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 1 MARCH 2020
36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE/FORGIVENESS
The Feast of St Eudokia of Heliopolis – St Antonina of Nicea, Bithynia – St David of Wales – St Nestor & St
Trybiminos of Pamphylia – St Markellos, St Anthony & St Domnina of Syria – St Agapios of Vatopedi
Monastery, Mount Athos – St Martyrios of Zelenets Monastery, Pskov

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 4 - L UKE 24 : 1 - 12

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 103 – T ONE 4

Magnified shalt be Thy Work, O Lord; all things Thou hast made in Wisdom
Bless, O my soul, the Lord. O my God, Thou art exceedingly Magnified!
T HE E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO TH E R OM ANS 13 ; 11 – 14 :4
Brethren: ... now our Salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent – the Day is at hand. Let us
cast off the works of Darkness, and let us put on the Armour of Light. As in the day, let us walk properly – not in
revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ - and for
the flesh, make no provision to fulfil its lusts.
Receive those who are weak in Faith, but do not dispute over doubtful things. One believes that he may eat all things -
he who is weak, eats only vegetables. Let him who eats, not despise him who does not eat, and let him who does
not eat, not judge him who eats - God has received him. Who are you to judge Another’s servant? To his own Master
he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
✶ This passage is read on CHEESEFARE/FORGIVENESS SUNDAY, ✶ “... as in the day, let us walk properly...” - we are able
JUST BEFORE GREAT LENT BEGINS the following day. TO SEE, PERCEIVE AND COMPREHEND EVERYTHING CLEARLY

This Sacred Lesson is to remind us, as the Faithful IN THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD as we likewise can in the
Disciples of Christ, that THE MAIN FOCUS OF THIS brightness and clarity of daylight.
LENTEN PERIOD CONCERNS THE OVERCOMING AND
We are ENABLED AND EMPOWERED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
REPENTING OUR PERSONAL GRIEVOUS PASSIONS that to FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, which is
weaken and harm our immortal soul – the essential to our Spiritual Perfection.
SPIRITUAL FAST - rather than observing every detail
In order to fulfil our own Sacred Tasks WE NEED TO FULLY
of Fasting concerning dietary restrictions. COMPREHEND THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

Thus, THE SPIRITUAL FAST OUGHT TO BE CONTINUOUSLY ✶ “...not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and
OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. lust, not in strife and envy...”
✶ "... now our Salvation is nearer than when we first
These refer to THE GRIEVOUS PASSIONS AND SELF-
believed...” so we need to IMMEDIATELY REPENT AND INDULGENCE THAT CAUSE SPIRITUAL DEATH, which
STRIVE ALL THE MORE HARDER TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL alienates us from God and each other.
PERFECTION IN CHRIST JESUS. – the Day is at hand...”
ALL THESE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REPENTANCE, for the longer

We are urged, encouraged and exhorted to WAKE UP they are tolerated, ignored or indulged, the more
FROM OUR SPIRITUAL STUPOR so that we can make firmly rooted they become and the further we
good Spiritual Progress before our last breath. distance ourselves from God and each other.
✶ “...The night is far spent ...” refers to THE FALLEN, SELF- ✶"... put on the Lord Jesus Christ..." by APPLYING HIS DIVINE
INDULGENT, CORRUPT AND WICKED WORLDLY LIFESTYLES TRUTH TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
that have NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT for us at all, but
During the Holy Mystery of Baptism, WE ‘PUT ON CHRIST’
which, in fact, ALIENATE AND EXILE US FROM GOD. LIKE A MARVELLOUS, SANCTIFIED GARMENT OF
✶ “... the Day is at hand...” refers to THIS VERY BRIEF LIFESPAN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
BEFORE ETERNITY AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
For the rest of our existence on Earth and in Eternity,

It refers to the actual Presence of OUR LORD’S ETERNAL we LIVE IN CHRIST BY FOLLOWING HIS PERFECT EXAMPLE
KINGDOM OF LOVE NOW IN CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH AND AND DIVINE TRUTH IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST, which is fulfilled Perfectly in the ✶ “... make no provision for the flesh – to fulfil its lusts...”
Age to come – in Eternity.
We need to STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN OUR IMMORTAL SOUL
✶ “... cast off the works of Darkness...” refers to our in order for it to DOMINATE AND CONTROL THE
CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE. PERSISTENT AND SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR MORTAL FLESH.

Being habitually sinful, we need to CEASELESSLY REPENT
We need to BECOME PREDOMINANTLY SPIRITUAL BEINGS
AND RETURN TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST. rather than fleshy souls that are Spiritually Dead.

When we BECOME PAINFULLY AWARE OF OUR OWN
THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH are deceptive, alluring,
WEAKNESSES, ERRORS AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS, we tempting and ultimately destructive so MUST BE
become more Spiritually Watchful over our own AVOIDED AND RESISTED.
Spiritual Welfare. ✶ “...Receive those who are weak in Faith...” refers to THOSE

Only by IMMEDIATELY AND CONTINUOUSLY CORRECTING WHO ASSIGN PRIMARY IMPORTANCE TO SECONDARY OR
OURSELVES do we remain Spiritually Alive in Christ. SPIRITUALLY UNBENEFICIAL MATTERS.

ANYTHING THAT PREVENTS US FROM ENJOYING A CLOSE,
These often involve FOOD RESTRICTIONS (FASTING) AND
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER are THE OBSERVANCE OF LITURGICAL CALENDARS, whereby
“...works of Darkness...” some judge others or which can even divide or
✶ “... put on the Armour of Light...” refers to LIVING IN confuse our Brethren.
CHRIST – ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
Those who are weak in Faith also refers to THOSE WHO

We need to APPLY EVERYTHING OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS ARE IGNORANT AND UNENLIGHTENED – either willingly or
TAUGHT AND COMMANDED US TO OUR OWN THOUGHTS, unwillingly.
WORDS AND DEEDS.
We WELCOME ALL OUR FELLOW SINNERS, so that TOGETHER WE

By Living in Christ in this manner, WE ARE ABLE TO CAN MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS WITH LOVE –
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – the ultimate Goal of always with Love/Agape!
our creation.
NOT ONE OF US IS SUPERIOR to any of our fellow sinners.

36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF TRIODION – CHEESEFARE-FORGIVENESS – 1 MARCH 2020 1


WE ARE ALL STRUGGLING against the temptations and our
St Paul cautioned the New Covenant Faithful against
personal grievous passions. judging their Old Covenant Brethren who still

WE ARE ALL STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, which is a strictly followed the dietary Laws although CHRIST
slow, difficult Spiritual Process. HAD SANCTIONED THE CONSUMPTION OF ALL FOOD AS A

WE CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS WITHOUT EACH DIVINE BLESSING FROM OUR PROVIDENTIAL LORD GOD.
OTHER. It is not a solo effort by any means!
We must CONCERN OURSELVES ONLY WITH OUR OWN PERSONAL
✶ “...do not dispute over doubtful things...” SPIRITUAL STATE AND PRACTISES – not those of others.

Orthodox Christianity has CERTAIN SACRED ASPECTS THAT ✶ “... let not him who does not eat judge...” refers to THE
CANNOT BE COMPROMISED AT ALL. DANGER OR TEMPTATION OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND A

There are also a few aspects that SOMETIMES PERMIT A FALSE SENSE OF SPIRITUAL SUPERIORITY.
CERTAIN MEASURE OF FLEXIBILITY.
WHEN WE JUDGE OTHERS, WE WILL SUFFER ETERNAL

GOD IS INFINITELY GRACIOUS and OCCASIONALLY PERMITS CONSEQUENCES, since WE ARE USUALLY UNMERCIFUL IN
DIVERSITY CONCERNING MATTERS THAT ARE NOT RELATED OUR CRITICISM OF OTHERS, and whatever we think,
TO THE ESSENTIAL ORTHODOX DOCTRINES AND MORAL say or do to others, is returned one hundredfold!
TEACHINGS of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We must AVOID SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HYPOCRISY at all

In both cases, we are commanded to BE AS FLEXIBLE TO costs!
OTHERS – TAKING THEIR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES INTO ✶ “... God has received him...” refers to the fact that ONLY
ACCOUNT – JUST AS OUR LORD GOD HIMSELF IS. GOD KNOWS THE TRUE SPIRITUAL STATE OF EACH SOUL.
✶ "... he who is weak eats only vegetables..." applies to
ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE US.
EVERY ONE OF US. ✶ “... who are you to judge Another’s servant? To his own

We are still extremely SPIRITUALLY IMPERFECT AND Master he stands or falls...”
IMMATURE.
We must not dare TO JUDGE each other for that IS

THE MATERIAL OR FOOD FAST IS THE FIRST STEP we need to EXCLUSIVELY THE RIGHT OF GOD ALONE!
fulfil, WHILE STRIVING ALSO TO FULFIL THE SPIRITUAL FAST.
We must rather TURN SUCH THOUGHTS INWARDS AND

FASTING IS NOT A PUNISHMENT NOR PENANCE for our sins. QUICKLY EXAMINE OURSELVES CLOSELY for WHAT WE THINK

FASTING IS SELF-CONTROL, SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-DENIAL. WE PERCEIVE IN OTHERS IS IN REALITY A REFLECTION of our

THE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS as not as vital as the Spiritual own sinful condition.
Fast but ARE UTTERLY NECESSARY TO OUR SPIRITUAL
WE ALL DEPEND ON THE LOVE AND GREAT MERCY OF GOD.
PROGRESS.
WHATEVER WE HOPE TO RECEIVE FROM GOD WE MUST GRANT TO

WHEN WE LEARN TO CONQUER THE DEMANDS OF OUR STOMACH EACH OTHER freely, generously and always with
AND OUR BODY – our flesh with its carnal appetite unconditional Love.
and desires - OUR IMMORTAL SOUL BEGINS TO TAKE “... he will be able to stand, for God is able to make him
CONTROL, which is absolutely essential to our stand...”
Spiritual Progress.
OUR LORD PROVIDES EVERYTHING THAT IS NECESSARY for our

RESISTANCE to the demands of our mortal flesh Spiritual Welfare and Progress.
STRENGTHENS AND GRANTS CONTROL TO OUR IMMORTAL
St Paul reminds us that ALTHOUGH WE ARE USELESS AND
SOUL. WEAK ON OUR OWN, OUR LORD GOD EMPOWERS AND

Being created in the Likeness and Image of God, we ENABLES US TO REACH GREAT SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS.
ought to BECOME DOMINANTLY SPIRITUAL BEINGS WHO
GOD MAKES EVERYTHING POSSIBLE FOR US. often despite our
CAN ASCEND TO GREAT SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS, rather than own futile efforts or lack of knowledge.
carnal, physical beings, who are bound, restricted
CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE REVEALS OUR DESIRE FOR SPIRITUAL
and limited to earthly circumstances. PERFECTION, WHICH GOD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE -
“...Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat...” especially when we try to apply his Divine Truth to
every aspect of our existence.
H OLY G OSPE L A CC ORD ING TO S T M ATTH EW 6 : 14 – 21
At that time our Lord Jesus Christ said: “... if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive
you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses!
“Furthermore, when you Fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces so
that they may appear to others to be Fasting. Truly, I say to you: they have their reward!
“But you: when you Fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to others to be Fasting,
except to your Father Who is in the Secret Place. And your Father Who sees in secret will Reward you openly.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
Rather lay up for yourselves Treasure in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not
break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!”
✶ “...if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly
This most dire Revelation is INDISPUTABLE AND CONCISE!
Father will also forgive you...”
OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS SHOULD ALWAYS REFLECT

THIS DIVINE TEACHING CONCERNING FORGIVENESS IS VERY WHATEVER WE HOPE TO RECEIVE FROM GOD!
CLEAR AND PRECISE.
WE EITHER BLESS OR CONDEMN OURSELVES!

This Divine Revelation is THE MOST SACRED AND
Our Final and Only Judge before Whom all Creation
LIBERATING BASIS UPON WHICH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IS will stand has made it very clear! So WE WILL NOT BE
ESTABLISHED. ABLE TO PLEAD IGNORANCE!

Our Lord Jesus Christ insists on MUTUAL FORGIVENESS
This Divine Teaching of FORGIVENESS IS VITAL TO THE
BETWEEN us human beings who are ALL SINNERS AND STATE OF OUR ETERNAL LIFE OR DEATH - and repeatedly
THUS IMPERFECT. exhorts us to a more intensive Spiritual Striving.

FORGIVENESS of each other and of ourselves
WE ALL HOPE FOR DIVINE FORGIVENESS AND MERCY FROM
1. IS ESSENTIAL TO GOD’S DIVINE FORGIVENESS AND GREAT GOD, so we must MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO FORGIVE AND BE
MERCY. MERCIFUL to our fellow sinners!
2. LIBERATES US FROM THE SHARP AND BITTER CLAWS OF ANGER
WHATEVER WE DESIRE TO BE GRANTED BY GOD FOR OURSELVES,
AND HATRED that harms, embitters and destroys all WE MUST GRANT TO ONE ANOTHER.
those concerned.
When unhappy and troubled, we must SEARCH WITHIN
3. IS THE MOST WONDERFUL DIVINE GIFT with which God the OUR OWN HEARTS, MINDS AND SOULS TO DISCOVER WHAT IS
Holy Spirit Empowers us. PREVENTING US FROM MAKING PROPER SPIRITUAL
4. IS ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH CONSISTENT, SINCERE PRAYERS. PROGRESS!

GRANTS US TRUE FREEDOM, because when the
MOST SORROW AND SUFFERING IS CAUSED BY THOSE WHO ARE
oppressively, suffocating heavy boulders of SELFISH, STUBBORN AND ARROGANT – who are
unhappiness are removed WE RECEIVE BLESSED LOVE, UNFORGIVING AND MERCILESS towards others.
PEACE AND JOY, AND ARE ABLE TO MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL
Unforgiveness, hatred, revenge and resentment are
PROGRESS. all due to THE WILFUL REJECTION OF DIVINE
✶ "... if you do not forgive others ... neither will your FORGIVENESS, MERCY AND LOVE!
(Heavenly) Father forgive you ...!” ✶ "... when you Fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a
sad countenance...”

TH
2 36 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4 TRIODION – CHEESEFARE-FORGIVENESS – 1 MARCH 2020
T H
OF

FASTING IS NOT MERELY THE ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD BUT SELF-
DENIAL AND SACRIFICE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCE in order to
conquer our habitual sins and grievous passions.

FASTING
1. must be UNDERTAKEN WITH A MEEK, HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT
SPIRIT.
2. is NEITHER A ‘PENANCE’ NOR ‘PUNISHMENT’ for our sins.
3. requires our CONCERTED SELF-DENIAL AND DISCIPLINE
4. requires a combination of both PHYSICAL
DETERMINATION AND SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOUR.
5. is THE DENIAL OF THE SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH BY
ALLOWING OUR SOUL TO GUIDE AND CONTROL US
CORRECTLY according to Divine Will.
6. requires SPIRITUAL CONTEMPLATION, PRAYER AND
REPENTANCE.
7. is the CLEANSING AND RESTORATION OF OUR BODY AND SOUL.
8. reveals THE DIVINE COMPASSION OF OUR LORD GOD, WHICH
OUTSHINES ANY PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT OR PERSONAL
WEAKNESSES.
9. requires THE DESIRE TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
10. EXPRESSES the extent and depth of our personal
SACRIFICE AND LOVE FOR GOD AND EACH OTHER

By letting others know that you are Fasting, or by
feeling SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND PROUD, MAKES ALL YOUR
EFFORTS SPIRITUALLY UNBENEFICIAL - empty gestures!

OUR LORD JESUS REJECTED AND DESPISED NOTHING ELSE
EXCEPT HYPOCRITES!
When we FAST PROPERLY IN BOTH A SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL
MANNER – with all the right Motivation and Purpose -
WE ARE GREATLY BLESSED WITH THE LOVING PRESENCE OF
ALMIGHTY GOD.
✶ '... they have their reward...” is A TERRIFYING STATEMENT BY
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR!

This means that WE ‘...REAP WHAT WE SOW...’ or WE GET
WHAT WE SEEK, which is usually NOT AT ALL WHAT WE
WANT OR NEED!

ALL WORLDLY REWARDS ARE DISSATISFYING, fleeting and not
worth the effort for they are SPIRITUALLY
UNBENEFICIAL OR ‘UNPROFITABLE.’

Instead of instant gratification, we should indeed
rather SEEK ETERNAL BLESSINGS that take more time
and effort, but which are of priceless Spiritual
Value and Everlasting Benefit.
✶ “... anoint your head and wash your face, so that you
do not appear ... to be Fasting...’

EVEN OUR HYMNS REMIND US TO MAINTAIN A GOOD, HEALTHY
AND CLEAN PERSONAL STATE throughout the Fast and
the rest of the year, WITHOUT ANY DISCERNIBLE
DIFFERENCE that others might notice.

In order TO AVOID ANY DISPLAYS OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS OR
FASTING THERE SHOULD BE NO OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF
OUR FASTS, (such as the Protestant innovation of “Ash
Wednesday”)

Fasting – self-denial and Spiritual Discipline - is
necessary our SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

All requirements of our Orthodox Fasts are fulfilled TO
EXPRESS OUR PERSONAL GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF
GOD – and not to be exhibited nor praised.

If we cannot fulfil the dietary Fast due to personal
afflictions or weakness, WE CAN AND MUST FULFIL THE
SPIRITUAL FAST TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY.
ON THE FAST OF GREAT
Dearly Beloved in Christ, all too often we begin Great Lent
with sighs of regret, saying: “The Fast is almost upon
us again! Enjoy meat while you can...” or “A
contradiction in terms though it is: Happy Lent!”
Such are the comments many Orthodox Christians make
with regard to Great Lent, which, sadly, proves that
VERY FEW COMPREHEND THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THIS
SIGNIFICANT PERIOD leading us towards Holy Pascha!
We have grown accustomed to THINKING OF LENT IN PURELY
NEGATIVE TERMS - of giving something up, somewhat
begrudgingly at that, for reasons of personal Ascesis
or even out of a sense of ‘religious obligation.’
Even THE ASCETICAL CHARACTER OF LENT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED,
when Fasting is REGARDED AS BEING MERELY A CHANGE OF
DIET, RATHER THAN AS A FEAT OF ASCESIS.
GREAT AND HOLY LENT IS INDEED A TIME OF ASCESIS - for giving
things up, for SELF DENIAL, SACRIFICE AND DISCIPLINE - and
36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF TRIODION – CHEESEFARE-FORGIVENESS – 1 MARCH 2020

On the Eve of Great lent we sing: “... let us abstain
from passions as we abstain from food...:

St John Chrysostom warned us “... what Good is it if
we abstain from eating fish and fowl, yet bite
and devour our Brethren?”

In other words, Fasting requires A TOTAL ABSTINENCE
FROM OUR HABITUAL GRIEVOUS PASSIONS of gossiping,
calumny, etc – our wicked thoughts, words and
deeds - THAT HARM, DESTROY, KILL AND CONSUME THE
SPIRIT AND REPUTATION OF OTHERS.
✶ “... your Father who sees in secret, will Reward you
openly...’ refers to OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT ON THE EIGHT
DAY – the end of time and the beginning of
Eternity.

Sincere self-Denial, Discipline and Sacrifice is
WITNESSED BY OUR LORD GOD HIMSELF, who knows
everything concerning every immortal soul He
creates.
✶ “...do not lay up for yourselves treasure on Earth... but
lay up Treasures for yourselves in Heaven....”

By attaching ourselves to MATERIAL POSSESSIONS –
becoming obsessed by them – we actually CUT
OURSELVES OFF FROM the infinite, abundant heavenly
Treasures of GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE.

Our attachment to temporary, corruptible and
fleeting material, social status and worldly
concerns ENSLAVES, IMPRISONS AND EXILES US.

WE ARE ONLY TRULY LIBERATED IN CHRIST WHEN WE
DISENTANGLE OURSELVES FROM ALL WORLDLY THINGS and
firmly establish a good, healthy Relationship with
God and each other.

THE ACQUISITION OF DIVINE LOVE AND TRUTH IS THE
MAGNIFICENT, GLORIOUS AND TRUE HEAVENLY TREASURE
THAT IS ETERNAL!
✶ “...where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also...”

Whatever we consider to be of value, worth-while or
acceptable to us reflects THE TRUE STATE OF OUR
IMMORTAL SOUL.

IF THESE ARE OPPOSED TO DIVINE WILL AND TRUTH, THEN SO
ARE WE.

IF THESE ARE ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL, REVELATIONS
AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD GOD, THEN WE CAN AND WILL
MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS, - eventually
acquiring Theosis or being Spiritually Perfected as
God created us to become.

SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS THE ENTIRE SACRED PURPOSE of this
very short, temporary and preparatory lifespan.

EACH LENTEN PERIOD throughout the year ought to be
ONE LITTLE STEP CLOSER TO THAT ULTIMATE GOAL.

When we STRIVE AND STRUGGLE REALLY HARD DURING EACH
LENTEN PERIOD, our Spiritual Journey becomes far
more endurable and fulfilling.

EVERY SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOUR BRINGS US CLOSER TO GOD’S
ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE.

Let us not waste one precious moment on trivialities,
nonsense and alluring distractions, but FOCUS
ATTENTIVELY ON OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who leads us
with confidence towards Eternal Life and our
Heavenly Homeland.
May our Benevolent and Loving God grant us all a most
fulfilled Great and Holy Lent, as we Strive for Spiritual
Perfection, while Struggling against all temptation, grievous
passions and personal weaknesses.
AND HOLY LENT
IT IS THE SACRED DUTY OF THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO FAST TO DO
SO, but this is only a part of the Truth.
Sadly, however, THE REAL PURPOSE OF LENT TENDS TO BE
UNHEEDED OR MISUNDERSTOOD.
The period leading up to Great Lent - from the beginning
of the Triodion Season until Clean Monday - is
erroneously thought of as a time for excessive eating
and self-indulgence – for the enjoyment of all the
culinary and other delights that we will so sorely miss
during the Great Fast.
We have become so obsessed with this concept of food
and personal pleasure that WE TEND TO IGNORE THE
TRIODION HYMNS AND THE APPOINTED SACRED LESSONS – THAT
GUIDE AND INSTRUCT US HOW TO FAST AND WHY WE OUGHT TO
FAST.
Sunday before the beginning of the Triodion Season, the
Holy Gospel account concerning St Zacchaeus is read
3
 during the Divine Liturgy, which tells us of how AN
UNJUST TAX COLLECTOR/PUBLICAN WHO WAS INTENSELY
DESPISED AND HATED for being A SINFUL, CORRUPT
COLLABORATOR WAS SO DEEPLY TRANSFORMED BY THE LOVE
AND GREAT MERCY OF OUR LORD GOD, that HE NOT ONLY
REPENTED HIS SINS BUT ALSO MORE THAN COMPENSATED THOSE
WHOM HE HAD CHEATED, causing our Lord Jesus to
declare “Today Salvation has come to this house.”
(LUKE 19: 1-10).
The connection between this Gospel Lesson and Great
Lent is provided by our Lord’s Words recorded in the
Book of Isaiah : “’... if you Fast for condemnations
and quarrels, and strike a humble man with your
fists, why do you Fast .... I did not choose this Fast,
and such a day for a man to humble his soul; nor if
you should bow your neck ... and spread sackcloth
and ashes... could you thus call such a Fast
acceptable. I did not choose such as Fast,’ says the
Lord our God, ‘rather, loosen every bond of
wrongdoing, untie the knots of violent dealings,
cancel the debts of the oppressed, and tear apart
every unjust contract. Break your bread for the
hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your
house. If you see a naked man, clothe him, nor
shall you disregard your offspring in your own
household. Then your Light shalt break forth as the
morning, and your Healing shalt spring forth
quickly. Your Righteousness shalt go before you,
and the Glory of God shalt cover you...’” (ISAIAH 58: 4-7)
ST ZACCHAEUS DID PRECISELY WHAT OUR LORD COMMANDED AND
WAS TRANSFORMED FROM SINNER TO SAINT AND HOLY MARTYR.
Such A HUMBLE AND REPENTANT FAST is what our Divine
Saviour requires from us, for Great Lent does not call
us to Fast only from food, but to FAST ALSO FROM
WRONGDOING AND INJUSTICE.
A Triodion Hymn echoes the Sacred Lesson of St Isaiah:
“While Fasting physically, Brethren, let us also Fast
Spiritually. Let us loose every knot of iniquity. Let us
tear up every unrighteous bond. Let us distribute
bread to the hungry and welcome to our homes
those who have no roof over their heads, so that we
may receive Great Mercy from Christ our God.”.
Triodion begins on Sunday of the Publican and the
Pharisee whereby we are severely cautioned to ...“flee
the proud speech of the Pharisee...” when we Fast
Christ our Lord revealed that THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE’S
CHARITY WAS UNACCEPTABLE TO GOD, BECAUSE HE PRIDED
HIMSELF on doing no more than what is required of
him:
He instructed us “....When you have done all that you
were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless servants;
we have done only what we ought to have done!”
(LUKE 17:10)
Moreover, THE PHARISEE CONSIDERED HIMSELF TO BE SUPERIOR to
others.
Therefore we must TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO FAST WITHOUT
REPENTING AND CORRECTING A similar type of
JUDGEMENTAL AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDE.
“...Those who thirst for Spiritual Blessings perform their
Good Deeds in secret, not noising them abroad in
markets. But let us ceaselessly pray in the depths of
our heart. For He Who sees all that is done in secret
will Reward us for our abstinence...”
The difference between THE SINCERE HUMILITY AND CONTRITE
SELF-REPROACH of the Publican AND THE UNREPENTANT
PRIDE AND ARROGANCE of the Pharisee IS CLEARLY EVIDENT
YET DOES NOT CONCERN EITHER FASTING OR NOT FASTING.
This Sacred lesson applies equally to everyone because
THOSE WHO DO NOT FAST SHOULD NOT EQUATE THEMSELVES
WITH THE JUSTIFIED PUBLICAN WHILE JUDGING THOSE WHO
FAST AS BEING HYPOCRITICAL ‘Pharisees’, for THAT IS
COMMITTING BOTH THE SIN OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
ALIKE!
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE BEFITS ALL CHRISTIANS - whether or
not we Fast.
JUDGING OTHERS IS A VERY CLEAR INDICATION OF OUR OWN SINS as
whatever we see in others, is usually A REFLECTION OF
OUR OWN WRETCHED STATE, which requires immediate
Repentance and forgiveness!
On Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Saint Paul’s Epistle to the
Corinthians reminds us that ‘...food is for the stomach
and the stomach for food, and God will do away
with both ... The body is meant not for fornication
but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body…Do you
4 C LE AN M OND AY – TH E F IR ST D AY
not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
Should I therefore take the members of Christ and
make them members of a prostitute? Never!” (1
CORINTHIANS 6: 13-15).
Accordingly, we are not only to ABSTAIN FROM FOOD, but
ALSO FROM OTHER MORE SPIRITUALLY HARMFUL AND GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS – so, to Fast from food but not from the more
serious grievous passions is like “...straining out a
gnat and swallowing a camel!’.
Repeatedly, the Triodion Hymns sternly warn us against
such double standards: “In vain do you rejoice in not
eating, O soul! For you abstain from food, yet from
passions you are not Purified. If you have no desire
for improvement, you will be despised as a liar in
the Sight of God! You will be likened to evil demons
who never eat! If you persevere in sin, you will
perform a useless Fast! Wherefore, remain in
constant Striving so as to stand before our Crucified
Saviour, or rather, be crucified with the One Who
was crucified for your sake!”
Although the Sacred Lesson concerning THE PRODIGAL SON
USUALLY FOCUSES ON HIS SINS, REMINDING US THAT WE, TOO,
HAVE RUN AWAY FROM OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND NEED TO
REPENT, IT ALSO TEACHES US ABOUT THE UNFORGIVING,
RESENTFUL OLDER BROTHER WHO always adhered to His
Commandments but HAD NO LOVE, COMPASSION, NOR A
WILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE.
We all need to IMITATE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S BOUNDLESS
LOVE, GREAT MERCY AND READINESS TO FORGIVE because WE
ARE LIKE BOTH HIS SONS – DISOBEDIENT, WASTEFUL, SINFUL,
RESENTFUL, JUDGEMENTAL JEALOUS AND UNFORGIVING!
With the Lenten Prayer of St Ephraim we beseech our
Lord God: “...Grant that I may see my own faults and
not condemn my Brother/Brethren...”.
On Meatfare/Last Judgement Sunday, St Paul reminds us
“...Food will not bring us closer to God. We are no
worse off it we do not eat, and no better off if we
do...” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:8 - 9:2)
FASTING, IN AND OF ITSELF, WILL NOT SAVE US.
Thus, whether or not we Fast, we must STRICTLY AVOID
CRITICISING OR JUDGING EACH OTHER but rather TURN OUR
ATTENTION ONTO OUR OWN SPIRITUAL CONDITION!
The Sacred lesson for Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday
reminds us that WE WILL ALL BE JUDGED BY GOD ACCORDING
TO OUR OWN THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS and whether or
not we Struggled against temptation, Repented our
sins and Strove for Spiritual Perfection to the best of
our ability.
It is not by Fasting or not Fasting that WE SHALL WIN OR LOSE
CHRIST – HIS DIVINE SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE - but BY
HOW WE EXPRESSED OUR LOVE FOR GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOUR -
whether or not we fed the hungry, clothed the naked,
helped the sick, and welcomed strangers.
FASTING – self denial, sacrifice and Discipline – ought to
be COMBINED WITH CHARITY - GOOD WORKS AND UNSELFISH
ACTS OF LOVE.
As the Triodion urges, encourages and motivates us, “...let
us hurry to be Cleansed through Fasting from the
stain of our faults, and through Mercy and
Compassion for the poor, to enter the Bridal
Chamber of Christ the Bridegroom, Who grants us
His Great Mercy...”
Although THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FASTING AND ALMSGIVING
IS SO OBVIOUS to our Holy Fathers AND SO EXPLICIT in the
Triodion Hymns and Sacred lessons, IT IS OVERLOOKED BY
US BECAUSE WE CONSIDER FASTING IN MERELY ‘PERSONAL’
TERMS in the belief that Holy Ascesis and Love of each
other are two different aspects and that Fasting is
simply a change of diet.
ARCHIMANDRITE VASSILIOS PAPAVASSILIOU (2012)
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP - HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2012/03/THE-GREAT-FAST/
Tomorrow is Clean Monday - the first day of Great and Holy
Lent. For one day – and for the rest of Lent if we are
able – we return to Paradise by eating only unprepared,
unprocessed fruit and vegetables and drinking water,
exactly as God provided for the sustenance of Adam and
Eve, while offering our ceaseless Prayers of Praise and
Thanksgiving for His infinite Blessings and Providence.
Lent is a period of concerted Spiritual Struggles, Repentance
and Spiritual Strivings for our Perfection and worthiness
as Children, Co-Heirs and Citizens of God’s Eternal
Kingdom of Love. May God grant us Strength to Endure
OF G RE AT AND H OLY LE NT - 2 M ARC H 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.
2 MARCH 2020
CLEAN MONDAY – THE FIRST DAY OF GREAT & HOLY LENT
The Commemoration of St Hesychios the Senator – St Theodotos, Bishop & Hieromartyr of Cyrenia, Cyprus
– St Quintos the Wonder Worker and Holy Martyr – St Nestor & St Trivimios, Holy Martyrs – St Troadios &
Fellow Martyrs – St Evthalia, Virgin Martyr – St Andronikos & St Athanasia – St Nicholas Planas the
Presbyter

T H E B OOK OF S T I SAIAH 1 : 1 – 20
The Vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw against Judah and Jerusalem in the Kingdom of Uzzuish, Jotham,
Ahas and Hezekiah, Kings of Judah.
Hear, O Heavens, and listen, O Earth, for the lord has spoken; ‘ I have begotten and brought up sons, but they rejected
Me. The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s Crib, but Israel does not know me, and the people do not
understand me.’
Alas, O sinful Nation, a People full of sins, and evil seeds - lawless children. They forsook the Lord, they provoked to
anger the Holy One of Israel.
Why should you still be struck as you continue in lawlessness? The whole head is in pain, and the whole heart in
sadness. From the feet all the way to the head, there is no soundness in them, only wounds and bruises and
festering sores. They have not been closed nor bandaged, nor soothed with ointment. Your land is desolate; your
cities are burnt with fire. Strangers take over your land in your presence and it is made desolate, overthrown by
foreign people.
So the Daughter of Zion is forsaken, like a tent in a vineyard, like a hut in a garden of cucumbers, like a besieged city.
Unless the Lord of Hosts has left us a Seed, we would have become like Sodom and been made like Gomorrah.
Hear the Word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom. Hearken to the Law of our God, you people of Gomorrah: “What is the
multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” says the Lord. “I Am full of Burnt Offerings of rams and the fat of lambs. I do not
desire the blood of bulls and he-goats.
When you come to appear before Me, Who required these things from your hands to tread My Court? Although you
shalt bring fine wheat flour, it is vain. Incense is an abomination to Me. I cannot endure your new moons and
Sabbaths, and the calling of Assemblies, and Fasting and Holy Days. Your new moons and feasts My soul hates.
You have become a dissatisfaction to Me – i will not forgive your sins.
When you stretch forth your hands to Me, I will turn My Sight from you. Although you make many Prayers, I will not
listen to you. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves Clean. Put away the evils
from your soul before My Sight. Cease your iniquities. Learn to do good. Seek Judgement and Redeem the
wronged. Defend the orphans and justify the widows. Come now, and let us reason together,” says the lord,
‘although your sins are crimson, i shall make them as white as snow. And although they are scarlet, i shall make
them as white as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shalt eat the good things of the land. But if you are
unwilling and disobedient, you shalt be devoured by the sword,” for the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken!
✶ “...The Vision of Isaiah...”
WHEN WE REPENT OUR SINS, WE ARE RESTORED TO SPIRITUAL

The Hebrew name of Isaiah means “Yaweh Saves” or LIFE and enter again INTO THE DIVINE, PROTECTIVE
‘Yahweh is Salvation.’ LIGHT OF GOD’S GRACE AND LOVE.
✶ “.. Alas, O sinful Nation... there is no soundness ... only Therefore, WHENEVER A SINNER REPENTS, OUR LORD GOD AND ALL
wounds... bruises and festering sores... not ... HIS HEAVENLY HOSTS REJOICE.
closed or bandaged or soothed...” ✶ “... make yourselves Clean. Put away evil from your

These verses present an image of THE OLD COVENANT soul... cease your iniquities....”
NATION OF ISRAEL as being AFFLICTED WITH
THE VITAL NECESSITY OF REPENTANCE IS OBVIOUS from these
INNUMERABLE SPIRITUAL WOUNDS AND SORES and not Divine Commandments, because unless we first
only REFUSING TREATMENT, but also REFUSING TO seek out and eradicate our sins by Repenting and
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS SICK AND IN NEED OF SPIRITUAL Confessing our voluntary and involuntary errors,
HEALING. WE CANNOT ENJOY A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND
✶ "... Unless the Lord of Hosts has left us a Seed, we would WITH EACH OTHER, NOR CAN WE MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL
have become like Sodom and been made like PROGRESS.
Gomorrah....” ✶ "... Learn to do good. Seek Judgement and Redeem the

OUR BENEVOLENT AND LOVING LORD GOD DOES NOT ALLOW wronged. Defend the orphans and justify the
HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE TO BE COMPLETELY WIPED OUT. widows...”

ONE GOOD SEED WILL YIELD MUCH SPIRITUAL FRUIT
CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE AND LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS

A FEW OF HIS FAITHFUL WILL LISTEN, HEAR AND FULFIL the EPITOMISE FAITHFUL DISCIPLESHIP.
Divine Inspired Words of God’s Holy Prophet.
We have all the Spiritual Guidelines directly from God
✶ “... when you come to appear before Me... I will not so it is entirely up to us to FULFILL THE WILL OF OUR
forgive your sins...” is an obvious reference to GOD’S HEAVENLY FATHER BY OBSERVING THESE DIVINE
FINAL JUDGEMENT OF ALL CREATION, ESPECIALLY COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE.
MANKIND. ✶ “...although your sins are crimson, I shall make them as

GOD HAS PROVIDED EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE for mankind to white as snow...”
acquire Spiritual Perfection, so HE JOYFULLY ACCEPTS
Through the Holy Mystery of Repentance-Confession,
THOSE WHO HAVE “...A BROKEN SPIRIT – A BROKEN AND God Cleanses, Restores, Regenerates and Forgives
HUMBLED HEART...’ [PSALM 50:19] us.

On the contrary, He will not forgive those guilty of
Repentance (Metanoia) means A THOROUGH
false religious piety. TRANSFORMATION OF OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
✶ “... I will turn My Sight from you...” THE DEPTH AND SINCERITY OF OUR REPENTANCE DETERMINES THE

When we commit sins, we fall into A STATE OF SPIRITUAL EXTENT OF DIVINE MERCY AND FORGIVENESS we receive
DEATH – SEPARATED FROM GOD. from God.

GOD AND ALL HIS HEAVENLY HOSTS TURN THEIR PROTECTIVE ✶ “... if you are willing and Obedient...” shows us that GOD
GAZE AWAY FROM US for they cannot bear to see us NEVER FORCES US TO DO ANYTHING AGAINST OUR WILL, for
suffering the consequences of our erroneous and Love cannot be forced.
selfish choices.
We must BE WILLING TO OBEY GOD BECAUSE WE LOVE HIM
AND EACH OTHER, which in turn bestows infinite
Blessings of all Good Things upon us all.

C L E AN M OND AY – T HE F IR ST D AY OF G RE AT AND H OLY LE NT - 2 M AR CH 2020 5


TRUE LOVE MOTIVATES AND COMPELS US TO PLEASE GOD by There are NO ALTERNATIVES NOR COMPROMISES after our
fulfilling His Divine Will in all circumstances. Repose!
✶ “... if you are unwilling and disobedient...” BE PREPARED ✶ “...the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken!...”
FOR THE CONSEQUENCES, which, IF NOT RESOLVED before
THIS IS DIVINE TRUTH! This is Absolute, Perfect Truth!
our final breath, WILL BE FOREVER.
Our Loving Heavenly Father gives us every means
There are ONLY TWO PATHS to follow – the Path of and every opportunity to REPENT OUR SINS AND FULFIL
Righteousness that leads to GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM HIS DIVINE TRUTH FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SALVATION AND
OF LOVE or the Path that leads to the ETERNAL EXILE ETERNAL LIFE.
OF “OUTER DARKNESS,” “THE ABYSS” OR “HELL.”
G E NESIS 1 : 1 – 13
In the beginning God made Heaven and Earth. The Earth was invisible and unfinished, and darkness was over the
deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the water. Then God said: “Let there be light!” And there was
light. God saw the light. It was good. And God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘Day.’ The
darkness He called ‘Night,’ and there was evening and morning – one day.
Then God said: Let there be firmament in the midst of the water, and let it divide the water from the water.” And it was
so. Thus God made the firmament, and God divided the water under the firmament f4rom the water above the
firmament. And God called the firmament ‘Heaven,’ and God saw that it was Good. And there was evening and
morning – the second day.
Then God said: “Let the water under Heaven be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it
was so. The water under Heaven was gathered into its place, and the dry land appeared. And God called the dry
land ‘Earth,’ and the gathering together of the waters He called ‘Seas.’ And God saw that it was Good.
Then God said: “Let the Earth bring forth the herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. Let the fruit
tree bear fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind on Earth.” And it was so. Thus the Earth brought forth the
herb of grass, bearing seed according to its kind and likeness. The fruit tree bore fruit, whose seed is in itself
according to its kind on Earth. And God saw that it was Good. And the evening and morning were the third day.
✶ This passage is read during Vespers on Monday of the complete nonexistence - by the Life-giving Power
first week of Great Lent. and Energy of God the Holy Spirit.
It is also read during Vespers on Great and Holy ✶ “...And God saw that it was Good...”
Saturday, on the Eve of the Nativity of Christ and on
GOD IS LOVE, BEAUTY AND GOODNESS PERSONIFIED.
the Feast of Holy Theophany. Therefore, He looks upon EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD,
✶ “...In the beginning God made Heaven and Earth...” BEAUTIFUL AND LOVING, for it IS WELL-PLEASING TO HIM.

GOD THE FATHER SPOKE TO HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN, ETERNAL SON
When the world was cast into Spiritual Darkness due
AND WORD, THROUGH WHOM HE CREATED EVERYTHING. to mankind’s fallen and corrupted nature, GOD

GOD THE SON IS ALSO LORD GOD AND CO-EQUAL in His TURNED HIS DIVINE SIGHT AWAY BECAUSE IT IS TOO SAD,
Divine Attributes with God our Heavenly Father. WICKED AND UNPLEASANT TO BEHOLD.

THE HOLY TRINITY ALWAYS WORK TOGETHER IN PERFECT,
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT – EVER PRESENT – but cannot abide
LOVING AND MERCIFUL HARMONY. gazing upon those who have no Love.

CREATION WAS PERFORMED
However, WHENEVER WE ARE CORRECTED, CLEANSED AND
1. ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY RESTORED, HE ONCE AGAIN CASTS HIS SIGHT UPON US.
FATHER
So we CONTINUOUSLY PRAY THAT WE MIGHT BE WORTHY OF
2. BY GOD THE SON, BEING IN HIS DIVINE SIGHT FOREVER, which requires us
3. WITH THE DIVINE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE LIFE- to CONTINUOUSLY REPENT AND SUSTAIN OUR BLESSED AND
GIVING HOLY SPIRIT. SANCTIFIED LIFE IN CHRIST.

As the Canon of St Andrew states: “... we Glorify the ✶ “...bearing seed according to its kind and likeness...”
Father, we Exalt the Son, and we Worship the
GOD CREATED EVERYTHING PERFECTLY,
Holy Spirit – the Indivisible Trinity Who is One –
EVERYTHING WAS GOOD because it was ACCORDING TO THE
the Light, the Lights, the Life and Lives, Who DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
grants Light and Life to the ends of the world...”
TRAGICALLY, MANKIND HAS INTERFERED with God’s Perfect
✶ "... The Spirit of God was hovering...” refers to GOD THE Creation, resulting in ALL TYPES AND DEGREES OF
HOLY SPIRIT Who is THE THIRD PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY ABOMINATION that is CONTRARY TO CREATION’S NATURAL
AND GODHEAD STATE.

God the Holy Spirit
Mankind has distorted, corrupted and destroyed
1. PROCEEDS FROM GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER GOD’S PERFECT CREATION that was BROUGHT INTO
2. is “... THE LORD AND GIVER OF LIFE...” EXISTENCE DUE TO DIVINE LOVE.
3. is CO-EQUAL WITH GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND
THE GRIEVOUS PASSIONS OF EGOCENTRIC, UNGODLY MANKIND
GOD THE SON. HAVE DEVASTATED OUR BEAUTIFUL EARTH IN A SHOCKINGLY

ALL THREE PERSONS of the One Divine Godhead ARE CO- SHORT TIME!
CREATORS OF ALL CREATION.
ONLY DIVINE LOVE AND GRACE CAN SAVE US, but EARTH HAS
✶ "... God said: “Let there be light!” And there was light.” BEEN IRREVOCABLY DAMAGED due to the interference.

GOD THE FATHER SPOKE TO HIS SON, through Whom He Imbalance, destruction and ‘modification’ of
created everything visible and invisible and Divinely Created nature.
everything material and immaterial - from
P R OVE R BS 1 : 1 - 20
The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, who reigned in Israel. To know Wisdom and Instruction, and to understand
words of discernment, to receive both subtlety of words, and to understand True Righteousness and Upright
Judgement, so as to give astuteness to the simple, and both perception and understanding to a young man. For a
wise man who hears these things will be wiser, and the man of understanding will gain direction. He will
understand both a Parable and a hidden saying - wise words and riddles.
The Fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom, and there is good understanding in all who practise it. Godliness towards
God is the beginning of Perception, yet the ungodly despise Wisdom and Instruction.
Hear, My son, the Instruction of your Father, and do not reject the Laws of your Mother, for you will receive a Crown of
Grace upon your head and a gold chain around your neck.
My Son, do not let the ungodly lead you astray, and do not consent if they invite you, saying: “Come with us. Take part
in bloodshed, and let us hide a Righteous Man in the earth unjustly. Let us swallow him, just as Hades does the
living, and let us take away His Remembrance from the Earth. Let us seize His Valuable Property, and fill our houses
with spoils. Cast your lot with us and let us acquire a common bag, and let there be one purse for us...”
Do not walk that way with them, but turn your feet away from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they hasten to
shed blood. For nets are not spread before birds for no reason. For those who participate in murder store up evils
for themselves, and evil is the destruction of lawless men.
These are the ways of all who accomplish lawless things, for they take away their own soul in ungodliness.
Wisdom sings in the streets – She moves boldly in the squares...
✶ “...The Proverbs of Solomon...” was written so that we
As St Paul pointed out, OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR IS “... the
might know OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who IS THE Power of God and the Wisdom of God.” (1
WISDOM OF GOD. CORINTHIANS 1 : 24)

6 C LE AN M OND AY – TH E F IR ST D AY OF G RE AT AND H OLY LE NT - 2 M ARC H 2020


According to St Hippolytos, “... these Proverbs of and becoming separated from him due to our
Solomon [concern] the Peacemaker, Who, in Truth, personal weaknesses and sins.
is Christ our Saviour...”
As we acquire Holy Fear we INCREASE IN GOOD

These were also TO ENCOURAGE US TO PARTAKE OF – AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUR LORD AND HIS DIVINE VIRTUES.
ACQUIRE - THE HOLY VIRTUES that Divine Wisdom
THE UNGODLY are those who DESPISE HOLY WISDOM AND HIS
begets in those who humbly obey Him. INSTRUCTION.

Thus, although the human author of this Book of
Although they might claim to believe in God, THEY DO
Proverbs was St Solomon the King, THE REAL AUTHOR NOT KNOW DIVINE WISDOM – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST –
Who Inspired him IS DIVINE WISDOM HIMSELF – THE NOR DO THEY LIVE A VIRTUOUS LIFE IN CHRIST.
ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD of God our
It is clearly evident that the ungodly do not believe in
Heavenly Father. nor know the Lord our God from THEIR THOUGHTS,
✶ “...To know Wisdom and Instruction, and to understand WORDS AND DEEDS, which ARE OPPOSED TO DIVINE WILL
words of discernment...” AND TRUTH.

St Maximos the Confessor and St John of Damascus ✶ “...Hear, My son, the Instruction of your Father, and do
believed that DIVINE WISDOM INSTRUCTS THOSE WHO not reject the Laws of your Mother...”
KNOW HIM.
“My son” is A FORM OF ADDRESS that is used throughout

As Faithful Disciples of Christ, we RECEIVE THE DIVINE the Book of Proverbs but APPLIES TO ALL GOD’S
TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND STRIVE TO ADOPTED CHILDREN – His Sanctified Sons and
FULFIL THEM. Daughters - WHO STRIVE TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL

The term “Instruction” incorporates several aspects: PERFECTION – Divine Likeness.
TEACHING, CORRECTION, DISCIPLINE, REPROOF, LEARNING,
HOLY WISDOM IS BOTH DIVINE FATHER AND MOTHER TO HIS
EDUCATION AND TRAININg. CHILDREN due to His deep, abiding Love for them

DIVINE WISDOM AND HIS INSTRUCTION IN THE HOLY VIRTUES
GOD IS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS HOLY, ORTHODOX
are emphasised throughout the Book of Proverbs. CHURCH IS OUR SPIRITUAL MOTHER.

The Purpose of CORRECTING AND DISCIPLINING OURSELVES IS
WE ARE INSTRUCTED, ILLUMINED AND ENLIGHTENED BY OUR
TO AVOID, REJECT OR REMOVE THE HARMFUL DECEPTIONS LORD GOD due to His infinite Fatherly Love.
OF SIN so that the God-given Holy Virtues within our
By STRIVING TO LIVE IN CHRIST – according to all His
created nature can manifest themselves as God Divine Teachings and Truth – and BY CEASELESSLY
intended. STRUGGLING AGAINST ALL TEMPTATION AND SIN – BY
✶ “...understand both a Parable and a hidden saying - CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE OF SINS – we will BECOME
wise words and riddles...” WORTHY CITIZENS AND CO-HEIRS of God’s Eternal

These aspects CHARACTERISE PROVERBS. Kingdom of Love – the most priceless and

Holy Wisdom ENABLES US TO DISCERN, COMPREHEND AND everlasting Reward!
UNDERSTAND the Sacred Instructions of our Divine ✶ "... do not let the ungodly lead you astray, and do not
Saviour. consent if they invite you...”

PARABLES ARE ILLUSTRATIONS that our Lord used in order
THE UNGODLY SEEK THE DOWNFALL AND DESTRUCTION of those
TO TEACH US THE HOLY VIRTUES, often using EXTREME who Strive for Godliness and Righteousness.
AND CONTRARY CHARACTERS AND CIRCUMSTANCES to
Because they are SLY AND DEVIOUS, they are ABLE TO
emphasise the Sacred Lessons. CONVINCE THE IGNORANT AND INNOCENT TO COMMIT

Hidden sayings and riddles can only be understood UNGODLY ACTS AGAINST OUR HUMAN NATURE – against
BY ILLUMINATION. Love - that are caused by the grievous passions,

Holy Wisdom – OUR LORD GOD – ILLUMINATES THOSE WHO which lure us into sin and Spiritual Death.
KNOW AND ARE TAUGHT BY HIM. ✶ “...let us hide a Righteous Man in the earth unjustly. Let

WISE WORDS are like a Door LEADING INTO THE INNER us swallow him, just as Hades does the living, and
SANCTUARY OF WISDOM. let us take away his remembrance from the

Divine Wisdom opens the Door to THOSE WHO EARNESTLY Earth..”.
SEEK HOLY VIRTUE, we WILL FIND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
When Divine Wisdom became Righteous Man in His
AND PARTAKE OF HIS HOLY VIRTUES. Incarnation, when He had completed His Public
 M A T T H E W 7 : 7 – 8 “... Ask, and it will be given to you; Mission of Salvation, HE ALLOWED HIS ENEMIES TO
seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be UNJUSTLY CRUCIFY HIM AND BURY HIM IN A TOMB
opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives because THEY THOUGHT THAT THEY COULD EASILY GET
and he who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks, RID OF HIM - “swallow” Him and “... take away His
it will be opened...” Remembrance from the Earth...”

OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IS A LIFE-LONG PROCESS and OUR
However, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS FOREVER REMEMBERED
EFFORTS ARE COMMANDED AND NECESSARY but NEVER ALL OVER THE WORLD WHILE HIS ENEMIES ARE FORGOTTEN.
APART FROM IMMEDIATE DIVINE HELP. ✶ “...Cast your lot with us and let us acquire a common
1 . We ASK IN PRAYER. bag...”
2 . We SEEK BY LEARNING God’s Divine Truth
DUE TO HIS SELFISHNESS AND GREED JUDAS ISCARIOT CAST HIS
3. we KNOCK BY FULFILLING the Will of our Heavenly LOT WITH THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST and acquired “...a
Father. common bag...” with them when he betrayed our
✶ “ . . . The Fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom...” Lord for thirty pieces of silver.

WISDOM BEGETS (HOLY) FEAR OF GOD in the simple heart – “...they take away their own soul in ungodliness...”
IN THOSE WHO HAVE BEGUN THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
UNREPENTANT SINNERS ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES by

Holy Fear of God is THE BEGINNING OF OUR WISDOM AND rebelling against and by rejecting the Will of our
GODLINESS towards the Lord our God and THE Heavenly Father.
BEGINNING OF OUR SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION.
OUR FREE WILL OUGHT TO ALWAYS SERVE AND FULFIL THE

Holy Fear of God means that DUE TO OUR ALL CONSUMING DIVINE WILL AND TRUTH OF GOD WITH LOVE – with
LOVE OF GOD, WE FEAR FAILING TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL Mercy and Truthfulness.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 21: 8–9: 25–27 & 33–36
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “Take heed that you are not deceived. Many will come in My Name, saying: ‘I am
He...’ and ‘...the time has drawn near.’ Do not follow them!
“When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified. These things must come to pass first, but the end will
not come immediately....”
“... And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars. And on Earth distress of Nations, with perplexity,
the sea and the waves roaring. Men’s hearts will fail them from fear and the expectation of those things that are
coming on Earth, for the Powers of the Heavens will be shaken. And they will see the Son of Man coming in a
Cloud with Power and Great Glory...”
“...Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away! Take heed for yourselves, lest your
heart be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come upon you
unexpectedly! For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the Earth. Watch, therefore, and
pray always that you may be counted worthy -to escape all these things that will come to pass - and to stand
before the Son of Man.”
✶ “...Take heed that you are not deceived...”
For that very reason, we need to GAIN AS MUCH

Our Lord knows how THE EVIL ONE USES OUR WEAKNESSES KNOWLEDGE AND ENLIGHTENMENT AS WE CAN in order to
AND IGNORANCE AGAINST US. PERCEIVE ALL DECEPTIONS AND TEMPTATIONS.

C L E AN M OND AY – T HE F IR ST D AY OF G RE AT AND H OLY LE NT - 2 M AR CH 2020 7


Only by Living in Christ can we DEVELOP A STRONG AND
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER
that protects us against all threats.

Living in Christ requires NOT ONLY OUR PRIVATE,
PRAYERFUL LIFE BUT ALSO THE CONSTANT PARTICIPATION IN
ALL THE HOLY SERVICES AND MYSTERIES OF HIS HOLY
CHURCH.

We are more likely to suffer temptation and sin when
we do not Live in Christ in all circumstances.
✶ “...Do not follow them!...”

Our Lord Jesus commands us not to follow ANYONE WHO
IS OUTSIDE HIS HOLY CHURCH for such people are
egocentric and self-serving, and will mislead and
misguide us into Eternal Condemnation.

THOSE WHO PICK AND CHOOSE FROM THE DIVINE TRUTH - who
refuse to follow our Lord Jesus Christ from within
His One, Universal, Apostolic and Holy Church –
MUST BE AVOIDED.

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CHRIST IS PERFECT AND ETERNAL.

If we accept and reject according to our own flawed
ideas anything of Christ’s Holy Church, WE DISTORT
AND LOSE HIS DIVINE TRUTH.

Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy, Orthodox Church
is ETERNAL AND UNCHANGING.

ONLY GOD CAN CHANGE ANYTHING if He so Wills, but
because EVERYTHING HE HAS GRANTED US IS ABSOLUTELY
PERFECT, there is no need of any change – neither
‘... an iota nor tittle!”
✶ “...When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be
terrified...” - ONLY FOCUS ON GOD AND OUR NEED FOR
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.

BY HOLDING TIGHTLY ONTO OUR FAITH, WE CAN ENDURE all
circumstances.

WE MUST NOT BE DISTRACTED NOR DISCOURAGED from our
Spiritual Journey and Endeavours.

ALL WARFARE AND COMMOTIONS ARE CAUSED BY THE GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS of mankind in general.

GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS BELOVED CHILDREN IN HIS SIGHT AND
UNDER HIS DIVINE PROTECTION, so we need not
become overwhelmed by despair, despondency
nor hopelessness.

TIMES OF ADVERSITY, TRIBULATION AND SORROW OUGHT TO
DRAW US CLOSER TO GOD AND TO EACH OTHER.
✶ “...These things must come to pass first...”

MANKIND’S HISTORY IS REPETITIVE as long as we remain
selfish, corrupted, sinful and wicked.

GOD HAS PERMITTED THE EVIL ONE AND HIS DEMONS TO TEST
ALL MANKIND so that
1. WE MIGHT EITHER GROW SPIRITUALLY STRONGER and closer
to God and each other, learning to Love - to be
Merciful, Compassionate and Kind in our mutual
suffering and Spiritual Struggles, and thereby
become SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED.
2. OR SURRENDER TO OUR ENEMIES and become ETERNALLY
CONDEMNED.

WHEN WE ARE AFFLICTED, HUMBLED AND WEAKENED BY VARIOUS
CIRCUMSTANCES, WE CALL OUT TO GOD Who hears us
and WHO RESPONDS ACCORDING TO THE EXTENT OF OUR
FAITH, OUR MOTIVATIONS AND OUR INTENTIONS.
✶ “...the end will not come immediately...”

ONLY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS WHEN THIS LIFESPAN WILL
CEASE for each individual soul and for all mankind
on the Eighth Day of our Final Judgement.

No matter what is to come, OUR ONLY CONCERN, as
Faithful Disciples IS TO REPENT OUR SINS AND SUSTAIN
OUR SACRED LIFE IN CHRIST.

For these reasons, so-called ‘fortune-telling,
horoscopes, ‘good luck charms, ‘evil eyes’ or
various pagan talismens, and ANY SUPERSTITIOUS
PRACTISES MUST BE STRICTLY REJECTED AND AVOIDED.

THESE REVEAL OUR OWN LACK OF FAITH in the Almighty
Power, Love and Providence of our Lord God!
✶ “...And there will be Signs...” THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE
AND UPON EARTH.

All these Extraordinary, unique phenomena will occur
to such a great extent that EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT
IT IS THE END OF TIME as we know it.

There will be NO NEED FOR ANYONE TO EXPLAIN NOR
INTERPRET these terrifying occurrences to us, for WE
WILL ALL EXPERIENCE THEM SIMULTANEOUSLY around the
world.
8 C LE AN M OND AY – TH E F IR ST D AY

In the meantime, ALL THE CATASTROPHIC EVENTS THAT ARE
PRESENTLY OCCURRING, ARE CAUSED BY THE GREED AND
DESTRUCTION OF MANKIND who have permanently
damaged and destroyed the delicate balance of
God’s created natural environment.
✶ “...the Powers of the Heavens will be shaken... they will
see the Son of Man coming in a Cloud with Power
and Great Glory...”

OUR LORD VERY CLEARLY AND CONCISELY DESCRIBES HIS
SECOND APPEARANCE (Parousia) that will be TERRIFYING
TO HIS ENEMIES AND OVERWHELMINGLY JOYFUL TO HIS
FAITHFUL.

Because only our Heavenly Father knows when this
will occur, EVEN THE HEAVENLY HOSTS WILL BE
ASTONISHED.
✶ “...Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My Words will
by no means pass away! ...“

ALL CREATED MATERIAL IS IMPERFECT, TEMPORARY,
CORRUPTIBLE AND PERISHABLE so has no permanent,
Spriitual Benefit to us.

OUR LORD GOD AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH IS ETERNAL,
UNCHANGING AND PERFECT, so has everything that is
everlasting and Spiritually Beneficial to us.
✶ “...Take heed ... lest your heart be weighed down...”

We must use all this precious but short lifespan to
STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN OUR IMMORTAL SOUL so that it
can dominate and control our mortal, weak and
selfish flesh.

When the demands and desires of our flesh control
our soul, OUR SOUL BECOMES WEIGHED DOWN AND
‘FLESHY,’ MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO ASCEND TO
GREATER SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS AS GOD INTENDED US TO DO.
✶”... it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the
face of the Earth...”

THE END OF TIME – like all death and disaster – WILL
OCCUR WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT. Therefore, we must
BE CONSTANTLY PREPARED AND WORTHY by Repenting
sins as quickly as possible and by striving to
sustain our Sacred Life in Christ constantly.

Because we are imperfect and weak, we need to
REPENT CONTINUOUSLY AND HOLD ON TIGHTLY TO THE
HAND OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR each step of the Way.

WHEN WE FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON OUR LORD GOD, and our
Struggles against temptation and sin, and
ceaselessly Strive for Spiritual Perfection in all
circumstances, WE WILL BE READY AND WORTHY.

Furthermore, BY LIVING IN CHRIST as His Faithful
Disciples, WE WILL NOT BE CAUGHT UNAWARE NOR
ENSNARED by the wicked machinations of the evil
one.

When our time has ended, THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER
OPPORTUNITY TO REPENT AND BE RESTORED TO SPIRITUAL
LIFE.

✶ “... watch... and pray always that you may be
counted worthy...”

WHEN WE REMAIN IN A PRAYERFUL STATE, no matter what
happens to us or around us, OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR
TAKES MARVELLOUS CARE OF US.

WHEN OUR FAITH IS STRONG AND UNWAVERING, WE REST
ASSURED for we know that when circumstances –
trials, tribulations and afflictions – become too
overwhelming to bear, HE CARRIES US IN HIS WARM
AND LOVING EMBRACE UNTIL THE WORST IS OVER.

WHEN WE SUSTAIN OUR LIFE IN CHRIST - a Life of
continuous Repentance, Prayer and Worship - WE
BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED AND WORTHY of Eternal
Life in our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Love.

We are repeatedly reminded to BE EVER WATCHFUL OVER
OUR OWN PERSONAL SPIRITUAL CONDITION AND WELFARE
by avoiding all temptation and sin, and by
fulfilling to the very best of our ability, the Will of
our Heavenly Father.

BY STRIVING TO SUSTAIN OUR LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS, HE MIGHT
SPARE US ALL THESE DREADFUL CATASTROPHES AND
SORROWS,as well as having to stand before His
Awesome Judgement Seat to be Judged for our
unrepented sins and failure to Love.
Today we return to Paradise with Prayers of Thanksgiving and
Repentance and eat only natural, unprepared, unprocessed fruit
and vegetables and drink only water, in imitation of Adam and Eve
before their Fall due to disobeying the One Law God had
commanded them.
OF G RE AT AND H OLY LE NT - 2 M ARC H 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.
7 MARCH 2020

THE MIRACLE OF ST THEODORE

The Feast of St Hesychios – St Theodotos, Bishop of Cyprus – St Evthalia, Virgin Martyr – St Basil, St
Ephraim, St Capitos, St Eugene, St Aetherios, St Elpidos & St Agathadoros of Cherson – St Paul the Simple,
Disciple of St Anthony the Great, of Egypt – St Paul the Confessor, Bishop of Plousias, Bithynia – St
Emilianos of Rome – The Holy Icon of our Lady, Theotokos, the Surety of Sinners

PROKEIMENON – PSALM 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 S EC OND EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T IMOTHY 2: 1 – 10
Timothy, my Son: be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what Thou hast heard from me before many
witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Share in suffering as a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus. No Enlisted Soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim
is to satisfy the One Who Enlisted him. An Athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the Rules. It is the
hardworking Farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
Contemplate what I say, for the Lord will grant Thee Understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ – Risen from
the dead, descended from David, as preached in my Gospel – the Gospel for which I am suffering and wearing
fetters like a criminal. But the Word of God is not fettered. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the Elect,
that they also may obtain Salvation in Christ Jesus with Eternal Glory.
✶ “... be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus...”
THIS SACRED TRADITION MUST BE PASSED TO SUCCEEDING

THOUGH OUR LIFE IN CHRIST, WE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE THE GENERATIONS OF FAITHFUL DISCIPLES UNCHANGED AND
DIVINE GRACE BESTOWED UPON US BY GOD THE HOLY UNHINDERED, which is very different to the elitism of
SPIRIT Who Empowers and Enables us to fulfil the major religions of the first century Roman Empire,
Divine Will of our Heavenly Father. including Gnosticism and all other “mystery”

The Divine Grace of the Holy Spirit, (“Charisma”) was religions.
BESTOWED UPON ST TIMOTHY AT HIS HOLY ORDINATION by ✶ “...Share in suffering as a Good Soldier of Christ
the Laying on of Hands of St Paul. Jesus...” is a reference to THE CHURCH MILITANT.

DIVINE GRACE FILLS UP OR COMPLETES WHATEVER IS LACKING
THE CHURCH MILITANT CONSISTS OF THOSE WHO STILL
AND GRANTS AUTHENTICITY to the Holy Priesthood of STRUGGLE against all temptations and grievous
Christ. sins that alienate us from God and cause

However, DIVINE GRACE IS NOT AUTOMATIC. Spiritual Death.

We have to CEASELESSLY STIR IT UP AND REKINDLE IT BY
As WE ARE ALL SINNERS STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION,
STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND THE FULFILMENT we are all SUFFERING DUE TO THE SPIRITUAL WAR that is
OF THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. waged against us by the evil one.
✶ “...what Thou hast heard from me ... entrust to
During the Holy Mystery of Baptism, WE BECOME “...THE
Faithful men who will be able to teach others ENLISTED SOLDIERS OF CHRIST...” WHO ALL FIGHT “THE
also...” GOOD FIGHT” AGAINST OUR ANCIENT ENEMY until we

St Paul established A CLEAR CHAIN OF RELIABLE draw our last breath.
WITNESSES TO OUR SACRED ORAL TRADITION.
Due to our fallen human condition, WE ALL SUFFER FROM

This is THE ESSENTIAL SACRED VERBAL OR ORAL TRADITION, VARYING DEGREES OF TEMPTATION, SIN AND SPIRITUAL
which is STRICTLY PRESERVED INTACT AND VERBALLY AFFLICTION.
TAUGHT to succeeding generations of Faithful
We must therefore LOVE, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST
Disciples of Christ. EACH OTHER throughout this lifespan as we Struggle

WITHOUT THIS SACRED ORAL TRADITION – the Divine towards Eternity.
Teachings and Instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ
THOSE WHO SUFFER PERSECUTION FOR CHRIST WALK THE PATH
and His Holy Apostles – WE CANNOT BEGIN TO OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, SAINTS AND HOLY
UNDERSTAND OUR SACRED WRITTEN TRADITION – Holy MARTYRS.
Scripture and the Divinely Inspired Writings of our
While any Christian may be persecuted, we REJECT
Holy Fathers. FEELINGS OF FEAR OR TIMIDITY AND TRUST GOD IMPLICITLY!

IT IS VITAL FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OUR HOLY, ORTHODOX  J O H N 1 5 : 2 0 “Remember ... ‘A servant is not greater
(True Teaching and Dogma) CHURCH OF CHRIST TO than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will
PASS ON ALL SACRED KNOWLEDGE – all Divine Truth – to also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they
the next generations. will keep yours also.”

OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH IS INDEED BASED SOLELY ON THE DIVINE  M A T T H E W 5 : 1 1 – 1 2 “Blessed are you when they revile
TRUTH OF GOD. and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil

Anything based on mankind’s interpretation of Divine against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and
Truth is flawed, weak and imperfect. be exceedingly glad, for great is your Reward in

DIVINE TRUTH IS GRANTED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE Heaven, for so they persecuted the Prophets who
WHOM GOD CALLS to Teach, Preach and Enlighten were before you.”
His Faithful Disciples throughout the ages. ✶ “...No Enlisted Soldier gets entangled in civilian

AS GOD IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND THUS UNCHANGEABLE, pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the One Who
SO, TOO IS HIS DIVINE TRUTH. Enlisted him...”

OUR NEW COVENANT HOLY TRADITION IS MEANT FOR ALL WHO
WE MUST NOT BECOME DISTRACTED BY WORLDLY AFFAIRS
BELIEVE AND HAVE VOWED ALLEGIANCE TO OUR LORD JESUS that have no Spiritual Benefit at all.
CHRIST.
WE MUST FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON OUR LORD JESUS

OUR HOLY CHURCH AND HER SACRED TRADITIONS ARE CHRIST so that we can CORRECT OURSELVES AND
“CATHOLIC” – Universal – and belongs to the entire
MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
Church of Christ.

F IR ST S ATUR D AY OF G RE AT LE NT - THE MIR ACLE OF S T T HE OD ORE 7 M AR CH 2020 9


WE MUST PROTECT THE WEAK, THE VULNERABLE AND THE
WE ALL HAVE CHARACTER FLAWS that we must strive to
GOOD against all wickedness and Spiritual Threats. correct through our own CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE
✶ “...An Athlete is not crowned unless he competes AND STRUGGLES.
according to the Rules...” ✶ “...the Word of God is not chained...” because Divine

ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST AND APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO Truth cannot be suppressed or hidden.
OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS, CAN WE HOPE TO
OUR HEART AND SOUL NATURALLY RESPONDS TO HEARING THE
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE in DIVINE TRUTH, which we are all seeking.
God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
HOW WE RESPOND TO AND APPLY THE DIVINE TRUTH to our

LIFE IN CHRIST IS A COMMUNAL ENDEAVOUR – not a solitary thoughts, words and deeds WILL AFFECT OUR CURRENT
undertaking. LIFESPAN AND ESPECIALLY OUR ETERNITY.

WE ARE ALL SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF CHRIST’S DIVINE BODY – ✶ “...I endure everything for the sake of the Elect...”
HIS HOLY CHURCH – SO WE MUST CO-OPERATE WITH GOD BY
Our Sacred Calling to serve God’s Divine Mission
STRIVING TOGETHER FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. ought to be A SELF-SACRIFICING MISSION.

As Disciples of Christ, WE ARE UNDER THE DIVINE DISCIPLINE
We are compelled to PUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS BEFORE
OF OUR LORD GOD, which, paradoxically, GRANTS US
OUR OWN.
IMMENSE SPIRITUAL FREEDOM, JOY AND PEACE.

ST PAUL CERTAINLY LIVED AN INTENSELY SELF-SACRIFICING
✶ “...the hardworking Farmer ... ought to have the first
for the sake of all the Disciples of Christ and
LIFE
share of the crops...” those whom he would convert from paganism

WHAT WE SOW, WE REAP – whether good or bad!
to Christianity – either directly or indirectly.

All our honest and sincere Struggles and Strivings

Our Sacred Calling motivates us to BECOME GOOD
will grant us MUCH FULFILMENT AND SUCCESS. TEACHERS BY EXAMPLE to those whom we have

Life in Christ grants us A BLESSED FORETASTE of His
been Called to Enlighten, Guide and
Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
Encourage.

ST PAUL USED THESE EXAMPLES of the enlisted soldier, the
well trained athlete and the hard-working farmer ✶ “...that they also may obtain Salvation in Christ Jesus
BECAUSE THE PEOPLE COULD RELATE TO THEM and with Eternal Glory...”
understand the significance of his words.
ALL OF US who are the Faithful Disciples of Christ

HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, SELF-DENIAL AND STRUGGLE ARE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO HELP EACH OTHER so that we
ESSENTIAL TO OUR FAITHFUL MINISTRY. might all become worthy Children of God, Co-
✶ “...the Lord will grant Thee Understanding in Heirs with Christ and Citizens of His Heavenly
everything...” Kingdom of Love.

NOT ONLY DOES GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANT US
WE ALL NEED ETERNAL SALVATION but not only do we need
UNDERSTANDING of His Divine Truth, but HE ALSO to do everything possible for our own Eternal
EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US TO FULFIL THE WILL OF Salvation, but WE ALSO NEED TO ASSIST AND ENCOURAGE
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. EACH OTHER.
✶ “...I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of
We are not Saved by our Good Works. WE ARE
chains...” is a reference to ST PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT SAVED FOR GOOD WORKS.
FOR PREACHING CHRIST to the pagans and for having In other words: those who are genuinely Faithful to God are
converted so many to our True Faith. eagerly compelled to fulfil all Good Deeds offered to us by

St Paul was also referring to HIS HUMAN CONDITION – HIS God Himself.
SINFUL STATE THAT REQUIRED CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE. We cannot profess to have Faith if we do not also fulfil our

HE ACKNOWLEDGED ALL HIS CHARACTERISTIC WEAKNESSES AND Spiritual Obligations by doing whatever the Lord our God
GRIEVOUS SINS that tempted him. requires of us with regard to one another – as well as to
and for His entire Creation.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M AR K 2 : 23 – 3 : 5
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; and, as they went, His Disciples began
to pluck the heads of grain.
And the Pharisees said to Him: “Look! Why do they - on the Sabbath - do what is unlawful?” And He said to them: “Have
you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry? – he and those who were with him – how he
went into the House of God in the days of Abiathar the High Priest, and ate the Showbread, which is not lawful to
eat except for the Priests – and also gave some to those who were with him?”
And He said to them: “The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath! Therefore, the Lord is the
Son of Man and also of the Sabbath.”
And He entered the Synagogue again. And there was a man who had a withered hand. And they watched Him
closely – if He would Heal him on the Sabbath - so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man with the
withered hand: “Step forward.” And He said to them: “Is it Lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or evil ? – to
save life or to kill?” They were silent. And when He had looked around at them - being grieved by the
hardness of their hearts - He said to the man: “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out - and his hand
was restored - as whole as the other.

✶ “...our Lord Jesus Christ went through the grain fields on
the Sabbath ... His Disciples began to pluck the heads
of grain...”

This particular Sabbath Day was a “Second Sabbath
after the first,” meaning A JEWISH FEAST DAY THAT
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED THE NORMAL SABBATH DAY.

Feast Days were also referred to as “Sabbath Days.”

According to St Ambrose, the term “Second Sabbath”
serves as AN IMAGE OF THE NEW COVENANT WITH GOD
AND THE ETERNAL RESURRECTION that will occur on the
Eighth Day – the Final Judgement and the
beginning of Eternity for all Creation.

The “First Sabbath” indicates THE MOSAIC LAW OF THE
OLD COVENANT with our Lord God, while

The “Second Sabbath” indicates THE HOLY GOSPEL OF
CHRIST AND THE NEW COVENANT.

This was similarly PREFIGURED BY ST DAVID the King,
when HE GAVE THE SHOWBREAD IN THE TEMPLE TO THOSE
WHO WERE with him, because they were EXTREMELY
HUNGRY and needed something to eat.

UNDER THE NEW COVENANT, THE FOOD THAT WAS AT ONE TIME
FORBIDDEN TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD – except the Priests –
IS NOW FREELY GRANTED TO ALL BY OUR LORD OF THE
SABBATH – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
✶ “...the Pharisees said to Him: “Look! Why do they - on the
Sabbath - do what is unlawful?” ...”

THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES WERE ALWAYS VERY QUICK TO
JUDGE others because THEY LACKED LOVE, COMPASSION
AND MERCY FOR OTHERS.

THE LACK OF LOVE IS THE WORST SIN AGAINST GOD AND EACH
OTHER For which we will be Eternally Condemned.

WITHOUT THE DIVINE VIRTUE OF LOVE, WE CANNOT ACQUIRE
ANY OF THE OTHER VITAL HOLY VIRTUES.
✶ “...The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind
for the Sabbath!

GOD GRANTED US THE SABBATH AS A DAY OF REST from our
manual labours SO THAT WE CAN OFFER PRAYERS AND
WORSHIP to God for his Great Mercy and Love.

ALTHOUGH MOST MANUAL LABOUR WAS NOT TO BE
UNDERTAKEN, ACTS OF MERCY WERE TO BE FULFILLED.

According to CERTAIN TRADITIONS OR CUSTOMS THAT THE
SELF-RIGHTEOUS SCRIBES AND PHARISEES HAD BUILT UP
AROUND THE LAW OF THE OLD COVENANT, HEALING WAS

10 F IR ST S ATUR D AY OF LEN T - T HE M IR AC LE OF S T T HE OD ORE 7 M ARCH 2020

 CONSIDERED TO BE “WORK” OR “LABOUR,” which was
forbidden on the Sabbath Day.

They thought they were serving our Lord God by
zealously maintaining these peripheral customs,
but that type of UNBENDING LEGALISM ACTUALLY
CAUSED THEM TO BE TOTALLY INSENSITIVE TO GOD’S LOVE
AND GREAT MERCY, which our Lord Jesus Christ tried
to make them understand.

Due to their compete Spiritual Blindness and
stubbornness, THEY CONTINUED TO CRITICISE AND
CONDEMN OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, THEREBY CONDEMNING
THEMSELVES FOREVER, unless they Repented, which
very few – if any - of them might have done.
✶ “...the Lord is the Son of Man and also of the Sabbath....”

The Eternal Son and Word of God is ‘THE LORD OF THE
SABBATH

Due to His Incarnation - ‘THE SON OF MAN’ - our Lord
Jesus Christ - WHO CREATED US AND HAS GRANTED US THE
SABBATH – Saturday, the seventh day of the week -
as a day of rest from our hard, physical labours.

SUNDAY – being the first day of the week - OUGHT TO BE
ENTIRELY DEDICATED TO OUR LORD GOD AND FULFILLING
WORKS OF CHARITY/LOVE, MERCY AND COMPASSION.

Sunday - ‘THE DAY OF THE LORD’ - ought to be A DAY
DEDICATED TO FULFILLING THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER, WHICH SPIRITUALLY PREPARES US for the
following days of our week.

COMMUNAL WORSHIP - Prayers and Thanksgiving - IS
VITAL to the sustenance of our Spiritual Life in
Christ, which in turn STRENGTHENS US – BODY AND SOUL
– to endure another week of Struggle against
temptations and Spiritual Striving for personal
Perfection and Godliness.

EACH SUNDAY IS THE JOYFUL COMMEMORATION OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST’S RESURRECTION which gives us
continued Hope for our own Resurrection into
Eternal Life.

SUNDAY IS ‘THE LORD’S DAY,’ and must be accordingly
dedicated to God WITH ACTS OF LOVE, COMPASSION
AND MERCY.
✶ "... He entered the Synagogue ... there was a man who
had a withered hand... they watched Him closely –
if He would Heal him on the Sabbath - so that they
might accuse Him...”

OUR LORD FULFILLED ALL REQUIREMENTS OF THE OLD
COVENANT FAITH.

Every Sabbath – Saturday and Feast Days – HE WENT TO
THE SYNAGOGUE TO PRAY AND TO TEACH HIS DIVINE TRUTH
TO HIS PEOPLE.

Those who were SPIRITUALLY BLINDED BY THEIR OWN SELF-
RIGHTEOUS SINS, WATCHED AND WAITED TO SEE WHAT HE
WOULD SAY AND DO IN ORDER TO ACCUSE HIM of
blasphemy or any ‘crimes’ against God.

Those who see the flaws and sins of others actually
see THE REFLECTION OF THEIR OWN SINFUL STATE.

When tempted to accuse others of anything, WE MUST
FIRST IMMEDIATELY TURN OUR THOUGHTS INWARDS AND
PLUCK OUT OUR OWN DEEPLY ROOTED WICKEDNESS.
T H E M IR ACL E OF S T TH
St Theodore the Tyron was from the region of Amasia in
Pontus. He was a Roman soldier who was recruited
and forced to serve during Emperor Maximian’s great
persecution of Christians (circa303) and gave his life
for Christ (circa306-307).
Later, Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363) instituted yet
another merciless persecution against all Faithful
Christians. Having grown up in a Christian
Community before his apostasy, Emperor Julian knew
all about the Great Lenten Fast.
Due to his personal hatred and persecution of everything
that pertained to Christianity, he ordered the pagan
Prefect of Constantinople to withdraw all the fruit and
vegetables from all the marketplaces, where only
meat, chicken, fish and pork – and their various
byproducts – would be sold. If there were any fruit or
T H E J OY OF TH E S ALU TATIONS
The mourning atmosphere of Great Lent is
unquestionably lightened by the Service of the
Salutations to our Ever Blessed, All Holy Lady,
Theotokos on five consecutive Friday evenings.
F IR ST S ATUR D AY OF G RE AT LE NT - THE MIR ACLE
✶ “...He said to them: “Is it Lawful on the Sabbath to do
good, or evil ? – to save life or to kill?” They were
silent...”

THE UNGODLY MEN HAD NEITHER COMPASSION NOR CONCERN
for the man with the withered arm.

OUR DIVINE CREATOR KNOWS EACH HEART AND SOUL so He
knew their thoughts, motives and intentions yet
ALWAYS USED EACH SITUATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO
ENLIGHTEN AND CORRECT THEM.

THE SANCTIMONIOUS PHARISEES AND SCRIBES COULD NOT
ARGUE AGAINST CHRIST’S DIVINE TRUTH, so they
remained silent.

Of course, IT IS NEVER LAWFUL TO COMMIT ANYTHING EVIL
THAT ACTS AGAINST THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER AND AGAINST OUR FELLOW MANKIND.

IT IS NATURALLY GOOD - AND DIVINELY LAWFUL - TO SAVE A
LIFE, TO HAVE COMPASSION, MERCY AND LOVE.

TO KILL OR DO ANYTHING THAT IS HARMFUL, HURTFUL OR
DESTRUCTIVE - everything invented by the evil one -
IS UNNATURAL for these are utterly contrary to the
Love and Mercy of our Lord God Who epitomises
everything that is Good and Beneficial for all
Creation.
“...He had looked around at them - being grieved by the
hardness of their hearts...”

OUR STUBBORN SINFULNESS AND LACK OF LOVE aggrieves
and offends our Loving God for it IS OPPOSED TO OUR
CREATED STATE OF NATURAL LOVE.

RIGHTEOUS ANGER IS A NATURAL HUMAN EMOTION
experienced when CONFRONTED BY SIN AND
WICKEDNESS.

Although there is anger that is certainly sinful, THERE IS
ALSO ANGER THAT IS GOD-GRANTED AND PROPER TO OUR
HUMANITY – RIGHTEOUS ANGER
MATTHEW 5: 22 “... whoever is angry ... without cause shall be
in danger of the Judgement... whoever says ‘you
fool!’ shall be in danger of Hell Fire...”
PSALM 4:5 - “... be angry, and do not sin; have remorse ...
for what you say in your heart...”

The aggrieved anger of our Lord was due to the
HYPOCRITES WHO PROFESSED TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF
DIVINE WILL YET IN FACT WERE SO HARD-HEARTED.

THEY LACKED LOVE, COMPASSION AND MERCY to such a
degree that THEY FAILED TO APPRECIATE THE DIVINE
MIRACLE AND GLORIFY GOD, NOR DID THEY REJOICE
when one of their Brethren was Healed of a
debilitating, painful affliction.
✶ “...He said to the man: “Stretch out your hand.” And he
stretched it out - and his hand was restored - as
whole as the other...”

Christ our Divine Saviour HEALS AND RESTORES MANKIND
SIMPLY BY HIS WORDS AND ACCORDING TO DIVINE WILL.

As our Creator, HE CLEANSES AND RESTORES US BY HIS OWN
DIVINE POWER AND LOVE.

OUR VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION, HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE IS
NECESSARY for our Restoration because God never
forces His Divine Will upon us.

OUR FAITH – our Trust and Confidence – in God, ENABLES
THIS SACRED SYNERGY TO WORK AND BE FULFILLED.
EOD ORE THE TY R ON (R ECR U IT )
vegetables to be found, they would be sprinkled with
the blood of the slaughtered sacrificial animals from
the pagan temples, thereby forcing Christians either
to stop their Fast or remain hungry.
St Theodore the Tyron miraculously appeared before the
Bishop of Constantinople - St Eudoxios (360-370) - and
having revealed the wicked scheme of Emperor
Julian the Apostate, told him to immediately inform
Christ’s Holy Flock and instruct them not to avoid
buying anything from the region’s market-places and
instead eat boiled wheat (“Kollyva”).
Consequently, in remembrance of that Miracle of St
Theodore the Tyron, we bring small amounts of
Kollyva to Church on the first Saturday of Great and
Holy Lent, which are Blessed by the celebrant Priest
after the Divine Liturgy.
TO OU R L ADY , T HE OTOKOS
These Salutations are chanted in sincere gratitude for Her
great Loving-Kindness towards us, to which, in a
Mystical Way, She responds.
Each Friday, as we chant these beautiful Hymns of
Salutation to the All Pure and Holy Mother of God,
something very special and necessary occurs in our
OF S T T HE OD ORE 7 M AR CH 2020 11
 Spiritual Life – especially when our churches are filled
with Faithful and grateful souls.
We reverently honour Her, through whom our Incarnate
Lord God came to dwell among us and Enlighten us
with His Divine Truth.
Our Lady is the Sanctified Ladder whereby mankind can
slowly and surely ascend to the Heavenly Heights.
Each of us has a deeply personal Relationship with our
Beloved Panagia when we are filled with profound
gratitude and Love for Her abiding Presence and
constant Intercessory Prayers on our behalf, which
enable us to deal with and endure our daily
problems.
We all turn to Her for Comfort, for Guidance, for
Assistance and especially for Her Intercessory Prayers
– seeking Her and crying out to Her like children
crying out to our Loving and Protective Mother.
The Salutations that we address to our Most Holy Lady
reveal the Mystical Joy, which is essential to our
Spiritual Sustenance, and physical survival.
This wonderful Mystical Joy has nothing to do with
earthly ‘success,’ nor with the absence of difficulties.
It is the Divinely Mystical Joy of the Cross, which is rooted
in the Holy Virtues of Love, Humility and Obedience,
and the acceptance of unchangeable and Eternal
Things.
Every era has its own beauty and pain. Our own
contemporary era has conveniences and facilities,
communication and transport, which have made this
planet like one large neighbourhood or village.
O N G R E AT
During this period of our Liturgical Year, there are two
Fasts. There are about seven weeks of Strict Fasting,
eight if we include Cheese-fare week, which precedes
Great Lent, which for some of us is an enjoyable and
desirable Spiritual Period, while others consider it as
being difficult or even unpleasant.
St John of Damascus encouraged us by saying: “...Do
not weaken during Great Lent, for it is an Imitation
of Christ’s Way of Life!”
This is a very important Truth for our Lord Jesus Christ
does not debilitate – diminish - the Power and
Purpose of Lent.
St John of Damascus commended the correct observance
of Lent, which is of great Spiritual Benefit.
Too many of our contemporaries fail to grasp the True
Meaning and Purpose of the Great Lenten Fast in all
its aspects. They consider the Fast are being
unacceptable, or mock and dishonour the Fast –
being displeased by it or hoping for it to pass quickly,
since they consider it as being an inconvenient form
of ‘penance’ or ‘punishment’ for our sins, which is
utterly opposed and far from the Truth and Purpose of
all our Fasts and Lenten periods.
They fail to observe - or they break - the Fast without any
justifiable reason, and try to excuse themselves by
forcefully expressing the view that “...times have
changed and we must change with them!”
Great Lent is indeed an Imitation of the Life of Christ.
After His Baptism, our Lord Jesus Christ went into the
wilderness and “...having Fasted for forty days and
forty nights, He became hungry.’ (MATTHEW 4: 2)
Christ was the Perfect Man Who had no inclination to sin,
yet He is our Perfect Model and Image of Holy
Asceticism whereby we achieve our Holy Union with
God and eventually acquire Spiritual Perfection.
Although He suffered the temptations of the evil one, His
Heavenly Angels continued to minister to Him. (MARK,
1:13).
Even our Lord Jesus Christ experienced the temptations
of the evil one while He was Fasting – but despite all
efforts to use our Lord’s physical hunger, thirst and
tiredness against Him, the evil one’s schemes were
defeated by God’s Divine Truth - and Christ emerged
Victorious and unscathed.
We too, are persistently tempted by the evil one who
always uses our weaknesses against us – especially
when we are Fasting and Striving for Spiritual
Perfection. Lent is a period of Repentance and
Spiritual Enlightenment for we learn to fight against
the many deceptions and deceits of the evil one
through our Prayers, Contemplations and Worship –
and Divine Truth.
Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us how to wage Spiritual
Warfare against the grievous passions and our
personal flaws so that like Him, we will finally
12 1 S T
SATURDAY OF GREAT LENT – MIRACLE OF ST THEODORE & KOLLYVA – 7 MARCH 2020
We have all kinds of knowledge and information
concerning mankind and all Creation, yet, so
tragically, most of us lack Love and Spiritual Joy.
Consequently, melancholy, loneliness and depression
have all increased and overwhelmed us, while so
many different degrees of psychological afflictions
have multiplied causing our world to be filled with
sad, needy people with serious personal problems.
Where to turn?… Who to look to?
Apart from those who may stand by us and make selfless
sacrifices in order to share or alleviate our problems,
without fail there is always Our Lady, ‘...the All Pure
and Ever Virgin Mary, [who is indeed,] the Joy of
those who sorrow...”
Her hushed, active Presence is our constant Support and
Hope. Young and old alike, we all have recourse to
Her as our Most Holy Intercessor with Her Beloved Son
and God, for She is truly, our only Protection and
Helper in times of threat, need and sorrow.
‘We fall down before Thee, O Mother of our God, in
gratitude for that which Thou hast granted us.
Enter into our pain and difficulties, our wrongdoings
and thoughtless actions and Transform our sorrow
into Joy, our weakness into Strength, our denial and
indifference into Fervour and Love for Christ.
Shelter us from the guileful attacks of the evil one
‘...which are craftily aimed at us...’ and grant that
Thy World may know in depth the Beauty of the
Eternal Kingdom of the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Amen.”
LE NT
triumph. He allows us to be tempted so that by
experiencing such adversity we will acquire Humility
and Obedience, which leads to the acquisition of
Love and all the other Holy Virtues.
By constantly Struggling against iniquity, we are able to
Encounter our Lord’s Divine Presence and Love, for His
Heavenly Hosts also minister to those who Strive for
Spiritual Perfection.
The devil tested Christ during His Fast - not only by
various means but also by His location for solitariness
and isolation are often used as weapons against us.
When Eve was away from Adam, the wicked Serpent
tempted her into disobedience.
Isolation often causes monotony, sloth, hunger and
anguish – especially when we are Fasting, and not as
Watchful and Alert as usual, causing us to be more
susceptible to temptation and demonic attacks.
When we are with other Faithful Brethren and are Striving
together in Prayer and Worship, the evil one cannot
lure us into Spiritual Death, which is why we should
attend all the Holy Services - supporting and
encouraging each other as we Struggle and Strive
together under the Spiritual Guidance and Protection
of Christ’s Holy Orthodox Church.
St John Chrysostom taught us that during Great Lent, we
“...trade our Spiritual Merchandise for a wealth of
Holy Virtues.”
During Lent it is most important to Repent our sins, correct
our Spiritual Weaknesses and become Cleansed and
Spiritually Regenerated, Encouraged, Enlightened
and Strengthened.
The most Spiritually Profitable aspect of Lent is the
acquisition of the Holy Virtues – especially the Greatest
Virtue of Love and Forgiveness.
After the Fast, if we have abstained from our habitual
sins, we might be able to continue the Spiritual Fast
from sin, which will grant us immeasurable returns
even before entering the Eternal Kingdom of Love, for
Lent is an opportunity to acquire and practise Holy
Virtue, and be worthy to approach and partake of the
Divine Eucharist.
St Gregory the Theologian reminded us that the Fast is a
Sacred Period of Self-Purification because before Holy
Pascha, we need to constantly Cleanse ourselves in
preparation for that Great and Holy Feast of
Resurrection.
As Disciples of Christ we “... die with Christ...” and just as
our Lord Jesus mortified His Body for the Salvation of
all mankind, so, too, we mortify the grievous passions
for our own Eternal Salvation. And as Christ Fasted
before His Temptation, similarly must we Fast before
Holy Pascha.
https://pemptousia.com/2018/02/thoughts-on-great-lent/
 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 8 MARCH 2020
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
1ST SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT – THE TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY

The Feast of St Theophylaktos, Bishop of Nicomedia – St Lazaros the Iconographer, Founder of the
Monastery and builder of the Church of the Dormition at Murom - St Athanasios of Murom – St
Hermas of the Seventy Apostles, Holy Martyr & Bishop of Philipolis – St Theodoritos, Presbyter and
Keeper of Sacred Liturgical Vessels in Antioch – St Dometios the Persian – The Holy Icon of our Lady,
Theotokos, of the Sign and of the Kursk Root – St Felix of Burgundy, Bishop of Dunwich, Enlightener
of East Anglia

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 5 – LU KE 21 : 13 - 35

P R OKE IME NON – TH E P RAYE R OF A ZAR IAH - TON E 4

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our Forefathers!
For Thou hast always dealt Righteously with us.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 11:24-26 & 32 – 40
Brethren: ...by Faith Moses – when he became of age – refused to be called ‘the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,’ choosing
rather to suffer affliction with the People of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the Reproach
of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the Reward...
...And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of
David and Samuel and the Prophets – who, through Faith subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, obtained
Promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of
weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received
their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, so that they might obtain a better
Resurrection. Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings – yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, slain with the sword. They wandered about in
sheepskins and goatskins – being destitute, afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They
wandered about in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the Earth.
And all these people – having obtained a Good Testimony through Faith – did not receive the Promise – God having
provided something better for us, so that they should not be made Perfect apart from us.
✶ These verses are self-explanatory.
THEIR ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD OUR GOD ENABLED
✶ “...by Faith Moses ... refused to be called ‘the son of THEM TO ACHIEVE INCREDIBLE VICTORIES over those who
Pharaoh’s daughter,’ choosing rather to suffer sought to destroy them, which clearly proves that
affliction with the People of God...” GOD LOVES US AND IS ALWAYS WITH US – DELIVERING US

St Paul reminds us how THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS HAD from the evil one, GRANTING US EVERYTHING WE NEED in
THE MOST AMAZING, UNSHAKABLE FAITH IN GOD, no times of Peace and in times of adversity.
matter what they were forced to suffer and ✶ “...Women received their dead raised to life again ...”
endure.
This testifies to THE GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD

By comparison, OUR FAITH IS FAR WEAKER than all those COVENANT SAINTS AND OUR ALMIGHTY LORD GOD, Who
who went before us who only had their deep seated makes everything possible for us – even restoring
Love of God and Steadfast Faith in Him to encourage life to those who had been killed.
and to Guide them. ✶ “...not accepting deliverance, so that they might obtain

THEY NEVER DOUBTED and they STROVE TO FULFILL THE WILL a better Resurrection...”
OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, whereas all too often, in the
The Old Covenant Saints and Martyrs preferred to
mistaken belief that we are so ‘intelligent’, we need suffer RATHER THAN SURRENDER TO THE TEMPTATIONS OF
“proof” before we accept anything as being True. THE UNGODLY.

TRUE FAITH COMES FROM DEEP WITHIN OUR SOUL for it is A
Despite all persecution, sorrow and suffering, THEY
NATURAL RECOGNITION OF AND RESPONSE to Divine Truth REMAINED STEADFASTLY LOYAL AND FAITHFUL TO OUR
and Love. It is natural to yearn for God and His ALMIGHTY LORD GOD.
Goodness. ✶ “...all these, having obtained a Good Testimony through
✶ “...esteeming the Reproach of Christ greater Riches than Faith, did not receive the Promise...”
the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the
THEY WERE NOT IMMEDIATELY REWARDED but had to sojourn
Reward...” in Hades until Christ had been crucified.

St Moses understood that OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT IS
THESE ANCIENT SAINTS ENTERED PARADISE AFTER OUR LORD
EXCEEDINGLY MORE IMPORTANT THAN ALL FLEETING, JESUS CHRIST HAD ACCOMPLISHED HIS EARTHLY MISSION
WORLDLY ‘TREASURES. and had Harrowed Hades.

IT IS FAR BETTER TO STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION that
THE RIGHTEOUS SOJOURNED IN A SECTION OF HADES known
grants us an Eternal Life of Divine Blessings, Love, as “the Bosom of Abraham.”
Joy and Peace.
After death, all the souls went to Hades, but the
✶ “...through Faith subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteous were separated from the wicked, and
Righteousness, obtained Promises... were made were aware of each others’ state.
strong... valiant ...” ✶ “...they should not be made Perfect apart from us....”

THE FAITH OF THE OLD COVENANT NATION OF ISRAEL WAS
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S ONE ULTIMATE, PERFECT BLOOD
STEADFAST AND UNWAVERING, despite their difficult SACRIFICIAL OFFERING FULFILS WHAT ALL THE OLD
circumstances and terrible persecution they were COVENANT SACRIFICES WERE UNABLE TO DO,
forced to endure.
THE SINS OF THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS WERE ALSO FORGIVEN

THEIR FAITH WAS FIRMLY SEATED DEEP WITHIN THEIR SOUL – BY GOD and thus they were able to enter our Lord
that marvellous, natural Faith in God with which God’s Divine Presence as they had been Promised
we were created. by Him.

37AP-5 T H
SUNDAY OF TRIODION-1 S T
OF LENT- TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY- 8 MARCH 2020 13

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST ALSO Labours participate in His Glorious Resurrection
PREACHED THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH TO THOSE IN and His Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom of Agape.
HADES.
The CHURCH TRIUMPHANT – those who have gone before

Because THE LOCUS OF LIFE IS OUR BLOOD – our mortal life us – IS THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES, WHO CONTINUE
– WE OFFER IT TO GOD WHO IS LIFE, and THEREBY WE TO PRAY FOR US – THE CHURCH MILITANT.
ESTABLISH A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM by Living in
THEY GUIDE US, INTERCEDE FOR US AND WATCH OVER US,
Christ Jesus Whom we have “put on” during our encouraging and supporting us every step of the
Holy Baptism. Way along the Narrow Path of Righteousness that

Consequently, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S INCARNATION AND leads us to Eternal Life.
EVERYTHING THAT HE ACCOMPLISHED FOR US IN HIS FLESH THIS SHORT PREPARATORY LIFESPAN IS not a fast sprint but a
REDEEMED THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS OF THE OLD ISRAEL MARATHON that takes all our concerted effort to
AS WELL AS US WHO ARE THE NEW COVENANT ISRAEL – i.e. successfully and victoriously complete
all those who by their Faithful Struggles and
H OLY G OSPE L A CC ORD ING TO S T J OH N 1 : 44 – 52
At that time, Jesus went to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him: “Follow Me.”
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him: “We have found Him
of Whom Moses in the Law, and also the Prophets, wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael
said to him: “Can anything Good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him: “Come and see!”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him: “Behold! An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to Him: “How dost Thou know me?” And Jesus answered: “Before Philip called thee – when thou
were under the fig tree – I saw thee.” Nathanael said to Him: “Rabbi: Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King
of Israel!”Jesus said to him: “Because I said to you ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see
greater Things than these!”
And He said to him: “Truly, truly, I say to you: hereafter you shall see Heaven open, and the Angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of Man.”
✶ “... Follow Me...” – THE CALLING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST settled his family there after their return from exile
APPLIES TO US as well as to His Holy Apostles. in Egypt.

This Sacred Lesson is read on the First Sunday of Great ✶ “...Come and see!...”
Lent – Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. It is
St Philip’s words were SIMILAR TO THOSE OF OUR LORD JESUS
also read on 14 November, the Feast of St Philip CHRIST WHEN HE CALLED HIS APOSTLES to “Follow Me!”
the Apostle of Christ.
When we respond eagerly and positively to God’s

We need to be reminded that WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO Calling we will be amazed at what Knowledge
FOLLOW CHRIST WHO LEADS US WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO and Truth we are granted that Transforms our
ETERNAL LIFE in our Heavenly Father’s Eternal entire existence and reality.
Kingdom of Love. ✶ “...An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!...”

In order to BECOME FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, we Our Lord knew everything about St Nathaniel even
must LIVE IN CHRIST BY APPLYING ALL HIS TEACHINGS AND before they met each other.
COMMANDMENTS – ALL HIS DIVINE TRUTH - to every The Disciple was a Faithful Israelite who had a pure
aspect of our existence – TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS heart and completely honest motives, intentions and
AND DEEDS – under all circumstances, without fail. attitude, and would be a good and faithful Servant of

Only by CONTINUOUSLY REPENTING our sins, STRUGGLING God.
against all temptations AND STRIVING for Spiritual ✶ “...Before Philip called thee – when thou were under the
Perfection WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO the fig tree – I saw thee...”
Guidance, Enlightenment and Lifestyle of CHRIST’S Exactly what occurred under the fig tree is not stated yet
HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH are we able to make good might have been where he was when St Philip went to
Spiritual Progress. call him, as St John Chrysostom believed.

THE ACQUISITION OF SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS A LIFE-LONG Our Lord Jesus praised St Nathaniel for being so diligent
PROCESS that is made easier when we truly Follow and careful in their search for the Great Messiah.
Christ Who provides us with everything necessary ✶ “...Rabbi: Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of
for our Journey. Israel...”
✶ “...Philip ... Andrew ...Peter... Nathanael ...”
OUR LORD’S DIVINE FOREKNOWLEDGE and ability to see
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S FIRST DISCIPLES HAD BEEN FOLLOWERS deep within his heart, COMPELLED ST NATHANIEL TO
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. They were EXPRESS HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH.
1. St Andrew the First Called Apostle
The title “Rabbi” means “Teacher,” which is A
2. St Simon Peter, brother of St Andrew - who was RESPECTFUL FORM OF ADDRESS.
also known St Cephas
The Most Sacred Titles “Son of God” and “King of Israel”
3. St Philip are ONLY RESERVED FOR THE GREAT MESSIAH.
4. St Nathanael or St Bartholomew
THE TITLE “SON OF MAN,” which refers to the Incarnation
5. St John (the Divine, the Theologian, the of the Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of our
Evangelist and the God-Inspired author of this Heavenly Father, HAD A PROFOUND LEVEL OF DIVINE
Holy Gospel.) MYSTERY in its meaning.

Although these first Disciples were illiterate and
It indicated A “MAN” OF HEAVENLY ORIGIN WHO USHERS IN
uneducated, THEY WERE PREPARED TO ACCEPT CHRIST THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD.
AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH IMMEDIATELY.  DANIEL 7: 13 – 14 “...I continued to observe the Vision ...

Consequently, at the Descent of God the Holy Spirit on and behold, One, like the Son of Man, was
Pentecost Sunday, after the Ascension of our coming with the Clouds of Heaven, until He came
Resurrected Christ, THEY WOULD BECOME THE WISEST OF to the Ancient of Days and approached Him.
ALL people who fully comprehended and applied Then Dominion, Honour and the Kingdom were
the Divine Truth to every aspect of their being. given to Him, and all peoples, Tribes, and
✶ “...We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law, and languages served Him. His Authority was an
also the Prophets, wrote...” Everlasting Authority that shall not pass away,

St Philip referred to THE GREAT MESSIAH WHO HAD BEEN and His Kingdom shall not be destroyed...”
AWAITED by God’s Faithful People for so many
St Daniel’s Vision of “...the Ancient of Days...”
generations. concerned THE SECOND APPEARANCE/COMING OF

OUR LORD JESUS FULFILLED ALL EXPECTATIONS of the CHRIST – THE PAROUSIA – as the Son of Man, IN ALL HIS
ancient Old Covenant Laws and Prophecies. DIVINE GLORY AND MAJESTY.
✶ “...Can anything Good come out of Nazareth?...”
In an Old Covenant Prophecy, ST JACOB DREAMED OF A

Nazareth was a small, insignificant village situated LADDER THAT CONNECTED EARTH TO HEAVEN upon
south-west of the Sea of Galilee, which is probably which the Heavenly Angelic Hosts descended and
the reason for St Joseph the Betrothed having ascended.

T H
14 37AP-5 SUNDAY OF TRIODION-1 LENT- TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY- 8 MARCH 2020
S T
OF
 GENESIS 28 : 12 – 15 - “... he dreamed, and behold! A
Ladder was set up on the Earth and its top
reached to Heaven; and there the Angels of God
were ascending and descending on it. And
behold! The Lord stood above it and said, ‘I Am
the Lord God of Abraham your Father and the
God of Isaac. Do not fear – the land on which
you lie I will give to you and your seed. Also your
seed shall be as the dust of the Earth. You shall
spread aborad to the West and to the East, to the
North and to the South. And in you and in your
see all the Tribes of Earth shalt be Blessed.
Behold, I Am with you and will keep you
wherever you go, and will bring you back to this
land, for I will not leave you until I have done
what I have spoken to you.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ is tHE DIVINE LADDER WHO UNITES
HEAVEN AND EARTH, being the Son of Man.

THE LADDER that United Heaven and Earth IS A
REFERENCE TO OUR LADY, THE EVER BLESSED ALL HOLY
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH SUNDAY OF
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, on the first Sunday of Great Lent, our Holy
Church celebrates the Triumph of Orthodoxy - of the
One, Holy, Apostolic, Universal and True Faith, which
trampled down all heresies and has been established
for ever.
Heresies have arisen since the very beginning of
Christianity, and the Apostles of Christ continually
warned their contemporaries - and us - about the
serious dangers of false teachings and ideas.
In his Second Universal Epistle, St Peter writes: “... false
prophets also arose among the people, just as
among you there will be false teachers, who will
secretly bring in destructive heresies - even denying
our Master Who bought them - bringing upon
themselves swift perdition. And many will follow
them in their lasciviousness, and, because of them,
the Way of Truth will be blasphemed.” (2 PETER 2: 1-2)
When St Paul returned to Palestine from Greece, he broke
his Journey in Ephesos.
To the Christian Community of Ephesos, he said: “...I know
that, after my departure, ravenous Wolves will enter
in among you, not sparing the Flock, and from
among your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away the Disciples after
them...” (ACTS, 20: 29-30).
There were many such schismatics and false teachers in
the first centuries of Christianity.
Some heresies troubled the Church for centuries, such as,
for example, those of Arios, Makedonios, Eutyches,
Dioskoros, Nestorios, and also those of the Iconoclasts.
Those heresies brought much turmoil and torment to the
Holy Church of Christ.
The blood and lives of innumerable Confessors and Holy
Martyrs was shed and sacrificed in defence of our
True Faith and throughout in the battles waged
against the false teachers and heretics.
There were also many great Hierarchs who suffered cruel
persecution and who were often exiled.
St Flavianos, Patriarch of Constantinople, for example,
was beaten so brutally at a Synod Council, that he
died three days later.
That ungodly Synod, which was presided over by the
heretical Dioskoros, is referred to as “the Robber
Council.”
Iconoclasm, which was the worst in the series of heresies,
caused the greatest turmoil within the Orthodox
Church.
Iconoclasm first arose during the reign of Emperor Leo
the Isaurian, who ascended the Byzantine throne in
717, with the assistance of the military forces, in which
there were many opponents to the reverencing of the
Holy Icons.
Since Emperor Leo the Isaurian wanted to remain
favoured by the Military, he instituted a harsh
persecution against all Iconodules, which continued
throughout the reign of Emperor Konstantinos
Kopronymos, who succeeded to the throne after
Emperor Leo.
37AP-5 T H
SUNDAY OF TRIODION-1 S T
OF
THEOTOKOS AS WELL AS THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD Who
was Born of Her All Pure Flesh.

The Holy Icon entitled “The Platytera,” depicts THE
INFINITE SPACIOUSNESS OF HER SANCTIFIED WOMB,
WHICH CONTAINED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - OUR
UNCONTAINABLE DIVINE CREATOR – for nine months
before His Nativity into our world and human
condition.
✶ “...You will see greater Things than these...”

NOT ONLY WOULD ALL THE HOLY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
EXPERIENCE MANY DIVINE MIRACLES throughout their
lifespan, but THEY WOULD WITNESS EVEN GREATER
WONDERS than anyone can imagine in Eternity - IN
THE KINGDOM OF DIVINE LOVE.
✶ “...hereafter you shall see Heaven open, and the Angels
of God ascending and descending upon the Son
of Man...”

THE GREAT ‘CLOUD OF WITNESSES - all the Saints, Holy
Martyrs and Righteous who precede us - WILL
WITNESS THE GLORIOUS REAPPEARANCE OF CHRIST ON THE
EIGHTH DAY WHEN ALL CREATION WILL BE JUDGED.
TRIODION – 1ST OF LENT – TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY
‘Kopros’ means ‘excrement’ and he named ‘Kopronymos’
because he had fouled the Font during his Baptism.
For many years, the corrupt and merciless authority of
these two Emperors caused intense, widespread
misery and suffering to the Holy Church of Christ.
Tragically, the brutal persecution of the heretical
Iconoclasts continued with their successors to the
Byzantine throne, which tormented the Faithful over a
very long period - approximately 130 years!
The distress and devastation that was suffered by the
Faithful Iconodules and the Holy Church of Christ is
indescribable. So many not only endured
unspeakable torture and cruelty, but also sacrificed
their lives - especially the Holy Monastics who were
in the front line of the battle to preserve the precious
Holy Icons and various other essential aspects of
Liturgical significance.
The Iconoclast Emperors closed many Monasteries and
desecrated innumerable churches and chaps by
using them as warehouses and stables, while
destroying Holy Icons and many priceless Sacred
Relics.
Monastics were brutally attacked, publically humiliated
and dishonoured. Their eyes were plucked out or
blinded, their noses were cut off, they were beaten
with Holy Icons, burnt with red-hot rods and the
fingers of Iconographers were broken, cut and burnt,
besides every degree of cruelty, horror and
degradation their persecutors could think of!
When Empress Irene ascended the Byzantine throne the
persecution briefly abated.
In 787, Empress Irene convened the 7th Ecumenical Synod,
which drew up the Orthodox Teaching concerning
the reverence – not worship – of Holy Icons.
Yet even after this Synod, and after the reign of Empress
Irene, other Iconoclastic Emperors ruled, who
continued the heretical persecution.
Iconoclasm was finally and strictly forbidden by the Most
Pious Empress Theodora who, in 842, convened a
local Synod in Constantinople, which endorsed the
Orthodox Teachings, and anathematized all those
who had declared the reverencing of Holy Icons as
being ‘idolatrous’ and that, consequently, Orthodox
Christians are ‘idolaters.’
However, there is no end to the ignorant impertinence of
blasphemous heretics who know nothing about the
Divine Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ and our True
Faith, which has been so carefully preserved
accordingly.
They do not properly understand the Second
Commandment of the Mosaic Law:
 EXODUS 20:4 “...You shalt not make for yourself an idol
nor a likeness of anything in Heaven Above, nor
in the Earth beneath, or in the waters under the
Earth...”
An idol or image depicts something that has a form or shape,
but our True, Eternal and Living God has neither form nor
shape, being Incorporeal and Invisible. The Old Covenant
Israel used images in their worship because they
LENT- TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY- 8 MARCH 2020 15
 Foreshadowed the Incarnate, Eternal Son of God Whom we
worship both as the Eternal Son of God and the Incarnate
Son of Man. Furthermore, Holy Icons used in our Orthodox
Life in Christ – in our Worship and Praxis – do not depict
Christ’s Divine Nature, which remains unknowable and
invisible, but they draw our attention to our Incarnate Divine
Saviour. Holy Icons depict the Presence of the Church
Triumphant – like photographs of all who became Spiritually
Perfect and who Intercede with God on our behalf, while
being our Most Perfect Examples to imitate.
We are forbidden to make idols of anything or anyone,
and to worship them (like pagans), for we Glorify,
Honour and Worship only our One, True and Eternal
God.
when we reverence the Holy Icons, we honour the
prototypes - or the Great Feast Days - which are
thereby portrayed.
Our Lord Jesus Christ left His Image upon the Facecloth and
Shroud, which was found by St John and St Peter in His
Empty Tomb after His Resurrection. Subsequently the
Face of Christ “Not Made By Hands” has been repeatedly
copied over the centuries, giving us a true portrayal of
our Most Beloved Lord – God Incarnate.
Our icons portray Reality, for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whom
we Glorify, Honour and Worship, together with our
Heavenly Father and God the Holy Spirit, actually live
amongst us, as did all His Apostles, Saints and Holy
Martyrs, whom we reverence and honour (but not
worship.)
Our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos, Blessed the Icon which St
Luke the Apostle and Evangelist wrote, that depicted
Her and the Christ Child, saying that Her Grace would
always be with it - and how many Divine Miracles
have occurred through the Holy Icons of the Mother of
God, as well as so many others?
All the Holy Icons portray of the Saints who lived in our
midst on Earth and who continue to Guide us, Teach
us and Intercede on our behalf with our Lord God for
the sake of our Eternal Salvation.
These Icons of our Spiritual Family are “Windows into
Heaven,” for they depict those who Love us and whom
we Love and turn to for Spiritual Guidance, Protection
and Intercessory Prayers.
So let the impious be silenced, because the Ecumenical
Synod declared an anathema against them.
Let us all avoid being misled and tempted by the
ignorance and ungodliness of heretics.
Let none of us be lured away from our Life in Christ and
His Holy, Orthodox Church.
We have put on Christ as our Garment of Righteousness.
Let us not soil nor destroy it, and let us not forget how our
Lord Jesus Christ, in His Prayer in the Garden of
Gethsemane, Entreated our Heavenly Father: “...that
they may all be One, as Thou, O Father art in Me
and I in Thee, so that they may be in Us and that the
world will believe that Thou sent Me...” (JOHN 17:21).
Our Lord God, Who is Love Itself, wants His Holy Church
to be United in Holy Harmony and Love.
The schismatics, who find fault with the Sacred Teachings
of our Eternal, Holy Church, have voluntarily
distanced themselves from Her, in the erroneous
belief that they will find ‘salvation’ in their heretical
organizations that are alienated from the Divine Love
of Almighty God.
According to St Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, those who
abandon the Holy Church of Christ and have no Life
T H E ETERNAL, INS
S T P AISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
Because birds know how difficult the long flight is when
they migrate to warmer climates, the bigger birds
show great Love by carrying smaller birds on their
backs as they make the journey. We need to follow
their good example on our lifelong journey towards
Eternity.
However, we are all too often like the chickens whose
eyes are inflamed from the muck they scrabble about
in every day, so they cannot clearly see those who are
struggling and assist them. Furthermore, since like
those clucking chickens we find it difficult to remain
silent, we would be better off by taking a pair of
scissors to our tongues, so that we do not suffer the
consequences of idle speech in the hereafter.
T H
16 37AP-5 SUNDAY OF TRIODION-1
S T
in Christ, even if they become Martyrs, will not
Cleanse themselves of their sins with their blood,
because the extremely grievous sin of dividing the
Holy Church of Christ cannot be Purified nor forgiven,
even by blood.
The Great Holy Martyr, St Ignatios the God-Bearer
severely cautioned us that anyone who provokes a
schism in the Holy Church of Christ will not - CANNOT
- inherit the Kingdom of Heaven – an Eternal Kingdom
of Love.
All the heretics are preachers of schism.
St Paul urged the Roman Christian Community: “...I
appeal to you, Brethren, to watch out for those who
create divisions and stumbling-blocks, contrary to
the Teaching that you have learnt - avoid them!”
(ROMANS 16: 17)
And he exhorted the Galatians: “...If anyone preaches
any Gospel other than the one you received, let that
person be cursed!” (GALATIANS 1:9)
None of the heretics preach the Holy Gospel of Christ,
which is proclaimed by our Orthodox Church and
which Spiritually Sustains our Life in Christ.
Our Lord Jesus Christ told His Holy Apostles: “...those who
listen to you, listen to Me, and those who disregard
you, disregard Me. And anyone who disregards Me,
disregards Him Who sent Me.” (LUKE 10:16)
Let us always keep in mind these Divine Words of our
Lord and Saviour, especially today as we celebrate
the Joyful Triumph of our Orthodox Faith, which was
formulated once and for all at the 7th Ecumenical
Synod, whereby Orthodox Christian Faith and Worship
was ratified/confirmed and all heresies, blasphemies
and schisms were anathematised and forbidden
forever.
More than a thousand years have passed since the
7th Ecumenical Synod took place and there has been
no other since, because there has been no
opportunity to convene another Ecumenical Council.
The previous seven Ecumenical Councils resolved the
various problems that the Church had to contend with
regarding heresies, controversies and the
confirmation of our Orthodox Faith.
Although there are numerous heresies and schisms still
occurring throughout the world, these are all caused
by the same heretical beliefs and practises, all of
which were anathematized by the 7 Ecumenical
Synods/Councils.
Today, being Sunday of Orthodoxy – we celebrate the
Triumph of Orthodoxy – the Triumph of our Lord’s
Divine Truth – over the destructive and sinful heresies
and iconoclasm, which was expressed and confirmed
by our Faithful and pious Holy Fathers of the
7th Ecumenical Synod.
Furthermore, today we joyfully chant a Doxology to
express our sincere Thanksgiving to God for the
confirmation of of our Orthodox Faith.
And as we give Thanks to God for His Great Mercy, let us
contemplate our great Divine Blessings and especially
His Divine Truth that draws us ever closer to His
Heavenly Kingdom.
ST LUKE, ARCHBISHOP OF THE CRIMEA, ‘WORDS & SPEECHES,’ VOLUME 1
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
WWW.PEMPTOUSIA.
P IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA
Our Lord Jesus Christ said “... you are My Friends...” so we
should regard Him as our Most Respected Friend and
approach Him accordingly. When we fall, we should
immediately pick ourselves up and run to Him with
confidence – without the fear of punishment but with
courage that grants us that close Sacred Relationship
as we confide in Him, “O Lord, I have done this or that!
I have fallen! Please forgive me and help me to do
better and become Stronger!” We can feel His Loving
Presence and we know when He has forgiven us our
iniquities because He Loves us. Let us not alienate
ourselves from Christ, for when we believe that He
Loves us, and we Love Him, we will not feel estranged
nor cut off from Him – not even when we sin.
LENT- TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY- 8 MARCH 2020
OF
 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 15 MARCH 2020

38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

6TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION
SUNDAY OF ST GREGORY PALAMAS

The Feast of St Agapios St Publios, St Timolaos, St Romulos, St Dionysios, St Dionysios, St

Alexander & St Alexander of Caesarea, Palestine – St Aristoboulos of the 70 Apostles, of
Britain - St Manuel the New Martyr of Crete - Synaxis of the Holy Fathers of Kiev Caves
Lavra - St Alexander of Side, Pamphylia – St Nicander of Egypt

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 6 - LU KE 24 : 35 - 53

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 27/28 – T ONE (6) P L AGAL 2

O Lord, Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance!
To Thee, O Lord I cry: O my God!
T HE E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO TH E H E BRE WS 1 : 10 – 2 : 3
Brethren, [...God has spoken ...to us by His Son to Whom He said:] ...” Thou, O Lord founded the Earth, and the Heavens
art the Work of Thy Hands. They will grow old like a garment, like a mantle Thou wilt roll them up, and they will
be changed. Thou art the same, and Thy years will never end.”
To which Angel has He ever said: “Sit at My Right Hand, until I make Thine enemies a stool for Thy Feet?” Art they
not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit Salvation?
Therefore, we must give more earnest heed to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the Message
declared by Angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a Just Retribution, how shall we
escape if we neglect such a Great Salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and was attested to us by those
who heard Him.
✶ ”... In the beginning, Thou, O Lord founded the Earth...”
THEY FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER in a variety

This is a quotation from PSALM 101:26-28. of ways.

GOD THE FATHER ADDRESSES ANOTHER PERSON AS “LORD,” –
The Angels are THE HOLY MESSENGERS OF GOD WHO
i.e. “God.” INTERACT WITH MANKIND whenever necessary.

Our Heavenly Father speaks to THE SECOND PERSON OF
THE NINE RANKS OF HEAVENLY ANGELS SERVE DIFFERENT
THE HOLY TRINITY, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who is His SIGNIFICANT ROLES IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH.
Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word.
The lower Ranks of ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS WATCH OVER

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS THE CREATOR OF EVERYTHING US, PROTECT US, GUIDE US AND ENLIGHTEN US
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, which is evident from these
Every immortal soul has TWO GUARDIAN ANGELS WHO
Divine Words. RECORD EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED.

HE CREATED ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
They are ALWAYS WITH US during our allotted lifespan,
FATHER – from nothingness/non-existence - and URGING US TO AVOID TEMPTATION, TO REPENT SIN AND TO
God the Holy Spirit enlivened and animated all STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
living creatures by His Divine Life-giving Power
THEY ACCOMPANY US AND DEFEND US against the
and Energy. accusations of the demons, while we pass through
✶ “...They will grow old ... and they will be changed...” the Aerial Customs Houses WHEN OUR BODY AND SOUL

ALL CREATED MATERIAL AGES, CORRODES AND DECOMPOSES SEPARATE AT OUR REPOSE.
while only our immortal soul, being spirit, is
God has granted us GUARDIAN ANGELS to HELP US AS WE
Eternal. JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY, so that we are able to
✶ “...Thou art the same, and Thy years will never end...” fulfil our Sacred Duties and become worthy

OUR LORD GOD IS ETERNAL AND PERFECT so He never ages, Citizens and Co-Heirs of His Heavenly Kingdom of
never changes and never dies. Love.

Likewise, GOD’S NEW COVENANT IS ETERNAL AND PERFECT.
The Hebrews believed that ANGELS MEDIATED THE OLD
1. It is SUPERIOR TO THE OLD COVENANT, which is COVENANT AND MINISTERED TO THE FAITHFUL PEOPLE OF
incomplete and preparatory to the New GOD.
Covenant.
THE HOLY ANGELS CERTAINLY SERVE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
2. It is COMPLETE AND FINAL. AT ALL TIMES, except during His descent into Hades.
3. It SHOWS US HOW TO LIVE IN CHRIST,
OUR LORD IS HIMSELF “...THE ANGEL OF THE LORD...” as our
4. It LEADS US TOWARDS SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son to Minister to
ETERNAL LIFE in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love. the needs of mankind in order to grant them

By using Rabbinic methods, St Paul proved that EVEN Eternal Salvation.
THE OLD COVENANT PROVED THE SUPERIORITY OF OUR
According to His New Covenant, HIS ANGELS served
LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS NEW COVENANT. Him in His Humanity (Incarnate, human Nature)
✶ “...Sit at My Right Hand...” and CONTINUE TO WORK WITH US AS OUR HOLY PARTNERS

These Words were those of OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TO HIS IN SERVICE TO GOD AND FOR OUR SALVATION.
ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, our Lord Jesus Christ. ✶ “...give more earnest heed to what we have heard, lest

Being seated at the Right Hand Side of Divine Majesty we drift away...”
– a position of great honour - shows HIS EQUALLY
St Paul exhorts – urges us – to PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO
DIVINE STATUS WITH GOD THE FATHER, Who Glorifies WHAT CHRIST AND HIS HOLY APOSTLES HAVE TAUGHT US.
and Honours Him.
IT IS AN ADMONISHMENT AGAINST WILFUL NEGLIGENCE AND

This quotation is from PSALM 110:1 CARELESSNESS that causes us to “...drift away...” from
✶ “...ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of the Path of Righteousness that is laid out for us to
those who are to inherit Salvation...” follow by God Himself!

The Ministering Spirits are THE HEAVENLY ANGELS WHO ✶ “...if the Message declared by Angels was valid and
ARE CREATED, INTELLECTUAL BEINGS LIKE US. every transgression or disobedience received a

38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-6THTRIODION–2ND LENT–ST GREGORY PALAMAS – 15 MARCH 2020 17

 Just Retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect ✶ “...It was declared at first by our Lord, and was attested
such a Great Salvation? to us by those who heard Him...”

The words “if” and “how” suggest A CONDITIONAL
We beseech God during the Divine Liturgy for “...
STATEMENT OR QUESTION Pardon and Remission of our sins and
1. IF Israel was EXPECTED TO OBEY THE WORDS OF CREATED transgressions...” as well as “... a Good Defence
ANGELS OR SUFFER SELF-INFLICTED PUNISHMENT as a before the Dread Judgement Seat of Christ...”
consequence of our wilful disobedience,
These Liturgical Prayers affirm that THERE IS CERTAINLY A
2. HOW MUCH MORE MUST WE HEED CHRIST’S DIVINE TRUTH – JUST REWARD OR RETRIBUTION TO COME – A VERY REAL
His Teachings and Commandments – JUDGEMENT!
3. especially when THE WORD HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS HOLY APOSTLES, as well as
MANY DIVINE MIRACLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, which their Faithful Successors, INSTITUTED AND ESTABLISHED
proves that the Kingdom of Heaven has indeed OUR DIVINE LITURGY AND THE HOLY MYSTERY OF
come upon us? EUCHARIST, ALL OF WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR ETERNAL
SALVATION.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M AR K 2 : 1 – 12
At that time, our Lord Jesus entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. And
many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them – not even near the door. And He
preached the Word to them. And they went to Him - taking a Paralytic, carried by four men. And when they could
not get near to Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him. And when they had made an
opening, they let down the pallet on which the Paralytic lay. Beholding their Faith, Jesus said to the Paralytic: ‘Son:
thy sins art forgiven thee.’
Some of the Scribes were sitting there, questioning in their heart: ‘Why does this Man speak thus? It is Blasphemy! Who
can forgive sins but God alone?’ And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His Spirit that they thus questioned within
themselves, said to them: ‘Why do you question thus in your heart? Which is easier – to say to the Paralytic: Thy
sins are forgiven’ or to say: ‘Rise and take up thy pallet and walk?’ So that you may know that the Son of Man
has Authority on Earth to forgive sins...” He said to the Paralytic: “I say to thee: Rise. Take up thy pallet and go to
thy House.’ And he rose, and immediately took up his bed and went out before them all.
They were all amazed, and they Glorified God, saying: ‘We never saw anything like this!’
✶ “....our Lord Jesus entered Capernaum....” SELF-CONDEMNED BY THEIR LACK OF FAITH, COMPASSION,

OUR LORD HAD SET UP A HOME IN CAPERNAUM whence He MERCY AND, ESPECIALLY, LOVE.
set off to fulfil His Divine Ministry to the Lost Sheep ✶ “...Who can forgive sins but God alone?...”
of Israel. (Some believe that He stayed with family
BEING IN THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD INCARNATE and
members or His Apostles when He was there.) witnessing His Divine Healing and hearing the

CAPERNAUM WAS A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE on the north infinite Wisdom of His Divine Truth, OUGHT TO HAVE
western shore of the Lake of Galilee, which had OVERWHELMED THEM!
been established in 2BC during the Hasmonean
UNWITTINGLY, THEY ANSWERED THEIR OWN CRITICAL QUESTION,
th
period and was occupied until the 11 century. for indeed ONLY GOD CAN FORGIVE OUR SINS, CLEANSE

IT WAS THE HOMETOWN OF ST MATTHEW LEVI, THE FORMER TAX AND HEAL US BOTH PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
COLLECTOR, and was located NEAR TO BETHSAIDA, ✶ “...immediately Jesus, perceiving in His Spirit that they
WHERE ST SIMON PETER (CEPHAS) AND HIS BROTHER, ST thus questioned within themselves, said to them:
ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED, AS WELL AS HIS RELATIVES, ST ‘Why do you question thus in your heart? ...”
JAMES AND ST JOHN THE BELOVED APOSTLE RESIDED.
GOD ALONE KNOWS OUR EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED FOR
✶ “...it was heard that He was in the house... many NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM HIM.
gathered ... there was no longer room ...”
Again, THIS FACT AND HIS WORDS OUGHT TO HAVE SHAKEN

OUR LORD PERFORMED MANY DIVINE MIRACLES THERE so THEM INTO REALITY AND TRUTH!
MULTITUDES of people from the region SOUGHT
THREE SIGNS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S DIVINE NATURE are
HEALINGS AND WANTED TO HEAR HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS. 1. HE KNOWS THE DEEPEST THOUGHTS AND SECRETS of our heart
✶ “...they went to Him - taking a Paralytic, carried by four  1 K I N G S 1 6 : 7 – “...mankind does not see as God sees;
men...” for mankind looks at the outward appearance,

It is not clear whether all, or one or two of the five men but our Lord sees into the heart!”
had Faith in Christ, but THEIR INTENTION AND MOTIVE
According to St Cyprianos, GOD’S JUDGEMENT WILL not
WAS VERY PLAIN TO SEE – the Miraculous Healing of be merely according to our outward appearance,
the Paralysed man. but will PENETRATE MUCH DEEPER INTO OUR HEART AND
✶ “...when they could not get near to Him ...they had SOUL, FOR OUR LORD SEES OUR HEART, OUR MIND AND OUR
made an opening... let down the pallet on which SOUL AS WE TRULY ARE – nothing is hidden from our
the Paralytic lay....” Creator!

THE REMARKABLE DETERMINATION of the Paralysed man
Thus WE WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO OUR (deepest,
and his four friends or relatives sets A VERY GOOD hidden) THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS!
EXAMPLE OF COMPLETE FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.  2 C H R O N I C L E S 6 : 3 0 – “... hear from Heaven, Thy

NOTHING WOULD STOP THEM from achieving their goal. Dwelling Place, and forgive them. And grant to

Their MUTUAL LOVE AND COMPASSION WAS A MOST everyone according to their ways, for Thou
SIGNIFICANT ASPECT of the Paralytic’s Healing. knowest their heart, since Thou alone know the
✶ “...Beholding their Faith, Jesus said to the Paralytic: ‘Son: heart of all the sons of mankind...”
thy sins art forgiven thee’ ...” 2. HE FORGIVES SINS by His own Divine Power, which

OUR LORD’S DIVINE MISSION OF LOVE CONCERNED THE belongs to God alone.
FORGIVENESS OF SINS, which sets us free from the 3. HE HEALS DIRECTLY by the Divine Power of His Words,
wretched bondage of wickedness. which only Almighty God can do!

FAITH IN GOD IS THE MOST INDISPENSABLE ASPECT of our ✶ “...Which is easier – to say ... ‘Thy sins are forgiven’ or ...
Salvation as well as our Cleansing and Healing. ‘Rise and take up thy pallet and walk?’ So that you

FAITH IS COLLECTIVE AS WELL AS PERSONAL, for the may know that the Son of Man has Authority on
combined Faith of the Paralytic’s four friends Earth to forgive sins...” He said to the Paralytic: “I
certainly helped his Miraculous Healing as well. say to thee: Rise. Take up thy pallet and go ...’
✶ “...Some of the Scribes were sitting there, questioning in
OUR LORD MAKES EVERYTHING POSSIBLE AND EASIER for us.
their heart...”
HE GRANTS US INNUMERABLE WAYS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO

Although everyone witnessed Christ’s obviously Divine ACCOMPLISH, TO ACQUIRE AND TO FULFIL whatever is
Miracles first hand, THESE HYPOCRITICAL, SELF- necessary for our Eternal Salvation.
RIGHTEOUS SCRIBES (and Pharisees) REFUSED TO ACCEPT
REPENTANCE, CLEANSING AND FORGIVENESS ARE ALL VITAL to
THE DIVINE TRUTH THAT CONFRONTED THEM, for THEY our Spiritual Welfare and Progress – or our Life in
REMAINED SPIRITUALLY BLIND AND HARD-HEARTED. Christ.

Only those who may have Repented and accepted
Repentance is most essential to our Spiritual
Christ as the Great Messiah, would not have been Cleansing and Healing for WITHOUT IT WE CANNOT

18 3 8 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-6THTRIODION–2ND LENT–ST GREGORY PALAMAS – 15 MARCH 2020

T H
 NEITHER IMPROVE OUR PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL HEALTH NOR
MAKE ANY GOOD PROGRESS towards Spiritual
Perfection.

Without Repentance, WE WILL STAGNATE AND REMAIN IN A
STATE OF SPIRITUAL EXILE AND DEATH, which is
completely unnatural to our created state.

The Son of Man is GOD INCARNATE – OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST.

Being the Eternal Son and Word of our Heavenly
Father, He certainly possesses THE DIVINE AUTHORITY
AND POWER TO FORGIVE SINS AND TO HEAL all our
afflictions.

Yet THOSE SPIRITUALLY BLIND, SELF-RIGHTEOUS SCRIBES
REMAINED ADAMANTLY IN DENIAL OF THE DIVINE TRUTH
that was so undeniably before them!
38 T H
S UND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – 6 T H
OF
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, let us contemplate the Marvellous Divine
Powers our Lord Jesus Christ reveals through His
Miracles.
1. He knows the heart and soul of every human being
and clearly sees the depth of Faith in some and
the stubborn sins and malice in others.
2. He Forgives Repentant souls their sins, by the
Cleansing and Healing of spiritual and physical
sicknesses and afflictions.
3. He Restores sick and paralyzed bodies and souls by
the Divine Power and Love of His Word.
How Wonderful! How Awe-inspiring and Fearsome! And
how breathtaking and Life-giving is the Presence of
our Living, Almighty Lord God!
Let us consider for a moment the Divine Presence of our
All Merciful Saviour.
It is most important as we Journey along the Path of
Salvation to approach our Lord Jesus Christ with Faith
– experiencing His Divine Presence with all our being.
Sometimes our Lord approaches us and reveals Himself
to us in various ways, which utterly Transforms us, for
every Divine Encounter leaves us profoundly affected!
During His Life He often visited the homes of different
people – Saints and sinners alike - such as St Martha
and St Mary in Bethany, as well as various despised
Tax Collectors and other social outcasts.
After His Resurrection, our Lord Jesus Christ suddenly
Appeared to St Paul along the road to Damascus,
while to His other Apostles He Appeared on the shore
of the Sea of Galilee and on the road to Emmaus.
Despite “...the doors being shut...” our Lord Appeared in
the midst of His gathered Apostles and Disciples,
whereas St Mary Magdalene Encountered Him in the
garden that surrounded His Empty Tomb.
Throughout the ages, our Lord Jesus Christ has Appeared
before many Holy Martyrs and Saints, and those in
desperate circumstances or severely afflicted, and He
has continually Communicated with many of His
Faithful Disciples whenever necessary.
Sometimes His Holy Apostles presented other people to
our Lord, such as when St Andrew the First Called
Apostle brought his brother, St Simon Peter to Him, or
when St Philip brought St Nathaniel to Him “...Whom
they had sought...” for so long.
All the successors to Christ’s Holy Apostles and
innumerable Faithful Disciples throughout all eras
have brought millions upon millions of souls to Christ,
for that is our Sacred Mission.
Often Faithful relatives and friends would intercede on
behalf of those whom they Love, by seeking His Divine
Healing and Restoration, doing everything possible to
receive His Great Mercy – not for themselves but for
others such as the four men who broke through the
rock-hard, sun-baked roof of the house in order to
lower their paralyzed friend right before our Lord
Jesus Christ.
There are many ways whereby we can present ourselves
to our Lord God.
The more effort we make to enter His Divine Presence, the
far greater are our Spiritual Rewards and when we
are motivated by Love – Agape – the Love of God and
for each other – the closer we are able to draw to our
Beloved Master and Saviour Who is ever Present and
38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-6THTRIODION–2ND LENT–ST GREGORY PALAMAS – 15 MARCH 2020
✶ “...he rose, and immediately took up his bed and went
out before them all ... amazed ... they Glorified
God...”
AS OUR LORD JESUS SPOKE to THE PARALYTIC, he WAS COMPLETELY
HEALED and, standing up, he picked up his pallet
and departed.
Obviously, EVERYONE WAS PROFOUNDLY SHOCKED by the Divine
Miracle they had all witnessed, YET THE SCEPTICAL
SCRIBES REFUSED TO BELIEVE that Christ is the Great
Divine Saviour Who has come to Save, to Redeem,
to Heal, to Forgive us sinners who are so badly
afflicted with every type and degree of physical
and Spiritual Ailments.
T RIOD ION – 2 N D
OF LE NT – S T G RE GORY P ALAM AS
Who -with infinite Patience and Love - waits for us to
walk with Him.
Our Heavenly Father knows us far better than we know
ourselves, so He is always ready to assist us, to enable
us and to Enlighten us by granting us everything
necessary for our Repentance and Salvation.
First we have to seek God with Faith, then be willing and
eager to follow His Sacred Calling by Living in Christ –
by applying His Divine Truth to our thoughts, words
and deeds – by obeying and fulfilling all the essential
requirements of His Holy Apostolic Church that are
taught to us by His Holy Apostles and their Faithful
Successors - our Holy Fathers and Teachers.
Furthermore, we have to continually Repent our sins so
that filled with Faith and Hope, we will Encounter our
Lord Jesus Christ - and God the Holy Life-giving Spirit
will Illumine us, Empower and Enable us, thereby
Strengthening us, Cleansing and Healing us,
Delivering and Saving us.
The measure of effort we need to make in order to follow
the Path that leads us into the very Presence of God is
clearly demonstrated by the unwavering Faith, the
determination and the great effort of the four friends
of the Paralytic, who never gave up - who never
allowed anything to obstruct or prevent them from
achieving their Sacred Goal.
They immediately climbed up onto the roof of the house,
carrying the pallet upon which lay their immobile
friend, and then had the courage and initiative to
break through the very solid roof – making a hole that
was big enough to lower the Quadriplegic man - and
his pallet - downwards and into the Presence of our
Lord.
They were neither defeated by the densely packed
crowd, nor by any embarrassment or fear. Their
successful endeavour was similar to so many others,
whose Steadfast Faith in Christ Jesus overcame all
obstacles and were subsequently so Wonderfully
Rewarded.
Our Lord has taught us to be Patient, Steadfast and
Faithful, ceaselessly crying out to Him and continually
beseeching Him for His Great Mercy – as He assured
us: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you
will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
(MATTHEW 7:7).
Our efforts are commanded and necessary but they are never
separated from the immediate Help of God. We ask in
Prayer. We seek by learning God’s Divine Truth and we
knock by fulfilling the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father.
Our Lord also said: “... from the days of John the Baptist
until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence,
and the violent take it by force.” (MATTHEW 11:12)
Although various interpretations believe that His Words
referred to
1. the Judeans’ opposition to His New Covenant Holy
Gospel,
2. His Heavenly Kingdom breaking ‘violently’ – forcefully
and powerfully– into the fallen world
3. Christ Himself, Who has been Incarnate since “...the
days of John the Baptist...’ Who would suffer the
violence of crucifixion,
St John Chrysostom believed that “... the violent...” are
those who have such an earnest Love for our Lord
Jesus Christ and His Divine Truth that they overcome
all opposition and every obstacle in order to Faithfully
19
 fulfil the Will of our Heavenly Father and enter the
Divine Presence of our Lord God.
Our Lord God has provided us with every means possible
so that we can make every effort, using all our
strength to ceaselessly labour by Repenting our sins,
by praying for Spiritual Assistance and offering our
Thanksgiving and Worship while fulfilling various
Charitable Works that express our profound Love for
God and for each other - so that we may become
worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs of His Heavenly
Kingdom.
Our Lord Jesus Christ cautioned us to consistently “...
watch... and pray always that you may be counted
worthy to escape all these things that will come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
This entire lifespan is a period of Spiritual Preparation
and Perfection - a lifespan of Repentance and
Spiritual Restoration, which requires our perpetual
Watchfulness and Vigilance against temptations and
grievous passions that cause us to become so
attached and distracted by earthly things.
Consequently, we will be lured away from God and
enslaved by the evil one.
Our unique number of years, days and hours is granted
to each of us in order for us to correct our flaws,
strengthen our efforts so that we can become
Spiritually Perfected as worthy Children of God.
We need to be constantly watchful of our thoughts, so that
they do not adversely affect our words and deeds that
alienate us from God and each other.
We need to be careful of our words, so that we do not
dishonour, offend, hurt or harm each other nor
displease our Loving Lord God.
We need to fulfil deeds that are worthy, kind,
compassionate and beneficial to one another exactly
as our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us to do.
T H E E TE R NAL , I NSP IR ED
E LDE R E F SEV IOS Y ANNAKIS
The greatest Power on Earth (and in Heaven) is our Lord
God.
D IM ITR IOS P ANAGOP OULOS
We live only once in this hollow, temporary life. There are
no ‘return tickets!’ So we must make sure that we uswe
every moment of our unique lifespan properly. It
should should be a time of Repentance and Spiritual
Striving, no matter whether we are rich or poor...
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
Make the effort to spend even one day living in
accordance with God’s Divine Commandments and
Truth. You will see for yourselves and you will feel in
your heart how Wonderful it is to fulfill His Will. God’s
Will is our Life!
S T M AX IM OS THE GR EE K
We must recognise the Divine Gift of our True
Independence. We must never subject ourselves to
any created thing but only to our Creator, and we
must always minister to Him with all our gratitude and
Love, for God is our Lord, our Master, our Creator, our
Life-giver, and our Heavenly Father Who provides us
with everything we could possibly need.
A BBE SS M AKR INA
Those who pursue the Prayer of the Heart – the Jesus
Prayer – as if It were gold, and who use every cent,
overcome everything, for they tolerate and accept all
circumstances without complaint. Then our Lord God
and our Lady, Theotokos, keep Watch over them and
Shelter them.
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS
Stubborn people who enjoy arguing and wrangling are
hollow and empty. They Struggle against others to
the point of exhaustion and, although exhausted, they
refuse to give way. They have no regard for
themselves, and misbehave as if they were maniacs.
What matters to them is not the Truth but if the view of
others should prevail, their reason ceases to function
and they try to gain victory by shouting loudly.
20 3 8 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-6THTRIODION–2ND LENT–ST GREGORY PALAMAS – 15 MARCH 2020
T H
We need to be ever Vigilant over all our thoughts, words
and deeds, so at the moment of our Repose, we are
not in a state of Spiritual Death due to our unrepented
sins and uncorrected errors that cannot be changed,
which will haunt us forever, after we have drawn our
final breath.
Our Orthodox Faith is physically and spiritually active,
ceaselessly Prayerful and vigilantly Watchful.
We take up and carry our Cross with Love, Joy and
Steadfast Striving as well as with tears, sorrow, pain
and Struggles.
No other religious beliefs or practises demand nor
require such determined and Faithful Efforts that
enable us to fulfill the Will of our Heavenly Father and
to finally and victoriously stand, with overwhelming
Love and Joy, before our Lord and Divine Saviour.
His Holy Church teaches, guides and protects us with all
His Divine Truth throughout all ages until Eternity.
From generation to generation, we are presented with
the examples, the Spiritual Experiences and
Trustworthy Testimonies of the Church Triumphant
that consists of all the Righteous and Faithful who
Struggled against the temptations and grievous
passions and fulfilled the Divine Commandments and
Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, thereby acquiring
inexpressible Spiritual Strength and Power that
ultimately awarded them Victorious Crowns of Glory
on Earth and in Heaven.
Amen
SAINT NIKOLAÏ VELIMIROVIĆ, HOMILIES II (1925)
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
WWW.PEMPTOUSIA.COM
W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S & H OLY M OTH ERS
A BBE SS G AV R ILL A
Orthodox Spirituality is not knowledge that we can learn
but is Knowledge that we earn through suffering,
Struggling and Striving.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
People are in a bad state of inertia. They are sunk deep
in the quagmire of sin. They are fast asleep, so our
Lord God wakes them up with wars, with deadly
epidemics, with conflagrations, with catastrophic
downpours, with earthquakes, with floods and with
poor harvests.
S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
Great multitudes of people approached our Lord Jesus
Christ but very few chose to Follow Him. Millions of
people read the Holy Scriptures – especially the New
Covenant Holy Gospels – and they Rejoice in the
sublime Messages, and are moved by the Divine
Teachings of Christ our Lord and Saviour, but very few
choose to Live in Christ or according to His Divine
Laws and Teachings.
A BBE SS G AV R ILL A
When our mind is not distracted by earthly matters and
we are United with our Lord God, then even our
greetings and salutations are like bestowing Blessings
of Love upon each other.
S T BA SIL THE G RE AT
We must always keep two aspects in mind. Firstly, we
must never think that we are more admirable and
important than anyone else, and secondly, we must
never think that any of our fellow sinners are of
greater value than we are.
In other words, acquire Humility and Obedience, and Strive for
Spiritual Perfection, while Struggling against all temptations,
sins and grievous passions, for our immortal soul is more
important than any worldly material or social status. mp
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Light yet we do not see Him.
He is the Way, yet we do not follow Him. He is the
Truth yet we do not believe Him. He is Life yet we do
not seek Him. He is our Teacher, yet we do not listen
and learn from Him. He is our Lord, yet we do not
submit to Him, He is our God, yet we do not pray to
Him. He Loves us yet we do not Love Him.
 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 22 MARCH 2020
39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
7TH SUNDAY OF TRIODION – 3RD OF GREAT LENT
VENERATION OF THE HOLY, LIFE-GIVING CROSS

The Feast of St Basil, Presbyter & Hieromartyr of Ancyra, Galatia – St Kallinki & St Vasilissa of
Galatia - St Drosis, St Agalida, St Apolinaria, St Daria, St Mamthusa & St Thais, Virgin Martyrs – St
Isaac, Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery in Constantinople – St Euthymios of Prodromou
Monastery on Mount Athos

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

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 27 – TO NE (6) P L AGAL 2

O Lord, Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance
To Thee, O Lord, I cry: O my God!
T HE E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO TH E H E BRE WS 4: 14 – 5: 6
Brethren: ... seeing then that we have a Great High Priest Who has passed through the Heavens – Jesus, the Son of God –
let us hold fast our Confession. For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but
Who was in all points tempted as we are – yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, so
that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in the time of need.
For every High Priest taken from among men is appointed for mankind in things pertaining to God, that he may offer
both Gifts and Sacrifices for sins. He can have Compassion for those who are ignorant and going astray since he
himself is also subject to weakness, and because of this, he is required – as for the people, so also for himself – to
offer Sacrifices for sins.
And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is Called by God – just as Aaron was - so also Christ did not Glorify
Himself to become High Priest, but it was He Who said to Him: “Thou art My Son: today I have Begotten Thee.” As
He also said in another place: “Thou art a Priest forever according to the Order of Melchizedek.”
✶ This passage of St Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews is read
A PRIEST NORMALLY STANDS while Ministering to his Holy
on FEAST DAYS COMMEMORATING OUR HIEROMARTYRS – Flock but CHRIST OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR IS SEATED upon
Bishops and Priests who were martyred. His Throne of Glory and Majesty.
✶ "... we have a Great High Priest Who has passed through
OUR GLORIOUS, ENTHRONED HIGH PRIEST IS ALMIGHTY AND ALL
the Heavens – Jesus, the Son of God...” POWERFUL.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR ONLY HIGH PRIEST of His New
HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED AND FULFILLED THE ULTIMATE
Covenant of Love. SACRIFICIAL OFFERING for the sins of all mankind

After His Resurrection, HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN IN HIS forever.
VISIBLE, INCARNATE FORM and will Reappear likewise
CHRIST WAS BOTH THE SINLESS OFFERER AND THE PUREST
in all His Divine Glory to Judge all Creation. OFFERING – the Perfect and Final Blood Offering FOR

HE CONTINUES TO BE SEATED ON THE ETERNAL, DIVINE THRONE, ALL MANKIND’S SINS, which is why THERE IS NO LONGER
“… at the right hand of the Majesty on High…” – ANY NEED FOR FURTHER BLOOD SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS
the greatest position of honour. according to the Old Covenant.

This means that OUR LORD JESUS IS INDEED THE ETERNAL
All the Sacred Offerings of the New Covenant are
SON AND WORD OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. bloodless.

Being Co-Eternal and Divine together with God our ✶ “...every High Priest taken from among men is
Heavenly Father Who has Glorified Him, and God appointed for mankind in things pertaining to
the Holy Spirit, HE IS HONOURED, GLORIFIED AND God, that he may offer both Gifts and Sacrifices for
WORSHIPPED BY ALL CREATION. sins...”
✶ “…let us hold fast our Confession...”
To qualify as an Old Covenant Priest, A MAN WAS CHOSEN

We not only CONFESS WHAT WE BELIEVE ACCORDING TO OUR FROM THE PRIESTLY TRIBE OF AARON specifically FOR
ORTHODOX FAITH in our Triune Lord God, but we LITURGICAL SERVICES who had to offer blood
must also live each moment accordingly. sacrifices FOR HIS OWN SINS AS WELL AS THE SINS OF THE

Being firmly rooted in our Creed of Faith, we must PEOPLE.
STRIVE TO FULFILL EVERY SACRED TASK AND PERSONAL
Furthermore, THE PRIESTS NEEDED TO BE COMPASSIONATE AND
REQUIREMENT, for this is Life in Christ. HAVE A SACRED CALLING to fulfill the Will of our Lord
✶ “…we ... have a High Priest Who ... was in all points God.
tempted as we are – yet without sin...”
THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD IDENTIFIED WITH AND HAD SYMPATHY

Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR PERFECT HIGH PRIEST WHO for their fellow sinners.
HAS ALL DIVINE AUTHORITY AND POWER to Teach, Guide,
THE PRIESTS HAD TO PERFORM THE RITUALISTIC AND VICARIOUS
Cleanse, Restore and Save us. SACRIFICES OF ANIMALS – offering either their blood or

He can empathise with us sinners, since HE the entire animal – Whole Burnt Offerings – for the
UNDERSTANDS EXACTLY HOW WE ARE TEMPTED AND LURED Forgiveness of their own sins and those of the
INTO SIN DUE TO OUR PERSONAL WEAKNESSES. people.

He knows every heart and soul thoroughly for He not ✶ “...no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is
only created us but HE ALSO KNOWS WHAT WE ARE Called by God – just as Aaron was...”
CAPABLE OF THINKING, DOING AND SAYING.
THE TRIBE OF LEVI WAS presented to St Aaron and his sons
✶ “...come boldly to the Throne of Grace, so that we may TO MINISTER LITURGICALLY WITH THEM.
obtain Mercy and find Grace ...”
THE SACRED SERVICE of the Old Covenant Priests and the

Being Enthroned at the right Hand of our Heavenly Levites WAS ON BEHALF OF ALL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
Father, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS SEATED ON A DIVINE
AARON'S SONS WERE PRIESTS, and AARON WAS THE HIGH PRIEST,
THRONE OF GRACE rather than a Throne of while THE LEVITES ASSISTED THE PRIESTS in the
Judgement, GRANTING HIS GREAT MERCY AND DIVINE Liturgical Worship.
GRACE to us in times of necessity.

39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -7TH TRIODION- 3RD LENT –VENERATION OF THE CROSS – 22 MARCH 2020 21

THE OLD COVENANT LITURGICAL SERVICE of the Priests and
Levites at the Temple in Jerusalem WAS A FORETYPE
OF LITURGICAL SERVICE IN THE NEW COVENANT CHURCH
OF CHRIST.

THE OLD COVENANT HIGH PRIEST WAS A TYPE OF CHRIST, our
Great, Eternal High Priest Who is “...the Shepherd
and Overseer [Bishop] of our soul.” (1PETER 2:25).

The New Covenant BISHOPS ARE LIVING ICONS OF OUR LORD
Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest. Similarly, OUR
PRIESTS ARE ALSO LIVING ICONS of our Divine Saviour,
who serve Liturgically with our Bishops under
whose authority they are assigned AS THEIR
SPIRITUAL SONS.

THE LEVITES served Liturgically with Aaron and his sons,
as their assistants. They TYPIFIED OUR DEACONS who
assist our Bishops and Priests during the Divine
Liturgy.
✶ “...so also Christ did not Glorify Himself to become High
Priest, but it was He Who said to Him: “Thou art My
Son: today I have Begotten Thee.”
 PSALM 2: 7 – 9 “... Thou art My Son; Today I have
Begotten Thee; Ask of Me and I will give Thee the
Nations for Thine Inheritance and the ends of the
Earth for Thy possession. Thou shalt Shepherd
them with an iron staff; Thou shalt shatter them
like a potter’s vessel.”

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ADDRESSED THESE WORDS TO HIS
ETERNAL SON, our Lord Jesus Who is God’s Anointed
– HIS CHRIST.

Our Lord Jesus is OUR ETERNAL KING, which is DECLARED BY
THIS DIVINE DECREE, for He is OUR ALMIGHTY KING
WITHOUT BEGINNING AND WITHOUT END, REIGNING
FOREVER over His Holy Universal Church.

Our Lord Jesus is the Eternal Son and Word of God Who
was BEGOTTEN OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BEFORE
ALL AGES – and thus has existed forever.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO
At that time, when our Lord Jesus had called the people to Himself, with His Disciples also, He said to them: “Whoever
desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to
save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will Save it.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in
exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of
him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the Glory of His Father with the Holy Angels.”
And He said to them: “Truly, I say to you: there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the
Kingdom of God present with Power.”
✶ “…Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny
himself, and take up his Cross, and follow Me.

In order to become a Faithful Disciple of our Lord
Jesus Christ, we need to accomplish THREE MOST
IMPORTANT SACRED TASKS:
1. D E N Y O U R S E L V E S ,

We must first begin A LIFELONG REPENTANCE OF SINS, SELF-
DENIAL AND SELF-DISCIPLINE.

We need to constantly CLEANSE, RESTORE AND SUSTAIN
OUR IMMORTAL SOUL, WHILE CONTROLLING THE SELFISH
DEMANDS OF OUR WEAK, MORTAL FLESH.

We express our Love of God and the acceptance of His
Holy Gospel, by STRIVING TO FULFILL OUR SACRED
MISSION OF SALVATION.

REPENTANCE AND SELF-SACRIFICE ARE neither ‘punishment,’
nor an end in itself, but rather, THE ESSENTIAL MEANS
OF OVERCOMING PERSONAL WEAKNESSES AND HABITUAL
SINS that separate and alienate us from God and
from each other.

IT IS A LIFELONG PROCESS TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
and regain our original Likeness to God in Whose
Image and Likeness we were created.
2. T A K E U P O U R C R O S S

by SHOULDERING/CARRYING OUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
AND COMMITMENTS – dealing with our own personal
burdens - WITH FAITH, PATIENCE, LONGSUFFERING AND
ENDURANCE.

Although it was the most dreaded and inhumane
instrument of Roman torture and execution, THE
CROSS SIGNIFIES OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AND SUFFERING,
IN IMITATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.

THE POWER AND PROTECTION OF THE CROSS HELPS US TO
OVERCOME THE TEMPTATIONS AND SINS that lure us
away from God and His Divine Truth.
22 39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -7TH TRIODION- 3RD LENT –VENERATION

Being INCARNATED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE EVER VIRGIN
MARY, He BECAME MAN (God-Man and the Son of
Man.) IN THIS LAST, MESSIANIC AGE.

After His voluntary crucifixion and death, HE WAS
RESURRECTED AND ASCENDED in His human Nature to
Heaven, being seated at the right hand of our
Heavenly Father.

Our Lord is therefore THE ETERNAL KING OF ALL NATIONS –
of all mankind, which, in due time, He will shatter
like clay vessels when He reappears in all His
Divine Glory and Restores His beautiful Creation,
REIGNING FOREVER with His Saints and Righteous
Faithful in the age to come – IN ETERNITY.
Therefore, ALL THE RULERS OF NATIONS ARE CALLED TO SERVE
OUR DIVINE KING or be judged accordingly. While
all those who remained Faithful to God will be
infinitely Blessed.
✶ “...Thou art a Priest forever according to the Order of
Melchizedek...”
 GENESIS 1 : 18 “... Melchizedek, the King of Salem... was
the Priest of God Most High...”

The Holy Priesthood of Melchizedek TYPIFIED THE
ETERNAL, HIGH PRIESTHOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
Who offers His own Precious Life-giving Body and
Blood to His Faithful Disciples in the Holy Mystery of
Eucharist/Communion.

Christ’s High Priesthood is REFERRED TO AS BEING “... THE
ORDER OF MELCHEZEDEK...” and is UNIQUELY SUPERIOR to
the High Priesthood according to the Old
Covenant Order of Aaron, which St Paul explains
in his Epistle to the Hebrews.
 PSALM 109:4 – “... Thou art a Priest forever, according to
the Order of Melchezedek.”
 PSALM 110:4 – “... (The Lord) made a remembrance of
His Wonders. The Lord is Merciful and
Compassionate...”
R D ING TO S T M AR K 8 : 34 – 9 : 1

WE CRUCIFY THE SELFISH DEMANDS, DESIRES AND GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS OF OUR FLESH TO THE CROSS and are
Resurrected into Life in Christ.
 GALATIANS 5:24 – “... those who are Christ’s
(Disciples) have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires...”

The Holy Cross of Christ is OUR MOST VENERATED “BADGE
OF HONOUR” WHEREBY WE LIVE AND DIE IN CHRIST.

By crucifying the demands and destructive passions
of our weak, selfish flesh we gradually BECOME
WORTHY, SANCTIFIED CITIZENS OF GOD’S HEAVENLY
KINGDOM OF LOVE.
3. F O L L O W O U R L O R D J E S U S C H R I S T .

Our Divine Saviour Calls us and we must immediately
BE WILLING TO FOLLOW HIM WHEREVER HE LEADS US.

HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BY NO MEANS EASY, BUT HE
CERTAINLY ENABLES US to continue our Journey, for HE
CARRIES US THROUGH THE MOST DIFFICULT
CIRCUMSTANCES.

By Following Christ, we must IMITATE HIM IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES BY APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH – His
Teachings and Commandments - TO OUR THOUGHTS,
WORDS AND DEEDS.

We need to BECOME CHRIST-LIKE – i.e. SPIRITUALLY
PERFECTED.

This is only possible BY THE DIVINE GRACE AND
EMPOWERMENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT Who grants us
everything essential to our Life in Christ.

Having “...put on Christ...” like a Garment of
Righteousness, we STRIVE TO LIVE IN CHRIST as
previously mentioned.
✶ “...whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but
whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s
will Save it....”

The central paradox of our Life in Christ is that
WHENEVER WE TRY TO GRASP ANYTHING THAT IS TEMPORAL
OF THE CROSS – 22 MARCH 2020
 (material and fleeting), WE LOSE THE ETERNAL, PRICELESS
TREASURES OF HEAVEN.

SELF-DENIAL AND REPENTANCE ENABLES US TO RESIST
TEMPTATIONS AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS, and gain untold,
unimaginable Eternal Blessings.

SINFUL, SELFISH CHOICES AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS CAUSE
SPIRITUAL DEATH by drifting away from God and His
Path of Righteousness, UNTIL WE REPENT AND REGAIN
SPIRITUAL LIFE.

A WELL-BALANCED LIFE IN CHRIST GRANTS US EVERYTHING
THAT IS GOOD, BENEFICIAL, FULFILLING AND ETERNAL.

BY DEDICATING OURSELVES ENTIRELY TO CHRIST AND HIS
DIVINE TRUTH WE ARE GRANTED TRUE FREEDOM filled with
indescribable Love, Peace and Joy.
✶ “...what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in
exchange for his soul? ...”

These are most profound rhetorical questions that
emphasise THE UTTER FOOLISHNESS OF TRYING TO
ACCUMULATE WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND TEMPORARY
SOCIAL STATUS OR POWER – none of which can
Redeem our fallen, unrepentant immortal soul.

Nothing of this temporary, material world benefits us
in Eternity. therefore, we must RESIST THE
TEMPTATIONS THAT DISTRACT US AND LEAD US ASTRAY AND
CAUSE US TO FALL INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH.

ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST LEADS US SAFELY TO OUR
HEAVENLY DESTINATION.

Only BY MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO IMITATE CHRIST our Lord
CAN WE ENDURE AND PROGRESS successfully.
✶ “...whoever is ashamed of Me and My Words in this
adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of
39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 7TH OF TRIODION – 3RD
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, today’s Sacred Lesson concerns the
Divine Mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Passion and
His Life-giving Cross.
Our Saviour Restored and made it possible for our human
nature, which He had assumed, to exist in Eternal Life.
For this reason His Death on the Cross heralded Eternal
Life and Immortality - not only for the human Nature
that He Himself bore, but for all mankind.
Consequently, the Life-giving Cross grants us Joy and
Incorruption as well as many other wonderful aspects
of Spiritual and physical life.
This Spiritual Progress towards the Cross and Death has
become the sole Path of Salvation for us.
If we are to become Sharers in ‘Immortal Life’, we have
also to participate in the Sufferings, the Cross, and the
Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We need to mortify our grievous passions and the selfish
desires of our carnal nature.
Furthermore, we need to Cleanse and Restore our own
nature, our thoughts, words and deeds - and
anything else misleads us into a wasted and sinful
life that is independent and alienated from that
which is good, real and true – especially our close
Relationship with God and each other.
This is what our Lord Jesus Christ means when He Calls us
to Follow Him.
We cannot know our Lord God by any intellectual terms
or scientific means, but only through our unselfish,
humble and obedient sacrifice – when we have
‘crucified’ our own flawed ideas and attitudes, and
dedicated ourselves by submitting to His Divine Will
and Wisdom.
The Saints and Holy Martyrs were willing to suffer with
Christ - not just by Fasting, by humbling themselves
and by almsgiving, but to actually undergo the
ultimate Sacrifice, for which they thanked and
Glorified God.
We can know ‘real life’ only by experiencing suffering
and death.
The best life is when we suffer for Christ and die for Him.
In this life, the greatest Sacrifice is not to suffer a little
bit, or even a lot, but to become as close as possible to
our Lord Jesus Christ, for when the worldly outlook is
crucified within us, then we truly Live in Christ.
We have two choices - one is Life in and with Christ, while
the other is a fruitless existence without Christ and
without His Divine Truth.
39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -7TH TRIODION- 3RD LENT –VENERATION
Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the
Glory of His Father with the Holy Angels...”

IF WE ARE EMBARRASSED OR ASHAMED OF OUR LORD AND HIS
DIVINE TRUTH BECAUSE WE PREFER TO PLEASE OR IMITATE
THOSE WHO ARE ADULTEROUS AND SINFUL, WE WILL SUFFER
THE DIRE, ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES when Christ
Reappears in all His Divine Glory, together with all
His Heavenly Angels and the vast “Clouds of
Witnesses” to judge us.

OUR LORD REPEATEDLY CAUTIONS US AGAINST REJECTING HIM
AND DENYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH in favour of the evil
one’s inventions, lies and deceits.

OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS REVEAL THE DEPTH OF LOVE
FOR GOD AND EACH OTHER.

THE LACK OF LOVE FOR GOD IS REFLECTED BY OUR LACK OF
LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, and vice versa.

It takes much courage and integrity TO STAND FIRMLY
ROOTED IN DIVINE TRUTH IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES - rather
than bowing under or surrendering to the
influence of sin, personal weakness or wicked
inclinations.
✶ “...there are some standing here who will not taste
death until they see the Kingdom of God present...”

This was a reference to ST PETER, ST JAMES AND ST JOHN
WHOM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PERMITTED TO WITNESS HIS
DIVINE TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR, shortly
before His Great Passion and Resurrection.

It is also a reference to THOSE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST IN EVERY GENERATION WHO WILL EXPERIENCE THE
TRUE PRESENCE OF GOD’S KINGDOM
OF LENT – VENERATION OF THE CROSS
Existence without Christ is caused by the egocentric
desires and demands of our carnal nature - of ‘the old
person’’ or our old, wicked selfish nature.
If we never think or speak about God, we cannot fulfil His
Divine Will and we reject any degree of Life in Christ –
living according to His Divine Truth that infinitely
Blesses and Benefits us now and forever.
When we care about – and especially when we become
obsessed by - the accumulation of material
possessions or fleeting social status, wanting only to
enjoy all the deceptive pleasures that entice us into
Spiritual Death and slavery, we will never satisfy the
demands of our carnal nature.
The consequences of such a wasted lifespan is Eternal
Condemnation, perpetual misery and permanent
Spiritual Death in Outer Darkness or the terrifying
bottomless Abyss, exiled forever from God and all His
Loving Goodness.
On the contrary, if we make right choices and follow our
Lord Jesus Christ, we will Spiritually Nourish and
Sustain ourselves – body and soul – as well as our
Relationship, our Love and our Communication with
God and with each other that will Benefit and Bless us
forever.
We need to discipline ourselves so that we no longer are
dominated by the sinful inclinations of our flesh but
are instead guided and Enlightened by our immortal
soul (that tiny Breath of Almighty God when He breathes
Life into us.)
Our immortal soul needs to overcome and control the
‘demands of the flesh, which so fiercely resist and
struggle against the Holy Virtues and Divine Truth,
although we are usually unaware, until we really
suffer and sorrow.
And that is why our Lord Jesus Christ encourages us to
take up our Cross, to deny the pleasure-seeking
desires of our flesh and wicked inclinations of our
fallen, corrupted nature so that we can humble
ourselves and obey the Will of our Heavenly Father –
and thereby attain Eternal Life.
The taking up and carrying of our Cross implies a
voluntary Asceticism – a lifelong Struggle against
temptation and grievous passions, continuous
Repentance of sins and the painful internal Striving
for Spiritual Perfection and Faithful Life in Christ.
Unless we take up our Cross on a daily basis in order to
mortify our sinful inclinations and weaknesses, like all
our good role models, we will not be with Christ.
OF THE CROSS – 22 MARCH 2020 23
By choosing to follow the transient path of our fallen, Divine Truth or reject His Great Mercy and Love, in
selfish nature, we will waste this precious preparatory order to cleave to our physical life and flawed beliefs.
lifespan and eventually lose Eternal Salvation and But if we reject and negate our physical life and
Life. whatever derives from it for Christ’s sake and for Life
Spiritual Death can occur either through our daily in Christ. then we will not only be Saved but also be
habitual routines, because of our desire to enjoy granted Everlasting Life with its indescribable
fleeting pleasures, while being indifferent to God and Blessings of Love, Joy and Peace.
His Divine Will, or in life-threatening circumstances, Amen
when we refuse to bear witness to Christ and His PAVLOS MOUKTAROUDIS
HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2019/03/TAKING-UP-OUR-OWN-CROSS-SUNDAY-OF-THE-
VENERATION-OF-THE-CROSS/
T H E E TE R NAL , I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S

S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA

Wicked envy is unjust hostility towards those who enjoy E LDE R G AV R IIL T SAF OS
something that is good. Envy or jealousy is ceaseless, Our times – our fallen and distressed world – need
uncontrolled hostility, which is a very difficult grievous Monasteries. We all need Saintly and Dedicated
passion that inflames those who are consumed by it to Monks and Nuns to pray for us and to guide us. We
the point where they even disregard their own are all thirsting for True Beauty. We are all hungering
Salvation. Such destructive malice caused by and thirsting for our Lord Jesus Christ and His Divine
grievous passions blackens and destroys everything Truth.
that is good.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T

S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T Our Lord God sees what each of us has in our immortal
The ancient enemy – the evil one – wounds our soul and sou and what our heart is attached to over the greater
sears our heart with ill-will. Unless we quickly heal part of our life. If our Lord had granted us the ability
those Spiritual Wounds with constant and fervent to read the depths of human hearts, then we would
Prayer and Faith, it will cause gangrene in our heart certainly avert our eyes in horror due to the
and soul. Our Lord God also Wounds us but with His innumerable sins and transgressions we would see!
Love, which is sweet, welcoming and warming and
invigorating. S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
Contrition is born of attention, and attention is increased
E LDE R E F SEV IOS Y ANNAKAKIS by contrition. The one engenders and reinforces the
The Greatest Power is the Divine Grace and Truth of our other. Both together give depth to Prayer and,
Lord God. gradually, Life to our heart, which they Cleanse and
Heal.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
God is our Heavenly Father Whom we trust implicitly and E LDE R TH AD DE OS V ITOVNIC
unreservedly as our only True and Loving Father Who We think we know a lot, but what we know is very little.
is All Merciful, Wise, Comforting and unchanging in Even those who strive throughout their life for the
His Divine Love and Perfection. progress of mankind finally realise that their
knowledge is no more than a tiny grain of sand on
M ONASTIC F ATHE R S the seashore. None of our achievements is sufficient!
Spiritual Progress, Beloved Brethren, is Humility and
Obedience. There is no other progress! In other S T AR SE NIOS B OC A
words, the more we descend into Humility and There is nothing more important than knowing our
Obedience, the higher we will Ascent in Spiritual weakness and ignorance. The first step towards
Measure. Wisdom is the recognition of our mistakes. Knowledge
of ourselves and of our errors and sins is the
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS beginning of our Salvation. Those who really know
Integrity is simplicity, innocence and the unsullied Purity the extent of their sinful state are half way along the
of soul. It is a Holy Virtue of the highest value, Path to being Justified.
because it is the Fruit of Spiritual Perfection. Those
who possess integrity contemplate God’s Divine Will S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
day and night – what is good, pleasing and perfect – Those who lead a Spiritual Life see with the sight of their
in order to pursue it. They examin their life and soul how the evil one sets his snares that entrap us
investigate the depth of their heart and soul. They and how the Holy Angels of God guide and protect us,
tolerate nothing within themselves, and quickly and how our Almighty Lord God allows temptations to
remove every wicked desire by expelling every test us, and how He Comforts us...
grievous passion.
O U R H OLY FA THE RS
S T D IM ITR I OF R OSTOV It is far better for parents to speak to God about their
Spiritual Vigilance and our Struggles against demonic children rather than for them to speak to their
evil will continue until the end of our days, and that is children about God.
because the evil one is always watching and waiting
to attack us – never resting, like a ravenous beast that S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC

prowls everywhere, seeking to devour those who have There is a Cataclysm far worse than that of water (flood) –
eluded him. Woebetide to those whom he finds the inundation of grievous passions.
asleep or careless! When the passions begin to burn within us, when they
start smouldering and blackening, when they exude
S T I SAAC THE S YR IAN their stifling stench and spread their damage
As the shadow follows our body, so too, does the infinite everywhere, where and how will we flee and who will
Mercy of our Lord God follow humble reflections. rescue us? Only the Lord our God!
The Cataclysm caused by grievous passions almost
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE engulfed St David the Royal Psalmist, but he escaped
When we turn to our Lord, we must not look at what is by finding Refuge in the strong Embrace of our Lord
happening within ourselves but focus our attention on Most High.
Him while we beseech Him to help us. If our mind He escaped the burning flames, the suffocating smoke
pays full attention to our Lord God, there is no room and the terrible stench of the grievous passions that
for any nasty thoughts. consumed him by finding Shelter and Comfort in our
Lord’s Heavenly Protection.

24 39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -7TH TRIODION- 3RD LENT –VENERATION OF THE CROSS – 22 MARCH 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.
25 MARCH 2020

THE ANNUNCIATION

The Feast of the Feast of St Senuphrios the Confessor& the Independence of Greece

F E STAL M ATINS G OSPEL A CC ORD ING TO S T LU KE 1: 39-49 & 56

At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and
entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth
heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with
the Holy Spirit. And she spoke out with a loud voice, saying: “Blessed art Thou among
women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should
come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of Thy Greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leapt with Joy in
my womb. And Blessed is She Who believed, for there will be a Fulfilment of those Things that were told Her
from the Lord!”
And Mary said: “My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour! For He has regarded the
lowly state of His Maidservant. For behold! Henceforth all generations will call me ‘Blessed.’ For He Who is
Mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name...”
... And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
✶ ON ALL GREAT FEASTS OF OUR LADY, the Ever Blessed and All  JEREMIAH 1:5 “... Before I formed Thee in the womb, I
Holy Theotokos these passages are always READ AND knew Thee, and before Thou were born, I
CONTEMPLATED. Sanctified Thee. I established Thee as a Prophet
✶ “...Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, to the Nations...”
to a city of Judah...” WHERE THE TEMPLE PRIESTS AND
GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND HIS CALLING ARE WOVEN
THEIR FAMILIES RESIDED. TOGETHER.

Soon after the Annunciation and the Conception of ✶ “... Blessed art Thou among women...” These words
God Incarnate, our Ever Blessed Lady went FROM express THE PROFOUND VENERATION OF THE ALL PURE,
NAZARETH TO HEBRON. (See notes of 15 August 2019) HOLY AND EVER BLESSED MOTHER OF GOD from both the
Hebron was one of the cities assigned to the Levitical Priests Heavenly Angelic Hosts and mankind.
(and their families) who served various Sacred Duties at
ST GABRIEL, THE HOLY ARCHANGEL OF GOD AND BEARER OF
the Great Temple in Jerusalem. GOOD TIDINGS to mankind HAD GREETED OUR LADY
It is situated about 19 miles or 30 kilometres to the South of THEOTOKOS WITH THIS PROCLAMATION, which is
Jerusalem. It was the second largest city after Gaza, on similarly proclaimed by St Elizabeth.
the west bank, and is venerated for its association with ✶ “... and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb!” is THE DIVINELY
Abraham, being thus regarded as the second Holiest city INSPIRED DECLARATION OF FAITH.
after Jerusalem. By the Power and Inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, ST
“... Zachariah and ...Elizabeth...” ELIZABETH ACKNOWLEDGED AND BLESSED THE DIVINE

ST ZACHARIAH WAS OF THE PRIESTLY TRIBE OF LEVITES AND CHRIST-CHILD Who is indeed our long-awaited
SERVED AS A HIGH PRIEST in the Temple of Jerusalem,
Messiah/Saviour.
and his wife, ST ELIZABETH WAS A SISTER OF ST ANNA,
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US GREAT KNOWLEDGE AND
Mother of our Lady, Theotokos. UNDERSTANDING that is far beyond our natural

Similar to the Venerable Parents of Panagia - St abilities.
Ioachim and St Anna – the Marriage of ST
G OD CREATED BOTH HIS HEAVENLY ANGELS AND HIS BELOVED
MANKIND AS INTELLECTUAL BEINGS, to whom,
ZACHARIAH AND ST ELIZABETH HAD BEEN CHILDLESS UNTIL,
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD, A BELOVED CHILD WAS
according to His Divine Will, HE GRANTS
EXTRAORDINARY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
GRANTED TO THEM.

The young Virgin Mary went to her maternal aunt, St
It is GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT Who by His Divine Grace
ENABLES US TO ACQUIRE ABILITIES THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR
Elizabeth, for guidance and advice.
OUR EARTHLY SOJOURN AND, ESPECIALLY, FOR OUR
✶ “...when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary... the
babe leapt in her womb...” SPIRITUAL PROGRESS - the development and

ST ELIZABETH AND ST JOHN BOTH REACTED WITH INTENSE JOY strengthening of our immortal soul.
AT THE VERY PRESENCE OF OUR LORD Who had been
✶ “...the Mother of my Lord...” St Elizabeth confessed the
Conceived in Panagia’s Virginal Womb. Truth that THE ALL PURE VIRGIN MARY IS INDEED THE

ST ELIZABETH HAD CONCEIVED ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND MOTHER OF OUR LORD GOD.
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS BEFORE
The most excellent and worthy Title “THEOTOKOS”
THE INCARNATION of our Lord Jesus Christ in His All
means that She IS TRULY THE IMMACULATE BEARER OF
Pure Mother’s Womb. GOD INCARNATE – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus

St John leapt for Joy Christ.
1. IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – even
HER CONFESSION AND OTHERS SIMILAR TO IT, whereby we
though they were both still growing in their address Her, as Faithful Disciples of Christ and
respective Mothers’ wombs. Orthodox Christians, THEREBY CONFIRM AND DECLARE
THAT THE DIVINE INFANT of Her All Pure, Sanctified
2. WHEN HE HEARD THE LOVELY VOICE OF THE ONE WHO IS
Womb IS BOTH HUMAN AND DIVINE, for He is the
FULL OF (DIVINE) GRACE -“Keharitomeni.”
Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of our
✶ St Elizabeth “... was filled with the Holy Spirit...” Who is
Heavenly Father and also “the Son of Man(kind)”
ALWAYS PRESENT AND WORKING IN PERFECT UNITY with our

At the Festal Vespers of the Annunciation, we joyfully
Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. proclaim “... It is the Word of God Who dwells in

WHEN THE INCARNATION OF THE GOD-MAN OCCURRED at the
Her!...”
Annunciation, DIVINE PROPHECY RESUMED IN ISRAEL.
It is of special significance that WHILE HIS PHYSICAL BODY

ST JOHN, THE LAST AND GREATEST HOLY PROPHET OF GOD, WAS ONLY BEGINNING TO FULLY FORM AS GOD INCARNATE
ANNOUNCED THE PRESENCE OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR by
in the Womb of His Ever Blessed Mother, OUR DIVINE
Rejoicing in his Mother’s womb. SAVIOUR WAS ETERNALLY THE SON OF GOD our Heavenly

HIS JOYFULNESS FULFILLED THE INSPIRED PROPHECY OF ST
Father.
JEREMIAH

THE ANNUNCIATION 25 MARCH 25


THIS DIVINE TRUTH UTTERLY REFUTES AND REJECTS THE FALLEN,
CORRUPTED WORLD VIEW THAT ABORTION IS ACCEPTABLE –
that terrible, cruel and brutal murder of innocent
children – BECAUSE THEY DO NOT REGARD THAT INFANT
BEING AS AN IDENTIFIABLE PERSON – “only a foetus!” -
but in Truth, already A HUMAN BEING WITH A HEART
AND IMMORTAL SOUL, THAT SUFFERS FROM ANY PAIN,
DISCOMFORT OR TRAUMA INFLICTED UPON HIM OR HER IN
THE WOMB!
✶ “... My soul Magnifies the Lord...” is an ancient Inspired
Hymn of St Hannah. (1 KINGS 2:1 -10)

It is now referred to as “the Magnificat” or
“Megalinarion” for it was sung from the overjoyed
heart of our Lady, Theotokos.

The Megalinarion is chanted during Matins and
teaches us:
1. Faithful Christians of every generation HONOUR AND
VENERATE THE EVER BLESSED, ALL PURE AND HOLY VIRGIN
MARY, THEOTOKOS, just as She had prophesied.
2. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE THE DIVINELY INSPIRED HOLY
SCRIPTURE WITHOUT VENERATING AND HONOURING OUR LADY
– the Mother of God Incarnate!
3. SHE ASCRIBES THE DIVINE MIRACLE OF THE INCARNATION TO
ALMIGHTY GOD Who is THE EXCLUSIVE SOURCE OF DIVINE
GRACE.
4. Everything about our Lady Theotokos shows Her
natural, deep LOVE, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND WISDOM.
5. Through the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God, OUR
TRIUNE LORD GOD IS OUR ETERNAL SOVEREIGN RULER FOR HE
REIGNS OVER ALL HIS CREATION.
✶ “...my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour ...” – Her All
Pure soul Rejoiced, because
1. SHE WAS CHOSEN BY GOD to carry His Son in Her Virginal
Womb
2. THE DIVINE INFANT SHE CARRIED WAS THE LONG-AWAITED
MESSIAH for Whom the Old Covenant Prophets and
Scriptures had prepared God’s People for
centuries.
3. THE DIVINE SAVIOUR WOULD SAVE GOD’S FAITHFUL – and all
mankind - FROM THE CURSE OF ANCESTRAL SIN.
✶ “...For He has regarded the lowly state of His
Maidservant...”- expresses Her utter amazement as
F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON – O
well as HER PROFOUND HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO
GOD.
“...all generations will call me ‘Blessed.’ For He Who is
Mighty has done great things for me...”

This is A STATEMENT OF DIVINE TRUTH.

This expresses THE RAMIFICATIONS OF BEING THE ACTUAL
MOTHER OF GOD (INCARNATE) – THE EVER BLESSED
MOTHER OF THE DIVINE MESSIAH Who had been
awaited for centuries.

Her genuine Humility would never have even hoped
to receive THIS GREATEST OF ALL DIVINE HONOURS AND
GRACE.

THE OLD COVENANT JUDEANS – especially those who
studied the Holy Scriptures – KNEW THAT “A VIRGIN”
WOULD GIVE BIRTH TO THE GREAT MESSIAH.

SHE HAD STUDIED THE HOLY SCRIPTURES throughout Her
childhood at the Temple, so was well aware of
that prophesy BUT CERTAINLY HAD NEVER EXPECTED TO
BE THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.

NOT ONLY IS OUR LADY THEOTOKOS “EVER BLESSED,” BUT SHE IS
ALSO “EVER VIRGIN,” having taken a Sacred Vow of
Chastity that would never be broken.
✶ “... Holy is His Name...” - THE NAME OF OUR LORD GOD – of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit – IS
INDEED MOST SACRED AND SHOULD BE SPOKEN WITH UTMOST
RESPECT, LOVE AND AWE.

BY INVOKING ANY OF THE NAMES WHEREBY WE ADDRESS OUR
TRIUNE LORD GOD, WE BESEECH HIS GREAT MERCY AND
LOVE.

HIS NAME IS A PRAYER in itself.

Thus, USING OUR LORD’S NAME IN VAIN – as an ‘expletive’
or mockingly - IS ANATHEMA and to be avoided at
all costs!
✶ “... Mary remained with her about three months...” refers
to THE FIRST TRIMESTER of Her Sacred Pregnancy.

THE YOUNG, INNOCENT VIRGIN NEEDED THE GUIDANCE AND
ADVICE OF HER ELDERLY AUNT AS SHE HAD NO MOTHER to
help Her understand the changes occurring in Her
Ever Virginal Body.

By the time the Ever Blessed Virgin returned to Her
home, ST ELIZABETH WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER HER OWN
SON, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST.
D E OF T HE OTOKOS (LU KE 1) TO NE 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!

For He regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 9: 1 - 7
Brethren: the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, and a worldly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was prepared:
the first part, in which was the Lampstand, the Table, and the Showbread, which is called ‘the Sanctuary.’ Behind
the Second Veil, was the part of the Tabernacle, which is called ‘Holy of Holies,’ which had the Golden Censer and
the Ark of the Covenant, overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was the Golden Pot that had the Manna, Aaron’s
Rod that budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy
Seat. Of these we can no longer speak these days. When these Things had been thus prepared, the Priests always
went into the first part of the Tabernacle, performing the Services. Into the second part only the High Priest went -
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins.
✶ This passage is read during the Great Feasts of our carefully to the Divine Truth and Struggling to
Lady Theotokos and Advent (before the Feast of apply it to our own thoughts, words and deeds.
the Nativity of Christ) in order to DESCRIBE THE GREAT ✶ “...Behind the Second Veil, ...the ‘Holy of Holies’...” – this is
HOLY MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION OF THE ETERNAL SON A MOST IMPORTANT DETAIL.
OF GOD.
THE SECOND VEIL SEPARATED THE HOLY PLACE – the Holy
✶ “...Ordinances of Divine Service and the Earthly Sanctuary – FROM THE MOST HOLY PLACE – the Holy of
Sanctuary...” of the “First” or Old Covenant, Holies or the Holiest of All.
PREFIGURED THE ETERNAL, HEAVENLY ALTAR.
THE MYSTERIOUS ‘ARK OF THE COVENANT’ with its “Mercy

The earthly Temple in Jerusalem and the Old Seat’ was kept in the Holy of Holies.
Covenant Holy Services were ESTABLISHED
THE MOST SACRED HOLY RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT were
ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL. preserved in the Ark of the Covenant.
✶ “...A Tabernacle was prepared...” according to Divine 1. THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA,
Will, just as the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary’s Womb 2. AARON’S ROD,
was prepared as the Holy Tabernacle (Temple) of 3. THE DIVINE LAW CARVED ON STONE TABLETS
Christ – THE SANCTIFIED DWELLING-PLACE OF OUR DIVINE
THE SECOND, INNER VEIL FORMS THE LOCUS OF THE
SAVIOUR. LITURGICAL PRACTICE OF THE OLD COVENANT.
✶ “...the first part ... is called ‘the Sanctuary...’ this is THE
It demonstrated THE IMPERFECTIONS OF THE OLD COVENANT
OUTER VISIBLE PART OF THE HOLY TEMPLE, which the WORSHIP.
Faithful could enter and present their offerings, 1. THE FAITHFUL COULD NOT DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
pray and worship. 2. ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD ENTER the Holy of Holies

It was A SACRED PLACE OF SANCTUARY FOR THE FAITHFUL. 3. but ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR.

OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, IS OUR SANCTUARY because WE CAN 4. BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS REQUIRED for the Atonement of
APPROACH HER AND BESEECH HER TO INTERCEDE WITH GOD the High Priest’s sins as well as those of the
ON OUR BEHALF for the Salvation of our soul and Faithful.
Deliverance from temptations and the evil one. 5. THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE CONSISTED ENTIRELY WITH

As our Most Holy Protector, WE BESEECH HER GUIDANCE, MATERIALS FROM THIS TEMPORARY AGE, which
WISDOM AND HOLY VIRTUES. cannot begin a participation in the Age to

WE STRIVE TO IMITATE OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS’ SINCERE come.
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE to God by listening 6. The Atonement Offering dealt mainly with the
outer being for it was SUPERFICIAL AND COULD NOT
26 THE ANNUNCIATION 25 MARCH
 PURIFY MANKIND’S HEART, MIND OR SOUL – LET ALONE
RESTORE OUR FALLEN HUMAN NATURE.

At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
RESOLVED OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM
GOD. (MATTHEW 27:51)

The New (Bloodless) Covenant is FOR ALL MANKIND AND
GRANTS US ETERNAL SALVATION.
✶ “...the Cherubim of Glory...” upon which OUR LORD GOD IS
ETERNALLY ENTHRONED.

Cherubim are MANY-EYED AND MANY-WINGED ANGELS OF
GOD.

They are SECOND IN RANK TO THE SERAPHIM and are
ALWAYS INEFFABLY RADIANT WITH THE LIGHT OF THE
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

“Cherubim” means THOSE OF GREAT UNDERSTANDING –
POSSESSING AN EFFUSION OF WISDOM.

DEPICTIONS OF CHERUBIM
1. DECORATED THE ANCIENT TEMPLE’S MOST HOLY
SANCTUARY – THE HOLY OF HOLIES.
2. were ON EITHER SIDE OF THE MERCY SEAT upon which
God is seated, whence He addresses His
Faithful.
3. ON THE FIRST AND SECOND VEILS of the Tabernacle.
4. are embroidered on, or woven into the material of
LITURGICAL VEILS, AERS, VESTMENTS to this day.

DURING THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN DIVINE LITURGY THE HYMN
OF THE CHERUBIM IS CHANTED.
✶ “...overshadowing the Mercy Seat...” UPON WHICH
ALMIGHTY GOD IS ENTHRONED in the midst of His Holy
Nation of Israel.

THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY
DEPICTIONS OF CHERUBIM.

THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the
Holy Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty
and detailed workmanship of everything that was
made for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST
HOLY ICONS OF THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31)

This and various other passages PUT TO REST THE FEAR
THAT THE SECOND DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF GOD
PROHIBITS ALL IMAGERY. (EXODUS 20: 4 – 6)

GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT BE
REPRESENTED OR DEPICTED because their Divine
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING
At that time, He entered a certain village. A woman named ‘Martha’ welcomed Him into her house. And she had a
sister called ‘Mary,’ who sat at Jesus’ Feet, listening to His Word. Martha was distracted with much serving. She
approached and said: “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help
me!” Jesus answered and said to her: “Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled about many things. One
thing is needed. Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
... As He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him: “Blessed is the Womb
that bore Thee, and the Breasts that nursed Thee!”
He replied: “More than that: Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep It!”
✶ “... a certain village...” was BETHANY, which was situated VERY CLOSE TO JERUSALEM, AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES.

It was THE SITE OF AN ALMSHOUSE FOR THE POOR AND THE
SICK.

The pious siblings - ST MARY, ST MARTHA AND ST LAZAROS –
LIVED IN BETHANY AND OFTEN HOSTED OUR LORD AND HIS
DISCIPLES.

ST SIMON THE LEPER ALSO RESIDED IN BETHANY and one
day, while our Lord Jesus had dined with him, a
repentant woman had anointed Christ with costly
Myrrh, which was objected to by Judas Iscariot.
✶ St Mary of Bethany “... sat at Jesus’ Feet and heard His
Word. But Martha was distracted...”

The different attitudes of the two devoted sisters are
contrasted.

We can either TAKE TIME TO LISTEN CAREFULLY AND PAY
CLOSE ATTENTION TO GOD’S WORDS OF DIVINE TRUTH, or
become so distracted by worldly cares and
obligations that we learn nothing Beneficial to our
Eternal Salvation.

ST MARTHA OF BETHANY FELT OBLIGED TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR
GUESTS before taking time to listen to Christ WHEREAS
ST MARY OF BETHANY DID NOT WANT TO MISS ANYTHING HE
SPOKE OF.
Both women Loved Christ and were utterly devoted to
Him but THEIR PRIORITIES WERE DIFFERENT – JUST LIKE
OURS.

BEING SEATED AT THE FEET OF OUR LORD SIGNIFIED ST MARY’S
ACTIVE VIRTUE – HER READINESS TO FULFIL HIS TEACHINGS
AND COMMANDMENTS to the best of her ability – AS
WELL AS IMPLYING HER STEADFASTNESS AND CONSTANCY.
Nature is unknowable and cannot be depicted
nor described.

GOD THE SON – OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST - CAN
BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, for He is
God-Man and thus His human Nature can and is
imaged.

CHRIST LEFT US HIS HOLY ICON IMPRINTED ON THE FACE-
CLOTH AND SHROUD that were found by St Peter and
St John in His Empty Tomb.

In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST “NOT MADE
BY HANDS” IS HELD ALOFT BY TWO CHERUBIM,(OFTEN
SITUATED OVER THE ROYAL GATES OF THE ICONOSTASION.)
The Eternal Unity and Presence of God our Heavenly Father
and God the Holy Spirit with Christ is usually depicted as
two differently coloured shapes behind the Figure of our
Lord such as in the Holy Icon of the Transfiguration.
The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit as an
Old Man and a White Dove is a modern, western
influenced heresy, because the Persons of the Holy
Trinity may only be depicted as three identical “Angels”
such as at the Oaks of Mamre – “the Hospitality of
Abraham.”
They NEVER manifested visibly at any other time and our
Lord Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that whoever
has seen Him, has also seen His Co-Eternal, Co-Essential
Father (and thus also the Holy Spirit!) mp
✶ “...Of these we can no longer speak...” because ONLY
THE HIGH PRIEST IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HOLY OF
HOLIES – and then only once a year as previously
mentioned.
At the time of the three-year-old Virgin Mary’s Entrance into
the Temple, the Temple was being renovated.
She had run up the stairs and entered the Holy of Holies
where She was later permitted to spend time adorning the
walls, etc with Her beautifully woven and embroidered
Liturgical Adornments.
She kept many Truths “in Her heart” and never spoke of
them, unless something was significant to our Eternal
Salvation.
At the Annunciation, the Ever Virgin Mary became ‘the Holy
of Holies,’ ‘the Sacred Sanctuary,’ and ‘the Sacred Ark’
while carrying the Infant Christ in Her All Pure Womb.
TO S T LU KE 10 : 38 - 42 & 11 : 27 – 28

WHOEVER SITS AT THE FEET OF CHRIST AND STEADFASTLY
FOLLOWS AND IMITATES HIM IS INDEED ESTABLISHED IN ALL
ACTIVE VIRTUES.

WE, TOO, MUST BE IN CONTROL OF OUR GRIEVOUS PASSIONS,
AND STRIVE TO ATTAIN DIVINE VISION, like St Mary of
Bethany, OR, IF NOT STRONG ENOUGH, we must be like
St Martha and DEVOTE OURSELVES TO ACTIVE VIRTUE BY
WARMLY WELCOMING CHRIST.
✶ “... You are worried and troubled about many things...”

HOSPITALITY IS A VIRTUE, YET PAYING ATTENTION TO THE
WORDS OF CHRIST - so that we might apply them to
ourselves - IS AN EVEN GREATER HOLY VIRTUE.

ALTHOUGH FOOD NOURISHES OUR BODY, THE DIVINE TRUTH
SUSTAINS OUR SOUL.

DIVINE TRUTH ENLIVENS OUR IMMORTAL SOUL AND ENABLES US
TO OPERATE AT OUR FULL CAPACITY.

OUR KIND-HEARTED LORD DID NOT REBUKE ST MARTHA FOR
WANTING TO SERVE THEM well by providing a good
meal for everyone, BUT RATHER FOR COMPLAINING
ABOUT HER SISTER AND FOR BEING SO DISTRACTED BY HER
WORLDLY CONCERNS.

Only when she tried to draw her sister away from
listening did our Lord rebuke her because
ALTHOUGH HOSPITALITY IS HONOURABLE, IT SHOULD NOT
CAUSE TURMOIL NOR DRAW US AWAY FROM WHAT IS MORE
IMPORTANT FOR US.

According to St Theophylact “... when hospitality
begins to hinder us from doing what is more
important, then paying attention to the Divine
Truth of God is preferable.”
THE ANNUNCIATION 25 MARCH 27

St Martha missed the point and the Purpose of His Visit
to their home, while her sister, Mary, took
advantage of the occasion to learn whatever she
could from Christ.

OUR LORD DOES NOT FORBID HOSPITALITY BUT RATHER
EXTRAVAGANCE, DISTRACTIONS AND ANXIETY CAUSED BY IT
Hospitality ought to be simple so that we are able to
pay full attention to what is being spoken.

ST MARTHA SIGNIFIED ACTIVE VIRTUE WHILE ST MARY SIGNIFIES
DIVINE VISION.

St Theophylact explained that “... action entails
distractions and disturbances but Divine Vision,
having become the ruler of grievous passions,
devotes itself entirely to the Contemplation of
Divine Words and Judgements.”
✶ “... One Thing is needed... which will not be taken
away...”

WE MUST PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CHRIST’S
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS AND THEN APPLY EVERY
ONE OF THEM TO OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.

St Theophylact pointed out that “... Activity has a part
that will be taken away from it – the cares and
distractions that accompany it, for as we
progress and attain to Divine Vision, we are freed
from distractions and troubles...
However, “... those who are engaged in Divine Vision
shall never be deprived of ‘... that good part...’
which is the Vision of God ... when they are
Deified.
“Those who are found worthy to see God become
God-like...”
T H E A NNU NC IATION
Today is a bright and joyful Feast Day for all mankind,
because we celebrate the Annunciation – the day
Archangel Gabriel brought the Divine Message of our
Salvation to the Virgin Mary.
God came to be Born in the Flesh, to dwell in a human
Body, to expunge the Curse, to bridge the gap that
separated God from mankind.
The Lord of all Creation asked the permission of a Person
whom He had created, to plight Himself to the
lowliness of her (human) nature.
Today the Ineffable Magnitude of God’s Mercy is
revealed towards us rebellious and sinful people.
He Who is Boundless came into nature and became the
Son of a human being, by taking on the “form of a
servant” and by taking on our same created flesh and
human condition, with the exception of sin.
In Spring, (in the northern hemisphere) - the season of
the renewal of nature, the Son and Word of God
adopted our human nature and dwell within it.
The “New Adam” came to remake and remould mankind
in a Second Creation, to offer us the Paradise lost by
the first Adam after the first Creation.
Humble Nazareth becomes the New Eden for mankind.
Our Merciful Father thereby demonstrated that He has
not forgotten the Works of His Hands, which is why,
today, we have every reason to Rejoice and be glad
for the Great Gift that has been presented to us.
After the disastrous exchange between Eve and the
primordial enemy, there came the Saving Encounter
of another Woman with God’s Holy Archangel.
Her initial distress at the Extraordinary Annunciation was
followed by Her immediate submission to the Will of
God and Her voluntary agreement to participate in
God’s Divine Plan for our Redemption from the bonds
of corruption and sin.
After Her mixed emotions of intense Fear and Joy, the
Most Holy Virgin did not reject the Great Benefaction,
and the Divine Mystery of our Salvation began.
From that moment, God began to work with the free
consent (will) of a human being and thereby the Most
When asked “Who is Paradise?’ our wise Holy Elder
replied: “‘Christ! for when we Love our Lord Jesus
Christ, despite the painful awareness of the depth of
our sinfulness and weaknesses, we also have the
assurance that we have overcome Death since we are
in Communion with Divine Love. And may God grant
us to behold our Lord’s Face, here on Earth and
wherever we are going.”
28 THE ANNUNCIATION

By our own Humility and Obedience to God, we
BECOME LIVING EXAMPLES OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL, thereby
SERVING OUR LORD AND FACILITATING THE SPREAD OF HIS
DIVINE TRUTH.
✶ “...Blessed is the Womb that bore Thee...”

While the smug Pharisees and Scribes had slandered
and blasphemed the Divine Miracles of Christ
Jesus, THIS SIMPLE AND GUILELESS WOMAN PRAISED AND
GLORIFIED THEM through HER WORDS that WORTHILY
HONOURED AND REVERENCED HIS ALL PURE AND HOLY
MOTHER.
✶ “... ‘More than that...’” - OUR SWEET LORD CORRECTED HER –
not by denouncing His Ever Blessed Mother, but BY
EMPHASISING HER AMAZING FAITH AND LIFE OF HUMBLE
OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL THINGS.

The Greek word “Menounge,” is also translated as
“Yes, indeed!” for IT CORRECTS BY AMPLIFYING – NOT BY
NEGATING.
✶ “...Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and
keep it!”

Our Lord Jesus is very clear that THOSE WHO LISTEN
CAREFULLY AND THEN DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO APPLY
EVERY DIVINE WORD OF TEACHING AND COMMANDMENT
TO THEIR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS – as our Lady,
Theotokos did throughout Her entire Life – ARE
INDEED BLESSED BY GOD.

Thus, OUR LADY THEOTOKOS IS MAGNIFIED AND BLESSED BY
GOD AND ALL MANKIND FOREVER – not only because
She consented to bear our Great Divine Saviour,
but – “... more than that...” BECAUSE SHE WAS – FROM
HER EARLIEST CHILDHOOD – HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT TO
GOD IN ALL THINGS.
Pure Virgin Mary wedded Her Sacred Virginity to
Child-bearing.
He Who shares Eternal Being and the Heavenly Throne
with His Father, became Incarnate in order to make
us sharers in His Divine Nature.
What a Great and Most Unique Event! Without emerging
from His Divinity, He Who existed before all Creation,
came together with a human being - and in a short
while emerged as an Infant – as Man.
And the Mystery of our Salvation is just as Extraordinary
for Divine Mercy overlooks the penance for
disobedience, and overshadows our fallen human
nature.
Without losing His own Glory, He makes the Virgin the
Palace of Divine Glory.
The Ever Blessed Virgin became the means for the
Restoration of mankind to the Office for which we
were originally destined.
The bitter taste of the fruit of disobedience receded,
because it is superseded by the Divine Sweetness of
“...water changed into Life...” and the Bread of Life is
granted to us in abundance by Him Who now is
Himself a human Person and similar to “...the siblings,
so that He may be Merciful.”
Today, the will of our flesh is Healed and the
Inexhaustible Riches of Salvation are returned to us.
Together with St Gabriel, the Holy Archangel of God, all
Creation praises the Ever-Virgin Mother of God and
offer our Salutations of Thanksgiving for the fact that
She became the earthly Mother of the Lord of
Creation.
We thank Her for correcting Eve’s error and for
ceaselessly Interceding with God on our behalf, so
that we could be Reconciled and Reunited with Him.
She who was dedicated to God as the Living Temple Not
Made By Hands, has torn down the barrier of sin and
has granted us Inexpressible Joy, which is why She
deserves our Eternal Honour and Gratitude.
PETROS PANAYIOTOPOULOS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, FACULTY OF THEOLOGY, ARISTOTLE
UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS
Only the Son of God can free us, because He is Himself
True Freedom. Only if we follow Him are we able to
remain free and can cast off the slavery of sin.
So, if we wish to be free, we should follow Christ our
Saviour in all circumstances!
25 MARCH
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
TONE (8) PLAGAL 4 29 MARCH 2020

40TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4TH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT
SUNDAY OF ST JOHN KLIMAKOS

The Feast of St Mark, Bishop of Arethusa – St Cyril the Deacon & fellow Martyrs of Heliopolis – St John
the Anchorite of Egypt – St Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia St Mark, St Jonah and St Bassa,
Founders of Pskov Caves Monastery – St Nikitas, Holy Schema-Monk of Roslavl Forests

R ESUR REC TION G OSP EL 8 - JO H N 20 : 11 - 18

PROKEIMENON – PSALM 103/104 – TONE 4

Magnified shalt be Thy Work, O Lord; all things Thou hast made in Wisdom
Bless, O my soul, the Lord. O my God, Thou art exceedingly Magnified!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 6 : 13 – 20
Brethren: when God made a Promise to Abraham, because He could Swear by no one greater, He Swore by Himself,
saying: ‘Surely Blessing I will Bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.’
And so after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the Promise, for mankind indeed swears by the greater,
and an Oath for Confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.
Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the Heir of Promise the immutability of His Counsel, Confirmed It by
an Oath, so that by two immutable Things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong Consolation,
who have fled for Refuge to lay hold of the Hope set before us.
This Hope we have as an Anchor of the soul – both sure and steadfast – and which enter the Presence behind the Veil,
where the Forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the Order of
Melchizedek.
✶ "... when God made a Promise to Abraham... He Swore
Our Faith and Hope is indeed most surely and
by Himself, saying: ‘Surely Blessing I will Bless thee, steadfastly anchored to our Lord God, for
and multiplying I will multiply thee.’ ...” otherwise we drift away, being easily lured into sin
T he Promise that God made to St Abraham concerned A and Spiritual Death.
SON WHO WOULD BE BORN TO HIM AND HIS EQUALLY ELDERLY
Through our Lord Jesus we are able to Enter the Holy
AND BARREN WIFE, ST SARAH. of Holies – to approach and to encounter the Very
ST ISAAC WAS THE HEIR THROUGH WHOM GOD WOULD GREATLY Presence of our Lord God.
MULTIPLY THE FAMILY OF ST ABRAHAM.
the term“...behind the Veil...” is a reference to THE
✶ “...after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained HEAVENLY ALTAR, WHICH IS SERVED BY OUR LORD AND
the Promise...” SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST .

Faith in God requires profound BELIEF, CONFIDENCE, ✶ the Forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having
TRUST, PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE. become High Priest forever according to the Order

Faith in God is our NEVER-ENDING HOPE OF FULFILMENT. of Melchizedek....”

When we patiently endure, like St Abraham, we, too,
Our Lord Jesus Christ Ascended visibly and physically
will obtain all Divine Promises. as Man into Heaven, thereby elevating our human
✶ “...an Oath for Confirmation is ... an end of all dispute...” Nature to the greatest Most Sacred Heights.

VOWS AND OATHS ARE ABSOLUTELY SACRED.
He is there our Forerunner because He Ascended into

Once made, THEY CANNOT BE BROKEN AND THUS OUGHT TO His Heavenly Kingdom in His Incarnate Nature –
BE UTTERLY TRUSTWORTHY AND DEPENDABLE. He is the First Fruit of Spiritually Perfected mankind
✶ “...by two immutable Things ... it is impossible for God to to enter the Eternal Kingdom of God.
lie, ... (whereby we) have strong Consolation, ...
He is also our one and only MOST HIGH PRIEST OF THE
Refuge ... Hope ... “ ETERNAL HOLY PRIESTHOOD ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF

These refer to GOD’S DIVINE PROMISE AND OATH UPON MELCHIZEDEK – an ancient King and Priest of the Old
WHICH WE CAN ALWAYS AND UNFAILINGLY DEPEND. Covenant whose Holy Priesthood was equally

As Orthodox Christians WE NEVER SWEAR OATHS OR MAKE Eternal.
VOWS UNLESS WE INTEND TO UPHOLD THEM AT ALL COSTS,
ONLY AFTER CHRIST’S HARROWING OF HADES, WERE THE OLD
even unto death! COVENANT RIGHTEOUS SET FREE TO REST IN PEACE IN

We are strictly instructed to “ Let your ‘yes’ be yes and GOD’S RE-OPENED PARADISE, together with all His New
your ‘no’ be no!” Covenant Saints, Righteous and Faithful, until the

This is a severe exhortation to ALWAYS BE TRUTHFUL AND Eighth Day – the Day of the General Resurrection
SINCERE in all our dealings and circumstances. of all mankind and Final Judgement Day of all
✶ “...This Hope we have as an Anchor of the soul – both Creation.
sure and steadfast – and which enter the Presence
behind the Veil...”
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M AR K 9 : 17 – 31
At that time, one of the multitude said to our Lord Jesus Christ: “Teacher, I brought Thee my son who has a mute spirit.
And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I
spoke to Thy Disciples, that they could cast it out, but they could not.” He answered him and said: “O faithless
generation! How long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.”
And they brought him to Him. And when he saw Jesus, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the
ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. And He asked his father: “How long has this been happening to
him?” And he said: “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy
him. But if Thou can do anything, have Compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him: “If you can believe - all

40TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-9TH TRIODION-4TH LENT-ST JOHN KLIMAKOS - 29 MARCH 2020 29
 things are possible to him who believes.” And immediately the father of the child cried out with tears: “Lord, I
believe! Help my unbelief!”
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirits, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb
spirit: I command you, come out of him, and enter him no more!” And the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly,
and went out of him. And he became as though dead, so that many said: “he is dead!” And Jesus took him by the
hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
And when He had gone into the house, His Disciples asked Him privately: “Why could we not cast it out?” And He said to
them: “This kind can come out by nothing but Prayer and Fasting.”
And they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His
Disciples: “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men who will kill Him. “And after He is dead, He
will rise the Third Day.”
✶ “...Teacher, I brought Thee my son who has a mute
spirit... it seizes him, ... throws him down... foams at
the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid.
So I spoke to Thy Disciples, that they could cast it
out, but they could not...”

According to St Matthew’s account of this incident, THE
DESPERATE FATHER of the epileptic boy HAD KNELT
DOWN BEFORE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHICH REVEALED
HIS HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION .

Although .HE OBVIOUSLY REGARDED OUR LORD JESUS AS a
powerful Teacher and Holy Person, HE LACKED
PERSONAL FAITH IN GOD.

THE EPILEPTIC SEIZURES WERE CAUSED BY THE DEMONIC
ATTACKS and not simply due to a debilitating
affliction, which is PROVED BY CHRIST’S WORDS SHORTLY
THEREAFTER.

THE INABILITY OF THE DISCIPLES to Heal the son also
PROVED THE STUBBORNNESS AND DETERMINATION OF THE
EVIL SPIRIT.
✶ “...O faithless generation! How long shall I be with you?
How long shall I bear with you? ...”
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REBUKED HIS APOSTLES, ALL THOSE WHO
WITNESSED THE INCIDENT, AS WELL AS THE FATHER, which
had prevented the Exorcism and Healing of his son.
These Words expressed the frustration of our Lord Who
had to continuously contend with so many who were
faithless, who doubted or who failed to grasp His
Divine Truth.

According to St John Chrysostom THIS REBUKE OF CHRIST
WAS ACTUALLY DIRECTED AT THE NINE DISCIPLES WHO
COULD NOT CAST OUT THE DEMON that caused the
young boy’s epileptic fits, WHEREAS THE “PILLARS OF
FAITH,” ST PETER, ST JAMES AND ST JOHN, WERE NOT
INCLUDED IN THE REBUKE, since they had been on
Mount Tabor with our Lord Jesus Christ, where
they had witnessed His Glorious Transfiguration.
✶ “... when he saw Jesus, immediately the spirit convulsed
him...”
THE EVIL SPIRIT IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISED AND FEARED CHRIST so
HE TRIED YET AGAIN TO HARM OR SHAME THE EPILEPTIC SON
AND HIS FATHER.
✶ “...From childhood... he has thrown him both into the
fire and into the water to destroy him...”

NO MATTER WHAT THE DEMONS TRY TO DO TO US, THEY CANNOT
KILL US.

They use all their wicked influence to STIR UP AND
INFLAME OUR OWN WEAKNESSES AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS IN
ORDER TO CAUSE US TO HARM OURSELVES OR OTHERS by
doing their filthy work for them.
✶ “...have Compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to
him: “If you can believe - all things are possible to
him who believes.” And immediately the father ...
cried out with tears: “Lord, I believe! Help my
unbelief!”

These words convey THE DEEP ANGUISH AND HOPE OF THE
DESPERATE FATHER.

OUR LORD IS VERY CLEAR AND CONCISE that WHEN WE TRULY
BELIEVE NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE for us because GOD
WORKS THROUGH US OR USES VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES to
achieve His Divine Miracles.

THE FATHER’S HEARTFELT CONFESSION AND PRAYER WORK
TOGETHER WITH OUR LORD to Heal and Restore his son.
✶ “...He rebuked the unclean spirit...“Deaf and dumb
spirit: I command you, come out of him, and enter
him no more!”

ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAN DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE EVIL
SPIRITS AND COMMAND THEM to go out of those whom
they possess.

ORTHODOX EXORCISMS ARE STRICTLY PERFORMED IN THE NAME
OF OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD – Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.

WE NEVER CHALLENGE THE EVIL ONE OR HIS DEMONS DIRECTLY
by only through our Prayers to God, to our Lady
Theotokos and to His Holy Saints who have the
Power and Experience to deal with them.

We must AVOID EVERYTHING THAT ENCOURAGES THEM OR
PERMITS THEM ENTRANCE into our life.
✶ “...when He had gone into the house, His Disciples
asked Him privately: “Why could we not cast it
out?” And He said to them: “This kind can come
out by nothing but Prayer and Fasting.”

Although OUR LORD JESUS DEFENDED THE ABILITIES OF HIS
DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES BEFORE THE GATHERED
MULTITUDE, HE LATER REBUKED THEM IN PRIVATE for their
weak Faith and trust in the Divine Mercy and
Power of Almighty God.

Christ thereby teaches us that
1. WHEN WE CORRECT OTHERS, WE MUST NEITHER HUMILIATE NOR
EMBARRASS THEM, especially before witnesses who
may not understand one’s concern or loving
motivation for correcting those who are stumbling
or who have already fallen.
2. EVERYTHING WE DO TO ENCOURAGE, ASSIST, GUIDE OR TEACH
OTHERS MUST BE DONE WITH AGAPE – UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE.
3. THOSE WHO ARE BEING CORRECTED MUST ACCEPT
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM OR SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE WITH
UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION of the well
intentioned Act of Love.
4. Besides that, WHENEVER WE ARE CORRECTED by our fellow
Disciples of Christ, we must ensure that we APPLY
SUCH CORRECTIONS TO OUR BEHAVIOUR OR PRACTISES.
Otherwise none of us would make any Spiritual
Progress at all!

THE DISCIPLINE OF OUR HOLY CHURCH IS BASED ON OUR
MUTUAL CORRECTION IN THREE EXPANDING STAGES.
1. SIN AND CORRECTION ARE TO REMAIN PRIVATE unless the
offender stubbornly refuses to Repent and rejects
correction.
2. ALL CORRECTION OF OUR ERRORS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN DONE
WITH GREAT CARE AND HUMILITY, with the primary
concern being the Salvation of the offender.
3. CORRECTION of our errors IS ESSENTIAL so that we DO NOT
DRAW OTHERS INTO SIN AS WELL.
 1 CORINTHIANS 5 : 5 “... deliver such a one to Satan for the
destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be
Saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus.”

BEING IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST WE ARE PROTECTED
from the destructive power of Satan.

SHOULD THIS HOLY PROTECTION BE REMOVED FROM US
THROUGH EXCOMMUNICATION, it is only in the hope
that AS SOON AS WE EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
GOD’S DIVINE AND MERCIFUL RULE OVER US AND THE
DESTRUCTIVE, WICKED AND DEVASTATING ENSLAVEMENT OF
SATAN WE WILL QUICKLY REPENT our sins of Spiritual
Disobedience and Rebellion against God and
return to the Sacred Fold of Christ our Saviour.

“The flesh” (sarx) is not synonymous with our “body”
(soma).

WE NEED TO ERADICATE AND FREE OURSELVES FROM THE LUSTS
OF THE FLESH rather than to destroy our body.
 GALATIANS 6 : 1 “Brethren: if (anyone) is overtaken in any
trespass, you who are Spiritual restore such a
(person) in a spirit of Gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted.”

TO BE ABLE TO ADMINISTER CORRECTION WITH THE BLESSED
VIRTUE OF GENTLENESS IS A SPIRITUAL GIFT FROM GOD.

“THIS KIND...” OF EVIL SPIRIT – demonic possession that
causes not only Spiritual Illness but also physical
manifestations of the great Spiritual Struggle that
occurs during demonic attacks – IS A REFERENCE TO
ALL (LIMITED) POWERS OF DARKNESS – OF EVIL - AND NOT
SIMPLY TO THOSE THAT CAN CAUSE A PARTICULAR TYPE OF
PHYSICAL ILLNESS.

EXORCISM REQUIRES STRONG, UNSHAKABLE FAITH, SINCERE AND
HUMBLE PRAYER AND BOTH SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL

30 40TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-9TH OF TRIODION-4TH OF LENT-ST JOHN KLIMAKOS - 29 MARCH 2020
 FASTING, FOR THERE IS NO HEALING AND NO VICTORY IN
SPIRITUAL WARFARE WITHOUT ALL THREE!

Beginning with the Didache – the earliest writings of
the Holy Apostles – our Holy Church Fathers have
taught us that BOTH THE PERSON WHO IS IN NEED OF
HEALING AND THE PERSON WHO PERFORMS THE HEALING,
1. must have UNWAVERING FAITH IN ALMIGHTY GOD,
2. must CONSTANTLY PRAY FOR DIVINE ASSISTANCE AND
GRACE and
3. must FAST PROPERLY.
✶ “...they departed from there and passed through
Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it...”

OUR LORD NEEDED TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIS CLOSEST
APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES IN ORDER TO PREPARE THEM for
His impending Passion and Resurrection.
✶ “...He taught His Disciples: “The Son of Man is being
betrayed into the hands of men who will kill Him. And
after He is dead, He will rise the Third Day.”

The Son of Man is GOD INCARNATE – God-Man.

Having both a Divine Nature and a human Nature,
our Lord is All Knowing, for HE RETAINS ALL HIS DIVINE
ATTRIBUTES even while He endured all our human
conditions, with the exception of the inclination to
sin.

Thus HE WAS SORROWFULLY AWARE THAT HIS OWN CHOSEN
PEOPLE WERE PLOTTING TO KILL HIM because they
rejected Him as our Great Divine Messiah/Saviour.

He also knew that AS THE SON OF MAN HE WOULD SUFFER
INDESCRIBABLY BEFORE DYING AND ENTERING HADES.

However HE DEFEATED DEATH AND THE IMPRISONMENT OF
HADES, because after setting free His Righteous
Faithful, He led them into Paradise.

As Son of Man – in His Incarnate Nature - He would be
RESURRECTED ON THE THIRD DAY.

The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the
reason He revealed Himself to His Faithful Apostles
40 T H
S U ND AY AF TER P ENTEC OST – 9
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, today we
Commemorate St John Klimakos whose marvellous
Book “The Ladder of Divine Ascent” has guided and
inspired innumerable Faithful Disciples to Strive for
Spiritual Perfection.
However, for many of our secular contemporaries,
focusing on an Ascetic Saint represents a problem for
them because they cannot understand how someone
like St John Klimakos can Guide and Teach us when
he acquired and preserved the Grace of God through
tears, Prayers, and Spiritual Asceticism?
According to Orthodox Teaching, the Ascetic Life is
nothing other than the transcendence of selfishness -
the attempt, by the Grace of God, to apply God’s
Commandments and Teachings to our thoughts,
words and deeds so as to Live in Christ - to become
like our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Orthodox ethos is Ascetic.
The objection to an Ascetic being able to guide us in
these ‘modern times’ is unfounded and untrue for two
fundamental reasons.
Firstly, according to Orthodox Patristic Teaching, there is
no difference between the Monastic and secular way
of life, nor between those who are married and those
who are unmarried.
The difference is simply between those people who have
acquired the Divine Grace of God the Holy Spirit and
those who have not.
Secondly, our Orthodox Way of Life is indeed Ascetic to
varying degrees - as described in Holy Scripture and
as Experienced by the Saints.
The Sacred Teachings concerning our “...Struggle to
enter through the Narrow Gate...” “...the Kingdom of
Heaven is to be taken by force...” “...the violent
seize it...” and “...mortify your members on the
Earth...” are universally and comprehensively valid,
for they apply to everyone, irrespective of our
personal circumstances, era or location.
Because the Salvation that was Perfected by our Lord
Jesus Christ is offered to everyone who is Baptized
“...in the Name of the Life-giving and Divine Trinity...”
the Path to Salvation is the same for all mankind.
40TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-9TH OF TRIODION-4TH OF LENT-ST JOHN KLIMAKOS - 29 MARCH 2020
and Disciples, was to show us that WE, TOO, WILL BE
RESURRECTED INTO ETERNITY.

THIS DIVINE TRUTH OUGHT TO ENCOURAGE, COMFORT AND
MOTIVATE US to fulfil our Life in Christ and thereby
receive everything He Promised us.

He revealed His approaching Death and Resurrection
for a second time to show that HE FULFILLED HIS
PASSION FREELY AND NOT ACCORDING TO THE DICTATES OF
THOSE SEEKING HIS DESTRUCTION.

IN ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER, HE ACCEPTED HIS ULTIMATE BLOOD
SACRIFICE WILLINGLY AND FREELY because of our
Triune God’s infinite Love of mankind.

The Passion and Crucifixion of Christ was THE FINAL
AND GREATEST OF ALL BLOOD SACRIFICES FOR MANKIND’S
SALVATION.

Christ thereby Redeemed all mankind so that NEVER
AGAIN WOULD WE HAVE TO OFFER TEMPORARY BLOOD
SACRIFICES FOR THE ATONEMENT OF OUR CONTINUOUS SINS.

Our New Covenant with God is
1. A BLOODLESS COVENANT.
2. LIFE IN CHRIST, whereby we fulfil the Will of our
Heavenly Father in all circumstances in
imitation of our Divine Saviour.
3. constant offering of THANKSGIVING, PRAISE AND
WORSHIP in the Divine Liturgy.
4. continuous REPENTANCE
5. CEASELESS STRIVING for Spiritual Perfection WHILE
STRUGGLING against all temptations and grievous
passions.

Just like so many of us today, THE DISCIPLES DID NOT
FULLY UNDERSTAND THE FULL TRUTH AND SIGNIFICANCE OF
CHRIST’S CLEAR WORDS.

THE MORE WE SEEK DIVINE TRUTH with a Spiritual Yearning
for a close Relationship with Almighty God, THE
MORE OUR LORD GRANTS US KNOWLEDGE AND
UNDERSTANDING!
T H
T R IOD ION – 4 T H
LE NT – S T J OH N K L IM AKOS
Since our Spiritual Perfection is not a human task and
can neither develop nor be acquired purely by our
own natural abilities, but is rather a Divine Gift of God
the Holy Spirit, Asceticism is never an Aim in itself, but
simply the Means of acquiring the Divine Gifts from
God.
Asceticism in Orthodoxy is neither a barren concept of
‘duty,’ nor is it the fastidious observation of rigid Rules,
nor a formal façade of respectability, nor a
hypocritical piety.
Asceticism is Love. Asceticism is Humility. Asceticism
means Obedience to the Holy Church of Christ.
Most people - especially these days - do not or cannot
understand the meaning of Asceticism.
Even among Monastics we observe phenomena that
demonstrate the fundamental deviation of the
modern Spiritual Decline - disassociation from the
Ascetic Ethos.
For that reason our Holy Orthodox Church very wisely
highlights the Spiritual Feats of the Saints and
determines forms of Asceticism, which disciplines our
will and improves our Spiritual Welfare, while
sustaining and strengthening our Self-awareness.
The observance of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Divine Truth is
the stamp and Fulfilment of our physical and Spiritual
Endeavours.
Without a whole-hearted response to the Will of our
Heavenly Father and the implementation of His
Commandments and Teachings to our thoughts,
words and deeds, it is impossible for us to be
Cleansed and Healed from the afflictions caused by
sin in order to acquire Sanctification in Christ.
Many are deluded by the erroneous belief that there is no
need to fulfill all the Divine Commandments and
Teachings as long as they believe in God, while those
who try to fulfill them expect to receive Salvation and
Entry into the Kingdom of God as a ‘reward’ that God
‘owes’ them!
Both these misguided beliefs miss the point completely,
for Salvation and Eternal Life in the Heavenly
Kingdom of Love does not concern particular works or
good deeds that ‘deserve’ to be ‘rewarded!’
As St Mark the Ascetic explained, the Eternal Kingdom of
God concerns “...Divine Grace that was prepared for
the Faithful.”
31
Therefore, as St Gregory Palamas so wisely urged us:
“...Let us keep the Grace of God in ourselves without
reduction, bringing us firmly to Humility and
Obedience (for) the implementation of the Holy
Commandments, offering ourselves to God through
our works, since He also gave Himself for us.”
Those of us who honour the Saints and Holy Ascetics of
our Orthodox Church should also honour and Strive to
follow their Way of Life.
T H E E TE R NAL
S T M AX IM OS THE GR EE K
If we could speak directly to our Lady, Theotokos, She
would tell us that our frequent Salutations to Her
would be pleasing to Her only when we have
abstained from hatred, lies, deceptions, malicious
gossip and the theft of others’ property. And while we
oppress the poor, by grieving them with intolerable
demands, taxations and interest rates, we are in no
way different to the pagans and those who killed our
Lord Jesus Christ, even if we did not boast in our Holy
Baptism. She would not want to listen to us, no matter
if we chanted countless Canons and Hymns with
strong and pleasant voices!
S T P AISIOS OF M OU NT AT H OS
Those who are Humble and Obedient are like
nightingales that hide away from sight and bring Joy
to our soul with their mellifluous songs as they praise
our Creator day and night. Those who are proud and
disobedient are like clucking hens whose cacophony
boasts of their eggs as if they were as large as the
entire planet!
S T M AX IM OS THE C ONF ESSOR
Those who have acquired the Perfection of Love for God
and each other, have elevated their soul with the Holy
Virtues, and will be snatched up into the Clouds,
according to St Paul, and they will not be subject to
Judgement. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Those who have not acquired Perfection in its entirety,
but who have sins as well as Good Works, will come
before the Divine Court to be Judged. Their good and
bad thoughts, words and deeds will be thoroughly
examined and it will be as though they are cast into
Eternal Flames. If the Scales tip towards their Good
Deeds, they will be Cleansed and will not suffer the
Eternal Torments and Exile of Hell.
S T P AISIOS OF M OU NT AT H OS
There are those who love people more than God.
Because their love is carnal, either in the good or bad
sense, they remain creatures of the flesh, just like
those who love earthly things more than Heavenly
Things. They are all made of clay!
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE
When we are without Divine Grace (due to unrepented sins
and Spiritual Death), the encasement around our soul
is as pitch black as the darkest night, especially when
we surrender to and serve our grievous passions. If
we do not give in entirely to the temptations and
grievous passions, then our soul is as grey as fog, but
we will still live an empty life (unless we Repent and
are Restored to Spiritual Life.)
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
When we pray, we must subject our heart entirely to our
will in order to turn our full attention to God. Our
heart must not be cold, sly, insincere or hypocritical.
Otherwise what is the value of our Prayers or our
Preparation for Holy Communion?
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE
Flattery is a repulsive iniquity, concealed behind a mask
of friendship. It is a false caress that is expressed as
friendship only in words and in a proclivity for and
pursuit of things not worth mentioning. It is treachery
that holds nothing Sacred. In flattery, as on
gravestones, the name of friendship is all that is
recorded. Flattery corrupt the soul of those who
welcome it.
32 40TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-9TH OF TRIODION-4TH OF LENT-ST JOHN KLIMAKOS - 29 MARCH 2020
We all need to constantly pray for this and use every
opportunity and means to achieve it.
Amen
BISHOP AGATHANGELOS OF PHANARI
HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2019/04/THE-ASCETIC-LIFE-4TH-SUNDAY-OF-GREAT-
LENT/
, I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
The Prayer of Repentance has been given to all, without
exception. It has been given to those who are
dominated by the grievous passions and to those who
fall into sin in practise. They, too, have the right to cry
out to our Lord for their Salvation.
A BB A (EL D ER ) K ASSIANOS
We should be aware that each demon deals with a
particular grievous passion, which it plants first in the
heart and then cultivates. Some demons are
concerned with the passion of debauchery, others
with that of blasphemy, others incite anger and
wrath, others plunge us into sorrow and yet others
produce vainglory and pride.
Each of them strives to imprison our heart through the
grievous passion that attracts us the most. They do
not pour out their poisons altogether, but each one
separately, and in relation to how much, where and
how the disposition and defence of those concerned
allows them. For example, no one will suddenly burst
into stupid, lewd, mocking laughter if, at the same
time, being overwhelmed by sorrow. So there is some
sort of co-operation between demons, even though,
since they are a disorganised rabble, they cannot
maintain order and discipline amongst themselves.
S T AR SE NIOS B OC A
To condemn means not to accept each other with Love.
We have no Patience because we have no Love. We
condemn others because they are not like us. It
means that we think if our circumstances were
switched, we would act “better and more effectively!”
E LDE R P HILOTHE OS Z E RV AKOS
Through Repentance we Experience a Second Baptism
and are Cleansed of the sins we have committed
since our first Baptism. When we Repent, Confess our
transgressions, decide and determine not to repeat
our sins – hating them – we immediate receive
Remission of our iniquities and, from one moment to
the next, go from being sinners to becoming
Righteous, as did the Repentant Robber who gained
Paradise because he Repented.
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA
When God does not grant us something for which we
continuing praying, He has His Reasons. Our Lord
God also has His Divine ‘Secrets.’ Therefore, let us not
insist on getting what we want, but always leave it up
to the Will of our Heavenly Father.
S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC H
Pride is like a wide open window through which all the
Holy Virtues and Good Deeds blow away. Nothing
makes us so empty towards God and each other nor
so worthless as arrogance and pride.
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE
Those who put on Christ take from Him the Power to
Cleanse themselves and to become like Him in Purity.
GINA S T J USTIN P OP OV IC
There is no greater torment than thought. There is no
greater Hell than thought, which is cut off from our
Creator and our Lord God of all thought – our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Divine Word. Human thought without
our Divine Saviour cannot understand either itself nor
the world around it.