In the morning they came to the river.
The monk took saw your anguish and wanted to answer the questions that
out the vessel, made the sign of the cross over it, and put it
into the river.
By lunchtime the travellers had arrived at another village.
They were invited to one of the houses for a meal. When
they were leaving the house, a dog was barking in the yard.
The monk killed it. Immediately a boy ran out of the house
and started screaming. The hermit’s travelling companion
grabbed him by the right arm, yanked it and broke it, then
calmly continued his way. The indignant hermit wanted to
tell him what he thought, but remembering his promise he
again kept silence.
When dusk fell, the monk and the hermit decided to
spend the night in a ramshackle house, which turned out
to be inhabited by some children. Their parents had died
and they had no one to take care of them. The travellers
spent the night there, but in the morning before leaving the
monk took a firebrand out of the furnace and burned down
the house. And again the hermit was indignant, but again
he could say nothing.
They came to a third village. There they saw a ruined
church, but it was still possible to go into it and pray. The
monk took up a stone and flung it through the church win-
dow, shattering it. Then he took his bemused brother to a
tavern. When he entered, the monk made three prostra-
tions. The hermit by now had resigned himself to his com-
panion’s strange behavior and just prayed.
On the last night the travellers were invited to spend the
night in a house on the edge of a wood. There lived a young
couple who had no children. In the morning the couple set
out to work in the field, and the travellers went on their
way. But suddenly the monk returned and burned down
that house as well.
Finally they arrived at Alexandria. The hermit could no
longer wait to understand the essence of what had hap-
pened to them on the road. So he asked his companion, “Tell
me after all, who are you?”
“I am an angel,” the other replied.
“You! An angel?!” the hermit scoffed disdainfully. “You
are a real devil! Only a demon could do all those dreadful
things you’ve done. Those good people showed you hospi-
tality you repaid them all with black ingratitude. You were a
thief, an arsonist, a murderer, and a sacrilegious desecrator.
And you even wear monastic clothing!”
“You are mistaken,” the travelling companion answered.
“I really am an angel. And I was sent to you because the Lord
tormented you. I know that you want to know why I did all
those things. I will start from the beginning.
“Why did I steal the vessel? I’ll answer you. Our host’s
grandfather stole it from one monastery church, and be-
cause of that sacrilege his family was punished for three
generations with illnesses and other problems. As a sign
of gratitude for their hospitality I decided to deliver them
from this punishment. I signed the vessel with the sign of
the cross and put it into the river. Some monks will come
there to wash their clothes, find it and return it to the
monastery.
“I knew that the dog was already rabid. It would have bit-
ten its owners and that is why I killed it. And I broke their
son’s arm because I could foresee that when he grows up he
would become a robber. But with a bad arm like that you
can’t do much robbing.
“Why did I burn down the children’s house? Those chil-
dren would soon have died without any care, and now in
the place of their burned house they’ll find the silver their
parents hid, and they can now go to Alexandria to their
grandfather who is a bishop—he’ll take care of them. When
they grow up, the boys will become priests and the girls
will marry.
“I know that you are puzzled as to why I threw the stone
through the church window and made prostrations in the
tavern. I saw that the demons were dancing at the church
window and I chased them away with that stone. That
church will soon be repaired. In the tavern was a wealthy
merchant who had promised the priest that he would pay
the cost of repairing the church. That is why I bowed to
him.
“And finally, about the last house. I burned it down in or-
der to save the young couple from the curse of childlessness.
The husband had made a dirty deal and built that house
with the money he got from it. That is why they didn’t have
any children. I saw that he is repenting of his deed and
doesn’t know how to get rid of his house. Now he will build
a more modest house but on honestly earned money. And
the Lord will bless them with children.”
Do you understand? God’s mercy for people is shown in
everything, but they don’t see it and can’t understand it. The
Lord never commits evil. But people look at His works as
misfortunes and sorrows, while the Lord does these things
only for the sake of good and for their correction. Therefore
do not look at the external side, but try to see God’s all-
encompassing justice in everything.
ST. LUKE The EVANGELIST
GreeK orThodox chUrch
JUNE 16, 2019—HOLY PENTECOST
I
N THE CHURCH’S ANNUAL LITURGICAL CYCLE, Pentecost is “the last and great day.” It is the celebra-
tion by the Church of the coming of the Holy Spirit as the end - the achievement and fulfillment - of the entire
history of salvation. For the same reason, however, it is also the celebration of the beginning: it is the “birthday” of
the Church as the presence among us of the Holy Spirit, of the new life in Christ, of grace, knowledge, adoption to God
and holiness.
This double meaning and double joy is revealed to us, first of all, in the very name of the feast. Pentecost in Greek
means fifty, and in the sacred biblical symbolism of numbers, the number fifty symbolizes both the fulness of time and
that which is beyond time: the Kingdom of God itself. It symbolizes the fulness of time by its first component: 49, which
is the fulness of seven (7 x 7): the number of time. And, it symbolizes that which is beyond time by its second compo-
nent: 49 + 1, this one being the new day, the “day without evening” of God’s eternal Kingdom. With the descent of the
Holy Spirit upon Christ’s disciples, the time of salvation, the Divine work of redemption has been completed, the fulness
revealed, all gifts bestowed: it belongs to us now to “appropriate” these gifts, to be that which we have become in Christ:
participants and citizens of His Kingdom.
SAINT TIKHON, BISHOP OF AMATHUS, was born in the city Amathus on the island of Cyprus. His parents
raised their son in Christian piety, and taught him the reading of sacred books. It is said that the gift of wonderworking
appeared in Saint Tikhon at quite a young age.
His father was the owner of a bakery, and whenever he left his son alone in the shop, the holy youth would give free
bread to those in need. Learning of this, his father became angry, but the son said that he had read in the Scriptures, that
in giving to God one receives back a hundredfold. “I,” said the youth, “gave to God the bread which was taken,” and he
persuaded his father to go to the place where the grain was stored. With astonishment the father saw that the granary,
which formerly was empty, was now filled to overflowing with wheat. From that time the father did not hinder his son
from distributing bread to the poor.
A certain gardener brought the dried prunings of vines from the vineyard. Saint Tikhon gathered them, planted
them in his garden and besought the Lord that these branches might take root and yield fruit for the health of people.
The Lord did so through the faith of the holy youth. The branches took root, and their fruit had a particular and very
pleasant taste. It was used during the lifetime of the saint and after his death for making wine for the Mystery of the
Holy Eucharist.
1510 audubon drive A columbia, missouri, 65201 A tel. 573.817.0050
email: info@saintlukecolumbia.org A web: www.saintlukecolumbia.org

the hymns of the antiphons
First Antiphon.
VERSE: The heavens declare the glory of God: the firma-
ment proclaims the work of his hands.
By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
VERSE: Day to day utters the word: and night to night pro-
claims knowledge
Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡμᾶς.
VERSE: There is no speech or language: where their voices
are not heard.
By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
VERSE: Their sound has gone out into all the earth: and
their words to the ends of the world.
Ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, Σῶτερ, σῶσον ἡμᾶς.
VERSE: Glory...Both now...
By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.
Second Antiphon.
VERSE: The Lord hears you in the day of trouble: the name
of the God of Jacob shield you.
Save us, O good Comforter, we sing to you alleluia.
VERSE: May he send you help from the sanctuary: and sup-
port you out of Sion.
Save us, O good Comforter, we sing to you alleluia.
VERSE: May he remember your every sacrifice: and accept
your burnt offering.
Save us, O good Comforter, we sing to you alleluia.
VERSE: Glory…Both now…
Only begotten son…
his holy prayers were answered by God. Whenever any-
one praised him for anything, he would smile and say, “I
do not agree with you. I have my doubts.”
On June 15, 1862 Father Archimandrite Moses became
very weak, and had to be supported by others when he
received Holy Communion because he did not wish to
partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ while lying down.
That evening he listened as the Gospel according to Saint
John was being read for him. At midnight he received
Before the Entrance…
Holy Communion again, although this time he received
Apolytikion of the Feast. lying down.
mode 4. A few hours later, Saint Moses raised his right hand
B
and those in the room came to receive his blessing. He
lessed are You, O Christ our God. You made
continued to bless, even when there was no one there.
the fishermen all-wise, by sending down upon
Evidently, he was blessing people he knew in other places.
them the Holy Spirit, and so through them You
Later the monastery received a letter from a person in
drew the world into Your net. O Lover of mankind,
Saint Petersburg who said that he had seen Saint Moses in
glory to You. (x4)
a dream at the very hour when he was dying and blessing
After the Entrance… those who were absent. He seemed to see the Elder ly-
ing on a bed and blessing each individual member of this
Apolytikion of the Feast.
person’s family.
mode 4.
Then it was decided to resume reading the Gospel over
B
lessed are You, O Christ our God. You made
Father Moses. The monks took turns reading until about
the fishermen all-wise, by sending down upon
ten o’clock when the Elder breathed a little sigh and sur-
them the Holy Spirit, and so through them You rendered his soul to God. At that very moment, the monk
drew the world into Your net. O Lover of mankind, who was reading reached the end of the sixtenth chapter
glory to You. of the Gospel of Saint Matthew: “For the Son of man shall
Kontakion of the Feast. come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then
he shall reward every man according to his works. Truly I
mode pl. 4.
say unto you, there are some standing here who shall not
W hen the Most High God came down and con- taste of death until they see the Son of man coming in his
fused the tongues,* He divided the nations.* kingdom.” (Matthew 16:27-28).
When He distributed the tongues of fire,* He called
Early in his life, when he visited the Sarov monastery
all to unity.* And with one voice we glorify the all- and saw the life of the monks there, he resolved not to
holy Spirit. possess anything during his life. Ironically, he was forced
Instead f the Trisagion… to deal with raising money for building projects, and with
paying the workers at Optina. After his death the money
All those who have been baptized… coffer in which he kept the monastery funds was opened.
Communion hymn Inside they found a single ten kopek coin stuck between
the bottom and side of the chest. His brother Saint An-
Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of up-
rightness. Alleluia… thony remarked, “Father Moses probably did not notice
it, otherwise he would have spent it.”
Several years after his death, the holy relics of Saint
Moses were found to be incorrupt.
The Moscow Patriarchate authorized local veneration
of the Optina Elders on June 13,1996. The work of un-
covering the relics of Saints Leonid, Macarius, Hilarion,
Ambrose, Anatole I, Barsanuphius and Anatole II began
on June 24/July 7, 1998 and was concluded the next day.
However, because of the church Feasts (Nativity of Saint
John the Baptist, etc.) associated with the actual dates of
the uncovering of the relics, Patriarch Alexey II desig-
nated June 27/July 10 as the date for commemorating this
event. The relics of the holy Elders now rest in the new
church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
The Optina Elders were glorified by the Moscow Pa-
triarchate for universal veneration on August 7, 2000.
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL?
A Parable by Elder Cleopa
A long time ago in the Egyptian desert there lived a her-
mit monk. Sometimes he would go to Alexandria to sell
the baskets he wove. The hermit would give almost all the
money he made on his baskets to the poor, leaving only
enough to buy himself the bare necessities.
One day while walking to the city he asked himself the
question, “Why does the Lord allow evil in people’s lives if
He is Good, Just, and Almighty?” His mind was disturbed
because he had seen so much unhappiness and sorrow
when he was last in the city.
Along the road he met another monk who was also go-
ing to Alexandria. They talked with each other, and he told
his new travelling companion about his anguish. Seeing that
the hermit was troubled, the monk comforted him and told
him that the Lord will reveal the truth to him when they ar-
rive at the city, but he will have to pray ceaselessly and never
ask questions, no matter what happens.
The hermit promised to do as the monk said, and they
continued along their way. They stopped at one home to
spend the night. The householders received them with love
and generously fed them. On the table was a beautiful silver
vessel. Before they left to go to sleep, the monk surrepti-
tiously took that vessel and put it in his rucksack. The her-
mit wanted to reproach his companion, but he remembered
his promise and said nothing.
 In 1821 Bishop Philaret of Kaluga (later Metropolitan
of Kiev) suggested that the Putilov brothers move to the
Optina Hermitage with a few monks and establish a skete
near the monastery, where they could live in greater soli-
tude. Saints Moses and Anthony arrived at Optina on July
6, 1822 to begin their labors. Their first task was to clear
away some trees from the place they had chosen, and to
uproot the stumps. They built a small cell and enclosed
it with a fence, and also built a church dedicated to Saint
John the Baptist.
Bishop Philaret suggested that Father Moses be or-
During a time of famine there was scarcely enough
food to feed the monks. It was just then that Father Moses
began the construction of guest houses on the monastery
grounds and hired people from the neighboring towns
and villages to do the work. The monastery not only paid
their wages, but also fed their families. One of the monks
was concerned that the coming famine would force them
to postpone the construction and lay off the workers.
the readings of the day
Saint Moses told him that the people would not starve,
epistle reading gOspel reading
because as long as God sent gifts to the monastery they
would share them with the people. The Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-11) John (7:37-52; 8:12)

dained, but he absolutely refused to consider it. The
bishop said, “If you do not agree to this, I will call you to
account for it at the Dread Judgment of the Lord.” Only
then would Father Moses consent. He was ordained as a
deacon on December 22, 1822, and to the holy priesthood
on December 25. At the same time, he was appointed Fa-
ther Confessor for the whole monastery.
Father Moses was chosen to be the Superior of Optina
Hermitage in 1826 when he was forty-three, serving in
this capacity for thirty-seven years. He was prepared for
this service by his years of living in the wilderness under
the guidance of his Elder, and by his study of patristic
writings. He was mature in years, and he had also ac-
quired a spiritual maturity through his patient endurance
of tribulations and acceptance of God’s will in all things.
Optina underwent many changes during this time, and
the number of monks increased. The size of the monas-
tery’s property was doubled, orchards of fruit trees and
berry bushes were planted, a library was established, and
many buildings were constructed, including a cathedral
and two churches.
Saint Moses did not have the money for all these proj-
ects, but he undertook them anyway, trusting in God
to provide the means. Sometimes he would even travel
to Moscow to solicit donations to the monastery. When
people asked if he had enough money for his projects,
he would show them a few roubles. Someone would say,
“Father, that is nothing!” Then Father Moses would reply,
“Are you forgetting about God? I may have nothing, but
He has everything.”
Though he was short-tempered by nature, Saint Mo-
ses struggled to acquire patience and meekness. If he
felt himself becoming angry, he would leave to pray by
himself for a while. Once he had calmed down, he would
return. He would also advise people to keep the rule of
Saint Dorotheus (June 5) for being at peace: “Do not de-
sire that things turn out the way you would like, but de-
sire whatever happens. That way you will be at peace”
(Seventeenth Instruction).
Saint Moses did not sleep much. He would arise before
midnight, and usually came to church for Matins. He said
that the Bloodless Sacrifice was offered for us at Liturgy,
and so the monk should sacrifice his own rest at Matins.
During Father Moses’ time the monastery published
sixteen volumes of patristic writings under the direction
of Saint Macarius (September 7). Saint Moses would send
these books free of charge to various monasteries and in-
dividuals for their spiritual benefit.
Although Saint Moses concerned himself with every
aspect of the monastery’s life, his greatest achievement
was to establish eldership at Optina. He received Saint
Leonid (October 11) and Saint Macarius into the monas-
tery, yet he submitted his will to them. He made no de-
cisions, and would not tonsure any monk without first
seeking their counsel. Saint Moses had the gift of elder-
ship himself, but preferred not to offer spiritual counsel
to the brethren. He left this to Father Leonid or Father
Macarius.
The saint endeavored to hide his spiritual gifts from
others, but people knew that he was clairvoyant, and that
N N
ow when the day of Pentecost came, they
were all with one accord [gathered] in the
same place. Suddenly, there came from
heaven a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind,
and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Divided tongues that seemed like fire appeared and
one [tongue] rested on each of them. Then they were
all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in
other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability
to speak. At that time, devout Jews from every nation
under heaven were staying in Jerusalem. When this
sound was heard, a crowd formed and people were
bewildered because ev- eryone heard the disciples
speaking in his own language. They were all amazed
and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, are not
all these who speak Galileans? 8How is it that we hear
everyone [speak] in our own native language? Parthi-
ans, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia,
Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia,
Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from
Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabi-
ans: we hear them speaking in our languages [con-
cerning] the deeds of power of God!”
ow on the last and greatest day of the feast,
Jesus stood and spoke loudly, “If anyone is
thirsty, let him come to me and drink! From
within whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has
said, will flow rivers of living water!” But he said this
concerning the Spirit, which those believing in him
were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given,
because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard
this saying , many of the people said, “This is truly the
prophet!” Others said, “This is the Christ!” Still others
said, “What? Does the Christ come out of Galilee? Has
not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the
seed of David and from Bethlehem, the village where
David was?” And so, there arose a division in the
crowd because of him. Some of them would have ar-
rested him, but no one laid hands on him. And so, the
officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees,
who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The
officers answered, “No one has ever spoken like this
man!” At this, the Pharisees replied, “You are not also
led astray, are you? Have any of the rulers believed in
him, or the Pharisees? But this multitude that does
not know the law is accursed.” Nicodemus (who had
come to him by night, being one of the Pharisees )
said to them, “Does our law judge someone without
first hearing from him personally to find out what
this person is doing?” They answered him, “Are you
also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophet
has arisen out of Galilee.” Then again, Jesus spoke to
them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever
follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have
the light of life.”

announcements
UPCOMING SERVICES
MONDAY, June 17, Monday of the Holy Spirit, Orthros / Divine Liturgy, 8:30am
SATURDAY, June 22, Great Vespers, 5pm
Fr. John Tsikalas – Axios!
Yesterday, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael
of Chicago ordained Dn. John Tsikalas to the Holy
Priesthood at Holy Apostles Church in Westchester,
IL, where Fr. John will be serving as an Associate Pas-
tor. May God grant him, Presvytera Xenia and Ai-
miliane a fruitful ministry and long life! Axios! Axios!
Axios!
Happy Father’s Day
In honor of all fathers, grandfathers, and god fa-
thers, all fathers present today will receive an icon
prayer bookmark and Father’s day card sponsored by
Philoptochos. May our Lord continue to bless them
and guide them in their sacred obligation as physical
and spiritual caretakers and guardians of their chil-
dren.
Donations Requested
Donations for the catering reception for the Or-
dination and for the Hierarchical visit are being ac-
cepted to help defray the costs. Please see Fr Michael
or Randy Sade if you would like to make a donation.
Thank you for your generosity!
BOOKSTORE
Visit our Bookstore today for a selection of beauti-
ful new icons from St. John Chrysostomos Monastery.
INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE
Thank you to everyone who made donations to
help cover the cost of our insurance deductible for
our stolen air conditioner!
GIVE A MONTH Towards Our Future
Help offset our additional mortgage payment with
a donation of $640—we need 12 more payments for
2019. If you would like to sponsor one month for 2018,
please contact Fr. Michael.
PURPLE BARREL
Don’t forget the the purple barrel next time you
are at the grocery store. Donations are picked up by
the local food bank. Thank you!
“
Let us not doubt that, when on the day
of Pentecost the Holy Spirit filled the
disciples, it was not the beginning of
the gift but an addition to his gener-
”
osity.
—st. leo the great
They accepted the pious youth into the church clergy,
made him a reader. Later, Mnemonios, the Bishop of Am-
athus ordained him a deacon. After the death of Bishop
Mnemonios, Saint Tikhon by universal agreement was
chosen as Bishop of Amathus. Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of
Cyprus (May 12), presided at the service.
Saint Tikhon labored zealously to eradicate the rem-
nants of paganism on Cyprus; he destroyed a pagan
temple and spread the Christian Faith. The holy bishop
was generous, his doors were open to all, and he listened
to and lovingly fulfilled the request of each person who
came to him. Fearing neither threats nor tortures, he
firmly and fearlessly confessed his faith before pagans.
In the service to Saint Tikhon it is stated that he fore-
saw the time of his death, which occurred in the year 425.
The name of Saint Tikhon of Amathus was greatly
honored in Russia. Temples dedicated to the saint were
constructed at Moscow, at Nizhni Novgorod, at Kazan
and other cities. But he was particularly venerated in the
Voronezh diocese, where there were three archpastors
in succession sharing the name with the holy hierarch
of Amathus: Saint Tikhon I (Sokolov) (+ 1783, August 13),
Tikhon II (Yakubovsky, until 1785) and Tikhon III (Mali-
nin, until 1788).
SAINT TIKHON OF MEDIN AND KALUGA, in
his youth received monastic tonsure at the Chudov mon-
astery in Moscow, but through his love for solitude he
settled at an isolated spot near Maloyaroslavl. He lived
in asceticism in a deep dense forest, on the bank of the
River Vepreika, in the hollow of an ancient giant oak.
Once, during a hunt, Prince Basil Yaroslavich (grandson
of Vladimir the Brave), came upon Saint Tikhon, angrily
ordered him to leave his property immediately, and dared
to raise his whip against the monk. At once, the hand of
the prince grew numb. Taken aback by such punishment,
the prince repented of his conduct and with humility
asked forgiveness.
He received healing through the prayer of Saint Tik-
hon. The prince entreated the monk to remain always on
his property and to build a monastery there for monks,
promising to provide it with everything necessary. Saint
Tikhon built a monastery in honor of the Dormition of
the Most Holy Theotokos, which he headed. He guided
the monastery until he reached a great old age, and he
died in the year 1492, after receiving the great schema.
Saint Tikhon’s body was buried at the cathedral church
of the monastery he founded. The celebration of Saint
Tikhon was established at the Council of 1584.
SAINT MOSES (PUTILOV) was born on January
15, 1782 in the city of Borisogleb in the Yaroslavl province,
and was baptized with the name Timothy. His siblings
were called Jonah, Basil, Cyril, Anysia, and Alexander.
John Putilov named all his children after the saint com-
memorated on the eighth day after their birth, so the
future Saint Moses was named for the holy Apostle Tim-
othy of the Seventy (January 22). The children were edu-
cated at home, since their parents feared they would be
corrupted in some way if they were sent away to school.
When Timothy was nineteen, his father sent him and
his younger brother Jonah to work in Moscow. While
in Moscow they met the Elders Alexander and Philaret
of the Novospassky Monastery, who had spiritual ties to
Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (November 15). Through their
aquaintance with these two ascetics of piety, the broth-
ers decided that they also wished to become monks. In
May of 1805 they visited the Sarov monastery (which their
widowed brother-in-law Cosmas Krundishev had en-
tered in November 1804) and spoke with Saint Seraphim
(January 2). The brothers remained at Sarov for two and
a half years. At first they were assigned to the bakery, and
then to other obediences.
In 1811, following the advice of Hieromonk Alexis of
Moscow’s Simonov Monastery, Timothy went to live with
the hermits of the Roslavl forests. There he was placed
under the guidance of Elder Athanasius, a disciple of
Saint Paisius Velichkovsky. In time, he received the mo-
nastic tonsure from Father Athanasius and was named
Moses. His sponsor at his tonsure was Elder Dositheus,
who had lived in the Rostov forests for forty years.
Alexander, the youngest brother of Father Moses, came
to the Roslavl forest on January 15, 1816 to share the life
of the monks. Four years later, he was tonsured with the
name Anthony. He was placed in the care of Father Mo-
ses, to whom he remained obedient for the rest of his life.