
Mercy, we must then realise that AS THE CROWN OF HIS
ALMIGHTY GOD and only indirectly on food, drink and
CREATION I.E. MANKIND WHOM GOD INFINITELY LOVES, HE
clothing, etc.
WILL TAKE EVEN BETTER CARE OF US AS HIS BELOVED CHILDREN.
ANXIETY OR OBSESSION OVER EARTHLY MATTERS REVEALS A LACK OF
FAITH IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE, DIVINE LOVE AND GODS GREAT
OUR LORD URGES US TO SURRENDER OURSELVES TO HIS GREAT
MERCY.
MERCY AND INFINITE DIVINE LOVE because when we
The Gentiles served their pagan idols so they remained
have learnt to do so, we will rest assured, and
consumed by their dependence on earthly things,
never be anxious about any earthly matters
while THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO ALMIGHTY GOD ARE
again. We can then concentrate all our energy
UTTERLY FREE OF SUCH WORRIES AND FIXATIONS.
and strength upon our constant Spiritual Struggles
while we ...seek the Kingdom of Heaven.
ST NEKTARIOS - MYRRH-STREAMER, WONDERWORKER,
St Nektarios, the boast of the Orthodox Faithful of our era,

was Honoured by God - his Holy Relics stream Myrrh
and he continues to be a Wonderworking Healer.
Greece has innumerable churches dedicated to his memory,
his Icons hang in almost every church and in homes of
devout Orthodox Christians, books recount his Life and
Works, editions of his own writings are continually
reprinted, and above all, there are countless accounts of
his innumerable Miracles.
His veneration has already taken on a pan-Orthodox
character with many Faithful from all countries other
than Greece, seeking his Intercessory Prayers, Aid and
Protection.[
The Holy Trinity Monastery in Aegina has become a great
Holy Site of pan-Orthodox Pilgrimage, having been
established by St Nektarios himself - Sanctified through
the work of his hands, the sweat of his brow, and,
indeed, by his active presence, for that was where he
passed the final years of his life in profound, genuine
Humility and Ascetical Struggle.
Next to the Monastery's humble cells, built not only under
St Nektarios' supervision, but through his own labour, a
great, beautiful church was erected in order that God's
Name might be magnified through the Honour
bestowed on his Faithful Saint: "God is Wonderful in
His Saints!"
All this serves as a Proclamation that, even in difficult
times, God Honours and Glorifies the humble, the
persecuted, and the despised, rather than the proud
and the powerful who, through their worldly, arrogant
and malicious conduct, cause God's Name to be
blasphemed, His holy Church to be attacked and many
Christians to be scandalized.
God, the Only Just Judge Exalted above those who had
unfairly condemned and persecuted the Humble and
Obedient Metropolitan of Pentapolis, who had been
exiled from Alexandria, raising him to the place of
Eternal Joy, where his memory will indeed be Eternal!
According to God's Plan and Providence, persecutions and
sorrows are beneficial to those who accept such Divine
Lessons without complaint.
Simultaneously, however, by means of such circumstances,
the All-Wise God also provides for His Holy
Church's needs - often indiscernible to the clouded
minds of men.
10. S T N E K T A R I O S
THE
GREAT HOLY WONDERWORKER
GREAT THEOLOGIAN
&
WRITER
The presence of the exiled Metropolitan of Pentapolis in

Greece was certainly something greatly needed:
1. through a plethora of Illumined Writings, St Nektarios
presented the Orthodox Tradition, projecting the
Theology of the Holy Fathers and the Ecumenical
Councils against the rationalistic Academic
Theology brought to Greece through foreign
textbooks.
2. as Principal of the Rizario Ecclesiastical School for
fourteen years (1894-1908) he laid the foundation
for sound Theological Education, the Fruit of which
can still be seen today.
3. his establishing the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in
Aegina, to whose stillness and isolation the Saint
retired after his resignation as Principal of the
Rizario School, was an important, God-Inspired
action promoted and encouraged Orthodox
Monasticism, which, from the time of the Baron of
Othonos, had been unjustly persecuted and
slandered.
St Nektarios multi-volume written production is also
invaluable. He authored roughly fifty studies, which
cover not only volumes of materials, but also a wide
variety of themes including history, hermeneutics,
Dogmatics, Ethics, Pastoral Theology, Philosophy,
Apologetics, poetics, Hymnology, Liturgics and
Homiletics a number of which are also Expositions of
Patristic Texts.
Archimandrite Epiphanios Delidemos, a well-read student
of Saint Nektarios' works rightly observed: "We find
ourselves before a complex intellect, dedicated to the
Service of the Church, who was concerned to share with
the Faithful in writing whatever he possessed that was
Good and Beneficial.
A Alivizatos wrote: "...his books and writings are worthy of
much praise. A number of these filled what at that time
were obvious and well-noted voids in our Theological
Literature, such as his Harmony of the Gospels, his work
on Pastoral Theology, his Psalter, his Collection of
Maxims and sayings from Holy Scripture and many
others, which held an eminent place amongst the few
theological books published at that time.
http://www.impantokratoros.gr
OF
P E N T A P O L I S & A E G I N A - 9 N O V E M B E R 2015

Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ
our God. Amen.
11 November 2015
St Menas the Great Holy Martyr of Alexandria
Also the Feast of St Victor of Damascus St Vincent & St Stephanida of Spain St Theodore the
Confessor & Abbot of Studion Monastery St Maximos, Fool for Christ, of Moscow St Martyrios
the Abbot of Zelenets Monastery, Pskov - St Stephen of Decani, Serbia St Martin the Merciful,
Bishop of Tours
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST MENAS
OF
Tous
megistous agonas tou Martiriou Sou, kateropsihos

anisas Megalomartis Mina, Ouranion doreon lampros
ixiose, ke thavmaton aftourgos, ek Theou anadihthis,
prostatis imin edothis, ke voithos en anages, ke
antiliptor enargestatos.
ALEXANDRIA
TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
The
most fearful contests of thy Martyrdom, stoutheartedly enduring, O Great Martyr Menas, the Divine
Gifts thou brilliantly merited; and being shown by God,
as Worker of Miracles, thou were sent to us as
Protector, and aid in our needs of life, and a Helper
most responsive to us.
KONTAKION OF HOLY MALE MARTYRS TONE (8) PLAGAL 4FESTAL KONTAKION
Martires Sou, Kyrie, en ti athlisis afton, to stefos

ekomisanto tis aftharsias, ek Sou tou Theou imon;
ehontes tin iskhin Sou, tous tirannous kathilon.
Ethrafsan ke demonon ta aniskhira thrasi; afton tes
ikesies Hriste, O Theos, soson tas psihas imon
Thy loyal Martyrs, O Lord, while contending for Thee, the

Crown of Incorruption they earned for themselves,
from Thee the God of all of us; for armed with Thy
Might, they defeated the tyrants, and crushed all the
demons and their powerless presumption. Through
their Intercessions, O Christ our God, we pray to Thee
to Save our souls!
SEASONAL KONTAKION (8 25 NOV) ENTRY

OF
THEOTOKOS
INTO
TEMPLE TONE 4

Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God, today
enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace of the
Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the
Heavenly Tabernacle.
PROKEIMENON- PSALM 27 TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance. Unto Thee, O Lord,
THE FIRST EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
will I cry, my God!
THESSALONIANS 4 : 1 - 12
Brethren: we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more - just as you received from us how
you ought to walk and to please God. You know what Commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. This is the
Will of God your Sanctification that you should abstain from sexual immorality, that each of you should know how
to possess his own vessel in Sanctification and Honour - not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God,
that no one should take advantage of and defraud his Brethren in this matter, because the Lord is the Avenger of all
such, as we also forewarned you and testified.
God did not Call us to uncleanliness, but in Holiness. Therefore, those who reject this does not reject mankind, but God,
Who has also granted us His Holy Spirit.
Concerning Brotherly Love, you have no need that I should write to you. You yourselves are taught by God to Love one
another. And indeed you do so towards all the Brethren who are in all Macedonia.
We urge you, Brethren, to increase more and more that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, and to mind your own
business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly towards those who are
outside, and that you may lack nothing.
HOLINESS INCLUDES SEXUAL PURITY, MUTUAL LOVE, AND HONEST
The term ... his own vessel... refers to the entire human
LABOUR.
being ones own self and perhaps ones own
As for knowing Gods Divine Will, this passage comes
betrothed and wedded spouse.
through in brilliant simplicity.
In either case, OUR VESSEL MUST BE POSSESSED WITH PURITY,
GODS WILL IS OUR SANCTIFICATION OUR BEING SET APART IN
SELF-CONTROL OR SELF-DISCIPLINE AND CHASTITY.
CHRIST JESUS AS HIS SPECIAL PEOPLE THE NEW ISRAEL the
Verse 11 ...that you also aspire to lead a quiet life... is New Chosen of God, which includes all humanity,
the bedrock practicality of Holy Scripture, for AS
without exception.
FAITHFUL AND VIRTUOUS DISCIPLES OF GOD, WE MUST LIVE
THROUGHOUT THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN, WE ARE BEING
QUIETLY, MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS AND WORK HARD, WITHOUT
SANCTIFIED AS WE WALK WITH GOD AND LIVE IN CHRIST IN
BEING A BURDEN OR ANNOYANCE TO ANYONE ELSE
DEVOUT FAITH, HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE.
. THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 12 : 48 59
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: Everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom
much has been committed, of him they will ask more.
I came to send Fire on the Earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a Baptism with which to be Baptised
and how distressed I Am until it is accomplished!
Do you suppose that I came to give Peace on Earth? No! I tell you: not at all, but rather division. From now on five in
one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son
against Father, Mother against daughter and daughter against Mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
11.
ST MENAS
THE
GREAT HOLY MARTYR
OF
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT 11 NOVEMBER 2015
He said to the multitudes: Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the West, immediately you say: A shower is coming!
And so it is. And when you see the South wind blow, you say: There will be hot weather. And there is.
Hypocrites! You can discern the sight of the sky and of the Earth, but how is it you do not Discern this time? Why even
of yourselves, do you not judge what is Righteous?
When you go with your adversary to the Magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag
you to the Judge - the Judge will deliver you to the Officer, and the Officer will throw you into prison.
I tell you: until you have paid the very last mite you shall not depart from there!
DIVINE JUDGEMENT OF THE TEACHERS OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF
GENUINE, HOLY PEACE is our RECONCILIATION WITH GOD
CHRIST WILL BE STRICT, ESPECIALLY CONCERNING THOSE WHO
THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST AND OUR TOTAL SURRENDER
ARE WILFULLY AND KNOWINGLY DISOBEDIENT and who
TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
therefore lead others into error and heresy for they
GENUINE PEACE HAS DIVISION as a by-product because NOT
shall receive Eternal Condemnation, while THOSE WHO
EVERYONE WANTS TRUTH and IN THE FALLEN WORLD OF
ARE DISOBEDIENT THROUGH GENUINE IGNORANCE AND WHO
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND DEATH, DIVISIONS ARE NECESSARY
HAVE ACCEPTED CHASTISEMENT AND CORRECTION, WILL BE LESS
FOR DIVINE TRUTH TO BE MANIFESTED (REVEALED).
HARSHLY JUDGED.
The divisions between close family members fulfils the
The term Fire refers to THE PROCLAMATION OF CHRISTS HOLY
Prophecy of Micah 7:6.
In addition to its literal meaning, such divisions have
GOSPEL AND THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT our
been experienced in the Holy Church of Christ
Divine Comforter, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, etc Who
since the time of our Lords sojourn amidst us.
enables us to correctly fulfil all our Lords Teachings
and Commandments.
The older generation being divided from the younger
THAT DIVINE FIRE BOTH ENLIVENS THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
generation also symbolises:
OF CHRIST AND JUDGES THE FAITHLESS.
1. THE REJECTION OF THE NEW COVENANT BY FOLLOWERS OF
DIVINE FIRE PURIFIES HOLY VIRTUE AND DESTROYS SIN.
THE OLD COVENANT
The Baptism of which our Lord speaks, refers to His
2. THE SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE BETWEEN OUR OLD, SINFUL
Passion.
NATURE AND OUR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IN CHRIST JESUS.
Christ referred to His Crucifixion as a Cup and His Death
The Discernment of this time refers to CHRISTS DIVINE
by Crucifixion as a Baptism.
REVELATION OF HIS HEAVENLY, ETERNAL KINGDOM, WHICH IS
THE HOLY CROSS IS A CUP BECAUSE OUR SAVIOUR DRANK OF IT
THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF GOD INCARNATE our Lord Jesus.
WILLINGLY AND HIS DEATH WAS A BAPTISM BECAUSE HE WAS
Just as a guilty person would try to reconcile with his
COMPLETELY IMMERSED IN IT, YET IT HAS CLEANSED THE
opponent before facing an earthly Judge, which
WORLD.
eventually leads to a certain form of retribution and
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF PEACE.
punishment, EVEN MORE SO SHOULD WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT
FALSE PEACE to which our Lord refers in this
TO BE RECONCILED WITH ALMIGHTY GOD BEFORE WE HAVE TO
instance is A SHALLOW HARMONY THAT RESULTS
FACE HIS AWESOME FINAL JUDGEMENT the irrevocable
FROM IGNORING IMPORTANT ISSUES OF TRUTH.
Consequences of unrepentant sins being Eternal
Condemnation and Spiritual Exile!
ST MENAS
THE
GREAT HOLY MARTYR
St Menas was an Egyptian by birth, who served as a Military

Officer in the Roman Legion, based in the Kotyaeion
region of Phrygia under the Centurion, Firmilian, during
the reign of the Emperors Diocletian (284-305) and
Maximian (305-311).
When these two Emperors conducted the fiercest
persecution against innocent Christians in history, St
Menas adamantly refused to follow orders
He removed his soldiers belt (a sign of Military Rank) and
withdrew to a mountain, where he lived an Ascetic Life
of Fasting and Prayer.
One day he happened to arrive in the city during a pagan
festival.
At the climax of the games St Menas loud, accusing voice
rang out, preaching Faith in the only Living God Jesus
Christ, the Saviour of the world and all mankind.
As expected, he was immediately arrested and dragged off
to prison.
At his trial before the Prefect, Pyrrhus, St Menas proudly
Confessed his Christian Faith, telling the entire court
that he had come to denounce the impious rulers and
citizens of Alexandria, and to set them free with the
Divine Truth of the one and only Living God.
Prefect Pyrrhus was initially shocked at the audacious
courage of this Great Ascetic, but he soon became selfrighteously angered, and had St Menas imprisoned.
However, having heard of St Menas outstanding Military
Service in the earlier years, Pyrrhus offered to restore
OF
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
him to his former rank if he would simply make a

public show of offering sacrifice to the pagan gods.
Nevertheless, the Faithful Disciple of Christ steadfastly
refused to renounce Christ and instead he loudly
denounced the dead and powerless man-made idols
that could neither hear, nor see, let alone speak!!
Seized once again by the executioners, he was put to the
cruellest of tortures before being beheaded by sword.
St Menas was thus Perfected as a Great Holy Martyr for the
Love of Christ on 11 November 304.
Under cover of darkness, the Christians gathered up his
Holy Relics and hid them away until the end of the great
persecution. Much later, St Menas Holy Relics were
reverently laid to rest in a church dedicated to his
honourable memory, on a site that was situated
southwest of the great city of Alexandria.
By Divine Grace, St Menas was granted the Power to
Miraculously help all those in need who besought him
to Intercede with God on their behalf.
St Menas
continues to Heal by Divine Grace various illnesses, and
he also Releases those who suffer demonic possession.
St Menas is our Brave Protector and Holy Intercessor,
especially during times of warfare. We are able to
invoke his help when we have lost various important
objects or need to find those we Love but who are
somehow missing.
May his memory be Eternal, and may St Menas constantly
Intercede with Christ for the Salvation of our souls.
ST JOHN CASSIAN ON LOVE
What we gain from Fasting does not compensate for what

we lose through anger.
Our profit from Scriptural
Reading in no way equals the damage we cause
ourselves by showing contempt for a Brother. We must
practice Fasting, Vigils, Withdrawal, and the Meditation
of Scripture as activities that are subordinate to our
main objective - Purity of Heart - that is to say: Love -
THE
GREATEST
OF
VIRTUES
and we must never disturb this Principal Virtue for the

sake of those others. If this Virtue remains whole and
unharmed within us nothing can injure us, not even if
we are forced to omit any of those other subordinate
Virtues. Nor will it be of any use to have practiced all
these latter if there is missing in us that principal
objective for the sake of which all else is undertaken.
ST GREGORY PALAMAS
If you put something fragrant on to burning coals, you

motivate those who approach to return and to remain,
but if instead you put on something with an unpleasant,
oppressive smell, you repel them and drive them away.
It is the same with the mind. If your attention is occupied
with what is Holy, you make yourself worthy of being
12.
ST MENAS
THE
GREAT HOLY MARTYR
Visited by God, since this is the Sweet Savour. On the

other hand, if you nurture evil, foul and earthly
thoughts within you, you remove yourself from Gods
Supervision and unfortunately make yourself
worthy of His aversion.
OF
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT 11 NOVEMBER 2015

13 November 2015
St John Chrysostom of Constantinople
Also the Feast of St Antoninos, St Nicephoros, St Germanos & St Manetha of Caesarea, Palestine
St Damascene & St Damianos, Monk-Martyr of Lavra, Mount Athos
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
tou stomatos Sou, kathaper Pirsos eklampsasa Haris tin

ikoumenin Efotisen; afilargirias to kosmo thisavrous
enapetheto; to Ipsos imin, tis tapinofrosinis ipedixen.
Alla Sis logis pedevon, Pater Ioanni Hrisostome,
Presveve to Logo Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas
imon.
The Grace of Thy mouth, which has shone like a Beacon,

has Illumined the Universe; it stored up in the world
Treasures of the absence of avarice; it showed to us
the Height of Humility. Therefore, instructing by Thy
words, O Father John Chrysostom, Intercede with the
Word, Christ our God, that our souls may be Saved.
FESTAL KONTAKION - ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Ek
ton Ouranon edexo tin Thian Harin, ke dia ton Son

hileon, Pantasdidaskis, Proskinin en Triadi ton Ena
Theon, Ioanni Hrisostome, Pammakariste Osie, epazios
evfimoumen Se. Iperhis gar kathigitis, os ta Thia Safon.
SEASONAL KONTAKION -
THE
TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Thou
received Divine Grace from Heaven, and by Thine

own lips taught all to worship the One God in Trinity.
All-Blessed, Venerable John Chrysostom, deservedly,
we praise Thee for Thou art a Teacher clearly revealing
Things Divine
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS ENTRANCE
katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke

simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa,
tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin Angeli Theou. Afti
iparhi, Skini Epouranios.
INTO
TEMPLE
The
very purest Abode of the Saviour, and the Most

Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with Her, of
the Holy Spirit. It is for Her Gods Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL JOHN 10 : 1 9

THE SHEPHERD
AND THE
SHEEPFOLD
At that time, our Lord said to the Judeans who went to Him: Truly, truly, I say to you: he who does not enter the Door
to the Sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, is a Thief and a Robber. He who enters by the Door is the
Shepherd of the Sheep. To him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice. And He Calls His own Sheep
by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before them. And the Sheep follow
Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a Stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not
know the voice of Strangers.
Although Jesus used this illustration, they did not understand the things that He spoke to them.
Again Jesus said to them: Truly, truly, I say unto you: I Am the Door of the Sheepfold. All who ever came before Me
are Thieves and Robbers, but the Sheep did not hear them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be
Saved, and will go in and will go out, and will find pasture...
PROKEIMENON- PSALM 48 TONE 1
My mouth shall speak of Wisdom: and the meditation of heart shall be of Understanding. Hear this, all you people!
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
HEBREWS 7 : 26 8 : 2
OUR PERFECT, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become
Higher than the Heavens Who does not need daily as those High Priests to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins
and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law, appoints
the Son Who has been Perfected forever. This is the main point of the things we are saying.
We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens a Minister of the
Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not mankind.
Not only is the Divine Founder of the New Covenant
As Melchizedek was without earthly genealogy, so is
Priesthood superior to that of the Old Covenant, the
Christ by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth.
Rules of the New Covenants Priestly Order are also
He is God Incarnate, Immortal and sinless. Therefore His
superior.
Holy Priesthood is able to Transform humanity.
The Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with a Covenant that
The Power that is bestowed upon candidates at their
is the Priesthood is changed in any way at all, so is the
Ordination is immensely Strong and Effective.
The Power of Christs Holy Priesthood is Perfect because it
Holy Covenant.
Furthermore, Absolute Perfection cannot be altered by
draws us closer to Almighty God and guides us
any means for then it would no longer be Perfect!!
towards our Spiritual Perfection regaining our lost
Likeness to Christ.
Thus it is utterly significant that not one iota or tittle of
Divine Truth can be altered or misinterpreted for then
Our Lord Jesus Ultimate Blood Sacrifice was offered once
it is no longer the Perfect, Absolute Divine Truth of
only but is effective forever - for all humanity
Almighty God but a mere shadow or poor imitation
throughout the ages.
that is misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous.
God the Father Himself Ordains God the Son as our only
The Mysterious Holy Priesthood of Melchizedek is fulfilled
True High Priest.
in Christ Jesus.
Since Christ is Immortal, the Holy Priesthood of
Melchizedek requires only one, Eternal High Priest.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
OF
CONSTANTINOPLE
13 NOVEMBER 2015
13
The requirement of Perfect Holiness is met in our Lord

Jesus Christ for His is truly the Only Sinless One.
Furthermore, our Lord Jesus Christ is so much more than
a mere human being He is God-Man The Eternal,
Only Begotten Son of God the Father Who became

Man by assuming our human Nature.

CHRIST
IS THE
DOOR &
THE
TO
ST JOHN 10: 9 16
GOOD SHEPHERD
At that time, our Lord said: I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and will go out, and
will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have Life -and more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His
Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and
leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling,
and does not care about the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the
Father knows Me, even so I know the Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have, which
are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be one Flock - one
Shepherd.
The ultimate Thief is Satan, who always spreads lies and
Passion and fulfilled all that was required by God for
encourages heresies and blasphemy among the
the Redemption and Reconciliation of all humanity.
People of God both the Old Israel and the New Israel
The Other Sheep of our Lord were the Gentiles the
- luring away the deceived, ignorant leaders and
pagans and non Judaic Tribes who would be brought
people.
together into One Holy Flock with the Judeans, under
Life means that we live by Divine Grace on Earth during
one Holy Shepherd.
this short, preparatory period before we enter Eternity.
Consequently, the Holy Church of Christ transcends all
The more abundant Life refers to Eternal Life in Gods
ethnic or racial lines.
Heavenly Kingdom of Love Agape.
It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals Himself as our Good
beginning that there be one Bishop serving a city, a
Shepherd, for we are His reason-endowed Sheep
principle that was affirmed in every generation.
(CANON 8 OF 1 NICEA)
His Holy Flock.
St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
He is the Divine Door the Divine Entrance into His
Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
Heavenly Kingdom of Eternal Love.
Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: Be careful
Christ is the Fulfilment of all Holy Scripture all Divinely
to observe a single Eucharist, for there is ONE Flesh
Inspired Holy Prophecy concerning our Divine
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of His Blood
Saviour.
that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as there is
Our Lord is the Eternal, Only Begotten Word and Son of
ONE Bishop... this is in line with Gods Will!
God, Who obviously knows God the Father and His
Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: I lay down My Life...
Heavenly Father knows His Eternal Son Who became
which obviously meant that He VOLUNTARILY laid
Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation.
down His Life for us i.e. He offered Himself as the
As our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ knows every human
Ultimate, Most Perfect and Fulfilling Sacrifice for all
being, and those of us who have put on Christ also
sins of all humanity for all time!
know and recognise Him as our Lord and Saviour.
Our Lord NEVER sets anything apart from the Divine Will
Furthermore, we know His beautiful Voice because we
of God the Father everything is and must be done
know His Word His Divine Truth His Teachings and
according to the Will of God the Father, through God
Commandments. Thus we should not be misguided
the Son, by the Power and Energy of God the Holy
nor deceived by the evil ones lies and deceptions.
Spirit.
Our Lord Jesus Christ offered His Life for the sake of our
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, so,
Eternal Salvation.
too, must we lay our lives down for Him and for our
He was the Offerer and the Offering of the Ultimate, Most
fellow human beings.
Perfect and Fulfilling Blood Sacrifice of all time, which
By the end of the ages, there will only be One Shepherd
makes it no longer necessary for blood sacrifices for
our Lord Jesus Christ and one Holy Flock His Holy
the forgiveness of sins.
Church.
However, we still need to constantly pluck out and Repent
He pointed out that He has other Holy Flocks as well,
our sins, which are continuous and habitual, which is
which are those who would eventually accept His
why our Salvation is a continuous Spiritual Process
Divine
Truth
His
True
Teachings
and
until we draw our final breath.
Commandments and strive to fulfil them to the best
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Life for the sake of His
of their ability.
Beloved Flock, which fulfilled the Prophecy of His
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
OF
CONSTANTINOPLE A
St John was born at Antioch circa 347 and his father,

Secundos, was a Military Commander, who died soon
after his birth. His mother, Anthousa, widowed at
twenty years of age, devoted all her efforts to raising
her son in Christian Piety, and studying under the finest
Philosophers and Rhetoricians. St Meletios, Bishop of
Antioch Loved him like a son, guided him in the Faith,
and in 367 Baptized him.
After three years St John was tonsured as a Reader. When
St Meletios had been sent into exile by Emperor Valens
in 372, St John studied under Presbyters Flavian and
Diodoros of Tarsos, and when St Johns mother
Reposed,, he embraced Monasticism - the True
Philosophy. St John and St Basil were being considered
for the Episcopal Office, which they decided to avoid by
withdrawing into the wilderness. Although St John
avoided the Episcopal Rank out of Humility, he secretly
assisted in St Basils Consecration. During this period
St John wrote his Six Discourses on the Priesthood..
St John spent four years Struggling in the wilderness, living
the Ascetic Life under an experienced Spiritual
Father and writing. For two years, he lived in a
cave in complete silence, but was obliged to return
to Antioch to recover his health. St Meletios of
Antioch, ordained him Deacon in 381. The
14.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
OF
FEW OF
HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
following years were devoted to new Theological

writings
In 386 St John was ordained Presbyter by Bishop Flavian of
Antioch. St John was a splendid Preacher, and his
inspired words earned him the nick-name GoldenMouthed (Chrysostom). For twelve years he preached
in Church, usually twice a week, but sometimes daily,
deeply stirring the hearts of his Holy Flock.
In his Pastoral Zeal to provide a better Understanding of
Holy Scripture, St John employed Hermeneutics, an
interpretation and analysis of the Word of God (i.e.
exegesis): e.g.: Commentaries on entire books of the
Holy Scripture (Genesis, the Psalter, the Gospels of St
Matthew and St John, the Epistles of St Paul), and also
many Homilies and Instructions on the Feast Days,
Laudations on the Saints, and also Apologetic (i.e.
Defensive) Homilies.
As a Priest, St John zealously fulfilled the Lords Command
to care for the needy so the Antiochian Church
provided sustenance each day to as many as 3,000
virgins and widows, as well as innumerable shutins, wanderers and the sick.
He
Reposed
on
14
September
but
is
Commemorated on 13 November, 27 January and
30 January.
CONSTANTINOPLE
13 NOVEMBER 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and
one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
14 November 2015
St Philip of the Twelve Apostles of Christ
Also the Feast of St Philip, Abbot of Irap Monastery, Novgorod St Justinian the
Emperor & Champion of Orthodoxy & St Theodora, the Empress, wife of St Justinian
St Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonika St Demetrios (Benevolenskii),
New Hieromartyr of Tver St Constantine, New Martyr of Hydra
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST PHILIP
THE
Apostole
Agie Philippe, presveve to Eleimoni Theo, ina

ptesmaton afesin, arashi tes psihes imon.
FESTAL KONTAKION ST PHILIP
THE
Prostasia
CHRIST
TONE3
OF
CHRIST
- TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Thy
Disciple and Friend, Emulator of Thy Passion, the

Divinely eloquent Philip, proclaimed Thee to the world
as God. By his Entreaties, and through the Theotokos,
keep Thy Church from lawless enemies, O Most
Merciful!
OF THE
ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton

Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas,
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton
Se.
OF
Holy Apostle Philip, Intercede with our Merciful God

that He may grant forgiveness of sins to our souls
APOSTLE
Mathitis ke Filos Sou, ke Mimitis tou Pathous Sou, ti

ikoumeni Theon Se ekirizen, O theigoros Philippos, tes
Aftou ikesies, ex ehthron paranomon, tin Ekklisian Sou,
dia tis Theotokou sintirison Polielee!
SEASONAL KONTAKION
APOSTLE
PROKEIMENON PSALM 18
Protector of the Christians Unashamable, Mediator to

the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Aid of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up
Thine Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who always protects all those who honour
Thee!
TONE
(8) PLAGAL 4
His Voice has gone out into all the Earth. The Heavens declare the Glory of God!
THE FIRST EPISTLE
OF ST PAUL TO THE
CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
WISDOM IN SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD
Brethren: ... God has displayed us, the Apostles, last - as men condemned to death - for we have been made a spectacle to
the world, and to the Angels and mankind. We are fools for Christ - you are wise in Christ. We are weak you are
Strong. You are Honoured we are dishonoured. To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly
clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labour, working with our own hands. Being reviled - we Bless, being
persecuted - we endure, being defamed - we Entreat. We have been made like the filth of the world the offscourings
of all things, until now.
I do not write these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children I warn you. You might have ten thousand
Instructors in Christ, but you do not have many Fathers - in Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have Begotten you.
I urge you - imitate me!
Irony and sarcasm are bitter medicine, which St Paul
applied to men throughout the New Testament and in
used with full force to emphasise his viewpoint.
New Covenant Writings all of which are Inspired by
The three parallel statements ... we are fools... weak...
God.
dishonoured.. are heaped upon each other in a
Since the very early days of our Holy Church, Bishops and
stinging series to emphasise the relative comfort of the
Presbyters (Priests) have been called Father not
Corinthian
Christian
Community,
which
was
because they take the place of God but because of
contrasted with the difficult, persecuted, destitute and
their Fatherly Care for their Holy Children whom they
uncertain Life of the Holy Apostles while undertaking
lead to God.
their long Missionary Journeys around the vast region
Furthermore, as our Spiritual Fathers they may exercise
in order to fulfil the Great Divine Commission of Christ
their Fatherly Authority within the Christian
- making Disciples of all Nations, Baptising and
Communities.
Teaching them everything that Christ has taught us.
In any healthy, loving and nurtured family, maturing
The Holy Apostles of Christ endured every kind of
children require significant parental guidance, which
humiliation being treated like the filth of the world
they are expected to obey for their own benefit now
and later.
but instead of retaliating in a similar manner, they
responded with Love Agape towards their
Likewise, in the Holy Church of Christ, we are the
persecutors -being compelled by the Pure Joy of
maturing children who must be obedient and
serving our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and
willing to be guided by our Spiritual Fathers who
Reconciling those who lived in Spiritual Darkness and
guide us and teach us for the sake of our own current
ignorance with our Loving, Benevolent and Merciful
and Eternal Spiritual Benefit our Eternal Salvation.
Lord God.
From the very moment of his Divine Conversion by Christ
St Paul then soothed the possible hurt of his rebuke by
along the road to Damascus, St Paul faithfully obeyed
reminding the Corinthians of his Spiritual Fatherhood.
and fulfilled all our Saviours Teachings and
Our Lords warning against referring to hypocrites (whom
Commandments, and then correctly guided, taught
He despised) as Father or Teacher is not an
and encouraged innumerable other immortal souls to
also be faithful and true Disciples of Christ.
absolute prohibition against using these terms, as
some erroneously protest, for these terms are often
Thus St Paul urges us all to imitate him.
ST PHILIP
THE
HOLY APOSTLE
OF
CHRIST
14 NOVEMBER 2015
15

THE CALLING
OF
TO
ST JOHN 1 : 44 52
ST PHILIP
At that time, our Lord Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip, and said to him: Follow Me.
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanel and said to him: We have found Him of
Whom Moses in the Law, and also the Prophets, wrote Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph. And Nathanael said to
him: Can anything Good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see.
Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, and said of him: Behold! An Israelite indeed in whom is no deceit!
Nathanael said to Him: How dost Thou know me? Jesus answered and said: Before Philip called Thee when Thou
was under the fig tree I saw Thee. Nathanael answered and said: Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the
King of Israel! Jesus answered and said to him: Because I said to Thee: I saw Thee under the fig tree dost Thou
believe? Thou shalt see greater things than these!
And He said to him: Truly, truly, I say to Thee: hereafter Thou shalt see Heaven open, and the Angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of Man!
The awesome title Son of Man is that of the long-awaited
Our Lords first Disciples had been followers or Disciples of
Messiah, which had a level of Mystery in its meaning,
St John the Baptist.
indicating Someone of Heavenly Origin Who would
They were St Andrew, St (Simon) Peter who was also
known as Cephas, St Philip and St Nathanael, who
usher in the Kingdom of God:
DANIEL 7 : 24 25: ... One like the Son of Man was
was also known as St Bartholomew and an
unnamed Disciple whom our Holy Fathers believe was
coming with the Clouds of Heaven, until He came
St John, the author of this Holy Gospel who always
to the Ancient of Days and approached Him.
referred obliquely to himself, such as The Disciple
Then Dominion, Honour, and the Kingdom were
whom Jesus Loved. It was a common literary device
given to Him, and all peoples, Tribes, and
for writers not to use their own names.
languages served Him.
His Authority is an
When our Lord referred to St Nathanael as having no
Everlasting Authority, which shall not pass away,
deceit He meant that his heart and soul were pure
and His Kingdom shall not be destroyed.
and that he was always straightforward, truthful and
In an Old Testament Prophecy, Jacob, the ancient
honest - having no need or desire to deceive others.
Patriarch, dreamt of a Ladder connecting Heaven
Whatever occurred while St Nathanael was under the fig
and Earth, upon which the Angels of God were
tree is not stated.
ascending and descending. (GENESIS 28: 12 15)
St John Chrysostom believed that it was the usual
Our Lord Jesus Christ is this Divine Ladder Who Unites
meeting place of St Philip and St Nathanael, and that
and Connects us to Heaven Who makes our
our Lord was praising St Nathanael for being diligent
Ascension to Heaven possible and Who is therefore,
and careful in their search for the Divine Messiah.
the Son of Man, as well as the Incarnate Eternal, Only
Our Lord Jesus Christs foreknowledge and ability to see
Begotten Word and Son of God.
into everyones heart and soul obviously stirred St
Nathanaels spontaneous Confession of Faith.
ST PHILIP
OF THE
70 HOLY APOSTLES
St Philip, the Holy and All-praised Apostle of Christ, was

from Bethsaida in Galilee. He had a profound
knowledge of Holy Scripture, and rightly discerning the
Old Covenant Prophecies, he awaited the Great Messiah.
St Philip is mentioned several times in the Holy Gospel
according to St John: As soon as our Saviour Called
him, he became one of His Faithful 70 Apostles who
were sent forth in pairs to prepare the people for
Christ. He brought St Nathaniel/Bartholomew to Christ,
and was later instructed to feed the 5000 families. He
introduced to Christ certain of the Hellenized Judeans
who wanted to speak to Him, and finally, at the Last
Supper, he asked our Lord about God the Father.
After the Ascension of our Lord, St Philip preached the
Word of God in Galilee, accompanying his preaching
with many Divine Miracles, such as when he restored to
life a dead infant in the arms of its mother.
From Galilee St Philip went to Greece, and preached among
the Judeans who had settled there. Some of them
reported his preaching to those in Jerusalem,
whereupon a group of self-righteous Scribes, with one
of the Judaic Chief Priests in charge, were sent to
Greece to interrogate St Philip.
However, St Philip exposed the deception of the Chief
Priest, who accused the Disciples of Christ of having
stolen and hidden the Body of Christ so that they could
then preach Resurrection.
St Philip revealed to all the witnesses how the wicked,
hypocritical Pharisees had bribed the soldiers to
deliberately spread their lies and to remain silent about
what they had witnessed at Christs Tomb for they
had been on guard at our Lords Tomb, and had run to
report the entire Great Event to the High Priest.
The Chief Priest and his companions insulted our Lord and
then lunged at St Philip, but were suddenly struck blind.
By the Intercessory Prayers of St Philip to our Lord
Jesus Christ, their eyesight was instantly restored, and
many of those who witnessed that Miracle, believed in
Christ, and desired Holy Baptism so St Philip provided
St Narcissos of the Seventy Apostles as their
Bishop.
From Greece St Philip went to Parthia, and then to
Azotos, where he Healed an eye affliction of the
daughter of a man named Nikoklides, who had
16.
ST PHILIP
THE
OF
CHRIST
welcomed him into his home, and whose whole family

received Baptism.
St Philip went to Hieropolis in Syria where the Pharisees
instigated a mob to set fire to the home of Heros who
had accommodated the Holy Apostle, after which they
intended to kill St Philip.
St Philip performed several Miracles amongst which was the
healing of Aristarchos hand that had instantly
withered when he attempted to strike him, and the
restoration to life of a dead child, which caused many
of the rabble to Repent and believe in Christ, accepting
Holy Baptism. Heros was ordained Bishop of Hieropolis,
Syria.
St Philip and his sister, St Mariamne, and St Bartholomew
(Nathanael) continued their Missionary Journey through
Syria, Asia Minor, Lydia, Emessa, and various other
places, preaching the Holy Gospel and enduring many
sufferings such as being pelted with stones, locked up
in prison, and thrown out of villages.
In Hieropolis, Phrygia, there were many pagan temples
one of which had an enormous serpent that was
worshipped. By the Great Power of his Intercessory
Prayers to our Triune, Living God, St Philip by killed the
serpent and Healed many citizens who had been bitten
by poisonous snakes, among whom was the wife of the
City Prefect, Amphipatos.
Having heard that his wife had accepted Christianity,
Amphipatos ordered the arrest St Philip, St Mariamne
and St Bartholomew, and, at the urging of the priests of
the temple of the serpent, included the crucifixion of St
Philip and St Bartholomew, but a powerful earthquake
knocked down all those who had gone to watch,
smashing to dust the idols and temples.
St Philip prayed for his executioners and all the people,
asking God to save them from the ravages of the
earthquake - and hearing his Prayers for Divine Mercy,
the people believed in Christ and demanded the
immediate release of the Holy Apostles.
St Bartholomew was still alive so he Baptized all who
believed, and selected a Bishop for them. But St
Philip, through whose Prayers everyone remained
alive and unharmed - except for Amphipatos and
the pagan priests had Reposed on the cross.
Having buried his body, St Mariamne and St
Bartholomew continued their Missionary Journey...
HOLY APOSTLE
OF
CHRIST
14 NOVEMBER 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and unto the Ages of
Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with
all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
15 November 2015
Tone (7) Varys/Grave
Beginning of Nativity Fast
7th
24 t h Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday of St Luke The Good Samaritan
Also the Feast of St Gurias, St Samonas and St Habibos, Holy Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa St Elidios, St Markellos &
St Eustochios St Demetrios of Thrace St Paiios Velichkovsky of Poltava St Philip of Rabanga, Founder of the
Saviour-Transfiguration Monastery, Kadnikov
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Katelisas to Stavro Sou ton Thanaton.
Ineoxas to listi ton

Paradison. Ton Miroforon ton thrinon metevales ke tis
sis Apostolis kirittin epetaxas, oti
Anestis, Hriste O
Theos, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION -
By
Thy Cross Thou destroyed Death;

Thou opened
Paradise to the Thief; Thou changed the funeral wail
of the Myrrh-bearing Women, and Commanded them
to announce to Thine Apostles that Thou had Risen
from the dead, O Christ our God, Who bestows upon
the world Great Mercy.
ST GURIAS, ST SAMONAS & ST ABIBOS TONE (5)
PLAGAL 1
Ta Thavmata ton Agion Sou Martiron, tihos akatamahiton,
Since Thou has given us the Miracles of Thy Holy Martyrs
imin dorisamenos, Hriste O Theos, tes afton ikesies,

voulas ethnon diaskedason, tis Vasilias ta skiptra
krateoson, os Monos Agathos ke Filanthropos.
as an invincible battlement, by their entreaties, scatter

the counsels of the heathen, O Christ our God, and
strengthen the Faith of Orthodox Christians, since
Thou alone art Good and the Love of mankind.
SEASONAL KONTAKION
OF THE
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke The

simeron isagete, en to Oiko Kyriou, tin Harin
sinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati Thio. In animnousin
Angeli Theou. Afti iparhi Skini Epouranios.
Saviours Most Pure and Immaculate Temple, the

very Precious Bridal Chamber and Virgin, who is the
Sacred Treasure of the Glory of God, on this day is
introduced into the House of the Lord, and with
Herself She brings the Grace in the Divine Spirit. She
is extolled by the Angels of God.
A Heavenly
Tabernacle is She.
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 - MARK 16:1 - 8

THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS WITNESS THE EMPTY TOMB OF OUR RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST
PROKEIMENON PSALM 28 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Lord will grant Strength to His People. Bring unto the Lord, ye Sons of God... bring unto the Lord Glory and Honour!
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
THE PERFECTION
OF THE
EPHESIANS 2 : 14 22
NEW COVENANT
Brethren: Christ is our Peace - Who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation - having
abolished in His Flesh the enmity - the Law of Commandments contained in Ordinances, so as to create in Himself one
New Man from the two, making Peace - and that He might Reconcile them both to God in one Body through the Cross putting to death the enmity in them.
And He came and preached Peace to you who were afar off, and to those who were near. For through Him we both have
access by One Spirit to the Father. You, therefore, are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow Citizens with the
Saints and the Household of God, having been built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets the Chief
Cornerstone being Jesus Christ Himself in Whom the whole structure being fitted together grows into a Holy
Temple in the Lord in Whom you also are being built together as a Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit.
Mankinds brokenness was twofold:
The middle wall of separation referred to the barrier
We were separated from each other Judean and
wall at the Temple of Jerusalem that separated the
Gentile
Courtyard of the Gentiles from the Courtyard of the
We were separated from God
Judeans, which revealed the limitations of THE OLD
The Divine Healing, likewise is twofold:
COVENANT that COULD NOT HEAL HUMANITYS SELFTHE CREATION OF A UNIFIED HUMANITY THE HOLY CHURCH OF
ALIENATION, BUT ACTUALLY INCREASED HUMAN HOSTILITY.
CHRIST by means of the Incarnation of the Eternal
ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT WITH GOD, this wall of
Word and Son of God
separation no longer exists, having been broken
The raising of this Unified Humanity to God by means of
down by Christ so that both Judeans and Gentiles are
our Lords Death and Resurrection
now Reconciled with each other and especially with
The Holy Trinity God the Father, God the Son and God
God as WE ARE ALL UNITED ONE IN OUR LORD AND
SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
the Holy Spirit always work together in Perfect
The New Covenant Holy Church of Christ Unifies and
Harmony: The Will of the Father is accomplished
Renews mankind through our Holy Union with the
through the Son by the Power and Energy of the Holy
Incarnate, Eternal Word and Son of God, for it is built
Spirit Who makes all things possible for us human
on a most solid Foundation of Jesus Christ, His Holy
beings.
Apostles and the Holy Prophets of God.
17. 2 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 8 T H
OF
ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN -
15 NOVEMBER 2015
This solid Foundation is the Source of Holy Scripture and

all Holy, Orthodox Doctrine (Teachings).
Furthermore, this solid Foundation is A CONTINUING REALITY
of the Holy Church of Christ.
The Spiritual Building or Structure is One, for Christ and

His Holy Church are Divinely United and inseparable.
TO
ST LUKE 10 : 25 37
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
At that time, a Lawyer stood up to test our Lord Jesus and said: Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life? He
said to him: What is written in the Law? What is Thy reading of it? Answering he said: Thou shalt Love the Lord
Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind... and ... thy neighbour as
thyself. He said to him: You have answered correctly. Do this and you will Live.
Wanting to Justify himself, he said to Jesus: And who is my neighbour? Replying, Jesus said: A certain man went down
from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed,
leaving him half dead. By chance, a certain Priest went down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the
other side. Likewise, a Levite when he arrived at the place, went and looked, and passed by on the other side.
A Samaritan, as He journeyed, got to where he was, and when He saw him, He had Compassion. And He went to him,
and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. And He set him on His own animal, took him to an Inn, and
took care of him. The next day, before He departed, He took out two denarii, gave them to the Innkeeper, and said
to him: Take care of him. And when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which of these three dost thou think was neighbour to him who fell among the Thieves? He said: He Who had Mercy
on him. Jesus said to him: Go and do likewise!
immediately Repent and ensure that we fulfil our
THE PHARISEES, LAWYERS AND SCRIBES WERE EGOTISTIC AND SELFSacred Duties next time.
RIGHTEOUS - believing themselves to be superior to
If we continuously behave in such a mean, selfish
others who were either illiterate or less well educated
manner, we will face bitter, irrefutable and
than them.
irreversible Eternal Condemnation after our Final
The Lawyer was probably one of those who had heard
Judgement!
all about our Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the
Although the Samaritan was a despised foreigner or
humble Carpenter, Joseph of Nazareth - and had
stranger, being harshly judged by the Judeans as
gone to hear what He was preaching about - no
one of the wicked apostatisers and heretics who were
doubt expecting to trip Him up or to prove Him wrong
to be avoided at all costs, he symbolised our Lord
or ignorant, or perhaps even blasphemous.
Jesus Christ Himself, for HE ...CAME DOWN FROM
In response to the Lawyers enquiry concerning Eternal
Life, our Lord knowing what was lurking deep within
HEAVEN... TO SAVE EVEN THOSE WHO REBELLED AND REJECTED
his heart and what his intentions were - turned the
HIM.
tables on him, so to speak, by asking him to explain
The bandages, oil and wine, symbolise the Holy Mystery
of Baptism and Chrismation:
what the Mosaic Law stated and how the Lawyer
himself interpreted the meaning thereof.
THE GARMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM we put on Christ Who
And when Christ confirmed that he had given the correct
Delivers us from the wounds of sin
THE OIL OF HOLY CHRISMATION, which grants us New Life in
answer and that if he fulfilled these Divine
Commandment he would Live he would attain
the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to achieve everything
Eternal Life.
that is impossible for us alone.
The arrogance of the Lawyer is exposed when he asked
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION, which grants
Christ who was his neighbour, and our Lord
us Forgiveness of sins and leads us towards Eternal
responded with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Life.
Jerusalem, being the city of Peace, symbolised our Holy
The Good Samaritan put the wounded man on His own
Communion with God, while the city of Jericho was
animal meaning that OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR BEARS OUR
infamous for being filled with all kinds of sinful
SINS IN HIS OWN BODY.
behaviour and lifestyles.
The Inn that sheltered the Good Samaritan and the
So the man a reference to each of us - was going from
recuperating man symbolises THE HOLY CHURCH OF
good and Blessed circumstances towards wickedness
CHRIST WHEREIN WE RECEIVE SPIRITUAL HEALING AND CARE,
and Spiritual Death.
as well as all the Divine Blessings and Providence that
He ...fell among Thieves... is a reference to the natural
our Loving Triune God grants us so freely and
consequences of moving away from God and all His
Lovingly.
Goodness, and wilfully choosing
a sinful, selfThe Good Samaritan paid for the Care and Protection of
indulgent existence, that leaves us naked, exposed to
the recovering man, and promised to settle His
Account when He came again.
all the temptations, unprotected against our enemies,
having been stripped of our self-respect and dignity.
Our Lord Jesus paid the priceless Ransom for the freedom
Having been robbed of anything of value, the wretched
of mankind by means of His ultimate Blood Sacrifice
His Passion - and in addition, He will settle His
man is abandoned, beaten, hurt, tormented and half
Account when He Reappears again on the Eighth Day
dead in a terrible state of Spiritual Death due to the
the Final Day of this Age when the General
enslaving, demoralizing sins that have overwhelmed
Resurrection and Judgement will occur.
and even defeated him.
Christs eleven Appearances in His Resurrected state
Titles and social status is meaningless in the Sight of God
before His Ascension - proved that everything He has
especially when good deeds are rejected, ignored
told us is indeed, without a doubt and most definitely
or refused.
TRUE!!
ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA said: The Dignity of the Holy
Priesthood means nothing at all unless (a Bishop or
As Christ is Resurrected in His Body, so, too, shall we be
Priest) also excels in Deeds.
Resurrected physically and spiritually.
Both the Judaic Priest and Levite did not bother to help
Once again, our Lord commands us to be Merciful to
the distressed, dying man, which clearly indicates THE
each other in every way possible, for this will certainly
FAILURE OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW TO HEAL THE
affect our Final Judgement before His Awesome
CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.
Throne!
Whenever we reject, ignore or refuse to fulfil an Act
Divine Truth cannot be compromised!!
Mercy, Love or Compassion, which God might have
If we hope to receive Divine Mercy, we, too, must be
put before us to test us and to reveal our Inner State to
Merciful, for it is the significant Act of Love/Agape,
ourselves (He already knows everything!) we must
which grants us Eternal Life in Gods Heavenly
Kingdom.
ST ISAAC
THE
SYRIAN HOMILIES
The passions are uprooted and turned to flight by constant occupation of the mind with God. This is a Sword that puts
them to death... Whoever always thinks about God drives the demons away from himself and pulls up the seeds of
their malice.
OF
15 NOVEMBER 2015
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 8TH
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit!
My dear friends! Now more than at any other time in my
entire life and I have lived no few years I have had
occasion to hear the question: How should I live in
order not to perish?
How should I live in order to be saved? ask the Faithful.
How should I live? is likewise asked by those whose
notion of life does not extend beyond the coming day.
This question is asked by young people who are just
starting out on life. It is likewise asked by older people
who are already completing their earthly paths, at the
end of which they have made the terrible discovery that
their lives have been lived out yet not in the Joy of
Creation, since all their labours and all their efforts
have been sunk into the destruction and ruin that
consumes all things.
Yes, the question of how to live is not an idle one.
How consonant is the questioning of our contemporaries
with the question once posed to the Prince of Life,
Christ, by His contemporary and not just by any
contemporary, but by a Guardian of the Law given by
God.
He asked our Lord Jesus Christ: Master, what shall I do to
inherit Eternal Life?
And the Words of our Lord that are Pure Words sounded
forth in reply to the Lawyer - and to us - revealing the
only True Way to resolve all questions, confusion, and
misunderstandings. [CF. PSALMS 11:7]
We always need to turn to the Word of God, as our Lord
says: What is written in the Law? What is Thy
reading of it?
The Law of God!
It is given for all times and for all mankind. It is given in
Divine Scripture; it is given in the Law of Conscience in
every living thing; it is given in the Law of God-created
nature.
Today we will not deny that we know this Great Law of our
Lord, the Law in which our earthly happiness lies and
whereby we will be raised to abide in Blessedness with
our Lord and all His Saints for Eternity.
Thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind Thou shalt
Love thy neighbour as thyself!
On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the
Prophets. (MATTHEW 22:37 & 39-40).
Yes, yes we know this Law and its requirements. We also
know how to fulfill it in our lives. For who among us
does not know what is good and desirable for us and
what is bad, which we should strive to avoid by all
possible means?
Our Lord God gave us another Commandment: Do not
unto others as you would not have them do unto you!
This Commandment is always with us - always before us like a vigilant and impartial Watchman who exposes and
unmasks both our knowledge and our cunning.
If our Lord compelled the Lawyer to admit that he knew
everything necessary for our Salvation, then we also
cannot seek to justify ourselves by nave questions - as
if we had not known the Path to Salvation until now.
The Law of God is one.
Two Commandments remain immutable for all time, so
long as the world exists.
These are the two Anchors of Life: Love God with all your
heart and all your soul; and Love your neighbour as
yourself.
We do not need to ask about Love for God, since for us
Believers this seems self-explanatory.
But our neighbours?! Who is my neighbour?
Now it is not the Lawyer who is questioning Christ and who
is being unmasked by our Lord.
Rather it is us, my dear ones, who have become the
disputers of this world, but not the doers of the clear
and Living Word of God. [CF. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20].
With our questions we try to hide our cowardice, our
Spiritual Laziness, our unwillingness to Labour, and our
reluctance to Love.
We forget: ... not the hearers of the Law are Just before
God, but the doers of the Law shall be Justified. (ROMANS
2:13).
OF
OF
ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN
We would likely not even ask our Lord the question: And
who is my neighbour?
For now, almost everywhere, everyone has become quite
distant from us even our blood relatives, and those
who have been cast aside by our inordinately swollen
egos.
I and mine is our new law of life.
According to this law, those closest to us who gave us life
and watched over us as we grew, who have been
wounded by their many burdens, illnesses, and sorrows,
and, even worse also wounded by us will await our
help in vain.
And yesterdays friends will cease being loved ones as
soon as they run into trouble or lose their ability to be
useful to us in our holiday of life and pursuit of
happiness.
We grant ourselves complete freedom to pronounce on
everything and everyone. Thus, without realizing it, we
discover that none of the loved ones around us is
worthy of our Love - for one is a sinner and unworthy of
Love, while another does not share our Faith or
convictions, and a third has fallen into a self-dug hole meaning that they are worthy of punishment.
Gods Commandment is broad and deep.
But we, who judge haughtily, combine in ourselves the
flawed characteristics of both the Priest and the Levite
who passed by the man in distress, without even a
second glance his way.
We, too, pass by all who happen to be near, who need our
attention, who ask for our help not to mention those
who simply suffer in silence next to us.
We are no longer doers of the Law, but self-appointed
judges.
And the question How can I be Saved? is not even
considered, for it has been trampled upon by our
rejection of the God-given Commandment to Love our
neighbours.
We have no neighbours.
Have we really listened? Have we really paid attention and
truly heard todays cautionary Parable about the Good
Samaritan, Who had the Law of Love inscribed in His
Heart, for Whom His neighbour was neither a neighbour
in spirit, nor a neighbour by blood but rather a
stranger whom He happened to meet on his Lifes
Journey a stranger who needed His Help, Compassion
and Love at that very moment?
Have we heard the Lords Rule for the Lawyer and for us,
who know the Law: Go, and do likewise!
We must forget about ourselves and our inflated ego, and
put those who need our help - whether material or
spiritual - at the centre of our life.
We must put whoever needs a neighbour a Good
Samaritan - at the centre of our life, and become a kind,
compassionate and helpful neighbour a Good
Samaritan!
That, my dear ones, is the measure of our Spiritual
Maturity.
That is where the answer to the question about our
Salvation lies: Go, and do likewise!
We, too, as His Faithful Disciples, must go and do as our
Lord has taught us!
We, too, must go and do good to everyone in need - no
matter what their origins are, no matter what their
social status may be- no matter what!
We must all go and do good thereby fulfilling the Great
Commandment of unconditional Love.
We must always do good from our heart and in Gods
Divine Name to all our fellow Strugglers and sinners!
We must even do good to our enemies - to those who hate
us, who hurt us and who wrong us thereby truly
fulfilling the Great Commandment of Perfect, Divine
Love!
And the unconditional Love for our neighbours will
certainly bring us closer to God, and having fulfilled our
Lord Jesus Christs Law of Love, we will indeed be
granted Eternal Salvation.
Amen.
ARCHIMANDRITE JOHN KRESTIANKIN
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM/GO-AND-DO-THOU-LIKEWISE
15 NOVEMBER 2015
ST PAISIOS
THE
ELDER
OF
MOUNT ATHOS ON HOW
Often in our Spiritual Practice we find ourselves

struggling.
We try and try but the effort seems so difficult.
What is the problem? Why do we often feel anxious that
our efforts do not yield the results we seek?
Why does God seem distant and unreachable even when
we try so hard?
Elder Paisios offers an insight into this common problem:
We need to be careful in our Spiritual Life.
When spiritual people are affected by vainglory, they
feel very little satisfaction, and they are left with a
sense of emptiness in their heart.
There is no fulfilment, no rejoicing of the heart, and as
their vanity increases, the emptiness inside makes
them suffer even more.
Where there is anxiety and despair, there is a demonic
spiritual life.
You should not be anxious over anything at all.
Anxiety comes from the devil. Wherever you see
anxiety, you must know that the devil has been at
work.
The devil will not go against the current. If there is a
predisposition, he will push in that direction in order
to cause us trouble and deceive us.
When in the course of our Spiritual Struggle we feel
anxiety we must know that we are not moving
within the Realm of God...
In other words, one should not strive with an
unhealthy fastidiousness...
TRUST
IN
GOD
Often we feel a conflict from the Instruction we receive that

tells us to just trust in God to take care of us and not to
depend on our own efforts.
It seems though, that if we do not take care of ourselves,
we become dependent on the kindness and generosity
of others, and we lose our independence and our selfrespect.
So what does it mean to trust in God for all things?
As this Teaching seems slightly counter-intuitive, St Paisios
the Elder explained: When we believe in God and
trust in His Fatherly Providence and Concern, then we
do not think of ourselves.
Instead we know that God is aware of our needs and
looks after our problems - from the simplest to the
most serious.
We must allow Gods Love and Providence to function for
us, for when we have this depth of Faith and inner
disposition, we are able to see Gods MiraclesGod
HimselfWho is always close to us under all
circumstances.
In order to experience this we must reject any form of
worldly assistance or human hope, and with a pure
heart, unhesitatingly and trustfully devote ourselves
to God.
Then the Grace of Christ will fill our souls at once.
But what about our well-intended efforts to amass material
wealth in order to protect us in the future, to afford our
childrens education, our retirement and so forth?
St Paisios said: Some people have the wrong impression they think we can be involved in worldly matters, be
attached to material possessions, and at the same
time, expect Divine Providence.
Gods help to those who think this way can be
destructive, for it prolongs their attachment to
worldly things.
However, God helps them by letting them be exposed to
temptations and difficulties, which will eventually
cause them to loath worldly matters and totally
devote themselves to God.
Five years ago I observed Divine Providence at a certain
Monastery. Three Nuns had arrived from Greece
without any money and only a small suitcase with a
few belongings.
Now they live on a 100 acre plot with a beautiful Chapel,
a guesthouse, and a residence for four or
five Nuns.
They have no debts.
In addition there are fully equipped workshops,
a large garden and a small farm with a few
essential livestock.
OF
TO
RECOGNISE VAINGLORY
Christ is full of Love, Kindness and Consolation and He

never stifles us, but grants abundant oxygen and
Divine Consolation.
So what do we do to avoid this condition?
We must be kind to ourselves and accept that we are
prone to make mistakes and to become tired.
We need to have Humility and set aside our selfproclaimed righteousness that depends on our own
efforts.
St Paisios advised us to live the Spiritual Life not in our
minds, but in our hearts: Never do a job without
putting your trust in God with great Humility,
because otherwise you will agonize and you will tire
your mind and soul.
It is a lack of Faith that hides behind anxiety, but pride
can also cause anxiety.
If you cannot complete your required Rule of Prayer,
do not force yourself through your own efforts.
Relax and turn to God.
If it is because you are too tired to complete your Rule
of Prayer, beseech God's Forgiveness and get some
sleep. Then the next day arrange your schedule so
that you will not be in this same condition again.
Entrust everything to God and God will guide you.
St Paisios told us to keep our mind always close to God.
This applies to all situations where we are having
difficulty in completing our Sacred Tasks.
Trust in God and seek His Help.
Whenever we try to do anything through our own limited
efforts and suffer anxiety, it is the sign of vainglory.
FOR
ALL THINGS
They pray and work diligently - giving priority to

hospitality.
They earn enough for basic needs by making Icons and
selling various religious items to visiting Pilgrims.
On many occasions, when money was needed for
something, they would receive it at the right time,
without any fundraising campaigns.
They never worry about finances and they trust totally
in Divine Providence for whatever they need knowing that our Lord always grants them all
necessities.
This is not how I live my life because I rely on a Retirement
Fund to protect me in my older years. I have numerous
insurance policies for health, auto and home. Although,
as I let go of accumulated wealth, I have experienced
how God does provide for us in many new ways. (Deacon
Charles Joiner, the compiler of this blog, is a married man, with

children to provide for.)
St
Paisios urged: We must totally rely on Gods

Providence as this is the only way to be relieved of
our anxiety and worries...
To trust Divine Providence we must free ourselves from
all worldly concerns and wait for God to look after
us....
We must overcome our love of money and trust only in
God and His Divine Providence, then we can rest all
our hopes on God but we cannot do both at the same
time!
With this I struggle.
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2010/10
FATHER DAMASCENE CHRISTENSEN
OF
PLATINA
True Christian Love is not just a feeling or a pleasant

disposition of the soul.
It is a self-sacrificing, ceaseless, life-long act of heroism
unto death. It is fiery yet dispassionate - not dependent
on anything -not on being Loved in return or having a
kinship of blood.
One no longer thinks of receiving something for oneself.
One can be spat upon and reviled, and yet in this Suffering
there is such a deep, profound Peace that one finds it
impossible to return to the lifeless state one was in
before the Suffering.
One Blesses Life and all that is around one, and this
Blessing becomes Universal.
Such Love can only come from God.
This is the only Love in which Christ is truly interested
- the Love He came to Earth to show and teach
humanity. With this Love He gave up His Spirit on the
Cross.
15 NOVEMBER 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever,
and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos yet
Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole
Life to Christ our God. Amen.
16 November 2015
St Matthew the Evangelist & Holy Apostle of Christ
Also the Feast of St Matthew Fulvianos, Prince of Ethiopia St Sergios of Malopinega St
Hypatios, Bishop of Gangra, Paphlagonia, Asia Minor
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST MATTHEW TONE 3
Apostole Agie ke Evangelista Mathee, presveve to eleimoni
Theo, ina ptesmaton afesin, parashi tes psihes imon.
Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Intercede with

our Merciful God, that He may grant our soul
forgiveness of offences.
OR
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST MATTHEW LEVI
OF THE
TWELVE
APOSTLES
TONE 3
Thias ikousas, fonis tou Logou, ke tis pisteos, to fos edexo, Thou
heard the Words Divine Voice, and accepted the

Light of Faith, and abandoned the bond with the
customs-house; whence, O Matthew Apostle, thou
brought all the Good News of Christs ineffable
Kenosis. And now, intercede, to be granted to those
who honour thee, Atonement for their faults and Great
Mercy
katalipsas teloniou ton sindesmon; othen Hristou tin

aporriton kenosin, evingeliso Matthee Apostole. Ke nin
presveve, dothine tis se gererousi, ptesmaton ilasmon ke
Mega Eleos.
SEASONAL KONTAKION -
THE
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS ENTRY
Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke

INTO
TEMPLE
The Saviours Most Pure and Immaculate Temple, the very

Precious Bridal Chamber and Virgin, who is the Sacred
Treasure of the Glory of God, on this day is introduced
into the House of the Lord, and with Herself She brings
the Grace in the Divine Spirit. She is extolled by the
Angels of God. A Heavenly Tabernacle is She.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 18 : TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
His Voice has gone out into all the Earth. The Heavens declare the Glory of God.
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
ROMANS 10 : 11 11 : 2
Brethren: the Scripture says: ...Whoever believes in God will not be put to shame. There is no distinction between
Judean and Greek. The same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him: ... whoever calls on the Name of the Lord
shall be Saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How shall they believe in Him of
Whom they have not heard? How shall they hear without a Preacher? How shall they preach unless they are sent?
It is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of Peace, who bring Glad Tidings of Good
Things! But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. Isaiah said: Lord, who has believed our report?
Faith comes by hearing - hearing by the Word of God. But I say: have they not heard? Indeed: ...their sound has gone out
to all the Earth, and to the ends of the world, His Word. But I say: did Israel not know? First Moses said: I will
provoke Thee to jealousy by those who are not a Nation - by a foolish Nation I will move Thee to Anger. Isaiah was
very bold and said: I was found by those who did not seek Me - I was made manifest to those who did not ask for
Me. But to Israel He said: All day long I stretched forth My Hands to People disobedient and contrary. I say then:
has God cast away His People? Certainly not! For I am also an Israelite - of the Seed of Abraham, of the Tribe of
Benjamin.
God has not cast away His People whom He Foreknew.
Belief and Confession were familiar Old Covenant and
The Judeans demanded Divine Signs to confirm the
Divine Truth, yet God had already granted them
Old Testament terms for St Isaiah the Holy Prophet of
God emphasised the Faith of the heart, while St Joel,
continual Signs of Fulfilled Prophecy, which they so
stubbornly rejected as well!!
the Holy Prophet of God, emphasised the Confession
of the mouth.
The Judeans unbelief in and rejection of Christ our
Both these Holy Prophets of God taught that the Divine
Saviour raised the question of whether or not the Lord
our God had ... cast away His People.
Grace of God and Faith in God are universally offered
Of course not! For God never casts His Beloved mankind
to all people not just a small, elite group or Nation.
As St Paul so clearly pointed out, the Judean has
away from Him!
absolutely no excuse or justification for rejecting the
If God had rejected sinners, no one could be Saved! No
one could be Redeemed and Regenerated! No one
Holy Gospel of Christ.
St Paul insisted that Almighty God our Triune God
could receive the Blessings and Joy of Spiritual Life
and Eternal Salvation! And that is certainly NOT the
fulfilled both the Old and the New Covenants with
desire or intention of our Loving Creator and
mankind thereby granting the Hebrew Nation
Benevolent, All Merciful God!!
extraordinary opportunities to come to Faith in God.
God sent His Divine Message throughout all Creation, but
We, ourselves, surrender to temptation and freely choose
Israel heard yet did not believe.
to alienate ourselves from Him and all His Goodness
Therefore, the Gentiles were granted these same
when we wilfully reject His Divine Truth His
Teachings and Commandments preferring to
extraordinary
opportunities,
whereupon
great
multitudes rejected their paganism agnosticism or
commit our self-indulgent but enslaving sins.
St Paul pointed out and emphasised the fact that he
atheism because they truly heard, believed and
himself who was a Repentant sinner, HAD BEEN SAVED at
accepted the Divine Truth of Almighty God.
his Conversion by Christ, WAS BEING SAVED throughout
ST MATTHEW LEVI, HOLY EVANGELIST,
OF THE
TWELVE APOSTLES
- 17 NOVEMBER 2015
21
his lifespan through ceaseless Repentance and HOPED

TO BE SAVED FOREVER at the Final Judgement.
Our Salvation is a continuous process, beginning with our Holy

Baptism and Chrismation.
If we were Saved forever when we accepted Christ as our Lord and
Saviour, there would be no need to continue living this short
preparatory period before entering Eternity.
There would be no need for the Holy Church and there would be no
need for our ceaseless Spiritual Struggle against temptation and
evil.
The Saints and Holy Martyrs would not have endured all their physical
and Spiritual Struggles if they were Eternally Saved and had no
need to make any further effort!!
God has granted every soul a specific, unique, number of days of this
temporary, preparatory period before Eternity.
God knows exactly how long each person needs to Reconcile with
Him, to learn His Divine Truth and to apply it to every aspect of
daily life.
This is essential for us to know how to strengthen our immortal soul
so that she can dominate our selfish, demanding flesh, which
prevents us from Spiritual Progress and Perfection.
It is vital to learn how to to control our flesh by means of our

immortal soul, for that is the main concern of this short life to
become worthy citizens of Gods Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
This is only possible if we hear and obey our Lords Divine Teachings
and Commandments.
Consequently: Salvation is a life-long process. MP
There was a remnant of Judeans who believed and St
Elijah prefigured that remnant when he thought that
he alone followed God.
As only a few Judeans heeded St Elijah in his day, so too,
later, only a few Judeans heeded our Lord Jesus
Christ and His Holy Apostles and later those who
succeeded them.
The Divine Grace of Almighty God Save all those who are
willing to hear and obey Gods Divine Truth, but,
sadly, the Nation of Israel was unwilling, for they
sough Righteousness on their own terms through
Works of the Law and not through their Faith in Christ
Jesus.
God gave them a spirit of stupor as a result of their
refusal to believe not as the cause of their rejection
of His Divine Truth.

THE CALLING
OF
TO
ST MATTHEW 9 : 9 13
ST MATTHEW LEVI, TAX COLLECTOR
At that time, our Lord Jesus saw a man sitting at the Tax Office, named Matthew. And He said to him: Follow Me. And
he arose, and followed Him. And He sat at the table in the house, and behold: many Tax Collectors and sinners went
and sat down with Jesus and His Disciples. And seeing them, the Pharisees said to His Disciples: Why does your
Teacher eat with Tax Collectors and sinners? Jesus, hearing, said to them: Those who are well have no need of a
Physician, but those do who are sick. Go and learn what it means: ... I desire Mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not
come to call the Righteous, but sinners, to Repentance.
Those who consider themselves to be in good spiritual or
Many people even to this day have more than one
physical health have no need for His Healing and
name and St Matthew was also named Levi.
our Lord never forces Himself or His Blessings onto
The Roman Empire authorities who dominated the Holy
anyone.
Land and most of the known world at that time,
assigned specific areas to Judean Tax Collectors who
Furthermore, as He urged the Pharisees to contemplate
and to put into practise the Divine Will of God Who
were free to collect extra revenues for their own profit,
which most of them did to the detriment of the
most clearly stated: ... I desire Mercy and not
impoverished citizens.
sacrifice... which was not a rejection of sacrifice as
The Tax Collectors collaboration with the occupying
such, but rather emphasises without any question or
Roman forces, their fraudulent schemes and their
doubt that MERCY is far more important and
utter corruption caused their fellow countrymen to
significant a higher priority - than sacrifices. (HOSEA
6:6)
really hate and despise them, considering them as
Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us in so many different
being unclean and thus to be avoided at all costs.
ways that our Final Judgement will concern every act
The self-righteous Pharisees were intensely offended
of Charity and Mercy towards others that we either
when they saw our Lord Jesus Christ and His Disciples
fulfilled with a loving, cheerful and willing attitude or
dining with these despicable pariahs (social outcasts)
rejected, ignored or refused.
one of whom our Saviour had Called as His Apostle.
We are categorically instructed by our Lord that
However, our Compassionate Lords response was simple:
whatever we do to or for others, will be returned to us
Like a good, caring Physician, He seeks out those who
a hundredfold, whether good or evil!!
are Spiritually Sick, afflicted or ailing physically - in
We truly cannot expect to receive Divine Mercy unless we
order to Heal them from whatever troubles them.
ourselves are merciful to our fellow sinners.
ST MATTHEW LEVI
OF THE
St Matthew Levi was one of the Twelve Apostles, brother of

St James Alphaeus, and a Publican, or Tax-Collector who
lived in Capernaum.
As soon as our Lord Called him, St Matthew left everything
and followed Him having repaid fourfold anyone he
had cheated, and distributing all his possessions to the
poor.
Having received the Grace of the Holy Spirit, which
descended upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost,
St Matthew preached in Palestine for several years, and
at the request of the Judaic converts of Jerusalem, he
wrote his Holy Gospel, describing the Earthly Life of our
Saviour, before leaving to preach Divine Truth in other
lands.
St Matthew preached the Gospel of Christ to Syria, Media,
Persia, Parthia, and finally in Ethiopia, where he was
Perfected by means of his martyrdom.
Ethiopia was inhabited by tribes of cannibals with primitive
customs and beliefs, but by the Grace of God St
Matthew converted some of the idol-worshippers to
Faith in Christ, and founded the Holy Church there,
having built a Temple in Mirmena, and establishing his
faithful Companion, St Platon, as Bishop.
While St Matthew was fervently entreating God for
the Conversion of the Ethiopians, our Lord Jesus
22.
ST MATTHEW LEVI, HOLY EVANGELIST,
TWELVE APOSTLES
Christ appeared to him in the form of a youth, and gave

him a staff, which He commanded him to plant it at the
doors of the church. Our Lord said that a Tree would
grow from this staff and it would bear Fruit, and from
its Roots would flow a stream of water. When the
Ethiopians washed themselves in the water and ate the
Fruit, they would renounce their wild ways and became
gentle and good.
St Matthew healed the wife and son of the ruler, Fulvian,
who were afflicted by unclean spirits, and that Miracle
converted many of the pagans but Fulvian did not want
his subjects to become Christians so he accused St
Matthew of sorcery and gave orders to execute him.
St Matthew was hung upside down and set on fire but he
remained unharmed. More wood was added and 12
idols surrounded the pyre but the flames melted the
idols and burnt Fulvian who besought St Matthew for
Mercy. The flames were extinguished but although his
body remained unharmed, St Matthew had Reposed in
Christ.
Fulvian soon Repented, accepted Christ and Holy Baptism,
taking the name of Matthew, and became a most
faithful Bishop of the Church, serving the Lord our
God for the rest of his Earthly life and beyond.
OF THE
TWELVE APOSTLES
- 17 NOVEMBER 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages.
Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos
yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and
our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
21 November 2015
Entrance into the Temple of the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ENTRANCE
Simeron
tis Evdokias Theou to

proimion, ke tis ton anthropon
Sotirias i prokirixis. En Nao tou
Theou tranos i Parthenos diknite,
ke
ton
Hriston
tis
pasi
prokatangellete.
Afti ke imis
megalofonos voisomen. Here! Tis
Ikonomias tou Ktistou i Ekplirosis!
FESTAL KONTAKION ENTRY
INTO
TEMPLE
OF THE

VIRGIN MARY
TONE 4
Today
is the prelude of Gods Good

Pleasure, and the Proclamation of
Humanitys Salvation. In the Temple
of God, the Virgin is presented
openly, and in Herself She announces
Christ to all. Let us, then, with a
Great Voice cry aloud to Her: Rejoice!
O Thou who art the Fulfilment of the
Creators Dispensation!
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS, VIRGIN MARY

into the House of the Lord, and with herself she brings
Angels of God. A Heavenly Tabernacle is she.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING

TH
OF
VISITA
TO
ST LUKE 1: 39-49 & 56
TION
At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias
and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leapt in her womb.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she spoke out with a loud voice, saying: Blessed art Thou among
women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should
come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of Thy Greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leapt with Joy in my
womb. And Blessed is She Who believed, for there will be a Fulfilment of those Things that were told Her from the
Lord!
And Mary said: My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour! For He has regarded the
lowly state of His Maidservant. For behold! Henceforth all generations will call me Blessed. For He Who is Mighty
has done great things form me, and Holy is His Name...
... And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
The Ever Blessed Virgin Marys faithful response to the
GOD TO BE REVEALED AS OUR DIVINE AND ETERNAL
Annunciation of Archangel Gabriel was that of the
PROPHET, KING AND HIGH PRIEST.
highest degree of Humility and Obedience to God.
COMPELLED BY HER WONDER AND GREAT JOY AT HER DIVINE
CONCEPTION, OUR LADY THEOTOKOS WENT TO HER BELOVED
THE INCARNATION OF GOD THE SON IS NOT ONLY THE DIVINE
AUNT, ST ELIZABETH, the sister of her late mother, St
WORK OF ALMIGHTY GOD, BUT IT ALSO INVOLVED THE FREE
Anna.
AND WILLING RESPONSE OF MANKIND IN THE HOLY AND
AT THE SOUND OF HER GREETING, THE BLESSED ST JOHN - as a
DEVOUT PERSON OF ST MARY THE EVER BLESSED, ALL
tiny six month baby still developing in the womb of his
HOLY THEOTOKOS.
mother PROPHESIED THE DIVINE PRESENCE OF GOD
Although Eve had once disobeyed the Lord our God, THE
INCARNATE BY LEAPING FOR JOY.
EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY INSTANTLY AND VOLUNTARILY
BECAUSE ST JOHN IS GODS HOLY PROPHET, HIS RECOGNITION OF
OBEYED HIS DIVINE WILL WHICH SHE HAS ALWAYS DONE,
CHRIST WHILE THEY WERE STILL BOTH IN THE WOMBS OF THEIR
SINCE HER VERY EARLY CHILDHOOD.
RESPECTIVE MOTHERS, FULFILLED ST JEREMIAHS HOLY
And although Eve - through her wilful disobedience by
PROPHESY:
breaking the one Divine Commandment - had
Before I formed Thee in the womb, I knew Thee.
alienated and distanced herself from God exile and
alienation caused by sin OUR EVER BLESSED LADY
OPENED HER HEART AND SOUL UP TO GOD AND DREW EVER
CLOSER TO HIM BY HER HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO HIS DIVINE
WILL IN ALL MATTERS.
SHE WAS EVER WATCHFUL AND RESISTED TEMPTATION, PREFERRING
TO REMAIN IN HIS DIVINE GRACE.
As St Theophilact of Bulgaria put it, Her response to God
was always as though she said: I am a (writing)
tablet; let the Writer inscribe whatever He desires on
me.
In other words, HER ATTITUDE TO GOD WAS ALWAYS: Let it be
according to Thy Will and not my will, O Lord!
AS
SOON AS CHRIST BECAME INCARNATE, HOLY PROPHECY

RESUMED IN ISRAEL.
GOD HAD SILENCED HIS HOLY PROPHETS FOR MANY YEARS and
even permitted an illegitimate usurper occupy the

position of King of Judea.
And in the last days before the Coming of Christ, GOD ALSO
SILENCED ST ZACHARIAH, THE HIGH PRIEST.
WITH
THESE THREE SIGNIFICANT ROLES BEING VACANT,

ILLEGITIMATE AND SILENT, ALL WAS READY FOR THE SON OF
THE ENTRY
INTO THE
TEMPLE
OF THE
(JEREMIAH 1:5)
THE ALL HOLY EVER VIRGIN THEOTOKOS RECEIVES VENERATION

FROM THE HEAVENLY HOSTS AS WELL AS ALL HUMANITY.
And just as St Gabriel, the Holy Archangel of God, had
done, SO NOW TOO, ST ELIZABETH DECLARED HER YOUNG
NIECE TO BE BLESSED AMONG WOMEN.
Our Panagia Mary is confessed as the Mother of my
Lord by St Elizabeth and HER SPONTANEOUS, SINCERE
CONFESSION and others like it in our Holy Church such
as Theotokos or Mother/Bearer of God CONFIRMS
THAT THE ONE IN HER PURE WOMB IS BOTH FULLY HUMAN AND
FULLY DIVINE IN NATURE - our Lord Jesus Christ is THE
TRUE SON OF GOD Himself as well as being the TRUE
SON OF MAN(kind)!
At Holy Vespers of the Annunciation, we declare: It is the
Word of God Who dwells in Her.
It is significant that EVEN THOUGH HIS PHYSICAL BODY HAD NOT
YET FULLY FORMED, OUR LORD JESUS WAS TRULY THE
INCARNATE SON OF GOD, and THE EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY
VIRGIN MARY WAS ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNISED
AS HIS ALL PURE, HOLY MOTHER.
EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 21 NOVEMBER 2015
23
THIS DIVINE TRUTH DEALS A FATAL BLOW TO THE DELUSION THAT

ABORTION IS JUSTIFIABLE BECAUSE THE FOETUS IS NOT YET A
PERSON!
IN THIS DAY AND AGE, INFERTILE COUPLES REGARD THE DIVIDING CELLS - FROM
THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION OR FERTILISATION - AS A VIABLE, LIVING
BABY WHO IS JOYFULLY AWAITED AND ALREADY NAMED!
EVERY CHILD WHO IS CONCEIVED BUT LOST IS MOURNED AND REMEMBERED BY
THE LOVING PARENTS.
FURTHERMORE, THE TINY HEART BEGINS TO BEAT VERY SOON AFTER
CONCEPTION AND BABIES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE DELIVERED AND KEPT
ALIVE FROM VERY EARLY IN THE GESTATION PERIOD, MANY OF WHOM
SURVIVE AND GROW INTO ADULTHOOD.
THEREFORE, ABORTION IS THE VIOLENT AND MOST BRUTAL MURDER OF A TINY
CHILD WHO IS MORE SENSITIVE TO AND AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAN A
FULLY DEVELOPED AND BORN BABY!
NOT ONE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONCEIVED OR BORN IS A MISTAKE
BECAUSE EVERY MIRACLE OF CONCEPTION AND BIRTH IS BY THE DIVINE
WILL OF ALMIGHTY GOD WHO HAS A PLAN AND SACRED PURPOSE FOR
EACH, UNIQUE SOUL INTO WHOM HE BREATHES LIFE! (MP)
Verses 46 56 - known as the Magnificat or

Megalinaria - came from the joyful heart of our
Lady Theotokos who was inspired by a song of St
Hannah. (1 KINGS 2 : 1 10)
This lovely Hymn is chanted during the Matins Service
and from it we are taught:
FESTAL PROKEIMENON ODE
OF
FAITHFUL
CHRISTIANS FOR ALL TIME HONOUR AND VENERATE

ALL HOLY, EVER VIRGIN THEOTOKOS as she
prophesied: ... ALL GENERATION WILL CALL ME
BLESSED.
THE
IT
IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE IN THE INSPIRATION OF

SCRIPTURE YET NOT BLESS OUR LADY THEOTOKOS.
HOLY
OUR PANAGIA ASCRIBED THE MIRACLE OF THE INCARNATION TO

ALMIGHTY GOD not to herself which reveals Her
deep and sincere Humility and Knowledge that
GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL DIVINE GRACE.
THROUGH
THE INCARNATION, GOD REIGNS OVER ALL

NATIONS.
BECAUSE OUR LADY THEOTOKOS HAD NO MOTHER TO CONFIDE IN OR
TO
INSTRUCT
HER
regarding
her
impending
motherhood, IT WAS NATURAL FOR HER TO HAVE REMAINED
WITH HER AUNT, ST ELIZABETH, FOR THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF
HER PREGNANCY before returning home, where HER
COMPANIONS WERE ALL COMMITTED, DEDICATED VIRGINS.
(TODAY THEY WOULD BE KNOWN AS NUNS)
THEOTOKOS (LUKE1) TONE 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For He regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden!
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
HEBREWS 9: 1 - 7
Brethren: the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, and a worldly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was prepared: the
first part, in which was the Lampstand, the Table, and the Showbread, which is called the Sanctuary. Behind the
Second Veil, was the part of the Tabernacle, which is called Holy of Holie, which had the Golden Censer and the Ark of
the Covenant, overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was the Golden Pot that had the Manna, Aarons Rod that
budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy Seat. Of
these we can no longer speak these days. When these Things had been thus prepared, the Priests always went into the
first part of the Tabernacle, performing the Services. Into the second part only the High Priest went - once a year, not
without blood, which he offered for himself and for the peoples sins.
THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE MOSAIC TABERNACLE, WHICH
Their Eternal Unity and Presence with Christ is usually depicted
PREFIGURED THE HEAVENLY ALTAR.
as two differently coloured shapes behind the Figure of our
This passage is read during the Great Feasts of our
Lord such as in the Holy Icon of the Transfiguration.
Lady Theotokos and Advent (before the Feast of the
The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit as an
Nativity of Christ) in order to describe the Great Holy
Old Man and a White Dove is a modern, western
Mystery of the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God.
influenced heresy, because the Persons of the Holy Trinity
may only be depicted as three identical Angels such as at
THE EVER BLESSED, EVER VIRGIN MARYS WOMB WAS
the Oaks of Mamre the Hospitality of Abraham.
PREPARED AS THE HOLY TABERNACLE OF CHRIST THE
They NEVER manifested visibly at any other time and our Lord
VERY DWELLING PLACE OF THE LORD OUR GOD - THE
Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that whoever has
HOLY OF HOLIES.
seen Him, has also seen His Co-Eternal, Co-Essential
A most important detail in St Pauls Epistle to the
Hebrews concerns THE INNER VEIL THE SECOND VEIL
Father (and thus also the Holy Spirit!) mp
WHICH SEPARATES THE HOLY PLACE THE HOLY SANCTUARY
However, GOD THE SON OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST
FROM THE MOST HOLY PLACE THE HOLY OF HOLIES OR THE
- CAN BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, FOR HE
HOLIEST OF ALL, WHICH CONTAINED THE MYSTERIOUS ARK OF
IS GOD-MAN AND THUS HIS HUMAN NATURE CAN AND IS
THE COVENANT AND INTO WHICH ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST
IMAGED.
COULD ENTER ON ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR.
Furthermore, CHRIST LEFT A PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE UPON HIS
The Inner Veil forms THE LOCUS OF THE LITURGICAL PRACTICE
DISCARDED BURIAL CLOTHES ON THE INNER FACE CLOTH,
OF THE OLD COVENANT and reveals its imperfection
WHICH HE LEFT NEATLY FOLDED - and on the long Shroud,
for the people could not draw close to God and the
which were both left in His Empty Tomb after His
High Priest could only enter the Holy of Holies once a
Glorious Resurrection.
year for his own sins as well as those of the people.
When St Peter and St John entered the Empty Tomb, they
At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RESOLVED
were immediately amazed by the Precious Holy Relics
OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM GOD. (MATTHEW
that had been left behind.
27:51)
In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST NOT MADE BY
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT CONTAINED ALL THE PRECIOUS
HANDS IS DEPICTED BEING HELD ALOFT BY TWO CHERUBIM,
HOLY RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT OF ISRAEL THE
USUALLY SITUATED OVER THE ROYAL GATES OF THE
GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, AARONS ROD, AND THE STONE
ICONOSTASION LEADING INTO THE HOLY SANCTUARY.
TABLETS OF THE MOSAIC LAW, given to the ancient
While Priests were allowed to enter the Holy Place daily,
Patriarch by God Himself.
only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies on
the one Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur.)
OUR LADY THEOTOKOS IS THE ARK OF THE NEW COVENANT,
The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies carrying the
BEING THE MOTHER OR BEARER OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.
blood of sacrificed animals for the atonement of his
GOD IS ENTHRONED UPON THE CHERUBIM, hence, Gods
own sins as well as those of the people.
Throne in the midst of Israel the Mercy Seat had
THIS ANNUAL BLOOD SACRIFICE REVEALS THE IMPERFECTION AND
a Cherub depicted on each side.
TEMPORARY STATUS OF THE OLD COVENANT, FOR ONLY ONE
THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY
MAN COULD ENTER INTO GODS DIVINE PRESENCE BUT NOT
DEPICTION OF THE CHERUBIM.
CONTINUALLY AND ONLY TO REPEAT THE ANNUAL SACRIFICIAL
THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the Holy
OFFERING FOR HIS AND THE PEOPLES SINS.
Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty and
Furthermore, THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE DEALT ENTIRELY WITH
detailed workmanship of everything that was made
MATERIALS FROM THIS AGE, WHICH ARE IMPERFECT AND
for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST HOLY
IMPERMANENT WHICH CANNOT BEGIN A PARTICIPATION IN THE
ICONS OF THE OLD COVENANT. (Exodus 26:31)
AGE TO COME.
This and various other passages PUT TO REST THE FEAR THAT
In addition, THAT IMPERFECT ATONEMENT OFFERING DEALT
THE SECOND DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF GOD PROHIBITS ALL
MAINLY WITH THE OUTER BEING FOR IT WAS SUPERFICIAL AND
IMAGERY. (Exodus 20: 4 6)
COULD NOT PURIFY MANKINDS HEART, MIND OR SOUL LET
God the Father and God the Holy Spirit cannot be
ALONE RESTORE OUR FALLEN HUMAN NATURE.
represented or depicted because their Divine
Nature is unknowable and hence cannot be
depicted.
24.
ENTRANCE
INTO THE
TEMPLE
OF THE

ON
TO
E
ST LUKE 10 : 38
THIN
G IS
EEDED
- 42
&
11 : 27 28
At that time, He entered a certain village. A woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister
called Mary, who sat at Jesus Feet, listening to His Word. Martha was distracted with much serving. She approached
and said: Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me!
Jesus answered and said to her: Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled about many things. One thing is
needed. Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
... As He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him: Blessed is the Womb that
bore Thee, and the Breasts that nursed Thee!
He replied: More than that: Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep It!
St Martha and St Mary of Bethany were the sisters of St
Later, when a woman called out to our Lord Jesus
Lazaros whom our Lord Jesus Christ had raised
from the crowd, OUR LORD POINTED OUT TO HER THAT
from the dead.
GODS BLESSINGS FALL UPON ALL THOSE WHO HEAR THE
St Martha was preoccupied and worried about all her
WORD OF GOD AND OBEY HIM.
household duties while providing hospitality to our
Family or social connections have nothing to do
Lord Jesus and his entourage of Disciples and
with our Obedience to God and the Ever Blessed
Apostles.
Theotokos was especially complimented by Her
HER TEMPORARY, WORLDLY CARES CONCERNED HER MORE THAN
Son because SHE NOT ONLY PAID CAREFUL ATTENTION
ANYTHING ELSE at the time so, resenting HER SISTER who
TO THE WORD OF GOD BUT SHE ALSO FAITHFULLY OBEYED
SAT AT THE FEET OF OUR LORD TO HEAR HIS TEACHINGS, she
ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS AND LIVED HER ENTIRE LIFE
appealed to Him to make her get up and help her.
ACCORDINGLY.
However - instead of supporting her immediate needs our Lord Jesus pointed out that while she was so
IT IS THAT PROFOUND VIRTUE OF HUMBLE AND ATTENTIVE
concerned about all her current duties, HER SISTER
OBEDIENCE TO GOD OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
HAD PREFERRED TO SPEND THE PRECIOUS TIME LISTENING TO
ALONE EVEN MORE THAN HAVING BORNE THE
CHRISTS TEACHINGS.
INCARNATE GOD THAT MAKES HER OUR MOST SHINING
EXAMPLE OF TRUE SAINTHOOD AND THEOSIS SPIRITUAL
THE ONE THING ... NEEDED WAS FOR HER TO PAY ATTENTION
PERFECTION.
TO HIS DIVINE TEACHING to really listen to what
He said. It was a serious priority that certainly
did not exclude serving Him.
THE ENTRANCE
INTO THE
TEMPLE
Having been born as the answer to Her Parents Fervent

Prayers, the Most-Holy Virgin Mary lived with them for
three years.
From Her earliest moments, they taught Her that She was
born only Thanks to their Prayers to God and for that
reason Her Life was dedicated to Him.
Her place, therefore, was in Gods Temple, where she would
be reared according to the Lords Commandments.
This intention of St Joachim and St Anna, to Consecrate
their Daughter to God, became well known in Jerusalem,
and their friends and relatives all gathered for the
Event, including the childhood friends of the little
Virgin Mary.
They walked in Joyous Procession towards the Temple with
the Virgin Mary, and the little girls carried candles and
everyone sang Psalms, while their Priests led them.
When the procession neared the Temple, the High Priest
went out to meet and greet them.
According to Blessed Jerome, there were fifteen steps
ascending to the Temples Entrance, in accordance with
the Song of Ascent Psalms.
After being set down upon the first step by Her Mother, St
Anna, the Most-Holy Virgin Mary set off on Her own joyfully climbing the steps to the entrance of the
Temple.
As they entered the Temple, the Holy Spirit moved the
Priest, St Zacharias, to lead the little Virgin into the
Sanctuary and She then merrily ran into the Holy of
Holies, which no one could enter except the High Priest,
and then only once a year.
This Event not only surprised everyone in attendance, but
also the Holy Angels of God who were invisibly present:
...the Angels were amazed seeing the Most Pure as
Virgin entering with Glory into the Holy of Holies.
The Righteous St Zacharias had made the arrangements for
the three year old Holy Virgin to live at the Temple,
(which was common practice for children who were
pledged to the Holy Service of God.)
The Temple had various annexes where the various
Servants of God resided. It included a hostel for young
maidens (who would live there until they reached puberty. After
leaving the Temple, they would be Betrothed and married, in

order to produce many healthy children for Israel.)
The Righteous parents, St Joachim and St Anna, left their
Beloved Daughter in the care of the Priests and Virgins
who served at the Temple, and returned home, knowing
that - having been sent as a Divine Gift - She would be
their own great sacrifice to the God Who had sent her to
them, thereby abundantly Blessing them and granting
them Great Joy and Peace.
While the Holy Virgin Mary remained at the Temple,
together with other Virgins who had been dedicated to
THE ENTRY
INTO THE
TEMPLE
OF THE
OF THE
EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Almighty God, they were supervised and guided by

Pious Holy Women and the Priests who taught them
Holy Scripture and specific handicrafts such as weaving,
stitch-crafts and embroidery that was required for the
refurbishment of the Great Temple.
In the words of St John the Damascene, having been
removed from society of impious men and women, and
Her Life served as the epitome of the finest and purest
Virgin in comparison with the other young girls.
Vigilant Prayer, Humility and Meekness were Her
exceptional qualities, that were emulated by many of
the other young maidens.
Her daily life at the Temple began very early in the morning
with Prayers, reading and contemplation of Holy
Scripture, after which She began her handicrafts and
other required duties.
At noon and in the early evening She again spent time in
Prayer and contemplation of Holy Scripture.
Having studied Holy Scripture, the Most-Holy Virgin Mary
turned Her attention to the Prophecies of St Isaiah, who
had written in regard to the Messiah: Behold! A Virgin
shall Conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His
Name Immanuel.
Pondering this text, she burnt with the yearning desire to
see that Blessed Virgin who would be deemed worthy to
become the Mother of the Saviour of mankind.
While she was still very young, the Most-Holy Virgin lost
her parents, and as an orphan, She devoted Herself
wholeheartedly to God, thinking nothing of earthly love
or family life.
Having made a Sacred Vow of Chastity, She opened for
Herself the Path of full Service to God - a Righteous Path
of Dedication, Contemplation, Prayer and Humble
Obedience to God that many Christian Ascetics male
and female - would later follow.
When the Most-Holy Virgin Mary turned fifteen, the High
Priest and the other Temple Priests began advising Her
to leave the Temple, which was the usual custom for
pubescent maidens to be married and produce children
as soon as possible.
However, the Most-Pure Virgin Mary told them of Her
Sacred Vow of Chastity - to remain forever a Pure
Virgin, which caused great wonder and consternation
among them, for, according to the Rabbis, every man
and woman of Israel were obliged to be married and
have children.
St Zacharias the Priest, together with the other Temple
Priests were confronted by a serious dilemma.
On one hand, the Judaic Law did not permit a maiden who
reached puberty to remain at the Temple, while on the
other hand, they did not wish to force Her to break Her
Sacred Vow.
25
As they deliberated the matter, they were Divine Inspired to

request all suitable elderly men to hand in their staffs,
which would be put into the Holy of Holies, while they
waited for a Divine Sign from God Who would choose
the right, trustworthy Guardian for Her.
After a while, when nothing seemed to be happening, they
returned all the staffs to their owners, with one
exception. The beautifully carved staff of St Joseph,
Her elderly uncle who had been married to St Annas
sister, Salome, had mysteriously bloomed with pure
white blossoms.
In order to fulfill the Law, (which also prevented future scandals)
St Joseph was betrothed to Her, but in fact he was the
Righteous Guardian and Protector of Her Sacred Vow of
Chastity and Purity. (and later of our Lord Jesus Christ.)
Being most
kind and compassionate, St Joseph the
Betrothed welcomed Her (and Her fellow Virgin companions
He was a widower, and father of four sons: James, Joses,

Simon and Jude, and two daughters, Mary and Salome,
who, although being cousins of our Lady Theotokos
and our Lord Jesus Christ, are referred to in the Holy
Gospel as Her children and His brothers and sisters.
Although the Righteous St Joseph the Betrothed was of
royal lineage, being a descendant of King David, he and
his family lived humbly, being God-fearing, meek,
honest, loyal and hard-working.
According to St Ambrose of Milan in Her later Life, the
Most-Holy Virgin Mary ... was a Virgin in body and
mind humble in heart, grave in words, wise in Her
resolutions.
She spoke seldom and little She injured no one, was
beneficent to all, honoured Her superiors, envied not
equals, shunned vain-glory, followed reason, and
ardently Loved Virtue.
Her actions had nothing unbecoming, Her gait nothing of
levity, Her voice nothing of overbearing assurance.
Her exterior was so well regulated that in Her body was
seen a picture of Her mind.
Her charities knew no bounds, temperate in Her diet She
prolonged Her Fasts several days it was not Her
custom to go out of doors except to the House of Prayer,
and this always in the company of relatives.
who had followed Her example and also taken Sacred Vows of
Chastity) to his home in Galilee.
Although the Most-Holy Virgin Mary was obviously sad to
leave the protection of the Holy Temple, seeing Gods
Will in all things, she humbly and eagerly obeyed His
Divine Providence.
Holy Tradition has preserved shreds of information of what
family life was for St Joseph the Betrothed who was old
enough to be the young Virgins grandfather, and a
carpenter.
PRAYER
IS THE
HTTP://WWW.RUSSIANORTHODOXCHURCH.WS/SYNOD
TEST
"Prayer is the test of everything; Prayer is also the

Source of everything; Prayer is the driving force of
everything; Prayer is also the Director of everything.
If Prayer is right, everything is right. For Prayer will
not allow anything to go wrong." ST. THEOPHAN THE
RECLUSE
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM
THE
God, Who is by Nature Good and Dispassionate, Loves all

equally as His Handiwork.
But He Glorifies the Virtuous because in His Will they are
United to God.
At the same time, in His Goodness He is Merciful to sinners
and by chastising them in this life brings them back to
the Path of Virtue.
ST JUSTIN MARTYR ON
THE
This Food is called among us the Eucharist, of which no

one is allowed to partake but those who believe that the
things that we teach are True, and those who have been
Washed with the Washing that is for the Remission
of sins, and unto Regeneration, and who are so
Living, as Christ has enjoined. For not as common
bread and common drink do we receive These; but
26.
ENTRANCE
INTO THE
TEMPLE
OF THE
EVERYTHING....
Prayer is part of our unique nature - of all God's creatures,

only human beings are able to perceive and interact
with both the visible (physical) and invisible (spiritual)
Realities.
Prayer is so important in our Life in Christ, that St. Gregory
of Nazianzos instructed us to "...remember God more
often that you breath!
At first, this task might seem daunting, perhaps impossible.
In Truth, we find that often the greatest obstacle to our
developing Prayer Life is our own lack of trust in
ourselves, and in what God can do for and with us.
Often we psych ourselves out when it comes to Prayer.
We think that it is only for the Spiritual Specialists to
engage in Prayer - Clergy, Monks, Nuns.
We feel that if we need to Struggle with our Prayer Life we
must not be doing it right.
In Truth, it is only when we Struggle with Prayer that we are
approaching it in a healthy way.
But even though Prayer is -- or at least should be -- a
natural part of our human make-up, Prayer is a
Discipline - a Spiritual Exercise.
An analogy commonly used by the Saints is that Prayer is
like a Fire.
Initially, it starts out only as a small spark in our soul;
eventually though, if we fan the flames with constant
efforts of Prayer, the spark grows into a Spiritual
Flames these Flames are the Burning Bush in our
soul, where we - like Moses - speak with God.
To feed the Fire of Prayer in our soul, we must work
ourselves into a regular pattern or Rule of Prayer.
Like a Fire - if our Prayer Life is left untended - it will die
away and turn cold.
The more we pray, the more meaningful and nourishing our
Prayer Life becomes, and the more of a desire we have
to enter into Prayer.
Perhaps the most popular and basic definition of Prayer is

that it is a Conversation with God.
While this is essentially True, Orthodox Christianity looks
upon Prayer as something deeper than "conversation."
Prayer is understood as an Intimate Encounter with God.
When we pray, we meet with God in our heart, in the
Sanctuary of all our thoughts, motivations, dreams,
emotions and concerns.
This is a place where we can share our inner selves with no
other human person as completely as we can share
ourselves with the Lord.
To enter into this very personal and intimate Encounter
with God, full of Faith and Love, is to feel His Presence
in our Life in the most profound and Life-giving of
ways.
In this place in our hearts, we no longer perceive God as
being out there, looking down on us.
Rather, we sense His Presence inside us, stirring our heart,
Guiding our actions, Enlightening our mind.
Our Orthodox Christian Faith teaches us that Prayer is the
most natural thing we can do - it is what we are created
for.
In Paradise Adam and God conversed frequently. It was
only after the Fall that we hide from God and choose
not to speak openly with Him.
Human beings were made for Prayer - not because God
needs us to pray to Him - but because we need to
connect with Him Who made us, Saved us from sin and
death - and showers His Sanctifying Grace upon us.
Without Prayer there is no Life -not in its fullest sense.
As human beings we are created for Prayer just as we are
created to breath or to think.
ST MAXIMOS
OF
CONFESSOR
Similarly, those of good and dispassionate judgment also

Love all equally.
He Loves the Virtuous because of their nature and the
probity of their intention; and they Loves sinners, too,
because of their nature and because in their
compassion they pity them for foolishly stumbling in
darkness.
HOLY MYSTERY
OF
EUCHARIST
in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour - having been

made Flesh by the Word of God - had both Flesh and
Blood for our Salvation, so likewise have we been taught
that the Food, which is Blessed by the Prayer of His
Word, and from which our blood and flesh by
Transmutation are Nourished, is the Flesh and Blood of
that Lord Jesus Who was made Flesh.

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves
and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
Tone (8) Plagal 4
22 November 2015

AFTERFEAST
OF THE
ENTRY
INTO THE
TEMPLE
9 t h Sunday of St Luke
The Foolish Rich Man & His Barns
Also the Feast of St Philemon of the Seventy Apostles of Christ & St Apphia, his wife of Colossa, Phrygia St Archippos & St
Onesimos, Disciple of St Paul, of the Seventy Apostles of Christ St Michael, Prince of Tver St Peter, Holy Prince of
Kiev St Cecilia, St Valerian, St Tiburtios and St Maximos of Rome St Procopios the Reader of Caesarea, Palestine
St Menignos of Parium St Agabbas of Syria St Michael the Soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria St Callistos Xanthopoulos
II of Magul Skete, Mount Athos St Alexis & St Elias, New Hieromartyr of Tver
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, Thou
descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;

Thou endured the three-days burial, so that Thou
might free us from our passions, O our Life and
Resurrection: Glory to Thee!
ina imas elevtherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Anastasis

imon, Kyrie, Doxa Si!
Simeron
tis Evdokias Theou to proimion, ke tis ton

anthropon Sotirias i prokirixis. En Nao tou Theou
tranos i Parthenos diknite, ke ton Hriston tis pasi
prokatangellete. Afti ke imis megalofonos voisomen.
Here! Tis Ikonomias tou Ktistou i Ekplirosis!
SEASONAL KONTAKION ENTRY
INTO
TEMPLE
OF
TONE 4
is the prelude of Gods Good Pleasure, and the

Proclamation of Humanitys Salvation. In the Temple
of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in Herself
She announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a Great
Voice cry aloud to Her: Rejoice! O Thou who art the
Fulfilment of the Creators Dispensation!
OF THE

VIRGIN MARY
Today
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS, VIRGIN MARY

into the House of the Lord, and with herself she brings
Angels of God. A Heavenly Tabernacle is she.
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 3 MARK 16:9 - 20

OUR RESURRECTED LORD APPEARS TO HIS APOSTLES & DISCIPLES BEFORE HIS ASCENSION
PROKEIMENON PSALM 75 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Vow and pray unto the Lord Thy God. In Judea is God known.
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
His Name is Great in Israel.
EPHESIANS 4 : 1 - 7
Brethren: I, the Prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the Calling with which you were Called - with all
lowliness and gentleness, with Longsuffering - bearing one another in Love, endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit
in the Bond of Peace. There is One Body and One Spirit just as you were Called in One Hope of your Calling One
Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all Who is above all, and through all, and in you all. To each of us
Grace was granted according to the Measure of Christs Gift...
The one Holy Virtue that is mentioned but is uncommon to
St Paul implored us to REALISE WHAT HAS BEEN GRANTED TO US
Greco-Roman Philosophy is THE GREAT VIRTUE OF
and to BE IN PRACTICE IN REALITY WHAT WE ARE IN CHRIST.
So he turned the focus of his Epistle from what God does
LOWLINESS HUMILITY which WAS TAUGHT TO US BY OUR
for us to WHAT WE ARE TO DO IN RESPONSE TO HIS INFINITE
LORD JESUS CHRIST BY MEANS OF HIS OWN PERFECT EXAMPLE
DIVINE LOVE.
BY HIS OWN WORD AND DEEDS.
HOW WE BELIEVE MUST AFFECT HOW WE LIVE our daily lifestyle
Verse 4 6 : ...There is One Body and One Spirit...
and habits.
expresses THE MANIFOLD (DIVERSE) UNITY OF THE HOLY
OUR CREED OF FAITH MUST AFFECT OUR PERSONAL CONDUCT.
CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The basic characteristics of Christians Faithful Disciples
CHRISTIAN MORALITY IS not based on ideas but on A LIVING
of Christ are THE HOLY VIRTUES that CONTRIBUTE TO
REALITY THE LIFE AND REALITY OF THE HOLY TRINITY IN
UNITY, for although we are many, diverse people, WE
GODS HOLY CHURCH.
SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE.
St Paul combined THE THREE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY
Although we are Blessed Members of the Most Exalted
One Spirit... One Lord... One God... WITH THE HOLY
Body of Christ His Holy Church THE GREATNESS,
CHURCH, THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION,
MAGNIFICENCE AND GLORY IS OF ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE!
AND THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES OF HOPE, FAITH AND LOVE
Even THE COHESIVENESS OF THIS HOLY BODY IS EXCLUSIVELY GODS
into ONE GRAND, MAGNIFICENT REALITY THE CONCRETE AND
WORK IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Who makes all things possible
HOLY BASIS FOR OUR HOLY LIFESTYLE truly Living in
for us weak, limited human beings.
Christ.
Consequently, THERE IS NO PLACE FOR QUARRELLING because
EACH OF THE THREE DIVINE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY
of OUR INFLATED EGOS AND OUR WILFUL CHOICES that GO
SANCTIFY EVERYTHING but the DIVINE SANCTIFICATION IS
AGAINST OUR LORDS TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS that
ONE, FOR OUR HOLY BAPTISM IS ONE AND THE GRACE OF THE
make no contribution to our Eternal Salvation!
HOLY MYSTERIES ARE ONE.
In order to Live in the Heavenlies TO LIVE IN CHRIST WE
While THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN ESSENCE, it is also
MUST WALK IN SOLIDARITY, HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
DIVERSE IN HER GIFTS AND FUNCTIONS.
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST AFTERFEAST
OF THE
E N T R Y 9 T H L U K E F O O L I S H R I C H M A N & H I S B A R N S 2 2 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 527
UNITY DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORMITY.

EACH MEMBER IS UNIQUE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, WITH SPECIFIC
GIFTS AND ROLES granted by God on each of us.
WE ALL HAVE OUR SACRED MISSION TO FULFIL while proceeding
towards Eternity.
Diversity in operation is
1. based on THE ASCENT OF GOD THE SON AND THE
DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
TO
2. GUIDED BY SPECIALLY GIFTED PEOPLE WHO FULFIL THEIR

SACRED DUTIES BY DIVINE GRACE AND STRICTLY
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER,
THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY
OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
FOR THE SAKE OF THE MATURITY, ENLIGHTENMENT AND STABILITY
OF THE BODY OF CHRIST His Holy Church.
ST LUKE 12 : 16 21& 14: 34B
THE RICH MAN & HIS BARNS
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully. And he
thought to himself: What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops? He said: I will do this: I will pull down
my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul: Soul: you
have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease. Eat, drink and be merry.
God said to him: Fool! This night your soul will be required of you. Whose then will those things be, which you have
provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God!
Then He exclaimed: Those who have ears to hear, let them hear!
This Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ is a most serious
When in ancient times, JOSEPH STORED UP GRAIN IN EGYPT,
Lesson to every one of us especially in these days
it was strictly FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE NATION
of selfish, egocentric materialism.
DURING LEAN TIMES OR FAMINE.
1. First of all THE LORD ADDRESSES THE RICH MAN AS
WHATEVER WE THINK WE POSSESS, IN TRUTH, IS LENT TO US
FOOL! a derogatory term that is
BY ALMIGHTY GOD WHO PROVIDES US WITH
discouraged, if not forbidden, in Christs Holy
EVERYTHING WE REALLY NEED AND OFTEN, ALSO
Church of Agape.
GRANTS US AN ABUNDANCE, WHICH IS A DIVINE TEST TO
We cannot refer to any of our fellow sinners as fool,
SEE WHAT WE DO WITH IT!
which is a form of our unworthy criticism and
In the Holy Mystery of Matrimony, ONE OF THE PRAYERS
unjust judgement that we are urged and
FOR THE NEWLY BETROTHED COUPLE BESEECHES GOD TO
cautioned against.
GRANT THEM AN ABUNDANCE SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO
2. Secondly the big question of all ...whose will
SHARE AND DISTRIBUTE IT amongst those less Blessed
those thing be which you have provided? is
than them.
THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE SAVING UP OR
Christ our Saviour has made it absolutely clear that
HOARDING OF MATERIAL GOODS.
WHATEVER
WE
DO
FOR
OTHERS
AS
ACTS OF
MATERIAL GOODS ARE ONLY USEFUL IN THIS LIFE BUT HAVE
(UNCONDITIONAL) LOVE/CHARITY GOD WILL BLESS US A

HUNDRED TIMES MORE, which is proved over and over
again.
NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT FOR OUR SALVATION AND

ETERNAL LIFE, UNLESS WE USE THEM CORRECTLY
SHARING OUR BLESSED ABUNDANCE with those who
are less fortunate than us doing so FOR THE
LOVE AND GLORY OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM believed that THE ONLY BARNS WE
NEED, we already have, which ARE ... THE STOMACHS
OF THE POOR.
ST BASIL THE GREAT taught us that THE BREAD THAT IS
STORED IN OUR PANTRIES BELONGS TO THE HUNGRY; THE
UNUSED COAT (AND CLOTHING) BELONGS TO THOSE WHO
ARE NAKED AND COLD; THE SHOES LYING MOULDY AND
UNWORN BELONG TO THOSE WHO ARE BAREFOOTED; AND
THE MONEY THAT WE SO GREEDILY COLLECT AND HOARD,
BELONGS TO THE POOR AND DESTITUTE.
ST AMBROSE cautioned us: ... the things that we
OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH

GOD AND WITH OUR FELLOW SINNERS OUR NEIGHBOURS.
Whatever we do to or for others will be returned to us
a hundredfold whether it is good or evil!!
Consequently, OUR PERSONAL WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS

ETERNITY Eternal Life with all
Divine Bliss and Blessings or Eternal Death with
permanent, irrevocable Alienation from God and
all His Goodness an Eternal Spiritual Death in
Outer Darkness or the Abyss, which terrifies even
the demons!!
THE CHOICE IS FREELY OURS TO MAKE!
Hence the
cautionary Words of Divine Wisdom from our Lord
Jesus Christ: Those who have ears to hear, let
them hear!!
DETERMINE OUR FUTURE
cannot take with us are not ours. Only Virtue will

be our Companion when we Repose...
25TH SUNDAY
AFTER
PENTECOST 9TH
OF
ST LUKE
Our Lord taught us that OUR LIFESPAN IS NOT LENGTHENED OR

IMPROVED BY AN ABUNDANCE OF POSSESSIONS, and He
offered this Parable as a confirmation of this Truth.
He described the insatiable thoughts of the Foolish Rich
Man, for although Gods Great Mercy was clearly
demonstrated by His Divine Providence, which caused
all the mans fertile fields to produce an abundant
harvest, the man himself bore no Spiritual Fruit.
Even before he had gathered the crops, he imagined them
already locked up kept exclusively for himself.
Behold also the pleasures of the Foolish Rich Man, who
things to himself: What shall I do? Does a pauper
not speak similarly: "What shall I do? I have nothing to
eat or to wear."
The Foolish Rich Man said: What shall I do, for I have no
room to store my crops? But at the very least, he could
have had a good rest from his labours.
Both the pauper and the Foolish Rich Man said: "What shall
I do because I have not?" but let us consider what we do
not gain by gathering more and more worldly goods.
WE DO NOT GAIN ANY REST FROM OUR OBSESSIVE GREED OR
NEEDS, and it is clear from all the cares that come from
our single-minded efforts that WE ARE STORING UP FOR
OURSELVES ONLY A GREAT MULTITUDE OF SINS.
Yet the Foolish Rich Man says: ... I will pull down my
barns, and build greater...!
He does not for a moment consider what he will do if his
fertile fields yield even more bountifully in the future will he pull these barns down and build more bigger
barns, yet again?
28. 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T A F T E R F E A S T
OF THE
THE FOOLISH
RICH MAN & HIS BARNS
What need is there to pull down and build bigger and

bigger storage facilities?
WE ALWAYS HAVE AVAILABLE AS STOREHOUSES THE STOMACHS
OF THE POOR THAT CAN HOLD MUCH, WHICH ARE
INDESTRUCTIBLE AND IMPERISHABLE!
THE
PAUPERS ARE, IN FACT, HEAVENLY AND DIVINE

STOREHOUSES, FOR THOSE WHO FEED THE PAUPERS, FEED
GOD!
Consider something else that is foolish the possessive,
greedy expression - my fruit and my goods.
The Foolish Rich Man did not take into account that HE
HAD RECEIVED ALL THESE THINGS FROM GOD.
IF HE HAD, HE WOULD HAVE TREATED THESE THINGS AS WOULD A
STEWARD OF GOD.
He imagined that these things were merely the fruits of his
own labours, which is why he usurped (seized) them for
himself, regarding them as my fruits and my goods!
The Foolish Rich Man recklessly believed that he was the
sole owner and that no one else was entitled to share
those worldly goods. HE THOUGHT THAT THEY WERE
EXCLUSIVELY HIS OWN PROPERTY TO ENJOY AS HE PLEASED.
Never for a moment did he consider the Reality the Truth
- that OUR PROVIDENTIAL GOD OWNS EVERYTHING HE
CREATED,
and
IN
HIS
MAGNIFICENT,
LOVING,
COMPASSIONATE B ENEVOLENCE HE ALONE GRANTS US IN
ABUNDANCE, WHATEVER WE REALLY NEED.
The Foolish Rich Man tells himself (there is no one else to
speak to!) : Soul: you have many goods laid up for
many years...
ENTRY 9TH LUKE FOOLISH RICH MAN & HIS BARNS 22 NOVEMBER 2015
He egotistically decided for himself that he would have a

long life plenty of time to enjoy his hoarded
possessions - as if length of years was something else
he could obtain by his own efforts.
However long life is not a crop we can grow and harvest
voluntarily our specific lifespan is not another
possession we can achieve for ourselves, for only God
can determine the length and number of our lifespan!
The Foolish Rich Man tells himself: ...Take your ease. Eat,
drink and be merry!
But taking it easy, and eating and drinking merrily without further concern for our Spiritual Struggle and
Eternal Salvation - only an irrational soul would dare to
do - and this Foolish Man had an irrational soul,
indeed, for he planned to reward himself according to
the false idea that he was in control of his life.
The good attributes of a rational soul are being able to
understand, to reason, and to be glad in the Law of God
and in good thoughts.
Eating and drinking merrily do not suffice, O Foolish Man,
for we then also order up for our soul that which
accompanies these things namely: shameful and base
pleasures!
Our Lord Jesus Christ euphemistically (less harshly) used
the expression be merry, thereby indicating the most
wanton of passions, which are the consequence of too
much food (gluttony) and drink (inebriation, intoxication or
drunkenness).
God addresses the Foolish Rich Man: Fool! This night
your soul will be required of you...
These words do not mean that God actually conversed with
the Foolish Rich Man, but instead, these Inspired
thoughts entered his mind as a sudden Revelation of
the Truth!
He would indeed be a Fool because everything he desired
was foolish!
...Whose then will those things be, which you have
provided? THIS IS THE BIG QUESTION!!
Every human being who thinks and acts like this Rich Man
is certainly foolish irrational - and their possessive
obsession with material possessions is in vain.
St David the ancient Royal Psalmist stated: ... In vain does
every man disquiet himself... [Psalm 38:14].
We are disquieted constantly anxious - because we gather
and hoard our earthly possessions without knowing for
whom we are collecting them nor do we have time to
enjoy them all before we depart this short, preparatory
life, the length of which only God knows!
CONSIDER
HOW CHRIST CAUTIONS US REGARDING OUR

UNKNOWN TIME OF DEPARTURE: ...your soul will be
required of you...
Like some stern Imperial Officers demanding tribute, THE
FEARSOME ANGELS WILL COME TO CLAIM OUR SOUL, AND WE
WILL NOT WANT TO GIVE IT BECAUSE WE LOVE THIS MATERIAL
LIFE AND CLAIM THE THINGS OF THIS LIFE AS OUR OWN WE
ARE FIRMLY ATTACHED TO PHYSICAL MATERIAL!
However, the Fearsome Angels do not demand the soul of

the Righteous for they themselves willingly commit
their soul into the Hands of God - the Divine Father of
spirits - with Joy, Peace and Gladness - not in the least
bit grieved.
PRAYER
IS THE
TEST
OF
LITURGY AND PRIVATE PRAYER ARE INTERDEPENDENT.
OF THE
Our Lord did not say to the Foolish Rich Man:
"...I shall
require thy soul of thee..." but, ...your soul will be
required of you... FOR THE SOULS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
ARE ALREADY IN THE H ANDS OF GOD.
Truly, IT IS AT THE DARKEST HOURS OF NIGHT WHEN THE SOUL

OF SUCH AN UNREPENTANT SINNER IS DEMANDED.
It is the depth of night for SUCH UNREPENTANT SINNERS WHO
ARE DARKENED BY THE LOVE OF WEALTH, AND INTO WHOM
THE LIGHT OF DIVINE KNOWLEDGE CANNOT PENETRATE, AND
DEATH OVERTAKES THEM.
Consequently, those who lay up earthly, corruptible
treasures for themselves are appropriately referred to
as Fool! for they never stop planning how to increase
and hoard their temporary, earthly possessions - until
all too soon THEY WILL PERISH IN THE MIDST OF THEM
ALONE AND ALIENATED FROM GOD AND ALL H IS WONDERFUL
GOODNESS!
IF THIS FOOLISH RICH MAN HAD BEEN LAYING UP TREASURE

FOR THE POOR AND DESTITUTE if he had been ...rich
towards God... - HIS OUTCOME AND DESTINATION
WOULD HAVE BEEN VASTLY DIFFERENT!
Beloved Brethren: let us ceaselessly strive, therefore, to be
rich toward God - that is, to TRUST IMPLICITLY IN GOD
AND H IS DIVINE PROVIDENCE OUR ONLY PRICELESS
WEALTH AND THE TREASURY OF ALL GOOD THINGS.
Let us no longer speak of - nor regard - material
possessions as being MY goods - but rather "...the
Good Things of God."
And because all Good Things are indeed the Blessings and
Providence of God, LET US NOT DEPRIVE HIM OF HIS OWN
GOOD THINGS, for this is what it means to be rich
towards God.
Furthermore, we must realise that even IF WE DISTRIBUTE

EVERYTHING WE POSSESS TO THE POOR AND DESTITUTE,
WE WILL NEVER LACK THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE FOR GOD
IS THE DIVINE TREASURY OF ALL GOOD THINGS AND H E
ALWAYS GRANTS US AN ABUNDANCE SO THAT WE ARE
ABLE TO SHARE WITH ONE ANOTHER from our Blessed
Bounty, always keeping in mind that WHATEVER WE
DO FOR EACH OTHER WITH LOVE, WE ARE DOING SO FOR
GOD HIMSELF.
Only in this way, do we fulfil our Lord Jesus Christs Great

Commandment of Love and become ...rich towards
God.
BLESSED THEOPLYLACT, ARCHBISHOP OF OCHRID & BULGARIA
HTTP://WWW.PRAVOSLAVIE.RU/ENGLISH/75525.HTM
EVERYTHING THE WAYS
In Orthodox Spirituality, we recognize TWO BASIC TYPES OF

PRAYER:
1. LITURGICAL (WORSHIP)
2. PERSONAL PRAYER
BOTH TYPES OF PRAYER ARE UNDERSTOOD AS CORPORATE ACTS - they are carried out by Believers as a single Body -, the
Body of Christ His Holy Church.
Liturgical Prayer is obviously corporate. A group of
Brethren in Christ gather together in one place to offer
Hymns and Prayers of Thanksgiving, Glorification and
Supplication to God.
However, EVEN WHEN WE PRAY IN PRIVATE, WE DO NOT PRAY
ALONE, FOR WE JOIN OUR VOICES TO THE COUNTLESS OTHER
ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD who are
also lifting their hearts to God in Prayer at that time.
Christianity is always LIVED AS A GROUP (IN CHRIST) - NEVER
AS ISOLATED INDIVIDUALS.
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST AFTERFEAST
For the Righteous Souls, the body is a light burden that is

easily shed, while the sinner has made his soul fleshy.
The sinner has caused his soul to become something of
substance like the body and like the Earth, rendering it
difficult and extremely painful to separate from the
dominant body!
This is why the soul must be demanded of the Foolish Rich
Man of those who are unrepentant - in the same
harsh and brutal manner as the wicked Tax Collectors
treated Debtors who refused to pay what was due.
THAT
WE PRAY
It is not enough for us only to pray by ourselves, because

every human being has an innate need for Community a need to belong.
Our LITURGICAL WORSHIP ALSO GIVES US the order and
structure that we need to have - STABILITY IN OUR
SPIRITUAL LIFE.
At the same time, OUR LITURGICAL PRAYER IS TRULY VIBRANT
AND LIFE-GIVING ONLY WHEN THOSE PRESENT ARE "PEOPLE
OF PRAYER" OUTSIDE THE H OLY SERVICES AS WELL.
OUR
FAITH CANNOT BE A TOKEN GESTURE - "only on

Sundays" - and OUR PRAYER LIFE CERTAINLY MUST BE
WITHOUT CEASING.
EACH TYPE OF PRAYER - LITURGICAL AND PERSONAL COMPLIMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THE OTHER.
In both worship and personal Prayer, structure is
important. Worship Services have a set structure of
fixed and variable parts.
Although our private Prayer can be much more simple and
"customized" than Worship Services, we still structure it
as part of our daily Life in Christ.
E N T R Y 9 T H L U K E F O O L I S H R I C H M A N & H I S B A R N S 2 2 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 529
EARNED THEM, BUT IN SPITE OF OUR IMPERFECTIONS AND

FAULTS BECAUSE H E LOVES US.
IN
OUR PERSONAL PRAYER LIFE, WE NEED TO DEVELOP A

HABIT OF PRAYING REGULARLY AT CERTAIN TIMES
DURING THE DAY - a "Rule of Prayer."
Ancient Christian sources instruct us to PRAY THREE TIMES A
DAY: IN THE MORNING, AT MIDDAY AND IN THE EVENING.
It helps us to avoid regarding the Lord our God as merely

able to fulfil our requests.
Therefore, very lastly do we beseech God to fulfil our
Supplications and Petitions for others, especially, and
then for ourselves.
In this way we keep God on our mind and in our heart

throughout the day from the moment we wake up in the
morning, during the day, pausing at midday, and when
we retire for the nightly rest.
This REGULARITY OF PRAYER IS VERY IMPORTANT because, at
its core, a Life or Prayer is a Life lived in the constant
Remembrance of God i.e. LIFE IN CHRIST.
The Saints teach us that our Prayers should include the
following four elements, in this order:
1. GLORIFICATION - the primary work of Prayer is to Glorify
God for all His Loving Providence, Blessings, and
Great Mercy
2. THANKSGIVING - we ceaselessly thank Him for all His
infinite Blessings those we know of and, mostly,
those that are unknown
3. CONFESSION of sins - we beseech God for His
Forgiveness whenever we fall short of the Life to
which He has Called us.
4. SUPPLICATION - we beseech Gods Great Mercy and
Compassion - to grant our Petitions for others and
for ourselves.
OUR
PRAYERS SHOULD NEVER BEGIN WITH SELFISH

SUPPLICATIONS!
Prayers do not have to be long nor complicated in order to
be effective. Some of the most powerful Prayers in
history have consisted of only a few words.
The Repentant Thief on the Cross merely said to our
Saviour: "Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom" to
which our Lord Jesus Christ promised: Today thou
shalt be with Me in Paradise!" (Thereby becoming the first
Repentant sinner to enter the re-opened Paradise!)

When trying to develop a habit of Daily Prayer remember:
IT
IS FAR BETTER TO SPEND FIVE MINUTES EACH DAY IN

PRIVATE DEVOTIONS, THAN TO "BANK" THE TIME AND
TAKE IN 35 MINUTES OF PERSONAL PRAYER ONCE PER
WEEK.
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2009/10/PRAYER-IS-TEST-OFEVERYTHING.HTML
This
structure helps us to remember that GODS

BLESSING ARE GRANTED TO US NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE
ARCHIMANDRITE ARSENIE (PAPACIOC)
OF
ROMANIA -
ON
THE STRUGGLE
In order to overcome in the Struggle against Fornication - in

whatever stage it may be - we must first of all ask for
Grace from our Good God.
This is not a short term Battle, because we must definitely
achieve total Victory.
At first, each one sees that he is powerless to withstand it;
but WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
THOSE WHO ENTER INTO THIS STRUGGLE MUST:
1) WANT TO BE FREED of this Struggle, no matter what
happens;
2) PRAY WITH ALL THEIR HEART to the All Pure Mother of
God, and ask Her to help them
3) AVOID, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, ALL CIRCUMSTANCES that
might arouse the temptations and the passions;
4) REJECT FROM THEIR MIND THOSE SUGGESTIONS that might
seem innocent, but then begin to solidify into
images. They must root out all these thoughts,
changing their mind to Prayerbut their own
heartfelt Prayer - not something someone else
recommended, no matter who that might be. They
must pray with their own sighing, and tears of
genuine contrition, even if it is without words.
If the attack is aggressive, pleasurable, and vanquishing,
they must call out to the All Holy and Pure Theotokos
for Her Intercessory Prayers and constant Aid, but they
must never surrender!
During the first phases, they must Confess contritely and
purely - not sparing themselves and not laying the
blame on certain incidents, circumstances, or any other
individuals.
They will be greatly helped if they go to their Spiritual
Father for Holy Confession often.
Their Father-Confessor, getting to know them properly,
will understand them, console them, and assure them
that they are not alone, yet the Spiritual Father will not
allow them to harden in their motivations -, as if it were
all "necessary and perfectly natural."
The Father-Confessor should have Zeal and Kindness in
order to be able to tear his Spiritual Children away from
this secret and many-headed passion.
ELDER JOSEPH
Question yourself as to whether this Faith is within you, or

perhaps you are led by worldly wisdom.
And if you leave all things in the Hands of God, behold! you
have acquired Faith and undoubtedly - without any
question - you will find God to be your Helper.
And so, even should you be tried a myriad of times, and
should Satan tempt you to abandon Faith, prefer Death
a thousand times more, and do not obey worldly
wisdom!
30. 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T A F T E R F E A S T
OF THE
AGAINST
FORNICATION
AND FLESHLY THOUGHTS
It is recommended to read well written Orthodox Christian

books and articles that have as their Goal the
Preparation for Death.
THOSE
WHO ARE LOST WILL BE FORGIVEN THROUGH THEIR

SINCERE REPENTANCE - NO MATTER WHAT SIN HAS BEEN
COMMITTED, WHICH WILL BE A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!
WE MUST NEVER DECEIVE OURSELVES NOR SUPPOSE THAT WE

CAN FIND ANY FORGIVENESS WITHOUT REPENTANCE!
Because of our sins that blind us and deceive us, WE
CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT H EAVEN AND H ELL REALLY ARE
BUT WE SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP THEM IN MIND AND
CONTINUOUSLY PRAY AND REPENT OUR SINS.
Those who are more Spiritually Inclined, but nevertheless
are wounded to a greater or lesser extent, and then pass
through the Bath of Repentance, yet regard their fall as
an unfortunate accident, will have a serious reason
for seeking to attain True Humility, which gives God
more Joy than when we think highly of ourselves as
never having fallen!
This is not a Paradox, but Divine Justice and Mercy.
He Who is the Master of the House and the Good Shepherd,
left His Sheepfold and went to find the Lost Sheep, and,
having found it, Joyfully carried it upon His Shoulders,
and returned through the Gates of the Kingdom of
Glory.
It is good to keep in mind the following quotations:
"Brother Christian, believe me: there are two kinds of
Joy, which cannot be combined - we cannot rejoice
here on Earth in pleasures that are transient and
sinful, and then Reign with Jesus Christ!"
"Then, iniquity will stop its mouth." (CF. PSALM 106:42)
"Thou fool, the time that you use for evil, digs a pit for
you, and tomorrow Eternity will come!"
By mentioning these quotations, I think that the Father
Confessor can ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING
AGAINST ONSLAUGHTS FROM WITHOUT, AND WITH NATURE
FROM WITHIN.
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/47865.htm
THE
HESYCHAST
In this way the Door of the Mysteries will be opened to you

and you will be amazed how the chains of worldly
wisdom previously bound you.
Now you will fly with Divine Wings above the Earth and
breathe the New Air of Freedom.
If, however, you are governed by worldly wisdom, and in
the smallest danger you lose hope and despair, know
that you have not yet acquired Faith, and
consequently also Hope, in God.
ENTRY 9TH LUKE FOOLISH RICH MAN & HIS BARNS 22 NOVEMBER 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious
Lady, Mary, Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And
let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ
our God. Amen.
25 November 2015
Apodosis of the Entry into the Temple
St Catherine the Great
Holy Virgin Martyr of Alexandria
Also the Feast of St Mercury the Great Holy Martyr - St Clement
of Rome St Peter of Alexandria St Peter of Galatia St
Clement of Ochrid & Enlightener of the Bulgarians
Simeron
GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR
THE
ALEXANDRIA
All Blessed Bride of Christ, let us extol in song:

Catherine the Holy and Protector of Sinai, our
assistance and unfailing firm Support; for she
brilliantly muzzled the ungodly, clever men, by the
Power of the Spirit, and now, as a Crowned Martyr, she
pleads for the Great Mercy for us all.
OF THE

OF
The
Panevfimon Nimfin Hristou imnisomen, Aikaterinan

tin Thian ke Poliouhon Sina, tin voithian imon ke
antilipsin; oti efimose lambros, tous kompsous ton
asevon, tou Pnevmatos ti dinami; ke nin os Martis
stefthisa, etite pasi to Mega Eleos.
TONE 4
is the prelude of Gods Good Pleasure, and the

Proclamation of Humanitys Salvation. In the Temple of
God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in Herself She
announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a Great Voice
cry aloud to Her: Rejoice! O Thou who art the Fulfilment
of the Creators Dispensation!
Tin
SEASONAL KONTAKION
VIRGIN MARY
Today
tis Evdokias Theou to proimion, ke tis ton

anthropon Sotirias i prokirixis. En Nao tou Theou
tranos i Parthenos diknite, ke ton Hriston tis pasi
prokatangellete. Afti ke imis megalofonos voisomen.
Here! Tis Ikonomias tou Ktistou i Ekplirosis!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST CATHERINE
OF
The Most Pure Temple of our Saviour, the Precious Bridal

Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God, today
enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace of the
Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the
Heavenly Tabernacle.
God is Wonderful in His Saints! In the Congregations Bless God!

THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
THE INCREDIBLE FAITH
TO THE
OF THE
GALATIANS 3 : 23 4 : 5
ANCIENT, OLD COVENANT BELIEVERS
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law kept for the Faith, which would afterward be revealed.
Therefore, the Law was our Tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith has come, we are no
longer under a Tutor. You are all Sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were Baptised into
Christ, have put on Christ.
There is neither Judean nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female. You are all one in
Christ Jesus. If you are Christs then you are Abrahams Seed, and Heirs according to the Promise. I say that the Heir
as long as he is a child does not differ at all from a slave, although he is Master of all, but is under Guardians and
Stewards until the appointed time appointed by the Father.
Even so, we when we were children were in bondage under the elements of the world. When the fullness of time had
come, God sent forth His Son - Born of a Woman, Born under the Law to Redeem those who were under the Law, that
we might receive Adoption as Sons.
Therefore, VALUING, RATING OR JUDGING OTHERS based on
The term Faith IN should be translated as Faith OF.
Two Faith are co-operating:
Ethnicity or personal opinion (neither Judean nor
1. Christs Faith
Greek), pride and social status (neither slave nor free)
2. The Faith of those who believe
or gender (neither male nor female) HAS EMPHATICALLY
Although THE BELIEVERS OF THE OLD COVENANT certainly had
NO PLACE IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST!
Faith, they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN CHRISTS FAITH the
WE ARE ALL ONE IN OUR HUMAN NATURE AND WE ARE ALL EQUAL
New Covenant for He had not Appeared in their
IN DIGNITY.
midst as He did much later.
The term child does not refer to biological age but to
St Paul directly related SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED by
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF GOD AND HIS HOLY THINGS.
connecting them as THE MOST INTIMATE, INTER-TWINED
Guardians and Stewards i.e. OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS
SACRED ASPECTS.
BISHOPS, PRIESTS, CONFESSORS AND TEACHERS provide us
Verse 27: For as many of you as were Baptised, have
with the special Discipline, Guidance and Protection
put on Christ, is THE ANCIENT HYMN that has always
that is necessary for our Spiritual Growth and Welfare.
been CHANTED DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM at
The Elements of the world refer to THE PHILOSOPHIES,
the Procession of the Newly Regenerated/Illumined
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS DEVELOPED BY MANKIND WITHOUT
into the Assembly i.e. the one who is Newly Baptised,
REGARD TO ALMIGHTY GOD. (COLOSSIANS2:8)
Chrismated, Illuminated and Regenerated enters the
Son is a reference to OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS GOD WHO IS
Congregation of the Holy Church in a joyful
DIVINE BY NATURE, BEING THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
Procession, with the Priest leading the Way.
OF GOD THE FATHER.
WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE WITH AND IN OUR LORD JESUS However, NOT ONLY IS OUR LORD THE SON OF GOD, (HIS DIVINE
CHRIST.
NATURE) BUT HE IS ALSO THE SON OF MAN, FOR HE BECAME
INCARNATE (HIS HUMAN NATURE) through the flesh, bone
THE APODOSIS
OF THE
ENTRY - ST CATHERINE
THE
GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR
OF
ALEXANDRIA 25 NOVEMBER 2015
31
and blood of our Ever Blessed Lady, Theotokos who

quite rightly is entitled Mother of God.
Her Son and God was Born of a Woman as well as being
Born under the Law so that He could grow up and
live amongst us and Redeem first those who lived
under the Law i.e. the Nation of Israel and then
all mankind who did not live according to the Mosaic
Law of the Old Covenant.
FROM HIS BIRTH, OUR LORD FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT LAW
by being Circumcised on the Eighth Day after His
Birth.
He was also Presented at the Great Temple in Jerusalem
where all First Born sons were dedicated to God, as
well as other children sons and daughters - who had
been granted to grateful parents by God.
(Many parents must have prayed for a very long time, promising the
dedication of their longed-for children to Almighty God in
Thanksgiving, because infertility was seen as a silent
condemnation or punishment for secret sins and the unhappy
couples were often ostracised by society and even the Priests!)
God Redeemed ... those who were under the Law... to
fulfil HIS DIVINE PROMISE TO THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH,
ABRAHAM.
Nevertheless, GOD OWES MANKIND NOTHING AT ALL and He
certainly does not owe us Eternal Salvation!
Everything that our Benevolent, Providential and Merciful
Lord God grants us is due to His infinite Love for us.
Although our Lord is the Son of God by His Divine Nature,
we human beings become Sons of God by Adoption
which occurs DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
NO HUMAN BEING CAN EVER BECOME A MEMBER OF THE DIVINE

GODHEAD THE HOLY TRINITY FOR WE ARE FOREVER
HUMAN BEINGS CREATURES OF GOD WHO ARE CREATED IN
HIS LIKENESS AND IMAGE.
ONLY BY DIVINE GRACE DO WE BECOME MEMBERS OF GODS
HEAVENLY, HOLY FAMILY THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND
CHRISMATION whereby it becomes possible for us
regain our lost Likeness to Christ and become fully
Restored to the state in which He originally created us
in Paradise.
THROUGH OUR HOLY ADOPTION, WE BECOME CO-HEIRS WITH
CHRIST OF GOD THE FATHERS HEAVENLY KINGDOM and
because we are thereby granted New Life in Christ, it
is referred to as a Rebirth or Regeneration for we
thereby Restored to our original state of humanity.
FOR THAT VERY REASON AND BECAUSE WE ARE HABITUALLY SINFUL,
WE MUST CEASELESSLY REPENT our sins and Struggle
without fail against all temptations, so that we
actually can make good Spiritual Progress and
Development.
Thus, having been Saved by our Baptism and
Chrismation, WE ARE BEING SAVED THROUGH REGULAR
PARTICIPATION IN THE NECESSARY HOLY MYSTERIES AND A
PROPER LIFE IN CHRIST.
Each time we fall into Spiritual Death through our sins, WE
NEED TO REPENT-CONFESS IN ORDER TO RECOVER OUR
SPIRITUAL LIFE AND TO CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY towards
Eternity until we are finally Saved Forever!
TO
ST MARK 5 : 24 34
ST VERONICAS HEALING ENCOUNTER
WITH
CHRIST
At that time, many people followed our Lord Jesus, and thronged Him. And a certain Woman had a flow of blood for
twelve years, and had suffered many things from many Physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better,
but rather grew worse.
Hearing about Jesus, she went behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. She said: If only I may touch His
clothes, I shall be made well. And immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt it in her body, for
she was Healed of the affliction.
And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that Power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said: Who
touched My clothes? And His Disciples said to Him: Thou seest the multitude thronging Thee, and Thou say: Who
touched Me? And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
The Woman, fearing and trembling -knowing what had happened to her - went and fell down before Him and told Him the
whole Truth. And He said to her: Daughter, Thy Faith has made Thee well. Go in Peace, and be Healed of Thine
affliction.
ACKNOWLEDGE HER FAITH IN HIM SO THAT OTHERS WOULD
AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS BY THE WILL OF GOD
LEARN FROM HER AND GLORIFY GOD.
ALONE AND BEING OF THE SAME DIVINE ESSENCE AS GOD
Therefore He loudly enquired Who touched My
THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST POSSESSES THAT
garment? which astonished His Disciples since the
SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY.
large crowd shoved and pushed one another to get
THE HEALING OF THAT WOMAN, ST VERONICA, DEMONSTRATED
closer to Christ and many would have brushed
OUR LORD JESUS POWER TO CLEANSE US FROM OUR SINS
against Him or certainly touched His garments.
AND TO HEAL ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS THE SPIRITUAL AND
Although on His way to save the daughter of Jairus a
THE PHYSICAL.
ruler of the Synagogue OUR LORD JESUS TOOK HIS TIME
According to the Old Covenant Laws, any type of
TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HEALED WOMAN AND TO TEACH BOTH
haemorrhaging caused ceremonial defilement,
HER AND ALL THOSE WHO WITNESSED IT HIS DIVINE TRUTH:
which imposed religious and social restrictions upon
First He granted her Good cheer because of THE PROOF
the sufferers for ANY CONTACT WITH BLOOD WAS STRICTLY
AND CONSEQUENCES OF HER SINCERE FAITH.
PROHIBITED AND AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
Then He corrected her thinking for SHE COULD NEITHER HIDE
This wretched suffering woman regarded herself as
HER ACTIONS FROM HIM FROM GOD NOR WAS SHE
being unclean and had followed all the
EXCLUDED FROM HIM BECAUSE OF HER AFFLICTION.
requirements as a social outcast but SHE HAD REACHED
And finally, HE REVEALED HER FAITH PUBLICALLY SO THAT THE
SUCH A DEGREE OF MISERY AND DESPERATION THAT SHE RISKED
WITNESSES MIGHT FOLLOW HER GOOD EXAMPLE.
FURTHER SHAME AND HUMILIATION IN THE CONVICTION THAT
Our Holy Church Fathers believed that St Veronica
ONLY CHRIST COULD HEAL HER.
symbolises human nature in general because ALL
It was a risk that she was willing to take after all what
HUMANITY CONSTANTLY SUFFERS AND IS SUBJECT TO DEATH,
more could she lose? People had already taken
WHICH WAS SYMBOLISED BY HER HAEMORRHAGING.
everything she had, but now GOD WOULD GRANT HER
The Physicians who could not heal her symbolise the
WHAT SHE REALLY NEEDED!
various religions of the world, AS WELL AS THE OLD
COVENANT LAW, WHICH ARE UNABLE TO GRANT LIFE TO
EVERYTHING THAT IS TOUCHED BY GOD BECOMES SANCTIFIED
HUMANITY THEY CANNOT SAVE US
HOLY AND WILL PASS THAT SANCTIFICATION ONTO THE
FAITHFUL.
ONLY GOD CAN SAVE OR REDEEM US! ONLY THROUGH OUR
So THE INSTANT ST VERONICA SOFTLY TOUCHED THE ROBES OF
LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, ARE WE GENUINELY
CHRIST SHE WAS HEALED AND GOD KNEW HER SINCERE
FREED FROM SUFFERING AND BONDAGE TO SIN!
FAITH IN HIM.
DIVINE ENERGY OR POWER WENT FROM CHRIST TO ST
VERONICA AND HE WANTED HER TO OPENLY
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Every Virtue is a good thing, but most of all, the Virtues of

Gentleness and Meekness.
These Virtues shows us as human beings and they makes
us different to wild beasts. These Virtues makes us
worthy to vie (compete) with Angels.
Wherefore Christ continually expended many words
about these Virtues - bidding us to be Meek and
Gentle. He did not merely expend words but also
taught them by His Actions - at one time being
buffeted and bearing it, at another time being
32.
THE APODOSIS
OF THE
ENTRY - ST CATHERINE
THE
reproached and plotted against, yet again going to those

who plotted against Him.
For those men who had called Him a demoniac and a
Samaritan, and who had often desired to kill Him, and
had cast stones at Him, the same surrounded and asked
Him: Art Thou the Christ?
Yet not even in this case did He reject them after so
many and so great plots against Him, but answered
them with great Gentleness.
GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR
OF
ALEXANDRIA 25 NOVEMBER 2015

Tone 1
13 t h
29 November 2015
Sunday of St Luke The Rich Young Ruler
Also the Feast of St Paramon & 370 Holy Martyrs of Bithynia St Philoumenos of Ancyra St
Valerian St Phaedros St Akakios of Mount Sinai St Nektarios the Obedient of Kiev Near
Caves St Abibos of Nekressi, Georgia
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 1
Tou
lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke stratioton

filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis trimeros,
Sotir, Doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon si Zoodota.
Doxa ti
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti
Ikonomia Sou, mone Filanthrope!
SEASONAL KONTAKION
While the stone was sealed by the Judeans, and soldiers

stood on guard over Thine Undefiled Body, Thou rose
on the Third Day, O Saviour Who gives Life to the
world. For which cause the Heavenly Powers cried
aloud to Thee: O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy
Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory
to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind!
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST
I Parthenos simeron, ton Iperousion tikti, ke i gi to spyleon Today
the Virgin gives Birth to Him Who is above all

being, and the earth offers a cave to Him Whom no man
can approach. Angels with Shepherds give glory, and
Magi journey with a Star. For unto us is Born a young
Child: the Pre-Eternal God.
to aprito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon doxologousi,

Magi de meta asteros odiporousi, di imas gar egenniti,
Pedion neon, O Pro Aionon Theos.
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4 - LUKE 24 : 1 12

THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
SEE THE
EMPTY TOMB
OF OUR
RESURRECTED LORD
Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye Righteous.
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
WALKING
IN
TO THE
CHRIST
THE
EPHESIANS 5 : 8 19
DIVINE LIGHT
Brethren: ... Walk as Children of Light -for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth - finding out
what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose them.
Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak of. All things that are exposed are made
manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore, it is said: Awake, you who sleep, and Arise from
the dead, and Christ will grant you Light.
See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand the Will of the Lord. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation.
But be filled with the Spirit - speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Odes - singing, and making
melody in your heart to the Lord.
SHALL SPEND ALL ETERNITY IN THE SPIRITUAL STATE IN
Everything that is regarded as reasonable or
WHICH WE REPOSE,.
acceptable by this fallen world, WE, AS DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST MUST judge according to what the Lord our
God says is True i.e. JUDGE ALL THINGS BY MEANS OF
DIVINE TRUTH THE TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF
CHRIST.
Besides separating ourselves from Spiritual Darkness, we
are also to expose it to the Divine Light of Gods Truth.
However, WE, OURSELVES, MUST FIRST COME OUT OF HIDING IN
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND IGNORANCE IN ORDER TO BE EXPOSED
AND ILLUMINATED BY DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH.
WE MUST SEEK, ROOT OUT AND CONFESS OUR SINS AND SINCERELY
REPENT.
WE NEED TO SELF-EXAMINE OURSELVES AT THE END OF EVERY DAY
AND ESPECIALLY BEFORE PARTAKING OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES of
Unction, Confession and Eucharist, which we require
on a regular basis IN ORDER TO KEEP MAKING GOOD,
HEALTHY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
Verse 14 : Awake, you who sleep... is an ancient, very
early Baptism Hymn.
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM ILLUMINATES OUR NEWLY
REGENERATED, RENEWED AND REBORN (CLEANSED) IMMORTAL
SOUL.
Consequently, we are urged to ... walk in the Light of
our Holy Baptism.
THROUGHOUT
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO

ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND OUR HOLY BAPTISM everything
that it has granted us and everything that it means

for our Eternal Salvation AND TO REMEMBER ALWAYS
OUR INEVITABLE DEATH, after which we cannot
change or correct anything at all, and thus WE
OF
So
we must never forget that THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY

LIFESPAN IS MEANT FOR OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL BATTLE
AGAINST THE EVIL ONE working every day for our
Spiritual Welfare and Progress towards a Blessed
Eternal Life in Gods Kingdom of Agape.
OUR SACRED GOAL IS not to abandon this world, but TO KEEP
OURSELVES IN CHRIST, SALVAGING AS MUCH AS WE CAN FROM
OUR HABITUALLY SINFUL STATE.
FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS RENOUNCE THE WICKEDNESS OF THIS WORLD
not the beautiful, perfect Creation of God.
Repentance grants us a wonderful surge of True Life and
Joy. A distinctive spirit a kind of Spiritual Elation
energises both Spiritual Darkness and Light. For those
in Spiritual Darkness, this spirit is similar to
drunkenness artificial and temporary.
FOR THOSE IN SPIRITUAL LIGHT AND LIFE, THIS SPIRITUAL ELATION
IS THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR JOY IS THE
NEW COVENANT WORSHIP OF THE HOLY TRINITY, THE HOLY
EUCHARIST THANKSGIVING TO GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH
GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
Those who become drunk with alcohol totter and sway,
but THOSE WHO ARE INEBRIATED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE
ROOTED JOYFULLY, PEACEFULLY AND LOVINGLY IN CHRIST
JESUS AND MOST GLORIOUSLY SOBER!
QUOTING HOLY SCRIPTURE AND SINGING HYMNS OR CHANTING

PSALMS HAS NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT NOR VALUE IF THERE IS
NO TRUE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD if there is
no humble, willing and eager submission and the
Holy Fear of God.
ST LUKE RICH YOUNG MAN & ETERNAL LIFE 29 NOVEMBER 2015
33
TO
ST LUKE 18 : 18 28
THE RICH YOUNG MAN & ETERNAL LIFE
At that time, a certain man asked our Lord Jesus, saying: Good Teacher: what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life? Jesus said
to him: Why dost thou call Me Good? No one is Good except God. Thou knowest the Commandments: Do not
commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; Honour thy Father and thy Mother...
He said: All these I have kept from my youth. Hearing these things, Jesus said to him: Thou still lack one thing: sell all
that thou hast and distribute to the poor, and thou will have Treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me. When he
heard that, he became very sorrowful - being very rich.
Seeing how sorrowful he was, Jesus said: How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God! For
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.
Those who heard, said: So who can be Saved? He said: Things that are impossible for mankind are possible for God.
THE UNIDENTIFIED RICH YOUNG RULER DID NOT APPROACH OUR
prevented him from fulfilling his essential Spiritual
LORD JESUS IN ORDER TO TEST HIM as so many other
Potential and might even have caused him to neglect
educated men tried to do in order to show how clever
his Sacred Duties to God and his fellow mankind.
they thought they were or to lure Him into committing
BY RIDDING HIMSELF OF HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS HE WOULD HAVE
something blasphemous with which they could
BEEN SET FREE FROM THEIR ENSLAVING BURDEN AND
justifiably accuse Him and thus destroy Him.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND HE WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED THE
HE SINCERELY SOUGHT OUR LORDS ENLIGHTENMENT CONCERNING
TRUE JOY OF GIVING GENEROUSLY AND FREELY TO OTHERS LESS
ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE HE REGARDED HIM AS BEING A VERY
BLESSED.
GOOD TEACHER, WHO POSSESSED PROFOUND WISDOM AND
St John Chrysostom believed that the giving away of the
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE not because he acknowledged
Young Rulers vast earthly possessions was the least of
Him as the long-awaited Messiah.
our Lords Instructions because THE ABILITY AND THE
OUR LORD JESUS IS OUR MOST SUPREME TEACHER WHO
WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN ALL THINGS IS A FAR
IMMEDIATELY CORRECTS OUR ERRORS AND SETS US ON THE
GREATER AND MORE DIFFICULT CALLING.
RIGHT PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
OUR LORD OFTEN USED EXTREME EXAMPLES IN ORDER TO EMPHASISE
So, knowing how the young man perceived Him as
A SPECIFIC POINT OF HIS SACRED LESSONS.
merely another ordinary human being who was a
Various interpretations have been suggested for THE
wise and erudite Teacher of Divine Things and
IMPOSSIBILITY OF A CAMEL PASSING THROUGH THE EYE OF A
before answering the Young Rulers question, our Lord
NEEDLE.
Jesus pointed out the Truth that NO HUMAN BEING IS
Some believe that instead of a camel passing
PERFECT AND ABSOLUTELY GOOD - ONLY GOD IS.
through the eye of a fine sewing needle, it was the
This initial response to the Young Rulers question did not
impossibility of a thick rope being threaded
deny the fact that Christ is indeed God Himself and
through the eye of a needle.
therefore certainly Good, but was specifically to lead
The Talmud used the word elephant instead of
him to this Knowledge and Truth.
camel. another gross exaggeration to
emphasise a significant point.
FORMAL OBSERVANCE OF THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OR Others
regarded it as reference to heavily laden
OTHER SPIRITUALLY EMPTY GESTURES DO NOT MAKE ANY OF
camels or beasts of burden that had to be
US RIGHTEOUS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
unloaded and then squeezed through the small
Although the Young Man had an earnest and sincere
pedestrian gate that was usually set into the great,
desire for Eternal Life, HE REALISED THAT HE LACKED
protective doors of the ancient cities.
SOMETHING ESSENTIAL BESIDES HAVING FAITHFULLY KEPT ALL
This explanation reminds us that UNLESS WE UNBURDEN
THE HOLY COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, so he persisted in his
OURSELVES OF OUR EARTHLY GOODS AND CHATTELS, WE CANNOT
search for Spiritual Enlightenment.
ENTER THE NARROW GATE OF GODS ETERNAL KINGDOM!
In order for anyone TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECT to
Whatever the case might have been simple or more
achieve Theosis or to regain our lost Divine
obscure IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANYONE WHO IS MORE
Likeness - WE MUST BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING
AND EVERYTHING IN ORDER TO FAITHFULLY AND CORRECTLY
FOLLOW CHRIST TO GO WHEREVER HE LEADS US.
NOTHING TRULY WORTHY IS GAINED UNLESS WE OFFER OUR
SACRIFICES FREELY AND EAGERLY.
ONCE WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE PURPOSE OF THIS
SHORT LIFESPAN - the preparatory period before
Eternity - and the significance of Eternity, WE WILL
CERTAINLY BE MOTIVATED TO FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS
REQUIRED OF US WITHOUT COMPLAINT AND WITH
CONFIDENT COMMITMENT.
OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY IS NOT A SOLO TRIP,
for all humanity throughout the ages is heading in the

same direction whether we are Believers or not!
However, WE WILL MAKE VERY LITTLE IF ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
UNLESS WE ARE GUIDED, TAUGHT, ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED
BY GOD AND OUR HOLY SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND TEACHERS, AS
WELL AS OUR FELLOW PILGRIMS.
EACH HUMAN BEING IS UNIQUE SO CHRIST DOES NOT ASK EVERYONE
TO MAKE THE SAME TYPE OF SACRIFICE BEFORE FOLLOWING
HIM.
HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS AND MINDS FAR BETTER THAN US and He
knew that THE YOUNG RULER WAS FAR TOO ATTACHED TO AND
CONCERNED WITH HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, which
CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR WORLDLY GOODS THAN THEIR

SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL
THINGS, TO RECEIVE SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY.
Sadly, most of us so concerned with material things that

are
merely
temporary,
destructible
and
disappointing, that we completely ignore and neglect
our Sacred Duties.
Furthermore, NONE OF THESE EARTHLY MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
CONTRIBUTES TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION UNLESS THEY ARE
CORRECTLY PUT TO USE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LOVE OF GOD
AND OUR FELLOW SINNERS.
Nevertheless, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE during this preparatory
period TO TURN TO GOD AND MAKE UP FOR THE PRECIOUS TIME
WE HAVE LOST, BY REPENTING OUR SINS AND STRIVING EACH
MOMENT OF THE DAY FOR A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
THROUGH FAITHFUL
WORSHIP,
PRAYER, FASTING AND
EVERYTHING THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
Although we realise what a difficult and almost
impossible Journey we must endure, we may rest
ASSURED IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS
INDEED POSSIBLE!
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 13TH SUNDAY
When contemplating what had happened to the Rich Young

Man, we often pay primary attention to the fact that he
chose not to follow Christ and had refused to give up
his wealth.
We also consider the comment of our Lord Jesus: It is
easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle,
than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of
God.
We often overlook the beginning of this story, when the
most significant of all questions is put to Christ our
Saviour : ...what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?
Our Lord responded by pointing out: ...Thou knowest the
Commandments... also mentioning several of the
Divine Commandments specifically that apply to every
34. 2 6 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 1 3 T H
OF
OF
ST LUKE THE RICH YOUNG RULER
one of us: ...Do not commit adultery; do not murder;

do not steal; do not bear false witness; Honour thy
Father and thy Mother...
And the Rich Young Man professed to have kept all these
since his youth.
Let us now contemplate our own life according to our
Lords Sacred Lesson:
Can we honestly respond with a clear Conscience: All
these things have I kept from my youth?
Do we strive constantly to obey the Ten
Commandments that were given to humanity as a
Foundation for our moral survival?
Can we place ourselves on the same level as the Rich

Young Man having lived since our earliest years
according to the Divine Will of Almighty God?
It is obvious to everyone what is happening around us in
society these days!
Adultery or fornication is ignored, overlooked or accepted
as normal, but it goes against every Divine Teaching
of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Divine
Commandments!
We allow the demands of the flesh to dominate our soul,
and we surrender to the desires and temptations
whereby the evil one lures and captivates us - whereby
he shackles and enslaves us.
When anyone tries to correct us or to steer us in the right
direction, we have many excuses to justify our wicked
self-indulgence that besmirches our natural creation
that distorts and disfigures our Sacred Image and
Likeness to God!
Unless God Himself has united a man and woman for the
purpose of Sacred Recreation and Harmony of soul, we
cannot unite ourselves to others as we desire but
should remain in a state of chastity, which requires our
immortal soul to dominate the demands of our weak
flesh.
Murder has become a daily occurrence - with all the media
reporting innumerable tragedies every day, to which we
have become so accustomed that we barely pay
attention!
Murders of the innocent are committed not only by
hardened criminals but also most abominably every day
of the year by thousands of women who undergo
abortions during which abortionists brutally mutilate
and dissect the tiny, extremely sensitive unborn infants,
who suffer indescribable torture but who are regarded
as nothing more than inconveniences to self-indulgent,
immoral and uncaring people!
Theft of every imaginable kind is also a common
occurrence even identity theft.
Thieves are from all strata of society as they ignore their
stifled Conscience, which enables them to even rob
churches of many articles such as Holy Icons, Service
Books, Holy Gospels, the Poor Box or from the clothing
and food donations to the poor and destitute
justifying themselves often with the excuse that they
needed these things for themselves and they were put
in the church for their own use!!
We are told that people have a difficult time making a
living, they lack money, employment, etc. But why is it
difficult to make a living or get employment - and why
do people always lack money?
It is because corruption and theft occurs at every level of
society!
Large-scale theft and corruption begins with small-scale
pilfering just like massacres begin with individual
murders.
Everything in the world is interconnected.
If the people steal, then theft and corruption will end up in
our government; and when the government robs the
people, then the people will steal from the state all of
whom will justify their actions with all kinds of
ridiculous excuses.
Not long ago, while visiting England, I went to a small town
in which there is a thirteenth century church.
Entering it, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the doors
were wide open, that there were neither guards nor
police, and on the Altar lay Liturgical Utensils
Chalices, Crosses, candlesticks, etc. on an ornately
decorated Altar Cloth.
Icons hung upon the walls, alongside of which were statues
of the Saints - and for some wonderful reason it had not
entered anyones head to steal any of this.
Moreover, the keepers of the church would not think of
placing guards there or setting an alarm, because trust
for one another is the basis of their village life.
Of course, we can say that we are not personally
responsible nor involved in what goes on around us
and we so self-righteously declare that we neither
murder nor steal yet we are doing so all the time!
We are all part of our local community.
We who are Orthodox Christians are God-bearing people,
to whom God has entrusted a Special Mission.
OF
However, these days unlike in the past centuries - our

Nation no longer lives by striving to keep all Gods
Commandments and Teachings.
We have surrendered to the demands of Satan by removing
all Crosses and any Signs of Christianity, as well as any
forms of Prayer and expressions of belief in the Power
and Unity of Almighty God from public places, schools
and universities in order ...not to offend... atheists,
Satanists, pagans or other non-Christians!
Thus we publicly deny the Lord our God!! We prefer not to
offend those in Spiritual Darkness and Death those
who hate God and His People but by doing so, we have
no regard nor fear for our Providential, Benevolent and
Almighty God Who grants us all His Goodness and
Blessings!
The moral and Spiritual Healing of society cannot begin
until a moral and Spiritual Rebirth of each individual
occurs of all those who stand at the pinnacle of
power, and those who are on our own ordinary level.
Only when society in general is willing to learn and to
follow Gods Divine Commandments and Teachings, will
we stop murdering each other - whether physically
especially our unborn children or spiritually by
defamation,
false
accusations
and
rumours,
scandalising, etc.
We will also stop robbing, cheating and deceiving one
another when we learn to respect our parents and those
who take care of us, who educate us and who guide us
correctly when we respect and honour the elderly, the
vulnerable and the weak and when we maintain our
chastity while unmarried, or we are United as man and
wife for the purpose of procreation by God.
Only under these worthy conditions and circumstance can
there be a Spiritual Rebirth of society!
The moral ideal of Christianity is very lofty, and there are
very few who are capable of fulfilling their Life in Christ
by living according to the requirements set forth for us
by the Holy Gospel of our Saviour.
Nevertheless, we should always keep in mind that although
our Lord Jesus said: ... it is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to
enter the Kingdom of God... He did not entirely
condemn worldly possessions nor monetary wealth, but
rather our obsession with the pursuit of wealth.
Those who break into homes, properties or churches to
steal whatever they desire and all too often badly
hurt or kill the families, the workers or the clergy do so
in their mindless, greedy and obsessive pursuit of
wealth!
And none of them can be justified by their lack money,
because many of us lack sufficient wealth to cover all
our daily or monthly expenses just like the majority of
people throughout history.
However, the lack of money is never a justifiable excuse for
any type of immoral act.
The lack of money is never an excuse to violate any of the
Divine Commandments and Teachings of God!
Wealth in and of itself cannot prevent us from entering the
Heavenly Kingdom - just as poverty in and of itself does
not guarantee our Entry either.
The Heavenly Kingdom of Love is granted to those who
share their worldly possessions and Blessings with
others - using whatever money and possessions we have
for good deeds, thereby fulfilling Holy Acts of
Charity/Love for others.
The Kingdom of God is granted not only to those who are
simply poor in worldly terms, but to those who are
poor in spirit, who hunger and thirst after
Righteousness, and who are pure in heart, as Christ
taught us.
We hear these Words at every Divine Liturgy, and every
time we hear them, we must pay attention, for they are
our Judgement - as well as that of our society as a
whole!
The Ten Commandments of God and all our Lord Jesus
Christs Teachings guide us and also will inevitably
judge us.
As Faithful, Struggling Disciples of Christ, we must make
every effort to fulfil all our Lords Teachings as well as
His Ten Divine Commandments, which still definitely
apply to us and which the Rich Young Man had
observed faithfully since his early years.
35
These Teachings and Divine Commandments are the very

solid, unshakable and Holy Foundation of our Life in
Christ that apply to every level and every aspect of our
daily life.
They apply to and profoundly affect our Relationships with
God and with family, friends and acquaintances, which
is the reason for God granting them to us and upon
which our Final Judgement will depend!
By making every effort to fulfil these Teachings and
Commandments ourselves, these moral norms will
gradually extend from us to all strata of society.
The Spiritual Transfiguration of society begins with the
Spiritual Transfiguration of each of us.
And once we have learnt to fulfill the basic
Commandments, we can strive to achieve the next Great
Step, which the Rich Young Man so sorrowfully was
unable to take.
However, God does not require everyone to distribute all

our worldly possessions amongst the poor and
destitute before taking up our Cross and following Him.
Instead we can make better use of our worldly possessions
for the benefit and comfort of the poor and destitute,
ensuring that whatever we begin, we must also finish.
In other words, if we make a commitment to feeding the
hungry, we must continue doing so, without fail, for as
many years as possible a lifelong commitment - and
then hand over the responsibility to others who will be
just as committed to the Sacred Task.
In this way we make good use of our own abundant
Blessings and we also take up our Cross and follow
Him.
Amen.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP - TRANSLATED FROM RUSSIAN
HTTP://WWW.PRAVOSLAVIE.RU/ENGLISH
ST IGNATIOS BRIANHANINOV ON LOVE
Love God as He commanded you to Love Him, and not as

self-deluded daydreamers think they love Him.
Do not fabricate raptures for yourself, do not excite your
nerves, do not inflame yourself with a material fire,
with the fire of your blood.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is Humility of heart contrition of spirit.
With wrath does God turn away from sacrifices offered with
self-confident presumption, with a proud opinion of
oneself, although the sacrifice be a whole burnt
offering.
Pride excites the nerves, heats the blood, arouses
daydreaming, enlivens the life of the Fall.
Humility calms the nerves, subdues the motion of the
blood, eliminates daydreaming, mortifies Falls, Enlivens
our Life in Jesus Christ.
Obedience before the Lord is greater than good sacrifice,
and submission than the fat of rams, said the Prophet
to the Israelite King who had dared to offer to God a
wrong sacrifice. (1 SAMUEL 15:22).
When you wish to offer to God the Sacrifice of Love, do not
offer it self-wilfully, from a thoughtless impulse. Offer
it with Humility, in that time and that place, which the
Lord commanded: "The Spiritual Place on which
Spiritual Sacrifices are commanded to be offered
alone is Humility" (ST PIMEN THE GREAT - ALPHABETICAL PATERICON).
The Lord marked those who Love and those who do not
Love by true and exact signs: If a man Love Me, he will
keep My Word. He who does not Loves Me, does not keep
My Sayings. (JOHN 14:23-24)
Do you wish to learn the Love of God? Shun every deed,
word, thought, and feeling forbidden by the Gospel.
By your enmity towards sin, which is so hated by All-Holy
God, you will show and prove your Love for God.
When due to weakness it happens that you fall into
transgressions, heal them at once by Repentance.
But it is better to strive not to allow yourself even these
transgressions, by strict Watchfulness over yourself.
Do you wish to learn the Love of God? Assiduously learn
the Commandments of the Lord in the Gospel, and
strive to fulfill them in very deed.
Strive to turn the Gospel Virtues into habits - into your
qualities. For a person who Loves, it is natural to fulfill
the Will of the Beloved with exactness: I have Loved
Thy Commandments more than gold and topaz:
therefore, I directed myself toward all Thy
Commandments; every path of unrighteousness have I
hated... said the Prophet. (PSALM 118:127-128 LXX)
Such conduct is indispensable for maintaining Fidelity to
God. Fidelity is the unalterable condition of Love.
Without this condition, Love is dissolved.
By the constant shunning of evil and fulfilling of the Gospel
Virtueswhich comprise the whole Gospel Moral
Teachingwe attain the Love of God.
And by this same means do we abide in the Love of God: If
you keep My Commandments, you shall abide in My
Love, said the Saviour. (JOHN 15:10)
The Perfection of Love consists of Union with God.
Advancing in Love is joined with inexpressible Spiritual
Consolation, Delight, and Enlightenment.
But in the beginning of the Struggle, the Disciple of Love
must undergo a violent Warfare with himself, with his
own deeply damaged nature - evil, which through the
Fall became innate to our nature, has become for it
a law, warring and revolting against the Law of God,
against the Law of Holy Love.
Love of God is founded on Love of one's neighbour.
OF
GOD
When the remembrance of wrongs is obliterated in you,

then you are close to Love.
When your heart is overshadowed by Holy, Grace-given
Peace towards all humanity, then you are at the very
Doors of Love. But these Doors are opened by the Holy
Spirit alone.
Love of God is a Gift from God in those who have prepared
themselves to receive this Gift by Purity of heart, mind,
and body.
The degree of the Gift is according to the degree of
Preparation, because God, even in His Mercy, is Just.
Love of God is entirely spiritual: ...that which is born of the
Spirit is spirit... (JOHN 3:6)
...That which is born of the flesh is flesh... It is carnal love
- something born of flesh and blood, which has
material, corrupt properties.
Carnal love is inconstant and changeable: its fire is
completely dependent on matter.
Our God is Fire - Carnal love is a fire - and feeling in
yourself a fire of natural love, do not think that this is
one and the same Fire. (HEBREWS12:29),
No! These Fires are at enmity with one another and are
swallowed up by one another: Let us serve in a manner
well-pleasing to God, with Reverence and Fear; for our
God is a Consuming Fire. (CF. LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT, STEPS
3 & 15 - HEBREWS 12:28-29).
Natural love - i.e. fallen love - heats our blood, excites our
nerves, and arouses daydreaming.
Holy Love cools our blood, calms both soul and body,
draws our inner being towards Prayerful Silence, and
immerses us in Holy Rapture through Humility and
Spiritual Delight.
Many Ascetics, having taken natural love for Divine Love,
excited their blood, and excited their daydreams also.
The condition of excitement passed very easily into a
condition of frenzy.
Many took those who were in a state of excitement and
frenzy for persons filled with Grace and Holiness, while
they were actually unfortunate victims of self-delusion.
There were many such ascetics in the Western Church
from the time it fell into heresy, in which Divine
Properties are blasphemously ascribed to a man, and
Veneration that is due and fitting to God alone is given
to a man!
Many of these ascetics wrote books from their excited
condition in which frenzied self-delusion seemed to
them to be Divine Love, in which their disordered
imagination painted for them a multitude of visions
that flattered their self-love and pride.
Brethren of the Eastern Orthodox Church: shun the reading
of such books, avoid following the precepts of those
who are self-deluded!!
Guided by the Gospel and Holy Fathers of the True Church,
ascend with Humility to the Spiritual Height of Divine
Love by the means of fulfilling Christ's Commandments
in deed.
Know firmly that Love for God is the Highest Gift of the
Holy Spirit, and we can only prepare ourselves through
Purity and Humility, for the receiving of this Great Gift,
through which mind and heart and body are changed.
In vain is the labour - fruitless and harmful is it - when we
seek to discover in ourselves High Spiritual Gifts
prematurely.
Merciful God grants them, in His own time, to the
constant, patient, humble fulfillers of the Divine
Commandments.
Amen.
36. 2 6
TH
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 13
TH
OF

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever,
and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos yet
Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole
Life to Christ our God. Amen.
30 November 2015
St Andrew the First Called Apostle of Christ
Also the Feast of St Frumentios, Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia St Vakhtang Gorgasali,
King of Georgia St Samuel of Georgia St Peter of Georgia
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE TONE
Os
As
first of the Apostles to receive the

Call, and very brother of the Prince of
them, intercede O Andrew, with the
Master of us all: Peace to all the world
to grant, and to our souls His Great
Mercy.
SEASONAL - ADVENT KONTAKION - EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
ton Apostolon Protoklitos, ke tou

korifeou aftadelphos, ton Despotin ton
olon Andrea iketeve, irinin ti ikoumeni
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon Mega
Eleos.
Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo

ethete apotekin aporritos.
Horeve, i ikoumeni,
akoutisthisa; Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon,
voilithenta apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon
Theon.
Today
the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth

Ineffably to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of
good cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with
the Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will it was to
be made manifest as a young Child the Pre-Eternal
God.
FESTAL MATINS HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING

THE CALLING
TO
HOLY SERVICE
OF THE
TO
ST MATTHEW 4 : 18 23
TWELVE APOSTLES
OF
CHRIST
OUR
GOD
At that time, our Lord Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee when He saw two brothers Simon, called Peter, and
Andrew, his brother casting a net into the sea - they were Fishermen. And He said to them: Follow Me, and I shall
make you Fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
And going on from there, He saw two other brothers James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother in the boat with
Zebedee, their father, mending their nets. And He Called them. Immediately they left the boat and their Father, and
followed Him.
And Jesus went about all Galilee, Teaching in their Synagogues, Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and Healing all kinds
of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 18 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
His Proclamation went forth into all the earth, and His Words to the ends of the world.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
FIRST EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are
strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and are
naked, and are buffeted, and have no dwelling-place. And we labour, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we
Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we Entreat. We are made as the filth of the world - the
offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. Although you have ten thousand instructors
in Christ, yet have you not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you. I beseech you,
therefore - be imitators of me.
Irony and sarcasm are bitter medicine, which St Paul
They endured all their humiliation and suffering for the
used on this occasion with full force.
Pure Joy of serving our Lord and Saviour thereby
The three parallel statements: ... we are fools... weak...
reconciling the fallen world to God.
dishonoured... were heaped upon each other in a
St Paul soothed the pain of his rebuke by reminding the
stinging series.
Faithful of his Spiritual Fatherhood to them.
The relative comfort of the Corinthians Christian
The Holy Church of Christ is similar to any other family
Community was contrasted with the persecuted,
with maturing children who need parental guidance.
poverty-stricken and uncertain lifestyle of the Holy
As Struggling Disciples of Christ, we who are the maturing
Apostles of Christ.
children, need our Spiritual Fathers to teach and
They endured all kinds and degrees of humiliation
guide us.
being treated as filth and even like the off-scourings
St Paul urged us as Faithful Disciples of Christ to imitate
yet, instead of retaliating in a similar fashion
him just as he ceaselessly strove to imitate our Lord
striking back in a similar manner at their persecutors
Jesus Christ.
the Holy Apostles and Faithful Disciples of Christ
responded with unconditional, Divine Love Agape!
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE
FORMER
DISCIPLES
OF
ST JOHN
THE
TO
ST JOHN 1 : 35 - 52
BAPTIST FOLLOWED
OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST
At that time, John stood with two of his Disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said: Behold! The Lamb of God!
And having heard him speak, the two Disciples followed Jesus.
Jesus turned, and seeing them following Him, said to them: What do you seek? They said to Him: Rabbi: (which is to
say, when translated: Teacher,) ... where art Thou staying? He said to them: Come and see.
They went and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day. (It was about the tenth hour.) Andrew, the
brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard John speak, and had followed Him.
ST ANDREW
THE
FIRST CALLED HOLY APOSTLE
OF
JESUS CHRIST
OUR
LORD
30 NOVEMBER 2015
37
Finding first his own brother, Simon, he said to him: We have found the Messiah! (which is translated: the Christ.) And
he took him to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said: Thou art Simon the son of Jonah. Thou shalt be called Cephas,
(which is translated: Rock.)
The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And He found Philip, and said to him: Follow Me.
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him: We have found Him of
Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote: Jesus, the son of Joseph of Nazareth! And Nathanael said to
him: Can anything Good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see!
Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, and said of him: Behold! Truly an Israelite - in whom there is no deceit!
Nathanael said to Him: How dost Thou know me? Answering Jesus said to him: Before you were called by Philip while under the fig tree, I beheld thee. Nathanael answered, and said to Him: Rabbi! Thou art the Son of God! Thou
art the King of Israel! Jesus replied, and said to him: Because I said to thee; I beheld thee under the fig tree, dost
thou believe? Thou shalt see greater Things than these!
And He said to him: Truly, truly, I say to thee: hereafter thou shalt see Heaven open, and the Angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of Man.
OUR LORDS FIRST DISCIPLES HAD BEEN FOLLOWERS OR DISCIPLES
The awesome title Son of Man is that of THE LONG-AWAITED
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST.
MESSIAH, WHICH HAD A LEVEL OF MYSTERY in its meaning,
They were ST ANDREW, ST (SIMON) PETER who was also
INDICATING SOMEONE OF HEAVENLY ORIGIN WHO WOULD
known as Cephas, (Petros or Rock), ST PHILIP AND ST
USHER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD:
NATHANAEL, who was also known as ST BARTHOLOMEW
DANIEL 7 : 24 25: ... One like the Son of Man was
and an unnamed Disciple whom our Holy Fathers
coming with the Clouds of Heaven, until He came
believe was ST JOHN, the author of this Holy Gospel
to the Ancient of Days and approached Him.
who always referred obliquely to himself, such as The
Then Dominion, Honour, and the Kingdom were
Disciple whom Jesus Loved.
given to Him, and all peoples, Tribes, and
It was a common literary device for writers not to use their
languages served Him.
His Authority is an
own names.
Everlasting Authority, which shall not pass away,
When our Lord referred to ST NATHANAEL as having no
and His Kingdom shall not be destroyed.
deceit He meant that his HEART AND SOUL WERE PURE and
In an Old Testament Prophecy, Jacob, the ancient
that HE WAS ALWAYS STRAIGHTFORWARD, TRUTHFUL AND
Patriarch, dreamt of A LADDER CONNECTING HEAVEN AND
HONEST - HAVING NO NEED OR DESIRE TO DECEIVE OTHERS.
EARTH, UPON WHICH THE ANGELS OF GOD WERE ASCENDING
Whatever occurred while St Nathanael was UNDER THE FIG
AND DESCENDING. (GENESIS 28: 12 15)
TREE is not stated.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THIS DIVINE LADDER WHO UNITES AND
CONNECTS US TO HEAVEN WHO MAKES OUR ASCENSION TO
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM BELIEVED that it WAS THE USUAL MEETING
PLACE OF ST PHILIP AND ST NATHANAEL, and that OUR LORD
HEAVEN POSSIBLE AND WHO IS THEREFORE, THE SON OF MAN,
WAS PRAISING ST NATHANAEL FOR BEING DILIGENT AND
AS WELL AS THE INCARNATE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD
CAREFUL IN THEIR SEARCH FOR THE DIVINE MESSIAH.
AND SON OF GOD.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS FOREKNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO SEE
INTO EVERYONES HEART AND SOUL OBVIOUSLY STIRRED ST
NATHANAELS SPONTANEOUS CONFESSION OF FAITH.
THE AMAZING MISSIONARY JOURNEYS
THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY - JUDEA TO CONSTANTINOPLE,

PONTUS, AND THE CAUCASUS: St Andrew first preached in
Judea to the Samaritans and in Gaza, which at the time
of Christ was inhabited by Greek Philistines.
After Gaza, he went to Lydda in Palestine, to Antioch, and
then to Ankara and Edessa, todays Urfa in Turkey,
which was an important centre for the first Christians.
Abgar, King of Edessa, became a Christian after receiving
the Holy Icon of our Lord, Made-Without-Hands.
This may have been first Christian Kingdom on Earth, circa
35 or 36 - shortly after the Crucifixion and Resurrection
of Christ.
St. Andrew went to the Greek city of Byzantium (later
Constantinople) in 36 and appointed the first Bishop, St
Stachys - one of the 70 Apostles.
He preached in Bithynia, Cappadocia and Galatia, up
through Greek Pontus, which today is northern Turkey,
before going to Georgia, Armenia and the Caucuses,
after which he returned to Jerusalem.
THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY: JERUSALEM TO CENTRAL
ASIA: St Andrews next Journey was quite different
although he initially followed the same route from
Jerusalem to Antioch, after which he took a ship to
Ephesus to meet St John the Beloved Apostle.
On the way the ship stopped (at the Cape of St Andrew) on
Cyprus for a few days because the crew and passengers
needed fresh water, and being a deserted place, St
Andrews went ashore and prayed until fresh, sweet
water poured forth from a rock.
After Ephesus, he went to Antioch, then to Nicea where he
stayed for some time. From there he went to Pontus
again, and to Georgia.
From Georgia, St Andrew travelled down to Parthia (Persia)
through Kurdistan, and then further to the Cynocefaloi
in the desert of Gedrozia (now Balochistan) near the
coast - the present Pakistan-Iranian border.
Cynocefaloi is translated as the dog-head people, who
were also spoken of in the Life of St Makarios, which
located the tribe in a desert far beyond Syria. (Also
identified as inhabitants of India or modern
Pakistan.)
St Christopher (known and depicted as dog faced)
came from the far side of the Persian Desert.
38.
ST ANDREW
THE
FIRST CALLED APOSTLE
OF
ST ANDREW
St Andrew visited the northeast region of Pakistan, where

some tribes slashed their cheeks from mouth to ear, so
that all the teeth showed. (Marco Polo saw this tribe,
whom he called the Cynocefaloi, as they looked like
round, flat faced mastiffs, having mutilated themselves
to look ferocious in order to protect themselves from
the constant invasions.)
After St Andrew visited these people and they had received
Holy Baptism, they stopped such mutilations.
In Deuteronomy it is forbidden to scar or mutilate the face,
which would have been part of the Apostolic Heritage
that St Andrew taught to such people.
When St Andrew first saw them he was horrified and fled to
the shore, but he smelled incense and realized that our
Lord had guided him there. And when the people went
to him, they were kind, and generously offered him
hospitality.
Often, those who encounter barbarian tribes with strange
customs, but who accept them as they are, in turn, are
accepted by the tribes - with real Love, kindness,
generosity and tenderness, which often happened to the
Apostles as well. The real problems endured by the
Apostles occurred when they were in the civilized
world - not amongst primitive peoples!
St Andrew went back through Pakistan and Afghanistan on
the Silk Road to Sogdiana, (Samarkand and Bokhara in
Uzbekistan) close to the ancient provinces of western
China. Routes from Siberia to China and India were
well-travelled.
The Proto-Bulgarians who followed the Huns had a church
dedicated to St Andrew, although after later invasions
they had to be re-Christianized.
The route from Sogdiana to the land of the Massagetae was
a route that Romans, Jews, and Greeks did not usually
use, but St Andrew went there and was accepted by the
nomads.
Ethiopian Coptic tradition believes that St Andrew also
travelled to Africa, which would have been possible only
after the First Apostolic Synod in 49 and then only on
a special Apostolic Mission, for at that time he was to
preach to the Greeks in Bithynia and to the eastern
Scythians.
OF
CHRIST 30 NOVEMBER 2015

2015 - November Sacred Lessons

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Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Sainted Unmercenaries and Wonder Workers, regard our

Anargiri ke Thavmatourgi, episkepsasthe tas

infirmities; freely you have received, freely share with

FESTAL KONTAKION THE HOLY UNMERCENARIES

tin Harin lavontes ton iamaton, efaploute tin rosin tis

received the Grace of Healing, and thus extend

ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton

EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS

O Protector of the Christians Unashamable, Mediator to

PROKEIMENON PSALM 15 TONE 4

OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 12 : 27 13 :

ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY WONDERWORKERS 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 We exhort you, Brethren: WARN

with burdensome things or all difficulties of daily

DEATH THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS

ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY WONDERWORKERS 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

In other words, NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS OF HADES CAN CHANGE

DEPARTED HAVE AN AWARENESS OF AND CONCERN FOR THE

fulfilment of the Old Covenant Passover and was

Only in His human Nature could Christ experience Death

occurred approximately two years after the Birth of

The human soul is immortal it never dies so it remains

ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS

Some people allege that confessing our sins to God in the

Early Churches consisted of gatherings of Faithful in small

What is definitely NOT TAUGHT IN HOLY SCRIPTURE IS PRIVATE

IS PROVED BY GOOD WORKS I.E. OUR FAITH MUST

TRUE FAITH MUST ALWAYS SEEK FORGIVENESS for and

MOST CERTAINLY DOES EXIST AND CONSEQUENTLY, THE

order for fulfil these requirements and to make

THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST EFFECTS HEALING PHYSICAL

ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY WONDERWORKERS 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS

ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS &

St Kosmas and St Damianos, and their pious mother, St

St Kosmas and St Damianos are the Patron Saints of the

VANVES: LIFE & TEACHINGS

Elder Sergei taught that Repentance was the ...beginning,

ASIA MINOR HOLY UNMERCENARY WONDERWORKERS 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

FESTAL APOLYTIKION SYNAXIS ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS TONE 4

Ouranion Stration Arhistratigi, disopoumen imas imis i

Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke

ye Foremost of the Heavenly Hosts, we who are

The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal

FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING

HOLY ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS - 8 NOVEMBER 2015

and thus seek and receive Divine Forgiveness - thereby, Eternal

Thus at the beginning of any Holy Endeavour, we must

PROKEIMENON PSALM 103 TONE 4

Who makes His Angels Spirit; His Ministers a Flaming Fire!

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, Thou art Magnified!

JAIROS DAUGHTER & ST VERONICA - THE

ALL AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS EXCLUSIVELY IN THE

CONTROL OF AND ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.

1 K I N G S 2:6: The Lord takes away life and grants

It should be understood that God is neither destructive nor harmful

OF ONE ESSENCE WITH GOD THE FATHER, OUR LORD

HOLY ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS - 8 NOVEMBER 2015

Thus the mundane becomes Extraordinary or Sanctified by God

one of the Mosaic Laws in order TO SEEK A CURE FOR