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.
1 JANUARY 2020
CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Also the Feast of S T B A S I L T H E G R E A T O F C A E S A R E A , C A P P A D O C I A - St Emilia ( Mother
of St Basil the Great, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Makrina & St Peter of, (Father of St Gregory the
Theologian) – St Theodotos the Martyr – St Sebaste) – St Peter the New Martyr of the
Peloponnesos – St Gregory, Bishop of Nazianzos Theodosios the Righteous of Triglia – St
Telemachos – St Fulgentios, Bishop of Ruspe

F E STAL M ATINS G OSPEL A CC ORD ING TO S T JO HN 10 : 1 – 9

At that time, our Lord Jesus said to the Judeans: “Truly, truly, I say you: he who does not enter the Sheepfold by the
Door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
“He Who enters by the Door is the Shepherd of the Sheep. To Him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His
Voice. And He Calls His own Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He
goes before them. And the Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a
stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
This illustration was used by Jesus, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Jesus said to them
again: “Truly, truly, I say to you: I Am the Door of the Sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and
robbers, but the Sheep did not heed them. I Am the Door. “If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved and will go
in and out and find Pasture.”
✶ “... I say unto you...” This passage is A CONTINUATION OF
THE JUDEAN PRIESTS AND LEADERS OF HIS FAITHFUL FLOCK
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S CONVERSATION WITH THE SELF- HAD FAILED TO SHEPHERD – TO GUIDE AND PROTECT – HIS
RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES. PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY LACKED LOVE AND COMPASSION,
This occurred at the end of the eight-day Feast of due to their arrogance, deceit and pride.
Tabernacles (Succoth) in Jerusalem during the last year
On the contrary, OUR LORD JESUS WHO IS LOVE, POSSESSED
of His earthly Life when He taught His people in the AND LIVED BY ALL THE HOLY VIRTUES.
Temple, which attracted much attention.
Heretics, false teachers, or self-ordained ‘prophets,’
Some of the people believed Him to be our Great
‘priests’ and leaders who pick and choose from Holy
Messiah/Saviour while others thought He was insane, but
Scripture in order to deceive or control people, and
certain zealots such as the Sadducees and Pharisees -
use their gatherings to become extremely wealthy, are
regarded Him as a threat.
certainly Spiritual Thieves and Robbers, for not only

Our Lord Jesus Christ contrasted their self-serving do they impoverish the people financially, but they also
leadership with HIS OWN HUMBLE, OBEDIENT, SELF- spiritually impoverish and disillusion them by
SACRIFICING AND SALVIFIC TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLE. confusing and misleading them with all kinds of false
✶ "... the Sheepfold ...” signifies THE HOLY, ORTHODOX promises and performances, which are blasphemous
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. and anathema because they cause intense despair and

It is THE CHURCH OF THE NEW ISRAEL OF THE NEW COVENANT. loss of Faith in our Lord God when their false claims

During this lifespan THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES LIVE IN CHRIST are not delivered!
UNDER THE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION OF HIS ✶ “...the Shepherd of the Sheep...” is either OUR LORD JESUS
HOLY CHURCH in order to become Spiritually CHRIST Whom our Heavenly Father sent to lead His
Perfected as worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs to our Lost Sheep back to the Spiritual Safety of True
Heavenly Father’s Eternal Kingdom of Love. Faith, or HIS ORDAINED BISHOPS AND PRIESTS who
✶ “...the Door...” SIGNIFIES OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS HUMBLY AND OBEDIENTLY OBEY THE WILL OF OUR
CHRIST. HEAVENLY FATHER BY TAKING GOOD SPIRITUAL CARE OF

ONLY AS HIS SANCTIFIED DISCIPLES can we receive HIS HOLY FLOCK.
Salvation and Eternal Life.
True and Faithful Shepherds of God LEAD, GUIDE AND

ONLY BY FULFILLING HIS DIVINE TRUTH – all His Teachings PROTECT HIS HOLY FLOCK ACCORDING TO CHRIST’S
and Commandments – ARE WE ABLE TO MAKE GOOD TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS, WHICH GRANT US
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS towards Theosis – Spiritual ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
Perfection.
True and Faithful Shepherds ACQUIRE BY THE GRACE OF

ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST – by applying His Divine Truth GOD, A CHRIST-LIKE COMPASSION AND SINCERE LOVE FOR
to our thoughts, words and deeds – is Spiritual EACH OF THE HOLY FLOCK.
Perfection and Eternal Life possible. In return, THE FAITHFUL RESPOND TO SUCH WORTHY PRIESTS

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING AND BISHOPS, TRUSTING THEM IMPLICITLY as True
NECESSARY to regain our Divine Likeness with which Shepherds who act on behalf of our Lord Jesus
He originally created us. Christ for the Benefit of our immortal soul,

According to St John Chrysostom, “...the Door...” is Salvation and Eternal Life.
GOD’S WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH - meaning both THE St Ignatios of Antioch stated that “... where the Bishop is
HOLY SCRIPTURES AND HIMSELF, since HOLY SCRIPTURE present, there the people shalt gather...” for THE
REVEALS GOD THE WORD Who is the Eternal Son of God RESPONSE OF THE FAITHFUL CAN BE A FAR BETTER INDICATOR of
our Heavenly Father – i.e. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. who is indeed a True Shepherd of Christ’s Holy Flock
✶ "...enter through the Door to the Sheepfold...” than the claims of any leaders or sycophants.

WE CAN ONLY EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD BY PROPERLY
In other words, THE AMOUNT OF ENDURING SPIRITUAL FRUIT
ENTERING THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF HIS HOLY CLEARLY SHOWS THE EXTENT OF ALL LABOURS OF LOVE for
TEMPLE/CHURCH – His Holy Sheepfold. – which shows the Glory, Honour and Worship of our Lord God.
us the Path of Righteousness we all need to follow. ✶ “...the Sheep hear His Voice...” for having grown close

THERE ARE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES THAT GOD REQUIRES TO BE to God, WE WILL RECOGNISE HIS DIVINE TRUTH, which
CORRECTLY FULFILLED by Bishops, Priests, Clergy and we strive to fulfill every day to our thoughts, words
laity. and deeds.
✶ “...a Thief and a Robber...” refers to those who try to Furthermore, OUR IMMORTAL SOUL REACTS IMMEDIATELY TO
lead “... some other way...” that is NEITHER IN CHRIST THE VOICE OF OUR LORD, and we are instantly filled
NOR ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE. with overwhelming, indescribable Love, Joy and
Peace.

CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – FEAST OF ST BASIL THE GREAT – 1 JANUARY 1..
✶ “...He Calls His own Sheep by name and leads them...”
OUR LORD ADDRESSES US DIRECTLY BY OUR BAPTISMAL
NAME, and if we immediately respond, He will lead
us towards His Eternal Kingdom of Love.

AS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS THE MOST INTIMATE
KNOWLEDGE OF EVERY PERSON HE CREATED, SO ALSO TRUE
AND FAITHFUL SHEPHERDS OF HIS HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY
CHURCH – STRIVE TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE
FAITHFUL PERSONALLY – i.e. by name.

True and Faithful Shepherds ENDEAVOUR TO UNDERSTAND
EACH PERSON’S CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS, FROM THE
GREATEST TO THE VERY LEAST OF THE HOLY FLOCK.
✶ ”... He goes before them...” has several meanings.

CHRIST ALWAYS SHOWS US WHAT TO DO AND CONFIRMS HIS
DIVINE TRUTH BY HIS OWN PERSONAL EXAMPLE, thereby
leading us along His Righteous Path.
CHRIST WAS THE FIRST TO BE RESURRECTED and showed
Himself to us in order to confirm that Glorious Hope
and Truth of our own eventual Resurrection in
Eternity.

Likewise, HIS FAITHFUL APOSTLES, SAINTS AND ORDAINED
CLERGY LEAD HIS FLOCK, BY TEACHING, GUIDING,
CORRECTING, AND DEMONSTRATING BY THEIR OWN GOOD
EXAMPLES HOW TO LIVE IN CHRIST IN PREPARATION FOR
OUR RESURRECTION INTO ETERNAL LIFE.
✶ “...by no means follow a Stranger...” The deceptions
and temptations of the evil one might be avoided if
we UNDERSTAND GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH AND STRIVE TO LIVE IN
CHRISt.

Those of us who are still very Spiritually Immature and
Inexperienced, have OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS to GUIDE
US CORRECTLY, AS WELL AS THE NURTURING AND
PROTECTION OF OUR HOLY CHURCH AND ALL HER HOLY
MYSTERIES.

Because of our habitual inclination towards sin, WE ALL
NEED TO PRAY, FAST, AND REGULARLY PARTAKE OF THE
ESSENTIAL HOLY MYSTERIES OF REPENTANCE-CONFESSION
AND HOLY EUCHARIST.
P R OKE IME NON
My mouth shall speak Wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, Understanding.
Hear this , all you Nations!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T
Brethren, ...beware lest any man cheat you by Philosophy, and vain deceit -according to the tradition of men,
according to the elements of the world, but not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the Fullness of the
Godhead corporeally. And you are complete in Him, Who is the Head of all Principality and Power; in Whom also
you are Circumcised with Circumcision Not Made By Hand, in the despoiling of the body of the flesh, but in the
Circumcision of Christ, Buried with Him in Baptism, in Whom also you are Risen again by the Faith of the Operation
of God, Who has raised Him up from the dead.
✶ “...beware lest any man cheat you by Philosophy, and
vain deceit ...”

These refer to THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE WORLD that
include
1. The basic ELEMENTS OF MATTER/material
2. The NATURAL LAWS that regulate the universe, including
those conditioning our fallen human life – death,
sin, the flesh – as well as the Mosaic Law.
3. THE (WICKED, FALLEN) SPIRITS OR DEMONS who use these
natural conditions to oppose our Lord Jesus Christ,
and who are at the core of pagan cults and false
beliefs
4. ALL HUMAN, MANMADE TRADITIONS that are opposed
to God’s Sacred Tradition.
✶ "... not according to Christ ...” refers to everything that is ✶ “...in Whom also you are Circumcised with Circumcision
OPPOSED TO AND LACKING
1. HIS DIVINE TRUTH
2. DIVINE LOVE AND ALL HOLY VIRTUES.
3. CHRIST’S TEACHINGS, COMMANDMENTS AND
PERFECT LIFE.
✶ “In Him dwells all the Fullness of the Godhead...”

HIS INCARNATION MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BEHOLD GOD IN
PERSON.

When Christ was asked to describe our Heavenly
Father, He told us that WHOEVER SEES HIM (CHRIST)
SEES GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER .

ALL THREE OF THE PERSONS OF THE DIVINE GODHEAD ARE
IDENTICAL EXCEPT IN THEIR PERSONAL, DIVINE ROLES.

The Word and Son of God BECAME MAN WITHOUT CEASING
TO BE DIVINE.

Although He assumed our human nature CHRIST DOES
NOT POSSESS OUR FALLEN SPIRITUAL STATE that is
inclined to commit sin.

THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRUE SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST’S HOLY
FLOCK USE ALL KINDS OF DECEPTIVE, DECEITFUL METHODS
TO CONTROL, ROB AND MANIPULATE God’s People,
thereby ULTIMATELY DESTROYING THEIR IMMORTAL SOUL.
✶”...I Am the Door of the Sheepfold...” Our Lord Jesus
Christ makes this very clear statement, for HE IS THE
ONLY MEANS OF ENTRY INTO HIS HOLY CHURCH AND
ETERNAL LIFE.

HIS HOLY CHURCH IS OUR SPIRITUAL SHEEPFOLD – our
Spiritual Sanctuary where we are Healed,
Cleansed, Restored, Regenerated, Illuminated,
Enlightened, Guided, Taught and Reborn.

THE SON OF GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MANKIND’S REDEEMER AND
SAVIOUR WHO SUSTAINS HIS PEOPLE.

DURING OUR BAPTISM WE “...PUT ON CHRIST...” AS OUR
GARMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS so for the rest of our
lifespan we ought to LIVE IN CHRIST BY STRIVING
AND STRUGGLING TO FULFIL EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT
AND COMMANDED US TO DO.
BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE ENJOY A WONDERFUL FREEDOM
because we simply follow the Path upon which
Christ leads us, having shown us exactly how to do
so.
✶ “... all who ever came before Me...” is not a reference to
St Moses nor any of God’s Holy Prophets of the Old
Covenant, but to THOSE WHO CLAIMED OR CLAIM TO BE
EITHER THE GREAT MESSIAH OR PROPHETS – both before
and after Christ.

After St John the Baptist Forerunner , and our Lord
Jesus Christ, THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY SO-CALLED, SELF-
PROCLAIMED “PROPHETS”

OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS REVEALED AND TAUGHT HIS DIVINE
TRUTH TO MANKIND.

All we must do is LEARN AND UNDERSTAND DIVINE TRUTH so
that we might APPLY IT TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND
DEEDs, thereby preparing ourselves as Good and
Worthy Citizens of God’s Heavenly Kingdom of
Love.
– P SALM 48/49 – T ONE 1
P AUL TO TH E C OL OSSIANS 2: 8 – 12

As God the Eternal Son and Word, HE ALWAYS OBEYS THE
DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHO IS LOVE.

IN CHRIST - God and Man in one Person - HIS DIVINE
NATURE POURS INTO OUR HUMAN NATURE.
✶ “...complete in Him, Who is the Head of all Principality
and Power...”

EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN ASSUMED BY CHRIST IS HEALED
AND RESTORED TO OUR CREATED STATE AND PURPOSE.

WE CAN APPROACH THE LORD OUR GOD without having
to rise through manifold levels of being..

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – BEING GOD AND MAN – FULFILS OUR
HUMAN NATURE

All levels of being – all Creation - SUBMIT TO HIM AS OUR
DIVINE LORD, MASTER AND SAVIOUR.
made without hands... the Circumcision of Christ...”

According to God’s New Covenant of Love, through
the Holy Mysteries of Baptism (the Circumcision of
Christ) and Chrismation (the Gift of the Holy Spirit)
1. WE NO LONGER NEED TO RISE SLOWLY THROUGH A HUMANLY
CONCEIVED ‘SPIRITUAL BUREAUCRACY’ to reach our Lord
God and His Eternal Kingdom of Love.
2. WE MAY APPROACH OUR LORD DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR DIVINE
SAVIOUR Who is the Sovereign Power – our Divine
Ruler, King and High Priest – over all Angelic and
earthly beings.
3. WE NO LONGER NEED TO PERFORM MAN-MADE RITUALS NOR
WORKS (blood sacrifices) in order to gain our Divine
Redeemer’s attention, Compassion or Great Mercy.
4. WE ARE ABLE TO APPROACH OUR DIVINE LORD AND SAVIOUR
THROUGH HIS HOLY CHURCH AND HER SEVEN HOLY
MYSTERIES whereby we are ADOPTED BY GOD, UNITED
TO HIM AND SUSTAINED BY HIM.

2. CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – FEAST OF ST BASIL THE GREAT – 1 JANUARY

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TRIUMPHS OVER ALL THE TRAGIC 6. WE NURTURE AND STRENGTHEN OUR IMMORTAL SOUL BY
CONDITIONS OF OUR FALLEN EXISTENCE – sin, death, the DENYING THE SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR MORTAL FLESH.
flesh, the laws and the evil spirits – due to His own 7. WE DEVELOP A STRONG, INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Passion, Death and Glorious Resurrection. AND EACH OTHER through His Holy, Orthodox Church
✶ “...in the despoiling of the body of the flesh...Buried with and our Life in Christ.
Him in Baptism, in Whom also you are Risen
ALL MANKIND WILL BE RESURRECTED ON THE EIGHTH DAY – at
again...” our Final, irreparable Divine Judgement.

According to the Old Covenant Rite of Circumcision,
WE WILL BE RESURRECTED IN BODY AND SOUL AS CHRIST
only a small piece of flesh was removed, whereas SHOWED US WITH HIS OWN RESURRECTION but with a
ACCORDING TO OUR NEW COVENANT, THE NEW different appearance.
CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST – OUR HOLY BAPTISM – WE DIE
OUR LORD WILL SEPARATE HIS RIGHTEOUS FROM THE
TO THE FLESH AND LIVE IN GOD. UNREPENTANT SINNERS - those who are His beloved,

During and after the Holy Mystery of Baptism humble and obedient ‘... reason-endowed
1. We are SPIRITUALLY REGENERATED, REBORN AND RENEWED. Sheep...” from those who are like stubborn, wilful
2. We are SANCTIFIED IN BODY AND SOUL. and disobedient ‘Goats’
3. We are PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY SUSTAINED, CLEANSED
IF WE REPOSE IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE, HAVING REPENTED
AND NURTURED BY CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE AND REGULAR OUR SINS, WE WILL BE REUNITED WITH OUR LORD IN HIS
PARTAKING OF THE ESSENTIAL HOLY MYSTERIES of ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE.
Repentance-Confession, Holy ✶ “...the Faith of the Operation of God...”
Eucharist/Communion and Holy Unction.
FAITHFUL LIFE IN CHRIST NURTURES AND PROTECTS US
4. We PUT ON CHRIST LIKE A SACRED GARMENT OF against the sinful deceptions of the evil one who
RIGHTEOUSNESS causes our Spiritual Death – our Fall from Divine
5. We CONTINUE TO LIVE IN CHRIST by applying all His Grace.
Divine Truth to our thoughts, words and deeds.
LIFE IN CHRIST – our Christian Faith and Labours –
MAKES OUR VICTORY OVER EVIL POSSIBLE
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 2 : 20 – 21 & 40 – 52
At that time, the Shepherds returned, Glorifying and Praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it
was told them. And when eight days were completed for the Circumcision of the Child, His Name was called ‘Jesus,’
the Name given by the Angel before He was Conceived in the Womb.
The Child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom and the Grace of God was upon Him. And every year
His Parents went to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up
to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast.
And when they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and
His Mother did not know it. Supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey. And they
sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,
to look for Him.
And after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Teachers, and listening to them, and
asking them questions. All who heard Him were astonished at His Understanding and Answers. And when they
saw Him, they were amazed. And His Mother said to Him: “Son, why hast Thou done this to us? Look Thy father and
I have sought Thee anxiously.” And He said to them: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be
about My Father’s Business?”
And they did not understand what He said to them. And He went down with them to Nazareth. And He was subject to
them. And His Mother kept all these things in Her heart. And Jesus increased in Wisdom and stature, and in
Favour with God and mankind.
✶ This passage of Holy Scripture is read on THE FEAST OF Birth of Christ and led them to Bethlehem – to that
THE CIRCUMCISION of our Lord Jesus Christ, cave.
commemorated on 1 January.
As St Ambrose commented: “ ... if our Lady Herself

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED CIRCUMCISION ACCORDING learnt from the Shepherds, who do so many
TO THE PRECEPTS OF MOSAIC LAW – which He faithfully refuse to learn from the Presbyters of our Holy
followed throughout His Life and Ministry, Church?”

HE FULFILLED THE ENTIRE OLD COVENANT LAW as given by ✶ “...when eight days were completed...”
God to St Moses on Mount Sinai as well as all the
ACCORDING TO THE OLD COVENANT, on the Eighth Day
other Sacred Laws that developed thereafter. after birth, MALE INFANTS WERE taken by both parents

According to the New Covenant, HOLY BAPTISM to the Temple to be NAMED AND CIRCUMCISED.
REPLACED PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION AS THE UNIVERSAL
ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT, on the Eight Day after
MYSTERY OF SALVATION AND INITIATION INTO THE birth, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE INFANTS ARE TAKEN TO
CHURCH. CHURCH BY A FEMALE RELATIVE - (NOT THE MOTHER) - AND

THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION IS “THE THE FATHER, TO BE NAMED AND PRESENTED TO GOD AND
NEW CIRCUMCISION.” HIS HOLY CHURCH – THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT.
✶ ”...the Shepherds returned, Glorifying and Praising This is not the Holy Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation that
God..” takes place a month or two later. It is different to the

THE SHEPHERDS WERE HEBREW JUDEANS who watched over 40 Day Churching of the Mother that occurs 40 days
the sacrificial flocks of the Temple in Jerusalem.

THEY WENT IMMEDIATELY TO THE CAVE THAT SHELTERED THE after the birth of a baby when male infants are carried
HOLY FAMILY IN BETHLEHEM by the Priest through the Royal Gates and presented to

They were THE FIRST God at the Holy Altar, while female infants are presented
1. TO RECEIVE THE GLORIOUS GOOD TIDINGS FROM THE HEAVENLY at the Royal Gates.
HOSTS. OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR PERFECTLY FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT
2. TO PAY HOMAGE AND WORSHIP OUR NEW BORN KING – OUR LAW, including being Circumcised according to the
DIVINE SAVIOUR. Hebrew Law.
3. TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR LORD JESUS AS THE GREAT MESSIAH CIRCUMCISION SIGNIFIED THE NATION OF ISRAEL’S SACRED
Whom the Faithful had anticipated for so many COVENANT WITH OUR LORD GOD whereby all males
centuries.. became Sanctified Members of God’s Holy
4. TO GLORIFY AND PRAISE GOD BY OFFERING THEIR Community.
THANKSGIVING AND BY TELLING OTHERS about our  GENESIS 17:10 – 14 “... this is the Covenant you shall
Great, Divine Saviour keep... every male child... shall be circumcised...
5. TO WITNESS FIRST HAND THAT THE HOLY PROPHESIES WERE in the flesh of your foreskin...and my Covenant
BEING FULFILLED. shall be... an everlasting Covenant...”

The Shepherds imaged the New Covenant Bishops
THE RITE OF CIRCUMCISION WAS not the Sacred Covenant
and Priests of Christ’s Holy Universal, Orthodox but A SIGN OF THE COVENANT, which was only
Church who proclaim our Divine Saviour to the temporary as IT APPLIED ONLY TO ABRAHAM’S
entire world. GENEALOGY – HIS PHYSICAL LINEAGE including those

According to St Ambrose, THE PROFOUND FAITH OF OUR born in his house or purchased with his money.
LADY, THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS (ALL HOLY MOTHER
Therefore, THE RITE DID NOT APPLY TO THE “MANY NATIONS”
OF GOD) WAS FURTHER STRENGTHENED AND CONFIRMED BY NOR THE GENTILES, who would later BECOME
THE SHEPHERDS who told Her about their Encounter RIGHTEOUS BY FAITH IN THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
with the Heavenly Hosts who had announced the
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE SACRED RITE and
thereby brought it to fulfilment and an end.
CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – FEAST OF ST BASIL THE GREAT – 1 JANUARY 3..

After the Old Covenant Circumcision of Christ, there
was no need for THAT ANCIENT RITE, which IS
REPLACED BY THE NEW COVENANT HOLY MYSTERY OF
BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION
 LEVITICUS 12: 3 “... on the Eighth Day, the flesh of his
foreskin shall be circumcised...”

MARRIAGE, CONCEPTION AND BIRTH ARE HONOURABLE IN EVERY
WAY.

CONCEPTION AND BIRTH SYMBOLISE THE MEANING AND
PURPOSE OF THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM, for THE
SANCTIFIED WATER OF BAPTISM SIGNIFIES THE WOMB INTO
WHICH THE OLD LIFE OF SIN IS BURIED, as indicated by
the first seven days of life.

THE EIGHTH DAY SIGNIFIES THE RENEWAL OF OUR HUMAN
NATURE in the Holy Mystery of Baptism by God the
Holy Spirit into the world to come – God’s Heavenly
Kingdom of Love.

Consequently, CIRCUMCISION ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF LIFE
TYPIFIED THE CUTTING AWAY – OR REMOVAL – OF SIN by
the Holy, Mystical Circumcision of Christ that is
EFFECTED IN OUR HOLY BAPTISM.
 COLOSSIANS 2: 11 – 12 “... in Whom also you are
Circumcised with Circumcision Not Made By
Hand...”

REFER TO THE PREVIOUS EXPLANATORY NOTES pertaining to
this particular passage 

In Christ, according to His New Covenant, OUR
BLOODLESS CIRCUMCISION – TONSURING OF BOTH MALES
AND FEMALES - REPLACES THE ORIGINAL CIRCUMCISION of
eight day old male infants. – by making SMALL
OFFERINGS OF OUR HAIR WHICH IS CUT IN THE SIGN OF THE
CROSS.
We must all BE COMPELLED BY OUR LOVE OF GOD TO SEEK
 ROMANS 6 : 1 “...shall we continue in sin that Grace may
abound? Certainly not!...”

IF WE WILFULLY CONTINUE TO LIVE IN SIN, WE CANNOT POSSIBLY
EXPERIENCE THE LOVE, PEACE AND JOY OF UNITY WITH OUR
LORD GOD.

Even if Divine Grace increased, OUR VOLUNTARY SINS
THAT REMAIN UNREPENTED DESTROY USE .

WE HAVE FREE WILL TO CHOOSE TO SIN OR to resist
temptation and STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IN
CHRIST.

WE ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN SPIRITUAL LIFE OR
DEATH!

AN INCREASE OF DIVINE GRACE COMPELS US TO HONOUR,
WORSHIP AND GLORIFY GOD when we CHOOSE TO ALLOW
THE DIVINE POWER OF HIS GRACE TO LEAD US TO SPIRITUAL
PERFECTION, having BECOME DEAD TO ALL TEMPTATION
AND SIN.
✶ “...His Name was called ‘Jesus,’ ... given by the Angel
before He was Conceived in the Womb...”

The Sacred Name of “Jesus” (Latin); “Iisous” (Greek)
and “Joshua” (Hebrew) MEANS “SAVIOUR.”
1. To distinguish between our Lord Jesus Christ –the Eternal
Son of God - and ordinary human beings, “son of Nun” is
added to the name “Joshua” – i.e. “Joshua, son of Nun” or
“Joshua Navi.”
2. The Sacred Name “Emmanuel” means “God with us” referring
to the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God Who - through
His Incarnation - became “the Son of Man(kind)” Who
Lived in our midst and Who is Omnipresent forever.
✶ “...The Child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled
with Wisdom and the Grace of God was upon
Him...”

The Incarnation [assuming or taking on a visible, physical
body of flesh and bone] meant that OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST EXPERIENCED NORMAL HUMAN PHYSICAL,
EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH.

Under the special Overshadowing Grace of Almighty
God HE WAS FILLED WITH WISDOM AND STRENGTH – both
physical and Spiritual.

SIMULTANEOUSLY, according to His Divine Nature, OUR
LORD REMAINED DIVINELY PERFECT, despite HAVING
“EMPTIED” HIMSELF OF HIS DIVINE MAJESTY AND POWERS
in order to assume our Human nature.

OUR LORD VOLUNTARILY SUBJECTED HIMSELF TO OUR NATURAL,
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND EXPRESSION.

HE SUBMITTED HIMSELF COMPLETELY TO OUR HUMAN
CONDITION with the exception of our inclination to
sin. HE REMAINED PERFECTLY LOVING AND SINLESS.
✶ "... every year His Parents went to Jerusalem to attend
the Feast of the Passover...”

PILGRIMAGES TO JERUSALEM ON THE THREE GREAT FEASTS OF
PASSOVER, PENTECOST AND TABERNACLES, WERE
CUSTOMARY FOR ALL HEBREWS except those who lived
at great distances from the Temple.
✶ “...when He was twelve years old...” signifies that OUR
LORD JESUS HAD NOT YET REACHED EARLY ADULTHOOD AND
4. CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – FEAST OF ST BASIL THE GREAT – 1 JANUARY
was still under the responsibility and authority of
His Mother and Righteous Guardian.
According to the Old Covenant Mosaic Law, at the age of 13 years of
age boys become accountable for their actions having become ‘bar
mitzvah,” while girls became “bat mitzvah” at the age of 12, and
were often Betrothed and married soon thereafter in order to
produce strong, healthy offspring for the Nation of Israel.
✶ "... lingered behind in Jerusalem....” but He HAD NOT
PURPOSELY DISRESPECTED NOR DISOBEYED HIS MOTHER AND
RIGHTEOUS GUARDIAN.

HE WAS PREPARING Himself and His Chosen People FOR
HIS PUBLIC MISSION OF ETERNAL SALVATION.
“...Supposing Him to have been ... among their relatives
and acquaintances...”

CHILDREN WERE KEPT SAFE AND TAKEN CARE OF by all the
relatives and friends - being NURTURED AND
SUSTAINED LIKE THEIR OWN OFFSPRING .

OUR HOLY CHURCH AND COMMUNAL LIFE IN CHRIST HAS THE
SAME LOVING CARE since WE ARE ALL MEMBERS OF THE
ONE, UNIVERSAL BODY OF CHRIST .

WE ARE ALL THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD AND CO-HEIRS
WITH CHRIST of our Heavenly Father’s Eternal
Kingdom.
✶ “...they returned to Jerusalem, to look for Him....”

Although our Lord Jesus was old enough to take care
of Himself, THE LOVE OF HIS MOTHER AND RIGHTEOUS
GUARDIAN COMPELLED THEM TO SEARCH FOR HIM.
HIM AND RETURN TO HIS DIVINE PRESENCE BY REPENTING OUR
SINS AND BEING RESTORED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.
✶ “...after three days they found Him in the Temple...”
prefigured His Repose in the Tomb before His
Resurrection.
✶ “... sitting in the midst of the Teachers.. listening ...
asking... All who heard Him were astonished ....”

OUR LORD WAS SEATED - implying HIS EXTRAORDINARY
STATUS AND PROFOUND WISDOM, even though merely
12 years of age, for only the TEACHERS (RABBIS) WERE
SEATED..

HE NOT ONLY LISTENED INTENTLY BUT DEBATED TO SUCH AN
EXTENT THAT THEY WERE ALL “... ASTONISHED...” BY HIS
AMAZING DEPTH OF COMPREHENSION AND KNOWLEDGE.

OUR LORD JESUS OPENED THE MINDS OF THE JUDEAN TEACHERS
IN A SUPREME MANNER, AND REVEALED HIS DIVINE TRUTH
TO THEM, CAUSING THEM TO CONTEMPLATE THE HOLY
SCRIPTURES AND TEACHINGS IN A DEEPER, MORE
MEANINGFUL AND TRUTHFUL MANNER!
✶ “...I must be about My Father’s Business?” ...they did not
understand ...”

OUR LORD JESUS WAS NEITHER DISRESPECTFUL NOR
DISOBEDIENT TO HIS EARTHLY FAMILY, which would
have been alien to His Divine, Loving and Good
Nature.

HE WAS OBEYING THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN
PREPARATION FOR HIS DIVINE (AND PUBLIC) MINISTRY.

This was THE FIRST STATEMENT MADE BY CHRIST CONCERNING
GOD AS HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.

CHRIST DID NOT BREAK THE 5TH COMMANDMENT, “...Honour
thy father and mother...” because having
remained at the Temple was AN ACT OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS.

HE OBEYED GOD AND DID GOD’S WILL although they did
not fully understand at the time and were
naturally concerned for His safety.
✶ “...He was subject to them...” AS HIS LEGAL GUARDIANS WHILE
HE GREW UP,.

THIS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED HIS HUMBLE OBEDIENCE AND
RESPECT FOR HIS EARTHLY FAMILY.
✶ “...increased in Wisdom and stature, and in Favour with
God and mankind...” being HEALTHY IN BODY AND
SPIRIT due to THE WISDOM AND GRACE INHERENT IN HIM.

In His Incarnation, OUR LORD MADE HUMANITY COMPLETELY
HIS OWN, including progress in Wisdom and Grace.

HE EXPERIENCED AND SANCTIFIED EVERY STAGE OF HUMAN LIFE.

Since our Lord Jesus Christ is both God and Man, HE
INCREASED HUMANLY IN THE GRACE AND WISDOM THAT
WERE ALREADY FULLY HIS IN HIS DIVINE NATURE.

THE GROWTH OF CHRIST’S HUMANITY PREFIGURES OUR OWN
GROWTH INTO UNION WITH HIM.

AS CHRIST OUR GOD AND CREATOR TOOK ON COMPLETE
HUMANITY, HE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ACHIEVE
SPIRITUAL PURITY OR THEOSIS AND BECOME “GOD-LIKE.”
 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 4 5 JANUARY 2020

29TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY

EVE OF THEOPHANY
The Feast of St Theopemtos & St Theonas of Nicomedia – St Syncletica of Alexandria – St Micah, Holy
Prophet of God – St Apollinaria of Egypt – St Phosterios the Hermit – St Menas the Holy Ascetic of Sinai –
St Gregory of Crete - St Romanos the New Martyr of Karpenisi, Greece

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 7 – J OH N 20 : 1 - 10

P ROKE IM ENON – P SAL M 27 – T ONE (6) P LAGAL 2

O Lord, Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance!
To Thee, O Lord, I cry, O my God!
T H E S EC OND EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T IM OTHY 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 on the point of being sacrificed, and the time of my departure has come. 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 the Lord will award to me on that Day – the
Righteous Judge - not only to me but also to all who have Loved His Appearing.
✶ "... Timothy, my Son..." ST PAUL WROTE THIS PERSONAL LETTER
LIFE IN CHRIST IS A VOLUNTARY, SELF-SACRIFICING SACRED
TO HIS BELOVED DISCIPLE, ST TIMOTHY (circa 65 – 67) MISSION that bestows the greatest Rewards of
from Rome where he was imprisoned with chains, Victory on us.
suffering physical pain and facing execution.
HOLY MARTYRS GLADLY SACRIFICED THEIR LIFE – BODY AND

ST PAUL HAD ELECTED ST TIMOTHY BISHOP OF EPHESOS where SOUL – for the Divine Truth of Christ’s New Eternal
some Church members had promoted a variety of Covenant.
self-conceived “Theological” opinions ranging
If our Faith in Christ Jesus was nonsensical or mere
from the irrelevant to the heretical. fantasy, no one would willingly sacrifice

St Paul had therefore found it necessary to themselves!
Excommunicate some of these speculators and ✶ “...I have fought the Good Fight - I have finished the
heretics so he knew with which internal and Race - I have kept the Faith..”
external pressures the Church had to deal.
St Paul had certainly fulfilled the Sacred Mission for

THE HELLENISTIC ‘MYSTERY RELIGIONS’ MISUSED THE TERMS which Christ had Called him.
“SALVATION” AND “SAVIOUR” and THE CULT OF EMPEROR
The comparison of Spiritual Life to athletic contests
WORSHIP ACCORDED THE TITLE “LORD” TO THE EMPEROR. was common in the writings of our Holy Ascetic

ST PAUL STROVE TO GUIDE ST TIMOTHY through all the Fathers.
Pastoral challenges and questions he had to
WHEN WE EXPERIENCE AND KNOW DIVINE TRUTH, WE ARE
endure. COMPELLED BY OUR LOVE OF GOD TO DO WHATEVER IS
✶ “... be watchful in all things...” APPLIES TO EVERY DEVOUT REQUIRED OF US TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL.
DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.
EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED HAS A CONSEQUENCE both

We need to ALWAYS BE CONSTANTLY ALERT so as to AVOID now and Eternally. ACCORDING TO THE CHOICES WE
OR CORRECT ALL SINFUL TEMPTATIONS AND HERESY, FALSE MAKE, WE WILL BE EITHER BLESS OR CONDEMN OUR
BELIEFS OR TEACHINGS. ETERNAL EXISTENCE!.
✶ “...endure afflictions...” BY PATIENTLY TOLERATING all
EVERYTHING CONCERNING THIS CURRENT, MATERIAL WORLD
suffering, persecution, criticism, unkindness, etc WILL SOON PASS AWAY like smoke in the wind, BUT
against ourselves, FOR ALL THIS WILL EVENTUALLY PASS. ETERNITY IS NEVER ENDING AND EVER PRESENT.

BY FOCUSSING OUR ATTENTION ON OUR ULTIMATE GOAL –
PAUL EXHORTED ALL FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO
Eternal Life in God’s Kingdom of Love – and CONTINUE LIFE ACCORDING TO ALMIGHTY GOD’S
trusting implicitly in God, WE WILL BE ENCOURAGED COMMANDMENTS AND CHRIST’S MOST PERFECT EXAMPLE.
AND STRENGTHENED.
We ought to STRUGGLE CEASELESSLY AGAINST ALL
“...do the work of an Evangelist...” THROUGH OUR DAILY TEMPTATION AND EVIL INFLUENCE that threatens to
STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION that sets a good draw us further away from Almighty God.
example for others to imitate.
EACH DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING AND ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY to

OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS REVEAL OUR SPIRITUAL grow closer to God and His Eternal Kingdom.
CONDITION – either spiritual or worldly].
Although the “Race” refers to the Life and Holy Mission
✶ “... fulfil Thy Ministry...” WE ARE ALL CALLED TO SERVE OUR of St Paul it also refers to our own personal
LORD GOD TO THE VERY BEST OF OUR ABILITY. circumstances

BY STRIVING TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE ✶ “...the Crown of Righteousness...” IS THE MOST GRACIOUS
FULFIL OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S HOLY MINISTRY. BLESSING that ALMIGHTY GOD, OUR ONLY RIGHTEOUS

OUR SACRED MINISTRY means that we MUST BE SHINING JUDGE, AWARDS TO DESERVING SOULS.
BEACONS OF DIVINE LIGHT that will DRAW OTHERS TO
When we truly Love our Lord God we ceaselessly and
GOD’S LOVE AND ENCOURAGE THEM to follow Christ’s determinedly Struggle and Strive to OBEY AND FULFIL
Path of Righteousness. HIS DIVINE WILL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

EACH VIRTUE IS AN UNSPOKEN, SHINING EXAMPLE OF
OUR LORD SEES OUR SOUL AS IT REALLY IS and He will Judge
AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY. us accordingly.

EVER WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED AFFECTS EVERYTHING
EVERY SPIRITUAL OR PHYSICAL EFFORT WE MAKE, OUGHT TO BE
SURROUNDING US! MOTIVATED BY OUR LOVE FOR GOD AND ALL CREATION.
✶ “...I am ... being sacrificed...” FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S DIVINE
When we try to impress others for personal
TRUTH. glorification and material gain, WE CONDEMN
OURSELVES AND OUR EFFORTS ARE WORTHLESS.

S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
When we pray with all our heart and soul for Spiritual Benefits, our Lord responds with Divine Love and Mercy
T H
29 S U ND AY A FTER P ENTEC OST – B EF OR E T HEOP H ANY – 5 J ANU ARY 2020 5
 T H E H OLY G OSPEL
The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the 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 His Paths straight!’”
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 all were Baptised by him in the Jordan River,
confessing their sins.
John was clothed with camel’s hair, and a leather belt was around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And
he preached, saying: “There comes One after me Who is Mightier than I – Whose sandal strap I am not worthy to
loosen. I indeed Baptised you with water. He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”
✶ “...The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son
of God...” refers to THE SIGNIFICANT, FIRST EVENTS OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S PUBLIC MINISTRY OF LOVE AND
SALVATION.

These first major Events of the New Covenant of God
concern ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
AND HIS DIVINE MISSION.

The Gospel refers to THE EARTHLY LIFE OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST.

The Gospel is THE GOOD NEWS OR GOOD TIDINGS
CONCERNING OUR SALVATION – both now and
Eternally (Forever).

Our Salvation involves A LIFELONG PROCESS:
1. WE ARE SAVED when we accept Holy Baptism and
Chrismation.
2. WE ARE BEING SAVED
a) BY STRIVING TO FOLLOW CHRIST - applying all His
Divine Truth to our thoughts, words and
deeds thereby remaining in a state of
Spiritual Life.
b) BY STRUGGLING against all temptation and sin, -
continual self-examination and
Repentance in order to make good
Spiritual Progress and preventing a state of
Spiritual Death
3. WE HOPE TO BE SAVED, finally, after our lifelong
Journey of Repentance and Spiritual Struggles
and Labours that kept us in a state of Spiritual
Life in Christ.
✶ “...as it is written in the Prophets...” refers to ALL THE OLD
COVENANT/TESTAMENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE
COMING/ADVENT OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR/GREAT MESSIAH.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED THE GREAT MESSIAH WHO
SAVES ALL MANKIND FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH caused by
the evil one.

HE FULFILLED ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE OLD COVENANT,
WHICH IS REPLACED BY HIS NEW COVENANT OF LOVE AND
ETERNAL SALVATION.
✶ “...I send My Messenger before Thy Face, who will
prepare Thy Way before Thee...” referred to ST
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST.

St John is THE RIGHTEOUS FORERUNNER OF CHRIST because
1. HE ANNOUNCES THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST AND HIS NEW
COVENANT.
2. HE IS THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL GOD’S HOLY
PROPHETS.
3. HE PREPARED THE PEOPLE OF GOD FOR CHRIST’S NEW
COVENANT by URGING THEM TO REPENT their sins.
4. He CONTINUED TO ANNOUNCE THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN
HADES, after his Martyrdom.
✶ “...Prepare the Way of the Lord! Make His Paths
Straight!...”

St John was GOD’S HOLY MESSENGER – HIS EARTHLY ANGEL –
WHO CONTINUES TO CALL US TO REPENTANCE.

We are urged and exhorted to CONTINUOUSLY REPENT
our sins in order to receive Eternal Salvation and
Life in Christ Jesus.

Unless we CORRECT OURSELVES FROM WITHIN, we cannot
possibly RECEIVE GOD and MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL
PROGRESS at all.

AS GOD’S HOLY TEMPLES, WE MUST CLEANSE AND MAINTAIN
OURSELVES IN A WORTHY SPIRITUAL STATE.
1. BY REPENTANCE-CONFESSION
2. BY A CORRECT AND WORTHY LIFE IN CHRIST – FULFILLING
ALL OUR SACRED COMMITMENTS.

WE NEED TO BECOME RECEPTIVE TO DIVINE TRUTH AND LOVE in
order to be able to receive God’s Divine Light – His
Truth and Wisdom
✶ “...preaching a Baptism of Repentance for the Remission
of sins...”

The term “Baptism” refers to A FULL, COMPLETE IMMERSION
INTO SANCTIFIED WATER that is no longer mundane
6. 29 T H
S U ND AY AFT E R P E NTEC OST
ACCO R D ING TO S T M AR K 1 : 1 – 8
liquid that washes away physical dirt, but A
SACRED ELEMENT THAT SPIRITUALLY CLEANSES,
REGENERATES, RENEWS AND RESTORES US TO OUR
ORIGINAL, CREATED STATE.

The “Baptism of Repentance” refers to A SPIRITUALLY
CLEANSING IMMERSION INTO A SPIRITUAL STATE OF
SINCERE CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE – a state of
HEARTFELT CONTRITION, REGRET AND SORROW caused by
our sins and our GENUINE DETERMINATION NOT TO
COMMIT THOSE SINS AGAIN, which we have confessed
and Repented.

The term “Remission of sins” means that WE ARE NOT
COMPLETELY AND FOREVER CURED OF SIN.
1. WE ARE STILL INCLINED TO COMMIT SIN.
2. we need to BE CONSTANTLY WATCHFUL over our thoughts,
words and deeds.
3. We need to AVOID ALL TEMPTATIONS that lead us to sin.
4. We need CEASELESS PRAYERS for Guidance, Strength and
Protection against all wickedness.
5. We need to SUSTAIN OURSELVES WITH SPIRITUAL LABOURS
that keep us close to our Lord Jesus Christ and His
Divine Truth.
6. We need to LIVE IN CHRIST
a) by WORSHIPPING TOGETHER with our Brethren at
Church,
b) by DAILY SELF-EXAMINATION AND REPENTANCE,
c) by CEASELESS PRAYERS – morning, noon and night.
d) by DAILY CONTEMPLATION of Holy Scripture and the
Inspired Writings of our Holy Fathers,
e) by REGULAR PARTAKING OF THE ESSENTIAL HOLY
MYSTERIES
f) by FASTING according to Church Guidelines
g) by DAILY APPLICATION OF ALL CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS to our thoughts, words and
deeds
h) by CONTINUALLY LEARNING MORE AND MORE ABOUT ALL
THE MARVELLOUS ASPECTS OF OUR ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN FAITH.

St John’s Baptism was essential to THE PREPARATION OF
THE FAITHFUL for the Coming of our Lord and
Saviour.

However, St John’s Baptism for the Remission of sins,
merely SYMBOLISED THE WILLINGNESS OF THE FAITHFUL
TO REPENT THEIR SINS AND - BEING SPIRITUALLY CLEANSED
- TO WORTHILY RECEIVE THE GREAT DIVINE MESSIAH.

ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT HOLY MYSTERY OF
BAPTISM, GOD NOT ONLY
1. FORGIVES OUR REPENTED SINS, by wiping them away
altogether,
2. HE ALSO BRINGS US INTO A PERSONAL UNION with our
Lord Jesus Christ – and with our Triune Lord
God.
✶ “...all the land of Judea and those from Jerusalem, went
out to him...” – SEEKING KNOWLEDGE, REPENTANCE,
FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION.

This indicates THE SWEEPING IMPACT OF THE MINISTRY OF ST
JOHN THE BAPTIST who was perhaps the leading
religious figure outside official, Rabbinic Judaism

WE ARE ALL IN NEED OF DIVINE TRUTH that brings us Eternal
Blessings of Love, Joy and Peace.

IT IS UTTERLY NATURAL FOR US TO YEARN FOR GOD AND HIS
LOVING GOODNESS.

OUR IMMORTAL SOUL IS A TINY BREATH OF GOD, that
perpetually seeks Spiritual Reunion with our
Creator.
✶ “...all were Baptised by him in the Jordan River,
confessing their sins...”

AFTER THE FAITHFUL CONFESSED AND REPENTED THEIR SINS, ST
JOHN IMMERSED THEM IN THE RIVER JORDAN, thereby
SYMBOLISING THEIR SPIRITUAL CLEANSING.

THEY WERE THEN EXPECTED TO BECOME FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
OUR LORD GOD – of our Lord Jesus Christ.
– B EF OR E T HE OPH ANY – 5 JA NUARY 2020
CONFESSION OF SINS IS ESSENTIAL to both the Old and New
Covenant Baptism.
THE BAPTISM OF ST JOHN SIGNIFIED REPENTANCE AND THE
FORGIVENESS OF SINS ONLY, but did not confer the Power
of total Regeneration nor Divine Adoption as Children
of God as does the New Covenant

OUR NEW COVENANT BAPTISM IS THE FIRST STEP OF LIFE IN
CHRIST whereby we Strive and Struggle until our
final breath.

THE NEW COVENANT BAPTISM with its three Immersions in
the Names of God the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit, SANCTIFIES BOTH OUR BODY AND SOUL.

FROM THAT MOMENT ONWARDS, WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO
KEEP BODY AND SOUL SANCTIFIED.

BOTH OUR MORTAL BODY AND OUR IMMORTAL SOUL ARE
CONTINUOUSLY SANCTIFIED AND SPIRITUALLY SUSTAINED
BY THE VITAL HOLY MYSTERIES.
Therefore both our body and soul are Sacred Temples of God
that are always to be treated with complete respect.
After our Repose, at the separation of body and soul, the
body is to be returned to the earth whence it originated,
while the soul returns to God. For this Sacred Reason,
wilful cremation is forbidden and should be avoided at all
costs!
✶ “...John was clothed with camel’s hair, and a leather
belt was around his waist...” which came from THE
REMNANTS OF DEAD ANIMALS found in the Wilderness.

HIS CLOTHING WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF ST ELIJAH/ELIAS THE
TISHBITE, indicating that HE FULFILLED THE PROPHECY
OF ST ELIJAH’S RETURN.

HIS CLOTHING WAS TYPICAL OF THE ANCIENT HOLY PROPHETS
OF GOD - using whatever they found with which to
cover, protect and sustain themselves.
 4 KINGS 1 : 8 “... a hairy man wearing a leather belt
around his waist...”

ST JOHN FULFILLED THE ANCIENT HOLY PROPHECY
CONCERNING THE RETURN OF ST ELIJAH, who had not
suffered death but had ascended to Heaven in a
“Fiery Chariot...” witnessed by St Elisha, his Faithful
Disciple and successor as Holy Prophet of God.

THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE AND SPIRIT OF ST ELIJAH WERE
RECOGNISED IN ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WHO IS REGARDED AS
BEING “THE SECOND ELIJAH.” (MATTHEW 3:4)

St John’s Ascetic Life conformed to that of certain
Jewish Sects such as the Essenes, who lived in the
wilderness and prepared for the coming Kingdom
of God.
St John had grown up alone in the wilderness since the age of
two years, surviving by the Divine Grace and Great Mercy
of God.
T H E G RE AT AND H OLY FE
For many people, Christmas, New Year, Theophany and
other Great Feasts are neither ‘Feasts’ nor days of
Love, Joy and celebration, but times that cause them
much sorrow and hardship - especially for those
whose difficult and tragic circumstances prevent any
form of celebration and festivities.
Apart from those who are embittered by life’s ills, the
bereaved and the sick, most of these people have
been forced by necessity to become beggars because
they are poor, needy or destitute.
Some of them might not have cared much about their
own happiness, but have become impoverished and
buried by debt through their desire to please and
gratify their children or others who are dependent
upon them.
Such people weep in secret over their worries and woes -
and have become martyrs who swallow their chagrin
day and night as if it were a bitter potion.
And then there is another sad aspect of these Holy Feast
Days when we should be celebrating our Blessings
together - when we should be joyfully embracing
each other with Love.
Instead we have become estranged from each other –
separated by unresolved differences, resentments
and even hostilities.
There are those who are happy, and contented because
their circumstances are favourable, while, on the
contrary, there are those who are miserable, isolated
and ‘discarded’ by society due to their unfavourable
situation.
29 T H
S U NDAY A FTER P E NTE COST
The fact that he survived to adulthood, and fully knew God
and understood all Holy Scripture ,confirms St John as
our Lord God’s Most Holy Prophet.
No one had seen nor met St John before he began his Sacred
Mission as Forerunner to Christ.
St John beheld the Incarnate Son of God for the first time,
when our Lord Jesus Christ went to him to be Baptised in
the Jordan River. He immediately recognised Christ as
“the Lamb of God” Who Redeems all mankind.
He was the Baptist of Christ and Holy Witness to the Holy
Trinity – to Theophany – the Revelation of our Triune Lord
God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy
Spirit.
✶ “... he ate locusts and wild honey...” indicates that ST
JOHN ATE ONLY WHAT WAS PROVIDED BY GOD to sustain
his physical health.

“Locusts” refers to THE YOUNG SHOOTS OF THE LOCUST SHRUB,
which are edible (not the insects!)

ST JOHN NEVER KILLED NOR ATE ANY LIVING CREATURE.

HE LIVED AN ANGELIC LIFE like our original ancestors –
Adam and Eve – in Paradise.

MONASTICS HAVE STRIVEN TO IMITATE HIS ANGELIC LIFE of
ceaseless Prayer and Communicating with God,
as well as his strict vegan diet since the beginning
of Christ’s Holy Church.
✶ “...There comes One after me Who is Mightier than I...”

This is how St John announces THE ADVENT OF OUR
DIVINE SAVIOUR – the long-awaited Great Messiah
Who Saves His People.

ST JOHN CLEARLY IDENTIFIED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS OUR
ALMIGHTY, DIVINE SAVIOUR WHOSE POWER IS FAR GREATER
THAN ANY OF HIS HOLY PROPHETS, for HE IS INDEED OUR
INCARNATE LORD GOD – THE ETERNAL WORD AND SON OF
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
✶ “... He will Baptise you with the Holy Spirit...” means that
ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULLY POSSESSES AND
GRANTS US THE DIVINE GIFTS OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

According to God’s New Covenant - IN ORDER TO RECEIVE
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT AND ALL HIS DIVINE GRACE AND
GIFTS THAT ENABLE US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED
COMMITMENTS, WE MUST BE BAPTISED IN CHRIST.

The Holy Mystery of Baptism enables us to become THE
ADOPTED CHILDREN OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, AND THUS
CO-HEIRS TOGETHER WITH CHRIST OF HIS ETERNAL
KINGDOM OF LOVE.

Because of our Divine Adoption WE BECOME HIS
‘ANOINTED’ AND THUS WE ARE PROTECTED BY OUR LORD
GOD.
 PSALM 104/105:15 “... Do not touch Mine Anointed Ones,
and do not act wickedly towards My People!”
ASTS OF OUR O R TH OD OX CH R ISTIAN F AITH
Every day - and especially during our Great Holy Feasts -
“...a great chasm has been set in place...” and there is
no ‘bridge’ to unite the two sides of this great Abyss!
Those who are on the ‘wrong side’ of that great divide
become invisible to those who live well – overlooked
and unseen by those who flaunt their wealth and
their self-indulgent worldly goods in the face of the
famished and the destitute!
Such copious, careless greed and gluttony is far more
obvious on the Sacred Feasts of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who was Born in the humblest circumstances – in a
cave used to stable livestock, with a manger filled
with straw for His cradle!
The Birth of Christ is not celebrated by people who are as
poor as He was, but by the rich and self-righteous,
who use His abject poverty and Humility as a way to
display their wealth.
Yet, can any of us really feel happy or Spiritually Rejoice
in the midst of such misfortune, poverty and tragedy
that surrounds us?
Only if we are heartless and unmerciful monsters can we
display our avarice so blatantly to the wretchedly
unhappy, starving and deprived men, women and –
especially – children!
Tragically, there are far too many of us these days, who
can and do turn a blind eye towards our suffering
fellow sinners – who seldom, if ever, offer continuous
Thanksgiving to our Lord God for His infinite
Abundant Blessings not only by our Prayers but
especially by our actions – by sharing our Blessings
with those less fortunate.
– B EF ORE THE OPH ANY – 5 J ANU ARY 2020 7
The Great, Holy Feasts of our Orthodox Christian Faith
have always been Sacred Feast Days that celebrate
our Lord’s boundless Divine Love, which is the reason
for being very different to worldly festivities.
Our Feast Days were always modest, reverent Spiritual
Celebrations of Worship, Thanksgiving, and
Commemoration that ought never to scandalize,
burden nor offend the poor and the needy in our
midst.
Those of us who are wealthy or even ‘comfortably well
off’ ought to avoid further wounding the less fortunate.
Similar to our Saints and Righteous Brethren who have
gone before us, we should all feel the need to warm
their hearts by sharing our abundant Blessings, which
God intends us to do - by secretly sending gifts or
donations to them - tactfully, so as not to humiliate
them – without revealing our identity nor in the
expectation of acknowledgement or praise!
This was how our wonderful, simple customs came about
– how we expressed our own Joy and Thanksgiving to
God - with carols that children and their families sang
in the streets and at houses, with bells ringing, with
the exchanging of sincere greetings of beautiful
sentiments, with fitting practises and pleasant
company that bonded us together joyfully, rather
than separating and isolating anyone!
Unfortunately, overwhelming materialism and the beast
of callousness have corrupted and tainted these good
and Holy Great Feasts, which our forebears compared
most aptly to ‘staging-posts’ on the monotonous path
of life, believing that “...Life without Feasts is like a
long road without Inns...”
The ‘ modernizers’ pretend to be characters of weight and
positivity, but they are unmoved by Love and are
unemotional and uncaring because they believe –
and try to convince us - that all this is anachronistic
(antiquated or ‘old fashioned’) and of no importance at
all!
When we are lured into such ‘modern’ beliefs and praxis,
we become Spiritually Shrivelled and Spiritually
Dead!
The lack of unconditional and Holy Love for one another
causes us to become like frozen Spiritual Wastelands!
Without any Love, Joy, and Peace in our heart and soul,
we become unnaturally detached from our humanity
– we become inhumane and unfeeling towards others
O N THE G RE AT FE AST OF H OLY
“Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. The
Lord God has Appeared unto us! “
This Hymn of the Feast of Theophany acclaims two
significant Aspects: the Appearance of God to us, and
the Arrival of the One Who comes in the Name of the
Lord - the Man-God – our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the great Day of Theophany, God did not only Appear
to mankind, but also Man appeared to God - the Man
in Whom God is Well Pleased has finally Appeared -
the Eternal Son and the Beloved Man in Whom God
was Pleased and Satisfied.
Theophany shows us how we must Please our Heavenly
Father, since Perfect Image Whom we need to imitate
has been Revealed to us for “He is the One!” - He is
the Man Who is Most Blessed and Well Pleasing, for He
“...comes in the Name of the Lord!”
The most beautiful Title bestowed by God to One Who
pleases Him is: “My Beloved Son.”
God is Love. In His Love, He does not favour one over
another. The Beloved Son of our Heavenly Father is
the Son Who Loves Him.
So the Man Who that Appeared to us and Who is pleasing
to God is not just the Image of a Man Loved by God,
but He symbolises all His created beings.
At Theophany, the Image of Christ is the Holy Image of
One Who Loves our Heavenly Father to the end of this
preparatory lifespan - to death - even the horrific
death of the Cross.
God is Eternal Love and His Love encompasses everyone,
for He showers His infinite Blessings on both the
Righteous and evil people, which is evident since the
beginning.
What is needed now is the Faithful Christian, who,
according to the Likeness of Christ, ought to Love God
Who Loves us as our Eternal, Loving, Heavenly Father.
8. 29 T H
S UNDAY AFT E R P E NTEC OST
and are completely alienated from God, thereby
Spiritually Condemning ourselves until we Repent!
Joy and pain are linked, but when we become Spiritually
Dead, we are like the lifeless, colourless moonscape!
The ‘rationalists’ and ‘positivists’ thoroughly revel in and
encourage foreign fiestas and modern celebrations
that debase mankind with their humiliating,
degrading mockery and corruption.
Let us, dear Brethren in Christ, restore and preserve all
the original ways of simply and sincerely celebrating
the Divine Love of our Most Benevolent and All
Merciful Lord God.
Let us generously and happily share His Blessings of
Love, Joy and Peace with each other and – especially
with all the needy men, women and children who
surround us – those who are suffering all kinds of
sorrow and deprivation.
Let us see others clearly – regarding them as our own
needy family and putting ourselves – even for a brief
moment – in their difficult, impoverished
circumstances so that we are compelled by
Compassion and Empathy to relieve their sufferings
whenever and however we can.
Instead of wasting money, time and effort on yet more
unnecessary and selfish indulgences, let us share our
God-granted Blessings with those who lack even the
smallest of comforts.
Our Lord God is Love Itself! So whenever we celebrate His
Great Feasts, let us express our Love of God and our
Love for each other by acts of Love to those who need
it the most.
ORIGINAL TEXT BY FOTIS KONDOGLOU
ADAPTED AND EDITED BY MP
https://pemptousia.com/2019/01/our-feasts/
Fotis Kontoglou was a person of many talents: painter, iconographer
and man of letters. He was also a devout Orthodox Christian and a
critic of Ecumenism. He Reposed in 1965, which makes this a
particularly prescient article. Since then, we have experienced
concerted efforts aimed precisely at the globalism, multiculturalism,
syncretism and ecumenism, which he identifies in this article as
being foreign to Orthodoxy.
That being said, of course, the absence of Love and concern for our
fellow human beings is exclusively our own fault. [WJL]
TH EOPH ANY – ME TROP OL ITAN P AUL OF AL E PP O
The Son, or the Man Who is “the Beloved Son” needs to be
seen in each and every one of us who are the
adopted Children of our Heavenly Father.
At Theophany, the Holy Trinity is revealed as a Living,
Divine Love, for the Joy of our Heavenly Father is
expressed to His Beloved Son Who responds with His
Perfect human Love.
We Love, Obey and Please our Heavenly Father by Living
with Him – by Living in Christ - striving ceaselessly to
fulfill His Divine Will in all circumstances.
Throughout the ages, mankind has tried to please God
according to their ideas and beliefs.
According to the Old Covenant, worship and material
sacrifices and offerings signified Reconciliation with
God.
However, His Holy Prophets reminded His People that God
is not pleased with burnt offerings, because our
sincere contrition “ ...a broken spirit...” .and
Repentance is the only means of Reconciliation and
self- sacrifice that is pleasing to our Lord God.
Our God of Love desires all His Children to be both
Beloved and Loving, for our Relationship with God
cannot be built on fear and selfish indulgences, but
only on unconditional Love. Fasts, Prayers, Offerings
and Holy Virtue are not necessities of God, but are
very important to our Spiritual Progress. These
Spiritual Tools have no value in themselves but they
Transform our desire for temporal things to the all-
consuming Love for our Heavenly Father
All our Labours of Love ought to bear Spiritual Fruit for
the Love of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
http://paulyazigienglish.wordpress.com/
– B EF OR E T HE OPH ANY – 5 JA NUARY 2020
 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 JANUARY 2020

HOLY THEOPHANY – THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST

& THE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY

P R OKE IME NON - T HE OP HANY – P SALM 117/118 – T ONE 4

Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!

Confess the Lord, for He is Good; for His Mercy endures forever!
T H E E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO S T T ITOS 2:11-14 & 3:4-7
Titus my child: the Grace of God that brings Salvation has Appeared to all mankind, teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, Righteously, and Godly in the present age, looking for the
Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, so that
He might Redeem us from every lawless deed and Purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for Good
Works.
...For when the Kindness and the Love of God our Saviour toward mankind Appeared - not by Works of Righteousness
which we have done -but according to His Mercy, He Saved us, through the Washing of Regeneration and
Renewing of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having
been Justified by His Grace we should become Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life.
✶ “... Titos, my Child...” is THE GREETING ACCORDING TO HOLY ✶ “... our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ ...”
TRADITION, WHICH CONFIRMS ST PAUL AS THE AUTHOR OF THIS
Our Holy Church Fathers regard these words as A
EPISTLE. LANDMARK PROCLAMATION OF THE ETERNAL DIVINITY OF

ST TITOS WAS A GENTILE who was converted to our Faith OUR LORD JESUS.
by ST PAUL, HIS SPIRITUAL FATHER, who EVENTUALLY  R O M A N S 9 : 5 - “... for whom pertain the Adoption, the
APPOINTED HIM AS THE APOSTOLIC OVERSEER (BISHOP) OF Glory, the Covenants, the Giving of the Law, the
CRETE. Service of God, and the Promises, of Whom are the

THIS EPISTLE WAS WRITTEN CIRCA 63 – 55, after St Paul was Fathers, and from Whom, according to the flesh,
released from his first imprisonment in Rome. Christ came, Who is over all, the Eternally Blessed
✶ ‘,,,the Grace of God that brings Salvation has Appeared God.”
to all mankind...” – not only to His Chosen People of
Many opponents had accused St Paul of failing to
the Old Covenant – the Hebrew Judeans. Love his fellow Israelites.

Divine Grace is
JUDEAN UNBELIEF WAS ILLUMINATED BY ST PAUL’S DESCRIPTION
1. THE UNCREATED ENERGY OF ALMIGHTY GOD. OF ISRAEL – one that is physical - OLD COVENANT
2. THE SACRED GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, through ISRAEL – JUDAISM - and one that is Spiritual - NEW
which He grants His Divine Gifts to mankind in COVENANT ISRAEL – CHRISTIANITY.
Tender Mercy and Good Will.
GOD IS FAITHFUL TO BOTH THE OLD AND NEW ISRAEL,
3. THE FORMATIVE POWER - THE RULE OF LIFE OF THE
The significant point concerns THE TRUE CHILDREN OF
ESCHATON, that requires our determined ABRAHAM/ISRAEL who are THE CHILDREN OF THE DIVINE
participation and our personal Spiritual PROMISE – FAITHFUL BELIEVERS AND DISCIPLES of Christ
Struggle or Striving to maintain. our Lord and Saviour.
✶ “...live soberly, Righteously, and Godly ..., looking for the  2 P E T E R 1 : 1 – “... those who have obtained similar
Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing ... “ Precious Faith with us by the Righteousness of our

Although Christian ethical Teaching often appears God and Saviour, Jesus Christ...”
similar to other systems, St Paul used both Roman
St Peter taught an Apostolic Consensus – thereby
and Judean ethical terms – THE BASIS OF CHRISTIAN REMINDING AND EXHORTING US TO FULL CHRISTIAN BELIEF
ETHICS IS UNIQUE. AND VIRTUE – encouraging us to FAITHFULLY FULFIL

AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WE OUGHT OUR DAILY LIFE IN CHRIST by complete Obedience to
TO PERPETUALLY STRIVE FOR GOODNESS AND Divine Truth.
RIGHTEOUSNESS – not merely due to Obedience to
We need to PERSISTENTLY STRIVE TO FULFILL ALL GOD’S
Divine Law or harmony with nature, or in order to TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
gain Immortal Bliss for our soul.
ST PAUL BELIEVED THAT THE NAME “GOD” USUALLY REFERRED

Rather, we should make every effort to BECOME TO THE PERSON OF GOD THE FATHER, not to His Divine
RIGHTEOUS IN ANTICIPATION OF THE AGE TO COME. Nature.

WE ONLY HAVE THIS PRESENT TIME TO PREPARE FOR ETERNAL
AS ST PAUL MATURED, HIS SENSE OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
LIFE IN GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM. THIS PRESENT AGE AND THE AGE TO COME (Eternity) WAS

This is THE ESCHATON, which is THE AGE OF THE FULLNESS MORE PROFOUND. (deepened)
OF CREATION IN THE INCARNATE WORD AND SON OF GOD
In his earlier Epistles, ST PAUL EMPHASISED THE PRESENT
THE FATHER. REALISATION OF GOD’S DIVINE POWER.

TO BELONG TO GOD MEANS THAT WE DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE
LATER, HE CONCENTRATED MORE ON OUR FUTURE
TO BECOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ‘LIKE‘ OR SIMILAR TO GOD
TRANSFIGURATION.
in Whose Likeness and Image we are created. ✶ “...gave Himself for us, so that He might Redeem ... and

To be “Ransomed” or “owned” by our Lord God is not Purify ... His own special people, zealous for Good
simply a legal and static state, but means to LIVE IN Works....”
SOLIDARITY WITH OUR TRIUNE GOD BY OUR CEASELESS,

Our Lord Redeems and Purifies His Faithful Disciples
BLESSED AND VICTORIOUS SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE. who SINCERELY AND DETERMINEDLY STRIVE TO FULFIL HIS
After the Fall, we lost our Divine Likeness. However, our DIVINE WILL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
Loving and All Merciful Lord God has granted us this ✶ “...the Kindness and the Love of God our Saviour ...
temporary, preparatory period of earthly life to according to His Mercy...” refer to THE MARVELLOUS
constantly Struggle against temptations and sin, while
ATTRIBUTES OF OUR LORD, which are very different to
Striving to regain our Divine Likeness. mp
the Divine Attributes ascribed to Almighty God by
His ancient Holy Prophets.
H OLY TH EOPH ANY – B APTISM OF C HR IST & R EVEL ATION OF THE H OLY TRI NITY – 6 J ANU ARY 9

✶ “...through the Washing of Regeneration and Renewing
of the Holy Spirit...” refers to THE VITAL HOLY
MYSTERIES OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION., whereby we
are Saved, being Saved and hope to be Saved,
which is clearly evident throughout the New
Covenant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us that WE ARE RE-BORN
FROM ABOVE THROUGH “...Water and the (Holy)
Spirit....”
 JOHN 3:5 – Our Lord Jesus told us very clearly: “... Most
assuredly... unless one is Born of Water and the
(Holy) Spirit, one cannot enter the Kingdom of
God...”

THIS SPIRITUAL REBIRTH IS A DIRECT REFERENCE TO THE
SANCTIFIED, TRANSFORMING WATERS OF THE HOLY
MYSTERY OF BAPTISM, COMBINED WITH THE HOLY MYSTERY
OF CHRISMATION, WHEREBY WE SPIRITUALLY REGENERATED
AND ARE GIFTED BY GOD WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT Who
enables us to fulfil our Sacred Mission that is
essential to this preparatory lifespan before
Eternity.
 ACTS 2:38 – “... Repent, and let every one of you be
Baptised in the Name of Jesus Christ for the
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS PUBLICLY PROCLAIMED BY
At that time, our Lord Jesus went from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be Baptised by him. And John tried to prevent
Him, saying: “I need to be Baptised by Thee, and art Thou coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him:
“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all Righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
When He had been Baptised, Jesus came up immediately from the water. And behold:, the Heavens were opened to
Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And behold: a Voice came
from Heaven, saying: “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well pleased.”
✶ “...our Lord Jesus went from Galilee to John at the
Jordan to be Baptised...”

IT WAS THE VERY FIRST TIME OUR LORD JESUS AND ST JOHN THE
BAPTIST MET EACH OTHER,

Having gone all the way to the Jordan River to be
Baptised by St John, the Absolute HUMILITY AND
OBEDIENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS IS CLEARLY EVIDENT.

Throughout His 33 years of Incarnate Life, OUR LORD
LIVED HIS DIVINE TRUTH.

He was THE MOST PERFECT MAN WHO FULFILLED THE DIVINE
WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES –
EVEN UNTO DEATH!

As His Faithful Disciples, WE MUST IMITATE HIS PERFECT
EXAMPLE – TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST in Whose Image
and Likeness He created us.
✶ “...John tried to prevent Him...” because - BEING
SPIRITUALLY PURE OF HEART – HE IMMEDIATELY
RECOGNISED OUR LORD JESUS as the Incarnate Eternal
Son of our Heavenly Father.

HE KNEW CHRIST WAS SINLESS AND DID NOT NEED THE
SPIRITUAL CLEANSING AND RESTORATION OF BAPTISM.

HIS NATURAL HUMILITY, PROFOUND RESPECT AND LOVE OF GOD
CAUSED ST JOHN TO FEEL COMPLETELY UNWORTHY in the
Presence of the Great Divine Saviour.

HE WAS AFRAID TO LAY HIS HAND UPON THE MOST SACRED
HEAD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

ST JOHN WAS HIGHLY AWARE OF HIS SACRED ROLE as
Forerunner to Christ – TO PREPARE GOD’S PEOPLE for
His Great Messiah.
✶ “...But Jesus ... said to him: “Permit it to be so now, for
thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all Righteousness.”

they both knew that THEIR SACRED MISSION WAS TO SAVE,
REDEEM, REGENERATE AND RESTORE God’s Chosen
People of the Old Covenant, and all mankind
according to His New Covenant of Love.

THE OLD COVENANT OF ISRAEL WAS SUPPOSED TO LEAD THE
SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS of both Old and New
Covenants of Israel TO GOD.

ST JOHN THUS BAPTISED WITH WATER, AND CHRIST ACCEPTED
BAPTISM FROM HIM TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR ALL THEIR
FELLOW ISRAELITES.

AGAIN, CHRIST FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE OLD
COVENANT.
✶ “...Then he allowed Him...”

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST being God-Man, and thus
sinless, CERTAINLY DID NOT NEED THE SPIRITUAL
PURIFICATION and Sanctification of Repentance and
Baptism.
10. H O L Y T H E O P H A N Y – B A P T I S M OF C HR IST
Remission of sins; and you shall receive the Gift of
the Holy Spirit...”

This defines OUR LIFE IN CHRIST – our Life within His Holy
Church.

Disciples of Christ must
1. REPENT AND CONFESS sins consistently
2. Be BAPTISED
3. Be CHRISMATED in order to receive the Gift of God
the Holy Spirit

THE BAPTISMAL SERVICE OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH REFLECTS
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST.
1. ADULT CANDIDATES MUST FIRST REPENT AND CONFESS
THEIR SINS AND RENOUNCE THE EVIL ONE AND ALL HIS
WICKEDNESS.
2. They must be BAPTISED BY THREE FULL IMMERSIONS .
3. They are then CHRISMATED, receiving the Divine
Gift of God the Holy Spirit Who grants us
everything we need TO MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL
PROGRESS.

St Paul strongly encouraged us to ACCEPT THE WASHING
OF THE WATER, AND THE RENEWING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT –
THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION.
TO ST MATTHEW 3 : 13 – 17
GOD AS HIS ETERNAL SON AT HIS BAPTISM

BY MAKING THE PURIFICATION OF MANKIND HIS OWN, OUR
SAVIOUR
1. WASHED AWAY THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND,
2. GRANTED US SPIRITUAL REGENERATION and
3. REVEALED THE DIVINE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY –
God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy
Spirit.

Therefore, HIS BAPTISM WAS NECESSARY FOR THE FULFILMENT
OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUS PLAN OF SALVATION.
✶ “...When He had been Baptised, Jesus came up
immediately from the water...”

St Gregory of Nyssa explained that our Lord Jesus
Christ “... entered the filthy, sinful waters of the
(fallen) world, and when He arose from the water,
He Elevated (Uplifted) and Purified our entire
world with Him.”

By being Baptised, our Divine Saviour accomplished
several significant Things:
1. HE AFFIRMED THE HOLY MINISTRY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
AND FORERUNNER.
2. HIS TRUE, DIVINE IDENTITY WAS TESTIFIED TO AND REVEALED
BY the other Two Persons of the Holy Trinity – GOD
THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
3. HE IDENTIFIED WITH HIS PEOPLE by descending naked into
the waters of the Jordan River together with them.
4. HE PREFIGURED HIS OWN FORTHCOMING DEATH, BURIAL AND
RESURRECTION, which gave the Holy Mystery of
Baptism its ultimate Meaning and Purpose.
5. HE SANCTIFIED ALL THE WATER ON EARTH when He entered
the waters of the River Jordan.
6. HE FULFILLED THE MANY FORETYPES MENTIONED IN THE OLD
TESTAMENT HOLY SCRIPTURES – such as
a) when St Moses led the Israelites from bondage
into Freedom through the Red Sea,
b) when the Ark of the Covenant was carried into
the Jordan River so that the Faithful People of
God could enter the Promised Land. (EXODUS14 &
JOSHUA 3,4 & 7)
7. HE OPENED HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM to a world that had
been separated and exiled from God due to our
rebellion, disobedience and all unrepented sins.
✶ “...the Heavens were opened ... he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and alighting upon Him...
a Voice came from Heaven...”

The Baptism of Christ is correctly entitled “THEOPHANY”
meaning “GOD REVEALED.”

THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD IS
REVEALED, ACKNOWLEDGED, CONFIRMED AND
PROCLAIMED BY
1. THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,
& R E VEL ATION OF THE H OLY T R INITY – 6 JA NUARY
 2. THE DIVINE VOICE OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

THEOPHANY IS THE GREATEST AND CLEAREST PUBLIC
MANIFESTATION OF OUR TRIUNE GOD in human
history – “...the Trinity was made Manifest...” as
we so Joyfully sing.

The Appearance and Descent of God the Holy Spirit
“...LIKE a dove...” was certainly NOT AN
INCARNATION at all but was A VISIBLE SIGN OF
SOMETHING SUPERNATURALLY MYSTERIOUS THAT
DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN AND ALIGHTED UPON CHRIST
OUR LORD.
Doves are able to hover in the air, which is how the witnesses
described what they beheld, but the Holy Spirit did not
take the form of a dove, which is an incorrect
assumption that should be avoided or rejected at all
costs!!
Only our Lord Jesus Christ became Incarnate – visible, Flesh
and Blood.
We can only describe anything according to our personal
experiences and limited knowledge. mp

THIS MYSTERIOUS, INDESCRIBABLE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT FULFILLED THE TYPE THAT HAD BEEN PREFIGURED
AFTER THE GREAT FLOOD, as St Theophan explained:
“... just as a dove announced to Noah that God’s
Wrath had ceases, so too the Holy Spirit
Announced on Theophany that Christ has
Reconciled us with God by sweeping sin away in
the Flood Waters of Baptism...”
 GENESIS 12 “The Spirit of God...” HOVERED OVER THE
WATER AT THE FIRST CREATION.

God the Holy Spirit hovered “...like a dove...” before
alighting upon our Lord’s Head, thereby ANOINTING
HIM AS THE GREAT MESSIAH – our Lord and Saviour –
at THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW CREATION (the New
Covenant between God and mankind.)

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS ALWAYS RESTED UPON OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST.
✶ “...This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well
pleased...”

These Divine Words actually spoken by God our
Heavenly Father, also APPLY TO EVERYONE WHO IS
BAPTISED AND WHO STRIVES CEASELESSLY AND
DETERMINEDLY TO LIVE IN CHRIST, for WE ARE DIVINELY
ADOPTED AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM, BECOMING CO-HEIRS
WITH CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.
THE GREAT FEAST OF THEOPHANY – THE BAPTISM OF
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, today, we celebrate the
third Great Feast of our Lord.
The first is His Nativity, the second is His Circumcision and
the third is His Baptism.
Since the Divine Liturgy of St Basil the Great, which we
celebrate this morning, is longer than that of St John
Chrysostom which is celebrated every Sunday, I shall
speak only a few words.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is sinless, and so He had no need
of Baptism, yet He went all the way to the Jordan River
to receive St John’s Baptism because He always
obeyed the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father, and by
being Baptised, our Lord Jesus Christ validated the
Sacred Work of St John.
Furthermore, reliable witnesses heard the Voice of our
Heavenly Father saying: “This is My Beloved Son, in
Whom I Am well pleased!” - the Divine Voice of the
Old Covenant, which had declared the Messiah as
the Beloved Son of God (PSALM. 2:7 &; ISAIAH 42:1).
When our Lord Jesus “...arose at once from the water...” it
clearly demonstrated His sinlessness, because in those
days the people who were being Baptized stayed in
the water for as long as it took them to confess their
sins.
And when the Heavens opened - even though Adam had
closed them with his sin of disobedience – it signified
that when we receive the Holy Mystery of Baptism and
are adopted by our Heavenly Father, the Heavens are
opened to us as well.
Another Most Wonderful Aspect of that first Holy
Theophany was when God the Holy Spirit descended
upon our Lord Jesus Christ in order to Anoint Him as
HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2019
 GALATIANS 4:4-7 – “ ... 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 Adoption
as sons. For being, sons, God sent forth the (Holy)
Spirit of His Son into your heart, crying out “Abba!
Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but
a son, and if a son, then an Heir of God through
Christ...”

OUR ONGOING GROWTH INTO DIVINE ADOPTION – being a
Sanctified Heir of God – IS DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE BECOME WHAT GOD IS BY HIS DIVINE
NATURE – i.e. we become LIKE GOD IN PURITY OF HEART
AND SOUL.

The entire Purpose of this lifespan is to REGAIN OUR
DIVINE LIKENESS TO OUR CREATOR.

We do not BECOME ‘GODLIKE’ due to our human nature
but ONLY THROUGH SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, THEOSIS OR
DEIFICATION.

EACH PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY – our Heavenly Father,
our Lord Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit – IS
INVOLVED IN OUR SACRED SPIRITUAL PROCESS of
Transformation and Restoration.

To BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD BY DIVINE GRACE, we must
BELIEVE IN AND KNOW OUR ALMIGHTY LORD GOD through
our very close, intimate and personal Relationship
with God.
 P S A L M 2 : 7 “... Thou art My Son... Today I have
Begotten Thee...”

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST did not ‘become’ the Son of God
at Theophany, for HE IS ETERNALLY THE WORD AND SON
OF GOD – He has always been so!

WE BECOME THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH THE
HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was REVEALED TO MANKIND AS THE
ETERNAL SON OF GOD THE FATHER ON THAT GLORIOUS
DAY.

THEOPHANY – THE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY -POINTS
US TOWARDS THE BLISSFUL AGE TO COME – ETERNAL LIFE
IN GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.

It is remarkable how THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST REVEALED TO US THE INFINITE MYSTERY OF THE
HOLY TRINITY when
1. GOD THE FATHER spoke from Heaven,
2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT Descended, hovered and
alighted upon
3. the Incarnate, Eternal SON AND WORD OF GOD.
CHRIST & THE REVELATION OF GOD THE HOLY TRINITY
being far Superior to St John the Forerunner, who had
Baptised Him.
This was opposed to the belief of the Hebrew Judeans
who considered St John the Baptist as being a Great
Holy Prophet who was highly respected by everyone.
When the Holy Spirit descended and alighted upon the
Head of our Lord Jesus, the witnesses knew without
any doubt that the Voice of our Heavenly Father
spoke of Him rather than St John the Baptist,
proclaiming: “This is My Beloved Son...”
This is also why the Holy Spirit, “... like a dove...” hovered
above and then alighted upon the Head of Christ our
Divine Saviour.
In order for us to receive the Divine Grace of the Holy
Spirit, we have to be Pure of heart so that just as a
dove - carrying an olive branch in its beak -
announced the end of the Great Flood to Noah, so too,
the symbolic Dove of Purity announces the Remission
of our sins through the Holy Mystery of Baptism.
Our Holy Fathers have explained that the opening of the
Heavens and the Descent of God the Holy Spirit at
Christ’s Baptism were precursors to our Christian
Baptism, whereby we become the Beloved Children of
our Heavenly Father.
So, let us never forget our Holy Baptism when we were
adopted by God, and let us honour each other as Co-
Heirs with Christ, by keeping our Baptismal Garment
of Righteousness stainless through regular
Repentance and a constant Life in Christ.
Amen
METROPOLITAN JEREMIAH OF GORTYN & MEGALOPOLIS
(ADAPTED AND EDITED BY MP)
https://pemptousia.com/2019/01/christs-baptism/
11.
 L OV E AND P R AYER
The very heart of True Prayer is Spiritual Desire – Love.
Our Holy Fathers refer to this Spiritual Desire for God as
“Eros,” which modern usage has corrupted - as a
reference to sexual desire – yet it is such a profound
word, without substitute in the language of the Holy
Church of Christ.
According to Dr Timothy Patitsas of Holy Cross in
Brookline: “... by ‘Eros’ we mean the Love that makes
us forget ourselves entirely and run towards the
other without any regard for ourselves...” while Allan
Bloom described Eros as “...Love’s mad self-
forgetting...” (“ ROAD TO EMMAUS” - VOL. XV, NO. 2, SPRING, 2014).
Dr Patitsas, in the same interview, offered this observation
of St Maximos the Confessor’s teachings:
“...St Maximos says that God is so Good that His Goodness
could not be contained within Himself. It poured forth
‘outside’ Himself in a cosmic Theophany over against the
face of Darkness [Nothingness). The appearing of this
ultimate Beauty caused non-being itself to forget itself, to
renounce itself, to leave behind its own non-
being/existence and come to be.
All of Creation is thus marked by this Eros - this movement
of Doxology, Liturgy, Love, and Repentance out of chaos
and into the Light of existence. Creation is Repenting
from its first moment, for Repentance does not require
the perquisite of sin. It simply means to put our attention
still more deeply upon Christ - to Love Him much, much
more than we have before. Of course, compared to that
“more deeply,” the prior state looks like sin – but this is
partly relative for us.”
This is a profound summary of the Work of Creation,
particularly in its use of St Maximos’ imagery and
thought. But this account of Creation, almost
scandalous in its ‘Erotic’ content, goes to the heart of
Worship, Prayer and Repentance.
The Language of Prayer in Orthodoxy is frequently
deeply ‘Penitential’ - filled with extreme expressions.
We describe ourselves as “... the worst of sinners...” etc
and the Prayer of St. Basil the Great is typical:
“...Although I have completely subjected myself to sin and
am unworthy of Heaven, of Earth and of this passing
Life, even though I am a slave to delights and have
disgraced Thine Image, yet I still do not lose Hope in
Salvation, wretched as I am, for Thou hast made and
fashioned me. I place my Hope in Thy Boundless Mercy
and approach Thee …”
We pray with such extreme language, reflecting not a
vision of legal condemnation but rather, the
recognition of Beauty itself, in Whose Presence we
appear broken, soiled, with nothing to recommend
us.
It is the language of Repentance – but not of morbid self-
hatred - of self-forgetting, of leaving the self behind, of
finding nothing within the self to cling to.
There is another word for this self-forgetting: “Ecstasy,”
which has also been abused by modern language –
referring to an extreme emotional state. Yet its Greek
root means to “...stand outside of oneself.” Thus our
Holy Fathers speak of God’s Ecstasy – His going forth to
us. And there is also our personal Ecstasy - as we
forget ourselves completely and rush towards Him.
It could be argued that the language of self-deprecation
in Liturgical Prayers is very much a “Remembering”
and “Dwelling” on the self. Within a legal metaphor
this might be quite true. So we must listen carefully to
every word of the Prayers.
“O Lord, I know that my transgressions have mounted
higher than my head, but the Greatness of Thy
Compassion is incomparable and the Mercy of Thy
Bounty is Indescribable and free of malice. There is no
sin that surpasses Thy Love for mankind. Therefore, O
Wondrous King and All Gracious Lord, show Thy Great
Mercy to me, a sinner; show me the Power of Thy
Goodness; show me the Strength of Thy Long-Suffering
Mercy, and receive me, a sinner, as I turn to Thee...” (ST
SYMEON THE TRANSLATOR)
Our sins have driven us back towards non-being and
nothingness. But God in His Great Mercy continues to
Call us into existence and to Raise us up from the
emptiness of our sin.
Non-being is not evil. It is not anything. It is neither good
nor neutral. It is nothing. Our Holy Fathers recognized
a Trinity of Existence: Being, Well-Being, Eternal Being.
They also recognized another Trinity: Beauty, Goodness
and Truth.
12. H O L Y T H E O P H A N Y – B A P T I S M OF C HR IST
– FAT HE R S TE PHE N F REEM AN
Our being/existence, is inherently Good, for it is the Gift of
our Good God, Who alone has True Being (“Being
Beyond All Being”). And we are created with a
direction or movement - Kinesis - which is our
Spiritual Progress from ‘Being’ towards ‘Well-Being’
and, ultimately, ‘Eternal Being,’ which is our True
Union with Christ - Theosis – Spiritual Perfection.
We are Called into Existence when we behold the Beauty
of God. Being drawn towards Him, we also see His
Love and His Self-Emptying for the sake of all
mankind. And His Divine Goodness and Love moves
us towards our End in Christ Who is Divine Truth and
Love.
Spiritual Eros and Ecstasy ought to be understood in the
proper perspective and order, since these specific
words are now used so casually and erroneously.
Furthermore, only in the correct context do we
understand sin as a serious “Ontological” problem
(having to do with our Being/Existence).
Sin is a movement away from Being, Well-being, and
Eternal Being. It is a distorted direction (‘hamartia’:
“missing the mark”). It is equally the refusal of Beauty
and Goodness, without participation in the Truth.
For example: when we see others in genuine need and
we have plenty to spare, yet we choose to ignore their
requirements, although we have ‘preserved’ our
abundant possessions for ourselves, we have actually
impoverished and condemned our immortal soul, for
we have diminished our own Being/Existence since it
all depends on our voluntary movement towards Well-
Being and Eternal-Being.
We gain Well-being and Eternal Being only by following
the Divine Truth and Perfect Example of Christ, which
is our movement towards Divine Grace within Him.
Christ’s Kinesis (Self-Emptying) towards all Creation is the
Perfection of Generosity, for Generosity is Union with
Christ – our movement towards Well-Being.
It is sinful to withhold help from those in need but not in a
merely legal sense, because the sin is a movement
towards non-existence – away from the proper
direction of our Life.
From the depths of our non-existence we cry out to God
for Mercy, and when we behold His Beauty we forget
ourselves and all worldly concerns - calling out to the
One Who has Called us. Our Love of His Beauty draws
us to His Goodness, and we give generously to the
needy, being filled with overwhelming Love for each
other.
When we are able to forget ourselves in the Presence of
Divine Beauty and Love, with contrite heart, we
confess our emptiness, our non-existence and are
granted True Being/Existence. A pure-hearted
Repentance-Confession is Ecstatic, for it is a
movement out of our self towards the Other – Christ.
Proper comprehension of our Orthodox Christian Faith
explains the importance of beauty in the Church and
in all Her Holy Services, especially the Divine Liturgy –
all of which is essential to the correct Worship of God.
Although modern society regards beauty as a ‘luxury’ of
an elite few, the idea that the costs “... should be given
to the poor...” are the words of Judas Iscariot, the
Betrayer of Christ! And those who think like this rarely
give anything to others.
Beauty is not a contradiction of generosity for it is a
movement towards Goodness, which is compelled by
generosity. It is at the very heart of Christ’s Holy
Gospel, touching the heart and drawing us to His
Divine Truth.
In this over-rationalized world we tend to think that
reasoning and arguments draw people to Christ. Yet,
first our heart and soul must be drawn to God, which
initially occurs through the Divine Beauty and Truth of
our Orthodox Faith.
If we are unable to share the intense Beauty and Truth of
the Holy Gospel, then we have not yet understood It
and clearly lack the requisite Gifts of doing so. This is
why St Porphyrios said, “...Whoever wants to become a
Christian must first become a poet.”
The Teachings of our Holy Fathers are the ‘Doorways’ into
greater perception of the Divine Mysteries of the Holy
Gospel, for the absence of such depth reveals the
poverty of legal imagery – as well as its lack of True
Beauty and Love.
(EDITED & ADAPTED BY MP)
WWW.GLORY2GODFORALLTHINGS.COM
& R E VEL ATION OF THE H OLY T R INITY – 6 JA NUARY
 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.
7 JANUARY 2020

S Y NAX IS OF S T J OH N THE B AP TIST & F ORER U NNE R

A F TE RFE AST OF T HE OP HANY
Also the Feast of St Pachomios of Keno Lake – St Brannock of Braunton, Wales – St Cedd of
Lastingham

P ROKE IM ENON PALM 63/64 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

The Righteous Man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall Hope in Him.
Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplication.
T H E A CTS OF THE AP OSTLE S ACC OR D ING TO S T L U KE 19: 1 – 8
In those days, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper regions, went to Ephesos. And
finding some Disciples, he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you Believed?” They said to him: “But
we have not heard about the Holy Spirit!” He said to them, “Into what were you Baptised?” They said, “Into John’s
Baptism.” Paul said, “John indeed Baptised with a Baptism of Repentance, saying unto the people that they should
believe in Him Who would come after him - that is - in Christ Jesus.”
When they heard this, they were Baptised in the Name of our Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands upon them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke with Tongues and Prophesied. These men were in all about twelve.
He went into the Synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things
of the Kingdom of God.
“...having passed through the upper regions, went to Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and
Ephesos...” which was THE LARGE, MAGNIFICENT CAPITAL God the Holy Spirit.
CITY OF THE ROMAN PROVINCE OF ASIA MINOR. ✶ “...when Paul had laid hands upon them...” for the

Located on THE MAIN ROUTE FROM ROME TO THE EAST, it RECEIVING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT .
was A MAJOR CENTRE OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, NOT
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS
ONLY IN GOODS BUT ALSO IN IDEAS. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.

Because of its strategic location, EPHESOS BECAME A
THE TWO EVENTS ARE DISTINCT BUT NOT SEPARATE.
CENTRE OF OUTREACH FOR THE GROWING CHURCH.
The Orthodox Church continues this APOSTOLIC

CHURCHES WERE ESTABLISHED IN ALMOST EVERY CITY AND SACRAMENTAL PRACTISE.
TOWN IN THE PROVINCE WITHIN THREE YEARS, including ✶ “...the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke
the churches to which the Seven Letters in the with Tongues and Prophesied...” shows how THE
Book of Revelation/the Apocalypse are DIVINE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES US TO
addressed – in Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamum, FULFIL WHATEVER OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILLS.
Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."
This confirms that THEY WERE CHRISMATED and

ST PAUL REMAINED IN EPHESOS FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO received the Divine Gift of God the Holy Spirit.
YEARS AND SEVERAL MONTHS.
At that time, IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE HOLY GOSPEL OF

ST PAUL FOUNDED THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN EPHESOS CIRCA CHRIST TO BE CORRECTLY UNDERSTOOD AND THEN
53 – 56. TAUGHT TO OTHERS, so VARIOUS DIVINE GIFTS WERE

ACCORDING TO HOLY TRADITION ST JOHN THE BELOVED BESTOWED AS AND WHEN NECESSARY.
APOSTLE AND OUR ALL HOLY LADY, THEOTOKOS, ALSO
The Gift of Tongues is the means of COMMUNICATING
LIVED IN EPHESOS WITH THEIR FAMILY. CLEARLY AND CORRECTLY BY THE POWER OF GOD THE
✶ “...Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you Believed?” HOLY SPIRIT.
...” refers to THE DIVINE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
THE GIFT OF TONGUES DOES NOT NECESSARILY INVOLVE
WHO ENABLES US TO ACCOMPLISH ALL OUR SACRED SPEAKING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES BUT CAN BE THE
TASKS. INSTANT COMPREHENSION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

THE NEW COVENANT BAPTISM WAS CONDUCTED IN THE NAME spoken by others, yet CLEARLY COMMUNICATED AND
OF THE HOLY TRINITY AND INCLUDED CHRISMATION UNDERSTOOD IN ORDER TO FULFIL DIVINE WILL.
whereby the Gift of God the Holy Spirit is also
THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE GIFT OF TONGUES WHEN
bestowed. EVERYONE CAN COMMUNICATE IN A COMMON LANGUAGE
“...a Baptism of Repentance...” was according to THE OLD so it is rarely manifested in a specific language,
COVENANT, WHICH PREPARED THE FAITHFUL FOR THE at a specific time and place.
APPEARANCE OF THE GREAT DIVINE MESSIAH.
The SENSELESS BABBLING of those claiming to “speak in

ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT, WE ARE NOT ONLY tongues’ IS A WICKED MOCKERY AND BLASPHEMY OF THE
CLEANSED OF ALL REPENTED SINS, BUT ALSO GRANTED HOLY SPIRIT caused by the evil one and is to be
SPIRITUAL REBIRTH, RENEWAL, RESTORATION AND REJECTED AS SUCH IMMEDIATELY!
REGENERATION that makes us ADOPTED CHILDREN OF
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY WAS GRANTED IN THOSE EARLY DAYS
TO CAUTION ALL THE FAITHFUL AGAINST THE
GOD FOREVER.
CONSEQUENCES OF TEMPTATIONS AND SINS – to exhort

Because OUR REPENTED AND CONFESSED SINS ARE ONLY IN
us to Repent and correct our sins and errors, in
“REMISSION” – BUT NOT CURED – we need to continue
order to return to Spiritual Life in Christ Jesus.
our perpetual Spiritual Struggle against all
Again, we ought to be very careful of self-serving
temptations, vices and sin. ‘prophecies.’

Thus after our Baptism and Chrismation, WE MUST ✶ “..., reasoning and persuading concerning the things of
CONTINUOUSLY STRUGGLE AND STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL
the Kingdom of God...”
PERFECTION until we draw our final breath in this
FAITHFUL PREACHING OF the Holy Gospel demands
temporary existence. Preaching THE KINGDOM OF GOD
✶ “...they were Baptised in the Name of our Lord Jesus...”
ANY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST WITHOUT THE REALITY OF
meaning that they received the New Covenant HIS KINGDOM - as it is experienced in the Church
Salvific Holy Baptism in the Name of God the and in the Age to come – IS NOT TRUE CHRISTIANITY.

T H E S Y NAX IS OF S T J OHN THE B APTIST – AF TE RF EAST OF T HE OP H ANY 7 JA NUARY 13

 T H E H OLY G OSPEL
At that time, the next day, John saw Jesus coming towards him, and said: “Behold! The Lamb of God Who takes away
the sin of the world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who is preferred before me, for He was before
me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be Revealed to Israel. Therefore I came Baptising with water.”
And John bore witness, saying: “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I
did not know Him, but He Who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: ‘Upon Whom Thou see the Spirit
descending, and remaining, is He Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and Testified that This is the Son of
God.”
✶ “...: “Behold! The Lamb of God...” was a reference to THE
INSPIRED PROPHECY OF ST ISAIAH concerning the
“...Servant of God...” Who died for the transgressions
of His People.

ISAIAH 53: 4 – 12 : “... he bears our sins and suffers for
us, ... He was wounded because of our
lawlessness, and became sick because of our
sins. The chastisement of our peace was upon
Him and by His Bruise we are Healed. Like
sheep, we have all gone astray... the Lord
Delivered Him for our sins...”

OUR SINLESS DIVINE SAVIOUR TOOK UPON HIMSELF OUR
CHASTISEMENT AND GRANTED US SPIRITUAL PEACE.

THROUGH HIS SACRIFICE WE ARE SAVED FROM THE TERRIBLE
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION – an Eternity of suffering
and exile from God and all His Goodness and
Love.
 1 PETER 1 : 18 – 19 “... (we) were not Redeemed with
corruptible things like silver or gold... but with
the Precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without
blemish and without spot...”

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED THE SPOTLESS PASCHAL
LAMB WHO OFFERED HIMSELF for our Deliverance from
Spiritual Darkness and Death.

According to the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father,
His Beloved Son was offered as THE ULTIMATE, MOST
PERFECT BLOOD SACRIFICE for the Forgiveness of all
mankind’s sins.
 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 – “... He made Him Who knew no sin
to be ‘sin’ for us, that we might become the
Righteousness of God in Him...”
✶ “...This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who
is preferred before me, for He was before me.’...”

According to St John Chrysostom OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
WENT TO ST JOHN THIS SECOND TIME IN ORDER FOR ST
JOHN TO MAKE THIS SIGNIFICANT DECLARATION and thus
prevent anyone from erroneously thinking that He
needed Baptism to wash away sin, for He is sinless.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is indeed “...preferred before ...”
St John the Baptist for He IS THE BELOVED ONLY
BEGOTTEN, ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.
1. He is THE SECOND PERSON OF THE ONE DIVINE GODHEAD.
2. He is AS ETERNAL AND DIVINE AS GOD THE FATHER AND GOD
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
3. Being God, HE HAS ALWAYS EXISTED – there has never
been a time when He did not exist.
4. HE BECAME INCARNATE (Man) due to the Will of our
Heavenly Father, by the Power and Energy of God
the Holy Spirit and of the All Pure, Holy Flesh and
Blood of the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary.
5. As Son of God our Lord Jesus HAS NO (DIVINE) MOTHER.
6. As Son of Man our Lord Jesus HAS NO (BIOLOGICAL)
FATHER
7. He has TWO SEPARATE NATURES – DIVINE AND HUMAN.
8. As Son of Man(kind) our Lord SUFFERED EVERY ASPECT OF
OUR HUMAN CONDITION YET REMAINED COMPLETELY
SINLESS.

St John, like all creatures, was CREATED FROM
NOTHINGNESS BY ALMIGHTY GOD.
1. He is A MORTAL HUMAN BEING .
2. According to the Will of our Heavenly Father he was
CONCEIVED NATURALLY by his aged, barren,
(biological) parents, St Zachariah and St
Elizabeth.
3. ALTHOUGH TOTALLY HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT to the Will of
our Heavenly Father, ST JOHN WAS ABLE TO COMMIT
SIN BUT CHOSE NOT TO DO SO.
4. He was THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL GOD’S HOLY
PROPHETS OF THE OLD COVENANT.
5. He is THE FORERUNNER TO CHRIST because he not only
PREPARED THE PEOPLE FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST but
also ANNOUNCED HIS PRESENCE – EVEN IN HADES.
6. HIS ANGELIC LIFE ON EARTH IS IMITATED by all Struggling
Ascetics and Monastics.
✶ "... I did not know Him; but that He should be Revealed
to Israel...”
14. S Y NAXIS OF S T JO H N THE B AP TIST
ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 1 : 29 – 34

Our Lord Jesus Christ and St John the Baptist HAD NEVER
MET EACH OTHER until He went to be Baptised in the
Jordan River.

ST JOHN KNEW THAT THE GREAT MESSIAH WOULD BE REVEALED
TO HIM and to all Israel.

As soon as St John saw Christ approaching him, HE
IMMEDIATELY PERCEIVED HIM TO BE OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.
St John had last been in the Divine Presence of Christ when
he was a 6 month infant in St Elizabeth’s womb – shortly
after the Divine Conception of our Lord in the All Pure
Womb of Theotokos – and had “...leapt with Joy...”
Since the age of 2 St John had survived alone in the
Wilderness by the Grace and Protection of our Lord God.
Although he seems to have had no human contact
throughout his life, he possessed a Divinely granted and
thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and Divine
Truth.
✶ “... I came, Baptising with water...” which was A SYMBOLIC
OLD COVENANT CLEANSING RITUAL.

THE PURPOSE OF ST JOHN’S BAPTISM WAS THE REPENTANCE OF
SINS, which all the previous Holy Prophets of God
had tried to teach God’s Chosen Nation of Israel.

WITHOUT FIRST ACKNOWLEDGING AND REPENTING OUR SINS,
WE CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AT ALL!

Sin is like suppurating wounds that continue to fester
and damage healthy tissue and the sufferers’
welfare until properly cleansed, anointed and
bandaged so that healing can occur.

THE FLOWING WATER OF THE JORDAN RIVER WASHED AWAY THE
SUPERFICIAL DIRT OF REPENTED-CONFESSED SINS YET
COULD NOT GRANT THE REMISSION OF SINS.

ST JOHN’S BAPTISM MERELY PREFIGURED AND PREPARED THE
FAITHFUL FOR THE NEW COVENANT BAPTISM OF CHRIST,
which has everlasting effects on body and soul.

REPENTANCE – (Metanoia) – MEANS A SINCERE DESIRE AND
DETERMINATION TO AVOID TEMPTATIONS that draw us
into committing sins, which cause us Spiritual
Death

Genuine, sincere REPENTANCE – BY THE GRACE OF GOD - IS
A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION that actually affects our
thoughts, words and deeds positively and
permanently.
 Romans 6: 3 – 11

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS A FIGURE OF THE OLD COVENANT
LAW in that, like the ancient, Mosaic Law, HE
DENOUNCED SIN BUT COUNT NOT REMIT (put away) SIN.

Both St John the Baptism and the Old Covenant Law
POINTED TOWARDS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – God
Incarnate – Who can remit all sin.
✶ “...John bore witness...” or TESTIFIED TO THE DIVINE TRUTH OF
WHAT HAD OCCURRED AT THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST.

St John confirms THEOPHANY – THE DIVINE REVELATION OF
THE ONE GODHEAD – God our Heavenly Father, God
the Son - our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ – and
God the Holy Spirit.
✶ “... I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a
dove, and He remained upon Him...”

ST JOHN DESCRIBED THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT AS
BEING “... like a dove...” – but not “... as a Dove...”
for GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT DID NOT MANIFEST HIMSELF as
a bird.

WE CAN ONLY DESCRIBE OUR EXPERIENCES IN WAYS THAT ARE
FAMILIAR TO US, and doves are able to hover before
landing.

ALTHOUGH ST JOHN COULD NOT ACTUALLY SEE GOD THE HOLY
SPIRIT WHO IS INVISIBLE like our Heavenly Father, HE
DESCRIBED THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE IN THE BEST
MANNER POSSIBLE.

In other words, ‘SOMETHING” EXTREMELY SUPERNATURAL
DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN AND RESTED UPON THE HEAD OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The fact that the Holy Spirit remained upon our Lord
Jesus signifies HIS ETERNAL POSSESSION OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT IN HIS DIVINE, ETERNAL FULLNESS.
– A FTE RFE AST OF T HE OP HANY - 7 J ANUARY

IT CLEARLY CONFIRMS THE ETERNAL DIVINITY OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST Who forever fulfils the Will of our
Heavenly Father together with God the Holy Spirit.

THE THREE PERSONS OF THE ONE DIVINE GODHEAD ETERNALLY
EXIST AND OPERATE TOGETHER IN ABSOLUTE, PERFECT
LOVE, HARMONY AND UNITY.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CERTAINLY DID NOT RECEIVE GOD THE
HOLY SPIRIT AT HIS BAPTISM, LIKE WE DO.

This Divine Testimony of St John the Baptist confirms
the Divine Truth that GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS ALWAYS
RESTED UPON OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE ETERNAL SON
AND WORD OF GOD.
✶ “...I did not know Him...” confirms that ST JOHN AND CHRIST
HAD NEVER MET BEFORE THAT DAY OF THEOPHANY.

WHEN ST JOHN WAS ABOUT TWO YEARS OLD, HEROD’S HORRIFIC
‘SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS’ FORCED ST ELIZABETH TO
HIDE HER SON in the mountains surrounding the
priestly city of Judah. She died soon afterwards,
so ST JOHN HAD TO SURVIVE ALONE.

MEANWHILE, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, (Who was six months
younger than St John), AND HIS FAMILY HAD FLED TO
EGYPT before returning to Israel later.

Therefore, THE TWO COUSINS NEVER MET UNTIL OUR LORD’S
BAPTISM IN THE RIVER JORDAN.
✶ “...but He Who sent me to Baptise with water said to
me:...” refers to OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHOSE WILL ST
JOHN THE BAPTIST FULFILLED as His Obedient, Humble
Servant and Holy Prophet.

GOD COMMUNICATED WITH ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS SO THAT
THEY, IN TURN, COULD PREPARE HIS PEOPLE for the
Appearance of our Divine Saviour and Eternal Life
in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.

IN THOSE DAYS, PEOPLE ACCEPTED THE DIVINE
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OUR LORD GOD AND HIS HOLY
PROPHETS WITH FAITH.
✶ “...‘Upon Whom Thou see the Spirit descending, and
remaining, is He Who Baptises with the Holy
Spirit...’
T H E S ANCTIFIED
In certain instances, the partaking of Sanctified Holy
Water is recommended by our Spiritual Fathers when
those who have Repented and Confessed their sins
but having committed specific grievous sins are
prohibited for a certain time the Great Blessing of
receiving Holy Communion.
In such cases, his or her Spiritual Father having
suggested Fasting and Prayers, might offer Holy
Water as a Spiritual Consolation, although it is
certainly not a substitute for Holy Communion, which
is God’s greatest Gift to us.
Concerning the Sanctified Holy Water of Theophany, the
Faithful do not always know when and if it ought to
be partaken of on the Eve of Theophany, or only on
Theophany, and when taken home, if it can be
partaken of throughout the year.
All too often, they are given various instructions, which
simply confuses them even further.
According to St John Chrysostom: “...On the Great Feast of
Theophany, everyone drinks some of the Sanctified
Water at Church, and then takes some to their home
where they keep it for a whole year - remaining
crystal clear... For a whole year, or often two or
three, the Sanctified Water remains unspoilt and as
sweet as it was the day it was drawn from the
spring...”
The Blessing the Waters on the Feast Day of Theophany is
an ancient Holy Practise of the Church.
Prayers for the Blessing of the Water are to be found in
ancient texts, such as the Apostolic Teachings, the
Apostolic Tradition, the Prayer Book of Bishop
Serapion of Thmuis and elsewhere.
The Blessing of the Waters is conducted twice - on the Eve
of Theophany and on the Feast Day of Theophany,
after the Divine Liturgy.
In both instances, the Service of the Blessing of the Waters
is the same – with the exception of the Prologue,
consisting of a lengthy Sanctifying Prayer, which is
read only on the Feast Day of Theophany.
Therefore, on the Eve of Theophany and on the Feast Day
of Theophany, the Great Blessing of the Waters is
conducted by the celebrant Priest.
SYNAXIS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER TO

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS ANOINTED AS OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR
– the Eternal Son of God – AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS
NEW CREATION – GOD’S NEW COVENANT ISRAEL.

OUR LORD JESUS DID NOT ‘BECOME’ THE SON OF GOD DURING
HIS BAPTISM, like we become the adopted Children
of God during our Holy Baptism.

Instead, by His Baptism and by the Divine Revelation
of God the Holy Trinity, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
REVEALED AS THE ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF GOD.

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS ALWAYS RESTED UPON THE SON OF
GOD.

ONLY THROUGH OUR SACRED LIFE IN CHRIST, BEING
EMPOWERED AND ENABLED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, ARE
WE ABLE TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

OUR ENTRANCE INTO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE
BECOMES POSSIBLE ONLY WHEN WE CONTINUOUSLY REPENT
OUR SINS, RECEIVE DIVINE FORGIVENESS AND SPIRITUAL
LIFE AND LIVE IN CHRIST with worthy, Loving
thoughts, words and deeds.
✶ “...I have seen and Testified that This is the Son of God...”

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS ABSOLUTELY HONEST AND
FORTHRIGHT.

HE NEVER LIED, NOR DECEIVED, BUT ALWAYS SPOKE THE DIVINE
TRUTH – not mankind’s ‘version of truth.’

Having grown up in the wilderness, ST JON REMAINED
PURE OF HEART AND UNINFLUENCED by the devious
habits of society.

ST JOHN WAS BLESSED WITH MANY DIVINE GIFTS and
PERCEIVED EVERYTHING CLEARLY – past, present and
future - SPEAKING ONLY DIVINE TRUTH.

HIS AFFIRMATION AND RELIABLE TESTIMONY CONFIRMS THAT
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS TRULY THE ETERNAL SON OF
GOD.

WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, ST JOHN CONFIRMS THAT OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED GOD INCARNATE and thus our
long-awaited Divine Saviour WHO RESTORES US TO
OUR CREATED STATE OF DIVINE IMAGE AND LIKENESS.
W ATER OF T HE OP H ANY
On the Holy Mountain – Mount Athos - the Monks
partake of the Sanctified Holy Water not only on the
Feast Day of Theophany, but every day after the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy - for eight days after
Theophany, until the Apodosis (Leave-taking) of the
Great Feast.
Likewise, we too, may partake of the Sanctified, Holy
Water of Theophany - after Holy Communion and
before we partake of Antidoro - or anything else.
The Prayers of the Holy Service of the Great Blessing of
the Waters states: “… so that all who drink and
receive It may have It for the Purification of their
soul and body, for the Healing of sufferings, for the
Sanctification of home and for all appropriate
Benefit...”
Furthermore, we pray for the “... ruination of demons...”
by becoming “...unapproachable to the adverse
powers...”.
The Sanctified, Holy Water of Theophany is a Powerful
means of Healing – an extraordinary Sanctified
Medication administered in exceptional
circumstances.
When Holy Water is sprinkled, evil spirits are expelled.
Through its daily partaking, venal sins are forgiven - that
is, demonic fantasies and obnoxious thoughts that
invade and try to overwhelm us.
In addition various maladies are Cured and our physical
health and Spiritual Welfare is Restored.
Those who partake of the Sanctified Water of Theophany
with Faith are Sanctified, Blessed, Cleansed and
Healed.
For this reason, the Sanctified Water of Theophany can
be kept at home, and as long as it is treated with all
due care and respect, we can partake of it in times of
sickness or to ward off evil forces.
It is advisable that this is always respectfully done
according to the instructions of our Spiritual Fathers
and Teachers.
To avoid any degree of pagan superstition, we ought to
make good use of all the Blessed Means and Holy
Mysteries of our Orthodox Church, such as the
Sanctified Water of Theophany.
PROTOPRESBYTER MIHAIL EFTHYMIOU (ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR – 7 JANUARY 15
 T H E
The Blessing of the Waters belongs to the category of
“Sacramental Rites.”
We regard the Holy Services as being “Sacramental”
when Divine Grace is imparted invisibly, through
them, by means of perceptible gestures and signs.
Such Holy Services were not instituted by our Lord Jesus
Christ, however, nor are they necessary to our Eternal
Salvation, as are the seven essential Holy Mysteries.
Our Holy Church Fathers consider any and every form of
Sacred Ritual, which is performed by Canonical
Celebrants for the Sanctification and Salvation of the
Faithful, to be Sacramental (Iero)
Every Holy Action and Ritual of the Church of Christ is a
Holy Mystery, and every Holy Mystery is “Great” - as is
the Holy Mystery of the Church Herself, because every
Sacramental Act in the Theanthropic organism of the
Church is in an organic and vital Relationship with
the central Divine Mystery of the Church – our Lord
Jesus Christ, the God/Man.
“The Great Blessing of the Waters”’ is the Holy Service that
is celebrated on 5 and 6 January in Commemoration
of the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan.
The Small Blessing of the Waters is usually performed in
churches on the first day of each month and at
various other public events such as at the laying of
the foundation of a house, the opening of a shop, the
inauguration of public works, etc.
It is erroneous to consider the Sanctification of the Water
on the Eve of Theophany – on 5 January – as being
“The Small Blessing of the Water,” while the Holy
Service on 6 January, Holy Theophany, is “The Great
Sanctification of the Waters.”
The Great Sanctification of the Waters occurs on both 5
and 6 January, while the “Lesser Blessing of the Water”
occurs on the first day of each month and whenever
required.
In the Early Christian Church, the Great Sanctification of
the Water at Theophany was for the Baptism of the
Catechumens, after the Faithful had drawn off a small
amount for Blessing of their home and their Spiritual
Sustenance.
This is evident from the Hymn we chant during the Holy
Mystery of Baptism and the Divine Liturgy of
Theophany: “...As many as have been Baptized in
Christ, have put on Christ…’.
The celebration of the Great Sanctification of the Waters
on 5 January, the Eve of Theophany, is a relatively
THE INSPIRED, ET
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
Those who ‘trouble’ our Lord God are those who doubt,
hesitate, or, even worse, put up resistance to His Power
and His Wisdom.
Our soul should never rebel by questioning nor doubting
God because this indicates a degree of mean
spiritedness and contrariness.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
Nothing pleases God as much as when we do not return
evil for evil.
S T S YM EON THE NE W T HE OL OGIAN
When we celebrate our “Nameday,” – the Feast of our
Patron Saint in whose honour we are named – we
must do so with the aim of obtaining Mercy from God
through the Intercessions of our Patron Saint.
S T P AISIOS OF M OU NT AT H OS
The reason why we should have Love and affection,
combined with great discretion, is so that we can
raise our Spiritual Children with double health – to
prevent them from being hurt even by their
indiscriminate youthful zeal, while they are still
young.
S T P HILOTHE OS K OKKINOS
P ATR IARCH OF C ONSTANTINOPLE
It is the Divine Will of God that we be United and bound
together by the Bond of genuine, True, Pure, Guileless,
Divine and sincere Christian Love.
16. S Y NAXIS OF S T JO H N THE B AP TIST
G RE AT B LE SSING OF THE W ATE R S
recent innovation, in order to serve the needs of the
Faithful – i.e. the custom of Priests Blessing the houses
and businesses of their Parishioners by the sprinkling
of Holy Water on the Eve of Theophany.
The Great Sanctification of the Waters is effected through
the Prayer: “... Thou art Great, O Lord…’ the Blessing
of the Celebrant Bishop or Priest and the Prayer:
“...Therefore, O Merciful King, be present now
through the Descent of Thy Holy Spirit, and Sanctify
this water...” so the Sanctification of the Waters does
not occur only when the Precious Cross is submerged
into the water and the Dismissal Hymn of Theophany
is chanted: “...when Thou were Baptized in the Jordan,
O Lord…’ because the submersion of the Cross was a
later addition, which was introduced to depict our
Lord’s Baptism in the Jordan River in a more graphic
manner.
The Sanctification Prayer - “... Make It a Source of
Incorruption, a Gift for Sanctification, a Redemption
for sins, a Remedy for maladies, a ruination for
demons, Unapproachable to the adverse powers,
replete with Angelic Power, so that all who drink
and receive It may have It for the Purification of
their soul and body, for the Healing of sufferings, for
the Sanctification of homes and for all Appropriate
Benefit... ‘ makes it clear that “...through
consumption and sprinkling...” we believe that “...we
are Sanctified and Purified of our sins...”
We believe that the Sanctified Water of Theophany
Protects us from the attacks of the evil one, Heals our
sicknesses and grants us Health.
With It we Sanctify our home, as well as all animal and
plant life.
Sanctified Water is appropriate and Beneficial for every
occasion.
Through the Divine Grace of God the Holy Spirit, the
Sanctified, Holy Water acts upon all things animate,
and even inanimate - Transforming and Sanctifying
them, for It Cleanses and Sanctifies God’s Faithful
servants as well as the whole of created nature.
Sanctified Water also repels and expels evil spirits due to
Its Purifying Power combined with the Divine Power of
the Precious Cross.
PROTOPRESBYTER MIHAIL EFTHYMIOU
(ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
ER NAL W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE
We ought to always be warm towards our Lord God and
all things that are Divine, but cold towards secularism
and sin.
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS
The Holy Mystery of Repentance-Confession is the
voluntary, sincere disclosure of sins that we have
committed, without shame or hesitation, but with self-
censure and heartfelt contrition, before our Spiritual
Father who has been appointed by the Church to
forgive our sins.
For our Repentance-Confession to be real and effective, it
must be voluntary and sincere, because hasty,
insincere Confession is pointless, since it is not a
genuine dictate of the heart, an expression of remorse
and a manifestation of the desire to be Cured.
Our Confession has to take place without shame or
hesitation, but rather with courage and self-
condemnation, because Courage is an expression of
rejection of sin, whereas shame demonstrates a lack
of courage.
A R CH IMANDR ITE E PH R AIM OF V ATOPE D I
Little children are able to sense the Divine Grace of God
, the Holy Spirit, which is why we notice in some Saints
that when they were children, they did not much care
for games like their contemporaries. Rather, they
stood out due to their introversion and seriousness,
similar to the attitude of an Elder. This was the case of
Elder Sophrony, who fell asleep in our Lord in 1993.
When he was still in his infancy he was Visited by the
Divine, Uncreated and Immaterial Light.
– A FTE RFE AST OF T HE OP HANY - 7 J ANUARY
 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 12 JANUARY 2020

30TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY

AFTERFEAST OF THEOPHANY
THE BEGINNING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S PUBLIC
SALVIFIC MISSION

The Feast of St Tatiana of Rome – St Evthasias – St Mertios of Mauretania – St Martinian, Abbot of

Belozersk Monastery – St Peter Apselamos of Palestine – St Eupraxia the Elder of Tabenna, Egypt -
The Holy Icons of our Lady, Theotokos of the Akathist, the Milk-giver & the Priestly

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 8 - J OH N 20 : 11 - 18

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 32/33 – T ONE 1

Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us!
Rejoice in the Lord, O Ye Righteous!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E EP HE SIANS 4 : 7 – 13
Brethren: to each one of us Grace was granted according to the measure of Christ’s Gift. Therefore He says: ‘”...When He
ascended on High, He led Captivity captive, and granted Gifts to mankind...” (Now this “...He Ascended...” – what
does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of Earth? He Who Descended is also the One Who
Ascended far above all the Heavens, that He might fill all things.)
And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the
equipping of the Saints for the Work of Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, until we all come to the Unity of
the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, to a Perfect Man, to the measure of the stature of the Fullness of
Christ..
✶ “...to each one of us Grace was granted according to GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT MAKE EVERYTHING
the measure of Christ’s Gift...” POSSIBLE for us to achieve.

While THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN ESSENCE, it
ONLY CHRIST OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR - Who is both God and
is DIVERSE IN ITS HOLY GIFTS AND FUNCTIONS. Man –

UNITY DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORMITY. 1. CAN “FILL ALL THINGS.”

EACH MEMBER of the Body of Christ – His Holy Church – 2. CAN REIGN OVER THE UNIFICATION AND FULFILMENT
IS UNIQUE in the Sight of God, WITH DIFFERENT GIFTS OF ALL CREATION.
AND SPECIFIC ROLES granted to each soul by God. ✶ “...He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some
✶ “...When He ascended on High, He led Captivity Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors
captive, and granted Gifts to mankind and Teachers...”

DIVERSITY IN OPERATION IS BASED ON THE ASCENT OF THE
THESE DIVINE GIFTS ARE LIMITED to those who lead our
SON OF GOD INTO HEAVEN AND THE DESCENT OF THE Holy Church.
HOLY SPIRIT Who Enables and Activates us -
THE HOLY SPIRIT EXTENDS HIS DIVINE GIFTS TO EACH PERSON
providing everything necessary for our Eternal AT THEIR CHRISMATION immediately after their Holy
Life in Christ, which we alone are unable to do. Baptism

WE ARE ALSO GUIDED, TAUGHT AND ASSISTED BY SPECIALLY
However, THE “MINISTRY GIFTS” listed here FORM ONE
GIFTED PEOPLE WHO WORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD for LEADERSHIP GROUP who are responsible for
the sake of the maturity and stability of the entire EQUIPPING THE LAITY – the people – FOR OUR OWN
Holy Church of Christ – i.e. For all the Faithful HOLY WORK OF MINISTRY.
Disciples of Christ, as well as those who are
THERE IS A DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE AND HOLY GIFTS IN CHRIST’S
presently outside the nurturing Protection of the HOLY CHURCH FOR
Holy Church. 1. the UNITY OF SERVICE,

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS SET US FREE WITH HIS DIVINE 2. the METICULOUS PRESERVATION OF TRUTH,
TRUTH. We are no longer ‘imprisoned’ nor 3. the OPERATION OF DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – which is
restricted by ignorance - by lack of True the primary Quality of Christian Growth and
Enlightenment. Development.
✶ “...He also first descended into the lower parts of ✶ “...for the edifying of the Body of Christ, ...the Unity of
Earth...” concerns either the Faith ... the Knowledge of the Son of God
1. the Earth itself –THE INCARNATION OF THE ETERNAL
THE CHURCH IN WHICH CHRISTIAN LIFE – I.E. OUR LIFE IN
SON OF GOD or CHRIST – DEVELOPS, IS not primarily an
2. HIS PHYSICAL BURIAL AND THE HARROWING OF HADES – organisation, but AN ORGANISM WHOSE parts or
the place of all the dead before the Coming of MEMBERS RECEIVE EDIFYING POWER FROM CHRIST TO
Christ - and the Death of Christ and His Descent GROW INTO HIM.
into Hades in His human Nature. ✶ “...of the Fullness of Christ...”
✶ “...He Who Descended ... also ... Ascended... that He
As Disciples of Christ, WE ARE NOT ISOLATED INDIVIDUALS who
might fill all things...” progressed towards Perfection – Theosis.

St Paul’s Rabbinic manner of intertwining the
Instead, WE ARE UNIQUE AND SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF CHRIST’S
Ascension of Christ with the Descent of the Holy BODY - striving to reach PERFECT FAITH AND FULL
Spirit, reveals THE UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD.
BODY OF CHRIST – HIS HOLY CHURCH – AND THE DIVINE
UNITY OF FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM KNOWLEDGE OF THE
SON OF GOD
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 4 : 12 – 17
At that time, when our Lord Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving
Nazareth, He went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it
might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying: “The Land of Zebulun and the Land of

T H
30 S U ND AY A FTER P ENTEC OST – AF TER T HE OP H ANY – 12 J ANU ARY 2020 17
 Naphtali, by way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in Darkness have
seen a Great Light, and upon those who sat in the Region and Shadow of Death, Light has dawned…”
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say: “Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
✶ “... when our Lord Jesus heard that John had been put
in prison, He departed to Galilee...” which fulfilled
the ancient Prophecy of St Isaiah, the Holy Prophet
of God.
St Isaiah had lived so many centuries before and his Prophecies
were recorded in the Book of Isaiah (circa 745 – 680 BC,
which was between 25 years before the Assyrian captivity of
the Northern Kingdom of Judah to approximately 40 years
afterwards.)
St Isaiah’s Prophecy concerning our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
- his Vision of the Glory of God – was supremely accurate
(which proves the Divine Inspiration of God the Holy Spirit.)

MANKIND’S ROLE IS ONE OF FAITH IN RESPONSE TO DIVINE
HOLINESS AND VISION for the entire world.

ST ISAIAH REVEALED THE MESSIAH – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST –
“THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL” – IN AMAZING DETAIL – as if
he were relating history instead of predicting the
distant future!

HE ALSO DESCRIBED THEOTOKOS AND HOW SHE WAS TO
CONCEIVE AND BEAR GOD THE SON INCARNATE WITH HER
VIRGINITY INTACT.

Furthermore, ST ISAIAH DESCRIBED THE SUFFERING PASSION
OF CHRIST TOGETHER WITH HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION
FROM THE DEAD, PROCLAIMING HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM as
if it had already happened!

MANY GENTILES - NON-HEBREWS - LIVED IN GALILEE.
Because many of the Hebrews there had been influenced by the
Greek or Hellenistic culture and customs, they were generally
regarded as being ‘second class citizens’ by the Judean
Hebrews.
✶ “...leaving Nazareth...”

OUR LORD JESUS HAD SPENT HIS FORMATIVE YEARS AND EARLY
ADULTHOOD IN NAZARETH.

Consequently, HE WAS IDENTIFIED BY SOME PEOPLE AS “...
THE NAZARENE...” OR “... THE CARPENTER’S SON...”
✶ “... He went and dwelt in Capernaum...” (meaning
“Nahum’s Village”) which was AN ANCIENT FISHING
VILLAGE LOCATED ON THE NORTHERN SHORE OF THE SEA/LAKE
OF GALILEE.

OUR LORD JESUS BEGAN HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY BY FIRST
ATTENDING TO HIS “... LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF
ISRAEL...”

HE SET UP HIS ‘HEADQUARTERS’ IN CAPERNAUM, whence He
travelled forth to Enlighten His People with His
Divine Truth.
✶ “...Galilee of the Gentiles ...” HAD A MIXED POPULATION OF
JUDEANS AND GENTILES SO WAS NOT CONSIDERED AS A
JEWISH REGION, even though many Gentile residents
had converted to Judaism during the Maccabean
period.

✶ “...who sat in Darkness ...” refers to THEIR SINFULNESS
AND UNGODLINESS - being in a state of SPIRITUAL
DEATH because THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD HAS BEEN
REJECTED OR UTTERLY UNKNOWN.

Those who suffer Spiritual Darkness are OVERCOME OR
ENSLAVED BY SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE AND/OR REBELLION
AGAINST GOD.
✶ “...have seen a Great Light ...upon those who sat in ...
Shadow of Death, Light has dawned...” refers to
1. THE GENTILES who were COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF OUR ONE
TRUE LIVING AND ALMIGHTY GOD
2. THE JUDEAN HEBREWS who REMAINED IN THE SHADOWS OF THE
IMPERFECT OLD COVENANT LAWS.

THOSE WHO ACCEPT THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF GOD’S
NEW COVENANT ARE LIBERATED from the shackles of
Spiritual Death AND RECEIVE GLORIOUS SPIRITUAL LIFE
IN CHRIST.

The “...Great Light...” is THE HOLY GOSPEL OR GOOD NEWS
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST that SPIRITUALLY ILLUMINATES
AND ENLIGHTENS US.

The Great Light is also a reference to THE UNCREATED
LIGHT, WHICH IS THE DIVINE ESSENCE OF OUR LORD GOD.

AS WE GROW CLOSER TO GOD WE ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE HIS
DIVINE PRESENCE – an overwhelming Experience of
Love, Joy and Peace that is far beyond any
human description!

THE NEW COVENANT IS THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH THAT
GUIDES US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD’S HEAVENLY
KINGDOM OF LOVE.
18. 30TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 12 JANUARY 2020
✶ “...From that time Jesus began to preach...”

Our Lord Jesus began to Cleanse, Heal and Restore
His Chosen People to A LIFE OF HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE,
LOVE AND FAITH IN GOD.

Unless we LIVE IN CHRIST BY APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO
OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS, we cannot make
any SPIRITUAL PROGRESS and sustain our SPIRITUAL
WELFARE.

OUR LORD PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY.

WE SIMPLY NEED TO APPLY THEM TO OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.

LIFE IN CHRIST IS NOT DIFFICULT! We complicate
everything to excuse fulfilling our vital Sacred
Duties to God and to each other!
✶ “...Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”

OUR LORD BEGAN HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY WITH THE SAME
EXHORTATION FOR REPENTANCE AS DID ST JOHN THE
BAPTIST.

WITHOUT CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE, WE CANNOT PROCEED
SUCCESSFULLY.

THIS ENTIRE PREPARATORY LIFESPAN OUGHT TO CONSIST OF:
1. SELF-EXAMINATION
2. CORRECTION,
3. FORGIVENESS,
4. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
5. SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
 MATTHEW 3: 1 – 3 : “... John the Baptist went preaching in
the wilderness of Judea, saying: ‘Repent! For the
Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ For this was he
who was spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah...”

THE PREPARATION FOR OUR SAVIOUR’S DIVINE MINISTRY BEGINS
WITH ST JOHN THE BAPTIST’S CALL TO REPENTANCE, which
accompanies Faith

True Repentance is
1. TOTAL REFORMATION of our earthly habits and lifestyle.
2. DUE TO OUR TRUE AND SINCERE FAITH in Christ and the Holy
Trinity.
3. CONTINUOUS when motivated by True Faith.

WE ARE IN A PERPETUAL STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND
SPIRITUAL DEATH – I.E. REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS.

Spiritual Life is a return to Divine Grace.

Spiritual Death is surrendering to the temptations
through our
1. sinful thoughts
2. sinful words and
3. sinful deeds

Spiritual Death is the most terrifying self-alienation
and exile from the Divine Grace of God.

Life in Christ is the LIFE-LONG, CEASELESS PREPARATION FOR
ETERNITY.

TO SUSTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE WE NEED TO STRIVE FOR
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION BY STRUGGLING PERPETUALLY
AGAINST
1. THE WEAKNESS AND DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH
2. THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE FALLEN WORLD
3. THE DECEPTIONS OF THE EVIL ONE.

THE “KINGDOM OF HEAVEN” IS PRESENT WHEREVER CHRIST OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR IS.

THROUGH OUR CONSTANT SPIRITUAL WATCHFULNESS AND
STRUGGLE, WE ARE ABLE TO RETURN to His Divine
Presence and Love BY IMMEDIATELY REPENTING after
each fall

The word “METANOIA” (REPENTANCE) ACTUALLY MEANS A
GENUINE, COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION – TO ENTIRELY
CHANGE OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.

Thus TRUE REPENTANCE IS A RADICAL CHANGE OF BODY AND
SOUL – a complete transformation of attitude,
belief, motivation, deeds - of being – A GENUINE LIFE
IN CHRIST!

THIS IS THE ONLY AND MOST ESSENTIAL – MOST VITAL - FIRST
STEP ON THE PATH OR WAY OF THE LORD.

After our Holy Baptism and Chrismation we need to
FULFIL OUR SACRED COMMITMENTS:
1. regular SELF-EXAMINATION, REPENTANCE AND
CONFESSION of sins,
2. partaking of HOLY EUCHARIST (COMMUNION),
3. regular participation and attendance at ALL
HOLY SERVICES,
 4.
FASTING EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AS WELL AS
WHENEVER PRESCRIBED BY THE HOLY CHURCH.

OUR LIFE IN CHRIST IS FULFILLED AND CLEARLY EVIDENT BY THE
RESULTS OF OUR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION – by the
Spiritual Harvest of Fruits of our Labours of Love
throughout this life.

WHATEVER WE DO MUST BEAR GOOD RESULTS for everyone
concerned and ESPECIALLY FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR
AND WORSHIP OF GOD.
30 T H
S U ND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – S U ND AY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, Some people regard having Faith in
God as being a way of escaping the problems of life
in the ‘real world.’
They often view our physical body, our personal
weaknesses and flaws, as well as all the problems of
relating to one another, as ‘evil’ or pointless realities
from which they hope God will Deliver us.
They want an imaginary Spiritual Bliss of not having to
put up with others or with the other challenges that
life in the created world presents.
Such ‘hope’ may suit the sensibilities of some and might
even be appealing to us at times, but it has nothing to
do with our Lord God Who revealed Himself as the
Divine Holy Trinity when Christ our Savour was
Baptized by St John in the Jordan River for the sake of
our Salvation.
Let us consider for a moment how the Holy Trinity is
manifested.
Our Lord Jesus Christ submitted to the Baptism of St John
the Forerunner in the flowing Jordan River.
As our Lord came out of the water, the Holy Spirit
descended, hovered and alighted upon His Head “...
like a dove...,” and the Voice of our Heavenly Father
identified Him as His Beloved Son.
Instead of escaping His Creation or rescuing us from its
fallen state, our Triune Lord God enters it.
The Son lowered Himself into the water and became as
wet as everyone else who did so.
The most profound Divine Mystery of the entire universe –
the fact that our Lord God is a Triune God - is then
proclaimed in relation to what happened in a river
of flowing water.
Our Divine Saviour was not Baptized as a Sign of His
Repentance for He had no sins to Repent.
Instead, He Sanctified the water by immersing Himself in
it thereby Restoring His entire Creation’s Relationship
with God.
As God-Man, He descended into the world that He had
spoken into existence in order to free it from
subjection to futility - and to fulfill it as an Icon of His
Eternal Salvation and Life.
We are part of His Creation in every dimension of our
existence - both as individual, intellectual beings,
and in relation to one another.
When Adam and Eve turned away from God due to their
disobedience, they became naked because they had
stripped themselves of the Divine Glory by
repudiating their Sacred Calling - to become ever
more like God in Holiness – to become Spiritually
Perfected.
They diminished themselves and the entire Creation by
serving their self-centred desires instead of humbly
and obediently fulfilling the Will of our Heavenly
Father.
The Fall of Adam and Eve brought Death and the
enslavement and suffering caused by grievous
passions into the world, which was vividly evident
when their son, Cain, murdered their son, Abel.
Our Saviour entered fully into our distorted world of
brokenness and pain in order to set it right.
He was Baptized in the Jordan River in order to clothe the
naked Adam - in order to Restore us, and all
mankind - to the Dignity of being Vested with the Robe
of Light and Righteousness as His Beloved Children.
When we are Baptised, we “...put on Christ ...” as a
Marvellous Garment of Righteousness and by His
Great Mercy and Divine Grace, we are able to
participate personally in His Healing and Blessing of
every aspect of our humanity.
33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 13 JANUARY 2019

EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED HAS AN ETERNAL
CONSEQUENCE!

Although we might like to think that we can get away
with our “secret sins,” we must never forget that
NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM GOD OR THE CLOUD OF
WITNESSES WHO WATCH OVER US CONSTANTLY!

WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERYTHING we think,
everything we say and everything we do – EXCEPT
FOR THOSE SINS THAT WE REPENT AND CONFESS BEFORE
GOD AND HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD!!
AF TE R P E NTEC OST – OU R LO R D ’ S P U BL IC M ISSION
Our Lord does not Call us to flee from this fallen world,
but to become so intimately United with Him in
Holiness (by Living IN Christ) that we voluntarily strive
to fulfil our unique Sacred Duties for His Divine Plans
of Eternal Salvation.
He invites us to become like Him as Partakers in His
Divine Nature by Divine Grace, which is what it
actually means to be a human being, created in the
Divine Image and Likeness.
I hope that all of you will have your homes Blessed, which
is the Orthodox Praxis on the Great Feast of
Theophany.
We Bless our homes with the Sanctified Water, which has
been Blessed and Sanctified by the celebrant Priests
and God the Holy Spirit, at the conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy on the Feast Day of Theophany.
By entering the flowing water of the River Jordan, our
Lord Jesus Christ Sanctified all the waters of Creation.
He thereby Restored and fulfilled its created nature and
purpose, for water is vital to life.
Our beautiful planet, Earth, needs water to sustain its
fertility, to bear abundant fruit and to grant life to all
God’s creatures, including all plants and vegetation
that feeds and adorns it.
Water sustains life and good health for without it, nothing
is cleansed, sustained and strengthened, and
everything becomes desiccated, lifeless and dead.
Yet in the distressed world as we know it, water can be
devastating because of floods and storms.
Since Creation has been subjected to futility through the
sins of mankind, the very water whereby God grants
us life sometimes becomes the cause of our death.
However, the Good News is that our Lord has made even
death an entrance into Life, for when we are Baptized
into Christ, we are Baptized into His Death and
Resurrection.
When we put on Christ in Baptism, we die to sin and rise
with Him in Holiness, having regained the Righteous
Garment of Divine Light, and are Restored to our
intended place in His Creation in God’s Image and
Likeness.
Consequently, when we Bless and Sanctify the Water, we
Restore that wonderful element to its original, created
state and purpose of giving and sustaining life, as
well as its cleansing and healing qualities.
These are fulfilled in the Holy Mystery of Baptism,
whereby our Lord Jesus Christ shares His Eternal Life
with us by Cleansing us of the corruption and filth of
sin.
Whatever is Blessed with Sanctified Water of Theophany,
is Restored by God to its natural state that fulfils the
Divine Purpose of Creation.
And since our homes are where we and our families live
each day, how could we not want that Blessing to be
bestowed upon our marriage, our children, and the
physical space where we offer our life to our Lord?
When our homes are Blessed, we United everything that is
most important to us to Christ’s Healing and
restoration of His entire Universe and we make our
daily Life in Christ a Liturgy - an Entrance into the
Kingdom of Heaven.
However, we cannot stop there, for we need to actually
Live in Christ because we have been Vested with
Christ – with a Righteous Robe of Divine Light – and as
the adopted Children of God, we have entered and
strive for the Fulfilment of all things in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, our lifestyle, our marriage, our family, and our
daily interactions with others ought to be a Holy
Epiphany or Theophany – a Manifestation
(Revelation) of God’s Gracious Purpose and Divine
Truth.
19.
 We ought to ceaselessly Strive to become honourable,
living Icons of the Holy Trinity by actually being
United with each other in Holy Love – Divine Love
(Agape).
As St Paul reminded us, we have each been given a
specific Sacred Role and Purpose to fulfil during this
short, preparatory lifespan, for our Lord Jesus Christ
Calls us and Blesses us - not as isolated individuals,
but as Sanctified Members of His Holy Body – His One,
Holy and Universal Church - for the Blessing of all our
fellow Members - and ultimately, for His entire
Creation - so that we can Perfect our human nature
together in Him.
We cannot receive Divine Salvation and Spiritual
Perfection in isolation, but only when we are United in
Holy Love by sharing a common Sacred Life in Christ.
We have all been created in His Divine Image and
Likeness, which is thus our natural state.
On the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Baptism by St John,
God Himself identified and confirmed that He is Truly
the Eternal, Only Begotten, Beloved Son and Word of
our Heavenly Father, which is a Sacred Relationship
of Perfect, Divine Love that is far beyond our limited
understanding.
The sincere and pure Loving Relationship with each
other is a key dimension of what it means to be a
human being created in the Divine Image and
Likeness of our Lord God Who is Love Itself.
Consequently, when our homes and surroundings are
Blessed, we are granted the Strength and abilities to
make our lifestyle, our Marriages and our families the
T H E E TE R NAL
S T I SAAC THE S YR IAN
Just as healthy eyes seek the light, so a Fast that is kept
with Discernment is followed by the desire for Prayer.
S T THE ODOR OS OF EDE SSA
Those who are conquered by desires and pleasures, and
who spend their life dwelling ‘in the world’ will quickly
fall into the deadly snares of sin. And once sin has
been committed it is like setting fire to dry grass, like a
stone rolling down a steep hill or like a narrow ravine
that causes the torrents of water to flow even faster
and more powerfully, for sin prepares the
unrepentant sinner in all possible ways!
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
All the evil we will ever encounter are the results of
avarice. Wickedness flourishes at home, in the
market-place, in the courts, in parliament, at work –
everywhere – because of selfishness, greed and the
total lack of Love, Compassion, Kindness and Mercy!
S T D IAD OC HOS OF P H OTICE
Every human being is created in the Image and Likeness
of God, yet our Divine Likeness belongs only to those
who, with Great Love, have subjected themselves and
their free will to our Heavenly Father. This is because
when we cease to belong to ourselves alone, the we
become like our Lord Jesus Christ Who Reconciles us
with Himself through His Perfect, Divine Love.
S T J USTIN P OP OV ICH
For those of us who are Illumined and Enlightened in
Christ Jesus, everything in this world has value and
meaning only insofar as it is a means and Path to
Eternity, for we see what is not apparent and we gaze
upon the Invisible.
We regulate our entire life in time on the basis of that
which is Eternal, and that which is human on the
basis of God-Man – our Lord Jesus Christ.
As long as there is something Eternal within the sphere of
the temporal, that is what sustains and nourishes us
but when it is missing, we will seek it beyond time, in
the Ingdom of the Unending and Invisible.
We gaze upon everything through the prism of Eternity –
through the Prism of our Lord Jesus Christ because He
is our Eternal God, Lord and Saviour.
S T P AISIOS OF M OU NT AT H OS
There is far more Grace and Beauty in one of God’s little
flowers than in a whole bunch of artificial, paper,
plastic or silk flowers! Similarly the (Immaterial) Aïlon
differs greatly from the man-made nylon!
20. 30TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 12 JANUARY 2020
living Icons of the Fulfilment of God’s Gracious
Purpose.
But this is only the start of our Life in Christ, because we
need to continuously examine ourselves honestly so
that we can Repent and Confess our sins while fully
participating in a proper, worshipful Lifestyle as His
Faithful Disciples.
Only thereby can we learn how to avoid wicked
temptations and the subsequent Spiritual Darkness
and Death of sin in all its forms, in order to become
Radiant Lights of Christ.
In other words, we must become Spiritually Watchful and
alert by immediately Repenting our sins and
sustaining our Spiritual Life in Christ Jesus.
By offering every dimension of our life to our Lord God –
body and soul - we become Living Epiphanies of His
Salvation, which is the ultimate celebration of this
Great Feast of Theophany.
Our Sacred Task is not to try to escape the world, but to
become the Living Icons of the Fulfilment of Creation
so that we shine like Bright Spiritual Beacons that
attract and draw others to our Loving Lord God and
His Eternal Kingdom of Love.
Amen
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
(ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/easternchristianinsights/2017
, I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY CHURCH F ATHE R S
S T AR SE NIOS BOCA
We ought to Struggle to Live in such a way that at the
Hour of our death we will have more Joy than sorrow.
Furthermore, we must love Death like a ‘friend’ who
will bring us close to our Lord Jesus Christ.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
Faith needs Humility and Obedience, not a variety of
skills, for when our Lord God Commands, we have to
eagerly obey – not investigate due to curiosity!
A U TH OR U NKNOWN
O Lord, when Thy Celebrant Priest prayed for our
Brethren who are “...absent for good reason...” they
stuck in my mind, so I offer my Fervent Supplications
to Thee on their behalf, whoever they are and for
whatever reason they are absent from Thy House...
Certainly there are those who are too ill to attend - those
whose heart and soul yearns for Thee, while their
body fails them. Our soul leaps at being close to Thee
in the warm Embrace of Thy Holy Church, yet the flesh
that is sick and afflicted, does not make it possible.
Our constant Companions – our Guardian Angels –watch
over us with patient Love, assisting and encouraging
the sick and ailing to overcome our human needs.
Their Intercessory Prayers enable us to surpass the
bounds of our nature by acquiring extraordinary
Powers and Strength to endure by the Grace of God.
There are others who work shifts, in public services,
factories, hospitals, the police force, the military – all
those who serve, protect and take care of society with
very little time for themselves because they are
guarding our health, our security and national
integrity.
O Lord, remember those who are indeed absent for good
reason and grant them Thy Divine Grace as Sacred
Balm, Healing, Patience, Courage, Strength, Wisdom,
Protection and Shelter.
Amen
S T BA SIL THE G RE AT
It is defamation to speak about others when they are
absent, with the intention of attacking them, even if
what we say is true!
S T M AX IM OS THE GR EE K
We should know that the only unerring Star that leads us
to the acquisition of Holy Virtue is Fear – Divine and
always Pure – through which each of us is removed
from evil. We must always steer strictly by it as we sail
straight to the Heavenly, Sheltered Haven. The
practical observation of The Divine Commandments is
acceptable through Holy Fear of God.
 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.
17 JANUARY 2020
S T A NTH ONY TH E G RE AT H OLY H IE ROM AR TYR , F OU NDE R OF M ONASTIC ISM

Also the Feast of St Anthony of Veiras – St George the New Martyr of Jannina – St Anthony of
Dymsk, Novgorod – St Anthony of Black Lake, Chernoezero – St Anthony of Krasny Kholm – St
Theodosios the Great & Holy Emperor – St Achilles the Confessor

P R OKE IME NON

Precious in the Sight of the Lord is the death of His Holy One!
What shall we render unto the Lord for all He has granted us?
M ATINS G OSP EL A CC ORD ING TO S T M ATTH EW 11 : 27 – 30
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 you 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...”
✶ “...all Things have been delivered to Me by My Father...” This is very different to the ancient Prophetic concepts of an All

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us very clearly that HE HAS Powerful, Vengeful and Wrathful God Who quickly destroyed
DIVINE AUTHORITY as the Eternal Son and Word of those who were disobedient or opposed to His Divine Will!
our Heavenly Father to grant us His Divine Truth The people of those ancient eras would not have respected nor
accepted God as being Loving and Kind-hearted, nor as being
and Revelations.
Gentle and Humble because they believed that ‘Great Kings’

✶ “... no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor ruled only by domination, oppression, force and fear.
...the Father except the Son, and the one to whom

The term “Gentle” is literally “Meek,” meaning AN
the Son Wills to reveal Him...”
ATTITUDE OF BEING CONTENT WITH BOTH HONOUR AND

ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD AND ONLY THROUGH OUR
DISHONOUR.
LORD JESUS CHRIST are we able to obtain Knowledge

Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to BE AS GENTLE OR MEEK
and Understanding of God and His Holy Mysteries.
AND HUMBLE AS HE IS, because those who are truly

DIVINE TRUTH IS BEYOND OUR LIMITED HUMAN UNDERSTANDING
Meek are GOD-CONTROLLED AND RESIST THE GRIEVOUS
OR PERCEPTION.
PASSIONS, especially anger and hatred.

ONLY WHEN DIVINE GRACE IS BESTOWED UPON US, CAN WE

MEEKNESS IS not passive weakness but SPIRITUAL
BEGIN TO COMPREHEND God’s Infinite Mysteries and
STRENGTH THAT IS DIRECTED AND CONTROLLED.
Truth.

THE EARTH THAT THE MEEK (HUMBLE) WILL INHERIT IS not the
✶ “... come to Me... I will grant you rest...” is THE DIVINE
power or possession of this fallen, temporary
INVITATION of our Lord, Who never forces His Will upon
world, but that of THE NEW, EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF
us. IT IS ALSO HIS DIVINE PROMISE, which is always
GOD.
fulfilled.
✶ “...you will find rest for your souls. For My Yoke is easy

God is Love and LOVE IS FREELY GIVEN AND RECEIVED.
and My Burden is light...”

LOVE CANNOT BE FORCED NOR DEMANDED.

When we are “...Yoked...” WITH CHRIST, WE ARE EASILY

OUR FAITH IN GOD TAKES AWAY OUR ANXIETY over
GUIDED BY HIM AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
everything that is beyond our personal control.

Therefore, WE NO LONGER WASTE TIME AND ENERGY

WHEN WE TRUST IMPLICITLY IN GOD, WE ARE NO LONGER
WORRYING about anything that is beyond our
EXHAUSTED AND WEIGHED DOWN BY ANY WORLDLY CARES –
control.
fully confident that ONLY GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING AND

WE LEAVE EVERYTHING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
IS THUS IN CONTROL.

BY RENOUNCING WORLDLY MATTERS, OUR IMMORTAL SOUL IS

Being FREE FROM WORLDLY CONCERNS, WE ARE ABLE TO
ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OVER THE SELFISH DEMANDS OF
CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY.
OUR FLESH.

OUR COMPASSIONATE SAVIOUR CARRIES US DURING THE MOST

WE BECOME STRONGER SPIRITUAL BEINGS who are worthy
DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES so that we are neither
Citizens and Co-Heirs with Christ of the Eternal
harmed nor traumatised by the Rocky Pathway.
Kingdom of our Heavenly Father.

HE GRANTS US THE STRENGTH TO ENDURE AS WELL AS WHATEVER

AS OUR IMMORTAL SOUL BECOMES STRONGER AND PERFECTED,
IS ESSENTIAL to complete and to fulfil this
WE REGAIN OUR DIVINE LIKENESS with which we were
preparatory Journey.
created.
✶ “...Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me...” refers

LIFE IN CHRIST IS INDEED “...EASY...” AND “...LIGHT...”WHEN WE
to OUR VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF OUR
VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT HIS “,,,YOKE...” AND HIS
HEAVENLY FATHER.
“...BURDEN...” WITH JOY AND LOVE!

Although a “yoke” may be regarded by some as being
When yoked and pulling together, livestock is able to accomplish
a sign of hardship, burdens and responsibilities, IN
far more than when used individually.
CHRIST JESUS SUCH A YOKE IS EASY because THE DIVINE
Likewise, when we are “...Yoked...” and work together harmoniously
POWER OF ALMIGHTY GOD WORKS IN EACH PERSON, with our Lord Jesus Christ and each other in His Holy Church
MAKING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE FOR US BY THE GRACE OF in order to fulfil His Divine Mission of Eternal Salvation, we
GOD. are able to accomplish extraordinary Spiritual Feats.
Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD OF OUR SPIRITUAL STRIVING If we resist being “yoked” together, wanting to “do our own thing,”
AND STRUGGLES IS INFINITELY GREATER THAN THOSE OF ANY we will fail to accomplish anything truly worthy or great.
HUMAN ENDEAVOURS (REFER 3 KINGS 12 : 1 – 11 - JEREMIAH 34 : 1 In the Holy Mystery of Marriage the couple is also ‘yoked’
– 11 - WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1) together as two like-minded, loving souls who will spend the
✶ “... I Am Gentle and Lowly in heart...” is a Divine rest of their lifespan in harmonious Unity with God and each
Revelation of the True, Loving, Compassionate and All other.
Merciful Attributes of our Lord God.

ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 21

 T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 13 : 17 - 21
Brethren: obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your soul, as those who must give
account. Let them do so with Joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are
confident that we have a good conscience – in all things desiring to live honourably. But I especially urge you to
do this, so that I may be restored to you sooner.
Now may the God of Peace Who raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead – that Great Shepherd of the Sheep – through
the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you complete in every Good Work to do His Will, working in you what is
well pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory forever and ever. Amen.
✶ “...obey your Leaders and submit to them...” to Paradise or Hades until the Eight Day – our General

As Faithful Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must Resurrection (in body and soul) and our Final Judgement.
ALWAYS OBEY AND RESPECT OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS ✶ “ ... the Great Shepherd of the Sheep...” refers to OUR
who are Consecrated and Sanctified Members of LORD JESUS WHO TEACHES US HIS DIVINE TRUTH that
His Holy Priesthood. keeps us going along His Path of Righteousness.
✶ “...they are keeping watch over your soul, as men who
WE ARE GOD’S INTELLECTUALLY ENDOWED SHEEP who freely
will have to give account...” choose to Faithfully follow Christ to Eternal Life.

OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS are Members of the Eternal Our Lord mentioned both “Sheep” and “Goats,” meaning those who
Spiritual Fatherhood of Christ’s Holy Church who are meek, humble and Obedient to our Heavenly Father’s
WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for their earthly Ministry Will and those who stubbornly follow their own path,
at the Great Judgement of Our Lord. independent of Divine Will and Truth.
✶ “...Let them do so Joyfully, and not sadly...” ✶ “...the Blood of the Eternal Covenant...”

Like any loving parent, our Holy Fathers are joyful
The voluntary Passion of our Lord Jesus – everything,
WHEN WE ARE HUMBLY OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF OUR including His Crucifixion - was THE ULTIMATE BLOOD
HEAVENLY FATHER AND FULFIL THE DIVINE TEACHINGS OF OFFERING for the Atonement of all mankind’s sins
OUR LORD. forever.
✶ “... Pray for us, to ... have a clear conscience ... to act
HE WAS BOTH THE OFFERER (OUR ETERNAL, DIVINE, HIGH
honourably in all things...” PRIEST) AND THE OFFERING (THE MOST PURE AND PERFECT

St Paul, as one of our Holy Church Fathers, asked all BLOOD SACRIFICE) that surpassed and fulfilled
Christians for their Prayers so that he might LIVE AN forever the necessity of blood sacrifices for the
EXEMPLARY LIFE ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL AND NOT BE Forgiveness of sin.
TEMPTED.
THE NEW COVENANT IS A BLOODLESS, ETERNAL COVENANT.

THOSE WHO STRIVE AND STRUGGLE THE HARDEST ARE THE MOST
During the Holy Mystery of Eucharist. THE MATERIAL
TEMPTED by the evil one into committing sins or – ELEMENTS of bread and wine offerings ARE
even worse – leading others into wickedness, TRANSUBSTANTIATED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO THE
heresy or blasphemy. PRECIOUS, LIFE-GIVING BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST THAT
✶ “...to act honourably in all things...” IS MOST IMPORTANT for CLEANSES, HEALS AND SANCTIFIES OUR BODY AND SOUL.
all of us, and especially those who Guide and
This is THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE DIVINE AND MOST SACRED
Teach others. BLOOD OF CHRIST WHICH IS REALISED IN HIS GLORIOUS

Not only must our Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Teachers RESURRECTION.
and all who Serve our Lord act honourably, but WE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERS HIS MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD IN
TOO MUST DO SO IN IMITATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THE ETERNAL SANCTUARY - thereby inaugurating A
AND ALL HIS RIGHTEOUS. NEW, “... Everlasting (Eternal) Covenant...”
✶ “.... I urge you the more earnestly to do this...” – i.e. to ✶ “...equip you with everything Good so that you may do
Obey those who have Spiritual Authority over us. His Will..”

UNLESS WE HUMBLY OBEY THE DIVINE TRUTH – the Teachings
CHRIST HAS PROVIDED US WITH ALL THE DIVINE WISDOM AND
and Commandments of our Lord God – AND FULFIL KNOWLEDGE THAT IS VITAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
ALL OUR SACRED COMMITMENTS in His Holy Church, WE that leads to our Spiritual Perfection in His Divine
CANNOT CONSIDER OURSELVES AS BEING FAITHFUL Likeness.
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. ✶ “...working in you that which is pleasing in His Sight,

Arrogance, vainglory and disobedience cause through Jesus Christ...”
disunity in the Holy Body of Christ – i.e. in His Holy
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US to fulfil
Church – and we become Spiritual Wolves who everything according to the Will of our Heavenly
devour our Brethren! Father, which is necessary for our Theosis.

Thus THE MOST ESSENTIAL HOLY VIRTUES WE FIRST NEED TO
WHEN WE CHOOSE TO CO-OPERATE WITH GOD, BY FULFILLING
ACQUIRE ARE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE – the two HIS DIVINE WILL, WE SPIRITUALLY PROGRESS TOWARDS OUR
Inseparable Divine Virtues that lead to the CREATED STATE.
Acquisition of Love and all the other essential The two inseparable Holy Virtues of Humility and Obedience are
Sacred Virtues. essential to our Spiritual Growth and Progress, for without
✶ “... the God of Peace...” is our Heavenly Father and also them, we cannot acquire any of the other essential Holy
Virtues.
our Triune Lord God. Due to our Spiritual Inexperience and immaturity, it is imperative

Almighty God grants everything that is Loving, to willingly obey our Spiritual Fathers and Teachers who
Peaceful and Joyful. teach, encourage, correct and guide us towards Eternity,

He is not the “Wrathful and Vengeful” God of Whom Salvation and Eternal Life.
the ancient Prophets spoke in order to scare the We cannot achieve Theosis by ourselves
people into Obedience. We need to be willing to follow the proper Teachings and
✶ “... Who brought again from the dead...” is a reference Commandments – the Divine Truth - of our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ , as well as all aspects of an active, fully
to THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN HIS
participating Life in Christ in His Holy Church – i.e. correct
HUMAN NATURE, whereby He again taught us by His Orthodox Worship and regular participation in all His Salvific
own Example, that WE, TOO, SHALL BE RESURRECTED – Holy Mysteries, beginning with Baptism and Chrismation –
BODY AND SOUL - INTO ETERNITY. including constant Prayers, Spiritual Contemplation, Fasting
Although sin and death are the inventions of the evil one, our Lord and living every moment accordingly.
permits them to test us and to allow us to leave this moral The True Path has been laid out clearly for us to follow. It is thus
existence and enter Eternity. . neither complicated nor difficult when we do so with sincere
When we Repose, our body and soul separate and return whence Humility and Obedience and a desire for Eternal Life in God’s
they originated – the body to the earth and the immortal soul Heavenly Kingdom of Love

T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 6 : 17 - 28

At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His
Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon,
who went to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.
And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for Power went out from Him and healed them
all. Then He lifted up His Eyes towards His Disciples and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of

22 ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 2020

 God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall
rejoice. Blessed are you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your
name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your Reward is great in Heaven...”
✶ “...our Lord Jesus stood on a level place...” ✶ “... Blessed art the poor... the hungry... the weeping ...”

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S “SERMON ON THE PLAIN” - “...level is a SERIES OF DIVINE REVELATIONS AND TEACHINGS that
place...” - IS SIMILAR IN CONTENT TO HIS PROFOUND are referred to as “THE BEATITUDES.”
“SERMON ON THE MOUNT.” (MATTHEW 5 :3 – 11)
A more detailed list of Blessings were recorded by St

OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S DIVINE TEACHINGS WERE REPEATED to Matthew, which were initially addressed to the
many different gatherings OVER THE PERIOD OF HIS Hebrew Judeans – God’s Chosen People of Israel.
THREE YEAR PUBLIC MISSION.
Christ explains clearly that EVERYTHING WE EXPERIENCE IN

During the Era of the Old Covenant, ONLY A SELECT FEW THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY HAS ETERNAL
PEOPLE WERE CHOSEN BY GOD TO HEAR HIS WORDS CONSEQUENCES FOR ALL OF US.
DIRECTLY.
These Blessings refer to HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL EXALTATION

THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD THEN INTERPRETED GOD’S WORDS rather than the fleeting, worldly type of happiness
IN A MANNER THAT HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WOULD or material prosperity.
UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT - to Enlighten and Guide ✶ “...the poor... “ refers to BOTH THE MATERIALLY POOR AND
them - to Spiritually Discipline and prepare them GOD’S FAITHFUL PEOPLE.
for Eternal Salvation..
It also refers to those who are “... poor in spirit,”

In this ERA OF THE NEW COVENANT, GOD INCARNATE meaning those who have THE HEART AND ATTITUDE OF
ADDRESSES GREAT MULTITUDES OF ALL DIFFERENT HUMAN THE POOR AND DESTITUTE WHO ARE TOTALLY DEPENDENT
BEINGS OF MANY NATIONS AND VARYING SOCIAL STATUS. ON GOD’S LOVE, COMPASSION AND GREAT MERCY.

St Ambrose of Milan explained that the Eternal Son ✶ “ ... yours is the Kingdom of God...”
and Word of God BROUGHT ISRAEL TO GOD FROM THEIR
those who ACCEPT WITHOUT COMPLAINT DIFFICULTIES AND
EGYPTIAN BONDAGE, WHICH PREFIGURED HIS INCARNATION BLESSINGS WITH EQUAL GRATITUDE TO GOD, have BECOME
WHEREBY HE BRINGS US – HIS HOLY CHURCH – TO GOD AS WORTHY CITIZENS AND CO-HEIRS with Christ to our
OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST. Heavenly Father’s Eternal Kingdom of Love.

The Children of Israel were to be a Holy Nation with a ✶ “...the hungry now...” refers to both A PHYSICAL AND
Holy Priesthood, which is fulfilled according to the SPIRITUAL HUNGER AND THIRST.
New Covenant by our Lord Jesus Christ’s Holy
Our body needs physical sustenance to survive while
Orthodox Church. (EXODUS 19:6 & 1 PETER 2: 4 – 10) OUR IMMORTAL SOUL YEARNS FOR SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT
✶ “...His Disciples and a great multitude ... from all Judea THAT GRANTS US ETERNAL LIFE.
...Jerusalem ...the coast of Tyre and Sidon... came
FOOD AND DRINK ARE TEMPORARY SUSTENANCE necessary for
to hear Him...” the health of our body.

Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us BY HIS OWN DIVINE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROVIDES US WITH HIS LIVING WATER
AUTHORITY, as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. TO QUENCH OUR SPIRITUAL THIRST for Divine Truth AND

AS HIS DISCIPLES, WE DO NOT DISCUSS NOR DEBATE BUT LISTEN HIS PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
CAREFULLY to what He reveals and teaches us TO GRANT US HEALING, CLEANSING AND ETERNAL LIFE –
concerning His Divine Truth. for the Eternal Sustenance of our immortal soul.

We ought to BE READY AND EAGER TO FULFIL WHATEVER IS
IT IS NATURAL FOR US TO YEARN FOR SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT
REQUIRED FROM US. that Reunites us with God forever.

THE FULFILMENT OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S WILL IS OUR
When we thirst for Righteousness, we REGARD BEING IN
HOLY MISSION AND PURPOSE during this preparatory THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM AS THE
period before Eternity. MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES OF LIFE.

The Divine Will of our Loving, Heavenly Father
We DEVELOP A TREMENDOUS CRAVING FOR WHATEVER IS RIGHT
concerns OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. AND GOOD – A SPIRITUAL HUNGER THAT IS FAR MORE

He has shown us and provided us with every means COMPELLING THAN ANY DESIRE FOR FOOD.
possible to BE SPIRITUALLY RECONCILED WITH GOD AND ✶ “... shalt be filled..” is A DIVINE PROMISE upon which we
EACH OTHER IN SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND LOVE. can completely depend!
✶ “...to be Healed of ...diseases. And ... unclean spirits...”
BY FULFILLING THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE WILL

Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR ALMIGHTY CREATOR THROUGH BE COMPLETELY FULFILLED – and overwhelmed by
WHOM ALL LIFE AND GOODNESS IS GRANTED. Joy, Peace and Love that is beyond any human

ANY ENCOUNTER WITH HIM OR CONTACT WITH PEOPLE OR description!
ANYTHING SANCTIFIED BY HIM, RECEIVE DIVINE HEALINGS ✶ “...the weeping now...” refers to THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED
AND SPIRITUAL RESTORATION, REGENERATION AND BY THE SUFFERINGS of this life, especially BY THE MISERABLE
TRANSFORMATION. STATE OF THE FALLEN WORLD, AND OUR OWN PERSONAL SINS.
✶ “... Power went out from Him and Healed them all...” (REFER JOHN 11:35... LUKE 19:41 & LUKE 7 : 36 – 38)

Our Lord Jesus Christ is THE DIVINE SOURCE AND POWER ✶ “... shalt laugh...” and Rejoice WHEN WE WITNESS THE GREAT
THAT CAUSES EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD and Spiritually MERCY, COMPASSION AND LOVE OF OUR LORD GOD.
Beneficial for all mankind.
OUR TEARS OF SORROW BECOME TEARS OF JOY AND GRATITUDE.

THROUGH HIM WE RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS AND EMPOWERMENT
ALL WHO SUFFER AND SORROW ARE CERTAINLY COMFORTED BY
OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE POWER OF GOD both in this world and in the Age
✶ “... He lifted up His Eyes towards His Disciples...” to come.

OUR LORD LOOKS DIRECTLY AT EACH OF US– seeing our
HOLY SORROW IS PART OF OUR REPENTANCE, CONVERSION AND
hidden heart and soul. VIRTUOUS ACTION.

HE SPEAKS TO OUR VERY BEING.
HOLY SORROW OR JOYFUL MOURNING IS THE FIRST-FRUIT – THE

HIS DISCIPLES ARE ALL THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE UNDER INITIAL RESULT – OF INFINITE OR ETERNAL BLISS/JOY,
HIS DIVINE DISCIPLINE – to Faithfully follow and fulfil which is completely different from ungodly sorrow
His Divine Teachings and Commandments by – an inconsolable sadness that leads to despair –
LIVING IN CHRIST. utter hopelessness. (REFER TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7 : 10 )

This means APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO OUR THOUGHTS,
OUR WORDS AND OUR DEEDS.
T H E NE CE SSITY OF P REPAR ATION BEF ORE P AR TAKING OF H OLY C OMMU NION
Some people partake of the Precious Life-giving Body of If we partake of Holy Communion while we are still in
our Lord without any Holy Fear of God, and they eat it, love with our sins, we do not receive the Divine Fruit of
but are not filled because as long as they partake of Salvation.
the Holy Mystery of Eucharist only through their We will not be Spiritually Satisfied and Nourished by Holy
mouth, they will never be filled with His Divine Grace Communion unless we actually hunger and thirst for
They will remain Spiritually Hungry because even before It.
they approached the Sacred Chalice, they felt full. Those of us who have realised through our bad habits
that sin causes us Spiritual Poverty and Hunger, and

ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 23

 have therefore Repented-Confessed our sins, will
receive the full Energy, Divine Grace and Efficacy of
Holy Communion.
Not even the so-called “Elect” are exempt from this Sacred
Rule since it is impossible even for them to be without
sin.
Like all of us – they will certainly commit various sins
unless they force themselves – every moment of every
day – to avoid the transgressions with which our back-
sliding human nature is forever sullied.
When we are not very careful to conquer our
imperfections every day, then – no matter how much
we imagine that our transgressions are “not really so
serious” – our soul is gradually overwhelmed by
wickedness and we will lose the Fruit of that Inner
State – the Spiritual Riches that fill us with much
Spiritual Joy and Peace.
St Paul exhorted us to avoid these habitual sins, advising
us to “... examine...” ourselves thoroughly so that we
can Repent-Confess our sins before we “... eat of the
Bread and drink of the Cup...” (1 CORINTHIANS 11:28)
Being ‘worthy’ does not mean that we are sinless but that we are
being regularly Cleansed and Restored through the Holy
Mystery of Repentance-Confession, as our New Covenant
Faith is not a Faith of legalism but of our personal
commitment to Life in Christ – to Live according to the Will of
our Heavenly Father, to the best of our ability.
O N P RACTISING
“ O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
The correct practise of the Jesus Prayer proceeds
naturally from correct notions about God, about the
Most Holy Name of our Lord Jesus, and about
mankind’s Relationship to God.
Our Triune Lord God is infinitely Great and All-Perfect, the
Creator and Renewer of mankind, and the Divine
Sovereign over all visible and invisible Creation,
which compels us to stand prayerfully before Him in
deepest reverence with Holy Fear (of failing Him Whom
we Love), while dreading His Final Judgement (of our
unrepented sins.)
We direct all our Love, Fear and attention towards Him
by focussing our mind and heart – body and soul –
upon our Lord God, while ignoring any distractions
and vain imaginings that diminish our Spiritual
Alertness and Reverence, and violate the worthy
manner of standing before God, and all His Divine
majesty.
 M A T T H E W 2 2 : 3 7 – Our Lord Jesus taught us to “... Love
your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your mind...”
 M A R K 1 2 : 2 9 - 3 0 – Our Lord Jesus said “... the first of
all the Commandments is ‘Hear, O Israel, the
Lord our God... is One. And you shalt Love the
Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, with all your mind and with all your
Strength. This is the first Commandment!’”
Whenever we make the Sign of the Cross we declare “I
worship Thee, O Lord, with all my mind, with all my
heart, with all my strength and with all my soul!”
 L U K E 1 0 : 2 7 – Our Lord said “’... you shalt Love the
Lord your God with all your hear, with all your
soul, with all your Strength, and with all your
mind,’ and ‘...your neighbour as yourself...’”
 J O H N 4 : 2 3 - 2 4 – “... the Hour is coming, and now is,
when True Worshippers will worship the Father in
Spirit and Truth; for the Father is seeking such to
worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who
worship Him, must worship in Spirit and Truth.”
St Isaac the Syrian explained it marvellously: “...When
you turn to God in Prayer, be in your thoughts as an
ant, as a serpent of the Earth, like a worm, like a
stuttering child. Do not speak to Him something
philosophical or high-sounding, but approach Him
with a child’s attitude...” (HOMILY 49)
S T J OH N
Concerning the education of our children – and ourselves – it is very dangerous to prioritise only the development of
the intellect and knowledge, while ignoring the heart and soul. We ought to concentrate on the heart and soul
above all else because these profoundly affect our current and future Life. This current life has been corroded by
sin and our contemporary society is corrupt and wicked precisely because it lacks Christian Education,
Enlightenment and Practise.
24 ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM
Self awareness through constant Spiritual Watchfulness
and self-examination is essential to our ongoing
Salvation - and in order that we approach the Holy
Chalice of Eucharist only after first Repenting our sins
and being Cleansed and Restored to Spiritual Life in
Christ Jesus.
St Paul cautioned us against neglecting our Spiritual
Welfare for those who partake of Holy Communion “...
in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks Judgement
of (themselves by) ... not discerning our Lord’s Body...”
(1 CORINTHIANS 11:29)
There is so much Divine Power in the Precious Body and Blood of
Christ, which is communicated to us in the eating and drinking
of His Divine Gifts, that doing so with wilful disregard of our
Lord’s Divine Truth - all His Commandments and Teachings -
could result in serious sickness and death!
We commit so many sins each and every day –
voluntarily and involuntarily – so let us daily – if not
moment by moment - Repent our iniquities with tears
of sincere contrition that Cleanse and Cure us so that,
as quickly as possible, we might return to Spiritual Life
in Chris, partake worthily of Holy Communion and
make good Progress towards Eternity.
https://pemptousia.com/patristic-theology
‘T HE JES U S P R AYE R ’
Those who have acquired genuine Prayer experience an
Ineffable Spiritual Poverty (Humility) when they stand
before our Lord, Glorifying and Praising Him,
Confessing to Him, or Entreating Him.
They feel as if they had returned into nothingness - as if
they did not exist.
Such a Spiritual Experience is granted to those who are in
a profound state of Prayer.
They Experience the Fullness of the Divine Presence of
Life that is infinitely Abundant and Unfathomable, for
by comparison, their own existence is like a tiny
droplet in a boundless ocean.
That is what the Righteous and Long-suffering St Job felt
when he attained the Height of Spiritual Perfection.
He considered himself to be like mere dust and ashes –
and he felt as though he was melting away like snow
when struck by the sun’s bright, burning rays.
 J O B 4 2 : 6 – “... I depreciate myself, and I waste away.
I regard myself s dust and ashes.”
St Job, having beheld God, asked for nothing more. St John
Chrysostom explained: “... because Job condemned
himself, God Justified him.”
The Name of our Lord Jesus Christ is Divine.
The Power and Effect of that Name is Omnipotent and
Salvific, and Transcends our ability to comprehend It.
Therefore, with Faith, with confidence and sincerity, and
with great Piety and Holy Fear we ought to constantly
strive to fulfil the Sacred Mission that our Lord God has
entrusted to us.
It is essential to strengthen and sustain our Prayerful Life
in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As St Barsanuphios the Great teaches us: “...the incessant
Invocation of God’s Divine Name is a ‘Medicine,’
which mortifies not merely the grievous passions, but
also their wicked influence.
“Just as Physicians administer medications or put
dressings on a wound so that it might be healed,
without the patient even knowing the manner of their
operation, so also when we invoke the Name of God,
all grievous passions are mortified, although we do
not know how that happens...” (421ST ANSWER)
(A D A P T E D A N D E D I T E D B Y M P )
https://pemptousia.com/2016/05/on-practicing-the-jesus-
prayer/
OF K R ONSTAD T
17 JANUARY 2020
 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.
18 JANUARY 2020

ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA

Also the Feast of St Athanasios, Abbot of Syandemsk Monastery, Vologa – St Athanasios of

Novolotsk – St Marcian of Cyrrhas, Syria – St Cyril, Venerable Schemamonk, & St Maria,
Venerable Schema-Nun, Parents of St Sergios of Radonezh – St Joachim I, Patriarch of Trnovo
& Bulgaria – St Maximos, Archbishop of Serbia – St Maximos the New, Metropolitan of
Wallachia, of Serbia – St Ephraim the Lesser, Writer, Translator, Philosopher & Defender of the
Georgian Church – St Alexi of Teklati, Venerable Hieromonk

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 131 : 48

O Lord, Thy Priests shalt vest themselves with Righteousness! Thy Saints shalt greatly Rejoice!
My mouth shalt speak Wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, Understanding!
THE H OLY G OSPEL AC COR D ING TO S T J OH N 10 : 9 – 16
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be Saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. “The thief comes to steal and to kill, and to destroy. I Am come so that they might
have Life, and so that they might have it more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But he who is a hireling, and not the
Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the wolf
catches them, and scatters the sheep. For the hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and does not care for the
Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and know My Sheep, and Am known by My own. As the Father knows Me even so know I
the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep.
“And other Sheep I have that are not of this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will
be one Flock and one Shepherd.”
✶ “...I Am the Door...” CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEANS OF ENTRY HE STEALS OUR FREE WILL AND ENSLAVES US, HE KILLS US WITH
INTO GOD’S DIVINE KINGDOM OF LOVE. HIS WICKED TEMPTATIONS AND SINS THAT ALIENATE AND

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS TEACHINGS AND SEPARATE US FROM OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT AND LIFE-
COMMANDMENTS SHOW US THE PATH TO SALVATION AND GIVING LORD GOD, and he DESTROYS AND CORRUPTS
ETERNAL LIFE. EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD and Beautifully created by

Having accepted our Lord Jesus as our Divine Almighty God
Saviour, we have to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE TO BECOME ✶ “... that they may have Life...” GOD CREATED MANKIND TO
LIKE HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. LIVE BY HIS DIVINE GRACE even while on Earth.

Our Eternal Salvation begins now and is AN ONGOING OUR VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY SINS BREAK OUR SACRED BOND
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATION AND SIN, until WITH OUR LORD GOD, leaving us susceptible to the
we draw our last breath. destructive forces of evil.

OUR SALVIFIC STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN WE ARE However, OUR LORD JESUS HAS PROVIDED US WITH THE MOST
BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED INTO CHRIST. POWERFUL ANTIDOTE AND HEALING OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
✶ “...If anyone enters by Me...” Our Lord Jesus speaks His ✶“... and more abundantly...” indicates OUR LORD’S ETERNAL
Divine Truth very clearly and concisely. HEAVENLY KINGDOM that begins while we are still in

HE DOES NOT SAY “WHEN” BUT “IF,” which shows us that THE this lifespan.
CHOICES WE MAKE ARE ENTIRELY ACCORDING TO OUR OWN ✶ "...I Am the Good Shepherd...” OUR LORD ALWAYS
FREE WILL, for our God of Love never forces His IDENTIFIES HIMSELF CLEARLY so that we properly
Divine Will upon His creatures. understand Who He is.

We must FREELY DESIRE AND SEEK HIS PRESENCE THROUGH
“I Am” is THE NAME WHEREBY GOD IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
PRAYER AND CORRECT, REVERENT, HONEST AND SINCERE
Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR GOOD SHEPHERD WHO
WORSHIP WATCHES OVER US, PROTECTING US AGAINST EVIL AND
✶ We “...will be Saved...” by humbly and obediently GUIDING US ALONG HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH HIS
APPLYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS TO DIVINE TRUTH.
EVERY ASPECT OF OUR EXISTENCE.
WE ARE HIS HOLY FLOCK OF “REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” who
WE ARE INCLINED TO COMPLICATE EVERYTHING, thereby causing trust our Holy Shepherd to provide for us and to
confusion and misguidance. take good care of us.
✶ “... and find pasture...” Just as any good shepherd
OUR GOOD SHEPHERD LOVES EVERY ONE OF HIS HOLY FLOCK to
leads his flocks to green fields or pasture where they the extent of OFFERING HIS OWN LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF
are sufficiently fed, so too, does OUR GOOD SHEPHERD OUR SALVATION.
LEAD HIS HOLY FLOCK TO THE BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINING PASTURES

HE HAS FULFILLED ALL THE INSPIRED PROPHECIES of Holy
THAT SPIRITUALLY NOURISH AND MAINTAIN US while we
mature, growing closer to God and regaining our
Scripture concerning Himself.
Divine Likeness.
HE KNOWS AND IS KNOWN (being identified and

BY FREELY SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD’S DIVINE WILL, WE testified to) BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GOD
ARE IMMENSELY LIBERATED FROM ALL NEGATIVITY AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
THREAT, knowing with full confidence that God is
HE KNOWS ALL MANKIND PERSONALLY – better than we
indeed in control of everything. know ourselves
✶“... the Thief...” comes “... to steal... to kill... to destroy...”
WHEN WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH DIVINE TRUTH, WE

THE WORST THIEF IS THE EVIL ONE, SATAN - THE INVENTOR OF KNOW OUR LORD GOD – each of us according to
ALL EVIL AND DEATH – everything that is foul, rotten,
our personal limitations and capacity.
wretched and negative.
✶ “... a Hireling ... who is not the Shepherd...” refers to
HIS LIES, DECEPTIONS AND HIDEOUS HERESIES LURE MANKIND
THOSE WHO USE PEOPLE AND EVEN THE CHURCH FOR THEIR
into his wickedness and slavery.
OWN SELFISH MOTIVES.

ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA 18 JANUARY 2020 25


Hirelings can also refer to MERCENARY PRIESTS WHO ARE CONTROVERSIAL, HERETICAL AND BLASPHEMOUS PRACTISES
MERELY ‘DOING A JOB’ but are uncommitted to the AND IDEAS, which cause Spiritual Death and Eternal
Service of God and His Holy Flock. Condemnation.

Hirelings LACK ANY DEGREE OF AGAPE AND CAUSE MUCH THE WOLF HAD “...DEVOURED AND SCATTERED...” GOD’S CHOSEN
UNHAPPINESS AND DISCORD. PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL – when they intermarried

They will ABANDON THEIR SACRED DUTIES WHENEVER IT SUITS with pagans and reformed their ancient Judaic Faith.
THEM AND DEPART WHEN THREATENED by exposure, These were “...THE LOST SHEEP...” WHOM CHRIST CAME TO FIND
complaint or correction. AND RETURN TO THE SPIRITUAL SAFETY OF HIS HOLY

Hirelings are usually SELF-APPOINTED ‘PROPHETS’ OR SHEEPFOLD.
‘PRIESTS’ WHO ARE OFFENSIVE, HERETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL ✶ “...other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold...”
AND BLASPHEMOUS. was a reference to THE GENTILES – THE PAGAN NON-JUDAIC

They only care about FINANCIALLY PROFITING AS MUCH AS NATIONS – who did not live according to the Old
THEY CAN from the people who are seeking Divine Covenant but WHO WOULD RECEIVE THE NEW COVENANT AND
Truth and Spiritual and physical Healing for their LIVE IN CHRIST.
many ailments and suffering.
This also applies to ALL WHO WILL EVENTUALLY ACCEPT OUR

THEY SERVE THE EVIL ONE by doing everything he desires. LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH BEFORE THE

THEY ARE DRIVEN AND CONTROLLED BY ALL THE GRIEVOUS END OF TIME – BEFORE ETERNITY.
PASSIONS THAT DESTROY EVERYTHING GOOD. ✶ “...there will be one Flock - one Shepherd...” WHEN OUR

THEY USE THE LOVE AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE GOD TO LORD JESUS CHRIST REAPPEARS IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT,
ATTRACT PEOPLE AND CLAIM TO PERFORM ALL KINDS OF DIVINE GLORY ON ’THE EIGHTH DAY’ – THE DAY OF FINAL
‘MIRACLES’ as though these were merely ‘party JUDGEMENT FOR ALL CREATION IN ETERNITY when we
tricks’ to be performed at their own will, but THEY will either receive Eternal Life in His Heavenly
ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES AND THOSE WHOM THEY Kingdom or be Condemned forever to ‘Outer
LEAD INTO PERDITION Darkness’ – the total absence of God and all His
✶ “... the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep...” refers to Goodness – a permanent, most dreadful state of
ANYTHING THAT HARMS OR DESTROYS THE HOLY FLOCK OF Spiritual Death!
CHRIST OUR LORD.
At present MANKIND IS LURED INTO APOSTASY BY THE
1. THE EVIL ONE, his demons and all his wicked people INNUMERABLE SELF-APPOINTED, EGOCENTRIC HERETICAL
2. HERETICS SECTS THAT PICK AND CHOOSE FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE, all
3. ENEMIES OR OPPONENTS of Christ and His One, True, of which claim to be THE Church that alone will
Universal, Holy Church Save humanity.
4. APOSTASY – the denial, rejection or neglect of God’s
THERE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONLY ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL
Divine Truth – all His Teachings and AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND DIVINE
Commandments whereby we ought to live as SAVIOUR, whereby WE LIVE IN CHRIST EXACTLY
His Faithful Disciples. ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT AND

The Wolf is ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE COMMANDED US – nothing more, nothing less!
TRUTH, THAT CAUSES DISHARMONY AND DISUNITY OR
DIVINE TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND UNCOMPROMISING.
CONTROVERSY THAT SPLITS HIS HOLY CHURCH AND CAUSES
NOT ONE IOTA NOR TITTLE CAN BE CHANGED for then it
SCHISMS, FACTIONS AND EVEN TERRIBLE WARFARE. becomes our own imperfect, limited, flawed,

The Wolf scatters the Sheep with its LIES AND DECEITS concept of truth – NOT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH!
THAT CAUSE PEOPLE TO BECOME ENSNARED IN
F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON – T H E P R AYE R OF A ZAR IAH – TO NE 4
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers...
For Thou art Righteous in all Thou did for us...
T HE EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H E BRE WS 13 : 7 – 16
B rethren: remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose Faith you must follow,
considering the outcome of their conduct.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! Do not be carried away with various and strange doctrines. It is
good that the heart be established by Grace – not with foods that have not profited those who have been occupied
with them. We have an Altar from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. The blood of
sacrificial animals is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, while their bodies are ‘burnt outside the
camp.’ Therefore Jesus also – so that He might Sanctify the people with His own Blood – suffered outside the gate.
Let us go forth to Him – ‘outside the camp’ – bearing His Reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek
the one to come. Thus by Him, let us ‘continually offer the Sacrifice of Praise’ to God – that is: ‘the Fruit of our lips’ –
Confessing His Name. Do good and share without fail. With such sacrifices God is well pleased.
✶ “...remember those who rule... have spoken the Word of ✶ “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever
God ... whose Faith you must follow, considering ...” because HE IS ETERNALLY PERFECT.
the outcome of their conduct....”refers to our Lord
Our Lord Jesus Christ is
Jesus Christ, His Holy Apostles, His Saints and 1. ALMIGHTY GOD
Martyrs, and all their successors throughout the 2. THE ONLY BEGOTTEN, ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF GOD.
ages. 3. THE SECOND PERSON OF THE ONE DIVINE GODHEAD.

These are ALL OUR HOLY SPIRITUAL FATHERS WHO HAVE 4. THE ONLY DIVINE PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY TO BECOME
ENLIGHTENED AND GUIDED US ACCORDING TO GOD’S MAN – GOD-MAN – having two separate, Divine and
DIVINE TRUTH. human Natures

THE UNBROKEN LINEAGE OF THE APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION leads 5. THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD AND THE INCARNATE SON OF
from our contemporary Holy Priesthood all the MAN(kind
way back to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy 6. CO-ETERNAL AND CONSUBSTANTIAL as God our Heavenly
Apostles. Father, having THE SAME ETERNAL, DIVINE ATTRIBUTES

OUR BISHOPS AND PRIESTS ARE THE OFFICIATORS OR ORDAINED 7. ETERNAL, soTHERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME WHEN HE DID NOT
CELEBRANT PRIESTS OF OUR LORD’S HOLY MYSTERIES and EXIT
all the essential Holy Services of His One, Universal, 8. PERFECT AND THUS UNCHANGEABLE SO NEITHER HE NOR HIS
Orthodox Church. DIVINE TRUTH EVER CHANGE.

AS OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS, THEY WILL BE MORE HARSHLY Thus THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS KEPT HER DOCTRINE
JUDGED AND CONDEMNED. Therefore, THEY NEED OUR PURE AND WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST CHANGE.
CONSTANT PRAYERS FOR DIVINE GUIDANCE, STRENGTH AND TO CHANGE THAT DIVINE PERFECTION EVEN SLIGHTLY, WOULD
WISDOM to lead us as GOOD EXAMPLES OF FAITHFUL LIFE MAKE IT LESS THAN PERFECT!!
IN CHRIST. 9. ETERNALLY DIVINE and CERTAINLY NOT ONE OF HIS

The Faith of our Holy Fathers is THE ONE, TRUE, FAITH CREATURES whom He CREATED IN TIME AND SPACE!
that they teach us and WHEREBY THEY MUST LIVE.
GOD AND HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS ARE

Such TRUE FAITH DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. ETERNALLY PERFECT. (Perfection has no need of any

26. ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA 18 JANUARY 2020

 degree of alteration, which would make it
imperfect!)

THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST HAVE ALWAYS ATTAINED
THE ETERNAL KINGDOM THROUGH FAITH, so can we.
✶ “...Do not be carried away with various and strange
doctrines...” that LURE US AWAY FROM GOD AND HIS
DIVINE TRUTH AND LOVE.

OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS ARE USED AS SPIRITUAL
WEAPONS AGAINST OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER.

THE EVIL ONE ALWAYS BAITS HIS VENOMOUS HOOKS WITH A TINY
DROP OF DIVINE TRUTH – enough to catch us.

WE CAN ONLY TRUST OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH IMPLICITLY
because IT IS THE ABSOLUTE, PERFECT TRUTH and not
the corrupted, flawed, and erroneous concepts of
mankind – not our idea of ‘truth.’

St Paul referred particularly to THE LEGALISTIC LAWS THAT
CONCERNED THINGS BEING “KOSHER,” WHICH DID NO
SPIRITUAL GOOD UNLESS COMPELLED BY THE GRACE AND
LOVE OF GOD.

FASTING (self-denial/self-discipline) according to the
New Covenant of Love HAS ALWAYS CONCERNED THE
GRACE, LOVE AND GREAT MERCY OF OUR LORD GOD.
✶ “... be established by (Divine) Grace...” means that OUR
THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS OUGHT TO BE FIRMLY BASED
ON GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH.

WE ARE ABLE TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
ONLY BY APPLYING THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST – all His Commandments and Teachings –
TO EVERY ASPECT OF OUR BEING AND LIFESTYLE.

Immediately after we are Baptised into Christ Jesus,
WE ARE CHRISMATED – ANOINTED as the adopted
Children of our Heavenly Father – and we RECEIVE
THE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO EMPOWERS,
ENLIGHTENS AND ENABLES US to Live in Christ and
thereby BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED.

When we yearn and strive for a close Relationship to
the Lord our God, THE HOLY SPIRIT BESTOWS HIS DIVINE
GRACE upon us, WHICH ENABLES US TO ACCOMPLISH
TRULY MARVELLOUS SPIRITUAL FEATS that are beyond
our natural human abilities.

The extent of His Divine Grace is according to THE
SPIRITUAL STATE OF OUR IMMORTAL SOUL.

DIVINE GRACE IS NOT A PERMANENT SPIRITUAL STATE during
this preparatory lifespan.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE against the evil one’s temptations
and sins REQUIRES OUR CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE.

ONLY BY THE GRACE AND GREAT MERCY OF GOD CAN WE
OVERCOME CORRUPTION.
✶ “...We have an Altar ...” refers to THE NEW COVENANT HOLY
MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION.

Although the Old Covenant Priests were permitted to
eat some of the Sacrificial Offerings at the Temple,
THE LAITY WAS FORBIDDEN FROM DOING SO.

ACCORDING TO GOD’S NEW COVENANT, ALL HIS FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES ARE INVITED TO PARTAKE OF THE SACRIFICIAL
OFFERINGS.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST IS GOD’S GREAT BANQUET/SUPPER to
which He invites all His Faithful People.

ONLY THOSE WHO ARE BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED ACCORDING
TO OUR NEW COVENANT MAY PARTAKE OF THE HOLY
EUCHARIST.
✶ “...The blood ... is brought into the Sanctuary by the
High Priest for sin, while their bodies are ‘burnt
outside the camp...’”

According to the imperfect Old Covenant, ONLY ON ONE
DAY OF EACH YEAR COULD THE HIGH PRIEST ENTER THE
HOLY OF HOLIES with the blood Offering, TO BESEECH
GOD FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF HIS OWN SINS AS WELL AS
THOSE OF THE FAITHFUL.

The Sacrificial Lambs were never eaten but burnt
outside their camps or, later, outside the walls of
Jerusalem.
✶ “...Jesus also – so that He might Sanctify ... with His own
Blood – suffered outside the gate...”

CHRIST offered the Most Supreme Blood Sacrifice when
HE WAS CRUCIFIED AT GOLGOTHA, OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF
JERUSALEM.

HIS PRECIOUS LIFE-GIVING BLOOD WAS NOT CARRIED INTO THE
HOLY OF HOLIES AT THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM by any
other human being for HE CARRIED HIS OWN BLOOD
SACRIFICE INTO THE HEAVEN HOLY OF HOLIES OF
ETERNITY.
ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE OFFERER – our High Priest –
AND THE ULTIMATE, PERFECT BLOOD OFFERING – the All
Pure Sacrificial Lamb of God – Who grants us
Forgiveness and Restoration into Eternal Life.

THIS GREAT ENTRANCE OF CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST SHOWS US
THAT THE DIVINE LITURGY IS ETERNAL and is celebrated
FOR ALL MANKIND ACCORDING TO HIS NEW COVENANT OF
LOVE.

We are SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST – of
His Holy Church – so we ARE ALWAYS AND FOREVER
PERMITTED TO PARTAKE OF HIS HOLY EUCHARIST for the
forgiveness of sins and Eternal Life in Christ Jesus.
✶ “...Let us go forth to Him – ‘outside the camp’ – bearing
His Reproach...” refers to THE IMPERFECT OLD
COVENANT ISRAEL, which was FULFILLED AND
PERFECTED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ABIDE BY BOTH THE OLD AND NEW
COVENANT.

Although THE ORIGINAL CHURCH OF JERUSALEM (30 – 70)
retained the Judean customs and even the
ancient Traditions, it WAS ESTABLISHED ONLY
ACCORDING TO GOD’S THE NEW COVENANT, which
caused a rift with those who remained under the
Laws of the Old Covenant instead of accepting
Christ as their Great Divine Messiah.

All Faithful Disciples of Christ must BE PREPARED TO BEAR
THE SCORN AND PERSECUTION OF UNBELIEVERS AND
OPPONENTS TO GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH, for we are ‘exiles’
during this preparatory lifespan.
✶ “...here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one
to come...” refers to THE ETERNAL, HEAVENLY CITY OF
PEACE – not the earthly Jerusalem, which has
become the centre of much bitterness, hatred and
warfare.

As Disciples of Christ, our SACRED QUEST CONCERNS OUR
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION as worthy Citizens and Co-
Heirs of our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Love.

We begin Life in God’s Eternal Kingdom when we are
Baptised into Christ.
✶ “...by Him, let us ‘...continually offer the Sacrifice of
Praise...’ to God ...” is the summarising exhortation
of St Paul.
1. WE EXPERIENCE THE HEAVENLY CITY OF PEACE – the
Heavenly Jerusalem – and the Heavenly Most Holy
Place WHEN WE SACRIFICE OUR BODY AND SOUL IN THE
DIVINE LITURGY – a Divine Mystery in which our part
is that of Praises and Thanksgiving that are
consistent with Christ’s True Doctrine.
2. GOOD WORKS AND LIFE IN COMMUNITY (Koinonias = to share)
MUST BE UNITED WITH TRUE WORSHIP OF GOD.
3. PRIESTS, SPIRITUAL FATHERS, AND TEACHERS MUST BE
RESPECTED AND HUMBLY OBEYED as these are OUR
SPIRITUALLY EXPERIENCED SPIRITUAL FATHERS IN CHRIST’S
HOLY CHURCH WHO ENLIGHTEN AND GUIDE US correctly
towards Spiritual Perfection.

ALL OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND TEACHERS ARE ACCOUNTABLE
FOR THEIR SACRED MINISTRY before the Awesome
Throne of Christ on the Day of Judgement.

ST PAUL WAS PAINFULLY AWARE OF THE FLAWS OF OUR HUMAN
NATURE and reminded us constantly to PRAY FOR ALL
OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND TEACHERS SO THAT THEY
MIGHT LIVE AN EXEMPLARY LIFE IN CHRIST as our good
examples whom we ought to follow and imitate.
✶ “...Do good and share without fail. With such sacrifices
God is well pleased...” EPITOMISES OUR LIFE IN CHRIST.

GOD GRANTS US MORE THAN WE ACTUALLY NEED - in order
that we might SHARE OUR ABUNDANT BLESSING WITH
OTHERS WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE.

WHATEVER WE DO FOR EACH OTHER WILL BE RETURNED TO US “...
A HUNDREDFOLD...” so we ought to ensure that we are
Loving, Kind, Compassionate and Merciful to
others.

Our Lord Jesus Christ instructed us very clearly
concerning this GOLDEN COMMANDMENT OF
UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE.

the ultimate Sacred Goal of SPIRITUAL PERFECTION is THE
ACQUISITION OF AGAPE – DIVINE LOVE!

GOD IS LOVE SO WE MUST LOVE AS MUCH AS HE LOVES US. This
is the Divine Likeness we are striving for.
18 JANUARY 2020 27.
 T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 5 : 14 – 19
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “...You are the Light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot
be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who
are in the house. Let your Light so shine before mankind, that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your
Father in Heaven.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. Truly, therefore, I
say to you: until Heaven and Earth pass away, not one jot nor one tittle will by any means pass from the Law until
all is fulfilled. Whoever breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be
called least in the Kingdom of Heaven! Whoever does and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ in the Kingdom of
Heaven.”
✶ “... you are the Light of the world...” means that as the DISCIPLES OF CHRIST who STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, we
become the BRIGHT BEACONS OF DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH THAT GUIDES OTHERS TOWARDS THE LORD OUR GOD.

We are UNDER THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF OUR DIVINE LORD AND SAVIOUR.

Since our Baptism, WE ARE THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

BEING CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST to our Heavenly Father’s Eternal Kingdom of Love, WE BECOME GOOD EXAMPLES that others
will want to imitate, thereby DRAWING US ALL CLOSER TO GOD.

OUR ALMIGHTY, TRIUNE GOD IS THE TRUE AND UNCREATED LIGHT of Love and Truth.

According to the Old Testament LIGHT WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALMIGHTY GOD, HIS DIVINE LAW AND ISRAEL in contrast to all other
Nations who existed in the Spiritual Darkness of ungodliness, ignorance and sin Spiritual Death.
 I S A I A H 6 0 : 1 – 3 “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem, for your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has risen upon
you. Behold: darkness and gloom shall cover the earth upon the Nations, but the Lord will shine on you and
His Glory shall be seen upon you. Kings shall come to your Light, and the Gentiles to your Brightness...” (also
chanted as a Paschal Hymn.)
 P S A L M 1 1 8 : 1 0 5 - “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and a Light to my paths.”

According to the New Testament, THE SON OF GOD UNCREATED LIGHT OF UNCREATED LIGHT – TRUE GOD OF TRUE GOD!
 J O H N 1 : 4 – 9 “... In Him is Life, and the Life is the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and
the darkness did not comprehend It. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man
came as a Witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all – through him – might believe. He was not that Light,
but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the True Light, which gives Light to everyone coming
into the world...”

ONLY GOD IS THE SOURCE OF LIGHT AND LIFE.

Thus OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TOGETHER WITH THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE AND LIGHT.
✶ “...Let your Light so shine ... that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your Father in Heaven...”

Our Goodness must SHINE AS BRIGHTLY AS THE LIGHTS OF ELEVATED CITIES OR LIT LAMPS, for all to see.

We must STAND OUT AS GOOD EXAMPLES TO OTHERS.

BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE ARE ABLE TO ACQUIRE THE ESSENTIAL HOLY VIRTUES that have both a personal and public function.

Not only do we DRAW CLOSER TO GOD but BY OUR EXEMPLARY ATTRIBUTES, WE ALSO DRAW OTHERS, thereby HONOURING,
WORSHIPPING AND GLORIFYING THE LORD OUR GOD.
✶ “... I did not come to destroy but to fulfill...” because OUR LORD JESUS CERTAINLY FULFILLED THE ENTIRE DIVINE LAW in Himself
BY HIS WORDS AND BY HIS DEEDS.

HE PERFECTLY FULFILLED THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER in all circumstances.

HE NEVER TRANSGRESSED any of the precepts of the Old Covenant Laws, for HE IS PERFECTLY SINLESS.

He also FULFILLED ALL THE PROPHESIES OF HIS HOLY PROPHETS -by being and fulfilling everything they had foretold.
 JOHN 8:46 “... which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the Truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God
hears God’s Words. Therefore you do not hear because you are not of God.”

ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST DO WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
 JOHN 14 : 30 “... I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
But so that the world may know that I Love the Father, and, as the Father gave me Commandment, so I do...””
1. The ruler of this fallen, corrupted world is THE EVIL ONE who DOMINATES THE REALM OF THOSE WHO DO NOT LOVE CHRIST AND
GOD, NOR KEEP HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS.
2. THE EVIL ONE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHRIST JESUS because THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE AT ALL between our Lord Jesus
Christ and His Disciples, and Satan.
3. THE ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF GOD BECAME THE INCARNATE SON OF MAN BUT WAS FOREVER SINLESS.

HE DECLARED THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF THE NEW COVENANT LAW which He was about to deliver

HE GRANTED RIGHTEOUSNESS to us, which is THE PURPOSE AND GOAL OF HIS DIVINE LAW OF LOVE.
 ROMANS 3: 31 – “... we establish the Law...”
 ROMANS 8:3 – 4 – “ Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death, for what the Law could not do in
that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh... He
condemned sin in the flesh... that the Righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who ... walk
... according to the Spirit...”

THE OLD COVENANT LAW FAILED DUE TO THE WEAKNESS AND CORRUPTION OF HUMAN NATURE.

OUR NATURE is not inherently sinful but HAS BECOME CORRUPT AND INCLINED TO ALL MANNER OF SIN.

CHRIST FULFILLED THE DIVINE LAW AND HUMAN NATURE BY HIS INCARNATION, for although He took on our human nature HE
DID NOT SUCCUMB TO ITS SINFUL INCLINATION.

HE CONDEMNED SIN BY DESTROYING ITS POWER OVER US so that in Christ our human nature has finally defeated temptation
and sin.
 ROMANS 10:4 – “... Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness for everyone who believes...”

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE WAY OF ETERNAL SALVATION according to both the Old and New Covenants.

THE OLD COVENANT LAW PREPARED HIS PEOPLE for Him, while HIS FIRST APPEARANCE AND HIS NEW COVENANT WAS THE END OF THE
OLD COVENANT LAW AND THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS.
✶ “...not one jot nor one tittle will by any means pass from the Law until all is fulfilled...” refers to GOD’S PERFECT DIVINE
TRUTH, WHICH CANNOT BE ALTERED NOR CHANGED.
✶ “...Whoever breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be called least in the
Kingdom of Heaven...” is THE MOST SEVERE WARNING CONCERNING OUR HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND THE DIRE
CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE.

WE CONDEMN OURSELVES BY THE CHOICES WE MAKE, but THE CONSEQUENCES OF LEADING OTHERS INTO SIN ARE FAR WORSE!
✶ “...Whoever does and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ BECAUSE CHRIST AND ALL HIS SAINTS LEAD AND GUIDE BY THEIR
OWN PERFECT EXAMPLES which emphasise their Teachings.

RIGHTEOUSNESS according to the Divine Law IS A UNIFIED WHOLE.

THE FAITHFUL OBSERVANCE OF EVEN THE VERY LEAST OF HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS MEANS THAT WE WILL ALSO OBSERVE HIS ENTIRE
DIVINE TRUTH.

Similarly, THE VIOLATION OF THE LEAST OF GOD’S DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS IS CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF HIS
ENTIRE DIVINE TRUTH.

28. ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA 18 JANUARY 2020

 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 (6) PLAGAL 2 19 JANUARY 2020

31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

12 T H
SUNDAY OFST LUKE – THE ONE GRATEFUL LEPER

The Feast of St Maximos the Great of Egypt – St Arsenios of Kerkyra– St Mark

Evgenikos, Bishop of Ephesos – St Makarios Archdeacon of Patmos - St Makarios the
Faster of Kiev Near Caves – St Makarios the Deacon of the Kiev Far Caves Monastery – St Theodore of Novgorod, Fool for Christ –
St Sava of Storozhev & Zvenigorod – St Makarios the Roman of Novgorod – St Euphrasia, Virgin Martyr of Nicomedia – St
Anthony, Founder of Monasticism in Georgia – the Miracle of St Basil the Great in Nicaea – St Gregory the Theologian (Holy
Relics)

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 9 - J OHN 20 : 19 - 31

P ROKE IM ENON – P SAL M 27/28 – T ONE (6) P L AGAL 2

Save, O Lord, Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance.

To Thee, O Lord, I cry – O my God!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E C OL OSSIAN 3 : 4 – 11
Brethren: ...when Christ Who is our Life, Appears, then you also will appear with Him in Glory. Put to death, therefore,
whatever is worldly – fornication, impurity, passion, evil, desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of
these, the Wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in
them. Now put them all away – anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices, and have put on the New
Nature, which is being Renewed in the Knowledge after the Image of its Creator. There cannot be Greek and Jew,
circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all.
✶ “...when Christ Who is our Life, Appears...” refers to OUR ✶ “...fornication, impurity, passion, evil, desire, and
LIFE IN CHRIST. covetousness... idolatry... anger, wrath, malice,

Having ‘... put on Christ...’ at our Baptism, we now slander, ... foul talk....” as well as lies and deceptions,
strive to LIVE IN CHRIST BY APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH ARE ALL TO BE REPENTED - REJECTED AND STRICTLY AVOIDED.
TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
With the True Repentance of each grievous sin, WE

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS ALWAYS PRESENT BUT INVISIBLE to GROW SPIRITUALLY STRONGER AND CLOSER TO GOD –
us since His Ascension. especially when we acquire THE HOLY VIRTUES THAT

At the end of all time – the beginning of Eternity for all EMPOWER AND ENABLE US TO LIVE IN CHRIST.
of us – HE WILL REAPPEAR IN HIS PHYSICAL, VISIBLE ✶ “...you have put off the old nature ... and have put on
NATURE TO JUDGE HIS ENTIRE CREATION. the New Nature ... being Renewed in the

TRUE MYSTICISM is our CONTINUOUS STRIVING TO ACQUIRE Knowledge after the Image of our Creator...”
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – to regain our created state of
As we were raised with Christ, so must we WILL/DESIRE
DIVINE LIKENESS. TRUE LIFE DAILY BY MEANS OF THE VIRTUOUS AND UNIFYING
1. Having received Christ’s exalted Resurrection Life in DESIRES OF OUR “NEW MAN” OR “NEW NATURE” we are
the Holy Mystery of Baptism, we need to now, in the Body of Christ.
CONTINUALLY SEEK THE ULTIMATE SPIRITUAL GLORIES OF
OUR “NEW MAN” OR NEW NATURE GROWS FROM ONE STAGE OF
THE AGE TO COME. PERFECTION TO ANOTHER, thereby regaining the
2. By remembering our Holy Baptism, we are Divine Image of our Lord Jesus Christ.
encouraged and compelled to LIVE ACCORDING TO
BY KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH OVER OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND
THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. DEEDS, WE CAN IMMEDIATELY REPENT our sins and
3. We ought to CONSTANTLY STRIVE FOR TRUE LIFE IN CHRIST, continue our Spiritual Journey and Life in Christ.
while awaiting the Heavenly, Glorious Final
A DAILY SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTING – a daily Spiritual Self-
Revelation. examination – IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE

TRUE ASCETICISM IS THE MEANS WHEREBY WE STRENGTHEN OUR because it makes us more aware of the
IMMORTAL SOUL so that it controls the selfish temptations, grievous sins, and our own personal
demands of our flesh. weaknesses and dishonourable habits that cause

OUR IMMORTAL SOUL MUST TAKE CONTROL OF OUR MORTAL Spiritual Death and alienation from God.
FLESH in order to regain our Divine Likeness. ✶ “... there cannot be...” ANY TYPE OF DISCRIMINATION THAT

We need to BECOME SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL BEINGS WHO SEPARATES US FROM EACH OTHER, which is OPPOSED TO THE
ARE WORTHY CITIZENS of our Heavenly Father’s UNCONDITIONAL DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – which we are
Kingdom of Love. striving to acquire.

IF OUR FLESH CONTROLS OUR SOUL, WE ARE FOREVER BOUND TO
WITHOUT THAT UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, WE
OUR SELFISH, SINFUL HABITS AND INCLINATIONS . CANNOT HOPE TO BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS AND CO-

If we develop ‘FLESHY SOULS’ we CANNOT ASCEND TO HEIRS WITH CHRIST of our Heavenly Father’s Eternal
SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS VITAL TO ETERNAL LIFE. Kingdom of Love.

As Baptised, Sanctified Christians, we BECOME IN
WE ARE ALL UNIQUE IN OUR OWN WAY, which we should
PRACTISE WHAT WE ARE ALREADY IN SPIRIT. appreciate and accept wholeheartedly.
✶ “... put to death... whatever is worldly...” means to
IT IS FORBIDDEN FOR ANY DISCIPLE OF CHRIST TO CRITICISE OR
CONSCIOUSLY ERADICATE AND AVOID ANYTHING THAT IS JUDGE OTHERS rather than strictly turning those
SINFUL – ANYTHING OPPOSED TO GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH, thoughts inwards to examine our own thoughts,
GOODNESS AND LOVE. words and deeds!

As we died with Christ during our Holy Baptism, so ✶ “... Christ is all and in all...” refers to OUR LORD JESUS
must we WILL/DESIRE TO EXPERIENCE DEATH DAILY BY CHRIST WHO CREATED US ALL IN HIS DIVINE IMAGE AND
“KILLING’ OUR OLD SINFUL AND DISINTEGRATING PASSIONS. LIKENESS.
31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12TH OF ST LUKE – ONE GRATEFUL LEPER – 19 JANUARY 2020 29

We ought to
1. SEE THE IMAGE OF CHRIST IN ONE ANOTHER.
2. LOVE EACH OTHER AS MUCH AS WE PROFESS TO LOVE GOD Who
Loves us even though we are sinful and imperfect.
3. TREAT ONE ANOTHER IN THE SAME MANNER WITH WHICH WE
WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED by others.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO
At that time, as our Lord Jesus entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.
And they lifted up their voices, and said: “Jesus! Master! Have Mercy on us!” And when He saw them, He said to
them: “Go. Show yourselves to the Priests.” And it came to pass that – as they went, they were Cleansed.
One of them - when he saw that he was Healed - turned back, and with a loud voice, Glorified God, and fell down on
his face at His Feet, giving Him Thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Answering, Jesus said: “Were there not ten
Cleansed? Where are the nine? There are not found any who returned to give Glory to God, except this
stranger!” And He said to him: “Arise! Go thy way. Thy Faith hath made thee whole!”
✶ “... ten... lepers... stood afar off...” because IT WAS STRICTLY
FORBIDDEN FOR THEM TO APPROACH ANYONE OR ENTER
VILLAGES, TOWNS OR CITIES.
Lepers and various other types of afflicted sufferers
were usually completely ostracised and isolated from
society.
Lepers wore or rang bells so that people knew they were
nearby and could avoid them.
Leprosy was regarded as a “punishment” from God for
unrepented sins and was the most feared disease for
various (usually unfounded) reasons. People have always
been terrified of being infected so they not only
shunned the poor sufferers but often chased them away
with sticks and stones.

These ten lepers symbolise OUR OWN SINFUL STATE THAT
DISFIGURES AND DESTROYS US unless we Repent our
sins and Live in Christ.
✶ “... they lifted up their voices...” means that THEY HAD TO
CALL OUT LOUDLY TO ATTRACT OUR LORD’S ATTENTION
because they could not approach Him due to their
dreadful, disfiguring disease.
✶ “... Jesus! Master! Have Mercy on us!...” shows that THE
LEPERS WERE WELL AWARE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Who could perform Marvellous, Divine Miracles of
Cleansing and Healing.

It is not clear whether they believed in Christ as our
Divine Saviour, but THEY BELIEVED IN HIS DIVINE
HEALING AND GREAT MERCY.
✶ “... when He saw them, He said to them: “Go – show
yourselves to the Priests...” tells us two facts.
1. JUST BY LOOKING AT THEM, CHRIST CLEANSED AND HEALED
THEM.
2. HE IMMEDIATELY INSTRUCTED THEM TO REPORT TO THE TEMPLE
PRIESTS to ascertain their Miraculous Cleansing
and Healing, THEREBY OBSERVING THE OLD COVENANT
LAW
Whenever any Miraculous or natural healing occurred, the
former sufferers had to immediately consult the Temple
Priests who would then examine them and confirm or deny
their re-acceptance into society.
Those who were healed had a variety of Purifications Rites to
fulfil before normal life and worship was allowed to
continue.
✶ “... as they went, they were Cleansed...”

THEY IMMEDIATELY OBEYED CHRIST by going to the Temple
Priests, without questioning, hesitating nor
debating.

This revealed THEIR FAITH IN HIM as well as THEIR
DESPERATE DESIRE FOR CLEANSING AND HEALING.

WE ALWAYS NEED TO CO-OPERATE WITH GOD in order to fulfil
His Divine Will.

OUR INSTANT OBEDIENCE GRANTS US HIS GREAT MERCY AND
INFINITE BLESSINGS.
✶ “...One of them ... turned back ...”in order TO EXPRESS HIS
HEARTFELT JOY AND GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR HIS GREAT
MERCY.

Again, this symbolises HOW FEW OF US EXPRESS OUR JOY,
LOVE AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR HIS INFINITE
BLESSINGS.

Instead of bemoaning our misfortune,
disappointment, or lack of anything, we ought to
CEASELESSLY EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO GOD
FOR ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, GREAT MERCY AND
LOVE.
✶ “...Glorified God... fell down ... at His Feet, giving Him
Thanks...” demonstrates THE LEPER’S SINCERE
30 31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12TH OF

GOD IS LOVE AND ALL WISE. HE TEACHES US TO LOVE.

We strive to Live in Christ so we ought to LOVE AS
UNCONDITIONALLY AS GOD.

If we THINK, SPEAK AND ACT WITH LOVE, we cannot fail!

ONLY LOVE CAN OVERCOME THE DESTRUCTION OF EVIL.
R D ING TO S T LU KE 17 ;12 – 19
PROSTRATIONS OF JOY, THANKSGIVING AND
GLORIFICATION OF OUR LORD GOD, which teach us
how to express our own Humility, Joy and
Thanksgiving constantly!
✶ “ ... And he was a Samaritan...” reminds us that THOSE
WHOM WE DESPISE OR DISPARAGE ARE OFTEN FAR MORE
WORTHY THAN OURSELVES.

For that reason, OUR LORD JESUS USED THE SHUNNED
SAMARITANS AS GOOD EXAMPLES OF FAITH AND LOVE.

ONLY BY CHANGING OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS OTHERS, CAN WE
REPENT OUR SINS AND ACQUIRE LOVE.

In this case, a DESPISED SAMARITAN, WHO HAD SUFFERED THE
SAME DREADFUL DISEASE AS THE OTHER LEPERS, WAS THE
ONLY ONE TO GLORIFY AND THANK GOD with all his
heart and soul.

THE JUDEAN HEBREWS DESPISED AND AVOIDED ANY CONTACT
WITH SAMARITANS who were regarded as heretics
and apostatisers, which was worse than paganism
or unbelief, for the Samaritans had intermarried
with Gentiles, adopted their pagan customs and
thus drifted apart from their Judean Faith.
✶ “...’Were there not ten Cleansed? Where are the nine?
There are not found any who returned to give
Glory to God, except this stranger!’...”

OUR LORD KNOWS EXACTLY HOW MANY HE HAS HEALED.

HE USED THESE RHETORICAL QUESTIONS TO EMPHASISE the fact
that only one “stranger,” had Glorified and
expressed his intense Gratitude to our Heavenly
Father.

The other NINE HEALED LEPERS HAD RUSHED OFF TO HAVE
THEIR MIRACULOUS HEALING AUTHENTICATED by the
Temple Priests.

THEY WERE TOTALLY SELF-ABSORBED – JUST LIKE MOST OF US!
While we suffer or are wretched, we beseech God
continuously for His Divine Mercy, but AS SOON AS WE
RECEIVE HIS DIVINE BLESSINGS, WE ARE VERY QUICK TO
FORGET HIM!

The nine ungrateful lepers hurried away, WITHOUT ANY
THOUGHT OF THE ENORMITY OF THEIR MIRACULOUS
HEALING – their only desire being to get back to a
“normal” and sociable life.

SADLY, MOST OF US ARE LIKE THE NINE UNGRATEFUL LEPERS
who ALL TOO EASILY TAKE FOR GRANTED OR EVEN IGNORE
OR FORGET ALMIGHTY GOD’S GREAT BLESSINGS.

We are too involved with our own SPIRITUALLY
UNPROFITABLE DISTRACTIONS THAT LEAD US ASTRAY AND
INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH – exile and alienation from
God and all His Goodness.

All too often we totally ignore the fact that EVERY
BLESSING WE HAVE BEEN GRANTED – WHETHER GREAT OR
SMALL – IS FREELY AND MOST GRACIOUSLY BESTOWED UPON
US THROUGH THE GREAT MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD.

We ought to BE AWARE AND ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGE WITH
APPRECIATION AND THANKSGIVING THE ABUNDANT
BLESSINGS OUR LOVING LORD GOD GRANTS US SO FREELY
AND SO GENEROUSLY.

ESPECIALLY AFTER PARTAKING OF His Greatest, Glorious
and Mysterious, Eternal Supper - THE DIVINE
EUCHARIST/HOLY COMMUNION – which bestows God’s
Divine Love, Forgiveness and Eternal Life upon us,
WE MUST BOW DOWN BEFORE HIS HOLY ALTAR, MAKE THE
SIGN OF THE CROSS AND EXPRESS OUR THANKSGIVING, BY
PRAYING: “✞ Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee!”
✶ “...Go thy way. Thy Faith hath made thee whole...” with
these Divine Words of Blessing, OUR LORD
ST LUKE – ONE GRATEFUL LEPER – 19 JANUARY 2020
 GRACIOUSLY PERMITTED THE HEALED LEPER TO RESUME HIS
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AMONGST HIS RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.

OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST CAME to Earth to
teach us His Divine Truth and TO HEAL ALL MANKIND,
31 S T
S U ND AY AF TE R P E NTEC OST
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, in the most succinct manner, the Ten
Lepers whom our Lord Jesus Christ Cleansed and
Healed, provide an image of the whole of our human
nature, which was entirely leprous and rendered
useless by sin.
Our corrupted human nature had been justly expelled
from the Heavenly Jerusalem - from Paradise - just
as the Lepers were exiled from the earthly city of
Jerusalem.
They could not be Cured by Priest, Levite, Prophet or any
other person - not even by an Angel – until the Mighty
Counsel of the Most High, the Divine Messenger Who is
Co-equal and Consubstantial with our Almighty God,
came down from Heaven, and humanely became
Human in order to Cleanse, Heal, Restore and Save us
who were afflicted with that dreadful, disfiguring
Spiritual Leprosy.
None of us was free from sin except those whom the All-
Wise Lord Christ had Cleansed.
Today, too, who among us is not afflicted by that hideous
leprosy of sin? No-one!
Which of us can boast that we have no sins weighing so
heavily upon our conscience?
Avarice is a bad case of Spiritual Leprosy because it is an
incurable grievous passion that deadens and
destroys the body, and distorts the soul.
The same applies to all other crimes, such as lechery,
fornication, adultery and all other grievous passions
that destroy our body and soul – for which there is no
Cure unless we Repent our sins and beseech our Lord
Jesus Christ – our Divine Physician – to have Mercy on
us, to Cleanse, Restore and Heal us.
However, our Compassionate Lord did Save them there
and then, although He could have. Instead He sent
them to the Temple Priests, in order to indicate to us
that He has granted His Ordained Holy Priesthood the
Authority to cure each and every sickness of the soul
and body.
So let us, also, go to our Priests, Spiritual Fathers and
Confessors to expose and Repent our grievous
passions and receive Forgiveness and Healing.
Repentance has such Power and Grace that as soon as
we make a move - in good Faith and with a contrite
heart - to go to our Father Confessor and Repent our
sins – even before we get there, we receive
Forgiveness and Healing from God, just like the Ten
Lepers were Cleansed and Healed even before they
reached the Priests at the Temple of Jerusalem.
There are some who foolishly and arrogantly claim that
they have no need to confess their sins in the Holy
Mystery of Repentance-Confession, because our Lord
already knows all about them!
Of course our Lord God knows every sin we commit, but
unless we make every effort to examine ourselves
properly, and then go to our Spiritual Father for the
Holy Mystery of Repentance-Confession, we will
neither be Forgiven nor Cleansed, Healed and Saved!
L E T U S C RY F OR
“O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have Mercy on me, a sinner!”
Our ordinary condition – our human condition - is one of
fallenness, of Spiritual Deception, of perdition.
Apprehending—and to the degree that we apprehend,
experiencing—that condition, let us cry out from it in
Prayer! Let us cry in Spiritual Humility! Let us cry with
wails and sighs! Let us cry for Clemency!
Let us turn away from all Spiritual Gratifications! Let us
renounce all lofty states of Prayer of which we are
unworthy and incapable!
It is impossible “...to sing the Lord’s Song in a strange
land...” - in a heart held captive by grievous passions.
(PSALM 136:5)
Should we hear an invitation to sing, we can know surely
that it emanates “...from those who have taken us
31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12TH
YET ONLY A VERY SMALL PORTION RECEIVES HIM WITH
FAITH, HONOUR, GLORY AND THANKSGIVING.

For that very reason, OUR LORD CAUTIONED US: “Many are
Called but few are Chosen!” (MATTHEW 20:16)
– 12 T H
S U NDAY OF S T LU KE – TH E TE N L E PE RS
Our Spiritual Father Confessor is God’s Ordained
Representative who acts as our witness while we
Confess and then, having received Divine Authority,
he bestows the Blessings of Absolution upon us.
If we have a serious ailment or wound, but decide to
neglect it instead of consulting a Doctor who can
administer the appropriate treatment and
medication, our health will become badly afflicted –
causing us much suffering and even death.
By the same token, unless we reveal our Spiritual Wounds
caused by the grievous passions to our Father
Confessor, we cannot receive the necessary Spiritual
Medication that Cleanses and Heals us.
Therefore, let us remedy the Spiritual Leprosy that
disfigures and destroys our body and soul by
receiving the curative medication through the Holy
Mystery of Repentance-Confession, followed by the
partaking of the Holy Eucharist.
And then – even before we are properly Healed – let us
continuously Glorify, Honour and Worship our Lord
God for His Great Mercy like the one Grateful Leper.
Let us not become so self-involved and distracted by our
selfish desires, like the other nine lepers who failed to
express their gratitude for the Divine Grace they had
received.
Let us always thank God every day for His Love, His Great
Mercy and His infinite Providence.
Although we can never reciprocate even to the smallest
degree all that our Benevolent Lord God has granted
us, we must perpetually express our heartfelt
gratitude with sincere Thanksgiving in all
circumstances.
Humility, Obedience and Thanksgiving draw us closer to
our Lord as we become more conscientious in
observing His Redemptive Commandments and
Teachings and so become worthy Heirs of Eternal
Bliss, which may we all attain, in Christ Our God, to
Whom be Glory and Dominion, always, unto the Ages
of ages.
Amen.
MONK AGAPIOS
(ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2019/01/12TH-SUNDAY-OF-LUKE-THE-TEN-LEPERS/
The Holy Mystery of Orthodox Christian Repentance-
Confession in Orthodoxy is not legalistic. It is not
merely a formula whereby we Confess, our Spiritual
Father says the right words to us, and prays, and
suddenly we are Forgiven, nor is it a matter of ‘crime
and punishment’.
The Sacred Purpose of Repentance-Confession is for us to
humble ourselves, to acquire genuine Humility and
Obedience to the Will of our Heavenly Father, and to
acquire our original, created Divine Likeness of Christ.
A mere recitation of specific thoughts, words and deeds is
mechanistic - like telling the Doctor how we became
injured. Although this may help our Father Confessor to
guide us in our future conduct - his Spiritual Advice to
us – it will not Cleanse and Heal our Spiritual Sickness.
[WJL – “Pemptousia’].
CL EM ENCY – S T I GNATIOS B R IANC HANINOV
captive...” “...By the waters of Babylon...” tears alone
are possible and necessary (PSALM136:3 & PSALM136:1).
This is the General Rule for practising the Jesus Prayer,
derived from the Sacred Scriptures and the Works of
our Holy Fathers, and from certain conversations with
genuine men of Prayer.
Of the particular Rules, especially for Novices, the
following is worthy of mention.
St John Klimakos counsels that the mind should be locked
into the words of the Prayer and should be forced
back each time it departs from it. (THE LADDER OF DIVINE
ASCENT - STEP 28, CHAPTER 17).
Such a mechanism of Prayer is remarkably helpful and
suitable.
OF ST LUKE – ONE GRATEFUL LEPER – 19 JANUARY 2020 31
When our mind, in its own manner, acquires
attentiveness, then our heart will join it with its own
offering—compunction.
Our heart will empathize with our mind by means of
compunction, and the Prayer will be said by our mind
and heart together.
The words of the Prayer ought to be recited slowly - even
lingering - so that our mind can lock itself into each
word.
St John Klimakos consoled and instructed the Coenobitic
Brethren who were concerned with Monastic
Obedience and encouraged them thus to persevere
in Prayerful Asceticism:
“...From those Monks who are engaged in performing
Obedience, God does not expect pure and
undistracted Prayer. Despair not should inattention
overcome you!
“Be of cheerful spirit and constantly compel your mind
to return to itself! For the Angels alone are not
subject to any distraction.” (STEP 4, CHAPTER 93).
“...Being enslaved by passions, let us persevere in
praying to our Lord - for all those who have reached
T H E E TE R NAL
E LDE R TH AD DEU S V ITOVNIC
We often forget that we are only passing visitors in this
life and that, therefore, we should pray constantly,
because Prayer is the breath of our soul. Prayer
draws Energy from the Source of Life – our Lord
God – Who Guards, Preserves and Nourishes all
Creation.
D IM ITR IOS P ANAGOP OULOS , P
Where our confidence in ourselves ends, that is where
Trust in our Lord God begins.
the state of passionlessness did so with the help of
such indomitable Prayer.
“If, therefore, you tirelessly train your mind never to
stray from the words of the Prayer, it will be there
even at mealtime.
“A great champion of Perfect Prayer has said: ‘ ...I had
rather speak five words with my understanding …
than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.’ (1
CORINTHIANS 14:19).
“ Such Prayer..” ( the Grace-given Prayer of the mind in
the heart, which shuns imaginings) “...is not
characteristic of children.
“Wherefore, we who are like children, being concerned
with the Perfection of our Prayer...” ( the attentiveness
that is acquired by locking the mind into the words of
the Prayer) “...must pray a great deal.
“Quantity is the cause of quality.
“Our Lord grants Pure Prayer to those who, eschewing
laziness, pray much and regularly in their own
manner, even if it is marred by inattention.” (THE LADDER
OF DIVINE ASCENT, STEP 28, CHAPTER 21).
https://pemptousia.com/2016/06/let-us-cry-for-clemency/
, I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
Cyprus problem is a Spiritual Issue – not a political
nor national issue.
S T THE OPHYL AKTOS OF O C H RID
Our mind should be in Heaven. We should be
hastening towards our real Home, where we are
destined to Live forever. The Place where we
belong is in Heaven. This is where real Christians
RE ACH ER differ from the rest of mankind. There is a huge
chasm between the two!
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA

S T AR SE NIOS B OC A We should see God in the faces of children and we

We must not hold any grievances against anyone – should give them His Love. Children, too, should
even if they are wicked – otherwise our Prayers will learn how to pray. If they are to pray, children
not be heard by our Lord God. We must defeat evil need to have the blood of prayerful parents.
with goodness! We must remain like meek sheep, S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE
so that by the Power of Christ we will be able to All day long our thoughts are flying around. They
overcome the ravenous wolves who threaten us. wander all over the place. Most are vain thoughts,
S T P AISIOS THE AT H ONITE
since they have to do with ordinary, everyday
Shallow people with secular education are full of matters and routine tasks. Sometimes other
themselves and are proud. They are like the thoughts occur, which give rise to empty
satellites orbiting the Earth that give the impression daydreams.
that they are stars, whereas, in reality, if we pay E LDE R P HILOTHE OS Z E RV AKOS
careful attention to them, we will notice their slip- There are innumerable paths for us to get from Earth to
ups and realise that it is all human falsehood. Heaven, but the easiest, quickest and safest is the
Path of Humility and Obedience. It is the only Way
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
that is Safe and sure – and if we walk along that
The purer a heart is, the larger and more open it is,
Righteous Path we will get from Earth to Heaven –
and the more easily it finds space to accommodate
to Paradise – unharmed.
more people. The more sinful a heart is, the more it
contracts, shuts down and cannot find room except S T I SAAC THE S YR IAN
for only a few. If we are not Holy in our heart, we must become Pure
in body. We must not commit any bodily sins. If we
S T BA SIL THE G RE AT
are not meek, we must at least make Peace with
Sorrows are not visited upon God’s servants without a
ourselves. We must not be sad when we err, but we
specific Purpose, but as a Test of our True Love for
must be profoundly contrite when we persist in our
Him.
sins. If we think that we are Righteous, we lack
S T P AISIOS THE AT H ONITE Love for the sinner!
When our heart becomes a furnace of Love for God, it S T J OH N K LIM AKOS
can burn off vanity when it come close to it and The ant waits for the corn to be gathered and
then there is Inner Peace when we pass through vainglory waits for Spiritual Riches to accrue. The
the furnaces of the trials of life. ant hastens to steal. Vainglory rejoices at being
D IM ITR IOS P ANAGOP OULOS , P RE ACH ER
lavish. The spirit of despair rejoices when it sees
When we put ourselves at the service of others with the wickedness multiplying and the spirit of vainglory
aim of helping them and bringing them relief, then rejoices when it see Virtue multiplying.
not only our Lord Jesus Christ but all the Heavenly S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
Powers are at our disposal. Our Eternal Life or Eternal Death depends on us.
S T AR SE NIOS B OC A
Consider well then how careful and circumspect
Our body lives while it cohabits with our soul, but our we need to be. Eternity is not a game!
soul lives when God inhabits it. So there are those S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS
who have a Living soul within them and others Forbearance is a Virtue of a generous and noble soul.
whose soul is dead. It is founded on Love for our neighbour. It is
S T P AISIOS THE AT H ONITE magnanimous and high-minded, and is a Friend of
Cyprus will be Liberated when the Cypriotes Repent. Meekness. Forbearance is the Testimony to a soul
They must make Spiritual Bases and get rid of those who is well trained and expresses itself as
of the Turks, the British and the Americans. The sympathy, philanthropy, modesty and Justice.

32 31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12TH OF ST LUKE – ONE GRATEFUL LEPER – 19 JANUARY 2020
 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 (7) VARYS/GRAVE 26 JANUARY 2020

32ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

18TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS
SUNDAY BEFORE THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST

The Feast of St Xenophon, St Mary & their sons, St Arkadios & St John, of Constantinople – St
Clementos the Athenian - The Synaxis of the New Holy Martyrs & Confessors of Russia - St
Theodore, Abbot of Studion Monastery (Holy Relics) – St Xenophon of the Holy Trinity Monastery,
Robeika, Novgorod – St Ananias the Presbyter, St Peter the prison guard, & 7 Faithful Soldiers of
Phoenicia – St Symeon the Ancient of Mount Sinai – St Joseph, Bishop of Thessalonika – St David the
Blessed, King of Georgia – St Theodore of Ajareli, Georgia

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 10 - J OH N 21 : 1 - 14

P ROKE IM ENON – P SAL M 28/29 – T ONE (7) V ARYS /G R AV E

The Lord grants Strength to His People; the Lord Blesses His People with Peace.
Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God, bring to the Lord Glory and Honour!
T H E FI R ST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T IM OTHY 4 : 9 – 15
Timothy, my Son: ...this saying is Faithful and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we both Labour and suffer
reproach for we trust in the Living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of those who believe.
These Things, command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an Example to the Faithful in word, in
conduct, in Love, in spirit, in Faith, in Purity.
Until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to Doctrine. Do not neglect the Gift that is in Thee, which was
granted to Thee by Prophecy with the Laying On of the Hands of the Elders.
Meditate on these things; give Thyself entirely to them, so that Thy progress may be evident to all.
✶ “... Timothy, my Son...” refers to THE SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD
HIS DIVINE TRUTH IS THE MARVELLOUS HOLY GOSPEL – His
OF ST PAUL to his Faithful Disciple, St Timothy. Divine Good Tidings/News
✶ “...the saying is Faithful and worthy of full acceptance...”
OUR SOUL RESPONDS JOYFULLY TO GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH,
refers to St Paul’s previous words: “... bodily which leads us towards Spiritual Perfection and
exercise profits little, but Godliness is profitable Life Everlasting in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
for all things, having the Promise of the Life that
WE NEED TO APPLY OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH TO OURSELVES so
now is, and of that which is to come...” that we BECOME GOOD EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS TO IMITATE.

Although St Paul was no stranger to hard, physical
Just as ST PAUL ENCOURAGED ST TIMOTHY TO SHARE HIS
labour and its various benefits, HE PREFERRED SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE with those who
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE FOR IT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE. were in a state of Spiritual Death and Darkness, WE

LIFE IN CHRIST HAS ABUNDANT SPIRITUAL BENEFITS that affect NEED TO SHARE OUR DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH with
our current daily existence and our Eternity. those who seek the meaning of this preparatory

BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE INFLUENCE OUR SURROUNDINGS IN A lifespan.
GOOD MANNER for everything is affected by our own ✶ “...Let no one despise your youth...” refers to the fact that
thoughts (attitude), words and deeds. DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM IS GRANTED TO THOSE
✶ “...to this end we both Labour and suffer reproach...” WHOM GOD KNOWS WILL USE IT WELL by sharing it with
refers to OUR SPIRITUAL LABOURS AND STRIVINGS AS WELL many others.
AS OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL WARFARE that is waged
DIVINE WISDOM AND TRUTH IS TIMELESS - ETERNAL - NOT
against temptations, grievous passions and all RESTRICTED BY TIME AND PLACE.
wickedness. ✶ “...be an Example to the Faithful in word, in conduct, in
✶ “...we trust in the Living God, Who is the Saviour of all Love, in spirit, in Faith, in Purity...”is clearly stated.
mankind...” because WE KNOW THAT OUR LORD GOD
If we profess to be “Christian” – Faithful Disciples of our
EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL. Lord Jesus Christ – we must THINK, SPEAK AND ACT

WE DEPEND ON ALMIGHTY GOD rather than on our own EXACTLY ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD EXAMPLE, HIS
weak abilities and efforts. TEACHINGS AND HIS COMMANDMENTS.

WE TRUST GOD IMPLICITLY because we know that He is
As Christ’s Disciples, we are learning to BECOME AS
indeed OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WHO GRANTS US EVERYTHING SPIRITUALLY PERFECT AS HE IS – to the very best of our
NECESSARY FOR OUR SPIRITUAL LABOURS THAT PERFECT US. ability.

Our Triune, Eternal and Living Lord God is OUR
THE MORE WE STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, THE MORE
ALMIGHTY, OMNIPRESENT, LOVING AND BENEVOLENT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US.
CREATOR WHO IS LOVE ITSELF. ✶ “...give attention to reading, to exhortation, to

THIS IS UTTERLY OPPOSED TO PAGANISM whose LIFELESS ‘GODS’ Doctrine...” APPLIES not only to St Timothy but
HAVE BEEN MADE FROM EARTHLY MATERIAL BY THEM – they ESPECIALLY TO US WHO ARE STILL VERY SPIRITUALLY
are THE INVENTORS OF THEIR OWN POWERLESS ‘DEITIES’ INEXPERIENCED AND STRIVING FOR THEOSIS.
MADE FROM ORDINARY, CORRUPTIBLE MATERIAL.
We are encouraged and urged to PRIVATELY OR PUBLICLY

OUR LOVING LORD GOD IS THE ETERNAL, DIVINE SAVIOUR OF READ HOLY SCRIPTURE.
ALL MANKIND not merely select groups of people.
DURING COMMUNAL WORSHIP, THE READING AND HEARING OF

OUR LORD DESIRES LOVE , MERCY AND GOODNESS FROM US, HOLY SCRIPTURE IS COMBINED WITH PREACHING AND
which must be as freely offered to Him and to TEACHING.
each other, as His Divine Gifts are bestowed upon
The early Church had a structured Liturgical form of
us all – both Saints and sinners! worship, including the Reading, preaching and
✶ “...These Things, command and teach...” refers to ALL teaching of Holy Scripture.
OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH, WHICH HE TAUGHT, REVEALED
The reading of Holy Scripture was always followed
AND COMMANDED. immediately by the Sermon or Homily, which
explains the personal significance to each of us –

32ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS – 26 JANUARY 2020 33
 which was rooted in the practise of the Old
As laity – non-clergy – WE ARE ALSO URGED TO REMEMBER
Covenant Synagogues. OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION – and especially,
✶ “...Do not neglect the Gift that is in Thee...” refers to ST everything they involve and concern, for we, too,
TIMOTHY’S ORDINATION AS PRESBYTER (Priest or Elder), ought to LIVE IN CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE HOLY
which was conferred upon him by the other Holy MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION.
Apostles of Christ, as it is performed by our Bishops ✶ “...Meditate on these Things; give Thyself entirely to
to this very day. them, so that Thy Progress may be evident to all...”

THIS IS THE SACRED APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION that has been is self-explanatory.
passed down to Christ’s Holy Priesthood
By keeping in mind everything pertaining to our Holy
throughout all the ages. Baptism and Chrismation, and/or Ordination into

THUS THE UNBROKEN LINEAGE OF OUR HOLY ORTHODOX the Holy Priesthood, WE SUSTAIN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
PRIESTHOOD IS LINKED TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS AND MAINTAIN AND FULFIL OUR SACRED TASKS.
HOLY APOSTLES.
A FAITHFUL LIFE IN CHRIST MAKES OUR OWN GOOD SPIRITUAL

ST PAUL GAVE ST TIMOTHY INSTRUCTIONS concerning PROGRESS POSSIBLE.
Ordination. (1 TIMOTHY 5:22)
By Living in Christ, WE BECOME ROLE MODELS for others to

In continuity with the New Covenant, ORTHODOX follow and to imitate.
CHRISTIAN ORDINATION TO THE HOLY DIACONATE AND
PERSONAL DEDICATION TO OUR LORD GOD AND THE
PRIESTHOOD COMES THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS FULFILMENT OF HIS DIVINE WILL not only Spiritually
BY THE BISHOP. Benefits and Sustains us, but will ALSO AFFECT OTHERS
AND OUR SURROUNDINGS POSITIVELY.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 19 : 1 – 10
At that time, our Lord Jesus passed through Jericho. And behold! There was a man named ‘Zacchaeus.’ And he was
Chief Publican, and he was rich. And he wanted to see Who Jesus was, and was unable due to the crowd, for he
was short of stature. And he ran ahead and climbed up into a Sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that
way. And when Jesus got to that place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him: “Zacchaeus, make haste and
come down. Today I must stay at your house.” And he hastily climbed down, and received Him joyfully.
And seeing, they all complained, saying: “He has gone to be a Guest of a man who is a sinner!” Standing, Zacchaeus
said to Jesus: “Behold! to the poor, my Lord, half my goods I shall give. And if I have taken anything from anyone
by false accusation, I shall restore it fourfold!”
Jesus said to him: “Today Salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. The Son of Man
has come to seek and to Save what was lost!”
✶ “...passed through Jericho...” which is SITUATED IN THE
St Zacchaeus ignored the mockery and
WEST BANK REGION OF THE JORDAN VALLEY, TO THE EAST disparagement of others when he climbed up the
OF JERUSALEM. tree.

Jericho was notorious as A CITY OF WICKEDNESS and was
His actions were utterly contrary to the ‘dignity’ of his
commonly associated with CORRUPTION AND ‘social status’ of Arhitelonis – Chief Publican.
IMMORALITY. (LUKE 10:30)
He used the Sycamore tree to get as close as possible
✶ "... a man named ‘Zacchaeus....’ Chief of the Publicans, to our Lord Who would pass that way.
... he was rich.... wanted to see ...Jesus ...”
HIS NEED TO SEE OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR TOOK PRIORITY over his

The comment “...he was rich...” is A REFERENCE TO THE dignity, pride and social status.
EARLIER TEACHING OF CHRIST Who had told the Rich
IT WAS FAR MORE IMPORTANT FOR HIM TO SEE CHRIST than to
Young Man that the only way he could gain concern himself with how others criticised or
Eternal Life was to sell all his goods, distribute the judged him, which they did anyway.
money to the poor and then follow Christ.
WE CAN NEVER ALLOW THE WORLDLY OPINIONS OF OTHERS –
This specific advice to the Rich Young Man was followed by the NOR DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES - TO PREVENT US FROM
quotation: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the SEEKING, ENCOUNTERING OR COMMUNICATING WITH OUR
eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the LORD GOD.
Kingdom of God.” When the Disciples asked our Lord Jesus
St Theophylact regarded THE CROWD THAT FOLLOWED
Christ who then would be able to be Saved under such CHRIST OUT OF CURIOSITY AS SYMBOLISING OUR
conditions, He had assured them that “...the things which INNUMERABLE SINS
are impossible for men are possible with God!”
Therefore, “...crowded in by a multitude of passions

The fact that HE WAS “ARHITELONIS” - CHIEF TAX and worldly affairs, Zacchaeus was not able to see
COLLECTOR - AND BEING RICH, IMPLIES THAT HE MIGHT our Lord Jesus.”
HAVE BEEN THE MOST CORRUPT TAX COLLECTOR.
WE CANNOT GET CLOSE TO GOD UNTIL WE SINCERELY REPENT
“Publicans” – Tax Collectors – worked under the authority of OUR SINS.
the Roman Empire but were able to exploit their own
UNREPENTED SINS CAUSE SPIRITUAL DEATH, SPIRITUAL
people over and above what was demanded by the BLINDNESS AND ALIENATION FROM GOD.
oppressors. They enriched themselves at the cost of
REPENTANCE-CONFESSION RESTORES US TO SPIRITUAL LIFE AND
their impoverished and struggling countrymen so were A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
intensely despised and ostracised. ✶ “...when Jesus got to that place, He looked up and saw
These were our Lord’s Lost Sheep whom He came to Restore him...” shows us that OUR LORD IS VERY AWARE OF OUR
and Save. INTENTIONS AND OUR MOTIVES.

Having obviously heard about our Divine Saviour, HE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST APPROACHES ANYONE WHO IS WILLING
WANTED TO SEE CHRIST, WHICH WAS ALREADY A REDEEMING TO REPENT AND TO BELIEVE – He will go out of His way
FACTOR OF HIS ETERNAL SALVATION. to meet repentant sinners and spend time with

When we seek communication with our Lord, we take them.
one small step closer to our Redemption, but NEED
It is possible that OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR INTENTIONALLY WENT
TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO A FULL LIFE IN CHRIST IN ORDER THAT WAY IN ORDER TO SAVE ZACCHAEUS THE CHIEF
TO ACQUIRE THEOSIS – SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. PUBLICAN.
✶ “...he was short of stature... he ran ahead ...climbed up
GOD KNOWS US INFINITELY BETTER THAN WE KNOW OURSELVES.
into a Sycamore tree ... He was to pass that way...”
HE CALLS EVERY ONE OF US TO FOLLOW HIM AND GRANTS EACH
shows his determination and eagerness to OF US VARIOUS DIVINE GIFTS that we need to fulfil our
Encounter Christ – even from a short distance. Sacred Tasks while we Labour in His earthy

St Ambrose saw several parallels concerning St Vineyard.
Zacchaeus: ✶ “...Zacchaeus, make haste and come down. Today I
1. he was SHORT IN FAITH AND VIRTUE as well being must stay at your house...”
short in stature.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ADDRESSES US BY NAME WHEN HE HAS
2. he had to climb a tree implying that NO ONE SOMETHING SPECIFIC AND PERSONAL TO INSTRUCT US.
ATTACHED TO EARTHLY MATTERS IS ABLE TO SEE OUR He calls His Disciples by our Baptismal Name, so we must
SAVIOUR CLEARLY (unless we make a determined effort!) immediately respond to it. After our Baptism and
Chrismation we ought to use our Christian Name that

34 32ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS – 26 JANUARY 2020
 identifies us as being Renewed, Regenerated and Reborn in
Christ Jesus. Reverting to a former name is disrespectful
of our Holy Baptism and Chrismation. It shows a
disregard for the Great Holy Mystery we have received
from God!

THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF GOD FOR HIS CREATURES IS
DEMONSTRATED BY OUR LORD JESUS Who unashamedly
associated with despised and shunned sinners.

Instead of criticising Him, His opponents ought to have
taken careful note and understood HIS ACTS OF
LOVE THAT HEAL AND RESTORE US ALL.

WE ARE ALL SINNERS WHO OUGHT TO CRITICISE AND JUDGE
ONLY OURSELVES, Repenting our own sins and
striving to become as Loving as our Saviour.

This Encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus
demonstrates clearly that DIVINE GRACE CAN
ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING AT ALL – ESPECIALLY THOSE THINGS
THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO.

There are many Spiritual Interpretations expressing
THE UNIVERSAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PARTICULAR
ENCOUNTER:
✶ “...he hastily climbed down, and received Him
joyfully...” shows THE EAGERNESS AND JOY OF ST
ZACCHAEUS AT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED BY OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST.

If and when we are extremely Blessed with a personal
Encounter with Christ, WE ARE OVERWHELMED BY
INDESCRIBABLE LOVE, JOY AND PEACE THAT IS BEYOND
HUMAN COMPREHENSION.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST CAN ONLY BE FULLY UNDERSTOOD
BY THOSE WHO HAVE SHARED A SIMILAR DIVINE ENCOUNTER.

THESE SACRED EXPERIENCES TOTALLY TRANSFORM US – body
and soul! One is never the same again, even
though we might lose that Divine Grace.

OUR SOUL RESPONDS WITH SUCH OVERWHELMING LOVE AND JOY
THAT THERE IS NO DOUBT NOR HESITATION AT ALL!
✶ “...seeing, they all complained, saying: “He has gone to
be a Guest of a man who is a sinner!”

Although THESE CRITICS OF CHRIST beheld with their
physical sight, they WERE IN FACT SPIRITUALLY BLIND
AND SPIRITUALLY DEAD!

We must ALWAYS RESIST THE TEMPTATION OF JUDGING OTHERS
for ONLY GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH concerning their
motives, intentions and contributing
circumstances.

WHATEVER WE SEE IN OTHERS, which we are inclined to
criticise, IS OFTEN THE REFLECTION OF OUR OWN SINFUL
CONDITION!

WE ARE ALL SINNERS! WE ALL NEED TO REPENT! NONE OF US IS
PERFECT NOR GOOD!

OUR LORD JESUS CAME TO RESTORE, REGENERATE AND REDEEM
ALL MANKIND, and began by seeking and Saving
His own “Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.”
32 N D
S U ND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – 15 T H
S U ND AY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved... All injustice, illegal seizure and greed
is wicked and worthy of abhorrence on the part of
those who Love God and are of sound mind.
Tax-collectors are the worst of all as regards injustice.
Just as ravenous wolves are far fiercer than any other
animals in the mountains and forests, so tax-
collectors and slanderers are far more unjust,
merciless and wicked than any other people. ✶
Unbridled greed is a great, sinful injustice that is
vicious - the opposite of kindly concern for others.
Just as warmth is the opposite of cold, light of darkness
and white of black, so the tax-collector is opposed to
the Divine Commandment that we should give
succour (assistance) to the poor, the needy and the
destitute.
Tax-collectors cannot become rich except through the
tears of the poor, and those who do become rich
through such unjust profits soon lose what they have
and weep bitterly.
Greed is like old leaven so whatever it touches it causes
rottenness and stench.
People who gain a little through injustice cause the
wrack and ruin of their own affairs and their
families.
They eventually lose everything – worldly possessions
and their reputation - due to the dishonour and
32ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – CALLING

UNLESS WE ENCOUNTER OUR LORD OR YEARN FOR HIS DIVINE
LOVE, COMPASSION AND GREAT MERCY, WE CANNOT BE
SPIRITUALLY TRANSFORMED.

WHEN WE SINCERELY SEEK THE DIVINE KINGDOM OF GOD, HE
WILL COME TO US AND REMAIN WITH US as long as we
Repent our sins continuously and immediately.
✶ “ ... to the poor, my Lord, half my goods I shall give.
And if I have taken anything from anyone by false
accusation, I shall restore it fourfold...”

St Zacchaeus used the term “GIVE” FOR HIS FREE AND
GENEROUS OFFERING TO THE POOR.

HE SAID “RESTORE” FOR WHAT HE OWED to those whom he
had cheated (and robbed) BECAUSE IT WAS REQUIRED
BY MOSAIC LAW, WHICH NEEDED TO BE FULFILLED.
 EXODUS 22:1 “If a thief is found breaking in at night and is
killed, there shall be no guilt for his blood. But if the
sun rises on the thief, there shall be guilt if his blood
is shed. However, he should make full restitution;
but if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his
theft. If the thing stolen - from a donkey to a sheep -
is found alive in his possession, he shall restore
double...”

BY GIVING GENEROUSLY TO THE POOR AND RESTORING WHAT HE
OWED AND MORE to those whom he had robbed, ST
ZACCHAEUS not only fulfilled the requirements of the
Law but DEMONSTRATED HIS LOVE OF GOD AND HIS HOLY
GOSPEL.
✶ “...Today Salvation has come to this house, because he
also is a son of Abraham...” indicates that
Zacchaeus had become a worthy son of the
ancient Patriarch of Israel, St Abraham.

CHRIST OUR LORD COUNTED ST ZACCHAEUS AS A RIGHTEOUS
SON OF ISRAEL DUE TO HIS
1. SINCERE FAITH,
2. GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION towards the poor, the
needy and the destitute
3. being RE-UNITED TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

ZACCHAEUS, THE SINFUL CHIEF TAX COLLECTOR BECAME
“SAINT ZACCHAEUS” - A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.

HE WAS LATER ELECTED AS BISHOP of His Holy Church, and
served our Lord God devoutly until his Repose in
Christ Jesus.

THE IMMENSE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS REPENTANT SINNER IS
EVIDENT from the fact that
1. ST ZACCHAEUS HAS BEEN COMMEMORATED EVERY YEAR
THROUGHOUT THE AGES
2. THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIODION
PERIOD IS IN HONOUR OF HIM.
3. HIS LIFE ENCOURAGES US that NO MATTER HOW SINFUL
anyone is, THROUGH SINCERE AND DETERMINED
REPENTANCE, WE TOO CAN BECOME HEIRS of the
Kingdom of God and enjoy Eternal Life
OF S T LU KE – T HE C ALL ING OF S T Z AC CH AE US
ruination caused by whatever they took illegally
and unjustly.
And even if it should sometimes appear that the unjust
and the greedy do not subsequently lose their
possessions, they still will not escape the
consequences of their deceit.
If they think they have escaped chastisement in this
present life, they should fear and tremble all the
more, because even greater irreparable Justice and
Eternal Torments await them in Eternity!.
Moreover, those who unjustly inherit will soon be justly
reproved because, although they may not have
been deceptive and greedy themselves, they were
very well aware of the situation that cheated others
of their rightful inheritance.
If those who were unjustly treated are still alive, the
inheritors should return their ill-gotten gains with
interest, as did St Zacchaeus.
They should Repent their sins and distribute their
worldly possession amongst the poor on pain of
death, in order to find Redemption.
St Zacchaeus not only distributed most of his legal
possessions and wealth amongst the needy and
destitute, but he also returned four-fold what he had
wrongly taken from his fellow citizens, and so God
had Mercy on him.
On the contrary, many of us have been granted so
much yet we also seize a thousand-fold more
OF ST ZACCHAEUS – 26 JANUARY 2020 35
 illegally or unjustly, but give almost nothing to
others – not even those who are right before us and
obviously in dire straits!
How can our Lord God possibly forgive us?
If those who do not give of their own rightful possessions
and wealth to the poor are Eternally Condemned,
what will happen to those who sequester funds that
do not even belong to them?
If those of us are Condemned to Unquenchable Fire for
not feeding the starving, for not quenching the thirst
of the thirsty, for nor clothing the naked as Acts of
Love for Christ, what will happen to those who rob
the poor; who persecute and reject strangers, who
neglect or mistreat the sick and suffering, who
imprison and torture the weak and powerless, who
cause warfare, persecution and hatred, or who
destroy the lands that feed us and the natural
resources of God’s beautiful Creation?
Our Good and Loving Lord God is well pleased by
Righteousness and Charity - unselfish Acts of Love -
and will reject the meagre offerings of the unjust.
Holy Scripture repeatedly cautions us against being
unjust, unrighteous but expecting to receive more of
God’s Abundant Blessings of Love.
“... The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to
the Lord!” [Proverbs 15: 8]
“...Honour the Lord with your just labours, and give Him
the First Fruits of your Righteousness.” [Proverbs 3: 9]
The unjust are ‘ungodly’ and we are severely warned
that it is better not to be unrighteous, better not to
act on or give charity from our ill-gotten gains,
because we are simply polluting and corrupting our
T H E E TE R NAL
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
We must not make a display of our passions. We must
avoid hurting others by externalising the badness we
have within us. We must confess our sorrow to God for
having such a wicked heart and having become so
sinful. We must rather present a bright and pleasant
face to others, for they are not to blame for our
grievous passions.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
The Righteous are saddened by the just trials they
undergo but they do Benefit from them, to the Glory of
God. The unrighteous, on the contrary, are at the
mercy of their unrepented sins.
T H E D E SE RT F ATHE R S
A Brother once went to Abba Filika and took a few
laymen with him. He asked the Elder to say
something Spiritually Beneficial to them, but he
remained silent.
The Brother continued to implore him until he finally
said: “You want to hear something Beneficial?” “Yes,
Abba!” they all replied.
So he told them: “There is nothing more to say because
when the Brothers asked the Elders to advise them
and they did whatever they were told, God provided
the Advice, so that those who asked would Benefit.
But now, because the Brothers do not do what they
are told to do, God has taken away from the Elders
the Grace to advise, so they cannot find anything to
say since no one is working on the Acquisition of the
Holy Virtues!”
And when his visitors heard his words, they sighed deeply
and said: “Please pray for us, Abba!”
S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
We can fill ourselves greedily with the Word of God. We
can fill ourselves greedily with the observation of our
Lord Jesus Christ’s Commandments and Teachings.
We can greedily fill ourselves with the Life-giving
Bread on the Altar that has been prepared before us
by our Lord and we can drink deeply from His
exquisite Chalice.
S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC H
Those who clothe themselves with Patience will see
Victory and the Glory of God. For those who Love the
Lord our God, even the straightest and most narrow
Path is more than wide enough. The greatest Pain is a
light Yoke and the most violent death is a Joyous
Wedding Service!
36 32ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH
life and affronting our Lord by daring to offer Him
unclean gifts…
According to the Divine Teaching and Truth that those
who wish to receive Christ must be as good and
merciful as He is, let us then imitate St Zacchaeus,
who returned four- fold whatever he had gained
unfairly as well as giving half of what remained to
the poor, the needy and the destitute.
We should know that, unless we reverse our despicable
acts of injustice, selfishness and greed and return
four-fold all our ill-gotten gains to those whom we
robbed and cheated, our Righteous God will neither
Bless nor accept any of our almsgiving or acts of
charity to the needy. They will remain empty
gestures.
Our Merciful Lord Jesus was pleased to accept the
restitution made by St Zacchaeus, declaring:
‘Today, salvation has come to this house’.
Amen.
Monk Agapios
Adapted & Edited by MP
https://pemptousia.com/2019/01/the-15th-sunday-of-luke-
zacchaeus/
✶ Although Monk Agapios was referring to the time of
Christ, his words were also applicable to his own day (he
was writing in 1852, when much of Greece was still under
Turkish occupation). And, in fact, if you read this to
most contemporary Greeks, they would say it was a fair
description of the tax authorities of today, as well
[WJL].
, I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FATHERS
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF KAVSO KALY V IA
The devil has managed to disguise and diminish himself
to such an extent that he has persuaded people to use
other names for him. They do not accept that it is the
evil one who moves and incites us to egotism and
Spiritual Death.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
If we are Watchful, the Grace of the Holy Spirit makes us
Temples of God, with the result that everywhere
everything is to hand for us. Wherever we are, we
have the Sacrificial Altar... since we ourlseves are
Priest, Altar and the Sacrificial Offering.
Because wherever we are, we can set up the Altar, as
long as we show proper Awareness, and neither the
place nor the weather can hinder us in the slightest.
Even if we do not bend our knee or raise our hands to
Heaven, if we show an ardent soul and mind, we will
complete our Prayers.
It is perfectly possible for a woman who is busy spinning
yarn and weaving, to be uplift to Heaven in her mind
and to make Fervent Supplications to God. It is
possible for those in the market place or walking
alone to pray at length. Other, sitting in their
workshop and sewing leather can still raise their soul
to the Lord. So can any servant, while doing the
shopping, while going up and down, while cooking
and cleaning, when they cannot go to Church.
God does not care about the time, the place nor the
occupation. All He asks for is a fervent mind and soul,
which He can Reform
S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
We Labour in vain, pointlessly and to our detriment when
we attempt to acquire the Sublime Gifts of the Spirit
prematurely. Our All Merciful Lord God grants them
at the appropriate time to those of us who steadfastly,
patiently and humbly obey the Divine Truth of His
Holy Gospel.
E LDE R TH AD DEU S OF V ITOV NIC A
If we want to set others on the Right Path by teaching and
advising them, we must first be humble and speak to
them with Great Love. They will welcome our advice
because they will feel that it has been granted with
Love. But if we want to impose ourselves, we will get
nowhere for that is how we build up resentment in
children, and if they are disobedient, we must not try
to correct them by giving them “a good hiding.”
OF ST LUKE – CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS – 26 JANUARY 2020