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 3 December 2017

th th
26 Sunday After Pentecost 14 Sunday of St Luke
The Blind Man of Jericho
The Feast of St Sophonias/Zephaniah & St Oldama, the Holy Prophets of God St Sava, Abbot of
Zvenirorod Monastery, Disciple of St Sergios of Radonezh St Theodoulos, Eparch of Constantinople St John the
Silent of Savvas Monastery St Theodore, Archbishop & Hieromartyr of Alexandria St Cosmas, Monk Martyr of St
Anne Skete, Mount Athos St George of Cernica & Caldarushani Monastery St Angelos the New Martyr of Chios

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4 - LUKE 24 : 1 - 12

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon, ke Stratioton The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans,
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis Triimeros and a pair of soldier guarded Thine Immaculate Body.
Sotir, doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e Thou Rose on the Third Day, O Lord and Saviour,
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon Si Zoodota. Doxa ti granting Life to the world. Wherefore the Powers of
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti Heaven cried to Thee, O Life-giver: Glory to Thy
Ikonomia Sou, Mone Filanthrope! Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom!
Glory to Thy Dispensation, O Only Lover of mankind!
SEASONAL KONTAKION FOREFEAST- NATIVITY- TONE 3

I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with the
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will was to be made
manifest as a New Infant the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 32/33 TONE 1
Genito, Kyrie, to Eleos Sou ef imas. Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Agalliasthe, Dikei, en Kyrio. Rejoice in the Lord, O you Righteous
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 5 : 8 19
WE MUST WALK IN CHRIST THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH
Brethren: ...walk as Children of Light for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out
what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose
them. Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore He says:
Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!
See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is
dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Having been Baptised and Chrismated, WE ARE THE Teachings, which Guide us correctly along the
ADOPTED CHILDREN OF THE UNCREATED LIGHT i.e. THE Narrow Path to Salvation and Eternal Life.
CHILDREN OF GOD AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST the Eternal Besides separating ourselves from Spiritual Darkness,
Son of God. we are to expose it and eradicate it.
Therefore, OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS SHOULD ALWAYS BE However, WE MUST FIRST EXPOSE OUR OWN INNER SPIRITUAL
APPROPRIATE AND WORTHY, honouring our Lord God in all DARKNESS BY SEEKING AND PLUCKING OUT OUR SINS
things. CONFESSING AND REPENTING OUR SINS.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS BESTOWED HIS DIVINE GIFTS ON US - Since our Ancestral sin causes us to habitually commit
EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD, RIGHTEOUS AND TRUE, WHICH sins of varying and innumerable degrees, we must
ENABLES US AND EMPOWERS US WITH KNOWLEDGE AND CONSTANTLY BE WATCHFUL AND REPENTANT.
WISDOM. It is unwise and indeed dangerous to curiously
Knowing through Gods Divine Truth that has been examine the ...works of Darkness... for then we do
granted to us, WE ...KNOW WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE TO OUR the will and the works of the evil one who perpetually
LORD.. and have no justifiable excuses for our tempts us.
disobedience or failure to fulfil the Will of God. We must rather FOCUS ON ALL THE BEAUTY AND GOODNESS THE
AS SOON AS WE FALL INTO THE SPIRITUAL DEATH OF SIN, WE MUST EXQUISITE GLORY OF GOD THAT IS HIS DIVINE CREATION, HIS
REPENT AND RETURN TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST. DIVINE TRUTH.
St Paul constantly urges us to ... have no fellowship Awake, you who sleep... is an early Baptismal Hymn.
with the unfruitful works of Darkness... The Holy Mystery of Baptism Illuminates us with the Love
We must make every effort to AVOID ANYTHING THAT MIGHT and Knowledge of Almighty God, so to ...walk in the
TEMPT US INTO COMMITTING SIN. Light... means that we live according to our Holy
Knowing the Will and Divine Teachings of our Lord God, Baptism i.e. having ...put on Christ... WE MUST
we must EXAMINE EVERYTHING UNDER THE DIVINE LIGHT OF CONTINUE TO LIVE IN CHRIST.- FULFILLING HIS DIVINE TRUTH
GODS TRUTH according to His Commandments and HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS.

26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 14TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE BLIND MAN OF JERICHO 3 DECEMBER 2017 1.
These days we are all exposed to the corruption and filth
of the ungodly, destructive evil one, which are all too
often disguised as a little harmless fun!
But NOTHING THAT IS WICKED IS EVER HARMLESS for we are
slowly but surely indoctrinated into accepting what is
UNACCEPTABLE TO GOD AND TO THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST who Struggle constantly to become worthy
Citizens of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
All the more now, we must JUDGE WHAT THE FALLEN WORLD
CONSIDERS AS BEING ACCEPTABLE OR REASONABLE ON THE
BASIS OF WHAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS TAUGHT US TO BE
TRUE, WORTHY AND RIGHTEOUS.
...walking circumspectly... redeeming the time...
means that although we do not actually abandon the
world created by God, while avoiding all the snares of
wickedness and temptation, WE KEEP OURSELVES IN
CHRIST AND WE TRY TO SALVAGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE FROM
THIS FALLEN WORLD THAT SURROUNDS US.
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE DO NOT RENOUNCE HIS
BEAUTIFUL CREATION, but only the fallenness and
corruption caused by the evil one and those who do
his bidding.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HEALS
At that time, as our Lord Jesus was leaving Jericho, a certain Blind Man sat by the roadside begging. Hearing a
multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
And he cried out: Jesus, Son of David! Have mercy on me! And those who went before Jesus warned him to be quiet.
He cried out all the more: Son of David! Have mercy on me! Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to
Him.
When he approached, He asked him: What do you want Me to do for you? He replied: Lord, grant that I may receive
sight. And Jesus said to him: Receive your sight. Your Faith has made you well. And immediately he received
his sight, and followed Him, Glorifying God.
And all the people, having beheld it, praised God.
St Matthew mentioned two blind men in his Holy Gospel Our Holy Church Fathers made a Spiritual Interpretation
Account of this Miracle of Christ.
However, such SMALL DETAILS ARE UNIMPORTANT COMPARED TO
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was greeted as Son of David,
which is A SPECIAL TITLE THAT IS STRICTLY ASSOCIATED WITH
THE LONG-AWAITED MESSIAH OF GOD.
THE TITLE LORD, WAS RESERVED FOR GOD ALONE and the Blind
Man of Jericho instinctively knew that CHRIST IS INDEED
OUR LORD FOR WHOM EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE ESPECIALLY
MIRACULOUS HEALING OF BOTH BODY AND SOUL.
Although our Lord knows the deepest desires and secrets
of every soul even before we have acknowledged or
expressed them HE WANTS US TO FREELY AND
CONFIDENTLY REQUEST HIS GREAT MERCY, WHICH IS FULFILLED
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE WILL AND PURPOSE.
WITHOUT FAIL GOD HEARS EVERY PRAYER AND PETITION EVEN
THOSE THAT REMAIN UNEXPRESSED - but we do not always
understand or realise when He has answered us and
SOMETIMES OUR PRAYERS TAKE LONGER TO BE FULFILLED
BECAUSE WE LACK SOMETHING NECESSARY FOR OUR SPIRITUAL
GROWTH OR WELFARE.
All too often WHAT WE THINK WE NEED MAY MERELY DISGUISE OR
PREVENT SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS FAR MORE ESSENTIAL FOR
OUR BENEFIT OR THAT OF MANY OTHERS and until we
grasp the Truth, we may have to endure our current
circumstances with Patience and Contemplation.
ONLY WITH GODS WISDOM AND HELP CAN WE REALISE WHAT WE
TRULY NEED FROM HIM and that is why Christ often
asked what seemed to be an absurd question of those
who were obviously seriously afflicted.
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 14TH SUNDAY
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, Today our Sacred Lesson concerns the
Blind Man of Jericho.
In those days, beggars waited patiently at the city gates
where people passed in and out.
Like all the others, this particular beggar, who was blind,
would call out to those who passed by, asking for a
coin or two, as most were utterly destitute and
dependent on the kindness of strangers.
Blindness and diseases of the eye were common ailments
in ancient times and those who lost one of their senses
would often develop their other sense much more
acutely.
2. 26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 14TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE BLIND MAN
WHEN WE REPENT OUR SINS, WE EXPERIENCE A SURGE OF JOY AND
A DISTINCTIVE, ELATED SPIRIT THAT ENERGIZES BOTH DARKNESS
AND LIGHT.
For those who dwell in a state of Spiritual Darkness, that
spirit is like a state of drunkenness - being artificial
and temporary - while FOR FAITHFUL DISCIPLES IT IS AN
ENCOUNTER WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Joy we experience is THE JOY OF THE NEW COVENANT
WORSHIP OF THE HOLY TRINITY - the Holy Eucharist
Thanksgiving to God the Father, through our Lord
Jesus Christ in the Power and Energy of God the Holy
Spirit.
In other words, those who are inebriated with alcohol,
totter and sway, while THOSE WHO ARE INEBRIATED WITH
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE ROOTED IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
AND ARE GLORIOUSLY SOBER!
QUOTING HOLY SCRIPTURE AND SINGING HYMNS OR CHANTING
PSALMS is not Spiritual if not done WITH GENUINE
HUMILITY, SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD AND HOLY FEAR
OF GOD.
TO ST LUKE 18 : 35 43
A BLIND MAN OF JERICHO
of this Divine Miracle.
THE BLIND MAN OF JERICHO SYMBOLISED THOSE FUTURE
GENERATIONS WHO WOULD BECOME CHRISTIANS OR DISCIPLES
OF CHRIST ONLY BY HEARING AND WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF
SEEING CHRIST IN PERSON.

JOHN 20:29 Our Lord Jesus Christ said to St Thomas
after His Glorious Resurrection: Thomas, because
you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed
are those who have not seen and yet have
believed!
The doubt or incredulity of St Thomas is described in our
hymns as Blessed for IT WAS NEITHER DOUBT OF NOR
RESISTANCE TO TRUTH BUT INSTEAD SHOWED ONE WHO
DESPERATELY DESIRED TRUTH.
It was ... a doubt that gave birth to Faith... once the
Truth was revealed and confirmed.
In our Hymns, we chant the words of Christ to St Thomas:
... Your doubt will teach My Passion and
Resurrection to all...
SUCH INCREDULITY OR DOUBT ... brought the hearts of
believers to Knowledge... BECAUSE ST THOMAS
CONVERSION INTO FAITH LED HIM TO THE CLEAREST
CONFESSION OF CHRISTS DIVINITY WHEN HE SO JOYFULLY
ADDRESSED OUR SAVIOUR AS ... my Lord and my God!
THOSE WHO TRIED TO SILENCE THE BLIND MAN OF JERICHO SIGNIFY
THE PERSECUTORS AND TYRANTS WHO IN EVERY GENERATION
TRY TO SILENCE THE DIVINE TRUTH AND WORSHIP OF THE HOLY
CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Nevertheless, under persecution, the Holy Church i.e. All
Faithful Christians Confess our Lord Jesus Christ all
the more!
OF ST LUKE THE BLIND MAN OF JERICHO
However, it required no special insight for the Blind Man
of Jericho to realize that the numbers of people
approaching the city was more apparent than usual.
The pushing, shoving crowd ignored the beggars who
lined the road into the city, so the Blind Man cried out
as loud as he could to attract their attention and find
out what was happening.
Finally, someone heard him and told him that "Jesus of
Nazareth was approaching, whereupon he called
out even louder than before, saying: Jesus, Son of
David! Have mercy on me!
And despite being told to be quiet and respectful, the
Blind Man knew that Christ was his only Hope, for he
believed that He could indeed Heal him and restore
his sight.
OF JERICHO 3 DECEMBER 2017
The Blind Mans voice did not make a helpless, feeble cry
for Divine Mercy. It is loud and insistent.
He continued to shout as loud as he could and he refused
to be silenced even though the people were trying to
persuade him to stop, no doubt using threats as well
as pleas.
Some people are intimidated and subdued by their
afflictions and handicaps, and some simply surrender
in defeat, despair and utter hopelessness, but not that
Blind Man of Jericho!
His unshakable Faith in God motivated his urgent,
compulsive and persistent cries to our Lord Jesus
Christ!
He called out to our Lord, addressing Him with profound
respect as "Son of David" - a reverent title that is
equivalent to identifying Him as "Messiah," for it
signified to the Judeans Someone Who is the
Promised Descendent of St David the King and Holy
Prophet of God - Who would worthily be seated upon
the Sacred Throne of Israel the Divine Saviour of
Gods Chosen People.
During most of His Earthly Ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ
never encouraged anyone to refer to Him as the
Messiah, because the political implications of that
august Title would have prevented Him from
ministering effectively to His Lost Sheep of the Tribe of
Israel. (Matthew 16:16, 20)
But now His Hour had come and He was set towards the
city of Jerusalem where He would be crucified,
having fulfilled His Heavenly Fathers Will Gods
Eternal Plan for all mankind.
The Blind Mans request for His Divine Mercy was
expressed by the same words that other beggars
used.
However, the Blind Man of Jerichos Entreaty to our Divine
Saviour was astoundingly different, for when he
besought the "Son of David" for His Great Mercy, he
asked Him for something far more precious than a
coin or two.
Furthermore, he did so with heartfelt Faith that our Divine
Savour would indeed grant him Healing.
St Luke wrote that our Compassionate Lord Jesus Christ
stopped walking and waited for the Blind Man to be
brought to him, whereupon He asked him to state
exactly: 'What do you want me to do for you?'
And the Blind Man of Jericho answered plainly and
concisely: Lord, grant that I may receive sight.
We have heard several accounts in the Holy Gospels
when our Lord Jesus asked the afflicted the most
obvious of questions.
His Purpose for doing so is to energise Faith and cause it
to be vocalised to be expressed clearly by those who
Entreat His Great Mercy.
It also helps those of us who beseech His Divine Mercy to
establish and to determine concisely what we
actually want from the Lord our God.
We often do not really understand nor know what it is
that we actually NEED from our Saviour.
There are some people who do not wish to be Healed
physically or spiritually in case they have to sacrifice
or surrender something they are unprepared to
relinquish.
This unique question of our Lord Jesus Christ is addressed
to each and every one of us, for we are quick to
beseech Him for whatever we think we need or want.
It is an essential question in our own life and ministry to
others for we ask each other to pray for us without
being specific about our Spiritual Needs.
Many of us may ask our Priests and Holy Fathers for a
Blessing or a Prayer but not for an actual Healing,
which some do not want, for they tend to enjoy the
sympathy and compassion that their suffering elicits,
or they are unwilling to Confess and Repent their sins,
which requires our Humility and Obedience.
In the case of the Blind Man of Jericho, our Lord Jesus
already knew the depth of his Faith, yet He made him
state clearly what it was for which he besought Gods
Great Mercy, and He immediately Healed him,
saying: Receive your sight. Your Faith has made
you well.
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 14TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE BLIND MAN
Our Lord Jesus Christ is truly our Divine Creator Who by
His Word alone Creates, Heals, Regenerates, Restores
and Renews, in Perfect Harmony with the Will of the
Father and the Power of the Holy Spirit.
0 The Faith of the Blind Man of Jericho was remarkable
for as soon as he heard that our Lord Jesus Christ was
approaching, he besought His Great Mercy as the
long awaited Messiah the All Holy Son of David
thereby exhibiting a profound insight into our Divine
Saviours True Mission.
In addition, the Blind Man of Jericho had an invincible
Faith in God that refused to be silenced or ignored.
The people tried to silence his loud cries to Christ, so he
called out all the more louder, and more
determinedly.
The people were embarrassed and ashamed at his
persistence but he remained unashamed and
focussed on our Lord Jesus Christ.
, and he calls out all the louder. People are embarrassed
as the local beggar goes ballistic when Jesus comes
to town, but he doesn't care.
His Faith in Jesus of Nazareth as his only Hope and
Saviour, had an intensity of desire that overcame
obstacles, rebuke, and embarrassment in order to
acquire what he desired from God alone.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Bridge to our Heavenly
Father.
He Guides us, Teaches us, Reveals and Encourages our
Sacred Relationship with our Triune God.
He has taught us to trust God implicitly in all
circumstances, having shown us so often how our
Loving and Compassionate God alone provides us
with everything necessary and in abundance, so
that we may share our Blessings with others.
As Faithful Disciples of Christ, we, too, may serve as
bridges for others.
At first, they might be dependent upon us but we should
neither be afraid not seek their dependence on us.
Instead we should see it as a stage of Faith, and our role
is to increase their Faith in our Heavenly Father, for
only when we have achieved this by the Grace of
God, have we followed our Lord and Saviour with
Humility and Obedience.
...And immediately he received his sight, and followed
Him, Glorifying God. And all the people, having
beheld it, praised God.
The formerly Blind Man of Jericho became a Faithful
Disciple of Christ, who, instead of begging, gave to
and did whatever he could for others.
That formerly Blind Man of Jericho serves as a
tremendous example of encouragement to others who
are in a similar physical state that he was.
This account is a powerful example of how it pleases our
Lord God when our Faith sees an opportunity, grasps
it, and refuses to let it go until we receive what we
need from God.
We, too, can become like this former Blind Beggar whose
deep, unwavering Faith instantly changed him from
being a taker to being a giver having changed from
one who needed help to one who helped so many
other people acquire the priceless Gift of Divine
Salvation and Life in Christ.
Our Holy Fathers have taught us that the Blind Man of
Jericho symbolised the future generations of Faithful
Disciples of Christ who would believe Divine Truth
only by hearing It, without the benefit of seeing and
hearing our Lord Jesus Christ in Person. (JOHN 20:29).
Those who tried to silence the Blind Man of Jericho
symbolised the persecutors and tyrants who, in every
generation try to silence the Faithful and destroy the
Holy Church of Christ..
Nevertheless, under persecution and tyranny, the Holy
Church of Christ perseveres and all the more
Confesses our Lord Jesus Christ and His Divine Truth,
while Calling us to do the same.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us ask endeavour to
become all that our Faith requires of us for the Glory,
Honour and Worship of God the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
HTTP://WWW.AXIONESTIN.ORG.AU
OF JERICHO 3 DECEMBER 2017 3.
 THE BEGINNING
Once we realize how great is the gap between our
earthly being and our Transcendent and All Powerful
Lord God, we begin to appreciate how little we know
about Him and we then begin to understand the
limitations of our intellectual and rational powers.
In his book The Authentic Seal our Holy Father,
Archimandrite Emilianos explained:
...We do not know God. We live in total ignorance we
live in what is essentially total oblivion. We neither
remember God nor know Him. This is why we cry all
the time - so that He will feel sorry for us and will
answer us. And when God does respond to us, we
can strike up a conversation with Him. That is how
Prayer starts!
The beginning of Prayer is a movement from the deepest
part of our being.
The beginning of Prayer is a humble cry for help.
In the beginning, Prayer can be expressed in many
ways.
Prayer can begin with our mouths, with our voices, with
words that we are able to express, by reading the
written Prayers of the Psalms or of our Holy Church.
Prayer can be an outward verbal expression or silently
from within ourselves.
No matter how we pray, the most important aspect is that
our prayer must be sincere, based on our Faith in
and coming from our inner depth from our heart
and soul.
WHAT
We all assume we know what Prayer is, but do we really
know? How do we feel while praying and what does it
mean to Live Prayer?
Elder Emilianos believes that Prayer is the vehicle of our
immortal soul - It is the atmosphere in which our
soul lives, and he compares Prayer to essential, life-
sustaining oxygen or air that we need to breathe in
order to stay alive.
...It is only when the Spirit prays within us that our
Prayer is able to Ascend to Heaven. Prayer is in the
Spirit and the Spirit comprehends Spirit and is
United with our spirit and not with our flesh...
We should ask ourselves if we are still holding on to a
child's manner of Prayer, for Prayer is much more
than merely asking for something good in this life for
others or for ourselves ...Prayer is a Journey
towards God."
For Orthodox Christians, Prayer must become a Way of
Life in Christ - a significant part of our Sacred
Journey to knowing and being United with God.
Elder Emilianos reminds us of the incredible Task we are
engaged it when we pray.
We are so different to God.
He is Eternally in Heaven but we live in a temporary,
physical world on Earth.
His Divine Essence is beyond anything that we can
comprehend.
Elder Emilianos points out that "God is Light and we are
Darkness," thereby emphasizing the difference
between us and our Lord.
Because of our infinite differences, we should expect to
experience a Struggle with Prayer.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR
Food is not evil, but gluttony is. Childbearing is not evil,
but fornication is. Money is not evil, but avarice is.
Glory is not evil, but vainglory is. Indeed, there is no
evil in existing things, but only in their misuse.
ST NICHOLAS OF SERBIA
God and the devil are found at opposite poles. No one
can turn his face to God who has not first turned his
back on sin. When we turn our face to God, all of our
paths lead to God. When we turn our face away from
God, all of our paths lead to perdition. When we reject
God by word and in our heart, we are no longer fit to
do anything that does not serve our complete
destruction, both of our soul and of our body.
ST IGNATIOS BRIANCHANINOV
We must not undertake to explain the Holy Gospels or the
other Books of Holy Scripture ourselves, for Holy
Scripture were not expressed arbitrarily by the
Prophets and the Apostles, but by the Divine
4. 26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 14TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE BLIND MAN
OF PRAYER
The key is for us to pray from within the very depth of our
being, so that eventually it is our soul that prays.
Elder Emilianos tells us: ...What matters is that there
should issue forth a cry from our depths, which is
like a powerful bomb, like an earthquake, shaking
the heavens and making God answer in the end,
and say to us: Are you shouting to Me? Why?
The beginning of Prayer involves this intense longing to
communicate with God.
Prayer is our urgent and persistent crying out to God,
which should always be deeply respectful and
humble in regard to our Relationship with Him Who is
our Lord God, our Creator, our Most Loving and
Providential Divine Benefactor without Whom we are
nothing.
It makes no difference how we pray no matter whether
we are standing, sitting, or lying prostrate on our belly
as long as it is a heartfelt longing and need for God
that He will not ignore.
As Elder Emilianos says: ... We should learn to seek Him.
Because if God were to surrender to us immediately,
before we did any of these things... we would cast
Him off as easily as we had won Him, because we
would not know His True Value...
God wants us to sense Him first from the depths of our
being, which we then raise up to Him in Prayer.
The first thing is to experience Prayer as a Struggle.
The second is a cry from the depths of our being.
IS PRAYER?
In relation to God, our immortal soul is extremely
miniscule and clouded by all our earthly desires and
passions.
Our Lord God is so Great and Perfect that our attempts at
Prayer cause us to become more and more aware of
our smallness and weakness, and the closer we slowly
draw to God, the more we understand our True
Spiritual Condition.
Consequently, Prayer is naturally a Struggle.
...It follows that we experience Prayer initially - when
we start to pray - as a wrestling-match, as a
Struggle... not in the sense that it is difficult to pray,
but that we have to Struggle to gather our thoughts
or overcome our sleepiness, ... this is Ascetic
Struggle... the Struggle we have ... (in order to fulfil the
Will of God and thus become worthy of Everlasting Life.)
This means the feelings we experience concern our
awareness of this great gap between us and God,
which is so immense, it appears to be an
insurmountable obstacle.
We are reminded of the Transcendence (Absolute
Perfection) of God.
Bridging this great difference between us is the nature of
the Spiritual Struggle we should feel in Prayer.
Elder Emilianos makes an important point: ...When we do
not have a sense of this Struggle with God... we have
not even begun to pray!
DEACON CHARLES JOINER
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/2017/09/
Inspiration of the Holy Spirit. How mindless then is it to
explain them arbitrarily? The Holy Spirit, having
expressed the Word of God through the Prophets and
Apostles, explained it through our Holy Fathers. Both
the Word of God and its explanation are a Gift of the
Holy Spirit. The Holy Orthodox Church and Her True
Children accept only this Patristic Interpretation!
ST. HILARION TROITSKY
We know and are convinced that falling away from the
Holy Church of Christ, whether into schism, heresy, or
sectarianism, is complete Perdition and Spiritual
Death. For us there is no Christianity outside of the
Holy Church. Our Lord Jesus Christ established His
Holy Church, and the Church is His Body, so to be cut
off from His Holy Body is to die!
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
Those who are humble and who live a Spiritual Life,
when they read Holy Scripture, will relate all things to
themselves and not to others.
OF JERICHO 3 DECEMBER 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.

4 December 2017
St Barbara, Great Virgin Martyr of Heliopolis, Syria
Also the Feast OF ST JOHN OF DAMASCUS St Alexander Hotovitsky, New Holy Martyr of Russia St
Julian of Heliopolis, Syria St John of Polybotum, Phrygia St Gennadios of Novgorod St
Seraphim, Hieromartyr of the Phanar, Constantinople

FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF ST BARBARA TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Varvaran tin Agian Timisomen; ehthrou gar tas pagidas Barbara the Saintly: let us honour now; for she
sinetripse ke os strouthion erristhi ex afton, voithia ke opio shattered the snares of the enemy, and like a
tou Stavrou i pansemnos. sparrow she freed herself from them, with the Help
and Weapon of the Cross all stately.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST JOHN OF DAMASCUS TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Orthodoxias odige, efsevias didaskale ke semnotitos, tis Guide of Orthodoxy and Sacred Teacher of Piety and
ikoumenis O Fostir, ton Monaston to Theopnefston Dignity, Luminary of the world, and God-Inspired Jewel
ekllopisma, Ioanni Sofe, tes didahes Sou pantas Efotisas, of Monastics, O Wise John, the Spirits Instrument by
lira tou Pnevmatos Presveve Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas Thy Teachings, Thou Enlightened all. Intercede with
psihas imon. Christ our God for the Salvation of our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with the
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will it was to be
made manifest as a young Child the Pre-Eternal God.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 25 : 1 13
THE TEN VIRGINS - BEING PREPARED AT ALL TIMES
At that time, our Lord Jesus told this Parable: ... the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened to Ten Virgins who took
their lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who
were foolish, took their lamps, but took no oil with them. The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the Bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered, and slept. In the middle of the night a cry was heard:
Behold! The Bridegroom is coming! Go out to meet Him! All those Virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish Virgins said to the wise: Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. Answering, the wise
Virgins said: No, lest there should not be enough for us and you. Go rather to those who sell, and buy oil for
yourselves.
While they went to buy, the Bridegroom came. And those who were ready, went in with Him to the Wedding, and
the Door was shut. Afterwards the other Virgins came also, saying: Lord! Lord! Open to us! He answered and
said: Truly, I say to you: I do not know you!
Watch, therefore, for you know neither the Day nor the Hour in which the Son of Man will come!
Our Lord Jesus Christs Parable of the Ten Virgins THE WISE VIRGINS ARE THOSE WHO PRACTICE CHARITY AND MERCY
illustrates and teaches us clearly THE NEED FOR ALWAYS IN THIS PREPARATORY LIFESPAN, WHILE THE FOOLISH VIRGINS
BEING SPIRITUALLY PREPARED ... while the Bridegroom ARE THOSE WHO SQUANDER ON THEMSELVES THE DIVINE GIFTS
(Christ) was delayed while we await His Glorious THAT GOD HAS GRANTED TO US ALL i.e. they are selfish
Reappearance at the end of time on the Eighth Day. and self-indulgent - desiring instant gratification -
 NO ONE BUT GOD THE FATHER KNOWS EXACTLY WHEN HE WILL without considering
requirements.
others or their future
REAPPEAR IN ALL HIS DIVINE GLORY TO JUDGE THE LIVING
AND DEAD of Earth, so we must ensure that we are The fact that ALL THE VIRGINS SLUMBERED AND SLEPT, means
as ready as possible. that WE ALL EVENTUALLY DIE hopefully Reposing in
THE LIVING AND THE DEAD ALSO REFERS TO THOSE WHO ARE IN A Christ.
STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE (HAVING REPENTED-CONFESSED) AND In this temporary world, THE VIRTUOUS WILL DIE ALONGSIDE
SPIRITUAL DEATH (HAVING UNREPENTED AND UNCONFESSED THOSE WHO ARE WICKED.
SINS THAT ARE STUBBORNLY IGNORED OR DENIED.)
THE CRY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT INDICATES THE SECOND
We do know that WE WILL ALL DEFINITELY DIE therefore, as COMING OR MORE CORRECTLY, HIS REAPPEARANCE IN ALL HIS
our Holy Church Fathers urge us we KEEP THE DIVINE GLORY WHEN BOTH VIRTUOUS AND WICKED WILL BE
REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH IN MIND AT ALL TIMES, to compel RESURRECTED FOR OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
us to FULFIL ALL OUR SACRED TASKS AND MISSIONS that are THE INABILITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS TO SHARE THEIR OIL WITH OTHERS
necessary for our Entrance into the Divine, Heavenly should not be interpreted as being mean or a lack of
Kingdom of Love. kindness and generosity.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OFTEN PORTRAYED AS A MARRIAGE It IS AN ILLUSTRATION OF
BANQUET, WITH CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR AS THE AWAITED 1. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF ENTERING HEAVEN WITHOUT HAVING
BRIDEGROOM AND HIS HOLY CHURCH AS HIS SPOTLESS, PURE FAITH AND VIRTUE
BRIDE. 2. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF CHANGING ONES STATE of Virtue or
THIS DIVINE MYSTICAL MARRIAGE WILL BE CONSUMMATED AT THE lack of it AFTER DEATH ( as revealed in the case
END OF THE AGES when the Bridegroom returns to escort of Poor Lazaros (the Beggar) and the Rich
His Beloved Bride to the Eternal Wedding Banquet. Man.)
This Parable is primarily about THE VIRTUE OF CHARITY This cautionary Parable of our Lord is read during Holy
(LOVE) AND ALMSGIVING, as the words OIL and MERCY Week and on the Feast Days of Great Virgin Martyrs
have the same root in Greek (ELEON). and Nuns (Monastic Virgins).

ST BARBARA THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF HELIOPOLIS, SYRIA 4 DECEMBER 2017 5

 FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 67 TONE 4
God is Wondrous in His Saints.
In the Congregations Bless God!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 3 : 23 4 : 5
OUR ADOPTION AS CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST THROUGH OUR FAITH AND HOLY BAPTISM
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law kept for the Faith that would afterward be
revealed. Therefore, the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ, so that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith
has come, we are no longer under a Tutor.
You are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female. You are all
one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christs then you are Abrahams seed, and Heirs according to the Promise.
I say that the Heir as long as he is a child does not differ at all from a slave, although he is master of all, but is under
Guardians and Stewards until the time appointed by the Father. Even so, we when we were children were in
bondage under the elements of the world. When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son Born of a
Woman, Born under the Law - to Redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption as
sons.
Faith IN Christ is also Faith OF Christ because TWO FAITHS (The Repentant Thief, St Demas, was the first to enter Paradise since
ARE COOPERATING together: first and foremost, the faith the banishment of Adam and Eve.)
of Christ, and secondarily, the Faith in Christ of those THOSE WHO STUBBORNLY REJECTED HIM, REMAIN IN HADES where
who believe. they suffer the hideous Foretaste of the vileness and
Although THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD COVENANT with God had torment of Eternal Alienation from God,
complete Faith in God, they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS ONE OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND
THE FAITH OF CHRIST FOR OUR SAVIOUR HAD NOT YET APPEARED ALLEGIANCE to Him and through our Holy Baptism
TO THEM. WE HAVE BECOME ADOPTED HEIRS OF GOD CO-HEIRS
THE HOLY TRINITY IS OMNIPRESENT - ever-present there has WITH CHRIST TO THE ETERNAL HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
never been a time or place when God the Father, the GOD.
Son and the Holy Spirit was not present! Not only have WE BEEN BAPTISED into Christianity into the
The only time WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE GOD WAS WHEN CHRIST Christian Faith, but WE HAVE VESTED OURSELVES WITH
the Word and Son of God became Man BECAME CHRIST WE HAVE PUT ON CHRIST we have taken on
INCARNATE took on physical matter a human body. our Sacred Mission TO BECOME CHRIST-LIKE TO IMITATE
(St Abraham also saw the Holy Trinity as three identical Men CHRIST Himself and thereby REGAIN OUR LOST LIKENESS TO
Angels, Whom he addressed as Lord as one Being.) GOD
THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL According to our New Covenant with Almighty God, THERE
PREPARATORY PERIOD FOR ETERNITY. IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOCIAL STATUS, ETHNICITY OR
Because Gods Love of us is infinite and absolute, He GENDER because WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN THE SIGHT OF GOD!
provided mankind with a set of TEN COMMANDMENTS OR SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED ARE INTERWOVEN we
LAWS that GUIDE US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND PROTECT US cannot claim to have one without the other!
FROM FALLING INTO A STATE OF PERMANENT SPIRITUAL DEATH. For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OR MOSAIC LAW prepared the put on Christ, is our ancient Baptism Hymn that is
Hebrew Nation for the Coming of God. They STILL APPLY chanted during the Procession of the Newly
TO US, THE NEW ISRAEL THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD. Regenerated into the assembly the Holy Church of
WITH GODS NEW COVENANT, CHRIST REVEALED THE TRUE NATURE Christ.
OF OUR MOST MERCIFUL, LOVING AND BENEVOLENT GOD TO WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE IN CHRIST.
US AND TAUGHT US THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE, which the Therefore, assessing people according to our own
ancient people of God only understood instinctively at opinion, attitude, value, gender or ethnicity is
first and then through the Teachings of the Holy forbidden in Christs Holy Church,
Prophets of God. If we are genuinely trying to imitate Christ we must do so
AT THE HARROWING OF HADES AFTER HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS IN without fail: He never discriminated against anyone
HIS HUMAN NATURE, CHRIST - IN HIS DIVINE, ALMIGHTY so how dare we do so!
NATURE - SMASHED OPEN THE IMPRISONING DOORS OF HADES, ANY DISCRIMINATION, BIGOTRY, INTOLERANCE OR PREJUDICE WILL
AND FREED ALL HUMANITY FROM THE ENSLAVING POWER OF EVIL CAUSE US SERIOUS SPIRITUAL CONDEMNATION, which -
HAVING ALREADY RE-OPENED PARADISE to THE FAITHFUL unless we quickly correct ourselves with sincere
where they could REPOSE IN PEACE UNTIL THE GENERAL Repentance - will affect our Eternity!
RESURRECTION AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT. We are all one in nature and equal in dignity.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK 5 : 24 34
HEALING OF ST VERONICA WHO HAD HAEMORRHAGED FOR 12 YEAR S
At that time, many people followed Jesus, and thronged Him. And there was a certain Woman who had had a flow of
blood for twelve years, and had suffered much from many Physicians. And she had spent all that she had and was
not better, but rather, grew worse.
When she heard that about Jesus, she went behind Him in the crowd and touched His garments. She had thought: If
only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well. And immediately the source of her bleeding dried up, and she
felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus - instantly knowing in Himself that Power had gone
out of Him - turned around in the crowd and asked: Who touched My clothes? And His Disciples said to Him:
Thou see the multitude thronging Thee, and Thou ask: Who touched Me?
And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. The Woman fearing and trembling knowing what had
happened to her, went and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. He said to her: Daughter, your
faith has made you well. Go in Peace, and be healed of your affliction.
AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS BY THE WILL OF GOD This wretched suffering woman regarded herself as
ALONE AND BEING OF THE SAME DIVINE ESSENCE AS GOD being unclean and had followed all the
THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST POSSESSES THAT requirements as a social outcast but SHE HAD REACHED
SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY. SUCH A DEGREE OF MISERY AND DESPERATION THAT SHE
THE HEALING OF THAT WOMAN, ST VERONICA, DEMONSTRATED RISKED FURTHER SHAME AND HUMILIATION IN THE
OUR LORD JESUS POWER TO CLEANSE US FROM OUR SINS AND CONVICTION THAT ONLY CHRIST COULD HEAL HER.
TO HEAL ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS THE SPIRITUAL AND THE It was a risk that she was willing to take after all what
PHYSICAL. more could she lose? People had already taken
According to the Old Covenant Laws, any type of everything she had, but now GOD WOULD GRANT HER
haemorrhaging caused ceremonial defilement, WHAT SHE REALLY NEEDED!
which imposed religious and social restrictions upon EVERYTHING THAT IS TOUCHED BY GOD BECOMES SANCTIFIED
the sufferers for ANY CONTACT WITH BLOOD WAS STRICTLY HOLY AND WILL PASS THAT SANCTIFICATION ONTO THE
PROHIBITED AND AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS. FAITHFUL.

6. ST BARBARA THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF HELIOPOLIS, SYRIA 4 DECEMBER 2017

So THE INSTANT ST VERONICA SOFTLY TOUCHED THE ROBES OF
CHRIST SHE WAS HEALED AND GOD KNEW HER SINCERE FAITH
IN HIM.
DIVINE ENERGY OR POWER WENT FROM CHRIST TO ST VERONICA
AND HE WANTED HER TO OPENLY ACKNOWLEDGE HER FAITH
IN HIM SO THAT OTHERS WOULD LEARN FROM HER AND
GLORIFY GOD.
Therefore He loudly enquired Who touched My
garment? which astonished His Disciples since the
large crowd shoved and pushed one another to get
closer to Christ and many would have brushed
against Him or certainly touched His garments.
Although on His way to save the daughter of Jairus a
ruler of the Synagogue OUR LORD JESUS TOOK HIS
TIME TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HEALED WOMAN AND TO TEACH
BOTH HER AND ALL THOSE WHO WITNESSED IT HIS DIVINE
TRUTH:
ST BARBARA THE GREAT HOLY
St Barbara lived in the city of Heliopolis in the beginning
of the third century.
She was a lovely and intelligent girl - the daughter of
Dioscoros, who was a wealthy pagan nobleman.
In his zeal to protect his young daughter, Dioscoros built a
magnificent tower for her to live in and to keep her
safe.
He spared no expense, providing her with every material
luxury - the best food, clothing, servants and teachers,
but he forbade her to have any friends nor allowed
her speak to anyone without his permission.
Dioscoros' intentions were simple - he wanted to surround
his daughter with the greatest comforts and
attendants focused on teaching her how to worship
the pagan gods.
He felt that by keeping her secluded from the world, she
was sure to remain a pagan worshipper.
St Barbara was a bright and intelligent girl who was
obedient to her father's wishes and remained in the
tower, without complaint.
One day, before leaving on one of his many business
trips, Dioscoros issued orders to have a bathhouse
built for St Barbara next to her tower.
He had plans drawn up and left strict instructions for the
builders to follow.
However, due to his business affairs, he was absent for
an unusually long time, so that the builders had
almost completed the structure of the bathhouse yet
there was no word of his return.
St Barbara descended from her tower to inspect the new
structure, whereupon she noticed that it only had two
windows, and thinking that the pool would have more
light if there were three windows in the walls, she
instructed the stonemasons to add a third window.
Remembering Dioscoros stern instructions, the workers
were afraid to deviate from his plans, but St Barbara
assured them that she would assume full
responsibility for the change.
Being aware of how devoted Dioscoros was to his only
daughter, they added a third window in the
bathhouse.
As St Barbara stood by the pool facing the East she said:
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit, and she miraculously inscribed the Sign of the
Cross in the marble wall of the bathhouse with her
finger.
She then returned to her tower and spent her days
praying and fasting.
When Dioscoros eventually returned, he immediately
noticed the additional window in the bathhouse, so
he inspected the bathhouse more thoroughly, and
saw the Sign of the Cross carved into the marble wall.
He was enraged and demanded to know who had given
them permission to make such changes to the
bathhouse.
The cowering workers reluctantly told him that St
Barbara had instructed them to add the third window,
but they knew nothing about the Sign of the Cross,
which had appeared carved into the marble wall,
after St Barbara had been there.
Dioscoros immediately hastened to his daughter and
demanded to know why she had dared to change his
strict instructions, and what the significance was of
that third window.
ST BARBARA THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR
First He granted her Good cheer because of THE PROOF
AND CONSEQUENCES OF HER SINCERE FAITH.
Then He corrected her thinking for SHE COULD NEITHER
HIDE HER ACTIONS FROM HIM FROM GOD NOR WAS SHE
EXCLUDED FROM HIM BECAUSE OF HER AFFLICTION.
And finally, HE REVEALED HER FAITH PUBLICALLY SO THAT THE
WITNESSES MIGHT FOLLOW HER GOOD EXAMPLE.
Our Holy Church Fathers believed that St Veronica
symbolises human nature in general because ALL
HUMANITY CONSTANTLY SUFFERS AND IS SUBJECT TO DEATH,
WHICH WAS SYMBOLISED BY HER HAEMORRHAGING.
The Physicians who could not heal her symbolise the
various religions of the world, AS WELL AS THE OLD
COVENANT LAW, WHICH ARE UNABLE TO GRANT LIFE TO
HUMANITY THEY CANNOT SAVE US
ONLY GOD CAN SAVE OR REDEEM US! ONLY THROUGH OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, ARE WE GENUINELY
FREED FROM SUFFERING AND BONDAGE TO SIN!
VIRGIN MARTYR OF HELIOPOLIS
St Barbara responded by gently explaining that the three
windows represented the three Divine Lights Who
Guide everyone who comes into the world, and she
then Confessed her Faith in our Living God - the Holy
Trinity.
Dioscoros worst fears were realised and his blazing fury
erupted!
His desire to keep his daughter in the Spiritual Darkness
of paganism had failed!
Even though she had no 'human' Teacher to bring her to
the Knowledge of God's Existence, St Barbara's mind,
heart and soul were opened by the Grace of God and
she experienced His Divine Presence.
Secretly, she had been able to meet with some Christians
who told her about our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
and His Teachings.
Convinced by the Divine Truth she received Holy Baptism
and became a devout Christian whose Love for God
has inspired all who have heard of her.
Blinded by his insane fury, Dioscoros delivered St Barbara
to Marcian, the Roman Prefect, instructing him to
torture her until she renounced Christ.
The innocent, young girl was stripped naked and beaten
with whips and clubs until she lay in a pool of her
own blood.
To increase her pain and suffering, the executioners
rubbed vinegar into her raw wounds, yet through all
that degradation and humiliation, St Barbara stood
firm in her Faith, refusing to renounce our Lord Jesus
Christ.
She was hurled into a dark, stinking dungeon, where she
spent the night, before being having to endure more
torture the following day.
St Barbara knelt in Prayer, beseeching our Lord God to
continue to grant her the Strength to remain
steadfastly Faithful, and as she prayed, her heart was
filled with overwhelming Heavenly Joy, Love and
Peace, while her terrible wounds were completely
and miraculously Healed.
Another pious young Christian named Juliana was also
imprisoned, and as she witnessed the Miraculous
Healing of St Barbara, she praised God and vowed to
endure whatever brutal tortures were forced upon her
because of her Faith in our Divine Saviour.
The next day, St Barbara was brought before Marcian,
who was astonished to see that none her wounds and
bruises were evident.
When he demanded that she renounce her Faith in
Christ, her adamant refusal angered him deeply.
He ordered her to undergo even worse punishment than
the previous day.
St Barbara was tied to a stake and her flesh ripped with
iron claws, her wounds were seared with red hot iron
rods and her head was struck with spiked clubs, yet
through it all, St Barbara found Consolation in
ceaseless Prayer.
St Juliana witnessed St Barbaras excruciating and
vicious tortures, and she wept bitterly over her
inability to assist her.
When Marcian saw this, he ordered St Juliana to also
endure the same tortures, and even while the hideous
brutality continued for several hours, the two Faithful
Disciples of Christ prayed and chanted hymns.
OF HELIOPOLIS, SYRIA 4 DECEMBER 2017 7.
Their unwavering Faith in our Lord God frustrated
Marcian to such an extent that in utter enraged
frustration he ordered them to be dragged out of the
city and beheaded.
Dioscoros watched the executioners torturing his young
daughter without any pity or remorse in his heart and
when he heard Marcian pronounce the death
sentence, he offered to execute St Barbara himself
with his own sword!
St Barbara and St Juliana were dragged all the way to a
mountainside were they were beheaded St Barbara,
by her father and St Juliana by an executioner.
IGUMEN MELCHIZEDEK ON THE FEAST OF ST BARBARA THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF HELIOPOLIS
May the Fervent Prayers of the Great Holy Martyr, St
Barbara, who preserves Faithful Orthodox Christians
from sudden death, be with you.
Our Prayers to St Barbara express the Faith of our Holy
Church: ...grant us a Christian ending painless,
blameless, Peaceful, with the Communion of Christs
Holy Mysteries...
Each of us will have to be born into Eternity, for no one is
Eternal.
Our Lord said: ... as I find you, so will I Judge you.
Our Lord God has not Saved anyone from this temporal
death,, but He has Saved us from Eternal Death.
Who we will be in Eternity, depends entirely on us!
Therefore, the Holy Church of Christ, the Holy Mysteries,
Confession... is the Path to Eternity.
Therefore, we pray to St Barbara for her Intercessory
Prayers so that our earthly end might not be without
Communion of Christs Holy Mysteries.
We reap what we sow.
If we Live through the Holy Church of Christ, we will
Ascend to Heave with the Church Triumphant.
What happens to those who live through this world alone
is unknown.
The Holy Elder, Ambrose of Optina Monastery said: The
world promises gold but gives mold!
St Basil the Great said: Let us do immediately right this
very moment that which will lead us to Eternity!
The Great God-Pleaser, St John of Kronstadt performed
such Miracles, and one handmaiden of God, who
had carefully read St Johns Life, told me about how
he once visited a city on the Volga, where the river is
not very deep, the following occurred:
A ship had run aground and could not proceed for
Summer had been drought stricken.
Father John had attended a Patronal Feast day and
many people asked him to pray for rain so that the
water would rise in the Volga River and the ship could
continue on its way.
St John of Kronstadt began to pray and the river, before
the eyes of all, slowly began to rise, until the ship and
other boats could move again, and the people,
awestruck and grateful, Glorified our Lord God and
His Faithful Saint.
When asked how he had been granted such Great Divine
Grace, the humble St John simply said: I Live in the
Holy Church of Christ!
He lived with God. He breathed God. He served the
Divine Liturgy every day and considered any day
when he could not pray at the Divine Liturgy to be a
loss to his Life.
Hence St John of Kronstadt was granted such Great Holy
Gifts.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST GENNADIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
We must give our intentions in Prayer to God, Who knows If, at the time when the mind is praying it is distracted by
everyone, even before our birth. And we must not ask
that everything will be according to our will, because
we do not know what is profitable for us. But we must ST BARSANUPHIOS THE GREAT
say to our Lord God: Let Thy Will be done! For He If we become proud when we receive what we ask in
does everything for our benefit.
ST JOHN KLIMAKOS
Those who ask something of God and do not receive it, is
doubtless due to one of these reasons - either
because they ask before the time, or they ask
unworthily, or out of vainglory, or because if they
received what they asked for they would become
proud or fall into negligence.
8. ST BARBARA THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF
As the two killers went down the mountainside, great
bolts of lightning struck Dioscoros and the execution,
killing them instantly.
When this was reported to the cowardly Prefect Marcian,
he became so paralyzed by fear of such an All
Powerful God, that he died of fright.
St Barbara the Great Virgin Martyr, and St Juliana,
gained their Crowns of Holy Martyrdom on 4
December 306 and were United for Eternity with their
Most Beloved Heavenly Father.
Through their constant Intercessions on our behalf, O
Lord, have Mercy on us.
Neither through television, nor newspapers, nor the news,
nor the computer, nor at work is the Divine Grace of
the Holy Spirit acquired, for these are merely
insignificant aspects of daily life, but the Holy Church
of Christ is True Life Itself!
Therefore, let us not exchange gold for trinkets.
Let us breathe the Air of Eternity, which can only be found
in Church, and through Her, even if we do not acquire
similar Holy Gifts, we can at the very least partake of
that Divine Grace of our Lord God that Eternally
Exultant Life that our Lord grants so abundantly to
each of us during every Prayer in Church.
Our Lord is always ready to bestow upon us His Heavenly,
Divine, All Illuminating Grace if only the vessel of our
soul is prepared to receive It.
Father Valerian Krechetov of the Moscow Diocese
explained what it means to be prepared to receive
Divine Grace.
Concerning those who receive our Lords Holy Mysteries,
he said: It is very difficult to rank them in terms of
who is worthy and who is unworthy, We are all worthy
of this Great Grace because we are, both collectively
and individually, unworthy of It.
To repeat the words of St Theophan the Recluse, in the
depths of our soul, we consider ourselves unworthy to
partake of Christs Holy Mystery, not placing our hopes
on our imagined Virtues or on Vigils, Confession, or
Rule of Prayer.
Nevertheless, there is one thing that makes us worthy of
receiving Christs Holy Mysteries the wholehearted
acknowledgement of our unworthiness.
Therefore, everyone is worthy, because we are all
unworthy.
If, from Communion to Communion, we Live in Christ with
Humility and Obedience, our Lord Who ...resists the
proud but grants Grace to the humble... will liken us
to Himself and His Holy Saints.
And through the Prayers of St Barbara, may our All
Merciful Lord grant us Love of His Holy Church as did
His Saints so that we may have the zeal for Prayer and
Spiritual Life, as did His Saints, and that we may Love
and Live by the Holy Gospel as did His Saints,
including St Barbara whom we today Glorify.
Through her Intercessory Prayer, may our Lord keep our
Holy Orthodox Church unwavering in Faith, support
the elderly, make wise the young, preserve families,
grant Godly Zeal to all our Priests and lead us through
Repentance and Wholehearted Love for Almighty God
to ever-exultant Eternity, where there will be neither
tears, nor sickness, nor sighing, but Life and
Everlasting Joy.
IGUMEN MELCHIZEDEK (ARTIUKHIN), RECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF STS. PETER AND
PAUL IN YASENEVO, THE OPTINA MONASTERYS METOCHION IN MOSCOW.
any extraneous thought or worry about anything,
then this Prayer is not pure.
Prayer, then it is obvious that our Prayer was not to
God, and we did not receive Help from Him, but the
demons were working with us in order to exalt our
heart, for when Help is granted by from God, the soul
is not exalted, but is all the more humbled, and she is
amazed at the Great Mercy of God at how Merciful
He is to sinners.
HELIOPOLIS, SYRIA 4 DECEMBER 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.

5 December 2017
St Savvas the Sanctified
Also the Feast of St Gurias, Archbishop of Kazan St Anastasios the Fuller of Salona,
Dalmatia St Karion/Cyrion & St Zacharia of Sketis, Egypt St Nektarios of Bitolya &
Mount Athos St Philotheos the Holy Ascetic of Karyes, Mount Athos All Martyred
Monks of Karyes, Mount Athos St Crispina of Tagora, Africa

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST SAVVA THE SANCTIFIED TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Tes ton dakrion Sou roes, tis erimou to agonon egeorgisas; With the rivers of Thy tears, Thou changed the barren
ke tis ek vathous stenagmis, is ekaton tous ponous desert into fertile land; and with the sighs from Thy
ekarpoforisas; ke gagonas Fostir, tis ikoumenis, depths, Thou made Thy Labours produce a
lambon tis thavmasi, Savva Patir imon Osie. Presveve hundredfold; and Thou became a Bright Star, shining
Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas imon. on the earth with Thy Miracles. O Savvas our Father
Righteous: Intercede with Christ our God, for our
souls to be Saved!
FESTAL KONTAKION - ST SAVVAS THE SANCTIFIED - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Os apo vrefous to Theo thisia amomos, prosevehthis di O Blessed Savvas, Thou was offered from Thine infancy
aretis, Savva Makarie, to Se prin gennithine through Thy Great Virtue as a Pure and Spotless
epistameno, ehrimatisas Osion egkallopisma, polistis te Sacrifice to God, Who before Thy Birth, verily foreknew
tis erimou exietpenos. Dio krazo Si. Heris Pater aidime. Thee; wherefore Thou was an Adornment of the
Righteous Saints, an All-praised Founder of cities in the
wilderness. Hence, I cry to Thee: Rejoice, O Father of
Great Renown!
SEASONAL KONTAKION - NATIVITY OF CHRIST
I Parthenos simeron, ton Iperousion tikti, ke i gi to spyleon Today the Virgin gives Birth to Him Who is above all
to aprito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon doxologousi, being, and the earth offers a cave to Him Whom no
Magi de meta asteros odiporousi, di imas gar egenniti, man can approach. Angels with Shepherds give glory,
Pedion neon, O Pro Aionon Theos. and Magi journey with a Star. For unto us is Born a
young Child: the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 149 TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE
The Saints shall rejoice in Glory, and they shalt greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing unto the Lord a New Song His Praise in the Assembly of His Holy
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 5 : 22 6 : 2
BATTLE AGAINST THE FLESH & DO GOOD TO EVERYONE
Brethren: the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-
control. Against such there is no Law.
Those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in
the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Brethren: if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are Spiritual, must restore such a one in a spirit of Gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ.
This Sacred Lesson commemorates all Holy Monks and IT Without HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE two inseparable Virtues
REMINDS US, AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WHOM WE we cannot expect to make even the slightest Progress,
STRIVE TO IMITATE AND FAITHFULLY FOLLOW I.E. OUR LORD AND for ONLY BY WORKING IN HARMONY AND UNITY WITH GOD AND
SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST WHO IS THE SON OF GOD. WITH ONE ANOTHER, CAN WE ACHIEVE THEOSIS Spiritual
WE ARE GUIDED AND ENABLED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT our Perfection and Eternal Life.
Divine Comforter, Advocate and Helper - WHO GRANTS US BEING ENLIGHTENED BY CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE SHOULD
HIS DIVINE GIFTS OF VIRTUE such as Love, Joy, Peace, ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST ONE ANOTHER, especially when any
Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, of us stumbles or falls along the Way.
Gentleness and Self-Control. However, WHEN CORRECTING OUR FALLEN OR STUMBLING
As developing, maturing and Faithful Christians we are BRETHREN, WE MUST ALWAYS DO SO WITH HUMBLE AGAPE OR
reminded that THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM WE HAVE LOVE ... A spirit of Gentleness... and never with a
ABANDONED OUR FORMER SELVES the old man (i.e. our sense of criticism or condemnation because the next
former, corrupted human nature). time we, ourselves, may fall even harder than any of
Having been REGENERATED IN CHRIST, our only desire is to our fellow sinners: Today my Brother, tomorrow me!
BECOME LIKE HIM THROUGH HUMILITY AND WILLING OBEDIENCE (ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT)
TO GOD IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE instead of being ruled and TO BE ABLE TO ADMINISTER CORRECTION WITH GENTLENESS IS A
dominated by our passions or vices and selfish desires. SPIRITUAL GIFT OF GOD.
To walk in the (Holy) Spirit is to LIVE EVERY MOMENT in the St Paul admonished us to BEAR ONE ANOTHERS BURDENS AND TO
(Holy) Spirit, being CONSTANTLY AWARE OF OUR HOLY BEAR OUR OWN BURDENS AS WELL because WE ARE CALLED TO
MISSION during this preparatory period of life on Earth INITIATE TRUE CARE-GIVING in our Holy Church and NEVER
and MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO FULFIL GODS DIVINE WILL TO BE NEEDLESS BURDENS TO OTHERS!
instead of indulging our own flawed and destructive
desires and whims that do not benefit us at all.

ST SAVVA THE SANCTIFIED 5 DECEMBER 2017 9.

 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST REST ASSURED & CONFIDENT
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: ... All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him.
Come to Me, all who labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest. Take My Yoke upon you, and
learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My Yoke is easy and
My Burden is light.
St Theophylact explained to us that GOD HAS HIDDEN HIS
DIVINE MYSTERIES FROM THE WISE AND ERUDITE PEOPLE OF THE
WORLD not out of any malice towards His creatures
but rather BECAUSE OF THEIR UNWORTHINESS, for they
chose to trust their own fallen, warped and limited
wisdom and judgement instead of Gods Perfect and
Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge.
Furthermore, it is DUE TO HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND THAT GOD
WITHHOLDS DIVINE REVELATION FROM THOSE WHO WOULD
SCORN IT IN ORDER THAT THEY DO NOT RECEIVE EVEN WORSE
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AT THEIR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
ST SAVVAS THE SANCTIFIED
The unknown village of Mutalaska, in the Province of
Cappadocia, became famous through this Great
Luminary of the Orthodox Church.
St Savva was born there toof his parents, John and
Sophia.
At the tender age of eight, he left his home in order to
receive tonsure as a Monk in the nearby Flavians
Monastic Community.
After ten years, he went to the Monasteries of Palestine
where he joined the Holy Brotherhood of the
Monastery of St Euthymios the Great and St
Theoktistos.
Being a Holy Clairvoyant, St Euthymios prophesied that St
Savva would become a renowned Monk who would
instruct other Monks, and that he would establish a
Lavra greater than all the Lavras of that time.
After the Repose of St. Euthymios (whose faithful Disciple
he had been), St Savva withdrew to the desert, where
he lived for five years as an Ascetic Hermit in a cave
shown to him by an Angel of God.
Afterward, when he had been Perfected in the Monastic
Life, by Divine Providence, many people who sought
a Spiritual Life, began to gather around him.
Soon, a large number of Faithful had gathered,
compelling St. Savva to build a church and many
cells (kellia) in which to accommodate them.
When the Armenians arrived, St Savva provided a cave
for them where they would be able to celebrate the
Holy Services in the Armenian language.
After the Repose of his father, his aged mother, St Sophia,
joined the other Faithful and St Savva tonsured her as
a Nun and provided her with a cell that was located
at a distance from his Monastery, where she lived as a
Holy Ascetic until her Repose in Christ.
St Savvas endured many assaults from those who were
close to him, from heretics, and from demons, yet he
triumphed over them all - those close to him, by
kindness and indulgence; the heretics, by his
unwavering Confession of the Orthodox Faith; the
demons, by the Sign of the Cross and by calling upon
God for Help.
St Savvvs endured a particularly great Struggle against
the demons on Mount Castellium, where he
established his second Monastery.
By the Grace of God, and by sheer dedication and hard
Labour, St Savva established seven Monasteries in
Palestine.
He and St Theodosios the Great, who was his close
neighbour and beloved friend, are considered to be
the greatest Bright Lights and Sturdy Pillars of
Orthodoxy in the East, for they Enlightened and
corrected Emperors and Patriarchs in matters of Faith,
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST ELIAS MINIATIOS
It is an indubitable Truth that the Highest Divine
Providence arranges all of Creation. God has
considered everything beforehand, and has taken
care of all things. This is the Divine Fatherly Care of
which the Blessed Apostles, St Peter spoke: ... cast all
your cares upon Him, because He is concerned for
you... (1 Peter 5:7)
10. ST SAVVA THE SANCTIFIED
TO ST MATTHEW 11 : 27 30
IN HIM
THE YOKE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR FREE AND WILLING
SUBMISSION TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT
IS REQUIRED OF US AS WORTHY FUTURE CITIZENS.
A Yoke could be seen as a sign of hardship, burdens, and
responsibilities, but IN CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, HIS YOKE IS
EASY, BECAUSE DIVINE POWER WORKS IN EACH OF US. (2 KINGS 12: 1
11; JEREMIAH 34: 1-11; WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1)
Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD IS INFINITELY GREATER
THAN ANY EFFORT MANKIND PUTS FORTH.
The term Gentle is literally translated Meek.
and to everyone they served as the best examples of
Saintly Humility and Obedience to God Who bestowed
upon them His Miraculous Powers.
Among his many Wondrous and Good Works, St Savvas
the Sanctified was the first to complete the Order of
Service for use in Monasteries, which is now known as
the Jerusalem Typikon.
Anyone of us may become great in some skill, or famous
and influential as a statesman or military leader, but
no one is greater than those who are great in Faith, in
Hope and in Love.
How great St Savva the Sanctified was in Faith and Hope
in God was clearly evident on many occasions.
One day, the Steward of the Monastery informed St
Savvas that the following Saturday and Sunday he
would be unable to strike the Semandron, to summon
the Brethren to the Communal Service and meal
because there was not a trace of flour in the
Monastery nor anything at all to eat or drink.
For this same reason, even the Divine Liturgy was not
possible.
Without any hesitation, St Savvas immediately responded
by saying: "I shall not cancel the Divine Liturgy
because of the lack of flour! Faithful is He Who
Commanded us not to be concerned about bodily
things, and Mighty is He to feed us in times of hunger!"
for he placed all his Hope and complete Trust in the
Lord our God.
In this extremity, he was prepared to send some of the
Ecclesiastical Vessels or Vestments to be sold in the
city so that neither the Divine Services nor the Brother's
customary meal would be omitted.
However, before that Saturday before having to do
anything at all - some men, moved by Divine
Providence, brought thirty mules laden with wheat,
wine and oil to the Monastery.
"What do you say now, Brother?" St Savva asked the
amazed Steward. "Shall we not strike the Semandron
and assemble the Fathers?"
The Steward was ashamed because of his lack of Faith
and begged the Igoumenos (Abbot) for his
forgiveness.
Having fulfilled many great and Fruitful Labours in
Faithful Service to God and to mankind, St Savvas
Reposed in Christ in 532, at the age of ninety-four.
May his memory be Eternal and may St Savvas the
Sanctified continue to Intercede on our behalf with
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for the sake of our
Eternal Salvation.
http://saintandrewgoc.org
ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR
The Purpose of Gods Divine Providence is to Unite by
means of Right Faith and Spiritual Love those who
have been separated by evil. To this end, our Saviour
also Suffered for us ... in order to gather together the
Children of God who were scattered... (John 1:52)
5 DECEMBER 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.

6 December 2017
St Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra, Lycia
Also the Feast of St Maximos, Metropolitan of Kiev

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2

1. Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke panta ta entos mou to 1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
Onoma to Agion Aftou Bless His Holy Name.
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
2. Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke mi epilavthanou 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His
pasias tas Antapodosis Aftou Benefits
3. Kyrios en to Ourano itimase ton Thronon Aftou, ke i 3. The Lord has prepared His Throne in Heaven, and His
Vasilia Aftou panton despozi. Kingdom rules over all.
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2
1. Eni i psihi mou ton Kyrion. Eneso Kyrion en ti zoi mou. 1. Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live I will praise the
Psalo to Theo mou, eos iparho! Lord; while I have any being, I will praise my God!
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O E N A GIIS T HAVM ASTOS , psallontas Save us , O Son of God, W H O ART E XT OLLED BY T HY S AINTS ,
Si: Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
2. Makarios, ou O Theos, Iakob voithos aftou, i Elpis aftou 2. Blessed are those whose Helper is the God of Jacob;
epi Kyrion ton Theon Aftou. whose Hope is the Lord their God.
3. Vasilefsi Kyrios is ton eona, O Theos sou, Sion, is 3. The Lord will be King forever; thy God, O Zion, will
genean ke genean reign from generation to generation.
FESTAL SMALL ENTRY HYMNS FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2
Defte proskinisomen, ke prospesomen Hristo. Soson Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. O
imas, Iie Theou, O E N A G I I S T H A V M A S T O S , psallontas Son of God, W H O A R T E X T O L L E D B Y T H E S A I N T S :
Si. Allilouia! Save us who sing unto Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST NICHOLAS OF MYRA TONE 4
Kanona Pisteos ke Ikona praotitos, egkratias Didaskalon, The actual Facts of Thy Life manifested Thee to Thy Flock
anedixe Se ti Pimni Sou, i ton Pragmaton Alithia. Dia as a Rule of Faith, and an Icon of Gentleness, and a
touto ektiso ti tapinosi ta ipsila, ti ptohia ta plousia, Teacher of Self-control. By Humility, therefore, Thou
Pater Ierarha Nikolae. Presveve Hristo to Theo, Sothine acquired the Things on High, and Riches through
tas psihas imon. poverty. O Father, Holy Hierarch, Nicholas: Intercede
with Christ our God, Entreating Him to Save our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton proeonion Logon, en Spileo erhete, On this day, the Virgin went to the Grotto to give Birth to
apotekin aporritos. Horeve i ikoumeni akoutisthisa, the Pre-Eternal Word in an ineffable manner. Dance for
doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voiithenta Joy, all the inhabited Earth, on hearing. Glorify along
epofthine, Pedion Neon, to Pro Eonon Theon. with Angels and with the Shepherds Him Who Willed
His Appearance as a New Born Child the Pre-Eternal
God.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 115/116 - TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Precious in the Sight of the Lord is the Death of His Holy One.
What shall I give back to the Lord for all He rendered to me?
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 13 : 17 21
Brethren: obey your Leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your soul, as men who will have to
give account. Let them do so Joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we
are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honourably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to
do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Now, may the God of Peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, by the
Blood of the Eternal Covenant, equip you with everything Good, that you may do His Will, working in you that which
is pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
We must ALWAYS OBEY AND RESPECT OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS His concluding Blessing noted THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE DIVINE
who are consecrated and Sanctified members of the AND MOST SACRED BLOOD OF CHRIST WHICH IS REALISED IN HIS
Holy Priesthood of Christ our Lord. GLORIOUS RESURRECTION AS CHRIST OFFERS HIS MOST
OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS ARE PART OF THE ETERNAL SPIRITUAL PRECIOUS BLOOD IN THE ETERNAL SANCTUARY and thereby
FATHERHOOD OF CHRISTS HOLY CHURCH WHO WILL BE HELD inaugurates a New, ... Everlasting (Eternal)
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY AT THE GREAT Covenant, which makes us Complete in every Good
JUDGEMENT OF OUR LORD. Work to do His Will... as WE CO-OPERATE WITH GOD IN ALL
St Paul, as one of our Holy Church Fathers, asked all THINGS and so are able to progress towards Holy
Christians for their Prayers so that he might live an Sainthood Holy Perfection or Theosis i.e. the
exemplary life according to Gods Will and not be Regeneration of our original created state.
tempted by the evil one into committing any sins or
worse leading others into wickedness or blasphemy.

ST NICHOLAS, WONDERWORKING ARCHBISHOP OF MYRA 6 DECEMBER 2017 11.

 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 17 - 23
At that time, our Lord Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of His Disciples and a great multitude of people
from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him, and to be Healed of their
diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were Cured. And all the crowd sought to touch Him, for
Power went forth from Him and Healed them all.
And He lifted up His Eyes to His Disciples, and said: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep, for you shall be glad.
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
on account of the Son of Man!
Rejoice in that day, and leap for Joy, for behold, your Reward is Great in Heaven!
In the age of the Old Covenant a select few were chosen HOLY SORROW IS PART OF OUR REPENTANCE, CONVERSION AND
to hear God directly. (REFER EXODUS 19: 3 13) VIRTUOUS ACTION.
IN THE AGE OF THE NEW COVENANT GOD INCARNATE SPEAKS HOLY SORROW OR JOYFUL MOURNING IS THE FIRST-FRUIT THE
DIRECTLY TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND ALL THOSE WHO SEEK INITIAL RESULT OF INFINITE OR ETERNAL BLISS/JOY, which is
DIVINE TRUTH. completely different from ungodly sorrow an
Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us with His own Divine inconsolable sadness that leads to despair utter
Authority and WE, AS HIS DISCIPLES, DO NOT DISCUSS OR hopelessness. (REFER TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7 : 10 )
DEBATE BUT LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT HE REVEALS AND THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL IS WHEN WE COMMIT OUR LIVES
TEACHES US CONCERNING GODS TRUTH READY AND EAGER TO ENTIRELY TO CHRIST WHEN WE LIVE IN CHRIST AND NEVER
FULFIL WHATEVER IS REQUIRED FROM US. THIS IS OUR HOLY COMPROMISE OUR FAITH no matter what the
MISSION AND PURPOSE ON EARTH DURING THIS PREPARATORY circumstances or threats against us.
PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY. This Sermon on the Plain is similar but not as extensive
The term Blessed indicates HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL as Christs profound Sermon on the Mount. (MATTHEW 5 7)
EXALTATION RATHER THAN EARTHLY HAPPINESS OR PROSPERITY. OUR LORD JESUS REPEATED MANY OF HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OVER
In Hebrew, poor means both THE MATERIALLY POOR AND THE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY TO THE
GODS FAITHFUL PEOPLE. HEBREWS AND GENTILES, WHICH WERE LATER SPREAD
The poor in spirit, are THOSE WHO HAVE THE HEART OF THE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD BY HIS DIVINELY INSPIRED APOSTLES
POOR, THE SAME ATTITUDE AS THE POOR, AND WHO ARE TOTALLY AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
DEPENDENT ON GOD. St John the Divine Apostle, Evangelist and Theologian
Those who hunger ... and thirst for Righteousness REGARD wrote of three Passover Feasts that occurred between
THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM AS THE Theophany the Revelation of the Holy Trinity at the
MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES OF LIFE. THEY HAVE A Baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan by St John the
TREMENDOUS CRAVING AND YEARNING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND Baptist and His Passion the New Covenant Pascha
GOOD A SPIRITUAL HUNGER THAT IS FAR MORE COMPELLING which shows us that our Lords earthly Divine Mission
THAN A DESIRE FOR FOOD. the direct Teaching by God Incarnate Himself lasted
Those who weep... refers to THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED BY only three short years!
THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS LIFE, ESPECIALLY BY THE MISERY OF SO
This short section of the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
MANY OTHERS, THE STATE OF THE FALLEN WORLD, AND THEIR
is read on Feast Days commemorating our Holy
OWN PERSONAL SINS. (REFER JOHN 11:35... LUKE 19:41 & LUKE 7 : 36 38)
ALL THESE ARE COMFORTED BY THE POWER OF GOD BOTH IN THIS Hierarchs, Hieromartyrs and Monks.
WORLD AND IN THE AGE TO COME.
ST NICHOLAS THE WONDER-WORKER & ARCHBISHOP OF MYRA
Today we celebrate the memory of, our Holy Father St by addressing him casually and disrespectfully as St
Nicholas, the Miracle-Worker and Archbishop of Myra. Nick- a reference to the devil!
I see, Brethren, a New Sun rising above the Earth and What a disgrace! What a shame! For while boasting of
bringing Sweet Consolation to the sorrowful and cultural achievements mankind does not honour the
suffering... Joyous is the Flock that will be under his Saints who are our good role models, because
Ministry; he will Strengthen them in Faith in the Lord, everything that is Righteous and Sacred has been
he will Guide them in Goodness and Piety, he will be an rejected, corrupted and mocked!
Earnest Helper to all those in need, said the Bishop of We must preserve a completely different attitude towards
Patara as he ordained St Nicholas to the Priesthood, and all our Saints by rejecting and renouncing the worlds
indeed, St Nicholas entire life was a brilliant fulfilment wicked attitude towards everything that is Sacred and
of those prophetic words. Holy.
Since childhood, St Nicholas burnt with a passionate Faith This Lenten period of the Forefeast of the Nativity of
in God. He was a strict, unbending zealot concerning Christ is no time for silly pranks, debauchery and
the Purity of Orthodox Christianity. He was a severe amusement, for it is a preparatory time of
Ascetic, in constant Vigil, Fasting and Prayer. Forgetting Contemplation and Repentance before the great joyful
himself, he generously helped the needy, consoled the celebration.
suffering, defended the innocent, while strengthening St Nicholas memory lies within our heart from childhood -,
and guiding those who faltered in the Faith - never a bright Beacon of Holy Virtue - reminding us and
failing to fulfil every Christian Act of Love and Mercy inspiring us to increase and to properly maintain our
for others. own Life in Christ, as His Faithful Disciples.
His was truly ...a Canon of Faith... and ...an Icon of St Nicholas teaches us not to be aloof and disinterested
Meekness... who has been greatly revered, lauded and when the impious and godless blaspheme our Holy
magnified throughout the ages. His Sanctity before and Faith and Church, mock the Divine Name of God and
after his Blessed Repose was attested to by a multitude our Lord Jesus Christ, and degrade all that is Righteous
of Miracles - ... an ocean of Miracles. and Holy.
St Nicholas ...the Merciful... emphasises his primary Holy St Nicholas did not tolerate the heresy of Arius, who
Virtue, with which he captivates the heart of mankind. degraded the Divine Duality of the Son of God, and in a
He is venerated by everyone, even Muslims and pagans, fit of Righteous Indignation struck him in the face,
who regard him as a Great Miracle-worker and Speedy which upset many of the participants of that First
Intercessor for those who are in crisis. Ecumenical Council, but some were Enlightened by a
His Icons have been displayed on Turkish feluccas (vessels), Vision of our Lord Jesus Christ presenting him with the
for the Turkish Muslim sailors believe that St Nicholas Holy Gospel, while our Lady Theotokos placed a
delivers sailors in stormy weather, and they are also Bishops Omophorion on his shoulders.
hung on the walls of pagan huts as the people regard St They then understood that St Nicholas actions were not
Nicholas as the kind old man, who Miraculously malicious and unworthy, but due to his fervent Zeal and
Heals and Comforts them during times of sickness and Love for Christ our Saviour, Who was blasphemed by
sorrows, when mere mortals cannot help them. the impious Arius, thereby recognising his justification,
Orthodox Christian sailors and their seafaring vessels, while Arius was condemned as a heretic.
always have Icons of St Nicholas around their necks or If we truly want good for ourselves and for all of humanity,
on the walls for he is the renowned Protector and St Nicholas is our best role model to imitate: O St
Patron Saint of all sailors. Nicholas, ceaselessly Intercede with Christ our God
Alas, in recent times St Nicholas has not been given the for the Faith and Love of those who honour Thy Most
proper veneration in the West, for his glorious persona Joyous and Glorious Memory! Amen.
has been turned into the commercial Santa Claus - a
source of unworthy amusement, and mockerys mocked

12. ST NICHOLAS, WONDERWORKING ARCHBISHOP OF MYRA 6 DECEMBER 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.

9 December 2017
The Conception of St Joachim & St Anna
Also the Feast of St Hannah, Righteous Mother of St Samuel the Holy Prophet of God St
Sophronios, Archbishop & Wonderworker of Cyprus - St Stephen the New Light of
Constantinople St Anthimos, Hieromonk & Fool for Christ of Mount Athos The Consecration
of the Holy Church of St John Chrysostom in Cyprus in 1091

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST ANNA & ST JOACHIMS CONCEPTION TONE 2

Simeron tis ateknias desma dialionte; tou Ioakim gar ke tis Today the bonds of barrenness are loosened; for God -
Annis, i sakouson O Theos, par Elpida tekin aftous, hearing the Prayers of Joachim and Anna - clearly
safos ipiskhnite Theopeda, ex is aftos etehthi, O promised them that they would bear - against all hope
aperigraptos vrotos gegonos, di Angelou kelefsas voise - the God-Bearer from whom was born the Omnipotent
afti: Here Keharitomeni, O Kyrios meta Sou! Himself, as a mortal Man, Who ordered the Angel to
cry out unto Her: Hail, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with
Thee!
THE CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM TONE 4
Os tou Ano Stereomatos tin Evprepian, ke tin kato Thou hast made the Earthly Beauty of the Holy Tabernacle
sinapedixas oreotita, tou Agiou Skinomatos tis Doxis Sou of Thy Glory to be like the Majesty of the Firmament
Kyrie Krateoson afto is eona eonos, ke prosdexe imon on High, O Lord. Strengthen it forever and ever, and
tas en afto apafstos prosagomenas Si Deisis, dia tis accept our Supplications that we unceasingly bring to
Theotokou, i panton Zoi ke Anastasis. Thee, at the Intercessions of Theotokos, for Thou art
for all the Life and Resurrection.
FESTAL KONTAKION ST ANNA & ST JOACHIMS CONCEPTION TONE 2
Eortazi simeron, i ikoumeni, tin tis Annis sillipsin, Today the world rejoices in the conception of Anna,
gegenimenin en Theo; ke gar afti apekiise, tin iper wrought by God. For she bore the One who beyond
Logon, ton Logon kiisasan. comprehension Conceived the Logos.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 63/64 TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE
The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.
Hear, O God, my voice!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 4 : 22 27
SLAVERY TO SIN & SONSHIP TO ALMIGHTY GOD
Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a free woman. But he who
was of the bond woman was born according to the flesh, and he of the free woman, through Promise - which things
are symbolic. These are the two Covenants: the one from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage, which is
Hagar for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem, which now is - and is in bondage
with her children. The Jerusalem Above is free, which is the Mother of us all. For it is written: Rejoice, O Barren
you who do not bear! Break forth and shout, you who are not in labour! For the desolate has many more children
than she who has a husband!
By saying that Abrahams two sons (Ishmael & Isaac) and Furthermore, St Sarah was a type of - similar to - our Ever
related Events are symbolic Allegoreo, St Paul did Blessed Lady Theotokos because HER SON WAS ALSO BORN
not imply that they are not historical. THROUGH A DIVINE PROMISE - ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF
Rather he asserted that OLD COVENANT HISTORY ANNOUNCED GOD THE FATHER.
SOMETHING FAR GREATER THAN ITSELF it announced THE As St John Chrysostom explained, St Isaac ... was the
INCARNATION OF THE SON AND WORD OF GOD, OUR LORD issue of bodies that were dead, and of a womb that
JESUS CHRIST, AND THE RESULTANT ETERNAL SALVATION OF ALL was dead. His conception was not by the flesh, nor
MANKIND. his birth by the seed, for the womb was dead both
Hagar and Mount Sinai symbolise THE EARTHLY JERUSALEM through age and infertility. But the Word of God
AND THE HEBREW NATION WHO WERE UNDER THE DIVINE LAW fashioned him...
OF GOD, WHICH PREPARED THEM THROUGH SELF-DISCIPLINE He Who was not according to the flesh (St Isaac) was
AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD FOR THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH. more honourable than he who was born after the
St Sarah, the wife of the ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, flesh (Ishmael).
was the free woman, who symbolised THE HEAVENLY ST ISAAC WAS THE LEGITIMATE CHILD OF ABRAHAM AND SARAH,
JERUSALEM THE ETERNAL CITY OF GOD TO WHICH WE SHOULD AND THEIR HOLY STATE OF MARRIAGE, ACCORDING TO THE
ALL ASPIRE i.e. HIS HOLY CHURCH THROUGH WHICH WE ENTER WILL AND DIVINE PROMISE OF GOD, while ISHMAEL -
GODS ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM. ALTHOUGH THE FIRST BORN SON OF ABRAHAM -WAS THE
The desolate refers to MEMBERS OF HIS HOLY BODY HIS HOLY ILLEGITIMATE CHILD OF ABRAHAM AND THE SLAVE, HAGAR,
CHURCH ESPECIALLY THE NON-HEBREWS, THE GENTILES AND BEING BORN OUT OF LEGAL AND HOLY WEDLOCK ACCORDING
ALL CONVERTS. TO THE DEMANDS OF THE FLESH AND AGAINST THE WILL OF GOD
She who has no husband, refers to THE NATION OF ISRAEL IN A STATE OF SINFUL DISOBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD.
before, THE OLD COVENANT ISRAEL THE HEBREWS - and Consequently, HAGAR AND ISHMAEL WERE BANISHED from the
now, THE NEW COVENANT ISRAEL THE CHRISTIANS WHO household and sent off to fend for themselves
ARE CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST OUR LORD TO GODS ETERNAL elsewhere.
KINGDOM. Therefore, let it not disturb you (Baptised Christians) that
you were not born after the flesh. For from THE VERY
CONCEPTION OF THE EVER BLESSED ALL HOLY VIRGIN MARY BY ST JOACHIM & ST ANNA 9 DECEMBER 2017 13.
 REASON THAT YOU ARE NOT SO BORN, ARE YOU MOST OF ALL WITH CHRIST RIGHTFUL HEIRS TO GODS ETERNAL KINGDOM
ABRAHAMS KINDRED. OF LOVE, PEACE AND BLISS ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE
DURING HOLY BAPTISM CHRISTIANS BECOME THE ADOPTED PROMISE AND WILL OF GOD, but only if we personally
CHILDREN OF DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD AND THUS CO-HEIRS choose to accept it for ourselves.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 8 : 16 - 21
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAUTIONS US TO TAKE GREAT CARE HOW WE HEAR!
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: ... No one having lit a lamp covers it with a basket, or puts it under a bed, but
sets it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed,
nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
Watch how you hear! Whoever has, to him more will be granted, and whoever does not have, even what he seems
to have will be taken from him.
His Mother and His Brethren went to Him, and could not approach Him due to the crowd. And they told Him: Thy
Mother and Thy Brethren are standing outside, wishing to see Thee. Answering, He said to them: My Mother and
My Brethren are those who hear the Word of God and fulfil It.
MOST PEOPLE including our Lord Jesus Christs maternal Family of His Eternal Kingdom ... is not by
family members such as His cousins, uncles and aunts (earthly/worldly/human) nature but by Virtue, as St
- our Lords Brethren or Brothers and Sisters - HAD John Chrysostom explained.
NOT YET FULLY COMPREHENDED OUR SAVIOURS DIVINE This incident was similar to when a woman from the
IDENTITY AND UNIVERSAL MISSION. midst of the crowd shouted praises to His Mother who
OUR LORD BY NO MEANS EVER DENIED HIS FAMILY CONNECTIONS had brought Him to life and thus Blessed our world: HE
NOR DID HE EVER INSULT OR EMBARRASS THEM. CORRECTED HER NOT BY DENOUNCING OR INSULTING HIS EVER
Rather, such as in this instance, HE POINTED HIS DISCIPLES BLESSED, ALL HOLY MOTHER BUT BY EMPHASISING HER UTTER
AND FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS TO OUR ETERNAL SPIRITUAL FAMILY, HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD WHICH WAS OF EVEN
which is based on our Humility and Obedience to the GREATER SPIRITUAL VALUE AND WORTH THAN HER EVER VIRGIN
Will of God the Father. MOTHERHOOD. (LUKE 11: 27-28)
Subsequently, ALL THIS IS FULFILLED THROUGH OUR SPIRITUAL The degree to which we are especially Blessed by God
ENLIGHTENMENT, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE depends on THE DEGREE OF OUR HEARING THE WORD THE
RECEIVE FROM CHRIST, which we are able to apply to our DIVINE TRUTH OF GOD AND KEEPING IT APPLYING IT IN ALL
words, thoughts and deeds, by BEING ACTIVATED AND ITS ASPECTS TO OUR OWN PERSONAL LIFE WORDS, THOUGHTS
ENABLED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. AND DEEDS.
Furthermore, CHRIST CORRECTED AND GUIDED THEM ALL ... TO
THE RIGHT IDEA CONCERNING HIMSELF... that the Holy
THE CONCEPTION OF ST ANNA AND ST JOACHIM
St Paisios the New of Mount Athos spoke with profound While our Ever Blessed Lady, Theotokos, was not free of
Love and respect of the Righteous Parents of our Ancestral Sin, like every other human being, She
Lady, Theotokos, to whom he was devoted. consciously kept Herself All Pure and thus gave Birth
... St Joachim and St Anna are the most dispassionate as God wished to be born to mankind after
couple who ever existed for they truly did not have Creation.
any carnal attitude nor corrupting passions. She was All-Pure because Her Conception occurred
This is how God made mankind, and this is how He without carnal pleasure, for the Holy Ancestors of
wanted us to be born dispassionately! God, after ceaseless Fervent Prayers to God to grant
But after the Fall, passion entered the relationship of them a child, conceived not by sexual lust, but by
man and woman... Humble Obedience to God.
As soon a the time for mankind was just right, according to This fact I had experienced on Sinai...
Divine Will according to Gods Salvific Plan for mankind
this Faithful, worthy and dispassionate couple served God Our Ever Blessed Theotokos was born according to a
in the greatest manner ever possible! natural manner and not virginally. She was all-
Every one of us is created according to the Loving Will of our pure, because as St. John of Damascus writes in his
Lord God, yet we have been granted free will with which to Homily On the Birth of our Most-Holy Lady
choose good or evil to choose whether we will be with or Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, She was
against the Lord our God. conceived chastely but increased with Her
Our Creator created us perfectly, as He wished us to be, Struggle the Holiness given to her from her parents,
and so it was when the Ever Blessed Panagia was warding off all unnecessary and soul-endangering
Miraculously Conceived by and born to St Joachim thoughts before experiencing them.
and St Anna - even though they were elderly and St Paisios had lived in Asceticism on Mount Sinai, at
barren! St Episteme and St Galaktion, from 1962 to 1964. This
And through His Pure Creation of Her who is indeed All particular occurrence to which he referred, he did
Holy, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ would not reveal to us.
become Incarnate.
ELDER PAISIOS THE ATHONITE, BOOK IV: FAMILY LIFE, HOLY HESYCHASTERION OF
My thoughts tell me that Christ our Divine Saviour might
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST THE THEOLOGIAN, SOUROTI, THESSALONIKI
have descended earlier to Earth, if there had been
2007 ( TRANSLATED FROM GREEK)
as pure a couple as were St Joachim and St Anna. HTTP://ORTHODOX-WORLD.PBLOGS.GR/2008/05/O-GERONTAS-PAISIOS-GIA-THN-
The Roman Catholics fall into error by believing OIKOGENEIAKH-ZWH-G.HTML,
perhaps due to piety - that Panagia was born
without Ancestral Sin.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN Brotherly Love and Love for mankind, you will
Draw nigh to the Righteous, and through them you will completely cast this passion out of your soul. Then
draw nigh to God. Communicate with those who when someone else does evil to you, be affectionate
possess Humility, and you will learn morals from and humble toward him, and treat him kindly, and
them. Those who follow one who Loves God, you will Deliver him from this passion.
becomes rich in the Mysteries of God; but those who ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
follows the unrighteous and proud go far away from Whoever will not love his enemies cannot know the Lord
God, and will be hated, even by friends. and the sweetness of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit
ST. MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR teaches us to love our enemies in such way that we
If you are remembering evil against others, then pray pity their souls as if they were our own children.
for them; and as you remove through Prayer the ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
pain of the remembrance of the evil they have Do not desire to hear about the misfortunes of
done, you will stop the advance of the those who oppose you. For those who listen to
passion. And when you have attained such speech later reap the fruits of their evil
intention.

14. C O N C E P T I O N OF THE EVER BLESSED ALL HOLY VIRGIN MARY BY ST JOACHIM & ST ANNA 9 DECEMBER 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 10 December 2017

th
27 Sunday After Pentecost
10th Sunday of St Luke - The Bowed Woman
The Feast of ST MENAS, ST HERMOGENES & ST EUGRAPHOS OF ALEXANDRIA St Joasaph, Bishop
of Belgorod St Gemellos of Paphlagonia St Thomas Dephourkinos of Bithynia St John, St Stephen & St Angelina,
Royal Martyrs of Serbia St Leontios

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 5 - LUKE 24 : 12 - 35

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!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION HOLY MARTYRS OF ALEXANDRIA TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Di egkratias ton pathon, tas piriflektous, aponekrosantes When
ormas, ke tas kinisis, tou Hristou i Martyres, elavon tin
harin, tas nosous apodiokin, ton asthenon, ke zontes ke
meta telos, thamatourgin, ontos Thavmas paradoxon!
Oti ostea gimna, ekvlizousin iamata. Doxa to mono
Theo imon.
SEASONAL KONTAKION FOREFEAST OF THE
they had deadened burning impulses and
movements of sinful passions by their self-control and
Virtue, then the Martyrs of Christ were granted the
Divine Grace to drive away the illnesses of the sick and
work Miracles while alive and after their Repose.
Paradoxical Miracle it is indeed that naked bones
should pour forth abundant Cures: Glory to our
Only God!
NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 3

I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with the
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will was to be made
manifest as a New Infant the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 117/118 TONE 2
The Lord is my Strength and my Son, and became my Salvation!
The Lord chastened and corrected me, but He did not give me up to Death!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 6 : 10 17
Brethren, be Strong in the Lord, and in the Power of His Might. Put on the full Armour of God, so that you may be able
to withstand the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the Darkness of this age, against Spiritual Hosts of Wickedness in the Heavenly Places.
Therefore, take up the full Armour of God so that you may be able to withstand the evil days, and having done all, to
stand. Stand, having Girded yourself with Truth, having put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod
your feet with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Above all, taking the Shield of Faith with which you will be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God...
ALL WHO STAND FOR GOOD MUST WAGE CEASELESS SPIRITUAL full Armour of God AND EMPOWERED BY HIS UNCREATED
WARFARE AGAINST THE FORCES OF EVIL, for the demons still DIVINE ENERGY AND POWER, WHICH HE GRANTS TO US FOR
have power and wicked influence in this fallen world THAT PURPOSE.
until our Lord Jesus Christ Reappears in all His THIS HOLY ARMOUR ... the Girdle of Divine Truth...
Divine Glory and Almighty Power. Breastplate of Righteousness... Preparation of the
This Truth is clearly acknowledged in the Dismissal Gospel of Peace... Shield of Faith.... Helmet of
Prayers at the conclusion of the Holy Mystery of Salvation... and Sword of the Holy Spirit ... IS
Baptism and Chrismation. ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND VICTORY, for
ALL LIVING AND STRUGGLING ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS ARE THE WITHOUT ANY SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE, WE CANNOT RECEIVE
CHURCH MILITANT SANCTIFIED SOLDIERS OF CHRIST - and ETERNAL SALVATION, SANCTIFICATION, THEOSIS AND
as such WE WAGE A CONSTANT SPIRITUAL BATTLE AGAINST DEIFICATION.
THE EVIL ONE, BEING VESTED BY THE LORD OUR GOD WITH THE
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 13 : 10 - 17
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HEALS THE BOWED WOMAN ON THE SABBATH
At that time, our Lord Jesus was teaching in one of the Synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold: there was a woman
who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself.
Seeing her, Jesus called her to Him, and said to Her: Woman: you are loosed from your infirmity. And He laid His
Hands on her. And immediately she was made straight, and she Glorified God.
Indignantly, the Ruler of the Synagogue responded, for Jesus had Healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd: There
are six days on which to work. On them come and be Healed, and not on the Sabbath Day!

27TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH OF ST LUKE THE BOWED WOMAN 10 DECEMBER 2017 15.
Answering him, our Lord said: Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the
stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman being a daughter of Abraham - whom Satan has
bound think of it: for eighteen years be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?
And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the Glorious
Things that were done by Him.
According to certain traditions that the Pharisees and
the Scribes had built up around the Mosaic Law,
Healing was considered to be work. Therefore,
even Healing was not permissible on the Sabbath
Day.
These self-righteous Pharisees and Scribes believed
that they served God by zealously keeping and
enforcing these peripheral traditions.
However, SUCH LEGALISM ACTUALLY MADE THEM INSENSITIVE
TO GODS GREAT MERCY.
WHEN OUR COMPASSIONATE LORD JESUS CHRIST TOLD THE
PEOPLE especially those who criticised Him for
Healing the Bowed Woman on the Sabbath TO ...
THINK OF IT! HE WAS COMMANDING THEM TO CONSIDER
HOW IT FELT TO SUFFER FOR SO LONG TO PUT THEMSELVES
27TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE BOWED WOMAN
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Essentially, the Sabbath is a day of physical rest and
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved - We all often feel that there are not
enough hours in the day, and not enough days in the
week, and sometimes we feel that our need for sleep
interferes with getting things done.
Daily life is very busy and seems to be getting more
hectic.
We cannot add another hour or two to the 24 hours we
have each day, nor can we add a day to each week,
for these are fixed and constant.
What can we change in order to be more productive and
not feel so pressured for time?
We can try to change ourselves by periodically and
regularly resting on a Sabbath Day.
But what does the Sabbath Day actually mean?
We know that it comes from the Hebrew word "Sabbat"
and the Greek word "Savvato" that refers to the
seventh day of week - Saturday.
The origin of the Sabbath Day is explained in the Book of
Genesis with regard to the Creation of the Universe: "...
the heavens and Earth were completed, and all the
host of them. And on the Seventh Day God finished
His Work, which He had done, and He rested on the
Seventh Day from all His Work which He had done.
So God Blessed the Seventh Day and made it Holy,
because on it God rested from all His Work which He
had done in Creation" (GENESIS 2:1-3).
After the Lord our God had freed the Israelites from
slavery in Egypt, He led them to Mount Sinai, where
He revealed Himself to St Moses and gave him the
stone Tablets of the Law - His Ten Commandments.
th
The 4 Commandment states: ...Remember the Sabbath
Day - to keep it Holy. Six days you shall labour, and
do all your work; but the Seventh Day is a Sabbath to
the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work -
neither you nor your son nor your daughter, your
manservant nor your maidservant nor your cattle
nor the sojourner who is within your gates, for in six
days the Lord made Heaven and Earth, the sea and
all that is in them, and rested on the Seventh Day,
Therefore the Lord Blessed the Sabbath Day and
made it Holy." (EXODUS 20:8-11).
The Sabbath Day is important for two reasons:
1) It is a time for rest and recovery; and
2) It is Holy, meaning it is set apart for God.
According to the first reason, the corollary is implied that
if our All-Powerful, All-Knowing God needs rest, then
we, His tiny creatures, need rest too.
If we think and act like we do not need rest, then we are
placing ourselves above God and disobedient to His
Divine Will.
According to the second reason, we have the foundation
for Communal Worship.
In both Jewish and Orthodox Christian Liturgical time,
the New Day begins at sunset/sundown.
Thus, Sabbath began on Friday evening.
(Greek: Paraskeve meaning "Preparation.")
16. 27TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH OF ST LUKE THE BOWED WOMAN 10 DECEMBER 2017
IN THAT POSITION IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING
THAT SHE HAD SO PATIENTLY ENDURED.
Furthermore, OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS REGARD THIS
DIVINE COMMANDMENT ... think of it!... AS DIRECTING
OUR ATTENTION TO A PROFOUND SPIRITUAL MEANING OF THE
... eighteen years.
The Greek expression is literally ten and eight years.
St Ambrose and St Theophylact understood this as
REPRESENTING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND THE EIGHTH
DAY, WHICH IS THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY AND THE
GENERAL RESURRECTION OF ALL MANKIND BY DIVINE
GRACE.
Consequently, ALL MANKIND IS UPLIFTED BY FAITH IN CHRIST
WHO FULFILS BOTH THE ENTIRE MOSAIC LAW AND DIVINE
GRACE.
Spiritual Joy, centred around the twin poles of home
and Synagogue/Church.
According to Orthodox Judaism, ...as the men leave for
the Evening Service, the women recite a special
Blessing over the lighted Sabbath candles. Upon his
return, the husband Blesses his wife and children,
and they then pray and sing together, before
partaking of a meal of bread and wine.
Some families eat the meal first and then go together to
the Evening Service.
The next day, Saturday, another Festive Meal is eaten
and the day ends with another Worship Service"
(OXFORD DICTIONARY OF JUDAISM).
Our Lord Jesus Christ observed the Sabbath by going to
the Synagogue regularly, and at times, by going
away, either by Himself or with His Disciples, to be
alone and/or to pray. (MARK 6:31; LUKE10:38-42; JOHN
6:15;12:36)
In addition, after completing His Work of Salvation
culminating in His Death on the Cross, our Lord Jesus
rested in Hades on the Sabbath before being Raised
from the dead by His Eternal, Heavenly Father.
In today's Gospel Lesson, we hear that our Lord Jesus
Christ was in one of the Synagogues on the Sabbath
when He Healed the Bowed Woman who had suffered
18 years from ... a spirit of infirmity.
We learn a great deal from this particular Sacred Lesson.
Of course, in the Orthodox Christian Tradition, Sabbath
Rest is taken not on Saturday but on Sunday
(Greek: Kyriake - "the Lord's Day") that begins with
the (Resurrection )Vespers Service on Saturday
evening and culminates with the Divine Liturgy - the
Lord's Supper of Thanksgiving - on Sunday.
The Bowed Woman faithfully observed the Old Covenant
Sabbath Day by resting from her daily labours and
attending the Holy Services at the Synagogue.
There she was seen by our Divine Saviour Who, having
finished His Teachings, called her to Him, spoke to
her, touched her and Healed her.
We need to do essentially the same thing in order to
receive Divine Healing of all our ailments both
physical and spiritual - for it is no coincidence that
the relationship between the Sabbath Day or the
Lords Day and Healing is highlighted.
If we constantly work and are too busy to rest, eventually
our body and mind will begin to break down.
We cannot endure constant stress and anxiety, without
serious consequences.
We must take a break from our many labours and
everything that demands our attention.
Furthermore, we must also remember that our rest needs
be accompanied by our return to God.
Just as we need 7-8 hours of sleep each day, we need to
spend some time - at least a few minutes each day -
in dedicated Prayer, Meditation and Quietness.
The day we take-off from work should be Sunday the
Lords Day and the Day of His Resurrection.
Sunday is not only a day of rest from our labours, but also
a day that is dedicated to God.
On Sunday we need to attend the Holy Services of Matins
and Divine Liturgy in order to Worship and Glorify our
Lord together as a Christian Community, as well as to
hear the Word of God, to express our heartfelt
Thanksgiving for His Abundant Providence and
Blessings, and to partake of His Most Precious, Life-
giving Body and Blood of the Holy Eucharist for the
Forgiveness of sins and Eternal Life.
Our rest in and return to God has several significant
effects:
We will be released from our bondage of chronic stress
and anxiety that produces fatigue and despair, which
leads to Healing and Restoration of body, mind and
soul as God's Peace fills us.
This Holy Peace enables us to exercise Discernment to
prioritize and deal with our numerous tasks and
diverse relationships.
We will have more time and be more productive.
THE FRUSTRATIONS
These days so many people think everything is on the
wrong track, which has nothing to do with the
economy nor politics.
The problem today is that society as a whole has moved
away from a Spiritual Grounding.
Now everyone expects happiness and well being to come
from material benefits.
Strangers are no longer regarded as God's Children but
soulless individuals or objects, and many are seen as
a threat to our material lifestyle.
To even think that a political leader can make us feel
better is misguided thinking, and politics have
become far too important!
We should rather focus on the Divine Truth the Gospel
Teachings and Commandments of our Lord Jesus
Christ and concentrate our efforts on our individual
Spiritual Growth and Welfare.
As Faithful Disciples of Christ, our most significant aim
and Purpose should be to become United with Him.
Our problem has nothing to do with our physical or
material well being, for it is a sickness of our soul.
Our soul is clouded and distorted by our earthly passions
and desires, yet our soul longs for our Reunion with
God, which is our natural created state.
The Healing of this Spiritual Illness will lead us to Peace
and Joy - no matter what difficulties we face, for it
has nothing to do with worldly affairs or politics.
THE GREATLY TROUBLED HEART

...the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on
the Earth, and it grieved Him to His Heart. (GENESIS
6:6)
Holy Scripture and Orthodox Theology are clear that God
is not just like a super human being God is not
merely ... an Omnipotent and Omniscient human writ
large.
GOD IS TOTALLY OTHER, and WHATEVER WORDS WE MIGHT APPLY
TO US HUMANS being, nature, person, existing CANNOT
BE APPLIED TO GOD.
Or, conversely, if we use words like being, existence, or
nature for God, then we cannot also use them for
mankind nor any part of Creation.
GOD IS CLEARLY A TRANSCENDENT BEING - not limited by space
and time - but rather WE ALL EXIST WITHIN GOD (ACTS
17:28).
And yet HOLY SCRIPTURE ALSO CONTAINS IMAGES OF GOD, WHICH
ARE QUITE ANTHROPOMORPHIC in which God is quite
humanized.
Or, at least our Experience of God and OUR DESCRIPTION OF
THE ENCOUNTER WITH GOD IS EXPRESSED PURELY IN HUMAN
TERMS, for our Transcendent God is also Immanent.
(Indwelling)
And in His closeness to us, we experience God in ways we
understand as Father, as Love and as Lover of
mankind.
We come to realize that when God says that we
(mankind) are CREATED IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS, WE
ARE CLOSER TO GOD THAN WE IMAGINE, and GOD IS MUCH
CLOSER TO US THAN DOGMATIC THEOLOGY CAN EVER REVEAL.

...The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and Saves
the crushed in spirit. (PSALM 34:18)
27TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH OF ST LUKE THE BOWED WOMAN 10 DECEMBER 2017
When we do not pray, we become overwhelmed and far
too busy, too rushed and controlled by our work, our
business and relationship commitments and
innumerable other distractions.
When we take time to pray, the minutes and hours of the
day are stretched further, somehow, and we can
accomplish even more than if we had not prayed.
Therefore, dearest Brethren, let us faithfully observe our
New Covenant Sabbath Day Sunday, the Lords Day
and Resurrection Day - and keep it Holy by
dedicating it to the Worship, Honour and Glorification
of our Lord God so that He can prepare us and raise
us up to Eternal Life.
FATHER RICHARD DEMETRIUS ANDREWS
ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org
OF MODERN LIFE
Our Spiritual Healing requires our sincere Prayers and
Worship, as well as continual Repentance of sins that
needs our Humility and Obedience to God.
What we actually need and for which we seek can be
found on within the Holy Church of Christ and Her
Holy Mysteries whereby we are Renewed,
Regenerated and Nurtured by the Holy Spirit.
As we grow closer to the Lord our God, we are able to see
all our shortcomings, and we begin to yearn for our
soul to be Perfected and to be Reunited with our Lord
Jesus Christ.
We begin to seek Repentance and eagerly attend the
Holy Services in order to worship and receive Christ
Himself through our regular partaking of Holy
Communion.
We learn how to pray, how to properly communicate with
our Lord, seeking the Divine Gifts of His Grace instead
of fleeting, corruptible earthly benefits.
This is the Orthodox Way of Life our True Life in Christ
Jesus.
Consequently, if we truly seek genuine, lasting
happiness, Joy, Love and Peace if we seek absolute
fulfilment of Life - we must certainly practise
Orthodox Life in Christ.
DEACON CHARLES JOINER
SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL IN GREENVILLE, SOUTH
CAROLINA
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/

...Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing Praises to our
God; for He is Gracious . . . He heals the broken-
hearted, and binds up their wounds. He
determines the number of the stars, He gives to all
of them their names. (PSALM 147:1-4)
The same God Who created the Heavens and the Earth,
the stars and the entire Universe, is also near to those
who are broken-hearted.
And, there may be good reason for God being near to
them, as we see in the opening quotation - for God
experienced grief from, through and in mankind
whom God had created.
Some may not be very impressed with a God Whose
reaction to human sin and violence is inner grief and
broken-heartedness, and they may wonder why He
does not simply fix whatever is wrong with us and His
Creation.
Our Lord God Who not only Loves Creation but Who is
Love, suffers because of, and with, and in Creation.
Our Transcendent God Who is Eternal,
Incomprehensible, Ineffable and Indescribable,
reveals Himself in terms that we can relate to and
experience.
This is all part of the Great Mystery of God.
Although He does have blood vessels, or a stomach, or a
throat, or a blood-pumping heart, our Lord Gods
reaction to fallen Creation is described in visceral
terms.
God knows our pain and still Loves us.
God is willing to suffer pain because of us, and with us,
and for us.
17.
Our Lord Jesus, our Eternal, Incarnate God, experiences
this pain and broken-heartedness.

...And they went to a place which was called
Gethsemane. And He said to His Disciples, Sit
here, while I pray. And He took with Him Peter
and James and John, and began to be greatly
distressed and troubled. And He said to them,
My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain
here, and watch. And going a little farther, He
fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were
possible, the Hour might pass from Him. And He
said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to
Thee. Remove this cup from Me - yet not what I
Will, but what Thou Will. And He went and found
them sleeping, and He said to Peter, Simon, art
Thou asleep? Could Thou not watch one hour?
Watch and pray that Thou may not enter into
temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the
flesh is weak. (MARK 14:32-38)
Our Lord Jesus wished that the Hour of His Death might
be avoided and was troubled to the heart of His
being.
Yet due to His infinite Love for mankind, He knew He
would endure such heartbreak in order to Deliver us
from slavery to sin and Death.
He voluntarily took upon Himself the sin of the world, and
suffered, and told His Faithful Disciples:

...Peace I leave with you. My Peace I give to you -
not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid. (JOHN 14:27)
Even though Christ experienced pain in His own heart,
broken-heartedness, grief and distress, He tells us not
to let our heart be troubled, for we are to trust in Him.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHER
You should not just go to your Spiritual Father randomly,
by inertia, and never Confess your sins mechanically
and rationally, but always with feeling.
To be able to think about Salvation, you have to be well-
Confessed for it is a Holy Mystery that Saves us.
The Holy Mystery of Confession is surely its own kind of
Catechism.
We are always examining ourselves, but when we go to
see our Spiritual Father, we should under no
circumstances be embarrassed, for how can there be
embarrassment when we Confess our sins?
Embarrassment and shame are the weapons of the devil
that are dreadfully strong, but which must be resisted.
There is something else that you should know.
If we hold some sin unconfessed within ourselves, or if we
call it something else, it becomes all the greater it
becomes a far worse sin than it already is!
We should never be worried about what our Spiritual
Father thinks! His personal opinion is not important at
all!
It is far more important that we be Saved and not
doomed to Eternal Torment due to our hidden,
unconfessed and unrepented sins!!
Our Divine Saviour was not crucified for just one category
of sin but for everything that is sinful on this Earth.
That means that we must now endeavour to name all our
sins in the Holy Mystery of Repentance- Confession in
order to receive Divine Forgiveness or later have
them all exposed before the Dread Judgement Seat of
Christ on the Eighth Day our Final Judgement and
beginning of Eternity and be Condemned to Eternal
Punishment and Exile in the Outer Darkness!
No matter how we try to conceal our sins, they will not
remain secret and unnamed!!
We must therefore Confess as many of our sins as possible
now with tears of contrition before our Spiritual Father
who understands us and who can absolve us of them,
or defer them to the Righteous Judgement of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Our Repented-Confessed sins will not be taken into
account at the Final Judgement because the Great
Mercy of our Lord God has forgiven them, but what
will we do with all our unconfessed, hidden sins?
St John Chrysostom taught us that the most
important thing with which we must appear at
the Dreaded Final Judgement is the Remission
of our sins.
18. 27TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH OF ST LUKE THE BOWED WOMAN 10 DECEMBER 2017
However, on a daily level, many of us find this to be very
difficult because we do not understand how that trust
in our Lord can alleviate our pain and suffering, nor
how it can resolve our difficult circumstances and the
variety of problems we must endure.
Our Lord Jesus Christ never told us that our lives would be
trouble free. Rather, He promised us tribulation that
tribulation which grieved God at the beginning of
Creation, and which distressed Christ in the Garden of
Gethsemane.

...I have said this to you, that in Me you may have
Peace. In the world you have tribulation. But
be of good cheer - I have overcome the world.
(JOHN 16:33)
When we grieve and are broken-hearted because of the
world, GOD IS NEAR TO US.
And Gods Promise is that the pain and sorrow of this
world are not the last word, for GOD PROMISES US GOOD
NEWS.

...the Ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come
to Zion with singing; Everlasting Joy shall be
upon their heads; they shall obtain Joy and
Gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee
away. (ISAIAH 35:10)

Behold, the Dwelling of God is with mankind. He
will dwell with them, and they shall be His
People, and God Himself will be with them; He
will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and
Death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the
former things have passed away. (REVELATION21:3-4)
REVEREND FATHER TED BOBOSH
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/104453.HTML
ARCHIMANDRITE ARSENIE (PAPACIOC) OF ROMANIA
No one Spiritual Father is stronger or better than another.
There are no good or bad Spiritual Fathers.
It so happens that one initially has little Experience, or
another is not Gifted with the Spirit of Love, so
precious, but overall, the success of a Confession does
not depend on the Spiritual Father.
As a Spiritual Father, I, and others like me, feel wonderful
when people tell us their most terrible sins, because
we experience endless Joy for having removed the
heavy stones of sin from their soul.
No matter how heavy or grievous the sin may be, our All
Merciful and Compassionate Lord God is
indescribably pleased by the Repentance of those
who Confess with their whole heart.
Every Spiritual Father has the Grace of God to hear our
Confession.
It is significant to consider the four elements of the Holy
Mystery of confession:
1. We must stop committing the sin
2. We must Confess our sins
3. Our Spiritual Father must absolve us of our sins
4. We must fulfil the Penance imposed upon us by
our Spiritual Father.
Holy Communion is the most necessary of the Holy
Mysteries of the Holy Orthodox Church of Christ.
The Fire in our heart tells us when to prepare for Holy
Communion.
After we have partaken the Holy Mystery of Repentance-
Confession, our Spiritual Father will decide whether
we are worthy or not to partake of the Holy Mysteries,
for we cannot commune of the Most Precious, Life-
giving Body and Blood of Christ whenever we want to,
but only with the Blessing of our Spiritual Father who is
endowed with the Power and Authority to bind or
loosen our sins.
With regard to Penances, the Spiritual Father bears an
enormous responsibility.
The most severe Penance can forbid Holy Communion
even up to 25 years, but that means the person would
never again partake of the Holy Eucharist.
However, I, Arsenie, am not for such strict Penances for
those who have fallen into such severe sins will
become used to not Communion...
I prefer those Penances that would be fulfilled day by
day, consciously, not out of formal duty, rather than
those fulfilled quickly, just to escape from them...
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/106438.HTML
 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.

12 December 2017
Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ our Lord & Saviour
St Spyridon of Trimythous
Also the Feast of St John of Zichnon - St Therapon the Abbot of Monza
Monastery St Alexander the Hieromartyr of Jerusalem St Synetos of
Rome St John the Abbot of Zedazeni Monastery, Georgia

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2

1. Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke panta ta entos mou to 1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
Onoma to Agion Aftou Bless His Holy Name.
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
2. Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke mi epilavthanou 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His
pasias tas Antapodosis Aftou Benefits
3. Kyrios en to Ourano itimase ton Thronon Aftou, ke i 3. The Lord has prepared His Throne in Heaven, and His
Vasilia Aftou panton despozi. Kingdom rules over all.
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2
1. Eni i psihi mou ton Kyrion. Eneso Kyrion en ti zoi mou. 1. Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live I will praise the
Psalo to Theo mou, eos iparho! Lord; while I have any being, I will praise my God!
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O E N A GIIS T HAVM ASTOS , psallontas Save us , O Son of God, W H O ART E XT OLLED BY T HY S AINTS ,
Si: Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
2. Makarios, ou O Theos, Iakob voithos aftou, i Elpis aftou 2. Blessed are those whose Helper is the God of Jacob;
epi Kyrion ton Theon Aftou. whose Hope is the Lord their God.
3. Vasilefsi Kyrios is ton eona, O Theos sou, Sion, is 3. The Lord will be King forever; thy God, O Zion, will
genean ke genean reign from generation to generation.
FESTAL SMALL ENTRY HYMNS FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2
Defte proskinisomen, ke prospesomen Hristo. Soson Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. O
imas, Iie Theou, O E N A G I I S T H A V M A S T O S , psallontas Si. Son of God, W H O A R T E X T O L L E D B Y T H Y S A I N T S : Save us
Allilouia! who sing unto Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST SPYRIDON TONE 1
Tis Synodou tis protis anedihthis Ipermahos, ke At the first of the Synods, Thou emerged as the
Thavmatourgos Theofore, Spyridon Patir imon; dio Champion, and Wonder-worker, our God-bearing
nekra Si en tafo prosfonis, ke ofin is hrisoun metevales; Father Spyridon. Wherefore, Thou addressed Thy dead
ke en to melpin tas Agias Sou ehas, Angelous eskhes daughter in the grave, and a serpent Thou changed
sillitougountas Si Ierotate. Doxa to Se Doxasanti Hristo! into gold. And while chanting in Service Thy Sacred
Doxa to Se Stefanosanti! Doxa to Energounti dia Sou, Prayers, Thou had Angels celebrating, O Most Holy
pasin Iamata! One. Glory to Christ Who Glorified Thee! Glory to Him
Who Crowned Thee! Glory to the One Who works
through Thee, Healings for everyone!
FESTAL KONTAKION ST SPYRIDON TONE 2
To potho Hristou, trothis Ierotate, ton noun Pterothis, ti egli Wounded by Thy Love for Christ, O Holy One, Thy mind
tou Pnevmatos, Praktiki Theoria, tin Praxin efres is granted Wings by the Radiance of the Spirit, Thou
Theolipte, Thisiastirion Thion Genomenos, etoumenos put the practice of Theory into Deeds, becoming a
pasi Thian Ellampsin. Sacred Altar, O Chosen by God, and praying for the
Divine Illumination of all.
SEASONAL KONTAKION FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: glorify Him with the
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will was to be made
manifest as a young Child the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 149 TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE
The Saints shalt Boast in Glory, and shalt greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing unto the Lord a New Song! His Praise in the Assembly of His Holy
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 5 : 8 19
WE MUST LIVE IN THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Brethren: ...walk as Children of Light for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out
what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose
them. Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore He says:
Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light! See then that you walk
circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

ST SPYRIDON THE WONDER WORKER OF TRIMYTHOUS 12 DECEMBER 2017 19.

Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is
dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Everything that is regarded as reasonable or acceptable So we must never forget that THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY
by this fallen world, WE, AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MUST LIFESPAN IS MEANT FOR OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL BATTLE
JUDGE ACCORDING TO WHAT THE LORD OUR GOD SAYS IS TRUE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE working every day for our
I.E. JUDGE ALL THINGS BY MEANS OF DIVINE TRUTH THE Spiritual Welfare and Progress towards a Blessed
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST. Eternal Life in Gods Kingdom of Agape.
BESIDES SEPARATING OURSELVES FROM SPIRITUAL DARKNESS, WE OUR SACRED GOAL IS not to abandon this world, but TO KEEP
ARE ALSO TO EXPOSE IT TO THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GODS TRUTH. OURSELVES IN CHRIST, salvaging as much as we can
However, WE, OURSELVES, MUST FIRST COME OUT OF HIDING IN from our habitually sinful state.
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND IGNORANCE IN ORDER TO BE EXPOSED Faithful Christians renounce the wickedness of this world
AND ILLUMINATED BY DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH. not the beautiful, perfect Creation of God.
We must SEEK, ROOT OUT AND CONFESS OUR SINS AND SINCERELY REPENTANCE GRANTS US A WONDERFUL SURGE OF TRUE LIFE AND
REPENt. JOY. A distinctive spirit a kind of Spiritual Elation
WE NEED TO SELF-EXAMINE OURSELVES AT THE END OF EVERY DAY energises both Spiritual Darkness and Light.
AND ESPECIALLY BEFORE PARTAKING OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES For those in Spiritual Darkness, this spirit is similar to
OF UNCTION, CONFESSION AND EUCHARIST, which we drunkenness artificial and temporary.
require on a regular basis in order to keep making FOR THOSE IN SPIRITUAL LIGHT AND LIFE, THIS SPIRITUAL ELATION
GOOD, HEALTHY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. IS THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR JOY IS THE
Verse 14 : Awake, you who sleep... is AN ANCIENT, VERY NEW COVENANT WORSHIP OF THE HOLY TRINITY, THE HOLY
EARLY BAPTISM HYMN. EUCHARIST THANKSGIVING TO GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM ILLUMINATES OUR NEWLY GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY
REGENERATED, RENEWED AND REBORN (CLEANSED) IMMORTAL SPIRIT.
SOUL. Those who become drunk with alcohol totter and sway,
Consequently, we are urged to ... walk in the Light of but THOSE WHO ARE INEBRIATED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE
our Holy Baptism. ROOTED JOYFULLY, PEACEFULLY AND LOVINGLY IN CHRIST
THROUGHOUT OUR LIFE IN CHRIST WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO ALWAYS JESUS AND MOST GLORIOUSLY SOBER!
KEEP IN MIND OUR HOLY BAPTISM everything that it has Quoting Holy Scripture and singing Hymns or chanting
granted us and everything that it means for our Psalms has NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT NOR VALUE IF THERE IS NO
Eternal Salvation and to REMEMBER ALWAYS OUR TRUE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD if there is no
INEVITABLE DEATH, AFTER WHICH WE CANNOT CHANGE OR humble, willing and eager submission and the Holy
CORRECT ANYTHING AT ALL, AND THUS THE SPIRITUAL STATE IN Fear of God.
WHICH WE REPOSE, WE SHALL SPEND ALL ETERNITY.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10: 9 16
CHRIST IS THE DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
At that time, our Lord said: I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and will go out,
and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have Life -and more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives
His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf
coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for
he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep.
I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I
must bring. And they will hear My Voice.
And there will be one Flock - one Shepherd.
THE ULTIMATE THIEF IS SATAN, who always spreads lies and Passion and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
encourages heresies and blasphemy among the FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
People of God both the Old Israel and the New Israel THE OTHER SHEEP OF OUR LORD WERE THE GENTILES the
- luring away the deceived, ignorant leaders and pagans and non Judaic Tribes who would be BROUGHT
people. TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE JUDEANS, UNDER
Life means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth during ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
this short, preparatory period before we enter Eternity. Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS ALL
The more abundant Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE AGAPE. It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals Himself as our Good beginning that there be one Bishop serving a city, a
Shepherd, for WE ARE HIS REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP HIS principle that was affirmed in every generation.
HOLY FLOCK. (Canon 8 of 1 Nicaea)
He is the Divine Door THE DIVINE ENTRANCE INTO HIS St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE. Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
CHRIST IS THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE all Divinely Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: Be careful
Inspired Holy Prophecy concerning our Divine to observe a single Eucharist for there is ONE Flesh
Saviour. of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of His Blood
Our Lord is THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as there is
GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER and His ONE Bishop... this is in line with Gods Will!
Heavenly Father knows His Eternal Son Who became Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: I lay down My Life...
Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation. which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US i.e. HE OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE PUT ON CHRIST ALSO ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR ALL
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE KNOW OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE WILL
HIS WORD HIS DIVINE TRUTH His Teachings and OF GOD THE FAther everything is and must be done
Commandments. Thus we should not be misguided ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD
nor deceived by the evil ones lies and deceptions. THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Our Lord Jesus Christ offered His Life for the sake of our Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, so,
Eternal Salvation. too, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
He was THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, MOST FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL TIME, BY THE END OF THE AGES, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD
which makes it no longer necessary for blood OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ONE HOLY FLOCK HIS HOLY
sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. CHURCH.
However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND REPENT He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS AS WELL,
OUR SINS, which are continuous and habitual, which is WHICH ARE THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS DIVINE
why our Salvation is a continuous Spiritual Process TRUTH His True Teachings and Commandments
until we draw our final breath. and strive to fulfil them to the best of their
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Life for the sake of His ability.
Beloved Flock, which fulfilled the Prophecy of His
20. ST SPYRIDON THE WONDER WORKER OF TRIMYTHOUS 12 DECEMBER 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.

15 December 2017
Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ our Lord and Saviour
St Eleftherios , Bishop & Hieromartyr of Illyria
Also the Feast of St Anthia, his mother, & St Caribos the Eparch of Illyria St
Paul of Latros St Stephen the Confessor & Archbishop of Surrentium (Sourozh)
St Tryphon the Abbot & St Jonah, his Disciple, of Pechenga (Kolsk) St Pardos the Hermit of Palestine St Hilarion,
Archbishop of Vereiya St Nektarios of Bitel

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST ELEFTHERIOS OF ILLYRIA TONE (5) PLAGAL 1

Ieron podiri katakosmoumenos, ke ematon tis rithris Being adorned with a Priests gown that reached the
epistazomenos, to Despoti Sou Hristo Makar anedrames, ground, and immersed in the streams of Martyrs
Eleftherie Sofe, kathereta tou Satan. Dio mi pafsi Blood, Thou hastened to Christ Thy Lord, O Eleftherios,
Presvevon iper ton Pisti Timonton, tin Makarian Sou the Blessed and Wise One, Destroyer of Satan. Hence,
Athisin. do not cease Interceding for those who honour in Faith
Thy Blessed Martyrdom.
SEASONAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with the
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will it was to be
made manifest as a young Child the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 149/150 TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE
The Holy shalt boast in Glory, and they shalt greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing to the Lord a New Son; His Praise in the Assembly of His Holy.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 5 : 8 19
WE MUST LIVE IN THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Brethren: ...walk as Children of Light for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out
what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose them.
Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore He says: Awake,
you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light! See then that you walk circumspectly - not as
fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is
dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Everything that is regarded as reasonable or acceptable So we must never forget that this short, preparatory
by this fallen world, we, as Disciples of Christ must lifespan is meant for our ceaseless Spiritual Battle
judge according to what the Lord our God says is True against the evil one working every day for our
i.e. judge all things by means of Divine Truth the Spiritual Welfare and Progress towards a Blessed
Teachings and Commandments of Christ. Eternal Life in Gods Kingdom of Agape.
Besides separating ourselves from Spiritual Darkness, we Our Sacred Goal is not to abandon this world, but to keep
are also to expose it to the Divine Light of Gods Truth. ourselves in Christ, salvaging as much as we can from
However, we, ourselves, must first come out of hiding in our habitually sinful state.
Spiritual Darkness and ignorance in order to be Faithful Christians renounce the wickedness of this world
exposed and Illuminated by Divine Light and Truth. not the beautiful, perfect Creation of God.
We must seek, root out and confess our sins and sincerely Repentance grants us a wonderful surge of True Life and
Repent. Joy. A distinctive spirit a kind of Spiritual Elation
We need to self-examine ourselves at the end of every energises both Spiritual Darkness and Light.
day and especially before partaking of the Holy For those in Spiritual Darkness, this spirit is similar to
Mysteries of Unction, Confession and Eucharist, which drunkenness artificial and temporary.
we require on a regular basis in order to keep For those in Spiritual Light and Life, this Spiritual Elation is
making good, healthy Spiritual Progress. the very Presence of the Holy Spirit and our Joy is the
Verse 14 : Awake, you who sleep... is an ancient, very New Covenant worship of the Holy Trinity, the Holy
early Baptism Hymn. Eucharist Thanksgiving to God the Father, through
The Holy Mystery of Baptism Illuminates our newly God the Son, by the Power and Energy of God the Holy
Regenerated, Renewed and Reborn (Cleansed) Spirit.
immortal soul. Those who become drunk with alcohol totter and sway,
Consequently, we are urged to ... walk in the Light of but those who are inebriated with the Holy Spirit are
our Holy Baptism. rooted joyfully, peacefully and lovingly in Christ Jesus
Throughout our Life in Christ we are encouraged to and most gloriously sober!
always keep in mind our Holy Baptism everything Quoting Holy Scripture and singing Hymns or chanting
that it has granted us and everything that it means for Psalms has no Spiritual Benefit nor value if there is no
our Eternal Salvation and to remember always our True Humility and Obedience to God if there is no
inevitable Death, after which we cannot change or humble, willing and eager submission and the Holy
correct anything at all, and thus the Spiritual State in Fear of God.
which we Repose, we shall spend all Eternity.

ST ELEUTHERIOS, BISHOP & HIEROMARTYR & ST ANTHIA OF ILLYRIA 15 DECEMBER 2017 21.
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK 2 : 23 3 : 5
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TRANSCENDS THE SABBATH DAY & HEALS A WITHERED ARM
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; and, as they went, His Disciples began
to pluck the heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to Him: Look! Why do they - on the Sabbath - do what is
unlawful? And He said to them: Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry? he
and those who were with him how he went into the House of God in the days of Abiathar the High Priest, and
ate the Showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the Priests and also gave some to those who were with
him?
And He said to them: The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath! Therefore, the Lord is the
Son of Man and also of the Sabbath.
And He entered the Synagogue again. And there was a man who had a withered hand. And they watched Him
closely if He would Heal him on the Sabbath - so that they might accuse Him.
And He said to the man with the withered hand: Step forward. And He said to them: Is it Lawful on the Sabbath to
do good, or evil ? to save life or to kill? They were silent. And when He had looked around at them - being
grieved by the hardness of their hearts - He said to the man: Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out - and
his hand was restored - as whole as the other.
According to the Holy Gospel of St Luke, our Lord Jesus However, SUCH LEGALISM CAUSED THEM TO BE INSENSITIVE TO
Christ led His Apostles through the grain fields on the GODS GREAT MERCY AND LOVE, which is why our Lord
second Sabbath after the first... a term that was used Jesus Christ pointed out: The Sabbath was made for
when a Jewish Feast immediately followed a normal mankind... A DAY OF REST FROM OUR LABOURS WHICH
Sabbath, for the Feast days were also referred to as SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO WORSHIP, THANKSGIVING AND
Sabbath Days. CONTEMPLATION OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
According to St Ambrose the term second Sabbath Our Lord Jesus was ...grieved by the hardness of their
serves as AN IMAGE OF THE NEW COVENANT AND OUR heart... refers to His Righteous Anger that was A
ETERNAL RESURRECTION. NATURAL HUMAN EMOTION EXPERIENCED WHEN CONFRONTED
THE FIRST SABBATH INDICATED THE OLD COVENANT LAW, WHILE BY SIN.
THE SECOND SABBATH INDICATES THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST While anger is certainly sinful, RIGHTEOUS ANGER OR BEING
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR WHO FOLLOWED AND FULFILLED IT. ... GRIEVED... BEING SORROWFUL OR SADDENED BY SIN IS
UNDER THE NEW COVENANT THE FOOD THAT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PROPER TO OUR HUMANITY.
UNLAWFUL FOR ANYONE BUT PRIESTS TO EAT, IS NOW FREELY
Psalm 4: 5 : ...Be angry and do not sin...
GRANTED TO EVERYONE by ...the Lord of the Sabbath... Our Saviours grieving anger was IN RESPONSE TO THOSE WHO
which had been prefigured by King David when he PROFESS THEMSELVES AS BEING FAITHFUL AND WHO TEACH AND
fed the Holy Showbread from the Temple to those who GUIDE OTHERS CONCERNING GOD YET THEIR HEART IS SO
were with him. HARDENED BY SINS SUCH AS PRIDE, EGOISM AND A LACK OF LOVE
According to certain customs that the Scribes and AND MERCY FOR OTHERS THAT THEY NEITHER ACKNOWLEDGED
Pharisees had built up around the First Covenant NOR GAVE THANKS FOR THE ALL MERCIFUL GLORY AND GRACE
Law, Healing (even Miraculous, Divine Healing!) was OF GOD, NOR REJOICED FOR THE MIRACULOUS HEALING OF ONE
considered as being work and thus was not OF THEIR SUFFERING BRETHREN.
permissible on the Sabbath. GOD IS LOVE AGAPE AND EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT US
THEY ERRONEOUSLY BELIEVED THAT THEY SERVED GOD BY AND REVEALED TO US CONCERNS THAT DIVINE, UNCONDITIONAL
ZEALOUSLY ENFORCING THESE PERIPHERAL CUSTOMS. AND ABSOLUTE LOVE FOR GOD AND EACH OTHER!
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHER, ARCHIMANDRITE ARSENIOS (PAPACIOC)
Lamentation from the depths of our heart does not take In vain do we not eat meat if we gnaw on the flesh of our
much of our time and it is always convenient to fulfil, neighbours!
while occupying our entire being. The optimal and Most God-pleasing decision is Fasting
We say: O Lord! and that simple groaning in contrition crowned with Humility, Obedience and Prayer.
for our sins does more than any Prayer more than I am for Prayer rising from the heart.
reading our Lords Prayer fifteen times in a hurry. Ups and downs happen even in the world of the Saints.
Only God can decide whether to grant us more time to Even they can have moments of emptiness.
prolong our present life, and that is so that we would Therefore, if while we are praying and evil spirits try to
be with Him as much as possible. distract our mind from Prayer, we must not be afraid.
Only by understanding this, do we begin the Work of our There are no Christians no Faithful Disciples of Christ
Salvation. who would not be tempted when they pray.
Our Salvation is the most important, constant, When our thoughts jump from one state to another, we
unchanging and unforgettable Goal of this must not stop praying at least, mentally.
preparatory life-span. The Power of Prayer is great.
We can reach Salvation no other way but by escaping Some of us may lose the quality of our Prayers.
our habits and routines. Others, while praying with a humble heart, feel as if some
This is the only way to acquire our Eternal Salvation. kind of Consolation comes to them, and they again
Blessed, Blessed, a thousand times Blessed are those who pray, just as fervently, but only that such Comfort
at least coming to themselves prepare for their comes to them again.
Eternal Salvation, as our Holy Church teaches us, However such comfort can also arise from demons, too.
according to the Gospel of Christ. You cannot even imagine how glad he demons are to
When the sorrow around us becomes greater and keep us in that state of false peace, so that we remain
greater, then only those who have known their Work insensitive to the True Consolation of Prayer, bursting
and Saved their soul will be Blessed. forth from our heart, without any personal inters and
Fasting in General has its strict principles. without interruption.
I tell those who come to me to Fast, but only according to Even while reading from a Prayer Book, or an Akathist,
their strength and the established order, because we our thoughts can become distracted.
abstain from non-fasting foods in vain if, having We must pray humbly in order to bring the Lord our God
Fasted for Forty Days, we begin to burden our body by into our heart, and we must not rise in thought and
stuffing ourselves beyond measure! wander God knows where... it would be better to do
Such a Fast is in vain, and instead of leading to True nothing!!
Freedom and Holiness, it leads to gluttony, which is a It is not sufficient only for us to pray for our loved ones
great sin. who neglect their Spiritual Welfare.
Therefore, I recommend Fasting according to the No! I tell everyone who comes to me that we are
strength of each person, and I rule it out for children continually in need of Prayer, for the best thing for us
under 7 years of age, pregnant women and those is to always be with God.
who are sick. If we do not hold onto the Prayer Rope that tethers us to
The Fast of the soul is higher superior and more Heaven with all our Hope, we will sink into non-
significant that the Fast of the body. existence, fall into sin and crash into Hell!

22. ST ELEUTHERIOS, BISHOP & HIEROMARTYR & ST ANTHIA OF ILLYRIA - 15 DECEMBER 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 3 17 December 2017

th
28 Sunday After Pentecost Sunday of the Holy Forefathers
11th Sunday of St Luke - The Great Banquet
The Feast of the Holy Forefathers of Christ According to the Flesh: St Aaron the Priest, St
Benjamin the Righteous, St Deborah the Righteous, St Ezra the Righteous, St Isaac the
Righteous, St Jacob the Righteous, St Judith, St Miriam, St Nathan the Holy Prophet of God, St Nehemiah the Holy
Prophet of God, St Noah the Righteous, St Rebecca the Righteous, St Sarah, St Solomon the Righteous, & St Susanna
St Daniel the Holy Prophet of God and the Three Holy Youths, St Ananias, St Azarias & St Misael St Daniel the
Venerable Confessor of Spain and Egypt St Dionysios the Bishop of Aegina St Avvakoum the Deacon, of Serbia St
Paisios the New Holy Martyr of the Annunciation Monastery, Serbia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL LUKE 24 : 35 - 53

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY TONE 2

1. Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke panta ta entos mou to 1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
Onoma to Agion Aftou Bless His Holy Name.
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
2. Evlogi i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke mi epilavthanou 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His
pasias tas Antapodosis Aftou Benefits
3. Kyrios en to Ourano itimase ton Thronon Aftou, ke i 3. The Lord has prepared His Throne in Heaven, and His
Vasilia Aftou panton despozi. Kingdom rules over all.
4. S E C O N D F E S T A L A N T I P H O N F O R E F E A S T O F T H E N A T I V I T Y T O N E 2
1. Eni i psihi mou ton Kyrion. Eneso Kyrion en ti zoi mou. 1. Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live I will praise the
Psalo to Theo mou, eos iparho! Lord; while I have any being, I will praise my God!
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O E N A GIIS T HAVM ASTOS , psallontas Save us , O Son of God, W H O ART E XT OLLED BY T HY S AINTS ,
Si: Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
2. Makarios, ou O Theos, Iakob voithos aftou, i Elpis aftou 2. Blessed are those whose Helper is the God of Jacob;
epi Kyrion ton Theon Aftou. whose Hope is the Lord their God.
3. VasilefsiKyrios is ton eona, O Theos sou, Sion, is 3. The Lord will be King forever; thy God, O Zion, will
genean ke genean reign from generation to generation.
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 3

Evfrenestho ta Ourania, Agaliastho ta Epigia, oti epiise Let the Heavens Rejoice and let the Earth be glad, for
Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to Thanato the Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has
ton Thanaton.Prototokos ton nekron egeneto. Ek kilias trampled down Death by Death; He has become the
Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to kosmo to Mega Eleos. First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He
has Rescued us, and to the world He has granted Great
Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION THE HOLY FOREFATHERS TONE 2

En Pisti tous Propatoras edikeosas, tin ex Ethnon di afton By
promnistefsamenos Ekklisian. Kavhonte en Doxi i Agii,
oti ek spermatos afton, iparhi Karpos evkleis, i asporos
tekousa Se. Tes afton ikesies, Hriste O Theos, Soson tas
psihas imon.
SEASONAL KONTAKION FOREFEAST
Faith Thou Justified the Forefathers, through them
having Betrothed to Thyself the Church that came out
of the Nations. The Saints are boasting in Glory, for
the Glorious Fruit the Virgin Who without seed gave
Birth to Thee, is their progeny. At their Entreaties, O
Christ our God, Save our soul.
OF THE NATIVITY TONE 3

I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo The Virgin today goes to the Grotto to give Birth to the
erhete, apotkin aporritos. Horeve i ikoumeni Pre Eternal Word in an Ineffable Manner. Dance for
akoutisthisa, Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, Joy, all inhabited Earth, on hearing! Glorify along with
voilithenta epofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Angels and with the Shepherds Him Who Will to
Theon. Appear as a New Born Infant, our Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON - PSALM 67/68 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
God is Wondrous in His Saints.
In the Congregations Bless God, the Lord of the Source of Israel
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 11 : 33 12 : 2
Brethren, all the Saints through Faith conquered Kingdoms, enforced Justice, received Promises, stopped the mouths of
lion, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won Strength out of weakness, became Mighty in war,
put foreign armies to flight. Women receive their dead by Resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept

28TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST11TH OF ST LUKETHE HOLY ANCESTORS-THE GREAT BANQUET-17 DECEMBER 2017 23.
 release, that they might Rise again to a better Life. Others suffered mockings and scourgings, and even chains
and imprisonment.
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed by sword, they went about in skins of
sheep and goats destitute, afflicted, ill-treated of whom the world was not worthy wandering over deserts and
mounts, and in dens and caves of the Earth. And all these although well attested to by their Faith, did not receive
what was Promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us, they should not be made
Perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so Great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin that
clings so tightly, and let us run with perseverance the Race that is set before us, looking to Jesus Who is the Pioneer
and Perfection of our Faith.
The Faith of the Old Covenant Saints was truly amazing, Our Divine Saviours one ultimate, Perfect Blood Sacrificial
for they did not have all the Spiritual Benefits and Offering fulfils what all the Old Covenant Sacrifices
Knowledge that we enjoy today, which confirms and were unable to do,
even proves Divine Truth. The sins of the Old Covenant Saints were also forgiven by
Their Faith was steadfast and unwavering, despite their God and thus they were able to enter our Lord Gods
difficult circumstances and terrible persecution they Divine Presence as they had been Promised by Him
were forced to endure. ...that apart from us, they should not be made
Their Faith was firmly seated deep within their soul that Perfect.
marvellous, natural Faith in God with which we were Because the locus of Life is our blood our mortal life
created. we offer it to God Who is Life, and thereby we
Their absolute confidence in the Lord our God enabled establish a New Relationship with Him by Living in
them to achieve incredible Victories over those who Christ Jesus Whom we have put on during our Holy
sought to destroy them, which clearly proves that God Baptism.
Loves us and is always with us Delivering us from the Consequently, our Lord Jesus Christs Incarnation and
evil one, granting us everything we need in good everything that He accomplished for us in His Flesh
times and in times of adversity. Redeemed the Old Covenant Saints of the Old Israel
This testifies to the Good Relationship between the Old as well as us who are the New Covenant Israel i.e.
Covenant Saints and our Almighty Lord God, Who all those who by their Faithful Struggles and Labours
makes everything possible for us even restoring life participate in His Glorious Resurrection and His
to those who had been killed. Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom of Agape.
However, these ancient Saints could not enter Paradise St Paul reminds us that the Church Triumphant those
until our Lord Jesus Christ had accomplished His who have gone before us is the Great Cloud of
Earthly Mission and had Harrowed Hades after His Witnesses, who continue to pray for us, who guide us
Crucifixion and Death on the Cross. and watch over us, encouraging and supporting us
They rested in a section of Hades to which our Lord Jesus every step of the Way along the Narrow Path of
Christ referred as being in the Bosom of Abraham. Righteousness that leads us to Eternal Life.
After death, all the souls went to Hades, but the Righteous This short preparatory lifespan is not a fast sprint but a
were separated from the wicked, and were aware of marathon that takes all our concerted effort to
each others state as revealed by Christ when He complete successfully and victoriously.
spoke of the Rich Man and Poor Lazaros. As Faithful Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ we must focus
our attention on Him - striving to fulfil His Divine Truth
in all aspects of our daily life, to the best of our ability.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 14 : 16 24 & ST MATTHEW 22: 14
GODS GREAT, MYSTICAL BANQUET & THE EXCUSES THAT EXILE & ALIENATE US
At that time, our Lord Jesus told this Parable:
A certain Man gave a Great Supper and invited many, and sent His Servant at the Hour of the Supper to say to those
who had been invited: Come, for now all things are ready. And with one accord, they all made excuses!
The first said to Him: I have bought a piece of land, and I must go to inspect it. I ask Thee to have me excused. And
another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask Thee to have me excused. And
another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot attend.
And that Servant returned and reported these things to His Master. Being angered, the Master of the House, said to
His Servant: Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring the poor and the maimed and the lame
and the blind. And the Servant said: Lord, it is done as Thou commanded, and still there is place.
And the Master said to His Servant: Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, so that My
House may be filled. For I say to Thee - none of those who were invited shall taste My Dinner...
...many are Called - few are Chosen!
This Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ consists of TWO Our Holy Church Fathers regard THE THREE EXCUSES that
ASPECTS, ILLUSTRATING BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND Christ mentioned as NOT ONLY HAVING A LITERAL MEANING
COMING OF CHRIST, Who is the Servant sent by God BUT ALSO A PROFOUND SPIRITUAL MEANING!
the Father TO GATHER MANY TO PARTAKE OF HIS HOLY Far too many of us are so attached to and obsessed with
EUCHARIST, WHICH GRANTS US SALVATION THROUGH THE our worldly cares and favourite past times that WE
REPENTANCE AND THE FORGIVENESS OR REMISSION OF SIN HAVE NO TIME NOR INCLINATION TO ACCEPT GODS DIVINE
AND THUS ETERNAL LIFE. INVITATION for our Salvation and Eternal Life in His
The term Supper indicates AN EVENING MEAL OUR ESSENTIAL Heavenly Kingdom.
NOURISHMENT BEFORE RESTING OR SLEEPING. FAR TOO MANY OF US USE EVERY SELF-JUSTIFYING EXCUSE TO
In other words: WE ALL NEED TO PARTAKE OF HOLY REJECT HIS GREAT AND WONDERFUL INVITATION TO HIS
COMMUNION/EUCHARIST AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE HEAVENLY BANQUET AT EACH DIVINE LITURGY!
ARE PROPERLY SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED AND PREPARED FOR Too many of us think that we can ignore God and all our
ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS DIVINE KINGDOM before we Sacred Commitments to Him until a later stage of life
repose in Peace in Christ and while we await His Final when it might suit us better!
Judgement. Alas! EACH OF US HAS ONLY A SPECIFIC MEASURE OF LIFESPAN
THE FIRST PEOPLE WHO WERE INVITED by Almighty God to IN WHICH TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR ETERNITY .
partake of the Great Mercy of His Divine Eucharist IF WE DO NOT BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS FOR HIS ETERNAL
WERE THE HEBREWS. KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY N O W - WE CANNOT
AFTERWARDS HIS DIVINE INVITATION WAS OFFERED TO EVERYONE EXPECT TO RECEIVE HIS GREAT MERCY AND ABUNDANT
ELSE TO ALL HUMAN BEINGS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND BLESSINGS FOREVER!
THROUGHOUT THE AGES. ST AMBROSE SAW THE THREE EXCUSES THAT REJECTED GODS DIVINE
Now AS CHRISTIANS WE MUST EAGERLY PARTAKE OF HOLY INVITATION AS REPRESENTING THE GENTILE, THE PAGAN, THE
COMMUNION EVERY TIME WE ATTEND THE DIVINE LITURGY OLD COVENANT HEBREW AND THE HERETIC.
WITHOUT MAKING EXCUSES to reject Gods Divine Banquet These are all DEVOTED TO THEIR EARTHLY WEALTH the
of Thanksgiving, Salvation and Eternal Life. ...piece of ground...

24. 28TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST11TH OF ST LUKETHE HOLY ANCESTORS-THE GREAT BANQUET-17 DECEMBER 2017
 The five yoke of oxen represent A PREFERENCE AND
ENSLAVEMENT TO MANS INTERPRETATION OF THE FIVE OLD
COVENANT BOOKS OF LAW IN ORDER TO REJECT GODS NEW
COVENANT OF SALVATION.
The excuse of having married a wife, is the
HERETICAL ESPOUSAL OF ERROR BY THOSE WHO REJECT THE
WILL AND LOVE OF GOD IN FAVOUR OF THEIR OWN
EARTHLY, SELFISH DESIRES.
ST THEOPHYLACT MORE GENERALLY ASSOCIATED THE EXCUSES WITH
THOSE WHO ARE DEVOTED TO ALL EARTHLY MATTERS
ESPECIALLY PERTAINING TO OUR FIVE SENSES TO ALL FLESHLY
PLEASURES I.E PHYSICAL INDULGENCE.
28 T H S UNDAY A FTER P ENTECOST T HE H OLY F OREFATHERS 2 N D S UNDAY B EFORE THE N ATIVITY -11 T H OF S T L UKE - THE G REAT S UPPER
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit
Dearly Beloved: Today is the Second Sunday before the
Nativity of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Holy Gospel reading changes its progression based
on Pentecost and aligns itself with the approaching
Great Feast of the Nativity, which signifies for us a
sense of urgency regarding what is about to happen.
Our worldly affairs, problems and distractions must now
be set aside for the sake of the greatest of our
Heavenly Fathers Gifts to us - His Beloved, Only
Begotten, Eternal Son Incarnate in the Flesh!
Every other Mystical and sacred Gift is secondary to the
Incarnation of our Divine Saviour!
We have been preparing for this Great Feast by Fasting
and praying, and now that we have moved past the
midpoint of the Fast, and the pace quickens in
anticipation of our Lord Jesus Christs Birth.
Today we Commemorate the Holy Forefathers who were
part of mankinds Preparation for
Coming/Appearance of the long-awaited Great
Messiah.
Without them, there would be no God-Man, no Jesus
Christ, for the Divinely Inspired Prophecy foretold His
Birth from their Lineage. Therefore their flesh, their
Prophecies, and their Faithful Piety prepared the way
for the Coming of our Divine Saviour.
Without His Incarnation, there is no Salvation as we know
it, there is no Life-giving Holy Cross, there is no
Glorious Resurrection, there is no partaking in the
Divine Energies of God and no Deification.
Even Paradise and Immortality submit to the Mystical
Superiority of the Incarnation. For both Paradise and
Immortality were granted to mankind before the Fall.
Without the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God,
Paradise and Eternal Life would only result in being
Perfectly and Eternally joined to God as His servants.
But when our Heavenly Father gave His Son to Redeem
all mankind to Redeem us from the Curse of the Fall
wherein God commanded that surely you will
die - and His Son Deifies our human flesh and
makes it a Communicant with the Holy Trinity through
Himself, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, no
longer are we Called to be servants in His Kingdom,
but adopted sons and daughters of God the Father.

You who are led by the Spirit of God, are sons of
God . . . you have not received the spirit of
bondage again but the Spirit of Adoption.
(ROMANS 8:14)

Blessed be God, Who has granted us every Spiritual
Blessing in Heaven through Christ, Foreordaining
us to Adoption through Jesus Christ to Himself
[the Father]. (EPHESIANS 1:3)
THE MYSTICAL STAR
Every year around Christmas, reports appear in the
papers or on television claiming to give an
astronomical explanation of the Star of Bethlehem:
It was a comet, we are told, or a Supernova, or an
astrological horoscope sign!
However, all these speculations miss the early Christian
understanding of the Mystical Bright Star that led the
Magi to Bethlehem in Palestine.
In his Homily on Matthew Chapter 2, St John Chrysostom
explains clearly why THE STAR COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A
NATURAL PHENOMENON, but that IT WAS AN ANGELIC
APPEARANCE, like the Pillar of Cloud in the Old
Testament.
28TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST11TH OF ST LUKETHE HOLY ANCESTORS-THE GREAT BANQUET-17 DECEMBER 2017
The reference to those in the streets and lanes indicate
the GENTILES AND PAGANS WHO ACCEPTED CHRIST AFTER THE
FAITHLESS HEBREWS REJECTED HIM, AND THOSE WHO ARE
PRESENTLY OUTSIDE THE CHURCH WHO OFTEN REPLACE THOSE
FROM WITHIN HIS HOLY CHURCH WHO HAVE REJECTED THEIR
HOLY BAPTISM AND VOWS OF ALLEGIANCE TO CHRIST.
GOD HAS CALLED ALL MANKIND TO HIS HOLY SERVICE BUT VERY
FEW RESPOND SINCERELY AND FAITHFULLY, BECAUSE MOST
PEOPLE USE ALL THE EXCUSES THAT SATAN CAN INVENT, TO
AVOID AND ALIENATE THEMSELVES FROM GOD.
In Great Vespers on Saturday, we praise the glorious men
from before and during the Old Covenant Law.
We honor Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek,
Samson, Barak, Jephthah, Nathan, Eleazar, Josiah,
Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joshua,
Samuel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha and all the Hly
Prophets, St Isaiah, St Jeremiah , St Ezekiel, and all
the rest especially St Daniel and the three Holy
Youths, St Zachariah, St John the Baptist, and all those
who proclaimed Christ.
Likewise, we sing Praises to the Holy Women who were
made strong in the days of old by the Might of Thy
Strength, O Lord: Hannah, Judith, Deborah, Huldah,
Jael, Esther, Sarah, Miriam, Rachel, Rebecca, and
Ruth.
As Orthodox Christians we never forget where we come
from.
We not only remember that we are from the dust of the
Earth, but we also remember those who have
the preceded us, and are joined to us, in Piety, and in
Faith, and in our Spiritual Struggle.
History is chronological, but the Eternal Kingdom of God
is ever-present, and we Commune with all the
Righteous who were before us and who await us.
As Brothers and Sisters in Christ, they are our Forefathers
too!
The Days of Preparation for receiving the Incarnation of
our Divine Saviour with Joy and Understanding are
drawing to a close.
We may attend the Holy Services at Church on the Feast
Day of the Nativity of our Lord, but if we have not
prepared our heart, we will miss the Fullness of what
is actually happening!
Everything of value is worthy of preparation.
We must attend the Holy Services and we must pray, read
Orthodox Writings, be charitable, Love our neighbour,
and give Gifts of Love and Devotion to God and to
each other.
We must talk to our children about the Nativity of Christ
and read to them about this Great Feast and what it
means to us, which is good for adult souls too!
We must visit friends and family, and have quiet times at
home with our own immediate family so that we are
united in a spirit of Love and devotion to God and to
each other.
Our Lord Jesus Christs last Gift in the Flesh was given to
all of us while His Mother and Faithful Disciples
gathered around the Tree of the Cross.
Consequently, it is fitting that we anticipate His first Gift in
the Flesh His Incarnation - gathered around a
Christmas Tree as well.
Amin
HTTP :// WWW . PRAVMIR . C OM
OF BETHLEHEM
...You know that a spot of such small dimensions, being
only as much as a stable would occupy, or rather as
much as the Body of a little Infant would take up,
could not possibly be marked out by a Star.
For by reason of its immense height, it could not
sufficiently distinguish so confined a spot, and reveal
it to those who were desiring to see it.
And this anyone may see by the moon, which, being so
far superior to the stars, seems to all that dwell in the
world to be near to each and every one of them.
How then, tell me, did the Star point out a spot so
confined - just the space of a Manger and stable,
25.
 unless it left that height and came down, and stood
over the very Head of the Newborn Infant?
And at this the Evangelist was hinting when he wrote:
Behold! The Star went before them, until it stood
over where the young Child was. (THE GOSPEL OF ST
MATTHEW HOMILY 6: 3-4)

NUMBERS 24:17: The Seer, Balaam, prophesied: ...I will
point to Him, but not now. I Bless Him, but He
does not come near. A Star shall dawn from
Jacob, a Man shall arise out of Israel.
This is what the Orthodox text, the Septuagint, states while
the Hebrew text states: ...a Sceptre shall arise out of
Israel.
THE ETERNAL, DIVINELY INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ARCHIMANDRITE ARSENIE (PAPACIOC)
It is essential for us to always be with God, for if we do
not hold onto the Sacred Rope of Prayer that tethers
us to Heaven with all our Hope if we loosen our grip
we will sink into non-existence and we will fall into
sin, and finally we will crash down into Hell!
We must hold on as tightly as we possible can,
whichever and however we can, to that Sacred Rope
of Prayer. For it is not enough for others to pray for
us. The evil one watches us perpetually and if we
are not always with God, he gleefully rejoices at our
exposure to his wicked machinations!
We can choose to either live in pleasure and Spiritual
Negligence, or to Live in Prayer and Spiritual Life.
As someone expressed it: It is not shameful to fall,
being crushed by ailments, but it is indeed
shameful to die Spiritually Neglectful and haggard
from delectations. (dissipation or gratification)
We ought to tremble at the instructive word of St Cyprian:
A certain Grace finds a place for itself in us
according to the measure that our I is awakened,
and the passions uprooted. When our heart is
Cleansed from the passions, then Affection for God is
ignited.
When we seek God, we will find Him according to the
measure of our fulfilment. Nothing is too much
when our Prayers come from a humble heart. The
measure of the Purification of our heart is the
measure of the inflammation of affection for God.
We will not have any self-love (pride) any more when we
see how great the Mercy of God is towards us who
are such wretched sinners!
But concerning our Ever Blessed, All Holy Lady,
Theotokos, She is the Mistress of Heaven and Earth,
and if I, a sinner, dare to ask the Lord our God for
length of days, it is only in order to honour our
Beloved Mother of God.
How can we say anyone is asking too much from Her?
We all should ask Her for even more, for Her Love
knows no bounds! I have said this many times: The
All Holy, Ever Blessed Mother of God is greatly
offended by those who do not ask Her for anything.
God reveals Himself not so much to those who Labour,
as to the simple and humble.
To every Ascetic Struggler in Christ with regard to the
Ever Blessed Theotokos I say: Humble yourself! It is
worth it!
ST TIKHON OF ZADONSK:
We see in the world that people are weeping. They are
born with weeping, they live with weeping, and they
die with weeping.
People weep because they live in the world a place of
weeping a vale of tears.
And we, too, as Christians, weep. Weep while time yet
remains, while tears are still beneficial. We weep
now and we will not weep Eternally. We weep now
and are Comforted...
We feel our Heavenly Fathers Aid when we feel Death
and sorrow for our sins, and Peace and Joy over our
Virtues within ourselves.
We feel the Aid and Comfort of our Heavenly Father even
when we suffer troubles and attacks unrighteously
afflicting us our conscience is Comforted...
ST JUSTIN POPOVICH
Christians, we must always rejoice, for evil, death,
sin, the devil and Hades have been conquered
by our Lord Jesus Christ.
But when all of this is conquered, is there anyone
in the world who can bring our Joy to naught?
We are the lords of this Eternal Rejoicing as long as
we do not give in to sin.
26. 28TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST11TH OF ST LUKETHE HOLY ANCESTORS-THE GREAT BANQUET-17 DECEMBER 2017
In his Dialogue with Trypho 106, St Justin cited this
verse, although instead of Man he used the word
Ruler, which is the word used in the Holy Gospel
according to St Matthew 2:6 in the citation of Micah.
Origen, St Gregory of Nyssa, and Eusebios linked the
Magi with the Prophecy of Balaam, implying that the
Star is a Revelation of Christ Himself, while St Romanos
the Hymnographer, in his Festal Kontakion for the
Nativity, implies that Mystical Star of Bethlehem is
Christ Himself.
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/88956.HTML
Joy burns in our heart from His Truth, Love, Resurrection,
and from His Holy Church and His Saints.
Joy burns in our heart because of sufferings for Him,
mockings for Him, and death for Him, insofar as
these sufferings write our names in Heaven.
There is no True Joy on Earth without the Victory over
Death, but the Victory over Death does not exist
without the Resurrection, and the Resurrection does
not exist without Christ.
The Risen God-Man Christ, the Founder of His Holy
Church, constantly pours out this Joy into the hearts
of His Followers through the Holy Mysteries and Good
Deeds.
Our Faith is fulfilled in this Eternal Joy, insofar as the Joy
of Faith in Christ is the only True Joy for human
nature.
ST ROMAN MEDVED, A NEW MARTYR
(LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER FROM THE GULAG, 1932)
It is Joyful to feel that we do not and cannot have any
enemies among mankind, but only unhappy
Brethren, who are deserving of pity and help, even
when, through misunderstanding, they become our
enemies and fight against us.
Woe! They do not understand that the enemy is found
within ourselves, and that first of all, we must cast
him out of ourselves, and then also help others to do
the same.
We have only one enemy - the devil and his evil spirits.
But mankind - no matter how far he has fallen -
never loses certain sparks of Light and Goodness,
which may be blown into a Bright Flame.
But for us there is no reason to fight against other people,
even when they consistently abuse us with all kinds
of blows and rebukes ...
To fight against people is to take the false position of our
enemies. Even if we succeed, we gain nothing from
that fight, but rather we become estranged from our
own success.
ST SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
With all our will power we must beseech the Lord our
God for Humility and Brotherly Love, for God freely
grants His Divine Grace to Love one another. If we
beseech His Divine Love for one day and another
day try to live without His Divine Love we will
immediately understand the difference!
ST MARK THE ASCETIC
Whoever prays for those who hurt him lays the demons
low; but those who oppose their affronter are bound
to the demons!
ELDER ARSENIE (PAPACIOC)
Ambition and prideful thoughts are hideous and impure
passions! All evil catches us in these murky waters!
God does not even want to hear about proud, arrogant
people! He removes all His Divine Grace so that they
will stumble and then perhaps they will realise their
sins and they will become humble and Obedient.
Our Lord turns His Sight away from the proud and
arrogant who have abandoned Him and have
become abominations. He removes all sense of
beauty, leaving the proud to roam about in chaos, in
all manner of filthy back alleys of the fallen world.
Our Holy Fathers remind us that ... wherever there is a
fall, pride first did its work!
No other passion likens us to Satan than pride
and arrogance!
 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 December 2017
The Nativity of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ
THE ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS AND THE THREE MAGI

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON - NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 2

1. Exomologisome Si, Kyrie, en oli kardia mou, en Voili 1. I
will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, with my whole
Evtheon ke Sinagogi. heart, in the Council of the Upright and in the
Assembly.
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
2. Megala ta Erga Kyriou, exezitimena is panta ta 2. Great
art the Works of the Lord, sought out in all
Thelimata Aftou. things with regard to His Will.
3. Exomologisis ke Megaloprepia to Ergon Aftou, ke i 3. Thanksgiving and Majesty art His Work, and His
Dikeosini Aftou meni is to eona tou eonos. Righteousness continues unto Ages of ages.
4. Litroin apestile to lao Aftou. Enetilato is ton eona 4. He sent Redemption to His people. He Commanded
diathikin Aftou. Agion ke foveron to Onoma His Covenant forever. Holy and Fearful is His
Aftou. Name.
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 NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 2
1. Makarios anir, O fovoumenos ton Kyrion, en tes 1. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he will delight
entoles aftou thelisi sfodra. exceedingly in His Commandments.
Soson imas Iie Theou, O E X P A R T H E N O U T E H T H I S , O Son of God, W H O A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , Save us
psallontas Si: Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia
2. Dinatonen ti gi este to sperma aftou, genea evtheon 2. His seed shall be Mighty on earth; the generation of
Evlogithisete. the upright shall be Blessed.
3. Doxa ke ploutos en to Iko Aftou, ke i Dikeosini Aftou 3. Glory
and riches shall be in His House, and His
eni is ton eona tou eonos. Righteousness continues unto Ages of ages.
4. Exanetilen en skoti Fos tis evthesin Eleimon ke Iktirmon 4. For the Upright, Light springs up in Darkness, for He
ke Dikeos. is Merciful, Compassionate and Righteous.
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
Soson imas Iie Theou, O E X P A R T H E N O U T E H T H I S , O Son of God, W H O A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , Save us
psallontas Si: Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Doxa Patri ke Iio ke Agio Pnevmati. Ke nin ke ai ke is P E O P L E Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
tous eonas ton eonon. Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Amin Amen
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 4
1. Ipen O Kyrios to Kyrio Mou: Kathou ek Dexion Mou, eos 1. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at My right Hand, until I
an tho tous ehtrous Sou ipopodion ton Podon Sou. make Thine enemies the Footstool of Thy Feet.
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
Fos to tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the
ipo asters edidaskonto, Se proskinin, ton Ilion tis worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to
dikeosinis, ke Se ginoskin ex Ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know
Doxa Si. Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to
Thee!
2. Ravdon Dinameos exaposeli Si Kyrios ek Sion, ke 2. The Lord shall send forth the Rod of Thy Power from
katakirieve en meso ton ehthron Sou. Zion and rule in the midst of Thine enemies.
3. Meta Sou i arhi en Imera tis Dinameos Sou, en tes 3. With Thee is the beginning in the Day of Thy Power, in
Lamprotisi ton Agion Sou. the Brightness of Thy Saints.
FESTAL ISODIKON/ENTRANCE HYMN - THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 2
Ek gastros pro eosforou egennisa Se. Omose Kyrios ke ou Out of the womb, before the Morning Star have I
metamelithisete. Si ierefs is ton eona, kata tin taxin Begotten Thee: the Lord has sworn and will not
Melihisedek. repent: Thou art a Priest forever, after the Order of
Melchezedek.
Soson imas, Ie Theou, O EK PARTHENOU TEHTHIS, psallontas Save us, O Son of God, BORN OF THE VIRGIN, who sing
Si allilouia! to Thee: Alleluia!

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST ADORATION OF SHEPHERDS & THE MAGI 25 DECEMBER 2017 27.
 FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 4
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Fos Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
to tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, ipo Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the
asters edidaskonto, Se prokinin, ton Ilion tis Dikeosinis, worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to
ke Se ginoskin ex ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si. (3) worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know
Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
FESTAL KONTAKION - NATIVITY OF CHRIST - TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton iperousion tikti, ke i gi to Spileon, Today the Virgin gives Birth to Him Who is above all
to aprosito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon Doxologousi. being, and the earth offers a Cave to Him Whom no
Magi de meta Asteros odiporousi. Di imas gar man can approach. Angels with Shepherds give Glory,
egennithi, Pedion Neon, O Pro Eonon Theos. and Magi journey with a Star. For unto us is Born a
Young Child, the Pre-Eternal God.
INSTEAD OF THE TRISAGION HYMN THE BAPTISMAL HYMN
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe: As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put
Allelouia! on Christ: Alleluia!
PROKEIMENON- PSALM 65 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
All the world will worship Thee and Glorify Thee. Let them sing to Thy Name.
Glorify the Lord with Triumphal Hymns, all you Lands!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 4 : 4 7
Brethren, when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a Woman, born under the Law, to
Redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive the Adoption as sons. For His Son is in your
hearts, crying out: "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son - if a son, then an Heir of God
through Christ.
His Son" refers to CHRIST AS GOD BY NATURE the Son of WE CANNOT BECOME MEMBERS OF THE GODHEAD BY NATURE
God. because WE ARE HUMAN BY NATURE. BUT WE DO BECOME
THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD, IS "BORN OF A WOMAN," AND SO MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY BY HIS GRACE.
THE MOST BLESSED MARY IS RIGHTLY CALLED THEOTOKOS Through our Divine Adoption (Holy Baptism and
- MOTHER OF GOD OR BEARER OF GOD. Chrismation) WE BECOME EVERYTHING GOD IS, EXCEPT IN
SINCE JESUS CHRIST WAS "BORN UNDER THE LAW" HE COULD NATURE WE REMAIN HUMAN BEINGS.
REDEEM THOSE WHO WERE ALSO UNDER THE LAW HIS However, THIS IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY OUR PERMANENT STATE
FELLOW HEBREWS, ACCORDING TO THE FLESH. DUE TO OF OUR DESIRE FOR WORLDLY THINGS [ I.E. THINGS OF THE
GOD "REDEEMS THOSE WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW" IN ORDER TO FLESH, THE PASSIONS] and that CONCUPISCENCE PREVENTS US
FULFIL HIS PROMISE TO ABRAHAM AND CONSEQUENTLY, FROM ATTAINING THEOSIS SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
GOD PAID THE RANSOM, AS IT WERE, TO HIMSELF, IT TAKES DEDICATION AND EFFORT ON OUR PART TO ATTAIN
ACCORDING TO HIS OWN VOW. SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS LIKENESS
ALMIGHTY GOD DOES NOT OWE ANYONE ANYTHING AND HE TO GOD!
CERTAINLY DOES NOT OWE US SALVATION ! We have the possibility through the Grace of God, but IT
JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE LAW AS AN INFANT BY BEING DEPENDS ON OUR LOVE AND OBEDIENCE TO ALMIGHTY GOD
CIRCUMCISED on the eighth day and He was AND HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Presented in the Temple 40 Days after His Birth. Because WE ARE GIVEN "NEW LIFE" our Adoption by God is
Both of these Events are remembered in the Liturgical also referred to as "New Birth" WE ARE SPIRITUALLY
Cycle of the Orthodox Church. REBORN RENEWED IN CHRIST!
THE HOLY CEREMONIES OF THE EIGHT DAY BLESSING OF THE EVERY TIME WE PARTAKE OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF REPENTANCE
NEWBORN AND THE 40 DAY CHURCHING OF THE MOTHER CONFESSION AND EUCHARIST, WE ENJOY A REAFFIRMATION OF
ARE PERFORMED TO THIS DAY IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. OUR ADOPTION AND THEREFORE OUR NEW LIFE IN OUR LORD
After these special Services, THE HOLY MYSTERY OF AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION IS CELEBRATED A FEW MONTHS THE ONGOING GROWTH INTO ADOPTION, BEING "AN HEIR OF GOD,"
LATER. IS CALLED DEIFICATION. THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE BECOMING
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - THE SON OF GOD IS GOD DIVINE - BY THE GRACE OF GOD WHAT HE IS BY NATURE.
BY NATURE. EACH DIVINE PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY: "SPIRIT, SON AND
WE BECOME SONS (OR DAUGHTERS) OF GOD BY ADOPTION WHEN FATHER" IS INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION.
WE ARE BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF THE TRIUNE GOD THE THEREFORE TO BECOME SONS OF GOD BY GRACE, ONE MUST
HOLY TRINITY. BELIEVE IN AND KNOW THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 2 : 1 12
THE GENTILE MAGI (ST CASPAR, ST MELCHIOR & ST BALTHAZAR) JOURNEYED FROM A GREAT DISTANCE TO WORSHIP THE NEW BORN KING
After our Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold! Magi from the East went to
Jerusalem, saying: "Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? We have seen His Star in the East and have
come to worship Him."
Having heard, Herod the King was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And he gathered all the Chief Priests and
Scribes of the people together to question them as to where the Christ was to be born. They told him: "In Bethlehem
of Judea. For thus it is written by the Prophet: ...And you, O Bethlehem, in the Land of Judah, are not the least
among the Rulers of Judah. Out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the Magi, determined from them what time the Star had appeared. And he
sent them to Bethlehem saying: "Go, search carefully for the Child. When you have found Him, bring back word to
me, so that I may go and worship Him also." When they had heard the King, they departed.
And behold! The Star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it stood over where the Child was.
Beholding the Star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great Joy. And when they had entered the house, they saw the
young Child with Mary, His Mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their
treasures, they presented gifts to Him - gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And being Divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country
another way.
ST MATTHEW AND ST LUKE PLACED THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST IN An ancient Prophecy of St Jacob indicated that THE
THE REIGN OF KING HEROD THE GREAT WHO WAS THE KING MESSIAH WOULD APPEAR WHEN A GENTILE KING RULED i.e.
OF JUDEA 37 4 BEFORE CHRIST. not of the Hebrew Tribe of Judah.
Herod was under Roman rule and although he was a
G E N E S I S 4 9 : 1 0 The Sceptre shall not depart from
great builder, he was a dreadfully cruel Ruler. Judah, nor a Lawgiver from his loins, until Shiloh
Due to his ignorance of the Messiah - and indeed of comes; and to Him shall be the Expectation of the
anything concerning God - as well as his obsessive Nations...
fear of being deposed, Herod summoned the Hebrew This Prophecy relates to Christ in numerous ways since
leaders to enlighten him, and later instructed the HE WOULD RISE FROM THE DEAD AND HE IS THE DIVINE
Magi to report back to him. LAWGIVER BECAUSE EVERY LAW OR COMMANDMENT OF GOD

28. N A T I V I T Y OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST ADORATION OF SHEPHERDS & THE MAGI 25 DECEMBER 2017
 THE FATHER WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US, INCLUDING THE
MOSAIC LAW, IS GIVEN IN AND THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST.
As HEROD WAS A GENTILE who called himself King of
Judea, the Coming of the Messiah Gods Christ
was certainly at hand.

L U K E 1 : 2 0 - The Angel of God told St Zacharias:
Behold! You will be mute and unable to speak until
the day these Things take place, because you did
not believe my words which shall be fulfilled in their
own time.
ST ZACHARIAS WAS DISCIPLINED FOR HIS LACK OF FAITH, yet this
also served as proof that ARCHANGEL GABRIELS
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE ALWAYS TRUE ALWAYS GODS TRUTH.
Furthermore THE SILENCING OF THE HIGH PRIEST REVEALED A
DEEPER MYSTERY.
THE MESSIAH WAS expected to fulfil three crucial Roles held
by various people of the Old Covenant: PROPHET,
PRIEST AND KING.
O N L Y O U R L O R D J E S U S C H R I S T F U L F I L L E D A L L
THREE HOLY OFFICES PERFECTLY:
1 . JESUS CHRIST IS OUR TRUE PROPHET

D E U T E R O N O M Y 1 8 : 1 5 1 8 The Lord your God
will raise up for you a Prophet like Me from your
Brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you
asked from the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of
the Assembly, saying: Let us not hear again the
Voice of the Lord our God, nor let us see this Great
Fire any more, lest we die. Then the Lord said to
me: What they have spoken is good. I will raise up
for them a Prophet like you from among their
Brethren, and I will put My Word in His Mouth, and
He shall speak to them all I command Him...
It was first necessary for THE HEBREWS to be tested so as to
Fear profoundly Respect - the Lord and not to sin,
for they WERE TOO SPIRITUALLY IMPERCEPTIVE TO HEAR ABOUT
ANOTHER PROPHET.
Consequently, THEY FAILED THE TEST AND DIED IN THE DESERT
BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO OBEY MOSES.
FORTY YEARS LATER HE SPOKE TO THEM CONCERNING THE GREAT
PROPHET TO COME, USING THE WORDS OF GOD FROM THEIR
MEETING ON MOUNT SINAI.
THE NEW GENERATION WAS READY TO HEAR THE PROPHECY and
learnt that He would be similar to St Moses, BECAUSE THE
SHORT-TERM PROPHECIES OF MOSES HAD ALL OCCURRED, HIS
LONG-TERM PROPHECIES THEREFORE WERE TO BE BELIEVED.
THIS WAS THE MARK OF A TRUE PROPHET OF GOD and the same
would apply to THE GREAT PROPHET WHO WOULD TELL THEM
ALL THAT GOD THE FATHER COMMANDED HIM. (By the Will of
the Father, through the Son...)
That indicated that HE IS THE WORD OF GOD MADE FLESH
INCARNATE - FOR NO OTHER PROPHET, INCLUDING MOSES,
WOULD EVER SPEAK IN SUCH A MANNER.
While all previous Prophets were ordinary human beings,
THE GREAT PROPHET WOULD BE GOD INCARNATE.
So it was that St Isaiah foretold how THE PEOPLE WOULD BE
TAUGHT DIRECTLY BY GOD HIMSELF.
2. JESUS CHRIST IS OUR TRUE KING

I S A I A H 9 : 6 Great shall be His Government, and
of His Peace there shall be no end. His Peace shall
be upon the Throne of David and over His Kingdom,
to order and establish It with Righteousness and
Judgement, from that time forward, and unto Ages
of Ages. The Zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall perform
this.

M I C A H 5 : 1 . . . O Bethlehem, House of Ephrathah,
although you are fewest in number among the
thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth
to Me the One to be Ruler of Israel, Whose goings
forth were from the beginning, even from Eternity.
3. JESUS CHRIST IS OUR TRUE HIGH PRIEST

P S A L M 1 0 9 : 4 - The Lord swore, and will not Repent:
Thou art a Priest forever according to the Order of
Melchezedek.
Seated at the Right Hand of God the Father, OUR DIVINE
AND ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST RULES AND REIGNS OVER ALL
THINGS, INCLUDING HIS ENEMIES, AND LEADS HIS HOLY
CHURCH IN HEAVENLY WORSHIP OF THE ALMIGHTY HOLY
TRINITY.

H E B R E W S 4 : 1 4 Seeing then that we have a Great
High Priest Who has passed through the Heavens
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST ADORATION
Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our
Confession.
The expression passed through the Heavens refers to
THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHICH IS SEEN IN
THE CONTEXT OF THE SON OF GOD IS SEATED AT THE HIGHEST
PLACE OF HONOUR EQUALLY DIVINE - AT THE RIGHT HAND OF
GOD THE FATHER.
OUR ALMIGHTY LORD AND CREATOR HAS ACCOMPLISHED HIS
DIVINE WORK ON EARTH AND HAS ENTERED INTO HIS SABBATH
REST.

L U K E 8 : 1 5 - God reveals His Truth to those ... who,
having heard the Word with a noble and good
heart, keep it and bear Fruit with Patience.
Christ warned us against believing for a short while and
then returning to our sinful, ungodly ways.
HAVING BEEN TAUGHT GODS TRUTH, WHICH WE THEN REJECT, WE
CONDEMN OURSELVES for we cannot plead ignorance!
THE CHIEF PRIESTS OF THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM WERE THE
POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE HEBREWS,
including the High Priest, who alone could enter the
Holiest Place of all YET THEY HAD NO IDEA THAT THE
MESSIAH HAD ALREADY BEEN BORN. (HEBREWS 9:7)
THE SCRIBES - important officials - KNEW THAT THE MESSIAH
WAS TO BE BORN AND WHERE HE WOULD BE BORN, HOWEVER,
THEY HAD NO DIVINE REVELATION THAT HE HAD ALREADY
ARRIVED.
St Matthew, who wrote for Jewish Christians, cited the
Gentile Magi as the first worshippers of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
St Luke, who wrote for Gentile Christians, cited the Jewish
poor the Righteous Shepherds from surrounding
fields - as the first worshippers. (LUKE 2:8-17)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS DIVINE MISSION TO THE GENTILES
WAS ANTICIPATED BY THE "WISE MEN" OR MAGI, who
journeyed all the way "from the East" outside
Israel, from Persia and elsewhere.
THEY WERE ERUDITE SCHOLARS of the time and in the Old
Testament, BALAAM WAS ONE OF THEIR GENTILE
PREDECESSORS WHO ALSO ANTICIPATED THE MESSIAH. ( READ
NUMBERS 23; 24]
THE WORSHIP OF OUR LORD BY THE MAGI IS SYMBOLIC OF THE
CHURCH, THE TRUE ISRAEL, WHEREBY MEMBERSHIP IS
DETERMINED BY FAITH AND NOT BY ETHNIC LINEAGE.

N U M B E R S 2 4 : 1 7 Barlaam prophesied: I will show Him,
but not now; I Bless Him, but He is not near. A Star
shall rise out of Jacob; And a Man shall rise out of
Israel. He shall break in pieces the rulers of Moab
and plunder all the sons of Seth.
THE "STAR" SIGNIFIED THE EXTRAORDINARY IMPORTANCE OF THE
NATIVITY OF THE CHRIST CHILD. In ancient times an
unusually bright star signified a God or a Deified
King.
CHRIST IS THE STAR AND THE MAN WHO ROSE FROM THE DEAD
...out of Jacob... and ... out of Israel.
THE MAGI KNEW THIS PROPHESY, and when they saw His Star,
they faithfully followed it all the way to Him.
BEING BORN UNDER THIS WONDROUS STAR fulfilled the
prophecy of the Psalms and SHOWS ALL CREATION
PARTICIPATING IN THE INCARNATION of the Son of God.

P S A L M 1 0 9 : 3 ... with Thee is the beginning in the
Day of Thy Power, in the brightness of Thy Saints; I
have Begotten Thee from the Womb before the
morning star...
Psalm 109 is a Prophecy concerning THE MELCHIZEDEK
PRIESTHOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, which explains
the True Meaning of the Nativity.
CHRIST IS THE SON OF DAVID ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, AND
ALSO THE LORD OF KING DAVID ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINITY.

P S A L M 1 8 : 2 The Heavens declare the Glory of
God; the firmament shows the Creation of His
Hands...
Psalm 18 reveals God the Word the End becoming
Man in the Womb of the Most Holy Mother of God. For
on His Nativity, ALL CREATION BORE WITNESS TO THE GLORY
OF GOD REVEALED IN HIS INCARNATION.
In His Birth from the Womb of the Blessed Virgin, CHRIST
WAS LIKENED TO THE SUN RISING FROM THE EAST, TO A
BRIDEGROOM COMING FROM HIS CHAMBER, AND TO A STRONG
ATHLETE READY TO RUN A GREAT RACE, BRINGING SALVATION
OF THE WORLD.

P S A L M 1 4 8 : 3 Praise the Lord from the Heavens;
praise Him in the Highest; praise Him, all you His
OF SHEPHERDS & THE M A G I 2 5 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 29.
 Angels; praise Him, all your His Hosts; Praise Him,
sun and moon; Praise Him all you stars and Light...
Psalms 148 150 are THE PRAISES LAUDS which form the Mystically for CHRIST CHOSE 70 MEN AS HERALDS OF HIS HOLY
conclusion to the Psalter, and which EXHORT ALL
CREATION TO PRAISE THE MOST BLESSED HOLY TRINITY.
The climax of the Psalter is when ALL HUMANITY AND
CREATION EVERYWHERE AND IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE
CALLED UPON TO MAKE THIS DOXOLOGY TO GOD THE FATHER,
AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR ONE, TRUE AND
LIVING GOD ALMIGHTY.
THE NATIVITY STAR WAS A SIGN OF THE MESSIAH HIMSELF,
SIGNIFYING THE LIGHT HE WAS TO SHED UPON THE WHOLE
WORLD, THROUGHOUT TIME.

2 K I N G S 2 2 The water of Jericho was unusable until
Elisha quoted God Who said: "... I have healed these
waters; from them there shall no longer be death or
barrenness... So the water was healed by the word
Elisha spoke, and so it remains to this day.
Just as our Lord God healed the waters of Jericho, so THE
INCARNATE SON OF GOD BRINGS RENEWAL OR REGENERATION
TO ALL DAMAGED CREATION.

J E R E M I A H 3 6 : 1 0 ... thus said the Lord: When 70 Gold is for the King of Ages. Frankincense is for the
years are about to be fulfilled in Babylon, I will visit
you and confirm My Words to you, to return your
people to this place.
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Dearly Beloved: Behold a New and Wondrous Mystery!
...the Shepherds song, piping no soft melody, but
chanting a Heavenly hymn, the Angels sing, the
Archangels blend their voice in harmony, the
Cherubim hymn their Joyful Praise and the Seraphim
exalt His Glory! All join to praise this Holy Feast,
beholding the Godhead here on Earth, and Man in
Heaven! He Who is Above, now for our Redemption
dwells here below, and mankind who was lowly is by
Divine Mercy Raised!
Bethlehem this day resembles Heaven, hearing from the
stars the singing of Angelic Voices, and in place of the
sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of
Righteousness!
And ask not how: for where God Wills, the order of nature
yields. For He Willed; He had the Power; He
Descended; He Redeemed; all things yielded in
Obedience to God.
This day He Who is, is Born! And He Who is, becomes what
He was not. For when He was God, He became Man,
yet not departing from the Godhead that is His. Nor
yet by any loss of Divinity became He Man, nor
through increase became He God from man; but
being the Word He became Flesh, His Nature,
because of Impassability, remaining Unchanged!
And so the Kings have come, and they have seen the
Heavenly King Who has come upon the Earth, not
bringing with Him Angels, nor Archangels, nor
Thrones, nor Dominations, nor Powers, nor
Principalities, but, treading a New and Solitary Path,
He has come forth from a Spotless Womb.
Since this Heavenly Birth cannot be described, neither
does His Coming amongst us in these days permit of
too curious scrutiny. Although I know that a Virgin this
day gave Birth, and I believe that God was Begotten
before all time, yet the Manner of this Generation I
have learned to Venerate in silence and I accept that
this is not to be probed too curiously with wordy
speech. For with God we look not for the order of
nature, but rest our Faith in the Power of Him Who
Works.
What shall I say to you? What shall I tell you? I behold a
Mother who has brought forth! I see a Child come to
this light by Birth! The Manner of His Conception I
cannot comprehend!
Nature here rested, while the Will of God laboured. O
Ineffable Grace! The Only Begotten, Who is before all
ages, Who cannot be touched or be perceived, Who is
simple, without body, has now put on my body, that is
visible and liable to corruption.
For what reason? That coming amongst us He may teach
us, and teaching, lead us by the hand to the Things
that we cannot see. For since we believe that the eyes
are more trustworthy than the ears, we doubt
of that which we do not see, and so He has
deigned to show Himself in Bodily Presence,
that He may remove all doubt.
30. N A T I V I T Y O F O U R L O R D J E S U S C H R I S T A D O R A T I O N O F S H E P H E R D S & T H E M A G I 2 5 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7
St Jeremiah spoke historically for THERE WAS A RETURN OF
EXILES UNDER CYRUS AFTER 70 YEARS, and
GOSPEL. THEY LIVED A GODLY LIFE OF OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST,
SUFFERED MARTYRDOM AND SPREAD THE KINGDOM OF GOD,
WHICH IS OUR TRUE RETURN FROM SPIRITUAL EXILE IN THE
FALLEN WORLD.

J E R E M I A H 3 6 : 1 4 : I will appear to you... is a
Prophecy of the Incarnation of God the Son when GOD
APPEARED TO US FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS FLESH IN HIS
HUMAN, VISIBLE NATURE.
The Hebrew Shepherds were the first to worship and
adore Christ, having done so shortly after His Birth, at
the dark cave as OUR SAVIOUR WAS SENT INITIALLY FOR
OLD COVENANT ISRAEL.
THE MAGI - THE FIRST FRUITS OF THE GENTILES - arrived in
Bethlehem much later, after the Holy Family had
moved into a house, WORSHIPPED GOD AS THE NEW
COVENANT ISRAEL.
THE MAGI HONOURED CHRIST AS OUR GREATEST AND ONLY KING
WITH SIGNIFICANT AND COSTLY GIFTS:
God of All. Myrrh is offered to the Immortal One Who
shall be three days dead. (COMPLINE HYMN OF THE NATIVITY
OF CHRIST)
Christ, finding the Holy Body and soul of the Virgin, builds
for Himself a Living Temple, and as He had Willed,
formed there a Man from the Virgin; and, putting Him
on, this Day came forth, unashamed of the lowliness
of our nature.
For it was to Him no lowering to put on what He Himself
had created. Let that handiwork be forever Glorified,
which became the Cloak of its own Creator. For as in
the First Creation of flesh, man could not be made
before the clay had come into His Hand, so neither
could this corruptible body be Glorified, until it had
first become the Garment of its Creator.
What shall I say? And how shall I describe this Birth to
you? For this Wonder fills me with astonishment! The
Ancient of Days has become an Infant. He Who sits
upon the Sublime and Heavenly Throne, now lies in a
manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is
simple, without complexity, and Incorporeal, now lies
subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the
bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infants bands.
But He has decreed that ignominy shall become
Honour, infamy be clothed with Glory, and total
humiliation the measure of His Goodness.
For this He assumed my body, that I may become
capable of His Word. Taking my flesh, He grants me
His Spirit. And so - He bestowing and I receiving - He
prepares for me the Treasure of Life. He takes my
flesh, to Sanctify me. He grants me His Spirit that He
may Save me.
Come, then, let us observe the Feast! Truly Wondrous is
the whole Chronicle of the Nativity! For this Day our
ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the
demons take to flight, the power of Death is broken,
Paradise is unlocked, the Curse is taken away, sin is
removed from us, error driven out, Truth has been
brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and
spreads on every side! A Heavenly Way of Life has
been implanted on Earth, Angels communicate with
men without fear, and men now speak with Angels!
Why is this? Because God is now on Earth, and Man in
Heaven! On every side all things commingle. He
became Flesh. He did not become God. He was God.
Wherefore He became Flesh, so that He Whom
Heaven did not contain, a manger would this day
receive. He was placed in a manger, so that He, by
Whom all things are Nourished, may receive an
infants food from His Virgin Mother. So, the Father of
all Ages, as an Infant at the breast, nestles in the
Virginal Arms, that the Magi may more easily see Him.
Since this Day the Magi, too, have come, and made a
beginning of withstanding tyranny, and the Heavens
give Glory, as our Lord is revealed by a Star.
To Him, then, Who, out of confusion has wrought a Clear
Path, to our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Father, and
to the Holy Spirit, we offer all praise, now and
forever.
Amen.
 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.

26 December 2017
Synaxis of our Ever Blessed All Pure & Holy Lady, Theotokos
2ND DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST

Also the Feast of St Euthymios, Bishop of Hieromartyr of Sardis St Constantine of

Synnada St Evarestos of Studion Monastery St Nikodemos of Tishmana, Macedonia
St Constantine the Russian Hieromartyr of Lavra, Mount Athos - St Isaac II of Optina
Monastery

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON - NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 2

1. Exomologisome Si, Kyrie, en oli kardia mou, en Voili 1. I will give Thanks to Thee, O Lord, with my whole
Evtheon ke Sinagogi. heart, in the Council of the Upright; in the
Assembly.
( ) Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. ( ) Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.
2. Megala ta Erga Kyriou, exezitimena is panta ta 2. Great art the Works of the Lord, sought out in all thing
Thelimata Aftou. according to His Will.
3. Exomologisis ke Megaloprepia to Ergon Aftou, ke i 3. Thanksgiving and Majesty art His Works, and His
Dikeosini Aftou meni is to eona tou eonos. . Righteousness continues unto Ages of Ages.
4. Litroin apestile to lao Aftou. Enetilato is ton eona 4. He sent Redemption to His people. He Commanded
diathikin Aftou. Agion ke foveron to Onoma His Covenant forever. Holy and Fearful is His
Aftou. Name.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is
tous Eonas ton eonon. tous Eonas ton eonon.
Amin Amin
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE
1. Makarios anir, O fovoumenos ton Kyrion, en tes 1. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he will delight
entoles aftou thelisi sfodra. exceedingly in His Commandments.
() Soson imas Iie Theou, O E X P A R T H E N O U T E H T H I S , () O Son of God, W H O A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N ,
psallontas Si: Allilouia! Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia
2. Dinaton en ti gi este to sperma aftou, genea evtheon 2. His
seed shall be Mighty on earth; the generation of
Evlogithisete. the upright shall be Blessed.
3. Doxa
ke ploutos en to Iko Aftou, ke i Dikeosini Aftou 3. Glory and riches shall be in His House, and His
eni is ton eona tou eonos. Righteousness continues unto Ages of ages.
4. Exanetilen en skoti Fos tis evthesin Eleimon ke Iktirmon 4. For the Upright, Light springs up in Darkness, for He
ke Dikeos. is Merciful, Compassionate and Righteous.
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
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 4
1. Ipen O Kyrios to Kyrio mou: Kathou ek dexion mou, eos 1. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at My right Hand, until I
an tho tous ehtrous Sou ipopodion ton Podon Sou make Thine enemies the Footstool of Thy Feet.
() I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to () Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light
kosmo to Fos to tis Gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris of Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the
latrevontes, ipo Asters edidaskonto, Se Proskinin, ton worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to
Ilion tis Dikeosinis, ke Se Ginoskin ex Ipsous worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know
Anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to
Thee!
2. Ravdon
Dinameos exaposeli Si Kyrios ek Sion, ke 2. The Lord shall send forth the Rod of Thy Power from
katakirieve en meso ton ehthron Sou. Zion and rule in the midst of Thine enemies.
3. Meta Sou i arhi en Imera tis Dinameos Sou, en tes 3. With Thee is the beginning in the Day of Thy Power, in
Lamprotisi ton Agion Sou. the Brightness of Thy Saints.
FESTAL ISODIKON/SMALL ENTRANCE - THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 2
Ek gastros pro eosforou egennisa Se. Omose Kyrios ke ou Out of the womb, before the Morning Star have I
metamelithisete. Si ierefs is ton eona, kata tin taxin Begotten Thee: the Lord has sworn and will not
Melihisedek. Soson imas, Ie Theou, O EK PARTHENOU repent: Thou art a Priest forever, after the Order of
TEHTHIS, psallontas Si allilouia! Melchezedek. Save us, O Son of God, BORN OF THE
VIRGIN, who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 4
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Fos Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
to tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, ipo Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the
asters edidaskonto, Se prokinin, ton Ilion tis Dikeosinis, worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to

SECOND DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND S A V I O U R S Y N A X I S T H E O T O K O S 2 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 31.

 ke Se ginoskin ex ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si. (3) worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know
Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
(3)
FESTAL KONTAKION - NATIVITY OF CHRIST - TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton iperousion tikti, ke i gi to Spileon, Today the Virgin gives Birth to Him Who is above all
to aprosito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon Doxologousi. being, and the earth offers a Cave to Him Whom no
Magi de meta Asteros odiporousi. Di imas gar man can approach. Angels with Shepherds give Glory,
egennithi, Pedion Neon, O Pro Eonon Theos. and Magi journey with a Star. For unto us is Born a
Young Child, the Pre-Eternal God.
INSTEAD OF THE AGIOS O THEOS...
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe: Allelouia! As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put on
Christ: Alleluia!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 67/68 TONE 4
God is Wondrous in His Saints.
In the Congregations, Bless God! The Lord from the Fountains of Israel!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 2 : 11 18
Brethren, He Who Sanctifies and those who are Sanctified have all one origin. That is why He is not ashamed to call
them Brethren, saying: I will proclaim Thy Name to My Brethren; in the midst of the Congregation I will Praise
Thee! And again: I will put My trust in Him. And again: Behold! Me, and the Children whom God has given
Me.
Since, therefore, the Children share in flesh and blood, and He Himself likewise partook of the same nature as them,
that through Death He might Destroy him who has the power of Death that is, the devil and Deliver all those who
through fear of Death were subject to lifelong Bondage. For surely, it is not with Angels that He is concerned but
with the Seed of Abraham.
Therefore, in all things, He had to be made like His Brethren so that He might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest in
the Service of God, to make Expiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has been tempted He is
able to help those who are tempted.
As God Incarnate Son of Man having taken on OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST VOLUNTARILY TOOK ON OUR WEAK HUMAN
our human form and nature - OUR LORD JESUS NATURE, WHICH COULD BE SAVED AND PERFECTED ONLY BY THE
CHRIST REGARDS MANKIND AS HIS Brethren His SUFFERING OF DEATH.
Brothers and Sisters - ACCORDING TO OUR MUTUAL Our Divine Saviour is THE PIONEERING CAPTAIN OF THE NARROW
HUMAN NATURE AND CONDITION, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PATH TO GOD IN HIS SUFFERING FOR OUR SINS, DEATH,
THE ABILITY TO COMMIT SIN, which Christ does not DESCENT INTO HADES, RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION.
have! IN SALVATION WE TAKE ON CHRISTS WAY OF SUFFERINGS FOR OUR
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Eternal, Only Begotten Word OWN PERFECTION REQUIRES A GROWTH THAT IS MANIFESTED IN
and Son of God the Father and the Creator of SUFFERING.
everything that is visible and invisible. ONLY THROUGH IN HIS INCARNATION, our Lord God did not come in
HIM, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, AND BY Appearance only, HE TRULY ASSUMED FLESH AND BLOOD
THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, ARE WE FROM HIS ALL PURE VIRGIN MOTHER AND BECAME THE SAME AS
SANCTIFIED made Holy - so that we become WORTHY US SO THAT HE COULD TRULY ENTER DEATH AND THEREBY GRANT
CITIZENS OF AND CO-HEIRS TO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM. US ETERNAL SALVATION LIFE EVERLASTING.
When we have committed ourselves to LIVE IN CHRIST AS HIS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DESTROYED THE EVIL ONES POWER by
FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT DISCIPLES, our Divine Saviour ...is using his strongest, wicked weapon Death against
not ashamed to call (us) Brethren... for THROUGH OUR him!
DAILY SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES, WE ARE INDEED BRETHREN IN THERE IS A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SIN AND DEATH for each
CHRIST. leads to the other sin causes Death and the fear of
THE HEBREWS EXPECTED THE GREAT MESSIAH/SAVIOUR TO BE Death leads to sin and consequently to Spiritual
AN EARTHLY, CONQUERING KING A POWERFUL POLITICAL Bondage/Enslavement/Imprisonment.
LEADER who would liberate them from their OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR SETS US FREE FROM THAT BONDAGE OF SIN AND
oppressors and establish a great Kingdom on DEATH.
Earth. ...in all things, He had to be made like His
It was understandable that they questioned the fact that Brethren... Our Lord suffered ceaseless temptations
if our Lord Jesus Christ is indeed Superior to all the just like us for whatever is not assumed or
Angelic Hosts a Divine Being Who is the Eternal Son experienced by Him could not be Healed by Him.
of God how could He die in such a humiliating, Furthermore, WHATEVER IS UNITED WITH GOD IS SAVED BY GOD.
degrading manner by crucifixion, which was THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD IS LIKE US IN HIS HUMAN NATURE, BUT
usually for criminals and traitors. WE DO NOT BECOME LIKE HIM IN HIS DIVINE NATURE.
St Paul explained to the Hebrews that OUR DIVINE SAVIOURS St Paul moved without transition, to explain to the
PUBLIC HUMILIATION AND DISHONOURABLE DEATH WAS MERELY Hebrews that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS NOT ONLY THE
TEMPORARY and was THE ONLY MEANS OF REDEEMING US SACRIFICIAL LAMB FOR OUR SINS, BUT HE IS ALSO OUR DIVINE
MORTAL MANKIND. HIGH PRIEST HE IS THE SACRIFICIAL OFFERING AS WELL AS
Furtermore, St Paul explained, THE HUMAN NATURE OF OUR THE OFFERER OF THE SACRIFICE.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, WITH ALL HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH RE- OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS MERCIFUL ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHOM
ESTABLISHED MANKINDS DOMINION OVER ALL CREATION HE SERVES AND FAITHFUL IN HIS DIVINE MINISTRY TO GOD.
INCLUDING THE HEAVENLY HOSTS - ACCORDING TO GODS
DIVINE PLAN FOR US.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 2 : 13 23
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT SLAUGHTER OF THE 14,000 INNOCENTS
When the Magi had departed, behold! an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying: Arise, take the
Child and His Mother, and flee to Egypt. And stay there until I bring Thee word. Herod will seek the Child to
destroy Him. Arising, he took the Child and His Mother by night, and departed for Egypt, and remained there until
the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet, saying: Out of
Egypt I Called My Son.
Then Herod - when he saw that he was deceived by the Magi - was exceedingly angry. And he sent forth and put to
death all the male children in Bethlehem and in all its districts - from two years old and under, according to the
time that he had determined from the Magi.
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the Prophet, saying: ... A voice was heard in Ramah, of lamentation,
weeping and much mourning - Rachel weeping for her Children, and refusing to be comforted, for they are no
more.

32. S E C O N D D A Y OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR SYNAXIS THEOTOKOS 26 DECEMBER 2017
After Herod had died, behold! an Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying: Arise! Take the
Child, and His Mother, and go to the Land of Israel. Those are dead who sought the Childs Life.
He arose, took the Child and His Mother, and entered the Land of Israel. Hearing that Archelaus was reigning over
Judea, instead of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he turned aside into the
region of Galilee, and they went to dwell in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the Prophets: ...He shall be called a Nazarene.
WHILE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS PRESENT IN HIS INCARNATION On their way into captivity, they passed Ramah, which
ON EARTH, HE WAS WATCHED OVER BY THE ANGELIC HOSTS OF was nearby Bethlehem, where Rachel, the wife of St
ALMIGHTY GOD (until He entered Hades.) Jacob, the ancient Patriarch, had been buried.
So, obviously, when they heard the secret plotting of IN HIS PROPHECY, ST JEREMIAH BEHELD RACHEL WEEPING BITTERLY
Herod for the murder of all male infants of Bethlehem IN HER GRAVE - OVERWHELMED BY HER COMPASSION AND
and the surrounding region, who were two years of SORROW FOR HER DESCENDENTS WHO WERE BEING EXILED.
age or younger, ONE OF THE HOLY ANGELS OF GOD WHO ONCE AGAIN, DURING THE BRUTAL EXECUTION OF THE 14,000 HOLY
KEPT WATCH OVER THE HOLY FAMILY, WARNED ST JOSEPH THE INNOCENTS OF BETHLEHEM, ST RACHEL WEPT WITH INTENSE
BETROTHED THE LEGAL GUARDIAN, PROTECTOR AND SORROW FOR ALL HER BELOVED CHILDREN thereby showing
STEPFATHER OF OUR LADY THEOTOKOS AND CHRIST - OF THE that ALL THE RIGHTEOUS SOULS, SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS
IMPENDING DISASTER. REPOSING IN PARADISE ARE CLEARLY AWARE AND HAVE
Being Wise, Righteous, Humble and Obedient to God, ST COMPASSION FOR THOSE STILL STRUGGLING IN THIS EXISTENCE.
JOSEPH THE BETROTHED IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED TO THE THE 14,000 HOLY INNOCENTS OF BETHLEHEM ARE CERTAINLY
ANGELIC INSTRUCTIONS. SANCTIFIED, BLESSED MEMBERS OF OUR VENERATED HOLY
EGYPT IS WHERE THE NATION OF ISRAEL ONCE TOOK REFUGE, AND MARTYRS, FOR THEY, TOO, PERISHED FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST
AS ST JOSEPH THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH of the Old Covenant OUR SAVIOUR.
HAD ONCE SAVED GODS CHOSEN PEOPLE by leading them
Just as St Rachel was told that her children would
to Egypt in difficult times, SO NOW, TOO, ST JOSEPH THE return from exile in Babylon, SO TOO, WOULD OUR
BETROTHED SOUGHT REFUGE IN EGYPT during the LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS HOLY FAMILY RETURN FROM
persecution of Herod and the terrible slaughter of the EXILE IN EGYPT. (JEREMIAH 38:16-17)
14,000 Holy Innocents, THEREBY SAVING OUR SAVIOUR AND According to historical records, Herod the Great died
FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT ISRAEL. in 4 BC.
THE GIFT OF GOLD THAT WAS PRESENTED TO THE NEW BORN KING THE DATE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS BIRTH ON WHICH OUR
OF THE AGES BY THE THREE MAGI who had travelled from CURRENT YEAR OF THE LORD OR ANNO DOMINI(AD)
afar, following the unique Bright Star that had CALENDAR IS BASED, IS THUS OFF BY 4 OR 5 YEARS. (We should
suddenly appeared from nowhere in the Heavens, thus add 4 or 5 years to the current year i.e. instead
PAID FOR THE HOLY FAMILYS JOURNEY AND EXPENSES UNTIL of 2016 2020/2021.)
THEIR SAFE RETURN. Augustus Caesar had banished Archelaus due to his

Out of Israel I Called My Son... refers initially to the unbridled cruelty in 6 AD.
Old Covenant Nation of Israel being led out of THAT CRUELTY WAS DIVINELY REVEALED TO ST JOSEPH THE
captivity in Egypt. (HOSEA 11:1) BETROTHED, SO THAT HE THEN DETOURED TO NAZARETH,
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, THE TERM SON, REFERRED TO THE WHOLE INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO BETHLEHEM.
NATION OF ISRAEL, whereas ACCORDING TO OUR NEW Nazareth fell under the rule of another more lenient son
COVENANT, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST FULFILS of Herod the Great, named Herod Antipas.
THAT CALLING AS THE TRUE, ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
The source of the Prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus
OF GOD THE FATHER COMING OUT OF EGYPT. Christ being ... called a Nazarene, is unknown

THE HORRIFIC CRUELTY OF HEROD WAS PREFIGURED BY but has been taken as a reference to the Rod
PHARAOH, who in an attempt to destroy the power (Neser) that is mentioned in the Book of Isaiah,
of Israel ordered all their new born sons to be and to the Nazirite (Nazir) mentioned in the Book
murdered. (EXODUS 1: 16 22) of Judges (ISAIAH 11:1 & JUDGES 13:5)

The Old Testament Book of Jeremiah recorded how
St Matthew might also have been referring to various
THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM WERE LED AWAY INTO EXILE. passages in which THE MESSIAH WAS DESPISED, SINCE
(JEREMIAH 38:15) NAZARETH DID NOT HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION, according
to the words of St Bartholomew/Nathaniel. (JOHN 1 :
46)
A MARTYRS SPIRIT IN OUR DAILY LIFE ARCHIMANDRITE EMILIANOS
When we read about the Holy Martyrs of our Orthodox At 10:00 in the morning, his wife had the meal ready and
Christian Faith, we often wonder how their Virtuous waiting for him - whatever time he arrived - so that
Actions and good examples apply to our own daily they could eat together.
life of Spiritual Struggle. And in the evening, she waited for him from 18:00 until
Our Holy Father, Elder Emilianos related the following 02:00 in the morning!
story as an example of how we can apply the Virtue of Is that not impressive?! This is what Martyrdom in life
Holy Martyrdom to each day: means: a Life of Love and self-sacrifice!
One day, when I was in a hurry to come here to the Martyrdom in our daily life are the unselfish things we do
Monastery, I took a taxi, so I would not be late. On the for others because we Love them unconditionally.
way, I asked the driver: Tell me, do you ever get to When we act out of unconditional Love for others, we
eat lunch or dinner with your Wife? make voluntary, willing sacrifices of our time and our
We know what sort of work these drivers have, and how efforts - setting aside our own needs, giving of our
they almost never know when they are going home. time, our resources and our energy for the benefit of
"Every day," he told me, both lunch and dinner. How others, without expectation of reciprocation nor
do you manage it? What time do you eat? I asked reward.
him, and he replied: Lunch starts from 10:00 in the Every day God grants us opportunities to fulfil His Divine
morning, and continues until 16:00 in the afternoon, Will by helping others who are in differing degrees of
and dinner is from 18:00, often until 02:00 in the need, in the unselfish, eager spirit of Holy Martyrdom,
morning!" for the Love of God and our neighbours.
Do you understand?
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/
THE INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHER, ELDER ARSENIE
All passions can, perhaps, be excused due to our nature Because pride is so dangerous and so broadly present in
and bad circumstances, but pride cannot be justified all ages and ranks, it is good to never disdained
at all! Pride has an unbearable insolence for it anyone, no matter how unimportant they may be for
attaches itself to any Virtue whenever possible and Christ is within us all - and we should ask their
can even hide behind an appearance of Humility, opinion, for it is good to ask the opinion of others
which serves as its shield. We see this very often as because DIVINE GRACE RESTS MORE OFTEN ON THE SIMPLE
one Holy Father said: That proud person is so AND UNNOTICED!
humble!
SECOND DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND S A V I O U R S Y N A X I S T H E O T O K O S 2 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 33.
 THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS ON THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST OUR LORD

ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN

This Nativity Night bestowed Peace on the whole world;
So let no one threaten;
This is the Night of the Most Gentle One
Let no one be cruel;
This is the Night of the Humble One
Let no one be proud.
Now is the Day of Joy
Let us not revenge;
Now is the Day of Good Will
Let us not be mean.
In this Day of Peace
Let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
So, you who are rich,
invite the poor and needy to your table.
Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.
This present Day cast open the Heavenly Doors to our Prayers;
Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the Seal of our humanity,
In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity.
ST AMBROSE OF MILAN: ST ANDREW OF CRETE:
Why is it difficult to believe that the Ever Blessed Virgin ...Thus the Immaculate Fruition issuing forth from the
Mary gave Birth in a Way contrary to the law of Womb occurred from an infertile Mother, and then
natural birth, and yet remained Virgin, when, the Parents, in the first blossoming of Her growth took
contrary to the law of nature, the sea beheld our Lord Her to the Temple, and Dedicated Her to God.
Jesus Christ and fled and the waters of the Jordan The Priest, then making the Order of Services, beheld the
River returned to their source! (AT THEOPHANY.) face of the little Virgin and of those in front of and
Is it past belief that a Virgin gave Birth when we read behind Her, and he became Gladdened and Joyful,
how a Rock issued Water, and waves of the sea were seeing, as it were, the actual Fulfilment of the Divine
made as solid as a wall? (EXODUS 17:6 & 14:22) Promise.
Is it past belief that a Man came from a Virgin when a He Consecrated Her to God, as a Reverential Gift and
Rock bubbled forth a flowing stream, or when iron Propitious Sacrifice and, as a Great Treasury unto
floated on water, or when Christ walked upon the Salvation, he led Her within the very innermost parts
water? (EXODUS 20:11, 4 KINGS 6:6 & MATTHEW 14:26) of the Temple.
If the waters bore a Man, could not a Virgin give Birth to Here the Virgin walked in the Upright Ways of our Lord,
a Man? What Man? Him of Whom we read: ... the as in Bridal Chambers, partaking of Heavenly Food
Lord shalt be known to the Egyptians, and the until the time of Betrothal, which was Preordained
Egyptians shalt know the Lord in that day; and they before all the ages by Him Who, by His Inscrutable
shalt offer sacrifices, and shalt Vow Vows to the Lord, Mercy, was Born from her, and by Him Who before all
and pay them... (ISAIAH 19:20) Creation and time and expanse Divinely Begat Him,
In the Old Testament a Hebrew Virgin (Miriam) led an
army through the sea; in the New Testament a Kings
Daughter (the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary) was chosen to ST GREGORY OF NYSSA
be the Heavenly Entrance to Salvation... When God became known to us in the Flesh, He neither
received the passions of human nature, nor did the
ST JOHN OF DAMASCUS Virgin Mary suffer pain, nor was the Holy Spirit
After the normal nine month gestational period, Christ diminished in any way, nor was the Power of the Most
was Born at the beginning of the tenth, in accordance High set aside in any manner, and all this was
of the law of gestation. because all was accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
It was the Birth that surpassed the established order of Thus the Power of the Most High was not abased, and the
Birthgiving, as it was without pain; for, where pleasure Child was born with no damage whatsoever to the
had not preceded, pain did not follow. Mothers Virginity.
And just as at His Conception, He had kept Her who
Conceived Him Virgin, so also at His Birth did He ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
maintain Her Virginity intact, because He alone Why, and for what reason, was there such
passed through Her and kept Her shut. (Ezekiel 44: 1-3) Condescension [shown] on the part of our Creator
While the Conception was by hearing, the Birth was by toward His transgressing creatures toward mankind
the usual orifice through which children are born, - which, through an act of our own free will had fallen
even though here are some who concoct an idle tale away from God, our Creator?
of His being Born from the Side of the Mother of God. It was by reason of a Supreme, Inexpressible Mercy
For it was not impossible for Him to pass through the toward His Creation on the part of our Master, Who
Gate without breaking its seals. Hence, the Ever could not bear to see the entire race of mankind
Virgin remained Virgin, even after giving Birth, which, He, in creating, had endowed with
and never had converse with a husband as Wondrous Gifts enslaved by the devil and thus
long as She lived. destined for Eternal Suffering and Torment.

34. SECOND DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR SYNAXIS THEOTOKOS 26 DECEMBER 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.

27 December 2017
Third Day of the Nativity of Christ our Lord
St Stephen, Archdeacon & Protomartyr
Also the Feast of St Theodore Graptos (the Scribe) (& the Branded) Confessor St
Theodore of Constantinople - The Wonder-working, All Merciful Kykko Icon of the Ever
Blessed Virgin Theotokos

FESTAL ISODIKON/ENTRANCE PSALM 109/110 - NATIVITY - TONE 2

Ek Gastros pro eosforou Egennisa Se. Omose Kyrios ke ou Out of the Womb, before the Morning Star have I
metamelithisete. Si Ierefs is ton eona, kata tin taxin Begotten Thee: the Lord has sworn and will not
Melihisedek. repent: Thou art a Priest forever, after the Order of
Melchezedek.
Soson imas, Ie Theou, O EK PARTHENOU TEHTHIS, Save us, O Son of God, B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , who
psallontas Si Allilouia! sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION NATIVITY OF CHRIST OUR LORD TONE 4
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Fos to Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, ipo asters Knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the
edidaskonto, Se prokinin, ton Ilion tis dikeosinis, ke Se worshippers of the stars were by a Star instructed to
ginoskin ex ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si. worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to
know Thee as Orient from on High. O Lord, Glory
to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST STEPHEN PROTOMARTYR TONE 4
Vasilion Diadima, estefthi Si korifi, ex athlon on iperminas, O Stephen, a Crown of Royalty was laid upon Thy head
iper Hristou tou Theou, Martyron protoathle. Si gar tin for contests Thou courageously endured for Christ our
Ioudeon, apelegxas manian, ides Sou ton Sotira, tou God, as First among Martyred Saints. Thou stood in
Patros dexiothen. Afton oun ekdisopi ai, iper ton psihon accusation of the raging Judeans; and Thou beheld our
imon. Saviour at the Right Hand of the Father. We pray that
Thou will ever Entreat Him to Save our soul.
PATRONAL FESTAL HYMN
SEASONAL KONTAKION - NATIVITY OF CHRIST TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton Iperousion tikti, ke i Gi to Spyleon to Today the Virgin gives Birth to Him Who is above all
aprito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon Doxologousi, Magi being, and the Earth offers a Cave to Him Whom no
de meta Asteros odiporousi, di imas gar Egenniti, Pedion man can approach. Angels with Shepherds give
Neon, O Pro Eonon Theos. Glory, and Magi journey with a Star. For unto us is
Born a young Child: the Pre-Eternal God.
TRISAGION HYMN
FESTAL PROKEIMENON NATIVITY PSALM 18/19 TONE 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth and their words to the ends of the world.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God! The Firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 8 7 : 5 & 47 60
EVANGELISM AND MARTYRDOM OF ST STEPHEN
In those days, Stephen, full of Faith and Power, did great Wonders and Signs among the people. Then there arose
some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and
Asia), disputing with Stephen. But they were not able to resist the Wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke. So they
secretly induced men to say: We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God. And they
stirred up the people, the Elders, and the Scribes; and they went to him, seized him and took him to the Council.
They also set up false witnesses who said: This man does not cease speaking blasphemous words against this Holy
Place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the
customs, which Moses delivered to us. And all who sat in the Council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the
face of an Angel. Then the High Priest said: Are these things so?
And Stephen said: Brethren and Fathers, listen: the God of Glory appeared to our Father Abraham when he was in
Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him: Get out of your country and from your relatives, and go to
a land that I will show you. Then he went out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. From there, when
his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no Inheritance in it, not
even enough to set his foot on...
...Solomon built God a House. However, the Most High does not dwell in Temples made by hands, as the Prophet says:
Heaven is My Throne and earth is My Footstool. What House will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the
Place of My Rest? Has My Hand not made all these things?
You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so do you.
Which of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the Coming of the Just
One, of Whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the Law by the Direction of
Angels, and have not kept it.
3RD DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST OUR L O R D S T S T E P H E N , A R C H D E A C O N & P R O T O M A R T Y R - 2 7 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 35.
When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of
the Holy Spirit, gazed into Heaven and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right Hand of God, and said:
Behold! I see the Heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right Hand of God!
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran to him with one accord; and they cast him out of the
city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And they stoned Stephen as he called on God, saying: O Lord Jesus: receive my soul! Then he knelt down and cried
out with a loud voice: O Lord, do not charge them with this sin! And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Freedmen were Hebrews who had been formerly 1. Destroy this Temple, and in Three Days I will Raise
held captive under the Roman authorities, often It up! thereby referring to His own Incarnate
due to their rebellion against their oppressors. Body. (JOHN 2:19)
Although they could not argue against the Divinely 2. These things that you see the days will come in
Inspired Wisdom and Knowledge of St Stephen, which not one stone shall be left upon another,
they plotted against him for being a Faithful that shall not be thrown down! ... when you see
Disciple of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that
In order to hide from the Light of Truth, whereby they its desolation is near! - which was OUR LORDS
would have no justifiable cause, they used others to DIVINE PROPHECY OF THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE
accuse St Stephen of blasphemy against Moses the TEMPLE AND THE CITY OF JERUSALEM, WHICH WAS
Old Covenant Laws and God. FULFILLED IN THE YEAR 70 when the Romans acted
These charges were brought against St Stephen against the rebellion of the Hebrews.(LUKE 21:6 & 20)
because, IN CHRIST, THE OLD COVENANT LITURGY AND Those who became One with Christ shine with a
LAW WERE FULFILLED, and, ACCORDING TO GODS NEW Divine Radiance that was clearly evident to those
COVENANT, THEY WERE CHANGED AND TRANSFORMED. who saw that St Stephens face, which looked like
(HEBREWS 7:12) ...the face of an Angel!
To those who did not believe in Christ nor accept the New This is a preview of the Blissful Glory that all Faithful
Covenant of God, those changes and Transformation Disciples of Christ will share in the Age to come.
were regarded as being blasphemous. (2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 & EXODUS 34:29-35)
THE CHARGE THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WOULD DESTROY St Stephen did not answer the High Priest directly, but
THE TEMPLE HAD BEEN LEVELLED AGAINST HIM AT HIS used the charges as the context for his preaching of
UNJUST, UNLAWFUL TRIAL BY FALSE WITNESSES who had the Divine Truth of Christ
been instigated and paid by the Spiritually Blind As with St Peters Sermon on the Day of Pentecost, St
leaders of the Judeans. (MATTHEW 26 :61) Stephen preached our Lord Jesus Christ based on the
They used the misinterpretations of two quotations of our Old Covenant Scripture, showing how the Judeans
Lord Jesus Christ in order to falsely accuse Him: consistently missed the Divine Purpose of Gods
dealings with them, due to their hard heartedness
and Spiritual Stubbornness and Blindness.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 21: 33 42
DISRESPECT & MISTREATMENT OF GODS MESSENGERS
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke this Parable: There was a certain Man Who planted a Vineyard and set a
Hedge around it, dug a Winepress in it, and built a Tower. And He leased it to Vinedressers, and went into a far
country. When harvest time drew near, He sent His servants to the Vinedressers, that they might receive the Fruit.
And the Vinedressers took His Servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.
Again He sent other Servants - more than the first - and they did likewise to them. Then, last of all, He sent His Son
to them, saying: They will respect My Son.
When the Vinedressers beheld the Son, they said among themselves: This is the Heir. Come, let us kill Him, and
seize His Inheritance! And they took Him, and cast Him out of the Vineyard, and killed Him.
Therefore, when the Owner of the Vineyard comes, what will He do to those Vinedressers?
(The Priests and the Elders) said to Him: He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease His Vineyard to other
Vinedressers who will render unto Him the Fruits in their seasons.
Jesus said to them: Have you never read in the Scriptures: ...the Stone that the Builders rejected has become the
Chief Cornerstone. This was the Lords doing, and it is Marvellous in our eyes!
1. The Man signifies OUR LORD GOD THE FATHER. WITH GOD, WHO ACCEPTED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS
2. The Vineyard signifies THE PEOPLE OF GOD. OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, AND HIS TEACHINGS AND
3. The Vinedressers signify THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL (the COMMANDMENTS AS DIVINE TRUTH, which they would
Chosen People of God of the Old Covenant) who Labour and Struggle to fulfil and obey.
were ENTRUSTED TO GUIDE, TO CARE AND TO PREPARE 8. The Stone that was rejected is s the essential
GODS PEOPLE FOR THE COMING OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR. Cornerstone, Who is OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO
4. The Servants signify THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD who FOUNDED AND ESTABLISHED HIS HOLY CHURCH OF THE NEW
were SENT TO CORRECT THE ERRORS OF THE PEOPLE AND COVENANT ON EARTH.
TO GUIDE THEM BACK TO THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Our Lord added the following warning to the self-
ACCORDING TO DIVINE WILL. Most of them were killed righteous Priests, Elders and Scribes who were
by those who refused to Obey the Will of God and plotting and scheming against Him: ... Whoever
those who rejected Him. falls on that Stone will be broken; but on
5. The Son is, of course, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who is the whomever It falls, it will grind him to powder!
Eternal Only Begotten Son of God the Father, and According to St John Chrysostom, this quotation
the Second Person of the Holy Trinity of the One illustrated the TWO WAYS OF DESTRUCTION:
Godhead. a. Those who stumble and fall on the Stone, are
When the Wicked Vinedressers cast the Son out of His those who SUFFER THE EFFECTS OF THEIR SINS WHILE
Vineyard and killed Him, this is understood on two STILL LIVING this short preparatory life (but who,
levels: through Repentance-Confession, can still be
a. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS TO BE EXECUTED BY Saved.)
CRUCIFIXION OUTSIDE THE CITY GATES OF JERUSALEM. b. Those on whom the Stone falls are THOSE WHO
b. THE EXECUTORS OF CHRIST WERE FOREIGN SOLDIERS OF THE REMAIN UNREPENTANT and who will become
OPPRESSIVE, OCCUPYING ROMAN EMPIRE who were powder in the Final Judgement i.e. THEY WILL
not members of His own Vineyard not of His SUFFER THE MOST DIRE OF CONSEQUENCES ETERNAL
Chosen People. DEATH AND EXILE INTO OUTER DARKNESS!
6. The Sons Inheritance signifies ALL HIS FAITHFUL THE HEBREW PRIESTS AND ELDERS WHO CHALLENGED THE
DISCIPLES THROUGHOUT TIME, AND HIS HEAVENLY DIVINE AUTHORITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
KINGDOM, of which we will be Co-Heirs as Gods CONVICTED THEMSELVES BY USING THEIR OWN PRINCIPLES
Adopted Children. WHEN THEY ANSWERED HIS QUESTION AT THE END OF HIS
7. Other Vinedressers signify those GENTILES OR NON- PARABLE OF THE WICKED VINEDRESSERS
HEBREWS THE NEW ISRAEL OF THE NEW COVENANT

36. 3 R D D A Y OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST OUR LORD ST STEPHEN, ARCHDEACON & PROTOMARTYR- 27 DECEMBER 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 (5 ) Plagal 1 31 December 2017

th
30 Sunday After Pentecost Sunday After the Nativity
THE APODOSIS OF THE NATIVITY SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY
The Feast of THE HOLY RIGHTEOUS ST DAVID THE KING & PSALMIST, ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED & ST JAMES
THE JUST, First Bishop of Jerusalem, eldest son of St Joseph the Betrothed and his late wife
Salome, Brother of our Lord St Melanie the Younger of Rome St Kyriakos the Great Ascetic of
Bisericani, Romania St Kyriakos of Tazlau, Romania St Theophylaktos of Ochrid St
Sabiana, Abbess of Samtskhe Monastery St Dositheos, Bishop & Confessor of Serbia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 8 - JOHN 20 : 11 - 18

RESURRECTION/FESTAL APOLYTIKION TONE (5)

Ton sinanarhon Logon Patri ke Pnevmati, ton ek The Word, Who with the Father and the Spirit has no
Parthenou Tehthenta is Sotirian imon, animnisomen, beginning, and Who, for our Salvation, was born of a
Pisti, ke Proskinisomen. Oti ivdokise sarki anelthin en to Virgin, let us faithful believers hymn and adore. For it
Stavro ke Thanaton ipomine ke egire tous tethneotas en was His Good Pleasure to ascend the Cross in the
ti Evdoxo Anastasi Aftou. Flesh, and to Suffer Death, and through His own
Glorious Resurrection to raise the dead.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION THE HOLY ANCESTORS TONE 2

Evangelizou Iosif, to David ta Thavmata to Theopatori.
Parthenon ides kioforisasan meta Magon prosekinisas,
meta Pimenon edoxologisas, di Angelou hrimatisthis.
Iketeve Hriston ton Theon, Sothine tas psihas imon!
PARISH PATRONAL HYMN 
SEASONAL KONTAKION THE NATIVITY
Annunciate O Joseph, the Miracle to David the Ancestor
of God: Thou beheld the Virgin pregnant; Thou
Glorified with the Shepherds; Thou worshipped with
the Magi, and Thou were warned by an Angel. Entreat
Christ our God to Save our soul!
OF CHRIST TONE 3

I Parthenos simeron, ton Iperouson tikti, ke i Gi to Spyleon The Virgin today bears the One above essence, and the
to aprosito prosagi. Angeli meta Pimenon Doxologousi, Earth a humble Cave, to the Unapproachable offers.
Magi de, meta Asteros odiporousi: di imas gar Egennithi Angels, with the Shepherds, to God give Glory;
Pedion Neon, O Pro Eonon Theos Wisemen, with a Star, make their Journey. For unto us
is Born today, as a New Infant, the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 27/28 TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Save, O Lord, Thy People, and Bless Thine Inheritance.
Unto Thee, O Lord, shalt I cry: O my God!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TIMOTHY 4 : 5 8
Timothy, my son: be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the Work of an Evangelist, fulfil Thy Ministry.. For I am
already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my Departure is at hand. I have fought the Good
Fight, I have finished the Race, I have kept the Faith!
Henceforth, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which on that Day, our Lord, the Righteous Judge, will
award to me - not only me, but also to all who have Loved His Appearing.
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, I have fought the Good Fight... is the well known
1. we must always be Spiritually ...Watchful in all quotation of St Paul that WE ALL HOPE TO APPLY TO OUR
things... so that we can CORRECT OURSELVES AS SOON OWN LIFESPAN BEFORE OUR REPOSE IN CHRIST.
AS WE FALL INTO SIN, OR EVEN BETTER, AVOID THE PITFALLS The Good Fight signifies OUR EARTHLY STRUGGLES OF LIFE
OF TEMPTATIONS. IN CHRIST OUR CONSTANT SPIRITUAL BATTLE AGAINST THE
2. We must ... endure afflictions... WITH PATIENCE, WICKED MACHINATIONS OF THE EVIL ONE.
TRUSTING IN GOD Who will Heal us and Deliver us in The Race signifies THE HOLY LIFE AND WORK OF SERVICE TO
His own time, according to His own Will and Divine GOD THAT ST PAUL WORTHILY FULFILLED, which we, too,
Purpose. strive to fulfil to the best of our ability and according
3. We must ...do the Work of an Evangelist, fulfil Thy to our Holy Calling.
Ministry... by BEING GOOD EXAMPLES TO OTHERS in our ST PAUL AND OUR HOLY FATHERS OFTEN COMPARED OUR SPIRITUAL
words, thoughts and deeds, which are worthy of LIFE AND STRUGGLES TO THE CONTEST OF ATHLETES and
Faithful Disciples of Christ - leading others along even Gladiators in the Roman Arenas or circuses,
the Narrow Path by our lifestyle and attributes that when the Contestants fought to the death.
others may want to imitate. VICTORS WERE REWARDED WITH CROWNS OF LAUREL LEAVES AND
A drink offering was WINE, WATER OR OIL OFFERINGS THAT WERE ALLOWED TO LIVE to fight another day.
WERE POURED OVER THE ANIMAL OR GRAIN SACRIFICES AT THE Having ... kept the Faith... ST PAUL LOOKED FORWARD TO
CONCLUSION OF BOTH JEWISH AND PAGAN RITES. RECEIVING ...the Crown of Righteousness... or of Holy
St Paul was approaching the final days of his life, for he Martyrdom FROM CHRIST, AS DID ALL THOSE WHO LOVED OUR
was to be executed by sword in Rome, thereby LORD GOD AND WHO VOLUNTARILY OFFERED THEMSELVES FOR
SACRIFICING HIMSELF FOR HIS FAITH AND LOVE OF CHRIST. THE LOVE OF GOD, for their Eternal Salvation and in
order to receive Life Everlasting in His Heavenly
Kingdom.

30AP SUNDAY AFTER NATIVITY OF CHRIST BEFORE THEOPHANY APODOSIS 31 DECEMBER 2017 37.
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK 1 : 1 8
The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God.
As it is written in the Prophets: Behold, I send My Messenger before Thy Face, who will prepare Thy Way before Thee.
The voice of one crying in the Wilderness: Prepare the Way of the Lord; make straight His Paths!
John went Baptising in the Wilderness and preaching a Baptism of Repentance for the remission of sins. And all the
land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all Baptised by him in the Jordan River,
confessing their sins.
John was clothed with camels hair and a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey. And he
preached, saying: There comes One after me Who is Mightier than me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to
stoop down and loosen. I Baptise you with water, but He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit.
The Wilderness of Judea is the barren region descending Locusts refers to the young, edible shoots of the locust
from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. shrub/tree not to the insects.
The preparation of our Lord Jesus Christs public Ministry He emphasised the fact that the Great Messiah/Divine
began with the call of St John the Baptist His Saviour ...is Mightier than me...
Forerunner to Repent. ...whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down
Repentance, which accompanies Faith, is a complete and loosen... signifies the absolute Humility and
Transformation. Obedience to God of the Holy Forerunner.
The word in Greek Metanoia actually means to St John the Baptist is the last and the greatest of Gods
transform our entire being, our behaviour, attitude, Holy Prophets who prepared Gods Chosen People,
habits, everything - a complete reorientation! Israel, for the Appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ
Repentance is a radical change of our spirit, our mind, the Great Divine Messiah.
our thoughts, our words and our deeds a After his Martyrdom, he continued to preach the Good
transformation of our heart and soul body and soul. News of Christ to those awaiting His Coming in the
Repentance is essential to the restoration of our Divine Bosom of Abraham in Hades, where both the good
Likeness to God, which was lost since Adam and Eves and evil souls were imprisoned.
Fall and expulsion from Paradise. After our Lords Harrowing of Hades, the Righteous souls
Repentance is the first step of the Way of our Lord Jesus were Translated to Paradise, which has been
Christ and is accompanied by the Confession of our reopened for mankind.
sins and the Holy Mystery of Baptism, which is ...He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit... The Old
followed by our Life in Christ, striving to acquire Covenant Repentance and Baptism of St John the
Spiritual Fruits worthy of this great Transformation. Baptist was not enough to grant Salvation and Eternal
Gospel (Good News or Good Tidings) refers not to St Life to the people, whereas the New Covenant Holy
Marks writings per se, but to the Account of the Life, Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Repentance-
Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Confession and Holy Eucharist is Divinely Sanctified
which is the Good News of our Salvation and Eternal by God the Holy Spirit according to the Will of God the
Life. Father, through our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ, God
Beginning is a reference to the opening Events of our the Eternal Son of God the Father.
Divine Saviours public Ministry i.e. the preparation Our Lord Jesus Christs New Covenant Baptism is by
of the people by His Righteous Forerunner, St John the Water and Fire a reference to the Baptismal Water
Baptist, and our Lords Encounter with him. that is Sanctified by God the Holy Spirit.
St John the Baptist was clothed in a manner that was By His Power and Energy, God the Holy Spirit Sanctifies
similar to that of St Elijah, which helps to show that he mundane elements of this world, transforming them
fulfilled the Prophecy of St Elijahs return. into extraordinary, Sacred Elements that grant us
St John has lived in the Wilderness since the age of Regeneration, Healing, Restoration, Renewal,
approximately two years of age. He sustained himself Salvation, Eternal Life - everything that is truly
by eating vegetation, wild fruit and wild honey. essential to our Spiritual Welfare and Everlasting Life.
30TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST AFTER NATIVITY APODOSIS SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the The Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke record these
Holy Spirit... Events, but do not tell us that they figured prominently
Christ is Born! Let us Glorify Him! during His earthly Ministry.
Dearly Beloved: Today is the Sunday before the Feast of Moreover, no one expected a Messiah who was both God
Theophany or Epiphany, when we will celebrate and Man.
Christs Baptism in the River Jordan and the The word Messiah means Anointed One, and most
Revelation that He is truly the Son of God. Jews were looking for a leader who would deliver
His Divinity is manifest His Divine Nature is shown them from Roman oppression and lead Israel to
openly, whenat His Baptism the Voice of God the political power and independence.
Father declared: Thou art My Beloved Son and the Christs own Disciples thought of Him in those terms until
Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. after His Resurrection.
Theophany clearly shows us that our Lord Jesus Christ is Even those closest to our Lord had great difficulty
not merely a great religious Teacher or good moral accepting that He was not an earthly King, the kind of
Example. Messiah they had grown up expecting.
He is truly Godthe Second Person of the Holy Trinity How difficult it was for anyone to accept that Jesus Christ
and His Salvation permeates His entire Creation, is truly the Son of God, the Incarnate Second Person of
including the water of the River Jordan. the Holy Trinity, the Divine Word Who spoke the
Through His and our Baptism, we become Participants in Universe into existence.
the Divine Mystery of Salvation. Perhaps that is part of the reason that God sent a Prophet
Think for a moment how stunning these statements to prepare the way, to begin opening the hearts and
concerning our Lord Jesus Christ as God would be to minds of the people for a Messiah Who did not fit their
those who knew Him before He began His public preconceived notions.
Ministry! Of course, few people would be comfortable around St.
St. Luke mentioned how shocked the Ever Blessed John the Baptist and Forerunner.
Theotokos and St Joseph the Betrothed were when He was a strict Ascetic, living in the desert, eating
they beheld our 12-year-old Saviour discussing the vegetation, fruit and honey, and wearing camel skin.
Law in the Temple in Jerusalem with the Elders. Like many of the Old Covenant Prophets before Him, St.
The witness of the Angelic Choirs, the visit of the Magi, John was outrageously bold.
and all the wonders of the Events surrounding His In addition to his shocking appearance and lifestyle, his
Birth were apparently forgotten or unknown by the Message was severe to the point of being insulting.
Disciples and the Religious and Political Leaders of He proclaimed Gods Truth and did not care who might
the day. be offended.

38. 30AP SUNDAY AFTER NATIVITY OF CHRIST BEFORE THEOPHANY APODOSIS 31 DECEMBER 2017
Instead of gently welcoming the Pharisees and
Sadducees into his movement, St John referred tpo
them as a brood of vipers.
He told the privileged people to share their possessions
with the poor.
He told soldiers to stop abusing their authority, and Tax
Collectors to stop stealing from the people.
He went beyond offending those powerful groups by
criticizing the immorality of Herod and his family and
lost his head as a result.
God began to shake up Israel with St. John the Baptist,
the Forerunner of our Lord.
He began to open their eyes to a Messiah Whom they did
not expect.
Gentle words from a respectable Rabbi would not suffice
for everyone had seen and heard those before.
They needed a Call to Repentance from a wild looking
Holy Prophet who was absolutely fearless in Calling
everyone to Repent - to completely change the
direction they were going in relation to God and
neighbour.
They were to straighten whatever crookedness there was
in their lifestyles.
They were to stop violating Gods Commandments.
No one could excuse themselves by claiming: But I am
a Child of Abraham (or a religious leader, or a well-
respected person), so Repentance is not for me.
He Called everyone to Greater Holiness - to serving God
more faithfully than they had done before.
As we prepare for the Great Feast of Theophany, St.
Johns Message should ring loudly in our ears today -
right here and now!
For even more than the Hebrews of old, we must bring
our own lifestyle in line with Gods Salvation in our
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, because we have
already received the Fulfilment of the Promise, the
Fullness of the Divine Blessing.
Having celebrated His Nativity as Orthodox Christians,
we already know that our Saviour is truly the Eternal
Son of God.
The Holy Spirit dwells in our heart and we are Members
of Christs own Body His Holy Church!
Nonetheless, every single one of us has much need to
grow in living according to the Great Divine Truth that
we have received, for our Life has not yet become
Perfect Epiphanies of what our Lords Salvation means
for us for all mankind.
It would be different if the Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ as the Eternal Son of God were merely an idea
or concept to be grasped as an abstract truth - like
a mathematical equation.
Perhaps then we could be satisfied with giving the correct
Doctrinal Answer.
Spiritual Life is not like that at all, however, because this
Feast Calls us to be in a right Relationship with the
One Who Unites humanity and Divinity in Himself.
In order for our Lords Theophany to occur in us, every
dimension of who we are as we live and breathe in
this world must be Transformed by His Divine Glory.
His Life must become our Life!
PRAYER IS ABOUT SILENCE ARCHIMANDRITE EMILIANOS
When we begin to pray we experience Prayer as a
Struggle.
Because of our Love and intense desire to be in
Communion with God we cry out to Him.
This is a cry that comes from the depth of our heart.
But when we find that our cry is not being heard what do
we do?
Elder Emilianos explained: ...It has to be transformed, ...When Prayer is about to leave from within us, to
reversedinto silence within an atmosphere of
silence. God is the God of those who live in
Tranquillity and Silence.
This may seem contradictory.
First we cry out from our inner depths with intense desire
but then we change our direction to silence.
But this is not a contradiction. It is a Transformation.
We must transform from trying to speak, to listening. This ...He often isolated Himself in order to pray quietly. This
requires silence.
It is a sequence of successive steps.
...Everyone has to stop talking, including us - if we want If we are following our breath while reciting the Jesus
to hear the other person. And if they are talking, the
30AP SUNDAY AFTER NATIVITY OF CHRIST BEFORE THEOPHANY APODOSIS 31 DECEMBER 2017
Like iron heated red-hot by fire, we are to participate in
Him fully, sharing in a Communion ultimately beyond
words and Radiating the Glory of His Divine Salvation.
The difficult Truth is that Repentance is essential for
opening ourselves to our Life in Christ.
Our Calling is not to a self-righteous legalism that
allegedly earns Salvation or somehow impresses
God.
We must do our part, however, cooperating with the
Great Mercy of Christ, by actively receiving and
responding to Him in ways that make straight what is
crooked in our life.
Like those who first heard the Holy Forerunner, we have
become far too comfortable with life on our own
terms, perhaps thinking that our religious, ethnic, or
political heritage lets us off the hook as Gods
favourites, as those who are respectable and decent
and therefore we do not have to worry about
Repentance.
At least we are better than those groups we hate, the
Jews thought of the Gentiles - and we, too, might think
of whomever we do not like.
St. John had no patience with such foolishness, of course.
As he did to the Hebrews of the first century, he would
tell us, now, to wake up, abandon our excuses, and
stop trying to turn God into an idol that serves our
selfish agendas.
He would Call us, instead, to become True Icons of our
Lord Jesus Christ, to participate as fully as we can in
the Divine Healing and Transformation of our Divine
Saviour.
Those who have died to sin and been raised to New Life
in Him, those who have ...put on Christ... in Holy
Baptism, must live in a manner that manifests the Holy
Union of God and mankind that our Divine Saviour
embodies.
So let us prepare for the Great Feast of our Lord Jesus
Christs Baptism by straightening the crooked areas of
our life.
Instead of finding ways to ignore the Holy Forerunner to
Christ, let us take his sobering Message to heart, for
our Divine Messiah is Born and on His way to the
Jordan River where His Divinity will be revealed to us
all!
But will we have the eyes to see His Glory?
Will we be ready to receive Him?
There is only One Way to prepare ourselves - and that is
to Repent our sins!
We must turn away from reject - everything that hinders
our full Participation in the Divine Glory that He brings
to all who bear His Image and Likeness - and to His
entire Creation.
That is what His Baptism makes possible for us, but we
must prepare ourselves by True Repentance in order
to share personally in this Great Mystery of our
Salvation.
Amen
Father Philip LeMasters
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/easternchristianinsights
/2015/01/03
first thing we say is Shh! and then we speak, to make
ourselves heard.
It is this experience and this reality that we must go
through when our soul has recourse to God, too.
This means that there is a progression in our Prayer.
We make a movement towards God, which happens in
silence.
become, truly, a movement towards God, then we will
experience a ...silence within silence... - in other
words - Absolute silence.
We have to learn how to pray in silence while surrounded
by noise and distractions.
We must find a quiet, solitary place to pray as our Lord
Jesus Christ instructed His Disciples to do.
why it is best to pray at night or early in the morning
when our surroundings are quieter.
Prayer there is a cycle of crying out and silence.
39.
When we breath we inhale and then exhale. There is a
midway point where we make a transition, an
interval between these two movements.
It is in the interval that we can find silence and listen for
God...
...we have to learn to keep this interval, this tuning, this
setting of the ear, and then we will see that this is a
PREPARATION FOR THEOPHANY
In order to begin His Work, our Lord Jesus Christ prepared
His Way with the preaching of St. John the Baptist, His
Holy Forerunner.
Without any preparation, nothing that ought to happen is
able to happen, in anything.
The same occurs even with the Divine Work of Christ.
St. John the Forerunner urged all the people to prepare
themselves by Repenting their sins because the
Kingdom of God was approaching.
He called them to Repentance, which is the only way for
us to receive Christ our Saviour, to be ready and
willing listen to His Divine Truth, to believe It and to Because it grieves the old man our old, corrupted
apply it to our own daily Life in Christ.
If even for the Divine Work of Christ certain preparation
was necessary, how much more is it essential for the
spiritual Work of our own heart and soul?
Many Christians seek to spiritually build up their soul, but
they try to do so without any preparation preferring
to be casual and superficial about it, which causes
them to fail.
THE INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHER ST TIKHON
Sinners who Repent are still Saved. Both Publicans
and fornicators who are Cleansed by Repentance
enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our Compassionate Lord God still Calls to Himself all who
have turned away, and He awaits them, and
promises them His Great Mercy.
Our Loving Father still receives His Prodigal Sons who
have returned from that far country and He opens the
Doors of His House, and clothes them in the best
Robes, and gives each of them a signet ring on their
finger, and shoes on their feet, and commands all the
Saints to rejoice in them.
Prayer does not consist merely of standing and
bowing your body, nor of reading written Prayers... It
is possible to pray at all times, in all places with our
mind and our spirit. We can lift up our mind and
heart to God while walking, sitting, working, in a
crowd and in solitude. His Door is always open to us,
unlike that of mankind. We can always say to Him in
our heart: O Lord, have Mercy!
When attending the Holy Services at Church, we must
think that we are in the House of the King of Heaven,
were with Fear and Joy we ought to stand as in
Heaven before the King of Heaven.
While standing in Church, we must not look around to the
sides, nor look at how others are standing and
praying, lest we be Condemned like the Pharisee,
since we do not come to judge others, but to ask for
Mercy for ourselves from God, our Only Judge and
Knower of our heart.
We must gaze with compunction towards the Holy Altar,
where the Holy Sacrifice is offered.
More than anything else, we must beware of laughter
and conversation, for whoever laughs or converses
while standing in Church does not render Honour to
the Holy Place and tempts others, and prevent others
from praying!
Dear Christian, if we want to have or heart filled with
Divine Love, we must first empty it of the love of this
world its frivolous and sinful customs and then turn My Master has come and has bestowed His Love of
our heart to our One True God, our Only Good and
Happiness, and Eternal Beatitude.
THE INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHER, ST NIKON
Most of our sins happen because we forget the
Commandments of God.
We must consider all evil things even the passions
that war against us to be not our own, but of our
enemy, the devil. This is very important. We can only
conquer a passion when we do not consider it as part
of ourselves!
40. 30AP SUNDAY AFTER NATIVITY OF CHRIST BEFORE THEOPHANY APODOSIS 31 DECEMBER 2017
fundamental thing in Prayer, not the sound of our
own voice... we have to learn to be silent, we have to
learn to wait - to await the Voice of God.
( The Authentic Seal)
http://orthodoxwayoflife.blogspot.co.za/
When we stand in the Presence of God either to pray or
to confess or to worship we need to have prepared
ourselves beforehand, for we can read or listen so as
to warm or sweeten our soul, and for us to be
humbled a bit, to see ourselves, to see our sin, and to
Repent.
Then, we will talk to God differently. We will
communicate with him differently. God will hear us,
differently.
So why do we avoid or neglect this preparation?
nature - that we carry around within us.
However, if we seriously prepare ourselves beforehand,
the Path to Authentic Life in Christ will open.
ARCHIMANDRITE SYMEON KRAGIOPOULOS
HOLY HESYCHASTERION
OF ZADONSK
Let our mind Fast from vain thoughts. Let our memory
Fast from remembering evil. Let our will Fast from evil
desire. Let our eyes Fast from bad sights. Let us turn
away our eyes so that we may not see vanity. Let our
ears Fast from vile songs, and slanderous whispers.
Let our tongue Fast from slander, condemnation,
blasphemy, falsehood, deception, foul language, and
every idle and rotten word. Let our hands Fast from
killing and from stealing anothers goods. Let our legs
Fast from going towards evil deeds. Let us turn away
from evil and do only good.
If we refuse to forgive, God, too, will refuse to forgive
us.
As we treat our neighbours, so too, does God treat us.
The forgiveness or unforgiveness of our sins, then, and
hence also our Salvation or Destruction, depend on us
ourselves, for without forgiveness of sins, there is no
Salvation!
We can see for ourselves how serious it is!
When pride retreats from us, Humility begins to dwell
within us, and the more pride is diminished, so much
more does Humility grow.
The one gives way to the other as to its opposite.
Darkness departs and Light appears.
Pride is Darkness, but Humility is Light.
Thou came into the world to Save sinners. Therefore
Thou came to Save me also.
Thou came to find and to Save those who are lost.
Therefore, Thou came to seek me too, for I am one of
those who was lost.
O Lord, my God and Creator! I should have come to Thee
as a transgressor of Thy Law.
I should have fallen down at Thy Feet, cast myself down
before Thee, humbly begging forgiveness, pleading
with Thee and craving Thy Great Mercy.
But Thou Thyself has come to me, wretched and good-for-
nothing servant that I am!
My Lord has come to me His enemy and apostate!
mankind upon me!
Listen, O my soul God has come to us!
OF OPTINA
Do not forget to pray it is the Life of our soul!
In order to fulfil the Commandments of Christ, we
must know them. We must read the Holy Gospel,
penetrate its Spirit and make It the Rule of our Life.