THE EASTERN ORTHODOX THREAD (Page 44 of 47)
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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We all have to die, beloved brethren, and it will be hard for us if, while we are in this world, we do not love each other, if we are not reconciled to our enemies, whom we have offended, and if one has grieved another, if we do not forgive him. Then we will not have eternal blessedness in that world, and the heavenly Father will not forgive our sins. St. Peter of Cetinje Holy Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Lebanon(293) Aquilina was twelve years old when she suffered for theLord. She suffered and was crowned with a martyr's wreath in the year 293. St. Triphyllius, Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus St. Anna of Larissa in Thessaly and Her Son John (5th c.) Holy Martyr Antonina of Nicaea (284-305) St. Antipater, Bishop of Bostra in Arabia (458) St. Andronicus (1395), Disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh, and St. Sabbas (1410), Abbots, of Moscow New Hieromartyr Anthimus the Georgian, Metropolitan of Wallachia (1716) St. Alexandra, Foundress of Diveyevo Convent (1789) Synaxis of New Martyrs and Confessors of Zaporozhie (Ukraine) Greek cal.: Martyr Diodorus of Emesus Memory of Venerable James Ten Thousand Martyrs New Hieromartyrs Alexander Arkhangelsky, priest (1918), Dimitri Smirnov, archpriest (1940), and martyr Pelagea (Zidko), nun (1944) Romans 11:25-36 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins." 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobediencе, that He might have mercy on all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?" 35 Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?" 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. NOTE 11:25-27 The mystery which explains the unbelief of so many Jews is that the Gentiles are now being united to the remnant of the faithful Jews, and thus this body of believers together form the true Israel. (In Gal 6:15, 16, St. Paul calls those "in Christ Jesus" the "Israel of God," which is the Church.) This true Israel is not based on biological ancestry but on faithfulness to God's De- liverer, the Messiah. In this understanding, all Israel will be saved (v. 26). 11:30–32 Paul reminds the Gentiles that they have no superiority over the Jews, for both Jew and Gentile were subject to disobedience, and both receive salvation only through God's mercy. 11:36 This benediction ends the first part of Romans, which has laid the theo- logical foundation of our communion with God in Christ and clarified the re- lationship between Jew and Gentile in Christ. From this point forward, Paul uses this doctrinal base to address pastoral issues facing believers in Rome in their attempts to live out this faith in daily life. Forever is literally "unto ages of ages." Matthew 12:1-8 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" 3 But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? 6 Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. 7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. NOTE 12:1, 2 The Pharisees are rigid in their legalism. While the Law allowed plucking a few heads of grain in a neighbor's field (Dt 23:25), they consider it "reaping" and therefore unlawful on the Sabbath. 12:3-5 Providing OT examples of blameless "violations" of the Sabbath, Jesus demonstrates the law is not absolute over human need or service to God. The partaking of the showbread by David and his men (1Kg 21:5-7) prefigures the Eucharist, which in the OT was forbidden to anyone except the priests, but in Christ is given to all the faithful. 12:6-8 As the Author of the Law, Jesus is Lord over all of it. As Lord, He teaches that mercy takes precedence over regulations, ordinances, and ritualistic ob- servances. HOMILY on the path of life and the path of death There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12). It sometimes appears to man that the way of the godless is right, for he sees that the godless man obtains riches and succeeds. Oh, if it were only given to him to see the end of that path! He would be horrified and would never tread on that path. If the end of a path is destruction, can it be the right way? Therefore, O man, do not say that a way is right if you do not see its end. You ask: how can I, a weak and shortsighted man, perceive the end of a long path? In two ways: by reading Holy Scripture within the experience of the Orthodox Church, and by observing the end of the path of life of those around you and who die before you. However, the first way is the more reliable one, and if you adhere to it, know that you will not stumble into the night of eternal death. Only that path is right which is shown by God as right. All other ways that appear right to your mind, but which do not coincide with the way of God, are wrong and deadly. Behold, even the beasts have their paths, but would you travel those paths if they seemed right to you? Do not go, for in the end you will fall into the hungry jaws of the beasts. And the path shown by God, even if it appears wrong to you, is right-therefore travel by it. The path of God occasionally seems wrong to us because of our sins. If we were without sin and if our minds were not distorted by sin, it would not be possible for us, even for a moment, to conceive that another path is right except God's path. To a distorted mind, many wrong paths seem right, and the only right path seems wrong. O All-seeing Lord, our Guide, correct our minds, that we not be de- tained on false paths. O Jesus, Thou art the only Way, Truth and Life, and what we invent apart from Thee is the wrong way, a lie and death. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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O Lord, bless In all things that you find in the Holy Scriptures, seek out the purpose of the words, that you may enter into the depth of the thoughts of the saints and understand them with greater exactness. Do not approach the reading of the Divine Scriptures without prayer and asking the help of God. Consider prayer to be the key to the true understanding of that which is said in the Holy Scriptures. St. Isaac the Syrian Prophet Elisha The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the ninth century before the Birth of Christ, and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord he was called to prophetic service by the holy Prophet Elias. When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, "Ask what shall I do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: "Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me." The Prophet Elias said, "You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so" (4 [2] Kings 2: 10). As they went along the way talking, there appeared a fiery chariot and horses and separated them both. Elisha cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" (4 Kings 2: 12). Picking up the mantle of his teacher which fell from the sky, Elisha received the power and prophetic gift of Elias. He spent more than 65 years in prophetic service, under six Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived, he did not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome him (Sirach 48: 13 ["Sirach" is called "Ecclesiasticus" in Catholic Bibles ]). The holy prophet worked numerous miracles. He divided the waters of the Jordan, having struck it with the mantle of the Prophet Elias; he made the waters of a Jericho spring fit for drinking; he saved the armies of the kings of Israel and Judah that stood in an arid wilderness by bringing forth abundant water by his prayer; he delivered a poor widow from death by starvation through a miraculous increase of oil in a vessel. This Shunamite woman showing hospitality to the prophet was gladdened by the birth of a son through his prayer, and when the child died, he was raised back to life by the prophet. The Syrian military- commander Namaan was healed from leprosy but the prophet's servant Gehazi was afflicted since he disobeyed the prophet and took money from Namaan. Elisha predicted to the Israelite king Joash the victory over his enemies, and by the power of his prayer he worked many other miracles (4 Kings 3-13). The holy Prophet Elisha died in old age at Samaria. "In his life he worked miracles, and at death his works were marvellous" (Sir. 48: 15). A year after his death, a corpse was thrown into the prophet's grave. As soon as the dead man touched Elisha's bones, he came to life and stood up (4 Kings 13: 20-21). The Prophet Elisha and his teacher, the Prophet Elias, left no books behind them, since their prophetic preaching was oral. Jesus, son of Sirach, praised both great prophets (Sir. 48:1-15). John of Damascus composed a canon in honor of the Prophet Elisha, and at Constantinople a church was built in his honor. Julian the Apostate (361-363) gave orders to burn the relics of the Prophet Elisha, Abdia (Obadiah) and John the Forerunner, but the holy relics were preserved by believers, and part of them were transferred to Alexandria. In the twentieth century, the humble priest Nicholas Planas had a great veneration for the Prophet Elisha, and was accounted worthy to see him in visions. St. Methodius the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople (847) St. John, Metropolitan of Euchaita (1100) Venerable Niphon St. Julitta (Julia) of Tabennisi in Egypt (4th c.) St. Mstislav-George, Prince of Novgorod (1180) St. Methodius, Founder of Peshnosha Monastery (1392), Disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh St. Niphon, Monk, of Kapsokalyvia, Mt. Athos(1411) St. Elisha, Monk, of Suma (Solovki) (15th-16thc.) Synaxis of the Saints of Diveyevo Greek cal.: Hiero-Martyr Cyril, Bishop of Gortyna on Crete (cа. 303) New Hieromartyrs Joseph, priest, and Nicholas Vinogradov, archpriest (1918), Alexander Parousnikov, archpriest, Paul Ivanov, priest and Nicholas Zapolsky, deacon (1938) New Martyrs Basil Ritskok, archpriest; Johannes Kraav, Joann Segejev, Arteemi Vapper and Nicholas Leisman, priests; Basil Astanin and Peter Koslov, deacons; Marthe Leisman, Joann Logovski, Theodore Pettai and Anne Pettai Romans 6:11-17 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. NOTE 6:11 A shift in emphasis comes here, from what Christ has done for us (vv. 1-10) to our response to Him (vv. 11–14). Reckon is an action verb, relating to faith: we lay hold of our union with Christ and thereby lay hold of every virtue. 6:12 The command to not let sin reign proves that sin's power over man is not absolute. Rather, it is something we allow by our free will. Man's will was the first aspect of human nature damaged through sin, and therefore it is the first thing Christ heals. His healing allows us to make true choices against sin. While sin continues to plague humanity, those who are baptized into Christ have the power to overcome sin through their union with Him. Lusts refers to all the passions of the flesh and spirit that make demands on the will. In Christ, a person can resist and defeat these lusts through righteous exercise of the will. 6:13 Instruments (lit. "weapons of war") are in this case various aspects of human nature, especially the body. Though God created our members good, we may use them to serve either of two rulers, sin or God. For those who live out their baptism, the choice is clear. Matthew 8:14-23 14 Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. 16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:"He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." 18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." 20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." 21 Then another of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." 22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." 23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. NOTE 8:14-17 This passage and 1Co 9:5 (where Peter is called Cephas) indicate Peter was married. Our Lord's healing miracles are diverse. In this case, He heals by touch; in v. 13, He healed by a word. This healing is immediate and complete; others are gradual (Mk 8:22–25) or require the cooperation of the person healed or of his loved ones (Lk 8:54, 55). As the quotation in v. 17 indicates, all of Christ's miracles manifest His redemption of ailing humanity. 8:20 Since the term Son of Man refers to the Messiah (Dan 7:13), it expresses both His humanity and His divinity. Here it refers to Christ's human condition; in 25:31-33 it describes His divine authority. 8:21, 22 Jesus is not negating the command to honor parents, but is teaching us to put the things of the Kingdom as the highest priority. Those who ignore this priority are spiritually dead. HOMILY on humility as a precursor of glory ...and before glory is humility (Proverbs 15:33). Here the word is about true glory and not false glory, about glory that is eternal and not about glory that dies. Glory that is of man is glory that dies, but glory that is of God is eternal. Those whom men glorify are not glorified, and those whom God glorifies are glorified. Our Lord said to the Jewish scribes: How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only? (John 5:44). See how our Lord makes a distinction between the glory from men and the glory from God? And about Himself, He said: I re- ceive not honor from men (John 5:41). He who seeks glory from men travels the path of pride, and he who seeks glory from God travels the path of humility. No one is glorified by God without humility. The saints of God were the most humble servants of God. The Most-holy Theotokos was adorned with over- whelming humility. Her being chosen as the Mother of God is attrib- uted to her great humility: For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden (Luke 1:48). But the humblest of the humble was our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Setter of the contest. During His earthly life humility always preceded glory. Brethren, it must also be that way in our life if we desire true glory. For if humility does not precede glory, glory will never come. O Lord Jesus, Model and Teacher of humility, our only glory and the Glorifier of all the humble and meek, inspire us with Thine inexpressible humility. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Originally Posted By Marie: Just found out that my priest's retirement has been delayed to Nov. 1 as his replacement can't make it until then. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
Joined:
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Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude. St. John Chrystotom The Holy Prophet Amos The Holy Prophet Amos, third of the 12 Lesser Prophets, lived during the VIII Century before the Birth of Christ. At this time the Hebrew nation was divided into two kingdoms: the Judean and the Israelite. The Judean king Hosiah ruled in Jerusalem, but the 10 separated Israelite tribes were ruled by Jeroboam II, an idol-worshipper. At Bethel he set up an idol in the form of a golden calf, which they worshipped, having rejected the True God of the Israelites. The Prophet Amos was a Judean, native to the city of Thekui. Simple and untaught, but strongly fervent of faith and zealous for the glory of the True God - the shepherd was chosen by the Lord for prophetic service and sent to the Israelite kingdom for the purpose of denouncing the impiety of King Jeroboam, and the Israelites for falling away from God. The prophet predicted for them a great misfortune, which would befall the Israelite kingdom, and the pagan nations surrounding it, for their impiety. Because of his denunciations, the Prophet Amos repeatedly suffered beatings and torture. But he again returned to Bethel, and threatening inevitable misfortunes, he continued to call the Israelites to repentance. The pagan-priest Amasiah of the idolatrous temple in particular hated the prophet. The prophet predicted for him and all his household a speedy destruction and for this he was subjected to a beating. The son of Amasiah, Hosiah, struck the saint on the head with a club and seriously wounded him. The Prophet Amos, still alive, reached his native village and there he died in about the year 787 before the Birth of Christ. Holy Great-Martyr Lazar, Prince of Serbia Lazar was one of the Serbian noblemen who ruled the Serbian empire after the death of Tsar Dušan. After the death of Tsar Uroš, Patriarch Ephraim crowned Lazar as the Serbian Tsar. Lazar sent a delegation with the monk Isaiah to Constantinople to implore the patriarch to lift the anathema from the Serbian people. He fought against the Turkish powers on several occasions. Finally, on June 15, 1389, he clashed with the Turkish Emperor Amurat at Kosovo Polje [the Field of Blackbirds], where he was beheaded. His body was translated to and interred in Ravanica, the monastery he founded near Ćuprija, and was later translated to [New] Ravanica in Srem, and from there, during the Second World War (1942), it was translated to Belgrade and placed in the Cathedral Church of the Holy Archangel Michael, where it rests today incorrupt, extending comfort and healing to all those who turn to him with prayer.*) St. Lazar restored the monasteries of Hilandar [Mount Athos] and Gornjak. He built Ravanica and Lazarica [in Kruševac] and was a benefactor of the Russian Monastery of St. Panteleimon [Mount Athos] and many other churches and monasteries. *) In 1989, on the 600th anniversary of his martyrdom, St. Lazar's relics were again translated to the Monastery of Ravanica in Ćuprija.- Trans. Holy Martyrs Vitus (Guy), Modestus and Crescentia, at Lucania (ca. 303) Venerable Martyr Dulas of Cilicia (305-313) St. Ephraim II, Patriarch of Serbia (1395) Blessed Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (430), and his Mother St. Monica of Tagaste (387) St. Cedronus, Patriarch of Alexandria (107) Martyr Hesychius the Soldier, of Dorostolum, and Two Others, in Moesia (302) St. Orsiesius of Tabennisi (ca. 380), Disciple of St. Pachomius the Great Blessed Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium (420) St. Abraham, Abbot, of Auvergne (Gaul) (477) St. Dulas the Passion-Bearer, of Egypt (5th c.) Translation of the Relics (9th c.) of St. Theodore the Sykeote, Bishop of Anastasiopolis (613) St. Michael, First Metropolitan of Kiev (992) St. Spyridon, Patriarch of Serbia (1388) Synaxis of the New Martyrs of Serbia Monk-Martyrs Gregory, Abbot, and Cassian, Monk, of Avnezh Monastery (Vologda) (1392) St. Symeon, Archbishop of Novgorod (1421) St. Jonah, Metropolitan of Kiev, Moscow, and All Russia (1461) Sts. Sergius and Barbara of Oyatsk, Monastics (1477-1480), Parents of St. Alexander of Svir Greek cal.: Apostles Fortunatus, Achaicus, and Stephanas (1st c.) "Marianica" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Venerable Jerome Holy Martyr Graus Romans 6:18-23 (Epistle) 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NOTE 6:18 Set free from sin: see vv. 1-14 and notes. 6:1-14 notes: Opponents of St. Paul twisted his summary of God's past dealings with humanity, and instead applied it to individuals. They accused him of saying, "Sin increases grace, so let us increase sin!" (3:8 paraphrased). This argument misses the fact that a person must be allied with one side or the other. If one is willfully living in sin, he cannot experience union with God. Even if grace is increasing, he is destroying himself, and for that he is responsible. Increase of grace honors God when its power leads us to become dead to sin. 6:2 To have died to sin does not mean our human nature has died. Rather, it means we are no longer held captive by it. We are to be immovable towards sin as something dead would be. 6:3, 4 Freedom from sin is grounded in the sacrament of holy baptism. Ignor- ance of what happens when we are baptized is a great enemy. Through this ignorance, many are defeated in their battle against sin. What Christ accom- plished on the Cross-an actual death to sin-baptism accomplishes in us: an actual death to sin and our liberation from its power. Because our baptism into Christ gives us power over sin, it is an exact likeness of His death. Bap- tism does not merely "stand for" this truth, but is itself our death to sin. Slaves of righteousness: See note for v. 16. 6:16 note: Though we choose our master freely, we are always a slave to someone or something. Only obedience to God leads us to righteousness, making us heirs of salvation rather than slaves of sin (8:14-17). 6:19 Human terms are the images of slavery by which Paul expresses the fallen human condition, for God does not want us as slaves but as children (see 8:14-–17). If previously we served sin so well, certainly we are now em- powered to serve righteousness even more effectively. 6:21 While one is enslaved to sin, one does not know enough even to be ashamed of it. But having received the gospel, one realizes how shameful the life of sin is and can clearly see its end: death. 6:22 Slavery to God, initiated by baptism, is actually freedom Only this freedom can bear the fruit of holiness and everlasting life. 6:23 Wages are something earned; thus death is earned by man through his sins. Eternal life is never earned, but is a gift. No human actions, no mat- ter how good or noble they may seem, can earn eternal life, for it is only through the grace and love of God that life everlasting is given to us. Matthew 8:5-13 (Gospel) 5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." 7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." 8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come, and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it. 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour. NOTE 8:5 A centurion (a Gentile) commanded 100 men in a Roman legion. Jesus is the Savior of all, and in Him ethnic distinctions are void. 8:7 I will come has been read as a question by many Greek scholars: "Shall I come?" Regardless, Jesus is ready to deal graciously with this Gentile and even to enter his house, which would make Him unclean in the eyes of the Jews. 8:8, 9 The centurion expresses unusual faith in calling Jesus, who is a Jew, Lord. The statement, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof," is frequently quoted in liturgical texts as an ideal expression of humility. 8:10 Twice in the gospels it is said of Jesus that He marveled: (1) at the unbelief in His hometown of Nazareth (Mk 6:6), and (2) at the belief of this foreigner. 8:11, 12 Here Jesus nullifies any ideas of ethnic superiority. The rejected sons of the kingdom are both the Jews who deny Christ and those raised in the Church who do not live their faith; outer darkness and weeping and gnashing are de- scriptions of the state of the unrighteous dead in Sheol (Hades) in the Jewish tradition (Enoch 103:8). They are common expressions in Matthew (13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30), and also occur in Luke (Lk 13:28). HOMILY on the poor man and his Creator He who mocks the poor, blasphemes his Maker (Proverbs 17:5). If you are wealthy, in what are you wealthy, if not in the property of God? The things which constitute your wealth-whose are they, if not God's? Therefore, if you take pride in what you possess, you are taking pride in the property of another; you are taking pride in that which is loaned to you by God. Why do you then mock the poor man, who has less of someone else's property in his hands? Why do you mock him if he has borrowed less from God than you? If he has taken less, he owes less; and you who have taken more owe more. Not only should you not mock the poor man but you should admire him. Behold, he struggles on the battlefield of this world with much less means than you. Both of you are soldiers, but you fight as a soldier abundantly equipped with all that is necessary, and he fights naked and hungry. If both of you succumb and surrender to the enemy, he will be judged more le- niently than you. However, if you are both victorious, he will receive a greater reward than you, and his victory will be more celebrated than yours. He who mocks the naked and hungry soldier mocks his king. He who mocks the poor defames his Creator. If you know that the poor man's Creator is your Creator, the one and the same, you will not mock him. If you know that the poor man stands in the same military regi- ment as you, you will cover him, feed him, and bring him closer to yourself. O Omnipotent Lord, boundless is Thy wisdom in the economy of Thy creation. Illumine us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may marvel at that economy and behold all of Thy creatures with reverence and love, beholding them through Thee. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
|
Originally Posted By Anastasios: What happened with the replacement? Originally Posted By Anastasios: Originally Posted By Marie: Just found out that my priest's retirement has been delayed to Nov. 1 as his replacement can't make it until then. Moving from another state, it seems, and needed more time. |
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Originally Posted By Marie: Moving from another state, it seems, and needed more time. Originally Posted By Marie: Originally Posted By Anastasios: Originally Posted By Marie: Just found out that my priest's retirement has been delayed to Nov. 1 as his replacement can't make it until then. Moving from another state, it seems, and needed more time. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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EE: 100% (2)
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Attached File What's the meaning of this piece? This masterpiece is Christ in Majesty (originally titled The Saviour in Strength), painted by the famous Russian iconographer Andrei Rublev in 1408. The piece serves as a complex theological summary of the Second Coming of Christ and His rule over the cosmos. Rather than being a simple portrait, every shape and color holds a specific symbolic meaning: The Geometric Shapes The Red Diamond (Inner Shape): Represents the fire of divinity and the spiritual world. It encapsulates Christ as the divine savior sitting upon His heavenly throne. The Dark Circle/Oval (Middle Shape): Symbolizes the infinite cosmos, the firmament, and the heavenly hosts (angels and seraphim) that dwell beyond human sight. The Red Square/Rectangle (Outer Shape): Represents the earth and its four corners. Inside the tiny corners of this square, iconographers typically depict the symbols of the four Evangelists (Matthew as a man, Mark as a lion, Luke as an ox , and John as an eagle) who spread Christ's word to the world. The Garments and Book The Clothes: Christ wears golden and glowing garments. The gold represents His eternal kingship and divine glory. The Right Hand: Lifted in a gentle gesture of blessing toward the viewer. The Open Book: Christ holds the Gospels open, presenting the divine wisdom and spiritual law given to judge and guide humanity. Historical Context Rublev painted this massive icon for the iconostasis (the large wall of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary) inside the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, Russia. Centered right above the altar's Royal Doors, it was designed to give worshippers a powerful, awe-inspiring window into the heavenly realm. A Reader's Guide to Orthodox Icons If you are interested in exploring further, I can explain how Rublev's unique artistic style broke away from harsher Byzantine art traditions, or I can break down the symbolism behind his most famous work, the Holy Trinity icon. Which would you prefer? YouTube Patristix Let's break down the symbolism of the Holy Trinity icon! Attached File Artist: Andrei Rublev Year: 1411 or 1425-27 Medium: Tempera Dimensions142 cm × 114 cm (56 in × 45 in) Location: Old Katholikon of the Trinity Lavra in Sergiyev Posad, Russia Andrei Rublev's Holy Trinity icon (also known as The Hospitality of Abraham) is widely considered the pinnacle of Russian iconography. Wikipedia +1 Painted in the early 15th century, the icon subtly uses the Old Testament story of three angels visiting Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:1-8) to visually explain the mystery of the Triune God: three distinct persons sharing one divine essence. YouTube Patristix +2 Rather than showing God the Father as an old man and the Holy Spirit as a dove, Rublev paints three identical angels to emphasize their absolute equality, unity, and oneness. EWTN Global Catholic Television Ne... +1 Identifying the Three Figures Scholars and theologians read the figures from left to right in their standard doxological order: Soul Shepherding Left Figure: God the Father The Clothing: He wears a brilliant, almost translucent gold or orange cloak over a blue tunic. The gold represents celestial glory and kingship. The Posture: He sits upright, initiating the silent conversation. He raises His hand to bless the chalice on the table. YouTube Patristix +3 Middle Figure: God the Son (Jesus Christ) The Clothing: He wears the heavy reddish purple of humanity and royal priesthood, paired with a bright blue cloak representing His divinity. This highlights His dual nature as fully God and fully man. The Posture: He bows His head slightly toward the Father. His hand gestures toward the cup, showing His voluntary submission to sacrifice Himself for humanity. YouTube Patristix +4 Right Figure: The Holy Spirit The Clothing: He wears a light green cloak over a blue tunic. In Orthodox iconography, green is the color of new life, growth, and renewal. The Posture: Like the Son, He inclines His The Posture: Like the Son, He inclines His head toward the Father, from whom the Spirit proceeds. YouTube Fr. Mark Goring +3 The Tree (Behind the Son): Represents the ancient Oaks of Mamre, but also symbolizes the Tree of Life and foreshadows the wooden cross of the Crucifixion. YouTube Fr. Mark Goring +1 The Mountain (Behind the Spirit): Represents Mount Moriah, symbolizing spiritual ascent, holiness, and the quiet sanctuary of prayer guided by the Spirit. YouTube Fr. Mark Goring The Sacred Geometry The Perfect Circle: If you trace the outer contours of the three angels, they fit into a perfect geometric circle. The circle has no beginning and no end, symbolizing eternity. YouTube Patristix The Movement of Love: The bowing heads and flowing garments create a circular motion that draws your eyes from one figure to the next. This visualizes perichoresis-the eternal, loving dance and mutual indwelling of the Trinity. St. Michael Orthodox Church | Bea...+1 The Chalice (The Cup): At the center of the table sits a single chalice containing a calf's head (representing the Old Testament sacrifice). The space between the contours of the left and right angels actually forms the shape of a massive cup, enclosing Jesus right inside it-symbolizing the Eucharist (Holy Communion). YouTube Patristix +2 The Open Space: At the very front of the table, there is a visible opening. Rublev intentionally left this side open to invite the viewer to sit down and take a place at the divine table. YouTube Patristix +2 |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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If a person wants to get an idea about the pyramids of Egypt, he must either trust those who have been in immediate proximity to the pyramids, or he must get next to them himself. There is no third option. In the same way a person can get an impression of God: He must either trust those who have stood and stand in immediate proximity to God, or he must take pains to come into such proximity himself. St. Nikolai of Ohrid and Zhicha Holy Martyrs Manuel, Sabel and Ismael, of Persia, at Constantinople (362) Manuel, Sabel, and Ishmael were brothers born in Persia to a pagan father and a Christian mother. They were educated in the spirit of Christianity and were baptized. As Christians, they were high-ranking officials at the court of King Alamundar. They were sent to Emperor Julian the Apostate to conduct negotiations and to confirm peace between the Persian and Graeco-Roman empires. The apostate emperor arranged a blasphemous celebration in honor of the idols in Chalcedon. At this celebration, the emperor, along with his noblemen, offered sacrifices to the idols. The Persian emissaries absented themselves from this celebration. The emperor summoned them and ordered that they also take part in the celebration and offer sacrifices to the gods. They declared that they were foreign citizens and that they came as emissaries of the Persian king for the sake of establishing peace between the two empires and not for anything else; that they were Christians and that they considered it unworthy to worship dead idols and to offer them sacrifices. The emperor became enraged and cast them into prison. The next day, he brought them out and again began to dispute the Faith with them, but the holy brothers were adamant and unwavering. They were then bound naked to trees, beaten, and scraped with an iron brush. During their torture, they prayed to God with thanksgiving for their tortures: "O sweet Jesus, these torments are sweet for the sake of Thy love!" An angel of God appeared to them, comforted them, and removed every pain from them. Contrary to all rules of international relations, the wicked Emperor Julian finally pronounced judgment that the three brothers be beheaded. When they were beheaded, there was a great earthquake. The earth split and received the bodies of the holy martyrs so that the pagans could not burn their bodies, as directed by the emperor. The earth later gave up the bodies of these martyrs so that Christians could find them and honorably bury them. Over their relics, many miracles occurred, and many pagans converted to the Christian Faith. When the Persian king heard how Julian had inhumanly given his emissaries over to death, he prepared an army against him. Convinced of victory, Julian set out against the Persian Empire, but he was overwhelmingly defeated and perished in shame to the joy and laughter of the entire world. Venerable Pior and Joseph, of Scetis (4th c.), Disciples of St. Anthony the Great Pior was a hermit in Nitria. Inflamed with love for God, Pior renounced the world at an early age and withdrew to the Egyptian desert, where he heroically lived a life of asceticism. It is said that he never sat at the table to eat but always ate, standing and working. When asked why he did this, St. Pior replied: "I do not want to concern myself with eating as an occupation but rather as something marginal." When they called him to a council to judge a brother who had committed a sin, Pior arrived carrying a sack of sand on his back and a small bag of sand on his chest. Asked what it meant, the saint replied: "The sack of sand on my back represents my sins, which I do not see, and the bag of sand on my chest represents the sins of my brother, whom I have to judge." All the brethren were then ashamed and cried out: "This is the path of salvation!" Pior lived to be a hundred years old and reposed in the Lord in the fourth century. Romans 14:9-18 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. NOTE 14:13-21 A mature conscience in Christ knows that no food is unclean of itself, and also knows it must use discretion so as not to be a stumbling block to others. We behave righteously to be (1) acceptable to God and (2) approved by men (v. 18). Matthew 12:14-16, 22-30 14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. 15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. 16 Yet He warned them not to make Him known, 22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon- possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, "Could this be the Son of David?" 24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, "This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons." 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. NOTE 12:16-21 Our Lord's refusal to fully disclose His identity as Messiah is foreseen by Isaiah (Is 42:1-4). The reasons for secrecy include: (1) the growing hostility of the Jewish leaders; (2) the people's misunderstanding of the Messiah as an earthly, political leader; and (3) our Lord's desire to evoke genuine faith not based solely on marvelous signs. 12:22–30 Beelzebub, or Baal, was the prince of "the dung heap" or lord of "the flies"-a god worshipped by the Philistines (4Kg 1:2-16). Here, he is called ruler of the demons (v. 24). The impossibility of demons fighting against them- selves illustrates the irrational pride and envy of the Pharisees in their opposition to Jesus. HOMILY on the punishment of those who bear false witness The false witness will not go unpunished and he who utters lies will perish (Proverbs 19:9). God and all the hosts of heaven see everything that happens in the world. Therefore, how can man conceal the truth from so many wit- nesses of the truth? And not only do the heavenly hosts see the truth but they are also zealous for the truth. Therefore, how can a mortal man go against the truth, which means, against the myriads of heav- enly zealots for the truth? In truth, darkened in the mind is the one who thinks that he can conceal the truth and proclaim a lie instead of truth. When millions of discerning angels know the truth, can a man conceal the truth? Can someone rise up against the truth and not be punished? O my brethren, there is nothing more false than falsehood! Nothing more unsuccessful! Nothing more arrogant! Nothing more insane! God and all the hosts of heaven see that which occurs inside a man. A man's guardian angel especially sees it. And this guardian angel does not tolerate a man's bringing forth from himself and about himself that which is not in him. If a man remains persistent in his lie, his angel will abandon him and will turn him over completely to the spirits of falsehood. Then, woe to that man! Of what benefit is it to witness falsely against the entire world, if his angel will witness truthfully against him before God and the hosts of heaven? It would be better for that man if he had not been born. For, whoever lies, lies to the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God leaves the liar in darkness and death. O Lord of Truth, sustain us by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may never witness falsely. Make Thy holy truth sweet to us and remove false words from our tongue. To Thee be glory and praise for- ever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Do not say: "I have sinned much, and therefore I am not bold enough to fall down before God." Do not despair. Simply do not increase your sins in despair and, with the help of the All-merciful One, you will not be put to shame. For He said, "he who comes to Me I will not cast out." (John. 6:37) And so, be bold and believe that He is pure and cleanses those who draw near to Him. St. Gennadius of Constantinople Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenaries Martyrs Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs, at Rome (284) Cosmas and Damian were unmercenary physicians and miracle workers. These two saints were brothers born in Rome. As children, they were baptized and brought up in the Christian spirit. They possessed abundant grace from God to heal men and livestock from every disease and suffering, usually by the laying on of hands. They sought no reward for their efforts, only requiring the infirm to believe in Christ the Lord. They compassionately distributed their inheritance of a large estate to the poor and those in need. At that time, Emperor Galerius was on the throne in Rome. Before Galerius, persecutors of Christianity brought these two holy brothers bound in chains. After prolonged interrogation, Galerius ordered them to deny Christ and offer sacrifices to idols. Cosmas and Damian not only refused to obey the emperor but counseled him to abandon the lifeless idols and recognize the One True God. "Our God is not created, but rather He is the Creator of all. Your gods are the inventions of men and the work of the hands of mere craftsmen. If you did not have craftsmen to make your gods, you would have no one to worship." After Cosmas and Damian had worked a miracle upon the emperor himself, they miraculously cured him of a grave infirmity, the emperor proclaimed his faith in Christ and released the holy brothers in peace. Cosmas and Damian continued to glorify God and heal the sick, and they were themselves glorified by the people on all sides. Envious of their glory, a certain doctor, a former teacher of theirs, led them into the mountains under the pretext of gathering healing herbs and stoning them to death. They suffered honorably for the Christian Faith in the year 284. Their memory remains eternal in the Church on Earth, and their souls took up their habitation in the Kingdom of the Lord to live eternally in glory and joy. Venerable Peter the Patrician, Monk, of Constantinople (865) Holy Martyr Potitus, at Naples (2nd c.) Sts. Julius and Aaron, ProtoMartyrs of Wales, at Caerleon (ca. 304) St. Gallus, Bishop of Clermont (551) St. Eparchius the Recluse, of Angouleme, Aquitaine (581) St. Servanus, Apostle of Western Fife, East Scotland (6th c.) St. Basil, Founder of the Monastery of the Deep Stream in Cappadocia (10th c.) Holy Martyr Constantine the Wonderworker and those with him, of Cyprus (Late 12th c.) St. Leontius, Bishop of Radauti in Moldavia (1432) Second Translation of the Relics (1470) of St. John of Rila (946) from Turnovo to Rila St. Angelina (Brankovic), Despotina of Serbia (16th с.) Greek cal.: 25 Martyrs in Nicomedia Two Thousand Martyrs Twenty-Five Martyrs in Nicomedia Memory of Venerable Leo the Hermit Romans 15:7-16 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:"For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name." 10 And again he says:"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!" 11 And again:"Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!" 12 And again, Isaiah says:"There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope." 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. NOTE 15:9-12 From the OT Scriptures, Paul demonstrates the unity in Christ between Jew and Gentile that was foretold. 15:14–16 Paul recognizes that his lengthy letter to Rome-a church he did not found -is bold in teaching and counsel. He seeks to soften possible offense by expressing confidence in the Romans' own gifts, and by referring to his special commission from God to be the apostle to the Gentiles, including those at Rome (see 1:13-15; Acts 23:11). 15:16 Minister is literally "liturgist" (Gr. leitourgos); ministering is doing the work of a priest. Offering (Gr. prosphora) is a reference to the eucharistic liturgy, in which bread is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Paul uses this imagery to speak of the Gentiles themselves, who are being offered to God as the Body of Christ and are sanctified through that offering, just as the bread is sanctified in the liturgy. Matthew 12:38-45 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." 39 But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. 43 When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation. NOTE 12:38 After so many signs, the Pharisees show their wickedness by demanding yet another. Jesus does not cater to those who demand a sign out of wicked intent. The only sign to them will be His Passion and Resurrection. (See note at Lk 23:8, 9.) 23:8, 9 Herod sees Jesus as a novelty. Christ's silence is an act of compassion, for revealing divine mysteries in the face of such blasphemy would have brought Herod even greater condemnation. St. Ambrose sees Herod as a figure representing all unrighteous people who, if they do not recognize Jesus as the Christ, will never understand His words nor recognize His miracles. 12:39 Adulterous generation echoes the illustration used for Israel by the prophets when Israel was unfaithful to God (Jer 2; Hos 2:2-13). 12:43–45 When the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt, they did not repent of their impure ways, and an unclean spirit took up residence in their hearts (Dt 31:20; Ps 105:34-39). Thus, we guard our hearts. Unless there is full repentance and the Holy Spirit dwells in a person, an expelled demon will return with others and reoccupy its abode. HOMILY on God's indebtedness He who has compassion on the poor lends to God and He will repay him for his good deed (Proverbs 19:17). The poor man who begs and the rich man who gives—both make the Lord their debtor, but only under the condition that the poor man begs in the name of the Lord and with humility and that the rich man gives in the name of the Lord and with compassion. Everyone who receives should know that he receives that which belongs to God, and everyone who gives should know that he gives that which belongs to God. Such giving has a price and such receiving has a price. All of us enter this world naked, and naked we shall leave this world. All of us are beggars before the Lord, for we possess nothing that we have not received from the Lord. Therefore, give to the poor man as God has given to you. You take what is another's and you give to your own when you give alms. The poor man is closer to you than all of your goods, just as to God, the Creator of men, every man is incomparably more precious than all of his goods. If you have been given riches, they have been given to you for temptation: that your heart be tempted! That God and all the heavenly hosts might see whether you have understood whence are all your riches and why they were given to you. Blessed are you if you know that your goods are from God and belong to God! Blessed are you if you consider the poor as your companions, as members of your family, and share with them that which God has entrusted to you! Oh, how immeasurable is God's love for mankind! Behold, all that you have belongs to God, and yet God considers Himself your debtor if you take from Him and give to the poor, and He will repay you for your good. What kind of mercy can be compared to this? O man-loving Lord, open our minds to understand the mystery of Thy mercy, and soften our hearts like wax, that as wax they may burn and shine with the reflection of Thine inexpressible mercy! To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Originally Posted By Marie: Thanks for the prayers on my job search. I had a great interview Monday, was offered and accepted the job today. Start Wednesday. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Some passions are bodily, other spiritual. Bodily passions have their sources in the body, while spiritual ones come from external things. But love and temperance cut out both the one and the other: Love cuts out spiritual passions, and temperance bodily ones. St. Maximus the Confessor The Holy Apostle Jude St. Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles. He was the son of Joseph and Salome*) and the brother of James, the brother of the Lord. Joseph the carpenter had four sons with Salome: James, Hosea, Simon and Jude. This Jude is sometimes called "Jude, the brother of James" due to his brother being better- known (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13). St. Jude begins his epistle in this manner: Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James (Jude 1:1). Even though he could call himself the brother of the Lord as much as James, he did not do this, out of humility and shame, for he did not at first believe in Christ the Lord. When the elderly Joseph, before his death, wanted to leave a portion of his estate to Jesus, as well as to his other children, all of them protested, even Jude. Only James voluntarily set aside a share of his portion and intended it for Jesus. Jude is also called Levi and Thaddaeus. There is another Thaddaeus of the Seventy Apostles (August 21), but this Thaddaeus or Jude was one of the Great Apostles. Jude preached the Gospel throughout Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Idumea, Syria, Arabia, Mesopotamia and Armenia. In Edessa, the town of Abgar, he augmented the preaching of the other Thaddaeus. When Jude was preaching in the regions around Ararat, he was captured by pagans, crucified on a cross and killed by being shot with arrows, that he might reign eternally in the Kingdom of Christ. Venerable Paisius the Great, of Egypt (400) Paisius was an Egyptian by birth and language. After a vision in a dream, his mother dedicated him to the service of God. As a young man, Paisius came to the Venerable Pambo, who received him as his disciple and as a fellow disciple of the Venerable John the Dwarf, who later wrote the life of Paisius. To the joy of his spiritual father, Paisius added labor to labor and ascetic feat to ascetic feat. Many times the Prophet Jeremiah, whom he especially loved and often read, appeared to him. Angels of God also often appeared to him and even the Lord Christ Himself. "Peace be with thee, my beloved chosen one!" the Lord Christ said to him. By the great grace of God, Paisius possessed the special gift of abstaining from food. Often he did not taste bread for fifteen days, more often for a week, and once, according to the testimony of St. John the Dwarf, he went for seventy days without partaking of anything. He waged a great struggle with the spirits of evil, who appeared to him at times exactly as they are and at times in the form of radiant angels. But the blessed servant of God did not permit himself to be deceived and beguiled. Paisius was famous throughout Egypt as a clairvoyant and miracle-worker. He took up his habitation in eternity in the year 400. The Venerable Isidore of Pelusium translated the relics of Paisius to his monastery and honorably buried them. Holy Martyr Zosimas the Soldier, at Antioch in Pisidia (116) Venerable John the Solitary, of Jerusalem (586) St. John (Maximovitch), Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco (1966) Holy Myrrh-bearer Mary, Mother of Apostle James (1st c.) St. Macarius of Petra (4th c.) St. Zeno, Hermit, of Egypt (Late 4th c.) St. Romuald, Abbot of Camaldoli (Ravenna) (1027) St. Barlaam, Monk, of Shenkursk (1462) St. Job, Patriarch of Moscow (1607) St. Paisius the Bulgarian, of Hilandar, Mt. Athos (Late 18th c.) Greek cal.: Hiero-Martyr Asyncretus Romans 15:17-29 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written:"To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand." 22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. NOTE 15:18 The fulfillment of both preaching and faith is righteous works done by those obedient to God. 15:20–24 Paul's missionary work involved preaching mostly in virgin territories (v. 20). While the Church in Rome had been flourishing for some time, Spain (v. 24) was unevangelized. 15:27 The Jewish Christians have passed on to the Gentiles the great gift of the gospel. In return, the Gentiles are bound to share their material things with them (1Co 9:11). Matthew 12:46-13:3 46 While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. 47 Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You." 48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother. 1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. NOTE 12:46–50 Christ's relatives have not yet understood His identity and mission. He points to a spiritual family based on obedience to the will of My Father (v. 50). In Jewish usage, brother can indicate any number of relations. Abram called his nephew Lot "brother" (Gn 14:14); Boaz spoke of his cousin Elimelech as his "brother" (Ru 4:3); and Joab called his cousin Amasa "brother" (2Kg 20:9). Christ Himself had no blood brothers, for Mary had but one Son: Jesus. The brothers mentioned here were either stepbrothers, sons of Joseph by a previous marriage, or cousins. Indeed, Jesus commits His mother to the care of John at the Cross (Jn 19:25–27), which would have been unthinkable if Mary had had other children to care for her. HYMN OF PRAISE The Venerable Paisius the Great Paisius the Great from the earliest age Closed the doors of all desires behind him. He lifted his spirit up to God, his only desire, Like all the great saints of old. The monks asked the wondrous Paisius: "Which virtue is most pleasing to God?" "That which is hidden!" said Paisius to them, "And that which is made known is not pleasing to God." When Paisius had glorified God by his life, The glorified Lord Christ appeared unto him: "Peace be to thee, O Saint. What dost thou wish? Tell me. According to thy wish, so will it be. Ask and receive!" When he heard these words from the Lord, Paisius gave himself over to weeping like a child. "O gentle Lord, a man of great sin am I, And because of my many sins I am greatly downcast. According to Thy mercy, forgive me my sins, All my sins, O God, from my early youth. And grant me strength for future times, That with new sins I will not burden my yoke, That to the end of my life I may do Thy will And burn for Thee with greater love." The Lord fulfilled for him this wise desire, And granted a blessing to His saint. REFLECTION The monks once inquired of Paisius the Great: "Father, speak to us a word of salvation. How should we live according to God?" The elder replied to them: "Go and keep the commandments of God and preserve the tradition of the Fathers." The tradition of the Fathers is the experience of the saints in the spiritual field, the enormous experience of nearly two thousand years, the experience of many hundreds and thousands of holy men and women. What an extremely rich depository of wisdom! What an immense mass of proofs of every truth of Holy Scripture! All that wealth, all that wisdom, all those proofs, all that experience, the Protestants have rejected! Oh, what inexpressible madness! Oh, the poverty of beggars! HOMILY on revenge and the Avenger Say not, I will repay evil! Trust in the Lord and He will help you (Proverbs 20:22). Do not be vengeful; do not return evil for evil. The evil from your neighbor is sufficient. If you return evil for evil to him, you will double the evil in the world. If you do not return evil for evil to him, he can still burn away his evil through repentance. Thus, through patience and forgiveness, you will reduce the evil in the world. Do not be vengeful; do not return evil for evil, but wait on the Lord. He sees and remembers, and in your own time both you and he who does you evil will know that God sees and remembers. You ask yourself: What have I done in not returning evil for evil? You have done the wisest deed that you could do in the given situation, i.e., you have relinquished your struggle to the One stronger than yourself, and the stronger One will fight victoriously for you. If you enter into battle with the evildoer, you might be defeated. But God cannot be defeated. Therefore, relinquish your struggle to the victorious and undefeated One and patiently wait. Learn from a small child. If someone attacks a child in the presence of his parents, the child does not return the attack by attacking, but rather looks to his parents and cries. The child knows that his parents will protect him. How is it that you do not know what a little child knows? Your heavenly Parent is constantly beside you. Thus, do not be vengeful; do not return evil for evil; rather look to your Parent and cry. Only in this way will you guarantee victory for yourself in the conflict with evil men. Almighty Lord, Who didst say: Vengeance is Mine (Romans 12:19, Hebrews 10:30), protect us from the unrighteous ones by Thine almighty hand, and restrain us from vengeance. Counsel us by Thy Holy Spirit that the greater heroism is to endure rather than to avenge. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Falsehood - and only falsehood - separates us from God... False thoughts, false words, false feelings, false desires - Behold the aggregate of lies that leads us to non-being, illusion, and rejection of God. St. Nicholai of Ohrid and Zhicha The Holy Hieromartyr Methodius, Bishop of Patara Methodius dedicated himself to asceticism from his youth, and like a city on a hill he was seen and called to the episcopacy in the city of Patara in Lycia. As a learned and eloquent hierarch, Methodius wrote against the heresy of Origen. His "God-inspired words shone throughout the entire world like lightning." The pagans rose up against him, tortured him and beheaded him in Chalcis in Syria in the year 311. The Holy Martyrs Aristocleus, Dimitrian and Athanasius Aristocleus was a priest of the cathedral church in the town of Tamasus on Cyprus and lived a God-pleasing life. Because of his great zeal for the Faith, Aristocleus was made worthy to hear a voice from heaven instruct him to go to Salamis in Cyprus and receive the wreath of martyrdom. The deacon Dimitrian and the reader Athanasius accompanied him. Arriving in Salamis, these men of God began to preach Christ. The pagans seized them and, after torture, beheaded Aristocleus, but Dimitrian and Athanasius they burned alive, in the year 306. The Venerable Nahum of Ohrid Nahum's principal feast is celebrated on December 23, while June 20 is his summer feast. (See his life on December 23.) During the summer feast there is a great assembly of people at the Monastery of St. Nahum. Many sick people come or are brought there to receive healing over the relics of the saint through faith and prayer. Not only Orthodox but also people from other faiths come to seek help from St. Nahum. In 1926 a Muslim from Resna brought and donated a bell to the monastery out of thanksgiving for St. Nahum's having healed his brother and having restored him from his deathbed to life. The donor was Jemail Zizo and his brother who was healed was called Suleiman Zizo. Both were prominent citizens of Resna. St. Callistus I, Patriarch of Constantinople (1363) St. Leucius the Confessor, Bishop of Brindisi (Italy) (5th c.) Blessed Studios, Founder of the Studion Monastery (5th c.) Translation of the Relics (1st-2nd c.) of Martyrs Inna, Pinna, and Rimma, Scythian Disciples of Apostle Andrew, to Alushta (Crimea) Martyrs Paul, Cyriacus, Paula, Felicilana, Thomas, Felix, Martyrius, Vitaly, Crispinus, and Emilius, in Tomis, Moesia (290) Translation of the Relics and Garments (ca. 960) of Apostles Luke, Andrew, and Thomas, Prophet Elisha, and Martyr Lazarus to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople St. Minas, Bishop of Polotsk (1116) Right-Believing Prince Gleb Andreyevich of Vladimir (1175) St. Nicholas (Cabasilas) (1391-1397) Translation of the Relics (1630) of St. Gurias, Archbishop of Kazan (1563) Finding of the Relics (1959) of New Hiero-Martyr Raphael, Hieromonk, of Mytilene (1463) Memory of Two Anonymous Ascetics of the desert Romans 16:1-16 1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. NOTE 16:1, 2 Phoebe was a leading Christian woman who was both a deaconess (servant here is lit. "deaconess") and involved in missionary work. St. John Chrysostom notes that Paul holds her in the highest esteem, as he names her first. "He has added her rank by mentioning her being 'deaconess," and he recognizes "her as being a saint." 16:3 Priscilla and Aquila were a married couple, Jewish business people, and Paul's coworkers (see Acts 18:18, 26). 16:6–9 This passage is read on days commemorating the departed. 16:7 Prisoners: We know of no imprisonment of Paul in Corinth, where Romans was likely written. According to St. John Chrysostom, Paul is not referring to literal imprisonment, but to his subjection to all kinds of persecution and afflictions (2Co 6:4-10). Matthew 13:4-9 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear! NOTE 13:3–9 In the OT, metaphors of sowing and harvesting are common (Ps 125:5; Jer 38:27- 30; Hos 2:21-23; Joel 3:12-14), as this was a part of daily life. Here, Jesus reveals Himself as the promised Messiah, the sower in the earth, who had been foretold in Is 55:10-13. HOMILY on how our salvation is in the hands of God The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but salvation is in the Lord (Proverbs 21:31). We are obligated to prepare ourselves, but our success depends on God. All of our preparation is only as a proposal to God, and it is not the preparation that determines the outcome, but God. That is why, based on their experience, people wisely say: Man proposes but God disposes. O soldier of Christ, prepare your mind as a good horse, arm your heart with virtues, temper your will with asceticism; but know that salvation is in the Lord. O merchant of Christ, trade well every day, exchanging the material for the spiritual, the earthly for the heavenly, and mortality for immortality; but know that salvation is in the Lord. O plowman of Christ, plow and re-plow your soul, sow the good seed of the Gospel in it every day, clear the weeds out the field of your soul, watch over it; but know that salvation is in the Lord. A horse did not help Pharaoh in the Red Sea. Neither did the riches of Babylon help in the day of reckoning with God. A person can have prepared everything, but in the decisive moment he can still lose all. For salvation is not in preparation, but in the Lord. That is why the saints, even though they were most prepared for the Kingdom of God, sighed in the hour of their death, not knowing whether they would be received into the Kingdom. Oh, how well they remembered the words of the Lord: When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10). Brethren, let us be prepared for the day of temptation, well girded and armed, but let us not hope in our own preparation, but in the Lord. O Lord our Savior, help us and save us. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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When you want to direct someone toward the good, first put him at peace bodily and honor him with words of love. For nothing inclines such a man to shame and induces him to cast of his vice and be changed for the better as do bodily goods and honor, which he sees in you. Then, with love tell him a word or two, and do not be inflamed with anger toward him. Do not let him see any cause of enmity toward you. For love does not know how to lose its temper. St. Isaac the Syrian The Holy Martyr Julian of Tarsis The Holy Martyr Julian of Tarsis was born in the Asia Minor province of Cilicia. He was the son of a pagan senator, but his mother confessed Christianity. After the death of her husband the mother of Saint Julian resettled to Tarsis, where the son was baptised and raised in Christian piety. When Julian reached age 18, a persecution against Christians started under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Among others arrested was also Saint Julian. They brought him before the governor Marcian for trial, where for a long time they urged him to renounce Christ. Neither tortures nor threats, nor promises of gifts and honours could convince the pious youth to offer pagan sacrifice and a denial of Christ. The holy confessor remained steadfast in his firm faith. For a whole year they led the martyr through the cities of Cilicia, in each of them subjecting him to interrogation and tortures, after which they threw him in prison. The mother of Saint Julian followed after her son and prayed, that the Lord would strengthen him yet more in faith and act. In the city of Aegea under the pretext of urging her son to offer sacrifice to idols, she besought the governor to permit her to visit the prison. She spent three days in prison with Saint Julian, beseeching him to be strong to the end. Saint Julian was again brought to stand before the governor. Thinking, that the mother had persuaded her son to submit to the imperial decree, the governor began to praise her prudence. But suddenly the saint boldly confessed himself a Christian. And the holy Martyr Julian all the more fearlessly and boldly denounced the pagan polytheism. The governor then gave orders to cut off the feet of the mother of Saint Julian, since she had accompanied her son from Tarsis. They tied the Martyr Julian into a sack, filled with sand and poisonous vipers, and threw it into the sea. The body of the sufferer was carried by the waves to the shores of Alexandria, and with reverence was buried by a certain pious Alexandrian Christian. The martyr's death occurred in about the year 305. Afterwards the relics of the holy martyr were transferred to Antioch. Saint John Chrysostom honoured the memory of the holy Martyr Julian with a sermon of laudation. 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. Venerable Julius, Priest, of Novara, and his Brother St. Julian, Deacon (5th c.) Holy Martyr Archil II, King of Georgia Holy Martyr Luarsab II, King of Kartli in Georgia Hiero-Martyr Tertius (Terence) Apostle of the Seventy, Bishop of Iconium (1st c.) St. Cormac of the Sea, Abbot, of Durrow Monastery (Ireland) (ca. 590) St. Raoul (Rudolph or Ralph), Abbot, and Archbishop of Bourges (Gaul) (866) Holy Martyr Aphrodisius in Cilicia Martyr Theodore, Right-Believing Prince of Starodub (1330) New Martyr Nicetas of Nisyros, Near Rhodes, at Chios (1732) New Hiero-Confessor George (Lavrov), Archimandrite, of Kaluga (1932) New Hieromartyrs Paul Ouspensky, Priest, and Jonah (Sankov), Hieromonk, of Alpatievo (Moscow) (1938) Uncovering of the Relics (1996) of St. Maximus the Greek, of Russia (1556) Greek cal.: Martyr Julian and his Wife Basilissa, and with them Martyrs Celsius, his Mother Marcianilla, Anastasius, the Priest Anthony, Seven Brothers, and Twenty Prison Guards, of Antinoe in Egypt (283-305) Hieromartyr Tertius (Terence) apostle of the Seventy Romans 8:14-21 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. NOTE 8:14-17 Christians are adopted as children of God (v. 16) and therefore heirs (v. 17) of the same Kingdom Christ inherited when He ascended in the flesh into heaven. This standing is given by grace; what Christ inherited by His own nature, we receive as a gift. Our adoption (v. 15) is a fact of our baptism. Yet it rests on us to receive the love of this adoption by continuing in faith and turning constantly toward God. The experience of this adoption allows us to address God with the intimate term Abba, which means "Papa" (v. 15; see Gal 4:5-7). 8:15 The spirit of bondage refers to a return to the law. Israel feared God as a slave would fear a strong master. Under the new covenant, we are no longer slaves but by adoption are part of God's family, the Church. 8:17 Joint heirs with Christ reveals that everything Christ is by nature, the Father gives to us by grace. See the article, "Deification" at 2 Peter. 8:18 Note the contrast between sufferings and glory. As Christians, we have God's glory in us, though His glory is not fully revealed (see also Col 3:3, 4). In the Orthodox Church, the icon of the Incarnation, the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, is on the left side of the door to the altar, while the icon of Christ as Ruler is placed on the right side. Thus we proclaim that Christ has come first in the Incarnation and will come again in glory as Ruler and Judge. We learn that we live in a tension between our present and future experience of the Kingdom, one marked by both sufferings and glory. 8:21 Glorious liberty is the resurrected life the children of God will experience in the age to come. Then our wills, free from the corruption of the flesh, will be at liberty to follow God completely. Matthew 9:9-13 9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. 10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. NOTE 9:9–13 Matthew is also named Levi (Mk 2:14). Roman overlords assigned specific areas to Jewish tax collectors, who were free to collect extra revenues for their own profit. Their collaboration with the occupying Romans, their fraud, and their corruption caused other Jews to hate them and to consider them unclean (11:19). Jesus dining with them and accepting a tax collector as a disciple ("Follow Me") offends the Pharisees, yet Christ's defense is simple: He goes where the need of the physician is greatest. "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" (v. 13; Hos 6:6) is not a rejection of sacrifice per se, but shows that mercy is a higher priority (see Ps 50). 9:9–13 This passage is read on November 16, the Feast of the Apostle Matthew. HOMILY on sowing and reaping He who sows iniquity reaps misfortune (Proverbs 22:8). If you commit iniquity, misfortune may pass you by on the very day you commit the iniquity, but misfortune has heard the voice of iniquity and will unavoidably come in its own time. Some sowing is sweet, but the harvest is bitter. Some sowing resembles life, but the fruit and harvest of that sowing is death. Pay heed and learn from Holy Scripture: Eve sowed iniquity through disobedience, and pain in childbirth befell her. Cain sowed iniquity through fratricide, and pain and sleepless wandering throughout the earth befell him. Sodom and Gomorrah sowed iniquity, and reaped the pain of a horrible death. The sons of Eli the High Priest sowed iniquity, for they defiled themselves near the Ark of the Covenant, and they reaped suffering, for they bitterly lost their lives in battle. Call to mind Saul, his iniquity and his sufferings. And again, call to mind Ahab and Jezebel. And again, call to mind Herod and Judas. And again, call to mind today and yesterday and the day before yesterday and every other day gone by, and listen to the words of every day: He who sows iniquity reaps misfortune! Is there a village in the world that does not have this teaching before its eyes? Is there a roof that does not conceal beneath it such knowledge? Is there any man living who has not witnessed this teaching in the living examples around him? O All-wise Lord, if we did not know Thy will we would be less responsible. But since Thou gavest us to know Thy will, O All-merciful One, grant us the strength to fulfill it throughout all the days of our lives. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
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Compass and I went to Vespers then did Confession tonight. (my 1st since Baptism) If you would have told me 8 or 10 years ago that was going to be my plan on the evening of the most important birthday America would have in my lifetime, I probably could not have laughed any harder...... its amazing the change in us God can accomplish if we're open to it. Im very humbled and thankful. Glory to Jesus Christ. <3 |
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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When you have been insulted, cursed, or persecuted by someone, do not think of what has happened to you, but of what will come from it, and you will see that your insulter has become the cause of many benefits to you, not only in this age, but in that which is to come. St. Mark the Ascetic The Priestmartyr Eusebios, Bishop of Samosata The Priestmartyr Eusebios, Bishop of Samosata, stood firmly for the Orthodox confession of faith confirmed at the Ist OEcumenical Council at Nicea in the year 325. For this he underwent persecution by the Arians, being repeatedly deprived of his cathedra and banished into exile. The emperor Constantius (337-361), patron of the Arians, having learned that Saint Eusebios kept a conciliar decree about the election to the Antioch cathedra of the Orthodox Archbishop Meletios, sent him a command to give up the decree. The saint boldly refused to do as ordered. The enraged emperor sent a message, that if he did not give up the decree, then his right hand would be cut off. Saint Eusebios stretched out both hands to the emissary with the words: "Cut them off, but the Decree of the Council, which doth denounce the wickedness and iniquity of the Arians, I will not give up". The emperor Constantius marveled at the audacity of the bishop, but did him no harm. After Constantius, there reigned Justin the Apostate (361-363). Even more difficult times ensued - there began an open persecution against Christians. Sainted Eusebios, having concealed his dignity, went about in the garb of a soldier across the whole of Syria, Phoenicia and Palestine, urging Christians to the Orthodox faith. He established priests and deacons in desolated churches, he put hands upon bishops renouncing the Arian heresy. After Julian the Apostate perished, there ruled the pious emperor Jovian (363- 364), during which time the persecutions stopped. Having returned from exile, Archbishop Meletios upon the advice of Saint Eusebios convened a Local Council at Antioch in the year 379. In it participated 27 bishops, and it re-affirmed the Orthodox teaching of faith accepted at the Ist OEcumenical Council. The Arians, fearing the steadfast defenders of Orthodoxy - Sainted- hierarchs Meletios, Eusebios and Pelagios, who had great influence with the emperor, put their signatures under the conciliar definition. After the death of the emperor Jovian began the rule of the Arian Vanlentus (364-378). The Orthodox were again subjected to persecution. Saint Meletios was banished to Armenia, Saint Pelagios - to Arabia, and Saint Eusebios was condemned to exile in Thrace. Having received the imperial decree, Saint Eusebios left Samosata by night so as to prevent tumult among the people that esteemed him. Having learned about the departure of the bishop, believers followed after him and with tears entreated him to return. The saint refused to fulfill the entreaty of those who had come, saying that it was necessary to obey the existing authorities. The saint urged his flock to hold firm to Orthodoxy, blessed them and set off to the place of exile. The Arian Eunomios was put upon the Samosata cathedra, but the people did not accept the heretic. The Orthodox would not go to the church and avoided meeting with him. The heretic Arian perceived, that it was impossible to entice the independent flock to him. The emperor Gracian (375-383) came upon the throne, and there were brought back from exile all the Orthodox hierarchs banished under the Arians. Saint Eusebios also returned to Samosata and continued with the task of building up the church. Together with Saint Meletios he supplied Orthodox hierarchs and clergy to Arian places. In about the year 380, he arrived in the Arian city of Dolikhina to establish there the Orthodox bishop Marinos. An Arian woman flung a roof tile which struck the head of the sainted-bishop. In dying, he on the example of the Saviour asked her for wine and requested those around not to do her any harm. The body of Sainted Eusebios was taken to Samosata and with lamentation he was buried by his flock. In place of the saint was raised up his nephew, Blessed Antiokhos, and the Samosata Church continued to steadfastly confess the Orthodox faith, firmly spread through the efforts of the holy Priestmartyr Eusebios. C 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. Holy Martyrs Zeno and his servant Zenas, of Philadelphia in Arabia (Amman) (304) Holy Martyrs Galacteon, Juliana, and Saturninus, of Constantinople St. Alban, ProtoMartyr of Britain (ca. 304) St. Athanasius, Bishop of Chytri on Cyprus (4th с.) St. Paulinus the Merciful, Bishop of Nola (431) 1,480 Martyrs of Samaria in Palestine (ca. 615) St. Basil, Abbot, of Patalaria Monastery (8th-9th c.) St. Athanasius III, patriarch of Antioch St. Anastasia (Anna) of Serbia, Mother of St. Sava (1200) St. Gregory, Metropolitan of Wallachia (1834) Romans 10:1-10 1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. 5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 "or 'Who will descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. NOTE 10:1-3 Paul wishes nothing but good for Israel, but their zeal is not based in truth. If they had merely been ignorant in their rejection of Christ, then their offense would certainly be pardonable. However, theirs was more than ignorance, for it was not that they simply did not know Christ, but they were bent on establishing their own righteousness rather than submitting to the righteousness of God. In other words, they trusted in themselves and their works and rejected the way of faith when it was presented to them. 10:4 Christ has always been the way of salvation in both testaments. The law prepared people for Him, while His coming was the end of the law and the fulfillment of God's righteousness. 10:5–13 The way of the law and the way of faith are contrasted. Whereas mere obedience to the law has always failed, faith in Christ brings salvation. Faith does not doubt (vv. 6, 7), but trusts in Christ. Faith makes God near to the believer (v. 8). Faith transforms the whole person, heart, soul, mind, and body (vv. 9, 10). 10:9, 10 This confession and belief are more than simply mental acknowledgment that something is true. Rather, this belief refers to placing one's whole trust in the resurrected Christ and living with Jesus as one's Lord. Only the giving of the whole self to Christ is belief unto righteousness. Matthew 8:28-9:1 28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs." 32 He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. 1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. NOTE 8:28–34 The demons, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, are surprised that their power is being terminated before the time of the last judgment. Though the malice of the demons is great, they can do nothing against the will of God, and thus can only enter the swine at Christ's command. The immediate destruction of the herd shows that the men had been protected by God's care; otherwise, they would have perished under the demonic influence. Further, it reinforces that swineherding was not lawful for the Jews, and shows the incomparable value of human beings, whose salvation is worth every sacrifice. 9:1 Jesus' own city is Capernaum (4:13). HOMILY on how the slothful man excuses himself The slothful man says: A lion is outside (Proverbs 22:13). In order to justify his slothfulness, the slothful man emphasizes the difficulties and obstacles of a certain task and magnifies them beyond measure. If a man annoys him, he will say that the entire village annoys him; if the leaves rustle, he will claim that he is unable to go to work because of a storm; if a rabbit is in front of his house, he will say it is a lion! He says this in order to avoid leaving his house, and to delay his work. Slothfulness is completely contrary to the nature of man. The nature of man is activity; the nature of man seeks to be occupied, to work and to build. Slothfulness is a sure sign of the distortion of nature in a man. That slothfulness is a terrible vice is clear in that the active man is never envious of the slothful man, while the slothful man is envious of the active man; in the same manner, the sober man is not envious of the drunkard, while the drunkard is envious of the sober man. Lord, ever-active Creator, save us from the dull and sinful slothfulness by which we distance ourselves from our first-created nature, from Thine image and likeness, O Master of all things! Inspire us with Thy Holy Spirit, ever active and joy-creating. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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If you are remembering evil against someone, then pray for him; and as you remove through prayer the pain of the remembrance of the evil he has done, you will stop the advance of the passion. And when you have attained brotherly love and love for mankind, you will completely cast this passion out of your soul. Then when someone else does evil to you, be affectionate and humble toward him, and treat him kindly, and you will deliver him from this passion. St. Maximos the Confessor Holy Martyr Agrippina of Rome and Her Companions Paula, Bassa, and Agathonica (253-260) The Holy Martyress Agrippina, was by birth a Roman. She did not wish to enter into marriage, and totally dedicated her life to God. During the time of persecution against Christians under the emperor Valerian (253-259) the saint went before the court and bravely confessed her faith in Christ, for which she was given over to torture. They beat the holy virgin with sticks so much, that her bones broke. Afterwards they put Saint Agrippina in chains, but an Angel freed her from her bonds. The holy confessor died from the tortures she endured. The Christians Vassa, Paula and Agathonica secretly took the body of the holy martyress and transported it to Cilicia, where at her grave were worked many miracles. In about the XI Century the relics of the holy Martyress Agrippina were transferred to Constantinople. Holy Martyrs Eustochius and Gaius, and those with them, of Ancyra (300-305) Commemoration of the Vladimir Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Story of the Repentance of Theophilus St. Etheldreda, Foundress of Ely Monastery (England) (679) St. Nicetas of Thebes in Boetia (1079) and his Disciples Theodore, Gregory, and Daniel St. Dionysius of Polotsk (1182) Translation of the Relics (1482) of St. Michael of Klops Monastery (Novgorod), Fool-for-Christ (1453-1456) St. Artemius of Verkola (1545) Sts. Joseph, Founder (1612), Anthony, and loannicius, Abbots (17th c.), of Zaonikiev Monastery (Vologda) Second Translation of the Relics (1714) of St. Herman, Archbishop of Kazan (1567) Synaxis of the New Martyrs of Crete (1821-1822) New Hiero-Martyr Mitrophan (Krasnopolsky), Archbishop of Astrakhan (1919) Synaxis of the Saints of Vladimir Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos: "Umileniye" ("Of Tender Feeling") of Pskov, and "Zaonikiev" Greek cal.: Hiero-Martyrs Aristocleus, Priest, Demetrian, Deacon, and Athanasius, Reader, at Salamis on Cyprus (306) St. Athanasius, bishop of Chytri on Cyprus, who succeeded St. Pappus (June 3) New Hieromartyrs Alexander Miropolsky, archpriest, Alexis Vvedensky, Peter Smorodintsev, priests (1918), and Mitrophan (Krasnopolsky), archbishop of Astrakhan (1919) Romans 16:17-24 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. NOTE 16:17–19 Those who serve their own belly are either selfish people or those who caused divisions over dietary rules (see 14:1-6). Simple (Gr. akakos; vv. 18, 19) does not mean unintelligent, but rather innocent, trusting, and truthful. 16:22 While Paul is the author of this epistle (1:1), Tertius wrote it down as Paul's secretary. Paul frequently dictated his epistles to a scribe (1Co 16:21; Col 4:18; 2Th 2:17; Phm 19). Matthew 13:10-23 10 And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" 11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.! 16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. 18 Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. NOTE 13:11 The mysteries of the kingdom are not merely obscure concepts or some religious truths only for the elite, nor is the understanding of the parables simply an intellectual process. Even the disciples find the message hard to understand. While Jesus taught the same message to all, it is the simple and innocent who are open to its message. HOMILY on how we must not envy the sinners Be not envious of evil men (Proverbs 24:1). Does anyone envy the leper? No one envies him. Why then do some envy the evil man, when evil is a greater sickness than leprosy? Leprosy is a disease of the flesh, but evil is a disease of the soul. A leper can be healthy within, while he is unhealthy on the outside; and an evil man can be healthy on the outside, while his interior is ill-his heart is ill. A tree that is sick on the outside but has a healthy core has greater value than a tree that is healthy on the outside but has a rotten core. Thus, leprosy is a lesser evil than evil, i.e., than sin. For by evil, the All-wise One means sin. Does the physician envy the sick person? He does not envy him. Neither does the righteous one envy the sinner. If you do not know whether you are righteous, examine your heart: do you envy the sinner? If you envy the sinner, then you are not righteous; if you do not envy the sinner, then rejoice, righteous one of God. A sick man may envy a sick man, a sick man may envy a healthy man, but a healthy man does not envy a sick man. Neither does a righteous man envy the sinner. A physician recognizes a fatal illness of his patient and, knowing that, he pities him, but he does not envy him. A righteous man recognizes the sickness of sin, horrifying and deadly, and does not envy the sinner but pities him. O good and compassionate Lord, uproot envy from our hearts and plant love. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Love is manifested not only through the distribution of one's possessions, but even moreso through the spreading of the word of God and helpful deeds. St. Maximus the Confessor The Nativity of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John The Gospel (Lk. 1: 57-80) relates that the righteous parents of Saint John the Baptist - the Priest Zachariah and Elizabeth, lived in the ancient city of Hebron, and reached old age being childless, since Elizabeth was barren. One time, Saint Zachariah was making Divine services at the Jerusalem Temple and saw the Archangel Gabriel, standing on the right side of the incense offertory. He predicted, that Saint Zachariah would father a son, who would announce the Saviour - the Messiah, awaited by the Old Testament Church. Zachariah was troubled, and fear fell upon him. He had doubts that in old age it was possible to have a son, and he asked for a sign. And it was given to him - it appeared at the same time as a chastisement for his unbelief: Zachariah was struck speechless until the time of the fulfillment of the archangel's words. Saint Elizabeth came to be with child, and fearing derision over the lateness of her pregnancy, she kept it secret for five months, until there came visiting her distant relative the All-Blessed Virgin Mary, to share with her Her own joy. Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, was the first to greet the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. And together with her Saint John also in the womb of his mother Righteous Elizabeth - did greet "with leaps as in song" the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Son of God incarnated within Her. It became time, and Saint Elizabeth gave birth to а son, and all the relatives and acquaintances rejoiced together with her. On the eighth day, in accord with the law of Moses, was made the circumcision. His mother named him John. Everyone was amazed, since no one in their family had been named such. When they asked Saint Zachariah about this, he motioned for a tablet and wrote on it: "John is his name" - and immediately the binding of his tongue at the prediction of the archangel was unbound, and Saint Zachariah, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, glorified God and pronounced the words of prophecy about the Advent-Coming into the world of the Messiah, and about his own son John - the Forerunner of the Lord. After the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and the worship of the shepherds and the Magi, wicked king Herod gave orders to kill all the infants. Hearing about this, Saint Elizabeth fled into the wilderness and hid in a cave. Saint Zachariah as a priest was at Jerusalem and was doing his priestly service in the Temple. Herod sent soldiers to him to find out the abode of the infant John and his mother. Zachariah answered, that their whereabouts were unknown to him, and he was killed right there in the Temple. Righteous Elizabeth continued to live in the wilderness with her son and she died there. The lad John, protected by an Angel, dwelt in the wilderness until such time, when he came preaching about repentance and was himself vouchsafed worthy to baptise the Lord Who was come into the world. c 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. St. Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana (ca. 414) Holy Martyrs Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus and Longinus, Near Lazica (Late 3rd c.) St. John the Hermit, of Bohemia (904) St. Anthony, Founder of Dymsk Monastery (Novgorod) (1224) St. Michael, Great Prince of Tver (1318) Translation of the Relics (1492) of Great-Martyr John the New (1332) to Suceava, Romania St. John, Monk, of Yaransk (Solovki) (1561) Righteous Youths John (1566) and James (1569), of Meniugi (Novgorod) New Martyr Panagiotes of Caesarea, at Constantinople (1765) St. Athanasius of Paros (1813) St. Gerasimus (Dobroserdov), Bishop of Astrakhan and Enotaeva (1880) Greek cal.: Synaxis of the Righteous Zachariah and Elizabeth, Parents of St. John the Forerunner Romans 13:11-14:4 (Epistle, Forerunner) 11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. 1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. NOTE 13:11—14:4 This passage is read on the Sunday before Great Lent, called Cheese Fare Sunday or Forgiveness Sunday, and on June 24, the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist. 13:12 The night is life in this world, and especially life under the influence of sin and evil. The day refers to the presence of Christ's Kingdom, both in the Church now at hand and fulfilled completely in the age to come. 14:1 In Orthodox Christianity, there are things that cannot be compromised, and there are areas of flexibility. God is gracious and allows diversity in doubtful things (v. 1), matters not related to essential doctrines and moral teachings. The weak in the faith are people who assign primary importance to secondary matters. The two examples of flexible areas given here involve food restrictions (v. 2) and the observance of liturgical calendars (v. 5), things which the weak might try to use to judge others or to divide the Church. In both cases, we are commanded to give flexibility to others, just as God Himself does (v. 3). This passage is read on the eve of Great Lent, reminding the faithful that the main focus of the season is not on the details of fasting restrictions, but rather on overcoming passions of the soul (13:14). Luke 1:1-25, 57-68, 76, 80 (Gospel, Forerunner) 1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also bе filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time. 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people. 57 Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. 59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John." 61 But they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 So they made signs to his father-what he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. NOTE 1:2, 3 Luke was not a disciple from the beginning, yet he has perfect understanding of the gospel because his sources were the apostles themselves, the eyewitnesses of Christ. Luke wrote his Gospel to Theophilus, a prominent Gentile who had received Christian instruction (see also Acts 1:1). St. Ambrose notes that Theophilus can simply mean any "lover of God," and therefore he writes, "If you love God, it was written to you." 1:5 Herod ruled Judea from 37-4 вс. Нe was a great builder but a cruel leader. Luke mentions Herod to pinpoint the historical date of the birth of Jesus Christ. An ancient prophecy of Jacob indicated the Messiah would come when a king ruled who was not from the tribe of Judah (Gn 49:10). As Herod was a non-Jew calling himself the king of Judea, the coming of Christ was surely at hand. See also the note on v. 20. 1:5-25 This passage is read on September 23, the Feast of the Conception of John the Baptist. 1:6 Zacharias and Elizabeth are righteous before God, not merely in outward appearance, but to the core of their being. The holiness of John the Baptist came in part through the faith and piety of his parents. 1:7 To be barren was a public reproach (v. 25), but like Sarah (Gn 16:1), Rebekah (Gn25:21), Rachel (Gn 29:31), Hannah (1Kg 1:2), and Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, Elizabeth's temporary barrenness was in fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of His people. 1:8-10 Each priest was assigned to a division (see 1Ch 23:3–11; 28:13). There were twenty-four divisions in all, each serving a week at a time in rotation. The responsibilities in the division were decided by lot; Zacharias is here assigned the duties of the high priest. This event takes place at the time of the Atonement, when 1:11 the high priest would enter the temple and make offerings for the sins of the people. Angels minister continually at the altar of the Lord, though usually unseen. Those priests of pure heart, such as Zacharias, are occasionally chosen by God to witness this angelic liturgy (see also Is 6; Rev 7:9–17). 1:13This As high priest, Zacharias prayed not for a son, but for the atonement of the sins of Israel (Heb 9:7). Gabriel's (v. 19) announcement reveals both that Zacharias' prayer for atonement will be answered and that Elizabeth will conceive a son. This atonement will be announced by John, who will identify Christ as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (In 1:29). 1:15 He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb: See v. 41. 1:17 Elijah is expected to reappear from heaven as the forerunner of the second coming of the Lord (Mal 4:5). John the Baptist fulfills the spirit of Elijah as he is the forerunner of the Lord's first coming (see Mt 11:14). 1:20 You will be mute: Zacharias is disciplined for his lack of faith, yet this also serves as proof that Gabriel's announcement (v. 19) is true. The silencing of the high priest also reveals a deeper mystery. The Messiah was expected to fulfill three crucial roles held by various people in the OT: prophet, priest, and king. Only Jesus Christ can be said to have fulfilled all three offices perfectly. He is the true Prophet (Dt 18:15-18), the true King (23:3; Is 9:6; Mic 5:1), and the true High Priest (Ps 109:4; Heb 4:14). In preparation for Christ's coming, God had silenced the prophets for many years, and also permitted an illegitimate usurper to occupy the position of king of Judea. Here, in the last days before Christ's coming, the high priest is also silenced. With these three roles vacant, illegitimate, and silent, all is ready for the Son of God to be revealed as Prophet, King, and Priest. 1:24 Elizabeth conceived: The conception of St. John the Baptist is celebrated liturgically on September 23, confirming the sanctity of marital relations for those past childbearing years. Hid herself: Since the time of Malachi, God had not sent a great prophet to Israel (see 1Mc 9:27). This silencing of the prophets served to heighten the anticipation of the Messiah and to make it all the more evident when He came. As John the Baptist was the prophet preparing the way for Christ, he was kept hidden until Christ was conceived. Once Christ was conceived, John was revealed through the prophetic act of leaping in Elizabeth's womb (v. 41). 1:59 Circumcision was a sign of Israel's covenant with God and the means by which a male became a member of God's community (Gn 17:10–14; Lv 12:3). In Christ, 1:60–63 John means "grace of God." By insisting on the name God chose for her son, Elizabeth affirms God has called John to a specific mission (see also 1:31; Gn 17:5, 15; 32:28). 1:80 Dwelling in the desert, away from the stains and wickedness of the masses, John is able to fight temptation and grow strong in spirit. According to the tradition of the Church, John was brought to the deserts by Elizabeth when Zacharias was martyred, and there was ministered to by angels. HOMILY against malicious rejoicing Rejoice not when your enemy falls; and when he stumbles, let not your heart exult (Proverbs 24:17). He is a man; do not rejoice in his fall. He is your brother; let not your heart leap for joy when he stumbles. God created him for life, and God does not rejoice in his fall. And you also, do not rejoice at that which grieves God. When a man falls, God loses; do you rejoice in the loss of your Creator, of your Parent? When the angels weep, do you rejoice? When your enemy falls, pray to God for him, that God will save him; and give thanks to God that you did not fall in the same manner. You are of the same material, both you and he, like two vessels from the hand of the potter. If one vessel breaks, should the other one smile and rejoice? Behold, the small stone that broke that vessel only waits for someone's hand to raise it to destroy this vessel also. Both vessels are of the same material, and a small stone can destroy a hundred vessels. When one sheep is lost, should the rest of the flock rejoice? No, they should not. For behold, the shepherd leaves his flock and, being concerned, goes to seek the lost sheep. The shepherd's loss is the flock's loss too. Therefore, do not rejoice when your enemy falls, for your Shepherd and his Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, does not rejoice in his fall. O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Good Shepherd, remove malicious joy from our hearts, and in its place plant compassion and brotherly love. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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I am often reproached for continually attacking the rich. Yes, because the rich are continually attacking the poor. But those I attack are not the rich as such, only those who misuse their wealth. I point out constantly that those I accuse are not the rich but the rapacious. Wealth is one thing, covetousness another. Learn to distinguish. St. John Chrysostom Venerable Martyr Febronia of Nisibis (304) Febronia was the daughter of Phosphorus, a senator from Rome. In order to avoid marriage with a mortal man, Febronia betrothed herself to Christ and was tonsured a nun in the East, in the land of Assyria, in a convent where her aunt Bryaena was abbess. Lysimachus, the son of a nobleman, desired to wed Febronia, but since Emperor Diocletian suspected him of being a secret Christian, he sent him to the East with his uncle Silenus to apprehend and kill Christians. Silenus was as cruel as a beast, and he exterminated Christians everywhere without mercy. Lysimachus, on the contrary, spared the Christians wherever he could and hid them from his beastly uncle. Having made Palmyra devoid of Christians, Silenus came to the town of Nisibis, close to which was a convent with fifty ascetics, among whom was Febronia. Even though she was only twenty years old, Febronia was respected both in the convent and in the town because of her great meekness, wisdom, and abstinence. In this convent, they adhered to the rule of the former abbess, Blessed Platonida, that every Friday should be spent only in prayer and the reading of sacred books, without any other type of work. Bryaena had appointed Febronia to read the sacred books to the sisters while she was hidden behind a curtain so that no one would be distracted and captivated by the beauty of her face. Hearing about Febronia, Silenus ordered that she be brought to him. But when the holy virgin refused to deny Christ or to enter into marriage with a mortal man, Silenus ordered them to whip her, then knock out her teeth, then cut off her hands and breasts and legs, and finally slay her with a sword. But a horrible punishment from God befell the torturer that same day: a demon entered into him, and a deadly terror overcame him. In this fear, he struck his head against a marble pillar and fell dead. Lysimachus ordered that Febronia's body be gathered and brought to the convent, where it was honorably buried, and he and many other soldiers were baptized. From the relics of St. Febronia, many healings occurred, and she appeared on the day of her feast and stood in her usual place among the sisters. All the sisters looked upon her with fear and rejoicing. St. Febronia suffered honorably and took up her habitation in eternal blessedness in the year 310, and in the year 363, her relics were translated to Constantinople. Venerable Dionysius (ca. 1389) and Dometius (1405-1410) of Dionysiou Monastery, Mt. Athos Virgin-Martyrs Libya, Leonis, and Eutropa, of Palermo in Sicily (c . 305) Holy Martyr Gallicanus the Patrician, in Egypt (362) St. Moluac of Lismore (Scotland) (592) Virgin-Martyr Eurosia (Orosia), at Jaca (Spain) (714) St. Adalbert, Hierodeacon (Neth.) (740) Holy Prince Peter and Princess Febronia (tonsured David and Euphrosyne), Wonderworkers of Murom (1228) St. Dalmatus, Founder of the Dormition Monastery in Siberia (1697) New Monk-Martyr Procopius of Varna and Mt. Athos, at Smyrna (1810) New Martyr George of Attalia, at Krene in Asia Minor (1823) St. Cyprian, Hieromonk of Svyatogorsk Monastery (1874) New Hiero-Confessor Nikon (Belyaev), Hieromonk of Optina Monastery (1931) Venerable Simon New Hieromartyrs Nicholas Briantsev, Basil Militsyne, (1918), and Basil Protopopov, priests (1940) 1 Corinthians 2:9-3:8 9 But as it is written: 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. NOTE 2:9 Paul seems to have collected phrases from several passages (Is 52:15; 64:3; 65:17; Jer 3:16; WSir 1:10), though this may have come from an early hymn. 2:10 3:4 We come to know God's wisdom through the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit knows the things of God (v. 11), just as the spirit of the man knows what is in man. Note Paul's threefold classification of humanity: (1) The natural man (lit. "soulish"; v. 14) is one not yet joined to Christ,unenlightened and unregenerate. For such people, divine things appear to be foolishness because they inquire into divine things by human and natural reasoning rather than receiving these by faith. (2) The spiritual man (2:15) is filled with the Holy Spirit given at chrismation and is maturing in his knowledge of Christ. (3) The carnal man (lit. "fleshly"; 3:1) is the person who, while in the Church, has his mind set on earthly things, still trying to satisfy personal wants and selfish desires. We reveal our spiritual condition by our relationships with other Christians. The lesson is plain: Growth in our fellowship with God demands living in the overcoming strength of the Holy Spirit, who brings unity to the Church and great victory over petty, egocentric squabblings. 2:12 15 Enlightenment from God in itself is beyond all words, and even beyond evaluation by other men (v. 15). Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit speaks through spiritual people words that truly reflect the unspeakable knowledge of faith. This language of faith in turn leads spiritually minded people to know God better, although it baffles the natural man (v. 14). 2:16 The mind of Christ is enlightenment by the Holy Spirit (v. 10). He brings those chrismated into communion with Christ and others of like mind in His Body, the Church. The mind of Christ, then, is not private but is given to all: it is the mind of the Church. 3:1-4 Note the gospel was first communicated through the spoken word of apostles. Since God inspires both oral (apostolic preaching) and written (scriptural) communication of His Word, oral and written Tradition form a seamless whole. Matthew 13:31-36 31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches. 33 Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened." 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world." 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." NOTE 13:31 33 The mustard seed and the leaven represent the disciples who, according to Theophylact, began as just a few men, but "soon encompassed the whole earth." These also stand for faith entering a person's soul, which causes an inward growth of virtue. This soul will become godlike and can receive even angels. HYMN OF PRAISE Saint Febronia The virgin Febronia confessed Christ Standing before the court, bloody and pale: Young Febronia, like a palm branch. The branch became heavy with beautiful fruit, And to Silenus she spoke: "I have a Bridegroom, And I will accept no honors whatever from you. Christ is my glory, Christ is my pride. Oh yes, the beautiful countenance of my Bridegroom! Cut off my feet, cut them off-they have traveled the path! Cut off my hands, cut them off-they have completed the work! Cut out my tongue, cut it out-with my heart will I pray! Smash my mouth, smash it-with my heart will I speak! Whip and crush my body-why do I need my body? The Bridegroom has prepared a more beautiful garment, In the heavens above, among many holy ones, In sweet Paradise among the angels. When I depart, do not think, O Silenus, That the fury of your life will die. But hear me and remember: behold, the same day Together we will go before the Living God, You as a torturer, and I as one tortured by you. Each will bring his deeds with him." HOMILY on today and tomorrow Boast not of tomorrow, for you know not what any day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1). Brethren, let us not boast of that which is not within our power. The Lord has set the seasons and the years under His authority, and He arranges them. God Himself alone knows whether tomorrow will number us among the living or the dead. Some have died on the eve of their marriage; others have descended into the grave on the eve of their coronation with a royal diadem. Therefore, let no one say: "Tomorrow will be for me the happiest day of my life, for tomorrow I enter into marriage!" or "Tomorrow I will be crowned with a royal diadem!" or "Tomorrow I am going to a great feast!" or "Tomorrow a great gain is coming to me!" Oh, let no one speak of the happiness of tomorrow. Behold, this very night your soul may depart your body, and tomorrow you will find yourself surrounded by black demons in the toll-houses! This very night, a man can be separated from his relatives and friends, from wealth and honor, from the sun and the stars, and find himself in totally unknown company, in an unseen place, and at an unexpected judgment. Instead of boasting of tomorrow, it would be better to pray to God to give us this day our daily bread. Today may be our last day on earth. That is why it is better to spend this day in repentance for all our past days on earth, rather than in vainly fantasizing about tomorrow, about a day which perhaps will not dawn for us. Vain fantasizing about tomorrow cannot bring us any good, but repentance with tears for one day can save us from eternal fire. O righteous Lord, burn up the insane vanity that is in us. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Remember your end, and you will not sin
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When people begin to praise us, let us hurry to remember the multitude of ours transgressions, and we will see that we are truly unworthy of that which they say and do in our honor. St. John of the Ladder The Monk David of Soluneian(Thessalonica) David was born in Thessalonica. At first, he lived in asceticism near Thessalonica in a hut built beneath an almond tree. Later, he continued his asceticism in Thessaly. So much did he purify himself by fasting, praying, and vigils, and he was made worthy to receive great grace from God. Once, he took live coals in his hand, placed incense on the coals, and censed the emperor without any injury to his hand. Seeing this, the emperor bowed down to the ground before him. The people were amazed by his numerous miracles. He reposed peacefully and took up his habitation in eternal blessedness in 540. Feast of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God Feast of the Hodigitria Icon of the Mother of God Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or Rome St. Brannock (Brynach) of Braunton, England (6th c.) St. John, Bishop of Gothia in Crimea (ca. 791) Holy Martyr Pelagius of Cordoba (925) St. Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (1385) Uncovering of the Relics (1569) of St. Tikhon of Lukhov (1503) New Martyr David of St. Anne's Skete, Mt. Athos, at Thessalonica (1813) Translation of the Relics (1995) of St. Nilus of Stolobny (1554) Icon "Of the Seven Lakes" (Kazan) (17th c.) Venerable Anthion New Martyr George Stepaniouk, Priest (1918) 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; 20 and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come-all are yours. 23 And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. NOTE 3:18–20 The wisdom of this world (v. 19) is attractive and reasonable, and on the surface appears to be true. But such earthly wisdom denies God and leads us away from Him-not to fulfillment, but to death. True wisdom and life are found only in Christ, in our total abandonment to the love of God and neighbor. 3:21–23 Yours and you here are plural. They refer not to the individual but to the corporate Church. The Church possesses the whole, all things, because the Church is the Body of Christ-His perfect and glorified humanity-and Christ is God. Individual opinion in doctrine and private interpretation of Scripture that stand apart from those of the Church, or outside of apostolic tradition, are marks of worldly wisdom. Matthew 13:36-43 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." 37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! NOTE 13:36-43 See note on vv. 24–30. 13:24–30 This parable builds on the previous parable of the sower. Here Christ gives attention to the enemy who has sown his seed among the seed of Christ. As falsehood came after truth and false prophets came after the true prophets, so the Antichrist will come after Christ. Just as the weeds first appear similar to wheat, so the devil fashions his lies to resemble the truth. That the devil sows while men slept indicates that heresy and lies creep in when people are apathetic. This parable also explains why the Church neither condemns nominal members, nor judges those outside the Church (1Co 5:12, 13). Just as wheat would be destroyed in weeding out the tares, so also, many people who might ultimately find salvation would otherwise be lost if condemned before Christ's judgment. HOMILY on the fear of the impious man The impious man flees although no one pursues him; but the just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself (Proverbs 28:1). Impious men are even afraid of shadows; to them the shadows of trees seem like an army. Wherever something rustles, the impious man thinks: the avenger is coming! He hears the trembling of leaves as the sound of chains; he takes the voices of birds as the shouts of hunters who give chase after game; he sees the grass as spying on his evil deed, the water as a witness against him, the sun as a judge, and the stars as those who taunt him. Oh, my brethren, how many lies are born out of fear! For fear is of sin, sin is of the devil, and the devil is the father of all lies. Fear is the first fruit of sin. When Adam sinned, he hid from the face of God. And when God cried out to him, Adam said: I heard Thy voice in the garden and I was afraid (Genesis 3:10). Adam did not know about fear before he sinned, nor did he hide from the face of God but, on the contrary, always hastened to encounter God. But as soon as he sinned he was afraid. But the just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself. Without sin-without fear. Without sin-without weakness. The sinless ones are powerful, very powerful, and brave, very brave. The righteous ones are strong and fearless. Such are the righteous ones, only the righteous ones. O sinless Lord, save us from empty fear, but before that, preserve us from sin, the parent of fear. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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A child cries when his mother washes him, and those of little faith murmur at God when they are in trouble, which cleanses the soul like water cleanses the face. St. Symeon of Montenegro The Monk Sampson the Hospitable-to-Strangers The Monk Sampson the Hospitable-to-Strangers was the son of rich and illustrious Roman parents. In his youth he received an excellent education, he studied the medical arts, and for free he doctored the sick. After the death of his parents Saint Sampson generously distributed alms and set free his slaves, preparing himself to go into the wilderness. With this intent in mind he soon journeyed from Rome to the East. But the Lord directed him onto a different path, that of service to neighbour, and so Saint Sampson came to Constantinople. Settling into a small house, the saint began to take in the wandering homeless, the poor and the sick, and he attended to them zealously. The Lord blessed the efforts of Saint Sampson and endowed him with the power of wonderworking. He healed the sick not only through being a skilled physician, but also as a bearer of the grace of God. The news about Saint Sampson spread widely. The patriarch, having summoned him, ordained him as presbyter. One time it was revealed to the grievously sick emperor Justinian (527-565), that he could receive healing only through Saint Sampson. In praying, the saint extended his hand in the direction of the sick emperor, who then received relief, and soon recovered altogether. In gratitude the emperor wanted to reward his healer with silver and gold, but the saint refused and instead asked Justinian to build a domicile for wanderers and the sick. The emperor readily fulfilled his request. All the rest of his life Saint Sampson devoted to serving his neighbour. He survived into old age and after a short illness he with joy expired to the Lord (+ с. 530). The saint was buried at the church of the holy Martyr Mokias. Many an healing was effected at the grave of Saint Sampson. His home for wanderers and the hospice remained open, and the saint did not cease to care for the suffering. He twice appeared to a neglectful worker of the hospice and upbraided him for his laziness. At the request of an admirer of Saint Sampson the vagrants-home was transformed into a church, and alongside it was built a new edifice for taking in the homeless. During the time of a powerful conflagration at Constantinople the flames did not touch the vagrants-home of Saint Sampson: through his prayers a strong rain poured down, which quenched the fire. c 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. St. Severus the Presbyter, Priest, of Interocrea in Italy (6th c.) St. Joanna the Myrrh-bearer Hiero-Martyrs Crescens, Maximus, and Theonest, Bishops of Mainz (Germany) (early 5th c.) Holy Martyr Anectus of Caesarea in Cappadocia (304) St. George of Holy Mountain and Georgia (1065) Blessed Martin of Turov (1146) Holy Martyrdom of Monk Luke (Mukhaidze) of Holy Cross Monastery in Jerusalem (1277) St. Serapion of Kozhaezersk Monastery (1611) New Hieromartyr Gregory Nikolsky, Priest, of Kuban (1918) New Hieromartyr Kirion II, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia (1918) Uncovering of the Relics (1998) of Optina Elders Leonid, Macarius, Hilarion, Ambrose, Anatole I, Barsanuphius, and Anatole II Greek cal.: Hiero-Martyr Pierius, Priest, of Antioch Venerable Luke the Hermit Holy Martyrs Marcius and Marcia Venerable Symeon of Kafr Abdin, in Syria (5th c.) Holy Martyr Abdul Masich ('the servant of Christ') Holy Martyr James of Homs New Hieromartyrs Alexander Sindorovo and Vladimir Sergueiev (1918), and Peter Ostrooumov (1939), Priests 1 Corinthians 4:5-8 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. 6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us-and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! NOTE 4:6 In the expression, beyond what is written, most likely Paul refers to the whole OT, reminding the Corinthians that all Scripture urges us not to be proud or contentious. Puffed up in Greek suggests the swollen inflammation around an infected wound; it may be rendered "arrogant" (vv. 18, 19; 5:2). 4:7 Paul directs a series of sharp questions to the Corinthians to deflate their pride. Nothing justifies thinking ourselves better than or above anyone else. Matthew 13:44-54 44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 51 Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." 52 Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." 53 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. 54 When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? NOTE 13:44-46 The parable of the treasure hidden in a field illustrates those whounintentionally stumble onto Christ and His Church, yet receive Him with great eagerness. The parable of the pearl of great price illustrates those who have been searching in their hearts for Him and finally find Him and His Church. The other pearls represent all the various teachings and philosophies of the world. These treasures are hidden in that they are neither recognized nor valued by those immersed in worldliness. In both parables, receiving the treasure requires that everything else must be sold, that is, a person must surrender all things in order to receive Christ. 13:47-50 The image of the fishing net gathering the good and wicked together is similar to the parable of the wheat and the tares (vv. 36–43). This parable further emphasizes that even those gathered into the Church are subject to judgment. 13:52 St. John Chrysostom notes that Jesus does not exclude the OT, but rather praises it as a treasure. Those who truly write or speak of the kingdom of heaven will draw from the unity of the new and old Testaments, for both are holy, with the New being the fulfillment of the Old. This indeed is how Matthew composed his gospel. HOMILY on the shelter from on high He who trusts in the Lord is safe (Proverbs 29:25). The righteous man is under the shelter of the Lord, under the shelter from on high. The water will not reach him nor will the flood drown him. Indeed, the flood did not drown Noah, for the Lord was a shelter from on high for him. However, brethren, there is a flood worse than a flood of water, that is, the flood of the passions. When the passions begin to burn, when they begin to smoke and turn black, when they emit their stench and spread it all around -where will a man flee, and who will save him? Only under the hand of the Lord, only under His shelter, the shelter from on high. The flood of passions pursued David, but he fled and found shelter under the hand of the Lord; he saved himself from the fire, the smoke and the stench of the pursuing passions under the shelter from on high. A man cannot save himself from the flood-only God can save him. God is the Master of the clouds and the Tamer of the passions. Indeed, He is the Shelter from on high. We flee to Him and hide ourselves under the hem of His garment. A dog appears like a lion to a beggar but like an empty sack before the feet of his master. O Lord Most-high, Who sitteth upon the throne on high, Thou art our Shelter from on high. Be merciful to us, O our Creator, and extend Thy hand to raise us up to Thy shelter. Save us from the turbulent waters which rush to drown us. To Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
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Feast of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God I've actually had the blessing of venerating the Tikvin icon. It was carried out of war torn Europe by Archbishop John, who later became the head of the Chicago OCA diocese (1957-1978). I was at the last service in 2004 before she was returned to Russia. It was at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago. The Tikvin feast day at the cathedral. https://domoca.org/annual-tikhvin-icon-feast-welcomes-visiting-hierarch/ A copy of the icon is now at the cathedral. History of the icon and its Chicago connection. https://domoca.org/chicago-tikhvin-icon/ And another connection: The reproduction of the icon was shipped from Russia to Chicago in 2016. The dean of the cathedral needed to get the icon cleared through US Customs. Someone at the cathedral is a friend of mine and remembered that I was a customs broker. I was the one who cleared the icon through US Customs. That was kinda neat! 
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Originally Posted By Marie: Feast of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God I've actually had the blessing of venerating the Tikvin icon. It was carried out of war torn Europe by Archbishop John, who later became the head of the Chicago OCA diocese (1957-1978). I was at the last service in 2004 before she was returned to Russia. It was at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago. The Tikvin feast day at the cathedral. https://domoca.org/annual-tikhvin-icon-feast-welcomes-visiting-hierarch/ A copy of the icon is now at the cathedral. History of the icon and its Chicago connection. https://domoca.org/chicago-tikhvin-icon/ And another connection: The reproduction of the icon was shipped from Russia to Chicago in 2016. The dean of the cathedral needed to get the icon cleared through US Customs. Someone at the cathedral is a friend of mine and remembered that I was a customs broker. I was the one who cleared the icon through US Customs. That was kinda neat! That's wonderful. We learned today that This icon is touring the world and will be in Iowa next week. A short service will be held then we will be able to venerate. Id like to go, we'll see |
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: That's wonderful. We learned today that This icon is touring the world and will be in Iowa next week. A short service will be held then we will be able to venerate. Id like to go, we'll see I’ve had several chances to venerate the Kursk Root icon. It’s lovely in person. |
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Remember your end, and you will not sin
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We suffer because we have no humility and we do not love our brother. From love of our brother comes the love of God. People do not learn humility, and because of their pride cannot receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, and therefore the whole world suffers. St. Silouan the Athonite Holy Martyrs Cyrus and John These holy martyrs are commemorated on January 31, and their lives and sufferings are described under that date. However, June 28 (July 11) commemorates the translation of their relics from Canopus to Menuthis and the numerous miracles that occurred through their relics. St. Cyril, the Patriarch of Alexandria, prayed fervently to God to destroy the idolatrous impurity in the town of Menuthis, where there was a pagan temple and where the power of the demons ruled. An angel of God appeared to the patriarch and told him that Menuthis would be cleansed of its impurity if he translated the relics of Saints Cyrus and John to that town. The patriarch did so immediately: he translated the relics of the martyrs to Menuthis and built a church there in honor of Saints Cyrus and John. Through the relics of these martyrs, Ammonius, the son of Julian, the governor of Alexandria, was healed of scrofula; a certain Theodore was healed of blindness; Isidore of Maiuma was cured of a wasting disease of the liver; the wife of Theodore of poisoning; a certain Eugenia of dropsy; and many other people of various diseases and torments. All this occurred in the year 412. Venerable Sennuphius the Standard-bearer, of Egypt (Late 4th c.) Venerable Paul the Physician, of Corinth (7th c.) St. Austell of Cornwall (6th c.) St. Sergius the Magistrate, of Paphlagonia, Founder of the Nikitiatus Monastery in Nicomedia (866) St. Xenophon, Founder of Robeika Monastery (Novgorod) (1262) Sts. Sergius and Herman (ca. 1353), Founders and Abbots of Valaam St. Heliodorus, Schema-Archimandrite, of Glinsk Hermitage (1879) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Of the Three Hands" of Hilandar, Mt. Athos (8th c.) Holy Martyr Pappias Memory of St. Macedonius Venerable Ulcian Venerable Magnus Memory of Venerable Moses the Anchorite New Hieromartyr Basil Sitnikov, deacon (1918), martyr Sebastiana Agueeva-Souyeva, Nun (1938), and Hieromartyr Gregory Samarine, Deacon (1940) Romans 9:1-5 1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. NOTE 9:1-5 St. Paul had many opponents who accused him of failing to love his fellow Israelites. Matthew 9:18-26 18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. 20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour. 23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land. NOTE 9:18-26 Authority over life and death is in the hand of God alone (Dt 32:39; 1Kg 2:6). Being of one essence with the Father, Jesus has this authority (Jn 5:21). The healing of this woman demonstrates Christ's power to cleanse and heal (see 8:1-4). In the OT, hemorrhage caused ceremonial defilement, imposing religious and social restrictions, for contact with blood was strictly prohibited (Lv 15:25). This suffering woman, accounting herself unclean, nevertheless approaches Jesus secretly and with great faith. In v. 22, Jesus (1) brings her good cheer because of her faith; (2) corrects her thinking, for neither could she hide her touch from Him, nor is she excluded from Him because of her illness; and (3) exhibits her faith to all, so that they might imitate her. HOMILY on holiness But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (I Peter 1:15). Brethren, holiness is the virtue which encompasses all other virtues. Hence, brethren, a saint is a man adorned with all the virtues. For if a man is prayerful but not compassionate, he cannot be called holy. Or if a man endures but is without faith and hope, he cannot be numbered among the saints. Or if a man is very compassionate but is without faith in God, in truth, such a man cannot be numbered among the saints. A saint is a perfect man such as Adam was in Paradise; or even better, such as the New Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ, is. This is the Saint above the saints. This is the Sower of holiness on earth and the Nurturer of the saints in history. He has called us to the dignity of the saints. He has showed us an example of a true saint. He is the prototype of the saints, as He is also the archetype of man. A true man, my brethren, is nothing else but a saint. A saint and a man-it is one and the same. He showed us what it means to be a man and what it means to be a saint. The Apostle Peter commands us: Be ye holy in all manner of conversation! A saint is not a saint in only one aspect of his life but rather in his entire life. We must be holy in every work of our life, large and small, in order to be numbered among the saints; that is, among people whose lives were in accordance with the prototype of the saints and the archetype of man, the Lord Jesus Christ. O All-holy Lord, to Thee be glory and praise forever. Amen. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Joyous Feast of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul Great Vespers and Litya for the Feast Attached File Attached File |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
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Originally Posted By Anastasios: Joyous Feast of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul Great Vespers and Litya for the Feast https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/369185/743925793_18093849227625618_487304997005-3793769.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/369185/746540819_18093849230625618_657523157102-3793778.JPG <3 We're going to an old calendar church tomorrow (Serbian) while we're on vacation |
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: <3 We're going to an old calendar church tomorrow (Serbian) while we're on vacation Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Originally Posted By Anastasios: Joyous Feast of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul Great Vespers and Litya for the Feast https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/369185/743925793_18093849227625618_487304997005-3793769.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/369185/746540819_18093849230625618_657523157102-3793778.JPG <3 We're going to an old calendar church tomorrow (Serbian) while we're on vacation |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
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Originally Posted By Anastasios: If you haven't heard Slavonic yet, you might now. We were here last year and part of the service was not of my tongue. That Priest has been reassigned and a retired OCA Priest is filling in; so probably not tomorrow. |
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: We were here last year and part of the service was not of my tongue. That Priest has been reassigned and a retired OCA Priest is filling in; so probably not tomorrow. Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Originally Posted By Anastasios: If you haven't heard Slavonic yet, you might now. We were here last year and part of the service was not of my tongue. That Priest has been reassigned and a retired OCA Priest is filling in; so probably not tomorrow. We've got a bunch of Serbian parishes here. I know one uses a mix of modern Serbian, Slavonic, and English. |
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Originally Posted By Marie: We've got a bunch of Serbian parishes here. I know one uses a mix of modern Serbian, Slavonic, and English. The Priest was reassigned to the Chicago area.... (Poor guy) 
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Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: The Priest was reassigned to the Chicago area.... (Poor guy) Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Originally Posted By Marie: We've got a bunch of Serbian parishes here. I know one uses a mix of modern Serbian, Slavonic, and English. The Priest was reassigned to the Chicago area.... (Poor guy) We've got a Serbian bishop here and a Serbian monastery, New Gračanica. The church is gorgeous. https://newgracanicamonastery.org |
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Originally Posted By Marie: We've got a Serbian bishop here and a Serbian monastery, New Gračanica. The church is gorgeous. https://newgracanicamonastery.org Attached File That's where he went |
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/60275/Screenshot_20260711_235006_Samsung_Brows-3793827.JPG That's where he went Of course, he did! LOL |
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Every time that we sin, we are born of the devil. But every time that we do good, we are born of God. St. John Chrysostom Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Just to set the record straight, we do the Serbian language. |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
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Originally Posted By Anastasios: Every time that we sin, we are born of the devil. But every time that we do good, we are born of God. St. John Chrysostom Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Just to set the record straight, we do the Serbian language. Are there a lot of native Serb speakers there? |
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
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Originally Posted By Marie: Found out who our new priest is. He’s coming from elsewhere in the Midwest. Midwest born and bred, which is a good thing. College professor. Hopefully soon! The Liturgy we just attended was served by a Retired Priest that was told he would be there for 8 weeks. That was 6 months ago. 
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Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Hopefully soon! The Liturgy we just attended was served by a Retired Priest that was told he would be there for 8 weeks. That was 6 months ago. Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Originally Posted By Marie: Found out who our new priest is. He’s coming from elsewhere in the Midwest. Midwest born and bred, which is a good thing. College professor. Hopefully soon! The Liturgy we just attended was served by a Retired Priest that was told he would be there for 8 weeks. That was 6 months ago. His first Liturgy will be Nov 1. |
Remember your end, and you will not sin
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Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Are there a lot of native Serb speakers there? Originally Posted By Kalahnikid: Originally Posted By Anastasios: Every time that we sin, we are born of the devil. But every time that we do good, we are born of God. St. John Chrysostom Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Just to set the record straight, we do the Serbian language. Are there a lot of native Serb speakers there? |
The man who cries out against evil men but does not pray for them will never know the grace of God.
-St. Silouan the Athonite
-St. Silouan the Athonite
Remember your end, and you will not sin
Joined:
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Posts:
37322
EE: 100% (2)
MT, USA