My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
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ON OCTOBER 25th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES SAINT TABITHA
Saint Luke the Evangelist mentions in the book of Acts of the Apostles: "She was devoted to good works and acts of charity" (9:36). She lived in the Palestinian town of Joppa, where she was a weaver by trade. She'd become a Christian and lived out her faith in her everyday life. Her heart over flowed with innocent love for those of her fellow-citizens who were in pain or poverty. For this reason she worked day and night making clothing which she then sold, giving the proceeds to those in need. At the same time, she was flanked by the Christians in the town, who also engaged in impressive charitable activity. A whole host of hungry people, widows, and orphans, were grateful objects of Saint Tabitha's love and charity. But God allowed her to undergo a harsh trial, so that that His Name would be glorified and that she would be recognized as a Saint. She suddenly fell ill and died.
At that time, Saint Peter the holy Apostle, was visiting the region. He was teaching to the nearby town of Lydda when he was told about the tragic event by two men sent by the faithful in Joppa. Saint Peter at once set off for the town, where everything was prepared for Tabitha's funeral. He found a large crowd inside and outside her house, mourning the loss of such a fine lady. Those who had benefitted from her charity wept inconsolably, because they'd lost their support.
As soon as Saint Peter arrived he asked to see the dead woman, in the upper room. After asking to be left alone with Tabitha's honorable corpse, he knelt and prayed fervently. Then he said aloud "Tabitha, get up now". What a miracle! Her spirit returned to her body and she arose. This miraculous event not only filled those present with joy, but it was relayed throughout Palestine. As a result God's Name was glorified and many Jews and pagans turned to Christianity.
Thereafter, Saint Tabitha lived a good many years, continuing with her charitable works before dying at an advanced age. The Church numbered her among the Saints and she's commemorated on October 25th.
We need to bear in mind the enduring charitable work of the Church, which flows naturally from our belief the Christ is depicted in the face of each person and that, according to His assertion; "Indeed I tell you that inasmuch as you did so to one of the least of My brethren, you did so to Me" (Matthew 25:40). We should also take note of the fact that charity was exclusive to Christianity, because the notion was unheard of in the pre-Christian world. There's no evidence of any organized charity network or philanthropic institutions. From the huge amount of wealth at the shrines of the pagan religion, such as Delphi in Greece, for example, not the smallest amount was ever spent to relieve people in pain.
The history of our Church is full of immeasurable works of charity performed over the centuries, with self-denial, thousands of imitators of Saint Tabitha have generously offered their services and their goods to people in need, especially when times have been hard such as now with the pandemic. Millions of people throughout the country, and all around the world, are suffering hardship and poverty. There are some so despondent that they have lost all hope and end up taking drugs, alcohol and even taking their own lives.
The Church has always been there to offer them hope, to offer them help, and to encourage them to trust in Christ and His Divine and unending love. The Church of Christ will remain always philanthropic and compassionate no matter what the circumstances or world conditions. (Source: Pemptousia)
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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostom
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George