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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 2 FEBRUARY 2020

33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST


THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE

FESTAL MATINS - HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2 : 25 – 32


At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Symeon. And that
man was Righteous and Devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel. And the Holy
Spirit was upon him. And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should
not see Death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he went by the Holy Spirit into the Temple. And when the parents brought in
the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the Law, he took Him up
in his arms and Blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now let Thy servant depart in Peace,
according to Thy Word, for my eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which Thou has
prepared before the sight of all people – a Light to Lighten the Gentiles, and the
Glory of Thy People, Israel.’
✶ THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE is also referred the Great Temple – as a Perfect Example and Role
to as “The Meeting of Christ.” Model for other young virgins.
 On this day, OUR EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY LADY, 2. WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR HER BETROTHAL TO HER AGED
THEOTOKOS, FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT LAW BY UNCLE, ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED, AS HER RIGHTEOUS
PRESENTING HER 40 DAY OLD INFANT TO GOD AT THE GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR of Her Chastity, as She had
TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. Vowed to serve our Lord God forever.
 Like all other Firstborn Sons, HE WAS PRESENTED AND  Likewise, THE AGED PROPHETESS, ST HANNAH, HAD WATCHED
DEDICATED TO THE LORD OUR GOD. THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN GROW UP FROM CHILDHOOD AT
 Accordingly, in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church THE HOLY TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM.
(the New Israel) MOTHERS PRESENT THEIR 40 DAY OLD  PSALM 90 : 16 – “... with length of days I will satisfy him,
INFANTS TO GOD AT HIS HOLY CHURCH, which is and show him My Salvation...”
referred to as “The Churching of the Mother and  These words apply to St Symeon and to ALL MANKIND
Infant.” WHO WERE “... waiting for the Consolation of Israel...”
They are Blessed by the Parish Priest and the mother, – WAITING FOR OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR – BOTH THEN AND
being fully healed, may now continue to attend NOW.
Church and receive the Holy Eucharist, ✶ “...the Holy Spirit was upon him... revealed ... by the
WHEN INFANTS ARE THREE MONTHS OLD THEY RECEIVE THE Holy Spirit that he should not see Death before he
HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION and will had seen the Lord’s Christ....” refers to HIS INCREDIBLE
also RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION AND LIVE IN CHRIST LONGEVITY, WHICH WAS DUE TO GOD’S PROMISE that he
FOREVER. would witness the First Appearance of the
 LEVITICUS 12:5 -8 - THE OLD COVENANT LAW REQUIRED Incarnate, Eternal Son of God.
SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS of an unblemished lamb or, if ✶ “...he went by the Holy Spirit into the Temple...” and
the mother was poor, “... a pair of turtledoves or remained there for the rest of his very long life.
 ST SYMEON ACTUALLY LIVED FOR APPROXIMATELY 350 YEARS
two young pigeons.”
until he received Theotokos and Christ at His
 At our Divine Saviour’s Presentation, NOT ONLY WERE TWO
Presentation and Dedication on the 40th day after
UNBLEMISHED TURTLEDOVES OFFERED, BUT ALSO THE
His Nativity.
PERFECT LAMB OF GOD, thereby fulfilling the precepts  This period is established FROM THE TIME OF THE
of that ancient Mosaic Law, as well as the TRANSLATION OF THE SEPTUAGINT UNTIL THE
prophesy when Abraham was about to sacrifice MEETING/PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
his beloved son, Isaac. ✶ “...the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him
 GENESIS 22:8 - Abraham told his son: “...God will provide according to the custom of the Law...”
the Lamb for a Whole Burnt Offering.”  The legal ‘parents’ of our Lord Jesus was HIS EVER
✶ “...there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was BLESSED MOTHER AND ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED who
Symeon... Righteous and Devout, waiting for the was their legal Guardian according to the Old
Consolation of Israel...” Covenant Laws.
 ST SYMEON WAS ONE OF THE 70 ERUDITE PRIESTLY SCHOLARS  Being devout Judeans, they fulfilled all requirements
WHO TRANSLATED THE ORIGINAL HEBREW TEXTS INTO of the Old Covenant Laws.
GREEK, which had become the language of the ✶ “...he took Him up in his arms and Blessed God...” for the
people and the entire known world. FULFILMENT OF THE HOLY PROPHESIES AND DIVINE
 This is known as “THE SEPTUAGINT” which is THE PROMISES.
COMPLETE HOLY SCRIPTURE OF BOTH THE OLD AND NEW  ST SYMEON IS ENTITLED “GOD-RECEIVER” since he actually
COVENANTS. received our Lord Jesus Christ in his aged arms.
 When he came to the prophecy that “...a Virgin...” ✶ “...Lord, now let Thy servant depart in Peace, according
WOULD BEAR THE MESSIAH, he was about to translate it to Thy Word, for my eyes have seen Thy
as.. “a young woman...” ARCHANGEL GABRIEL Salvation...”
APPEARED.  THE PROFOUND JOY AND GRATITUDE OF ST SYMEON is
 HE TOLD HIM THAT TRULY IT WOULD BE AN ALL PURE VIRGIN expressed by his words of Thanksgiving and
who would become the Mother of our Incarnate Glorification.
God.  ST SYMEON HAD LIVED JUST FOR THIS VERY MOMENT – TO MEET
 However, DUE TO THE DOUBT OF ST SYMEON HE WAS TO THE LONG-AWAITED GREAT DIVINE MESSIAH Who Saves
REMAIN ALIVE UNTIL HE BEHELD THAT GREAT MYSTERY all mankind from our Spiritual Fall from Divine
HIMSELF. Grace.
 Thus it was that ST SYMEON THE GOD-RECEIVER ✶ “...a Light to Lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy
People, Israel..”’ is a very brief description of our
1. WATCHED AS THE SWEET NATURED, MOST HUMBLE AND
Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ.
OBEDIENT VIRGIN MARY GREW UP within the confines of

T H E M EE TING -P RE SE NTATION OF CH R IST AT THE T E MPLE – 2 FE BR UARY 1.


 Christ our Lord is indeed DIVINE, UNCREATED LIGHT OF Fulfilment – our Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnate, Only
UNCREATED LIGHt because He is THE ETERNAL, ONLY Begotten Son of God.
BEGOTTEN SON OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. THE CANTICLE OF ST SYMEON IS CHANTED AT EVERY VESPERS
 According to His Divine Nature, HE SHARES ALL THE SERVICE: “Nin apoliis ton doulon Sou, Despota, kata to
DIVINE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Rima Sou en Irini. Oti idon I ofthalmi mou to Sotirion
 He is indeed THE GLORY OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL – the Sou...” - “Now let Thy servant, O Master, depart in
Glory of God’s Chosen People – for He took His Peace, according to Thy Word. For my eyes have
human Nature from the Flesh and Blood of the All seen Thy Salvation...”
Holy, All Pure and Most Humble and Devout
Since Divine Salvation has been born into the world, “...
Theotokos.
all people...” can embrace Death. (PHILIPPIANS 1:23)
 AS THE SON OF MAN, CHRIST LIVED ACCORDING TO THE OLD
COVENANT LAWS, WHICH HE FULFILLED COMPLETELY AND  FOR ALL FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS/DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, DEATH IS
NO LONGER FEARED BUT REGARDED AS MERELY A GATEWAY
PERFECTLY.
 HE HAS PRESENTED US WITH THE DIVINE NEW COVENANT OF TO EVERLASTING PEACE.
LOVE THAT GRANTS US RESTORATION, REGENERATION,  “...The Lord’s Christ...” is A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE
REBIRTH AND ETERNAL LIFE. GREAT, DIVINE MESSIAH – the Eternal Word and Son
The Festal Hymns of the Meeting/Presentation of Christ of God Who is Anointed/Ordained by God our
compare St Symeon’s joyful reception of Christ to that Heavenly Father.
of St Isaiah, when he received the burning coal from  The title “...Christ...” refers to THOSE WHO ARE
the Angel. (ISAIAH 6: 6-7) ANOINTED/ORDAINED TO SERVE THE LORD OUR GOD thus
In both cases a Holy Prophet of God received the Life- St Symeon identifies exactly Whom our Lord Jesus
giving Fire of the Offering – St Isaiah received the type Christ is.
while St Symeon the God-receiver received the
P R OKE IME NON – P R OKEIM ENON – M EE TING /P RE SE NTATION – T ONE 3

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


For He has regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden. For behold: henceforth all generations will call me “Blessed.”
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 7 : 7 – 17
Brethren: beyond all contradiction the lesser is Blessed by the Better. And here mortal men receive Tithes, but there He
receives them, of Whom it is witnessed that He Lives. Even Levi, who received Tithes, paid Tithes through Abraham.
For he was still in the loins of his Father when Melchizedek met him.
Therefore, if Perfection were through the Levitical Priesthood (for under it the people received the Law), what further
need was there for another Priest to arise according to the Order of Melchizedek, and not be Called according to
the Order of Aaron?
If the Priesthood is changed, of necessity there would also be a change of the Law. For He of Whom these Things are
spoken, belongs to another Tribe, from which no man has officiated at the Altar. For it is evident that our Lord
arose from Judah, of which Tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning Priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in
the likeness of Melchezedek, there arises another Priest Who has come – not according to the Law of a fleshly
Commandment, but according to the Power of Life Everlasting. For He testifies: “Thou art a Priest forever,
according to the Order of Melchezedek.”
✶ THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WERE ENCOURAGED NOT TO  IT CANNOT RECONCILE US TO GOD NOR GRANT US THE
APOSTATISE by returning to their Judaic – Old Covenant INNER POWER TO OBEY.
– worship because THE FOUNDING FATHER OF CHRIST’S  The Ordination is WITHOUT DIRECT CONFIRMATION
ETERNAL HOLY PRIESTHOOD – MELCHIZEDEK – IS SUPERIOR TO FROM GOD.
THE OLD COVENANT PRIESTHOOD OF LEVI. 3. T E R M O F O F F I C E :
✶ “...mortal men receive tithes...” THE DESIRE TO ENTER INTO  The Levitical Priesthood is TEMPORARY.
THE MINISTRATIONS OF A PRIESTHOOD IS FULFILLED when  Since it is composed of mortal men, IT REQUIRES
such a Liturgical Offering is made. MANY MEMBERS.
 Throughout the Old Testament, THE ISRAELITES SHOWED 4. M O R A L A N D S P I R I T U A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :
THEIR CONTINUING DESIRE FOR GOD’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD BY  These are IMPERFECT
CONTINUING TO GIVE A TENTH OF ALL THEY RECEIVED.  for the LEVITICAL PRIESTS ARE ALL CREATED BEINGS WHO
 TITHING DOES NOT ALWAYS CONCERN MONETARY OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO SIN.
but also personal time and effort in the Service
and Worship of the Lord our God. THE ETERNAL, HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
 WE MUST VOLUNTARILY OFFER OUR TIME AND EFFORTS to the MELCHIZEDEK
Holy Service and Worship of God as His Faithful
Disciples. 1. G E N E A L O G I C A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :
✶“...another Priest ... according to the Order of  MELCHIZEDEK HAD NO EARTHLY GENEALOGY, as has
Melchizedek...” NOT ONLY IS THE FOUNDER OF THE NEW Christ by virtue of His Divine Conception and
COVENANT PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR to that of the Old Virgin Birth.
Covenant Priesthood, but THE RULES CONCERNING THE  Our Lord Jesus Christ is GOD INCARNATE Who IS
NEW COVENANT PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ALSO SUPERIOR to IMMORTAL/ETERNAL AND SINLESS.
those of the Old Covenant.  HIS PERFECT HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM
 PRIESTHOOD IS SO CLOSELY INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT MANKIND.
that if the Priesthood is changed to any degree, so 2. O R D I N A T I O N :
is the Covenant.  THE POWER GRANTED at Ordination is STRONG AND
EFFECTIVE.
THE PRIESTHOOD OF LEVI:  THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT
 And DRAWS US NEAR TO GOD.
1. G E N E A L O G I C A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :  His Sacrifice is OFFERED ONCE FOR ALL MANKIND AND
 The Levitical Priesthood is RESTRICTED/LIMITED TO ONE FOREVER.
TRIBE ONLY.  GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ORDAINS HIS ETERNAL SON,
 IT CANNOT TRANSFORM MORTAL, CORRUPTED MANKIND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS OUR ONE AND ONLY HIGH
because it consists of mere mortal men. PRIEST.
2. O R D I N A T I O N : 3. T E R M O F O F F I C E :
 THE POWER GRANTED TO PRIESTS AT THEIR ORDINATION IS  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS ETERNAL AND IMMORTAL so
INCOMPLETE. THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES
 THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD IS WEAK because its ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
SACRIFICES HAVE TO BE REPEATED AGAIN AND AGAIN. 4. M O R A L A N D S P I R I T U A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :
 IT CANNOT PERFECT THE WORSHIPPERS – MANKIND.  The requirement of PERFECT HOLINESS is met in our
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

2 T H E MEE TING -P RE SE NTATION OF C HR IST AT THE TE MPLE – 2 FE BR UARY


 HE IS THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.  He is FAR MORE THAN MERE MAN – He is THE ETERNAL,
ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 2:22-40
At that time, when the days of her Purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they took Jesus to
Jerusalem to Present Him to the Lord, (as it is written in the Law of the Lord; ‘Every male who opens the womb shall
be called Holy to the Lord’), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is written in the Law of the Lord: ‘A pair of
turtledoves or two young pigeons.’
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Symeon, and this man was Just and Devout, waiting for
the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that
he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he went, by the Spirit, into the Temple.
And when the Parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the Custom of the Law, he took Him up in
his arms and Blessed God and said: “Now Thou art letting Thy servant O Master, depart in Peace, according to Thy
Word; for my eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples - a Light to
bring Revelation to the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy People, Israel.”
And Joseph and the Mother of Jesus marvelled at those things that were spoken of Him.
And Symeon Blessed them, and said to Mary, His Mother: “Behold! This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many
in Israel, and for a Sign, which will be spoken against, (yes, a sword will pierce through Thine own soul also!), so
that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
And Anna - a Prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Asher - who was of a great age, and who had lived
with a husband seven years from her virginity; and who was a widow of about eighty-four years, and who did not
leave the Temple, but served God with Fastings and Prayers night and day. And entering in that instant, she gave
Thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for Redemption in Jerusalem.
And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee - to their own city,
Nazareth. And the Child grew and became Strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom; and the Grace of God was upon
Him.
✶ "... when the days of her Purification according to the WITNESSING HER BELOVED LORD AND SON’S PASSION – His
Law of Moses were completed...” unjust betrayal, trial, torture and execution by
 AS SOON AS SHE HAD COMPLETED THE REQUIRED CLEANSING crucifixion, like the worst criminal.
RITES OF THE OLD COVENANT that all women who had  HER MOTHERLY HEART WOULD BE PIERCED BY AGONISING GRIEF
given birth were to fulfil, THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN FOR HER MOST BELOVED SON AND LORD, yet Her Faith in
AND THE INFANT CHRIST WENT TO THE GREAT TEMPLE in His Divine Truth was unshakable!
Jerusalem with their Righteous Guardian TO ✶ “ ...the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed...”
DEDICATE HIM TO GOD, AS HER FIRSTBORN AND ONLY THROUGH FAITH IN OUR LORD.
CHILD.  When we accept Divine Truth, WE REPENT AND CONFESS
✶ “ . . . to offer a sacrifice according to ...the Law of the OUR SINS – BOTH VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE.
Lord...” ✶ “...she gave Thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all
 KINDLY REFER TO THE PREVIOUS NOTES  those who looked for Redemption in Jerusalem...”
✶ “...Joseph and His Mother marvelled...” BEING NATURALLY  ST HANNAH (ANNA) HAD WATCHED OVER OUR LADY THEOTOKOS
HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT TO THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD, both St SINCE SHE HAD ENTERED THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF THREE.
Joseph the Betrothed, the Holy Guardian and So, SHE ALSO KNEW EVERYTHING CONCERNING PANAGIA,
Protector of Theotokos and Christ, and His All Pure, Her Vow of Chastity and the Holy Prophecies.
Ever Blessed Virgin Mother, WERE AWED BY WHAT THEY  SHE WITNESSED, TESTIFIED TO AND SPREAD THE GOOD TIDINGS
HEARD CONCERNING THE DIVINE INFANT. of the Appearance of our long-awaited Divine
✶ “... the Glory of Thy People, Israel...” is our Lord Jesus Messiah.
Christ, Who is indeed THE DIVINE LIGHT THAT GRANTS ✶ “... all those who looked for Redemption...” refers to the
US HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND REVELATION. Faithful of the Old Covenant, who had waited so long
✶ “... the fall and rising of many...” THE FIRST AND SECOND for our Saviour.
APPEARANCE OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, HIS DIVINE TRUTH,  It also includes all who seek Divine Truth and who
HOLY GOSPEL, TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS HAVE accept our Lord Jesus Christ.
CERTAINLY HAD AN ENORMOUS, LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT ON  EVERY ONE OF US ARE CALLED BY GOD TO PROCLAIM HIS DIVINE
ALL MANKIND throughout the centuries and will REDEMPTION .
continue to do so until and into Eternity!  WOMEN WERE THE FIRST TO PROCLAIM HIS DIVINE REDEMPTION
 HIS SECOND APPEARANCE WILL CONCERN THE RECKONING OF AND HIS RESURRECTION.
ALL CREATION AND IN PARTICULAR OF ALL MANKIND – ✶ “...they had performed all things according to the Law
whether we believe or not! of the Lord...” implies THE DEPTH OF THEIR FAITH AND
 FOR THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL to our Lord Jesus Christ IT OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
WILL BE A RESURRECTION TO ETERNAL LIFE in His  Both St Joseph the Betrothed and our Ever Blessed All
Heavenly Kingdom of Love. Holy Lady, Theotokos were PROFOUNDLY FAITHFUL
 FOR THOSE WHO REFUSE TO ACCEPT HIM as our Divine AND DEVOTED TO ALMIGHTY GOD.
Saviour, IT WILL BE THEIR ETERNAL JUDGEMENT AND THEY LIVED STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR
CONDEMNATION. HEAVENLY FATHER.
 JOHN 5:29 – “... all who are in graves will hear His  Thus, WE, TOO, MUST LIVE IN CHRIST IN ORDER TO ACQUIRE
Voice and come fort – those who have done SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – Theosis – Divine Likeness.
Good, to the Resurrection of Life, and to those ✶ “...the Child grew and became Strong in Spirit, filled
who have done evil, to the Resurrection of with Wisdom...” DOES NOT IMPLY THAT HE WAS IN ANY
Condemnation.” MANNER LACKING HIS DIVINE PERFECTION AT ANY TIME.
✶ “...for a Sign, which will be spoken against...” refers to  Instead, it indicates that BY EMPTYING HIMSELF OF HIS
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS LIFE-GIVING HOLY CROSS INFINITE AND POWERFUL DIVINITY IN ORDER TO ASSUME
that is OUR MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUAL WEAPON against the OUR WEAK HUMAN NATURE, HE FREELY SUBJECTED HIMSELF
evil one. TO ALL OUR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND EXPRESSION from
 THOSE WHO REJECT CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH WILL MOCK, His Birth until His Death upon the Cross.
DENIGRATE, DISHONOUR AND PERSECUTE ALL WHO BELIEVE  He grew to adulthood in GOOD PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL
AND SPIRITUALLY STRIVE as God’s Faithful Disciples. HEALTH and had very pleasant Relationships with
 Whenever we make THE SIGN OF THE CROSS, we declare our Heavenly Father as well as with mankind.
“I worship Thee, O Lord, with all my mind, with ✶ “...the Grace of God was upon Him...” means that -
all my heart, with all my Strength and with all my BEING SINLESS - OUR LORD JESUS, ALWAYS HAD THE DIVINE
soul!” GRACE OF GOD UPON HIM – upon His human Nature -
 ✶ “...a sword will pierce through Thine own soul His Thoughts, Words and Deeds.
also...” is a reference to INDESCRIBABLE ANGUISH AND  BEING SINFUL, we, must STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
HEARTACHE THAT THEOTOKOS WOULD EXPERIENCE WHILE WHILE CEASELESSLY STRUGGLING AGAINST ALL

T H E M EE TING -P RE SE NTATION OF CH R IST AT THE T EM PLE – 2 FE BRU ARY 3


TEMPTATION, GRIEVOUS PASSIONS AND EVERY WICKEDNESS BENEFICIAL, because we rely on our Lord’s Love and
that assaults us constantly. Great Mercy.
 ONLY WHEN OUR STRIVINGS AND STRUGGLES ARE WELL  WE CANNOT ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION WITHOUT THE
INTENTIONED – our quest for Spiritual Perfection and DIVINE GRACE AND LOVE OF OUR ALMIGHTY LORD GOD.
a close Relationship with God and each other – LIFE IN CHRIST
DOES OUR LORD GOD BESTOW HIS DIVINE GRACE UPON US, 1. requires CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE, HUMILITY AND
which Empowers and Enables us to achieve our OBEDIENCE to the Will of our Heavenly Father.
Sacred Goals FOR HIS GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP. 2. Requires SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-SACRIFICE, as well as
 WHEN WE LIVE IN CHRIST, OUR STRIVINGS AND STRUGGLES all the acquisition of ALL THE HOLY VIRTUES.
BECOME A LITTLE EASIER AND MORE SPIRITUALLY 3. is A LIFE-LONG SPIRITUAL PROCESS – A SACRED CALLING of
heart and soul.
T H E M EE TING /P RE SENTATION OF CH R IST AT THE T E MPLE
With great emotion, St Symeon held the Divine Infant in Since our Lord’s life on Earth, this dilemma has been
his arms. His heart was overwhelmed with the most presented to all mankind - His Divine Presence and
intense Love and Joy, while his gaze was fixed upon Teaching were presented to us in a dual sense.
Heaven, and his lips move devoutly, in the Fervent In the first place, many people wondered: “... Who is He?”
Prayer which rose to his lips at that Marvellous, (MARK 4, 41)
Blessed Moment: “ O Lord, now Thou art letting Thy Our Lord Jesus Christ asked His Disciples: “Who do
servant depart…”. people say I Am?” And they told Him: “Some say John
This Thrice-Blessed Elder then turned to our Most Holy the Baptist, others Elijah, others Jeremiah or one of the
Lady, to tell Her words of great moment. (importance) Prophets”.
With the air of a Prophet Illumined by the Spirit of God The He asked them: “Who do you say that I Am?”. And on
revealing the Will of the Most High, he spoke truly behalf of the other Disciples, St Peter triumphantly
Prophetic Words, which our Lady heard - not merely Confessed: “Thou art the Christ - the Son of the Living
with emotion but with awe - since they foretold of dire God” (MATTHEW 16:13 - 16)
and distressing Events... Since then, all those who seriously sought and
Those Prophetic Words of St Symeon the Righteous God- contemplated Divine Truth have responded to that
Receiver have applied to every era and will continue vital question: “... Who is He?’ - Who is He Who
to do so until Eternity. Appears in both Divine and human Nature, as the
When the Son of God became Incarnate and came into Most Holy Personality and the Wisest Teacher of the
the world, this “...Sign, which will be spoken against...” Supreme, Sublime and Perfect Truth?
became the most serious Sign of the human Many of us – regardless of our Spiritual or social status -
propensity for contradiction. bow down before His Holy Personality and reverently
His Personality and Teaching stands out like a Bright submit to His Divine Will, and by His Holy, Life-giving
Beacon that certainly attracts the attention of all Cross, and according to His Divine Truth, we confess
mankind, and invites them to take up a position our unwavering Faith in Him and express our deep
concerning them. devotion to Him, and together with our Christian
People are always divided, depending on the attitude Brethren, we worship His Divinity, while Striving to Live
they have towards our Lord Jesus Christ. The whole in Christ, no matter what our circumstances might be.
history of mankind turns upon the Axis of Christ. Others, however, have their reservations. They might
The most profound meaning of the historical events of consider Him to be merely a wonderful Personality,
any and every age is not - as some would have us but are doubtful of His Divinity.
believe - the concatenation (continuity) of material - Our Lord Jesus is not the cause of ” ... the fall and rising of
especially economic - factors, but is rather the attitude many and ... a Sign, which will be spoken against ...
that every Nation takes towards Christ and His New merely on the level of personal Faith, but also on an
Covenant Law (of Agape/Love). This is the “...Sign, ethical level, which is the main reason why “... there
which will be spoken against...” was a division among the people...” (JOHN 7:43)
Concerning “...the fall and rising of many...” some accept Our Divine Saviour not only presented Himself as our Most
Him; others deny Him. Some rally to His Life-giving Wise Teacher, but He also demanded that our daily
Cross - loyal soldiers of His Eternal Kingdom; others life should conform to His Divine Truth, which divided
attack the ideals that He wrote with the Blood of His the Humble and Obedient from the rebellious, the
Sacrifice. And, through a variety of events, the course proud and the stubborn people.
of history after Christ demonstrates the movement and Those who realized that His Teaching was most sublime
progress that follow the curve of Christianity or lack of and moral, accepted it and complied with it, while
it, in the life of individuals and societies. others felt that His Teachings concerning His Life-
Those who accept Him and conform to His Will progress giving and Sustaining “ ... Body and Blood” (the Holy
towards their “Repose” - enjoying a Felicitous Path, Eucharist) were too difficult to understand or to fulfil.
despite any trials that may befall them. (JOHN 6:60).
On the other hand, those who take a negative attitude So they abandoned Christ and his Divine Truth while his
and refuse to be Obedient to His Divine Will, tread a Faithful Disciples who were more prudent and of a
path that leads towards their “... fall...” for they bring more sincere disposition, declared: “Lord, to whom
destruction upon themselves: “...in their paths are shall we go? Thou hast the Words of Eternal Life.
ruin and misery, and the Way of Peace they have not Also we ... believe and know that Thou art the Christ
known.” (ROMANS 3:16-17) – the Son of the Living God.” (JOHN 6:68-69).
As St David the Royal Psalmist teaches us: “... those who Consequently, it is a Reality beyond all doubt that each
separate themselves from God will be lost.” (PSALM one of us has to decide - once and for all – whether
72:27) we are for or against our Lord Jesus Christ.
And indeed, whole communities are led to Spiritual Life It is impossible to adopt an indifferent attitude by neither
or Death and destruction, depending on whether they accepting and living our Christian Faith, nor being
live according to a Christian Life of Divine Truth and hostile towards it, for this is self-deception since our
Justice, or an ungodly, egocentric, unjust, selfish and Lord made it very clear that “...those who are not with
greedy existence. Me are against Me.” (MATTHEW 12: 30).
There is also a cultural rise or fall, commensurate with This delusional ‘neutrality’ is an unwillingness to engage
the dominant climate and trends that are affected in common action and aid, which is futile and
positively by a Christian spirit whereby society and opposed to our Relationship with God, because we
culture is promoted and sustained, or affected are then opposed to the Divine Will of our Heavenly
negatively when lacking Christian influence, causing Father, and are enslaved by the evil one by rejecting
society to decline and disintegrate. our Lord Jesus Christ and His Salvific Divine Truth.
Therefore the Prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus Christ
and “... the fall and rising of many ...“ is METROPOLITAN NIKODEMOS (VALLINDRAS) OF PATRAS
https://pemptousia.com
incontrovertible. (accurate/indisputable)

4 T H E MEE TING -P RE SE NTATION OF C HR IST AT THE TE MPLE – 2 FE BR UARY


Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let
us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
6 FEBRUARY 2020

ST PHOTIOS THE GREAT OF CONSTANTINOPLE


EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES & HOLY CONFESSOR
AFTERFEAST OF THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST OUR LORD

Also the Feast of St Bucolos, Bishop of Smyrna – St Barsanuphios the Great & St John the
Holy Prophet of Gaza, Palestine – St Dorothy, St Christina, St Callista & St Theophilos of
Caesarea, Cappadocia – St Julian of Emesa – St Fausta, St Evilasios & St Maximos of
Cyzikos – St Martha & St Mary, Virgin Martyr Sisters of Egypt & Asia Minor – St Lycarion of
Egypt – St Arsenios the translator, researcher, compiler of manuscripts, Hymnographer,
Philosopher and Great Defender of the Faith, of Iqalto, Georgia – St Armand, Abbot of
Maastricht

T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 10 : 1 – 9


At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said to the Judeans who went to Him: “...Truly, truly, I say to you: he who does not
enter the Door to the Sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, is a Thief and a Robber. He who enters by the
Door is the Shepherd of the Sheep. To him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice. And He Calls
His own Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before them. And
the Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a Stranger, but will flee from
him, for they do not know the voice of Strangers.”
Although Jesus used this illustration, they did not understand the things that He spoke to them. Again Jesus said to
them: “Truly, truly, I say unto you: I Am the Door of the Sheepfold. All who ever came before Me are Thieves and
Robbers, but the Sheep did not hear them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go
in and will go out, and will find pasture...”
✶ “... I say unto you...” This passage is A CONTINUATION OF TEMPLE/CHURCH – His Holy Sheepfold – which shows
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S CONVERSATION WITH THE SELF- us the Path of Righteousness we all need to follow.
RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES, which occurred at the end of  THERE ARE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES THAT GOD REQUIRES TO BE
the eight-day Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth) in CORRECTLY FULFILLED by Bishops, Priests, Clergy and
Jerusalem during the last year of His earthly Life laity.
when He taught His people in the Temple, which ✶ “...a Thief and a Robber...” refers to those who try to
attracted much attention. lead “... some other way...” that is NEITHER IN CHRIST
 Some of the people believed Him to be our Great NOR ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE.
Messiah/Saviour while others thought He was  THE JUDEAN PRIESTS AND LEADERS OF HIS FAITHFUL FLOCK
insane, but certain zealots such as the Sadducees HAD FAILED TO SHEPHERD – TO GUIDE AND PROTECT – HIS
and Pharisees - regarded Him as a threat. PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY LACKED LOVE AND COMPASSION,
 Our Lord Jesus Christ contrasted their self-serving due to their arrogance, deceit and pride.
leadership with HIS OWN HUMBLE, OBEDIENT, SELF-  On the contrary, OUR LORD JESUS WHO IS LOVE, POSSESSED
SACRIFICING AND SALVIFIC TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLE. AND LIVED BY ALL THE HOLY VIRTUES.
✶ "... the Sheepfold ...” signifies THE HOLY, ORTHODOX CHURCH Heretics, false teachers, or self-ordained ‘prophets,’
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ‘priests’ and leaders who pick and choose from Holy
 It is THE CHURCH OF THE NEW ISRAEL OF THE NEW COVENANT. Scripture in order to deceive or control people, and
 During this lifespan THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES LIVE IN CHRIST use their gatherings to become extremely wealthy, are
UNDER THE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION OF HIS certainly Spiritual Thieves and Robbers, for not only
HOLY CHURCH in order to become Spiritually do they impoverish the people financially, but they also
Perfected as worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs to our impoverish and disillusion them by confusing and
Heavenly Father’s Eternal Kingdom of Love. misleading them with all kinds of false promises and
✶ “...the Door...” SIGNIFIES OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS performances, which blaspheme but they cause great
CHRIST, Who is THE ONLY MEANS OF ACQUIRING ETERNAL despair and loss of Faith in our Lord God when their
LIFE AND ENTRY INTO PARADISE AND GOD’S HEAVENLY false claims are not delivered!
KINGDOM OF LOVE. ✶ “...the Shepherd of the Sheep...” is either OUR LORD JESUS
1. ONLY AS HIS SANCTIFIED DISCIPLES can we receive CHRIST Whom our Heavenly Father sent to lead His
Salvation and Eternal Life. Lost Sheep back to the Spiritual Safety of True
2. ONLY BY FULFILLING HIS DIVINE TRUTH – all His Teachings Faith, or HIS ORDAINED BISHOPS AND PRIESTS who
and Commandments – ARE WE ABLE TO MAKE GOOD HUMBLY AND OBEDIENTLY OBEY THE WILL OF OUR
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS towards Theosis – Spiritual HEAVENLY FATHER BY TAKING GOOD SPIRITUAL CARE OF
Perfection. HIS HOLY FLOCK.
3. ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST – by applying His Divine Truth  True and Faithful Shepherds of God
to our thoughts, words and deeds – is Spiritual 1. LEAD, GUIDE AND PROTECT HIS HOLY FLOCK ACCORDING TO
Perfection and Eternal Life possible. CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS, WHICH
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING GRANT US ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
NECESSARY to regain our Divine Likeness with which 2. ACQUIRE BY THE GRACE OF GOD, A CHRIST-LIKE COMPASSION
He originally created us. AND SINCERE LOVE FOR EACH OF THE HOLY FLOCK.
 According to St John Chrysostom, “...the Door...” is In return, THE FAITHFUL RESPOND TO SUCH WORTHY PRIESTS
GOD’S WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH - meaning both THE AND BISHOPS, TRUSTING THEM IMPLICITLY as True
HOLY SCRIPTURES AND HIMSELF, since HOLY SCRIPTURE Shepherds who act on behalf of our Lord Jesus
REVEALS GOD THE WORD Who is the Eternal Son of God Christ for the Benefit of our immortal soul,
our Heavenly Father – i.e. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Salvation and Eternal Life.
✶ "...enter through the Door to the Sheepfold...”  St Ignatios of Antioch stated that “... where the Bishop
 WE CAN ONLY EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD BY PROPERLY is present, there the people shalt gather...” for THE
ENTERING THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF HIS HOLY RESPONSE OF THE FAITHFUL CAN BE A FAR BETTER
INDICATOR of who is indeed a True Shepherd of

S T P H OTIOS TH E G RE AT OF CO NSTANTINOPLE 6 FEB RU ARY 5


Christ’s Holy Flock than the claims of any leaders PROTECTION OF OUR HOLY CHURCH AND ALL HER HOLY
or sycophants. MYSTERIES.
In other words, THE AMOUNT OF ENDURING SPIRITUAL FRUIT Because of our habitual inclination towards sin, WE ALL
CLEARLY SHOWS THE EXTENT OF ALL LABOURS OF LOVE for NEED TO PRAY, FAST, AND REGULARLY PARTAKE OF THE
the Glory, Honour and Worship of our Lord God. ESSENTIAL HOLY MYSTERIES OF REPENTANCE-CONFESSION
✶ “...the Sheep hear His Voice...” for having grown close AND HOLY EUCHARIST.
to God, WE WILL RECOGNISE HIS DIVINE TRUTH, which  THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRUE SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST’S HOLY
we strive to fulfill every day to our thoughts, words FLOCK USE ALL KINDS OF DECEPTIVE, DECEITFUL METHODS
and deeds. TO CONTROL, ROB AND MANIPULATE God’s People,
Furthermore, OUR IMMORTAL SOUL REACTS IMMEDIATELY TO thereby ULTIMATELY DESTROYING THEIR IMMORTAL SOUL.
THE VOICE OF OUR LORD, and we are instantly filled ✶”...I Am the Door of the Sheepfold...” Our Lord Jesus
with overwhelming, indescribable Love, Joy and Christ makes this very clear statement, for HE IS THE
Peace. ONLY MEANS OF ENTRY INTO HIS HOLY CHURCH AND
✶ “...He Calls His own Sheep by name and leads them...” ETERNAL LIFE.
OUR LORD ADDRESSES US DIRECTLY BY OUR BAPTISMAL  HIS HOLY CHURCH IS OUR SPIRITUAL SHEEPFOLD – our
NAME, and if we immediately respond, He will lead Spiritual Sanctuary where we are Healed,
us towards His Eternal Kingdom of Love. Cleansed, Restored, Regenerated, Illuminated,
 AS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS THE MOST INTIMATE Enlightened, Guided, Taught and Reborn.
KNOWLEDGE OF EVERY PERSON HE CREATED, SO ALSO TRUE  THE SON OF GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MANKIND’S REDEEMER AND
AND FAITHFUL SHEPHERDS OF HIS HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY SAVIOUR WHO SUSTAINS HIS PEOPLE.
CHURCH – STRIVE TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE  DURING OUR BAPTISM WE “...PUT ON CHRIST...” AS OUR
FAITHFUL PERSONALLY – i.e. by name. GARMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS so for the rest of our
 True and Faithful Shepherds ENDEAVOUR TO UNDERSTAND lifespan we ought to LIVE IN CHRIST BY STRIVING
EACH PERSON’S CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS, FROM THE AND STRUGGLING TO FULFIL EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT
GREATEST TO THE VERY LEAST OF THE HOLY FLOCK. AND COMMANDED US TO DO.
✶ ”... He goes before them...” has several meanings. BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE ENJOY A WONDERFUL FREEDOM
 CHRIST ALWAYS SHOWS US WHAT TO DO AND CONFIRMS HIS because we simply follow the Path upon which
DIVINE TRUTH BY HIS OWN PERSONAL EXAMPLE, thereby Christ leads us, having shown us exactly how to do
leading us along His Righteous Path. so.
CHRIST WAS THE FIRST TO BE RESURRECTED and showed ✶ “... all who ever came before Me...” is not a reference to
Himself to us in order to confirm that Glorious Hope St Moses nor any of God’s Holy Prophets of the Old
and Truth of our own eventual Resurrection in Covenant, but to THOSE WHO CLAIMED OR CLAIM TO BE
Eternity. EITHER THE GREAT MESSIAH OR PROPHETS – both before
 Likewise, HIS FAITHFUL APOSTLES, SAINTS AND ORDAINED and after Christ.
CLERGY LEAD HIS FLOCK, BY TEACHING, GUIDING,  After St John the Baptist Forerunner , and our Lord
CORRECTING, AND DEMONSTRATING BY THEIR OWN GOOD Jesus Christ, THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY SO-CALLED, SELF-
EXAMPLES HOW TO LIVE IN CHRIST IN PREPARATION FOR PROCLAIMED “PROPHETS”
OUR RESURRECTION INTO ETERNAL LIFE.  OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS REVEALED AND TAUGHT HIS DIVINE
✶ “...by no means follow a Stranger...” The deceptions TRUTH TO MANKIND.
and temptations of the evil one might be avoided  All we must do is LEARN AND UNDERSTAND DIVINE TRUTH so
if we UNDERSTAND GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH AND STRIVE TO that we might APPLY IT TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND
LIVE IN CHRISt. DEEDs, thereby preparing ourselves as Good and
Those of us who are still Spiritually Immature and Worthy Citizens of God’s Heavenly Kingdom of
Inexperienced, have OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS to GUIDE Love.
US CORRECTLY, AS WELL AS THE NURTURING AND
P R OKE IME NON P SAL M 48/49 – T ONE 1

My Mouth shall speak Wisdom, and the Meditation of My Heart, Understanding.


Hear this: all you Nations! Hearken, all you inhabitants of the world!
T H E EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need – as those High Priests – to offer up daily sacrifices, first for
His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever.
This is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the
Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord
erected, and not mankind.
✶ “...a High Priest ... fitting for us... Holy, Harmless,  CHRIST’S SACRIFICIAL OFFERING WAS THE FINAL, MOST
Undefiled, separate from sinners ... Higher than PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR ALL
the Heavens ... does not need ... to offer up daily MANKIND’S SINS FOREVER.
sacrifices...” ✶ “...The Law appoints as High Priests men who have
 This passage is read on the Feast Days of our Holy weaknesses...”
Hierarchs.  The Old Covenant High Priest could offer ONE BLOOD
 Not only is THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT OFFERING FOR BOTH HIS OWN SINS AND THE PEOPLE’S SINS.
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR to that of the Old Covenant, THE  This could be done ONLY ONCE A YEAR.
RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ALSO  ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD ENTER THE HOLY OF HOLIES.
SUPERIOR.  THE OLD COVENANT SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS WERE THUS
✶ "... He did once for all when He offered up Himself...’ IMPERFECT.
refers to CHRIST’S ULTIMATE, PERFECT SACRIFICIAL ✶ “...the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
OFFERING OF HIMSELF. appoints the Son Who has been Perfected
 Christ is THE UNIQUE AND SUPREME SACRIFICIAL LAMB. forever..” refers to THE NEW COVENANT AND CHRIST OUR
 He is THE OFFERER - our Divine High Priest - AND THE DIVINE SAVIOUR.
OFFERING - the Perfect, All Pure Sacrificial Lamb of  THE NEW COVENANT HOLY MYSTERY OF
our Heavenly Father. COMMUNION/EUCHARIST MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR ALL OF US
 HE VOLUNTARILY ALLOWED MEN TO SHED HIS PRECIOUS, LIFE- TO APPROACH OUR LORD GOD AND TO PARTAKE OF HIS
GIVING BLOOD FOR THE SAKE OF ALL MANKIND FOREVER. DIVINE OFFERING, which grants us forgiveness of sins
 After our Lord Jesus Christ’s Scourging and and Eternal Life in His Holy Kingdom of Love.
Crucifixion, THERE IS NO LONGER A NEED FOR ANY MORE  WE CAN ALWAYS APPROACH OUR LORD GOD - through His
BLOOD SACRIFICES in Atonement of our sins. Holy Church, His Ordained Priesthood, His Holy

6 S T P H OTIOS THE GR E AT OF C ONSTANTINOP LE 6 F E BR U ARY


Mysteries , personal, private Prayers and  GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINED GOD THE SON AS OUR
Communal Worship. ONLY TRUE HIGH PRIEST.
✶ “...We have such a High Priest... seated at the right Hand  Since CHRIST IS IMMORTAL, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD of
of .... the Majesty ... a Minister of the Sanctuary and Melchizedek REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
of the True Tabernacle...”  THE REQUIREMENT OF PERFECT HOLINESS IS MET IN OUR LORD
 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS SO INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT JESUS CHRIST
that IF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN ANY WAY AT 1. He is TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
ALL, SO IS THE HOLY COVENANT. 2. He is SO MUCH MORE THAN A MERE HUMAN BEING
 Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED by 3. He is GOD-MAN – THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
any means for then it would no longer be Perfect!! OF GOD THE FATHER
 Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE 4. Who BECAME MAN by assuming our human nature
OF DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR and thereby, our human condition,
THEN IT IS NO LONGER THE PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE 5. while REMAINING ABSOLUTELY SINLESS AND PERFECTLY
TRUTH OF ALMIGHTY GOD but a mere shadow or poor PURE.
imitation that is misguiding and Spiritually ✶ “ . . . which the Lord erected, and not mankind...”
Dangerous. emphasises the fact that THE NEW COVENANT CHURCH OF
 THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS CHRIST IS DIVINELY ESTABLISHED AND SPIRITUALLY SUSTAINED
FULFILLED IN CHRIST JESUS. BY GOD – not by any human being!
 As Melchizedek was WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, so is  THE APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION ALL THE WAY BACK TO CHRIST AND HIS
Christ by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth. HOLY APOSTLES, CERTIFIES AND DIVINELY AUTHORISES THE HOLY
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS GOD INCARNATE - IMMORTAL AND CHURCH OF CHRIST.
SINLESS.  WITHOUT THE UNBROKEN LINEAGE OF THE APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION, A
 Therefore HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM ‘CHURCH’ IS REGARDED AS HERETICAL for it has been
HUMANITY. independently established by flawed human beings.
 THE POWER THAT IS BESTOWED UPON CANDIDATES AT THEIR  Tragically, many contemporary religions and sects have
ORDINATION IS IMMENSELY STRONG AND EFFECTIVE. been established by self-serving people who follow
 THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT their own desires and motives.
because it  THE APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION IS THE SACRED SPIRITUAL LINEAGE OF
1. DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD and OUR HOLY PRIESTHOOD, WHICH BESTOWS DIVINE AUTHORITY
2. GUIDES US TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – UPON OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS – the Bishops. Priests and
regaining our lost Likeness to Christ. Deacons.
 OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED
ONCE ONLY BUT IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity
throughout the ages.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 10: 9 – 16
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and
will go out, and will find Pasture.
“The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have Life -and
more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd,
who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches,
and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. “And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I
must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✶ “...I Am the Door...” CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEANS OF ENTRY INTO THREAT, knowing with full confidence that God is
GOD’S DIVINE KINGDOM OF LOVE. indeed in control of everything.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS TEACHINGS AND ✶“... the Thief...” comes “... to steal... to kill... to destroy...”
COMMANDMENTS SHOW US THE PATH TO SALVATION AND  THE WORST THIEF IS THE EVIL ONE, SATAN - THE INVENTOR OF
ETERNAL LIFE. ALL EVIL AND DEATH – everything that is foul, rotten,
 Having accepted our Lord Jesus as our Divine wretched and negative.
Saviour, we have to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE TO BECOME  HIS LIES, DECEPTIONS AND HIDEOUS HERESIES LURE MANKIND
LIKE HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. into his wickedness and slavery.
 Our Eternal Salvation begins now and is AN ONGOING  HE STEALS OUR FREE WILL AND ENSLAVES US, HE KILLS US WITH
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATION AND SIN, until HIS WICKED TEMPTATIONS AND SINS THAT ALIENATE AND
we draw our last breath. SEPARATE US FROM OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT AND LIFE-
 OUR SALVIFIC STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN WE ARE GIVING LORD GOD, and he DESTROYS AND CORRUPTS
BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED INTO CHRIST. EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD and Beautifully created by
✶ “...If anyone enters by Me...” Our Lord Jesus speaks His Almighty God
Divine Truth very clearly and concisely. ✶ “... that they may have Life...” GOD CREATED MANKIND TO
 HE DOES NOT SAY “WHEN” BUT “IF,” which shows us that THE LIVE BY HIS DIVINE GRACE even while on Earth.
CHOICES WE MAKE ARE ENTIRELY ACCORDING TO OUR OWN  OUR VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY SINS BREAK OUR SACRED
FREE WILL, for our God of Love never forces His BOND WITH OUR LORD GOD, leaving us susceptible to
Divine Will upon His creatures. the destructive forces of evil.
 We must FREELY DESIRE AND SEEK HIS PRESENCE THROUGH However, OUR LORD JESUS HAS PROVIDED US WITH THE MOST
PRAYER AND CORRECT, REVERENT, HONEST AND SINCERE POWERFUL ANTIDOTE AND HEALING OF HIS DIVINE
WORSHIP TRUTH.
✶ We “...will be Saved...” by humbly and obediently ✶“... and more abundantly...” indicates OUR LORD’S ETERNAL
APPLYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS TO HEAVENLY KINGDOM that begins while we are still in
EVERY ASPECT OF OUR EXISTENCE. this lifespan.
 WE ARE INCLINED TO COMPLICATE EVERYTHING, thereby ✶ "...I Am the Good Shepherd...” OUR LORD ALWAYS
causing confusion and misguidance. IDENTIFIES HIMSELF CLEARLY so that we properly
✶ “... and find pasture...” Just as any good shepherd understand Who He is.
leads his flocks to green fields or pasture where  “I Am” is THE NAME WHEREBY GOD IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
they are sufficiently fed, so too, does OUR GOOD  Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR GOOD SHEPHERD WHO
SHEPHERD LEAD HIS HOLY FLOCK TO THE BEAUTIFUL WATCHES OVER US, PROTECTING US AGAINST EVIL AND
SUSTAINING PASTURES THAT SPIRITUALLY NOURISH AND GUIDING US ALONG HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH HIS
MAINTAIN US while we mature, growing closer to DIVINE TRUTH.
God and regaining our Divine Likeness.  WE ARE HIS HOLY FLOCK OF “REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” who
 BY FREELY SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD’S DIVINE WILL, WE trust our Holy Shepherd to provide for us and to
ARE IMMENSELY LIBERATED FROM ALL NEGATIVITY AND take good care of us.

S T P H OTIOS TH E G RE AT OF CO NSTANTINOPLE 6 FEB RU ARY 7


 OUR GOOD SHEPHERD LOVES EVERY ONE OF HIS HOLY FLOCK to Commandments whereby we ought to live as His
the extent of OFFERING HIS OWN LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF Faithful Disciples.
OUR SALVATION.  The Wolf is ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE
 HE HAS FULFILLED ALL THE INSPIRED PROPHECIES of Holy TRUTH, THAT CAUSES DISHARMONY AND DISUNITY OR
CONTROVERSY THAT SPLITS HIS HOLY CHURCH AND CAUSES
Scripture concerning Himself.
SCHISMS, FACTIONS AND EVEN TERRIBLE WARFARE.
 HE KNOWS AND IS KNOWN (being identified and
 The Wolf scatters the Sheep with its LIES AND DECEITS
testified to) BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GOD THAT CAUSE PEOPLE TO BECOME ENSNARED IN
THE HOLY SPIRIT. CONTROVERSIAL, HERETICAL AND BLASPHEMOUS PRACTISES
 HE KNOWS ALL MANKIND PERSONALLY – better than we AND IDEAS, which cause Spiritual Death and Eternal
know ourselves Condemnation.
 WHEN WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH DIVINE TRUTH, WE  THE WOLF HAD “...DEVOURED AND SCATTERED...” GOD’S
KNOW OUR LORD GOD – each of us according to CHOSEN PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL – when they
our personal limitations and capacity. intermarried with pagans and reformed their
ancient Judaic Faith.
✶ “... a Hireling ... who is not the Shepherd...” refers to
THOSE WHO USE PEOPLE AND EVEN THE CHURCH FOR THEIR
 These were “...THE LOST SHEEP...” WHOM CHRIST CAME TO
FIND AND RETURN TO THE SPIRITUAL SAFETY OF HIS HOLY
OWN SELFISH MOTIVES.
SHEEPFOLD.
 Hirelings can also refer to MERCENARY PRIESTS WHO ARE
MERELY ‘DOING A JOB’ but are uncommitted to the
✶ “...other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold...” was
a reference to THE GENTILES – THE PAGAN NON-JUDAIC
Service of God and His Holy Flock.
NATIONS – who did not live according to the Old
 Hirelings LACK ANY DEGREE OF AGAPE AND CAUSE MUCH
UNHAPPINESS AND DISCORD.
Covenant but WHO WOULD RECEIVE THE NEW COVENANT
AND LIVE IN CHRIST.
 They will ABANDON THEIR SACRED DUTIES WHENEVER IT SUITS
THEM AND DEPART WHEN THREATENED by exposure,
 This also applies to ALL WHO WILL EVENTUALLY ACCEPT OUR
complaint or correction. LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH BEFORE THE
END OF TIME – BEFORE ETERNITY.
 Hirelings are usually SELF-APPOINTED ‘PROPHETS’ OR
‘PRIESTS’ WHO ARE OFFENSIVE, HERETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL ✶ “...there will be one Flock - one Shepherd...” WHEN OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST REAPPEARS IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT,
AND BLASPHEMOUS.
DIVINE GLORY ON ’THE EIGHTH DAY’ – THE DAY OF FINAL
 They only care about FINANCIALLY PROFITING AS MUCH AS
THEY CAN from the people who are seeking Divine
JUDGEMENT FOR ALL CREATION IN ETERNITY when we
will either receive Eternal Life in His Heavenly
Truth and Spiritual and physical Healing for their
Kingdom or be Condemned forever to ‘Outer
many ailments and suffering.
 THEY SERVE THE EVIL ONE by doing everything he desires. Darkness’ – the total absence of God and all His
Goodness – a permanent, most dreadful state of
 THEY ARE DRIVEN AND CONTROLLED BY ALL THE GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS THAT DESTROY EVERYTHING GOOD.
Spiritual Death!
 THEY USE THE LOVE AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE GOD TO  At present MANKIND IS LURED INTO APOSTASY BY THE
INNUMERABLE SELF-APPOINTED, EGOCENTRIC HERETICAL
ATTRACT PEOPLE AND CLAIM TO PERFORM ALL KINDS OF
SECTS THAT PICK AND CHOOSE FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE, all
‘MIRACLES’ as though these were merely ‘party
of which claim to be THE Church that alone will
tricks’ to be performed at their own will, but THEY
Save humanity.
ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES AND THOSE WHOM THEY
LEAD INTO PERDITION
 THERE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONLY ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL
AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND DIVINE
✶ “... the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep...” refers to
SAVIOUR, whereby WE LIVE IN CHRIST EXACTLY
ANYTHING THAT HARMS OR DESTROYS THE HOLY FLOCK OF
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT AND
CHRIST OUR LORD.
COMMANDED US – nothing more, nothing less!
1. THE EVIL ONE, his demons and all his wicked people
2. HERETICS  DIVINE TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND UNCOMPROMISING.
3. ENEMIES OR OPPONENTS of Christ and His One, True,  NOT ONE IOTA NOR TITTLE CAN BE CHANGED for then it
becomes our own imperfect, limited, flawed,
Universal, Holy Church
4. APOSTASY – the denial, rejection or neglect of God’s concept of truth – NOT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH!
Divine Truth – all His Teachings and
T H E E TE R NAL , I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R HOLY FA THE R S
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA ST CYRIL OF AL EX AND RIA
Parents often rebuke their children for misbehaviour and Knowledge is Awareness of our Lord God. If we really
chide them wrongly, which hurts them. want to know God, we must first get to know ourselves.
Even if one does not chastise them externally, but do so
E LDE R TH AD DEU S V ITOVNIC
internally by feeling aggrieved or by looking at them
Life on Earth is short – unbelievably short! But much has
angrily, children understand and they will not accept
been granted to us in this small period of our lifetime
gentleness thereafter because they will think it is
in order to help us turn to God from the very depths of
hypocrisy because they have been hurt.
our heart. For it is He alone Who can Transform and
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE Resurrect our immortal soul. We, as Disciples of Christ,
Those who put on Christ, take from Him the Power to are truly Blessed by having our Most Holy Lady,
Cleanse themselves and to become like Him in Theotokos, to Intercede for us before the Throne of
Spiritual Purity. God.
S T J USTIN P OP OV ICH S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC
There is no greater torment than thought itself! There is We have to practise if we are to recognise immediately
no greater Hell that thought that is cut off from our through the movement of our heart what is
Creator and God of all thought – our Lord Jesus Christ, approaching us – good or evil. It should be the same
Who is the Divine Word. Our human thoughts without as recognising something with our tongue that is salty
our Lord Jesus Christ cannot understand either or unsalted, sweet or sour.
themselves, nor the world around us.
S T M AX IM OS THE C ONF ESSOR
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA The Wrath of God is painful for those who are being
It is the family that has the greatest responsibility for our Educated by Him. It hurts when we are visited by
Spiritual State. If children are to be free of their unwelcome pain, through which God often brings a
various external problems, it is not enough to advise, mind puffed up with its own ‘virtue and knowledge’ to
to enforce, to reason or to threaten. That will mortification and Humility. In this manner, He allows
probably only make everything far worse. Any real our mind to become aware of itself and our
improvement will come through the Spiritual Maturity feebleness. When this occurs, we discard any sense of
of parents. vain pride...

8. S T P H OTIOS THE G RE AT OF C ONSTANTINOP LE 6 F E BRU ARY


Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let
us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
TONE 1 9 FEBRUARY 2020

34 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST


T H

SUNDAY AFTER THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST


APODOSIS OF THE MEETING/PRESENTATION
1ST SUNDAY OF THE TRIODION
16TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE - THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE

The Feast of St Nicephoros of Antioch, Syria – St Philagrios, Bishop of Cyprus, St Marcellos,


Bishop of Sicily St Pankratios, Bishop of Taoromina & St Philagrios - St Innocent of Irkutsk (Holy
Relics) – St Pankratios of Kiev Caves Monastery – St Nicephoros & St Gennadios of Vazheozersk –
St Shio Mgvime, Holy Syrian Ascetic & Founder of Georgian Monasticism

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 1 - M ATTH EW 28 : 1 6 : 2 0

P R OKE IME NON

The Lord grants Strength to His People; the Lord Blesses His People with Peace.
Bring to the Lord, O you sons of God, bring to the Lord Glory and Honour!
T H E S E C OND E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T IM OTHY 3: 10 – 15
Timothy my Son: you have carefully followed my Doctrine, manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Longsuffering, Love,
Perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra – what persecutions
I endured! And out of them all the Lord Delivered me. And all who desire to Live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
persecution.
Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the
Things that you have learnt and been assured of – knowing from whom you have learnt them, and that from
childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you Wise for Salvation through Faith, which
is in Christ Jesus.
✶ “...Timothy my Son...” implies THE SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD OF  BY THE GRACE OF GOD, WE ARE ABLE TO FULFIL ALL OUR
ST PAUL in relationship to St Timothy. SACRED TASKS OF LOVE despite all opposition and
St Timothy (whose name means “Honouring God,”) ‘stumbling blocks.’
accompanied St Paul on many of his Missionary Journeys  BY LIVING IN CHRIST, EVEN THE MOST IMPOSSIBLE AND
throughout the vast Roman Empire. INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS BECOME POSSIBLE FOR US
His mother, St Eunice of Lystra, and his Grandmother, St TO FULFIL, ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR
Lois, were renowned for their unwavering Faith and Piety. HEAVENLY FATHER.
He remained with St Paul during his first imprisonment in ✶ “...all who desire to Live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
Rome and was eventually Ordained Bishop of Ephesos in persecution. ..”
65, serving faithfully for 15 years until his martyrdom in  PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS WILL CONTINUE until the end of
80. time.
✶ “...you have carefully followed my Doctrine, manner of We have all witnessed the continuous barbaric persecution
Life, Purpose, Faith, Longsuffering, Love, and indescribably horrific murder of millions of our
Perseverance, persecutions, afflictions...” refers to Christian Brethren throughout the world by the
the unwavering Faith and loyalty of St Timothy. overwhelming Satanic forces that have invaded every
 THE LIFE OF ST PAUL CLEARLY EXHIBITED EVERYTHING THAT country in the world!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TOLD HIS DISCIPLES. ✶ “...Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse,
 In this fallen world, GODLINESS ELICITS ALL TYPES AND deceiving and being deceived...”
DEGREES OF PERSECUTION.  If we LIVE IN CHRIST BY FULFILLING OUR SACRED
 ST TIMOTHY, being profoundly Faithful to the Will of our COMMITMENTS TO GOD AND TO EACH OTHER, by
Heavenly Father, SHARED OR WITNESSED SO MANY OF ST Repenting our sins and Striving to acquire
PAUL’S STRUGGLES. Spiritual Perfect and unconditional, Divine
 Despite all the adversity they suffered, ST PAUL AND ST Love/Agape, we will be UNDER THE DIVINE
TIMOTHY CONTINUED UNABATED TO FULFIL THEIR SACRED PROTECTION OF OUR ALMIGHTY LORD GOD.
TASK of bringing mankind to our Lord Jesus Christ  No matter what anyone might do to our body, OUR
and His Divine Truth. IMMORTAL SOUL BELONGS TO GOD AND CANNOT BE
 Likewise WE SHOULD NEVER BECOME DISHEARTENED NOR HARMED WHEN WE BELONG BODY AND SOUL TO GOD.
DISCOURAGED BY ANY FORM OF OPPOSITION OR  CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE, PRAYERS AND COMMUNAL
PERSECUTION, which is usually motivated by fear, WORSHIP AND PARTAKING OF THE ESSENTIAL HOLY
superstition, personal insecurity and jealousy. MYSTERIES SPIRITUALLY SUSTAINS US AND KEEP US IN A
 J O H N 1 5 : 2 0 : “... ‘A servant is not greater than his BLESSED STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also  Thus we ought to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE AGAINST ALL
persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will TEMPTATION, EVIL AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS THAT DRAG US
keep yours also...” INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH - alienation from God and
✶ “...what persecutions I endured! And out of them all the therefore susceptible to all types and degrees of
Lord Delivered me...” evil.
 THE RIGHTEOUS PATH TO SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS NARROW ✶ “...you must continue in the Things that you have learnt
AND VERY DIFFICULT, but BY THE GRACE OF GOD, and been assured of – knowing from whom you
EVERYTHING BECOME POSSIBLE. have learnt them...”
 When we WALK WITH OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, HE GUIDES US  St Paul exhorted and encouraged St Timothy – and us
AND CARRIES US in His Warm Embrace when our – to DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO REMAIN IN CHRIST.
circumstances become too difficult for us.  St Paul reminded St Timothy of THE SPIRITUAL DEPTH OF
his Sacred Training, which combined BOTH

34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST TRIODION – 16TH LUKE-THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE- 9 FEBRUARY 2020 9
ORAL/VERBAL AND WRITTEN TRADITION according to  We must PRESERVE OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH EXACTLY AS HE
the Old Covenant. TAUGHT US.
 The Old Testament prophesied and attested to the 2 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 2 : 1 5 : “... Brethren, stand fast and hold
Divine Truth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Traditions that you were taught – whether by
but WITHOUT PROPER INSTRUCTION AND word or Epistle...”
UNDERSTANDING, WE CANNOT FULLY APPRECIATE NOR There are two types of “Tradition”
COMPREHEND THE DIVINE TRUTH THAT CHRIST HIMSELF 1. THE TRADITION OF MANKIND, which is SOUNDLY CONDEMNED
TAUGHT US. BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRISt who described it as being
 Furthermore, it is important to STUDY THE WRITINGS AND “... the teaching (of) the commandments of
LIFE OF ALL OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS (AND MOTHERS) men...” (MATTHEW 15:9)
who are Inspired Spiritual Teachers and Guides 2. THE SACRED TRADITIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST,
whom we can trust and strive to imitate. which are VERY CAREFULLY PRESERVED BY THE HOLY
 AS ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS, WE ARE TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE CHURCH OF CHRIST AS ITS SOURCE IS OUR LORD GOD
SO MUCH BENEFICIAL MATERIAL at our disposal, HIMSELF.
which our Christian forebears did not have, YET  HOLY TRADITION IS THAT WHICH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
THEIR FAITH WAS UNWAVERING AND THEY WERE UTTERLY TAUGHT TO HIS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES, which they in
COMMITTED TO GOD. turn taught His Disciples in His Holy Church under
 As Orthodox Disciples of Christ, WE HAVE BEEN GRANTED the Divine Inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, by
EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE TO SUSTAIN SPIRITUAL LIFE means of their verbal instructions and by their
ACCORDING TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE writings.
TRUTH.  UNDER THE DIVINE GUIDANCE OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE
 We are Blessed with both A SACRED VERBAL TRADITION ADHERE STRICTLY TO THAT SAME HOLY TRADITION as it is
AND A SACRED WRITTEN TRADITION. present in the Writings of the Holy Apostles and
 IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPREHEND WRITTEN TRADITION –Holy resident in the Holy Church of Christ to which the
Scripture – UNLESS WE RECEIVE THE VERBAL TRADITION – Divine Truth is Promised.
the True Teachings of Christ, which are explained  J O H N 1 6 : 1 3 – Christ said: “... I still have many Things
to us by our Holy Fathers and Divinely Inspired to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
Teachers. When He – the Spirit of Truth – has come, He will
 OUR ORTHODOX TEACHINGS ARE NOT MERELY MANKIND’S Guide you into all Truth, for He will not speak on
FLAWED AND LIMITED OPINION OF GOD’S TRUTH but His own Authority, but whatever He hears, He will
actually GOD’S TRUTH Itself, EXPLAINED TO US BY OUR speak, and He will tell you Things to come...”
DIVINELY INSPIRED AND ENLIGHTENED HOLY FATHERS AND  Because GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT – the Third Person of the
TEACHERS. Holy Trinity and One Godhead – is THE SPIRIT OF
 THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH – DIVINE TRUTH. TRUTH Who ABIDES IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST, the
 DIVINELY INSPIRED TEACHING IS THUS ALSO EXACTLY Orthodox Church of Christ is THE HOLY GUARDIAN OF
ACCORDING TO THAT SAME ONE DIVINE TRUTH. ALL TRUTH.
 WHEN VERBAL TRADITION IS CONVEYED BY DIVINE INSPIRATION  2 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 3 : 6 – “... withdraw from every
AND GRACE, IT IS EXACTLY THE SAME ONE DIVINE TRUTH – Brother who walks disorderly and not according to
no matter when taught by various people the Tradition, which he received from us...”
anywhere in the world!  We ought to TAKE CARE NOT TO BECOME WRONGLY
On the contrary, mankind’s interpretation of Divine Truth is INFLUENCED BY THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THEIR OWN
as varied and vastly different as those trying to explain It WAY, MOTIVATED BY SELF-SERVING DESIRES that disobey ,
without the Divine Grace of God the Holy Spirit. reject or rebel against the Will of our Heavenly
Father.
 M A T T H E W 2 8 : 1 8 – “... all Authority has been granted  By rejecting any aspect of our Orthodox Faith, WE PUT
to Me in Heaven and on Earth...” which has OURSELVES IN DANGER OF APOSTASY AND MUST SEEK
always belonged to Christ AS THE ETERNAL SON OF IMMEDIATE SPIRITUAL RECONCILIATION.
GOD, and which was ALSO POSSESSED BY HIS GLORIFIED  We ought to LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT OUR ONE
HUMAN NATURE, WHEREBY the final enemy – DEATH – TRUTH FAITH rather than to reject or rebel against
HAS BEEN TRAMPLED AND DEFEATED. Sacred Aspects that we do not understand
 1 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 1 : 2 “... keep the Traditions just as I correctly.
delivered them to you...’ means that we must  We are surrounded by so many Spiritual Snares, so we
continue to LIVE IN CHRIST, CAREFULLY PRESERVE OUR must FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE
VERBAL AND WRITTEN TRADITIONS SO THAT WE CAN PASS TRUTH IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
THEM ONTO THE FUTURE GENERATIONS INTACT – without  If we do not understand anything pertaining to our
any alteration nor error. Faith, we must SEEK CLARIFICATION AND
COMPREHENSION.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 18 : 10 – 14
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ narrated this Parable:
“Two men went up to the Temple to pray – one was a Pharisee and the other a Tax Collector. The Pharisee stood
and prayed thus with himself: ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men – extortionists, unjust, adulterers,
or even like this Tax Collector. I Fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess...’
“And the Tax Collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast,
saying: ‘O God, be Merciful to me, a sinner!’
“I tell you, this man went down to his house Justified rather than the other: For everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
✶ “...Two men went up to the Temple to pray – one was a ✶ “... the Pharisee stood and prayed... with himself...”
Pharisee and the other a Tax Collector...” reveals that HE WAS SELF-CENTRED - self-involved,
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFTEN USED TWO OPPOSING – proud arrogant and regarded himself to be
SOMETIMES EXTREME - EXAMPLES to emphasise various superior to all other sinners.
aspects of His Teachings. ✶ “ ... ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men’...
 His audience immediately regarded these two men as REVEALS HIS VAINGLORY AND DELUSIONS OF SPIRITUAL
being ‘SAINT AND SINNER.’ PERFECTION.
 However, this Sacred Lesson teaches us many things,  GOD KNOWS THE EXACT SPIRITUAL STATE OF EVERY HEART AND
but most of all to AVOID JUDGING OTHERS FOR ONLY
SOUL, of which we have no idea at all!
GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH.
 INSTEAD OF OFFERING THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR HIS
 THE PHARISEE WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED as a zealous
observer of the Old Covenant Law. ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, THE PHARISEE POINTED OUT HIS
PERCEIVED VIRTUES, which than became Spiritually
 THE TAX COLLECTOR (PUBLICAN) WAS DESPISED as a
treacherous sinner who collaborated with the Unbeneficial to him, due to HIS EGOCENTRIC
occupying Roman forces, betrayed and cheated MOTIVATION.
his fellow Hebrew people.  THE PRACTISES OF THE PHARISEE WERE WORTHY EXAMPLES TO
OTHERS.

10 34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST TRIODION – 16TH LUKE-THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE- 9 FEBRUARY 2020
 SUCH GOOD DEEDS – Fasting, Almsgiving and Tithing - RELATIONSHIP with our Lord God and his fellow
ARE INDEED THE PRIMARY WEAPONS AGAINST THE GRIEVOUS mankind.
PASSIONS of lust and greed - adultery, fornication  HE BESOUGHT, BEGGED AND ENTREATED GOD’S GREAT MERCY -
and extortion. to receive Forgiveness and Spiritual Life.
 However, WITHOUT A HUMBLE AND REPENTANT HEART ,  HE PRAYED FOR DIVINE MERCY WITH ALL HIS HEART AND SOUL.
THESE OUTWARD PRACTISES ARE WORTHLESS AND LEAD  Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how to PRAY FOR DIVINE
ONLY TO PRIDE AND JUDGEMENT OF OTHERS . MERCY BY USING THIS SAME PRAYER of the humble,
 G OD IS ABSENT WHERE THERE IS PRIDE , BOASTING AND contrite and Repentant Publican/Tax Collector.
ARROGANCE .
 EGOISM IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF OUR SINS AND SPIRITUAL DEATH. This Prayer is know as “The Jesus Prayer” or “the Prayer of
 The Pharisee remained a sinner and Spiritually Dead the heart.” We address our Prayer for Divine Mercy to
because our Lord Jesus Christ: “O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of
1. he judged others as being sinners God, have Mercy on me, a sinner!”
2. he did not acknowledge and Repent his own The shortened refrain “ Lord, have Mercy” – “Kyrie Eleison”
grievous passions. is repeatedly and continuously prayed throughout all
3. He lacked Love for God and for other people. Orthodox Christian Worship and Prayer.
4. He lacked Humility and Obedience, even while  When we Entreat our Lord God for His Divine Mercy,
praying to our Lord in His Holy Temple. we, too, should BE AS REPENTANT, HUMBLE AND
5. He remained unjustified, unforgiven and CONTRITE AS THIS WRETCHED PUBLICAN.
unmerciful, unrepentant and thus in a state of ✶ "... this man went down to his house Justified...” is A
Spiritual Death. DIVINE REVELATION, for only God knows the Spiritual
✶ “...the Tax Collector, standing afar off, would not so State of every immortal soul.
much as raise his eyes to Heaven...”  TO BE “JUSTIFIED” MEANS TO BE FORGIVEN AND SET RIGHT BY
 The Publican STOOD APART FROM THE OTHER WORSHIPPERS. GOD.
 HE NEITHER JUDGED NOR CRITICISED ANYONE ELSE, BUT ONLY ✶ “...rather than the other...” – refers to THE ARROGANT, SELF-
SAW THE DEPTH OF HIS OWN SINS. RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE whose outward appearance
 He ACKNOWLEDGED AND UNDERSTOOD THE DEPTH OF HIS belied his inward Spiritual Death.
SINFUL STATE and its devastating consequences for  OUR DIVINE JUDGE HIMSELF REVEALED THE SPIRITUAL
others as well as himself. CONSEQUENCES AND CONDEMNATION OF THE PHARISEE.
 He KNEW HIMSELF TO BE UNWORTHY TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF ✶ “...everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he
HIS FELLOW HEBREWs – all of whom he considered to who humbles himself will be exalted...” is A VERY
be far better and Spiritually Superior to himself. DIRE WARNING FROM OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.
 He was UTTERLY HUMBLE, CONTRITE AND REPENTANT in the  INWARD HUMILITY IS TRULY BLESSED while ARROGANCE AND
Presence of God and in the midst of his fellow PRIDE IN OUTWARD DEEDS IS CONDEMNED.
worshippers.  HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE ARE THE TWO INSEPARABLE HOLY
 He REGARDED HIMSELF TO BE THE WORST OF ALL SINNERS. VIRTUES we must all strive to acquire.
 He kept his eyes downcast because HE WAS SO VERY  The Acquisition of Humility and Obedience MAKES THE
ASHAMED OF ALL HIS SINS. ACQUISITION OF ALL THE OTHER HOLY VIRTUES POSSIBLE.
✶ “...beat his breast, saying: ‘O God, be Merciful to me, a  WITHOUT HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, WE SPIRITUALLY
sinner!’ STAGNATE AND EXPIRE!
 HIS ENTIRE POSTURE REVEALED HIS INTENSELY PAINFUL AND  ACQUISITION OF HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE IS THE BEGINNING
SINCERE AWARENESS OF HIS WICKEDNESS. OF SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – the regaining of our
 HIS ONLY PURPOSE AND DESIRE WAS TO REPENT HIS SINS, Divine Likeness with which God created us.
RECEIVE DIVINE FORGIVENESS AND RETURN TO A GOOD
34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST TRIODION – 16TH ST LUKE – THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the over and over again from the very depths of his
Holy Spirit... being: ‘O God, be Merciful to me, a sinner!”
Dearly Beloved, we are presented with two typical kinds He did not judge anyone, He condemned only himself for
of people - a Pharisee and a Publican - who were he knew all too sorrowfully that he was completely
praying in the Temple. lost without God’s Great Mercy.
They were two opposite poles of society at that time - one Finally, as our Lord Jesus Christ revealed to us, that
who was respected as being ‘Pious and Righteous’ wretched, much despised Publican was Justified by
because he was an ‘expert’ on the Law – an erudite God and received His Divine Grace and Love, due to
Pharisee - while other was a sinful Publican who was his Humility, Honesty and Repentance.
utterly despised because he was associated with The Publican returned to his home Restored to Spiritual
those who mercilessly extorted their people and Life and Reconciled with our Lord God.
collaborated with the Roman oppressors - the worst of On the contrary, the conceited, self-centred Pharisee
sinners. neither received Divine Grace nor went home
The Pharisee’s Prayer was in praise of himself and his Reconciled, for he had condemned himself by not
virtues, for he listed all his Good Deeds that made him only judging others but for boasting to God about his
consider himself incomparably superior to the other self-perceived ‘virtues.’
people, all of whom he regarded as being sinners. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s severe warning that “...everyone
He thanked God, or rather, congratulated himself, who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
because he was “... not like other men ...” humbles himself will be exalted...” must have
He actually considered himself as being ‘sinless’ by astonished His Disciples and “... some who trusted in
comparison! He believed that he was self-sufficient themselves that they were Righteous and despised
and had no need to depend on God in the slightest. others...” - those who believed in the religious pre-
since he had so many of ‘good deeds’ to support him eminence of the Pharisees over the despised
about which he liked to boast! Publicans.
He regarded himself as the centre of his little world - not Our Divine Saviour overturned the opinion of those who
God but himself, with his self-proclaimed ‘virtuous’ saw only the external aspect of human activities by
lifestyle! revealing the inner depth and Spiritual Condition of
All he wanted from God was recognition and people’s hearts, which God alone sees.
confirmation of his self-righteousness! He thereby taught us that we seldom reflect our True
He regarded himself to be as close to God as if he had Inner State – the True Spiritual State of our immortal
entered an agreement with Him to judge and soul – revealing who and what we really are!
condemn sinners together! Our Lord Jesus Christ did not blame the Pharisee for
The inward Prayer and outward attitude of the Publican Faithfully fulfilling all his Sacred Duties.
revealed his heartfelt Repentance and genuine The Pharisee condemned himself due to the fact that he
Humility before God and his fellow mankind. based his whole life on his own efforts, rather than on
He was sincerely contrite and devastated by his the Mercy and Providence of our Lord God, which
innumerable sins and - acknowledging the extent caused him to become self-sufficient, self-righteous
and dire consequences of his iniquities - he begged and vainglorious.
God’s Mercy, while beating his breast and praying

34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST TRIODION – 16TH LUKE-THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE- 9 FEBRUARY 2020 11
Furthermore, he condemned himself by criticising and Our Lord Jesus despised all hypocrites who are in fact
judging others as being sinners while he lacked Love, liars, thieves, deceivers and most wicked of sinners.
Compassion and Humility upon which all Holy Virtues Therefore, we must take great care to avoid such hideous
are rooted. iniquities by constantly and honestly examining
Our Lord Jesus did not condone the sins of the Publican ourselves in order to quickly root out any such sins
but used him as our good example because he was that lurk deep within us.
so sincerely contrite and sorrowfully aware of his By placing this important Sacred Lesson at the beginning
sinful state and its dire consequences. of the Triodion Period, the Holy Church of Christ wants
With great Humility and heartfelt Repentance he had to shield Her Faithful Flock against the conceit and
begged God for His Great Mercy, knowing that only deception of the self-righteous, arrogant Pharisee,
He can Forgive such a wretched sinner. whose wicked traits often lurk deep within our heart.
The Publican hoped for Divine Salvation, because he Our Holy Fathers preferred to highlight the good
depended entirely upon our Gracious Lord God. example of the wretched, contrite and Repentant
Our Lord Jesus Christ addressed this particular Parable to Publican whose heartfelt Prayers of Confession and
those who are self-assured of their ‘piety’ while Entreaty were heard by God, Who Justified and
disdaining and judging everyone else – those without Restored him to Spiritual Life.
any perception of the extent of their own sinful state. The following Kontakion of Matins for Sunday of the
We meet – and are - such Spiritually Blind, self-righteous Publican is a wonderful summary of today’s Sacred
people – every day and of every age. Lesson:
“Pharisaics” consider themselves as being self-sufficient, ‘Let us avoid the proud speech of the Pharisee
self-righteous and virtuous. And learn the Humility of the Publican.
They judge, criticise and condemn others as being With sighing let us cry to our Saviour:
incorrigibly steeped in sin, and they delight in “Have mercy, O Thou Who alone art quick to pardon,”
describing God’s ‘Punishments’ that await such
‘miscreants.’ IOANNIS K ARAVIDOP OULOS , P ROFESS OR E ME RITUS OF N EW T EST AMENT
They forget that we are all sinners who are subject to H ERMENEUTICS , A. U. T H .
God’s Impartial Judgement. https://pemptousia.com/2019/02/the-sunday-of-the-
Since such behaviour involves hypocrisy, the term publican-and-the-pharisee-2/
‘Pharisaical’ refers to those who are ‘hypocritical’.
S T P E TE R OF D AM ASCU S – O N R EJEC TION OF DES P AIR
We should not despair when we are not as we ought to Saint Maximos warned us that, should we dare to do so, it
be. will be as though we achieved the Riches of Freedom
Of course, it is bad when we sin. But we must never slight from the passions through our own efforts.
God in our ignorance, by considering Him to be Saint John of Damascus taught us that those of us who
powerless, for He Who created this wonderful universe are still subject to the grievous passions and have no
– visible and invisible – is certainly able to Save and to Experience of the Light of Knowledge are in even far
Restore our body and soul. great danger if we set ourselves up as Spiritual Guides
And if we think that “... that just makes it all the worse, as for others.
does His Forbearance...” we must immediately Repent Those who have received Release from the passions from
for He always accepts our sincere Repentance as He God, as well as Spiritual Knowledge, court the same
did that of the Prodigal Son and of the Repentant Spiritual Danger unless they use these for the Benefit
Harlot. (LUKE 15: 20 & 7:47-48) of other souls.
If we cannot even do that and, from habit, continue to sin Nothing is better for those who are sick than a Retreat into
by doing what we do not really want to, then we must Peace and Quiet. And there is nothing better than
have the abject Humility of the Publican, which will Obedience for those who are subject to the grievous
be enough for our Salvation. (LUKE 18:13) passions and who lack Knowledge and Experience.
When we sin, but do not Repent, we place ourselves at There is nothing better for all of us than acceptance of
the very bottom of Creation – so we must not dare to our weakness and ignorance - and thereis nothing
criticize nor blame anyone else! worse than being unaware of them.
We might wonder at God’s Loving-kindness and feel There is no grievous passion more hateful than pride, nor
gratitude towards our Divine Benefactor, and we may more absurd than avarice, which is the root of all
have many other good qualities. evils! (1 Timothy 6:10)
Even though we sinners are subject to the devil due to Avarice (extreme greed) is absurd because those who
our iniquities, yet, out of Fear of God, when we reject have laboured hard to acquire money made from
our ancient enemy, who urges us to despair, we are metal extracted from the earth should then,
somehow still connected to our Lord God - provided unproductively, hide it back in the earth, which is why
we are Grateful, Thankful, Patient, Fearful of God and our Lord Jesus Christ exhorted us: “... Do not lay up
avoid judging others, so that we, ourselves, will not treasures on Earth...” while cautioning us that: “...
be judged. (MATTHEW 7:1) where your treasure is, there, too, is your heart!”’
Saint John Chrysostom believed that the threat of (MATTHEW 6:19 & 21)
Gehenna (Hades or Hell) is almost more Spiritually Whatever our mind is habitually focussed upon, reveals
Beneficial to us than the Promise of the Divine what attracts us and what we desire - earthly things,
Kingdom of Heaven. grievous passions or Eternal, Heavenly Things.
The first, because we are repelled and fear it, and the Saint Basil the Great taught us that habit, when indulged,
second, because we have been embraced by it. So becomes a force of nature.
we can be Saved by either, by the Grace of Christ. When we become ill, we ought to pay greater attention to
Our unmitigated fear of Eternal Death, the Outer the witness of our conscience, in order to free our
Darkness, the bottomless Abyss and Eternal Exile from immortal soul from any Condemnation. This is in case
God, motivates many more souls to Struggle against we reach the end of our life, Repent to no effect and
temptations that cause Eternal Condemnation. will thus lament Eternally.
On the contrary, far fewer immortal souls Strive for Those who are unable to suffer death in the body for
Spiritual Perfection and Eternal Life in His Kingdom of Christ, as He did for us, should at least willingly
Love, which is Divinely Promised to us. undergo death in the mind.
Just as those of us who are attacked by so many physical We must become Martyrs of Conscience by rejecting
and spiritual grievous passions, yet might be everything that attacks us, by our ceaseless Spiritual
Crowned provided we remain Patient and do not Struggles – just like the Holy Martyrs and our Blessed
surrender our free-will to indifference nor to despair, Holy Fathers - the former died in the body, while the
so those who have achieved Release and Relief from latter died in the mind.
the grievous passions, might soon Fall into sin and By exerting ourselves even a little, we can defeat our
despair (hopelessness) unless they continuously enemies, but if we are even a little negligent, and
Confess their Blessings by not judging others. become Spiritually Dead, we are defeated and lost!

12 34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST TRIODION – 16TH LUKE-THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE- 9 FEBRUARY 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.
10 FEBRUARY 2020

ST CHARALAMBOS, THE GREAT HOLY HIEROMARTYR


Also the Feast of St Porphyrios, St Vaptos & 3 Female Holy Martyrs of Thessaly – Synaxis of the Holy
Hierarchs of Novgorod: St Joachim, First Bishop of Novgorod, St Luke, St Theodore, St Herman, St
Arcadios, St John, St Gabriel, Bishops of Novgorod - St Martyrios, St Anthony, St Basil, St Moses, St
Symeon, St Euthymios, St Aphthonios & St Anna of Novgorod – St Prochoros of Kiev Near Caves
Monastery – St Longinos of Koryzhemsk, Vologda – St Ennatha, St Valentina & St Paula, Virgin
Martyrs of Palestine – St John Chimcimeli the Philosopher of Georgia

P ROKE IM ENON – P SAL M 63/64 – T ONE (7) V ARYS /G R AV E

The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall Hope in Him.
Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplication!
T HE S EC OND E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO S T T IM OTHY 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...”  OUR HOLY CHURCH AND HER SACRED TRADITIONS ARE
 THOUGH OUR LIFE IN CHRIST, WE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE THE “CATHOLIC” – Universal – and belongs to the entire
DIVINE GRACE BESTOWED UPON US BY GOD THE HOLY Church of Christ.
SPIRIT Who Empowers and Enables us to fulfil the  THIS SACRED TRADITION MUST BE PASSED TO SUCCEEDING
Divine Will of our Heavenly Father. GENERATIONS OF FAITHFUL DISCIPLES UNCHANGED AND
 The Divine Grace of the Holy Spirit, (“Charisma”) was UNHINDERED, which is very different to the elitism of
BESTOWED UPON ST TIMOTHY AT HIS HOLY ORDINATION by major religions of the first century Roman Empire,
the Laying on of Hands of St Paul. including Gnosticism and all other “mystery”
 DIVINE GRACE FILLS UP OR COMPLETES WHATEVER IS LACKING religions.
AND GRANTS AUTHENTICITY to the Holy Priesthood of ✶ “...Share in suffering as a Good Soldier of Christ
Christ. Jesus...” is a reference to THE CHURCH MILITANT.
 However, DIVINE GRACE IS NOT AUTOMATIC.  THE CHURCH MILITANT CONSISTS OF THOSE WHO STILL
 We have to CEASELESSLY STIR IT UP AND REKINDLE IT BY STRUGGLE against all temptations and grievous
STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND THE FULFILMENT sins that alienate us from God and cause
OF THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Spiritual Death.
✶ “...what Thou hast heard from me ... entrust to  As WE ARE ALL SINNERS STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION,
Faithful men who will be able to teach others we are all SUFFERING DUE TO THE SPIRITUAL WAR that is
also...” waged against us by the evil one.
 St Paul established A CLEAR CHAIN OF RELIABLE  During the Holy Mystery of Baptism, WE BECOME “...THE
WITNESSES TO OUR SACRED ORAL TRADITION. ENLISTED SOLDIERS OF CHRIST...” WHO ALL FIGHT “THE
 This is THE ESSENTIAL SACRED VERBAL OR ORAL TRADITION, GOOD FIGHT” AGAINST OUR ANCIENT ENEMY until we
which is STRICTLY PRESERVED INTACT AND VERBALLY draw our last breath.
TAUGHT to succeeding generations of Faithful  Due to our fallen human condition, WE ALL SUFFER FROM
Disciples of Christ. VARYING DEGREES OF TEMPTATION, SIN AND SPIRITUAL
 WITHOUT THIS SACRED ORAL TRADITION – the Divine AFFLICTION.
Teachings and Instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ  We must therefore LOVE, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST
and His Holy Apostles – WE CANNOT BEGIN TO EACH OTHER throughout this lifespan as we Struggle
UNDERSTAND OUR SACRED WRITTEN TRADITION – Holy towards Eternity.
Scripture and the Divinely Inspired Writings of our  THOSE WHO SUFFER PERSECUTION FOR CHRIST WALK THE PATH
Holy Fathers. OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, SAINTS AND HOLY
 IT IS VITAL FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OUR HOLY, ORTHODOX MARTYRS.
(True Teaching and Dogma) CHURCH OF CHRIST TO  While any Christian may be persecuted, we REJECT
PASS ON ALL SACRED KNOWLEDGE – all Divine Truth – to FEELINGS OF FEAR OR TIMIDITY AND TRUST GOD IMPLICITLY!
the next generations.  J O H N 1 5 : 2 0 “Remember ... ‘A servant is not greater
 OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH IS INDEED BASED SOLELY ON THE DIVINE than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will
TRUTH OF GOD. also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they
 Anything based on mankind’s interpretation of Divine will keep yours also.”
Truth is flawed, weak and imperfect.  M A T T H E W 5 : 1 1 – 1 2 “Blessed are you when they revile
 DIVINE TRUTH IS GRANTED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
WHOM GOD CALLS to Teach, Preach and Enlighten against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and
His Faithful Disciples throughout the ages. be exceedingly glad, for great is your Reward in
 AS GOD IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND THUS UNCHANGEABLE, Heaven, for so they persecuted the Prophets who
SO, TOO IS HIS DIVINE TRUTH. were before you.”
 OUR NEW COVENANT HOLY TRADITION IS MEANT FOR ALL WHO
BELIEVE AND HAVE VOWED ALLEGIANCE TO OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST.

S T C H AR AL AM BOS THE G REAT H OLY M ARTY R 10 F EBRU ARY 13


✶ “...No Enlisted Soldier gets entangled in civilian  St Paul was also referring to HIS HUMAN CONDITION – HIS
pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the One Who SINFUL STATE THAT REQUIRED CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE.
Enlisted him...”  HE ACKNOWLEDGED ALL HIS CHARACTERISTIC WEAKNESSES AND
 WE MUST NOT BECOME DISTRACTED BY WORLDLY AFFAIRS GRIEVOUS SINS that tempted him.
that have no Spiritual Benefit at all.  WE ALL HAVE CHARACTER FLAWS that we must strive to
 WE MUST FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON OUR LORD JESUS correct through our own CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE
CHRIST so that we can CORRECT OURSELVES AND AND STRUGGLES.
MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. ✶ “...the Word of God is not chained...” because Divine
 WE MUST PROTECT THE WEAK, THE VULNERABLE AND THE Truth cannot be suppressed or hidden.
GOOD against all wickedness and Spiritual Threats.  OUR HEART AND SOUL NATURALLY RESPONDS TO HEARING THE
✶ “...An Athlete is not crowned unless he competes DIVINE TRUTH, which we are all seeking.
according to the Rules...”  HOW WE RESPOND TO AND APPLY THE DIVINE TRUTH to our
 ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST AND APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO thoughts, words and deeds WILL AFFECT OUR CURRENT
OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS, CAN WE HOPE TO LIFESPAN AND ESPECIALLY OUR ETERNITY.
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE in ✶ “...I endure everything for the sake of the Elect...”
God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love.  Our Sacred Calling to serve God’s Divine Mission
 LIFE IN CHRIST IS A COMMUNAL ENDEAVOUR – not a solitary ought to be A SELF-SACRIFICING MISSION.
undertaking.  We are compelled to PUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS BEFORE
 WE ARE ALL SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF CHRIST’S DIVINE BODY – OUR OWN.
HIS HOLY CHURCH – SO WE MUST CO-OPERATE WITH GOD BY  ST PAUL CERTAINLY LIVED AN INTENSELY SELF-SACRIFICING
STRIVING TOGETHER FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. for the sake of all the Disciples of Christ and
LIFE
 As Disciples of Christ, WE ARE UNDER THE DIVINE DISCIPLINE those whom he would convert from paganism
OF OUR LORD GOD, which, paradoxically, GRANTS US
to Christianity – either directly or indirectly.
IMMENSE SPIRITUAL FREEDOM, JOY AND PEACE.
 Our Sacred Calling motivates us to BECOME GOOD
✶ “...the hardworking Farmer ... ought to have the first
TEACHERS BY EXAMPLE to those whom we have
share of the crops...”
been Called to Enlighten, Guide and
 WHAT WE SOW, WE REAP – whether good or bad!
Encourage.
 All our honest and sincere Struggles and Strivings
✶ “...that they also may obtain Salvation in Christ Jesus
will grant us MUCH FULFILMENT AND SUCCESS.
with Eternal Glory...”
 Life in Christ grants us A BLESSED FORETASTE of His
Heavenly Kingdom of Love.  ALL OF US who are the Faithful Disciples of Christ
 ST PAUL USED THESE EXAMPLES of the enlisted soldier, the HAVE BEEN CALLED TO HELP EACH OTHER so that we
well trained athlete and the hard-working farmer might all become worthy Children of God, Co-
BECAUSE THE PEOPLE COULD RELATE TO THEM and Heirs with Christ and Citizens of His Heavenly
understand the significance of his words. Kingdom of Love.
 HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, SELF-DENIAL AND STRUGGLE ARE  WE ALL NEED ETERNAL SALVATION but not only do we need
ESSENTIAL TO OUR FAITHFUL MINISTRY. to do everything possible for our own Eternal
✶ “...the Lord will grant Thee Understanding in Salvation, but WE ALSO NEED TO ASSIST AND ENCOURAGE
everything...” EACH OTHER.
 NOT ONLY DOES GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANT US  We are not Saved by our Good Works. WE ARE SAVED
UNDERSTANDING of His Divine Truth, but HE ALSO FOR GOOD WORKS.
EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US TO FULFIL THE WILL OF Those who are genuinely Faithful to God are eagerly compelled
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. and motivated to fulfil all Good Deeds offered to us by
✶ “...I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of God Himself. We cannot profess to have Faith if we do
chains...” is a reference to ST PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT not also fulfil our Spiritual Obligations by doing whatever
FOR PREACHING CHRIST to the pagans and for having the Lord our God requires of us with regard to one
converted so many to our True Faith. another – as well as to and for His entire Creation.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 15: 17 -16 :2
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said to His Disciples: “...this I Command you: Love one another! If the world
hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its
own. But because you are not of the world - for I chose you out of the world - the world therefore hates
you.
“Remember the Word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they
will persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you in My
Name, because they do not know Him Who sent Me.
“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.
“He who hates Me, hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the Works that no one else has done,
they would have no sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. It is to fulfil the Word
that is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
“But when the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send to you from the Father – even the Spirit of Truth, WHO
Proceeds from the Father – He will bear witness to Me.
“And you also are witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
“I have said all this to you, to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the Synagogues. Indeed,
the Hour is coming when whoever kills you, will think that he is offering Service to God.“
✶ “…I Command you: Love one another...” is the most  IF WE HAVE LOVE, WE ARE OPEN TO RECEIVING AND
significant and vital Divine Commandment to UNDERSTANDING THE DIVINE REVELATIONS and
all mankind. Teachings of God our Heavenly Father.
 GOD IS LOVE. HE CREATED US BY AND WITH LOVE. ✶ “…the world hates...” because THERE IS NO LOVE AT ALL
 When we could not or would not strive to Perfect our BECAUSE OF PRIDE, EGO, GREED AND SELFISHNESS!
fallen nature, HE SENT HIS SON, OUR LORD JESUS  The term “world,” is used in several distinct ways in
CHRIST, TO TEACH US EVERYTHING ABOUT HIS DIVINE Holy Scripture:
LOVE/AGAPE. 1. referring to ALL THAT IS GLORIOUS, BEAUTIFUL AND
 LOVE NEVER FAILS! REDEEMABLE IN GOD’S CREATION,
 LOVE HEALS ALL PAIN AND SUFFERING – and always has a 2. referring to THAT WHICH IS FINITE IN CONTRAST TO
very positive effect on all Creation. THAT WHICH IS ETERNAL
 IF WE LOVE EACH OTHER AS MUCH AS GOD LOVES US, OUR 3. referring to ALL THAT IS IN REBELLION AGAINST
WORLD WOULD BECOME PARADISE! ALMIGHTY GOD, His Divine Goodness and His
 THOSE WHO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF LOVE – OF AGAPE – ALSO unconditional Love.
POSSESS THE SPIRIT OF LOVING OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND HIS  JOHN 8 : 23 – (As Christ said to the unbelieving
HOLY SERVANTS WHO GUIDE AND TEACH US. Judeans): “…You are from beneath; I Am from
Above. You are of this world; I Am not of this
world…”

14 S T C H AR AL AM BOS THE G REAT H OLY M ARTY R 10 F EBRU ARY


✶ “…you are not of the world - for I chose you out of  That rejection and hatred once again FULFILLED THE
the world...” refers to OUR DIVINE ADOPTION by our ANCIENT PROPHECIES WITH REGARD TO OUR DIVINE
Heavenly Father during our Holy Baptism. SAVIOUR.
 As FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, we are SANCTIFIED  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED EVERY LAW AND EVERY
MEMBERS OF HIS HOLY CHURCH WHO CEASELESSLY STRIVE PROPHECY OF THE OLD COVENANT. Yet certain of God’s
TO LIVE IN CHRIST. Chosen Nation rejected and even hated Christ
 Our Lifespan is a period of PERSONAL STRUGGLE AGAINST Who is the Great Messiah they had awaited for so
THE FALLEN CONDITION OF OUR HUMAN NATURE. many centuries!
 This is a preparatory period of CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE.  The incredible hatred and rejection of Christ is always
 THE REBELLION OF THE WORLD AGAINST GOD reveals several INSTIGATED BY OUR ANCIENT ENEMY, THE EVIL ONE, WHO
significant aspects: USES ALL OUR PERSONAL WEAKNESSES AGAINST US.
1. While UNION WITH CHRIST BRING US LOVE, TRUTH AND PEACE,  WE MUST EXAMINE OURSELVES DAILY, to see if and why we
it also brings us PERSECUTION, BECAUSE THE FALLEN might reject, neglect or rebel against our Lord
WORLD HATES LOVE AND TRUTH. God.
2. THE WORLD HATED CHRIST. Therefore, the world HATES ALL  THIS IS THE BITTER ENSLAVEMENT OF SIN THAT ALIENATES US
THOSE WHO TRY TO BECOME CHRIST-LIKE – SPIRITUALLY FROM GOD – a state of Spiritual Death, which is
PERFECTED. resolved as soon as we SINCERELY REPENT.
3. HATRED OF CHRIST IS IRRATIONAL AND UNREASONABLE, FOR HE The rejection of Love and Goodness makes no sense at all
ALONE BRINGS US LOVE AND HIS GREAT MERCY. and must be seen for what it is!
Consequently, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS HATED WITHOUT ✶ “...when the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send to
CAUSE OR REASON! you from the Father...” refers to GOD THE HOLY
✶ “…A servant is not greater than his Master...’ means SPIRIT.
that NONE OF US IS MORE POWERFUL AND SPIRITUALLY 1. God the Son sent us God the Holy Spirit FROM
PERFECT THAT OUR LORD GOD. THE FATHER respect to God’s Working Salvation
✶ ".... if they persecuted Me.... kept My Word...” points in the world.
out THE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF MANKIND 2. According to His Divine Nature, GOD THE HOLY
1. THOSE WHO REJECT CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH SPIRIT ETERNALLY PROCEEDS FROM THE FATHER
follow their own wicked desires and grievous ALONE!
passions.  GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT RECEIVES HIS ETERNAL EXISTENCE ONLY
FROM GOD THE FATHER.
2. THOSE WHO ACCEPT CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH,
 According to our Lord Jesus Christ’s Words, the
Struggle against all temptations and grievous
Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of Faith
passions and strive for Spiritual Perfection by Confesses our belief “… in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
Living in Christ. the Giver of Life, Who Proceeds from the Father…”
✶ “... all this they will do to you in My Name, because 1. He is THE THIRD PERSON of our Triune, One, Godhead.
they do not know Him Who sent Me....” 2. He is GOD – He is ETERNALLY DIVINE BY NATURE.
 Only when we SEEK DIVINE TRUTH do we fully 3. He PROCEEDS FROM GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER – He is not
COMPREHEND GOD AND HIS DIVINE PURPOSE for all “Begotten” like the Eternal Son and Word of God.
mankind. 4. He GRANTS LIFE TO ALL CREATION.
 We can read Holy Scripture and all the Divinely 5. He GRANTS US THE POSSIBILITY OF ETERNAL LIFE, which we
receive through the Divine Mysteries and Gifts.
Inspired Writings of our Holy Fathers, but IF WE DO
6. He BREATHES LIFE INTO OUR MORTAL CELLS AT CONCEPTION,
NOT LOVE GOD AND EACH OTHER, WE CANNOT RECEIVE
SIMULTANEOUSLY GRANTING US AN IMMORTAL SOUL.
DIVINE GRACE THAT GRANTS US KNOWLEDGE AND 7. He EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US to acquire the Holy Virtues
UNDERSTANDING. – especially Love – that lead to our Spiritual
 ONLY THROUGH THE DIVINE REVELATIONS AND TEACHINGS Perfection – our Likeness to God.
of our Lord Jesus Christ, BY THE DIVINE GRACE AND 8. He is EQUALLY GLORIFIED, HONOURED AND WORSHIPPED
GIFTS of God the Holy Spirit, are we able to TOGETHER WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND OUR LORD
UNDERSTAND AND FULFIL THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR JESUS CHRIST.
HEAVENLY FATHER. ✶ “...the Spirit of Truth, Who Proceeds from the Father...”
 BY REJECTING CHRIST, GOD AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH ARE means that GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES FROM GOD
ALSO REJECTED. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
 HE DOES NOT ALSO PROCEED FROM GOD THE SON as the
 BY PERSECUTING HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES, PEOPLE
heretical “Filioque” claims.
PERSECUTE CHRIST AND REBEL AGAINST OUR TRIUNE
 GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TRUTH ITSELF.
LORD GOD.  HE IS THE SOURCE OF ALL LOVE, GOODNESS AND TRUTH, which
✶ "... If I had not done ... the Works that no one else has we receive from God.
done, they would have no sin; but now they  HE EMPOWERS, ENABLES AND GRACES US WITH DIVINE GIFTS
have seen and hated both Me and My Father...” THAT ARE SPIRITUALLY PERFECTING.
 Our Lord is very clear about THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO  THE SOURCE – THE FOUNTAINHEAD – OF BOTH THE ETERNAL
BLASPHEME, REJECT AND DISOBEY THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR WORD AND SON, AND THE ETERNAL LIFE-GIVING HOLY
HEAVENLY FATHER. SPIRIT IS ONLY THE ETERNAL FATHER .
 NONE OF US WILL ESCAPE THE DIRE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR  THIS IS THE DIVINE TRUTH, which was clearly revealed to
WICKED THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. us by God Himself.
 THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION NOR EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO FULFIL  Everything Divine is BY THE WILL OF THE FATHER, THROUGH
THE SON AND BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF THE HOLY
THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
SPIRIT.
 Christ our Lord LIVED, TAUGHT AND GUIDED US ACCORDING
 All three Persons of the One Divine Godhead work
TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
together in PERFECT LOVE AND HARMONY – never
 HE HAS PROVIDED EVERYTHING NECESSARY for our Spiritual
independently.
Restoration, Regeneration and Rebirth – for our
Spiritual Perfection/Theosis/Deification. ✶ “...He will bear witness to Me...” means that BY THE
 WE SIMPLY NEED TO FOLLOW HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BY GRACE AND TRUTH OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WE ARE
APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH to our thoughts, words ABLE TO LOVE AND ACQUIRE A SACRED, INTIMATE
and deeds in all circumstances – WITHOUT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
EXCEPTION.  THROUGH HIS DIVINE GIFTS we are able to PERCEIVE AND
 OUR NEW COVENANT WITH GOD IS A DIVINE COVENANT OF UNDERSTAND THE DIVINE TRUTH OF CHRIST JESUS.
LOVE.  KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF GOD is only
 WE HAVE MORE SACRED KNOWLEDGE AND PROOF than those possible due to God the Holy Spirit.
who lived centuries before us so OUR FAITH OUGHT TO  THE ACQUISITION OF LOVE AND ALL THE HOLY VIRTUES
BE UNSHAKABLE AND FIRMLY ESTABLISHED ON HIS DIVINE that enable us to fulfil the Divine Will of our
TRUTH. Heavenly Father, ARE DUE TO THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY
 ONLY GOD PERFORMS ALL MARVELLOUS DIVINE MIRACLES. SPIRIT.
✶ “…to fulfil the Word that is written in their Law: ‘They ✶ “...you also are witnesses, because you have been
hated Me without a cause.’ ...” with Me from the beginning...” refers to THE HOLY

35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-2ND OF TRIODION-17TH ST LUKE-PRODIGAL SON – 16 FEBRUARY 2020 15.
APOSTLES OF CHRIST who were Called by Him to  THOSE WHO FAIL TO UNDERSTAND OR WHO REJECT CHRIST WILL
follow Him and to continue His Divine Mission of FAIL TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED.
Salvation. ✶ “...They will put you out ... whoever kills you, will
 WE, TOO, ARE WITNESSES TO CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH. think that he is offering Service to God...”
 WE HAVE ALL BEEN CALLED TO SERVE THE WILL OF GOD by  Our Lord Jesus Christ warned His Apostles of THEIR
spreading His Divine Truth and continuing His FUTURE PERSECUTION AND MARTYRDOM.
Salvific Mission.  IT TAKES GREAT COURAGE AND SPIRITUAL FORTITUDE TO
 ONLY THROUGH UNWAVERING ACCEPTANCE – FAITH – AND PERSEVERE when confronted by hatred, ignorance,
HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL THINGS, ARE WE jealousy and the denial or rejection of God’s
WORTHY AND TRUE WITNESSES TO THE DIVINE TRUTH OF Divine Truth.
ALMIGHTY GOD.  No matter how we are persecuted for our Faith, we
✶ “...I have said all this to you, to keep you from must STAND STEADFASTLY AND FIRMLY ROOTED IN DIVINE
falling away...” TRUTH – confident and courageous in Christ’s
 Christ our Lord revealed His Divine Truth to His Holy Teachings and Commandments.
Apostles so that they would UNDERSTAND AND BE  When we Struggle against all adversity and Strive for
ENCOURAGED TO CONTINUE IN HIS DIVINE FOOTSTEPS. Spiritual Perfection, BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE WILL
 Although INITIALLY THEY DID NOT FULLY COMPREHEND RECEIVE WHATEVER WE REQUIRE TO FULFIL OUR SACRED
EVERYTHING HE TAUGHT THEM and revealed to them, MISSION AND THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
AFTER THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT THEY WERE Many religious fanatics commit the worst atrocities against
ABLE TO CORRECTLY UNDERSTAND AND TEACH HIS DIVINE mankind and all Creation, in the terribly sinful belief that
TRUTH. they are serving the Will of God.
 WE ALSO RECEIVE HIS DIVINE TRUTH, which grants us However, whatever is not thought, spoken or done with Divine
SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT AND ENCOURAGEMENT to Love, Mercy and Compassion is by the instigation of our
continue our own Journey of Spiritual Salvation ancient enemy, the evil one, whose only desire is our
and Perfection. destruction and alienation from God and all His Love.
S T S YM EON THE NE W T HE OL OGIAN – O N S P IRITUAL K NOWLE DGE
Spiritual Knowledge and the Treasure of the Holy Spirit is These Divine Treasures are Perfect Love for God and for
concealed within the letter of Holy Scripture, which is each other, disdain for all things visible, mortification
not apparent to all, but to those who have acquired of the flesh and the members of the flesh, and the
within their soul the Grace of the Holy Spirit. rejection of every wicked and shameful desire.
Spiritual Knowledge is like a House built between Greek And since the dead neither think nor feel at all, so let us
and secular knowledge, in which there is a locked also not conceive any wicked desire at all, nor allow
Treasure Chest - Knowledge of the Divine Scriptures - ourselves to become overwhelmed by any evil desire.
and the indescribable Riches, which are stored within Instead, let us strive to fulfil the Teachings and
Holy Scripture - Divine Grace. Commandments of our Divine Saviour, as well as
Those who enter the House are unable to see this Wealth keeping in mind our Immortality, Incorruption,
unless they open the Treasure Chest. Everlasting Glory, the Kingdom of Heaven and the
However, the Treasure Chest of Spiritual Knowledge can Divine Adoption we have been granted by our
never be opened with human wisdom, so all those Renewal in God the Holy Spirit.
who think in a secular manner will never know the Through our Holy Baptism we have become Children of
Spiritual Treasure that is contained within. God✶ who, by Divine Grace, are regaining our Divine
Even if they lifted the Chest onto their shoulders, they still Likeness, and thereby are Co-Heirs with Christ.
would not have access to the Marvellous Treasure In addition, we are acquiring the Mind of Christ, that is
within it. the Holy Spirit, and through Him we see and know
Likewise, even if they read and memorized every word of God and Christ Himself Who walks among us in a
Holy Scripture, as though a single Psalm, they would manner we can perceive. (A close Spiritual Relationship)
still be unable to Experience and Acquire the Divine So those who heed and obey God’s Commandments
Grace of the Holy Spirit concealed within, for just as enjoy all His Blessings and Love in abundance,
the Treasure cannot be revealed by merely looking at together with the Inexpressible Benefits that are
the Chest, neither can they perceive and fully acquired by opening the Spiritual Eyes of our soul
comprehend what is contained within the Divinely and the Contemplation of Divine Truth that is
Inspired Words of Holy Scripture. concealed in Holy Scripture.
If we found a little securely locked Casket, and from its Those who do not know about the Divine Mysteries of Holy
weight and external beauty we think, or learn from Scripture nor Experienced or Encountered them, have
others, that it contained Priceless Treasure, what not tasted the intense Sweetness and Immortality of
Benefit would it be to us if it remained securely locked these Divine Words.
and could never be opened. Instead, they boast and place the hope of their Salvation
We would never experience the great Beauty and purely on learning Holy Scripture by heart but, sadly,
immense Value of the precious Jewels within, which they will be judged more severely than those who
might save us from dying of starvation, thirst, or never heard of Holy Scripture at all.
destitution, so, obviously, it would be of no Benefit to Because most of them are deluded through ignorance of
us or others at all. Divine Truth, they distort Holy Scripture to suit their
The same is true of Spiritual Matters, for our Treasure own self-serving purposes and rules.
Chest is the Holy Gospel of Christ and all the other Their beliefs - such as being ‘Saved’ without meticulously
Divinely Inspired Books of Holy Scripture, which have observing God’s Commandments, nor applying all His
Eternal Life locked away inside them as well as the Teachings to our thoughts, words and deeds - utterly
other inexpressible, Everlasting Good Things, as Christ deny the Power and Source of Holy Scripture.
Himself encouraged us: “...Search the Scriptures, for It is impossible to learn, to recognize, and even to
in them is Eternal Life...” conceive Divine Truth at all unless we have actually
He also pointed out that “... those who Love Me will keep Experienced the Presence of God the Holy Spirit - His
My Commandments and the Father will Love them Radiance, His Illumination, His Residence within us.
and I will Manifest Myself to them...” It is impossible to understand God’s Mysteries if we have
When God dwells in us and Reveals Himself to us, then we never Experienced our Rebirth, Regeneration and
consciously witness - recognize in practise - the Transformation, which is caused by God the Holy
innumerable Divine Mysteries that are concealed Spirit, Who Empowers and Enables us.
within Holy Scripture. ✶ Men, women and children – young and old – become the Adopted
We must not be deceived into thinking that there is any Children and Heirs of our Heavenly Father.
other way that the Treasure Chest of Spiritual https://pemptousia.com/2018/11/on-spiritual-knowledge/
Knowledge can be opened - that the Divine Treasures
therein can be otherwise enjoyed or that we can gaze
upon and participate in them.

16 S T C H AR AL AM BOS THE G REAT H OLY M ARTY R 10 F EBRU ARY


Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of
ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure,
Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever
Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.
TONE 2 16 FEBRUARY 2020
35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
2ND SUNDAY OF TRIODION
17TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE
SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

The Feast of St Pamphilos, Presbyter, St Valens, Deacon &


fellow Martyrs of Caesarea, Palestine – St Flavianos, Patriarch of Constantinople – St Maruthas, Bishop of Martyropolis,
Mesopotamia & all Persian Holy Martyrs of Martyropolis, Mesopotamia – St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch – St Nicholas,
Equal to the Apostles, Enlightener & Archbishop of Japan
P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 63 – T ONE (7) V ARYS -GR AVE

The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.


Hear, O God, my voice in my Supplication!
T H E S EC OND EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO THE C OR INTH IANS 4 : 6 - 15
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FACED DEATH SO THAT HE MIGHT SHOW FORTH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
Brethren, it is God Who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. We have this Treasure in earthen vessels, so that the
Excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who Live are already Delivered to Death for Jesus’
sake, that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then Death is working in us, but Life in
you.
Since we have the same spirit of Faith, according to what is written: “...I believed, therefore I spoke...” we also Believe
and therefore speak, knowing that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present
us with you. For all things are for your sake, that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause
Thanksgiving to abound to the Glory of God.
✶ "... it is God Who commanded Light to shine out of  It is CONTAINED WITHIN US who are THE TEMPORARY,
Darkness...” has several meanings. PHYSICAL TEMPLES OF GOD.
1. GOD CREATED VISIBLE LIGHT to enlighten the darkness ✶ “...so that the Excellence of the Power may be of God
that hid His created Beauty. and not of us...”.
2. GOD’S UNCREATED LIGHT Enlightens and Illuminates  WHEN THE DIVINE LIGHT AND LOVE OF GOD SHINES IN AND
Spiritual Darkness and Blindness. THROUGH US, other people will realise that THE
3. GOD’S GLORY SHINES EXTRAORDINARILY BRIGHTLY FROM OUR EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF LOVE, GOODNESS, PEACE AND
LORD JESUS CHRIST as witness by three of His Faithful JOY IS ONLY FROM THE LORD OUR GOD and certainly not
Apostles at His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. anything that we are able to accomplish!
 THE BLINDING, UNCREATED LIGHT OF GOD IS HIS DIVINE  WHATEVER IS GOOD AND LIFE SUSTAINING IS ONLY DUE TO GOD
ENERGY, which only the very few, extremely  We need to LABOUR CONTINUOUSLY TO KEEP our thoughts,
Spiritually Enlightened and Spiritually Perfected words and deeds WORTHY OF BEING THE ADOPTED
have been Blessed to Experience. CHILDREN OF GOD – THE CHILDREN OF THAT DIVINE LIGHT
✶ “...Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the AND LOVE.
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus ✶ “...We are hard pressed ... not crushed; . perplexed...
Christ...” not in despair; persecuted... not forsaken; struck
 ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE down, but not destroyed...”
TRUTH ARE WE ENLIGHTENED AND ILLUMINED BY GOD.  Our Orthodox Christian Faith is certainly NOT TROUBLE
 THIS IS GRANTED TO US AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND DIVINE FREE BUT it is indeed ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS!
ADOPTION AS CHILDREN OF GOD.  Our daily TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS CANNOT DEFEAT US.
 ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST IS IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BECOME  EVERY VICTORY OVER ADVERSITY REVEALS THE BENEFICIAL
SPIRITUAL PERFECT – to acquire the Divine Likeness POWER AND LOVE OF GOD.
with which we were originally created. ✶ “...always carrying ... the dying of our Lord Jesus, so
 SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THIS VERY that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in
SHORT, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN. our body...”
 THE GOAL OF PREACHING THE DIVINE TRUTH – the  EVERY VICTORY AND DELIVERANCE PROVES OUR LORD’S
Teachings and Commandments of God – is not in CONSTANT DIVINE GRACE that PROTECTS, CONQUERS AND
order to glorify ourselves but rather to GLORIFY GOD DELIVERS us from the machinations of the evil one.
AND ENLIGHTEN ALL MANKIND WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH,  THIS IS LIFE IN CHRIST.
WISDOM AND LOVE.  When our thoughts, words and deeds are ACCORDING
✶ “...We have this Treasure in earthen vessels...” refers to TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AS OUR LORD JESUS
1. THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS, IN WHOM CHRIST TAUGHT US, WE ARE ABLE TO ENDURE ALL THE
WE STRIVE TO LIVE every moment by applying His DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONFRONT US.
Divine Truth – Teachings and Commandments – to ✶ “...Death is working in us, but Life in you...” refers to ALL
our thoughts, words and deeds. THE SALVIFIC SACRIFICES MADE BY CHRIST, HIS HOLY
2. OUR MORTAL (TEMPORARY) PHYSICAL BODY, which was APOSTLES, HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND MANY OTHERS FOR
ORIGINALLY CREATED BY GOD FROM THE CLAY OF EARTH. THE SAKE OF DIVINE TRUTH.
 The Priceless, Eternal Treasure is THE LIGHT AND  WE ARE BLESSED BY THOSE MARTYRIC ACTS OF LOVE, since WE
TRUTH OF GOD’S DIVINE GLORY IN OUR LORD JESUS ARE ABLE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OUR PURPOSE in this
CHRIST. difficult lifespan before Eternity.

35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-2ND OF TRIODION-17TH ST LUKE-PRODIGAL SON – 16 FEBRUARY 2020 17.
 EVERY SALVIFIC SACRIFICE OUGHT TO SPUR US ON TO EVEN  WE, TOO, by Living Christ – IMITATING HIS PERFECT LOVE,
GREATER EFFORTS so that all their marvellous efforts HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, MUST DO SO AS WELL.
and endeavours are not wasted.  Just as OUR HEAVENLY FATHER RESURRECTED CHRIST (in His
 IF OUR FAITH WAS NOT BASED ON ETERNAL, DIVINE TRUTH – the human Nature) from the dead, SO, TOO, WILL HE
Perfect, Absolute Truth of God – MILLIONS OF PEOPLE RESURRECT US – ALL MANKIND - AS WELL.
throughout all the ages WOULD NEVER HAVE  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL PRESENT ALL HIS FAITHFUL
SACRIFICED THEMSELVES or their life. DISCIPLES TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
Furthermore THE DIVINE TRUTH OF CHRIST WOULD NEVER  ALL GOD’S FAITHFUL – those who lived according to the
HAVE SURVIVED INTACT if It had been untrue or based Old and New Covenants - WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUR
solely on human concepts. HEAVENLY FATHER.
✶ “...we have the same spirit of Faith...” refers to our ONE,  THOSE WHO REJECT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE
UNIVERSAL, ORTHODOX FAITH, WHICH IS AS UNCHANGING TRUTH AND WHO REFUSED TO REPENT THEIR SINS, WILL BE
AND ETERNAL AS THE LORD OUR GOD Who is the Eternal, CONDEMNED TO “OUTER DARKNESS” – ETERNAL EXILE FROM
Perfect and Divine Source of our Faith. GOD.
 Our Orthodox Christian Faith is BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON ✶ “...that Grace, having spread through the many, may
THE DIVINE TRUTH GRANTED TO US BY GOD HIMSELF. cause Thanksgiving to abound to the Glory of
 Our Faith is the same throughout the world and God...”
throughout all the ages since the beginning.  DIVINE GRACE IS SPREAD AND SHARED WITH ALL GOD’S
 Our ORTHODOX PRACTISE OF WORSHIP, PRAYER AND FAITH ARE FAITHFUL Disciples and Servants.
ETERNAL and STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE REVELATIONS  DIVINE GRACE NOT ONLY ENABLES US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED
AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS NEW DUTIES AND LABOURS OF LOVE BUT ALSO FILLS OUR HEART
COVENANT OF LOVE – AGAPE. AND SOUL WITH CEASELESS THANKSGIVING – sincere
 Our Orthodox Faith teaches us that our Salvation in gratitude for all God’s Love, Beauty and infinite
Christ Jesus includes: Blessings.
1. A PASSAGE from Death to Life, from Spiritual Darkness  DIVINE GRACE MAKES US BECOME HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT.
of sin and ignorance to Divine Light of Truth and  BY DIVINE GRACE, THE ACQUISITION OF HUMILITY AND
Wisdom through Repentance, Faith and Holy OBEDIENCE THEN LEADS US TO THE ACQUISITION OF OTHER
Baptism – “having been Saved.” (JOHN 3: 1 – 6 & ESSENTIAL HOLY VIRTUES.
COLOSSIANS 1: 13 – 14)  ONLY BY DIVINE GRACE IS REPENTANCE AND SPIRITUAL
2. A PROCESS of Spiritual Growth and Maturation PERFECTION POSSIBLE.
through continuous Repentance, Faith and  AS WE SPIRITUALLY MATURE, WE BECOME FAR MORE AWARE OF
Communion – Deification – “... being Saved. (2 PETER OUR APPALLING SINFULNESS AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND
1: 2 – 8) TRUTH, which ought to compel us to even greater
3. A PROMISE of Eternal Life, Calling us to Spiritual Spiritual Efforts.
Perseverance and Righteousness – “... shall be  EVERYTHING WE ARE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH OR OVERCOME IS FOR
Saved.” (2 PETER 5: 9 – 11 & JOHN 14: 1 – 6) THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF OUR HEAVENLY
✶ “...He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE LIFE-GIVING
with Jesus, and will present us with you...” HOLY SPIRIT.
 THIS REFERS TO GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHOSE WILL OUR  THIS IMPACTS UPON OUR OWN SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND
LORD JESUS – the Eternal Son and Word of God - (HOPEFULLY) OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – Theosis or
ALWAYS FULFILS WITH COMPLETE LOVE, HUMILITY AND Deification, which is the Divine Likeness of Christ
OBEDIENCE. our Lord.
H OLY G OSPE L A CC ORD ING TO S T L UKE 15 : 11 – 32
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: “A certain Man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his
Father: ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So He divided between them His Livelihood.
And not many days later, the younger son gathered all his possessions together and journeyed to a far country
where he wasted his possessions with prodigal living. “And when he had spent everything, there arose a severe
famine in that land, and he began to be in need. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country
who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the
swine ate, yet no one gave him anything.
“And when he came to himself, he said: ‘How many of my Father’s hired servants have enough bread to eat and to
spare, yet I perish from hunger! I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say to Him: “Father, I have sinned
against Heaven and before Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy son. Make me like one of Thy
hired servants.”’
“And he arose and went to his Father. And when he was still a great way off, his Father saw him and had
Compassion, and ran, and fell upon his neck and kissed him. And the son said to Him: ‘Father, I have sinned
against Heaven and before Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy son.’ But the Father said to his
servants: ‘Bring out the best Robe and put it on him, and put a Ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. And
fetch the Fatted Calf and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this, My son was Dead and is Alive again; he
was Lost and is Found!’ And they began to be merry.
“Now His older son was in the field. And as he went and drew near to the House he heard music and dancing. So he
called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him: ‘Your Brother has returned,
and because He received him safe and sound, your Father has killed the Fatted Calf.’
“And he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his Father went out and pleaded with him. So he answered and
said to his Father: ‘Behold, these many years I have been serving Thee; I never transgressed Thy Commandment
at any time; and yet Thou never gave me a young goat, so that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon
as this son of Thine returned – having devoured Thy Livelihood with harlots – Thou killed the Fatted Calf for
him.’ And He said to him: ‘Son, thou art always with Me, and all that I have is thine. It was right that we should
make merry and be glad, for your Brother was Dead and is Alive again; and was Lost and is Found. ’ ”✶ This
passage is read on THE THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE GREAT LENT - SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON.
✶ "...“A certain Man had two sons...” refers to OUR LORD GOD  THE OTHER SON CONSISTENTLY OBEYS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
AND MANKIND. AND STRIVES TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL, by
 The “certain Man” is OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHOSE DIVINE SURRENDERING HIS OWN FREE WILL TO THAT OF GOD, Who
WILL IS MOTIVATED BY INFINITE LOVE. He is All Wise, takes care of our every need while we Struggle
Merciful and Providential – providing everything against temptation and sin, and Strive for Spiritual
necessary for our daily needs, as well as for our Perfection – for Theosis.
Salvation and Eternal Life. ✶ “...the younger ... said ...: ‘Father, give me the portion of
 ONE SON REBELS AGAINST THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, goods that falls to me.’ ...”
desiring his ‘independence” – away from God’s  This indicates mankind – every one of us - RECEIVING
Sight and living ACCORDING TO HIS OWN SELFISH, OUR FREE WILL AND RATIONAL MIND from our Divine
IMMATURE, DESTRUCTIVE AND SINFUL IDEAS. Creator.
✶ “...He divided between them His Livelihood...”

18. 3 5 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-2ND OF TRIODION-17TH ST LUKE-PRODIGAL SON – 16 FEBRUARY 2020
 GOD GRANTS EVERY HUMAN BEING FREE WILL AND A RATIONAL  When we experience intense physical and Spiritual
MIND with which to make our own, personal Poverty WE BEGIN TO APPRECIATE THE DIVINE
choices – good or bad, loving or hateful, Beneficial PROVIDENCE, LOVE AND COMPASSION OF OUR LORD GOD.
or Condemning.  PERSONAL SUFFERING AND DIVINE DELIVERANCE MAKES US
 WE RECEIVE OUR (ORIGINAL) HUMAN NATURE AND BEING – our MORE AWARE OF THE PAIN AND SUFFERING OF OTHERS,
human essence (ousia) - FROM OUR DIVINE CREATOR. which ought to compel us to DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO
 THUS IT IS NATURAL TO LOVE since we were created in the FULFIL THEIR NEEDS, IN GRATITUDE TO GOD.
Likeness and Image of God. ✶ “...when he came to himself...” implies HIS RECOVERY FROM
 However, like our first Ancestors, Adam and Eve, WE
AN UNNATURAL, UNHEALTHY SPIRITUAL STATE. – SPIRITUAL
USE THESE PERFECT SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO REBEL AGAINST
APATHY AND NEGLECT.
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BY INDULGING THE SELFISH DESIRES
OF OUR FLESH.
1. he was PAINFULLY AWARE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
2. He was NO LONGER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE EVIL
We allow the demands of our immature, egocentric mortal flesh
to dominate our wise and good immortal soul. Constant ONE.
Repentance restores the correct balance so that our 3. HIS IMMORTAL SOUL CLAMOURED FOR TRUE FREEDOM
immortal soul can guide and encourage our mortal flesh to AND LOVE, MERCY AND COMPASSION.
become closer to God. 4. he REALISED HIS TRUE NEEDS AND NATURAL DESIRES.
 EVERY CHOICE WE MAKE – EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED –  By the Grace of God, WE WILL EVENTUALLY AWAKEN FROM
HAS A CONSEQUENCE – a result or aftermath. OUR SINFUL STUPOR AND REALISE OUR PREDICAMENT, and
 SOME CONSEQUENCES ARE OBVIOUS BUT MOST REMAIN HIDDEN yearn for God’s Blessings and Goodness.
until we are finally Judged by God.  THIS MOTIVATED HIM TO RETURN TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
 OUR ERRORS AND SINS CAN BE CORRECTED BY SINCERE  When we are immersed in wickedness, we exist in AN
REPENTANCE while we still Struggle and Strive until UNNATURAL STATE OF SPIRITUAL EXILE FROM GOD AND
we draw our final breath. FROM OURSELVES.
✶ “...journeyed to a far country where he wasted his  Only when we BECOME AWARE OF OUR HOPELESS CONDITION
possessions with prodigal living....” are we motivated to REPENT OUR SINS, RESTORE OUR
 The “far country’ refers to OUR SINFUL LIFESTYLE, which RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER, AND ENJOY THE
causes OUR SPIRITUAL EXILE FROM GOD AND ALL HIS BLESSINGS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.
GOODNESS AND LOVE.  ROMANS 7 : 17-20 “... it is no longer I ... but sin that
 It is A SELF-IMPOSED SPIRITUAL EXILE – SPIRITUAL DEATH - dwells in me... I know that in me ... in my flesh...
that is quickly resolved by sincerely Repenting our nothing good dwells... to will is present... but how
sins. to perform what is good I do not find...”
 REPENTANCE RESTORES US TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.  WE ARE NOT SINFUL BY NATURE and must reject any
 A PRODIGAL LIFESTYLE IS UTTERLY WASTEFUL, SELF-INDULGENT teaching that we have a sinful nature or are
AND EXTRAVAGANT, which causes us both physical depraved to the core of our being.
and Spiritual Afflictions of various devastating  SIN IS A SPIRITUAL STATE – SPIRITUAL DEATH – THAT IS
degrees. UNNATURAL TO OUR DIVINELY CREATED HUMAN NATURE.
 ALL SELF-INDULGENCE AND GREED ALIENATES US FROM GOD  Having been created in the Divine Image and
AND EACH OTHER. Likeness of God, THE INDELIBLE GOODNESS IN OUR
✶ “...he began to be in need... went and joined himself to NATURE CAN NEVER BE UNDONE.
a citizen of that country ...” - the Prodigal Son  WE BECOME IMMERSED IN SIN but must know that IT IS NOT
became a servant of THE EVIL ONE WHO IS OBSESSED A NATURAL ATTRIBUTE OF OUR DIVINELY CREATED NATURE.
WITH OUR DESTRUCTION AND ALIENATION from God and  SIN AND DEATH ARE FOREIGN, UNNATURAL INVENTIONS OF THE
each other. EVIL ONE that overwhelm and dwell in us.
 SATAN FIRST TEMPTS US INTO A SPIRITUAL DEATH and then  Consequently, WHAT WE THINK, SAY AND DO CAN BE SINFUL
TRIES TO KEEP US there - away from God’s Blessings - but we are not naturally sinful.
IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL SLAVERY AND IMPRISONMENT.  There is A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE WILL OF OUR IMMORTAL
 However, neither THE EVIL ONE NOR HIS DEMONS CAN SOUL AND THE WILL OF OUR MORTAL FLESH.
DESTROY US. THEY NEED OUR CO-OPERATION in order to  OUR IMMORTAL SOUL IS REBORN, RESTORED AND REGENERATED
USE OUR WEAKNESSES AGAINST OURSELVES AND EACH DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
OTHER.  OUR IMMORTAL SOUL STRIVES CEASELESSLY TO FULFIL THE WILL
 LIVING WITHOUT GOD IS AN EXTREMELY WRETCHED AND VERY OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER by following and obeying
BLEAK EXISTENCE. UNLESS OUR SPIRITUAL NEEDS ARE His Divine Commandments and Teachings.
FULFILLED, WE CONTINUE FEELING MISERABLE AND NEEDY.  OUR MORTAL FLESH IS INCLINED TO SIN and thus fights
 We experience A DEEP SENSE OF LOSS – OF SOMETHING VITAL against the will and desires of OUR IMMORTAL SOUL,
MISSING FROM OUR LIFE AND BEING. Nothing works which YEARNS TO BE WITH GOD whence it originated.
properly nor do our efforts succeed or satisfy us. ✶ ‘...my Father’s hired servants have enough bread to eat
 Being immersed in the Darkness of sin, is EXISTING and to spare, yet I perish from hunger...”
UNNATURALLY OUTSIDE OUR CREATED STATE.  The Prodigal Son realised HIS HOPELESS CIRCUMSTANCES
✶ “...who sent him into his fields to feed swine...” implies AND FALLEN SPIRITUAL CONDITION compared to those
THE EXTREME DEPTH OF HIS FALL who remained Faithful to our Heavenly Father.
 This was regarded as SPIRITUAL ‘SKID ROW,’ since being  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE LIFE-GIVING HEAVENLY BREAD
in SUCH A STATE OF DEBAUCHERY AND SELF-INDULGENCE, THAT SPIRITUALLY SUSTAINS US - as so often referred to
RESULTS IN COMPLETE DESTITUTION –utter physical and in Holy Scripture and the Holy Mystery of Eucharist.
spiritual poverty. ✶ “...’Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before
 THE PRODIGAL SON COULD NOT POSSIBLY SINK MUCH LOWER Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy
into the quagmire of sin and wickedness, for he son. Make me like one of Thy hired servants.’...”
had hit “rock bottom.”  This is THE HEARTFELT, SINCERE AND CONTRITE CONFESSION
 THE FORBIDDEN HERDS OF SWINE WERE MORE IMPORTANT than AND REPENTANCE OF THE PRODIGAL SON.
the Prodigal Son – than his immortal soul.  THIS CONFESSION APPLIES TO EVERY ONE OF US, for none of
 ONLY WHEN WE REALISE THE DEVASTATION OF OUR SPIRITUAL us is worthy of our Divine Adoption as Children of
DEATH CAUSED BY OUR SINS, ARE WE WILLING AND EAGER God and Co-Heirs with Christ.
TO REPENT and return to our Marvellous  We all need to CONTINUOUSLY REPENT OUR SINS, so as to
Relationship with God and each other. continue our Journey in a State of Spiritual Life in
 SOMETIMES WE NEED A SEVERE ‘WAKE UP CALL’ before Christ.
beginning to understand our serious need for God,  This Prayer expresses a willingness to BE HUMBLE AND
✶ “...he would have gladly filled his stomach with the OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
pods that the swine ate, yet no one gave him ✶ “...when ... still a great way off, his Father saw him ...
anything...” reveals had Compassion ...ran ...and kissed him...”
1. THE LACK OF LOVE AND COMPASSION of the evil one and describes THE LOVE AND JOY OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
the fallen world in general. WHO SO WARMLY WELCOMES THE RETURN OF HIS LOST
2. THE DEPTH OF HIS FALL INTO SIN CHILDREN.
3. THE DESPERATION OF HIS SPIRITUAL STARVATION

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE-JUDGEMENT – 22 FEBRUARY 2020 19


 OUR HEAVENLY FATHER HEARS EVERY THOUGHT AND WORD The ‘fatted calf’ is translated as either ‘wheat-fed bull-calf’
while we prepare ourselves for the Holy Mystery of or ‘bull-calf formed from wheat,- a male calf that has
Repentance-Confession. been raised on wheat in preparation as a special
 Although it was considered undignified and Sacrificial animal.
unfitting behaviour for a mature man or elderly  Just as the Reconciliation of the Prodigal Son was not
person to run, it implies THE UNBRIDLED JOY OF OUR complete without the Sacrifice of the Fatted Calf,
HEAVENLY FATHER WHEN WE REPENT AND RETURN TO HIS so too OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS ACCOMPLISHED
LOVING EMBRACE. AND PERFECTED - not by our Repentance alone but BY
 OUR LORD’S VOLUNTARY SELF-HUMILIATION FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST HAVING OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE ULTIMATE, FINAL
HIS LOST CHILDREN INDICATES THE MANNER WHEREBY OUR AND MOST PUREST BLOOD OFFERING OF ALL that fulfilled
HEAVENLY FATHER, through the sacrifice of His any need for more blood sacrifices as Repentance
Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, ACTIVELY SEEKS THOSE WHO and Thanksgiving Offerings.
HAVE STRAYED OR BEEN LURED AWAY FROM HIM.  The Festive Dining on the Fatted Calf - “...formed from
✶ “...Bring out the best Robe and put it on him, and put a wheat...” - is a clear reference to OUR PARTAKING OF
Ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. ...” THE NEW COVENANT HOLY EUCHARIST.
signifies  Likewise, OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS THROUGH
1. THE GARMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS granted to us at our REPENTANCE-CONFESSION AND HOLY EUCHARIST – for the
Holy Baptism. Forgiveness of sins and Eternal life.
 I S A I A H 6 1 : 1 0 “...Let my soul Rejoice exceedingly in the  THE OLD AND THE NEW COVENANTS ARE FULFILLED at the
Lord, for He Clothed me with the Garment of Marriage of Christ the Heavenly Bridegroom and
Salvation and the Tunic of Gladness. He put a His Bride, the Holy Church.
Mitre around me like a Bridegroom and Adorned ✶ ”... His older son was in the field...” signifies THE OLD
me with ornaments like a Bride. As the Earth COVENANT FAITHFUL who continued to fulfil their
causes its flower to grow, and as a garden its Sacred Labours and Duties to God and to each
seeds, so shall the Lord cause Righteousness to other.
rise up, and Exceeding Joy before all the This Parable concerns the Divine Love and Forgiveness of our
Gentiles.”
 St John Chrysostom and all our Holy Church Fathers Heavenly Father, which Christ taught us to imitate. It
have taught us that “...THE GARMENT OF SALVATION...” also concerns the relationship between Spiritual Siblings.
IS CHRIST HIMSELF, It was initially addressed to the Old Covenant Faithful who
 St Paul taught us that DURING OUR HOLY BAPTISM WE “...PUT lived according to Mosaic Law and the unfaithful who had
ON CHRIST.”
 G A L A T I A N S 3 : 2 7 “,,,for as many of you as were become Spiritually lost due to their sins or apostasy.
Baptised into Christ have put on Christ.” Divine Truth is Eternal. So this Parable applies to all who have
2. FAMILY IDENTITY – OUR ADOPTION AT HOLY BAPTISM AS A remained Faithful to God in all circumstances, and those
CHILD OF GOD AND CO-HEIR WITH CHRIST to our who are Spiritually Lost or who have apostasied.
Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.
✶ “...he heard music and dancing...” signifying the GREAT
 H A G G A I 2 : 2 3 “... ‘in that day,’ says the Lord Almighty, REJOICING OF OUR LORD GOD, ALL HIS HEAVENLY HOSTS,
‘I shall take Thee...and shall make Thee like a AND ALL THOSE IN PARADISE – all who watch over us –
Signet Ring; for I have Chosen Thee.’” WHEN WE REPENT AND RETURN TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN
 Official Royal Acts in the ancient world were CHRISt.
authenticated by the use of a Monarch’s Signet  St Cyril of Alexandria taught us: “... God requires His
Ring. BY THAT SIGNET RING, ONE IS CHARGED WITH Faithful People to Rejoice whenever even the
CARRYING OUT GOD’S SUPREME RULE AND DIVINE WILL.
most guilty person returns to God through sincere
 On a deeper level: THAT SIGNET RING HAS A STRONG Repentance-Confession.”
MESSIANIC PROPHECY. ✶ “...he was angry and would not go in...” signifies THE
 St Ambrose of Milan taught us: “...When our soul HARDHEARTED, UNLOVING ATTITUDE OF THE PHARISEES AND
becomes Peaceful... then she (our soul) will ALL SELF-RIGHTEOUS, STUBBORN AND UNREPENTANT
receive Christ like a Signet Ring upon her, for she SINNERS to whom Christ addressed this Parable.
is the Image of God. Then she will be according  The Older Son’s FAILURE TO RECOGNISE HIS OWN SINS LEADS
to that Image, because Heavenly is the Heavenly TO HIS SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND MERCILESS ATTITUDE.
Man. And we need to bear the Image of the  St Ambrose of Milan contrasted his anger and
Heavenly One, that is, Peace ... resentment with the humble contrition of the
“I wish the Lord Jesus may say to you: ‘Put Me as a Seal Prodigal Son : “...the one who seems to himself to
upon Thine arm.’ May Peace glow in Thy heart, be Righteous, who does not see the Beam in his
Christ in Thy Works, and may there be formed in own eye, becomes angry when Forgiveness is
Thee Wisdom and Justice and Redemption.” granted to one who Confesses his sins and begs
3. WE ARE EQUIPPED TO WALK THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUS. for Mercy.”
 WE ARE ABLE TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR SAVIOUR, ✶ “...his Father went out and pleaded with him...”
ACCORDING TO HIS HOLY GOSPEL – by the Will of God
signifies THE INFINITE LOVE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
the Father, through the Teachings of God the Son, WHO PROVIDES US WITH EVERY NECESSITY for our
and Activated, Inspired and Enabled by God the Repentance and Spiritual Perfection.
Holy Spirit. ✶ "... Thou never gave me...” – these selfish, deluded
 E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 4 - 1 5 “... Stand therefore, having accusations of the Older Son reveal our own
Girded thyself with Truth, having put on the INGRATITUDE TO GOD WHO GRANTS US EVERYTHING WE
Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod NEED, AND MORE!
thy feet with the Preparation of the Gospel of ✶ “...all that I have is thine...” for GOD GRANTS US AN
Peace...” ABUNDANCE OF EVERYTHING NECESSARY, SO THAT WE CAN
 WE FIGHT AGAINST ALL EVIL ARMED WITH THIS DIVINE ARMOUR, SHARE IT WITH OTHERS AS WELL.
which is God’s Uncreated Divine Energy, granted  Instead of complaining about our perceived lack of
to us at Holy Baptism and used by us throughout any selfish and unbeneficial desires, we ought to
our Life in Christ as WE BATTLE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE OFFER CEASELESS THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS
EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY.
THAT SUSTAIN OR CHALLENGE US, and draw us closer to
 AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE HAVE PUT ON ALL THE Him and His Eternal Kingdom of Love.
QUALITIES BESTOWED UPON US AS SPIRITUAL ARMOUR -  When we ACKNOWLEDGE OUR INFINITE BLESSINGS AND
TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND FAITH, which are EXPRESS THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR HIS GREAT MERCY IN
constantly to be used in the Conflict we face as we ALL THINGS, we will NEVER BE DISSATISFIED NOR
proceed ever closer to God and His Heavenly RESENTFUL.
Kingdom. ✶ “ ... we should make merry and be glad...” for BEING
 WITHOUT STRUGGLE THERE CAN BE NO DEIFICATION – Theosis
SAVED BY OUR REPENTANCE AND BLESSED LIFE IN CHRIST.
or Spiritual Perfection.
 WE ARE ALL SINNERS – Struggling against temptation and
✶ “... fetch the Fatted Calf and kill it, and let us eat and
be merry... “ signifies THE SACRIFICIAL OFFERING OF personal weaknesses, and Striving for Spiritual
THANKSGIVING TO GOD for His Love and great Mercy, Perfection by Living in Christ.
AND IN CELEBRATION OF THOSE WHO HAVE RETURNED TO  OUR LORD GOD AND ALL HIS FAITHFUL REJOICE WHEN WE
SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS. REPENT OUR SINS AND RETURN TO HIS DIVINE PRESENCE.

20 SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE-JUDGEMENT – 22 FEBRUARY 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.
22 FEBRUARY 2020

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE/FINAL JUDGEMENT SUNDAY

The Commemoration of all our Faithful Orthodox Brethren who have Reposed unexpectedly due
to war, plague, starvation or any other cause of death as well as those who have not received a
proper Christian Burial, or those for whom no one has offered Memorial Services.
We also Commemorate the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenios, Constantinople – St Maurice,
his son, St Photinos, St Theodore, St Philip and 70 other Faithful Soldiers at Apamea, Syria - St
Thalassios, St Limnaeus & St Baradatos, Holy Hermits of Syria – St Athanasios the Confessor, of
Pavlopetrion, Constantinople - St Anthousa & her 12 Faithful Servants – St Synetos – St
Telesphoros, Bishop of Rome - The Nine Righteous Children of Kola, Georgia : St Guram, St
Adarnese, St Boqar, St Vaohe, St Bardzim, St Dachi, St Juansher, St Ramaz and St Parsman.

P ROKE IM ENON – M EM OR IAL S ATU RD AY – T ONE (6) P L AGAL 2

Their souls shall dwell among Good Things!


To Thee, O Lord, I cry: O my God!
T HE F IRST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E T HE SSAL ONIANS 4 : 13 – 18
Brethren: ...I do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who have Fallen Asleep, lest you sorrow as others who
have no Hope. If we Believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who Sleep in
Jesus. For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the Reappearance of
the Lord will by no means precede those who are Asleep. For the Lord Himself with a shout - with the Voice of an
Archangel and with the Trumpet of God - will descend from Heaven. And the dead in Christ will Rise first. Then we
who are Alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And thus we shall always be with our Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
✶ “...I do not want you to be ignorant concerning those ✶ “...this we say to you by the Word of the Lord...” refers to
who have Fallen Asleep, lest you sorrow as others THE DIVINE TRUTH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST bestowed upon
who have no Hope...” His Holy Apostles and His Faithful Disciples.
 AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST NO LONGER FEAR  This IS THE DIVINE TRUTH OF GOD – not anything made
NOR MISUNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DEATH. up nor imperfectly interpreted by mankind!
 CHRIST TAUGHT US THAT instead of fearing death in the  St Paul provides us with ONE OF THE CLEAREST NEW
belief that it marks the end of our existence, WE TESTAMENT TEACHINGS CONCERNING OUR REPOSE IN
MERELY FALL ASLEEP, implying A TEMPORARY STATE CHRIST AND THE SECOND APPEARANCE/COMING OF OUR
FROM WHICH WE WILL BE AWAKENED. LORD JESUS CHRIST.
 DUE TO OUR FAITH IN CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH, WE ✶ “...we who are alive and remain until the
OUGHT NOT TO MOURN LIKE THOSE WHO HAVE NO FAITH IN Reappearance of the Lord will by no means
GOD NOR ANY SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT. precede those who are Asleep...” refers to ALL
 THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE FORBIDDEN TO MOURN our MANKIND – those who are in the womb, those who
departed beloved family and friends, for GOD are still living and those who have already passed
GRANTS US TEARS OF SORROW AND BEREAVEMENT THAT on.
HEAL OUR HEART AND SOUL. ✶ “...the Lord Himself ... will descend from Heaven...”
 WE YEARN AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP but  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL APPEAR VISIBLY TO ALL
are ASSURED THAT OUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER ETERNALLY CREATION IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT DIVINE GLORY – as
UNITES US. Our Love grants us the Hope of our previously witnessed by His three Apostles on
Joyful Reunion in Paradise. Mount Tabor, at His Glorious Transfiguration.
✶ “... if we Believe that (our Lord) Jesus died and Rose  THERE IS WILL BE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT IT IS OUR LORD JESUS
again...” refers to THE VERY HEART OF OUR CHRISTIAN CHRIST Who comes to Judge all Creation.
FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS AND HIS RESURRECTION.  At the Second Appearance of Christ ON THE EIGHTH DAY,
 The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ showed us THE GENERAL RESURRECTION OF ALL MANKIND SINCE ADAM
very clearly that HIS DIVINE PROMISE OF OUR OWN AND EVE, AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT WILL OCCUR.
RESURRECTION INTO ETERNITY, WILL INDEED BE FULFILLED.  THE DIDACHE – the first century Teachings of the Holy
 BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND OUR OWN Apostles of Christ – LISTS THREE SIGNS THAT WILL MARK
EVENTUAL RESURRECTION, IS VITAL TO OUR FAITH FOR IT THE REAPPEARANCE OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR:
GRANTS US HOPE AND MOTIVATES US to fulfil all our 1. “...The Sign spread out in the Heavens...” – our Lord
Sacred Commitments to God and to each other. Jesus Christ together with all His Heavenly Hosts
 IF WE DO NOT BELIEVE, SADLY, WE WILL HAVE NO FAITH, NO and all His Saints will be seen by everyone.
HOPE AND NO MOTIVATION at all to Repent and Live in 2. “...The Sign of the Trumpet...” – Heavenly Sounds will
Christ. be heard throughout Creation simultaneously
✶“...God will bring with Him those who Sleep in Jesus...” 3. “...The Resurrection of the dead...” all mankind –
refers to THOSE WHO REPOSE IN CHRIST – His Faithful good and bad – will be Eternally Resurrected.
Disciples who Rest in Peace in Paradise until our ✶ “...we ... shall be caught up together ... in the Clouds to
Final Judgement. meet our Lord in the air...And ... shall always be
 BY CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE, WE REMAIN IN BLESSED with our Lord...”
SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST, which we strive to maintain  St Paul tried to describe what would occur on the
until our very last breath. Eighth Day as best as he could. However, we must
 SPIRITUAL LIFE OR SPIRITUAL DEATH WILL DETERMINE WHETHER AVOID ANY SPECULATION CONCERNING THE REAPPEARANCE
OR NOT WE WILL REPOSE IN CHRIST IN PARADISE. The OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR!
alternative is Spiritual Death in Hades, with the  We need to STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, BE EVER
terrible foretastes of Eternal Condemnation. WATCHFUL AND FOCUSSED ON CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE
TRUTH.

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE-JUDGEMENT – 22 FEBRUARY 2020 21


 We need to BE PERPETUALLY AWARE OF OUR SINS SO THAT WE seeing Him again, and being able to speak with
CAN QUICKLY REPENT AND RETURN TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN Him again.
CHRIST and thus CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE OUR PHYSICAL  Similarly, WE WILL ALL EXPERIENCE THAT JOY OF REUNION
AND SPIRITUAL FACULTIES in order to BE READY FOR OUR WHEN WE ARE RESURRECTED – just as our Lord showed
REPOSE and the Reappearance of Christ our Lord. us and promised us!
 FOR THE RIGHTEOUS, THE GLORIOUS RETURN OR REAPPEARANCE  WE ALL HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THAT SEPARATION OF BODY AND
OF OUR LORD JESUS IS A JOYFUL COMFORT, but to those SOUL IN ORDER TO ENTER ETERNITY, which follows this
who have rejected Him and His Divine Truth, it is a short, temporary and preparatory lifespan.
Dire Threat!  WE NEED TO REPENT AS MANY OF OUR SINS AS WE CAN NOW, so
✶ “...comfort one another with these words...” SO THAT NONE that whenever our time comes to depart, we have
OF US FALL INTO WRETCHED DESPAIR AND SPIRITUAL DEATH. NO “UNFINISHED BUSINESS!”
 OUR ABSOLUTE FAITH IN GOD AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH IS A  WE MUST CONSTANTLY REPENT OUR SINS, ATTEND HOLY
GREAT COMFORT AND JOY SERVICES, FAST AND PRAY, AND OBEDIENTLY FULFIL ALL
 OUR BELOVED FAMILY AND FRIENDS who are no longer with OUR SACRED TASKS so that we REMAIN IN A STATE OF
us HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP IN CHRIST, which is our SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.
greatest Comfort – knowing that OUR MUTUAL LOVE  On the contrary, OUR SINS CAUSE US TO FALL INTO A STATE
UNITES US. OF SPIRITUAL DEATH, ALIENATED AND SEPARATED FROM
 DURING THE FORTY DAYS after our beloved relatives and GOD AND ALL HIS GOODNESS AND LOVE!
friends have Reposed, WE PRAY CONSTANTLY FOR THEIR  WE MUST NOT WASTE THIS PRICELESS PRESENT TIME by
IMMORTAL SOUL TO BE GRANTED A PEACEFUL REPOSE IN speculating about matters beyond our control for
PARADISE. ONLY GOD KNOWS THE FUTURE!
 EVEN WHILE WE ARE SEPARATED, THOSE WHO LOVE US WATCH  Instead, we must USE EVERY MOMENT TO STRIVE NOW TO
OVER US AND WE INTERCEDE FOR EACH OTHER WITH OUR REPENT AND TO ACQUIRE THE HOLY VIRTUE OF LOVE and
PRAYERS. all the other essential Virtues whereby we BECOME
 WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RESURRECTED, HIS CLOSE WORTHY CITIZENS OF OUR LORD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
RELATIVES AND DISCIPLES WERE OVERWHELMED BY JOY at
T H E H OLY G OSPEL OF S T L UKE 21 : 8 - 9; 25-27 & 35-36
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...” refers to ALL  There are no “quick and easy” nor “financially
THOSE WHO TRY TO LURE CHRIST’S FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AWAY profitable” Paths to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. OUR
FROM HIS DIVINE TRUTH. SALVATION IS A SACRED PROCESS THAT NEEDS TO BE
 THE EVIL ONE ALWAYS BAITS HIS HOOKS WITH A TINY DROP OF FOLLOWED PRECISELY STEP BY STEP.
TRUTH – just enough to convince us and to catch  ETERNAL SALVATION REQUIRES MUCH SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE
us. against all temptations, weaknesses and sins, AND
1. We need to LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT OUR DIVINE A CEASELESS STRIVING for Spiritual Perfection that
SAVIOUR’S COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS. involves our LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS.
2. We need TO LIVE IN CHRIST BY APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH ✶ “...When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be
TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. terrified. These things must come to pass first...”
3. We need THE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE OF HIS HOLY CHURCH.  ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF TOLD US NOT TO BE TERRIFIED BY THE
4. We need to FULLY PARTICIPATE IN ALL HER HOLY MYSTERIES UNNATURAL STATE OF THIS WORLD.
AND HOLY SERVICES.  HUMAN HISTORY IS REPETITIVE because mankind has not
5. We need to SUSTAIN OURSELVES BY PARTAKING OF THE VITAL, learnt to Love – to be Merciful, Kind and
LIFE-GIVING HOLY MYSTERIES. Compassionate.
6. We need to BE HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT to our Heavenly  AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE HOLD ON TIGHTLY TO HIS DIVINE
Father and those who Spiritually Guide us. LOVE, knowing that NO MATTER WHAT MIGHT OCCUR, HE
7. We need to EXPRESS OUR LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO GOD BY WILL TAKE CARE OF US.
FULFILLING HIS DIVINE WILL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.  Everything in this short, preparatory lifespan is
 Only then will we be able to DISTINGUISH BETWEEN GOD’S temporary, so we must FOCUS ON CHRIST AND
DIVINE TRUTH AND DECEPTIONS that lure us away ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
from Him. ✶ “... the end will not come immediately...” refers TO THE
✶" .. Many will come in My Name, saying: ‘I am He...’ and SECOND APPEARANCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST on the
‘...the time has drawn near.’ Do not follow them! ...” Eighth Day.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WARNED US AGAINST THE MANY FALSE  ONLY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS WHEN we will be ready
PROPHETS AND FAKE ‘SAVIOURS’ who will pretend to be for the Second Appearance of Christ Who will
Him or who will try to mislead us by claiming to be Judge all Creation at the end of time.
sent to guide us by the Lord our God.  Throughout the centuries, PEOPLE HAVE ANTICIPATED
 THE LAST AND GREATEST OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD WAS CHRIST’S SECOND COMING ALMOST TO THE POINT OF NOT
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST Who prepared the Hebrew LIVING THEIR LIVES ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.
Nation for the Coming of the Great Messiah – our  Although CHRIST HAS PREPARED US FOR A DIFFICULT LIFE AS
Lord Jesus Christ. HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES, He is our solid Rock of Hope
 ALL SELF-APPOINTED, FALSE PROPHETS OR RELIGIOUS LEADERS and we must learn to TRUST GOD IMPLICITLY –
PREACH DOOM AND GLOOM THAT CAUSE ANXIETY, A LOSS OF WITHOUT ANY QUESTION OR DOUBT.
FAITH, AND DESPAIR – a hopeless state of Spiritual  We must CONTINUE TO PRAY, TO REPENT AND TO WORSHIP
Death – alienation from God and all His Blessings. GOD CEASELESSLY THEREBY ENJOYING A FULFILLED LIFE IN
 ONLY THE ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL AND ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CHRIST
CHRIST SHOWS US THE CORRECT PATH OF CHRIST OUR LORD ✶ “...there will be Signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the
AND SAVIOUR – A LIFE AND DIVINE COVENANT OF LOVE. stars. And on Earth distress of Nations...”
 DIVINE TRUTH IS PERFECT, AND CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ONE  WE MUST IGNORE AND AVOID RIDICULOUS ‘PREDICTIONS’
IOTA OR TITTLE, which would then make it imperfect which are merely distractions or deceptions of the
and not Divine! self proclaimed ‘doomsday’ prophets who only
 DIVINE TRUTH MUST BE VERY CAREFULLY PRESERVED INTACT AND CONFUSE US AND DRAW US RAPIDLY INTO SPIRITUAL
PASSED ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS without any DARKNESS AND EXILE.
change at all.

22 SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE-JUDGEMENT – 22 FEBRUARY 2020


 No matter what strange phenomena occur in the corruptible and temporary, these WILL ALL
Universe, our only concern is to STEADFASTLY CHANGE AND EVENTUALLY PASS AWAY.
CONCENTRATE ON OUR LIFE IN CHRIST - Struggling daily ✶ “...Take heed for yourselves, lest your heart be weighed
for Spiritual Perfection in imitation of our Lord and down ... and that Day come upon you
Saviour unexpectedly!...”
 No matter what happens to us, WE MUST BE AS PREPARED  We must MAKE EVERY EFFORT AND USE EVERY MOMENT TO
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO FACE HIS AWESOME JUDGEMENT IMPROVE OURSELVES AND STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP
SEAT in due time., WITH GOD.
 We begin to understand that WITH GOD’S GRACIOUS  We must BE CONSTANTLY ALERT AND WATCHFUL. Every little
PROVIDENCE AND PROTECTION, NOTHING NEED BE FEARED. step closer to Theosis is worth every drop of sweat
 THE ONLY FEARS WE SHOULD HAVE ARE OF FAILURE or tears.
1. TO GROW AND TO PROGRESS  OUR HEARTFELT LOVE FOR GOD AND ALL HIS BEAUTIFUL
2. OF DISAPPOINTING OUR MOST BENEVOLENT AND LOVING CREATION MOTIVATES US TO GREATER SPIRITUAL HEIGHTS
HEAVENLY FATHER Who grants us everything we  THE CLOSER WE BECOME TO GOD THE MORE CONFIDENT AND
could possible require. ASSURED WE ARE...
3. OF TAKING CARE OF OUR FELLOW SINNERS IN OUR MUTUAL  When we have surrendered our egocentric, selfish will
QUEST FOR SANCTIFICATION AND ETERNAL LIFE in God’s to the Will of our Heavenly Father, we acquire
Heavenly Kingdom. HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE THAT SETS US FREE OF ALL
 ALL ENVIRONMENTAL, ‘NATURAL’ AND HUMAN DISASTERS AND
WORLDLY CONCERNS.
DEVASTATION ARE CAUSED BY HUMAN GREED, SELFISHNESS,
 BY KEEPING IN MIND THE LIMITED TIME OF OUR UNIQUE
AND CARELESSNESS – A TOTAL LACK OF LOVE , CARE AND
LIFESPAN, WE ARE MOTIVATED TO CONCENTRATE OUR
COMPASSION.
EFFORTS ON ACQUIRING SPIRITUAL PERFECTION by
 When natural catastrophe strikes that is beyond any
human influence, WE MUST REST ASSURED IN THE GREAT fulfilling the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father in
MERCY AND INFINITE LOVE OF GOD. Why worry? GOD IS all circumstances.
IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING!  OUR STRUGGLES AND STRIVINGS PREPARE US FOR ANY
 WE MUST ONLY CONCERN OURSELVES WITH CIRCUMSTANCES EVENTUALITY, as long as we remain in a state of
THAT WE CAN AND SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT – all Spiritual Life – A CONSTANT STATE OF REPENTANCE AND
those things that WE NEED TO DO. OBEDIENCE.
✶ “...they will see the Son of Man coming in a Cloud with  THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE CANNOT ENJOY THE BLESSINGS
Power and Great Glory...” OF OUR LIFE, but we must not become distracted
 ON THE EIGHT DAY – THE END OF TIME – THE ENTIRE CREATION from our Righteous Path.
WILL BEHOLD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN ALL HIS DIVINE ✶ “...Watch... pray always that you may be counted
GLORY – as witnessed previously by three of His worthy to escape all these things ... and to stand
closest Apostles on Mount Tabor at His before the Son of Man...”
Transfiguration.  BEING ALERT AND WATCHFUL OVER OUR PERSONAL ERRORS,
 THERE WILL BE NO DOUBT AT ALL that it is indeed our WEAKNESSES AND INIQUITIES, we can IMMEDIATELY
Divine Saviour. REPENT our sins and correct ourselves - COMBINED
 The term “Son of Man” refers to THE VISIBLE, INCARNATE WITH CEASELESS PRAYER AND REGULAR PARTICIPATION AND
ETERNAL SON OF GOD Whom we behold and PARTAKING OF ALL HOLY SERVICES AND THE VITAL, LIFE-
Encounter as our Lord Jesus Christ. GIVING HOLY MYSTERIES, makes us worthy ADOPTED
 WE WILL INSTANTLY RECOGNISE HIM because we are CHILDREN OF GOD AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST – worthy
familiar with His Holy Icons, which are depictions Citizens of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
of His Most Beloved Face, copied from the Divine  WE BECOME WORTHY OF BEING PROTECTED. COMFORTED AND
Images He imprinted upon His Burial Face Cloth DELIVERED BY DIVINE GRACE from harm, sorrow,
and Shroud. afflictions and threats.
 EVERY HEART AND SOUL WILL RESPOND TO HIS DIVINE LOVE –  WE WILL STAND BEFORE THE AWESOME JUDGEMENT THRONE OF
SOME WITH JOYFUL THANKSGIVING, BUT OTHERS, WITH FEAR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WITH OVERWHELMING LOVE, JOY
AND TREMBLING. AND PEACE - rather than with fear and trembling
✶ “...Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My Words will like all the other unrepentant sinners.
by no means pass away!...”  THE ENTIRE PURPOSE AND MEANING OF THIS SHORT LIFESPAN IS
 DIVINE TRUTH IS ETERNAL AND UNCHANGEABLE. TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – Theosis – to
 GOD’S CREATION consists of physical material elements acquire OUR ORIGINAL HUMAN NATURE that God
that were created from nothingness. Being CREATED IN HIS LIKENESS AND IMAGE.
S ATU RD AY OF TH E S OULS
We are not just a physical body - living, moving, working, of the departed souls, “... for these are acceptable to
rejoicing, suffering, growing old and dying. We are. God and bring great recompense...” according to St
also an immortal soul, united to our body while we Athanasios the Great.
live. When our body dies, our soul continues to exist St John Chrysostom urged us to “... concern ourselves for
forever because it is a Spiritual Hypostasis that is the good of our dead. Let us provide them with the
Eternal, and is transferred into the invisible world of proper assistance - offerings and Acts of Charity - for
the spirits. this brings them great relief, Spiritual Profit and
As our Affectionate Mother, the Holy Church is not only for Benefit. Such things were not ordained by chance,
those who live in this world, but also for Her offspring but were handed down to the Church by our Lord’s
who have Reposed and whose souls are now in the Most Wise Disciples and Apostles. The Priest is to
invisible world of the spirits. Commemorate the departed Faithful over the
This Divine Revelation is fundamental to our Orthodox Spotless Holy Mystery (of Eucharist)... Those who
Faith, and another closely linked Teaching, concerns forget and neglect to perform the duties for the
the Retribution and Judgment of God according to Reposed bear responsibility and sin...”
our thoughts, words and deeds. Memorial Services, Liturgies, Acts of Charity and all the
In the face of Divine Justice, we are all guilty of greater or other things that are performed on behalf of the
lesser sins, so our most important Sacred Task is to be Reposed, are of special importance for those who
prepared for the next Life – Eternal Life. have perished in wars, catastrophes and disasters, in
The Orthodox Church of Christ always prays for our the wilderness, at sea and in all manner of
Salvation for She strives to produce Saints for the circumstances, particularly if they had no-one to offer
Kingdom of heaven. Prayers for their soul.
Most of us Repose with unresolved imperfections and The Holy Church of Christ Commemorates all “...our
iniquities – not necessarily because we are lacking in departed Fathers and Brethren from all over the
Faith or Piety, but due to our various weaknesses. world...” because we understand our Lord God’s Great
Death might occur suddenly, causing us to Repose while Mercy and know that “...if the Scales are evenly
still flawed, unrepentant and deficient in Virtue and balanced, the side of Loving-Kindness prevails.”
Sanctity. Such Loving Care for the Reposed is an important Lesson
The Church assists and comforts such souls by means of for us, because it encourages and exhorts us to
an ancient, Apostolic Tradition of bringing gifts and Repent and prepare properly for our Salvation and
offerings of candles, incense, oil lamps, etc, on behalf Eternal Life in God’s Kingdom of Love.

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE-JUDGEMENT – 22 FEBRUARY 2020 23


T H E G RE AT LE NTE N F AST A ND I TS B ENEF ITS
A P OSTICH A -V E SP ER S , M OND AY IN 1 ST WEE K Have you started well? Do not stop when the enemy
Let us observe an acceptable Fast, pleasing to the Lord - interrupts you, because he is eliminated by your
a True Fast - the estrangement from evil, restraint of Patience.
the tongue, control of anger, abstention from desires, Those who are setting sail first wait for a favourable wind,
slander, falsehood and perjury. If there is a paucity of but when the sails are in place they may immediately
these, then our Fast is True and acceptable. encounter a headwind. The sailors do not throw the
S TIH ER A - V ESPE R S , WED NE SDAY , 4 TH WEE K cargo overboard because they have been taken
We practise the Virtues in secret, anticipating Spiritual aback. They simply ride out the storm and then
Rewards. We do not trumpet them in the open places continue with their voyage.
but rather Benefit from them in our heart. And He Who We, too, when faced by a headwind, should set the Cross
sees all things that occur in secret, will grant us instead of sails and complete our Voyage without
Reward for our restraint. Let us keep the Fast - not with fear.
frowning faces, but praying in the depths of our soul. S T G RE GORY P AL AM AS
S TIC HE RA -V E SP ER S , WE DNESD AY , 1 ST WEE K Fasting and restraint calm the rebellions of our flesh, and
Let us Fast in the body, Brethren, and Fast in the spirit. Let quench the madness of rage and desire. They bring a
us loosen every bond of iniquity. Let us undo the knots fresh, cloudless breeze to our mind - Cleansing it of
of contracts imposed by violence. Let us breach every the fumes that arise from the excess of food and of the
unjust agreement. Let us give bread to the hungry reek thus caused.
and bring the homeless poor into our house, so that Through Fasting and restraint, the outer person
we may receive Great Mercy from Christ our God. diminishes. And, according to St Paul, the more this
D E UTER ONOMY 32:15 person wastes away, the more the inner person is
“ ... Jacob ate and was filled… he grew fat, he became Renewed. (2 CORINTHIANS 4:16)
thick and broad: then he forsook the God Who Someone said: “...A fat belly does not beget a refined
created him, and departed from God his mind...” but one refined by Fasting and restraint
Saviour...” certainly refines the mind.
E LDE R I OANNIS K OL OV OS S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
If a King wants to capture a city from his enemies, he first A Joyful Feast today, and our attendance here more
cuts off the water and food so that the enemies, splendid than usual. This is the Achievement of
debilitated by hunger, submit to him. Fasting! I know this, too. The Fast has not yet begun,
The same with the passions of the flesh: if we live with but we are awaiting it. This is what has gathered us in
Fasting and hunger, the enemies of our soul weaken. the House of our Heavenly Father. This is what has
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM brought them back to their Mother’s Embrace today -
To Fast is to change every part of our life, because the even those who were very indifferent. And if the mere
sacrifice of the Fast is not in the abstinence, but in the expectation of it has made us so keen, just think what
banishment of sins. So those who limit the Fast to Reverence it will bring us when it actually comes and
abstention from food, are the ones who, in fact, abhor is manifestly here.
and ridicule the Fast. E LDE R I OANNIS K OL OV OS
Are we Fasting? Show our Fast with our works. What Who is as strong as a lion, but, for the sake of his stomach
works? If we see someone who is poor, show them falls into a trap and the whole of his strength is
Mercy. If we see an enemy, become reconciled to brought low?
them. If we see friends become successful, do not When the Fathers in Skete ate bread and salt, they used
envy them. If we see a beautiful woman on the street, to say: “Let us not be beholden to bread and salt!”
pass her by. In this way they were strong enough to do the Lord’s
In other words, not only should our mouth Fast, but our Work.
eyes and legs and arms... and all the other parts of E LDE R I OANNIS K OL OV OS
our body, as well. There are three things I cannot do without -: food,
Let our hands Fast - kept clean by not stealing nor being clothing and sleep - but I can cut down on them.
grasping. Let our legs Fast - avoiding roads leading to S T G RE GORY P AL AM AS
sinful sights. Let our eyes Fast by not staring at So when we Fast and eat with restraint, do not keep
beautiful faces and by not observing the beauty of anything left for the next day, for - as our Lord says -
others. We are not eating meat, are we? Well, do not we are poor but he makes us rich. So if we go hungry
feast on debauchery with our eyes, either. Let our by choice, we can feed those who are starving
hearing Fast, as well. The Fast of our ears is not to without choice.
accept gossip against others nor wicked defamations. Our Fast will then be like a dove that brings to our soul
Let our mouth Fast from shameful and abusive words, the Good News of Salvation from the Flood. As St
because, what gain is there when, on the one hand, Isaiah says: “... If you remove yourself from
we avoid eating chicken and fish while, on the other, conspiracy, and stop resorting to blows and carping
we gnaw at and consume other people? If we words and you give bread to the hungry from your
condemn others and blaspheme, it is as if we have heart, and satisfy the humbled soul, then your Light
eaten the meat of our Brothers and Sisters - as if we will spring up in Darkness, and your Darkness [shall
have bitten into their flesh. be] as the noon-day...” (ISAIAH 58:10, LXX).
It is because of this that St Paul put fear into us, saying: “If, And if we do not want to give of our own, at least do not
however, you bite and devour one another, take take somebody else’s and do not take possessions of
care that you are not consumed by one another!” things that do not belong to us, snatching and storing
(GALATIANS 5: 15) away things - often unfairly - from those who are
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM poorer than us!
For many people - when they are about to enter a period E LDE R AVE R KIOS
of Fasting - think that their stomach was about to Better to eat meat and drink wine than to eat the flesh of
undergo a long siege and that they needed to fill it to others through gossip.
overflowing with food and drink. S T P IM IN
When they finish Fasting - as if they have just concluded a How can we acquire Fear of God when inside us we have
long period of starvation and terrible incarceration, barrels of cheese and containers of preserved food?
from which they have just escaped - they scamper P R OVE R BS 24, 7-9 (S EPTU AGINT )
back to the tables laden with food, as if they wanted - Two things I ask of Thee - do not take Thy Favour from
through gluttony - to lose the Benefit they have gained me before I die. Remove vanity and falsehood far
from the Fast! from me. Do not give me wealth nor poverty, but
S T S Y NKLE TIKA provide me with whatever is necessary and sufficient,
Never pretend to be ill instead of Fasting, because often in case, being filled, I become false, and say, “Who is
enough those who have not Fasted fall prey to the watching?” - or being poor, I steal, and take the Lord’s
same sicknesses. Name in vain.

24 SATURDAY OF THE SOULS – BEFORE MEATFARE-JUDGEMENT – 22 FEBRUARY 2020


Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen.
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious
Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints.
And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to
Christ our God. Amen.
TONE 3 23 FEBRUARY 2020
36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
3RD SUNDAY OF TRIODION
SUNDAY OF MEATFARE/FINAL JUDGEMENT

The Feast of St Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna – St Polycarp of Briansk – St


John, St Antiochos, St Antoninos, St Moses, St Zebinas, St Polychronios
& St Damianos, Holy Ascetics of the Syrian Deserts – St Alexander, Founder of the Unsleeping Ones Monastery – St Damianos
of Esphigmenou of Mount Athos – St Damianos of Philotheou Monastery, Mount Athos – St Nicholas Dmitrov of Tver – St
Gorgonia, Venerable Sister of St Gregory the Theologian – St Clement – St Thea
R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 3 – M AR K 16 : 9 – 20

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 46/47 – T ONE 3

Sing Praises to God! Sing Praises! Sing Praises to our King! Sing Praises!
Oh, clap your hands, all ye Nations! Shout to God with the voice of Rejoicing!
T HE F IRST E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO THE C OR INTH IANS 8 : 8 – 9 : 2
Brethren: ...food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we better nor if we do not eat are we worse. But
beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a Stumbling Block to those who are weak! For if anyone sees
you, who have Knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of those who are weak be
emboldened to eat those things that are offered to the idols? And because of your Knowledge shall the weak
Brethren perish – for whom Christ Died? But when you thus sin against the Brethren, and wound their weak
conscience, you sin against Christ!
Therefore, if food makes my Brethren stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my Brethren stumble!
Am I not an Apostle? Am I not Free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? If I am not an Apostle to others, yet
doubtless I am to you, for you are the Seal of my Apostleship in the Lord.
✶ “...food does not commend us to God; for neither if we 2. AGAINST OUR INEXPERIENCED BRETHREN who trust us to
eat are we better nor if we do not eat are we know more than them and depend on us to show
worse...” them the Righteous Path by sharing Divine Truth
 WHETHER WE FAST from certain foods OR NOT, it MAKES NO with them.
DIFFERENCE TO OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE. 3. AGAINST OURSELVES because we have Condemned
 GOD DOES NOT JUDGE US ON THE FOOD WE EAT - but HE DOES ourselves by disobeying God and His Divine Truth
JUDGE US ON OUR and have subsequently also harmed others by
1. SELF-DISCIPLINE AND LOVE deceiving them due to our own lack of
2. ATTITUDE AND TREATMENT OF OUR FELLOW SINNERS Knowledge, Humility and Obedience to God.
3. SELFISHNESS AND SELF-INDULGENCE  To LIVE IN CHRIST, we must CONSTANTLY LOOK TO HIM FOR
4. NEGLECT AND WASTE OF OUR LIMITED LIFESPAN DIVINE GUIDANCE, OR THOSE WHOM HE HAS CALLED TO
5. FAILURE TO REPENT OUR SINS GUIDE, TEACH AND ADVISE – especially our Holy
“...beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a Church Fathers WHOSE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE IS
Stumbling Block to those who are weak...” because PRICELESS.
OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS ALWAYS HAVE AN  The inseparable Holy Virtues of HUMILITY AND
EFFECT ON OTHERS. OBEDIENCE ARE VITAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
 We must ALWAYS BE VERY CAREFUL TO NEITHER OFFEND ONE AND PROGRESS.
ANOTHER NOR LEAD EACH OTHER ASTRAY by our personal  CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR DIED FOR ALL HUMAN BEINGS – He paid
habits, ideas or preferences. the ultimate Ransom for the Salvation of all
 Throughout this short preparatory life, we need to mankind – not for just a select few.
PERPETUALLY STRUGGLE AGAINST ALL TEMPTATIONS, AND  IF WE LEAD OTHERS ASTRAY THROUGH OUR OWN MISGUIDED OR
STRIVE TO MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. ERRONEOUS KNOWLEDGE, WE CAUSE THEM TO SUFFER
 It is the Sacred Duty of every Faithful Disciple of Christ SPIRITUAL DEATH – i.e. fall into sin, which separates
to ENCOURAGE, SUPPORT AND CORRECTLY GUIDE AND us from God’s Divine Grace and Presence – THE
TEACH ONE ANOTHER. CONSEQUENCES OF WHICH ARE DIRE INDEED!
✶ “...if anyone sees you, who have Knowledge... will not  Consequently, WHENEVER WE SIN AGAINST EACH OTHER, WE
...those who are weak be emboldened...” refers to SIN AGAINST CHRIST – i.e. Almighty God – the Holy
SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE for others to follow. Trinity Who always operate in Perfect Unity and
✶ “...because of your Knowledge shall the weak Brethren Harmony.
perish – for whom Christ Died...” refers TO OUR OWN ✶ “...if food makes my Brethren stumble, I will never again
LACK OF TRUE KNOWLEDGE OR DIVINE TRUTH, WHICH eat meat, lest I make my Brethren stumble...”!
MISLEADS OR CAUSES NOT ONLY OURSELVES TO COMMIT SIN  IF WE DO ANYTHING THAT CAUSES THE SPIRITUAL DEATH OF
BUT ENCOURAGES OTHERS AS WELL. ANYONE ELSE, WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE NEVER DO SO
 A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS because all too often AGAIN in case we cause even more people to fall
WE ASSUME WE FULLY UNDERSTAND something when we into wickedness or error that is harmful and
are, in fact, misinformed or far less Eternally Condemning..
knowledgeable that we realise.  THE BURDEN OF THAT SIN WILL BE UPON US WHO HAVE CAUSED
✶ “...when you thus sin against the Brethren, and wound THEIR FALL and we will be Eternally Condemned for
their weak conscience, you sin against Christ!...” it, UNLESS WE QUICKLY REPENT AND CORRECT OUR ERROR.
By either incorrectly teaching and misguiding our  Faithful Disciples of Christ who live in Christ, are
Brethren, we commit three extremely grievous sins ALWAYS MOTIVATED BY A SELFLESS REGARD FOR THE BENEFIT
1. AGAINST OUR LORD GOD Whose Divine Truth we have OF MANY – never for themselves – and without fail,
failed to learn correctly and apply to our own FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF GOD!
thoughts, words and deeds. 2

36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-3RD TRIODION- MEATFARE/JUDGEMENT – 23 FEBRUARY 2020


✶ “...Am I not an Apostle? Am I not Free? Have I not seen WE MUST ALSO APPLY EVERYTHING HE TAUGHT US TO OUR
Jesus Christ our Lord?...” are rhetorical questions. THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
 ST PAUL IS A HOLY APOSTLE OF CHRIST who has been  Similar to the Divine Encounter and Sacred Calling of
GRANTED SPIRITUAL FREEDOM WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED OUR St Paul by our Lord Jesus Christ, OTHERS HAVE ALSO
LORD JESUS and received His Sacred Calling to BEEN CALLED BY GOD TO SERVE HIM, BEING FILLED WITH
spread His New Covenant throughout the known THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE – AND EVERYTHING
world. NECESSARy.
 He became indeed THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES, having  GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT ENLIGHTENS, EMPOWERS AND ENABLES
converted innumerable multitudes of pagans to US to fulfil the Wonderful, Divinely-Inspired Work,
Christ and His New Covenant of Love. according to the Will of our Heavenly Father.
 The authenticity of St Paul’s Apostleship was often  BY THE GRACE OF GOD, IT BECOMES POSSIBLE FOR
attacked by the Judean Hebrews. EXTRAORDINARY AND IMPOSSIBLE FEATS TO BE
✶ “... If I am not an Apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to ACCOMPLISHED by ordinary human beings.
you, for you are the Seal of my Apostleship in the  THE AUTHENTICITY OF DIVINE CALLING IS IN THE SPIRITUAL
Lord...” refers to THOSE WHO REJECTED ST PAUL as an FRUIT that is brought forth FOR THE EXCLUSIVE GLORY,
authentic Holy Apostle of our Lord Jesus AND THOSE HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
WHO WHOLEHEARTED ACCEPTED HIM AS THEIR SPIRITUAL  THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CLERGY of the Holy Church of
FATHER - the DIVINELY INSPIRED TEACHER of Christ’s Christ – our Spiritual Shepherds or Holy Fathers - IS
New Covenant and Holy Gospel. CERTIFIED BY THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE FAITHFUL –
 ST PAUL NOT ONLY PREACHED OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH BUT the Spiritual Flock of God - the Faithful
ALSO LIVED BY IT. Congregation or Laity (people of the Parish).
 Likewise, if we profess to believe in Christ and His
Divine Truth – to be a Faithful Disciple of Christ -
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 25 : 31 – 46
DIVINE JUDGEMENT OF WORKS AT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “...When the Son of Man comes in His Glory, and all the Holy Angels with Him, then
He will sit on the Throne of His Glory. And all the Nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate
them one from another, as a Shepherd divides His Sheep from the Goats. And He will set the Sheep on His right
hand side, but the goats on His left.
“Then the King will say to those at His right hand: ‘Come, you Blessed of My Father: inherit the Kingdom prepared
for you from the Foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty, and you gave
Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited
Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the Righteous shall answer Him, saying: ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry and feed Thee, or thirsty and
give Thee drink? When did we see Thee, a Stranger, and take Thee in, or naked and clothed Thee? Or we see
Thee sick, or in prison, and come to Thee?’ And the King will answer and say to them: ‘Truly, I say to you:
inasmuch as you did so to one of the least of these My Brethren, you did it to Me.’
“Then He will also say to those at His left: ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the Everlasting Fire prepared for the
devil and his angels! ’For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was
a Stranger and you did not take Me in; naked and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison and you did not
visit Me!’
“Then they will answer Him, saying: ‘Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or
in prison, and did not minister to Thee?’ Then He will answer them, saying: ‘Truly, I say to you: inasmuch as you
did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
“And those will go away into Everlasting Punishment, but the Righteous will go into Eternal Life.”
✶ “...When the Son of Man comes in His Glory, and all the  OUR LORD GOD IS OUR ONLY JUDGE Who is Loving, Merciful
Holy Angels with Him... He will sit on the Throne of and Just.
His Glory... “  OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR PROVIDES EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR
 This is THE MAJESTIC CLIMAX OF CHRIST’S DISCOURSE OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
CONCERNING HIS SECOND COMING.  GOD NEVER FORCES HIS DIVINE LOVE OR WILL UPON US.
 This is THE D IVINE R EVELATION OF THE U NIVERSAL  THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR CHOICES RESTS ENTIRELY UPON US.
J UDGEMENT of all Creation ✶ “...as a Shepherd divides His Sheep from the Goats... He
 Since His Crucifixion was impending, OUR LORD JESUS will set the Sheep on His right hand side, but the
RAISED HIS DISCIPLES’ AWARENESS OF HIS VISIBLE GLORY Goats on His left...”
AND MAGNIFICENCE when He Reappears, seated on  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD.
His Awesome Judgement Seat, with the entire  HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES ARE HIS “REASON-ENDOWED” SHEEP –
Creation before Him. intellectual beings with free will to make good or
Only St Peter, St James and St John fully understood what bad choices.
He spoke of, since they had witnessed His Glorious  His Faithful Sheep are THOSE WHO STRUGGLE AND STRIVE
Transfiguration on Mount Tabor TO SUSTAIN AND MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.
 The Divine Title “Son of Man” refers to THE VISIBLE,  Like sheep, THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES FOLLOW AND OBEY OUR
INCARNATE PERSON of the (invisible) Divine, Eternal LORD JESUS CHRIST IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, and
Son of God - our Lord Jesus Christ. become WORTHY CITIZENS OF HIS KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 Being seated on His Throne of Glory, ALL CREATION WILL  On the contrary, THE ‘GOATS ARE WILFUL CREATURES WHO
SEE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN ALL HIS DIVINE MAJESTY LIKE TO FOLLOW THEIR OWN DESIRES. They are
AND GLORY. stubborn, wilful, unrepentant, and DISOBEDIENT TO
✶ “...all the Nations will be gathered before Him... He will THE VOICE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
separate them one from another...”  THEY CONDEMN THEMSELVES through their lack of Love,
 WE WILL BE JUDGED BY OUR UNCALCULATED LOVE AND MERCY Self-sacrifice, Humility and Obedience AND ARE THUS
TOWARDS EACH OTHER. UNWORTHY AS CITIZENS OF GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
 RIGHTEOUS SOULS WILL BE OVERWHELMED BY LOVE, PEACE AND LOVE.
JOY, while unrepentant souls will be terrified and ✶ "... Come, you Blessed of My Father: inherit the Kingdom
trembling. prepared for you from the Foundation of the
 OUR UNREPENTED SINS AND ERRORS CONDEMN US .we actually world...” is addressed TO THOSE WHO STRIVE TO
Condemn ourselves because we chose to remain BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS OF GOD’S KINGDOM OF LOVE.
in a State of Spiritual Death and Unrepentance.  Those who are “...Blessed of My Father...” are THOSE
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS EXPLICITLY CLEAR THAT WE ONLY WHO CONSISTENTLY DID EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO OBEY AND
HAVE THIS SHORT LIFESPAN IN WHICH TO CORRECT TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
OURSELVES AND IMPROVE OURSELVES - by constant self-  BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE ARE INDEED BLESSED – both now
examination, Repentance and Confession in order and in Eternity.
TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED.  Inheritance suggests FAMILY MEMBERS SUCH AS SONS AND
DAUGHTERS RATHER THAN STRANGERS OR SERVANTS.

26. 3 6 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-3RD TRIODION- MEATFARE/JUDGEMENT – 23 FEBRUARY 2020


T H
THE R IGHTEOUS ARE THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME C HILDREN OF EXPOSE THE WICKEDNESS THAT LURKS WITHIN OUR
G OD BY A DOPTION . HEART AND SOUL !
 G A L A T I A N S 4 : 4 – 7 : “... When the fullness of the time  AS MUCH AS GOD LOVES AND BLESSES US and as much as
had come, God sent forth His Son, Born of a we expect to receive from Him, WE MUST RECIPROCATE
Woman; Born under the Law, to Redeem those BY TREATING EACH OTHER WITH THE SAME CONSIDERATION.
who were under the Law, that we might receive  W HATEVER WITH WE DO FOR OR TO OTHERS WITH THE RIGHT
Adoption as sons.” ATTITUDE OF A GAPE , G OD RETURNS TO US “ A
 The Son of God refers to our Lord Jesus Christ Who is HUNDREDFOLD ” – He grants us a hundred times
Eternally GOD BY NATURE. more Blessings!
 Our Creator became visible and lived amongst us  Whether good or evil, EVERYTHING COMES BACK A
and taught us directly, in order to Restore all HUNDRED TIMES MORE TO US !
humanity to our original, created state of Spiritual  T HOSE WHO ‘ HUNGER AND THIRST ’ are not only those who
Perfection. suffer physical hunger and thirst, but who YEARN
 Although we are the Adopted Children of God by FOR THE E TERNAL H OPE OF THE H OLY G OSPEL OF
means of the Holy Mystery of Baptism, WE WILL LOSE C HRIST J ESUS .
OUR DIVINE INHERITANCE IF WE REMAIN WILFUL AND ✶ “...He will also say to those at His left: ‘Depart from Me,
UNREPENTANT – if we remain in a state of Spiritual you cursed, into the Everlasting Fire prepared for
Death and alienation from God and each other. the devil and his angels! ‘ ...”
 OUR LOVING LORD GOD PREPARED HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM  These most terrifying of all Words will be ADDRESSED TO
FOR US EVEN BEFORE HE CREATED THE UNIVERSE and THOSE WHO REJECTED OUR LORD GOD AND REFUSED TO
everything visible and invisible. REPENT THEIR SINS.
 PARADISE IS THE TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL STATE BEFORE ENTRY  THE EVERLASTING FIRE IS ONE OF SEVERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF
INTO HIS ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM that is beyond HELL revealed to us by God Himself.
anything mankind can imagine.  It refers to A SPIRITUAL STATE THAT IS ETERNALLY EXILED
✶ “...I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty, FROM OUR LORD GOD AND TOTALLY WITHOUT ANY DIVINE
and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you GOODNESS, MERCY, LIGHT AND LOVE – an utter
took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I absence of anything desirable, pleasant and
was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and beautiful.
you came to Me...’ is THE STANDARD OF D IVINE ✶ “...inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of
J UDGEMENT - UNCALCULATED L OVE AND M ERCY these, you did not do it to Me... go away into
TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER . Everlasting Punishment...” - Eternal
 THESE WORKS OR GOOD DEEDS THAT ARE PRODUCED BY TRUE Condemnation, Spiritual Exile or Outer Darkness is
FAITH ARE EMPHASISED BY CHRIST because such SAVING ABSOLUTE , IRREDEEMABLE SPIRITUAL E XILE OR
FAITH ALWAYS PRODUCES RIGHTEOUS WORKS – Good A LIENATION FROM GOD AND ALL H IS GOODNESS – AN
Deeds compelled by Divine, unconditional, all E TERNAL , UNCHANGEABLE STATE OF S PIRITUAL D EATH
encompassing Love – TRUE AGAPE. AND S UFFERING – the absolute absence of
 WHATEVER WE THINK, SAY OR DO REFLECTS OUR TRUE INNER anything peaceful, pleasant, joyous or good!
STATE.  It is THE ETERNAL BANISHMENT OF EVERYTHING THAT IS
 No matter what lip-service and empty gestures we use OPPOSED TO GOD and the Love, Blessings, and
to convince others – including ourselves – of how Beauty of His Heavenly Kingdom.
well-intentioned we are, OUR DEEDS ULTIMATELY  This is D IVINE T RUTH CONCERNING E TERNITY - not mere
EXPOSE THE TRUE CONDITION OF OUR SOUL . speculation or imagination but D IVINE R EVELATION !
 Consequently, it is essential to our proper Spiritual  There is no need for discussion or debate because
Development to BE ABSOLUTELY HONEST with CHRIST OUR LORD EXPLICITLY TELLS US ABOUT ETERNITY –
ourselves, with god and with everyone else. the Ages of ages:
 S PIRITUAL W ATCHFULNESS AND CONTINUOUS  THE EVERLASTING FIRE, OUTER DARKNESS OR THE ETERNAL
( CONSTRUCTIVE ) SELF - EXAMINATION , WHICH LEADS TO ABYSS WAS NOT INTENDED FOR MANKIND, but for Satan
R EPENTANCE-CONFESSION , teaches us to and his demons.
METICULOUSLY AND CONTINUOUSLY SCRUTINISE OUR  However, WE WILL CONDEMN OURSELVES TO THAT ETERNAL
OWN PERSONAL WEAKNESSES – especially those TORMENT DUE TO THE COLDNESS OF OUR HEART – due to
hidden away in the darkened crevasses of our our lack of Love for each other!
soul.  We will either BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS OF GOD’S
 BY THE G RACE OF GOD , WE CAN EXPOSE SUCH DEFECTS TO HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE OR ETERNALLY EXILED TO
THE D IVINE L IGHT OF G OD ’ S T RUTH AND BE H EALED . HELL where there is no Love, Mercy, Compassion,
 D A I L Y S P I R I T U A L A C C O U N T I N G is recommended FOR etc – where there is a total lack of God’s Loving
ALL S TRUGGLING D ISCIPLES OF C HRIST WHO Presence and everything that is good.
GENUINELY WISH TO IMPROVE THEMSELVES AND THEIR There is no third option at all! We only have NOW to Redeem
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD as well as with their fellow ourselves by Living in Christ – applying His Divine Truth to
human beings. our thoughts, words and deeds in all circumstances,
 WE WILL KNOW IF WE ARE MAKING ANY PROGRESS WHEN – without exception!
instead of pointing accusatory fingers elsewhere –  THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS – who rebelled against God
WE IMMEDIATELY TURN OUR ATTENTION INWARDS AND and thus caused their self-condemned Eternal
CORRECT OUR OWN GLARING ERRORS. Expulsion from Divine Grace - FEAR THEIR ETERNAL
Thereby we ACQUIRE H UMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD, EXILE, which is why they want to cause us to Fall
which is the very first big step closer to Spiritual into that same Spiritual Death.
Perfection and Eternal Life.  GOD IN HIS GREAT MERCY AND LOVE, GIVES US THE MEANS AND
✶“... inasmuch as you did so to one of the least of these My MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO REPENT our sins and be
Brethren, you did it to Me’...” is a reference to ALL Restored to Spiritual Life in Christ.
THE POOR, THE NEEDY AND THE DESTITUTE OF THE WORLD –  HE HAS EVEN PERMITTED THE EVIL ONE AND HIS DEMONS TO
in a spiritual and a physical sense. HOVER AROUND – being neither of Heaven nor Earth –
 Having been created in the Image and Likeness of TO TEMPT US so that we become Spiritually Stronger
God, WE SHOULD SEE ALL HUMANITY AS A REFLECTED and Perfected, drawing ever closer to our Lord
D IVINE I MAGE OF G OD – the Image of the Son of God.
Man.
At Christ’s Reappearance in all His Divine Glory, they are
 By regarding everyone else AS THOUGH WE WERE SEEING banished immediately to the Eternal Abyss of Outer
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEFORE US, is the
Darkness – hence the demons’ words whenever they
fulfilment of His Golden Commandment TO LOVE Encountered our Lord Jesus Christ Whom they instantly
EACH OTHER AS MUCH AS HE LOVES US.
recognised - and intensely feared - as the Eternal Son of
 When we TREAT OTHERS WITH AS MUCH L OVE AS WE God Who is our Creator and Divine Judge.
PROFESS TO HAVE FOR G OD , we prove our integrity.
✶ “...the Righteous will go into Eternal Life...” where THEY
 On the contrary, WHEN WE SHOW NEITHER COMPASSION ,
WILL CONTINUE TO LOVE AND LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS.
KINDNESS NOR ANY DEGREE OF L OVE FOR OTHERS , WE 2

36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-3RD TRIODION- MEATFARE/JUDGEMENT – 23 FEBRUARY 2020


9. SINCERELY RESPECT EVERYTHING THAT IS HOLY AND
 WE NEED TO CEASELESSLY CORRECT OUR ERRORS NOW so that SANCTIFIED – both material and Spiritual
we can REMAIN IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE and Aspects of our Faith according to the
remain close to our Most Beloved Lord God. Teachings of Christ and His Holy Apostles,
 This short preparatory lifespan is for us to BECOME 10. DISCIPLINE OURSELVES so that our immortal soul
SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED BY learning how to controls our selfish, demanding mortal flesh,
1. LOVE GOD AND EACH OTHER according to our Lord’s thereby becoming Righteous Spiritual Beings
Divine Truth, who are worthy Citizens of God’s Heavenly
2. APPLY THE VERBAL AND WRITTEN HOLY TRADITION to Kingdom.
every aspect of our daily life, 11. LIVE IN CHRIST by applying His Divine Truth to our
3. FULLY PARTICIPATE in all the Holy Services, thoughts, words and deeds, thereby ACQUIRING
4. REGULARLY PARTAKE OF THE ESSENTIAL, LIFE-GIVING HOLY THE HOLY VIRTUES THAT MAKE US RIGHTEOUS AND
MYSTERIES, after being Baptised and WORTHY.
Chrismated. Our Lord has provided everything necessary for our Salvation
5. CONTINUOUSLY AND IMMEDIATELY REPENT our sins so and Eternal Life. We need only to fulfil His Divine Will
that we remain in a state of Spiritual Life, with Humility and Obedience.
6. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, so that we know how to When we surrender our will to the Will of our Heavenly
address and communicate with our Lord God, Father, our life becomes far less stressed, and
7. SING AND UNDERSTAND THE DIVINELY INSPIRED AND uncomplicated.
ANGELIC HYMNS so that we can Praise our No matter what our circumstances might be, everything is
Triune Lord God together with the Angelic endurable and possible when we walk every step together
Hosts, with our Lord Jesus Christ.
8. WORSHIP GOD, OFFERING CONTINUOUS THANKSGIVING for Let us link arms and Love, Encourage, Guide and Support each
His Divine Love and infinite Providence, other as we Journey towards Eternity and our Heavenly
Home.
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 M AX IM OS THE C ONF ESSOR friendship is all that is recorded. Flattery corrupt the
Those who have acquired the Perfection of Love for God, souls of those who welcome it.
and have Elevated their soul with the Holy Virtues, will S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
be snatched up into the Clouds, according to St Paul, The Prayer of Repentance has been granted to all of us
and they will not be subject to Judgement. without exception. It has been granted to those who
Those who have not acquired Spiritual Perfection in its are dominated by the grievous passions, and to those
entirety, but who have sins as well as Good Works, will who fall into the sin in practise. They, too, have the
stand before the Divine Court in Judgement. right to cry out to our Lord for their Salvation.
Their good and bad actions will be examined and it will
E LDE R K ASSIANOS
be as though they are cast into Flames! If the Scales
We should be aware that each demon deals with a
tip towards their Good Deeds, they will be Cleansed
particular grievous passion, which it plants first in the
and will not be Eternally Exiled to Hell.
heart and then cultivates.
S T P AISIOS OF M OU NT AT H OS Some demons are concerned with the passion of
There are those who love people more than God. debauchery, while others deal with the passion of
Because their love is carnal (of the flesh) – either in the blasphemy. Others incite anger and wrath, or plunge
good or bad sense – they remain creatures of the us into sorrow, and yet others, produce in us vainglory
flesh, just like those who love earthly things more that and pride.
Heavenly, Divine Things. They are also made of clay. Each of them tries to imprison our heart through the
grievous passion that attracts us the most. They do
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE
not pour out their poisons altogether, but each one
When we are outside Divine Grace, the encasement
separately and in relation to how much, where and
around our soul is as black as night – especially if we how the disposition and defences of each person
surrender to and serve our grievous passions. If we
concerned allows them to do so.
do not give in entirely to those passions, then our soul
For example, someone does not suddenly burst into
is as grey and murky as a thick fog. And we are still
stupid, lewd laughter if, at the same time, they are
living an empty existence.
being eaten up by sorrow.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T So there is some type of co-operation between the
When we pray, we must subject our heart entirely to our demons, even though, since they are disorganized
will, in order to turn it to God. Our heart must not be rabble, they cannot maintain order and discipline
cold, sly, insincere nor hypocritical. Otherwise, what among themselves.
is the value of our Prayers, or our Preparation for Holy
S T AR SE NIOS B OC A
Communion?
To condemn, criticize or judge others means that we do
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA not accept them with unconditional Love. We do not
Only the Eternal Son of God can free us because He is tolerate them, have patience with them nor have any
Himself True Freedom. Only if we follow our Divine Compassion or Mercy for them because we lack Love.
Saviour are we able to remain Free and can cast off We condemn others because we regard them as being
the hideous slavery of sin. So, if we wish to be set free, different or inferior to ourselves and we think that if
we must follow our Lord Jesus Christ. we were in their place we would act ‘better’ and more
effectively.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
[All the faults we see so clearly in others are merely
Self-indulgence and pride reveal themselves particularly
reflections of our own failures, errors and weaknesses!]
through our impatience and irritability. This is
demonstrated by the fact that we cannot willingly, nor E LDE R P HILOTHE OS Z E RV AKOS
even unwillingly, put up with any sadness that other Through Repentance-Confession we Experience a Second
might cause us. Baptism and are Cleansed of the sins we have
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA
committed since our first sins.
Flattery is a repulsive iniquity, concealed behind the When we sincerely Repent, Confess our innumerable
mask of friendship. It is a false caress that is transgressions, decide not to repeat them – to hate
expressed as friendship only in words and in a them – we immediately receive Remission of our
proclivity for and pursuit of things not worthy of iniquities, and, from one moment to the next, go from
mentioning. It is treachery that holds nothing Sacred. being sinners to God’s Righteous, as did the Repentant
In flattery – as on a gravestone – the name of Robber who gained Entry into Paradise because of his
Repentance.

28. 3 6 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST-3RD TRIODION- MEATFARE/JUDGEMENT – 23 FEBRUARY 2020


T H
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.
[STRICT FAST TODAY] 24 FEBRUARY 2020

FIRST AND SECOND FINDINGS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST’S VENERABLE HEAD

Also the Feast of St Erasmos of Kiev Near Caves Monastery – St Romanos of Uglich – St Cumein,
Abbot of Iona Monastery

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 131

There shalt I cause to spring up a Horn fro David;


there I prepared a Lamp for Mine Anointed.
Remember David, O Lord, and all his Meekness
T HE FE STAL M ATINS GO SPE L OF S T LU KE 7 ; 17 – 30
At that time, a report concerning our Lord Jesus went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. And the
Disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And calling two of his Disciples to him, John sent
them to Jesus, saying: “Art Thou the Coming One, or do we look for another ?”
When the men went to Him, they said: “John the Baptist has sent us to Thee, saying: ‘Art Thou He Who is to come, or shall
we look for another?’” In that very Hour Jesus Cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many of
the blind He granted sight. And Jesus answered and said to them: “Go, and tell John the things you have beheld
and heard - blind see and lame walk, lepers are Cleansed, deaf hear, dead are raised, poor have the Gospel
preached to them... And Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me!”
When the Disciples of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out
into the wilderness to witness? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to behold? A man clothed in
soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously apparelled and who live in luxury are in Kings’ Courts! So
what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Yes! I say to you – and more than a Prophet! This is he of whom it was
written: ‘Behold I send My Messenger before Thy Face, who will prepare Thy Way before Thee.’ For I say to you:
among those born of women, there is no greater Prophet than John the Baptist - yet he who is least in the
Kingdom of God is greater than him!”
And when all the people heard Jesus, even the Tax Collectors Justified God, having been Baptised with the Baptism of
John. The Pharisees and Lawyers, however, rejected the Will of God for themselves – not having been Baptised by
him.
✶ “ ... a report concerning our Lord Jesus went  According to St John Chrysostom, OUR LORD JESUS
throughout all Judea and all the surrounding CHRIST HAD GONE TO ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FOR THE
region...” after our Lord Jesus Christ had brought SECOND TIME IN ORDER FOR ST JOHN TO MAKE THAT
the Widow of Nain’s dead son back to life, DECLARATION and thus prevent anyone from
speculating that EITHER HE WAS A GREAT HOLY PROPHET thinking that our Divine Saviour, Who is Sinless,
OR THAT “... GOD HAS VISITED HIS PEOPLE.” needed Baptism to symbolically wash away any
✶ “...Disciples of John reported to him concerning all sin.
these things...” because ST JOHN THE BAPTIST HAD  ST JOHN THE BAPTIST KNEW VERY WELL THAT OUR LORD JESUS
BEEN IMPRISONED by the Tetrarch Ruler, Herod, soon WAS INDEED THE INCARNATE ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF
after OUR LORD JESUS HAD BEEN BAPTISED AND HAD BEGUN OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and thus has Eternally Existed,
HIS PUBLIC MISSION. unlike himself who was a created being – having
 Although St John the Baptist had encouraged his been created by Christ Himself.
Disciples to follow our Lord Jesus Christ, some still ✶ “...When the men went to Him, they said: “John the
remained with him. Baptist has sent us to Thee, saying: ‘Art Thou He
✶ “...calling two of his Disciples to him, John sent them to Who is to come, or shall we look for another?’”
Jesus...”  Our Holy Fathers believe that THIS ENCOUNTER WAS A
 ST JOHN THE BAPTIST’S FAITH WAS UNDOUBTEDLY MOST MEANS FOR ST JOHN THE BAPTIST TO CONVINCE HIS
JOYFULLY STRENGTHENED AND CONFIRMED BY ALL THE REMAINING DISCIPLES THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
DIVINE MIRACLES THAT CHRIST FULFILLED, which had INDEED THE LONG-AWAITED DIVINE MESSIAH.
been prophesied throughout the centuries,  St John knew exactly Who our Lord Jesus Christ is, but
concerning the Great Divine Messiah. HIS DISCIPLES NEEDED CONFIRMATION THAT HE IS OUR
 JOHN 1 ; 29 – 31 “... John saw Jesus coming toward him, DIVINE SAVIOUR.
and said; “Behold! The Lamb of God Who takes  AS THEY GREW CLOSER TO HIM, AND GAINED MORE SPIRITUAL
away the sin of the world! This is He of Whom I ENLIGHTENMENT - Knowledge and Understanding -
said: ‘After me comes a Man Who is preferred THEY WOULD LOVE HIM FOREVER WITH ALL THEIR HEART
before me, for He was before me,’ but I did not AND SOUL.
know Him, but that He should be Revealed to  WE CANNOT ENCOUNTER CHRIST AND REMAIN UNCHANGED, for
Israel, wherefore I came Baptising with water.” IT IS DIVINE LOVE THAT TRANSFORMS US AND MOTIVATES US
 JOHN 1 : 35 – 37 “... Again, the next day, John stood with BEYOND OUR OWN LIMITATIONS AND WEAKNESSES.
two of his Disciples. And looking at Jesus as He ✶ "... In that very hour Jesus Cured many of infirmities,
walked, he said: “Behold! The Lamb of God!’ afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many of the
 St John the Baptist referred to St Isaiah’s prophecy blind He granted sight...”which FULFILLED ALL THE
concerning THE ‘SERVANT OF GOD’ WHO WOULD DIE FOR ANCIENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE GREAT DIVINE
THE TRANSGRESSION OF HIS PEOPLE. (ISAIAH 53 :4 – 12) MESSIAH OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ is THE TRUE PASCHAL LAMB, FOR HE  IN THAT ONE HOUR ALONE, INNUMERABLE SUFFERERS WERE
VOLUNTARILY OFFERED HIMSELF FOR OUR DELIVERANCE HEALED, CLEANSED AND RESTORED to good health by
from Spiritual Darkness and Death. (1 PETER 1:18 – our Lord Jesus Christ.
19)

F IR ST & S EC OND F IND INGS – S T J OHN B AP TIST ’S H E AD – 24 F EBRU ARY 29


 This had never been done before nor since by  ST JOHN THE BAPTIST LIVED AN ANGELIC LIFE AS GOD’S
anyone else, because ONLY OUR DIVINE CREATOR CAN VISIBLE, HUMAN HOLY MESSENGER. Hence, all
RESTORE HIS CREATION. Monastics strive to imitate him, as their Role Model
 THE RESTORATION of God’s Chosen Nation, Israel, WAS who epitomises POVERTY, HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE.
BOTH SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL.  St John the Baptist continues
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S FIRST PRIORITY WAS TO RESTORE HIS 1. to be THE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS OF SPIRITUAL
‘LOST SHEEP OF ISRAEL,’ who had gone astray due to DARKNESS AND SIN,
their lack of Faith and the neglect of their Sacred 2. to CALL ALL MANKIND TO REPENTANCE, and
Duties to both God and each other. 3. to PROCLAIM SALVATION THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM
 THE NEW COVENANT OF GOD IS A DIVINE COVENANT OF LOVE. INTO CHRIST OUR GOD.
 CHRIST TEACHES US – and provides us with everything  ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, ST JOHN
necessary – TO LOVE GOD AND EACH OTHER. THE BAPTIST WAS SENT TO PREPARE THE WAY FOR CHRIST BY
 LOVE IS THE ENTIRE DIVINE PLAN AND PURPOSE OF OUR PREACHING AND CALLING GOD’S PEOPLE – the Nation of
EXISTENCE. Israel – TO REPENT THEIR SINS SO THAT THEY COULD
 As St Paul explained so well, WITHOUT LOVE WE ARE AND RECEIVE THE NEW COVENANT OF LOVE from our Lord
HAVE NOTHING AT ALL! Jesus - the Sacrificial Lamb of God.
✶ “... Go, and tell John the things you have beheld and  AS THE HOLY FORERUNNER TO CHRIST, ST JOHN WAS THE LAST
heard ... Blessed is he who is not offended AND GREATEST – most important – OF ALL GOD’S HOLY
because of Me!” PROPHETS.
 THESE DISCIPLES OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WERE ABLE TO ✶ “...among those born of women, there is no greater
TESTIFY TO THE MANY DIFFERENT DIVINE MIRACLES that Prophet than John the Baptist - yet he who is
they had witnessed during that single hour. least in the Kingdom of God is greater than him!”
 Again, THIS WAS MORE FOR THEIR OWN SPIRITUAL BENEFIT  THE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IS
THAN FOR THAT OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST whom the EXALTED, PRAISED AND GLORIFIED BY GOD HIMSELF.
Eternal Son of God knew as His greatest Holy  However, even though St John was the last and
Prophet. greatest of all God’s Holy Prophets, HIS EARTHLY
 In this manner, OUR LORD JESUS SENT HIS DIVINE BLESSINGS LIFESPAN AND HOLY MINISTRY CONCERNED THE PERIOD OF
AND LOVE TO ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, which gave him THE OLD COVENANT.
much Spiritual Comfort and Joy.  THE NEW COVENANT OF LOVE SO FAR SURPASSES THE OLD
 St John the Baptist knew that HE HAD FULFILLED HIS COVENANT that even “... THE LEAST...” OF THE NEW
DESIGNATED SACRED ROLE AS FORERUNNER TO CHRIST, COVENANT SAINTS ARE REGARDED AS BEING FAR GREATER
having prepared His People for His New Covenant than St John the Baptist.
of Love.  Although the Holy Forerunner of Christ has already
✶ “...He began to speak to the multitudes concerning been Resurrected into the Eternal Kingdom of God
John...” HE LIVED ACCORDING TO THE OLD COVENANT - BEFORE THE
IT WAS NECESSARY FOR OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR TO CONFIRM THE SPIRITUALLY SUPERIOR NEW COVENANT OF LOVE.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST as HIS  THE OLD COVENANT PREPARED GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE OF
DIVINELY BLESSED AND INSPIRED FORERUNNER who was ISRAEL FOR THE COMING OF THE GREAT DIVINE MESSIAH.
THE GREATEST HOLY PROPHET of our Lord God.  As such IT WAS AN IMPERFECT COVENANT that dealt with
It was the ancient custom - before the arrival of those who self-discipline and the sacrificial worship of God,
were of great social significance and impact, such as which was CONCERNED MAINLY WITH THE PROCREATION
powerful Kings, Emperors, or Rulers of any importance - AND PHYSICAL WELFARE OF THE JUDAIC NATION OF ISRAEL.
to send out official forerunners who summoned, gathered  THE PURPOSE OF THE OLD COVENANT ISRAEL WAS SPIRITUAL
and prepared the people to receive them with all due ENLIGHTENMENT AND KNOWLEDGE, that was to have
respect. been FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN DIVINE TRUTH, in order TO
✶ “...A Prophet? Yes! I say to you – and more than a LEAD THE NEW COVENANT ISRAEL IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE IN
Prophet! This is he of whom it was written: CHRIST JESUS.
‘Behold I send My Messenger before Thy Face, ✶ “...even the Tax Collectors Justified God, having been
who will prepare Thy Way before Thee.’ Baptised with the Baptism of John...”
 M ALACHI 3:1 - “Behold, I send My Messenger, and he  ALL THOSE WHO HAD REPENTED THEIR SINS AND HAD BEEN
will prepare the Way before Me, and the Lord BAPTISED BY ST JOHN WERE JUSTIFIED, FORGIVEN AND
Whom you seek, will suddenly come into His BLESSED BY GOD.
Temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant,  They were READY TO RECEIVE CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
Whom you desire. Behold! He is coming!’ says the ✶ “...The Pharisees and Lawyers, however, rejected the
Lord Almighty...” Will of God for themselves ...”
 I SAIAH 40:3 - “... the voice of one crying in the  THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, SPIRITUALLY BLIND AND ARROGANT
wilderness – ‘Prepare the Way of the Lord! Make PHARISEES AND SCRIBES/LAWYERS “... rejected the Will of
straight the Paths of our God!” God for themselves...” by REFUSING TO REPENT THEIR
 J OHN 1: 23 “...I am ‘...the voice of the one crying in the SINS AND NOT BEING BAPTISED.
wilderderness – ‘make straight the Way of the lord!’  THEY HAD CONDEMNED THEMSELVES!
as the Prophet Isaiah said.”  By rejecting or refusing to obey the Will of our
 Both OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ST JOHN THE BAPTIST Heavenly Father, WE CONDEMN OURSELVES TO
VERIFIED THESE ANCIENT HOLY PROPHECIES concerning SPIRITUAL DEATH, UNLESS WE REPENT AND RETURN TO
the Sacred Role of the Holy Forerunner. SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.
P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 63/64 – TO NE (7) V ARY S -G AVE

The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.


Hear my voice, O God!
T H E S EC OND EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO THE C OR INTH IANS 4 : 6 - 15
LIKE ST PAUL, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FACED DEATH SO THAT HE MIGHT SHOW FORTH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
Brethren, it is the God Who commanded light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our heart to grant the Light of
the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. But we have this Treasure in earthen vessels, so that
the excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
For we who live are already delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our
mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but Life in you. And since we have the same spirit of Faith, according
to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He Who
raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
For all things are for your sake, that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to
the Glory of God.

30 F IR ST & S E COND F IND INGS – S T J OH N B AP TIST ’S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY


✶ "... it is God Who commanded Light to shine out of  EVERY SALVIFIC SACRIFICE OUGHT TO SPUR US ON TO EVEN
Darkness...” has several meanings. GREATER EFFORTS so that all their marvellous efforts
4. GOD CREATED VISIBLE LIGHT to enlighten the darkness and endeavours are not wasted.
that hid His created Beauty.  IF OUR FAITH WAS NOT BASED ON ETERNAL, DIVINE TRUTH – the
5. GOD’S UNCREATED LIGHT Enlightens and Illuminates Perfect, Absolute Truth of God – MILLIONS OF PEOPLE
Spiritual Darkness and Blindness. throughout all the ages WOULD NEVER HAVE
6. GOD’S GLORY SHINES EXTRAORDINARILY BRIGHTLY FROM OUR SACRIFICED THEMSELVES or their life.
LORD JESUS CHRIST as witness by three of His Faithful Furthermore THE DIVINE TRUTH OF CHRIST WOULD NEVER
Apostles at His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. HAVE SURVIVED INTACT if It had been untrue or based
 THE BLINDING, UNCREATED LIGHT OF GOD IS HIS DIVINE solely on human concepts.
ENERGY, which only the very few, extremely ✶ “...we have the same spirit of Faith...” refers to our ONE,
Spiritually Enlightened and Spiritually Perfected UNIVERSAL, ORTHODOX FAITH, WHICH IS AS UNCHANGING
have been Blessed to Experience. AND ETERNAL AS THE LORD OUR GOD Who is the Eternal,
✶ “...Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the Perfect and Divine Source of our Faith.
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus  Our Orthodox Christian Faith is BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON
Christ...” THE DIVINE TRUTH GRANTED TO US BY GOD HIMSELF.
 ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE  Our Faith is the same throughout the world and
TRUTH ARE WE ENLIGHTENED AND ILLUMINED BY GOD. throughout all the ages since the beginning.
 THIS IS GRANTED TO US AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND DIVINE  Our ORTHODOX PRACTISE OF WORSHIP, PRAYER AND FAITH ARE
ADOPTION AS CHILDREN OF GOD. ETERNAL and STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE REVELATIONS
 ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST IS IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BECOME AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS NEW
SPIRITUAL PERFECT – to acquire the Divine Likeness COVENANT OF LOVE – AGAPE.
with which we were originally created.  Our Orthodox Faith teaches us that our Salvation in
 SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THIS VERY Christ Jesus includes:
SHORT, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN. 4. A PASSAGE from Death to Life, from Spiritual Darkness
 THE GOAL OF PREACHING THE DIVINE TRUTH – the of sin and ignorance to Divine Light of Truth and
Teachings and Commandments of God – is not in Wisdom through Repentance, Faith and Holy
order to glorify ourselves but rather to GLORIFY GOD Baptism – “having been Saved.” (JOHN 3: 1 – 6 &
AND ENLIGHTEN ALL MANKIND WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH, COLOSSIANS 1: 13 – 14)
WISDOM AND LOVE. 5. A PROCESS of Spiritual Growth and Maturation
✶ “...We have this Treasure in earthen vessels...” refers to through continuous Repentance, Faith and
3. THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS, IN WHOM Communion – Deification – “... being Saved. (2 PETER
WE STRIVE TO LIVE every moment by applying His 1: 2 – 8)
Divine Truth – Teachings and Commandments – to 6. A PROMISE of Eternal Life, Calling us to Spiritual
our thoughts, words and deeds. Perseverance and Righteousness – “... shall be
4. OUR MORTAL (TEMPORARY) PHYSICAL BODY, which was Saved.” (2 PETER 5: 9 – 11 & JOHN 14: 1 – 6)
ORIGINALLY CREATED BY GOD FROM THE CLAY OF EARTH. ✶ “...He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up
 The Priceless, Eternal Treasure is THE LIGHT AND with Jesus, and will present us with you...”
TRUTH OF GOD’S DIVINE GLORY IN OUR LORD JESUS  THIS REFERS TO GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHOSE WILL OUR
CHRIST. LORD JESUS – the Eternal Son and Word of God -
 It is CONTAINED WITHIN US who are THE TEMPORARY, ALWAYS FULFILS WITH COMPLETE LOVE, HUMILITY AND
PHYSICAL TEMPLES OF GOD. OBEDIENCE.
✶ “...so that the Excellence of the Power may be of God  WE, TOO, by Living Christ – IMITATING HIS PERFECT LOVE,
and not of us...”. HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, MUST DO SO AS WELL.
 WHEN THE DIVINE LIGHT AND LOVE OF GOD SHINES IN AND  Just as OUR HEAVENLY FATHER RESURRECTED CHRIST (in His
THROUGH US, other people will realise that THE
human Nature) from the dead, SO, TOO, WILL HE
RESURRECT US – ALL MANKIND - AS WELL.
EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF LOVE, GOODNESS, PEACE AND
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL PRESENT ALL HIS FAITHFUL
JOY IS ONLY FROM THE LORD OUR GOD and certainly not
DISCIPLES TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
anything that we are able to accomplish!  ALL GOD’S FAITHFUL – those who lived according to the
 WHATEVER IS GOOD AND LIFE SUSTAINING IS ONLY DUE TO GOD Old and New Covenants - WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUR
 We need to LABOUR CONTINUOUSLY TO KEEP our thoughts, HEAVENLY FATHER.
words and deeds WORTHY OF BEING THE ADOPTED  THOSE WHO REJECT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE
CHILDREN OF GOD – THE CHILDREN OF THAT DIVINE LIGHT TRUTH AND WHO REFUSED TO REPENT THEIR SINS, WILL BE
AND LOVE. CONDEMNED TO “OUTER DARKNESS” – ETERNAL EXILE FROM
✶ “...We are hard pressed ... not crushed; . perplexed... GOD.
not in despair; persecuted... not forsaken; struck ✶ “...that Grace, having spread through the many, may
down, but not destroyed...” cause Thanksgiving to abound to the Glory of
 Our Orthodox Christian Faith is certainly NOT TROUBLE God...”
FREE BUT it is indeed ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS!  DIVINE GRACE IS SPREAD AND SHARED WITH ALL GOD’S
 Our daily TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS CANNOT DEFEAT US. FAITHFUL Disciples and Servants.
 EVERY VICTORY OVER ADVERSITY REVEALS THE BENEFICIAL  DIVINE GRACE NOT ONLY ENABLES US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED
POWER AND LOVE OF GOD. DUTIES AND LABOURS OF LOVE BUT ALSO FILLS OUR HEART
✶ “...always carrying ... the dying of our Lord Jesus, so that AND SOUL WITH CEASELESS THANKSGIVING – sincere
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our gratitude for all God’s Love, Beauty and infinite
body...” Blessings.
 DIVINE GRACE MAKES US BECOME HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT.
 EVERY VICTORY AND DELIVERANCE PROVES OUR LORD’S
 BY DIVINE GRACE, THE ACQUISITION OF HUMILITY AND
CONSTANT DIVINE GRACE that PROTECTS, CONQUERS AND
OBEDIENCE THEN LEADS US TO THE ACQUISITION OF OTHER
DELIVERS us from the machinations of the evil one. ESSENTIAL HOLY VIRTUES.
 THIS IS LIFE IN CHRIST.  ONLY BY DIVINE GRACE IS REPENTANCE AND SPIRITUAL
 When our thoughts, words and deeds are ACCORDING PERFECTION POSSIBLE.
TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AS OUR LORD JESUS  AS WE SPIRITUALLY MATURE, WE BECOME FAR MORE AWARE OF
CHRIST TAUGHT US, WE ARE ABLE TO ENDURE ALL THE OUR APPALLING SINFULNESS AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND
DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONFRONT US. TRUTH, which ought to compel us to even greater
✶ “...Death is working in us, but Life in you...” refers to ALL Spiritual Efforts.
THE SALVIFIC SACRIFICES MADE BY CHRIST, HIS HOLY  EVERYTHING WE ARE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH OR OVERCOME IS FOR
APOSTLES, HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND MANY OTHERS FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF OUR HEAVENLY
THE SAKE OF DIVINE TRUTH. FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE LIFE-GIVING
 WE ARE BLESSED BY THOSE MARTYRIC ACTS OF LOVE, since WE HOLY SPIRIT.
ARE ABLE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OUR PURPOSE in this  THIS IMPACTS UPON OUR OWN SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND
difficult lifespan before Eternity. (HOPEFULLY) OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – Theosis or
Deification, which is the Divine Likeness of Christ
our Lord.

F IR ST & S E COND F IND INGS – S T JO HN B APTIST ’ S HE AD – 24 F E BRU ARY 31


T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 11 : 2 – 15
At that time, John, having heard in prison about the Works of Christ, sent two of his Disciples who asked Him: “Art Thou
the Coming One, or do we look for another?” And answering, Jesus said to them: “Go, tell John the things that you
hear and see - blind see and lame walk; lepers are Cleansed and deaf hear; dead are raised up and poor
have the Gospel preached to them. And Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
After they departed, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John.
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? So what did you go out to see? A man
clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in houses of Kings. But what did you go out
to see? A Prophet? Yes! I say to you - and more than a Prophet! For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I
send My Messenger before Thy Face, who will prepare Thy Way before Thee.’
“Assuredly, I say to you - among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; yet he
who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
From the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
For all Prophets and the Law - until John - prophesied. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to
come.“
“Having ears , hear!”
4. THE VERBAL AND PHYSICAL ATTACKS of the opponents of St
 KINDLY READ THE EXPLANATORY NOTES ABOVE John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus Christ,
5. THE VIOLENCE OF MESSIANIC PRETENDERS who tried to
FOR THIS GOSPEL ACCOUNT ACCORDING TO
establish the Heavenly Kingdom by using military
ST LUKE. force against the Roman Empire.
 According to St John Chrysostom, the violent who take
✶“...Art Thou the Coming One, or do we look for Another?” the Kingdom by force are THOSE WHO HAVE SUCH
 According to our Holy Fathers, this question might EARNEST DESIRE FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THAT THEY
SUGGEST THAT ST JOHN THOUGHT OF THE MESSIAH AS LET NOTHING STAND BETWEEN THEMSELVES AND THEIR
‘DIVINE JUDGE’ ONLY and was perplexed by our Lord FAITH IN HIM.
Jesus Christ’s Infinite Mercy and Compassion.  Whoever is a Hearer and Lover of the Word of God
✶ “...blind see and lame walk; lepers are Cleansed and takes the Kingdom “by force,” EXERTING ALL
deaf hear; dead are raised up and poor have the EARNESTNESS AND DESIRE TO ENTER THE REALITY OF THE
Gospel preached to them KINGDOM.
 ST ISAIAH HAD PREDICTED that at the Coming of the  1 C ORINTHIANS 4:9 - being “...made a spectacle to the
Messiah THESE DIVINE MIRACLES would occur. world, both to Angels and to men.” HOLY MARTYRS
 OUR LORD JESUS FULFILLED ALL THE PROPHECIES OF HIS HOLY SHED THEIR BLOOD, MAKING THEIR CONFESSION OF FAITH,
PROPHETS .  THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BELONGS not to the sleeping or
 OUR LORD JESUS PERFORMED ALL THESE DIVINE MIRACLES IN the lazy, but INSTEAD TO “... THE VIOLENT (WHO) TAKE IT
THE PRESENCE OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST’S DISCIPLES so BY FORCE.”
that THEY COULD WITNESS FOR THEMSELVES AND TESTIFY ✶ “...he is Elijah who is to come...“
TO ALL THE DIVINE WORKS THAT ONLY OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR  Our Lord Jesus Christ ascribed the Sacred Role of St
CAN DO. Elijah to St John the Baptist in the history of
✶ “...there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist - mankind’s Salvation.
yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is  The identification and exaltation of St John the Baptist
greater than he...” by Christ is quite explicit because
 IN TERMS OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IS 1. he FULFILLED THE MISSION OF ST ELIJAH
THE LAST AND THE GREATEST PROPHET who not only 2. his DESTINY WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF ST ELIJAH
CALLED GOD’S PEOPLE TO REPENT their sins, but also 3. he is HONOURED AND EXALTED MORE THAN ST ELIJAH
IDENTIFIED AND PROCLAIMED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS because HE PREPARED THE WAY FOR THE COMING OF
BEING THE GREAT DIVINE MESSIAH – the Sacrificial CHRIST – for His Public Salvific Mission by calling
Lamb of God Who Redeems all mankind from the His People to Repent their sins.
fatal effects of sin and grants us Eternal Life. ✶ “... having ears, hear!...” is A DIVINE EXHORTATION OR
 THE NEW COVENANT OF LOVE, inaugurated by our Lord COMMANDMENT.
Jesus Christ, IS OF SUCH INCOMPARABLE VALUE that  This Commandment of Christ is SIMILAR TO THAT OF
EVERYONE WHO COMMITS TO IT CAN BECOME EVEN ‘ OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHO ADDRESSED ST PETER, ST
GREATER’ than St John the Baptist. JAMES AND ST JOHN ON MOUNT TABOR at His
 BY DIVINE GRACE WE BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD AND Transfiguration.
PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ceaselessly Striving to  M ATTHEW 17 : 5 - “... This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION so as to become Am well pleased. Hear Him!”
WORTHY CITIZENS AND CO-HEIRS of the Eternal  OUR LORD GOD INSTRUCTS US VERY CLEARLY TO BE ATTENTIVE
Heavenly Kingdom of Love. TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH - to LISTEN CAREFULLY TO HIS
✶ the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent WORDS – His Teachings and Commandments - so
take it by force...” that we can PERCEIVE, UNDERSTAND, COMPREHEND AND
 Our Holy Fathers have variously interpreted these FULFIL, ACCOMPLISH AND ACHIEVE EVERYTHING THAT IS
Words of our Lord, believing that they refer to ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION and the
1. THE JUDEAN HEBREWS’ OPPOSITION AND REJECTION of the Restoration of our Divine Likeness with which we
Holy Gospel of Christ. were originally created.
2. the Heavenly Kingdom of God BREAKING “VIOLENTLY” –  Our Lord had to contend with THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS
FORCEFULLY – INTO THIS FALLEN WORLD, because of Its JUDAIC LEADERS WHO RESPONDED WICKEDLY to St John
Divine Power and Strength - through powerful the Baptist for being too Ascetic and to Christ for
Miracles, alert and daring people take hold of it being too liberal in His Mercy, Compassion and
aggressively. Joy.
3. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Himself Who has been Incarnate  We must PAY CLOSE ATTENTION AND LEARN AS MUCH AS
since the days of St John the Baptist, and SUFFERED POSSIBLE in order to fulfil the Will of our Heavenly
THE VIOLENCE OF HIS PASSION – the public humiliation, Father in all circumstances.
unjust beatings, unlawful scourging and finally,
the torture and death by crucifixion.
S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC
There is a Cataclysm far worse than that of fire or water – the inundation of the grievous passions. When the passions
begin to burn, when they start to smolder, smoke and blacken, when they exude their foul stench and spread
everywhere, where will we flee and who will Save us? Only under the Hand of God, only under the Divine
Protection and Refuge from our Lord God can we be Saved!
The Cataclysm of the grievous passions almost engulfed St David, but he escaped, having found Salvation and Refuge
in the strong Embrace of our Most High Lord God. He escaped the Eternal Fire, the stifling smoke and the foul
stench of the grievous passions that consumed him, and found Shelter in Heavenly Protection.

32 F IR ST & S E COND F IND INGS – S T J OH N B AP TIST ’S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY

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