Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

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

1 November 2017
St Kosmas & St Damianos
Holy Unmercenary Physicians of Asia Minor
Also the Feast of St Theodota, their Venerable Mother of Asia Minor St John, Bishop & St James the Presbyter of Persia St
Cyrenia & St Juliana of Cilicia St Hermeningilda the Goth of Spain St Caesarios, St Adrian, St Dacios, St Savvas, St
Sabinian, St Agrippa, & St Thomas of Damascus St James of Kastoria, St James the Deacon, & St Dionysios, Monk Martyrs of
Mount Athos

FESTAL APOLYTIKIONST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS- TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Agii Anargiri ke Thavmatourgi, episkepsasthe tas Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, visit our
asthenias imon. Dorean elavete, dorean dote imin. infirmities. Freely You received; freely give to us.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 15/16 TONE 4
Tis Agiis tis en ti Gi Aftou ethavmastosen O Kyrios. The Saints that are in His Land, the Lord has magnified.
Prooromin ton Kyrion enopion mou diapantos I have set the Lord always before me.
1ST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 12 : 27 13 : 8
TH E D IVINE GIFT OF LOVE IS THE MOST SUPERIOR OF ALL GIFTS
Brethren: You are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: first
Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Administrations, varieties
of Tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of Healings? Do all
speak with Tongues? Do all interpret? Earnestly desire the best Gifts.
And yet I show you a more excellent Way:
Although I speak with the Tongues of men and of Angels, but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a
clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and
although I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing! And although I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it profits me
nothing!
Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave
rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
THERE IS A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF THE 3. LOVE
NEW COVENANT TO THIS DAY.  1 JOHN 4:19 We Love Him (God) because HE
THE APOSTOLIC WORK THAT OF THE BISHOP SETS THE PACE FOR FIRST LOVED US.
ALL THE REST. When the oversight of the Bishop is in Furthermore, WHILE WE MUST AIM TO DO ALL THINGS OUT OF
order i.e. the supervision of the Bishop the rest LOVE, WE MUST ALSO NOT CEASE FEARING I.E. RESPECTING
of the Holy Church is free to function at its optimal GOD AND (WILLINGLY) OBEYING HIM.
level. To any church that is preoccupied with the speaking
However, even with all the Divine Gifts in place and of tongues different languages ST PAUL TAUGHT
operative, there is SOMETHING EVEN MORE EXCELLENT THE ULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT THAT OF DIVINE LOVE
and that IS THE LOVE OF GOD AGAPE WHICH IS THE AGAPE..
TRUE SIGN OF THE PRESENCE OF THE LIFE-GIVING, ALL
DIVINE OR GODLY LOVE OUTSHINES PROPHECY AND ALL FAITH
HOLY SPIRIT. because it is of far greater value and Spiritual

St Basil the Great taught us that THERE ARE THREE REASONS Benefit than the miraculous ability to remove
ALL BIBLICAL AND ALL GOD-GIVEN THAT WE FOLLOW mountains!
THE LORD:  OUR LORD JESUS URGED US TO GIVE TO THE POOR AND TO
1. FEAR LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR OTHERS.
 PROVERBS 1:7 The Fear of God is THE BEGINNING HOWEVER: EVEN SUCH A SELFLESS ACT OF HOLY MARTYRDOM
OF WISDOM. AND PERSONAL SACRIFICE THAT IS DONE WITHOUT LOVE
2. OBEDIENCE a recognition that BECAUSE HE IS GOD WE WILL PROFIT US ABSOLUTELY NOTHING it will be a
MUST FOLLOW HIM. wasted effort because IT IS NOT COMPELLED, FULFILLED
 ACTS 5:29 ... Peter and the other Apostles OR MOTIVATED BY LOVE FOR OTHERS AND ESPECIALLY FOR
answered: WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER GOD.
THAN MEN...

ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS OF ASIA MINOR 1 NOVEMBER 2016 1.

This particular passage explains THE SPECIFIC
CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE LOVE DIVINE GODLY LOVE -
AGAPE:
LOVE IS PATIENT, KIND AND GENTLE, especially with those
who are hurt.
 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 We exhort you, Brethren:
WARN those who are unruly, COMFORT the faint-
hearted, UPHOLD the weak, BE PATIENT WITH ALL.
 EPHESIANS 4:32 ... BE KIND to one another, TENDER-
HEARTED, FORGIVING each other, even AS GOD IN
CHRIST FORGIVES YOU.)
LOVE DOES NOT ENVY AND IS NOT JEALOUS of what others have.
 PROVERBS 23:17 DO NOT let your heart ENVY
SINNERS, but BE IN FEAR OF THE LORD the whole
day long.
LOVE DOES NOT PARADE ITSELF or put itself on display.
 JOHN 3:30 He (Christ) must increase, but I (St John
the Baptist) MUST DECREASE.
LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP or arrogant or proud.
 GALATIANS 6:3 ... If anyone thinks himself to be
something, when he is nothing, HE DECEIVES
HIMSELF.
LOVE DOES NOT ACT RUDELY or brashly, mean-spiritedly nor
does it insult anyone.
 ECCLESIASTES 5:2 The voice of a senseless man is
with a multitude of words.
LOVE DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN WAY or act forcefully
 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24: Let no one SEEK his own, but
each one the OTHERS WELL-BEING.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
C HRIST OUR SA VIOUR
At that time, when our Lord Jesus had Called His Twelve Disciples to Him, He gave them Power over unclean spirits to
cast them out and to Heal all kinds of disease...
These Jesus sent out, having commanded them: Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the
Samaritans. Go to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Go, preach, saying: The Kingdom of Heaven is at
hand! Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.
Freely you have received freely give.
The terms Disciples and Apostles are often used AFTER HIS RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION, HIS DIVINE MISSION
interchangably when referring to our Lord Jesus
Christs Twelve Apostles (as well as His other Holy
Apostles.)
Disciple means one who is LEARNING OR BEING
ENLIGHTENED BY A TEACHER.
WE ARE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST BECAUSE WE ARE UNDER THE DIVINE
DISCIPLINE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - our Most Holy
Teacher, Whom we willingly follow and obey.
Apostle means one who is SENT OUT ON A SPECIFIC HOLY
MISSION FOR CHRIST OUR LORD.
THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST not only His closest 12 Holy
Apostles, but also the other 70 initially, and many
more over time WERE GRANTED HIS DIVINE POWER TO
PERFORM MIRACLES, WHICH OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR PERFORMED
DIRECTLY BY HIS OWN POWER AND AUTHORITY.
THE HOLY MISSION of Christs Apostles and Disciples
CONSISTED OF PREACHING (TEACHING/ENLIGHTENING) AND
HEALING (PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY).
AT FIRST, OUR LORD JESUS SENT HIS APOSTLES ONLY TO THE
ISRAELITES to HIS OWN CHOSEN PEOPLE OF THE OLD
COVENANT ...the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.
To begin with, HIS EARTHLY MISSION WAS FOCUSSED ON THE
NATION OF ISRAEL ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE PROMISE OF THE
OLD COVENANT, so that later, they could not accuse the
Apostles for going to uncircumcised men. (ACTS 1:3)
ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS THE HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS
Today St Cosmas and St Damianos remind us of the
priority of serving those in great need, especially the
sick, the poor, the elderly, and the orphaned by
selflessly dedicating themselves to the Healing and
Comfort of others - being True Stewards of the Power
of Christ as well as the Hope, Restoration, and
Eternal Life that He offers to us all.
They affirmed the Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ Who
said: ... he who humbles himself will be exalted...
and they never sought any earthly reward nor
recognition for what they did. (LUKE 14:11)
Knowing and witnessing the Mighty and Miraculous Work
of God Who Healed those in need, they offered Glory,
Honour, and Praise to Him alone. Through
Compassion, Healing, and Miracles, they Guided
many souls into the Presence of Christ and by their
good example, they invited those burdened by their
daily struggles to come to the Great Feast of Love and
Hope offered to us by God.
2. S T K O S M A S & S T D A M I A N O S H O L Y U N M E R C E N A R Y P H Y S I C I A N S
LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS it copes with burdensome things or
all difficulties of daily life.
 GALATIANS 6:2 BEAR EACH OTHERS BURDENS, AND SO
FULFIL THE LAW OF CHRIST.
LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS AND TRUSTS IN GOD no matter what
the circumstances or what happens.
 PROVERBS 3:5 TRUST IN GOD with all your heart.)
LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS: it keeps looking upwards, does not
despair and is always optimistic
 PHILIPPIANS 3:13 ... Forgetting those things that are
behind, and REACHING FORWARD to those things
that are ahead.
LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS: it puts up with everything and
does not wear out.
 GALATIANS 6:9 ... Grow not weary while doing
good, for IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, if we do
not lose heart.
THE ONLY THING THAT LOVE CANNOT DO IS FAIL!
 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14: Let all that you do be DONE
WITH LOVE.
THE DIVINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, as wonderful as they
are, ARE MERELY TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE. They
are FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS LIFE ONLY, while we are
still Spiritual Children Spiritually Immature.

However, DIVINE LOVE IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE AND
FULFILLING, AND IT CONTINUES INTO THE AGE TO COME
ETERNAL LIFE.
TO ST MATTHEW 10 : 1, 5 8
CH OSE & INSTRUC TED HIS TWELVE APOSTLES
WAS FOCUSSED ON THE NEW ISRAEL.
The New Covenant of God was with the New Israel that
consisted of ALL NATIONS WHO BECAME HIS FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES.
HAVING ACCEPTED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR DIVINE
SAVIOUR, AND OUR TRIUNE GOD AS THEIR ONLY LIVING AND
TRUE GOD, THEY WERE BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY
TRINITY AND SUBSEQUENTLY LIVED IN CHRIST ACCORDING TO
EVERYTHING HE HAD TAUGHT AND REVEALED to His original
Apostles and Disciples. (MATTHEW 28: 16-20)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PREPARED HIS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES
TO BE SINGLE-MINDED IN THEIR SACRED MISSION.
As we are His Faithful Disciples, we must always
remember that HIS DIVINE POWER IS FREELY BESTOWED AS A
DIVINE GIFT FROM GOD.
Furthermore, HE INSTRUCTED HIS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES TO
CARRY NO EXTRA CLOTHING, FOOD NOR MONEY so that they
could not be accused of greed, and so that they
would WORK FOR SHELTER AND SUSTENANCE thereby
learning to DEPEND ENTIRELY ON THE GRACE AND GREAT
MERCY OF OUR LORD GOD.
Finally, one of His most significant Commandments is
to always keep in mind that Freely you have
received freely give.
As Orthodox Christians we, too, are led by their example,
having been Called by Christ to go out into the
highways and byways, and welcome others so that
our Masters House may be filled (LUKE 14:23).
As we celebrate this Feast in the Holy Eucharist, we are
Guided and Inspired to go out and invite the poor, the
maimed, the lame, and the blind, all those who are
needy, through service them, and in loving concern
for their Welfare and Salvation.
Through our life-style, generosity, and care, and in the
Healing and Renewal found in our Lord Jesus Christ,
we Honour, Glorify and Worship the Lord our God,
and in profound Humility we acknowledge that all
these Great Gifts are granted to us by our Divine
Creator and Sustainer of Life...
(EDITED BY MP)
SERMON BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA, DIMITRIOS
WWW.GOARCH.ORG
OF ASIA MINOR 1 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed
and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (5) Plagal 1 5 November 2017

nd th
22 Sunday After Pentecost 5 Sunday of St Luke
The Rich Man & Poor Lazaros
The Feast of St Galaktion & St Episteme of Emesa St Jonah, Archbishop of Novgorod St
Patrobos, St Hermes, St Linos, St Gaios, & St Philologos of the 70 Apostles St Gregory,
Archbishop of Alexandria

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 11 - JOHN 21 : 14 25

THE RESTORATION & COMMISSION OF ST PETER

DIVINE LITURGY SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 2

Ote katilthes pros ton Thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote When Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,
ton Adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy
tous tethneotas ek ton katahthonion anestisas, pase Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from the
e Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Hriste, subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried
O Theos imon,  Doxa Si! aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST ZENOBIOS & ST ZENOBIA TONE 4

I Martyres Sou, Kyrie, en i Athlisi afton, Stefanous Thy Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded Crowns of
ekomisanto tis afrharsias, ek Sou tou Theou imon. Incorruption by Thee, having contested for Thee, our
Shontes gar tin Ishin Sou, tous tyrannous kathilon, Immortal God. Since they possessed Thy Power, they
ethrafsan ke demonon, ta anishira Thrisi. Afton tes defeated the tyrants, dashing the demons powerless
ikesies, Hriste O Theos, Soson tas psihas imon. displays of defiance. O Christ our God, at their Fervent
Entreaties, Save our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 117 TONE 2
Ishis mou ke Imnisis mou O Kyrios ke egeneto mi is The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and became my
Sotirian! Salvation!
Pedevon epedefse me O Kyrios ke to Thanato ou paredoke The Lord has chastened and corrected me, but He did not
me. give me up to Death!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE C O R I N T H I A N S 11 :21 12:9
ST PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP, RECOUNTING HIS SUFFERINGS, VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES
Brethren, to our shame I say that we were too weak for that! In whatever anyone is bold I speak foolishly I am bold
also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they
Ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more - in Labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons
more frequently, in Deaths often. From the Judeans five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was
beaten with rods. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have been in the deep. In Journeys often, in
perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in
perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.
In weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in Fastings often, in cold and nakedness besides the
other things that come upon me daily - my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak?
Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things that concern
my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
In Damascus the Governor, under Aretas the King, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring
to arrest me; and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to Visions and Revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do
not know, God knows such a one was caught up to the Third Heaven. And I know such a man whether in the
body or out of the body I do not know, God knows how he was caught up into Paradise and heard Inexpressible
Words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast - yet of myself I will not boast, except in
my infirmities. Although I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool. I will speak the Truth. I refrain, lest anyone
should think of me above what he sees me to be, or hears from me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the Revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me
- a messenger of Satan - to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Three times I pleaded with the Lord that it

22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 5TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 5 NOVEMBER 2017 3.
 might depart from me. And He said to me: "My Grace is sufficient for you. for My Strength is made perfect in
weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.
Using his opponents level of argument, ST PAUL LISTED HIS ...PARADISE... where the Lord our God is surrounded by
JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN CREDENTIALS. the Assembly of the Just, which is THE CITY OF GOD.
If genealogy meant anything - which it obviously did to Unlike his opponents, who publicly proclaimed their own
the Hebrews ST PAULS GENEALOGY WAS ACCEPTABLE AND greatness in their Mystical Experiences, St Paul
FAULTLESS. regarded his ...thorn in the flesh... as having been
If Christian Experience meant anything, NO ONE COULD given to him by Satan SO THAT HE MIGHT NOT BE EXALTED
COMPARE WITH HIM IN HIS SUFFERINGS, HIS COMPASSIONATE, WHICH KEPT HIM HUMBLE, AND TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON THE
INVOLVED CONCERN FOR ALL HIS PEOPLE, OR EVEN HIS BIZARRE GRACE AND MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
ADVENTURES.  Our Holy Church Fathers believe that ...the thorn... of
St Pauls opponents probably boasted of Visions and St Paul might have been A PAINFUL, CHRONIC
Revelations for ST PAUL MENTIONED ONE OF HIS OWN, PHYSICAL PROBLEM SUCH AS CANCER.
WHICH OCCURRED FOURTEEN YEARS PREVIOUSLY AND WHICH  It could also refer to the DELUDED CHRISTIAN LEADERS OR
WOULD DATE THE EVENT BEFORE HIS MISSIONARY JOURNEYS. THE STUBBORN, MERCILESS HEBREWS with whom St Paul
(This is believed to have been his Damascus Road Conversion when had to contend.
he was confronted by our Lord Jesus Christ Who Enlightened him Nevertheless, ST PAUL REGARDED HIS PHYSICAL WEAKNESS not
and enabled him to become His greatest Holy Apostle to the his Mystical Experiences AS THE MEANS OF THE POWER
Gentiles. MP) AND DIVINE GRACE OF CHRIST REMAINING IN HIM for Christ
St Paul employed two terms that were used by the Himself had said to him: My Grace is sufficient for
Hebrews to describe the Heavenly Realms: ... THE you, for My Strength is made Perfect in weakness.
THIRD HEAVEN... which is THE HIGHEST HEAVEN - and
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 16 : 19 31
THE REALITY OF DEATH THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: There was a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and
who fared sumptuously every day. There was a certain Beggar, named Lazaros, covered with sores, who lay at
his gate, and desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the table of the Rich Man. All the dogs came and
licked his sores.
The Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to Abrahams Bosom. The Rich Man also died, and was buried.
And being in Torments in Hades, He lifted up his eyes and beheld Abraham afar off, and Lazaros in his Bosom.
And he cried out and said: Father Abraham, have Mercy on me and send Lazaros that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame! Abraham said: Son, remember that in
your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise, Lazaros, evil things. Now he is Comforted - you are
Tormented. And furthermore, between us and you there is a Great Chasm fixed, so that those who want to pass
from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.
He said: I beg Thee, therefore, Father, to send him to my Fathers house - I have five brothers that he may testify
to them, lest they, too, come to this Place of Torment! Abraham said to him: They have Moses and the Prophets.
Let them hear them. He said: No, Father Abraham. Yet if one goes to them from the dead, they will Repent.
He said to him: If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded to believe, although
one rises from the dead!
When our Lord Jesus described the Rich Man as being ... On the contrary, THE RICH MAN WHO HAD LIVED SUCH A LAVISH,
clothed in purple and fine linen... and eating THOUGHTLESS EXISTENCE, SUFFERED INDESCRIBABLE ...
extravagantly every day, HIS AUDIENCE IMMEDIATELY TORMENTS IN HADES... WHILE BEING ABLE TO SEE THE
UNDERSTOOD THE EXTREME WEALTH THAT HE POSSESSED AND RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WHO RESTED PEACEFULLY IN THE COMFORT
THE DEPTH OF HIS SELF-INDULGENCE. OF ABRAHAMS BOSOM
 ONLY KINGS, INFLUENTIAL RULERS AND THE VERY AFFLUENT Abrahams bosom was a Foretaste of Heaven and the Place of
WORE ROBES THAT WERE DYED PURPLE. Peaceful Repose for Gods Faithful People until Christ
Purple dye was produced from the mucus of the hypobranchial descended into Hades, smashed open the imprisoning
gland of various species of marine molluscs - notably murex - Gates and set the Righteous Free to Rest in the re-opened
and it took approximately 12,000 shellfish to extract 1.5 Paradise until the General Resurrection and the Final
grams of the pure dye (purpura). MP Judgement at His Second Coming i.e. our Lords
 Furthermore, IT WAS ALSO EXTREMELY COSTLY TO PRODUCE Reappearance. MP
FINELY WOVEN LINEN. Christ mentioned that THE RICH MAN HAD BEEN BURIED, which
 In addition, THE CONSUMPTION OF SUCH LAVISH MEALS EVERY our Holy Fathers regard as ILLUSTRATING THE STATE OF HIS
DAY WAS ALSO EVIDENCE OF MUCH PROSPERITY AND THOUGHTLESS, UNCARING AND MERCILESS SOUL WHICH WAS
DECADENCE SINCE OTHERS ATE VERY SIMPLE MEALS OF BURIED BY THE PLEASURES OF HIS SELF-INDULGENT FLESH.
BASIC FOODS whatever they could either grow In other words, THE RICH MAN WAS ALREADY BURIED DURING HIS
themselves or were able to purchase at the LIFETIME by his ... couches, rugs, furnishings, sweet
marketplace. oils, perfumes, large quantities of wine, varieties of
Meat and any other extravagant dishes would be food, and his many flatterers... (ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM)
served only on very special occasions and then In addition, the fact that Christ did not identify the Rich
only by those who were able to afford them. Man by name, indicates that HE WAS ULTIMATELY
OUR LORD JESUS ALWAYS CONTRASTED HIS SACRED LESSONS WITH FORGOTTEN BY EVERYONE.
EXTREME AND OPPOSITE SCENARIOS.  PSALM 9:6: Thou rebukes the Nations, and the ungodly
IN THIS TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE TWO MENS CIRCUMSTANCES, He man destroys himself; Thou blot out their names
brings our attention to THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF THE in their lifetime and unto ages of ages...
RICH MANS SELF-INDULGENT LIFESTYLE - TO THAT OF THE ALTHOUGH THE NAMES OF THE UNGODLY ARE FORGOTTEN, THEIR
DESTITUTE AND SUFFERING BEGGAR LYING SO PATIENTLY AT HIS WICKED AND UNREPENTED DEEDS WILL BE EXPOSED AND JUDGED
GATE. BY GOD BECAUSE EVERYTHING WILL BE EXPOSED BY HIS DIVINE
According to His Divine Nature, CHRIST KNEW THE LIGHT AND TRUTH AT THE FINAL JUDGEMENT ON THE EIGHTH
SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF POOR LAZAROS AND THAT HE HAD DAY THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY.
BEEN CARRIED BY ANGELS TO THE COMFORTING BOSOM OF THE RICH MANS DESPERATE APPEAL TO ST ABRAHAM AS A SPIRITUAL
ABRAHAM, which revealed that LAZAROS HAD FATHER WAS NOT REJECTED, for HE ADDRESSED THE
ACCEPTED HIS LIFE WITH PATIENT GRATITUDE TO GOD AND TORMENTED MAN AS SON, AND SPOKE TO HIM WITH
NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT HIS SAD SITUATION. COMPASSION by EXPLAINING THE TRUTH AND REALITY OF THE
The ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, was mentioned by SPIRITUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THOSE ALREADY IN HADES the
Christ among all the Righteous because IN STARK tormented and the reposed - AND THOSE WHO WERE STILL
CONTRAST TO THE RICH MAN, ST ABRAHAM HAD ALWAYS ALIVE ON EARTH. (i.e. before the Harrowing of Hades by our
SHOWN WELCOMING AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY TO ALL Crucified Christ)
STRANGERS EVEN THE HOLY TRINITY. (GENESIS 18: 1 8)

4. 2 2 N D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 5 T H S U N D A Y OF ST LUKE THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 5 NOVEMBER 2017

THE GREAT GULF IS not a physical or geographical divide
but THE COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN VIRTUE AND VICE
GOODNESS AND WICKEDNESS AN IRREVOCABLE SEPARATION
THAT CANNOT BE OVERCOME OR CORRECTED AFTER DEATH.
It is of great significance that NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS HE
SUFFERED IN HADES HAD CHANGED THE RICH MANS HEART -
HIS ARROGANT, SELF-SERVING ATTITUDE - because he still
regarded Poor Lazaros as a mere servant who existed
to fulfil the Rich Mans selfish bidding and desires!
In other words, our Lord cautions us that NOT EVEN THE
TORMENTS OF HADES CAN CHANGE A STUBBORN, SELF-SEEKING
SINNER!
This particular Sacred Lesson of our Lord Jesus Christ
reveals to us THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS: A MAN WHO WAS
NOT EVEN A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD CALLED OUT FOR
MERCY FROM HADES AND CONVERSED WITH ST ABRAHAM!
Some scholars see this After-death account as being set
after the Final Judgement of Christ, citing the
Punishment and Reward that will be received by the
two men respectively.
However, our Holy Church Fathers regard this Account as
being during A TIME AFTER DEATH BUT BEFORE THE SECOND
COMING OF CHRIST, AS EVIDENCED BY THE MAN INTERCEDING
ON BEHALF OF HIS FIVE BROTHERS WHO WERE STILL ALIVE.
THE MULTIPLE TORMENTS THE RICH MAN EXPERIENCED WERE A
HIDEOUS FORETASTE OF HIS FINAL JUDGEMENT AND SPIRITUAL
STATE IN ETERNITY.
From this perspective, we are taught that SOULS OF THE
DEPARTED HAVE AN AWARENESS OF AND CONCERN FOR THE
SPIRITUAL STATE OF THOSE WHO STILL LIVE ON EARTH,
Furthermore: ALTHOUGH THE INTERCESSORY PRAYERS OF THE
WICKED MAN FOR DIVINE MERCY FOR THE REST OF HIS
LIVING FAMILY ARE HEARD, SADLY THEY WILL BENEFIT
NEITHER HIM NOR HIS FAMILY.
 LUKE 9:30-31: CHRISTS PASSION ON THE CROSS WAS A
FULFILMENT OF THE OLD COVENANT PASSOVER AND WAS
THE TRUE EXODUS FROM SPIRITUAL ENSLAVEMENT OF SIN
INTO GLORIOUS SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL FREEDOM OF
ETERNAL LIFE.
ONLY IN HIS HUMAN NATURE COULD CHRIST EXPERIENCE DEATH
AND DESCEND INTO HADES where, IN HIS DIVINE NATURE, HE
SMASHED OPEN THE GATES OF HADES AND SET THE RIGHTEOUS
SOULS FREE, while THE STUBBORNLY UNREPENTANT SOULS
REMAINED THERE, TORMENTED BY THE FORETASTE OF ETERNAL
DEATH suffering the unspeakable horrors of the total
absence of God and everything good!
 2 MACCABEES 15 : 12-16: The Hebrews believed that the
DEPARTED SAINTS LIKE ST JEREMIAH ARE ALIVE EVEN
BEFORE THE GENERAL RESURRECTION.
This was clearly confirmed by the New Covenant
when ST MOSES AND ST ELIJAH APPEARED WITH CHRIST AT
HIS GLORIOUS TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR,
which was witnessed by St Peter, St James, and his
brother, St John the Divine Apostle and
Theologian.
 MATTHEW 2:18: The Book of Jeremiah mentions that
when the people of Jerusalem were led into exile,
they passed Ramah, near Bethlehem, where the
tomb of St Jacobs wife, St Rachel, was situated.
In his Prophecy, ST JEREMIAH SAW ST RACHEL LAMENTING,
WEEPING AND MOURNING FROM HER GRAVE, BEING DEEPLY
SORROWFUL FOR THE FATE THAT HAD BEFALLEN HER
DESCENDENTS, AND THIS WAS REPEATED AT THE TIME OF THE
MERCILESS SLAUGHTER OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, which
occurred approximately two years after the Birth of
Christ when all male infants were murdered by order
of the insane and cruel King Herod.
Thus THE WEEPING OF ST RACHEL FOR HER SUFFERING CHILDREN
DEMONSTRATES THAT SAINTS IN HEAVEN ARE VERY AWARE OF
AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS ALL WHO STRUGGLE IN LIFE ON
EARTH.
CONSEQUENTLY, WE REQUEST THEIR PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCe.
The human soul is immortal it never dies so it remains alive
and aware of both the visible and invisible worlds.
Souls who have been Blessed with a close and intimate
Relationship with God continue after this life to be in the
Divine Presence.
Obviously then, those souls who have rejected God and refused
to make any effort to get close to God have chosen their
Alienation and Spiritual Exile for all Eternity and will thus suffer
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 5TH SUNDAY OF
the Unceasing Torments of Hell forever with no respite or
relief and being completely separated from everything of
God and His Goodness.
 JAMES 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be
Healed. The effective, Fervent Prayer of a
Righteous person avails much.
Although the Unenlightened allege that confessing our
sins to God in the presence of a Priest is not Biblical!
it was a Divine Teaching of Christ and His Holy
Apostles.
The ancient Christian Practice was to confess our
trespasses to one another and when a Christian was
guilty of sinning, the matter was confessed before the
entire Church AS A MOST HUMBLE ACT OF REPENTANCE.
Early churches consisted of gatherings of Faithful in small groups
in the homes of other Christians.
Everyone knew each other very well and THERE WAS AN ELEMENT OF
COMPLETE TRUST BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL UNITED IN THE SAME FAITH AND
MANNER OF WORSHIP.
Everyone understood and preserved the Sanctity of such
gatherings and sharing of one anothers physical and Spiritual
Burdens.
No one gossiped nor scandalised about whatever they witnessed
during their Sanctified Gatherings.
THEY ALL UNDERSTOOD THAT WE ARE ALL SINNERS SEEKING REDEMPTION IN
CHRIST JESUS SO NO ONE COULD OR WANTED TO POINT ACCUSING
FINGERS AT EACH OTHER.
However, as the Church grew, and more often than not,
other people who were not part of the Christian
Community would attend, many of whom hoped to
become Catechumens and then be Baptised
Christians.
Some attended out of mere curiosity or even possibly with
other more sinister motives.
CONSEQUENTLY COMMUNAL, PUBLIC CONFESSIONS BECAME LESS
DESIRABLE AND EVEN DANGEROUS DURING THE PERSECUTIONS
OF CHRISTIANS .
Instead of Confessions before the entire Christian
Community, Repentant sinners Confessed in private
before a Priest (who represents our fellow sinners,) and in
the Divine Presence of Almighty God (Who, through His
Ordained Servants, the Bishops and Priests, grants us Forgiveness
of sins.)
WHAT IS DEFINITELY NOT TAUGHT IN HOLY SCRIPTURE IS
PRIVATE CONFESSION ONLY TO GOD, WHEREBY WE REFUSE TO
ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OUR
FELLOW STRUGGLING SINNERS - AGAINST WHOM WE COMMIT
OUR SINS!
 1 JOHN 1 : 8 10: If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in
us. If we Confess our sins, (Christ) is Faithful
and Just to Forgive us our sins and to Cleanse
us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we
have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His
Word is not in us!
FAITH IS PROVED BY GOOD WORKS (and by Good Fruit/Results)
i.e. OUR FAITH MUST PRODUCE PURITY it must PRACTISE
THE TRUTH - where Truth is A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH
GOD THAT IS MANIFESTED IN A HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS LIFE IN
CHRIST.
TRUE FAITH MUST ALWAYS SEEK FORGIVENESS FOR AND
CLEANSING FROM SIN the Blood of Jesus Christ ...
Cleanses us from all sin.
SIN MOST CERTAINLY DOES EXIST!! (Sin is a stark, devastating
Reality of this temporary existence against which we ceaselessly
battle. mp)
Consequently, REGULAR CONFESSION IS THE ESTABLISHED
BASIS FOR OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH TOWARDS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Furthermore, although we continuously commit sin, we
must JUST AS CEASELESSLY STRIVE TO AVOID ALL TEMPTATION
that leads us into wickedness.
SALVATION IN CHRIST IS A LONG, PERPETUAL PROCESS A
CEASELESS AND WATCHFUL STRUGGLE the most essential
part of which is THE VITAL NEED FOR OUR CONSTANT
AWARENESS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EVERY SIN GREAT OR
SMALL AND REGULAR REPENTANCE-CONFESSION COMBINED
WITH HOLY EUCHARIST.
In order for fulfil these requirements and Sacred
Commitments, and in order to make good Spiritual
Progress, a CONSTANT ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN
ST LUKE THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 5 NOVEMBER 2017 5.
 ALL HOLY SERVICES, HOLY MYSTERIES AND PERSONAL
IS SIGNIFICANT AND MOST ESSENTIAL.
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 5TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE RICH MAN AND POOR LAZAROS
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, todays Sacred Lesson
concerns our Lord Jesus Christs account of the
anonymous, self-indulgent and careless Rich Man
and Poor Lazaros, who had lain at his gate, utterly
destitute, ailing and starving to death.
POOR LAZAROS had not done any Good Works for others
because he was unable to do so. However, he LAY IN
ABJECT POVERTY AND SUFFERING WITH MUCH PATIENCE AND
HUMILITY at the gate of the Rich Man, HAVING ACCEPTED
HIS CIRCUMSTANCES WITHOUT ANY COMPLAINT BUT RATHER
THANKING AND PRAISING ALMIGHTY GOD FOR HIS GREAT
MERCY UPON SUCH A SINNER AS HIMSELF.
The Rich Man had not caused any particular harm to
anyone else but neither had he performed any Good
Works for the Love of God and his fellow mankind.
Instead, he ate and drank ..sumptuously every day...
and enjoyed the best of everything that his wealth
could buy. HE WAS SO SELFISH AND SELF-INDULGENT THAT HE
NEVER NOTICED THE TRAGIC, NEEDY CIRCUMSTANCES OF
ANYONE ELSE AND WORST OF ALL, HE NEVER OFFERED EVEN A
CRUMB NOR A SCRAP FROM HIS EXTRAVAGANCE TO POOR
LAZAROS WHO LAY DAY AND NIGHT AT HIS GATE!
The Rich Man who had so much of everything, FAILED TO
SEE THE NEEDFUL STATE OF POOR LAZAROS WHO LAY RIGHT
BEFORE HIS FEET at the gate of his house!
IT IS A GRIEVOUS, FATAL SIN TO NEGLECT OR FAIL TO DO ANYTHING
GOOD FOR ONE ANOTHER!
The line that separates good from evil is as thin and
narrow as an invisible piece of string!
We must constantly be very careful not to cross over that
line by failing to fulfil any Good Works that God sets
before us!
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO JUSTIFY OURSELVES TO ANY DEGREE WITH
UNACCEPTABLE EXCUSES such as although we do not do
any Good Works, ...at least we do not harm others...
...or that ...the state of affairs of other people is no
concern ours... or that ...we must mind our own
business and not interfere with that of our
neighbours!
We may consider ourselves as being ...self-
sufficient...honest... successful... having financial
security... owning property... being well educated...
and so on, YET WITH ALL OUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS AND
WORLDLY WEALTH, HAVE WE DONE ANYTHING THAT IS GOOD,
HONOURABLE, PHILANTHROPIC, UNSELFISH, GENEROUS, KIND,
COMFORTING?
Has the pain, deprivation and suffering of our fellow
mankind who surround us affected us at all, causing
us to FEED, CLOTHE, COMFORT, VISIT, SUPPLY WHATEVER IS
NEEDED BY OTHERS WITHOUT ANY EXPECTATION OF REWARD,
RECOGNITION, OR PAYMENT IN RETURN?
Has our selfishness hardened our heart to such a degree
that we do not care about others - HAVING NO DESIRE AT
ALL TO HELP THE SUFFERING, THE STARVING, THE HOMELESS,
THE NEEDY AND THE DESTITUTE PEOPLE.
Do we care enough to offer a Gift to God, by TREATING THE
WOUNDS OF THE FALLEN WITH LOVING CARE AND GENTLE
TREATMENT?
Do we care enough to SEARCH FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER ALL
ALONE IN HOSPITAL OR AT HOME VISITING AND TAKING CARE
OF THEM AND THEIR NEEDS?
Do we care enough to TAKE THE OLD, THE POOR AND THE SICK
TO HOSPITAL, TO A CLINIC, OR TO A DOCTOR OR TO PROVIDE
MEDICAL AND PRACTICAL CARE FOR THEM?
If we pass our entire lifespan in this world like a
woodpile, doing no Good Deeds, we must not think
that this thread - as thin as the horizon - has
separated us from evil, for there is nothing further
from the Truth!
ST. THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
Just as it is not possible to walk without feet or fly without wings, so it is impossible to attain the Kingdom of Heaven
without the fulfilment of the Commandments.
6. 2 2 N D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 5 T H S U N D A Y
PRAYERS THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST EFFECTS HEALING physical and
spiritual THROUGH WORKS OF FAITH SUCH AS CONFESSION
OF OUR SINS AND THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER.
In fact, we would have wasted our entire life by standing
on the wrong side of that thin, separating string -
all that time being SEPARATED FROM ALL GOOD DEEDS THAT
GRANT US ETERNAL LIFE!
Our Holy Fathers have taught us that
1. EVIL IN ITSELF HAS NO ESSENCE.
2. EVIL EXISTS IN THE ABSENCE OF EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY
GOOD.
3. WHERE GOODNESS IS NOT MANIFESTED, EVIL TAKES ITS PLACE.
4. IF WE DO NOT WORK ANYTHING THAT IS GOOD, THEN WE
COMMIT EVIL.
This we all know and have experienced to varying
degrees because WE LIVE IN A FALLEN WORLD THAT IS
FILLED WITH SUFFERING, DEVASTATED BY WAR, BY
UNCONTROLLED GREED AND CRIMES AGAINST ALL HUMANITY,
AND BY CRIPPLING POVERTY.
Despite the material wealth of the North American
population, there are so many poor, homeless people!
Nowhere have I seen as many beggars as in America.
Nowhere else in the world have I seen so many
homeless, and mentally ill people who have to sleep
outside in the winter so many freezing and starving
to death!
The wealthy circumstances of North America is similar to
those of self-indulgent, thoughtless Rich Man about
whom Christ told us, for both the American land and
the mind of the people is very rich and fertile.
Intelligence has been brought from abroad so that all
kinds of things have been invented and made
possible for mankind.
However, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN DONE FOR THIS TEMPORARY,
EARTHY LIFE AND NOT FOR THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP
OF ALMIGHTY GOD!
Less and less people are remembering our All Merciful
and Abundantly Providential Lord God!
THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME FINANCIALLY WEALTHY ARE
OVERWHELMED AND ENSLAVED BY THE GREAT MULTITUDE OF
THEIR MATERIAL HARVEST. They are constantly occupied
with building even larger barns in which to store
their multiplying treasure, while the expenses of
maintaining, protecting and storing everything they
value also increases day by day but SOMETHING
VITAL IS MISSING FROM THEIR LIFE!
THE TRUE, PRICELESS BEYOND MEASURE, INCORRUPTIBLE TREASURE
IS CHRIST HIMSELF, for those who do not ...gather in
Christ, wastes! IT IS FAR BETTER FOR US TO BE POOR, BUT TO
GATHER IN CHRIST, than to be rich and enter Hell without
any help or hope!
Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us very clearly that ONLY THE
GOOD DEEDS THAT WE FULFIL IN THIS LIFETIME WITH LOVE -
CAN GRANT US THE BLISSFUL JOY OF ETERNAL LIFE.
ALL THE GOOD DEEDS THAT WERE OFFERED TO US BY GOD WILL
JUDGE US ACCORDING TO WHETHER OR NOT WE FULFILLED
THEM.
We will neither be able to judge for ourselves, nor try to
justify ourlseves, nor make any more pathetic excuses.
WE WILL STAND ALONE AND COMPLETELY EXPOSED BEFORE THE
LORD OUR GOD WHO CREATED US AND WHO KNOWS US EXACTLY
HOW WE TRULY ARE!
EACH OF US WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR EVERY WORD,
THOUGHT AND DEED, AND WE WILL INSTANTLY KNOW WHERE WE
BELONG! ONLY THE GREAT MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD MAY
SAVE US AND GRANT US ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY
KINGDOM.
Neither wealth nor poverty will Condemn or Save us but
HOW WE USED THEM TO FULFIL GOOD DEEDS FOR GOD AND ONE
ANOTHER!
FATHER GEORGE CALCIU
HTTPS://ORTHODOXWORD.WORDPRESS.COM
OF ST LUKE THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 5 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure,
Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the
Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God.
Amen.

8 November 2017
Synaxis of the Holy Archangels & the Heavenly Hosts
Also the Feast of St Alexander of Guria

FESTAL APOLYTIKION SYNAXIS ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS TONE 4

Ton Ouranion Stration Arhistratigi, disopoumen imas imis i O ye Foremost of the Heavenly Hosts, we who are
anaxii, ina tes imon deisesi, tehisite imas, skepi ton unworthy, beseech you that by your Petitions you
pterigon, tis aflou imon doxis, frourountes imas encompass us with the shadow of your immaterial
prospiptontas, ektenos ke Voontas. Ek ton kindinon glory, preserving us who kneel and cry ceaselessly:
litrosasthe imas, os Taxiarhe ton ano Dinamenon. deliver us from oppressions, since you are the
Princes of the Ranks of Dominions on High
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ENTRY OF THEOTOKOS INTO TEMPLE TONE 4
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
iparhi Skini Epouranios. is the Heavenly Tabernacle.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 18 : 10 - 20
THE DIVINE PROTECTION OF THE INNOCENT
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones! For I say to you that in
Heaven their Angels always see the Face of My Father Who is in Heaven. For the Son of Man has come to Save
that which was lost.
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine
and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, Truly, I say to you: he rejoices
more over that sheep than the ninety-nine sheep that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the Will of your Father
Who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Furthermore, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault - between you and him alone. If he hears
you, you have gained your brother. However, if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ...by the
mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the
Church. If he refuses even to hear the Church, let him be to you like a heathen and a Tax Collector!
Truly, I say to you: whatever you bind on Earth, will be bound in Heaven. And whatever you loosen on Earth will be
loosened in Heaven. Again, I say to you: if two of you agree on Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will
be done for them by My Father in Heaven. For when two or three are gathered together in My Name, I Am there
in the midst of them.
Little Ones include ALL WHO HAVE CHILDLIKE INNOCENCE, The ninety-nine Sheep represent THE RIGHTEOUS WHO
HUMILITY AND SIMPLICITY all those who are poor in REMAIN FAITHFUL TO GOD. (LUKE 15:7)
spirit LITTLE CHILDREN AND THOSE LIKE THEM IN THEIR According to certain Holy Church Fathers, this ALSO
INNOCENCE AND SPIRITUAL PURITY. SYMBOLISES THE INCARNATION, as THE NINETY-NINE
Concerning Angels, St John Chrysostom teaches us that REPRESENT THE HEAVENLY HOSTS OF GOD, WHEN THE SON OF
NOT ONLY THE SAINTS, BUT ALL HUMAN BEINGS HAVE SPECIALLY GOD DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN IN ORDER TO SEEK THE LOST
APPOINTED GUARDIAN ANGELS APPOINTED TO EACH SHEEP i.e. mankind who had fallen into corruption
IMMORTAL SOUL BY OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT GOD FROM THE and Spiritual Death alienation from God and all His
TIME OF OUR BIRTH. Goodness and Blessings.
However, THE GUARDIAN ANGELS OF THOSE WHO ARE INNOCENT CHURCH DISCIPLINE IS BASED ON MUTUAL CORRECTION IN
AND HUMBLE HAVE GREATER BOLDNESS AND GREATER HONOUR THREE EXPANDING STAGES.
IN THE SIGHT OF GOD BECAUSE OF THE GENUINE HUMILITY OF Sin and correction are to remain PRIVATE UNLESS THE
THOSE WHOM THEY GUIDE AND PROTECT. OFFENDER REFUSES TO REPENT.
It is not DUE TO the Divine Nature of God, but to THE ALL CORRECTION MUST BE DONE WITH GREAT CARE, HUMILITY AND
WEAKNESS OF MANKIND THAT HE HAS APPOINTED GUARDIAN LOVE the most important concern being THE
ANGELS FOR EACH OF US. REPENTANCE AND SALVATION OF THE OFFENDER. (1 CORINTHIANS
AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND MATRIMONY, OTHER SPECIAL 5 : 5 & GALATIANS 6 :1)
GUARDIAN ANGELS ARE APPOINTED TO WATCH OVER US AND TO Nevertheless, CORRECTION MUST TAKE PLACE SO THAT THE SIN
GUIDE US ALONG THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TO DOES NOT SPREAD TO OTHERS AS WELL.
PROTECT US AGAINST DEMONIC ATTACKS. DIVINE AUTHORITY TO BIND OR LOOSEN SINS WAS GRANTED BY
WHEN WE CHOOSE TO COMMIT SIN, THEY LOOK AWAY FROM US CHRIST TO HIS APOSTLES, TRANSMITTED TO THE BISHOPS, AND
UNTIL WE REPENT and are once again Restored to the EVENTUALLY TO THE ORDAINED PRESBYTERS.
Sight and Grace of God. (St David the Royal Psalmist often This Divine Authority was granted to the Apostles and
besought the Lord our God not to turn His Sight away from now those of the Apostolic Succession FOR THE SAKE OF
him because he had committed many sins, which he THE ETERNAL SALVATION OF REPENTANT SINNERS.
Repented. mp) St John Chrysostom explained: The sinner ... seeing that
UNLIKE EARTHLY SHEPHERDS, CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR VALUES EVEN he is not only cast out of the Church, but that the
ONE OF HIS SHEEP as being so precious that He will leave bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, may turn and
the others at risk in order to save that one Lost Sheep. become gentle.

SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS - 8 NOVEMBER 2016 7

 (The sinner must realise the extent and Eternal Consequence of GATHERED TOGETHER IN HIS DIVINE NAME FOR A SPECIFIC
his sins, soften his hardened heart and soul with tears of HOLY PURPOSE.
contrition, and thus seek and receive Divine Forgiveness - Thus AT THE BEGINNING OF ANY HOLY ENDEAVOUR, WE MUST FIRST
thereby, Eternal Salvation - which is the Will of God for all PRAY AND INVOKE THE DIVINE BLESSINGS AND ASSISTANCE OF
mankind. mp) THE HOLY TRINITY with Prayers of Thanksgiving and
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT everywhere but HE IS Glorification, because WITHOUT GOD NOTHING
ESPECIALLY PRESENT WITH US WHEN TWO OR THREE ARE WORTHWHILE CAN EVER BE ACHIEVED!!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 103 TONE 4
Who makes His Angels Spirit; His Ministers a Flaming Fire!
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, Thou art Magnified!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 2 : 2 10
BEWARE OF WILFUL NEGLIGENCE
Brethren, if the Word spoken through Angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a
Just Reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a Salvation, which was first spoken of by the Lord, and was
confirmed to us by those who heard Him.
God also bore witness - both with Signs and Wonders, with various Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to
His own Will. He has not put the world to come - of which we speak - in subjection to Angels. One testified in a
certain place, saying: What is man that Thou art mindful of him? Or the Son of Man that Thou Visits Him? Thou hast
made Him a little lower than the Angels. Thou Crowned Him with Glory and Honour. Thou hast put all things in
subjection under His Feet. He put all in subjection under Him, leaving nothing that is not put under Him.
Now we do not yet see ...all things put under Him. Yet we see Jesus Who was ...made a little lower than the Angels, for
the suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour, that He, by the Grace of God, for everyone, might taste
Death. It was fitting for Him - for Whom are all things and by Whom are all things - in bringing many sons to Glory,
to make the Captain of their Salvation Perfect through sufferings.
St Paul begins this passage with AN ADMONITION AGAINST confirmed by many Divine Miracles of God the
WILFUL NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS BY A SLOW PROCESS A Holy Spirit, which is clear Proof that His Divine,
DRIFT OF ATTRITION OF SLOW SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTION. Eternal Kingdom has come upon us?
If the Word spoken... and ... how shall we escape... When we beseech Almighty God in the Divine Liturgy for
suggest a conditional statement or question. ... Pardon and Remission of our sins and
ISRAEL WAS EXPECTED TO OBEY THE WORDS OF CREATED ANGELS transgressions... and ... a Good Defence before the
the Holy Messengers of God OR SUFFER PUNISHMENT. Dread Judgement Seat of Christ... WE AFFIRM THAT

NOW IT IS MUCH MORE VITAL FOR US TO HEED WHAT GOD THERE IS TRULY A JUST REWARD, OR RETRIBUTION
INCARNATE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS SAID TO US (RECKONING OR JUSTICE) A VERY REAL DIVINE JUDGEMENT
THROUGH HIS HOLY APOSTLES especially when His THAT IS IRREVOCABLE AND UTTERLY UNBIASED!!
Divine Word His Divine Truth has been
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 10: 16 21
OUR LORDS SENDING FORTH OF HIS 70 APOSTLES AND HIS CAUTIONARY WARNINGS TO THEM
At that time our Lord Jesus said to them: He who hears you, hears Me, he who rejects you, rejects Him Who sent Me.
Then the Seventy returned with Joy, saying: Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!
So He told them: I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. Behold, I grant you the Authority to trample upon
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this - that the spirits are subject to you - but rather rejoice because your names
are written in Heaven!
In that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said: I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that Thou hast
hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed
good in Thy Sight.
DIVINE JUDGEMENT IS MOST SEVERE FOR THOSE WHO REJECT bearing witness, and between themselves their
CHRIST AFTER EXPERIENCING HIS DIVINE GRACE! thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the
In contrast, those who have never known Christ due to Day when God will Judge the secrets of mankind
genuine ignorance are without sin in that regard. by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel.
 JOHN 15: 22-24: If I had not come and spoken to Our Lords Words : I saw Satan fall... reveal to us HIS
them, they would have no sin, but now they have DESCRIPTION OF THAT MAJOR EVENT WHEN SATAN AND HIS
no excuse for their sin. He who hates me, hates DEMONS WERE EXPELLED FROM HEAVEN AND PERMANENTLY
My Father also. If I had not done among them EXILED FROM DIVINE GRACE AND ALL GODS GOODNESS,
the Works that no one else did, they would have which happened BEFORE THE CREATION OF THIS WORLD
no sin, but now they have seen and also hated AND OF MANKIND.
both Me and My Father... SATAN HAD EXPRESSED HIS REBELLIOUS WILL AND EGOCENTRIC
REBELLION AGAINST GOD REVEALS SEVERAL THINGS: PRIDE FIVE TIMES when he declared his own plans to
While Union with Christ brings Joy, Truth and Peace, it rule over Heaven, desiring to overthrow Almighty God!
also brings PERSECUTION, BECAUSE THE FALLEN WORLD HATES  ISAIAH 14: 12 15 : ... how you are fallen, O Lucifer,
LOVE AND TRUTH. who rose up in the morning! He who sends for all
THE FALLEN WORLD HATES CHRIST, THEREFORE, IT ALSO HATES ALL the Nations is crushed to the Earth. For you said
WHO TRY TO BECOME CHRISTLIKE. in your mind: I will ascend into Heaven. I will
The fallen world hates Christ because IT NEITHER KNOWS place my throne above the stars of heaven. I will
NOR DESIRES TO KNOW GOD THE FATHER. sit on a lofty mountain, on the lofty mountains
HATRED FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS IRRATIONAL AND towards the North. I will ascend above the
UNREASONABLE, FOR CHRIST BRINGS LOVE AND MERCY. THUS clouds. I will be like the Most High! But now
CHRIST IS HATED WITHOUT ANY JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE. you shall descend to Hades, to the foundations of
Consequently, THEY ARE JUDGED BY THEIR GOD-GIVEN the Earth...
CONSCIENCE.  REVELATION 12 : 7 12: ... war broke out in Heaven.
 Romans 2 : 12 16 ... for as many as have sinned Michael and his Angels fought with the dragon;
without Law, will also perish without Law, and, and the dragon and his Angels fought; but they
as many as have sinned in the Law, will be did not prevail, nor was a place found for them
judged by the Law (for not the hearers of the Law in Heaven any longer. So the great dragon was
are Just in the Sight of God) but the doers of the cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and
Law will be Justified. For when Gentiles, who do Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was
not have the Law, by nature do the things in the cast out to the Earth and his Angels were cast
Law, these, although not having the Law, are a out with him. Then I heard a loud Voice saying
law to themselves, who show the Work of the Law in Heaven: Now Salvation, and Strength, and the
written in their heart, their conscience also Kingdom of our God, and the Power of His Christ

8. SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS & HEAVENLY HOSTS - 8 NOVEMBER 2017

 have come, for the accuser of our Brethren, who
accused them before our God day and night, has
been cast down. And they overcame him by the
Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their
Testimony, and they did not love their lives to the
death...
When our Lord used the term babes He was referring
to THOSE WHO ARE SIMPLE, UNCOMPLICATED AND THUS PURE OF
SPIRIT.
THE SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS & THE HEAVENLY HOSTS ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Beloved Brethren in Christ - St David the King, Prophet
and Psalmist taught us that our Lord God ...maketh
His Angels spirits His Minister a Flaming Fire...
(PSALM 104:4)
His words described our Almighty Lords Heavenly Angels
whom He created as FLESHLESS SPIRITS WITH THE WISEST
MINDS, WHO ARE HIS MOST LOYAL SERVANTS, WHO BURN WITH
ETERNAL LOVE FOR HIM, WHO FULFILL HIS DIVINE WILL AND
WHO ABIDE IN THE UNAPPROACHABLE LIGHT OF THE THRONE OF
GLORY.
Our Lord created His Heavenly Angels as WISE, POWERFUL,
ETERNALLY HOLY, PURE AND WHO ABIDE IN HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
Ponder this, dearest Brothers and Sisters. Contemplate
this Sacred Truth.
Our Lord divided all His Heavenly Angels into Nine Orders
or Ranks: ANGELS, ARCHANGELS, THRONES, DOMINIONS,
PRINCIPALITIES, AUTHORITIES, POWERS, THE MANY-EYED
CHERUBIM AND THE SIX-WINGED SERAPHIM.
The Lower Angelic Orders obey the Higher Angelic Orders
and in the likeness of His Heavenly Hierarchy, our
Lord also established THREE RANKS OR ORDERS IN THE
CHURCH MILITANT: BISHOPS, PRIESTS AND DEACONS, WHO
ALSO OBEY EACH OTHER.
God created an INNUMERABLE MULTITUDE OF ANGELS.
When we look up into the sky at night we can see how
many bright stars fill the heavens. There are so many
that they seem to be scattered like innumerable
poppy seeds, which no mortal can possibly count
them all.
AS WE CANNOT COUNT THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE US, SO,
TOO WE CANNOT COUNT THE NUMBER OF HOLY ANGELS OF
GOD.
Certain stars shine brighter than others, yet each star is
far more enormous than our tiny planet!
THE COUNTLESS MULTITUDE OF HEAVENLY ANGELS ABIDE IN THE
PRESENCE OF OUR LORD GOD, FULFILLING HIS DIVINE WILL
AND ETERNALLY GLORIFYING HIM.
SOME of these Heavenly Hosts ARE APPOINTED BY GOD TO
ACCOMPANY US, TO GUIDE, TO ENLIGHTEN AND TO PROTECT US
FROM EVIL.
These are OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS who REMAIN WITH US
THROUGHOUT THIS LIFESPAN - FROM OUR HOLY BAPTISM UNTIL
OUR FINAL REPOSE, REPELLING TEMPTATIONS AND EVIL FROM US We must ALWAYS HONOUR THE HOLY ANGELS BY IMITATING THEIR
AND DIRECTING US TO ALL DIVINE TRUTH AND GOODNESS.
When we make every effort to live Righteously WE WILL
FEEL THEIR PRESENCE AND BE WELL ACQUAINTED with their
Guidance and Protection.
Consider, dear Brothers and Sisters, how close our Lords
Angels are to us! Consider how THEY GUIDE US WHEN WE
THE SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS & THE HEAVENLY HOSTS
THE SYNAXIS OF THE CHIEF OF THE HEAVENLY HOSTS, ARCHANGEL
MICHAEL AND THE OTHER HEAVENLY BODILESS POWERS:
ARCHANGELS GABRIEL, RAPHAEL, URIEL, SELAPHIEL, JEHUDIEL, After the end of this age (characterized by its seven days
BARACHIEL, AND JEREMIEL WAS ESTABLISHED AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE FOURTH CENTURY AT THE COUNCIL OF
LAODICEA, which met several years before the First
Ecumenical Council.
The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned
and DENOUNCED AS HERETICAL THE WORSHIP OF ANGELS AS
GODS AND RULERS OF THE WORLD, BUT AFFIRMED THEIR PROPER
VENERATION.
A Feast Day was established in November, the ninth
month after March (with which the year began in
ancient times) since there are NINE RANKS OF ANGELS.
The eighth day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis
of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven since THE DAY OF
SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS & ALL
INFANTS ARE THE STANDARD OF FAITH WHEREBY ADULTS RECEIVE
THE KINGDOM OF GOD and not the other way around.
A little child is not arrogant. He does not despise
anyone. He is innocent and guileless. He does not
inflate himself in the presence of important people,
nor withdraw from those in sorrows. Instead he lives
in complete simplicity. (ST THEOPHAN)
Such people have SIMPLE, SINCERE FAITH AND COMPLETELY
OPEN, RECEPTIVE HEARTS AND SOULS THAT WELCOME THE
INDWELLING OF THE HOLY TRINITY
LISTEN CAREFULLY AND ARE OBEDIENT TO THE DIVINE WILL OF
OUR LORD GOD!
Today we celebrate the Synaxis of Archangel Michael
and all the Bodiless Powers of God who watch over us,
who ceaselessly Intercede with our Lord on our
behalf, and who Guide us correctly, and who protect
us from the machinations of the evil one and his
demons.
Most of us have heard many accounts of the Miracles
wrought by Archangel Michael.
Once a few impious people had decided to kill St
Archippos and to destroy the church he had built; so
they channelled a strongly flowing river towards the
church.
However, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL APPEARED TO ST ARCHIPPOS TO
WARN HIM AND TO CONSOLE HIM. THEN HE SPLIT A CLIFF
ASUNDER, AND DIRECTED THE RIVER TOWARDS THE ROCKY
CHASM, SO THAT BOTH THE CHURCH AND ST ARCHIPPOS WERE
SAVED FROM BEING FLOODED AND DROWNING.
OUR LORD GODS HEAVENLY ANGELS ARE NOT PRONE TO SIN LIKE
US. THEY CANNOT EVEN THINK SINFUL THOUGHTS FOR ALL THEIR
NOTIONS AND DESIRES ARE PURE.
They are imparted with all Spiritual Perfection, and are
ALWAYS WISE, ALWAYS STRONG, AND ALWAYS GOOD.
THEY ARE FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN THEIR LOVE FOR GOD, IN
HOLINESS AND TRUTH, AND ARE NEVER DECEIVED BY
TEMPTATIONS NOR FALL INTO SIN.
ONCE, BEFORE THE CREATION OF MANKIND, SOME OF THEM
PROFOUNDLY SADDENED OUR LOVING LORD DUE TO THEIR
DISOBEDIENCE AND REBELLION, WHICH HAD BEEN INCITED BY
LUCIFER WHOSE JEALOUSY OF GOD CAUSED THEIR ETERNAL
FALL FROM DIVINE GRACE.
They could no longer be Heavenly Citizens so THEY WERE
CAST OUT OF THE HEAVENLY REALMS FOREVER BY ARCHANGEL
MICHAEL.
We, my dearest Friends, should EMULATE THOSE ANGELS WHO
ARE ETERNALLY LOYAL TO GOD, SO THAT, HAVING BEEN
CITIZENS OF THIS EARTHLY REALM, WE MAY BECOME WORTHY
CO-CITIZENS WITH THE ANGELIC HOSTS AND ALL THE HOLY
SAINTS OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHERLAND.
We must ALWAYS STRIVE TO BE EXACTLY LIKE THE HOLY ANGELS,
since we have been created IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS
OF ALMIGHTY GOD, which is A DIVINE GIFT that is common
to Angels and mankind!
HOLINESS IN ALL THINGS, ESPECIALLY THEIR LOVE AND
DEVOTION TO THE LORD OUR GOD.
Only then will we be WORTHY OF THE BLESSED HEAVENLY LIFE
together with them.
Amen.
http://www.synod.com
THE DREAD LAST JUDGMENT IS CALLED THE EIGHTH DAY by
the Holy Fathers.
of Creation) will come the Eighth Day, and then ...the
Son of Man shall come in His Glory and all the Holy
Angels with Him (MATTHEW 25:31).
The Angelic Ranks/Orders are divided into THREE
HIERARCHIES: HIGHEST, MIDDLE, AND LOWEST.
The Highest Hierarchy includes: the SERAPHIM, CHERUBIM
AND THRONES.
 I S A I A H 6 : 1 2 - THE SIX-WINGED SERAPHIM (Flaming,
Fiery) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity.
They blaze with Love for God and kindle such Love in
others.
 GENESIS 3:24 - The many-eyed CHERUBIM
(Outpouring of Wisdom, Enlightenment) stand
before our Lord God after the Seraphim.
THE HEAVENLY HOSTS 8 NOVEMBER 2017 9.
They are radiant with the Light of Knowledge of God, and
Knowledge of the Divine Mysteries of God.
Through them Holy Wisdom is poured forth, and our
mortal mind is Enlightened so that we may know God
and behold His Divine Glory.
 C O L O S S I A N S 1 : 1 6 - THE THRONES stand behind the
Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly
bearing God through the Grace granted to them
for their service.
 They are Ministers of Gods Justice, giving to
Tribunals, Kings, etc. the capacity for Righteous
Judgment.
THE MIDDLE ANGELIC HIERARCHY consists of three Ranks:
DOMINIONS, POWERS, AND AUTHORITIES:
 COLOSSIANS 1 : 16 - DOMINIONS are in charge of the
Angels who are subject to them.
They instruct the earthly authorities, established by God,
to rule wisely, and to govern their lands well. They
teach us to subdue sinful impulses, to subject our flesh
to our soul, to master our free will, and to conquer
temptations.
 1 P E T E R 3 : 2 2 - POWERS immediately fulfill the Will of
God by working Great Miracles and granting the
Grace of Wonderworking and Clairvoyance to
Saints who are pleasing to God. They assist us in
fulfilling Obediences and they encourage us to be
patient, and grant us Spiritual Strength and
Fortitude.
 1 P E T E R 3 : 2 2 & C O L O S S I A N S 1 : 1 6 - AUTHORITIES
have Authority over Satan and his demons. They
protect us from demonic temptations and attacks,
and they prevent demons from fatally harming us
or killing us. They Encourage, Strengthen and
keep watch over all Ascetics. They help us all in
our struggles against evil thoughts.
The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks:
PRINCIPALITIES, ARCHANGELS, AND ANGELS:
 COLOSSIANS 1 : 16 - PRINCIPALITIES are in command of
the Angels, instructing them in the fulfilling of
Gods Commands. They watch over the world and
protect countries, Nations and people. They
instruct us how to render proper honour to those in
authority over us, as befits their station. They teach
those in authority to use their position, not for
personal glory and gain, but to honour God, and
to spread His Divine Truth, for the Eternal Benefit of
those under their authority.
 1 THESSALONIAN 4 : 16 - ARCHANGELS are Gods Holy
Messengers/Heralds of great and Wondrous
Tidings. They reveal Prophecies and the Holy
Mysteries of our True Faith. They Enlighten us so
that we can know and understand the Will of God.
They increase our Faith in God by Illuminating our
mind with the Divine Light and Truth of the Holy
Gospel.
 1 PETER 3 : 22 - ANGELS are the lowest Rank/Order of the
Heavenly Hierarchy, and closest to us. They reveal
the Lesser Mysteries of God and His Divine Plan, by
guiding us to Virtuous and Holy Life in Christ. They
support those who remain Steadfast, and they
raise up those who have fallen. They never
abandon us and they are always prepared to
help us, if we desire it.
All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called Angels
although each Rank has its own name and position
by virtue of their Service to God and to mankind. Our
Lord reveals His Will to the Highest Ranks who in turn
inform the others.
 Our Lord appointed His Holy Archangel Michael over
all the Nine Ranks of Heavenly Hosts.
His name in means ...who is like unto God... for he is the
Faithful Servitor of God. As Chief Commander, he cast
down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Lucifer and
the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against
God. St Michael summoned all the Angelic Ranks: Let
us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and
do not consider doing what is displeasing to God!
According to Holy Tradition, and according to Holy
Services that honour Archangel Michael, he
participated in many other Old Covenant Events:
During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went
before them in the form of a Pillar of Cloud by day
10. THE SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS &
and a Pillar of Fire by night. Through him the Power of
our Lord was made manifest, annihilating the
Egyptians who were in pursuit of the Israelites.
Archangel Michael defended Israel in all its misfortunes:
 JOSHUA 5 :1316 - He appeared to Joshua Son of Nun
and revealed the Will of the Lord at the taking of
Jericho.
 4/2 KINGS 19:35 - The Power of the great Chief
Commander of God was manifest in the
annihilation of the 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian
Emperor Sennacherib...
 2 MACCABEES 3:24-26 - also in the smiting of the impious
leader, Heliodoros...
 DANIEL 3 : 22 -25 - and in the Protection of the Three Holy
Youths: St Shadrach, St Meshach, and St Abednego
who were thrown into a furnace for refusing to
worship a pagan idol.
 DANIEL 14: 33-37 - According to the Will of God, St
Michael transported the Holy Prophet, St
Habbakoum from Judea to Babylon, to give food
to St Daniel who was imprisoned in the lions den.
 JUDE 1 : 9 - Archangel Michael fought with Satan over
the body of the Holy Prophet and ancient
Patriarch, St Moses.
The Power of Archangel Michael was revealed on the
shores of Mount Athos when he saved a young man
who had been weighed down with a heavy stone and
cast into the sea by robbers, the account of which is
recorded in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of
St Neophytos of Dochiariou Monastery, Mount Athos.
Since ancient times Archangel Michael has performed
numerous Miracles throughout Russia, to this very
day.
We invoke St Michael for Protection from invasion by
enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of
adversaries on the field of battle, for he conquers all
our Spiritual Enemies.
Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition give us the names of
the Holy Archangels:
 GABRIEL MEANS STRENGTH/POWER/MIGHT OF GOD he is
the Herald and Servitor of Divine Omnipotence, for
he announces the Divine Mysteries of our Lord
God. (DANIEL 8:16, LUKE 1:26)
 RAPHAEL MEANS THE HEALING OF GOD he is the Curer of
human infirmities. (TOBIT 3:16 & 12:15)
 URIEL MEANS THE FIRE OR LIGHT OF GOD he is the
Enlightener, for we pray to him to Enlighten those
with Spiritually Darkened mind. (3 EZDRAS 5:20).
 SELAPHIEL MEANS THE PRAYER OF GOD for he impels us to
Prayer, and he prays to God for mankind. (3 EZDRAS
5:16)
 JEHUDIEL MEANS THE GLORIFYING OF GOD - he encourages
our exertion for the Glory of our Lord God and
intercedes for the reward of our efforts.
 BARACHIEL MEAN DISTRIBUTOR OF THE BLESSINGS OF GOD for
Good Deeds he Entreats the Mercy of God for us..
 JEREMIEL MEANS THE RAISING UP TO GOD. (3 EZDRAS 4:36)
Holy Icons depict the Archangels according to the
character of their Service to God and mankind:
 ST MICHAEL TRAMPLES THE DEVIL UNDERFOOT, while holding
in his left hand a green date-palm leaf, and in his
right hand a spear with a white banner (or
sometimes a fiery sword), on which is outlined a
scarlet cross.
 ST GABRIEL HOLDS A BRANCH FROM PARADISE, which he
presented to the Most Holy Virgin Theotokos, or a
shining lantern in his right hand and a mirror
made of jasper in his left.
 ST RAPHAEL HOLDS A VESSEL WITH HEALING MEDICATIONS in
his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias,
carrying a fish for Healing (Tobit 5-8).
 ST URIEL HOLDS A SWORD at the level of his chest in his
raised right hand and in his lowered left hand ...a
fiery flame.
 ST SELAPHIEL IN A PRAYERFUL POSTURE, GAZES DOWNWARDS,
with his hands folded on his chest.
 ST JEHUDIEL HOLDS A GOLDEN CROWN in his right hand,
while in his left hand he holds a whip of three red
(or black) thongs.
 ST BARACHIEL HAS A WHITE ROSE upon his breast.
 ST JEREMIEL HOLDS A PAIR OF BALANCE-SCALES in his hand.
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM
THE HEAVENLY HOSTS 8 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let
us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

9 November 2017
St Nektarios of Pentapolis & Aegina
Also the Feast of St Onesiphoros and St Porphyrios of Ephesos - , St Matrona, Abbess of
Constantinople - St Theoktiste of Lesbos St Onesiphoros the Confessor of the Kiev Near
Caves Monastery St Alexander of Thessalonika St Anthony of Apamea, Syria St John
the Short, Holy Ascetic of St Pimen the Great Monastery, Egypt St Eustolia & St Sopatra of
Constantinople St Euthymios & St Neophytos, Co-Founders of Dochiariou Monastery,
Mount Athos The Holy Wonderworking Icon of Theotokos Quick to Hear at Dochiariou
Monastery, Mount Athos

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA TONE 1

Silivrias ton Gonon ke Eginis ton eforon, ton eskhatis hronis Silivrias Offspring and Protector of Aegina, the True
fanenta, aretis Filon Gnision, Nektarion Timisomen Pisti, Friend of all Virtue, who appeared to us lately,
os entheon theraponta Hristou; anavlizi gar iasis Nektarios the Godly Servant of Christ, let us honour,
pantodapas, tis evlavos kravgazousi: Doxa to Se, we the Faithful; for he pours forth Healings of every
Doxanti Hristo, Doxa to Se Thavmastosanti! Doxa to kind, on those who Piously cry out: Glory to Christ
Energounti dia Sou, pasin iamata! Who Glorified Thee! Glory to Him Who Magnified
Thee! Glory to the One Who Works through Thee,
Healings for everyone!
FESTAL KONTAKION ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Orthodoxias ton Astera ton Neofoton, ke Ekklisias to The latest shining Star of Orthodoxy and the newly
Neodmiton protihisma, animnisomen kardias en erected Rampart of the Church let our hearts joyfully
evfrosini. Doxasthis gar energia ti tou Pnevmatos, praise. For, Glorified by the Work of the Spirit, he
iamaton anavlizi Harin afthonon, tis kravgazousi. abundantly pours forth the Grace of Healing to those
Heris Pater Nektarie! who cry out: "Hail, O Father Nektarios!"
SEASONAL FESTAL KONTAKION - ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
iparhi Skini Epouranios. is the Heavenly Tabernacle.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 149 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Kahisonte Osii en Doxi, ke agallasonte epi ton kiton afton. The Holy shall boast in Glory, and shall greatly Rejoice on
their beds.
Asate to Kyrio Asma Kenon, i Enesis Aftou en Ekklisia Sing unto the Lord a New Song His Praises in the
Osion. Assembly of His Holy.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 5 : 8 19
WE MUST WALK IN CHRIST THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH
Brethren: ... As Children of Light, walk, for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out
what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose
them. Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore He says:
Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!
See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which
is dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
St Paul reminded the Ephesians especially those who THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION, which follows
had converted from paganism that THEY HAD EXISTED immediately after our Holy Baptism, WE ARE GRANTED
IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND HAD BEEN SPIRITUALLY DEAD.. THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO ENABLES
This means that before knowing anything concerning our US TO FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY WORTHY
True and Living Lord God and His Divine Truth, the everything that is ...Goodness, Righteous and
Ephesian converts had been IGNORANT OF THE MOST Truth... befitting a Faithful Disciple of Christ our God.
SIGNIFICANT MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THIS TEMPORARY Furthermore, THROUGH THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD THE HOLY
EXISTENCE ...you were once Darkness... SPIRIT, WE ARE ABLE TO KNOW, AND TO UNDERSTAND, AND TO
THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM, WE BECOME THE DO, EVERYTHING that is ...acceptable to our Lord.
ADOPTED CHILDREN AND HEIRS OF ALMIGHTY GOD Who is St Paul severely cautions us to AVOID ANYTHING THAT IS
Himself the Uncreated Divine Light. ABOMINABLE TO GOD, SINFUL AND SPIRITUALLY CONDEMNING
Thus we become ...Children of Light... who must be TO US anything that is wicked, evil and harmful - i.e.
COMMITTED TO LIVING EVERY MOMENT IN CHRISt i.e. the ... unfruitful works of Darkness...
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS WE MUST JUDGE, MEASURE OR WEIGH EVERYTHING CAREFULLY that
TAUGHT US AND REVEALED TO US, which affects our is regarded as being acceptable by this Spiritually
ultimate Salvation and Eternal Life. Blind, Darkened, wicked and debauched world.
ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA 9 NOVEMBER 2017 11.
We must ALWAYS SEE EVERYTHING IN THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GODS
TRUTH, which is unwavering, inflexible and
unchangeable.
ANYTHING SECRET OR HIDDEN THAT CANNOT BEAR TO BE
EXPOSED TO GODS DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH, IT IS TO BE
REJECTED AND AVOIDED as being shameful, sinful or evil!
TRUTH AND GOODNESS IS REVEALED BY THE DIVINE LIGHT AND
TRUTH OF OUR LORD GOD ALONE.
We must always LIVE EVERY MOMENT IN THE DIVINE LIGHT AND
TRUTH OF GOD, which means that EVERYTHING WE THINK,
WE SPEAK AND WE DO MUST BE ACCORDING TO OUR BELOVED
SAVIOURS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS.
Redeeming the time... means that WE MUST NOT WASTE A
MOMENT OF THIS VERY SHORT LIFESPAN, which is granted to
each of us according to the Will and Knowledge of
our Divine Creator in order TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR
ETERNITY.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
CHRIST IS THE
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... Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us
clearly that ONLY THROUGH HIM, THROUGH THE DIVINE
TRUTH OF HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, CAN WE
RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE WITH ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS,
JOY AND LOVE.
ONLY BY FULFILLING WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE THE WILL OF
GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH THE TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS OF GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND
ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE FOR US
TO HAVE AN EVERLASTING LIFE OF DIVINE BLISS, for which
Purpose we were created by our Triune God of Love
Who is Love Itself!!
WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALMIGHTY GOD, WE
ENJOY ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS in this temporary,
preparatory lifespan and in Eternity.
THE DEVIOUS, MOST EVIL THIEF IS SATAN, who always
spreads lies and encourages heresies and
blasphemy among the People of God both the
Old Israel and the New Israel - luring away the
deceived, ignorant leaders and people.
Life means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth during
this short, preparatory period before we enter
Eternity.
The more abundant Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE AGAPE.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE
HIS REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP HIS HOLY FLOCK.
HE IS THE DIVINE DOOR THE DIVINE ENTRANCE - INTO HIS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE.
Christ is THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE all
Divinely Inspired Holy Prophecy concerning our
Divine Saviour.
OUR LORD IS THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON
OF GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND
HIS HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON Who
became Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation.
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE PUT ON CHRIST ALSO
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE KNOW
HIS WORD HIS DIVINE TRUTH HIS TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS. Thus we should not be misguided nor
deceived by the evil ones lies and deceptions.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERED HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
ETERNAL SALVATION.
HE WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, MOST
PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL TIME,
which makes it no longer necessary for blood
sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.
However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND REPENT
OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL, which is
12. ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA
ONLY GOD KNOW HOW MANY YEARS, MONTHS, WEEKS, DAYS OR
HOURS EACH OF US HAS in which to Perfect our immortal
soul for Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS GRANTED US EVERY MEANS
POSSIBLE WHEREBY WE MAY CONTROL THE WEAKNESS AND
SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH.
WE MUST USE HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS TO
STRENGTHEN, TO REGENERATE AND TO PERFECT OUR IMMORTAL
SOUL SO THAT WE MAY REGAIN OUR TRUE LIKENESS AND IMAGE
OF GOD, as He created us!
OUR SOUL MUST BE TRAINED TO DOMINATE AND CONTROL OUR
FLESH, for in Truth WE ARE SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL BEINGS
who are CREATED TO BE WORTHY CITIZENS OF GODS
ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
Being ...filled with the (Holy) Spirit, speaking to one
another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes,
singing and making melody in your heart to the
Lord.. is what makes us TRUE AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
TO ST JOHN 10: 9 16
DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
why OUR SALVATION IS A CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL PROCESS
until we draw our final breath.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF HIS
BELOVED FLOCK, WHICH FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF HIS
PASSION and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
The ...Other Sheep... of our Lord WERE THE GENTILES
THE PAGANS AND NON JUDAIC TRIBES WHO WOULD BE
BROUGHT TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE
JUDEANS, UNDER ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS
ALL ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
principle that was affirmed in every generation.
(CANON 8 OF 1 NICEA)
St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: Be careful
to observe a single Eucharist, for there is ONE Flesh
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of His Blood
that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as there is
ONE Bishop... this is in line with Gods Will!
Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: I lay down My Life...
which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US i.e. HE OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE
ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR
ALL SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE
WILL OF GOD THE FATHER.
EVERYTHING IS AND MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE WILL
OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE
POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, SO,
TOO, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
BY THE END OF THE AGES, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ONE HOLY FLOCK HIS HOLY
CHURCH.
He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS AS WELL,
which are THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS
DIVINE TRUTH His True Teachings and
Commandments AND STRIVE TO FULFIL THEM TO THE BEST
OF THEIR ABILITY.
...The Wolves... are those who try to divide and
conquer the Holy Church with their evil, arrogant lies
and egocentric schemes.
...The Hirelings... are those who are not committed
nor dedicated to their Holy Mission and to their
Sacred Duties to God.
9 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most
Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin,
together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our
whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (6) Plagal 2 12 November 2017

rd th
23 Sunday After Pentecost 8 Sunday of St Luke
The Good Samaritan
The Feast of ST JOHN THE MERCIFUL, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA St Nilos the Faster
of Sinai St John the Hairy, Fool for Christ of Rostov St Ahihah the Holy
Prophet of God St Nilos the Myrrh-streamer of Mount Athos The Miracle
Working Holy Icon of our Lady, Theotokos, Kykkiotisa, of Kykkos Monastery,
Cyprus (written/painted by St Luke the Apostle)

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28: 16-20

THE GREAT COMMISSION OF CHRIST

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

Angelike Dinamis epi to Mnima Sou ke i filassontes
apenekrothisan. Ke istato Maria en to tafo, zitousa to
ahranton Sou Soma. Eskilevsas ton Adin, mi pirasthis ip
aftou. Ipintisas ti Partheno, Doroumenos tin Zoin. O
Anastas ek to nekron, Kyrie,  Doxa Si.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST JOHN THE
The Angelic Powers were in Thy Tomb, and the guards
became as dead men, and Mary stood by the Tomb
seeking Thy Most Pure Body. Thou led captive Hades,
yet were not tempted thereby: Thou Who art the
Bestower of Life came to meet the Woman. O Lord,
Who Rose again from the dead, Glory to Thee!
MERCIFUL TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

En ti Ipomoni Sou ektiso ton misthon Sou Pater, Osie, tes
prosevhes adialiptos egkarterisas, tous ptohous
agapisas, ke toutis eparkesas. Alla Presveve Hristo to
Theo, Ioanni Eleimon Makarie, Sothine tas psihas imon.
SEASONAL KONTAKION ENTRY
By Thy Patience, Thou obtained Thy Reward, O Holy
Father, persevering in Thy Prayers without ceasing, and
the poor Thou Loved and satisfied. But Intercede with
Christ our God, O Blessed John the Merciful, for the
Salvation of our soul.
INTO THE TEMPLE TONE 4

O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i Politimitos Pastas ke O Most Immaculate Temple of our Saviour, Most Precious
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Bridal Chamber and Virgin, Sacred Treasure of the
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, Glory of God, on this day Entered into the House of our
tin en Pnevmati Theo. In animnousin Angeli Theou. Lord., Bringing the Grace of God the Holy Spirit,
Afti iparhi Skini Epouranios. Extolled by the Angels of God, She is a Heavenly
Tabernacle!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 15/116 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Timios enantion Kyriou O Thanatos ton Osion Aftou. Precious in the Sight of our Lord is the Death of His Holy.
Ti antapodoso to Kyrio peri panton, on antapedoke mou? What shall I give in return to our Lord for all He has
granted me?
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 9: 6 -11
WE REAP WHATEVER WE SOW
Brethren, ... those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, and those who sow bountifully, will also reap bountifully.
Let each one give according to the purpose of his heart not grudgingly nor of necessity for God Loves a cheerful
giver. God is able to make all Grace abound towards you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may
have an abundance for every Good Work. As it is written: He has dispersed abroad; He has given to the poor; His
Righteousness endures forever.
May He Who supplies seed to the Sower and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown, and
increase the Fruits of your Righteousness. In all things you are enriched for all liberality, which causes
Thanksgiving through us to God.
This is St Pauls essential Teaching concerning OUR SACRED ALL OUR SPIRITUAL TOOLS AND WEAPONS ARE GRANTED FREELY
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP. AND ABUNDANTLY TO US BY GOD so that we are able to
HE DID NOT USE A FINANCIAL METAPHOR the generous giving grow, TO NURTURE AND TO HARVEST THE FRUITS OF OUR
of worldly wealth and possessions, which are CONSTANT SPIRITUAL LABOURS OF LOVE FOR THE GLORY,
temporary and corruptible EVERYTHING THAT IS HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
MEANINGLESS AND UNBENEFICIAL TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION. The Abundant Fruits of our Labours and the infinite
ST PAUL USED THE METAPHOR OF OUR CONSTANT SPIRITUAL LABOUR Providence of God should compel us to EXPRESS OUR
- OF SOWING OR PLANTING SPIRITUAL SEEDS THAT MUST BE PROFOUND, HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO OUR LORD GOD,
CULTIVATED AND CAREFULLY, STEADILY NURTURED IN ORDER TO WITHOUT WHOM NOTHING GOOD, BLESSED, WORTHY OR
BECOME A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST FOR GODS ETERNAL, DIVINE JOYFUL WOULD BE POSSIBLE!
AND HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.

23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 8TH OF ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN 12 NOVEMBER 2017 13.
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 10 : 25 - 37
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
At that time, Lawyer stood up to test our Lord Jesus and said: Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life? He
said to him: What is written in the Law? What is Thy reading of it? Answering he said: Thou shalt Love the Lord
Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind... and ... thy neighbour
as thyself. He said to him: You have answered correctly. Do this and you will Live. Wanting to Justify himself, he
said to Jesus: And who is my neighbour?
Replying, Jesus said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped
him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
By chance, a certain Priest went down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise,
a Levite when he arrived at the place, went and looked, and passed by on the other side.
A Samaritan, as He journeyed, got to where he was, and when He saw him, He had Compassion. And He went to
him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. And He set him on His own animal, took him to an
Inn, and took care of him. The next day, before He departed, He took out two denarii, gave them to the
Innkeeper, and said to him: Take care of him. And when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which of these three dost thou think was neighbour to him who fell among the Thieves? He said: He Who had
Mercy on him. Jesus said to him: Go and do likewise!
THE PHARISEES, LAWYERS AND SCRIBES WERE EGOTISTIC AND SELF- IMMEDIATELY REPENT AND ENSURE THAT WE FULFIL OUR SACRED
RIGHTEOUS, BELIEVING THEMSELVES TO BE SUPERIOR TO OTHERS DUTIES NEXT TIME.
WHO WERE EITHER ILLITERATE OR LESS WELL EDUCATED THAN If we continuously behave in such a mean, selfish
THEM. manner, WE WILL SUFFER BITTER, IRREFUTABLE AND
THE LAWYER WAS PROBABLY ONE OF THOSE WHO HAD HEARD ALL IRREVERSIBLE ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AFTER OUR FINAL
ABOUT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST the Son of the humble JUDGEMENT!
Carpenter, Joseph of Nazareth - and had gone to Although THE SAMARITAN was a despised foreigner or
hear what He was preaching about - NO DOUBT stranger, being harshly judged by the Judeans as
EXPECTING TO TRIP HIM UP OR TO PROVE HIM WRONG OR one of the wicked apostatisers and heretics who were
IGNORANT, OR PERHAPS EVEN BLASPHEMOUS. to be avoided at all costs, he SYMBOLISED OUR LORD JESUS
IN RESPONSE TO THE LAWYERS ENQUIRY CONCERNING ETERNAL CHRIST HIMSELF, FOR HE ...CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN... TO
LIFE, OUR LORD knowing what was lurking deep SAVE EVEN THOSE WHO REBELLED AND REJECTED HIM.
within his heart and what his intentions were - ASKED THE BANDAGES, OIL AND WINE, SYMBOLISE THE HOLY MYSTERY
HIM TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE MOSAIC LAW STATED AND HOW THE OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION:
LAWYER HIMSELF INTERPRETED THE MEANING THEREOF. 1. THE GARMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM we put on Christ
Christ confirmed that he had given the correct answer Who Delivers us from the wounds of sin
and told him that IF HE FULFILLED THESE DIVINE 2. THE OIL OF HOLY CHRISMATION, which grants us New
COMMANDMENT HE WOULD LIVE HE WOULD ATTAIN Life in the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to
ETERNAL LIFE. achieve everything that is impossible for us
THE ARROGANCE OF THE LAWYER IS EXPOSED WHEN HE ASKED alone.
CHRIST WHO WAS HIS NEIGHBOUR, and our Lord 3. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION, which
responded with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. grants us Forgiveness of sins and leads us
JERUSALEM, BEING THE CITY OF PEACE, SYMBOLISED OUR HOLY towards Eternal Life.
COMMUNION WITH GOD, WHILE THE CITY OF JERICHO WAS The Good Samaritan put the wounded man on ...His
INFAMOUS FOR BEING A CITY FILLED WITH ALL KINDS OF SINFUL own animal... meaning that OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLES. BEARS OUR SINS LIKE WOUNDS ON HIS OWN BODY.
SO THE MAN A REFERENCE TO EACH OF US - WAS GOING FROM THE INN that sheltered the Good Samaritan and the
GOOD AND BLESSED CIRCUMSTANCES TOWARDS WICKEDNESS recuperating man SYMBOLISES THE HOLY CHURCH OF
AND SPIRITUAL DEATH. CHRIST WHEREIN WE RECEIVE SPIRITUAL HEALING AND CARE, AS
He ...fell among Thieves... is a reference to THE WELL AS ALL THE DIVINE BLESSINGS AND PROVIDENCE THAT OUR
NATURAL CONSEQUENCES OF MOVING AWAY FROM GOD AND LOVING TRIUNE GOD GRANTS US SO FREELY AND LOVINGLY.
ALL HIS GOODNESS, AND WILFULLY CHOOSING A SINFUL, SELF- The Good Samaritan paid for the Care and Protection
INDULGENT EXISTENCE, that leaves us naked, EXPOSED TO of the recovering man, and promised to settle His
ALL THE TEMPTATIONS, UNPROTECTED AGAINST OUR ENEMIES, Account when He came again.
HAVING BEEN STRIPPED OF OUR SELF-RESPECT AND DIGNITY. OUR LORD JESUS PAID THE PRICELESS RANSOM FOR THE FREEDOM OF
Having been ROBBED OF ANYTHING OF VALUE, the wretched MANKIND BY MEANS OF HIS ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE His
man is ABANDONED, BEATEN, HURT, TORMENTED and half Passion - and in addition, HE WILL SETTLE HIS ACCOUNT
dead IN A TERRIBLE STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH due to the WHEN HE REAPPEARS AGAIN ON THE EIGHTH DAY the Final
enslaving, demoralizing sins that have overwhelmed Day of this Age when the General Resurrection and
and even defeated him. Judgement will occur.
TITLES AND SOCIAL STATUS ARE MEANINGLESS IN THE SIGHT OF Christs eleven Appearances in His Resurrected state
GOD especially when good deeds are rejected, before His Ascension - proved that EVERYTHING HE HAS
ignored or refused. TOLD US IS INDEED, WITHOUT A DOUBT AND MOST DEFINITELY
St Cyril of Alexandria said: The Dignity of the Holy TRUE!!
Priesthood means nothing at all unless (a Bishop or AS CHRIST IS RESURRECTED IN HIS BODY, SO, TOO, SHALL WE BE
Priest) also excels in Deeds. RESURRECTED PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
NEITHER THE JUDAIC PRIEST NOR LEVITE TRIED TO HELP OR Once again, our Lord commands us to BE MERCIFUL TO
COMFORT THE DISTRESSED, DYING MAN, WHICH CLEARLY EACH OTHER IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, FOR THIS WILL CERTAINLY
INDICATES THE FAILURE OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW TO HEAL AFFECT OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT BEFORE HIS AWESOME THRONE!
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN. DIVINE TRUTH CANNOT BE COMPROMISED!!
WHENEVER WE REJECT, IGNORE OR REFUSE TO FULFIL AN ACT IF WE HOPE TO RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY, WE, TOO, MUST BE
MERCY, LOVE OR COMPASSION, which God might have put MERCIFUL, for it is the significant Act of Love/Agape,
before us to test us and to reveal our Inner State to which grants us Eternal Life in Gods Heavenly
ourselves (He already knows everything!) WE MUST Kingdom.
23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 8TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the How should I live? is likewise asked by those whose
Holy Spirit! notion of life does not extend beyond the coming
Beloved Brethren! Now more than at any other time as day.
the Faithful Disciples of Christ WE NEED TO ASK AND This question should be asked by all young people who
UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANT QUESTION: How should I are just starting out on life, as well as by mature and
live in order not to Perish? - How should I live in elderly people who are already far along - or
order to be Saved? completing - their Earthly Path.
Inevitably, and all too soon, we will reach the terrifying
realization that OUR TIME HAS RUN OUT YET NOT IN THE JOY
OF CREATION, because ALL OUR LABOURS AND ALL OUR

14. 23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 8TH OF ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN 12 NOVEMBER 2017
 EFFORTS HAVE SUNK INTO THE DESTRUCTION AND RUIN that
consumes all unworthy, temporary and Spiritually
Unbeneficial things!
Truly, the question of how to live is not an idle one.
How consonant (similar) is the questioning of our
contemporaries with the question once posed to the
Prince of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ, by one of His
contemporaries and not just by any contemporary,
but by a Guardian of the Law given by God.
He asked: Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal
Life? And our Saviour responded: What is written in
the Law? What is Thy reading of it?
These Words of our Lord are pure words that resound not
only to that Lawyer but to each one of us, for they
reveal THE ONLY TRUE WAY TO RESOLVE ALL SIGNIFICANT
QUESTIONS, CONFUSION, AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS! [CF. PSALMS
11:7]
THE DIVINE TRUTH OF GOD GUIDES, ENLIGHTENS AND TEACHES
US HOW TO LIVE EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
The Perfect and Holy Law of God is given to us for all
time, for all ages and for all mankind.
 Divine Truth/Law is given to us by THE DIVINELY
INSPIRED AND HOLY SCRIPTURES.
 Divine Truth/Law is given to us through THE NATURAL
LAW OF CONSCIENCE with which every living
thing is created by God.
 Divine Truth/Law is given to us in THE LAW OF ALL
GOD-CREATED NATURE!
We cannot deny that WE KNOW THIS GREAT LAW OF OUR
LORD GOD - THE DIVINE LAW WHEREIN LIES OUR EARTHLY
HAPPINESS AND WHEREBY WE WILL BE RAISED TO ABIDE IN
BLESSEDNESS WITH OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR AND ALL HIS
SAINTS IN ETERNITY.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST COMMANDED US MOST CLEARLY:
...thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind Thou shalt Love thy neighbour as thyself.
"On these two Commandments hang all the Law and
the Prophets. (MATTHEW 22:37 & 39-40)
WE ALL KNOW THIS DIVINE LAW AND WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US.
WE KNOW HOW WE ARE TO FULFILL IT EVERY DAY, for we all know
what is GOOD AND DESIRABLE .
WE ALSO KNOW WHAT IS BAD, HARMFUL AND WICKED, WHICH WE
SHOULD AVOID BY ALL POSSIBLE MEANS!
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us another significant
Commandment: Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.
THIS DIVINE COMMANDMENT IS OUR VIGILANT AND IMPARTIAL
GUARDIAN WHO EXPOSES AND UNMASKS US BY REVEALING
OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL STATE!
This Commandment is inseparable from the Divine
Commandment concerning our Love of God and our
Love of each other.
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ compelled the Lawyer to
admit that he already knew everything that is
necessary for our Eternal Salvation, then we also
cannot try to justify ourselves by voicing nave
questions, for AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE
KNOW THE RIGHTEOUS PATH OF SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
THE LAW OF GOD IS ONE and THESE TWO DIVINE COMMANDMENTS
REMAIN IMMUTABLE FOR ALL TIME, so long as the world
exists.
These two basic, but extremely vital Divine
Commandments are our TWO SACRED ANCHORS OF
LIFE
1. LOVE GOD WITH ALL OUR MIND, HEART , STRENGTH AND
SOUL... (THIS IS OUR DECLARATION OF FAITH EACH TIME WE MAKE THE
SIGN OF THE CROSS! MP)
2. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS MUCH AS GOD LOVES US AND AS
MUCH AS WE LOVE OURSELVES!
We do not need to ask about our Love for God, since for
us Believers, this seems to be self-explanatory.
However, when it comes to our neighbour, whom do we
regard as being worthy of our unconditional Love
(Agape)?
Now it is not the Lawyer who is questioning our Lord Jesus
Christ and being unmasked by Him.
Rather IT IS US, my dear ones, WHO HAVE BECOME THE
DISPUTERS OF THIS WORLd who are NOT THE DOERS OF THE
CLEAR AND LIVING WORD OF GOD! [CF. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:20].
23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 8TH OF ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN
With our careless questions WE TRY TO HIDE OUR COWARDICE,
OUR SPIRITUAL LAZINESS AND DISOBEDIENCE, OUR
UNWILLINGNESS TO LABOUR AND TO STRUGGLE.
Instead WE REVEAL OUR LACK OF LOVE - our stubborn
reluctance to Love each other AS GOD HAS
COMMANDED US AND AS HE HAS SHOWN US HOW TO LOVE
UNCONDITIONALLY!
If we cannot Love one another as much as God Loves us,
how can we expect to receive Eternal Life in His
Heavenly Kingdom of Love?! mp
We must always remember the exhortation of St Paul
who said: ... not the hearers of the Law are justified
before God, but the doers of the Law shall be
justified. (ROMANS 2:13).
Sadly, WE NEED TO BE REMINDED WHO ARE OUR NEIGHBOURS, for
these days, almost everywhere, SO MANY OF US HAVE
BECOME ESTRANGED, DISTANCED OR ALIENATED FROM ONE
ANOTHER - parents, siblings, relatives, friends and
acquaintances having been separated or cast aside
by our excessively swollen egos that cause hurt
feelings, anger, embarrassment, shame,
unforgiveness, vengeance and many other SINFUL
REACTIONS.
SELFISHNESS AND SELF-INDULGENCE - I and mine has
become the new law of life.
Accordingly, those who were closest to us who gave life
to children, who have been wounded, who are
weighed down by their many burdens, difficult
labours, illnesses, deep sorrow whom we ourselves
have hurt or harmed - AWAIT OUR HELP, OUR FORGIVENESS,
OUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY, OUR MERCY AND OUR LOVE, IN
VAIN.
THOSE WHOM WE HAD LOVED BEFORE, ARE NO LONGER LOVED
because they are self-destructive, have hurt us
deeply, have embarrassed or shamed us, are no
longer of any use to us, are regarded as being
unwelcome, intolerable, disruptive, burdensome or
disturbing to our own desires or lifestyle.
Here WE GRANT OURSELVES COMPLETE FREEDOM TO PRONOUNCE
ON EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE.
Thus, ACCORDING TO OUR OWN SINFUL STATE, WE ARE
DECEIVED INTO THINKING THAT VERY FEW - OR EVEN NONE -
OF THOSE WHOM WE HAD FORMERLY LOVED - ARE WORTHY
OF US!
WE EXCLUDE THOSE WHOM WE JUDGE TO BE SINNERS AND THUS
UNWORTHY OF OUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - those who do
not share our own Faith, opinions or convictions, or
have caused their own problems and thus deserve
their suffering and punishment!!
GODS COMMANDMENT IS BROAD AND DEEP.
Yet WE, WHO DARE TO JUDGE HAUGHTILY, ARE OURSELVES
GUILTY OF THE SINFUL REACTIONS OF BOTH THE MERCILESS,
UNCOMPASSIONATE PRIEST AND LEVITE who walked
past the naked man who lay beaten and
bleeding, and close to death, at the side of the
road between Jerusalem and Jericho.
How often do we walk past those who are in need, who are
physically and Spiritually Beaten, Bleeding and close to
Death who desperately need our Love, Compassion,
Kindness and Generosity?
How often do we ignore the pleas for assistance, a few
moments to listen to others who are lonely, who merely
want to be acknowledged or who just want to talk a
little and enjoy a conversation, a few words, a laugh, a
smile, a gentle touch or even a warm hug.
How many suffer in silence, bearing their heavy burdens of
worry, of ailments or concern for their children, family or
friends who surround us yet whom we ignore or do not
see at all as though they are invisible to us!
WE ARE NO LONGER ...doers of the Law... BECAUSE WE
HAVE BECOME SELF-APPOINTED JUDGES, WHO CONDEMN
OURSELVES BY OUR CRUEL, IGNORANT JUDGEMENT OF
OTHERS!
That most significant, Salvific question How can I be
Saved? is no longer heard at all, for it has been
SILENCED BY OUR REJECTION OF THE GOD-GIVEN
COMMANDMENT OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (AGAPE) LOVE OF
GOD AND LOVE OF ALL OUR NEIGHBOURS!
Do we still have Neighbours whom we Love as much as
God Loves us and as much as we Love ourselves?
12 NOVEMBER 2017 15.
Or HAVE WE EXILED OURSELVES FROM THE LORD OUR GOD AND OUR
NEIGHBOURS, BY REJECTING THEM, AVOIDING THEM,
ALIENATING THEM, CASTING THEM ASIDE, IGNORING THEM...
Have we paid attention to our Lord Jesus Christs Sacred
Lesson today, concerning THE GOOD SAMARITAN WHO HAD
THE DIVINE LAW OF LOVE INSCRIBED IN HIS HEART - FOR WHOM
HIS NEIGHBOUR WAS NEITHER A NEIGHBOUR IN SPIRIT, NOR A
NEIGHBOUR BY BLOOD OR LOCATION BUT THOSE WHOM HE MET
ON HIS LIFE JOURNEY THAT PERSON WHO NEEDED HIS HELP
AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AT THAT VERY MOMENT?
HAVE WE CLEARLY HEARD, UNDERSTOOD AND APPLIED TO OURSELVES
OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS DIVINE COMMANDMENT
CONCERNING HIS LAW OF LOVE: Go and do likewise!
We must strive determinedly to FORGET OURSELVES AND OUR
SELFISH EGO so that we can always PUT THE NEEDS OF
OTHERS BEFORE OUR OWN NEEDS OR DESIRES.
THOSE WHOM GOD PUTS BEFORE US, who need our help, our
kindness, our compassion, our care, our mercy no
matter whether material or spiritual, SHOULD BE A
PRIORITY OF OUR DAILY LIFE.
LET US BESEECH THE LORD OUR GOD TO STRENGTHEN AND ENABLE
US TO PUT ASIDE OUR SELFISH AND ARROGANT EGO SO THAT WE
BECOME HIS WORTHY SERVANTS who are Good
Samaritans to all our Neighbours, for that is truly THE
MEASURE OF OUR SPIRITUAL STATE, WELFARE AND PROGRESS!
PRAYER IS THE TEST OF EVERYTHING A CALL TO PRAYER
Sometimes we think that if our Spiritual Life is not
"feeling right," that our Prayers are somehow not
working.
Regardless of how we feel, ANY TIME IS AN APPROPRIATE
TIME FOR US TO PRAY.
WE START FROM WHERE WE ARE, EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
WE APPROACH GOD AS WE ARE - trusting that He is ready,
willing and able to overlook our faults, doubts and
wounds, and that He will lift us above them.
At the same time, WE MUST TAKE CARE NEVER TO ASSUME THAT
WE ARE DOING "GOOD ENOUGH", OR THAT WE CAN EXCUSE
OURSELVES FROM PRAYER.
Our Lord Jesus Christ did not Call us to be merely
"good enough. HE CALLED US TO BECOME PERFECT. (As
Perfect as He created us to be!)
OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE TO ACQUIRE OUR ORIGINAL
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS A LIFE-LONG ENDEAVOUR.
Furthermore, IT IS AN ENDEAVOUR THAT WE CANNOT ACHIEVE
OURSELVES, for WE CAN ONLY ACCOMPLISH IT ACCORDING
TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, BY THE POWER OF GOD
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THROUGH THE DIVINE TRUTH OF
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST SEBASTIAN OF KARAGANDA
We must first root out the evil in ourselves and not in other Those who strictly prosecute the misdemeanours of others
people or things, and learn how to relate properly to
others, as a child who learns by burning or cutting,
the dangers of fire or sharp knife.
ANCIENT PATERIKON:
A Brother asked a Wise Elder: If I see my Brother fall into We must not attempt to benefit those who boast of their
sin, is it good to hide his sin from others? The Elder
replied: When, out of Love, we hide the sins of our
Brethren, then God also hides our sins, but when we
expose our Brethrens sins to others, then God will also
exposes our sins to others.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT:
We must not lose our temper with those who sin. We must
reject the passion of noticing every sin that our
Neighbours commit, and we must not judge them as
we usually do. Every one of us shall account for our
own sins before God. Especially, we must not look with
evil intention upon the sins of those who are older
than us, with whom we have no business, but we must
rather correct ourselves and Repent our own sins!
ST BASIL THE GREAT:
When we see our Neighbours committing sins, we must
think about what good deeds they may have done,
and then we will not be tempted to judge them, for we
may realise that they are not as sinful as us.
ST SILOUAN OF MOUNT ATHOS
When we see the sins of others but do not pity the sinners,
the Grace of God will leave us, for whoever curses
sinners and does not pray for them, will never come to
know the Grace of God.
By fulfilling the Divine Commandment of Love we fulfil our
Life in Christ and thereby acquire Holy Virtue, and,
ultimately, Eternal Life in Gods Kingdom of Love.
As our Beloved Lord Jesus has instructed and
commanded us, we must BE MERCIFUL AND DO GOOD TO
EVERYONE WITHOUT EXCEPTION!
This is OUR SACRED CALLING AND MISSION as Faithful Disciples
of Christ!
We must ALWAYS THINK, SAY AND DO EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY
GOOD AND WORTHY. (Our words, thoughts and deeds will
Judge us on the Eighth Day as we stand before Christ!)
GOOD DEEDS MUST INSTINCTIVELY ARISE FROM OUR HEART AND
SOUL, so that everything we endeavour to achieve is
WORTHY OF GODS NAME, FOR HIS GLORY, HONOUR AND
WORSHIP.
Furthermore, not only must we Love each other and do
good things for one another, but more essential is to
ALSO DO GOOD FOR OUR ENEMIES those who hate us and
who harm or hurt us, for THAT IS THE ULTIMATE
FULFILMENT OF DIVINE LOVE, WHICH BRINGS US ALL CLOSER TO
THE LORD OUR GOD AND GRANTS US ETERNAL SALVATION.
Amen
UNKNOWN AUTHOR
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
CHRIST OUR GOD WHOM WE ENCOUNTER INTIMATELY
THROUGH PRAYER.
In the Divine Liturgy, the Priest tells us to "... lift up our
heart..." and "... give Thanks to our Lord..." which
sums up THE VERY CENTRE OF OUR HUMAN EXISTENCE.
WHEN WE LIFT UP OUR HEART TO GOD, WE GLORIFY AND
WORSHIP HIM FOR ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS ( KNOWN
AND UNKNOWN) AND FOR HIS INFINITE LOVE.
By doing so, THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD OUR CREATOR,
OUR SAVIOUR AND SANCTIFIER OF OUR LIFE, SHINES WITHIN
US, AND THROUGH US INTO THE WORLD AROUND US.
St Theophan the Recluse explained:
"Prayer is the test of everything!
Prayer is also the Source of everything!
Prayer is the driving force of everything!
Prayer is also the Director of everything!
If Prayer is right, everything is right, for Prayer will
not allow anything to go wrong."
FATHER. ANDREW JARMUS
ST NICHOLAS ALBANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
will not receive Condescension for their own errors.
ST MARK THE ASCETIC
It is better to pray with good will for our Neighbours,
rather than to denounce them for every sin.
virtues by rebuking them, for they love to display
themselves, and cannot be lovers of Truth.
Whoever, with Fear of God, corrects and directs sinners,
gains Virtue for themselves by opposing sin, but
whoever insults sinners with rancour and without
good will, falls into the same passion as the sinner,
according to Spiritual Law.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
When we want to direct others towards the good, first put
them at Peace bodily, and honour them with words of
Love, for nothing inclines such people to shame and
induces them to cast off their vices, and be changed
for the better as do material goods and respect, which
they see in us. Then, with Love, we can tell them a
word or two, without being inflamed with anger
towards them, for we must not let them see any cause
of enmity towards us. Love does not lose its temper.
ST MARK THE ASCETIC
Those who seek the forgiveness of their sins loves
Humility, but those who judge others strengthens (and
worsens) their own evil deeds against themselves!

16. 23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 8TH OF ST LUKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN 12 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious
Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one
another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

13 November 2017
St John Chrysostom of Constantinople
Also the Feast of St Antoninos, St Nicephoros, St Germanos & St Manetha of Caesarea, Palestine
St Damascene & St Damianos, Monk-Martyr of Lavra, Mount Athos

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

I tou stomatos Sou, kathaper Pirsos eklampsasa Haris tin The Grace of Thy mouth, which has shone like a Beacon,
ikoumenin Efotisen; afilargirias to kosmo thisavrous has Illumined the Universe; it stored up in the world
enapetheto; to Ipsos imin, tis tapinofrosinis ipedixen. Treasures of the absence of avarice; it showed to us
Alla Sis logis pedevon, Pater Ioanni Hrisostome, the Height of Humility. Therefore, instructing by Thy
Presveve to Logo Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas words, O Father John Chrysostom, Intercede with the
imon. Word, Christ our God, that our souls may be Saved.
FESTAL KONTAKION - ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Ek ton Ouranon edexo tin Thian Harin, ke dia ton Son Thou received Divine Grace from Heaven, and by Thine
hileon, Pantasdidaskis, Proskinin en Triadi ton Ena own lips taught all to worship the One God in Trinity.
Theon, Ioanni Hrisostome, Pammakariste Osie, All-Blessed, Venerable John Chrysostom, deservedly,
epazios evfimoumen Se. Iperhis gar kathigitis, os ta we praise Thee for Thou art a Teacher clearly
Thia Safon. revealing Things Divine
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS ENTRANCE INTO TEMPLE
O katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke The very purest Abode of the Saviour, and the Most
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
sinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with Her, of
Angeli Theou. Afti iparhi, Skini Epouranios. the Holy Spirit. It is for Her Gods Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL JOHN 10 : 1 9
THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEPFOLD
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...

PROKEIMENON- PSALM 48 TONE 1

My mouth shall speak of Wisdom: and the meditation of heart shall be of Understanding.
Hear this, all you people!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 8 : 2
OUR PERFECT, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST
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 daily as those High Priests to offer up 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.
NOT ONLY IS THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, FULFILLED IN CHRIST JESUS.
THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANTS PRIESTLY ORDER ARE AS MELCHIZEDEK WAS WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, SO IS CHRIST
ALSO SUPERIOR. BY VIRTUE OF HIS VIRGIN CONCEPTION AND BIRTH.
The Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with a Covenant that HE IS GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. THEREFORE HIS
IF THE PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN ANY WAY AT ALL, SO IS THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY.
HOLY COVENANT. The Power that is bestowed upon candidates at their
Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ANY Ordination is immensely Strong and Effective.
MEANS FOR THEN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE PERFECT!! THE POWER OF CHRISTS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT because it
Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE OF DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND GUIDES US TOWARDS
DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR THEN OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION regaining our lost Likeness
IT IS NO LONGER THE PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE TRUTH OF to Christ.
ALMIGHTY GOD but a mere shadow or poor imitation
that is misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER 2017 17
 OUR LORD JESUS ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED THE REQUIREMENT OF PERFECT HOLINESS IS MET IN OUR LORD
ONCE ONLY BUT IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity JESUS CHRIST FOR HIS IS TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
throughout the ages. Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A
GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR ONLY MERE HUMAN BEING HE IS GOD-MAN The Eternal, Only
TRUE HIGH PRIEST. Begotten Son of God the Father Who became Man by
Since Christ is Immortal, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF assuming our human Nature.
MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10: 9 16
CHRIST IS THE DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
At that time, our Lord said: I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and will go out,
and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have Life -and more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives
His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf
coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for
he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known
by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. And other
Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be
one Flock - one Shepherd.
...I Am the Door... Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us why OUR SALVATION IS A CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL PROCESS
clearly that ONLY THROUGH HIM, THROUGH THE DIVINE until we draw our final breath.
TRUTH OF HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, CAN WE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF HIS
RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE WITH ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, BELOVED FLOCK, WHICH FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF HIS
JOY AND LOVE. PASSION and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
ONLY BY FULFILLING WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE THE WILL OF FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH THE TEACHINGS AND The ...Other Sheep... of our Lord WERE THE GENTILES
COMMANDMENTS OF GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND THE PAGANS AND NON JUDAIC TRIBES WHO WOULD BE
ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE FOR US BROUGHT TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE
TO HAVE AN EVERLASTING LIFE OF DIVINE BLISS, for which JUDEANS, UNDER ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
Purpose we were created by our Triune God of Love Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS
Who is Love Itself!! ALL ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALMIGHTY GOD, WE It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
ENJOY ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS in this temporary, beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
preparatory lifespan and in Eternity. principle that was affirmed in every generation.
THE DEVIOUS, MOST EVIL THIEF IS SATAN, who always (CANON 8 OF 1 NICEA)
spreads lies and encourages heresies and St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
blasphemy among the People of God both the Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
Old Israel and the New Israel - luring away the Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: Be careful
deceived, ignorant leaders and people. to observe a single Eucharist, for there is ONE Flesh
Life means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth during of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of His Blood
this short, preparatory period before we enter that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as there is
Eternity. ONE Bishop... this is in line with Gods Will!
The more abundant Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: I lay down My Life...
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE AGAPE. which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US i.e. HE OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE
HIS REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP HIS HOLY FLOCK. ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR
HE IS THE DIVINE DOOR THE DIVINE ENTRANCE - INTO HIS ALL SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE. OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE
Christ is THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE all WILL OF GOD THE FATHER.
Divinely Inspired Holy Prophecy concerning our EVERYTHING IS AND MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE WILL
Divine Saviour. OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE
OUR LORD IS THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
OF GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, SO,
HIS HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON Who TOO, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
became Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation. FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN BY THE END OF THE AGES, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE PUT ON CHRIST ALSO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ONE HOLY FLOCK HIS HOLY
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. CHURCH.
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE KNOW He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS AS WELL,
HIS WORD HIS DIVINE TRUTH HIS TEACHINGS AND which are THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS
COMMANDMENTS. Thus we should not be misguided nor DIVINE TRUTH His True Teachings and
deceived by the evil ones lies and deceptions. Commandments AND STRIVE TO FULFIL THEM TO THE BEST
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERED HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR OF THEIR ABILITY.
ETERNAL SALVATION. ...The Wolves... are those who try to divide and
HE WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, MOST conquer the Holy Church with their evil, arrogant lies
PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL TIME, and egocentric schemes.
which makes it no longer necessary for blood ...The Hirelings... are those who are not committed
sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. nor dedicated to their Holy Mission and to their
However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND REPENT Sacred Duties to God.
OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL, which is
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST JUSTIN POPOVICH He has His entire Self for us in His Holy Church, and
We Live in Christ when we live according to His Gospel continually gives Himself to us entirely, so that we
and His Church, for He Himself - and not only His might be enabled to Live in this world as He Lived.
Gospel - is in the Church with all His Perfection and ST SILOUAN OF MOUNT ATHOS
Virtues. The Holy Church of Christ is the Eternally Consider that the Holy Spirit Lives in our Spiritual Fathers,
Living Body of the God-Man Christ. In Her we find the and He will tell us what to do. But if we think that our
medium of the Holy Mysteries. In Her we find the Spiritual Father lives negligently, and that the Holy
means of Holy Good Deeds. Spirit cannot dwell in him, we will suffer mightily for
Our Lord Jesus Christ abides inseparable from the such a thought, and our Lord will humble us, and we
Church in this world. He abides with each member of will straightway fall into Delusion.
the Church throughout all ages.
18. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

16 November 2017
St Matthew Levi, Evangelist of the 12Holy Apostles of Christ
Also the Feast of St Matthew Fulvianos, Hieromartyr of Ethiopia St Sergios of Malopinega,
Novgorod St Hypatios, Bishop & Hieromartyr of Gangra

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST MATTHEW LEVI, HOLY APOSTLE - TONE 3

Apostole Agie ke Evangelista Mathee, Presveve to eleimoni O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Intercede with
Theo, ina ptesmaton afesin, parashi tes psihes imon. our Merciful God that He grant our soul Forgiveness of
offences.
SEASONAL FESTAL KONTAKION - ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
iparhi Skini Epouranios. is the Heavenly Tabernacle.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON SONG OF THE THEOTOKOS TONE 3
Megalini i psihi mou ton Kyrion, ke igalliase to Pnevma My soul magnifies our Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in
moue pi to Theo to Sotiri mou. God my Saviour.
Oti epevlepsenepi tin tapinosin tis doulis aftou. Idou gar, For He has regarded the lowly estate of His Handmaiden,
apo tou nin Makariousi me pase e genee. for behold, henceforth, all generation will call me
Blessed.
FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you
are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and
are naked, and are buffeted, and have no dwelling-place. And we labour, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we Entreat. We are made as the filth of the
world - the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. Although you have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet have you not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you.
I beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
IRONY AND SARCASM ARE BITTER MEDICINE, which St Paul USED THEY ENDURED ALL THEIR HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING FOR THE
ON THIS OCCASION WITH FULL FORCE. PURE JOY OF SERVING OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR THEREBY
The three parallel statements: ... we are fools... weak... RECONCILING THE FALLEN WORLD TO GOD.
dishonoured... were heaped upon each other in a St Paul soothed the pain of his rebuke by reminding the
stinging series. Faithful of HIS SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD to them and to
THE RELATIVE COMFORT OF THE CORINTHIANS CHRISTIAN us..
COMMUNITY WAS CONTRASTED WITH THE PERSECUTED, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SIMILAR TO ANY OTHER FAMILY
POVERTY-STRICKEN AND UNCERTAIN LIFESTYLE OF THE HOLY with maturing children who need parental guidance.
APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE WHO ARE THE MATURING
THE APOSTLES ENDURED ALL KINDS AND DEGREES OF HUMILIATION CHILDREN, NEED OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH AND GUIDE
being treated as filth and even like the off-scourings US.
yet, INSTEAD OF RETALIATING IN A SIMILAR FASHION St Paul urged us as Faithful Disciples of Christ to IMITATE
striking back in a similar manner at their persecutors HIM JUST AS HE CEASELESSLY STROVE TO IMITATE OUR LORD
THE HOLY APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST JESUS CHRIST.
RESPONDED WITH UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE AGAPE!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 9 : 9 13
THE CALLING OF ST MATTHEW LEVI, TAX COLLECTOR
At that time, as our Lord Jesus passed by, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs house, and he said to
him: Follow me. And he arose, and followed Him.
And it came to pass, Jesus sat eating in the house, and behold: many Publicans and sinners went and sat down with
Him and His Disciples. And when the Pharisees beheld them, they said to His Disciples: Why does your Master eat
with Publicans and sinners?When Jesus heard, He said to them: Those who are whole do not need a Physician,
but those who are sick do.
Go, learn what it means: ...I desire Mercy, and not Sacrifice... I have not come to Call the Righteous, but sinners to
Repentance!
MANY PEOPLE EVEN TO THIS DAY HAVE MORE THAN ONE NAME THE TAX COLLECTORS COLLABORATION WITH THE OCCUPYING
and ST MATTHEW WAS ALSO NAMED LEVI. ROMAN FORCES, THEIR FRAUDULENT SCHEMES AND THEIR UTTER
THE ROMAN EMPIRE AUTHORITIES who dominated the Holy CORRUPTION CAUSED THEIR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN TO HATE AND
Land and most of the known world at that time, DESPISE THEM, CONSIDERING THEM AS BEING UNCLEAN AND
ASSIGNED SPECIFIC AREAS TO JUDEAN TAX COLLECTORS who THUS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
were free to collect extra revenues for their own profit, THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES WERE INTENSELY OFFENDED when
which most of them did to the detriment of the they saw our Lord Jesus Christ and His Disciples
impoverished citizens.
. ST MATTHEW LEVI THE HOLY APOSTLE & EVANGELIST 16 NOVEMBER 2017
19.
 dining with THESE DESPICABLE PARIAHS (SOCIAL OUTCASTS)
ONE OF WHOM OUR SAVIOUR HAD CALLED AS HIS APOSTLE.
However, OUR COMPASSIONATE LORDS response was simple:
Like a good, caring Physician, He SEEKS OUT THOSE WHO
ARE SPIRITUALLY SICK, AFFLICTED OR AILING PHYSICALLY - IN
ORDER TO HEAL THEM FROM WHATEVER TROUBLES THEM.
Those who consider themselves to be in good spiritual or
physical health have no need for His Healing and
OUR LORD NEVER FORCES HIMSELF OR HIS BLESSINGS ONTO
ANYONE.
Furthermore, as HE URGED THE PHARISEES TO CONTEMPLATE AND
TO PUT INTO PRACTISE THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD Who most
clearly stated: ... I desire Mercy and not sacrifice...
which was not a rejection of sacrifice as such, but
THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW THE HOLY APOSTLE
When our Lord Jesus Christ said to St Matthew: Follow
me, HE IMMEDIATELY ....arose, and followed Him.
This occurred while St Matthew was ...at the customs
house... yet he immediately ...arose and followed ...
our Divine Saviour.
Why? What would make a man abandon his employment
to follow Someone he may not have known very well?
Our Holy Church Fathers spent many years intensively
studying Holy Scripture and they are able to provide
us with many Divinely Inspired explanations.
The Commentary by ST THEOPHYLACT, (a learned
Byzantine Archbishop of the Bulgarians in the
eleventh and twelfth centuries) on the exegetical
Wisdom of our Holy Fathers tells us: (The fact) ...that
St Matthew is converted by Word alone is the Work of
God. In other words, DIVINE GRACE INSPIRED AND
COMPELLED HIM TO LEAVE HIS EARTHLY WORK, AND FOLLOW
CHRIST.
Furthermore, as OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TOLD THE SELF-
RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES AND SCRIBES WHO HAD PROTESTED
against Him associating with the despised Tax
Collectors and various other sinners :... I have not
come to Call the Righteous, but sinners to
Repentance! He spoke ironically, meaning: I have
not come to Call you who consider yourselves to be
Righteous...
ST MATTHEW LEVI WAS A HUMBLE MAN who did not consider
himself as being Righteous... HIS HUMILITY AND
OBEDIENCE TO GOD, AND HIS BELIEF IN CHRIST HAD PREPARED
HIM FOR OUR LORDS SACRED CALLING.
ST BEDE, who had lived in the eighth century, was a
learned Englishman, a Monk of Northumbria, and
a renowned Historian, having written the history
of the English Church, as well as many Homilies on
the Holy Gospels, taught us that ...we should not
marvel that a Publican, upon first [hearing] our
Lords Voice Calling him, left the earthly gains that
he cared about.
Disregarding his property, he attached himself to the
Faithful Followers of One Whom he perceived to have
no riches. For our Lord Himself, Who outwardly
Called him by a word, taught him inwardly with an
invisible impulse so that he followed [Him].
He poured into his mind the Light of Spiritual Grace, by
which he could understand that the One Who was
Calling him from temporal things on Earth was
capable of granting him Incorruptible Treasures in
Heaven.
 EPHESIANS 5:14 - St Paul had urged the Ephesians: Arise,
you who are asleep, and rise from among the
dead, and Christ will Enlighten you.
This reference to Christ Enlightening us is reminiscent of
another Epistle: The ruler of this world has blinded
the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from
seeing the Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ,
Who is the Likeness of God....
And St Paul also reminded us that OUR LORD GOD ... has
shone in our heart to grant the Light of the
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Christ.
We may be inclined to regard these words in a
metaphorical sense - as St Paul simply using a figure
of speech.
However, ST MATTHEW ACTUALLY BEHELD CHRISTS FACE with
his own two eyes (and FELT HIS DIVINE PRESENCE)
THE GRACE OF GOD THAT ENLIGHTENS, THAT CALLS US to
abandon the things of this world and joyfully follow
Christ our Divine Saviour, IS CLEARLY EVIDENT IN SIMILAR
WAYS THROUGHOUT OUR SACRED HISTORY:
20. ST MATTHEW LEVI THE HOLY APOSTLE & EVANGELIST
rather EMPHASISES WITHOUT ANY QUESTION OR DOUBT THAT
MERCY IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT AND SIGNIFICANT A HIGHER
PRIORITY - THAN SACRIFICES. (HOSEA 6:6)
Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us in so many different
ways that OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT WILL CONCERN EVERY ACT
OF CHARITY AND MERCY TOWARDS OTHERS that we either
fulfilled with a loving, cheerful and willing attitude or
rejected, ignored or refused.
We are categorically instructed by our Lord that WHATEVER
WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS, WILL BE RETURNED TO US A
HUNDREDFOLD, whether good or evil!!
WE TRULY CANNOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY UNLESS WE
OURSELVES ARE MERCIFUL TO OUR FELLOW SINNERS.
OF CHRIST OUR LORD, AND EVANGELIST
 HEBREWS 1:8 ...By Faith Abraham obeyed when he
was Called to go out to a place, which he was to
receive as an Inheritance; and he went out, not
knowing where he was to go.
When ST ANTHONY THE GREAT heard the Words of Christ
our Saviour to the Rich Young Man ...If you
wish to be Perfect, go and sell everything you
possess, and give it to the poor, and come, follow
Me and you will have Treasure in Heaven... HE
IMMEDIATELY OBEYED, and, although The Rich Young
Man did not follow our Lord Jesus Christ, more
than 200 years later, St Anthony certainly did!. (THE
LIFE OF ST ANTHONY THE GREAT BY ST ATHANASIOS THE GREAT &
MATTHEW 19 : 21 2 )
ST AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO provides us with two examples in
his Confessions one example from his friend
Ponticianos, and another example from his own
personal experience.
In a conversation with St Augustine, Ponticianos had
quoted a mutual friend who abandoned a political
career after reading St Anthonys Life: Now have I
broken loose from those our hopes, and am resolved
to serve God; and this, from this hour, in this place, I
begin. If thou likest not to imitate me, oppose not.
Later on, St Augustine wrote of his own Conversion: ... I
had heard of St Anthony - that coming in during the
reading of the Gospel - he received the admonitions,
as if what was being read was spoken to him: . . .
and by such oracle he was forthwith converted unto
Thee.
After his own Encounter with Holy Scripture, he wrote: No
further would I read; nor needed I: for instantly at the
end of this sentence, by a Light as it were of Serenity
infused into my heart, all the Darkness of doubt
vanished away.
Notice the reference to ...a Light... being ...infused into
St Augustines heart.
Again, this may sound like merely a metaphor, but St
Augustine reminds us of the ILLUMINATION mentioned
by St Paul and St Bede as A COMPONENT OF CONVERSION,
which IS THE GRACE of illumination THAT INSPIRES AND
ENABLES US - what our Holy Fathers refer to as
xeniteia - i.e. being a stranger, or exile.
ST JOHN KLIMAKOS OF MOUNT SINAI in the seventh
century, wrote about this exile: ...Exile means
that we leave forever everything in our own
country that prevents us from reaching the Goal
of Piety.
Exile means modest manners, Wisdom that remains
unknown, Prudence not recognized as such by most,
a Hidden Life, an Invisible Intention, Unseen
Meditation, desire for Humiliation, longing for
Hardship, constant Determination to Love God,
Abundance of Love, Renunciation of Vainglory,
depth of Silence...
ST MATTHEW also lived this Sacred Exile. Although Holy
Scripture does not record the Life of the Holy
Apostles, we know that he went to Ethiopia, and
WHEN SOLDIERS TRIED TO ARREST HIM, THEY WERE BLINDED
BY A LIGHT THAT SHONE FROM HIS FACE, just like St
Moses after he descended Mount Sinai, WHICH HE
HAD CARRIED WITHIN HIS HEART SINCE HE FIRST FOLLOWED
CHRIST. It had become so bright that CHRISTS LIGHT
SHONE FROM HIS FACE as well.
DEACON AARON TAYLOR RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
HTTP://LOGISMOITOUAARON.BLOGSPOT.COM
16 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all
the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.

Tone (7) Varys/Grave 19 November 2017

th th
24 Sunday After Pentecost 9 Sunday of St Luke
The Rich Man & his barns
The Feast of St Obadiah the Holy Prophet of God St Barlaam of Caesarea, Cappadocia St Barlaam, Abbot of Kiev
Near Caves Monastery St Adrian, Monk-martyr of Yaroslavl St Azes & 150 Faithful Soldiers of Isauria St
Heliodoros of Pamphylia St Hilarion the Georgian Monk & Wonderworker of Thessalonikia St Philaret (Drozdov)
Metropolitan of Moscow The Holy Icon of our Lady, Theotokos the Joy of all who sorrow

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 - MARK 16 : 1-8

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION - TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

Katelisas to Stavro Sou ton Thanaton. Ineoxas to listi ton By Thy Cross Thou destroyed Death; Thou opened
Paradison. Ton Miroforon ton thrinon metevales ke tis Paradise to the Thief; Thou changed the funeral wail
sis Apostolis kirittin epetaxas, oti Anestis, Hriste O of the Myrrh-bearing Women, and Commanded them
Theos, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos. to announce to Thine Apostles that Thou had Risen
from the dead, O Christ our God, Who bestows upon
the world Great Mercy.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ENTRY OF EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i Politimitos pastas ke The very purest Abode of our Saviour, and the Most
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin Sinisagousa, Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin Angeli Theou. Afti House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with Her, of
iparhi, Skini Epouranios the Holy Spirit. It is for Her Gods Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 28/29 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Lord grants Strength to His People; the Lord Blesses His People with Peace.
Bring to the Lord, O Sons of God, bring the Lord, the sons of rams; bring to the Lord Glory and Honour!

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 2 : 14 22

WE ARE UNIFIED IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Brethren, our Lord Jesus Christ is our Peace, having made both One. He has broken down the Middle Wall of
Separation by abolishing in His Flesh the enmity the Law of Commandments contained in Ordinances - so as to
create in Himself one New Man from the two, making Peace, and Reconciling them both to God in One Body
through the Cross, putting to death the enmity. And He came to preach Peace to us who were afar off, and to those
who were near. For through Him we have access by One Spirit to the Father.
Therefore, we are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow Citizens, with the Saints and Members of the House of
God, having built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. The Chief Cornerstone is Himself, Jesus Christ, in
Whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a Holy Temple of our Lord, in Whom we also are being
built together for a Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit.
THE BROKENNESS OF MANKIND WAS TWOFOLD, for we were As we are all Children of God, WE CAN NO LONGER REGARD
SEPARATED OR ALIENATED FROM EACH OTHEr Gentile from EACH OTHER AS STRANGERS OR FOREIGNERS BUT AS
Judean and we were ALIENATED FROM GOD DUE TO OUR BRETHREN IN CHRIST i.e. BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST,
UNREPENTED SINS. Who Unifies us as HIS ONE HOLY FAMILY, WHO ARE THE
OUR HEALING IS THEREFORE ALSO TWOFOLD, for OUR LORD JESUS RIGHTFUL, WORTHY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF GOD.
CHRIST CREATES A UNIFIED HUMANITY IN HIS HOLY CHURCH, Our New Covenant with Almighty God is ...built on
and HE RAISES US THE UNIFIED HUMANITY TO GOD TO HIS the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets...
ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM. THE ANCIENT PROPHETS OF GOD PREPARED MANKIND FOR THE
In other words: ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD THE COMING OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, the Eternal,
FATHER, WE ARE RENEWED, REGENERATED AND UPLIFTED BY Only Begotten Word and Son of God the Father, Who
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF fulfilled all their Prophecies, thus CONFIRMING HIS TRUE
BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION, followed by a life-long DIVINE IDENTITY AND MISSION ON EARTH.
commitment to God by living a LIFE IN CHRIST, WHOM WE THE HOLY APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAD RECEIVED
PUT ON at our Holy Baptism. DIVINE AUTHORITY to
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION SEALS US WITH THE DIVINE
GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO ENLIGHTENS US AND WHO  MATTHEW 28 : 16 20
GRANTS US DIVINE GRACE THAT ENABLES US TO FULFIL ALL OUR
1. ...make Disciples of all Nations,
SACRED COMMITMENTS TO GOD AND OUR FELLOW MANKIND BY 2. Baptising them in the Name of the Father, and
LABOURS OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
When we are Baptised, WE BECOME THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF 3. Teaching them to observe all things that I
GOD AND CO-HEIRS WITH THE SON OF GOD, OUR LORD JESUS have commanded ...
CHRIST, TO THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY OUR HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ACCORDING TO THE APOSTOLIC
FATHER. SUCCESSION.

24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 9TH OF ST LUKE FOOLISH RICH MAN & BARNS 19 OCTOBER 2017 21.
 This means that the Holy Priesthood of the Eastern
Orthodox Church of Christ can trace AN UNBROKEN
LINE OF HOLY SUCCESSION ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE HOLY
APOSTLES who had been TAUGHT BY OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST HIMSELF and been EMPOWERED AND FULLY
ENLIGHTENED IN ALL HOLY MYSTERIES AND DIVINE TRUTH BY
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, Who continues to Guide, Enlighten
and Empower us so that WE REMAIN TRUE DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST IN WHOM WE LIVE ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH
ALL HIS TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
OUR ONLY ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS
CHRIST, Who is the most vital Cornerstone Divine
Foundation of His One Holy Church.
Consequently, AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST LIVE
EVERY MOMENT OF THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH IN ORDER TO BECOME
WORTHY CITIZENS OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
WE MUST STRIVE TO THINK, TO SPEAK AND TO ACT ACCORDING
TO GODS DIVINE WILL.
WE WERE CREATED AS INTELLECTUAL BEINGS WITH AN IMMORTAL
SOUL so that we may always be in the very Presence of
God, as He intended us to be.
However, ANCESTRAL SIN HAS WEAKENED OUR IMMORTAL SOUL,
WHICH IS DOMINATED BY THE DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ narrated this Parable: The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully. And
he thought to himself: What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops? He said: I will do this: I will pull
down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul:
Soul: you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease. Eat, drink and be merry.
God said to him: Fool! This night your soul will be required of you. Whose then will those things be, which you
have provided?
So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God!
Having said these things, He cried out: Those who have ears to hear, let them hear!
This Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ is a most serious
Lesson to every one of us especially in these days
of selfish, egocentric materialism.
1. First of all THE LORD ADDRESSES THE RICH MAN AS FOOL!
a derogatory term that is discouraged, if not
forbidden, in Christs Holy Church of Agape.
We cannot refer to any of our fellow sinners as fool,
which is a form of our unworthy criticism and unjust
judgement that we are urged and cautioned
against.
2. Secondly the big question of all ...whose will those
thing be which you have provided? is THE KEY
TO UNDERSTANDING THE SAVING UP OR HOARDING OF
MATERIAL GOODS.

MATERIAL GOODS ARE ONLY USEFUL IN THIS LIFE BUT HAVE
NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT FOR OUR SALVATION AND ETERNAL
LIFE, UNLESS WE USE THEM CORRECTLY SHARING OUR
BLESSED ABUNDANCE with those who are less
fortunate than us doing so FOR THE LOVE AND GLORY
OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM believed that THE ONLY BARNS WE
NEED, we already have, which ARE ... THE STOMACHS OF
THE POOR.
ST BASIL THE GREAT taught us that THE BREAD THAT IS STORED
IN OUR PANTRIES BELONGS TO THE HUNGRY; THE UNUSED COAT
(AND CLOTHING) BELONGS TO THOSE WHO ARE NAKED AND
COLD; THE SHOES LYING MOULDY AND UNWORN BELONG TO
THOSE WHO ARE BAREFOOTED; AND THE MONEY THAT WE SO
GREEDILY COLLECT AND HOARD, BELONGS TO THE POOR AND
DESTITUTE.
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 9TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE FOOLISH RICH MAN & BARNS
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved: LIFE IS A GIFT OF GOD.
No amount of possessions, however abundant, can make
it greater or give it security.
The notion that life consists of possessions, of having (the
constant requirement of more), is cut in this periscope
(a passage or section of Scripture) by the understanding
that LIFE CANNOT BE SECURED BY POSSESSIONS, that
EXISTENCE IS A GIFT OUTSIDE HUMAN CONTROL.
MANKIND HAS AN ETERNAL DESTINY. (LUKE 12:31-32).
22. 2 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 9 T H OF
Therefore, WE MUST LEARN TO STRENGTHEN OUR IMMORTAL SOUL
SO THAT IT CAN CONTROL OF OUR FLESH, FOR WE ARE SPIRITUAL
BEINGS, SIMILAR TO THE HEAVENLY ANGELS OF GOD.
THE ONLY WAY TO ACQUIRE THIS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH IS BY
FAITHFULLY FULFILLING EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST HAS TAUGHT US TO DO.
HE HAS PROVIDED US WITH EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE to live an
Angelic Life even while enduring the Struggles of
earthly existence.
Each of us has been granted a specific amount of time in
which to RENEW AND RESTORE OUR CREATED, HOLY IMAGE
AND LIKENESS, so we cannot waste it!
Our Life in Christ should not be too difficult to fulful when
we simply FOLLOW THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH HE
LAYS OUT BEFORE US.
The Middle Wall of Separation is also a reference
to A BARRIER AT THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM, which
separated the Court of Gentiles from the Court of
Judeans.
THAT SEPARATING BARRIER MANIFESTED (REVEALED) THE
LIMITATIONS OF THE OLD COVENANT, FOR IT NEITHER HEALED
MANKINDS SELF-ALIENATION NOR DECREASED THE HOSTILITY
TOWARDS EACH OTHER ACCORDING TO PREJUDICE AND SELF-
RIGHTEOUSNESS.
TO ST LUKE 12 : 16 21
THE RICH FOOL & HIS BARNS
ST AMBROSE cautioned us: ... the things that we cannot
take with us are not ours. Only Virtue will be our
Companion when we Repose...
When in ancient times, JOSEPH STORED UP GRAIN IN EGYPT, it
was strictly FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE NATION
DURING LEAN TIMES OR FAMINE.
WHATEVER WE THINK WE POSSESS, IN TRUTH, IS LENT TO US BY
ALMIGHTY GOD WHO PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING WE
REALLY NEED AND OFTEN, ALSO GRANTS US AN ABUNDANCE,
WHICH IS A DIVINE TEST TO SEE WHAT WE DO WITH IT!
In the Holy Mystery of Matrimony, ONE OF THE PRAYERS FOR
THE NEWLY BETROTHED COUPLE BESEECHES GOD TO GRANT
THEM AN ABUNDANCE SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO SHARE AND
DISTRIBUTE IT amongst those less Blessed than them.
Christ our Saviour has made it absolutely clear that
WHATEVER WE DO FOR OTHERS AS ACTS OF (UNCONDITIONAL)
LOVE/CHARITY GOD WILL BLESS US A HUNDRED TIMES MORE,
which is proved over and over again.

OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH
GOD AND WITH OUR FELLOW SINNERS OUR NEIGHBOURS.
Whatever we do to or for others will be returned to us a
hundredfold whether it is good or evil!!

Consequently, OUR PERSONAL WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS
DETERMINE OUR FUTURE ETERNITY Eternal Life with all
Divine Bliss and Blessings or Eternal Death with
permanent, irrevocable Alienation from God and all
His Goodness an Eternal Spiritual Death in Outer
Darkness or the Abyss, which terrifies even the
demons!!
THE CHOICE IS FREELY OURS TO MAKE! Hence the cautionary
Words of Divine Wisdom from our Lord Jesus Christ:
Those who have ears to hear, let them hear!!
THIS TEMPORARY EXISTENCE IS NOT OUR ONLY ONE therefore
what WE DO NOW HAS CONSEQUENCES FOR OUR FUTURE,
ETERNAL LIFE. (LUKE 12:20).
This pericope concerns the account of the Rich Fool.
who was wealthy because he had many crops, but he
was a fool because HE THOUGHT THEY SECURED HIS LIFE
...for many years to come. (LUKE 12: 19).
WHEN HIS LIFE ENDED, HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS WERE SCATTERED
AND OF NO USE AT ALL TO HIM!
The point is not simply that WE SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT
FOOD AND CLOTHING but that WE SHOULD - far more
radically - ...sell what (we) have and give alms...
ST LUKE FOOLISH RICH MAN & BARNS 19 OCTOBER 2017
 TO THE POOR AND NEEDY or AT THE VERY LEAST SHARE OUR
ABUNDANT BLESSINGS WITH OTHERS. (LUKE 12: 22 & 33).
This contrast between life as existence and life as
possessions is made clear when our Lord Jesus Christ
said: ...whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and
whoever loses his life will preserve it. (LUKE 17:33).\
What our Lord means is that a drenched person is not
afraid of the rain and a slain person is not afraid of
any threat.
THROUGH LOSS WE REACH GAIN, and BY HATRED OF OURSELVES
AND POSSESSIONS, WE ARRIVE AT TRUE LOVE.
We have a hidden dynamism, like a seed.
If we do not die in fertile land, we will remain dead and
alone.
But, like good seed, IF WE DIE IN FERTILE CONDITIONS, WE WILL
BEAR ABUNDANT SPIRITUAL FRUIT.
WEALTH WITH RESPECT TO GOD HAS TWO MEANINGS: FAITH AND
WORKS.
The first Spiritual Wealth is our RESPONSE OF FAITH HAVING A
LIFE OF CLOSE COMMUNION WITH GOD (cf. LUKE 12:37)
The second Spiritual Wealth is the DISPOSITION OF
POSSESSIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR FAITH, which
means SHARING OUR POSSESSIONS WITH OTHERS rather than
accumulating them for ourselves. (LUKE 12:21)
Whoever worships, parades, and incenses themselves,
drowns themselves.
However IF WE GIVE EVERYTHING SO THAT OUR BRETHREN FIND
REST, COMFORT AND PEACE, THEN WE HAVE ALREADY ENTERED
INTO ETERNAL LIFE.
WHEN WE LIVE FOR OUR NEIGHBOURS, WE ARE ABLE TO SEE
OURSELVES IN THEM.
As Faithful Disciples of Christ we must treat everyone as
we, ourselves, hope to be treated - as we would treat
Christ Himself!. (CF. LUKE 10:25-28)
Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Saints have such
unconditional Love for all mankind, which is why they
have the Strength that defeats Death itself!
AS GOD CREATED US TO DO, WE MUST ALWAYS RESPECT OTHERS AS
MUCH AS WE RESPECT OURSELVES AND THOSE WHOM WE LOVE.
EVERY PERSON, whether the most humble and poor, or the
most wealthy and important, SHOULD BE TREATED WITH
EQUAL, UNCONDITIONAL KINDNESS, CONSIDERATION AND
RESPECT THAT SHOWS HOW MUCH WE VALUE EACH OTHER.
THE HEAVENLY HOSTS AND ALL THE SAINTS REJOICE WHEN
mankind feels valued, respected and WE ALL LIVE IN
PEACE AND HARMONY.
But this does not occur when we want to assert ourselves,
or when we are selfish, greedy or violent because
WHATEVER WE DO, WE AFFECT OTHER PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD -
EVEN THOSE WHOM WE DO NOT KNOW!
We must Struggle to improve ourselves working from within
ourselves because every one of us has a positive or
negative effect on our Neighbours, far and wide.
It is like throwing a stone into a huge pond. The ripples spread
out and we never know what affect they will have on
everything that comes into contact with the water of that
pond!
That is why every thought, every word and every deed will be
our personal Judgement for or against our immortal soul
on the Awesome Eighth Day of our Final Judgement.
 1 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 2 : 1 2 ...For as the body is one
and has many members, yet all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body, so
also is Christ...
 E P H E S I A N S 4 : 4 - (Our Life in Christ consists of ) ...One
Body and One ( Holy) Spirit
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS EIGHT
OUR BELOVED SPIRITUAL FATHER, ST PAISIOS, OFFERED THE
FOLLOWING EIGHT STEPS TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
1. We must take care of THE PURIFICATION OF OUR SOUL ON A
DAILY BASIS.
2. We must ACQUIRE DIVINE JUSTICE and not logic, for only
then the Grace of our Christ will come to us.
3. Before we do anything, we must first consider what our
Lord Jesus Christ wants us to do - then, act
accordingly.
4. We must ALWAYS PRACTISE PERFECT OBEDIENCE, so that we
are able to later TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT THE VIRTUE OF
OBEDIENCE.
5. The no we say to people must be no, and the yes
must be yes. We must NEVER PRETEND, (never be
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 9TH OF ST LUKE FOOLISH RICH MAN &
Consequently, we must TRY TO IMITATE THE HOLY SAINTS
especially their profound Humility and Obedience.
While they lived in our midst, THEY LIVED QUIETLY AND
UNOBTRUSIVELY, SHARING WHAT LITTLE THEY HAD WITH
EVERYONE AND IN PERFECT HARMONY WITH THEIR NEIGHBOURS
AND EVEN WITH NATURE.
They lived as though they were already invisible -
WITHOUT TAKING ANYTHING FROM OTHERS, BEING TOTALLY
DEPENDENT ON THEIR OWN LABOURS AND THE DIVINE
PROVIDENCE OF OUR LORD GOD.
They continue to be with us LOVINGLY WATCHING OVER US,
GUIDING AND TEACHING US, AND CEASELESSLY INTERCEDING
WITH OUR LORD GOD FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
A Saintly Mode of Life is that of voluntarily dying and self-
sacrifice, due to their UNCONDITIONAL, PURE LOVE (AGAPE)
FOR OTHERS - i.e. for all humanity from the smallest
and least significant to those who are most prominent
- and especially due to THEIR ALL CONSUMING LOVE OF
THE LORD OUR GOD.
The fallen world tries to convince us that this life is so frail
and uncertain, that it is necessary to have as much
wealth and material possessions as we can get in
order to make our life more secure!
However, the Truth is that NO AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL OR
MATERIAL WEALTH CAN KEEP US SAFE AND SECURE FROM
POVERTY, WARFARE, DISEASE OR DEATH ITSELF!
All worldly possessions are frailer and far less trustworthy
than life itself!
Our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Eternal Word and Son of
God, Who is our Creator, Divine Teacher and Saviour,
has told us with absolute Truth and clarity, that THIS
LIFE IS MERELY A SHORT, PREPARATORY PERIOD, BEFORE
ETERNITY!!
EVERYTHING WE THINK, SAY AND DO NOW, WILL IMPACT OUR
ETERNAL EXISTENCE.
When we UNDERSTAND THE TRUE MEANING OF THIS TEMPORARY
EXISTENCE, we will NO LONGER FEAR DEATH, NOR ANY OTHER
INVENTIONS OF THE EVIL ONE.
This life is A DIVINE GIFT FROM OUR LORD GOD Who wants us to
improve ourselves TO REGAIN EVERY GOODNESS THAT WE
LOST when our First Ancestors fell from Divine Grace
through their disobedience to God.
EACH OF US HAS A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF TIME TO SPIRITUALLY
LABOUR AND STRIVE TO REGAIN OUR CREATED SPIRITUAL STATE
so that we are worthy Children, Heirs and Citizens of
our Heavenly Fathers Eternal Kingdom of Love.
WHEN WE FAITHFULLY, HUMBLY AND OBEDIENTLY FOLLOW THE
PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS that our Divine Saviour has
shown us by applying all His Divine Truth to our own
existence, WE WILL KNOW THE TRUE MEANING OF LIFE.
We will not longer live in fear, nor greedily grab and hold
on to everything for our own selfish use, trying to store
it all for the security of our future.
BY SHARING ALL OUR BLESSINGS THAT ARE BESTOWED ON US BY GOD,
WE WILL EXPERIENCE THE SIMPLY BUT FULFILLING JOYS OF LIFE
AND LOVE.
LIFE IN CHRIST GRANTS US GREAT SPIRITUAL FREEDOM AND DIVINE
LOVE that actually grants us Future Security for it
grants us ETERNAL LIFE WITH INFINITE, PRICELESS HEAVENLY
TREASURE THAT IS FAR BEYOND OUR IMAGINATION OR
EXPECTATION!
Amen.
(EDITED BY MP)
AUTHOR UNKNOWN - ANTIDOTE FOR GREED AND ANXIETY
HTTP://MODEOFLIFE.ORG
STEPS TOWARDS SPIRITUAL GROWTH
false) but say whatever we think, even if it hurts the
other person. We must SPEAK IN A GOOD MANNER,
however, and also GIVE SOME EXPLANATION.
6. We must HAVE AND MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL DIGNITY. We must
always pay attention to what pleases our fellow
Disciples of Christ, and NOT TO WHAT PLEASES
OURSELVES.
7. EVERY DAY, we must READ A SECTION FROM THE NEW
TESTAMENT for the Purification of our soul.
8. WE MUST NOT LOOK AT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DO, NOR EXAMINE
HOW, AND WHY THEY DO IT. Our own Goal is THE
PURIFICATION OF OUR SOUL AND THE PERFECT SUBMISSION
OF OUR MIND TO DIVINE GRACE. So we must do
everything for the sake of our Sacred Goal. PRAY,
BARNS 19 OCTOBER 2017 23.
 STUDY, HUMBLY SAY THE JESUS PRAYER, BEING AWARE THAT
WE ABSOLUTELY NEED GODS MERCY. In other words, we
must PAY ATTENTION TO OUR SPIRITUAL WORK.
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE ON WHY ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY SHOULD NOT CHANGE WITH THE TIMES
One of our great Holy Fathers, St Theophan the Recluse, wrote the following to one of his Spiritual Children. Sadly, this applies to many
of our fellow Christians. (This is split into sections, due to necessity.) mp
PART 1
...It has reached my ears that YOU SEEM TO CONSIDER MY
SERMONS TO BE VERY STRICT and suppose that nowadays
no one should think like that, no one should live like
that and, therefore, no one should teach like that
because Times have changed!
How I rejoiced, having heard this. It means that you listen
attentively to what I say and not only listen, but are
prepared to fulfill it.
What more could be desired by US WHO PREACH AS WE WERE
COMMANDED, and WHAT WE WERE COMMANDED BY OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST?
Despite all this, I can in no way agree with your
judgment, and I CONSIDER IT MY DUTY TO COMMENT ON IT
AND CORRECT IT. For IT PROCEEDS although perhaps in
spite of your desire and conviction FROM AN EVIL
SOURCE, as though Christianity could be changeable
in its Dogmas, Rules and Sanctifying Rites in response
to the spirit of the times, and that, conforming to the
changing tastes of this age, it could add something or
take something away.
This is not so.
CHRISTIANITY SHOULD REMAIN ETERNALLY UNCHANGING, not
in the least dependent on or governed by the spirit of
the times.
On the contrary, CHRISTIANITY ITSELF IS APPOINTED TO GOVERN
OR TO RULE over the spirit of the age IN THOSE WHO FREELY
SUBMIT THEMSELVES TO ITS GUIDANCE AND PERFECT TRUTH.
To convince you of this, I will offer you a few thoughts for
your consideration.
It is said that my Teaching is strict.
MY TEACHING IS NOT MY OWN, NOR SHOULD IT BE.
FROM THIS HALLOWED PLACE (in the Holy Orthodox Church of
Christ) NO ONE SHOULD OR MAY PREACH HIS OWN DOCTRINE.
If I or anyone else should ever dare to do so, CAST US OUT!!
WE MUST ONLY PREACH THE DOCTRINE OF OUR LORD AND
GOD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, OF HIS HOLY APOSTLES, AND
OF HIS HOLY CHURCH GUIDED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
And WE MUST ALWAYS TAKE CARE IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY THAT THIS
DOCTRINE BE PRESERVED WHOLE AND INVIOLATE IN OUR MINDS
AND HEARTS.
We PRESENT EVERY THOUGHT AND USE EVERY WORD WITH CAUTION,
so as in no way to cast a shadow over this Bright
Divine Teaching, for WE CANNOT ACT IN ANY OTHER WAY.
Such a Law - that PREACHING IN THE CHURCH MUST BE FROM
GOD - was ESTABLISHED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD
AND MUST BE IN FORCE UNTIL THE END THEREOF.
The Holy Prophet of God, Moses, having set forth
Commandments from God Himself for the Israelite
people, concluded:
 D E U T E R O N O M Y 4 : 2 - ...you shall not add to the Word
that I command you, neither shall you take from
it. Keep the Commandments of the Lord our God
- all that I command you this day.
This Law of immutability is so UNALTERABLE that our Lord
and Saviour Himself, while teaching the people on the
mount, said:
 M A T T H E W 5 : 1 7 1 8 - ...Think not that I Am come to
destroy the Law or the Prophets: I Am not come to
destroy, but to fulfill. For, Truly, I say unto you,
until Heaven and Earth pass, not one jot nor one
tittle shall in any way pass from the Law, until
everything is fulfilled.
Our Lord Jesus Christ bestowed the same Authority to His
own Teaching, when - before interpreting the
Commandments in the spirit of the Gospel - He added:
 M A T T H E W 5 : 1 9 - ...Whosoever therefore shall break
one of the least of these Commandments and
shall teach others so, he shall be called the
least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In other words, our Divine Saviour warned us that
whoever falsely interprets His Divine Commandments
24. 2 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 9 T H OF ST LUKE FOOLISH RICH MAN &
This is advice we can all benefit from.
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
and Teachings, and diminishes their Sacred
Authority, will be an outcast in the Life to come.
So, said He at the beginning of His preaching.
Our Lord Jesus Christ testified the same to St John the
Theologian, Beholder of Divine Mysteries, in His
Revelation, where, HAVING DEPICTED THE FINAL FATE OF THE
WORLD AND OF HIS HOLY CHURCH, HE SAID:
 R E V E L A T I O N 2 2 : 1 8 - 1 9 - ...For I testify unto every
man who hears the Words of the Prophecy of this
Book - if any man shall add unto these things,
God shall add unto him the plagues that are
written in this Book, and if anyone shall take
away from the Words of this Book of this
Prophecy, God shall take away his portion out of
the Book of Life and out of the Holy City!
For the whole of period from His First Appearance to the
world until His Second Coming/Appearance, our
Divine Saviour gave His Holy Apostles and their
ordained Successors this Divine Law:
 M A T T H E W 2 8 : 1 6 2 0 ...make Disciples of all the
Nations, Baptising them in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you...
He clearly commanded His Apostles and their successors
to teach us ...to observe all things that I have
commanded you... - that is, not what someone else
might think, but EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD HAS
COMMANDED AND TAUGHT and to do so until the end of
this world, for, as He said: ... and behold! I Am with
you always, even to the end of the age.
The Apostles received this Divine Law and laid down their
lives to fulfill it. To those who tried to forcethem by
fear of punishment and death not to preach the
Divine Truth of Christ, they responded:
 A C T S 4 : 1 9 - 2 0 - If IT IS RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD TO
hearken unto you more than unto God, you be the
judge. For we cannot but SPEAK THE THINGS THAT WE
HAVE SEEN AND HEARD.
THIS VERY LAW WAS HANDED DOWN BY THE HOLY APOSTLES OF
CHRIST TO THEIR SUCCESSORS, and was faithfully received
by them, AND IS FOREVER IN EFFECT IN THE ONE, HOLY
CHURCH OF GOD, THE PILLAR AND FOUNDATION OF DIVINE
TRUTH.
Behold, that INVIOLATE STEADFASTNESS!
Who will be so bold as to wilfully touch or to shake
anything in Christian Doctrine and Law?
After having been in Prayerful Rapture, the Holy Prophet
Ezekiel ...at the end of seven days... HEARD THE WORD
OF THE LORD:
 EZEKIEL 3 :17 -18 - ...Son of man, I have made thee a
Watchman for the House of Israel, and thou shalt
hear the Word from My Mouth... and proclaim it
to the people. ... When I say to the lawless: you
shall surely die! and you do not give them an
explicit warning, nor speak to warn the lawless,
and they do not turn from their ways so they
might live, they shalt die in their
unrighteousness; but their blood I will require at
your hand. But if you warn the lawless and they
do not turn from their lawlessness... you have
Delivered your soul.
What A STRICT DIVINE LAW!
Yet IT IS HEARD AND OBEYED in the conscience of all Spiritual
Shepherds at their Election and Ordination, when a
heavy Yoke is laid upon them ACCORDING TO WHICH THEY
MUST PROPERLY SHEPHERD THE HOLY FLOCK OF CHRIST WHO
ARE ENTRUSTED TO THEM - AND ALSO PRESERVE DIVINE TRUTH.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXPATH.ORG
BARNS 19 OCTOBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

21 November 2017

Entry into the Temple of the Ever Virgin, All Holy Mary

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ENTRANCE OF VIRGIN MARY TONE 4

Simeron tis Evdokias Theou to proimion, ke tis ton Today is the prelude of Gods Good Pleasure, and the
anthropon Sotirias i prokirixis. En Nao tou Theou tranos i Proclamation of Humanitys Salvation. In the Temple
Parthenos diknite, ke ton Hriston tis pasi prokatangellete. of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in Herself
Afti ke imis megalofonos voisomen. Here! Tis Ikonomias She announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a
tou Ktistou i Ekplirosis! Great Voice cry aloud to Her: Rejoice! O Thou who
art the Fulfilment of the Creators Dispensation!
FESTAL KONTAKION ENTRY INTO TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS, VIRGIN MARY
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke The Saviours Most Pure and Immaculate Temple, the very
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Precious Bridal Chamber and Virgin, who is the Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Oiko Kyriou, tin Harin Treasure of the Glory of God, on this day is introduced
sinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati Thio. In animnousin into the House of the Lord, and with herself she brings
Angeli Theou. Afti iparhi Skini Epouranios. the Grace in the Divine Spirit. She is extolled by the
Angels of God. A Heavenly Tabernacle is she.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 1: 39-49 & 56
TH E VISITATION
At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of
Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leapt
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she spoke out with a loud voice, saying: Blessed art
Thou among women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my
Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of Thy Greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leapt
with Joy in my womb. And Blessed is She Who believed, for there will be a Fulfilment of those Things that were
told Her from the Lord!
And Mary said: My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour! For He has regarded the
lowly state of His Maidservant. For behold! Henceforth all generations will call me Blessed. For He Who is
Mighty has done great things form me, and Holy is His Name...
... And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARYS FAITHFUL RESPONSE TO THE And in the last days before the Coming of Christ, GOD ALSO
ANNUNCIATION OF ARCHANGEL GABRIEL WAS THE HIGHEST SILENCED ST ZACHARIAH, THE HIGH PRIEST.
DEGREE OF HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
WITH THESE THREE SIGNIFICANT ROLES BEING VACANT,

THE INCARNATION OF GOD THE SON IS NOT ONLY THE DIVINE ILLEGITIMATE AND SILENT, ALL WAS READY FOR THE SON OF
WORK OF ALMIGHTY GOD, BUT IT ALSO INVOLVED THE FREE GOD TO BE REVEALED AS OUR DIVINE AND ETERNAL
AND WILLING RESPONSE OF MANKIND IN THE HOLY AND PROPHET, KING AND HIGH PRIEST.
DEVOUT PERSON OF ST MARY THE EVER BLESSED, ALL COMPELLED BY HER WONDER AND GREAT JOY AT HER DIVINE
HOLY THEOTOKOS. CONCEPTION, OUR LADY THEOTOKOS WENT TO HER BELOVED
Although Eve had once disobeyed the Lord our God, THE AUNT, ST ELIZABETH, the sister of her late mother, St
EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY INSTANTLY AND VOLUNTARILY Anna.
OBEYED HIS DIVINE WILL WHICH SHE HAS ALWAYS DONE, AT THE SOUND OF HER GREETING, THE BLESSED ST JOHN - as a
SINCE HER VERY EARLY CHILDHOOD. tiny six month baby still developing in the womb of his
And although Eve - through her wilful disobedience by mother - PROPHESIED THE DIVINE PRESENCE OF GOD
breaking the one Divine Commandment - had INCARNATE BY LEAPING FOR JOY.
alienated and distanced herself from God exile and BECAUSE ST JOHN IS GODS HOLY PROPHET, HIS RECOGNITION OF
alienation caused by sin OUR EVER BLESSED LADY CHRIST WHILE THEY WERE STILL BOTH IN THE WOMBS OF THEIR
OPENED HER HEART AND SOUL UP TO GOD AND DREW EVER RESPECTIVE MOTHERS, FULFILLED ST JEREMIAHS HOLY
CLOSER TO HIM BY HER HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO HIS DIVINE PROPHESY:
WILL IN ALL MATTERS.  Before I formed Thee in the womb, I knew Thee.
(JEREMIAH 1:5)
SHE WAS EVER WATCHFUL AND RESISTED TEMPTATION, PREFERRING
TO REMAIN IN HIS DIVINE GRACE.
THE ALL HOLY EVER VIRGIN THEOTOKOS RECEIVES VENERATION
As St Theophilact of Bulgaria put it, Her response to God FROM THE HEAVENLY HOSTS AS WELL AS ALL HUMANITY.
was always as though she said: I am a (writing) And just as St Gabriel, the Holy Archangel of God, had
tablet; let the Writer inscribe whatever He desires on done, SO NOW TOO, ST ELIZABETH DECLARED HER YOUNG
me. NIECE TO BE BLESSED AMONG WOMEN.
In other words, HER ATTITUDE TO GOD WAS ALWAYS: Let it be Our Panagia Mary is confessed as the Mother of my
according to Thy Will and not my will, O Lord! Lord by St Elizabeth and HER SPONTANEOUS, SINCERE

AS SOON AS CHRIST BECAME INCARNATE, HOLY PROPHECY
CONFESSION and others like it in our Holy Church such
as Theotokos or Mother/Bearer of God CONFIRMS
RESUMED IN ISRAEL.
THAT THE ONE IN HER PURE WOMB IS BOTH FULLY HUMAN AND
GOD HAD SILENCED HIS HOLY PROPHETS FOR MANY YEARS and
FULLY DIVINE IN NATURE - our Lord Jesus Christ is THE
even permitted an illegitimate usurper occupy the
position of King of Judea. TRUE SON OF GOD Himself as well as being the TRUE
SON OF MAN(kind)!

ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 21 NOVEMBER 2017 25.
At Holy Vespers of the Annunciation, we declare: It is the Lady Theotokos who was inspired by a song of St
Word of God Who dwells in Her. Hannah. (1 KINGS 2 : 1 10)
It is significant that EVEN THOUGH HIS PHYSICAL BODY HAD NOT This lovely Hymn is chanted during the Matins Service
YET FULLY FORMED, OUR LORD JESUS WAS TRULY THE and from it we are taught:
INCARNATE SON OF GOD, and THE EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY
VIRGIN MARY WAS ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNISED

FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS FOR ALL TIME HONOUR AND VENERATE
THE ALL HOLY, EVER VIRGIN THEOTOKOS as she
AS HIS ALL PURE, HOLY MOTHER. prophesied: ... ALL GENERATION WILL CALL ME
THIS DIVINE TRUTH DEALS A FATAL BLOW TO THE DELUSION THAT BLESSED.
ABORTION IS JUSTIFIABLE BECAUSE THE FOETUS IS NOT YET A
PERSON!
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE IN THE INSPIRATION OF HOLY
IN THIS DAY AND AGE, INFERTILE COUPLES REGARD THE DIVIDING CELLS - FROM SCRIPTURE YET NOT BLESS OUR LADY THEOTOKOS.
THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION OR FERTILISATION - AS A VIABLE, LIVING
BABY WHO IS JOYFULLY AWAITED AND ALREADY NAMED!

OUR PANAGIA ASCRIBED THE MIRACLE OF THE INCARNATION TO
EVERY CHILD WHO IS CONCEIVED BUT LOST IS MOURNED AND REMEMBERED BY ALMIGHTY GOD not to herself which reveals Her
THE LOVING PARENTS. deep and sincere Humility and Knowledge that
FURTHERMORE, THE TINY HEART BEGINS TO BEAT VERY SOON AFTER
CONCEPTION AND BABIES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE DELIVERED AND KEPT GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL DIVINE GRACE.
ALIVE FROM VERY EARLY IN THE GESTATION PERIOD, MANY OF WHOM
SURVIVE AND GROW INTO ADULTHOOD.
THROUGH THE INCARNATION, GOD REIGNS OVER ALL
THEREFORE, ABORTION IS THE VIOLENT AND MOST BRUTAL MURDER OF A TINY NATIONS.
CHILD WHO IS MORE SENSITIVE TO AND AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAN A BECAUSE OUR LADY THEOTOKOS HAD NO MOTHER TO CONFIDE IN OR
FULLY DEVELOPED AND BORN BABY!
NOT ONE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONCEIVED OR BORN IS A MISTAKE TO INSTRUCT HER regarding her impending
BECAUSE EVERY MIRACLE OF CONCEPTION AND BIRTH IS BY THE DIVINE motherhood, IT WAS NATURAL FOR HER TO HAVE REMAINED
WILL OF ALMIGHTY GOD WHO HAS A PLAN AND SACRED PURPOSE FOR
WITH HER AUNT, ST ELIZABETH, FOR THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF
EACH, UNIQUE SOUL INTO WHOM HE BREATHES LIFE! (MP)
HER PREGNANCY before returning home, where HER
Verses 46 56 - known as the Magnificat or
COMPANIONS WERE ALL COMMITTED, DEDICATED VIRGINS.
Megalinaria - came from the joyful heart of our (TODAY THEY WOULD BE KNOWN AS NUNS)
FESTAL PROKEIMENON ODE OF THEOTOKOS (LUKE1) TONE 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!
For He regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 9: 1 - 7
Brethren: the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, and a worldly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was prepared:
the first part, in which was the Lampstand, the Table, and the Showbread, which is called the Sanctuary. Behind
the Second Veil, was the part of the Tabernacle, which is called Holy of Holie, which had the Golden Censer and
the Ark of the Covenant, overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was the Golden Pot that had the Manna, Aarons
Rod that budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy
Seat. Of these we can no longer speak these days. When these Things had been thus prepared, the Priests always
went into the first part of the Tabernacle, performing the Services. Into the second part only the High Priest went -
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the peoples sins.
THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE MOSAIC TABERNACLE, WHICH God the Father and God the Holy Spirit cannot be
PREFIGURED THE HEAVENLY ALTAR. represented or depicted because their Divine
This passage is read during the Great Feasts of our Nature is unknowable and hence cannot be
Lady Theotokos and Advent (before the Feast of the depicted.
Nativity of Christ) in order to describe the Great Holy Their Eternal Unity and Presence with Christ is usually depicted
Mystery of the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God. as two differently coloured shapes behind the Figure of our

THE EVER BLESSED, EVER VIRGIN MARYS WOMB WAS Lord such as in the Holy Icon of the Transfiguration.
PREPARED AS THE HOLY TABERNACLE OF CHRIST THE The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit as an
VERY DWELLING PLACE OF THE LORD OUR GOD - THE Old Man and a White Dove is a modern, western
HOLY OF HOLIES. influenced heresy, because the Persons of the Holy Trinity
A most important detail in St Pauls Epistle to the may only be depicted as three identical Angels such as at
Hebrews concerns THE INNER VEIL THE SECOND VEIL the Oaks of Mamre the Hospitality of Abraham.
WHICH SEPARATES THE HOLY PLACE THE HOLY SANCTUARY They NEVER manifested visibly at any other time and our Lord
FROM THE MOST HOLY PLACE THE HOLY OF HOLIES OR THE Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that whoever has
HOLIEST OF ALL, WHICH CONTAINED THE MYSTERIOUS ARK OF seen Him, has also seen His Co-Eternal, Co-Essential
THE COVENANT AND INTO WHICH ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST Father (and thus also the Holy Spirit!) mp
COULD ENTER ON ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR. However, GOD THE SON OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST
The Inner Veil forms THE LOCUS OF THE LITURGICAL PRACTICE - CAN BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, FOR HE
OF THE OLD COVENANT and reveals its imperfection IS GOD-MAN AND THUS HIS HUMAN NATURE CAN AND IS
for the people could not draw close to God and the IMAGED.
High Priest could only enter the Holy of Holies once a Furthermore, CHRIST LEFT A PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE UPON HIS
year for his own sins as well as those of the people. DISCARDED BURIAL CLOTHES ON THE INNER FACE CLOTH,
At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RESOLVED WHICH HE LEFT NEATLY FOLDED - and on the long Shroud,
OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM GOD. (MATTHEW which were both left in His Empty Tomb after His
27:51) Glorious Resurrection.

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT CONTAINED ALL THE PRECIOUS When St Peter and St John entered the Empty Tomb, they
HOLY RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT OF ISRAEL THE were immediately amazed by the Precious Holy Relics
GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, AARONS ROD, AND THE STONE that had been left behind.
TABLETS OF THE MOSAIC LAW, given to the ancient In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST NOT MADE BY
Patriarch by God Himself. HANDS IS DEPICTED BEING HELD ALOFT BY TWO CHERUBIM,

OUR LADY THEOTOKOS IS THE ARK OF THE NEW COVENANT, USUALLY SITUATED OVER THE ROYAL GATES OF THE
ICONOSTASION LEADING INTO THE HOLY SANCTUARY.
BEING THE MOTHER OR BEARER OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.
GOD IS ENTHRONED UPON THE CHERUBIM, hence, Gods While Priests were allowed to enter the Holy Place daily,
Throne in the midst of Israel the Mercy Seat had only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies on
a Cherub depicted on each side. the one Day of Atonement (YOM KIPPUR.)
THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies carrying the
DEPICTION OF THE CHERUBIM.
blood of sacrificed animals for the atonement of his
THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the Holy own sins as well as those of the people.
Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty and THIS ANNUAL BLOOD SACRIFICE REVEALS THE IMPERFECTION AND
TEMPORARY STATUS OF THE OLD COVENANT, FOR ONLY ONE
detailed workmanship of everything that was made
MAN COULD ENTER INTO GODS DIVINE PRESENCE BUT NOT
for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST HOLY
CONTINUALLY AND ONLY TO REPEAT THE ANNUAL SACRIFICIAL
ICONS OF THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31)
This and various other passages PUT TO REST THE FEAR THAT OFFERING FOR HIS AND THE PEOPLES SINS.
THE SECOND DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF GOD PROHIBITS ALL
Furthermore, THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE DEALT ENTIRELY WITH
MATERIALS FROM THIS AGE, WHICH ARE IMPERFECT AND
IMAGERY. (EXODUS 20: 4 6)
IMPERMANENT WHICH CANNOT BEGIN A PARTICIPATION IN THE
AGE TO COME.

26 ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 21 NOVEMBER 2017
In addition, THAT IMPERFECT ATONEMENT OFFERING DEALT
MAINLY WITH THE OUTER BEING FOR IT WAS SUPERFICIAL AND
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
ON E THIN
At that time, He entered a certain village. A woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a
sister called Mary, who sat at Jesus Feet, listening to His Word. Martha was distracted with much serving. She
approached and said: Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help
me!
Jesus answered and said to her: Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled about many things. One thing is
needed. Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
... As He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him: Blessed is the Womb
that bore Thee, and the Breasts that nursed Thee!
He replied: More than that: Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep It!
THESE VERSES ARE READ ON MOST OF THE GREAT FEASTS OF OUR
LADY THEOTOKOS
MARY AND MARTHA ARE THE SISTERS OF ST LAZAROS, (who
had been dead for four days and whom our Lord
Jesus Christ had resurrected.)
OUR LORD JESUS DID NOT REBUKE ST MARTHA FOR SERVING, BUT
RATHER FOR COMPLAINING AND FOR BEING SO DISTRACTED,
WORRIED AND TROUBLED BY SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS THAT
SHE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD A WORD THAT HE SPOKE.
Instead of listening to what He was saying, even while
busy with her serving, ST MARTHA WAS FOCUSSED ON HER
OWN SELFISH NEEDS AND CONCERNS - preoccupied and
worried about all her household duties while
providing hospitality to our Lord Jesus and his
entourage of Disciples and Apostles.
HER TEMPORARY, WORLDLY CARES CONCERNED HER MORE THAN
ANYTHING ELSE at the time so, resenting HER SISTER who
SAT AT THE FEET OF OUR LORD TO HEAR HIS TEACHINGS, she
appealed to Him to make her get up and help her.
However - instead of supporting her immediate needs -
our Lord Jesus pointed out that while she was so
concerned about all her current duties, HER SISTER
HAD PREFERRED TO SPEND THE PRECIOUS TIME LISTENING TO
CHRISTS TEACHINGS.
THE ONE THING ... NEEDED WAS FOR HER TO PAY ATTENTION
TO HIS DIVINE TEACHING to really listen to what He
said. It was a serious priority that certainly did not
exclude serving Him.
In following our Lord Jesus Christ, WE SERVE IN ORDER TO
FACILITATE THE SPREAD OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL. (ACTS 6 : 1 4)
In the second portion of todays Sacred Lesson, CHRIST
CORRECTS THE WOMAN who shouted from the gathered
THE ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
On this day, my Brethren, the Holy Church of Christ our
Lord celebrates THE SOLEMN ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE IN
JERUSALEM OF THE THREE-YEAR-OLD CHILD, ST MARYTHE
BLESSED DAUGHTER OF RIGHTEOUS PARENTS, ST JOACHIM AND
ST ANNA, where She, together with other very young
girls, was to be in instructed in the Lord our God.
St Zacharias, an Elder and High Priest, met Her with
Priestly Splendour; and as he was instructed to do by
God the Holy Spirit, he led Her, accompanied by other
young maidens, into the interior of the Temple, and
SHE IMMEDIATELY RAN UP THE STAIRS TO THE HOLY OF HOLIES,
where the High Priest himself entered only once a
year, and where the Holy of Holies - our Lord God
Himself dwelt - FOR SHE WAS TO BECOME THE MOTHER OF HIS
FLESH HIS INCARNATION.
The Most Blessed Virgin spent Her childhood in the
Temple being taught the written Hebrew language by
various people while SHE LEARNT THE PRAYERS BY THE
HOLY SPIRIT.
HER DAYS WERE DEDICATED TO PRAYER, TO READING THE WORD OF
GOD, TO CONTEMPLATION, AND TO DELICATE NEEDLEWORK for
the refurbishing of the Great Temple.
SHE LOVED CONVERSING WITH OUR LORD GOD, READING HOLY
SCRIPTURE AND CONTEMPLATING DIVINE TRUTH to such an
extent that she forgot to eat or drink, so a Holy
Archangel nourished and refreshed Her with
Heavenly Food according to Divine Will, as we sing in
the Festal Stichera today.
Even as a very young child, SHE WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE
OF FAITH for parents and their children - for all Faithful
Christian maidens and youths!
WE ARE OBLIGATED AS DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND
AS SERVANTS OF OUR HEAVENLY QUEEN, THE EVER BLESSED, ALL
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, AND FOUNDER OF SPIRITUAL
INSTRUCTION of our Holy Church to which we belong,
TO EMULATE AS WELL AS THEY CAN HER FERVENT LOVE FOR
THE ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 21 NOVEMBER 2017
COULD NOT PURIFY MANKINDS HEART, MIND OR SOUL LET
ALONE RESTORE OUR FALLEN HUMAN NATURE.
ST LUKE 10 : 38 - 42 & 11 : 27 28
G IS N EEDED !
crowd NOT BY DENOUNCING HIS ALL PURE MOTHER, BUT BY
EMPHASISING HER HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, WHICH
EPITOMISED HER UNSHAKABLE FAITH.
Our Lord has taught us that GODS BLESSINGS FALL UPON ALL
THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND OBEY HIM.

ALL HUMANITY IS BLESSED BY GOD WHEN WE HEAR THE WORD
OF GOD AND KEEP IT.
WE ARE BLESSED WHEN WE HEAR AND ACCEPT THE DIVINE TRUTH
AND WISDOM AND APPLY IT TO OURSELVES our own
lifestyle, words, thoughts and deeds.

WE ARE BLESSED WHEN WE APPLY ALL GODS COMMANDMENTS
AND TEACHINGS TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS.
The Greek word menounge which is rendered in this
translation as ... more than that... is actually Yes,
indeed! (REFER TO ROMANS10:18)
This particular word, therefore, CORRECTS BY AMPLIFYING
NOT BY NEGATING.
Family or social connections have nothing to do with
our Obedience to God and the Ever Blessed
Theotokos was especially complimented by Her Son
because SHE NOT ONLY PAID CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE
WORD OF GOD BUT SHE ALSO FAITHFULLY OBEYED ALL HIS
COMMANDMENTS AND LIVED HER ENTIRE LIFE ACCORDINGLY.
IT IS THAT PROFOUND VIRTUE OF HUMBLE AND ATTENTIVE
OBEDIENCE TO GOD OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
ALONE EVEN MORE THAN HAVING BORNE THE
INCARNATE GOD THAT MAKES HER OUR MOST SHINING
EXAMPLE OF TRUE SAINTHOOD AND THEOSIS SPIRITUAL
PERFECTION.
GOD, HER ZEAL FOR READING THE WORD OF GOD, FOR PRAYER,
FOR DIVINE CONTEMPLATION, SELF-RESTRAINT, AND LOVE OF
LABOUR!
If we do not want to be false, unworthy Spiritual Members
of Christ's Church - of the Holy House of God, the
Queen and Mother of which is the Most Holy Virgin
Mary - then WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE THE SAME THOUGHTS,
WORDS AND DEEDS AS SHE HAS.
May Her Children by Grace BE OF ONE SPIRIT WITH HER!
Let us learn from Her how to LOVE THE LORD, OUR CREATOR,
MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD even more than
father and mother, more than anyone dear to us.
Let us learn from Her how to AVIDLY STUDY AND CONTEMPLATE
THE WORD OF GOD - something unfortunately not often
seen amongst the Disciples of Jesus Christ.
Let us learn WITH WHAT WARMTH OF HEART AND LOVE WE MUST
PRAY TO OUR LORD, and how we must DEDICATE OURSELVES
TO HIM WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
Let us learn from Her how to ENTRUST OURSELVES TO HIS ALL
WISE AND ALL-GOOD PROVIDENCE.
Let us learn from Her WITH WHAT PURITY, MEEKNESS, HUMILITY,
AND PATIENCE WE MUST ALWAYS CLOTHE AND ADORN
OURSELVES and not with the vain embellishments of this
adulterous and sinful world, which knows no bounds
of luxury and elegance in bodily clothing.
Let us learn from Her how to LOVE A LIFE WITH GOD AND THE
SAINTS ... more than to dwell in the tents of sinners.
(PSALM 83:11).
Since the Most Holy Virgin was brought into the Temple to
be instructed in the Lord, let us consider THE BENEFIT
AND NECESSITY OF ATTENDING THE HOLY SERVICES IN THE
CHURCH OF GOD AS THE HOUSE OF GOD WHERE WE ARE RAISED
FOR THE HEAVENLY FATHERLAND.
We are called Christians and we are all CALLED BY OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST TO HIS HEAVENLY FATHERLAND, TO BE
HEAVENLY CITIZENS, DIVINE INHERITORS, CO-INHERITORS WITH
CHRIST.
OUR CALLING IS SUPERIOR.
27
ACCORDINGLY, OUR SACRED DUTIES TO GOD AND TO OUR FELLOW
MANKIND ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, AND OUR SPIRIT SHOULD
BE EXALTED, HOLY, MEEK, AND HUMBLE.
We need to KNOW WHAT MAKES UP OUR CHRISTIAN CALLING AND
DUTY - of what spirit we must be, and HOW WE SHOULD
BEHAVE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, and WE NEED STRENGTH,
UNDERSTANDING AND THE ABILITY TO LIVE IN THE SPIRIT OF
CHRIST TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE IN CHRIST.
OUR HOLY, ORTHODOX CHURCH GRANTS US ALL THIS EVERYTHING
ESSENTIAL TO OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH AND LIFE.
WE RECEIVE THESE SPIRITUAL POWERS IN THE HOLY TEMPLE OF GOD
THROUGH HER HOLY MYSTERIES, for only in the House of
our Lord God can we experience THE PRESENCE OF THE
HEAVENLY, UNEARTHLY SPIRIT, THE TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, in which we
as future Heavenly Citizens are properly prepared
and Enlightened.
Only in the Holy Temple of God can WE RECEIVE HEAVENLY,
SACRED LESSONS FROM OUR DIVINE TEACHER, JESUS CHRIST,
AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, that are recorded in the Holy
Gospels.
This is where WE RECEIVE OUR HEAVENLY FOOD AND HEAVENLY
DRINK, OUR SPIRITUAL, HEAVENLY GARMENTS, AND SPIRITUAL
ARMAMENTS AGAINST THE ENEMIES OF OUR SALVATION.
This is where WE RECEIVE THE PEACE THAT IS A BLESSED
FORETASTE OF HEAVEN - so necessary to our Spiritual
Activity and Education - AND STRENGTH FOR OUR
CEASELESS SPIRITUAL LABOURS AND STRUGGLE AGAINST
TEMPTATION AND SIN.
Here WE PARTAKE OF SWEET CONVERSATION WITH OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER AND OUR MOST HOLY QUEEN AND MOTHER OF GOD,
WITH THE HEAVENLY HOSTS OF OUR LORD AND ALL HIS SAINTS.
Here WE LEARN HOW TO PRAY, AND FOR WHAT TO PRAY.
Here WE WILL FIND EXAMPLES OF ALL THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUES IN
THE SAINTS who are Glorified each day by our Holy
Church.
Here, GATHERED TOGETHER IN THE HOUSE OF GOD, AS CHILDREN
OF OUR ONE HEAVENLY FATHER, AS MEMBERS OF THE MYSTICAL
BODY OF CHRIST, WE LEARN HOW TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER -
Member Loving Member, as Members of Christ, as
Christ Himself.
See HOW BENEFICIAL - HOW UTTERLY NECESSARY - it is for us who
are Christian TO ATTEND THE HOLY SERVICES AND TO
PARTAKE OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES in the Sanctified Temple
of God, which our School of Faith and Piety founded
by the Lord our God our Most Sacred Treasure,
which, ...according to His Divine Power has granted
unto us all Things that pertain unto Life and
Godliness. (2 PETER 1:3)
OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH IS TRULY THE TREASURY OF ALL THE
DIVINE MYSTERIES OF CHRIST!
But THE BENEFIT AND NECESSITY FOR US TO ATTEND AND TO
PARTICIPATE IN ALL THE HOLY SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
IS MORE CLEARLY REVEALED by comparing our Holy
Orthodox Church to the vanities of the fallen world
that surrounds us and to choose between the two.
It is very important to understand which of the two Life in Christ
or worldly life - will grant us everything necessary for the Life
to come for Eternity that follows this short, preparatory life.
If we, as Baptised, Chrismated Orthodox Christians prefer the
fleeting pleasures of worldly life instead of Life in Christ, we
must be prepared to accept the terrible Eternal,
irreparable Consequences! mp
In the world, at every step there is vanity, delusion, and
vice.
IN OUR LIFE IN CHRIST WITHIN HIS HOLY CHURCH, WE ARE BLESSED
WITH TRUTH, SANCTITY, AND EVERY KIND OF VIRTUE AND
GOODNESS.
The world is full of corruption, suffering, temptation, sin,
and death.
In our Life in Christ WE EXPERIENCE AND WITNESS THE BLESSED
LIFE, THE INCORRUPTION, ETERNAL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL
GUIDANCE OF THE SAINTS THAT LEADS US TO SALVATION AND
ETERNAL LIFE.
Outside the Holy Church of Christ we see all the worldly
vanity and corruption that is caused by ... the lust of
the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life. (1 JOHN 2:16)
In the wretched world we see the things that constantly
entice and captivate people, causing them to neglect
28. ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
or reject the Commandments and Teachings of our
Lord God, our Creator and Saviour of all mankind...
Man-made objects have always attracted the attention
and desires of people who adore them, who live to
acquire them, who are inspired by them, and who
have rejoiced over their possession but THEY HAVE NOT
HAD THE SAME ALL CONSUMING LOVE AND DESIRE FOR GOD AND
ALL HIS DIVINE GOODNESS, WHICH PROVIDES THE ELEMENTS OF
THESE CORRUPTIBLE THINGS!
The captivating sparkle of various items of silver and
gold and jewels have stunned and enticed the gaze
of those who worship everything glittering and
beautiful, YET THE GREATEST BEAUTY OF ALL, WHICH IS OUR
LORD GOD AND HIS MAGNIFICENT CREATION IS OVERLOOKED
AND IGNORED BY THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY BLIND!
No matter where we direct our attention in the world, we
will see only decay, ostentation and sin.
Everything that is worldly, consists of futility, arrogance
and selfish activities that have nothing to do with our
essential Salvation, our Lord God, His Heavenly
Kingdom nor Eternity.
Only in the homes of those who are Faithful and pious,
do ICONS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS MOST PURE
MOTHER, AND HIS SAINTS REMIND US THAT WE, AS FAITHFUL,
STRUGGLING DISCIPLES AND MEMBERS OF CHRIST, HOPEFUL
CITIZENS OF HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM, AWAIT (anticipate)
...the Resurrection of the dead and the Life of the
age to come... when WE SHALL BE UNITED WITH OUR LORD
AND HIS SAINTS, HAVING CLEANSED OURSELVES OF ALL
DEFILEMENT OF FLESH AND SPIRIT.
Thus, we can see WHAT A DIFFERENCE THERE IS BETWEEN THE
HOLY TEMPLE THAT IS THE HOUSE OF GOD, AND THE FALLEN
WORLD.
We can see how Beneficial and Necessary it is for us to
ATTEND THE HOLY SERVICES IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD IN ORDER
TO BE SPIRITUALLY ENLIGHTENED AND PROPERLY PREPARED FOR
OUR HEAVENLY FATHERLAND, IN ORDER TO LIVE IN CHRIST AND
TO ACQUIRE HEAVENLY, SAINTLY MANNERS.
Nowhere but in the Holy Temple of God do WE HEAR THE
WORD OF GOD HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
Nowhere but in the Holy Temple of God do WE RECEIVE THE
MYSTERIES OF FAITH AND ACQUIRE THE SPIRITUAL STRENGTH TO
LIVE IN CHRIST.
EVERYTHING ESSENTIAL TO OUR ETERNAL WELFARE AND LIFE IS IN
AND FROM THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST.
We must LOVE GOING TO CHURCH.
We must LOVE PREPARING OURSELVES AS A SANCTIFIED TEMPLE
OF GOD for we ...as living stones, are built up as a
Spiritual House, a Holy Priesthood, to offer up
Spiritual Sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ. (1 PETER 2:5)
Parents, Teachers, and relatives must ENCOURAGE, TAKE OR
SEND ALL CHILDREN TO ATTEND CHURCH OFTEN - every
Sunday and Feast Day without fail - WHERE THEY WILL
LEARN WHAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR SOUL IN THIS LIFE AND
ESPECIALLY IN ETERNITY rather than to places of
entertainment or amusement that gives them false,
misleading ideas of life.
In Church, we Glorify, Honour and Worship the Three
Persons of our Triune Lord God in one Divine
Godhead, and we learn HIS DIVINE TRUTH CONCERNING
OF THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE AND MANKIND.
IN CHURCH WE COME TO KNOW OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, JESUS
CHRIST, OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, THE EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY
MOTHER OF GOD, AND THE SAINTS.
Furthermore, WE LEARN ABOUT THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD,
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT, ETERNAL LIFE AND THE HEAVENLY
KINGDOM OF GOD, AND WE ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST THE
ETERNAL TORMENTS THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCE OF
UNREPENTANT SINNERS.
WE ARE ENLIGHTENED, EMPOWERED AND ENABLED BY GOD THE
HOLY SPIRIT TO BECOME WORTHY CHRISTIANS worthy and
Faithful Disciples of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
Whose DIVINE TRUTH His Commandments and
Teachings IS FAR MORE VALUABLE AND MORE PRECIOUS TO
US THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD.
Amen.
ORIGINAL SERMON BY ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
TRANSLATED FROM RUSSIAN BY NUN CORNELIA (REES)
EDITED BY MP
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/43276.HTML
21 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious
Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one
another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

25 November 2017
Apodosis of the Entry into the Temple
St Catherine , Great Holy Virgin Martyr of Alexandria
Also the Feast of St Mercury the Great Holy Martyr - St Clement of Rome St Peter of Alexandria
St Peter of Galatia St Clement of Ochrid & Enlightener of the Bulgarians

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ENTRANCE OF VIRGIN MARY TONE 4

Simeron tis Evdokias Theou to proimion, ke tis ton Today is the prelude of Gods Good Pleasure, and the
anthropon Sotirias i prokirixis. En Nao tou Theou Proclamation of Humanitys Salvation. In the Temple of
tranos i Parthenos diknite, ke ton Hriston tis pasi God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in Herself She
prokatangellete. Afti ke imis megalofonos voisomen. announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a Great Voice
Here! Tis Ikonomias tou Ktistou i Ekplirosis! cry aloud to Her: Rejoice! O Thou who art the Fulfilment
of the Creators Dispensation!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST CATHERINE THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF ALEXANDRIA
Tin Panevfimon Nimfin Hristou imnisomen, Aikaterinan The All Blessed Bride of Christ, let us extol in song:
tin Thian ke Poliouhon Sina, tin voithian imon ke Catherine the Holy and Protector of Sinai, our
antilipsin; oti efimose lambros, tous kompsous ton assistance and unfailing firm Support; for she
asevon, tou Pnevmatos ti dinami; ke nin os Martis brilliantly muzzled the ungodly, clever men, by the
stefthisa, etite pasi to Mega Eleos. Power of the Spirit, and now, as a Crowned Martyr, she
pleads for the Great Mercy for us all.
SEASONAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke The Most Pure Temple of our Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God, today
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace of the
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the
iparhi Skini Epouranios. Heavenly Tabernacle.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 67 TONE 4
God is Wonderful in His Saints! In the Congregations Bless God!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 3 : 23 4 : 5
THE INCREDIBLE FAITH OF THE ANCIENT, OLD COVENANT BELIEVERS
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law kept for the Faith, which would afterward be
revealed.
Therefore, the Law was our Tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith has come, we are
no longer under a Tutor. You are all Sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were Baptised
into Christ, have put on Christ.
There is neither Judean nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female. You are all one in
Christ Jesus. If you are Christs then you are Abrahams Seed, and Heirs according to the Promise. I say that the Heir
as long as he is a child does not differ at all from a slave, although he is Master of all, but is under Guardians
and Stewards until the appointed time appointed by the Father.
Even so, we when we were children were in bondage under the elements of the world. When the fullness of time
had come, God sent forth His Son - Born of a Woman, Born under the Law to Redeem those who were under the
Law, that we might receive Adoption as Sons.
The term Faith IN should be translated as Faith OF. Therefore, VALUING, RATING OR JUDGING OTHERS based on
Two Faith are co-operating: Ethnicity or personal opinion (neither Judean nor
1. Christs Faith Greek), pride and social status (neither slave nor free)
2. The Faith of those who believe or gender (neither male nor female) HAS EMPHATICALLY
Although THE BELIEVERS OF THE OLD COVENANT certainly had NO PLACE IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST!
Faith, they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN CHRISTS FAITH the
WE ARE ALL ONE IN OUR HUMAN NATURE AND WE ARE ALL EQUAL
New Covenant for He had not Appeared in their IN DIGNITY.
midst as He did much later. The term child does not refer to biological age but to
St Paul directly related SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED by OUR UNDERSTANDING OF GOD AND HIS HOLY THINGS.
connecting them as THE MOST INTIMATE, INTER-TWINED Guardians and Stewards i.e. OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS
SACRED ASPECTS. BISHOPS, PRIESTS, CONFESSORS AND TEACHERS provide us
Verse 27: For as many of you as were Baptised, have with the special Discipline, Guidance and Protection
put on Christ, is THE ANCIENT HYMN that has always that is necessary for our Spiritual Growth and Welfare.
been CHANTED DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM at The Elements of the world refer to THE PHILOSOPHIES,
the Procession of the Newly Regenerated/Illumined CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS DEVELOPED BY MANKIND WITHOUT
into the Assembly i.e. the one who is Newly Baptised, REGARD TO ALMIGHTY GOD. (COLOSSIANS2:8)
Chrismated, Illuminated and Regenerated enters the Son is a reference to OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS GOD WHO IS
Congregation of the Holy Church in a joyful DIVINE BY NATURE, BEING THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
Procession, with the Priest leading the Way. OF GOD THE FATHER.

WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE WITH AND IN OUR LORD JESUS However, NOT ONLY IS OUR LORD THE SON OF GOD, (HIS DIVINE
CHRIST. NATURE) BUT HE IS ALSO THE SON OF MAN, FOR HE BECAME
INCARNATE (HIS HUMAN NATURE) through the flesh, bone

THE APODOSIS OF THE ENTRY - ST CATHERINE THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF ALEXANDRIA 25 NOVEMBER 29
 and blood of our Ever Blessed Lady, Theotokos who
quite rightly is entitled Mother of God.

NO HUMAN BEING CAN EVER BECOME A MEMBER OF THE DIVINE
GODHEAD THE HOLY TRINITY FOR WE ARE FOREVER
Her Son and God was Born of a Woman as well as being HUMAN BEINGS CREATURES OF GOD WHO ARE CREATED IN
Born under the Law so that He could grow up and HIS LIKENESS AND IMAGE.
live amongst us and Redeem first those who lived ONLY BY DIVINE GRACE DO WE BECOME MEMBERS OF GODS
under the Law i.e. the Nation of Israel and then HEAVENLY, HOLY FAMILY THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND
all mankind who did not live according to the Mosaic CHRISMATION whereby it becomes possible for us
Law of the Old Covenant. regain our lost Likeness to Christ and become fully
FROM HIS BIRTH, OUR LORD FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT LAW Restored to the state in which He originally created us
by being Circumcised on the Eighth Day after His in Paradise.
Birth. THROUGH OUR HOLY ADOPTION, WE BECOME CO-HEIRS WITH
He was also Presented at the Great Temple in Jerusalem CHRIST OF GOD THE FATHERS HEAVENLY KINGDOM and
where all First Born sons were dedicated to God, as because we are thereby granted New Life in Christ, it
well as other children sons and daughters - who had is referred to as a Rebirth or Regeneration for we
been granted to grateful parents by God. thereby Restored to our original state of humanity.
(Many parents must have prayed for a very long time, promising the FOR THAT VERY REASON AND BECAUSE WE ARE HABITUALLY SINFUL,
dedication of their longed-for children to Almighty God in WE MUST CEASELESSLY REPENT our sins and Struggle
Thanksgiving, because infertility was seen as a silent
without fail against all temptations, so that we
condemnation or punishment for secret sins and the unhappy
couples were often ostracised by society and even the Priests!) actually can make good Spiritual Progress and
God Redeemed ... those who were under the Law... to Development.
fulfil HIS DIVINE PROMISE TO THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH, Thus, having been Saved by our Baptism and
ABRAHAM. Chrismation, WE ARE BEING SAVED THROUGH REGULAR
PARTICIPATION IN THE NECESSARY HOLY MYSTERIES AND A
Nevertheless, GOD OWES MANKIND NOTHING AT ALL and He
PROPER LIFE IN CHRIST.
certainly does not owe us Eternal Salvation!
Everything that our Benevolent, Providential and Merciful Each time we fall into Spiritual Death through our sins, WE
NEED TO REPENT-CONFESS IN ORDER TO RECOVER OUR
Lord God grants us is due to His infinite Love for us.
Although our Lord is the Son of God by His Divine Nature, SPIRITUAL LIFE AND TO CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY towards
we human beings become Sons of God by Adoption Eternity until we are finally Saved Forever!
which occurs DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK 5 : 24 34
ST VERONICAS HEALING ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST
At that time, many people followed our Lord Jesus, and thronged Him. And a certain Woman had a flow of blood for
twelve years, and had suffered many things from many Physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no
better, but rather grew worse.
Hearing about Jesus, she went behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. She said: If only I may touch His
clothes, I shall be made well. And immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt it in her body,
for she was Healed of the affliction.
And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that Power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said:
Who touched My clothes? And His Disciples said to Him: Thou seest the multitude thronging Thee, and Thou say:
Who touched Me? And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
The Woman, fearing and trembling -knowing what had happened to her - went and fell down before Him and told
Him the whole Truth. And He said to her: Daughter, Thy Faith has made Thee well. Go in Peace, and be Healed
of Thine affliction.

AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS BY THE WILL OF GOD ACKNOWLEDGE HER FAITH IN HIM SO THAT OTHERS WOULD
ALONE AND BEING OF THE SAME DIVINE ESSENCE AS GOD LEARN FROM HER AND GLORIFY GOD.
THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST POSSESSES THAT
Therefore He loudly enquired Who touched My
SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY. garment? which astonished His Disciples since the
large crowd shoved and pushed one another to get

THE HEALING OF THAT WOMAN, ST VERONICA, DEMONSTRATED closer to Christ and many would have brushed
OUR LORD JESUS POWER TO CLEANSE US FROM OUR SINS against Him or certainly touched His garments.
AND TO HEAL ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS THE SPIRITUAL AND
Although on His way to save the daughter of Jairus a
THE PHYSICAL. ruler of the Synagogue OUR LORD JESUS TOOK HIS
According to the Old Covenant Laws, any type of TIME TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HEALED WOMAN AND TO TEACH
haemorrhaging caused ceremonial defilement, BOTH HER AND ALL THOSE WHO WITNESSED IT HIS DIVINE
which imposed religious and social restrictions upon TRUTH:
the sufferers for ANY CONTACT WITH BLOOD WAS STRICTLY First He granted her Good cheer because of THE PROOF
PROHIBITED AND AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS. AND CONSEQUENCES OF HER SINCERE FAITH.
This wretched suffering woman regarded herself as Then He corrected her thinking for SHE COULD NEITHER HIDE
being unclean and had followed all the HER ACTIONS FROM HIM FROM GOD NOR WAS SHE
requirements as a social outcast but SHE HAD REACHED EXCLUDED FROM HIM BECAUSE OF HER AFFLICTION.
SUCH A DEGREE OF MISERY AND DESPERATION THAT SHE RISKED
And finally, HE REVEALED HER FAITH PUBLICALLY SO THAT THE
FURTHER SHAME AND HUMILIATION IN THE CONVICTION THAT WITNESSES MIGHT FOLLOW HER GOOD EXAMPLE.
ONLY CHRIST COULD HEAL HER. Our Holy Church Fathers believed that St Veronica
It was a risk that she was willing to take after all what symbolises human nature in general because ALL
more could she lose? People had already taken HUMANITY CONSTANTLY SUFFERS AND IS SUBJECT TO DEATH,
everything she had, but now GOD WOULD GRANT HER WHICH WAS SYMBOLISED BY HER HAEMORRHAGING.
WHAT SHE REALLY NEEDED!
The Physicians who could not heal her symbolise the

EVERYTHING THAT IS TOUCHED BY GOD BECOMES SANCTIFIED various religions of the world, AS WELL AS THE OLD
HOLY AND WILL PASS THAT SANCTIFICATION ONTO THE COVENANT LAW, WHICH ARE UNABLE TO GRANT LIFE TO
FAITHFUL. HUMANITY THEY CANNOT SAVE US
So THE INSTANT ST VERONICA SOFTLY TOUCHED THE ROBES OF ONLY GOD CAN SAVE OR REDEEM US! ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD
CHRIST SHE WAS HEALED AND GOD KNEW HER SINCERE AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, ARE WE GENUINELY FREED FROM
FAITH IN HIM. SUFFERING AND BONDAGE TO SIN!

DIVINE ENERGY OR POWER WENT FROM CHRIST TO ST
VERONICA AND HE WANTED HER TO OPENLY
ST SILOUAN OF MOUNT ATHOS ON THE HOLY MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE-CONFESSION
If we do not tell everything to our Spiritual Father, then delusion, but if we think that we know more about
our Path is crooked and does not lead to the Kingdom Spiritual Life than our Spiritual Father, and we stop
of Heaven. But the Path of those who confess telling him about our sins in Confession, then we will
everything, leads directly to the Kingdom of Heaven. immediately be allowed to fall into a degree of
When we Confess all our sins to our Spiritual Father, our delusion in order that we may Repent and be
Lord God will have Mercy on us and we will escape corrected.

30. THE APODOSIS OF THE ENTRY - ST CATHERINE THE GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF ALEXANDRIA 25 NOVEMBER
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our
Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever
Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (8) Plagal 4 26 November 2017

25 Sunday After Pentecost - 13th Sunday of St Luke
th

Inheritance of Eternal Life

The Feast of St Alpios the Stylite of Adrianopolis, Paphlagonia St Nikonos Metanoeite, Preacher of Repentance St
Stylianos of Paphlagonia ,Asia Minor - St George the New Martyr of Hiopolitos Dedication of the Church of St
George the Great Holy Martyr in Kiev St Innocent, Bishop of Irkurtsk St James the Solitary/Hermit of Syria St
Athanasios the Iron Staff & St Theodosios of Cherepovets, Disciples of St Sergios of Radonezh

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 3 - MARK 16 : 9 - 20

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, Thou
ina imas elevtherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Anastasis
imon, Kyrie, Doxa Si!
SEASONAL KONTAKION -
descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;
Thou endured the three-days burial, so that Thou
might free us from our passions, O our Life and
Resurrection: Glory to Thee!
ADVENT

I Parthenos simeron, ton proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: glorify Him with the
apofthine, pedion neon, ton pro eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will was to be made
manifest as a young Child the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 75/76 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Euxasthe ke apodote Kyrio to theo imon. Pantes i kiklo Pray and return to the Lord your God; all around Him,
Aftou isousi dora. bring Gifts!
Gnosos en ti Ioudea O Theos, en to Israil Mega to Onoma Known in Judah is God; great in Israel is His Name!
Aftou.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 4 : 1 7
Brethren: I, a prisoner for our Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the Calling to which you have been Called, with all
Lowliness and Meekness, with Patience, Forbearing one another in Love, eager to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in
the Bond of Peace.
There is One Body and One Spirit, just as you were Called to the One Hope that belongs to your Calling. There is One
Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of us all, Who is above all and through all and in all.
To each of us, Grace was granted according to the Measure of the Gift of Christ.
This Epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians was written in HOW AND WHAT WE BELIEVE AFFECTS HOW WE LIVE, for OUR CREED
Rome during his imprisonment in 61 63, as recorded CLEARLY INFLUENCES AND REVEALS OUR CONDUCT AND EVEN
by St Luke in his Book of the Acts of the Apostles 28:16- OUR HIDDEN INNER STATE OF BEING.
31. THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS of Faithful Disciples of Christ ARE
The theme of this Epistle concerned THE SPIRITUAL WEALTH THE VIRTUES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO HARMONY AND HOLY UNITY.
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN HIS HOLY CHURCH, THE Although we are many different people, WE SHARE ONE
MYSTERY OF OUR SALVATION IN CREATION THAT AFFECTS THESE HUMAN NATURE.
EARTHLY AGES AND ESPECIALLY, THE AGE TO COME ETERNITY. Although WE ARE SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF THE MOST EXALTED
Our Life in Christ and the Body of Christ His Holy Church BODY OF CHRIST His Holy Church THE GREATNESS IS OF
with all Her Divine Mysteries and Sacramental Life is GOD ALONE certainly not due to anything of ours!
THE CENTRE AND INDEED, THE ESSENTIAL LIFE/EXISTENCE OF Even THE COHESIVENESS OF THIS HOLY BODY IS GODS DIVINE
ALL MANKIND, and especially those of us who have WORK IN THE (HOLY) SPIRIT.
chosen to follow Christ, to fulfil our Calling and to Therefore, THERE IS NO PLACE FOR QUARRELLING NOR ANYTHING
become worthy Disciples of Christ our Lord and THAT CAUSES DISHARMONY AND DISUNITY!
Saviour. To Live the Heavenly Life means that WE MUST HAVE
St Paul implored us to REALISE WHAT HAS BEEN GRANTED TO US SOLIDARITY with each other, WHICH IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN
FREELY GIVEN BY GOD and subsequently to live WE STRIVE FOR AND ACQUIRE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, the
accordingly to LIVE IN CHRIST BY THINKING, SAYING AND foundation for the other essential Holy Virtues.
DOING EVERYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH His THE ONE GREAT AND HOLY VIRTUE OF LOWLINESS THAT IS TAUGHT
Divine Commandments and Teachings, which make BY THE WORDS AND DEEDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
it possible to FULFIL THE WILL OF GOD AND THUS TO REGAIN UTTERLY ALIEN TO GRECO-ROMAN PHILOSOPHY.
OUR LIKENESS TO GOD WHEREBY HE CREATED US. St Paul describes THE MANIFOLD (DIVERSE) UNITY OF THE HOLY
St Paul reminds us repeatedly of EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD, CHURCH OF CHRIST.
which GOD SO ABUNDANTLY BESTOWS UPON US and what WE CHRISTIAN MORALITY IS not based on our flawed ideas but
SHOULD do in return to express our Faith in and Love of rather on A LIVING REALITY THE ETERNAL LIFE OF THE HOLY
God to EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE FOR HIS INFINITE TRINITY IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
DIVINE LOVE AND GREAT MERCY. ST PAUL COMBINES THE THREE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY
(One Spirit... One Lord... One God...) WITH THE HOLY

25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 13TH OF ST LUKEINHERITANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE 26 NOVEMBER 2017 31.
 CHURCH, THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND THE UNITY DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORMITY.
THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES OF HOPE AND FAITH INTO ONE EACH SANCTIFIED MEMBER OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS
MAGNIFICENT REALITY the concrete Basis for our Holy UNIQUE BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD, with different Holy
Life in Christ. Gifts and Roles granted by the Will of God our
EACH PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY SANCTIFIES, BUT DIVINE Heavenly Father, through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
SANCTIFICATION IS ONE, for the Holy Mystery of Baptism Christ and Empowered and Energised by God the
is One and the Divine Grace of the Holy Mysteries is Holy Spirit.
One. THE GRACE OF GOD IS BESTOWED ON EACH OF US TO DIFFERENT
WHILE THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN ESSENCE, SHE IS DEGREES, according to His Purpose, our Calling and in
DIVERSE IN HER HOLY GIFTS AND SACRED FUNCTIONs. times of necessity.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 18 : 18 28
THE INHERITANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE
At that time, an Archon (Ruler of the Synagogue) asked our Lord Jesus, saying: Good Teacher: what shall I do to
inherit Eternal Life?Jesus said to him: Why dost thou call Me Good? No one is Good except God.
Thou knowest the Commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness;
Honour thy Father and thy Mother... He said: All these I have kept from my youth.
Hearing these things, Jesus said to him: Thou still lack one thing: sell all that thou hast and distribute to the poor,
and thou will have Treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me.
When he heard that, he became very sorrowful - being very rich. Seeing how sorrowful he was, Jesus said: How
difficult it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.
Those who heard, said: So who can be Saved?He said: Things that are impossible for mankind are possible for
God.
THE UNIDENTIFIED ARCHON (RULER OF A SYNAGOGUE) DID NOT PREVENTED HIM FROM FULFILLING HIS ESSENTIAL SPIRITUAL
APPROACH OUR LORD JESUS IN ORDER TO TEST HIM as so POTENTIAL and might even have caused him to
many other educated men tried to do in order to show neglect his Sacred Duties to God and his fellow
how clever they thought they were or to lure Him into mankind.
committing something blasphemous with which they BY RIDDING HIMSELF OF HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS HE WOULD HAVE
could justifiably accuse Him and thus destroy Him. BEEN SET FREE FROM THEIR ENSLAVING BURDEN AND
HE SINCERELY SOUGHT OUR LORDS ENLIGHTENMENT CONCERNING RESPONSIBILITIES AND HE WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED THE
ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE HE REGARDED HIM AS BEING A VERY TRUE JOY OF GIVING GENEROUSLY AND FREELY TO OTHERS LESS
GOOD TEACHER, WHO POSSESSED PROFOUND WISDOM AND BLESSED.
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE not because he acknowledged St John Chrysostom believed that the giving away of the
Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Young Rulers vast earthly possessions was the least of
OUR LORD JESUS IS OUR MOST SUPREME TEACHER WHO our Lords Instructions because THE ABILITY AND THE
IMMEDIATELY CORRECTS OUR ERRORS AND SETS US ON THE WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN ALL THINGS IS A FAR
RIGHT PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE. GREATER AND MORE DIFFICULT CALLING.
So, knowing how the young man perceived Him as OUR LORD OFTEN USED EXTREME EXAMPLES IN ORDER TO EMPHASISE
merely another ordinary human being who was a A SPECIFIC POINT OF HIS SACRED LESSONS.
wise and erudite Teacher of Divine Things and Various interpretations have been suggested for THE
before answering the Young Rulers question, our Lord IMPOSSIBILITY OF A CAMEL PASSING THROUGH THE EYE OF A
Jesus pointed out the Truth that NO HUMAN BEING IS NEEDLE.
PERFECT AND ABSOLUTELY GOOD - ONLY GOD IS.  Some believe that instead of a camel passing
This initial response to the mans question did not deny through the eye of a fine sewing needle, it was the
the fact that Christ is indeed God Himself and impossibility of a thick rope being threaded
therefore certainly Good, but was specifically to lead through the eye of a needle.
him to this Knowledge and Truth.  The Talmud used the word elephant instead of

FORMAL OBSERVANCE OF THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OR camel. another gross exaggeration to
OTHER SPIRITUALLY EMPTY GESTURES DO NOT MAKE ANY OF emphasise a significant point.
US RIGHTEOUS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.  Others regarded it as reference to heavily laden
Although the man had an earnest and sincere desire for camels or beasts of burden that had to be
Eternal Life, HE REALISED THAT HE LACKED SOMETHING unloaded and then squeezed through the small
ESSENTIAL BESIDES HAVING FAITHFULLY KEPT ALL THE HOLY pedestrian gate that was usually set into the great,
COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, so he persisted in his search protective doors of the ancient cities.
for Spiritual Enlightenment. This explanation reminds us that UNLESS WE UNBURDEN
OURSELVES OF OUR EARTHLY GOODS AND CHATTELS, WE CANNOT
 In order for anyone TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECT to
ENTER THE NARROW GATE OF GODS ETERNAL KINGDOM!
achieve Theosis or to regain our lost Divine
Likeness - WE MUST BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING Whatever the case might have been simple or more
AND EVERYTHING IN ORDER TO FAITHFULLY AND CORRECTLY
obscure IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANYONE WHO IS MORE
FOLLOW CHRIST TO GO WHEREVER HE LEADS US. CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR WORLDLY GOODS THAN THEIR
 NOTHING TRULY WORTHY IS GAINED UNLESS WE OFFER OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL
SACRIFICES FREELY AND EAGERLY. THINGS, TO RECEIVE SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS
 ONCE WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE PURPOSE OF THIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY.
SHORT LIFESPAN - the preparatory period before Sadly, most of us so concerned with material things that
Eternity - and the significance of Eternity, WE WILL are merely temporary, destructible and
CERTAINLY BE MOTIVATED TO FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS disappointing, that we completely ignore and neglect
REQUIRED OF US WITHOUT COMPLAINT AND WITH
our Sacred Duties.
CONFIDENT COMMITMENT.
Furthermore, NONE OF THESE EARTHLY MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY IS NOT A SOLO TRIP, CONTRIBUTES TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION UNLESS THEY ARE
for all humanity throughout the ages is heading in the CORRECTLY PUT TO USE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LOVE OF GOD
AND OUR FELLOW SINNERS.
same direction whether we are Believers or not!
However, WE WILL MAKE VERY LITTLE IF ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS Nevertheless, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE during this preparatory
UNLESS WE ARE GUIDED, TAUGHT, ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED period TO TURN TO GOD AND MAKE UP FOR THE PRECIOUS TIME
WE HAVE LOST, BY REPENTING OUR SINS AND STRIVING EACH
BY GOD AND OUR HOLY SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND TEACHERS, AS
WELL AS OUR FELLOW PILGRIMS. MOMENT OF THE DAY FOR A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
EACH HUMAN BEING IS UNIQUE SO CHRIST DOES NOT ASK EVERYONE THROUGH FAITHFUL WORSHIP, PRAYER, FASTING AND
TO MAKE THE SAME TYPE OF SACRIFICE BEFORE FOLLOWING EVERYTHING THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
HIM. Although we realise what a difficult and almost
HE KNOWS OUR HEARTS AND MINDS FAR BETTER THAN US and He impossible Journey we must endure, we may rest
ASSURED IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS
knew that THE MAN WAS FAR TOO ATTACHED TO AND
INDEED POSSIBLE!
CONCERNED WITH HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, which

32 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 1 3 T H OF ST LUKEINHERITANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE 26 NOVEMBER 2017

 25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST - 13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE THE INHERITANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ:
In order to remember to do certain things, many of us
usually have to write a list. If certain things are not
on the list, they might not get done, and some tasks
remain on the list for a very long time before we
finally get around to them.
The Rich Young Ruler who asked our Lord Jesus Christ
what he had to do in order to ...inherit Eternal
Life... also apparently thought in terms of lists.
So when our Saviour told him to keep the
Commandments of the Old Covenant, the man
replied that he had kept them his entire life.
This is where this Encounter became really interesting,
for our Lord Jesus Christ then gave him another
Commandment that had never been on the mans
list a Commandment that he could not even
imagine trying to fulfil: ...sell all that thou hast and
distribute to the poor, and thou will have Treasure
in Heaven, and come, follow Me.
This Ruler of a Synagogue was not only rich and
powerful, but he also loved his innumerable
possessions.
Realising that he was not at all prepared to sacrifice
everything he had, nor willing to follow Christ, ... he
became very sorrowful ...
Our Lord knows how difficult it is to enter His Heavenly
Kingdom for those who have everything they desire
in this life, for they love their possessions and social
status more than God and Neighbour.
However, as our Divine Saviour told His stunned
Disciples, ...Things that are impossible for
mankind are possible for God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ certainly did not simply add
another Divine Law to His Ten Commandments,
which we must always strive to fulfil.
Instead, HE CHALLENGED THAT YOUNG RULER TO STOP
THINKING ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AS BEING
MERELY A MATTER OF LAW - a list of behaviour, which
he could master and maintain.
Anyone who responds to the Ten Divine
Commandments by proclaiming All these I have
kept from my youth... has A VERY SHALLOW
UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF US.
That would be like claiming to have always been a
perfectly Faithful Christian since childhood! For our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ was not Born to
It is not that simple to so easily fulfil all Gods Divine
Commandments.
In His Sermon on the Mount, our Divine Saviour taught
us the True Meaning of Gods Commandments.
He told us that we are guilty of murder when we are
angry with others, if we hate and insult them.
He told us that we are guilty of adultery when we lust
for anything in our heart, and when we do not Love
God with every ounce of our being, and do not Love
our neighbours as much as we love ourselves or as
much as God Loves us - we have broken the
greatest of His Divine Commandments!
If we have any Spiritual Insight at all, we will see that
NONE OF US HAS MASTERED GODS COMMANDMENTS AND
TEACHINGS - NONE OF US CAN STAND BEFORE OUR LORD AND
PROCLAIM THAT WE HAVE FULFILLED HIS DIVINE WILL!
The Truth is that WE HAVE ALL FALLEN SHORT AND NEED GODS
GREAT MERCY AND HEALING!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST JOLTED THAT RICH RULER OUT OF HIS
DELUSION - BROKE HIS FALSE SELF-CONFIDENCE - BY GIVING
HIM A COMMANDMENT THAT HE KNEW HE COULD NOT KEEP:
giving away all his beloved money, possessions,
and power.
For the first time, that fellow understood that Eternal Life
is not merely something on a wish list!
Eternal Life is certainly not something that we can
acquire by our own ability or desire.
IF WE CANNOT SACRIFICE THAT WHICH WE LOVE MOST IN
THIS LIFE FOR GOD, THEN WE OBVIOUSLY CANNOT OR WILL
NOT FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD ASKS OF US.
And since Christ came to Renew, Regenerate and Unite
our fallen human nature with His Divine Nature and
to conquer sin and Death, it is clearly evident that
even the most Law-abiding person still needs the
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 13TH OF ST LUKEINHERITANCE
Mercy, Grace, and Love of our Lord in order to
Inherit Eternal Life.
It is impossible by means of our own weak and limited
human power to share in the Eternal Life of Heaven,
but BY THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH OUR LORD
AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, AND BY THE POWER AND ENERGY
OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
As we continue to prepare ourselves for the Nativity of
Christ, we must remember that this Great Feast is not
about the Birth of a mere Teacher, Law-giver, or
Good Example. It is the Great Feast of the Coming
the First Appearance of the Incarnate, Eternal
Word and Son of God!
If our Lord Jesus had simply been another Holy Prophet
of God with strict Teaching and Spiritual Guidance,
we would not Rejoice at His Appearance at His
Incarnation.
Instead, we wouldlike the Rich Young Rulerbecome
sad and dejected, for the last thing we need is
another Law to disobey and make us even more
guilty than we already are!
The Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God did not become
Incarnate in order to add to the burden of His Divine
Commandments, nor to imply that all would be well
if we obeyed a new set of Commandments and
Teachings.
On the contrary, He became a human Being to do what
a mere Law never could.
HE BECAME MAN IN ORDER TO BRING US INTO HIS DIVINE
HOLINESS, TO MAKE US SANCTIFIED PARTAKERS OF HIS DIVINE
NATURE, TO HEAL AND TO FULFILL OUR FALLEN, CORRUPT
HUMANITY - TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US MORTALS TO PUT ON
IMMORTALITY.
Our Lords shocking instruction to SELL EVERYTHING HE
POSSESSED AND TO DISTRIBUTE THE MONEY TO THE POOR IN
ORDER TO GAIN ...Treasure in Heaven... WHICH WOULD
FREE HIM FROM HIS WORLDLY OBLIGATIONS AND ENABLE HIM
TO FOLLOW CHRIST to become His Faithful Disciple -
CHALLENGED THE RICH YOUNG RULER TO STOP THINKING OF
HIS LIFE BEFORE GOD IN LEGALISTIC TERMS.
Likewise, WE SHOULD USE THE PRAYER, FASTING,
ALMSGIVING, AND OTHER SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OF THE
NATIVITY FAST - OF ADVENT - TO BE SHOCKED OUT OF
OUR CONVENTIONAL AND SHALLOW ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT
WHAT IT MEANS TO SHARE THE ETERNAL LIFE OF THE
HOLY TRINITY.
bring us self-indulgence, popularity, or whatever
else the world calls success.
Neither did He come to us in order to make us strict
legalists who think that Holiness can be reduced to
a list of dos and donts.
And He certainly did not put on Flesh in order to make
His followers the self-righteous judges of others.
The Eternal Son of God became one of us for completely
different reasons.
DUE TO HIS UNFATHOMABLE LOVE, HE MADE EVERYTHING
POSSIBLE FOR US THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE BY OUR OWN POWER.
We may take pride in what we accomplish, but which
of us can claim credit for our Lords Birth?
There is no earthly prestige in a young, Virgin Mother
giving Birth in a cave to a Baby whose cradle was a
manger - a feeding trough for animals.
The Rich Young Rulers of the world cannot understand
a Messiah/Saviour Whose human Life begins in such
lowly circumstances and ended on a Cross.
Our Saviour, Jesus Christs Birth, Life, Death,
Resurrection, and Ascension are not simple human
accomplishments or rewards, but TRULY
MIRACULOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF GODS ETERNAL LIFE in
our world of sin, death, and corruption.
St Paul reminded us that the Old Covenant Law was
preparatory to the Coming of our Divine Saviour.
ALL OF US WHO HAVE ...PUT ON CHRIST... IN OUR HOLY BAPTISM
ARE THE ADOPTED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD WHO
INHERIT THE DIVINE PROMISE MADE TO ABRAHAM TO BLESS
THOSE WITH FAITH IN THE LORD OUR GOD.
WE ARE slaves neither to a Law nor to the ways of the
world, but THE BELOVED CHILDREN OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER WHO WANTS NOTHING MORE THAN TO BRING US INTO
THE GLORY OF HIS ETERNAL LIFE.
OF ETERNAL LIFE 26 NOVEMBER 2017 33.
 A religion that simply provides more laws to obey, or a
culture that piles on burdensome expectations,
could never do that, but only make things worse by
giving people more opportunities to judge
themselves and others.
For when we are ashamed of not measuring up that we
are most likely to shift our attention to putting down
other people in order to make ourselves feel better.
THE GOD-MAN JESUS CHRIST operates in a completely
different way, of course, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR
EVERYONE DESPITE OUR STRUGGLES OR FAILURES OR SOCIAL
STANDING - TO FIND TRUE PEACE THROUGH FAITH, HUMILITY,
AND GROWTH IN HOLINESS - THROUGH OUR ONGOING
ACCEPTANCE OF HIS MERCY AND HEALING.
WE PREPARE OURSELVES TO WELCOME OUR SAVIOUR CHRIST by
opening our heart and soul to His Salvationnot by
mastering Lawsbut BY TRUE REPENTANCE.
In our private Prayers and in the Holy Mystery of
Repentance-Confession, which is essential during
Holy Advent, we must Repent our sins and honestly
Confess them to Christ our Lord, beseeching His
Great Mercy and Forgiveness.
We must make a determined effort to resolve our
weaknesses and bad habits so that we may Renew
our Life in Christ.
WE MUST COOPERATE WITH OUR LORDS GREAT MERCY AND
DIVINE GRACE BY DOING WHATEVER WE CAN TO LIVE
FAITHFULLY.
But even our best behaviour does not acquire nor
guarantee the Inheritance of Eternal Life.
In fact, THE MORE WE GROW IN HOLINESS, THE MORE WE WILL
CLEARLY SEE THE GRAVITY OF OUR SINS AND HOW FAR WE ARE
FROM THE FULL STATURE OF CHRIST.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY SPIRITUAL FATHERS
ST GENNADIOS OF CONSTANTINOPLE
We must never think to ourselves: "I have sinned much,
and therefore I am not bold enough to fall down
before God." We must not despair, for we will increase
our sins! With the Help of the All-merciful One, we will
not be put to shame, for our Lord Jesus Christ told us
clearly that those ... who come to Me I will not cast
out." (JOHN. 6:37)
So we must be bold and believe that He is Pure and
Cleanses those who draw near to Him. If we want to
accomplish True Repentance, we must show it by our
deeds. If we have fallen into pride, we must show
Humility; if into drunkenness, show sobriety; if into
defilement, show Purity of Life. For it is said, "Turn
away from evil and do good." (1 PETER 3:11)
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
Those who hate their sins will stop sinning; and those who
Confess their sins will receive Remission.
We cannot abandon the habit of sin if we do not first gain
enmity toward sin, nor can we receive Remission of
sin without Confession of sin. For the Confession of sin ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN
is the cause of True Humility.
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
It is harmful to remember previous sins in detail. For if
they bring us sorrow, they will estrange us from Hope,
but if they are remembered without sorrow, they will
introduce the previous defilement.
If we want to bring to God an Uncondemned Confession,
then we must not remember our sins in detail, but
courageously Endure the Suffering that is coming
because of them.
ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
Our Lord greatly Loves the Repenting sinner and
Mercifully presses him to His Bosom: "Where were you,
My Child? I was waiting a long time for you."
Our Lord Calls all to Himself with the Voice of the Gospel,
and His Voice is heard in all the world: "Come to Me,
My Sheep. I created you, and I Love you. My Love for
you brought Me to Earth, and I suffered all things for
the sake of your Salvation, and I want you all to
know My Love, and to say, like the Apostles on
Mount Tabor: Lord, it is good for us to be with Thee!"
34 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 1 3 T H OF
THE CLOSER WE BECOME TO HIM, THE LESS WE WILL THINK OF
SALVATION AS A REWARD FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR
according to a check list.
So let this Advent this Nativity Fast - be marked by
Humility, Repentance, and Spiritual Disciplines for
us all - not because we have broken the Divine Law
- because WE HAVE ROOM TO GROW IN OUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH JESUS CHRIST.
Our heart and soul is not worthy of Him.
We do not serve Him by taking care of - or even having
compassion for - the poor, the destitute, the sick and
the needy.
We do not seek first His Kingdom and Righteousness.
We are not even close to being ... Perfect as our Father
in Heaven is Perfect.
Nevertheless, unlike the Rich Young Ruler, WE MUST NOT
GIVE UP OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE, by surrendering to our
failures, and walking away from our Lord in deep,
sorrowful despair.
INSTEAD, PROSTRATING OURSELVES BEFORE HIM IN ABJECT
CONTRITION, WE BESEECH HIM: O Lord, Jesus Christ,
Son of God, have Mercy on me, a sinner!
For AS FAITHFUL, STRUGGLING DISCIPLE OF CHRIST WE KNOW
THAT WHATEVER IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US, IS INDEED,
MAGNIFICENTLY POSSIBLE WITH GOD with our
Incarnated God-Man Jesus Christ, Who is not a
merely a Sacred Law, but OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WHO IS
ALWAYS WITH US
Amen.
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
HTTP://EASTERNCHRISTIANINSIGHTS.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA
ST. BARSANUPHIOS THE GREAT
The Luminous Teaching of our Saviour states: ...Thy Will
be done... (MATTHEW 6:10)
Those who sincerely pronounce this Prayer leave their
own will and put all things in the Will of God. But the
will inspired by the demons is self-justification and
trust in ourselves, and then they easily subject those
who receive this sort of thought.
ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
It is a great good to be given over to the Will of God. Then
our Lord God alone is in our soul, and no other
thought, and she prays to God with a pure mind.
When our soul is entirely given over to the Will of God,
then our Lord Himself begins to Guide us, and our soul
learns directly from God ... Those who are proud do
not wish to Live according to the Will of God. They
like to direct themselves and they do not understand
that we do not have enough understanding to direct
ourselves without the Lord our God.
In the measure to which we cut off and humble our own
will, we proceed toward success. But insofar as we
stubbornly guard our own will, so much do we bring
harm to ourselves!
ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
How can we find out if we are Living within the Will of
God?
If we are troubled about anything, this means that we
have not completely given ourselves over to the Will of
God.
Those who Live in the Will of God are not concerned over
anything. And if we need anything, we must give both
our needs and ourselves over to God.
And when we do not seem to have received what we
have prayed for, we must, nevertheless, remain calm
as if we had.
The soul who has been given over to the Will of God is
afraid of nothing - not of thunder nor of thieves -
nothing.
Whatever happens, we must believe it is according to the
Will and Purpose of God. And when we are sick we
must believe that it too, is according to the Will and
Purpose of God, for thereby Peace is preserved in our
soul and body.
ST LUKEINHERITANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE 26 NOVEMBER 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

30 November 2017
St Andrew First Called Apostle of Christ
Also the Feast of St Frumentios, Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia St Vakhtang Gorgasali,
King of Georgia St Samuel of Georgia St Peter of Georgia

FESTAL APOLYTIKION - ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE TONE 4

Os ton Apostolon Protoklitos, ke tou As first of the Apostles to receive the
korifeou aftadelphos, ton Despotin ton Call, and very brother of the Prince of
olon Andrea iketeve, irinin ti ikoumeni them, intercede O Andrew, with the
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon Mega Master of us all: Peace to all the world
Eleos. to grant, and to our souls His Great
Mercy.
SEASONAL - ADVENT KONTAKION - EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth
ethete apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, Ineffably to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of
akoutisthisa; Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, good cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with
voilithenta apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon the Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will it was to
Theon. be made manifest as a young Child the Pre-Eternal
God.
FESTAL MATINS HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 4 : 18 23
THE CALLING TO HOLY SERVICE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR GOD
At that time, our Lord Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee when He saw two brothers Simon, called Peter, and
Andrew, his brother casting a net into the sea - they were Fishermen. And He said to them: Follow Me, and I
shall make you Fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
And going on from there, He saw two other brothers James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother in the boat
with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets. And He Called them. Immediately they left the boat and their
Father, and followed Him.
And Jesus went about all Galilee, Teaching in their Synagogues, Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and Healing all
kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 18 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their Words to the ends of the world.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you
are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and
are naked, and are buffeted, and have no dwelling-place. And we labour, working with our own hands. Being
reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we Entreat. We are made as the filth of the world -
the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. Although you have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet have you not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you. I
beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
Irony and sarcasm are bitter medicine, which St Paul THEY ENDURED ALL THEIR HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING FOR THE
used on this occasion with full force. The three PURE JOY OF SERVING OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR THEREBY
parallel statements: ... we are fools... weak... RECONCILING THE FALLEN WORLD TO GOD.
dishonoured... were heaped upon each other in a St Paul soothed the pain of his rebuke by REMINDING ALL
stinging series. FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST OF HIS SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD
THE RELATIVE COMFORT OF THE CORINTHIANS CHRISTIAN TO US.
COMMUNITY WAS CONTRASTED WITH THE PERSECUTED, The Holy Church of Christ is similar to any other family
POVERTY-STRICKEN AND UNCERTAIN LIFESTYLE OF THE HOLY with maturing children who need parental guidance.
APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE WHO ARE THE MATURING
THEY ENDURED ALL KINDS AND DEGREES OF HUMILIATION being CHILDREN, NEED OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH AND GUIDE
treated as filth and even like the off-scourings yet, US.
INSTEAD OF RETALIATING IN A SIMILAR FASHION striking St Paul urged us as Faithful Disciples of Christ to imitate
back in a similar manner at their persecutors THE him just as he ceaselessly strove to IMITATE OUR LORD
HOLY APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST JESUS CHRIST.
RESPONDED WITH UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE AGAPE!
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 1 : 35 - 52
THE FORMER DISCIPLES OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FOLLOWED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
At that time, John stood with two of his Disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said: Behold! The Lamb of
God! And having heard him speak, the two Disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and seeing them following
Him, said to them: What do you seek? They said to Him: Rabbi: (which is to say, when translated: Teacher,) ...
where art Thou staying? He said to them: Come and see.
They went and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day. (It was about the tenth hour.) Andrew, the
brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard John speak, and had followed Him. Finding first his own
brother, Simon, he said to him: We have found the Messiah! (which is translated: the Christ.) And he took him to

ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED HOLY APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD 30 NOVEMBER 35
 Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said: Thou art Simon the son of Jonah. Thou shalt be called Cephas, (which is
translated: Rock.)
The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And He found Philip, and said to him: Follow Me.
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him: We have found Him
of Whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote: Jesus, the son of Joseph of Nazareth! And Nathanael
said to him: Can anything Good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see!
Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, and said of him: Behold! Truly an Israelite - in whom there is no deceit!
Nathanael said to Him: How dost Thou know me? Answering Jesus said to him: Before you were called by Philip -
while under the fig tree, I beheld thee. Nathanael answered, and said to Him: Rabbi! Thou art the Son of God!
Thou art the King of Israel! Jesus replied, and said to him: Because I said to thee; I beheld thee under the fig
tree, dost thou believe? Thou shalt see greater Things than these!
And He said to him: Truly, truly, I say to thee: hereafter thou shalt see Heaven open, and the Angels of God
ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
OUR LORDS FIRST DISCIPLES HAD BEEN FOLLOWERS OR DISCIPLES The awesome title Son of Man is that of THE LONG-AWAITED
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. MESSIAH, WHICH HAD A LEVEL OF MYSTERY in its meaning,
They were ST ANDREW, ST (SIMON) PETER who was also INDICATING SOMEONE OF HEAVENLY ORIGIN WHO WOULD
known as Cephas, (Petros or Rock), ST PHILIP AND ST USHER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD:
NATHANAEL, who was also known as ST BARTHOLOMEW  DANIEL 7 : 24 25: ... One like the Son of Man was
and an unnamed Disciple whom our Holy Fathers coming with the Clouds of Heaven, until He came
believe was ST JOHN, the author of this Holy Gospel to the Ancient of Days and approached Him.
who always referred obliquely to himself, such as Then Dominion, Honour, and the Kingdom were
The Disciple whom Jesus Loved. given to Him, and all peoples, Tribes, and
It was a common literary device for writers not to use their languages served Him. His Authority is an
own names. Everlasting Authority, which shall not pass away,
When our Lord referred to ST NATHANAEL as having no and His Kingdom shall not be destroyed.
deceit He meant that his HEART AND SOUL WERE PURE and In an Old Testament Prophecy, Jacob, the ancient
that HE WAS ALWAYS STRAIGHTFORWARD, TRUTHFUL AND Patriarch, dreamt of A LADDER CONNECTING HEAVEN AND
HONEST - HAVING NO NEED OR DESIRE TO DECEIVE OTHERS. EARTH, UPON WHICH THE ANGELS OF GOD WERE ASCENDING
WHATEVER OCCURRED WHILE ST NATHANAEL WAS UNDER THE FIG AND DESCENDING. (GENESIS 28: 12 15)
TREE IS NOT STATED. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THIS DIVINE LADDER WHO UNITES AND
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM BELIEVED that it WAS THE USUAL MEETING CONNECTS US TO HEAVEN WHO MAKES OUR ASCENSION TO
PLACE OF ST PHILIP AND ST NATHANAEL, and that OUR LORD HEAVEN POSSIBLE AND WHO IS THEREFORE, THE SON OF MAN,
PRAISED ST NATHANAEL FOR BEING DILIGENT AND CAREFUL IN AS WELL AS THE INCARNATE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD
THEIR SEARCH FOR THE DIVINE MESSIAH. AND SON OF GOD.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS FOREKNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO SEE
INTO EVERYONES HEART AND SOUL OBVIOUSLY STIRRED ST
NATHANAELS SPONTANEOUS CONFESSION OF FAITH.
ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
Today we celebrate the Feast of St Andrew the First- How important it was that St Andrew told his brother, St
Called Apostle of Christ who has the unique Peter about our Lord, for he became the leader of the
privilege of being THE FIRST PERSON OUR LORD JESUS Disciples in Jerusalem, and the first bishop of both
CHRIST CALLED TO FOLLOW HIM AS A DISCIPLE AND AN Antioch and Rome.
APOSTLE - the first link in the chain, the very first Living WE NEVER KNOW WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR EACH OF US and
Stone of the Foundation upon which His Holy Church St Simon Peter seemed to be an unlikely character for
stands to this very day. such an exalted role, but as evident throughout the
Like his brother, St (Simon) Peter, ST. ANDREW WAS A SIMPLE, ages, OUR LORD OFTEN USES SEEMINGLY ILL-SUITED PEOPLE
HARDWORKING FISHERMAN who left behind the life that FOR HIS DIVINE WORK AND GLORY.
he had always known in order to follow our Lord in WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CALLED ST PHILIP, HE IN TURN, SHARED THE
the Ministry of His Kingdom, for which he eventually GOOD NEWS WITH ST NATHANIEL, who wondered if
was martyred. anything good could come out of Nazareth.
According to the Gospel account of the Calling of the first In other words, HE WONDERED IF HE WAS INDEED THE GREAT
Holy Apostles, ST ANDREW HAD BEEN A DISCIPLE OF ST JOHN MESSIAH WHO WOULD FULFIL ALL THE EXPECTATIONS OF THEIR
THE BAPTIST WHO CLEARLY IDENTIFIED OUR LORD JESUS AS THE PEOPLE.
LONG-AWAITED SAVIOUR, by proclaiming: Behold! The OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR was neither a nationalistic military
Lamb of God! - thereby revealing that He is truly the champion nor a religious legalist. He is very different
Passover Lamb Who brings Eternal Life to a Spiritually from what most people expected and wanted at that
Dark, dying world through His Teachings, His Passion time and place.
and His Glorious Resurrection. Nonetheless, St Nathaniel was so impressed that Christ
In response to the two Disciples question of where He was knew he had been sitting under a fig tree that he
staying, our Lord replied: Come and see. exclaimed in astonishment: Rabbi! Thou art the Son
SIGHT IS A PROMINENT THEME IN ST JOHNS GOSPEL especially of God! Thou art the King of Israel!
the account of Christs Divine Healing of the man born And our Lord responds by assuring him: ... Thou shalt
without eyes, who had not only received physical see greater Things than these... thou shalt see
sight but also Spiritual Vision, while the arrogant Heaven open, and the Angels of God ascending and
Pharisees and Scribes revealed the depth of their descending upon the Son of Man.
Spiritual Blindness due to their stubborn ignorance This is another reference to sight to seeing, to WITNESSING
and rejection of Christ and His Divine Truth. FIRST HAND, HIS DIVINE TRUTH - for OUR LORD CALLS US TO
TO KNOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS NOT SIMPLY TO ACCEPT PERSONAL PARTICIPATION IN AND KNOWLEDGE OF GOD - TO
ABSTRACT TRUTHS CONCERNING HIM, BUT TO HAVE THE BEHOLD THE GLORY OF HEAVEN.
SPIRITUALLY CLARITY TO BEHOLD HIS GLORY AND TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST was not simply an especially gifted
PARTICIPATE PERSONALLY IN HIS LIFE BY LIVING IN CHRIST. religious Leader Who knew surprising Truths about
HE CALLED HIS FIRST DISCIPLES SO THAT THEY WOULD TRULY KNOW people - not merely a charismatic Personality with a
HIM FROM THE DEPTHS OF THEIR SOULS just as He Calls us, New Teaching - He IS INDEED THE LAMB OF GOD WHO
inviting us and enabling us to be His Faithful Disciples FULFILS THE OLD COVENANT PROMISES to Abraham, WHICH
who have a close, personal Relationship with Him. ARE EXTENDED TO ALL WHO RESPOND TO HIM WITH FAITH,
ST ANDREWS IMMEDIATE REACTION TO HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH LOVE, AND REPENTANCE.
OUR LORD WAS TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS with his brother, HE CALLS ALL MANKIND TO BE TRANSFIGURED BY HIS DIVINE
saying: We have found the Messiah! GRACE, TO BE ILLUMINED BY HIS HOLINESS, AND TO
FROM THE VERY ORIGINS OF OUR FAITH, THERE IS A GENUINE PARTICIPATE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE...
EVANGELISTIC IMPULSE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE BLESSING
AND JOY THAT WE HAVE FOUND IN OUR ENCOUNTER WITH OUR EXCERPT FROM A SERMON DELIVERED BY FATHER PHILIP LE MASTERS -
DIVINE SAVIOUR. HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM/EASTERNCHRISTIANINSIGHTS/2014
EDITED BY MP

36. ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE OF CHRIST 30 NOVEMBER 2017