2015 - June 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.
1 June 2015
Afterfeast of Holy Pentecost

Monday of the Holy Spirit
Also the Feast of St Justin the Philospher, St Chariton & St Charito, his wife, St
Evelpistos, St Hierax, St Peonos, St Valerian & St Justos of Rome St Dionysios the Great
Ascetic Abbot of Glushetsk, Vologda - St Agapitos the Unmercenary Physician of Kiev
Near Caves Monastery St Shio the New, St David, St Gabriel & St Paul, Holy Monk
Martyrs of the David-Gareji Wilderness, Georgia
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - PENTECOST TONE
Evlogitos i Hriste O Theos imon, O Pansofous tous aliis Blessed

anadixas, katapempsas aftis to Pnevma to Agion, ke di
Afton tin ikoumenin saginefsas, Filanthrope: Doxa Si!
art Thou, Christ our God, Who has filled the

Fishermen with Wisdom by sending down the Holy
Spirit upon them, and Who, through them, has united
the world: Glory to Thee, O Lover of Mankind!
FESTAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

( P ENTECOST UNTIL THE APODOSIS BEFORE ALL SAINTS SUNDAY)
Ote
katavas tas glossas sinehee, diemerizen ethni O

Ipsisto. Ote tou Piros tas Glossas dienimen is enotita
panta ekalese. Ke simfonos Doxazomen to Panagion
Pnevma!
When
the Most High came down and confused the

tongues, He parted the Nations; when He divided out
the Tongues of Fire, He Called all to Unity. And with
one voice we Glorify the All-Holy Spirit!
BAPTISM HYMN INSTEAD OF THE
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe.
Allelouia!
AGIOS O THEOS...
As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put

on Christ: Alleluia!
PROKEIMENON -
PSALM 27 - (TONE (6) PLAGAL 2)
Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance

Unto Thee will I cry, O Lord, my God!
ST PAULS EPISTLE
WE
MUST WALK IN
TO THE EPHESIANS 5 : 8
CHRIST THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH
19
Brethren: ... you were once in Darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord. Walk as Children of Light for the Fruit of the
Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out what is acceptable to our Lord.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose them.
For of those things that are done by them in secret it is shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light.
Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is.
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and
Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
AS FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE
We must carefully JUDGE STRICTLY ACCORDING TO WHAT OUR
LORD GOD HAS TAUGHT US ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE,
RENOUNCE THE WICKEDNESS AND FALLENNESS OF THE WORLD
PERFECT TRUTH whatever the fallen world tells us is
BUT NOT THE BEAUTIFUL CREATION OF GOD.
reasonable.
When we sincerely Repent, a surge of Life and Joy wells
BESIDES SEPARATING OURSELVES FROM SPIRITUAL DARKNESS SIN
forth.
AND IGNORANCE AS FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS WHO ARE
A distinctive spirit, a kind of elation energizes both
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST EXPOSE
darkness and light.
EVERYTHING TO THE DIVINE LIGHT OF TRUTH.
For those in (Spiritual) Darkness, this spirit is like
However, WE MUST FIRST COME OUT OF HIDING FROM THE
drunkenness, artificial and temporary, while for
Christians it is the Presence of the Holy Spirit (that
DIVINE TRUTH OURSELVES and thus expose our own
errors, ignorance and sins accordingly, IN ORDER TO
profoundly affects and changes us) and the
indescribable Joy is the New Covenant worship of
SINCERELY AND HONESTLY REPENT OUR SINS.
the Holy Trinity, the Holy Eucharist (Thanksgiving) to
The Hymn Awake, you who sleep! is an early
God the Father, through God the Son Incarnate, in
Baptismal Hymn Holy Baptism is our Spiritual
God the Holy Spirit.
Illumination, so WHEN WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, WE WALK IN
Those who are inebriated through alcohol totter and
OUR HOLY BAPTISM IE. WE LIVE EVERY DAY OF OUR LIFE
sway and even fall down, but THOSE WHO ARE
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING THAT OUR HOLY BAPTISM
INEBRIATED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE FIRMLY ROOTED IN
SIGNIFIES.
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, AND GLORIOUSLY
In other words, WE MUST LIVE EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIFE IN
SOBER!!
CHRIST BY MEANS OF OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL WARFARE
WE CANNOT FULFIL OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE by reading or
AND STRUGGLE AGAINST THE TEMPTATIONS, PASSIONS AND
quoting Holy Scripture or singing Hymns and Psalms
SINS BY IMMEDIATELY ACKNOWLEDGING PERSONAL SIN AND
IF WE DO NOT HAVE SINCERE, REAL OR TRUE HUMILITY,
REPENTING THEM.
OBEDIENCE AND FEAR OF GOD (i.e. deepest Respect for
OUR GOAL IS not to abandon the world, but TO KEEP
God and the fear of disappointing our Most Beloved
OURSELVES IN CHRIST AND TO SALVAGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Heavenly Father through our personal failures.)
FROM THE EVIL, FALLEN WORLD.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 18 : 10 20

FINDING
THE
LOST SHEEP
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: ... Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones. I say to you that
their Angels in Heaven always see the Face of My Father Who is in Heaven. The Son of Man has come to Save
Those who were lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not
leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to see the one that had strayed? And if he should find it, truly, I say
to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
Even so, it is not the Will of your Father Who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Furthermore, if your Brother sins against Him, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you,
you will have gained your Brother. If he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ... by the mouth of two
or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the Church. And if he
refuses even to hear the Church, let him be to you like a heathen and a Tax Collector.
Truly, I say to you: whatever you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven. And whatever you loosen on Earth will be
loosened in Heaven. Again, I say to you: if two of you agree on Earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be
done for them by My Father in Heaven.
Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I Am there in the midst of them.
Our Lords use of the term little ones includes all
1 CORINTHIANS 5 : 5 ... deliver such a one to Satan for
those who have a childlike Humility and simplicity
the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be
all those who are ... poor in spirit.
Saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus.
With regard to the Angels, St John Chrysostom
IN THE CHURCH THERE IS PROTECTION FROM THE DESTRUCTIVE
POWER OF SATAN. (MATTHEW 16:18)
taught us that not only the Holy Saints but EACH OF
US HAS OUR OWN, PERSONAL GUARDIAN ANGELS, WHO
THIS PROTECTION IS - IN SUCH SERIOUS CASES REMOVED THROUGH
WATCH OVER US, GUIDE US AND PROTECT US FROM HARM.
EXCOMMUNICATION IN THE HOPE THAT, HAVING EXPERIENCED
(However, it all depends on whether we are Obedient and willing to
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GODS LOVING RULE AND SATANS
listen to those little voices that always tell us the correct way
DESTRUCTIVE ENSLAVEMENT, THIS OFFENDER MAY REPENT AND
to behave and who warn us when we are in imminent danger.)
IN THE END BE SAVED.
THE GUARDIAN ANGELS OF HUMBLE PEOPLE HAVE GREATER
The flesh (sarx) is not synonymous with body (soma).
BOLDNESS AND GREATNESS ... in the Face of God... (in the
St Pauls instructions called for the destruction not of the
Sight of God) because of the Humility of those whom
body but rather of the lusts of the flesh.
they guard, guide and protect.
GALATIANS 6 : 1 ... if a man is overtaken in any
It is not the Divine Nature of God but rather THE WEAKNESS
trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a
OF MANKIND THAT REQUIRES ANGELIC ASSISTANCE.
one in a spirit of Gentleness, considering
Unlike human, earthly Shepherds and their flocks of
yourself lest you also be tempted.
sheep, CHRIST OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, HIGHLY VALUES
To be able to administer correction with GENTLENESS IS A
EVEN ONE OF HIS HOLY FLOCK - to such a degree that
SPIRITUAL GIFT GRANTED TO US BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
HE WILL LEAVE HIS OTHER SHEEP IN ORDER TO SAVE THOSE
Nevertheless, CORRECTION AND REPENTANCE MUST TAKE PLACE
THAT GO ASTRAY AND WHO ARE LOST.
SO THAT THE SIN DOES NOT SPREAD TO OTHERS AS WELL.
THE NINETY-NINE SHEEP SIGNIFY THE RIGHTEOUS WHO REMAIN
The Church consists of everyone Bishops, Priests,
FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALMIGHTY GOD. (LUKE 15:7)
Deacons, Choir, Teachers, Readers and laity the
Some of our Holy Church Fathers also regard this as a
people.
reference to Christs Incarnation whereby THE NINETYTHE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS THE BODY OF CHRIST AND WE ARE ALL
NINE - SIGNIFYING THE HEAVENLY HOSTS OF ANGELS - WERE
MEMBERS SIGNIFICANT PARTS OF CHRISTS BODY, HAVING TO
LEFT IN HEAVEN WHEN HE CAME TO EARTH IN ORDER TO FIND
FUNCTION IN HARMONY, PEACE AND UNITY.
HIS LOST SHEEP ON EARTH MANKIND WHO HAD FALLEN INTO
THE AUTHORITY TO BIND OR LOOSEN SINS IS GRANTED TO THE
CORRUPTION AND SIN.
APOSTLES AND TRANSMITTED TO THE BISHOPS AND
Mankind had gone astray and thus became severely
PRESBYTERS (PRIESTS) THEY ORDAINED.
alienated from God.
THIS AUTHORITY IS GIVEN FOR THE SAKE OF THE SALVATION OF THE
CHURCH DISCIPLINE IS BASED ON MUTUAL CORRECTION IN
SINNER.
THREE EXPANDING STAGES.
The sinner, ... seeing that he is not cast out of the
SIN AND CORRECTION ARE TO REMAIN PRIVATE UNLESS THE
Church, but that the bond of his sin will remain in
OFFENDER REFUSED TO REPENT.
Heaven, he may turn and become gentle. (ST JOHN
CHRYSOSTOM)
ALL CORRECTION MUST BE DONE WITH GREAT CARE AND HUMILITY,
WITH THE HIGHEST CONCERN BEING THE SALVATION OF THE
OFFENDER.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, of
the same Eternal, Divine Essence and equal Rank as God
the Father and the Son.
"... the Spirit is the Witness, because the Spirit is the
Truth. There are three Witnesses, the Spirit, the
Water, and the Blood; and these three agree..."
(1 JOHN 5:7-8).
The Holy Spirit is revealed in many verses of Holy

Scripture:
"Why has Satan filled your hearts to lie to the Holy
Spirit ... you have not lied to men, but to God" (ACTS
5:3,4B)
"There are varieties of Gifts, but the same Spirit ... the
same Lord ... it is the same God..." (1 CORINTHIANS
12:5F -CF. MATTHEW 28:19; 2 CORINTHIANS 13:13F).
The Godhead of the Holy Spirit comes directly from God
the Father. As the Son is Begotten by the Father, the
Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father, for:
"When the Counsellor [the Holy Spirit] comes, Whom I
[Christ] shall send to you from the Father, even the
Spirit Of Truth, Who Proceeds from the Father, He
will bear Witness to Me." (JOHN 15:26).
The Church has proclaimed this Divine Truth - that THE
HOLY SPIRIT IS OF THE SAME ETERNAL SUBSTANCE AS THE
FATHER AND THE SON IN THE GODHEAD OF THE TRINITY
and has incorporated this Truth in the Nicene Creed as
pronounced by the Second Ecumenical Synod (381).
[I believe] "... in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life,
Who Proceeds from the Father, Who - with the Father
and the Son together - is Worshipped and Glorified;
Who spoke by the Prophets."
2.
HOLY TRINITY WEEK MONDAY
The Holy Spirit in Truth remains in the Church, Protects

and Preserves Her Truths and Sanctifies Her members.
The Holy Spirit is the Power and Comforter of Believers,
and was Promised by Christ.
The Holy Spirit is the Life-Giving Energy and Power, which
makes the Church "the Pillar and Ground of the
Truth." (1 TIMOTHY 3:15)
The Holy Spirit was the Divine Instrument in the
Conception of Jesus Christ as God-Man.
"The Holy Spirit will come upon Thee (Virgin Mary),
and the Power of the Most High will overshadow
Thee. Therefore, the Child to be born will be
called Holy, the Son of God" (LUKE 1:35).
The Holy Spirit is the Author of Holy Scripture and the
Source of Inspiration for its writers.
This is why - although it was written by different people
throughout the span of 1000 years - Holy Scripture is
coherent and consistent in substance and meaning. This
is a remarkable and overwhelming fact. There is no
other literature in the world which has this outstanding
coherence, while written over such a period of time and
by different writers.
What was prophesied in the Old Testament, dating back
hundreds of years, was fulfilled in time, and in detail, in
the New Testament. This is an extraordinary
phenomenon. This coherence of the Old with the New
was an evolutionary process in the course of time
between the Divine Promise and its realization.
OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT
1 JUNE 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
7 June 2015
Tone (8) Plagal 4

1st Sunday After Pentecost 1st Sunday of St Matthew
Sunday Of All Saints
Also the Feast of St Theodotos of Ancyra St Marcellinos, St Claudios, St Cyrinos, St

Sisinios, St Samaragdos, St Largos, St Apronian, St Saturninos, St Crescentian, St Papias,
St Mauros, St Antoninos, St Priscilla, St Lucy & Artemia, the Emperors daughter, of Rome
St Kyriake, St Kaleria (Valeria), St Mary & St Zinaida (Zenais) of Caesarea, Palestine St
Gregory, St Theodoros & St Leontos of Sami, Kephallonia
APOSTLES FAST BEGINS TOMORROW UNTL 29 JUNE, FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES, ST
PETER & ST PAUL
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION
TONE
(8) PLAGAL 4
Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, Thou
descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;

Thou endured the three-days burial, so that Thou
might free us from our passions, O our Life and
Resurrection: Glory to Thee
ina imas elevtherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Anastasis

imon, Kyrie, Doxa Si!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION HOLY APOSTLES
OF
CHRIST TONE 3
Apostoli Agii, presvefsate to eleimoni Theo, ina ptesmaton O Holy Apostles, intercede with our Merciful God to grant
afesin, paraskhi tes psihes imon.
our souls forgiveness of sins!
Tin
The
Dodekahordon tou Pnevmatos Liran, tous tou Sotiros

Apostolous ke Mistas, hreostikos imnisomen Pisti. Pasi
gar evingelisanto tis Alithias ton Logon, ethni
depanigagon pros ton monon Pimena, ton arhigon tis
Pisteos Hriston, on disopousi Sothine pantas imas.
APOLYTIKION OF
Twelve-string Lyre of the Spirit, the Apostles and

Initiates of the Saviour, let us the Faithful dutifully
praise. For they preached to everyone the Word of the
Truth, and they returned the Nations to the one and
only Shepherd, the Leader of our Faith Who is Christ,
Whom they beseech that all of us be saved.
ALL SAINTS -
TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ton en olon to kosmo Martiron Sou, os porfiran ke visson Thy Church having bedecked herself with the blood of all
ta emata, i Ekklisia Sou stolisameni, di afton voa Si,
Hriste O Theos: To lao Sou tous iktirmous katapempson,
irinin ti politia Sou Dorise, ke tes psihes imon to Mega
Eleos.
KONTAKION
Os
OF
Thy Martyrs in the world, as with the finest linen and

purple robe, through them cries out to Thee, O Christ
our God: Send down Thy Compassion upon Thy
people, grant peace to Thy Commonwealth, and to our
souls Thy Great Mercy.
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
aparhas tis fiseos, to fitourgo tis ktiseos, i ikoumeni

proferi Si Kyrie, tous Theoforou Martiras. Tes afton
ikesies, en Irini vathia tin Ekklisian Sou, dia tis
Theotokou, Sintirison Polielee!
Like
the First Fruits of Nature, to the Author of all

Creation, the earths people offer Thee, O Lord, the
God-bearing Martyrs.
Through their Intercessions,
maintain Thy Church in True and Perfect Peace, and
through the Theotokos, preserve Her, O Most Merciful!
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28 : 16 20

TH
GREA
COMMISSION
OF OUR
LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CH
RIST
PROKEIMENON ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

God is Marvellous in His Saints!
Bless the Lord in the Congregation!
THE EPISTLE
OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 11 : 33

THE FAITH OF CERTAIN ISRAELITES & THE PERFECTION OF FAITH
12 : 2
Brethren: all the Saints, through Faith - subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword. Out of weakness were made strong,
became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead Raised to life again.
Others were tortured - not accepting deliverance, so that they might obtain a better Resurrection. Others had trials of
mockings and scourgings, of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, tempted, slain with
the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the
world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountain, in dens and caves of the Earth.
And all of these having obtained a Good Testimony through Faith did not receive the Promise - God having provided
something better for us so that they should not be made Perfect apart from us.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of Witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that
so easily ensnares us, and let us run with Endurance the Race that is set before us, looking unto the Author and
Finisher of our Faith, Jesus. Who - for the Joy that was set before Him - endured the Cross, despising the shame, and
has sat down at the right Hand of the Throne of God.
BY LIVING WITH ALMIGHTY GOD, OBEYING ALL HIS
LIFES DIFFICULTIES, even the inhumane torture
COMMANDMENTS AND LOVING HIM WITH ALL ONES BEING,
inflicted by others as experienced by the
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE in this world
Martyrdom of so many of the Saints throughout the
ages.
because HE GRANTS US THE STRENGTH TO ENDURE ALL
1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 1ST OF ST MATTHEW ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
7 JUNE 2015
THE
UNSURPASSED SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND DEPTH OF THE

FAITH OF THE SAINTS IS TO BE MARVELLED AT AND IMITATED
BY US.
NOTHING COULD SHAKE THEM LOOSE FROM THEIR UTTER FAITH
IN AND LOVE OF ALMIGHTY GOD; not even promises of
leniency in the midst of horrific tortures could
make them denounce their Faith.
STRENGTH TO ENDURE THE CRUELTIES OF MANKIND AND THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FALLEN SPIRITUALLY DARKENED WORLD, IS DUE TO GODS GRACE ONLY - BASED UPON
COMPLETE TRUST IN HIM, Who provides us with all
necessary abilities to achieve whatever is
required.
That is why GOD IS GLORIFIED THROUGH THE SUFFERINGS OF HIS
BELOVED FAITHFUL who depend entirely upon Him to
deliver them from all evil.
ONLY THROUGH THE POWER AND GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD IS
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING POSSIBLE!
CHRISTS INCARNATION AND ALL THAT HE ACCOMPLISHED FOR
US IN THE FLESH REDEEMED [SAVED] THE OLD COVENANT
SAINTS WHO, BY FAITH, PARTICIPATE IN HIS RESURRECTION
AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.
This entire passage [BEGINNING WITH 10:9] is a
progressive discourse imploring us to SEEK GODS
KINGDOM FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE!
Under the New Covenant, WE CAN ASCEND TO THIS
HEAVENLY PLACE IN WORSHIP AND PRAYER.
WE EXPERIENCE THIS HEAVENLY DIMENSION FUNDAMENTALLY
IN THE DIVINE LITURGY.
We ascend to that Heavenly Place where WE ARE

SURROUNDED BY A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES. [THE
HEAVENLY HOSTS AND THE SAINTS]
It is not a physical place but A SPIRITUAL CONDITION THAT IS
INHABITED BY ALMIGHTY GOD, THE ANGELS AND THE SPIRITS
OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT. [THE SAINTS]
IT IS IN THIS SPIRITUAL MYSTERY THAT THE COMMUNION OF THE
SAINTS IS ESTABLISHED IN THE NEW COVENANT [NEW
AGREEMENT/PROMISE OF AND WITH GOD]
The Cloud of Witnesses includes not only the Old
Covenant Saints mentioned previously, but also the
Saints and Martyrs of the Lord throughout all the
ages.
ALL THE HOLY SAINTS AND MARTYRS SUCCEEDED REACHED
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION OR THEOSIS - AND SO CAN WE!
WE PERSEVERE BY:
GETTING RID OF SIN the weight of which keeps us
from heeding the Truth
SETTING THE HEAVENLY CITY AS OUR DESTINATION running
the Race of Faith
KEEPING OUR ATTENTION FOCUSED UPON JESUS CHRIST OUR
LORD AND KING.
This Race is not a sprint but A MARATHON OF ENDURANCE WHICH DOES NOT END UNTIL WE FULLY ENTER ETERNITY the
Age to come. [1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 27]
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS BOTH THE AUTHOR THE INITIATOR AND FINISHER PERFECTER OF FAITH.
HIS JOY WAS TO DO GOD THE FATHERS WILL.
He endured the Cross meaning that HE VOLUNTARILY
ACCEPTED HUMILIATION AND DEATH and THEREFORE WE
ARE TO FOLLOW HIS DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO ST MATTHEW 10: 32-33; 37-38;

B E I N G FEARLESS WITNESSES TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS PERFECT DIVINE TRUTH
19: 27-30
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: ... whoever Confesses Me before men, him will I also Confess before My Father Who is
in Heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in Heaven...
...He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me
is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his Cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me...
Then Peter said to Him: Behold: we have left all and followed Thee. Therefore what shall we have?
Jesus said to them: Truly, I say to you, that in the Regeneration - when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of His Glory
- you who have followed Me will also sit on Twelve Thrones, judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel. And everyone who
has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for My Names sake, shall
receive a hundredfold, and inherit Eternal Life.
Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
The reference to taking up our Crosses in order to
THE DULL AND STUBBORNLY IGNORANT WILL REMAIN IN
SPIRITUAL DARKNESS BY THEIR OWN CHOICE, but there
follow Christ our Lord and Saviour, means that
NOTHING MUST PREVENT US FROM BEING ABSOLUTELY
are SOME WHO WILL FOLLOW US INTO THE DIVINE LIGHT
FAITHFUL TO OUR LORD GOD.
AND LIFE IN CHRIST.
A TRUE AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST MUST ALWAYS BE
SPIRITUALLY STUBBORN AND DEAD SINNERS WILL ALWAYS FIND
READY TO OBEY GOD AND EVEN, IF NECESSARY, TO
EXCUSES AND TRY TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM OBEYING
SACRIFICE FAMILY OR FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE
GODS DIVINE WILL EITHER BY THEIR WORDS, THEIR DEEDS
SPIRITUALLY DESTRUCTIVE.
OR THEIR ATTITUDES.
HOLY MARTYRDOM FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FAITH IN JESUS
These are the people whom our Lord tells us to ignore
CHRIST AND ALMIGHTY GOD, IS A FULFILMENT OF THE
although WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL
PROPHECY of
ENLIGHTENMENT AND DELIVERANCE, FOR, IF WE LOVE GOD AND
MICHAH 7: 5 - 7: ...do not trust in friends, nor put your
HIS CREATURES, WE DO NOT WISH ANYONE TO BE LEFT OUT OF
hope in those who govern. Beware of your wife
HIS DIVINE AND EVERLASTING KINGDOM.
and do not tell her anything. For a son dishonours
CHRIST JUDGES BY DISCERNING OUR HEARTS AND SOULS and
his father, a daughter will rise up against her
not by examining our deeds. So also THE APOSTLES
mother, a daughter-in-lay against her mother-inWERE SHAPED TO EXERCISE SPIRITUAL JUDGEMENT
law; a mans enemies are all the people of his own
CONCERNING FAITH, AND IN REBUKING ERROR WITH
house but I will LOOK TO THE LORD...
VIRTUE.
OUR LORD JESUS AS THE ALL DIVINE AND ALL KNOWING SON OF
In other words, GOOD DEEDS ALONE, CANNOT GAIN DIVINE
GOD KNEW EVERYTHING THAT HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND
BLESSINGS FOR US UNLESS OUR HEARTS AND SOULS ARE AS PURE,
AS GOOD AND AS FAITHFUL AS OUR DEEDS - AND VICE VERSA.
APOSTLES WOULD HAVE TO ENDURE IN THE TIME TO COME AND
THROUGHOUT ALL THE AGES.
THE APOSTLES WILL NOT JUDGE WITH EARTHLY JUDGEMENT BUT BY
OUR LORD ENCOURAGES US THROUGH ALL OUR DIFFICULTIES IN
THE WITNESS OF THEIR OWN LIVES.
LIFE
SINCE GODS DIVINE AND HOLY KINGDOM BEGINS WITH THE
even if we are not confronted by terrible Martyrdom
RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, THE AUTHORITY OF JUDGEMENT
WE ARE CONSTANTLY THREATENED BY DESTRUCTIVE, FATAL
HAS ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO THE HOLY APOSTLES AND
THEIR SUCCESSORS IN THE JOURNEY OF THE CHURCH ON
UNGODLINESS AND SPIRITUAL ADVERSITY.
WE MUST DO EVERYTHING ACCORDING TO OUR LOVE OF GOD
EARTH. (MATTHEW 16:19 JOHN 20:23)
AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.
This brings us back to THE HOLY MYSTERY OR SACRAMENT
We must not follow the destructive norms of social life
OF CONFESSION WHEREBY REPENTANT SINNERS, HAVING
but instead TAKE UP OUR CROSSES AND FOLLOW
REPENTED AND CONFESSED THEIR SINS BEFORE GOD AND
FAITHFULLY IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST WHO IS OUR
HIS HOLY PRIESTS (OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS) ARE FORGIVEN
ONLY JUDGE AND MASTER.
THEIR SINS BY MEANS OF DIVINE AUTHORITY BESTOWED
We must not worry about what our fellow sinners may
UPON THEM BY GOD.
think or do. And, in fact, we will SHOW THEM THE WAY
THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CONFESSION ALL OUR
BY OUR OWN HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PEACEFUL LIFE IN
REPENTED AND CONFESSED SINS ARE COMPLETELY
CHRIST.
REMOVED from the pages of our Books of Life
wherein every word, thought and deed is
S T
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4 1 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 1 OF ST MATTHEW ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
7 JUNE 2015
recorded by our Holy Guardian Angels who

defend us after death and who help us TO ENTER
ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD.
On the contrary: ALL OUR UNREPENTED SINS ARE ALSO
RECORDED BY THE DEMONS WHO WILL LOUDLY ACCUSE US

OF THEM AND TRY TO CLAIM OUR SOULS FOR ETERNAL
CONDEMNATION AND EVER LASTING SPIRITUAL DEATH IN
OUTER DARKNESS EXTREME AND PERMANENT ETERNAL
EXILE FROM GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD,
PEACEFUL AND LOVING!
WHATEVER GOOD WE DO IN THIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
LOVE OF GOD AND HIS CREATURES, BRINGS US ABUNDANT
BLESSINGS AND HELPS US TO PROGRESS TOWARDS ETERNAL

LIFE.
God, being not only Just but also Merciful and Loving,
grants to even the very last repentant sinner His
Great Blessings THE VERY LAST REPENTANT SINNER
RECEIVES AS MANY BLESSINGS AND LOVE AS THE FIRST TO
ENTER ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD.
WE ARE ALL EQUAL BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD BUT IT IS ENTIRELY
UP TO OUR OWN EFFORTS AND DECISIONS OUR OWN FREE WILL WHETHER WE WISH TO LIVE ETERNALLY IN THE SIGHT AND LOVE
OF GOD OR WHETHER WE REJECT HIM AND ALL HIS ABUNDANT,
INFINITE LOVE AND BLESSINGS.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SUNDAY

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen!
Beloved in the Lord: on this day the Holy Church celebrates
the Feast of All-Saints - both those known to us and
those only known to God.
This Feast is celebrated on the Sunday immediately
following the Feast of Pentecost and the Decent of the
Holy Spirit upon the Holy Apostles and Disciples of our
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ - and indeed, upon all
who have been Baptised into Christ.
This is due to the fact that, as we know, without the Help of
the Holy Spirit in our Life, we can do nothing Good, yet
when we work together in Holy Synergy with the Holy
Spirit indeed Great Things can be accomplished.
This Truth applies to our Holy Martyrs and Saints, for all
the Wonderful Things that they were able to endure and
accomplish - the trials and the persecutions, the brutal
tortures, the long Fasts, the Great Healings, the Miracles
- were all possible only by the Power and Energy of God
the Holy Spirit, Who works in and through His Saints,
Holy Martyrs and Wonderworkers, ...of whom the
world was not worthy. (HEBREWS 11:38)
In this case, St Paul referred to the sinful world as being
unworthy - not all of God's Creation.
We, too, are Called to be in the world, but not of the world,
as the Saints before us were.
We, too, can achieve the great accomplishments of the
Saints - and indeed we must strive to do so, if we wish
to inherit Eternal Life.
Beloved Brothers and Sisters, we ARE CALLED TO BECOME
SAINTS as well.
This is what our Goal should be as Christians - Unity with
Christ, our God, One of the Holy Trinity, by the Grace
and Help of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Saintliness must be understood by us as not being
something abnormal, or exceptional, for this is
normal for every Faithful, Struggling Christian.
To be a Saint in the understanding of the Holy Church, is
to be LIVING IN CONSTANT COMMUNION WITH GOD, AND
LIVING ACCORDING TO HIS COMMANDMENTS AT ALL TIMES
AND IN EVERY PLACE.
The Sacred Gospel Lesson of today provides us with the
Divine Truth and Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ Who
clearly and concisely states the conditions for our
Holiness and Sanctity, or Saintliness: ...He who loves
father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is
not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his Cross
and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me...
Although for some, that might sound like a very harsh
Teaching, and something too drastic and radical, our
Lord, in His usual Mercy, goes on to say: ...And
everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or
father or mother or wife or children or lands for My
Names sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit
Eternal Life...
We must leave the things "...of this world..." - everything
that interferes with our Path towards Sanctity, no
matter what they are, if we are to inherit Eternal Life.
CHRIST DOES NOT TELL US NOT TO LOVE THE THINGS THAT ARE
GOOD, but rather HE INSTRUCTS US NOT TO LOVE THEM
"...MORE THAN..." WE LOVE HIM.
This Teaching could be applied to many things.
In the Gospel account, Christ Himself lists "...fathers,
mothers, sons and daughters..." but we can certainly
add other things to this list, such as friends, coworkers, Priests, Bishops, books, music, titles,
Diplomas, worldly knowledge, power, social status and
OF
ALL SAINTS
privileges,
and even
ourselves or
our
own
accomplishments.
Although in themselves, some of these may seem to be
good, but when they are loved more than Christ
when we become obsessed with them - they interfere
with and even prevent our Life in Christ.
Consequently, these seemingly good or harmless things
became very bad stumbling blocks for us and for our
Salvation, which is not difficult to understand.
OUR LORD GAVE US HIS GREAT COMMANDMENT TO LOVE THE
LORD OUR GOD WITH ALL OUR MIND, WITH ALL OUR
HEART, WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH AND WITH ALL OUR
SOUL. (This is the Declaration of Faith we make each and
every time we Bless ourselves with the Sign of the Cross. mp)
If we truly Love God as much as we profess, we will love
nothing more than Him.
Furthermore if we do Love God, we will also truly Love our
neighbour as much as we love ourselves and as much as
God Loves all humanity. (These two Divine Commandments
of Love [Agape] are inseparable! mp)

This is how His Holy Saints Lived every day, (and how they
were able to endure all things, which is exactly why our Lord
Himself wants all of us to do so as well. mp)
CHRISTIANITY IS A CELEBRATION OF LOVE. IT IS A LIFE OF LOVE
IN OUR SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD.
Through Him, it becomes A LIFE OF LOVE WITH ONE ANOTHER,
WHEN WE SEE GOD HIMSELF IN EACH OTHER.
Animosity, hatred, jealousy, envy or even anger towards
one another has absolutely no place in our Life in
Christ.
St Maximos the Confessor, in his "Four Hundred Chapters
on Love" stated: "...The one who sees a trace of hatred
in his own heart, through any fault at all, toward any
man whoever he may be, makes himself completely
foreign to the Love for God, because Love for God in
no way admits hatred...."
He continued: "...Blessed is the man who has learnt to
Love all men equally."
This is the "Blessedness" of the Saints whom we
Commemorate today.
Their Love for God overflows into Love for all mankind, and
indeed all Creation.
By celebrating the Life of the Saints, we celebrate not only
their
Miracles,
their
great
Podvigs,
(Holy
Feats/Achievmens), their Healings, their Fasts, but most
importantly we celebrate their Love first and foremost
for God, and then for all mankind - and indeed their
Love towards all of us who are gathered here today to
celebrate their memory.
We must constantly Struggle against our fallen nature to be
able to abide in this Godly Love with each other.
Every day - in fact, every minute - we are tempted by the
enemy of our Salvation, who tries to draw us towards
something else, which is wicked and ungodly.
We must be ever Watchful and Spiritually Alert in order to
perpetually fight against these constant temptations
with all our Spiritual Strength.
This ceaseless Spiritual Warfare compelled the Saints to
continuously Fast, perform long Vigils, pray, and endure
great Ascetic Efforts- and for the same reason, we, too
should do likewise.
It is for that very reason that our Holy Church in Her Great
Mercy grant us another Fasting Period, that begins
tomorrow and lasts until the Apostles Feast of St Peter
and St Paul.
Being the Body of Christ, the Holy Church knows what is
essential for us to inherit Eternal Life.
We simply need the inseparable Virtues of Humility and
Obedience so that in Joyful Thanksgiving we are willing,
1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 1ST OF ST MATTHEW ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
7 JUNE 2015
eager and able to follow Her Holy Rules, which are for
our own good for our Eternal Spiritual Benefit and
Blessings.
Our Spiritual Struggles will, consequently become much
easier and our earthly burdens will be much lighter, as
shown to us by the Example of all the Saints.
May we, like the wonderful Saints before us - those known
to us, and those known only to God - Strive to Love
Him above all else.
May we, for His sake, joyfully endure Fasts, Podvigs, Vigils and if deemed worthy - sufferings and martyrdoms, in
whichever form they take - not as ends in themselves,
but for the sake of Christ our Saviour.
May we leave behind us all the things that interfere with
our Salvation, and confidently believe that, as our Lord
Spiritual Deception - Taking Stock of our Struggle
promises: ...everyone who has left houses or brothers

or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or
lands for My Names sake, shall receive a
hundredfold, and inherit Eternal Life.
May we, my Beloved, be deemed worthy to one day be
numbered among the Saints.
May we begin this Process by Loving God above all else, and
Loving one another as much as ourselves and as much
as God Loves all humanity.
Through the Prayers of All Saints, O Lord Jesus Christ our
God, have Mercy on us!
IGUMEN ZACCHAEUS (WOOD)
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/71509.htm
SPIRITUAL WARFARE & SPIRITUAL DECEPTION- FATHER M STEENBERG

The issue of Spiritual Deception is a most important one
for those who seek Union with God. We are engaged in
a Spiritual Struggle in a world that is oriented to deceive
us, convincing us that there is not really a Struggle.
Without a doubt, the overriding Spiritual Challenge we all
face today is one of misplaced goals based on a limited
vision embedded in the norms of our secular society.
What we seem to be seeking is self-satisfaction. We attend
seminars, watch TV shows, surf internet sites, and read
books to examine ourselves, but for what purpose? To
discover how to be happy and content with ourselves.
Is this not true?
We are constantly encouraged to examine ourselves, to
become our true self.
We live in a world where the primary focus is on ourselves
and our self-evaluation of our well being.
This focus is based in large part on the ...simplistic belief
that one can be whatever one wishes to be, however one
wishes to be it, so long as one does not harm others.
The ...goal of all our self-examination seems to be the
discovery of the me with whom to be happy and
satisfied.
This orientation is also embedded in the New Age and selfhelp movement. These programmes still orbit around
the central point of self-satisfaction and contentment
with the true self. often times they do involve calls to
change and transformation
They ...espouse a certain nuance: that between false selflove and true self-love, with one being bound by flaws
and problems, and the other being authentic and
exalted
We experience a ...direct call for self-assessment and
change so that the false self being lived at present can
be shed in favour of the true self, which is the ready
object of love.
The ...true self one aims to discover and love through
shedding such false selves is still one defined by ones will
and desires.
The ...root of both is the same: satisfaction gained through
contentment in self, as defined by the self.
This ongoing quest of self-satisfaction is the result of a
secular world view where ...one sees the world, and the
human life within it, primarily or wholly, in terms of the
things of this age- of worldly visions separated from the
Theological Vision of the Church... that aims at Gods
Kingdom.
The current world ...sees sin more and more as an
outdated conviction of moral behaviour; demons as oldfashioned
We ...describe the world one knows to be simply
psychological factors; Heaven and Hell as outmoded
myths aimed at enforcing moral codes.
We deny the demonic forces that are ceaselessly working
against us.
We fail to generally recognize that the ...world is the work
of a Creator, that it is the venue of growth for a
creature who has an opponent in that growth, that it
is moving toward Judgment, Redemption and
Renewal.
Without these things, the impetus for a Call to genuine
change into the Sanctifying Life of the Creator is
easily lost.
This mentality is a deception and a trap to the
Christian.
(PART 1)
Saint Basil the Great warned us: Be attentive to yourself.

That is, observe yourself carefully from every side. Let
the eye of your soul be sleepless to guard you. You walk
in the midst of snares. Hidden traps have been set by
the enemy in many places, therefore observe everything,
that you may be Saved like a gazelle from traps and like
a bird from snares... (DEUTERONOMY 15:9 ; SIRACH 9:13 &
PROVERBS 6:5)
In today's world, ...the overarching goal is the now. The

human person is to instigate whatever helps, whatever
modifications to his life and lifestyle may bring about a
deeper satisfaction with whom and what he is.
He is charged not to become something else (except
inasmuch as he may be prompted to shed certain
attributes which keep him from being who he really is at
his core), but to become happy with the self that
currently lies hidden.
Wait a minute!! What is the Focus of the Life of a Christian
supposed to be? Is it this preoccupation with the self?
Is life about self-satisfaction? No!
How far this is from our Christian Calling!
Christianity is a Life rooted in Christs own Life. Its
charge is not to live for self but to live for Christ; and its
Goal is not satisfaction but Transformation.
The Christian is Called to become - to enter into a
Newness of Life that is Anothers - that is Christs.
We are to discover the self of our current existence,
precisely so that we can work to change it into a Life
not defined by our will, but defined and made Real by
Anotherby God Himself.
Life in Christ is a Life of Transformation into a New
Person. It is a Life that works toward Resurrection,
when the body of this death shall pass away and the
Glorified man will know the Lord of Glory. (CF. ROMANS
7:24)
THE CHRISTIAN TASK IS not to simply engage in selfexamination for the purpose of self-satisfaction, but TO
STRUGGLE AGAINST THE FORCES OF EVIL, ENGAGING IN
SPIRITUAL WARFARE as St Paul frequently said.
But, by todays view, this Struggle is not real. It is seen as
delusional.
How often do we discuss our Struggle against evil forces?
How often - besides the Sunday Sermon - do we think
about the self-sacrifice demanded of us for our
Salvation, or our True Aim of being United with Christ
in Eternal Life?
Instead, in many ways, we are told over and over to forget
the archaic ideas the Church teaches, but to think for
ourselves and get rid of these outdated foolish notions
the Church says are Truths.
After all, we are told, they are only ideas imposed on us by
organizations that want to control us.
By Christian Standards, THIS WAY OF THINKING SAYS THE DEVIL
HAS ALREADY WON THE BATTLE!!
The effect is that WE ARE NO LONGER WILLING TO ENGAGE IN
THE VITAL SPIRITUAL BATTLE.
WE FORSAKE OUR ASCETICAL DISCIPLINES OF OLD AND INSTEAD
FOLLOW THE ERRONEOUS AND DANGEROUSLY DECEPTIVE
DOCTRINE OF SELF-SATISFACTION.
We must WAKE UP!
THE SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE IS REAL.
THE SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE
IS CENTRAL TO OUR
CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS.
(...TO BE CONTINUED...)
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM
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14 June 2015
Tone 1
2nd Sunday After Pentecost 2 n d Sunday of St Matthew
The Calling of the Holy Apostles
Also the Feast of the Synaxis of the Saints of North America St Elisha, Holy Prophet of
God St Methodios the Confessor & Patriarch of Constantinople St George, Prince of
Novgorod St Methodios of Peshnosh Monastery St Elisha of Suma, Solovky Monastery
St Niphon of Mount Athos Synaxis of All Saints of Belaros
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 1
While the stone was sealed by the Judeans, and soldiers
Tou
lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke Stratioton

filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis trimeros,
Sotir, Doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon Si Zoodota.
Doxa ti
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti
Ikonomia Sou, mone Filanthrope!
stood on guard over Thine Undefiled Body, Thou rose

on the Third Day, O Saviour Who gives Life to the
world. For which cause the Heavenly Powers cried
aloud to Thee: O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy
Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory
to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST ELISHA, HOLY PROPHET -
Ensarkos Angelos, ton Profiton i kripis, O Defteros

Prodromos, tis Parousias Hristou, Ilias O Endoxos,
Anothen katapempsas, Eliseo tin Harin, nosous
apodioki, ke leprous Katharizi. Dio ke tis Timosin Afton,
vrii iamata.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST METHODIOS
OF
Orthodoxias
Odige, evsevias Didaskale ke Semnotitos, tis

ikoumenis
O
Fostir,
Arhiereon
Theopnefston
egkallopisma, Methodie Sofe, tes didahes Sou pantas
efotisas, lira tou Pnevmatos. Presveve Hristo to Theo,
sothine tas psihas imon.
TONE 4
The Incarnate Angel, the Cornerstone of the Prophets, the

Second Forerunner of the Appearance of Christ, the
Glorious Elias (Elijah), who from Above, sent down to
Elisha the Grace to dispel sickness and to Cleanse
lepers, abounds therefore in Healing for those who
honour Him.
CONSTANTINOPLE TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
A Model of Faith and Image of Gentleness, the example of

Thy Life has shown Thou forth to Thy Sheepfold to be
a Master of Temperance. Thou obtained thus through
being lowly, Gifts from on High, and Riches through
Poverty. Methodios, our Father and Priest of Priests:
Intercede with Christ our God that He may Save our
soul.
FESTAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
Prostasia
ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton

Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon
fonas, alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon,
ton Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton
timonton Se.
Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation

to the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Help of all of us, who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed
up Thine Intercession, and press on Thy
Supplication, O Theotokos who always protects all
those who honour Thee!
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 MARK 16 : 1 8

THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS WITN
ESS
THE EMPTY TOMB OF OUR RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST
PROKEIMENON PSALM 32 TONE 1

Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you Righteous
ST PAULS EPISTLE
JUD
GEMENT
TO THE
ROMANS 2 : 10 16
OF EACH
CONSCIENCE
Brethren: ...Glory, Honour and Peace to everyone who works what is Good. To the Judean first and also to the Hellenes.
There is not partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without Law will also perish without Law. And as many as
have sinned in the Law will be Judged by the Law. (For not the hearers of the Law are Justified in the Sight of God, but
the doers of the Law will be Justified.)
When the Gentiles who do not have the Law, by nature, do the things in the Law, these, although not having the Law, are a
law unto themselves, who show the work of the Law written in their heart, their conscience also bearing witness.
And between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them - in the Day when God will Judge the secrets of
mankind according to my Gospel by Jesus Christ.
advantage of concrete instructions yet still HAVE A
Gentiles are counted as Hebrews as Gods Chosen
when THEIR CONSCIENCE LEADS THEM TO RIGHTEOUSNESS IN
NATURAL, COMPELLING DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD.
THE SAME MANNER AS WHEN THE LAW LEADS AND GUIDES THE
While GENTILES/PAGANS could find God through their
VIRTUOUS HEBREWS.
conscience, they WERE NOT BETTER OFF THAN THE HEBREWS
The Law is written in their heart...refers to OUR
WHO HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF THE ORACLES OF GOD THE
CONSCIENCE, which IS GOD-GIVEN AND HAS THE SAME NATURAL
MOSAIC LAW OF GOD AND HIS HOLY PROPHETS TO LEAD,
TEACH AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS GOD.
HOLY POWER.
According to St John Chrysostom, THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO
THE ADVANTAGE OF THE HEBREW NATION WAS PEDAGOGICAL
FOLLOW THEIR CONSCIENCE TO GOD ARE MORE VIRTUOUS THAN
(educational/instructive) FOR THEY WERE TAUGHT MORE
THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE LAW, FOR THEY do not have the
THOROUGHLY AND MORE PRECISELY ABOUT THE LORD OUR GOD.
2ND AP-2ND SUNDAY
OF
ST MATTHEW-CALLING
OF THE
APOSTLES
14 JUNE 2015
However, EVEN THIS ADVANTAGE DID NOT MAKE THE HEBREWS ANY
MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN THE GENTILES/PAGAN/HEATHENS FOR
KNOWING THE LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS OF GOD DOES NOT MAKE

ANYONE A RIGHTEOUS TEACHER AND GUIDE FOR OTHERS, UNLESS
THEY THEMSELVES FAITHFULLY OBEY ALL GODS TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS.
ONLY BY KEEPING/OBEYING THE SPIRIT AND HEART OF DIVINE TRUTH
LAW, TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENT, CAN WE GUIDE
OTHERS.
ALL HUMANITY IS UNDER THE ENSLAVEMENT AND OPPRESSION OF

SIN.
MANY IF NOT MOST HEBREWS relied on knowing the Law
for their Righteousness, when in fact, they DID NOT OBEY
it.

OUR LORD JESUS C
HRIST
TO ST MATTHEW 4 : 18
CALLS HIS FIRST APOSTLES
23
At that time, our Lord Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother,
casing a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them: Come, follow Me, and I will make you
Fishers of Men. They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
And going on from there, He saw two other brothers - James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother - in the boat with
Zebedee their father, mending their nets. And He called to them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and
followed Him.
And throughout all Galilee Jesus went, teaching in their Synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and Healing
all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
THESE FIRST DISCIPLES OR APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
which shows that THEY MISUNDERSTOOD THE TRUE
had already heard the preaching of St John the
NATURE OF HIS DIVINE, ETERNAL KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
Baptist and WERE PREPARED TO ACCEPT OUR LORD
The arrogance and selfishness that motivates most people is
IMMEDIATELY.
clearly evident:
ALTHOUGH THEY WERE ILLITERATE AND UNEDUCATED, THESE
Once they realised that they could benefit from Christ whats in
HUMBLE FISHERMEN WHOM OUR LORD JESUS CALLED TO
it for me? their immediate desire was for instant but
FOLLOW HIM WOULD SOON BE REVEALED AS THE WISEST OF
temporary gratification and only then did they began to pay
attention to what He tried to teach them and bestow upon
ALL, THROUGH THE DESCENT AND RECEPTION OF THE HOLY
them His Priceless, Everlasting Spiritual Treasures of Eternal
SPIRIT ON THAT GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST.
Life!
THE PEOPLE DID NOT SWARM TO OUR LORD JESUS WHEN HE
INITIALLY, LIKE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, COMMANDED
IT ALSO CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED OUR LORDS CONCESSION TO
REPENTANCE.
GRANT CREDIBILITY TO WHAT HE TAUGHT AND REVEALED TO
THEY ONLY BEGAN TO REALLY PAY ATTENTION WHEN HE BEGAN
THE FICKLE MULTITUDES OF THAT TIME
TO HEAL THE PEOPLE AND PERFORM HIS DIVINE MIRACLES,
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST THE CALLING

Sometimes we long for things to be crystal clear, cut and
dried, totally black and white.
We think that its easier to decide what to do when the
options are laid out before us with no ambiguity or
confusion at all.
Unfortunately or not, life usually isnt like that. There are
shades of grey in our daily lives and were not always
sure what we should do.
So we may think that St Peter, St Andrew, St James, and St
John had it easy.
Our Lord Jesus Christ walked right up to them and said:
Come. Follow Me.
He told them to stop what they were doing, leave the life
they had known behind, and become His travelling
Disciples.
No longer would they catch fish for a living; instead, they
would become Fishers of Mankind who would draw
others into the New Life that the Saviour has brought to
the world.
They had to leave their nets behind in order to join the
Lord in His Ministry of Preaching, Healing, and casting
out demons.
They had a part to play in the Coming of Gods Kingdom,
which required a radical change of lifestyle.
They would now use their time and energy in very different
ways.
To this day, some hear that same clear and radical Call.
They leave home and what they have done so far in life in
order to become Priests, Monks, Nuns, Missionaries, or
take up other forms of full-time Christian Service.
We may envy them because of the apparently simplicity of
their decision to leave the old lifestyle behind and
undertake a New Journey.
But things are rarely that easy.
Hardly anyone takes such a Step of Faith without a lengthy
process of Discernment, a measure of fear and
trembling, their own doubts, and the criticism of others
who cant understand why they left behind a
conventional life for Rewards that you cant put in the
bank.
THE TRUTH IS THAT FEW BECOME RICH AND FAMOUS THROUGH
RADICAL DISCIPLESHIP.
And who isnt concerned about putting food on the table
and the happiness and well being of their family?
Actually, theres not that much difference between how
Christ called His Disciples and how He Calls anyone else
today.
The outward details may be different, but no matter what
our age or our circumstances, HE CALLS US ALL TO LEAVE
8.
2ND AP 2ND SUNDAY
OF
OF
CHRISTS APOSTLES
BEHIND WHATEVER NETS WEVE BECOME TANGLED IN AND TO

PLAY OUR PART IN THE MINISTRY OF HIS KINGDOM.
Our Saviour wants to make us Fishers of Men who have

aspirations higher than simply meeting our material
needs through our daily work.
Of course, thats hard enough to do today when so many
people cant find good jobs or sometimes any job at all.
Christ never denigrates any honest labour and neither
should we, but neither should we accept the lie that the
sum total of our lives is how much money we have or
how much worldly prestige our profession or
education may bring us.
Remember that Christ did not start His Ministry by calling
the movers and shakers of first-century Palestine to be
His Disciples.
He went after humble Fishermen - hardworking, common
people who had no illusions about their importance or
sophistication in the eyes of the world.
Im sure thats not what you learn in Business School
concerning how to assemble a Leadership Team for a
new venture.
The wealthy and powerful of that day have been forgotten,
but the Work of these Apostles continues and we
honour them for courageously laying the groundwork
of the Church.
No, it wasnt easy for St Peter, St Andrew, St James, and St
John to leave behind the life that they had known, to
follow a travelling Rabbi. (Teacher)
They must have had their own doubts and fears, and faced
opposition beyond what any of us can imagine. But
they still responded to that Divine Call, despite the cost.
Its entirely possible that God will direct some of us to New
Forms of Service that will require a radical
Reorientation of our circumstances and lifestyle.
We may have here, today, future Missionaries, Priests,
Deacons, Youth Workers, or others who will hear that
wonderful life-changing Call and instantly respond to It
with a deep desire to fulfil whatever is required of
them.
For most of us, however, things will be different.
Christ may Call us to stay right where we are to be Living
Witnesses of His Salvation through our Service in this
Holy Mission, in this Community, amongst our own
acquaintances, friends and families, and in our current
occupations.
MOST OF US ARE CALLED TO USE OUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS AND
TALENTS IN THE SERVICE OF CHRIST IN OUR LOCAL SETTING,
RIGHT WHERE WE ARE.
On the one hand, that is comforting because we probably
dont want to quit our jobs and move away.
ST MATTHEW CALLING
OF THE
HOLY APOSTLES
14 JUNE 2015
On the other hand, its never quite as exciting to stay at

We have to work out, practice, and study, because there is
home, to remain where we have been for years, to face
simply no other way to achieve anything worthwhile.
the challenges of being Faithful in our present
Consequently, if we want to be in good Spiritual Shape so
circumstances.
as to hear and discern Gods Calling, we have to apply
Its tempting to think that life would be better elsewhere the same type of effort.
that it would be easier and more exciting to serve the
We are members of one another in Christ. He is the Head
Lord and our neighbours if we could start over in a new
of the Body of which we are members.
setting.
A physical body wont be healthy if any of its members is
Yes, there is a time to move or to take on a New Ministry in
weak or sick.
a new location. But the challenge to most of us is to
Likewise, our Parish will become weak and powerless, if
open our eyes to the opportunities for Service right here
each member does not maintain his or her Spiritual
and now.
Strength.
Yes, familiarity may breed contempt.
Our Lord Calls not only particular people, but entire
We may be so used to thinking of life here in certain ways
churches to fulfil certain significant Roles in the
that we cant imagine really doing anything differently.
Ministry of His Kingdom.
However thats our mistake.
We as a Parish, will be able to Discern and fulfil that Role
Our Lord Jesus Christ says to each of us: Come. Follow
only if we all take the necessary steps to find Healing
Me, and I will make you Fishers of Men.
and Strength in Christ.
HE CALLS EACH OF US TO A RADICAL SPIRITUAL CHANGE - TO
The point here is not legalism, but the simple Reality that
we are members of one another.
NEW LIFE IN HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.
As members of Christs Body by the Divine Power and
We serve the Lord together.
And if we are to serve Him Faithfully as a Sacred Body, we
Energy of the Holy Spirit, we all have the essential Gifts
and Talents to participate in our Lords Ministry - to
must be Faithful as particular people - offering our
entire Life to Him through the Spiritual Practices of His
play our Role in strengthening the Church and drawing
others to the New Life in Christ.
Holy Church.
As a Parish Community, we all need to become Fishers of
But IN ORDER TO DISCERN WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO DO in the
Men.
here and now, we have to LISTEN ATTENTIVELY.
WE ALL NEED TO LEAVE WHATEVER NETS HOLD US BACK FROM
We need Spiritual Clarity to HEAR, RECOGNIZE, AND OBEY the
HEARING AND RESPONDING TO WHAT CHRIST IS CALLING US
Word of the Lord.
TO DO RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW.
Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, is not likely to appear visibly
The same Holy Spirit Who made those humble Fishermen
before us to tell us what to do.
Supremely Wise and Wonder-Working Ministers of
We have to LISTEN FOR HIM IN SILENCE AND STILLNESS, which
Christ, has come upon us as well.
requires PRAYER, FASTING, WORSHIP, AND A FAITHFUL LIFE.
BY HIS DIVINE POWER AND ENERGY, WE ARE ABLE TO ESCAPE
Its a matter of taking our Spiritual Life seriously - of
WHATEVER HOLDS US BACK and we are able to step
genuinely OPENING OUR HEART, SOUL AND MIND TO GOD.
forward into the Brilliant Light of the Kingdom in Jesus
If something is important to us, we devote time and energy
Christ, Who always brings Life to the world.
to it on a regular basis.
So let us leave our nets and FOLLOW HIM THROUGH OUR
If our Life in Christ is really important to us, we must
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES AND OUR LIFE IN CHRIST,
DEVOTE
OURSELVES
TO
DAILY PRAYER, FAITHFUL
which we share together as a Parish Family.
ATTENDANCE AT SERVICES, REGULAR FASTING, CONFESSION
Like those first Holy Apostles of Christ Jesus, LET US TRULY
OF OUR SINS, GENEROSITY TO THE POOR, FORGIVENESS OF
BECOME HIS FISHERS OF MEN.
THOSE WHO HAVE WRONGED US.
We must use our God-granted Gifts and Talents to BUILD
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
AND MAINTAIN CHRISTS HOLY MISSION WHEREVER WE CAN.
WRITTEN AND DELIVERED BY FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
ST LUKE ORTHODOX CHURCH, ABILENE, TEXAS, USA
We cannot be good athletes or musicians or members of a
http://easternchristianinsights.blogspot.com
profession if we dont practice our skills, stay up to
date on our training, and constantly strive to improve
ourselves.
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AND SPIRITUAL DECEPTION FATHER MATTHEW STEENBERG
(PART 2)
We need to refocus our vision from the pleasures of this
When we do not act in such a way, we reduce our choices
world to Gods Kingdom and Divine Economy.
and our behaviours to the limited perspective of this
After all the Lord told us clearly: Seek first the
brief sojourn.
Rather than see the context of our behaviours, actions,
Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all
these Things will be added unto you. (MATTHEW 6:33)
and decision as the Eternal Life of Gods abiding
Kingdom, we see it as the short span of this life, and
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM wrote: [The Lord] came to do
adjust our whole vision and world view accordingly.
away with the old things, and to Call us to a Greater
ST INNOCENT OF ALASKA said:
Country.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this Earth in order
Therefore He does everything to Deliver us from things
unnecessary, and from our affection of the Earth.
to return to us our lost capacity to spend Eternity in
the Blissful Presence of God.
For this cause (reason) He mentioned the heathens also,
He revealed to people that all their evil lies in sin and
saying that the Gentiles seek after these things they
that no one through their own efforts can overcome
whose whole labour is for the present life, who have
the evil within themselves and attain Communion
no regard for the Things to come, or any thought of
with God.
Heaven. (MATTHEW 6:32)
Sin, ingrained in our nature since the Fall, stands
But to you, the Chief Things are not these which are
between us and God like a high wall.
present, but other than these.
If the Son of God had not Descended to us through His
For we were not born for this end, that we should eat
Mercy for us, had not taken on our human nature,
and drink and be clothed, but that we might please
and had not by His Death Conquered sin, all mankind
God, and attain unto the Good Things to come.
would have perished forever!
Therefore as things here are secondary in our labour, so
Now, thanks to Him, those who wish to Cleanse
also in our Prayer let them be secondary.
themselves from evil can do so and Return to God and
Therefore He also said: Seek the Kingdom of Heaven
obtain Eternal Bliss in the Kingdom of Heaven.
and all these Things shall be added unto you.
Now what is this sinfulness we face?
If we are to Struggle authentically toward our
It is this self-centred outlook we have where we seek
Sanctification and Redemption, this Orientation
only self-satisfaction and determine our moral
toward and into the Kingdom must become
standards based on our own internal views.
paramount in us.
We have made ourselves into little gods where we set
Every act must be considered from the perspective of
our own moral standards to fit with our own selfthat Future Life and its attainment.
determined ideas.
We ignore God, His Teachings as revealed to us and as
taught by His Holy Church.
2ND AP-2ND SUNDAY
OF
ST MATTHEW-CALLING
OF THE
APOSTLES
14 JUNE 2015
We have forgotten that we are Called to surrender

(willingly and eagerly) to God - to give up our selfcentredness and to do as our Lords Prayer states:
...Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
This involves a Struggle against evil forces.
These forces are real.
To combat them we need Help from God.
We need the Help and Assistance, which can only be
found in His Holy Church.
If we can recognize our sinfulness ...our life can be
offered more wholly to the Lord, Who will make our
Life His own.
Self-will can be gradually overcome, so that we begin
more fully to live that Reality of identity in Christ,
which His own Prayer proclaims - that we cry: Our
Father... as, by (Divine) Nature, only His Son can do.
This is what it means for us human being to LIVE IN
CHRIST.
We are born again into Christs Life, through Union with
Him when we become, through our Holy Baptism, an
adopted Child of God the Father and thus, Co-Heir
with Christ to His Heavenly Kingdom.
(Furthermore, in Holy Baptism we have PUT ON CHRIST AND
THUS WE HAVE LIFE IN CHRIST. mp)
THE GRACE
OF
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ leads us out of our

Spiritual Exile and Separation from God.
Our Saviour leads us away from a self defined lifestyle
ruled by our flawed and selfish will and passions, into
a New Life that is the Work of His Hands, the Fruit of
His Divine Will, the Created Glory of His Eternal,
Infinite and Glorious Life.
AN ADDITIONAL THOUGHT
HIEROMONK SERAPHIM OF PLATINA:
... Orthodox Christians, surrounded by and already
swimming in a sea of humanist-worldly philosophy
and practice, must do everything possible to create
their own islands in that sea of other-worldly, Godoriented thought and practice (praxis).
EXCERPTS FROM "TAKING STOCK OF OUR STRUGGLE", BY FATHER DEACON
DR. STEENBERG.
(HIS ARTICLE DESCRIBED IN DEPTH THE NATURE OF THE STRUGGLE WE MUST
UNDERTAKE - PUBLISHED IN VOLUME NO. 263 OF THE
ORTHODOX WORD, BY THE ST. HERMAN OF ALASKA BROTHERHOOD
(WWW.SAINTHERMANPRESS.COM).
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2009/10/SPIRITUALDECEPTION-TAKING-STOCK-OF-OUR.HTML
SUFFERING METROPOLITAN GEORGE KHODR
Our condition with the Lord is that we are tormented and

the Lord is always Healing us.
It is not for us to wonder why we are in pain or why we
exist in suffering.
Divine Revelation does not answer this question. It does not
say why we are subjected to suffering - suffering of the
body, suffering of the spirit, suffering of the
conscience.
Holy Scripture is content to take notice of this and to start
out on this basis to reveal to us how we can escape
from this suffering or how we can bear it and transform
it into a creative force - a means of drawing near to
God, so that we can make it onto a Ladder by which we
climb up to Heaven.
In Holy Scripture there are many Divine Promises of
Healing and Salvation from sin.
We have a Divine Promise of Joy and a Revelation of Eternal
Life that comes when we accept God's Mystery and
Obey Him in all the misfortunes that we taste in the
world, whether in the spirit or the body.
When we are in such a condition, like the torment of the
Ten Lepers, we should say "Lord have mercy."
Those Lepers had sought Mercy from Christ, which is more
comprehensive than just Healing.
When we ask for Healing, most of us ask for Healing of the
body, and this is good.
Physical suffering throws us into a vague state, as though
we were alone on a mountaintop, where the freshness
of the air makes breathing difficult and arduous.
In the physical weakness of our members, all our questions
fall away.
All the knowledge and understanding that we have stored
away ceases. It passes away and becomes nothing.
And so we hold on, in emptiness, impotence and poverty.
Suddenly, we are seized by the insignificance of everything
that hinders us from striving toward our Purpose.
Weakness and sickness wipe away everything superficial in
us.
We are inwardly Purified when we are Baptized with tears
of suffering.
The Lord always Visits us there, while we are dry on the
inside, truly Thirsting for Living Water and reaching out
for Him in what we know, deeply and seriously.
The Lord comes and attends to us in our oneness.
He stands at a distance.
He passes by us.
He does not impose Himself, but rather waits for us.
He addresses us in our own language. If we accept
dialogue, if we learn how to respond and say: "Have
ST NEKTARIOS
OF
AEGINA & PENTAPOLIS
Put up all your cares before the Lord our God. He cares for
us.
We must not become faint-hearted, and we must not
distress ourselves.
He Who searches the hidden depths of our soul, knows
our desires too, and has the Power to fulfil them as
He knows best.
10.
2ND AP 2ND SUNDAY
OF
Mercy on me," even if He appears to us as a Stranger,

even if we do not know His Name, He enters into
dialogue with us and eliminates the rattling of our
passions.
He extinguishes the flame of their darts and Transforms
the roar of our thoughts into a Spring welling up within
us so that we may be revived, casting off from us every
worry, so that we can remain Christ's Faithful Disciples.
Where do we stand when we are afflicted, after having
fallen into evil, after darkness sweeps our souls?
What Prayers do we pray?
Do we trust that God Himself will come down to us if we
pray?
Do we know that God wants us to serve Him, to enter into
dialogue with us?
Of course, God is able to respond in any case and He does
respond - whether or not we ask, because He knows
what we need.
Nevertheless, the Lord prefers to speak to us so that we will
be trained in His Friendship.
He seeks this familiarity with us - the familiarity of
Children with their Father.
This is what we ask of Him in the Divine Liturgy before we
recite the Lord's Prayer - when we say: "And make us
worthy, O Lord, to dare to call upon Thee as Father..."
God wants to be among us- to be alive among us - so that
we know we have been Elevated to the Rank of Holiness
- and so that we know that God has come down to the
ranks of our humanity.
If God comes to our soul as she is - as we are accustomed
to being - in our meanness and in our filthiness - if God
comes to these souls, then He is certainly our Divine
Healer.
The ultimate temptation of suffering is for us to become
attached to our suffering - for us to close the windows
on ourselves entirely and be suffocated inwardly.
Our heart withers, our mind falls silent, our conscience
languishes, and so we Spiritually Perish.
We do not suffocate only in our lungs.
We also suffocate when we refuse to open the windows when we feel that we cannot breathe.
However, if we do open the windows of our heart to
Heaven, then the Lord will come to us and speak with
us, and that Holy Dialogue grants us our essential
breathing and recovery.
HTTP://ARABORTHODOXY.BLOGSPOT.COM/2015/01/MET-GEORGES-KHODRGRACE-OF-SUFFERING.HTML#LINKS
For our part, we must ask of God, and not lose our courage.
We must not think that, since the longing we have is Holy,
we have a right to complain when our Prayers are not
answered.
God fulfils our longings in ways that we do not
know. So we must be at Peace then, and call upon
God.
ST MATTHEW CALLING
OF THE
HOLY APOSTLES
14 JUNE 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.
21 J u n e 2015
Tone 2
3rd Sunday After Pentecost - 3rd Sunday of St Matthew:
Absolute Faith in God
Also the Feast of St Julian of Tarsos St Terence, Bishop, Hieromartyr of

Iconium St Julius, Presbyter, & St Julian, Deacon, of Novara St Archil II &
St Luarsab II, Kings of Georgia St Anastasia, mother of St Sava, of Serbia
St Nicetas the New Martyr of Nisyros, near Rhodes St Maximos the Greek,
Finding of Holy Relics
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 2
Ote
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,
When
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
Doxa Si!
aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God,
Glory to Thee!
RESURRECTION KONTAKION THEOTOKOS
Prostasia

Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas,
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se.
O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to

the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
up Thine Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication,
O Theotokos who always protects all those who honour
Thee!
RESURRECTION GOSPEL3 MARK 16 : 9 20

OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST APPEARS TO HIS APOSTLES & DISCIPLES BEFORE A S C E N D I N G

The Lord is my Strength and my Glory!
The Lord has punished me severely, but He has not delivered me unto Death!
THE EPISTLE
OF
ST PAUL
RIGHTEOUSNESS
TO THE
IS A
ROMANS 5 : 1 10
LIVING REALITY
Brethren: Having been Justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we
have access by Faith into this Grace in which we stand and Rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God.
Not only that, but we also Glory in tribulations - knowing that tribulation produces Perseverance; and Perseverance,
Character; and Character, Hope.
Hope does not disappoint, for the Love of God has been poured out in our heart by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us.
For in due time Christ - while we were still without Strength - died for the ungodly.
Scarcely for a Righteous man will one die. Perhaps for a Good man someone would even dare to die. While we were still
sinners, God demonstrated His own Love for us, in that Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been Purified by His Blood, we shall be Saved through Him from Wrath. For if we were
Reconciled to God - while we were enemies - through the Death of His Son, much more - having been Reconciled - shall
we be Saved by His Life.
HEBREWS 10: 14: ... by one Offering (Christ) has
FAITH IN CHRIST JUSTIFIES US, WHICH IS AN ONGOING STATE OF
HOLY COMMUNION WITH HIM A CONTINUOUS, LIFE-LONG
Perfected forever those who are BEING
PROCESS OF BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AND
Sanctified.
EFFORT.
Christs Sacrifice for sin is complete Sanctification is
Being Justified refers to an ongoing state of Righteousness
Perfect!
and not merely to a one-time Event in our life - LIVING
WE SPEND OUR INDIVIDUALLY UNIQUE LIFESPAN THIS
TEMPORARY PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY IN CHRIST.
This SPIRITUAL JUSTIFICATION REQUIRES REDEMPTION a
SANCTIFYING OUR BODIES AND SOULS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE
THEOSIS SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. (THUS: ANY WILFUL,
Sacrificial Offering that is capable of SETTING US FREE
FROM SIN AND DEATH and which UNITES US ETERNALLY
VIOLENT DESTRUCTION OF OUR BODY THE HOLY TEMPLE
OF GOD IS A DENUNCIATION OF ALL OUR SPIRITUAL
WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LIFE.
According to the Old Covenant, such a Sacrificial
STRUGGLES AND A TERRIBLE INSULT TO GODS GREAT LOVE
AND DIVINE MERCY!)
Offering was prefigured by the blood sacrifices of
animals THE SLAUGHTER OF PHYSICALLY PERFECT ANIMALS
The term Faith (Pistis) also means faithfulness."
FAITH IS FAR MORE THAN A SIMPLE PERSONAL CONVICTION THAT
FOR THE TEMPORAL REMISSION OF SINS. (REFER HEBREWS 9)
According to our New Covenant with God, OUR LORD JESUS
SOMETHING IS TRUE.
CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT SACRIFICIAL
James 2:19: You believe that there is one God. You do
OFFERING that was necessary ONLY ONCE FOR ALL the
well. Even the demons believe and tremble!
souls of humanity throughout the ages, which SETS US
TRUE FAITH THAT SAVES IS A COMPLETE FAITH not just the mind
and the tongue, but our whole being TRUSTING
ETERNALLY FREE FROM SIN AND DEATH and by the Grace of
God UNITES US WITH TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ETERNAL LIFE
IMPLICITLY AND KNOWING OUR LIVING ALMIGHTY AND
OMNIPRESENT TRIUNE GOD.
IN CHRIST!
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 3RD
OF
ST MATTHEW ABSOLUTE FAITH
IN
GOD
21 JUNE 2015
11
This means that our Faith and our Relations with God
our Justification - is dynamic and alive!
TRUE FAITH GROWS, FLOURISHES AND AFFECTS EVERY ACTION OR
IT DIES.
FAITH ALONE A STATIC FAITH DOES NOT SAVE US AT ALL, so we
must nurture our Faith in God, as well as our Love for
Him, through our daily words, thoughts and deeds.
JEREMIAH 7:3 & ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR: Do
not say you are the Temple of the Lord; nor
should you say that faith alone in our Lord Jesus
Christ can Save you for this is impossible unless
you acquire Love for Him through your works. As
for faith by itself: ... the devils also believe and
tremble!
GENUINE FAITHFULNESS IS CONTINUOUS LOYALTY AND OBEDIENCE
TO GOD for such Faithfulness justifies us through the
Grace of God.
Hope does not disappoint because the Love of God
(Agape) has been poured out in our hearts by the
Holy Spirit... means that not only do we experience
His Divine Love, but we can also pass it on to others by
our own GOOD EXAMPLE, through our own SPIRITUAL
EXPERIENCE, and by TEACHING OTHERS CORRECTLY BY THE
GRACE AND INSPIRATION OF GOD.
To a greater or lesser degree, WE ARE ALL UNGODLY
BECAUSE WE ARE HABITUAL SINNERS!
EVERY TIME WE FALL INTO A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH THROUGH
OUR UNREPENTED SINS, WE ALIENATE OURSELVES FROM GOD
WE ARE UNGODLY!
WE ARE UTTERLY INCAPABLE OF BECOMING RIGHTEOUS ON OUR

OWN.
However, DUE TO GODS INFINITE LOVE FOR US, Christ became
our final and Supreme Sacrificial Offering for our sins,
which was so Unique and Powerful, that it never had
to be done again HE BROUGHT US GODS ETERNAL GIFT OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Those who ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE GODS DIVINE LOVE are
Reconciled to Him, having been RESTORED TO HIS PEACE
AND COMMUNION WITH HIM.
GOD NEVER CEASES TO LOVE US FOR HE IS UNCHANGEABLE!
We change from good to bad so WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY
CORRECT OUR SPIRITUAL FALLS THROUGH REPENTANCECONFESSION, GAINING STRENGTH AND COURAGE THROUGH
GODS DIVINE GRACE.
So we - as Faithful Disciples of Christ - relentlessly STRIVE
AND STRUGGLE TO REMAIN IN - OR TO RETURN TO - A STATE OF
SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST, always hoping and praying
that when our time comes to depart this life, we are in
that Blessed State, rather than being exiled through
our wilful and unrepented sins!
Consequently, AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO DRIFT AWAY OR FALL
INTO THAT REBELLIOUS STATE as enemies of God, OUR
LORD CEASELESSLY WORKS IN HIS DIVINE LOVE TO RESTORE US
TO that Spiritual State in which He created us HIS
PERFECT IMAGE AND LIKENESS.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 6 : 22 33

ABSOLUTE TRUST IN ALMIGHTY GOD WITH OUR ENTIRE BEING BODY AND SOUL
At that time, our Lord Jesus said:
... The Lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of Light. If your eye is bad, your
whole body will be full of darkness. If, therefore, the Light that is in you is Darkness, how great is that Darkness?
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and
despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon!
Therefore, I say to you: do not worry about your life what you will eat or what you will drink nor about your body
what you will put on.
Is not Life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor
reap, nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of
you by worrying can add one cubit to your stature? So why do you worry about clothing?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow - their neither toil nor spin. I say to you that even Solomon - in all his
glory - was not arrayed like one of these. If the grass of the field - which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the
oven - is so clothed, will God not much more clothe you, O you of little Faith?
Do not worry, saying: What shall we eat? or: What shall we drink? or: What shall we wear All these things the
Gentiles seek.
Your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you...
Our Lord Jesus tried to teach His Disciples to stop
The mind nous is the Spiritual Eye of the soul. It
worrying about mundane issues such as food,
Illuminates our Inner Being and governs our (free)
shelter and clothing so that they would concentrate
will.
Christ explains to us that keeping our mind and thus
on the most important aspects of Life with Christ and
our soul Healthy and Pure, is fundamental to our
accept with complete Faith the assurance and
Christian Life our True Life In Christ.
security of Divine Providence.
Just like slaves we try to serve two masters, which is an
However, our Lord warns us against unnecessary
impossible and useless waste of our precious time and
anxiety about such matters not against thoughtful
efforts!
planning.
It is impossible to maintain an attachment and
Our physical welfare is directly dependent on Almighty
dedication to both temporary Earthly things God and only indirectly on our other direct needs.
physical desires and demands and Eternal
Therefore, our needless apprehension concerning
Heavenly Things
Spiritual Virtues that are
Earthly matters demonstrates our lack of Faith in
essential to achieving Theosis and Eternal Life.
Gods Loving Care His Great Mercy.
All our Allegiance is owed to Almighty God ALONE! Yet
Gentiles, the ungodly or the pagans, are consumed by
Mammon Earthly possessions and social status as
their dependence on Earthly possessions and status
well as the desires of the flesh demands our
their man-made gods or idols - but those who are
mindless attention and even obsession!
True and Faithful Disciples of Christ are freed from
Although our Lord Jesus Christ referred to Mammon
such slavish dependence, resting assured in Divine
(meaning riches) as a master, it was not because
Agape Gods Indiscriminate Love for all Creation
material wealth and possessions are evil by nature,
especially His Beloved Mankind.
but because of the control it has over us and our
The Eternal Kingdom of God is the central theme of our
obsession with such things.
Lords Teaching, and His Righteousness is the main
We become so involved with getting rich and enjoying
topic of His Sermon on the Mount.
ourselves we are led astray we are led away from
Christ calls us to follow Him and live every moment of
God and have no time and make no effort to express
Life according to His Divine Teachings, which are
our gratitude to Him for His Great Blessings which
always for our Spiritual Welfare and Development
we egotistically ascribe to our own efforts alone!
the means of slowly regaining our lost Divine
Only when we find ourselves bereft of Spiritual
Likeness.
By choosing to follow our Saviour, we are set free from
Nourishment or Strength, do we suddenly remember
the Lord our God and rush to light Votive Candles or
unnecessary
stress
and fixation
concerning
temporary (Spiritually Useless) Earthly things.
beg His Great Mercy in our time of need, distress or
pain.
12.
OF
ST MATTHEW FAITH
IN GOD
21 JUNE 2015
Instead, our Lord Jesus leads us towards His Eternal

Heavenly Kingdom of Love, Joy and Peace, secure
in utter Faith that God will Provide us with
everything necessary - His Abundant Earthly
Blessings, while enduring this short Preparatory Time
before Eternity.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
THIRD SUNDAY
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Holy
Scripture
consists
of
many
questions,
Commandments, warnings, exhortations and Promises,
concerning the inevitable consequences of all our
actions all of which - every single one of them applies to each and every one of us!
We must read Holy Scripture and answer the questions that
are raised,
and listen carefully to the Divine
Commandments and Teachings so that we can apply
them to our daily activities and seriously heed the
warnings that caution us in order to prevent us from
falling into a state of Spiritual Death and Alienation
from God and all His Goodness.
Todays Sacred Lesson of the Third Sunday after Pentecost,
concerning the body, the eye and the Light consists of
two important questions.
Our Lord Jesus Christ puts a significant question to us: Is
not Life more than food and the body more than
clothing?
That question is very important to consider because it
applies to every human being every day no matter
whether they are Christian or not, whether they believe
in God or not for it affects our Final Judgement.
Having reminded us how our Heavenly Father provides
everything essential for all His creatures, great and
small, He asks us His beloved Intellectual Beings: Are
you not of more value than they?
He exhorted His Apostles and His Disciples, then and now:
Do not worry... Your Heavenly Father knows that you
need all these things.
Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you...
Once we have learnt to implicitly trust in the Divine
Providence of Almighty God, we can rest assured in His
Great Mercy and Love.
Being relieved of these minor concerns, we now are able to
concentrate on the bigger picture our Eternal Life in
Christ.
However, none of this makes any sense to anyone unless
we can respond to these momentous questions that
point us in the right direction.
Like our Lords Apostles, if we are no longer distracted and
misled by such unimportant concerns, we can focus on
the True Meaning of Life the True Purpose of this
short, temporary, preparatory period before Eternity.
Most people ignore, or are unaware of, these profound
questions, for they only consider life in terms of what
is happening at present, in front of them - what they
will be doing or what they have done or what they are
planning to do.
They think of life in terms of being a good father or
mother who indulges their childrens constant
demands or having much financial and material
wealth, or having all kinds of security for their old age
- whatever the fallen world considers to be important
but which has no Spiritual Benefits for our Eternal Life,
which begins here and now.
Such people are not evil they are merely worldly, and
Spiritually Blind - of whom our Lord speaks on many
occasions.
We need to respond immediately to these particular
questions in order to be able to understand and to
willingly follow our Lords admonitions concerning
Divine Providence and seeking first His Kingdom and
His Righteousness.
We can make no Spiritual Progress and will remain
Spiritually Blind and Ignorant, unless we truly believe
that Life means knowing God intimately and personally.
As our Relationship with God flourishes, so does our Love
for God and our fellow sinners, which then compels us
to eagerly strive to fulfil all His Teachings and
Commandments.
OF
Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, means exactly that:

we must make every effort to proceed steadily
towards Eternal Life in Christ even while going
through this Earthly existence for that is our only
Sacred Purpose and Goal for being here!
OF
ST MATTHEW THE LIGHT
OF THE
WORLD
So, when our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that Life is far
more than mere food and clothing, it should be clearly
self-evident to us.
True Life is ordered in such a special manner, so that we
will get to know God far better and our Love for Him
will also grow more intense.
Furthermore, the way we think determines who we are.
This is what our Lord was referring to when He said that
the Light of the body is the eye - because the eye sees
and desires.
What we desire is who we are, no matter how much
Scripture we know - or anything else that we may
accomplish.
What we see and desire is what we are, and it affects our
soul.
This is extremely critical for every Struggling Disciple of
Christ to understand.
Our eye determines where our soul goes. So our eye must
always rather desire to see God, for it is natural for our
soul to return to God.
After having put these questions to us, our Saviour
admonished us to stop wasting our time and energy on
unnecessary concerns, to rest assured in the Great
Mercy and Providence of Almighty God, Whose
Kingdom is all that we should seek, and upon which we
should focus our attention and all our efforts, no
matter how difficult this may seem to us.
Maybe at present His Commandments might not be so
challenging, but how will we cope when serious
problems arise that make it problematical for us not to
worry and/or to remain focussed on attaining His
Divine Kingdom and Righteousness.
Personal problems do, of course, distract us and might
even pull us away from Gods Holy Path especially if
we think that we are in control of everything or try to
control every aspect of our life.
Some sad souls who exist in Spiritual Darkness and
Ignorance blame our Loving and Benevolent Lord for all
their troubles, not realising that many, if not most of
our tribulations are the consequences of human error,
greed, selfishness, carelessness, etc.
Only God in His Great Mercy can Deliver, Comfort and
Strengthen us in our ailments and afflictions.
Therefore, all that matters is God and all His Goodness, and
True Life is learning to know God and to be confident,
trusting and Faithful.
And this is the Purpose of our Lord and Saviour the
Incarnate, Eternal and Only Begotten Son and Word of
God the Father to teach us His Divine Truth directly
and personally - and to provide us with every means
possible that is necessary for our Spiritual Welfare,
Development and Progress.
All that is required of us, is to: ...Seek first the Kingdom
of God and His Righteousness... as He has clearly and
concisely said so many times throughout His Earthly
Teachings and Commandments.
Although He spoke about the birds of the air or the lilies
and grasses of the field, or various other ordinary,
earthly things at different times, He was trying to get us
to understand that nothing of this temporary world
matters.
What does matter, and which is extremely vital, are the
Spiritual Things that affect us for all Eternity!!
We must cultivate within ourselves, the understanding that
this short life is for our Spiritual Preparation for Eternal
Life preparing ourselves for Gods Heavenly Kingdom,
as worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs with Christ as Gods
adopted Children through our Holy Baptism and
Chrismation, which are our first initial steps into that
Divine Everlasting Life.
True Life begins here and now.
True Life is all about God and developing our personal
Relationship with the Holy Trinity.
ST MATTHEW ABSOLUTE FAITH
IN
GOD
21 JUNE 2015
13
It is not enough to merely know this or even to believe it

very deeply in our heart.
We must cultivate this Understanding and our Life in Christ
by how we live and think - and by what we do.
We need to worship together as Christs Holy Church, with
the Bishops and Priests guiding and leading us in
correct and True Faith.
We need to attend Holy Services as much as possible,
because if we only occasionally attend, sometimes pray
and read Holy Scripture, etc it will not benefit us at all
and becomes a wasted effort - an empty gesture!
We need to fulfil all our Sacred Duties as Faithful Disciples
of Christ by attending all Holy Services, partaking
regularly in the essential Holy Mysteries of Confession
and Eucharist, and whatever else is required of us, each
and every day of our life!
We need to cultivate the Love of God and our neighbours in
our heart, which will become clearly evident through
our words, thoughts and deeds.
We are ceaselessly bombarded by temptations that compete
against our Love of God and our neighbours - not the
least of which is our own demanding, selfish flesh,
which, being weak, quite easily turns towards evil.
We need to force ourselves to fulfil our daily Rule of Prayer
and to Fast, especially when we do not feel like it.
We need to force ourselves to go to Church on time to
attend the full Holy Service from beginning to end, and
not to drift in a few minutes before the Dismissal
Prayers or just as Holy Communion is being served, and
then expect to receive all the Divine Blessings worthily.
If we have no respect for God and all His Holy Things, we
will be severely Condemned, and unless we truly Repent
and fulfil our Sacred Duties properly - with Faith,
Reverence and the Holy Fear of God our empty
gestures will remain Spiritually Bereft and Unbeneficial!
Anything that prevents us from growing closer to God and
getting to know Him more intimately, or which prevents
us
from
fulfilling
Christs
Teachings
and
Commandments, is worthless and even outright evil!
How can we get to know God unless we strive to be like
Him? ( i.e. Following in Christs Footsteps: Follow Me! mp)
How can we get to know God unless we pray to Him? (i.e. we
enter the Very Presence of God in Prayer. mp)

How can we get to know God unless we order our life
according to His Divine Truth Teachings and
Commandments?
Everything we do is a decision. Everything we do is a value
judgement. There are no neutral things.
Theres nothing that does not matter. Everything matters!
All our words, thoughts and deeds have significant
consequences that affect us and everyone else those
close to us and those whom we do not even know!
SPIRITUAL FEELINGS
To maintain zeal it is helpful to have a Spiritual Feeling in
your heart.
Saint Theophan the Recluse cautioned us: "Anyone who
wants to remain with mental gathering alone labours in
vain... scholars with all their education, dream
incessantly. This is because they work only with their
head."
When we were first awakened to come to Jesus Christ and
join with Him in His Church we had feelings that our
soul was in danger.
It is important to renew this feeling and never allow
yourself to think that just because you are now in His
Church that this danger has been averted.
St Theophan urged us: "Renounce now what you renounced
before, tear yourself away from it and incline towards
the invisible, the Spiritual. Gaze upon It [the Spiritual]
and force yourself to Love It."
He said that we should believe: ...I am worthy of every
Judgement and Torment, but for the sake of God's
Boundless Desire for our Salvation, out of which His
Only-begotten Son was not spared, I will not despair of
my Salvation.
I do not know when and how, but I believe that I will be
Saved.
Only Lord, let me Struggle throughout my life, seeking
Salvation and Thee, in the hope that Thou wilt not
neglect to help me, for the sake of Thy Mercy and the
Intercessions of Thy God-pleasers.
O Thou Who knowest the hearts: Save me!
14.
OF
For that reason everything must be for the Purpose of

knowing God, which is exactly what todays Sacred
Gospel Lesson teaches us.
Our Lord uses the analogy of the eye, although Hes not
referring to our human eye but to our immortal soul,
and our fleshy desires.
Our Lord granted us the capacity to desire, which can be
used for good or evil.
However, as it is easier to surrender to temptation, our
desires are, more often than not, inclined towards
wickedness.
Our habitual inclination towards sin usually makes it
difficult to use our desires for good - until we become
accustomed to tasting the Goodness of God and His
Great Blessings.
Only when we have trained our immortal soul - through
Spiritual Discipline and Self-Denial - to dominate and
guide our demanding flesh towards goodness, will we
be able to avoid temptations and sin.
St Paul often referred to this in his various Epistles, that
when we Love God so much, we will not be inclined
towards habitual sins, and will not surrender to
temptations.
Is not Life more than food and the body more than
clothing....?
We must keep these Divine Questions that our Lord Jesus
Christ has put to us so that we can maintain our
priorities in the right perspective and not be
overwhelmed by worldly problems that only God can
resolve, or which may depend on the choices and
decisions that others make but for which you have
absolutely no control!
We must nurture and develop our personal Relationship
with God, thereby developing and strengthening our
Faith and our immortal soul, which needs to dominate
the demands of our weak, selfish flesh.
So let us strive to fulfil everything that our Lord Jesus
Christ has taught us and commanded us to do.
Let us grow closer and closer to Almighty God seeking
first and foremost His Heavenly Kingdom and
Righteousness for that is all that truly matters - for
which we MUST strive constantly throughout this short
preparatory period before Eternity.
May God help us to remember these Questions deeply
within our heart every moment of the day and to
answer it always: Lord, Here I am!
Amen.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
SERMON BY REVEREND FATHER SERAPHIM HOLLAND
ST NICHOLAS ORTHODOX CHURCH, MCKINNEY, TEXAS, USA
WWW.ORTHODOX.NET
THAT
NURTURE ZEAL
A common complaint is that of having a hard heart.

Once we live with a Spiritual Vision we cannot avoid having
the feeling of fear for the fate of our soul.
Once we have this feeling, our heart will be opened, as St
Theophan assures us: ...The primary feeling should
always be Fear of God, and the conclusive one should be
self-abnegating (renouncing or rejecting) dedication of
ourselves to God's Will, which is Good and Saves us.
This primary feeling is born out of the Vision of the
Spiritual World, while the conclusive one comes from all
of the others following according to Faith....
The aggregate of them all is thiswith pain and Fear of
God, fall down before God with the words: Lord, Who
knowest all things, Save me, and I will labour according
to my Strength.
This is everything.
One way to awaken this Spiritual Feeling is by some word
from Holy Scripture or the writings of our Holy Church
Fathers.
St Theophan advised: "Learn the Remembrance of God,
Remembrance of Death, Remembrance of sins, selfreproach.. that is, be aware of these things and talk
about them ceaselessly within."
EDITED & ADAPTED BY MP:
THE PATH TO SALVATION BY ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2010/02/SPIRITUALFEELINGS-THAT-NURTURE-ZEAL.HTML
ST MATTHEW FAITH
IN GOD
21 JUNE 2015

Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole
Life to Christ our God. Amen.
24 J u n e 2015
Nativity of St John the Baptist

Glorious Holy Prophet of God &
Forerunner to Christ our Lord & Saviour
Also the Feast of St Panayotis, New Martyr of Ceasarea St Anthony of Dymsk, Novgorod
St James & St John, Righteous Youths of Meniugi, Novgorod St Orentios, St Pharnakios,
St Eros, St Firmos, St Firminos, St Kyriakos & St Longinos, Roman Soldiers of Georgia St
Athanasios Paros, Great Teacher & Theologian St Barlaam of Khutin
FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF THE NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST TONE 4
Profita ke Prodrome tis parousias Hristou, axios effimise
se ouk efporoument imis, i potho timontes se; stirosis

gar tekousis, ke patros afonia, lelinte ti endoxo ke
septi sou gennisi, ke sarkosis Iou tou Theou, Kosmo
kirittete.
Prophet & Forerunner of the coming of Christ, to

praise Thee worthily we find no proper means, we
who cherish Thy Memory. For the barrenness of the
Bearer, and lack of speech of the Father, both were
loosened, in Thy Birth the Sacred and Glorified; and
the Incarnation of the Son of God was proclaimed to
the world.
KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
Prostasia

Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon
fonas, alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon,
ton
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian,
ke spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton
timonton Se.
Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation

to the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up
Thine Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who
honour Thee!
MATINS GOSPEL : LUKE 1: 24 25; 57 68; 76, 80

THE MIRAC
ULOUS
ONCEPTION
& BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zaharias conceived; and she hid herself for five months, saying: Thus has the Lord dealt
with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.
...Now Elizabeths full time came for her to be delivered. And she brought forth a son.
And when her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown Great Mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
And on the Eighth Day, they went to circumcise the child, and they would have named him by the name of his father,
Zacharias. And His mother said: No! For he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is no one among your
relatives who is called by this name. They made signs to his father what he would have him called. And he asked for
a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all marvelled. Immediately his mouth was opened,
and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God.
And Fear came on all who dwelt around them. And all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of
Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying: What kind of child will this be? And the Hand
of the Lord was with him.
...And Zacharias, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He
has Visited and Redeemed His People... ...And Thou, child, will be called the Prophet of the Highest. Thou will go before
the Face of the Lord to prepare His Ways...
...The child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his Manifestation to Israel.
Elizabeth Conceived: THE MIRACULOUS CONCEPTION OF ST
COVENANT: THE HOLY OFFICES OF PROPHET, PRIEST AND
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
KING
is Liturgically celebrated on 24 September, and
ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED ALL THREE HOLY
CONFIRMS THE SANCTITY OF MARITAL RELATIONS FOR THOSE
OFFICES PERFECTLY.
PAST THEIR CHILDBEARING YEARS.
CIRCUMCISION WAS A SIGN OF ISRAELS (BLOOD) COVENANT WITH
Hid herself: SINCE THE TIME OF MALACHI, GOD HAD NOT SENT
GOD and the means whereby a male became a
A GREAT PROPHET TO ISRAEL.
member of Gods Community.
1 MACCABEES 9: 27: There was great perplexity in
GENESIS 17:10-14 (& LEVITICUS 12:3):
THIS IS THE
Israel, such as had not been seen since the days
COVENANT YOU SHALL KEEP; between Me and you
when the Prophets ceased to be seen in their
and your seed after you throughout their
generations: every male child among you shall
midst.
THIS SILENCING OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD SERVED TO
be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in
HEIGHTEN THE ANTICIPATION OF THE MESSIAH AND TO MAKE IT
the flesh of your foreskin. It shall be A SIGN OF THE
ALL THE MORE EVIDENT WHEN HE CAME.
COVENANT BETWEEN ME AND YOU. A CHILD OF EIGHT
DAYS OLD SHALL BE CIRCUMCISED BY YOU every male
AS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS THE LAST AND GREATEST HOLY
PROPHET OF GOD WHO PREPARED THE WAY FOR CHRIST
child throughout your genealogy; he who is born
in your house, and he who is bought with your
OUR SAVIOUR, HE WAS KEPT HIDDEN UNTIL CHRIST THE
money must be circumcised; and MY COVENANT
INCARNATE SON OF GOD WAS CONCEIVED.
SHALL BE IN YOUR FLESH FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT.
Only then ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS REVEALED THROUGH HIS
And the uncircumcised male child(s) ...soul shall
FIRST PROPHETIC ACT OF LEAPING WITH JOY INSIDE ST
be cut off from his people for he has broken My
ELIZABETHS WOMB.
Covenant.
When ST ZACHARIAS WAS STRUCK DUMB DUE TO HIS LACK OF
THE NEW COVENANT WITH GOD IS A BLOODLESS COVENANT
FAITH, IT ALSO SERVED AS PROOF THAT ST GABRIEL THE
AND HOLY BAPTISM OF BOTH MALE AND FEMALE IS OUR
ARCHANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TRUE.
NEW CIRCUMCISION.
THE SILENCING OF THE HIGH PRIEST ALSO REVEALED A DEEPER
THE NAME JOHN MEANS GRACE OF GOD, and by INSISTING
MYSTERY: THE MESSIAH WAS EXPECTED TO FULFIL THREE
ON THE NAME GOD HAD CHOSEN FOR HER SON, ST ELIZABETH
CRUCIAL ROLES HELD BY VARIOUS PEOPLE OF THE OLD
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
BAPTIST & FORERUNNER
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2015
15
AFFIRMED THE TRUTH OF ST JOHNS DIVINE CALLING AND

MISSION. (REFER GENESIS 17:5; 15; 32:28)
WHEN ST ZACHARIAS ASSENTED TO GODS WILL, HIS SPEECH WAS
RESTORED and just as the prophecy was restored at the
Incarnation of Christ, so St Zacharias, as High Priest,

could speak again now that our Saviour Jesus Christ
and His Forerunner, St John the Baptist, had come
into the world.
It is of particular significance that ST ZACHARIAS
IMMEDIATELY DECLARED CHRIST THE LORD GOD OF
ISRAEL AND THEN REVEALED THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF HIS
OWN SON AS PROPHET OF THE HIGHEST.
SINCE THE AGE OF APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS, as a

consequence of the terrible Slaughter of the
Innocents, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST LIVED IN THE DESERT ON
HIS OWN.
HIS MOTHER HAD DIED SOON AFTER THEIR ESCAPE AND HIS FATHER
HAD BEEN MURDERED IN THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM BY THE
SOLDIERS OF KING HEROD.
DUE TO THE WILL OF GOD AND BY HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND
GRACE, ST JOHN REACHED ADULTHOOD SAFELY AND WITHOUT
THE INFLUENCE OR CONTAMINATION OF HUMAN WICKEDNESS,
WHICH MADE HIM SPIRITUALLY PURE ABLE TO RESIST
TEMPTATION BY HAVING GROWN SO STRONG IN SPIRIT.
PROKEIMENON PSALM 63 TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.
Hear, O God, my voice
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ROMANS 13 : 11 14 : 4

BE SPIRITUALLY AWAKENED, ALERT & PREPARED - AND PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT.
Brethren: ... and do this - knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our Salvation is nearer
than when we first believed. The night is far spent the Day is at hand. Let us cast off the works of Darkness, and let
us put on the Armour of Light. As in the day, let us walk properly not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness
and lust, not in strife and envy, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ - and for the flesh, make no provision to fulfil its
lusts.
Receive those who are weak in Faith, but do not dispute over doubtful things. One believes that he may eat all things - he
who is weak, eats only vegetables. Let him who eats, not despise him who does not eat, and let him who does not eat,
not judge him who eats - God has received him.
Who are you to judge Anothers servant? To his own Master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is
able to make him stand.
EXPECTATION OF FUTURE SALVATION THROUGH THE
We must NEVER JUDGE OTHERS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO
GLORIOUS COMING OF CHRIST MOTIVATES US TO
AUTHORITY or right to do so, being wretched sinners
VIGILANCE AND PROPER CONDUCT.
ourselves.
The night is this life under the influence of evil powers
WE ARE ALL GODS SERVANTS WHOM ONLY GOD CAN
JUDGE.
while the day is the Glorious Coming or rather, the
WE WILL BE JUDGED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE like those
Reappearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT
we dare to criticise, so therefore TAKE GREAT
CANNOT BE COMPROMISED BUT THERE ARE ALSO GREY
CARE NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS.
AREAS.
Instead LOOK CLOSELY AT YOURSELF AND CORRECT YOUR
OWN FLAWS.
GOD IS GRACIOUS AND ALLOWS DIVERSITY IN DOUBTFUL THINGS
[personal opinions - not Gods Truth] BUT NOT MATTERS
THROUGH CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS OF OURSELVES AND
INVOLVING CHRISTIAN DOGMA.
CORRECTION OF OUR OWN ERRORS, WE WILL GROW
SPIRITUALLY STRONGER AND LESS CRITICAL OF OTHERS.
WE MUST CONDUCT OR BEHAVE OURSELVES ACCORDING TO
CHRISTIAN TEACHING, HAVING PUT ON CHRIST AT OUR HOLY
ONLY GOD KNOWS THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF HIS
BAPTISM.
CREATURES AND HE WILL DECIDE WHO HAS ETERNAL
THE CROSSES WE WEAR ARE A REMINDER TO US, AND OTHERS,
LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH.
OF THE RISEN CHRIST WHOM WE ARE STRIVING TO IMITATE
The two examples of flexible areas in this reference
concern food restrictions and the observance of
EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES. We must STRUGGLE TO LIVE UP TO
Liturgical Calendars, thing that the Spiritually Weak
THE CHRISTIAN IDEALS HE PRESENTED TO US.
might try to use to judge others or to divide the
THOSE WEAK IN THE FAITH ARE CHRISTIANS OF IMMATURE
Church.
CONSCIENCE AND WISDOM who may attach primary
In both cases, we are commanded to BE FLEXIBLE WITH
importance to secondary matters, such as foods and
religious festivals.
OTHERS JUST AS GOD HIMSELF IS WITH US!
[Many pay more attention to the rituals rather than the complete,
DURING ANY PERIOD OF FASTING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE
whole Faith, making their efforts empty gestures instead of

meaningful worship of God. mp]
TO
SHOULD NOT ONLY FOCUS ON THE DETAILS OF OUR PHYSICAL

SELF-DENIAL BUT PARTICULARLY ON THE SPIRITUAL FAST
CONCERNING OUR IMMORTAL SOUL RESISTING ALL
TEMPTATIONS OF SIN.
ST LUKE 1 : 1 25; 57 68; 76; 80
PROPHECY, CONCEPTION & NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
BAPTIST
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things that have been fulfilled among us - just as
those who, from the beginning, were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, delivered them to us - it seemed good to
me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most
excellent Theophilos, so that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
There was - in the days of Herod, the King of Judea - a certain Priest named Zacharias, of the Division of Abijah. And his
wife was one of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both Righteous before God, walking
in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,
and they were both well advanced in years.
While he was serving as Priest before God in the Order of his Division, according to the custom of the Priesthood, his lot
fell to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord. And a whole multitude of the people was praying
outside at the Hour of Incense.
An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the Altar of Incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he
was troubled, and Fear fell upon him.
The Angel said to him: Fear not, Zacharias! Thy Prayer is heard, and Thy wife, Elizabeth, will bear Thee a son, and Thou
shalt call his name John. And Thou will have Joy an Gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. He will be Great in
the Sight of the Lord. And shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from
his mothers womb. And he will turn many of the Sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go before Him in the
Spirit and Power of Elijah, ...to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children... and the disobedient to the Wisdom of the
Just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
And Zacharias said to the Angel: How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.
And the Angel answered and said to him: I am Gabriel who stands in the Presence of God. And was sent to speak to Thee
and bring Thee these Glad Tidings. And behold! Thou will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take
place. Because Thou did not believe my words they will be fulfilled in their own time.
And the people waited for Zacharias. And they marvelled that he lingered so long in the Temple.
16
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2015
When he came out, he could not speak to them. And they perceived that he had seen a Vision in the Temple. And he
beckoned to them, and remained speechless.
So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.
At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zaharias conceived.
And she hid herself for five months, saying: Thus has the Lord dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take
away my reproach among people.
...Now Elizabeths full time came for her to be delivered. And she brought forth a son.
And when her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown Great Mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
And on the Eighth Day, they went to circumcise the child, and they would have named him by the name of his father,
Zacharias. And His mother said: No! For he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is no one among your
relatives who is called by this name. They made signs to his father what he would have him called. And he asked for
a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all marvelled.
Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God.
And Fear came on all who dwelt around them. And all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of
Judea. And all those who heard them, kept them in their hearts, saying: What kind of child will this be?
And the Hand of the Lord was with him.
...And Zacharias, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He
has Visited and Redeemed His People... And Thou, child, will be called the Prophet of the Highest. Thou will go before
the Face of the Lord to prepare His Ways...
...The child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his Manifestation to Israel.
AS EYEWITNESSES AND INTIMATE CONTEMPORARIES OF OUR LORD
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH HAD CONTINUOUSLY PRAYED FOR A
JESUS CHRIST, HIS DISCIPLES LISTENED TO HIS HOLY GOSPEL
SON and at last their Prayers were answered when St
Gabriel, the Archangel of God, was sent to Announce
(GOOD NEWS) AND SAW HIS DIVINE MIRACLES FIRSTHAND.
the coming of their son who would always be
As St Luke himself was not one of the original Disciples of
remembered as St John the Baptist & Forerunner to
our Lord Jesus, HIS HOLY GOSPEL IS ANCHORED ON THE TRUE
Christ our Lord. (The name John means the Grace
TESTIMONY OF THESE ORIGINAL WITNESSES.
of God.)
ST LUKE ADDRESSED HIMSELF TO THEOPHILOS, A PROMINENT
THE ARCHANGEL GABRIELS DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER
GENTILE, WHO HAD RECEIVED CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION.
AND ROLE OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IS AS AN ASCETIC
However, nothing else is known of him.
St Lukes Holy Gospel is written as AN ORDERLY ACCOUNT so
PROPHET OF GOD who was to prepare the Hebrew
Nation for the long-awaited Coming of the
as to provide greater certainty CONCERNING THE DETAILS
OF OUR LORDS HOLY MINISTRY.
Messiah.
The Hebrews expected St Elijah, one of the greatest
ST LUKE WAS ON THE ONLY EVANGELIST WHO PROVIDED
Prophets of Israel, to reappear from Heaven in order
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BIRTH AND INFANCY OF ST JOHN THE
to Anoint the Messiah.
BAPTIST.
ST ZACHARIAS QUESTION: How shall I know this? INDICATED A
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH WERE ACKNOWLEDGED AS
SLIGHT LACK OF FAITH IN GODS PROMISE AND HIS SUBSEQUENT
BEING A RIGHTEOUS COUPLE OF PRIESTLY LINEAGE, WHO
MUTENESS SERVED BOTH AS A DISCIPLINE FOR HIS UNBELIEF AND
LIVED THEIR ENTIRE LIVES IN THE FULFILMENT OF GODS
AS A SIGN OF THE DIVINE TRUTH OF ST GABRIELS
WILL.
Nevertheless, ST ELIZABETH WAS BARREN, like so many other
ANNOUNCEMENT.
CIRCUMCISION WAS A MOST IMPORTANT RITUAL whereby a male
significant women mentioned in holy scripture. (SUCH
AS SARAH - GENESIS 16:1; REBECCA GENESIS 25:21; HANNAH 1
child was initiated into the Covenant Nation of God.
SAMUEL 1:2).
AFTER CHRIST - ACCORDING TO THE NEW BLOODLESS COVENANT INFERTILITY WAS REGARDED AS A PUBLIC REPROACH and it was
CIRCUMCISION WAS REPLACED BY THE TONSURING IN THE HOLY
viewed very negatively because a womans most
MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
important role in family life was to produce as many
According to our New, Bloodless Covenant with God, Tonsuring is
living children as possible to continue the family
the Bloodless New Circumcision whereby we offer a tiny
name and to contribute to the welfare of the family.
portion of ourselves hair to God as our Affirmation of
BARREN WOMEN WERE USUALLY DENIGRATED AND INSULTED, being
Absolute Faith in our Triune, Almighty God. mp
regarded as parasites rather than valuable
THE SONG OF ST ZACHARIAS (THE BENEDICTOS) WAS A
contributors to society.
PROPHETIC HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD WHO IS BLESSED FOR
EACH PRIEST WHO SERVED GOD AT THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM WAS
HIS GRACIOUS AND REDEEMING ACTS AMONG HIS PEOPLE
ASSIGNED TO A DIVISION. [1 CHRONICLES 23:3-6; 28:13]
IN FULFILMENT OF THE MESSIANIC PROMISES.
There were 24 divisions in all, each serving a week at a
time by rotation. The responsibilities of the priests in
each division were decided by drawing lots.
THE NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
Barrenness and Prophesy are two interconnected themes

which permeate the Feast of the Nativity of St John the
Baptist and Forerunner to Christ.
St Elizabeths barrenness (infertility) was used by God to
reveal His Love for His entire Creation.
This Divine Love, expressed in Divine Power and Glory,
enables the cousin (or aunt) of the Ever Blessed Virgin to
conceive.
The conception and birth of St John points to the
termination - not only of the barrenness of St Zachariah
and St Elizabeth - but also that of cosmic barrenness.
Sin and death had rendered Creation incapable of nurturing
and sustaining life, for the reign of death, traced back
to Adams Fall, aborted all life, which was destined from
Eternity, to abide in the Bosom of God.
Today we celebrate and bear witness to the unfolding of the
renewal of Creation now affirmed in the Nativity of St
John the Baptist.
Previously bound to death, Creation begins to reflect its
True Identity.
From the barrenness of St Elizabeth emerges the
Forerunner of the One Who is Life. (i.e. our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ.)

Celebrating the Nativity of St John should be an expression
of our deep Gratitude to God Who has Delivered us
from the horrible barrenness of Death, which not only
robs us of our biological existence but strives to impair
and ultimately smother the Creative Powers of the mind
and heart.
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD
Consequently, human creativity, now imbued with Hope

and Life, is urged on by Divine Love to transcend its
inherent limitations.
Finding its highest expression in True Worship human
creativity is joined to Divine Life.
Us human beings and our unique energy gradually, through
Ascetic Effort, achieve Harmony with the Divine Energy.
Hence the unfolding of the Eternal Ascent into the
Kingdom, which is to come.
As members of the Body of Christ, we are endowed with a
Prophetic Calling.
We are to proclaim and to show that the barrenness of
Creation has been filled with Life.
In the midst of desolation, God has brought St John - the
greatest of all His Holy Prophets - to prepare the Way of
the Lord.
Like St John the Baptist, we are to continue announcing the
Prophetic Word, which awakens Creation from the
barren slumber of sin.
Like St John, we are commissioned to lead an anxious and
searching humanity to Repentance by which it is drawn
into the Embrace of the Life Giver.
St John prepared Israel for the coming of the Messiah.
His Call to Repentance and Baptism formed a Faithful
Remnant that awaited the Coming of the Messiah.
It was this Remnant that helped to provide the human
component of the Church.
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2015
17
Now we are responsible for continuing the Call to

The Feast of the Baptists birth affirms the Victory of
Repentance, which leads to the Baptism of Water and
Regenerated and Transfigured Life.
the Spirit.
New life emerging from the barrenness of sin and death is
This is the Baptism that enables humanity to become One
the Joyous Core of our Feast.
with the Sacred Passover, which takes us from Death to
Here is the beginning and end of the Churchs Mission to
Life.
and for the world.
This is the Baptism that compels us to prophesy the Lords
Amen.
FATHER ROBERT M. ARIDA 2003-http://holytrinityorthodox.org
Glorious Second Coming.
WHAT ST JOHN THE BAPTIST TAUGHT ABOUT REPENTANCE
His message is one that is fundamental to Christianity
... he that hath two coats, let him impart to him that
i.e. Life in Christ. It is not by chance that the
hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do
Forerunner was one who taught Repentance as the
likewise ... For every valley shall be filled, and every
way to Heaven: "Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven
mountain and hill shall be brought low. (LUKE 3:13 &
14; LUKE 3:11; LUKE 3:5)
is at hand!" (MATTHEW 3:2).
What is the hidden meaning of valleys being filled in and
St John was followed by our Lord Jesus Christ Whose first
mountains being brought low?
Teaching was also Repentance: "Repent! for the
Exactly what the Lord says plainly: Everyone who
Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" (MATTHEW 4:17)
exalted himself shall be abased; and he who humble
St Gregory Palamas explained the significance of this act:
himself shall be exalted. (LUKE 18:14).
...Repentance means hating sin and loving Virtue,
The Baptist said: ...the crooked shall be made straight,
turning away from evil and during good. These acts
and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all
are preceded, however, by condemning ourselves for
flesh shall see the Salvation of God. (LUKE 3:5-6).
our faults - being penitent before God, fleeing to Him
Lying, deceit and slander are crooked, and the rough
for Refuge with a contrite heart, and casting ourselves
paths are anger, hatred, envy and remembrance of
into the ocean of His Mercy, considering ourselves
wrongs - all of which are made straight and level when
unworthy to be counted among His sons. As the
Transformed by the Works of Repentance.
Prodigal Son said when he Repented: Lord, I am not
And so all flesh - that is, every person of every Nation
worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy
and race who straightens and smoothes himself out
hired servants. (PSALM 34:14 - 1 PETER 3:11 - LUKE 15:19)
through Repentance, ...shall see the Salvation of
St John the Baptist was direct in his Preaching. He
God. (LUKE 3:6).
pointedly warned the Pharisees and Sadducees who
This should lead us to deep thought about our own
came to Him, to change their ways: Bear fruits
condition and what it means to Repent.
worthy of Repentance. (MATTHEW 3:8)
It seems that today many of these concepts have been
Repentance has always meant making a radical change of
watered down to mere politeness.
mind and a new way of being.
But what St John the Baptist - and then our Lord and
When we Repent we admit the error of our ways, feel
Saviour, Jesus Christ taught, was serious business,
sincere contrition (remorse) for our failing and then
meant to guide all humanity to a New Way of Life
commit ourselves to thoroughly change and take on a
where we can already behold Heaven.
New Way of Life.
Our Lord Jesus Christ added Power to this Act of
The Aim is to bear the Fruit of Repentance.
Repentance by infusing it with the Holy Spirit.
It is always the Fruits of our words, thoughts and deeds
This is what is available to us to this day in the confines
the results and consequences - that are significant
of His Holy Church - through His Holy Mysteries.
and which count for or against us.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ explained to His Disciples that
St John the Baptist severely warned us: Every tree that
St "...John truly Baptized with water - but you shall
does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into
be Baptised with the Holy Spirit..." (ACTS 1:5)
the fire. (MATTHEW 3:10)
St Gregory Palamas commented: ... being hewn down is
SAINT GREGORY PALAMAS - THE HOMILIES - ON BAPTISM AND REPENTANCE
God's Sentence on those who justify themselves and sin
without Repenting, and, in accordance with this
ON CEASELESS SPIRITUAL WARFARE
decision, once they have been cut off from the present
We are passing through the midst of many traps, so it is
and Future Life, they are sent away to Dark,
not permissible to proceed neglectfully if we want to
Unquenchable Hell-Fire.
avoid the snares. Let us keep our eyes wide open,
That is why the Baptist, too, warns that after such people
imitating the many-eyed Cherubim, so that we may
have been cut down, Inextinguishable Fire receives
deride the clumsy tricks of Satan and ascend with the
them, making known in this way the awfulness of
Wings of Divine Thoughts through the Spiritual Ether.
God's Wrath and that Eternal Punishment, in order to
Thus we may offer the Health of our soul as a fragrant
bring to their senses that insensitive race, and men like
incense to God, Who dwells in the Heavens. Just as
them, who came later.
the health of children brings joy to their parents,
Repentance is not a light matter in the sight of St John
likewise our good Father-God Rejoices to see our soul
the Baptist.
healthy.
We must be motivated to change or else be Condemned
for Eternal Fire.
ON ENCOURAGEMENT:
St John the Forerunner to Christ, was never timid in
We do not all preach like St Peter. We do not count
guiding seekers of Divine Truth to do more than
converts by the thousands like St Paul. We do not all
simply avoid evil things or actions.
have the Theological mind of St John. We do not raise
He taught us that only a change in our way of being that
the dead, or cure the sick, or speak in tongues, or
bears Good Fruits is required is essential - to enter
prophesy but we all should learn to emulate St
the Kingdom of Heaven.
Barnabas (who went to Antioch and encouraged
St Gregory Palamas summarised what St John the Baptist
everyone to follow Christ.)
taught
concerning
the
necessary
Spiritual
We should all encourage our Brethren in Christ to be
Requirements:
better Disciples of our Lord. We should all be sons
... What are these? Firstly Confession, as practised by
and daughters of Encouragement not mere human
those who went to him at that time: ... then they went
encouragement that is patronising, but of the Spirit of
out and they were Baptised of him in the Jordan (River),
Encouragement Who fills our heart, always has a word
confessing their sins... (MATTHEW 3:5-6)
or action ready to share, and when we see others in
Next, he looked for Righteousness, Almsgiving,
need, we must just listen to that Holy Spirit of
Moderation, Love, Truthfulness - telling them: Exact
Encouragement, and speak it to them.
no more than that which is appointed you.. Do
violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely... and
18
NATIVITY
OF
ST JOHN
THE
TO
CHRIST
OUR
LORD - 24 JUNE
2015

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.
28 J u n e 2015
Tone 3
4th Sunday After Pentecost - 4th Sunday of St Matthew
The Faithful Centurion
Also the Feast of St John & St Cyrus, Wonderworking Unmercenaries & Holy
Martyrs of Alexandria, (Translation of Holy Relics) St Xenophon of Robeika,
Nogorod St Sergios & St Herman, Wonderworkers of Valaam St Paul the
Physician of Corinth
RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE3
Evfrenestho
ta Ourania, agaliastho ta epigia, oti epiise

Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to Thanato
ton Thanaton.Prototokos ton nekron egeneto. Ek kilias
Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to kosmo to Mega Eleos.
RESURRECTION KONTAKION
Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the
Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has
trampled down Death by Death; He has become the
First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He
has delivered us, and to the world He has granted
Great Mercy.
OF THE
Prostasia

alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS

Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4 : LUKE 24 : 1 12

THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS
FIND
THE
TOMB EMPTY
PROKEIMENON - PSALM 46 - TONE 3
Sing praises to our God! Sing praises (to our King)!

All you Nations, clap your hands!
ST PAULS EPISTLE
HOLY BAPTISM
IS OUR
FREEDOM
FROM
SIN
UNDER
TO THE
DIVINE GRACE
ROMANS
6 :
18 23
Brethren: Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of Righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the
weakness of your flesh. Just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness and of lawlessness - leading to
more lawlessness so now present your members as slaves of Righteousness for Holiness.
When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to Righteousness. What Fruit did you have then in the things of which
you are now ashamed? The end of those things is Death.
Now - having been set free from sin having become slaves of God you have your Fruit to Holiness - the end, Everlasting
Life.
The wages of sin is Death - the Gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS ONE PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY,
Although we choose our Master freely, WE ARE ALWAYS A
SLAVE TO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. (There is always something
WITH TWO NATURES HUMAN AND DIVINE.
His Divine
or someone that controls or even dominates us a kind of
Nature is from All Eternity and is revealed in that He is
slavery. mp)
both Gods son and the Lord. His human nature is
ONLY OBEDIENCE TO GOD LEADS US TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, MAKING
revealed in His being born of the seed of David,
US HEIRS OF SALVATION RATHER THAN SLAVES OF SIN.
according to the flesh, for He was Conceived and
THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM FREES US from being such
Born of the Virgin Mary, while never ceasing to be
entrapped, defenceless and futile slaves of sin if we
God.
continue to be obedient to God, by following as best
In addition, THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID
as we can in the Divine Footsteps imitating the
NOT MAKE HIM THE SON OF GOD BUT RATHER DECLARED HIM TO
Perfect Example of God Incarnate our Lord Jesus
BE SO AND THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH OF HIS ETERNAL DIVINITY,
Christ.
which had been veiled from the world, WAS REVEALED
ST PAUL REGARDED HIMSELF AS A BONDSERVANT OR SLAVE TO OUR
FULLY IN HIS PASSION AND HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION.
LORD JESUS FOR HE LIVED IN COMPLETE OBEDIENCE TO GOD
Consequently, OUR OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH CAN MEAN EITHER
WHO CALLED HIM TO HOLY SERVICE being COMPELLED BY
OUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST ITSELF, OR
HIS DEVOTION TO GOD AND HIS EAGER WILLINGNESS TO SHARE
THE VIRTUE OF OBEDIENCE, which is practised by those
THE DIVINE TRUTH AND TEACHINGS WITH EVERYONE ELSE.
who truly believe in Him and His Divine Name.
ST PAUL WANTED MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE THE
NEW BELIEVERS ARE CALLED BY GOD AND HIS HOLY CHURCH TO A
HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST, WHICH FULFILS EVERYTHING GOD HAS
LIFE OF FAITH A LIFE IN CHRIST.
PROMISED according to the Old Covenant and which is
It is not up to us to create the Holy Church, for the Church
realised in the Incarnation of the Word and Son of
of Christ existed very long before us.
God our Lord Jesus Christ.
Instead, WE ARE CALLED TO ENTER THE LIVING, HISTORIC HOLY
Furthermore, THE HOLY GOSPEL THE GOOD NEWS OF
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST as She exists today.
SALVATION FOR ALL MANKIND ALSO REVEALS THE HOLY
Just as St Paul was never ashamed of the Holy Gospel of
TRINITY for it is FROM God the Father, CONCERNING God
Christ -having thereby set a good example for us
His Son, and ACCORDING to the Holy Spirit:
neither should we ever be ashamed of it nor deny its
4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 4TH
OF
ST MATTHEW -
FAITH
OF THE
CENTURION 28 JUNE 2015
19.
Divine Truth and Reality for the Righteousness of

God is to be in a continuous state of Holy Communion
with Him.
THIS HOLY STATE MEANS BEING IN A RIGHT AND GOOD
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, which originate with God and
which is accepted by all True Disciples of Christ in
profound Faith.
WE FIRST RECEIVE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BY FAITH AND THEN
CONTINUE TO LIVE IN HIM BY THAT SAME TRUE FAITH.
St Paul used human terms i.e. the imagery of slavery
in order to express our fallen human condition,
because GOD DOES NOT WANT US AS POWERLESS, FUTILE
SLAVES, BUT RATHER AS HIS BELOVED ADOPTED CHILDREN
(through our Holy Baptism) CO-HEIRS to His Eternal
Kingdom together with Christ, His Eternal Son.
As St Paul points out: if we served sin so well, certainly
now, AS WILLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE ARE EMPOWERED BY
DIVINE GRACE TO SERVE RIGHTEOUSNESS EVEN MORE
EFFECTIVELY.
While we are enslaved by sin, we do not know enough to
be ashamed of it.
However, we have now received Christs Holy Gospel and
the more we learn, the more we realise how shameful
and unproductive and Eternally devastating a life

of sin is, for we know its consequences Eternal Death
and alienation from God and all His Goodness!
Our willing Spiritual Slavery to God, which is initiated by
our Holy Baptism, is our True physical and Spiritual
Freedom, which bears the sweetest Harvest or Fruit of
Holiness and Eternal Life in Gods Heavenly Kingdom.
Wages are earned so death is earned by us as a
consequence of our unrepented sins.
On the contrary: Eternal Life is never earned by us for it is
a Free Gift of God.
NO HUMAN WORD, THOUGHT OR DEED NO MATTER HOW GOOD OR
NOBLE THEY MIGHT BE CAN EARN US ETERNAL LIFE FOR IT IS
GRANTED TO US EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THE DIVINE GRACE AND
LOVE OF GOD.
All we are expected to do is to humbly hear and obey the
Divine Truth of Almighty God as taught and preached
to us by God Incarnate our Lord Jesus Christ and
by His Holy Apostles through the Holy Priesthood,
which is correctly Guided and Inspired by God the
Holy Spirit.

THE FAITH
OF THE
TO ST MATTHEW
CENTURION
8 : 5 13
At that time, when our Lord Jesus had entered Capernaum, a Centurion went to Him, pleading with Him, saying; Lord, my
servant is lying at home, paralysed and dreadfully tormented. And Jesus said to him: I will go and heal him.
And the Centurion answered: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou should come under my roof. Only speak a Word, and my
servant will be Healed. And I, too, am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And when I say to one: Go! he
goes. And to another: Come! and he comes. And to my servant: Do this! and he does it.
When Jesus heard his words, He marvelled, and said to those who followed: Truly, I say to you: I have not found such
Great Faith not even in Israel!
I say to you that many will come from East and West, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the
Kingdom of Heaven. The sons of the Kingdom will be cast out into Outer Darkness! There will be wailing and
gnashing of the teeth!
And Jesus said to the Centurion: Go your way, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.
And the Centurions servant was healed that same hour.
By saying : ... many will come from East and West... OUR
A Roman Centurion (usually a Gentile or pagan) commanded
LORD JESUS NULLIFIED ANY IDEAS OF ETHNIC SUPERIORITY.
100 men in a Roman Legion.
THE REJECTED SONS OF THE KINGDOM INCLUDE THE HEBREWS AND
OUR LORD JESUS IS THE DIVINE SAVIOUR OF ALL HUMANITY AND TO
HIM THERE ARE NO ETHNIC DISTINCTIONS OR BOUNDARIES.
OTHERS WHO DENY CHRIST AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN RAISED
IN HIS HOLY CHURCH BUT WHO DO NOT LIFE IN FAITH THOSE
Our Lords response to the concerned Centurion is
regarded by many scholars as having been a
WHO DO NOT LIVE IN CHRIST.
CHRIST REVEALS THE REALITY AND TRUTH OF ETERNAL DEATH
question rather than a statement: Shall I go? but
whatever it was, the significant fact is that OUR SAVIOUR
the horrific consequences of wilful Spiritual
IS ALWAYS READY AND WILLING TO HELP EVERYONE, even this
Rebellion against the Lord our God by
describing THE ETERNAL STATE OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS
Roman Centurion a pagan or Gentile whose house
He was prepared to enter although the Hebrews
DEAD in Sheol (Hades) according to the Hebrew
Tradition THE OUTER DARKNESS and THE WEEPING
would never have even considered doing so!
The Centurion expressed his unusual Faith in Christ by
AND GNASHING OF TEETH, which were common
addressing Him as Lord, and HIS CONFESSION: I am
expressions used in the Holy Gospels of St Matthew
not worthy that Thou should come under my roof, IS
and St Luke.
FREQUENTLY QUOTED in our Orthodox Christian Liturgical
ENOCH 103:8 ...And into Outer Darkness and Chains
texts AS AN IDEAL EXPRESSION OF HUMILITY.
and a burning Flame where there is grievous
Twice in all the Holy Gospels is has been noted that our
Judgement shall your spirits enter; And the Great
Judgement shall be for all the generations of the
Lord marvelled at something:
HE HAD MARVELLED AT THE UNBELIEF IN HIS HOMETOWN OF
world. Woe to you, for you shall have no Peace.
NAZARETH and now, in this instance,
HE MARVELLED AT THE CENTURIONS COMPLETE FAITH IN HIM
AND HIS DIVINE POWERS.
OF
ST MATTHEW THE FAITH
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The Lords Signs and Wonders prove Him to be what He
claimed to be - the Son of God.
But todays Miracle account, like all others, is not intended
solely to demonstrate the Lords Power to Heal.
The Healing of the Centurions servant contains a number
of short Lessons concerning Characteristics of Life in
Christ.
As Christians, we must be attentive to the way in which
these Instructions may be applied to our own Life.
The basic elements of the story are few.
The Centurion - a Roman - had complete confidence that
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ was able to Heal his
servant.
When our Lord expressed His willingness to go to his
house, the Centurion humbly objected, declaring
himself unworthy of such a Visit.
20.
OF
OF THE
ROMAN CENTURION
At the same time, he revealed his profound Faith in our

Lord: Only speak a Word, and my servant will be
Healed.
He explained his status of power and authority as a
Centurion in charge of 100 soldiers.
Although he had so many Roman Legionnaires under his
command, he was himself under Roman Authority.
Our Lords reaction to the Centurions confession of Faith
in His Power to Heal, must have surprised those who
witnessed the scene, when He declared that He had not
found such Great Faith anywhere and not even in
Israel.
Furthermore, Christ revealed that on the Final Day of
Judgement, ... many will come from East and West,
and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in
the Kingdom of Heaven. The sons of the Kingdom will
be cast out into Outer Darkness! There will be wailing
and gnashing of the teeth!
Those who had been Gods Chosen as Heirs of His Eternal
Kingdom would be cast out and replaced by others,
ST MATTHEW -
FAITH
OF THE
while all those who rejected Him and His Divine Truth
times. And many Priests have heard requests on behalf
would suffer the dire Consequences of their Spiritual
of others who were deemed worthy for the wrong
Rebellion just like Satan and his fallen angels, the
reasons.
demons being banished into permanent exile from
Clearly, when the Centurion spoke to our Lord Jesus of his
God and all His Goodness!
position, he was not boasting.
Our Lord told the Faithful Centurion: ...Go your way, and
Quite the contrary.
I am a man set under authority. That is the key
as you have believed, so let it be done for you.
St Ambrose regarded the Healing by our Lords Word alone
expression. He derived his authority from another and
applied it in the line of duty.
as proof of His Equality with God the Father: as the
St John Chrysostom described the implications: I am a
Father spoke, the Son made - so, too, the Father works
man set under authority: that is - Thou art God, and I
and the Son speaks.
man. I am under authority, but Thou art not under
St Basil the Great emphasized that it was our Saviours
authority. If I, therefore, being a man, and under
Word and not His Presence that Healed the sick man.
authority, can do so much; far more He, both as God and
The Centurion is a striking figure. He entered the narrative
as One not under authority.
as a man already possessed of a deep Faith in our Lord
St John Chrysostom was certain that this Gentile, unlike
Jesus Power to Heal - even by a Word.
He asked nothing for himself but only for his servant -his
his Judean friends, suspected our Lord Jesus Divine
Dignity.
social and military inferior.
His status notwithstanding, he profoundly felt his own
The Christ preached by the Apostles was the Christ Who
gave Himself out of His infinite Love for mankind.
unworthiness.
How the Centurion came to his Faith is not explained by St
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the One Who receives all who come
to Him in Faith and Humility - those who Love Him.
Matthew, but details in St Lukes account of the same
Miracle may offer a clue.
He is not moved to respond to our Petitions because of
some supposed worthiness on our part.
It should be recalled at this point that although the
Synoptic Gospels of St Matthew, St Mark and St Luke
Our accomplishments, position, wealth, and fame do not
commend us to Him.
sometimes differ in detail when reporting the same
incident, those differences do not diminish their
Neither does our belonging to a particular race or Nation,
and neither does membership in His Church, if we make
authenticity.
In the present case, St Matthew simply related what went
no effort to live in accordance with His Will, have no
Faith or Humility, think of ourselves as deserving His
on between our Lord Jesus and the Centurion.
Salvation, or think only of ourselves and never earnestly
St Luke recorded certain preliminary steps, such as the
desire the well-being of others.
Centurions dispatching his Judean friends to plead his
Such was the Image of Christ that the Apostles and
case: Neither thought I myself worthy to come unto
Disciples proclaimed as they undertook their Great
Thee... (LUKE 7:7)
Missionary enterprise after having been filled with the
The Centurions frequent contact with the Judeans must
Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
have given him some familiarity with their Faith.
For St Gregory of Nazianzos, the Centurions Faith and
Perhaps he was aware of their Messianic Expectations.
approach to the Lord provide an example for us all:
It is unlikely that our Lord Jesus and His Work among the
...Wherefore we must Purify ourselves first, and then
people could have escaped his attention.
approach this converse with the Purebe like the
His own Faith, so forcefully portrayed in just a few words,
Centurion who would seek for Healing, but would not,
may have arisen from a strong sense that our Lord
through a Praiseworthy Fear, receive the Healer into his
Jesus was the very One Who was awaited by the Nation
house.
he had come to love.
Let each one of us also speak so, as long as we are still
St Lukes account tells us that the mans Judean friends
uncleansed, and are Centurions still, commending many
identified as Elders considered him worthy of Christs
in wickedness, and serving in the Army of Caesar, the
good favour, although they were impressed by
World-Ruler of those who are being dragged down, and
something other than his Faith: He was worthy for
saying: I am not worthy that Thou should enter under
Whom He should do this: for he loves our Nation, and he
my roof.
has built us a Synagogue (LUKE 7:4-5).
They presented a plea from a man who held an exalted
Amen.
position and had contributed materially to their
(ARCHBISHOP DMITRI ROYSTER. THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST. ST. VLADIMIRS SEMINARY PRESS.
institution.
CRESTWOOD (NY), 1999 // THE FOURTH SUNDAY. THE CENTURIONS SERVANT
(MATTHEW 8:5-13), PP. 14-17).
The things that really matter the Centurions Humility,
JULY 10, 2011. ST. BARBARAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL. EDMONTON, CANADA
Faith, and concern for another seem not to have made
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOX-CANADA.COM/SERMON-FOR-THE-FOURTH-SUNDAY-AFTERmuch of an impression on them.
PENTECOST-THE-HEALING-OF-THE-CENTURION-S-SERVANT-MATTHEW-8-5-13/
It is not difficult to see the similarity between the mind of
those religious leaders and that of some in our own
WHY NEW AGE PRACTICES ARE DANGEROUS
New Age and self-help ideas and practices stem in part
This weakens belief and reduces God to something that is
from the arrival of leaders of various Hindu sects
relative to your own perspective.
beginning in the early 1900s (50 years later came
It becomes easy to change your beliefs based on the last
Buddhism).
seminar you attended or the last book you read, leading
The Hindu methods that were taught to Americans all have
to a very weak or even no firm belief system to
an underlying assumption of a spirituality that is
support your Spiritual Growth or to provide necessary
foreign to Traditional Christian beliefs and can be
Comfort in times of suffering.
misleading to Christians and misapplied.
Hieromonk Damascene says this leads to the following for
Their view does not recognize the fundamental belief in the
such a person:
Incarnation of Jesus Christ, of God becoming Man, His
He has religious interests in several areas, but he basically
subsequent Crucifixion and Resurrection where He
believes that all is relative - i.e. My ideas work for me,
showed Victory over Death and thereby liberated all
your ideas work for you.
mankind, and our immortal irreducible personhood
He believes in everything at once, but in nothing very
though our own Resurrection and Union with God in
deeply, and in nothing that will demand a sacrifice
Paradise.
from him.
Why is this important?
He has nothing worth dying for.
A USA Today/Gallup Poll in 2002-JAN indicated that 33% of
His spiritual interest is intimately connected to his quest
Americans consider themselves spiritual but not
for ego gratification, and thus stands poised to receive
religious.
anything from anywhere that will provide this
This means they are creating their own personal
gratification.
spirituality.
He is as clay in the hands of the spirit of antichrist, which
When you define for yourself what is spiritual, you lose
, as the Apostle teaches, is already in the world. (1JOHN
4:3)
True Humility and are engaging in a process of
He is a candidateor rather a target for the religion of
defining your own god.
the future about which Fr. Seraphim Rose wrote.
OF
ST MATTHEW -
FAITH
OF THE
21.
The resulting New Age thinking that counts among its

leaders Deepak Chopra, Bernie Seagal, Marianne
Williamson, Barbara DeAngelis, LaVar Burton, Richard
Carlson, Betty Eadie, Eckhart Tolle and most other selfhelp self-proclaimed gurus of the holistic health and
feel good programmes consistently proclaimed on TV,
in the media, in our bookstores and online web sites, is
now a large social and money making phenomenon.
Remember the tragic fate of the followers of Reverend Jim
Jones and the suicide deaths in the sweat lodge in
Arizona?
Your adventures may not be this extreme, but beware many of these approaches rely on well known occult
methods and practices that can lead to quick relief and
a temporary sense of well being, but do not lead you to
a True Relationship with God, Who is our only
permanent solution to our angst.
In this sense, these new methods can be deceptive and
therefore dangerous.
Even though they may not identify the underlying religious
beliefs and assumptions, they can replace legitimate
Spiritual Disciplines and practices with false
psychological based methods.
They may lead you to think you have found God and His
Healing Power when you have not.
Your suffering and stress may be intended to bring you
closer to God, but by finding a temporary relief you
miss this opportunity.
Furthermore, they can build up your ego-self and make you
feel less dependent on any higher power than yourself,
leading to vain glory and pride, which separate us from
God.
They tend to lead Christians away from the Holy Virtues of
Humility and Obedience that is essential for our
Salvation and our True Relationship with God.
In short, these new self help methods lead many
Christians to adopt a so-called new Christianity that is
watered down - quite different from what was taught by
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
and His Holy
Apostles.
These heretical, self-made Christian churches do not have
the Saving Power of Christs Holy Church for they have
ideas that are counter to the True Teachings and
Commandments of Christ and His Holy Apostles, which
have been so carefully preserved throughout the ages.
These self-proclaimed churches are powerless as the people
are instructed to place their trust in psychic and occult
FIGHT
THE
GOOD FIGHT
OF
The most important thing is to know that believing in

Christ means to have Eternal Life.
This is the central and preeminent realization of every
Christian.
I believe and that is why I have Eternal Life.
I have Eternal Life because I believe.
From this Realization, Fearlessness and Confession of
Faith are born; and Readiness, as well, for every
Sacrifice for Christ, Patience and Joyous Suffering for
Christ.
This Realization becomes not just a Guide, but also a
Supreme, Guiding, and Moral Principle for a
Christian.
We normalize and regulate everything according to it.
We feel and know that our highest concern is to
achieve Eternal Life through every feeling, every
thought, every act, and every deed.
This begins for us an Unceasing Struggle, and Unceasing
Experience of the Evangelic Virtues, Unceasing
Rebirth of ourselves into something newer and newer
- into a better and better person - always looking to
methods that differ completely from the Traditional

Christian Asceticism.
Many of these have rejected all True Christian practices as
well as striving for a True Relationship with God.
An Orthodox Christian who was previously a Hindu
commented: St Clement of Alexandria, two thousand
years ago, wrote that pre-Christian Philosophers were
often Inspired by God, but he cautioned one to be careful
what one took from them!
So we acknowledge the Eastern seeker through his Ascesis
or contemplative methodologies may experience deep
levels of created beauty, or created being (through selfcontemplation), para-normal dimensions, or even the
quantum field that modern physics has revealed!
However, it is only in the Eastern Orthodox Church and
through its Deifying Mysteries that the seeker will be
introduced to the province of Uncreated Divine Life.
It is only in the Orthodox Church that the eastern seeker
will hear there is more to Salvation than simply
forgiveness of sins and Justification before God.
He will be led to participate in the Uncreated Energies of
God, so that they ...may be Partakers of the Divine
Nature. (2 PETER 1:4).
As a member of the Body of Christ he will join in the
Deifying Process, and be increasingly Transformed
after the Likeness!
Thankfully, Deification is available to all who enter the
Holy Orthodox Church, are Baptized (which begins the
Deifying Process) and partake of the Holy Mysteries.
Deification is not just for Monks, Ascetics and the
Spiritual Athletes on Mount Athos!
The reliance on self-help techniques is ever-increasing
along with the application of unauthorized and
prescription drugs.
We need to ask, Have we Orthodox become secular and
prone to self-help techniques for our Spiritual Ailments?
Do we give secondary importance to the Teachings of
our Orthodox Christian Faith?
We can have confidence in the 2000 year old Tradition of
the Couch based on God's Revelation to mankind.
It is not the easy way, but is the way necessary to gain our
Salvation.
Let's not let these new self-centred techniques distract us
and water down our Orthodox world view.
DEACON CHARLES JOINER
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2009/11/WHY-NEW-AGEPRACTICES-ARE-DANGEROUS.HTML
FAITH -
TIMOTHY 6:12).
We are Christians.
Our Sacred Calling is to achieve Eternal Life - to fight
day and night for Eternal Life.
For the sake of Eternal Life we must bear every torment,
every hardship, every struggle with Joy.
...For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
works for us a far more exceeding and Eternal
Weight of Glory... (2 CORINTHIANS. 4:17)
To us who look at the Eternal, we search for that which
is Eternal; for our main purpose is Eternal Life. (CF. 2
CORINTHIANS 4:18).
COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLES OF ST. JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN, BY ST.
JUSTIN POPOVICH
HTTPS://THEINNERKINGDOM.WORDPRESS.COM/2010/11/01/FIGHT-THEGOOD-FIGHT-OF-FAITH-BY-ST-JUSTIN-POPOVICH/
ST SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN
Our Holy Fathers have listened to the Lord Who said that
from the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery,
fornication, theft, perjury, slander and how these are
the things that make us unclean. [MATTHEW 15:19 -20]
Furthermore, they have listened to the part of the Gospel
where we are ordered to clean the inside of cup and
dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.
[MATTHEW 23:26]
They therefore left aside any other Spiritual Work and

concentrated exclusively on Guarding the heart, being
confident that through this they would easily achieve all
22.
OF
ST. JUSTIN POPOVICH
the Founder and Finisher of our Faith, our Lord Jesus

and His Labourers and Followers (CF. HEBREWS 12: 1-2).
We must always keep in mind the Evangelic Battle Call
and Rule: Fight the Good Fight of Faith, lay hold
on Eternal Life, whereunto you are also Called... (I
ON
GUARDING
THE
HEART
other Virtues, whilst without it no Virtue can be

preserved.
This practice was called by some of our Holy Church
Fathers Serenity of the heart, whilst others named it
Attention, others Sobriety and Detainment, others
Examination of the thoughts and Guarding of the
mind, for they were all absorbed in this, and by this
they were found worthy to accept the Divine
Virtues.
ST MATTHEW -
SALT OF THE EARTH

HTTPS://SOLZEMLI.WORDPRESS.COM/
FAITH
OF THE

Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole
Life to Christ our God. Amen.
The Apostles Feast St Peter & St Paul
29 J u n e 2015
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST PETER & ST PAUL TONE3
I ton Apostolon Protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Didaskali, to Among

Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Irinin ti
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos..
the Apostles the loftiest, and Teachers of the

Universe, intercede, O Peter and Paul, with the Master
of us all, Peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy
ikoumeni
FESTAL KONTAKION ST PETER & ST PAUL -
TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ote katavas tas glossas sinehee, diemerizen ethni O Ipsisto. When
the Most High came down and confused the

tongues, He parted the Nations; when He divided out
the Tongues of Fire, He Called all to Unity. And with
one voice we Glorify the All-Holy Spirit!
Ote tou Piros tas Glossas dienimen is enotita panta

ekalese. Ke simfonos Doxazomen to Panagion Pnevma!
KONTAKION -
THE
EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
Prostasia

alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson
MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING
TO
THE RECONCILIATION & COMMISSION

Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
ST JOHN 21 : 14 25
OF
ST PETER
THE
APOSTLE
The third time our Lord Jesus revealed Himself to His Disciples after He had Risen from the dead, when they had eaten
breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter: Simon, son of Jonah, do you Love Me more than these? He said to Him: Yes,
Lord, Thou know that I love Thee. He said to him: Feed My Lambs.
He said to him again a second time: Simon, son of Jonah, do you Love Me? He said to Him:, Yes Lord; Thou know that
I love Thee. He said to him: Tend My sheep.
He said to him the third time: Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He asked him a third
time: Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, Thou know all things; Thou know that I love Thee. Jesus said to
him:, Feed My sheep.
Truly, truly, I say to you: when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you
are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.
This He spoke, signifying by what death he would Glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him: Follow
Me!
Then Peter, turning around, saw the Disciple whom Jesus Loved following, (who also had leaned on His Breast at the
Supper and asked:
Lord, who is the one who betrays Thee?) Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus: Lord, what about this
man? Jesus said to him: If I Will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!
Then this saying went out among the Brethren that this Disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would
not die, but: If I Will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?
This is the Disciple who testifies to these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his Testimony is True. And
there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world
itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Amen
PROKEIMENON PSALM 18
- TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands!
THE SECOND EPISTLE
O F S T P A U L T O T H E C O R I N T H I A N S 11 :21 12:9
ST PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP, RECOUNTING HIS SUFFERINGS, VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES
Brethren, ...to our shame I say that we were too weak for that!
In whatever anyone is bold I speak foolishly I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I.
Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more - in labours more
abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Judeans five times I received
forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have
been in the deep.
In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren. In weariness and toil, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in Fastings often, in cold and nakedness besides the other things that come
upon me daily - my deep concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast
in the things that concern my infirmity.
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
In Damascus the Governor, under Aretas the King, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to
arrest me; and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
THE APOSTLES FEAST ST PETER & ST PAUL
29 JUNE 2015
23.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast.

I will come to Visions and Revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not
know, God knows such a one was caught up to the Third Heaven. And I know such a man whether in the body or
out of the body I do not know, God knows how he was caught up into Paradise and heard Inexpressible Words, which
it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast - yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
Although I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool. I will speak the Truth. I refrain, lest anyone should think of me
above what he sees me to be, or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the
Revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me - a messenger of Satan - to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord that it might depart from me.
And He said to me: "My Grace is sufficient for you. for My Strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.
surrounded by the Assembly of the Just in the City of
St Paul listed his Hebrew and Christian credentials
God.
according to his opponents level of argument.
Genealogy was important to the Hebrews and ST PAUL HAD Unlike his opponents who publicly boasted of their own
HIS OWN IMPRESSIVE GENEALOGY AND HIS CHRISTIAN
greatness in their Mystical Experiences, ST PAUL
EXPERIENCE WAS INCOMPARABLE WITH ANYONE ELSE his
REGARDED HIS OWN THORN IN THE FLESH AS HAVING BEEN
BESTOWED
UPON HIM IN ORDER TO KEEP HIM HUMBLE.
suffering, his compassionate, involved concern for
others and even his rather extraordinary Missionary His thorn was a chronic physical problem (some have
suggested stomach or gastric ulcers or even cancer,
Journeys throughout the known world of the time and
which caused intense discomfort and constant pain)
everything he endured since his Miraculous
as well as the deluded Christians or stubborn Israelites
Conversion.
with whom he had to daily contend.
St Pauls opponents had probably boasted of their Visions
and Revelations so ST PAUL MENTIONED ONE OF HIS OWN, Nevertheless, FOR ST PAUL, HIS HUMBLING PHYSICAL WEAKNESSES FOURTEEN YEARS PREVIOUSLY, WHICH DATED THE EVENT BEFORE
HE BEGAN HIS MISSIONARY JOURNEYS HIS DIVINE CALLING BY
CHRIST ALONG THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
St Paul used two Hebrew terms to describe the Heavenly

Realms: the Third Heaven, which is the highest
Heaven and Paradise, which is where God is
NOT HIS MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES - WERE THE MEANS WHEREBY

THE POWER OF CHRIST REMAINED WITH HIM.
DIVINE GRACE ACCOMPANIES TRUE VIRTUE ESPECIALLY THAT OF
OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 16: 13 19

ST PETER CONFESSES OUR LORD JESUS AS THE CHRIST & IS PROMISED THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
At that time, when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, saying: "What do men say
Who is the Son of Man?" They said: "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah. Others, Jeremiah or one of the Prophets."
He asked them: "And Whom do you say that I Am?" Simon Peter answered, saying: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
Living God."
And Jesus replied, saying to him: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but
My Father Who is in Heaven.
I say you that you are Peter; and upon this Rock I shall build My Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail
against Her. And I will give you the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. And whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, it
shall be bound also in Heaven. And whatsoever you shall Loosen on Earth, it shall be Loosened also in Heaven.
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? Is the greatest question we Hence, BY SHATTERING THE GATES, CHRIST OPENED THE
STRONGHOLD OF DEATH AND SET THE SOULS OF THE
can ever answer!!
RIGHTEOUS FREE.
St Peters ringing Confession: THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON
In all the Holy Gospels, the word Church [Ekklessia =
OF THE LIVING GOD! IS A DIVINELY INSPIRED INSIGHT GIVEN TO
Gathering] is mentioned twice by our Lord (here and
HIM BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
in MATTHEW 18:17) describing THE TRUE ISRAEL WHOSE
Our Lord Jesus Messianic Identity and Divinity, the
CITIZENSHIP IS HEAVENLY.
Mystery hidden from Eternity, cannot be truly known
through human intelligence or reasoning, but only by She is THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE DIVINE-HUMAN ORGANISM, and
to Her comes the Call of our Lord Jesus for the whole of
Gods Revelation. [1 CORINTHIANS 12:3]
mankind TO ABIDE WITH HIM AND IN HIM. [EPHESIANS 1:23]
The title Christ means the Anointed One and AS CHRIST IS
The expression Keys of the Kingdom, clearly implies A
TRULY THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THE FATHER HAS ANOINTED
SPECIAL AUTHORITY THAT CHRIST GAVE TO ST PETER HIMSELF,
HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. [acts 10:38]
BUT WHICH WAS NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS CONFESSION OF
King David wrote: THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED
FAITH.
THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE THAN THY
Furthermore, while St Peter was a Leader of the
COMPANIONS. [PSALM 45:7]
Disciples and of the early Church, ALL THE HOLY
St Isaiah, speaking in the Name of the Lord, said: the
APOSTLES WERE EMPOWERED EQUALLY WITH CHRISTS
Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord
DIVINE AUTHORITY.
hath Anointed Me. [ISAIAH 61:1]
The name Peter is a play on the word for Rock or Therefore, ST PETER WAS NOT A LEADER OVER THE OTHERS BUT A
LEADER AMONGST THEM, as seen at the Council of
Stone in Aramaic and Greek. (Petros/Petra).
Jerusalem, where Elders or Presbyters [Priests] met
THE TERM ROCK DID NOT REFER TO ST PETER HIMSELF BUT TO HIS
with the Apostles altogether AS EQUALS.
SINCERE CONFESSION OF FAITH.
THE TRUE ROCK AND FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IS, OF Roman Papal claims in later centuries must not be
confused with the New Testament Witness regarding St
COURSE, CHRIST HIMSELF.
Peter, nor should the Role of St Peter in the New
THE CHURCH RESTS UPON THIS ROCK BY HER UNCHANGING
Testament be minimised in opposition to those claims!
FAITH AND HER CONFESSION.
WITH THIS UNCHANGING, FIRMLY ROOTED, SOLID FAITH AS THE BINDING AND LOOSENING IS A REFERENCE TO THE
TEACHING, SACRAMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS
FOUNDATION, THE GATES OF HADES, THE POWER OF DEATH
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES THAT WERE SUBSEQUENTLY
AND DESTRUCTION, ARE POWERLESS AGAINST HER.
TRANSMITTED TO THE BISHOPS OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF
In the Old Testament, the term Gates suggested a
CHRIST.
fortified city. [GENESIS 22:17; 24:60; ISAIAH 14:31]
WHOM
DO YOU SAY IS
CHRIST?
This question is put to every generation, every bright day and every dark night: And we have to answer it, which is a matter
of Life or Death - the answer being Life-bearing or Death-bearing: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"
Many, along with Pontius Pilate, say that they do not know the Truth about this Man. His Holy Apostles and Disciples
confess that He is Truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, our Saviour and Redeemer from sin and Death, the
Resurrected and the Resurrector, the Living-One and the Life-giver. We who are Baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity
agree with His Apostles and Holy, Apostolic Church which, with Her Universal Voice, thus Confesses Christ the Lord...
24.
OF
ST MATTHEW -
FAITH
OF THE

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.
30 J u n e 2015
Synaxis - Holy Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:
St Andrew (First Called) & St Peter, St James (the Less or the Younger) & St John the Beloved
Apostle, (sons of Zebedee), St Philip, St Bartholomew, (formerly Nathaniel), St Thomas
(Didymos/the Twin), St Matthew Levi, (the Publican), St James the Just & St Jude (sons of St
Joseph the Betrothed), St Simon Zealotes (of Canaan), St Matthias (replaced Judas Iscariot
the Betrayer of Christ)
Also the Feast of St Michael the New Martyr of Athens - St Peter the Prince of Ordinsk, Rostov
St Sophronios of Irkutsk St Gelasios of Rimit Monastery, Transylvania St Dinar, Holy
Queen of Georgia
FESTAL APOLYTIKIASYNAXIS
OF THE
HOLY APOSTLES
CHRIST TONE3
OF
Apostoli Agii, presvefsate to eleimoni Theo, ina ptesmaton O Holy Apostles, intercede with our Merciful God to grant
afesin, paraskhi tes psihes imon.
our souls forgiveness of sins!
I ton Apostolon Protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Didaskali, to Among

Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Irinin ti
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos.
the Apostles the loftiest, and Teachers of the

Universe, intercede, O Peter and Paul, with the Master
of us all, peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy.
ikoumeni
Tin
The
Dodekahordon tou Pnevmatos Liran, tous tou Sotiros

Apostolous ke Mistas, hreostikos imnisomen Pisti. Pasi
gar evingelisanto tis Alithias ton Logon, ethni
depanigagon pros ton monon Pimena, ton arhigon tis
Pisteos Hriston, on disopousi Sothine pantas imas.
Twelve-string Lyre of the Spirit, the Apostles and

Initiates of the Saviour, let us the Faithful dutifully
praise. For they preached to everyone the Word of the
Truth, and they returned the Nations to the one and
only Shepherd, the Leader of our Faith Who is Christ,
Whom they beseech that all of us be saved.
SEASONAL KONTAKION THEOTOKOS -
Prostasia
TONE

alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson

up Thine Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication,
O Theotokos who always protects all those who honour
Thee!
MATINS GOSPEL: JOHN 15 1 7

CHRIST
IS THE
TRUE VINE
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: I Am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every Branch in Me that does
not bear Fruit He takes away. And every Branch that bears, He prunes, that it may be more Fruitful. You are
already Clean because of the Word, which I have spoke to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the Branch cannot
bear Fruit of itself, unless it abides in the Vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
I Am the Vine, you are the Branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much Fruit, for without Me you can do
nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a Branch and is withered. And they gather them and
throw them into the Fire, and they are burnt. If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you
desire, and it shall be done for you.

Their voice has gone out into all the Earth.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God.
ST PAULS FIRST EPISTLE

IMITATE
THE
TO THE
CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
GOOD EXAMPLE
OF
ST PAUL
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are
strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and are
naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place. And we labour, working with our own hands. Being
reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, and
are the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. For although you have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet have you not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you.
I beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
TO
ST MATTHEW 9 : 36 10 : 8
At that time, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with Compassion for them, for they were weary and scattered,
like Sheep who have no Shepherd. He said to His Twelve Disciples: The Harvest is truly plentiful, but the Labourers
are few. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send out Labourers into His Harvest.
And when He had Called unto Him His Twelve Disciples, He granted them Authority against unclean spirits, to cast them
out, and to Heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother; James, the son
of Zebedee, and John, his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the Publican; James, the son of
THE
SYNAXIS
OF THE
TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES
OF
CHRIST
30 JUNE 2015
25
Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who would betray
Him.
These Twelve Jesus sent out, and commanded them, saying: Do not go into the way of the Gentiles and do not enter a
city of the Samaritans. Go rather to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. As you so, preach, saying: The Kingdom
of Heaven is at hand! Heal the sick, Cleanse the lepers, Raise the dead, cast out demons.
Freely you have received freely give!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DOES NOT SEE PEOPLE AS SINNERS TO
St Matthew and St Luke added to the Gospel of St Mark
BE CONDEMNED, BUT RATHER AS LOST SHEEP to be found and
concerning the Power to Heal all types of ailments
and diseases.
brought safely home.
His Compassion means that HE SUFFERS WITH AND FOR ALL
The names of the Twelve Apostles - not exactly the same
in all the New Testament lists - are arranged in pairs,
THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY LOST.
which gives an interesting impression of who may
In His human Nature CHRIST UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT MEANS FOR
have travelled with whom on this - the Apostles First US HUMAN BEINGS TO BE LOST AND EXILED FROM THE DIVINE
PRESENCE AND GRACE OF HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.
Missionary Journey, since St Mark wrote that they
were sent out two by two.
He always shares our Spiritual and physical suffering
The Disciples Mission - like that of our Lord Jesus
because of His Infinite Love for us.
Christ - was to Preach and to Heal.
The imagery of being ...like Sheep who have no
OUR LORD SENT THEM ONLY TO THE JUDEANS - who were THE
Shepherd... is drawn from the Old Testament and is
INITIAL FOCUS OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY.
AN ACCUSATION AGAINST JEWISH LEADERS WHO - although
THIS WAS SO THAT, AFTER THE RESURRECTION, THEY COULD NOT
CHARGED BY GOD WITH THE SACRED DUTY OF BEING SPIRITUAL
BLAME THE DISCIPLES for ...going to uncircumcised
SHEPHERDS OF HIS HOLY FLOCK His Chosen People men meaning the Gentiles. [ACTS 11:3]
ACTED LIKE RAVENOUS WOLVES instead:
Our Lord Jesus Christ carefully prepared His Disciples
THIS IS A DIRE WARNING TO OUR OWN CHRISTIAN PRIESTS AND
by instructing them:
BISHOPS WHO DO LIKEWISE.
TO BE SINGLE-MINDED AND FOCUSSED upon the Sacred

N U M B E R S : 2 7 : 1 6 - 1 7 : Let the Lord - the God of the
Mission
spirits of all flesh appoint someone over the
GODS POWER IS FREELY BESTOWED upon His Faithful

Congregation, who shall go out before them and
Disciples WHATEVER WE ACCOMPLISH IS A DIVINE GIFT from
come in before them, who shall lead them out and
Almighty God and has nothing to do with our own
bring them in, so that the Congregation of the Lord
powerless human abilities.
may not be like Sheep without a Shepherd.
He instructed them not to carry any money or

1 K I N G S 2 2 : 1 7 : ... Micah said: I saw all Israel
provisions so that they would learn to DEPEND ON GOD
scattered on the mountains, like sheep that have no
shepherd; and the Lord said, These have no Master;
for all their needs - to depend on DIVINE PROVIDENCE and to PREVENT ANY ACCUSATIONS of greed or selfishness.
let each one go home in Peace.
E z e k i e l 3 4 : 5 : So they were scattered, because
GOD FREES US FROM WORRYING ABOUT WORLDLY MATTERS

there was no Shepherd; and scattered, they became
so that we can CONCENTRATE ON preaching his divine
word and/or FULFILLING OUR OWN PERSONAL SACRED
food (prey)for all the Wild Animals.
The
terms
Apostles
and
Disciples
are
MISSION.
interchangeable words for the Twelve closest and
This did not mean that Christ encouraged His Apostles to
Most Faithful Followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
scrounge off others! Not at all!
The Greek word for Disciple means pupil or Student He expected them to work for what they needed and to depend
and Apostle means one officially sent on a
on God to provide all necessary means so that they would be
Mission.
able to earn enough to feed and clothe themselves.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PERFORMED MIRACLES BY HIS OWN
This
Divine Teaching applies to us to this day and it certainly
DIVINE POWER whereas THE APOSTLES WERE GIVEN POWER TO
works, for not only do we have enough for ourselves, but
DO WONDERFUL DEEDS THROUGH CHRIST BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
God also gives us enough to share with those who have far
Who makes all things possible for us.
less. Mp
THE SYNAXIS
OF THE
OF
CHRIST
The Synaxis of the Glorious and All Praiseworthy Twelve Apostles of Christ is an ancient Feast. The Holy Church of Christ
honours each of the Twelve Apostles on separate dates during the year, and has a general Commemoration for all of
them on the day after the Commemoration of the Glorious and First-Ranked among the Apostles, St Peter and St Paul.
THE COMMEMORATIONS & MARTYRDOMS OF THE HOLY TWELVE APOSTLES:
St Peter
29 June & 16 January
Crucified Upside Down
St Andrew
30 November
Crucified On An X-Shaped Cross
St James, (Zebedee)
30 April
Beheaded
St John, Theologian & Evangelist
08 May & 26 September
Reposed In Peace For Over 100 Years
St Philip
14 November
Crucified
St Bartholomew
11 June & 25 August
Crucified, Scraped & Beheaded
St Thomas
06 October
Speared To Death
St Matthew, Evangelist
16 November
Burnt To Death
St James (Alphaeus)
09 October
Crucified
St Thaddeus Jude (Joseph)
19 June
Crucified
St Simon The Zealot
10 May
Crucified
St Matthias
09 August
Stoned & Beheaded
St Paul
29 June
Beheaded
St
Constantine the Great had a church built in

Constantinople in honour of the Twelve Holy Apostles
of Christ, which was second only to the beautiful Agia
Sophia Cathedral among all the great churches of
Constantinople.
Most Emperors and many Patriarchs and Bishops were laid
to rest in the Holy Church of the Apostles and their
Sanctified Relics were venerated by the Faithful for
centuries.
The most treasured Holy Relics were the skulls of St
Andrew, St Luke and St Timothy, and also the Holy
Relics of St John Chrysostom and various other
significant Holy Church Fathers, Saints and Martyrs.
Also preserved within was part of the Column of
Flagellation to which our Lord Jesus Christ had been
26.
THE
SYNAXIS
OF THE
bound and scourged so illegally and brutally.

The great Basilica of the Holy Apostles was plundered
during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 when the ignorant
and ungodly Crusaders plundered the imperial tombs
and robbed them of everything they could carry away.
No tomb was spared and many priceless Treasures and
Holy Relics were taken to Venice and elsewhere, but
some are still in St Marks Basilica.
When Michael VIII Palaeologos recaptured Constantinople
he erected a statue of Archangel Michael at the Church
of the Apostles to commemorate the event but in 1461
after the Ottomans had taken over the city, everything
was demolished to make way for the Faih Mosque.
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP:
http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/06/synaxis-of-glorious-and-all.html
OF
CHRIST
30 JUNE 2015

2015 - June Sacred Lessons

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Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Afterfeast of Holy Pentecost

FESTAL APOLYTIKION - PENTECOST TONE

Evlogitos i Hriste O Theos imon, O Pansofous tous aliis Blessed

art Thou, Christ our God, Who has filled the

FESTAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

katavas tas glossas sinehee, diemerizen ethni O

the Most High came down and confused the

BAPTISM HYMN INSTEAD OF THE

Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe.

As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put

PSALM 27 - (TONE (6) PLAGAL 2)

Save Thy People and Bless Thine Inheritance

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 18 : 10 20

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is revealed in many verses of Holy

HOLY TRINITY WEEK MONDAY

The Holy Spirit in Truth remains in the Church, Protects

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Tone (8) Plagal 4

Also the Feast of St Theodotos of Ancyra St Marcellinos, St Claudios, St Cyrinos, St

Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, Thou

descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;

ina imas elevtherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Anastasis

FESTAL APOLYTIKION HOLY APOSTLES

our souls forgiveness of sins!

Dodekahordon tou Pnevmatos Liran, tous tou Sotiros

Twelve-string Lyre of the Spirit, the Apostles and

TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Thy Martyrs in the world, as with the finest linen and

aparhas tis fiseos, to fitourgo tis ktiseos, i ikoumeni

the First Fruits of Nature, to the Author of all

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28 : 16 20

LORD & SAVIOUR, JESUS CH

PROKEIMENON ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 11 : 33

UNSURPASSED SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND DEPTH OF THE

We ascend to that Heavenly Place where WE ARE

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING

TO ST MATTHEW 10: 32-33; 37-38;

recorded by our Holy Guardian Angels who

RECORDED BY THE DEMONS WHO WILL LOUDLY ACCUSE US

BLESSINGS AND HELPS US TO PROGRESS TOWARDS ETERNAL

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SUNDAY

of Love [Agape] are inseparable! mp)

1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 1ST OF ST MATTHEW ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

promises: ...everyone who has left houses or brothers

SPIRITUAL WARFARE & SPIRITUAL DECEPTION- FATHER M STEENBERG

Saint Basil the Great warned us: Be attentive to yourself.

In today's world, ...the overarching goal is the now. The

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

While the stone was sealed by the Judeans, and soldiers

lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke Stratioton

stood on guard over Thine Undefiled Body, Thou rose

FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST ELISHA, HOLY PROPHET -

Ensarkos Angelos, ton Profiton i kripis, O Defteros

Odige, evsevias Didaskale ke Semnotitos, tis

The Incarnate Angel, the Cornerstone of the Prophets, the

A Model of Faith and Image of Gentleness, the example of

FESTAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS

ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton

Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 MARK 16 : 1 8