Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

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

Tone (8) Plagal 4 2 April 2017

th th
9 Sunday of Triodion 5 Sunday of Great Lent
St Mary of Egypt
Feast of St Titos the Wonderworker of Studion Monastery, Constantinople St Amphianos & St
Edesios of Patara, Lycia St Polycarp of Alexandria St George Matskevereli of Georgia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 8: JOHN 20 : 11 - 18

OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO ST MARY MAGDALENE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Ex Ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo Thou descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;
Triimeron, ina imas eleftherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Thou endured the three-days burial, so that Thou
Anastasis imon, Kyrie, Doxa Si! might free us from our passions, O our Life and
Resurrection: Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST MARY OF EGYPT TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
En Si Miter akrivos diesothi to kat Ikona; lavousa gar ton In Thee, O Mother, was preserved, intact what was in
Stavron, ikolouthiasas to Hriste, ke prattousa edidaskes, Gods Image; for after taking up the Cross, Thou
iperoran men sarkos, parerhete gar; epimilisthe de followed Christ our Lord, and by Thy actions Thou
psihis, pragmatos Athanatou; dio ke meta Angelo taught us to overlook the flesh, for it perishes and to
sinagallete, Osia Maria, to Pnevma Sou. care for the soul, which is Immortal; wherefore, O
Holy Mary, Thy spirit rejoices, along with the Angels.
SEASONAL KONTAKION TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, Creator Immovable: despise not, the pleading voices of
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton 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: hasten Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 75 TONE (8) PLAGAL4
Evxasthe ke apodote Kyrio to Theo imon. Pray and return to the Lord our God
Gnostos en ti Ioudea O Theos - en to Israil Mega to Onoma In Judea God is known in Israel Great is His Name.
Aftou
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 9: 11 -14
TH E HEA VENLY HOLY SANC TUARY & THE D IVINE LITURGY
Brethren: Christ came as High Priest of the Good Things to come with the greater and more Perfect Tabernacle Not
Made With Hands that is, not of this Creation.
Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own Blood He entered the Most Holy Place once, for all having
obtained Eternal Redemption.
For, if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of heifers, sprinkled upon the unclean Sanctifies for the purifying of
the flesh, how much more shall the Blood of Christ - Who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to
God - Cleanse our conscience from dead works, to Serve the Living God?!
In contrast to the Old Covenant High Priest of the PURE AND HOLY - TO OUR PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Hebrews, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, IS THE AND DRAWS US CLOSE TO GOD THROUGH OUR PROPER WORSHIP
EXCLUSIVE HIGH PRIEST OF THE NEW COVENANT. OF AND OBEDIENCE TO HIM.
He entered the Heavenly Sanctuary ...once, for all... i.e. Dead works are all activities in and of this age that
HIS ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS FOR THE SAKE OF ALL participate in mortality and corruption and especially
HUMANITY FOR ALL AGES and being the Most Perfect in SIN THAT ALIENATES US FROM ALMIGHTY GOD.
Blood Offering to Almighty God NO OTHER BLOOD Furthermore dead works pertain to the OLD COVENANT
OFFERINGS ARE EVER AGAIN REQUIRED from us for the WORSHIP (WHICH WAS ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREPARING US
Forgiveness of sin. FOR THE MESSIANIC AGE.)
Christs Most Precious and Perfect Blood Offering upon The term Eternal Spirit refers to the Third Person of the
the Cross HEALS ALL CORRUPTED HUMANITY, RESTORES US Holy Trinity GOD THE ETERNAL HOLY SPIRIT.
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK 10: 32 45
OUR LORDS THIRD PROPH ECY CONCERNING HIS PASSION
At that time, they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus had gone before them; and they were amazed.
And as they followed, they were afraid, for He had taken the Twelve aside again and had begun to tell them the things
that would happen to Him.
Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the Chief Priests, and to the Scribes.
And they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him and spit on Him,
and kill Him. And the third day He will Rise again.
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, went to Him and asked: Teacher, we want Thee to do for us whatever we
ask. He said to them: What do you want Me to do for you? They said to Him: Grant us that we may sit - one on
Thy right hand side and the other on Thy left - in Thy Glory.

9TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION 5TH OF GREAT LENT ST MARY OF EGYPT 2 APRIL 2017 1.
Jesus said to them: You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink from the Cup from which I drink, and be
Baptised with the Baptism with which I Am Baptised? They answered: We are able.
Jesus said to them: You will indeed drink the Cup from which I drink, and with the Baptism with which I Am
Baptised you will be Baptised. But to sit on My right hand side and on My left is not Mine to grant, since it is for
those for whom it is prepared.
And when the ten heard about it, they were greatly displeased with James and John.
Jesus called them to Himself and said to them: You know that those who are considered Rulers over the Gentiles lord
it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Yet is shall not be so among you; for whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And
whoever of you desire to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
Serve and to give His Life as a Ransom for many.
Our Lord Jesus Christs Revelations of His approaching With regard to being seated as equals to Christ on His
Passion were intended to encourage and strengthen right and left hand side in Gods Eternal, Heavenly
His Holy Apostles and Faithful Disciples for the Kingdom, St John Chrysostom taught us that NO ONE
terrifying Events with which they would all too soon be NO ORDINARY HUMAN BEING - COULD POSSIBLY OCCUPY SUCH
confronted. AN ELEVATED DIVINE POSITION!
THE DIVINE PROPHECIES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ALSO However, according to the Depiction of our God-Inspired
CONFIRM THE TRUTH AND REALITY THAT HE APPROACHED Holy Icons, THE HIGHEST PLACES OF HONOUR THAT HAVE BEEN
HIS TERRIBLE PASSION ACCORDING TO HIS OWN WILL AND GRANTED TO HUMAN BEINGS BELONG TO THE EVER BLESSED, ALL
HIS OWN TIMING. PURE AND MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS (THE MOST BLESSED
Our Beloved Redeemer pointed out that ANY QUEST FOR AMONGST ALL WOMEN) AND ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND
TEMPORAL POWER AND GLORY IS UNFITTING FOR A FAITHFUL FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR (THE GREATEST HOLY
DISCIPLE OF CHRIST and it only exposes AN EARTHLY PROPHET EVER BORN OF WOMEN).
MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD. BUT THEY ARE NEVER SEATED AND THEY STAND IN PERFECT
St Matthew noted that ...the Mother of Zebedees sons... HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE AT EITHER SIDE OF OUR ENTHRONED
actually asked for the great Honour for her beloved LORD AND MASTER, JESUS CHRIST having dedicated their
sons to be seated on either side of Christ in His Eternal entire earthly lives to the Service of Almighty God with
Glory, but THE FACT THAT OUR SAVIOUR USED THE PLURAL all due Humility and Obedience, as well as many
TERM YOU SHOWS THAT HE KNEW WHO REALLY SOUGHT THIS other Virtues as well THE TWO MOST PERFECT HUMAN ROLE
DIVINE FAVOUR FROM HIM. MODELS WE COULD EVER WISH TO IMITATE TOGETHER WITH
However, TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST SHOULD BE READY TO OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
SACRIFICE EVEN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IF THEY PREVENT US The phrase for many, is an Aramaic expression
FROM FULFILLING OUR SACRED DUTY TO GOD OR IF THEY meaning for all
IMPEDE OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN CHRIST JESUS.
Our Saviour referred to His Crucifixion as a Cup, and His Dearly Beloved:
Death as Baptism. We are neither close family members, nor

His unjust Crucifixion like a common criminal was contemporaries of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
regarded as a Cup since HE DRANK OF IT Christ, Who is the Eternal, Only Begotten Word and
VOLUNTARILY FREELY AND WILLINGLY FOR THE Son of God, and the Second Person of the Holy
ETERNAL BENEFIT OR SALVATION OF ALL MANKIND Trinity.
FOREVER. We are, however, DISCIPLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD, BEING

his Death was regarded as Baptism since HE WAS UNDER THE DISCIPLINE OR INSTRUCTION OF OUR DIVINE
FULLY IMMERSED IN IT, WHILE IT CLEANSED THE ENTIRE SAVIOUR.
HUMAN RACE AND RENEWED THE ENTIRE CREATION. As Spiritual Strugglers who wish to regain our lost
Furthermore, THE PROPHECY OF CHRIST CONCERNING ST JOHN Divine Likeness i.e. Deification, Perfection or
AND ST JAMES participating in the same Cup and Theosis WE MUST CEASELESSLY STRIVE FOR HUMILITY
Baptism SHOWS HIS DIVINE KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR FUTURE AND OBEDIENCE.
PERSECUTION, SUFFERING AND HOLY MARTYRDOM for their Therefore, WE MUST ALWAYS ADDRESS OUR LORD JESUS
Love of Christ, which they would endure after the CHRIST BY HIS FULL TITLES and never just by His Name
Glorious Day of Holy Pentecost from the beginning to Jesus as His Holy Apostles were worthy to do, but
the end of their Holy Gospel Mission on Earth. which we, as Orthodox Christians, must avoid
Although our Lord Jesus Christ told the two Apostles that doing!
THE PLACES OF GREAT HONOUR IN THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF Similarly, WHEN WE ADDRESS OUR EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY
GOD ARE NOT HIS TO GRANT, it does not mean that He has LADY, THEOTOKOS, WE MUST USE HER MANY TITLES,
no Divine Authority, but rather that SUCH DIVINE FAVOURS thereby demonstrating our profound respect for
ARE NOT HIS TO GRANT ARBITRARILY TO ANYONE. Her who has been ELEVATED BY GOD ABOVE THE
Instead GREAT HONOURS ARE GRANTED TO THOSE FOR WHOM HIGHEST ORDERS OF ANGELIC HOSTS, DUE TO HER
ALMIGHTY GOD HAS PREPARED THEM: BY THE WILL OF GOD THE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND HER ABSOLUTE HUMILITY AND
FATHER, THROUGH GOD THE WORD AND SON, AND BY THE OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL THINGS!
ACTION AND ABILITIES MADE POSSIBLE BY GOD THE HOLY LIFE- With Love in Christ, mp
GIVING SPIRIT.
9TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION 5TH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT ST MARY OF EGYPT
COMMITTING SINS & COMMITTING TO GOD
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Her main Purpose is to Heal, Sanctify, and Save all
Holy Spirit... Faithful Believers.
Dearly Beloved: Orthodox Christianity records many In Orthodox Theology, the Church is properly called
accounts of Conversion Experiences. ...the Redeemed Community..." of Christ Jesus - a
Throughout her long history the Holy Church of Christ Union of sinners who are constantly Struggling, and
has commemorated thousands of men and women thereby, progressing closer to God's Eternal Kingdom,
Saints and Holy Martyrs whose former unethical and of which the Church offers only a glimpse.
undesirable lifestyles were Transformed into a To suggest that the Church exists only for those who are
wholesome Christian existence of Submission and Holy and Worthy is to undermine her whole nature, if
Obedience to the Will of God. not to ridicule our Lord Jesus Christ, Who came into
By the Grace of God, former corrupt and wicked Rulers, this world to Save sinners and to establish His Holy
persecutors, Tax Collectors, prostitutes, thieves, and Church in order to continue this unique Ministry of
murderers, now make up our Canon of Saints. Conversion and Salvation of all mankind.
This Reality bears witness to the Church's raison d'tre - to Consequently the Saints are all from the ranks of us
why our Lord established His Holy Church within this sinners i.e. they were all once wicked, habitual
world. sinners, just like us !
The Church is God's ultimate Vehicle for Transforming On this Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, our Holy Church
people's life. remembers and honours one such debauched and

2. 9TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION 5TH OF GREAT LENT ST MARY OF EGYPT 2 APRIL 2017
 wicked sinner who became a most renowned Saint -
St Mary of Egypt.
Her Life is extraordinary, for she represented a cross-
section of the immoral, fallen world of her day - a
woman whose powerful Conversion Experience from
a life of prodigality to a Life of Holiness and Purity has
been the focus of much admiration that encouraged
many fallen souls, and whose Faith was a role model
of Hope and Virtue for Orthodox Christians throughout
the centuries.
St Mary lived during the fourth century.
At the tender age of twelve, she relocated with her
parents to the prominent metropolitan city of
Alexandria, Egypt, but she left her home and lived on
her own for seventeen years as a prostitute.
Enslaved by her sexual desires and depravity, the young
prostitute often seduced men without demanding any
payment in return, and being despised as the lowest
type of harlot, she was forced to endure physical,
verbal and mental abuse.
One day, she noticed a group of young Christians who
had gathered together, before embarking on a
pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the solemn Feast of the
Elevation of the Holy, Life-giving Cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Driven by curiosity, she joined the group, and when they
arrived in Jerusalem, they went immediately to the
great Church of the Holy Sepulchre the huge and
Most Sacred Church that had been constructed over
the sites of Golgotha and the Tomb of Christ from
which our Lord Jesus Christ had Resurrected.
However, as the group entered the large doors of the
Church, an invisible Power prevented Mary from
crossing the threshold!
Pious worshippers moved past her on either side, but she
was unable to move forward at all!
She could seen how the Faithful fell to their knees as the
Precious and Life-Giving Cross of Christ was raised
and processed with Prayers, Hymns and constant
cries of Kyrie Eleison!
Then her tearful gaze beheld a beautiful Holy Icon of the
Ever Blessed Virgin Theotokos, with the Christ Child in
Her arms, and she was compelled to drop to her
knees in deep contrition, weeping uncontrollably for
all the sins she had committed.
As she understood the need for her Repentance, she
besought Gods Forgiveness and asked our Lady
Theotokos to intercede on her behalf.
The all consuming desire to change her lifestyle
transformed her heart and soul, and she was finally
able to enter the Holy Church and venerate the Life-
giving Cross of our Lord and Master.
From that moment, St Mary dedicated the remainder of
her lifespan to God through ceaseless Repentance.
Having departed from Jerusalem with three small
portions of bread, St Mary eventually crossed over the
River Jordan and entered the desert where she lived
the rest of her life in absolute Piety, Humility and
Poverty for 47 years.
For almost half a century, St Mary engaged herself in
strenuous Fasts and unceasing Prayers to God,
Repenting her wicked former life, and joyfully
praising the Lord our God Whose Mercy and
Compassion in Jerusalem had opened her eyes
opened her heart and soul - and made her painfully
aware of the seriousness of her Spiritual Condition so
that she could Repent and thus be Saved.
Toward the end of her Life, St Mary met St Zosimas, a
Monastic Priest who had gone into the Wilderness
during Great Lent, as was the practice of his
Monastery.
For the first time, St Mary related her life to another
human being.
Several mysterious occurrences convinced St Zosimas that
she had indeed Repented and was Spiritually
Perfected.
As promised, St Zosimas returned the following year so
that she could partake of Holy Communion.
Returning the year after to the same place in the desert
where he had last seen St Mary, St Zosimas found her
in Reposed in our Lord.
9TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION 5TH OF GREAT LENT ST MARY OF EGYPT 2 APRIL 2017
Her body was Incorrupted - undecomposed and
uncontaminated - and fragrant with the sweet
perfume of Sanctity.
She had never told him her name, but she had written in
the sand: "Father Zosima, in this region bury the body
of the lowly Mary. I surrendered my spirit the same
day that I communed the Precious Gifts. Please pray
for me."
Church historians estimate the date of her falling asleep
as 1 April 378 or 437.
There are two noteworthy aspects of the Life of St Mary of
Egypt.
1. St Mary's complete immersion in her sins made her
cognizant of just how devastatingly bad was her
spiritual state.
2. God's Transformation of St Mary's Life caused her to
become abundantly aware of just how much God
Loved her and how much she desired to follow
and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
Similar to most sinners, she had no time (and made no
time) for personal meditation, self-examination, and
inner Spiritual Assessment and correction.
She had gone from man to man, totally blinded and
enslaved by her transgressions her addictions
never realising how seriously Spiritually Ill she
actually was!
Suddenly the debauchery and destruction of her
behaviour confronted her - and her heart and soul
were pierced with the overwhelming pain of knowing
how many souls she led to the gates of Hell, including
her own!
St Mary's confrontation by and exposure to Divine Truth
was the final Motivating Force behind her Conversion.
It was a profound, life-changing Blessing, because it
clearly reinforced in her heart and mind the severity
of her sinfulness, and the immediacy of Conversion.
If she had sinned only a few times, and then Repented,
and again had fallen into the same habitual sins, her
Conversion may not only have been lukewarm, but
also may never have occurred at all.
A little sprinkle of rain will not compel us to seek shelter,
but a violent downpour certainly will.
St Mary of Egypt was compelled by a similar
overwhelming "...violent downpour..." of sins - an
unrelenting storm that made her conscious of the
state of her Spiritual Life.
By the Grace of God, she sought Shelter cover and was
thus Saved.
For that same reason we must never gossip, condemn
nor criticize others because they may very well
become tomorrow's Saints!
Gods All Powerful Transformation of St Mary made her
realize just how great and merciful God's Love for her
was.
Many times God reveals His Power to us in a physical,
materialistic way - in a way He knows will appeal to
and be understood by a physically minded world.
Before Christ our Lord speaks to our soul, He knows that
He has to reveal His Divine Power on a physical level
so that we may be able to understand and
appreciate.
For St Mary of Egypt , it was an invisible force that
prevented her from crossing the threshold of the Holy
Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
For St Paul , it was a blinding Light along the road to
Damascus.
For St Mary and St Martha of Bethany, it was the physical
Resurrection (Resuscitation) of their brother, St
Lazaros, who had been dead and buried for four
days, so that decomposition had already begun! (He
would later Repose, again, until the General Resurrection of all
mankind on the Eighth Day our Final Judgement Day and the
beginning of Eternity.)
In each of these circumstances, the recipients of the
Divine Miracle do not simply become physically
Healed.
Instead, a deep Faith and Devotion, once dormant within
them, now becomes alive, and draws them into a
deeper Understanding and Love for God.
(A personal Encounter with our Lord, utterly Transforms us, as our
heart and soul is Healed, and we always yearn to remain in His
Divine Presence and Love.)
3.
With regard to St Lazaros, our Lord Jesus Christ
explained: "This sickness is not unto death, but for
the Glory of God, that the Son of Man may be
Glorified through it." (JOHN 11:4)
This is similar to the account of the man who was born
without eyes, whose sight was granted to him after
Christ mixed His Saliva with clay and created healthy
eyes for him. (JOHN 9:3)
Our Lord God's Love for mankind is mysteriously
manifested through the Actions He takes in our daily
life - actions which at times seem quite harsh in
order to induce greater Faith in God, and thus to
effect thereby spiritual as well as physical Healing.
Dearly Beloved: today the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent -
St. Mary of Egypt is our prime Example of True
Repentance and Conversion.
Two necessary extremes were experienced in her life,
which led her to such an amazing Transformation -
her appalling sinfulness, and God's sublime
Revelation within His Holy Church of the Resurrection
in Jerusalem.
Often such extremes - humanity going one way and God
forcefully chasing after us - are Blessings in disguise.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
1. St Paisios was asked : Often State policy and
legislation undermine the Christian Faith. What
should we as Christians do in such situations?
Remain silent or speak up?
St Paisios said: Today, when one is concerned over the
condition of our Nation, then thats a Confession of
Faith in itself, because the State is opposing the Divine
Law. Its legislating laws that are contrary to the Law
of God.
I have heard Spiritual Fathers advising their Spiritual
Children not to get involved in affairs of the State.
Now, if they had attained such a high level of Sanctity
through Prayer that they no longer cared about
anything that is worldly, then I would be the first to
kiss their feet.
However, they are merely being indifferent or they do
not want to rock the boat.
Indifference is unacceptable even among worldly
people, and even less so among Spiritual People.
The Honourable and Faithful should never avoid doing
anything due to indifference!!
St Jeremiah the Holy Prophet of God severely exhorted the
Faithful: Cursed are those who do the Work of the
Lord with slackness!!
2. St Paisios was asked if the silence of the Church an
indication of approval?
He replied: Someone wrote some blasphemous things
about Panaghia and no one spoke up.
Then I told someone: Did you see what so-and-so has
written? And he told me: Well, what can we do with
those people? We will get soiled if we try to deal with
them.
They are afraid to speak up! They were that someone
would ridicule them in the press!
So they tolerate blasphemies such as those concerning
our Lady Theotokos, and even our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ!
We want others to pull the hot chestnuts out of the fire so
that we can have peace of mind and not get burnt!
However, such negligence or indifference indicates a
serious lack of Love.
We begin to act only out of self-interest, which is why we
see an all-too familiar careless attitude these days:
Get to know so-and-so because he will then speak
well of you. Be on good terms with so and-so and he
will not speak badly of you... Make friends with so
and so because they are rich and know all the right
people... and so forth. We must not be taken for fools!
We must not become victims.
Others remain indifferent, uncaring and do not speak
up. I wont be written up in the newspapers or
criticised.
In other words, most people are completely indifferent or
self-serving.
4. 9TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION 5TH OF GREAT LENT ST MARY OF EGYPT 2 APRIL 2017
For these are ways whereby God Redeems many a lost
situation and grants us a new meaning to our
existence, while leading us towards a fulfilling
Destination Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of
Love.
Indeed, in order to know God as fully as possible in His
Goodness, often means that we must encounter evil or
at least hardships in His absence.
Only then can we truly appreciate His Fatherly Love and
never again want to leave His Benevolent Presence!
Let us keep in mind how the Prodigal Son at the lowest
point in his life ...came to his senses..." and, having
Repented, he returned to the welcoming embrace of
his patient and joyful Father.
Our Lifelong Path - like that travelled by St Mary of Egypt
- is very long, difficult and narrow, yet it is also the
most direct Path to the Eternal Kingdom of God.
Amen
Father Stelios Muksuris
http://amphilochios.blogspot.co.za
OF OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
For a long time no one would write anything, but now
some little effort is being made.
Years ago I had scolded someone on the Holy Mountain.
You are over-patriotic he retorted.
Not too long ago he came back to find me and say: They
have destroyed everything, family, education.
And I, in turn, told him, You are over-patriotic!
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING (SPIRITUAL COUNSELS OF ELDER PAISIOS)
HTTP://WWW.PANTANASSAMONASTERY.ORG/
In Thessaloniki, there was once a Monastery of women.
Due to the works of the tempter, one of the Nuns left the
Monastery and fell into prostitution. She remained in
this loathsome sin of immorality for a number of years.
Yet after some time, with the Help of God, Who Loves
mankind, she Repented and was about to return to
the Monastery, but before she was able to enter the
gates, she fell dead at the gates.
In the meantime, her death was revealed to a certain
Holy Man.
In a revelatory Vision, he beheld amongst other things
both the Holy Angels who had come to take her soul,
and the demons, following behind the soul.
On the one hand, the Angels claimed the Nun had been
Repentant, and thus her soul belonged to them.
But the demons answered: She has worked so many
years for us, and therefore her soul should be ours.
Moreover, she did not even manage to enter into the
Monastery. How, then, can you claim that she
Repented?
The Angels cut them off by proclaiming that from the
moment that God, Who is Omniscient, perceived that
the Nuns intention was aimed at Repentance, He had
gladly received her and she was Justified.
She was master over her Repentance, in reaching the
goal that she had intended. The Lord over her life,
however, is the Master of all!
After hearing these words, the demons were thwarted
and departed, leaving the soul to the Angels.
EVERGETINOS, VOL. 1, HYPOTHESIS 1(E) PG. 12
HTTP://WWW.PANTANASSAMONASTERY.ORG/REPENTANCE.HTML
S T G RE GORY P ALAMAS
Sensual pleasure causes ungodliness as well as sin, but
Fasting and Self-control result in the Fear of God as
well as Virtue.
Fasting must be accompanied by Self-control. Why?
Because eating our fill, even of humble foods, is a
hindrance to the Purifying Mourning, Godly Sorrow
and contrition in our souls, which bring about
unswerving Repentance leading to Salvation.
For without a contrite heart we cannot really lay hold of
Repentance.
It is the restriction of self-indulgence, sleep and the senses
according to Gods Will that crushes our heart and
makes us mourn for our sins.
HTTPS://THEINNERKINGDOM.WORDPRESS.COM/
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

8April 2017
Saturday of the Raising of St Lazaros
Also the Feast of St Herodion, St Agabos, St Asyncritos, St Rufos, St Phlegon and St Hermes of
the Seventy Apostles of Christ St Niphon, Bishop of Novgorod St Rufos the Obedient of
Kiev Far Caves Monastery St Pausilippos of Heraclea, Thrace St Celestine, Archbishop of
Rome

TRIODION APOLYTIKION - ST LAZAROS SATURDAY TONE 1

Tin kinin Anastasin pro tou Sou Pathous Pistoumenos, ek To confirm the General Resurrection before Thy Passion,
nekron igiras ton Lazaron, Hriste O Theos. Othen ke Thou Resurrected Lazaros from the dead, O Christ our
imis os i Pedes, ta tis Nikis simvola ferontes, Si to Nikiti God. Therefore, imitating the Children, carrying the
tou Thanatou voomen. Osanna en tis Ipsistis, Symbols of Victory, we cry out to Thee, the Victor over
Evlogimenos O erhomenos, en Onomati Kyriou. Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed art Thou, Who
comes in the Name of the Lord!
TRIODION KONTAKION RAISING OF ST LAZAROS - TONE 2
I panton Hara, Hristos i Alithia, to Fos i Zoi, tou Kosmou i The Joy of all men, The Truth Who is Christ our God, the
Anastasis, tis en Gi pefanerote, ti Aftou Agathotiti, ke Light and the Life, the Resurrection of the world, has
gegone tipos tis Anastaseos, tis pasi parehon Thian Appeared to those on Earth, in that He is Benevolent,
afesin. becoming the type of the Resurrection, and granting
Divine Remission to all.
INSTEAD OF AGIOS O THEOS... (TRISAGION HYMN)
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put on
(3) Christ. Alleluia! (3)
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon. Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! Have put on Christ. Alleluia!
Dynamis! Power!
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put on
Christ: Alleluia!
PROKEIMENON ST LAZAROS SATURDAY - PSALM 26 - TONE 3
Kyrio Fotismos mou ke Sotir mou. The Lord is my Light and my Saviour!
Kyrios Iperaspistis tis Zois mou. The Lord is the Defender of my Life...!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 12 : 28-13 : 8
Brethren: let us be grateful for receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable
worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a Consuming Fire.
Let Brotherly Love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have unknowingly hosted
Angels. Remember those who are in prison as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you
also are in the body.
Let Marriage be held in honour among all, and let the Marriage Bed be undefiled, for God will Judge the immoral and
adulterous! Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He said: I will never
fail you nor forsake you.
Hence, we can confidently say: The Lord is my Helper I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Remember your leaders those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their Life, and imitate their
Faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT ARE CREATED CAN BE SHAKEN AND Grace is a reference to OUR SINCERE AND PROFOUND
EVEN DESTROYED THE TEMPORAL, IMPERMANENT AND GRATITUDE THAT COMPELS US TO SERVE GOD AND TO
IMPERFECT. WORSHIP HIM IN AN ACCEPTABLE MANNER, with proper
THE FINAL CONSUMMATION OF THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD IS Reverence and Godly Fear.
UNSHAKABLE AND INDESTRUCTIBLE AND ENDURES FOREVER FOR (DIVINE GRACE THAT ENABLES US TO DO THE WILL OF GOD WITH HUMBLE
ALL ETERNITY AND EVERYTHING OF ETERNITY IS EVERLASTING, OBEDIENCE IS BESTOWED ON US BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. mp)
UNCHANGEABLE AND IMPERISHABLE. PRACTICAL BROTHERLY LOVE IS TO BE SHOWN TOWARDS ALL
That is why we must prepare ourselves throughout this FELLOW CHRISTIANS AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST and
lifetime to BECOME WORTHY SPIRITUAL CITIZENS OF GODS ESPECIALLY TOWARDS THE LOWLY, THE POWERLESS, AND ALL
ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY BY MEANS OF VICTIMS OF CRUELTY AND INJUSTICE.
ALL THE SPIRITUAL TOOLS WITH WHICH CHRIST OUR LORD AND Strangers are TRAVELLERS (VISITORS) IN NEED OF CHRISTIAN
SAVIOUR HAS PROVIDED US ALL HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS HOSPITALITY.
AND TEACHINGS. THE HOSPITALITY OF ABRAHAM THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH IS A GOOD
ETERNAL LIFE IS CONTINUOUS EUCHARISTIC (THANKSGIVING) EXAMPLE TO US: he never ate a meal unless he had
DIVINE LITURGY. others with whom to share it.

SATURDAY OF THE RAISING OF ST LAZAROS 8 APRIL 2017 5.

 ONE DAY THE HOLY TRINITY VISITED ST ABRAHAM AS THREE EMPHASISED THESE VITAL ACTS OF KINDNESS, COMPASSION
ANGELS WHOM HE ADDRESSED AS LORD. AND GENEROSITY.
ST PAUL REMINDED THE ROMANS OF OUR SACRED DUTIES OUR LORD GOD IS UNCHANGING AND ETERNAL. SO IS HIS
UPON WHICH WE WILL BE JUDGED BY CHRIST WHO SPECIFICALLY DIVINE TRUTH HIS TEACHINGS AND HIS COMMANDMENTS,
WHICH WE MUST FULFIL TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 11: 1 45
OUR LORD JESUS C HRIST IS THE RESURREC TION AND THE LIFE
At that time, a certain man was sick - Lazaros of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister, Martha.
It was that Martha who had anointed our Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His Feet with her hair, whose brother,
Lazaros, was sick.
Therefore, the sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying: Lord, behold: he whom Thou Love, is sick.
When Jesus heard that, He said: This sickness is not unto death, but for the Glory of God so that the Son of God may be
Glorified through it.
Jesus Loved Martha and her sister, and Lazaros, so when He heard that Lazaros was sick, He stayed two more days in
the place where He was. Then He said to His Disciples: Let us go to Judea again.
The Disciples said to Him: Rabbi, lately the Hebrews sought to stone Thee, and art Thou going there again? And Jesus
answered: Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he
sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the Light is not in him.
These things He said, and after that He said to them: Our Friend, Lazaros, sleeps, but I go so that I may wake him
up. And His Disciples said: Lord, if he sleeps, he will get well.
However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He spoke of taking rest in sleep. So Jesus told them plainly:
Lazaros is dead, and I Am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us
go to him. And Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow Disciples: Let us also go, that we may die
with Him.
Jesus went, and found that Lazaros had already been in the tomb for four days.
Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away, and many of the Judeans had joined the women around Martha
and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him -, while Mary sat in the house.
Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if Thou had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that
whatever Thou ask of God, God will grant Thee. Jesus said to her: Your brother will rise again. Martha said to
Him: I know that he will rise again in the Resurrection at the Last Day.
Jesus said to her: I Am the Resurrection and the Life: he who believes in me, although he may die, he shall Live.
And whoever Lives and believes in Me, shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to Him: Yes, Lord, I
believe that Thou art the Christ the Son of God Who is to come into the world. And having said these things,
Martha went her way, and secretly called Mary, her sister, saying: The Teacher has come and is calling for you.
As soon as Mary heard that, she quickly arose and went to Him.
Now Jesus had not yet gone into the town, but was in the place where Martha had met Him.
When the Judeans, who were with her in the house, comforting her, saw that Mary had quickly arisen and gone out,
they followed her, saying: She is going to the tomb to weep there.
And when Mary arrived where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His Feet, saying to Him: O Lord, if Thou had
been here, my brother would not have died.
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Judeans who had come with her, weeping, He groaned in Spirit and was
troubled. And He said: Where have you laid him? They said to Him: Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept.
And the Judeans said; See how He loved him! Some of them said: Could not this Man Who opened the eyes of the
blind, also have kept this man from dying?
Jesus, again groaning within Himself, went to the tomb, which was a cave, and a stone lay against it. And Jesus said:
Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him: Lord, by this time there is a stench, for
he has been dead four days! Jesus said to her: Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the
Glory of God?
Then they took away the stone from the cave where the dead man was lying.
Jesus lifted up His Eyes and said: O Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I know that Thou always
hears Me, but because of the people who are standing by, I say this, so that they may believe that Thou sent
Me. And when Jesus had said these things, He cried with a loud Voice: Lazaros! Come forth! And he who had
died came out, bound hand and foot with grave-cloths, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. And Jesus said to
them: Loosen him, and let him go.
And many of the Judeans who had gone to Mary, and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed in Him...
THE RAISING OF ST LAZAROS after being four days dead, and Bethany, to strengthen them so that when St Lazaros
already in a state of decomposition, IS THE SEVENTH died, they might have confidence in our Lords Words.
SIGN OF THE DIVINE IDENTITY AND SERVICE OF OUR LORD AND The Son of God being Glorified must not be
SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, according to the Holy Gospel of understood to be the cause of St Lazaros dying.
St John, the Beloved Apostle, Evangelist and Instead, it indicates that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WOULD BE
Theologian. GLORIFIED AS A RESULT OF HIS DEATH (which occurred from
THIS SIGN SEALED THE JUDEAN AUTHORITIES DECISION TO EXECUTE a physical illness) AND ST LAZAROS BEING RAISED FROM THE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST under the unjust and false guise DEAD AND RESTORED TO LIFE, FOUR DAYS LATER.
of blasphemy. Our Saviour delayed His return to Bethany in order that St
This Miraculous Event is celebrated Liturgically on Lazaros would be dead and buried long enough so
Saturday of the Raising of St Lazaros the day before that DECOMPOSITION WOULD HAVE BEGUN AND THAT THERE
Palm Sunday, and at the end of Great Lent. WOULD NEVER BE ANY DOUBT OF THE GREAT DIVINE MIRACLE
Next week is Holy Week, which consists of a very strict Fast and OUR LORD PERFORMED.
daily Holy Services throughout the week, until Pascha THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF OUR LORD GOD WOULD BE CLEARLY
Sunday, all of which should be attended. (Holy Week SEEN BY ALL EYE-WITNESSES.
Books are essential.) Future generations could not argue that St Lazaros had merely been
The Paschal period continues until Wednesday before Ascension comatose, and not dead and decomposing!
Thursday. mp Our Friend, Lazaros, sleeps... reveals that GOD IS IN
Bethany is situated on the Eastern slope of the Mount of CONTROL OF ALL CREATION.
Olives about two miles from Jerusalem. Furthermore, after the proof of His own physical
Lazaros is the same as Eleazar literally translated as Resurrection, OUR LORD HAS TAUGHT US THAT WE NO LONGER
God Helps. DIE BUT RATHER WE FALL ASLEEP OR REPOSE, UNTIL OUR
This sickness is not unto death... was a message of RESURRECTION ON THE EIGHTH DAY the Day of
comfort that was sent to St Mary and St Martha of

6. SATURDAY OF THE RAISING OF ST LAZAROS 8 APRIL 2017

 Judgement and the beginning of Eternal Life or
Death.
The words of St Thomas: Let us also go that we may die
with Him, is AN UNWITTING PROPHECY OF THEIR ON FUTURE
MARTYRDOM.
It also illustrates THE PATH THAT ALL FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST MUST TAKE so that we may DAILY DIE TO THE
WORLD IN ORDER TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
St Lazaros had been dead and entombed for four days.
There was a Rabbinical opinion that the soul lingered
about the body for three days, but AFTER FOUR DAYS,
RESUSCITATION WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE.
According to Judaic tradition, mourning began,
obviously, on the day of the persons Repose.
Weeping and wailing went on for three days.
Lamentations lasted one week, followed by general
mourning over the next 30 days.
As before, when St Martha had complained about St
Mary not helping her with serving and taking care of
their guests, THE TWO SISTERS REACTED DIFFERENTLY to the
arrival of our Lord Jesus.
ST MARTHA, BEING INCLINED TO ACTIVE SERVICE, RUSHED OUT TO
MEET HIM, WHILE ST MARY REMAINED SEATED IN MOURNING
UNTIL SHE WAS SUMMONED BY CHRIST. It was traditional to
sit while mourning and receiving other mourners.
ALTHOUGH ST MARTHA HAD GREAT FAITH, HER STATEMENTS
INDICATED A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING OUR
SAVIOUR, for SHE DID NOT SEE HIM AS THE INCARNATE,
ETERNAL SON OF GOD, YET SHE BELIEVED THAT HE ONLY
NEEDED TO HAVE BEEN PRESENT TO EFFECT HER BROTHERS
HEALING.
By saying:... whatever Thou ask of God, God will grant
Thee.. also shows her lack of understanding that OUR
LORD JESUS ACTUALLY POSSESSES FULL DIVINE AUTHORITY AND
POWER TO ACT AS HE WILLS.
Our Lord Jesus then declared: I Am the Resurrection
and the Life, in order to correct her
misunderstanding by CLEARLY IDENTIFYING HIMSELF HIS
DIVINE NATURE to her.
FURTHERMORE, HE DECLARED HIS DIVINE AUTHORITY TO RAISE THE
DEAD ...at the Last Day... as St Martha had
mentioned, as well as HERE AND NOW in this world.
Such is the power of His Words that ST MARTHA WAS
IMMEDIATELY LED TO HER GREAT CONFESSION OF FAITH: Yes,
Lord, I believe...!
EVERY TIME WE HEAR OR READ OUR SAVIOURS WORDS: Do
you believe? and even though at the time they
were addressed directly to others WE MUST
TRUTHFULLY RESPOND BODY AND SOUL, MIND
AND HEART. WITH OUR OWN PERSONAL CONFESSION OF
FAITH!
Having been summoned, St Mary of Bethesda went to
Christ and, FALLING DOWN BEFORE HIM, SHE MADE THE SAME
STATEMENT AS ST MARTHA: Lord, if Thou had been
here...
WHILE OUR COMPASSIONATE LORD ENGAGED ST MARTHA WITH
WORDS, HE USED DEEDS TO COMFORT ST MARY.
St John emphasised, very simply that our Lord Jesus
wept.
Weeping is a natural human response to sadness or
tragedy and IT CLEARLY SHOWED HIS OWN PERSONAL
HEARTACHE, COMPASSION AND SORROW FOR HIS BELOVED
FRIENDS.
At Compline on St Lazaros Saturday, one of the Hymns
states: Shedding tears by Thy own choice, Thou hast
granted us proof of Thy heartfelt Love..
He also ...groaned in the Spirit and was troubled...
which clearly demonstrates our Lord Jesus RESPONDING
IN HIS HUMAN NATURE TO MANKINDS WEAK FAITH AND LACK OF
UNDERSTANDING AND CONFIDENCE IN THE POWER OF OUR
ALMIGHTY GOD.
SATURDAY OF THE RAISING
The Holy Gospel According to St John records the Great
Divine Miracle of the Raising of St Lazaros from the
dead as the last Action of our Lord Jesus Christ before
His Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem.
That setting has given rise to the Feast of St Lazaros
Saturday in the Orthodox Church a small Pascha
before Holy Week.
SATURDAY OF THE RAISING OF ST LAZAROS
Once St Mary and St Martha lost the legal protection of their
only male relative, they would lose everything else and be
cast out to fend for themselves, unless they were wealthy and
influential enough to avoid the usual dreadful conditions
brought upon defenceless women and children at that time!
Hence, THE PROTECTION AND CARE OF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS IS ONE
OF OUR MOST SACRED TASKS AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST,
TO THIS VERY DAY. mp
ALTHOUGH ST MARTHAS FAITH HAD DEEPENED, SHE STILL DID NOT
UNDERSTAND CHRISTS DIVINE WILL AND POWER OVER ALL
CREATION HEAVEN AND EARTH.
The spices and oil myrrh used to anoint a corpse
would only disguise the stench of decomposition for a
very short while, and our Lord knew that ALL THE
WITNESSES WOULD BE AWARE OF THE ODOUR OF DEATH, WHICH
IS THE REASON HE HAD WAITED FOUR DAYS before arriving in
Bethesda to Resurrect St Lazaros.
THERE WOULD BE NO DOUBT AT ALL, THAT ST LAZAROS HAS
REALLY BEEN DEAD AND BURIED, FOR NO ONE HAS EVER COME
BACK TO LIFE AFTER DECOMPOSITION HAS BEGUN.
Many Icons depict the WITNESSES COVERING THEIR NOSES,
THEREBY ILLUSTRATING THE REALITY OF ST LAZAROS
CORRUPTED FLESH, AND THE FACT THAT MANY DID NOT BELIEVE
AND WERE SHOCKED THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST COULD
ACTUALLY RAISE SOMEONE WHO HAD BEEN DEAD FOR FOUR DAYS
and whose body would have begun to decompose.
To show exactly how OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS WILL WAS
ONE WITH GOD THE FATHER AND THAT HIS HUMAN WILL WAS
FREELY SUBJECT IN EVERY WAY TO OUR HEAVEN FATHERS WILL,
He prayed aloud for the sake of the people who
witnessed everything that occurred.
And then our Redeemer called out to St Lazaros to
Come forth! NOT IN THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER, BUT
BY HIS OWN DIVINE AUTHORITY.
This proves that ALTHOUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAME
FROM WAS SENT BY GOD THE FATHER, HE ALSO FULLY
POSSESSES DIVINE AUTHORITY, BEING THE SECOND PERSON OF
THE HOLY TRINITY AND THUS CO-EQUAL IN ALL AUTHORITY AND
POWER AS THE OTHER TWO PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY,
God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
ST LAZAROS AROSE FROM THE DEAD AND WALKED OUT OF HIS TOMB
STILL BOUND IN HIS RESTRICTING BURIAL WRAPPINGS and
shroud, which is regarded by our Holy Fathers as an
indication that HE WOULD LATER USE THEM AGAIN WHEN HE
EVENTUALLY REPOSED IN CHRIST, TO AWAIT THE GENERAL
RESURRECTION ON THE EIGHTH DAY.
WHEN OUR SAVIOUR RESURRECTED, HE HAD NO NEED FOR HIS
BURIAL WRAPPINGS, WHICH WERE LEFT ABANDONED IN THE
TOMB, WITH THE INNER FACE CLOTH BEING NEATLY FOLDED.
Unlike the Miraculous Resuscitation of St Lazaros, THE
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TRANSFIGURED OUR
HUMAN NATURE, which He had assumed at His
Incarnation, and thus CHRIST, IN HIS HUMAN NATURE,
WOULD NEVER DIE AGAIN.
His Resurrection Appearances proved that WE, TOO,
WOULD EVENTUALLY BE RESURRECTED ETERNALLY IN BODY AND
SOUL.
The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ was not initially recognised by
His closest family and friends until He identified or revealed
Himself, makes me think that perhaps He looked slightly
different, but similar to His former Appearance. After all,
one does not expect to see Someone so clearly after His
Departure from this life. mp
THIS SEVENTH SIGN THE RAISING OF ST LAZAROS NOT ONLY
PREPARED HIS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES TO BELIEVE IN CHRISTS
RESURRECTION BUT - according to the words of a Hymn,
it also ... confirmed the Universal Resurrection... of
all mankind, thereby proving that OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, THE INCARNATE, ETERNAL WORD AND SON OF GOD,
HAS THE POWER TO FULFIL THE DIVINE PROMISE given to St
Ezekiel that all those who had died will one day rise
again. (EZEKIEL 37 : 1 3)
OF ST LAZAROS
The three Synoptic Gospels (of St Matthew, St Mark and St
Luke) make no mention of these Events, to which we
draw no historical conclusions.
The Holy Gospels include and exclude Events for many
reasons, historical considerations seeming to be of the
least importance.
8 APRIL 2017 7.
The choice of Events, and in what order they written,
primarily serve deeper Theological concerns.
For St John, the account of the Raising of St Lazaros
served as an occasion for commentary and teaching
on the Resurrection of Believers, much like the
Feeding of the Five Thousand Families serves as a
commentary and teaching on the Holy Eucharist.
The words of both St Martha and St Mary of Bethany: If
Thou had been here, my brother would not have
died... echoes THE UNIVERSAL VOICE OF THE HOLY CHURCH
OF CHRIST IN THE FACE OF OUR REDEEMERS DELAYED AND
MUCH ANTICIPATED SECOND APPEARANCE.
These words represent the plaintive cries of Believers who
may all too often wonder why the Lord our God
allows such pain and suffering of His Faithful, and all
mankind.
And how many have similarly complained: Could not
this Man, Who opened the eyes of the blind, also have
kept this man from dying? (JOHN 11:37)
It is an obvious question, repeated in various forms by the
Faithful as well as by scoffers through the centuries.
The Raising of St Lazaros, which occurred shortly before
Christs Suffering and Death, specifically addresses
the heart of His Holy Church after our Saviours
Suffering and Death.
For, although we rejoice in Christs Salvific Death and
Resurrection, it is the suffering and death of our
beloved relatives or friends or so many others - who
lie heavy upon our heart.
Your Brother will rise again. These Words of Christ, like
a Statement of Church Doctrine, bring little comfort to
those who are stuck in their grief.
It is THE AFFIRMATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: I Am
the Resurrection and the Life, that sums up the
Encounter.
People did not understand - not even when St Lazaros
was raised from the dead - that CHRIST HIMSELF IS
TRULY, THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE, which does not
become clear until His own Glorious Resurrection.
Elsewhere in St Johns Gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ
explained to us: ... as the Father has Life in Himself,
so He has granted the Son to have Life in Himself.
(JOHN 5:26)
YET NONE OF THIS WAS REMEMBERED UNTIL AFTER OUR SAVIOUR
HIMSELF WAS RESURRECTED AND APPEARED BEFORE THEM AS
FLESH AND BLOOD not merely as a phantom.
(He even ate with them, to prove that He was truly alive truly
Resurrected Eternally i.e. never having to die again! mp)
Furthermore, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
was nothing at all like the Raising of St Lazaros, for St
Lazaros would Repose in Christ Fall Asleep - again
later, until the Universal Resurrection of all Reposing,
Departed souls of mankind.
St Lazaros and his beloved sisters went to Cyprus, having
been exiled by the Judean authorities, where St
Lazaros became the first Bishop of Cyprus. He was
eventually buried there and his tomb is located in
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Sooner or later in life, just like St Mary and St Martha of
Bethany, we will mourn the loss the Falling Asleep
or Repose of those whom we love and are fond of.
And the Resurrection of Christ our Lord and Saviour, will
far too easily become merely a meaningless Doctrine:
My Brother will rise at the Last Day, as St Martha
had said.
THE JOY OF THE ETERNAL RESURRECTION
This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us rejoice
and be glad in it!
The Holy Church of Christ calls us to Rejoice and to
Delight in our Lords Resurrection Day not only at
Holy Pascha, but every Sunday the Day of our Lord!
Faithful Christians who hear the ringing of the bells,
remember our Church and the beauty of Her Holy
Services, and something occurs within our soul,
brightening that Mystical Flame that is hidden in us,
for no matter where we go, the Grace of the Holy Spirit
remains deeply embedded within us.
Those who are Blessed with a noble soul constantly strive
to humble themselves before our Lord, by Repenting
their sins and thus cutting off those things that
separate them from Christ.
8. SATURDAY OF THE RAISING OF ST LAZAROS
The Resurrection of Christ, as historical Event, easily
begins to lose its existential importance: I Am the
Resurrection.
I Am the Resurrection. is an interesting statement.
It is not at all the same as saying: I will be raised from the
dead, or I will raise your Brother from the dead. For
both those statements turn an existential matter into a
simple statement of fact. And although facts may be
true, they are often simply inaccessible.
For example, the fact that Paris is the capital city of
France is a fact but it means nothing to those who
have never been there, or who have no intention of
going there.
The Resurrection of Christ is more than mere fact -
the Resurrection is a Person our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God the Father!
And AS THE PERSON OF CHRIST OUR LORD, THIS DIVINE
RESURRECTION MAY BE KNOWN AND EXISTENTIALLY
ENCOUNTERED BY EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!
This is the heart of Holy Pascha, for it is not our
Resurrected Lord of history - lost to us among the
many facts - Whom we proclaim and celebrate.
HOLY PASCHA IS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS THE
RESURRECTION, PRESENT in our midst, UNITED with us,
DAILY TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH by Death, WHOM WE
KNOW AND GREET WITH GREAT JOY!
The Holy Church of Christ does not merely proclaim:
Christ rose from the dead! Fact! Fact! Fact!
Instead we all most Joyfully exclaim: Christ is Risen!
Truly He is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
St Lazaros was raised from the dead. (He was resuscitated
but Reposed again later.)
Our Lord Jesus Christ is Risen from the dead. (He is
Eternally Resurrected, never to Repose again.)
THE DIFFERENCE IS EVERYTHING.
Our hope is not in being resuscitated to our present form.
Our Hope is in our TRUE TRANSFORMATION INTO THE ETERNAL
LIFE OF RESURRECTION.
Throughout the years following his Resuscitation, St
Lazaros never laughed nor smiled again due to the
sobering effect of what he had seen in Hades.
However, it is said that he did smile once when someone
became angry enough to smash a clay pot, and he
commented: The clay smashes the clay!
St Lazaros was no longer attached to this earthly
existence like clay for he knew the Reality and Truth
of the Eternal Resurrection of Christ, and longed for
that Final Victory.
His experience of Hades, and having been Raised to life
after having been four-days-dead was not the Great
Victory itself but only the foreshadow of something far
greater, which is yet to be experienced by all
mankind!
Saturday of the Raising of St Lazaros reminds us and
teaches us - of a far greater and Holy Saturday - of a
Glorious Dawn that shatters all other dawns!
Dearly Beloved, we are the Children of God but it has
not yet been revealed what we shall become.
However, we do know that when our Lord Jesus Christ
once again Appears to us, we shall, hopefully, have
become like Him, for we shall behold Him as He is in
all His Magnificent Glory! (1JOHN 3:2)
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
Thereby we are initiated into the Joy of the Resurrection,
and we Bless, Praise and Glorify our Lord.
There are certain souls who live within a state of Spiritual
Intoxication. They live Paradise, and experience the
Rivers of Joy as they continue towards ...Unending
Perfection.
Holy Souls live with Gratitude, seeking nothing more from
God, but rather Thanking Him Who abundantly
grants His Joy, His Delight, and Heavenly Goods, for
God gives Himself in such a way, that these souls
declare: All this is sufficient, O Lord!: I cannot bear
any more!
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXPATH.ORG/
8 APRIL 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 1 9 April 2017

Palm Sunday
The Glorious Entry into Jerusalem of our Lord Jesus Christ
Also the Feast of St Eupsychios of Caesarea, Cappadocia St Desan the Bishop, St Mariabos
the Presbyter, St Abdiesos & 270 Holy Martyrs of Persia St Bademos (Vadim) the
Archimandrite Monk Martyr of Persia St Eleni (Susanna), St Raphael & St Nicholas, the New
Holy Martyrs of Lesbos St Olympias the New Holy Martyr of Lesbos

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 9: JOHN 20 : 19 - 31

OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST BESTOWS AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS UPON HIS APOSTLES

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON PALM SUNDAY PSALM 114/115 - TONE 2

1. Igapisa, oti isakousete Kyrios tis fonis tis deiseos mou. 1. I have Loved, because the Lord shall hear the voice of
Alalaxate to Theo en foni Agalliaseos. my Supplication. Shout to God with the voice of
Rejoicing!
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
2. Perieshon me odines Thanatou, kindini Adou evrosan Saviour, Save us.
me. 2. The pains of Death surrounded me; the dangers of
Hades found me.
3. Thlipsin ke odinin evron, Le to Onoma Kyrious 3. I found affliction and grief. Then I called upon the
epekalesamin. Lords Name.
4. Evapestiso enopion Kyriou, en Hora Zonton. 4. I shall be well pleasing before the Lord in the Land of
the Living.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon. Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON PSALM 115/116 PALM SUNDAY TONE 2
1.Epitefsa, dio elalisa. Ego de etapinothin sfodra. 1. I believed, therefore I spoke. I was greatly humbled.
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O epi polou onou kathesthis, Save us, O Son of God, Who was seated on a donkeys
psalontas Si, Allilouia! colt, who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
2. Ti antapodoso to Kyrio peri panton, on antapedoke mi? 2. What shall I render to the Lord for everything He has
granted me?
3. Potirion Sotiriou lipsome ke to Onoma Kyriou 3. I will take up the Cup of Salvation. And call upon the
epikalesome. Name of the Lord.
4. Si Thiso Thisian eneseos, ke to Onoma Kyriou 4. I will offer a Sacrifice of Praise.
epikalesome.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon. Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
FESTAL APOLYTIKION PALM SUNDAY TONE 1
Tin kinin anastasin pro tou Sou Pathous Pistoumenos, ek To confirm the General Resurrection before Thy Passion,
nekron igiras ton Lazaron, Hriste O Theos. Othen ke Thou Resurrected Lazaros from the dead, O Christ our
imis os i Pedes, ta tis Nikis simbola ferontes, Si to Nikiti God. Therefore, imitating the children, carrying the
tou Thanatou oomen. Osanna en tis Ipsistis, Symbols of Victory, we cry out to Thee the Victor over
evlogimenos O erhomenos, en Onomati Kyriou. Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed art Thou Who
comes in the Name of the Lord.
TRIODION APOLYTIKION PALM SUNDAY TONE 4
Sintafentes Si dia tou Vaptismatos, Hriste O Theos imon, tis We were buried with Thee through Baptism, O Christ our
Athanatou Zois ixiothimen ti Anastasi Sou, ke God, and thus by Thy Resurrection, we have been
animnountes krazomen. Osanna en tis Ipsistis, granted Immortal Life, and extolling Thee, we cry
Evlogimenos O erhomenos, en Onomati Kyriou. aloud: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed art Thou Who
comes in the Name of the Lord.
TRIODION KONTAKION PALM SUNDAY TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
To Throno en Ourano, to polo epi tis Gis, epohoumenos In Heaven upon the throne, on Earth upon the colt, Thou
Hriste O Theos, ton Angelon tin enesin, ke ton Pedon were carried, O Christ our God; and the Praise of the
animnisin prosedexo voonton Si. Evlogimenos i O Angels, and the Hymns of the children, Thou received
erhomenos, ton Adam anakalesasthe. as they cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou, Who came to
Call Adam again.

47TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH OF TRIODION 6TH OF LENT PALM SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2016 9
 THE MEGALYNARION PALM SUNDAY TONE 4
( INSTEAD OF AXION ESTIN )
 Theos Kyrios, ke Epefanen imin. Sistisasthe eortin, ke  God is the Lord, and He Appeared to us. O Christians,
Agallomeni, defte Megalinomen Hriston, meta vaion ke appoint a Feast, and with exultant Joy, come, let us
kladon, imnis kravgazontes. Evlogimenos O erhomenos, Magnify Christ, waving our palms and branches, crying
en Onomati Kyriou - Sotiros imon! aloud in Hymns: Blessed is He Who comes in the Name
of the Lord our Saviour!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 117/118 PALM SUNDAY
Evlogimenos O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to Eleos Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good; for His Mercy
Aftou. endures forever.
PALM SUNDAY MATINS GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21: 1 11 & 15 - 17
CHRISTS TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM
At that time, when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two Disciples,
saying to them: Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with
her. Loosen then and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say: The Lord has need
of them, and immediately he will send them.
All this was done so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet, saying: Tell the daughter of Zion,
Behold, Thy King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, a foal of a donkey.
So the Disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on
them, and set Him on them. A very great multitude spread their clothes upon the road; others cut down branches
from the trees and spread them upon the road. The multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out,
saying: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!
And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying: Who is this? And the multitudes said: This is
Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee! But when the Chief Priests and Scribes saw the Wonderful Things that
He did, and the children crying out in the Temple and saying: Hosanna to the Son of David! they were indignant,
and said to Him: Dost Thou hear what these are saying? And Jesus said to them: Yes. Have you never read: Out
of the mouth of babes and nursing infants Thou has perfected praise?
And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.
Our Lord Jesus Christs Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is Spiritually Interpreted as OUR NEED TO LAY DOWN OUR
celebrated by the Holy Church on Palm Sunday. FLESH AND INDEED, OUR VERY LIVES, FOR CHRIST.
By the time of Christ, Jewish Nationalism had led to the Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
expectation of a political Messiah to deliver them comes from Psalm 117:25-26, which was associated
from Roman oppression and rule and to re-establish with MESSIANIC EXPECTATION.
King Davids Kingdom. It was recited daily for six days during the Feast of
In utter Humility, our Lord Jesus emphasised the fact that Tabernacles, and seven times on the 7th Day as
He had not come to establish an earthly Kingdom branches were waved.
because He did not enter Jerusalem on a horse or in Hosanna! means Save, we pray!
a chariot like a conquering hero but instead He At Vespers of Palm Sunday we sing: Keep the Feast with
entered on a donkey a real sign of His Humility and the children, and holding branches in your hands,
Peace. (SEE THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH 9:9 LXX) sing Hosanna.... many Liturgical Hymns of this day
 CHRISTS TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE INTO THE HOLY CITY emphasise the perfect Praises of the children, which,
DECLARED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF unlike that of adults, were innocent, fitting,
ALMIGHTY GOD. unashamed and from pure Love.
 IT WAS ALSO A DIVINE PROMISE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS  W E ARE ALL CALLED TO GLORIFY CHRIST IN THE SAME SPIRIT OF
FINAL ENTRANCE INTO THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM UNASHAMED AND PURE LOVE!
TOGETHER WITH ALL FAITHFUL BELIEVERS AND OF HIS In contrast, the adults Praises carried earthly
ACCEPTING THE NEW JERUSALEM AS HIS PURE BRIDE. (SEE expectations and hidden agendas which, when left
THE REVELATION OF CHRIST THE APOCALYPSE 21:2) unfulfilled, led them to rebel against our Lord Jesus
The Orthodox Christian Church the New Jerusalem - is truly the Christ just a mere five days later!
All Pure Bride of Christ , Her Divine Bridegroom. mp The evil one always uses our human weaknesses and selfish
St Matthew recorded in his Holy Gospel that there was A desires against us and against the Will of God.
COLT AS WELL AS A DONKEY and our Holy Church Fathers In the case of Christ our Saviour, the enemies of God used the
regard the two animals as REPRESENTING THE FAITHFUL earthly desires and expectations of the people as an excuse
HEBREWS AND THE GENTILES WHO ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN for their unjust and unlawful punishment and execution of
THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Christ.
At Vespers of Palm Sunday we sing: Thy riding upon a However, the Lord our God, voluntarily submitted to their evil
foal prefigured how the untamed and uninstructed schemes so that He could enter Hades, smash open its gates
Gentiles would pass from unbelief to Faith. and set the Righteous free. From that moment onwards, the
Righteous would Repose in Peace in Paradise until Judgement
Those people who spread their clothes upon the ground
Day. mp
before our Lord Jesus Christ, did so as a spontaneous
gesture of reverence to a great King and it is
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4 : 4 9
Brethren: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say: Rejoice! Let all men know your Forbearance.
The Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by Prayer and Supplication, with
Thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God. And the Peace of God, which surpasses all Understanding,
will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Finally, Brethren: whatever is True, whatever is Honourable, whatever is Just, whatever is Pure, whatever is Lovely,
whatever is Gracious if there is any Excellence, if there is anything worthy of Praise, think of these Things.
What you have learnt and received and heard and seen in me do. And the God of Peace will be with you.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 12 : 1 18
THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY OF CHRIST INTO JERUSALEM
Six days before Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There
they made him supper, and Martha served. Lazaros was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Mary took a
pound of costly myrrh of pure nard and anointed the Feet of Jesus and wiped His Feet with her hair. The house will
filled with the fragrance of the myrrh.
One of His Disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was to betray Him), said: Why was this myrrh not sold for three hundred
denarii and given to the poor? This he said not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and as
he had the money box, he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said: Leave her alone! Let her keep it for the day
of My Burial. The poor you will always have with you.
10. 4 7 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 1 0 T H OF TRIODION 6TH OF LENT PALM SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2016
When the great multitudes of Judeans heard that He was there, they went and not only on account of Jesus, but also
to see Lazaros, whom He had raised from the dead.
The Chief Priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him, many of the Judeans were going
away and believing in Jesus.
The next day a great crowd who had come to the Feast heard that Jesus was going to Jerusalem, so they took
branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, crying: Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the
Lord! Even the King of Israel!
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it as it was written: Fear not, O Daughter of Zion. Behold! Thy King is
coming, seated on a donkeys colt! His Disciples did not understand this at first, but when Jesus was Glorified, then
they remembered that this had been written of Him and had been done to Hm.
The crowd that had been with Him when He had called Lazaros out of the tomb and Raised him from the dead bore
witness. The reason why they went to meet him was that they heard He had done this Sign.
THIS WAS THE THIRD PASSOVER THAT IS MENTIONED BY ST JOHN THE The fact that OUR LORD JESUS put such a greedy thief like
DIVINE THEOLOGIAN in his Holy Gospel and it is the Judas Iscariot in charge of the money, shows that BY
setting for the final week of our Lord and Saviours EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE HE TRIED TO SAVE JUDAS ISCARIOT:
earthly Ministry, which is narrated in careful detail. Christ fulfilled Judas Iscariots lust for money by
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAD ALREADY BEEN GLORIFIED entrusting him with their limited funds and HE
THROUGH HIS SIGNS (DIVINE MIRACLES) AND WORDS, AND ALLOWED HIM TO EXERCISE APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY.
IT REMAINED FOR HIM TO BE ULTIMATELY GLORIFIED OUR LORD ALSO WASHED THE FEET OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, just as He
THROUGH HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION. did to each of His other Disciples, and HE ALLOWED
THE OTHER DISCIPLES HAD made the same sort of comment JUDAS ISCARIOT TO PARTAKE OF THEIR LAST SUPPER - FROM THE
as Judas Iscariot concerning the expensive oil of SAME TABLE OF HIS MYSTICAL SUPPER THE VERY FIRST HOLY
spikenard but with VERY DIFFERENT MOTIVES TO HIS. EUCHARIST/COMMUNION.
At the house of Simon the Leper (the one grateful leper YET, DESPITE ALL THAT, JUDAS ISCARIOT NEVER OVERCAME HIS
in a group of ten whom our Lord Jesus had healed) TERRIBLE GREED AND SELFISHNESS.
a woman had also used very expensive fragrant oil WHEN JUDAS ISCARIOT IS REFERRED TO AS BEING ONE OF THE
with which to anoint His Head and although the TWELVE, IT EMPHASISES THE DEPTH AND EXTENT OF HIS FATAL
Disciples protested at the extravagance, our Lord BETRAYAL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO ACCEPTED HIM
accepted that anointing was an honour from INTO THE INNER SANCTUM OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY.
someone who had newly discovered Faith in Him. It proves and emphasises HOW SHOCKING, DEVASTATING AND
CHRIST HAD ACCEPTED HER LOVING GESTURE AS A SIGN OF HIS DANGEROUS THOUGHTLESS, SELF-SERVING MOTIVES REALLY ARE
APPROACHING BURIAL. (MATTHEW 26:6 - 13) BOTH TOWARDS GOD AND OUR FELLOW SINNERS!
Nevertheless, according to St John Chrysostom, His T RUST IS A P RICELESS , I RREPLACEABLE G IFT WE GIVE TO ONE
Disciples were not wrong in principle because MERCY ANOTHE R .
SHOWN TO THE POOR IS MORE FITTING THAN OUTWARD SIGNS I F THAT TRUST IS BROKEN OR DAMAGE D , IT CAN N EVE R BE REPAIRED
OR GESTURES SHOWN EVEN TO GOD. (MATTHEW 25:40; JAMES OR RE GAINED .
1:27) Consequently, if we break the trust of others whether in us or in
However, the Disciples did not understand that ONCE others - we will be severely judged due to the inestimable
SUCH A GIFT HAD BEEN GIVEN, IT WAS A GREATER MERCY TO and irreparable damage and hurt it causes everyone
ACCEPT IT WITH LOVE AGAPE.
concerned!
Therefore, without fail treat the Wonderful Gift of Trust with the
St John Chrysostom taught us: If anyone had asked
utmost respect and care and never for a moment think
Christ before the woman did this, He would not have
that lies, deception, theft, etc will remain a hidden secret!
approved it. But after she had done it, HE LOOKED ONLY Sooner or later, God will expose our wickedness to the Bright Light
TO THE MOTIVE ITSELF. For after the fragrant oil had
of His Divine Truth for the whole Universe to behold!
been poured, what good was a rebuke? A LWAYS BE ABSOLUTELY TRUSTWORTHY TO OTHE RS AS YOU W OULD LIKE
Likewise, if you see anyone providing a Sacred Vessel or THEM TO BE TO YOU !!
Ornament for the walls of a church, do not spoil his Exposure of our sins is far more devastating and shameful than
zeal. But IF BEFOREHAND HE ASKS ABOUT IT, COMMAND HIM we can begin to understand so we must ensure that we
TO GIVE INSTEAD TO THE POOR. remain Steadfastly Righteous and Trustworthy through
JUDAS ISCARIOT WAS MOTIVATED BY HIS INSATIABLE GREED WHILE constant Prayers for Guidance and Spiritual Assistance!
THE OTHER DISCIPLES WERE MOTIVATED BY THEIR VIRTUE OF B E ASHAME D OF Y OUR SI NS WHE N YOU COMMIT THEM OR ARE
CHARITY/LOVE. TEMPTED to do so, rather than when you Repent them and
Confess them before God and His Holy Priesthood. mp
PALM SUNDAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Holy Spirit... Hosanna in the highest !
Dearly Beloved: THE PROPHET OF GOD PRONOUNCED THIS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS PROCLAIMED KING IN THE NAME OF
PROPHECY OVER FOUR HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE THE GREAT THE LORD AT HIS OWN BECKONINGNOT ACCIDENTALLY, AND
EVENT THAT WE COMMEMORATE AND CELEBRATE TODAY OUR NOT BY CONSCIOUS HUMAN WILL.
LORD AND SAVIOURS TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM. In the course of four days, those same people who that
Having completed His preaching on Earth, our Lord day proclaimed Him as their King, would shout, just as
Jesus Christ made His Triumphant Entry into the Royal loudly: Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify
City of Jerusalem - into the city where the One, True Him! We have no King but Caesar! (JOHN 19:15).
and Living God was worshipped - a city in most ways What is the significance of our Lord having ridden into
that was Godly. Jerusalem on an unbroken colt? According to our
OUR LORD MADE HIS ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM AS KING AND Holy Fathers, IT HAD A DEEP, PROPHETIC MEANING.
TRIUMPHANT VICTOR, IN ORDER TO FINISH HIS SERVICE TO OUR ALL-SEEING LORD FORESAW THE JUDEANS APPROACHING
MANKIND BY A DECISIVE EXPLOIT: BY DESTROYING DEATH BY FINAL APOSTASY THEIR TERRIBLE REJECTION OF GOD AND HIS
DEATH, THEREBY REMOVING THE ANCIENT ANCESTRAL CURSE DIVINE TRUTH!
FROM THE HUMAN RACE BY TAKING THAT CURSE UPON HIMSELF. HE HAD ANNOUNCED THAT FATAL APOSTASY EVEN AT THE TIME
He made His Entry into the Royal City on the colt of an ass WHEN THE OLD COVENANT LAW HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS -
... whereon yet never man had sat... in order TO WAS GIVEN TO THE ISRAELITES ON MOUNT SINAI, through the
RESTORE TO MANKIND THE ROYAL DIGNITY THAT OUR ORIGINAL lips of the Divinely Inspired Law-giver, St Moses: They
FOREFATHER, ADAM, HAD WASTED - to restore this Dignity have sinned!
by ascending the Cross. (LUKE. 19:30) HE HAD SPOKEN OF THE ISRAELITES FUTURE SINS AGAINST THE GOD-
The unbroken colt was tamed beneath the wondrous MAN, OUR SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, AS IF THEY HAD ALREADY
Rider. The Apostles placed their garments upon the BEEN COMMITTED!
colt; great multitudes of people ran ahead to meet  D E U T E R O N O M Y 3 2 : 5 6 : ...They have sinned, not
and welcome our Lord and walk alongside Him, pleasing Him; O spotted children, a disobedient and
shouting in their ecstasy: Hosanna! O Son of David! perverse generation! Do ye thus recompense the
Lord?

PALM SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 11.

 D E U T E R O N O M Y 3 2 : 2 8 2 9 ... It is a Nation that has
lost counsel, neither is there understanding in
them. They had not sense to understand: let them
reserve these things against the time to come ...
 D E U T E R O N O M Y 3 2 : 3 2 ...For their vine is of the vine
of Sodom, and their vine-branch of Gomorrah!
On the contrary:
 D E U T E R O N O M Y 3 2 : 4 3 : ...Rejoice, ye Heavens, with
Himthe Son of Godand let all the Angels of God
worship Him; Rejoice ye Gentiles, with His People,
and let all the sons of God Strengthen themselves
in Him.
Our Saviours Entry into Jerusalem upon an unbroken colt
is A REPETITION OF ST MOSES PROPHECYNOT IN WORDS, BUT
SYMBOLICALLY:
St Moses had foretold how THE GENTILES WOULD REJOICE IN
OUR LORD, WHILE THE JUDEANS WOULD BE REJECTED.
Thus, THE UNBROKEN COLT, ...whereon yet never man
sat ... SYMBOLISES THE GENTILES THE NEW ISRAEL. (LUKE.
19:30)
THE APOSTLES GARMENTS SYMBOLISE CHRISTS TEACHINGS
whereby they would instruct the Gentiles, and
OUR LORD SPIRITUALLY SEATED HIMSELF UPON THE GENTILES,
thereby making them Godlike SANCTIFYING AND
DEIFYING OUR HUMAN NATURE.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST LEADS THEM JOYFULLY AND
TRIUMPHANTLY INTO JERUSALEM - into the Bosom of His
Holy Church, to the Eternal City of God not made by
the hands of men, to THE CITY OF SALVATION AND
BLESSEDNESS.
THE REJECTED JUDEANS were also present there. With their
hypocritical lips they cried: O King of Israel! but in
their soul and in their Sanhedrin Council, they HAD
ALREADY RESOLVED TO KILL OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.
...AN ASS... symbolises THOSE WHO ARE LED OR ENSLAVED BY
THEIR IRRATIONAL DESIRES, DEPRIVED OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM,
ATTACHED TO THE PASSIONS AND HABITS OF FLESHLY LIFE.
Christs Teachings His Divine Truth - loosens and sets
us sinners free from our sinful and fleshly desires that
enslave and imprison our Immortal soul.
The Apostles led the ass and her colt to Christ, placed
their garments upon the innocent, unbroken colt
upon which our Lord seated Himself before making
His Triumphant Entry into the earthly Jerusalem.
This means that THOSE WHO HAVE ABANDONED OR REJECTED
REPENTED THEIR SINFUL LIFESTYLE, ARE LED TO THE HOLY
GOSPEL OF CHRIST His Divine Teachings and
Commandments - THAT LEAD US TO ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF DIVINE BLESSINGS AND LOVE.
As properly Baptised and Chrismated Orthodox
Christians, WE ARE CLOTHED AND PROTECTED WITH THE
APOSTOLIC VESTMENTS I.E. THE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND
TEACHINGS OF CHRISTS HOLY APOSTLES AND THEIR RIGHTFUL
SUCCESSORS OUR BISHOPS AND PRIESTS (THROUGH THE
UNBROKEN APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION.)
In other words, ONLY BY BEING WITHIN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
ARE WE CORRECTLY AND TRUTHFULLY GUIDED AND
ENLIGHTENED WITH THE MOST DETAILED AND REFINED
KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS
CHRIST i.e. with His Divine Teachings and
Commandments.
OUR LORD JESUS seats Himself upon us by SPIRITUALLY
ABIDING IN US, AS HE PROMISED US:
 J O H N 1 4 : 2 1 ...He who has My Commandments,
and keeps them, is he who Loves Me: and he
who Loves Me shall be Loved of My Father, and I
will Love him, and will manifest (reveal) Myself to
him ..
 J O H N 1 4 : 23 .... And my Father will Love him, and
we will come unto him, and make our abode
with him.
The Divine Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ overwhelming,
unique and inexplicable Joy, Love and Peace - utterly
surpassing any words or comprehension!
The Presence of or Encounter with our Lord is radically
Transforming, for we are irrevocably affected by it and
will yearn forever to be so abundantly Blessed and
Honoured!
F ROM TONIGHT , H OLY W EEK B OOKS ARE ESSENTIAL . I N ORDER TO GAIN THE FULL MEANING AND ULTIMATE J OY OF OUR L ORD S P ASSION
AND R ESURRECTION , WE MUST ATT END ALL THE H OLY S ERVICES THROUGHOUT H OLY W EEK . I F WE NEGLECT OR AVOID MAKING EVERY
EFFORT TO DO SO , WE CANNOT TRULY EXPERIENCE NOR UNDERSTAND THE VITAL SIGNIFIC ANCE AND S PIRITUAL B ENEFIT OF H OLY P ASCHA !
B EST W ISHES FOR A M OST B LESSED H OLY W EEK AND J OYFUL P ASCHA , W ITH L OVE IN C HRIST , M ARGUERIT E P AIZIS
12. PALM SUNDAY
Our Love of God will compel us to do whatever we can to
remain in His All Embracing Love, Joy and Peace
forever!
Our very soul will overflow with that Marvellous Experience
that is full of the Divine Grace, of our Beloved Lord God
Who grants it to us, according to His Will and Purpose.
mp
Divine Peace cannot to be compared to the natural rest
of fallen mankind.
We may feel refreshed and renewed after we have
rested, and we may consider our final Repose or
Falling Asleep i.e. our death or departure from this
existence - to be rest from our daily struggles, but
DIVINE PEACE IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
Our Lord is seated upon the natural qualities of THOSE
WHO HAVE WILLINGLY AND EAGERLY SUBMITTED TO HIM AND
HAVE ASSIMILATED HIS ALL-HOLY TEACHINGS, STRIVING TO
FULFIL ALL OUR SACRED TASKS AND LABOURS.
He leads us Joyfully into the Spiritual City of God, the
Heavenly City of Peaceinto THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM
CREATED BY GOD, AND NOT BY MANKIND.
The souls that STRIVE CEASELESSLY TO UPHOLD THE TEACHINGS
AND COMMANDMENTS of our Lord Jesus Christ are
greeted by GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, Who GRANTS US
INCORRUPTIBLE AND ETERNAL SPIRITUAL JOY: Rejoice
greatly, O Daughter of Zion! i.e. the Children of the
Holy Church of Christ for WE BELONG TO NO ONE BUT
GOD!
 Z A C H A R I A H 9 : 9 - ...Proclaim it aloud, O Daughter of
Jerusalem! Behold! The King is coming to Thee -
Just, and Saviour! He is Meek and riding upon an
ass, and a young foal!
We have felt the Grace-filled Peace of Christ, and we
have become THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF THIS DIVINE
PEACE!
We have been RENEWED WITH SPIRITUAL YOUTH and WE HAVE
COME TO KNOW CHRISTS KINGDOM BY OUR SPIRITUAL
EXPERIENCE!
THE PASSIONS ARE TAMED IN US BY THE DIVINE GRACE AND POWER
OF THE RIDER WHO STEERS US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
OUR NATURAL QUALITIES CANNOT BREAK THEIR NATURAL LAWS.
They cannot go beyond their boundaries and be
transformed into uncontrolled passions!
TAKING ALL OUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND ACTIONS FROM OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST, WE CAN AND MUST PROCLAIM HIM!
 P S A L M 2 1 : 2 2 ...Proclaim the Name of the Lord to
your Brethren... and hymn Him ... in the midst of
the Congregation! (Church).
Having been BORN OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and thus as CHILDREN
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, we are able to BEHOLD THE SPIRITUAL
PROCESSION OF OUR LORD AND KING!
We are able to BEHOLD THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF OUR LORD AND
KING!
 M A T T H E W 1 1 : 2 9 - He is ...Meek and Lowly in
heart ...
 P S A L M 2 4 : 9 - and He ...will Guide the Meek in
Judgement; He will teach the Meek His Ways,
OUR TRIUNE GOD IS SPIRIT AND IS INCOMPARABLE TO ANY OF HIS
CREATED SPIRITS, AS HE IS IN ALL ASPECTS INFINITELY
DIFFERENT TO ALL HIS CREATURES.
Our Lord Gods created spirits are His Thrones and
Chariots.
OUR LORD IS SEATED AND RIDES UPON THE CHERUBIM; HE IS SEATED
AND RIDES UPON THOSE BLESSED AND SANCTIFIED HUMAN SOULS
WHO HAVE WILLINGLY AND EAGERLY SUBMITTED TO HIM AND
OFFERED ALL THEIR NATURAL QUALITIES TO HIM AS WHOLE
BURNT OFFERINGS.
Our Lord, our Saviour and our King, Jesus Christ, rides
upon such Perfected souls, and - JOYFULLY LEADING ALL
THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME HOLY AND SANCTIFIED - HE
TRIUMPHANTLY ENTERS THE HOLY CITY OF GOD!
Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the King of Israel
Who comes in the Name of God!
Amen.
ST IGNATIOS (BRIANCHANINOV)
TRANSLATED FROM RUSSIAN BY NUN CORNELIA (REES)
HTTP://WWW.PRAVOSLAVIE.RU/ENGLISH/34671.HTM
9 APRIL 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

21 April 2017

Bright Friday of Holy Pascha The Life-giving Spring

Also the Feast of St Januarios, Bishop of Benevento, St Proklos, St Sossios & St Faustos, the Deacons, St Desiderios the
Reader, St Eutychios & St Acution of Pozzuoli St Theodore & St Philippa, his mother, St Dioskoros, St Socrates & St
Dionysios of Perge, Pamphylia St Isaac, St Apollos & St Quadratos of Nicomedia St Maximian, Patriarch of
Constantinople

PASCHAL APOLYTIKION TONE (5) PLAGAL 1

Hristos Anesti, ek nekron, Thanato thanaton Christ is Risen from the dead; By Death trampling
patisas, Ke tis en tis mnimasin, Zoin harisamenos [3] upon death, And has bestowed Life to those in the
tombs. [3]
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION & STIHI TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
Anastito O Theos, ke diaskorpisthitoan i ehthri aftou, ke PRIEST Let God Arise, and let His enemies be scattered,
figetosan apo prosopou aftou i misountes Afton. and let those who hate Him flee from before His
1. Os eklipi kapnos eklipetosan, os tikete kiros apo Sight.
prosopou piros. 1. As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish, as wax melts
2. Outos apolounte i amartoli apo prospou tou Theou. Ke before the fire.
i Dikei evfranthitosan. 2. So shall the sinners perish from the Sight of God. And
let the Righteous be glad.
3. Afti i imera, in epiisen O Kyrios. Agalia-sometha ke 3. This is the Day the Lord made. Let us greatly Rejoice
evfranthomen en afti. and be glad therein.
Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton eonon. Spirit

Amin Now and ever, and to the Ages of ages.

Amen
 GO STRAIGHT TO THE GREAT LITANY, AS IN
MATINS  
FIRST PASCHAL ANTIPHON PSALM 65/66 TONE 2
1. Alalazate to Theo, pasa i Gi! 1. Shout to God, all the Earth!
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
2. Psalate di to Onomati Aftou, dote Doxan enesi Aftou. Saviour, Save us.
2. Sing now to His Name; give Glory to His Praise.
3. Ipate to Theo: Os Fovera ta Erga Sou. En to plithi tis
Dinameos Sou psevsonte Se i ehthri Sou... 3. Say to God, How Awesome art Thy Works! In
4. Greatness of Thy Power Thine enemies will lie to
5. . Pasa i gi proskinisatosan Si ke psalatosan Si, Thee...
psalatosan to Onomati Sou. . . . Let all the earth worship Thee and sing to Thee; let
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is them sing to Thy Name!
tous Eonas ton eonon. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Amin Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amen
SMALL LITANY 
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON HOLY PASCHA TONE 2
1. O Theos iktirise imas ke Evlogise imas, epifane to 1. May God be Gracious to us, and Bless us; may He
Prosopon Aftou ef imas ke eleise imas. cause His Sight to shine upon us and have Mercy on
us.
Soson imas Iie Theou, O A N A S T A S E K N E K R O N , O Son of God, W H O A R O S E F R O M T H E D E A D , Save us
psallontas Si: Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia
2. Tou gnone en ti gi tin Odon Sou, en pasin Ethnesi to 2. That we may know His Way on the earth - Thy
Sotirion Sou. Salvation among all the Gentiles.
3. Let the Nations give Thanks to Thee, O God; let all the
3. Exomologisasthosan Si lai, O Theos, people praise Thee.
exomologisasthosan Si lai pantes. 4. May God Bless us , and let all the ends of the Earth be
4. Evlogise imas O Theos, ke fovithitosan Afton panta ta in fear of Him.

BRIGHT FRIDAY THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING 21 APRIL 2017 13.

 perata tis Gis.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon. Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
O MONOGENIS... SMALL LITANY 
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON HOLY PASCHA TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
1. Anastito O Theos, ke diaskorpisthitosan i ehthri Aftou, 1. . Let God Arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and
ke figetosan apo Prosopou Aftou imisountes Afton. let those who hate Him flee from His Sight.
Hristos Anesti ek nekron, Thanato Thanaton Christ has Risen from the dead, by Death
patistas, ke tis en tis mnimasi, Zoin harisamenos! trampling upon Death, and has bestowed Life to
those in the tombs!
2. Os eklipi kapnos eklipetosan, os tikete kiros apo 2. As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish; as wax melts
Prosopou Piros... before the fire...
3. Outos apolounte i amartoli apo Prosopou tou Theou ke i 3. Let sinners perish from the Sight of God. And let the
Dikei evfranthitosan. Righteous be glad...
4. Afti i imera, in epiisen O Kyrios! Agalliasometha ke 4. This is the Day the Lord made! Let us greatly Rejoice
evfranthomen en Afti! and be glad therein!
PASCHAL IPAKOI TONE 4
Prolavouse ton orthron e peri Mariaim, ke evrouse ton When the Women with Mary had gone before dawn and
ithon apokilisthenta tou mnimatos, ikouson ek tosou found that the stone had been rolled away from the
Angelou: Ton en Foti aidio iparhonta, meta nekron ti sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why do You
zitite os Anthropon? Vlepete ta entafia spargana. seek among the dead, as mortal man, the One Who
Dramete, ke to kosmo kiriate, os igerthi O Kyrios, exists in Everlasting Light? See the grave wrappings in
thanatosas ton Thanaton. Oti iparhi Theou Iios, tou the Tomb. Run and proclaim to the world that our Lord
Sozontos to genos ton anthropon. has Risen, and put Death to death; for He is the Son of
God Who Saves mankind.
PASCHAL KONTAKION OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ex akenotou Sou Pigis Theoharistote epivravevis mi O Lady, Full of Grace Divine, Thou ever grant to me Thy
pigazousa ta namata, aenaos tis Sis Haritos iper Logon. Graces Waters, which are gushing forth continually
Ton gar Logon os tekousan iper ennian, iketevo Se from Thy never-failing Spring Beyond Understanding.
drosizin me Si Hariti, ina krazo Si: Here, Idor Sotirion! Thou gave Birth to God the Logos Inexplicably, so I
pray to Thee for Thy Gift of Grace that Refreshes me,
as I cry to Thee: Rejoice, O Waters of Deliverance!
PASCHAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
I ke en Tafo katilthes Athanate, alla tou Adou kathiles tin Although Thou went down into the Tomb, O Immortal,
dinamin. Ke Anestis os Nikitis, Hriste O Theos, Gynexi Thou brought down the dominion of Hades; and Thou
Myrooris fthegxamenos: Herete! ke tis Sis Apostolis Rose as Victor, O Christ our God. And Thou called out:
Irinin doroumenos, O tis pesousis parehon Anastasin. Hail! to the Myrrhbearing Women, and granted Peace
to Thine Apostles, O Lord Who to the fallen grant
Resurrection.
INSTEAD OF THE THRICE HOLY HYMN
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put
Allelouia! (3) on Christ. Alleluia!
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon. Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
Hriston enedisasthe. Allelouia! Have put on Christ. Allelouia!
Dynamis! Power!
Kelefson, Despota! With Thy Blessing, Master.
Evlogimenos O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Evlogison, Despota, tin Ano Kathedran Master, Bless the Throne on High.
Evlogimenos i, O epi Thronou Doxis tis Vasilias Sou, O Blessed art Thou on the Throne of Glory of Thy Kingdom,
Kathimenos epi ton Heroubim, pantote, nin ke ai ke is seated upon the Cherubim always, now and forever,
tous eonas ton eonon. and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
Me Dynamis! With Power!
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put
Allelouia! on Christ: Alleluia!
PASCHAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 46/47 TONE 3
Psalate to Theo imon! Psalate, psalate to Vasili imon! Sing Praises to our God! Sing, sing Praises to our King!
Psalate! Sing Praises!
Panta ta Ethni krotisate hiras! Alalaxate to Theo en foni All you Nations: clap your hands! Shout to God with the
agalliaseos! voice of rejoicing.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2 : 38 43
In those day, Peter said to the people: Repent, and be Baptised every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the
Forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. For the Promise is to you and to your
children, and to all who are far off every one whom the Lord our God Calls to Him.
With many other words he Testified, and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this crooked generation!

14. BRIGHT FRIDAY THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING 21 APRIL 2017

Those who received his word were Baptised, and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They
devoted themselves to the Apostles Teaching and Fellowship, to the Breaking of Bread, and to the Prayers. Fear
came upon every soul - many Wonders and Signs were done through the Apostles.
St Peter defined CHRISTIAN LIFE WITHIN OUR LORDS HOLY The more we do for God and for others, the more we will
CHURCH. receive in return, but WE MUST NEVER DO ANYTHING WITH
 M ATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20 - Our Lord Jesus Christ had THE EXPECTATION OF REWARD.
instructed His Apostles to THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM REFLECTS THIS SELF-SACRIFICING
1. ... MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS... WAY OF LIFE - I.E. LIFE IN CHRIST, WHOM WE HAVE ...PUT
2. BAPTISE AND CHRISMATE THEM ... in the Name of the ON... AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM and in Whom we must
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit... continue to LIVE WORTHILY AND HONOURABLY.
3. TEACH THEM PROPERLY so that they will ... OBSERVE ADULT OR CHILDREN CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM MUST BE
ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED you... THOROUGHLY INSTRUCTED AND ENLIGHTENED BY SPIRITUALLY
According to the Divine Commandment of our Lord EXPERIENCED TEACHERS OR SPIRITUAL FATHERS.
and Saviour, as His willing, eager and Faithful BEFORE THEIR BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION, THEY MUST REPENT
Disciples AFTER WE RECEIVE THE DIVINE MYSTERIES OF AND CONFESS THEIR SINS, and SINCERELY RENOUNCE
BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION, WE MUST CONTINUE TO EVERYTHING WICKED THAT IS INVENTED BY SATAN, which
REPENT AND CONFESS OUR SINS, BE GUIDED BY OUR alienates us from God and all His Love and Goodness.
SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND TEACHERS AND STRIVE TO FULFIL WE ARE BAPTISED IN EACH NAME OF THE THREE PERSONS OF THE
ALL OUR SAVIOURS TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS. HOLY TRINITY BY THREE IMMERSIONS into the Baptismal
Having received the Seal of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Waters that have been prepared and Blessed before
and by our voluntary, humble Obedience to Christ, BEING SANCTIFIED AND EMPOWERED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
we will be able to make good Spiritual Progress. WE ARE CHRISMATED WITH HOLY CHRISM, WHICH SEALS US WITH
LIFE IN CHRIST MEANS CONTINUAL SELF-EXAMINATION AND THE GIFTS OF THE GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT MAKES US FULL,
REPENTANCE-CONFESSION, without which we cannot WORTHY MEMBERS OF CHRISTS BODY HIS HOLY CHURCH
grow closer to God and His Heavenly Kingdom. and thus ENABLES US TO FULLY PARTICIPATE AND PARTAKE OF
REGULAR ATTENDANCE OF HOLY SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE HER HOLY MYSTERIES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR SALVATION
YEAR, AS WELL AS THE PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION OF AND ETERNAL LIFE, AS THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD AND
THE ESSENTIAL HOLY MYSTERIES of Confession and CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST.
Eucharist before and at every Divine Liturgy, as WE ARE TAUGHT THE APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE (TEACHINGS OF
well as the Blessings and Sanctification of Holy CHRIST) IN THE HOLY FELLOWSHIP OF A COMMON ASSEMBLY,
Unction, KEEPS US IN GOOD SPIRITUAL HEALTH. THE BREAKING OF THE EUCHARISTIC BREAD AND SPECIFIC
Furthermore, WE ARE TO FULFIL OUR SACRED DUTIES TO GOD LITURGICAL PRAYERS.
AND OUR FELLOW MANKIND EVERY DAY, in all The Hebrews had practised Liturgical Prayer for
circumstances and situations by means of Prayer, centuries, the preeminent Prayers being the Psalms.
Fasting (when required) and performing Acts of AS THE INSPIRED AND HEARTFELT PSALMS of St David, the Royal
Charity/Love for one another. Psalmist and Holy Prophet of God, POINT SO CLEARLY TO
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE ARE UNDER HIS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, THEY WERE IMMEDIATELY
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND TEACHINGS THAT REQUIRE OUR INCORPORATED INTO OUR NEW COVENANT WORSHIP.
WILLING SELF-DISCIPLINE, SELF-CONTROL AND SELF- PSALM 50/51 IS THE PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, which we
DENIAL. recite during Matins and the Divine Liturgy and
In imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must be eager every day according to our Daily Rule of Prayer as
and willing to SERVE BOTH GOD AND OUR FELLOW MANKIND, well as during various other Holy Services.
rather than seeking self-gratification or being
controlled by our own desires.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 3 : 1 15
At that time, there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nikodemos, a Ruler of the Judeans. He went to Jesus by night,
and said to Him: Rabbi, we know that thou art a Teacher Who has come from God, for no one can do these Signs
that Thou does, unless God is with Him. Jesus answered him: Truly, truly, I say to Thee: unless one is Born from
Above, he cannot behold the Kingdom of God. Nikodemos said to Him: How can a man be born when he is old?
Can he enter into his mothers womb a second time, and be born?
Jesus replied: Truly, truly, I say to Thee: unless one is Born of Water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of
God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh, and that which is Born of the Spirit, is spirit. Do not marvel that I
said to Thee Thou must be Born from Above. The wind blows where it wills, and Thou hear the sound of it, but
Thou dost not know whence it comes or whither it goes. So it is with everyone who is Born of the Spirit.
Nikodemos said to him: How can this be? Jesus answered him: Thou art a Teacher of Israel, yet Thou dost not
understand this?
Truly, truly, I say to Thee: We speak of what We know, and bear Witness to what We have seen, yet Thou dost not
receive Our Testimony. If I have told Thee earthly things, and Thou dost not believe, if I tell Thee Heavenly
Things, how can Thou believe?
No one has Ascended into Heaven but He Who Descended from Heaven the Son of Man Who is in Heaven. And as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him
may have Eternal Life.
ST NIKODEMOS BELIEVED THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS FROM FROM GOD THROUGH OUR FAITH IN OUR LORD AND
GOD, YET HIS FAITH WAS STILL WEAK AS HE WAS AFRAID OF HIS SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
PEERS, WHICH WAS THE REASON FOR GOING TO OUR LORD AT This Heavenly Rebirth is THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND
NIGHT. CHRISMATION, AND OUR DIVINE ADOPTION BY GOD OUR
AFTER HIS TRUE CONVERSION, ST NIKODEMOS FAITH DEEPENED TO HEAVENLY FATHER.
THE POINT OF BOLDLY AND COURAGEOUSLY DARING TO DEFEND OUR HEAVENLY REBIRTH IS THE VERY BEGINNING OF OUR
OUR LORD JESUS against the false accusations of the SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST OUR ULTIMATE GOAL OR
Sanhedrin Council, AND LATER, MAKING A PUBLIC DESTINATION BEING ENTRANCE INTO HIS HEAVENLY
CONFESSION OF FAITH BY CLAIMING THE BODY OF OUR SAVIOUR KINGDOM.
AND THEN PREPARING AND ENTOMBING HIM. Furthermore, WE ARE REBORN EVERY TIME WE REPENT,
St Nikodemos is Commemorated together with the eight CONFESS AND PARTAKE OF HOLY COMMUNION.
Holy Myrrhbearers and St Joseph of Arimathea on the St Nikodemos had misunderstood the meaning of being
Third Sunday of Pascha. Born from Above and obviously questioned the
St Nikodemos was Baptised by St Peter and was impossibility of a second physical birth.
consequently forced to resign from the Sanhedrin A variety of misunderstandings were frequently noted in
Council and flee from Jerusalem. the Holy Gospel according to St John. (JOHN 2 : 19 21;
Born from Above is also translated as being Born JOHN 4 : 10 14 & 30 34; JOHN 6:27; JOHN 7: 37 39; JOHN 11
again, and clearly refers to a HEAVENLY REBIRTH : 11 15)

BRIGHT FRIDAY THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING 21 APRIL 2017 15.

OUR LORD JESUS USED THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO ELEVATE IDEAS
FROM SUPERFICIAL, MUNDANE OR EARTHLY TO HEAVENLY AND
ETERNAL REVELATIONS.
OUR SPIRITUAL REBIRTH by ... Water and the Spirit... is a
direct reference to THE NEW COVENANT HOLY MYSTERY OF
BAPTISM AND THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
BESTOWED UPON US AT THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION.
ADOPTION AS CHILDREN OF GOD is not a matter of blood
i.e. Ethnic descent as it was according to the
Old Covenant, nor are we the Children of God
simply by ... the will of the flesh... i.e. by natural
birth nor by ... the will of mankind... i.e. by
our own decision.
OUR ADOPTION AS CHILDREN OF GOD IS A SPIRITUAL REBIRTH BY
DIVINE GRACE, THROUGH OUR PERSONAL FAITH, AND BY THE
POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO MAKES ALL
THINGS POSSIBLE.
OUR DIVINE ADOPTION CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED AND
MANIFESTED IN THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND
CHRISMATION.
The wind blows... is a play on words for the Greek word
Pnevma means both wind and Spirit.
THE WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR REBIRTH IS INDEED AS
MYSTERIOUS AS THE SOURCE AND DESTINATION OF THE
BLOWING WIND.
Likewise, THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES WHEREVER HE WILLS AND
CANNOT BE RESTRICTED OR CONTAINED BY HUMAN IDEAS,
MOTIVES OR AGENDAS.
OUR ULTIMATE GOAL - ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS HEAVENLY KINGDOM ELDER EPHRAIM
Do not forget your Goal, my Child!
Look into Heaven and see the Beauty that awaits us.
What are the present, earthly things? Arent they but
ashes and dust and a dream?
Dont we see that everything here is subject to decay,
whereas Things Above are Everlasting -, the
Kingdom of God is endless - and Blessed are those
who will dwell in it, for they will behold the Glory of
His Divine Face!
My Child, do not forget that we are in this world only
temporarily and that our life dangles by a thread,
and that all the desirable things in the world are
vain.
So, whoever despises the vain things of this worldin
other words, those who do not passionately desire
themwill participate in the Eternal Good Things.
So, when we have this Knowledge of Divine Truth,
naturally, we shall turn the eyes of our soul at every
moment towards the Eternal Life - towards the
Heavenly Jerusalem, where Choirs of Angels chant
Godly Canticles of Ineffable Sweetness and Wisdom.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST NEKTARIOS OF AEGINA & PENTAPOLIS For only with Gods Help are we able to observe and
We must put all our cares before our Lord God Who
cares for us.
We must never become faint-hearted, and we must not
distress ourselves.
He Who sees into the hidden depths of a our soul, knows
our desires and He has the Power to fulfil them as He
knows is best for us for our Spiritual Benefit and
Welfare.
We must beseech God in all circumstances, and we
must not lose courage but rest assured in His Divine
Grace and Love.
We must never think that, since the longing we may
have is Holy, we have a right to complain when our
Prayers are not answered according to our will, for
our Lord God fulfils our Prayers and longings in
ways that we cannot and do not know!
So be at Peace and always call upon God.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
We must constantly Watch our heart throughout our
lifespan.
We must examine our heart ceaselessly by listening
objectively to it, and seeing what prevents our Holy
Union with our Most Blessed Lord.
Constant self-examination must be for us Faithful
Disciples of Christ, the Science of all Sciences!
16. BRIGHT FRIDAY THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING
According to St John Chrysostom, earthly things refer
to THE DIVINE GRACE AND HOLY BAPTISM THAT IS GRANTED TO
MANKIND.
These are earthly not in the sense of being
unspiritual but only in the sense that THEY OCCUR ON
EARTH AND GRANTED TO GODS EARTHLY INTELLECTUAL
CREATURES I.E. TO MANKIND.
Heavenly Things involve THE UNGRASPABLE DIVINE
MYSTERIES OF THE ETERNAL GENERATION OF GOD THE SON
FROM GOD THE FATHER, WHICH RELATES TO HIS ETERNAL
EXISTENCE BEFORE ALL TIME AND TO GODS DIVINE PLAN OF
SALVATION FOR MANKIND.
WE MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND THE WAYS IN WHICH THE LORD
OUR GOD WORKS AMONG MANKIND before we can even
begin to understand anything that pertains to our
Triune God Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
ST MOSES LIFTED UP A BRONZE SERPENT ON A WOODEN STAFF TO
CURE THE ISRAELITES FROM DEADLY BITES OF POISONOUS
SNAKES during their 40 year sojourn in the wilderness
before entering the Promised Land. (NUMBERS 21 : 4 9)
THAT WONDER-WORKING ICON PREFIGURED OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST BEING LIFTED UP ON HIS CROSS.
As we, His Faithful Disciples, behold our crucified Christ
in Faith, THE ENSLAVING, SICKENING POWER OF SIN AND DEATH
IS OVERTHROWN IN US.
Just as the image of the serpent was the Life-Saving
Weapon the antidote against venomous
snakes, so, too, THAT HIDEOUS INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE
AND EXECUTION BECAME THE ALL POWERFUL, LIFE-GIVING
WEAPON AND ANTIDOTE AGAINST SIN AND DEATH ITSELF!
OF ARIZONA & MOUNT ATHOS
Oh, my Children! how much Glory our soul will have
when, after death, we ascend to the Heavens and
are numbered with the Angelic Hosts!
Let us Glorify our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, Who counted
us worthy to celebrate His Holy Resurrection!
Let us pray that He will also count us worthy to
celebrate the Eternal Sabbath in Heaven - in the
New Jerusalem, in the Eternal Joy!
And no one will take this Joy away from you! (JOHN
16:22)
Indeed, my Children. Earthly Joy is followed by
sorrows, which can annihilate it, whereas Heavenly
Joy is not, because it flows continuously as if from an
Inexhaustible and Life-Giving Spring!
Let us compel ourselves in our Christian Duties in order
to be able to properly celebrate the
Eternal Pascha* close to our Lord Jesus Christ and to
see Him face to face for our Blessed Enjoyment,
without being distracted nor interrupted by any
trials and despair!
http://www.orthodoxpath.org
correct by Repentance whatever errors and sins
estrange us from God.
Only thus are we able to draw closer to God and
become United to Him.
It is the evil spirit more than anything else that stands
between us and God, for he alienates us from God
by various passions - by the selfish desires of the
flesh the desires of our senses and by worldly
pride.
ARCHIMANDRITE EMILIANOS
We are caught up in a life-long Struggle between
Darkness and Light, between corruption and
Incorruption, between Death and Life, and thus
between Hell Eternal Condemnation and Death -
and God Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of
Love.
Due to this perpetual predicament, we fall and rise
and fall and rise, again and again! (Sin is Spiritual
Death, while Repentance is Spiritual Life.)
And even though Christ ...presented Himself Living...
He also established within His Holy Church the
Mystery of Repentance-Confession so that we can
constantly enjoy the right to assume the Life of God -
to make Life in Christ our own.
21 APRIL 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 1 23 April 2017

2nd Sunday of Pascha The Belief of St Thomas

Feast of St George the Great Holy Martyr & Victory-bearer St Alexandra the Empress St
Anatolios & St Protoleon, Roman Soldiers St Lazaros, New Martyr of Bulgaria

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 MATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20

THE GREAT COMMISSION OF CHRIST

PASCHAL APOLYTIKION TONE (5) PLAGAL 1

Hristos Anesti, ek nekron, Thanato thanaton Christ is Risen from the dead; By Death trampling
patisas, Ke tis en tis mnimasin, Zoin harisamenos [3] upon death, And has bestowed Life to those in the
tombs. [3]
ENTRANCE HYMN TONE 2
En Ekklisies Evlogite ton Theon, Kyrion ek Pigon Israil. In the Churches Bless God - the Lord Who is the Source of
Soson imas Iie Theou, O Anastast ek nekron... Israel: Save us, O Son of God, Who Rose from the
dead...
Psallontas Si: Allilouia! Who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
HYMNS AFTER THE SMALL ENTRANCE
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION ST THOMAS SUNDAY TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Esfragismenou tou Mnimatos, i Zoi ek Tafou anetilas Hriste O Life, Thou rose from the Tomb, even though it was
O Theos. Ke ton Thiron keklismenon, tis Mathites secured with a seal, O Christ God. And although the
epestis i panton Anastasis, pnevma evthesdi afton doors were bolted, Thou went to Thy Disciples, O
egkenizon imin, kata to Mega Sou Eleos. Resurrection of all. Through them Thou Renew a
Right Spirit in us, according to Thy Great Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST GEORGE- TONE 4
Os ton ehmaloton Eleftherotis, ke ton ptohon Iperaspistis, As the Liberator of prisoners, and the Protector of those
asthenounton Iatros, vaileon Ipermahos, Tropeofore in poverty, Physician of the sick, and Defender of
Megalomartis Georgie, Presveve Hristo to Theo, Sothine ruling Kings, O George Triumphant Great Martyr,
tas psihas imon. intercede with Christ our God, so that our souls may
be Saved.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
I ke en Tafo katilthes Athante, alla tou Adou kathiles tin Although Thou went into the Tomb, O Immortal, yet Thou
dinamin. Ke Anestis os Nikitis, Hriste O Theos, Gynexi brought down the dominion of Hades; and Thou Rose
Myroforis fthegxamenos, Herete! Ke tis Sis Apostolis as Victor, O Christ our God. And Thou called out:
Irinini doroumenos, O tis pesousi parehon Anastasin. Hail! to the Myrrhbearing Women, and granted Peace
to Thine Apostles, O Lord Who to the fallen grants
Resurrection.
MEGALYNARION ST THOMAS SUNDAY - INSTEAD OF THE AXION ESTIN
Se tin fainin lampada, ke Mitera tou Theou, tin arizilon O Brightly Shining Lantern, and the Mother of our God, O
Doxan, ke anoteran panton ton piimaton, en imnis Conspicuous Glory! Thou art Superior to all Creation!
Megalinomen. We Hymn and Magnify Thee!
RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON - PSALM 63/64 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Evfranthisete Dikeos en Kyrio ke Elpii ep Afton. The Righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall
Hope in Him.
Isakouson, O Theos, tis Fonis mou, en to deesthe me pros Hear my voice, O God in my Supplications.
Se.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 12 : 1 11
THE MIRACULOUS LIBERATION OF ST PETER BY THE ANGEL OF GOD
About that time Herod the King stretched out his hand to harass some from the Church. He killed James, the brother of
John, with the sword. And, seeing that it pleased the Judeans, he also arrested Peter. It was during the Days of
Unleavened Bread.
After arresting Peter, Herod imprisoned him and delivered him to four Squads of Soldiers to guard him, intending after
Passover, to present him before the people.
When Peter was imprisoned, constant Prayers were offered to God for him by the Church.
That night, before Herod could have him taken out, Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers,
while guards stood at the doors, guarding the prison. And behold! An Angel of the Lord stood by him and a Light
shone in the prison.
Striking Peter on his side, he raised him up, saying: Arise, quickly! And the chains fell off his wrists. The Angel said to
him: Gird Thyself and tie on Thy sandals. He did so. And he said to him: Put on Thy cloak and follow me! And
Peter followed him, and truly did not know that the Angel was real, thinking he was seeing a Vision.

2ND SUNDAY OF PASCHA ANTIPASCHA BELIEF OF ST THOMAS FEAST OF ST GEORGE 23 APRIL 2017 17.
When they were past the first and the second guards, they arrived at the iron gate that led into the city, which opened
to them of its own accord! And they went down one street, and immediately the Angel departed from him.
And Peter had came to his senses and said: Now I know in Truth that the Lord has sent His Angel, and has Delivered
me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of Judea.
THE PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE At such times, SAINTS AND MARTYRS ARISE VICTORIOUSLY FROM
WORLD BEGAN IN JERUSALEM at the time of our Lords THE ASHES of war, devastation and indescribable
Crucifixion, and has worsened throughout the ages. cruelty.
The evil ones depraved slaves continuously persecute Let us pray that when we are persecuted or forced to
the Faithful Disciples of Christ, which OUR LORD JESUS suffer terrible circumstances, we will REMAIN STEADFAST
CHRIST HAD WARNED US WOULD HAPPEN. IN OUR LOVE AND FAITH IN OUR LORD GOD WHO NEVER
Persecution of Christians will continue unabated until our ABANDONS US!
Lords Second Appearance when all Creation will be THE TREMENDOUS POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS by the
judged. Holy Church of Christ on behalf of its Leaders IS
DURING TIMES OF INTENSE SUFFERING, WE SHOULD GROW ALL EVIDENT FROM ST PETERS MIRACULOUS RELEASE from a
THE MORE STRONGER IN OUR FAITH, WHICH BRINGS US CLOSER securely guarded prison by the Angel of God.
TO OUR LORD GOD. St Peters initial confusion and subsequent
THOSE WHOSE FAITH REMAINS UNWAVERING, WILL ENDURE FAR understanding concerning his sudden release from
BETTER THAN THOSE WHO HAVE WEAK OR NO FAITH AT ALL. prison demonstrate that GODS DIVINE WORKS ARE NOT
WE CAN LEARN ABOUT FAITHFUL ENDURANCE FROM OUR WISE HOLY ALWAYS CLEAR TO US WHILE THEY ARE UNFOLDING, BUT IN
FATHERS AND MOTHERS, AND OTHER FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS HINDSIGHT HIS DIVINE PURPOSE OFTEN BECOMES QUITE CLEAR
WHO HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED PERSECUTION, TORTURE AND TO US.
IMPRISONMENT FOR THE SAKE OF THEIR LOVE OF GOD AND
TAKE COURAGE, FOR GOD IS INDEED ALWAYS WITH US!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 20 : 19 31
THE SACRED COMMISSION OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
On the evening of that day the first day of the week the doors being shut where the Disciples were for fear of the
Judeans, Jesus came and stood among them, and said to them: Peace be with you! And when He had said this,
He showed them His Hands and His Side.
The Disciples were glad when they beheld our Lord.
Jesus said to them again: Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, even so, I send you. And having said this,
He breathed on them, and said to them: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.
If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
Thomas one of the Twelve, who was called the Twin was not with them when Jesus had Appeared. The other
Disciples told him: We have seen our Lord! He said to them: Unless I see in His Wrists the imprint of the nails, and
place my finger in the marks of the nails, and place my hand in His Side, I will not believe!
And eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus
came, and stood amidst them, and said: Peace be with you!
To Thomas He said: Put your finger here, and see My Wrists; and stretch forth your hand, and place it in My Side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe! And answering, Thomas said to Him: My Lord and my God!
Jesus said to him: Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen, yet
believe!
Many other Signs were done by Jesus in the presence of His Disciples, which are not written in this book. These are
written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing, you may have Life in
His Name.
This Account is one of eleven Divine Appearances of our Disciples to invite St Thomas to touch Him and to
Resurrected Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to His examine His Wounds, yet His Faithful Apostle, St
faithful Holy Apostles and Disciples. Thomas, had no need to do so and instead,
St Thomas had been nick-named the Twin by our Lord spontaneously made his heartfelt Confession: My
because he always examined everything carefully Lord and my God!
before accepting it as Truth or worthy. The Eighth Day is also an oblique reminder of Judgement Day
St Thomas had great Faith and was devoted to our Lord, and Eternity, when the Divine Truth of all Creation is clearly
always ready to accompany Him, no matter where it revealed and judged! mp
led them or how dangerous it might be for them. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST COMMISSIONED HIS HOLY APOSTLES
St Thomas had no doubts concerning our Saviour, but TO CONTINUE HIS DIVINE MISSION on Earth, by
typically, would not take the word of others before GRANTING THEM THE POWER AND ENERGY OF THE HOLY
checking them out for himself. SPIRIT WHO MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ACHIEVE ALL
Hence his declaration Unless I see ... GOOD THINGS ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE
This characteristic attribute of St Thomas is described in FATHER, THROUGH CHRIST.
our Hymns as Blessed for it was not a doubt of OUR LORD JESUS GRANTED THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO HIS
resistance to the Truth but rather his desire for Divine HOLY APOSTLES AND THROUGH THE UNBROKEN
Truth Absolute Truth, not anyones idea of truth or APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION, TO THE GENERATIONS OF
reality. ORDAINED BISHOPS AND PRIESTS throughout the
St Thomas incredulity was ... a doubt that gave birth to centuries - so that THEY COULD EITHER FORGIVE OR
Faith... when the Truth was confirmed by Revelation. RETAIN THE SINS OF THOSE WHO REPENTED THEIR SINS AND
Hymns of Sunday of St Thomas state that Christ said to St WHO CONFESSED AND SOUGHT DIVINE FORGIVENESS AND
Thomas: ... Thine incredulity will teach My Passion ABSOLUTION THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF
and Resurrection to all! REPENTANCE-CONFESSION.
And indeed it is affirmed that the double-mindedness of It is significant that our Lord ...breathed upon them...
St Thomas ... brought the heart of Believers to in order to bestow the Divine Authority, Power and
Knowledge! Energy of the Holy Trinity for OUR CREATOR BREATHES
The final Conversion to Faith of St Thomas need for Truth LIFE INTO EACH CONCEPTION OF MANKIND just as HE HAD
led him to the clearest Confession of our Saviours ORIGINALLY BREATHED LIFE INTO THE MOUND OF EARTH
Divinity, addressing Him so sincerely as My Lord and WITH WHICH HE FORMED ADAM, OUR ORIGINAL
my God! FOREFATHER.
Years later, after the Dormition and entombment of our Lady THROUGH THIS DIRECT DIVINE CONSECRATION AND THROUGH
Theotokos, once again, it was St Thomas who had arrived THE CONTINUITY OF THE UNBROKEN APOSTOLIC
late, and upon whose insistence the sealed, guarded tomb SUCCESSION, OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS OWN ETERNAL
had been opened to pay his last respects, which revealed PRIESTHOOD IS COMMUNICATED TO THE ORDAINED BISHOPS
the absence of Her Sanctified, All Pure Body. mp AND PRESBYTERS OF HIS HOLY CHURCH.
Eight days later, our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ
again appeared before His Faithful Apostles and

18. 2 N D S U N D A Y OF PASCHA ANTIPASCHA BELIEF OF ST THOMAS FEAST OF ST GEORGE 23 APRIL 2017

 2ND SUNDAY OF PASCHA SUNDAY
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Beloved Brethren in Christ: Belief in the Great Miracle of
the Resurrection did not come immediately to the Holy
Apostles and Disciples of Christ.
The first Witnesses to the Empty Tomb and abandoned
burial clothes were the eight Holy Myrrh-bearing
Women, led by our Lady, Theotokos.
It was still dark out when they hastened to the cave in the
garden belonging to St Joseph of Arimathea wherein
our crucified Lord Jesus Christ had been entombed.
The huge stone that had sealed the entrance had been
rolled aside so that they could see the Empty Tomb,
and while they stared in astonishment, an Angel of
God appeared before them and said: Fear not, for I
know that ye seek Jesus, Who was crucified. He is not
here: for He is Risen, as He said. Come, see the place
where the Lord lay... (MATTHEW 28:56)
It was enough for them to see the Empty Tomb and hear
the words of the Angel in order for them to believe.
Their sensitive and loving hearts were not touched by
any doubt, and as they rushed off to tell His Apostles
the Joyful News of His Resurrection, our Lord Jesus
Himself met them and said: Rejoice! And they
came and held Him by the Feet, and worshipped
Him. (MATTHEW 28:9)
However, initially, His Holy Apostles did not believe the
Holy Myrrh-bearers!
On that same day, when evening had come, our
Resurrected Lord Jesus revealed the Great Mystery of
His Resurrection to two more Faithful Apostles St Luke
and St Cleopa, of His Seventy Apostles, who were
walking along the road to Emmaus, ...which was
from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs... i.e. 11.5
km or 7.15 miles. (LUKE. 24:13)
They had not recognised Him, despite having been close
friends and related to Him.
To enable them to believe in His Resurrection our Lord
Jesus Christ cited the many Messianic Prophecies
from Holy Scripture. (CF. LUKE 24:27)
They only recognised Who He was and thus fully believed
His Resurrection when ... He sat at the table with
them... took bread, Blessed it, and broke it, and gave
to them. And their eyes were opened... (LUKE 24:3031)
St Luke and St Cleopas returned that same day to
Jerusalem and told the Apostles and Disciples what
had happened, but they still refused to believe them -
just as they disbelieved the Holy Myrrh-bearers.
Later that evening, our Lord Jesus Appeared before His
Apostles, who had gathered together behind locked
doors, out of fear of the Judeans and Roman
authorities.
Our Saviour was not prevented from appearing before
them by locked doors or solid walls, which revealed a
unique fact that His Resurrected Body was somehow
Transformed, and was no longer subject to the
natural laws of our physical world.
His Apostles and Disciples were obviously perplexed for
they initially assumed that they had seen a ghost, but
He immediately reassured them with His salutation
and by showing them His Hands and His Side, thereby
convincing them not only that He was physically
present, but also to overcome their incredulity and
unbelief.
Our Lord invited them to examine His pierced Hands,
Feet, and Side that proved to them that this was the
same Person Who had been crucified on the Cross.
ST PORPHYRIOS ON TRUE FAITH
St Porphyrios believes that True Faith is based on our
Love of God - not on the form but on substance of
this Love.
He called it Eros or Love with passion, and when we
have this kind of Love for God, we receive His Grace,
and we live in His Divine Light.
When we have His Divine Light there is no Darkness and
no matter what we face, we will find Goodness.
St Porphyrios used the example of ancient, primitive
people who lived in a cave and blocked the
entrance to keep the wind out.
2ND SUNDAY OF PASCHA ANTIPASCHA BELIEF
OF ST THOMAS
The Events to which Antipascha is dedicated occurred
on the eighth day after the Resurrection.
St Thomas had not present at our Saviours first
Appearance to these Faithful Disciples who had so
joyfully announced their Beloved Teachers
Resurrection to him, and how He had allowed them
to examine His Wounds.
Thus, St Thomas characteristic desire for confirmation of
this is understandable: ... unless I see in His Hands
the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print
of the nails, and thrust my hand into His Side, I will not
believe! (JOHN 20:25)
His incredulity or need for verification of Christs
Resurrection had nothing to do with the stubborn
rejection of Divine Truth that is so clearly evident in
the Judeans.
It was a perfectly natural need to confirm his Faith
through manifested and obvious Testimony.
Our Resurrected Lord Renewed His Appearance to His
Apostles on the eighth day, standing before them in
the chamber where the doors where securely locked
and bolted.
He answered St Thomas earlier statement with the same
words that St Thomas had used to express it, which
must have amazed him: Reach Thy finger here, and
look at My Hands; and reach thy hand here, and
thrust it into My Side! Do not be unbelieving, but
believe! (JOHN 20:27)
Consequently, St Thomas had no need to either examine
nor touch His Wounds, for he immediately believed
and Confessed his absolute Faith in Christ: My Lord
and my God!
Those who stubbornly reject the Divine Nature and
Identity of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, usually
avoid this particular passage of the Holy Gospel.
The first week after Holy Pascha Sunday is referred to as
Renewal Week or Antipascha Week. (The Greek
prefix, anti, means in place of.)
In other words, this entire week is The Renewal of
Pascha and is regarded as ONE WHOLE DAY.
On this 2nd Sunday of Pascha, our Lord Jesus Christ
repeated and Renewed for His eleven Apostles as well
as those Disciples who had gathered with them, His
Appearance on the first day of His Resurrection, but
particularly for the sake of St Thomas.
Therefore, today is entitled The Eighth Day After
Pascha, Sunday of St Thomas or Sunday of the
Belief of St Thomas.
Following directly after Antipascha Week, it completes
the most solemn part of this Great Holy Feast.
According to St Gregory the Theologian : The law of
honouring the Day of Renewal is ancient and of
good intent; or it would be better to say: ...to honour
with the Day of Renewal a New Act of Goodness.
But was not the First Day of Resurrection, the Sunday that
followed the Holy and Light-Bearing Night, the Day of
Renewal? Why is that name given to the present day?
That day was the Day of Salvation, and this day is the
Day of Remembrance of Salvation... (HOMILY 44, ON THE
SUNDAY OF RENEWAL).
Amen.
H IEROMONK J OB (G UMEROV )
T RANSLAT ION BY O RTHO C HRISTI AN . COM
HTTP :// W WW . PRAVOSL AVIE . RU / EN GLISH /46216. HTM
Inside the cave it was dark and there was little oxygen,
so they were not very healthy.
When they went outside they would be rejuvenated by
the sunlight and fresh air.
It is the same for us when we receive the Light of Christ.
Without His Divine Light we suffer ill health like the cave
dwellers, living in Spiritual Darkness and unable to
breathe properly.
Divine Light transforms us and our Spiritual Health
improves as we breath in the fresh air of Prayer that
strengthens and maintains us.
OF ST THOMAS FEAST OF ST GEORGE 23 APRIL 2017 19.
Whatever was bad and unhealthy becomes good and
wholesome, enabling us to make Spiritual Progress
and fulfil our Sacred Tasks.
This is the nature of True Faith.
We can appear to follow all the Rules, We can Fast,
pray, Repent, make the Sign of the Cross, attend all
the Holy Services at Church, read Holy Scripture,
and yet still not possess True Faith!
St Porphyrios teaches us: ...Often neither Labour, nor
Prostrations, nor Crossing ourselves attract God's
Grace.
There are the Holy Mysteries...
The most important thing is to go beyond the formal
aspects and get to the heart of the matter.
Whatever is done must be done with Love...(Agape)
...With Christ we are filled with Grace and so live above
evil.
Evil does not exist for us. There is only Good, which is
God.
Evil cannot exist.
While there is Divine Light there cannot be Darkness.
Nor can Darkness encompass the Truly Faithful
because they have the Light within them!
CHRIST IS THE
The unique aspect of Christianity is that it is Christ
centred.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only Way and our ultimate
Goal is to be with Him forever.
Through His Holy Church we become United with our
Saviour while retaining our individuality.
Christianity teaches us that any other union with God is
an illusion if it is not achieved through our Lord Jesus,
Who was granted to mankind as our Ladder to
Heaven - to God and His Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom.
It is only through Him that we have access to God our
Heavenly Father and to God the Holy, Life-giving Spirit
Who Proceeds from God the Father, and Whom Christ
sent to us to enable us to fulfil His Divine
Commandments and Teachings through His Power
and Energy.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Bridge between human
nature and Divine Nature for only in Him are both
Natures United but unmingled.
Thus there is no other Way for us to regain our Divine
Likeness with which we were originally created and
for us to fulfil everything for which we were intended,
having been created in Gods Likeness and Image.
Although there are indeed innumerable good people of
other Faiths or beliefs, the Incarnation of the Eternal,
Only Begotten Word and Son of God is a Reality that
cannot be denied.
God our Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son as the only
Way to His Eternal Kingdom for our Benefit because of
His infinite Love for mankind.
Father Dimitru Staniloae believes that our Lord Jesus
Christ came to us as "...the Voice of Love, ringing out
with all the affection of a human being, so familiar
to us. But this means that we ourselves were made
capable of becoming the medium whereby the Son
of God is communicated to us..."
When we Ascend to God, we are "...with Him and in Him."
Our Spiritual Ascent is not based on our individual efforts,
for only through Him that we are able to Ascend.
In the beginning our soul is "...sensitized by the Holy
Spirit." From this we are able to realize that there is a
Relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ Who Guides
and Helps us along the Narrow Path.
Being far more superior in Wisdom and Knowledge, our
Lord Jesus is our Good Friend Whom we implicitly
(unreservedly) trust to correctly lead us and guide us
with unfailing Love and Compassion.
In the beginning, our Lord Jesus is invisible and hidden
in His Divine Commandments.
We eventually learn from the Holy Gospels that He is a
Model of Perfection Whom we are encouraged and
urged to imitate, especially as St Maximos the
Confessor says: "To beginners He Appears in the
form of a Servant."
As we advance further along the Way as we make good
Spiritual Progress - our vision and perception of Christ
our Lord changes radically.
20. 2 N D S U N D A Y OF PASCHA ANTIPASCHA BELIEF OF
True Christian Faith Transforms and Heals. But this
requires Humility and Obedience.
True Faith is Love.
We always yearn for God and ceaselessly seek Union
with Him and to live in His Light and Love.
Without this, belief is a struggle and leaves us confused
and weak, so that we must grasp for pious actions,
and although we seek charitable activities, or we
make prostrations, or we try many things, we will
remain confused, quarrelsome and depressed!
True Faith is not a human concept.
True Faith is one with True Knowledge of our Trinitarian
God, and the Work of the Holy Spirit.
Our aim is to be one with the Lord our God, which is
based on our passionate Love for Him.
This unconditional Love extends to all members of
humanity.
St Porphyrios describes this Love as ...enthusiasm,
madness, an intense longing for the Divine.
In this way we attract the Grace of God and,
consequently we are Transformed, and find Peace
and Love in Him.
ONLY WAY
Initially His True Glory is hidden, but as It is revealed
more and more it becomes similar to the
overwhelming Experience of His three Holy Apostles
on Mount Tabor at His Glorious Transfiguration!
The more we strive to fulfil His Divine Teachings and
Commandments, and begin to acquire the Holy
Virtues, our Beloved Lords Divine Presence becomes
clearer and more evident to us!
Through our willing and eager cooperation with Him, we
are granted Power and Energy from God the Holy
Spirit, which enables us to do marvellous Labours for
His Glory and Honour.
As we make Spiritual Progress, the Image and Presence of
Christ our Lord becomes clearer to us, and as we
Ascend to higher levels of Perfection we are aided in
our Ascetic Efforts and may acquire Mystical
Contemplation of our Lord.
The greater our Spiritual Endeavours, the more we will
realise that our Lord Jesus Christ is the most intimate
Participant in every aspect of our Life, as ...He
imprints Himself spiritually in us."
Our Lord Jesus Christ helps us in all our Spiritual
Struggles, and, as He has promised us, He is always
with us, leading us to our true, created nature.
Having assumed our human nature, our Lord Jesus Christ
knows our human condition all too well, and being
confident and assured of His Great Mercy and Love
for mankind, we have Faith in Him.
The Holy Mysteries of His Church are essential to our
Spiritual Progress, Welfare and Ascent., for they Purify,
Anoint, Cleanse, Renew, Nourish, Regenerate and
Restore our body and soul.
Nicholas Cabasilas reminds us that it is by means of the
Holy Mysteries that "Christ comes to us and dwells
within us; He is United to us and grows into one with
us. He stifles sin in us and infuses into us His own Life
and Merit..."
Our Ascent to Virtue that comes from Faith and results in
Love is based on our acceptance of a Hierarchy in the
Church.
Those who became Saints have been helped by Gods
Angels.
The Church of Christ consists of an Ecclesiastical
Hierarchy of laity, Presbyters, Bishops and the
Heavenly Hosts whose Purpose is to help us all to grow
in Virtue and in our intimate Relationship with
Almighty God.
This Ecclesiastical Hierarchy is realized in degrees as we
progress, as Father Dimitru Staniloae explained: "The
work of the Hierarchy for the Salvation of the Faithful
is essentially exercised through the Holy Mysteries,
especially through Baptism, Chrismation and the
Eucharist."
The Holy Mysteries benefit Saints and sinners while we all
continue to Struggle until our Repose....
Amen.
HTTP :// ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE
ST THOMAS FEAST OF ST GEORGE 23 APRIL 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

25 April 2017

St Mark - Holy Apostle & Evangelist

Founder & First Patriarch of Alexandria & All Africa
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
Hristos Anesti, ek nekron, Thanato thanaton Christ is Risen from the dead; By Death trampling
patisas, Ke tis en tis mnimasin, Zoin harisamenos [3] upon death, And has bestowed Life to those in the
tombs. [3]
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION ST THOMAS SUNDAY TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Esfragismenou tou Mnimatos, i Zoi ek Tafou anetilas Hriste O Life, Thou rose from the Tomb, even though it was
O Theos. Ke ton Thiron keklismenon, tis Mathites secured with a seal, O Christ God. And although the
epestis i panton Anastasis, pnevma evthesdi afton doors were bolted, Thou went to Thy Disciples, O
egkenizon imin, kata to Mega Sou Eleos. Resurrection of all. Through them Thou Renew a
Right Spirit in us, according to Thy Great Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - ST MARK, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST TONE 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.
PASCHAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ti filopragmoni dexia, tin zooparohon Sou plevran, O With his scrutinizing right hand, Thomas examined Thy
Thomas exirevnise Hriste O Theos. Sigkeklismenon gar Life-bestowing Side, O Christ our God. When Thou
ton thiron os isilthes, sin tis lipis Apostolis evoa Si: entered while the doors were shut, he cried out to Thee
Kyriso iperhis ke Theos mou! with the other Apostles: Thou art my Lord and my
God!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON - PSALM 18/19 TONE 4
Is pasan tin Gin exilthen O fthongos afton ke is ta perata tis Their proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their
ikoumenis ta rimata afton. words to the ends of the world.
I Ourani diigounte Doxa Theou, piisin de hiron aftou The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament
anangeli to stereoma. shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE FIRST UNIVERSAL EPISTLE OF ST PETER 5 : 6 14
Brethren, humble yourselves therefore under the Mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your
anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.
Be sober. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour! Resist
him, first in your Faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your Brotherhood throughout
the world.
The God of All Grace, Who has Called you to His Eternal Glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish and Strengthen
you after you have suffered a little while. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
By Silvanos, a Faithful Brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring this is the True
Grace of God. Stand fast in it.
She who is at Babylon, who is likewise Chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my Son. Greet each other with
the kiss of Love. Peace to all who are in Christ. Amen.
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE ARE TWO UTTERLY ESSENTIAL HOLY THE DEEPER OUR FAITH, THE MORE WE REST ASSURED IN THE LOVE
VIRTUES. AND CARE OF OUR LORD GOD, having ...cast all our
HUMILITY IS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL HOLY VIRTUES THAT CAN anxieties on Him.
ONLY BE ACQUIRED AND LEARNT THROUGH SINCERE, WILLING WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE, WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE OUR
SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND TO HIS ORDAINED GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR HIS GREAT MERCY, for there are
BISHOPS AND PRESBYTERS, WHO ARE OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS. always far worse things being experienced by others.
WE MUST BE HUMBLE IN ORDER TO OBEY AND FULFIL THE DIVINE Our Lord Jesus and our Spiritual Fathers repeatedly urge
TRUTH THE DIVINE TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF OUR us to ALWAYS ... be sober... and ... be watchful.. so
LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST. that we DO NOT FALL INTO SATANS SNARES!
THESE ARE VERBALLY TAUGHT TO US by His Chosen Apostles WE MUST HOLD ON TIGHTLY TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who
and those whom He has Called to Teach and Guide leads us safely along His Path of Righteousness.
others ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH. THE EVIL ONE EXAMINES US INDIVIDUALLY IN ORDER TO FIND OUR
In the Orthodox Church of Christ, VERBAL TRADITION IS WEAKNESSES, WHICH HE THEN USES AGAINST US.
ESSENTIAL TO WRITTEN TRADITION, because UNLESS WE ARE WE ARE TEMPTED BY MEANS OF OUR SENSES being lured into
VERBALLY INSTRUCTED IN THE TRUE TEACHINGS AND sin through the weakness and desire of our taste,
COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST OUR LORD, WE CANNOT BEGIN TO smell, sight, touch, thoughts, and speech, which
UNDERSTAND HOLY SCRIPTURE NOR CAN WE KNOW HOW TO LIVE become words and deeds THAT REVEAL OUR SPIRITUAL
IN CHRIST THROUGH CORRECT RULES OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP, STATE.
and practise them properly by UNDERSTANDING ALL WE ARE ALSO TEMPTED INTO SIN BY OUTSIDE INFLUENCES SUCH AS
ASPECTS OF ORTHODOX LIFE IN CHRIST. THE FLATTERY AND PRAISES OF OTHERS THAT LEAD US INTO
By submitting ourselves in Humility and Obedience to SPIRITUALLY FATAL VAINGLORY, PRIDE AND EGOTISM ALL OF
God and to others who teach and guide us, WE HUMBLE WHICH ENTICE US AWAY FROM GOD AND HIS SACRED VIRTUES
OURSELVES ... under the Mighty Hand of God... THAT ARE SO VITAL TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.

ST MARK, THE HOLY APOSTLE & EVANGELIST OF CHRIST OUR LORD & SAVIOUR 25 APRIL 2017 21.
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Consequently, INSTEAD OF STRIVING TO ACQUIRE HEAVENLY
TREASURES, we stupidly and stubbornly chase after THE
FLEETING PLEASURES OF TEMPORARY, CORRUPTIBLE WORLDLY
THINGS THAT ALIENATE US FROM GOD, FROM OTHERS AND EVEN
FROM OURSELVES!
WHEN OUR DEADLY ADVERSARY CANNOT TEMPT US, HE TRIES TO
FRIGHTEN US WITH THREATS OF PAIN, SUFFERING AND
PERSECUTION SO THAT WE WILL BETRAY OUR FAITH AND EVEN
RENOUNCE THE LORD OUR GOD!!
If we STEADFASTLY FOCUS ON OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND
EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT US FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION,
we will not be distracted nor enticed by Satans
deceptions.
Therefore, WE MUST LEARN EVERYTHING WE CAN FROM OUR LORD
AND HIS APOSTLES CONCERNING HIS DIVINE TRUTH SO THAT WE
ARE SPIRITUALLY ARMOURED AND PROTECTED AGAINST THE LIES
AND DECEPTIONS OF THE EVIL ONE AND HIS DEMONS (who are
spirits as well as wicked, debauched and depraved
people!)
AT EVERY MOMENT OF THIS SHORT LIFE, WE MUST BE SPIRITUALLY
ALERT AND WATCHFUL in order to faithfully follow our
Lord Jesus Christ and not drift away from His Divine
Presence and Love.
EVEN WHEN WE ARE SUFFERING, WE DRAW EVER CLOSER TO GOD
Who Perfects, Establishes, Strengthens and Settles us in
His Heavenly Kingdom of Eternal Love, Peace and Joy.
SO THE ONLY THING WE MUST FEAR, IS BEING DECEIVED BY THE EVIL
ONE AND THUS BEING ALIENATED FROM OUR MOST BELOVED
LORD GOD.
Babylon is a reference to ROME, which, like ancient
Babylon to which the Faithful People of God had been
exiled, was a place of MUCH CONFUSION AND TRIBULATION.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
At that time, our Lord said to His Disciples: He who hears you, hears Me. And he who rejects you, rejects Me. He who
rejects Me, rejects Him Who sent Me.
The Seventy returned with Joy, saying: Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name! He said to them: I
beheld Satan fall like lightning from Heaven! Behold! I grant to you Power to tread upon serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means harm you. However, do not
Rejoice that the spirits are subject to you. Rejoice rather because your names are written in Heaven.
In that hour, Jesus Rejoiced in Spirit, and said: I Thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, that Thou hast
hidden these things from the wise and the prudent, and hast revealed them unto infants. Indeed, Father, for it
seems Well-pleasing in Thy Sight.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WARNS US CLEARLY CONCERNING OUR
JUDGEMENT OF ONE ANOTHER!
OUR JUDGEMENT WILL BE EXTREMELY SEVERE IF WE REJECT CHRIST
OR HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS WHO FULFIL HIS CALLING BY
SERVING HIM AND HIS PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF US WHO
HAVE EXPERIENCED AND WHO HAVE BEEN DIVINELY BLESSED BY
HIS GRACE AND LOVE!
However, those who have never known our Lord Jesus
Christ or anything concerning Him due to their
genuine ignorance, will be regarded as innocent
i.e. ...without sin... in that regard, yet THEY WILL BE Nevertheless, ALTHOUGH GENTILES CAN FIND GOD THROUGH
JUDGED BY THEIR GOD-GIVEN CONSCIENCE (which all
human beings rational intellectuals possess.)
 JOHN 15: 22-24 ...If I had not come and spoken to
them, they would have no sin, but now they have
no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates
My Father also. If I had not done among them
the Works that no one else did, they would have
no sin; but now they have seen and also hated
both Me and My Father...
The rebellion of mankind against God reveals several
significant facts:
1. UNION WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BRINGS US LOVE, TRUTH
AND PEACE, BUT IT ALSO BRINGS PERSECUTION, FOR SATAN
AND THE UNGODLY PEOPLE HATE DIVINE LOVE AND TRUTH.
2. THE FALLEN WORLD HATES CHRIST, SO IT ALSO HATES ALL WHO
TRY TO BECOME CHRIST-LIKE.
3. REBELLIOUS MANKIND HATES OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO IS
THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD,
BECAUSE THEY NEITHER KNOW, NOR DESIRE TO KNOW, GOD
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
4. HATRED OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES IS UTTERLY IRRATIONAL AND UNREASONABLE FOR
OUR LORD BRINGS HIS DIVINE LOVE AND GREAT MERCY
INTO OUR SIN-DARKENED AND DEAD WORLD. THUS HE IS
HATED WITH REASON NOR CAUSE!
 ROMANS 2: 12 -16 ...For as any 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...
GENTILES were regarded as being Gods People when
their CONSCIENCE LED THEM TO A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
WHICH WAS SIMILAR TO HOW THE OLD COVENANT LAW LED THE
VIRTUOUS ISRAELITES TO GOD.
Furthermore, ST PETER, ST PAUL AND INNUMERABLE OTHER
CHRISTIANS SOONER OR LATER, SUFFERED TERRIBLE
PERSECUTION, TORTURE AND EXECUTION IN ROME.
The kiss or Love or Peace was A PART OF OUR LITURGICAL
PRACTISE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW COVENANT
CHURCH OF CHRIST.
To this day, we greet each other with the Kiss of Peace,
which is A CHEEK TO CHEEK GREETING OF MUTUAL LOVE IN
CHRIST.
IN THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, THE KISS OF
PEACE OCCURS BETWEEN THE GREAT ENTRANCE WITH THE HOLY
GIFTS AND THE RECITATION OF THE NICENE CREED OF FAITH.
Historically, the entire Congregation greeted each other
with the Kiss of Peace, which SIGNIFIES FORGIVENESS,
RECONCILIATION AND BANISHMENT OF EVERY REMEMBRANCE OF
INJURY, RECALLING THE DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF OUR LORD:
If you bring your gift to the Altar, and there
remember that your Brother has something against
you, leave your gift there before the Altar, and go
your way. First be reconciled with your Brother, and
then come and offer your gift. (MATTHEW 5: 23-24)
However, since this often caused a raucous disruption of
the Divine Liturgy, THE KISS OF PEACE IS PERFORMED ONLY
BY THE CLERGY IN THE HOLY SANCTUARY.
ONCE A YEAR, AT VESPERS OF CHEESEFARE SUNDAY, THE HOLY
SERVICE OF FORGIVENESS, THE CONGREGATION WILL GIVE THE
KISS OF PEACE TO ONE ANOTHER.
This is just before the beginning of Great Lent, which is a
period of intense Spiritual Contemplation, Fasting
(self-denial and discipline), Prayers and Repentance-
Confession, as we proceed towards Holy Week and
Pascha.
OF ST LUKE 10 : 16 - 21
OUR CONSCIENCE IS GOD-GIVEN, FOR IT IS BREATHED INTO US AT
OUR CONCEPTION BY GOD THE LIFE-GIVING HOLY SPIRIT. THUS
IT HAS THE SAME POWER TO LEAD US TO GOD AS HIS DIVINE
LAW DOES.
St John Chrysostom believed that THOSE WHO FOLLOW THEIR
CONSCIENCE TO GOD (by paying attention and obeying
that little Voice within us,) ARE MORE VIRTUOUS THAN
THOSE WHO DO SO BY LAW, for they do not have the
advantage of concrete instructions, yet still HAVE THE
DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD AND TO BE WITH HIM.
THEIR CONSCIENCE, THEY ARE NOT BETTER OFF THAN THE
HEBREWS WHO HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF the Oracles of God
i.e. THE MOSAIC LAW AND THE HOLY PROPHETS TO LEAD,
TEACH AND GUIDE THEM ALL THE MORE TO GOD.
The advantage of THE OLD AND NEW COVENANT FAITHFUL IS
pedagogical for they are TAUGHT MORE THOROUGHLY AND
MORE PRECISELY CONCERNING THE LORD OUR GOD AND HIS
DIVINE TRUTH.
Nevertheless, this does make any of us more Righteous
than others for WE ARE ALL UNDER THE LAW OF GOD.
I saw Satan fall... describes THE ETERNAL BANISHMENT FROM
HEAVEN OF SATAN, WHICH OCCURRED BEFORE THE CREATION OF
THE VISIBLE UNIVERSE.
SATAN HAD OUTRAGEOUSLY DARED TO SET HIS OWN WILL FIVE TIMES
AGAINST ALMIGHTY GOD! HIS EGOTISTICAL PRIDE AND
ARROGANCE REMAINS THE ROOT CAUSE OF ALL TEMPTATION
AND WICKEDNESS.
Thus, CHRIST SEVERELY CAUTIONED US NEVER TO REJOICE
TRIUMPHANTLY, NOR BOAST ABOUT DEFEATING EVIL, BUT RATHER
TO HUMBLY REJOICE WHEN SOMETHING IS WORTHY OF
HEAVENLY LIFE FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF
ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE, for ONLY BY GODS POWER AND
ENERGY ARE WE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING THAT IS GOOD OR
WORTHY!
Our Lord speaks of revealing His Truth to infants or
babes, i.e. THOSE WITH STRAIGHTFORWARD AND SIMPLE
FAITH - A WARM, LOVING AND OPEN HEART THAT WELCOMES
THE INDWELLING OF OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD.
THOSE WHO POSSESS THE INSEPARABLE DIVINE VIRTUES OF HUMILITY
AND OBEDIENCE, ARE INDEED WELL-PLEASING TO THE LORD OUR
GOD, FOR THEY ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO FULFIL THEIR SACRED
TASKS WITH A CHEERFUL, LOVING HEART AND SOUL.

22. S T M A R K , T H E H O L Y A P O S T L E & E V A N G E L I S T O F C H R I S T O U R L O R D & S A V I O U R 25 APRIL 2017

 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all
the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.

Tone 2 30 April 2017

3rd Sunday of Pascha The Holy Myrrhbearers:

OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, ST MARY OF MAGDALA, ST MARY CLEOPAS, ST JOANNA CHUZA, ST
SALOME ZEBEDEE, ST SUSANNA, ST MARY & ST MARTHA OF BETHESDA, AS WELL AS ST
NIKODEMOS & ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA.

Also the Feast of St James Zebedee, Brother of St John the Beloved Apostle & Theologian St Klimentos St Donatos, Bishop
of Euroea, Epiros St Argyra the New Martyr of Bithynia St Nikita the Recluse & Bishop of Novgorod - St Basil, Bishop of
Amasea St Maximos of Ephesos St Ignatios Brianchaninov

RESURRECTION GOSPEL4 : LUKE 24 : 1 - 12

OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRISTS EMPTY TOMB IS WITNESSED BY THE 8 HOLY MYRRHBEARERS

PASCHAL APOLYTIKION TONE (5) PLAGAL 1

Hristos Anesti, ek nekron, Thanato thanaton Christ is Risen from the dead; By Death trampling
patisas, Ke tis en tis mnimasin, Zoin harisamenos [3] upon death, And has bestowed Life to those in the
tombs. [3]
AFTER THE SMALL ENTRANCE
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 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, O subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried
Theos imon, Doxa Si! aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!

PASCHAL APOLYTIKION HOLY MYRRHBEARERS - TONE 2

O efshimon Iosif, apo tou xilou kathelon, to ahranton Sou The
Soma, sindoni kathara, ilisas ke aromasin, en mnimati
keno, kidefsas apetheto; alla trimeros anestis Kyrie,
parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos!
Tes Myroforis Ginexi, para to mnima epistas, O Angelos
evoa: To Myra tis thnitis iparhi armodia, Hristos de
diafthoras edihthi allotrios; alla kravgasate: Anesti O
Kyrios, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos!
PASCHAL KONTAKION UNTIL
noble Joseph taking down Thy spotless Body from
the Tree, wrapped it in a clean shroud with sweet
spices and laid it for burial in a new grave; but on the
third day Thou arose, O Lord, granting the world Thy
Great Mercy!
To the Myrrhbearing Women the Angel standing by the
Grave cried: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has
been shown to be a stranger to corruption; therefore
cry aloud: The Lord has Risen, granting the world His
Great Mercy!
ASCENSION DAY

I ke en Tafo katilthes athanate, alla tou Adou kathiles tin Although Thou descended in the grave, O Immortal One,
dinamin; ke Anestis os nikitis, Hriste O Theos, Ginexi yet Thou destroyed the power of Hades; and Thou
Miroforis fthengxamenos: Herete! Ke tis sis Apostolis arose as Victor, O Christ our God! To the Myrrh-
Irinin doroumenos, O tis pesousi parehon Anastasin. bearing Women Thou said: Rejoice! And to Thine
Apostles Thou granted Thy Peace: the One Who grants
Resurrection to the fallen ones.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 117/118 TONE 2
Ishis mou ke imnisis mou O Kyrio ke egeneto mi is Sotirian. The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He became my
Pedevon epedefse me O Kyrio ke to Thanato ou parekoke Salvation.
me. The Lord Chastened and corrected me, but He did not
give me up to Death.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 1 7
DEACONS ARE ORDAINED
In those days, when the number of Disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the
Hellenists because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. The Twelve summoned the multitude of
Disciples and said: It is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. Therefore, Brethren,
seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, whom we may appoint
over this business. We will give ourselves continually to Prayer and the Ministry of the Word.
And their words pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of Faith and the Holy Spirit, and
Philip Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicholas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the
Apostles; and when they had prayed they laid hands on them. And the Word of God spread, and the number of
Disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the Priests were Obedient to the Faith.

3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS 30 APRIL 2017 23.

24

The Hebrews referred to the local JEWISH CHRISTIANS IN In the Orthodox Church to this very day, OUR BISHOPS AND
JERUSALEM who spoke Aramaic, while the Hellenists PRESBYTERS (PRIESTS) ARE CALLED TO FOCUS ON ...PRAYER
were GREEK-SPEAKING JEWISH CHRISTIANS FROM OTHER AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD... OF GOD, WHILE THE
PARTS OF THE HELLENISED WORLD WHO HAD SETTLED IN OTHER ESSENTIAL MINISTRIES OF CHRISTS HOLY CHURCH ARE
JERUSALEM. ACCOMPLISHED BY DEACONS AND THE LAITY (the people or
St John Chrysostom noted that this particular complaint congregation) of each Parish.
showed A LACK OF ORDER AMONG THE QUICKLY GROWING DEACONS WHO ARE CALLED TO SERVE ARE REQUIRED TO BE
MULTITUDE OF FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS, even though THE NOT ONLY SPIRITUAL, BUT ALSO FULL OF WISDOM,
NEGLECT OF THE HELLENISTIC WIDOWS AND ORPHANS WAS WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR MANAGING THEIR SACRED
CERTAINLY NOT MALICIOUS NOR INTENTIONAL. TASKS.
So it is evident that VARIOUS PROBLEMS THAT FACED THE EARLY While THE MULTITUDE SUBMITTED THE NAMES OF THE FIRST
CHURCH AROSE NOT ONLY FROM OUTSIDERS, BUT ALSO DUE TO SEVEN DEACONS, THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST ORDAINED
DISSENSION OR MISUNDERSTANDING FROM WITHIN. THEM.
However, THESE VARIOUS INITIAL DIFFICULTIES WERE QUICKLY Thus THE SYNERGY BETWEEN LAITY AND CLERGY WAS
RESOLVED DUE TO THE MUTUAL RESPECT AND LOVE OF ONE DEMONSTRATED in the selection of these Church
ANOTHER WITHIN THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST. Servants and leaders.
PROBLEMS HAVE ALWAYS ARISEN DUE TO THE HUMAN FACTOR Whether these first chosen Deacons held the Liturgical
WHEN OUR EGOS AND SELFISHNESS DOMINATE AND RULE Office of Deacon, or whether their Diaconate was
OUR EMOTIONS AND ACTIONS. more Service-oriented, THEY RECEIVED THEIR SACRED
However, ALL PROBLEMS MUST ALWAYS BE VERY QUICKLY OFFICE BY MEANS OF HOLY ORDINATION BY THE DIVINELY
REPENTED, RESOLVED AND FORGIVEN, so that we may AUTHORISED APOSTLES OF CHRIST.
CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON OUR FAITHFUL AND TRUE WORSHIP OF THE INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
ALMIGHTY GOD, WHILE CONSTANTLY CORRECTING AND ONLY OCCURS WHEN THREE GREAT PILLARS OF CHURCH
REPENTING OUR OWN PERSONAL FLAWS, which is the entire LIFE ARE FULLY IN PLACE:
Purpose of this earthly life, before Eternity. WORSHIP
The term Disciples generally refers to ALL FAITHFUL EVANGELISM
BELIEVERS AND FOLLOWERS of our Lord and Saviour, CHARITY/LOVE
Jesus Christ, and NOT ONLY TO HIS TWELVE APOSTLES OR Furthermore, this wonderful Growth occurs WHEN
THOSE WHO WERE CLOSE TO HIM and who accompanied EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL STRUGGLES OR PROBLEMS HAVE
Him during His Public Ministry. BEEN ADDRESSED, RESOLVED AND REPENTED.
To be A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST means that we are really THE FIRST PRESBYTERS (PRIESTS) WERE CHRISTIAN CONVERTS WHO
trying to LEARN ALL THE SACRED TEACHINGS AND HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN HEBREW PRIESTS but they had not
COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR SO THAT WE necessarily been Ordained into the Priestly Ministry
CAN APPLY THEM TO OUR EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND within the Christian Church after their Conversion to the
DEED: THIS IS LIFE IN CHRIST, WHICH TAKES MUCH New Covenant of God.
EFFORT AND A FAITHFUL WILLINGNESS TO OBEY GOD AT According to the Canons of the Orthodox Church, recent
ALL TIMES. converts to Orthodoxy cannot be Ordained into the Holy
While THE MINISTRIES OF THE WORD AND OF SERVING widows Priesthood of Christ until they have at least a few years
(and orphans) are important Sacred Tasks, they Spiritual Experience in the Holy Church.
CANNOT BE PERFORMED BY THE SAME PEOPLE AND STILL This is IN ORDER TO PREVENT PREVIOUS OR OTHER BELIEFS AND
RECEIVE PROPER ATTENTION. PRACTISES FROM INFILTRATING AND DISTORTING ORTHODOX
Therefore, THE HOLY CHURCH DEVELOPED DIVERSIFIED, TEACHINGS AND WORSHIP, WHICH MUST BE CAREFULLY AND
NECESSARY MINISTRIES. CORRECTLY PRESERVED FOR ALL GENERATIONS.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK 15 : 43 16 : 8
THE UNNAILING & BURIAL OF OUR CRUCIFIED LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST
At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of
God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the Body of Jesus. Pilate wondered if He were already dead
and, summoning the Centurion, he asked him whether He was already dead. And when he learnt from the
Centurion that He was dead, he granted the Body to Joseph.
And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a Tomb
that had been hewn out of rock. And he rolled a stone against the door of the Tomb.
Mary Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of Joses saw where He was laid. And when the Sabbath had past, Mary
Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go to Anoint Him.
And very early on the first day of the week they went to the Tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying one
to another: Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the Tomb? And looking up, they saw that the stone
had rolled back for it was very large. And entering the Tomb, they saw a young Man sitting on the right side
dressed in a white robe. And they were amazed.
He said to them: Do not be amazed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth Who was crucified. He has Risen He is not here.
Behold the place where they laid Him. But go tell His Disciples, and Peter, that He is going before you to Galilee.
There you will see Him, as He told you.
And they went out and fled from the Tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them. And they said
nothing to anyone - for they were afraid...
If it had been His Faithful Apostles who had buried our THE FACT THAT PONTIUS PILATE ...MARVELLED THAT HE WAS
Lord Jesus Christ, the sceptics and enemies of Divine ALREADY DEAD... CONFIRMS THE DIVINE TRUTH
Truth could claim that His Most Precious Body had
THAT CHRIST PANTOCRATOR CHOSE THE EXACT
simply been hidden away by them and that there was
no Resurrection. HOUR OF HIS DEATH, HAVING SACRIFICED HIMSELF
However, ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, BEING BOTH A COUNCIL FREELY AND WILLINGLY FOR THE SAKE OF ALL HUMANITY.
MEMBER (OF THE SANHEDRIN) AND AN ACKNOWLEDGED Usually crucifixion victims suffered for a very long time,
GOOD AND JUST MAN TOGETHER WITH ST NICODEMOS sometimes for days, before dying but WHEN THE SABBATH
ALSO OF GOOD REPUTATION AND SOCIAL STATUS - REFUTED DAY WAS APPROACHING, HEBREW CRIMINALS LEGS WERE
ANY POSSIBILITY THAT OUR LORDS BODY WAS MERELY SHATTERED SO THAT THEY QUICKLY DIED from the most
REMOVED AND HIDDEN BY HIS FAITHFUL APOSTLES AND painful green fracture injuries.
DISCIPLES. YET AS PROPHESIED, NOT A BONE OF OUR LORD WAS BROKEN!
AS A WEALTHY AND HIGHLY PROMINENT, RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A NEW TOMB THAT ...had
HEBREW SOCIETY, ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA WAS ABLE TO been hewn out of rock... AND ...where no one
PERSONALLY APPROACH THE ROMAN GOVERNOR, PONTIUS had ever lain before... is that CHRIST SUFFERED A
PILATE, TO REQUEST THE BODY OF CHRIST, Whom Pontius DEATH UNLIKE ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING DEATH WITHOUT
Pilate, the Roman Governor, had already SPIRITUAL OR PHYSICAL CORRUPTION A DEATH LEADING
acknowledged as having been unjustly tried, TO ETERNAL VICTORY OVER THE TOMB ITSELF.
punished and condemned to death by crucifixion. Furthermore, the description of the New Tomb according
to several sources, clearly shows that IT WAS A VERY

24. 3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS 30 APRIL 2017

 SPECIAL TOMB FIT FOR A MOST IMPORTANT PERSON AND WHO
IS MORE IMPORTANT AND INFLUENTIAL THAN OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST OUR ONE AND ONLY ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST AND KING
OUR ONLY ETERNAL GOD INCARNATE!
Other facts to be considered is that :
1. NOT ONLY WAS A HUGE, HEAVY ROCK PLACED - WITH MUCH
EFFORT - AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE TOMB AND THEN
SEALED,
2. TWO ROMAN SOLDIERS STOOD ON GUARD AS WELL, because
the devious Hebrew leaders had alleged that
Christs Body would be removed by His Disciples so
that they could then proclaim His Resurrection
from the dead as He had truthfully and precisely
foretold.
AFTER CHRIST HAD RESURRECTED AND DEPARTED, A POWERFUL
EARTHQUAKE announced the Glorious Event by
BREAKING THE SEALS, ROLLING AWAY THE ROCK blocking
the entrance and REVEALING TO ALL MANKIND THE
EMPTY TOMB, containing only the discarded Shroud
(Soudarion) and carefully folded Facecloth
(Mandylion).
THE ROCK ROLLED AWAY - NOT SO THAT CHRIST COULD EXIT
THE TOMB BUT TO REVEAL TO MANKIND THAT HE HAD TRULY
RISEN!
THE TERRIFIED SOLDIERS WHO ALSO WITNESSED THE EMPTY TOMB -
RAN AWAY IN FEAR OF THE PUNISHMENT THEY FACED FROM THE
ROMAN AUTHORITIES.
THEY WERE EVENTUALLY INTERROGATED AND THEN PAID BY THE
HEBREW AUTHORITIES TO BLATANTLY LIE to everyone that
the Disciples had removed the Body of Christ after
knocking them unconscious!
Habitual liars, thieves and deceivers always accuse others of their
own sins and they REJECT Divine Truth the Absolute Truth
because it is something that is totally alien to them.
CHRIST DIED JUST BEFORE THE SABBATH SO THE USUAL BURIAL
CUSTOMS OF THE HEBREWS COULD NOT BE COMPLETED by His
Mother and Disciples, and they had to return on the
first day of the week Sunday to do so.
ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA AND ST NIKODEMOS HAD UNNAILED OUR
LORD FROM HIS CROSS AND WRAPPED HIS NAKED BODY IN A
FOURTEEN FOOT LONG FINE LINEN CLOTH that became the
Burial Shroud, also gathering up any bloody soil that
surrounded the Cross, to be buried with Him.
THEY HAD CARRIED HIM TO THE TOMB AND WRAPPED HIM WITH
OTHER LINEN STRIPS SOAKED WITH THE 100 POUNDS OF
BITTER ALOES THAT ST NIKODEMOS SUPPLIED.
THE MANDYLION OR FACE CLOTH WAS GENTLY AND RESPECTFULLY
PLACED OVER HIS FACE AS SOON AS THEY TOOK HIM DOWN
FROM THE CROSS, WHICH REMAINED UNDER THE OUTER BURIAL
CLOTHS, which were SOAKED WITH BITTER ALOES AND DRIED
AS HARD AS CONCRETE.
THEREFORE, WHEN ST PETER AND ST JOHN SAW THE FOLDED
MANDYLION, THEY WERE AMAZED
No doubt, they were even more shocked when they noticed the
Image of Christ upon it which became known as the Holy
Icon Not-Made-By-Hands the first Holy Icon of our Lord
Jesus Christ, which was copied by others over the centuries.
St Joseph of Arimathea and St Nikodemos showed their absolute
faith, honour and worship of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour
by all their actions: going directly to Pontius Pilate for
permission to Unnail our Lord from the Cross, purchasing the
best quality of fine linen available in which to wrap His
Precious Body, donating a newly hewn Tomb carved from
solid stone and in a beautiful garden nothing but the best
resting place for Christ our Saviour and their own personal
attention to all the necessary Burial Rites, including the supply
of 100 pounds of Bitter Aloes!
St John the Divine Apostle, our Ever Blessed Lady Theotokos and
Her close companion, St Mary Of Magdala watched and
witnessed our Lords Burial.
ACCORDING TO OLD COVENANT LAW, THE BODIES OF THE DECEASED
WERE NOT WASHED BUT ANOINTED WITH AROMATIC OILS and
in the cases of violent death, all blood and body parts
were carefully gathered, wrapped and buried
together with the rest of the body.
3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Dearly Beloved: Today is dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-
Bearing Women, which is a great Feast Day for
everyone, but especially for all Christian women who,
3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS
Although the Apostles and Disciples had gone into hiding
for fear of the Roman and Hebrew authorities, the
eight devoted Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, led by our
Most Blessed Lady Theotokos bravely went to fulfil
their Sacred Duty out of their profound Love and
Respect for Christ our Lord and Saviour.
The first day of the week is Sunday.
Our Lady Theotokos was the legal Mother of St Joseph the
Betrotheds seven children - St James, St Joses, St Jude, St
Simon, St Salome (mother of St John and St James), St Ester
and another daughter, who were actually Her cousins and
probably much older than Her.
Since She preferred and insisted on remaining humbly in the
background of Her Beloved Son and Lord, the Apostles,
Disciples and Evangelists respectfully referred to Her in
obscure ways such as ...the Mother of Joses... or ...the
Mother of James and Salome,.. etc.
THE ANGEL OF GOD POSSIBLY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL WHO IS THE
ANGELIC MESSENGER AND BEARER OF GOOD TIDINGS FROM
GOD TO US HUMAN BEINGS SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED ST
PETER, WHICH REVEALED OUR LORDS SPECIAL CARE AND LOVE
EVEN FOR ONE OF HIS APOSTLES WHO HAD DENIED HIM AT A
CRUCIAL TIME.
According to St Theophylact the deeply repentant and
sorrowful St Peter would have said of himself: I denied
the Lord, and therefore I am no longer His Apostle! Yet
THE ANGELS WORDS SHOWED THAT OUR LORD GOD HAD
ALREADY FORGIVEN ST PETER AND STILL LOVED HIM AS BEFORE.
This is another Divine Teaching that clearly shows us
that WHENEVER AND WHATEVER WE TRULY REPENT WITH ALL
SORROW AND HUMILITY, WE ARE FORGIVEN BY GOD WHO
LOVES US - EVEN THE WORST OF SINNERS - FOR HE DOES NOT
REQUIRE OR DESIRE ANYONE TO SUFFER ETERNAL
CONDEMNATION AND PERPETUAL SPIRITUAL DEATH.
For this reason, WE MUST NEVER DARE TO JUDGE ONE ANOTHER
AND NOT EVEN OURSELVES FOR GODS DIVINE LOVE AND GRACE
IS FAR BEYOND ANYTHING WE CAN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND OR
APPRECIATE.
Our Blessed Lady Theotokos and Mary Magdalene ...
said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid... does
not mean that they never told the others what they
had experienced so early on that first Resurrection
Day.
OUR LADY THEOTOKOS ...KEPT MANY THINGS TO HERSELF...
THROUGHOUT HER LIFE, ONLY SPEAKING OF THEM WHEN IT
BECAME NECESSARY TO DO SO and in order to confirm
the Absolute Truth of Christs Holy Gospel and His
sinless Life on earth as God Incarnate and Perfect
Man AND THEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO WOULD FULLY
APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND THEM.
Only after our Risen Lord Jesus Christ had appeared to
the other Holy Apostles and faithful Disciples, did they
speak of their experiences of that very early Sunday
morning Holy Pascha.
THE STATEMENT THAT ...THEY WERE AFRAID... MIGHT HAVE
REFERRED TO THE ENORMOUS SHOCK OF NOT ONLY WITNESSING
THE OPENED TOMB WITH THE ABANDONED BURIAL CLOTHS AND
THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGEL OF GOD, BUT ALSO A RELUCTANCE
TO TELL THE OTHERS WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE BELIEVED THEM
and being men the Apostles would have thought
the Myrrh-bearing Women were merely hysterical or
delusional due to their intense grief.
AS THE ADORING MOTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, OUR LADY
THEOTOKOS WOULD HAVE BEEN INDESCRIBABLY TRAUMATISED BY
HAVING WITNESSED CHRISTS TERRIBLE SUFFERING,
HOWEVER, SHE WAS ALSO DEEPLY FAITHFUL AND FILLED WITH
DIVINE GRACE THAT ENABLED HER - MORE THAN ANYONE
ELSE - TO APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND ALL THINGS
PERTAINING TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS DIVINE WILL FOR
ALL HUMANITY.
IN HER PROFOUND WISDOM AND LOVE FOR GOD AND HER FELLOW
MANKIND, SHE WOULD KEEP MANY THINGS ESPECIALLY THE
DIVINELY MYSTERIOUS THINGS TO HERSELF, knowing that
others would either not understand or would
misinterpret or blaspheme them.
like the Myrrh-Bearers, sacrifice their time, their
labour and their resources - all they have to offer - for
the good of the Holy Church of Christ and their
neighbours.
30 APRIL 2017 25.
26
May all such women to continue their Holy Service to
Christ and may they not be frustrated when they hear
the title Myrrh-Bearers spoken by some with
condescension, for the Calling of the Myrrh-Bearers is
certainly Sacred, having been established by our
Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
Before Holy Pascha, we heard the Gospel Account of how
our Lord Jesus had visited the home of Simon the
Leper in Bethany.
A certain woman, whose heart and soul was
overwhelmed with intense Love and Gratitude to our
Saviour, had brought an alabaster vessel of expensive
spikenard with which she anointed His Head, and
then His Feet, which she tenderly and reverently
wiped with her hair.
The air was pleasantly perfumed, but the sweet aroma of
her Love for Christ was polluted by the stench of
Judas Iscariots greed!
He had complained that instead of wasting the costly
fragrant oil, it could have been sold and the money
used for the poor and needy not out of concern for
them, but so that there was more for him to steal!
Judas Iscariot condemned the woman, but our Lord
Justified her: ... she has done a Good Work for Me.
For you have the poor with you always but Me you
do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil
on My body, she did it for My burial.
Truly, I say to you: wherever this Gospel is preached in
the whole world, what this woman has done, will
also be told as a memorial to her! (MATTHEW 26: 11 13)
Todays Sacred Lesson concerns the Burial and
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Myrrh-
Bearing Women.
When St Joseph of Arimathea and St Nikodemos buried
Christ, these faithful and courageous women had
been witnesses.
These eight Holy Myrrh-Bearers are: our Lady, Theotokos,
St Mary of Magdala, St Mary Cleopas, St Joanna
Chuza, St Salome Zebedee, St Susanna, St Mary & St
Martha of Bethesda
With indescribable terror and abject sorrow, they had
witnessed our Lord Jesus Christs unjust, public
humiliation, torture and finally, His Crucifixion.
They stood at the foot of His Cross and had seen every
agonising moment until, finally, His Lifeless Body was
taken down and Unnailed, wrapped in a fine linen
shroud and carried to the rock hewn Tomb of St
Joseph of Arimathea.
Especially zealous in her Service to Christ, was St Mary of
Magdala who had been possessed by seven demons,
but when she had beheld our Lord Jesus and sensed
His Divine Goodness and Love, she had fallen down
before Him with Faith and had been Healed. Since
then, she had served Him with unwavering Faith and
Devotion, whole-heartedly accepting and believing
His Divine Truth - possessing two different Virtues to
the sisters of St Lazaros, St Martha and St Mary of
Bethany i.e. the practicality and service of St Martha
and the lofty Spiritual and Prayerful nature of St
Mary.
St Mary of Magdala proved her devotion and service to
our Lord Jesus Christ by having become a close
companion of our Lady, Theotokos, and never
leaving Her side.
With one exception, all the Apostles and male Disciples
had fled and hidden away due to the threats and
persecution of their adversaries.
St John, the Beloved Apostle, accompanied the Ever
Blessed Virgin Mary and the other Myrrh-Bearing
Women as they witnessed the Passion and Crucifixion
of our Beloved Lord and Master.
Consequently, St John was entrusted with the protection
and care of the All Holy Mother of our Lord and God,
while St Mary of Magdala was deemed worthy not
only to behold the Angel of God who appeared to the
other Myrrh-Bearers, but to see and to speak to our
Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
As she stood alone and weeping in the garden that
surrounded the Tomb, she was the first to behold our
Lord, only recognizing Him when He called her by
name: Mary! (JOHN 20:16)
26. 3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS
He sent her to report His Resurrection to His Apostles and
Disciples and that Most Joyous News was preached
by her everywhere she went, until her Martyrdom in
Rome several years later.
St Mary of Magdala was a wealthy and influential
woman of society, so she had no fear of Emperor
Tiberius, whom she confronted, holding a red egg as
a symbol of the Resurrection and Redemption by the
Precious, Life-giving Blood of our Lord and Saviour.
She informed Emperor Tiberius of Pontius Pilate, the
Governor of Judea, who had permitted the illegal and
unjust arrest, trial and condemnation our Lord Jesus
Christ to unlawful scourging and beating by two
torturers, and execution by crucifixion, that was
reserved for the worst type of criminal.
Emperor Tiberius listened to the accusations of St Mary of
Magdala, and then examined the case. Having
confirmed the truth of her words, Pontius Pilate was
removed from Judea and exiled to Spain.
Due to her special zeal in preaching the Holy Gospel, St
Mary of Magdala is worthily entitled: Equal-to-the-
Apostles.
The loyalty, Faith and Service of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers
are our best example or role models whom we should
strive to imitate.
Dearest Brethren, all of us should dedicate ourselves by
faithfully and steadfastly serving the Lord our God -
not only for a few moments at the beginning and
ending of each day, but with every moment of our
daily life.
The tomb awaits us all it is one thing of which we can
be most certain!
Just as all these Faithful Holy Myrrh-Bearers served our
Lord Jesus Christ and His All Pure and Ever Blessed
Mother, our Lady, Theotokos, so too, must we.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is as close to us as He was to the
Holy Myrrh-Bearers, several of whom had watched
Him grow from infant to adult, for He has promised
every one of His Faithful Disciples: I Am with you
always, even unto the end of the world. (MATTHEW
26:20)
Without a doubt, He is always with us in the Holy
Mysteries, especially in the Holy Mystery of the
Eucharist.
When we attend the Holy Services at Church, we enter His
Divine Presence, together with all the Saints and
Heavenly Hosts as we celebrate and participate: My
House shall be called the House of Prayer. (MATTHEW
21:13).
No one should be prevented from serving our Lord Jesus
Christ and His Holy Church, by means of worthy and
charitable deeds in His Divine Name and Love - He
Who, yesterday, today and forever, compassionately
and unreservedly tends to the poor, the needy, the
destitute and the sick.
Through this Holy Service to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, our wives and daughters, relatives and friends
- just like the Holy Myrrh-Bearers - bring Peace and
Grace to our heart and our home.
Today, in memory of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, it is
the duty of the Parish Priest not only to remind all
women of their Sacred Duties to God and to their
neighbours, but to thank them for all that they do.
Brethren, the Holy Church is the Body of Christ, and all the
members are in constant contact, endlessly
interacting, working and living with each other.
The Life of His Holy Church is His Vineyard that demands
the constant care and cultivation of His faithful
Labourers.
Blessed are the women who offer the gift our Lord
granted them to praise our Lord with their voices.
Blessed are the women who voluntarily tend to the good
order and adornment of His Holy Temple, who care
for Her Vestments, who organize Trapeza Feasts, and
tend to the poor and needy, etc.
We thank all those women who faithfully, and unselfishly
serve our Lord and His Holy Church in so many ways.
Those who Love Christ must always serve Him by helping
others, as the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women did.
We must not live selfishly, which is wasteful, empty and
pointless! Amen.
CROYDON, AUSTRALIA -1965 - HTTP://WWW.SYNOD.COM
30 APRIL 2017