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4 December 2016
th
Also the Feast of ST BARBARA, GREAT HOLY MARTYR OF HELIOPOLIS, SYRIA & St Juliana of Heliopolis,
Syria ST JOHN OF DAMASCUS St John of Phrygia St Alexander Hotovitsky, New Martyr of Russia
St Gennadios, Archbishop of Novgorod St Seraphim, Bishop & Hieromonk of the Phanar
OF
By
OF
HELIOPOLIS
Barbara the Saint, let us Honour, for she broke the snares
of the enemy, and escaped from them like a bird, with
the Cross as her help and shield.
Orthodoxias
Guide
OF THE
NATIVITY- TONE 3
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;
doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta
apofthine, pedion neon, ton pro eonon Theon.
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
GALATIANS 3 : 23 4 : 5
OUR ADOPTION AS CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST THROUGH OUR FAITH AND HOLY BAPTISM
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law kept for the Faith that would afterward be
revealed. Therefore, the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ, so 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 Jew 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 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 the Adoption as sons.
Faith IN Christ is also Faith OF Christ because TWO FAITHS
body. (St Abraham also saw the Holy Trinity as three identical
Men Angels, Whom he addressed as Lord as one
ARE COOPERATING together:
first and foremost, the
Being.)
faith of Christ, and secondarily, the Faith in Christ of
THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL
those who believe.
PREPARATORY PERIOD FOR ETERNITY.
Although THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD COVENANT with God had
Because Gods Love of us is infinite and absolute, He
complete Faith in God, they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN
provided mankind with a set of TEN COMMANDMENTS
THE FAITH OF CHRIST FOR OUR SAVIOUR HAD NOT YET
OR LAWS that GUIDE US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND
APPEARED TO THEM.
PROTECT US FROM FALLING INTO A STATE OF PERMANENT
THE HOLY TRINITY IS OMNIPRESENT - ever-present there
SPIRITUAL DEATH.
has never been a time or place when God the
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OR MOSAIC LAW prepared the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit was not present!
Hebrew Nation for the Coming of God. They STILL
The only time WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE GOD WAS WHEN CHRIST
APPLY TO US, THE NEW ISRAEL THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF
the Word and Son of God became Man BECAME
GOD.
INCARNATE took on physical matter a human
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH
OF
4 DECEMBER 2016
1.
THE
TO
ST LUKE 13 : 10 - 17
BOWED WOMAN
ON THE
SABBATH
At that time, our Lord was teaching in one of the Synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold: there was a woman who
had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself.
Seeing her, Jesus called her to Him, and said to Her: Woman: you are loosed from your infirmity. And He laid His
Hands on her. And immediately she was made straight, and she Glorified God.
Indignantly, the Ruler of the Synagogue responded, for Jesus had Healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd: There
are six days on which to work. On them come and be Healed, and not on the Sabbath Day!
Answering him, the Lord said: Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the
stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman being a daughter of Abraham - whom Satan has
bound think of it: for eighteen years be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?
And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the Glorious
Things that were done by Him.
According to certain traditions that the Pharisees and the
that position in order to understand the suffering that
she had so patiently endured.
Scribes had built up around the Mosaic Law, Healing
was considered to be work.
Furthermore, our Holy Church Fathers regard this Divine
Commandment ... think of it!... as directing our
Therefore, even Healing was not permissible on the
Sabbath Day.
attention to a profound Spiritual Meaning of the ...
These self-righteous Pharisees and Scribes believed that
eighteen years.
The Greek expression is literally ten and eight years.
they served God by zealously keeping and enforcing
St Ambrose and St Theophylact understood this as
these peripheral traditions.
However, such legalism actually made them insensitive
representing the Ten Commandments and the Eighth
Day, which is the beginning of Eternity and the
to Gods Great Mercy.
When our Compassionate Lord Jesus Christ told the
General Resurrection of all mankind by Divine Grace.
Consequently, all mankind is uplifted by Faith in Christ
people especially those who criticised Him for
Who fulfils both the entire Mosaic Law and Divine
Healing the Bowed Woman on the Sabbath to ...
Grace.
think of it! He was commanding them to consider
how it felt to suffer for so long to put themselves in
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10TH
2. 2 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 1 0 T H
OF
OF
4 DECEMBER 2016
OF
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/2010
4 DECEMBER 2016
3.
OF
ST GREGORY
OF OUR
OPTINA
ON THOUGHTS :
ST MARK
OF
ASCETIC
OF
INJUSTICE IN SECRET
The worst of those who treat us unfairly and unjustly,
are those who do so in secret, because they commit a
far more appalling sin.
PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO TREAT US UNJUSTLY
If we pray for those who treat us unjustly, we
vehemently knock down the demons, but if we argue
with those who treat us badly, we are wounded by
the demons!
ELDER AMPHILOCHIOS
OF
PATMOS
4 DECEMBER 2016
5 December 2016
St Savva the Sanctified
Also the Feast of St Gurias, Archbishop of Kazan St Anastasio the Fuller of Salona,
Dalmatia St Karion/Cyrion & St Zacharia of Sketis, Egypt St Nektarios of Bitolya & Mount
Athos St Philotheos the Holy Ascetic of Karyes, Mount Athos All Martyred Monks of
Karyes, Mount Athos St Crispina of Tagora, Africa
THE
SANCTIFIED
THE
Os
With
The Saints shall rejoice in Glory, and they shalt greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing unto the Lord a New Song His Praise in the Assembly of His Holy
THE EPISTLE
OF
BATTLE
ST PAUL
TO THE
GALATIANS 5 : 22 6 : 2
& DO GOOD
TO EVERYONE
Brethren: the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Selfcontrol. Against such there is no Law.
Those who are Christs have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in
the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Brethren: if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are Spiritual, must restore such a one in a spirit of Gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ.
This Sacred Lesson commemorates all Holy Monks and IT
Without HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE two inseparable Virtues
REMINDS US, AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WHOM WE
we cannot expect to make even the slightest Progress,
STRIVE TO IMITATE AND FAITHFULLY FOLLOW I.E. OUR LORD AND
for ONLY BY WORKING IN HARMONY AND UNITY WITH GOD AND
SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST WHO IS THE SON OF GOD.
WITH ONE ANOTHER, CAN WE ACHIEVE THEOSIS Spiritual
WE ARE GUIDED AND ENABLED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT our
Perfection and Eternal Life.
BEING ENLIGHTENED BY CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE SHOULD
Divine Comforter, Advocate and Helper - WHO GRANTS US
HIS DIVINE GIFTS OF VIRTUE such as Love, Joy, Peace,
ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST ONE ANOTHER, especially when any
Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,
of us stumbles or falls along the Way.
Gentleness and Self-Control.
However, WHEN CORRECTING OUR FALLEN OR STUMBLING
As developing, maturing and Faithful Christians we are
BRETHREN, WE MUST ALWAYS DO SO WITH HUMBLE AGAPE OR
reminded that THROUGH OUR HOLY BAPTISM WE HAVE
LOVE ... A spirit of Gentleness... and never with a
ABANDONED OUR FORMER SELVES the old man (i.e. our
sense of criticism or condemnation because the next
former, corrupted human nature).
time we, ourselves, may fall even harder than any of
Having been REGENERATED IN CHRIST, our only desire is to
our fellow sinners: Today my Brother, tomorrow me!
(ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT)
BECOME LIKE HIM THROUGH HUMILITY AND WILLING OBEDIENCE
TO BE ABLE TO ADMINISTER CORRECTION WITH GENTLENESS IS A
TO GOD IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE instead of being ruled and
SPIRITUAL GIFT OF GOD.
dominated by our passions or vices and selfish desires.
St Paul admonished us to BEAR ONE ANOTHERS BURDENS AND TO
To walk in the (Holy) Spirit is to LIVE EVERY MOMENT in the
BEAR OUR OWN BURDENS AS WELL because WE ARE CALLED TO
(Holy) Spirit, being CONSTANTLY AWARE OF OUR HOLY
INITIATE TRUE CARE-GIVING in our Holy Church and NEVER
MISSION during this preparatory period of life on Earth
TO BE NEEDLESS BURDENS TO OTHERS!
and MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO FULFIL GODS DIVINE WILL
instead of indulging our own flawed and destructive
desires and whims that do not benefit us at all.
ST SAVVA THE SANCTIFIED
5 DECEMBER 2016
5.
OF
TO
ST MATTHEW 11 : 27 30
IN
HIM
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: ... All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him.
Come to Me, all who labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest. Take My Yoke upon you, and
learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My Yoke is easy and
My Burden is light.
St Theophylact explained to us that GOD HAS HIDDEN HIS
THE YOKE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR FREE AND WILLING
DIVINE MYSTERIES FROM THE WISE AND ERUDITE PEOPLE OF THE
SUBMISSION TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT
WORLD not out of any malice towards His creatures
IS REQUIRED OF US AS WORTHY FUTURE CITIZENS.
but rather BECAUSE OF THEIR UNWORTHINESS, for they
A Yoke could be seen as a sign of hardship, burdens, and
chose to trust their own fallen, warped and limited
responsibilities, but IN CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, HIS YOKE IS
wisdom and judgement instead of Gods Perfect and
EASY, BECAUSE DIVINE POWER WORKS IN EACH OF US. (2 KINGS 12: 1
11; JEREMIAH 34: 1-11; WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1)
Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge.
Furthermore,
THE ULTIMATE REWARD IS INFINITELY GREATER
Furthermore, it is DUE TO HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND THAT GOD
THAN ANY EFFORT MANKIND PUTS FORTH.
WITHHOLDS DIVINE REVELATION FROM THOSE WHO WOULD
The term Gentle is literally translated Meek.
SCORN IT IN ORDER THAT THEY DO NOT RECEIVE EVEN WORSE
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AT THEIR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
ST SAVVA
THE
OF
ASCETIC LIFE
ON THE WORLD
SANCTIFIED
ARCHIMANDRITE ISAAC
OF
OF
ST PAISIOS)
6.
5 DECEMBER 2016
6 December 2016
St Nicholas the Wonderwork & Archbishop of Myra, Lycia
Also the Feast of St Maximos, Metropolitan of Kiev
NATIVITY TONE 2
OF THE
VERSE1
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
VERSE 2
VERSE 3
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3
OF THE
VERSE
OF THE
NATIVITY TONE 2
Come,
Kanona
TONE 2
VERSE
NATIVITY
Defte
VERSE
Si: Allilouia!
STIHOS
Theotokos,
the
of
OF
MYRA TONE 4
NATIVITY TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton proeonion Logon, en Spileo erhete, On this day, the Virgin went to the Grotto to give Birth to
apotekin aporritos. Horeve i ikoumeni akoutisthisa,
doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voiithenta
epofthine, Pedion Neon, to Pro Eonon Theon.
Precious in the Sight of the Lord is the Death of His Holy One.
What shall I give back to the Lord for all He rendered to me?
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
HEBREWS 13 : 17 21
Brethren: obey your Leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your soul, as men who will have to
give account. Let them do so Joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we
are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honourably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to
do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Now, may the God of Peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, by the
Blood of the Eternal Covenant, equip you with everything Good, that you may do His Will, working in you that which
is pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
We must ALWAYS OBEY AND RESPECT OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY AT THE GREAT
who are consecrated and Sanctified members of the
JUDGEMENT OF OUR LORD.
Holy Priesthood of Christ our Lord.
St Paul, as one of our Holy Church Fathers, asked all
OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS ARE PART OF THE ETERNAL SPIRITUAL
Christians for their Prayers so that he might live an
FATHERHOOD OF CHRISTS HOLY CHURCH WHO WILL BE HELD
exemplary life according to Gods Will and not be
ST NICHOLAS, WONDERWORKING ARCHBISHOP
OF
MYRA
6 DECEMBER 2016
7.
TO
ST LUKE 6 : 17 - 23
At that time, our Lord Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of His Disciples and a great multitude of people
from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him, and to be Healed of their
diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were Cured. And all the crowd sought to touch Him, for
Power went forth from Him and Healed them all.
And He lifted up His Eyes to His Disciples, and said: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep, for you shall be glad.
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
on account of the Son of Man!
Rejoice in that day, and leap for Joy, for behold, your Reward is Great in Heaven!
In the age of the Old Covenant a select few were chosen
HOLY SORROW IS PART OF OUR REPENTANCE, CONVERSION AND
to hear God directly. (REFER EXODUS 19: 3 13)
VIRTUOUS ACTION.
IN THE AGE OF THE NEW COVENANT GOD INCARNATE SPEAKS
HOLY SORROW OR JOYFUL MOURNING IS THE FIRST-FRUIT THE
DIRECTLY TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND ALL THOSE WHO SEEK
INITIAL RESULT OF INFINITE OR ETERNAL BLISS/JOY, which is
DIVINE TRUTH.
completely different from ungodly sorrow an
Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us with His own Divine
inconsolable sadness that leads to despair utter
Authority and WE, AS HIS DISCIPLES, DO NOT DISCUSS OR
hopelessness. (REFER TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7 : 10 )
DEBATE BUT LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT HE REVEALS AND
THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL IS WHEN WE COMMIT OUR
TEACHES US CONCERNING GODS TRUTH READY AND EAGER TO
LIVES ENTIRELY TO CHRIST WHEN WE LIVE IN CHRIST AND
FULFIL WHATEVER IS REQUIRED FROM US. THIS IS OUR HOLY
NEVER COMPROMISE OUR FAITH no matter what the
MISSION AND PURPOSE ON EARTH DURING THIS PREPARATORY
circumstances or threats against us.
PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY.
This Sermon on the Plain is similar but not as extensive
The term Blessed indicates HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL
as Christs profound Sermon on the Mount. (MATTHEW 5 7)
EXALTATION RATHER THAN EARTHLY HAPPINESS OR PROSPERITY.
OUR LORD JESUS REPEATED MANY OF HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OVER
In Hebrew, poor means both THE MATERIALLY POOR AND
THE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY TO THE
GODS FAITHFUL PEOPLE.
HEBREWS AND GENTILES, WHICH WERE LATER SPREAD
The poor in spirit, are THOSE WHO HAVE THE HEART OF THE
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD BY HIS DIVINELY INSPIRED APOSTLES
POOR, THE SAME ATTITUDE AS THE POOR, AND WHO ARE TOTALLY
AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
DEPENDENT ON GOD.
St John the Divine Apostle, Evangelist and Theologian
Those who hunger ... and thirst for Righteousness REGARD
wrote of three Passover Feasts that occurred between
THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM AS THE
Theophany the Revelation of the Holy Trinity at the
MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES OF LIFE.
THEY HAVE A
Baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan by St John the
TREMENDOUS CRAVING AND YEARNING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND
Baptist and His Passion the New Covenant Pascha
GOOD A SPIRITUAL HUNGER THAT IS FAR MORE COMPELLING
which shows us that our Lords earthly Divine Mission
THAN A DESIRE FOR FOOD.
the direct Teaching by God Incarnate Himself lasted
only three short years!
Those who weep... refers to THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED BY
This short section of the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS LIFE, ESPECIALLY BY THE MISERY OF SO
is read on Feast Days commemorating our Holy
MANY OTHERS, THE STATE OF THE FALLEN WORLD, AND THEIR
Hierarchs, Hieromartyrs and Monks.
OWN PERSONAL SINS. (REFER JOHN 11:35... LUKE 19:41 & LUKE 7 : 36 38)
ALL THESE ARE COMFORTED BY THE POWER OF GOD BOTH IN THIS
WORLD AND IN THE AGE TO COME.
ST NICHOLAS, WONDERWORKING ARCHBISHOP
8.
OF
MYRA
OF
MYRA
6 DECEMBER 2016
9 December 2016
TONE 2
Simeron tis ateknias desma dialionte; tou Ioakim gar ke tis Today
the bonds of barrenness are loosened; for God hearing the Prayers of Joachim and Anna - clearly
promised them that they would bear - against all hope
- the God-Bearer from whom was born the Omnipotent
Himself, as a mortal Man, Who ordered the Angel to
cry out unto Her: Hail, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with
Thee!
Eortazi
Today
OF
ST PAUL
SLAVERY
TO SIN
GALATIANS 4 : 22 27
TO THE
& SONSHIP
TO
ALMIGHTY GOD
Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a free woman. But he who
was of the bond woman was born according to the flesh, and he of the free woman, through Promise - which things
are symbolic.
These are the two Covenants: the one from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar for this Hagar
is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem, which now is - and is in bondage with her children.
The Jerusalem Above is free, which is the Mother of us all. For it is written: Rejoice, O Barren you who do not bear!
Break forth and shout, you who are not in labour! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a
husband!
By saying that Abrahams two sons (Ishmael & Isaac) and
As St John Chrysostom explained, St Isaac ... was the
related Events are symbolic Allegoreo, St Paul did
issue of bodies that were dead, and of a womb that
was dead. His conception was not by the flesh, nor
not imply that they are not historical.
his birth by the seed, for the womb was dead both
Rather he asserted that OLD COVENANT HISTORY ANNOUNCED
through age and infertility. But the Word of God
SOMETHING FAR GREATER THAN ITSELF it announced THE
fashioned him...
INCARNATION OF THE SON AND WORD OF GOD, OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST, AND THE RESULTANT ETERNAL SALVATION OF ALL
He Who was not according to the flesh (St Isaac) was
more honourable than he who was born after the
MANKIND.
flesh (Ishmael).
Hagar and Mount Sinai symbolise THE EARTHLY JERUSALEM
ST ISAAC WAS THE LEGITIMATE CHILD OF ABRAHAM AND SARAH,
AND THE HEBREW NATION WHO WERE UNDER THE DIVINE LAW
AND THEIR HOLY STATE OF MARRIAGE, ACCORDING TO THE
OF GOD, WHICH PREPARED THEM THROUGH SELF-DISCIPLINE
AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD FOR THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH.
WILL AND DIVINE PROMISE OF GOD, while ISHMAEL ALTHOUGH THE FIRST BORN SON OF ABRAHAM -WAS THE
St Sarah, the wife of the ancient Patriarch, St Abraham,
ILLEGITIMATE CHILD OF ABRAHAM AND THE SLAVE, HAGAR,
was the free woman, who symbolised THE HEAVENLY
BEING BORN OUT OF LEGAL AND HOLY WEDLOCK ACCORDING
JERUSALEM THE ETERNAL CITY OF GOD TO WHICH WE SHOULD
TO THE DEMANDS OF THE FLESH AND AGAINST THE WILL OF GOD
ALL ASPIRE i.e. HIS HOLY CHURCH THROUGH WHICH WE ENTER
GODS ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
IN A STATE OF SINFUL DISOBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD.
Consequently, HAGAR AND ISHMAEL WERE BANISHED from the
The desolate refers to MEMBERS OF HIS HOLY BODY HIS HOLY
household and sent off to fend for themselves
CHURCH ESPECIALLY THE NON-HEBREWS, THE GENTILES AND
elsewhere.
ALL CONVERTS.
Therefore, let it not disturb you (Baptised Christians) that
She who has no husband, refers to THE NATION OF ISRAEL
before, THE OLD COVENANT ISRAEL THE HEBREWS - and
you were not born after the flesh. For from THE VERY
REASON THAT YOU ARE NOT SO BORN, ARE YOU MOST OF ALL
now, THE NEW COVENANT ISRAEL THE CHRISTIANS WHO
ABRAHAMS KINDRED.
ARE CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST OUR LORD TO GODS ETERNAL
DURING HOLY BAPTISM CHRISTIANS BECOME THE ADOPTED
KINGDOM.
CHILDREN OF DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD AND THUS CO-HEIRS
Furthermore, St Sarah was a type of - similar to - our Ever
Blessed Lady Theotokos because HER SON WAS ALSO BORN
WITH CHRIST RIGHTFUL HEIRS TO GODS ETERNAL KINGDOM
OF LOVE, PEACE AND BLISS ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE
THROUGH A DIVINE PROMISE - ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF
PROMISE AND WILL OF GOD, but only if we personally
GOD THE FATHER.
choose to accept it for ourselves.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAUTIONS
TO
ST LUKE 8 : 16 - 21
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: ... No one having lit a lamp covers it with a basket, or puts it under a bed, but
sets it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed,
nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
CONCEPTION
OF THE
BY
9 DECEMBER 2016
9.
Watch how you hear! Whoever has, to him more will be granted, and whoever does not have, even what he seems
to have will be taken from him.
His Mother and His Brethren went to Him, and could not approach Him due to the crowd. And they told Him: Thy
Mother and Thy Brethren are standing outside, wishing to see Thee. Answering, He said to them: My Mother and
My Brethren are those who hear the Word of God and fulfil It.
MOST PEOPLE including our Lord Jesus Christs maternal
Family of His Eternal Kingdom ... is not by
family members such as His cousins, uncles and aunts
(earthly/worldly/human) nature but by Virtue, as St
- our Lords Brethren or Brothers and Sisters - HAD
John Chrysostom explained.
NOT YET FULLY COMPREHENDED OUR SAVIOURS DIVINE
This incident was similar to when a woman from the
midst of the crowd shouted praises to His Mother who
IDENTITY AND UNIVERSAL MISSION.
had brought Him to life and thus Blessed our world: HE
OUR LORD BY NO MEANS EVER DENIED HIS FAMILY CONNECTIONS
NOR DID HE EVER INSULT OR EMBARRASS THEM.
CORRECTED HER NOT BY DENOUNCING OR INSULTING HIS EVER
BLESSED, ALL HOLY MOTHER BUT BY EMPHASISING HER UTTER
Rather, such as in this instance, HE POINTED HIS DISCIPLES
AND FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS TO OUR ETERNAL SPIRITUAL FAMILY,
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD WHICH WAS OF EVEN
which is based on our Humility and Obedience to the
GREATER SPIRITUAL VALUE AND WORTH THAN HER EVER VIRGIN
Will of God the Father.
MOTHERHOOD. (LUKE 11: 27-28)
Subsequently, ALL THIS IS FULFILLED THROUGH OUR SPIRITUAL
The degree to which we are especially Blessed by God
depends on THE DEGREE OF OUR HEARING THE WORD THE
ENLIGHTENMENT, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE
RECEIVE FROM CHRIST, which we are able to apply to our
DIVINE TRUTH OF GOD AND KEEPING IT APPLYING IT IN ALL
ITS ASPECTS TO OUR OWN PERSONAL LIFE WORDS, THOUGHTS
words, thoughts and deeds, by BEING ACTIVATED AND
ENABLED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
AND DEEDS.
Furthermore, CHRIST CORRECTED AND GUIDED THEM ALL ... TO
THE RIGHT IDEA CONCERNING HIMSELF... that the Holy
THE CONCEPTION
OF THE
BY
ST ANNA
AND
OF OUR
10. C O N C E P T I O N
OF THE
ANTINOES
OF
OF
DAMASCUS
BY
9 DECEMBER 2016
NATIVITY TONE 2
OF THE
VERSE1
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
VERSE 2
VERSE 3
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3
Soson
OF THE
NATIVITY
TONE 2
VERSE
VERSE
STIHOS
VERSE
STIHOS
Theotokos,
STIHOS
the
of
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION
TONE
(8) PLAGAL 4
En
By
OF THE
NATIVITY TONE 3
I Parthenos simeron, ton proeonion Logon, en Spileo erhete, On this day, the Virgin went to the Grotto to give Birth to
apotekin aporritos. Horeve i ikoumeni akoutisthisa,
doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voiithenta
epofthine, Pedion Neon, to Pro Eonon Theon.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers, for Thou art Praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the Ages!
For Thou art Righteous in all Thou hast done for us, all Thou hast brought upon us and on Jerusalem, the Holy city of our
Fathers!
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST2ND SUNDAY BEFORE NATIVITY- HOLY FOREFATHERS 11 DECEMBER
2016
11.
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
SPIRITUALITY
TO THE
IN THE
COLOSSIANS 3 : 4 11
HOLY CHURCH
OF
CHRIST
Brethren: when Christ, Who is our Life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in Glory.
Put to death your members that are on Earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is
idolatry. Because of these sins, the Wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves
once walked when you lived in them! Now you are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
language out of your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the Old Man with his deeds, and have put on the New Man who is
Renewed in Knowledge according to the Image of Him Who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Judean,
circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythians, slave nor free, but all and in all is Christ.
1. True Mysticism in Christs Holy Church:
and without fear of Eternal Condemnation and
As Christians Struggling Disciples of Christ we have
Spiritual Exile from God through unrepented sins and
received our Lord Jesus Exalted Resurrection Life
a tragic lack of Agape True, Unconditional and
through Holy Baptism.
Divine Love!
Consequently, we need to seek the ultimate and
2. True Asceticism in Christs Holy Church:
Spiritual Glories of the Age to come i.e. Eternity
As Baptised Christians, we are becoming in practice
or - our ultimate Goal - Eternal Life in Gods
what we are already in spirit.
Heavenly Kingdom, for which we need to
Our Salvation b e g i n s with Holy Baptism and is
prepare ourselves during this short lifespan on
c o n t i n u e d t h r o u g h o u t o u r l i f e s p a n by
Earth!
means of a Faithful and proper Life in Christ.
We must forever remember our Holy Baptism and
As we died with Christ through our Holy Baptism, so
everything that it actually means!!
now too, we must Struggle every moment of the
We must never forget all the effort we made while
day to root out and destroy all our old sinful and
disintegrating passions that cause us to fall into
preparing ourselves for Holy Baptism (i.e. those
who have converted from Protestantism)
temporary Spiritual Death.
Always be aware of everything that we have been
Our subsequent determined efforts of Repentance Save
taught by our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy
us and return us to Spiritual Life in Christ.
Church Fathers and our Spiritual Teachers
Due to our weak human nature and self-indulgent habits,
concerning our daily Life in Christ Jesus.
we regularly fall into a state of Spiritual Death.
The easy part of Orthodox (True Teaching) Christianity is
Each time we surrender ourselves to the enemies
our Preparation for Holy Baptism.
temptations and distractions we turn away from God.
However, the degree and seriousness of our
However, our Ever Loving and Gracious Lord has
granted us the means to return again and again to
personal Commitment and Sacred (unbreakable)
Spiritual Life in Christ through immediate and
Allegiance to Christ is clearly and significantly
revealed by how much effort we make to attend
ceaseless Repentance-Confession.
Holy Services, regularly partake of the essential
Furthermore, the closer our Relationship to God
Holy Mysteries and to what degree if at all - we
becomes through our Spiritual Struggles, the more
apply the Teachings and Divine Commandments
ferociously the enemy will attack us.
of Almighty God, which is Life in Christ, to all
Nevertheless, we need never despair, for through
aspects of our personal life.
Humility and Obedience, we grow ever stronger due
to the Great Mercy of God Who enables us to
As genuine Orthodox Christians, every facet of our being
word, thought and deed is freely and eagerly
achieve even the most impossible things!
Thus, we should unfailingly Glorify God and offer our
done with sincere Humility and Obedience to the
Will of God!
Prayers of Thanksgiving for all our experiences
Our willingness to follow Christ should always be
good or bad because every little obstacle makes
compelled by a profound Love of God and our
us Spiritually Stronger and draws us closer to God.
fellow Pilgrims with whom we Struggle side by side as
As we were raised with Christ, so we must choose the
we all proceed towards Eternity.
Virtuous, Unifying desires of the New Man the
As Faithful Disciples of Christ, we ceaselessly and
New Redeemed human being that we are
consciously strive to imitate our Lord by applying
becoming in the Holy Body of Christ through
His Divine Teachings and Commandments to every
our voluntary Obedience to His Holy Church and
word, thought and deed, so that we may slowly and
everything She requires of us!
surely regain our lost Likeness to God and become
To try to do anything else according to our own flawed concepts will
worthy Citizens of His Eternal Kingdom.
most certainly not have the same final Spiritual Results and
We must live according to Christs Glorious
Eternal Achievements.
Resurrection for we shall all be likewise
The New Man - our Renewed Being - steadily grows
Resurrected on the Eighth Day - His Great,
from one stage of Perfection to another, as we
Impartial and Final Judgement Day and the
slowly but surely regain our lost Divine Likeness beginning of Eternity - and have to give an
truly becoming the Image of our Lord Jesus
account for every word, thought and deed from
Christ until, having achieved Theosis, we will
our first breath of life to our last!
remain Eternally as the Holy Image of God Who
Everything we accomplish during this short Preparatory
created us as His own Perfect Image and
Period of Earthly Life, should be achieved through
Likeness.
True Life in Christ so that we are able to face our
Final Judgement in Peace and with Confidence THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO
THE
EXCUSES
THAT
US
At that time, our Lord Jesus told this Parable: A certain Man gave a Great Dinner, and invited many, and sent His
Servant at the Hour of the Dinner to say to those who had been invited: Come, for now all things are ready. And
with one accord, they all made excuses!
The first said to Him: I have bought a piece of land, and I must go to inspect it. I ask Thee to have me excused.
And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask Thee to have me
excused. And another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot attend.
And that Servant returned and reported these things to His Master.
Being angry the Master of the House, said to His Servant: Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and
bring the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind. And the Servant said: Lord, it is done as Thou
commanded, and still there is place.
And the Master said to His Servant: Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, so that My
House may be filled. For I say to Thee - none of those who were invited shall taste My Dinner...
...many are Called - few are Chosen!
12. 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 2 N D S U N D A Y B E F O R E N A T I V I T Y - H O L Y F O R E F A T H E R S 1 1 D E C E M B E R
2016
Too many of us think that we can ignore God and all our
Sacred Commitments to Him until a later stage of life
when it might suit us better!
Alas! EACH OF US HAS ONLY A SPECIFIC MEASURE OF LIFESPAN
IN WHICH TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR ETERNITY .
IF WE DO NOT BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS FOR HIS ETERNAL
KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY N O W - WE CANNOT
EXPECT TO RECEIVE HIS GREAT MERCY AND ABUNDANT
BLESSINGS FOREVER!
ST AMBROSE SAW THE THREE EXCUSES THAT REJECTED GODS DIVINE
INVITATION AS REPRESENTING THE GENTILE, THE PAGAN, THE
OLD COVENANT HEBREW AND THE HERETIC.
These are all DEVOTED TO THEIR EARTHLY WEALTH the
...piece of ground...
The five yoke of oxen represent A PREFERENCE AND
ENSLAVEMENT TO MANS INTERPRETATION OF THE FIVE OLD
COVENANT BOOKS OF LAW IN ORDER TO REJECT GODS NEW
COVENANT OF SALVATION.
The excuse of having married a wife, is the
HERETICAL ESPOUSAL OF ERROR BY THOSE WHO REJECT THE
WILL AND LOVE OF GOD IN FAVOUR OF THEIR OWN
EARTHLY, SELFISH DESIRES.
ST THEOPHYLACT MORE GENERALLY ASSOCIATED THE EXCUSES WITH
THOSE WHO ARE DEVOTED TO ALL EARTHLY MATTERS
ESPECIALLY PERTAINING TO OUR FIVE SENSES TO ALL FLESHLY
PLEASURES I.E PHYSICAL INDULGENCE.
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 2ND SUNDAY BEFORE NATIVITY THE HOLY FOREFATHERS
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST2ND SUNDAY BEFORE NATIVITY- HOLY FOREFATHERS 11 DECEMBER
2016
13.
OF
EGYPT
14. 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T 2 N D S U N D A Y B E F O R E N A T I V I T Y - H O L Y F O R E F A T H E R S 1 1 D E C E M B E R
2016
12 December 2016
Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ our Lord & Saviour
St Spyridon of Trimythous
Also the Feast of St John of Zichnon - St Therapon the Abbot of Monza Monastery St
Alexander the Hieromartyr of Jerusalem St Synetos of Rome St John the Abbot of
Zedazeni Monastery, Georgia
FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON FOREFEAST
STIHOS 1
NATIVITY TONE 2
OF THE
VERSE1
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
VERSE 2
VERSE 3
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3
STIHOS
OF THE
NATIVITY
TONE 2
VERSE
VERSE
VERSE
Defte
Theotokos,
the
of
OF THE
NATIVITY TONE 2
Come,
Tis
At
To potho Hristou, trothis Ierotate, ton noun Pterothis, ti egli Wounded by Thy Love for Christ, O Holy One, Thy mind
tou Pnevmatos, Praktiki Theoria, tin Praxin efres
Theolipte, Thisiastirion Thion Genomenos, etoumenos
pasi Thian Ellampsin.
OF THE
NATIVITY TONE 3
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;
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon.
The Saints shalt Boast in Glory, and shalt greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing unto the Lord a New Song! His Praise in the Assembly of His Holy
THE EPISTLE
WE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
EPHESIANS
OF OUR
5 : 8 19
Brethren: ...walk as Children of Light 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.
ST SPYRIDON
THE WONDER
WORKER
OF
TRIMYTHOUS
12 DECEMBER 2016
15.
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.
Everything that is regarded as reasonable or acceptable
So we must never forget that THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY
by this fallen world, WE, AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MUST
LIFESPAN IS MEANT FOR OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL BATTLE
JUDGE ACCORDING TO WHAT THE LORD OUR GOD SAYS IS TRUE
AGAINST THE EVIL ONE working every day for our
I.E. JUDGE ALL THINGS BY MEANS OF DIVINE TRUTH THE
Spiritual Welfare and Progress towards a Blessed
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST.
Eternal Life in Gods Kingdom of Agape.
BESIDES SEPARATING OURSELVES FROM SPIRITUAL DARKNESS, WE
OUR SACRED GOAL IS not to abandon this world, but TO KEEP
ARE ALSO TO EXPOSE IT TO THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GODS TRUTH.
OURSELVES IN CHRIST, salvaging as much as we can
However, WE, OURSELVES, MUST FIRST COME OUT OF HIDING IN
from our habitually sinful state.
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND IGNORANCE IN ORDER TO BE EXPOSED
Faithful Christians renounce the wickedness of this world
AND ILLUMINATED BY DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH.
not the beautiful, perfect Creation of God.
REPENTANCE GRANTS US A WONDERFUL SURGE OF TRUE LIFE AND
We must SEEK, ROOT OUT AND CONFESS OUR SINS AND SINCERELY
REPENt.
JOY. A distinctive spirit a kind of Spiritual Elation
WE NEED TO SELF-EXAMINE OURSELVES AT THE END OF EVERY DAY
energises both Spiritual Darkness and Light.
AND ESPECIALLY BEFORE PARTAKING OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES
For those in Spiritual Darkness, this spirit is similar to
OF UNCTION, CONFESSION AND EUCHARIST, which we
drunkenness artificial and temporary.
require on a regular basis in order to keep making
FOR THOSE IN SPIRITUAL LIGHT AND LIFE, THIS SPIRITUAL ELATION
GOOD, HEALTHY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
IS THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR JOY IS THE
Verse 14 : Awake, you who sleep... is AN ANCIENT, VERY
NEW COVENANT WORSHIP OF THE HOLY TRINITY, THE HOLY
EARLY BAPTISM HYMN.
EUCHARIST THANKSGIVING TO GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM ILLUMINATES OUR NEWLY
GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY
REGENERATED, RENEWED AND REBORN (CLEANSED) IMMORTAL
SPIRIT.
SOUL.
Those who become drunk with alcohol totter and sway,
Consequently, we are urged to ... walk in the Light of
but THOSE WHO ARE INEBRIATED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE
our Holy Baptism.
ROOTED JOYFULLY, PEACEFULLY AND LOVINGLY IN CHRIST
THROUGHOUT OUR LIFE IN CHRIST WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO ALWAYS
JESUS AND MOST GLORIOUSLY SOBER!
KEEP IN MIND OUR HOLY BAPTISM everything that it has
Quoting Holy Scripture and singing Hymns or chanting
granted us and everything that it means for our
Psalms has NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT NOR VALUE IF THERE IS NO
Eternal Salvation and to REMEMBER ALWAYS OUR
TRUE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD if there is no
INEVITABLE DEATH, AFTER WHICH WE CANNOT CHANGE OR
humble, willing and eager submission and the Holy
CORRECT ANYTHING AT ALL, AND THUS THE SPIRITUAL STATE IN
Fear of God.
WHICH WE REPOSE, WE SHALL SPEND ALL ETERNITY.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
CHRIST
IS THE
DOOR &
TO
THE
ST JOHN 10: 9 16
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.
THE ULTIMATE THIEF IS SATAN, who always spreads lies and
Passion and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
encourages heresies and blasphemy among the
FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
THE OTHER SHEEP OF OUR LORD WERE THE GENTILES the
People of God both the Old Israel and the New Israel
pagans and non Judaic Tribes who would be BROUGHT
- luring away the deceived, ignorant leaders and
TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE JUDEANS, UNDER
people.
Life means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth during
ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
this short, preparatory period before we enter Eternity.
Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS ALL
The more abundant Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN GODS
ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE AGAPE.
It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals Himself as our Good
beginning that there be one Bishop serving a city, a
Shepherd, for WE ARE HIS REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP HIS
principle that was affirmed in every generation.
HOLY FLOCK.
(Canon 8 of 1 Nicaea)
He is the Divine Door THE DIVINE ENTRANCE INTO HIS
St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE.
Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
CHRIST IS THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE all Divinely
Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: Be careful
Inspired Holy Prophecy concerning our Divine
to observe a single Eucharist for there is ONE Flesh
Saviour.
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of His Blood
that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as there is
Our Lord is THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF
GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER and His
ONE Bishop... this is in line with Gods Will!
Heavenly Father knows His Eternal Son Who became
Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: I lay down My Life...
Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation.
which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN
DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US i.e. HE OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE PUT ON CHRIST ALSO
ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR ALL
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE KNOW
OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE WILL
HIS WORD HIS DIVINE TRUTH His Teachings and
OF GOD THE FAther everything is and must be done
Commandments. Thus we should not be misguided
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD
nor deceived by the evil ones lies and deceptions.
THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Our Lord Jesus Christ offered His Life for the sake of our
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, so,
Eternal Salvation.
too, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
He was THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, MOST
FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL TIME,
BY THE END OF THE AGES, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD
which makes it no longer necessary for blood
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ONE HOLY FLOCK HIS HOLY
sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.
CHURCH.
However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND REPENT
He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS AS WELL,
OUR SINS, which are continuous and habitual, which is
WHICH ARE THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS DIVINE
why our Salvation is a continuous Spiritual Process
TRUTH His True Teachings and Commandments
until we draw our final breath.
and strive to fulfil them to the best of their ability.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Life for the sake of His
Beloved Flock, which fulfilled the Prophecy of His
16.
ST SPYRIDON
THE WONDER
WORKER
OF
TRIMYTHOUS
12 DECEMBER 2016
15 December 2016
Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ our Lord and Saviour
St Eleftherios , Bishop & Hieromartyr of Illyria
Also the Feast of St Anthia, his mother, & St Caribos the Eparch of Illyria St Paul of Latros St
Stephen the Confessor & Archbishop of Surrentium (Sourozh) St Tryphon the Abbot & St
Jonah, his Disciple, of Pechenga (Kolsk) St Pardos the Hermit of Palestine St Hilarion, Archbishop of Vereiya St
Nektarios of Bitel
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST ELEFTHERIOS
Ieron
SEASONAL KONTAKION
OF
ILLYRIA
Being
OF THE
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;
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon.
OF
ST PAUL TO ST TIMOTHY 1 : 8 18
ST TIMOTHYS GIFT
IS THE
POWER
OF
GOD
Timothy, my Son: ... do not be ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings
for the Gospel according to the Power of God, Who has Saved us and Called us with a Holy Calling not according
to our works, but according to His own Purpose and Grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began
and now been revealed by the Appearing of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who has abolished Death, and brought Life
and Immortality to Light through the Gospel to which I was appointed as a Preacher, and Apostle and a Teacher of
the Gentiles. For this reason, I also suffer these things. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed.
I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Hold fast the pattern of sound words you have heard from me in Faith and Love, which are in Christ Jesus. That good
thing that was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit Who dwells in us.
This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellos and Hermogenes. The
Lord grant Mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains.
But when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may
find Mercy from the Lord in that Day. And how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesos, you know very well.
OUR SALVATION AND CALLING ARE BASED ON THE GRACE OF GOD
This stands in clear contrast to the elitism of the major
and not on anything that we have done to merit Gods
religions of the first century Roman world, including
Divine Favour.
Gnoticism and the various mystery religions.
St Barnabas taught us that our Lord Jesus Christ ...
Oral and Written Holy Tradition is rooted in our Lord and
submitted to suffering in order to break the power of
Saviour, Jesus Christ and preserved as Divine Truth by
Death and to demonstrate Resurrection from the
God the Holy Spirit Who dwells in us (when we are
dead. Thus it was necessary for Him to be Manifested
Repentant and enjoy Spiritual Life in Christ.)
in Flesh. Also He submitted so that He might fulfil the
It is possible that Onesiphoros has Reposed in Christ, for
Promise to the Fathers and, while He was preparing
the Holy Church of Christ has never failed nor
His New People for Himself, and while He was still on
hesitated to pray for Her Faithful, departed souls so
Earth, to prove that after He has brought about the
that they might received Gods Great Mercy on the
Resurrection, He will Judge...
Day of the Lord the Eighth Day, the Beginning of
...The pattern of sound words... refers to Oral Apostolic
Eternity or our Final Judgement.
Tradition that is most essential and as important as
The Lord grant to him that he may find Mercy from the
the Written Apostolic Tradition.
Lord in that Day the first Lord refers to our Lord
St Paul established a clear chain of witnesses to Oral
Jesus Christ, while the second Lord refers to God our
Tradition.
Heavenly Father.
CHRISTIAN ORAL AND WRITTEN TRADITION IS FOR ALL TRUE
St Paul had been imprisoned in Rome for some time when
BELIEVERS Faithful Disciples of Christ for IT IS
he wrote this final Epistle, knowing that his Martyrdom
CATHOLIC I.E. UNIVERSAL BELONGING TO THE ENTIRE HOLY
was fast approaching and looking forward to being
with our Lord.
CHURCH OF CHRIST, AND NEEDS TO BE PASSED DOWN TO OTHERS
Being a citizen of Rome, St Paul was Perfected by sword in
UNHINDERED, UNCHANGED AND MOST CAREFULLY PRESERVED AS
DIVINE TRUTH (I.E. NOT ACCORDING TO MANKINDS FLAWED
67, during the reign of the infamous Emperor Nero.
AND LIMITED OPINIONS.)
15 DECEMBER 2016
17.
THE
TO
ST MARK 2 : 23 3 : 5
WITHERED
ARM
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; and, as they went, His Disciples began
to pluck the heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to Him: Look! Why do they - on the Sabbath - do what is
unlawful? And He said to them: Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry? he
and those who were with him how he went into the House of God in the days of Abiathar the High Priest, and
ate the Showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the Priests and also gave some to those who were with
him?
And He said to them: The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath! Therefore, the Lord is the
Son of Man and also of the Sabbath.
And He entered the Synagogue again. And there was a man who had a withered hand. And they watched Him
closely if He would Heal him on the Sabbath - so that they might accuse Him.
And He said to the man with the withered hand: Step forward. And He said to them: Is it Lawful on the Sabbath to
do good, or evil ? to save life or to kill? They were silent. And when He had looked around at them - being
grieved by the hardness of their hearts - He said to the man: Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out - and
his hand was restored - as whole as the other.
According to the Holy Gospel of St Luke, our Lord Jesus
However, SUCH LEGALISM CAUSED THEM TO BE INSENSITIVE TO
Christ led His Apostles through the grain fields on the
GODS GREAT MERCY AND LOVE, which is why our Lord
second Sabbath after the first... a term that was used
Jesus Christ pointed out: The Sabbath was made for
when a Jewish Feast immediately followed a normal
mankind... A DAY OF REST FROM OUR LABOURS WHICH
Sabbath, for the Feast days were also referred to as
SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO WORSHIP, THANKSGIVING AND
Sabbath Days.
CONTEMPLATION OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
According to St Ambrose the term second Sabbath
Our Lord Jesus was ...grieved by the hardness of their
serves as AN IMAGE OF THE NEW COVENANT AND OUR
heart... refers to His Righteous Anger that was A
ETERNAL RESURRECTION.
NATURAL HUMAN EMOTION EXPERIENCED WHEN CONFRONTED
THE FIRST SABBATH INDICATED THE OLD COVENANT LAW, WHILE
BY SIN.
THE SECOND SABBATH INDICATES THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST
While anger is certainly sinful, RIGHTEOUS ANGER OR BEING
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR WHO FOLLOWED AND FULFILLED IT.
... GRIEVED... BEING SORROWFUL OR SADDENED BY SIN IS
UNDER THE NEW COVENANT THE FOOD THAT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN
PROPER TO OUR HUMANITY.
UNLAWFUL FOR ANYONE BUT PRIESTS TO EAT, IS NOW FREELY
Psalm 4: 5 : ...Be angry and do not sin...
GRANTED TO EVERYONE by ...the Lord of the Sabbath...
Our Saviours grieving anger was IN RESPONSE TO THOSE WHO
which had been prefigured by King David when he
PROFESS THEMSELVES AS BEING FAITHFUL AND WHO TEACH AND
fed the Holy Showbread from the Temple to those who
GUIDE OTHERS CONCERNING GOD YET THEIR HEART IS SO
HARDENED BY SINS SUCH AS PRIDE, EGOISM AND A LACK OF LOVE
were with him.
AND MERCY FOR OTHERS THAT THEY NEITHER ACKNOWLEDGED
According to certain customs that the Scribes and
NOR GAVE THANKS FOR THE ALL MERCIFUL GLORY AND GRACE
Pharisees had built up around the First Covenant
OF GOD, NOR REJOICED FOR THE MIRACULOUS HEALING OF ONE
Law, Healing (even Miraculous, Divine Healing!) was
OF THEIR SUFFERING BRETHREN.
considered as being work and thus was not
permissible on the Sabbath.
GOD IS LOVE AGAPE AND EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT US
AND REVEALED TO US CONCERNS THAT DIVINE, UNCONDITIONAL
THEY ERRONEOUSLY BELIEVED THAT THEY SERVED GOD BY
ZEALOUSLY ENFORCING THESE PERIPHERAL CUSTOMS.
AND ABSOLUTE LOVE FOR GOD AND EACH OTHER!
THE DIVINE
AND
MIRACULOUS HEALINGS
OF OUR
LORD
AND
THE
ASCETIC
OF OUR
15 DECEMBER 2016
Tone 1
18 December 2016
th
26 Sunday After Pentecost
Sunday Before the Nativity of Christ our Lord
Sunday of the Holy Ancestors
Also the Feast of St Daniel, Holy Prophet of God & the Three Holy Youths St Sebastian, St
Zoe, St Nikostratos, St Castorios, St Tranquillinos, St Marcellinos, St Mark, St Claudios, St
Symhorianos, St Victorinos, St Tiburtios & St Castulos of Rome - St Sebastian, Abbot of
Pshekhonye Monastery, Vologda St Symeon the Wonderworker of Verkhoturye St Modestos, Archbishop of Jerusalem St
Floros, Bishop of Amisos St Michael the Holy Confessor of Constantinople St Thaddeus, Archbishop & New Hieromartyr of
Tver St Daniel the Hesychast
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 1
Tou
While
THE
3 HOLY YOUTHS
OF THE
NATIVITY
I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete The Virgin comes today to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa;
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon.
PROKEIMENON HYMN
OF THE
OF THE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
HEBREWS 11 : 9 10 & 32 40
FROM
ST ABRAHAM
TO
ST JOSEPH
THE
BETROTHED
Brethren: Through Faith Abraham dwelt in the Land of Promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac
and Jacob, the Heirs with him of the same Promise.
He waited for the City that has Foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.
And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of
David and Samuel and the Prophets: who through Faith subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, obtained
Promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of
weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead raised to life again.
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, so that they might obtain a better Resurrection.
Others had trials mockings and scourgings - yes, of chains and imprisonments.
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted and they were slain with the sword.
They wandered about in sheepskins and in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the world was not
worthy.
In deserts They wandered - and mountains, dens and caves of Earth.
And all these, having obtained a Good Testimony through Faith, did not receive the Promise God having provided
something better for us so that they should not be made Perfect apart from us.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE GENEALOGY
OF OUR
TO
ST MATTHEW 1 : 1 - 25
TO THE FLESH
The Book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
Abraham begot Isaac; Isaac begot Jacob and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.
Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar; Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab;
Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon.
Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab; Boaz begot Obed by Ruth; Obed begot Jesse and Jesse begot David the King.
David the King begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah; Solomon begot Rehoboam; Rehoboam begot
Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa.
Asa begot Jehoshaphat; Jehoshaphat begot Joran, and Joran begot Uzziah.
Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST - BEFORE NATIVITY
HOLY ANCESTORS
18 DECEMBER 2016
19.
Hezekiah begot Manasseh; Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah.
Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.
After they were taken to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.
Zerubbabel begot Abiud; Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.
Azor begot Zadok; Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. Eliud begot Eleazar; Eleazar begot Matthan, and
Matthan begot Jacob.
Jacob begot Joseph the (Betrothed) Husband of Mary (Miriam) of Whom was born Jesus Who is called Christ.
All the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; from David until the captivity in Babylon were
fourteen generations. And from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.
The Birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His Mother, Mary, was Betrothed to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with Child of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, being a Just man, and not wanting to make her a
public example, was minded to put her away secretly. While he considered these things, behold! an Angel of the
Lord appeared to him, saying: Joseph, son of David: do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. That which is
Conceived in Her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bring forth a Son, and Thou shalt name Him Jesus. He will Save
His People from their sins.
All this was done so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet, saying: Behold, the
Virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name ,Immanuel, which is translated: God
with us.
Having been woken from sleep Joseph did as the Angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his Wife, and did
not know Her until She had brought forth Her Firstborn Son. And he called His Name Jesus.
The name Jesus or Joshua means O Lord Save us,
So it was that THE HOLY SPIRIT PREACHED THE HOLY GOSPEL OF
which REFERS TO OUR LORDS DIVINE ROLE AS THE SAVIOUR OF
CHRIST CENTURIES BEFORE TO ST ABRAHAM, the ancient
ALL MANKIND.
Patriarch of the Old Covenant Israel.
The title Christ means Anointed One, or Messiah,
Furthermore, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD Whom St Abraham
which means THE ONE WHO IS FILLED WITH THE HOLY
beheld in a Vision was no created being He WAS
SPIRIT.
TRULY THE SON AND WORD OF GOD.
J O H N 1 : 3 3 : St John the Baptist and Forerunner to
St Athanasios the Great taught that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
Christ said: I did not know Him, but He Who sent
THE SON AND WORD OF GOD, WAS REFERRED TO AS AN ANGEL
me to Baptise with water said to me: Upon Whom
(MESSENGER OF GOD) BECAUSE HE ALONE REVEALS THE FATHER.
you see the (Holy) Spirit descending, and
In other words, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REVEALS GOD THE
remaining on Him, is He Who Baptises with the
FATHER TO US AS A GOD OF INFINITE LOVE AND MERCY WHO,
BEING ABSOLUTE GOODNESS, TRUTH AND LOVE, IS INCAPABLE
Holy Spirit.
The fact that the Holy Spirit remained upon Christ our
OF ANYTHING EVIL, CRUEL OR DESTRUCTIVE (which are the
inventions of the evil one who typifies hatred, everything wicked,
Saviour was a Divine Sign that HE POSSESSES THE HOLY
deceitful and destructive.)
SPIRIT IN HIS FULLNESS FROM ALL ETERNITY i.e. THERE HAS
G E N E S I S 2 8 : 1 4 - The Lord God told St Jacob: ... your
NEVER BEEN A MOMENT WHEN THE SON OF GOD WAS NOT
seed shall be like the dust of the Earth; you shall
UNITED WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR TOGETHER WITH GOD
spread abroad to the West and to the East, to the
THE FATHER THEY ARE CO-ETERNAL.
North and to the South; and in you and in your
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID NOT RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT AT HIS
seed all the Tribes of the earth shall be Blessed.
BAPTISM by St John the Baptist.
Jewish genealogy normally included only male relatives
Instead, the Vision that St John the Baptist experienced
so THE MENTION OF FEMALE RELATIVES such as Tamar,
revealed the Absolute Truth that THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS
Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba WAS MOST UNUSUAL,
ALWAYS BEEN WITH CHRIST.
especially since each of them was either a gentile or
ALTHOUGH ONLY GOD THE SON (the Second Divine Person of
a sinful Hebrew.
the Holy Trinity the Godhead) WAS INCARNATED (became
Hence, THE INCLUSION OF THESE WOMEN CONFIRMED THE
Man and thus physical and visible to us) GOD THE FATHER AND
GRACIOUS MERCY OF GOD AND PREFIGURED THE CALLING OF
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WORK IN PERFECT HARMONY IN OUR
GENTILES into the Church of Christ.
LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
IT ALSO EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF WOMEN IN GODS
THE HOLY TRINITY ALWAYS WORKS IN PERFECT UNISON AS ONE
ETERNAL PLAN OF SALVATION AND ANTICIPATED THE VERY
GOD.
SPECIAL PLACE OF THE EVER BLESSED AND ALL HOLY VIRGIN
OUR LORD WAS INCARNATE AS A HEBREW, FROM THE LINEAGE OF ST
THEOTOKOS IN HIS DIVINE PLAN.
ABRAHAM, the Father or Patriarch of all Hebrews, and
By means of Anointing by St Samuel the Holy Prophet of
of St David, Israels greatest King and Prototype of our
God, St David the Psalmist was consecrated King of
Royal Messiah.
Israel and through his Psalms, St David was revealed
The Genealogy of Christ according to the Holy Gospel of
as a great and Holy Prophet of God.
St Matthew reveals that THE SON OF GOD IDENTIFIES SO
Consequently, ST DAVID THE PSALMIST, KING AND HOLY
DEEPLY WITH OUR HUMAN NATURE that He took it upon
PROPHET FORESHADOWED THE ROYAL AND PROPHETIC NATURE
Himself and has become part of it FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. (PSALM 109)
SALVATION.
In addition, as a wicked adulterer and murderer, ST
The Ancestry (according to His Incarnation) of our Lord Jesus
DAVID IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF SINCERE CONTRITION,
Christ includes Righteous and wicked people, faithful
REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS, which encourages
Kings and murderers, Jews and Gentiles, royalty and
us - for EVEN THE WORST OF SINNERS IS GRANTED THE
peasants A COMPLETE CROSS-SECTION OF HUMANITY.
POSSIBILITY OF REGENERATION OR RESTORATION BY THE DIVINE
ST MATTHEWS GENEALOGY OF CHRIST DESCENDS FROM ST
GRACE OF OUR MOST LOVING AND MERCIFUL GOD THROUGH
ABRAHAM in whom God Promised to Bless all Tribes of
OUR WILLING AND HEARTFELT REPENTANCE-CONFESSION.
the Earth, which was fulfilled in his greatest
ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED IS NAMED AS OUR LORD JESUS
Descendent, Jesus Christ.
IMMEDIATE PREDECESSOR since according to the Old
ST LUKE, on the contrary, LISTED HIS GENEALOGY IN ASCENDING
Covenant, Marriage Laws confer Hereditary Rights on
ORDER FROM CHRIST ALL THE WAY BACK TO ADAM. (LUKE 3 : 23
38)
adopted as well as biological children.
G E N E S I S 1 2 : 3 God said to Abram: ... I will Bless
(St Joseph was in fact the elderly uncle and Divinely Chosen Protector
those who Bless Thee and curse those who curse
and Guardian of Theotokos and Christ.)
Thee; and in Thee all the Tribes of the earth shall
THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY WAS ALSO DESCENDED FROM KING
be Blessed.
DAVID, as was her aunt Salome, (the sister of St Anna and
the late wife of St Joseph the Betrothed, mother of St James, St
THE HOLY SPIRIT SPOKE THROUGH HIS HOLY PROPHETS and He
Joses, St Jude, St Salome, and St Mary who are mentioned in the
spoke through St Moses the Holy Prophet of God who
Holy Gospels as Apostles and Myrrhbearers) since, according
wrote this Holy Book of Genesis.
to Hebrew Laws of the time, BETROTHALS WERE ARRANGED
G A L A T I A N S 3 : 8 - St Paul explained to the Galatians: ...
FROM WITHIN THE SAME TRIBE.
the Scripture, foreseeing that God would Justify
For the same reason, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD,
the Gentiles by Faith, preached the Gospel to
THE TEMPLE PRIESTS HAD CONSENTED TO HER BETROTHAL TO
Abraham beforehand, saying: In Thee all the
Nations shall be Blessed.
20. 2 6 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - B E F O R E N A T I V I T Y
HOLY ANCESTORS
18 DECEMBER 2016
LAW.
H O S E A 6 : 6 ... I desire Mercy not sacrifice, and the
Knowledge of God more than Whole Burnt
Offerings...
St Josephs natural Compassion and Mercy was evident
from his unwillingness to expose the young Virgins
assumed sin, even though he was obliged by Mosaic
Law to do so.
THE TERM HUSBAND AND WIFE APPLIED TO ALL BETROTHED
COUPLES EVEN BEFORE THE MARRIAGE HAD BEEN SANCTIFIED BY
GOD AND CONSUMMATED.
THE HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH REFERS TO ST JOSEPH AS THE
BETROTHED, EMPHASISING THE TRUTH OF THE ALL HOLY AND
ALL PURE, EVER VIRGINITY OF THE BLESSED THEOTOKOS (which
would have been marvelled at and definitely confirmed by the
astounded Midwives who attended to the young Virgin before,
during and after the Nativity of Christ.)
E S T H E R 2 : 7 Mordecai of the Tribe of Benjamin ...
had raised the daughter of Abigail, his fathers
brother, and her name was Esther; and when her
parents died, he brought her up to be his wife,
and she was beautiful.
Mordecais relation to Esther was that of both Guardian
and Betrothed husband - A NECESSARY SOCIAL AND
LEGAL ARRANGEMENT, WHICH WAS NOT UNUSUAL AT THE TIME.
This was similar to the special Relationship between St
Joseph the Betrothed and his very young niece, the
Ever Virgin Mary, in which THERE WAS NO SEXUAL
RELATIONSHIP, as demonstrated as well by Esthers
Virginity and Chastity.
AN ANGEL OR MESSENGER OF GOD DISPELLED ST JOSEPHS FALSE
ASSUMPTIONS by announcing THE UTTERLY UNREASONABLE
AND ILLOGICAL BUT DIVINE AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH: THE
VIRGINS CONCEPTION WAS BY THE WILL OF GOD BY THE
POWER AND ENERGY OF THE LIFE-GIVING HOLY SPIRIT.
BEING BORN OF THE VIRGIN PROVED CHRISTS DIVINITY and ONLY A
DIVINE REVELATION BY GOD COULD SERVE AS ADEQUATE
EVIDENCE OF SUCH A UNIQUE MIRACLE.
St Matthew repeatedly used the expression: ...that it
might be fulfilled which was spoken... which
underscores THE DIVINE INTERVENTION OF GOD
THROUGHOUT HUMAN HISTORY and which demonstrates
THE CONTINUITY BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS
WITH GOD, INDICATING THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW
CREATION.
THE DIVINE CONCEPTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED
THE PROPHECY OF ST ISAIAH THAT SPECIFICALLY A VIRGIN
not a young woman! WOULD CONCEIVE AND BEAR A
SON WHO WAS NOT A NEW PERSON COMING INTO EXISTENCE
BUT WHO IS THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD WHO USED HER WOMB
AS HIS THRONE!
BOTH THE MYSTERIOUS VIRGINAL CONCEPTION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
AND THE NAME IMMANUEL MEANING GOD WITH US
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SUNDAY BEFORE
... took to him his wife, and did not know Her until
She had brought forth Her Firstborn Son... IT DID NOT
MEAN THAT THE BETROTHAL OR MARRIAGE WAS EVER
CONSUMMATED.
NOR DOES THE EXPRESSION FIRSTBORN SON MEAN THAT OUR ALL
HOLY LADY EVER BORE ANY OTHER CHILDREN for She kept
her Most Sacred Vow of Chastity until She reposed in
Peace many years later.
In Holy Scripture the word until which is sometimes
translated as to, is often used to express a situation
that actually continues after the event:
M A T T H E W 2 8 : 2 0 Christ instructed His Apostles to go
forth into the world:
1. to make the people His Faithful Disciples,
2. to Teach the everything He has taught and revealed
to us
3. to Baptise all Nations in the Name of our Triune God
4. and
... to observe all Things that I have
commanded you;
He ends by telling us : ... I Am with you always, even TO
the end of the Age.
This does not mean that we are separated from Christ at
the end of the world for HE IS ALWAYS ETERNALLY PRESENT - GOD IS NEVER ABSENT, no matter where or
how we are!
G E N E S I S 8 : 7 - Noah ... sent out a Raven, which kept
going to and fro, UNTIL the waters dried up from
the Earth.
D E U T E R O N O M Y 3 4 : 6 When Moses has died God ...
buried him in a valley in the Land of Moab,
opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave TO
this day.
THE TERM FIRSTBORN SON, DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE BLESSED
VIRGIN HAD OTHER CHILDREN, but only that no child was
born to Her before our Lord Jesus Christ.
Traditionally, THE FIRSTBORN SON WAS THE PRIMARY HEIR AND
RECIPIENT OF BLESSINGS.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION,
AND THEREFORE THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD.
THE
NATIVITY
OF
HOLY ANCESTORS
18 DECEMBER 2016
21.
OF OUR
HOLY CHURCH
...Through Compassion enrolled with slaves, Longsuffering Christ, by Caesar's Decree, Thou came to
grant Freedom, Life and Deliverance to ungrateful
servants, who worship Thy Saving Nativity, for Thou
hast come to Save our soul... (SECOND STICHERA HYMN OF
VESPERS).
Amen.
FATHER RICHARD DEMETRIUS ANDREWS - ST GEORGE GREEK
O R T H O D O X C H U R C H - S T P A U L , M I N N E S O T A . USA
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXYTODAY.ORG/
FATHERS OUR HOLY SPIRITUAL FATHERS OF MOUNT ATHOS
22. 2 6 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - B E F O R E N A T I V I T Y
HOLY ANCESTORS
18 DECEMBER 2016
25 December 2016
1.
OF THE
SHEPHERDS
- NATIVITY
THREE MAGI
CHRIST TONE 2
OF
VERSE 1.
AND THE
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
2.
Megala ta Erga Kyriou, exezitimena is panta
ta Thelimata Aftou.
VERSE 2.
VERSE
STIHOS
STIHOS
4.
Litroin apestile to lao Aftou. Enetilato is ton
eona diathikin Aftou. Agion ke foveron to Onoma
Aftou.
STIHOS
of
the
Theotokos,
VERSE
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.
Amen
Through
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
OF
Soson
O Son of God,
V ER SE
3.
Doxa ke ploutos en to Iko Aftou, ke i Dikeosini
Aftou eni is ton eona tou eonos.
V ER SE
V ER SE
S TI HO S
W H O A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , Save us
who sing to Thee: Alleluia
S TI HO S
Theotokos,
1.
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he will
delight exceedingly in His Commandments.
V ER SE
S TI HO S
the
CHRIST TONE 2
S TI HO S
of
2.
His seed shall be Mighty on earth; the
generation of the upright shall be Blessed.
3.
Glory and riches shall be in His House, and His
Righteousness continues unto Ages of ages.
4 For the Upright, Light springs up in Darkness, for
He is Merciful, Compassionate and Righteous.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Soson
Ke nin ke ai ke is
Amin
Amen
O Son of God, W H O
A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , Save us
who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
PEOPLE
Amen
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON NATIVITY
S TI HO S
OF
CHRIST TONE 4
V ER SE
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
Fos to tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes,
ipo asters edidaskonto, Se proskinin, ton Ilion tis
dikeosinis, ke Se ginoskin ex Ipsous anatolin. Kyrie,
Doxa Si.
2.
Ravdon Dinameos exaposeli Si Kyrios ek Sion,
ke katakirieve en meso ton ehthron Sou.
S TI HO S
V ER SE
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST ADORATION OF SHEPHERDS & THE MAGI 25 DECEMBER 2016
23.
S TI HO S
FESTAL ISODIKON
Ek
V ER SE
OF THE
NATIVITY
Out
Soson imas, Ie Theou, O EK PARTHENOU TEHTHIS, psallontas Save us, O Son of God, BORN OF THE VIRGIN, who sing
Si allilouia!
to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST TONE 4
OF
CHRIST - TONE 3
Osi
is Hriston
Allelouia! [3]
Evaptisthite,
OF THE
Hriston
enedisasthe:
[3]
Amin
Hriston enedisasthe: Allelouia!
Dynamis!
Dynamis!
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite,
Hriston
enedisasthe:
Allelouia!
All the world will worship Thee and Glorify Thee. Let them sing to Thy Name.
Glorify the Lord with Triumphal Hymns, all you Lands!
THE EPISTLE
WE
BECOME
OF
SONS
ST PAUL
OF
GOD
TO THE
THROUGH
GALATIANS 4 : 4 7
CHRIST &
THE
HOLY SPIRIT
Brethren, when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a Woman, born under the Law, to
Redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive the Adoption as sons. For His Son is in your hearts,
crying out: "Abba! Father!"
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son - if a son, then an Heir of God through Christ.
His Son" refers to CHRIST AS GOD BY NATURE the Son of
WE CANNOT BECOME MEMBERS OF THE GODHEAD BY NATURE
God.
because WE ARE HUMAN BY NATURE. BUT WE DO BECOME
MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY BY HIS GRACE.
THE INCARNATE SON OF GOD, IS "BORN OF A WOMAN," AND SO
THE MOST BLESSED MARY IS RIGHTLY CALLED THEOTOKOS Through our Divine Adoption (Holy Baptism and
MOTHER OF GOD OR BEARER OF GOD.
Chrismation) WE BECOME EVERYTHING GOD IS, EXCEPT IN
SINCE JESUS CHRIST WAS "BORN UNDER THE LAW" HE COULD
NATURE WE REMAIN HUMAN BEINGS.
REDEEM THOSE WHO WERE ALSO UNDER THE LAW HIS
However, THIS IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY OUR PERMANENT STATE
FELLOW HEBREWS, ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.
DUE TO OF OUR DESIRE FOR WORLDLY THINGS [ I.E. THINGS OF THE
GOD "REDEEMS THOSE WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW" IN ORDER TO
FLESH, THE PASSIONS] and that CONCUPISCENCE PREVENTS US
FULFIL HIS PROMISE TO ABRAHAM AND CONSEQUENTLY, GOD
FROM ATTAINING THEOSIS SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
PAID THE RANSOM, AS IT WERE, TO HIMSELF, ACCORDING TO
IT TAKES DEDICATION AND EFFORT ON OUR PART TO ATTAIN
HIS OWN VOW.
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS LIKENESS
ALMIGHTY GOD DOES NOT OWE ANYONE ANYTHING AND HE
TO GOD!
CERTAINLY DOES NOT OWE US SALVATION !
We have the possibility through the Grace of God, but IT
JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE LAW AS AN INFANT BY BEING
DEPENDS ON OUR LOVE AND OBEDIENCE TO ALMIGHTY GOD
CIRCUMCISED on the eighth day and He was
AND HIS COMMANDMENTS.
Presented in the Temple 40 Days after His Birth.
Because WE ARE GIVEN "NEW LIFE" our Adoption by God is
Both of these Events are remembered in the Liturgical
also referred to as "New Birth" WE ARE SPIRITUALLY
Cycle of the Orthodox Church.
REBORN RENEWED IN CHRIST!
THE HOLY CEREMONIES OF THE EIGHT DAY BLESSING OF THE
EVERY TIME WE PARTAKE OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF
NEWBORN AND THE 40 DAY CHURCHING OF THE MOTHER
REPENTANCE CONFESSION AND EUCHARIST, WE ENJOY A
ARE PERFORMED TO THIS DAY IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH.
REAFFIRMATION OF OUR ADOPTION AND THEREFORE OUR NEW
After these special Services, THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM
LIFE IN OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
AND CHRISMATION IS CELEBRATED A FEW MONTHS LATER.
THE ONGOING GROWTH INTO ADOPTION, BEING "AN HEIR OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - THE SON OF GOD IS GOD DIVINE - BY
GOD," IS CALLED DEIFICATION. THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE
NATURE.
BECOMING BY THE GRACE OF GOD WHAT HE IS BY NATURE.
WE BECOME SONS (OR DAUGHTERS) OF GOD BY ADOPTION WHEN
EACH DIVINE PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY: "SPIRIT, SON AND
WE ARE BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF THE TRIUNE GOD THE
FATHER" IS INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION.
HOLY TRINITY.
THEREFORE TO BECOME SONS OF GOD BY GRACE, ONE MUST
BELIEVE IN AND KNOW THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
TO
ST MATTHEW 2 : 1 12
FROM A GREAT
DISTANCE
TO WORSHIP THE
After our Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold! Magi from the East went to
Jerusalem, saying: "Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? We have seen His Star in the East and have
come to worship Him."
Having heard, Herod the King was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And he gathered all the Chief Priests and
Scribes of the people together to question them as to where the Christ was to be born. They told him: "In Bethlehem
of Judea.
For thus it is written by the Prophet: ...And you, O Bethlehem, in the Land of Judah, are not the least among the
Rulers of Judah. Out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the Magi, determined from them what time the Star had appeared. And he
sent them to Bethlehem saying: "Go, search carefully for the Child. When you have found Him, bring back word to
me, so that I may go and worship Him also." When they had heard the King, they departed.
And behold! The Star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it stood over where the Child was.
Beholding the Star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great Joy. And when they had entered the house, they saw the
young Child with Mary His Mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,
they presented gifts to Him - gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And being Divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country
another way.
FORTY YEARS LATER HE SPOKE TO THEM CONCERNING THE GREAT
ST MATTHEW AND ST LUKE PLACED THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST IN
THE REIGN OF KING HEROD THE GREAT WHO WAS THE KING OF
PROPHET TO COME, USING THE WORDS OF GOD FROM THEIR
JUDEA 37 4 BEFORE CHRIST.
MEETING ON MOUNT SINAI.
Herod was under Roman rule and although he was a
THE NEW GENERATION WAS READY TO HEAR THE PROPHECY and
great builder, he was a dreadfully cruel ruler.
learnt that He would be similar to St Moses, BECAUSE
Due to his ignorance of the Messiah - and indeed of
THE SHORT-TERM PROPHECIES OF MOSES HAD ALL OCCURRED,
anything concerning God - as well as his obsessive
HIS LONG-TERM PROPHECIES THEREFORE WERE TO BE BELIEVED.
fear of being deposed, Herod summoned the Hebrew
THIS WAS THE MARK OF A TRUE PROPHET OF GOD and the same
leaders to enlighten him, and later instructed the
would apply to THE GREAT PROPHET WHO WOULD TELL THEM
Magi to report back to him.
ALL THAT GOD THE FATHER COMMANDED HIM. (By the Will of
the Father, through the Son...)
An ancient Prophecy of St Jacob indicated that THE
That indicated that HE IS THE WORD OF GOD MADE FLESH
MESSIAH WOULD APPEAR WHEN A GENTILE KING RULED i.e.
INCARNATE - FOR NO OTHER PROPHET, INCLUDING MOSES,
not of the Hebrew Tribe of Judah.
WOULD EVER SPEAK IN SUCH A MANNER.
G E N E S I S 4 9 : 1 0 The Sceptre shall not depart from
While all previous Prophets were ordinary human beings,
Judah, nor a Lawgiver from his loins, until Shiloh
THE GREAT PROPHET WOULD BE GOD INCARNATE.
comes; and to Him shall be the Expectation of the
So it was that St Isaiah foretold how THE PEOPLE WOULD BE
Nations...
TAUGHT DIRECTLY BY GOD HIMSELF.
This Prophecy relates to Christ in numerous ways since
HE WOULD RISE FROM THE DEAD AND HE IS THE DIVINE
2. JESUS CHRIST IS OUR TRUE KING
LAWGIVER BECAUSE EVERY LAW OR COMMANDMENT OF GOD
THE FATHER WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US, INCLUDING THE
I S A I A H 9 : 6 Great shall be His Government, and
MOSAIC LAW, IS GIVEN IN AND THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS
of His Peace there shall be no end. His Peace shall
CHRIST.
be upon the Throne of David and over His Kingdom,
As HEROD WAS A GENTILE who called himself King of
to order and establish It with Righteousness and
Judea, the Coming of the Messiah Gods Christ
Judgement, from that time forward, and unto Ages
was certainly at hand.
of Ages. The Zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall perform
L U K E 1 : 2 0 - The Angel of God told St Zacharias:
this.
Behold! You will be mute and unable to speak until
M I C A H 5 : 1 . . . O Bethlehem, House of Ephrathah,
the day these Things take place, because you did
although you are fewest in number among the
not believe my words which shall be fulfilled in their
thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth
own time.
to Me the One to be Ruler of Israel, Whose goings
ST ZACHARIAS WAS DISCIPLINED FOR HIS LACK OF FAITH, yet this
forth were from the beginning, even from Eternity.
also served as proof that ARCHANGEL GABRIELS
3.
JESUS CHRIST IS OUR TRUE HIGH PRIEST
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE ALWAYS TRUE ALWAYS GODS TRUTH.
Furthermore THE SILENCING OF THE HIGH PRIEST REVEALED A
P S A L M 1 0 9 : 4 - The Lord swore, and will not Repent:
DEEPER MYSTERY.
Thou art a Priest forever according to the Order of
THE MESSIAH WAS expected to fulfil three crucial Roles held
Melchezedek.
by various people of the Old Covenant: PROPHET,
Seated at the Right Hand of God the Father, OUR DIVINE
PRIEST AND KING.
AND ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST RULES AND REIGNS OVER ALL
O N L Y O U R L O R D J E S U S C H R I S T F U L F I L L E D A L L
THINGS, INCLUDING HIS ENEMIES, AND LEADS HIS HOLY
THREE HOLY OFFICES PERFECTLY:
CHURCH IN HEAVENLY WORSHIP OF THE ALMIGHTY HOLY
TRINITY.
1. JESUS CHRIST IS OUR TRUE PROPHET
H E B R E W S 4 : 1 4 Seeing then that we have a Great
D E U T E R O N O M Y 1 8 : 1 5 1 8 The Lord your God
High Priest Who has passed through the Heavens
will raise up for you a Prophet like Me from your
Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our
Brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you
Confession.
asked from the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of
The expression passed through the Heavens refers to
the Assembly, saying: Let us not hear again the
THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHICH IS SEEN IN
Voice of the Lord our God, nor let us see this Great
THE CONTEXT OF THE SON OF GOD IS SEATED AT THE HIGHEST
Fire any more, lest we die. Then the Lord said to
PLACE OF HONOUR EQUALLY DIVINE - AT THE RIGHT HAND OF
me: What they have spoken is good. I will raise up
GOD THE FATHER.
for them a Prophet like you from among their
OUR ALMIGHTY LORD AND CREATOR HAS ACCOMPLISHED HIS
Brethren, and I will put My Word in His Mouth, and
DIVINE WORK ON EARTH AND HAS ENTERED INTO HIS SABBATH
He shall speak to them all I command Him...
REST.
It was first necessary for THE HEBREWS to be tested so as to
L U K E 8 : 1 5 - God reveals His Truth to those ... who,
Fear profoundly Respect - the Lord and not to sin,
having heard the Word with a noble and good
for they WERE TOO SPIRITUALLY IMPERCEPTIVE TO HEAR ABOUT
heart, keep it and bear Fruit with Patience.
ANOTHER PROPHET.
Christ warned us against believing for a short while and
Consequently, THEY FAILED THE TEST AND DIED IN THE DESERT
then returning to our sinful, ungodly ways.
BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO OBEY MOSES.
HAVING BEEN TAUGHT GODS TRUTH, WHICH WE THEN REJECT, WE
CONDEMN OURSELVES for we cannot plead ignorance!
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST ADORATION OF SHEPHERDS & THE MAGI 25 DECEMBER 2016
25.
OF OUR
LORD
AND
OF
ANTINOES
26 December 2016
Synaxix of our Ever Blessed All Pure & Holy Lady, Theotokos
2nd Day of the Nativity of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ
Also the Feast of St Euthymios, Bishop of Hieromartyr of Sardis St Constantine of Synnada
St Evarestos of Studion Monastery St Nikodemos of Tishmana, Macedonia St Constantine
the Russian Hieromartyr of Lavra, Mount Athos - St Isaac II of Optina Monastery
FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON
- NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST TONE 2
STIHOS 1
STIHOS 1
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3
STIHOS
STIHOS 2
STIHOS 3
STIHOS
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is
tous Eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.
Amin
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.
STIHOS
VERSE
VERSE
Ke nin ke ai ke is
Amen
O Son of God, W H O
A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , Save us
who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
PEOPLE
STIHOS 1.
CHRIST TONE
VERSE
STIHOS
Amin
Soson
OF
OF
CHRIST TONE 4
VERSE
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
Fos to tis Gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes,
ipo Asters edidaskonto, Se Proskinin, ton Ilion tis
Dikeosinis, ke Se Ginoskin ex Ipsous Anatolin.
Kyrie, Doxa Si.()
VERSE
VERSE
STIHOS
STIHOS
SECOND DAY
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD
AND
S A V I O U R S Y N A X I S T H E O T O K O S 2 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 27.
FESTAL ISODIKON
Ek
Out
NATIVITY
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF THE
OF
CHRIST TONE 4
OF
CHRIST - TONE 3
AGIOS O THEOS...
OF THE
Allelouia!
Christ: Alleluia!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 67/68 TONE 4
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
OF
GALATIANS 1 : 11 19
ST PAUL
BY OUR
Brethren: I certify that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not according to mankind. For I neither received it
from man, nor was I taught it, but It came to me through the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
You have heard of my former conduct in Judaism how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure, and tried to
destroy Her. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own Nation, being more
exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my Fathers.
When it pleased God, Who separated me from my mothers womb, and Called me through His Grace, to reveal His Son
in me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I
go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him for fifteen days.
The other Apostles I did not see, except James, the Brother of our Lord.
IN ALL PRIVATE REVELATIONS, THE ONLY OTHER WITNESS IS
APOSTOLIC TRADITION IS GROUNDED IN DIVINE REVELATION FROM
ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Just as the Twelve Apostles were CALLED BY CHRIST,
However, ST PAUL KNEW THAT HE HAD TO TEACH THE SAME HOLY
so was St Paul.
GOSPEL AS THE OTHER APOSTLES OF CHRIST.
Just as the Twelve RECEIVED THE HOLY GOSPEL
James refers to ST JAMES THE JUST, THE FIRST BISHOP OF
DIRECTLY FROM CHRIST, so did St Paul.
JERUSALEM AND AUTHOR OF THE EPISTLE OF ST JAMES.
Just as the Twelve STOOD TOGETHER AS ONE, so St Paul
THE TERM BROTHER IS ALSO A REFERENCE TO A COUSIN OR CLOSE
entered their UNITY IN CONSENSUS AND MUTUAL
MALE RELATIVE.
SUBMISSION.
ST JAMES WAS THE ELDEST SON OF ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED AND
PEOPLE ARE CALLED BY GOD not according to their former
HIS LATE WIFE, SALOME (a sister of St Anna, the mother of
conduct whether good or bad - but BY DIVINE GRACE.
the Blessed Virgin)
and therefore a COUSIN TO
ST PAUL, WHOM GOD CALLED IN MERCY, RECEIVED DIVINE GRACE
THEOTOKOS AND OUR LORD.
FROM ST ANANIAS HANDS AND THE BLESSED WATERS OF HOLY
ST JAMES DEEP LOVE FOR AND DEVOTION TO OUR LORD JESUS
BAPTISM.
SINCE HIS BIRTH, ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE REASON FOR HIS
The words ... separated me from my mothers womb...
HONOURABLE TITLE OF BEING OUR LORDS BROTHER.
refer not to St Pauls physical birth but to GODS DIVINE
According to some, he was the only one of St Josephs
CALL TO APOSTOLIC MINISTRY BEFORE HE WAS BORN.
sons who was quite willing to share his inheritance
As with St Paul, GODS INTENTIONS FOR PEOPLE MAY LIE HIDDEN
with Christ.
FOR MANY YEARS.
In accordance with Mosaic Law, adopted children were
supposed to have equal rights to inheritance, but
As a True Apostle of Christ, ST PAUL SUBMITTED HIMSELF TO THE
CHURCH AND HER HOLY APOSTLES RATHER THAN ELEVATING
often this proved problematic due to human greed or
HIMSELF.
other motivations.
St Paul knew that his ENCOUNTER WITH OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, HIS INSTRUCTION IN THE HOLY GOSPEL AND HIS CALL
TO APOSTLESHIP WERE HIGHLY UNUSUAL.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE FLIGHT
INTO
TO
EGYPT SLAUGHTER
ST MATTHEW 2 : 13 23
OF THE
14,000 INNOCENTS
When the Magi had departed, behold! an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying: Arise, take the
Child and His Mother, and flee to Egypt. And stay there until I bring Thee word. Herod will seek the Child to
destroy Him. Arising, he took the Child and His Mother by night, and departed for Egypt, and remained there until
the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet, saying: Out of
Egypt I Called My Son.
Then Herod - when he saw that he was deceived by the Magi - was exceedingly angry.
And he sent forth and put to death all the male children in Bethlehem and in all its districts - from two years old and
under, according to the time that he had determined from the Magi.
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the Prophet, saying: ... A voice was heard in Ramah, of lamentation,
weeping and much mourning - Rachel weeping for her Children, and refusing to be comforted, for they are no
more.
After Herod had died, behold! an Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying: Arise! Take the
Child, and His Mother, and go to the Land of Israel. Those are dead who sought the Childs Life.
He arose, took the Child and His Mother, and entered the Land of Israel.
28. S E C O N D D A Y
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD
AND
Hearing that Archelaus was reigning over Judea, instead of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.
Being warned in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee, and they went to dwell in a city called Nazareth,
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets: ...He shall be called a Nazarene.
WHILE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS PRESENT IN HIS INCARNATION
On their way into captivity, they passed Ramah, which
ON EARTH, HE WAS WATCHED OVER BY THE ANGELIC HOSTS OF
was nearby Bethlehem, where Rachel, the wife of St
ALMIGHTY GOD (until He entered Hades.)
Jacob, the ancient Patriarch, had been buried.
So, obviously, when they heard the secret plotting of
IN HIS PROPHECY, ST JEREMIAH BEHELD RACHEL WEEPING BITTERLY
Herod for the murder of all male infants of Bethlehem
IN HER GRAVE - OVERWHELMED BY HER COMPASSION AND
SORROW FOR HER DESCENDENTS WHO WERE BEING EXILED.
and the surrounding region, who were two years of
ONCE AGAIN, DURING THE BRUTAL EXECUTION OF THE 14,000 HOLY
age or younger, ONE OF THE HOLY ANGELS OF GOD WHO
INNOCENTS OF BETHLEHEM, ST RACHEL WEPT WITH INTENSE
KEPT WATCH OVER THE HOLY FAMILY, WARNED ST JOSEPH THE
BETROTHED
THE LEGAL GUARDIAN, PROTECTOR AND
SORROW FOR ALL HER BELOVED CHILDREN thereby showing
STEPFATHER OF OUR LADY THEOTOKOS AND CHRIST - OF THE
that ALL THE RIGHTEOUS SOULS, SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS
IMPENDING DISASTER.
REPOSING IN PARADISE ARE CLEARLY AWARE AND HAVE
Being Wise, Righteous, Humble and Obedient to God, ST
COMPASSION FOR THOSE STILL STRUGGLING IN THIS EXISTENCE.
JOSEPH THE BETROTHED IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED TO THE
THE 14,000 HOLY INNOCENTS OF BETHLEHEM ARE CERTAINLY
ANGELIC INSTRUCTIONS.
SANCTIFIED, BLESSED MEMBERS OF OUR VENERATED HOLY
EGYPT IS WHERE THE NATION OF ISRAEL ONCE TOOK REFUGE, AND
MARTYRS, FOR THEY, TOO, PERISHED FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST
AS ST JOSEPH THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH of the Old Covenant
OUR SAVIOUR.
HAD ONCE SAVED GODS CHOSEN PEOPLE by leading them
Just as St Rachel was told that her children would
to Egypt in difficult times, SO NOW, TOO, ST JOSEPH THE
return from exile in Babylon, SO TOO, WOULD OUR
BETROTHED SOUGHT REFUGE IN EGYPT during the
LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS HOLY FAMILY RETURN FROM
persecution of Herod and the terrible slaughter of the
EXILE IN EGYPT. (JEREMIAH 38:16-17)
14,000 Holy Innocents, THEREBY SAVING OUR SAVIOUR AND
According to historical records, Herod the Great died
FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT ISRAEL.
in 4 BC.
THE GIFT OF GOLD THAT WAS PRESENTED TO THE NEW BORN KING
THE DATE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS BIRTH ON WHICH OUR
OF THE AGES BY THE THREE MAGI who had travelled from
CURRENT YEAR OF THE LORD OR ANNO DOMINI(AD)
afar, following the unique Bright Star that had
CALENDAR IS BASED, IS THUS OFF BY 4 OR 5 YEARS. (We should
suddenly appeared from nowhere in the Heavens,
thus add 4 or 5 years to the current year i.e. instead
PAID FOR THE HOLY FAMILYS JOURNEY AND EXPENSES UNTIL
of 2016 2020/2021.)
Augustus Caesar had banished Archelaus due to his
THEIR SAFE RETURN.
Out of Israel I Called My Son... refers initially to the
unbridled cruelty in 6 AD.
Old Covenant Nation of Israel being led out of
THAT CRUELTY WAS DIVINELY REVEALED TO ST JOSEPH THE
captivity in Egypt. (HOSEA 11:1)
BETROTHED, SO THAT HE THEN DETOURED TO NAZARETH,
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, THE TERM SON, REFERRED TO THE WHOLE
INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO BETHLEHEM.
NATION OF ISRAEL, whereas ACCORDING TO OUR NEW
Nazareth fell under the rule of another more lenient son
COVENANT, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST FULFILS
of Herod the Great, named Herod Antipas.
THAT CALLING AS THE TRUE, ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
The source of the Prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus
OF GOD THE FATHER COMING OUT OF EGYPT.
Christ being ... called a Nazarene, is unknown
THE HORRIFIC CRUELTY OF HEROD WAS PREFIGURED BY
but has been taken as a reference to the Rod
PHARAOH, who in an attempt to destroy the power
(Neser) that is mentioned in the Book of Isaiah,
of Israel ordered all their new born sons to be
and to the Nazirite (Nazir) mentioned in the Book
murdered. (EXODUS 1: 16 22)
of Judges (ISAIAH 11:1 & JUDGES 13:5)
The Old Testament Book of Jeremiah recorded how
St Matthew might also have been referring to various
THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM WERE LED AWAY INTO EXILE.
passages in which THE MESSIAH WAS DESPISED, SINCE
(JEREMIAH 38:15)
NAZARETH DID NOT HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION, according
to the words of St Bartholomew/Nathaniel. (JOHN 1 :
46)
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH, PEACE AND GOOD WILL TO ALL MANKIND!
A SERMON BY ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Enmity, civil strife, and disorder reigned everywhere.
Pride, inhumanity, and all manner of vice corrupted
Holy Spirit...
social and family life.
Dearly Beloved in Christ: This glorious Hymn to our
The period that followed was no better.
Incarnate God, the Infant Christ Jesus, was sung by
Terrible persecutions against those who believed in Christ
the Angelic Hosts on Earth at His Nativity.
drenched the world in blood over the course of three
It is a brief Hymn, but its meaning and significance are
centuries: brother betrayed brother to torture,
wise and full of substance.
husbands betrayed their wives and children, children
In it is contained and revealed to us the Mystery of the
betrayed their parents.
Incarnation of the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God
Human relations, blood ties, and family were all
for the Salvation of all mankind.
profaned and scorned.
This Divine Mystery, in the words of our Holy Church,
And in Jerusalem itself, there was the abomination of
...amazed all the Angelic Powers.
desolation.
But where is this Peace on Earth, which the Holy Angels of
In our times also, societies and Kingdoms are also being
God announced to the humble Shepherds of
shaken. International and civil wars and dissention
Bethlehem?
continue.
In Jerusalem itself, the city of David, where the great
There are heresies and schisms, conspiracies and
Temple of our Living God is situated, there was no
criminally destructive teachings are intensifying to
Peace.
topple age-old state institutions and foundations of
When the Magi travelled a great distance from the East to
family, civilian, and Religious Community.
Jerusalem enquired: "Where is the King of the Jews
Evil raises its sacrilegious hand against the Anointed of
Who is born?" King Herod became enraged just to
God, to whom God Himself has entrusted Nations.
hear it, as was all of Jerusalem with him.
The savages want to install unbelief atop the Sacred
In the world-wide Roman Empire there was no Peace.
Relics, destroy the State, the family, and law in the
Contemporaries described in dark colours the moral
guise of ...equality and brotherhood
degradation of all the Nations, and the deformation
Where is the Peace on Earth that the Angels of our Lord
of God's Image in people.
God proclaimed?
All manner of defilement and iniquity was rife in those
Where is the Peace brought to Earth by our God-Man?
Spiritually Dark days, as idol worship had replaced
Where is the Peace proclaimed by His Holy Gospels and
the worship of the One True and Living God.
the preaching of His Holy Apostles that reached to the
Iniquity, shame, satiety, and drunkenness comprised
ends of the Earth, to all Nations and Kings?
mankind's worldly happiness, aim, and striving.
SECOND DAY
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD
AND
S A V I O U R S Y N A X I S T H E O T O K O S 2 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 29.
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/43912.htm
30. S E C O N D D A Y
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD
AND
He awaits for us to Repent - to stop doing evil deeds and to do good, Confess, amend ourselves, so that He
can embrace us, kiss us and place us in Paradise
where we will Rejoice forever.
Such a Loving God! Such a Long-suffering Lord and
Master!
Should we not also Love Him - and if need be, shed our
blood a thousand times for His Love, as He shed His
Precious Blood due to His Love for us? (TEACHINGS OF
COSMAS THE AITOLIAN)
Consequently, a sense of security that banishes our
insecurity and anxiety, emanates from the Faithful
Invocation of God as our Heavenly Father.
We are greatly honoured to address God as our Father
but also great is the responsibility to become worthy of
our Heavenly Father, for we are commanded: ...Be
therefore Merciful, as your Father also is Merciful!
and ...Be therefore Perfect, even as your Father Who
is in Heaven is Perfect (LUKE 6: 36 & MATTHEW 5: 48).
St Nicodemus the Hagiorite commented: ...For this reason
our Lord instructs us how to pray to our Father by
Grace, so that we are always Protected under the
Grace of Adoption until the end - to be Gods Children
not only by our Rebirth and Baptism, but by our
Labours and deeds, as well.
Those who do not perform Spiritual Acts, but satanic acts
are not worthy to call God our Father but instead the
Devil, according to our Lord: You are of your father
the Devil, for you do his desires! ...in relation to evil
you are born from your father, the Devil, for you act
according to the evil desires of your father. (JOHN 8:44).
Our Lord orders us to name Him our Father, for we were
truly Children of God with the Rebirth of Holy Baptism.
...we must preserve the Virtues of our Father and not be
ashamed of the relationship we have with Him (ABOUT
CONTINUAL COMMUNION)
...TO BE CONTINUED...
27 December 2016
Third Day of the Nativity of Christ our Lord
St Stephen, Archdeacon & Protomartyr
Also the Feast of St Theodore Graptos (the Scribe) (& the Branded) Confessor St Theodore of
Constantinople - The Wonder-working, All Merciful Kykko Icon of the Ever Blessed Virgin
Theotokos
FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON
1.
- NATIVITY
Exomologisome
Tes
Exomologisis
3.
1.
2.
Great
4.
He
the Intercessions
Saviour, Save us.
Dinaton
3.
Doxa
Amen
Through
SMALL LITANY
2.
Theotokos,
CHRIST TONE 2
Through
OF
1.
OF
of
the
Theotokos,
CHRIST TONE 2
he will delight
O Son of God,
W H O A R T B O R N O F T H E V I R G I N , Save us
who sing to Thee: Alleluia (REPEATED
2.
His
4.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon.
Amin
Amen
O MONOGENIS IIOS
KE
LOGOS...
STIH O S1
2
Ravdon Dinameos exaposeli Si Kyrios ek Sion,
ke katakirieve en meso ton ehthron Sou.
S T I H O S 3 Meta Sou i arhi en Imera tis Dinameos Sou, en
tes Lamprotisi ton Agion Sou.
STIH OS
OF
CHRIST TONE 4
V ER SE 1
V ER SE
Ek
3RD DAY
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST
OUR
Out
L O R D S T S T E P H E N , A R C H D E A C O N & P R O T O M A R T Y R - 2 7 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 31.
Soson
imas, Ie Theou,
psallontas Si Allilouia!
PARTHENOU
EK
Save
TEHTHIS,
OF
CHRIST
OUR
LORD
I Gennisis Sou Hriste O Theos imon, anetile to kosmo to Fos to Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the Light of
tis gnoseos. En afti gar it is astris latrevontes, ipo asters
edidaskonto, Se prokinin, ton Ilion tis dikeosinis, ke Se
ginoskin ex ipsous anatolin. Kyrie, Doxa Si.
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.
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
EVAN
GELISM
AND
MARTYRD
TO
OM
ST LUKE
6 : 8 7 : 5 & 47 60
OF ST STEPHEN
In those days, Stephen, full of Faith and Power, did great Wonders and Signs among the people. Then there arose
some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and
Asia), disputing with Stephen. But they were not able to resist the Wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke. So they
secretly induced men to say: We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God. And they
stirred up the people, the Elders, and the Scribes; and they went to him, seized him and took him to the Council.
They also set up false witnesses who said: This man does not cease speaking blasphemous words against this Holy
Place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the
customs, which Moses delivered to us. And all who sat in the Council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the
face of an Angel. Then the High Priest said: Are these things so?
And Stephen said: Brethren and Fathers, listen: the God of Glory appeared to our Father Abraham when he was in
Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him: Get out of your country and from your relatives, and go to
a land that I will show you. Then he went out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. From there, when
his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no Inheritance in it, not
even enough to set his foot on...
...Solomon built God a House. However, the Most High does not dwell in Temples made by hands, as the Prophet says:
Heaven is My Throne and earth is My Footstool. What House will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the
Place of My Rest? Has My Hand not made all these things?
You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so do you.
Which of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the Coming of the Just
One, of Whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the Law by the Direction of
Angels, and have not kept it.
When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of
the Holy Spirit, gazed into Heaven and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right Hand of God, and said:
Behold! I see the Heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right Hand of God!
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran to him with one accord; and they cast him out of the
city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And they stoned Stephen as he called on God, saying: O Lord Jesus: receive my soul! Then he knelt down and cried
out with a loud voice: O Lord, do not charge them with this sin! And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE PUBLIC MINISTRY
OF OUR
TO
ST MATTHEW 12 : 15 - 21
At that time, many followed our Lord Jesus, and He Healed them all, yet warned them not to make Him known, that it
might be fulfilled what was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying: Behold! My Servant Whom I have chosen My
Beloved with Whom My Soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall declare Justice to the
Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His Voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not
break, and smoking flax He will not quench, until He sends forth Justice to Victory. And in His Name the
Gentiles will trust.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
Our heart fuels our Spiritual Life, for whenever we do
anything from our heart, we are not exhausted by it,
so when I am asked what should be studied, I tell
people instead, what they should Love. Certain
Professions, like medicine and teaching require
Love and devotion. This is the same with our
Spiritual Life. Our heart must participate in our
Prayers.
32. 3 R D D A Y
OF THE
NATIVITY
OF
CHRIST
OUR