The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (Part III)

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 LIFE OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT (Part III)

When another year had passed, he (elder Zosimas) again went into the desert. He reached the same spot but could see no sign of anyone. So, raising his eyes to heaven as before, he prayed: "Show me, O Lord, Thy pure treasure, which Thou hast concealed in the desert. Show me, I pray Thee, Thine angel in the flesh, of which the world is not worthy." Then on the opposite bank of the river, her face turned toward the rising sun, he saw the Saint lying dead. Her hands were crossed according to custom and her face was turned to the East. Running up, he shed tears over the Saint's feet and kissed them, not daring to touch anything else. For a long time, he wept. Then, reciting the appointed psalms, he said the burial prayers and thought to himself: "Must I bury the body of a Saint? Or will this be contrary to her wishes?" And then he saw words traced on the ground by her head: "Abba (Father) Zosimas, bury on this spot the body of humble Mary.  Return to dust what is dust and pray to the Lord for me, who departed in the month of Fermoutin of Egypt, called April by the Romans, on the first day, on the very night of our Lord's Passion, after having partaken of the Divine Mysteries" (Sacraments) (522 A.D.).

Reading this, the elder was glad to know the Saint's name. He understood, too, that as soon as she had partaken of the Divine Mysteries on the shore of the Jordan she was at once transported to the place where she died. The distance that Zosimas had taken twenty days to cover Mary had evidently traversed in an hour and had at once surrendered her soul to God.

Then Zosimas thought: "It is time to do as she wished. But how am I to dig a grave with nothing in my hands?" And then he saw a small piece of wood left by some traveler in the desert. Picking it up, he began to dig the ground. But the earth was hard and dry and did not yield to the efforts of the elder. He grew tired and covered with sweat. He sighed from the depths of his soul, and, lifting up his eyes, he saw a big lion standing close to the Saint's body and licking her feet. At the sight of the lion, he trembled with fear, especially when he called to mind Mary's words that she had never seen wild beasts in the desert. But guarding himself with the sign of the Cross, the thought came to him that the power of the one lying there would protect him and keep him unharmed. Meanwhile, the lion drew nearer to him, expressing affection by every movement.  Zosimas said to the lion: "The great one ordered that her body was to be buried. But I am old and have not the strength to dig the grave, so can you carry out the work with your claws? Then we can commit to the earth the mortal temple of the Saint." While he was still speaking, the lion, with its front paws, began to dig a hole deep enough to bury the body.

Again, the elder washed her feet with tears and, calling on her to pray for all, covered the body with earth in the presence of the lion. Then both departed: The lion went off into the depths of the desert like a lamb, while elder Zosimas returned to the monastery glorifying and blessing our Lord. On reaching the monastery, he told the brethren everything; and all marveled on hearing of God's miracles. With fear and love, they kept the memory of the Saint.

Abbot (Egoumenos) John, as Saint Mary had previously told Abba (Father) Zosimas, found a number of things wrong in the monastery and remedied them with God's help. Saint Zosimas died in the same monastery, almost attaining the age of a hundred, and passed to eternal life.  Though the monks did not record this narration, they passed it on by word of mouth to one another.

But I, (adds Saint Sophronius), as soon as I heard it, wrote it down. Perhaps someone else better informed has already written the life of the Saint; but as far as I could, I have recorded everything, putting truth above all else. May God, Who works amazing miracles and generously bestows gifts on those who turn to Him with faith, reward them that seek light for themselves in this story. And may those who hear, read and are zealous to write it, may He grant them the lot of blessed Mary, together with all that at different times have pleased God by their pious thoughts and labors.

Let us also give glory to God, the Eternal King, that He may grant us, too, His mercy on the day of judgment, for the honor, dominion, and adoration, with the Eternal Father and the Most Holy and Life-Giving Spirit, now and always and throughout all ages. Amen.

"Beholding in thee a new wonder, O mother, divine Zosimas was truly amazed; for he saw an Angel in a body and, filled with utter astonishment, he praises Christ forever.  (Great Canon

of Saint Andrew, Ode 8)

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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

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (Part II)

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 LIFE OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT (Part II)

Abba (Father) Zosimas asked: "Can it be that without getting ill you have lived so many years thus, without suffering in any way from such a complete change?" The woman answered: "You remind me, Father Zosimas, of what I dare not speak of, for when I recall all the dangers that I overcame, and all the violent thoughts that confused me, I am again afraid that they will take possession of me." Zosimas said: "Do not hide from me anything; speak to me without concealing anything."

And she said to him: "Believe me, Abba (Father), seventeen years I passed in this desert fighting wild beasts--mad desires and passions. But when such desires entered me, I struck myself on the breast and reminded myself of the vow that I had made when going into the desert. In my thoughts, I returned to the icon of the Mother of God who had received me, and to her, I cried in prayer. I implored her to chase away the thoughts to which my miserable soul was succumbing.  And, after weeping for long and beating my breast, I used to see light at last, which seem to shine on me from everywhere. And after the violent storm, lasting calm descended...

"...Father Zosimas asked her: "Can it be that you did not need food and clothing?" She answered:  "After finishing the loaves I had, of which I spoke, for seventeen years I have fed on herbs and all that can be found in the desert. The clothes that I had when I crossed the Jordan became torn and worn out. I suffered greatly from both the cold and extreme heat: at times the sun burned me up, and at other times I shivered from the frost; frequently falling to the ground, I lay without breath and without motion. I struggled with many afflictions and with terrible temptations. I have as imperishable food the hope of salvation. I am fed and clothed by the All-Powerful Word of God, the Lord of all; for it is not by bread alone that man lives. I often reflect on the evils which the power of our Lord has delivered me from, in numerous ways, and has guarded my sinful soul and humble body; for those that have stripped off the rags of sin, there is the refuge in Him and, by faith and the hope of obtaining a better resurrection, they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."

Hearing that she cited words of Holy Scripture, from Moses and Job, Father Zosimas asked her: "And so you have read the psalms and other works?" She smiled at this and said to the elder:  "Believe me, I have not seen a human face ever since I crossed the Jordan, except your today. I have not seen a beast or a living being ever since I came into the desert. I never learned from books. I have never even heard anyone who sang and read from them. But the Word of God, which is alive and active, by itself teaches a man knowledge. And so this is the end of my tale.  But, as I asked you in the beginning, so even now I implore you for the sake of the Incarnate Logos/Word of God, to pray to the Lord for me who am such a sinner."

Thus concluding her tale, she bowed down before him. And with tears, the elder exclaimed: "Blessed is God Who creates the great and wondrous, the glorious and marvelous rewards those who fear Him. Truly,  O Lord, You do not forsake those who seek You!" And the woman, not allowing the elder to bow before her, said: "I beg you, holy father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our God and Savior, tell no one what you have heard, until God delivers me of this earth. And now depart in peace and again, next year, you shall see me, and I you, if God will preserve us in His great mercy. But for God's sake as I ask you: Next year during Lent do not cross the Jordan, as is your custom in the monastery." Father Zosimas  was amazed to hear that she knew the rules of the monastery and could only say: "Glory to God Who bestows great gifts on those who love Him." She continued: "Remain, abba (father), in the monastery. And even if you wish to depart, you will not be able to do so. And at sunset of the holy day of the Mystical ("Last") Supper, put some of the Life-Giving Body and Blood of Christ into a holy vessel worthy to hold such Mysteries for me, and it. And wait for me on the banks of the river Jordan adjoining the inhabited parts of the land, so that I can come and partake of the Life-Giving Gifts. For, since the time I communicated in the Temple of the Forerunner before crossing the river Jordan even to this day I have to approach the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments).

And I thirst for them with irrepressible love and longing. And, therefore, I ask and implore you to grant me my wish, bring me the Life-Giving Mysteries at the very hour when our Lord made His Disciples partake of His Divine Supper. Tell John the Abbot (Egoumenos) of the monastery where you live 'Look to yourself and to your brothers, for there is much that needs correction.' Only do not say this now, but when God guides you.  Pray for me!"

With these words, she vanished into the depths of the desert. And Father Zosimas, falling down on his knees and bowing down to the ground on which she had stood, sent up glory and thanks to God. And, after wandering through the desert, he returned to the Monastery on the day that all the brothers returned.

For the whole year, he kept silent, not daring to tell anyone of what he had seen. But in his soul, he prayed to God to give him another chance to see the ascetic's dear face. And when at length the First Sunday of the Great Fast came, all went out into the desert with the customary prayers and the singing of psalms. Only Father Zosimas was held back by illness--he lay in a fever. And then he remembered what the Saint had said to him: "And even if you wished to depart, you will not be able to do so."

Many days passed and, at last, recovering from his illness, he remained in the monastery. And when again the monks returned and the day of the Mystical Supper (Great and Holy Thursday) dawned, he did as he had been ordered. Placing some of the Most Pure Body and Blood into a small chalice and putting some figs and dates and lentils soaked in water into a small basket, he departed for the desert and reached the banks of the river Jordan and sat down to wait for the Saint. He waited for a long time and began to pray: "Grant me, O Lord, to behold what You have allowed me to behold once. Do not let me depart in vain, bearing the burden of my sins." And then another thought struck him: "And what if she does come? There is no boat; how will she cross the river Jordan to come to me who am so unworthy?"

As he was pondering this, he saw the holy woman appear and stand on the other side of the river.  Zosimas got up, rejoicing and glorifying and thanking God. Again the thought came to him that she could not cross the Jordan. Then he saw that she made the sign of the Cross over the waters (and the night was a moonlit one, as he related afterward), and then she at once stepped on the waters and began walking across the surface towards him. When he wanted to prostrate himself, she cried to him, while still walking on the water: "What are you doing, Abba (Father), you are a priest and carrying the Divine Gifts!" He obeyed her, and on reaching the shore, she said to him: "Bless, father, bless me!" He answered her trembling, for a state of confusion had overcome him at the sight of the miracle. “Truly God did what He promised that when we purify ourselves we shall be like Him. Glory to You, Christ Our God, Who has shown me, through this Your servant how, far away I stand from perfection."

Here the woman asked him to say the Symbol of Faith and the Lord's Prayer. He began; she finished the prayer and, according to the custom of that time, gave him the kiss of peace on his lips. Having partaken of the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), she raised her hands to heaven and sighed with tears in her eyes, exclaiming: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Lord, according to Thy word, for my eyes have seen Thy salvation." Then she said to the elder:  "Forgive me, abba (father), for asking you, but fulfill another wish of mine. Go now to the monastery and let God's grace guard you. And next year come again to the same place where I first met you. Come for God's sake, for you shall again see me, for such is the will of God." He said to her: "From this day on I would like to follow you and always see your holy face. But now fulfill the one and only wish of an old man and take a little of the food I have brought for you." And he showed her the basket, while she just touched the lentils with the tips of her fingers and, taking three grains, said that the Holy Spirit guards the substance of the soul unpolluted. Then she said:  "Pray, for God's sake for me and remember a miserable wretch."

Touching the Saint's feet and asking for her prayers for the Church, the kingdom and himself, he let her depart with tears, while he went off sighing and sorrowful, for he could not hope to vanquish the invincible. Meanwhile, she again made the sign of the Cross over the river Jordan and stepped onto the waters and crossed over as before. And the elder returned filled with joy and terror, accusing himself of not having asked the Saint her name. But he decided to do so next year.  (Source: The Lives of the Saints of the Holy Land and the Sinai Desert)

(To be continued)

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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

Prayers of Divine Intercession

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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PRAYERS OF DIVINE INTERCESSION

Forgive, O Lord, those who hate us and treat us unjustly. Do good to those who do good. Grant our brethren and families their requests which are for salvation and eternal life. Visit those who are ill and grant them healing. Watch over those at sea, land, and air and those accompany those who travel. Be an ally to our armed forces and to those in authority. Grant remission of sins to those who serve us and are kind to us. Be merciful according to Your great mercy to those who have asked us to pray for them, unworthy though we be.

Remember, O Lord, our fathers, and brethren who have fallen asleep before us and grant them rest where the Light of Your countenance shines.

Remember, O Lord, those who are in captivity and deliver them from every distress. Remember, O Lord, those who bring offerings and do good in Your holy Churches and grant them their requests which are for salvation and eternal life.

Remember us, Your sinful and unworthy servants, O Lord, and enlighten our minds with the Light of Your knowledge, guiding us along the way of Your Commandments, by the  intercessions of Your immaculate Mother, Our Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Your Saints. For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

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TO THE THEOTOKOS

Exceedingly glorious and Ever-Virgin Theotokos. Bring our petitions before Your Son, and our God, and implore Him that through you He will save our souls. Amen.

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TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL

Holy Angel, companion of my soul and my whole life, do not abandon me nor depart from me because of my weakness and sin. Do not allow the wicked demon to overcome me by the  oppression of this mortal body. Restrain and strengthen me and guide me in the way of salvation.

O Holy Angel of God, guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body, forgive me everything in which I have grieved you all the days of my life, and in which I have sinned in the day just past. Protect me during the coming night and keep me from every influence of the enemy, that I may not anger God in any sin. Intercede for me to the Lord that He may strengthen me in His fear, and make me worthy to be a servant of His Goodness.  Amen.

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PSALM 63

O God, You are my God, I seek You, my soul thirsts for You, my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where no water is. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live, I will lift up my hands and call on Your name. My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat and my mouth praises You with joyful lips, when I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You, Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth, they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God, all who swear by Him shall glory, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

PRAYERS

We praise, bless, hymn and thank You, O God of our fathers, for You have led us through the shadows of night and shown us again the light of day.

We entreat Your goodness: cleanse us from our sins and accept our prayer in Your great tenderness of heart, for we run to You, the Merciful and All-Powerful God! 

Illumine our hearts with the true Sun of righteousness, enlighten our minds and guard all our senses, that walking uprightly as in the day in the way of Your Commandments, we may attain eternal life.

For with You is the Fountain of Life and we will be made worthy of enjoying Your unapproachable Light.

For You are Our God, and to You, we ascribe glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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PRAYER OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT

O Lord Our God, You have given Your peace to men and sent down the gift of Your peace to men and send down the gift of Your All-Holy Spirit to Your Disciples and Apostles, opening their lips with fiery tongues by Your power.

Open also my lips and teach me, sinner, that I am, how and for what I ought to pray.

Guide my life, O calm Haven of the storm-tossed, and reveal the way in which I should walk.

Renew in me a right spirit and make my mind steady with a governing spirit, so that guided and guarded each day by Your Good Spirit, I may be enabled to practice Your Commandments, always remembering Your glorious presence which looks upon the deeds men do.

Do not let me be deceived by the corrupting delights of this world, but rather strengthen in me the desire to attain the treasures of the world to come.

For You are blessed and praised in all Your Saints, unto Ages of Ages.  Amen.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us.  Amen.

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ANOTHER PRAYER OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT

O God, Lord of Hosts and Maker of all created things, Who in Your great compassion and mercy sent down Your Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for the redemption of mankind, and by His Precious Cross destroyed the writing of our sins, thereby triumphing over the source and power of darkness.

O Lord and Lover of man, accept also the thanksgiving and fervent prayers of us sinners.

Deliver us from every dark and harmful transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies which seek to destroy us.

Nail our flesh to the fear of You, and do not incline our hearts to words or thoughts of guile. But wound our souls with Your love, that ever looking to You, and  guided by You in the Light, and beholding You, the Light ineffable and everlasting, we may offer ceaseless praise and thanksgiving to You.

To the Father Who has no beginning, together with Your Only-Begotten Son and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen.

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ADDITIONAL PRAYERS 

O Christ Our God, at every season and every hour, in heaven and on earth, You are worshipped and glorified.

You are long-suffering, Merciful and compassionate, loving the just and showing mercy to the sinner; calling all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come.

O Lord, in this hour, receive our supplications and direct our lives according to Your Commandments.

Sanctify Our souls, hallow our bodies, correct our thoughts, cleanse our minds. Deliver us from all tribulations, evil, and distress.

Surround us with Your holy Angels, that guided and guarded by them, we may come to the unity of the faith and to the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory, for You are blessed unto the ages. Amen.  

The Life of Our Holy Mother Among the Saints, Mary of Egypt - Fifth Sunday of Great and Holy Lent

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 LIFE AND STRUGGLES OF OUR HOLY MOTHER THE SAINTS MARY OF EGYPT COMMEMORATED ON THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT AND HOLY LENT

Saint Mary reveals her life to Abba (Father) Zosimas. "My native land, holy father, was Egypt. Already during the lifetime of my parents, when I was twelve (12) years old, I renounced their love and went to Alexandria. I am ashamed to recall how there I at first ruined my maidenhood and then unrestrainedly and insatiably gave myself up to sensuality...Four about seventeen (17) years, forgive me, I lived like that. I was like a fire of public debauch. And it was not for the sake of gain--here I speak the pure truth. Often when they wished to pay me, I refused the money. I acted in this way so as to make as many men as possible try to obtain me, doing free of charge what gave me pleasure. Do not think that I was rich and that was the reason why I did not take money. I lived by begging, often by spinning flax, but I had an insatiable desire and an irrepressible passion for lying in filth. This was life to me. Every kind of abuse of nature I regarded as life.

"That is how I lived. Then one summer I saw a large crowd of Libyans and Egyptians running toward the sea. I asked one of them: 'Where are these men hurrying to?' He replied: 'They are all going to Jerusalem for the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, which takes place in a few days.' I said to him: 'Will they take me with them if I wish to go?' And he remarked: 'No one will hinder you if you have money to pay for the journey and for food.' Then, I said to him:  'To tell you the truth, I have no money, neither food. But I shall go with them and shall go aboard. And they shall feed me, whether they want to or not. I have a body--they shall take it instead of pay for the journey.' I was suddenly filled with a desire to go, Abba (Father), to have more lovers who could satisfy my passion. I told you, Abba (Father) Zosimas, not to force me to tell you of my disgrace. God is my witness, I am afraid of defiling you and the very air with my words.'

Zosimas, weeping, replied to her, "Speak on for God's sake, mother, speak and do not break the thread of such an edifying tale." And resuming her story, she went on: 'That youth, on hearing my shameless words, laughed and went off, while I, throwing away my spinning wheel, ran off towards the sea in the direction that everyone seemed to be taking. And seeing some young men standing on the shore, about ten of them, full of vigor and alert in their movements, I decided that they would do for my purpose (it seemed that some of them were waiting for more travelers whilst others had gone ashore). Shamelessly, as usual, I mixed with the crowd, saying: 'Take me with you to the place you are going to; you will not find me superfluous.' I also added a few more words calling forth general laughter. Seeing my readiness to be shameless, they readily took me aboard the boat. Those that were expected came also, and we set sail at once…

At last, we arrived in Jerusalem. I spent the days before the festival in the town, living the same kind of life, perhaps even worse. I was not content with the youth I had seduced at sea and who had helped me to get to Jerusalem; many others--citizens of the town and foreigners--I also seduced.

"The holy day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross dawned while I was still flying about--hunting for youths. At daybreak, I saw that everyone was hurrying to the church (Holy Sepulchre), so I ran with the rest. When the hour for the holy Elevation approached, I was trying to make my way in with the crowd that was struggling to get through the church doors. I had at last squeezed through with great difficulty almost to the entrance of the church, from which the Life-Giving Tree of the Cross was being shown to the people. But when I trod on the doorstep which everyone passed, I was stopped by some force which prevented my entering. Meanwhile, I was brushed aside by the crowd and found myself standing alone on the porch. Thinking that this had happened because of my woman's weakness, I again began to work my way into the crowd, trying to elbow myself forward. But in vain I struggled. Again my feet trod on the doorstep over which others were entering the church without encountering any obstacle. I alone seemed to remain unaccepted by the church. I was as if there was a detachment of soldiers standing there to oppose my entrance. Once again, I was excluded by the same mighty force, and again I stood on the porch.

"Having repeated my attempt three or four times, at last, I felt exhausted and had no more strength to push and to be pushed, so I went aside and stood in a corner of the porch. And only then with great difficulty, it began to dawn on me, and I began to understand the reason why I was prevented from being admitted to see the Life-Giving Cross. The word of salvation gently touched the eyes of my heart. And I stood weeping when I saw above me the icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. And turning to her my bodily and spiritual eyes, I said: 'O Lady, Mother of God, who gavest birth in the flesh to God the Logos/Word, I know, O how well I know,  that it is no honor or praise to you when one so impure and depraved as I looks up to your icon, O Ever-Virgin, who did keep your body and soul in purity. Rightly do I inspire hatred and disgust before your virginal purity. But I have no other help. Order the entrance of the church to be opened to me. Allow me to see the Venerable Tree on which He Who was born of you suffered in the flesh and on which He shed His Holy Blood for the redemption of sinners and for me, unworthy as I am. Be my faithful witness before your Son that I will never again defile my body by the impurity of fornication, but as soon as I have seen the Tree of the Cross, I will renounce the world and its temptations and will go wherever you will lead me.'

"Thus I spoke and, as if acquiring some hope in firm faith and feeling some confidence in the mercy of the Mother of God, I left the place where I stood praying. And I went again and mingled with the crowd that was pushing its way into the church. And now no one seemed to thwart me, no one hindered my entering the church. I was possessed with trembling and was almost in delirium. Having got as far as the doors that I could not reach before--as if the same force that had hindered me cleared the way for me--I now entered without difficulty and found myself within the holy place. And thus I saw the Life-Giving Cross. I beheld, too, the Mysteries of God and how the Lord accepts repentance. Throwing myself on the ground, I worshipped that holy earth and kissed it with trembling. Then I came out of the church and went to her, (the icon of the Theotokos on the porch of the church) who had promised to be my security, to the place where I had sealed my vow. And bending my knees before the Virgin Mother of God, I addressed to her such words as these: 'O loving Lady, you have shown me your great love for all men. Glory to God Who receives the repentance of sinners through you. What more can I recollect or say, I who am so sinful? It is time for me, O Lady, to fulfill my vow, according to your witness. Now lead me by the hand along the path of repentance!' And at these words, I heard a voice from on high: 'If you will cross the River Jordan, you will find glorious rest!'

"Hearing this voice and having faith that it was for me, I cried to the Mother of God: 'O Lady, Lady, do not forsake me!' With these words I left the porch of the church, a stranger glanced at me and gave me three coins, saying: 'Sister, take these.' And, taking the money, I bought three loaves of bread and took them on my journey, as a blessed gift. I asked the person who sold the bread: 'Which is the way to the Jordan?' I was directed to the city gate that led that way.  Running on, I passed the gates and, still weeping, went on my journey. Of them that I met I asked the way, and, after walking for the rest of that day (I think it was nine o'clock when I saw the Cross), I at length reached, at sunset, the church of Saint John the Baptist which stood on the banks of the river Jordan. After praying in the church, I went down to the Jordan and rinsed my face and hands in its holy waters. I partook of the Holy and Life-Giving Mysteries (Sacraments) in the church of Saint John the Baptist and Forerunner and ate half of one of my loaves. Then, after drinking some water from Jordan, I lay down and passed the night on the ground. In the morning I found a small boat and crossed to the opposite bank. I again prayed to our Lady to lead me whither she wished. Then I found myself in this desert, and, since then up to this very day, I am estranged from everyone. And I live here clinging to my God Who gives all that turn to Him from faintheartedness and storms."

Zosimas asked her:  'How many years have gone by since you did begin to live in this desert?'  She replied: "Forty-seven years have already gone by, I think, since I left the Holy City."  (Source: The Lives of the Saints of the Holy Land and the Sinai Desert)

(To be continued)

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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

Encouraged Through the Inspired Word of God

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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ENCOURAGED THROUGH THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

Psalm 119:173-176

Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your Law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

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Saint John 16:21-23

"A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."

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Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing but in  everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

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Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

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Saint Matthew 5:1-12

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.  Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the Prophets who were before you.”

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Psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help! My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even  forevermore.

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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

The Divine Service of the Akathist to the Theotokos on the Fifth Friday of Great and Holy Lent

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 DIVINE SERVICE OF THE AKATHIST TO THE THEOTOKOS ON THE FIFTH FRIDAY OF GREAT AND HOLY LENT

(The Akathist is available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnTmqYKNtyIYOH7vU8dW2QQ)

Priest:  Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Priest:  Glory To You, our God, Glory to You. Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,  present in all places and filling all things, treasury of good things and giver of life: Come, take Your abode in us; cleanses us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages.  Amen.

All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.  Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions.  Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father...

For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

[A PORTION OF THE AKATHIST DIVINE SERVICE - THE FIFTH FRIDAY]

PRIEST

An Angel of supreme rank was sent down from heaven to say to the Theotokos, Rejoice. (3) 

And perceiving You take bodily form at the sound of his bodiless voice, O Lord, he was astounded to her such Salutations:

Rejoice, through whom is the joy to shine forth. Rejoice, through whom is the curse to vanish. Rejoice, restoration of Adam the fallen one. Rejoice, liberation of Eve from tears.

Rejoice, height to which the thoughts of men are hardly able to ascend. Rejoice, depth which for the Angel's eyes is very hard to apprehend.

Rejoice, for you are a throne for the King. Rejoice, for you hold the One who holds everything.

Rejoice, the star causing the Sun's manifestation.

Rejoice, the womb of the divine incarnation.

Rejoice, through whom is creation re-created.

Rejoice, by whom is the Creator procreated.

REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE (Χαίρε, Νύμφη ανύμφευτε)

Beholding herself wholly kept in chastity, boldly says to Gabriel she who is holy: The exceptional tidings of your voice seem difficult for my soul to accept. For what do you mean, pregnancy by unseeded conception, crying, Alleluia.

Chanter: Alleluia.

PRIEST: Curious to know knowledge that is knowable to no one, the Virgin cried to the serving Angel: How is it possible for a son to be born of inviolate loins? Tell me please. And he with fear replied to her, albeit shouting thusly: Rejoice, initiate of secret counsel. Rejoice, assurance of what calls for silence.

Rejoice, introduction to the miracles of Christ.Rejoice, consummation of His articles of faith.

Rejice, heavenly ladder by which did God Himself descend. Rejoice, bridge that conveys unto heaven earthborn men. Rejoice, the wonder most renowned among Angels. REjoice, the wound greatly bemourned by the demons.

Rejoice, who bear the Light inexplicably. Rejoice, who declare the manner to nobody. Rejoice, transcending the knowledge of scholars. Rejoice, illumining minds of believers. Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.

REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE (Χαίρε, Νύμφη ανύμφευτε.)

Divine power of the Most High, to effect her conception, overshadowed the unwedded Damsel; and it made her luxuriant womb to appear as a luscious field for everyone who desires to reap salvation while chanting, Alleluia.

Chanter:  Alleluia.

(The rest of the solemn service of the Akathist can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnTmqYKNtyIYOH7vU8dW2QQ)

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the holy intercessions of the Theotokos save us. Amen.

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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