Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

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

3 June 2017
Saturday of the Souls (Forefeast of Pentecost)
Also the Feast of St Mitrophanes, Archbishop/Patriarch of Constantinople St Mary and St Martha
of Bethany (sisters of St Lazaros Four Days Dead of Bethany) St Demetrios, Crown Prince of
Moscow St Claudios, St Lucillian, St Paul, St Hypatios, St Dionysios and St Paul the Virgin Martyr
of Byzantium St Lucianos the Bishop, St Maximian the Presbyter, St Julian the Deacon, St
Marcellinos &, St Saturninos of Beauvais, Gaul

MEMORIAL APOLYTIKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

O Vathis Sofias filanthropos, panta ikonomon, ke to O Only Creator, Who out of Love for mankind arrange all
simferon pasin aponemon mone Dimiourge, anapafson things with depth of Wisdom, and impart to all what is
Kyrie tas psihas ton doulon Sou. En Si gar tin Elpida Beneficial. O Lord, gr
anethento, to Piiti ke plasti ke Theo imon. +-ant Repose to the Souls of Thy servants. For they have
0placed their Hope in Thee, our Creator, and
Fashioner, and God!
ISODIKON TONE 2
Defte proskinisomen ke prospesomen Hristo. Soson imas, Come, let us worship, and bow down before Christ. Save
Iie Theou, O en Agiis Thavmastos... us, O Son of God, Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints...
Psallontas Si, Allilouia! Who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
MEMORIAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Meta ton Agion anapafson Hriste, tas psihas ton doulon With the Saints grant Rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy
Sou, entha ouk esti ponos, ou lipi, ou stenagmos, alla zoi servants where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor
ateleftitos. suffering, but Life Everlasting.
MEMORIAL PROKEIMENON TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Their souls shall dwell among Good Things.
To Thee, O Lord, I cry: O my God, may Thou not pass over me in silence; may Thou never be silent to me, or else I
would become like those who go down into the pit.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS 4:13 18
PARTICIP ATION IN CH RIST S RETURN
Brethren: I do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who have Fallen Asleep, lest you sorrow as others who
have no Hope.
If we believe that our Lord Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who Sleep in Jesus. For
this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the Reappearance of the Lord
will by no means precede those who are Asleep. For the Lord Himself with a shout - with the Voice of an Archangel
and with the Trumpet of God - will descend from Heaven. And the dead in Christ will Rise first. Then we who are
Alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And thus we shall always be with our Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE CLEAREST NEW TESTAMENT 2. ... THE SIGN OF THE TRUMPET...
PASSAGES ON THE SECOND COMING OR PHYSICAL 3. ... THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD...
REAPPEARANCE OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR OUR FINAL THE REAPPEARANCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GREATEST
AND ONLY DIVINE JUDGE! JOY AND DIVINE COMFORT I.E. THE JOYOUS HOPE AND
THE DIDACHE the writings of the Holy Apostles lists THREE EXPECTATION OF ALL THE RIGHTEOUS AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
SIGNS THAT WILL HERALD THE RETURN OF OUR LORD JESUS OF CHRIST while it is regarded as a dreadful and
CHRIST: much feared threat to the ungodly and unrepentant
1. ...THE SIGN SPREAD OUT IN THE HEAVENS... Christ sinners, including Satan and his demons.
and all His Heavenly Hosts
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 21 : 14 - 25
THE THIRD APPEARANCE OF OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST - HIS DIVINE COMMISSION
At that time, our Lord Jesus showed Himself to His Disciples after He was Raised from the dead. And Jesus said to Simon
Peter: Simon 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.
Jesus said to him a second time: Simon 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 Jonah: do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He asked him for the 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. 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 said this, He said to him: Follow
Me.
Turning around, Peter saw the Disciple whom Jesus Loved following, who also had leant upon His Breast at the Supper,
and had asked: Lord, who is the one who betrays Thee? Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus: Lord, what about him?
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?

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS FOREFEAST OF HOLY PENTECOST 18 JUNE 2016 1

 This is the Disciple who testifies to these Things, and wrote them. And we know that his Testimony is True. 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
.
The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ singled out St Peter has
a twofold significance:
1. ST PETER WAS THE LEADER OR SPOKESMAN AMONG THE
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST and being such a passionate
and impulsive character HAD TO BE THE FIRST TO
CONFESS HIS LOVE FOR OUR RESURRECTED LORD AND
SAVIOUR.
2. ST PETER HAD DENIED CHRIST THREE TIMES after His arrest
despite having been adamant that he would
never betray or deny him. KNOWING THE HEARTS AND
SOULS OF EVERYONE HE CREATES, CHRIST KNEW WHAT
MOTIVATED ST PETER. Consequently, DUE TO HIS
INFINITE DIVINE LOVE AND GREAT MERCY, OUR LORD
RESTORED HIS DIVINE GRACE UPON ST PETER WITH HIS
THREEFOLD CONFESSION OF LOVE.
It is important to note that the first two times our Lord
Jesus inquired of St Peter: Do you Love Me? HE
USED A FORM OF THE WORD AGAPE, WHICH DENOTES THE
HIGHEST FORM OF SACRIFICIAL AND SELF-EMPTYING LOVE
THE KIND OF LOVE THAT ALMIGHTY GOD HAS FOR ALL
HUMAN BEINGS AND WHICH WE CAN DEVELOP ONLY
THROUGH MATURING IN GODS DIVINE GRACE.
However, each TIME ST PETER WAS UNABLE TO CLAIM SUCH A
LOFTY LOVE and when he answered: Lord, Thou know
that I love Thee, he used the term FILO, which IS A
LESSER FORM OF LOVE MERELY AKIN TO BROTHERLY
AFFECTION.
Then, WHEN OUR LORD ASKED ST PETER FOR THE THIRD TIME
WHETHER HE LOVED HIM, HE USED THE TERM FILO THEREBY
CONDESCENDING TO ST PETERS HUMAN WEAKNESS AND
ACCEPTING WHATEVER LOVE ST PETER WAS ABLE TO OFFER HIM
AT THAT STAGE OF HIS LIFE.
Nevertheless, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CERTAINLY KNEW THAT ST
PETER AND ALL THE OTHER HOLY APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES
WOULD DEVELOP A DIVINELY GRACIOUS AGAPE FOR HIM
INDEED FOR GOD BECAUSE ST PETER AND MOST OF THEM
ACCEPTED HOLY MARTYRDOM FOR HIS SAKE for the sake of
their absolute Faith and Trust in Gods Divine Truth
and Eternal Life.
Of course ST PETER in his lack of profound
Understanding at that time WAS GRIEVED both by
the fact that our Lord Jesus had to condescend to his
basic level of love and that this was a clear
although gentle reference to his previous three
denials of Christ.
When our Lord said: ... 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, He
prophesied for the second time St Peters eventual
martyrdom under Emperor Nero, circa 67, in Rome
when St Peter would be crucified upside down.
The ...Disciple whom Jesus Loved... is AN OBLIQUE
REFERENCE TO ST JOHN THE DIVINE THEOLOGIAN,
EVANGELIST AND APOSTLE OF CHRIST WHO RECORDED THIS
SATURDAY OF THE SOULS FOREFEAST
ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE PENTECOST WE COMMEMORATE ALL
DEPARTED PIOUS CHRISTIANS, for we believe that the
Descent of God the Holy Spirit not only consists of the
Economy of the Salvation of mankind, but that THE
DEPARTED SOULS ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SALVATION.
Therefore, OUR HOLY CHURCH, OFFERS PRAYERS ON PENTECOST
SUNDAY FOR THE ENLIVENING OF ALL LIVING SOULS THROUGH
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
PETITIONS FOR THE DIVINE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE ALSO
OFFERED FOR OUR BELOVED DEPARTED SOULS, which they
were granted while they were still living, for HE IS
INDEED THE SOURCE OF ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS for all
mankind, because '...all souls are Enlivened through
the Holy Spirit.'
Our Holy Church urges us:
'Let all of us pray to Christ, today as we remember the
dead of all ages': 'Thy servants who rest in Thy
Courtyard, and in the Bosom of Abraham - from Adam
even until today - who have chastely served Thee -
our Fathers, and our Brethren, and friends, together
with our relatives', 'forefathers, grandfathers, and
great-grandfathers, from the first and even up to the
last', every rank and generation', 'Kings, Priests,
Bishops, Monks and Novices', 'husbands together with
wives', 'those departed at sea, or on land, or in the
rivers, wells, or lakes, or in the trenches', 'in the
2. SATURDAY OF THE SOULS FOREFEAST OF
PARTICULAR EVENT and who was the only Holy Apostle to
survive the cruel persecutions against all Christians
until his Repose in Christ at the age of approximately
101 circa 98 108 AD.
His longevity was marvelled at by THE EARLY CHRISTIANS
who THOUGHT HE WOULD LIVE UNTIL THE SECOND COMING
the Reappearance of our Lord.
However, ST JOHN THE DIVINE HIMSELF CORRECTED THIS
FALSE ASSUMPTION BY CLARIFYING THE TRUTH THAT OUR
LORD JESUS ... DID NOT SAY TO HIM THAT HE WOULD NOT
DIE...
THE USE OF THE WORD WE INDICATED THAT ST JOHN THE
EVANGELIST, HAD AN ASSISTANT and according to Holy
Tradition, that faithful Scribe was named Prochoros,
who is often depicted in many of the Icons of St John
writing down his words and Teachings.
ALTHOUGH ACKNOWLEDGING AND CONFIRMING THAT HIS HOLY
GOSPEL CONTAINS ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRISTS EARTHLY LIFE, ST JOHN THE DIVINE
THEOLOGIAN AND EVANGELIST WROTE HIS HOLY GOSPEL TO
BRING ALL WHO READ IT CAREFULLY TO TRUE FAITH IN GOD.
WHILE THE HOLY GOSPELS OF ST MATTHEW, ST MARK AND ST
LUKE CONTAIN MANY MORE DIVINE MIRACLES AND
PARABLES, THOSE, TOO, ARE FAR FROM EXHAUSTIVE i.e.
they are only a few of the rich Spiritual and Divine
Treasure that Christ bestowed upon all His Faithful
Disciples throughout all ages.
Therefore, TO RESTRICT ONESELF MERELY TO THE WRITTEN WORDS
AND TEACHINGS OF CHRIST, RESTRICTS ONESELF TO A VERY
SMALL PORTION OF THE WHOLE DIVINE TRUTH OF ALMIGHTY
GOD, which consists of so much more: the VERBAL
TEACHINGS OF CHRIST OUR GOD HOLY TRADITION - THAT
WAS GRANTED BY GOD TO CHRISTS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES
and which have been CAREFULLY PRESERVED AND PASSED
ON TO US THROUGH THE GOD-INSPIRED WRITINGS, HYMNS AND
TEACHINGS OF ALL OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS AND MOTHERS
throughout the ages.
Consequently, by reminding us ...there are also
many other Things that Jesus did... ST JOHN NOT
ONLY EMPHASISES THE DIVINE HOLINESS OF WHAT WAS
WRITTEN, BUT ALSO POINTS TO THE ONGOING GOD-
INSPIRED HOLY TRADITION WITHIN CHRISTS VERY MUCH
ALIVE NURTURING AND GROWING - BODY HIS HOLY
CHURCH.
THAT IS THE GREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GODS ABSOLUTE, PERFECT
AND DIVINE TRUTH THAT UNITES US WITH GOD AND ONE ANOTHER
IN TRUE AGAPE, WHICH RESULTS IN JOYOUS ETERNAL LIFE - AND
THE WEAK, FLAWED AND MISGUIDED IDEAS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF
HUMAN EGO AND ARROGANCE THAT CAUSE SO MUCH
CONFUSION, CONFLICT, DISUNITY AND ALIENATION FROM GOD
AND ONE ANOTHER SPIRITUAL DEATH! mp
OF HOLY PENTECOST
mountains, on travel', 'in the deserts, or in the cities',
and 'any place', 'in vain pursuits, cut in half by
lightning, both from deathly abomination, and any
wound', 'dying from Divine foreboding, all mortal
thunder sent down from Heaven, the cracking of the
Earth, the rising storms of the sea', 'to be carried away
by hailstones, snow and increased clouds, or killed by
a brick, or covered over with earth', 'unexpected
death of the pious, and from every stream of fallen
trees, iron, or rocks', 'was food for an animal, either
birds, or reptiles', 'who died from poisonous bites by
the enwrapping of snakes, from being trampled by
horses, from strangling and hanging by the simple-
hearted', 'whom Thou hast allowed, O Lord, to die
from a sudden unexpected fall', 'all who Repose, O
Lord, Piously Repose'...
O 'Our Saviour, Deliver all the Faithful departed from the
Ever Burning Fire and the Never Ending Darkness, the
gnashing of teeth, and the unending torment of
worms, and every torture', to 'Arise on the Last Day
with glory'... '...grant me Thy Heavenly Kingdom'.
WRITTEN BY SERGEI V BULGAKOV
Since it often happens that certain Believers suffer death
prematurely, in a foreign land, at sea, or trackless
mountains, on precipices, in chasms, in famines,
wars, at sea, conflagrations, and cold weather, and
HOLY PENTECOST 3 JUNE 2017
 all manner of other deaths; and perhaps, being poor
and without resources, they have not been
vouchsafed the customary Psalter Readings and
Memorial Services, moved by Love for mankind, our
Holy Fathers ordained that the Universal Orthodox
Church commemorate all Her Faithful people - a Holy
Tradition we have inherited from our Lord Jesus
Christs Holy Apostles - in order that those who, due to
some particular circumstance, did not receive the
customary obsequies individually, might be included
in the present General Commemoration, indicating
that whatever is done on their behalf confers Great
Spiritual Benefit on them.
We always commemorate departed souls on Saturday,
because Savvation (Sabbath) means "rest" in Hebrew;
and since the departed souls have rested from all
their worldly and various other cares, we offer
Supplications for them also on the Day of Rest on
Saturdays which is customary to do every Saturday.
Our Holy Fathers knew well that whatever is done on
behalf of the Reposed souls such as Memorial
Services, Almsgiving, and Divine Liturgies - affords
them great Respite and Benefit.
Consequently the Holy Church of Christ must do so on
both an individual and a general basis, being a Holy
Tradition we have received from our Lords Holy
Apostles, as Saint Dionysios the Areopagite taught us.
It is clearly evident from many sources that whatever we
do on behalf of our beloved departed souls does
indeed Benefits them.
For example, Saint Makarios, who was in the habit of
praying regularly for all departed souls, had once
besought God to reveal to him whether any Benefit
was conferred upon them.
Having come across the desiccated skull of an impious
pagan on the road that he was traversing, St
Makarios asked our Lord whether the souls in Hades
experienced any Consolation, whereupon the old,
THE INSPIRED WISDOM OF ST THEOPHAN THE
Saint Theophan the Recluse outlined the expectations
given to us in Holy Scripture concerning the Divine
Judgment:
1. Acknowledge THE PRESENCE OF THE GIFT OF GRACE
WITHIN US.
2. Comprehend that THE VALUE OF DIVINE GRACE FOR US IS
SO GREAT, THAT IT IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN LIFE ITSELF, so
that WITHOUT IT, LIFE IS NOT EVEN LIFE.
3. DESIRE WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH TO ADAPT THIS DIVINE
GRACE TO OURSELVES, AND TO ADAPT OURSELVES TO IT, or,
to put it another way, STRIVE TO IMBUE OUR ENTIRE
ON THE
Saint Theophan the Recluse explained:
...At the Divine Judgment, those who have received
Grace and would not allow it to act within themselves,
will first of all have the Gift of Grace taken away, and
then they will be plunged into Hell!
This according to the Divine Truth that was revealed to
us by our Lord Jesus Christ in His Parable of the
Talent. (Luke 19:11-27)
Saint Theophan reminds us that we have all received a
Sacred Talent at our Holy Baptism, which is the Divine
SUPPORTING OUR SPIRITUAL YEARNING
Once Divine Grace has been awakened within us, and
we yearn for a closer Relationship with God, we need
to take action in order to support Its growth.
Saint Theophan suggests that our first action is to firmly
establish in our mind, the Knowledge and Fear of
God: "... (those who have a live, active Fear of God
have within (themselves) an inexhaustible Strength
that sets into motion all that is Pleasing to God."
St Theophan encourages us to read Spiritual Books and
Writings together with constant Prayer: ...reading with In order to concentrate and focus our attention upon our
Prayer preceding, Strengthens our soul and grants it
Strength for the entire day.
In this case, he was referring to the Holy Gospel, for he
suggested that as we read Holy Scripture especially
the Holy Gospel - we should write down our thoughts
SATURDAY OF THE SOULS FOREFEAST
dried skull suddenly spoke: "We receive great Respite,
Father, when you pray to God for the departed!"
Saint Gregory the Dialogist even saved Emperor Trajan
through his intercessory Prayer, although he was told
by God never again to make any Entreaty for those
who were impious.
In addition to this, through the Prayers of the Saints and
Confessors, Empress Theodora snatched the God-
hating Theophilos from torments and Saved him, as
we know from Ecclesiastical History.
Saint Gregory the Theologian, in his Funeral Oration for
his brother, Caesarios, stated that Supplications for
the departed are Beneficial for them.
In one of his Homilies on the Epistle to the Philippians, the
great Saint, John Chrysostom exhorted us:
"Let us think of some way to Benefit the departed!
Let us give them whatever assistance we can, by which I
mean Almsgiving and Offerings to the Church on
their behalf, for this affords them great Profit, Gain,
and Benefit.
Indeed, not in vain or haphazardly have these
practices been prescribed; it has been handed down
to the Church of God by His All-Wise Disciples, that the
Priest should commemorate the faithful departed at
the dread Mysteries."
Saint Athanasios the Great said: "Even if one who has
died in the True Faith has vanished into thin air, call
upon Christ our God, and do not avoid lighting oil
lamps and candles at his grave; for these things are
acceptable to God and bring great Recompense."
We must faithfully observe these things, therefore, no
matter whether the deceased is sinner or Righteous,
so that we might obtain for him Forgiveness of his
sins, and so that we might gain additional Rewards."
(SYNAXARION. BY NIKEPHOROS KALLISTOS XANTHOPOULOS).
With sincere Agape in His Holy Diakonia,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George
http://saintandrewgoc.org
RECLUSE ON EXPECTATIONS FOR DIVINE JUDGMENT
NATURE WITH IT, IN ORDER TO BECOME ENLIGHTENED AND
SANCTIFIED.
4. RESOLVE TO ACHIEVE THIS through the matter itself.
5. Carry this decision into Reality, by PUTTING EVERYTHING
ELSE ASIDE, or, having removed our heart from
everything, SURRENDER TO THE FULL ACTION OF DIVINE
GRACE.
When these five aspects are active in our Life, we
begin our Eternal Rebirth.
IF WE CONTINUE TO STEADFASTLY STRIVE, THIS INNER REBIRTH
OF ILLUMINATION WILL INCREASE.
DIVINE JUDGMENT
Grace of God the Holy Spirit, Who works within us as
we grow, which, from the beginning of our Life in
Christ, is ready to act.
However, It will wait until we desire Its Full Action when
we seek It.
The encouraging aspect is: ...The Law is such already
that (we) must begin to desire and to seek, and then
Grace will not desert (us), as long as (we) continue
to trust in It...
in a notebook and record how what we are reading
applies to our lifestyle, and what we must do bring it
in harmony with what is being taught by our Lord
Jesus Christ and His Holy Apostles in His Holy Gospel.
In our Prayers, it is essential to develop a focussed mind,
so that our thoughts do not run wild and distract us
As soon as our thoughts wander off or are distracted by
various means, we must bring our attention back to
our Prayer.
Readings and Prayers, St Theophan suggested that
we: ...warm your soul before Prayer with meditation
and with bows...
Using our own Prayers, in the Evening, we must thank
God for the day, and ask forgiveness for everything
OF HOLY PENTECOST 3 JUNE 2017 3.
 that went wrong, making a concerted effort to correct
our errors and habitual weaknesses the next day.
We must beseech God for His Divine Protection while we
sleep.
In the morning, we again thank God for our restful sleep
that revitalizes us, and we entreat Him to help us fulfil
all our tasks worthily throughout this new day.
We must combine our own Prayers with those of our
Prayer Book for our morning and evening Prayer.
By following these steps, we will eventually be able to
resist the distractions that inevitably try to disrupt or
even prevent our Daily Prayers.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR
ST. IGNATIOS OF ANTIOCH
You are asked to follow without hypocrisy.
Those who would deceive their Bishop who can see,
would also disrespect our Lord Who is invisible.
I pray that you will work to fulfill everything in Godly
Unanimity under the supervision of the Bishops who
serve as the Holy Shepherds of Christ, and of the
Presbyters who constitute the Assembly of the Apostles.
Do not think that whatever you do alone and apart from
Gods Holy Church will be correct.
ST PORPHYRIOS THE KAPSOKALYVITE:
Whoever loves a little, give only a little.
Whoever Loves more, gives more.
And whoever Loves too much what can he possibly give
except his entire being!
ST LUKE OF CRIMEA
The Spiritual World cannot be investigated with the
methods we use to investigate the material world.
These methods are completely unsuitable for
investigating the Spiritual World!
ELDER SOPHRONY
Those who do not have the Spirit of God within them,
cannot Love their enemies.
Such people respond only with violence, while the
Faithful Disciple of Christ responds with Love.
ABBA IPEREHIOS
Truly Wise are not those who teach with words, but those
who teach by their example.
MOTHER THEODORA:
True Teachers are those who do not desire high positions,
and who have no vanity and pride.
Furthermore, they cannot be tricked by flattery. They are
not blinded by gifts. They are not rules by anger.
True Teachers are forbearing, lenient, more humble than
others, and thus are accepted by everyone.
True Teachers are Patient, Farsighted and Philanthropic.
ST EPHRAIM:
Beloved Brethren: if they put you in charge, do not be
prideful and arrogant. Be among your subordinate
as though you are still one of them.
Always think of your previous difficult labours, when you
were under the authority of others.
Care about your subordinates and never forget them, for
those who care about others, who teaches and helps
them with correct and proper advice and wisdom,
will be Rewarded by the Lord our God.
ST PAISIOS THE NEW OF MOUNT ATHOS
The biggest illness is pride that has taken us from
Paradise to Earth, and from Earth, is trying to take us
to Hell!
Those who Labour for a long time in the Spiritual Life and
do not see any progress, must realise that it is due to
their pride and their ego, for Spiritual Progress is only
possible when we have acquired Humility and
Obedience!
We should give everything we have to gain Paradise. We
should fight with all our strength against our sins, for
the Door is very small and narrow!
Never listen to those who declare that everyone will be
Saved!! Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us His Divine
Truth and has shown us the only Narrow Path of
constant Spiritual Struggles!
When others have problems, we must listen to them
carefully. The entire time they speak to us, do not
show them that you are tired, bored or uninterested,
for then you have lost everything! Once I listened to a
young man for nine hours without moving.
4. SATURDAY OF THE SOULS FOREFEAST OF
As we grow and Live in Christ the words of our Daily
Prayers will have far greater meaning and Spiritual
Benefits.
The more familiar we become with our Rule of Prayer
each day, the greater our concentration will be.
St Theophan the Recluse exhorts us: "... think of God not
only when you are standing at Prayer, but also at
every hour, at every minute, for He is everywhere
and always present, and from this constant
Awareness, His Divine Peace will pour into your
heart, granting Strength for daily business and a
regulating of affairs."
http://orthodoxwayoflife.blogspot.co.za
HOLY FATHERS & SPIRITUAL MOTHERS
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAFSOKALIVIA
In order to pray, we need to create for ourselves the
proper climate. Then our Lord will teach us how to
pray.
An Elder used to say that in order to have Light in our
house, we need to install the right switches, etc.
Therefore, there are certain prerequisites to Prayer:
1. Preparatory Prayers
2. Ask our Lord for Tears of Contrition
3. Burn incense
4. Light a candle
5. Be silent
6. Do not worry
7. Study a little beforehand (e.g. Lives of Saints)
8. Isolation from everything distracting
9. Light an oil lamp
10. Desire happiness
11. Complete dependence on God
12. Complete surrender to God
ST DOROTHEOS OF GAZA
Abbot Poemen used to say very accurately that the signs
of a True Christian make their appearance in time of
temptation, for when truly setting out to serve Our
Lord, we must be wise enough to prepare our soul for
temptations lest we at any time become estranged
(from the Lord) or be overwhelmed by what comes
upon us.
And we must believe that nothing happens apart from
Gods Providence, whereby everything is absolutely
right and whatever happens is for the assistance of
our soul. For whatever God does with us, He does out
of His Love and consideration for us because it is
adapted to our needs.
We ought - in all things - to give thanks for His Goodness
to us, and never to get het up or become weak-willed
about what happens to us.
We must accept calmly with lowliness of mind and hope
in God - whatever comes upon us, firmly convinced,
that whatever God does to us, He always does out of
Goodness because He Loves us, and what He does is
always right.
Nothing else could be right for us except the Way in
which He mercifully deals with us.
We ought to be convinced that God Who created us, Who
drew us out of nothingness to existence and life, and
Who became a Man for our sake and died for us,
certainly does everything out of Love for us!
Those who endure their temptations with Patience and
Humility, get through them unharmed. But if we
become distressed and downcast, seeking the
reasons for everything, tormenting ourselves, and
being annoyed, frustrated, bitter and angry instead of
helping ourselves, we do ourselves harm.
As St Paul reminded us: God is Faithful and will not
allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able (to
endure). (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Yet we have no patience and no desire to Struggle and
Labour, nor do we prepare ourselves to accept our
circumstances with Humility.
Consequently, we are crushed by our difficulties
The more we to try to ignore or to run away from
temptations instead of confronting them head-on and
doing battle against them, the more they will
overwhelm and wear us down and the less we will be
able to conquer and eradicate them.
HOLY PENTECOST 3 JUNE 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (8) Plagal 4 4 June 2017

8th Sunday of Pascha Pentecost Sunday
Descent of God the Holy Spirit
Also the Feast of St Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople St Martha & St Mary of
Bethany, sisters of St Lazaros Four Days Dead St Methodios, Founder & Abbot of
Peshnosha Monastery - St Frontasios, St Severinos, St Severianos & St Silanos of Gaul St
Concordios, Deacon, of Spoleto St Astios, Bishop, of Dyrrachium, Macedonia St
Zosima, Bishop of Babylon St Sophia of Ainos, Thrace St Joannikos & St George, Hieromartyrs, of Serbia St
Zotikos, St Atallos, St Camisios & St Philip of Noviodunum (Isaccea) Romania St Eutychios, St Quirinos, St Julia, St
Saturninos, St Ninita, St Fortunio & 25 other Holy Martyrs of Niculitsel St Andronikos, Archbishop & New Hieromartyr
of Perm St Joanikos, Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Coast St Savva, Bishop & Hieromartyr of Upper Karlovac

KINDLY NOTE: FOR THE FESTAL HYMNS OF PENTECOST, AND THE VESPERS KNEELING SERVICE, PLEASE REFER TO THE HYMNS AND
READINGS OF PENTECOST, WHICH ARE PRINTED SEPARATELY IN BOOKLET FORM... OR AVAILABLE ON REQUEST VIA EMAIL
MARGUERITE.PAIZIS@GMAIL.COM

1ST ANTIPHON OF PENTECOST PSALM 18 TONE 2

1. I Ourani diigounte Doxan Theou, piisin de Hiron Aftou 1. The Heavens declare the Glory of God: the firmament
anangelli to stereoma. proclaims the Work of His Hands.
Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter, Soson imas. Through the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O
Saviour, Save us.
2. Imera ti imera erevgete rima, ke nix nikti anangelli 2. Day to day utters the word: and night to night
gnosin. proclaims Knowledge.
3. Ouk isi lalie, oude logi, on ouhi akouonte e fone afton. 3. There is no speech or language: where their voices are
not heard.
4. Is pasan tin gin exilthen O fthongos afton, ke is ta 4. Their sound has gone out into all the earth: and their
perata tis ikoumenis ta rimata afton. words to the ends of the world.
Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ke nin ke ai ke is Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous Eonas ton eonon. Spirit, now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
2ND ANTIPHON OF PENTECOST PSALM 19 - TONE 2
Ekouse Sou Kyrios en imera thlipseos, uiperaspise Sou to The Lord hear you in the day of trouble: the Name of the
Onoma tou Theou Iakov. God of Jacob shield you.
Soson imas, Paraklite Agathe, psalontas Si: Allilouia! Good Paraclete, Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Exapostile Si voithian ex Agiou, ke ek Sion antilavito Sou. May He send you Help from the sanctuary: and support
you out of Zion.
Mnisthii pasis thisias Sou, ke to olokavtoma Sou pianato May He remember your every sacrifice: and accept your
Burnt Offering.
ISODIKON OF PENTECOST
Ipsothiti, Kyrie, en ti Dinami Sou.
Asomen ke psaloumen Be exalted, O Lord, in Thy Power: we shall sing and
tas Dinastias Sou. Soson imas, Paraklite Agathe, chant Thy Mighty Deeds. Good Paraclete, Save us
psallontas Si Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
( PENTECOST UNTIL THE APODOSIS BEFORE ALL SAINTS SUNDAY)
Ote katavas tas glossas sinehee, diemerizen ethni O When the Most High came down and confused the
Ipsisto. Ote tou Piros tas Glossas dienimen is enotita tongues, He parted the Nations; when He divided out
panta ekalese. Ke simfonos Doxazomen to Panagion the Tongues of Fire, He Called all to Unity. And with
Pnevma! one voice we Glorify the All-Holy Spirit!
BAPTISM HYMN INSTEAD OF THE AGIOS O THEOS...
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allelouia! As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put
on Christ: Alleluia!
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 20 : 19 23
OUR RESURRECTED SAVIOUR BESTOWS HIS DIVINE AUTHORITY ON HIS HOLY APOSTLES
The same day in the evening, being the first day after the Sabbath, and when the doors were shut where the Disciples
were assembled - for fear of the Judeans - Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them: Peace be with
you! And having said this, He showed them His Wrists and His Side. The Disciples were glad to see the Lord.
Jesus said to them again: Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And He breathed upon
them, and said to them: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you
retain the sins of any, they are retained.

8TH SUNDAY OF PASCHA SUNDAY OF HOLY PENTECOST DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 4 JUNE 2017 5.
 AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Our Lords greeting Peace be with you! is repeatedly
COMMISSIONED HIS APOSTLES AND HIS FAITHFUL used throughout our Holy Services, reminding us
DISCIPLES TO CONTINUE HIS DIVINE MISSION ON EARTH. that our Lord God is always present with us, and
THIS IS ONLY POSSIBLE UNDER THE GUIDANCE AND TRUTH OF GOD thus we have nothing to worry about!
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, THROUGH As the Father has sent Me... Again this is A VERY
HIS ETERNAL WORD AND SON OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND CLEAR AND CONCISE DIVINE REVELATION THE DIVINE
BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO ENABLES TRUTH concerning our Lord Jesus Christs Divine
US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED TASKS PROPERLY AND CORRECTLY. Identity and Purpose.
We cannot - indeed, SHOULD NOT - guide or teach others Gods ...I also send you. With these words, our Lord
Divine Truth on our own, but only through a worthy REPENTANT commissioned His Holy Apostles and Faithful
Life in Christ, which requires genuine Humility and Disciples to fulfil our Triune Gods Mission on Earth:
Obedience! Only then can we fulfil our Labours of Love as (READ MATTHEW 28: 16 20)
mentioned previously. 1. ...make DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS...
2. ...BAPTISE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF
Consequently, EVERY FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST HAS
THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...
THE SACRED TASK OF LEARNING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE SO
3. ... TEACH THEM TO OBSERVE (FULFIL) ALL THINGS THAT I
THAT WE, TOO, MAY TEACH OTHERS EVERYTHING THAT OUR
HAVE COMMANDED YOU...
LORD TAUGHT US TO DO everything concerning His
Even before the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
Divine Truth ALL HIS TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS
Sunday, our Lord Jesus Christ ...breathed upon
that we now receive via VERBAL AND WRITTEN HOLY
them... thereby granting them the ability to
TRADITION (i.e. ALL the verbal and written
...Receive the Holy Spirit...
Teachings and Commandments of Christ.)
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND
As St John the Beloved Apostle and Divine Theologian so
CHRISMATION, THE CELEBRANT PRIEST BREATHES UPON THE
clearly stated, NOT EVERYTHING THAT OUR SAVIOUR TAUGHT
CANDIDATE, in the Sign of the Cross, thereby imitating
AND DID WHILST WITH HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES
this initial BESTOWING OF THE ABILITY TO RECEIVE ALL GODS
COULD BE WRITTEN DOWN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
DIVINE MYSTERIES AS WORTHY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
Thus THE UNBROKEN LINE OF APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION IS VITAL TO
THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF GOD IS GRANTED TO HIS CHOSEN
THE CORRECT AND TRUE PRESERVATION OF OUR LORD JESUS
APOSTLES FIRST, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, TO HIS ORDAINED
CHRISTS DIVINE TRUTH.
BISHOPS AND PRESBYTERS (PRIESTS) throughout the ages, so
As DIVINE TRUTH IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, we cannot change
that THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE-
even the slightest iota or tittle for that makes It
CONFESSION, THEY MAY FORGIVE OR RETAIN OUR SINS IF AND
IMPERFECT and merely according our limited, often
WHEN WE REPENT AND CONFESS THEM.
erroneous and egocentric interpretation that all too
often misguides and confuses!
PROKEIMENON
Their sound has gone out into all the Earth: ...
The Heavens declare the Glory of God!
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2 : 1 11
THE DISCIPLES RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE RISEN CHRIST
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a
Sound from Heaven, as of a Rushing Mighty Wind, and It filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there
appeared before them divided Tongues, as of Fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the
Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There were dwelling in Jerusalem Judeans - devout men, from every Nation under Heaven. When this Sound
occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own
language. They were all amazed and marvelled, saying to one another: "Behold! Are not all these who speak
Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes
and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Hebrews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs
we hear them speaking in our own tongues the Greatness of God!"
The Day of Pentecost was also referred to as the Feast as the Faithful outside, and even oil lamps situated far
of Weeks in the Old Testament. ( L E V I T I C U S 2 3 : 1 6 ) above the crowd.
THE FEAST OF PENTECOST HAS ALWAYS BEEN CELEBRATED 50 DAYS For approximately 20 minutes the flame looks like silken
AFTER PASCHA (PASSOVER) AND CELEBRATES THE FIRST FRUITS material wafting on a light breeze, and has no heat like
OF THE HARVEST. created fire. The Faithful wash their hands and faces in
Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified just before Passover so the Uncreated Light. Then it becomes created fire that is
THESE EVENTS OCCURRED 50 DAYS AFTERWARDS. hot and will burn if touched and its appearance subtly
On the day of the first Christian Pentecost Sunday, the changes. mp
Unity of Assembling ... with one accord... (or When the Holy Apostles ...were filled with the Holy
purpose) ...in one place... provided THE REQUIRED Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as
ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED TO the Spirit gave them utterance... it was THE
DWELL IN US TO ENABLE AND EMPOWER US BY HIS ENERGY AND FULFILMENT OF THE PROPHECY OF ST JOEL, THE HOLY
POWER TO ACQUIRE, TO UNDERSTAND AND TO FULFIL GODS PROPHET OF GOD.
DIVINE TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
J O E L 3 : 1 - ... After this, it shall come to pass
THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED UPON THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh...
AS ... divided tongues, as of Fire... which fulfils ST PETER QUOTED THIS PROPHECY ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST
THE PROPHECY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER, AFTER THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD DESCENDED UPON THEM and
THAT OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WOULD ... Baptise with the poured out upon the Disciples and Christian Believers
Holy Spirit and with Fire... ( L U K E 3 : 1 6 ) in Jerusalem, thereby fulfilling the ancient Prophecy.
THIS HOLY FIRE IS THE MYSTERIOUS MANIFESTATION OF THE WHEN ST PETER QUOTED THIS VERSE FROM THE BOOK OF JOEL, HE
UNCREATED ENERGY OF GOD. CHANGED THE WORDS ...After this... TO ...In the Last
OUR TRIUNE, ALMIGHTY GOD IS UNCREATED SO HIS POWER AND days... - one of several modifications of the verse, DUE
ENERGY ARE ALSO UNCREATED. TO HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THIS VERSE AS BEING
Every year, so far, the Great Mystery of the Holy Fire is ESCHATOLOGICAL (concerning the Last Days the final
witnessed by thousands of Faithful Christians, as well as era before the Reappearance of Christ and our Final
mocking sceptics, on Great and Holy Saturday at midday Judgement at the beginning of Eternity.)
at the Tomb of Christ in the Church of the Resurrection in THE DIVINE GIFT OF TONGUES BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE
Jerusalem. IN A PARTICULAR, NECESSARY LANGUAGE IN ORDER TO
It manifests as flashing, blue-white lightning throughout the TEACH ALL NATIONS DIVINE TRUTH AND THE HOLY
area before suddenly igniting bunches of candles held GOSPEL OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, was ALSO A
by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch inside the Tomb, as well

6. 8 T H S U N D A Y O F P A S C H A S U N D A Y O F H O L Y P E N T E C O S T D E S C E N T O F T H E H O L Y S P I R I T 4 J U N E 2 0 1 7
 DIVINE REVERSAL OF EVENTS THAT OCCURRED AT THE TIME This Divine Mystery and Miracle occurs when we are
OF THE ANCIENT TOWER OF BABEL. ( G E N E S I S 1 1 : 1 - 9 ) Faithfully Labouring in Gods earthly Vineyard,
THE EVENTS CONCERNING THE TOWER OF BABEL WERE CAUSED teaching others His Divine Truth and Wisdom FOR THE
BY PRIDE THAT SUBSEQUENTLY DIVIDED ALL PEOPLE WHILE SAKE OF OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
THE HUMBLE RECEPTION OF THE POWER AND ENERGY OF THE The Gift of Tongues means an actual language or dialect
HOLY SPIRIT HAS THE OVERWHELMING POWER TO UNITE ALL that is clearly understood by the recipient and the
PEOPLE, EVEN IN THEIR DIVERSITY. teacher for the purpose of FULFILLING THE DIVINE MISSION
The most significant Truth of Pentecost Sunday and OF CHRIST ON EARTH.
the Descent of the Holy Spirit is that ALL THE PEOPLE Sometimes two different languages are spoken and
FROM DIVERSE LANGUAGE GROUPS COULD ACTUALLY HEAR understood as required, for THIS IS THE POWER OF THE
AND UNDERSTAND THE HOLY GOSPEL THE DIVINE TRUTH HOLY SPIRIT WHO MAKES EVERYTHING POSSIBLE!
OF CHRIST IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND DIALECT!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 7 : 37 8 : 12
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROMISES THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HIS DISCIPLES
On the last day, that Great Day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me
and drink. He who believes in Me - as the Scripture has said - out of his heart will flow rivers of Living Water."
This He spoke concerning the Spirit, Whom those Believing in Him would receive, for the Holy Spirit was not yet
given, for Jesus was not yet Glorified.
Many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said: Truly this is the Prophet." Others said: "This is the Christ." But
some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the Seed of
David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"
There was division amongst them because of Him. Some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands upon Him.
Then the Officers went to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, who said to them: "Why have you not brought Him?" The
officers answered: "No man ever spoke like this Man!" The Pharisees answered them: "Are you also deceived?
Have any believed in Him of the Rulers of the Pharisees? But this crowd that does not know the Law is accursed."
Nikodemos said to them (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of His): "Does our Law judge a man before it hears
him and knows what he is doing?" They answered and said to him: "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look,
for no Prophet has arisen out of Galilee."
Jesus spoke to them again, saying: I Am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in Darkness, but
have the Light of Life."
On the last day, that Great Day of the Feast... was the HAD STUDIED THE SCRIPTURES, HAD DERIVED NO SPIRITUAL
final day of the Feast of Tabernacles. BENEFIT AT ALL!
The ceremony of drawing water provided the context BEING EAGER TO CRITICISE AND ACCUSE HIM, THEY WERE TOO
for our Lords words: "If anyone thirsts, let him SPIRITUALLY BLIND AND PARALYSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE
come to Me and drink. BLAZING TRUTH OF OUR LORDS DIVINE IDENTITY!
...Living Water... is THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM ON THE CONTRARY, THE OFFICERS OF THE TEMPLE, being far less
CHRIST SENT TO US FROM OUR HEAVENLY FATHER (from erudite than the Pharisees and Scribes, WERE
Whom God the Holy Spirit Proceeds) CAPTIVATED, HEART AND SOUL, ... by a single Sermon... of
...Rivers of Living Water... is a reference to OUR NEW LIFE our Lord Jesus Christ, for WHEN OUR MIND IS OPEN ...there
IN CHRIST THAT ACCOMPANIES THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is no need for long speeches. Truth is like that! ( S T
WHO EMPOWERS AND ENERGISES US BY MEANS OF ALL HIS JOHN CHRYSOSTOM)
DIVINE GIFTS AND HOLY VIRTUES. ST NIKODEMOS WAS A SECRET DISCIPLE OF OUR LORD, and
WITHOUT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LOVE having spoken with Him many times, his Faith was
UNCONDITIONALLY NOR ACQUIRE ANY OF HIS HOLY VIRTUES firmly established, yet HIS DEFENCE OF CHRIST WAS
AND GIFTS that make this temporary life endurable. STILL BASED ON ...OUR LAW... AND WAS NOT A PUBLIC
...Truly, this is the Prophet is a reference to THE LONG- CONFESSION OF FAITH.
AWAITED MESSIAH about Whom the ancient ACCORDING TO THE OLD COVENANT LAW, OUR LORD JESUS
Patriarch, St Moses had spoken. (D E U T E R O N O M Y SHOULD HAVE BEEN GRANTED A HEARING BEFORE HE COULD
18:15-19) BE JUDGED AND SENTENCED. ( E X O D U S 23:1 &
Those who said ...the Christ comes from the Seed of DEUTERONOMY 1: 15 17)
David and from the town of Bethlehem, where Every law known to mankind was broken by those who were
David was... were STATING THE TRUTH, although responsible and involved in our Saviours unjust betrayal,
they were unaware of it! (M I C A H 5:2) arrest, punishment and execution! mp
However, when THE PEOPLE THOUGHT THEY KNEW WHERE OUR When THE PHARISEES declared: ...no Prophet has arisen
LORD JESUS HAD COME FROM i.e. Nazareth in Galilee out of Galilee... they REVEALED THEIR BLIND HATRED OF
THEY WERE MISTAKEN, BOTH IN AN EARTHLY AND DIVINE SENSE,
CHRIST AND THEIR IGNORANCE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE,
for THEY WERE UNAWARE OF WHERE HE WAS ACTUALLY BORN in despite their claims of having studied it
His human Nature, NOR THAT HE WAS THE ETERNAL, ONLY thoroughly, for indeed, THE HOLY PROPHET OF GOD, ST
BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, as JONAH, HAD COME FROM THE TOWN OF GATH HEPHET IN
HIS DIVINE NATURE REMAINED UNKNOWN TO THEM DUE TO GALILEE, which was only three miles from
THEIR SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS and ignorance.
Nazareth. (4 K I N G S 1 4 : 2 5 )
THE CHIEF PRIESTS HAD SENT THEIR OFFICERS OF THE TEMPLE After everyone had departed to their homes, our Lord
TO ARREST OUR SAVIOUR in the middle of the Feast of
Jesus Christ ... went to the Mount of Olives... - a
Tabernacles but BY THE LAST DAY OF THE FEAST, THEY high hill overlooking Jerusalem - where He would
STILL HAD NOT ARRESTED HIM because WHEN THEY HAD
have spent the night in Prayer before returning to
HEARD HIM SPEAK HIS DIVINE TRUTH, THEY HAD BECOME
the Temple ...early in the morning... to teach
BELIEVERS IN CHRIST. those who sought His Divine Truth, and thus be
THE ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES AND SCRIBES WHO HAD truly Enlightened by His Divine Teachings and
ALSO WITNESSED HIS DIVINE MIRACLES, HEARD HIM SPEAK AND
Revelations i.e. those who thirsted for His Divine,
...Living Water.
8TH SUNDAY OF PASCHA PENTECOST SUNDAY THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
On the tenth day after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus unusually strong wind, although there was no wind
Christ, during the Judaic Feast of Pentecost, at the blowing outside the house!
third hour, but according to our reckoning, at nine This Great and Mysterious Sound was heard not only by
oclock in the morning, when people usually went to the gathered Apostles and Disciples in the Upper
the Temple to offer sacrifices and to pray, all the Room, but also by others who were in the house. ( A C T S
closest Disciples of Christ were assembled in an upper 1:16)
room, on Mount Zion, in Jerusalem, as they had been And at that same moment, they beheld the Uncreated
instructed to do. ( A C T S 1 : 1 3 ) Light and Energy of God the Holy Spirit Who
.... And suddenly there came a Sound from Heaven, as descended from Heaven like ... divided Tongues... of
of a Rushing Mighty Wind... which sounded like an Fire... that alighted ...upon each of them..

8TH SUNDAY OF PASCHA SUNDAY OF HOLY PENTECOST DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 4 JUNE 2017 7.
These Wondrous tongues of Fire were not created,
burning flames of fire but were the visible
manifestation of God the Holy Spirits Uncreated Light
and Energy that Enlightens and Empowers our heart
and soul, so that we are filled with the Holy Ecstasy of
His Love, Joy and Peace, which compels us to joyfully
offer Prayers of Thanksgiving and Glory to the Lord
our God for His infinite Benefactions.
The Holy Spirit immediately granted them the Gift of
Tongues so that they all ...began to speak with other
tongues (other languages and dialects), as the Spirit
gave them utterance...
All the Apostles and Disciples began to speak in different
languages and dialects - foreign languages of
countries and regions, which had been unknown
before!
This first Divine Gift from the Holy Spirit was essential for
our Lords Holy Apostles and Disciples who would soon
spread throughout the known world in order to fulfil
Christs Divine Mission to all mankind.
Meanwhile the Powerful and Mysterious Sound of the
Descent of God the Holy Spirit had also caught the
attention of the multitudes of Judeans who were in
Jerusalem for the Holy Feast of Tabernacles, having
travelled from far and wide, throughout the known
world.
They hurried to Its source and gathered outside the house
where the Apostles and Disciples were joyfully
celebrating this Most Amazing Event.
Seeing the gathering crowd below them, with exultant
Praises and Hymns, the Divinely Inspired Apostles and
Disciples announced the Glory of God revealed in
them, using the different languages to tell them of
...the Wonderful Works of God... which they now
clearly understood in all their Fullness and Light.
They praised the Omnipotence, Mercy and Wisdom of
God.
They magnified our Lord Jesus Christ and they Confessed
Him as the Christ of God, Who had been foretold by
the ancient Holy Prophets of God.
They told them that our Lord Jesus is truly the Divine
Redeemer of our sins, that He is indeed Risen from the
Tomb, and that He has ascended with Glory into
Heaven, and is seated at the right hand Side of God
the Father.
They told the people that our Lord Jesus Christ, as He
promised, has sent God the Holy Spirit, ...Who
Proceeds from the Father... and Who teaches us all
Wisdom and Knowledge.
And finally, they thanked God for everything that they
had received through Divine Grace from Christ. ( A C T S
2:11)
Hearing their words of Divine Truth, Joyful Praise and
Thanksgiving, all those who had gathered there were
amazed by such new and unexpected Revelations.
However, the impious were also found present, and they
rejected all they heard and witnessed. They began to
mock and insult the God-Inspired and Empowered
Apostles and Disciples.
Then St Peter raised his voice and delivered his first
Sermon, in which he pointed out the Glorious Events
accomplished that day - the fulfilment of ancient
prophesies and the Great Work of Salvation, which
was accomplished by our crucified and Resurrected
Lord Jesus Christ.
Although that first Christian Sermon was simple and brief,
the Holy Spirit spoke through him and His Words
penetrated their heart and overcame their obstinacy:
... when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men
and brethren, what shall we do? And St Peter
responded with that one powerful and essential
Commandment used by St John the Baptist and our
Lord Jesus Christ: Repent!
He continued: ...and let every one of you be Baptized in
the Name of Jesus Christ, for the Remission of sins,
and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit...
(ACTS 2:37)
On that first Christian Pentecost Sunday, 3,000 souls
accepted Christ as our Redeemer. They Repented
and they received Holy Baptism in the Name of our
Triune God. ( A C T S 2 : 4 1 )
8. 8 T H S U N D A Y O F P A S C H A S U N D A Y O F H O L Y P E N T E C O S T D E S C E N T O F T H E H O L Y S P I R I T 4 J U N E 2 0 1 7
Pentecost Sunday is often referred to as Trinity Day
because the Descent of the Holy Spirit reveals to us in
a very clear manner how essential the Divine Mystery
of the Holy Trinity is for us, and our Holy Church.
The Power and Energy of the Holy Spirit enables us to
receive and to acquire the Divine Truth the
Teachings and Commandments of Christ ...in an
Orthodox Way... and to piously Confess the Almighty,
All-Holy Trinity, for in our Festal Prayers and Hymns we
Glorify and Praises all three Divine Persons of the One
Godhead the Holy Trinity, Who participate in the
Descent and Operation/Activities of the Holy Spirit: by
the Will of God the Father, Who sent the Holy Spirit,
God the Son, our Jesus Christ, Who Entreated the
Father to send the Holy Spirit to help, guide and teach
us, and God the Holy Spirit, Who descended upon His
Holy Apostles as Fiery Tongues of Uncreated Light or
Fire.
Pentecost was an Old Covenant Feast that we continue to
commemorate as it is 50 days after our Christian
Pascha the Resurrection of Christ.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples of Christ
was the crowning of the Divine Redemption and
Salvation of mankind.
Since that Glorious day of Pentecost the Disciples of our
Lord spiritually blossomed and flourished, for when
the Fullness of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit descended on
them, they became the First Fruits of the Redemptive
Work of Christ, and together with these Marvellous
Revelations, the Holy Church of Christ began on
Earth.
The Old Covenant Theocracy, which had begun on
Mount Sinai, and had ruled Gods Chosen people
through the written Mosaic Law - the Law of slavery
and of Death - was replaced by the New Covenant
Law whereby we the New Israel - are led by God
the Holy Spirit in His Spirit of Adoption and Freedom.
(ROMANS 8)
Thus, as the Pascha of Christ replaced the Old Covenant
Pascha (Passover), so does the New Covent Pentecost
replace the Old Covenant Pentecost, whereby life
under the Law of God began.
Today our Festal Hymns praise the Descent of the Holy
Spirit upon the Apostles and the Faithful Disciples of
Christ, and the Beneficial Fruits of this Great Event:
St Gregory the Theologian explained that ...The Holy
Spirit always was, and is, and will be; neither
beginning nor coming to an end, but always ranked
and numbered with the Father and the Son...He is
the Life and Creator of life; He is the Light and the
Bestower of Light; He is the pouring out of Goodness
and Source of Goodness... through Whom the Father
is known and the Son is Glorified, and by Whom all
is known... He is the Spirit of Wisdom, of
Understanding...He is God and Deifier...He
distributes the Gifts... Crowns the Prophets, Apostles
and Martyrs.
The solemn Worship of Pentecost Glorifies God the Holy
Spirit, and includes the Thanksgiving Glorification of
our Lord Jesus Christ, ...Who on this Final Great and
Saving Day of Pentecost revealed to us the Mystery
of the Holy, Consubstantial, Co-eternal, Undivided
and Uncompounded Trinity... and ...poured out the
Comforter upon the Disciples, as He Promised...
...setting them as Evangelists of our True Faith,
revealing them as Confessors and Heralds of True
Theology.
The general Doxology to the Most Holy Trinity inspires us
so that we, ...bending the knee of soul and body...
praise ...the Father without beginning, and the Son,
likewise without beginning, and Co-eternal and All
Holy Spirit...the Trinity, One in Essence...Identical in
Power, and Co-Eternal.
To prevent our Glorifications from becoming stagnant
and fruitless, we constantly beseech the Holy Spirit: O
Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth Who
art in all things and Who fillest all things. Treasury
of Goodness and Giver of Life: Come and Dwell in
us, and Cleanse us from every impurity, and Save
our soul, O Good One. ( 1 9 6 7 O C A T R A N S L A T I O N ) .
( ST NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, DALLAS, TEXAS USA)
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure,
Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the
Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God.
Amen.

5 June 2017
Monday of the Holy Spirit
Afterfeast of Pentecost
Also the Feast of St Dorotheos of Tyre, Palestine St Marcianos, St Nicander, St Hyperechios, St Apollonios, St Leonidas, St
Arios, St Gorgias, St Pambo, St Selenia & St Irene of Egypt St Mark, New Holy Martyr of Chios - St Gabriel of
Chernigov & Kiev - St Constantine, Metropolitan of Kiev St Theodore Yaroslavich of Novgorod, elder brother of St
Alexander Nevsky - St Bassian & St Jonah, Monks of Solovki Transfiguration Monastery St Theodore, Wonderworker
& Hermit of the Jordan (wilderness) St Peter of Korisha, Kosovo

ISODIKON OF PENTECOST TONE 2

Ipsothiti, Kyrie, en ti Dinami Sou.
Asomen ke psaloumen Be exalted, O Lord, in Thy Power: we shall sing and
tas Dinastias Sou. Soson imas, Paraklite Agathe, chant Thy Mighty Deeds. Good Paraclete, Save us
psallontas Si Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
APOLYTIKION OF PENTECOST TONE (8) PLAGAL4
Evlogitos i Hriste O Theos imon, O Pansofous tous aliis Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who has filled the
anadixas, katapempsas aftis to Pnevma to Agion, ke di Fishermen with Wisdom by sending down the Holy
Afton tin ikoumenin saginefsas, Filanthrope: Doxa Si! Spirit upon them, and Who, through them, has united
the world: Glory to Thee, O Lover of Mankind!
KONTAKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ote katavas tas glossas sinehee, diemerizen ethni O Ipsisto. When the Most High came down and confused the
Ote tou Piros tas Glossas dienimen is enotita panta tongues, He parted the Nations; when He divided out
ekalese. Ke simfonos Doxazomen to Panagion Pnevma! the Tongues of Fire, He Called all to Unity. And with
one voice we Glorify the All-Holy Spirit!
BAPTISM HYMN INSTEAD OF THE AGIOS O THEOS...
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allelouia! As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put
on Christ: Alleluia!
FESTAL MEGALYNARION - INSTEAD OF THE AXION ESTIN- TONE 4
Heris Anassa, Mitroparthenon kleos. Apan gar evdiniton O Queen of all, Rejoice! Boast of Mothers and Virgins! For
evlalon stoma. Ritrevon, ou stheni Se melpin axios. there is no fluent, no eloquent speaker, whose words
Ilingia de nous apas Sou ton Tokon Noin. Othen Se have the power worthily to praise Thee; and every
simfonos Doxazomen. mind is dazed when on Thy Childbirth it ponders.
Wherefore we Glorify Thee in Unison.
PENTECOSTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 27/28 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
O Lord, Save Thy People, and Bless Thine Inheritance, and Shepherd them, and raise them up forever.
To Thee, O Lord, I cry: O my God, may Thou never pass over me in silence;
may Thou never be silent to me, or else I shall become like those who do down into the pit!

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 5: 8 - 19

Brethren, ...walk as Children of Light. For the Fruit of Light is found in all that is Goodness , and Righteousness, and
Truth. Learn what is Pleasing to our Lord. And take no part in the unfruitful deeds of Darkness - instead expose
them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
When anything is exposed by the Light it becomes visible - for anything that becomes visible is Light. Wherefore, it is
said: Awaken, O Sleeper, and Arise from the dead, and Christ shall grant you Light.
Watch carefully then how you walk not unwisely, but with Wisdom - making the most of the time, for the days are evil.
Do not be foolish, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery;
but be filled with the Holy Spirit, addressing one another in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Odes, singing and
making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
Through the Holy Mystery of our Baptism and PRESENCE OF GOD IN EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY AND
Chrismation, WE HAVE BECOME THE ADOPTED CHILDREN ABSOLUTELY GOOD, PURE, NOBLE, ETHICAL AND VIRTUOUS.
OF OUR LORD GOD. Learn what is pleasing to our Lord. We must NEVER
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WITH WHOM WE ARE CO-HEIRS TO THE STOP SEEKING AND LEARNING EVERY ASPECT OF OUR
HEAVENLY IS DIVINE, UNCREATED ...Light of Light... as we ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN WORSHIP AND LIFE so that WITH
state in our Creed of Faith. GENUINE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, we become TRUE
Therefore, having become Children of God, we, too, are AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST who ceaselessly
now Children of Light. struggle to fulfil our Sacred Mission so as to be
At our Baptism we ...put on Christ... which means that worthy of being acknowledged as Christian.
we must now Live in Christ or ...walk as Children of WE MUST JUDGE EVERYTHING that the fallen world regards
Light... thereby IMITATING OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN ALL as being reasonable or acceptable ONLY
THINGS OF OUR DAILY LIFE, EXACTLY AS HE TAUGHT US AND AS ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE TRUTH according to the
HE SHOWED US BY HIS OWN PERFECT EXAMPLE. Teachings and Commandments of our Lord Jesus
The Fruit of Light means the RESULT, EVIDENCE, Christ.
MANIFESTATION, OR PROOF OF THAT DIVINE LIGHT OR

AFTERFEAST OF PENTECOST MONDAY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT 5 JUNE 2017 9.

 Besides separating ourselves from the Darkness of sin, CHRIST, which leads us towards Eternal Life and
WE MUST ALSO EXPOSE ALL SINS AND ERRORS TO THE DIVINE Salvation.
LIGHT OF GODS TRUTH not merely mankinds We must STAY SOBER AND FOCUSSED ON ATTAINING ETERNAL
warped and weak opinions! LIFE, for our Goal is not to abandon this temporary life,
However, WE NEED TO BE EXPOSED OURSELVES TO THE DIVINE but to concentrate on Divine Truth and Reality,
LIGHT AND TRUTH THROUGH OUR DAILY SELF-EXAMINATION, salvaging as much as possible from this tragic world.
REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION OF OUR SINS, thereby As Faithful Disciples of Christ we RENOUNCE THE SINFULNESS
CEASELESSLY STRIVING TO AVOID TEMPTATION AND CORRECT OF THE WORLD NOT THE BEAUTY OF GODS CREATION.
OUR ERRORS AS SOON AS WE FALL INTO A STATE OF SPIRITUAL We must HATE SIN, BUT NEVER HATE THE SINNERS, for WE ARE ALL
DEATH. SINFUL AND WE ALL NEED GUIDANCE, ENCOURAGEMENT AND
AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE, WE MUST CONFESS OUR SINS AND SEEK SUPPORT IN ORDER TO FIND THE TRUE PATH OF LIFE.
DIVINE FORGIVENESS THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF ...be filled with the Holy Spirit.. WHEN WE HAVE
REPENTANCE-CONFESSION WITH OUR SPIRITUAL FATHER as REPENTED AND CONFESSED OUR SINS, A SURGE OF JOY WELLS IN
our witness, who can guide us, encourage us and US AS THE HOLY SPIRIT, INDEED THE HOLY TRINITY, IS ABLE TO
correct us properly. DWELL WITHIN US, AND WE ARE FILLED WITH A COMPELLING
AT THE END OF EVERY DAY, WE MUST EXAMINE OUR WORDS, LOVE AND DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD IN ALL THINGS.
THOUGHTS AND DEEDS AND CONFESS THEM TO OUR LORD, A DISTINCTIVE SPIRIT, A TYPE OF ELATION, ENERGISES both
so that we become more aware and watchful over Darkness and Light.
our own sinful habits and lifestyle. For those who are in Spiritual Darkness, that spirit is
(These sins, however, are not wiped off the pages of our artificial and temporary, like drunkenness.
Book of Life, but merely covered over until we Confess For those who walk in the Spiritual Light as Faithful
them at the Holy Mystery of Confession with the Priest.) Disciples of Christ, THAT SOURCE OF POWER AND ENERGY IS
waken, O Sleeper... is an ancient Baptism Hymn. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OUR JOY IS THE NEW COVENANT
...Christ shall grant thee Light. THROUGH THE HOLY WORSHIP OF THE HOLY TRINITY: Thanksgiving in the Holy
MYSTERY OF BAPTISM WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED AND Eucharist to God our Heavenly Father, through God
ILLUMINATED. His Eternal Word and Son, by means of the God the
Thus to ...walk in the Light... means to walk in our Holy Holy Spirit.
Baptism to LIVE EVERY MOMENT IN THE DIVINE Those who are inebriated with alcohol totter and sway,
ENLIGHTENMENT AND ILLUMINATION THAT OUR TRIUNE GOD and fall down, while THOSE WHO ARE INEBRIATED WITH THE
HAS GRANTED US BY FULFILLING CHRISTS TEACHINGS AND HOLY SPIRIT ARE FIRMLY ROOTED IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
COMMANDMENTS to the best of our ability and Spiritual AND ARE GLORIOUSLY SOBER!
Strength. BEING ABLE TO QUOTE HOLY SCRIPTURE, chapter and verse,
THE MORE WE SPIRITUALLY STRIVE AND STRUGGLE, THE CLOSER OR SINGING THE HYMNS AND PSALMS IS NOT AT ALL
WE BECOME TO GOD WHO WILL GRANT US EVERYTHING SPIRITUAL- has no Spiritual Benefit nor meaning -
THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND UNLESS IT IS DONE WITH TRUE HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, LOVE
PROGRESS. AND HOLY FEAR OF GOD.
WE ARE URGED TO ...remember your Baptism... so we
need to study the Holy Mystery of Baptism and
Chrismation in its entirety in order to UNDERSTAND
HOW ESSENTIAL EVERY PART OF IT APPLIES TO OUR LIFE IN
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 18 : 10 - 20
At that time, our Lord said: See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in Heaven their
Angels always behold the Presence of My Father Who is in Heaven. For the Son of Man came to Save the Lost.
What do you think? If a Man has a hundred Sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-
nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if He finds it, Truly, I say to you: He Rejoices
over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray! So it is not the Will of your Father Who is in Heaven
that one of these little ones should perish!
If your Brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you
have gained your Brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be
confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church. If he
refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and Tax Collector.
Truly, I say to you: whatever you bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loosen on Earth shall
be loosened in Heaven. Again, Truly I say to you - if two of you agree on Earth about anything they ask, it will
be done for them by My Father in Heaven. For where there are two or three gathered together in My Name, there
Am I in the midst of them.
...little ones... refers to ALL CHILDREN AS WELL AS TO ..their Angels... FAITHFULLY LOVE, WORSHIP AND OBEY THE
ADULTS WHO POSSESS CHILDLIKE HUMILITY, SIMPLICITY AND WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, Who does need nor
INNOCENCE. require them to help, guide and protect the Holy
OUR SAVIOUR HAS USED THE EXAMPLE OF A LITTLE CHILD AS A Trinity.
MODEL OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP. Instead OUR LORD GOD HAS PROVIDED THEM AS HIS HOLY
He emphasised that HOLY VIRTUES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR OUR MESSENGERS TO SERVE THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF MANKIND DUE
ENTRANCE INTO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE, especially TO OUR HABITUAL WEAKNESS AND CORRUPTION.
HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, DEPENDENCE, LOWLINESS, SIMPLICITY, OUR LOVING AND BENEVOLENT LORD GOD SENDS HIS ANGELS TO US
AND THE WILLINGNESS TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED. WHO NEED THEIR SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE, PROTECTION AND
ST IGNATIOS OF ANTIOCH HAD BEEN THE SMALL CHILD WHO HAD DEFENCE AGAINST THE EVIL MACHINATIONS OF SATAN AND HIS
OFFERED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HIS TWO SMALL SARDINES SLAVES DURING OUR LIFETIME AND AT THE TIME OF OUR DEATH.
AND FIVE LITTLE BREAD ROLLS TO FEED THE 5000 FAMILIES. . WE ARE ALL SINNERS WHOM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAME TO
(JOHN 6:9) SAVE WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH that grants us EVERY
He became one of our greatest Holy Fathers who Loved MEANS POSSIBLE FOR OUR REDEMPTION AND SALVATION.
our Lord God with all his being, and always guided FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MUST NEVER HATE ANY PERSON
and encouraged others to do so as well, even unto BUT RATHER AVOID, REJECT AND HATE THE SINS THEY
death COMMIT.
...their Angels... St John Chrysostom taught us that Thus it is our Sacred Task never to lead others astray in
not only the Saints but ALL MANKIND HAVE GUARDIAN any manner but rather to help them by ENCOURAGING
ANGELS WHO WATCH OVER THEM. AND TEACHING THEM EVERYTHING CHRIST HAS TAUGHT US TO
However, THE GUARDIAN ANGELS OF THOSE WHO ARE MEEK AND DO AND HOW TO LIVE IN CHRIST BY OUR OWN GOOD EXAMPLE.
VIRTUOUS HAVE EVEN GREATER BOLDNESS AND HONOUR ...in Unlike earthly shepherds, OUR GOOD SHEPHERD OUR
the Presence... OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. LORD JESUS - HIGHLY REGARDS THE VALUE OF EVERY ONE OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CLEARLY AND SEVERELY WARNED HIS SHEEP to the extent that He will leave the others
THAT ANYONE WHO DARES TO HARM OR CAUSE ANY OF THESE at risk while SEEKING HIS LOST SHEEP IN ORDER TO SAVE
...little ones... TO SIN, WILL BRING THE DIVINE WRATH THEM and bring them back to the safety and Love
OF OUR LOVING, ALMIGHTY GOD UPON THEM!! of His Holy Sheepfold.

10. AFTERFEAST OF PENTECOST MONDAY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT 5 JUNE 2017
 ...The ninety nine.. are those DISCIPLES WHO ARE
RIGHTEOUS, FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO GOD. (LUKE 15:7)
According to our Holy Fathers, this seeking of the Lost
Sheep is ALSO AN IMAGE OF THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST
WHEREBY ...The Ninety Nine... REPRESENT THE ANGELIC
HOSTS IN HEAVEN, for our Divine Saviour descended to
Earth in order to Save His ...one Sheep... HIS BELOVED
MANKIND WHO HAD FALLEN INTO DEVASTATING CORRUPTION
AND ERROR.
Consequently, EVERY SOUL CREATED AND ENLIVENED BY
GOD IS WORTHY OF SALVATION AND THE LOVE OF GOD!
...If your Brother (or Sister) sins.... CHURCH DISCIPLINE
IS BASED ON MUTUAL CORRECTION IN THREE EXPANDING
STAGES.
SIN AND CORRECTION ARE TO REMAIN PRIVATE UNLESS THE
OFFENDER REFUSES TO REPENT.
ALL CORRECTION MUST BE DONE WITH GREAT CARE AND HUMILITY,
WITH THE HIGHEST CONCERN BEING THE SALVATION OF THE
OFFENDER. (1 CORINTHIANS 5:5 & GALATIANS 6:1)
Nevertheless, CORRECTION IS VITAL AND ESSENTIAL FOR THE
OFFENDER AND ESPECIALLY FOR OUR HOLY CHURCH -
BECAUSE THE OFFENDERS SIN CAN AND WILL CORRUPT
OTHERS AS WELL!!
THE DIVINE AUTHORITY TO BIND OR LOOSE SIN WAS INITIALLY
GRANTED TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS APOSTLES, AND
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S GRACE BISHOP ALEXANDER (MILEANT)
EVERY PERSON CARRIES SEEDS OF GOODNESS. But no seed can
germinate and ripen without moisture and light.
For this reason everyone who truly craves Righteousness
has to recognize that WITHOUT GOD'S HELP - WITHOUT HIS
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE - ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IS
IMPOSSIBLE.
Being aware of the lack of Godly feelings within himself,
St David the Royal Psalmist appealed to God: "...My
soul yearns for Thee, as the barren soil..." (PSALM 143).
GOD'S GRACE RENEWS OUR SOUL, PURIFIES OUR CONSCIENCE,
ENLIGHTENS OUR MIND, STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH, DIRECTS OUR
WILL TO GOODNESS, WARMS OUR HEART WITH GENUINE LOVE,
ELEVATES OUR THOUGHTS, AND REVIVES OUR WHOLE HUMAN
NATURE.
As witnessed by all Holy men and women, GOD'S GRACE
BRINGS SO MUCH PEACE AND JOY INTO THE HUMAN SOUL THAT
ALL EARTHLY ADVANTAGES AND PLEASURES SEEM TO
NEGLIGIBLE BY COMPARISON!
Since the Day of the Descent of God the Holy Spirit upon
His Holy Apostles, EVERYONE WHO IS NEWLY BAPTIZED IS
LINKED TO THE DIVINE MIRACLE OF PENTECOST THROUGH THE
HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION, which is usually
performed right after Baptism, thereby GRANTING THE
NEWLY BAPTIZED PERSON WITH THE SAME DIVINE GIFTS OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT THAT HIS HOLY APOSTLES RECEIVED MORE THAN
2000 YEARS AGO.
THE POWER OF THIS HOLY MYSTERY IS SO GREAT AND
EVERLASTING THAT LIKE OUR HOLY BAPTISM, IT IS NEVER
AGAIN REPEATED.
Subsequent Holy Mysteries such as Repentance-
Confession and Holy Eucharist, various Holy Services,
private Prayers, Fasting, Acts of Mercy and a Virtuous
Life are aimed at STRENGTHENING IN US THE DIVINE GIFT
WE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED AT OUR HOLY CHRISMATION.
GOD'S GRACE POSSESSES THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF RENEWAL,
WHICH BECOMES APPARENT IN THE PROFOUND INNER AND
OUTWARD CHANGES THAT TAKE PLACE IN THOSE WHO HAVE
OPENED THEIR HEART TO GOD.
Our most vivid and best examples are the Holy Apostles,
who were initially simple, uneducated fishermen
possessing no obvious talents.
As soon as the Holy Spirit descended upon them, they
became amazingly Spiritually Knowledgeable and
Strong, being Enabled and Enriched with such Divine
Wisdom and Love that they could teach, guide, and
convert to our Faith and Life in Christ millions of not
only simple, impoverished peasants but erudite
Philosophers and wealthy, powerful noblemen as
well!
Inspired and Enabled by the Grace of God, their words
spoke Divine Truth that penetrated into the most
hardened hearts, motivating sinners to Repentance,
the selfish to Righteousness and Benevolence, and the
idle to diligence.
After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, as doubtful and timid
as His Holy Apostles and Disciples were during our
Saviours Lifetime, they were instantly Transformed
into bold Preachers of His Heavenly Kingdom.
As a result of the Divine Gifts of the Holy Spirit that they
were granted in that Wondrous Moment, innumerable
AFTERFEAST OF PENTECOST MONDAY
PASSED DOWN THROUGHOUT THE AGES TO THEIR
SUCCESSORS, THE PROPERLY AND WORTHILY ORDAINED
BISHOPS AND PRESBYTERS (PRIESTS.)
This Divine Authority is granted FOR THE SAKE OF THE
SALVATION OF US SINNERS.
As St John Chrysostom explained: ... seeing that (the
sinner) is not only cast out of the Church, but that
the bond of his sin will remain in Heaven, the sinner
may turn and become Gentle...
In other words: WHEN SINNERS REALISE THAT THEIR UNREPENTED
SINS WILL CAUSE THEIR EXILE FROM GOD AND ALL HIS
GOODNESS AND LOVE FOR ETERNITY, THEY MAY COME TO THEIR
SENSES AND REPENT THEIR SINS, thereby returning to
Spiritual Life and to the Loving Presence of God.
But those WHO REMAIN STUBBORNLY UNREPENTANT WILL CAUSE
THEIR OWN SPIRITUAL DEATH IN PERMANENT, ETERNAL EXILE
...Outer Darkness... as our Lord said.
WE FREELY COMMIT SINS THAT ALIENATE US FROM GOD, SO WE NEED
TO VOLUNTARILY REPENT those sins and return to Gods
Loving Embrace.
ANY SINS THAT WE COMMIT AND THEREBY MOTIVATE OR
FORCE OTHERS TO COMMIT DUE TO OUR EXAMPLE,
TEACHING OR URGING, WILL CAUSE OUR ETERNAL
ALIENATION FROM GOD.
It is entirely up to us to choose which Path we will take.
Christian Communities were founded and firmly
established during that first century throughout the
world-wide Roman Empire and even beyond it: from
Scythia to North Africa, to Britain and to Gaul, and
from Spain to Persia and to India.
Thus, owing to their Divinely Inspired and enthusiastic
Faith, Christianity began to spread throughout all the
world, bringing with it the Renewal of society.
The humanitarian principles of helping the poor and
protecting the weak, the equality of all before God,
and the recognition of human dignity were first
proclaimed by the Holy Apostles and Faithful Disciples
of Christ.
These principles of Divine Love were unknown to the pre-
Christian pagan society.
ST LUKES BOOK OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ILLUSTRATES THE
BE PROFOUND CHANGES THAT OCCURRED FOR EVERYONE AS WE
BECAME RENEWED BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
Indeed, we see how former unbelievers, who had been
driven by selfish desires and who had no higher
aspirations, AFTER TURNING TO CHRIST AND RECEIVING THE
HOLY SPIRIT, BECAME DEEPLY BELIEVING, PIOUS MEN FILLED
WITH DILIGENCE AND ARDENT LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR ALL
PEOPLE:

ACTS 2: 42-47; 4: 32-35 "...They (the newly Baptized)
devoted themselves to the Apostles' Teachings
and Fellowship, to the Breaking of Bread
(Communion) and Prayers ...
And all who believed were together and had all
things in common: and they sold their
possessions and goods and distributed them to
all, as need directed.
And day by day, attending the Temple together
and breaking bread in their homes, they partook
of food with glad and generous hearts, praising
God and finding favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to their number day by day
those who were of one heart and soul, and no
one said that any of the things which he
possessed was his own, but they had everything
in common ... There was not a needy person
among them.
In short, all sinfulness and brutality within them had
been TRANSFORMED INTO MEEKNESS, LOVE AND ASPIRATION
FOR THE DIVINE.
As our Saviour has taught us, THE DESIRE FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE
COMES TO US ONLY FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. It is not a
naturally occurring disposition.

JOHN 3: 5-6 "Unless one is born of Water and the Spirit,
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God ... That
which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is
born of the Spirit is spirit..."
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us that GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
GUIDES US IN HIS DIVINE TRUTH, COMFORTS US IN SORROW AND
SATISFIES OUR SPIRITUAL THIRST.
St Paul referred to ALL CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AS THE DIVINE GIFTS
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

GALATIANS. 5: 22-23 "The Fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control"
OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT 5 JUNE 2017 11.
 IT OFTEN OCCURS THAT THE INNER SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND
ACTIVITY OF A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST IS DEVELOPED UNBEKNOWN
TO US, as our Lord Jesus explained in His Parable of
the scattered Seed.
Concerning THE MIRACULOUS EFFECT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON
OUR SOUL, our Lord said:

JOHN 3:8 "...The wind blows where it wishes, and you
hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it
comes from and where it goes. So is everyone
who is Born of the Spirit."
BESIDES GENERAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR
THE INNER GROWTH OF EVERY CHRISTIAN, THE HOLY SPIRIT
GRANTS TO CERTAIN PEOPLE SPECIAL GIFTS THAT ENABLE THEM
TO FULFIL THEIR SACRED CALLING IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF
CHRIST AND IN SOCIETY.
Concerning these specific Divine Gifts St Paul explained:

1 CORINTHIANS 12: 7-11 "...To each is given the
Manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of
Wisdom, and to another the utterance of
Knowledge according to the same Spirit, to
another Faith by the same Spirit, to another Gifts
of Healing by the same Spirit, to another the
Working of Miracles, to another Prophesy, to
another the Ability to Distinguish between spirits,
to another various kinds of Tongues, to another
the Interpretation of Tongues. All these are
Inspired by one and the same Spirit, Who
apportions to each individual as He Wills.
All Faithful Disciples of Christ - being Living Temples of
the Grace of the Holy Spirit - must preserve
themselves from everything that is foul, debauched
and sinful.
Saint Paul admonished certain Corinthian Christians who
had neglected to do so:

1 CORINTHIANS 3: 16 17 "...Do you not know that you are
the Temple of God and that the Holy Spirit dwells
within you? ... If anyone destroys the Temple of
God (by immoderation) then God shall destroy
him. For the Temple of God is Holy, and that
Temple is you!"
In His Parable of the Ten Virgins, our Lord Jesus Christ
spoke of the necessity of preserving and increasing
our Spiritual Gifts, without which we become like
lamps without oil. (MATTHEW 25: 1-13).
When explaining this Parable, Saint Seraphim of Sarov
said that THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS SHORT LIFE IS TO
ACQUIRE OF THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
ALTHOUGH THE BENEFICIAL POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS
GRANTED TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES - NOT ACCORDING TO
OUR MERITS BUT ONLY BY THE DIVINE GRACE AND GREAT
MERCY OF THE LORD OUR GOD - IT INCREASES IN US ONLY IN
PROPORTION TO OUR DILIGENCE IN OUR LIFE IN CHRIST.
Saint Isaac the Syrian commented: "...To what degree a
man advances towards his God intentionally, in like
manner God advances towards him with His Grace."

2 PETER 1: 3-7 St Peter taught us: "...His Divine Power
has granted to us all things that pertain to Life
and Godliness, through the Knowledge of Him
Who Called us to His own Glory and Excellence,
by which He has granted to us His Precious and
Very Great Promises, that through these you may
escape from the corruption that is in the world
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
Today is a Great Day, for we celebrate the Descent of God
the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the One Holy
and Universal Church of Christ.
Everything performed in His Holy Church is performed by
the Power and Energy of God the Holy Spirit,
according to the Divine Will of God our Heavenly
Father.
In order for us to receive God the Holy Spirit and all His
Empowering Divine Gifts, it was necessary for our Lord
Jesus Christ to be Glorified by means of His voluntary
Passion His Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection.
That being the case, it is mystifying how we the
Christians of today are unable to be initiated into
the Mystical Communion with the Holy Spirit.
During the terrible persecutions, Christians were
consumed by the question of who would be martyred
first - who would become an offering and who would
get to die for the sake of Christ so that at our
Resurrection, they would stand beside Him.
And yet today, because we do not have the Fear of God,
being dominated by our conceit, egotism, and
selfishness, we are terrified of thoughts of Martyrdom
12. AFTERFEAST OF PENTECOST MONDAY
because of passion, and become Partakers of
the Divine Nature.
For this very reason make every effort to
supplement your Faith with Virtue, and Virtue
with Knowledge, and Knowledge with Self-
control, and Self-control with Steadfastness, and
Steadfastness with Godliness, and Godliness
with Brotherly Affection, and Brotherly Affection
with Love..."

EPHESIANS 5:8-19 St Paul urged us to INVITE GOD'S GRACE
BY RIGHTEOUS LIVING AND PRAYERS: ...Walk as
Children of Light, for the Fruit of Light is found in
all that is Good and Right and True ... be Filled
with the Spirit, addressing yourselves with
Psalms and words of Glory, singing Praises to the
Lord with all your heart..."
In our Orthodox Church IT IS CUSTOMARY TO BEGIN ALL PRIVATE
PRAYERS AS WELL AS HOLY SERVICES BY FIRST ADDRESSING THE
HOLY SPIRIT WITH A SPECIAL PRAYER THAT BESEECHES HIM TO
RENEW HIS DIVINE GRACE WITHIN US.
This Prayer, which starts with the words "O Heavenly
King..." is remarkable for it consists of the Words of our
Lord Jesus Christ that Guides us towards what is
important to ask from God: O Heavenly King,
Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and
fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of
Life, come and Abide in us, and Cleanse us from
every impurity, and Save our souls, O Good One.
We address God the Holy Spirit as our "...Heavenly
King..." because
 HE IS THE THIRD PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY, EQUAL TO THE
FATHER AND HIS SON.
 He is our ...Comforter... because HE CONSOLES US AND
GRANTS US JOY, PEACE AND COMFORT IN TIMES OF GRIEF,
SORROW AND TRIBULATION.
 He is ...the Spirit of Truth... as HE REVEALS THE REALITIES
OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND HELPS AND ENABLES US TO LOVE
AND TO UNDERSTAND DIVINE TRUTH.
 He is OMNIPRESENT ... everywhere and fillest all
things... BECAUSE THE DIVINE NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES
OF ALMIGHTY GOD HAS NO BOUNDS NOR OBSTACLES.
 He is ... the Treasury of Blessings (all Good Things)
... as He is THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING THAT
IS OF TRUE VALUE.
 He is ... the Giver of Life... for He GRANTS LIFE TO ALL
CREATION, AND, IN PARTICULAR, HIGHER SPIRITUAL LIFE TO
THE HEAVENLY ANGELS AND TO MANKIND THE
INTELLECTUAL BEINGS OF GODS CREATION.
Addressing God the Holy Spirit in this way, WE ASK HIM, TO
CLEANSE US FROM EVERY ANCESTRAL PASSION WITHIN US OR
WHICH IS ATTACHED TO US THROUGH CONTACT WITH WICKED,
DECEITFUL PEOPLE, OR THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE EVIL ONE.
WE BESEECH HIM TO DWELL WITHIN US AND TO GUIDE US TO
ETERNAL SALVATION.
When praying to God the Holy Spirit to request various
Spiritual Gifts, we must ALWAYS PRESERVE A HUMBLE AND
OBEDIENT ATTITUDE IN RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
OUR UNWORTHINESS, NEVER FORGETTING that "...God opposes
the proud but grants Grace to the humble."
http://kentigern.squarespace.com
OF OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
for sake of our Faith in Christ, thereby being
incapable of ever experiencing or tasting the Fruit of
the Holy Spirit within our soul.
We do not thirst for the Living Water of God that quenches
our soul that remains thirsty!
Yet, despite our sinful lack of Faith, our Lord God awaits
each and every one of His creatures to grant us His
Divine Grace and the Life-giving Gifts of the Holy
Spirit. And just how much Divine Grace we may
receive depends on how receptive we are to receiving
the Holy Spirit!
If we desire the Love of God and His Divine Gifts, seeing
our good disposition, God will light His Holy Fire within
us, and, by His Divine Grace, we will Live in the Holy
Spirit.
We will live every moment of the day, and we will finish
this temporary Life in Jesus Christ our Saviour, by the
Power and Energy of God the Holy Spirit, according to
the Will of God our Heavenly Father, and this will
enable our Eternal Life in the Holy Spirit.
ARCHIMANDRITE SYMEON KRAGIOPOULOS -
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXPATH.ORG
OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT 5 JUNE 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves
and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (8) Plagal 4 11 June 2017

First Sunday of St Matthew All Saints Sunday
Also the Feast of St Bartholomew of Cana & of the 12 Apostles of Christ St Barnabas Joseph
Levi of Cyprus & of the 70 Apostles of Christ St Barnabas, Abbot of Vetluga Monastery St
Ephraim, Abbot of Novy Torg Monastery (Holy Relics) St Gabriel the Holy Archangel of God
& the Axion Estin Hymn to Theotokos on Mount Athos St Metrophanes, Firs Chinese
Presbyter (Priest) & the Holy Martyrs of the Boxer Revolt in China
PLEASE NOTE: THE APOSTLES FAST BEGINS FROM TOMORROW
AND CONTINUES UNTIL 29 JUNE, THE FEAST OF ST PETER & ST PAUL
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20
THE GREAT COMMISSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Ex Ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo Thou descended from on High, O Tender-hearted; Thou
Triimeron, ina imas eleftherosis ton pathon. I Zoi ke endured Three-Days burial, so that Thou might free
i Anastasis imon. Kyrie, Doxa Si! us from our passions, O our Life and Resurrection.
O Lord: Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ton en olon to kosmo Martyron 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, Thy Martyrs in the world, as though with the finest
Hriste O Theos: To Lao Sou tous iktirmous linen and purple robe, through them cries out to Thee,
katapempson, Irinin ti Politia Sou dorise, ke tes psihes O Christ our God: Send down Thy Compassion upon
imon to Mega Eleos. Thy people, grant Peace to Thy Commonwealth, and to
our soul, Thy Great Mercy.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY UNTIL 27 JULY
Os Aparhas tis Fiseos, to fitourgo tis Ktiseos, i ikoumeni Like the First Fruits of Nature, to the Author of Creation,
proferi si Kyrie, tous Theoforou Martyras. Tes afton the Earths people offer Thee, O Lord, the God-bearing
ikesies, en Irini vathia tin Ekklisian Sou, dia tis Martyrs. Through their Intercessions, maintain Thy
Theotokou, Sintirison Polielee! Church in True and Perfect Peace, and through the
Theotokos, preserve Her, O Most Merciful!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 67/68 TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
God is Wondrous in His Saints.
Bless God in His Churches, the Lord from the Fountains of Israel.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 11:33 - 12:2
THE FAITH OF CERTAIN ISRAELITES & THE PERFECTION OF FAITH
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 (they) 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 Witnesses - through Faith having obtained a Good Testimony 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.
St Paul reminds us of THE INCREDIBLE STRENGTH OF FAITH OF NOTHING COULD SWAY THEM OR MAKE THEM RENOUNCE THEIR
THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS that ... FAITH, FOR THEY KNEW THAT GOD WOULD NEVER FAIL THEM!
subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, They knew that everything God has Promised us will most
obtained Promises... certainly be fulfilled.
He mentioned so many of THEIR GREAT SPIRITUAL FEATS AND BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS ULTIMATELY SUPERIOR BLOOD
HEROIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT WERE ONLY POSSIBLE DUE TO SACRIFICE, HE EFFECTED WHAT ALL THE BLOOD SACRIFICES
THEIR UNWAVERING TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND FAITH IN OF THE OLD COVENANT COULD NOT DO.
ALMIGHTY GOD Who makes everything that is HIS BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR ALL MANKINDS SINS FOREVER, INCLUDED
impossible for us, quite possible. THOSE ANCIENT SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS so that they, too,
NO MATTER WHAT THESE ANCIENT SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS could enter into the Divine Presence of God as they
WERE FORCED TO ENDURE, THEY REMAINED STEADFAST IN THEIR had been Promised by our Lord God.
FAITH IN THE ONE, TRUE, LIVING AND ALMIGHTY GOD. During Christs Harrowing of Hades, ALL THESE GOOD SOULS
...sawn in two... is a reference that ST ISAIAH, the great WERE SET FREE AND ENTERED INTO PARADISE to await the
Holy Prophet of God, WAS MARTYRED IN THIS MANNER BY General Resurrection with the rest of mankind.
MANASSEH.

1 S T S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T S U N D A Y O F S T M A T T H E W A L L S A I N T S S U N D A Y 1 1 J U N E 2 0 1 7 13.
 WE ARE EVEN MORE CERTAIN OF GODS DIVINE PROMISES AND IS A PROGRESSIVE EXHORTATION TO ALL FAITHFUL
TRUTH for everything that the Old Covenant Holy DISCIPLES OF CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE AGES, IMPLORING
Prophets had foreseen, was definitely US TO ALWAYS ...first seek the Kingdom of God...
accomplished by our Lord and Saviour Jesus and not be misguided nor mislead by anything
Christ, and WE CAN REST ASSURED THAT EVERYTHING else.
ACCORDING TO OUR NEW COVENANT WITH GOD WILL ALSO OUR ENTIRE PURPOSE IN THIS LIFESPAN IS TO PREPARE
BE FULFILLED! OURSELVES TO BECOME WORTHY, RIGHTEOUS CITIZENS OF
This was confirmed by our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ GODS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE!!
Who for 40 days after His Resurrection appeared to His Our New Covenant with God Enlightens us with His Divine
Faithful Disciples and Apostles before His physical, Truth whereby we are able to Ascend to His Eternal
visible Ascension into Heaven. Kingdom in our proper Worship, Prayers and Life in
SO WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, WE CAN AND WE DO BELIEVE EVERY WORD Christ.
SPOKEN BY OUR SAVIOUR CONCERNING THIS SHORT LIFESPAN WE ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE A FORETASTE OF THIS HEAVENLY
AND ETERNITY. DIMENSION IN THE DIVINE LITURGY AND THE OTHER HOLY
AS ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS, WE ARE MOST BLESSED TO HAVE not SERVICES, AS WELL AS BY MEANS OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES THAT
only THE WRITTEN HOLY TRADITION (Teachings and ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND PROGRESS.
Commandments) (i.e. the Books of the New ...we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of
Testament that were written by the Holy Apostles of Witnesses... is a reference to ALL THOSE WHO HAVE
Christ after His Holy Church was established) but GONE BEFORE US, HAVING EXPERIENCED THE DIVINE TRUTH
also all the carefully AND CORRECTLY PRESERVED AND REALITY OF GOD AND WHO NOW REST IN PEACE IN
VERBAL HOLY TRADITION (Teachings) passed down to PARADISE UNTIL THE EIGHTH DAY the General
us by our Lords Holy Apostles and their successors, Resurrection and the Final Judgement.
our Bishops and Presbyters. ...run with Endurance the Race that is set before us...
THE SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS OF THE OLD COVENANT ...of means that we must BE EAGER AND WILLING TO FULFIL
whom the world was not worthy ... were despised ALL OUR SACRED TASKS, NO MATTER WHAT OUR
by the ungodly people but WERE CERTAINLY WORTHY, CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE.
HONOURABLE CITIZENS OF GODS HEAVENLY KINGDOM. ...looking unto the Author and Finisher of our Faith,
THE INCARNATION OF THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND Jesus, our Lord and Saviour FOCUSSING OUR
SON OF GOD THE FATHER, AND EVERYTHING THAT HE ATTENTION WITH DETERMINATION ON CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
ACCOMPLISHED FOR US while He lived with us in the Flesh, BY STRIVING TO FULFIL EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT US TO
ALSO REDEEMED THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS AND MARTYRS DO.
who, due to their immensely strong Faith, participate
together with us in His Glorious Resurrection and His
Heavenly Kingdom Eternal Life.
ST PAULS EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, beginning with
Chapter 10:19, and continuing until Chapter 12:29,
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S T M A T T H E W 10: 32 33; 37 38 & 19 : 27 30
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: ... Whoever Confesses Me before men, him will I also Confess before
My Father Who is in Heaven... 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...
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.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST STATES HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND A change of our lifestyle is possible because of our Holy
REVELATIONS VERY PLAINLY AND SPECIFICALLY. Baptism when we ...put on Christ...
Therefore, WE HAVE NO EXCUSE WHEN WE DISOBEY OR Having abandoned our old, wicked nature, we have
REJECT HIS TRUTH. been granted a Renewed Nature we have been
He repeatedly cautions us that WHATEVER WE THINK, WE Regenerated and Illumined with Divine Truth and
SAY OR WE DO WILL HAVE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR US. Love.
When He told His Disciples: ... Whoever Confesses ... Consequently, it is necessary to learn everything we can
Whoever denies Me before men... it is obvious about our Lords Divine Truth and apply It to every
that our All Knowing God would immediately aspect of our daily life, thereby growing closer and
know about it and WE WILL EITHER RECEIVE HIS closer to our Saviour with each small step.
BLESSINGS FOR OUR FAITH IN HIM OR HIS CONDEMNATION, Divine Grace makes us Righteous, for Righteousness is
WHICH HAS ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES. both a Divine Gift and our ultimate Goal a present
WE SHOULD NEVER BE ASHAMED TO CONFESS OUR FAITH IN Reality and a Promise we strive to receive.
GOD EITHER VERBALLY OR THROUGH OUR ACTIONS SUCH AS If we profess ourselves as being Christian i.e.
MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS OR FULFILLING OUR FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE MUST LOVE GOD WITH
SACRED TASKS WITHOUT FEAR, SHAME NOR ALL OUR BEING, AND STRIVE TO FULFIL ALL HIS TEACHINGS
EMBARRASSMENT. AND COMMANDMENTS TO THE VERY BEST OF OUR ABILITY
Furthermore, those who love anyone or anything NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES!!
more that our Lord God or those who do not Concerning Divine Judgement, ST AMBROSE OF MILAN
...take (their) Cross and follow after Me, (are) not explained: ...Christ Judges by Discerning our
worthy of Me! heart and soul, and not by examining our deeds.
IN ORDER TO CARRY OUR CROSS, AS TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, So, also, the Apostles were being shaped to exercise
WE MUST ALWAYS BE READY TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING IN ORDER Spiritual Judgement concerning Faith, and in
TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to His Heavenly rebuking error with Virtue...
Kingdom even if, at times, when necessary, having THE APOSTLES WILL THUS JUDGE, not with an earthly type of
to sacrifice our friendships or relationships IF THEY judgement, but BY THE WITNESS OF THEIR OWN LIFE IN
IMPEDE OR DESTROY OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND PROGRESS. CHRIST.
This is the Spiritual Struggle between our old, sinful state Since Gods Heavenly Kingdom began with the
and our Renewal in Christ. Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, THE
The continuous process of our Spiritual Growth requires AUTHORITY OF JUDGEMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN GRANTED TO HIS
our free will commitment to Live in Christ a Life of HOLY APOSTLES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS IN THE JOURNEY AND
Righteousness and Holiness, for as His adopted MISSION OF HIS EARTHLY CHURCH.
Children of Light, we can no longer live in the This is the reason for the UNBROKEN Apostolic Succession of our
Darkness of sin. Bishops and Presbyters being of utmost importance!

14. 1st S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T S U N D A Y O F S T M A T T H E W A L L S A I N T S S U N D A Y 1 1 J U N E 2 0 1 7
In the Eastern Orthodox Church the line of succession of our It also means that WE MUST ACCEPT THE PAIN AND SORROW
Ordained Bishops can be traced all the way back to our
Lords Holy Apostles, and thus to Christ Himself.
Without the unbroken Apostolic Succession, self-appointed clergy
have no True, Divine Authority to perform any of our Lord
Jesus Christs Holy Mysteries nor to forgive or retain our sins on
His behalf! mp
...And everyone who has left... It is important to
understand that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CERTAINLY DOES
NOT COMMAND US TO DIVORCE OUR SPOUSES NOR TO ABANDON
OUR CHILDREN FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FAITH!!
St John Chrysostom explained that these words refer to
KEEPING OUR FAITH WHEN WE ARE PERSECUTED AND WE LOSE
OUR BELOVED FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 1ST SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Beloved Brethren: TODAY, ON THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST, WE COME TO THE END OF A LONG SPIRITUAL
JOURNEY - A LONG LITURGICAL CYCLE LASTING
APPROXIMATELY 120 DAYS, OR ONE THIRD OF THE YEAR, which
began with the Sunday of the Publican and the
Pharisee, and ends with this Sunday of All Saints.
This is A JOURNEY OF SANCTIFICATION, that is meant TO
SANCTIFY US AND TEACH US ABOUT THE TRUE MEANING AND
PURPOSE OF OUR SHORT LIFE ON EARTH that needs to be
Sanctified.
On Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, we
contemplated THE BEGINNING OF OUR PATH TO HOLINESS IN
CHRIST WITH the good example of THE SINCERE HUMILITY
OF THE REPENTANT PUBLICAN (TAX COLLECTOR).
AFTER BESEECHING OUR LORD TO ...OPEN UNTO US THE GATES OF
REPENTANCE... WE PROCEEDED TO FAST AND MOURN OVER OUR
SINS THROUGHOUT THE HOLY 40-DAY FAST OF GREAT LENT,
UNTIL FINALLY TURNING OUR ATTENTION TO THE SAVING
PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND WHETHER WE WERE
READY OR NOT, WHETHER WE WERE PURIFIED COMPLETELY OR
ONLY A LITTLE, WE REJOICED IN HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION.
After lingering a little while on the Events surrounding our
Lord Jesus Christs Glorious Resurrection and the days
thereafter (Sunday of St Thomas and Sunday of the
Holy Myrrhbearers), we eventually came to HIS
GLORIOUS ASCENSION, which REMINDS US THAT CHRIST OUR
GOD ASCENDED ONLY AFTER PROMISING TO SEND THE DIVINE
COMFORTER, GOD THE MOST-HOLY SPIRIT, WHO PROCEEDS
FROM OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
Last Sunday HOLY PENTECOST SUNDAY - WE CELEBRATED THE
MUCH-AWAITED DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT - THE
DIVINE LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT WHO SANCTIFIES AND ENLIVENS ALL
THINGS - ALL CREATION.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT ENERGISES AND EMPOWERS US mankind We reveal our TRUE DISCIPLESHIP by means of OUR LIFESTYLE
WHOM GOD CREATED IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS, AS HIS
INTELLECTUAL BEINGS WHO HAVE FREE WILL.
Today is THE FEAST DAY OF ALL SAINTS.
Today is the festive day of THE SPIRITUAL HARVEST - the
GATHERING OF GODS HOLY CROPS AFTER ALL THE SPIRITUAL
PREPARATION OF THE SOWING OF THE SEED, THE ROOTING OUT
OF SINS, AND THE NURTURING THAT BROUGHT IT TO FRUITION.
Today we WALK INTO THE GARDEN OF DIVINE GRACE AND BEHOLD
THE WONDROUS FRUIT OF THIS LONG, ARDUOUS JOURNEY we
offer God our Thanksgiving for THE SWEET FRUIT OF THE
LIFE OF THE CHURCH, WHICH IS ENLIGHTENED AND ENLIVENED
BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
This Holy Harvest is THE SYNAXIS OR ASSEMBLY OF ALL GODS
WONDROUS SAINTS all those who are KNOWN AND
UNKNOWN; all those who are recognized and those who
are not yet Glorified by the Church of Christ on Earth
ALL HIS HOLY APOSTLES, MARTYRS, CONFESSORS, PROPHETS,
HIERARCHS, MONASTICS, AND RIGHTEOUS.
Behold THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Behold the Fruit of THE
LIFE OF GODS HOLY CHURCH! Behold the Fruit of THE
FASTS, OF THE FEASTS, OF THE DIVINE REVELATION!
Behold the Fruit of THE FULL IMMERSION OF THE APOSTLES IN
THE SPIRIT THROUGH TONGUES OF HOLY FIRE, the Fruit of the
MARTYRS WHO, WHILE LIVING ON EARTH, CONSIDERED THE
HEAVENLY KINGDOM THEIR HOMELAND and eagerly
awaited Death in the flesh, while HOPING IN THE LIFE
BEYOND THE GRAVE, the Fruit of THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD
such as St Moses who spoke to God ...face to Face, as
1 S T S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T S U N D A Y O F S T M A T T H E W A L L S A I N T S S U N D A Y 1 1 J U N E 2 0 1 7 15.
CAUSED BY UNBELIEVING, HERETICAL OR PAGAN FAMILY AND
FRIENDS WHO MAY CUT THEIR TIES WITH US DUE TO OUR FAITH.
Our Lord Jesus Christ assured His Apostles - and thus
He assures us - that EVERYTHING WE SACRIFICE FOR HIS
SAKE WILL BE GRANTED TO Us ..a hundredfold, and... we
will ... inherit Eternal Life.
In other words, OUR FINAL REWARD FAR EXCEEDS ANYTHING
WE COULD POSSIBLY IMAGINE OR SACRIFICE IN THIS SHORT,
TEMPORARY EXISTENCE.
...Many who are first will be last... means that all
souls will be treated the same, whether they were
Faithful forever or had only recently become Faithful.
Consequently, according to the abiding Love of God,
even THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY CONVERTED, WILL BE
JUDGED ALONGSIDE AND EQUALLY TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST FOR THEIR ENTIRE LIFESPAN.
a man converses with a friend... the Fruit of THE HOLY
HIERARCHS WHO ILLUMINED THE WHOLE WORLD WITH THEIR
FLAMING PRAYER AND DIVINE DOCTRINE, who GAVE US THE
DIVINE LITURGIES AND DESTROYED THE MACHINATIONS OF
HERETICS!
Behold the Fruit of THE MONASTICS WHO WERE ALSO MARTYRS IN
THEIR BLOODLESS MARTYRDOM, who returned to the
Garden of Eden and DWELT TOGETHER WITH NATURE IN A
PARADISIACAL STATE, who BEHELD THE UNCREATED LIGHT OF
GOD, and who LIVED WITHOUT MATERIAL NOURISHMENT,
BEING FED BY DIVINE GRACE ALONE.
And finally, behold the Fruit of THE RIGHTEOUS - those who,
without receiving Monastic Tonsure, ENTERED FULLY INTO
THE HOLY STATE OF GRACE WHILE LIVING IN THE WORLD...
This is THE FRUIT OF THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH
DESCENDS ON THE FAITHFUL - not by the will of mankind
but BY THE WILL OF OUR TRIUNE, ALMIGHTY GOD - after our
long Spiritual Journey, after the Purification of
Humility, Fasting, Rejoicing, and Patience, after
awaiting the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Who, like the
wind, ...blows where (He) Wills.
Considering this magnificent Holy Harvest in Gods
earthly Vineyard, we CONTEMPLATE THE SACRED LESSON OF
TODAYS HOLY GOSPEL and we ask ourselves HOW CAN WE,
WHO ARE SUCH HABITUAL SINNERS, WORTHILY ENTER AND
REMAIN IN OUR LORDS DIVINE PARADISE, TOGETHER WITH OUR
LADY THEOTOKOS AND ALL HIS HOLY SAINTS AND MARTYRS
WHO HAVE PRECEDED US with everyone and everything
that is Perfectly Beautiful and Pure on Earth and in
Heaven.
THE SOLUTION to this most significant human problem IS
DIFFICULT, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE!!
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly and concisely tells us to
UNASHAMEDLY CONFESS HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR AND
TO CONFESS OUR FAITH IN CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
- HOW WE DRESS WITH RESPECT FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS,
HOW WE COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER, AND HOW WE
PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS the Divine Truth concerning
the Teachings and Commandments of our Lord -
CORRECTLY EXPLAINING THE REAL MEANING AND PURPOSE of
the Life-giving Cross and Resurrection of Christ, the
essential Role of our Lady Theotokos and the Saints,
the meaning and purpose of our Holy Icons and
Relics, which are stumbling blocks to the
unenlightened but which are truly the Life and Hope
of Salvation for all mankind!
Our Lord also clearly tells us that IF OUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS
ARE MORE IMPORTANT TO US THAN HIM AND HIS CALLING, WE
ARE NOT WORTHY OF HIM.
He reminds us that OUR TRUE FAMILY CONSIST OF HIS FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES.
If any of our family or friends expect or demand us to
deny Christ or compromise our True Faith in Him, we
must refuse to do so and CHOOSE HIS DIVINE TRUTH OVER
THEIR DEMANDS AND DESIRES.
Some might conclude that running from the world, from
family, and from those who cause difficulties for us or
who try to force us to deny or reject the Divine Will of
God, is an easy solution to our problems.
We all experience different degrees of relationships with
family, friends or acquaintances - and even strangers,
at times.
Nevertheless, although we can separate ourselves from
those who hate and reject Divine Truth, WE CANNOT RUN
AWAY FROM OURSELVES OR OUR ROLE IN THIS TEMPORARY
EARTHLY LIFE.
Knowing this better than we do, our Loving and
Compassionate Lord Jesus Christ grants us A MOST
SIGNIFICANT QUALIFICATION for TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, by
URGING AND ENCOURAGING us to ... take up (our) Cross...
- we must SHOULDER OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO GOD AND TO
OUR FELLOW MANKIND, WITH FAITH IN GOD WHO WILL ENABLE
AND EMPOWER US TO FULFIL EVERY ASPECT OF OUR SACRED
CALLING AND HOLY MISSION.
EACH CROSS IS AS DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE AS EACH HUMAN SOUL.
Our Cross could be PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL PAIN,
DEBILITATING OR TERMINAL AILMENTS OR DISEASE, EXTREMELY
DIFFICULT OR DEVASTATING CIRCUMSTANCES OR HEARTFELT
CONCERN FOR OTHERS OR OURSELVES I.E. CIRCUMSTANCES
BEYOND OUR CONTROL BUT FOR WHICH WE CONSTANTLY PRAY
TO GOD.
WHATEVER TYPE OF CROSS WE HAVE, WE MUST TAKE IT UPON OUR
SHOULDER, AND FOLLOW CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR,
KNOWING THAT THE DIVINE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL
HELP US, STRENGTHEN AND ENCOURAGE US, just as our Lord,
the Divine Comforter has always enabled the Saints
and Holy Martyrs to carry their Cross all the way to the
THE IMPORTANCE
The Orthodox Church of Christ has a long Holy Tradition
of honouring the Saints and Holy Martyrs who gave
their Love and Life to God and His Holy Mission on
Earth.
Although all Faithful people of God whether they are
Sanctified or have chosen to be ...set apart... from
the fallen world, can be properly termed Saints,
which is how all the early Christians were regarded
and addressed. (SEE ACTS 9:13, 32 & 41 ROMANS 1:7 & 1
CORINTHIANS 1:2)
Even now, in our time, there are some who are already
Glorified in Christ, who rest in the Uncreated Light of
Gods Eternal Kingdom.
These Sanctified Souls are the Blessed Luminaries of the
Holy Church of Christ, whose Holy Light brightens and
Illuminates our tragic sin-darkened world, even
during this temporary sojourn before Eternity.
Our worthy Saints have ...fought the Good Fight... ...
finished the race... and ...kept the Faith... as St Paul
expressed it in his Epistle to St Timothy. (2 TIMOTHY 4:7)
Their Holy Mission continues, even while they Repose in
Peace, for they are more alive in Christ than we are,
and, having spent their earthly lifespan in Prayer and
Service to God, they, naturally, continue doing so
while awaiting the General Resurrection of all
mankind on the Eighth Day.
We turn to these Saints for their Intercessory Prayers to
God and their good example as Faithful Disciples of
Christ, which Inspires and Encourages us to imitate
them.
Furthermore, as our beloved Patron Saints, we beseech
them for their experienced assistance so that we may
worthily and properly Live in Christ as they had done,
never wavering in their Faith, nor being discouraged
by persecution, nor any other obstacles that stood in
their way.
Those who do not understand nor appreciate the
important role of our Saints and Holy Martyrs reject
the honouring of Saintswhether by venerating their
Holy Relics and Icons, or by requesting their
Intercessory Prayers because some of them think that
by doing so, we ignore our living fellow worshippers
who can pray for us and help us.
They also think that we trying to communicate with ...
dead souls... who can neither address us nor guide
us when necessary!!
They do not understand that our soul is immortal and that
we continue to exist even after departing this short
lifespan.
Therefore, those who Lived in Christ in this life, continue
to do so, even after their departure, as our Lord
revealed to us, and as His Apostles have taught us.
Consequently, our continued relationship with the Saints
is neither a danger nor misguided or misleading
16. 1st S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T S U N D A Y O F S T M A T T H E W A L L S A I N T S S U N D A Y 1 1 J U N E 2 0 1 7
end, until they received their Final Reward their
Crowns of Victory.
As Faithful Followers of Christ our Lord, when we behold
His Life-giving Cross, we know exactly where the
Narrow Path of His Divine Righteousness leads to
our Salvation and Eternal Life.
Together with all the Saints and Holy Martyrs whom we
commemorate today, we must follow our Lord Christ
all the way to His Life-giving Cross and beyond, to
His Glorious Resurrection - by willingly taking up and
bearing our personal Cross, valiantly, without
complaint or failure, being Strengthend and
Empowered every step of the Way by the Divine Grace
of God the Holy Spirit.
Behind and beyond the Life-giving Cross of Christ our
Lord, as evident today in the Feast of All Saints, a
beautiful Paradise awaits us the Fruitful Vineyard of
Heaven of which may we all become worthy, through
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Whom we worship
together with our Heavenly Father, and the Most-Holy,
Good and Life-giving Spirit, unto the Ages of ages.
Amen.
HERMITAGE OF THE HOLY CROSS
08 / 06 / 2015
HTTPS://WWW.HOLYCROSS-HERMITAGE.COM
OF SAINTS
fiction. On the contrary, we are in far greater danger
without the Saints.
People often have role models, mentors, confidantes, and
best friends whom they respect and often imitate.
However, when the relationship fails due to conflict,
disagreement, or any other reason, it causes intense,
painful, bitter and angry emotions that negatively
affect everyone concerned.
This tragic disappointment and loss of trust can occur in
any number of situations, but it does prove that
trusting in Spiritually inexperienced, living people is
not always guaranteed.
The Saints who are without doubt, Spiritually
Experienced and Steadfast, having ... fought the
Good Fight and finished the Race... that we, as
Disciples, are struggling to successfully complete as
well, are guaranteed as our good and faithful helpers
who will never disappoint us.
Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Saints authenticate
True Faith, for they are our Perfect Role Models who
will never fail us or disillusion us.
They can and do help us every step of the way in our
Good Fight or Race towards Paradise and Eternal
Life.
It is horrific to even think or hear about what our Saints
and Holy Martyrs endured when they and their
beloved family and friends were unjustly persecuted,
tortured and put to death for the sake of our Faith in
Almighty God!
Even at this very moment, untold numbers of Faithful
Disciples of Christ are facing brutal, merciless and
unjust persecution, and we cannot begin to imagine
their suffering, or the indescribable horrors they are
witnessing.
Every one of these Saints and Martyrs is worthy of our
honour and veneration!
Every one of these Saints can offer Intercessory Prayers on
our behalf for the sake of our Salvation, for we know
that the Prayers of the Righteous in Christ are
powerfully effective and there are none more
Righteous than the Saints and Holy Martyrs who
remain Faithful Servants of Christ our God. (JAMES 5:16)
The Saints are worthy of our greatest respect because
they have endured to the end, despite the worst
circumstances imaginable! And, having ... finished
the Race... they continue to pray that our every step
might be guided all the way to the end as well.
The Saints are now Resting in the Divine Glory of Christ -
in the very Presence of the All-Holy and Most Blessed
Trinity ...where there is no sickness nor suffering,
no sorrow nor sadness, no death nor disease....
GABE MARTINI - ON BEHALF OF ALL
HTTP://WWW.PRAVOSLAVIE.RU
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 1 18 June 2017

2nd Sunday After Pentecost 2nd of St Matthew
The Calling of the Holy Apostles
Also the Feast of St Leontios, St Hypatios & St Theodoulos of Tripoli, Syria St Leontios of
Mount Athos St Leontios of the Kiev Far Caves Monastery Synaxis of North American
Saints

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 : MARK 16 : 1 8 THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS WITNESS THE EMPTY TOMB

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION TONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke stratioton While the stone was sealed by the Judeans, and soldiers
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis trimeros, stood on guard over Thine Undefiled Body, Thou rose
Sotir, Doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e on the Third Day, O Saviour Who gives Life to the
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon si Zoodota. Doxa ti world. For which cause the Heavenly Powers cried
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti aloud to Thee: O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy
Ikonomia Sou, mone Filanthrope! Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory
to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind!
SEASONAL KONTAKION TO OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, Creator Immovable: despise not, the pleading voices of
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
timonton se. Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 32/33 TONE 1
Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we Hope in Thee!
Rejoice greatly in the Lord, O you Righteous! Praise is fitting for the Upright!

ST PAULS EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS 2 : 10 16

JUD GEMENT 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 no 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.
Gentiles are counted as Hebrews as Gods Chosen THE ADVANTAGE OF THE HEBREW NATION WAS PEDAGOGICAL
when THEIR CONSCIENCE LEADS THEM TO RIGHTEOUSNESS IN (educational/instructive) FOR THEY WERE TAUGHT MORE
THE SAME MANNER AS WHEN THE LAW LEADS AND GUIDES THE THOROUGHLY AND MORE PRECISELY ABOUT THE LORD OUR GOD.
VIRTUOUS HEBREWS. However, EVEN THIS ADVANTAGE DID NOT MAKE THE HEBREWS ANY
The Law is written in their heart...refers to OUR MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN THE GENTILES/PAGAN/HEATHENS FOR
CONSCIENCE, which IS GOD-GIVEN AND HAS THE SAME ALL HUMANITY IS UNDER THE ENSLAVEMENT AND OPPRESSION
NATURAL HOLY POWER. OF SIN.
According to St John Chrysostom, THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO MANY IF NOT MOST HEBREWS relied on ... knowing the
FOLLOW THEIR CONSCIENCE THAT LEADS US TO GOD ARE Law... for their Righteousness, when in fact, they DID
MORE VIRTUOUS THAN THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE LAW, FOR NOT OBEY THE LAW OF GOD.
THEY do not have the advantage of concrete KNOWING THE LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS OF GOD DOES NOT
instructions yet still HAVE A NATURAL, COMPELLING MAKE ANYONE A RIGHTEOUS TEACHER AND GUIDE FOR OTHERS,
DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD. UNLESS THEY THEMSELVES FAITHFULLY OBEY ALL GODS
While GENTILES/PAGANS could find God through their TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
conscience, they WERE NOT BETTER OFF THAN THE HEBREWS ONLY BY KEEPING/OBEYING THE SPIRIT AND HEART OF DIVINE
WHO HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF ...THE ORACLES OF GOD.... TRUTH LAW, TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENT, CAN WE
THE MOSAIC LAW OF GOD AND HIS HOLY PROPHETS TO LEAD, GUIDE OTHERS.
TEACH AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS GOD.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 4 : 18 23
OUR LORD JESUS C HRIST CALLS HIS FIRST AP OSTLES
At that time, our Lord Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers - Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his
brother - casting 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 them. Immediately they left the boat and their
father, and followed Him.

2ND AP 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW CALLING OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 18 JUNE 2017 17
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 had
already heard the preaching of St John the Baptist
and WERE PREPARED TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
IMMEDIATELY.
Most of these people had lived in that region for several
generations so they would possibly know each other, and
several were related to each other.
Many of our Lords Apostles were related to Him through His
Mother, and upon Her Betrothal to Her aged uncle, St Joseph
the Betrothed, his children (her cousins) became by Mosiac
Law, Her children, further confirming the fact that She faithfully
kept Her Sacred Vow of Chastity all Her life. mp
ALTHOUGH THEY WERE ILLITERATE AND UNEDUCATED, THESE
HUMBLE FISHERMEN WHOM OUR LORD JESUS CALLED TO
FOLLOW HIM WOULD SOON BE REVEALED AS THE WISEST OF
ALL, THROUGH THE DESCENT AND RECEPTION OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT ON THAT GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST.
ONLY BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,
CAN ORDINARY HUMAN BEINGS ACHIEVE THE MOST
MARVELLOUS AND EXTRAORDINARY THINGS, which are
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 2ND OF ST MATTHEW THE CALLING
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Beloved Brethren in Christ: MOST OF US LIKE TO FIND WAYS TO
MAKE THINGS EASIER ON OURSELVES AND HARDER ON OTHERS.
WE MAKE EXCUSES FOR FAILING TO FULFIL DEMANDING OR
INCONVENIENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES, YET WE ARE
QUICK TO JUDGE OTHERS FOR THEIR FAILURES OR WEAKNESSES.
THIS IS A PRECARIOUS TENDENCY THAT IS both common and
difficult to resist, but which is DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED TO
THE WAY OF LIFE TO WHICH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS
CALLED US.
St Paul wrote to the Christian Community in Rome: ...God
knows no partiality.
He taught us that IT IS NOT THOSE WHO KNOW GODS
REQUIREMENTS WHO ARE PLEASING TO HIM, BUT THOSE WHO
ACTUALLY OBEY THEM VOLUNTARILY - WITHOUT EXPECTATION
OF ANY TYPE OF PERSONAL BENEFIT.
To those who thought their ancestry and heritage made
them superior to the Gentiles, St Paul pointed out that
ALL PEOPLE HAVE GODS LAW ...written on their heart...
and that GOD WILL JUDGE US ACCORDING TO WHETHER OR
NOT WE OBEYED HIS LAW, WHICH IS KNOWN BY OUR
CONSCIENCE: ...For it is not the hearers of the Law who
are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law
who will be justified.
St Paul vehemently challenged THOSE OF US WHO THINK WE
KNOW WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF US BUT WHO NEVER OBEY HIS
DIVINE WILL, and YET WE DARE TO POINT ACCUSATORY
FINGERS AT OTHERS.
CONCERNING THE LAST JUDGMENT, our Lord Jesus Christ
has repeatedly instructed us that BY TAKING CARE OF
THE POOR AND NEEDY, WE DEMONSTRATE OUR LOVE OF AND
OBEDIENCE TO GOD - AND WE WILL BE WELCOMED INTO HIS
KINGDOM.
The significant point is not simply how much we know,
but HOW CONSCIENTIOUS WE ARE BY LIVING FAITHFULLY -
ACCORDING TO AS MUCH OF THE DIVINE TRUTH AS WE HAVE
UNDERSTOOD AND APPLIED TO OUR DAILY WORDS, THOUGHTS
AND DEEDS.
Our Saviour has taught us that those ...to whom much
has been given, much will be required; and from
(those) to whom much has been entrusted, even
more will be demanded. (LUKE 12:14)
That means that THE CLEARER OUR KNOWLEDGE IS CONCERNING
WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF US, THE MORE RESPONSIBLE AND
METICULOUS WE SHOULD BE.
We must make every effort to RESIST THE TEMPTATION OF
EVALUATING OTHERS OR LOOKING FOR EXCUSES FOR OUR OWN
SINS.
In todays Gospel Lesson, our Lord Jesus made His
immediate requirements utterly and concisely clear,
when He Called His first Holy Apostles: ...Follow Me,
and I will make you Fishers of men.
When Christ Called His Apostles, they immediately left
their occupations and their families in order to
accompany our Lord as ...He went throughout all
Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues and
preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and Healing
18. 2ND AP 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW CALLING
impossible for anyone, no matter how intelligent
or learned they may be!
THE PEOPLE DID NOT SWARM TO OUR LORD JESUS WHEN HE
INITIALLY, LIKE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, COMMANDED
REPENTANCE.
THEY ONLY BEGAN TO REALLY PAY ATTENTION WHEN HE BEGAN TO
HEAL THE PEOPLE AND PERFORM HIS DIVINE MIRACLES, which
shows that THEY MISUNDERSTOOD THE TRUE NATURE OF HIS
DIVINE, ETERNAL KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
The arrogance and selfishness that motivates most people is
clearly evident:
Once they realised that they could Benefit from Christ Whats in
it for me? their immediate desire was for instant but
temporary gratification and only then did they begin to
pay attention to what He tried to teach them and bestow
upon them His Priceless, Everlasting Spiritual Treasures of
Eternal Life! mp
It also clearly demonstrated OUR LORDS CONCESSION TO
GRANT CREDIBILITY TO WHAT HE TAUGHT AND REVEALED to the
fickle multitudes of that time.
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD
every disease and every infirmity among the
people.
At the beginning our Saviours public Mission, HIS
DISCIPLES NEITHER FULLY UNDERSTOOD NOR KNEW HIS TRUE
DIVINE IDENTITY AND SACRED MISSION UNTIL AFTER HIS
RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION, YET HIS VERY PRESENCE
AWOKE A LIFE-LONG YEARNING FOR HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
Went it was necessary, our Lord chastised and exhorted
them for their Spiritual Confusion and weakness, but
HE NEVER ABANDONED THEM NOR CAST THEM OUT.
(Even Judas Iscariot was given every opportunity to Repent his
self-serving greed and sinful habits when our Lord purposely
put him in charge of their finances, knowing that he would
eventually betray Him for 30 silver coins! mp)
Perhaps it was through their years of doubt and
misunderstanding that they were prepared to receive
the Fullness of the Truth of His Resurrection with
Humility, Joy, and Gratitude, for then, suddenly, it
must have all made sense to them, and they began to
grasp the enormity of His Divine Mission and True
Identity.
THOSE FIRST DISCIPLES HAD NOTHING LIKE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE
OR UNDERSTANDING WHEN CHRIST CALLED THEM, BUT THEY
IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED TO HIS DIVINE CALLING: Follow
Me, and I will make you Fishers of men.
By instantly responding to their Sacred Calling, they
began the Great Spiritual Journey that would lead
them to True Life in Christ.
(Throughout time, Christ continues His Divine Calling, to which we
must immediately respond, being willing and eager to fulfil
His Sacred Mission however He Wills, which always becomes
marvellously possible despite our weak, sinful human
condition! mp)
These first Apostles of Christ would become THE STURDY,
UNSHAKABLE PILLARS OF CHRISTS BODY, HIS HOLY CHURCH.
They became THE FIRST HOLY MARTYRS WHO WERE SUPERIOR
WITNESSES TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE REALITY OF
HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
Throughout their precious time with Christ, THEY WERE
GIVEN MUCHAND MUCH WAS REQUIRED OF THEM.
Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us as well, for we have
...put on Christ... at our Holy Baptism, and we have
been ...Sealed by the Gift of God the Holy Spirit...
Who grants us His marvellous Divine Gifts that
Empower us as WE ARE CONSTANTLY RENEWED AND
SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED WITH OUR SAVIOURS MOST PRECIOUS,
LIFE-GIVING BODY AND BLOOD IN THE HOLY EUCHARISt.
By Faithfully Living in Christ, we are able to Mystically
Partake of the Heavenly Banquet in every celebration
of the Divine Liturgy.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS MADE US PARTICIPANTS IN THE
DIVINE LIFE BY GRACE.
WE ARE MEMBERS OF ONE BODY TOGETHER WITH ALL THOSE FROM
ALL GENERATIONS WHO HAVE BECOME SHINING EXAMPLES OF
HOLINESS, for CHRIST HAS PROVIDED US WITH ALL THAT WE
NEED TO FOLLOW HIM as we Journey along His Righteous
Path to His Heavenly Kingdom through His Holy
Church.
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 18 JUNE 2017
HOW TRAGIC IT WOULD BE, THEN, FOR US TO THINK THAT THESE
UNDESERVED DIVINE BLESSINGS SOMEHOW SIGNIFY THAT -
BEING FAVOURED BY GOD - IT DOES NOT REALLY MATTER IF WE
ACTUALLY OBEY HIM - IF WE ACTUALLY HEAR AND RESPOND TO
HIS CALLING EACH DAY, OR NOT!
IF ANY OF THE APOSTLES OR FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST HAD
ARROGANTLY CONGRATULATED THEMSELVES ON BEING CALLED,
BUT HAD NOT ACTUALLY FOLLOWED CHRIST AND SERVED HIM
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE WILL, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE
FULFILLED THEIR SACRED CALLING AT ALL!!
They would not have spread the Divine Truth throughout
the world, and they would have remained unknown
and insignificant.
They would not have become such Perfect Role Models
whom we strive to imitate by serving God faithfully,
with all our being, nor would they continue to be
commemorated and honoured individually and
together throughout all these past centuries and for
many more to come.
OUR ALL HOLY LADY, THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN, MARY, WHO IS THE
MOST PERFECT OF ALL THE SAINTS, BECAME THE EVER BLESSED
MOTHER OF GOD Theotokos - BY FREELY, INSTANTLY AND
HUMBLY ...hearing and obeying... THE ANNUNCIATION of
St Gabriel, the Holy Archangel of God, by saying: ...
Let it be to me according to Thy Word....
SHE HAD BEEN BORN ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD, and had
unintentionally prepared Herself FOR THAT UNIQUE AND
SUPREME, SALVIFIC ROLE during Her childhood in the
Temple.
HAVING MADE A SOLEMN AND SACRED VOW OF CHASTITY, OUR
BELOVED LADY CEASELESSLY SERVED GOD WITH ABSOLUTE
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE THROUGHOUT HER LIFE BY
ALWAYS PAYING CAREFUL ATTENTION TO HIS DIVINE
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS AND APPLYING THEM TO
HER EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED.
Consequently, NOT ONLY IS OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, THE ALL
PURE AND EVER BLESSED MOTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
BUT SHE IS ALSO OUR MOST HONOURED, GLORIOUS AND
PERFECT SAINT WHO HAS BEEN ELEVATED BY GOD TO A
POSITION THAT IS HIGHER THAN THE HIGHEST ORDERS OF
HEAVENLY ANGELS.
SHE IS ALSO OUR HOLY MOTHER for Christ said to St John His
Beloved Apostle and to us: Behold, Thy Mother!
WITHOUT FAIL, WE CAN TURN TO ALL THE SAINTS AND BESEECH
THEIR HOLY PROTECTION AND INTERCESSORY PRAYERS, AS THEY
ALL FULLY UNDERSTAND OUR VULNERABLE HUMAN CONDITION
WITH ALL ITS PROBLEMS.
Although our Lord God Calls and Empowers certain
people to fulfil different roles for the growth and
maintenance of His earthly Mission, there is no doubt
that HE CALLS ALL MANKIND TO EMBRACE THE NEW AND HOLY
LIFE that He has brought to our world, for HE WANTS
EVERY ONE OF US TO SHINE WITH HOLY LIGHT AS LIVING ICONS
OF HIS SALVATION.
THERE IS NO PREDESTINATION IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY
meaning that God does not want to Save some
souls, but not others, for ... God wants all to be
Saved, and to come to the Knowledge of the
Truth... (1 TIMOTHY 2:4)
OUR LORD GOD IS IMPARTIAL for HE CALLS EVERY HUMAN BEING TO
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MEASURE OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH THAT
EACH OF US HAS RECEIVED.
BEWARE OF
IT IS VERY EASY TO LIVE IN HYPOCRISY IF WE ARE NOT MINDFUL OF
THE PITFALLS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE.
We can become Pharisees without even noticing, if we
allow ourselves to live our Christianity artificially.
By living as though we have been rehearsed by a stage
director, WE WILL ACCOMPLISH NOTHING, AND WILL REMAIN
NO MORE THAN AN ACTOR WHO PUTS ON THE MASK OF
CHRISTIANITY, BUT WHO DOES NOT LIVE IN CHRIST.
AN HONEST, DAILY EXAMINATION OF OUR CONSCIENCE, TOGETHER
WITH THE REGULAR SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE OF OUR FATHER
CONFESSOR, IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN TRULY LIVE IN CHRIST as
we should, which will lead to the TRANSFORMATION of
our heart.
If we simply put on a show of being a Christian, WITHOUT
ANY TRUE REPENTANCE, WE WILL REMAIN MIRED IN FALSE
RELIGIOSITY, and our heart will grow dark.
CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR MUST BE INVITED INTO OUR HEART
EVERY DAY, THROUGH OUR PRAYER, AND THE HONEST
2ND AP 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW CALLING
ONLY ALMIGHTY GOD not any human being - CAN
DETERMINE HOW WELL THOSE OUTSIDE THE VISIBLE BOUNDARIES
OF THE CHURCH HAVE SERVED HIM.
However, IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO US AS INDIVIDUAL, UNIQUE SOULS
TO ENSURE THAT WE RESPOND FAITHFULLY TO THE FULLNESS
OF GODS TRUTH that we have received in His Holy
Church. No one else can do that for us.
As with most worthwhile Endeavours, it is Beneficial to
ALWAYS BEGIN WITH PRAYER.
In order to hear and obey our Lords Calling, we must
OPEN OUR HEART TO GOD, GIVING HIM OUR FULL ATTENTION IN
SPIRITUAL STILLNESS AND SILENCE EACH DAY.
When our mind begins to wander while we are praying -
(which inevitably happens, especially as we are still
beginners) WE MUST FORCE OURSELVES TO FOCUS ON GOD
AND IGNORE ANY TYPE OF DISTRACTION.
The deeper our Communion with our Lord in our daily
Prayers, the more clarity, Understanding and Power
we will have in order to DISCERN AND FULFIL HIS WILL FOR
US.
Since OUR ADDICTION TO SELF-CENTRED DESIRE CHALLENGES OUR
FAITHFULNESS IN MANY WAYS, WE NEED TO PRACTISE
APPROPRIATE FORMS OF FASTING AND SELF-DENIAL/DISCIPLINE
ON A REGULAR BASIS.
THE STRENGTH THAT WE GAIN IN REFUSING TO GRATIFY EVERY
DESIRE FOR PLEASURE WILL HELP US TO AVOID MANY
TEMPTATIONS AND SINS, including self-justifying excuses
used to rationalize serving ourselves instead of our
Lord and our neighbours in whom we encounter Him.
As St James explained: ...Pure and undefiled Faith
before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans
and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself
unspotted from the world. (JAMES 1:27)
BY DENYING OURSELVES, WE CULTIVATE THE MATERIAL AND
SPIRITUAL RESOURCES THAT ARE NECESSARY TO SERVE CHRIST
BY MEANS OF THOSE WHO STRUGGLE, SUFFER, AND MOURN.
There is no question that we serve Him by sharing our
time, energy, and resources with ...the least of
these.
PRAYER, FASTING, AND GENEROSITY to the needy are not
practises reserved for Great Lent, but BASIC BUILDING
BLOCKS OF CHRISTIAN FAITHFULNESS, for without them, we
will lack the Spiritual Strength to achieve whatever
Christ Calls us to do.
Our Lord Jesus Christ simply says: Follow Me to each of
us, and WE MUST PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO OUR CALLING
EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY.
We must do whatever is necessary and required of us in
order for us to ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL STRENGTH THAT ENABLES
US TO RESPOND WORTHILY, EAGERLY AND SINCERELY to the
abundant Great Blessings that we have been granted
in His Body His Holy Church.
We must always remember: ...God knows no partiality
it is not the hearers of the Law who are Righteous
before God, but the doers of the Law who will be
Justified... as St Paul explained.
Therefore, Beloved Brethren in Christ, let us not only hear
Gods Truth, but let us MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ACTUALLY
OBEY GODS TRUTH BY LIVING IT EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIFE!
Amen.
SERMON DELIVERED BY REVEREND PHILIP LE MASTERS
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
HYPOCRISY!
EXAMINATION OF OUR CONSCIENCE, WITHOUT WHICH THERE
CAN BE NO SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
We cannot play at being Christian (a Faithful Disciple of
Christ) for to do so will lead to Spiritual Death.
(Alienation from God due to unrepented sins.)
WE MUST ...put on Christ... DAILY, and make sure our
public expression of our Faith is not merely an act for
others to see, but is truly EVER ENTERING INTO A DEEPER
RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Playing at Spiritual Life only leads us to Spiritual Death.
If our life-style does not GIVE WITNESS TO CHRIST IN US, and if
our attention is given over to SELF PROMOTION, or A
DESIRE TO PLEASE OTHERS, AND IF WE AVOID THE DAILY, HONEST
SELF-EXAMINATION AND REPENTANCE OF OUR SINS, WE WILL BE
LIKE FRUIT THAT DIES UPON THE VINE.
With Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 18 JUNE 2017 19.
 CONCERNING THE DEDICATIONS
THE LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF
CHRIST IS CYCLICAL, CONSISTING OF THREE LITURGICAL
CYCLES THAT ARE ANNUAL, WEEKLY AND DAILY.
The annual cycle consists of movable and immovable
Feasts that are repeated every year. The weekly
cycle consists of the seven day of the week that are
dedicated to the most important Events of our Lord
Jesus Christs earthly Life and His Most Revered Saints.
The Daily cycle consists of the 9 Liturgical Services that
are repeated every day.
Thus, EACH OF THE SEVEN DAYS OF THE WEEK HAS ITS OWN
DEDICATION
Since the beginning of the Church on the Day of
Pentecost and the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Sundays,
Wednesdays and Fridays have always been
commemorated as significant Events in the earthly
Life of Christ that pertain to our Faith and our Eternal
Salvation.
SUNDAY IS DEDICATED TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST and has
always been celebrated as ... a little Pascha... for we
commemorate the Glorious Resurrection of Christ,
which encourages us in our Spiritual Struggles while
we Live in Christ and Hope in our Resurrection into
Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom.
Every Faithful Disciple of Christ should attend the Holy
Services of Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy for
Sunday is our Lords Day.
After attending the Holy Services, we should perform all
types of kind and compassionate deeds of Love such
as visiting the sick, the frail or house-bound helping,
comforting and encouraging anyone in need by any
means possible by speaking to, or sharing meals, or
providing necessities to those who are alone, bed-
ridden or isolated.
We should also devote a few hours to reading and
contemplating Holy Scripture, Orthodox Writings, the
Life of the Saints, and praying with heartfelt gratitude
to God Who is infinitely Beneficent and Loving.
By sitting quietly in silence and contemplation, we should
try to analyse the events of the preceding week and
make specific plans of action for our Spiritual Life
during the coming week.
In this way, the core of our Spiritual Life in Christ, which is
formed by our participation in Holy Services and our
moral advancement, will be strengthened and
enable us to deal with difficult circumstances without
wandering of the Path of Divine Truth and
Righteousness.
MONDAY IS DEDICATED TO THE HEAVENLY ANGELIC HOSts who
serve Almighty God and who are sent to Guide,
Encourage, Protect and Enlighten us as we strive to
become worthy Co-Heirs with Christ of His Eternal
Kingdom.
During the Holy Services on Monday, and in our private
Rule of Prayer, we express our gratitude to our
Guardian Angels for their ceaseless Guidance and
Protection. We also apologise for stressing them
through our habitual inclination to commit sins and
we beseech them to continue their Labours of Love for
the sake of our Eternal Salvation.
When we are born, and when we are Baptised, God
appoints specific Guardian Angels to Guide and
Protect us, who remain with us and who accompany
our soul when the body and soul separate at the end
of this lifespan.
Our Guardian Angels are our Holy Advocates who
intercede on our behalf when we are accused by the
demons or our fellow mankind, inspiring us to defend
ourselves by speaking the Truth.
They accompany us all the way to Paradise (if we are
worthy, having Repented as many of our sins as
possible.)
They ceaselessly urge and encourage us to Live in Christ
and warn us when we are being tempted or in
danger. (We must listen carefully to what they tell us
and be Obedient to the Will of God in all things.)
Monastics who imitate the Angels of God by dedicating
their Life to God, praising and glorifying Him, Fast
every Monday, as do pious Disciples of Christ.
20 NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER
THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
TUESDAY IS DEDICATED TO ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND
FORERUNNER OF CHRIST OUR LORD, who perpetually
exhorts us to Repent our sins and to remember the
significance of our Holy Baptism
We also venerate all the Old Covenant Righteous and the
Holy Prophets of God who by their Faithfulness to God
made it possible for the Appearance of our Lord Jesus
Christ and who continue to teach and guide us by the
example of their incredible, unwavering Faith in God
despite all their trials and tribulations.
WEDNESDAY IS DEDICATED TO THE LIFE-GIVING HOLY CROSS OF
CHRIST - recalling our Lord Jesus Christs betrayal by
Judas Iscariot that set in motion His unjust trial,
scourging, and public humiliation (that broke every
Law known to mankind!!)
This day signifies the end of the Old Covenant that was
fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ as we Glorify the New
Covenant with God our Salvation and Eternal Life.
Every Wednesday and Friday we must Fast in
remembrance of the horrific suffering and execution
of our Lord Jesus Who is both the Offerer and the
Offering for the sake of all mankinds Salvation.
(The Cross of Christ after His Unnailing, signifies His
Victory over Death Resurrection and Eternal Life in
which we Hope.)
We wear the (empty) Cross upon our heart to remind us
that we must always be worthy Disciples of Christ who
strive and struggle every moment as we Live in Christ.
THURSDAY IS DEDICATED TO THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND
ST NICHOLAS, THE GREAT WONDERWORKING HOLY HIERARCH
OF MYRA, who served Him faithfully even unto
martyrdom.
The Holy Apostles and all the Saints who were the most
Faithful Disciples of Christ are our Cloud of
Witnesses.
They watch over us, encourage us and inspire us by their
fine example of Life in Christ.
By their Divinely Inspired Writings and sometimes by
their Visitations - they Enlighten us by instructing us
how to Struggle and Strive while we Journey towards
Eternity.
We remember them in our Prayers and we ask them to
Intercede with our Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf
because they are closest to Him, being in His Divine
Presence.
FRIDAY IS DEDICATED TO THE REMEMBRANCE OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRISTS CRUCIFIXION, while we contemplate His Divine
Truth that He granted to us.
As previously mentioned, it is a strict Fasting Day during
which we remember our Loving Saviour Who
Redeemed all mankind by His voluntary Passion and
Death on the Cross, before His Glorious Resurrection
that promises us Salvation and Eternal Life when we
are also Resurrected on the Eighth Day the Awesome
Day of Judgement.
SATURDAY IS DEDICATED TO ALL THE SAINTS, FIRST OF WHOM IS
OUR BELOVED LADY, THEOTOKOS.
According to our Orthodox Faith, when we are Baptised
and Chrismated, we are named in honour of the
Saints.
Each day we address a Prayer to our personal Patron
Saint whom we beseech for Intercessory Prayers to
Christ on our behalf, for the sake of our Eternal
Salvation.
As our Lady, the Ever Blessed Theotokos, is our Beloved
Spiritual Mother who is closest to our Lord Jesus Christ,
we turn to Her for Protection and Guidance, as She
watches over us and leads us towards the Heavenly
Kingdom of God.
We pray for our family and friends who have Reposed in
Christ as well as all souls who have departed this short
earthly life.
Commemoration of the departed souls may be expressed
privately or even better, in a communal Memorial
Service in our Parish church or Cathedral.
Several times throughout the year specific communal
Memorial Services are conducted, which are referred
to as Saturday of the Souls.
ARCHIMANDRITE NAZARY - ( ADAPTED BY MP)
HTTP://WWW.PRAVOSLAVIE.RU/ENGLISH/97364.HTM
TO CHRIST OUR LORD - 24 JUNE 2015
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

24 June 2017
Nativity of St John the Baptist & Forerunner
Also the Feast of St James & St John the Righteous Youths of Meniugi, Novgorod St
Orentios, St Pharnakios, St Eros, St Firmos, St Firminos, St Kyriakos and St Longinos,
Brothers, Roman Soldiers & Holy Martyrs of Georgia St Athanasios Parios, Theologian &
Great Teacher of Kostos, Paros St Barlaam of Khutin

FESTAL APOLYTIKION - NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST TONE 4

Profita ke Prodrome tis Parousias Hristou, Axios effimise O Prophet and Forerunner of the Appearance of Christ,
Se ouk efporoument imis, i potho Timontes Se; stirosis to praise Thee worthily we find no proper means, we
gar tekousis, ke Patros afonia, lelinte ti Endoxo ke who cherish Thy Memory. For the barrenness of the
septi Sou gennisi, ke Sarkosis Iou tou Theou, Kosmo Bearer, and lack of speech of the Father, both were
kirittete. loosened, in Thy Birth the Sacred and Glorified; and
the Incarnation of the Son of God was proclaimed to
the world.
SEASONAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon to the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
fonas, alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
ton pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up
ke spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Thine Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
timonton Se. Theotokos who forever protects all those who
honour Thee!
MATINS GOSPEL : LUKE 1: 24 25; 57 68; 76, 80
THE MIRAC ULOUS C 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 THE SILENCING OF THE HIGH PRIEST ALSO REVEALED A DEEPER
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR MYSTERY.
is Liturgically celebrated on 24 September, and THE MESSIAH WAS EXPECTED TO FULFIL THREE CRUCIAL ROLES
CONFIRMS THE SANCTITY OF MARITAL RELATIONS FOR THOSE HELD BY VARIOUS PEOPLE OF THE OLD COVENANT: THE
PAST THEIR CHILDBEARING YEARS. HOLY OFFICES OF PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING
Hid herself: SINCE THE TIME OF MALACHI, GOD HAD NOT SENT A ONLY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED ALL THREE HOLY
GREAT PROPHET TO ISRAEL. OFFICES PERFECTLY.

1 MACCABEES 9: 27: There was great perplexity in CIRCUMCISION WAS A SIGN OF ISRAELS (BLOOD) COVENANT WITH
Israel, such as had not been seen since the days GOD and the means whereby a male became a
when the Prophets ceased to be seen in their member of Gods Community.
midst.
GENESIS 17:10-14 (& LEVITICUS 12:3): THIS IS THE
THIS SILENCING OF THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD SERVED TO COVENANT YOU SHALL KEEP; between Me and you and
HEIGHTEN THE ANTICIPATION OF THE MESSIAH AND TO your seed after you throughout their generations:
MAKE IT ALL THE MORE EVIDENT WHEN HE CAME. every male child among you shall be
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS THE LAST AND GREATEST HOLY circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the
PROPHET OF GOD WHO PREPARED THE WAY FOR CHRIST OUR flesh of your foreskin. It shall be a Sign of the
SAVIOUR. Covenant between Me and you. A child of eight
HE WAS KEPT HIDDEN UNTIL CHRIST THE INCARNATE SON OF days old shall be circumcised by you every
GOD WAS CONCEIVED. male child throughout your genealogy; he who is
Only then ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS REVEALED THROUGH HIS born in your house, and he who is bought with
FIRST PROPHETIC ACT OF LEAPING WITH JOY INSIDE ST your money must be circumcised; and My
ELIZABETHS WOMB. Covenant shall be in your flesh for an Everlasting
When ST ZACHARIAS WAS STRUCK DUMB DUE TO HIS LACK OF Covenant. And the uncircumcised male child(s)
FAITH, it also served aS PROOF THAT ST GABRIEL THE ...soul shall be cut off from his people for he has
ARCHANGELS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TRUE. broken My Covenant.
THE NEW COVENANT WITH GOD IS A BLOODLESS COVENANT
NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR LORD - 24 JUNE 2017 21
 HOLY BAPTISM OF BOTH MALE AND FEMALE IS OUR NEW SINCE THE AGE OF APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS, as a
CIRCUMCISION. consequence of the terrible Slaughter of the
THE NAME JOHN MEANS GRACE OF GOD, and by INSISTING ON Innocents, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST LIVED IN THE DESERT ON HIS
THE NAME GOD HAD CHOSEN FOR HER SON, ST ELIZABETH OWN.
AFFIRMED THE TRUTH OF ST JOHNS DIVINE CALLING AND HIS MOTHER HAD DIED SOON AFTER THEIR ESCAPE AND HIS FATHER
MISSION. (REFER GENESIS 17:5; 15; 32:28) HAD BEEN MURDERED IN THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM BY THE
WHEN ST ZACHARIAS ASSENTED TO GODS WILL, HIS SPEECH WAS SOLDIERS OF KING HEROD.
RESTORED and just as THE PROPHECY WAS RESTORED AT THE DUE TO THE WILL OF GOD AND BY HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND
INCARNATION OF CHRIST, so St Zacharias, as High Priest, GRACE, ST JOHN REACHED ADULTHOOD SAFELY AND
could speak again now that OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST WITHOUT THE INFLUENCE OR CONTAMINATION OF HUMAN
AND HIS FORERUNNER, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, HAD COME INTO WICKEDNESS, WHICH MADE HIM SPIRITUALLY PURE ABLE
THE WORLD. TO RESIST TEMPTATION BY HAVING GROWN SO STRONG IN
It is of particular significance that ST ZACHARIAS SPIRIT.
IMMEDIATELY DECLARED CHRIST THE LORD GOD OF
ISRAEL AND THEN REVEALED THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF HIS
OWN SON AS PROPHET OF THE HIGHEST.
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 GLORIOUS IT IS FORBIDDEN TO JUDGE OTHERS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO
COMING OF CHRIST MOTIVATES US TO VIGILANCE AND PROPER AUTHORITY or right to do so, being wretched sinners
CONDUCT. ourselves.
The night is this life under the influence of evil powers WE ARE ALL GODS SERVANTS WHOM ONLY GOD CAN
while the day is the Glorious Reappearance of our JUDGE.
Lord Jesus Christ. WE WILL BE JUDGED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE like those
IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT we dare to criticise, so therefore TAKE GREAT CARE
CANNOT BE COMPROMISED BUT THERE ARE ALSO GREY AREAS. NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS.
GOD IS GRACIOUS AND ALLOWS DIVERSITY IN DOUBTFUL THINGS Instead we must CLOSELY EXAMINE OURSELVES AND
[personal opinions - not Gods Truth] BUT NOT MATTERS CORRECT OUR OWN FLAWS.
INVOLVING CHRISTIAN DOGMA. THROUGH CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS AND CORRECTION OF
WE MUST BEHAVE OURSELVES ACCORDING TO CHRISTIAN OUR OWN ERRORS, WE WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY
TEACHING, HAVING PUT ON CHRIST AT OUR HOLY STRONGER AND LESS CRITICAL OF OTHERS.
BAPTISM, we LIVE IN CHRIST. ONLY GOD KNOWS THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF HIS
WE WEAR A CROSS AGAINST OUR HEART TO REMIND US AND CREATURES AND HE WILL DECIDE WHO HAS ETERNAL
OTHERS, OF OUR RISEN CHRIST WHOM WE ARE STRIVING TO LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH.
IMITATE, and that WE MUST TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND The two examples of flexible areas in this reference
FOLLOW CHRIST EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY. concern food restrictions and the observance of
We must STRUGGLE TO ACQUIRE AND TO FULFIL THE CHRISTIAN Liturgical Calendars, things that the Spiritually Weak
IDEALS HE TAUGHT 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 OTHERS JUST AS GOD HIMSELF IS WITH US!
religious festivals. DURING ANY PERIOD OF FASTING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE
We must never pay more attention to the rituals rather than our SHOULD NOT ONLY FOCUS ON THE DETAILS OF OUR PHYSICAL
complete Orthodox Faith. SELF-DENIAL BUT PARTICULARLY ON THE SPIRITUAL FAST
Worship of God should be meaningful and heartfelt, performed CONCERNING OUR IMMORTAL SOUL RESISTING ALL
with sincere Love, Humility and Obedience, according to the TEMPTATIONS OF SIN.
Divine Truth and Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We must avoid making empty gestures that are meaningless to
our Spiritual Welfare. mp
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO 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

22 NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER TO CHRIST OUR LORD - 24 JUNE 2017
 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.
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.

ALTHOUGH ST LUKE HIMSELF WAS NOT ONE OF THE ORIGINAL
DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD JESUS, HIS HOLY GOSPEL IS ANCHORED
ON THE TRUE TESTIMONY OF THESE ORIGINAL WITNESSES.
ST LUKE ADDRESSED HIMSELF TO THEOPHILOS who was either a
prominent Gentile, who had received Christian
Instruction or, as the name implies, any FRIEND OF
GOD.
St Lukes Holy Gospel is written as AN ORDERLY ACCOUNT so
as to provide greater certainty CONCERNING THE DETAILS
OF OUR LORDS HOLY MINISTRY.
ST LUKE WAS THE ONLY EVANGELIST WHO PROVIDED INFORMATION
CONCERNING THE BIRTH AND INFANCY OF ST JOHN THE
BAPTIST.
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH WERE ACKNOWLEDGED AS A
RIGHTEOUS COUPLE OF PRIESTLY LINEAGE, WHO LIVED THEIR
ENTIRE LIVES IN THE FULFILMENT OF GODS WILL.
Nevertheless, ST ELIZABETH WAS BARREN, like so many other
significant women mentioned in Holy Scripture. (SUCH AS
SARAH - GENESIS 16:1; REBECCA GENESIS 25:21; HANNAH 1 SAMUEL 1:2).
INFERTILITY WAS REGARDED AS A PUBLIC REPROACH being
viewed very negatively because A WOMANS MOST
IMPORTANT ROLE WAS TO PRODUCE AS MANY LIVING CHILDREN
AS POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE THE FAMILY NAME AND TO
CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELFARE OF THE FAMILY.
BARREN WOMEN WERE USUALLY DENIGRATED AND INSULTED, being
regarded as parasites rather than valuable
contributors to society.
EACH PRIEST WHO SERVED GOD AT THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM WAS
ASSIGNED TO A DIVISION. [1 CHRONICLES 23:3-6; 28:13]
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.
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH HAD CONTINUOUSLY PRAYED FOR A
SON and at last their Prayers were answered.
THE NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved: Today we commemorate and celebrate
the Birth of St John the Forerunner and Baptist of our
Lord.
His birth, like his life was quite Miraculous, and was
foretold centuries beforehand by the Prophet Isaiah:
Behold, I send My Messenger before Thy Face, who
shall prepare Thy Way; the voice of one crying in the
wilderness: Prepare the Way of the Lord! Make His
Paths straight!
Shortly before his conception, the Archangel Gabriel
appeared to his father, the High Priest, St Zacharias,
proclaiming that his wife, St Elizabeth, who was
barren and already advanced in years, would
conceive and bear a son, whose name would be
John.
NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER
St Gabriel, the Archangel of God, was sent to Announce
the birth of their son who would always be
remembered as St John the Baptist and Forerunner
to Christ our Lord. (The name John means the
Grace of God.)
ARCHANGEL GABRIELS DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER AND ROLE
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IS AS AN ASCETIC PROPHET OF GOD
WHO WOULD PREPARE THE HEBREW NATION FOR THE LONG-
AWAITED COMING OF THE MESSIAH.
The Hebrews expected St Elijah, one of the greatest
Prophets of Israel, to reappear from Heaven in order
to Anoint the Messiah.
ST ZACHARIAS QUESTION: How shall I know this? INDICATED A
SLIGHT LACK OF FAITH IN GODS PROMISE.
HIS SUBSEQUENT MUTENESS SERVED BOTH AS A DISCIPLINE FOR HIS
UNBELIEF AND AS A SIGN OF THE DIVINE TRUTH OF ST GABRIELS
ANNOUNCEMENT.
CIRCUMCISION WAS A MOST IMPORTANT RITUAL whereby a male
child was initiated into the Covenant Nation of God.
AFTER CHRIST - ACCORDING TO THE NEW BLOODLESS
COVENANT - CIRCUMCISION WAS REPLACED BY THE TONSURING
OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
According to our New, Bloodless Covenant with God, Tonsuring is
the Bloodless New Circumcision whereby we offer to God a
tiny portion of our hair, which is cut in the Sign of the Cross,
as our Affirmation of Absolute Faith in our Triune, Almighty
God. mp
THE SONG OF ST ZACHARIAS (THE BENEDICTOS) WAS A PROPHETIC
HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD WHO IS BLESSED FOR HIS GRACIOUS
AND REDEEMING ACTS AMONG HIS PEOPLE IN FULFILMENT OF
THE MESSIANIC PROMISES.
He told Zacharias: ...You will have Joy and Gladness,
and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be
great in the Sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink
wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the
Holy Spirit, even from his mothers womb...
Because St Zacharias did not believe the Archangel
Gabriel, he was struck dumb until the fulfilment of the
Prophecy.
When the infant was born and his parents took him to be
circumcised on the Eighth Day as prescribed by the
Old Covenant, St Zaharias tongue was loosened and
he joyfully prophesied: ...And Thou, child, shalt be
called the Prophet of the Highest, for Thou shalt go
before the Face of the Lord to prepare His Ways, to
give Knowledge of Salvation to His People by the
remission of their sins, through the Tender Mercy of
our God, with which the Dayspring from on High has
TO CHRIST OUR LORD - 24 JUNE 2017 23
 Visited us; to give Light to those who sit in Darkness
and the Shadow of Death, to guide our feet into the
Way of Peace. (LUKE 1: 76-79)
The fact that St Johns birth was miraculously foretold by
the Archangel Gabriel, that his mother, St Elizabeth
conceived and bore him, by the Will and Grace of
God, and that his father, the High Priest, St Zacharias,
prophesied after his birth, all caused great fear and
wonder among the Jewish population, as they
wondered: What kind of child will this be?
St John was unique in all the history of mankind, being
Chosen by God to be the Forerunner of the Messiah,
the Saviour of the world.
His task was to prepare the Way for Christ and His
Kingdom; to Call people to Repentance for the
forgiveness of their sins, so that their heart and soul
would be ready to meet and accept Christ.
As our Lord Jesus Christ Himself many years later testified:
Among those born of women, there is not a greater
Prophet than John the Baptist.
St John did not instruct the people live in the wilderness
as he had done since he was approximately two
years old.
He exhorted the people to Repent their sinful habits and
wicked lifestyle in order to live a Righteous Life
according to the Divine Law of the Old Covenant.
He warned them not to presume that being descendants
of Abraham was enough for their Salvation, but that
they must bear good Spiritual Fruit, for ...every tree
that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown
into the fire!
That same exhortation of St John the Forerunner and
Baptist of Christ, dearest Brethren, still applies to us
today: Every tree that does not bear Good Fruit is
cut down and thrown into the Fire.
It is not enough for us to proclaim that we are Orthodox
Christians, or that we have a certain Priest as our
Spiritual Father, or that we belong to a special
organization!
Each of us must bear Good Spiritual Fruit, or we will be
cast into the Eternal Fire!
REPENTANCE & THE FEAR OF GOD
ST SERAPHIM OF SAROV taught us: Those who wish to
follow the Path of inner attention, should first have
the Fear of God, which is the beginning of Wisdom.
The Royal Psalmists prophetic words should always be
impressed upon our mind: ...Serve the Lord with
Fear, and Rejoice in Him with trembling... (PSALM 2:11)
We should walk this Path with the utmost caution and
reverence for everything that is Sacred never do so
carelessly!
We should always take care that Gods sentence does not
come upon us, for: ...cursed is the man who does the
Works of the Lord carelessly! (JEREMIAH 31:10)
Reverent carefulness is necessary, for this sea - that is,
the heart with its thoughts and desires, which should
be Cleansed through Heedfulness - is great and vast.
There are sea monsters without number - that is, many ST EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN taught us: ...And His Mercy is
vain, wrong, and impure thoughts that are born from
evil spirits.
...Fear God, and keep His Commandments! (ECCLESIASTES The Fear of the Lord is the Source of Life, and the
12:13).
By keeping His Commandments we will be strong in all
works, which will also be good. For if we Fear God,
we will do everything well out of Love for Him.
We must not fear the devil, for we who Fear God will
overcome the evil one who has no power against us.
However, we cannot acquire the (Loving) Fear of God
until we have been freed from all earthly cares.
When our mind is free of cares, then we are moved by
the Fear of God and drawn toward His Divine
Goodness.
ST CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA explained: ...Fear is the
beginning of Love, and then it all turns into Love.
Fear of God is not dread of God, but dread of falling
away from God and falling into sin and passions.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN said: ...Just as it is impossible to
traverse a great sea without a ship and oars, so too
we cannot attain Love without Fear. We can traverse
24 NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER
The words of St John are very clear, very simple and very
concise.
He does not instruct us to live in the wilderness as he did,
nor to eat only honey and the young shoots of the
locust tree, nor wear garments made of camel hair.
Instead of going into the wilderness to avoid all of society,
let us rather avoid evil society and impious
gatherings, and seek the company of those who will
help us draw closer to God.
Instead of avoiding all wine and alcohol, let us eat and
drink in moderation, never over-indulging, and let us
keep the Fasts as prescribed by the Holy Church of
Christ.
Although we cannot be constantly in Prayer like St John,
let us make every effort to pray in the morning and
evening, before and after meals, and during all our
daily activities as much as possible.
Let us make every effort to attend all the Holy Services,
arriving before they begin and not at the last few
moments!
Let us constantly Repent our sins and partake of the
essential Holy Mysteries of Confession and Eucharist.
Just as St John called the Judeans to Repentance so that
they may be properly prepared to receive our Divine
Saviour, he also calls each of us to Repentance, so
that our body and soul may be Cleansed and thus we
may become Sanctified Temples for our Triune,
Almighty God.
St John the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ was granted
Divine Grace in order to pray for us.
Therefore, let us continually turn to him in Prayer, asking
for his Intercessory Prayers to God for the sake of our
Eternal Salvation.
Let us follow his Teachings and his Good Example so that
we may bear Good Fruit as True and Faithful Disciples
of Christ.
In this way we will truly Glorify the Lord our God and
honour His greatest Holy Prophet, Baptist and
Forerunner, St John.
Amen.
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
the foul-smelling sea between us and mental
Paradise only on the Boat of Repentance that has
the Oars of Fear. But if these Oars of Fear do not
guide the Ship of Repentance by which we traverse
the sea of this world to God, we will drown in that
foul-smelling sea.
Repentance is our Ship, Fear is its Rudder, and Love is
the Divine Harbour. Therefore, Fear leads us on the
Ship of Repentance that carries us across the foul-
smelling Sea of Life, and guides us to the Divine
Harbour of Love.
And when we attain Love, then we have reached God
and our Path is complete, and we have reached the
Island of the other world, where is the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit.
on those who Fear Him from generation to
generation. (LUKE 1:50)
Firmament of the soul, for it brings us to orderly
Spiritual Thoughts
No one is so exalted as the one who Fears the Lord.
Whoever Fears the Lord is like a Light that shows
many the Path to Salvation. Whoever Fears the Lord
is like a Fortified City standing on a hill, before
whom the evil demons tremble.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM encourages us: ...There is no evil
that cannot be destroyed by the Fear of God.
Like an iron in the fire, although it IS spoiled and
covered with thick rust, it becomes clear and bright,
cleansed and completely corrected of its damage,
likewise does the Fear of God in a short time Cleanse
everything and does not allow anything to harm it.
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/92002.htm
TO CHRIST OUR LORD - 24 JUNE 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 2 25 June 2017

rd rd
3 Sunday After Pentecost 3 Sunday of St Matthew
Seek First the Kingdom of God
The Apodosis (Leave-taking) of the Nativity of St John the Baptist & Forerunner the Feast
of St Febronia, Virgin Martyr of Nisibis St Orentios & those Martyred with him St David
Peter, former Prince & St Euphrosyne Febronia, former Princess, Wonderworkers of Murom
Monastery St Dionysios of Mount Athos St Dometios of Dionysiou Monastery, Mount
Athos St Procopios of Iveron Monastery, Mount Athos St Procopios of Varna St Nikon of Optina Monastery St
George the New Holy Martyr of Attalia

MATINS RESURRECTION GOSPEL 3 : MARK 16 : 9 20

THE APPEARANCE OF OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST BEFORE HIS ASCENSION

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, Doxa Si!
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
aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!

SEASONAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS

Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON PSALM 117/118 TONE 2
The Lord is my Strength, and my son, and He became my Salvation.
The Lord Chastened and Corrected me, but He did not give me up to Death.

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE ROMANS 5 : 1 10

RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A 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.
FAITH IN CHRIST JUSTIFIES US, WHICH IS AN ONGOING STATE OF
HEBREWS 10: 14: ... by one Offering (Christ) has
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
EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY IN CHRIST. TEMPORARY PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY -
This SPIRITUAL JUSTIFICATION REQUIRES REDEMPTION a SANCTIFYING OUR BODIES AND SOULS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE
Sacrificial Offering that is capable of SETTING US FREE THEOSIS SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
FROM SIN AND DEATH and which UNITES US ETERNALLY Thus: any wilful, violent destruction of our body the Holy
WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LIFE. Temple of God is a denunciation of all our Spiritual
According to the Old Covenant, such a Sacrificial Struggles and a terrible insult to Gods Great Love and
Offering was prefigured by the blood sacrifices of Divine Mercy!
animals THE SLAUGHTER OF PHYSICALLY PERFECT ANIMALS
The term Faith (Pistis) also means faithfulness."
FOR THE TEMPORAL REMISSION OF SINS. (REFER HEBREWS 9)
FAITH IS FAR MORE THAN A SIMPLE PERSONAL CONVICTION THAT
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
OFFERING that was necessary ONLY ONCE FOR ALL the
do well. Even the demons believe and
souls of humanity throughout the ages, which SETS US
tremble!
ETERNALLY FREE FROM SIN AND DEATH and by the Grace of
TRUE FAITH THAT SAVES IS A COMPLETE FAITH not just the
God UNITES US WITH TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ETERNAL LIFE
mind and the tongue, but our whole being
IN CHRIST!

3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 3RD OF ST MATTHEW ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD- 25 JUNE 2017 25
 TRUSTING IMPLICITLY AND KNOWING OUR LIVING EVERY TIME WE FALL INTO A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH THROUGH
ALMIGHTY AND OMNIPRESENT TRIUNE GOD. OUR UNREPENTED SINS, WE ALIENATE OURSELVES FROM GOD
This means that our Faith and our Relations with God WE ARE UNGODLY!
our Justification - is dynamic and alive! WE ARE UTTERLY INCAPABLE OF BECOMING RIGHTEOUS ON OUR
TRUE FAITH GROWS, FLOURISHES AND AFFECTS EVERY ACTION OR OWN.
IT DIES.
FAITH ALONE A STATIC FAITH DOES NOT SAVE US AT ALL, so we However, DUE TO GODS INFINITE LOVE FOR US, Christ became
must nurture our Faith in God, as well as our Love for our final and Supreme Sacrificial Offering for our sins,
Him, through our daily words, thoughts and deeds. which was so Unique and Powerful, that it never had

JEREMIAH 7:3 & ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR: Do not say you to be done again HE BROUGHT US GODS ETERNAL GIFT OF
are the Temple of the Lord; nor should you say RIGHTEOUSNESS.
that faith alone in our Lord Jesus Christ can Save Those who ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE GODS DIVINE LOVE are
you for this is impossible unless you acquire Reconciled to Him, having been RESTORED TO HIS PEACE
AND COMMUNION WITH HIM.
Love for Him through your works. As for faith by
itself: ... the devils also believe and tremble! GOD NEVER CEASES TO LOVE US FOR HE IS UNCHANGEABLE!
GENUINE FAITHFULNESS IS CONTINUOUS LOYALTY AND OBEDIENCE WE CHANGE from good to bad so WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY
CORRECT OUR SPIRITUAL FALLS THROUGH REPENTANCE-
TO GOD for such Faithfulness justifies us through the
Grace of God. CONFESSION, GAINING STRENGTH AND COURAGE THROUGH
Hope does not disappoint because the Love of God GODS DIVINE GRACE.
(Agape) has been poured out in our hearts by the So we - as Faithful Disciples of Christ - relentlessly STRIVE
AND STRUGGLE TO REMAIN IN - OR TO RETURN TO - A STATE OF
Holy Spirit... means that not only do we
experience His Divine Love, but we can also pass it SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST, always hoping and praying
on to others by our own GOOD EXAMPLE, through that when our time comes to depart this life, we are in
our own SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE, and by TEACHING that Blessed State, rather than being exiled through
OTHERS CORRECTLY BY THE GRACE AND INSPIRATION OF
our wilful and unrepented sins!
GOD. Consequently, AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO DRIFT AWAY OR FALL
INTO THAT REBELLIOUS STATE as enemies of God, OUR
To a greater or lesser degree, WE ARE ALL UNGODLY
BECAUSE WE ARE HABITUAL SINNERS!
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
TRUST GOD WITH BODY & 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...

THE MIND NOUS IS THE SPIRITUAL EYE OF THE SOUL. It
Illuminates our Inner Being and governs our (free)
will.
Christ explains to us that KEEPING OUR MIND AND THUS OUR
SOUL HEALTHY AND PURE, IS FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR
CHRISTIAN LIFE OUR TRUE LIFE IN CHRIST.
Just like slaves we try to serve two masters, which is an
impossible and useless waste of our precious time and
efforts!
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN AN ATTACHMENT AND DEDICATION
TO BOTH TEMPORARY EARTHLY THINGS - PHYSICAL DESIRES AND
DEMANDS AND ETERNAL HEAVENLY THINGS SPIRITUAL
VIRTUES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO ACHIEVING THEOSIS AND
ETERNAL LIFE.
ALL OUR ALLEGIANCE IS OWED TO ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE!
YET MAMMON EARTHLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL STATUS AS WELL
AS THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH DEMANDS OUR MINDLESS
ATTENTION AND EVEN OBSESSION!
Although our Lord Jesus Christ referred to Mammon
(meaning riches) as a master, it was NOT BECAUSE
MATERIAL WEALTH AND POSSESSIONS ARE EVIL BY NATURE, BUT
BECAUSE OF THE CONTROL IT HAS OVER US AND OUR OBSESSION
WITH SUCH THINGS.
We become so involved with getting rich and enjoying
ourselves we are led astray WE ARE LED AWAY FROM
GOD AND HAVE NO TIME AND MAKE NO EFFORT TO EXPRESS OUR
GRATITUDE TO HIM FOR HIS GREAT BLESSINGS WHICH WE
EGOTISTICALLY ASCRIBE TO OUR OWN EFFORTS ALONE!
ONLY WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES BEREFT OF SPIRITUAL
NOURISHMENT OR STRENGTH, DO WE SUDDENLY REMEMBER THE
LORD OUR GOD AND RUSH TO LIGHT VOTIVE CANDLES OR BEG
HIS GREAT MERCY IN OUR TIME OF NEED, DISTRESS OR PAIN.
Our Lord Jesus tried to teach His Disciples to STOP
WORRYING ABOUT MUNDANE ISSUES SUCH AS FOOD, SHELTER
AND CLOTHING so that they would CONCENTRATE ON THE
MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF LIFE WITH CHRIST AND ACCEPT
WITH COMPLETE FAITH THE ASSURANCE AND SECURITY OF
DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
HOWEVER, OUR LORD WARNS US AGAINST UNNECESSARY ANXIETY
ABOUT SUCH MATTERS NOT AGAINST THOUGHTFUL
PLANNING.
OUR PHYSICAL WELFARE IS DIRECTLY DEPENDENT ON ALMIGHTY
GOD AND ONLY INDIRECTLY ON OUR OTHER DIRECT NEEDS.
Therefore, OUR NEEDLESS APPREHENSION CONCERNING EARTHLY
MATTERS DEMONSTRATES OUR LACK OF FAITH IN GODS LOVING
CARE HIS GREAT MERCY.
Gentiles, the ungodly or the pagans, are consumed by
their dependence on Earthly possessions and status
their man-made gods or idols - but THOSE WHO ARE TRUE
AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE FREED FROM SUCH
SLAVISH DEPENDENCE, RESTING ASSURED IN DIVINE AGAPE
GODS INDISCRIMINATE LOVE FOR ALL CREATION ESPECIALLY
HIS BELOVED MANKIND.
The Eternal Kingdom of God is the central theme of our
Lords Teaching, and His Righteousness is the main
topic of His Sermon on the Mount.
CHRIST CALLS US TO FOLLOW HIM AND LIVE EVERY MOMENT
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS, which are always
for our Spiritual Welfare and Development the
means of SLOWLY REGAINING OUR LOST DIVINE LIKENESS.
By choosing to follow our Saviour, WE ARE SET FREE FROM
UNNECESSARY STRESS AND FIXATION concerning temporary
(Spiritually Useless) Earthly things.
Instead, OUR LORD JESUS LEADS US TOWARDS HIS ETERNAL
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE, JOY AND PEACE, SECURE IN

26. 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 3RD OF ST MATTHEW ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD 25 JUNE 2017
 UTTER FAITH THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE US WITH EVERYTHING
NECESSARY - His Abundant Earthly Blessings, while
enduring this short Preparatory Time before Eternity.
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 3RD SUNDAY OF
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved: St Paul reminds us that we are
...Justified by Faith.
Our Orthodox Faith is our Salvation because by the Divine
Grace and Mercy of God we are thereby granted
Sanctification that Transforms us when we commit
ourselves to fulfilling the Divine Truth of our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Faith is one of those Theological Concepts that is often
difficult to explain, to understand and to apply to
ourselves.
However, as St Paul explained to the Hebrews: ...Faith is
the assurance of Things hoped for... the conviction
of Things not seen. (HEBREWS 11:1).
St Paul reminds us that Faith enables us to ...Rejoice in
Hope of the Glory of God.
In other words, just like his aforemented definition of
Faith, St Paul links Faith and Hope.
Our Lord God continuously pours forth His Grace on us,
that draws us close to Him - as much as we are willing
to co-operate with God the Holy Spirit.
FAITH DEMANDS ACTION.
The debate regarding Justification by Faith or Works is a
false dichotomy, for it is not one OR the other.
Instead, BOTH FAITH AND WORKS ARE ESSENTIAL, FOR BOTH ARE
MUTUALLY DEPENDENT.
Faith can never be a mere verbal pronouncement of
belief.
At the same time, THE PRIMARY WORK OF THE CHURCH IS NOT
PHILANTHROPY BUT THE WITNESS OF FAITH - of LIVING OUR
FAITH in the midst of those who do not yet believe, so
that they, too, may come to know our Lord Jesus Christ
and His Divine Truth and Eternal Salvation.
This is the good example we have from the Apostles and
the Saints - some were Martyrs, some were Evangelists,
some were Preachers, some were Teachers, etc., but
ALL WERE WITNESSES OF THE ONE, TRUE FAITH.
They are known today because THEY LED OTHERS TO THE
KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE OF GOD AND HIS SALVATION THROUGH
THEIR WITNESS.
Faith is the assurance of Things hoped for means
that our Hope is that GOD WILL HEAL US, SAVE US THROUGH
OUR PARTICIPATION IN HIS LIFE, which He manifests to us
here and now through His Holy Mysteries and His Holy
Church as well as through our Prayers.
If this is our Hope - if this is what we desire above all else
- then we must CEASELESSLY PRAY AND SPIRITUALLY
STRUGGLE IN ORDER TO COOPERATE WITH EVERYTHING THAT
GOD PRESCRIBES FOR US.
We MUST REALLY DESIRE FAITH AND TO BE WITH GOD BY LIVING IN
CHRIST, MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE more than our flesh
or this fallen world demands of us!
Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us clearly and truthfully: No
one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the
one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the
one and despise the other. You cannot serve God
and mammon.
In other words, if Life in Christ, and Communion with God
that Heals our sin-induced ailments, and grants us
Eternal Salvation, is our heart-felt desire, then WE
SHOULD FOCUS OUR FULL ATTENTION AND EFFORTS ON THE
INCREASE OF OUR TRUE FAITH.
However, THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE IF WE ARE CAPTIVATED BY THE
DESIRE FOR THE TEMPORARY, BRIEF AND CORRUPTIBLE THINGS OF
THIS WORLD, for we ...cannot serve God and
mammon.
Similarly, St Paul admonished us not to be ...conformed
to this world, but (to) be Transformed by the
Renewing of your mind.
The reference to our mind actually means the nous,
which is the eye of our soul - THE VERY CORE OF OUR
BEING - THE PART OF US THAT IS CAPABLE OF COMMUNING WITH
GOD!
Our Lord Jesus Christ and St Paul warned us that TWO
CHOICES CHALLENGE US.
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 3RD OF ST MATTHEW ETERNAL KINGDOM
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!
ST MATTHEW SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
WE CAN EITHER CONFORM TO SOCIAL HABITS AND CULTURE OF THE
FALLEN WORLD, with its distorted, misguided priorities
and imperfect, or wicked ideas, OR TO A MARVELLOUS
SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION BY LIVING EVERY MOMENT IN
CHRIST.
Life in Christ, by necessity, means that WE MUST CONTINUE
TO CHANGE, TO GROW IN FAITH, BECOMING MORE AND MORE
CHRIST-LIKE IN THE VERY CORE OF OUR BEING.
THE FALLEN, DEVIOUS WORLD PULLS US TOWARDS SPIRITUAL
DARKNESS AND DEATH FOR IT TRIES IN MANY WAYS TO
PERSUADE US THAT WE DO NOT NEED THE LORD OUR GOD.
The ungodly believe that THE DIVINE TRUTH THAT GOD HAS
REVEALED TO US is ...antiquated and archaic... no
longer relevant... and mankind, has ...progressed far
too much to believe... in Almighty God, as modern,
atheist, secularists espouse and try to convince us.
Our True Faith urges us to strive to FOLLOW THE NARROW WAY
OF CHRIST - the time-proven Path that has led all the
generations before us who have sought first THE
KINGDOM OF GOD and who have found and lived the
TRUTH OF CHRIST, even in the midst of those who reject
or renounce Him.
Faith is our Lord Gods greatest desire for us because ONLY
BY FAITH AND WORKS ARE WE WORTHY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM
OF GOD.
Faith is not merely the professing of words of Belief.
FAITH LEADS US TO ACTION - foremost TO CONTINUOUS
REPENTANCE AND A DESIRE TO ...work out (our) Salvation
with Fear and trembling. (PHILIPPIANS 2:12)
THROUGH FAITH, WE INCREASE OUR COMMUNION WITH GOD IN HIS
KINGDOM.
Consequently, for us who wish to be Saved, OUR SPIRITUAL
PROGRESS - OUR DEIFICATION - CAN NEVER LEAVE US WHERE WE
ARE TODAY, BUT INSTEAD MUST BRING FURTHER GROWTH.
THIS SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN COMMUNION WITH GOD, IN OUR
KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE OF HIM, IS GODS UNCHANGING WILL
FOR ALL MANKIND.
Our Prayers for Transformation never go unanswered.
IF WE ARE WILLING TO TRANSFORM OUR NOUS (THE VERY CORE
OF OUR BEING), AND IF WE ARE WILLING TO SEEK FIRST THE
KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ABOVE ALL
TEMPORAL PURSUITS AND DISTRACTIONS, ALL PRAYERS FOR OUR
SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN ORDER TO REGAIN OUR LIKENESS TO GOD
ARE INDEED ANSWERED.
The problem of OUR LACK OF FAITH IS CAUSED BY OURSELVES
because WE PUT OUR FAITH IN EARTHLY THINGS - in
mammon in financial gain, in material possessions
and in other earthly pursuits.
WE RELY ON OURSELVES OR OTHER PEOPLE WHOSE MISGUIDED,
LIMITED AND SELFISH IDEAS - or that of our modern culture
- consciously or unconsciously cause us to conform to
false, unbeneficial, often fatal beliefs and practises
that PULL US AWAY FROM GOD AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH AWAY
FROM SPIRITUAL LIFE INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH THAT CAN ONLY BE
RESOLVED BY REPENTANCE before we depart this short,
preparatory lifespan.
For this reason, CHRIST OUR GOD WARNS US THAT WE CANNOT
SERVE TWO MASTERS!
IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OR SITUATION, WE ALWAYS HAVE A
CHOICE!
We try to fix our problems on our own in the erroneous
belief that we are powerful and in control of
everything.
We will eventually understand that WE ARE ACTUALLY
INCAPABLE OF CONTROLLING MOST ASPECTS OF OUR DAILY LIFE,
and that WE CAN ACHIEVE NOTHING WORTHWHILE WITHOUT
OUR LORD GOD WHO IS ALMIGHTY Who is indeed in
control of everything.
OUR LORD ALWAYS HELPS US BY INSPIRING, GUIDING AND
STRENGTHENING US.
When we turn to God in humble Supplication, HE GRANTS
US HIS POWER AND ENERGY THAT MAKES EVEN THE MOST
DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES ENDURABLE AND POSSIBLE FOR US.
AT THE START OF EVERY DAY, before we begin our daily
Struggle to fulfil our tasks physical and Spiritual WE
OF GOD- 25 JUNE 2017 27
 PUT OUR TRUST, OUR FAITH AND HOPE IN GOD WHOM, FIRST
AND FOREMOST, WE SERVE.
Our Lord Jesus encourages us to: Seek first the Kingdom
of God and His Righteousness, and all these things
shall be added to you. (MATTHEW 6:33)
NO ONE IS BEYOND THE TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH IN
HOLINESS THAT GOD GRANTS US so that we may abide with
Him in His Eternal Kingdom.
WE GROW IN FAITH BY LIVING OUR FAITH.
Faith begins with A SINCERE DESIRE TO SEEK FIRST GODS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM, - TO SEEK OUR CLOSE, PERSONAL
COMMUNION OR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - before anything
else.
WHEN WE HAVE FAITH, OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES - AND EVEN OUR
PHYSICAL TRIBULATIONS - BECOME A MEANS OF SPIRITUAL
GROWTH, for, as St. Paul says, ...tribulation produces
perseverance; and perseverance, character; and
character, Hope. And Hope does not disappoint
because GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL TO US - EVEN WHEN WE OR
OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS DISAPPOINT.
So let us PRAY, REPENT, MAKE CONFESSION, RECEIVE THE LIFE-
GIVING HOLY EUCHARIST, TITHE TIME AND EFFORTS and with
sincere Humility and Obedience, let us SERVE GOD by
fulfilling His Divine Mission.
ON PAIN AND
We are so pampered in these present days that we seek
convenience in everything.
We want to take everything easy. We want nothing to
upset us or displease us.
However, this short lifespan is certainly not like that at all!
In the present world, for as many years as we live, we
should be ready to suffer or even to offer ourselves for
Martyrdom, for whoever is eventually Saved, would
have gone through some form of martyrdom.
Pain and suffering brings Spiritual Benefit to our soul
more than anything else.
No matter how hard we may try to overcome ourselves
and to give ourselves to Christ - with our Prayers or
any other Virtue - it is never easy, because we pity
and love ourselves too much, and we cannot bear to
push ourselves to the limit of our endurance or ability.
When we pray or practise any other Virtue, we do so as
much as we want and we only take it up to the point
we want.
Pain, though, mercilessly ploughs deep into our being,
and while we suffer we learn a great secret, for as we
are about to moan or groan, without bearing any
grudge against God, we suddenly pray: O Lord, May
this pain be Blessed!
With every groan of pain, we pray: Let it be Blessed!
As we suffer we pray: Thou knowest, O my God, that I
am in terrible pain. Thou knowest that I would like
the pain to stop, but let it be according to Thy Will
and not according to my will!
Those who want to be Saved, will suffer various degrees
of martyrdom, for the more we Love our Lord and
surrender ourselves to Him, the greater our
martyrdom will become.
Those who think that Christian Life is easy and that they
will escape any degree of martyrdom, is not in
alignment with the Kingdom of God, and they will fall
behind, having cast themselves aside.
Those who do believe and voluntarily accept a life of
martyrdom, will accept their pain and sufferings like
the Holy Martyrs.
And, by enduring their martyrdom, God will not let them
slacken, weaken or surrender so that they waste their
Struggles and Labours.
God knows everything. He hold us in His Hands and He
takes care of us in our weakness and suffering.
When we are sufficiently recovered, He sets us down to
continue our Journey, and guides us along His Path
of Righteousness by granting us His Divine Grace
whereby we are able to make good Spiritual Progress
and all our Struggles are not wasted.
The point is not to enter martyrdom or suffer in a way that
is uncertain, indefinite or unclear. We must accept
and embrace the ploughing of our being, no matter
what it takes to do so.
When wheat is ground to flour in the mill, the millstone
neither forgives nor makes allowances for any of the
grains.
Without exception, whichever grains go under the
millstone, they will be ground into flour.
28. 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 3RD OF ST MATTHEW ETERNAL KINGDOM
Let us do everything with Faith by putting our HOPE IN GOD
WHO NEVER FAILS US.
May God free us from our dependence on this temporary,
corruptible world and conformity to the egocentricity
(selfishness) of our modern, ungodly culture.
Our Lord God will increase our Faith, for His Divine Love
and our ...Hope does not disappoint, because the
Love of God has been poured out in our heart by the
Holy Spirit.
We can put our HOPE AND TRUST IN GOD, but we must also
EAGERLY AND WILLINGLY COOPERATE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT,
and FOLLOW CHRIST BY APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO ALL
ASPECTS OF OUR LIFE, for we are entrusted to His Holy
Church for our Spiritual Healing and Growth in Him.
Let us pay CLOSE ATTENTION AND STRIVE TO FULFIL EVERYTHING
THAT OUR SAVIOUR, WHO IS THE LIVING TRUTH, HAS TAUGHT
US: Seek first the Kingdom of God and His
Righteousness, and all these things shall be added
to you!
Amen.
FR. ROBERT MICLEAN - HOLY ARCHANGELS ORTHODOX CHURCH
JULY 14, 2013 - HTTPS://WWW.ORTHODOXANNAPOLIS.ORG
SUFFERING
Our pain and suffering also grinds us into something
refined and different.
This is the reality of pain and suffering.
And while all this is happening, we become Victorious
over everything - over Death, and mostly over
ourselves - for we become Children of God.
The martyrdom each and every one of us endures is not
to be taken lightly!
It is our pain and suffering! It is us being refined under
the heavy millstone of martyrdom!
Pain and suffering is a raw reality of this temporary life,
but if we accept our martyrdom without reservation -
as a Gift - we are granted Divine Grace, and thereby
achieve Unity and Communion with God.
The secret lies in enduring our martyrdom with absolute
Faith in God, for our pain and suffering are the scales
and the measure that define our Eternal Salvation.
HOLY HESYCHASTERION - THE NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS PUBLICATIONS.
ARCHIMANDRITE SYMEON KRAGIOPOULOS
Pain and suffering brings us very close to the Lord our God upon
Whom we learn to depend entirely, knowing with complete
certainty that He knows what is best for us.
In our weakness and pain we are Strengthened and Purified by
His Divine Love, Grace and Great Mercy.
We can rest assured in His infinite Love for us, for when we are
weakened by pain and suffering, He carries us in His warm
Embrace until we are able to continue our Journey beside
Him.
Consequently, as strange as it may seem to many who do not
understand our Faith, we must hold tightly on to our Saviour
and trust in Him with all our heart and soul, Glorifying and
Praising His Great Mercy and Grace.
With Love in Christ,
Marguerite Paizis
... be patient as you wait for the Lords return. Consider
the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the
fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the
valuable harvest to ripen. (JAMES 5:7)
We all have dreams and desires, but there is usually a
season of waiting involved - for a relationship to
improve, before getting married, before a birth, a
promotion, or recovering from illness...
Much of life is spent waiting. But theres a right way and a
wrong way to wait. Too often, when things dont
happen according to our timetable, we become
discouraged or anxious because we do not wait
patiently.
We all have to wait just as patiently and eagerly as
farmers await their harvest. We must not become
impatient and discouraged but hopeful, positive and
full of anticipation!
Whatever we pray for, we must trust in God, and wait
patiently for Him to act according to His Divine Will,
because only He knows what is good and beneficial
for us. As Christ our Lord said: By Patience, keep your
soul!
OF GOD 25 JUNE 2017
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious
Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one
another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

29 June 2016
St Peter & St Paul
Holy Apostles of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST PETER & ST PAUL TONE3
I ton Apostolon Protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Didaskali, to Among the Apostles the loftiest, and Teachers of the
Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Irinin ti ikoumeni Universe, intercede, O Peter and Paul, with the Master
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos.. of us all, Peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy
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
Ote tou Piros tas Glossas dienimen is enotita panta tongues, He parted the Nations; when He divided out
ekalese. Ke simfonos Doxazomen to Panagion Pnevma! the Tongues of Fire, He Called all to Unity. And with
one voice we Glorify the All-Holy Spirit!
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i Prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who forever Protects all those who Honour
Thee!
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 OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 11: 21 12 : 9
ST PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP, RECOUNTING HIS SUFFERINGS, VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES
Brethren, ...to our shame I say that we were too weak for that! In whatever anyone is bold I speak foolishly I am
bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are
they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more - in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in
prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Judeans five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three
times I was beaten with rods. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have been in the deep.
In Journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.
In weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in Fastings often, in cold and nakedness besides the
other things that come upon me daily - my deep concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will
boast in the things that concern my infirmity.
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
In Damascus the Governor, under Aretas the King, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring
to arrest me; and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to Visions and Revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not
know, God knows such a one was caught up to the Third Heaven. And I know such a man whether in the body
or out of the body I do not know, God knows how he was caught up into Paradise and heard Inexpressible Words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast - yet of myself I will not boast, except in my
infirmities. Although I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool. I will speak the Truth. I refrain, lest anyone should
think of me above what he sees me to be, or hears from me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the Revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me -
a messenger of Satan - to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Three times I pleaded with the Lord that it
might depart from me. And He said to me: "My Grace is sufficient for Thee, 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.
St Paul listed his HEBREW AND CHRISTIAN CREDENTIALS AND PARADISE, WHICH IS WHERE GOD IS SURROUNDED BY THE
according to his opponents level of argument. ASSEMBLY OF THE JUST IN THE CITY OF GOD.
GENEALOGY WAS IMPORTANT TO THE JUDEANS 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
suffering, his compassionate, involved concern for BESTOWED UPON HIM IN ORDER TO KEEP HIM HUMBLE.
others and even his rather extraordinary Missionary His thorn was a chronic physical problem (some have
Journeys throughout the known world of the time and suggested stomach or gastric ulcers or even cancer,
everything he endured since his Miraculous which caused intense discomfort and constant pain)
Conversion. as well as the deluded Christians or stubborn
St Pauls opponents had probably boasted of their Visions Israelites with whom he had to daily contend.
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 - NOT HIS MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES - WERE THE MEANS WHEREBY
before he began his Missionary Journeys HIS DIVINE THE POWER OF CHRIST REMAINED WITH HIM.
CALLING BY CHRIST ALONG THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS. DIVINE GRACE ACCOMPANIES TRUE VIRTUE ESPECIALLY THAT OF
St Paul used two Hebrew terms to describe the Heavenly OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY.
Realms: THE THIRD HEAVEN, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST HEAVEN

THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2017 29
 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
can ever answer!! STRONGHOLD OF DEATH AND SET THE SOULS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
St Peters ringing Confession: THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON FREE.
OF THE LIVING GOD! IS A DIVINELY INSPIRED INSIGHT GIVEN TO In all the Holy Gospels, the word Church [Ekklessia
HIM BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. = Gathering] IS MENTIONED TWICE BY OUR LORD (here
Our Lord Jesus Messianic Identity and Divinity, the and in MATTHEW 18:17) describing THE TRUE ISRAEL
Mystery hidden from Eternity, cannot be truly known WHOSE CITIZENSHIP IS HEAVENLY.
through human intelligence or reasoning, but only by THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE DIVINE-
Gods Revelation. [1 CORINTHIANS 12:3] HUMAN ORGANISM - TO HER COMES THE CALL OF OUR LORD
The title Christ means the Anointed One JESUS FOR THE WHOLE OF MANKIND TO ABIDE WITH HIM AND IN
AS CHRIST IS TRULY THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THE FATHER HIM. [EPHESIANS 1:23]
HAS ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. [ACTS 10:38] The expression Keys of the Kingdom, clearly implies

PSALM 45:7 - THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED THE DIVINE AUTHORITY THAT CHRIST GRANTED TO ST PETER
THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE THAN THY HIMSELF, BUT WHICH WAS NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS
COMPANIONS. CONFESSION OF FAITH.

ISAIAH 61:1 - St Isaiah, speaking in the Name of the Although St Peter was the Leader of the Disciples and
Lord, said: ...the Spirit of the Lord God is upon of the early Church, ALL THE HOLY APOSTLES WERE
Me, because the Lord hath Anointed Me. EMPOWERED EQUALLY WITH CHRISTS DIVINE AUTHORITY.
The name Peter is a play on the word for Rock or Therefore, ST PETER WAS NOT A LEADER OVER THE OTHERS BUT A
Stone in Aramaic and Greek. (Petros/Petra). LEADER AMONGST THEM, as seen at the Council of
THE TERM ROCK DID NOT REFER TO ST PETER HIMSELF BUT TO HIS Jerusalem, where ELDERS OR PRESBYTERS [PRIESTS] MET
SINCERE, LOYAL CONFESSION OF FAITH. WITH THE APOSTLES ALTOGETHER AS EQUALS.
 THE TRUE ROCK AND FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IS, OF Roman Papal claims in later centuries must not be
COURSE, CHRIST HIMSELF. confused with the New Testament Witness regarding
 THE CHURCH RESTS UPON THIS ROCK OF UNCHANGING FAITH St Peter, nor should the Role of St Peter in the New
AND CONFESSION. Testament be minimised in opposition to those claims!
 WITH THIS UNCHANGING, FIRMLY ROOTED, SOLID FAITH AS THE BINDING AND LOOSENING IS A REFERENCE TO THE
FOUNDATION, THE GATES OF HADES, THE POWER OF DEATH TEACHING, SACRAMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS
AND DESTRUCTION, ARE POWERLESS AGAINST HER. OF THE HOLY APOSTLES THAT WERE SUBSEQUENTLY
In the Old Testament, the term Gates suggested a TRANSMITTED TO THE BISHOPS OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF
fortified city. [GENESIS 22:17; 24:60; ISAIAH 14:31] CHRIST.
THE FEAST OF ST PETER & ST PAUL, GLORIOUS HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
The Feast of the Holy, Glorious and All-Praised Apostles of St Justin [Popovich] commented: ... the Lives of the
Christ, St Peter and St Paul, was instituted by St Sixtos II, Saints are a sort of Orthodox Encyclopaedia in
Archbishop of Rome on 29 June 258. which can be found everything that is necessary for
Today, at the end of the Apostles Fast we commemorate our soul, which hungers and thirsts for Eternal
the fact that the Holy Apostles Fasted and prayed Righteousness and Eternal Truth (as well as) for
before they went forth to preach the Holy Gospel of Divine Immortality and Eternal Life.
our Lord Jesus Christ. Comparing St Peter and St Paul to all the Saints who have
St John of Shanghai and San Francisco pointed out that followed after them, St Gregory Palamas said: ...They
just as the Nativity of St John the Baptist and are the Fathers and Guides of all Christians -
Forerunner of Christ is the Foreword to the Holy Gospel Apostles, Martyrs, Holy Ascetics, Priests, Hierarchs,
and the beginning of the significant Events recorded Pastors and Teachers.
in it, so too, the Martyrdom of the Holy Apostles, St As Chief Shepherds and Master Builders of our common
Peter and St Paul, is the culmination and the Godliness and Virtue, they tend and teach us all,
Afterword of the Gospel. like Lights in the world, holding forth the Word of
Hence this Feast is one of the bookends to the Life of Life.
Christ. St Peter taught us that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
As our Life in Christ is according to the cycle of Fasts and is indeed God - the second Person of the Holy Trinity.
Feasts of the Church, it contributes to the Healing of When our Lord Jesus Christ asked His Disciples: "What do
our soul and body. men say Who is the Son of Man?" they responded:
The Apostles Fast, that St Leo the Great ordained is in "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah. Others,
order for us to acknowledge and Repent the sins we Jeremiah or one of the Prophets."
have committed due to neglect and inattention He then directly questioned them: "And Whom do you
following the celebratory Feasts of Pascha and say that I Am?" and St Peter immediately Confesses:
Pentecost: ...in order that what was on this day "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
Divinely bestowed on the Church may abide in us... Subsequently, our Lord Jesus affirmed St Peters
and not be overwhelmed by our sins. Confession of Faith by saying and doing things that
Therefore, from Monday after All Saints Sunday we can only be done by Almighty God.
prepare ourselves for this Feast Day by Fasting and Concerning this passage, St. John Chrysostom believed
praying, and partaking of the Holy Mysteries of His Divine Truth was demonstrated in three ways.
Repentance-Confession and Holy Communion, as well The first instance is not so obvious but refers to when
as reading and contemplating the Lives of the Saints, Christ said: No man but the Father knows the Son,
whose good examples we must strive to imitate by neither does any man know the Father, except the
applying their wisdom and experience to our own Son, and to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.
Life. (MATTHEW 11:27)
As St Gregory of Tours explained, ...the purpose of the Therefore, Christ explained St Peters Confession by
[written] Lives of the Saints is not to give abstract saying: ...flesh and blood has not revealed it to you,
knowledge but to edify spiritually and to inspire but My Father Who is in Heaven...
imitation. In other words, our Lord Jesus Christ truly knows our
Heavenly Father and everything He does, so He also

30. THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2017 17
 knows His Eternal Relationship to God the Father as
His Only Begotten Son is a Divine Revelation to St Peter.
Secondly, Christ again affirms His own Divine Identity
and Authority by telling St Peter: ...I will give you the
Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven... and thereby
revealing that our Lords ability and Authority to do so
comes not from our Heavenly Father or the Holy Spirit,
but by His own Power and Authority as the Second
Person of the Holy Trinity as God the Eternal, Only
Begotten Son and Word of God.
Finally, our Lord Jesus Christ bestows upon His Apostles a
Power which is exclusively Divine by proclaiming:
...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.
No human being no creature of God - has ever
possessed such Power that could affect things on
Earth and in Heaven!
Such Power is only possible from Almighty God and those
to whom He grants It for the sake of our Eternal
Salvation.
St Peter - the impulsive and Faithful Apostle of Christ was
the first to clearly and concisely Confess his Faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ, as ...the Son of the Living God,
which is affirmed and revealed by our Lord God.
The Life of St Paul, the great Apostle of Christ and
Enlightener of innumerable multitudes of Gentiles, is
our best example and role model of True Life in Christ.
In describing the Life of St Paul, St Gregory Palamas said:
...what tongue or how many and what sort of
tongues can depict even to a limited extent his
endurance unto death for Christs sake?
Todays Epistle can be divided into three parts:
In the first part, St Paul mentioned how he suffered for the
sake of the Holy Gospel of Christ - being whipped,
beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, stranded, endangered
and threatened wherever he went - exhausted,
hungry, naked and sleepless.
In the second part, St Paul referred to the Visions and
Revelations he received while being ...taken up into
the Third Heaven.
In the final part he believed that he had to endure a
...thorn in the flesh... - a heavy burden that he had
to tolerate, which kept him humble.
In his Epistles we learn how St Paul endured these intense
Spiritual Struggles and worldly problems, being
Strengthened and Encouraged by Christ Who said: :
"My Grace is sufficient for you, for My Strength is
made Perfect in weakness."
We also learn about the amazing Contentment and
inherent Joy of Life in Christ that St Paul experienced:
...most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that
the Power of Christ may rest upon me!
St John Chrysostom commented: ...Thus, amid the traps
set for him by his enemies, with exultant heart he
turned their every attack into a Victory for himself;
constantly beaten, abused and cursed, he boasted of
it as though he were celebrating a Triumphal
Procession and taking trophies home, and offered
thanks to God for it all: Thanks be to God who is
always Victorious in us!
This is why St Paul was far more eager for the shameful
abuse that his zeal in preaching brought upon him
than we are for the most pleasing honours, more
eager for death than we are for life, for poverty than
we are for wealth - he yearned for toil far more than
others yearn for rest after toil.
Thus, referring to St Paul, our Festal Vespers and Matins
Hymns proclaim: Wherefore, Thou didst call
Thyself a Prisoner of Christ, who desired the Burden
of perils as something sweeter than any food
PRAYER OF ST PHILARET
My Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee. Thou and Thou alone knowest my needs. Thou Lovest me more than I am
able to Love Thee. O Heavenly Father, grant unto me, Thy servant, all which I cannot ask. For a Cross I dare not ask, nor
for Consolation; I dare only to stand in Thy Presence. My heart is open to Thee. Thou seest my needs of which I myself am
unaware. Behold and lift me up! In Thy Presence I stand, awed and silenced by Thy Will and Thy Judgments, into which
my mind cannot penetrate. To Thee I offer myself as a sacrifice. No other desire is mine but to fulfill Thy Will. Teach me
how to pray. Do Thyself pray within me. Amen.
THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2017
St Paul admits that he had initially prayed to have his
...thorn in the flesh... removed until he God said to
him: My Grace is sufficient for Thee for My Strength
is made Perfect in weakness."
Consequently, from that moment onwards, St Paul
became grateful for his infirmities and for his trials
and tribulations that had nearly overwhelmed him
for he understood that in his weakest moments, ...the
Power of Christ (would) rest upon (him).
When we are weak and humbled by all kinds of adverse
circumstances, we acknowledge how powerless and
helpless we are.
When we lay our problems at the Feet of our Saviour and
have Faith in His Great Love and Mercy, we will
experience the Divine Grace that is ...Gods Strength
made Perfect ... in us, because, as St. Peter told us: ...
God grants Grace to the humble. (1PETER 5:5).
St Isaac the Syrian urged us to be humble and Obedient,
and rely only upon God and not ourselves: ...keep
your mind lowly, and place no confidence in your
strength, lest you be given over to the frailty of your
nature, and then, from your own fall, you will learn
your own weakness.
St Silouan not only described our human frailty but he
also mentioned the afflictions and the Benefit they
can bring us: ...Our Lord Loves mankind but He sends
affliction (so) that we may perceive our weakness and
humble ourselves ... for this Humility receives the Holy
Spirit. With the Holy Spirit all things are Good, all
things are Joyful, all things are well [Those] who
humble (themselves) will be content with every kind of
fate, since our Lord is (our) Riches and Joy
This is the Teaching and the Spiritual Experience of the
whole Church extending up to our own day.
It is essential to humble ourselves, by seeing our inability
before our Creator, the Lover of Mankind.
Such Humility draws us to Repentance.
To Repent our sins before God Who Loves us so much that
He sent His Only Begotten Son for our Salvation.
However, even though we may suffer chronic, painful or
terminal sickness or disease, it does not necessarily
mean that we are in state of Humility - unless we are
compelled to Repent our sins and seek a close
Relationship with the Lord our God.
Repentance flows from a contrite, humble and obedient
heart, which thereby welcomes and invites the
Indwelling and Acquisition of the Holy Spirit.
The Prayer of St Silouan states: ...Thou, O Lord, shows
me Thy Glory, for Thou Lovest Thy creature, but grant
me Tears and the Power to thank Thee. To Thee
belongs all Glory, in Heaven and on Earth, while I
must weep for my sins...
He reminds us: ...There is no other way of preserving the
Grace of the Holy Spirit, which our Lord in His Mercy
grants freely Such is the way of the Lord.
Therefore, may our Lord Jesus Christ our True God - Who
is the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of the Living
God, Who has given the Keys of the Kingdom to His
Apostles and from them, to our Holy Fathers of His
Church throughout the ages; Who granted His
Apostles and their successors the Power to loosen and
to bind sins - open our eyes so that clearly seeing our
sinfulness we may humble ourselves before Him, and
truly declare the Confession of His Apostles, St Peter
and St Paul: I believe, O Lord, and I Confess that
Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God,
Who came into the world to Save sinners, of whom I
am the worst.
Amen.
https://www.holycross-hermitage.com
OF MOSCOW
31.
 INTERCESSORY PRAYERS TO
Among those sections that the Gospels of St Matthew and
St Luke, independent of St Mark, have in common,
almost all are directly didactic.
That is to say, those sections almost invariably consist of
the explicit Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, with no
attention to Events in His earthly Life.
Those shared sections convey, for instance, the sort of
material we find in St Matthews account of our Lords
Sermon on the Mount and St Lukes account of our
Lords Sermon on the Plain. (MATTHEW 5 7 & LUKE 6:20
49)
On the other hand, when the Gospel according to St
Matthew and St Luke narrate a common story about
our Lord Jesus Life, St Marks Gospel also includes it.
The clear exception to this pattern is St Matthews and St
Lukes narrative of the Centurion who sought Healing
for his cherished servant. (MATTHEW 8:5-13 & LUKE 7:1-10)
As an account of a person beseeching our Lord on
behalf of someone else, this shared narrative
resembles other Events in the Holy Gospel, such as
Jairus and the Syro-Phoenician woman who
supplicated our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of their
daughters, as well as another man and a centurion
who pleaded to him on behalf of their sons. (MARK 5:23;
7:24-30; 9:17 & JOHN 4:46-53)
THESE ARE ALL ACCOUNTS OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS TO OUR LORD
AND SAVIOUR ON BEHALF OF LOVED ONES, ESPECIALLY OF
LOVING PARENTS PRAYING FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
Such reports surely had a great influence on our
Christian Intercessory Prayers.
Of particular note is the fact that these aforementioned
Petitions were directly addressed to our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Even though He specifically taught us to address our
Prayers to our Heavenly Father in His Name, the
emphasis is different in these particular Gospel
Accounts concerning Intercessory Prayers. (LUKE 11:2 &
JOHN 15:16)
One of the singular values of Intercessory Prayers is that
they unambiguously answer a practical question: If
our children, or those whom we Love dearly, become
very ill, is there some special Trinitarian protocol we
should follow, or is it not acceptable to present the
problem directly to our Divine Saviour?
However, the idea of presenting problems directly to our
Saviour is surely not to be understood in the sense of
foregoing the Mediating Prayers of others.
It is not as though the unique Mediation of our Lord Jesus
Christ excludes certain Saints from mediating on
behalf of other Saints or people, as clearly evident
from these various Gospel Events. (1 TIMOTHY 2:5)
In fact, it is the entire point of such accounts that validate
Prayerful Mediation - Intercessory Prayer.
To understand how Intercessory Prayer works, let us
consider the Centurion who pleaded to Christ for the
Healing of his servant.
If we compare the differing accounts of this Event in the
Gospels according to St Matthew and St Luke, we will
see that St Matthews account of the Event is a shorter
and simpler version - only six verses.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Centurion went directly to our Lord Jesus, and asked
Him to merely ...speak a Word, and my servant will
be Healed.
In the Gospel account according to St Luke, however, the
Encounter is considerably more detailed.
First, the Centurion himself did not directly approach our
Lord Jesus. He sent his friends to beseech Christ on his
behalf.
This fact introduces another level of Mediation, for
...Elders of the Jews... interceded with our Lord on
behalf of the Centurion, who in turn had interceded
on behalf of his servant.
This is clearly a Prayer List of Intercessory Prayers to our
Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of others.
However, as our Saviour approached the Centurions
home, he sent his friends to meet Him on his behalf to
convey his humble words that have resounded
throughout the ages: ... I am not worthy that Thou
should enter under my roof... (LUKE 7:6)
It is surely significant that the Centurion did not speak
those words, deeply personal as they were, directly to
our Lord Jesus.
His friends addressed them to our Lord on behalf of the
Centurion in St Lukes version of the Event for there
was no personal Encounter at all.
The Faith of the Centurion was conveyed to Christ by
those whom he trusted and chose to intercede on his
behalf.
Finally, in St Lukes version, there is a striking parallel,
between this Faithful Centurion and St Cornelius of
Caesarea whom St Luke mentions in his Acts of the
Apostles. (ACTS 10)
Both of these Centurions sent others to speak on their
behalf, and in each case those whom they had
solicitedour Lord Jesus in the first case, and St Simon
Peter, His Apostle, in the second case - immediately
responded to their need, at which point the two Events
differ.
In the first instance the Centurion, wanting to spare our
Lord Jesus from becoming unclean due to entering
a Gentile house, solicited His Aid from a distance.
In the second case concerning St Peter and St Cornelius,
the Centurion of Caesarea, the barrier (of the Old
Covenant Law) between Jew and Gentile had been
removed forever, and St Peter was able to enter his
home.
FR. PATRICK HENRY REARDON
PREACHERS INSTITUTE
15 / 08 / 2016
HTTP://WWW.PRAVOSLAVIE.RU/ENGLISH/96200.HTM
Just as we ask each other to pray for us, so, too, do we beseech
our Lady Theotokos and all the Saints who have gone before
us and who are Perfected in Christ, to Intercede with our Lord
on our behalf, for Healing, for Deliverance, for Protection, for
Guidance, for Wisdom, and especially for the sake of our
Eternal Salvation.
Unselfish Prayers on behalf of others grants Spiritual Benefits not
only to them but also to those who pray for them.
Furthermore, if we have lived in Prayer throughout our earthly
lifespan, we will continue to do so after our departure, while
awaiting the General Resurrection and Final Judgement. mp

FATHER MATTHEW THE POOR

We must take heed how we hear the Holy Gospel.
It seems that our Lord wants to say that we hear with our
heart rather than our ears, and that our Inner Life
affects the Word of God, either killing It, or making It
live and thrive.
So if we want to hear the Word well, to understand it, and
to hold it fast in an honest and good heart, we should
prepare ourselves from within, so that the Word the
Divine Truth - may safely take root and flourish there -
by finding Faithfulness to God and Truthfulness in
word and promise.
It is absolutely impossible for us to understand what we
hear of the Word of God, if we are not completely
honest in the Sight of God and if we are not
determined to surrender our life, our responsibilities,
our interests, our worldly possessions, our future, and
our honour, and lay them at Gods Feet.

ST PAISIOS THE NEW OF MOUNT ATHOS

When there is respect for small things, there will be an even greater respect towards the bigger things. When there is
no respect for small things, then neither will there be respect for those that are bigger and more important.
This is how our Holy Fathers maintained Holy Tradition the Divine Truth of God.

32. THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2017 17
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious
Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one
another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

30 June 2017
Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles of Christ our Lord
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
HYMNS OF THE ISODIKON- SMALL ENTRANCE - TONE 2
Defte proskinisomen ke prospesomen Hristo.
Soson imas, Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ.Save
Iie Theou, O en Agiis Thavmastos, psallontas Si: us, O Son of God, Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints,
Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION SYNAXIS OF APOSTLES TONE 3
Apostoli Agii, Presvesete to eleimoni Theo ina ptesmaton O Holy Apostles, Intercede with our Merciful God, that He
afesin, parashi tes psihes imon. grant our souls Forgiveness of offences.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION ST PETER & ST PAUL TONE 4
I ton Apostolon Protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Didaskali, to Among the Apostles the loftiest, and Teachers of the
Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Irinin ti ikoumeni Universe, intercede, O Peter and Paul, with the Master
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos.. of us all, Peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i Prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Timonton Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who forever Protects all those who Honour
Thee!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON PSALM 18/19 SYNAXIS OF THE 12 HOLY APOSTLES - 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 FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you
are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and
are naked, and are buffeted, and have no 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.
Irony and sarcasm are bitter medicine, which St Paul THEY ENDURED ALL THEIR HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING FOR THE
used on this occasion with full force. PURE JOY OF SERVING OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR THEREBY
The three parallel statements: ... we are fools... weak... RECONCILING THE FALLEN WORLD TO GOD.
dishonoured... were heaped upon each other in a ST PAUL SOOTHED the pain of his rebuke BY REMINDING THE
stinging series. FAITHFUL OF HIS SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD TO THEM and to
THE RELATIVE COMFORT OF THE CORINTHIANS CHRISTIAN us.
COMMUNITY WAS CONTRASTED WITH THE PERSECUTED, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SIMILAR TO ANY OTHER FAMILY
POVERTY-STRICKEN AND UNCERTAIN LIFESTYLE OF THE HOLY with maturing children who need parental guidance.
APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE WHO ARE THE MATURING
THEY ENDURED ALL KINDS AND DEGREES OF HUMILIATION being CHILDREN, NEED OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH AND GUIDE
treated as filth and even like the off-scourings YET, US.
INSTEAD OF RETALIATING IN A SIMILAR FASHION STRIKING ST PAUL URGED US AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO IMITATE
BACK IN A SIMILAR MANNER AT THEIR PERSECUTORS THE HOLY HIM just as he ceaselessly strove to imitate our Lord
APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST RESPONDED Jesus Christ.
WITH UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE AGAPE!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 9 : 36 10 : 8
At that time, our Lord Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with Compassion for them, for they were weary and
scattered, like Sheep without a 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.

SYNAXIS OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD & SAVIOUR - 30 JUNE 2017 33
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 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 concerning the Power to Heal all types of ailments
and brought safely home. and diseases.
His Compassion means that HE SUFFERS WITH AND FOR ALL THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES - not exactly the same in
THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY LOST. all the New Testament lists - ARE ARRANGED IN PAIRS,
In His human Nature CHRIST UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT MEANS FOR which gives an interesting impression of who may
US HUMAN BEINGS TO BE LOST AND EXILED FROM THE DIVINE have travelled with whom on this - THE APOSTLES FIRST -
PRESENCE AND GRACE OF HIS HEAVENLY FATHER. MISSIONARY JOURNEY, since St Mark wrote that they
He always shares our Spiritual and physical suffering were sent out two by two.
because of His Infinite Love for us. THE DISCIPLES MISSION - like that of our Lord Jesus
The imagery of being ...like Sheep who have no Christ - WAS TO PREACH AND TO HEAL.
Shepherd... is drawn from the Old Testament and OUR LORD SENT THEM ONLY TO THE JUDEANS - who were THE
is AN ACCUSATION AGAINST JEWISH LEADERS WHO - INITIAL FOCUS OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY.
although CHARGED BY GOD WITH THE SACRED DUTY OF THIS WAS SO THAT, AFTER THE RESURRECTION, THEY COULD NOT
BEING SPIRITUAL SHEPHERDS OF HIS HOLY FLOCK His BLAME THE DISCIPLES for ...going to uncircumcised
Chosen People - ACTED LIKE RAVENOUS WOLVES men meaning the Gentiles. [ACTS 11:3]
instead: OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAREFULLY PREPARED HIS DISCIPLES BY
THIS IS A DIRE WARNING TO OUR OWN CHRISTIAN PRIESTS AND 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
come in before them, who shall lead them out and from Almighty God and has nothing to do with
bring them in, so that the Congregation of the Lord our own 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
scattered on the mountains, like sheep that have no GOD for all their needs - to depend on DIVINE
shepherd; and the Lord said, These have no Master; PROVIDENCE - and to PREVENT ANY ACCUSATIONS of
let each one go home in Peace. greed or selfishness.

E z e k i e l 3 4 : 5 : So they were scattered, because GOD FREES US FROM WORRYING ABOUT WORLDLY MATTERS so
there was no Shepherd; and scattered, they became that we can CONCENTRATE ON preaching his divine
food (prey)for all the Wild Animals. word and/or FULFILLING OUR OWN PERSONAL SACRED
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
and Apostle means one officially sent on a depend on God to provide all necessary means so that
Mission. they would be able to earn enough to feed and clothe
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PERFORMED MIRACLES BY HIS OWN themselves.
DIVINE POWER whereas THE APOSTLES WERE GIVEN This Divine Teaching applies to us to this day and it certainly
POWER TO DO WONDERFUL DEEDS THROUGH CHRIST BY THE works, for not only do we have enough for ourselves, but
HOLY SPIRIT Who makes all things possible for us. God also gives us enough to share with those who have
far less. mp
THE SYNAXIS OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES 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 ReposedInPeaceFor Over100 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
THE PRAYER OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF OPTINA MONASTERY
O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with Spiritual Tranquillity. Grant that I may fully
surrender myself to Thy Holy Will. At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news
may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is
subject to Thy Divine Will. Direct my thoughts and emotions in all my words and actions. In all unexpected
occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee. Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and
wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.
O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it.
Direct my will and teach me to pray, to Believe, to Hope, to be Patient, to Forgive, and to Love.
Amen.

34. SYNAXIS OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD & SAVIOUR - 30 JUNE 2017