Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

ALL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER,
AND UNTO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN.
REMEMBERING ALSO OUR MOST HOLY, MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED AND GLORIOUS LADY, MARIA, BIRTH GIVER OF
GOD, YET EVER VIRGIN, TOGETHER WITH ALL THE SAINTS. AND LET US COMMIT OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND
OUR WHOLE LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD. AMEN.

2nd Sunday After Pentecost Tone 1 6 June 2010

2nd Sunday of St Matthew – Fishers of Men

Feast of St Hilarion the New – Abbot of the Dalmation
Monastery; St Bessarion Wonderworker of Egypt; St Martha,
St Mary, St Cyris, St Valeria & St Marcia – Virgin Martyrs of Caesarea
RE SURRE CTION A POL YTIK ION – T ONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke stratioton While the stone was sealed by the Jews, and soldiers stood
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis trimeros, on guard over Thy Body undefiled, Thou rose on the
Sotir, Doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e third day, O Saviour, Who grants Life to the world. For
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon si Zoodota. Doxa ti which cause the Heavenly Powers cried aloud to Thee:
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ!
Ikonomia Sou, mone Filanthrope! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy Providence, O
Thou Who alone Loves mankind!
KO NT AKION O F THE EVE R BLESSED THEOT OKO S

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the Help
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
timonton se. Theotokos who always protects all those who honour
Thee!
Resurrection Gospel 2 : Mark 16 : 1 – 8 THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS WITNESS THE EMPTY TOMB OF OUR RISEN LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST
PROKEIMENON Have mercy on us, O Lord, as we have set our Hope on Thee! Rejoice in the Lord, all Righteous men!
The Epistle of St Paul to the Romans 2 : 10 - 16
WE ARE REMINDED THAT OUR CONSCIENCE WILL JUDGE US FIRST BEFORE THE FINAL JUDGEMENT OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR

Brethren: Glory, Honour and Peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Hebrew first and also to the Greek. For
there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without Law will also perish without Law, and as many as
have sinned in the Law will be judged by the Law (for not the hearers of the Law are Just in the Sight of God, but the
doers of the Law will be Justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, by nature do the things in the Law,
these, although not having the Law, as a law to themselves, who show the Work of the Law written in their hearts, their
conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the Day
when God will Judge the secrets of mankind by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel.
Even as believing Christians, WE MUST NOT TAKE THE WORSHIP OF GOD and never for our own
OUTCOME OF GOD’S FINAL JUDGEMENT FOR GRANTED! glorification or to receive the FLATTERY AND
In every Divine Liturgy Orthodox Christians pray: “For a COMPLIMENTS OF OTHERS, which can CAUSE OUR
good Defence before the dread Judgement Seat of SPIRITUAL DEATH THROUGH VANITY, GREED, ETC.
Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord have By humbly seeking only the Glory of God through our good
mercy!” deeds, we receive the Eternal Reward of Immortality –
St Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (2:2-16) describes God’s Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Everlasting
Judgement, showing how WE CAN PREPARE OURSELVES Love/Agape.
for It.
GOOD DEEDS MAY BENEFIT OTHERS BUT THEY WILL NOT
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT will be: BENEFIT US AT ALL UNLESS WE SEEK FIRST THE
❃ ACCORDING TO TRUTH – GOD’S TRUTH: NOTHING IS KINGDOM OF GOD.
HIDDEN FROM GOD Who sees everything and Who Therefore, if we only commit ourselves to doing any good
knows the Truth about every human being. Our deeds so that others will praise us and admire us, that
greatest deception is the belief that anything can be TEMPORARY GLORY BECOMES AN ACCUSATION AGAINST
US, THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHICH WILL WEIGH
“secret” or “hidden” and thinking that there is no
HEAVILY AGAINST US IN ETERNITY!
Divine Judgement!

GOOD INTENTIONS ALONE, OR FAITH WITHOUT WORKS,
❃ ACCORDING TO IMPENITENT HEARTS: THOSE WHO ARE WILL NOT SAVE OUR SOULS FROM CONDEMNATION!
UNREPENTANT, STUBBORN AND IN A STATE OF
Simply to hear but not to do is false faith – faith
SPIRITUAL DEATH DESPISE GOD’S INFINITE
GOODNESS, THEREBY ACCUMULATING THE WRATH without any foundation or reality.
OF GOD AT THE FINAL JUDGEMENT. A repentant Those who have True Faith are the doers of God’s Truth
soul who is in a state of Spiritual Life is grateful for and they CEASELESSLY PRACTISE VIRTUE FROM PURE
God’s Infinite Patience and Blessings, abiding in AND REPENTANT HEARTS.
Christ and practising A LIFETIME OF REPENTANCE,
“By nature” – i.e. BY OUR HUMAN NATURE THAT IS
CREATED AND ENLIVENED BY GOD, WE ARE
which PRODUCES SPIRITUAL CONFIDENCE before
INSPIRED BY AND CO-OPERATE WITH GOD’S DIVINE
our Lord at the Final Judgement.
GRACE. Therefore GOOD DEEDS ARE NATURAL TO
❃ ACCORDING TO OUR DEEDS: The “doing good” is not US while wicked deeds are contrary to our human,
an attempt at gaining special merits with our Lord.
intellectual nature!
Rather it means ENJOYING THE UNITY OF

Because we all fail sooner or later, WE ALWAYS NEED
INTENTIONS WITH ACTIONS – i.e. Faith with Works – GOD’S DIVINE MERCY.
OUR FAITH MOTIVATES AND COMPELS US TO DO
THE PRESENCE OF DIVINE LAW – THE LAW OF GOD –
GOOD DEEDS AT ALL TIMES, WITHOUT EXPECTING WITHIN OUR CONSCIENCE CONDEMNS ANYTHING WE
ANYTHING IN RETURN. Even unbelievers are DO THAT IS CONTRARY OR AGAINST OUR TRUE,
rewarded for their good deeds, apart from Spiritual PERFECTLY CREATED HUMAN NATURE.
Understanding. Therefore, even Gentiles – those who are not under the Old

“DOING GOOD” MEANS WHATEVER WE DO IS or New Covenant with God – have a natural, internal
EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR AND

(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – FISHERS OF MEN 6 JUNE 2010 1
 Divine Law within them – their conscience – according
to which they, too, will be judged.
Melchizedek, Job and the Ninevites are Old Testament
examples of non-Hebrews who were judged to be
Righteous.
Hebrews had TWO LAWS OF GOD – THE LAW OF MOSES (THE
OLD COVENANT LAW) AND THE NATURAL DIVINE LAW OF
THEIR CONSCIENCE – AND THEY – JUST LIKE US OF THE
NEW COVENANT LAW – WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR
BOTH BEFORE GOD.

THOSE WHO ARE CONDEMNED HAVE CHOSEN TO REJECT
GOD.
There is no automatic, fated Condemnation: GOD’S JUST
JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON OUR PERSONAL EXERCISE OF
OUR FREE WILL.
ALTHOUGH SIN IMPAIRS OUR POWERS, IT DOES NOT
DESTROY GOD’S DIVINE IMAGE IN US OR OUR FREE WILL
TO CHOOSE WHETHER TO ACCEPT OR REJECT GOD’S
WILL.

Due to our sinful state, WE HAVE LOST OUR LIKENESS
TO GOD, WHICH IS WHY OUR ENTIRE LIFE ON EARTH
SHOULD BE SPENT TRYING TO REGAIN THAT GOD-
LIKE STATE.
ON THE EIGHTH DAY – THE DAY OF FINAL JUDGEMENT – WE
WILL NOT BE JUDGED DIRECTLY BY GOD THE FATHER
WHOM WE CANNOT SEE, BUT BY HIS INCARNATE SON
WHOM WE DO SEE: our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Who will Judge us ON THE BASIS OF THE LIGHT THAT HE
HIMSELF GRANTED EACH OF US AND OUR RESPONSE to
His Divine Light.
The “secrets of men” are all the “thoughts and intents of
the heart.”

The Holy Gospel of St Matthew 4: 18 – 23

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CALLS HIS FIRST APOSTLES

At that time, our Lord Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother,
casing a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
Then He said to them: “Follow Me, and I will make you Fishers of Men.”
They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in the boat with Zebedee
their father, mending their nets.
He called to them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all kinds
of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
❃ THESE FIRST DISCIPLES OR APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR The crowds of people did not swarm to our Lord Jesus
SAVIOUR had already heard the preaching of St when He commanded Repentance but only when He
John the Baptist and WERE PREPARED TO ACCEPT began to heal the people and perform His Divine
OUR LORD “IMMEDIATELY.” Miracles, which shows that they misunderstood the
❃ ALTHOUGH THEY WERE ILLITERATE AND UNEDUCATED IN True Nature of His Divine, Eternal Kingdom of Heaven.
THE HEBREW FAITH, THESE HUMBLE FISHERMEN ❃ It also clearly demonstrated OUR LORD’S CONCESSION
WHOM OUR LORD JESUS CALLED TO FOLLOW HIM TO GRANT CREDIBILITY TO WHAT HE TAUGHT AND
WOULD SOON BE REVEALED AS THE WISEST OF ALL,
REVEALED to the fickle multitudes of that time.
THROUGH THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON
THAT GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST.

2nd Sunday After Pentecost and of St Matthew – Fishers of Men

WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES, THEY LEFT
IMMEDIATELY 1 they left their nets, and they did not
look back.
THEY LEFT THE FAMILIARITY OF THEIR LIVES AND
FOLLOWED CHRIST DESPITE THEIR MANY PERSONAL
WEAKNESSES, which are exposed in Holy Scripture.
THEY ARGUED and THEY COMPETED with one another to
see who would be the greatest; THEY SUFFERED FROM
THEIR LACK OF FAITH; THEY EVEN DENIED AND
DESERTED OUR LORD 1 and not only St Peter.
AT THE MOST CRUCIAL TIME, THEY WERE ALL AFRAID, even
St John the Beloved Apostle, who had followed “from
a distance” after our Lord’s arrest.
THEY ALL SUFFERED FROM THEIR HUMAN FRAILTIES, but
they did what the good farmer did according to our
Lord’s Parable: they put their hands to the plough 1
and no one who ploughs a field looks back since that
would cause the furrows to be crooked, and a less
abundant crop would be harvested later.
This is the Key, dear Brethren: HAVE YOU LEFT YOUR
NETS?
Our Lord Called St James and St John, the sons of
Zebedee, and immediately THEY LEFT THEIR NETS.
The "nets" in this context refer to the "world.” THE
SPIRITUAL, THE INNER MEANING, OF THE NETS CONSISTS
OF ALL THE THINGS THAT ENTANGLE US – THAT
IMPEDE OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
Have you left your nets? Or DO YOU STILL KEEP YOUR
NETS AROUND YOU?
It is not a question of whether or not you commit sin.
We are all sinners. We should not be surprised when
we sin. It does not concern your personal
weaknesses or passions.
❃ YOUR PARAMOUNT PRIORITY – WHAT IS MOST
IMPORTANT TO YOU – IS THE MOST ESSENTIAL AND
VITAL ASPECT OF LIFE!
Have you left your nets? Do you understand?
DO YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE IN CHRIST AS A CONTINUAL
ASCENT, AWAY FROM THE EARTH, TOWARDS GOD’S
HEAVENLY, ETERNAL KINGDOM?
2 (SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – FISHERS OF MEN
LIFE IN CHRIST IS A CONTINUAL PERSONAL CHANGE 1 a
constant changing OF MIND, ATTITUDE AND
BEHAVIOUR.
❃ LIFE IN CHRIST IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE UNTIL OUR LAST
BREATH.
This is what it means to pick up our cross and follow
Christ!
We must leave our nets immediately and completely to
follow our Lord and Saviour!
If we set our sight towards Jerusalem, as our Lord did 1
meaning IF WE DO NOT LET THE WORLD OBSTRUCT OR
INTERFERE WITH THE TRUE PURPOSE OF LIFE - THEN
GOD WILL STRENGTHEN AND HELP US.
We will always have many problems to contend with and
we will always have many sins to repent.
In fact, we sin wretchedly and continually, but God
always helps us when we have the right priorities,
and turn to Him for help and His Great Mercy.
❃ CHRISTIANITY IS NOT SIMPLY WHAT WE BELIEVE - IT IS
HOW WE ACT AND WHAT WE BECOME – OUR
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT 1 which is impossible
without belief.
Yet BELIEF IS ONLY THE BEGINNING, just like when a tiny
grain of mustard seed is planted into the ground: it
is only the beginning 1 only the start – and as soon
as the mustard seed germinates, it starts to grow.
Many things might threaten the progress of the seedling,
but eventually, with much care and nurturing, it will
become a great tree.
This is exactly what we must do as well.
❃ We must have THE DETERMINATION TO GROW, TO
CHANGE AND TO FLOURISH, DESPITE ANYTHING
THAT MAY THREATEN OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS –
and we must CEASELESSLY NOURISH AND NURTURE
OUR SOULS WITH DIVINE TRUTH – THE TEACHINGS
AND COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.
This is THE TRUE ESSENCE OF LIFE IN CHRIST.
6 JUNE 2010
When our Lord Called His Disciples, they immediately
left their nets.
They had been waiting for the Messiah and ALTHOUGH
AT THAT TIME THEY DID NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND,
THEY INSTINCTIVELY RESPONDED TO HIS DIVINE
PRESENCE AND LOVE.
THOSE SIMPLE FISHERMEN HAD SENSITIVE SOULS THAT
WERE SPIRITUALLY AWARE AND ALTHOUGH THEY
MIGHT NOT HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE IMMENSE
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOMENT, THEY WILLINGLY AND
EAGERLY CHOSE TO FOLLOW CHRIST IMMEDIATELY.
They surrendered everything they knew in order to
follow Him wherever He led them. They left
everything familiar to them, and they did not look
backwards.
THEY STILL CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF THEIR SPIRITUAL
BAGGAGE – their sins and personal faults 1 BUT THEY
HAD A KEEN DESIRE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.
And look what God has done, with twelve simple,
ordinary men!
He did not choose twelve kings, or twelve princes, or
twelve great men, or twelve erudite scholars, but
twelve simple men who were illiterate and
uneducated for the most part; simple men; men of
the sea and of the earth.
And look what happened to them because they freely
and eagerly accepted Christ’s Calling and instantly
left their nets – left their means of survival without
question or stressing about it.
Furthermore, anything that was imperfect in them would
eventually be healed and perfected by Divine Grace
due to their eagerness to follow Christ.
It is crucial to understand the Purpose of Christian Life.
We can talk about it, but TO REALLY UNDERSTAND IT IS TO
LIVE IT: PERFECTION – THEOSIS – REGAINING OUR
LIKENESS TO GOD; SELF-IMPROVEMENT THAT HAS AN
EVERLASTING EFFECT; CHANGING OUR LIFESTYLES
ACCORDING TO THE ONE WHOM WE PROFESS TO LOVE;
LEAVING BEHIND ALL THINGS THAT ENSLAVED AND
SHACKLED US.
As St Paul taught us: "WE ARE SURROUNDED BY SO GREAT
A CLOUD OF WITNESSES," WHO ENCOURAGE
CONTINUOUSLY IN OUR SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOURS.
So let us leave behind the nets of sin that so easily
entangle us – let us abandon our nets!
The ability to sin and our personal weaknesses may still
remain within us as evident from the experiences of
the Holy Apostles.
However, WHEN GOD SEES THOSE WHO WANT TO CHANGE,
HE ALWAYS MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO DO SO.
❃ DIVINE GRACE DESCENDS UPON US, WHICH MAKES THE
IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE FOR ALL OF US!
Nevertheless, THE VITAL KEY TO SUCH AMAZING CHANGE
LIES WITHIN OURSELVES FOR WE MUST SINCERELY
DESIRE THAT SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION.
❃ WE MUST WANT TO IMITATE CHRIST – TO REGAIN OUR
DIVINE LIKENESS – OUR TRUE GODLINESS.
Only then can our personal imperfections be healed and
be left behind. Only then can all our faults be burnt
away, finally revealing a perfect, shining Pearl – the
lovely result of Divine Grace and personal effort.
Our sins and passions should be kept in the right
perspective and WE SHOULD NOT LAMENT THEM MORE
THAN OUR ATTITUDE AND WILLINGNESS TO CORRECT
OURSELVES.
❃ OUR SPIRITUAL LAZINESS, LACK OF APPROPRIATE
PRIORITIES, AND OUR LACK OF FAITH IN GOD AND
OUR LACK OF BELIEF AND TRUST IN THE
RESURRECTION IS WHAT REALLY CAUSES SUCH SINS,
WHICH ENSNARE US AND DRAG US DOWN.
These will be burnt away by the Grace of God, but only
after we have struggled with all our strength to leave
them behind us.
We should BE AWARE OF THE INFINITE GRACE OF GOD AND
THE DEPTH OF OUR HUMAN WEAKNESSES.
We must RECOGNISE AND ACKNOWLEDGE HOW OUR
MERCIFUL GOD TAKES SUCH IMPERFECT VESSELS AND
BESTOWS HIS GRACE UPON THEM.
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – FISHERS OF MEN
Sadly we waste the Divine Grace bestowed so generously
upon us because WE DO NOT USE OUR GOD-GIVEN
TALENTS TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUITS FOR THE
GLORY OF GOD 1 like water flowing into a ditch or
sewer and not used efficiently for the production of
fruit in an orchard.
DESPITE OUR NEGLECT, SOME DIVINE GOODNESS IS
RETAINED FOR GOD ONLY DESIRES OUR LOVE. HE DOES
NOT WANT US TO SIN BECAUSE IT ALIENATES US FROM
HIM.
By His Divine Grace HE ENABLES US to resist temptation
and rather seek His Way, His Truth and His Life.
❃ GOD CREATED US PERFECTLY, WITH A NATURAL DESIRE
TO PERFORM GOOD DEEDS AND TO LIVE IN A CLOSE
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
❃ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD,
HAS TAUGHT US DIRECTLY AND CLEARLY HOW TO
REGAIN OUR DIVINE LIKENESS AND HE WATCHES
OVER US, ENCOURAGING AND ENABLING US AS WE
STRUGGLE DAILY TOWARDS OUR ULTIMATE GOAL:
the more we strive to imitate Him, the more
Divine Grace He grants us.
Those who endure to the end of their lives are rewarded
accordingly and infinitely more. Even though we
may never achieve Perfection, OUR PERSONAL
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE IS JOYFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED BY
GOD AND THE ENTIRE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT.
❃ OUR EAGERNESS AND WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW CHRIST
WITHOUT QUESTION OR HESITATION IS THE
SUPREME KEY – THE PRICELESS PEARL.
OUR READINESS TO STRUGGLE AGAINST ALL OPPOSITION
AND TO RESIST ALL TEMPTATIONS AND DIFFICULTIES
THAT THREATEN OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IS THE
ULTIMATE PRIORITY OF LIFE IN CHRIST, which grants
us Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Divine
Love.
❃ We must leave behind – DISCARD - ALL THAT IS NOT
OF GOD.
In this earthly life OUR SPIRITUAL PRIORITIES AND THE
EAGERNESS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IS OF FAR GREATER
MAGNITUDE THAN THE RESISTANCE OF TEMPTATION
AND SIN because once we get our Spiritual Priorities
right and imitate Christ, BY THE GRACE OF GOD,
US
EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BECOME EASIER AND POSSIBLE.
❃ There are innumerable Spiritual Entrapments
surrounding us that have been around for a very
long time, but ONE OF THE WORST SPIRITUAL
AFFLICTIONS IS LUKE-WARM FAITH, WHICH INVENTS
RIDICULOUS EXCUSES, CAUSES SELF-INDULGENCE
AND NEGLECT OF SPIRITUAL WELFARE, BLINDS US TO
REALITY AND TRUTH, AND NEGLECTS PRAYER AND
WORSHIP, AND DESTROYS OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH
GOD, WITH FAMILY AND WITH FRIENDS. IT WARPS
OUR SENSE OF JUSTICE AND IMPORTANT, RELEVANT
MATTERS.
We must not be entangled by the deadly nets of the
fallen world that offers us nothing worthy in return,
and which pushes us towards the awful Abyss of
Spiritual Death, until we fall over the edge into
Eternal Condemnation!
We must leave our nets so that WE MAY BECOME LIKE THE
HOLY SAINTS, SHARING IN THEIR HOLINESS AND CLOSE
COMMUNION WITH GOD.
❃ EVERY HUMAN BEING CAN BECOME A SAINT. That is
the Truth. After all, we are all created from the
same substance and THE SAME DIVINE GRACE IS
BESTOWED UPON US ALL.
Our lack of Spiritual Fruit is caused by not leaving our
nets immediately and following Christ eagerly. OUR
FAULTY PRIORITIES ARE HOLDING US BACK.
We must act according to St Paul who encouraged us by
saying: “... seeing that we are surrounded by so great
a Cloud of Witnesses, let us lay aside sin, which so
easily encumbers us."
WE MUST STRIVE TO ATTAIN OUR ULTIMATE GOAL. We
must constantly struggle and eagerly follow Christ
for GOD WILL NEVER ABANDON US AND HE WILL
ALWAYS HELP AND PROTECT US.
❃ THE HOLY SAINTS ARE THE RESURRECTION IN ACTION.
6 JUNE 2010 3
THEY ARE THE LIVING EXAMPLES OF THE RESURRECTION,
and even in our life we experience living examples of
the Resurrection as soon as we turn aside from the
sins that beset us – once we make the right choice.
This is the Resurrection at work in us, for IT IS A MOST
GLORIOUS PRIVILEGE AND AN HONOUR TO BE
CREATURE OF GOD, BECAUSE HE DWELLS WITHIN US.
The Cup of Christ – Part 1
“Two Beloved Disciples asked the Lord for Thrones of Glory, and He gave them His Cup.” (MATTHEW 20.23)
THE CUP OF CHRIST IS SUFFERING.
But for those who drink from It on earth, the Cup
of Christ GRANTS PARTICIPATION IN CHRIST'S
KINGDOM AND prepares for them THRONES OF
ETERNAL GLORY IN HEAVEN.
We stand in silence before the Cup of Christ, nor can
anyone complain about It or reject It; for HE, WHO
COMMANDED US TO TASTE IT, FIRST DRANK OF IT
HIMSELF.
O Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil! You killed our
Ancestors in Paradise; you deceived them by the
delusions of sensual pleasure and the delusions of
reason.
Christ, the Redeemer of the fallen, brought His Cup of
Salvation into this world to the fallen and to those
who are exiled from Paradise.
The bitterness of this Cup cleanses the heart from
forbidden, destructive and sinful pleasure.
THROUGH THE HUMILITY THAT FLOWS FROM IT IN
ABUNDANCE, THE PRIDE OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE
CARNAL LEVEL IS MORTIFIED.
TO THOSE WHO DRINK FROM THE CUP WITH FAITH AND
PATIENCE, THE ETERNAL LIFE, which was and still
is lost to us by our tasting of Forbidden Fruit, WILL BE
RESTORED.
I willACCEPT THE CUP OF CHRIST - THE CUP
SALVATION.
The Cup is accepted when CHRISTIANS BEAR EARTHLY
TRIBULATION IN THE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY LEARNT FROM
THE GOSPEL.
St Peter turned swiftly with a naked sword to defend the
God1Man, Who was surrounded by evil doers; but
our Lord Jesus said to St Peter: “Put up thy sword
into the sheath: the Cup which My Father hath
given Me, shall I not drink it? (JOHN 18.11).
SO, TOO, WHEN DISASTER SURROUNDS US, WE SHOULD
COMFORT AND STRENGTHEN OUR SOUL by saying:
'The Cup which my Father hath given me, shall I
not drink it?'
THE CUP IS BITTER: at first sight ALL HUMAN REASONING IS
CONFOUNDED.
SURMOUNT REASON BY FAITH AND DRINK COURAGEOUSLY
from the bitter Cup: IT IS THE FATHER WHO GIVES IT
TO YOU, HE WHO IS ALL GOOD AND ALL WISE.
It is neither the Pharisees, nor Caiaphas, nor Judas who
prepared the Cup; it is neither Pilate nor his soldiers
who give it!
Pharisees think evil; Judas betrays; Pilate orders the
unlawful killing; the soldiers of the government
execute his order. Through their evil deeds all these
prepared their own true perdition.
DO NOT PREPARE FOR YOURSELF JUST SUCH A PERDITION
by remembering evil, by longing for and dreaming of
revenge, and by indignation against your enemies.
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS ALMIGHTY AND ALL-SEEING.
The Wisdom of our Holy Church Fathers
St Gregory of Nyssa
If we withdraw from those who seduce us to evil, and, by
the use of our reason, turn to the better by putting evil
behind us, it is as if we place our own soul, like a
mirror, face to face with the Hope of Good Things - with
the result that THE IMAGES AND IMPRESSIONS OF
VIRTUE SHOWN TO US BY GOD, BECOME IMPRINTED IN
THE PURITY OF OUR SOUL.
Then our Brethren will assist us and join us, for THE ANGEL,
WHO IN A WAY IS A BROTHER TO THE RATIONAL AND
INTELLECTUAL PART OF OUR HUMAN SOUL, APPEARS...
AND STANDS BY US whenever we approach the Pharaoh.
4 (SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – FISHERS OF MEN
So, dear Brethren, let us immediately leave our nets and
follow Christ so that we may TRULY EXPERIENCE
WHAT GOD DESIRES FOR US.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “FISHERS OF MEN” BY REVEREND SERAPHIM HOLLAND, ST
NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, MCKINNEY, TEXAS, USA www.orthodox.net
A
He sees our affliction, and IF HE HAD FOUND IT
NECESSARY AND PROFITABLE TO WITHDRAW THE CUP
FROM US, HE WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE DONE SO.
As testified by Holy Scripture and Church history the
Lord has often allowed afflictions to befall His
Beloved, and often warded off afflictions from them,
in accordance with the unfathomable Ways of
Providence.
When we are faced with the Cup, we must turn our gaze
from the people who gave it to us and lift up our
eyes to Heaven and say: “The Cup which my Father
hath given me, shall I not drink it?”
“I will take the Cup of Salvation...” (PSALM 115.4 [LXX])
WE CANNOT REJECT THE CUP -— THE PROMISE OF
HEAVENLY AND ETERNAL GOOD.
The Apostle of Christ teaches us Patience: “We must,
through much tribulation, enter into the Kingdom of
God.” (ACTS 14.22)
How can we reject the Cup, which is the means of
attaining this Kingdom and growing with it?
WE WILL ACCEPT THE CUP -— THE GIFT OF GOD - FOR
THE CUP OF CHRIST IS THE GIFT OF GOD.
St Paul pointed out to the Philippians: “...unto you is
given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him,
but also to suffer for His sake.” (PHILIPPIANS 1.29).
We receive the Cup, which seemingly comes from the
OF
hand of mankind. What is it to us whether the bearer
of the Cup acts Righteously or unrighteously?
AS A FOLLOWER OF OUR LORD JESUS, OUR CONCERN IS TO
ACT RIGHTEOUSLY, TO RECEIVE THE CUP WITH
THANKSGIVING TO GOD AND WITH A LIVING FAITH;
AND COURAGEOUSLY TO DRINK IT TO THE DREGS.
IN RECEIVING THE CUP FROM THE HAND OF MAN,
REMEMBER IT IS THE CUP OF HIM, WHO IS NOT ONLY
INNOCENT BUT ALL-HOLY.
Thinking on this, WE MUST REMIND OURSELVES, AND
OTHER SUFFERING SINNERS, OF THE WORDS THAT THE
BLESSED AND ENLIGHTENED THIEF spoke when he was
crucified at the right Hand of the crucified God1Man:
“We receive the due reward of our deeds ... Lord,
remember me when Thou comest into Thy
Kingdom.” (LUKE 23.41-42)
And then, turning to others, we may say to them:
“Blessed are you who are Instruments of
Righteousness and of God's Mercy! Blessed are you
from henceforth and forever!”
(If they are not in a fit state to understand and receive
our words, we must not cast our precious Pearls of
Humility under the feet of those who cannot value
them, but rather keep these words in thought and
heart.)
By this alone will we fulfil the Commandment of the
Gospel: “Love your enemies; Bless them that curse
you.” (MATTHEW 5.44). . . . T O B E C O N T I N U E D . . .
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “THE CUP OF CHRIST” BY OUR HOLY FATHER IGNATIOS
BRIANCHANINOV – www.monachos.net
St Gregory Nazianzen
HOW COULD THIS UNIVERSE HAVE COME INTO BEING OR
BEEN PUT TOGETHER, UNLESS GOD HAD CALLED IT INTO
EXISTENCE, AND HELD IT TOGETHER?
For everyone who sees a beautifully made lute, and
considers the skill with which it has been fitted together
and arranged, or who hears its melody, WOULD THINK
OF NONE BUT THE LUTEMAKER, or the luteplayer, and
would CONTINUE TO THINK OF HIM EVEN THOUGH HE
MIGHT NOT KNOW HIM BY SIGHT. (SECOND THEOLOGICAL ORATION
NO. 6)
6 JUNE 2010
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
ALL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND
UNTO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN.
REMEMBERING ALSO OUR MOST HOLY, MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED AND GLORIOUS LADY, MARIA, BIRTH GIVER OF GOD, YET
EVER VIRGIN, TOGETHER WITH ALL THE SAINTS. AND LET US COMMIT OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND OUR WHOLE
LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD. AMEN.

3rd Sunday After Pentecost Tone 2 13 June 2010

3rd Sunday of St Matthew – The Eye is the Lamp of the Body

Feast of St Akylina of Syria; St Triphyllos of Nicosia
RE SURRE CTION A POL YTIK ION – T ONE 2

Ote katilthes pros ton thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote ton When Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,
adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke tous Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy
tethneotas ek ton katahthonion anestisas, pase e Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from the
Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Hriste, subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried
O Theos imon, Doxa Si! aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!
KO NT AKION O F THE EVE R BLESSED THEOT OKO S

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas,
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se.
Resurrection Gospel 3 : Mark 16 : 9 – 20
O Protection of the Christians unashamed, Mediation to
the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices
of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who always protects those who honour Thee!
TH E R I SEN CH R I ST APPE AR S TO HI S APO STL E S & DI SCI PL E S BE FO R E H I S ASCE NSI O N

PROKEIMENON The Lord is my Strength and my Glory! The Lord has chastised me severely, but He has not delivered me to
Death!
The Epistle of St Paul to the Romans 5 : 1 - 10
RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A LIVING REALITY

Brethren: since we are Justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we
have access by Faith into this Grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God. And not only that, but
we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and
character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the Love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was
given to us. For when we were still without Strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly, for scarcely would one
die for a Righteous man; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
But God demonstrates His own Love for us because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been Justified by His Blood, we shall be Saved from Wrath through Him, for if – when we were
enemies – we were Reconciled to God through the Death of His Son, much more, having been Reconciled, we shall be
Saved by His Life.
FAITH IN CHRIST JUSTIFIES US THROUGH AN ONGOING OUR FAITH GROWS AND AFFECTS OUR ACTIONS – otherwise it
STATE OF COMMUNION WITH HIM. withers and dies.
Being Justified means maintaining A CONTINUOUS STATE OF FAITH ALONE – STATIC FAITH – CANNOT SAVE OUR IMMORTAL
RIGHTEOUSNESS, which requires a Redemption – a SOULS!
Sacrificial Offering that is capable of setting us free We have to nurture and nourish our Faith in God and our
from sin and death – Spiritual Death corrected through Love for Him through our personal efforts.
Repentance-Confession and physical death remedied “Do not say that you are Temples of the Lord; nor
by Resurrection. should you say that Faith alone in our Lord Jesus
THE REDEMPTION OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR UNITES US Christ can Save you, for this is impossible unless
ETERNALLY WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LIFE IN CHRIST – you acquire Love for Him through your deeds. As
ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD. for Faith by itself, ‘the devils also believe, and
According to the Old Covenant, the Redemption of Christ tremble.’” (JEREMIAH 7:3 LXX & ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR)
was prefigured by Blood Sacrifices – the blood offerings ❃ GENUINE FAITHFULNESS IS CONTINUOUS LOYALTY AND
of physically perfect animals for the temporal (physical) OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
remission of sins. Such Faithfulness Justifies us through the Divine Grace of
According to the New Covenant, CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR IS God alone!!
THE UTMOST UNIQUE SACRIFICIAL OFFERING THAT WAS “... HOPE does not disappoint because the Love of God
ONLY REQUIRED ONCE SO THAT FOR ALL ETERNITY WE
has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy
ARE FREED FROM SIN AND DEATH AND BY HIS DIVINE
GRACE WE ARE UNITED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND Spirit Who was given to us,” is St Paul’s answer to
ETERNAL LIFE. the question of HOW WE CAN EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF
Due to our ongoing Communion with God, we have Peace GOD.
with Him, which is also ongoing. The term “the ungodly” applies to every one of us
The Greek word “Pistis” which is used here as “Faith,” can because of SIN, which ALIENATES US FROM GOD.
also mean “Faithfulness.” However, because WE DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO BECOME
FAITH IS FAR MORE THAN THE SIMPLE CONVICTION THAT RIGHTEOUS BY OUR OWN EFFORTS, GOD THE FATHER - due
SOMETHING IS TRUE because as St James cautioned us: to His infinite Love for us, SENT CHRIST His Incarnate
“You believe that there is One God. You do well. Son TO NOT ONLY TEACH US HIS DIVINE TRUTH BUT ALSO TO
Even the demons believe – and TREMBLE!” (JAMES 2:19) OFFER HIMSELF AS A RANSOM – the greatest Blood
FAITH THAT SAVES US IS A COMPLETE FAITH, NOT JUST WITH Sacrifice ever offered! - FOR OUR EVERLASTING SPIRITUAL
THE MIND AND THE TONGUE, BUT THE WHOLE OF OUR FREEDOM FROM SIN AND DEATH - AND TO GRANT US HIS
BEING, TRUSTING ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY IN OUR DIVINE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
LIVING, ALMIGHTY GOD! ❃ Consequently, THOSE WHO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE
This also means that OUR FAITH AND OUR RELATIONSHIP GOD’S INFINITE LOVE ARE RECONCILED TO GOD AND
WITH GOD – OUR JUSTIFICATION – IS DYNAMIC AND RESTORED TO PEACE AND COMMUNION WITH HIM.
LIVING! God has never ceased being our Most Loving and Beneficial
Divine Friend – our Heavenly Father - for He is Eternally

(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY – 13 MAY 2010
5
 Unchangeable. WE HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY PERSONAL SIN
– WE HAVE LOST OUR LIKENESS TO GOD - SO WE NEED TO
RESTORE OURSELVES TO OUR HOLY LIKENESS – AS GOD
CREATED US – and this is THE DIVINE PURPOSE OF THIS
EARTHLY LIFE – while we consist of body and soul, for
without the body the soul remains changeless.
As long as we remain rebellious enemies of God, OUR
LOVING GOD CONTINUES CEASELESSLY TO WORK THROUGH
HIS DIVINE LOVE TO RESTORE US TO OUR FORMER GLORY –
IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS!

The Holy Gospel According to St Matthew 6 : 22 – 33

COMPLETE, ABSOLUTE TRUST IN GOD ALONE

At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “The Lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will
be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If, therefore, the Light that is in you
is darkened, how great is that darkness!
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and
despise the other.
“You cannot serve God and mammon! Therefore, I say to you: do not worry about your life: what you will eat or what
you will drink; nor about your body: what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than
clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly
Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than them?
“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies
of the field: how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was
not arrayed like one of these.
“Now, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much
more clothe you, O you of little Faith?
“Therefore, do not worry, saying: ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For all these
things the Gentiles seek, but your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things, so seek first the Kingdom
of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
❃ BY ATTACHING OURSELVES TO MATERIAL, TEMPORARY ❃ However: THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE! SINCE BOTH GOD AND
THINGS, WE CUT OURSELVES OFF FROM HEAVENLY MAMMON DEMAND FULL ALLEGIANCE!
TREASURES – i.e. EVERYTHING THAT IS OF TRUE AND OUR LORD JESUS REFERRED TO EARTHLY WEALTH AND
ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE. POSSESSIONS AS “MAMMON,” NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE
We become enslaved by our earthly greed and self- EVIL BY NATURE BUT BECAUSE OF THE CONTROL THEY
indulgence INSTEAD OF EXPERIENCING TRUE FREEDOM HAVE OVER MOST PEOPLE – THE GREEDY DESIRE AND
IN CHRIST JESUS. OBSESSION WITH SUCH THINGS.
❃ THE HEART OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP LIES IN Our Lord warns us against the anxiety and obsession with
DISENTANGLING OURSELVES FROM THE STRICTURES earthly matters – not against thoughtful planning and
AND LIMITATIONS OF EARTHLY MATTERS AND provision for the welfare of our families.
POSSESSIONS, AND ATTACHING OURSELVES ❃ OUR PHYSICAL WELFARE IS DIRECTLY DEPENDENT ON
DETERMINEDLY AND FIRMLY TO GOD – OUR TRUE, GOD ALONE AND ONLY INDIRECTLY ON FOOD, DRINK
PRICELESS AND ETERNAL TREASURE! AND CLOTHING.
❃ THE MIND – THE “NOUS” – IS THE SPIRITUAL EYE OF OUR Consequently, OUR APPREHENSION AND FIXATION OVER
SOUL, WHICH ILLUMINATES OUR INNER BEING, SUCH EARTHLY CARES REVEALS THE LACK OF TRUE
GOVERNING OUR FREE WILL AND CONTROLLING THE FAITH IN GOD’S DIVINE AND BENEVOLENT PROVIDENCE
DEMANDS OF OUR BODIES – THE DESIRES OF THE OR CARE.
FLESH. Gentiles served pagan idols so they were consumed by
IN ORDER TO MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IN THIS LIFE, WE MUST TRAIN OUR SOULS
TO CONTROL OUR FLESH – I.E. BE IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND NOT ALLOW OUR
their dependence on earthly things.
BODIES TO CONTROL OUR SOULS, WHICH CAUSES SPIRITUAL DEATH! However, THOSE WHO FAITHFULLY FOLLOW CHRIST ARE
Consequently, IT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP OUR MIND FREED FROM SUCH RELIANCE AND WORRIES.
WHOLESOME AND PURE, which is essential to Life in The Kingdom of God is the central theme of our Lord Jesus
Christ – i.e. daily Christian Life. Christ’s Teaching and His Righteousness was the main
Just like slaves who try to serve “two masters,” SOME subject of His Sermon on the Mount.
PEOPLE TRY TO MAINTAIN THEIR ATTACHMENT TO BOTH ❃ BY TEACHING US TO BE FREE FROM ALL CONCERN FOR
EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY THINGS. EARTHLY MATTERS, OUR LORD JESUS DIRECTS OUR
THEY PROFESS BELIEF IN GOD OR FAITH IN CHRIST - YET ATTENTION TO ETERNAL, HEAVENLY MATTERS,
THEY PERSIST IN PAGANISM THROUGH ABSURD SECURE IN THE FAITH THAT GOD WILL DEFINITELY
SUPERSTITIONS AND UNGODLY BELIEFS! AND MOST CERTAINLY PROVIDE EVERY EARTHLY
BLESSING NECESSARY TO OUR PHYSICAL AND
SPIRITUAL WELFARE.

Do Not Worry About Life!

In today’s Sacred Lesson, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us to
REJECT ALL APPREHENSION OR FEAR OF DEPRIVATION OF
PHYSCIAL NECESSITIES OF LIFE.
Again and again Christ tried to teach His Apostles and
Faithful Disciples to BE PEACEFUL AND CONFIDENT IN GOD
because GOD ALONE GRANTS US ALL THE NECESSITIES OF
LIFE!
Anxiety and stress1related problems have become
overwhelming and destructive causes of increased
mental illness and merciless, greedy and murderous
obsessions.
MATERIALISTIC, INSATIABLE PEOPLE CANNOT AVOID EXTREME
ANXIETY!
Bankruptcy, divorce, violence and murder are the excessive
and increasing results of such an obsession with
material wealth.
Extravagant lifestyles, the use of finances without Spiritual
Guidance Or Wisdom, the rejection or lack of disciplined
savings and spending in the pursuit of instant
gratification, marital infidelity and the resulting
domestic instability has produced a world of deeply
distressed, traumatised and unhappy people.
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY – 13 MAY 2010
6
Added to this is the frenetic pace and pitch of modern
society so the consequential emotional hazards should
not surprise us at all!
WITHOUT FAITH WE WOULD BE LEFT COMPLETELY VOID OF ANY
MEANS OF OVERCOMING SUCH FRIGHTENING TENSION.
As it is there are not nearly enough psychological clinics or
medical institutions to deal with the previously
unknown numbers of patients suffering from anxiety
related psychological conditions.
In the midst of such social distress, CHRIST’S FAITHFUL SHINE
LIKE STARS OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY.
In the Divine Liturgy, our Priests invoke THE PEACE OF
CHRIST to the congregation by exclaiming: “Peace be to
all!”
In a similar manner, WE ARE CALLED TO SHARE THAT DIVINE
PEACE WITH ALL THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY DARKENED
AND THIRSTY.
Our Orthodox Faith sets us apart from such destructive,
time1consuming anxiety and today our Lord Jesus
reminds us of six important reasons for being
unconcerned about worldly matters.
1. WE CAN SERVE ONLY ONE MASTER:
WEALTH AND EARTHLY POSSESSIONS (MAMMON) ARE LIKE A
BRUTAL, ERRATIC AND UNSTABLE TASKMASTER WHO
TREATS HIS SLAVES WITH MERCILESS CONTEMPT.
We are always tempted and distracted by promises of great
rewards but sometimes 1 just when we think we can
reap the harvest of our labours or we want to spend
some of our accumulated wealth 1 we realise that we
have nothing of value at all – usually brought about by
so many unforeseeable circumstances!
We are led to believe that we will enjoy peace of mind
depending on the degree of our earthly wealth, but in
reality, WE SOON REALISE THAT THE MORE WE POSSESS THE
MORE POSSESSIVE WE BECOME and the harder we have to
work to ensure that we do not lose a cent of our “hard1
earned” savings.
➤ ALL TOO SOON WE BECOME SO OBSESSED WITH
EARTHLY ACQUISITIONS THAT WE NO LONGER HAVE
ANY TIME FOR GOD OR FAMILY OR FRIENDS.
➤ GREATER WEALTH MAKES US LESS GRATEFUL TO GOD
AND MORE SUSPICIOUS OF OTHERS.
➤ WE BECOME GREEDY AND LESS INCLINED TO SHARE
ANYTHING WITH OTHERS.
➤ WE DEVELOP A DANGEROUS AND DETRIMENTAL BELIEF
IN OUR OWN ABILITIES.
Consequently1 and the most lasting and devastating effect
of all 1 WE TOTALLY DISREGARD THE INFINITE
BENEVOLENCE OF GOD WHO HAS GRANTED US EVERYTHING
WE HAVE SO THAT WE CAN SHARE IT WITH THOSE LESS
FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES, BY DOING GOOD WORKS
FOR THE BENEFIT OF MANY!!
❃ Faithful Christians have ONLY ONE MASTER WHO IS
ETERNALLY UNCHANGING, BENEVOLENT, LOVING,
COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL – ALMIGHTY GOD.
GOD’S TRUTH NEVER DISAPPOINTS US AND ALWAYS FULFILS
ALL DIVINE PROMISES.
We never have to be anxious about anything in this life
because WE ARE SO CONFIDENT AND SECURE IN THE
REASSURANCE AND KNOWLEDGE THAT WHATEVER IS
NECESSARY, GOD WILL PROVIDE ACCORDING TO HIS
INFINITE WISDOM.
❃ FAITH IN GOD REALLY DOES SET US FREE from all earthly
concerns!
❃ Christ our Lord has taught us to BE CONTENT WITH
WHATEVER WE DO HAVE.
HE HAS TAUGHT US TO RELAX SO THAT WE CAN ENJOY AND
APPRECIATE OUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, instead of stressing
or obsessing about all the things we think we must have!
THERE IS NO GREATER, TRUE FREEDOM THAN THE ACCEPTANCE
AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF OUR
BLESSINGS – to whatever degree they may be!
2. LIFE IS A PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY:
TRUE LIFE HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOD,
CLOTHING OR SHELTER – all of which are destined to
eventually perish, because they are only required for a
very short time, having become necessary due to
mankind’s Fall into sin.
AS SOON AS SIN IS NULLIFIED – eradicated by Eternal Life in
God’s Kingdom – THESE THINGS WILL NO LONGER BE
NEEDED BY US. The only lasting impact they may have
depends on HOW EACH OF US REGARDS SUCH THINGS.
Otherwise, EVERYTHING OF THIS MATERIAL EXISTENCE IS
MERELY TEMPORARY AND IS OF NO VALUE TO OUR
PERSONAL ETERNAL LIFE – so why bother fretting so much
about them as we do?!
3. ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE PRECIOUS TO GOD:
The constant recognition, acknowledgement and
appreciation of Divine Love destroys all worldly anxiety.
By attentively observing the marvellous natural world that
surrounds us, we will quickly grasp the magnificence of
God’s Love and Provision for all Creation.
Everything has a Divine Purpose, a delicate balance and
priority, and everything is perfectly created.
With such an appreciation and enjoyment of Divinely
created beauty and perfection, arises an awareness of
how precious all Creation is to God – and we know too,
that MANKIND IS GOD’S MOST BELOVED CREATURE OF ALL!
Therefore, as our Lord Jesus pointed out to us, if God takes
such great care for all his Creation – great and small –
HOW MUCH MORE DOES HE LOVE US HUMAN BEINGS – the
only intellectual beings (besides His Angels) WHOM HE
CREATED IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS!
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY – 13 MAY 2010
4. ONLY GOD KNOWS THE LENGTH OF EACH LIFE:
Most people worry about GROWING OLD AND DEATH –
TWO INEVITABLE AND UNAVOIDABLE FACTS OF LIFE!
Every human being has a specific amount of time to live,
and only God knows how long each soul needs to
improve itself and regain our Divine Likeness
through our Spiritual Struggles and our personal
Relationship with God and our fellow sinners.
Instead of wasting our time and efforts trying to delay or
avoid the process of aging and our natural death, we
must ensure that every waking moment is spent to
our best advantage.
❃ AS SOON AS WE COME TO TERMS WITH THE
INEVITABILITY OF DEATH AND, IN FACT, MAINTAIN
A (HEALTHY!) “REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH,” AS OUR
HOLY FATHERS TEACH US, WE WILL NO LONGER
WASTE VALUE TIME WITH PETTINESS AND
INSIGNIFICANT MATTERS.
We will make every day worthwhile and step by step
progress towards the next state of our immortal
existence – Eternity.
It certainly is useless to ignore or try to deny our limited
number of days.
❃ BY WALKING WITH GOD EVERY MOMENT OF OUR DAYS,
WE WILL LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST AND MOST
JOYFUL DEGREE!
This is what Christ our Lord tries to impress upon us.
❃ DO NOT WASTE A MOMENT ON SUPERFICIAL,
INSIGNIFICANT NONSENSE, WHICH IMPEDES OUR
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
❃ GOD WATCHES OVER US CEASELESSLY – He never leaves
us and He never stops Loving us and TAKING
CARE OF ALL OUR NEEDS AS ONLY HE KNOWS BEST
how to do so.
❃ So we must simply GET ON WITH LIVING EACH DAY IN
HIS SIGHT AND ACCOMPLISH TO THE BEST OF OUR
ABILITY, WHATEVER GOOD DEEDS HE OFFERS US
DAILY AND WHICH WE CHEERFULLY AND WILLINGLY
ACCEPT!
5. SEEK A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
❃ FAITH IS CONFIDENCE AND FREEDOM IN THE KNOWLEDGE
THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL OF ALL NECESSITIES OF
LIFE – AND THE CLOSER WE BECOME TO GOD, THE
MORE PROFOUNDLY WE WILL UNDERSTAND!
❃ Upon awakening in the morning, WE MUST REMEMBER
TO THANK GOD FOR GETTING US SAFELY THROUGH
THE NIGHT AND COMMIT OURSELVES TO OBEY HIS
DIVINE WILL RATHER THAN OUR OWN WEAK,
FLAWED AND SELFISH WILL.
Those who are weak in Faith or, more sadly, have no
Faith at all in God, seek the temporary and often
destructive things of this fallen world, becoming
more Spiritually Darkened by their obsessive search
for gratification of their deceptive and misleading
desires, which continuously elude their grasping
hands and which disappoints or fails them.
❃ WITHOUT GOD WE ARE NOTHING! We are only
intellectual beings who are created of the same
basic elements as everything else in this universe.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE, HOWEVER, IS OUR DIVINE IMAGE
AND LIKENESS so until we regain as much of our (lost)
Likeness to God, we will stagnate and be little better
than the rest of God’s creatures.
The most important reason for seeking a close
Relationship with God and our fellow human beings
is that IF WE DO NOT POSSESS TRUE LOVE – DIVINE LOVE
– AGAPE – WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE BLISS OF
ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
We will spend Eternity elsewhere – Spiritual Exile, Outer
Darkness, permanent alienation from God 1 the most
horrific existence that even the Evil One and his
demons fear the most!!
6. FULFIL OUR TRUE PURPOSE OF LIFE
This earthly life is the only time we have to IMPROVE
OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION AND GROW CLOSER TO
GOD by struggling to regain our Likeness to Him.
THEREFORE ALL OUR EFFORTS SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED
ON OUR PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PROGRESS.
7
❃ OUR ONLY CONCERN - OUR TRUE PURPOSE OF LIFE - IS
THE IMPROVEMENT OF OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION
THROUGH OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD, AND
OUR FELLOW MANKIND.
❃ At the end of every day, we should do a “Spiritual
Accounting” whereby WE RECALL AND EXAMINE
OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, BESEECHING
FORGIVENESS OF OUR ERRORS AND SINS, ASKING
GOD’S DIVINE HELP TO DO BETTER TOMORROW,
which is a brand new beginning, each time.
Each day, each hour, each minute, GOD GRANTS US YET
ANOTHER CHANCE TO IMPROVE OURSELVES AND TO
ADVANCE CLOSER TO ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY
KINGDOM.
THE MORE WE STRUGGLE TO REGAIN OUR DIVINE LIKENESS,
THE MORE GOD GRANTS US THE MEANS TO DO SO and
the closer we proceed towards our Spiritual
Homecoming!
St John Karpathos - On Unseen Warfare
JUST AS THE PRESENCE OF SPIRITUAL WARMTH IN THE
HEART IS SWEET, SO IS ITS ABSENCE BITTER, WEARISOME
AND FRIGHTENING.
It goes when our attention and heart deviate from things of
the Spirit and turn towards things not of the Spirit.
By this is not meant something sinful 1 since THOSE WHO
HAVE HAD A TASTE OF SPIRITUAL WARMTH ARE NO
LONGER ATTRACTED TO SIN - ALL THE SOUL-BODY
REALM, VAIN, EARTHLY, CREATED.
AS SOON AS OUR ATTENTION INCLINES TOWARDS SIN,
SPIRITUAL WARMTH IMMEDIATELY DECLINES, AND WHEN
THE HEART ALSO CLEAVES TO SIN, IT WITHDRAWS
ALTOGETHER, LEAVING BEHIND COLDNESS TOWARDS ALL
THINGS DIVINE AND TOWARDS GOD HIMSELF,
ACCOMPANIED BY INDIFFERENCE TO ALL SPIRITUAL
WORKS AND OCCUPATIONS, PRACTISED FOR THE
PURPOSE OF PRESERVING THIS WARMTH.
If we recollect ourselves immediately and hasten to re1
establish our habitual Spiritual Warmth1producing order,
it returns quickly or sometimes not so quickly.
However, IF WE PAY NO ATTENTION TO OUR SPIRITUAL
COOLING, and being dispersed, infatuated with something
or self1reliant, we deliberately allow ourselves to linger in
that cold atmosphere, AND ESPECIALLY IF WE RISK
GRATIFYING AND INDULGING OUR RESURRECTED NON-
SPIRITUAL TASTES, OUR ZEAL FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE
BECOMES UNDERMINED, IF NOT COMPLETELY DEADENED.
❃ DEADENED SPIRITUAL LIFE IS THE FORERUNNER OF
FALLING INTO FORMER HABITUAL SINS, WHICH WILL
NOT FAIL TO OVERCOME THE NEGLIGENT SOUL!
Nevertheless, as soon as we recollect ourselves, we will have
no difficulty in returning to our Spiritual State, even from
there.
SPIRITUAL COOLING IS ALWAYS SELF-INFLICTED SINCE IT IS
PRODUCED BY THE WEAKENING OF OUR SPIRITUAL
WATCHFULNESS, which in turn is caused either by the
temptations of our worldly surroundings, whcn Prelest
stupifies and abducts us, or by the
(SPIRITUAL DELUSION)
obsessive wiles of the enemy who constantly contrives to
induce us to abandon our inner self Watchfulness by
adding his own deceptions to the natural flow of fantasy
images or sometimes by affecting our body as well.
Whatever the cause, the action of Spiritual Cooling begins with
our attention being diverted from our inner depths, and its
further progress is established when our heart cleaves to
something, which is at first vain and empty, but which
later becomes passionate and sinful.
❃ IT IS ALWAYS OUR OWN FAULT, BECAUSE NEITHER THE
WORLD NOR THE DEVIL CAN VIOLATE OUR FREEDOM
TO CHOOSE, SINCE THEY CAN ONLY SUBJECT IT TO
TEMPTATION.
❃ SOMETIMES OUR SPIRITUAL COOLING IS DUE TO THE
ACTION OF DIVINE GRACE, FOR, IN ITS TRUE ASPECT,
SPIRITUAL WARMTH IS THE FRUIT OF DIVINE GRACE
PRESENT IN THE HEART.
When Divine Grace comes, our heart is warm but when it
leaves us due to our attraction to wrong things, our heart
becomes cold due to Spiritual Cooling, which is then
punitive. (DISCIPLINARY)
DIVINE GRACE MAY WITHDRAW OF ITS OWN ACCORD, FOR
THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING THE SPIRITUAL PROGRESS OF
THE SERVANTS OF GOD, WHICH IS THEN INSTRUCTIVE.
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY – 13 MAY 2010
8
UNTIL WE DRAW OUR VERY LAST BREATH, WHILE OUR
BODIES AND SOULS ARE STILL UNITED, WE HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO REPENT AND CONFESS OUR SINS, and
by Divine Grace, become worthy and fitting Citizens
of His Eternal Kingdom of Love.
But once the earthly body and the immortal soul have
separated, we can no longer improve ourselves!
AFTER DEATH, ONLY THE CONTINUOUS PRAYERS OF OUR
LOVED ONES AND THE HOLY INTERCESSIONS OF THE
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT AND MILITANT CAN EASE OUR
SUFFERING DUE TO UNREPENTANT SINS - OR
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS OUR RESTING IN PEACE IN
CHRIST - UNTIL THE GENERAL RESURRECTION OF ALL
MANKIND.
This earthly life is very short! Rejoice in God and
celebrate every moment of the day – good or bad!!
BY THE GRACE OF GOD: MP: INSPIRED BY THE SERMON “AVOIDING ANXIETY” BY FATHER
JOSHIAH TRENHAM OF ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED ORTHODOX CHURCH.
The consequences remain the same: Spiritual Cooling – an
intense sense of emptiness since our Divine Guest and
Visitor has gone!
❃ The difference between these Spiritual Coolings is that
GUILT WEAKENS THE VERY ZEAL OF OUR SPIRITUAL
LIFE, WHEREAS AN INSTRUCTIVE WITHDRAWAL OF
DIVINE GRACE MAKES IT BURN WITH EVEN GREATER
FERVOUR, WHICH IS THE PURPOSE OF SUCH A
WITHDRAWAL.
❃ DIVINE GRACE WITHDRAWS SO AS TO TEACH US:
➤ TO EXCITE OUR SPIRITUAL ZEAL, which sometimes
weakens and dims through a long period of calm;
➤ TO EXAMINE OUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION WITH
GREATER ATTENTION AND REJECT THE
ATTACHMENTS AND OCCUPATIONS NOT DIRECTLY
CONNECTED WITH OUR LIFE IN CHRIST, WHICH
CAUSES US TO DRIFT OFF HIS PATH;
➤ TO INCREASE AND STRENGTHEN OUR AWARENESS
THAT EVERYTHING GOOD IN US IS THE FRUIT OF
GOD'S DIVINE GRACE;
➤ TO MAKE US SINCERELY APPRECIATE AND VALUE THE
GIFTS OF GOD, TAKING GREATER CARE TO PRESERVE
THEM AND TO USE THEM CORRECTLY;
➤ TO DEPEND ENTIRELY ON DIVINE PROVIDENCE, AND
TO PRACTISE SELF-DENIAL AND HUMILITY;
➤ NOT TO BECOME ATTACHED TO SPIRITUAL DELIGHTS
THEMSELVES, SINCE GOD DESIRES ALL OUR LOVE AND
RESPECT FOR HIMSELF
➤ TO PREVENT US FROM RELAXING OUR SPIRITUAL
EFFORTS WHEN DIVINE GRACE WORKS IN US, AND TO
MAKE US TOIL WITHOUT CEASING AS WE JOURNEY
TOWARDS GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM, MAKING FULL
USE OF ALL THE POWERS WITH WHICH HE HAS
ENDOWED US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED TASKS.
Thus, even when, due to an instructive withdrawal of Divine
Grace, Spiritual Cooling results, we are the cause of it,
since, although Divine Grace might have withdrawn of its
own accord, through weakness of Faith we may feel
abandoned and rejected.
So when we experience Spiritual Cooling towards all Divine
Things, we must immediately withdraw inwards to
carefully seek the cause of our cold heart.
Should we be the cause, WE MUST HASTEN TO CORRECT
OURSELVES, NOT SO MUCH BECAUSE WE ARE ANXIOUS
FOR THE RETURN OF SPIRITUAL DELIGHTS, BUT RATHER
BECAUSE WE ARE EAGER TO EXPEL ALL THAT IS NOT
PLEASING TO GOD.
❃ Whether we are guilty or not, WE MUST ALWAYS SUBMIT
TO GOD'S WILL: 'God has decided: let Thy Will be
done to me, O Lord, weak and unworthy as I am.'
❃ WE MUST BE PATIENT, NEVER DEVIATING FROM THE
HABITUAL ORDER OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE, WORKS
AND EXERCISES.
❃ We must OVERCOME ANY RELUCTANCE OR LAZINESS
TOWARDS OUR SACRED DUTIES, FORCIBLY
PRACTISING THEM AND DISREGARDING ANY
DISTRACTIONS OR TEMPTATIONS THAT SUGGEST
OUR EFFORTS ARE USELESS.
WE MUST WILLINGLY DRINK OUR CUP OF BITTERNESS: 'See my
Humility and my Efforts, O Lord, and deprive me not of
Thy Mercy,' and BE INSPIRED BY THE FAITH THAT THIS CUP
COMES FROM GOD'S LOVE FOR US, BECAUSE HE DESIRES US TO
ATTAIN A GREATER SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “SPIRITUAL WARFARE” BY ST JOHN OF KARPARTHOS – www.monachos.net
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
ALL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO THE AGES OF
AGES. AMEN.
REMEMBERING ALSO OUR MOST HOLY, MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED AND GLORIOUS LADY, MARIA, BIRTH GIVER OF GOD, YET EVER VIRGIN,
TOGETHER WITH ALL THE SAINTS. AND LET US COMMIT OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND OUR WHOLE LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD. AMEN.

4th Sunday After Pentecost Tone 3 20 June 2010

4th Sunday of St Matthew – The Faith of the Roman Centurion

Feast of St Methodios Hieromartyr of Olympus;
ST METHODIOS & ST KALLISTOS
St Kallistos 1 of Constantinople; St Nicholas Cabasilos
RE SURRE CTION A POL YTIK ION – T ONE 3

Evfrenestho ta Ourania, agaliastho ta epigia, oti epiise Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the
Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to Thanato Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has
ton thanaton. Prototokos ton nekron egeneto. Ek kilias trampled down Death by Death; He has become the
Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to kosmo to Mega Eleos. First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He has
delivered us, and to the world He has granted Great
Mercy.
KO NT AKION O F THE EVE R BLESSED THEOT OKO S

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the Help
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
timonton se. Theotokos who always protects all those who honour
Thee!
Resurrection Gospel 4: Luke 24 : 1 – 12 THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS WITNESS THE EMPTY TOMB OF OUR RISEN LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST

PROKEIMENON Sing praises to our God! Sing praises to our King! Clap your hands, all you Nations!
The Epistle of St Paul to the Romans 6 : 18 – 23
HOLY BAPTISM – FREEDOM FROM SIN UNDER DIVINE GRACE

Brethren: having been set free from sin, you became slaves of Righteousness. I speak in human terms because your natural
limitations, for just as you once yielded your members to corruption and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield
your member to Righteousness for Sanctification.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to Righteousness. What Fruit did you have then in the things of
which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now, having been set free from sin, and having
become slaves of God, the return you get is Sanctification and its end, Eternal Life. For the wages of sin is death but the
Free Gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Although we freely choose which Master we wish to serve, we Holy Baptism does not merely “stand for” this Divine Truth but
are always somehow enslaved to someone or something is itself our personal death to sin!
else as well. “Human terms” are the images of slavery whereby St Paul
❃ ONLY OBEDIENCE TO GOD LEADS US TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, expressed the fallen human condition, for GOD DOES NOT
MAKING US HEIRS OF SALVATION RATHER THAN WANT US AS HIS SLAVES BUT AS HIS ADOPTED CHILDREN
PERMANENT SLAVES OF SIN. OF LIGHT AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST TO HIS HEAVENLY
❃ HOLY BAPTISM FREES US FROM THE SLAVERY AND KINGDOM!
IMPRISONMENT OF SIN IF WE CONTINUE OUR PERSONAL If we served sin so well before our Holy Baptism, most
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD. certainly WE ARE NOW EMPOWERED BY GOD TO SERVE HIS
The opponents of St Paul twisted his summary of God’s past RIGHTEOUSNESS EVEN MORE EFFECTIVELY.
dealings with humanity, and instead applied it to While we are enslaved to sin and Spiritually Blind and
individuals. They accused him of saying: “Sin increases ignorant, we do not know enough even to be ashamed of
Grace, so let us increase sin!” However, this ridiculous our wickedness, but ONCE WE ACCEPT AND UNDERSTAND
argument misses the fact that WE MUST BE ALLIED WITH THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST, WE INSTANTLY REALISE HOW
ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER. REALLY SHAMEFUL THE LIFE OF SIN IS AND CAN CLEARLY
➤ IF WE ARE DEFIANTLY LIVING IN SIN, WE CANNOT SEE ITS CONSEQUENCES – SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL DEATH!
EXPERIENCE UNITY WITH GOD AND EVEN IF DIVINE Our “slavery” to God, which is initiated by our Holy Baptism, is
GRACE WAS INCREASED, WE ARE DESTROYING actually our glorious, wonderful personal SPIRITUAL
OURSELVES AND FOR THAT WE ARE PERSONALLY FREEDOM!
RESPONSIBLE. ❃ ONLY THIS TRUE SPIRITUAL FREEDOM CAN BEAR THE FRUIT
❃ THE INCREASE OF DIVINE GRACE HONOURS GOD WHEN ITS OF HOLINESS AND EVERLASTING LIFE.
POWER LEADS US TO BECOME TRULY DEAD TO SIN. THE “WAGES” OF SIN ARE EARNED BY US DUE TO OUR
To have died in sin does not mean that our human nature has UNREPENTED SINS – thus we suffer SPIRITUAL DEATH,
died. Rather, it means that WE ARE NO LONGER HELD which MAY BE CORRECTED THROUGH REPENTANCE-
CAPTIVE BY SIN. We are to become immovable towards CONFESSION WHILE WE LIVE.
sin just like something that was actually dead would be. However, should we stubbornly refuse to acknowledge our
❃ FREEDOM FROM SIN IS GROUNDED IN THE HOLY MYSTERY iniquities by either denying them or ignoring them, we will
OF BAPTISM. suffer the dire consequences of Eternal Death at the Final
Ignorance of what happens when we are Baptised is a great Judgement of Christ.
enemy and must be dealt with immediately. Otherwise, ❃ ETERNAL LIFE ON THE OTHER HAND, IS NEVER EARNED
due to such unnecessary ignorance, many people are SINCE IT IS A WONDERFUL, MOST GENEROUS DIVINE
defeated in their Spiritual Warfare against sin. GIFT AND NO HUMAN ACTION – NO MATTER HOW GOOD
❃ WHAT CHRIST ACCOMPLISHED ON THE CROSS – AN ACTUAL OR NOBLE THEY MAY SEEM TO BE, CAN EARN ANYONE
DEATH TO SIN – HOLY BAPTISM ACCOMPLISHES IN US: OF US ETERNAL LIFE.
AN ACTUAL DEATH TO SIN AND OUR TRUE LIBERATION ONLY THROUGH THE DIVINE GRACE AND LOVE OF GOD IS LIFE
FROM ITS DEADLY POWER. EVERLASTING GRANTED TO US.
❃ BECAUSE OUR HOLY BAPTISM INTO CHRIST GRANTS US
POWER OVER SIN, IT IS AN EXACT LIKENESS OF HIS
DEATH.
If we make every effort to avoid death of the body, still more should we endeavour to avoid death of the soul! There is no obstacle for those who want to be saved

4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION 20 JUNE 2010
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS)
9
 The Holy Gospel According to St Matthew 8 : 5 – 13
THE FAITH OF THE ROMAN CENTURION

At that time, when Jesus entered Capernaum, a Centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying: “Lord, my servant is
lying at home, paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” So Jesus said to him: “I will come and heal him.” But the Centurion
answered and said: “Lord, I am not worthy that Thou should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my
servant will be healed. 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.”
When Jesus heard his words, He marvelled and said to those who followed Him: “Assuredly, I say to you: I have not found
such great faith – not even in Israel! 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. But the sons of the Kingdom will be cast out into Outer
Darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!”
Then Jesus said to the Centurion: “Go you way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.”
And his servant was healed that same hour.
A Centurion ( a Gentile) commanded 100 conscripted men THE REJECTED “sons of the Kingdom,” ARE THE HEBREWS
in a Roman Legion, while OUR LORD JESUS IS THE WHO DENY CHRIST AND THOSE WHO ARE RAISED IN HIS
SAVIOUR OF ALL HUMANITY, REGARDLESS OF ANY HOLY CHURCH WHO DO NOT LIVE THEIR FAITH.
ETHNIC, GENDER OR SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS. The reference to “Outer Darkness” and “... the weeping
Many Greek scholars regard the words of Christ: “I shall and gnashing of teeth,” are terrifying descriptions of
come,” as being expressed as a question: “Shall I THE ETERNAL SPIRITUAL STATE OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS
come?” DEAD in Sheol (Hades) according to Hebrew Tradition.
(ENOCH 103:8)
Whichever manner it was said, OUR LORD JESUS IS READY
❃ OUTER DARKNESS IS ABSOLUTE OR TOTAL EXILE FROM
TO DEAL GRACIOUSLY WITH EVERYONE – even the
THE UNCREATED DIVINE LIGHT AND LOVE OF GOD -
Gentile Roman Centurion – and He was prepared to go THE ULTIMATE OR MOST EXTREME DISTANCE FROM
to his house to heal his paralysed servant, which would GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD.
have made Him “unclean” to the Hebrews. IT IS THE WORST POSSIBLE SPIRITUAL STATE WHICH ALL
THE CENTURION EXPRESSED HIS UNUSUAL FAITH IN CHRIST THOSE SOULS WHO REJECT OR DENY GOD WILL
BY ADDRESSING HIM AS “LORD,” AND HIS WORDS, EXPERIENCE FOR ALL ETERNITY, TOGETHER WITH SATAN
SPOKEN WITH SUCH FAITH AND HUMILITY, IS AND HIS FALLEN ANGELS – THE DEMONS.
FREQUENTLY QUOTED IN LITURGICAL TEXTS AS AN IDEAL The utter horror of such permanent alienation and exile
EXPRESSION OF HUMILITY: “Lord, I am not worthy from God will be PERPETUAL, INDESCRIBABLE
that Thou should come under my roof.” SUFFERING, PAIN, REGRET, SORROW, ANGER, REMORSE,
TWICE in the Holy Gospels it is noted that OUR LORD JESUS SORROW, ETC Hence the “... weeping and gnashing
“MARVELLED.” Once was at THE UNBELIEF OF THE of teeth!”
HEBREWS IN HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH and now at ❃ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS SINLESS AND THEREFORE
THE ASTONISHING FAITH OF THIS ROMAN CENTURION. CANNOT LIE TO US! SO EVERYTHING THE SON OF
In verses 11 & 12: “... many will come from East and West GOD HAS TAUGHT AND REVEALED AND WARNED US
and sit down .... But the sons of the Kingdom... ...will ABOUT IS TRUE!
be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” OUR LORD JESUS
NULLIFIES ANY IDEAS OF ETHNIC SUPERIORITY.
The Wounds of Love
One of the most meaningful Prayers prior to receiving were regarded as being unclean and thus forbidden
Holy Communion: "Thou hast smitten me with areas according to Mosaic Law.
yearning, O Christ, and by Thy Divine Love Thou The fact that he humbled himself before our Lord Jesus
hast changed me." was in itself amazing, since most Romans harboured
To be smitten by Christ is the most profound of all a deep resentment and abhorrance towards the
Mystical Experiences. Hebrews in general, due to their occupation and
Our Lord Jesus Himself, as it were, wounds our hearts domination of Palestine, which often resulted in cruel
with His Love, and from that moment on we are persecutions and punishments.
never the same again. Our only desire is to be with Furthermore, the Hebrew worship of one God was
Him, to serve Him and to make Him known to others. regarded as a threat to the pagan priests who
Today’s Sacred Lesson of St Matthew's account of a enjoyed great wealth and social status due to the
Roman Centurion is a moving testimony of the heroic superstitions and practises of the idol worshippers.
lengths to which Love will go. In Alexandria the pagan priests had spread false
The Roman Centurion willingly crossed the lines of a rumours that the Hebrews had sworn an oath never
rigid caste system to seek healing for his paralyzed to show kindness to any Gentile, and that their
slave and, as if that were not enough, he crossed the ceremonies involved a yearly sacrifice of a Gentile.
imposing religious divide that separated the Nevertheless, none of these deep prejudices or
Hebrews from the Gentiles. suspicions mattered to the Centurion.
Finally, he crossed the greatest barrier of all and Sincere humility impelled him to breach the social
manifested a Faith that knew no spatial limitation etiquette of his station and the Love he felt
when it came to healing. emanating from Christ our Saviour, made every
He knew that our Lord Jesus only had to say the word obstacle disappear.
and his servant would be healed. And by this he This humility was also evident in the way the Centurion
proved that his was a calibre of Faith that had never treated his slave. His was not the double standard of
been seen in all of Israel. many who say they Love the Lord but despise a
This is what happens to us when we are smitten by the brother or sister.
Love of Christ: we will cross every barrier and The Centurion possessed that perfect blend of Love of
confront and overcome every obstacle along the way God and neighbour. He Loved his slave, thus proving
for the sake of His Love. himself to be an unusual man of that era.
One such barrier that the Centurion nimbly vaulted over, In antiquity, a slave was regarded merely as an object – a
was his ego, for he was a man used to issuing possession with no rights or emotions to consider.
commands, but due to his humility, he did not dare To quote Aristotle: "A master and slave have nothing in
to ask our Lord to enter under the roof of his house. common; a slave is a living tool, just as a tool is an
He also knew that it was not lawful for a Hebrew to enter inanimate slave."
the homes of Gentiles, since their dwelling places Varro, the Roman writer on agriculture, divided the
instruments of agriculture into three classes 1 the

10 (SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION 20 JUNE 2010
 articulate comprising the slave, the inarticulate
comprising the cattle, and the mute comprising
vehicles.
The only difference between a slave and a beast or a
wagon was that the slave could talk.
Any and all ill1treatment was completely justified by the
law.
In the words of Petrus Chrysologos: "Whatever a master
does to a slave, undeservedly, in anger, willingly,
unwillingly, in forgetfulness, after careful thought,
knowingly, unknowingly is judgement, justice and
law."
In an age such as ours when much attention is focussed
on human rights, it is clearly evident that in the
ancient world slaves were not only devoid of all
rights, but their very humanity was denied!
Besides profound Virtues of Humility and Love of
neighbour, the Centurion had deep Faith in God.
He really did believe that all our Lord needed to do was
simply to “say the word...” and even from a distance,
his beloved servant would be healed.
The absolute Faith in the Divine Power of God of that
Roman Centurion amazed our Lord Jesus Christ
because it was so pure, trusting and confident – more
profound than any learned Hebrew had ever revealed
before.
This kind of Wonder1working Faith is needed by all of
us, not just Faith in the existence of God.
Many people believe in the existence of a deity, or even
in the Dogma of their Faith, but how many believe in
the possibility of Miracles.
"Only say the word, and my servant will be healed," the
Centurion declared.
It's this kind of Faith that inspired the following Hymn:
"Who is so great a god as our God. Thou art the
God Who performs Wonders."
The fact that the Centurion was smitten and
transformed by the Love of Jesus Christ cannot be
denied.
It reminds us again of the Prophecy of our Lord Jesus
concerning those who would one day sit at table with
Him in the Kingdom: "... many will come from East
and West and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, while the sons of
the Kingdom will be thrown into the Outer
Darkness..." (MATTHEW 8:12).
In more contemporary times in Kenya, a certain man
named Joseph, who was a Masai warrior, was smitten
by the Love of Christ just like the Centurion.
His face bore the ritual scars that every young Masai man
receives after killing his first lion armed only with a
spear and a shield.
One day, as he was walking along a hot, dusty road, he
met an Orthodox Christian Missionary who shared
the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ with him.
Joseph was so deeply affected by hearing the Divine
Truth of God that he immediately hurried to his own
village to share that same Good News with the
members of his local tribe.
He began going door1to1door, telling everyone he met
about the Cross of our Lord Jesus and the Salvation it
offered, expecting to see their faces light up in the
same way his had done.
To his puzzled surprise the villagers not only did not
care, they became violent.
The men of the village seized him and held him to the
ground while the women beat him with strands of
barbed wire, and later he was dragged from the
village and left to die alone in the bush.
Somehow Joseph managed to crawl to a water hole, and
there, after days of passing in and out of
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION
consciousness, he eventually had enough strength to
get up.
He wondered about the hostile treatment he had
suffered from people he had known all his life.
Encouraged by the Wound of Love, he concluded that he
must have omitted something significant or perhaps
had narrated the story of Jesus Christ incorrectly.
After rehearsing the Message he had initially heard, he
decided to return to the village and share his Faith
once more.
Joseph limped into the circle of huts and again began to
proclaim Jesus Christ: "He died for you, so that you
might find forgiveness and come to know the Living
God," he pleaded.
But, as before, he was grabbed by the men of the village
and held down while the women beat him
mercilessly, re1opening the terrible wounds that had
only just begun to heal.
Once again they dragged him beaten, bleeding and
unconscious from the village and left him to die in
the bush.
To have lived through the first beating was truly
remarkable.
To survive a second attack was nothing short of
miraculous.
Yet again, several days later, Joseph awoke in the
wilderness, bruised, scarred 1 and determined to go
share the Holy Gospel with his fellow villagers.
For the third time he went back to the small village but
even before he began to speak, they attacked him
and they whipped him for the third and probably the
last time, he witnessed as loudly as possible to them
about Jesus Christ.
Before he passed out, the last thing he saw were the
women who had beaten him so cruelly but who were
now tending to his dreadful wounds.
Throughout the ensuing days, as he suffered the full
effects of the three attacks, the women tenderly
nursed him slowly back to health and soon he
realised that the entire village had accepted Christ.
Joseph is no longer known by the ritual scars carved in
his face. He is recognized by the wounds he suffered
for the sake of Christ, which are not only visible on
his skin, but forever in his heart.
They are the very Wounds of Love that our Lord Jesus
Himself endured for our Salvation and He will suffer
in every one of us again and again until every
precious soul is Redeemed!
Today, Christ wants to wound each of us so that we, too,
will never cease loving and serving Him.
Let us open ourselves up to this wondrous action of
Divine Grace 1 this Mystical Stabbing of our hearts.
Let us gladly endure the scars that the piercing Love of
Christ inflicts.
Let us faithfully persist in our resolve to carry out every
Commandment of our Lord Jesus, even to the point
of death.
Then our Lord and Saviour will say to us, as He did to
the Faithful Centurion: "...not even in Israel have I
found such Faith!" (MATTHEW 8:10)
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “THE WOUNDS OF LOVE” BY REVEREND JOHN CHAKOS - GREEK
ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA - www.goarch.org
St Tikhon of Zadonsk
let us examine ourselves and test whether we are truly Christians. According
to the apostolic injunction:`Examine yourselves, whether YOU ARE in the
faith’ for without faith it is not possible to be a Christian. (2 CORINTHIANS
13:5)
We show the outward signs of Christianity but do we have true Christianity
within us?
For everything outward is nothing without the inward, and outward signs
apart from very Truth are a lie and hypocrisy. JOURNEY TO HEAVEN.
20 JUNE 2010 11.
 Justification and Faith (Part 1)
The Conditions of Justification
THE ONLY CONDITION REQUIRED BY THE NEW COVENANT
IN ORDER TO FAMILIARISE THE WORK OF SALVATION OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, IS FAITH.
Faith must not only be at the beginning of our Spiritual
Journey but ever present through the growth and
progress of our Justification.
FAITH MUST NOT BE THE WORK OF OUR MIND (IT MUST NOT BE
BUT THE
SIMPLY DUE TO OUR OWN INTELLECTUAL PROCESS OR CONCEPT)
POSSESSION OF MORAL ATTRIBUTES, INFLUENCING OUR
ENTIRE INNER BEING 1 the Inner Power of all those
Virtues which, when they bear Fruit, will comprise
THE TREASURE OF LOVE. (AGAPE)
Thus we have the right through our Faith, which is “...
working through Love...” (GALATIANS 5:6)
❃ FAITH WITHOUT WORKS ACHIEVED THROUGH THE
GRACE OF GOD ARE “DEAD!” (JAMES 2:17, 20 & 26)
This is also the opinion of all Holy Fathers of the
Orthodox Church, because SALVATION IS OFFERED TO
US THROUGH DIVINE GRACE AND “... NOT BY WORKS OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH WE HAVE DONE.” (TITUS 3:5)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY SINLESS ONE WHO
BECAME OUR IDEAL AND PERFECT MORAL EXAMPLE and
compared to Him we fall far too short!
However, EVEN SUCH MORAL GOOD WORKS, WHICH PROVE
TO BE ACTIVE AND JUSTIFY OUR FAITH ARE THE “...
FRUIT OF THE (HOLY) SPIRIT.” (GALATIANS 5:22; EPHESIANS 5:9)
Furthermore, GOD REWARDS OUR GOOD DEEDS BY
CROWNING US WITH HIS DIVINE GIFTS.
THE REWARD OF OUR GOOD DEEDS AND VIRTUES IN CHRIST
IS RELATIVE BUT NOT ABSOLUTE, so under no
circumstances can we speak of an abundance of
Reward, especially in regard to the extraordinary
Good Works of the Holy Saints.
❃ EXTRAORDINARY GOOD WORKS THAT MAKE JUSTICE
MORE ABUNDANT, DO NOT EXIST for even if we
“... have done all those things which (we) are
Commanded...” we must always realise and
admit that WE ARE “...UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS...”
and that WE MERELY “... HAVE DONE WHAT WAS
OUR DUTY TO DO.” (LUKE 17:10)
We must never forget: “... THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS –
NO! NOT ONE!” (ROMANS 3:10; PSALM 14/15:1 – 3)
❃ SINCE GOOD DEEDS ARE INSEPARABLE FROM FAITH AND
ARE THE FRUIT OF FAITH, THEY ARE UTTERLY VITAL
FOR OUR SALVATION. (DOSITHEOS OF JERUSALEM: “CONFESSION”)
OUR LORD JESUS MADE IT UNRESERVEDLY CLEAR TO US THAT WE SHALL BE JUDGED
ACCORDING TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS. BUT THE GREATEST JUDGEMENT
OF ALL WILL BE DEPENDENT ON OUR TREATMENT AND RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS.
It is understandable that OFFENCES OF EVANGELICAL LAW
MAY DISQUALIFY US FROM SALVATION for St John the
Evangelist, Apostle and Theologian warned us that
“... there is sin leading to death...” and “... there is
sin not leading to death.” (1 JOHN 5 : 16 – 17)
❃ SIN THAT LEADS US TO DEATH INFESTS OUR
JUSTIFICATION IN CHRIST FOR THIS DEVELOPS INTO
BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT WILL
NEVER BE FORGIVEN “... EITHER IN THIS AGE OR IN
THE AGE TO COME!” (MATTHEW 12: 31-32)
❃ SIN THAT DOES NOT LEAD US INTO DEATH OCCURS
EITHER BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN CARRIED AWAY IN
THE MOMENT OR BECAUSE OF OUR HABITUAL, DAILY
WEAKNESSES.
However, as soon as we have fallen into sin, WE MUST
IMMEDIATELY CORRECT OUR ERRORS THROUGH THE
HOLY MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE-CONFESSION SO THAT
WE MAY RECEIVE FORGIVENESS.
SIN CAUSES US TO FALL INTO A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH, WHICH, WHILE OUR BODY AND
SOUL IS STILL UNITED, CAN BE CORRECTED THROUGH SINCERE REPENTANCE-
CONFESSION.
THROUGHOUT THIS PREPARATORY LIFE AS WE JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY, WE
CONTINUOUSLY EXPERIENCE VARYING STATES OF SPIRITUAL LIFE (REPENTANCE AND
HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD) AND SPIRITUAL DEATH (UNREPENTED SIN THROUGH
DISOBEDIENCE TO AND REBELLION AGAINST GOD)
HOWEVER, BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT CAUSES THE WORST SPIRITUAL DEATH
THAT REMAINS PERMANENT, CAUSING OUR EXCOMMUNICATION OR EXILE FROM THE
DIVINE PRESENCE AND GREAT MERCY OF GOD!
The True Meaning of Justifying Faith
St Paul wrote to the Romans: “We conclude that a man is
JUSTIFIED BY FAITH.” (ROMANS 3:28)
However, this Faith that Justifies us is not simply some
kind of mental consent or fruitless knowledge.
12 (SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION
RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING IT IS CONNECTED TO
REPENTANCE for our Lord Jesus Christ specifically
told us: “THE TIME IS FULFILLED AND THE KINGDOM
OF GOD IS AT HAND: REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE
GOSPEL.” (MARK 1:15; MATTHEW 4: 17; 10:7)
For that reason FAITH BECOMES THE FOCUS AND SOURCE
OF DIVINE LIGHT THAT ENLIGHTENS ALL THE SPIRITUAL
POWERS within us human beings, ACTIVATING OUR
WHOLE INNER BEING AND SHINING ITS LIFE-GIVING
RADIANCE WITHIN THE DEPTHS OF OUR SOUL.
Justifying Faith is not a work of the mind. (IT IS NOT DUE TO OUR
OWN MENTAL ABILITIES OR STRENGTH OR DETERMINATION)
IT UNDERTAKES THE NATURE OF MORAL WORK WHEREBY
THE DIAKONIA (MINISTRY) OF THE WORD ACHIEVES “...
THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH.” (ROMANS 1:5)
At the beginning Faith appears to be a Heavenly
Enlightenment of our mind but since all Spiritual
Powers are connected very closely and inseparably, it
is natural that this DIVINE ENLIGHTENMENT – if it is
real and not a spark of the moment that shines in the
darkness of night – WILL NOT LEAVE OUR HEART
UNMOVED AND WILL NOT ALLOW OUR FREE WILL TO
FALL INTO INACTIVITY OR LETHARGY.
FAITH – even at its start – being united to our Return and
Repentance, and generally to the Work of Preparation
Grace, HAS MORAL ATTRIBUTES THAT, WHEN
PERFECTED BY DIVINE GRACE, PROVES TO BE ACTIVE IN
LOVE.
THE TERM “LOVE” CAN ALSO BE TRANSLATED AS “CHARITY” – SO ACTS OF LOVE ARE ACTS
OF CHARITY – DOING GOOD DEEDS FOR OTHERS OUT OF OUR LOVE FOR CHRIST
❃ Consequently, FAITH ALONE WHICH IS ONLY
INTELLECTUAL AND NOT REALITY, IS DIFFERENT TO
LOVE. (AGAPE)
TRUE FAITH AND SINCERE LOVE INFLUENCE AND INTERACT
WITH ONE ANOTHER in a very close relationship such
as that between our heart and the rest of our body:
the heart nourishes and gives life to the body, while
the body supports and gives life to the heart.
Likewise the relationship between Faith and Love:
FAITH IS THE LIFE-GIVING POWER THAT NOURISHES AND
STRENGTHENS LOVE AND LOVE IS THE POWER THAT
STRENGTHENS FAITH.
SINFUL LIFE weakens the Light of Faith and CAN EVEN
COMPLETELY EXTINGUISH IT.
On the contrary, THE WARMER AND GREATER THAT LOVE
IS EXPRESSED THROUGH OUR DEEDS, THE STRONGER
OUR FAITH BECOMES.
As our mind becomes cleaner and purer through Love,
being the eye of the soul, the more it is Enlightened
by the Light of Faith.
Consequently, OUR MIND BECOMES STRONGER AND MORE
SKILFUL IN PERFECTING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE
ESSENCE OF FAITH, according to our Lord Jesus Christ
Who informed us: “BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART,
FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.” (MATTHEW 5:8)
In addition, OUR CONFORMITY (OBEDIENCE) TO THE DIVINE
COMMANDMENTS of our Great Shepherd and
Physician of our soul, STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH AND
TRUST IN GOD.
TO BE CONT INUED .. .
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “ORTHODOX TEACHINGS” BY HIS EMINENCE, PANTELEIMON
LAMPADARIOS, (FORMER) ARCHBISHOP OF PELUSIUM, (CURRENTLY) BISHOP OF
ANTINOE
St Justin Martyr
when WE hear that we MUST SEEK a Kingdom, WE suppose, without making any
inquiry, that we speak of a human Kingdom; whereas we speak of that
which is with God, as appears also from the confession of faith made by
those who are charged with being Christians, Although they know that
death is the punishment awarded to THOSE who so confess.
For if we SEEK a human Kingdom, we should also deny our Christ SO that we
might not be slain; and we should strive to escape detection SO that we
might obtain what we expect.
But since our thoughts are not fixed on the present, we are not concerned
when men cut us off; since also death is a debt which must at all events
be paid. (FIRST APOLOGY)
20 JUNE 2010
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
ALL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO THE AGES OF AGES.
AMEN.
REMEMBERING ALSO OUR MOST HOLY, MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED AND GLORIOUS LADY, MARIA, BIRTH GIVER OF GOD, YET EVER VIRGIN, TOGETHER
WITH ALL THE SAINTS. AND LET US COMMIT OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND OUR WHOLE LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD. AMEN.

24 June 2010

Nativity of St John the Baptist & Forerunner to Christ our Lord

Also the Feast of St Panagiotis the New Martyr of Caesarea

A POL YT IKION O F THE NA TI VIT Y O F ST JOH N THE BAP TI ST – T ONE 4

Profita ke Prodrome tis parousias Hristou, axios effimise O Prophet & Forerunner of the coming of Christ, to praise
se ouk efporoument imis, i potho timontes se; stirosis Thee worthily we find no proper means, we who
gar tekousis, ke patros afonia, lelinte ti endoxo ke septi cherish Thy Memory. For the barrenness of the Bearer,
sou gennisi, ke sarkosis Iou tou Theou, Kosmo kirittete. and lack of speech of the Father, both were loosened, in
Thy Birth the Sacred and Glorified; and the
Incarnation of the Son of God was proclaimed to the
world.
A POL YT IKION O F ST M ARK THE A PO STLE & E VA NGELI ST – TON E 3

Apostole Agie, ke evangelista Marke, presveve to eleimoni O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Intercede with our
Theo, ina ptesmaton afesin, parashi tes psihes imon. Merciful God to grant remission of sins to our souls.
KO NT AKION O F THE EVE R BLESSED THEOT OKO S

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the Aid of all
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
Matins Gospel : Luke 1: 24 – 25; 57 – 68; 76, 80
THE MIRACULOUS CONCEPTION & BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

At that time, after those days, Zachariah’s wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying: “Thus the
Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbours and relatives
heard how the Lord had shown great Mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
So it was, on the eighth day, that they went to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his
father, Zacharias but his mother said: “No! He shall be called John.” So they said to her: “There is no one among your
relatives who is called by this name.” Then they made signs to his father – what he would have him called. And he
asked for a writing tablet, and wrote: “His name is John.” So they all marvelled.
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who
dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 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.
Now his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He
has Visited and Redeemed His People... 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...”
...So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel
“Elizabeth Conceived:” PEOPLE OF THE OLD COVENANT: THE HOLY OFFICES OF
THE MIRACULOUS CONCEPTION OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR is Liturgically ❃ ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED ALL THREE HOLY
celebrated on 24 September, CONFIRMING THE SANCTITY OFFICES PERFECTLY.
OF MARITAL RELATIONS FOR THOSE PAST THEIR CIRCUMCISION WAS A SIGN OF ISRAEL’S COVENANT WITH GOD
CHILDBEARING YEARS. and the means whereby a male became a member of God’s
“Hid herself:” Community.
❃ SINCE THE TIME OF MALACHI, GOD HAD NOT SENT A GREAT “This is the Covenant you shall keep;
GENESIS 17:10-14 (& LEVITICUS 12:3):

PROPHET TO ISRAEL. between Me and you and your seed after you throughout their
1 MACCABEES 9: 27: “There was great perplexity in Israel, such as had
generations: every male child among you shall be circumcised;
not been seen since the days when the Prophets ceased to be and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin. It
seen in their midst.” shall be a Sign of the Covenant between Me and you. A child
THIS SILENCING OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD SERVED TO of eight days old shall be circumcised by you – every male child
HEIGHTEN THE ANTICIPATION OF THE MESSIAH AND TO throughout your genealogy; he who is born in your house, and
MAKE IT ALL THE MORE EVIDENT WHEN HE CAME. he who is bought with your money must be circumcised; and
❃ As ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS THE LAST AND GREATEST My Covenant shall be in your flesh for an Everlasting Covenant.
HOLY PROPHET OF GOD WHO PREPARED THE WAY FOR And the uncircumcised male child(‘s) ...soul shall be cut off
CHRIST our Saviour, HE WAS KEPT HIDDEN UNTIL from his people for he has broken My Covenant.”
CHRIST – THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD – WAS ❃ THE NEW COVENANT WITH GOD IS A BLOODLESS
CONCEIVED. COVENANT AND HOLY BAPTISM OF BOTH MALE AND
Only then ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS REVEALED THROUGH HIS FEMALE IS OUR “NEW CIRCUMCISION.”
FIRST PROPHETIC ACT OF LEAPING WITH JOY INSIDE ST The name “John” means “Grace of God,” and by insisting
ELIZABETH’S WOMB. on the name God had chosen for her son, St Elizabeth
When ST ZACHARIAS WAS STRUCK DUMB DUE TO HIS LACK OF affirmed the Truth of St John’s Divine Calling and
FAITH, it also served as PROOF THAT ST GABRIEL THE Mission. (Refer GENESIS 17:5; 15; 32:28)
ARCHANGEL’S ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TRUE. When St Zacharias assented to God’s Will, his speech was
❃ THE SILENCING OF THE HIGH PRIEST ALSO REVEALED A restored and just as the prophecy was restored at the
DEEPER MYSTERY: THE MESSIAH WAS EXPECTED TO Incarnation of Christ, so St Zacharias, as High Priest,
FULFIL THREE CRUCIAL ROLES HELD BY VARIOUS could speak again now that our Saviour Jesus Christ

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 and His Forerunner, St John the Baptist, had come into His mother had died soon after their escape and his father
the world. had been murdered in the Temple of Jerusalem by the
❃ It is of particular significance that ST ZACHARIAS soldiers of King Herod.
IMMEDIATELY DECLARED CHRIST – “THE LORD GOD Due to the Will of God and by His Divine Providence and
OF ISRAEL” – AND THEN REVEALED THE ESSENTIAL Grace, St John reached adulthood safely and without
ROLE OF HIS OWN SON AS “PROPHET OF THE the influence or contamination of human wickedness,
HIGHEST.”
which made him Spiritually Pure – able to resist
Since the age of approximately two years, as a temptation by having grown so “strong in spirit.”
consequence of the terrible “Slaughter of the
Innocents,” St John the Baptist lived in the desert on
his own.
The Epistle of St Paul to Romans 13 : 11 – 14 : 4
WE MUST AWAKEN AND PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT.

Brethren, ... 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. 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 Armour of Light. Let us walk properly, as in the
day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts. Receive those who are weak in the
Faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only
vegetables. 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.
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.
❃ EXPECTATION OF FUTURE “SALVATION” THROUGH THE ❃ We must NEVER JUDGE OTHERS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO
GLORIOUS COMING OF CHRIST MOTIVATES US TO AUTHORITY or right to do so, being wretched sinners
VIGILANCE AND PROPER CONDUCT. ourselves.
“The night” is this life under the influence of evil powers – while ❃ WE ARE ALL GOD’S SERVANTS WHOM ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE.
“the day” is the Glorious Coming or rather, the ❃ WE WILL BE JUDGED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE like those we
Reappearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. dare to criticise, so therefore TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO
❃ IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS JUDGE OTHERS.
THAT CANNOT BE COMPROMISED BUT THERE ARE ALSO Instead LOOK CLOSELY AT YOURSELF AND CORRECT YOUR OWN
GREY AREAS. FLAWS.
❃ GOD IS GRACIOUS AND ALLOWS DIVERSITY IN “DOUBTFUL THROUGH CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS OF OURSELVES AND
THINGS” [PERSONAL OPINIONS - NOT GOD’S TRUTH] – BUT NOT MATTERS CORRECTION OF OUR OWN ERRORS, WE WILL GROW
INVOLVING CHRISTIAN DOGMA. SPIRITUALLY STRONGER AND LESS CRITICAL OF OTHERS.
WE MUST CONDUCT OR BEHAVE OURSELVES ACCORDING TO ❃ ONLY GOD KNOWS THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF HIS
CHRISTIAN TEACHING, HAVING “PUT ON CHRIST” AT OUR CREATURES AND HE WILL DECIDE WHO HAS ETERNAL
HOLY BAPTISM. LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH.
❃ THE CROSSES WE WEAR ARE A REMINDER TO US, AND The two examples of flexible areas in this reference concern food
OTHERS, OF THE RISEN CHRIST WHOM WE ARE STRIVING TO
restrictions and the observance of Liturgical Calendars, thing
IMITATE EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES. We must STRUGGLE TO
that the Spiritually Weak might try to use to judge others or
LIVE UP TO THE CHRISTIAN IDEALS HE PRESENTED TO US.
THOSE “WEAK IN THE FAITH” ARE CHRISTIANS OF IMMATURE
to divide the Church.
CONSCIENCE AND WISDOM who may attach primary
In both cases, we are commanded to be flexible with others just
importance to secondary matters, such as foods and as God Himself is.
DURING ANY PERIOD OF FASTING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE
religious festivals. [MANY PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE RITUALS RATHER THAN THE SHOULD NOT ONLY FOCUS ON THE DETAILS OF OUR
COMPLETE, WHOLE FAITH, MAKING THEIR EFFORTS EMPTY GESTURES INSTEAD OF
MEANINGFUL WORSHIP OF GOD.] PHYSICAL SELF-DENIAL BUT PARTICULARLY ON THE
SPIRITUAL FAST CONCERNING OUR IMMORTAL SOUL –
RESISTING ALL TEMPTATIONS OF SIN.

The Holy Gospel According to St Luke 1 : 1 – 25; 57 – 68; 76; 80

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things that have been fulfilled among us, just as
those who, from the beginning, were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, delivered them to us, 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 Theophilos, so that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
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. And they were both Righteous before God, walking in all the
Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they
were both well advanced in years.
So it was, that while he was serving as Priest before God in the Order of his Division, according to the custom of the
Priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the
people was praying outside at the Hour of Incense.
Then an Angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the Altar of Incense. And when Zacharias saw
him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 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. And you will have Joy an
Gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the Sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine
nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of
the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 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.”
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.” 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. 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 that will be fulfilled in their own time.”
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he lingered so long in the Temple. 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. So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own
house.

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Now, after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying: “Thus the Lord has dealt
with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
...Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbours and relatives
heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
So it was, on the eighth day, that they went to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his
father, Zacharias. His mother answered: “No! He shall be called John.” But they said to her: “There is no one among
your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father – what he would have him called. And he
asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: “His name is John.” So they all marvelled.
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who
dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 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. Now his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied,
saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has Visited and Redeemed His People... ...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...”
So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
As eyewitnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Disciples time by rotation. The responsibilities of the Priests in
listened to His Holy Gospel (GOOD NEWS) and saw His each Division were decided by drawing lots.
Divine Miracles firsthand. As St Luke himself was not St Zacharias and St Elizabeth had continuously prayed for a
one of the original Disciples of our Lord Jesus, his Holy son and at last their Prayers were answered when St
Gospel is anchored on the True Testimony of these Gabriel, the Archangel of God, was sent to announce
original witnesses. the coming of their son who would always be
St Luke addressed himself to Theophilos, a prominent remembered as St John the Baptist & Forerunner to
Gentile, who had received Christian Instruction. Christ our Lord. (THE NAME “JOHN” MEANS “THE GRACE OF GOD.”)
However, nothing else is known of him. St Luke’s Holy The Archangel Gabriel’s description of the character and
Gospel is written as an orderly account so as to provide role of St John the Baptist is as an Ascetic Prophet who
greater certainty concerning the details of our Lord’s was to prepare the Hebrew Nation for the long-awaited
Holy Ministry. Coming of the Messiah.
St Luke was on the only Evangelist who provided The Hebrews expected St Elijah, one of the greatest
information about the birth and infancy of St John the Prophets of Israel, to reappear from Heaven in order to
Baptist. St Zacharias and St Elizabeth were anoint the Messiah.
acknowledged as being a Righteous couple of Priestly St Zacharia’s question: “How shall I know this?” indicated
Lineage, who lived their entire lives in the fulfilment of a slight lack of Faith in God’s Promise and his
God’s Will. subsequent muteness served both as a discipline for
Nevertheless, St Elizabeth was barren, like so many other his unbelief and as a Sign of the Divine Truth of St
women mentioned in Holy Scripture (SUCH AS SARAH - GENESIS Gabriel’s Announcement.
16:1; REBECCA – GENESIS 25:21; HANNAH 1 SAMUEL 1:2).
Circumcision was a most important ritual whereby a male
Infertility was regarded as a “public reproach” and it was child was initiated into the Covenant Nation of God.
viewed very negatively because a woman’s most After Christ, circumcision was fulfilled in Christian
important role in family life was to produce as many Baptism. [ACCORDING TO OUR NEW, BLOODLESS COVENANT WITH GOD, HOLY
living children as possible to continue the family name BAPTISM REPLACES CIRCUMCISION. IT IS THE BLOODLESS “NEW CIRCUMCISION.”]
and to contribute to the welfare of the family. The Song of St Zacharias (“THE BENEDICTOS”,) was a Prophetic
Barren women were denigrated and insulted, being Hymn of Praise to God Who is Blessed for His Gracious
regarded as parasites rather than valuable contributors and Redeeming Acts among His People in fulfilment of
to society. the Messianic Promises.
Each Priest was assigned to a Division. [1 CHRONICLES 23:3-6; 28:13]
There were 24 Divisions in all, each serving a week at a
The Nativity of St John the Baptist & Forerunner to Christ our Saviour
Today our Holy Church commemorates the Nativity of The Repentance of St John the Baptist did not seek sad
“the Friend of the Bridegroom,” St John the Baptist, a eyed sorrow for personal deeds – past and present.
cousin of the Ever Blessed Theotokos and our Lord Instead he called for personal change – a radical chance
Jesus Christ. of personal direction.
What was most significant Truth concerning St John the It was an admonition to stop... to think... to examine...
Baptist was that he was not only the last of the great and to radically change themselves.
Holy Prophets of God since the time of Malachi but, He warned the Hebrew nation to stop their wicked daily
according to the very Testimony of Christ Himself, practises and habits, to consider how they treated
he was the greatest of all Holy Prophets. others, to examine their attitudes towards God and
A vague portrait of St John the Baptist may be gleaned to make a new beginning as the faithful, chosen
from the Holy Scriptures. people of God for the KINGDOM OF GOD which had
He was the answer to long and fervent Prayers of his been instituted at the Incarnation of our Lord and
barren, aged parents, St Zacharias and St Elizabeth. Saviour, Jesus Christ.
God had a Plan of Salvation (since even before the Centuries before God had told Ahaz through the Holy
Creation!) and St John the Baptist was to be His Prophet Isaiah: “... behold the Virgin shall conceive
Messenger. and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name
Isaiah 40: 3: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Immanuel.” (TRANSLATED “GOD WITH US .” - ISAIAH 7:14)
‘Prepare the Way of the Lord; make straight the Now the most decisive moment in the history of
Paths of our God!” mankind had arrived, which was to change the entire
As always, God made the impossible possible so that His world for all time.
Divine Plan could be accomplished and the aged and So it was for the Eternal Benefit of humanity that St John
barren parents were joyfully Blessed with a son the Baptist was born and survived the terrible
whom they were instructed to name “John,” meaning “Slaughter of the Innocents.”
“the Grace of God.” At the most perfect moment, according to Divine Will, St
St John the Baptist was chosen to prepare the people of John the Baptist and Forerunner to Christ emerged
Israel for the Coming of the long1awaited Messiah from the desert where he had grown up in isolation
and his Message of Messianic Preparation consisted according to Divine Providence and Grace, to deliver
of one crucial word: REPENT! to mankind the most vital Divine Message, to bear

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 witness to Christ our Saviour (Whom he met for the
very first time on the Day of Theophany), to be His
Friend and then to disappear from our world once
again.
Barrenness and prophesy are two interconnected themes
that permeate the Feast of St John the Baptist’s
Nativity.
St Elizabeth’s barrenness was used by God to reveal His
infinite Love for His entire Creation. This Divine
Love, expressed in Divine Power and Glory, enables
the aunt of the Ever Blessed Holy Virgin to conceive.
The Conception and Birth of St John points to the
termination, not only of the barrenness of St
Zachariah and St Elizabeth, but also that of cosmic
barrenness.
Sin and death had rendered Creation incapable of
nurturing and sustaining life, for the reign of death,
traced back to Adam’s Fall, aborted all life that was
destined from all Eternity to abide in the Bosom of
God.
Today we celebrate and bear witness to the unfolding of
Creation’s Renewal, which was affirmed in the birth
of St John the Baptist.
Previously bound to death, Creation begins to reflect its
True Identity and from the barrenness of St Elizabeth
emerged the Forerunner to Christ Jesus Who is Life.
Celebrating the Nativity of St John should be an
expression of our gratitude to God Who has
delivered us from the horrible barrenness – the
fruitlessness – of death, which not only robs us of
our biological existence, but strives to impair and
ultimately smother the creative powers of our mind
and heart.
Consequently, human creativity, now imbued with Hope
and Life, is urged on by Divine Love to transcend its
inherent limitations.
Finding its highest expression in True Worship, human
creativity is joined to Divine Life.
The human being and his unique energy gradually,
through Ascetic Effort, achieve harmony with the
Divine Energy, and hence the unfolding of the Eternal
Ascent into the Kingdom of Heaven, which is to
come.
THE MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE IS HOW WE ARE ABLE TO
BESEECH GOD TO FORGIVE US - HAVING DECIDED TO
RENOUNCE THE SINFUL DIRECTION OF OUR (FREE) WILL – I.E.
TO RENOUNCE OUR SINFUL BEHAVIOUR, DEEDS AND HABITS -
AND TO REMOVE ALL SINFUL INCLINATIONS WITHIN US,
GRANTING US THE SPIRITUAL STRENGTH TO PROGRESS
ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND
TEACHING OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.
The Mystery of Repentance is also A PAINFUL AWARENESS OF
THE DEVASTATION AND DESTRUCTION OF SIN THAT
COMPELS US TO FERVENTLY AND CONSTANTLY PRAY FOR
OUR REMISSION AND LIBERATION FROM SIN BY DIVINE AID
AND GRACE.
Sin is due to our arrogance and disobedience to God when we
put our own selfish will above the Will of God and above
any Love for our fellow men by regarding ourselves as the
centre of the universe!
REPENTANCE IS THE RENUNCIATION OF THIS SOLIPSISTIC
EGOCENTRISM (BELIEF IN SELF AS ONLY REALITY!)
Repentance is A GENUINE DESIRE TO ANNIHILATE SELF-SEEKING
WITH GOD'S HELP AND is in accordance with CHRIST'S
TEACHING OF LOVE.
❃ THE MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE WITH THE DIVINE PROMISE
OF FORGIVENESS IN FUTURE OR AT THE FINAL
JUDGEMENT, DEFINITELY DOES NOT ENCOURAGE US TO
NEGLECT OF OUR SALVATION IN THE PRESENT.
When we sin we cannot excuse ourselves with the belief that
we can go to our Priest for the Holy Sacrament of
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) NA T IVIT Y O F ST
16
Yet, do we still hear, let alone heed, his Divine Message
today?
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST” BY DEAN GEORGE P
BITHOS - www.orthodoxpraxis.org
Barrenness & Prophesy
As Members of the Body of Christ, we are endowed with
a Prophetic Calling: we are to proclaim and to show
that the barrenness of Creation has been filled with
Life.
In the midst of desolation, God has brought St John the
Baptist, the greatest of all His Holy Prophets, to
prepare the Way of the Lord.
Like St John the Baptist, we are to continue announcing
the Prophetic Word that awakens Creation from the
barren, fruitless slumber of sin.
Like St John the Baptist, we are Commissioned to lead an
anxious and searching humanity to Repentance by
which we are drawn into the Divine Embrace of our
Life1Giver.
St John the Baptist prepared Israel for the Coming of
the Messiah.
His Call to Repentance and Baptism formed a faithful
remnant of God’s chosen people who helped to
provide the human component of God’s Holy Church.
Now we are responsible for continuing the Call to
Repentance, which leads to the Baptism of Water and
the (Holy) Spirit.
This is the Baptism that enable humanity to become one
(united) with the Sacred Pascha that takes us from
death to Life. (especially Spiritual Death to Spiritual
Life!)
This is the Holy Baptism that compels us to prophesy
our Lord and Saviour’s Glorious Second Coming (His
Reappearance in His Incarnate – human – Body)
The Feast of St John the Baptist affirms the Victory of
Regenerated and Transfigured Life.
New Life emerging from the barrenness of sin and death
is the Joyous Core of our Feast today.
This is the beginning and the end of the Holy Church of
Christ’s Mission to and for the entire world.
Amen.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST” (JUNE 24) BY
FATHER ROBERT M ARIDA - HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL, BOSTON -
www.holytrinity.org
The Mystery of Repentance
Repentance1Confession and then simply continue to sin
as usual!
❃ SUCH AN DEADLY, CARELESS ATTITUDE TOWARD A HOLY
MYSTERY IS BLASPHEMOUS!
FORGIVENESS IS ENTIRELY CONDITIONAL ON THE COMPLETE
TRANSFORMATION OF A PENITENT'S LIFE AND SINCERE
RESOLVE TO LIVE HENCEFORTH ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF
GOD. AS A RESULT, WHOEVER APPROACHES THE
CONFESSIONAL WITHOUT THIS RESOLVE DEPRIVES HIMSELF
OF DIVINE GRACE AND HIS SINS WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN AT
ALL AND HE WILL SUFFER ETERNAL CONDEMNATION!!
“There is no Repentance for those who bargain with
repentance, who hoping for repentance remain in the
state of sin. Repentance is of no avail to them. Those
who mock are not pleasing to God!” ST EPHRAIM OF SYRIA
Even if the Mystery of Repentance could remit sins by the
authority of the Priest, THE PENITENT IS STILL REQUIRED TO
RENOUNCE SIN SO IT IN NO WAY ENCOURAGES HIM TO SIN
FURTHER.
Confession is not an idle conversation whereby a sinner
narrates sins and thus washed clean.
REPENTANCE IS A LIFE-LONG PROCESS SO WE ARE URGED NOT TO
DELAY OR NEGLECT OUR REPENTANCE-CONFESSION
THEREBY CAUSING ETERNAL CONDEMNATION.
VERY FEW ARE ABLE TO TRULY REPENT ON THEIR DEATHBEDS,
SINCE OUR STATE OF MIND DURING THE FINAL MOMENTS OF
LIFE IS OCCUPIED WITH OUR TRANSITION FROM THIS LIFE TO
THE NEXT AND CONFESSION AND REPENTENCE AS NO LESS
THAN THE TOTAL TRANSFORMATION OF A PENITENT SOUL.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “THE MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE” BY ARCHPRIEST VICTOR
POTAPOV – ST JOHN THE BAPTIST ROC – WASHINGTON DC, USA
JOH N THE BAP TI ST & FORER UNN ER TO CHR I ST 24 JU NE 20 10
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
ALL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN.
REMEMBERING ALSO OUR MOST HOLY, MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED AND GLORIOUS LADY, MARIA, BIRTH GIVER OF GOD, YET EVER VIRGIN, TOGETHER WITH ALL
THE SAINTS. AND LET US COMMIT OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND OUR WHOLE LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD. AMEN.

5th Sunday After Pentecost Tone 4 27 June 2010

5th Sunday of St Matthew – Gergesene Demoniacs

Feast of St Samson the Unmercenary Hospice-keeper of Xenadon, Constantinople;
St Joanna the Holy Myrrhbearer; St Anektos Holy Martyr; St Luke the Hermit
RE SURRE CTION A POL YTIK ION – T ONE 4

To fedron tis Anastaseos Kirigma ek tou Angelou When the Women Disciples of the Lord had learnt from the
Mathouse e tou Kyriou Mathitrie ke tin Progonikin Angels the Glad Tidings of the Resurrection, and had
apofasin aporipsase, tis Apostolis kafhomene elegon: cast away the Condemnation of their Forefather, they
Eskilefte O Thanatos, igerthi Hristos O Theos, spoke exultingly to the Apostles: Death is no more:
doroumenos to kosmo to Mega Eleos! Christ-God is Risen, granting to the world Great Mercy!
KO NT AKION O F THE EVE R BLESSED THEOT OKO S

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the Aid of all
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who always protects all those who honour
Thee!
Resurrection Gospel 5 : Luke 24:12 – 35 - OUR RISEN LORD JESUS APPEARS ALONG THE ROAD TO EMMAUS
Prokeimenon O Lord, how manifold art Thy Works! Thou hast created them all in Wisdom! Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The Epistle of St Paul to the Romans 10 : 1 – 10
DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS DUE TO FAITH

Brethren, my heart’s desire and Prayer to God for Israel is that they may be Saved, for I bear them witness that they have
zeal for God, but not according to Knowledge, for they, being ignorant of God’s Righteousness, and seeking to establish
their own righteousness, have not submitted to the Righteousness of God, because Christ is the end of the Law for
Righteousness to everyone who believes.
For Moses wrote about the Righteousness that is of the Law: “The man who does those things shall live by them.”
But the Righteousness of Faith speaks in this manner: “Do not say in your heart: ‘Who will ascend into Heaven?’ ” (that is
to bring Christ down from Above) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ ” (that is to bring Christ up from the dead.)
But what does it say? “The Word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart,” (that is: the Word of Faith which we
preach); that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be Saved, for with the heart one believes unto Righteousness, and with the mouth Confession is
made unto Salvation.
St Paul wished nothing but good for Israel – the Hebrew While mere Obedience to the Old Covenant Law has always
Nation. failed, OUR NEW COVENANT FAITH IN CHRIST BRINGS US
However their zeal was not based on Divine Truth and IF ALL ETERNAL SALVATION.
THEY HAD MERELY BEEN IGNORANT IN THEIR REJECTION ❃ TRUE FAITH NEVER DOUBTS BUT TRUSTS IMPLICITLY IN
OF CHRIST, THEIR OFFENCE AGAINST GOD WOULD CHRIST OUR GOD.
CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN FORGIVABLE. ❃ TRUE FAITH BRINGS US – THE TRUE DISCIPLES OF
TRAGICALLY, THE SIN OF THOSE WHO REJECTED CHRIST CHRIST – CLOSER TO GOD.
WAS DUE TO MORE THAN SIMPLE IGNORANCE, FOR IT ❃ TRUE FAITH TRANSFORMS US COMPLETELY – BODY AND
WAS NOT DUE TO THEM NOT KNOWING CHRIST, BUT SOUL, WHICH INCLUDES OUR “HEART” AND MIND –
BECAUSE THEY WERE ARROGANTLY DETERMINED TO NOUS.
ESTABLISH THEIR OWN ERRONEOUS FORM OF Verses 9 & 10: “If you confess with your mouth...
“RIGHTEOUSNESS,” RATHER THAN TO SUBMIT TO DIVINE Confession is made unto Salvation,” means that
RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. WHEN WE CONFESS AND BELIEVE IN CHRIST JESUS, IT IS
They trusted only in themselves and their works and MORE THAN SIMPLY A MENTAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
rejected the Way of Faith when it was presented to them DIVINE TRUTH.
by Christ – the Messiah and God Incarnate Himself! ❃ SUCH FAITHFUL BELIEF MEANS PLACING OUR ENTIRE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE WORD AND SON OF GOD, HAS TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN OUR RESURRECTED
ALWAYS BEEN THE WAY OF SALVATION ACCORDING TO LORD JESUS CHRIST AND LIVING WITH HIM AS OUR
BOTH HOLY COVENANTS WITH GOD – THE OLD AND THE LORD AND SAVIOUR – I.E. LIVING IN CHRIST OR LIFE
NEW COVENANTS. IN CHRIST.
THE MOSAIC LAW OF THE OLD COVENANT PREPARED THE ONLY BY GIVING OURSELVES WILLINGLY, EAGERLY,
HEBREW NATION FOR THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH – JOYFULLY AND COMPLETELY TO CHRIST DO WE PROVE
THE INCARNATED SON OF GOD – WHO WAS THE OUR TRUE BELIEF UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS.
FULFILMENT OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE END Belief and Confession were both Old Testament themes: St
OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW (of Preparation for His Isaiah pointed out the Faith of the heart and St Joel
Coming!) emphasized the Confession of the mouth. Both Holy
The Way of the Old Covenant Law and the Way of the New Prophets of God taught that Divine Grace and True
Covenant Faith are contrasted by St Paul. Faith in God are universally offered to all human
beings.
Wisdom of our Holy Fathers – St Mark the Ascetic
Some without fulfilling the Commandments think that they possess True Faith. account, it is clear that we are debtors to Christ Who must serve Him
Others fulfil the Commandments and then expect the Eternal Kingdom as a until our death.
Reward due to them. Both are mistaken! How then can we regard Sonship as something that is due to us?
A Master is under no obligation to reward his slaves; on the other hand, Christ is our Master by virtue of His own Essence, and our Master by virtue of
those who do not serve him well are not granted their freedom. His Incarnate Life. For He created us from nothing and through His own
If “Christ died on our account in accordance with the Scriptures,” and we do Blood Redeems us when we are dead in sin; and to those who believe in
not “... live for ourselves...” but for “... Him Who died and rose...” on our Him, He has granted His Grace.

(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS 27 JUNE 2010
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 The Holy Gospel According to St Matthew 8 : 28 – 9 : 1
THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS

At that time, when Jesus arrived at the other side, which was the country of the Gergesenes, two demon1possessed men
met Him, having come out of the tombs and being so exceedingly fierce that no one could pass that way.
Suddenly they cried out: “What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? Hast Thou come here to torment us before
the time?”
Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding, so the demons begged Him: “If Thou cast us out,
permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” So Jesus said to them: “Go!” And when they had come out of the two
men, they entered the herd of swine but instantly the whole herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea and
perished in the water.
Then those who kept them fled; and they went into the city to report everything, including what had happened to the two
demon1possessed men. And behold, the entire city went out to meet Jesus, and when they saw Him they begged Him
to depart from their region.
So Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and went to His own city.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S CONTROL OVER ALL HIS
CREATION IS ANOTHER SIGN OF HIS DIVINITY AND
PROOF THAT HE IS THE TRUE MESSIAH.
THE DEMONS who had taken possession of the two
wretched men of Gergesene (or Gadarene)
IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISED OUR LORD JESUS AS THE
WORD AND SON OF GOD.
THEY KNEW GOD FROM THE TIME WHEN THEY WERE STILL
HIS FAITHFUL ANGELS IN HEAVEN – before the terrible
rebellion of Satan due to his devastating, arrogant
sense of pride and disobedience to God and his
subsequent expulsion from Heaven together with all
those who had dared to rebel with him.
THEY ARE EXCRUCIATINGLY AWARE OF THE FACT THAT when
the Final Day of Judgement comes, THEY WILL BE SENT
TO THE TERRIBLE ABYSS, THE OUTER DARKNESS, THE
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION OF ALIENATION FROM GOD
AND EVERYTHING GOOD, WHERE THEY BELONG.
ETERNAL HELL WILL BE SO HORRENDOUS THAT EVEN THE
WICKED DEMONS FEAR IT.
They also know that THEY MAY BE ABLE TO TEMPT US AND
TO INTERFERE WITH US IN THEIR CONSTANT OBSESSIVE
HATRED OF MANKIND, BUT THEY HAVE NO REAL POWER
over anything unless it is permitted by God according
to His own Divine Plans for us.
❃ Although we may be subjected to their temptations, WE
ONLY COMMIT SIN ACCORDING TO OUR FREE WILL –
OUR OWN CHOICE.
❃ Therefore, GOD ALLOWS US TO BE TEMPTED SO THAT WE
MAY GROW SPIRITUALLY STRONGER THROUGH OUR
CONSTANT RESISTANCE TO THE WICKED
TEMPTATIONS AND DRAW EVER CLOSER TO GOD
WHO WATCHES OVER US AND WHOSE LOVE
PROTECTS US FROM HARM.
❃ SPIRITUAL WARFARE LASTS THROUGHOUT OUR LIFE AND
WE DEPEND ON DIVINE GRACE FOR OUR SURVIVAL
AND SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
Everything is according to Divine Grace and Providence yet
THE DEMONS SHOCKED WHEN, SEEING CHRIST
APPROACHING, THEY THOUGHT THEIR CRUEL TORMENT
OF PEOPLE was being terminated even before the Last
Judgement.
The Healing of the Gergesene Demoniacs
How familiar is this Miraculous Event to us, yet every
time we read it or hear it, we rediscover something
that touches us, or grants us Spiritual Enlightenment.
There are three features of this Sacred Lesson that we
should contemplate.
The first is THE ATTITUDE OF THE DEMONS TO THEIR
VICTIMS.
The powers of evil have no other intention or desire than
to possess us and to make us both sufferers and
slaves who will do their wicked bidding because WE
HUMAN BEINGS ARE SO LOVED BY ALMIGHTY GOD,
However, our God1Inspired Holy Fathers have taught us
that THE EVIL ONE AND HIS DEMONS CAN HAVE NO
DIRECT ACTION IN THIS BEAUTIFUL CREATED WORLD OF
GOD.
HAVING BEEN EXPELLED FROM HEAVEN, THE FALLEN ANGELS OR DEMONS BELONG
NEITHER TO HEAVEN NOR THIS BEAUTIFUL CREATION OF GOD – THE DOMAIN
OF MANKIND WHO IS CREATED IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD.
THE EVIL BEINGS, in their obsessive jealous hatred for
mankind, constantly TRY TO ENSLAVE US SO THAT
THEY CAN USE US TO COMMIT EVIL DEEDS AGAINST OUR
FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
ALTHOUGH THE MALICE OF THE DEMONS CAUSES SUCH FEAR
AND SUFFERING THEY CAN DO NOTHING AGAINST THE
WILL OF GOD so they had to beg our Lord Jesus to
allow them to enter the herds of swine.
Knowing what would happen next, which would be a great
lesson to those who witnessed it, Christ permitted them
to do so and the instant the destructive demons
entered the swine, the poor animals went berserk,
stampeded right over the high cliffs and drowned in the
sea below.
CHRIST REVEALED HIS INCOMPARABLE VALUE OF ALL
HUMAN BEINGS WHOSE ETERNAL SALVATION IS WORTH
EVERY SACRIFICE!
The Immediate eradication of the wretched, forbidden
herds clearly showed how GOD HAD PROTECTED HIS
BELOVED HUMAN BEINGS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE
PERISHED UNDER SUCH LETHAL DEMONIC INFLUENCE.
Furthermore, IT EMPHASISED THE ILLEGALITY OF THE
SWINEHERDS, which Hebrews were forbidden to keep or
to eat.
Another conspicuous but very sad aspect of this Miraculous
Incident, was the fact that THE GERGESENES WERE
MORE CONCERNED WITH THE MATERIAL LOSS OF THEIR
FORBIDDEN SWINEHERDS THAN OVERJOYED AT THE
RESTORATION OF THE TWO MEN TO FULL SPIRITUAL
HEALTH – AND BEING FREED FROM THE INTIMIDATION
SUCH FIERCE DEMONS.
EVEN WHEN THEY CAME INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD,
THEY REJECTED HIM IN PREFERENCE TO THEIR
WORLDLY POSSESSIONS WHICH THEY DEEPLY RESENTED
HAVING LOST SO THEY BEGGED HIM TO LEAVE THEIR
REGION.
❃ Many of us are the same as the Gergesenes: WE ARE
MORE CONCERNED WITH OUR OWN TEMPORARY,
WORTHLESS PLEASURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
THAN DEVELOPING A CLOSER, STRONGER AND MORE
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD – PREPARING
OURSELVES FOR ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD’S HEAVENLY
KINGDOM.
Our Lord Jesus Christ had established Capernaum as His
“own city,” from whence He and His Apostles would set
out to spread His Divine Gospel of Love/Agape.
THEY CRAVE OUR SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTION so intensely
they ceaselessly try to tempt us to disobey, ignore or
reject our Ever Loving God.
❃ HOWEVER, WE HAVE BEEN CREATED AS INTELLECTUAL
BEINGS WITH FREE WILL AND IMMORTAL SOULS SO
NO ONE CAN FORCE US TO COMMIT SIN UNLESS WE
CHOOSE TO DO SO.
❃ WE HAVE ALSO BEEN GRANTED THE ABILITY AND
KNOWLEDGE TO RECOGNISE OUR FALL FROM DIVINE
GRACE SO THAT WE MAY IMMEDIATELY CORRECT
OURSELVES THROUGH REPENTANCE-CONFESSION,
WHICH RESTORES OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD AND OUR FELLOW MANKIND.
In the case of the Gergesene Demoniacs, the demons had
managed to possess the two men as instruments of
devastation and horror, while at the same time the
men had endured acute mental and physical misery.
The very moment our Saviour put His Foot ashore, the
demons felt His Divine Presence with great guilty
fear and trepidation, causing them to confront Him
in their egotistical defence and self1preservation.
When our Lord Jesus Christ commanded the demons to
depart from their victims, they felt typical self1pity
and intensely dreaded what Christ could do to them.

(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) THE FEAST OF ST CONSTANTINE & ST HELEN – EQUAL-TO-THE-APOSTLES 21 MAY 2010
18
So in their usual self1absorbed interest, they begged Him They were shattered by THE LOSS OF THEIR PROPERTY
to allow them to dwell in the forbidden herds of AND THE MONETARY VALUE OF THE HERDS. This
swine, which were regarded by the Hebrews as filthy, MATTERED MORE THAN ETERNAL LIFE OR THE WELFARE
OF A FELLOW HUMAN BEING.
disease ridden beasts – fitting abodes for such filthy,
Consequently, they besought Christ to leave not only
contaminating spirits!
their immediate area but the entire region in case it
What occurred as soon as the demons entered the bodies
cost them even more of their perceived wealth.
of the swine was a clear demonstration to all those
They did not care about physical or Spiritual Healing of
who witnessed it of THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEMON
POSSESSION WITHOUT THE PROTECTION OF DIVINE anyone who might be afflicted or intensely suffering.
PROVIDENCE AND GRACE OF GOD. ➤ THEY ONLY CARED ABOUT THEIR USELESS,
TEMPORARY POSSESSIONS AND FINANCES.
The awful destruction of the herds of swine was CLEAR ➤ THEY ONLY LIVED FOR THIS PRESENT, TEMPORARY
PROOF OF WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO US WHEN WE WORLD AND WERE NOT EVEN VAGUELY
ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE POSSESSED BY WICKEDNESS. CONCERNED WITH ETERNITY.
➤ WHEN WE ALLOW THE INVENTED PASSIONS OF SATAN ➤ THEY FELT NO NEED TO LEARN MORE THAN THEY
SUCH AS HATRED, LUST, JEALOUSY, AND EVERY
OTHER DEADLY VICE OF BODY AND SOUL TO ALREADY KNEW since they were only
DOMINATE AND RULE US – DUE TO THE RESULTANT interested in their immediate needs and
SPIRITUAL DEATH CAUSED BY OUR ALIENATION AND desires.
EXILE FROM GOD AND ALL HIS GOODNESS – WE ARE ➤ THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF THIS
DOOMED TO ETERNAL DESTRUCTION! PREPARATORY LIFE NEVER WORRIED THEM AT
We must never forget this – even for a brief moment 1 ALL!
because WE DO NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTAND TO WHAT The Spiritual Tragedy of those Gergesenes is THE EXACT
DEGREE WE ALLOW OUR WORST ENEMIES TO ENSNARE SAME SPIRITUAL TRAGEDY OF OUR MODERN WORLD
AND ENSLAVE US. TODAY.
THE SEDUCTION OF INIQUITY BEGINS IMPERCEPTIBLY – ➤ VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE PROGRESSED FROM THIS
“JUST A LITTLE HARMLESS FUN!” UNTIL WE REALISE, NARROW-MINDED, SELF-INDULGENT AND
WHEN IT IS ALMOST TOO LATE THAT THE DEADLY, VICE- IGNORANT VIEW.
LIKE GRIP OF OUR TRANSGRESSIONS THREATEN TO ❃ The enormous contrast between THE ATTITUDE OF
DOMINATE AND OVERWHELM US! THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE ATTITUDE OF THE
The demons use all our personal weaknesses against us UNGODLY IS MOST PAINFULLY OBVIOUS. Therefore,
until we are not only possessed by them, but also let us turn our thoughts inwards and CONSIDER
commit iniquitous deeds through our willing co1 WHERE WE STAND.
operation or lack of caution. Of course, our first reaction is to answer: “We are on
IF WE ALLOW EVIL TO CONTROL US, IT WILL CAUSE US SPIRITUAL God’s side – we belong to the Righteous!” But that is
DEATH – not physical death – WHICH IS ALIENATION FROM not always true.
EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD, LOVING, JOYFUL AND ➤ WHEN THERE IS A NEED FOR OUR ASSISTANCE, DO
PEACEFUL! WE FIRST WEIGH UP THE COST OF WHETHER OUR
AS LONG AS WE ARE ALIVE IN THIS WORLD, WE HAVE THE POSSIBILITY FOR
REPENTANCE-CONFESSION WHICH RESTORES US TO SPIRITUAL LIFE, BUT
CONTRIBUTION WOULD BE FINANCIALLY
SHOULD WE DIE IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH, WE WILL SUFFER ETERNAL “WORTH OUR WHILE?” OR WONDER WHETHER IT
CONDEMNATION AND EXILE. WILL INCUR A LOSS OF TIME OR MONEY.
➤ WE CANNOT FALL OUT OF EXISTENCE BUT WE CAN Are we really with Christ Who forgets everything else
BECOME POSSESSED BY AN EXISTENCE THAT IS FAR
WORSE THAN WE CAN IMAGINE! when His Heart is pierced with compassion for those
The complete opposite to such horror is OUR LORD JESUS in need?
CHRIST, THE INCARNATE WORD AND SON OF GOD, WHO ➤ DO WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE SYMPATHETIC ONE
IS THE CREATOR OF EVERYTHING WONDERFUL AND MOMENT AND THEN AFTER CALCULATING THE
BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT. COST TO US, TURN AWAY AND IGNORE THE
DESTITUTE AND NEEDY?
He is our Lord and our Saviour Who is ALWAYS READY TO
HEAR OUR PRAYERS, TO HELP US OVER LIFE’S We must constantly reflect on these matters because
OBSTACLES, TO HEAL AND TO COMFORT US IN TIMES OF EVERY SACRED LESSON, EVERY PARABLE OF CHRIST,
PAIN AND SORROW. EVERY IMAGE AND EVERY ACT OF GOD CHALLENGES US:
The second aspect to contemplate is the fact that IT WAS ➤ Where do we stand?
NO CO-INCIDENCE THAT CHRIST OUR LORD WAS AT ➤ Who are we?
THAT PARTICULAR PLACE FOR THOSE TWO WRETCHED
SOULS WHO SO DESPERATELY NEEDED HIS DIVINE ➤ Are we possessed by evil demons of self1
SALVATION AND DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL. indulgence and greed?
Christ is our Good Shepherd Who leaves His Holy Flock ➤ To what extent are we willing to imitate our Lord
in order to recover and carry to safety each of His Jesus Christ as His Faithful Disciples?
Lost Sheep. ➤ Are we like those who feel uncomfortable and
OUR SAVIOUR IS NEVER TOO BUSY OR TOO OCCUPIED WITH
would prefer not to be in His Divine
“MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS” TO TEND TO OUR
PERSONAL NEEDS. Company?
NOTHING PREVENTS HIM FROM TAKING CARE OF EACH AND ➤ Would we reject Him due to our self1righteous
EVERY ONE OF US WHO NEEDS HIS DIVINE GRACE in justification?
order to continue our Sacred Journey through this ➤ Does our Lord disturb our “peace” – our self1
Life of Preparation before we enter Eternity. interested and greedy little lives and threaten
Finally, the third aspect of this Divine Visitation: THE our financial security?
PEOPLE OF GERGESENE WHO HAD BEEN ALL TOO AWARE
Let each of us DEEPLY, SINCERELY AND MOST HUMBLY
OF THE INCONSOLABLE STATE OF THE TWO MEN.
EXAMINE OUR DARKENED SOULS.
When they heard that our Lord Jesus had delivered the
Let us force open the windows of our soul to LET IN
two men from the frightful demons and had restored GOD’S DIVINE LIGHT SO THAT WE MAY CLEARLY SEE
them to full health, THEY DID NOT GIVE GLORY TO OUR WICKEDNESS!
GOD NOR THANK HIM FOR LIBERATING FROM SUCH EVIL ❃ Let us THOROUGHLY CLEANSE THE DARKENED, MURKY
THE TWO MEN WHO WERE THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS,
CORNERS OF OUR BEING and BEGIN TO LIVE AND
FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.
ACT AS TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WHO STRUGGLE
All they focussed on was the destruction of their TO FOLLOW IN HIS DIVINE FOOTSTEPS!
(forbidden) herds of swine. THEY WERE
UNCONCERNED WITH THE RESTORATION OR SALVATION BY THE GRACE OF GOD - ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP - INSPIRED BY “THE HEALING OF THE
MEN OF GERGESENE” BY METROPOLITAN ANTHONY OF SOUROZH.
OF THE TWO MEN.

(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS 27 JUNE 2010
19
 Justification & Faith (Part 2)
UNFORMED, FORMED, ABRIDGED AND DEAD FAITH:
The first Faith of the Old Covenant with God is regarded as
“unformed Faith,” which leads us to our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, and introduces us to Justification in
Christ.
This is different to “formed Faith,” which is THE FULLNESS OF
UNDERSTANDING AND THE FRUITFUL WORKS OF LOVE,
WHICH WE MAY RECEIVE IF WE ARE NOT ALIENATED FROM
LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS.
The first Faith is “unformed,” because IT HAS NOT YET
PRODUCED ITS FRUITS, WHICH ARE THE WORKS OF LOVE,
NOR HAS IT BECOME KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
❃ REPENTANCE IS THE (CORRECTION AND) AVOIDANCE OF SINFUL
LIFE, which is our first step towards our Saviour,
CONSISTING OF GOOD DEEDS AND THE FRUITS OF FAITH.
THOSE WHO ARE JUSTIFIED may not have received the full
Knowledge of the Essence of this Faith, but HAVE
ACCEPTED THE MAIN GUIDELINES AND DOCTRINES WITH
ALL THEIR HEART.
THOSE WHO ARE JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH, ACCEPT MORE
AND ACT LESS, BUT, AS THEY PROGRESS IN JUSTIFICATION
AND GROW IN SANCTIFICATION, THEIR FAITH BECOMES
MORE ACTIVE THROUGH LOVE AND IS MORE ENERGETIC.
Unformed Faith is different to “dead Faith,” which is
SIMPLE, INDEFINITE KNOWLEDGE that CANNOT CLEANSE
OUR WILL NOR INFLUENCE US.
Nevertheless, IT IS EASIER FOR UNFORMED FAITH TO FALL
AND BECOME DEAD AND LIFELESS FAITH. (UNLESS WE REALISE OUR
SPIRITUAL STATE AND IMMEDIATELY REMEDY IT THROUGH REPENTANCE-
CONFESSION)
IF THOSE WHO HAVE RETURNED AND BEEN JUSTIFIED DO NOT
PERSIST IN THEIR STRUGGLE FOR VIRTUE AND CULTIVATION
OF LOVE, THEY WILL LOSE THEIR INITIAL ENTHUSIASM AND
THE FIRST RADIANCE OF ENLIGHTENMENT.
Consequently, THEY WILL BECOME (SPIRITUALLY) “...
shortsighted, even to blindness...” AND WILL FORGET
THAT THEY WERE CLEANSED from their old sins and they
will eventually, like dogs, return to their own vomit!
(2 PETER 1:9; 1:22; PROVERBS 26:11)
HAVING CORRECTED OURSELVES THROUGH REPENTANCE-CONFESSION, WE MUST
MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO IMPROVE OURSELVES CONTINUOUSLY AND TO LEARN
TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY WITH THE HELP OF GOD – BY HIS DIVINE GRACE –
THROUGH CONSTANT PRAYER.
OTHERWISE, IF WE SIMPLY CRUISE ALONG IN SELF-SATISFACTION WE WILL
QUICKLY RETURN TO OUR OLD DISGUSTING HABITS AND ONCE AGAIN FALL
INTO A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH!
Justifying faith
The Teaching of the JUSTIFYING AND SANCTIFYING FAITH,
WHICH IS COMBINED WITH GOOD WORKS as its Fruits, IS
BASED UPON HOLY SCRIPTURE.
THE TEACHINGS OF THE NEW COVENANT – THE NEW TESTAMENT - CONSIST OF
THOSE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS HOLY APOSTLES WHO ARE OUR
EARLIEST HOLY CHURCH FATHERS.
IN ADDITION TO THESE HOLY SCRIPTURES, WE ALSO LEARN FROM THE GOD-
INSPIRED TEACHINGS, WRITINGS, HYMNS AND PRAYERS OF ALL OUR OTHER
HOLY FATHERS THROUGHOUT THE AGES.
UNLESS WE LEARN FROM ALL THESE SOURCES, WE CANNOT BEGIN TO CLAIM ANY
KNOWLEDGE OF CHRISTIANITY WHICH IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THE HOLY
SCRIPTURES ALONE. FOR THEY WERE WRITTEN BY OUR HOLY FATHERS OF
CHRIST’S CHURCH.
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST WAS ESTABLISHED ON THE GLORIOUS DAY OF
PENTECOST BY HIS HOLY APOSTLES, BEFORE THEY BEGAN TO RECORD GOD’S
TRUTH – THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR AND THEIR
SUBSEQUENT KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
It is very clearly proclaimed by St Paul that “... in Christ
Jesus...” NOTHING “... avails anything, but Faith working
through Love...” AND EVEN IF ANYONE HAD ENOUGH FAITH
TO “... remove mountains, but has not Love...” HE WOULD,
IN TRUTH, HAVE NOTHING AT ALL! (GALATIANS 5:6; 1 CORINTHAINS
13:2)
AGAPE/HOLY LOVE IS THE KEY TO LIFE IN CHRIST AND OUR ULTIMATE ETERNAL
LIFE IN GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE!
SO IF WE HAVE NO LOVE OR DO NOT PRACTISE LOVE ON EARTH, WE CANNOT
EXPECT TO GAIN ENTRY INTO HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE!
St John the Apostle, Evangelist and Theologian assured us
that IT WAS THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD THAT WE
SHOULD BELIEVE IN THE NAME OF HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST,
AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. (1 JOHN 3:23)
St James the Just – “the Brother of Christ” (THE ELDEST SON OF ST
JOSEPH THE BETROTHED & COUSIN OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS) stressed
The Wisdom of our Holy Fathers – St Mark the Ascetic
Every good work that we perform through our own natural powers causes
us to refrain from the corresponding sin; but without divine grace it
cannot contribute to our sanctification.
The self-controlled refrain from gluttony; those who have renounced
possessions, from greed; the tranquil, from loquacity (POLYLOGIA – TOO
MANY WORDS; IDLE CHATTER) the pure from self-indulgence; the modest
from unchastity; the self-dependent from avarice; the gentle, from
agitation; the humble from self-esteem; the obedient from quarrelling;
the self-critical from hypocrisy.
20 (SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS
the fact that THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH PRODUCES
PATIENCE: “... let Patience have its Perfect Work, that
you may be Perfect, complete and lacking nothing.”
(JAMES 1:3-4)
DUE TO THE CLOSE CONNECTION OF FAITH AND GOOD WORKS,
SALVATION APPEARS AS FRUIT OF THE FAITH, through
which only “...having been Justified by Faith, we
have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through Whom also we have access by Faith
into this Grace in which we stand, and rejoice in
hope of the Glory of God.” (ROMANS 5: 1-2)
For that reason, our Lord Jesus clearly told us that THOSE
WHO BELIEVE AND WHO ARE BAPTISED WILL BE SAVED,
WHILE THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE WILL BE CONDEMNED.
(MARK 16:67)
In other cases, JUSTIFICATION AND SALVATION DEPEND UPON
GOOD WORKS WHICH ARE FRUITS OF LOVE.
Thus our Lord Jesus promised us that when He returns to
Judge the living and the dead, HE WILL REWARD EACH
PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS OR HER GOOD DEEDS:
Christ “...will reward each according to his works...”
CALLING THOSE WHO PRACTISED GOOD TO INHERIT “... the
Kingdom prepared for them from the foundation
of the world.” (MATTHEW 16:27; 25:34)
St John the Divine Apostle taught us THOSE WHO DO NOT
LOVE THEIR FELLOW MANKIND – INCLUDING OUR ENEMIES -
“... abide in death...”
THOSE WHO DO LOVE ARE “...born of God and know God...”
Therefore THOSE WHO DO NOT LOVE, DO NOT KNOW GOD FOR
HE IS LOVE and HIS DIVINE LOVE WAS REVEALED TO US
WHEN HE SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON INTO OUR WORLD
SO THAT “... we might Live through Him.” (1 JOHN 3:14;
4:7)
THE INFINITE LOVE OF GOD IS BEYOND ANY HUMAN UNDERSTANDING, BUT WE
REALISE TO A LIMITED DEGREE THE EXTENT OF THAT GREAT LOVE WHICH
GOD HAS FOR US HUMAN BEINGS SINCE HE SENT HIS MOST BELOVED AND
ONLY SON TO LIVE AMONG US SO THAT HE COULD TEACH US DIVINE TRUTH
DIRECTLY AND NOT THROUGH THE INTERPRETATION OF HIS HOLY PROPHETS
AS BEFORE.
THIS IS HOW WE LEARNT THAT THE FRIGHTENING, VENGEFUL GOD OF THE OLD
TESTAMENT WAS MERELY THE INTERPRETATION OF THE HOLY PROPHETS IN
ORDER TO MAKE PEOPLE RESPECT ALMIGHTY GOD AND TO OBEY HIM OUT OF
FEAR.
CHRIST OUR LORD – GOD OF LOVE – HAS TAUGHT US THAT GOD IS LOVE! AND HE
NEVER DOES ANYTHING DESTRUCTIVE, CRUEL, MALICIOUS, ETC. FOR IT IS
UTTERLY FOREIGN TO HIS DIVINE NATURE.
ALL BAD, CRUEL AND WICKED THINGS ARE THE INVENTIONS OF THE EVIL ONE AND
HAVE NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH OUR EVER LOVING GOD OF COMPASSION,
MERCY AND ALL GOOD THINGS!
OUR LOVING GOD CEASELESSLY PROVIDES AND CARES FOR US, EXPECTING
NOTHING IN RETURN. HE NEVER FORCES US TO DO HIS WILL.
AS DEVOTED DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE EAGERLY AND HUMBLY STRUGGLE TO OBEY
HIS EVERY COMMANDMENT OUT OF LOVE FOR HIM.
ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR US AND WE CONFIDENTLY DEPEND ON HIS
INFINITE WISDOM AND LOVE.
St James the Just taught us that WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY OUR
WORKS AND NOT ONLY OUR FAITH.
And finally, ST PAUL RIGOROUSLY WARNED US OF THE
EXCLUSION FROM GOD’S KINGDOM OF FORNICATORS,
IDOLATERS, ADULTERERS, HOMOSEXUALS, SODOMITES,
THIEVES, THE ENVIOUS, THE JEALOUS, THE GREEDY, THE
SELFISH, DRUNKARDS, REVILERS AND EXTORTIONERS.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ALL OUR HOLY FATHERS HAVE WARNED US FROM
THE START THAT UNLESS WE GENUINELY REPENT OUR SINS, WE WILL BE
EXCLUDED FROM GOD’S HEAVENLY ETERNAL KINDOM.
ALL SIN – THE INVENTIONS OF THE EVIL ONE – ARE AGAINST GOD SO THEY
ALIENATE US FROM HIM BY CAUSING US TO FALL INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH –
WHICH IS A SPIRITUAL STATE WITHOUT ANY DIVINE PRESENCE.
SPIRITUAL DEATH CAUSED BY UNREPENTED SIN IS OUR SELF-INFLICTED
EXCOMMUNICATION WITH GOD.
ONLY THROUGH REGULAR REPENTANCE, PERSONAL DETERMINATION AND
CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS AND SELF-EXAMINATION DO WE PREVENT OUR
FALL FROM DIVINE GRACE.
WHENEVER WE ARE IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH – SIN – GOD AND ALL HIS
ANGELS, AND ALL THE RIGHTEOUS AND SAINTS OF THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT
TURN AWAY FROM US BECAUSE, BEING SO PURE AND HOLY, THEY CANNOT
WATCH OVER US WHEN WE ARE WILFULLY WICKED.
WE REJECT ALL GOD’S GOODNESS ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF
SPIRITUAL DEATH CAUSED BY OUR SINS!
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “ORTHODOX TEACHINGS” BY HIS EMINENCE, PANTELEIMON
LAMPADARIOS (FORMER) ARCHBISHOP OF PELUSIUM, (CURRENTLY) BISHOP OF
ANTINOE
Similarly those who pray are protected from despair; the poor from having
many possessions; confessors of the faith from its denial; martyrs from
idolatry.
Every virtue that is performed even to the point of death is nothing other
than refraining from sin, which is a work within our own natural
powers, but not something that buys us the eternal kingdom.
While we can scarcely keep what belongs to us by nature, Christ our lord
grants us the grace of Sonship through the cross.
- 27 JUNE 2010
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
ALL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, NOW AND EVER, AND UNTO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN.
REMEMBERING ALSO OUR MOST HOLY, MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED AND GLORIOUS LADY, MARIA, BIRTH GIVER OF GOD, YET EVER VIRGIN, TOGETHER WITH
ALL THE SAINTS. AND LET US COMMIT OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER AND OUR WHOLE LIFE TO CHRIST OUR GOD. AMEN.

29 June 2010

The Feast of the Holy Apostles of Christ – St Peter & St Paul

A POL YT IKION O F ST P ETER & ST P AUL – TONE 3 :

I ton Apostolon protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Among the Apostles the loftiest, and
Didaskali, to Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Teachers of the Universe, Intercede, O
Irinin ti ikoumeni dorisasthe, ke tes psihes Peter and Paul, with the Master of us all,
imon to Mega Eleos.. Peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy
KO NT AKION O F THE EVE R BLESSED THEOT OKO S

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the Aid of all of
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O Theotokos
timonton se. who always protects all those who honour Thee!
Matins Gospel According to St John 21 : 14 – 25
OUR LORD JESUS RESTORES AND COMMISSIONS ST PETER

The third time Jesus showed Himself to His Disciples after He was raised from the dead, when they had eaten breakfast,
Jesus said to Simon Peter: “Simon, son of Jonah, do you Love Me more than these?” He said to Him: “Yes, Lord, Thou
know that I Love Thee.” He said to him, “Feed My Lambs.”
He said to him again a second time: “Simon, son of Jonah, do you Love Me?” He said to Him:, “Yes Lord; Thou know that I
Love Thee.” He said to him: “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time: “Simon, son of Jonah, do you Love Me?”
Peter was grieved because He asked him a third time: “Do you Love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, Thou know all things;
Thou know that I Love Thee.” Jesus said to him:, “Feed My sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you: when you were younger,
you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and
another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.”
This He spoke, signifying by what death he would Glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him: “Follow Me.”
Then Peter, turning around, saw the Disciple whom Jesus Loved following, (who had also leaned on His Breast at the Supper
and asked: “Lord, who is the one who betrays Thee?” ) Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus said to him: “If I Will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
Then this saying went out among the Brethren that this Disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would
not die, but: “If I Will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
This is the Disciple who testifies to these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his Testimony is True. And
there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the
world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Amen
“More than these” is a reference to the other Disciples. as not to be confused with his Beloved Lord and
Before the Passion of Christ, St Peter had expressed Saviour.
absolute loyalty to Him, even if the others were to be The “Disciple whom Jesus Loved” was the Apostle St John
scattered. – also known as “the Theologian” and “the Divine”
Now our Risen Lord asked St Peter whether he really meant because of his Divinely Inspired Knowledge.
what he said and if so, to concentrate his efforts on ❃ “What is it to you...? You follow Me!” is A SEVERE
serving the Flock of Jesus Christ – His New Covenant WARNING TO US NOT TO CONCERN OURSELVES WITH
Church. THINGS THAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR OTHERS.
BECAUSE ST PETER HAD DENIED OUR LORD THREE TIMES, OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST
CHRIST ASKED ST PETER THREE TO TIMES TO CONFESS FAITHFULLY SO THAT WE MAY ACCOMPLISH OUR SACRED
HIS LOVE FOR HIM, thus restoring him to Leadership of MISSION OF REGAINING OUR LOST LIKENESS TO GOD
the early Church to continue the Ministry of THROUGH CONSTANT REPENTANCE AND SELF-
IMPROVEMENT- TO BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS OF HIS
Shepherding Christ’s Flock. ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE.
❃ ST PETER’S LEADERSHIP WAS NOT SUPERIOR BUT EQUAL
TO ALL THE OTHER HOLY APOSTLES.
St John lived a long life, dying at an age of approximately
St Peter was just like any Patriarch who is the elected 100 years (circa 95 – 100). Early Christians marvelled
Leader of each Holy Synod of each Patriarchate of the at his longevity and remembered the words of Christ
Holy Church of Christ - having been elected as an recorded here so quite possibly some believed that St
equal among equals by the Bishops - i.e. he is not John would not die before the Return of Christ.
HOWEVER, THAT ERRONEOUS BELIEF WAS CORRECTED HERE
superior to the other Bishops of the Holy Synod. WITH THE STATEMENT: “...YET JESUS DID NOT SAY TO
❃ ONLY CHRIST OUR LORD IS THE INFALLIBLE, PERFECT HIM THAT HE WOULD NOT DIE.”
(SINLESS) AND DIVINE HEAD OF OUR HOLY CHURCH
AND THUS EXCLUSIVELY SUPERIOR TO ALL HUMAN
This is the avowed (True) Testimony of St John the
BEINGS. Evangelist’s Assistants, as the plural “we know”
THIS CONVERSATION WAS A VEILED PROPHECY OF THE indicates.
MARTYRDOM OF ST PETER. A certain Scribe named “Prochoros” actually committed the
These words imply that ST PETER WOULD THEREAFTER BE A Evangelist’s words and Teachings to writing.
FAITHFUL FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, EVEN THOUGH HIS ❃ The final verse is A CONSCIOUS EXAGGERATION TO MAKE
FAITHFUL DISCIPLESHIP WOULD COST THE APOSTLE HIS A POINT: THE GOSPEL OF ST JOHN CONTAINS ONLY A
LIFE. SMALL PART OF THE WORKS OF OUR LORD JESUS
In approximately ad 64 - 68 Nero Caesar had him put to CHRIST.
death by crucifixion. He was crucified upside down so Many more were recorded in the Holy Gospels of St
Matthew, St Mark and St Luke, but EVEN THESE DO NOT
CONTAIN ALL OUR LORD’S TEACHINGS AND MIRACLES.

SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) THE FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST – ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2010 21
 Prokeimenon: Their Proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands!
The Second Epistle of St Paul to the Corinthians 11 :21 – 12:9
ST PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP, RECOUNTING HIS SUFFERINGS, VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES

Brethren, to our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold – I speak foolishly – I am bold
also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they
ministers of Christ? – I speak as a fool – I am more: in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons
more frequently, in deaths often.
From the Hebrews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in
perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the
wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger
and thirst, in Fastings often, in cold and nakedness – besides the other things that come upon me daily: my deep
concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast
in the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Blessed forever, knows
that I am not lying.
In Damascus the Governor, under Aretas the King, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to
arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast.
I will come to Visions and Revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I
do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows – such a one was caught up to the Third Heaven.
And I know such a man – whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows – how he was caught up
into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For although I might desire to boast, I
will not be a fool; for I will speak the Truth.
But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted
above measure by the abundance of the Revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to
buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might
depart from me. And He said to me: "My Grace is sufficient for you, for My Strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.
St Paul listed his Hebrew and Christian credentials surrounded by the Assembly of the Just in the City of
according to his opponents’ level of argument. God.
Genealogy was important to the Hebrews and ST PAUL HAD Unlike his opponents who publicly boasted of their own
HIS OWN IMPRESSIVE GENEALOGY AND HIS CHRISTIAN greatness in their Mystical Experiences, ST PAUL
EXPERIENCE WAS INCOMPARABLE WITH ANYONE ELSE – REGARDED HIS OWN “THORN IN THE FLESH” AS HAVING
his suffering, his compassionate, involved concern for BEEN BESTOWED UPON HIM IN ORDER TO KEEP HIM
others and even his rather extraordinary Missionary HUMBLE.
Journeys throughout the known world of the time and His “thorn” was a chronic physical problem (some have
everything he endured since his Miraculous Conversion. suggested stomach or gastric ulcers or even cancer,
St Paul’s opponents had probably boasted of their Visions which caused intense discomfort and constant pain) as
and Revelations so ST PAUL MENTIONED ONE OF HIS well as the deluded Christians or stubborn Israelites
OWN, FOURTEEN YEARS PREVIOUSLY, WHICH DATED THE with whom he had to daily contend.
EVENT BEFORE HE BEGAN HIS MISSIONARY JOURNEYS – Nevertheless, FOR ST PAUL, HIS HUMBLING PHYSICAL
HIS DIVINE CALLING BY CHRIST ALONG THE ROAD TO WEAKNESSES - NOT HIS MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES - WERE
DAMASCUS. THE MEANS WHEREBY THE POWER OF CHRIST REMAINED
St Paul used two Hebrew terms to describe the Heavenly WITH HIM.
Realms: “the Third Heaven,” which is the highest ❃ DIVINE GRACE ACCOMPANIES TRUE VIRTUE –
Heaven and “Paradise,” which is where God is ESPECIALLY THAT OF OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY.

The Holy Gospel According to St Matthew 16: 13 – 19

S T PETER CONFE SSE S OUR LORD JESU S A S THE CHRIST AND IS PROMISED THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

At that time, when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples: "Whom do men say that the
Son of Man is?" So they said: "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the Prophets."
Jesus asked them: "And Whom do you say that I Am?" Simon Peter answered and said: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of
the Living God." Jesus said to him: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, because flesh and blood has not revealed it to
you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. And I say you that you are Peter; and upon this Rock I shall build My
Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against It. And I will give you the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
And whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven, and whatsoever you shall loosen on
earth, it shall be loosened also in Heaven.”
“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” is the greatest question we St Isaiah, speaking in the Name of the Lord, said: “THE
can ever answer!! SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE THE
St Peter’s ringing Confession: “THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE LORD HATH ANOINTED ME.” [ISAIAH 61:1]
SON OF THE LIVING GOD!” IS A DIVINELY INSPIRED The name “Peter” is a play on the word for “rock” or “stone”
INSIGHT GIVEN TO HIM BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. in Aramaic and Greek. (PETROS/PETRA). THE TERM “ROCK”
Our Lord Jesus’ Messianic Identity and Divinity, the Mystery DID NOT REFER TO ST PETER HIMSELF BUT TO HIS
hidden from Eternity, cannot be truly known through SINCERE CONFESSION OF FAITH.
human intelligence or reasoning, but only by God’s ✽ THE TRUE ROCK AND FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IS,
Revelation. [1 CORINTHIANS 12:3] OF COURSE, CHRIST HIMSELF.
The title “Christ” means “the Anointed One” and AS CHRIST ✽ THE CHURCH RESTS UPON THIS ROCK BY HER
UNCHANGING FAITH AND HER CONFESSION. WITH
IS TRULY THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THE FATHER HAS
THIS FAITH AS THE FOUNDATION, THE GATES OF
ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. [ACTS 10:38]
HADES, THE POWER OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION,
King David wrote: “THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH ARE POWERLESS AGAINST HER.
ANOINTED THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE
In the Old Testament, the term “gates” suggested a fortified
THAN THY COMPANIONS.” [PSALM 45:7]
city. [GENESIS 22:17; 24:60; ISAIAH 14:31]

(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) THE FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST – ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2010
22
✽ Hence, BY SHATTERING THE GATES, CHRIST OPENED
THE STRONGHOLD OF DEATH AND SET THE SOULS OF
THE RIGHTEOUS ONES FREE.
In all the Holy Gospels, the word “church” [EKKLESSIA = GATHERING]
is mentioned twice by our Lord (here and in Matthew
18:17) describing THE TRUE ISRAEL WHOSE
CITIZENSHIP IS HEAVENLY.
She is THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE DIVINE-HUMAN ORGANISM,
and to Her comes the Call of our Lord Jesus for the
whole of mankind TO ABIDE WITH HIM AND IN HIM.
[EPHESIANS 1:23]
The expression “Keys of the Kingdom,” clearly implies A
SPECIAL AUTHORITY THAT CHRIST GAVE TO ST PETER
HIMSELF, BUT WHICH WAS NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
❃ Furthermore, while St Peter was a leader of the
Disciples and of the early Church, ALL THE HOLY
The Wisdom of our Holy Church Fathers: St Diadochos of Photiki – On Spiritual Knowledge
THE LOVING AND HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD TEACHES US THAT THE
PERCEPTIVE FACULTY NATURAL TO OUR SOUL IS SINGLE.
Indeed, even the five bodily senses differ from each other
only because of the body’s varying needs.
BUT THIS SINGLE FACULTY OF PERCEPTION IS SPLIT because of
the dislocation which, as a result of Adam’s disobedience,
takes place in the intellect through the modes in which
our soul now operates.
Thus ONE SIDE OF OUR SOUL IS CARRIED AWAY BY THE
PASSIONATE PART IN US, and we are then captivated by the
good things of this life; but THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SOUL
FREQUENTLY DELIGHTS IN THE ACTIVITY OF THE INTELLECT
and, as a result, WHEN WE PRACTISE SELF-RESTRAINT, THE
INTELLECT LONGS TO PURSUE HEAVENLY BEAUTY.
IF, THEREFORE, WE LEARN PERSISTENTLY TO BE DETACHED FROM
THE GOOD THINGS OF THIS WORLD, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO
UNITE THE EARTHLY APPETITE OF THE SOUL TO ITS
SPIRITUAL AND INTELLECTUAL ASPIRATION, THROUGH THE
COMMUNION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO BRINGS THIS ABOUT
WITHIN US.
For, unless His Divinity actively Illumines the Inner Shrines of
our heart, WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO TASTE GOD’S
GOODNESS WITH THE PERCEPTIVE FACULTY UNDIVIDED –
that is, with unified aspiration.
The perceptive faculty of the intellect consists of the power to
discriminate accurately between the tastes of different
realities.
Our physical sense of taste, when we are healthy, leads us to
distinguish unfailingly between good food and bad, so
that we want what is good.
Similarly, OUR INTELLECT, WHEN IT BEGINS TO ACT VIGOROUSLY
AND WITH COMPLETE DETACHMENT, IS CAPABLE OF
PERCEIVING THE WEALTH OF GOD’S GRACE AND IS NEVER
LED ASTRAY BY ANY ILLUSION OF GRACE THAT COMES
FROM THE DEVIL.
Just as the body, when it tastes the delectable foods of this
earth, knows by experience exactly what each thing is, so
THE INTELLECT, WHEN IT HAS TRIUMPHED OVER THE
THOUGHTS OF THE FLESH, KNOWS FOR CERTAIN WHEN IT IS
TASTING THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; for it is written:
“Taste and see that the Lord is Good.” (PSALM 34 : 8)
THE INTELLECT KEEPS THE MEMORY OF THIS TASTE FRESH
THROUGH THE ENERGY OF LOVE, AND SO, UNERRINGLY,
CHOOSES WHAT IS BEST.
As St Paul said: “This is my Prayer: that your Love may
grow more and more in Knowledge and in all
perception, so that you choose what is best.” (PHILIPPIANS 1: 9 –
10)
WHEN OUR INTELLECT BEGINS TO PERCEIVE THE GRACE OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT, THEN SATAN TOO, IMPORTUNES THE SOUL
WITH A SENSE OF DECEPTIVE SWEETNESS in the quiet times
of the night, when we fall into a light kind of sleep.
IF THE INTELLECT AT THAT TIME CLEAVES FERVENTLY TO THE
REMEMBRANCE OF THE GLORIOUS AND HOLY NAME OF OUR
LORD JESUS AND USES IT AS A WEAPON AGAINST SATAN’S
DECEPTION, HE GIVES UP THAT TRICK AND IN FUTURE WILL
ATTACK THE SOUL DIRECTLY AND PERSONALLY.
As a result THE INTELLECT CLEARLY DISCERNS THE DECEPTION
OF THE EVIL ONE AND ADVANCES EVEN FURTHER IN THE
ART OF DISCRIMINATION.
THE EXPERIENCE OF TRUE GRACE COMES TO US when the body
is awake or else on the point of falling asleep, WHILE IN
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) THE FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST – ST PETER & ST PAUL
APOSTLES WERE EMPOWERED EQUALLY WITH
CHRIST’S DIVINE AUTHORITY.
Therefore, ST PETER WAS NOT A LEADER OVER THE OTHERS
BUT A LEADER AMONGST THEM, as seen at the Council
of Jerusalem, where Elders or Presbyters [PRIESTS] met
with the Apostles – altogether as equals.
Roman Papal claims in later centuries must not be
confused with the New Testament witness regarding St
Peter, nor should the role of St Peter in the New
Testament be minimised in opposition to those claims!
✽ “BINDING” AND “LOOSENING” IS A REFERENCE TO THE
TEACHING, SACRAMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
POWERS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES THAT WERE
SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSMITTED TO THE BISHOPS OF
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST.
FERVENT REMEMBRANCE OF GOD WE ARE WELDED TO HIS
LOVE.
BUT THE ILLUSION OF GRACE COMES TO US WHEN WE FALL INTO
A LIGHT SLEEP WHILE OUR REMEMBRANCE OF GOD IS HALF-
HEARTED.
TRUE GRACE, SINCE ITS SOURCE IS GOD, GLADDENS US
CONSCIOUSLY AND IMPELS US TOWARDS LOVE with great
rapture of soul.
THE ILLUSION OF GRACE, on the other hand, TENDS TO SHAKE
THE SOUL WITH THE WINDS OF DECEIT; for WHEN THE
INTELLECT IS STRONG IN THE REMEMBRANCE OF GOD, THE
DEVIL TRIES TO ROB IT OF ITS EXPERIENCE OF SPIRITUAL
PERCEPTION BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE BODY’S NEED
FOR SLEEP.
If the intellect at that time is REMEMBERING OUR LORD JESUS
ATTENTIVELY, it easily DESTROYS THE ENEMY’S SEDUCTIVE
SWEETNESS AND ADVANCES JOYFULLY to do battle with
him, armed NOT ONLY WITH DIVINE GRACE BUT ALSO WITH
A SECOND WEAPON: THE CONFIDENCE GAINED FROM ITS
OWN EXPERIENCE.
SOMETIMES THE SOUL IS KINDLED INTO LOVE FOR GOD AND, free
from all fantasy and image, MOVES UNTROUBLED BY
DOUBT TOWARDS HIM; AND IT DRAWS, AS IT WERE, THE
BODY WITH IT INTO THE DEPTH OF THE INEFFABLE LOVE.
This may occur when we are awake or else beginning to fall
asleep under the influence of God’s Grace, in the way
previously explained.
At the same time, THE SOUL IS AWARE OF NOTHING EXCEPT
WHAT IT IS MOVING TOWARDS and when we experience
things in this manner, we can be sure that IT IS THE
ENERGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN US.
For WHEN THE SOUL IS COMPLETELY PERMEATED WITH THAT
INEFFABLE SWEETNESS, AT THAT MOMENT IT CAN THINK OF
NOTHING ELSE, SINCE IT REJOICES WITH UNINTERRUPTED
JOY.
But IF AT THAT MOMENT THE INTELLECT CONCEIVES ANY
DOUBT OR UNCLEAN THOUGHT, AND IF THIS CONTINUES IN
SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE INTELLECT CALLS ON THE
HOLY NAME – not now simply out of Love for God, but IN
ORDER TO REPEL THE EVIL ONE – then it should realise
THAT SWEETNESS IT EXPERIENCES IS AN ILLUSION OF GRACE,
coming from the deceiver with a counterfeit joy that is
amorphous and disordered, whereby the devil tries to
lead our soul into an adulterous union with himself.
For WHEN HE SEES THE INTELLECT UNRESERVEDLY PROUD OF ITS
OWN EXPERIENCE OF SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION, HE ENTICES
THE SOUL BY MEANS OF CERTAIN PLAUSIBLE ILLUSIONS OF
GRACE, SO THAT IT IS SEDUCED by that dank and
debilitating sweetness and OUR SOUL FAILS TO NOTICE ITS
INTERACTION WITH THE DECEIVER.
From all this WE CAN DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE HOLY SPIRIT
OF TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE, HOWEVER, FOR US TO CONSCIOUSLY TASTE THE
DIVINE GOODNESS or consciously to realise when we are
experiencing the bitterness of the demons, UNLESS WE
FIRST KNOW WITH ASSURANCE THAT DIVINE GRACE DWELLS
IN THE DEPTHS OF OUR INTELLECT, while the wicked spirits
cluster around only the outside of the heart.
This is just what THE DEMONS DO NOT WANT US TO KNOW,
FOR FEAR THAT OUR INTELLECT, ONCE DEFINITELY AWARE
OF IT, WILL ARM ITSELF AGAINST THEM WITH THE
REMEMBRANCE OF GOD. (PRAYER)
- 29 JUNE 2010
23
 Elder Silouan – On the Soul’s Yearning for God
OUR LORD BIDS US TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL OUR HEARTS AND
ALL OUR SOULS – but how is it possible to Love Him Whom
we have never seen, and how may we learn such Love?
OUR LORD IS MADE KNOWN TO US BY HIS EFFECT ON OUR SOUL.
WHEN OUR LORD HAS VISITED HER, OUR SOUL knows that a
Dear Guest has come and gone, and she YEARNS FOR HIM
and seeks Him with tears: “Where art Thou, my Light?
Where art Thou, my Joy? Thy trace is fragrant in my soul
but Thou art not there and my soul yearns for Thee, and
my heart aches and is sad, and nothing rejoices me
because I have grieved for my Lord and He has hidden
Himself from my sight!”
WERE WE LIKE SIMPLE CHILDREN, THE LORD WOULD SHOW US HIS
PARADISE and we should see Him in the Glory of the
Cherubim and Seraphim, and of all the Heavenly Host
and the Saints; but WE ARE NOT HUMBLE AND THEREFORE
WE TORMENT OURSELVES AND THOSE WE LIVE AMONG.
What Joy is ours because THE LORD NOT ONLY FORGIVES OUR
SINS BUT ALLOWS OUR SOUL TO KNOW HIM, AS SOON AS SHE
HUMBLES HERSELF.
The poorest wretch may humble himself and KNOW GOD IN
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
There is no need of money or possessions to know God.
THERE IS ONLY A NEED FOR HUMILITY.
OUR LORD FREELY GIVES HIMSELF, FOR HIS MERCY’S SAKE ALONE.
I did not know this before, but now every day and hour, every
minute, I CLEARLY SEE THE MERCY OF GOD.
OUR LORD GRANTS US PEACE, EVEN IN SLEEP, BUT WITHOUT GOD
THERE IS NO PEACE IN OUR SOUL.
Our Lord does not reveal Himself to many because of their
intellectual pride; yet they think that they have much
knowledge.
BUT WHAT IS THEIR KNOWLEDGE WORTH, IF THEY DO NOT
KNOW OUR LORD; IF THEY DO NOT KNOW THE GRACE OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT; IF THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW THIS DIVINE
GRACE COMES TO US AND WHEREFORE IT IS LOST?
Let us humble ourselves, Brethren, and our Lord will show us
all things, as a loving Father shows all things to his
children.
Some argue about Faith and there is no end to such disputes.
WE MUST NOT QUARREL ABOUT FAITH BUT ONLY PRAY TO GOD
AND HIS EVER BLESSED MOTHER, AND OUR LORD WILL
ENLIGHTEN US (not by means of argument), and will
Enlighten us speedily.
MANY HAVE MADE A STUDY OF ALL THE FAITHS, BUT THE TRUE
FAITH THEY HAVE NOT COME TO KNOW AS THEY SHOULD.
But IF WE PRAY TO GOD IN HUMILITY SO THAT OUR LORD MAY
ENLIGHTEN US, OUR LORD WILL MAKE KNOWN TO US HOW
GREATLY HE LOVES ALL MANKIND.
The proud think they can comprehend everything with their
mind.
Our Lord does not grant this.
WE KNOW OUR LORD: HE HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO US IN THE
HOLY SPIRIT, AND OUR SOUL KNOWS HIM, AND IS JOYFUL
AND GLAD AND AT EASE, AND IN THIS LIES OUR HOLY LIFE.
Our Lord said: “Where I Am, there also shall my servant be
and he shall see My Glory.”
But we do not understand the Scriptures.
Now WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES US, EVERYTHING
BECOMES COMPREHENSIBLE AND OUR SOUL FEELS AS IF SHE
WERE IN HEAVEN, FOR THE SAME HOLY SPIRIT IS IN HEAVEN
AND ON EARTH, IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, AND IN THE
SOULS OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD.
WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT WE GO ASTRAY AND ALTHOUGH WE
STUDY ENDLESSLY, WE CANNOT LEARN TO KNOW GOD AND
WE HAVE NOT DISCOVERED WHAT IT IS TO REST IN HIM.
THOSE WHO COME TO KNOW THE LOVE OF GOD LOVE THE
WHOLE WORLD AND NEVER MURMUR AT THEIR FATE, FOR
TEMPORARY AFFLICTION ENDURED FOR GOD’S SAKE IS A
MEANS TO ETERNAL JOY.
St John of Karpathos
The Lord desires a person to be saved through another.
In a similar manner, Satan strives to destroy a person through
another.
So do not spend your time with those who are sloppy or who are
mischief-makers or those who do not guard their tongues, in
case you are condemned with them to eternal punishment. It is
difficult enough for those who associate with good people to
attain salvation.
(SPONSORED BY DIMITRI PAIZIS) THE FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST – ST PETER & ST PAUL
24
THE SOUL WHO IS NOT HUMBLE AND HAS NOT SURRENDERED
HERSELF TO THE WILL OF GOD CANNOT COME TO KNOW
ANYTHING, but flits from one idea to another and never
prays with an undistracted mind or glorifies the Majesty
of God.
THE SOUL WHO HAS SURRENDERED HUMBLY TO GOD’S WILL
INVISIBLY BEHOLDS GOD EVERY SECOND, yet finds no words
for this, even to herself, and is unable to describe it, but
ONLY BY EXPERIENCE COMES TO KNOW THE MERCY OF GOD,
AND TO KNOW WHEN OUR LORD IS WITH HER.
The soul has surrendered to Him like a little child who
receives food every day but is ignorant from whence it
comes.
Thus it is with God that THE SOUL FEELS THAT ALL IS WELL
WITH HER BUT CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW THIS IS.
Old age has come upon me; my body grows feeble with the
years and I would like to lie on my bed, but my spirit does
not rest.
MY SPIRIT REACHES OUT WITH LONGING TO HER GOD, HER
HEAVENLY FATHER Who has made us kin (RELATED/FAMILY)
through His Body and Most Pure Blood and the Holy
Spirit.
HE HAS GRANTED US KNOWLEDGE OF ETERNAL LIFE AND WE
KNOW IN PART THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ETERNAL LIFE.
THE SOUL LIVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, IN THE HUMILITY AND
MEEKNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; BUT WE MUST GIVE THE
HOLY SPIRIT THE FREEDOM OF OUR SOUL SO THAT HE MAY
DWELL THEREIN; SO THAT THE SOUL MAY BE SENSIBLE OF HIS
PRESENCE.
Those who on earth, through the Holy Spirit, dwell in the
Love of God, will be with our Lord in the other world too,
for LOVE CANNOT MELT AWAY.
However, for fear that by reasoning we fall into error, LET US
HUMBLE OURSELVES ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF OUR
LORD: “Become like little children, for of such is the
Kingdom of Heaven.”
OUR LORD LOVES US MORE DEARLY THAN WE CAN LOVE
OURSELVES; but our soul, in her distress, supposes that
our Lord is forgetful of her, that He even has no wish to
look upon her, and she suffers and pines for Him.
Nevertheless, it is not so, Brethren, for OUR LORD LOVES US
WITHOUT END, AND GRANTS US THE GRACE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT, AND COMFORTS US.
IT IS NOT OUR LORD’S DESIRE THAT OUR SOUL SHOULD BE
DESPONDENT AND IN DOUBT CONCERNING HER SALVATION.
BELIEVE AND BE SURE THAT WE CONTINUE IN SUFFERING ONLY
UNTIL WE HAVE HUMBLED OURSELVES; but as soon as we
have done so our affliction ends and the Holy Spirit
discloses to our soul that DUE TO OUR HUMILITY, WE ARE
SAVED.
GREAT GLORY BE TO THE LORD THAT HE LOVES US SO DEARLY,
AND THIS LOVE IS MADE KNOWN TO US IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
BELIEVE IN THE GOSPELS AND IN THE WITNESS OF THE HOLY
CHURCH and you will savour the Blessedness of Paradise,
for THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN US; WITH THE LOVE OF
GOD OUR SOUL KNOWS PARADISE.
My soul yearns after God and I seek Him in tears.
O Merciful Lord, Thou seest my decline and my distress.
I humbly entreat Thy Mercy:
pour upon my sinful self the Grace of Thy Holy Spirit.
O Lord, grant me Thy Spirit of Humility
so that I do not lose Thy Grace again
and weep for it
as Adam wept for God
and Paradise.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP: “WISDOM FROM OUNT ATHOS” BY ELDER SILOUAN; COMPILED
BY ARCHIMANDRITE SOPHRONY; TRANSLATED BY ROSEMARY EDMONDS; PUBLISHED
BY ST VLADIMIR’S SEMINARY PRESS
If you do not watch yourself, but consort with those of evil
character, you will be infected with their leprosy and
destroyed.
How can anyone expect pity if he recklessly approaches a poisonous
snake?
You should avoid those who cannot control their tongue, those who
are quarrelsome and those who are full of agitation -
inwardly or outwardly.
- 29 JUNE 2010