November 14 - Holy Apostle Philip

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 14th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE HOLY APOSTLE PHILIP

Saint Philip was born in Bethsaida near the Sea of Galilee, as were Saints Peter and Andrew. Instructed in the Holy Scripture (Old Testament) from his youth, Philip immediately responded to the call of Christ and followed Him (John 1:43). After the descent of God the Holy Spirit, Philip preached the Gospel with zeal in many regions of Asia Minor and in Greece, where the Jews sought to kill him but the Lord saved him by the might His wonders. The Jewish leaders, whose aim it was to kill Philip, were suddenly blinded, and found themselves in total darkness. There was a great earthquake, and the earth opened and swallowed up Philip's evil persecutors. Many other wonders (θαυματα) or (miracles) were wrought, especially the healing of the sick, by which many of the pagans came to faith in Christ. In the Phrygian town of Hierapolis, Saint Philip worked for the Gospel with Saint John the Theologian, his own sister Mariamni and the Apostle Bartholomew. There was in that place a dangerous snake, which the pagans fed with care and worshipped as a god. God's Apostle destroyed the snake with prayer as though with a spear. This called forth the fury of the benighted people, and the evil pagans seized Philip and crucified him upside-down on a tree, and then crucified Bartholomew also. At this, the earth opened and swallowed up the judge and many others with him. The terrified people ran to take the crucified Apostles down, but they succeeded only in taking Bartholomew down alive; Saint Philip had already breathed his last. Saint Bartholomew made Stachys bishop for those baptized in the city. Stachys had been cured of blindness and baptized by the holy Apostle Philip, having been blind for forty years. Saint Philip's holy relics were later taken to Rome. This wonderful holy Apostle suffered in the year 86 A.D., in the time of the pagan Roman emperor Domitian. (Source: The Prologue from Ochrid)

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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 13 - Our Holy Father John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople (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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ON NOVEMBER 13th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES OUR HOLY FATHER AND TEACHER SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (Part III)

There lived in Constantinople a good, God-fearing nobleman name Theognostos. Theognostos was slandered to Emperor Theophilos by a certain envious official, a heretic, who said that the pious nobleman had cursed and reviled the Emperor, accusing Arcadius of having an insatiable lust for gold. For this reason, the Emperor condemned Theognostos and sent him to be imprisoned in Salonika. All his wealth and property were confiscated, save a single vineyard, which was situated outside the city. This the Emperor permitted to remain in Theognostos' possession, for the support of his wife and children. On the way to Salonika, Theognostos fell ill from grief and died. His wife was cast into deep sorrow, both on account of her husband's death and because of the loss of their possessions, so she went tearfully to Saint John and told him all her woes. He permitted her to receive food for herself and her children every day at the Church's hostels for the poor and began to look for a convenient opportunity to intercede with the Emperor on behalf of the widow so that the possessions belonging to her would be returned. But the Empress' malice prevented this, and Evdoxia brought great misfortune not only upon the widow but upon the blessed John as well.

When the time of the grape harvest drew near, all the people went out to their vineyards, and the Empress also went to see the imperial vineyards. On her way, she passed Theognostos' vineyard and saw that it was truly beautiful. She entered it, picked some of the grapes from the vines with her own hands, and ate them. In those days there was a law which deprived the landowner of possession should the Emperor or Empress enter his vineyard and remove grapes. After this the vineyard was to be counted as the Emperor's vineyard but the owner was either to be paid for it or receive another vineyard from the Emperor in exchange. In accordance with this law, the Empress ordered that Theognostos' vineyard be numbered among those belonging to the Emperor. She did this for two reasons. On the one hand, she wished to do evil for Theognostos' widow and her children, since she was angry with her for having gone to John and told him of her woes; and on the other, she hoped to find an excuse to drive John out of the Church. She knew that if John learned what she had done, he would not remain silent but would rise to the defense of the offended widow. From this, Evdoxia reasoned, dissension would arise, which would allow her to accomplish her purpose; and, indeed, the matter ended as she hoped.

Saint John Chrysostom immediately sent his archdeacon, Eftychios, to the Empress with a letter which he hoped would incline her to show mercy. He begged her to return the vineyard to the poor widow and striving to awaken in her the fear of the Lord and to frighten her soul with the remembrance of the Dread Judgment of God, but the Empress refused to heed his admonitions. Moreover, she declared that she would no longer endue such insults...

"...When the feast of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross arrived and the people had assembled in the church, the Emperor came also with his nobles and the Empress with all the members of her court. When the porters caught sight of the Empress approaching, they shut the doors of the church before her, and in accordance with the command of the Patriarch, forbade her entrance. When her servants cried out, "Open for our lady the Empress!" the porters replied, "The Patriarch has forbidden it!"

The Empress was filled with shame and anger, and exclaimed, "See, O people, how this stubborn man insults me! All are permitted to enter the church unhindered except for me. Shall I not take revenge on him and remove him from his throne?"

"...The imperial decree ordering Saint's John's exile was issued on the feast of Pentecost. At that time a certain nobleman advised St. John to leave the city secretly, less the people rise up against the soldiers who were to take him away. "Otherwise," said he, "you will be guilty of causing much bloodshed, for according to the decree you are to be taken by force. If the people resist, a massacre will result."

Hearing this, Saint John summoned a number of the bishops and clergymen who were devoted to him and also the blessed deaconess Olympia. He exhorted them to stand firm in the Orthodox faith, while they wept bitterly for him. He also began to weep in his sorrow at leaving them. Finally, he bade them farewell, and departing unnoticed by a side door, made his way to the harbor where the soldiers were waiting for him. They placed him in a small boat and sailed to Bithynia, from there setting out on the remainder of their journey.

The blessed John was forced to endure much torment at the hands of the soldiers on the way to imprisonment. They had received orders from the Empress to afflict him in every manner possible during the journey so that he would perish more quickly. Therefore, they sat him on an ass unbroken to the saddle and drove the beast along quickly, covering in a single day a journey which ought to have taken two or three. They gave the Saint no rest or peace whatsoever along the way, compelling him to sleep in common, filthy inns, sometimes in the houses of Jews, and performing many vile acts in his presence. Nowhere was he permitted to enter a church. Moreover, they harassed, reproached, and reviled him, and took from him the money given him to buy food during the journey...They forced the Saint to travel through rain and in burning heat with his head uncovered, forbade him to enter cities or villages, and sought in every way to make grievous the journey to his new place of banishment.

A few days before his repose, while the Saint was standing at prayer by night, according to his custom, the holy Apostles Peter and John, who had appeared to him before, when he was living in the Monastery near Antioch, came to him and said, "Rejoice, good pastor of the rational flock of Christ, O great passion-bearer! We have been sent to you by our common Master, Jesus Christ, to help and comfort you amid the sorrows and tribulations you suffer for the sake of your purity of conscience. Like John the Baptist, you have upbraided rulers who have fallen into sin, boldly reproving them for transgressing the law of God. Therefore, be strong and of good cheer, for a rich reward has been prepared for you in His Kingdom of heaven...

"...After this the holy Apostles gave Saint John something to eat and said, "Take this; from this time forth you shall require no other food. This will suffice until you surrender your soul into God's hands." Saint John took what they offered him, ate it, and was filled with joy. Then the holy Apostles departed.

"...After several days of travel, the exiles reached Comana. Near the city there was a church dedicated to the holy hiero-martyr Vasiliscos, the Bishop of Comana, who had suffered for Christ in Nicomedia. They passed the night at this church. The following day was the feast of the Elevation of the Precious Cross, and that night, the holy Martyr Vasiliscos appeared to the blessed John and said, "Take heart, brother John; tomorrow we shall be together!'

The holy Martyr also appeared to one of the priests of his church and said, "Prepare a place for our brother John, for he is coming unto us!"

When the dawn came, Saint John begged the soldiers not to depart until the fifth hour of the day, but they refused, for they wished to on their way immediately. As the journey could only be continued by water, they took ship and within a short time sailed over three miles from the city. By God's Providence, however, they soon touched shore again at the church of Saint Vasiliscos, which caused them great perplexity. Saint John again asked them to remain a short time while he prayed in the church. Realizing that it was the power of God that had prevented them from continuing their journey and that it was His unseen hand which had returned them there, the soldiers agreed to Saint John's request. The Saint entered the church, asked for ecclesiastical vestments of a bright color, and changed all his clothing. He gave his garments to those who had been with him on ship, served the Divine Liturgy in the church, and communed of the Most Pure and Life-Giving Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Body and Blood of Christ. After praying for a long time, he gave a final kiss to those present, lay down, and spoke the words he was accustomed to use on every occasion: "Glory be to God for all things!" Then he signed himself with the Cross and uttered his final word: "Amen."

With this, Saint John Chrysostom surrendered his soul into God's hands. He reposed on the very day of the Elevation of the Precious Holy Cross, as was fitting, since he bore the cross throughout the course of his whole life, crucified with Christ and crucifying himself to the world. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

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

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

+Father George

November 13 - Our Holy Father John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople (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 15th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE FEAST OF OUR HOLY FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS, JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE (Part II)

The blessed one was elevated to the Patriarchal throne in the year 398 A.D., on the 26th of February. The Emperor and all his princes and nobles went to receive the blessing of the newly-consecrated Patriarch, who prayed for the ruler and the people, blessing them all. The Saint then gave a most edifying homily, exhorting the Emperor to adhere firmly to the Orthodox Christian faith, to shun heretics, to attend the divine services of the Church frequently, and to govern in a righteous and compassionate manner. "May Your Piety know," he said, "that I shall not fail to reprove and correct you when necessary, even as the Prophet Nathan did not hesitate to upbraid King David for his transgressions."

Saint John likewise admonished all the spiritual and secular authorities and their subordinates to fulfill their duties in an honorable way.

The most holy Patriarch John assumed the administration of the Church and began to shepherd Christ's rational flock. He zealously sought to root out evil habits from among those of every station in life but especially among the clergy, striving to do away with incontinence, envy, injustice, and other unseemly deeds. Everywhere he sowed seeds of chastity, love, justice, and mercy, and with the eloquent tongue exhorted all to repent. He had great concern for the salvation of the souls of men, and this care did not end with the inhabitants of the Imperial City of Constantinople but extended to the surrounding cities and other lands. He sent out tried and God-fearing members of his clergy, holy men, to preach the word of God, to confirm the people in Orthodoxy, to do away with impiety and heresy, and to guide the erring back to the path of salvation.

The Saint also had great compassion for the poor and the sick, and he saw that the hungry were fed, the naked clothed, and orphans and widows cared for at the Church's expense. Many were the hospitals that the blessed one erected, where the ailing and strangers could lay their heads. They were given whatever they needed and had servants and physicians to watch over them. Moreover, two God-fearing priests were appointed to care for their spiritual needs.

Saint John guided the Church diligently, strengthening the good in a spirit of love and chastising the wicked. Because of this, he was loved greatly by the virtuous but hated by the evil. He was especially detested by certain of his clergymen whom he condemned for their wicked deeds and excommunicated.

He was especially quick to denounce with his eloquent tongue that sharp sword of the Word of God, he sins of avarice and greed which were rooted in the hearts of the powerful an wealthy, for the mighty were accustomed to defraud the weak and were ever ready to take the possessions they were censured by their consciences but were hardened, and they could endure to hear Saint John's words, harboring as they did much malice against him. They plotted to do him evil and began to spread false rumors about him. The Empress Evdoxia (Eudoxia) became especially angry with him, because she interpreted all that Saint Chrysostom said in his sermons concerning the avaricious and the unjust as pertaining to her. She assumed that his words were intended to reproach or condemn her alone, as she was consumed with an insatiable passion for wealth and had taken the possessions of many by force. Whenever Saint John spoke of avarice as the root of all evil, threatening with God's judgment those who defrauded others, her conscience condemned her, and the Empress laid plans to remove him from the Patriarchal throne.

The Empress continued to resent the blessed John, and day by day the wrath and malice in her heart against God's righteous and guileless favorite grew greater. A short time after this, the Empress sent her servants to Saint John with a message intended both to flatter and to threaten him. It read: "Cease your opposition to us, and do not interfere in matters of state, for we do not concern ourselves with the affairs of the Church but rather permit you to deal with them according to your own judgment. Cease to denounce me and to present me as an example of an evildoer when you speak in church. Until now, I have regarded you as a father and have accorded you due respect, but know that if you do not correct yourself from this time forth and begin to treat me as you ought, I shall suffer you no longer."

When Saint John heard the Empress' message, he was grieved and sighing deeply, told the servants, "The Empress desires that I should be like a corpse, which sees no evil and neither hears the voices of the wronged, their weeping and sighs, nor says anything to accuse those who sin. But since I am a bishop the care of souls has been entrusted to me, I must watch over all with a never-sleeping eye and hear the petitions of all, instructing and upbraiding those who do not wish to repent...In my sermons I do not denounce the iniquitous, but iniquity. I have not spoken directly concerning anyone in particular, nor have I ridiculed anyone, nor have I made mention of the Empress' name to reproach her...If the Empress is not aware that she has committed some evil or offended someone, why is she angry with me for teaching the people to turn away from all unrighteousness? "...But if she is guilty of the sins which I seek to uproot from the hearts of men by my words of instruction, then let her know that it is not I who condemn her and that I have no desire to besmirch her honor. Her own works serve as her condemnation, bringing upon her soul great dishonor. Let the Empress rage if she so wishes, but I will not cease to speak the truth. It is better for me to please God than man, "for if I yet pleased men, I should not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians, Chapter 1).

After the Saint had said this and much else to the messengers, he dismissed them. They returned to the Empress Evdoxia and told her everything they had heard, but the Empress became still angrier with the blessed John and began to hate him greatly.

The Empress was not alone in her enmity toward the Saint. There were many others who lived in a sinful manner and without repentance who counted themselves the enemies of the blessed one. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

(To be continued)

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

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

+Father George

November 13 - Our Holy Father John Chrystostom, Patriarch of Constantinople (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 13th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS, JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE

Saint John Chrysostom, beacon of the whole world, pillar and confirmation of the Church, and preacher of repentance, was born in the city of Antioch in Syria. His parents were unbelievers and held to the impiety of the Greeks. His father, who was an officer, was named Secundus and his mother Anthusa, and they were persons of wealth and repute.

When John reached the proper age, he was entrusted to the sophist Libanius and the philosopher Andragraphius, who instructed him in the learning of the Greeks. Although but a youth, he surpassed many older men in understanding, for he came to know the One True God, the Creator of All, and to disdain the godless polytheism of the pagans. John was baptized by the Most Holy Patriarch Meltius, who was at that time priest of the church of Antioch. Not long thereafter, it pleased God the most good to illumine John's parents with the holy faith so that they who brought into the world this great luminary might not continue to wander astray in the darkness of unbelief. Secundus departed unto the Lord and a better life soon after receiving Holy Baptism, leaving Anthusa, John's mother, a very young widow. She was little more than twenty years old when her husband died.

When John reached the age of eighteen, he went to Athens, and within a short time surpassed his fellow-students and many of the philosophers there in knowledge. He studied all the teachings and the texts of the schools there and himself became a noted philosopher and eloquent orator.  

John had in Athens a malicious opponent, a philosopher named Anthimius, who was jealous of the high regard in which the Saint was held. Anthimius began to slander the blessed one, but John's wise and divinely inspired words put him to shame before all. Moreover, John led Anthimius and many others to Christ in the following manner. While Anthimius was disputing with John, he began to blaspheme our Lord Jesus Christ. Suddenly an unclean spirit gained power over him and began to torment him. Anthimius fell to the ground, beside himself, his eyes agape and foam seething from his mouth. The onlookers were overcome by fear and many fled. Those who remained begged John to have mercy on the possessed man and to heal him, but John replied, "If he does not repent and believe in Christ God, Whom he blasphemed, he cannot be healed."

Anthimius straightway cried out, "I confess that there is no God either in heaven or on earth other than the God of the Christians, in Whom the wise John believes!"

When he had said this, the unclean spirit came forth, and Anthimius stood upon his own feet, restored to health. All the people who beheld this miracle cried, "Great is the God of the Christians, Who alone works wonders!" (thavmata)

Saint John forbade Anthimius to continue to blaspheme the Son of God and instructed him in the teachings of the True faith. Then he sent him to the Bishop of of the city , who baptized Anthimius, and his entire household. Many other citizens of repute came to believe in Christ as well and were baptized. The Bishop learned that that it was John who had brought about the conversion of so many pagans to Christ, so he wished to ordain him and to keep him in Athens. Moreover, he hoped that John would succeed him on the hierarchal throne, for he was very old, but John learned of this and secretly departed from the city, returning to Antioch. There he resolved to forsake all the vain glory and pride of life, to take up the humble life of a monk, and to labor for God in the Angelic Schema. His intention was encouraged by his close friend, whose name was Basil. This man was also born in Antioch and knew John from childhood. The two shared the same teachers and loved one another greatly, being of one mind and soul. Basil, who became a monk first, advised his companion John to take up the Monastic life, and John heeded his good counsel.

John wished to enter a Monastery immediately and to become a monk but was held back by his mother. Learning of his intention, she pleaded with him, weeping: "My child I did not long enjoy conjugal life with your father, for death, in accordance with God's will, left me a widow and you an orphan. But no sorrow has succeeded in compelling me to marry a second time and to bring another man into your father's house. I have endured the woes and fires of widowhood with God's help because I had the joy of gazing often upon your face which greatly resembles that of your father, I have not squandered your father's wealth in the troubles that have befallen me as a widow, but have preserved it untouched to provide for your needs. Therefore, I beseech you, my child do not force a second widowhood upon me, nor arouse by your departure the sorrow within me which has scarcely abated since the death of your father. Wait until my death, which I expect with each passing day...And thus she persuaded him not to forsake her.

At that time, Zeno the Archbishop of Jerusalem, happened to be in Antioch, and tonsured John a reader. He remained in that rank for three years. Then John's mother died, and after burying her he gave away all his possessions to those who were in need, freeing his servants and bidding farewell to his relatives and friends. He went to a Monastery, where he became a monk and began to labor for the Lord day and night, toiling and struggling greatly. It was there that he wrote the books On the Priesthood, On Contrition of Heart (a most profitable work), and An Epistle to the Fallen Monk Theodore.

John did not cease to toil either for his own salvation or for that of others, laboring fervently himself and arousing others to struggle. The slothful he inspired to strive for heavenly things, to mortify their flesh, and to subject it to the spirit. Moreover, the blessed one worked numerous miracles while living the ascetic life in that Monastery...John remained in the Monastery for four years. Then, desiring a life of silence, he secretly departed into the desert where he found a cave, in which he remained for two years, living only for God.

After this, Saint John fell ill, enfeebled by his indescribable labors. The cold had harmed his legs, and he was no longer able to care for himself because of his infirmity. For this reason he was compelled to leave the wilderness and to return to Antioch. This occurred in accordance with God's Providence for His Church, so that the brilliant lamp would not remain hidden in a desert cave, as though beneath a bushel, but would be placed on the lampstand of the Church to illumine all. Thus John ceased to have his dwelling among wild beasts and began to live amid men and to profit not only himself but others as well.

Upon his arrival in the city of Antioch, the blessed John was received with joy by the Most Holy Patriarch Meletius, who gave him a place to live. A short time thereafter, the Patriarch ordained John to the Deaconate. He remained a Deacon for five years and became the adornment of the Church, both, because of the virtue of his life and on account of the edifying treatises which he wrote at that time.

Upon the death of Saint Meletius he left Antioch and returned to the Monastery where he lived earlier. One night, however, while Flavian occupied the throne of Antioch, an Angel of the Lord appeared to the Patriarch as he stood at prayer. The Angel said, "Go tomorrow to the Monastery where John, the favorite of God, has his dwelling. Bring him back to the city and ordain him presbyter (priest), for he is a chosen vessel and God will turn a multitude of people unto Himself through him."

An Angel also appeared to John at the same time. The Saint was praying in his cell during the night, according to his custom when the Angel came to him and commanded him to return with Flavian to the city and to accept the priesthood. The next day, the Patriarch arrived at the Monastery, and the blessed John and all the monks came out to meet him. They bowed down before him, received his blessing, and then led him to the church with fitting honor.

The next day John was ordained. When the Patriarch placed his hand upon John's head, a shining white dove suddenly appeared, flying above the Saint. Seeing this, the Patriarch Flavian and all those present were amazed and stood there marveling. Word of this miracle spread throughout Antioch, the neighboring cities, and all Syria, and those who heard of it said, "What shall this man become? The glory of the Lord has overshadowed him from the very day of his ordination!"

Once he was made a Presbyter (Priest), John began to care for the salvation of men's souls with still greater zeal. The blessed one often preached without a written text to the faithful in church, causing the people of Antioch to marvel greatly and praise him...Whenever the people learned that Father John was to preach, they hastened with joy to the church.

Once, a woman, who was listening to the Saint speak but could not understand the meaning of what he said, cried out to him, "O spiritual teacher! I would do well to call you John of the golden mouth. The well of your teaching is deep, however, the rope of our minds is short and cannot reach its depths!"

Then many of the people began to say, "God Himself has given you this name through this woman!" And from that time until the present the whole Church has called Saint John by the name "Chrysostomos," which means "golden-mouthed." (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

(To be continued)

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DIVINE SERVICES ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH:

Orthros (Matins) at...............................................9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at .................................................10:00 a.m.

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

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

+Father George

November 9 - Our Holy Father Nektarios of Pentapolis (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 HOLY LIFE OF SAINT NEKTARIOS, METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS (Part III)

The Saint's Life in Athens

Saint Nektarios arrived in Athens in 1889 with the intention of going on to Mount Athos so as to lead the Monastic life, although many were pressing him to stay in Greece, especially the ever-memorable Bishop of Patras; for he knew the righteous man's holy life and his Divinely inspired preaching.

Although the Saint had no money for his daily bread, he would not ask for charity, but continued his evangelic life; living on little and in poverty. He hearkened to the words of the holy Apostle Iakovos (James) who counseled to "Deem it all joy whenever ye fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith worketh out patience" (James 1:2-3).  

Many people were confessing to the Saint and coming to his lectures. Some pious young women approached the Saint, and one of them, Chrysanthe, was blind. The Saint was most impressed with her guilelessness and gifts of the Spirit. It was the women's desire to become nuns. He prayed for them and begged God to help him found a Women's Monastery near Athens. The young women found a place on the island of Aegina, an island not far from Piraeus by ferry boat. There already was an old and deserted Monastery in ruins, dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring. It was a difficult and thorny terrain to navigate, being some six and a half kilometers from where the ferry docked. A certain medical doctor, one Peppas, offered to assist the young women and donate the land. He was also the governor of the island and had long had the pious desire to see the Monastery flourish again.

In the meantime, his health was deteriorating. He was suffering from headaches, malaise, and weakness, because he had taken on extra custodial work; thus, only with difficulty did he carry out his lectures. The school custodian had fallen ill and was taken to the hospital for surgery on his kidneys. His convalescence required two and a half months. Lest he should lose his position, the holy bishop assumed the janitorial duties. At dawn, he would clean toilets and mop the floors. When the janitor returned unexpectedly and found the bishop on his hands and knees, with his rason pulled up, scrubbing the floor, he was shocked and started shaking. The bishop, Saint Nektarios, calmed him, and said, "Worry not, my child, I shall not be taking your job." He then comforted him, and the janitor fell to his knees and kissed the bishop's rason.

Saint Nektarios first visited Aegina in the summer of 1904. The whole island was moved to meet him. The priest also went to greet him. A fifteen-year-old boy, named Spyro, under the influence of an evil spirit was shouting, "The bishop is coming. He is coming to save this place. He shall build a church and start the largest Monastery." The Saint went over to the boy, and lifted up his bishop's staff. He then commanded that the evil and unclean spirit dwelling in the boy should come out. "Spirit of Python," I command you, in the Name of Jesus Christ the crucified, to come out!" The youth stood up and opened his eyes, bowed and kissed the bishop's hand. Saint Nektarios spoke to him kindly. Spyro said he had suffered with convulsions. The Saint said, "No longer shall you be bothered by convulsions." The holy man then admonished him and dismissed him in peace.

When the Saint viewed the aspect of the future Women's Monastery, he was well pleased. However, at 58 years old, he was concerned about the welfare and guidance of these young women who put their trust in him. The Saint committed the matter to God...The Saint returned to Athens and prepared himself with prayer and fasting to visit the new Metropolitan of Athens, Theokletos, whose permission was needed to reopen the old Monastery of Xantos. When friends asked how those women were expected to start a Women's Monastery without money, the Saint remarked, "God shall provide. No true spiritual work is achieved by money or depending on human abilities." The Saint was granted an interview with Metropolitan Theokletos, who not only agreed to the plan, but also offered to help by granting synodical recognition and more novices from Sparta. The holy Nektarios returned to his office and immediately wrote to the young women.

The Saint wrote countless letters, pleading for assistances that the church and Women's Monastery in Aegina might be established. Finally, on the 1st of July, 1906, the groundbreaking ceremony took place. Saint Nektarios dedicated the new Women's Monastery to the Holy Trinity. His father love for the nuns knew no bounds. Every penny went for medicines and the other needs of those young women. At length he tonsured them, and Chrysanthe, the future Gerondisa or Egoumenisa (Abbess), became Mother Xene. Saint Nektarios could not be absent from his duties as Director of the Rizarios School; so in his absence from Aegina, Archimandrite Theodosios served the nuns. On Sundays he would dispatch a priest to serve them. This arrangement would continue until 1908, when, in December, Dean Nektarios submitted his letter of resignation as Director of the Rizarios School.

On the 21st of October, 1907, Saint Nektarios wrote to the nuns in Aegina regarding a vision: "The dream made an impression on me. I was standing at the foot of the reliquary of Saint Nicholas...He spoke to me, saying, 'I shall take thee up high, very high, but thou must make a silver throne for me.' In the past, I participated in having the poor church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo adorned in a grand manner. This, however, was the first time I beheld him in a dream. May the Name of the Lord be blessed."

When Saint Nektarios settled himself in Aegina, he took on many concerns and cares. He exhibited zeal and courage that the work might be accomplished with the help of God. He established the coenobitic system and the typikon according to the Holy Fathers. He set about instructing and guiding them according to the Monastic Canon, that they might glorify God properly. He was unceasingly demonstrating and educating them regarding the sacred forms of the services, and their good order and solemnity. He expounded upon living the angelic life in Christ-like-conduct. As a loving and compassionate father, he sought to cultivate and implant in their souls the fear of God, reverence, and compunction. He also desired to instill them with love for one another and obedience in imitation of Christ. The coenobitic Women's Monastery under the direction of the spiritually-advanced Gerondisa Xene (1904-1923), held all property in common, and all meals were eaten together. The holy Nektarios also led the life of a perfect monk and ascetic, keeping a most frugal diet. He was always possessed of a meek heart, and his ways and manner of life were simple, guileless, and humble. While he dwelt there, the Women's Monastery assembled thirty-three nuns.

The Saint himself served as priest for the Women's Monastery. All kinds of manual labor filled his days. Some of the work was heavy and harsh. Wearing an old cassock (raso) and monk's hood to protect him from the summer sun, he kept busy with cultivation and irrigation of the garden and fields of the Women's Monastery. His asceticism was extreme, as he utterly mortified his flesh and thoughts to the things of the world.

The Saint's Repose in Athens

Metropolitan Nektarios was admitted to an Athens hospital, the Aretaieion. He was brought in by two nuns, one being Mother Ephemia, together with the assistance of his particular friend, Kosta Sakkopoulos, an older man. The hospital personnel were somewhat surprised to observe the humility and simplicity of the former Metropolitan and Dean, for they had presumed that he was a simple elderly monk. When the holy man entered his room, which was for indigent patients, there were four beds, of which two were occupied. The bed next to Metropolitan Nektarios was occupied by a man who was paralyzed from the waist down, having suffered an accident by falling off a cliff while on horseback. Saint Nektarios, then 74 years old, was heard by Mother Ephemia uttering there last words from his lips: "Art Thou speaking to me, O Lord?" The holy man of God then surrendered his soul into the hands of the Lord on the 8th November, 1920, at midnight. A sweet-smelling fragrance thereupon permeated the hospital room. The nurse who prepared the dead came and was preparing the holy body of the Saint with the assistance of the nun. They removed his old woolen undershirt and for the sake of convenience, temporarily laid it upon the paralyzed man's bed. Suddenly, O the wonder! The previously paralyzed man began moving his legs, so that he was able to stand and walk about. He then gave glory to God shouting, "I am cured!" The undershirt had miraculous power!" The sweet scent persisted for days, even though the windows were left open. Today, that room is a chapel. The Saint's holy relics were taken to the Women's Monastery at Aegina and the Women's Monastery. The Saint was interred beside the pine tree that he loved, adjacent to the church.  

The Rizarios School donated the tombstone. The Saint often appeared to the nuns, counseling them. It was necessary to better arrange the Saint's quickly devised grave. He was exhumed after five months and found to be incorrupt, as were the lemon flowers that had been placed in his coffin. The myrrh-like fragrance continued to pour forth from his holy relics. Since many were saying that he was a Saint and that the authorities ought to be notified, Gerondisa (Abbess) Xene counseled that they wait the customary three years. However, after eighteen months the holy relics were again exhumed and found to be both incorrupt and fragrant.  

On the third anniversary of the Saint's repose, his holy relics were exhumed once more and found intact and fragrant. The holy relics of Saint Nektarios remained whole and incorrupt for 20 years, pouring forth an ineffable fragrance that gave perceptible proof of his sanctification and showed that God is wondrous in His Saints.  He appeared as though he were sleeping.

Countless miracles continue to take place through the holy intercessions of the holy hierarch and wonder-worker Saint Nektarios who has much boldness before Christ, to preserve and protect Orthodox Christians form the inroads of heresy, from which, in his lifetime, he strenuously sought to safeguard the faithful. We therefore glorify this true lover of virtue, who appeared in recent times, as a wonder-worker of all kinds of diseases and a deliverer in every situation and a champion for those in need, and beg his intercessions before the Master Christ. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

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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 9 - Our Holy Father Nektarios of Pentapolis (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 9th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE FEAST OF SAINT NEKTARIOS, METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS (Part II)

During the voyage, his ship encountered a storm at sea. The Monk Abimelech, one of the Saint's biographers, describes the plight of the ship. The vessel was ready to sink when the captain shouted for the life-saving equipment to be readied. The young Anastasios wept and prayed to God. Looking heavenward, he implored God not to take his life, for he wished to preach on His behalf. He remembered that his grandmother told him that if the sea were ever rough, to dip the Precious holy relic of the Cross into the waves. He then removed his Cross and tied it to his belt. He then lowered it off the side of the ship and into the waves. After he had uttered three times those words which our Lord pronounced in the Gospel, "Be still! Be silent!" (Mark 4:39), the wind abated, and there was a great calm. All on board were joyous and relieved. Only the young Anastasios was sorrowing for the loss of his grandmother's gift Cross, which had fallen into the deep. Even though the anxiety brought on by the storm was gone, there as some consternation among the crew at a rapping sound below the ship's water line. Neither the captain nor the seaman could ascertain the cause of the sound. Even when they put into port an all began disembarking, the rapping sound in the ship's hold was still audible. The captain gave the command to take a small craft and examine the ship's hull. The crew then discovered Anastasios' Cross adhering to the ship's frame where the knocking occurred. One of the sailors laid hold of the Cross and reported the finding to the captain, who began shouting and waving at the departing Anastasios, "Kephalas, Kephalas! Come back!" With his heart overflowing with jubilation and gratitude, Anastasios received his Cross. This was the same Cross which he wore later with his Monastic garb, even when he was made a bishop.

At the island of Chios, he remained in that teaching position for seven years. He not only was teaching his pupils, but also influenced and persuaded the villagers to pursue piety and virtue, which he was able to show them by his own example. Anastasios was very much inspired by Saint Kosmas the Aitolos, to whom he would often pray.

Being an ardent zealot and supporter of the Monastic life ("the Angelic life"), he often visited the sacred Monastery of the Holy Fathers, where they were discussing the mystical progression of the Monastic life and spiritual philosophy according to Christ. At that time, the distinguished holy Father and founder of that Monastery, the Geronda (Elder) Pachomios, who guided many upon the spiritual path, would engage in these spiritual talks with Anastasios. At length, Anastasios entered the Monastery of Nea Moni.

On the 7th of November, 1876, he was tonsured a monk. He was renamed Lazarus. He stayed at that Monastery, where he undertook the obedience as secretary, at which he labored tirelessly. Then, on the 15th of January, 1877, Father Lazarus was ordained in the Diaconate by Metropolitan Gregory in the Church of Saints Menas, Victor, and Vikentios. It was then that the Metropolitan renamed him Nektarios. He acknowledged that he missed his family, but now Father Nektarios recognized another family in the brotherhood. He loved all the brothers, and they loved him, though he did not demand that they should love him. He never felt he deserved their affection.

While abiding at the Monastery and fulfilling his duties as Deacon, Father Nektarios applied himself continuously to the zealous examination of the Sacred Scripture and the writings of the Holy Fathers.

Metropolitan Gregory invited Father Nektarios to his office. When he entered, he was introduced to John Horemis, a leading citizen of Chios. Previous to this meeting, the Metropolitan had spoken highly of the holy man's intense asceticism, prayer, and theological study. Horemis' interest was engaged, and he wished to make the acquaintance of this lauded monk. Upon meeting Father Nektarios, Horemis asked him how he came to Chios. Father Nektarios told him of his roots in Thrace and how he attempted to board a ship for the capital. He mentioned how the ship's engines stalled. He then spoke of how the ticket taker came while the captain was indisposed, leaving him with no one to vouch for his presence on the ship. "One kind gentleman," he said, "took pity on me and paid my fare." Tears then began welling up in Horemis' eyes. The Metropolitan thought something was wrong and went over to him. "So you were the child," said Horemis. "We have often thought of you and longed to see you again, that is, my nephew and I." Father Nektarios did not fully comprehend Horemis' meaning. Horemis then disclosed that it was his nephew who helped him on the ship. "My nephew told me the whole account, and since then we have been inquiring after you. Thank God we have found you. Now that you have been found, I shall ask his eminence for a blessing that you may leave for Athens and complete your high school education at my expense." Father Nektarios gave glory to God and prepared to leave for Athens. Indeed, our God shall do the will of them that fear Him, and He hears their supplication, and He shall save them (Psalm 144:20).

Father Nektarios boarded a ship that was crossing the Aegean to the port of Athens, Piraeus. Divine Providence was at work here, and the blessed Nektarios knew it. He was exceedingly joyful when he found himself in Athens...Father Nektarios applied himself diligently day and night to his studies. He only knew two paths, the one leading to the school and the one going to church every Sunday and feast day...At length, Father Nektarios received his diploma to the great pleasure of his benefactor. Horemis then recommended that Father Nektarios meet and visit with his personal friend, the Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria. Father Nektarios fell in with his plans and embarked on a steamship for Egypt Alexandria.

The Patriarch conceived an immediate liking for the affable Father Nektarios, even as most did, and took him under his protection; but he advised Father Nektarios to enroll to the university of Athens. He left for Piraeus and then boarded another ship for Chios, that he might receive a leave of absence from his Monastery and study in Athens. The hegumenos (Abbot), Nikephoros, consented to the Patriarch's plan for Father Nektarios, and wrote a letter commending him to the university.

The Saint Returns to Athens1882

Nektarios then left again for Athens, but was saddened upon his arrival when he learned of the death of his benefactor, John Horemis. The moment he learned of his repose, he kept vigil throughout the night for the repose of Horemis' soul. Father Nektarios hesitated to request financial assistance from the Patriarch, so he sat for the dean's examination, which won him a scholarship and a monthly stipend for his expenses. Father Nektarios registered for theological studies in 1882 and finished his studies in 1885, receiving the Licentiate in Theology.

Egypt

He then left Alexandria and was welcomed again by Patriarch Sophronios. On Sunday, the 23rd of March, 1886, he was ordained priest and confessor by the Patriarch, at the Patriarchal Church of Saint Savvas. Five months later he was given the title of Archimandrite at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, by the Metropolitan of Nubia. Shortly thereafter, he received the honor of being appointed preacher and secretary of the Patriarchate. Two months after receiving that post he was appointed a Patriarchal trustee...

"...In January of 1889, Metropolitan Nilos reposed, leaving the see of Pentapolis widowed. Since this was under the jurisdiction of the Alexandrian Patriarchate, on the 15th of January that year, Nektarios was consecrated a bishop. This elevation was completely unexpected by the holy man, with extreme, humility, the holy Nektarios accepted the dignity of the episcopacy...

"...The Saint's good fame flashed forth like lightning in all quarters. His popularity and genuine admiration among the people roused the envy of certain persons in the Alexandrian Patriarchate. Rumors the rose that Metropolitan Nektarios wished to possess the Patriarchal throne, and ambition which never entered his mind. He did not pay heed to the gossip and accusations that he feigned piety in order to attain that office...Although the holy Nektarios discharged all his duties in a godly manner and sincerely showed love and reverence toward the Patriarch, whom he exceedingly honored as his benefactor, the Metropolitan's enemies swayed the Patriarch into thinking that his throne was in danger. As a man, the Patriarch feared and lost confidence; consequently, he compelled the holy Nektarios to leave his position. Metropolitan Nektarios, thus, on the 11th of July 1890, was removed from the Church of Egypt and told to go elsewhere. The Patriarch had written an enigmatic and imprecise letter suspending Metropolitan Nektarios from the throne of Pentapolis, saying that the action was taken "for reasons known to the Alexandrian Patriarchate." "...He was neither defrocked nor suspended from priestly functions, but he was removed from his throne and not given another...

"...The majority of his persecutors, who drove him out, were the hierarchs (bishops) of the Church--many of whom aspired to power and glory. With an upright heart and Christian simplicity, he received sweet consolation in the words of our Savior: "Blessed are they who have been persecuted on account of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of the heavens" (Matthew 5:10); and, "Keep on remembering the word which I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). "...When his absence was discovered, the pious Orthodox Christians wept at the loss of such a good shepherd, for they were devoted to him.  

"...The meek, guileless, and humble holy father, without murmuring of speaking any word of reproof against his persecutors, much rather prayed for them. When he came out of Egypt, he was penniless, since whatever money he had went either to the poor or toward his expenditures for printing religious writings. Indeed, many were making the following remark: "With regard to the Metropolitan of Pentapolis and money, they are opposites." Though he lacked even pocket change to buy bread, he asked no one for assistance and hoped only in Divine intervention. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(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