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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ON DECEMBER 2nd OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE HOLY PROPHET HABAKKUK
The Holy Prophet Habakkuk belonged to the Tribe of Simeon. He was born in the kingdom of Judah and was the son of Asaphat. Because of his virtuous life, God granted him the gift of prophecy, and he foretold the conquest of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the enslavement of the Jews. When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Chaldea, attacked Jerusalem, Habakkuk fled to the land of Ishmaelites. After capturing the city, Nebuchadnezzar returned to his own land. Habakkuk then went back to Judah and became a farmer.
Once, at the time of harvest, Habakkuk prepared soup for those working in the fields. Taking some of the soup and bread, which he placed on a platter, he said to his servants, "I shall take food to the reapers. If I do not return soon for more, continue taking it to them yourselves."
He left the house, and on the way, was met by an Angel of the Lord, who commanded him to take the meal to Daniel, who was in the lion's den in Babylon (Daniel, Chapter 14). Habakkuk replied, "My lord, I do not know the way to Babylon. Seizing him by the hair, the Angel lifted and carried him through the air. He set Habakkuk down before the lions' den in Babylon, which was 1,300 miles away. Habakkuk called out, "Daniel, take the food I have brought you."
Daniel cried, "O God, Thou did not forget me; Thou never forsake them that love Thee!" Then he arose and ate, and the Angel of the Lord straightway returned Habakkuk to his house in the land of Judah.
Prophet Habakkuk also prophesied concerning the return of the Jews from Babylon, the birth of Christ, and the end of the dispensation of the ancient Law. Two years before his people came back from captivity, he died and was burned in the village where he had lived.
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ON THE SAME DAY - THE PASSION OF THE HOLY MARTYR MYROPE
The holy virgin Myrope was born to Christian parents in the city of Ephesus. Enlightened in Holy Baptism after her father's death and reared by her mother in the fear of God, she frequently visited the sepulcher of one of the daughters of the holy Apostle Philip, the holy Martyr Hermione, from whose holy relics gushed healing myrrh. Myrope would take the oil from the grave of Saint Hermione, give it to the sick, and they would be healed.
In those days the Roman Empire was ruled by Decius, a persecutor of the Christians. Taking her daughter, Myrope's mother departed for Chios, where she owned land she had inherited. There she took refuge with her daughter in a house on her property and devoted herself to prayer. About that time Prince Numerianus came to the island and arrested the blessed Isidore, a pious Christian soldier. Since Isidore refused to renounce Christ and would not worship the pagan idols, the Prince subjected him to various tortures and had him beheaded. Saint Isidore's holy relics were thrown into a thicket to be consumed by wild animals and birds, and a watch was set to prevent the Christians from taking them but moved by divine zeal, the holy virgin Myrope came secretly by night with her servants and succeeded in removing the body. After sensing it reverently, she buried it in a suitable place.
Learning that Isidore's corpse had been stolen, the Prince had the guards clapped in irons and questioned under torture. Then they were forced to search the island for the body. They were told if it was not found within a stated number of days, they would be beheaded. Saint Myrope saw what was done to the guards, and feeling pity for them, said to herself, "It will not go well with me before the judgment of God if these men are tortured and beheaded because of what I have done. My soul will be delivered to torment if I am the cause of their death." Unable to remain silent any longer, she cried out, "I took the body while you were sleeping!"
The soldiers immediately dragged her off to Prince Numerianus and announced, "Lord, this woman stole the corpse!" "Is this true?" the Prince asked Myrope. "It is," the Saint replied. Numerianus demanded, "How did you dare do this wretch?" "I did it because I hate your unbelief, and spit upon it!" she declared.
The haughty Prince was enraged by her boldness and commanded that she be beaten mercilessly with a stave. After she had been flogged for a long time, she was dragged by the hair throughout the island. Every part of her body was tortured, and she was left scarcely alive. Finally, she was cast into prison.
At midnight, while the Saint was praying, a Light shone in the cell and a Choir of Angels singing the Thrice-Holy Hymns appeared to her. In their midst stood Saint Isidoros, who looked down and greeted the virgin, "Peace be unto you! Your prayers have reached God. You shall join our company and receive your crown."
As soon as Saint Isidore said this, the holy Martyr Myrope joyfully surrendered her spirit into God's hands. The prison filled with ineffable fragrance, which amazed the guards and cause them to tremble with fear. One of them went to a Presbyter, related everything to him, accepted Holy Baptism, and was later deemed worthy of a martyric death. The Christians took the body of Saint Myrope and buried it in an honorable place, giving glory to God. (Source: The Great Collection of The Lives of the Saints)
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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