There was in a certain place a beautiful woman of questionable behavior. The ruler of this country took pity on her, that such beauty would perish, and, when he found the opportunity, he said to her, "Give up your immoral ways, and I will take you to my house and you will become my wife and the mistress of many treasures. Just watch that you are faithful, or else there will be such trouble for you as you cannot even imagine."

Sometimes in life, we offend each other. This happens because the devil hates love among us, and cleverly ensnares or incites us to offend our neighbor--from our own personal weakness, from carelessness or from habit. Reconciliation is absolutely necessary in order to preserve peace and harmony.

On this day, illumined by the reflected glory of the first two Leaders of the Apostles of the Lord, who form a new choir of shining stars in the spiritual firmament. Foundations and pillars of the Church, they are also the angels who guard the Twelve Gates giving access to the heavenly Jerusalem.

The son of Jonah and brother Andrew the First-Called, of the tribe of Simeon and the town of Bethsaida, he was a fisherman and was at first called Simon, but the Lord was pleased to call him Cephas, or Peter (St. John 1:42). He was the first of the Disciples to give clear expression of his faith in the Lord Jesus, saying: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (St. Matthew 16:16). His love for the Lord was very strong, and his faith in Him went from strength to strength.

Christ Himself, when the Apostles asked Him, "Where do You live," says, "Come and see." And then when the Disciples are telling other potential disciples about the Lord they simply say "Come and see." That's the most important part of our faith, that it's so real and tangible. Pilgrimage is part of that experience. It's about being able to encounter God in a very immediate and a very close way that's very transformative and inspires us and renews us, giving us hope and life.

The Holy Scripture is divinely inspired. The Holy Scripture is the word of God and every Orthodox Christian ought to turn to it to begin his/her dialogue with Him. Our Lord speaks to us directly when we approach the Holy Scripture with faith and with an open and humble heart.