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.
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THE COMMEMORATION OF THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS HOLY MARTYR KATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA (Part II)
The maiden then took the holy icon and returned to the palace. She closed herself in her inner room as the elder directed. From the tremendous effort exerted in her supplications, she fell asleep and beheld in a vision the Queen of the Angels, as portrayed in the holy icon, holding the Holy Child, Whose Person emitted rays more radiant than the sun; yet His face was turned toward His Mother. Thus, Katherine saw His back only. She yearned to behold His countenance, and so went to the other side, but once again He turned His face away. This happened thrice. She then heard the Most Holy Mother say, "My Child, look upon Thy handmaiden Katherine! How beautiful and comely she is!" He answered, "Nay, rather she is gloom and so repugnant that it is not possible for Me to look upon her!" The Most Holy Theotokos continued, "Is she not wiser than all the orators, very wealthy, and the most elegant in all the cities?" Yet Christ replied, "My Mother, I tell thee that she is ignorant, poor, and contemptible! Whosoever is in like condition, I do not wish to look upon!" Again, the Theotokos spoke, "I beg Thee, my sweet Child, despise not the work of Thy hands! But, advise and guide her as to what she should do, so as to have a share of Thy glory and behold Thy face resplendent with Light, which the Angels long to gaze upon!" Christ then said, "She ought to go to the elder who gave her the icon. Whatever instructions he gives, she should do. Then, when she desires to see, she will receive joy and benefit."
Having beheld this vision, she awoke and pondered deeply on the matter. In the morning, she hastened with a few other women to the elder's cell. Failing at his feet, she related, in tears, the vision and implored him to advise her how to proceed, so she might attain her heart's desire. The blessed elder explained in detail the rites and mysteries of our True Faith, commencing with the creation of the universe and the making of man. He catechized her thoroughly as to the Second Coming of Our Lord Christ and the ineffable glory of Paradise in contrast to the all-grievous and never-ending torments. Intelligent and quick of mind, Katherine grasped, within a short period of time, all the fine points of the Faith. She believed with all her heart and was received into the Faith through Baptism at his hands. Afterward, he instructed her to entreat the Most Holy Theotokos to appear once again.
The holy maiden, having put off the "old man" (Colossians 3:9) and put on a garment woven by God, went to the palace and kept vigil all night, fasting and praying with tears. Finally, sleep overcame her, and she beheld the heavenly Queen with the Divine Child, Who looked upon Katherine with a gracious eye. This time, the Mother of God inquired of the Master Christ if the virgin pleased Him. Our Lord answered, "She who was formerly unillumined and unsightly is now resplendent and glorious to behold! The poor and ignorant one has become wealthy and enlightened. She who was contemptible and undistinguished has become noble and eminent, and now possesses so many good blessings and gifts that I am well-disposed and desire to betroth her to Myself as My undefiled bride!" At that moment, Katherine fell prostrate, weeping and saying, "O exceeding Glorious Lord, I am unworthy to look upon Thee! Make me worthy to be numbered among Thy servants!"
The Theotokos then took her right hand of the maiden and said, "My Child, give her a ring as a token of Thy betrothal of her, so as to deem her worthy of Thy Kingdom." The Master Christ then gave her a beautiful ring, saying, "Behold, this day I take thee as My unsullied bride forever. Diligently preserve this troth inviolate, taking no man to thyself!" And with these words the vision came to an end. Katherine arose; verily, a ring was on her right finger! At that moment, her heart was enraptured with the Divine Love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The iniquitous Emperor, obsessed with unmatched zeal for the lifeless gods, was so senseless and irrational that he issued a decree to every city and village, enjoining all to comply with the following: "I, your emperor, greet all who are under my authority, I command all to assemble, without delay, in the capital, that we may render tribute to the supreme gods in a fitting manner, and expresses our gratitude for their good favor and bestowal of benefits and gifts. Each one will offer according to his resources. Whosoever disregards this edict and doth dare to worship any other god, will be subject to disciplinary action and punishment."
With the edict's circulation to every corner of the realm, countless multitudes converged on the imperial city. Each one brought according to his means; some oxen, other sheep; the poor, fowls and the like. When the day of the abominable festival arrived, the impious emperor sacrificed one hundred thirty bullocks.
Katherine, devout and beauteous, witnessed this grievous shipwreck of souls who were compelled to commit sacrilege, thereby escaping temporal death, only to betray their souls to everlasting condemnation. Therefore, inspired by divine zeal, she went, with a small retinue of servants, to the site of the temple where the foolish ones were performing their sacrifices. When she paused at the temple threshold, all were distracted by her exquisite comeliness which mirrored her inner beauty. She then sent word to the emperor that she had information of vital importance, and he summoned her to enter.
The all -beautiful Katherine approached the emperor, first bowing, and then boldly and fearlessly declaring, "O emperor, thou shouldest be the first to know that thou art deceived in worshipping perishable and lifeless idols as gods. It is an absolute disgrace to be so manifestly blind, as fools, to the truth, in thy worship of such abominations...At this, the emperor quickly interrupted, "Do not speak disrespectfully of the gods whose glory is everlasting!" But the martyr objected...
"...He made the following pretext: "It is indecorous for the emperor to debate with a woman; nevertheless, I will bring together my rhetoricians. Then thou shalt comprehend the feebleness of thy syllogisms, and know what is in thy best interest, and embrace our beliefs." (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)
(To be continued)
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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George