Historical Acts of Christ

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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HISTORICAL ACTS OF CHRIST

Feasts and Fasts are significant religious events and observations that awaken the spirit and faith of man. The center of all festivals and celebrations of the Christian Church is the Christian Pascha. Its heritage is recorded in the Old Testament as the main observation of the Jewish religion; its Christian incidents occupy the Golden Pages of history; its meaning is the cornerstone of the Holy Scripture and becomes the main objective of faith, devotion, and inspiration for the Christian. The Christian Pascha is the treasure of the Church which has adopted it as the great ineffable monument.

The Christian Pascha is not only Easter but also includes the Lord's Supper and His Crucifixion. These three extinct events of the last hours in the earthly life of Jesus Christ must be considered as one in meaning for His redemptive work. The fact is that these events are a part of history and are considered a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, they are followed by some outward links between Old Testament references and New Testament statements.

The sacrifice of the lamb in the Jewish religion is considered a pattern for the Christian Pascha, in which the victim is Jesus Christ Himself  In that the Christian Pascha is of the highest importance for the believer, it requires a thorough study of its deep meaning for salvation and of its historical circumstances and presupposition, as well as its observances in the Christian Church. Therefore, the subject of Pascha will be divided into three treatments. First, the historical circumstances and presuppositions as they are recorded in the Old Testament and the Apostolic Tradition of the Church. Second, the deep meaning of the Christian Pascha as the redemptive work and sacrifice for the salvation of the Christian believer. Third, a summary of the rich hymnology and devotion of the Eastern Orthodox Church. By such devotion, the believer commemorates this very important work of God, and by participating with God Himself.

Herein only the first treatment will be presented. The other two are included in separate issues.  "The Last Events in the Life of Christ" and "Great and Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church."

PASSOVER IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Passover is the English equivalent of the Hebrew Pesah, the Aramaic Pasha, the Greek Pascha, Faska by Josephus, and Pascha in the New Testament. It is claimed that the word from which it is derived might be the Greek Pascha, from the verb Pascho which means suffer, to be afflicted, to be in evil plight; eu paschein to be well off, or to receive benefits. The Jewish Passover is the most distinctive festival of the Jewish Passover.

The Jewish Passover, as it now is known, was instituted in commemoration of the freeing of teh Hebrew people, under teh leadership of Moses and by the miraculous act of God, from the slavery of the Egyptians. God commanded the slaughter of a lamb, without the breaking of any of its bones, by each Jewish family, and the anointing with its blood of the upper part of the door of each house. This was a sign for the Angel of God, who protected the first-born of the family from death. 

ON WHAT DAY WAS JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED?

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a tragic event of history, marked the climax of His Life on earth. The Church of Christ has distinguished this particular day from all others. On this day Christians rededicate their lives to Christ. The four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, agree that the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified was the day of preparation for the Sabbath, which is called Friday. Friday is the same as the "Day of Preparation" in order of the days of the week according to the Jewish calendar. The word Friday in English is not a literal translation of the word "preparation", as it is in Greek: paraskevi. 

The four Evangelists refer to this day with certainty in the following passages: Joseph of Arimathea "asked for the body of Jesus, when evening had come, since it was the day of preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; Matthew 27:62; John 19:14, 19:31, 19:42.

LORD'S SUPPER AND INSTITUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Evangelists do not refer to any circumstances or objects included in the Passover meal, such as the lamb. This is a "significant omission". It is significant that in the Lord's Supper there is only one cup, while at the Passover meal each participant has his own cup from which to drink.  Equally significant is the fact that Christ at the "Lord's Supper" draws no parallel between the Paschal meal and the Christian sacrament. At the Lord's Supper, Christ presents a loaf of bread as the symbol of His Body, while for the Passover meal the roasted lamb is the significant symbol. It is important to note that some Christian churches always celebrate the Pascha on the 14th of Nissan, the date of the Crucifixion, whatever the day on which it fell, not only Sunday.  These Christians were called "Fourteensters" from number 14, the date of the Crucifixion. They would have been called "fifteensters" if Christ was Crucified on the day of the Passover Feast, the 15th of Nissan. "This is further evidence that the Friday of the Crucifixion fell on the 14th of Nissan.

The understanding that the Mystical (Last) Supper was not the Jewish Passover prevailed throughout Christendom for many centuries. Thus the entire Church used leavened bread, not unleavened, for the Holy Eucharist. So it is clear that the entire Christian world for centuries never did identify the Mystic Supper with the Jewish Pascha. The Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church continues to use leavened bread. Neither the contents, nor the date of the celebration, nor the elements and their manner of use, nor the giving of thanks at the Mystic Supper were similar to the Jewish Passover.

THE HOUR OF CRUCIFIXION

What was the hour of the Crucifixion? To determine accurately, it must be remembered that the Hebrew day was divided into three-hour periods (watches). The First Watch began at 6:00 a.m., the Third Watch at 9:00 a.m., the Sixth Watch at 12:00 noon, and the Ninth Watch from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., when, after the setting of the sun, the new day began. The Christian Church preserved this custom in certain services, such as the office of the "Hours" and especially in the Vesper Service which always refers to the celebration of the following day. For example, the Vesper (Esperinos) of Saturday evening refers to the events of Sunday and is sung in the tone of Sunday. (Source: O Logos by Father George Mastrantonis)

(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

Various Orthodox Christian Prayers

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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VARIOUS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRAYERS

Prayer of Parents for their Children And for Relatives and Friends

O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind, and are most Merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon Thy servants (Names of those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray Thee, and commend to Thy glorious care and protection.  Be Thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Thy Truth, and draw them nearer to Thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Thy love and fear; doing Thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength, to resist all temptations and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, for the merits of Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the intercessions of His Holy Mother and Thy blessed Saints. Amen.

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Prayer in time of Trouble

O God, our help and assistance, Who are just and merciful, and Who heareth the supplications of Thy people; look down upon me, a miserable sinner, have mercy upon me, and deliver me from this trouble that besets me, for which, I know, I am deservedly suffering. I acknowledge and believe O Lord, that all trials of this life are given by Thee for our chastisement when we drift away from Thee and disobey Thy Commandments; deal not with me after my sins, but according to Thy bountiful mercies, for I am the work of Thy hands, and thou knowest my weakness. Grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy Divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to Thy Will. Thou knowest my misery and suffering and to Thee, my only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort; trusting to Thine Infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when Thou knowest best, Thou will deliver me from this trouble, and turn my distress into comfort, when I shall rejoice in Thy mercy, and exalt and praise Thy Holy Name, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

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Thanksgiving after Deliverance from Trouble

Almighty and Merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank Thy Divine Majesty for Thy loving kindness and tender mercies, that Thou has heard my humble prayer, and graciously vouchsafed to deliver me from my trouble and misery. Grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy helping grace, that I may obediently walk in Thy Holy Commandments, and lead a sober, righteous, and godly life, ever remembering Thy mercies, and the blessings Thou has undeservedly bestowed upon me, that I may continually offer to Thee the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Prayer of a Sick Person

O Lord Jesus Christ, Our Savior, the Physician of souls and bodies, Who did become man and suffered death on the Cross for our salvation, and through Thy tender love and compassion did heal all manner of sickness and affliction; do Thou O Lord, visit me in my suffering, and grant me grace and strength to bear this sickness with which I am afflicted, with Christian patience and submission to Thy Will, trusting in Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy. Bless, I pray Thee, the means used for my recovery, and those who administer them. I know O Lord, that I justly deserve any punishment Thou mayest inflict upon me, for I have so often offended Thee and sinned against Thee, in thought, word and deed. Therefore, I humbly pray Thee, look upon my weakness, and deal not with me after my sins, but according to the multitude of Thy mercies.  Have compassion on me, and let mercy and justice meet; and deliver me from this sickness and suffering I am undergoing. Grant that my sickness may be the means of my true repentance and amendment of my life according to Thy will, that my soul, being helped by Thy grace and sanctified by Thy Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), may be prepared for its passage to the Eternal Life, and there, in the company of Thy blessed Saints, may praise and glorify Thee with Thy Eternal Father and Life-Giving Spirit.  Amen.

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Thanksgiving After Recovery from Sickness

Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, the Source of Life and Fountain of all good things, I bless Thy Holy Name, and offer to Thee most hearty thanks for having delivered me from my sickness and restored me to keep my resolutions and correct the errors of my past life, to improve in virtue, and live a new life in dutiful fear of Thee, doing Thy will in all things, devoting this new life Thou hast given me to Thy service; that thus living for Thee, I may be ready when it pleases Thee to call me to Thee, Our Heavenly Father, To Whom with Thine Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Life-Giving Spirit, is due all honor, glory, praise, and thanksgiving: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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Prayer Before the Icon of The Theotokos

Forasmuch as Thou are a well-spring of tenderness, O Theotokos, make us worthy of compassion; Look upon a sinful people;  Manifest thy power as ever, for hoping on thee we cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice! as once did Gabriel, Chief Captain of the Bodiless Powers.

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A Prayer of Repentance

O Lord our God and Merciful, I acknowledge all my sins which I have committed every day of my life, in thought, word, and deed; in body and soul alike. I am heartily sorry that I have ever offended Thee, and I sincerely repent; with tears, I humbly pray Thee, O Lord: of Thy mercy forgive me all my past transgressions and absolve me from them. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy Grace, to amend my way of life and to sin no more; that I may walk in the way of the righteous and offer praise and glory to the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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A Prayer to Your Guardian Angel

O Angel of Christ, Holy Guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended thee every day of my life, and protect me from all influence and temptations of the Evil One. May I nevermore anger God by any sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-Holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and all the Saints. Amen.

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Prayer for the Sick

O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, Thou Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your Goodness; Who are able to put aside every malady and infirmity, do Thou Thyself, the same Lord, grant aid to this Thy servant (Name) and cure him (her) of every sickness of which he (she) is grieved; lift him (her) up from his (her) from his (her) bed of pain, and send down upon him (her) Thy great mercy, and if it is Thy Will, give to him (her) health and complete recovery; for Thou are the Physician of our souls and bodies and to Thee do we send up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. 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

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