2012 - NOVEMBER Sacred Lessons

7/31/2019 2012 - NOVEMBER Sacred Lessons

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G r e e k O r t h o d o x P a t r i a r c h a t e o f A l e x a n d r i a & A l l A f r i c a

A r c h d i o c e s e o f G o o d H o p e All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and untothe Ages of ages. Amen.

Re me mb er in g al so ou r Mo st Ho ly , Mo st Pu re , Mo st Bl es se d an d Gl or io us La dy , Ma ri a, Th eo to ko s, ye t Ev erVi rg in , to ge th er wi th al l th e Sa in ts . An d le t us co mm it ou rs el ve s an d on e an ot he r an d ou r wh ol e Li fe to Chri st

our God. Amen.

1 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2

S t D a m i a n o s & S t K o s m a s , t h e H o l y U n m e r c e n a r y P h y s i c i a n so f A s i a M i n o r .

Also the Feast of St Theodotos, their Righteous Mother - St David the Righteous of Evia St John & St

James of Persia St Cyrenia & St Juliana of Cilicia St Hermeningilda the Goth St Caesarios, St Adrian,

St Sacios, St Savvas, St Sabian, St Agrippa & St Thomas of DamascusFe s ta l Ap o ly t ik ion S t D a mia n os & S t Kosma s o f As ia Min or TON E (8 ) PL A G A L 4

Agii Anargiri ke Thavmatourgi, episkepsasthe tasastheneias imon: dorean elavete, dorean dote imin!

Sainted Unmercenaries and Wonder Workers, regard ourinfirmities; freely you have received, freely share withus.

K on t a ki on o f t h e E ve r B le ss e d T h e o to k os

Prostasiaton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros tonPiitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon

fonas, alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon,

ton pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, kespefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, tonTimonton Se.

OProtector of the Christians Unashamable, Mediator tothe Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleadingvoices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the

Aid of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed upThine Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, OTheotokos who always protects all those who honourThee!

T h e F i r s t E p i s t l e o f S t P a u l t o t h e C o r i n t h i a n s 1 2 : 2 7 1 3 : 8L ove , A D iv in e A n d E ver l a s t i n g G i f t T h a t Is S u pe r i or T o A l l O th e r G i f ts

Brethren: you are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: firstApostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healing, Helps, Administrations, varietiesof Tongues (languages).

Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of Healing? Do allspeak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best Gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent

way. Although I speakwith the tongues of men and of Angels, but have not Love, I have become soundingbrass or a clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and allKnowledge, and although I have all Faith so that I could remove mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing!

And although I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it

profits me nothing!

Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely,does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things andendures all things. Love never fails! But whether there are Prophecies, they will fail. Whether there are tongues,

they will cease. Whether there is Knowledge, it will vanish away.

THERE IS A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF

THE NEW COVENANT TO THIS DAY.

The Apostolic Work that of the Bishop sets the

pace for all the rest. When the oversight of theBishop is in order i.e. the supervision of the Bishop the rest of the Holy Church is free to function at itsoptimal level.

However, even with all the Divine Gifts in place andoperative, there is SOMETHING EVEN MORE EXCELLENTand that IS THE LOVE OF GOD AGAPE which is THETRUE SIGN OF THE PRESENCE OF THE LIFE-GIVING, ALL

HOLY SPIRIT.

V St Basil the Great taught us that there are THREEREASONS ALL BIBLICAL AND ALL GOD-GIVEN THAT

WE FOLLOW THE LORD:

F E A R P r o v e r b s 1 : 7 The Fear of God is the

beginning of Wisdom.O B E D I E N C E a recognition thatBECAUSE HE IS GOD

WE MUST FOLLOW HIM.A c t s 5 : 2 9 ... Peter and the other Apostles

answered: We ought to obey God rather thanmen...

L O V E

1 J o h n 4 : 1 9 We Love Him (God) because Hefirst Loved us.

Furthermore, WHILE WE MUST AIM TO DO ALL THINGS OUT OFLOVE, WE MUST ALSO NOT CEASE FEARING I.E.

RESPECTING GOD AND (WILLINGLY) OBEYING HIM.To any church that is preoccupied with the speaking of

tongues different languages ST PAUL TAUGHT THEULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT THAT OF DIVINE LOVE AGAPE..

V DIVINE OR GODLY LOVE OUTSHINES PROPHECY AND ALLFAITH because it is of far greater value andSpiritual Benefit than the miraculous ability toremove mountains!

OUR LORD JESUS URGED US TO GIVE TO THE POOR AND TOLAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR OTHERS.

HOWEVER: EVEN SUCH A SELFLESS ACT OF HOLY MARTYRDOM

AND PERSONAL SACRIFICE THAT IS DONE WITHOUT LOVE

WILL PROFIT US ABSOLUTELY NOTHING it will be awasted effort because IT IS NOT COMPELLED, FULFILLEDOR MOTIVATED BY LOVE FOR OTHERS AND ESPECIALLY FOR

GOD.

V This particular passage explains THE SPECIFICCHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE LOVE DIVINE GODLY LOVE

- AGAPE:

LOVE IS PATIENT, KIND AND GENTLE, especially withthose who are hurt. 1 T h e s s a l o n i a n s 5 : 1 4 We exhort you,Brethren: warn those who are unruly, comfortthe faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be patientwith all.

E p h e s i a n s 4 : 3 2 ... Be kind to one another,tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as

God in Christ forgives you.) LOVE DOES NOT ENVY AND IS NOT JEALOUS of what others

have. P r o v e r b s 2 3 : 1 7 Do not let your heart

envy sinners, but be in Fear of the Lord the

whole day long. LOVE DOES NOT PARADE ITSELFor put itself on display.J o h n 3 : 3 0 He (Christ) must increase, but I

(St John the Baptist) must decrease.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UPor arrogant or proud. G a l a t i a n s 6 : 3 ... If anyone thinks himself

to be something, when he is nothing, hedeceives himself.

LOVE DOES NOT ACT RUDELYor brashly, mean-spiritedlynor does it insult anyone.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 The voice of a senseless manis with a multitude of words.


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LOVE DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN WAYor act forcefully 1 Corinthians 10:24: Let no one seek his own,

but each one the others well-being. LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS it copes with burdensome

things or all difficulties of daily life.

G a l a t i a n s 6 : 2 Bear each others burdens,and so fulfil the Law of Christ.

LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS AND TRUSTS IN GOD no matterwhat the circumstances or what happens.

P r o v e r b s 3 : 5 Trust in God with all yourheart.)

LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS: it keeps looking upwards,does not despair and is always optimistic

P h i l i p p i a n s 3 : 1 3 ...Forgetting those thingsthat are behind, and reaching forward to

those things that are ahead.

LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS: it puts up with everythingand does not wear out.

G a l a t i a n s 6 : 9 ... Grow not weary whiledoing good, for in due season we shall reap,

if we do not lose heart. The only thing that Love cannot do is fail! 1 C o r i n t h i a n s 1 6 : 1 4 : Let all that you do

be done with Love.THE DIVINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, as wonderful as they

are,ARE MERELY TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE. They areFOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS LIFE ONLY, while we are stillSpiritual Children Spiritually Immature.

V However, DIVINE LOVE IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE ANDFULFILLING, AND IT CONTINUES INTO THE AGE TOCOME ETERNAL LIFE.

T h e H o l y G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o S t L u k e 1 1 : 4 7 1 2 : 1Avoid The Fatal Sins Of Pride And Hypocrisy

At that time, our Lord Jesus said to a Pharisee: Woe to you! For you built the tombs of the Prophets, and your

fathers killed them. In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeedkilled them, and you built their tombs. Therefore the Wisdom of God also said: I will send themProphets and Apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute, that the blood of all the Prophets

that was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from the blood ofAbel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the Altar and the Temple.

Yes! I say to you: it shall be required of this generation! Woe to you Lawyers! For you have taken awaythe Key of Knowledge. You yourselves did not enter, and those who were entering you hindered.

And as Jesus said these things to them, the Scribes and Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examineHim about many things, lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, so that theymight accuse Him.

In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another,He began to say to His Disciples first of all: Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy! For

there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known!

Our Lord Jesus Christ used the term: Woe! whichindicates COMPLETE, DEVASTATING DESTRUCTION.

Isaiah 5 : 18 24: Woe to those who draw sins tothemselves as with a long rope andlawlessness as with the strap of a cows

yoke, who say: Let God speedily hastenwhat He will do so that we may see it, andlet the counsel (advice) of the Holy One of

Israel come, so that we may know it!Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,

who put darkness for light and light for

darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweetfor bitter! Woe to those who are intelligent intheir own eyes and expert in their own sight!Woe to your strong ones who drink wine andthe mighty ones who mix intoxicating drink,

who justify the ungodly for a bribe and takeaway Justice from the Righteous!

Therefore in the manner that stubble shall beburnt by coals of fire and consumed by aviolent flame, their root shall be like chaff and

their flower shall go up like dust, for they didnot will to do the Law of the Lord of Hosts,

but despised the Word of the Holy One ofIsrael.

Amos 5 : 18 :Woe to you who desire the Day ofthe Lord! What is the Day of the Lord to

you? It will be Darkness, not Light! Revelation: 12:12 Rejoice, O Heavens! And those

who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants

of the earth and the sea! For the devil hascome down to you, having great wrath,

because he knows that he has a shorttime!

SATAN AND ALL HIS EVIL INVENTIONS THE DEADLY

PASSIONS OR SINS ARE OVERCOME DEFEATED BY

CHRISTS SELF-SACRIFICE and that of the Holy Saintsand Martyrs those who did not love their lives todeath.

Our own SELF-DENIAL, REPENTANCE-CONFESSION ANDREGULAR PARTAKING OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES, whichall bring us closer to God in humble and eagerwillingness to obey and worship God, CONQUER ANDDESTROY ANY DECEPTIONS OR ENSLAVING BONDS ofwickedness of the evil one AS WELL AS UNSELFISH,LOVING ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH THE PRAYERS AND

ASSISTANCE OF OUR FELLOW STRUGGLERS.

The short time of Satan is the period of tribulation justprior to the end of the ages just before the EighthDay the General Resurrection and the FinalJudgement of Christ.

Because the example of a leader can be so influential,ANY LEADER WHO DOES NOT LOVE GOD WILL HINDER

OTHERS FROM SEEKING, FINDING AND DEVELOPING A

CLOSE RELATIONSHIP OF HUMBLE OBEDIENCE AND

WORSHIP WITH GOD.

Therefore, DUE TO THE INCALCULABLE RESPONSIBILITY OFANY LEADER FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL

WELFARE OF OTHERS, THEY ARE HELD TO A HIGHER

STANDARD THAN THOSE WHO FOLLOW OR OBEY THEM.James 3:1 My Brethren: let NOT many of you

become Teachers, knowing that we shallreceive a stricter Judgement, for we allstumble in many things.

V WHAT WE SAY, DO OR TEACH OTHERS REVEALS THE TRUESTATE OF WHAT WE REALLY ARE.

If we control our words, WE CAN CONTROL WHAT WE DO,which is a prime example of the relationshipbetween Faith and Works.

This substantiates (proves) THE RELENTLESS SPIRITUALWARFARE THAT CONFRONTS AND THREATENS US, andagainst which we must ceaselessly struggle.

We must CONSISTENTLY GUARD AGAINST HYPOCRITICALAND CONTRADICTORY THOUGHTS, SPEECH AND DEEDS.

V TRUE WISDOM COMES ONLY FROM GOD AND IS PROVEDBY THE FRUIT IT BEARS the result orconsequence of such Wisdom.

These DIRE WARNINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AREESPECIALLY VITAL TO ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS because HIS HOLY CHURCH HAS CAREFULLY ANDFAITHFULLY MAINTAINED THE HOLY TRADITION OF

CHRIST AND OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS AND MOTHERS- the verbal Instructions and Teachings of JesusChrist, (God Himself!) to His Holy Apostles, whichhave been PRESERVED UNCHANGED AND PASSED ONTHROUGHOUT THE AGES TO US.

V GODS TRUTH ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND PURE ANDALL HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE OUR EXPRESSIONS OF

DEEP FAITH, WHICH LEAD US TO A MORE INTIMATE

AND SINCERE COMMITMENT TO GOD, which

safeguard ourLIFEINCHRIST.

However, if we merely pay lip service to them,

without ever really taking them to heart andpractising - i.e. LIVING - WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHTBY CHRIST, we will face Eternal Condemnation

as hypocrites!


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A r c h d i o c e s e o f G o o d H o p e All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen.

Re me mb er in g al so ou r Mo st Ho ly , Mo st Pu re , Mo st Bl es se d an d Gl or io us La dy , Ma ri a, Th eo to ko s, ye t Ev er Vi rg in , to ge th er wi th al l th e

Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

22 n d Su nday Aft er P e n t e c o s t T o n e ( 5 ) P l a g a l 1 4 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2

5 t h S u n d a y o f S t L u k e T h e R i c h M a n & P o o r

L a z a r o s E t e r n a l C o n s e q u e n c e s o f t h i s L i f e

Also the Feast of St Ioannikios the Great of Bithynia St Nicander the Bishop & St

Hermas the Presbyter, Hieromartyrs of Myra - St Mercurios the Faster of Kiev Caves

St Nicander of Gorodensk, Novgorod St John, St Stephen & St Isaiah of Georgia St

Simon of Yurievets St Gabriel of Atonelni, Georgia

R e s u r r e c t i o n A p o l y t i k i o n TO N E ( 5 ) PL A G A L 1

Ton sinanarhon Logon Patri ke Pnevmati, ton ekParthenou tehthenta is Sotirian imon, animnisomen,Pisti, ke proskinisomen. Oti ivdokise Sarki anelthin

en to Stavro ke Thanaton ipomine ke egire tous

tethneotas en ti Evdoxo Anastasi Aftou.

The Word, Who with the Father and the Spirit has nobeginning, and Who, for our Salvation, was born of aVirgin, let us Faithful Believers hymn and adore. Forit was His Good Pleasure to ascend the Cross in theFlesh, and to Suffer Death, and through His ownGlorious Resurrection to raise the dead.

K on t a ki on o f t h e E ve r B le ss e d T h e o to k os

Prostasiaton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros tonPiitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseonfonas, alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon,

ton pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, kespefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, tonTimonton Se.

OProtector of the Christians Unashamable, Mediator tothe Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleadingvoices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to theAid of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed upThine Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, OTheotokos who always protects all those who honourThee!

R e s u r r e c t i o n G o s p e l 1 1 J o h n 2 1 : 1 4 - 2 5O u r R e s u r r e c t e d L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t R e s t o r e s & C o m m i s s i o n s S t P e t e r

P r o k e i m e n o n

Thou, O Lord, shalt Protect us and Preserve us.

Save me, O Lord, for the Godly man has failed.S t P a u l s E p i s t l e t o t h e G a l a t i a n s 6 : 1 1 - 1 8T h e R u l e o f F a i t h

Brethren: See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!Many of those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh would compel you to be circumcised, for the Cross of

Christ. Yet not even those who are circumcised keep the Law, but they desire to have you circumcised so that theymay boast in your flesh.

God forbid that I should boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by Whom the world has been crucified inme, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything but a NewCreation. And all who walk according to this Rule may Peace and Mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the Marks of the Lord Jesus.Brethren: the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Amen.

St Pauls remarked about the large handwriting of thisEpistle (Letter) to the Galatians, which confirmed thefact that he himself had written these words.

V HE WARNED US AGAINST THOSE WHO ONLY PAY LIP SERVICETO ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS

INSTEAD OF FULFILLING THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW.

V TRUE CHRISTIANS LIVE THEIR SINCERE AND GENUINESERVICE TO GOD WITH ALL HUMILITY AND WILLING

OBEDIENCE TO HIM.

In this day and age, all too often we only pay lip service toChrist WE ONLY PRETEND TO SERVE GOD BY GOING

THROUGH THE REQUIRED MOTIONS WITHOUT ANY INNER

COMMITMENT ORLOVE FORGOD AND HIS CREATION.

V BEING BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED IS ONLY THEBEGINNING OF OURLIFE IN CHRIST.

From that moment onwards, WE MUST LIVE EVERY DAY INIMITATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.

St Paul had to contend with the Hebrews who thought that

being circumcised proved your Faith in God.V However: as he emphasised, TRUE FAITH IS FROM

WITHIN OUR HEARTS AND SOULS, WHICH IS EVIDENT FROM

HOW WE LIVE EACH DAY, WALKING STEADFASTLY IN THE

FOOTSTEPS OFCHRIST.

V TRUE CHRISTIANS HAVE ASACRED COMMITMENT TO FULLYPARTICIPATE IN ALL OUR HOLY CHURCHS MYSTERIES

HOLY SACRAMENTS AND COMMUNAL WORSHIP ON A

REGULAR BASIS.

Therefore, UNLESS WE FULLY COMMIT OUR LIVES TO CHRIST IN

ALL ASPECTS REQUIRED OF US AS FAITHFUL ORTHODOX

CHRISTIANS, WE MAKE A MOCKERY OFGOD AND HIS HOLY

CHURCH, which bears dire Eternal Consequences forunrepentant sinners and apostatisers!

We freely choose our own state of Eternity by whatever wedo during our present lifetime.

We prove nothing by being Christian in name alone!V WE ARE COMPELLED BY OURSPIRITUAL COMMITMENT TO

CHRIST TO FULFIL ALL HIS DIVINE REQUIREMENTS DURING

OUR TEMPORARY EARTHLY LIFE only then may we trulyhope to enjoy the Fruits of our Spiritual Labours.

V WE ARE CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF THIS DIVINETRUTH ASCHRIST HIMSELF REVEALED TO US FOR GOD NEVER

DESIRES THE DESTRUCTION OF SINNERS BUT EXPECTANTLYAWAITS OURRETURN TO HIS LOVING EMBRACE BY MEANS

OF US VOLUNTARILY FREELY- CHANGING OUR CHOICE OF

PERSONAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR.V Finally, St Paul ends this particular Epistle with the

Blessing: ... the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be


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with your spirit,which means that he prays thatBY

CORRECTING OUR ERRORS, WE MAY ONCE AGAIN RECEIVE

THE DIVINE INDWELLING OF GOD HIS DIVINE GRACE AND

LOVE.V IT IS ENTIRELY OUR OWN PERSONAL CHOICE.

T h e H o l y G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o S t L u k e 1 6 : 1 9 3 1The Rich Man & Poor Lazaros

At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen

and who fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazaros, who was full ofsores and who lay at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich mans table.And dogs went and licked his sores.

So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to Abrahams Bosom.

The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and sawAbraham afar off, and Lazaros in his Bosom.

Then he cried: O Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazaros so that he may dip the tip of hisfinger in water and to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this Flame!

And Abraham replied: Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewiseLazarus received evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this,between us and you there is a great Gulf fixed so that those who want to pass from her to you cannot,nor can those from there pass to us.

Then the formerly rich man said: I beg you therefore, Father, that you send him to my fathers house - for

I have five brothers - so that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.And Abraham answered: They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them! and he said: No, Father

Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will Repent.But Abraham said to him: If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded by one

risen from the dead!

When our Lord Jesus described the Rich Man being ...

clothed in purple and fine linen... and eatingextravagantly every day, HIS AUDIENCE IMMEDIATELY

UNDERSTOOD THE EXTREME WEALTH that he possessedand with which he indulged himself.

Only Kings, influential Rulers and the very affluent worerobes that were dyed PURPLE.PURPLE DYE WAS PRODUCED FROM THE MUCUS OF THE HYPOBRANCHIAL GLAND OF

VARIOUS SPECIES OF MARINE MOLLUSKS - NOTABLY MUREX - AND IT TOOK

APPROXIMATELY 12,000 SHELLFISH TO EXTRACT 1.5 GRAMS OF THE PURE DYE

(PURPURA).

Furthermore, it was also extremely costly to produceFINELY WOVEN LINEN.

In addition, the consumption of such lavish meals everyday was also evidence of much prosperity anddecadence since others ate very simple meals of basicfoods whatever they could either grow themselves orwere able to purchase at the marketplace.

Meat and any other extravagant dishes would be servedonly on very special occasions and then only by thosewho were able to afford them.

OURLORDJESUS ALWAYS CONTRASTED HIS SACRED LESSONS

WITH EXTREME AND OPPOSITE SCENARIOS, and in THIS

TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE TWO MENS CIRCUMSTANCES, Hebrings our attention to the complete opposite of therich mans self-indulgent lifestyle - to that of thedestitute and suffering beggar lying so patiently at hisgate.

ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE NATURE, CHRIST KNEW THE

SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF POOR LAZAROS AND THAT HE

HAD BEEN CARRIED BYANGELS TO THE COMFORTING

BOSOM OFABRAHAM, WHICH REVEALED THATLAZAROS HADACCEPTED HIS LIFE WITH PATIENT GRATITUDETO GOD AND

NEVER COMPLAINEDABOUT HIS SAD SITUATION.

The ancient Patriarch, STABRAHAM, WAS MENTIONED BYCHRIST AMONG ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE IN STARK

CONTRAST TO THE RICH MAN,STABRAHAM HAD ALWAYS

SHOWN WELCOMING AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY TO ALL

STRANGERS EVEN THE HOLYTRINITY. ( R E F E R G E N E S I S 1 8 :1 8 )

On the contrary, THE RICH MAN WHO LIVED SUCH A LAVISH,

THOUGHTLESS EXISTENCE, SUFFERED INDESCRIBABLE ...

TORMENTS INHADES... WHILE BEING ABLE TO SEE THE

RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WHO RESTED PEACEFULLY IN THE

COMFORT OFABRAHAMS BOSOMABRAHAMS BOSOM WAS A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN AND THE PLACE OF PEACEFUL

REPOSE FOR GODS FAITHFUL PEOPLE UNTIL CHRIST DESCENDED INTO HADES,

SMASHED OPEN THE IMPRISONING GATES AND SET THE RIGHTEOUS FREE TO REST IN

THE RE-OPENED PARADISE UNTIL THE GENERAL RESURRECTION AND THE FINAL

JUDGEMENT AT HIS SECOND COMING.

Christ mentioned thatTHE RICH MAN HAD BEEN BURIED,

which our Holy Fathers regard as ILLUSTRATING THESTATE OF HIS THOUGHTLESS, UNCARINGAND MERCILESS

SOUL WHICH WAS BURIED BY THE PLEASURES OF HIS SELF-

INDULGENT FLESH.

In other words, THE RICH MAN WAS ALREADY BURIED DURING

HIS LIFETIME by his ... couches, rugs, furnishings,

sweet oils, perfumes, large quantities of wine,

varieties of food, and his many flatterers... (St JohnChrysostom)

In addition, THE FACT THAT CHRIST DID NOT IDENTIFY THERICH MAN BY NAME, INDICATES THAT HE WAS ULTIMATELY

FORGOTTEN BY EVERYONE.

(PSALM 9:6: Thou rebukes the nations, and theungodly man destroys himself; Thou blot out

their names in their lifetime and unto ages ofages...)

Although the names of the ungodly are forgotten, theirwicked and unrepented deeds will be exposed andjudged by God because EVERYTHING WILL BE EXPOSEDBY HIS DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH AT THE FINAL

JUDGEMENT ON THE EIGHTH DAY THE BEGINNING OF

ETERNITY.

THE RICH MANS DESPERATE APPEAL TO STABRAHAM AS A

SPIRITUAL FATHER WAS NOT REJECTED, for he addressed

the tormented man as Son,AND SPOKE TO HIM WITH

COMPASSION BY EXPLAINING THE TRUTH AND REALITY OF

THE SPIRITUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THOSE ALREADY IN

HADES (I.E. BEFORE THE HARROWING OF HADES BY OUR CRUCIFIED CHRIST)

THE TORMENTED AND THE REPOSED - AND THOSE WHO

WERE STILL ALIVE ON EARTH.

The great Gulfis not a physical or geographical dividebutTHE COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN VIRTUE AND

VICE goodness and wickedness AN IRREVOCABLE

SEPARATION THAT CANNOT BE OVERCOME OR CORRECTED

AFTER DEATH.

It is of great significance that NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS HE

SUFFERED IN HADES HAD CHANGED THE RICH MANS

HEART because he still regarded poor Lazaros as a

mere servant who existed to fulfil the Rich Mans ownselfish bidding and desires!

In other words, NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS OF HADES CAN

CHANGE A STUBBORN, SELF-SEEKING SINNER!

THIS SACRED LESSON OF OURLORDJESUS CHRIST REVEALS

TO US THE COMMUNION OFSAINTS: a man who was not

even a faithful servant of God called out for mercyfrom Hades and conversed with St Abraham!

Some scholars see this After-death account as being setafter the Final Judgement of Christ, citing thePunishment and Reward that will be received by thetwo men respectively.

However, OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS REGARD THIS

ACCOUNT AS BEING DURING A TIME AFTER DEATH BUT

BEFORE THE SECOND COMING OFCHRIST, AS EVIDENCED

BY THE MAN INTERCEDING ON BEHALF OF HIS FIVE

BROTHERS WHO WERE STILL ALIVE.The multiple Torments the Rich Man experienced would be

merelyA HIDEOUS FORETASTE OFHIS FINALJUDGEMENT

AND SPIRITUAL STATE IN ETERNITY.


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From this perspective, we are taught that SOULS OF THE

DEPARTED HAVE AN AWARENESS OF AND CONCERN FOR THE

SPIRITUAL STATE OF THOSE WHO STILL LIVE ON EARTH,

BUT ALSO THAT- ALTHOUGH THE INTERCESSORYPRAYERS

OF THE WICKED MAN FORDIVINE MERCY FOR THE REST OF

HIS LIVING FAMILY ARE HEARD, SADLY THEY WILL BENEFIT

NEITHER HIM NOR HIS FAMILY.

L U K E 9 : 3 0 - 3 1 : CHRISTS PASSION ON THE CROSS WASafulfilment of the Old Covenant Passover and wasTHETRUE EXODUS FROM SPIRITUAL ENSLAVEMENT OF

SIN INTO GLORIOUS SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL

FREEDOM OFETERNAL LIFE.Only in His human Nature could Christ experience Death

and descend into Hades where, IN HISDIVINENATURE,HE SMASHED OPEN THE GATES OF HADES AND SET THE

RIGHTEOUS SOULS FREE, while the stubbornlyunrepentant souls remained there, tormented by theForetaste of Eternal Death suffering the unspeakablehorrors of the total absence of God and everythinggood!

2 M A C C A B E E S 1 5 : 1 2 - 1 6 : The Hebrews believed thatTHE DEPARTED SAINTS LIKE STJEREMIAH ARE ALIVE

EVEN BEFORE THE GENERAL RESURRECTION.

This was clearly confirmed by the New Covenant when STMOSES AND ST ELIJAH APPEARED WITH CHRIST AT HIS

GLORIOUS TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNTTABOR, WHICH

WAS WITNESSED BY ST PETER, ST JAMES, AND HISBROTHER, ST JOHN the Divine Apostle and Theologian.

M A T T H E W 2 : 1 8 : The Book of Jeremiah mentions thatwhen the people of Jerusalem were led into exile,they passed Ramah, near Bethlehem, where thetomb of St Jacobs wife, St Rachel, was situated.

In his Prophecy, STJEREMIAH SAWSTRACHEL LAMENTING,

WEEPING AND MOURNING FROM HER GRAVE, BEING DEEPLY

SORROWFUL FOR THE FATE THAT HAD BEFALLEN HER

DESCENDENTS, AND THIS WAS REPEATED AT THE TIME OF

THE MERCILESS SLAUGHTER OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS,

which occurred approximately two years after the Birthof Christ when all male infants were murdered byorder of the insane and cruel King Herod.

Thus the weeping of St Rachel for her suffering childrendemonstrates that SAINTS IN HEAVEN ARE VERY AWARE

OF AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS ALL WHO STRUGGLE IN

LIFE ON EARTH.

CONSEQUENTLY, WE TURN TO THEM FOR THEIR PRAYERS OF

INTERCESSION AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.THE HUMAN SOUL IS IMMORTAL IT NEVER DIES SO IT REMAINS ALIVE AND

AWARE OF BOTH THE VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE WORLDS.

SOULS THAT HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A CLOSE AND INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP

WITH GOD CONTINUE AFTER THIS LIFE TO BE IN THE DIVINE PRESENCE.

OBVIOUSLY THEN, THOSE THAT HAVE REJECTED GOD AND REFUSED TO MAKE ANY

EFFORT TO GET CLOSE TO GOD HAVE CHOSEN THEIR ALIENATION AND

SPIRITUAL EXILE FOR ALL ETERNITY AND WILL THUS SUFFER THE

UNCEASING TORMENTS OF HELL FOREVER WITH NO RESPITE OR RELIEF

AND BEING COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM EVERYTHING OF GOD AND HIS

GOODNESS.

J A M E S 5 : 1 6 Confess your trespasses to oneanother, and pray for one another, so that youmay be healed. The effective, Fervent Prayer of a

Righteous person avails much.Some people allege that confessing our sins to God in the

presence of a Priest is not Biblical!THE ANCIENT CHRISTIAN PRACTICE WAS TO CONFESS OUR

TRESPASSES TO ONE ANOTHERand when a Christian wasguilty of sinning, the matter was confessed before theentire ChurchAS A MOST HUMBLEACT OFREPENTANCE.EARLY CHURCHES CONSISTED OF GATHERINGS OF FAITHFUL IN SMALL GROUPS IN

THE HOMES OF OTHER CHRISTIANS.

EVERYONE KNEW EACH OTHER VERY WELL AND THERE WAS AN ELEMENT OF

COMPLETE TRUST BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL UNITED IN THE SAME FAITH

AND MANNER OF WORSHIP.

EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD AND PRESERVED THE SANCTITY OF SUCH GATHERINGS

AND SHARING OF ONE ANOTHERS PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL BURDENS.

NO ONE GOSSIPPED OR SCANDALISED ABOUT WHATEVER THEY WITNESSED

DURING THEIR SANCTIFIED GATHERINGS.

THEY UNDERSTOOD THAT WE ARE ALL SINNERS SEEKING REDEMPTION IN CHRIST

JESUS SO NO ONE COULD OR WANTED TO POINT ACCUSING FINGERS AT

EACH OTHER.

However, as the Church grew, and more often than not,other people who were not part of the ChristianCommunity would attend, many of whom hoped tobecome Catechumens and then be Baptised

Christians.Some attended out of mere curiosity or even possibly with

other more sinister motives.Consequently communal, public Confessions became less

desirable and even dangerous during the persecutionsof Christians .

Instead of Confessions before the entire Christian

Community, REPENTANT SINNERS CONFESSED IN PRIVATE

BEFORE APRIEST (WHO REPRESENTS OUR FELLOW SINNERS,)AND IN

THE DIVINE PRESENCE OFALMIGHTYGOD (WHO, THROUGH HISORDAINED SERVANTS, THE BISHOPS AND PRIESTS, GRANTS US FORGIVENESS OF

SINS.)

What is definitelyNOT TAUGHT IN HOLYSCRIPTUREIS PRIVATE

CONFESSION ONLY TO GOD, WHEREBY WE REFUSE TO

ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO OURCHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

OUR FELLOW STRUGGLING SINNERS - AGAINST WHOM WE

COMMIT OUR SINS!1 J O H N 1 : 8 1 0 : If we say that we have no sin, we

deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us. Ifwe Confess our sins, (Christ) is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from allunrighteousness. If we say that we have not

sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is notin us!

V FAITH IS PROVED BYGOOD WORKS I.E.OURFAITH MUSTPRODUCE PURITY IT MUST PRACTICE THE TRUTH -

WHERE TRUTH IS A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

THAT IS MANIFESTED IN AHOLY AND RIGHTEOUS LIFE

IN CHRIST.

V And TRUE FAITH MUST ALWAYS SEEK FORGIVENESS forand cleansing from sin THE BLOOD OFJESUS

CHRIST...CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.

V SIN MOST CERTAINLY DOES EXIST AND CONSEQUENTLY,THE PRACTICE OF REGULAR CONFESSION IS THE

ESTABLISHED BASIS FOR OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

TOWARDS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Furthermore, ALTHOUGH WE CONTINUOUSLY COMMIT SIN, WE

MUST JUST AS CEASELESSLY STRIVE TO AVOID ALL

TEMPTATION THAT LEADS US INTO WICKEDNESS.

SALVATION IN CHRIST IS A LONG, PERPETUAL PROCESS A

CEASELESS AND WATCHFUL STRUGGLE the most

essential part of which is a CONSTANT AWARENESS AND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EVERY SIN GREAT OR SMALL

AND REGULAR REPENTANCE-CONFESSION COMBINED WITH

HOLYEUCHARIST.

V In order for fulfil these requirements and to makegood Spiritual Progress, A CONSTANT ATTENDANCE

AND PARTICIPATION IN ALL HOLY SERVICES, HOLYMYSTERIES AND PERSONAL PRAYERS IS VITAL.

V THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST EFFECTS HEALING PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL THROUGH WORKS OFFAITH

SUCH AS CONFESSION OF OUR SINS AND THE POWER

OFINTERCESSORYPRAYER.

T h e R i c h M a n & P o o r L a z a r o sOver the years, I have heard many Christian Teachers

claim that one should not attempt to derive Doctrinefrom the Parables of Christ, asserting that they utilizeconfusing symbolism and hidden meaning, makingit difficult to clearly understand what Christ wastrying to say, thus leading to the possibility ofdoctrinal error.

However, it seems to me that there are plenty of peoplewho misunderstand and misinterpret even the plainand straight-forward Teachings of Christ, such aswhen He said: ...unless a man is born again of

water and the Spirit, he shall not see theKingdom of God...or when He said: ...unless

you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drinkHis Blood, you have no Life in you.

THESE ARE BOTH VERY CLEAR AND DIRECTSTATEMENTS OF

CHRIST, UNDERSTOOD - BY HIS HOLYAPOSTLES AND

THE CHURCH FROM DAY ONE - TO APPLY TO HOLY

BAPTISM AND THE EUCHARIST, RESPECTIVELY.

Yet today many Christians no longer care to know what

the Holy Apostles or the early Holy Church Fathersactually taught, or what the early Church believed.

They no longer measure their own beliefs by thisyardstick, but are content to accept contemporarydoctrinal models - even if that means CREATIVELY

REINTERPRETING OR OUTRIGHT DISMISSING CERTAIN


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PORTIONS OF THE HOLYSCRIPTURES that just ...dontquite fit!

Case in point: Todays Sacred Lesson, which consists ofcertain aspects that align precisely with historicChristian Teaching quite well, but which tend tomake many modern believers cringe.

For example, when the Eternal Destinies of these twomen were prefigured by Poor Lazaros being carriedaway by Gods Angels to Abrahams Bosom [I.E. RESTINGIN PEACE], while the formerly Rich Man was taken down

into the torments of Hades, absolutely NO MENTION

WAS MADE OF THE PERSONAL FAITH OF EITHER OF THEM.For many of our Brethren today thats a positively ghastly

omission!Whats even worse is that Father Abraham told the Rich

Man that Poor Lazaros was being comforted aftersuffering a lifetime of abject misery, whereas theRICH MAN WAS BEING TORMENTED BECAUSE HE HAD

LIVED A LIFE OF GREAT COMFORT COUPLED WITH A

CALLOUS NEGLECT OF THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND

HIM.This would seem to move us even farther away from the

modern notion that Salvation is entirely a matter ofright Faith alone and has nothing to do with onesearthly Works or way of life.

We begin to understand whyTHE PARABLES OF OURLORD

JESUS ARE NOT SO POPULAR TODAY.And not just the Parables, but MUCH OF OUR LORDS

TEACHING AS WELL.

V For, WHILE HE SPOKE OFTEN OF THE NEED TO BELIEVEIN HIM FOR ETERNAL LIFE, HE ALSO SPOKE

THROUGHOUT HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY ON THE NEED

FORCHARITABLE WORKS AND RIGHTEOUS LIVING AS

WELL.

In factHE SUMMED UP HISTEACHING ON THIS MATTER BY

WARNING US: Not all who say to Me, Lord,

Lord, shall see the Kingdom of Heaven, exceptthose who do the Will of My Father Who is in

Heaven...Clearly, NOT ALL WHO MERELY BELIEVE AND CALL JESUS

CHRISTLORD WILL BE SAVED - ONLY THOSE WHO DO

THE WILL OF HIS ETERNAL, HEAVENLY FATHER the

most important Truth for us all to remember!And what is the Will of God our Heavenly Father?

WE ARE TAUGHT ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD OURHEAVENLY

FATHER BY CHRIST OURLORD AND SAVIOUR- His OnlyBegotten Son - WHO CONTINUOUSLY INSTRUCTS AND

COMPELS US TO FEED THE HUNGRY, GIVE DRINK TO THE

THIRSTY, CARE FOR THE STRANGER, CLOTHE THE NAKED,

VISIT THE SICK, MINISTER TO THOSE IN PRISON, AND

PREACH HIS HOLY GOSPEL HIS DIVINE TRUTH -

WITHOUT ERROR OR OMISSION!

In other words, WE ARE TO BE THE HANDS AND FEET AND

THE HEART OF OUR MOSTCOMPASSIONATE LORDJESUS,

and DO EXACTLY WHATHE WOULD DO IN THE MIDST OF

SUCH HUMAN SUFFERING.

WE ARE, AFTER ALL, HIS BODY ON EARTH, CALLED OUT

FROM AMONG THE NATIONS TO CARRY ON HIS DIVINEMINISTRY TO THE FALLEN, HURT AND SUFFERING PEOPLE

OF THIS WORLD.

EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID DURING

HIS LIFETIME ON EARTH, WE ARE TO CONTINUE DOING so that His Love (DIVINE LOVE AGAPE) might be manifested

(REVEALED) in us and through us - SO THAT THE WORLD

MIGHT KNOW THAT WE ARE HIS BLESSED CHILDREN AND

FAITHFUL SERVANTS.

THIS IS THETRUE CHRISTIAN GOSPEL THAT FAR TOO OFTEN

HAS BEEN DISTORTED OR NEGLECTED BY SO MANY

PEOPLE today. And here I include Orthodox,

Catholics, and Protestants alike, for WE ALL SHARE AMEASURE OF GUILT IN THIS.

Yes, it is true that some people subscribe to distorted,even heretical teachings that claim that God only

cares about what a person believes and is entirelyunconcerned with how they actually live.

However, all too sadly, THERE ARE MANY, MANY MOREBELIEVERS WHO ATTEND CHURCHES IN WHICH BOTH

RIGHT BELIEVING AND RIGHT LIVING ARE PREACHED, YET

THEY SIMPLY FAIL TO LIVE UP TO IT!

As we contemplate todays Sacred Lesson, we certainlyfind much to which we all need to pay closerattention.

Although most of us are probably not at all like PoorLazaros, who bore his Cross without complaint -and unless we eventually become like the All WiseFather Abraham - that only leaves one othercharacter to whom we might be similar!

And although it is uncomfortable to consider ourselvessimilar to the Rich Man aside from ... beingclothed in purple and fine linen - and dining

sumptuously every day... in every other way thecomparison is uncanny.

Most of us areALMOST ALWAYS FAR MORE CONCERNED WITHOUR OWN LIFE AND PLEASURE THAN WITH THE REAL

NEEDS OF OTHERS.

IT IS SO EASY FOR US TO LOOK PAST THOSE IN NEED AND TO

SIMPLY IGNORE THEM.I dont mean to paint an entirely negative picture of how

most of us flawed human beings behave, becausethere are many times when we are quite capable ofbeing good models of True Spirituality andCompassion for others.

Whenever we hear of someones great need we may fallpiously to our knees and pray: Oh Lord, raise

someone up to help that person! Someone else,

Lord, because Thou knowest how busy I am!YES, IT IS VERY EASY FOR US TO BE TOO BUSY - TOO

PROTECTIVE AND SELFISH OF OUR OWN TIME AND

EFFORTS - AND TOO BLIND AND UNFEELING - just asthe Rich Man was with Poor Lazaros.

Yet when we really get down to it, GODNEVERASKS TOO

MUCH OF US!

He simply wants us to STOP LIVING AS IF WE, ALONE, ARE

THE CENTRE OF OUR OWN LITTLE UNIVERSE.

He wants us all to realise to acknowledge - thatA

SELF-INDULGENT LIFE IS NOTTRUE LIFE AT ALL IT IS

NOT THE REAL PURPOSE OF OUR CREATION AND

EXISTENCE.

God is a Good Father, and like all good Fathers HE

WANTS HIS CHILDREN TO OUTGROW THE NARCISSISM OF

CHILDHOOD AND LEARN TO LOVE AND TO CARE FOR

OTHERS.That is such a hard lesson for many of us to learn, isnt

it?We all tend to live for ourselves or our own families, for

work and for play, and make so little time foranything or anyone else.

GOD WANTS US TO GIVE OF OURSELVES FOR OTHERS, LEST

WE WIND UP LIKE THE RICH MAN IN A PLACE OF

TORMENT CAUSED ENTIRELY BY OUR OWN SELFISHNESS.

Todays Sacred Lesson is vitally important to our Life

and Instruction.V GOOD WORKS OFCHARITY [I.E. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OR AGAPE]

ARE ESSENTIAL TO OURETERNAL SALVATION.

IT IS SO TRAGIC THAT SO MANYBELIEVERS OF OUR DAY AND

AGE DENY THIS - thinking all the while that they are

protecting the True Gospel of Christ [ OUR GOD OF TRUE,INFINITE AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!]WHAT IS EVEN SADDER, HOWEVER, IS WHEN CHRISTIANS

KNOW THAT WORKS OF LOVE AND MERCY ARE

IMPORTANT, BUT STILL DO NOT MAKE ANY EFFORT TO

FULFIL THEM.

NO ONE IS SAVED APART FROM CHRIST - NEITHER CAN ANYCHRISTIAN EXPECT TO IGNORE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

AND BE AWARDED ETERNAL LIFE DUE MERELY TO FAITH

ALONE.

WE NEED FAITH IN JESUS CHRISTANDTO ALLOW THAT

FAITH TO MATURE WITHIN US, LEADING US TO WORKS(DEEDS) OFMERCY THAT REVEAL CHRIST IN US - thatultimately validate our Faith and give it True Life inChrist!FATHER MICHAEL REAGAN ST BARNABAS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, USA -

HTTP://THEABANDONEDMIND.BLOGSPOT.COM/2006/11/RICH-MAN-AND-LAZARUS.HTM


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8 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2

S y n a x i s o f t h e H o l y A r c h a n g e l s : S t M i c h a e l ,

S t G a b r i e l , S t R a p h a e l , S t U r i e l , S t S a l a p h i e l ,S t J e g u d i e l & S t B a r a c h i e l & a l l t h e H e a v e n l y H o s t s

Also the Feast of St Alexander of Guria

F e s t a l A p o l y t i k i o n S y n a x i s A r c h a n g e l s & H e a v e n l y H o s t s

F e s t a l K o n t a k i o n : E n t r y o f T h e o t o k o s i n t o T e m p l e

O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas keParthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou,

simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harinsinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin

Angeli Theou: Afti iparhi Skini Epouranios.

TheMost Pure Temple of the Saviour, the PreciousBridal Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure ofGod, today enters the House of the Lord, bringingthe Grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God

praise her. She is the Heavenly Tabernacle.

M a t i n s - H o l y G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g T o S t M a t t h e w 1 8 : 1 0 2 0At that time, our Lord Jesus said: Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you

that in Heaven their Angels always see the Face of My Father Who is in Heaven. For the Son of Man hascome to Save that which was lost.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the

ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it,assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than the ninety-nine sheep that did not goastray.

Even so, it is not the Will of your Father Who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.Furthermore, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault - between you and him alone. If he

hears you, you have gained your brother. However, if he will not hear, take with you one or two more,that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hearthem, tell it to the Church. But if he refuses even to hear the Church, let him be to you like a heathenand a tax collector.

Assuredly, I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on

earth will be loosed in Heaven.Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for

them by My Father in Heaven. For when two or three are gathered together in My Name, I Am there inthe midst of them.

F e s t a l P r o k e i m e n o n Who makes spirits His Angels and a Flame of Fire His Ministers.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord, my God, You have been greatly Magnified!T h e E p i s t l e o f S t P a u l t o t h e H e b r e w s 2 : 2 1 0

B e w a r e O f W i l f u l N e g l i g e n c e

Brethren, if the word spoken through Angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a JustReward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a Salvation? Which, at the first, began to be spoken by the Lord,and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness, both with Signs and Wonders, withvarious Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own Will.

For He has not put the world to come of which we speak, in subjection to Angels. But one testified in a certain place,saying: What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the Son of Man that Thou takes care of Him? Thou hast madeHim with Glory and Honour, and set Him over the works of Thy Hands. Thou hast put all things in subjection under

His Feet. For in that He put all in subjection under Him,He left nothing that is not put under Him.

But now we do not yet see all things put under Him. Yet wesee Jesus Who was made a little lower than the Angels,for the suffering of death, Crowned with Glory andHonour, that He, by the Grace of God, might taste Deathfor everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for Whom are allthings and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sonsto Glory, to make the Captain of their Salvation Perfectthrough sufferings.

Ton Ouranion Stration Arhistratigi,disopoumen imas imis i anaxii,

ina tes imon deisesi, tehisiteimas, Skepi ton pterigon, tis aflou

imon Doxis, frourountes imas

prospiptontas, ektenos keVoontas. Ek ton kindinon

litrosasthe imas, os Taxiarhe tonano Dinamenon.

O ye Foremost of the HeavenlyHosts, we who are unworthy,

beseech You that by YourPetitions You encompass us with

the Protection of Your Immaterial

Glory, preserving us who kneeland cry ceaselessly: Deliver us

from oppressions, since You arethe Princes of the Ranks of

Dominions on High


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H o l y G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o S t L u k e 1 0 : 1 6 2 1Ou r L ord s S e n d in g For th Of H is 7 0 Ap os t l e s An d H is C a u t ion a ry Wa rn in g s T o T h e m

At that time our Lord Jesus said to them: He who hears you, hears Me, he who rejects you, rejects Him Who sentMe.

Then the Seventy returned with Joy, saying: Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!So He told them: I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven.Behold, I grant you the Authority to trample

upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurtyou. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this - that the spirits are subject to you - but rather rejoice becauseyour names are written in Heaven!

In that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said: I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that Thou hasthidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it

seemed good in Thy Sight.

T h e S y n a x i s o f t h e H o l y A r c h a n g e l s & H e a v e n l y H o s t s o f G o dOn 8 November, the Holy Orthodox Church of Christ

celebrates the Feast of the Synaxis of the HolyArchangels and the Heavenly Hosts of Almighty God.

The term Synaxis means THE GATHERING OF FAITHFULBELIEVERS TO CELEBRATE A SPECIAL FEAST or tocommemorate a Great and Holy Saint.

TODAYS HOLY FEAST IS THE GATHERING OF ALLINTELLECTUAL CREATURES OF GOD: MANKIND AND THEHEAVENLYHOSTS : ... their Union, their Gatheringand standing in Fear before our Creator. [FESTALSYNAXARION]

After the rebellion and consequent banishment of Satanand his wicked angels (DEMONS) from Heaven, this HolyFeast is THE CELEBRATION OFSOBRIETY AND UNITYOFALL THE OTHER HEAVENLY RANKS OF GODS FAITHFULAND TRUE ANGELIC HOSTS the innumerable AngelicPowers who are so steadfastly Loyal and Obedient toGod and His Divine Will.

We celebrate also the contribution of the Angelsand Archangels, and their help and support inour ceaseless Warfare against Satan and his dark

powers.[FESTAL SYNAXARION]WE JOYOUSLYCOMMEMORATE THIS FEAST OFUNITY BETWEEN

THE HEAVENLYHOSTS AND MANKIND, which is not in the... Life to come... [ETERNITY] at the end of times, butWHICH BEGINS IN THIS PRESENT EXISTENCE IN OUREARTHLY WORLD,NOW!

THE HOLY ANGELS DIRECT AND GUARD THE FAITHFULCHILDREN OF GOD [ADOPTED THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM ANDCHRISMATION] while WE CONSTANTLY STRUGGLE AGAINST THETEMPTATIONS OF THE EVIL ONE WHO SEEKS OUR

DESTRUCTION THROUGH OUR ALIENATION FROM GOD.

THE HEAVENLYHOSTS REJOICE WITH ALL REPENTANT SINNERS EVERY PRODIGAL SON WHO by acknowledgingtheir sins - MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO CORRECT THEIRSPIRITUAL CONDITION THROUGH REPENTANCE-CONFESSION AND RETURN TO A CLOSE, PERSONALRELATIONSHIP WITHALMIGHTYGOD.

THEY INTERCEDE ON OUR BEHALF to our Lord and place ourPrayers before His Heavenly Throne.

Consequently, there is A COMMON LITURGICAL WORKBETWEEN THE HOLYANGELS AND US human beings.

The Angels offer A CEASELESS DOXOLOGY AND NOETICWORSHIP TOGETHER WITH US TO GOD.

They offer to the Holy Trinity the Trisagion the ThriceHoly Prayers and Hymns to the Holy Trinity and WESINNERS ARE ABLE TO RECITE THE WORDS IN UNISON WITH

THEM: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of Sabaoth: theHeavens and earth are filled with Thy Glory!

Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He Whocomes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in theHighest!

V DURING THE DIVINE LITURGY THE HEAVENLY HOSTSGATHER AROUND THE HOLYALTAR TOGETHER WITHOUR CELEBRANT PRIESTS AND SERVE THE LITURGYTOGETHER WITH THEM. (REFER ICON ABOVE)

VERY YOUNG BABIES AND CHILDREN ARE ABLE TO BEHOLD THE HEAVENLY HOSTSWHO ARE GATHERED AROUND THE HOLY ALTAR - AND THEY REACT JOYFULLYTO THEM DURING THE LITURGY. FOR THAT REASON IT IS OF GREAT BENEFIT TOTHEIR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT TO BE BROUGHT TO CHURCH FROM THE FIRSTMONTHS OF THEIR LIFE. IT IS PERFECTLY NATURAL FOR BABIES TO BE IN THEDIVINE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS HEAVENLY HOSTS.

So THERE IS ONLY ONE, UNIFIED CELEBRATION ONE FEASTTHAT IS COMMON TO MANKIND AND THE HEAVENLYHOSTSOF GOD: ... Angels with human, celebratetogether... THE EARTHLY WITH THE HEAVENLY SPEAK... through Thy Cross, our Christ, our God; the

Angels and mankind become one: Church,Heaven and earth are United, O Lord: Glory toThee! [LITURGY OF THEFEAST OF ARCHANGELS & TROPARION OF WEDNESDAYORTHROS]

THE HOLYANGELS OF GOD AREESSENTIAL MEMBERS OFCHRISTS HOLY CHURCH I.E. THE BODY OFCHRIST.

8 November is specifically a Feast of St Michael theArchangel, which goes back in history to theCommemoration of the church in Arcadia,Constantinople, which is dedicated to him.

THE TITLE ANGELOS MEANS MESSENGER ORONE WHO ISSENT, WAS GIVEN TO THE INCORPOREAL HOSTS BYGODBECAUSE OF THEIR FUNCTION OF SERVING MANKIND FOR

OUR ETERNAL SALVATION: ... are they not allMinistering Spirits sent forth to Minister forthose who shall be Heirs of Salvation?(HEBREWS 1:14)

Holy Scripture does not mention exactly when the Angelswere created, but the Church in its Divine InspiredHoly Tradition - through the writings of our HolyFathers, chiefly St John of Damascus, St John Cassian,St Basil the Great, St Gregory the Theologian, StAmbrose of Milan, St Dimitri of Rostov, St Dionysiosthe Areopagite - believe that

V THE HEAVENLY, INCORPOREAL HOSTS WERE CREATEDFROM "NOTHING" PRIOR TO THE SENSIBLE MATERIALWORLD AND PRIOR TO MANKIND.

ANGELS WERE CREATED BY GOD TO GLORIFY HIM, TOFAITHFULLY SERVE HIM AND TO CONTEMPLATE HIM:"...when the stars were created, all My Angelswere Glorifying Me and Praising Me."(JOB 38:7).

THE LOGOS OFGOD the Word and Only Begotten Son ofGod, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ - createdthem "... for by Him were all things created, thatare in Heaven, and that are on earth, visible andinvisible - whether they be Thrones, or

Dominions, or Principalities or Powers - allthings were created by Him and for Him."(COLOSSIANS1:16).

V ANGELS HAVE A MAJOR ROLE IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OFEACH AND EVERY HUMAN BEING.THEY CONVEY ALL THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO US - according to

their Rank and depending on our Spiritual State:Purification, Illumination or Deification.

"The more we Purify ourselves, the more we knowGod, and the more we Love Him." (ST. GREGORY THETHEOLOGIAN).

TRULYSPIRITUAL PEOPLE RESEMBLEANGELS, as St. Gregoryof Nyssa commented: Spiritual Life allows our

spirit to enter the world of Angels."During our Spiritual Purification "...we need an Angel to

help us overcome our passions, since we are notPerfect," according to Origen.

V SPIRITUAL ILLUMINATION ENABLES OUR SOUL TO ENTERTHEANGELIC WORLD AND TO FINALLY ATTAIN A MOST

WONDERFUL LIFE OFUNION WITH GOD.ANGELS CONTEMPLATE HOW OUR SOUL MOVES out of the

darkness of sin to a Blessed State of SpiritualIllumination and Grace - AND PASSES US OVER TO THEGLORY THAT THE DIVINE LOGOS GRANTED TO MANKIND -in His Union with human nature.

V ANGELS WAIT FOR A DEIFIED PERSON TO BE UNITED TOPRAYER AND UPLIFTED TO GOD: "... Angels wait forthe death of Martyrs so as to lead their soulto its place..." and "...they surround theMartyrs on their Way to God and accompanythem to the Holy of Holies where the HolyTrinity is located - in the midst of Cherubimand Seraphim..."[ST GREGORY OF NYSSA & ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM]

NOTHING PROHIBITS US FROM LIVING LIKE ANGELS, FORANGELIC LIFE IS GRANTED TO EVERY TRULY FAITHFULCHRISTIAN.

Many cannot see Angels, nor do they accept Help fromthem because they are prevented by their passions

that darken both soul and heart. WHEN FREEDTHROUGH REPENTANCE,GOD GRANTS US HIS LIGHT ANDANANGEL OFPEACE, WHO WILL DIRECT AND PROTECT US.

ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: WRITTEN BY NABIL SEMAAN, PIERREFONDS, QUEST STEPHEN'S PROGRAM OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES -

htp://aggreen.net/beliefs/the_angels.html


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ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS WRITTEN BYJULIA BRIDGET HAYES


A r c h d i o c e s e o f G o o d H o p e All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, andunto the Ages of ages. Amen.

Re me mb er in g al so ou r Mo st Holy , Mo st Pu re , Mo st Bl es se d an d Gl or io us La dy , Ma ri a, Theo to ko s, ye tEver Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole

Li fe to Chri st ou r Go d. Am en .

9 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2

S t N e k t a r i o s o f P e n t a p o l i s & A e g i n aAlso the Feast of St Onesiphoros of Ephesos St Porphyrios of Ephesos St Matrona, Abbess of

Constantinople - St Onesiphoros the Confessor of Kiev Near Caves Monastery St Alexander of

Thessalonika - St Anthony of Apamea St John the Short /the Dwarf of Egypt - St Eustolia of

Constantinople St Sopatra of Constantinople - St Theoktiste of Lesbos St Euthymios & St

Neophytos the Co-Founders of Dochiarious Monastery, Mount Athos - the Holy Icon of our Ever

Blessed Lady Theotokos Quick to Hear

F e s t a l A p o l y t i k i o n o f S t N e k t a r i o s TO N E 1

Silivrias ton Gonon ke Eginis ton eforon, ton eskhatishronis fanenta, aretis Filon Gnision, Nektarion

Timisomen Pisti, os entheon theraponta Hristou;anavlizi gar iasis pantodapas, tis evlavos kravgazousi:Doxa to Se, Doxanti Hristo, Doxa to Se

Thavmastosanti! Doxa to Energounti dia Sou, pasiniamata!

Silivrias Offspring and Protector of Aegina, the TrueFriend of all Virtue, who appeared to us lately,Nektarios the Godly Servant of Christ, let ushonour, we the Faithful; for he pours forthHealings of every kind, on those who Piously cry

out: Glory to Christ Who Glorified Thee! Glory toHim Who Magnified Thee! Glory to the One WhoWorks through Thee, Healings for everyone!

F e s t a l K o n t a k i o n O f S t N e k t a r i o s TO N E PL A G A L 4

Orthodoxias ton Astera ton Neofoton, ke Ekklisias toNeodmiton protihisma, animnisomen kardias enevfrosini. Doxasthis gar energia ti tou Pnevmatos,

iamaton anavlizi Harin afthonon, tis kravgazousi.Heris Pater Nektarie!

The latest shining Star of Orthodoxy and the newlyerected Rampart of the Church let our hearts joyfullypraise. For, Glorified by the Work of the Spirit, heabundantly pours forth the Grace of Healing to thosewho cry out: "Hail, O Father Nektarios!"

F e s t a l K o n t a k i o n O f T h e E n t r y I n t o T h e T e m p l e O f T h e E v e r B l e s s e d T h e o t o k o s

O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas keParthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou,

simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harinsinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin


The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the PreciousBridal Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure ofGod, today enters the House of the Lord, bringingthe Grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God

praise her. She is the Heavenly Tabernacle.M a t i n s G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o S t M a t t h e w 2 4 : 4 2 - 4 7

At that time, our Lord said: Watch, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But

know this: that if the Master of the house had known what hour the thief should come, he would havewatched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is

coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Master maderuler over His Household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Master,when He comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that He will make him Ruler over all HisGoods..

F e s t a l P r o k e i m e n o n My mouth shall speak Wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, Understanding.

Thy Priests shall clothe themselves in Righteousness; Thy Saints shall greatly rejoice!

S t P a u l s F i r s t E p i s t l e t o t h e T h e s s a l o n i a n s 2 : 1 4 2 0

S t P a u l d e f e n d s H i s H o l y M i s s i o nBrethren: you became imitators of the churches of God, which are in Judea and in Christ Jesus. Foryou also suffered

the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord

Jesus and their own Prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all

mankind, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they may be Saved, so as always to fill up the measure oftheir sins; but Wrath has come upon them to the utmost.

But we, Brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence - not in heart - endeavoured moreeagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you even I, Paul, time and again butSatan hindered us.

For what is our Hope, or Joy, or Crown of Rejoicing? Is it not even you in the Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at HisComing? For you are our Glory and Joy.

Although the PERSECUTION THAT WAS SUFFERED BY THECHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OFTHESSALONIKA WAS MAINLY

DUE TO THE PAGAN GREEKS, St Paul was very honest

concerning HIS MISGUIDED FELLOWHEBREWS who :

REJECTED OURSAVIOUR the long awaited Messiah ...KILLED BOTH OURLORDJESUS ... ...AND THEIR OWNPROPHETS... PERSECUTED THEAPOSTLES AND DISCIPLES OFCHRIST DID NOT PLEASE GOD and WERE HOSTILE TOWARDS ALL MANKIND

This was an extremely strong indictment against theJewish leaders and their ill-advised Flock.

However, St Pauls Love for his fellow Hebrews neverwavered and he would rather have been cursedhimself if it would have caused them to turn to ourLord Jesus Christ for their Eternal Salvation.

ROMANS 9:3:... I could wish that I myself were accursedfrom Christ for my Brethren my countrymenaccording to the flesh...

ROMANS 10:1:Brethren: my hearts desire and Prayer toGod for Israel is that they may be Saved.


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Although unable to prevail against the Holy Church ofChrist, or to overcome the unwavering, steadfastFaithful Disciples of Christ, OUR GREATEST ENEMIES

(SATAN AND HIS DEMONS)ARE AT TIMES ALLOWED TO HINDER

US BUT ONLY IFGOD PERMITS IT FOR OURSPIRITUAL

BENEFIT - especially those who are making slow

but sure Spiritual Progress because WHILESUFFERING ADVERSITY AND SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE WE

ENACT GODS DIVINE PROMISE: Resist the devil

and he will flee from you!(MATTHEW 16 : 18 & JAMES 4:7)

T h e H o l y G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o S t L u k e 1 3 : 3 1 - 3 5Ou r L ord J e su s C h r is t & H is Fa i th fu l D isc ip le s con t in u e towa rd s J e ru sa le m

At that time, some Pharisees went to our Lord Jesus Christ and told Him: Get out and depart from here, for Herodwants to kill Thee!

And He said to them: Go. Tell that fox: Behold! I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow,and the Third Day I shall be Perfected.

Nevertheless, I must journey today, tomorrow and the following day; for it cannot be that a Prophet shouldperish outside Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem! Jerusalem! The one who kills the Prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often Iwanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were

unwilling! Behold! Your house is left to you desolate! And truly, I say to you: you shall not see Meuntil the time comes when you say: Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!

This passage of the Holy Gospel according to St Lukereveals the following facts:

1. OURLORDJESUS CHRIST WENT VOLUNTARILYTO HISSALVIFIC PASSION due to His infinite,unconditional Love for all mankind

2. HIS GREATLOVE FOR THE CITY OFJERUSALEM(THE CITY OFPEACE) NEVER WAVERED despite its continuousstate of rebellion and unnecessary bloodshed

3. HIS FOREKNOWLEDGE of exactly how He would bereceived on that first Palm Sunday, followed bythe horrific, unjust Events that would occur soquickly afterwards.

S t N e k t a r i o s W o n d e r w o r k e r o f P e n t a p o l i s & A e g i n aSt Nektarios was born on 1 October 1846 in Selybria in

Thrace to a poor family. His given name wasAnastasios Cephalas.

At the age of 14 he moved to Constantinople (Istanbul)in order to go to work and further his education.

In 1866 he went to the island of Chios where he taughtschool for seven years.

St Nektarios became a Monk at the age of thirty, whichis highly unusual in itself. Three years later he wasordained a Deacon, taking the name Nektarios.

He graduated from the University of Athens in 1885.During his years as a student of the University of Athens

he wrote many books, pamphlets, and Biblecommentaries.

Following his graduation he went to Alexandria, Egypt,

where he was Ordained a Priest and served theChurch in Cairo with great distinction.

In recognition of his Piety and brilliance as a Preacher,as well as his administrative ability, he wasconsecrated Bishop/Metropolitan of Pentapolis byPatriarch Sophronios, which was an Egyptian See, in1889.

He served as a Bishop in Cairo for one year, and wasunjustly removed from his post by jealous Clericswho envied his popularity with the people. Lies weremade up about him by the jealous clergy. PatriarchSophronios refused to listen to St Nektarios. He wassent away from Egypt without a trial or explanation,and was never given an opportunity to defendhimself.

After his unjust dismissal, he returned to Greece in

1891, where he sought employment as a Preacher.Eventually, after a long period of destitution, St

Nektarios was appointed Preacher in the jurisdictionof Euboia, a large Greek island, north of Athens,where he served for two and a half years.

In 1893 he was transferred to part of the Greekmainland, west of Athens. He served as Preacherthere with the same great effectiveness as he had inEuboia. In 1894 he was appointed Director ofRizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens where hisservice was exemplary for fifteen years. Hedeveloped many courses of study, and wrotenumerous books, all while preaching widelythroughout Athens.

In 1904 at the request of several Nuns, he established aMonastery for them on the island of Aegina. TheMonastery was named Holy Trinity Monastery.

In December of 1908, at the age of 62, St. Nektariosresigned as Director of the Theological School andwithdrew to the Holy Trinity Convent on Aegina,where he lived out the rest of his life as a Monk. Hewrote, published, preached, and heard Confessions

from those who came from near and far to seek outhis Spiritual Insights.

While at the Monastery, St Nektarios tended thegardens, carried stones, and helped with theconstruction of the Monastery buildings that werebuilt with his own funds.

St Nektarios died on the evening of 9 November 1920,(THE DAY AFTER THE COMMEMORATION OF ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL THE

ARCHANGELS AND ALL THE HEAVENLY HOSTS), followinghospitalization for Prostate Cancer.

His body was taken to the Holy Trinity Convent, wherehe was buried by a Priest-Monk named Savvas, wholater painted the first icon of St Nektarios.

The funeral of St Nektarios was attended by multitudesof people from all parts of Greece and Egypt.

Many people regarded St Nektarios as a Saint duringhis lifetime because of his Purity of life, Virtues, thenature of his publications, as well as the Miracles heperformed. St Nektarios also had a unique Gift ofForeknowledge.

When the Incorruptible Relics of St Nektarios wereremoved from the grave on 2 September 1953 abeautiful fragrance of Sanctity wafted through thearea, as it had done after his repose at the hospitalin Athens.

Official recognition of Father Nektarios as a Saint, bythe Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, tookplace on 20 April 1961.

The Feast Day of St Nektarios is celebrated every yearon 9 November and he has become the PatronSaint for all cancer sufferers.

More than two thousand Miracles have been attributedto the Intercessory Prayers of St Nektarios.

The first great Miracle attributed to St Nektariosoccurred at the hospital where, during the last daysof his life, he had lain in the ward for the terminallyill - among many other destitute patients. In thebed beside his, lay a patient who had beenparalyzed for a very long time.

As soon as St Nektarios gave up his spirit, a nurse andthe Nun who had accompanied Father Nektariosand kept watch over him, began to prepare hisbody for transportation to Aegina for burial.

They gently removed an old, thread-bare sweater fromhis body, and placed it on the bed of the paralyticwhile continuing their preparations.

Suddenly, the patient felt strength returning to his

paralysed limbs and, incredulously, he rose fromhis bed, praising the Lord with extreme gratitudeand Joy.

May the Memory of St Nektarios be Eternal!

http://orthodoxword.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/the-monastery-st-nektarios-from-aegina/


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O F S T L U K E T H E G O O D S A M A R I T A N 1 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 2 11





2 3 r d S u n d a y A f t e r P e n t e c o s t T o n e ( 6 ) P l a g a l 2 1 1 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2

8 t h S u n d a y o f S t L u k e T h e G o o d S a m a r i t a n

Also the Feast of St Menas of Egypt St Victor of Damascus St Vincent & St

Stephanida of Spain St Theodore the Confessor of Studion St Maximos the

Blessed Fool for Christ of Moscow St Martyrios the Abbot of Zelenets

Monastery, Pskov St Stephen of Decani, Serbia St Martin the Merciful

Bishop of Tours

R e su r r e ct i on A p o l yt ik ion TON E (6) PL A G A L 2

Angelike Dinamis epi to Mnima Sou ke i filassontesapenekrothisan. Ke istato Maria en to tafo, zitousato ahranton Sou Soma. Eskilefsas ton Adin, mipirasthis ip aftou. Ipintisas ti Partheno, Doroumenostin Zoin. O Anastas ek to nekron, Kyrie, Doxa Si.

The Angelic Powers were in Thy Sepulchre, and theguards became as dead men, and Mary stood by theTomb seeking Thy Most Pure Body. Thou led Hadescaptive, yet were not tempted thereby: Thou Who artthe Bestower of Life came to meet the Woman. Gloryto Thee, O Lord, Who Rose again from the dead!

K on t a ki on O f H o l y M al e M ar t yr s T o n e ( 8) P la g a l 4

I Martires Sou, Kyrie, en ti athlisis afton, to stefosekomisanto tis aftharsias, ek Sou tou Theou imon;ehontes tin iskhin Sou, tous tirannous kathilon.Ethrafsan ke demonon ta aniskhira thrasi; afton tesikesies Hriste, O Theos, soson tas psihas imon.

Thy loyal Martyrs, O Lord, while contending for Thee,the Crown of Incorruption they earned forthemselves, from Thee the God of all of us; forarmed with Thy Might, they defeated the tyrants,and crushed all the demons and their powerlesspresumption. Through their Intercessions, OChrist our God, we pray to Thee to Save our souls!

K on t a ki on - E n t r y I n to T h e T e mp le O f T h e E ve r B le s se d T h e o t ok os

O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas keParthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou,simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harinsinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin


TheMost Pure Temple of our Saviour, the PreciousBridal Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure ofGod, today enters the House of the Lord, bringingthe Grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God

praise her. She is the Heavenly Tabernacle.

R e s u r r e c t i o n G o s p e l 1 : M a t t h e w 2 8 : 1 6 2 0 T h e G r e a t C o m m i s s i o n o f C h r i s t

P r o k e i m e n o n

PPPPrayto the Lord our God, and give thanks to Him!GGGGod is known in Judea; His Name is great in Israel!

T h e S e c o n d E p i s t l e o f S t P a u l t o t h e C o r i n t h i a n s 4 : 6 1 5Th e P ow er of a n A p o s t l e o f C hr is t

Brethren: we are persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed always carrying about in the body theDying of our Lord Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then Death isworking in us, but Life in you.

And since we have the same spirit of Faith, according to what is written: I believe and therefore I spoke,knowing that

He Who raised up our Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.For all Things are for your sakes, so that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause Thanksgiving to abound to

the Glory of God.

TRUE CHRISTIANITY, BEING LIVED IN CHRIST WITH ALL

HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD, IS VICTORIOUS

BUT NOT TROUBLE-FREE.

EVERY OBSTACLE ALONG THE PATH OF LIFE IN CHRIST

BECOMES A HIDDEN BLESSING, and, by the Graceof God we are always able to endure and overcome.

Therefore, we have been taught by our Holy ChurchFathers to THANK GOD EVEN FOR SUCHDIFFICULTIES OF LIFE, WHICH BRING US CLOSER TO

HIM.GOD ALLOWS US TO STRUGGLE through this earthly life

because BY DOING SO, WE EXPERIENCE THEINFINITE LOVE OF GOD AND HIS GREAT MERCY,

WHICH ENABLES US TO ACHIEVE WHAT FOR USALONE WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE.

WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH HIS

DIVINE LOVE, WISDOM AND STRENGTH.As the Creator of everything visible and invisible, GOD

IS IN CONTROL AND THUS, WE MUST LEARN TO

TRUST AND TO DEPEND ON HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE.

However, that does not mean that we are able to sitback and wait for His Divine Providence; WE MUSTMAKE EVERY EFFORT WE POSSIBLY CAN TO ASSIST

OURSELVES AND OTHERS THEN GODS BLESSINGS

ARE RETURNED TO US A HUNDRED TIMES MORE!!

St Paul reminds us that OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTTAUGHT US AND REVEALED DIVINE MYSTERIES TO US

BY HIS OWN PERFECT EXAMPLE.

Consequently, ALWAYS KEEPING OUR LORD JESUS ASOUR SHINING BEACON OF LIGHT TO GUIDE US ALONG

THE ROCKY PATHS OF LIFE, we may rest assuredthat we, too, will be Resurrected and becomeworthy Citizens of Gods Eternal Kingdom of Love.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GODS GREAT MERCY AND LOVECOMPELS US ALL TO RESPOND TO HIM WITH

CONSTANT THANKSGIVING AND PRAISES,encouraged always with our Hope of Eternal Life and to assist, encourage and guide one anotheralong the way.


12/30. 2 3 R D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 8T H


T h e H o l y G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o S t L u k e 1 0 : 2 5 3 7T h e G o o d S a m a r i t a n

At that time a certain Lawyer stood up to test our Lord Jesus by asking Him: Teacher, what shall I do to inherit EternalLife?And Jesus answered him: What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it? And he said: You

shall Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with allyour mind...and: ... your neighbour as yourself.And Jesus said to him: You have answered correctly; do

that and you will live.And he - wanting to justify himself - said to Him: And who is my neighbour?

And Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves,who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

Then by chance, a certain Priest went down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the otherside. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, went and looked, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as He journeyed, went to where he lay. And when He saw him, He hadCompassion. And He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and He set himon his own animal and took him to an Inn, and took care of him. The next day, before He departed He

took out two denarii, gave them to the Innkeeper and said to him: Take care of him; and whatever moreyou spend, when I come again, I will repay you.

So, which of these three men do you think was neighbour to him who had fallen amongst thieves? And

the Lawyer replied: He Who showed Mercy on him. And Jesus said to him: Go and do likewise!

The term Lawyer, applied to THOSE WHO STUDIED

MOSAIC LAW AND HOLY SCRIPTURE ESPECIALLY THESELF-RIGHTEOUS, ARROGANT, CONCEITED SCRIBES AND

PHARISEES, who regarded themselves as beingsuperior to the average person.

THESE SANCTIMONIOUS MEN LOOKED DOWN ON EVERYONE

ELSE, priding themselves on what they thought theyknew.

As a result,THEY REGARDED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS AMERE NOBODY Whom they saw only as the Son ofSt Joseph the Carpenteror as Jesus of Nazareth,(i.e. from a small insignificant town).

However, WITH CHRISTS PROFOUND DIVINE KNOWLEDGEAND WISDOM, COMBINED WITH ALL HIS WONDERFUL,

COMPELLING QUALITIES AND ABILITIES, THEY HAD ALSO

BEGUN TO PERCEIVE HIM AS BEING A THREAT TO THEIR

SOCIAL STATUS WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING

EXPOSED FOR THEIR TRUE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

CONCERNING DIVINE MATTERS.

Knowing the hearts and souls of all people, OUR LORDJESUS HUMBLY USED THE LAWYERS OWN PERCEPTION

AND UNDERSTANDING TO ANSWER HIS QUESTIONconcerning the inheritance of Eternal Life: What iswritten in the Law? What isYOURreading of it?

Nevertheless, after his reply was confirmed to be

correct,THE LAWYER FURTHER FELT THE NEED TO

JUSTIFY HIMSELF by enquiring: Who is myneighbour?

And, very ingeniously, instead of answering himdirectly, OUR LORD JESUS USED THE PARABLE OF THEGOOD SAMARITAN AS A MEANS OF - ONCE AGAIN -

TESTING THE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF

THE ARROGANT MAN AND THOSE WHO HAD HEARD HIS

WORDS.

JERUSALEM was known asTHE CITY OF PEACE, A PLACEOF WORSHIP, whileJERICHO WAS NOTORIOUS AS A CITYOF INIQUITY AND WAS COMMONLY IDENTIFIED WITH ALL

KINDS OF SINFUL, DEBAUCHED LIFESTYLES.So THE MAN HAD WALKED AWAY FROM PEACE AND WORSHIP

TOWARDS TEMPTATION AND WICKEDNESS when he ...fell among thieves... who, after robbing him of

all his possessions, left him for dead.

This is a reference to THE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES WITHWHICH WE ARE ALL CONFRONTED WHEN WE TURN AWAY

FROM GOD AFTER BEING LURED BY THE TEMPTATIONS

OF THE EVIL ONE AND WILFULLY ENTER A LIFE OF SIN WE LOSE ALL THE GOOD THINGS GRANTED TO US BY

GOD AND VOLUNTARILY ENTER A STATE OF SPIRITUAL

DEATH.

THE ULTIMATE THIEF IS SATAN who spreads his lies,deceptions and heresies among the people of God,thereby enticing both leaders and people.

ALL TITLES AND SOCIAL STATUS IS MEANINGLESS IN GODS

SIGHT when they have nothing to do with GoodDeeds.

The dignity of the Priesthood means nothingunless the Priest also excels in (Good) Deeds.(ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA)

The fact that neither the Priest nor the Levite helped thedying man is another indication ofTHE FAILURE OFTHE OLD COVENANT TO HEAL THE CONSEQUENCES OF

SIN.THE GOOD SAMARITAN IS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.

Samaritans were despised by the Hebrews and wereavoided at all costs.

CHRIST OUR LORD WAS ALSO DESPISED BY HIS ENEMIES

EVEN THOUGH HE CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN TO SAVE

ALL HUMANITY including those who rebel againstGod and those who reject Him.

THE DRESSING, CLEANSING AND SOOTHING OF HIS WOUNDS

WITH OIL AND WINE that were applied to the dyingmans wounds ARE SACRAMENTAL (MYSTERIOUS)IMAGES FOR OUR GARMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM, WHICH

DELIVERS US FROM THE FATAL WOUNDS OF SIN, THESANCTIFIED OIL AND MYRRH OF CHRISMATION, WHICH

GRANTS US NEW LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT; AND THE

EUCHARISTIC COMMUNION OF CHRISTS DIVINE BODY

AND BLOOD, WHICH LEADS US TO ETERNAL LIFE

THROUGH THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN.The Good Samaritan gently placed the wounded Man

upon His own animal, indicating how CHRISTOUR MOST COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL LORD BEARS

OUR SINS UPON HIS OWN BODY AND CARRIES OUR

BURDENS UPON HIS SHOULDERS.

THE INN AND THE INNKEEPER REFER TO THE HOLY CHURCH

OF CHRIST AND HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD WHEREBY WERECEIVE SPIRITUAL HEALING AND DIVINE CARE FOR ALL

OUR WOUNDS SUFFERED THROUGHOUT LIFE ON EARTH especially those sustained during the ceaselessSpiritual Warfare that is waged against us by the evilones and their willing slaves.

OUR SPIRITUAL CARE IS PAID FOR IN FULL BY OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST AND EVERYONE WILL BE PROPERLY

REPAID FOR ALL THEIR DEEDS BOTH GOOD AND BAD when He returns on the Eighth Day the dreadJudgement Day the beginning of Eternity.

1 C O R I N T H I A N S 6 : 2 0 ...you were bought for aPrice; therefore Glorify God in your bodyand in your spirit, which are Gods

1 C O R I N T H I A N S 7 : 2 3 - You were bought at aPrice; do not become slaves of men.

Finally: TOGETHER WITH THE ARROGANT HEBREWLAWYER, WE ARE EACH COMMANDED BY CHRIST TO

TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER AND TO HAVE AS MUCH

LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR EACH OTHER AS GOD

HAS FOR US WRETCHED SINNERS!

8 t h S u n d a y o f S t L u k e - T h e G o o d S a m a r i t a nThe most important of all questions put to our Saviour,

Jesus Christ, was: What must I do to inheritEternal Life? which reminds us thatEVERYONE

WILL BE CONFRONTED SOONER OR LATER BY DEATH

by the end of this earthly, material existence AND,MORE SIGNIFICANTLY, ENTERETERNITY.

That essential question also sets before us ANOTHER

VERY DESIRABLE AND SOUGHT AFTER LIFE, which is

utterly different from this present life - ETERNALLIFE.

Eternal Life is not merely the life of our body or soul - Itis the very Eternal Life OFGOD HIMSELF!

If we rouse ourselves to SQUARELY CONFRONT THE FACT

OF OUR IMPENDING DEATH, we might BECOME SOBER

ENOUGH TO BEGIN MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO REDEEMTHE LIMITED TIME WE HAVE in the flesh - and we will

then be compelled to SEEK EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE

OF GAINING THATETERNAL LIFE OF WHICH OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST REVEALED TO US.


13/30(SINCERE GRATITUDE FOR DONATIONS) 2 3 R D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 8T H


Our Inspired, Holy Church Fathers have taught us whateach aspect of this Divine Parable actuallyrepresents:

JERUSALEM representsTHETREE OFLIFE that is inthe Garden of Eden ALL THE VIRTUES AND

TRUTH OF CHRIST THAT LEADS US TO ETERNAL

LIFE. JERICHO is theTREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OFGOOD

AND EVIL,which is obviouslyTHETREE OFDEATH

since it is opposite to the Tree of Life.Jericho was a walled, pagan city that worshipped its

man-made idols similar to our contemporary,main godless world that has walled itself up in thecitadels of its own scientific, religious andphilosophical wisdom and which sets sinful, flawedand fallen people up as its idols and role models -WORSHIPPING THE SO-CALLED WISDOM OF THEIR OWN

OPINIONS AND SPECULATIVE AND SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS

AS THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS!

It is THE IDOLISATION OF FLAWED, IMPERFECT HUMANITYwho is merely breathing, animated clay of the earth who will all too soon be returned to the earth fromwhence we originate!

OUR IMMORTAL SOULS, HOWEVER, HAVING BEEN BREATHED INTO US BY THE LIFE-GIVING HOLY SPIRIT, NEEDS TO RETURN TO GOD FROM WHENCE IT ORIGINATED.

THEREFORE, WE REALLY NEED TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO BECOME WORTHY OFETERNAL LIFE RATHER THAN ETERNAL CONDEMNATION THAT WILL ALIENATE USFROM GOD AND ALL HIS GOODNESS FOREVER! (mp)

THE MODERN WORLD WORSHIPS, ADORES AND PROMOTES

MINDLESS NONSENSE, FILTHY BLASPHEMY AND

REPULSIVE HUBRIS![ARROGANT, OFFENSIVE SPEECH]SATAN AND HIS DEMONS OBSESSIVELY SEEK MANKINDS ETERNAL DEATH AND

DESTRUCTION BY CEASELESSLY TEMPTING US AND DISTRACTING US BY EVERYMEANS THEY CAN INVENT WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE US TO TAKE OURFOCUS OFF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUS PATH TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE.

HATRED AND FEAR IN FACT ALL OUR HUMAN WEAKNESSES AND OBSESSIONS - AREUSED AGAINST US BY THE EVIL ONE IN ORDER TO DISTRACT OR DIVERT US FROMGOD UNTIL WE SINK INTO A MIRE OF DESPAIR AND UTTER HOPELESSNESS SPIRITUAL DEATH.

THEY ARE UNABLE TO KILL US BUT THEY CERTAINLY USE US AND OUR SINFUL STATE TODO THEIR OWN DIRTY DEEDS THEREBY CAUSING US TO COMMIT MURDER,SUICIDE AND ALL OTHER GOD-HATING DEEDS!

THE CERTAIN MAN who goes down fromJerusalem to Jericho is Everyman - i.e. YOU

AND ME.

ALL MANKIND IS SINFUL AND FALLEN, THROUGH OUR

HABITUAL DISOBEDIENCE TO DIVINE WILL i.e. Gods

First CommandmentNOTto eat the Forbidden Fruitof the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil,

which was THE BITTERNESS AND DEATH HARVESTED

FROM INDULGING THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH the lustof the senses and the pride of the flesh.

THE THIEVES are SATAN AND HIS DEMONS whoTEMPT AND CAPTURE US THROUGH THE DEMANDS OF

OUR SELFISH, DEPRAVED FLESH by means of the

self-indulgence of our undisciplined,uncontrolled body and mind.

By FALLING IN WITH THEMwe are ROBBED OFOUR HOLY BIRTHRIGHT AS CREATURES OF GOD

who are made IN HIS DIVINE IMAGE AND

LIKENESS.

The Evil One and his slaves STRIPus ofOURROBESOFSANCTIFIED LIGHTwith which God clothed usin Paradise.

We are left HALF-DEAD having becomeINDIFFERENT TO AND IGNORANT OF THE TRUTH,

WISDOM AND LOVE OFALMIGHTYGOD.If our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His Holy

Church had not proclaimed to us His Holy Gospel,

WE WOULD NEVER HAVE REMEMBERED HIS FIRST

DIVINE COMMANDMENT AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF

OUR DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD: ... from the Tree of

the Knowledge of Good and Evil you may noteat, for in whatever day you eat from it, youwill die by Death!

V And WHEN WE DULY PASS AWAY from this life intoEternity, IT IS TOO LATE FOR US TO REDEEM

OURSELVES - for we will instantly realise that

THIS WORLD AND ITS TEMPORARY PLEASURES ARE

AS FLEETING AND CORRUPTIBLE AS OUR MORTAL

FLESH!

V We will suddenly know that we have wasted ourshort lifespan on unbeneficial SPIRITUALLYUNPROFITABLE THINGS THAT DISTRACT US FROM

2012 - NOVEMBER Sacred Lessons

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