My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
+
ON NOVEMBER 9th OUR HOLY CHURCH COMMEMORATES OUR HOLY FATHER NEKTARIOS, METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS, AND BUILDER OF THE HOLY MONASTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY.
+
The holy Orthodox Church of Christ shall not cease showing forth Saints until the completion of the age. This is undeniable proof that she is the depository of truth and Holy Tradition, which she observes and preserves free from adulteration, as a precious and sacred trust, and as "a fountain of water springing into eternal life" (John 4:14). This waters and bedews her pious children. The holy Church, therefore, rejoices and speaks exultantly of those Saints who have shone forth in ancient times with their multitudinous achievements, virtues, and awesome wonders (miracles). Together with those Saints, she exults jubilantly and dances in the Holy Spirit, on account of those newly-appeared luminaries who have become manifest in these times, especially these evil days, which are filled with unbelief and a want of feeling when committing sin. These newly-revealed holy ones, by their manner of life, have also shone forth abundantly in the virtues and in performing miracles, glorifying God. We ought to be following their example and imitating their faith, "observing attentively," says Saint Paul, who tread the heavens, "the end of their conduct; for Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and to the ages. Thus, let us cease being carried about by various and strange teachings" (cf. Hebrews 13:7, 8).
Such a newly-appeared star in the firmament of the Church and a Saint among the Saints is the renowned wonder-worker (miracle-worker) and illustrious hierarch, Saint Nectarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis in Egypt. He is the special boast of godly Orthodox Christians, the sweetest nectar of the life of virtue, which gives joy and gladness, through its sanctifying grace, to reverent hearts, rendering them precious vessels of the Holy Spirit. Saint Nektarios is such a repository of grace, for he attained the heights of humility and the deep abysses of love. As he is a giant in virtue and one preeminent in workings miracles, we ardently beg his protection and intercession before God.
The God-bearing hierarch, Saint Nektarios, was born in Selyvria of Thrace, Greece. He was born to the pious Demos and Maria Kephalas, on the 1st of October, 1846, being the fifth of six children. In holy Baptism he was named Anastasios. His father worked hard to provide for his family, laboring at times as a farmer and other times at sea. At that time Orthodox Christianity was enslaved by the Ottoman Turks. The Saint's mother and grandmother exercised caution around the Turks, but always maintained hope for a better future. From his earliest youth, when his nails were still soft, he was manifesting how he would develop. He was prudent and wise, and proved an obedient son to his parents, who nurtured him in the instruction and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), together with all things reverent according to Christ. From his childhood, he avoided hurtful and evil pastimes, games, and associations. His soul, like a sponge, soaked up the streams of his parents' good guidance and instructions. He especially hearkened to the words of his extremely pious mother and grandmother and to whatever was good and profitable for the soul. Characteristic of his yearn and eager disposition was his learning to recite the 50th [51st] Psalm of David, "Have mercy on me, O God..." When he came to the verse which read, "I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee" (Psalm 50:13), he would pronounce those words twice and even three times. He aspired on to acquire theological knowledge that he might one day have as his mission the preaching of the Gospel (Evaggelion), so that through teaching the Law and Will of the Lord, as many people as possible might be diverted from the path of lawlessness leading to perdition and be placed on the path of piety, and salvation.
When he reached the age of seven, he bought some paper and took pleasure in making books. Wishing to know what he was about, his mother inquired, "What are you doing with the papers, son?" He answered, "I wish, mother, to make a book, that I might write down the words of God." Now he was frequenting church and intently heeding the divine words spoken. When he returned to his home, he retained what he heard and could expound upon most of it, indeed, to the astonishment and wonder of those hearing the lad. His boyhood very much corresponded with that of our holy Father Athanasios the Great, insofar that, from an early age, they were both precocious and prodigious about learning our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.
His first lessons in general education were pursued in his hometown. When he reached the age of fourteen, it was agreed that he would be taken on as an employee by a relation who had a shop in Constantinople. Since Anastasios' family was poor, he needed to have work in order to continue his education, so he accepted the position. Before his departure, his grandmother had given him a Cross to wear about his neck containing the holy relics of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of Jesus. The Saint left for the ship, but had not the fare for the ticket. The captain observed the lad, and asked, "Where are you bound, brave boy?" Anastasios replied, "To Constantinople, sir." The captain remarked, teasing, "Well, freeloaders are not welcome in the capital!" Anastasios answered nothing, but only shrank back in shame, since he was penniless. The captain then gave the orders to put out to seas. The ship's engines, however, would not start; instead, they were emitting a strange sound. The crew was trying to ascertain the problem, while the captain was ready to break the wheel from his exasperation. Then, his eye caught the weeping Anastasios on the dock. The lad cried out, "Take me, captain, sir." The captain then motioned to him to get on board. The moment Anastasios' feet touched the deck, the engines started and the ship began to move. Later, before his arrival, when it came time for the passengers to show their tickets, Anastasios panicked. One of the passengers took pity on him and pain for his fare. The generous and wealthy young man who took pity on the young Anastasios was the nephew of the great Horemis, a millionaire from the island of Chios.
Constantinople
The man he was to see for his employment had left for Edessa, leaving Anastasios unemployed and homeless. He finally secured backbreaking work with a tobacco processing plant, where he would prepare the tobacco bales and stack them into boxes and cases. He then conveyed them to a pushcart and made deliveries throughout the city. His pay consisted mostly of his room and board. He worked late hours, and it was not unusual for his employer to raise his hand and strike the boy. Though he was far from home, Anastasios' avid zeal for learning and a heart filled with godly fear remained ever with him. He was never careless about his studies and learning Greek letters, but applied himself diligently to whatever he put his hand or mind to doing. Even though he was without parental supervision, he shunned everything detrimental or mischievous, and anything that might seduce or gravitate him toward sinning.
In the midst of the capital's clamor and crowd, and at such a young age, he nonetheless neglected not his prayers and meditation upon the writings of the Church Holy Fathers. All those dealing with terse, pointed sayings or proverbs, or even an extract that would prove beneficial for the edification of his neighbor, he would copy out on the sacks or wrappers at the tobacco shop. Thus, customers would leave with a handwritten note that was spiritually profitable, together with their purchase. Later, the Saint himself speaks of these apothegms in the preface of his book, entitled Logion Thesavrisma (Treasury of Sayings), wherein he collected the maxims of the Holy Fathers. It was also the young Anastasios' great passion to attend Church services regularly and carefully follow them. As a result, divine love increased and took wing in his heart, so that he wished to dedicate himself perfectly to pleasing the Lord. A burning desire was growing in him to embrace the Monastic life, which he deemed the speedier path to perfection and union with God Who is the highest desire for those seeking perfection.
In the meantime, the young Anastasios' garments and shoes were becoming worn and falling apart. When he asked his employer for assistance, he was told to write home to his parents. "But they are very poor, sir," Anastasios said. The employer had not time to listen to the youth's dilemma and dismissed him in an offhand manner. Anastasios returned to his corner to sleep. He then thought he beheld the Lord Jesus Who was asking him why he was weeping. Anastasios attempted to speak to our Savior but was unable. When he arose, he decided to write a letter to Jesus Christ. He took up his pencil and wrote:
"My dearest Jesus: The reason that I am weeping continually is that my clothes and shoes are inadequate for winter. My employer turned me away. I cannot ask my poor family, to whom I have not been able to send even one coin. How shall I manage the deliveries in the bitter cold? I have mended my clothes many times, but they keep tearing. Forgive me for burdening Thee with this problem, but it is Thee Whom I worship and in Whom I have my hope. Thy faithful slave, Anastasios."
He addressed an envelope, writing: "To our Lord Jesus Christ in the Heavens." He then left early to post it. On the way, he was seen by the shop owner, Themistocles, whose store was opposite the tobacco establishment. "Where are you going so early, my Anastasios?" Themistocles asked. "To the post office, sir." Anastasios told him. "No need," said the man; "I shall post it for you. I see you are shivering in this cold, so return to the shop." Anastasios thanked him. In the meantime, the shop owner went on his way. He happened to look at Anastasios' envelope, and the name of the Addressee caught his immediate attention. Startled, he said, "O my! How can this be posted? In what desperate straits does that good lad find himself?" He then took it upon himself to pause and open the envelope. He was so touched at the lad's words that he went and prepared a parcel with warm clothing, shoes, underwear, and some spending money. He then posted it, addressing it to Anastasios Kephalas at the tobacco shop. "Christ to Anastasios." The parcel was delivered, to the boundless joy and gratitude of the child. His employer, however, suspected him of theft. He began beating him and calling him a thief. Anastasios kept trying to explain, but his boss kept striking him. The shopkeeper who had received Anastasios' letter, happened to be passing by. He heard the commotion and came rushing to the boy's aid. The employer then desisted, fearing to create a fuss, which would certainly attract the attention of the Turkish authorities. Soon afterward, Anastasios was offered work at another shop, that of Themiscocles, which he accepted. He stayed at his new establishment for a considerable time, finding decent conditions and time to study.
After working at Themistocles' store, Anastasios eventually found employment as a youth instructor at a school, which was a possession under the jurisdiction of the Holy Sepulcher. While Anastasios was teaching first grade, he was also attending middle school for his own education. He continued collecting sayings from the Church Holy Fathers. His days were filled with study, self-discipline, and prayer. He was zealous in his labors, and, though his yearning for the Monastic life increased, he was desirous to finish his education and learn as much as he could. When he was not in class, he found joy in attending services late at night. Banquets and drinking bouts held no charm for him. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)
(To be continued)
___________________
DIVINE LITURGY TOMORROW AT 10:OO A.M.
Followed by the service of Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves)
The names of those ill or facing some crisis should be submitted to be prayed for during the Artoklasia by those present.
By his holy intercessions, Saint Nektarios, is known to bring healing to Christian believers who are suffering from cancer.
________________________________
"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostom
+++
With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George