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.
1 JULY 2019
ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS
HOL Y UNMERC ENARY , WONDERWORK ING PH YSICIANS OF ROME

Also the Feast of St Potitos of Naples – St Peter of Constantinople – St Angelina the Princess of
Albania & Serbia – St John of Rila, Translation of Holy Relics – St Basil, Founder of the Vatheos
Riakos (Deep Stream) Monastery – St Leo the Hermit – 25 Holy Martyrs of Nikomedia – 2000
Holy Martyrs of Nicomedia

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 15 - T ONE 4

To the Saints on His Earth, in them He Magnified all His Will.
I beheld the Lord always before me; for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
F IR ST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E C OR INTH IANS 12 : 27 – 13 : 8
Brethren, You are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: first
Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Administrations, varieties
of Tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of Healings? Do all
speak with Tongues? Do all interpret? Earnestly desire the best Gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent Way:
Although I speak with the Tongues of men and of Angels, but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a
clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and
although I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing! And although I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it profits me
nothing!
Love is long-suffering and kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself - is not puffed up, does not behave
rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
✶ “...You are the Body of Christ ...” As Disciples of  By LIVING HARMONIOUSLY with our fellow mankind.
Christ, WE ARE ALL PART OF ONE UNITED ‘... Body of  By PROTECTING AND TAKING CARE OF OUR NATURAL
Christ...’ – His One HOLY, UNIVERSAL CHURCH. ENVIRONMENT and all creatures great and small.
✶ Even though we are ‘...members individually...” – ✶ “...a more excellent Way...” is THE UNCONDITIONAL
separate, individual beings - WE DO NOT NOR SHOULD LOVE OF GOD – AGAPE
WE ACT INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD AND HIS HOLY CHURCH. ✶ “...Although I speak ...” To those who are

WE CANNOT FULFIL OUR SACRED DUTIES OUTSIDE OR APART preoccupied with the ‘speaking of tongues’ – i.e.
FROM THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF GOD AND HIS HOLY speaking different languages of this world – ST PAUL
CHURCH. TAUGHT THE ULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT –DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE.

THERE IS A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR in the Holy Church of
✶ “...but have not Love...” THE ACQUISITION OF THIS
the New Covenant to this day.
ETERNAL, HOLY VIRTUE OF DIVINE LOVE OF ALL CREATION IS

THE APOSTOLIC WORK – THAT OF THE BISHOP – SETS THE PACE
THE MOST TRUE SIGN OF THE PRESENCE OF THE LIFE-GIVING,
FOR ALL THE PARISH CHURCHES UNDER HIS AUTHORITY.
ALL HOLY SPIRIT, Who bestows the Divine Gifts upon us.

WHEN THE OVERSIGHT OF THE BISHOP IS IN ORDER – i.e. the

St Basil the Great taught us that THERE ARE THREE REASONS
supervision of the Bishop – THE REST OF THE HOLY
– all Biblical and all God-given – FOR US TO FOLLOW
CHURCH IS FREE TO FUNCTION AT ITS OPTIMAL LEVEL.
THE LORD OUR GOD:
✶ “...God has appointed... “ THE VARIOUS ROLES OF EVERY 1. FEAR
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES IS APPOINTED BY THE LORD OUR GOD  PROVERBS 1:7 “The Fear of God is THE BEGINNING
Himself. OF WISDOM.”

GOD CALLS US AND BESTOWS HIS SPECIFIC DIVINE GIFTS UPON 2. OBEDIENCE – a recognition that BECAUSE HE IS GOD
US IN ORDER TO FULFIL VARIOUS ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS WE MUST WILLINGLY OBEY HIM.
WITHIN HIS UNIVERSAL HOLY CHURCH...  ACTS 5:29 “... Peter and the other Apostles

Thereby HIS DIVINE MISSION – THE SALVATION OF ALL answered: ‘WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER
MANKIND – MIGHT BE ACCOMPLISHED according to the THAN MANKIND...’
Will of God the Father, through God the Son, by the 3. LOVE
Power and Energy of God the Holy Spirit.  1 JOHN 4:19 “We Love Him (God) because HE

THE DIVINE GIFTS ENABLE US TO ACHIEVE ALL GOOD VIRTUES FIRST LOVED US.”
AND EVERYTHING THAT IS HONOURABLE, WHICH GLORIFIES  GOD IS LOVE
THE LORD OUR GOD.  HE LOVES US DESPITE OUR SINFUL STATE

The Divine Gifts are also bestowed upon us TO ENABLE  HE HAS PROVIDED ALL MEANS POSSIBLE TO CORRECT OUR
US TO FULLY UNDERSTAND AND APPLY TO OUR OWN WORDS, ERRORS AND BE RESTORED AND REGENERATED as He
THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, ALL THE DIVINE TRUTH OF CHRIST’S has created us to be.
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
While we must perpetually Strive to DO ALL THINGS OUT
The Divine Gifts are ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND OF LOVE, WE MUST ALSO NOT CEASE FEARING – I.E.
WELFARE so that we are able to proceed towards RESPECTING – GOD AND (WILLINGLY) OBEYING HIM.
Eternity as God created us to do -
DIVINE OR GODLY LOVE OUTSHINES PROPHECY AND ALL FAITH
 By DOING EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY WORTHY,
DIVINE LOVE IS OF FAR GREATER VALUE AND SPIRITUAL BENEFIT
HONOURABLE AND GOOD than the miraculous ability to remove mountains!
 By DEVELOPING A CLOSE, INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH
OUR LORD JESUS URGED US TO GIVE TO THE POOR AND TO
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICE OUR LIFE FOR THE BENEFIT AND SAKE OF OTHERS.

S T K OSM AS & S T D AM IANOS – H OLY U NM ER CE NAR IE S OF R OME - 1 JU LY 2019 1


HOWEVER: even such SELFLESS ACTS of Holy Martyrdom
and personal sacrifice that are DONE WITHOUT LOVE
WILL PROFIT US ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

ANY EFFORT NOT PERFORMED WITH SINCERE, TRUE AGAPE –
DIVINE LOVE – IS WASTED AND UNBENEFICIAL because it
is not motivated by our deep, abiding Love of God
- for His exclusive Glory, Honour and Worship – nor
due to our Love and Compassion for our suffering,
destitute or sorrowing fellow mankind.
✶ “...Love is...” St Paul specifically explained THE EXACT
ATTRIBUTES OF DIVINE, GODLY LOVE – AGAPE :
1. “...long-suffering and kind...” LOVE IS PATIENT,
KIND AND GENTLE, especially with those who are
hurt.
 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 – “We exhort you, Brethren:
WARN those who are unruly, COMFORT the faint-
hearted, UPHOLD the weak, BE PATIENT WITH ALL.”
 EPHESIANS 4:32 “... BE KIND to one another, TENDER-
HEARTED, FORGIVING each other, even AS GOD IN
CHRIST FORGIVES YOU.”)
2. “...Love does not envy ...” LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS,
ENVIOUS, RESENTFUL NOR BITTER concerning whatever
others have, do or receive.

We must BE SATISFIED WITH WHATEVER WE HAVE, for GOD
KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED.
 PROVERBS 23:17 – “DO NOT let your heart ENVY SINNERS,
but BE IN FEAR OF THE LORD the whole day long.”
3. “...Love does not parade itself...” nor put itself
on display.

We must NEVER CONSIDER OURSELVES AS BEING ‘SUPERIOR’
TO ANYONE ELSE, but rather “inferior” to everyone
else!

We must strive to ACQUIRE TRUE HUMILITY, ALWAYS
PUTTING OTHERS BEFORE OURSELVES.
 JOHN 3:30 “He (Christ) must increase, but I (St John
the Baptist) MUST DECREASE.”
4. “...Love is not puffed up...” - NEITHER ARROGANT NOR
PROUD - WITHOUT A SENSE OF SELF-IMPORTANCE that is
usually DELUSIONAL, INCORRECT AND OVER-RATED.

THE DEGREE OF OUR ARROGANCE AND PRIDE CAN BE
MEASURED BY THE INTENSITY OF OUR ANGER,
FRUSTRATION, DISAPPOINTMENT AND HURT WHEN OUR
DESIRES ARE THWARTED.
 GALATIANS 6:3 “... If anyone thinks himself to be
something, when he is nothing, HE DECEIVES
HIMSELF.”
5. “...Love does not act rudely...” Neither does it
act brashly and mean-spiritedly.

We must always RESIST the wicked temptations of
HURTING, CRITICISING, DENIGRATING, INSULTING,
RUMOUR-MONGERING OR GOSSIPING.

We must STRIVE TO CONTROL OUR THOUGHTS from
which come our words and deeds.

We must ALWAYS THINK, ACT AND SPEAK WORTHILY,
knowing that EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED IS
OUR OWN JUDGEMENT AGAINST OURSELVES!
 ECCLESIASTES 5:2 “The voice of a senseless man is
with a multitude of words.”
6. “...Love does not seek its own way ...” NEITHER
DOES LOVE ACT FORCEFULLY NOR SELFISHLY.

GOD NEVER FORCES HIS DIVINE WILL UPON US, but waits
for us to voluntarily Obey Him, which requires
the Holy Virtue of Humility on our part.

ACCORDINGLY, WE MUST NEVER TRY TO IMPOSE OR FORCE
OUR WILL OR DESIRES UPON OUR FELLOW MANKIND.

More significantly, WE MUST NEVER DARE TO TRY TO
“FORCE” GOD TO FULFIL OUR SELFISH DESIRES by
bargaining with Him or by making ridiculous
threats!!
 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24: “Let no one seek his own
(will), but each one the other’s well-being.”
7. “...Love bears all things...” LOVE COPES WITH
BURDENSOME AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES of daily
life.

WE MUST STRIVE TO DO THE BEST WE CAN, no matter
what our circumstances might be.

We must DEPEND ENTIRELY UPON THE LOVE AND
PROVIDENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD Who always knows
what is beneficial for our Eternal Salvation.

GOD PERMITS US TO STRUGGLE SO THAT THEREBY WE
BECOME CLOSER TO HIM AND GROW SPIRITUALLY
STRONGEr and more determined to fulfil our
2 S T K OSM AS & S T D AM IANOS – H OLY
Sacred Mission of regaining our Divine
Likeness.

THROUGH OUR WEAKNESS AND STRUGGLES WE LEARN TO
RELY MORE ON THE LOVE OF GOD AND ARE THUS ABLE
TO ACQUIRE THE DIVINE VIRTUES ESSENTIAL FOR OUR
ETERNAL SALVATION.

PATIENCE IS A GREAT HOLY VIRTUE BECAUSE THEREBY WE
MAINTAIN OUR IMMORTAL SOUL, AS CHRIST TAUGHT US
TO DO.
 GALATIANS 6:2 “BEAR EACH OTHER’S BURDENS, and so
FULFIL THE LAW OF CHRIST.”
8. “...Love believes all things and trusts in
God...” no matter what circumstances or what
occurs!

As Disciples of Christ, WE UNWAVERINGLY BELIEVE HIS
DIVINE TRUTH AND TRUST IMPLICITLY IN THE LORD OUR
GOD Who controls all Creation and makes
everything possible for us – especially
everything that is beyond our limited ability.

When our heart is pure, our Faith is more
profound, and God is able to Abide within us.
 PROVERBS 3:5 “TRUST IN GOD with all your heart.”)
9. “... Love Hopes all things...” Love is focussed on
God and His Heavenly Kingdom – the very Source
of Divine Love.

Divine Love – Agape – is a positive, powerful, Holy
Virtue that never loses Hope for Eternal Life in
God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love.

Love is the Everlasting Holy Virtue that we carry
into Eternity, for Eternal Life is a Life of Divine
Love, Joy, and Peace beyond description.

Love is ever Hopeful and optimistic because
thereby we behold the Goodness and Blessings
of God in all circumstances and situations –
confident that God, being in control, causes
good and positive things to arise even from the
ashes of disasters.
 PHILIPPIANS 3:13 “... Forgetting those things that are
behind, and REACHING FORWARD to those things
that are ahead.”
10. “... Love endures all things..” because it
TOLERATES EVERYTHING AND NEVER WEARS OUT.

Divine Love is UTTERLY UNCONDITIONAL – DOES NOT
DEPEND ON, NOR EXPECTS ANY TYPE OF REWARD,
REPAYMENT OR RECIPROCATION. by many means.

When we have acquired TRUE AGAPE, our Love of
God and of our fellow mankind, and indeed, of
all Creation HAS NO LIMITS NOR RESTRICTIONS.

Such Pure Love increases and GROWS MORE INTENSE
WITH SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND EXPERIENCE.

Divine Love MAKES EVEN THE LOVE OF ENEMIES ACTUALLY
POSSIBLE AND SINCERE, which REVEALS ITS DIVINE
SOURCE – OUR LOVING AND BENEVOLENT TRIUNE LORD
GOD!
 GALATIANS 6:9 “... Grow not weary while doing
good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do
not lose heart.”
11. “...Love never fails.” LOVE ACCOMPLISHES AND FULFILS
EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD, HONOURABLE AND WORTHY.

Love can ULTIMATELY TRANSFORM ALL CREATION AND
DISPLAY ALL THE MAGNIFICENT GLORY OF GOD.

Love cannot fail, for THE DIVINE POWER AND ENERGY OF
GOD WHO IS LOVE, OVERCOMES ALL NEGATIVITY AND
WICKEDNESS (created by the fallen spirits who
rebelled against God and rejected His Loving
Benevolence, Goodness and Light.)

Love is THE BRIGHTEST BEACON OF DIVINE LIGHT THAT
SHINES AND ILLUMINATES EVERYTHING, including
those hidden in the Darkness of sin and the
Fall from Divine Grace.
ALL THE OTHER DIVINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - as wonderful
as they are - ARE MERELY TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE.
THEY SERVE THE VARIOUS PURPOSES AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS
SHORT, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN – for our use only while we
are still Spiritual “Children” – Spiritually Immature –
who are Struggling to regain our created Divine
Likeness.
However, DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE - IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE AND
FULFILLING, SO IT CONTINUES INTO THE AGE TO COME –
Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
ALL DIVINE TRUTH – Christ’s Teachings and Commandments
– IS FOUNDED ON AND MOTIVATED BY DIVINE LOVE.
U NM ER CE NAR IE S OF R OME - 1 JU LY 2019
ONLY BY STRIVING TO ACQUIRE THAT PERFECT, DIVINE LOVE, CAN
WE REGAIN OUR DIVINE LIKENESS TO CHRIST.
OUR ENTIRE EXISTENCE - the Reason and Purpose of our
creation - CONCERNS THAT DIVINE LOVE OF GOD AND OF
EACH OTHER.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO
At that time, when our Lord Jesus had Called His Twelve Disciples to Him, He gave them Power over unclean spirits – to
cast them out – and to Heal all kinds of disease. These Jesus sent out, having commanded them: “Do not go into
the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. Go to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.
Go, 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.”
✶ “...His Twelve Disciples...” - THE TERMS “DISCIPLES”
AND “APOSTLES” ARE USED INTERCHANGEABLY by St Matthew,
St Mark, St Luke and St John.

However, the term “Apostle” REFERS TO THOSE WHO WERE
SPECIFICALLY “...sent forth...” BY OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR –
initially to His Chosen People – the Nation of Israel
– and later, to the Gentiles – the New Chosen
People of God – the “New Israel.”

All those who followed Christ and who accompanied
Him on His Missionary Journeys were His Disciples
for THEY LIVED BY THE HOLY DISCIPLINE OF HIS DIVINE
TRUTH – HIS TEACHINGS AND HIS COMMANDMENTS.

To this day, THOSE OF US WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO CHRIST AND
WHO STRUGGLE DAILY TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE TRUTH, ARE
ALSO “DISCIPLES OF CHRIST” WHO OUGHT TO APPLY HIS
DIVINE TRUTH TO EVERY ASPECT OF DAILY LIFE.

THE TRUE APOSTLES OF CHRIST WERE HIS TWELVE APOSTLES AS
WELL AS THE SEVENTY APOSTLES who were all GRANTED
DIVINE AUTHORITY AND POWER and then sent forth by
Christ.
✶ “...He gave them Power...” TO FULFIL THEIR SACRED
MISSION BY THE DIVINE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF GOD,

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - THE ETERNAL WORD AND ONLY
BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD – THE SECOND PERSON OF THE
HOLY TRINITY - BESTOWS HIS DIVINE POWER AND
AUTHORITY UPON HIS CALLED APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES
in order to accomplish His Divine Mission to
mankind.

ALL DIVINE MIRACLES ARE PERFORMED THROUGH VARIOUS
SANCTIFIED MEANS such as God’s Holy Saints, Martyrs
and various Sanctified Elements that have been
EMPOWERED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Certain MATERIAL ELEMENTS BECOME SANCTIFIED THROUGH
CONTACT EITHER DIRECTLY WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT –
such as those used in the Holy Mysteries - OR
INDIRECTLY through elements that have been in
contact with God’s Sanctified Saints and Martyrs.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PERFORMS ALL HIS DIVINE WORKS AND
MIRACLES DIRECTLY, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF HIS
HEAVENLY FATHER and WITH THE POWER AND ENERGY OF
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, because THE HOLY TRINITY
ALWAYS WORKS TOGETHER IN UNIFIED HARMONY – as One
Almighty Lord God or Godhead.
✶ “...’Do not go...’” OUR LORD’S DIVINE MISSION WAS FIRST
AND FOREMOST TO RESTORE HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE – the
Nation of Israel – to His Divine Grace.

He specifically sent His Apostles to the “Lost Sheep” of
Israel so that NO ONE COULD ACCUSE THEM OF
ASSOCIATING WITH “...UNCIRCUMCISED MEN...” – the
Gentiles, pagans or non-Jews – which was
forbidden.

The Samaritans were especially despised and
avoided at all costs due to their apostasy.

The Samaritans were former Israelites who had inter-
married with pagans and thus fallen into
apostasy.
✶ “...’The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ ...”
This is THE DIVINE PROCLAMATION THAT ALL THAT WAS
PROPHESIED OVER THE PAST CENTURIES, WAS NOW BEING
FULFILLED by the long-awaited Great Messiah – our
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
✶ “...Heal ... Cleanse ..., Raise ..., cast out ...”
Our Lord prepared His Apostles and Disciples to be
single-minded and FOCUSSED IN THEIR SACRED MISSION OF
SALVATION.

After His Ascension, OUR SACRED MISSION OF
SALVATION is to
S T K OSM AS & S T D AM IANOS – H
OUR JOURNEY OF THE RESTORATION OF OUR HOLY NATURE AND
ETERNAL LIFE BEGINS WITH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM
AND CHRISMATION – OUR SACRED COMMITMENT TO GOD AS
HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14: “LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE WITH
LOVE.”
R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 10 : 1, 5 – 8
1. “...MAKE DISCIPLES of all Nations...”
2. “...BAPTISING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND
OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,..”
3. “... TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS...” THAT
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS TAUGHT US.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ very clearly and precisely stated
our Sacred Mission during this very short,
preparatory lifespan.

OUR LORD GOD IS LOVE SO HE WANTS ALL MANKIND TO BE
GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE RESTORED to our original
created state as His Image and Likeness.

Therefore, BOTH THE VERBAL AND WRITTEN HOLY TRADITION
OF CHRIST MUST BE PROPERLY AND CORRECTLY TAUGHT AND
LEARNT so that we can apply them all to our own
words, thoughts and deeds.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BEGINS HERE AND NOW.

BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE LIVE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM
even while still in this existence of time and place.

THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION IS THE
BEGINNING OF - THE ENTRANCE - TO HIS HEAVENLY
KINGDOM.

When we are Baptised, WE “...PUT ON CHRIST...” LIKE A
GARMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and then STRIVE DAILY TO
LIVE IN CHRIST by applying His Divine Truth to our
own words, thoughts and deeds.

OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY BEGINS FROM WITHIN OURSELVEs.

Our words, thoughts and deeds are like ripples upon
a pond that spread out and affect all kinds of
people and circumstances – most of which we
remain unaware at present.

EVERY CHOICE WE MAKE, EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED,
HAS SIGNIFICANT CONSEQUENCES, WHICH WILL EITHER
BLESS US OR CONDEMN US.

EVERY HUMAN BEING SERVES A PURPOSE in this lifespan, so,
as Disciples of Christ, we must strive to MAKE OUR
WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS WORTHY AND SPIRITUALLY
BENEFICIAL.
✶ “...Freely you have received – freely give...”
EVERYTHING we have or see around us HAS BEEN
CREATED AND GRANTED BY THE LORD OUR GOD WHO
BESTOWS HIS DIVINE BLESSINGS UPON US WITH ABUNDANCE,
SO THAT WE ARE ABLE TO SHARE THEM WITH EACH OTHER.

NOTHING BELONGS TO US. EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY AND
ONLY LENT TO US for the duration of this short
lifespan.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROVIDES US WITH EVERY MEANS
POSSIBLE TO BE A GOOD, POSITIVE AND BENEFICIAL
INFLUENCE ON OUR SURROUNDINGS!

WHATEVER WE CHOOSE TO DO FOR OTHERS MUST BE DONE WITH
PURE LOVE – with generosity, cheerfulness, kindness,
compassion and mercy – IN IMITATION OF OUR
LORD GOD’S LOVE, GENEROSITY AND GREAT
MERCY.

EVERYTHING WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS, IS RETURNED TO US “...A
HUNDREDFOLD!”

Therefore, WE OUGHT TO ENSURE THAT OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS
AND DEEDS ARE GOOD AND BENEFICIAL FOR OTHERS AS
WELL AS FOR OURSELVES!
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught His Apostles not to carry
anything extra with them on their Missionary Journeys
so that THEY WOULD LEARN BY EXPERIENCE THE PROVIDENCE
OF GOD.
Furthermore, HIS DISCIPLES WORKED FOR THEIR DAILY NEEDS
whenever possible, so that THEY WERE NEVER ACCUSED OF
BEING GREEDY NOR ADDITIONAL BURDENS UPON THE MEAGRE
RESOURCES OF THE PEOPLE.
OLY U NM ER CE NAR IE S OF R OME - 1 JU LY 2019 3
T H E F E AST OF S T K OSMAS & S T D
When we hear the word ‘mercenary’ it calls to mind a
professional soldier who does not fight for a country or
a cause but for money.
Strictly speaking, “mercenary” refers to anyone who works
merely or primarily for money - the implication being
that any higher code of ethics or Calling is absent
from his/her motivation.
The opposite of a mercenary is an ‘Unmercenary’ - a term
that is seldom used these days, which does not even
appear in most dictionaries.
However, in Orthodox Christianity, “Unmercenary” is a
most honourable title granted to Saints who are
admirable Disciples of Christ who never accepted any
form of payment for their Good Works.
Today we commemorate St Kosmas and St Damianos of
Rome, who were sibling Unmercenary Physicians.
The Greek word for “Unmercenary” is “Anargyros” –
meaning one who does not accept silver (coins) – i.e.
one who refuses payment.
These Unmercenary Brothers lived in Rome during the
late third century. As Physicians, they treated the
ailments of everyone freely, according to their Faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ Who said: “ Freely you have
received – freely give!” (Matthew 10:8)
They said to everyone whom they treated: “...It is not by
our own power that we treat you, but by the Power of
Christ the True God. Believe in Him and be Healed.”
They had also Miraculously Healed the Emperor, Carinos,
which caused many to believe in Christ.
Sadly, however, they were eventually murdered by their
Teacher - a fellow Physician - who became jealous of
their fame and popularity amongst the Roman
citizens..
In time, two other Unmercenary sibling Physician Saints,
also named “St Kosmas and St Damianos” continued
their Sacred Mission of Healing everyone in the Name
and Love of Christ our Divine Saviour and Almighty
Lord God.
They are St Kosmas and St Damianos of Asia Minor (
287)
and of Cilicia, Arabia, (
303)who are Commemorated
on 1 November and 17 October, respectively.
Throughout the centuries, many other Unmercenary
Healers have shone just as brightly, freely giving to
others as they had freely received the Divine Power to
fulfil their Sacred Mission from our Lord, just like His
first Holy Apostles
The Epistle Lesson of St Paul to the Corinthians
concerning the Holy Attributes of Love (Agape) - as
well as various Ministries and Divine Gifts that are
bestowed by our Triune Lord God, especially healing,
which we heard today, is read on the Feast Days of all
the Unmercenary Saints.
The Motivation behind Healing and the refusal to accept
payment concerns Unconditional, Perfect and Divine
Love, which is certainly “... the more excellent way.”
Love is the Foundation of all other Divine Gifts and Holy
Ministries within the Life of our Orthodox Church.
Love must be the primary motivating Factor for every
word, thought and deed of any True
Christian/Disciple.
The word “...love...” is the most misused word in the
English language.
It is used as a ‘romantic feeling’ that attracts two people
to each other when they “...fall in love....” or is the
euphemism for two people engaging in sexual
intercourse - “...making love...” while a “...love child...”
might be the fruit of that act.
All these uses of the term “...love...” fall very short and
very far away from the true meaning of Love -
‘Agape’ in Greek, which refers to the Self-Sacrificial,
Perfect, Absolute, Pure and Divine Love of God -
especially in the Kenotic (Self-emptying) Sacrifice of
our Lord Jesus Christ’s Death on the Cross, in order to
grant us – all mankind - Eternal Life.
Our Divine Saviour Jesus clearly stated:, “...Greater Love
has no one than ... to lay down one’s life for his
friends. “ (JOHN 15:13).
Even when our Lord Jesus Christ Live amongst us, the
various terms for “... love...” were misused and
misunderstood.
4 S T K OSM AS & S T D AM IANOS
AM IANOS , TH E H OLY U NM ERC E NARY P HY SIC IANS OF R OM E
For that very reason St. Paul explained in depth what the
True Attributes of Divine Love are and how we ought
to apply them to our own Love of God and one
another.
The first Attribute concerns “... Long-suffering...” (The
Greek word used is ‘...Makrothyme...’ (not ‘Ypomone’ –
“Patience.”)
Many of us become irritated and eventually lash out in
anger or act with ‘ passive aggressiveness,’ which is a
complete lack of Love, for we must really strive –
which is very difficult at times - to have Patience and
tolerance for others.
The second Attribute is “... Kindness...” (“...Hristevete...” -
being Good, Virtuous, Moral and Honest
We ought to think, speak and act in a good, virtuous
manner that is truthful, sincere, and honest - never
deceitful nor misleading.
The third Attribute of Love ‘...does not envy...’ ( “...Ou
zili...”)
We cannot Love when we desire or crave what others
have.
This concerns one of the Ten Divine Commandments that
forbids coveting, lusting or begrudging – “Thou shalt
not covet!” (Exodus 20:17)
God forbid that we associate with people primarily
because of their possessions and social status, rather
than unconditional Love for the person – ‘Saint or
sinner’ - who is the Image of Christ!
The Fourth Attribute of Love “... does not parade itself ...”
(“...ou Perperevete...”) – particularly when it comes to
doing Good Works, Acts of Charity or Almsgiving.
When our “Acts of Love” are public displays, they become
Spiritually Unbeneficial to us and might even
eventually Condemn us Eternally!
Our Lord Jesus severely cautioned us - “Take heed that
you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to
be seen by them. Otherwise you have no Reward
from your Father in Heaven...” (MATTHEW 6 : 1 – 4)
The Fifth Attribute is that “...Love is not puffed up...” (“...ou
fisioute...”
When we are conceited, bragging about our own
accomplishments, we consider ourselves superior to
others – like the Unrepentant Pharisee who told
himself (rather than God) that he was thankful that he
was “... not like other men—extortioners, unjust,
adulterers, or even like that (despised) Tax Collector.”
(LUKE 18:11).
The Sixth Attribute of Love “...does not behave rudely...”
“...ouk ashimoni...”
Rudeness is not only bad, disrespectful and unworthy
behaviour towards others, but also includes uncouth,
blasphemous or denigrating language, such as how
the soldiers and others treated our Lord Jesus after He
was betrayed, condemned mocked, spat upon, and
struck with fists and reeds.
The Seventh Attribute of Love “...does not seek its own
way...” (or own will) - ”...ou ziti ta eaftis...”
While they were still inexperienced St James and St John
had said to our Lord Jesus: “Teacher, we want Thou
to do for us whatever we ask... ...Grant us that we Thy
left, in Thy Glory.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ always acts only according to the
Divine Will of our Heavenly Father – never according
to any selfish desire. Therefore, as His Disciples, we
must learn to humbly Obey the Will of our Heavenly
Father in all things, for He alone knows what is good
and Beneficial for our immortal soul.
The Eighth Attribute of Love “...is not provoked...” – “ ou
parozinete...”
Whether we provoke or are provoked by others to
respond negatively in any way, is obviously unloving.
We must be very careful how we react to criticism or any
type of provocation by remaining calm, listening
attentively, trying to comprehend the cause, then
forgiving or apologising and correcting ourselves or
the circumstances if possible.
Let us conclude St John’s exhortation to Love: “ ... My little
children, let us not Love in word or in tongue, but in
deed and in Truth!”. (1 JOHN 3)
FATHER RICK – “WHAT IS LOVE?” (EDITED BY MP)
HTTP://WWW.STGEORGEGOC.ORG
– H OLY U NM ER CE NAR IE S OF R OME - 1 JU LY 2019
 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.
2 JULY 2019
DEPOSITION OF THE ROBE OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS
AT BLACHERNAE, CONSTANTINOPLE

Also the Feast of St Photios, Metropolitan of Kiev – St Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem

– St Stephen the Great of Moldavia – St John (Maximovitch) Archbishop of Shangai &
San Francisco

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED

AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON WWW.SCRIBD.COM/WRITERS4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON

FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO

MARGUERITE.PAIZIS@GMAIL.COM)

P R OKE IM ENON – T HE M AGNIF IC AT OF OU R L ADY T H E OTOKOS – T ONE 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit Rejoices in God my Saviour.
For He has regarded the lowly estate of His Handmaiden,
for behold: henceforth all generations shalt call me “Blessed.”

T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 9 : 1 – 7

Brethren: the First Covenant had Regulations for worship and an earthly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was prepared – the
outer one, in which were the Lampstand and the Table and the Bread of the Presence – called the Holy Place.
Behind the Second Veil stood a Tabernacle – the Holy of Holies – having the Golden Altar of Incense and the Ark of the
Covenant covered on all sides with Gold, which contained a golden Urn holding the Manna, Aaron’s Rod that
budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim of Glory, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. Of
these things we cannot now speak in detail.
These preparations having thus been made, the Priests went continually into the Outer Tabernacle, performing their
Ritual duties, but into the Second Tabernacle only the High Priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without
taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.
✶ “...A Tabernacle was prepared ...” This is a made for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST
description of THE MOSAIC TABERNACLE, which PREFIGURED HOLY ICONS OF THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31)
THE HEAVENLY ALTAR.
THIS AND VARIOUS OTHER PASSAGES PUT TO REST THE FEAR THAT

THIS PASSAGE IS READ during the Great Feasts of our THE SECOND DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF GOD PROHIBITS
Lady Theotokos and during the Lenten Forefeast ALL IMAGERY. (EXODUS 20: 4 – 6)
of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in order TO
GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT BE
DESCRIBE THE GREAT HOLY MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION REPRESENTED OR DEPICTED BECAUSE THEIR DIVINE NATURE
OF THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD. IS UNKNOWABLE.

THE EVER BLESSED, EVER VIRGIN MARY’S WOMB WAS PREPARED
THEIR ETERNAL UNITY AND PRESENCE WITH CHRIST IS USUALLY
TO BE THE HOLY TABERNACLE OF CHRIST – THE VERY DEPICTED AS TWO DIFFERENTLY COLOURED SHAPES BEHIND
DWELLING PLACE OF THE LORD OUR GOD. THE FIGURE OF OUR LORD such as in the Holy Icon of
the Transfiguration.
✶ “...the Second Veil ...” A most important detail
concerns THE INNER VEIL – ‘THE SECOND VEIL’ – which The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit as an
SEPARATES THE HOLY PLACE – THE HOLY SANCTUARY – FROM Old Man and a White Dove is a modern, western influenced
THE MOST HOLY PLACE – THE HOLY OF HOLIES OR THE HOLIEST heresy, because the Persons of THE HOLY TRINITY MAY ONLY
OF ALL, WHICH CONTAINED THE MYSTERIOUS ARK OF THE BE DEPICTED AS THREE IDENTICAL “ANGELS” SUCH AS AT THE
COVENANT and into which ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD OAKS OF MAMRE – “the Hospitality of Abraham.”
ENTER ON ONLY ONE DAY A YEAr. THEY NEVER MANIFESTED VISIBLY AT ANY OTHER TIME and our

THE INNER VEIL FORMS THE LOCUS OF THE LITURGICAL Lord Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that whoever has
PRACTICE OF THE OLD COVENANT AND REVEALS ITS seen Him, has also seen His Co-Eternal, Co-Essential Father
IMPERFECTION – for THE PEOPLE COULD NOT DRAW CLOSE (and thus also the Holy Spirit!)
TO GOD AND THE HIGH PRIEST COULD ONLY ENTER THE However, GOD THE SON – OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST
HOLY OF HOLIES ONCE A YEAR for his own sins as well - CAN BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, FOR HE
as those of the people. IS GOD-MAN AND THUS HIS HUMAN NATURE CAN AND IS

At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IMAGED.
RESOLVED OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM Furthermore, CHRIST LEFT A 3 DIMENSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
GOD. (MATTHEW 27:51) IMAGE UPON HIS DISCARDED BURIAL CLOTHES – ON THE INNER
✶ “...The Ark of the Covenant..” CONTAINED ALL THE FACE CLOTH, WHICH HE LEFT NEATLY FOLDED - AND ON THE
PRECIOUS HOLY RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT AND OF ISRAEL LONG SHROUD, which were both left in His Empty Tomb after
– THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA, AARON’S ROD, AND THE STONE His Glorious Resurrection.
TABLETS OF THE MOSAIC LAW, GIVEN TO THE ANCIENT When St Peter and St John entered the Empty Tomb, they
PATRIARCH BY GOD HIMSELF. were immediately amazed by the Precious Holy Relics that had
✶ “...the Cherubim of Glory ...” ALMIGHTY GOD IS been left behind.
ENTHRONED UPON THE CHERUBIM, hence, God’s Throne in In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST NOT MADE BY
the midst of Israel. HANDS IS DEPICTED BEING HELD ALOFT BY TWO CHERUBIM,
✶ “... – the Mercy Seat – HAD A CHERUB DEPICTED ON EACH situated over the Royal Gates of the Iconostasion.
SIDE.
✶ “ ... into the Outer Tabernacle...” PRIESTS WERE

THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY
ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HOLY PLACE DAILY,.
DEPICTIONS OF THE CHERUBIM.
✶ ”... into the Second Tabernacle ...” ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST

THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the
COULD ENTER THE HOLY OF HOLIES ON THE ONE DAY OF
Holy Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty
ATONEMENT (Yom Kippur.)
and detailed workmanship of everything that was

THE DEPOSITION OF THE ROBE OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, AT BLACHERNAE, CONSTANTINOPLE - 2 JULY 5

The High Priest carried the blood of sacrificed 5. THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE DEALT ENTIRELY WITH MATERIALS
animals for THE ATONEMENT OF HIS OWN SINS AS WELL AS FROM THIS AGE,
THOSE OF THE PEOPLE. 6. which are IMPERFECT AND IMPERMANENT –

THIS ANNUAL BLOOD SACRIFICE REVEALS THE IMPERFECTION 7. which CANNOT BEGIN A PARTICIPATION IN THE AGE TO
AND TEMPORARY STATUS OF THE OLD COVENANT COME.
1. ONLY ONE MAN – ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST - COULD ENTER 8. That imperfect Atonement Offering DEALT MAINLY
GOD’S DIVINE PRESENCE – WITH THE OUTER PHYSICAL BEING.
2. but NOT EVERY DAY. - 9. It was SUPERFICIAL AND COULD NOT PURIFY OR
3. IT WAS AN ANNUAL SACRIFICIAL OFFERING TRANSFORM MANKIND’S BODY AND SOUL.
4. FOR THE HIGH PRIEST’S AND THE PEOPLE’S SINS. 10. IT COULD NOT RESTORE OUR FALLEN HUMAN NATURE.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 1 : 39 – 49 & 56
In those days Mary arose and went in haste to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of
Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leapt in her womb;
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry: “Blessed art Thou among women,
and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to
me? For behold, when the sound of Thy greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for Joy. And
Blessed is She who believed, for there would be a Fulfilment of what was spoken to Her from the Lord.”
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has regarded the lowly
estate of His handmaiden! For behold: henceforth all generations will call me Blessed; for He Who is Mighty has
done great things for me, and Holy is His Name!”
And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
✶ “..He Who is Mighty has done great things...” ✶ “...the Mother of my Lord ...” - St Elizabeth’s SPONTANEOUS,
THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY’S FAITHFUL RESPONSE to the SINCERE CONFESSION and others like it are constantly
Annunciation of Archangel Gabriel WAS THAT OF THE repeated in our Holy Orthodox Church.
HIGHEST DEGREE OF HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
HER EXCLUSIVE AND WORTHY TITLE AS “THEOTOKOS” OR

THE INCARNATION OF GOD THE SON IS NOT ONLY THE DIVINE “MOTHER/BEARER OF GOD” CONFIRMS THAT THE ONE IN
WORK OF ALMIGHTY GOD, BUT ALSO INVOLVED THE FREE HER PURE WOMB IS BOTH FULLY HUMAN AND FULLY DIVINE
AND WILLING RESPONSE OF MANKIND IN THE HOLY AND IN NATURE .
DEVOUT PERSON OF THE EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE TRUE SON OF GOD AS WELL AS
THEOTOKOS. BEING THE TRUE SON OF MAN(kind)!

THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY INSTANTLY AND VOLUNTARILY
At Holy Vespers of the Annunciation, we declare: “It is
OBEYED HIS DIVINE WILL – WHICH SHE HAS ALWAYS DONE, the Word of God Who dwells in Her.”
SINCE HER VERY EARLY CHILDHOOD.
It is significant that EVEN THOUGH HIS PHYSICAL BODY HAD

Due the wilful disobedience of Eve by breaking the NOT YET FULLY FORMED, OUR LORD JESUS WAS TRULY THE
one Divine Commandment, she had alienated INCARNATE SON OF GOD, and
and exiled herself from God.
THE EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY VIRGIN MARY WAS ALREADY

OUR EVER BLESSED LADY OPENED HER HEART AND SOUL UP TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNISED AS HIS ALL PURE, HOLY
GOD AND DREW EVER CLOSER TO HIM BY HER HUMBLE MOTHER.
OBEDIENCE TO HIS DIVINE WILL IN ALL MATTERS.
THIS DIVINE TRUTH DEALS A FATAL BLOW TO THE DELUSION

SHE WAS EVER WATCHFUL AND RESISTED TEMPTATION, THAT ABORTION IS JUSTIFIABLE BECAUSE THE “FOETUS” IS
PREFERRING TO REMAIN IN HIS DIVINE GRACE. NOT YET A PERSON!

As St Theophilact of Bulgaria put it, Her response to In this day and age, infertile couples regard the dividing cells
God was always as though she said: ‘I am a - from the moment of conception - as a viable, living baby
(writing) tablet; let the Writer inscribe whatever who is joyfully awaited and already named! Every child
He desires on me.” who is conceived but lost is mourned and remembered by

In other words, HER ATTITUDE TO GOD WAS ALWAYS: “Let it the loving parents.
be according to Thy Will and not my will, O The tiny heart begins to beat very soon after conception and
Lord!” babies have been able to be delivered and kept alive from

AS SOON AS CHRIST BECAME INCARNATE, HOLY PROPHECY very early in the gestation period, many of whom survive
RESUMED IN ISRAEL.
and grow into adulthood.

GOD HAD SILENCED HIS HOLY PROPHETS FOR MANY YEARS and Therefore, abortion is the violent and most brutal murder of
even permitted an illegitimate usurper to occupy
an unborn child who is more sensitive to and aware of
the position of ‘King of Judea.’
everything than a fully developed and born baby!

In the last days before the Coming of Christ, GOD ALSO
Not one person who has been conceived or born is a “mistake”
SILENCED ST ZACHARIAH, THE HIGH PRIEST.

WITH THESE THREE SIGNIFICANT ROLES BEING VACANT, because every Miracle of conception and birth is by the
ILLEGITIMATE ALL WAS READY FOR THE SON OF GOD TO BE Divine Will of almighty God Who has a Plan and Sacred
REVEALED AS OUR DIVINE AND ETERNAL PROPHET, KING Purpose for each, unique soul into whom He breathes Life!
AND HIGH PRIEST AND SILENT, (MP)
✶ "... Mary arose and went in haste...” COMPELLED ✶ “...My soul magnifies the Lord ...” This is THE
BY HER WONDER AND GREAT JOY AT HER DIVINE “MAGNIFICAT” OR “MEGALINARIA” - which was EXPRESSED
CONCEPTION, our Lady Theotokos went to her BY THE JOYFUL HEART OF OUR LADY THEOTOKOS who was
beloved Aunt - St Elizabeth - the sister of her late inspired by A SONG OF ST HANNAH. (1 KINGS 2 : 1 – 10)
mother, St Anna.
THIS HYMN IS CHANTED DURING THE MATINS SERVICE – and
✶ “...the babe in my womb leaped for Joy ...” AT from it we are taught:
THE SOUND OF HER GREETING, THE BLESSED ST JOHN - as a 1. FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS FOR ALL TIME HONOUR AND
tiny six month baby still developing in the womb of his VENERATE THE ALL HOLY, EVER VIRGIN THEOTOKOS as
mother - PROPHESIED THE DIVINE PRESENCE OF GOD she prophesied: “... ALL GENERATION WILL CALL ME
INCARNATE BY LEAPING FOR JOY. BLESSED.”

BECAUSE ST JOHN IS GOD’S HOLY PROPHET, HIS RECOGNITION 2. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE IN THE INSPIRATION OF HOLY
OF CHRIST WHILE THEY WERE STILL BOTH IN THE WOMBS OF SCRIPTURE YET NOT BLESS OUR LADY THEOTOKOS.
THEIR RESPECTIVE MOTHERS, FULFILLED ST JEREMIAH’S 3. OUR PANAGIA ASCRIBED THE MIRACLE OF THE
HOLY PROPHESY: INCARNATION TO ALMIGHTY GOD – not to herself.
 “Before I formed Thee in the womb, I knew Thee.” 4. It reveals HER DEEP AND SINCERE HUMILITY AND
(JEREMIAH 1:5) KNOWLEDGE that GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL
✶ “...Blessed art Thou among women ...” - THE ALL DIVINE GRACE.
HOLY EVER VIRGIN THEOTOKOS RECEIVES VENERATION 5. THROUGH THE INCARNATION, GOD REIGNS OVER ALL
FROM THE HEAVENLY HOSTS AS WELL AS ALL HUMANITY. NATIONS.

JUST LIKE ST GABRIEL, THE HOLY ARCHANGEL OF GOD, SO TOO, ✶ OUR LADY THEOTOKOS “...remained with her about
ST ELIZABETH DECLARED HER YOUNG NIECE TO BE “BLESSED three months ...” – THE FIRST TRIMESTER, FOR SHE HAD NO
AMONG WOMEN.” MOTHER TO INSTRUCT HER.

6. T H E D E P O S I T I O N OF THE ROBE OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, AT BLACHERNAE, CONSTANTINOPLE - 2 JULY

 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 JULY 2019
ST ATHANASIOS THE GREAT
VENERABLE FOUNDER OF THE GREAT LAVRA & COENOBITIC MONASTICISM
Also the Feast of 6 Disciples of St Athanasios the Great, of Mount Athos – St Lampados,
Wonderworking Hieromartyr of Irenopolis - St Sergios of Radonezh, Uncovering of Holy Relics – St
Anna of Rome – St Cyrilla the Widow, of Cyrene, Libya – St Cyprianos, Hieromartyr of Mount
Athos
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE
PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574.
LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.”
(OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON – P SALM 149 - T ONE (7) V ARY S /GR AVE
The Holy shall boast in Glory, and they shall greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing to the Lord a New Song! His Praises in the Assembly of His Holy.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 5: 22 – 6: 2
Brethren, the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
Against such there is no Law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have Crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us
also walk in the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of each other.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are Spiritual, should Restore him in a Spirit of Gentleness. Look
to yourself lest you, too, be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ.
✶ This passage is read when we Commemorate our Holy
We must CHOOSE TO FREELY, EAGERLY AND HUMBLY OBEY THE
Monks. DIVINE WILL OF GOD Who has provided us with every
✶ “... the Fruit of the Spirit...” GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS means possible to do so.
BESTOWED VARIOUS HOLY GIFTS UPON US.
GOD NEVER FORCES HIS DIVINE WILL UPON US so we must

From God’s Holy Gifts WE ARE ABLE TO ACQUIRE THESE HOLY choose to BE OBEDIENT, which REQUIRES THE
VIRTUES THAT PROMOTE OUR LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR EACH INSEPARABLE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY (AND VICE VERSA.)
OTHER.
When we LIVE IN CHRIST, “by the Spirit,” we must

These Holy Fruits or Virtues are ESSENTIAL TO OUR PERPETUALLY STRUGGLE AGAINST OUR SELFISH, DEMANDING
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND WELFARE while we proceed EGOS THAT IMPEDE OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND
through this short, preparatory period before WELFARE.
Eternity.
BY BEING SPIRITUALLY WATCHFUL, WE CAN IMMEDIATELY

LOVE UNITES US TO GOD (WHO IS LOVE) AND TO EACH OTHER CORRECT OUR ERRORS THROUGH REPENTANCE-CONFESSION.
who have to LEARN TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY. ✶ “...overtaken in any trespass...” When WE FALL INTO A

Therefore, LOVE – DIVINE LOVE/AGAPE – CARRIES US INTO STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH THROUGH UNREPENTED, HABITUAL
ETERNITY – INTO GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE. SINS, OR IGNORANCE, we must GRATEFULLY ACCEPT

WITHOUT THE GREAT, DIVINE VIRTUE OF LOVE, WE CANNOT BE CORRECTION FROM THOSE WHO ARE MORE SPIRITUALLY
WORTHY CITIZENS of God’s Heavenly Kingdom. EXPERIENCED, and MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RECTIFY OUR

OUR SANCTIFICATION, DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS IS CENTRED ERRORS OR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.
UPON THE DIVINE GIFT AND HOLY VIRTUE OF LOVE as well We must NEVER TAKE OFFENCE against those who try to guide
as the aforementioned Fruits of the Holy Spirit. us or to set us right.
✶ “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus...” are those ✶ “...Restore ... in a Spirit of Gentleness...” ALL SPIRITUAL
who are BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED IN THE NAME OF OUR GUIDANCE MUST BE DONE IN A MANNER THAT NEITHER OFFENDS
TRIUNE LORD GOD. NOR DENIGRATES – WITH LOVE, KINDNESS AND

We have made our VOWS OF ALLEGIANCE TO OUR DIVINE UNDERSTANDING.
SAVIOUR. To be able to administer any form of correction and

We are members of the CHURCH MILITANT, WAGING Spiritual Guidance “...with Gentleness...” is A SPIRITUAL
SPIRITUAL WARFARE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE as His GIFT.
Faithful Soldiers. ✶ “...Look to yourself ...” We must NEVER CRITICISE NOR
✶ Having “...Crucified the flesh with its passions and DEMEAN OTHERS WHO ARE IN ERROR.
desires...” WE RENOUNCE OUR SINFUL INCLINATIONS AND OUR OWN FLAWS AND SINS ARE OFTEN FAR WORSE, and are
MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO RESIST ALL TEMPTATIONS that merely REFLECTED IN THOSE WHOM WE SO READILY ACCUSE.
alienate us from God and each other. When we are tempted to point accusatory fingers at
✶ “...Live by the (Holy) Spirit.... walk in the Spirit...” anyone else, we must IMMEDIATELY TURN THOSE THOUGHTS
Since WE ARE BODY AND SOUL, we wage A CONSTANT BATTLE INWARDS AND EXAMINE OURSELVES VERY CLOSELY!
AGAINST PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL TEMPTATIONS. NOT ONLY IS IT FORBIDDEN TO JUDGE OTHERS, BUT WE CONDEMN

THE DESIRES AND WEAKNESS OF OUR FLESH IS USED AGAINST US OURSELVES AND OFFEND THE LORD OUR GOD Who alone
BY THE EVIL ONE. knows the heart and soul of everyone.

Therefore, WE HAVE TO STRENGTHEN OUR SOUL so that it Before expressing any disapproval of our neighbours, let
becomes strong enough TO DOMINATE THE WILFUL, us first and foremost REPENT AND CONFESS our
DEMANDING FLESH. innumerable sins.

WE MUST BECOME PREDOMINATELY SPIRITUAL BEINGS rather ✶ “...Bear one another’s burdens...” When we REGARD
than merely PHYSICAL BEINGS who ARE CONTROLLED BY THE TROUBLES AND SINS OF OUR NEIGHBOURS AS THOUGH THEY
SELFISH DESIRES THAT HAVE NO SALVIFIC BENEFITS for us. ARE OUR OWN, we will indeed “...fulfil the Law of Christ...”
for our Sacred Calling is to initiate SELFLESS SERVICE AND
CARE-GIVING to others, and NEVER BEING A BURDEN.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 11 : 27 – 30
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “... All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him. Come to Me, all who labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest. Take My Yoke
upon you, and learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My
Yoke is easy and My Burden is light.”

S T AT H ANASIOS THE G RE AT OF M OUNT AT H OS 5 JU LY 2019 7

✶ ”... All things ... by My Father...” OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, Who is the Co-Eternal, Only Begotten Son and
Word of our Heavenly Father, ALWAYS ACTS STRICTLY
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER.

The Holy Trinity exists in PERFECT LOVE, UNITY AND
HARMONY.

THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER COMES TO US THROUGH GOD
THE SON, and WE ARE ABLE TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL BY
THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

As Faithful Disciples of Christ, WE MUST SIMILARLY ALWAYS
STRIVE TO FULFIL THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER, WHICH CHRIST HAS TAUGHT US TO DO – “... Thy
Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven ...”

EVERYTHING THAT IS GOD-PLEASING IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN
WE CO-OPERATE WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOSE POWER
AND ENERGY ENABLE US TO DO SO – even endeavours
and feats that are normally impossible for us to
accomplish.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS BESTOWED DIVINE GIFTS AND
REVEALED DIVINE TRUTH TO MANKIND ACCORDING TO THE
WILL OF OUR LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER.

GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT HIS BELOVED SON TO US SO
THAT WE MIGHT LEARN DIRECTLY FROM HIM how to
regain our Divine Likeness with which He
originally created us, but which was lost when
Adam fell from Divine Grace through
disobedience by breaking God’s one Law.

ONLY BY LIVING IN CHRIST – according to His Divine Truth
– His Teachings and Commandments - ARE WE ABLE
TO BECOME SANCTIFIED, RESTORED, REGENERATED,
ILLUMINATED AND GRANTED ETERNAL LIFE.

Thus “...ALL (GOOD) THINGS...” ARE ACCORDING TO THE
DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
✶ “...no one knows...” God the Father and God the Son,
or God the Holy Spirit – ONLY THEY KNOW EACH OTHER!

St Theophylact explained to us that GOD HAS HIDDEN HIS
DIVINE MYSTERIES FROM THE WISE AND ERUDITE PEOPLE OF
THE WORLD BECAUSE OF OUR UNWORTHINESS, for we
chose to trust our own fallen, warped and limited
wisdom and judgement instead of God’s Perfect
and Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge.

Furthermore, IT IS OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND THAT GOD
WITHHOLDS DIVINE REVELATION FROM THOSE WHO WOULD
SCORN IT – in order that they do not receive even
worse Eternal Condemnation at their Final
Judgement.

EVERYTHING CONCERNING THE ETERNAL, ALMIGHTY GODHEAD
ARE DIVINE MYSTERIES, WHICH ARE FAR BEYOND HUMAN
COMPREHENSION.

NO CREATURE – INCLUDING MANKIND – CAN POSSIBLY FULLY
KNOW OR UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING ABOUT GOD.

WE CAN ONLY UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD IS NOT, by using our
limited human conception and comprehension.

CERTAIN DIVINE ATTRIBUTES OF ALMIGHTY GOD HAVE BEEN
REVEALED TO US BY CHRIST, for He alone can grant us
the Absolute, Pure Divine Truth – the REAL TRUTH.

Instead of being a ‘wrathful, vengeful” God, we now
know that ALMIGHTY GOD IS LOVE ITSELF AND THAT
EVERYTHING CONCERNING OUR LORD GOD IS GOOD,
BENEFICIAL AND PROVIDENTIAL FOR ALL CREATION.

OUR LORD OF LOVE CANNOT, WILL NOT AND DOES NOT DO
ANYTHING THAT IS EVIL, DESTRUCTIVE OR DECEPTIVE.

ALL WICKEDNESS AND UNGODLINESS IS THE INVENTION OF THE
EVIL ONE who became jealous, rebelled against our
Lord God, was permanently banished from
Heaven, obsessively hates mankind whom God
Loves, and perpetually seeks our destruction,
Spiritual Death and Alienation from God, just like
him and his demons.
✶ “...the one to whom the Son Wills to reveal Him...”
refers to those SANCTIFIED, DEIFIED AND SPIRITUALLY
PERFECTED SAINTS who have reached the very
heights of Spiritual Life in Christ, such as our Ever
Blessed Lady, Theotokos and St John the Beloved
Apostle and Theologian.

Our Lord Jesus Christ mentioned THOSE WHO ARE “...PURE
OF HEART...” WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE VERY
PRESENCE OF GOD – “... SHALL SEE GOD.”

ST JOHN THE BELOVED APOSTLE AND THEOLOGIAN WAS
GRANTED KNOWLEDGE OF GOD BY CHRIST OUR LORD SO
THAT HE COULD RECORD IT FOR THE SAKE OF MANKIND’S
ETERNAL SALVATION.
8 S T AT H ANASIOS THE G RE AT

However, ONLY A VERY LIMITED PORTION OF CHRIST’S
REVELATIONS ARE RECORDED AND PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD
BY MANKIND.

The Book of Christ’s Revelation is never read during
THE HOLY SERVICES AND WE ARE DISCOURAGED FROM
TRYING TO INTERPRET THEM in case we fall into serious
error and become misguided. Thus ST JOHN WROTE
A DIRE WARNING AT THE END OF REVELATION –
ADMONISHING US NOT TO DISTORT ITS MESSAGE IN ANY
MANNER AT ALL, FOR TO DO SO IS TO THREATEN OUR VERY
SALVATION!

We must rather FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON THE DIVINE TRUTH
OF CHRIST, which WE ARE ABLE TO FULLY GRASP AND TO
APPLY THEM TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS so that
we can MAKE SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND DEEPEN OUR
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER.
✶ “...Come to Me... I will grant you rest...” When we
strive to Live in Christ, WE ARE PROVIDED WITH EVERYTHING
THAT IS NECESSARY FOR DAILY LIVING AND FOR OUR SALVATION.

ASSURED BY OUR FAITH IN GOD, WE NEED ONLY TO TAKE UP OUR
CROSS AND FOLLOW OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WHO LEADS US
TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE in His Kingdom of Love.

WE DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY about what we need to do
because OUR LORD JESUS HAS TAUGHT US AND PROVIDED
EVERYTHING THAT IS ESSENTIAL to making our Journey
to Eternity successfully and safely.
✶ “...Take My Yoke upon you...” means that we
VOLUNTARILY SUBMIT TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER, MOTIVATED BY OUR LOVE OF GOD AND
OUR FELLOW MANKIND.

Although “...a yoke...” might be regarded as a sign of
difficult circumstances and responsibilities, THE
YOKE OF CHRIST IS INDEED EASILY BEARABLE FOR THE
POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD WORKS IN EACH OF US.

A yoke keeps two equally matched beings together so
that their combined strength is used to the fullest
extent.

Likewise, WHEN WE ARE “YOKED” TOGETHER, ESPECIALLY IN
MARRIAGE, GOD PUTS US WITH EACH OTHER SO THAT WE
CAN COMBINE OUR EFFORTS AND FULFIL OUR TASKS TO THE
BEST OF OUR ABILITY.

CHRISTIANITY IS A COMMUNAL FAITH AS WE ARE MEMBERS OF
CHRIST’S BODY – HIS HOLY CHURCH – who have to WORK
TOGETHER WITH LOVE AND CO-OPERATION IN MUTUAL
ENDEAVOURS, STRIVINGS AND SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES.

WE CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS WITHOUT UNITY,
HARMONY AND COMBINED EFFORTS WITHIN HIS HOLY
CHURCH.

ETERNAL SALVATION CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY OURSELVES
ALONE. This preparatory period is not an individual
Journey but CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED INSEPARABLY
WITH OUR FELLOW DISCIPLES AND ALL MANKIND – Saints
and sinners together.
✶ “...learn from Me...” OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR MOST
PERFECT ROLE MODEL WHOM WE OUGHT TO IMITATE WITH
OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, AS HE HAS TAUGHT US.

HE IS THE MOST PERFECT “...SON OF MAN...” IN WHOSE IMAGE
AND LIKENESS HE CREATED US.

In order to regain our created Divine Likeness, WE
MUST ACQUIRE THE PERFECT ATTRIBUTES OF HIS HUMAN
NATURE, BEGINNING WITH THE HOLY VIRTUES OF
GENTLENESS AND MEEKNESS – vital aspects of Divine
Love/Agape.

As St Paul proclaimed to the Corinthians, “... Love
never fails...” and IT ATTRACTS EVEN MORE GOODNESS
AND LOVE, WHICH ARE NATURAL ATTRIBUTES OF OUR
CREATION AND OUR CREATOR.
✶ “...you will find rest for your soul...” when we
Live in Christ, for WE RECEIVE INDESCRIBABLE PEACE,
LOVE AND JOY FROM GOD WHEN WE ARE IN A BLISSFUL
STATE OF DIVINE GRACE.
BY LIVING ACCORDING TO CHRIST’S SPIRITUAL RULE, GOD PROVIDES
US WITH EVERY NECESSITY SO THAT OUR NATURAL IMPULSES
ARE REDIRECTED TOWARDS OUR ULTIMATE GOAL – DIVINE
RIGHTEOUSNESS IN GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
OF M OUNT AT H OS 5 JU LY 2019
 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.
7 JULY 2019
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW
SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Also the Feast of ST KYRIAKE, GREAT VIRGIN MARTYR OF NICOMEDIA - S T T H O M A S O F M O U N T

M A L E O N – St Akakios of Sinai – St Euphrosyne (Eudokia), Grand Duchess of Moscow – St
Peregrinos, St Lucian, St Pompeios, St Hesychios, St Papios, St Saturninos and St Germanos of
Dyrrachium, -– St Eustathios, St Polycarp & St Evangelos - St Evangelikos, Bishop of Tomis,
Constantsa, Romania
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE
ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS
ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE
EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 3: M ARK 16:9 - 20

F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON – P SALM 67/68 – T ONE 4

Wondrous is God in His Saints.
In the Congregations Bless God – The Lord from the Fountain of Israel
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 3 : 23 – 4 : 5
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law – kept for the Faith that would afterward be
revealed. Therefore, the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ, so that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith
has come, we are no longer under a Tutor.
You are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female. You are all
one in Christ Jesus.
If you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and Heirs according to the Promise. I say that the Heir – as long as he
is a child – does not differ at all from a slave, although he is master of all, but is under Guardians and Stewards
until the time appointed by the Father. Even so, we – when we were children – were in bondage under the
elements of the world. When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son – Born of a Woman, Born under
the Law - to Redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption as sons.
✶ “...before Faith...we were kept ... by the Law...” ABSOLUTE, PERFECT DIVINE TRUTH, which is vital to our

THE NATURAL LAWS FOLLOWED BY THE OLD COVENANT LAWS, Salvation.
KEPT MANKIND AND CREATION IN RELATIVE ORDER.
THESE LAWS ARE ETERNAL

NATURAL LAW STILL APPLIES to those who have never
THEY INSTRUCT AND GUIDE US to Love God with all our
heard of our Lord God WHEREBY THEY WILL BE JUDGED. mind, heart, strength and soul, as well as how to

THE OLD COVENANT LAWS WERE GIVEN TO GOD’S CHOSEN Love each other as God Loves us!
PEOPLE OF ISRAEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM MORAL AND ✶ We “...are all sons of God...” We are the adopted
HEALTHY, ACCORDING TO THE WILL AND LOVE OF GOD, in Children (‘sons’) of our Lord God through the Holy
preparation for the First Coming/Appearance of Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation.
the Great Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ and His ✶ We “...have put on Christ...” like OUR OWN GARMENT OF
New Covenant of Love. RIGHTEOUSNESS and - having Vowed Allegiance to our
✶ “...kept for the Faith ...” Although THE PEOPLE OF THE Lord Jesus Christ as our Divine Saviour - we now
OLD COVENANT WITH GOD HAD COMPLETE FAITH IN GOD, “...LIVE IN CHRIST...” by APPLYING EVERYTHING HE HAS
they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE FAITH OF CHRIST for TAUGHT US TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS.
our Saviour had not yet appeared to them.
WE ARE “THE CHURCH MILITANT” while in this short

FAITH IN CHRIST IS ALSO FAITH OF CHRIST because TWO lifespan, who are INVOLVED IN CEASELESS SPIRITUAL
FAITHS ARE COOPERATING TOGETHER: WARFARE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE.
1. THE FAITH OF CHRIST,
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST CONSISTS OF OUR PERPETUAL REPENTANCE-
2. THE FAITH IN CHRIST OF THOSE WHO CONFESSION in order to Cleanse ourselves, to make
BELIEVE. good Spiritual Progress and be physically and
✶ “...the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ...” Spiritually Healthy and Strong.

Because God’s Love of us is infinite and absolute, He
OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS ONE OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND
provided us with a set of TEN COMMANDMENTS OR ALLEGIANCE TO ALMIGHTY GOD.
LAWS THAT GUIDE US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND PROTECT
Not only have we been Baptised into the Christian
US FROM FALLING INTO A STATE OF PERMANENT SPIRITUAL Faith, but WE HAVE VESTED OURSELVES WITH CHRIST AND
DEATH. ACCEPTED OUR SACRED MISSION OF BECOMING CHRIST-

The Ten Commandments or Mosaic Law that LIKE BY IMITATING HIM - thereby REGAINING OUR LOST
prepared the Hebrew Nation for the Coming of LIKENESS TO GOD
God STILL APPLY TO US, THE NEW ISRAEL – THE ADOPTED
SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED ARE INTERWOVEN – we
CHILDREN OF GOD. cannot claim to have one without the other!

The Ten Commandments TEACH US OBEDIENCE to the
“For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have
Will of God. WITHOUT HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, WE put on Christ,” is our ANCIENT BAPTISM HYMN THAT IS
CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS NOR ENJOY CHANTED DURING THE PROCESSION OF THE NEWLY
SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING. REGENERATED INTO THE ASSEMBLY – THE HOLY CHURCH OF

Those who keep THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS given by CHRIST.
God to Moses, which forever apply to us as Faithful ✶ “..There is neither...” discrimination, separation nor
Disciples, BRINGS US CLOSER TO GOD. any type of distinction for as Disciples of Christ we are

THE TEN DIVINE COMMANDMENTS, THE DIVINE REVELATIONS all BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
AND TEACHINGS OF CHRIST OUR LORD, ARE ALL ASPECTS OF
WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE IN CHRIST. Therefore,
ASSESSING PEOPLE ACCORDING TO OUR OWN OPINION,

3 R D
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OF S T M ATTHE W – THE K INGD OM OF G OD – 7 JU LY 2019 9
 ATTITUDE, VALUE, GENDER OR ETHNICITY IS FORBIDDEN in
THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL
Christ’s Holy Church, PREPARATORY PERIOD FOR ETERNITY.

If we are genuinely TRYING TO IMITATE CHRIST we must ✶ “...Born of a Woman, Born under the Law...” THE
do so without fail: HE NEVER DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ANCIENT PROPHECIES OF GOD’S HOLY PROPHETS WERE
ANYONE so how dare we do so! FULFILLED WHEN THE EVER BLESSED, ALL PURE AND HOLY

ANY DISCRIMINATION, BIGOTRY, INTOLERANCE OR PREJUDICE VIRGIN MARY GAVE BIRTH TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
WILL CAUSE US SERIOUS SPIRITUAL CONDEMNATION, which
Her lineage was Royal and Jewish, proceeding from
- unless we quickly correct ourselves with sincere King David, Divinely Ordained King of the
Repentance - will affect our Eternity! Israelites.
✶ We are “...one in Christ ...” being UNITED, LIVING
The only time WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE GOD WAS WHEN
TOGETHER AS EQUALS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. CHRIST – the Word and Son of God – BECAME “... THE

WE ARE ALL ONE IN NATURE AND EQUAL IN DIGNITY. SON OF MAN(KIND)” – BECAME INCARNATE – took on

WE ARE SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST – His physical matter – a Flesh and Bone, human Body.
Holy Church. ✶ “...to Redeem those who were under the Law...”

We are all HABITUAL SINNERS WHO HAVE TO SPIRITUALLY
WITH GOD’S NEW COVENANT, CHRIST REVEALED THE TRUE
STRIVE AND STRUGGLE. NATURE OF OUR MOST MERCIFUL, LOVING AND

We are all JOURNEYING TOWARDS ETERNITY and by BENEVOLENT GOD TO US AND TAUGHT US THE WAY TO
ENCOURAGING, ASSISTING AND GUIDING EACH OTHER ETERNAL LIFE, which the ancient people of God only
ALONG THE WAY – always with Love/Agape – we are understood instinctively at first and then through
able to make good Spiritual Progress. the Teachings of the Holy Prophets of God.
✶ “...Heirs according to the Promise...” WE HAVE BECOME
AT THE HARROWING OF HADES AFTER HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS
CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST to our Heavenly Father’s IN HIS HUMAN NATURE, CHRIST - IN HIS DIVINE, ALMIGHTY
Eternal Kingdom of Love. NATURE - SMASHED OPEN THE IMPRISONING DOORS OF

DUE TO OUR SPIRITUAL INEXPERIENCE AND IMMATURITY WE ARE HADES, AND FREED ALL HUMANITY FROM THE ENSLAVING
UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DISCIPLINE OF OUR TRIUNE POWER OF EVIL.
LORD GOD.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS RE-OPENED PARADISE where HIS

Like small children, OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS FAITHFUL PEOPLE REPOSE IN PEACE UNTIL THE GENERAL
NEED TO BE DISCIPLINED WHILE WE ARE TAUGHT HOW TO RESURRECTION AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
BECOME GOOD CITIZENS of the Heavenly Kingdom. (The Repentant Thief, St Demas, was the first to enter
✶ “...God sent forth His Son...” SO WE WERE ABLE TO Paradise since the banishment of Adam and Eve.)
ACTUALLY SEE HIM, SPEAK TO HIM, AND LEARN HIS DIVINE
THOSE WHO STUBBORNLY REJECTED HIM, REMAIN IN HADES
TRUTH DIRECTLY FROM HIM. where they suffer the hideous Foretaste of the

THE HOLY TRINITY IS OMNIPRESENT - ever-present. vileness and torment of Eternal Alienation from

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME OR PLACE WHEN GOD THE God.
FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS NOT PRESENT!
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 6 : 22 – 33
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? And 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 Lamp of the body...” WHILE OUR PHYSICAL SIGHT
WHEN OUR THOUGHTS ARE WORTHY AND PURE, OUR ENTIRE
IS PROVIDED BY OUR PHYSICAL EYES, OUR MIND IS THE SPIRITUAL BEING – BODY AND SOUL – IS HEALTHY AND FUNCTIONING
EYE OF OUR SOUL. PROPERLY

OUR MIND – “NOUS” – ILLUMINATES OUR INNER BEING AND ✶ “...No one can serve two masters...” By trying to
OUGHT TO GOVERN OUR FREE WILL, which takes self- maintain our attachments to both worldly and
discipline and experience. Heavenly circumstances, WE ARE LIKE SLAVES TRYING
 The nous is our intellect, intelligence, mind or TO SERVE TWO MASTERS – OUR EFFORTS ARE WASTED AND
reason that is in the Image of God. USELESS!
 The Noetic Energy functions in the heart of every
BOTH OUR LORD GOD AND MAMMON -riches or worldly
Spiritually Healthy person and therefore matters - DEMAND OUR FULL ALLEGIANCE.
reflects our True Spiritual Condition.
WE CANNOT FAITHFULLY SERVE OUR LORD GOD – Live in
 Noetic activity is essential to our soul and while it Christ - WHILE FOCUSSING OUR SELF-SERVING ATTENTION
functions in our brain as reason, it AND EFFORTS ON WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND “SOCIAL
simultaneously functions in our heart as nous. SUCCESS” by putting worldly affairs and business
 Thus, while we continue to pray ceaselessly in our enterprises before our Sacred Duties to God and
heart, we can also work out worldly matters in mankind.
our brain.
IT IS MOST IMPORTANT AND SPIRITUALLY SIGNIFICANT TO PUT
 The nous is also referred to as “the spirit” – i.e. our OUR LIFE IN CHRIST BEFORE ANYTHING WORLDLY OR
own personal spirit or soul – our real inner PHYSICAL because we are thereby investing in our
being or identity that is Immortal or Eternal. Eternal Life.

KEEPING OUR THOUGHTS WHOLESOME AND PURE IS
All material possessions and status is of no lasting
FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL TO OUR LIFE IN CHRIST. value or benefit to anyone at all.

THE ‘OFFSPRING’ OF OUR THOUGHTS ARE OUR WORDS AND DEEDS,
OUR LOVING AND MERCIFUL LORD GOD GRANTS US
which affect and influence our attitude and our INDESCRIBABLY PRICELESS TREASURES - beyond
actions. anything we could possibly imagine - which are

OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THEREFORE BEGINS BY DISCIPLINING, EVERLASTING AND SPIRITUALLY SALVIFIC AND BENEFICIAL.
PURIFYING AND CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHTS.
MAMMOn - our obsessive greed and craving for

We must ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION AND EXAMINE OUR corruptible material possessions and fleeting
THOUGHTS SO THAT WE CAN REPENT AND CONFESS OUR social status - IS NOT EVIL BY ITS NATURE, BUT DUE TO ITS
SINS. ALL CONSUMING CONTROL AND ENSLAVEMENT, IT IMPEDES

10 3 R D
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OF S T M ATTHE W – THE K INGD OM OF G OD – 7 JU LY 2019
 OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND DAMAGES OUR SPIRITUAL
WELFARE.
✶ “...do not worry about your life...” OUR LORD HIMSELF
EXHORTS US NOT TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING CONCERNING
OUR WORLDLY CIRCUMSTANCES during this short,
preparatory lifespan.

FAITH IN GOD MEANS THAT WE TRUST HIM ABSOLUTELY AND
COMPLETELY – resting ASSURED IN HIS DIVINE TRUTH!

GOD KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED and He provides
everything that is required.

HE GRANTS US HIS BLESSINGS IN ABUNDANCE SO THAT WE ARE
ABLE TO SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS.

WE MUST NOT UNDULY NOR EXCESSIVELY CONCERN OURSELVES
WITH THE MUNDANE ASPECTS OF DAILY EXISTENCE such as
food and clothing.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAUTIONS US AGAINST
DISPROPORTIONATE ANXIETY CONCERNING MATTERS OF
LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE OR
ANYTHING THAT ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL.

HE DOES NOT DISCOURAGE US AGAINST THOUGHTFUL PLANNING
when it is significant to our safety and health or to
helping others.

OUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING IS DIRECTLY
DEPENDENT ON GOD Who takes care of His Creation.

OUR WELFARE IS ONLY INDIRECTLY DEPENDENT ON MUNDANE
MATTERS such as food, shelter and clothing.

TREPIDATION concerning worldly, material
circumstances and matters DEMONSTRATES A LACK OF
FAITH IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE, LOVE AND MERCY.
✶ “...All these things the Gentiles seek...” Those who
lack Faith or who do not believe in God seek ONLY
TEMPORARY, SHORT-LIVED AND CORRUPTIBLE ASSETS OR
STATUS.

SUCH THINGS NEVER SATISFY NOR SATIATE THEIR INTENSE
YEARNINGS AND DESIRES – and worse than that –HAVE
NO EVERLASTING SPIRITUAL NOR SALVIFIC BENEFITS.
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ – Our Lord Jesus Christ
urges us not to be anxious about what we shall eat,
drink, or wear.
But how can we not concern ourselves with our daily
requirements, since we are physical beings who are
bound by the natural laws of our biological
existence?
We are the descendants of our ancient forefather
Adam, who was created in the Image and Likeness
of God from the very clay of the Earth, and like him,
we are in a fallen Spiritual State of habitual sin.
We sustain ourselves by devouring the vegetation and
creatures of this planet, wrapping our bodies in
materials that are corruptible, while our immortal
soul is suppressed, distorted, misled and controlled
by the lusts and desires of our flesh – our body.
This is the worldly life that has become habitual to us.
However, it is not natural for us because our Lord God
did not create us for such an existence!
Our Loving Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, our
Lord Jesus Christ, to us in order to Restore our
created human nature - to lift us out of that fallen
state of Spiritual Death, caused by habitual
Ancestral sin - by granting us a new, Restored,
Illuminated and Regenerated Spiritual Life that is
Blessed with a close Relationship with God and a
loving, harmonious relationship with each other.
Our soul needs constant Spiritual Nourishment in
Almighty God, Who is the Source of our being.
Our soul requires Divine Inspiration, which draws us
closer to God, for even our physical flesh and bone
body “... cannot Live by bread alone, but by every
Word that proceeds from the Mouth of God.”
(MATTHEW 4:4)
By saying this, our Lord Jesus Christ instructs us not to
pursue earthly comforts, but rather seek and live by
Divine Truth.
Our Lord Jesus is indeed our Divine Saviour for He is the
Living Word of God, and at our Holy Baptism, we “...
put on Christ...” as our Garment of Righteousness –
we vest ourselves with Christ in Whom we Live.
3 R D
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OF S T

THE “GENTILES” WERE NON-JUDAIC, UNGODLY OR PAGAN who
usually WORSHIPPED THEIR MAN-MADE IDOLS MADE OF
EARTHLY SUBSTANCE, so THEY REMAINED SPIRITUALLY
DEAD - OBSESSED AND ENSLAVED BY THEIR DEPENDENCE ON
WORLDLY ASPECTS AND HUMAN FANTASIES OR CONCEPTS.
✶ “...seek first the Kingdom of God and His
Righteousness...” IS CENTRAL TO THE DIVINE TEACHING
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE IT IS OUR ULTIMATE
DESTINATION, GOAL AND PURPOSE OF OUR EXISTENCE!

OUR NEW COVENANT WITH GOD CONCERNS HIS ETERNAL
KINGDOM OF LOVE, which REQUIRES A TRUE SPIRITUAL
STATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Our Lord’s Teachings prepare us to BECOME WORTHY
HEAVENLY CITIZENS.

WHEN WE ARE FREED FROM ANY ANXIETY OR CONCERN FOR
WORLDLY MATTERS, WE ARE ABLE TO DIRECT ALL OUR
ATTENTION ON OUR LORD GOD .

We have to make every effort to ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL
PERFECTION, DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS – OUR CREATED
DIVINE LIKENESS!

IT IS OUR HUMAN NATURE TO SEEK GOD because OUR
IMMORTAL SOUL YEARNS TO RETURN TO OUR DIVINE
CREATOR AND OUR CREATED STATE.

SADLY, MANKIND SELDOM SUCCEEDS IN OUR NATURAL QUEST,
which causes INTENSE DISSATISFACTION AND PROFOUND
UNHAPPINESS AND MISERY THAT AFFECTS EVERYONE.

Those who are FAITHFUL DISCIPLES - Living in Christ and
applying His Divine Truth to every aspect of our
daily existence - ARE FREE FROM ANY WORLDLY
DEPENDENCE, AND ABLE TO VOLUNTARILY ACCOMPLISH OUR
SACRED CALLING.

OUR LIFE IN CHRIST FULFILS AND SATISFIES THE YEARNING OF
OUR IMMORTAL SOUL, as we enjoy a close, intimate
Relationship with our Lord God and with each
other.
OF ST MATTHEW – SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Having rejected and renounced our old corrupt and
fallen nature, we have put on our New Nature - our
Restored and Regenerated Nature – our Divine
Likeness to Christ Whom we strive to imitate with our
words, thoughts and deeds.
Finding the basis of our being in the things of this
temporal world, we have moulded our life
according to that which is not the Source of our
created being – that which exists briefly today,
“...but tomorrow is thrown into the furnace...” and
destroyed by fire. (LUKE 12:28).
By being anxious about corruptible things - regarding
them as something that is valuable or important to
us - we subject ourselves to corruption – “... for
where (our) treasure is, there (our) heart will be
also.” (MATTHEW 6:21).
Conversely, by seeking “....first the Kingdom of God
and His Righteousness...” - by directing ourselves –
body and soul - towards God by basing our words,
thoughts and deed on God and by Living in Christ
Who is Life and Love Itself, we become Co-Heirs with
Christ of the Heavenly Kingdom and receive Eternal
Life with God.
Although Adam disregarded the Divine Commandment
in order to pursue the demanding passions of his
body, the New Adam – our Lord Jesus Christ – has
empowered us to conquer all temptations, sins and
even the evil one by the Spiritual Weaponry of His
Divine Truth.
Our Divine Saviour does not tell us to stop eating and
drinking for He and His Faithful Apostles also had to
eat and drink in order to sustain their physical
welfare and strength.
He does not tell us to disregard our clothing to protect
ourselves from extreme weather and nakedness, for
He Himself wore a robe made for Him by His Most
Pure Mother.
Christ our God has not Called us in order to reject our
individually allotted lifespan, but to Sanctify it – to
make our Life Holy by bringing every aspect of our
existence to the Blessed Service of His Divine
Kingdom.
We must always keep in Mind that the Goal of our Life
in Christ is Theosis - a lifetime that is Unified with
M ATTHE W – THE K INGD OM OF G OD – 7 JU LY 2019 11
 Christ Jesus and the Ascension of our human nature
to the right Side of God our Heavenly Father.
This short lifespan is not about accumulating as much
material possessions, wealth and social status as
possible, which is of no Spiritual Benefit to us at all!
Our Creator and Divine Saviour urges us very clearly
and concisely – without any doubt at all – “Seek first
the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and
all these things shall be added to you!”
When we are Blessed with a close, intimate Relationship
with the Lord our God, we will gain far more
precious and lasting Treasures than we could ever
imagine!
Being close to God, is being in a most Wonderful
Spiritual State of Divine Grace.
We are overwhelmed by His Divine Love, Peace and Joy
that cannot be described at all and we are fulfilled
– body and soul – far beyond any human
measurement or understanding!
“...God knows that we need all these things ...” for He
placed us in this material world, which tests us
continually – and makes us Spiritually Strong.
T H E L IFE IN CH R IST – P
1. P R ESUPP OSITIONS
In contrast to most Western beliefs that generally accept
death as a normal phenomenon, or even regard it as
a result of a ‘legal decision of God’ to punish the
sinner, the Patristic Tradition of Eastern Orthodox
Christianity takes very seriously the fact that DEATH IS
INTRINSICALLY LINKED TO SIN, UNDER THE POWER OF THE DEVIL.
(1 CORINTHIANS 15:56 & HEBREWS 2:14).
Our Holy Fathers rejected the idea that God is the ‘author
of death,’ that the world is ‘normal’ in its current
condition, and that mankind can live a ‘normal’ life
solely according to natural laws that are assumed to
govern the Universe, for THE ORTHODOX CONCEPT OF THE
UNIVERSE IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH A STATIC SYSTEM OF NATURAL
MORAL LAWS.
THIS WORLD, on the contrary, IS REGARDED AS A FIELD OF OUR
ACTION AND STRUGGLE, AND OUR LIVING, PERSONAL GOD IS
THE ORIGINATOR OF CREATION IN ITS ENTIRETY, WHOSE
OMNIPRESENCE DOES NOT EXCLUDE OTHER WILLS, established
by Him even with the power to dismiss the Will of our
Creator.
Thus, THE DEVIL IS not only able to exist, but also to aspire
to the destruction of the Works of God by TRYING TO LURE
CREATION TOWARDS THE NOTHINGNESS FROM WHICH IT WAS
FORMED.
DEATH, which is A “...RETURN TO NOTHINGNESS...” as St
Athanasios explained, constitutes THE ESSENCE OF
DEMONIC POWER IN CREATION. (ROMANS 8:19-22)
THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST in the Reality of His physical
“...Flesh and Bones...” not only SERVES AS PROOF OF THE
‘ABNORMAL CHARACTER’ OF DEATH, BUT ALSO DESIGNATES IT AS
OUR UNDENIABLE ENEMY (LUKE 24:39 & 1 CORINTHIANS 15:26).
If death is an abnormal phenomenon, there can be
nothing resembling a ‘moral law’ inherent in the
Universe of which Holy Scripture does not know -
otherwise, our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself in vain
“...for our sins so that we might uproot this present
evil age.” (ROMANS 8: 19-22).
SINCE OUR CREATION, OUR DESTINY HAS BEEN PERFECTION
(THEOSIS), and remains the same today - TO BECOME AS
PERFECT AS OUR LORD GOD IS PERFECT. (EPHESIANS 5:1 & 4:13).
THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SPIRITUAL PERFECTION WAS RENDERED
IMPOSSIBLE BY THE INVENTION OF DEATH for “...the sting of
death is sin.” (ROMANS 5:12 & 1 CORINTHIANS 15:56).
Having submitted ourselves to the power of death, WE CAN
ONLY CONCERN OURSELVES WITH THE SUFFICIENCY OF OUR
FLESH. (ROMANS 7:14-25)
OUR INSTINCT FOR SELF-PRESERVATION SATURATES OUR EVERYDAY
LIFE and often CAUSES US TO BE UNFAIR TO OTHERS FOR
PERSONAL GAIN. (1 THESSALONIANS 4:4)
WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE FEAR OF DEATH, WE CANNOT LIVE THE
LIFE OF LOVE OF OUR CREATOR NOR CAN WE BE IMITATORS OF
GOD. (HEBREWS 2:15 & EPHESIANS 5:1).
DEATH AND THE INSTINCT FOR SELF-PRESERVATION ARE THE ROOT
CAUSE OF SIN that SEPARATES US FROM THE HOLY UNITY OF
LOVE, LIFE, AND DIVINE TRUTH, for, according to St Cyril of
Alexandria, DEATH IS THE ENEMY THAT PREVENTS US FROM
12 3 R D
S U ND AY AF TE R P E NTEC OST - 3 R D
OF
Nevertheless, He Blesses our labours and does certainly
provide everything necessary for our subsistence.
But let us not be like the foolish Rich Man and his
numerous barns filled with rotting, decomposing,
rusting and moth eaten crops and possessions, to
whom God said “Fool! This night your soul is
required of you; and the things you have
prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20).
Let us instead firmly focus our heart and soul upon
Heaven - making it our Everlasting Treasure.
Only such a Life is pleasing to God, because it is the
Fulfilment of our very existence – the reason for our
creation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to us so that we would have
a Life that is indeed more abundant – a Fulfilled Life
in the Grace of God while here on earth, and Eternal
Life in the Heavenly Kingdom to come. (John 10:10).
SERMON BY REVEREND FATHER SERGEI SVESHNIKOV
EDITED & ADAPTED BY MP
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
R OTOP RE SBYTER JO ROMANIDES
H N
OF S AC R AME NTAL LIFE
LOVING GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOURS WITHOUT ANXIETY NOR
CONCERN FOR OUR OWN SECURITY AND COMFORT.
We seek to demonstrate our worthiness and importance,
due to our fear of becoming valueless and
meaningless.
So WE MAKE OURSELVES APPEAR ‘SUPERIOR’ TO OTHERS, for we love
those who flatter us and hate those who insult us,
because ANY ASPERSIONS PROFOUNDLY AFFECT THOSE WHO
ARE AFRAID OF BEING ‘INSIGNIFICANT.’
The life of those whom the world regards as being
‘natural’ almost always consist of half-lies and
disappointments, as THEY CANNOT LOVE FRIENDS who
give them a sense of security, WHILE THEIR INSTINCT FOR
SELF-PRESERVATION, both moral and physical, CAUSE
THEM TO HATE THEIR ENEMIES. (MATTHEW 5:46-48 & LUKE 6:32-36)
DEATH IS THE SOURCE OF INDIVIDUALISM, for IT HAS THE POWER TO
COMPLETELY ENSLAVE OUR FREE WILL to the “...body of
death...” that - BY REDUCING US TO SELF-CENTEREDNESS AND
EGOTISM - BLINDS US TO DIVINE TRUTH, which is rejected by
many as being too difficult to accept – preferring a
‘truth’ that satisfies our personal desires. (ROMANS 7:18).
Therefore WE SEEK ‘SECURITY AND HAPPINESS’ RATHER THAN THE
SUFFERANCE OF HOLY LOVE THAT IS A SELF-OFFERING.
(PHILIPPIANS 1: 27-29)
The ‘natural’ person seeks A SENTIMENTAL RELIGION of
security in moral precepts and simple rules that
generate feelings of comfort, but REQUIRES NO EFFORT OF
SELF-DENIAL in “...Death with Christ to the elements of
the world.” (COLOSSIANS 2:20)
THE APOSTLES AND HOLY FATHERS do not transmit a Faith
accomplished with “...feelings of piety or comfort.”
Instead, on every page, they RAISE CRIES OF VICTORY OVER
DEATH AND CORRUPTION:. “O death, where is thy sting? O
grave, where is thy victory? …Thanks be to God Who
grants us Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1
CORINTHIANS 15: 55-57).
THE VICTORY OF CHRIST over the evil one HAS DESTROYED THE
POWER OF DEATH that separated mankind from God and
neighbour. (EPHESIANS 2:13-22)
THIS GREAT VICTORY OVER DEATH AND CORRUPTION HAS BEEN
ACCOMPLISHED IN THE FLESH OF CHRIST OUR LORD as well as
among the Just who have Reposed. (1 PETER 3:19)
“Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by
Death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing Life.”
(PASCHAL HYMN).
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS ALREADY ESTABLISHED, both in this
lifespan and beyond the grave and THE GATES OF
HADES CANNOT PREVAIL OVER THE BODY OF CHRIST, for THE
POWER OF DEATH CANNOT SEIZE THE ETERNAL KINGDOM of Life
and Love. (EPHESIANS 2:19 & MATTHEW 16:18)
Each day THE EVIL ONE AND HIS KINGDOM OF DEATH MOVES
CLOSER TO THEIR FINAL DEFEAT, WHICH IS ASSURED IN THE BODY
OF CHRIST. (1 CORINTHIANS 15:26)
... TO BE CONTINUED ...
HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM
S T M ATTHE W – THE K INGD OM OF G OD – 7 JU LY 2019
 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.
8 JULY 2019

S T P ROKOP IOS , G RE AT H OLY M ARTY R OF C AE SAR EA , P ALE STINE

Also the Feast of St Theophilos the Myrrhgusher of Zichnis, Macedonia - St Anastasios,

Hieromartyr of Jannina - St Prokopios, Fool for Christ and Wonderworker of Ustiug, Vologda –
St Epictetos the Presbyter & St Asion the Monk of Halmyris, Bithynia, Black Sea – Miracle of the
Holy Icon of the Annunciation at Ustiug –– St Mirdat, King of Kartli, Georgia

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE
ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS
ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.”
(OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

T H E F IR ST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T IMOTHY 4 : 9 - 15

My Child, Timothy: this is Faithful Saying and worthy of all acceptance, for thus we both Labour and suffer reproach,
because we trust in the Living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially those who believe.
These Things command and teach. Let no one despise Thy youth; but be an example to Believers - in word, in
conversation, in Charity, in spirit, in Faith, in Purity.
Until I come, attend to reading, to exhortation, to Doctrine. Do not neglect the Gift that is in Thee, which was granted to
Thee by Prophecy, with the Laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. Meditate upon these things – give Thyself
wholly to them – that Thy progress may appear to all.
✶ “...Labour and suffer...” AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES of our
The early Christians already had a Liturgical worship
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, WE MUST CONSTANTLY structure, which included the Reading of Holy
LABOUR, STRUGGLE AND STRIVE, WHILE ENDURING THE Scripture and the Homily – the roots of which were
CRITICISM AND REPROACH of those who prefer living in the Synagogue.
according to their own flawed and wicked desires. ✶ “...Do not neglect the Gift that is in Thee...” REFERRED
✶ “...we trust in the Living God...” Our absolute Faith in TO ST TIMOTHY’S HOLY ORDINATION AS PRESBYTER
the One True, Living and Loving Lord God gives us (PRIEST) WHICH WAS CONFERRED BY THE HOLY APOSTLES of
confidence and courage to endure the trials of this Christ upon him, AS IT IS PERFORMED BY OUR BISHOPS TO
temporary lifespan. THIS DAY.

When we Live in Christ, we can face all obstacles with
St Paul later gave St Timothy instructions for Holy
courage and hope. Ordination. (1 TIMOTHY 5: 22)
✶ “...These Things command and teach ...” ✶ “...the Laying on of the hands ...” In continuity with
EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TAUGHT with the New Covenant, ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ORDINATION
regard to our Lord’s Divine Truth – His Teachings and INTO THE HOLY DIACONATE AND HOLY PRIESTHOOD COMES
Commandments – whereby we must LIVE IN CHRIST, THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS BY THE BISHOP. (The
WE MUST CAREFULLY AND CORRECTLY TEACH OTHERS. unbroken line of Apostolic Succession)

We thereby pass on our Orthodox Christianity and ✶ “... give Thyself wholly to them...” We ought to
AVOID THE PITFALLS OF MAN-MADE DOCTRINES AND IDEAS COMMIT ourselves TO THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND
THAT ARE INFLUENCED BY THE EVIL ONE’S MACHINATIONS. TEACHINGS by applying them to our words,
✶ “...be an example to Believers...” SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOURS thoughts and deeds.
THAT FAITHFULLY AND TRUTHFULLY OBEY AND FULFIL OUR
WE HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE FOR OUR
LORD’S COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, LEAD US SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY OF SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
CORRECTLY TO ETERNAL LIFE in His Heavenly
There is no excuse for us to fail because EVERYTHING IS
Kingdom. DEPENDENT ON THE CHOICES WE MAKE NOW.
✶ “...attend to reading, to exhortation, to Doctrine...” ✶ “...Thy progress may appear to all...”
Personal READING, CONTEMPLATING AND
Our words, thoughts (attitude) and deeds should
UNDERSTANDING OF HOLY SCRIPTURE AND THE INSPIRED reflect our Life in Christ, which sets a good
WRITINGS OF OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS IS CONNECTED example for others.
TO “EXHORTATION” (PREACHING) AND “DOCTRINE”
(TEACHING.)
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 17 – 19 & 9: 1- 2 &10: 16 – 21
At that time, our Lord Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of His Disciples, and a great multitude of people
from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who went to hear Him, and to be Healed of their
diseases – and those who were troubled with unclean spirit were Cured. And all the people sought to touch Him, for
Power went forth from Him and Healed them all...
...He Called His Twelve Disciples together and granted them Power and Authority over all demons, and to Cure
diseases. And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to Heal the sick....
... And He said to them: “...He who hears you, hears Me. And he who rejects you, rejects Me, and he who rejects Me
rejects Him Who sent Me!”
The Seventy returned with Joy, saying; “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!” He said to them: “I
beheld Satan fall like lightning from Heaven.
“Behold, I grant you Authority to trample upon Serpents and Scorpions, and over all the power of the Enemy, and
nothing shalt by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not Rejoice in this – that the spirits are subject to you –
but rather Rejoice for your names are written in Heaven.”
In that Hour, Jesus Rejoiced in the Spirit, and said: “I Thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, that Thou hast
hidden these Things from the wise and the prudent, and revealed them to infants. Indeed, Father, for so it
seemed Good in Thy Sight...”

S T P R OKOP IOS THE G RE AT H OLY MA R TY R OF C AE SAR EA , P ALE STINE – 8 JU LY 13

✶ “...our Lord Jesus stood on a level place...” This is
the beginning of His “Sermon on the Plain,” which is
similar in content, although it is not as extensive as His
profound “Sermon on the Mount.”

Our Lord often repeated many of His Divine
Teachings over the three year period of His Public
Ministry.
✶ “...a great crowd of His Disciples...” The terms
“Disciples” and “Apostles” are often USED
INTERCHANGEABLY WITH REGARD TO THE TWELVE OR
SEVENTY CHOSEN APOSTLES OF CHRIST.

The title “Disciple of Christ” applies to EVERY ONE OF US
WHO VOLUNTARILY FOLLOW OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.

As His Faithful Disciples we “...Live in Christ...” thereby
meaning that we are UNDER HIS DIVINE DISCIPLINE,
STRIVING CEASELESSLY TO OBEY AND FULFIL ALL HIS
COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS.

An “...Apostle...” referred to THOSE WHO HAD SPECIFICALLY
BEEN “...SENT OUT...” BY OUR LORD to prepare the
people for the Divine Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ
– the Great Divine Messiah/Saviour.
✶OUR LORD JESUS “..granted them Power and
Authority...” TO PREACH AND TO PERFORM MIRACULOUS
CLEANSINGS, HEALINGS AND EXORCISMS that convinced
the people of His True Identity,
✶ HIS APOSTLES NOT ONLY PREACHED “... the Kingdom of
God...” TO THEM BUT WERE ALSO EMPOWERED AND
AUTHORISED BY GOD TO PERFORM MIRACULOUS DEEDS.

After the Descent of God the Holy Spirit, on Pentecost
Sunday, HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES SPREAD
THROUGHOUT THE KNOWN WORLD IN ORDER TO FULFIL HIS
DIVINE COMMISSION, WHICH STILL APPLIES TO US TO THIS
VERY DAY:
1. “...make Disciples of all Nations...” by
TEACHING THEM THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR LORD GOD.
2. “...Baptising them...” IN THE NAME OF our Triune
God: i.e. in the Name of each of the Three
Persons of the Holy Trinity - GOD THE FATHER, GOD
THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
3. “...teaching them to observe all things that
I have commanded you...”

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST USED HIS DIVINE POWER DIRECTLY TO
HEAL AND TO PERFORM ALL HIS MIRACLES, whereas He
had to grant Power and Authority to His Apostles
so that they *could fulfil His Divine Mission on
Earth in His Beloved Name.
✶ “..He who hears you, hears Me...”.Initially, our Lord
Jesus sent His Apostles to serve only the Chosen
People of God – the people of the first Israel, the
Hebrew people.

He did so in order TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING ACCUSED
LATER OF CONSORTING WITH THE DESPISED PAGANS – THE
GENTILES – “THE UNCIRCUMCISED.”

HE PREPARED THEM TO BE FOCUSSED AND SINGLE-MINDED in
their Sacred Mission of Healing and Preaching.
✶ “...I grant you Authority,,,” Our Lord Jesus reminded
them that THE POWER HE BESTOWED UPON THEM WAS A
FREE GIFT OF GOD THAT MUST BE USED FOR THE GLORY,
HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF GOD ALONE.

WE FULFIL OUR LABOURS OF LOVE FOR GOD AND OUR FELLOW
MANKIND ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD – not by our own
human abilities.

Therefore, EVERYTHING THAT IS ACCOMPLISHED IS BY DIVINE
GRACE FOR WHICH WE EXPRESS OUR DEEP GRATITUDE AND
ALWAYS GLORIFY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OUR LORD GOD –
NEVER SEEKING PRAISES NOR GLORY FOR OURSELVES!

Furthermore, OUR LORD INSTRUCTED HIS APOSTLES AND
DISCIPLES NOT TO CARRY ANYTHING EXTRA WITH THEM SO
THAT THEY WOULD LEARN TO DEPEND ON THE DIVINE
PROVIDENCE OF OUR ALL MERCIFUL AND BENEVOLENT
LORD GOD.
✶”... he who rejects Me rejects Him Who sent Me!”
JUDGEMENT IS EXTREMELY SEVERE FOR THOSE WHO REJECT
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.

BY CHOOSING TO REJECT OUR LORD GOD, THEY CONDEMN
THEMSELVES TO ETERNAL DEATH AND SPIRITUAL EXILE.
S T P AISIOS OF
Apart from the greater courage of Spiritual Love,
Love also surrounds all the other Holy Virtues,
for Love is the Affectionate Mother of all the Holy Virtues.
14 S T P R OKOPIOS THE G REAT H OLY M ARTY R

By comparison, THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER KNOWN CHRIST DUE
TO THEIR GENUINE IGNORANCE, HAVE NOT COMMITTED
THAT BLASPHEMOUS SIN AND THUS SHALL NOT BE JUDGED AS
SEVERELY, FOR THEY HAVE NOT CONDEMNED THEMSELVES..

THEY WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR GOD-GIVEN CONSCIENCE.
(That little Voice of God – of Divine Truth and Wisdom
- that always Guides us, Cautions us and Teaches us
according to Divine Will, which is breathed into us by
God the Holy, Life-giving Spirit when we are conceived
and Enlivened.)
✶ “...I beheld Satan fall...” CHRIST STRICTLY WARNS US
AGAINST FALLING INTO THE GRIEVOUS PASSIONS OF PRIDE
AND ARROGANCE

They refer to the most terrible Event that occurred
BEFORE THE CREATION OF OUR MATERIAL UNIVERSE,
WHEN SATAN AND HIS FALLEN ANGELS, THE DEMONS,
WERE BANISHED FROM HEAVEN AND THE PRESENCE OF
ALMIGHTY GOD.

The evil one and his demons are now NEITHER OF
HEAVEN NOR OF EARTH.

THEY ARE DESTINED FOR THE DREADED ABYSS – i.e. “HELL”,
which is A PERMANENT STATE OF UNENDING SUFFERING
AND SPIRITUAL DEATH – “...gnashing of teeth...”

Our Lord Jesus referred to it as being “...Outer
Darkness...” – an absolute and total state of
Spiritual Darkness and UTTER ABSENCE OF GOD’S
GOODNESS, BLESSING OR DIVINE LIGHT.

THE ABYSS IS THE GREATEST FEAR OF DEMONS who know they
belong there FOR ALL ETERNITY

At present, GOD PERMITS THEM TO LINGER BETWEEN HEAVEN
AND EARTH, IN ORDER TO TEMPT US AND UNWITTINGLY
MAKE US SPIRITUALLY STRONGER AND CLOSER TO GOD.

Lucifer/Satan/the Evil One set his egocentric, arrogant
and proud will against the Lord our God, and had
encouraged other Angels to follow him. Thus they
were exiled forever from the Divine Light and all
the Goodness of the Heavenly Kingdom.

WHEN MANKIND WAS CREATED, WHOM GOD LOVED, SATAN’S
INTENSE, OBSESSIVE JEALOUSY BEGAN ITS WARFARE AGAINST
US, which our Lord permits at times for our Spiritual
Benefit – to draw us closer to Him through growing,
strengthening Faith.

EVERYTHING EVIL AND DESTRUCTIVE IS INVENTED BY THE EVIL
ONE IN ORDER TO DESTROY OUR CLOSE RELATIONSHIP TO
GOD.
✶ “...hidden these Things from the wise and the
prudent...” THE DIVINE TRUTH IS OFTEN HIDDEN FROM
THOSE WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES AS BEING “...WISE AND
PRUDENT.” – BUT WHO ARE TOO CLEVER FOR THEIR OWN
GOOD!

They do not realise that ALL KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING
AND WISDOM COMES FROM GOD ALONE WHO ENLIGHTENS
US AND GRANTS US COMPREHENSION AND PERCEPTION OF
MUNDANE AND EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.

AS WE MATURE, WE ARE GRANTED MORE AWARENESS,
INTELLIGENCE AND COMPREHENSION of the great variety
of aspects that surround us.

THOSE WHO ARE GENUINELY “... WISE AND PRUDENT...” WILL
KNOW THE TRUTH AND REALITY OF OUR LORD GOD AND HIS
CREATION IN ALL ITS MAGNIFICENT GLORY!
✶ “...revealed them to infants...” DIVINE TRUTH IS
REVEALED TO AND ACCEPTED BY THOSE WHO HAVE SIMPLE
FAITH IN GOD AND A WILLING AND HUMBLE HEART THAT
JOYFULLY FULFILS HIS DIVINE WILL.

It is a reference to THE PURE HEART AND SOUL OF THE
INNOCENT, IN WHOM THERE IS NO GUILE. (ISAIAH 14:12 – 15 &
REVELATION 12: 7 – 12)

OUR LORD DID NOT CALL THE EDUCATED PEOPLE SUCH AS THE
ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTEOUS SCRIBES AND PHARISEES TO
SERVE AS HIS APOSTLES.

Instead HE CALLED THE UNSOPHISTICATED FISHERMEN AND
THOSE WHO WERE HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF
GOD – WHO BELIEVED IN OUR LORD GOD WITH A SIMPLE,
UNCOMPLICATED MANNER.
M OU NT AT H OS
OF C AE SAR E A , P ALE STINE – 8 J ULY
 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.
11 JULY 2019
THE MIRACLE OF ST EUPHEMIA AT CHALCEDON
Also the Feast of St Helen/Olga, Venerable Princess & Equal to the Apostles, of Russia – St
Cindeos the Presbyter & Hieromartyr of Pamphylia, Asia Minor – St Nikodemos the New Martyr
of Albania – St Barbara, Great Holy Martyr, Translation of Holy Relics – St Arkadios of Novotorsk
– St Nektarios of Vrioulon
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE
PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE
ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.”
(OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)
M ATINS G OSP EL A CC ORD ING TO S T M AR K 5 : 24 – 34
THE HEALING OF ST VERONICA WHO HAD HAEMORRHAGED FOR TWELVE YEARS
At that time, many people followed our Lord Jesus, and thronged Him. And there was a certain Woman who had had
a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered much from many Physicians. And she had spent all that she had
and was not better, but rather, grew worse.
When she heard that about Jesus, she went behind Him in the crowd and touched His garments. She had thought: “If
only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”And immediately the source of her bleeding dried up, and she
felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus - instantly knowing in Himself that Power had gone
out of Him - turned around in the crowd and asked: “Who touched My clothes?” And His Disciples said to Him:
“Thou see the multitude thronging Thee, and Thou ask: ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see her who
had done this thing. The Woman – fearing and trembling – knowing what had happened to her, went and fell
down before Him and told Him the whole truth. He said to her: “Daughter, your Faith has made you well. Go in
Peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
✶ ”... a certain Woman...” is known to us today as ST taken everything she had, but now GOD WOULD
VERONICA. GRANT HER WHAT SHE REALLY NEEDED!
✶ ”... for twelve years...” she had suffered the chronic ✶ “...instantly knowing ... that Power had gone out of
affliction and various ‘treatments’ - for more than Him...”
a decade - and SHE WAS UNDERSTANDABLY UTTERLY
HIS DIVINE ENERGY OR POWER WENT DIRECTLY FROM CHRIST
DESPERATE AND DETERMINED TO SEEK A CURE. TO ST VERONICA, WHEREAS THE ENABLING POWER AND
✶ ”... she had spent all that she had...” on every type of AUTHORITY BESTOWED BY CHRIST ON HIS APOSTLES
treatment by physicians and charlatans who had WORKED INDIRECTLY THROUGH THEM.
made impoverished her yet could not heal her. ✶ “...Who touched My clothes?” seemed to be a
✶ ”... If only I may touch His garment...” SHE peculiar question under the circumstances.
INSTINCTIVELY KNEW THAT BY MERELY COMING INTO
However, our Lord WANTED ST VERONICA TO OPENLY
CONTACT WITH OUR LORD, SHE WOULD BE HEALED, which ACKNOWLEDGE HER FAITH IN HIM SO THAT OTHERS WOULD
REVEALED THE DEPTH OF HER FAITH IN THE MESSIAH of LEARN FROM HER AND GLORIFY GOD.
Whom she had heard. ✶ “... fearing and trembling...” SHE KNEW THE

EVERYTHING THAT IS TOUCHED BY GOD BECOMES SANCTIFIED CONSEQUENCES OF BREAKING THE JUDAIC LAWS of being
AND WILL PASS THAT SANCTIFICATION ONTO THE FAITHFUL.
‘unclean,’ and thus a ‘social outcast,’ which were
So THE INSTANT ST VERONICA SOFTLY TOUCHED THE ROBES OF
severe and brutal.
CHRIST SHE WAS HEALED AND GOD KNEW HER SINCERE
✶ St Veronica “... fell down before Him and told Him the
FAITH IN HIM.
whole Truth...” which obviously TOOK IMMENSE COURAGE.

AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS BY THE WILL OF GOD

HER GREAT SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND BRAVERY WAS COMPELLED
ALONE FOR BEING OF THE SAME DIVINE ESSENCE AS GOD
BY HER EXTREME GRATITUDE FOR BEING COMPLETELY
THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST POSSESSES THAT
HEALED BY GOD.
SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY.

THE HEALING OF ST VERONICA, DEMONSTRATED OUR LORD ✶ “...Daughter, thy Faith has made thee well...” OUR
JESUS’ POWER TO CLEANSE US FROM OUR SINS AND TO HEAL LORD ADDRESSED HER AS ONE OF HIS CHILDREN AND
MENTIONED HER FAITH PUBLICALLY SO THAT THE WITNESSES
ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS – THE SPIRITUAL AND THE PHYSICAL.
MIGHT FOLLOW HER GOOD EXAMPLE.

According to the Old Covenant Laws, any type of
haemorrhaging caused ceremonial defilement,
Our Holy Church Fathers believed that ST VERONICA
SYMBOLISES HUMAN NATURE IN GENERAL because ALL
which imposed religious and social restrictions
HUMANITY CONSTANTLY SUFFERS AND IS SUBJECT TO DEATH,
upon the sufferers for ANY CONTACT WITH BLOOD WAS
WHICH WAS SYMBOLISED BY HER HAEMORRHAGING.
STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.

THIS WRETCHED SUFFERING WOMAN WAS THUS REGARDED AS
THE PHYSICIANS WHO COULD NOT HEAL HER SYMBOLISE THE
VARIOUS IMPERFECT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, AS WELL AS
BEING ‘UNCLEAN’ SO SHE HAD FOLLOWED ALL THE
THE OLD COVENANT LAW, WHICH ARE UNABLE TO GRANT
REQUIREMENTS AS A ‘SOCIAL OUTCAST.’

However, SHE HAD REACHED SUCH A DEGREE OF MISERY AND LIFE TO HUMANITY – THEY CANNOT SAVE US
DESPERATION THAT SHE RISKED FURTHER SHAME AND

ONLY GOD CAN SAVE OR REDEEM US!
HUMILIATION IN THE CONVICTION THAT ONLY CHRIST

ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, ARE WE
GENUINELY FREED AND DELIVERED FROM SUFFERING AND
COULD HEAL HER.
BONDAGE TO SIN!
It was a risk that she was willing to take – after all
what more could she lose? People had already
T H E S EC OND EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL THE CO R INTH IANS 6 : 1 – 10
Brethren: we, then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the Grace of God in vain. He said:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the Day of Salvation I have helped you.” Behold! Now is ‘the
accepted time!’ Behold! Now is ‘the Day of Salvation!’
We give no offence in anything - that our Ministry many not be blamed. In all things we commend ourselves as
Ministers of God: in much Patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in
Labours, in sleeplessness, in Fastings, by Purity, by Knowledge, by Longsuffering, by Kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by
sincere Love, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God, by the Armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on
the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and Good Report; as deceivers, and yet True; as unknown, and

T H E M IR ACL E OF S T EU PH EM IA THE G RE AT H OLY M AR TY R , AT C HALCED ON 11 JU LY 15

 yet well known; as dying, and behold we Live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always Rejoicing;
as poor, yet Enriching many; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
✶ “...Now is ‘the Day of Salvation!’...” Our Eternal Salvation THE APOSTLES’ LIFE IN CHRIST CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE
is affected by every choice we make NOW, so we must MYSTERIOUS PARADOX OF GOD’S DIVINE GRACE AND STRENGTH
constantly Repent and Confess our sins, correcting the WORKING IN OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS.
course we are taking towards Eternity. AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE MUST RENOUNCE THE

THE BEGINNING OF OUR ETERNAL SALVATION IS ALWAYS AT THIS FALLEN WORLD IN ORDER TO MASTER AND GUIDE IT ALONG THE
PRESENT MOMENT in the period before the Second RIGHTEOUS PATH TO ETERNAL LIFE in God’s Heavenly
Appearance (Parousia) of our Lord and Saviour, Kingdom of Love (Agape.)
Jesus Christ, in His Incarnate, Resurrected State. ✶ This particular passage of St Paul’s Second Epistle to
✶ “ ... We give no offence... as Ministers of God...” the Corinthians is read on the Feast Days that
DESCRIBES THE AUTHENTIC HOLY APOSTLESHIP OF CHRIST OUR Commemorate our Female Saints and Martyrs.
LORD.
. T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 7 : 36 – 50
At that time, one of the Pharisees asked our Lord Jesus to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat
down to eat. And behold: A woman of the city, who was a sinner – when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the
Pharisee’s house - took an alabaster flask of fragrant Myrrh, and stood at His Feet, behind Him, weeping. She
washed His Feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. And she kissed His Feet and anointed
them with the fragrant Myrrh. When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying: “This
Man – if He were a Prophet – would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a
sinner!” And Jesus answering, said to him: “Simon, I have something to say to you.” He said: “Teacher, say it.”
“There was a certain Creditor who had two Debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other, fifty. Having
nothing with which to repay him, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me: which of them Love him more?” Simon
answered and said: “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” Jesus said to him: “You have rightly judged.”
And turning to the woman, He said to Simon: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house - you gave Me no water
for My Feet. She has washed My Feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no
kiss. Since she came in, She has not ceased kissing My Feet. You did not anoint My head with oil. She - with
fragrant Myrrh - has anointed My Feet. Therefore, I say to you: her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she
Loved much. To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
He said to her: “Thy sins art forgiven.” And those who dined with Him began to say within themselves: “Who is This Who
forgives sins also?” He said to the woman: “Thy Faith hath Saved thee. Go in Peace.”
✶ “...He went to the Pharisee’s house... to eat...” Our GOD BY HER HEARTFELT, SINCERE ACTIONS that clearly
Lord Jesus Christ had intrigued a certain Pharisee, REVEALED THE TRUE STATE OF HER IMMORTAL SOUL.
named “Simon” who invited our Saviour to dine ✶ “...To whom little is forgiven, the same loves
with him in his home. little...” WHATEVER WE DO FOR OR TO OTHERS IS
✶ “... if He were a Prophet...” showed that SIMON THE RETURNED A HUNDRED TIMES MORE TO US, especially acts
PHARISEE CLEARLY DID NOT BELIEVE IN CHRIST. of Great Mercy and Love or unkind, cruel and
✶ “...what manner of woman this is ...” - demonstrated his careless acts against others, for thereby we either
unspoken reaction to OUR LORD’S GREAT MERCY FOR are Blessed with Eternal Salvation or Condemn
THE WEEPING, REPENTANT WOMAN who had anointed ourselves forever!
His Feet with her tears and “...fragrant Myrrh...”
THOSE OF US WHO EITHER CONSIDER OURSELVES AS BEING
✶ “... I have something to say to you...” proved our “SINLESS” OR WHO DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE NOR CONFESS
Lord’s DIVINE NATURE, WHEN HE RESPONDED TO SIMON OUR INNUMERABLE SINS, nor strive to seek out and
THE PHARISEE’S UNSPOKEN WORDS. correct our faults every day, ARE INCAPABLE OF
✶ “...a certain Creditor who had two Debtors ...” BY LOVING GOD AND EACH OTHER.
USING A PARABLE CONCERNING TWO FINANCIAL DEBTS,
BY ACQUIRING THE INSEPARABLE HOLY VIRTUES OF TRUE
CHRIST KNEW THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE WOULD HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD WE DEMONSTRATE OUR
UNDERSTAND VERY CLEARLY. SINCERE LOVE OF GOD AND ONE ANOTHER.
✶ "... which of them Love him more?...” OUR ALL ✶ “...Thy sins art forgiven...” OUR LORD FORGAVE THE
MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD DOES NOT FORGIVE US ACCORDING REPENTANT WOMAN THE MOMENT SHE APPROACHED HIM
TO THE DEGREE OF OUR SINFULNESS – HOW GREAT OUR WITH HER CONTRITE HEART, BUT HE DECLARED HIS DIVINE
SPIRITUAL DEBT IS TO HIM – BUT RATHER ACCORDING TO OUR FORGIVENESS ALOUD SO THAT SHE AND THOSE PRESENT
SINCERE REPENTANCE – ACCORDING TO OUR “CONTRITE HEART.” MAY HEAR IT CLEARLY.

AS SOON AS WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND CONFESS OUR SINS, OUR ✶ “...Thy Faith hath Saved thee. Go in Peace.” With
LORD FORGIVES US – no matter what sins we have these words, our Lord dismissed the Repentant
committed – for HIS GREAT MERCY IS INFINITE FOR Woman and RESPONDED WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO
THOSE WHO TRULY REPENT BY A DETERMINED STRUGGLE TO THOSE WHO WITNESSED THE EVENT.
RESIST AND AVOID ALL TEMPTATIONS.
ONLY THE LORD OUR GOD CAN GRANT US FORGIVENESS,

WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY THE DEGREE OF OUR CEASELESS SPIRITUAL SALVATION AND HIS DIVINE PEACE.
LABOURS AND STRIVINGS, which compels us to REPENT
If our Divine Saviour had been merely a most devout
OUR SINS AS SOON AS WE FALL INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH. Judean, He would never have dared to

This temporary lifespan consists of OUR CONTINUOUS pronounce such powerful words!! HE WOULD NEVER
STATES OF SPIRITUAL DEATH (SIN) AND SPIRITUAL LIFE HAVE COMMITTED SUCH AN ACT OF BLASPHEMY OR HERESY!!!
(REPENTANCE-CONFESSION) as we slowly proceed
Once again, THE SPIRITUALLY BLIND COULD NOT
inevitably towards Eternity. COMPREHEND WHAT THEY HAD JUST WITNESSED - up close
✶ ”... this woman ..." In order to Enlighten and Teach His and personally - at the house of Simon the
Divine Truth to the sanctimonious Pharisee and Pharisee!
those who sat with them, OUR LORD COMPARED THE
THIS ENCOUNTER with the Repentant Woman DEPICTS THE
HUMBLE, RESPECTFUL AND LOVING BEHAVIOUR OF THE DIVINE GRACE THAT IS GRANTED TO US ONLY THROUGH OUR
REPENTANT WOMAN TO THE ARROGANT, DISRESPECTFUL LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS HOLY CHURCH – through
INHOSPITALITY OF SIMON THE PHARISEE: Her Divine Mysteries THAT GRANT US FORGIVENESS,
1. “...thou gave Me no water for My Feet. She SALVATION AND DIVINE PEACE AND JOY.
has washed My Feet with her tears and wiped
St Ambrose of Milan explained: CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH IS
them with the hair of her head. “...JUSTIFIED AS BEING GREATER THAN THE (MOSAIC) LAW,
for THE LAW DOES NOT KNOW THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS,
2. “...thou gave Me no kiss. Since she came in,
NOR THE MYSTERY IN WHICH SECRET SINS ARE CLEANSED.
she has not ceased kissing My Feet.
Therefore, WHAT IS LACKING IN THE LAW IS PERFECTED IN
3. “...thou did not anoint My Head .... She - with THE GOSPEL...”
fragrant Myrrh - has anointed My Feet.
THE FACT THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST COULD TRULY FORGIVE
✶ ... her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she SINS WAS FAR BEYOND THE BOUND OF THE MOSAIC LAW AS
Loved much...” meaning that ALTHOUGH SHE HAD THE PHARISEES AND SCRIBES UNDERSTOOD IT except OUR
COMMITTED MANY SINS, SHE HAD REPENTED WITH A MOST LORD JESUS CHRIST - THE LAWGIVER HIMSELF!
CONTRITE HEART.
St Cyril of Alexandria said: “ ...WHO COULD DECLARE

Furthermore, SHE HAD UNWITTINGLY DEMONSTRATED HER THINGS THAT WERE ABOVE THE LAW, EXCEPT THE ONE WHO
HUMBLE, LOVING REVERENCE AND WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY ORDAINED THE LAW?”

16. T H E M IR ACLE OF S T EU PH EM IA THE G R EAT H OLY M ARTY R , AT CH ALC ED ON 11 JU LY

 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.
12 JULY 2019
ST PAISIOS THE NEW OF MOUNT ATHOS
Also the Feast of St Proklos & St Hilarion of Kallippi, Ancyra – St Michale of Maleinos – St Theodore
the Varangian & St John, his son, of Kiev – St Arsenios, Fool for Christ of Novgorod – St Simon, Abbot
of Volomsk Monastery – St Mary Golinduc of Persia – St John & St Gabriel the Georgians, of Mount
Athos – St Veronica/Bernice, Healed by Christ
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE
PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO
POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.”
(OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)
F E STAL M ATINS G OSPEL A CC ORD ING TO S T M ATTHE W 11: 27 - 30
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “... All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him. Come to Me, all who Labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest. Take My Yoke
upon you, and learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My
Yoke is easy and My Burden is light.”
✶ “...all things have been delivered to Me by My
ONLY THE TEACHINGS AND REVELATIONS OF OUR LORD JESUS
Father...” means that EVERYTHING OUR SAVIOUR CHRIST CAN ENLIGHTEN US FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
TEACHES US AND REVEALS TO US IS ACCORDING TO THE SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE

Thus the DIVINE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER IS REVEALED TO US TRUTH CAN WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE
AND TAUGHT TO US ONLY BY GOD THE SON – by the INFINITE LOVE, MERCY, JOY, AND PEACE OF OUR LORD
Second Person of the Holy Trinity - WHO GOD.
CONDESCENDED TO BECOME INCARNATE AND TO LIVE WITH
ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND BY THE POWER
US IN ORDER TO TEACH US CLEARLY AND DIRECTLY HIS AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, ARE WE ABLE TO
DIVINE TRUTH. FULFIL OUR SACRED TASKS ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
✶ “...No one knows the Son except the Father...”
means that OUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF
ONLY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAN WE MAINTAIN
AND INCREASE OUR BLESSED LIFE IN HIM THAT DRAWS US
CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH IS LIMITED DUE TO OUR
SLOWLY TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND ALL THE BLESSINGS
HUMAN CONDITION.
OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.

THE DEGREE OR DEPTH OF OUR UNDERSTANDING OF HIS DIVINE
TRUTH, DEPENDS ON OUR SPIRITUAL STATE AND PROGRESS. ✶ “... Take My Yoke...” THE YOKE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

However, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY IS OUR FREE AND WILLING SUBMISSION TO THE KINGDOM OF
SPIRIT – the Third Person of the Holy Trinity – WE ARE GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT IS REQUIRED OF US AS WORTHY
GRANTED THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND FULFIL FAR FUTURE CITIZENS.
MORE OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH. ✶ “...My Yoke is easy ...” A yoke could be seen as a sign

St Theophylact explained that GOD HAS HIDDEN HIS of hardship, burdens, and responsibilities, but IN
DIVINE MYSTERIES FROM THE WISE AND ERUDITE PEOPLE OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, HIS YOKE IS EASY, BECAUSE DIVINE
THE WORLD – not out of any malice towards His POWER WORKS IN EACH OF US. (2 KINGS 12: 1 – 11; JEREMIAH 34: 1-
creatures but rather BECAUSE OF OUR UNWORTHINESS, 11; WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1)
for we chose to trust our own fallen, warped and
Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD IS INFINITELY GREATER
limited wisdom and judgement instead of God’s THAN ANY EFFORT REQUIRED OF US!
Perfect and Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge.
BY LIVING IN CHRIST, OUR SPIRITUAL LABOURS ARE ACHIEVED

Furthermore, IT IS OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND THAT GOD without causing us to become exhausted and
WITHHOLDS DIVINE REVELATION FROM THOSE WHO WOULD ineffectual.
SCORN IT – IN ORDER THAT THEY DO NOT RECEIVE EVEN
OUR LORD GOD MAKES EVERYTHING POSSIBLE for us to
WORSE ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AT THEIR FINAL achieve, despite our weaknesses or inabilities.
JUDGEMENT.
WE ARE “YOKED” TOGETHER WITH EACH OTHER BY CHRIST,
✶ “...and the one to whom the Son Wills to reveal which makes this preparatory, often difficult and
Him ...” SOMETIMES, LIKE ST PAUL, BY THE GRACE OF painful lifespan far more bearable and Spiritually
Profitable.
GOD, WE RECEIVE DIVINE TRUTH DIRECTLY FROM OUR LORD

OUR JOURNEY IS NOT A SOLO EFFORT but always a “Team
JESUS CHRIST IN A DIVINELY MYSTERIOUS MANNER THAT
Effort,” for we cannot fulfil our Sacred Tasks that
CANNOT BE EXPLAINED BUT ONLY EXPERIENCED!
are essential to our Eternal Life without working in

WE ARE SUBSEQUENTLY COMPELLED BY OUR LOVE OF GOD TO
Unison and Harmony with each other and,
SHARE SUCH KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND TEACHING
especially, with our Lord
WITH OUR FELLOW DISCIPLES.

Our Lord Jesus Christ emphasises and confirms what ✶ ”... I Am Gentle...” The term “Gentle” is literally
He has taught us – ONLY THROUGH HIS DIVINE TRUTH translated “Meek.”
CAN WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND OUR BENEVOLENT,
OUR LORD GOD NEVER FORCES HIS DIVINE WILL ON ANYONE,
PROVIDENTIAL AND LOVING LORD GOD. for Love is Patient, Longsuffering, Kind, Gentle,
The ancient Holy Prophets and the Chosen People of Humble, Compassionate, etc. as St Paul described
God believed our Almighty God to be a fearsome, it so well.
vengeful and wrathful God Who demanded
Our All Merciful and Loving God is incapable of doing
Obedience and Who would instantly destroy all anything that is destructive and fatal, for that is
who dared to challenge Him! (This was according utterly against His Divine Nature and Attributes,
to their experience of powerful, merciless and which embody everything that is absolutely Good!
cruel Rulers who terrified their subjects into
A LL EVIL, WICKEDNESS, CRUELTY, SUFFERING, DEATH – all the
submission and obedience!) However, OUR LORD woes of our human condition - ARE INVENTIONS OF
JESUS CHRIST REVEALED TO US THAT ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE EVIL ONE – none of which pertains to God’s
LOVE! HE IS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! Divine Will for THESE ALL CONTRADICT DIVINE LOVE – I.E.
THESE CONTRADICT OUR TRIUNE GOD.

S T P AISIOS THE NEW, H OLY E LDE R OF M OU NT AT H OS 12 J ULY 2019 17.

 F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON – P SALM 149 – TO NE (7) V ARY S /GR AVE

The Holy Ones shall boast in Glory and they shall greatly Rejoice on their beds.
Sing to the Lord a New Song. His praise in the Assembly of His Holy Ones.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 5: 22 – 6: 2
Brethren, the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
Against such there is no Law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have Crucified the flesh with its passions and
desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one
another, no envy of each other.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are Spiritual, should Restore him in a Spirit of Gentleness. Look
to yourself lest you, too, be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ.
✶ “...the Fruit of the Spirit...” St Paul reminds us of THE A fleshy soul means that we are in a state of SPIRITUAL
WONDERFUL SPIRITUAL FRUIT THAT IS GRANTED BY THE DEATH!
HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO STRIVE CEASELESSLY, all of ✶ “...live by the Spirit ...walk by the Spirit...” Unless we
which HELP US TO DEAL WITH OUR DAILY PROBLEMS AND truly acknowledge and expose our sins, eradicating
SPIRITUAL CONTESTS that confront us all. them through a concerted effort of REPENTANCE-

EVERY ONE OF THESE DIVINE FRUITS PROMOTES AND NURTURES CONFESSION, we cannot RETURN TO OUR NATURAL SPIRITUAL
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER. STATE - SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST – and return to our close,

THE ONLY GIFT AND FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT WE intimate Relationship with Almighty God and all His
REQUIRE FOR OUR ETERNAL LIFE – AS WELL AS A Goodness.
SUCCESSFUL, TEMPORARY, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN IS LOVE,
We are trying to Live in Christ – to LIVE ACCORDING TO
FOR LOVE OR AGAPE NEVER FAILS!! THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER BY MEANS OF THE

Furthermore, UNLESS WE STRIVE WITH ALL OUR MIGHT TO POWER AND ENERGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH THE
ACHIEVE TRUE AGAPE, WE WILL NOT BE WORTHY CITIZENS TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST.
OF THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
This is SPIRITUAL LIFE, which we must NURTURE, PROTECT

OUR ENTIRE JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON THAT UNCONDITIONAL, AND GROW until our last breath, for WHATEVER
HOLY, DIVINE AND ABSOLUTE LOVE of God and our CONDITION WE DEPART THIS LIFE, WE WILL REMAIN
fellow mankind, for whatever we do for them will UNCHANGED IN THE NEXT – i.e. in Eternity.
be done for us a hundredfold. 1. We must STRIVE TO REMAIN IN SPIRITUAL LIFE and avoid at

Thus it benefits us immensely if we do ACHIEVE AGAPE all cost falling into a state of Spiritual Death!!
AND TREAT ONE ANOTHER WITH PURE, VIRTUOUS HEART AND 2. We must IMMEDIATELY CORRECT OURSELVES as soon as we
SOUL! have fallen into sin - and ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER to

THEOSIS, DEIFICATION OR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION MEANS TO stay close to the Lord our God by means of our
HAVE ACQUIRED THE GREATEST OF ALL HOLY VIRTUES - Spiritual Endeavours.
TRUE LOVE – THAT DIVINE, PERFECT AGAPE. 3. We must AVOID PROVOKING EACH OTHER, or doing
✶ “...Crucified the flesh ...” This short lifespan, which anything that will endanger our Brethren in Christ
prepares us for Eternity, should be spent STRIVING TO who might be discouraged, disheartened or
DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN OUR IMMORTAL SOUL IN ORDER TO disturbed by our careless, inconsiderate words,
CONTROL OUR WILFUL, SELFISH AND ARROGANT FLESH, thoughts and deeds!
because we all need TO RETURN TO GOD WHO CREATED US 4. We must GENTLY GUIDE AND CORRECT ONE ANOTHER –
AS HIS PERFECT CREATURES OF LOVE. always with Love, Kindness and Compassion,

IF WE DO NOT LEARN TO CONTROL THE DEMANDS OF OUR thereby bearing each other’s ‘burdens,’ but never
UNDISCIPLINED FLESH, WE WILL DEVELOP A ‘FLESHY’ SOUL being a ‘burden’ to others by taking advantage of
A FLESHY SOUL IS DOMINATED AND CONTROLLED BY OUR their good nature or kindness of heart.
PHYSICAL PASSIONS THAT STIFLE AND DEADEN OUR 5 . We must ensure THAT WHATEVER WE DO, IT IS ACCORDING TO
CONSCIENCE AND, CONSEQUENTLY, ALIENATE US FROM THE DIVINE TRUTH, TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS OF
GOD AND ALL HIS DIVINE GOODNESS AND LOVE. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 6 : 17 – 23
At that time, our Lord Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of His Disciples, and a great multitude of people
from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the coast of tyre and Sidon, who went to hear Him, and to be Healed of their
diseases – and those who were troubled with unclean spirit were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch Him, for
Power went forth from Him and Healed them all. And He lifted up His Eyes to His Disciples, and said: “Blessed art
you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed art you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.
Blessed art you who weep now, for you shall rejoice. Blessed art you when men hate you, and when they
exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day,
and leap for Joy, for behold! Your Reward is Great in Heaven!”
✶ “...a great crowd ...” In the age of the Old Covenant a KINGDOM AS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES OF LIFE - A
select few were chosen to hear God directly. (REFER EXODUS TREMENDOUS CRAVING AND YEARNING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT
19: 3 – 13) AND GOOD – A SPIRITUAL HUNGER THAT IS FAR MORE
IN THE AGE OF THE NEW COVENANT GOD INCARNATE SPEAKS COMPELLING THAN A DESIRE FOR FOOD.
DIRECTLY TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND ALL THOSE WHO SEEK
✶ “...those who weep...” refers to THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED
DIVINE TRUTH. BY THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS LIFE, ESPECIALLY BY THE
✶ “...to hear Him ...” OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US MISERY OF SO MANY OTHERS, THE STATE OF THE FALLEN
WITH HIS OWN DIVINE AUTHORITY. WORLD, AND THEIR OWN PERSONAL SINS. (REFER JOHN 11:35...

WE, AS HIS DISCIPLES, DO NOT DISCUSS OR DEBATE BUT LISTEN LUKE 19:41 & LUKE 7 : 36 – 38)
CAREFULLY to what He reveals and teaches us
ALL THESE ARE COMFORTED BY THE POWER OF GOD BOTH IN
concerning God’s Truth – READY AND EAGER TO FULFIL THIS WORLD AND IN THE AGE TO COME.
WHATEVER IS REQUIRED FROM US.
HOLY SORROW IS PART OF OUR REPENTANCE, CONVERSION AND
THIS IS OUR HOLY MISSION AND PURPOSE ON EARTH DURING VIRTUOUS ACTION.
THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY.
HOLY SORROW OR JOYFUL MOURNING IS THE FIRST-FRUIT – THE
✶ “...Blessed art you ...” indicates HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL INITIAL RESULT – OF INFINITE OR ETERNAL BLISS/JOY,
EXALTATION RATHER THAN EARTHLY HAPPINESS OR which is completely different from ungodly sorrow
PROSPERITY. – an inconsolable sadness that leads to despair –
✶ “...you who are poor ...” In Hebrew, “poor” means utter hopelessness. (REFER TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7 : 10 )
BOTH THE MATERIALLY POOR AND GOD’S FAITHFUL PEOPLE.

THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL IS WHEN WE COMMIT OUR
LIVES ENTIRELY TO CHRIST – WHEN WE LIVE IN CHRIST AND
✶ “...poor in spirit,” are THOSE WHO HAVE THE HEART OF THE
NEVER COMPROMISE OUR FAITH no matter what the
POOR, THE SAME ATTITUDE AS THE POOR, AND WHO ARE
circumstances or threats against us.
TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON GOD.
✶ THIS “SERMON ON THE PLAIN” IS SIMILAR BUT NOT AS EXTENSIVE
✶ “...Those who hunger ...” and thirst FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS AS CHRIST’S PROFOUND “SERMON ON THE MOUNT.” (MATTHEW 5 – 7)
REGARD THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL

18. S T P AISIOS THE N EW , H OLY EL DE R OF M OU NT A TH OS 12 J ULY 2018

OUR LORD JESUS REPEATED MANY OF HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OVER
THE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS – His Public Ministry to the
Hebrews and Gentiles, which were later spread
throughout the world by His Divinely Inspired Apostles
and Faithful Disciples.
ST JOHN THE DIVINE APOSTLE, EVANGELIST AND THEOLOGIAN
MENTIONED THREE PASSOVER FEASTS that occurred
between Theophany – the Revelation of the Holy
Trinity at the Baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan
T H E L IFE IN CH R IST
2.. S ACR AM ENTAL P ARTIC IPATION
Participation in the Victory of the Cross is not only our
Hope for the future, but our present Reality that is
given to those who are Baptized and ‘grafted’ into the
Body of Christ. (EPHESIANS 2:13-22; ROMANS 6:3-4 & JOHN 15:1-8)
There is nevertheless no ‘magical guarantee’ of Salvation
nor of continued participation in the Life in Christ
(ROMANS 9:19-20)
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to destroy the power of
disunity, by Uniting those who believe in Him in His
own Body – His Holy Church – the external Sign of
which is that Unity of Love, while the Centre and
Source of our Holy Unity with our Lord God is the Holy
Mystery of Eucharist for since there is One Body (of
Christ), we are also One Holy Body, because we are
all part of One Eucharist. (JOHN 17:21)
The Hoy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation ‘grafts’ us
to the Body of Christ, while the Holy Mystery of
Eucharist keeps us Alive in Christ and United with
each other by the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our
own body.
Faith (alone) is insufficient for our Eternal Salvation.
The Catechumens who were already “Believers” had to
stay vigilant before receiving Baptism by rejecting
anything that the world regards as being “normal” in
the corrupt body of sin and death, in order to be
Resurrected in the Unity of the Holy Spirit - i.e. to be
United with other members of a local Community in
Christ and the Communal Life of Love.
3. H OW W E TO D AY
Throughout Her history the Holy Orthodox Church of
Christ has had to fight against sin and corruption
within Her own Members, and often within Her Clergy.
However, in every epoch She knew how to implement the
appropriate means, as She always recognized the
enemy.
The Holy Church exists in Divine Truth - not because all
Her Members are without sin, but because Her
Sacramental Life is always present and against Her
the evil one is defenceless.
St Ignatios of Antioch’s Epistle to the Ephesians stated:
“...When you often assemble in one place (epi to
auto), the power of Satan is destroyed.”
Whenever Members of a Christian Community gather to
celebrate the Holy Eucharist and exchange “... the Kiss
of Peace...” before Communing together in the
Precious Life-giving Body and Blood of Christ, the evil
one is defeated, but whenever a Member of the Body
of Christ communes unworthily, he eats and drinks
Condemnation for himself. (1 CORINTHIANS 11:29).
When we (Disciples of Christ) do not commune at all with
the Body and Blood of Christ – partaking of the Holy
Eucharist – we become Spiritually Dead. (JOHN. 6:53).
The Church has categorically refused to endorse the
practise whereby a large number of Christians attend
the Eucharist, while only a few commune.
Guidance, participation in Prayer and Holy Communion
are inseparable. (7TH APOSTOLIC CANON & ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM’S
3RD HOMILY ON EPHESIANS)
St Ignatios of Antioch severely cautioned the Ephesians:
“...Let no one be deceived: if somebody is outside
the Sanctuary, he is deprived of the Bread of
God…he who does not gather together with the
Church has shown his pride and has condemned
himself...”
The Biblical and Patristic Tradition is unanimous on one
point: Those who are Living Members of the Holy Body
of Christ are those who are dead to the power of
Death and they Live in the Renewal of the Spirit of
Life.
S T P AISIOS THE NEW, H
by St John the Baptist – and His Passion – the New
Covenant Pascha – which shows us that OUR LORD’S
EARTHLY DIVINE MISSION – THE DIRECT TEACHING BY GOD
INCARNATE HIMSELF – LASTED ONLY THREE SHORT YEARS!
THIS SHORT SECTION of the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
IS READ ON FEAST DAYS COMMEMORATING OUR HOLY
HIERARCHS, HIEROMARTYRS AND MONKS.
– P R OTOP RE SBYTER JO H N R OM ANIDE S
IN THE V ICTORY OF THE C R OSS
Orthodoxy knows nothing of ‘sentimental love’ for
humanity, because it is with other individuals that we
must be United so as to Live in Christ.
The only way that leads us to the Love/Agape of Christ is
that of a genuine, pure and unconditional Love for
others.
 “Truly, I say unto you: inasmuch as you did not
do it to one of the least of these, you did not do
it to Me!” (MATTHEW 25:40).
Love in the Body of Christ does not consist of vague
abstractions expressing the need to serve ideologies
or human causes.
Love, according to the Image and Likeness of Christ,
consists of being crucified to the world, which is the
liberation of our self from all vague ideas in order to
Live in the complexity of Communal Life (in Christ)
while seeking to Love Christ in the Body of our
Brethren who have a very real existence.
It is easy to talk about ‘Love and Goodness,’ but it is very
difficult to enter into sincere and intimate
Relationships with people of diverse origins.
It is, however, our own Death and Resurrection in Christ
that has established a Community of Saints who do
not think of ourselves, nor of our own opinions, but
continually express our Love for Christ and other
people by seeking to humble ourselves as our Lord
Jesus Christ was Humble – “... Gentle and Lowly in
heart.”
Whatever was impossible under the law of Death has
become possible through Unity in the Spirit of Life.
AC H IE VE THE V IC TORY OF THE CR OSS
For this very reason, those who denied Christ during
persecution, even after hours of torture, were
considered Excommunicated.
Once we have died with Christ in Holy Baptism, we are
expected to be ready to die anytime in the Name of
Christ.
 Our Lord Jesus told us very clearly : “...Whoever
denies Me before men... I will deny also before
My Father in Heaven...” (MATTHEW. 10:33)
The 10th Canon of the First Ecumenical Council does not
merely prohibit the Ordination of anyone who has
denied Christ during the persecution, but declares the
automatic invalidation of any such Ordination, even if
it took place in ignorance of the Ordainer.
All who have performed such an Ordination are
themselves deprived of the Holy Priesthood.
What serious breakers of the Vows of Baptism are those
who are too lazy to attend Church and to partake of
the Holy Eucharist!
The approval that our Clergy today gives our
Sacramental Practise is even more unacceptable! If
the Christian was excommunicated for having denied
Christ after hours of physical torture, those who week
after week excommunicate themselves are all the
more condemnable!
The character and methods of the Devil have not
changed for he remains forever wicked, conniving
and very deceptive – even, as St Paul warned us -
being capable of transforming “... himself into an
Angel of Light..”. while his demons also disguise as “...
Ministers of Righteousness, whose end will be
according to their (evil) works! ” (2 CORINTHIANS 11:15)
The power of Death in the world remains the same.
The means of Salvation - the ‘Death’ of Holy Baptism and
the Life of the Holy Eucharist - have thus remained
the same (at least in the Liturgical books of the
Church).
The Canons of the Holy Orthodox Church have also
never changed, and we have continued to read the
same Holy Scriptures that were approved by our Holy
Fathers.
OLY E LDE R OF M OU NT AT H OS 12 J ULY 2019 19.
How then can we explain our contemporary weaknesses
and failures which have never been more evident?
There can be only one explanation.
We are not fighting against evil in the spirit of Holy
Scripture, because too many people who claim to be
Christians use the Church for their own self-serving
interests and interpret the Doctrine of Christ
according to their own limited and flawed ideas.
The essential Task of our Orthodox Christian youth today
is to return to the Divine Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ,
His Holy Apostles and our Holy Fathers so that we can
avoid being lured into the snares of the prince of
darkness and the corruptible elements of this fallen
world.
It is for this very Purpose that our Lord Jesus Christ came
to Teach us and to Sacrifice His own Life for the sake
of our Salvation.
To deny His Salvific Sacrifice is to deny His Life-giving
Holy Cross and the blood of all the Holy Martyrs.
Before criticizing the “inflexibility” of Patristic Doctrine, as
‘modern-day’ Orthodox Christians, we must return to
the presuppositions of Life in Christ in Holy Scripture,
being very careful not to pervert the Divine Doctrine
(Teaching) of our Lord and Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Sacred Task that faces Orthodox Christianity today,
and in particular Her youth, who are often lost in the
liberalism of past generations, is the rediscovery of
the Paschal Victory in the daily Life of the Holy
Church of Christ.
T H E E TE R NAL , I NSP IR ED W ISD OM
Beloved Children, do not be shaken by the events that
happen around us, which are our trials and
tribulations (pirasmi)), since there is no practical
Christianity without them.
We must learn that our life is like a sphere, which
continuously revolves.
In its path we find all the contradictions, and we, like
pupils during exams, are Called to our Spiritual
struggle.
The sphere turns around and therefore, we wait to see
the first warning signs of our next trial – our next
Spiritual Contest.
If we are prepared for this Spiritual Battle, just this
Discipline will open the way for our triumph or, at
least, it will minimize the impact of the crash.
Our Holy Fathers teach us: “If you want to take your
Brother’s mistake upon you, be ready to face
temptation until your last breath!”
Nothing more and nothing less is going to happen except
for that which our Lord Jesus Christ orders for each
one of us for our Discipline and Benefit.
We only increase our Burden if we grumble.
Those who believe in God must continuously Struggle
when various temptations strike, in order to convince
T H E ETERNAL, I
A R CH IMANDR ITE GE ORGE KAPSANIS
No matter how well informed we are in terms of human
wisdom, it does not cure our deformity. We have to
rediscover the True Image of God – our Lord Jesus
Christ – so that by assuming the Form of Christ, we will
be Healed of the deformities caused by the passions
and sin, thereby attaining our Supreme Goal of Divine
Likeness and the Glorification of God.
S T S E R AP H IM OF S AR OV
At around our thirty-fifth year – that is, half-way through
our earthly lifespan – we undergo a Great Struggle to
remain true to ourselves, because at that age many of
us do not remain Virtuous but go astray by following
the path of their desires.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
When we suffer and are sad, we can blame our sins and
the evil one, but, above all, we ought to blame
ourselves because the devil cannot harm us if he
cannot find a flaw or weakness in us that allows him
to do so.
S T J OH N OF TH E L AD DER
Denigration (defamation or slander) signals the birth of
hatred. It is a delicate affliction, but also a substantial
sin because it is like a bloated leech that is hidden
away and unmanifested, sucking out and destroying
20. S T P AISIOS THE N EW
The common Faith and Worship of the Holy Apostles of
Christ and our Holy Church Fathers remains
essentially unchanged in our Liturgical and
Canonical Books, but in practise, in the spirit of Clergy
and Faithful, there is great confusion, no doubt due to
a lack of Spiritual Understanding of the very nature of
the Work of Christ in His Holy Church.
Thus many people who claim to be ‘Orthodox’ and those
who sincerely want to be, conceive the Life of the
Church according to vague personal sentiments and
not according to the Spirit of the Apostles and Holy
Fathers of the Church.
What is lacking is a Living Acceptance that presupposes
the Sacramental Life of the Holy Church of Christ.
This lack of understanding explains to a large extent the
weaknesses of the Church in the Western world and,
in particular, characterizes its attitude toward various
schisms and heresies.
Those who cannot understand that “...(God the Holy)
Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we
are (the Adopted) Children of God... Heirs of God and
joint Heirs with Christ...” cannot preach the Divine
Truth, but must ask themselves whether or not they
themselves are outside the Truth and, therefore, are
dead members of the Holy Church of Christ? (ROMANS
8:16)
WRITTEN BYPROTOPRESBYTER JOHN ROMANIDES
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
OF OU R H OLY FATHE R, ELDE R J OSE PH OF MOU NT A THOS.
both the right and the left world that: “Those who
honestly Love God rightly detest the devil”
The only difference is that one day we might finally
succeed but our Spiritual Struggle lasts for our entire
lifespan.
The fact that our Spiritual Struggle continues, is not a
defeat, but an indication of our hard Labour.
God’s Grace does not take away our Spiritual Warfare,
which we must continue in order to Glorify God and to
reveal our hard Labours to everyone.
All our Holy Fathers have been harshly tempted - beyond
causes and reasons - even though they had been
most pure in their mind and intentions.
Every Member of the Church is obliged to Live for others -
whether they are present or still to come. Therefore,
our conduct ought to motivate future generations
when we become good examples of practical
Christianity – showing them that Life in Christ is a
Reality and that our Lord Jesus Christ is forever the
same – very much alive and still present with us
today, tomorrow and always!
Humbly, Elder Joseph.
https://pemptousia.com/2011/11/letters-by-elder-joseph-of-
vatopedi-no-1/
NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
the blood of Love. It reveals a pretence of Love that
weighs heavily upon the heart and destroys Purity.
S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC H
When we place our trust in other people, we are being
weak, but when we place our trust in God we become
strong. By cleaving to our Lord God, all His Divine
Power will be with us. We must confess our weakness
before our Lord, and He will send us His All Powerful
Grace.
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS
Prayer is our Help in life, for it is a Conversation with God,
an obliviousness of earthly things, an Ascent into
Heaven and a general Medication against the
passions that protects us from them. Prayer brings us
Life, is a Promise of Health, a Flower of Hope and a
most Powerful Weapon, a mighty Fastness, a Rich
Treasure, Safe haven and a secure place.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
Change does not depend on God Who has sown, but on
us who do not want to mend our ways!
E LDE R AR SE NIE B OC A
Those who reveal to their Spiritual Guide the serpents of
temptations are souls who show their True Faith.
Those who hide them, are following the road to
Perdition!
, H OLY EL DE R OF M OU NT A TH OS 12 J ULY 2018
 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 3 14 JULY 2019
4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Also the Feast of our Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council – St Aquila of the 70 Holy
Apostles – St Justos of Rome – St Joseph, Metropolitan of Thessalonika – St Nikodemos the
Hagiorite of Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos – St Stephen, Abbot of Makhrishche Monastery,
Vologda – St Hellios the Ascetic of Egypt – St Onesimos, Wonderworker & Founder of the
Magnesia Monastery.

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 4: LU KE 24:1 – 12

THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS SEE THE EMPTY TOMB OF OUR RESURRECTED LORD

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 31/32 – TONE (8) P L AGAL 4

Be glad in the Lord and Rejoice greatly, O Righteous Ones, and boast, all you who are upright in heart.
Blessed art those whose transgressions art forgiven and whose sins art covered.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T ITOS 3 : 8 – 15
My Son, Titos: ...Faith of the Word is True, and I desire Thee to insist on these Things so that those who believe in God
may be careful to apply themselves to Good Deeds that are excellent and profitable to mankind. Avoid senseless
controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a
divisive man – after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a
person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned!
When I send Artemas or Tychikos to you, do your utmost to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the
winter there. Make every effort so as to speed Zenas the Lawyer and Apollos on their way, ensuring that they lack
nothing.
Let our people apply themselves to Good Deeds so as to help those in urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.
Greetings are sent by all who are with me. Greet those who Love us in the Faith.
Grace be with you all.
✶ “...Faith of the Word is True ...” St Paul was painfully In this instance, St Paul described how ALMIGHTY GOD
aware that WE ARE ALL AWAITING THE CONSUMMATION OF REIGNS IN OUR WORLD.
THE AGE TO COME. It does not describe the Eternal Relationship of the three

He knew that WE ALREADY PARTICIPATE IN THE separate and distinct Persons of the Holy Trinity: THE
ESCHATOLOGICAL COMMUNITY. (i.e. Concerning our HOLY SPIRIT, FOR EXAMPLE, PROCEEDS FROM GOD THE FATHER
immortal souls in their relation to Death, Judgement, ALONE – AND NOT FROM GOD THE SON.
ST PAUL TRANSFORMED THE OLD COVENANT UNDERSTANDING OF
Eternal Life and Eternal Condemnation and Hell) ONE GOD – THE LORD GOD – INTO THE NEW COVENANT

HOLY BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION ARE THE BEGINNING OF OUR TEACHING OF CHRIST’S DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY
TRUE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY towards Eternal Life in God’s TRINITY IN ONE DIVINE GODHEAD – THREE PERSONS – EACH OF
Eternal Kingdom of Love, Peace and Joy. WHOM IS “LORD” – DIVINE.

THESE HOLY MYSTERIES GRANT US THE RITE OF PASSAGE Consequently, WHEN WE “TURN TO THE LORD,” WE TURN TO THE
TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE LIFE OF RENEWAL IN CHRIST. FATHER, THROUGH THE SON AND BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY
 2 CORINTHIANS 3 : 16 – 18: “... when one turns to the SPIRIT – and even when we pray – although we may
Lord, the Veil is taken away. Now the Lord is address one of the Trinity in Person, it always includes
Spirit; and where the Spirit of our Lord is, there the other two Persons of the Holy Trinity because
is True Liberty. But we all - with unveiled face, everything is in Perfect Harmony and Unity of the Holy
beholding as in a mirror, the Glory of our Lord Trinity: by the Will of the Father, through the
– are being Transformed into the same Image Teachings and Revelations of the Son and by the Life-
from glory to Glory – just as the Spirit of our Giving enabling Power of the Holy Spirit!
Lord.” THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US TRUE LIBERTY – TRUE

THE REFERENCE TO “THE LORD” IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, SPIRITUAL FREEDOM – freeing us from the constraints and
USUALLY REFERS TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – the Word
shackles of Spiritual Darkness and sin – so that WE ARE
and Son of God the Father, Who is also referred to ABLE TO BEHOLD GOD, HAVE OPEN ACCESS TO HIM AT ALL
as “the Lord.” (MATTHEW 11:25; 22:44 – LUKE 1:32; 4:12 &18, TIMES, AND GROW EVER CLOSER TO HIM, thereby slowly
10:21 – ACTS 3:22; 4:26 – REVELATION 11:15; 21:22)
regaining our Lost Spiritual (Godly) Likeness.
The Holy Spirit is also referred to as “Lord” both in this
Having been created in God’s Image (and Likeness) WE
instance and in our Creed of Faith – the Nicene
ARE ABLE TO SEE HIS UNCREATED IMAGE – God Incarnate –
Creed: “... the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of
our Lord Jesus Christ – in two ways:
Life...”
1. THROUGH THE SON’S DEIFIED HUMANITY (1 CORINTHIANS
Since THE TERM “LORD” APPLIES TO ALL THREE PERSONS OF THE 13:12 & JAMES 1:23-35)
HOLY TRINITY, there might be a difference of opinion as 2. IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
to which of the three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity As we grow closer to God and are able to truly behold
the word “Lord” refers in this instance. God the Father, Him, WE BECOME WHAT WE WERE CREATED BY GOD TO BE – I.E.
the Son and the Holy Spirit are in no way confused WE REGAIN OUR LOST HOLY LIKENESS.
here for St Paul had in mind one Person or Another. GOD IS INFINITE – there are no limitations to Almighty God,
The Son, for example, cannot be the Holy Spirit. SO THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO GROWING IN HIS IMAGE AND
THE “SPIRIT” IS SPECIFICALLY THE HOLY SPIRIT – not an LIKENESS and THE MORE WE ARE TRANSFORMED INTO HIS
impersonal Force – although ELSEWHERE IN THE NEW LIKENESS, THE MORE CLEARLY WE SHALL SEE GOD!
TESTAMENT THE TERM “SPIRIT” OCCASIONALLY REFERS TO THE
SOUL, A REALM OR A MANNER OF EXISTENCE.

4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – LIGHT OF THE WORLD - 14 JULY 2019 21
✶ "... insist on these Things...” means that we must
FOLLOW ONLY THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR LORD’S
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS – not the warped
and erroneous concepts of mankind.
✶ “ ...careful to apply (ourselves) to Good Deeds that
are excellent and profitable...” We ought to
make every effort to apply all Christ’s Teachings to
our own words, thoughts and deeds.

If we actually Live in Christ, we are able to make very
good Spiritual Progress and develop good
Relationships with God and with each other.
✶ ”...Avoid senseless controversies... and quarrels ... for
they are unprofitable and futile..” We must avoid
anything that will cause a rift in our relationships
with others.

We ought to concern ourselves only with matters that
are Spiritual Profitable and Beneficial to our
mutual Salvation.
✶ “...As for (those who are) divisive – after admonishing
(them) once or twice...” refers to THOSE WHO PICK AND
CHOOSE FROM THE WHOLE - COMPLETE AND PERFECT – TRUTH
OF GOD.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCORD
T LIGHT
H E
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “You are the Light of the world. A city set upon a hill cannot be
hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Let your Light so shine before mankind, so that they may see your Good Works, and give Glory to your Father
Who is in Heaven.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets. I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfil
them! Truly, I say unto you: until Heaven and Earth pass away, neither an iota nor a tittle shall pass from the
Law until all is accomplished! Whoever shall break one of the least of these Commandments and teaches
mankind to do so, shall be called ‘least’ in the Kingdom of Heaven.
He who does them, and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ in the Kingdom of Heaven.
✶ "... You are the Light of the world...” Being Disciples
of Christ, we ought to reflect His Divine Light.

We have “...put on Christ...” and now strive to Live in
Christ, WE MUST SHINE BRIGHTLY IN THE SPIRITUAL
“Darkness” refers to SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OR BLINDNESS DUE
DARKNESS OF THE FALLEN, CORRUPTED WORLD.

In the Old Testament LIGHT WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALMIGHTY
GOD, HIS DIVINE LAW AND ISRAEL in contrast to all
other Nations.
 I S A I A H 6 0 : 1 – 3 “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem, for your
Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has
risen upon you. Behold: Darkness and Gloom
shall cover the Earth upon the Nations, but the
Lord will shine on you and His Glory shall be
seen upon you. Kings shall come to your Light,
and the Gentiles to your Brightness..

This is the Hymn that we sing during Holy Pascha in
the Liturgical Services – for, as St John of
Damascus expressed it: “... the whole Creation
rejoices and exults, for Christ is Risen and Hades
despoiled.”
 P S A L M 1 1 8 : 1 0 5 - “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and
a Light to my paths.”

In the New Testament, THE SON OF GOD IS “LIGHT” –
UNCREATED LIGHT OF UNCREATED LIGHT – TRUE GOD OF
TRUE GOD!
 J O H N 1 : 4 – 9 “... In Him is Life, and the Life is the
Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the
Darkness, and the Darkness did not comprehend
It. There was a man sent from God, whose name
was John. This man came as a Witness, to bear
witness of the Light, that all – through him –
might believe. He was not that Light, but was
sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the
True Light, which gives Light to everyone coming
into the world...”

ONLY GOD HAS LIFE IN HIMSELF, thus OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, being God, is THE SOURCE OF LIFE, TOGETHER
WITH THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1. St John introduces MANKIND AS SANCTIFIED RECEIVERS
OF THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD, WHO, BY LIVING IN
CHRIST, BECOME CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT OF GOD.
(JOHN 12:36 – EPHESIANS 5:8 – 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5)
2. St Moses, our ancient Patriarch, saw THE DIVINE
LIGHT IN THE MYSTERIOUS BURNING BUSH AND the
whole Nation of Israel witnessed It AT THE
PARTING OF THE RED SEA. (EXODUS 3: 2 & 13 :21)
3. St Isaiah beheld the Divine Light of God IN HIS
HEAVENLY VISION. (ISAIAH 6: 1 – 5)

THEY REJECT PROPER SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE and, HAVING THEIR
OWN SELF-SERVING MOTIVES AND AMBITIONS, THEY FOLLOW
THEIR OWN PATH OF SELF-INDULGENCE.

THEY ARE SELF-WILLED AND THUS REJECT OR IGNORE THE WILL
OF GOD AND HIS HOLY CHURCH.

We are instructed to TRY TO CORRECT THEM TWICE ONLY
AND THEN LEAVE THEM TO THEIR OWN CONDEMNATION.

Until they acknowledge their errors and Repent their
sins, THEY WILL REMAIN ALIENATED FROM GOD AND HIS
HOLY CHURCH.

THEY NEED TO SEEK THE FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SPIRITUAL
GUIDES AND RETURN TO THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS by
being humble and Obedient.

A SECT IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW THEIR OWN IDEAS
AND CHOICES rather than being Obedient and
Humble before God.

THEY ARE ISOLATED AND INDEPENDENT OF GOD’S HOLY
TRADITION.

SUCH INCOMPLETE OR ERRONEOUS BELIEFS RESULT IN IMMORAL
BEHAVIOUR AND A SELF-IMPOSED SPIRITUAL DEATH AND
ALIENATION FROM ALMIGHTY GOD Who never forces
Himself on anyone – waiting ever so patiently for
their return to His Divine Light through sincere
Repentance.
ING TO ST MATT HE W 5 : 14 – 19
OF THE WORLD
4. The three Apostles of Christ witnessed the Divine
Light of God AT OUR LORD’S TRANSFIGURATION ON
MOUNT TABOR. (MATTHEW 17 : 1 – 5)
TO UNREPENTED SIN. It is both SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE AND
SATANIC OPPOSITION to the Divine Light and Truth of
Almighty God. THOSE WHO HATE TRUTH, PREFER
IGNORANCE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEY STRIVE TO KEEP
OTHERS IGNORANT AS WELL.

“Comprehend” means both “understand” and
“overcome.” Thus SPIRITUAL DARKNESS CAN NEVER
OVERPOWER THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST, NOR CAN IT UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF
DIVINE LOVE. (AGAPE)

“John” is a reference to ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST – THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL
THE OLD COVENANT HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, who not
only prepared the Hebrews on earth for the
advent of Christ the True Messiah, but after his
Holy Martyrdom, HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE COMING OF
CHRIST THOSE WHO WERE IMPRISONED IN HADES. (after
Christ’s Death and His own descent into Hades, our
Lord Jesus set the Righteous souls free to repose in
Paradise until the Final Judgement. this is known as
“The Harrowing of Hades.”)

Although OUR MOST MERCIFUL GOD HAS OFFERED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT TO EVERY HUMAN BEING, the fallen world and
even many of His chosen people refused to receive
Him. Thus they can neither know nor recognise
Him. THOSE WHO ACCEPT CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, ARE
GRANTED HIS DIVINE LIGHT.

After having heard the reading of the Holy Gospel
and having received the Holy Eucharist in Divine
Liturgy, we sing: “We have seen the True Light!
We have received the Heavenly Spirit!”
 J O H N 8 : 1 2 Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Light of
the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but have the Light of Life.”

Our Lord used these words in the context of the great
lamps that were lit at the conclusion of the Feast of
Tabernacles in the Outer Court of the Temple in
Jerusalem.

Consequently, CHRIST DECLARES HIMSELF AS THE
FULFILMENT AND THE DIVINE OBJECT OF ALL CELEBRATIONS
OF LIGHT.

In Holy Scripture, GOD THE FATHER IS UNCREATED LIGHT – a
Divine Attribute that He bestows upon His Faithful
Flock. (JOHN 1:4-9 & 1 JOHN 1:5 – MATTHEW 5:14 - PHILIPPIANS 2:15)

Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CONFIRMS HIS CLAIM
BY PERFORMING THE GREAT MIRACLE OF CREATING EYES

22 4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – LIGHT OF THE WORLD - 14 JULY 2019
 FOR THE MAN WHO WAS BORN WITHOUT EYES,. (JOHN 9 : 1-7 –
ESPECIALLY 9:5)
 1 J O H N 1 : 5 “... This is the Message that we have
heard from Him and declare to you: that God is
Light and in Him is no darkness at all.”

“LIGHT” IS DIVINE ENERGY, WHICH MANIFESTS (reveals)
DIVINE TRUTH –TRUE TEACHING – VIRTUE AND HOLINESS –
TRUE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE – AND HOLY COMMUNION
WITH GOD IN HIS HOLY CHURCH –TRUE SPIRITUALITY.

THE STRONGEST OF ALL WEAPONS AGAINST SPIRITUAL
DARKNESS AND SIN IS OUR LOVE FOR GOD, WHICH IS A
STRONG, VIBRANT AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.

Light is necessary for clear vision and for life itself.

FAITH RELIES ON DIVINE LIGHT and FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
BECOME “SONS OF LIGHT,” Who Shine In A Darkened
And Perverse World. (JOHN 12:36 - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5 –
PHILIPPIANS 2 : 15)

AT HOLY PASCHA THE DIVINE LITURGY BEGINS WITH the Priest
exiting the Holy Sanctuary and presenting a lit
candle into the darkened church - inviting the
congregation to “Come and receive the Light that
is never overtaken by night!” whereupon, one by
one, our candles are lit and the entire church is
quickly illuminated by the soft, golden light – a
wonderful way of REMINDING US HOW GOD’S DIVINE
LIGHT OF TRUTH AND LOVE SPREAD AND ENLIGHTENED THE
ENTIRE WORLD FOREVER!

CHRISTIAN VIRTUES HAVE BOTH A PERSONAL AND PUBLIC
FUNCTION, for it can bring others to Glorify God and
to live in Christ forever.
✶ “...I have come not to abolish ... but to fulfil ....” OUR
LORD JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW IN HIMSELF - in His
Words and in His Actions
1. BY PERFORMING GOD’S WILL IN ALL ITS FULLNESS,
2. BY TRANSGRESSING NONE OF THE PRECEPTS OF THE LAW,
3. BY DECLARING THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF THE LAW,
WHICH HE WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER TO THEM AND
4 T H
S U ND AY AF TE R P E NTEC OST
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren, there is a lot of light in our
churches. There are candles on the Altar and in front
of the Holy Icons and - at the beginning of the Divine
Liturgy - we switch on all the lights.
At Holy Pascha, the high point is when our Priest exits the
Holy Sanctuary with a lit candle and calls us to
“Come Receive the Light...!” which is the Light of our
Lord’s Resurrection that Illuminates the darkness and
spreads from the Priest’s candle to everyone in the
church.
So it is no wonder that our Lord Jesus Christ told us that
we were to be “...the Light of the world... a city on a
hill that cannot be hidden.”
In the dark countryside at night, we see the lights of even
the smallest town – or even a single house - from
quite a distance, for when light shines in the darkness,
it cannot be hidden from sight.
A light is never turned on in order to hide anything but to
reveal everything by illuminating our surroundings so
that we can see clearly.
The Good News of our Faith is that Christ our Lord has
brought the Light of Heaven into our Spiritually
Darkened world, for indeed, He is the Uncreated
Divine Light - the Eternal Son of God Who became
Incarnate by taking on our human nature so that He
is fully human while remaining fully Divine – God-
Man.
That is how He brings us into His Divine Light and how He
has made it possible for us to shine with His Holy Glory
even while we live upon Earth.
He fulfils all the Foreshadowing and Preparation of the
Divine Law and the Holy Prophets, for God was never
primarily concerned with Old Covenant Rules
concerning outward behaviour nor the blood
sacrifices of animals.
Instead, those Rules pointed the Way to the True Lamb of
God Who takes away the sins of the world - to the One
Who triumphs over sin and Death.
And now He makes it possible for us all to share in His
Glorious, Brilliant Light - to become Sanctified
Partakers of His Divinity by Divine Grace.
Today we Commemorate the 630 Holy, God-bearing
Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in
Chalcedon in 451.
4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF
4.
BY GRANTING RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF
THE LAW – TO US.

HE ALSO FULFILLED THE PROPHECIES OF ALL THE HOLY
PROPHETS OF GOD, BY BEING AND CARRYING OUT
EVERYTHING THEY HAD FORETOLD CENTURIES BEFORE.
✶ “...Truly, I say unto you ...” Our Lord Jesus often used
the terms “Truly” or “Assuredly” which means
“confirmed,” or “so be it” – “Amen” – as A SOLEMN
AFFIRMATION OR FORM OF OATH.

His use of this expression at the beginning of certain
Divine Proclamations (rather than at the end) is
UNIQUE AND AUTHORITATIVE: HE DECLARES HIS WORDS
AFFIRMED BEFORE THEY ARE EVEN SPOKEN!
✶ “...neither an iota nor a tittle shall pass from the Law...”

“A JOT” – “IOTA” – IS THE SMALLEST LETTER IN THE GREEK
ALPHABET

“TITTLE” IS THE SMALLEST STROKE IN CERTAIN HEBREW LETTERS.

Thus, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE ENTIRE LAW OF GOD IS
AFFIRMED AS THE SACRED FOUNDATION OF CHRIST’S NEW
COVENANT TEACHING.
✶ “...all is accomplished ...” is A REFERENCE TO THE PASSION
AND RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
“...Whoever shall break one of the least of these
Commandments and teaches...”

RIGHTEOUSNESS ACCORDING TO THE LAW IS A UNIFIED WHOLE.

THE OBSERVANCE OF ALL THE LEAST COMMANDMENTS OF GOD
IS TO OBSERVE OR KEEP OR OBEY THE WHOLE DIVINE LAW OF
GOD,

THE VIOLATION OF THE LEAST COMMANDMENT IS CONSIDERED
BY GOD TO BE THE VIOLATION OF THE ENTIRE DIVINE LAW
OF GOD!

It could not be made more definitive or clearer to us
than This!!
– 4 T H
OF S T M ATTHE W – L IGH T OF THE W OR LD
They confirmed the Truth that our Lord Jesus Christ is
fully God and fully Man - one Person with two Natures
– Divine and human, for if He were not, how could He
Save us who are merely human beings?
They rejected the views of the Monophysites who claimed
that our Lord has only one Divine Nature, because, if
it were True, we could certainly not participate in His
Divine Life due to our limited and flawed human
condition.
Furthermore, it would be impossible for us to
comprehend how Christ’s Death and Resurrection
had anything to do with us.
Therefore, today’s Commemoration is not simply a
reminder of our ancient history but is a Proclamation
of the Holy Gospel – a confirmation of the Divine Truth
that our Lord Jesus Christ is both God and Man in
order to be our Saviour.
Truly, the Good News is that we are Called to become
Radiantly Illuminated by the Light of Christ to such a
degree that we become the Light of the world -
shining so brightly with Good Works and
unconditional Divine Love, that everyone will Glorify
the Lord our God.
The Divine Salvific Mission of our Divine Saviour, was not
to relax His Old Covenant Laws, but to fulfil and
complete their Purpose.
In other words, it is not enough for us to refrain from
murder, for example, but for us to overcome the
grievous passion of anger, which is the root cause of
murder.
Likewise, it is not sufficient to merely avoid the physical
act of adultery or fornication but to be freed from the
bondage of all types and degrees of lust.
Instead of acts of vengeance against our enemies, we
are to “...turn the other cheek...” and instead of cursing
them, we must Bless them with the same
unconditional Divine Love that we have received from
our Lord.
The Ultimate Goal of these Divine Commandments and
Teachings is our Perfection – to become as “... Perfect
as your Father in Heaven is Perfect.”
If we all perfected our thoughts, words and deeds,
imagine what a Great Blessing we would be to the
world, for we would be living proof that human
beings can become worthy, Sanctified Partakers of
the Divine Nature in Christ.
ST MATTHEW – LIGHT OF THE WORLD - 14 JULY 2019 23
Although none of us have reached such Spiritual Heights
yet, the God-Man Jesus Christ is our Perfection, our
Salvation, our Theosis, for He has already worked the
Unfathomable Miracle of Uniting our humanity to His
Eternal Divinity, of conquering sin and Death, of
making us Sanctified Participants in His Life.
Our on-going Sacred Task is to willingly cooperate with
Him, by opening the dark corners of ourselves to His
Divine Light, by stopping the corruption and
diminishment of ourselves, and to become Living
Icons of His Divine Glory as He created us to be!
In order for us to steadily progress in our Life in Christ, we
need His Holy, Orthodox Church, which teaches us His
Divine Truth so that we can fully and correctly
participate in His Great Salvific Mission – not as an
emotional Experience, a one-time Event, nor as a
‘Reward’ for Good Behaviour - but as Holy Members of
His Living Body where our grievous passions are
Healed, our hearts are Purified, and our souls are
Illumined as we grow in Blessed Union with Christ our
Lord and with each other.
Any relationship is a process - a Journey – so our
Relationship of Holy Communion with God the Holy
Trinity is no exception.
By God’s Grace, we hope to grow in Holiness throughout
Eternity.
There are no limits to what it means for us - as His
creatures - to share in the Life of our Divine Creator,
which is perhaps the reason why our Lord Jesus Christ
sets the standards so high.
Those who are “...great in the Kingdom of Heaven...” are
not those who break the Divine Laws and teach others
to follow their bad example - those who teach and
live according to their own will and self-serving
motives. Neither are they those who cause confusion,
disobedience and division in His Holy Church.
Those whom God regards as being “...great...” are those
who faithfully observe all God’s Commandments and
encourage and teach others to do so, shining brightly
in the midst of Spiritual Darkness.
Unfortunately, there are so many religious groups who
live in a state of Spiritual Death and Darkness, as
mentioned by St Paul in his epistle to St Titos.
Many people waste their time and efforts with foolish,
unprofitable, and useless arguments that cause
untold unhappiness, animosity and alienation – and
even division in the Church.
St. Paul urges us to rather make use of our time and
energy by doing Good Works that meet the urgent
needs of our neighbours and which bear abundant
Fruit for the Kingdom of God.
In other words, it is better to focus our attention and
efforts on the various aspects of our Christian Life than
being tempted, distracted, misguided and disturbed
by nonsense.
If our Lord Jesus Christ had just been yet another
Rabbi/Teacher, then it would not have mattered when
people frequently argued about His Teachings and
lived as they pleased. But that is not our Faith.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is truly God (the Eternal Son of God)
and truly Man (the Son of Mankind).
He is - without any question nor doubt - our Resurrected
Lord and Saviour, in Whom we share the Life Eternal
of Heaven.
He is the True Divine Light Who is “...never overtaken by
night...” (Spiritual Darkness) - Who Calls us to become
the Light of the world, by manifesting the Glory of His
Salvation in even the smallest details of our Life.
There are no secret Mysteries nor hidden teachings,
motives or agendas that require endless debate, for
our Lord Jesus Christ did not come to Save only a few
select Philosophers.
There is no ‘secret code’ for knowing when He will
Reappear in all His Magnificent Glory, nor for
S T P AISIOS
Nothing happens without God’s Providence, and wherever there is Divine Providence,
we can be certain that whatever happens – however bitter it may be – it will bring great Spiritual Benefit to our soul.
E LDE R J OSE PH THE
Whenever God tests us as He knows how,
it is a good opportunity for us to demonstrate and strengthen our Patience
and express our Eternal Gratitude to the Lord our God.
24 4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF
identifying anyone we despise as being “the
Antichrist” or any other nonsensical delusion.
There is no reason at all for each succeeding generation
to ‘redefine’ basic Christian Teaching concerning
Theology and morality according to whatever is
currently ‘popular’ or ‘easy to understand’ in their
particular time and place.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has brought Light and Life to all
Creation and especially to all mankind.
Only as Faithful Members of His One, True and Universal
Church are we able to learn, be guided and
sustained in a close Relationship with God and with
each other.
When we faithfully, humbly and obediently do whatever
is required of us by our Lord, we become Sanctified
Disciples who Live in Holiness and Purity.
Our Life in Christ requires simple, but necessary steps –
the regular attendance of all Holy Services, especially
the Divine Liturgy, partaking of all essential Holy
Mysteries with proper preparation, praying, Fasting,
and Repentance-Confession as often as possible.
We must give whatever we can and whatever is required
to the poor, the destitute and the needy.
We must sustain, maintain and support our Parish Priest
and Church.
We must forgive and seek forgiveness of each other.
We must perpetually fight against temptations and all
our passions.
We must always be Watchful and alert to our own errors
and sins, constantly and immediately checking and
correcting our thoughts, words and deeds.
We must ceaselessly strive for self-control - the ongoing
Spiritual Fast.
When we concentrate on sustaining our Life in Christ by
Struggling against all temptations and sins, we will
avoid pointless disputes and be disinclined towards
Spiritually Unhealthy words, thoughts or deeds.
By steadfastly Labouring with sincere Faith, Hope, and
Love, we are able to grow in Christ and become the
Light and Blessing to the world.
Those who are truly Holy and Righteous, do not consider
themselves as being anything special at all. They
only know that they are sinners who need constant
Repentance-Confession like the rest of us.
Contrary to the Brilliant Light of our Lord, they see their
own dark spots with greater clarity than the rest of us
see ours.
The closer we draw to our Lord, the more painfully
aware we become as we realise how little we know
and how far we have to go before being Perfected.
When we become so painfully aware of how much more
Darkness than Light is in us at present, we ought not
to be either discouraged nor feel hopeless.
We must express our continued gratitude to our Lord for
the Light that is in us - no matter how dim it appears.
We must make every effort to ignite it further so that it
may Illuminate the Darkness that lurks within us as
well as our surroundings.
Our Lord has conquered the Darkness of Death, the
tomb, and Hades - and He wants to do the same in us
—and He will, if we choose to continue our Spiritual
Growth in Union with Him.
As we fulfil the Good Works that are presented to us each
day, our personal Transformation brings us a brief
glimpse of the Glory of Heaven.
Our Sacred Calling is to become the Light of the world so
that others will also behold the Divine Truth and
Glorify God by being drawn to the New Life in our
Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who is certainly
the Uncreated Divine Light Who shines in the
Darkness of Spiritual Death - Illuminating and Saving
even habitual sinners like you and me.
Amen
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
HTTP://EASTERNCHRISTIANINSIGHTS.BLOGSPOT.COM/2012/07
OF M OU NT AT H OS
H ESYC H AST OF M OU NT A THOS
ST MATTHEW – LIGHT OF THE WORLD - 14 JULY 2019
 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.
17 JULY 2019
ST MARINA/MARGARITA
G R E AT H OLY V IR GIN M AR TY R OF A NTIOCH

Also the Feast of St Nicholas, St Alexandra, St Tatiana, St Maria, St Alexis, St Olga & St Anastasia,
Imperial Holy Martyrs of Russia – St Irenarchos, Abbot of Solovki Monastery – St Lazaros,
Wonderworker of Mount Galesios, Ephessos – St Leonid of Ustnedumsk

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH - FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK
“ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO
marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)
F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON – P SALM 67 – T ONE 4
God is Marvellous in His Saints!
Bless the Lord in the Congregation!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 3 : 23 – 4 : 5
OUR ADOPTION AS CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST THROUGH OUR FAITH AND HOLY BAPTISM
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law – kept for the Faith that would afterward be
revealed. Therefore, the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ, so that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith
has come, we are no longer under a Tutor.
You are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female. You are all
one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and Heirs according to the Promise.
I say that the Heir – as long as he is a child – does not differ at all from a slave, although he is master of all, but is under
Guardians and Stewards until the time appointed by the Father. Even so, we – when we were children – were in
bondage under the elements of the world. When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son – Born of a
Woman - Born under the Law - to Redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption as
sons.
✶ “...before Faith...we were kept ... by the Law...” ✶ We “...are all sons of God...” We are the adopted

THE NATURAL LAWS FOLLOWED BY THE OLD COVENANT LAWS, Children (‘sons’) of our Lord God through the Holy
KEPT MANKIND AND CREATION IN RELATIVE ORDER. Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation.

NATURAL LAW STILL APPLIES to those who have never heard ✶ “For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have
of our Lord God WHEREBY THEY WILL BE JUDGED. put on Christ,” is our ANCIENT BAPTISM HYMN THAT IS

THE OLD COVENANT LAWS WERE GIVEN TO GOD’S CHOSEN CHANTED DURING THE PROCESSION OF THE NEWLY
PEOPLE OF ISRAEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM MORAL AND REGENERATED INTO THE ASSEMBLY – THE HOLY CHURCH OF
HEALTHY, ACCORDING TO THE WILL AND LOVE OF GOD, in CHRIST.
preparation for the First Coming/Appearance of the ✶ We “...have put on Christ...” like OUR OWN GARMENT OF
Great Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ and His New RIGHTEOUSNESS and - having Vowed Allegiance to our
Covenant of Love. Lord Jesus Christ as our Divine Saviour - we now
✶ “...kept for the Faith ...” Although THE PEOPLE OF THE “...LIVE IN CHRIST...” by APPLYING EVERYTHING HE HAS
OLD COVENANT WITH GOD HAD COMPLETE FAITH IN GOD, TAUGHT US TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS.
they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE FAITH OF CHRIST for
WE ARE “THE CHURCH MILITANT” while in this short lifespan,
our Saviour had not yet appeared to them. who are INVOLVED IN CEASELESS SPIRITUAL WARFARE

FAITH IN CHRIST IS ALSO FAITH OF CHRIST because TWO AGAINST THE EVIL ONE.
FAITHS ARE COOPERATING TOGETHER:
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST CONSISTS OF OUR PERPETUAL REPENTANCE-
3. THE FAITH OF CHRIST, CONFESSION in order to Cleanse ourselves, to make
4. THE FAITH IN CHRIST OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE. good Spiritual Progress and be physically and
✶ “...the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ...” Spiritually Healthy and Strong.

Because God’s Love of us is infinite and absolute, He
OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS ONE OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND
provided us with a set of TEN COMMANDMENTS OR LAWS ALLEGIANCE TO ALMIGHTY GOD.
THAT GUIDE US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND PROTECT US
Not only have we been Baptised into the Christian Faith,
FROM FALLING INTO A STATE OF PERMANENT SPIRITUAL but WE HAVE VESTED OURSELVES WITH CHRIST AND
DEATH. ACCEPTED OUR SACRED MISSION OF BECOMING CHRIST-LIKE

The Ten Commandments or Mosaic Law that prepared BY IMITATING HIM - thereby REGAINING OUR LOST LIKENESS
the Hebrew Nation for the Coming of God STILL APPLY TO GOD
TO US, THE NEW ISRAEL – THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD.
SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED ARE INTERWOVEN – we

The Ten Commandments TEACH US OBEDIENCE to the Will cannot claim to have one without the other!
of God. WITHOUT HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, WE CANNOT ✶ “..There is neither...” discrimination, separation nor
MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS NOR ENJOY SPIRITUAL WELL- any type of distinction for as Disciples of Christ we
BEING. are all BRETHREN IN CHRIST.

Those who keep THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS given by God
WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE IN CHRIST. Therefore,
to Moses, which forever apply to us as Faithful ASSESSING PEOPLE ACCORDING TO OUR OWN OPINION,
Disciples, BRINGS US CLOSER TO GOD. ATTITUDE, VALUE, GENDER OR ETHNICITY IS FORBIDDEN in

THE TEN DIVINE COMMANDMENTS, THE DIVINE REVELATIONS Christ’s Holy Church,
AND TEACHINGS OF CHRIST OUR LORD, ARE ALL ASPECTS OF
If we are genuinely TRYING TO IMITATE CHRIST we must do
ABSOLUTE, PERFECT DIVINE TRUTH, which is vital to our so without fail: HE NEVER DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ANYONE
Salvation. so how dare we do so!

THESE LAWS ARE ETERNAL
ANY DISCRIMINATION, BIGOTRY, INTOLERANCE OR PREJUDICE

THEY INSTRUCT AND GUIDE US to Love God with all our mind, WILL CAUSE US SERIOUS SPIRITUAL CONDEMNATION, which -
heart, strength and soul, as well as how to Love unless we quickly correct ourselves with sincere
each other as God Loves us! Repentance - will affect our Eternity!
S T M AR INA /M AR GAR ITA THE GRE AT V IR GIN M AR TY R 17 JU LY 2019 25
✶ We are “...one in Christ ...” being UNITED, LIVING FULFILLED WHEN THE EVER BLESSED, ALL PURE AND HOLY
TOGETHER AS EQUALS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. VIRGIN MARY GAVE BIRTH TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

WE ARE ALL ONE IN NATURE AND EQUAL IN DIGNITY.
Her lineage was Royal and Jewish, proceeding from

WE ARE SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST – His King David, Divinely Ordained King of the Israelites.
Holy Church.
The only time WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE GOD WAS WHEN CHRIST

We are all HABITUAL SINNERS WHO HAVE TO SPIRITUALLY STRIVE – the Word and Son of God – BECAME “... THE SON OF
AND STRUGGLE. MAN(KIND)” – BECAME INCARNATE – took on physical

We are all JOURNEYING TOWARDS ETERNITY and by matter – a Flesh and Bone, human Body.
ENCOURAGING, ASSISTING AND GUIDING EACH OTHER ALONG ✶ “...to Redeem those who were under the Law...”
THE WAY – always with Love/Agape – we are able to
WITH GOD’S NEW COVENANT, CHRIST REVEALED THE TRUE
make good Spiritual Progress. NATURE OF OUR MOST MERCIFUL, LOVING AND BENEVOLENT
✶ “...Heirs according to the Promise...” WE HAVE BECOME GOD TO US AND TAUGHT US THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE,
CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST to our Heavenly Father’s Eternal which the ancient people of God only understood
Kingdom of Love. instinctively at first and then through the Teachings

DUE TO OUR SPIRITUAL INEXPERIENCE AND IMMATURITY WE ARE of the Holy Prophets of God.
UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DISCIPLINE OF OUR TRIUNE LORD
AT THE HARROWING OF HADES AFTER HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS
GOD. IN HIS HUMAN NATURE, CHRIST - IN HIS DIVINE, ALMIGHTY

Like small children, OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS NEED NATURE - SMASHED OPEN THE IMPRISONING DOORS OF
TO BE DISCIPLINED WHILE WE ARE TAUGHT HOW TO BECOME HADES, AND FREED ALL HUMANITY FROM THE ENSLAVING
GOOD CITIZENS of the Heavenly Kingdom. POWER OF EVIL.
✶ “...God sent forth His Son...” SO WE WERE ABLE TO
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS RE-OPENED PARADISE where HIS
ACTUALLY SEE HIM, SPEAK TO HIM, AND LEARN HIS DIVINE FAITHFUL PEOPLE REPOSE IN PEACE UNTIL THE GENERAL
TRUTH DIRECTLY FROM HIM. RESURRECTION AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT. (The

THE HOLY TRINITY IS OMNIPRESENT - ever-present. Repentant Thief, St Demas, was the first to enter

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME OR PLACE WHEN GOD THE FATHER, Paradise since the banishment of Adam and Eve.)
THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS NOT PRESENT!
THOSE WHO STUBBORNLY REJECTED HIM, REMAIN IN HADES

THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL where they suffer the hideous Foretaste of the
PREPARATORY PERIOD FOR ETERNITY. vileness and torment of Eternal Alienation from God.
✶ “...Born of a Woman, Born under the Law...” THE
ANCIENT PROPHECIES OF GOD’S HOLY PROPHETS WERE
T H E H OLY G OSPEL AC COR D ING T O S T M ARK 5: 24 – 34
THE HEALING OF THE BLEEDING WOMAN ON THE WAY TO JAIRUS’ DYING DAUGHTER
At that time, a great multitude followed our Lord Jesus and thronged Him. And a certain Woman who had a flow of
blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many Physicians, and had spent all that she had and
was no better but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she went behind Him in the crowd and touched
His garment. She thought: “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” And immediately the source of
her bleeding dried up and she felt in her body that she was Healed of the affliction.
And Jesus - instantly knowing in Himself that Power had gone out of Him - turned around in the crowd and asked: “Who
touched My garment?” And His Disciples said to Him: “Thou see the multitude thronging Thee and Thou ask
‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see her who had done so. The woman, fearing and trembling,
knowing what had happened to her, went and fell down before Him and told Him the whole Truth. He said to her:
“Daughter, your Faith has made you well. Go in Peace, and be Healed of your affliction.”
✶ ”... a certain Woman...” is known to us today as ST It was a risk that she was willing to take – after all
VERONICA. what more could she lose? People had already
✶ ”... for twelve years...” she had suffered the chronic taken everything she had, but now GOD WOULD
affliction and various ‘treatments’ - for more than GRANT HER WHAT SHE REALLY NEEDED!
a decade - and SHE WAS UNDERSTANDABLY UTTERLY ✶ “...instantly knowing ... that Power had gone out
DESPERATE AND DETERMINED TO SEEK A CURE. of Him...”
✶ ”... she had spent all that she had...” on every type of
HIS DIVINE ENERGY OR POWER WENT DIRECTLY FROM CHRIST
treatment by physicians and charlatans who had TO ST VERONICA, WHEREAS THE ENABLING POWER AND
made impoverished her yet could not heal her. AUTHORITY BESTOWED BY CHRIST ON HIS APOSTLES
✶ ”... If only I may touch His garment...” SHE WORKED INDIRECTLY THROUGH THEM.
INSTINCTIVELY KNEW THAT BY MERELY COMING INTO ✶ “...Who touched My clothes?” seemed to be a
CONTACT WITH OUR LORD, SHE WOULD BE HEALED, which peculiar question under the circumstances.
REVEALED THE DEPTH OF HER FAITH IN THE MESSIAH of
However, our Lord WANTED ST VERONICA TO OPENLY
Whom she had heard. ACKNOWLEDGE HER FAITH IN HIM SO THAT OTHERS WOULD

EVERYTHING THAT IS TOUCHED BY GOD BECOMES SANCTIFIED LEARN FROM HER AND GLORIFY GOD.
AND WILL PASS THAT SANCTIFICATION ONTO THE FAITHFUL. ✶ “... fearing and trembling...” SHE KNEW THE
So THE INSTANT ST VERONICA SOFTLY TOUCHED THE ROBES OF CONSEQUENCES OF BREAKING THE JUDAIC LAWS of being
CHRIST SHE WAS HEALED AND GOD KNEW HER SINCERE ‘unclean,’ and thus a ‘social outcast,’ which were
FAITH IN HIM. severe and brutal.

AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS BY THE WILL OF GOD ✶ St Veronica “... fell down before Him and told Him the
ALONE FOR BEING OF THE SAME DIVINE ESSENCE AS GOD whole Truth...” which obviously TOOK IMMENSE COURAGE.
THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST POSSESSES THAT
HER GREAT SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND BRAVERY WAS COMPELLED
SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY. BY HER EXTREME GRATITUDE FOR BEING COMPLETELY

THE HEALING OF ST VERONICA, DEMONSTRATED OUR LORD HEALED BY GOD.
JESUS’ POWER TO CLEANSE US FROM OUR SINS AND TO HEAL ✶ “...Daughter, thy Faith has made thee well...” OUR
ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS – THE SPIRITUAL AND THE PHYSICAL. LORD ADDRESSED HER AS ONE OF HIS CHILDREN AND

According to the Old Covenant Laws, any type of MENTIONED HER FAITH PUBLICALLY SO THAT THE WITNESSES
haemorrhaging caused ceremonial defilement, MIGHT FOLLOW HER GOOD EXAMPLE.
which imposed religious and social restrictions
Our Holy Church Fathers believed that ST VERONICA
upon the sufferers for ANY CONTACT WITH BLOOD WAS SYMBOLISES HUMAN NATURE IN GENERAL because ALL
STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS. HUMANITY CONSTANTLY SUFFERS AND IS SUBJECT TO DEATH,

THIS WRETCHED SUFFERING WOMAN WAS THUS REGARDED AS WHICH WAS SYMBOLISED BY HER HAEMORRHAGING.
BEING ‘UNCLEAN’ SO SHE HAD FOLLOWED ALL THE
THE PHYSICIANS WHO COULD NOT HEAL HER SYMBOLISE THE
REQUIREMENTS AS A ‘SOCIAL OUTCAST.’ VARIOUS IMPERFECT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, AS WELL AS

However, SHE HAD REACHED SUCH A DEGREE OF MISERY AND THE OLD COVENANT LAW, WHICH ARE UNABLE TO GRANT
DESPERATION THAT SHE RISKED FURTHER SHAME AND LIFE TO HUMANITY – THEY CANNOT SAVE US
HUMILIATION IN THE CONVICTION THAT ONLY CHRIST
ONLY GOD CAN SAVE OR REDEEM US!
COULD HEAL HER.

26 S T M AR INA /M ARGAR ITA TH E GRE AT V IR GIN M AR TYR 17 JU LY 2019

 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.
20 JULY 2019
ST ELIAS (ELIJAH) GREAT HOLY PROPHET OF GOD
Also the Feast of St Abramios of Gallich, Disciple of St Sergios of Radonezh & the Holy
“Chukhloma” Icon of our Lady, Theotokos – St Athanasios, Abbot of Brest-Litovsk Monastery (
Uncovering of Holy Relics) – St Ilia Chavchavadze of Georgia – St Maria Skobtsova the Righteous
of Latvia – St Demetrios Klepinine, Hieromartyr – St Alexei Medvedkov, Hieromartyr – St Salome the
Georgian of Jerusalem & Kartli
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 109/110 – TO NE 1

Thou art a Priest forever, according to the Order of Melchizedek.
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at My right Hand, until I make Thine enemies the footstool for Thy Feet.
T H E U NIVE R SAL E P ISTL E OF S T J AME S 5: 10 - 20
ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE OPPRESSED & HEALING – THE WORK OF FAITH
Brethren: take the Prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord as an example of Suffering and Patience,. Behold: we
count them Blessed who Endure. You have heard of the Endurance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord –
for the Lord is very Compassionate and Merciful.
Above all, my Brethren, do not swear – neither by Heaven nor by Earth, or with any other Oath. Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’
and your ‘no’ be “no,” in case you fall into Judgement. Is anyone among you suffering? Pray. Is anyone cheerful?
Sing Psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing
him with Oil in the Name of our Lord. And the Prayer of Faith will Save the sick, and our Lord will raise him up. If he
has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for each other so that you
may be Healed. The effective, Fervent Prayer of a Righteous person avails much.
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land
for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the Heavens gave forth rain, and the Earth produced its
fruit.
Brethren, if any among you wanders from the Truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a
sinner from the error of his way will Save a soul from Death and cover a multitude of sins.
✶ “...the Prophets ... as an example of Suffering and SERIOUS SINS by BLASPHEMING THE LORD OUR God’s Holy
Patience...” THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD who are Name attached to A BLATANT LIE!
certainly True Saints of God and our best Models or
KNOWN HABITUAL LIARS’ OATHS ARE USELESS AND FUTILE and
Examples of the Holy Virtues, whom WE SHOULD STRIVE each time they swear an oath, THEY CONDEMN
TO IMITATE. THEMSELVES MORE AND MORE.

Being Faithful Christians – Disciples of Christ and His
TRUST AND TRUTH ARE INSEPARABLE VIRTUES. Only when we
New Covenant – we HONOUR AND VENERATE THESE HOLY are consistently Trustworthy and Truthful will others
PROPHETS AS WELL AS ALL THE HOLY SAINTS AND MARTYRS, be able to take us at our word. The instant that
ACKNOWLEDGING THEM AS BEING MOST VIRTUOUS AND Sacred Trust is broken, we lose our Integrity, our
BLESSED WITH THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD. authenticity and our legitimacy.
✶ “... do not swear ... “ THIS IS A POLEMIC (contentious or
THOSE WHO HABITUALLY LIE ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT ALSO
HABITUAL THIEVES due to the fact that THEY LACK
strong argument) AGAINST THE COMMON PRACTISE -
HONESTY AND ETHICS, AND THEY ALWAYS HAVE A READY
STEMMING FROM BAD FAITH - OF ‘SWEARING BY GOD’ OR
EXCUSE TO ‘JUSTIFY’ THEMSELVES!
SOMETHING THAT SIGNIFIES A SERIOUS VOW/OATH - as

LYING AND THIEVING ARE THE NOXIOUS VICES OF SATAN AND
though swearing proved Truthfulness! MUST BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY AND MOST

We may swear an Oath when absolutely necessary but DETERMINEDLY – through personal Discipline and
THE SOLUTION TO THE LACK OF TRUST IS GENUINE GOOD
True Repentance and Confession.
FAITH – proof of our personal Integrity and
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR LYING OR STEALING, WHICH REVEALS A
Truthfulness between us and God. SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND DEATH FROM WITHIN and make
 M A T T H E W 5 : 3 3 – 3 7 : ” . . . it was said to those of old: us murderers of God’s Divine Truth and slaves of the
‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your evil one.
Oaths to the Lord.’ I say to you: do not swear at all:
Thus WE MUST BE EVER WATCHFUL OVER THE STATE OF OUR
neither by Heaven , for it is God’s Throne; nor by the WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, ensuring that we quickly
Earth, for it is His Footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is correct our errors and emergent habits.
the City of the Great king. Nor shall you swear by ✶ “...Call for the Elders ...” We ought to REQUEST THE FERVENT
your head, because you cannot make one hair white PRAYERS OF OUR PRIESTS AND HOLY FATHERS for our Spiritual
or black. Let your ‘yes’ be yes, and your ‘no’ be no, for and physical Healing.
whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
✶ “...the Prayer of Faith...” HEALS AND CLEANSES US

With these Words, CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR TAUGHT US HOW TO
according to Divine Will because our SALVATION
HONOUR OUR DIVINE ADOPTION AS HEIRS to God’s Eternal
CONCERNS BOTH BODY AND SOUL – OUR VISIBLE AND
Kingdom AND AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
INVISIBLE BEING.

TRUTH CANNOT BE SECURED BY SWEARING AN OATH by things

Thus HOLY UNCTION SERVES A DOUBLE PURPOSE – HEALING AND
that are not in our possession anyway, but ONLY BY
THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
SIMPLE INTEGRITY!

PRIESTS ARE GRANTED CERTAIN DIVINE GIFTS FOR THE HOLY

In this Spiritually Dark, dead and fallen world of the
MINISTRY AT THEIR ORDINATION – at the Laying on of
Last Days, PEOPLE SWEAR WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT OR
Hands.
REGARD FOR THE TRUTH. All too often, THEY COMMIT TWO

S T E LIAS (EL IJAH ) TH E H OLY P R OP HET OF G OD 20 JU LY 27

 1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 1 4 “...do not neglect the Gift that is in But AS THE HOLY CHURCH GREW, NON-CHRISTIANS - the
you, which was given to you by Prophecy with the uninitiated or untaught - WHO WERE UNFAMILIAR
Laying on of the Hands of the Eldership.” WITH THE SANCTITY AND TRUST OF PUBLIC CONFESSION
This referred to St Timothy’s Ordination into the Holy OFTEN ATTENDED THE HOLY SERVICES.
Priesthood of Christ, which was conferred upon him Consequently, IT BECAME MORE PRACTICAL AND EFFICIENT
by the Holy Apostles of Christ, exactly as it is still FOR REPENTANT SINNERS TO CONFESS THEIR SINS IN
done today by the Bishops. PRIVATE BEFORE A PRIEST who represents our fellow

PRAYERS ARE COMBINED WITH OLIVE OIL, which was not only humanity - and God - AGAINST WHOM WE
THE PRIMARY MEDICINE of ancient times, but also HABITUALLY TRESPASS OR SIN. .
symbolised THE PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY OF THE HOLY
PRIVATE CONFESSION ONLY TO GOD IS CERTAINLY NOT
SPIRIT in the Church of Christ. TAUGHT IN HOLY SCRIPTURE !

THE HOLY MYSTERY OF UNCTION EFFECTS A HEALING FOR OUR BY REJECTING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CONFESSION, WE
COMPLETE BEING – physical and Spiritual Welfare and THEREBY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SIN TO THE
Healing through the Forgiveness of our sins that CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – to our fellow sinners.
enslave and sicken us.  1 J O H N 1 : 8 – 1 0 : “...if we say we have no sin, we
The essential Elements of Holy Unction include deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us. If
1. a PRIEST, we confess our sins, He is Faithful and Just to
2. the PRAYERS of the Faith that Saves us, forgive us our sins and to Cleanse us from all
3. connected to THE WORK OF CHRIST Who will Resurrect unrighteousness. If we say that we have not
us all sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT manifested in the Blessed, Sanctified not in us!”
Olive Oil,
OUR FAITH IS REVEALED AND PROVED BY OUR ACTIONS – OUR
5. as well as the REPENTANCE-CONFESSION of personal WORDS, OUR THOUGHTS AND OUR DEEDS – which must
sins PRIOR TO THE ANOINTING WITH OIL – THE MYSTERY produce Purity – i.e. WE MUST PRACTISE AND LIVE
OF HOLY UNCTION, which explains why St James TRUTH, WHICH VALIDATES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
wrote: “...he will be forgiven...”concerning the – living every moment in Holiness and
Holy Mystery of Confession before receiving Righteousness.
Holy Unction.
OUR FAITH COMPELS US TO SEEK FORGIVENESS AND SPIRITUAL

THE HOLY MYSTERY OF UNCTION IS GRANTED TO ORTHODOX CLEANSING for all our sins – great and small.
CHRISTIANS WHO ARE SICK OR AILING - WHETHER IN DANGER
Sin is our fallen, human condition but GOD HAS
OF DYING OR NOT. PROVIDED US WITH EVERY MEANS TO IMPROVE AND
Every year ON HOLY WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK (before Holy CORRECT OURSELVES THROUGH CONSTANT
Pascha), ALL FAITHFUL ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS RECEIVE WATCHFULNESS AND REPENTANCE-CONFESSION, which
HOLY UNCTION - HAVING PREPARED THEMSELVES CORRECTLY is the established basis for Spiritual Growth
WITH PRAYERS, SPIRITUAL SELF-EXAMINATION AND towards Righteousness.
REPENTANCE-CONFESSION AS WELL AS (OF COURSE) HAVING
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST IS A PERPETUAL, DAILY STRUGGLE to
KEPT THE GREAT LENTEN FAST. follow Him Faithfully - learning to recognise and
✶ “.... Confess your trespasses to one another...” resist the onslaught of temptations - even though

Although some people allege that confessing our sins to we will continue to sin in varying degrees until
God before a Priest is ‘not Biblical,’ THE ANCIENT we draw our last breath.
CHRISTIAN CUSTOM WAS TO CONFESS THEIR SINS –
SALVATION IN CHRIST IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS and as
“TRESPASSES” - TO ONE ANOTHER. long as we do the best we can to fulfil the Will of

THE EARLY CHRISTIANS CONFESSED THEIR SINS BEFORE THE God, we need not fear our Final Judgement as
ENTIRE CONGREGATION AS AN ACT OF HUMBLE REPENTANCE. much as those who rebel and disobey God at
every opportunity.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 4 : 22 - 30
TH E UNBELIEF OF NAZARETH
At that time, all bore witness and marvelled at the Gracious Words that proceeded out of the Mouth of our Lord Jesus.
And they said: “Is this not Joseph’s Son?” And He said to them: “You will surely say this Proverb to Me: ‘Physician,
heal Thyself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Thy country.’”
He said: “Assuredly, I say to you: no Prophet is accepted in his own country. I tell you truly: many widows were in
Israel in the days of Elijah, when the Heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a great
famine throughout all the land. And to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon,
to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the Prophet, and none of
them was Cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
And all those in the Synagogue were filled with wrath when they heard these things. And they rose up and thrust Him
out of the city. And they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, so that they might throw Him
down over the cliff. Passing through their midst He went His way.
✶ “...all bore witness and marvelled...” was like a double- FORESHADOWED HIS REJECTION BY THE ENTIRE JEWISH
edged sword for ALTHOUGH THE JUDEANS INITIALLY NATION at His unjust Trial before the Roman
MARVELLED AT THE PROFOUND WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH Governor, Pontios Pilate. (JOHN 19: 14 & 15)
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THEIR REJECTION AND CONTEMPT ✶ “...all those in the Synagogue were filled with wrath...”OUR
WAS AROUSED TO THE POINT OF WANTING TO KILL HIM. LORD JESUS ACCEPTED HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH
 Sadly, that rejection and hatred of the ungodly for ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF HIS ETERNAL, HEAVENLY
Christ our Lord has continued throughout the ages FATHER – but not according to the wicked, misguided
and will do so until the end of time. ( L U K E 1 1 : 1 4 - 1 6 will of the Judeans.
& JOHN 9:16) ✶ “ ... they rose up and thrust Him out ...” Anyone whom
✶ “...no Prophet is accepted in his own country...” THE they considered to have blasphemed against the
SPIRITUALLY BLIND AND DEAD REFUSE TO ACCEPT CHRIST AND Lord our God, the Judeans would force out of the
HIS DIVINE TRUTH, stubbornly preferring the Spiritual city, village or town, where they would be either
Darkness and enslavement of ignorance and thrown off cliffs or stoned to death.
disobedience to everything that we were created to ✶ “...passing through their midst...” no one was able to
be. lay a hand upon Christ because THE HOUR OF HIS
 THE REJECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN HIS OWN GREAT PASSION HAD NOT YET COME. (J O H N 8 : 2 0 )
‘COUNTRY’ FULFILLED THE REJECTION OF THE OLD COVENANT
PROPHETS OF God such as St Elijah and St Elisha, AND
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
If Christ is within us through frequent Holy Communion, then we must become like Him. We must be Meek
and Humble, Long-suffering, full of Love, and not be attached to worldly goods. Our mind should
contemplate the Heavens and we should be Obedient and rational. We must take care to allow the
Holy Spirit to reside within us by not being proud, impatient, devoted to material things, avaricious nor
gluttonous.
28 S T E L IAS (EL IJAH ) TH E H OLY P R OP HE T OF G OD 20 JU LY
 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 4 21 JULY 2019
5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW
THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS
Also the Feast of St Symeon & St John, Holy Ascetics & Fools for Christ of
Emessa, Syria - St Parthenios of Arta - St Onuphrios the Silent & St Onesimos of
Near Caves of St Anthony Monastery, Kiev – The Holy Icon of our Lady,
Theotokos of Armatia Monastery, Constantinople
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 5 - LUKE 24 : 12 – 35

R ESUR REC TION P R OKE IME NON –P SAL M 103/104 – T ONE 4

Greatly Magnified art Thy Works, O Lord! All things Thou made in Wisdom!
Bless, O my soul, the Lord! O Lord my God! Exceedingly Magnified!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E R OM ANS 10 : 1 – 10
Brethren, my heart’s desire and Prayer to God for Israel is that they may be Saved. I bear them witness, therefore, that
they have a zeal for God, yet it is unknown. For, being unaware of God’s Righteousness, and seeking to establish
their own, they did not submit to God’s Righteousness. For the End of the Law is Christ, that everyone who has Faith
may be Justified.
Moses wrote that those who practise Righteousness that is based on the Law, shall live by it. Righteousness based on
Faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart: “Who will Ascend into Heaven?” (that is to bring Christ down,) nor “Who will
descend into the Abyss?” (that is to bring Christ up from the dead.)”’ But what does it say?
The Word is near you – on your lips and in your heart (that is: the Word of Faith that we preach) - because, if you
Confess with your lips that Jesus is our Lord, and believe in your heart that God Raised Him from the dead, you will
be Saved. For Faith of the heart is Justification and Confession with the lips, is Salvation.
✶ “...my heart’s desire and Prayer to God for Israel...”
The Coming of the Great Divine Messiah (our Lord
means that ST PAUL WISHED ONLY GOOD FOR THE NATION OF Jesus Christ) was THE END OF THE LAW AND THE
ISRAEL – “... that they may be Saved.” FULFILMENT OF GOD’S DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS.
✶ Although “... they have a zeal for God... it is unknown...”
Although THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE ETERNAL for THEY
because it was NOT BASED UPON DIVINE TRUTH. MUST BE OBSERVED BY MANKIND UNTIL THE END OF TIME,

MOSAIC LAW HAD BECOME DISTORTED BY THOSE WHO HAD THEY HAVE BEEN PERFECTLY FULFILLED BY CHRIST HIMSELF
INTERPRETED THE LAW according to their own limited according to His human Nature, WHOM WE ARE
belief and understanding, which was NOT BASED URGED TO IMITATE.
UPON DIVINE TRUTH – THE ABSOLUTE, PURE AND PERFECT
ALL THE LAWS OF THE OLD COVENANT WERE FULFILLED BY OUR
TRUTH OF GOD. LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO HAS PRESENTED A NEW

THEY BELIEVED THAT OUR LORD GOD WAS A WRATHFUL AND COVENANT TO US – A COVENANT OF LOVE AND MERCY,
VENGEFUL GOD WHO STRUCK DOWN HIS OPPONENTS, which is THE TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF OUR LOVING AND
which is certainly NOT THE ALMIGHTY GOD OF LOVE BENEVOLENT ALMIGHTY GOD.
AND GREAT MERCY WHO IS REVEALED TO US BY HIS ✶ “...Righteousness that is based on the Law... on Faith...”
ETERNAL SON, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Way of the Law and the Way of Faith are
✶ “... they did not submit to God’s Righteousness...” but contrasted.
FOLLOWED THEIR OWN ERRONEOUS AND UNMERCIFUL WAY
MERE OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW HAS ALWAYS FAILED, while
OF LIFE. FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS – the Great, Divine

As Christ had pointed out, IF THEY HAD MERELY BEEN Messiah/Saviour – BRINGS ALL MANKIND SALVATION.
IGNORANT IN THEIR REJECTION OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR,
FAITH IS COMPLETE TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND ASSURANCE IN
THEIR OFFENCE AGAINST GOD WOULD HAVE BEEN CHRIST because our FAITH DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD
PARDONABLE. AND TRANSFORMS US – completely changes us in

However, their rejection was caused by far more than body and soul.
ignorance for it was not because that they did
FAITH BRINGS US CLOSER TO OUR CREATED STATE AS PHYSICAL
know Who our Lord Jesus Christ is, but because AND SPIRITUAL BEINGS who are created IN THE LIKENESS
THEY WERE BENT ON ESTABLISHING THEIR OWN IDEAS of AND IMAGE OF OUR LORD GOD.
righteousness RATHER THAN HUMBLY AND OBEDIENTLY ✶ ”... Who will Ascend into Heaven... descend into the
SUBMITTING TO THE TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF OUR LORD Abyss...”
GOD.  Deuteronomy 30 : 12 “...It is not in Heaven Above, that

THEY trusted only in themselves and REJECTED THE WAY you should say ‘Who will Ascend into Heaven for
OF TRUE FAITH WHEN IT WAS PRESENTED TO THEM BY OUR us and bring it to us, so that we may hear and do
LORD GOD – JESUS CHRIST. it?...”
✶ “ ... the End of the Law is Christ...” Who is THE ETERNAL
WE ATTAIN TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS BY ASKING SUCH QUESTIONS,
WORD AND SON OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. which is another way of asking HOW CAN THESE ALL

CHRIST HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE WAY OF SALVATION in both the THESE MARVELLOUS THINGS BE POSSIBLE, which is what
Old and New Covenants. St Nikodemos (the secret Disciple) asked our Lord

HE GAVE THE DIVINE LAW – THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – TO Jesus when they met secretly at night.
MOSES, WHICH PREPARED HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
St John Chrysostom explained that “... earthly things...”
FOR HIS FIRST APPEARANCE. referred to DIVINE GRACE AND HOLY BAPTISM THAT ARE
GRANTED TO US BY GOD, which are “earthly” – not in
the sense of being ‘unspiritual,’ but because THEY

5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS – 21 JULY 2019 29
 OCCUR ON EARTH and are granted to God’s creatures
DIVINE TRUTH IS RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH – the Faith
– mankind. of Abraham, who CAST OUT ALL HUMAN REASONING AND
“HEAVENLY THINGS...” INVOLVE ALL THE UNGRASPABLE DIVINE THE IMPOSSIBILITIES RAISED BY THAT LIMITED,
MYSTERIES OF THE ETERNAL GENERATION OF GOD THE SON UNENLIGHTENED HUMAN REASONING.
FROM GOD THE FATHER, WHICH RELATE TO HIS ETERNAL
DIVINE TRUTH LEAVES EVERYTHING TO THE POWER AND GLORY
EXISTENCE BEFORE ALL TIME AND TO GOD’S DIVINE PLAN OF OUR LORD GOD. (Romans 4: 19-22)
OF SALVATION.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM EXPLAINED THE MEANING of “the

WE MUST FIRST COMPREHEND THE WAYS IN WHICH OUR LORD Word:” “...What does the phrase mean: ‘The Word
GOD WORKS AMONG MANKIND before we can even is near you?’ It means that it is easy, for in your
begin to understand Divine Aspects that pertain to hear and on your tongue is your Salvation. There
Almighty God. is no long Journey to undertake, no seas to sail

These questions raise THE ALLEGED ‘IMPOSSIBILITIES’ BASED over, no mountains to climb, to get Saved. But if
ON OUR LIMITED HUMAN REASONING, which Christ you have such a heart, you may even be Saved
answered by saying “... the Things that are while at home. For ‘... in your mouth and heart...’
impossible for mankind are possible for God!” is the Source of Salvation.
(L U K E 1 8 : 2 7 ) “On another score, St Paul also makes of the Word of

✶ “... the Word is near you...” St Moses had explained Faith says, and says: ‘God raised Him (Christ)
how such doubts, based on human reasoning are from the dead.’ For just reflect upon the
resolved: “... the Word is very near you, in your Worthiness of the Worker, and you will no longer
mouth, in your heart, and in your hands, so that see any difficulty in the matter.”
you may do it.” ✶ “...if you Confess with your mouth... and believe in your
 G E N E S I S 1 8 : 1 4 “Is anything impossible with God?” heart... “ are far more than simply mental

The Word concerns OUR ATTAINMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS acknowledgement that something is True.
BEFORE GOD, FOR IT CASTS OUT HUMAN REASONING AND
Rather, TRUE BELIEF MEANS PLACING OUR ENTIRE TRUST IN
THE SUPPOSED IMPOSSIBILITIES. OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST AND BY LIVING IN

THE WORD – DIVINE TRUTH - is so close to us for It IS IN OUR CHRIST AS OUR DIVINE LORD AND SAVIOUR.
MOUTH, HEART AND HANDS and we do not have to
ONLY BY GIVING OUR ENTIRE BEING – BY COMMITTING
Ascend to Heaven nor descend into the very OURSELVES COMPLETELY TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS HIS
depths in order to find It. FAITHFUL DISCIPLE IS OUR BELIEF TRULY RIGHTEOUS.

GOD’S WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – IS SOWN IN THE HEART OF
US WHO BELIEVE, AND CONFESSED WITH OUR MOUTH AND
WORKED WITH OUR HANDS (GOOD DEEDS.)
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 8 : 28 – 9 : 1
THE TWO GERGESENE DEMONIACS
At that time, when our Lord Jesus went into the land of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met Him, coming out of the
tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And behold: they cried out, saying: “What have we
to do with Thee, Jesus, Son of God? Hast Thou come there to torment us before the Time?”
At a distance from them there was a herd of many swine grazing. The demons begged Him, saying: “If Thou cast us
out, permit us to go away in the herd of swine.” And He said to them: “Go!” When they had gone out, they went into
the herd of swine. And behold: the whole herd ran frantically down the steep place into the sea, and perished in
the water.
Those who kept them fled. And they went into the city and told everything - and what had happened to the demoniacs.
And behold: the whole city went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their
region.
And He got into a boat, crossed over, and went to His own city.
✶ “... the land of the Gergesenes...” referred to THE “Outer Darkness” that is THE ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF THE
EASTERN SIDE OF THE SEA OF GALILEE (Golan Heights) - LOVING LIGHT, LOVE AND PRESENCE OF GOD.
the region of the ancient Decapolis cities that
THEY THOUGHT THEIR (LIMITED) POWER TO DECEIVE, MISGUIDE
included Gadara and Gerasa - an informal AND TORMENT MANKIND WAS ALREADY BEING TERMINATED
grouping of Greco-Roman cities that were situated as it will be at the time of the General Resurrection
South of Caesarea Philippi, where Christ and His and God’s Final Judgement of Creation.
Apostles resided.
GOD PERMITS US TO STRUGGLE AGAINST THE TEMPTATIONS of
Gergesa was a lakeside village, Gadara was the the evil one and his wicked demons SO THAT WE
next, larger city, and Gerasa was a better known BECOME SPIRITUALLY STRONGER AND DRAW CLOSER TO
city in that same region. HIM.
These were GENTILE CITIES WHOSE CITIZENS WERE
HOWEVER, THE DEMONS HAVE NO REAL POWER OVER US, UNLESS
CULTURALLY MORE GREEK THAN SEMITIC, which would WE ALLOW THEM TO DO SO BY SUBMITTING TO THE PASSIONS
account for the herds of (forbidden) swine. AND OUR OWN SPIRITUAL WEAKNESSES, WHICH THEY

As usual, MINOR DETAILS ARE INSIGNIFICANT COMPARED TO GLEEFULLY USE AGAINST US.
THE MORE IMPORTANT SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ENCOUNTER ✶ “...The demons begged Him... permit us...” clearly
WITH CHRIST. indicates that ALTHOUGH THEIR MALICIOUS HATRED OF
✶ “...two demoniacs met Him...” ST MATTHEW WROTE ABOUT MANKIND IS STRONG, THE DEMONS CAN DO NOTHING AT ALL
TWO GERGESENE DEMONIACS, while St Luke and St Mark WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF GOD.
noted one naked, terrifyingly strong demoniac who
They feared their Eternal Banishment to the dreaded
could neither be restrained nor restricted by chains, Abyss so deeply that THEY WANTED TO DELAY THEIR
who lived amongst the tombs. INEVITABLE EXILE AND BE ALLOWED MORE TIME BETWEEN

THESE DEMONIACS HID THEMSELVES IN THE TOMBS, outside HEAVEN AND EARTH, BY BEGGING FOR CHRIST’S GREAT
the cities, which implies that THEY WERE SPIRITUAL MERCY.
DEAD AND ISOLATED from the healthy citizens, due to
THEY CANNOT PERCEIVE THEIR ROLE IN MANKIND’S SALVATION
their demonic possession. BUT ONLY WANT MORE TIME TO DO THEIR EVIL WORK.

ST MATTHEW’S ACCOUNT OF THIS EVENT IS FAR LESS DETAILED
The only reason for God permitting them a little more
BUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EVENT AND ITS TEACHING time to tempt us, is FOR THE SAKE OF OUR IMMORTAL
ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. SOULS THAT NEED TO BE TESTED AND THUS STRENGTHENED
✶ “...What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Son of God? ...” AND FIRMLY ROOTED IN OUR FAITH IN GOD.
clearly shows how THE DEMONS IMMEDIATELY
When we are tempted or even when we fall, but
RECOGNISED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THE ETERNAL SON manage to RESIST OR IMMEDIATELY REPENT, we are
OF GOD. able to MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND RETURN TO
✶ “...Hast Thou come here to torment us before the Time...” LIFE IN CHRIST.
THE DEMONS WERE SHOCKED TO SEE CHRIST, THINKING
BRIEF PERIODS OF SPIRITUAL DEATH when we suffer the
THAT IT WAS TIME FOR THEIR ETERNAL EXILE AND absence of our Lord’s Presence due to our sins,
BANISHMENT INTO THE GREATLY FEARED “ABYSS” – the MAKE US PAINFULLY AWARE OF HOW DEVASTATINGLY SAD IT
IS. WE SUFFER INTENSE SPIRITUAL SORROW AND PAIN.

30 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS – 21 JULY 2019

AS SOON AS WE BECOME CONTRITE AND YEARN TO RETURN TO
SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST BY REPENTANCE-CONFESSION,
WE ARE JOYFULLY AND MOST GRATEFULLY RESTORED TO
DIVINE GRACE AND LOVE.

WE ARE ABLE TO CORRECT OUR ERRORS AND RETURN TO THE
PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTIL OUR LAST BREATH, but
should we perish in a State of Spiritual Death, we
will remain Spiritually Dead for all Eternity. –
together with the evil one and his demons!
✶ “...’Go!”...” THIS ONE WORD SHOWS THE ALMIGHTY POWER AND
AUTHORITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OVER ALL
CREATION.
✶“...the whole herd of swine ran violently... and
perished...” DEMON POSSESSION HAS AN IMMEDIATE,
FRIGHTENING EFFECT ON THEIR VICTIMS and THE
WRETCHED SWINE WENT BERSERK AND STAMPEDED
FRANTICALLY OVER THE CLIFFS and were brutally
killed.

THIS DEMENTED REACTION OF THE ANIMALS TO THE EVIL
PRESENCE OF THE DEMONS DEMONSTRATES THEIR WICKED
DESTRUCTION OF EVERYTHING THEY CONTAMINATE.

The evil one and his demons obsessively desire our
destruction but THEY CAN ONLY TEMPT US TO HARM
OURSELVES BY USING OUR PERSONAL WEAKNESSES AGAINST
US.

AS SOON AS WE ARE BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED, WE BECOME
EMPOWERED to resist temptations and BY LIVING IN
CHRIST, WE ARE STRONGLY ARMOURED AGAINST THEIR
WICKED SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

LIFE IN CHRIST DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE NEVER TEMPTED,
because the evil one uses every means he can to
lure us away from God.
✶ "... Those who kept them fled...” The swine-herders were
understandably more than terrified – not only by
what they had witnessed, but how the owners of the
swine would react towards them who were paid to
take care of their herds.
They reported the entire sequence of events, including
the Miraculous Exorcism – no doubt blaming Christ for
their financial catastrophe!
5 T H
S U ND AY A FTER P ENTEC OST – 5
✞ In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved, today’s Sacred Lesson concerns the
casting out of demons from two possessed men,
their entry into many herds of swine and the
destruction of those swine.
Firstly, we should note that the Gergesenes who
owned the swine disobeyed the Mosaic Law that
forbade owning or working with swine and the
consumption of pork.
This was no doubt due to concern for the health of the
people, for pork can carry many parasites and cause
various diseases that can harm or even kill. (So can other
meat, chicken and fish.)
These days all aspects of edible products are very carefully
monitored to ensure good health.
The large herds of swine provided the citizens with a
very lucrative, although illegal, business, which
was why they begged our Lord Jesus Christ to
depart from their region - thereby rejecting the
Divine Son of God and their own Salvation!
Their self-serving disregard of God and His Laws
explains why at least, two of them had become
demon-possessed, for disobedience of God always
leads to misfortune.
Secondly, it is clearly evident from this account that
the evil one and his wicked, destructive demons do
certainly exist and that they can take possession of
us when we are too weak or ignorant to recognise
and fight against their temptations that lure us into
sin.
All too often, naïve people who regard themselves as
being “Christian” but - having been so deluded
and blinded by the evil one - insist that demons
do not exist nor can they possess us.
Such Spiritually Blinded and deceived people have
obviously neither properly read nor understood
Holy Scripture, nor have they had much
5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST MATTHEW –
✶ “...the whole city.... saw Him ... begged Him to depart...”

ALL THE CITIZENS RUSHED OUT TO SEE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
AND THE EMPTY GRAZING GROUNDS.

THEY WERE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR LOSS OF SWINE,
which was obviously far more important to them
THAN THE FACT THAT TWO OF THEIR OWN PEOPLE HAD BEEN
RESTORED TO FULL HEALTH OR THAT THEY WOULD NO
LONGER BE TERRORISED BY THE FIERCE DEMONIACS.

The citizens seemed to be COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE
GREAT DIVINE MIRACLE that had occurred, AND OF THE
DIVINE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Their disregard for His Presence or the restoration of
one of their own people implies THE DEPTH OF THEIR
SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS DUE TO UNBELIEF AND LACK OF LOVE,
COMPASSION OR MERCY FOR THEIR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
✶ “... tell what Great Things God has done for you...”
According to the Gospel of St Luke THESE WORDS OF
CHRIST WERE ADDRESSED TO THE MAN/MEN WHO HAD BEEN
EXORCISED AND RESTORED.

THEY HAD WANTED TO ACCOMPANY OUR KIND, MERCIFUL AND
COMPASSIONATE LORD JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES, BUT
CHRIST ENCOURAGED THEM TO RETURN TO THEIR PEOPLE SO
THAT THEY COULD PREACH HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO THEM AS
LIVING PROOF OF HIS GREAT MERCY AND LOVE.

EVERY ONE OF US IS CALLED BY OUR LORD GOD TO SERVE HIS
DIVINE WILL UPON EARTH, while we are preparing
ourselves for Eternity.

As Faithful Disciples of Christ, WE OUGHT TO SHARE THE
GOOD NEWS – THE DIVINE TRUTH – OF CHRIST JESUS WITH
OTHERS – especially those who are seeking or
yearning for Perfect Truth or the meaning of this
short lifespan.

The best way of ‘Preaching” Christ’s Divine Truth is to
BECOME LIVING PROOF – LIVING EXAMPLES – THAT OTHERS
WILL WANT TO EMULATE.

WE MUST SHARE OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND ENCOUNTERS
WITH CHRIST AS WELL AS OUR KNOWLEDGE AND
UNDERSTANDING OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH AS WE GROW IN OUR
FAITH, THEREBY ENCOURAGING, GUIDING AND SUPPORTING
ONE ANOTHER.
T H
OF S T M ATTHE W – TH E G ER GE SENE DE M ONIAC S
experience of this life with its continual Spiritual
Warfare that is waged against all mankind.
In this context let us consider the meaning of the term
“demonic possession.”
Our Holy Fathers have taught us that that we cannot
suddenly become demon possessed because it is
the ultimate stage of a Spiritual Process.
The first stage is when we begin to surrender our free
will by ‘entertaining’ or ‘welcoming’ demons and
demonic thoughts in a habitual manner.
The second stage is when we become obsessed with
demons and - due to their very real presence – we
are unable to fight against their pervading
influence over us, for demonic thoughts stalk us
and begin to control our thoughts, words and
deeds.
The third stage is demonic possession of us – body
and soul – because they have entered us and
taken over our free will, enslaving us to do
whatever they want.
By this stage, we are unable to resist them or escape
their influence over us.
Therefore we learn that the Devil and demonic
possession is a terrifying and horrific reality to be
avoided by all means possible.
Today’s Sacred Lesson shows us three characteristics
of demons.
1. In those days demons or demoniacs dwelt in tombs
for they are Spiritually Dead.
Cemeteries are now ‘places of Rest or Sleep’, where the
departed souls Repose peacefully until the General
Resurrection and Final Judgement.
2. Demons are violent and “...exceedingly fierce...”
because they are utterly incompatible to the
spirit of Peace, Harmony and Gentleness with
which all Creation was instilled by our Loving,
Benevolent Creator.
THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS – 21 JULY 2019 31
3. Demons also believe in our Triune God, for they
once dwelt in the Heavenly Realms – in the
Loving Presence of our Lord. They are bodiless,
spiritual beings - fallen angels – who rebelled
against God, have been banished from His
Presence and expelled from Heaven forever,
belonging neither in Heaven nor on Earth.
There are different types of Spirituality, one of which is
that of the demons.
Unlike us human beings, who become foolish when
we are deluded either by bodily, material things,
or the temptations of the evil one, the demons see
and understand Reality as it is because they can
see both the spiritual and material aspects of
everything.
Thus they confess our Lord Jesus Christ as He really is -
the Eternal “Son of God.”
They have no illusions that our Divine Saviour might
only be an ordinary “Man” - either a Holy Prophet
of God, or merely an intelligent, Gifted human
Being Who teaches us Divine Truth.
They immediately recognise Him and acknowledge
Him as the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God for
they exist in an Eternal Spiritual Reality!
According to St Symeon the New Theologian, the
demons lack Love – i.e. every aspect and Holy
Virtue concerning Love, which is beyond their
fallen nature.
God is Love itself and our Lord Jesus Christ epitomises
all Holy Attributes of Divine Love.
Therefore, by Living in Christ, we Strive ceaselessly to
acquire Divine Love because it is the Acquisition of
our Divine Likeness as God created us.
Animals behave better than mankind for they usually
act according to their created state.
Mankind has distorted, corrupted and destroyed
everything on Earth due to unbridled greed, pride
and envy.
H OW A RE WE T O BE U ND ER STOOD
Any donation of body tissue or an organ is a kind of
self-sacrifice. Despite this, it would be
untheological to consider such an action to be in
imitation of the Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ,
for He offers His Body and Blood to give people -
not some transitory existence - but Real Life, which
might, in fact, involve the sacrifice of this
temporary existence.
This fleeting existence should not be separated from
Real Life and become independent.
However, adherence to this transitory existence
extinguishes the desire for Eternal Life,
 MATTHEW 24:5 (MARK 8:35) “...for those who want to save
their life will lose it, and those who lose their
life for My Sake will Save it.”
 JOHN 12:25 – “Those who love their life will lose it,
and those who hate their life in this world will
retain it for Eternal Life.”
Although those who love their life so much, will lose it,
those who care nothing for their existence in this
world, will preserve it for Eternal Life.
This Path of the Holy Gospel, which is so paradoxical
in terms of human reason - the Path that was first
trodden by Christ - certainly cannot be applied to
transplants.
Nevertheless, the charitable or heroic act of the
voluntary donation of tissue or organs for
transplantation is still of much value, as is the
pastoral support for people who are in critical
condition.
The considerations presented by some concerning the
bodily integrity after death of those who give
organs are of a scholastic nature.
S T
The cause of moral lapses
is not the nature of the temptations,
but the heedlessness of those who are tempted!
32 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF
The immediate reaction of the wretched swine was to
stampede in blind terror and the need to escape
when they became possessed by those evil spirits.
They could not bear the presence of evil within them
and acting on the natural response of “fight or
flight,” by trying to flee from such evil, they
perished.
Animals do not kill their own species, and often act
compassionately towards other species in times of
extreme danger or shared disaster.
All creatures are very sensitive to the presence of evil
and will instinctively try to flee from anything that
is perceived as dangerous or threatening.
Having no immortal soul, they belong to the natural
world that fears anything that is supernatural.
On the contrary, we who are created as intellectual,
physical and spiritual beings, belong to both the
natural, material world, and to the Spiritual World.
We are therefore subject to the influence of not only
our material world, but also to the Spiritual World
of Godly, Angelic Spirits and demonic spirits.
All mankind is motivated by Spiritual Influences that
are good or wicked.
Our Loving and Compassionate Lord God provides us
with every possible means to avoid the spirits of
evil and to remain in a state of Spiritual Life in
Christ rather than suffering the dreadful outcome
of Spiritual Death.
Let us instead cleave tightly to our Triune Lord God,
by imitating His Saints – by Living in Christ Who
Empowers and Strengthens us for the perpetual
Spiritual Warfare that is waged against us all.
Glory to God for His Great Mercy.
Amen.
Protopresbyter Andrew Phillips – Orthodox England
(Adapted & edited by mp)
http://orthochristian.com/54694.html
A ND R EC OGNIZED A S T HE ‘I M AGE O F G OD ’?
According to St Maximos the Confessor, we are not to
be equated with only our body nor soul – neither
with an admixture nor a summation of the two
because we are something that Transcends and
holds together all of that - without being held
together nor being defined by either body nor
soul.
Having been created in the Image of God, we are
always to be understood as such and recognized
as such.
And this comprehension and recognition of our
nature as Image is true of all mankind, as it is of
each of us and our individual actions.
Beyond any divisive distinction between matter and
spirit, individual and society, as images of the
Divine Word, by observing His Commandment of
Love, we reside in God, Who is Love, and all
together we make up the One Body of the Holy
Church of Christ.
Within this dynamic and multi-dimensional view of
the human being, every drop of blood offered to
our neighbour is an all-encompassing Offering of
the whole person.
So every pedantic investigation regarding the
repercussions, which the donation of tissue or an
organ might have on bodily integrity, loses its
meaning.
It becomes apparent just how irreconcilable with the
Church’s View of the person is this mechanistic
view of people and the handling of tissues and
organs of the body merely as curative or
replacement matter...
George Mantzarides, Professor Emeritus of the
Theological School of the Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki
J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
ST MATTHEW – THE GERGESENE DEMONIACS – 21 JULY 2019
 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.
25 JULY 2019
DORMITION OF ST ANNA
VENERABLE MOTHER OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS

Also the Feast of St Olympias, Deaconess of Constantinople – St Eupraxia, Virgin Martyr of

Tabenna – St Makarios of Zheltovod & Unzha – The 165 Holy Fathers of the 5th Ecumenical
Council, Constantinople

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE
ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574.
LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.”
(OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 67/66 – T ONE 4

Wondrous is God in His Saints!
In the Congregation Bless God – the Lord of the Fount of Israel!

T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 4 : 22 – 27

TH E D IFFERENCE BETWEEN SLA VERY AND SONSHIP
Brethren: ... Abraham had two sons - the one by a Bondwoman and the other by a Freewoman. But he who was of the
Bondwoman was born according to the flesh - he of the Freewoman through Promise, which things are symbolic.
These are thus the two Covenants - the one from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar – for this
Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem, which now is - in bondage with her children.
The Jerusalem Above is free, which is the Mother of us all. For it is written: “Rejoice, O Barren - you who do not bear!
Break forth and shout, you who are not in labour! For the desolate has many more Children than she who has a
husband.”
✶ “...Abraham had two sons ...” This fact and related who was born after the flesh. Therefore, let it not
events, were HISTORICAL, AS WELL AS BEING SYMBOLIC disturb you (Christians) that you were not born
(allegoreo) because as St Paul asserted, OLD after the flesh, for – from the very reason that you
COVENANT HISTORY ANNOUNCED SOMETHING FAR GREATER. are not so born – are you most of all Abraham’s
✶ “... of the Bondwoman ...born according to the flesh...” kindred.”
ISHMAEL WAS THE ILLEGITIMATE SON OF HAGAR, A SLAVE St John Chrysostom was referring to BAPTISED AND
OR BONDWOMAN. CHRISMATED (SANCTIFIED) CHRISTIANS who have become

Muslims claim Ishmael as their Forefather and, being the ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD and thus CO-HEIRS WITH
the first born son, the ‘rightful heir’ of Abraham CHRIST OUR LORD – the Eternal Son of our Heavenly
and thus to the land of Israel. Father – to His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
✶ “... of the Freewoman through Promise...” ISAAC WAS THE THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION, AS WELL AS
LEGITIMATE SON OF SARAH AND ABRAHAM, who was BORN OUR CONTINUED LIFE IN CHRIST MAKES US LEGITIMATE AND
ACCORDING THE DIVINE PROMISE AND WILL OF OUR LORD HONOURABLE HEIRS OF GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
GOD. ✶ “... the desolate has many more Children... “ are those
✶ “... two Covenants...” refers to THOSE WHO ARE PRESENTLY Sanctified Members of the Holy Church of Christ -
“...IN BONDAGE” ON EARTH, AND THOSE WHO WILL BE FREE especially the Gentiles – all the non-Jews - who
CITIZENS OF “... JERUSALEM ABOVE ... “ – I.E. GOD’S would become FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST OUR
HEAVENLY KINGDOM. LORD – THE NEW ISRAEL.
✶ “...Hagar ... Mount Sinai ...” symbolise EARTHLY JERUSALEM,  I S A I A H 5 4 : 1 “’... be glad, O barren woman, who does
AND THE JUDEANS WHO ARE UNDER THE OLD COVENANT not bear, break forth and cry out, you who are
LAW. not in travail, for more are the children of the
✶ “...the Mother of us all...” refers to ST SARAH, THE desolate than the children of the married
FREEWOMAN AND LEGITIMATE WIFE OF ABRAHAM AND woman,’ says the Lord.”
MOTHER OF ISAAC.
THE GENTILES (PAGANS) WERE ONCE SPIRITUALLY “BARREN”

SHE SYMBOLISES THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM – i.e. the Holy AND “DESOLATE” but now the Holy Church of the
Church of Christ – the New Israel. Gentiles gives Birth in the (Holy) Spirit to MANY MORE

She is A TYPE OF THEOTOKOS – Mother/Bearer of God – for SPIRITUAL CHILDREN THAN ISRAEL HAS IN THE FLESH.
HER SON, ISAAC, WAS BORN ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE
THE NEW COVENANT CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE, UNIFIED
PROMISE AND WILL OF OUR LORD GOD. HOLY FAMILY, with innumerable Spiritual Children,

Her son, Isaac has A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN MANKIND’S Spiritual Fathers, God-parents, and Patronal
ETERNAL SALVATION AS ONE OF THEOTOKOS’ ANCESTORS. Saints.

According to St John Chrysostom: Isaac “... was the
WE ARE UNITED TOGETHER AS THE ADOPTED, SANCTIFIED
issue of bodies that were ‘dead,’ and of a womb CHILDREN OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
that was ‘dead’ through age and barrenness. But ✶ “...She who has a husband,’ refers to the people of Israel
the Word of God (Christ our Lord and Creator) – THOSE WHO WERE FAITHFUL TO GOD AND WHO OBSERVED
fashioned him... (Isaac) who was not according ALL HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS.
to the flesh, was more honourable than (Ishmael)
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 8 : 16 – 21
T A K E CARE OF HOW WE HEAR GOD’S DIVINE & PERFECT TRUTH
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a
bed, but sets it on a Lampstand so that those who enter may see the Light. For nothing is secret that will not be
revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
For nothing is secret. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems
to have will be taken from him.”
His Mother and Brothers went to Him, but could not approach Him because of the crowd. And He was told by some
who said: “Thy Mother and Thy Brothers are standing outside, wanting to see Thee.” He answered and said to them:
“My Mother and My Brothers are these who hear the Word of God and do It.”

THE DORMITION OF ST ANNA, VENERABLE MOTHER OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS 25 JULY 2019 33
✶ “...sets it on a Lampstand so that those who enter
may see the Light ...” The Divine Truth that Christ
our Lord has granted us, must always be shown and
shared with others.

THE DIVINE TRUTH IS LIKE A BRIGHT SPIRITUAL LIGHT OR
BEACON THAT ENLIGHTENS, GUIDES AND ILLUMINATES
ALL WHO ARE HIDDEN AND LOST in the Darkness of sin
and ignorance.

HAVING BEEN ENLIGHTENED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WE
MUST TEACH OTHERS BY OUR OWN GOOD EXAMPLE HOW
TO LIVE IN CHRIST – how to Live in His Divine Light
- so that our honourable and worthy thoughts,
words and deeds that Glorify, Honour and
Worship God ENCOURAGE OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS
TO ALSO DESIRE A MARVELLOUS, BLESSED LIFE IN CHRIST.
✶ “...nothing is secret...” EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED IS
WITNESSED BY A VAST, INFINITE “CLOUD OF WITNESSES” –
the Church Triumphant – all the Saints and
Martyrs, the Righteous souls – as well as all the
Heavenly Hosts, and, of course, our Triune Lord
God.

THE HOLY MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE-CONFESSION REMOVES
THE SINS WE HAVE SINCERELY REPENTED AND CONFESSED
TO OUR LORD GOD AND HIS PRIEST, OUR SPIRITUAL
FATHER, (who represents our neighbours against
whom we have trespassed), which WE MUST
STRUGGLE NOT TO COMMIT AGAIN.

THE SINS WE HAVE REPENTED AND CONFESSED, AND AVOIDED
REPEATING, ARE FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN, BEING
COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM OUR BOOK OF LIFE.
✶ “...Take heed how you hear...” means that WE MUST PAY
VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS OF OUR LORD GOD, so that we apply
them correctly to every thought, word and deed.

WHEN WE ARE EXAMINED BY OTHERS – some who
genuinely seek God’s Truth but some who seek a
reason for persecution of Christ’s Faithful –GOD’S
TRUTH SHINES EXTREMELY BRIGHTLY AS HIS DIVINE
LIGHT.

DIVINE TRUTH ALWAYS EXPOSES THE LIARS, THE FRAUDSTERS
AND THE DECEIVERS.

WE HONOUR, GLORIFY AND WORSHIP GOD WHEN HIS DIVINE
TRUTH IS HELD UP FOR ALL TO SEE AND HEAR.
✶ “... more will be given...” wHEN WE ARE DILIGENT AND
ZEALOUS concerning God’s Truth, for WE RECEIVE
DIVINE GRACE.
✶ “... what he seems to have will be taken...” THOSE WHO
ARE NEGLIGENT, EXTINGUISH AND LOSE THE DIVINE
GRACE RECEIVED FROM GOD.
T H E ETERNAL, INS
S T P AISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
From a young age, I had great Reverence for the Holy
Ancestors of God. Indeed, I had told someone that
when they make me a Monk, I would want them to
give me the name “Joachim.”
How much have I Benefitted from them! St Joachim and
St Anna are the most Dispassionate could who ever
existed! They did not possess any carnal mindset at
all! This is how our Lord God created mankind, and
this is how He wanted us to be born – Dispassionately.
However, after the Fall, passion entered the Relationship
between man and woman.
As soon as a Dispassionate Couple was found, which is
how God created mankind, and as He wished us to be
born, our Beloved Panagia was born – such a Pure
Creature, and then our Lord Jesus Christ became
Incarnate.
My thoughts tell me that our Divine Saviour would have
descended much earlier to Earth if there had been
such a Pure Couple as were St Joachim and St Anna
S T D IM ITR I OF R OSTOV
“... every day, at the conclusion of the Divine Services – at
the Dismissal – our Holy Church beseeches our Lord
God for Mercy and Salvation for those going out of His
Holy Temple through the Prayers of our Lady, the All
Holy Mother of God, and of the Holy and Righteous
Ancestors of God, St Joachim and St Anna...”
S T G RE GORY P AL AM AS
No others were found at that time more superior in Holy
Virtue nor Nobility of character and birth than the
childless couple, St Joachim and St Anna.
34 T H E D O R M I T I O N OF ST ANNA, VENERABLE MOTHER
✶ “ ... His Mother and Brothers went to Him ...” refers to
THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS AND HER COUSINS who
were the sons of St Joseph the Betrothed and his
wife, Salome (a sister of St Anna).

Due to Her Betrothal to Her aged uncle, Joseph, (as
Her Venerable Guardian and Protector), his
children were regarded as HER CHILDREN,
ACCORDING TO MOSAIC LAW.
✶ “... these who hear the Word of God and do It... “
meant that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS NOT IN THE
COMPANY OF HIS RELATIVES ACCORDING TO THE FLESH,
for He had left them in order to devote Himself to
His Spiritual Teaching – His Divine Mission on
Earth.

When told that His Family had arrived - either
wanting to listen to His Teaching or to discuss
personal matters with Him - OUR LORD POINTED OUT
THAT HIS FAMILY WAS NOT RESTRICTED TO THE FEW WHO
WERE RELATED TO HIM ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.

WE ARE ALL ONE HOLY FAMILY who are related to Christ
by being SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERIES
OF HIS NEW COVENANT.

Being the ADOPTED CHILDREN OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
THROUGH HOLY BAPTISM, we are CO-HEIRS WITH
CHRIST of His Eternal Kingdom of Love.

When entrusted with serving Almighty God by
Labouring in His Holy Vineyard - WE ALWAYS PUT
GOD’S SERVICE BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE – INCLUDING
OUR BELOVED FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

THIS DECLARATION OF OUR LORD JESUS UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD BE TAKEN AS BEING INSULTING
TO EITHER HIS BELOVED MOTHER OR TO HIS RELATIVES.

Our Lord emphasised that fact that HE HAD COME TO
SERVE ALL MANKIND AND TO MAKE EVERYONE MEMBERS
OF HIS DIVINE FAMILY.

BY MERELY LISTENING TO OR READING THE WORDS OF GOD
WILL NOT SAVE ANYONE - and could actually cause
our Eternal Condemnation!

ONLY THOSE OF US WHO HEAR THE DIVINE WORDS AND OBEY
THEM BY APPLYING THEM TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND
DEEDS, WILL ATTAIN GOD’S DIVINE SALVATION AND
ETERNAL LIFE.

READING ALL THE HOLY SCRIPTURES – the Teachings and
Commandments of God – AND ALL THE DIVINELY-
INSPIRED WRITINGS AND TEACHINGS OF OUR HOLY
CHURCH FATHERS - AND EVEN ENDLESSLY STUDYING
THEOLOGY - WILL DO US ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD
WHATSOEVER UNLESS WE OBEY GOD BY PUTTING THEM
INTO PRACTISE. .
P IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
A R CH IMANDR ITE S OP HR ONY
The worst ordeal of all is that – despite our utmost
straining to be Faithful to God, there are periods when
we feel forsaken by Him. Our Spiritual Poverty,
together with the pain of God’s (seeming) Absence,
plunges us into despair. It seems as if some terrible
curse hangs over us.
No one genuinely seeking Salvation can escape the
Experience of being bereft of God. At some moments
that feeling of having been abandoned becomes so
acute that even a fleeting instant of it seems timeless.
The Purpose behind this Withdrawal of (Divine ) Grace
is to give (us) the opportunity to manifest (our)
freedom and fidelity to our Lord God.
ELDER JOSEPH THE HESYCHAST OF MOUNT ATHOS
The most fearsome form of the passion of sleep is when
Grace retires from us, and when negligence and
obscurity take hold of us, not letting the least
Consolation shine through. Once I was roughly tested
by this passion - struggling not to give way and nearly
at the end of my strength. I interrupted my Struggle to
cry our to our Lord with tears: “O Lord, are they going
to overcome me?” Immediately I heard a Voice deep
within me say: “Will you not endure even this for Love
of Me?” And my intense sorrow disappeared instantly,
as I leapt with Joy, exclaiming: “Yes! O Lord! For
Thee! Come and help my weakness!”
OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS 25 JULY 2019
 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.
26 JULY 2019
ST PARASKEVE OF ROME
V IR GIN M AR TYR & M IR ACL E W OR KE R

Also the Feast of S T H E R M O L A O S , S T H E R M I P P O S & S T H E R M O C R A T E S , H I E R O M A R T Y R S O F

NIKOMEDIA St Jacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of Alaska –– St Moses the Hungarian of Kiev Near Caves
Monastery – St Gerontios, Venerable Founder of the Skete of St Anne on Mount Athos – St Sava III of
Serbia
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 67 /78 – T ONE 4

Wondrous is God in His Saints.

In the Congregations Bless God – The Lord from the Fountain of Israel.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 3 : 23 – 4 : 5
OUR ADOPTION AS CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST THROUGH OUR FAITH AND HOLY BAPTISM
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law – kept for the Faith that would afterward be
revealed. Therefore, the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ, so that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith
has come, we are no longer under a Tutor. You are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of
you as were Baptised into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free;
there is neither male nor female. You are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed,
and Heirs according to the Promise. I say that the Heir – as long as he is a child – does not differ at all from a slave,
although he is master of all, but is under Guardians and Stewards until the time appointed by the Father. Even so,
we – when we were children – were in bondage under the elements of the world.
When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son – Born of a Woman, Born under the Law - to Redeem those
who were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption as sons.
✶ “...before Faith...we were kept ... by the Law...”
THEY INSTRUCT AND GUIDE US to Love God with all our

THE NATURAL LAWS FOLLOWED BY THE OLD COVENANT LAWS, mind, heart, strength and soul, as well as how to
KEPT MANKIND AND CREATION IN RELATIVE ORDER. Love each other as God Loves us!

NATURAL LAW STILL APPLIES to those who have never ✶ We “...are all sons of God...” We are the adopted
heard of our Lord God WHEREBY THEY WILL BE JUDGED. Children (‘sons’) of our Lord God through the Holy

THE OLD COVENANT LAWS WERE GIVEN TO GOD’S CHOSEN Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation.
PEOPLE OF ISRAEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM MORAL AND ✶ We “...have put on Christ...” like OUR OWN GARMENT OF
HEALTHY, ACCORDING TO THE WILL AND LOVE OF GOD, in RIGHTEOUSNESS and - having Vowed Allegiance to our
preparation for the First Coming/Appearance of Lord Jesus Christ as our Divine Saviour - we now
the Great Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ and His “...LIVE IN CHRIST...” by APPLYING EVERYTHING HE HAS
New Covenant of Love. TAUGHT US TO OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS.
✶ “...kept for the Faith ...” Although THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD
WE ARE “THE CHURCH MILITANT” while in this short
COVENANT WITH GOD HAD COMPLETE FAITH IN GOD, they lifespan, who are INVOLVED IN CEASELESS SPIRITUAL
COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE FAITH OF CHRIST for our WARFARE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE.
Saviour had not yet appeared to them.
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST CONSISTS OF OUR PERPETUAL REPENTANCE-

FAITH IN CHRIST IS ALSO FAITH OF CHRIST because TWO CONFESSION in order to Cleanse ourselves, to make
FAITHS ARE COOPERATING TOGETHER: good Spiritual Progress and be physically and
5. THE FAITH OF CHRIST, Spiritually Healthy and Strong.
6. THE FAITH IN CHRIST OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS ONE OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND
✶ “...the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ...” ALLEGIANCE TO ALMIGHTY GOD.

Because God’s Love of us is infinite and absolute, He
Not only have we been Baptised into the Christian
provided us with a set of TEN COMMANDMENTS OR Faith, but WE HAVE VESTED OURSELVES WITH CHRIST AND
LAWS THAT GUIDE US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND PROTECT ACCEPTED OUR SACRED MISSION OF BECOMING CHRIST-
US FROM FALLING INTO A STATE OF PERMANENT SPIRITUAL LIKE BY IMITATING HIM - thereby REGAINING OUR LOST
DEATH. LIKENESS TO GOD

The Ten Commandments or Mosaic Law that
SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED ARE INTERWOVEN – we
prepared the Hebrew Nation for the Coming of cannot claim to have one without the other!
God STILL APPLY TO US, THE NEW ISRAEL – THE ADOPTED
“For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have
CHILDREN OF GOD. put on Christ,” is our ANCIENT BAPTISM HYMN THAT IS

The Ten Commandments TEACH US OBEDIENCE to the CHANTED DURING THE PROCESSION OF THE NEWLY
Will of God. WITHOUT HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, WE REGENERATED INTO THE ASSEMBLY – THE HOLY CHURCH OF
CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS NOR ENJOY CHRIST.
SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING. ✶ “..There is neither...” discrimination, separation nor

Those who keep THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS given by any type of distinction for as Disciples of Christ we are
God to Moses, which forever apply to us as Faithful all BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
Disciples, BRINGS US CLOSER TO GOD.
WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE IN CHRIST. Therefore,

THE TEN DIVINE COMMANDMENTS, THE DIVINE REVELATIONS ASSESSING PEOPLE ACCORDING TO OUR OWN OPINION,
AND TEACHINGS OF CHRIST OUR LORD, ARE ALL ASPECTS OF ATTITUDE, VALUE, GENDER OR ETHNICITY IS FORBIDDEN in
ABSOLUTE, PERFECT DIVINE TRUTH, which is vital to our Christ’s Holy Church,
Salvation.
If we are genuinely TRYING TO IMITATE CHRIST we must

THESE LAWS ARE ETERNAL do so without fail: HE NEVER DISCRIMINATED AGAINST
ANYONE so how dare we do so!

S T P AR ASKEV E OF R OME – H OLY M AR TYR & M IR ACL E W OR KE R 26 J ULY 35


ANY DISCRIMINATION, BIGOTRY, INTOLERANCE OR PREJUDICE ✶ “...Born of a Woman, Born under the Law...” THE ANCIENT
WILL CAUSE US SERIOUS SPIRITUAL CONDEMNATION, which PROPHECIES OF GOD’S HOLY PROPHETS WERE FULFILLED WHEN
- unless we quickly correct ourselves with sincere THE EVER BLESSED, ALL PURE AND HOLY VIRGIN MARY GAVE
Repentance - will affect our Eternity! BIRTH TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
✶ We are “...one in Christ ...” being UNITED, LIVING
Her lineage was Royal and Jewish, proceeding from
TOGETHER AS EQUALS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. King David, Divinely Ordained King of the

WE ARE ALL ONE IN NATURE AND EQUAL IN DIGNITY. Israelites.

WE ARE SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST – His
The only time WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE GOD WAS WHEN
Holy Church. CHRIST – the Word and Son of God – BECAME “... THE

We are all HABITUAL SINNERS WHO HAVE TO SPIRITUALLY SON OF MAN(KIND)” – BECAME INCARNATE – took on
STRIVE AND STRUGGLE. physical matter – a Flesh and Bone, human Body.

We are all JOURNEYING TOWARDS ETERNITY and by ✶ “...to Redeem those who were under the Law...”
ENCOURAGING, ASSISTING AND GUIDING EACH OTHER
WITH GOD’S NEW COVENANT, CHRIST REVEALED THE TRUE
ALONG THE WAY – always with Love/Agape – we are NATURE OF OUR MOST MERCIFUL, LOVING AND
able to make good Spiritual Progress. BENEVOLENT GOD TO US AND TAUGHT US THE WAY TO
✶ “...Heirs according to the Promise...” WE HAVE BECOME CO- ETERNAL LIFE, which the ancient people of God only
HEIRS WITH CHRIST to our Heavenly Father’s Eternal understood instinctively at first and then through
Kingdom of Love. the Teachings of the Holy Prophets of God.

DUE TO OUR SPIRITUAL INEXPERIENCE AND IMMATURITY WE ARE
AT THE HARROWING OF HADES AFTER HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS
UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DISCIPLINE OF OUR TRIUNE IN HIS HUMAN NATURE, CHRIST - IN HIS DIVINE, ALMIGHTY
LORD GOD. NATURE - SMASHED OPEN THE IMPRISONING DOORS OF

Like small children, OUR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS HADES, AND FREED ALL HUMANITY FROM THE ENSLAVING
NEED TO BE DISCIPLINED WHILE WE ARE TAUGHT HOW TO POWER OF EVIL.
BECOME GOOD CITIZENS of the Heavenly Kingdom.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS RE-OPENED PARADISE where HIS
✶ “...God sent forth His Son...” SO WE WERE ABLE TO ACTUALLY FAITHFUL PEOPLE REPOSE IN PEACE UNTIL THE GENERAL
SEE HIM, SPEAK TO HIM, AND LEARN HIS DIVINE TRUTH RESURRECTION AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
DIRECTLY FROM HIM. (The Repentant Thief, St Demas, was the first to enter

THE HOLY TRINITY IS OMNIPRESENT - ever-present. Paradise since the banishment of Adam and Eve.)

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME OR PLACE WHEN GOD THE
THOSE WHO STUBBORNLY REJECTED HIM, REMAIN IN HADES
FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS NOT PRESENT! WHERE THEY SUFFER THE HIDEOUS FORETASTE OF THE

THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL VILENESS AND TORMENT OF ETERNAL ALIENATION from
PREPARATORY PERIOD FOR ETERNITY. God.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M AR K 5 : 24 – 34
THE HEALING OF ST VERONICA WHO HAD HAEMORRHAGED FOR TWELVE YEARS
At that time, many people followed our Lord Jesus, and thronged Him. And there was a certain Woman who had had
a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered much from many Physicians. And she had spent all that she had
and was not better, but rather, grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she went behind Him in the crowd and
touched His garments. She had thought: “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”And immediately
the source of her bleeding dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus -
instantly knowing in Himself that Power had gone out of Him - turned around in the crowd and asked: “Who
touched My clothes?” And His Disciples said to Him: “Thou see the multitude thronging Thee, and Thou ask: ‘Who
touched Me?’” And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. The Woman – fearing and trembling –
knowing what had happened to her, went and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. He said to her:
“Daughter, your Faith has made you well. Go in Peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
✶ ”... a certain Woman...” is known to us today as ST ✶ “...instantly knowing ... that Power had gone out of
VERONICA. Him...”
✶ ”... for twelve years...” she had suffered the chronic
HIS DIVINE ENERGY OR POWER WENT DIRECTLY FROM CHRIST
affliction and various ‘treatments’ - for more than TO ST VERONICA, WHEREAS THE ENABLING POWER AND
a decade - and SHE WAS UNDERSTANDABLY UTTERLY AUTHORITY BESTOWED BY CHRIST ON HIS APOSTLES
DESPERATE AND DETERMINED TO SEEK A CURE. WORKED INDIRECTLY THROUGH THEM.
✶ ”... she had spent all that she had...” on every type of ✶ “...Who touched My clothes?” seemed to be a peculiar
treatment by physicians and charlatans who had question under the circumstances.
made impoverished her yet could not heal her.
However, our Lord WANTED ST VERONICA TO OPENLY
✶ ”... If only I may touch His garment...” SHE INSTINCTIVELY ACKNOWLEDGE HER FAITH IN HIM SO THAT OTHERS WOULD
KNEW THAT BY MERELY COMING INTO CONTACT WITH OUR LEARN FROM HER AND GLORIFY GOD.
LORD, SHE WOULD BE HEALED, which REVEALED THE DEPTH ✶ “... fearing and trembling...” SHE KNEW THE CONSEQUENCES
OF HER FAITH IN THE MESSIAH of Whom she had heard. OF BREAKING THE JUDAIC LAWS of being ‘unclean,’ and

EVERYTHING THAT IS TOUCHED BY GOD BECOMES SANCTIFIED thus a ‘social outcast,’ which were severe and
AND WILL PASS THAT SANCTIFICATION ONTO THE FAITHFUL. brutal.
So THE INSTANT ST VERONICA SOFTLY TOUCHED THE ROBES OF ✶ St Veronica “... fell down before Him and told Him the
CHRIST SHE WAS HEALED AND GOD KNEW HER SINCERE whole Truth...” which obviously TOOK IMMENSE COURAGE.
FAITH IN HIM.
HER GREAT SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND BRAVERY WAS COMPELLED

AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH IS BY THE WILL OF GOD BY HER EXTREME GRATITUDE FOR BEING COMPLETELY
ALONE FOR BEING OF THE SAME DIVINE ESSENCE AS GOD HEALED BY GOD.
THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST POSSESSES THAT ✶ “...Daughter, thy Faith has made thee well...” OUR LORD
SAME DIVINE AUTHORITY. ADDRESSED HER AS ONE OF HIS CHILDREN AND MENTIONED

THE HEALING OF ST VERONICA, DEMONSTRATED OUR LORD HER FAITH PUBLICALLY SO THAT THE WITNESSES MIGHT
JESUS’ POWER TO CLEANSE US FROM OUR SINS AND TO HEAL FOLLOW HER GOOD EXAMPLE.
ALL OUR AFFLICTIONS – THE SPIRITUAL AND THE PHYSICAL.
ST VERONICA SYMBOLISES HUMAN NATURE IN GENERAL
According to Old Covenant Law, any type of haemorrhaging because ALL HUMANITY CONSTANTLY SUFFERS AND IS
caused ceremonial defilement, which imposed religious and SUBJECT TO DEATH, WHICH WAS SYMBOLISED BY HER
social restrictions upon sufferers. Any contact with blood HAEMORRHAGING.

THE PHYSICIANS WHO COULD NOT HEAL HER SYMBOLISE THE
was strictly prohibited and avoided at all costs. This
VARIOUS IMPERFECT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, AS WELL AS
woman - being ‘unclean’ -had followed all the requirements THE OLD COVENANT LAW, WHICH ARE UNABLE TO GRANT
as a ‘social outcast.’ She had reached such a degree of LIFE TO HUMANITY – THEY CANNOT SAVE US
misery and desperation that she risked further shame and
ONLY GOD CAN SAVE OR REDEEM US! ONLY THROUGH OUR
humiliation in the conviction that only Christ could Heal LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, ARE WE GENUINELY FREED
AND DELIVERED FROM SUFFERING AND BONDAGE TO SIN.
her.

36. S T P AR ASKEVE OF R OME – H OLY M ARTY R & M IR ACLE W OR KE R 26 JU LY

 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.
27 JULY 2019
ST PANTELEIMON
THE UNMERCENARY PHYSICIAN, WONDERWORKER & HOLY MARTYR
Also the Feast of St Nicholas Kochanov, Fool for Christ of Novgorod – St Anthousa, Abbess & 90
Venerable Holy Sisters of Mantinea Monastery, Asia Minor – St Clement of Ochrid, Equal to the
Apostles & Bishop, St Naum, St Sava, St Gorazd & St Angelar, Disciples of St Cyril & Methodios,
of Ochrid Monastery, Greater Macedonia

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY

DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX

CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

M ATINS – H OLY G OSPEL A CC ORD ING TO S T L UKE 21 : 12 – 19

At that time our Lord Jesus said: “... before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you,
delivering you up to the Synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before Kings and Rulers for My Name’s
sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for Testimony. Therefore settle it in your heart not to meditate
beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and Wisdom, which all your adversaries will not
be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brethren, relatives and friends; and
they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My Name’s sake. “And not a hair of your
head shall be lost.
“By your Patience possess your soul!”
✶ “... they will ... persecute you...” THIS PASSAGE IS READ WHEN WILL INSTINCTIVELY RECOGNISE IT AS BEING PURE AND
WE COMMEMORATE HOLY MARTYRS. BELIEVABLE.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PREPARED HIS HOLY APOSTLES AND ✶ “...You will be betrayed...” EVEN BY THOSE WHO ARE NEAR AND
DISCIPLES FOR THE PERSECUTION that they would soon DEAR TO US because MOST PEOPLE – especially by
have to contend with and endure, even to the those who neither Fear God nor believe the dire
point of death. consequences of our sins – ARE SELFISH, GREEDY AND
✶ “...delivering you up to the Synagogues and prisons...” DRIVEN BY THEIR WICKED PASSIONS.
They would be ARRESTED AND CHARGED BY BOTH THE
On the contrary, FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS PROTECT, DEFEND
JEWISH LEADERS AND BY THE ROMAN AUTHORITIES, like AND EVEN GIVE UP THEIR LIFE FOR OTHERS BECAUSE OF OUR
our Lord Jesus Christ. LOVE FOR GOD AND EACH OTHER.
✶ “... brought before Kings and Rulers for My Name’s ✶ “... you will be hated...” for OUR TRUE FAITH IN GOD AND OUR
sake...” AS THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST GREW AND LIFE IN CHRIST that EXPOSES THE FLAWS AND SINS OF
INCREASED THROUGHOUT THE KNOWN WORLD, THE NONBELIEVERS AND EVERY ASPECT OF PAGANISM.
APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WOULD FACE MORE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST COMMANDS US TO LOVE EVERYONE,
POWERFUL OPPONENTS WHO WERE DETERMINED TO DESTROY EVEN OUR ENEMIES, which might be difficult to fulfill
OUR TRUE FAITH. but WITH GOD’S ASSISTANCE – BY DIVINE GRACE - WE ARE

THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES WERE PERSECUTED BY ABLE TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.
SPIRITUALLY BLIND, IGNORANT AND MISGUIDED JEWISH ✶ “... not a hair... shall be lost...” means that OUR BODY AND
AND GENTILE PRIESTS WHO FEARED THE LOSS OF THEIR SOUL SHALL BE PERFECTED IF OR WHEN WE ARE MARTYRED
POWER OVER THE PEople, which also meant a great FOR OUR STEADFAST BELIEF IN CHRIST JESUS.
loss of financial, social and material privileges
AT THE GENERAL RESURRECTION, WE SHALL NOT BE JUDGED BY
and wealth. GOD Who will lead us into His Eternal Heavenly

THESE ENEMIES OF CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES SHARED THE Kingdom for He is our Good Shepherd while we
SAME BASIC FEARS – MOST OF THEM BEING UNCONCERNED are His Reason-endowed Sheep.
WITH THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE under their
SOMETIMES HOLY MARTYRS ARE RESTORED TO FULL HEALTH SO
jurisdiction. THAT THEY MAY CONTINUE THEIR HOLY MISSION FOR THE
✶ “...not to meditate beforehand ... I will give you a mouth GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF OUR LORD GOD.
and Wisdom...”.
When this has happened, MANY SOULS HAVE TURNED TO

When we TRUST IMPLICITLY IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND GOD AND ACCEPTED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS
IN THE HOLY TRINITY - we need not worry about what DIVINE TRUTH, GLORIFYING AND WORSHIPPING OUR TRIUNE
we will say. ALMIGHTY GOD.

WHEN WE ARE FULFILLING THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY ✶ “By your Patience, possess your soul!” We must NEVER
FATHER, BEING WELL ENLIGHTENED AND TAUGHT BY OUR ALLOW FRUSTRATION, ANGER NOR ANY OTHER NEGATIVE
DIVINE SAVIOUR, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL GRANT US THE PASSION TO TAKE CONTROL OF US.
CORRECT AND APPROPRIATE WORDS TO SPEAK – whether in
PATIENCE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND POWERFUL HOLY
defence of our True Faith or to Enlighten and Teach VIRTUE that we ought to acquire for THEREBY WE CAN
others by the Grace of God. FULFIL OUR HOLY MISSION in this short lifespan.
✶ “...your adversaries will not be able to contradict or
PATIENCE IS A PROFOUND ASPECT OF DIVINE LOVE, as St Paul
resist...” This happened time and again described the Holy Attributes of Love.
throughout the ages of persecution.
PATIENCE ENABLES US TO ACHIEVE MUCH IN A POSITIVE,

DIVINE TRUTH IS PERFECT TRUTH because ITS SOURCE IS THE HARMONIOUS AND PRODUCTIVE MANNER.
LORD OUR GOD.
WHATEVER OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, WE MUST STRIVE TO BE

IF ONE “IOTA OR TITTLE” IS CHANGED, OMITTED OR ADDED TO, REMAIN PATIENT, for it is A POWERFUL SPIRITUAL WEAPON
IT IS NO LONGER THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH OF ALMIGHTY GOD. AGAINST ALL GRIEVOUS PASSIONS THAT ARE UNPRODUCTIVE

THE WISDOM OF GOD IS ALSO IRREFUTABLE, no matter how AND HARMFUL.
much people might try to argue against it, or
By acquiring Steadfast Patience, WE REGAIN A LITTLE
distort the facts to suit themselves. MORE DIVINE LIKENESS that we lost in the Fall but for

THE DIVINE TRUTH AND WISDOM OF GOD IS ETERNAL AND which we strive during this short lifespan.
NATURAL so when heard, seen or practised, OTHERS

ST PANTELEIMON, UNMERCENARY PHYSICIAN, WONDERWORKER & HOLY MARTYR 27 JULY 37

 T H E S EC OND EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO S T T IMOTHY 2 : 1 – 10
THANKSGIVING & THE POWER OF GOD
Timothy, my Son: ... be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that Thou hast heard from me among
many witnesses, commit these to Faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Thou therefore must endure
hardship as a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in Warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this
life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he is not Crowned
unless he competes according to the Rules. The hardworking Farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
Consider what I say - may the Lord grant Thee Understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the Seed of
David, was Raised from the dead according to my Gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point
of chains. But the Word of God is not chained. Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the Elect, that they also
may obtain the Salvation, which is in Christ Jesus with Eternal Glory.
✶ “...be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus...” ✶ “...commit these to Faithful men who will be able to

DIVINE GRACE IS BESTOWED UPON US WHEN WE ARE FIRMLY teach others also...”
COMMITTED TO THE DIVINE TRUTH of our Lord Jesus
St Paul established A CLEAR CHAIN OF FAITHFUL WITNESSES
Christ and WHEN WE EXERT OURSELVES TO THE GREATEST TO ORAL TRADITION.
DEGREE TO REALLY LIVE IN CHRIST. 1. Christian Tradition is FOR ALL BELIEVERS.
✶ “... the things that Thou hast heard from me...” St 2. Christian Tradition is “CATHOLIC” – UNIVERSAL
Timothy had been verbally instructed and 3. Christian Tradition BELONGS TO THE ENTIRE HOLY
Enlightened by St Paul. CHURCH OF CHRIST.
WE ALL NEED TO RECEIVE THE ORAL TRADITION OF CHRIST’S HOLY 4. Christian Tradition is TO BE MOST CAREFULLY PRESERVED
CHURCH – THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST AND HIS HOLY APOSTLES IN DIVINE TRUTH AND SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
- BEFORE WE CAN POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND THE WRITTEN 5. Christian Tradition is to be PASSED DOWN TO ALL
TRADITION - HOLY SCRIPTURE AND THE INSPIRED WRITINGS GENERATIONS – WITHOUT ANY HINDRANCE, WITHOUT
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS. ANY CHANGE AND WITHOUT INCORRECT
✶ “... many witnesses...” Without being properly INTERPRETATIONS
Enlightened by THOSE WHO HAVE ACTUAL SPIRITUAL
This stands IN CLEAR CONTRAST TO THE ELITISM OF THE
ST
EXPERIENCE AND TRUE KNOWLEDGE, or who teach by MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE 1 CENTURY Roman world,
Divine Grace, WE CANNOT CORRECTLY COMPREHEND DIVINE including Gnosticism and the various ‘mysterious
TRUTH. religions.’

WE ARE INTELLECTUAL BEINGS WHO HAVE A LIMITED CAPACITY ✶ “... endure hardship as a Good Soldier of Christ...”
THAT RESTRICTS OUR UNDERSTANDING to aspects of life
FAITHFUL MINISTRY REQUIRES FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AND
that are mundane, mathematical and scientific VOLUNTARY DISCIPLINE:
BUT MYSTIFIES US CONCERNING ANYTHING PHENOMENAL 1. OBEDIENCE
AND SPIRITUAL. 2. SELF-DENIAL

Once we have been ENLIGHTENED AND ILLUMINED, 3. SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE
REGENERATED AND RESTORED, WE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE ✶ “... enlisted... soldier... competes in athletics... hard-
AND TO UNDERSTAND THINGS THAT ARE HOLY, working farmer...” St Paul used these type of
SUPERNATURAL AND UNIMAGINABLE, PERTAINING TO GOD people as GOOD EXAMPLES FOR US TO EMULATE BECAUSE
AND ETERNITY. THEY CONSTANTLY STRIVE WITH ALL THEIR BEING TO
ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 15 : 17 – 16 : 2
UNION & COMMUNION WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “... these things I command you, that you Love one another. If the
world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its
own. Because you are not of the world for I chose you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the
Word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute
you. If they kept My Word, they will keep yours also. But all these thing they will do to you for My Name’s sake,
because they do not know Him Who sent Me.
“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. He who
hates Me also hates My Father. If I had not done the Works among them - which no one else did – they would
have no sin. Now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. Yet this happened so that the Word
might be fulfilled, which is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
”When the Helper comes – Whom I shall sent to you from the Father – the Spirit of Truth Who proceeds from the
Father – He will Testify of Me. And you, too, will bear witness, for you have been with Me from the beginning.”
“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the
Synagogues. But the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he serves God.”
✶ “...the World...” is used in several distinct ways in Holy
ACCORDING TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S WILL, OUR LORD
Scripture, usually pertaining to THE FALLEN STATE OF JESUS CHRIST SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER AND
MANKIND. ENABLE US FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.

In some cases, it refers to ALL THAT IS GLORIOUS, BEAUTIFUL
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT ETERNALLY EXCLUSIVELY PROCEEDS
AND REDEEMABLE IN GOD’S WONDROUS CREATION. FROM GOD THE FATHER – HE RECEIVES HIS ETERNAL

At other times, it refers to THAT WHICH IS FINITE IN EXISTENCE ONLY FROM GOD THE FATHER, which
CONTRAST TO THAT WHICH IS ETERNAL. conforms with Christ’s Words and our Confession of
 J O H N 8 : 2 3 – “(Christ) said to the Judeans: ‘You are Faith in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
from beneath; I Am from Above. You are of this
THE SOURCE – THE DIVINE FOUNTAINHEAD – OF BOTH PERSONS
world. I Am not of this world.” OF GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT – IS GOD THE

“The world” indicates ALL THAT IS IN REBELLION AGAINST FATHER.
THE LORD OUR GOD, WHICH REVEALS SEVERAL ASPECTS:
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS GRANTED US THESE DIVINE
1. WHILE UNION WITH CHRIST BRINGS US HIS LOVE, TRUTH AND REVELATIONS TO TEACH US AND TO REVEAL HIS ETERNAL,
PEACE, IT ALSO BRINGS US PERSECUTION, because ABSOLUTE AND PERFECT TRUTH so that we will
WICKEDNESS HATES LOVE AND TRUTH. UNDERSTAND THEM FULLY AND ARE ABLE TO DIFFERENTIATE
2. THE WORLD HATED CHRIST SO THEREFORE IT HATES ALL WHO BETWEEN HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND MAN’S FLAWED, LIMITED
TRY TO BE CHRIST-LIKE – i.e. Christian. AND ERRONEOUS IDEAS.
3. THE WORLD HATES BECAUSE IT NEITHER KNOWS NOR DESIRES TO
OUR LORD GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO BE DECEIVED AND
KNOW GOD THE FATHER. MISLED by lies and deceptions that can cause our

HATRED FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS UTTERLY IRRATIONAL, Fall from Divine Grace, Spiritual Death, confusion,
ILLOGICAL AND UNREASONABLE for He brings all frustration and alienation from God and all His
humanity His infinite Divine Love and Great Goodness.
Mercy, so, as prophesied so many centuries
KNOWLEDGE IS INDEED POWER – so WE MUST ALWAYS MEASURE
before: OUR GREAT SAVIOUR IS “...hated without a EVERYTHING WE SEE, HEAR OR THINK, AGAINST THE DIVINE
cause!!” TRUTH.
✶ ”... the Helper... the Spirit of Truth...” is God the Holy
We must ALWAYS BE READY TO FACE ANIMOSITY AND
Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. PERSECUTION, CONFIDENT IN OUR FAITH.

38 ST PANTELEIMON, UNMERCENARY PHYSICIAN, WONDERWORKER & HOLY MARTYR 27 JULY

 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 (5) PLAGAL 1 28 JULY 2019
6TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST MATTHEW
THE PARALYTIC & HIS FRIENDS
The Feast of ST PROCHOROS, ST NIKANOR, ST TIMON & ST PARMENAS, DEACONS OF THE 70
HOLY APOSTLES – St Irene Chrysovalonta– St Paul, Founder of Xeropotamou Monastery,
Mount Athos – St Pitirim, Bishop of Tambov – St Moses the Wonderworker of the Kiev
Caves Monastery – St Julian of Dalmatia – St Eustathios of Apamea – St Akakios of
Apamea
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com)

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 6 - L UKE 24 : 35 – 53

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 11/12 – T ONE (5) P L AGAL 1

Thou, O Lord, shalt Guard us; Thou shalt Preserve us from this generation forever.
Save me, O Lord, for the Holy have ceases – the Truthful are diminished from among the sons of mankind.

T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E R OM ANS 12 : 6 – 14

Brethren: ...having Gifts differing according to the Grace that is granted to us, let us use them: if Prophecy, let us
prophesy in proportion to our Faith; or Ministry, let us use it in our ministering; those who teach, in their Teaching,
those who exhort, in exhortations; those who give, with liberality; those who lead, with diligence; those who show
Mercy, with cheerfulness. Let Love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly
affectionate to one another with Brotherly Love, in Honour, giving preference to one another – serving the Lord;
rejoicing in Hope, Patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in Prayer; distributing to the needs of the Saints,
given to Hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you – Bless and do not curse.
✶ “...having Gifts differing according to the Grace...” refers
WHILE FAITHFUL BELIEVERS ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, OUR FAITH
to THE DIVINE GIFTS THAT ARE BESTOWED on each of us IS INTIMATELY UNITED TO GOOD WORKS, which are
WHEN WE RECEIVE HOLY BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION TO GENUINE AND SINCERE EXPRESSIONS OF OUR TRUE FAITH IN
ENABLE US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED MISSION during this short, AND LOVE OF GOD.
preparatory lifespan.
FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS OR WORKS CANNOT BE SEPARATED –

THE DIVINE GIFTS ARE BESTOWED ON US BY GOD THE HOLY we cannot have one without the other!!
SPIRIT, ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY ✶ “...Love... without hypocrisy... abhor...evil... cling to...
FATHER. good..” St Paul concisely explains THE SACRED

THE DIVINE GIFTS EMPOWER US by granting us THE REQUIREMENTS OF BEING A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.
NECESSARY ‘SPIRITUAL EQUIPMENT’ FOR DEVELOPING GOOD
AVOID ANY FORM OF HYPOCRISY, FOR CHRIST ABHORRED ITS
RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER. WICKEDNESS.
✶ “...let us use them...” means that HAVING “...PUT ON
Detest any form of sin, but LOVE SINNERS FOR THEY NEED
CHRIST...” AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM, WE NOW LIVE IN ENLIGHTENMENT AND GOOD EXAMPLES, ASSISTANCE,
CHRIST AS HIS DISCIPLES who Struggle consistently to SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE, AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
regain our Spiritual Perfection with which we were
HOLD ON TIGHTLY TO ANYTHING THAT IS GENUINELY GOOD,
created. WORTHY AND HONOURABLE.

WE MUST LIVE, DEVELOP AND SUSTAIN our close and ✶ “... Brotherly Love...” is HONOURABLE and “... kindly
Faithful Relationship with our Triune God and with affectionate...”
each other, IN HIS HOLY CHURCH, which is the
ALWAYS PUTS THE NEEDS OF OTHERS BEFORE ONESELF.
Sacred Body of Christ. ✶ “... serving our Lord... rejoicing in Hope...Patient...

St Paul lists the various Divine Gifts granted to each Steadfast in Prayer... Hospitality...” describes OUR
person, exhorting us to USE EVERYTHING GOD GRANTS DAILY NECESSITIES CONCERNING OUR ATTITUDE,
US TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY. BEHAVIOUR, SPEECH AND VOLUNTARY DUTIES TO GOD AND

THIS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH HUMILITY, SOBER THOUGHTS, AND TO EACH OTHER.
PROPER USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, which are GRANTED TO ✶ “... Bless.. not curse...” As imitators of Christ, we must
US BY THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. NEVER CURSE ANYONE but rather BLESS THEM AND PRAY FOR

FAITHFUL AND TRUE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY REQUIRES US TO THEM.
FUNCTION TOGETHER IN ALL OUR DIVERSITY – combining
We must always keep in mind that WHATEVER WE DO TO
all our Holy Gifts that have been granted to us by OTHERS WILL BE RETURNED TO US A HUNDRED TIMES MORE!
God.
Therefore, we must ensure that WHATEVER WE THINK,

THE SEVEN HOLY GIFTS OF DIVINE GRACE THAT ST PAUL SPEAK OR DO IS WORTHY, HONOURABLE AND GOOD.
MENTIONED SHOULD NOT BE UNDERSTOOD AS BEING
If we ALWAYS TREAT OTHERS AS WE WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED,
EXHAUSTIVE. we will BECOME WORTHY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST AND GOOD

GOD’S INFINITE GIFTS OF DIVINE GRACE as mentioned CITIZENS of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
above REPRESENT ONLY SOME OF THE INFINITE DIVINE
Our Lord severely cautioned us about HOW WE BEHAVE
GIFTS OF GRACE that God has granted to His Faithful TOWARDS EACH OTHER, THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHICH WILL
Flock. EITHER BLESS OR CONDEMN US ETERNALLY!
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 9 : 1 – 8
THE FAITH OF A PARALYTIC & HIS FOUR FRIENDS
At that time, our Lord Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and went to His own city. And, behold: they brought to Him a
Paralytic lying on a bed. And seeing their Faith, Jesus said to the Paralytic: “Son, be of good cheer – your sins are
forgiven you.” And behold: at once some of the Scribes said within themselves: “He Blasphemes!” And Jesus –

6TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST MATTHEW – PARALYTIC & FRIENDS – 28 JULY 2019 39
 knowing their thoughts – said: “Why do you think evil in your heart? For which is easier: to say: ‘Your sins are
forgiven you,’ or to say: ‘Arise, and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has Power on Earth to
forgive sins...” He said to the Paralytic: “Take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he stood up, and departed
to his house. Beholding this Miracle, the multitude marvelled and Glorified God Who had granted such Power to
men.
✶ “...went to His own city ...” OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAD SET
UP HIS ‘HOME BASE’ IN CAPERNAUM after departing from
His home in the small, mountainous hamlet of
Nazareth, where the Spiritually Blind wanted to
hurl Him off a cliff and stone Him to death for
alleged “blasphemy.”

CAPERNAUM WAS A FISHING VILLAGE LOCATED ON THE
NORTHERN SHORE OF THE SEA OF GALILEE, where St
Matthew Levi, the former Tax Collector lived.

Our Lord might have stayed with St Matthew or His
other Faithful Disciples who lived there.

IT WAS NOT FAR FROM BETHSAIDA, where St Simon Peter, St
Andrew, St James and St John resided.

MANY ACCOUNTS OF OUR LORD’S EARTHLY LIFE OCCURRED AT
CAPERNAUM.
✶ “...they brought to Him a Paralytic...” St Mark and St
Luke provided a more detailed account of this
particular Paralytic and his four friends.
Being UNABLE TO GET CLOSE TO OUR LORD DUE TO THE MULTITUDE
who filled the house and the courtyard, THE FOUR
FRIENDS CARRIED THE PALLET WITH THE PARALYTIC ONTO THE
ROOF OF THE HOUSE, MADE A LARGE HOLE IN THE SUN BAKED
ROOF AND THEN LOWERED THE PARALYSED MAN into the
Presence of Christ our Lord.
✶ “... seeing their Faith... “ Christ Healed the Paralytic.

FAITH IS AN INDISPENSABLE AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF
SALVATION .

TRUE FAITH IS COLLECTIVE AS WELL AS PERSONAL

THE FAITH OF THE PARALYTIC’S FRIENDS ALSO HELPED IN HIS
HEALING.
✶ “...knowing their thoughts...” AS OUR DIVINE CREATOR, OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST IMMEDIATELY KNOWS OUR THOUGHTS,
FOR NOTHING CAN BE HIDDEN FROM HIM!

THREE SIGNS OF OUR LORD’S DIVINITY ARE EVIDENT:
1. HE KNOWS OUR MOST SECRET THOUGHTS - such as those
of the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees,
2. HE FORGIVES SINS – a Divine Power that belongs to
God alone.
3. HE HEALS MERELY BY THE DIVINE POWER OF HIS WORD!
✶ “... the Son of Man...” is a reference to or Title of the
INCARNATE, ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD OF
GOD.
6 T H
S U ND AY AF TE R P E NTEC OST – 6 T H
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, There are surely many
people who have little interest in the Christian Faith
because the Christians they know do not seem to be
different from anyone else.
That can easily be used as an excuse not to believe, but it
is also perfectly understandable when people are not
attracted to something that does not appear to make
much of a positive difference.
St Paul made it very clear in his Epistle to the Roman
Christian Community that we must energetically use
the Gifts granted to us by our Lord, which is another
way of saying that we must be actively faithful,
regardless of what our particular abilities may be.
Those who follow his advice will not simply blend in with
the larger culture of any age, but will instead become
vivid Icons of what God’s Salvation means for human
beings.
St Paul urged us to be sincere, Faithful Disciples of Christ
by showing Love, Mercy, and Honour to all our
neighbours as we cling tightly onto what is Good and
to strictly avoid anything that is evil, unworthy,
dishonourable or destructive.
He instructed us to respond to difficult challenges with
Hope, Patience, and Prayer - and just as Christ taught
us - he reminded us to “Bless those who persecute you
- Bless and do not.”
Obedience to these Sacred Teachings demands a deep
commitment that extends from the very depths of our
soul to every thought, word, and deed, which is not
something we accomplish simply by our own power,
406 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH
T H

It refers to the fact that OUR LORD, HAVING TAKEN ON THE
ALL PURE FLESH AND BLOOD OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY – our All Holy Lady, Theotokos/Mother of God
– BECAME GOD-MAN in order to live in our midst, to
Heal, Cleanse and Teach us His Divine Truth,
thereby granting us Eternal Salvation.

THE SON OF GOD BECAME THE SON OF MAN(KIND) – our Lord
God Who is Eternal, invisible, infinite, incorporeal
(bodiless), Spirit, became our visible, physical
Divine Saviour Who voluntarily took on our human
condition for 33 years, before His Death,
Resurrection and Ascension.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PROVES HIS DIVINE TRUTH BY MEANS
OF HIS OWN PERFECT EXAMPLE – by His Life, by His
Death and by His Resurrection, as well as His
Ascension.

WE, TOO, CAN LIVE EXACTLY AS HE TAUGHT US TO DO, no
longer fearing death, which is the means of
leaving this short existence, entering a state of
physical Repose and Spiritual Sleep before our
Resurrection and Eternal Life.
✶ “...the multitude marvelled and Glorified God...” THOSE
WHO HAD PURE HEARTS ACCEPTED OUR LORD’S DIVINE
TRUTH, AND CONTINUED AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES who
shared our great Spiritual Treasure with others.

THEY SINCERELY GLORIFIED GOD.

THOSE WHO WERE AFRAID OF LOSING EITHER THEIR POWER OR
FEARFUL OF LOSING THEIR UNBENEFICIAL MATERIAL GOODS
AND SOCIAL STATUS, PLOTTED AND SCHEMED AGAINST
CHRIST and His Faithful Disciples.

THE EVIL ONE ALWAYS USES MANKIND’S WEAKNESSES AGAINST
US

Thus ALL GRIEVOUS PASSIONS ARE DESTRUCTIVE AND MUST BE
IMMEDIATELY ROOTED OUT AND REPENTED.

THOSE WHO DID NOT GRASP THE DIVINE TRUTH THAT CHRIST IS
INDEED GOD, PRAISED GOD FOR GRANTING SUCH
MIRACULOUS POWERS TO SUCH A “MAN.”
They stubbornly refused to accept the Truth that our
Lord Jesus Christ is indeed the Eternal Son of God
and the Great Divine Messiah/Saviour of mankind.
S U ND AY OF S T M ATTHE W – THE P AR ALY TIC & H IS F R IE NDS
but by responding faithfully to the Merciful Grace of
our Divine Saviour.
Today’s Sacred Gospel Lesson gives us a clear example of
what it means to Encounter our Lord in this manner.
Our Lord Jesus Christ did not only forgive the paralyzed
man’s sins. He also provided visible proof to those
who doubted or rejected His Divine Authority by
enabling the former Paralytic to stand up, carry his
bed, and walk home.
Our Lord’s Miraculous Healing of the man’s soul was not
an invisible act that was somehow totally separate
from the rest of his life.
His Miraculously Renewed Health was a visible Sign of his
Restoration as a whole human being who was
created in God’s Image and Likeness.
Our Lord Jesus Christ Restored his freedom, his strength,
and his integrity as an embodied person, and He
also commanded him to live accordingly by doing
what the Paralytic could never have done by his own
strength and will - to stand up, pick up his bed, and
then walk home.
Whether we recognize it or not, that is the Will of our Lord
for each and every one of us.
Our Divine Saviour came to Heal our physical ailments
and Spiritual Corruption - to Strengthen us so that we
will not be enslaved by our sins and grievous
passions, and to Enable us to share fully in His
Restoration of mankind in the Divine Image and
Likeness as the New Adam.
Even as our Lord Jesus rose bodily from the tomb and
Ascended to Heaven, He Enables us to serve Him
faithfully in our own body by undertaking the
ST MATTHEW – PARALYTIC & FRIENDS – 28 JULY 2019
OF
 practical challenges that confront us in this
temporary world.
He not only forgave the sins of the Paralytic, but also
Empowered him, and commanded him to embrace a
New Life.
He does the same for us - calling us to pursue a Life of
Holiness - a Life that displays the Healing of every
dimension of our humanity to this world.
We soon enter the two-week period known as “the
Dormition Fast” (1 August – 15 August), when we
Commemorate the end of the earthly life of the Most
Holy Theotokos.
By abstaining from the richest and most satisfying foods,
and especially by striving to fulfil the ongoing
Spiritual Fast, we ought to devote ourselves to Prayer
and Repentance.
We must emulate the Good Example of our Lady, the All
Holy Theotokos, who declared to God: “Behold, the
Handmaiden of the Lord! Let It be to me according
to Thy Word...” when the Archangel of God, St
Gabriel, announced that She was to become the
Virgin Mother of the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of
God.
We must follow Her Good Example for She lived every day
of Her Life in humble Obedience to the Will of God,
and had so Joyfully welcomed our Lord Jesus Christ
as His Living Temple.
At Her Dormition, the Ever Blessed Mother of God
followed Her Beloved Son – as a whole, embodied
person – into His Heavenly Kingdom.
Consequently, She is the first Perfected Christian whose
entire Lifestyle of Humility and Obedience to God
alone, we ought to imitate to the best of our ability.
Unfortunately, most of us are not at all like our All Pure
Lady, Theotokos.
Instead of devoting ourselves with Humility and
Obedience to the Will of our Heavenly Father, as well
as to Prayer and Purity, we are captivated and
enslaved by our grievous passions, and every type of
temptation and sin.
Our worldly attachments may not be bad in and of
themselves, but in our corrupt state we have
developed unholy relationships with them, which
weakens and Spiritually Paralyses us.
Although we resolve not to commit anything that is
negative or harmful - despite detesting bad attitudes
or behaviour - we all, too often, lack the strength,
knowledge or ability to avoid doing so for we have
become Spiritually Paralysed, lying helplessly on our
bed of sin.
When the four friends had lowered the Paralytic into the
Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, He did not
immediately Heal him of his physical paralysis, but
first forgave him his sins, which is extremely
significant.
WE CANNOT RECEIVE NOR ACQUIRE OUR OWN FORGIVENESS AND
SALVATION BY DOING GOOD DEEDS OR BY OBEYING THE DIVINE
LAWS because if that were at all possible, we would
not need our Divine Saviour to conquer sin and death
on our behalf.
Similar to any Paraplegic who has lost the ability to stand
up and to walk, we lack the ability to free ourselves
from our slavery to sin caused by disobedience to our
Lord God.
We are unable to Resurrect ourselves in order to
participate in the Eternal Life of God, having been
created in His Image and Likeness.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM – O N THE
Today, when the institution of Marriage – and morality
in general - is in crisis all over the world, it might
be useful to look at the Inspired Words of our Holy
Church Fathers as Guides to Life.
In an article in Pemptousia Magazine (No. 25), Elder
Ephraim, the Abbot of the Monastery of Vatopaidi,
puts questions to those of us who are married:
1. How well do you communicate?
2. Do you talk to each other?
3. Do you share your thoughts?
4. What actions do you take regarding your
everyday communication?
6TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF
So, Christ first forgave the Paralytic’s sins, thereby Healing
and Cleansing him of the corruption that reached to
the depths of his soul, which prevented his personal
Union with God.
Our Salvation is an infinite Journey, for in order for us to
become as close as possible to the Spiritual Perfection
of our Heavenly Father, is our Sacred Calling that has
no limit.
The Restored Paralytic began his Salvific Journey by
standing up, carrying his bed, and walking home.
Our Divine Saviour granted him the necessary Healing
and Cleansing that enabled him to take that first step.
All that is required of us is to co-operate with our Lord
Jesus Christ by obeying His Commandments and
Teachings so that we can Spiritually Progress and
Sustain ourselves as we Journey towards Eternity –
one step at a time.
We are all exactly like that former Paralytic, because we
suffer the debilitating helplessness of Spiritual
Paralysis until we are Cleansed, Healed and
Empowered beyond our own abilities, in Christ Jesus
Who commands us to move forward.
By the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation, we
receive everything necessary to begin our Great, Holy
Pilgrimage to the Heavenly Kingdom of Divine Love.
Our Lord Jesus Christ constantly Nourishes and Sustains
us with His own Precious, Life-giving Body and Blood
of the Holy Eucharist, and He Cleanses and Heals us
when we Repent and Confess our sins, and when we
seek Forgiveness and His Great Mercy whenever we
stumble, fall or wander from His Path of
Righteousness.
We cannot undertake this Salvific Journey alone, but
linked together as Sanctified, Struggling Members of
His Holy Body – His Holy Militant Church - who
Mystically and most gratefully partake of His
Heavenly Banquet during every Divine Liturgy.
On a daily basis, we receive further Spiritual Strength and
Healing through our Prayers, by reading and
contemplating Holy Scripture as well as the Life and
Teachings of the Saints, which we then apply to our
own thoughts, words and deeds.
At first, it is difficult for anyone who has been extremely ill
for very long periods - to begin leading an active life
once again.
Likewise, it is quite difficult for us to begin an active
Spiritual Life in Christ, which is required of us to in
order to participate in the Fullness of Christ’s Healing
and Restoration, so we must take it one small step at a
time, doing the best we can each day as we slowly
become Stronger.
During the Dormition Fast, let us look to the Ever Blessed
Theotokos as our greatest Example to emulate.
And let us use the Disciplines of the Dormition Fast to
develop a greater sense of our constant dependence
upon the Mercy of Christ even as we step forward in
Faithfulness.
That is how, by God’s Grace, we may become vivid Icons
of the Healing and Salvation that the world so
desperately needs.
Amen
Father Philip LeMasters
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/easternchristianinsights/201
6/07/31
H OLY AND BL E SSED I NSTITU TION OF M AR R IAGE
5. Do you devote time to being together and
talking calmly - from what is left over (from
our daily commitments and responsibilities)?
6. Or are you perhaps indifferent to the interests
and problems of your spouse and let your
tongue run loose?
In seeking answers to these significant questions, we
ought to contemplate the Inspired Wisdom of Saint
John Chrysostom :
“Communication - verbal or otherwise - is the
foundation of Married Life.
ST MATTHEW – PARALYTIC & FRIENDS – 28 JULY 2019 41
“The most important factor in communication is
discussion on issues to do with the couple’s
common life and the family.
“It is good if the discussion can take place
comfortably - each person respecting the other -
in an atmosphere of freedom, equality and Love.
“Only then can a solution be found in the event of a
disagreement or conflict.“
According to Saint John Chrysostom, THERE IS NOTHING
MORE BITTER THAN A QUARREL BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE WHO
LOVE EACH OTHER, FOR WHEN WE DISAGREE WITH A PART OF
OURSELVES, THAT MUST NECESSARILY CAUSE GREAT
BITTERNESS.
Saint John recognized that THE MANNER OF
COMMUNICATION NEEDS CAREFUL ATTENTION IF CONFLICT
IS TO BE AVOIDED.
In other words, THE WAY PEOPLE SPEAK IS IMPORTANT FOR THE
OUTCOME OF THE DISCUSSION.
St John Chrysostom strongly advised all husbands:
“ ... Speak words of Love, (such as,) ‘I value your Love
above all else and there is nothing more painful
for me than to be at odds with you.
“’If I have to lose everything - if I find myself in the
greatest danger - I can bear whatever happens
to me, as long as you are all right.
“’I Love our children very much, since you are fond of
me.
“’Everything is yours.
F ATHE R AN DR EAS
It is not unusual for us to be very concerned that others
should have a ‘good image’ (or a good opinion) of us.
This demonstrates a sad lack of Self-awareness, Humility
and Sincerity.
In the depths of our being, the dominant passion is one of
egotism - the root cause of vanity.
In other words, it is a state of Spiritual Imbalance in
which we have become dependent on the opinions of
others - taking them seriously into account and acting
accordingly.
This causes us to ignore our True Self that consists of our
personal weaknesses and our Gifts – and we also
ignore the fickleness of others, who are quick to
change their views.
Furthermore - and most significantly - we ignore the Love
of our Heavenly Father, Who is the only constant we
have - whoever we may be.
It is a well-observed fact that those of us who know
ourselves and humbly accept our inability to change,
do not desperately seek the ‘good opinion’ of others.
Neither, of course, do we reject it disdainfully.
We know that no opinion concerning our person -
whether positive or negative - can change us, unless
that is what we want.
We also know that, in the blink of an eye, “Hosanna!”’ can
change into “Let Him be crucified!” - even when this is
not a true reflection of events.
Tension, turmoil, the denial of any inability or weakness,
insincerity and hypocrisy are the symptoms of the
Spiritual Sickness of egoism and vanity.
Egoism and its bitter fruits have a most negative effect on
our soul and body, which is the reason for most of us
to seek or invent a ‘good image’ of ourselves in order
to be well-liked by others and to gain their ‘respect’
and regard.
However, it does not grant us any of the True Joy and
Freedom that is so Beneficial to the health of our body
and soul.
T H E E TE R NAL , I
S T BA SIL THE G RE AT
Those who, with powerful and correct thinking, have
been able to study and understand each of the
created things and, having done so, are able to pass
on to others everything to do with God’s Goodness and
His Just Judgement, are those who render Glory and
Honour to our Lord God, as do those who Live a Life
that conforms to such study and Contemplation of our
Lord God’s Creation.
The Light – the Radiant Example – of such people shines
before others and, in this manner, they Glorify our
Heavenly Father with their words and Works, and with
various acts of generosity.
42. 6TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH SUNDAY
“’This is what St Paul advised when he taught us that
a husband does not choose what to do with his
body, his wife does, so if I do not have control
even over my own body, but you do, how much
more is everything else yours?’”
St John Chrysostom continued his advice to husbands:
“... Never talk prosaically, but with Kindness,
Honour and a great deal of Love.
“Honour her and she will not find herself in the
position of needing to seek it elsewhere.
“She should be first in your estimation in all things: in
beauty, in good sense, and in someone to praise.
“You should make it clear that you enjoy her
company and that you would rather stay at home
with her than go into town (or be elsewhere).
“You should prefer her over all your friends, even over
any children she has given you and whom you
Love for her sake.”.
Saint John Chrysostom pointed out that “...where there
is a man and a woman and children, Concord
and Friendship, and where they are linked by the
Sacred Bonds of Holy Virtue, there, in their midst,
is our Lord Jesus Christ.”’ (On Genesis).
KLAIRI MAVROMATOU-HATZIKONTI
(FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER EMBROS, MYTILENE)
WWW.PEMPTOUSIA.COM
A GATH OKLE OU S – O N OU R “GO OD I M AGE ”
The Holy Gospels mention the negative experiences of
our Lord Jesus Christ - His frustration, His
abandonment, and His pain - even though these were
followed by His Great Triumph and Victory by the time
they were recorded.
Although St Peter’s denial of Christ and St Paul’s
persecution of His Faithful Disciples are also recorded
in the Holy Gospels, these two Saints became the most
prominent and Faithful of all Christ’s Holy Apostles.
Holy Tradition tells us about harlots, despised tax-
collectors, robbers and criminals who became Saints -
Transformed by their personal Repentance and
unwavering Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and His
Divine Truth.
They themselves spoke about their ‘former life’ -
accepting and even seeking contempt from those
who knew them.
In order for us to really experience the True Freedom of
being God’s adopted Children and Co-Heirs with
Christ our Lord, and the Joy of Life in Christ, the Holy
Church calls us to cast off the false image we have
invented of ourselves, which we wanted others to
accept - not with external actions or feverish efforts,
but with True Humility and sincere contrition that
leads to our full Repentance – that leads to our New
Life in Christ and to our own Resurrection from the
dead that grants us Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly
Kingdom.
Only then will a real, New ‘Good Image’ emerge from
within us – a genuine Good Image of “...our New
Self...” that is “...made in accordance with Christ...”
which grants us Peace of mind and soul.
Consequently, without any false effort on our part,
everyone else will see our Restored Image and
Likeness, and will thereby be encouraged, and
Consoled, together with us.
FATHER ANDREAS AGATHOKLEOUS
WWW.PEMPTOUSIA.COM
NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
Those who are seduced by human ‘glory’, do not render
any Glory and Honour to God, nor do those who
worship money or those who seek the pleasures of the
flesh. Nor do those who admire and follow dogmas
that are foreign to Godliness.
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA
We must not look at what is happening to us, but look
rather to the Divine Light of Christ, just as children
look to their Mothers when something happens.
We must look at everything without anxiety, without
worry, without pressure and, instead of surrendering
to any type of apprehension, we will joyfully praise
the Lord our God.
OF ST MATTHEW – PARALYTIC & FRIENDS – 8 JULY 2018