2015 - April Sacred Lessons

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary,
Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and
one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
4 April 2015
Saturday of the Raising of St Lazros
Also the Feast of St Joseph the Hymnographer of Sicily & Peloponnesos St
George of Mount Maleon Monastery, Peloponnesos St Joseph the Much
Ailing, of Kiev Far Caves Monastery St Zosimas of Verbozomsk, Founder of the
Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery, Lake Vorbozoma St
Zosimas of Palestine, (who had met St Mary of Egypt who had told him her
amazing Life of Repentance) St Perbutha the Virgin Martyr, her sister and her
servants, Holy Martyrs of Persia St Nicetas of Pojani & Serres, & Mount Athos St Isidore of Seville St Theonas of
Thessalonika St George Mtsire of Georgia
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST LAZAROS SATURDAY
Tin
kinin anastasin pro tou Sou Pathous Pistoumenos, ek

nekron igiras ton Lazaron, Hriste O Theos. Othen ke
imis os i Pedes, ta tis Nikis symbola ferontes, Si to Nikiti
tou Thanatou voomen.
Osanna en tis Ipsistis,
evlogimenos O erhomenos, en Onomati Kyrie.
TONE 1
To confirm the General Resurrection before Thy Passion,
Thou Resurrected Lazaros from the dead, O Christ our

God. Therefore, imitating the children, carrying the
symbols of Victory, we cry out to Thee the Victor over
Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed art Thou, the
One Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
FESTAL KONTAKION ST LAZAROS SATURDAY TONE 2
I panton Hara, Hristos i Alithia, to Fos i Zoi, tou Kosmou i The Joy of all mankind, the Truth Who is Christ our God,
Anastasis, tis en Gi perfanerote, ti Aftou Agathotiti, ke
gegone typos tis Anastaseos, tis pasi parehon Thian
afesin.
INSTEAD
TRISAGION HYMN AGIOS O THEOS...
OF THE
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe.
the Light and the Life, the Resurrection of the world,

has Appeared unto those on Earth, in that He is
benevolent, becoming the Type of Resurrection, and
granting Divine Remission unto all.
Allilouia! (3)
As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put
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
on Christ. Alleluia! (3)

tous Eonas ton eonon.
Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin
Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia!
Dynamis!
Dynamis!
Amen
Have put on Christ. Alleluia!
Dynamis!
Dynamis!
As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put
Allilouia!
on Christ. Alleluia!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 26/26 TONE 3
Kyrios Fotismos mou ke Sotir mou. Tina fovithisome?

Kyrio iperspistis tis Zois mou. Apo tinao diliaso?
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
The Lord is my Light and my Saviour. Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the Defender of my Life. Whom shall I dread?
TO THE
HEBREWS 12 : 28 - 13 : 8
BROTHERLY LOVE & VIRTUOUS LIFE
Adelphi: Basilian asalefton paralmbanontes ehomen Harin di is latrevomen evarestos to Theo meta Aidous ke
Evlavias, ke gar O Theos imon Pir Katanaliskon.
I Philadelphia meneto - tis filoxenias mi epilanthanesthe, dia
taftis gar elathon tines xenisantes Angelous.
Mimniskesthe ton desmion os sindedemeni, ton katihoumenon
os ke afti ontes en somati.
Timios O Gamos en pasi ke i kiti amiantos, pornous de ke
mihous krini O Theos.
Afilargiros O tropos, arkoumeni tis parousin. Aftos gar iriken:
Ou mi se ano oud ou mi se egkatalipo.
Oste tharrountas imas legin: Kyrios emi voithos, ke ou
fovithisome. Ti piisi mi anthropos?
Mnimonevete ton igoumenon imon - itines elalisan imin ton
Logon tou Theou.
On anatheorountes tin ekvasin tis anastrofis mimisthe tin
Pistin.
Iisous Hristo hthes ke simeron O aftos ke is tous eonas.
(END
OF
TRIODION)
SATURDAY
OF THE
RAISING
OF
Brethren: Let us be grateful for receiving a Kingdom

that cannot be shaken - thus let us offer to God
acceptable worship, with Reverence and Awe, for
our God is a Consuming Fire.
Let Brotherly Love continue - do not neglect to show
hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have
unknowingly hosted Angels.
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison
with them, and those who are ill-treated - since you
also are in the body.
Let Marriage be held in honour among all, and let the
Marriage Bed be undefiled, for God will Judge the
immoral and adulterous.
Keep your Life free from love of money, and be content
with what you have, for He has said: I will never fail
you, nor forsake you..
Hence, we can confidently say: The Lord is my Helper.
I will not be afraid. What can mankind do to me?
Remember your Leaders those who spoke to you the
Word of God.
Consider the outcome of their Life, and imitate their
Faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and
forever
ST LAZAROS
4 APRIL 2015
1.
ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT ARE CREATED CAN BE SHAKEN AND

EVEN DESTROYED THE TEMPORAL, IMPERMANENT AND
IMPERFECT.
THE FINAL CONSUMMATION OF THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD IS
UNSHAKABLE AND INDESTRUCTIBLE AND ENDURES FOREVER FOR
ALL ETERNITY AND EVERYTHING OF ETERNITY IS EVERLASTING,
UNCHANGEABLE AND IMPERISHABLE.
That is why we must prepare ourselves throughout this
lifetime to BECOME WORTHY SPIRITUAL CITIZENS OF GODS
ETERNAL KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY BY MEANS OF
ALL THE SPIRITUAL TOOLS WITH WHICH CHRIST OUR LORD AND
SAVIOUR HAS PROVIDED US ALL HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS
AND TEACHINGS.
ETERNAL LIFE IS CONTINUOUS EUCHARISTIC (THANKSGIVING)
DIVINE LITURGY.
Grace is a reference to OUR SINCERE AND PROFOUND
GRATITUDE THAT COMPELS US TO SERVE GOD AND TO
WORSHIP HIM IN AN ACCEPTABLE MANNER, with proper
Reverence and Godly Fear.
(DIVINE GRACE THAT ENABLES US TO DO THE WILL OF GOD WITH HUMBLE
OBEDIENCE IS BESTOWED ON US BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. mp)
PRACTICAL BROTHERLY LOVE IS TO BE SHOWN TOWARDS ALL
FELLOW CHRISTIANS AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST and
ESPECIALLY TOWARDS THE LOWLY, THE POWERLESS, AND ALL
VICTIMS OF CRUELTY AND INJUSTICE.
Strangers are TRAVELLERS (VISITORS) IN NEED OF CHRISTIAN
HOSPITALITY.
THE HOSPITALITY OF ABRAHAM THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH IS A GOOD

EXAMPLE TO US: he never ate a meal unless he had
others with whom to share it.
The day came when he hosted three very special Visitors the Holy
Trinity at the Oaks of Mamre, where they left their three staffs of
cypress, cedar and pine imbedded in the earth, which grew into a
most unique Tree. (GENESIS 18 : 1 8 & 19: 1 3)

When King Solomon was building his first great Temple in Jerusalem
centuries later, the Trinity Tree was cut down but the wood was never
used and merely thrown aside, until the Crucifixion of Christ when He
was forced to carry the heavy cross-bar (not the whole cross) as part
of His public humiliation and punishment, before being nailed at the
wrists to it.
The cross-bar was then fastened to the upright pole which was secured in
a hole in the rock on Golgotha which still exists to this day. MP
St Paul urged us to apply all the Divine Commandments

and Teachings of Christ our Lord and Saviour, to our
daily life, treating others with compassion, kindness
and respect, just as we would like to be treated
ourselves.
Furthermore, we must always remember that our Lord
Jesus Christ and His Divine Truth never change and
are always applicable to this Preparatory Period
before Eternity.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO ST JOHN 11 : 1
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
To kero ekino, in tis asthenon Lazaros apo Vithanias, ek tis

komis Marias ke Marthas tis adelphis aftis.
In de Maria mi alipsasa ton Kyrion myro ke ekmaxasa tous
Podas Aftou tes thrixin aftis, is O adelphos, Lazaros,
istheni.
Apestilan oun e adelfe pros afton legouse: Kyrie, ide on
Filis asthenia.
Akousas de O Iisou ipen: Afti i asthenia ouk esti pros
Thanaton, all iper tis Doxis tou Theou, ina Doxasthi
O Iios tou Theou di aftis.
Igapa de O Iisous tin Marthan ke tin adelphin aftis ke ton
Lazaron. Os oun ikousen oti asthenia, tote men eminen
en O in topo dio imeras.
Epita meta touto legit is Mathites: Agomen is tin Ioudean
palin.
Legousin afto i Mathite: Ravvi, nin exitoun Se lithase i
Ioudei, ke palin ipagis eki?
Apekrifi Iisous: Ouhi dodeka isin ore tis imeras? Ean tis
peripati en ti imera, ou proskopti, oti to fos tou
kosmou toutou vlepi. Ean de tis peripati en ti nikti,
proskopti, oti to Fos ouk estin en afto.
Tafta ipe, ke meta touto legi aftis: Lazaros O Filos Imon
kekimite. All porevome ina exipniso afton.
Ipon oun i Mathite Aftou: Kyrie, i kekimite, sothisete.
Iriki de O Iisou peri tou Thanatou Aftou, ekini de edoxan oti
peri tis kimiseos tou ipnou legi.
Tote oun ipen aftis O Iisous parrisia: Lazaros apethane.
Ke hero di imas, ina Pistevsite, oti ouk imin eki: All
agomen pros afton.
Ipen oun Thomas O legomenos Didimos tis simmathites:
Agomen ke imis ina apothanomen met Aftou.
Elthon oun O Iisou evren afton tessaras imeras idi ehonta
en to mnimio.
In de i Vithania engis ton Ierosolimon os apo stadion
dekapente.
Ke polli ek ton Ioudeon elilithisan pros tas peri Marthan ke
Maria ina paramithisonte aftas peri tou adelphou afton.
I oun Martha os ikousen oti O Iisou erhete, ipintisen afto.
Maria de en to iko ekathezeto.
Ipen oun i Martha pros ton Iisoun: Kyrie, i is ode, O
adelphos mou ouk en etethnike. Alla ke nin ida oti osa
an etisi ton Theon, dosi Si O Theos.
Legi afti O Iisous: Anastisete O adelphos sou.
Legi afto Martha: Ida oti Anastisete en ti Anastasi en ti
Eshati Imera.
Ipen afti O Iisous: Ego Imi i Anastasis ke Zoi. O Pistevon
is Eme, kan apothani, Zisete. Ke pas O Zon ke
Pistevon is Eme ou mi apothani is ton eona. Pistevis
touto?
(END
OF
TRIODION)
SATURDAY
OF THE
RAISING
45
At that time, a certain man was sick: Lazaros of Bethany,

the town of Mary and her sister, Martha.
It was that Mary who had anointed our Lord with fragrant
oil and wiped His Feet with her hair, whose brother,
Lazaros, was sick.
Therefore, the sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying:
Lord, behold: he whom Thou Love is sick.
When Jesus heard that, He said: This sickness is not unto
Death, but for the Glory of God so that the Son of
God may be Glorified through it.
Now Jesus Loved Martha and her sister, and Lazaros, so
when He heard that Lazaros was sick, He stayed two
more days in the place where He was.
Then after this, He said to His Disciples: Let us go to
Judea again.
The Disciples said to Him: Rabbi, lately the Hebrews
sought to stone Thee, and art Thou going there again?
Jesus answered: Are there not twelve hours in the day?
If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble,
because he sees the light of this world. But if one
walks in the night, he stumbles, because the Light is
not in him.
These things He said, and after that He said to them: Our
friend, Lazaros, sleeps, but I go so that I may wake
him up.
His Disciples said: Lord, if he sleeps, he will get well.
However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that
He spoke of taking rest in sleep.
So Jesus told them plainly: Lazaros is dead. And I Am
glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you
may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him.
Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow
Disciples: Let us also go, that we may die with Him.
So when Jesus went, He found that Lazaros had already
been in the tomb for four days.
Bethany was near Jerusalem - about two miles away.
And many of the Hebrews had joined the women around
Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their
brother.
As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went
to meet Him, but Mary sat in the house.
Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if Thou had been here, my
brother would not have died. But even now, I know that
whatever Thou ask of God, God will grant Thee.
Jesus said to her: Your brother will rise again.
Martha said to Him: I know that he will Rise again in the
Resurrection at the Last Day.
Jesus said to her: I Am the Resurrection and the Life:
he who believes in me, although he may die, he shall
Live. And whoever lives and believes in Me, shall
never die. Do you believe this?
OF
ST LAZAROS
4 APRIL 2015
2.
Legi afto: Ne, Kyrie, ego pepistevka oti Si i O Hristos - O

Iios tou Theou O is ton kosmon erhomenos.
Ke tafta ipousa apilthe ke efonise Marian tin adelphin aftis
lathra ipousa: O Didaskalos paresti ke foni se.
Ekini os ikousen, egirete tahi ke erhete pros Afton.
Oupo de elilithi O Iisous is tin komin, all n en to topo opou
ipintisen afto i Martha.
I oun Ioudei i ontes met aftis en ti ikia ke paramithoumeni
aftin, idontes tin marian oti taheos anesti ke exilthen,
ikolouthisan afti, legontes: oti ipagi is to mnimion ina
klafsi eki.
I oun Maria os ilthen opou in Iisous, idousa afton epesen
Aftou is tous Podas legousa Afto: Kyrie, i is ode, ouk an
apethane mou O adelphos.
Iisou oun os iden aftin kleousan ke tous sinelthontas afti
Ioudeous kleontas, enevrimisato to pnevmati ke
etaraxen eafton.
Ke ipe: Pou tethikate afton?
Legousin afto: Kyrie, erhou ke ide.
Edakrisen O Isous.
Elegon oun i Ioudei: Ide pos efili Afton!
Tines de ex afton ipon: Ouk edinato outos, O anixas tous
ofthalmous tou tiflou, piise ina ke outos mi apothani?
Iisous oun, palin emvrimomenos en eafto, erhete is to
mnimion. In de spileon, ke lithos epekito ep afto.
Legi O Iisou:. Arate ton lithon.
Legi afto i Adelphi tou tethnikotos Martha: Kyrie, idi ozi.
Tetarteos gar est!
Legi afti O Iisou: Ouk ipon Si oti ean Pistevsis, opsi tin
Doxan tou Theou?
Iran oun ton lithon ou in O tethnikos kimonos.
O de Iisous ire tous ofthalmous ano ke ipe: Pater,
efharisto Si oti ikousas Mou. Ego de idin oti pantote
mou akouis. Alla dia ton ohlon to periestota ipon,
ina Pistevsosin oti Si Me apestilas.
Ke tafta ipon foni megali ekravase: Lazare! Devro exo!
Ke exilthen O tethnikos dedemenos tous podas ke tas hiras
kiries ke i opsis aftou soudario periededeto.
Legi aftis O Iisous: Lisate afton ke afete ipagin.
Polli oun ek ton Ioudeon, i elthontes pros tin Marian ke
theasameni a epiisen O Iisous, epistevsan is Afton.
ST LAZAROS
THE FRIEND OF CHRIST AS A

PROTOPRESBYTER GEORGE PAPA
St Lazaros and his pious sisters, St Mary and St Martha

lived in Bethany, which was a short distance from the
great Holy City, Jerusalem.
When St Lazaros became fatally ill, his sisters had sent an
urgent message to their Beloved Friend, our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, Whom they knew could restore
him to complete health.
However, St Lazaros passed away and was entombed for
four days before our Lord Jesus arrived in Bethany.
He tried to comfort them in their grief by assuring them
that St Lazaros would arise from the dead as He had
previously said to His Apostles when they received the
news of St Lazaros serious condition: This sickness is
not unto Death, but for the Glory of God so that the
Son of God may be Glorified through it.
However, St Martha, not fully understanding the enormity
of what Christ told her, replied: I know that he will
Rise again in the Resurrection at the Last Day.
Once again our Lord tried to make her understand, by
telling her: I Am the Resurrection and the Life: he
who believes in me, although he may die, he shall
Live. And whoever lives and believes in Me, shall
never die...
As we know, our Lord was led to the tomb of St Lazaros
where He called him back to life to the great Joy of his
grieving sisters and family, and to the utter amazement
and shock of the Judean witnesses.
St Epiphanios, Bishop of Constance, Cyprus, believed that
St Lazaros of Bethany was thirty years old when he died
and was restored to life by our Lord Jesus, and he lived
for another thirty years after his first Resurrection.
Wanting to flee the hatred of the self-righteous Scribes and
Pharisees who were determined to kill him, St Lazaros
fled to Kition (Larnaca) Cyprus in 33.
(END
OF
TRIODION)
She said to Him: Yes, Lord, I believe that Thou art the
Christ the Son of God Who is to come into the world.
And having said these things, Martha went her way, and
secretly called Mary, her sister, saying: The Teacher
has come and is calling for you.
As soon as Mary heard that, she quickly arose and went to
Him.
Jesus had not yet gone into the town, but was in the place
where Martha had met Him.
When the Judeans, who were with her in the house,
comforting her, saw that Mary had quickly arisen and
gone out, they followed her, saying: She is going to the
tomb to weep there.
When Mary arrived where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell
down at His Feet, saying to Him: O Lord, if Thou had
been here, my brother would not have died.
Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Judeans
who had come with her, weeping, He groaned in the
spirit and was troubled.
And He said: Where have you laid him?
They said to Him: Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept.
The Judeans said; See how He Loved him!
Some of them said: Could not this Man Who opened the
eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?
Jesus, again groaning within Himself, went to the tomb,
which was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
Jesus said: Take away the stone.
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him:
Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been
dead four days!
Jesus said to her: Did I not say to you that if you would
believe you would see the Glory of God?
They then took away the stone from the cave where the
dead man was lying.
Jesus lifted up His Eyes and said: O Father, I thank Thee
that Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou always
hears Me, but because of the people who are
standing by, I say this, so that they may believe that
Thou sent Me.
And when Jesus had said these things, He cried with a
loud Voice: Lazaros! Come forth!
And he who had died came out, bound hand and foot with
grave-cloths, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.
Jesus said to them: Loosen him, and let him go.
Many of the Judeans who had gone to Mary, and had seen
the things that Jesus did, believed in Him...
SATURDAY
OF THE
RAISING
MODEL
FOR OUR
LIFE
VARNAVAS
St Paul and St Barnabas met St Lazaros when they travelled

from Salamis, Paphos, and ordained him Bishop of
Kition, which he had founded.
For eighteen consecutive years St Lazaros led his Holy Flock
with Love and Wisdom before he Reposed in Peace in
63.
The Faithful Christians of his Holy Diocese placed his body
in a sarcophagus made of carved marble, on which they
inscribed in Hebrew the words: Lazaros of the Four
Days, and Friend of Christ.
A beautiful church was constructed over his burial site,
which was eventually renovated in 1750.
The Translation of the Holy Relics of St Lazaros from
Cyprus to Constantinople took place on 17 October 890
by order of Emperor Leo VI, the Wise, who also
composed the Idiomela Hymns of Vespers in honour of
St Lazaros of Bethany.
Having witnessed the horrific suffering and agony of
unrepentant souls in Hades, St Lazaros never smiled or
laughed again, except on one occasion when he saw
someone stealing a clay pot.
He smiled at the absurdity of the situation, commenting:
One (piece of) clay steals another (piece of) clay!
The Life and Deeds of St Lazaros grant us the opportunity
to highlight the following Truth:
Christ came into the world to abolish the work of the devil,
to Judge sin in His Flesh, and to conquer Death.
Thus, by His Incarnation, Passion, Crucifixion and
Resurrection, our Lord Jesus Christ Redeemed mankind
from the dominion of the evil one, sin and Death, and
granted us the opportunity to conquer and overcome
Death in the limits of our personal life, and to
experience Eternity in this present life.
OF
ST LAZAROS
4 APRIL 2015
Furthermore, by Christ raising St Lazaros who was

entombed for four days, our Lord showed us that He
has dominion over both Life and Death, and that
everything that He says and teaches us, He puts in
practise.
For example: Our Lord Jesus spoke of the Common
Resurrection of the Dead at His Reappearance (Second
Coming) and He verified that Divine Truth by means of
the (temporary) Resurrection of St Lazaros, (who eventually
Reposed, like all of us must do).
Giving us before Thy Passion an assurance of the General
Resurrection, Thou hast Raised Lazaros from the dead,
O Christ our God.
In addition, our Lord Jesus proved His Divine Power over
Life and Death when He brought back to life both the
daughter of Jairus, the Ruler of the Synagogue, and the
son of the Widow of Nain.
After the Glorious Resurrection of Christ, Death ceases
being fearful to us, yet we are now fearful to Death as
even infants mock Death.
The Martyrologies record how small children such as St
Tarcisios, or infants in the embrace of their mothers,
such as St Kyrikos, and even revered Elders who were
over a hundred year old, such as St Charalambos (113
years old), who confessed with courage and boldness
their Faith in Christ, and walked fearlessly to their
Martyrdom as if going to a festival.
They endured torture calmly and peacefully, even praying
for their tormentors and the entire world.
For this exact reason, the death of a Saint is not an occasion
for mourning and tears, but of celebration.
INSPIRED, ETERNAL WISDOM
OF OUR
St Basil the Great believed that the Faithful do not weep

over the death of Saints, as in the Old Covenant, where
the death of Saints was honoured with beating of the
breast and tears: Joseph wept bitterly for Jacob when he
died. The Jews mourned much over the death of Moses,
and with many tears they honoured Samuel.
Now we dance at the death of Saints, because, after the
Cross of our Lord, the sad nature of things has been
changed.
The death of Saints are not followed by lamentations, but
with Divine Dances around their graves, because the
death of the righteous is sleep.
Better yet, it is a Journey towards a better Life.
After death, people are reunited with their beloved family
and friends, as long as they are alike in their Way of
Life.
St Basil the Great wrote a comforting letter to a friend
whose child had prematurely died: ... it is Beneficial for
us to venerate the Philanthropy of God for all things...
You are not deprived of a child, but you have him to the
Provider; his life did not disappear, but was changed for
the better. The Earth did not hide your loved one, but he
was received in Heaven. Let us wait a little while and we
will meet again with those for whom we yearn...
Only let us Hope that we are alike in Virtue to his Purity, so
that with a clear ethos we will achieve the same Rest as
the Infants in Christ.
EKKLESIASTIKI PAREMVASI MARCH 2014- TRANSLATED
JOHN
SANIDOPOULOS.
BY
HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
OUR HOLY DESERT FATHERS
The abstinent withdraws from gluttony, the uncovetous from covetousness, the
silent from wordiness, the pure from attachment to sensory pleasures, the
chaste from fornication, he who is content with what he has from love of
money, the meek from agitation (anger), the humble from vanity, the
obedient from objection, he who is honest with himself from hypocrisy.
Equally, he who prays withdraws from despair, the willing pauper from
acquisitiveness, he who professes his faith from denying it, the martyr from
idolatry - so you see that each Virtue, performed even unto death, is nothing
but withdrawal from sin; and withdrawal from sin is a natural action, not an
action that could be rewarded by the Kingdom.
ST. ISAAC
THE
SYRIAN
Just as the sun's rays are sometimes hidden from the earth by thick cloud, so for a
while a person may be deprived of Spiritual Comfort and of Grace's Brightness.
This is caused by the cloud of the passions.
Then, all of a sudden, without that person being aware, it is all given back.
Just as the surface of the earth rejoices at the rays of the sun when they break through the clouds, so the words of
Prayer are able to break through to drive the thick cloud of the passions away from the soul.
OUR EARLY CHURCH FATHERS
Faith is the beginning of Love; the end of Love is

Knowledge of God.
Man's Patience gives birth to Hope; Good Hope will
Glorify him.
He who keeps his flesh in strict subjection will reach
Passionlessness. He who feeds it will suffer from it.
Solitude with Love Purifies the heart. Withdrawal from
others with anger agitates the heart.
It is better to be among thousands with Love, than to
hide alone in caves with hatred.
He dishonours God who transgresses His Law. But he
who obeys It Glorifies his Creator
Where sin enters, there too enters ignorance; but the
hearts of the Righteous are filled with Knowledge.
Better Poverty with Knowledge than riches with
ignorance.
The highest adornment of the head is the crown; the
highest adornment of the heart is Knowledge of
God.
He who prays often will escape temptation; but
thoughts will trouble the heart of the careless.
ST MARK
THE
If the spirit of despondency attacks you, do not leave

your cell, and do not turn aside in time of
discontent. For as silver is purified (by friction), so
will your heart be made bright if you stand firm.
The spirit of despondency takes away tears, and the
spirit of discontent stifles Prayer.
Love is preceded by Passionlessness; Knowledge is
preceded by Love.
Honour God and you will know the Incorporeal; serve
Him and He will show you the Understanding of
the Ages.
The Body of Christ is active Virtues; he who tastes them
will be free from passions.
The Blood of Christ is Discrimination of Actions; he who
drinks It will be Illumined.
The Bosom of the Lord is Knowledge of God; he who
rests Therein will be a Theologian.
When he who is filled with Knowledge and he who
practices Good meet one another, the Lord is
between them.
ASCETIC
Wishing to show that - although every Commandment is obligatory - nonetheless it is by His Blood that
Sonship is granted to men, the Lord says: When you have done all those things which are
Commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to
do. (LUKE 17:10). Thus the Kingdom of Heaven is not a Reward for deeds, but a Gift of the Lord prepared
for Faithful Servants.
4.
(END
OF
TRIODION)
SATURDAY
OF THE
RAISING
OF
ST LAZAROS
4 APRIL 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
5 April 2015
Tone 2
Palm Sunday
OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS
TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM
Also the Feast of St Agathopodes, Deacon,
St Theodoulos, Reader & their fellow Martyrs
of Thessalonika St Publios, St Theonas, St Symeon
& St Phorbinos of Egypt - St Mark the Anchorite of Athens
St Plato the Confessor of Studion St Theodore of Thessalonika
St Job of Moscow & All Russia, Translation of Holy Relics
St Claudios
FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON PSALM 114/115 TONE 2
1.
Igapisa,
oti isakousete Kyrios tis fonis tis deiseos mou.

Alalaxate to Theo en foni Agalliaseos.
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.

2.
Perieshon
me odines Thanatou, kindini Adou evrosan
1.
2.
The pains of Death
have Loved, because the Lord shall hear the voice of

my Supplication. Shout to God with the Voice of
Rejoicing.
Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
me.
surrounded me; the dangers of
Hades found me.
3.
Thlipsin
4.
Evapestiso enopion Kyriou, en hora zonton.
ke odinin evron.
epekalesamin.
Ke to Onoma Kyriou
3.
4.
I shall be well pleasing before the Lord in the Land of
found affliction and grief. Then I called upon the

Lords Name.
the Living.
Amin
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.
Amen
Through
the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O

Saviour, Save us.
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON PSALM 115/116 TONE 2
Epitefsa, dio elalisa. Ego de etapinothin sfodra.

1. I believed, therefore, I spoke; I was greatly humbled.
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O E P I P O L O U O N O U K A T H E S T H I S , Save us, O Son of God, W H O S A T O N A D O N K E Y S C O L T ,
1.
psalontas Si: Allilouia!
who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
2.
Ti antapodoso to Kyrio peri panton, on antapedoke mi?
2.
What
3.
Potirion
3.
Sotiriou
epikalesome.
lipsome
Si Thiso Thisian eneseos

Soson imas, Iie Theou, O E P I
ke
to
Onoma
Kyriou
4.
POLOU ONOU KATHESTHIS,
shall I render unto the Lord for all He has

granted to me?
will take up the Cup of Salvation, and call upon the
Name of the Lord.
4. I will offer a Sacrifice of Praise.

Save us, O Son of God, W H O S A T
psalontas Si: Allilouia!
ON A DONKEYS COLT,
who sing to Thee: Alleluia

Amin
Amen
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON PSALM 117/118 PALM SUNDAY -
1.
Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to
1.
Give
To
confirm the General Resurrection before Thy

Passion, Thou Resurrected Lazaros from the dead, O
Christ our God. Therefore, imitating the children,
carrying the Symbols of Victory, we cry out to Thee
the Victor over Death: Hosanna in the Highest!
Blessed art Thou Who comes in the Name of the
Lord!
2.
Let the House of Israel
3.
Let
4.
Let all who fear the Lord say that He is Good; for His
Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good;

Mercy endures forever.
Eleos Aftou.
Tin Kinin Anastasin pro tou Sou Pathous Pistoumenos,

ek nekron igiras ton Lazaron, Hriste O Theos.
Othen ke imis os i Pedes, ta tis Nikis symbola
ferontes, Si to Nikiti tou Thanatou voomen. Osanna
en tis Ipsistis, Evlogimenos O erhomenos, en
Onomati Kyriou!
2.
Ipato di Ikos Israil oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to Eleos

Ipato di ikos Aaron oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to Eleos
Aftou.
4.
Ipatosan dip antes i fovoumeni ton Kyrion oti Agathos,

oti is ton eona to Eleos Aftou.
PALM SUNDAY THE BEGINNING
for His
say that He is Good; for His

Mercy endures foreve.
Aftou.
3.
TONE 1
the House of Aaron say that He is Good; for His

OF
HOLY WEEK
5 APRIL 2015
ISODIKON SMALL ENTRANCE HYMN TONE 2
Evlogimenos
O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou. Theos

Kyrios ke Epafanen imin. Soson imas, Iie Theou, O epi
polou onou kathesthis.
Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
God is
the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Save us, O
Son of God, Who sat upon a donkeys colt.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION PALM SUNDAY TONE 1
Tin kinin Anastasin pro
tou Sou Pathous Pistoumenos, ek

nekron igiras ton Lazaron, Hriste O Theos. Othen ke
imis os i Pedes, ta tis Nikis Symbola ferontes, Si to Nikiti
tou Thantou voomen.
Evloginmenos O erhomenon, en Onomati Kyriou!
To confirm the General Resurrection before Thy Passion,

Thou Resurrected Lazaros from the dead, O Christ our
God. Therefore, imitating the children carrying the
symbols of Victory, we cry out to Thee the Victor over
Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed art Thou
Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION PALM SUNDAY TONE 4
Sintafentes
Si dia Vaptismatos, Hriste O Theos imon, tis

Athantou zois ixiothimen ti Anastasi Sou, ke
animnountes krazomen.
Evlogimenos O erhomens, en Onomati Kyriou.
We were buried with Thee through Baptism, O Christ our

God, and thus by Thy Resurrection, we have been
granted Immortal Life, and extolling Thee, we cry
aloud: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed art Thou Who
comes in the Name of the Lord!
FESTAL KONTAKION PALM SUNDAY TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
To
Throno en Ourano, to polo epi tis Gis, epohoumenos

Hriste O Theos, ton Angelon tin enesin, ke ton Pedon
animnisin prosedexo voonton Si.
Evlogimenos i O
erhomenos, ton Adam anakalesasthe.
In Heaven, upon the Throne, on Earth upon the Colt, Thou

were carried, O Christ our God; and the Praise of
Angels, and the Hymns of children Thou received as
they cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comes to
Call Adam again.
THE MEGALYNARION PALM SUNDAY (INSTEAD
Theos Kyrios,
ke Epefanen imin. Sistisasthe eortin, ke

Agallomeni, defte Megalinomen Hriston, meta vaion ke
kladon, imnis kravgazontes. Evlogimenos O erhomenos,
en Onomati Kyriou - Sotiros imon!
OF
AXION ESTIN...) -
TONE 4
God is the Lord, and He Appeared to us.
O Christians,
appoint a Feast, and with exultant Joy, come, let us
Magnify Christ, waving our palms and branches, crying
aloud in Hymns: Blessed is He Who comes in the Name
of the Lord our Saviour!
PALM SUNDAY MATINS GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21: 1 11 & 15 - 17

CHRISTS TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM
To kero ekino, ote ingisen O Iisous is Ierosolima ke ilthen is

Vithsfagi pros to oros ton Eleon, tote apestile dio
Mathitas legon aftis; Porevthite is tin komin tin
apenanti imon, ke evtheos evrisete onon dedemenin
ke polon met aftis. . Porevthite is tin komin tin
apenanti imon, ke evtheos evrisete onon dedemenin
ke polon met aftis. Lisantes agagete mi. Ke ean tis
imin ipi ti, erite oti O Kyrios afton hrian ehi.
Evtheos de apostelli aftous.
Touto de olon gegone ina plirothi to rithen dia tou Profitou
legontos: Ipate ti thigatri Sion, Idou O Vasilefs Sou
erhete Si pravs ke epivevikos epi onon ke polon, iion
ipozigiou.
Porevthentes de i Mathite ke piisantes kathos prosetaxen
aftis O Iisous, igagon tin onon ke ton polon, ke
epethikan epano afton ta imatia afton ke epekathisen
epano afton.
O de plistos ohlos estrosan eaton ta imatia en ti odo, alli de
ekopton kladous apo ton dendron ke estronnion en ti
odo.
I de ohli, i proagontes ke i akolouthountes, ekrazon
legones:
Osanna to Iio David: Evlogimenos O
erhomenos en onomati Kyriou. Osanna en tis Ipsistis!
Ke iselthontos aftou is Ierosolima, esisthi pasa i polis
legousa: Tis estin outos? I de ohli elegon.
Outos estin Iisous O Profitis, O apo Nazaret tis Galileas!
Idontes de i arhieris ke grammatis ta Thavmasia a epiise
ke tous pedas krazontas en to Iero ke legontas: Osanna
to Iio David! iganaktisan ke ipon afto. Akouis ti outi
legousin?
O de Iisou legi aftis: Ne, oudepote anegnote oti: Ek
stomatos nipion ke thilazonton katirtiso enon?
Ke katalipon aftous exilthen exo tis poleos is Vithanian.Ke
iilisthi eki.
Doxa Si, Kyrie, Doxa Si!
Our Lord Jesus Christs Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is
celebrated by the Holy Church on Palm Sunday.
By the time of Christ, Jewish Nationalism had led to the
expectation of a political Messiah to deliver them
from Roman oppression and rule and to re-establish
King Davids Kingdom.
In utter Humility, our Lord Jesus emphasised the fact that
He had not come to establish an earthly Kingdom
because He did not enter Jerusalem on a horse or in
a chariot like a conquering hero but instead He
6.
At that time, when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to

Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two
Disciples, saying to them: Go into the village opposite
you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and
a colt with her. Loosen then and bring them to Me.
And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say:
The Lord has need of them, and immediately he will
send them.
All this was done so that it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by the Prophet, saying: Tell the daughter of
Zion, Behold, Thy King is coming to you, lowly, and
sitting on a donkey, a colt, a foal of a donkey.
So the Disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes
on them, and set Him on them.
A very great multitude spread their clothes upon the road;
others cut down branches from the trees and spread
them upon the road.
The multitudes who went before and those who followed
cried out, saying: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed
is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in
the Highest!
And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was
moved, saying: Who is this?
So the multitudes said: This is Jesus, the Prophet from
Nazareth of Galilee!
But when the Chief Priests and Scribes saw the wonderful
things that He did, and the children crying out in the
Temple and saying: Hosanna to the Son of David! they
were indignant, and said to Him: Dost Thou hear what
these are saying?
And Jesus said to them: Yes. Have you never read: Out
of the mouth of babes and nursing infants Thou has
perfected praise?
And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and
He lodged there.
Glory to Thee, O Lord: Glory to Thee!
entered on a donkey a real sign of His Humility and
Peace. (SEE THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH 9:9 LXX)
CHRISTS TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE INTO THE HOLY CITY
DECLARED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF
ALMIGHTY GOD.
IT WAS ALSO A DIVINE PROMISE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS
FINAL ENTRANCE INTO THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM TOGETHER
WITH ALL FAITHFUL BELIEVERS AND OF HIS ACCEPTING THE
NEW JERUSALEM AS HIS PURE BRIDE. (SEE THE REVELATION OF CHRIST
THE APOCALYPSE 21:2)
OF
HOLY WEEK
5 APRIL 2015
At Vespers of Palm Sunday we sing: Keep the Feast with

the children, and holding branches in your hands,
sing Hosanna.... many Liturgical Hymns of this day
emphasise the perfect Praises of the children, which,
unlike that of adults, were innocent, fitting,
unashamed and from pure Love.
WE ARE ALL CALLED TO GLORIFY CHRIST IN THE SAME SPIRIT OF
UNASHAMED AND PURE LOVE!
In contrast, the adults Praises carried earthly
expectations and hidden agendas which, when left
unfulfilled, led them to rebel against our Lord Jesus
Christ just a mere five days later!
The Orthodox Christian Church the New Jerusalem - is truly the All
Pure Bride of Christ Who is the Divine Bridegroom. mp
St Matthew recorded in his Holy Gospel that there was A

COLT AS WELL AS A DONKEY and our Holy Church Fathers
regard the two animals as REPRESENTING THE FAITHFUL
HEBREWS AND THE GENTILES WHO ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN
THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
At Vespers of Palm Sunday we sing: Thy riding upon a
foal prefigured how the untamed and uninstructed
Gentiles would pass from unbelief to Faith.
Those people who spread their clothes upon the ground
before our Lord Jesus Christ, did so as a spontaneous
gesture of reverence to a great King and it is
Spiritually Interpreted as OUR NEED TO LAY DOWN OUR
FLESH AND INDEED, OUR VERY LIVES, FOR CHRIST.
Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
comes from Psalm 117:25-26, which was associated
with MESSIANIC EXPECTATION.
It was recited daily for six days during the Feast of
Tabernacles, and seven times on the 7th Day as
branches were waved.
Hosanna! means Save, we pray!
As usual, the evil one always uses our human weaknesses and selfish
desires against us and against the Will of God.
In the case of Christ our Saviour, the enemies of God used the
earthly desires and expectations of the people as an excuse for
their unjust and unlawful punishment and execution of Christ.
However, the Lord our God, voluntarily submitted to their evil
schemes so that He could enter Hades, smash open its gates and
set the Righteous free. From that moment onwards, the
Righteous would Repose in Peace in Paradise until Judgement
Day. mp
PROKEIMENON PSALM 117/118 PALM SUNDAY
Evlogimenos O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou!

Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to Eleos
Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His Mercy
Aftou.
endures forever.
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
TO THE
Adelphi: Herete en Kyrio pantote.

Palin ero, Herete.
To epiikes imon gnosthito pasin anthropis.
O Kyrios engis.
Miden merimnate, all en panti ti prosevhi ke ti Deisi meta
Evharistias ta Etimata imon gnorizestho pros ton Theo.
Ke i Irini tou Theou i iperehousa panta noun frourisi tas
kardias imon ke ta noimata imon en Hristo Iisou.
To lipon, Adelphi, osa estin alithi, osa semna, osa Dikea, osa
Agna, osa prosfili, osa evfima, is tis areti ke it is epenos,
tafta logizesthe.
A ke emathete ke parelavete ke ikousate ke idete en emi tafta prassete.

Ke O Theos tis irinis este meth imon.
Brethren: Rejoice in the Lord always.

Again, I say: Rejoice!
Let all men know your Forbearance.
The Lord is at hand.
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by
Prayer and Supplication, with Thanksgiving; let your
requests be made known to God.
And the Peace of God, which surpasses all Understanding,
will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Finally, Brethren:
whatever is True, whatever is
Honourable, whatever is Just, whatever is Pure,
whatever is Lovely, whatever is Gracious if there is
any Excellence, if there is anything worthy of Praise,
think of these Things.
What you have learnt and received and ehard and seen in
me do.
And the God of Peace will be with you.

TH
TRIUMP
HANT
ENTRY
OF
Pro ex imeron tou pasha ilthen O Iisous is Vithanian, opou

in Lazaros O tehnikos, on igiren ek nekron.
Epiisan oun afto dipnon eki, ke i Martha diikoni.
O de Lazaros is in ek ton anakimenon Sin afto.
I oun Maria, lavousa litran myrou nardou pistikis politimou,
ilipse tous Podas tou Iisou ke exemaxe tes thrixin aftis
tous Podas Aftou.
I de ikia eplirothi ek tis osmis tou myrou.
Legi oun is ek ton Mathiton Aftou, Ioudas Simonos
Iskariotis, O mellon Afton paradidone. Diati touto to
myron ouk eprathi triakosion dinarion ke edothi
ptohis?
Ipe de touto ouh oti peri ton ptohon emelen afto, all oti
kleptis in, ke to glossokomon ihe ke ta vallomena
evastazen.
Ipen oun O Iisous:
Afes aftin! Is tin imeran tou
entafiasmou mou tetiriken afto. Tous ptohous gar
pantote ehete.
Egno oun ohlos polis ek ton Ioudeon oti eki esti - ke ilthon
ou dia ton Iisoun monon, all ina ke ton Lazaron idosin
on igiren ek nekron.
Evoulefsanto de i Arhieris ina ke ton Lazaron apoktinosin,
oti polli di afton ipigon ton Ioudeon ke epistevon is ton
Iisoun.
Ti epavrion O ohlos polis O elthon is tin Eortin, akousantes
oti erhete isous is Ierosolima, elavon ta vea ton finikon
ke exilthon is ipantisin afto, ke ekravgazon: Osanna!
Evlogimenos O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou! O
Vasilefs tou Israil!
Evron de O Iisous onarion ekathisen ep afto, kathos esti
gegrammenon: Mi fovou, Thigater Sion. Idou! O
Vasilefs Sou erhete kathimenos epi polon onou!
PHILIPPIANS 4 : 4 9
TO
ST JOHN 12 : 1 18
HRIST
INTO
JERUSALEM
Six days before Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where

Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
There they made him supper, and Martha served.
Lazaros was one of those who sat at the table with Him.
Mary took a pound of costly myrrh of pure nard and
anointed the Feet of Jesus and wiped His Feet with her
hair.
The house will filled with the fragrance of the myrrh.
One of His Disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was to betray
Him), said: Why was this myrrh not sold for three
hundred denarii and given to the poor?
This he said not because he cared for the poor, but
because he was a thief, and as he had the money box,
he used to take what was put into it.
Jesus said: Leave her alone! Let her keep it for the day
of My Burial. The poor you will always have with
you.
When the great multitudes of Judeans heard that He was
there, they went and not only on account of Jesus,
but also to see Lazaros, whom He had raised from the
dead.
The Chief Priests planned to put Lazaros also to death,
because on account of him, many of the Judeans were
going away and believing in Jesus.
The next day a great crowd who had come to the Feast
heard that Jesus was going to Jerusalem, so they took
branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him,
crying: Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the
Name of the Lord! Even the King of Israel!
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it as it was
written: Fear not, O Daughter of Zion. Behold! Thy
King is coming, seated on a donkeys colt!
OF
HOLY WEEK
5 APRIL 2015
Tafta de ouk egnosan i Mathite Aftou to proton, all ote

Edoxasthi O Iisous, tote emnisthisan oti tafta in ep afto
gegrammena, ke tafta epiisan Afto.
Emartiri oun O ohlos O on met Aftou ote ton Lazaron
efonisen ek tou mnimiou ke igiren afton ek nekron.
Dia touto ke ipintisen afto O ohlos, oti ikousan touto afton
pepiikene to Simion.
This was the third Passover that is mentioned by St John
the Divine Theologian in his Holy Gospel and it is the
setting for the final week of our Lord and Saviours
earthly Ministry, which is narrated in careful detail.
O UR L ORD J ESUS C HRIST HAD ALREADY B EEN G LORIFIED
THROUGH H IS S IGNS (D IVINE M IRACLES ) AND W ORDS ,
AND IT R EMAINED FOR H IM TO BE ULTIMATELY
G LORIFIED THROUGH H IS D EATH AND R ESURRECTION .
The other Disciples had made the same sort of comment
as Judas Iscariot concerning the expensive oil of
spikenard but with very different motives to his.
At the house of Simon the Leper (the one grateful leper
in a group of ten whom our Lord Jesus had healed)
a woman also used very expensive fragrant oil with
which to anoint His Head and although the Disciples
protested at the extravagance, our Lord accepted
that anointing as an honour from someone who had
newly discovered Faith in Him.
He also accepted her loving gesture as a Sign of His
approaching Burial. (MATTHEW 26:6 - 13)
Nevertheless, according to St John Chrysostom, His
Disciples were not wrong in principle because MERCY
SHOWN TO THE POOR IS MORE FITTING THAN OUTWARD SIGNS
OR GESTURES SHOWN EVEN TO GOD. (MATTHEW 25:40; JAMES
1:27)
However, the Disciples did not understand that ONCE SUCH

A GIFT HAD BEEN GIVEN, IT WAS A GREATER MERCY TO ACCEPT
IT WITH LOVE AGAPE.
If anyone had asked Christ before the woman did this,
He would not have approved it. But after she had
done it, He looked only to the motive itself. For after
the fragrant oil had been poured, what good was a
rebuke?
Likewise, if you see anyone providing a Sacred Vessel or
Ornament for the walls of a church, do not spoil his
zeal. But IF BEFOREHAND HE ASKS ABOUT IT, COMMAND HIM
TO GIVE INSTEAD TO THE POOR. (ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM)
JUDAS ISCARIOT WAS MOTIVATED BY HIS INSATIABLE GREED WHILE

THE OTHER DISCIPLES WERE MOTIVATED BY THEIR VIRTUE OF
CHARITY/LOVE.
The fact that our Lord Jesus put such a greedy thief like
Judas Iscariot in charge of the money, shows that BY
His Disciples did not understand this at first, but when

Jesus was Glorified, then they remembered that this
had been written of Him and had been done to Hm.
The crowd that had been with Him when He had called
Lazaros out of the tomb and Raised him from the dead
bore witness.
The reason why they went to meet him was that they
heard He had done this Sign.
EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE HE TRIED TO SAVE JUDAS ISCARIOT:
Christ fulfilled Judas Iscariots lust for money by
entrusting him with their limited funds and He
allowed him to exercise Apostolic Authority.
Our Lord also washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, just as He
did to each of His other Disciples, and HE ALLOWED
JUDAS ISCARIOT TO PARTAKE OF THEIR LAST SUPPER - FROM THE
SAME TABLE OF HIS MYSTICAL SUPPER THE VERY FIRST HOLY
EUCHARIST/COMMUNION.
YET, DESPITE ALL THAT, JUDAS ISCARIOT NEVER OVERCAME HIS
TERRIBLE GREED AND SELFISHNESS.
WHEN JUDAS ISCARIOT IS REFERRED TO AS BEING ONE OF THE
TWELVE, IT EMPHASISES THE DEPTH AND EXTENT OF HIS FATAL
BETRAYAL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO ACCEPTED HIM
INTO THE INNER SANCTUM OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY.
It proves and emphasises HOW SHOCKING, DEVASTATING
AND DANGEROUS THOUGHTLESS, SELF-SERVING MOTIVES REALLY
ARE BOTH TOWARDS GOD AND OUR FELLOW SINNERS!
Trust is a Priceless, Irreplaceable Gift we give to one another.

If that trust is broken or damaged, it can never be repaired or
regained.
Consequently, if we break the trust of others whether in us or in
others - we will be severely judged due to the inestimable and
irreparable damage and hurt it causes everyone concerned!
Therefore, without fail treat the Wonderful Gift of Trust with the
utmost respect and care and never for a moment think that
lies, deception, theft, etc will remain a hidden secret!
Sooner or later, God will expose our wickedness to the Bright Light
of His Divine Truth for the whole Universe to behold!
Always be absolutely trustworthy to others as you would like them to
be to you!!
Exposure of our sins is far more devastating and shameful than we
can begin to understand so we must ensure that we remain
Steadfastly Righteous and Trustworthy through constant Prayers
for Guidance and Spiritual Assistance!
Be ashamed of your sins when you commit them or are tempted
to do so, rather than when you Repent them and Confess them
before God and His Holy Priesthood. mp
HOLY WEEK BOOKS ARE ESSENTIAL

THIS WEEK
PALM SUNDAY THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Today we celebrate one of the Great Feasts of our Church Palm Sunday. Today we celebrate Christ as our King
who enters our own personal Jerusalem our heart.
It is a momentary Feast of Joy and Celebration, because
tonight we begin the final leg of our Journey towards
Holy Pascha, and our mood changes from Joy to
solemnity and sorrow as we proceed to the Great
Sacrifice that Christ performed for us on the Cross.
Palm Sunday has been celebrated since the earliest days of
Christianity, but the use of Palms in connection with
religious celebrations goes back to Old Testament
times, when Palm trees did not grow around the city of
Jerusalem, but people would buy imported Palms for
religious celebrations - in particular The Feast of
Tabernacles celebrated in Jerusalem. (The Palm branch
was a visual symbol proclaiming the Sovereignty of God
as the True King of the Israelites.)
With the Expectation of the Messiah, and the Events of
Christs Ministry, word travelled quickly around Judea
that our Lord was the One Whom the Prophets had
spoken about and Whom everyone was expecting.
Christ had performed the Great Miracle of raising St
Lazaros from the dead, which foreshadowed His
Glorious Resurrection, so everyone was convinced that
He is the Messiah-King. He also fulfilled the Prophecy of
Zachariah, by entering Jerusalem on a colt as the
Salvific King Who would Deliver Israel not from
the tyranny of the Roman Empire, but from the
Curse of Death through His own Death and
Resurrection.
Orthodox celebrate these Events as they happened
8.
INTO
JERUSALEM
not only in the past, but as they also happen today. We

celebrate our Eternal King Who enters our heart - our
own personal Jerusalem. But is there room in our heart
for Christ to rule? Often the doors of our hearts are
locked or He is unable to enter because there is already
another ruler of the heart ourselves. And how do we
solve this problem of trying to let Christ in? How do we
instil God within ourselves?
We must surrender to Divine Will to the One Who gave us
Life!
We are constantly held captive by the temporal things of
this life and our own ego - slaves to our own passions.
The only way to find Peace, true happiness and True Love
is to surrender to God, to make Him our King, to live in
total Communion with Him. And the way to turn from
the kingdom of the self into the Kingdom of God is
through constant daily Prayer, Reflection, and
Meditation, frequent Holy Communion, frequent
Confession and by reading and understanding the
Scriptures.
Many complain they have no time to fulfil their Sacred
Duties but that is only because they are slaves to
themselves. Yet God always has time for us.
As we receive our Palm crosses at the end of the Divine
Liturgy, let us take them home and place them
somewhere where we can always see them, so that they
constantly remind us that Christ is our King and the
only true answer to happiness and meaning in our Life.
Let us always make time for Him keeping in mind that
He is the One with Whom we hope to spend Eternity.
Amen.
OF
HOLY WEEK
5 APRIL 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Mary, Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
Bright Friday
The Life-giving Spring
17
A pril
2015
Also the Feast of St Symeon & his fellow Martyrs of Persia St

Akakios of Melitene St Zoimas of Solovki St Alexander of
Svir St Adrianos of Corinth St Agapitos of Rome
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION - HOLY PASCHA
Hristos Anesti ek nekron, Thanato Thanaton patistas, Christ has Risen from the dead, by Death trampling
ke tis en tis mnimasi, Zoin harisamenos!
upon Death, and has bestowed Life to those in the

tombs!
FESTAL KONTAKION OF THE SOURCE OF LIFE TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ex
akenotou Sou Pigis Theoharitote, epivravevis mi

pigazousa ta namata, aenaos tis Sis Haritos iper Logon.
Ton gar Logon os tekousan iper ennian, iketevo Se
drosizin me Si Hariti. Ina Krazo Si: Here, Idor Sotirion.
O Lady Graced by God, Thou
reward me by letting gush

forth, beyond reason, the Ever-flowing Waters of Thy
Grace from Thy perpetual Spring. I entreat Thee, who
bore the Logos, in a manner beyond comprehension, to
refresh me in Thy Grace that I may cry out, "Hail
Redemptive Waters!"
FESTAL KONTAKION FOR HOLY PASCHA UNTIL
ke en tafo katilthes athanate, alla tou Adou kathiles tin

dinamin; ke Anestis os nikitis, Hriste O Theos, Ginexi
Miroforis fthengxamenos: Herete! Ke tis sis Apostolis
irinin doroumenos, O tis pesousi parehon Anastasin.
ASCENSION DAY
Although Thou descended in the grave, O Immortal One,

yet Thou destroyed the power of Hades; and Thou
arose as Victor, O Christ our God! To the Myrrhbearing Women
Thou said: Rejoice! And to Thine
Apostles Thou granted Thy Peace: the One Who grants
Resurrection to the fallen ones.
INSTEAD OF THE THRICE HOLY HYMN:
Allilouia!
As many of you as have been Baptised into Christ, have
[3]
put on Christ: Alleluia! [3]
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.
Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amin
Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia!
Dynamis!
Amen
Have put on Christ: Alleluia!
Power/Strength
As many of you as have been Baptised into Christ, have
Allilouia!
put on Christ: Alleluia
FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 103 TONE 4
Os emegalinthi ta Erga Sou, Kyrie.

Evlogi, i psihi mou, ton Kyrion.
ACTS
Panta en Sofia epiisas.
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
A LAME MAN
En tes imeres ekines, Petros ke Ioannis anevenon is to Ieron

epi tin Oran tis Prosevhis tin Enatin.
Ke tis anir holos ek kilias mitros Aftou iparhon evastazeto,
on etithoun kath imeran pros tin thiran tou Ierou tin
legomenin Orean tou etin eleimosinin para ton
isporevomenon is to Ieron.
Os idon Petron ke Ioannin melontas isiene is to Ieron irota
eleimosinin.
Atenisas de Petros is afton sin to Ioanni ipe: Vlepson is
imas!
O de epihen aftis - prosdokon ti par afton lavin.
Ipe de Petros: Argyrion ke hrision ouh iparhi mi. O de eho
touto si didomi: En to Onomati Iisou Hristou tou
Nazareou egire ke peripati.
Ke piasas afton tis dexias hiros igire. Parahrima de
estreothisan aftou e vasis ke ta sfira.
Ke exallomenos esti ke periepati. Ke isilthe sin aftis is to
Ieron peripaton - ke allomenos ke enon to Theon.
THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING/SOURCE/FOUNTAIN -
IS
TO
HEALED
ST LUKE 3 : 1 8
In those days, Peter and John went up together to the

Temple at the Hour of Prayer, the Ninth Hour.
And a certain man who had been lame from his mothers
womb, was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of
the Temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms
from those who entered the Temple.
Seeing Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked
for alms.
Fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said: Look at us!
He gave them his attention - expecting to receive
something from them.
Peter said: Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do
have, I give you: in the Name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and
immediately his feet and ankle bones received
Strength.
And he, leaping up, stood and walked, and entered the
Temple with them walking, leaping and praising God.
BRIGHT FRIDAY -
17 APRIL 2015
9.
TO ST JOHN 2 : 12
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CLEANSES THE TEMPLE
To Kero ekino, ilthen O Iisous is Kapernaum, aftos ke i Mitir

Aftou ke i Adelphi Aftou ke i Mathite Aftou; ke eki
eminan ou pollas imeras.
Ke angis in to Pasha ton Ioudeon, ke a nevi is Ierosolima O
Iisous.
Ke evren en to iero tous polountas voas ke provata ke
peristeras, ke tous kermatistas kathimenou.
Ke piisas fragellion ek shinion, pantas exevalen ek tou
Ierou, ta te provata ke tous voas, ke ton kolliviston
exehee to kerma ke tas trapezas anestrepse.
Ke tis tas peristeras polousin ipen: Arate tafta entevthen!

Mi piite ton Ikon tou Patros Mou Ikon emporiou!
Emnisthisan de i Mathite Aftou oti gegrammenon estin: O
Zilos tou Ikou Sou katafagete Me!
Apekrithisan oun i Ioudei ke ipon Afto: Ti symion dikniis
imin oti tafta piis?
Apekrithi Iisous ke ipen aftis: Lisate ton Naon touton, ke
en trisin Imeres Egero Afton.
Ipon oun i Ioudei: Tessarakonta ke ex etesin okodomithi O
Naos outos, ke Si en trisin imeres egeris afton?
Ekinos de elege peri tou Naou tou Somatos Aftou.
Ote oun igerthi ek nekron, emnisothisan i Mathite Aftou oti
touto elege aftis.
Ke epistevsan ti grafi ke to Logo, O ipen O Iisous.
22
At that time, Jesus went down to Capernaum together

with His Mother, His Brothers and His Disciples; and
they did not stay there many days.
And the Passover of the Hebrews was at hand, and Jesus
went up to Jerusalem.
And He found in the Temple those who sold oxen and
sheep and doves, and the money changers who were
doing business.
And when He had made a whip of cords, He drove them
all out of the Temple, with the sheep and the oxen,
and poured out the changers money and overturned
the tables.
And He said to those who sold doves: Take these things
away! Do not make My Fathers House a house of
merchandise!
Then His Disciples remembered that it was written: Zeal
for Thy House has eaten Me up!
The Judeans answered and said to Him: What Signs dost
Thou show to us, since Thou do these things?
Jesus answered and said to them: Destroy this Temple,
and in three days I will Raise it up.
The Judeans said: It has taken forty six years to build this
Temple, and Thou wilt Raise it up in three days?!
But He was speaking of the Temple of His Body.
Therefore, when He had Risen from the dead, His Disciples
remembered that He had said this to them.
And they believed the Scripture and the Word that Jesus
had spoken.
THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING/SOURCE

The Feast of the Life-giving Spring or Source Zoodohos
Pigi is celebrated on Bright Friday. Today, in addition
to the large Temple, the compound of the Life-giving
Spring includes the underground Shrine of the Lifegiving Spring.
In the fourteenth century, Nicephoros Callistos wrote about
the Holy Water and mentioned a total of 63 Divine
Miracles, of which 15 occurred during his own time.
The church was rectangular with entrances at each of the
four sides. Part of the church was built underground
and two marble stairway with 25 steps led down to the
Holy Life-giving Spring. The richly decorated church
had a gilded ceiling and many beautiful frescoes and
Holy Icons.
He particularly commented on the Holy Icons of the
Meeting/Presentation of Christ at the Temple, the
Transfiguration, the Crucifixion and the Appearance of
our Resurrected Lord to the Holy Myrrhbearers, the
Ascension and Pentecost.
Furthermore, there were two Holy Icons depicting the
Divine Miracles that occurred at the Life-giving Spring.
The names of the Iconographers were Ignatios and
Hieromonk Gabriel.
Near the church three parecclesia were erected in honour
of St Eustratios, St Anna and our Ever Blessed All Holy
Lady Theotokos.
A number of epigrams express awe, veneration and
enthusiasm for the Holy Water and the numerous
Divine Miracles that occurred. Today there remain six
by Manual Philes, another six by the Magister Ignatios,
and one by John Maropous, as well as various others.
The Icon of the Life-giving Spring/Fount/Source is an
Epithet of our Holy Lady, Theotokos whose
representation as the Life-giving Source is related to the
Sacred, Miracle-working Spring, which soon became
very popular and spread throughout the Orthodox
World, particularly in places were there are Miracleworking Springs.
In the 9th century, St Joseph the Hymnographer, gave for
the first time the title Zoodohos Pigi to a Hymn for the
All Holy Mother of God.
A marble fountain, from which water flows, occupies the
centre of the Holy Icon. Above it the Ever Blessed
Virgin is depicted holding the Christ Child Whose Hand
is poised in Blessing the Faithful.
10.
Two Angels hover over Her head, carrying scrolls inscribed

with: Hail! Thou who bear! Hail! Thou who art!
Surrounding the fountain, in various postures are those
who seek physical and Spiritual Healing.
Traditionally, a small pond with fish is painted on the side
of the fountain, for Balikli mean place of fish in
Turkish.
While hunting in a beautiful verdant forest, Emperor
Justinian had a Vision of a small Chapel with a large
crow of People and a Priest standing before a Spring,
which he was told is the Spring of Miracles.
So, using the surplus materials from the great Agia Sophia
Church in Constantinople, Emperor Justinian built a
Monastery at the site, which was completed in 560.
There are many accounts of Divine Miracles that occurred
at that Holy Site as well at many others, which have
been also been named for the original Life-giving
Spring.
http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/04/zoodochos-pege-life-giving-spring-at.html
After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, the church was

torn down by the Moslems, and the stones were used to
build a mosque. Only a small chapel remained.
Twenty-five steps led down into the chapel, which had a
window in the roof to let the light in. The holy Spring
was still there, surrounded by a railing.
After the Greek Revolution in 1821, even this little chapel
was destroyed and the Spring was buried under the
rubble. Christians later obtained permission to rebuild
the chapel, and work began in July of 1833. While
workmen were clearing the ground, they uncovered the
foundations of the earlier church. The Sultan allowed
them to build not just a chapel, but a new and beautiful
church on the foundations of the old one.
Construction began on September 14, 1833, and was
completed on December 30, 1834. Patriarch Constantine
II consecrated the church on February 2, 1835,
dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos.
The Turks desecrated and destroyed the church again on
September 6, 1955. A smaller church now stands on the
site, and the waters of the Life-Giving Spring continue
to work miracles.
There is also a Life-Giving Spring Icon of the Most Holy
Theotokos which is commemorated on April 4.
THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING/SOURCE/FOUNTAIN
BRIGHT FRIDAY
17 APRIL 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Mary, Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with
all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
19 April 2015
Tone 1
2 n d Sunday of Pascha
The Belief of St Thomas
Also the Feast of St John of the Ancient Caves Monastery of Palestine St
Christopher, St Theonas and St Anthony of Nicomedia St Paphnutios of Jerusalem St George the Confessor of
Antioch, Pisidia St Tryphon of Constantinople St Nicephoros of Catabad St Agathangelos of Esphigmenou
Monastery of Mount Athos St Symeon of Philotheou Monastery, Mount Athos St Matrona of Moscow

tombs!
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION ST THOMAS SUNDAY
Esfragismenou tou Mnimatos, i Zoi ek Tafou anetilas Hriste O

O Theos, ke ton thiron keklismenon, tis Mathites epestis,
i panton Anastasis. Pnevma evthes di afton egkenizon
imin, kata to Mega Sou Eleos.
TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Life, Thou rose from the Sepulchre, even though the

Tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God. And
although the doors had been bolted, Thou went to Thy
Disciples, O Resurrection of all. Through them Thou
Renew a Right Spirit in us, according to Thy Great
Mercy.
PASCHAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
ke en Tafo katilthes Athanate, alla tou Adou kathiles tin

dymanmin. Ke Anestis os Nikitis, Hriste O Theos, gynexi
Myroforis fthegxamenos, Herete, ke tis Sis Apostolis
Irinin doroumenos, O tis pesousi parehon Anastasin.
Although
Thou went down into the Tomb, O Immortal

One, yet Thou took down the dominion of Hades; and
Thou Arose as Victor, O Christ our God; and Thou
called out Rejoice! to the Myrrh-bearing Women, and
granted Peace to Thine Apostles, O Lord, Who to the
fallen grant Resurrection.
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 MATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20

T HE G RE AT C OMMIS SION
OF OU R
L O RD J ESUS C HRIST
RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON TONE 3
Megas O Kyrios imon, ke megali i Ishis Aftou.

Enite ton Kyrion, oti Agathos Kyrios. Psalate
to Onomati
Great is our Lord and Great is His Strength.

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is Good; Sing to His Name,
Aftou, oti Kalon.
for it is Good.
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
En tes imeras ekines, ia ton hiron ton Apostolonegineto

simian ke terata en to lao polla.
Ke i san omothimadon apantes en ti Stoa Solomontos.
Ton de lipon oudis etoma kollasthe aftis, all emegalinen
aftous O laos.
Malon de prosetithento pistevontes to Kyrio plithi andron t
eke ginekon.
Oste kata tas platias ekrerin tous asthenis ke tithene epi
klinon ke kravatton, ina erhomenou Petrou kan i skia
episkiasi tini afton.
Einirheto de ke to plithos ton perix poleon Ierousalim,
ferontes asthenis ke ohloumenous ipo pnevmaton
akatharon, itines etherapevonto apantes.
Anastas de O arhierefs ke pantes i Sin afto, i ousa eresis ton
Saddoukeon, eplisthisan zilou ke epevalon tas hiras epi
tous apostolous ke ethento aftous en tirisi dimosia.
Angelos de Kyriou dia niktos inixe tas thiras tis filakis
exagagon te aftous ipe: Porevesthe ke stathentes lalite
en to Iero to lao panta ta rimata tis Zois taftis.
Having received the Divine Power and Authority from our

Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, His Holy Apostles were
Empowered and enabled by God to perform many
Signs and Wonders.
In other words: GOD ENABLED THEM TO CONTINUE HIS DIVINE
MISSION OF LOVE HEALING THE AFFLICTED AND
ENLIGHTENING THE MINDS AND SOULS WITH DIVINE TRUTH.
THUS THE DIVINE POWER OF GOD RESTS IN HIS HOLY,
UNIVERSAL CHURCH.
WHILE MANY PEOPLE HAD GREAT FAITH, ST PETER WAS GRANTED A
PARTICULAR DIVINE GRACE TO HEAL people of all their
2ND SUNDAY
OF
TO
ST LUKE 5 : 12 20
In those days, many Signs and Wonders were done among

the people by the hands of the Apostles.
And they were altogether in Solomons Portico.
None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held
them in high honour.
And more than ever, Believers were added to the Lord,
multitudes both of men and women, so that they even
carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on
beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his
shadow might fall on some of them.
The people also gathered from the towns around
Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with
unclean spirits, and they were all Healed.
But the High Priest rose up and all who were with him, that is the party of the Sadducees and filled with
jealousy, they arrested the Apostles and put them in
the common prison.
But at night an Angel of the Lord opened the prison doors
and took them out, and said: Go and stand in the
Temple, and speak to the people all the Words of this
Life.
physical and spiritual ailments in order to draw them
close to the Holy Unity of Christs Church.
JOHN 14:12
Christ said: Most assuredly, I say to
you: he who believes in Me - the Works that I do
he will do also; and greater Works than these he
will do, because I go to My Father.
These greater Works indicate that OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST WORKS THROUGH US MERE HUMAN BEINGS AFTER
THE GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST, WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT
CAME TO ASSIST US BY MEANS OF HIS DIVINE GIFTS, AND,
ACCORDING TO CHRIST, THESE GOOD WORKS AND
PASCHA SUNDAY
OF
ST THOMAS
19 APRIL 2015
11
MIRACLES ARE EVEN GREATER THAT HIS OWN DIRECT SIGNS

AND WONDERS, which He did while still physically
with us, since THEY ARE FOUNDED ON GENUINE AND TRUE
FAITH IN CHRIST.
These Great Works, which are attested to by St Luke in his
Book of the Acts of the Apostles, include the spreading
of Christs Holy Gospel Divine Truth throughout the
world, the Miraculous Healings, and the raising of the
dead.
Furthermore, this particular passage of Holy Scripture
reveals to us how GOD WORKS THROUGH HIS PHYSICAL
CREATION, BECAUSE EVEN LIGHT AND SHADOW ARE GRANTED
DIVINE POWER ARE SANCTIFIED OR MADE HOLY.
The Miracles that were initially performed by His Holy
Apostles followed those that were performed by our
Lord Jesus Christ and therefore show us clearly that
CHRIST LIVES AND WORKS THROUGH HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
Faithful Believers and Followers Faithful Christians.
OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE IS THE MANNER WHEREBY
PHYSICAL OBJECTS - such as handkerchiefs, aprons or
cloths, which are Sanctified through contact with
Christ and with those of Great Faith - BECOME HOLY
OR SANCTIFIED INSTRUMENTS OF DIVINE GRACE TO OTHERS
WHO ARE BLESSED WITH PROFOUND FAITH THROUGH
CONTACT WITH DIVINE POWER AND WILL.
The fact that Almighty God works Wonders or Miracles
through both His Saints and physical objects, shows us
that CREATION ITSELF IS CONSTANTLY BEING RENEWED.
FOR EXAMPLES OF OBJECTS BESTOWING SUCH DIVINE GRACE
UPON THE FAITHFUL READ: NUMBERS 21:8-9; 4 KINGS 13:2021; MARK 6:12-13; LUKE 8:41-48 & JOHN 9:6-7
DIVINE SIGNS
AND WONDERS ARE GRANTED BY GOD, not as

ends in themselves, but TO ENCOURAGE AND TO
STRENGTHEN THE APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO
PREACH AND TO CONFIRM DIVINE TRUTH THE HOLY
GOSPEL OF CHRIST JESUS.
ACTS 4:29-31: (THE APOSTLES PRAYED:) ... Lord, look

on their threats, and grant to Thy Servants that
with all boldness they may speak Thy Word, by
stretching out Thy Hand to heal, and that Signs
and Wonders may be done through the Name of
Thy Holy Servant Jesus. And when they had
prayed, the place where they were assembled
together was shaken; and they were all filled with
the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God
with boldness.
The Apostles prayed for Signs and Wonders, in order TO
RECEIVE FROM GOD THE BOLDNESS OR COURAGE AND ABILITY
TO PREACH AND TO CONFIRM THE DIVINE TRUTH OF THEIR TRUE
TEACHINGS THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
WHILE THE HOLY SPIRIT PERPETUALLY ABIDES IN THE HOLY
CHURCH, HIS DIVINE PRESENCE IS EXPERIENCED AGAIN AND
AGAIN IN OUR LITURGICAL ASSEMBLIES COMMUNAL
WORSHIP
AND
IN
RECURRING
PENTECOSTAL
OUTPOURINGS.
It is of great significance how quickly the Petition of the
Apostles and Disciples was answered by God.
With utter confidence True Faith in God, we are able
to achieve amazing Labours of Love for His Glory,
Honour and Worship!
The choice is ours whether TO SURRENDER OUR HEARTS AND
SOULS TO OUR LOVING AND BENEVOLENT GOD AND ACCOMPLISH
HIS GREAT WORKS - or not, and to continue our aimless
struggles through our fruitless and futile days!
While Almighty God commands our obedience to earthly
governing authorities, OUR HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD
MUST ALWAYS COME BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
BUT AND WHEN THE TWO ARE IN CONFLICT, THE FAITHFUL MUST
RATHER FOLLOW GOD AND BE WILLING TO ACCEPT THE
TEMPORARY CONSEQUENCES SUCH AS MARTYRDOM FOR
THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF ETERNAL LIFE.

TH
INC
REDULITY
AND
BELIEF
Ousis opsias ti imera ekini ti mia Savvaton, ke ton thiron

keklismenon opou isan i Mathite sinigmeni dia ton fovon
ton Ioudeon, ilthen O Iisous ke esti is to meson, ke legi
aftis: Irini imin.
Ke touto ipen edixen aftis tas Hiras ke tin Plevran Aftou.
Exarisan oun i Mathite idontes ton Kyrion.
Ipen oun aftis O Iisou palin: Irini imin. Kathos apestalke
me O Patir, kago pempo imas.
Ke touto ipon enefisise ke legi aftis: Lavete Pnevma Agion.
An tinon afite tas amartias, afiente aftis, an tinon
kratite, kekratinte.
Thomas de is ek ton Dodeka O legomenos Didymos, ouk in
met afton ote ilthen O Iisous.
Elegon oun afto i alli Mathite. Eorakamen ton Kyrion!
O de ipen aftis: Ean mi ido en tes Hersin Aftou ton tipon
ton ilon, ke valo ton daktilon mou is ton tipon ton ilon,
ke valo tin hira mou is tin Plevran Aftou, ou mi
Pistefso!
Ke meth imeras okto palin isan eso i Mathite Aftou ke
Thomas met Afton.
Erhete O Iisous ton thiron keklismenon, ke esti is to meson
ke ipen: Irini imin!
Ita legi to Thomas: Fere ton daktolon sou ode ke ide tas
Hiras Mou, ke fere tin Hira Sou ke vale is tin Plevran
Mou, ke mi ginou apistos, alla Pistos!
Ke apekrithi Thomas ke ipen Afto: O Kyrios mou ke O
Theos mou!
Legi aft O Iisous: Oti eorakas me, pepistevkas. Makarii
i mi idontes ke pistevsantes.
Polla men oun ke alla Simian epiisen O Isous enopion ton
Mathiton Aftou, a ouk esti gegrammena en to vivlio
touto.
Tafta de gegrapte ina pistevsite oti Iisous estin O Hristo O
Iios tou Theou, ke ina Pistevontes Zoin eite en to
Onomati Aftou.
THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS SUNDAY.
Sunday is known as The Lords Day because it is
dedicated to the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord
and Saviour, Jesus Christ, which is CELEBRATED AS HOLY
PASCHA OR RESURRECTION DAY EVERY SUNDAY THROUGHOUT
THE YEAR.
12.
2ND SUNDAY
OF
OF
TO ST
ST TH
JOHN 20:19 31
OMAS
DIDYMOS
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week - the
doors being shut where the Disciples were for fear of
the Judeans - Jesus came and stood among them and
said to them: Peace be with you.
And, having said this, He showed them His Wrists and His
Side.
Then the Disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again: Peace be to you! As the Father
has sent me, even so I send you.
And when He had said this, He breathed upon them, and
said to them: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive
the sins of any, they are forgiven if you retain the
sins of any, they are retained.
Thomas, one of the Twelve, nick-named the Twin, was not
with them when Jesus came.
So the other Disciples told him: We have seen the Lord!
He said to them: Unless I see in His Wrists the imprint of
the nails, and place my hand in His Side, I will not
believe!
And eight days later, His Disciples were again in the house,
and Thomas was with them.
The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among
them, and said: Peace be with you.
He said to Thomas: Put your finger here, and see My
Wrists; and put out your hand, and place it in My
Side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe!
And Thomas answered Him: My Lord and my God!
Jesus said to Him: You have believed because you have
seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen, and
believe!
And Jesus did many other Signs in the presence of the
Disciples, which are not written in this Book.
These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the
Christ the Son of God and so that believing you may
have Life in His Name.
Because we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on
Sundays, WE DO NOT KNEEL DOWN ON SUNDAYS BUT WE DO
BOW DEEPLY although it is never wrong if one does
kneel down in genuine worship and reverence before
God.
During the week we kneel down at the appropriate
moments of the Divine Liturgy or other Holy Services.
PASCHA SUNDAY
OF
ST THOMAS
19 APRIL 2015
Our Lord Jesus Christs Divine Greeting: Peace be

with you! is used throughout our Divine Liturgy
and Holy Services by the Holy Priesthood.
The Hellenistic Greek word for hands and wrists is
the same.
Pathologically, we know that CRUCIFIXION VICTIMS WERE
NAILED THROUGH THE TINY GAP BETWEEN THE BONES OF THE
WRIST AND FEET TO SUPPORT THE BODY, but which also
caused indescribable pain and suffering.

This fulfilled the prediction that NOT A BONE OF CHRISTS
PRECIOUS BODY WOULD BE BROKEN.
The experienced Roman executioners had their grim
torture down to the finest detail, not wanting the
condemned to die too quickly but to suffer the longest
and worst type of pain in retribution for their
crimes.
CRUCIFIXION VICTIMS WOULD BE SUSPENDED FOR DAYS UNLESS
THEIR LEGS WERE BROKEN and they perished in agony
from the dreadful effects of green-stick fractures of
their legs.
CHRIST, IN HIS DIVINE NATURE, CHOSE THE EXACT HOUR OF HIS
DEATH, to the astonishment of the executioners who
then checked whether He was truly dead by piercing
His Side between the fifth and sixth Ribs with a lance.
So much Water and Blood poured from His Lungs due
to soft tissue damage caused by His unlawful and
merciless scourging, as well as the drowning effects of
crucifixion, (as lungs filled with unexhaled moisture
due to not being able to breathe properly while
suspended by the wrists, as well as internal bleeding
caused by various other means of torture, such as
scourging and beating).
The reference to eight days is also an oblique
reference to THE EIGHTH DAY THE FINAL DAY/FIRST
DAY OF ETERNITY AND OUR GENERAL RESURRECTION AND
JUDGEMENT WHEN ALL DIVINE TRUTH IS REVEALED CLEARLY
TO ALL CREATION.
The words of Christ spoken directly to St Thomas, show
us that GOD IS ALWAYS PRESENT AND THAT HE WITNESSES
EVERYTHING THAT WE THINK, SPEAK OR DO!
St Thomas was known as the Twin, because he was
always in two minds or double-minded about
various matters i.e. HE QUESTIONED AND STUDIED
EVERYTHING BEFORE ACCEPTING OR REJECTING IT.
Didymos was a nickname bestowed on him by our Lord,
Who knows every aspect of every soul whom He has
created!
ALTHOUGH ST THOMAS DID NOT ACTUALLY TOUCH OR FEEL
CHRISTS WOUNDS, DESPITE BEING INVITED TO DO SO, HE
MADE THE MOST HEARTFELT CONFESSION OF FAITH: My
Lord and my God!
THE SECOND SUNDAY
OF
CHRIST AFFIRMS
THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES WITHOUT

HAVING TO PERSONALLY WITNESS EVERYTHING HE DOES, OR
SAYS OR TEACHES, IS EVEN MORE BLESSED WITH A DEEPER
FAITH THAT IS IMPRINTED ON ONES VERY SOUL!
FAITH IS THE RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
DIVINE TRUTH BY OUR GOD-GIVEN IMMORTAL SOUL!
CHRIST COMMISSIONED HIS APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES TO CONTINUE HIS DIVINE MISSION ON EARTH,
GRANTING THEM THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO ENABLES,
EMPOWERS AND ACTIVATES Us so that we can
accomplish His Divine Will even beyond our own

expectations and abilities.
CHRIST ALSO BESTOWED HIS DIVINE AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE
THE SINS OF REPENTANT SINNERS.
THROUGH THIS DIRECT CONSECRATION AND THROUGH THE HOLY
APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION OR CONTINUITY, OUR LORD JESUS
CHRISTS OWN HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS COMMUNICATED TO HIS
BISHOPS AND PRESBYTERs (Priests) of His Holy Church.
The doubt or rather the incredulity of St Thomas is
described in the Holy Church as Blessed, for IT
WAS NOT A DOUBT OF RESISTANCE TO DIVINE TRUTH, BUT
ONE THAT DESPERATELY DESIRED A TRUTHFUL ANSWER a
... doubt which gave birth to Faith, when the
answer was revealed to him.
In the Hymns of the Holy Church of Christ, our Lord says to
St Thomas: Thy doubt will teach My Passion and
Resurrection to all.
And we affirm that THE DOUBT OR INCREDULITY OF ST THOMAS
... BROUGHT THE HEARTS OF BELIEVERS TO KNOWLEDGE OF
GOD.
The Conversion of St Thomas incredulity to Faith LED HIM
TO THE CLEAREST AND MOST CONCISE CONFESSION OF FAITH in
Christs Divinity, addressing our Lord Jesus Christ as
My Lord and my God!
Once again St John the Divine reminds us that WHAT IS
WRITTEN AND RECORDED IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURE OF THE
NEW TESTAMENT IS ONLY A FEW OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT
WORKS, DEEDS AND TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, WHICH ARE RECORDED FOR OUR BENEFIT SO THAT
WE ... may believe that Jesus is the Christ the
Son of God and THAT BELIEVING (WE) MAY HAVE LIFE IN
HIS (DIVINE) NAME.
This is also a reminder that the New Covenant Scriptures
came from the Church not vice versa!
Therefore, those whose Faith is only Scripture based, are
ignoring the greater part of our Christian Faith, which
consists of the verbal Teachings, the Holy Mysteries,
etc
PASCHA - SUNDAY
OF
ST THOMAS
BY REVEREN D FAT HER SER GEI SVESHNIKO V ( 2009)
Christ is Risen! Indeed He has Risen!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
All of Bright Week we lived in the Paschal Joy of our Risen
Saviour; and our Joy, just like that of the Holy Apostles,
was mixed with confusion.
Not long ago we had remembered the Death of Him Who is
the Source of Life, but now we Rejoice, having been
raised to Life by Him Who had been in the Tomb.
Just like the Holy Disciples and Apostles during the first
days after the Resurrection, we vividly remembered the
Passions of Christ during the reading of the 12 Gospels;
our Lords Death and the taking down of His Body from
the Cross, which we symbolized by the bringing out of
the Shroud; our Saviours Burial, when we carried the
Shroud in procession around the church; and the long
hours awaiting the Miracle on the Saturday of Great
Stillness.
Although from the very early morning on the Day of the
Resurrection the Good News of the Resurrection was
carried throughout Creation, and even though Angels
from Heaven and Holy Myrrhbearers on Earth and even
the guards at the Sanhedrin had already told of the
Miracle, the Apostles were still in a state of fear and
doubt, hiding behind doors and locks for the fear of
the Judeans. (MARK 16:6; LUKE 24:9; (MATTHEW 28:11; JOHN
20:19).
The Disciples doubt is not surprising, for they were

witness to the Greatest Miracle in the history of
Creation: humans killed God, and then He rose from the
2ND SUNDAY
OF
PASCHA SUNDAY
dead and Saved the dying human race from the claws of
Hell.
The Disciples of Christ, after their Teachers arrest, forgot
all of His Prophesies concerning the things about to
take place.
They did not believe the miraculous story of the Holy
Myrrhbearers and even while talking to the Risen One
Face to face, they hesitated to trust their own hearts,
which were burning and trembling in the Presence of
God. (MARK 16:11; LUKE 24:11; LUKE 24:25; LUKE 24:32).
This marvellous unbelief - human weakness - incapable of
encompassing the magnitude of the Miracle that took
place - is reflected in the famous words of the Apostle,
St Thomas: Unless I see the nail marks in His Wrists and
feel the imprint of the nails, and put my hand into His
Side, I will not believe. (LUKE 24:41; JOHN 20:25)
People often refer to St Thomas as doubting, without
considering the depth and the height of the doubt of
this Holy Apostle.
But let us look more carefully at this man.
Was his doubt the same as that of the Judeans who yelled
about the Saviour Whom they had crucified:Let Him
come down now from the Cross, and we will believe in
Him! or was it similar to that which we hear from our
contemporaries: If there is God, let Him show Himself to
all, and we will believe in Him and live happily ever
after? (MATTHEW 27:42)
OF
ST THOMAS
19 APRIL 2015
13
The ancient Scribes and Pharisees knew about all of Christs

Miracles and, it appears, guessed Who Jesus of Galilee
really was.
But every time they were faced with the Divine, they
became even more rooted in blasphemy.
Having found out that Christ had Healed a man born blind
(born without eyes!), instead of offering praises of Great
Joy to Almighty God, they spewed forth curses: This
man is a sinner [and] you were steeped in sin at birth!
(JOHN 9:24 & 34).
Having heard that Christ had Resurrected a four-day-dead

and already decomposing man, and, apparently, not
having any more doubts about Christs Divinity, the
Elders of the Nation decided that they needed to kill
Lazaros as well. (JOHN 12:10)
Finally, after being faced with the fact of Christs
Miraculous Resurrection, and having heard the
eyewitness accounts of the guards who had fallen on
the ground, trembling in abject terror, in the presence
of a shining Angel of God, the Elders were forced to
bribe the soldiers in order to deceive the people and
prevent them from learning the Truth, thereby further
deepening their blasphemy. (MATTHEW 28:4; 11 & 12 14)
Our contemporary Pharisees also only further deepen their
blasphemy, although they have come Face to face with
our Resurrected Lord and Saviour, either by not being
convinced even by or stubbornly rejecting the Divine
Miracles.
Nonetheless, St Thomas was certainly not one of them.
We know about his faithfulness and Sacrificial Love for his
Beloved Teacher.
After following our Saviour for three years, St Thomas
understood very well the danger Christ faced from the
Scribes and the Pharisees.
The other Disciples and Holy Apostles also understood the
dangerous circumstances and threats very well.
Therefore, when our Lord Jesus Christ decided to go to
Jerusalem, His Apostles tried to persuade Him not to do
so cautioning Him with regard to the impending
danger from His enemies. (JOHN 11:8).
ST
THE INSPIRED ETERNAL WISDOM

JOHN OF KRONSTADT
You must Love everyone with your whole soul, but put your
hope in the one God, and serve Him alone.
For as long as He is protecting us and our friends (the
Angels) are helping us, our enemies (the demons)
cannot inflict evil upon us.
But when He forsakes us, then also our friends turn away
from us, and our enemies receive power over us.
ST GREGORY PALAMAS
Do not be slothful in praying fervently for others at their
request, or of yourself, and together with them; you will
thus obtain a recompense from Godthe Grace of God
in your heart, which shall Rejoice you and Strengthen
you in Faith and Love for God and your neighbour.
These words are true; they are taken from experience.
In general, we do not pray very willingly for others, but
more out of obligation and habit, and without our heart
fully participating in the Prayer; we must force
ourselves to pray from the whole heart, with great Faith,
with great boldness, in order that we may obtain great
and rich Mercy from the bountiful and greatly-endowing
God!
"Let him ask," it is said, "in Faith, nothing wavering: for he
who wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the
wind and tossed."
It pleases the Lord, the common Father of all, when we pray
for each other willingly with Faith and Love, for He is
Love, ready to forgive all for their mutual Love.
The Holy Spirit said: "Pray one for another, that you may be
Healed.''
You see how pleasing to God, and how efficacious, is the
Prayer of one for another.
ST MAXIMOS CONFESSOR
The Father, therefore, through the Son Reconciles us to
Himself, not taking into account our offences and He
Calls us, not in so far as we are engaged in unseemly
works, but in so far as we are idle; although idleness is
also a sin, since we shall give an account even for an
idle word (2 CORINTHIANS 5:19 & MATTHEW 12:36)
But, as I said. God overlooks former sins and Calls us again
and again. And what does He Call us to do? To work in
14.
2ND SUNDAY
OF
However, it was St Thomas who said: Let us also go, that

we may die with Him. (JOHN 11:16).
Seldom, if ever are such words of courage heard from any
doubter!
After the Ascension of Christ, St Thomas went to preach
the Holy Gospel in one of the furthest and most
difficult places of the ancient world to reachIndia where he was eventually seized by the pagans who then
tortured and killed him for His Faith in and Love of our
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
But on that Eighth Day after the Glorious Resurrection of
Christ, when He appeared in the midst of His Faithful
Disciples and Apostles as well as St Thomas - His
Holy Apostle needed only a small push in order for him
who so selflessly Loved his Teacher to realize to Whom
he had devoted his Life, which compelled him to
exclaim: My Lord and my God!
St Thomas - from the very depths of his heart and soul loudly and spontaneously made his Confession of Faith
to our Lord.
To those who are like St Thomas, God comes. This is the
kind of person whom He allows to touch Him!
In His desire to Save us, Christ suffered everything:
mocking and scourging, torture and shameful death,
and even inviting the examination of His Wounds after
His Glorious Resurrection.
If He is awaited, Christ will enter - even through closed
doors (JOHN 20:26).
But what will He hear when He enters our heart? Will He
hear our spontaneous, loving and devout Confession of
Faith: My Lord and my God! or will He be confronted
by mocking, insults and scourging?
Will we worship Him, as did St. Thomas, or will we crucify
Him with our lack of Repentance or stone him with the
huge, heavy rocks of our sins?
O Lord Jesus Christ our Most Beloved Saviour - through
the Intercessory Prayers of Thy Holy Apostle, St
Thomas, grant us Faith and help our unbelief!
Amen.
http://www.pravmir.com/article_593.html
OF OUR
HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
the Vineyard -, that is, to work on behalf of the

Branches - on behalf of ourselves.
And afterwards O the incomparable grandeur of His
Compassion! - He promises and grants us a Reward for
toiling on our own behalf.
'Come,' He says, 'receive Eternal Life, which I bestow
abundantly; and as though in your debt I reward you
in full for the labour of your Journey and even for
your very desire to receive Eternal Life from Me.'
THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH
And the Corporate Nature of Salvation
There is a certain emptiness in trying to live the Christian
Life outside the Life of the Church. This is because it is
impossible to truly live as a Christian without the
Church. The reading of the Scriptures, and our
commitment to Prayer, are important Foundations in
the Life of a Christian, but they are incomplete without
the Mystical and Sacramental Life that is found within
the Church.
If we hope to grow Spiritually, we will take advantage of the
Mysteries that are found only within the Church.
Without the Mystery of Penance, and the Absolution of the
Church, we have no hope of Transformation and
Holiness, for without the Corporate Life of the Church,
our sins keep us captive.
Without the Mystery of Christ's Body and Blood, received
during the celebration of the Church's Divine Liturgy,
the Healing of the soul remains undone, and Salvation
is next to impossible.
The centre of the Church's Eucharistic Liturgy is to be
found in the Descent, the Appearance, the Divine
Presence of the Resurrected Christ, and is central to
every moment of the Liturgy. As Believers, the partaking
of Communion is actually that moment when we are
encountering the Living Person of the Lord Who enters
the Congregation as "King of the Universe borne
invisibly over their spears by the Angelic Hosts." This act
is so central to the Life of a Christian, as to make it the
necessary component to being a Christian.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
PASCHA SUNDAY
OF
ST THOMAS
19 APRIL 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and unto
the Ages of Ages. Amen
23 April 2015
St George the Great Holy Martyr
& Trophy Bearer
Also the Feast of St Alexandria the Empress, wife of Diocletian St
Anatolios & St Protoleon the Soldiers, converted witnesses of St
Georges Martyrdom St Lazaros of Bulgaria
Hristos Anesti ek nekron, Thanato Thanaton patistas, ke

tis en tis mnimasi, Zoin harisamenos!
Christ
has Risen from the dead, by Death trampling

tombs!
ISIDOKIN TONE 2
En
Bless God in the churches, the Lord from the Fountains of
Ekklisias Evlogite ton Theon, Kyrion ek pigon Israil.

Soson imas, Iie Theou, O Anastas ek nekron, psallontas
Si, Allelouia!
Israel. Save us, O Son of God, Who arose from the

dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
PASCHAL APOLYTIKION TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

FESTAL KONTAKION ST GEORGE
Os
THE
ton ehmaloton eleftherotis, ke ton ptohon iperaspistis,

asthenounton iatroa, Vasileon Ipermahos, Tropeofore
Megalomartys Georgie, presveve Hristo to Theo, sothine
tas psihas imon.

Tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God, And
Mercy.
GREAT HOLY MARTYR TONE 4
Being
renowned for setting captives free and for

defending those in poverty, the Physician of the sick
and the Champion of Emperors, Great and Victorious
Martyr George:
Intercede with Christ our God,
beseeching Him to Save our soul.
FESTAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ti
filopragmoni dexia, tin Zooparohon Sou Plevran, O

Thomas exirevnise Hriste O Theos. Sigkeklismenon gar
ton thiron os isilthes, Sin tis lipis Apostolis evoa Si: Kyrios
iparhis ke Theos mou!
With his scrutinizing hand, Thomas examined Thy Life

Bestowing Side, O Christ our God. When Thou
entered while the doors were bolted, he cried out to
Thee with the rest of the Apostles: Thou art my Lord
and my God!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 63/64 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Eufranthisete Dikeos en Kyrio ke Elpii ep Afton.
The
Righteous Man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall

Hope in Him.
Isakouson, O Theos, tis fonis mou, en to deesthe me pros Se. Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplication
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
Kat ekinon ton keron epevalen Irodis O Vasilefs tas hiras

kakose tinas ton apo tis Ekklisies.
Anile de Iakovon ton Adelphon Ioannou mahera.
Kei don oti areston esti tis Ioudeis, prosetheto sillavin ke
Petron.
Isan de e imere ton Azimon.
On ke piasas etheto is filakin, paradous tessarsi tetradiis
stratioton filassin afton, voulomenos meta to Pasha
anagagin afton to lao.
O men oun Petros etirito en ti filaki.
Prosevhide in ektenis ginomeni ipo tis Ekklisias pros ton
Theon iper aftou.
Ote de emellen afton proagin O Irodis, ti nikti ekini in O
Petros kimomenos metaxi dio stratioton dedemenos
alisesi disi, filakes te pro tis thiras etiroun tin filakin.
Ke idou! Angelos Kyrou epesti ke Fos elampsen en to
ikimati.
Pataxas de tin plevran tou Petrou igiren afton legon:
Anasta en tahi!
Ke exepeson Aftou e alisis ek ton hiron.
Ipe te O Angelos pros afton: Perizose ke ipodise ta
sandalia sou!
Epiise de outo.
ST GEORGE
THE
TO
ST LUKE 12: 1 11
About that time, Herod the King laid violent hands upon
some who belonged to the Church.
He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.
And when he saw that it pleased the Judeans, he
proceeded to arrest Peter also.
This was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
When he had seized him, he put him in prison, and
delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him,
intending, after Passover, to take him out to the
people.
Peter was kept imprisoned.
Earnest Prayers for him were made to God by the Church.
The very night that Herod was about to take him out, Peter
was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two
chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the
prison.
And behold! An Angel of the Lord appeared, and a Light
shone in the cell.
He struck Peter on his side to wake him, saying to him:
Get up quickly!
And the chains fell off his hands.
The Angel said to him: Put your sandals on your feet!
And he did so.
GREAT HOLY MARTYR, TROPHY BEARER & WONDER WORKER
23 APRIL 2015
15.
Ke legi afto: Pervalou to imation sou ke akoulouthis mi!

Ke exelthon ikolouthis afto.
Ke ouk idi oti alithes esti to ginomenon dia tou Angelou,
ekoki de Orma velpin.
Dielthontes de protin filakin ke defteran ilthon epi tin pilin
tin sidiran tin ferousan is tin polin.
Itis aftomati inohthi aftis.
Ke exelthontes proilthon rimin mian.
Ke evtheos apesti O Angelos ap aftou.
Ke O Petros genomenos en eafto ipe: Nin ida alithos oti
exapestile Kyrios ton Angelon Aftou ke exileto me ek
hiros Irodou ke pasis ti prodokias tou laou ton Ioudeon!
Ipen O Kyrios tis eaftou Mathites:

Tafta entellome imin, ina Agapate allilous.
I O kosmos imas misi, ginoskete oti Eme proton imon
memisiken.
I ek tou kosmou ite, O kosmos an to idion efili; oti de ek
tou kosmou ouk este, all ego exelexamin imas ek tou
kosmou, dia touto misi imas O kosmos.
Mnimonevete tou Logou ou Ego ipon imin: ...Ouk esti
doulos mizon to Kyriou Aftou!
Eme edioxan, ke imas dioxousin; i ton Logon Mou
etirisan, ke ton imeteron tirisousin.
Alla tafta panta piisousin imin dia to Onoma Mou, oti
ouk idasi ton pempsanta e.
I mi ilthon ke elalisa aftis, amartian ouk ihon.
Nin de profasin ouk ehousi peri tis amartias afton.
O Eme mison ke ton Patera Mou misi.
I ta Erga Mi epiisa en aftis a oudis allos pepiiken,
amartian ouk ihon.
Ne de ke eorakasi ke memisikasi ke eme ke ton Patera
Mou.
All ina plirothi O Logos O gegrammenos en to Nomo
afton: ... oti emisisan Me dorean.
Otan de elthi O Paraklitos on Ego pempso imin para tou
Patros - to Pnevma tis Alithias O para tou Patros
Ekporevete - ekinos Martyrisi peri Emou.
Ke imis de Martyrite, oti ap arhis met emou este.
Tafta lelalika imin ina mi skandalisthite.
Aposinagogous piisousin imas All erhete ora ina pas
O apoktinas imas Doxi latrian Prosferin to Theo!
ST GEORGE
THE
ST GEORGE
THE
TO
ST JOHN 15 17 16 : 2
Our Lord said to His Disciples:

This I Command you: Love one another!
If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it
hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own;
but because you are not of this world, for I Chose you
out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Remember the Word that I said to you: A servant is not
greater than his Master!
If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you; if they
kept My Word, they will keep yours also.
But all this they will do to you for My Name sake,
because they do not know Him Who sent Me.
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not
have sin.
Now they have no excuse for their sin.
He who hates Me, hates My Father also.
If I had not done among them the Works that no one
else did, they would not have sin.
Now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father.
But it is to fulfil the Word that is written in their Law:
... for they hated Me without a cause.
When the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send to you
from the Father even the Spirit of Truth, Who
Proceeds from the Father He will bear Witness to
Me.
And you also are Witnesses, because you have been
with Me from the beginning.
I have said all this to you to keep you from falling
away.
They will put you out of the Synagogues indeed, the
Hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he
is offering Service to God!
St George was born to a Christian family during the late

3rd century. His father was from Cappadocia and
served as an Officer of the Roman Army.
His mother was from Lydda, Palestine, to which she
returned as a widow along with her young son after
the Martyrdom of St George's father. There she
provided him with a respectable education and
raised him in Christian Piety.
St George - soon after his coming of age - enlisted into
the Roman Army and proved to be a charismatic
Centurion who consequently rose quickly through the
Military Ranks. By his late twenties he had gained the
titles of Tribunus (Tribune) and later Comes. (Count).
By that time St George had been stationed in
Nicomedia as a member of the personal guard
attached to the Roman Emperor Diocletion who
reigned between 284305.
In 303, Emperor Diocletian issued a most terrible Edict
authorising the systematic persecution and execution
of millions of Christians throughout the Roman
Empire.
His co-ruler, Emperor Galerius, was supposedly
responsible for this decision and he continued the
persecution during his own reign between 305311.
When St George was ordered to enforce the persecution,
he boldly and publically confessed his own Christian
Faith, criticised the Imperial Decree and refused to
obey such unjust, merciless and wholesale slaughter
of innocent, law-abiding citizens.
Of course this utterly enraged Emperor Diocletian who
immediately gave order for his arrest, torture and
execution as a traitor to the Roman Empire.
16.
And he said to him: Wrap your cloak around you and

follow me!
And he went out and followed him.
He did not know that what was done by the Angel was
real, but thought that he was seeing a Vision.
When they had passed the first and the second guard, they
came to the iron gate leading into the city.
It opened to them of its own accord.
And they went out, and passed on through one street.
And immediately the Angel left him.
And Peter came to himself, and said: Now I am sure that
the Lord has sent His Angel to rescue me from the hand
of Herod and from all that the Judeans were expecting!
Having endured innumerable hideous forms of torture, St

George was finally Perfected by sword, being
decapitated on 23 April 303.
Having witnessed his Martyrdom, Empress Alexandra, a
pagan priest, Athanasios, and many others were
converted to our Christian Faith, which resulted in
their own unspeakable punishments and execution.
St George's body was carried reverently to Lydda for
burial, where he was honoured as a Holy Martyr and
Wonderworker.
St George is often depicted with a dragon or some other
serpentine creature under his feet, which comes from
an account of his Miraculous Deliverance and
conversion of an entire region to Christianity, many
years after his Holy Martyrdom.
A ferocious beast had made its lair at the spring (or lake)
that provided the region with water. Consequently,
the citizens had to distract the creature from its lair in
order to collect water every day, so in order to do so,
a daily human sacrifice was made the victim being
chosen by drawing lots. Eventually, the allotted
sacrifice was a much loved young woman for whom
many Prayers for Divine Assistance had been offered.
Before the fierce creature could attack her, St George
appeared on a white horse and, after loudly invoking
the Divine Assistance and Power of the Holy Spirit, he
speared the beast to death.
As a result, the extremely relieved and grateful citizens
renounced their ancestral paganism and accepted
Christ and the Holy Trinity as their Almighty God
Who makes even the impossible possible for us.
23 APRIL 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever, and
unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves
and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
25 April 2015
St Mark of the 70 Holy Apostles of Christ,
Evangelist & Founder of the
Holy Orthodox Church in Africa
Also the Feast of St Sylvester, Abbot of Obnora Monastery The
New Holy Martyrs of Alexandropoulos:
St Emmanuel, St
Theodore, St Gregory, St Michael and another St Gregory

tombs!
ISIDOKIN TONE 2
En

Si, Allelouia!

PASCHAL APOLYTIKION TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE


Tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God, And
Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST MARK TONE 4
Tou
Petrou sinekdimos, ke kinonos Ieros, tou Logou

Diakonos, ke ipofitis Sofos, edihthis Apostole. Othen to
tou Sotiros, Evangelion Thion, Marke diaharattis, os
Ouranios Mystis. Dio Evangelista Se, potho gereromen.
St Peters companion and Sacred Partner were Thou, and

Servant of Christ the Logos and His Herald Most Wise,
O Holy Apostle, Mark. Thou , O Inspired Mystic of the
Heavens, recorded for all of us our Saviours Most
Divine Gospel. Therefore, O Evangelist, we lovingly
honour Thee.
FESTAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ti
With his scrutinizing hand, Thomas examined Thy Life
filopragmoni dexia, tin Zooparohon Sou Plevran, O

Thomas exirevnise Hriste O Theos. Sigkeklismenon gar
ton thiron os isilthes, Sin tis lipis Apostolis evoa Si: Kyrios
iparhis ke Theos mou!
Bestowing Side, O Christ our God. When Thou

entered while the doors were bolted, he cried out to
Thee with the rest of the Apostles: Thou art my Lord
and my God!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 18/19
TONE 4
Is pasan tin Gin exilthen O fthongos afton ke is ta perata tis Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their
ikoumenis ta rimata afton
words to the ends of the world.
Ourani diigounte Doxan Theou, piisin de hiron Aftou

anangelli to steroma.
The
Heavens declare the Glory of God;

shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE FIRST UNIVERSAL EPISTLE
Adelphi: tapinothite ipo tin Kratean Hira tou Theou, ina

imas ipsosi en kero.
Pasan tin merimnan imon epirripsantes ep Afton, oti Afto
meli peri imon.
Nipsate grigorisate!
O Antidikos imon diavolos os leon orisomenos peripati ziton
tina katapii.
O antistite sterei ti Pisti - idotes ta afta ton Pathimaton ti en
kosmo imon Adelhotiti epitelisthe.
O de Theos pasis Haritos, O Kalesas imas is tin Eonion
Aftou Doxan en Hristo Iisou oligon Pathontas, Aftos
Katartisi imas, Stirixi, Sthenosi, Themelisosi.
Afto i Doxa ke to Kratos is tou eonas ton eonon.
Amin.
Dia Silouanou, imin tou Pistou Adelphou, os logizome, di
oligon egrapsa - parakalon ke epimartyron taftin ine
Alithi Harin tou Theou - is in estikate!
Aspazete imas i en Vaviloni sineklekti; ke Markos O Iios
Mou.
Aspasasthe allilous en Filimati Agapis.
Irini imin pasi tis en Hristo Iisou.
Amin.
ST MARK
OF THE
70 APOSTLES
OF
OF
the Firmament
ST PETER 5 : 6 - 14
Brethren: humble yourselves therefore under the Mighty

Hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.
Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.
Be sober be Watchful!
Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring
lion, seeking someone to devour.
Resist him first in your Faith, knowing that the same
experience of Suffering is required of your
Brotherhood throughout the world.
After you have Suffered a little while, God of all Grace,
Who has Called you to His Eternal Glory in Christ will
Himself Restore, Establish and Strengthen you.
To Him be the Dominion forever and ever.
Amen.
By Silvanos, a Faithful Brother as I regard him, I have
written briefly to you exhorting and witnessing that
this is the True Grace of God stand fast in it!
She who is at Babylon who is likewise Chosen sends
you Greetings; and so does my Son, Mark.
Greet one another with the Kiss of Love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Amen
CHRIST & EVANGELIST
25 APRIL 2015
17.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 10: 16 - 21

Ipen O Kyrios tis eaftou Mathites: O akouon imon emou Our Lord said to His Disciples: He who hears you, hears
akoui, ke O atheton imas eme atheti; O de eme
Me, and he who rejects you, rejects Me, and he who
atheton atheti ton Apostilanta Me.
rejects Me, rejects Him Who Sent Me.
Ipestrepan de i evdomikonta meta Hara legontes: Kyrie, The Seventy returned with Joy, saying: Lord, even the
demons are subject to us in Thy Name!
ke ta demonia ipotassete imin en to Onomati Sou!
Ipen de aftis: Etheoroun ton Satanan os astrapin ek tou He said to them: I saw Satan fall like lightning from
Ouranou pesonta.
Heaven.
Idou! Dedoka imin tin exousian tou patin epano ofeon Behold! I have granted you Authority to tread upon
ke scorpion, ke epi pasan tin dinamin tou ehthrou serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
ke ouden imas ou mi adikisi.
enemy and nothing shall hurt you.
Plin en touto mi herete - oti ta pnevmata imin ipotassete Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this that the spirits are
herete de oti ta onomata imon egrafi en tis
subject to you but rejoice that your names are
Ouranis!
written in Heaven!
En afi ti Ora Igalliasato to Pnevmati O Iisous ke ipen: In that same Hour He Rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said:
Exomologoume Si, Pater, Kyrie tou Ouranou ke tis
I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth,
Gis, oti apekripsas tafta apo Sofon ke Sinton, ke
that Thou hast hidden these Things from the Wise
apekalipsas Afta nipiis.
and Understanding, and revealed Them to infants.
Ne, O Patir, oti outos Evdokia Egeneto Emprosthen Sou. Yeah, O Father, for such is Thy Gracious Will.
ST MARK
THE
HOLY APOSTLE, EVANGELIST & FOUNDER
CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE HAS RISEN!

Dear Brethren: The most terrible night in human history
began in silence. In a house cooled by a nearby garden,
there slept a young man, whose slumber was sudden
interrupted by the clanging of metal, loud, agitated
voices and coarse screams.
He leapt from his bed and, hastily wrapping a piece of linen
around his unclad body, he ran from the house,
thinking that robbers had invaded the garden, but what
he witnessed turn out to be far worse than any robbery,
for a vicious mob, bristling with weapons, surrounded
our Divine Teacher Whose words the young man heard:
Have you come out, as though against a thief, with
swords and staves to take Me? I was daily with you in
the Temple, teaching, and you did not take Me, yet the
Scriptures must be fulfilled. (MARK 14: 48-49)
The jeering mob led our Lord away and the young man saw
how His Disciples ran away, and he wondered: How
can one leave our Teacher alone in such calamity?
These thought stung his heart and he decided to follow the
crowd until one of the angry guards noticed him and
tried to grab him, which frightened him and caused him
to flee, leaving his linen covering in the guards
grasping hands and his naked body exposed, which
further added to his misery, shame and fear.
This young man was John Mark, who would become an
essential part of our Christian History especially on
the great Continent of Africa as he, together with the
other Holy Apostles of Christ spread His Holy Gospel
throughout the known world and throughout the ages.
St Mark came from a pious Christian family who embraced
the Divine Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ Who often
went to their home, especially to their lovely shady
Garden of Gethsemane, to pray in solitude.
Furthermore, his mother, Mary, offered her house to Christ
and His Apostles for their gatherings and meals, and so
it was that in her Upper Room so many immensely
significant Events occurred.
There our Lord Jesus instituted His Mystical Supper; there
He appeared on at least two occasions to reveal the
Reality and Truth of His Glorious Resurrection which
foreshadowed our own General Resurrection on the
Eighth Day the beginning of Eternity and our Final
Judgement.
There, too, our Lords Faithful Disciples and Apostles
would gather for Prayers and Teachings, to hide from
the Judeans who sought all those connected with our
Lord, after His Crucifixion.
And there, on that wonderful Day of Pentecost, the Holy
Spirit descended on the 120 Faithful Disciples and
Apostles to bestow His Divine Gifts that enable us to
fulfil all His Commandments and Teaching to humbly
and obediently fulfil Gods Divine Will, which is always
for our own Spiritual Benefit and Eternal Life.
St Mark did not initially stand out from our Lords other
Disciples.
His uncle, St Barnabas, who was also one of the Seventy
Apostles of Christ, was much better known, for he
18.
ST MARK
OF THE
70 APOSTLES
OF
OF OUR
CHURCH
IN
AFRICA
had played a special role in the Life of the Newly

Converted Saul, who became St Paul, the great Holy
Apostle to the Gentiles.
Together St Barnabas and St Paul set off on their
Missionary Journeys, accompanied by the young St
Mark.
Having grown faint and exhausted along the mountain
trails of Pamphylia, St Mark became a burden to the
Great Work of the Enlightenment of Nations by the
other two Holy Apostles, so before they set off on their
Second Missionary Journey, St Paul refused to allow St
Mark to accompany them again.
That fragile, timid and weak young man who had fled
naked and in abject terror from the arresting
Centurions in the Garden of Gethsemane, who had wept
from his hunger and physical exhaustion along the
steep mountain paths and who was finally dismissed by
St Paul, would very soon become a changed person,
whose symbol was the mighty lion, which is depicted
holding the Holy Gospel, on the official emblem of the
Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa the first
Bishop, Pope and Patriarch being St Mark the Apostle of
Christ, Inspired Holy Evangelist and Great Holy Martyr.
When St Mark had returned to Jerusalem, St Peter took him
under his guidance and teaching, which caused St Mark
to grow to his full Spiritual Potential, to such a degree
that when St Paul met him again, he marvelled at the
extraordinary change he had undergone, and he then
considered St Mark as a worthy companion on his
Missionary Journeys
Thus St Mark accompanied the great Apostle St Paul and
fully participated in all the Holy Labours of both Chief
Apostles.
Long journeys were not longer exhausting nor terrifying for
St Mark and together with St Peter and St Paul, on
various Missionary Journeys, he travelled to Seleucia,
Cyprus, the Italian islands, Antioch, Ephesos and inner
Africa to numerous countries and regions to preach
the Divine Truth of the Holy Gospel of Christ our
Saviour.
St Mark lived a Life of zealous Asceticism, in Prayer and
Fasting, which cause the Therapeutae (a Judean
Community of the strictest piety) to convert to
Christianity.
Inspired and Empowered by God the Holy Spirit, fulfilling
the Divine Will of God the Father and through the
Teachings and Commandments of God the Son, St Mark
thoroughly Enlightened many thousands of souls who
turned from their pagan idolatrous ways to the
wonderful Blessed Life in Christ.
The amazing spread of Christianity in Africa, finally caused
the Martyrdom of our First Holy Patriarch of Africa,
who had worthily earned His Glorious Crown of Victory.
EDITED & ADAPTED BY MP: FROM LAMB TO LION BY METROPOLITAN VLADIRM OF OMSK & TARSK
(2012) HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM/THE-APOSTLE-AND-EVANGELIST-MARK-FROM-LAMB-TOLION/
CHRIST & EVANGELIST
25 APRIL 2015

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and Forever,
and unto the Ages of Ages. Amen
Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Mary, Theotokos yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
26 April 2015
Tone 2
3 r d Sunday of Holy Pascha
Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers,
St Joseph of Arimathea & St Nicodemos
Also the Feast of St Basil of Amasea St Stephen, the

Enlightener of Perm St Glaphyra the Virgin Martyr of Pontos
St Ioannikios of Devich, Serbia 6,000 Holy Martyrs of St David
Gareji Monastery, Georgia

tombs!
ISIDOKIN TONE 2
En

Si, Allelouia!

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 2
Ote
When
katilthes pros ton Thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote

ton Adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke
tous tethneotas ek ton katahthonion
anestisas, pase
e Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon.
Zoodota
Hriste, O Theos imon, Doxa Si!
Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,

Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy
Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from
the subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven
cried aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to
Thee!
APOLYTIKION OF ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA & THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS
The noble Joseph taking down Thy spotless Body from
evshimon Iosif, apo tou xilou kathelon, to ahranton

Sou Soma, sindoni kathara, ilisas ke aromasin, en
mnimati keno, kidevsas apetheto; alla trimeros anestis
Kyrie, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos!
the Tree, wrapped it in a clean shroud with sweet

spices and laid it for burial in a new tomb; but on the
third day Thou arose, O Lord, granting the world Thy
Great Mercy!
Tes Myroforis Ginexi, para to Mnima epistas, O Angelos The
Angel standing by the Tomb cried to the Myrrhbearing Women: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but
Christ has been shown to be a stranger to corruption.
But cry aloud: The Lord has Risen, granting the
world His Great Mercy!
evoa: To Myra tis thnitis iparhi armodia, Hristos de

diafthoras edihthi allotrios; alla kravgasate: Anesti O
Kyrios, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos!
PASCHAL KONTAKION UNTIL
ASCENSION DAY
I ke en Tafo katilthes athanate, alla tou Adou kathiles tin Although
Thou descended in the grave, O Immortal

One, yet Thou destroyed the power of Hades; and
Thou arose as Victor, O Christ our God! To the
Myrrh-bearing Women Thou said: Rejoice! And to
Thine Apostles Thou granted Thy Peace: the One
Who grants Resurrection to the fallen ones.
dinamin; ke Anestis os nikitis, Hriste O Theos, Ginexi

Miroforis fthengxamenos: Herete! Ke tis sis Apostolis
Irinin doroumenos, O tis pesousi parehon Anastasin.
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4 - LUKE 24:1 12

THE MYRRH
BEARERS
FIND THE TOMB EMPTY
FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 117/118 TONE 2
Ishis mou ke imnisis mou O Kyrio ke egeneto mi is Sotirian.
The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He became my

Salvation.
Pedevon epedefse me O Kyrio ke to Thanato ou parekoke The
Lord Chastened and corrected me, but He did not

give me up to Death.
me.
THE ACTS
OF THE
APOSTLES ACCORDING
DEACONS
ARE
En tes imeres ekines, plithinonton ton Mathiton egeneto

geongismos ton Elliniston pros tou Evreous, oti
paretheorounto en ti Diakonia ti kathimerini e hire
afton.
Proskalesameni de i Dodeka to plithos ton Mathiton ipon:
Ouk areston estin imas katelipsantas ton Logon tou
Theou Diakonin trapezes.
Episkepsasthe
oun,
Adelphi,
andras
ex
imon
martyroumenous epta pliris Pnevmatos ke Sofias, ous
katastisomen epi tis hrias taftis.
Imis de ti prosevhi ke ti Diakonia tou Logou
proskarterisomen.
3RD PASCHAL SUNDAY SUNDAY
OF THE
TO
ST LUKE 6 : 1 7
ORDAINED
In those days, when the number of Disciples was

multiplying, there arose a complaint against the
Hebrews by the Hellenists because their widows were
neglected in the daily distribution.
The Twelve summoned the multitude of Disciples and
said: It is not desirable that we should leave the Word
of God and serve tables.
Therefore, Brethren, seek out from among you seven men
of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business.
We will give ourselves continually to Prayer and the
Ministry of the Word.
HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
26 APRIL 2015
19.
Ke iresen O Logos enopion pantos tou plithous.

Ke exelexanto Stefanon, andra pliri Pisteos ke Pnevmatos
Agion, ke Philippon ke Prohoron ke Nikanora ke Timona
ke Parmenan ke Nikolaon prosiliton Antiohea, ous
estisan enopion ton Apostolon, ke prosevxameni
epethikan aftis tas hiras.
Ke O Logos tou theou iixanen, ke eplithineto O arithmos ton
Mathiton en Ierousalim sfodra, polis te ohlos ton Iereon
ipikouson ti Pisti.
The Hebrews referred to the local Jewish Christians in
Jerusalem who spoke Aramaic, while the Hellenists
were Greek-speaking Jewish Christians from other
parts of the Hellenised world who had settled in
Jerusalem.
St John Chrysostom noted that this particular complaint
showed a lack of order among the quickly growing
multitude of Faithful Christians, even though the
neglect of the Hellenistic widows and orphans was
certainly not malicious or intentional.
So it is evident that various problems that faced the early
Church arose not only from outsiders, but also due to
dissension or misunderstanding from within.
However, these various initial difficulties were quickly
resolved due to the mutual respect and Love of one
another within the Holy Church of Christ.
PROBLEMS HAVE ALWAYS ARISEN DUE TO THE HUMAN FACTOR
WHEN OUR EGOS AND SELFISHNESS DOMINATE AND RULE OUR
EMOTIONS AND ACTIONS.
However, these MUST always be very quickly Repented,

resolved and forgiven, so that we may CONTINUE TO
FOCUS ON OUR FAITHFUL AND TRUE WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY
GOD, WHILE CONSTANTLY CORRECTING AND REPENTING OUR
OWN PERSONAL FLAWS, which is the entire Purpose of this
earthly life, before Eternity.
The term Disciples generally refers to all Faithful
Believers and Followers of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, and not only to His Twelve Apostles or those
who were close to Him and who accompanied Him
during His Public Ministry.
To be A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST means that we are really
trying to LEARN ALL THE SACRED TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR SO THAT WE CAN
APPLY THEM TO OUR EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED: THIS IS
LIFE IN CHRIST, WHICH TAKES MUCH EFFORT AND A FAITHFUL
WILLINGNESS TO OBEY GOD AT ALL TIMES.
While THE MINISTRIES OF THE WORD AND OF SERVING widows
(and orphans) are important Sacred Tasks, they
TH
To
UNNAILING &
BURIAL
OF OUR
CRUC
And their words pleased the whole multitude.

And they chose Stephen, a man full of Faith and the Holy
Spirit, and Philip Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas
and Nicholas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set
before the Apostles; and when they had prayed they
laid hands on them.
And the Word of God spread, and the number of Disciples
multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of
the Priests were Obedient to the Faith.
CANNOT BE PERFORMED BY THE SAME PEOPLE AND STILL RECEIVE
PROPER ATTENTION.
Therefore, the Holy Church developed diversified

Ministries.
In the Orthodox Church to this very day, our Bishops and
Presbyters (Priests) are Called to focus on Prayer and
the Ministry of the Word of God, while the other
essential ministries of Christs Holy Church are
accomplished by Deacons and the laity (the people
or congregation) of each Parish.
DEACONS WHO ARE CALLED TO SERVE ARE REQUIRED TO BE NOT
ONLY SPIRITUAL, BUT ALSO FULL OF WISDOM, WHICH IS
ESSENTIAL FOR MANAGING THEIR SACRED TASKS.
While the multitude submitted the names of the first
Seven Deacons, THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST ORDAINED
THEM.
Thus the synergy between Laity and Clergy was
demonstrated in the selection of these Church
Servants and leaders.
Whether these first chosen Deacons held the Liturgical
Office of Deacon, or whether their Diaconate was
more Service-oriented, THEY RECEIVED THEIR SACRED
OFFICE BY MEANS OF HOLY ORDINATION BY THE DIVINELY
AUTHORISED APOSTLES OF CHRIST.
THE INCREASE IN NUMBERS OF FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
ONLY OCCURS WHEN THREE GREAT PILLARS OF CHURCH LIFE
ARE FULLY IN PLACE:
WORSHIP
EVANGELISM
CHARITY/LOVE
Furthermore, this wonderful Growth occurs WHEN EXTERNAL
AND INTERNAL STRUGGLES OR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN
ADDRESSED, RESOLVED AND REPENTED.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERS (PRIESTS) WERE CHRISTIAN CONVERTS
WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN HEBREW PRIESTS but they had
not necessarily been Ordained into the Priestly
Ministry within the Christian Church after their
Conversion to the New Covenant of God.
TO
ST MARK 15 : 43 16 : 8
IFIED
LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CH
RIST
kero ekino elthon Iosif O apo Arimatheas, efshimon

vouleftis, os ke aftos in prosdehomenos tin Vasilian tou
Theou, tolmisas isilthe pros Pilaton ke itisato to Soma
tou Iisou.
At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of
de Pilatos ethavmasen i idi tehnike ke,

proskalesamenos ton Kentiriona, epirotisen Afton i pale
apethane.
Pilate
Ke gnous apo tou Kentirionos edorisato to Soma to Iosif.
the Council, who was also himself looking for the

Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and
asked for the Body of Jesus.
wondered if He were already dead and,
summoning the Centurion, he asked him whether He
was already dead.
And when he learnt from the Centurion that He was dead,

he granted the Body to Joseph.
Ke agorasas sindona, ke kathelon Afton enilise ti sindoni, And

ke katethiken Afton en Mnimio O in lelatomimenon ek
petras.
Ke prosekilise lithon epi tin thiran tou Mnimiou.

I de ari i Magdalini ke Maria Iosi etheoroun pou tithete.
he bought a linen shroud, and taking Him down,

wrapped Him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a
Tomb that had been hewn out of rock.
And he rolled a stone against the door of the Tomb.

Mary Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of Joses
saw
where He was laid.
Ke
diagenomenou tou Savvatou, Maria i Magdalinin ke

Maria i tou Iakovou, ke Salomi, igorasan aromata, ina
elthouse Alipsosin Afton.
And
Ke
lian proi tis mias Savvaton erhonte epi to Mnimion,

anatilantos tou iliou.
And very early on the first day of the week
when the Sabbath had past, Mary Magdalene and

Mary, the Mother of James, and Salome, bought spices,
so that they might go to Anoint Him.
2
they went to
the Tomb when the sun had risen.
Ke elegon pros eaftas: Tis apokilisi imin ton lithon ek tis And they were saying one to another: Who will roll away
thiras tou Mnimiou?
1
the stone for us from the door of the Tomb?
Joses was one of St Joseph the Betrotheds sons from his late wife, Salome, sister of St Anna. In other words, this is an oblique reference to
our Lady Theotokos who always maintained a humble and low-key role in the background of Her Beloved Son and Gods Mission on Earth.
Joses was Her cousin and by Mosaic Law according to Her Betrothal also one of Her stepsons. Likewise Mary, the mother of James.
Salome was a sister of Joses, and thus a cousin and stepdaughter of our Lady Theotokos.
The first day of the week is Sunday.
20.
OF THE
HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
26 APRIL 2015
Ke anavlepsase theorousin oti apokekiliste O lithos - in gar And looking up, they saw that the stone had rolled back
megas sfodra.
for it was very large.
Ke iselthouse is to Mnimion, idon neaniskon kathimenon en And entering the Tomb, they saw a young Man sitting on
tis dexiis - perivevlimenon stolin levkin.
the right side dressed in a white robe.
Ke exethamvithisan.
O de legi aftes:
And they were amazed.

He said to them: Do not
All ipagete ipate tis Mathites Aftou ke to Petro oti proagi

imas is tin Galilean. Eki Afton opsesthe, kathos ipen
imin.
But go tell His Disciples, and Peter, that He is going

before you to Galilee. There you will see Him, as He
told you.
Mi ekthamvisthe. Iious zitite ton

Nazarinon ton estavromenon. Igerthi, ouk estin ode. Ide
O topos opou ethikan Afton.
be amazed. You seek Jesus of

Nazareth Who was crucified. He has Risen He is not
here. Behold the place where they laid Him.
Ke elthouse efigon apo tou Mnimiou - ihe de aftas tromos And they went out and fled from the Tomb, for trembling
ke ekstasis
and astonishment had come upon them.
Ke oudeni ouden ipon -
efovounto gar.
If His Faithful Apostles had buried Christ, doubters and
enemies of Divine Truth could claim that His Most
Precious Body had simply been hidden away by them
and that there was no Resurrection.
ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, BEING BOTH A COUNCIL MEMBER
(OF THE SANHEDRIN) AND AN ACKNOWLEDGED GOOD AND
JUST MAN TOGETHER WITH ST NICODEMOS ALSO OF GOOD
REPUTATION AND SOCIAL STATUS - REFUTES ANY POSSIBILITY
THAT OUR LORDS BODY WAS MERELY REMOVED AND HIDDEN BY
HIS FAITHFUL APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES.
As a wealthy and highly prominent, respected member of
Hebrew society, St Joseph of Arimathea was able to
personally approach the Roman Governor, Pontius
Pilate, to request the Body of Christ, Whom Pontius
Pilate had already acknowledged as having been
unjustly tried, punished and condemned to death by
crucifixion.
The fact that Pontius Pilate ...marvelled that He was
already dead... confirms the Divine Truth that CHRIST
PANTOCRATOR CHOSE THE EXACT HOUR OF HIS DEATH, HAVING
SACRIFICED HIMSELF FREELY AND WILLINGLY FOR THE SAKE OF
ALL HUMANITY.
Usually crucifixion victims suffered for a very long time,
sometimes for days, before dying but when the
Sabbath Day was approaching, Hebrew criminals
legs were shattered so that they quickly died from the
most painful green fracture injuries, YET AS PROPHESIED,
NOT A BONE OF OUR LORD WAS BROKEN!
The Spiritual Significance of a New Tomb that had
been hewn out of rock and where no one had ever
lain before is that CHRIST SUFFERED A DEATH UNLIKE ANY
OTHER HUMAN BEING DEATH WITHOUT SPRITUAL OR PHYSICAL
CORRUPTION A DEATH LEADING TO ETERNAL VICTORY OVER
THE TOMB ITSELF.
Furthermore, the description of the New Tomb according
to several sources, clearly shows that IT WAS A VERY
SPECIAL TOMB FIT FOR A MOST IMPORTANT PERSON AND WHO
IS MORE IMPORTANT AND INFLUENTIAL THAN OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST OUR ONE AND ONLY ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST AND KING
OUR ONLY ETERNAL GOD INCARNATE!
Another fact to be considered is that NOT ONLY WAS A
HUGE, HEAVY ROCK PLACED - WITH MUCH EFFORT - AT THE
ENTRANCE TO THE TOMB AND THEN SEALED, BUT TWO ROMAN
GUARDS STOOD WATCH AS WELL, because the devious
Hebrew leaders had alleged that Christs Body would
be removed by His Disciples so that they could then
proclaim His Resurrection from the dead as He had
truthfully and precisely foretold.
AFTER CHRIST HAD RESURRECTED, A POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE
announced the Glorious Event by BREAKING THE SEALS,
ROLLING AWAY THE ROCK blocking the entrance and
REVEALING TO ALL MANKIND THE EMPTY TOMB, containing
only the discarded Shroud (Soudarion) and carefully
folded Facecloth (Mandylion).
THE ROCK DID NOT ROLL AWAY SO THAT CHRIST COULD EXIT THE
TOMB BUT ONLY TO REVEAL TO MANKIND THAT HE HAD TRULY
RISEN!
The terrified guards who also witnessed the Empty
Tomb - ran away in fear of the punishment they
faced from the Roman authorities, but were later paid
by the Hebrew authorities to blatantly lie to everyone
that the Disciples had removed the Body of Christ after
knocking them unconscious!
And they said nothing to anyone - for they were afraid.

Habitual liars, thieves and deceivers always accuse others of their own
sins and they REJECT Divine Truth the Absolute Truth
because it is something that is totally alien to them.
CHRIST DIED JUST BEFORE THE SABBATH SO THE USUAL BURIAL
CUSTOMS OF THE HEBREWS COULD NOT BE COMPLETED by His
Mother and Disciples, and they had to return on the
first day of the week Sunday to do so.
ST JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA AND ST NIKODEMOS HAD UNNAILED OUR
LORD FROM HIS CROSS AND WRAPPED HIS NAKED BODY IN A
FOURTEEN FOOT LONG FINE LINEN CLOTH that became the
Burial Shroud, also gathering up any bloody soil that
surrounded the Cross, to be buried with Him.
THEY HAD CARRIED HIM TO THE TOMB AND WRAPPED HIM WITH
OTHER LINEN STRIPS SOAKED WITH THE 100 POUNDS OF
BITTER ALOES THAT ST NIKODEMOS SUPPLIED.
THE MANDYLION OR FACE CLOTH WAS GENTLY AND RESPECTFULLY
PLACED OVER HIS FACE AS SOON AS THEY TOOK HIM DOWN
FROM THE CROSS, WHICH REMAINED UNDER THE OUTER BURIAL
CLOTHS, which were soaked with bitter aloes and
dried as hard as concrete.
Therefore, when St Peter and St John saw the folded
Mandylion, they were amazed (and even more so
when they noticed the Image of Christ upon it which
became known as the Holy Icon Not-Made-By-Hands
the first Holy Icon of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was
copied many times by others over the years. mp)
St Joseph of Arimathea and St Nikodemos showed their absolute

faith, honour and worship of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour by
all their actions: going directly to Pontious Pilate for permission
to Unnail our Lord from the Cross, purchasing the best quality of
fine linen available in which to wrap His Precious Body, donating
a newly hewn Tomb carved from solid stone and in a beautiful
garden again nothing but the best resting place for Christ our
Saviour and their own personal attention to all the necessary
Burial Rites, including the supply of 100 pounds of Bitter Aloes!
St John the Divine Apostle, our Ever Blessed Lady Theotokos and Her
close companion, St Mary Of Magdala watched and witnessed our
Lords Burial.
ACCORDING TO OLD COVENANT LAW, THE BODIES OF THE DECEASED
WERE NOT WASHED BUT ANOINTED WITH AROMATIC OILS and
in the cases of violent death, all blood and body parts
were carefully gathered, wrapped and buried
together with the rest of the body.
Although the Apostles and Disciples had gone into hiding
for fear of the Roman and Hebrew authorities, the
eight devoted Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, led by our
Most Blessed Lady Theotokos bravely went to fulfil
their Sacred Duty out of their profound Love and
Respect for Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Our Lady Theotokos was the legal Mother of St Joseph the

Betrotheds seven children - St James, St Joses, St Jude, St
Simon, St Salome (mother of St John and St James), St Ester and
another daughter, who were actually Her cousins and probably
much older than Her.
Since She preferred and insisted on remaining humbly in the
background of Her Beloved Son and Lord, the Apostles, Disciples
and Evangelists respectfully referred to Her in obscure ways such
as ...the Mother of Joses... or ...the Mother of James and
Salome,.. etc.
The Angel of God possibly Archangel Gabriel who is the
Angelic Messenger and Bearer of Good Tidings from
God to us human beings specifically mentioned St
Peter, which revealed our Lords special Care and
Love even for one of His Apostles who had denied Him
at a crucial time.
OF THE
HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
26 APRIL 2015
21
According to St Theophylact the deeply repentant and

sorrowful St Peter would have said of himself: I denied
the Lord, and therefore I am no longer His Apostle! Yet
the Angels words showed that our Lord God had
already forgiven St Peter and still Loved him as
before.
This is another Divine Teaching that clearly shows us that
WHENEVER AND WHATEVER WE TRULY REPENT WITH ALL SORROW
AND HUMILITY, WE ARE FORGIVEN BY GOD WHO LOVES US EVEN THE WORST OF SINNERS - FOR HE DOES NOT REQUIRE OR
DESIRE ANYONE TO SUFFER ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AND
PERPETUAL SPIRITUAL DEATH.
For this reason, WE MUST NEVER DARE TO JUDGE ONE ANOTHER
AND NOT EVEN OURSELVES FOR GODS DIVINE LOVE AND GRACE
IS FAR BEYOND ANYTHING WE CAN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND OR
APPRECIATE.
Our Blessed Lady Theotokos and Mary Magdalene ...

said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid... does
not mean that they never told the others what they
had experienced so early on that first Resurrection
Day.
OUR LADY THEOTOKOS ...KEPT MANY THINGS TO HERSELF...
THROUGHOUT HER LIFE, ONLY SPEAKING OF THEM WHEN IT
BECAME NECESSARY TO DO SO and in order to confirm the
Absolute Truth of Christs Holy Gospel and His sinless
Life on earth as God Incarnate and Perfect Man AND
Only after our Risen Lord Jesus Christ had appeared to

the other Holy Apostles and faithful Disciples, did they
speak of their experiences of that very early Sunday
morning Holy Pascha.
THE STATEMENT THAT ...THEY WERE AFRAID... MIGHT HAVE
REFERRED TO THE ENORMOUS SHOCK OF NOT ONLY WITNESSING
THE OPENED TOMB WITH THE ABANDONED BURIAL CLOTHS AND
THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGEL OF GOD, BUT ALSO A RELUCTANCE
TO TELL THE OTHERS WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE BELIEVED THEM
and being men the Apostles would have thought

the Myrrh-bearing Women were merely hysterical or
delusional due to their intense grief.
AS THE ADORING MOTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, OUR
LADY THEOTOKOS WOULD HAVE BEEN INDESCRIBABLY
TRAUMATISED BY HAVING WITNESSED CHRISTS TERRIBLE
SUFFERING,
HOWEVER, SHE WAS ALSO DEEPLY FAITHFUL AND FILLED WITH
DIVINE GRACE THAT ENABLED HER - MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE TO APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO
ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS DIVINE WILL FOR ALL HUMANITY.

IN HER PROFOUND WISDOM AND LOVE FOR GOD AND HER FELLOW
MANKIND, SHE WOULD KEEP MANY THINGS ESPECIALLY THE
DIVINELY MYSTERIOUS THINGS TO HERSELF, knowing that
others would either not understand or would
misinterpret or blaspheme them.
THEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO WOULD FULLY APPRECIATE AND

UNDERSTAND THEM.
THIRD PASCHAL SUNDAY -
THE
HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
ELDER SOFIAN BOAGHIU OF ANTIM MONASTERY

Christ is Risen! Truly He has Risen!
All college students and young women who regularly attend
Dearly Beloved Brethren:
Church and strive to Live in Christ, can also bring to
As you know, the Third Paschal Sunday is Sunday of the
Christ our Saviour as their fragrant Myrrh a zeal for
Holy Myrrhbearers, or Sunday of the Faithful Women,
Good Deeds, for Mercy and Charity towards all those
i.e. the Faithful Keepers of Christian Families and Life in
who suffer or who are in need, as well as their humble
Christ.
Obedience to their Spiritual Fathers.
All Faithful Christian Women should be joyful that you
As their most precious Myrrh, Christian Mothers can offer
partake of this special honour from our Resurrected
our Lord and Master the healthy birth, nurturing and
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
educating their children in the Love and Holy Fear of
And through our Most Pure, All Holy and Ever Blessed Lady,
God.
Theotokos, and the other Holy Myrrh-bearing Women,
Furthermore, the elderly women of our Community who
you have one Sunday a year when you are especially
most often attend Holy Services, bring to Christ as their
honoured.
fragrant Myrrh, their tears and Prayers as they piously
May our Lord multiply in you the Divine Grace and Gifts of
maintain and preserve our Orthodox Faith our
the Holy Spirit, and may the Divine Gift of Christian
priceless Spiritual Legacy, which we have received from
Love abide truly in you, in order that you may become
our Faithful Ancestors, and which we, in turn, must
the Faithful and True maintainers of Christian Love and
pass to the next generation, in all its Perfection and
Harmony within your family.
Glorious Love.
For many families today are met with disaster... as some of
Behold! All you Daughters of the Orthodox Church! You
you know far better than me!
are the Faithful offspring of the Holy Myrrhbearers!
So I shall not speak about it.
When you hold in your heart the good Fragrance of Faith,
And those of you Faithful Women who attend Church
Prayer and Christian Love, and when you hasten with
regularly and constantly pray to our Lord - both here in
devotion to attend Holy Services, together with your
this Holy Temple and at home if you pray attentively
children, you are eagerly hurrying to attend to our
with Love (Agape), Humility and Perseverance, you will
Beloved Lord Jesus Christ, just as the Holy Myrrbearers
certainly receive Divine Assistance from God and be
so eagerly went to the Holy Tomb of our Crucified and
comforted in all your troubles and concerns.
Resurrected Saviour.
As we preach today on the Sunday of the Holy
Those Holy Myrrhbearing Women were more courageous
Myrrhbearing Women, let us not forget that all of you
than even the Holy Apostles who had all except for St
all Orthodox Christian Women and your daughters are
John abandoned Him in order to hide in fear.
Called to be the Holy Myrrhbearers of the Orthodox
His Ever Blessed Mother and the other Holy Women never
Church today and forever.
left Him, but continued to follow Him and to watch, to
The young girls our daughters can bring as Fragrant
wait and to do whatever needed to be done.
Myrrh to our Lord Jesus Christ their chaste life of
And when they finally reached our Lords Empty Tomb,
virginity, their heartfelt Prayers and their humble
they were the first to hear that most wonderful
Obedience and sincere respect - to God and their
Announcement: Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!
parents, and their teachers, as well as to all those who
are older and wiser than them.
THE INSPIRED, ETERNAL WISDOM
OF OUR
HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
ELDER CLEOPAS (OF ROMANIA)
Our Holy Church Fathers say that Meekness stands

between anger and Love.
And they add: Let Gentleness not lead you to
cowardice, nor Love to carelessness.
So, we must use Gentleness wisely, as it stands
midway between anger and Love - not so Meek
as to tolerate blasphemy against God and His
Gospel in the name of love, but also not rude
and unforgiving, with rage or revenge against
our Brother [Neighbour].
22.
OF THE
The Fathers say Humility is Christs Garment for taking on

human flesh for our Salvation.
Christ took on the fleshly Righteous-passions such as:
hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, etc, but concerning
our sinful passions, He never took on any of them.
Every day, every week, every month and every
year of our life are Treasures that we lose without
much reflection, but once we have lost them, it is
impossible to bring them back! (Unknown author)
HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
26 APRIL 2015

2015 - April Sacred Lessons

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Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

kinin anastasin pro tou Sou Pathous Pistoumenos, ek

To confirm the General Resurrection before Thy Passion,

Thou Resurrected Lazaros from the dead, O Christ our

TRISAGION HYMN AGIOS O THEOS...

Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe.

the Light and the Life, the Resurrection of the world,

As many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put

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

on Christ. Alleluia! (3)

Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.

Kyrios Fotismos mou ke Sotir mou. Tina fovithisome?

The Lord is my Light and my Saviour. Whom shall I fear?

BROTHERLY LOVE & VIRTUOUS LIFE

Brethren: Let us be grateful for receiving a Kingdom

ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT ARE CREATED CAN BE SHAKEN AND

THE HOSPITALITY OF ABRAHAM THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH IS A GOOD

most unique Tree. (GENESIS 18 : 1 8 & 19: 1 3)

St Paul urged us to apply all the Divine Commandments

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING

To kero ekino, in tis asthenon Lazaros apo Vithanias, ek tis

At that time, a certain man was sick: Lazaros of Bethany,

Legi afto: Ne, Kyrie, ego pepistevka oti Si i O Hristos - O

THE FRIEND OF CHRIST AS A

St Lazaros and his pious sisters, St Mary and St Martha

St Paul and St Barnabas met St Lazaros when they travelled

Furthermore, by Christ raising St Lazaros who was

INSPIRED, ETERNAL WISDOM

St Basil the Great believed that the Faithful do not weep

HOLY CHURCH FATHERS

OUR HOLY DESERT FATHERS

Faith is the beginning of Love; the end of Love is

If the spirit of despondency attacks you, do not leave

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

oti isakousete Kyrios tis fonis tis deiseos mou.

Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas.

me odines Thanatou, kindini Adou evrosan

The pains of Death

have Loved, because the Lord shall hear the voice of

surrounded me; the dangers of

Hades found me.

Evapestiso enopion Kyriou, en hora zonton.

I shall be well pleasing before the Lord in the Land of

found affliction and grief. Then I called upon the

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.

Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.

the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O

SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON PSALM 115/116 TONE 2

Epitefsa, dio elalisa. Ego de etapinothin sfodra.

psalontas Si: Allilouia!

who sing to Thee: Alleluia!

Ti antapodoso to Kyrio peri panton, on antapedoke mi?

Si Thiso Thisian eneseos

POLOU ONOU KATHESTHIS,

shall I render unto the Lord for all He has

4. I will offer a Sacrifice of Praise.

psalontas Si: Allilouia!

Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is

tous Eonas ton eonon.

THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON PSALM 117/118 PALM SUNDAY -