November 9 - Our Holy Father Nektarios of Pentapolis

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 NOVEMBER 9th OUR HOLY CHURCH COMMEMORATES OUR HOLY FATHER NEKTARIOS, METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS, AND BUILDER OF THE HOLY MONASTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

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The holy Orthodox Church of Christ shall not cease showing forth Saints until the completion of the age. This is undeniable proof that she is the depository of truth and Holy Tradition, which she observes and preserves free from adulteration, as a precious and sacred trust, and as "a fountain of water springing into eternal life" (John 4:14). This waters and bedews her pious children. The holy Church, therefore, rejoices and speaks exultantly of those Saints who have shone forth in ancient times with their multitudinous achievements, virtues, and awesome wonders (miracles). Together with those Saints, she exults jubilantly and dances in the Holy Spirit, on account of those newly-appeared luminaries who have become manifest in these times, especially these evil days, which are filled with unbelief and a want of feeling when committing sin. These newly-revealed holy ones, by their manner of life, have also shone forth abundantly in the virtues and in performing miracles, glorifying God. We ought to be following their example and imitating their faith, "observing attentively," says Saint Paul, who tread the heavens, "the end of their conduct; for Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and to the ages. Thus, let us cease being carried about by various and strange teachings" (cf. Hebrews 13:7, 8).

Such a newly-appeared star in the firmament of the Church and a Saint among the Saints is the renowned wonder-worker (miracle-worker) and illustrious hierarch, Saint Nectarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis in Egypt. He is the special boast of godly Orthodox Christians, the sweetest nectar of the life of virtue, which gives joy and gladness, through its sanctifying grace, to reverent hearts, rendering them precious vessels of the Holy Spirit. Saint Nektarios is such a repository of grace, for he attained the heights of humility and the deep abysses of love. As he is a giant in virtue and one preeminent in workings miracles, we ardently beg his protection and intercession before God.

The God-bearing hierarch, Saint Nektarios, was born in Selyvria of Thrace, Greece. He was born to the pious Demos and Maria Kephalas, on the 1st of October, 1846, being the fifth of six children. In holy Baptism he was named Anastasios. His father worked hard to provide for his family, laboring at times as a farmer and other times at sea. At that time Orthodox Christianity was enslaved by the Ottoman Turks. The Saint's mother and grandmother exercised caution around the Turks, but always maintained hope for a better future. From his earliest youth, when his nails were still soft, he was manifesting how he would develop. He was prudent and wise, and proved an obedient son to his parents, who nurtured him in the instruction and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), together with all things reverent according to Christ. From his childhood, he avoided hurtful and evil pastimes, games, and associations. His soul, like a sponge, soaked up the streams of his parents' good guidance and instructions. He especially hearkened to the words of his extremely pious mother and grandmother and to whatever was good and profitable for the soul. Characteristic of his yearn and eager disposition was his learning to recite the 50th [51st] Psalm of David, "Have mercy on me, O God..." When he came to the verse which read, "I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee" (Psalm 50:13), he would pronounce those words twice and even three times. He aspired on to acquire theological knowledge that he might one day have as his mission the preaching of the Gospel (Evaggelion), so that through teaching the Law and Will of the Lord, as many people as possible might be diverted from the path of lawlessness leading to perdition and be placed on the path of piety, and salvation.

When he reached the age of seven, he bought some paper and took pleasure in making books. Wishing to know what he was about, his mother inquired, "What are you doing with the papers, son?" He answered, "I wish, mother, to make a book, that I might write down the words of God." Now he was frequenting church and intently heeding the divine words spoken. When he returned to his home, he retained what he heard and could expound upon most of it, indeed, to the astonishment and wonder of those hearing the lad. His boyhood very much corresponded with that of our holy Father Athanasios the Great, insofar that, from an early age, they were both precocious and prodigious about learning our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.

His first lessons in general education were pursued in his hometown. When he reached the age of fourteen, it was agreed that he would be taken on as an employee by a relation who had a shop in Constantinople. Since Anastasios' family was poor, he needed to have work in order to continue his education, so he accepted the position. Before his departure, his grandmother had given him a Cross to wear about his neck containing the holy relics of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of Jesus. The Saint left for the ship, but had not the fare for the ticket. The captain observed the lad, and asked, "Where are you bound, brave boy?" Anastasios replied, "To Constantinople, sir." The captain remarked, teasing, "Well, freeloaders are not welcome in the capital!" Anastasios answered nothing, but only shrank back in shame, since he was penniless. The captain then gave the orders to put out to seas. The ship's engines, however, would not start; instead, they were emitting a strange sound. The crew was trying to ascertain the problem, while the captain was ready to break the wheel from his exasperation. Then, his eye caught the weeping Anastasios on the dock. The lad cried out, "Take me, captain, sir." The captain then motioned to him to get on board. The moment Anastasios' feet touched the deck, the engines started and the ship began to move. Later, before his arrival, when it came time for the passengers to show their tickets, Anastasios panicked. One of the passengers took pity on him and pain for his fare. The generous and wealthy young man who took pity on the young Anastasios was the nephew of the great Horemis, a millionaire from the island of Chios.

Constantinople

The man he was to see for his employment had left for Edessa, leaving Anastasios unemployed and homeless. He finally secured backbreaking work with a tobacco processing plant, where he would prepare the tobacco bales and stack them into boxes and cases. He then conveyed them to a pushcart and made deliveries throughout the city. His pay consisted mostly of his room and board. He worked late hours, and it was not unusual for his employer to raise his hand and strike the boy. Though he was far from home, Anastasios' avid zeal for learning and a heart filled with godly fear remained ever with him. He was never careless about his studies and learning Greek letters, but applied himself diligently to whatever he put his hand or mind to doing. Even though he was without parental supervision, he shunned everything detrimental or mischievous, and anything that might seduce or gravitate him toward sinning.

In the midst of the capital's clamor and crowd, and at such a young age, he nonetheless neglected not his prayers and meditation upon the writings of the Church Holy Fathers. All those dealing with terse, pointed sayings or proverbs, or even an extract that would prove beneficial for the edification of his neighbor, he would copy out on the sacks or wrappers at the tobacco shop. Thus, customers would leave with a handwritten note that was spiritually profitable, together with their purchase. Later, the Saint himself speaks of these apothegms in the preface of his book, entitled Logion Thesavrisma (Treasury of Sayings), wherein he collected the maxims of the Holy Fathers. It was also the young Anastasios' great passion to attend Church services regularly and carefully follow them.  As a result, divine love increased and took wing in his heart, so that he wished to dedicate himself perfectly to pleasing the Lord. A burning desire was growing in him to embrace the Monastic life, which he deemed the speedier path to perfection and union with God Who is the highest desire for those seeking perfection.

In the meantime, the young Anastasios' garments and shoes were becoming worn and falling apart. When he asked his employer for assistance, he was told to write home to his parents. "But they are very poor, sir," Anastasios said. The employer had not time to listen to the youth's dilemma and dismissed him in an offhand manner. Anastasios returned to his corner to sleep. He then thought he beheld the Lord Jesus Who was asking him why he was weeping. Anastasios attempted to speak to our Savior but was unable. When he arose, he decided to write a letter to Jesus Christ. He took up his pencil and wrote:

"My dearest Jesus: The reason that I am weeping continually is that my clothes and shoes are inadequate for winter. My employer turned me away. I cannot ask my poor family, to whom I have not been able to send even one coin. How shall I manage the deliveries in the bitter cold? I have mended my clothes many times, but they keep tearing. Forgive me for burdening Thee with this problem, but it is Thee Whom I worship and in Whom I have my hope. Thy faithful slave, Anastasios."

He addressed an envelope, writing: "To our Lord Jesus Christ in the Heavens." He then left early to post it. On the way, he was seen by the shop owner, Themistocles, whose store was opposite the tobacco establishment. "Where are you going so early, my Anastasios?" Themistocles asked. "To the post office, sir." Anastasios told him. "No need," said the man; "I shall post it for you. I see you are shivering in this cold, so return to the shop." Anastasios thanked him. In the meantime, the shop owner went on his way. He happened to look at Anastasios' envelope, and the name of the Addressee caught his immediate attention. Startled, he said, "O my! How can this be posted? In what desperate straits does that good lad find himself?" He then took it upon himself to pause and open the envelope. He was so touched at the lad's words that he went and prepared a parcel with warm clothing, shoes, underwear, and some spending money. He then posted it, addressing it to Anastasios Kephalas at the tobacco shop. "Christ to Anastasios." The parcel was delivered, to the boundless joy and gratitude of the child. His employer, however, suspected him of theft. He began beating him and calling him a thief. Anastasios kept trying to explain, but his boss kept striking him. The shopkeeper who had received Anastasios' letter, happened to be passing by. He heard the commotion and came rushing to the boy's aid. The employer then desisted, fearing to create a fuss, which would certainly attract the attention of the Turkish authorities. Soon afterward, Anastasios was offered work at another shop, that of Themiscocles, which he accepted. He stayed at his new establishment for a considerable time, finding decent conditions and time to study.

After working at Themistocles' store, Anastasios eventually found employment as a youth instructor at a school, which was a possession under the jurisdiction of the Holy Sepulcher. While Anastasios was teaching first grade, he was also attending middle school for his own education. He continued collecting sayings from the Church Holy Fathers. His days were filled with study, self-discipline, and prayer. He was zealous in his labors, and, though his yearning for the Monastic life increased, he was desirous to finish his education and learn as much as he could. When he was not in class, he found joy in attending services late at night. Banquets and drinking bouts held no charm for him. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

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DIVINE LITURGY TOMORROW AT 10:OO A.M.

Followed by the service of Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves)

The names of those ill or facing some crisis should be submitted to be prayed for during the Artoklasia by those present.

By his holy intercessions, Saint Nektarios, is known to bring healing to Christian believers who are suffering from cancer.

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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

Old Testament Readings From Vespers of the Synaxis of the Archangels and Angels

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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OLD TESTAMENT READINGS FROM GREAT VESPERS ON THE EVEN OF THE FEAST OF THE SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGELS AND ANGELS

First Reading Taken From the Book of Joshua (5:13-15)

"Then it came to pass, when Joshua was at Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a sword drawn in his hand. So Joshua came near and said to him, 'Are you for us or the side of our adversaries?' He said to him, 'I am now come, the chief captain of the host of the Lord.' Then Joshua fell on his face upon the earth and said to him, 'O Master, what do you command your servant?' 'The chief captain of the Lord said to Joshua, 'Loose the shoe from your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy.'

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Second Reading Taken From the Book of Judges (6:11-22)

"Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree in Ephrathah which belonged to Joash the father of Esdri, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress in order to hid from the presence of the Midianites. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, mighty one of the armies!' Gideon said to Him, 'It is I, my Lord?' If the Lord is with us, why then have these evils come upon us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the Lord brings us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has driven us out and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.' Then the Angel of the Lord turned to him and said, 'Go with this strength of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Indeed, I have sent you."

And Gideon said to Him, 'Be gracious with me, my Lord, for how can I save Israel?' My thousand is weakened in Manasseh, and I am the smallest in my father's house.' And the Angel of the Lord said to him, 'The Lord will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.' Then Gideon said to Him, 'If now I have found mercy in Your sight, then You shall do everything for me today that You have told me. Do not leave here, I pray, until I come to You and I will bring out my offering and set it before You.' And He said, 'I am, I will wait until you come back.' So Gideon went in and prepared a goat kid, and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket, and he put the broth in pot; and he brought them out to Him under the terebinth tree and approached. The Angel of God said to him, 'Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.' And he did so. Then the Angel of the Lord stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.

Now Gideon perceived this was the Angel of the Lord. So Gideon said, 'O Lord, my Lord! For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.' So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord. To this day it is still in Ephratha of the father of Esdri.

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The Third Reading Taken From the Book of Daniel (10:1-21)

"At that time Michael the great prince, who stands watch over the sons of your people, shall stand up, and there shall be a time of tribulation, such as never happened until that time, since there was a nation upon the earth. But at that time your people shall be saved, all found written in the book. Then many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some in everlasting life, and some to disgrace and everlasting shame. Those who understand shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and some who are righteous, like the stars of heaven forever and ever. As for you, Daniel, close up these words and seal the book until the knowledge is increased.'

Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on the other riverbank. One said to the man clothed in fine lines who was above the water of the river, 'How long will it be to the end of these wonders of which You have spoken?' 'Then I heard from the man clothed in fine lines who was above the water of the river, as he held up the right hand and his left hand to heaven and swore by Him Who lives forever and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. Thus when the dispersion is ended, they shall know all these things.

Although I heard, I did not understand. So I said, 'My lord, what shall be the end of these things?' He replied, 'Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall choose to be made white and refined through fire; but the lawless shall act lawlessly. None of the lawless shall understand, but the wise shall understand. From the time the daily sacrifice is taken away and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days..."

Commentary on 12:1-3

At Christ's Second Coming, the Antichrist will be crushed, the tribulation will end, and all the dead will awake (v. 2). Resurrection to everlasting shame is the destiny of those who, in the end, are found outside of Christ.

12:7 "But he who reads this passage, even half asleep, cannot fail to see that the kingdom of Antichrist shall fiercely, though for a short time, assail the Church before the Last Judgment (Second Coming) of God shall introduce the eternal reign of the Saints. For it is patent from the context that the time, times, and half a time, means a year, and two years, and half a year, that is to say, three years and a half.'

12:11 Hippolytus writes that the prophecy concerns the three and a half years--"the one thousand two hundred and three score days (the half of the week) during which the tyrant is to reign and persecute the church."

War in Heaven Revelation (12:7-12)

"And war broke out in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels (demons) fought, but they did not prevail nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world, he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." (Source: Orthodox Study Bible)

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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

November 8 - Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers (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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ON NOVEMBER 8th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY CHIEF COMMANDER MICHAEL AND THE OTHER BODILESS POWERS (Part II)

The three Orders in the lowest hierarchy are the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. The Principalities are so called because they rule over the Angels below them and direct them to fulfill God's commands. It is they who watch over the world, protecting and guarding every kingdom and principality, every province and people, tribe and nation, for each of these has its own angel of this rank as guardian and governor. According to Saint Gregory, it is the duty of this Order to teach men to render to all in authority the honor due their station. These Angels usher worthy men into such positions as they merit and instruct them not to use their offices for their own gain or profit, nor to become vainglorious or full of conceit, but to honor God, to increase His glory and to spread word of it, for the benefit of all those under their authority.

The Archangels are the great messengers of God, eminent, and wondrous tidings. According to the renowned Saint Dionysios, it is they who deliver prophecies to men, enlightening them so that they may know and understand the will of God. They learn of God's will from the higher ranks and entrust the secrets thereof to the angels below them, who in turn declare them to men. Saint Gregory the Dialogist says that they spread abroad the faith among men, illuminating their minds with the light of the knowledge of the Holy Gospel and revealing to them the mysteries of the Orthodox faith.

The Angels occupy the lowest position in the hierarchy of heaven and are the closest of its ranks to men. They reveal the lesser mysteries of God and His intentions to men, whom they guide to live virtuously and righteously. Each of the faithful is entrusted to one of them. They support those of us who stand firm, and they raise up the fallen. Even if we sin, they do not forsake us but are always ready to help us, if only we desire it.

Nevertheless, the name Angel is proper to the higher ranks of heaven, for even if each has its own place and position and its own name which accords with the manner of grace bestowed upon it, that is to say, Seraphim, Cherubim, Throne, and so forth, they are still all called Angels; for in the sense the name refers not to what they are in essence but to the manner of service they perform. All of them alike are Angels, since they fulfill God's commands, as it is written: "are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister?" (Hebrews, Chapter 1). Each order has its own ministry (diakonia), and their ministrations differ, because the Wise Creator does not reveal the mysteries of His Divine Will to each Rank equally. He manifests His Sacred Will to the lower Orders through the Higher and through the latter commands the former to fulfill the dictates of His Will, as many plainly be seen in the Book of the Prophet Zachariah. This Book tells how, after a certain Angel, who commanded him to return to the Prophet and to reveal to him the future of Jerusalem. Thus it is written, "Behold, the Angel that talked with me went forth, and another Angel went out to meet him, and said to unto him, Run, speak to this young man" (that is, to the Prophet Zecharias), "saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as a town without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein, for I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of the round about" (Zechariah, Chapter 2). "When one Angel says to the other, Run, speak to this young man, there can be no doubt that certain Angels dispatch others here and there and that the Lower Orders that send them. Similarly, we find in the prophecy of Daniel that one Angel tells another to explain to the Prophet the vision which he saw. Therefore, it is clear that the Lower Ranks of Angels learn of the Will and intentions of the Divine Creator form the Higher Orders and are sent by the latter to do His desire.

It is fitting that the Orthodox Church here below should celebrate the Synaxis (Assembly) and seek the aid of all Nine Orders of the Holy Angels on the 8th day of this month of November, sending up fervent entreaties unto them; for on the Fearful Day of Judgment, which the divine teachers of the Church call the Eighth Day, when He Who is the Son of Man and God, the Righteous Judge, "shall come in His glory, and all the Holy Angels with Him" (Matthew, Chapter 25), as the Lord Himself prophesied in the Holy Gospel, all the ranks of Angels shall be gathered together (synaxis). "He shall send His Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds" (Matthew, Chapter 24), that is, from the east, the west, the north, and the south. May the Lord then summon us, who reverently celebrate the Synaxis of the Angels, into the choir of the chosen!

The Holy Chief Commander Michael, the faithful servant of the Lord, was appointed by God as general commander over the entire assembly of the nine Angelic Orders. When Satan exalted himself in pride, feel away from God Into perdition, and was cast into the abyss, Michael called together all the ranks and hosts of Angels (Synaxis) and cried out with a mighty voice, "Let us attend! Stand a right before Him who created us, and do not consider doing what is not pleasing to God (The Prologue). Behold what has befallen those created with us, who until now ere communicants of the divine light! (Pantoleon the Chartophylax of the Great Church). Behold how they were straightway exiled from light into darkness because of pride, cast from light into darkness because of pride, cast from the heights into the abyss! (Isaiah, Chapter 14) Behold how the morning star, which lit up the down, has fallen to earth and been crushed!" (The morning star, Venus, shines shortly before dawn).

When Michael, who stood foremost among the Seraphim, the Cherubim, and all the ranks of heaven, said this to the entire assembly (synaxis) of the Angels, they glorified the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, one in essence, the one God; and together they chanted the triumphal hymn: "Agios, Agios, Agios, Kyrios Sabaoth..." ("Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of thy glory!" (What we chant in every Divine Liturgy)

It is this assembly (synaxis) of the Holy Angels that we venerate on the present Feast of the Synaxis of the Angels; for they ever glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, attentively and harmoniously, with one mind, heart, and voice (The Prologue and The Menaion). May we mortals also glorify Him unto the Ages of Ages. Amen. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

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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

November 8 - Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers (Part I)

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 NOVEMBER 8th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY CHIEF COMMANDER MICHAEL AND THE OTHER BODILESS POWERS

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The Holy Church, which rejects the impious worship of Angels devised by idolaters and heretics of old, received from the divinely inspired Holy Fathers the tradition of celebrating with reverence the Synaxis of the Holy Angels. In the days of the Old Testament, the people of God, having fallen away from the Creator, began to worship that which the Lord created. They made idols after the likeness of things visible, of that which is in heaven above and earth beneath, the work of their own hands (Exodus, Ch. 20). At that time, when the people offered oblations (sacrifice) unto the sun, the moon, and the stars as gods, imagining that these possessed living souls, they also began to worship Angels. The Book of Kings makes mention of this, saying that they "burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the twelve signs of the Zodiac, and to all the host of heaven" (Kings, Ch. 23), that is, to the Angels; for the host of heaven is comprised of the Angels, as is said in the Gospel. And "suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host" (Luke, Ch.2).

The local Synod (Council) of the Holy Fathers that met at Laodicea denounced this heresy (The thirty-fifth canon of the Council of Laodicea), but while it anathematized and rejected the heretical worship of Angels, it decreed lawful the pious and proper veneration of the holy Angels as God's servants and the guardians of the race of man, establishing the celebration of the festival held in their honor on this day.

The Synod decreed that the feast of the Angels be celebrated in November, the ninth month counting form March, when the world was created, since there are nine orders of Angels, according to Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, the Disciple of the holy Apostle Paul. Saint Paul was taken up to the third heaven, where he saw how the holy Angels are divided into ranks, and he told his Disciple of this (II Corinthians, Ch. 12). These nine ranks are grouped in three hierarchies of three orders; the highest, the middle, and the lowest.

The highest hierarchy of Angels, which is the nearest to the Most Holy Trinity, consists of the Seraphim, the Cherubim, and the Thrones. Closest of all to the Creator and Fashioner stand the Seraphim, beloved of God, of whom Prophet Isaiah said, "Seraphim stood round about Him: each had six wings" (Daniel, Chapter 7). They are like fire, because they stand nearest to Him of Whom it is written: "Our God is a consuming fire, and His throne is like a fiery flame," and "The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire". Since they stand before such glory, the Seraphim are themselves fiery, as it is written: "He maketh His Angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire" (Psalm 103).They burn with love for God and kindle the love of God in others, as their name itself reveals, for in the Hebrew tongue "seraphim" means "burning" or "consuming."

The divinely wise Cherubim stand next after the Seraphim in the presence of God the All-knowing, Who dwells in transcendent light. These Angels, who abide in God's ineffable light, themselves ever shine more brilliantly than the orders below them with the light of righteousness and the knowledge of God and His Wisdom. They are themselves radiant and illumine others; therefore, they are called Cherubim, which in Hebrew means "much wisdom," or "an effusion of wisdom." Through the Cherubim wisdom is poured out, and through them the noetic eyes of others are illumined, enabling them to see the glory of God and to know Him.

The Thrones stand after the Cherubim before the exalted Throne on high. They are called God-bearing by Saint Dionysius, since, according to the explanation offered by Saint Maximus the Confessor, God noetically rests upon them as upon noetic Thrones. Saint Basil the Great writes that they are called God-bearing not according to their essence but because of the grace vouchsafed them and the service entrusted to them. The flesh of Christ the Lord, however, is God-bearing by essence, hypostatically joined with God the Logos/Word Himself. Christ's flesh bears God the Logos/Word in an undivided union and is called, and ever remains, His True and Living flesh, but the Thrones are called God-bearing and inexpressible manner, not by nature but because of the grace and service entrusted to them. Seated upon them in a way that cannot be described. God ordains His judgments, as David said: "Thou hast sat upon a throne, O Thou that judgest righteousness". Therefore, it is through the Thrones of God brings to pass His righteous judgments, for they are the ministers of His justice, imparting to the tribunals of magistrates here below, and to kings and lords, the ability to pass righteous judgment.

There are three ranks in the middle hierarchy of the holy Angels as well: Dominions, Powers, and Virtues. The Dominions are so called because they rule over the Angels subject to them, while they are themselves free, since, as Saint Dionysius says, they have set aside servile fear and ever serve the Lord willingly and gladly. They pour down upon the authorities ordained by God here below power to rule wisely and to exercise dominion judiciously, governing well the lands entrusted to them. They also teach us to rule over our senses, to subdue our disorderly lusts and passions, to subject the flesh to the spirit, to exercise authority over our will, and to prevail over every temptation.

The Powers, full of Divine might, serve the mighty powerful will of the All-powerful and Omnipotent Lord without hesitation or delay. They work exceedingly great marvels and impart the grace to perform similar miracles upon those of God's favorites who have been deemed worthy to work wonders, to heal every illness, and to foretell the future. Likewise, the holy Powers strengthen men as they labor and are heavy laden in bearing the yoke of their various burdens, strengthening them to fulfill the obligations of their station in life and helping the feeble in their weakness. They assist every man to be patient and not to weaken in trials, but to endure everything that comes to pass with nobility of soul and resolute courage, humbly giving thanks to God, who orders all things for our benefit.

The Virtues bear their name because they have authority over the devil. They subdue the power of the demons and ward off the temptations which the spirits of evil bring upon men, and they forbid the demons to harm men as they desire. The Virtues confirm those who labor for virtue's sake in their spiritual undertakings and struggles, protecting them, lest they be deprived of the spiritual kingdom. Those who war with their passions and desires the Virtues help in the day of battle, assisting them in dispelling every wicked thought and the enemy's calumny and in overcoming the devil. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

(To be continued)

_________________________

"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

A Guide to Spiritual Life (Part II)

My beloved spiritual life in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

+

A GUIDE TO SPIRITUAL LIFE (II)
How to Remain in Communion With God

There are many necessary elements for remaining in communion with God. Among the chief are:

• Regular attendance at Sunday Divine Liturgy, as well as consistent participation in the Feasts and fasts of the Church year.

• Maintaining a daily prayer rule (for a basic outline; see Morning Prayers and Evening Prayers on pages 755 to 761 in the Orthodox Study Bible).

• Daily reading and study of the Holy Scripture.

• Regularly partaking of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion).

• Regular repentance and confession of sins.

Spiritual Helps in the Examination of Your Conscience

1. Pride: the lack of humility befitting a creature of God

2. Creed: too great a desire for money or worldly goods.

3. Lust: impure and unworthy desire for something evil.

4. Anger: unworthy irritation and lack of self-control.

5. Gluttony: the habit of eating or drinking too much.

6. Envy: jealousy of some other person's happiness.

7. Sloth: laziness that keeps us from doing our duty to God and man.

The Seven Capital Virtues

The seven capital virtues are the opposite of the seven grievous sins.

1. Humility

2. Liberality

3. Chastity

4. Mildness

5. Temperance

6. Contentment

7. Diligence

The Works of the Flesh

1. Adultery

2. Fornication

3. Uncleaness

4. Licentiousness

5. Idolatry

6. Sorcery

7. Hatred

8. Contentions

9. Jealousies

10. Outbursts of wrath

11. Selfish ambitions

12. Disssensions

13. Heresies

14. Envy

15. Murders

16. Drunkenness

17. Revelries

(See Galatians 5:19-21)

Nine Ways of Participating in Another's Sin

1. By counsel.

2. By command.

3. By consent.

4. By provocation.

5. By praise or flattery.

6. By concealment.

7. By partaking

8. By silence.

9. By defense of the sin committed.

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

1. Love.

2. Joy.

3. Peace

4. Longsuffering.

5. Kindness.

6. Goodness.

7. Faithfulness.

8. Gentleness.

9. Self-control.

10. Modesty.

11. Continence.

12. Chastity.

(See Galatians 5:22, 23)

The Three Theological Virtues

1. Faith.

2. Hope.

3. Love

(See 1 Corinthians 13:13)

The Chief Aids to Penitence

1. Prayer.

2. Fasting.

3. Performance of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

(See Matthew 6:1-18)

The Chief Corporal Works of Mercy

1. To feed the hungry.

2. To give drink to the thirsty.

3. To shelter the homeless.

4. To clothe the naked

5. To visit those in prison.

6. To visit the sick.

7. To bury the dead.

(See Matthew 25:34-45)

(Source:  Orthodox Study Bible)

___________________________

"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostom

+++

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

A Guide to Spiritual Life (Part I)

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.

+

A GUIDE TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

"One of the best known of the Desert Fathers of fourth-century Egypt. Saint Serapion the Sindonite, traveled once on pilgrimage to Rome. Here he was told of a celebrated recluse, a woman who lived always in one small room, never going out.Skeptical about her way of life--for he was himself a great wonderer--Serapion called on her and asked: 'Why are you sitting here?' To this she replied: 'I am not sitting, I am on a journey.'

I am not sitting, I am on a journey. Every Christian may apply these words to himself. To be a Christian is to be a traveler. Our situation, say the Greek Holy Fathers, is like that of the Israelite people in the desert of Sinai: We live in tents, not houses, for spiritually we are always on the move. We are on a journey through the inward space of the heart, a journey not measured by the hours of our watch or the days of the calendar, for it is a journey out of time into eternity." (Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, The Orthodox Way, SVS Press).

Introduction

Having examined the role of the Bible in the Orthodox Church, let us now turn to a second, crucially important issue. What does it mean to be A true Christian--to walk as a committed disciple of Jesus Christ at the dawn of a new millennium of human existence? Once again, the Orthodox Church provides profound answers, based on two thousand years of Spirit-led experience.

In the teaching of the Orthodox Faith, salvation is never limited to a point in time. Salvation is not a one-dimensional event, a past-tense occurrence with merely philosophical or "positional" implications for the present. Rather, as illustrated above, salvation is perceived to be a lifetime experience--a journey "not measured by the hours of our watch or the days of the calendar, for it is a journey out of time into eternity." Like every journey, this journey must have a beginning. And like every journey, this journey continues until it reaches its final destination. By faith we come to Christ. Through His sacraments we walk with Him daily--hour by hour, moment by moment. And with hope and love we move ahead to that time when we will be eternally in His presence, worshipping with the Angels. As Saint Paul says: "Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

We now turn to a brief examination of the Christian life--how we become Christians, and how we remain in communion with God throughout our entire lives.

Beginning the Journey to the Kingdom

Most people, at one time or another, wonder if there is real meaning to life--an underlying pattern or purpose to it all. For me, that quest for meaning and purpose took place in college.

By the end of my junior year, I was ready to do a turn-around. I knew that Jesus Christ had a rightful claim on my life. And I had come to see that life apart from Him--even the enjoyable and constructive parts of life--held little meaning and satisfaction. I was into myself, out for myself, but at a point of wanting to start over...

An Incomparable Life

Often when we think about the life of Christ, we start two thousand years ago at a manger in the Middle East, with the Baby, the Wise Men, the Star. While these things concern His earthly birth. His story really begins in eternity past. Because before time began, before the world was made, before beginning, Christ was there. For there was never a time when he did not exist!

The first words in the Holy Bible are, "In the beginning God..." (Genesis 1:1). For God was there from the start, always existing in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From God the Father there was begotten or born from before all time God the Son. And eternally proceeding from the Father is God the Holy Spirit.

At the creation of the human race, we find God saying: "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). Note the plurality of persons in the Godhead. Thus, from before all ages, God the Son--also called in Holy Scripture the Logos/Word of God--reigned with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. This explains why the Gospels teach that God the Son, Jesus Christ, came to reveal the Father to us, and to send to us the comforter, the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the history of ancient Israel, the Prophets foretold the coming of the One Who would be the Messiah of Israel, the Anointed One. They predicted He would be born in Bethlehem...

"...Jesus Christ preached one central message. It is called the Gospel, the Good News, and it is this: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:2). To repent means to turn around, to commit one's life fully to Christ, to say "yes" to the Lord and absolutely mean it. And why are we called to this life of repentance? Because to enter God's Kingdom there is one requirement, we must be righteous. We repent because we are unrighteous--we come far short of living lives that bring glory to God.

When we first repent, we turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and tell him we are sorry at heart for how we have lived. As undeserving sinners, we ask for His mercy and His forgiveness, and commit ourselves into His care for the rest of our lives.

Let's face it. If the Kingdom of God is worth anything, it's worth everything. We are called upon by Christ Himself to lay down everything that would keep us from entering it. That is why Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a treasure hidden in a field. Once we realize the incredible value of that precious piece, we will sell everything we have to obtain it. This divesting of our private holdings is exactly what repentance means. We give up what we must not keep for the incomparable riches of Jesus Christ. This cost to us is the greatest bargain we can ever know.

Besides their love for Christ, there is at least one other vital characteristic the Saints, Confessors, Holy Fathers and Mothers, Martyrs, and host of others who lived their lives under the Lordship of Christ as fellow heirs of His Kingdom. They all grew to know God and serve Him in the Church. This stands in stark contrast to much of what is taught under the guise of Christianity. Tragically, some who still use His name have so willfully departed from the path which Christ set forth and those heroes and heroines of the Faith followed, that they have made knowing God nearly impossible. This, coupled with the churchless Christ of televangelism, has promoted people who sincerely desire to serve the Lord to try to make it on their own.  But this option works no better.

Such and worse is the plight of those who try to follow Christ--even zealously--but Apart from the Church. They may be sincere, but they will never really get to know Him out there. For One must live within the Body of Christ, be fed by her Mysteria (Sacraments), be instructed in her true Faith, and worship at her altar to attain the godliness and righteousness that lead to the Kingdom's open doors. (Source: Orthodox Study Bible)

(To be continued)

____________________

"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostom

+++

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George