Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
October/November 2010
Words of Wisdom
“Neither do walls or rich furniture make a home.
Millionaires in magnificent mansions may never
know a home.
But where there are good relationships, where
love binds the family together and to God, there
happiness is always to be found. For good
relationships are heaven anywhere. Monotony
and misery cannot exist where there is love. But
the fire of love must be kept burning warmly
and brightly with the sweet wood of sacrifice.
In teaching us to cross out the “I” out of life, our
Lord tells us the secret of happiness; what the
Saints call the ecstasy of self-forgetfulness. For
divine love is always self-effacing, seeks to give
rather than to receive, to serve rather than to be
served, to love rather than to be loved, and will
sacrifice anything for the beloved.”
- St. Seraphim of Sarov
Pastoral Message
O
n Sunday, September 26th the Holy When other followers of the Lord scattered out of
Orthodox Church invited us to solemnly fear, St. John stood watch at the foot of the Cross,
recall and honor Saint John the and embraced the responsibility of taking care of the
Evangelist and for ages has directed that Theotokos. When it seemed he was destined to be a
his Gospel account (John 19: 25-27; 21: 24-25) at the part of the family business, he willingly changed his
foot of the Cross to be proclaimed. At first, St. John plans and dedicated himself to sharing Christ with
is quickly remembered for his contribution to the the world (well beyond his lifetime). He said and did
dissemination and understanding of the Good News these things, not because it was easy and not because
with his writings. All in all, St. John is responsible he hoped for fame or fortune; but because above and
for composing five books in the New Testament: the beyond anything else, at all times and in all places, St.
Gospel according to John; First, Second and Third John wanted to “be there” for Jesus Christ.
John as well as Revelation.
So when we think of all the
For his writings alone, St. things we wish we could do for
John would be revered for the Lord, but anything short
his contribution to sharing
the light of Christ. But our
commemoration of him would
Be There of that exact vision causes us
to opt to do nothing at all, we
instead need to remember St.
certainly be incomplete without
distinct acknowledgement of
for John. And when we become
so consumed with finding the
his profound example. For St.
John helps make it abundantly
clear that a life filled with love
Jesus Christ right words to share the light of
Christ to others that we end up
saying nothing at all, we instead
for others in word and in deed, need to remember St. John.
is the essence of life in Christ. And then there are those times
that we become so focused on
This perhaps will helps us appreciate why it is said our personal plans for growth that we close our eyes
specifically that St. John is “the one whom Jesus to the opportunities to help other grow, we instead
loved” and why as Christ was dying on the cross, He need to remember St. John.
entrusted the care of His precious mother, the Holy
Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, to Saint John. The words and actions of St. John make it perfectly
Ultimately, one must conclude that with both words obvious that the most important way for us to give
and deeds, St. John brilliantly manifests the Christian glory to God, share His Good News, love Him and
that moves people to “be there” for the Lord. We serve Him is to always strive to “be there” for Christ.
must be in awe of St. John for not only revealing to us We need to be there when HE wants us, where HE
Jesus Christ, but also the way he always tried to “be wants us, how He wants us and no matter what He
there” for Christ. wants from us.
St. John’s love for God (let alone his fellow man) is Perhaps the Lord will ask us to speak out from Him,
evident in the fact that he did everything in his power we need not worry about what we will say, as long
to make sure that thousands of years later, we would as we make ourselves available to Him – His Truth
completely understand what it is like to “be there” shall be made manifest. Maybe the Lord will ask us
for Christ. For when the times were hard, confusing
and even frightening; St. John was “there” for Christ. (Continued on page 4)
Page 2
2010 October/November
Page 4
2010 October/November
The Power of the Name your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he
by Fr. George Morelli
was afraid to look at God” (Ex 3:6).
Page 5
THE PROMISE
After a season of
family business in order to serve the Lord. But that dramatic technological
was what was asked of him and he concluded that he and software changes at
wanted to “be there” for Christ more than anything the Annunciation, The
else. And it is certainly not always easy to take the Promise is coming back.
straight and narrow path of the Christian way of life However, we are in still in
when so many people around us are reveling on the the process of transition
highway of sin. But it was no more comfortable for as we continue to
St. John to have to stand up and tell his people that explore ways to enhance
they needed to open their eyes to the light of Christ. the delivery, appearance,
Nevertheless, in order to truly “be there” for Christ, efficiency and format of
that is exactly what he did, and exactly what is expected our parish newsletter - so
of us. Furthermore, there is no doubt that it is not we welcome your ideas in this on going process.
always comfortable exposing ourselves as Orthodox
Christians before our friends and neighbors in order to Also please keep in mind that The Promise remains
stand by the Cross like St. John. Enemies will threaten a vital instrument in disseminating information
or mock us, but just as with St. John, the Lord our affecting our Church family. So, if Church
God will see our commitment to “be there for Him” family members and organizations have news or
and He will entrust us with all that is precious to Him. announcements applicable to the entire Church
As followers of Christ our God, the assignments are family, please submit items via e-mail to the
not always easy and the burden is not always light. Church Office as soon as possible. Above all, keep
But as long as we make ourselves available to Him by careful eye on the calendar now that the Promise is
prepare ourselves with prayer, fasting and the exercise moving to a bimonthly publication, we need to think
our Christian faith week after week, we will always find ahead, now more than ever in order to ensure critical
the way to “be there for the Lord”. announcements are made in a timely fashion.
In the final analysis, none of us will be remembered Remember the goal of this publication is to communicate
for what we owned, or for every word we ever said. the Good News, explore the Good News, highlight the
But we will be known in heaven and on earth for the Good News and keep us connected as a Church family
extent to which committed ourselves to “be there” for through The Promise of the Good News!
Christ. Our dedication to Christ, at all times and in all
places, will not only shape our legacy but it will impact
our eternal destiny. So according to the example of St.
John the Evangelist, let us love the only Begotten Son
Save the Date!
of God with our whole heart and our whole life. Like
St. John, let us regularly embrace the opportunities to Parish General Assembly
commune with Christ in the Eucharist. Then in the
shadow of St. John, let us renew our promise to the Sunday, December 5th
Lord, that no matter the time, the place, the price or
the risk we will follow Christ, we will serve Christ, we Together looking forward to 2011 to the
will “be there” for Christ our Lord and Savior. Glory of God!
The
Mount St. Mary’s Explore The
Choir o d o x C h r is t ia n Faith
Ort h and
+ d of the Lord
into the Wor
Let’s go deeper
the Church!
Christmas Cheer the teachings of ox
in g to ex p lo re our Orthod
We are go f
+ h ri st ia n F a it h in the light o
C ns.
r to the Roma
Our Church St. Paul’s Lette
- n o p revi ou s experience or
Family? All are invited st a d es ire to grow in C
hrist!
u ir ed , ju
expertise req
Keep the evening of Sunday, December 5th ober 6th at 6:30pm
Wednesday, Oct 30pm
clear and discover a special Annunciation Church October 20th at 6:
6:30pm
family event!! November 3rd at
November 17th at 6:30pm
More details will be announced soon.
Page 7
THE PROMISE
Branson 2010!
Page 8
2010 October/November
The Power of the Name the Word...For each of these titles understood in its natural sense
becomes for Christians a rule of truth and a law of piety.
(Continued from page 5)
For while there are many other names by which Deity is
indicated in the Historical Books, in the Prophets and in the
Law, our Master Christ passes by all these and commits to us
these titles as better able to bring us to the faith about the Self-
Evidence: Existent, declaring that it suffices us to cling to the title, ‘Father,
Scripture and the Writings of the Early Son, and Holy Ghost,’ in order to attain to the apprehension of
Church Fathers Him Who is absolutely Existent...
For when we hear the title ‘Father’ we apprehend the meaning
St. John (1:14) tells us: “And the Word became flesh to be this, that the name is not understood with reference to itself
and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have alone, but also by its special signification indicates the relation
beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the to the Son. For the term ‘Father’ would have no meaning apart
Father.” Jesus Himself tells us how to pray: “Pray then by itself, if ‘Son’ were not connoted by the utterance of the word
like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be ‘Father.’ When, then, we learnt the name ‘Father’ we were
thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On taught at the same time, by the selfsame title, faith also in the Son.
earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:9–10).
Now since Deity by its very nature is permanently and
St. Irenaeus of Lyons, the second-century Christian immutably the same in all that pertains to its essence...Since
apologist, tells us: “No man has seen God at any time then He is named Father by the very Word, He assuredly always
except the Only-Begotten Son of God, who is in the was Father, and is and will be even as He was. For surely it is
bosom of the Father. He has declared [Him]...For He, not lawful in speaking of the Divine and unimpaired Essence to
the Son who is in His bosom, declares to everyone the deny that what is excellent always belonged to lt. For if He was
Father who is invisible. For that reason they know Him not always what He now is, He certainly changed either from
to whom the Son reveals Him.” In another place St. the better to the worse or from the worse to the better, and of these
Irenaeus also writes: “He whom the law proclaimed assertions the impiety is equal either way, whichever statement is
as God, the same did Christ point out as the Father” . made concerning the Divine nature.”
The teachings of Origen of Alexandria (third- The essential revelation of God to us is that He is
century) fell afoul of Orthodoxy in some areas. Yet called “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Spirit.” He uses
his understanding of God as Father is Orthodox: the language of sex and gender to communicate to us
“Although no one is able to speak with certainty the name of His persons.
about God the Father, it is nevertheless possible for
some knowledge of Him to be gained by means of the
visible creation and the natural feelings of the human Trinitarian Ontology
mind. Moreover, it is possible for such knowledge to be
confirmed from the Sacred Scriptures”. An important Belonick, in commenting on the importance of
champion of God’s revelation of God as Father is the the name of Father and Son in the teaching of St.
fourth-century St. Gregory of Nyssa. In his book, Gregory of Nyssa, explains:
Against Eunomius, St. Gregory of Nyssa states:
“I say, we have learned to what we ought to look with the eyes “The name “Father,” said Gregory, leads us to
of our understanding, that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy contemplate (1) a Being who is the source and cause
Spirit. We say that it is a terrible and soul-destroying thing to of all and (2) the fact that this Being has a relationship
misinterpret these Divine utterances and to devise in their stead with another person—one can only be “Father” if
assertions to subvert them, assertions pretending to correct God (Continued on page 10)
Page 9
THE PROMISE
The Power of the Name Christ; it is His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity.
The terms of scholastic philosophy such as ‘substance’
(Continued from page 9)
and ‘accident’ are not found in Eastern theology.
The Eastern Church simply accepts the ontological-
there is a son involved. Thus, the human term “Father” existential reality of Jesus’ words. St. Matthew (26:26–
leads one naturally to think of another member of 28) tells us:
the Trinity, to contemplate more than is suggested Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the
by a term such as “Creator” or “Maker.” By calling disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a
God “Father,” Gregory notes, one understands that cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying,
there exists with God a Son from all eternity, a second “Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant,
Person who rules with him, is equal and eternal with which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Him.
“Father” also connotes the initiator of a generation, The Reality of the Holy Trinity
the one who begets life rather than conceiving it, and
bringing it to fruition in birth. This is the mode of The meaning of the words of St. Paul are to be
existence, the way of origin and being, of the First understood as ontological-existential reality. St. Paul
Person of the Trinity. He acts in Trinitarian life in connects the Son-ship of Jesus with the Fatherhood
a mode of existence akin to that of a father in the of God, telling us: “Have this mind among yourselves,
earthly realm. Before time, within the mystery of the which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in
Holy Trinity, God generated another Person, the Son, the form of God, did not count equality with God
as human fathers generate seed.” a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking
the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of
As Father of the created world, God creates from men. And being found in human form he humbled
without. In other words, creation exists apart from himself and became obedient unto death, even death
Him. Creation is not equivalent to Him. God as on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him
Father is transcendent to what He creates. There is no and bestowed on him the name which is above every
room for pantheism. As Joseph Campbell has noted, name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should
by giving God a feminine definition and name, God, bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
as mother, creates from within. God’s transcendence every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
is lost. The cosmos becomes one with God. Pantheism glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:5–11).
abounds.
St. Paul tells the Ephesians (3:15); “I kneel before the
Father, from whom every fatherhood in heaven and on
Ontological-Existential Understanding earth takes its name.” Bobrinskoy has an interesting
way of expressing the basic understanding of the
The Eastern Church prefers not to use philosophy in
teachings of Christ regarding the “Holy Trinity” It
understanding the revelation God has given to His
is summed up in his chapter titled “The theology of
Church. The Church takes what it are God’s words to
language and the language of theology.” He states:
us as reflecting the essential or genuine character of
“Thus, the incarnation of the eternal Word means
what they refer too.
that the eternal mystery of God can express itself
forever in human words...”
The Reality of the Eucharist Later Bobrinskoy cites the view of St. Hilary of
For example, the Eucharist is the real presence of Poitiers who radically opposed any speculation,
Page 10
2010 October/November
even theological, regarding the holy mysteries of the the senior supervising devil tells the novice devil:
Trinity. “The guilt of the heretics and blasphemers “Jargon, not argument, is your best ally in keeping
compels us to undertake what is unlawful, to scale him from the Church. Don’t waste time trying to
arduous heights, to speak of the ineffable, and to make him think that materialism is true! Make him
trespass upon forbidden places. And by faith alone we think it is strong, or stark, or courageous—that it is the
should fulfill what is commanded, namely, to adore philosophy of the future. That’s the sort of thing he
the Father, to venerate the Son with Him and to cares about.” Call the novice devil in this passage the
abound in the Holy Spirit ...” demon of correctness.
Page 11
THE PROMISE
2011
Halloween
ANNUNCIATION
Thanksgiving Luncheon Carnival!!!!
Sunday, November 21st This year, the GOYAns are looking create a
You are invited new & improved event that will be fun for all
& we have A LOT to celebrate! ages so make sure to find something fun to
wear and keep
ANNUNCIATION
Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy Sunday, October 24th
Wednesday, November 24th at 6:00pm ...clear!
Let’s Come Together and Give
Thanks to the Lord! See you there!
Page 12
2010 October/November
Page 13
THE PROMISE
Welcome Welcome
The Orthodox Church in the Name of the Lord
and the Annunciation
in particular, had the The Annunciation family
privilege to warmly congratulates Claudiu &
welcome into its warm Anca Bene on the baptism of
and loving embrace their sons, Andrew & George,
the beloved servant of who were baptized at the
God: Keith Freeman Annunciation on June 26th.
through Chrismation. His entrance into the Holy Musat & Cinnon Chrihalmeanu are
the boys proud godparents. May
Church was sponsored by John Hawkins. Having
God bless our newest servants
been formally received into the Orthodox Church of the Lord, together with all
and become another beloved member of our of his family and friends!
Church family on August 29th, we look forward
to walking together on the path of life and faith.
With our newly enlisted Orthodox Christian, let
us ask our Lord and Savior to continue to show The Annunciation family congratulates Mark
us the way of the Christ centered life. & Jana Hunter on the baptism of their son,
Daniel, who was baptized at the Annunciation on
July 24th. Stephanie Leake is the proud godmother.
2011 Parish Council May God bless our newest servant of the Lord,
Election Notice together with all of his family and friends!
Page 16
2010 October/November
Page 17
THE PROMISE
The Power of the Name Of the increase of his government and of peace there will
be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to
(Continued from page 16)
establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and for evermore (Is 9:2–7).
“Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall
enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the There is no coincidence in God’s providential care
will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 7:21) for the world. The era in which the ultimate Divine
Intervention among mankind took place, with its
distinctive character, is part of the fullness of time in
The Fullness of Time which the birth and lifetime of Our Lord God and
Savior Jesus Christ was Divinely ordained to happen.
St. Paul told the Ephesians: “For he has made known
to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, This includes the place, people, culture and state of
according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ the world in which this momentous event occurred.
as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Historical negationists would like us to believe that
him, things in heaven and things on earth” (1:9–10). the patriarchal Judaism of the people of the first
St. Paul’s teaching on the fullness of time is also found Covenant was accidental and overthrown by Jesus in
in his words to the Galatians: “So with us; when we His establishment of the people of the New Covenant.
were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits However, this conclusion is not consistent the mind of
of the universe. But when the time had fully come, Christ or His Church.
God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under
the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so
that we might receive adoption as sons”(4:3–5). A Protestant Church Sees Through the
Negationists’ Argument
The fullness of time encompasses the coming of the
Messiah, Jesus, who would be born of the people of In a significant rebuttal to negationist theory that echoes
the Covenant, God’s chosen people. He would be the “mind of the Church,” the Lutheran Protestant
born of the house of David. As Isaiah prophesized: denomination issued the following statement:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Today the claim is frequently advanced that this masculine
Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a rendering of God in the Bible is a function of the patriarchal
son, and shall call his name Immanu-el. He shall eat culture in which the Scriptures were written. Biblical language,
curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil it is said, reflects cultural realities and biases which we, given
and choose the good” (Is 7:14–15): the new realities of our own cultural egalitarianism, are free to
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; replace through the use of ‘gender neutral’ language.
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light
shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its Such an analysis of the biblical language,
joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men however, does not take with adequate seriousness the
rejoice when they divide the spoil. uniqueness of Israel in the midst of the nations. The
peoples surrounding ancient Israel and the believers
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the
of the New Testament commonly possessed female as
rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Midian.
well as male deities. Rather than reflect the religious
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every
language of the broader culture, the language of the
garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to
Bible was in considerable contrast to the language
us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will
and understanding of surrounding peoples. Had the
be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful
biblical authors thought of God in feminine terms (as
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’
Page 18
2010 October/November
in surrounding cultures), we would expect that there But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he [the
would be some equilibrium of use between masculine beaten man]; was and when he saw him, he had compassion,
and feminine language concerning God. In fact, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and
however, that is not the case. wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an
inn, and took care of him.
And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to
Jesus Distinguished the Essential from
the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more
Non-essential: Unseating Culture you spend, I will repay you when I come back. ‘Which of these
three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among
Many of Jesus’ words and actions, as understood by the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed mercy on him.’
the ancient Church and recorded in the Gospels, And Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
taught those around Him what was essential versus
unessential in the Jewish way of life at the fullness There is no hesitation on the part of Jesus to break
of time. Jesus was no stranger to challenging the with tradition and point out that Godliness (mercy)
‘establishment’ and customs of the culture of his day. is not inherent in title or bloodline, but is shown by
A few examples follow. the deeds and actions which come from the heart.
> Our Lord’s first miracle was performed at the Godliness is open to any one.
direction of a woman, his mother, the Theotokos. The
gospel account of changing water into wine at the > The Romans were the pagan occupiers of the
Cana wedding feast reads: “When the wine gave out, Holy Land in Jesus’ time. They were hated by the Jews
the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ for their denial of God, worship of idols, oppressive
And Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, what have you to do taxes and brutal occupation. But this did not influence
with me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said Jesus who read the heart and humility of the Roman
to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you’” (Jn 2:3–5). Centurion who came to Him.
> To the Jewish leaders, Jesus said: “Woe to you, As he entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to
scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe him, beseeching him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying
mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the paralyzed at home, in terrible distress.” And he said to him, “I
weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and will come and heal him.”
faith” (Mt. 23:23).
But the centurion answered him, “Lord, I am not worthy to
> In St. John’s Gospel Jesus was found talking alone have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my
with a woman, and what’s more, a Samaritan woman. servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with
The Samaritans were a community of mixed ancestry soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to
not worshipping at the Jerusalem temple and thus another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and
eschewed by the Jews. In St. John’s account: “The he does it.”
Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you,
a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ For When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who
Jews have no dealings with Samaritans... Just then his followed him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I
disciples came. They marveled that he was talking found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west
with a woman.” (Jn 4:9, 27) and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom
of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into
> In the parable of the Good Samaritan, it is an the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth”
outcast Samaritan who shows the mercy of God, (Mt 8:5–12).
rather than a Levite or priest, that is, the elite of the
chosen people. St. Luke (10:33–37) tells us: (Continued on page 22)
Page 19
THE PROMISE
Page 20
2010 October/November
July 9, 2010
June 17, 2010 Thank you so much for your incredibly generous
donation of $6,000 to the Hogar Rafael Ayau
Dear Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church: Orphanage in Guatemala. Gifts like yours help to
fund adequate shelter, food, health care, educational
Thank you so much for your donation of Hygiene Kits and spiritual opportunities for the many children who
to Church Word Service/IOCC. Because of your call the Hogar their home. Your contribution is vital
support, our programs in emergency response are able to the Hogar’s ability to provide a safe haven for these
to quickly respond to disaster, whether overseas or here children as they grow into adulthood and set out to live
at home. meaningful lives on their own.
Since the earthquake in Haiti, CWS has provided On behalf of the nuns and the children, we thank you
more than 31,000 Hygiene Kits, some 5,400 Baby for joining us with your support.
Care Kits and more than 4,000 Blankets. For medical
support, CWS has provided 60 boxes of medical Yours in Christ,
supplies from IMA World Health. Each Box contains
enough medicine and supplies to treat the routine Georgia Lipane, President
illnesses of approximately 1,000 adults and children
for approximately two months when placed in a rural Harriet Stratis, Treasurer
clinic.
Page 21
THE PROMISE
The Power of the Name Jesus began His public life at the marriage feast at
Cana doing what His mother, Mary, the Theotokos
(Continued from page 19)
asked of Him. As told by St. John (2:1–11):
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee,
> Jesus, the Son of God, became incarnate in the and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His
male sex. Jesus, who was not afraid to go against disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out,
the establishment and cultural tradition, appointed the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And
apostles—the twelve and the seventy—who were of Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us?
the male sex. The apostles, at the last supper in which My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants,
he took bread and wine and made it into His Body “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
and Blood, and ordained those around Him to “do Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish
this in Remembrance of me,” were of the male sex. custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.
As St. Luke (22:13–19) records: Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they
And they went, and found it as he had told them; and they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some
prepared the Passover. And when the hour came, he sat at table, out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him.
and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly
desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become
shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants
who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, bridegroom, and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine
“Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the
now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” This
of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and
he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
> The holy women of the Gospels were those who
So, Jesus, the Son of God, who was not afraid of loved Him and served Jesus in His ministry. Jesus
depart from the conventions of His day, was not only had great love for Martha, Mary and Lazarus their
of the male sex, but appointed male apostles to carry brother. It was Martha who served Jesus, and Mary
out His priestly ministry. who sat, listening to His every word and anointing
His feet (cf. Lk 10:38–42; Jn 11:1). Who cannot recall
> Another example of the distinct priestly ministry, the action of Jesus upon hearing Lazarus had “fallen
given by Jesus to the apostles who were male, is the asleep” (Jn 11:12)? The response of the Master was:
holy ministry of confession: “Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead...’” (Jn
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father 11:14). The gospel narrative continues:
has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he …and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary
breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat
sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:21–23). in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died. And even now I know that
whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to
The Regard Jesus Gave Women her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in
> Jesus’ choice of male apostles was not a sign
the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the
the He disparaged women. As previously mentioned
resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die,
Page 22
2010 October/November
yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never First Covenant Justice
die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe
that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into Jesus not only freely went beyond the conventions of
the world.” the era; he also surpassed the economy of justice of
the first covenant. Regarding the economy of justice
When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary,
in the Old Testament, Moses in Exodus (21:23–25)
saying quietly, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’
tells us: “If any harm follows, then you shall give life
And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him” (Jn
for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand,
11:19–29).
foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe
for stripe.”
> St. Matthew (27:55–56) records that at the
crucifixion of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ:
In the book of Leviticus (24:19–20) he tells us: “When
“There were also many women there, looking on from
a man causes a disfigurement in his neighbor, as he
afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering
has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture,
to him; among whom were Mary Magdalene, and
eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has disfigured a man,
Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the
he shall be disfigured.” And again in Deuteronomy
mother of the sons of Zebedee.”
(21:21) Moses teaches: “Your eye shall not pity; it shall
be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for
The holy evangelist Mark (15:41) describes these
hand, foot for foot.”
women as follows: “… who, when he was in Galilee,
followed him, and ministered to him; and also many
In the prayers of the Psalms (92; 9) King David utters:
other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.”
For, lo, thy enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thy enemies shall perish;
The women, including the Theotokos, the Mother
all evildoers shall be scattered.” And then the harsh call for
of God, now steadfast and faithful even unto Christ’s
vengeance accompanying the lamentation of the Jewish people
death at the foot of the cross, are described by
during the Babylonian exile: “O daughter of Babylon, you
the beloved disciple and apostle John with words
devastator! Happy shall he be who requites you with what you
impossible to emulate: “But standing by the cross of
have done to us! Happy shall he be who takes your little ones
Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary
and dashes them against the rock” (Ps 136:8–9)!
the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When
Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved
standing near, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold,
your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your Contravening the Culture of Vengeance
mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to
his own home” (Jn 19:25–27). Consider St. Matthew’s (5:38–44) account of some of
the most radical words Jesus said:
> After the death and burial of Jesus, the You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a
Myrrhbearing women tended to His Body. Recall St. tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist one who is
Luke’s account of the holy women’s actions. “And evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him
the women that were come with him from Galilee, the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat,
following after, saw the sepulcher and how his body let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go
was laid. And returning, they prepared spices and one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you,
ointments: and on the sabbath day they rested, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. You have
according to the commandment. And on the first day heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate
of the week, very early in the morning, they came your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for
to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had those who persecute you...”
prepared” (Lk 23:55–56, 24:1) (Continued on page 24)
Page 23
THE PROMISE
The Power of the Name Bishop of Jerusalem, addressed this first Church
Council and said:
(Continued from page 23)
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of
the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain
from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is
The Early Church Distinguished strangled and from blood. Then it seemed good to the apostles and
Essential from Non-essential Culture the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them
and send them to [the Gentiles]” (Acts 15:19–20, 22).
The Church did not hesitate to discern and discard
what was not of Christ and to retain what was of
Christ. St. Matthew (28:18–20) records the last
Early Church Authority:
instruction Jesus gave to His apostles: “All authority
in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go Counciliar, not Individual
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and Interestingly, the apostles considered their decision
of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I to be a synodal act, not one promulgated by one
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, individual, either St. James, the president of the
to the close of the age.” It is the Church’s mission Council, or St. Peter, later considered (by the Western
given to her by Christ to “teach all I have commanded Church) that he and his successors, would have
you.” The Church is commanded by Christ to teach personal infallibility in matters of faith or morals.
the essentials of His message. This is shown in the attribution of the spiritual act of
this Apostolic Council: “For it has seemed good to the
Holy Spirit and to us...” (Acts 15: 28).
The Judaising Controversy Although a general church council did not occur until
the fourth century, this Conciliar consensus, guided
Some did not adhere to Jesus’ words, as told to us
by the Holy Spirit, was considered by the Eastern
by St. Luke: “But some men came down from Judea
Church to be the model of authority in Christ’s Body,
and were teaching the brethren, ‘Unless you are
the Church. As noted by McGuckin, “The council
circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you
was always given precedence in authority over the
cannot be saved’” (Acts 15:1). There was a controversy
bishop or patriarch.” And, may I add, the Pope of
among the Apostles on circumcision of the Gentiles.
Rome. From the beginning, the synod of bishops
St. Paul wrote about this to the Galatians (cf. Gal
were expected to manifest a “common mind.”
2:1–21) and even confronted St. Peter whom he called
wrong on this matter:
But when Cephas came to Antioch I opposed him to his Implications for Psychology and the
face, because he stood condemned... he ate with the Gentiles; but Church
when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing
the circumcision party. And with him the rest of the Jews acted In the present secular culture the distinction between
insincerely, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their the essential and non-essential are blurred and
insincerity. But when I saw that they were not straightforward confused by political correctness. Political correctness
about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, has no place in science or in the Church. The use
‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how of the term gender for sex among those who
can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews (Gal 2:11–14)? consider themselves scientists but are not , such as
psychoanalysts or those who write in the media is one
This issue was settled by the first council of the such confusion. As I stated elsewhere:
Church, the Council of Jerusalem. St. James, the
Page 24
2010 October/November
* Sex: What a person is biologically. industry, to rename male and female became popular.
* Gender Identity: The sexual characteristics a ‘Heavy metal’ musicians often use satanic lyrics and
person perceives himself as having that are socially imagery in their material. An example would be the
defined, irrespective of his biological sex. upside down pentagram (a symbol of Satan). Those
representing this so-called ‘left hand path’ have names
The political correctness agenda has implications for such as Black Sabbath, Venom and Slayer. ‘Glam’
how we understand God’s revelation of Himself to or ‘glitter rock’ had performers and their followers
us, Christ’s teachings, and the Holy Spirit guiding the wearing ostentatious blended unisex apparel, jewelry,
understanding of the Church, and shapes our own hairstyles and makeup.
attitudes and behavior. If sex is now called gender,
then it is merely a social definition which can be ‘Punk rock’ and ‘new wave’ glamorized a sex-drug
modified, changed and re-defined by social consensus. lifestyle. Groups such as Sex Pistols and Sniff ’n Glue not
Thus, this has implications for how we understand only made a sex-drug lifestyle normative, but projected
ourselves, that is to say: how we name ourselves. an image of who they were as persons. ‘Gothic rock’
glamorized not only ‘the dark side’—death, evil, sex,
suicide and the occult—, but also produced a subculture
Androgeny Research in society celebrating these ideas.
Sandra Bem’s research on androgyny initiated the Lyrics contain crude, rude overt references to
popular use of the term gender to replace sex. On the these themes. Furthermore, bodily gestures during
basis of her research, the ideal personality, the one most performances depict these motifs and leave little to
fully mentally healthy, would be considered to be one the imagination. “Language is in part a broadcast
that has a mixture of androgynous traits which could of our psychosocial definition. It shapes how other
be applied to social and occupational functioning. people see us and how they think we see ourselves.”
In actuality, however, behavioral research found that
masculine traits of independence and competence
were actually related to the psychologically functional Modeling Influences Learning and
characteristics. Performance
Page 25
THE PROMISE
Page 26
2010 October/November
our thought, and influence our understanding of He now is, He certainly changed either from the better to the
God’s revelation to us. A fundamental link between worse or from the worse to the better, and of these assertions
God and mankind “is concentrated in the use of the impiety is equal either way, whichever statement is made
the Name, in the ‘invocation of the Name.’ Take for concerning the Divine nature.
example what we know about God, by His revelation
of Himself to us: He is Father-He begets the Son. An St. Gregory describes any change in scripture
“Orthodox” scripture English translation, true to the wording as impious. Heresy is defined as a rejection
original words of the ancient scriptures would keep of “orthodox understanding.”
the exact meaning given to us His creatures on earth
at the fullness of time, and held by the Church under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit from its conception The Lesson for Christians
at Pentecost to the current day. For example consider
St. Matthews words (3: 17) : “This is my beloved The purpose of this essay has been to show the hidden
Son, with whom I am well pleased. Now consider the danger of the values inherent in a Godless society
inclusive language text: “This is my beloved Child and of human values detached from God and His
[emphasis mine], with whom I am well pleased.” (An apostolic Church, both of which can inwardly destroy
Inclusive Language Lectionary, 1986). both society itself and surreptitiously undermine His
Church. Who should take note of this? All individuals
Now consider one other “Orthodox scripture English who are committed to Christ. It should be noted by
translation of a passage from St. John’s Gospel (3: 16- husbands and wives who also are parents, the leaders
17) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His of their domestic churches, whose divine vocation is
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him to lead each other and their offspring to the kingdom
shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did of Heaven. It should be noted by priests, the pastors
not send the Son into the world to judge the world, of their local Churches in leading their flock to Christ.
but that the world might be saved through Him.” It should be noted by our hierarchs, the arch-pastors,
The feminist, secularist influenced inclusive language who have the ultimate responsibility before God to
text reads: “For God so loved the world that God account for the flock they shepherd. It is easy to look
gave God’s only Child, that whoever believes in that the other way and take what is going on in society for
Child should not perish but have eternal life. For granted. It is also dangerous for each soul and for the
God sent that Child into the world, not to condemn Church, the Body of Christ given to us, not to discern
the world, but that through that Child the world the evil-inspired values of the world that are craftily
might be saved.” [Bold text emphasis mine] (An Inclusive disguised as virtue in today’s world.
Language Lectionary, 1986).
Page 27
THE PROMISE
Page 28
2010 October/November
October 2010
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 2
GOYA Retreat
9:30am
JOY Retreat
6:00pm
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2nd Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
3rd Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am Arkansas
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Race for the Cure
Parish Council Meeting
GO Team Annunciation!
6:00pm
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Sunday of 7th Council
Matins 9:00am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
6th Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am Feast of St. Demetrios
Divine Liturgy 10:00am Liturgy 9:30am
Community Halloween
Carnival 6:00pm
Page 29
THE PROMISE
November 2010
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
31 1 2 3 4 5 6
5th Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am Election Day
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Godparent Sunday
Orthodox Study Class
6:30pm
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
7th Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
8th Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Entrance of the
Theotokos Thanksgiving Day
Matins 9:00am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Thanksgiving Eve
Thanksgiving Luncheon Liturgy
PC Candidates Meeting 6:00pm
28 29 30 31
13th Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Page 30