Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

2 February 2019
The Meeting/Presentation of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ
FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 2

✞ Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter Soson imas! ✞ By the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
Save us!
1. Exirevxato i kardia mou Logon Agathon. Lego ego ta 1. My heart overflows with a Good Word; I tell my works
Erga mou to Vasili. to the King.
2. I glossa mou kalamos grammateos oxigrafou. 2. My tongue is the pen of a scrivener.
3. Oreos kalli para tous vious ton Anthropon, exehithi 3. Thou art more beautiful than the sons of men; Grace
Haris en hilesi Sou. was poured out on Thy Lips.
4. Dia touto evlogise se O Theos is ton eona. 4. Therefore, God has Blessed thee forever
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 2
✞ Soson imas Ie Theou, O EN AGKALES TOU DIKEOU ✞ O Son of God, C A R R I E D IN THE ARMS OF SYMEON
S Y M E O N V A S T A H T H I S , psallontas Si: Allilouia! THE R I G H T E O U S , Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
1. Perizose tin Romfean Sou epi ton miron Sou, dinate, ti 1. Gird Thy Sword upon Thy Thigh, O Mighty One; in Thy
Oreotiti Sou ke to kalli Sou. Splendour and Thy Beauty.
2. Ke entine ke katevodou ke Vasileve eneken Alithias ke 2. And stretch Thou bow; and grant prosperity; and
Praotitos ke Dikeosinis. reign because of Truth, gentleness and
Righteousness.
3. Ta veli Sou ikonimena, dinate Lai ipokato Sou 3. Thine arrows are sharp, O Mighty One, (the people
pessounte. En kardia ton ehthron tou Vasileos. shall fall under Thee), in the heart of the King’s
enemies.
4. O Thronos Sou, O Theo, is ton eona tou eonos; Ravdos 4. Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever; Thy Royal
Evthititos i Ravdos tis Vasilias Sou. Sceptre is a Sceptre of Uprightness.
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION - TONE 1
1. Akouson Thigater, ke ide, ke klinon to ous Sou. 1. Hearken, O Daughter, and consider, and incline thine
ear:
✞Here Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene. Ek Sou gar ✞Hail, O Theotokos Virgin Full of Grace: for from Thee
anetilen O Ilios tis Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, has shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our
Fotizon tous en skoti. Evfrenou ke Si Presvita Dikee, God, granting Light to those in darkness. Be glad also,
dexamenos en agkales ton Eleftherotin ton psihon imon, O Thou Righteous Elder, for Thou hast received in
harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. Thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who bestows
upon us Resurrection.
2. To Prosopon Sou litanefsousin i plousii tou laou. 2. Even the rich among the people shall entreat Thy
Favour
3. Mnisthisome tou Onomatos Sou en pasi genea ke 3. They shall remember Thy Name from generation to
genea. generation.
FESTAL ISODIKON – PRESENTATION/MEETING – TONE 2
Egnorise Kyrios to Sotirion Aftou enantion panton ton The Lord has declared His Salvation; He has revealed His
Ethnon. ✞ Soson imas, Iie Theou, O en Agkales tou Righteousness in the presence of the Nations. ✞ O Son
Dikeou Symeon Vastahthis, psallontas Si: Allilouia! of God, Who was borne in the arms of Symeon the
Righteous, Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1
✞Here, Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene. Ek sou gar ✞Hail, O Lady Full of Grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for
anetilen O Ilios tis Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness has risen
Fotizon tous en skoti. Evfrenou ke Si, presvita dikee, from Thee and He Illumined those in darkness. And
dexamenos en agkales ton Eleftherotin ton psihon imon Thou, O Righteous Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in
harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. (3) Thine Embrace the One Who Liberates our soul and
bestows on us Resurrection. (3)
FESTAL KONTAKION – MEETING/PRESENTATION - ST ROMANOS THE MELODIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou ke hiras tou Thou Who has Sanctified by Thy Birth a Virgin Womb
Symeon Evlogisas, os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas and fittingly Blessed the hands of Symeon, Thou art
imas, Hriste O Theos. All irinefson en polemis to come, O Christ our God, and on this day has Saved us
plitevma ke krateoson Vasilis, ous igapisas, O Monos Grant Peace to Thy Commonwealth in times of Battle,
Filanthropos. and Strengthen the Orthodox People whom Thou has
Loved, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind.

THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – 2 FEBRUARY 2019 1

 INSTEAD OF THE AXION ESTIN HYMN – MEETING/PRESENTATION - TONE 3
Theotoke, i Elpis panton ton Hristianon, Skepe, frouri, O Theotokos, Hope of all Christians, Protect, watch over
filatte tou elpizontas is Se. and guard all those who put their hope in Thee.
En Nomo, Skia ke Grammati tipon katidomen i Pisti. Pan In the shadow and letter of the Law, let us, the Faithful,
arsen to tin Mitran dianigon Agion Theo. Dio discern a figure: every male child who opens the womb
prototokon Logon, Patros anarhou Iion, shall be Sanctified to God. Therefore the Firstborn
Prototokoumenon Mitri apirandro Megalinomen. Word and Son of the Father without beginning - the
Firstborn Child of a Mother who had not known man -
we Magnify
FESTAL MATINS - HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2 : 25 – 32
THE MEETING OF OUR LORD & ST SYMEON
At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Symeon. And that man was Righteous and Devout,
waiting for the Consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it was revealed to him by the Holy
Spirit that he should not see Death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he went by the Holy Spirit into the Temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him
according to the custom of the Law, he took Him up in his arms and Blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now let Thy
servant depart in Peace, according to Thy Word, for my eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which Thou has prepared
before the sight of all people – a Light to Lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy People, Israel.’
✶ THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE is also referred Likewise, THE AGED PROPHETESS, ST HANNAH, HAD WATCHED THE
to as “The Meeting of Christ.” EVER BLESSED VIRGIN GROW UP FROM CHILDHOOD AT THE HOLY
On this day, OUR EVER BLESSED, ALL HOLY LADY, THEOTOKOS, TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM.
FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT LAW BY PRESENTING HER 40 Therefore, WHEN THEY BEHELD HER AND HER RIGHTEOUS
DAY OLD INFANT, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, TO GUARDIAN, ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED, PRESENT THE DIVINE
THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM where He was Presented and INFANT, JESUS CHRIST, AT THE TEMPLE, CARRYING THE
Dedicated to the Lord our God. SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS OF TWO TURTLE-DOVES, THEY WERE
Accordingly, IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH OVERWHELMED WITH GRATITUDE TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND
(THE NEW ISRAEL) MOTHERS PRESENT THEIR 40 DAY OLD REJOICED that at last they were able to behold the
INFANTS TO GOD AT HIS HOLY CHURCH, which is referred to Great Messiah for Whom they and their people had
as “The Churching of the Mother and Infant.” waited for so long!
They are Blessed by the Parish Priest and the mother, ✶ ST SYMEON THE GOD-RECEIVER REPRESENTS ALL MANKIND who
being fully healed, may now continue to attend were “... waiting for the Consolation of Israel...” – the
Church and receive the Holy Eucharist, fulfilment of Psalm 90:16, in which our Lord God
WHEN INFANTS ARE THREE MONTHS OLD THEY RECEIVE THE HOLY promised those who Love Him: “... with length of days
MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION and will also I will satisfy him, and show him My Salvation...”
RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION AND LIVE IN CHRIST FOREVER. ✶ St Symeon “...took (Christ) up in his arms and Blessed
THE OLD COVENANT LAW REQUIRED SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS of an God...” The Festal Hymns of the Meeting/Presentation
unblemished lamb or, if the mother was poor, “... a of Christ compare St Symeon’s joyful reception of
pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” (LEVITICUS Christ to that of St Isaiah, when he received the
12:5 -8) burning coal from the Angel. (ISAIAH 6: 6-7)
✶ At our Divine Saviour’s Presentation, NOT ONLY WERE TWO In both cases a Holy Prophet of God received the Life-
UNBLEMISHED TURTLEDOVES OFFERED, BUT ALSO THE PERFECT giving Fire of the Offering – St Isaiah received the type
LAMB OF GOD, thereby fulfilling the precepts of that while St Symeon the God-receiver received the
ancient Mosaic Law, as well as the prophesy when Fulfilment – our Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnate, Only
Abraham was about to sacrifice his beloved son, Begotten Son of God.
Isaac and he said: “...God will provide the Lamb for a ✶ THE CANTICLE OF ST SYMEON IS CHANTED AT EVERY VESPERS
Whole Burnt Offering.” (GENESIS 22:8) SERVICE: “Nin apoliis ton doulon Sou, Despota, kata to
✶ ST SYMEON WAS ONE OF THE 70 ERUDITE PRIESTLY SCHOLARS Rima Sou en Irini. Oti idon I ofthalmi mou to Sotirion
WHO TRANSLATED THE ORIGINAL HEBREW TEXTS INTO GREEK, Sou...” - “Now let Thy servant, O Master, depart in
which had become the language of the people and Peace, according to Thy Word. For my eyes have
the entire known world. seen Thy Salvation...”
This is known as “THE SEPTUAGINT” which is THE COMPLETE ✶ Since Divine Salvation has been born into the world, “...
HOLY SCRIPTURE OF BOTH THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS. all people...” can embrace Death. (PHILIPPIANS 1:23)
When he came to the prophecy that A VIRGIN WOULD BEAR FOR ALL FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS/DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, DEATH IS NO
THE MESSIAH, he was about to translate it as “a young LONGER FEARED BUT REGARDED AS MERELY A GATEWAY TO
woman.” EVERLASTING PEACE.
✶ ARCHANGEL GABRIEL APPEARED BEFORE HIM AND TOLD HIM THAT ✶ “The Lord’s Christ” is A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE GREAT,
TRULY IT WOULD BE AN ALL PURE VIRGIN WHO WOULD BECOME DIVINE MESSIAH – the Eternal Word and Son of God Who
THE MOTHER OF OUR INCARNATE GOD is Anointed/Ordained by God our Heavenly Father.
However, DUE TO THE DOUBT OF ST SYMEON HE WAS TO REMAIN The title “Christ” refers to THOSE WHO ARE ANOINTED/ORDAINED
ALIVE UNTIL HE BEHELD THAT GREAT MYSTERY HIMSELF. TO SERVE THE LORD OUR GOD thus St Symeon identifies
Thus it was that ST SYMEON NOT ONLY WATCHED AS THE SWEET exactly Whom our Lord Jesus Christ is.
NATURED, MOST HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT VIRGIN MARY GREW UP ✶ BY THE GRACE OF GOD, ST SYMEON IS THE GOD-RECEIVER – the
within the confines of the Great Temple, BUT HE ALSO one to whom our Lord Jesus Christ is presented at the
WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HER BETROTHAL TO HER AGED UNCLE, ST Temple by His All Pure and Holy Mother, our Lady,
JOSEPH THE BETROTHED, AS HER RIGHTEOUS GUARDIAN AND Theotokos, and His Righteous Guardian, St Joseph the
PROTECTOR OF HER CHASTITY, AS SHE HAD VOWED IN ORDER TO Betrothed.
SERVE THE LORD GOD FOREVER.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 3
My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
For He has regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden. For behold: henceforth all generations will call me “Blessed.”
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 7 – 17
TH E RULES OF THE ETERNAL PRIESTLY ORDERS
Brethren: beyond all contradiction the lesser is Blessed by the Better. And here mortal men receive Tithes, but there He
receives them, of Whom it is witnessed that He Lives. Even Levi, who received Tithes, paid Tithes through Abraham.
For he was still in the loins of his Father when Melchizedek met him.
Therefore, if Perfection were through the Levitical Priesthood (for under it the people received the Law), what further
need was there for another Priest to arise according to the Order of Melchizedek, and not be Called according to
the Order of Aaron?
If the Priesthood is changed, of necessity there would also be a change of the Law. For He of Whom these Things are
spoken, belongs to another Tribe, from which no man has officiated at the Altar. For it is evident that our Lord

2. THE MEETING-PRESENTATION OF CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE – 2 FEBRUARY 2018

 arose from Judah, of which Tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning Priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in
the likeness of Melchezedek, there arises another Priest Who has come – not according to the Law of a fleshly
Commandment, but according to the Power of Life Everlasting. For He testifies: “Thou art a Priest forever,
according to the Order of Melchezedek.”
THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WERE ENCOURAGED NOT TO
The Ordination is WITHOUT DIRECT CONFIRMATION
APOSTATISE BY RETURNING TO THEIR JUDAIC – OLD COVENANT FROM GOD.
– WORSHIP because THE FOUNDING FATHER OF CHRIST’S 3. T E R M O F O F F I C E :
ETERNAL HOLY PRIESTHOOD – MELCHIZEDEK – IS SUPERIOR TO
The Levitical Priesthood is tEMPORARY.
THE OLD COVENANT PRIESTHOOD OF LEVI.
Since it is composed of mortal men, IT REQUIRES
✶ “...mortal men receive tithes...” The desire to enter into MANY MEMBERS.
the ministrations of a Priesthood if fulfilled when such 4. M O R A L A N D S P I R I T U A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :
a Liturgical Offering is made.
These are IMPERFECT
Throughout the Old Testament, THE ISRAELITES SHOWED THEIR
for the LEVITICAL PRIESTS ARE ALL CREATED BEINGS WHO
CONTINUING DESIRE FOR GOD’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD BY ARE SUBJECT TO sin.
CONTINUING TO GIVE A TENTH OF ALL THEY RECEIVED.
TITHING DOES NOT ALWAYS CONCERN MONETARY OFFERINGS BUT THE ETERNAL, HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
ALSO PERSONAL TIME AND EFFORT IN THE SERVICE AND MELCHIZEDEK
WORSHIP OF THE LORD OUR GOD.
WE MUST VOLUNTARILY OFFER OUR TIME AND EFFORTS TO THE HOLY 1. G E N E A L O G I C A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :
SERVICE AND WORSHIP OF GOD AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
Melchizedek had NO EARTHLY GENEALOGY, as has
✶ “... another Priest ... according to the Order of Christ by virtue of His Divine Conception and
Melchizedek...” NOT ONLY IS THE FOUNDER OF THE NEW Virgin Birth.
COVENANT PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR to that of the Old
Our Lord Jesus Christ is GOD INCARNATE Who is
Covenant Priesthood, but THE RULES CONCERNING THE IMMORTAL/ETERNAL AND SINLESS.
NEW COVENANT PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ALSO SUPERIOR to those
HIS PERFECT HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM
of the Old Covenant. MANKIND.
PRIESTHOOD IS SO CLOSELY INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT that if 2. O R D I N A T I O N :
the Priesthood is changed to any degree, so is the
THE POWER GRANTED AT ORDINATION IS STRONG AND
Covenant. EFFECTIVE.

The Power of Christ’s Holy Priesthood is PERFECT
THE PRIESTHOOD OF LEVI:
And DRAWS US NEAR TO GOD.

HIS SACRIFICE IS OFFERED ONCE FOR ALL MANKIND AND
1. G E N E A L O G I C A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S : FOREVER.

The Levitical Priesthood is RESTRICTED/LIMITED TO ONE
GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ORDAINS HIS ETERNAL SON,
TRIBE ONLY. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS OUR ONE AND ONLY HIGH

IT CANNOT TRANSFORM MORTAL, CORRUPTED MANKIND PRIEST.
because it consists of mere mortal men. 3. T E R M O F O F F I C E :
2. O R D I N A T I O N :
Our Lord Jesus Christ is Eternal and Immortal so

THE POWER GRANTED TO PRIESTS AS THEIR ORDINATION IS the Holy Priesthood of Melchizedek requires
INCOMPLETE. ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.

The Levitical Priesthood is WEAK, its SACRIFICES HAVE 4. M O R A L A N D S P I R I T U A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S :
TO BE REPEATED AGAIN AND AGain.
The requirement of PERFECT HOLINESS is met in our

IT CANNOT PERFECT THE WORSHIPPERS – MANKIND. Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

NOR CAN IT RECONCILE US TO GOD NOR GRANT US THE
He is THE ONLY SINLESS One.
INNER POWER TO OBEY.
He is FAR MORE THAN MERE MAN – He is THE ETERNAL,
ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2:22-40
OUR LORD JESUS C HRIST ’S D EDICATION TO GOD AT THE TEMP LE
At that time, when the days of her Purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they took Jesus to
Jerusalem to Present Him to the Lord, (as it is written in the Law of the Lord; ‘Every male who opens the womb shall
be called Holy to the Lord’), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is written in the Law of the Lord: ‘A pair of
turtledoves or two young pigeons.’
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Symeon, and this man was Just and Devout, waiting for
the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that
he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he went, by the Spirit, into the Temple.
And when the Parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the Custom of the Law, he took Him up in
his arms and Blessed God and said: “Now Thou art letting Thy servant O Master, depart in Peace, according to Thy
Word; for my eyes have seen Thy Salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples - a Light to
bring Revelation to the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy People, Israel.”
And Joseph and the Mother of Jesus marvelled at those things that were spoken of Him.
And Symeon Blessed them, and said to Mary, His Mother: “Behold! This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many
in Israel, and for a Sign, which will be spoken against, (yes, a sword will pierce through Thine own soul also!), so
that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
And Anna - a Prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Asher - who was of a great age, and who had lived
with a husband seven years from her virginity; and who was a widow of about eighty-four years, and who did not
leave the Temple, but served God with Fastings and Prayers night and day. And entering in that instant, she gave
Thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for Redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had
performed all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
And the Child grew and became Strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom; and the Grace of God was upon Him.
✶ AS SOON AS SHE HAD COMPLETED THE REQUIRED CLEANSING Ever Blessed Virgin Mother, WERE AWED BY WHAT THEY
RITES OF THE OLD COVENANT THAT ALL WOMEN WHO HAD HEARD CONCERNING THE DIVINE INFANT.
GIVEN BIRTH WERE TO FULFIL, THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN AND ✶ OUR LORD JESUS IS INDEED THE DIVINE LIGHT THAT GRANTS US
THE INFANT CHRIST WERE ESCORTED TO THE GREAT TEMPLE IN HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND REVELATION – “THE GLORY OF THY
JERUSALEM BY THEIR RIGHTEOUS GUARDIAN TO DEDICATE HIM PEOPLE ISRAEL...”
TO GOD, BEING HER FIRSTBORN AND ONLY CHILD. ✶ “... the fall and rising of many...” THE FIRST AND SECOND
✶✶✶ K I N D L Y R E F E R T O T H E P R E V I O U S N O T E S  APPEARANCE OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, HIS DIVINE TRUTH, HOLY
✶ “...Joseph and His Mother marvelled...” BEING NATURALLY GOSPEL, TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS HAVE CERTAINLY
HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT TO THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD, both St HAD AN ENORMOUS, LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT ON ALL MANKIND
Joseph the Betrothed, the Holy Guardian and THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO
Protector of Theotokos and Christ, and His All Pure, UNTIL AND INTO ETERNITY!

THE MEETING-PRESENTATION OF CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE – 2 FEBRUARY 2018 3.

His Second Appearance will concern the reckoning of all
Creation and in particular of all mankind – whether
we believe or not!
FOR THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IT WILL
BE A RESURRECTION TO ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY
KINGDOM OF LOVE, but, tragically, for those who refuse
to accept Him as our Divine Saviour, it will be their
Eternal Judgement and Condemnation. (JOHN 5:29)
✶ “... a Sword...” that would pierce the very heart of our
Lady, Theotokos, is a reference to INDESCRIBABLE
ANGUISH AND HEARTACHE THAT SHE WOULD EXPERIENCE WHILE
WITNESSING HER BELOVED LORD AND SON’S PASSION – His
unjust betrayal, trial, torture and execution by
crucifixion, like the worst criminal.
Her very soul would be pierced by agonising grief.
✶ “... all those who looked for Redemption...” refers to
EVERY ONE OF US WHO ARE CALLED BY GOD to proclaim the
THE WISDOM OF OBEDIENCE
The various Books of the Elders - ancient and modern -
take us into the world of the Monastic State.
There the genuine Way of our Christian/Gospel Life
continues, as does the human reality of blunders
and failures, which are overcome through
Asceticism.
One very important and substantial Mode of Asceticism
is Obedience.
Obedience, together with Humility, Chastity - of body
and soul - and Poverty - freedom from material
bonds - are the essential Holy Virtues that every
Monastic is called upon to attain if we are to be true
to our Vocation of being dedicated to God.
Obedience is not a feature only of Monastic Life, but
also applies to all of us who want to Live in Christ
according to His Holy Gospel and as Faithful
Disciples of Christ our Lord and God, Who, Himself
was Obedient to God our Heavenly Father unto
death.
All Christians are Called to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ,
as far as we are able and depending on the depth
of our desire to be United with Him.
Although some may believe that it is impossible and
merely theoretical for us who live in the world with
its manifold and various cares and problems to
achieve - to apply it to our daily lives – there are a
couple of examples from our daily life, which will
demonstrate how wise it is to practise Obedience by
“...cutting off our will...” and allowing others to
have their way
1. It is natural that there should be disagreement on a
certain matters between a married couple,
because each spouse might regard them from a
different angle and if they stubbornly refuse to
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
Consider the following Ten Points for a better Orthodox
Way of Life, that will nourish your soul and bring you
closer to God and Eternal Life in His Kingdom.
1. Pray Daily: Have a regular Rule of Prayer that includes
Morning and Evening Prayers.
2. Worship and Participate in the essential Holy Mysteries:
Attend Holy Services and the Divine Liturgy as often as
possible and receive Holy Communion regularly, as
well as constantly Repenting-Confessing your sins.
3. Honour the Liturgical Cycle: Follow the Seasons of our
Holy Church and participate fully in the Fasts and
Feasts as required of us.
4. The Prayer of the Heart or “the Jesus Prayer”: Repeat
this most powerful Prayer as often as possible,
throughout every day and night.
ST PETER OF DAMASCUS
No one, except ourselves, is the cause of Perdition!
Our Lord God is the Cause of Salvation.
He gave us Life and Bliss, Knowledge and Power and
Himself.
Not even the devil can bring us to Perdition against our
will - all he can do is put the recollection of
wickedness in our mind.
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
When our intellect begins to be close to God on a regular basis, we not only forgets where we live, we even forget the
dwelling place of our soul - the flesh of clay.
4. THE MEETING-PRESENTATION
Divine Redemption of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ.
WOMEN WERE THE FIRST TO PROCLAIM HIS DIVINE REDEMPTION
AND HIS RESURRECTION.
✶ The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ “... grew and
became strong in spirit...” DOES NOT IMPLY THAT HE WAS
IN ANY MANNER LACKING HIS DIVINE PERFECTION AT ANY TIME.
Instead, it indicates that BY EMPTYING HIMSELF OF HIS INFINITE
AND POWERFUL DIVINITY IN ORDER TO ASSUME OUR WEAK
HUMAN NATURE, HE FREELY SUBJECTED HIMSELF to all our
human development and expression from His Birth
until His Death upon the Cross.
Our Lord Jesus Christ “... increased in Wisdom and
stature, and in Favour with God and mankind...”
means that HE GREW TO ADULTHOOD IN GOOD PHYSICAL AND
SPIRITUAL HEALTH, and had very pleasant Relationships
with our Heavenly Father as well as with mankind
compromise, their wills will clash and they will
quarrel. Therefore, it is far better for their
relationship if one of them submits to the other in
order to make living together easier.
2. If two friends want to do something together, but
disagree about what, where or how, unless they
compromise for the sake of their friendship, their
relationship might be spoilt over such small
matters.
Each of us has experienced many similar examples
from everyday life, which demonstrate how
important Humility and Obedience is to our
harmonious relationship with each other.
Obedience is vital to surgical procedures, education,
business enterprises, and especially in our Holy
Services and Spiritual Life and Worship.
(Without voluntary Obedience, everything would be chaotic
and utterly discordant and hostile!)
So many personal clashes, unhappiness, divorces,
separations and utter turmoil could be avoided if
only we would understand that the Holy Virtue of
Obedience is indeed True Freedom from selfishness
and egotism - True Wisdom and knowledge of our
real Life!
Although Obedience is fundamentally sacrificial, since
it includes our Lord’s Divine Commandment: “...Let
them deny themselves...” it differs from discipline
because it is a voluntary, wilful act.
This is why Obedience is such great Freedom - such Joy.
In any case, everything beautiful is characterized by
pain, which is followed by the Dynamic and
Powerful Grace of our Great and Loving God.
http://pemptousia.com/2018/12/the-wisdom-of-obedience
5. Slow down and prioritise your Commitments: Set
priorities and reduce the anxiety and friction caused
by a stressful life.
6. Be Ever Watchful: Pay full attention to what you think,
say and do throughout the day.
7. Control and eradicate your Passions: Overcome your
habits, your attachments or obsessions, and strive to
acquire and to practise the Holy Virtues.
8. Put the needs of others before your own: Free yourself
from arrogance and selfishness by experiencing the
Joy of helping others.
9. Spiritual Fellowship: Spend time regularly with other
Orthodox Christians for support and inspiration.
10. Read Holy Scripture and the Writings of our Holy
Church Fathers.
But it is we, by our own will and volition, who decide to do
evil.
Our Good Lord God does not try to prevent us by force, so
that we do not disobey Him and become liable to an
even greater Punishment. Nor does He take away our
free will, which He did well to grant us.
Consequently, Salvation or Perdition is in our own hands!
OF CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE – 2 FEBRUARY 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 3 3 February 2019

36 Sunday After Pentecost – After the Meeting/Presentation
th

Synaxis of St Symeon the God-Receiver & St Hannah the Prophetess

Also the Feast of St John, St Nicholas & St Stamatios, New Martyrs of Spetsos – St Roman of
Uglich – St Azariah the Holy Prophet of God – St Papias, St Claudianos, & St Diodoros of
Perge, Pamphylia - St Adrianos, St Eubulos & St Blaise of Caesarea, Cappadocia – St
Symeon, Bishop of Polotsk & Tver – St Jacob, Archbishop of Serbia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL - MARK 16 : 9 – 20

OUR RESURRECTED LORD APPEARS TO HIS APOSTLES & DISCIPLES BEFORE ASCENDING INTO HEAVEN

FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 2

✞ Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter Soson imas! ✞ By the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
Save us!
5. Exirevxato i kardia mou Logon Agathon. Lego ego ta 5. My heart overflows with a Good Word; I tell my works
Erga mou to Vasili. to the King.
6. I glossa mou kalamos grammateos oxigrafou. 6. My tongue is the pen of a scrivener.
7. Oreos kalli para tous vious ton Anthropon, exehithi 7. Thou art more beautiful than the sons of men; Grace
Haris en hilesi Sou. was poured out on Thy Lips.
8. Dia touto evlogise se O Theos is ton eona. 8. Therefore, God has Blessed thee forever
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 2
✞ Soson imas Ie Theou, O EN AGKALES TOU DIKEOU ✞ O Son of God, C A R R I E D IN THE ARMS OF SYMEON
S Y M E O N V A S T A H T H I S , psallontas Si: Allilouia! THE R I G H T E O U S , Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
5. Perizose tin Romfean Sou epi ton miron Sou, dinate, ti
Oreotiti Sou ke to kalli Sou. 5. Gird Thy Sword upon Thy Thigh, O Mighty One; in Thy
6. Ke entine ke katevodou ke Vasileve eneken Alithias ke Splendour and Thy Beauty.
Praotitos ke Dikeosinis. 6. And stretch Thou bow; and grant prosperity; and
reign because of Truth, gentleness and
Righteousness.
7. Ta veli Sou ikonimena, dinate Lai ipokato Sou 7. Thine arrows are sharp, O Mighty One, (the people
pessounte. En kardia ton ehthron tou Vasileos. shall fall under Thee), in the heart of the King’s
enemies.
8. O Thronos Sou, O Theo, is ton eona tou eonos; Ravdos 8. Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever; Thy Royal
Evthititos i Ravdos tis Vasilias Sou. Sceptre is a Sceptre of Uprightness.
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION - TONE 1
4.Akouson Thigater, ke ide, ke klinon to ous Sou. 1. Hearken, O Daughter, and consider, and incline thine
✞Here Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene. Ek Sou gar ear:
anetilen O Ilios tis Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, ✞Hail, O Theotokos Virgin Full of Grace: for from Thee
Fotizon tous en skoti. Evfrenou ke Si Presvita Dikee, has shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our
dexamenos en agkales ton Eleftherotin ton psihon God, granting Light to those in darkness. Be glad
imon, harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. also, O Thou Righteous Elder, for Thou hast received
in Thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who
bestows upon us Resurrection.
5. To Prosopon Sou litanefsousin i plousii tou laou. 2. Even the rich among the people shall entreat Thy Favour
6.
7. Mnisthisome tou Onomatos Sou en pasi genea ke 3. They shall remember Thy Name from generation to
genea. generation.
HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 3

Evfrenestho ta Ourania, agaliastho ta epigia, oti epiise
Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to Thanato
ton Thanaton.Prototokos ton nekron egeneto. Ek kilias
Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to kosmo to Mega Eleos.
SEASONAL KONTAKION -
Here, Keharitomeni, Theotoke Parthene! Ek Sou gar
anetilen O Ilios tis dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon,
Fotizon tous en skoti. Eufrenou ke Si Presvita Dikee,
dexamenos en agkales ton elftherotin ton psihon imon,
Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the
Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has
trampled down Death by Death; He has become the
First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He
has delivered us, and to the world He has granted
Great Mercy.
THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS – TONE 1
Hail, O Full of Grace, O Virgin Theotokos! For Christ our
God, the Sun of Righteousness has risen from Thee and
He Illumined those in Darkness. And Thou, O
Righteous Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in Thine

36 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 16 T H
ST MATTHEW – THE TALENTS – 3 FEBRUARY 2019 5
 harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. embrace the One Who Liberates our soul and bestows
on us Resurrection.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 46/47 – TONE 3
Sing Praises to God! Sing Praises! Sing Praises to our King! Sing Praises!
All you Nations: clap your hands! Shout to God with voice of Rejoicing!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 6 : 1 – 10
THE MARKS OF APOSTLESHIP
Brethren: we, then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the Grace of God in vain. He said:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the Day of Salvation I have helped you.” Behold! Now is ‘...the
acceptable time!’ Behold! Now is ‘...the Day of Salvation!’
We give no offence in anything - that our Ministry may not be blamed.
In all things we commend ourselves as Ministers of God: in much Patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in
stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in Fastings, by Purity, by Knowledge, by
Longsuffering, by Kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere Love, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God, by the
Armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and Good
Report; as deceivers, and yet True; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we Live; as chastened,
and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always Rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet
possessing all things.
✶ ST PAUL DESCRIBES AN AUTHENTIC HOLY APOSTLE OF CHRIST OUR FAITHFULLY FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND OBEY THE
LORD. DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER to the best of our
✶ HIS LIFE IN CHRIST CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE MYSTERIOUS ability and knowledge.
PARADOX OF GOD’S DIVINE GRACE AND STRENGTH WORKING IN ✶ “... I have heard you... I have helped you...” – OUR
OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS – by the Renunciation of the fallen LOVING AND GRACIOUS LORD KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED
world in order to master and guide it along the in order to make good Spiritual Progress, even before
Righteous Path to Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly we beseech His Help.
Kingdom of Love (Agape.) HE HAS PROVIDED EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR OUR SPIRITUAL
✶ “The Day of Salvation” IS RIGHT NOW! WELFARE AND ETERNAL SALVATION BUT IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO US
WE CANNOT – INDEED, MUST NOT – PROCRASTINATE by putting off TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES that keep us on His Path of
our Sacred Duties and Commitments for “later,” Righteousness.
because none of us knows when we will depart from GOD NEVER FORCES US TO DO HIS WILL for WE MUST DO SO BY
this temporary lifespan. BEING COMPELLED BY OUR LOVE OF GOD AND EACH OTHER.
Therefore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ALL OUR HOLY FATHERS ✶ “...we give no offence...” means that AS FAITHFUL
URGE US TO REPENT AND CONFESS OUR SINS NOW SO THAT WE DISCIPLES, WE MUST TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO OFFEND NOR
CAN COMMIT OURSELVES TO OUR SACRED TASKS THAT NOT HURT OTHERS, WHO MIGHT DENIGRATE NOT ONLY US, BUT ALSO
ONLY BENEFIT US IN ETERNITY BUT ALSO BENEFIT AND OUR HOLY ORTHODOX FAITH AND CHRIST’S DIVINE MISSION.
STRENGTHEN US NOW WHILE WE ARE ENGAGED IN THIS CURRENT EACH OF US – NOT ONLY OUR BISHOPS AND PRIESTS – MUST SET
SPIRITUAL WARFARE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE. GOOD EXAMPLES for others to imitate and TO GLORIFY GOD
THE BEGINNING OF OUR ETERNAL SALVATION IS ALWAYS AT THIS IN WHOSE IMAGE AND LIKENESS WE WERE ALL CREATED.
PRESENT MOMENT, in this short, preparatory period No matter what our circumstances, we must always be
before the Reappearance of our Lord and Saviour, Steadfast in our Christian Faith – striving to imitate our
Jesus Christ, in His Incarnate, Glorious Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ in all situations – both good and
State. bad.
✶ This particular passage of St Paul’s Second Epistle to the ✶ “... always Rejoicing..” – WHEN WE ARE BLESSED WITH A
Corinthians is READ ON THE FEAST DAYS THAT CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD GOD, WE CERTAINLY ARE
COMMEMORATE OUR FEMALE SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS. IN A BLISSFUL STATE OF DIVINE GRACE THAT IS INCOMPARABLE
✶ “... as workers (Labourers) together with Him...” - BEING TO ANY OTHER HUMAN EMOTION OR EXPERIENCE!
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST CO-OPERATE WITH ✶ “... Enriching many...” by OUR LOVE OF GOD AND EACH
OUR LORD GOD BY FULFILLING ALL OUR SACRED TASKS THAT OTHER, which POSITIVELY AFFECTS EVERYONE AROUND US.
ARE REQUIRED OF US AND ESSENTIAL TO OUR ETERNAL LIFE. ✶ “... having nothing... yet possessing all things!” LIFE IN
✶ “... not to receive the Grace of God in vain...” means CHRIST IS OUR GREATEST SPIRITUAL HERITAGE which is far
that we must ALWAYS KEEP OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND beyond any price. IT IS EVERLASTING TREASURE THAT
CHRISMATION IN MIND, DOING WHATEVER IS REQUIRED OF US TO CANNOT BE TAKEN FROM US AND NEVER DISAPPOINTS US.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 25 : 14 – 30
TH E TALENTS
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: “A man going on a Journey, called His servants and entrusted to
them His Property. And to one He gave five Talents, to another, two, to another one – to each according to his
ability. And He went away.
“He who had received five Talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five Talents more. So also he
who had two Talents – he made two Talents more. But he who had received one Talent dug in the ground, and
hid his Master’s talents.
“After a long time, the Master of those servants came to settle accounts with them. And he who had received five
Talents went forward, bringing five Talents more, saying: ‘Master, Thou granted me five Talents. Behold, I have
made five Talents more.’ His Master said to him: ‘Well done, Good and Faithful servant! Thou hast been Faithful
over a little. I will set Thee over much. Enter into the Joy of Thy Master.’
“He who had received two Talents also went forward, saying: ‘Master, Thou granted me two Talents. Behold, I have
made two more.’ His Master said to him: ‘Well done, Good and Faithful servant! Thou hast been Faithful over a
little. I will set Thee over much. Enter into the Joy of Thy Master.’
“He who had received one Talent also went forward, saying: ‘Master, I knew Thee to be a hard Man, reaping where
Thou did not sow, and gathering where Thou did not winnow, and being afraid, I hid Thy Talent in the ground.
Here, Thou hast what is Thine.’
“His Master answered him: ‘Wicked and slothful servant! Thou know that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather
where I have not winnowed! Thou ought to have invested My silver with bankers, and at My Coming, I should
have received what was Mine – with interest!
“Take the Talent from him, and give it to him who hast the ten Talents, for to every one who has, will more be given,
and he will have abundance.
“From him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And the worthless servant will be cast into the Outer
Darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!”
As He said these things, He cried out: “He who has ears to hear – let him hear!”

6 36 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 16 T H
ST MATTHEW – THE TALENTS – 3 FEBRUARY 2019
 ✶ This Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ illustrates THE USE
OF THE GIFTS THAT ARE SO FREELY AND GENEROUSLY
GRANTED TO US BY THE LORD OUR GOD.
Even one Talent was a great sum of money – which
symbolises THE INFINITE GOODNESS THAT GOD HAS
BESTOWED ON ALL HIS HUMAN BEINGS.
THE AMOUNT OF DIVINE GIFTS GRANTED TO EVERY PERSON IS
BASED ON OUR ABILITIES.
 R O M A N S 1 2 : 4 – 7 – “... God has dealt to each
one a measure of Faith, for as we have many
members in one body, but ALL THE MEMBERS DO NOT
HAVE THE SAME FUNCTION, so we – being many – are
one Body in Christ, and individually members of
one another. Having then Gifts differing
according to the Grace that is granted to us, let
us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in
proportion to our Faith; or Ministry, let us use it
in our ministering; he who teaches, in
teaching...”
ALMIGHTY GOD DOES NOT SHOW ANY PARTIALITY IN THE
ULTIMATE REWARD, for we have all been invited to
share the same Infinite, Holy Joy.
✶ THE WICKED, LAZY SERVANT COULD NOT EVADE HIS
RESPONSIBILITY by ignoring his God-given Talent
because IDLENESS, SLOTH OR LAZINESS IS AS MUCH A
REJECTION OF GOD AS BEING OUTRIGHT, WILFULLY
WICKED OR EVIL!
BURYING THE TALENT in the ground SYMBOLISES USING OUR
GOD-GIVEN GIFTS FOR EARTHLY, SELFISH PURSUITS INSTEAD
36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTERFEAST OF THE MEETING/PRESENTATION - 16TH SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – THE TALENTS
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Beloved Brethren in Christ:
When the stock market goes up or down, almost everyone
hears about it and many pay attention- especially
those who have money invested!
The reason for their interest is clear: their wealth either
increases or decreases, and their only concern is that
it will bring them great material profits.
Today’s Holy Gospel Lesson presents a similar situation,
for three servants received large sums of money -
called ‘Talents’ - from their Master before he set off on
a long journey.
Being a ‘wise businessman’ their Master expected his
servants to make the most of what he had entrusted to
them.
One servant invested his Talents so wisely that his five
Talents increased to ten, and the other servant who
had received two Talents, did the same and earned
two more Talents.
They both doubled their Talents and eventually earned
the praise of their Master when he returned.
However, the third servant, who had received only one
Talent to invest, was not such a good Steward.
Being afraid of losing that one Talent, he buried it the in
the ground and produced nothing at all.
The Master scolded him severely for not even banking
the money so as to earn interest on it.
Therefore, the Master took away the lazy servant’s one
Talent and gave it to the first servant.
At the end of His Parable, our Lord Jesus Christ cautioned
us that “...to everyone who has, more will be given
and he will have abundance, but from him who
does not have, even what he has will be taken
away.”
Our Divine Saviour used the analogy of investments to
remind us HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE A “A PRODUCTIVE
STEWARD” (OR CARETAKER) OF ALL THE ABUNDANT BLESSINGS
THAT GOD HAS GRANTED US.
Our life, all our Blessings and our abilities come from our
Benevolent, Loving and Providential Lord.
Because He created us in His Image and Likeness, He has
Called us to invest ourselves in ways that enable us to
flourish as His adopted Children.
He invites us to an Abundant Life that bears Fruit for His
Heavenly Kingdom, that Blesses others, and that
radiates the Light of Holiness throughout the world,
although many might think that it is impossible for us.
We are so consumed by the practical challenges of just
making it through the day that we find it difficult to
36 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 16 T H
ST MATTHEW – THE TALENTS – 3 FEBRUARY 2019
OF FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY ARE INTENDED – our
Spiritual Benefit, Growth and Welfare - and of others
whom we help, guide and teach by our own
example.
✶ ‘...The Bankers...’ represent OTHER FAITHFUL PEOPLE TO
WHOM THE MAN COULD HAVE TURNED TO HELP HIM
make the best use of his Talent – who could have
guided and taught him to use it well and wisely
– TO HIS FULL ADVANTAGE AND BENEFIT.
SINCE HELP, GUIDANCE AND WISDOM IS AVAILABLE TO US WITHIN
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST, WE HAVE NO EXCUSE AT ALL
FOR WASTING OUR GOD-GIVEN TALENTS!
ONLY TO THOSE WHO MAKE GOOD USE OF THESE DIVINE TALENTS,
WILL OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST SAY ON THAT FINAL
JUDGEMENT DAY: ‘Well done, Good and Faithful
servant! Thou hast been Faithful over a little. I
will set Thee over much. Enter into the Joy of Thy
Master.’
However, our Lord tells us – without any doubt
whatsoever – that ALL HIS ‘...WORTHLESS SERVANTS...’ “...
will be cast into the Outer Darkness. There
will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!”
✶ And, finally, HE GRAVELY URGES US ALL : “He who has
ears to hear – let him hear!”
In other words, we must PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO HIS
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS, for IF WE CHOOSE TO
IGNORE OR REJECT THEM, THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES WILL
BE IRREFUTABLE SPIRITUAL DEATH AND EXILE that can
never be changed!!
imagine that our Struggles could have any larger
significance.
Perhaps we think that only rich, powerful, and famous
people can influence and affect the world in
meaningful ways - and that Holiness is only possible
for those who have no problems to resolve and have
never done anything wrong.
Our previous efforts to grow in faithfulness might have
been somehow disappointing or frustrating, so we
have given up.
Many of us might identify or sympathise with the
“...wicked and slothful servant...” who had so little
confidence in bearing Fruit that he simply buried his
one Talent in the ground.
That might seem like a practical response, but it is
actually the opposite for it leads to nothing but
weakness and loss.
Just as those who are unable to move physically for long
periods of time quickly lose their muscle mass and
strength, any ability, Talent, or Gift that we have
received from God, will become weaker and useless
unless we make good use of it.
‘Playing it safe’ by becoming stagnant and unproductive
never works, for nothing ever stays exactly the same
over time.
So when we do not make good use of our Gifts and
Talents in order to bear Fruit – no matter what
circumstances confront us - we will end up being
worse off than when we started.
St Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians which was read to us
today, applies personally to each and every one of us
- regardless of whether we have one or ten Talents -
regardless of whether or not our present situation is
conducive to becoming a great channel of Blessings.
As St Paul exhorted us: “Behold, now is the acceptable
time! Behold, now is the Day of Salvation!”
If we choose to become “...Good and Faithful...”
Stewards, we have to begin immediately – NOW! – to
courageously undertake our Spiritual Struggles and
fulfil our Sacred Tasks, no matter what our
circumstance are at present!
We cannot wait until all is perfect nor convenient for us!
We cannot wait until we have time, energy, or resources
to spare, for then we will fall prey to a dangerous
illusion, for this short lifespan will never be without
any challenges!
Cowardly and lazy servants always have excuses for
being afraid and burying their Talents in the ground
- remaining unproductive and Spiritually Stagnant!
The lazier and more self-indulgent we become, the
harder it will be to invest ourselves in ways that bear
7.
 abundant Spiritual Fruit for the Eternal, Heavenly
Kingdom.
Excuses are nothing but lies and delusions that try to
justify our voluntary failures.
St Paul endured innumerable beatings, imprisonment,
attempts on his life, shipwreck, and so many other
difficulties before he was Perfected as a Holy Martyr.
He did not wait until his circumstances were favourable,
peaceful or convenient before serving our Lord God
and Blessing others with his God-granted Knowledge
and Wisdom.
St Paul described the lifestyle of the Holy Apostles “...as
dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not
killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor,
yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet
possessing everything.”
We cannot yet perceive, but our Path is ultimately the
same as St Paul’s had been.
No matter how sad, sick, frustrated, or deprived we may
be, our Lord Calls us to invest ourselves in Holiness for
the Blessing and Salvation of the world.
Most of us will not do that on as large or obvious a scale
as St Paul, but that is irrelevant.
The “...wicked and slothful servant...” had also been
Called to Faithfully serve his Master with what little he
had received, exactly like the other two “...Good and
Faithful..” servants who invested their efforts wisely.
Whether we like it or not, each of us has been granted a
specific lifespan in this temporary world by our Lord
God, so we cannot become someone else nor change
anything about our past.
However, we can Repent our sins and become “...Good
and Faithful...” Stewards from this moment onwards,
when we Restore and Perfect our created identity as
those who are Blessed by God and Called to become
a Blessing to others as a Sign of His Love, Mercy, and
Holiness.
No matter how much or how little money we have, the
basic principles of budgeting and planning for the
future are the same.
That is also true of our Life in Christ.
Regardless of the details, we can all invest ourselves for
the Abundant Life of the Kingdom through common
and familiar practises, such as: Prayer; Fasting;
generosity to the needy - Almsgiving; Repentance;
Forgiveness; reading, studying and contemplating
Holy Scripture, the Lives of the Saints, and other
Spiritually Beneficial Writings; and doing whatever we
are able to do in the Service of the Holy Church of
Christ and our neighbours.
We do not have to be extremely wealthy in order to
acquire a Life of Abundant Blessings, or to be able to
Bless others in a variety of profound ways.
We do not have to be ‘Spiritual Superheroes’ in order be
Faithful Stewards of our God-granted Talents and to
implement our specific Role in fulfilling God’s Purpose
for the world.
We simply have to offer what only we can offer to our
Lord in Humility and Obedience, while letting Him do
the rest.
Nobody else can choose to save or invest our money for
we must make those choices and decisions ourselves.
. Nobody else can become a Faithful Steward of our Life
in Christ with all its Abundant Blessings and Joy – only
we can decide or choose to do so.
The choice that confronts us is whether or not to cower in
fear of failure and bury our Talents in the ground,
thereby weakening ourselves, and refusing to do
what only we can for the Healing and Transformation
of the world.
On the contrary, we can decide to make a solid
investment of our Talents, no matter how large or
small they may be, and subsequently increase our
Abundant Life for which God created us in His Image
and Likeness.
Unlike worldly financial matters, there is no difference
between those who have a lot in this world and those
who very little or nothing at all.
The only difference is whether or not we will offer
ourselves with sincere Humility and Obedience to our
Lord like our humble offering of the bread and wine
of the Holy Eucharist.
If we make the right choice, then we will receive in
return, infinitely more than what we offered in the first
place.
Consequently, our life in this world - regardless of the
outward details - will become a Living Icon of the
Heavenly Kingdom, producing Fruit “...thirty, sixty,
and a hundredfold.” (MARK 4:8)
Now what shrewd investor would not want that rate of
return?
Amen
F ATHER P HI LIP L E M ASTE RS
O RTHODOX P RIEST & P ROFE SSOR OF C HRISTIAN T HEOLOGY AND E THICS
HTTPS :// BLOGS . ANCIENTFAITH . C OM / EASTERNCHRISTIANINSIGHTS

THE ETERNAL INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS

ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
We look to Heaven for Joy and Happiness. We look for
the Eternal – far from everyone and everything. We
look to find Joy with our Lord God.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
Those who are maligned or who are suffering terribly,
must put up with the curses with Meekness and
restrain their anger, since, in doing so we become
imitators of God.
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
Our heart gives life to our organism, and Humility gives
Life to our soul. Through egotism, (pride) we take the
side of the wicked spirit – i.e. we grow in a spirit of evil
rather than in a Spirit of Good.
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
All day long our thoughts fly around. They fly and
wander all over the place. Most of our thoughts are
vain thoughts, since they have to do with mundane,
everyday matters and routine tasks. Sometimes other
thoughts occur to us, which give rise to empty
daydreams.
ELDER PHILOTHEOS ZERVAKOS
There are many Paths for us to Journey from Earth to
Heaven, but the easiest, quickest and safest Path is
Humility and Obedience. That is that is the only Path
that is safe and sure, and if we choose to walk along
It, we will get from Earth to Heaven – to Paradise –
unharmed.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
If we are not Holy in our heart, we must become Pure in
our body – i.e. we must not commit any physical sins.
If we are not Meek, at least we must make Peace with
ourselves. We must not be saddened when we err,
unless we persist in our errors! And we must never
hate any sinner, but we must hate the sin. Since we
think that we are Righteous, where is our Love for
sinners?
ST JOHN OF THE LADDER
The ants waits for the harvest to be gathered, and
vainglory waits for Spiritual Riches to accrue. The
ants hasten to steal, and vainglory rejoices at being
lavish. The spirit of despair rejoices when it sees
wickedness multiplying, and the spirit of vainglory
rejoices when it sees Virtue multiplying.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
Just as a Mother teaches her children to walk, so does
God teach us to have Living Faith in Him. Just as
children try to take their first steps and fall down, God
teaches us to have Faith in Him. Our Faith in God is
weak for it is at the First Stage because we are like
infants who are learning to walk, so God leaves us
alone, without His Help, and He allows Satan to
subject us to trials and sorrows.
ST IGNATIOS BRIANCHANINOV
Our Eternal Life or Eternal Death depends entirely upon
ourselves. Therefore, we must consider very carefully
how circumspect and wise we need to be because
Eternity is not a game!

8. 36 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 16 T H
ST MATTHEW – THE TALENTS – 3 FEBRUARY 2019
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

6 February 2018
St Photios the Great of Constantinople
EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES & CONFESSOR
Afterfeast of the Meeting/Presentation
Also the Feast of St Bucolos, Bishop of Smyrna – St Barsanuphios the Great & St John the Holy
Prophet of Gaza, Palestine – St Dorothy, St Christina, St Callista & St Theophilos of Caesarea,
Cappadocia – St Julian of Emesa – St Fausta, St Evilasios & St Maximos of Cyzikos – St Martha &
St Mary, Virgin Martyr Sisters of Egypt & Asia Minor – St Lycarion of Egypt – St Arsenios the translator, researcher,
compiler of manuscripts, Hymnographer, Philosopher and Great Defender of the Faith, of Iqalto, Georgia – St Armand,
Abbot of Maastricht

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

FESTAL ISODIKON/ENTRANCE HYMN – AFTERFEAST – MEETING/PRESENTATION- TONE 2

Egnorise Kyrios to Sotirion aftou enantion panton ton The Lord made known His Salvation in the sight of all the
Ethnon. Soson imas Iie Theou, O E N A G K A L E S T O U Gentiles. Save us, O Son of God, W H O I N T H E A R M S
DIKEOU SY MEON VASTAHTHIS... OF RIGHTEO US SY MEON WAS HELD...

...Psalonata Si, Allilouia! ...We who sing to Thee, Alleluia!

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THE MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1
✞Here Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene. Ek Sou gar ✞Hail, O Theotokos Virgin Full of Grace: for from Thee
anetilen O Ilios tis Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, has shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our
Fotizon tous en skoti. Evfrenou ke Si Presvita Dikee, God, granting Light to those in darkness. Be glad also,
dexamenos en agkales ton Eleftherotin ton psihon imon, O Thou Righteous Elder, for Thou hast received in
harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. Thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who bestows
upon us Resurrection
FESTAL KONTAKION – ST PHOTIOS – TONE 4
Os ton Apostolon omotropos, ke tis Ikoumenis didaskalos, Resembling the Apostles in Way of Life, O Photios, the
to Despoti ton olon iketeve Photie, irinin ti Ikoumeni Teacher of the Universe, Intercede with the Master of
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos. all, to grant Peace to the whole world, and Great Mercy
to our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 48/49 – TONE 1
To Stoma Mou lalisi Sofian ke i meleti tis Kardias Mou My Mouth shall speak Wisdom, and the Meditation of My
Sinesin. Heart, Understanding.
Akousate tafta, panta ta Ethni, enotisasthe pantes i Hear this: all you Nations! Hearken, all you inhabitants
katikountes tin ikoumenin. of the world!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need – as those High Priests – to offer up daily sacrifices, first for
His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever.
This is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the
Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord
erected, and not mankind.
✶ NOT ONLY IS THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT imitation that is misguiding and Spiritually
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, Dangerous.
THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ✶✶ The Mysterious Holy Priesthood of Melchizedek is
ALSO SUPERIOR. FULFILLED IN CHRIST JESUS.

The Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with a Covenant ✶✶ As Melchizedek was WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, so is
that IF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN ANY WAY AT Christ by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth.
ALL, SO IS THE HOLY COVENANT. ✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS GOD INCARNATE - Immortal and

Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED by sinless. Therefore HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO
any means for then it would no longer be Perfect!! TRANSFORM HUMANITY.
✶✶✶Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE
THE POWER THAT IS BESTOWED UPON CANDIDATES AT THEIR
OF DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR ORDINATION IS IMMENSELY STRONG AND EFFECTIVE.
THEN IT IS NO LONGER THE PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE
THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT
TRUTH OF ALMIGHTY GOD but a mere shadow or poor because it DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD and

ST PHOTIOS THE GREAT OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 6 FEBRUARY 2019 9.

 GUIDESUS TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION –
regaining our lost Likeness to Christ.
✶✶✶OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED
ONCE ONLY BUT IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity
throughout the ages.
✶✶ GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINED GOD THE SON AS OUR
ONLY TRUE HIGH PRIEST.

Since Christ is Immortal, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
CHRIST IS THE
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and
will go out, and will find Pasture.
“The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have Life -and
more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd,
who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches,
and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. “And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I
must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✶ THE VERY WORST ‘THIEF IS SATAN, who always spreads lies
and encourages heresies and blasphemy among the
People of God – both the Old Israel and the New Israel
- luring away the deceived, ignorant leaders and
people.
✶ “LIFE” MEANS THAT WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE ON EARTH during
this short, preparatory period before we enter Eternity.
✶ THE “MORE ABUNDANT” LIFE REFERS TO ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD’S
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE – AGAPE.
✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REVEALS HIMSELF AS OUR GOOD
SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE HIS ‘REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” – HIS
HOLY FLOCK.
He is THE DIVINE DOOR – THE DIVINE ENTRANCE INTO HIS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE.
CHRIST IS THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE – all Divinely
Inspired Holy Prophecy – concerning our Divine
Saviour.
OUR LORD IS THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF
GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND HIS
HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON WHO BECAME
INCARNATE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SALVATION.
✶ AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE “PUT ON CHRIST” ALSO
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE KNOW
HIS WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – HIS TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS. Thus we should not be misguided nor
deceived by the evil one’s lies and deceptions.
✶✶ Our Lord Jesus Christ offered His Life for the sake of
our Eternal Salvation - He was THE OFFERER AND THE
OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING
BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL TIME, which makes it no longer
necessary for any more blood sacrifices for the
forgiveness of sins.
✶✶However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND
REPENT OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL,
which is why our Salvation is a continuous Spiritual
Process until we draw our final breath.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Life for the sake of His
Beloved Flock, which FULFILLED THE PROPHECY of His
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS
Forbearance is a Holy Virtue of a generous and noble
soul, for it is founded on Love of others. Its
magnanimity and high mindedness is the Friend of
Meekness. Forbearance is Testimony to a soul who
is well trained, and who expresses itself as
Sympathy, Philanthropy, Modesty and Justice.
ST PAISIOS THE ATHONITE
When our intellect begins to be close to our Lord God on
a regular basis, we not only forget where we live,
we even forget the Dwelling Place of our soul – the
flesh of clay!
ST SERAPHIM OF SAROV
Without light, everything is dark and without Humility,
there is nothing inside us except Spiritual Darkness.
ST ARSENIOS BOCA
The time of sorrow usually lasts until our pride departs,
because nothing can stand against Humility – not

THE REQUIREMENT OF PERFECT HOLINESS IS MET IN OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST FOR HIS IS TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.

Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS so much more
than a mere human being – He is GOD-MAN – THE
ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD THE FATHER Who
became Man by assuming our human nature and
thereby, our human condition, but remaining
absolutely sinless and All Pure.
TO ST JOHN 10: 9 – 16
DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Passion – and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
THE “OTHER SHEEP” OF OUR LORD WERE THE GENTILES – the
pagans and non Judaic Tribes who would be BROUGHT
TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK with the Judeans, UNDER
ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
✶✶Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS
ALL ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
principle that was affirmed in every generation.
(CANON 8 OF 1 NICAEA)
St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: “Be careful
to OBSERVE A SINGLE EUCHARIST, for there is ONE Flesh of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE CUP OF HIS BLOOD THAT
MAKES US ONE, and ONE Altar, just as there is ONE
Bishop... this is in line with GOD’S WILL!”
Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: “I lay down My Life...”
which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US – i.e. He offered Himself as the
Ultimate, Most Perfect and Fulfilling Sacrifice for all
sins of all humanity for all time!
✶✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM
THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER – everything is and
must be done ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER,
THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, SO,
TOO, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
By the end of the ages, there will only be ONE SHEPHERD –
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – AND ONE HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY
CHURCH.
He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS as well,
which are THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS
DIVINE TRUTH – His True Teachings and
Commandments – AND STRIVE TO FULFIL THEM TO THE BEST
OF THEIR ABILITY.
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
the works of others, not other people, nor even the
demons. When Humility is acquired, with the sorrow
of trials, God brings Joy back to everything.
ST EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN
If our intellect is not Illumined by Divine Teaching our
mind is a long way from Truth.
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
We often come to God to lean upon Him because
nothing around us brings us Peace, and then we
feel calm and serene.
ST JOHN KLIMAKOS
Those who boast of natural gifts such as sharp mind,
cleverness, the ability to learn easily, to read, to
speak well, and so on, will never acquire
Supernatural Gifts, for if we are Faithless in a few
things we are faithless and vain in many other
things!

10. ST PHOTIOS THE GREAT OF CONSTANTINOPLE – 6 FEBRUARY 2019

 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 4 10 February 2019

37 Sunday After Pentecost
th

17 Sunday of St Matthew – The Canaanite Woman

th

The Feast of ST CHARALAMBOS, BISHOP & HIEROMARTYR OF MAGNESIA, THESSALY - St Porphyrios, St

Baptos & Three Female Martyrs of Magnesia, Thessaly – Synaxis of the Holy Hierarchs of
Novgorod: St Joachim, St Luke, St Theodore, St Herman, St Arcadios, St John, St Gabriel, St
Martyrios, St Anthony, St Basil, St Moses, St Symeon, St Euthymios, St Aphthonios – St Anna,
Holy Princess of Novgorod – St Prochoros of Kiev Near Caves Monastery – St Loginos of
Koryazhemsk, Vologda – St Ennatha, St Valentina & St Paula, Virgin Martys of Palestine – St John Chimchimeli the
Philosopher of Georgia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4- LUKE 24 : 1 * 12

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 4

To fedron tis Anastaseos Kirigma ek tou Angelou When the Women Disciples of the Lord had learnt from
Mathouse e tou Kyriou Mathitrie ke tin Progonikin the Angels the Glad Tidings of the Resurrection that
apofasin aporipsase, tis Apostolis kafhomene elegon. had cast away the Condemnation of their Forefather,
Eskilefte O Thanatos, igerthi Hristos O Theos, they spoke exultingly to the Apostles: Death is no
doroumenos to kosmo to Mega Eleos. more! Christ-God is Risen, granting to the world Great
Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST CHARALAMBOS – TONE 4
Os Stylos aklonitos, tis Ekklisias Hristou, ke lihnos aifotos An unshakable Pillar art Thou in Christ’s Holy Church,
tis ikoumenis Sofe, edihthis Haralampes, elampsas en to and, as Thine own name denotes, an Ever Radiant
kosmo, dia tou Martyriou, elisas ton idolon, tin Lamp, O All Blessed Haralambos, shining throughout
skotomenon maker. Dio en parrisia Hristo, Presveve the whole world by Thy Feats as a Martyr, driving away
Sothine imas. the darkness of the worship of idols. With confidence,
therefore, Intercede with Christ for the Salvation of our
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS – TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 63/64 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall Hope in Him.
Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplication!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TIMOTHY 2: 1 – 10
Timothy, my Son: be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what Thou hast heard from me before many
witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a Good Soldier of Christ
Jesus.
No Enlisted Soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the One Who Enlisted him. An Athlete is
not crowned unless he competes according to the Rules. It is the hardworking Farmer who ought to have the first
share of the crops.
Contemplate what I say, for the Lord will grant Thee Understanding in everything.
Remember Jesus Christ – Risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my Gospel – the Gospel for
which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the Word of God is not fettered.
Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the Elect, that they also may obtain Salvation in Christ Jesus with Eternal
Glory.
THE “GIFT OF GOD” IS THE DIVINE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If
(“CHARISMA”) granted to St Timothy at his Holy they kept My Word, they will keep yours also.”
Ordination by the Laying on of Hands of St Paul.  M A T T H E W 5 : 1 1 – 1 2 “Blessed are you when they
DIVINE GRACE FILLS UP OR COMPLETES WHATEVER IS LACKING AND revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of
GRANTS AUTHENTICITY to the Holy Priesthood of Christ. evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and
However, DIVINE GRACE IS NOT AUTOMATIC – we must be exceedingly glad, for great is your Reward in
ceaselessly stir it up and rekindle it. Heaven, for so they persecuted the Prophets who
While any Christian may be persecuted, we REJECT were before you.”
FEELINGS OF FEAR OR TIMIDITY. Those who suffer persecution for Christ walk the Path of
 J O H N 1 5 : 2 0 “Remember the Word that I said to you: the Holy Prophets of God, Saints and Holy Martyrs.
‘A servant is not greater than his Master.’ If they The Greek expression for “be exceedingly glad” means to
“leap exceedingly with Joy!”

37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019 11
 W E DO NOT QUENCH THE S PIR IT BUT ACT W ITH P OWER AND IN OTHER WORDS: THOSE WHO ARE GENUINELY FAITHFUL TO GOD ARE
C OURAGE THAT IS GRANTED TO US BY D IVINE G RACE – EAGERLY COMPELLED TO FULFIL ALL GOOD DEEDS OFFERED TO US BY
the Grace of God that enables us to achieve amazing GOD HIMSELF.
Feats. WE CANNOT PROFESS TO HAVE FAITH IF WE DO NOT ALSO FULFIL OUR
 1 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 5 : 1 9 “Do not quench the Spirit!” SPIRITUAL OBLIGATIONS BY DOING WHATEVER GOD REQUIRES OF US
 M A T T H E W 1 0 : 3 3 “... whoever denies Me before WITH REGARD TO ONE ANOTHER – AS WELL AS TO HIS ENTIRE
men, him will I also deny before My Father Who CREATION.
is in Heaven.”
 T I T O S 3 : 5 – 6 “... not by Works of Righteousness,
 L U K E 9 : 2 6 “... whoever is ashamed of Me and My
which we have done, but according to His Mercy
Words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed
He Saved us, through the Washing of
when He comes in His own Glory, and in His
Regeneration and Renewing of the Holy Spirit
Father’s, and of the Holy Angels.”
Whom He poured out on us abundantly through
O UR S ALVATION AND C ALLING ARE BASED ON D IVINE G RACE
Jesus Christ our Saviour...”. [HOLY BAPTISM & CHRISMATION]
AND L OVE – definitely not on anything we have done
“[Christ] submitted (to Suffering) so that He might break the
to merit God’s Divine Favour.
power of Death and demonstrate the Resurrection
 E P H E S I A N S 2 : 8 - 1 0 “... by Grace you have been Saved
from the dead – thus it was necessary for Him to be
by Faith – and that not of yourselves; it is the Gift
manifested [Revealed] in the Flesh
of God – not of works, lest anyone should boast.
“Also [Christ] (submitted) so that He might fulfil the Promise
For we are His Workmanship – created in Christ
to the Fathers and – while He was preparing the
Jesus for Good Works, which God prepared
New People for Himself and while He was still on
beforehand that we should walk in them.”
earth – to prove that after He has brought about the
We are not Saved by our Good Works. W E A R E S A V E D
Resurrection He will Judge.” [ST BARNABAS 5: 6-7]
FOR GOOD WORKS.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 15 : 21 – 28
THE FAITH OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN
At that time, our Lord Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold! A Canaanite Woman from that region
went out and cried: “Have Mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!”
He did not answer her a word. And His Disciples went and urged Him, saying: “Send her away. For she is crying after
us.” He answered: “I was sent only to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.”
But she went and knelt before Him, saying: “Lord, help me!” He answered: “It is not good to take the Children’s Bread
and throw it to the dogs!” She said: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their Master’s table.”
Then Jesus answered her: “O Woman, great is Thy Faith! Be it done for you as you desire!” And her daughter was
Healed that very hour.
✶ St Matthew’s account of OUR LORD’S COMPASSIONATE AND AGAPE – that Pure Love that is beyond simple
MINISTRY TO THE GENTILE CANAANITE WOMAN ILLUSTRATES human love.
THE HEBREW ORIENTATION OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL. ✶ Several of our Holy Church Fathers regard THE DISCIPLES’
This particular Incident is also mentioned by St Mark in request to “... send her away...” as an ATTEMPT TO
His Holy Gospel. (MARK 7: 24 – 30) PERSUADE CHRIST TO HEAL THE DEMON-POSSESSED DAUGHTER –
However, there are TWO MAJOR DIFFERENCES: as if saying to him: “Give her what she wants so that
1. ST MATTHEW NOTED OUR LORD’S WORDS CONCERNING THE she will leave us alone.”
“...Lost Sheep of the House of Israel...” WHILE ST The response of our Lord to their request indicates that
MARK OMITTED THEM. this interpretation is correct, for HE CONTINUED TO IGNORE
2. ST MATTHEW MENTIONS THE FACT THAT THE CANAANITE THE DESPERATE MOTHER.
WOMAN ADDRESSED CHRIST BY USING THE HEBREW TERM ✶ Finally, HAVING EVOKED THE CANAANITE WOMAN’S LOVE AND
FOR THE MESSIAH – “Son of David” – WHICH, AGAIN, ST UNRELENTING FAITH, CHRIST REVEALED HER TRUE HUMILITY
MARK DID NOT. for she accepted her less important status to that of
✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WENT TO THE GENTILE CITIES OF TYRE the Hebrews, knowing them to be the Chosen People
AND SIDON IN ORDER TO WITHDRAW FROM THE FAITHLESS, AND of God, YET SHE STILL DESIRED A TINY SHARE OF GOD’S DIVINE
NO DOUBT, FRUSTRATING, SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES, rather GRACE – a little crumb from the Master’s Table!
than to preach His Divine Truth to them, which St OUR LORD JESUS’ HESITATION and apparent lack of interest
Mark confirmed in His Gospel Account – OUR LORD WAS DEFINITELY NOT A LACK OF HIS LOVE OR DIVINE
“...wanted no one to know...” THAT HE WAS THERE. COMPASSION.
In this Sacred Lesson, it is again evident from the Words of Rather, IT WAS A CONSCIOUS MEANS OF REVEALING THE
our Lord when He stated: “I was not sent, except to WONDERFUL VIRTUES OF THIS DEVOTED MOTHER to his
the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.” Disciples as well as for her own sake.
✶ THE CANAANITE WOMAN REVEALED HER IMMEASURABLE LOVE ✶ HER ULTIMATE ACCEPTANCE BY CHRIST ALSO POINTS TO THE
FOR HER DAUGHTER when she appealed so persistently GATHERING OF THE GENTILES INTO HIS HOLY CHURCH AFTER
and loudly to our Saviour: “...have Mercy on me...” THE GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST AND THE DESCENT OF THE
SHE REGARDED THE WELFARE OF HER DAUGHTER AS IMPORTANT AS HOLY SPIRIT.
HER OWN for she identified with her child’s sufferings AS ✶ ALL GENTILES – non-Hebrews – ARE NO LONGER REGARDED AS
THOUGH IT WERE HER OWN TERRIBLE BURDEN AND PAIN. “LITTLE DOGS” BUT AS THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD AND
✶ WHEN CHRIST SEEMED TO IGNORE HER PLEAS FOR HIS DIVINE CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST TO THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD.
MERCY, He did so not only because she was a Gentile AS THE NEW ISRAEL WE ARE ALL INVITED to God’s Great Banquet
and His Divine Ministry before His Great Passion was to partake of the Bread of Eternal Life.
initially for the Hebrew Nation alone, but also IN ORDER
TO REVEAL AND EXPOSE THE DEPTH OF HER PROFOUND FAITH
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – THE FAITH OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Many of us Orthodox Christians actually know very little
about our Faith, yet this pagan Canaanite Woman
Holy Spirit.
was intelligent and Spiritually Aware enough to
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, today’s Sacred Lesson
address our Lord Jesus Christ by His Messianic Title as
offers us a Perfect Example of how to pray.
“Son of David.”
The Woman of Canaan did several things we should do
Before we can utter one word of Prayer, we must KNOW to
as well when we pray to the Lord our God.
Whom we are praying, which is not a simple matter at
Despite her not being a Child of Israel, for she was a
all.
Gentile from a pagan country, the Canaanite Woman
Although we might claim to know Who our Lord God is,
obviously knew something about our Lord Jesus,
since we recite our Creed of Faith regularly, we still
which meant that she was concerned about - and
might not really know Who He is until we become
contemplated - significant Spiritual Matters with
more LIKE HIM.
regard to our Living and Compassionate God.
Only when we have a close Relationship with our Lord –
or anyone else – and we strive to become more Like

12. 37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019
 Him by means our intensive Spiritual Struggles, can
we claim to know God well – especially when we
want to emulate Him and please Him because we
Love, Honour and Worship Him with all our heart and
soul, and Fear failing or disappointing Him.
However, since God is Love Itself and we fail to Love
completely, we do not know God at all well.
Since the Son of God became Man and humbled Himself,
even to death on the Cross, we cannot claim to know,
understand or possess Humility, which means that we
cannot truly know the Eternal Son of God either!
If our Prayers are to be Fruitful – if we really want our
Lord God to hear and to respond to our Supplications
- dear Brothers and Sisters, they must be combined
with our morality - they must be combined with our
efforts to Transform - our determined striving to
become as Perfect as our Lord God created us to be!
We cannot even begin to know our Divine Saviour, nor
can we Experience His Divine Presence unless we
constantly Struggle to acquire Spiritual Perfection,
which is our first and foremost desired target.
If our words, thoughts and deeds are immoral, our
Prayers cannot be Fruitful at all until we Repent and
Confess our sins, which is the beginning of our
Spiritual Transformation.
We must never stop praying to God, but unless we are
willing to Repent our sins and Restore our natural
Relationship with Almighty God, we cannot expect
Him to respond to us – especially when we make no
effort to draw closer to Him and remain in a state of
Spiritual Death due to our stubborn, unrepentant
attitude.
Our deeds certainly reveal our inner Spiritual Condition,
which God alone sees clearly, for nothing is hidden
from Him.
We can never pretend to know God for our sinful lifestyle
demonstrates our Spiritual State.
As we Struggle more intensely against all temptations
and sins, our Prayers become more sincere and
intense.
As our Lord knows us far better than we know ourselves,
He responds to our Payers in His own time and in a
most Blessed manner that always Benefits us.
The Canaanite Woman went to our Lord Jesus to beseech
His Great Mercy for her daughter who was possessed
by an unspecified type of demon.
Many people are possessed by a variety of demons even
today, yet all too often they remain unidentified for
the evil one is extremely devious and we prefer to
remain ignorant and oblivious of the real cause of
many inexplicable physical and mental problems.
Believing in our own cleverness, we ascribe all kinds of
scientific reasons for deviant, violent and irrational
behaviour, whereas in the past, we realised that
certain people were indeed possessed by demons.
Being a loving mother, the Canaanite Woman
desperately wanted her daughter to be exorcised and
Spiritually Restored, for they resided in a uncivilised,
pagan region where demon possession was rife
amongst the people who surrounded them.
If we look at our contemporary world these days, it does
not appear to be very different from those pagan eras
when we see what society in general considers
desirable and important!
Woman were forbidden to speak to any man who was
not a close family member, so the Canaanite Woman
called out loudly to Christ, addressing Him by His
Messianic Title, beseeching His Mercy and stating her
daughter’s terrifying problem: “Have Mercy on me, O
Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely possessed
by a demon!”
Her Prayer to God was short and uncomplicated.
So, too, our Prayers should be simple and sincere, for God
already knows what we need. All we have to say is
merely: “Kyrie, eleison!” “Lord, have Mercy!”
There is no need for long, extremely detailed sentences.
We only need to bow down before our Lord God in abject
Humility, beseech His Great Mercy, and then be
completely Obedient to His Divine Will, offering our
heartfelt Prayers of Thanksgiving for His
Compassionate and Providential Blessings.
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019
The simpler our Prayers are, the more powerful they will
be, because Pure Prayer does not consist of words
alone, but should emanate from deep within our soul
as we are Communicating with our Lord God – our
Divine Creator and Heavenly Father Who knows
everything possible, and even more, about us!
We Communicate with our Lord God by means of a
language that we do not know, and with words that
cannot be uttered.
The Canaanite Woman asked our Lord Jesus Christ for His
Mercy upon her daughter, yet He seemed to have
completely ignored her.
And here we learn another very important aspect of our
Prayers to our Lord.
Just like the Faithful Canaanite Woman, we must be
extremely Patient, and persistent in our Supplications,
no matter how long we have to wait to receive a
Divine Response.
We must remain persistent and hopeful, and never
surrender to tempting thoughts of despair or rejection.
The Canaanite Woman ignored the Apostles who tried to
silence her or to chase her away, for she knew that
our Lord had heard her.
It is evident from various other Accounts of our Lord’s
Divine Mission that He often tests us in order to
Strengthen, deepen and confirm our Faith in our
Loving God.
So, like that Canaanite Woman, we must persevere in our
Faith and with our Prayers, knowing that sooner or
later our Divine Saviour will respond to us, for He
never fails nor disappoints us!
We must pray for our Spiritual Perfection - for our
complete Transformation of body and soul, which
takes a very long time to acquire – even a complete
lifespan.
As we make Spiritual Progress we will understand our
errors far better, which we must immediately Repent,
correcting our course as we Journey towards Eternity.
Furthermore, we will also understand what we are
lacking and what is essential for us to acquire so that
we may become worthy Disciples of Christ and
ultimately Righteous Citizens of our Lord’s Heavenly
Kingdom of Love.
When the Apostles became irritated and had lost
patience with the Canaanite Women, they besought
our Lord Jesus to send her away from them.
However, our Divine Saviour was waiting for this moment
to confirm the fact that He had been “...was sent only
to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel...” whereupon
the Canaanite Woman fell upon her knees before
Him, causing our Lord to stop walking and focus His
attention on her, as she simply said: “Lord, help me!”
His reply to her might have seemed rather insulting: “It is
not good to take the Children’s Bread and throw it to
the dogs!” - meaning the pagan unbelievers and
those who were not Israelites – His Chosen People.
Her reaction teaches us another significant Spiritual
Lesson, for instead of being insulted and upset, she
said with profound Humility: “Yes, Lord, yet even the
dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their Master’s
table.”
Our Lord already knew the depth of her Faith in God, but
His Apostles needed to witness it, as on other
occasions.
And at that exact moment, her beloved daughter was
Restored to full physical and Spiritual Health, due to
her courageous persistence, her Knowledge of our
True and Living God, her Faith in Him, her sincere
Humility and her simplicity of Prayer.
This is the way we should approach our Lord God and
how we should pray to Him.
We must have the courage to stand before our Lord, with
Whom we must nurture and maintain a close,
intimate Relationship by striving to become more like
Him as He showed us by His own Perfect Example.
Christ our Lord has provided us with everything
necessary to successfully complete our Journey to
Eternity, but it is entirely up to us to make every effort
to fulfil whatever is required of us.
To know God requires us to understand and to fulfill His
Divine Teachings and Commandments that are
recorded and explained throughout Holy Scripture
13
 and in all the Writings and Teachings of our Holy
Fathers.
Consequently, we have no justifiable excuse for failing to
be Faithful Disciples of Christ who accomplish and
execute our Sacred Tasks and Commitments.
Without daily Prayers beseeching Divine Assistance and
expressing our ongoing gratitude for God’s Great
Mercy, we cannot and will not be prepared for
Eternity, keeping in mind that we must pray with
simplicity and persistence, in the context of our
Struggle to Live in Christ each moment of the day.
As next Sunday is the beginning of the Triodion period,
leading into Great Lent, which continues until
Saturday of St Lazaros, it is highly appropriate to
remember the simple, persistent Faith of the
Canaanite Woman whose good example we should
try to apply to ourselves.
As Orthodox Christians, we are members of the Holy
Household of our Lord God, so in that context, by
extension, are members of the “New Israel” – and thus
are “the Children” who can joyfully partake of our
Heavenly Father’s “Food.”
Sadly, far too many of us live in such a way that we
seldom – and some, never – partake of that Divine
SIN AS SICKNESS – FATHER ANDREAS AGATHOKLEOUS
It is natural to have feelings of guilt if we look at sin as a
transgression against ‘the Law of God’ rather than as
a sickness we have inherited as children of the First
Adam.
Because if, over time, sin becomes second nature, it
exercises authority in our soul making us do what we
do not want to, as Saint Paul says.
As we all know, this brings its own pressure, Peace is lost
and turmoil overwhelms us, with everything this
means to our daily life.
Because they knew themselves so well and therefore had
a deep knowledge of human nature, our Holy Fathers
and Mothers speak of sin, festering within us, as an
illness.
So we are not guilty, but sick, and we need to seek a Cure
if we are to enjoy life, our relationships, our Gifts and
a natural state of health.
As a Way of Life, the Church is in the world to act as a
Sanatorium.
It is the task of the Clergy, in carrying out the Work of the
Church, to treat the people who come to them with
the means the Church places at their disposal - the
True Faith, Fasting, Prayer and the Holy Mysteries.
This is their main Mission - the rest stems from this.
Since they have grown up in a society that is, in some
ways, prudish, puritanical and human-centred, it is
no surprise that most of its members suffer from
depression, repression, anxiety and neuroses.
What is tragic is when Ministers of the Church and other
people in it, act in the same way, attempting to
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST IGNATIOS BRIANCHANINOV
All the waters of the Earth pour into the oceans and unite
together. All the Works of our Holy Fathers Unite in the
Holy Gospel. They all teach us to exactly keep our
Lord Jesus Christ’s Commandments and Teachings.
The beginning and the end, the Source and the
Quintessence of all of them is the Holy Gospel of Christ.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Just as the Winter is a good time to turn over the ground,
so sorrows are good for the care of our soul. Sorrow
brings us two Benefits – it makes us more estimable
and more careful.
ST PAISIOS THE ATHONITE
When we distance ourselves from God, it is only natural
that we will not find rest or Peace anywhere. This is
why we even circulated around the moon, because
the whole of our planet is not large enough to contain
our anxiety. We go round and round like a hamster
on a crazy wheel, and we spends lots of money on
things that are unbeneficial to any of us. So many
people are starving and destitute so that the wealthy,
the greedy and the self-indulgent will have plenty for
themselves.
(AUTHOR UNKNOWN ) told us: Without Him we can do nothing!
If we hear that our friend or neighbour is mocking us, we
must show them Love and praise them. It is a great
14. 37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019
Nourishment that grants us Forgiveness of sins and
Life Everlasting.
So many of our Beloved Brethren fail to develop a close
Relationship with God, nor do they bother to be
Nourished and Nurtured by His Holy Church and the
Life-sustaining Holy Mysteries because of their self-
indulgent lifestyles, various distractions, false
priorities, wilful ignorance and Spiritual Slothfulness
and negligence.
Every one of us really needs a close and intimate
Relationship with our Lord God that is extremely vital
to our Spiritual Welfare and Eternity.
The only way to achieve this is with sincere Prayers that
are simple, uncomplicated, persistent,
knowledgeable and humble.
May God help us all to pray like the Canaanite Woman,
so that like her beloved daughter, we may all be
Cleansed, Healed and Restored to our created state.
Amen.
FATHER SERAPHIM HOLLAND (2010)
ST NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
MCKINNEY, TEXAS, USA
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOX.NET/
regulate external behaviour while disclaiming all
knowledge of the inner world.
If that is the case, what Hope do we have?
As it is in every age, the Message of the Church today is
one of Optimism, Hope and Joy, because Death, in its
various manifestations, has been defeated by Christ,
the New Adam.
This means that sin - in whatever form it takes - is no
longer an incurable sickness.
Whoever we are, however we live, we are not alone.
If we are truly to Live, all we need is the desire to be
Healed.
Perhaps this just seems like nice-sounding words
stemming from Theological ebullience. But those who
have experienced what we have spoken of, or are
doing so now, will tell you that the words reflect a
wonderful Reality, which gives us what we all want in
our innermost depths - Freedom and Joy.
Let us not stay rooted in the negativity of our self and the
world around us.
Let us not allow our life to become miserable because we
see only our weaknesses and sins.
In any case, how important is our self? The One Who
matters is our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose Love forced
Him to become ‘one of us’, to descend into Hades, like
us, and to defeat our greatest enemy- Death.
This is why His Teaching is called “the Gospel,” - “the
Good News,” and why His Presence marked the
advent of the Kingdom of God, which is characterized
by inexpressible Joy, Joy and more Joy!
What a shame if we continue to dwell on Death.
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
thing to expel human praise from our soul, but it is
even greater to expel the praises of demons.
ST MAKARIOS OF EGYPT
If we wish to bear every sorrow and temptation easily, let
us keep our sight focused always on Death for the
sake of Christ our Lord. The Commandment we have
is to take up our Cross and follow Him, ready and
willing to die, because those who desire to die for
Christ will have no difficulty at all with painful and
sorrowful things, and those who wish to become Co-
Heirs with Christ must zealously desire His Sufferings.
So we have to push ourselves to Virtue, even if we do not
want to do so – to Love, when we lack Love; to
Meekness when this is missing; to having a caring
and merciful heart; to Prayer when we have no
Spiritual Prayer.
When God sees our Struggle to acquire these Holy Virtues,
He will come to our Aid and will fill us with all the
Fruits of the Holy Spirit. We must also not blame others
nor judge them, and neither should we be proud.
Everything seems easy when we are joined to our Lord
and He Who is the Instigator and Cause of the
Fulfilment of all Good comes to dwell within us. As He
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (5) Plagal 1 17 February 2019

38 Sunday After Pentecost – 1 of the Triodion
th st

The Publican & the Pharisee

Feast of St Theodore the Tyro (Recruit), Great Holy Martyr – St Mariamne, sister of St Philip the
Apostle of Christ – St Auxibios, Bishop of Solon, Cyprus – St Theosteriktos – St Menas Most Eloquent
(Holy Relics) – St Marcianos – St Pulcheria

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 5 - LUKE 24 : 12 - 35

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION - TONE (5) PLAGAL 1

Ton sinanarhon Logon Patri ke Pnevmati, ton ek Parthenou The Word, Who with the Father and the Spirit has no
Tehthenta is Sotirian imon, animnisomen, Pisti, ke beginning, and Who, for our Salvation, was born of a
Proskinisomen. Oti ivdokise sarki anelthin en to Stavro Virgin, let us faithful believers hymn and adore. For it
ke Thanaton ipomine ke egire tous tethneotas en ti was His Good Pleasure to ascend the Cross in the
Evdoxo Anastasi Aftou. Flesh, and to Suffer Death, and through His own
Glorious Resurrection to raise the dead.
TRIODION KONTAKION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE
Phariseou figomen ipsigorian, ke Telonou Mathomen, to Let us flee the Pharisee’s exalted parlance; let us learn the
tapinon en stenagmis, pros ton Sotira kravgazontes; “ Publican’s humble demeanour and with sighs unto our
Ilathi mone imin evdiallakte.” Saviour cry out and stay: “To us be Gracious, O Only
Forgiving Lord!”
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 11/12 – TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
Thou, O Lord, shalt Protect us and Preserve us...
Save us, O Lord, for the Holy have ceased!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TIMOTHY 3: 10 - 15
Timothy my Son: you have carefully followed my Doctrine, manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Longsuffering, Love,
Perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra – what persecutions I
endured! And out of them all the Lord Delivered me.
And all who desire to Live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Evil men and impostors will grow worse and
worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the Things that you have learnt and been assured of
– knowing from whom you have learnt them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are
able to make you Wise for Salvation through Faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
THE LIFE OF ST PAUL EXHIBITED EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD WHICH CONSISTS OF BOTH OLD AND NEW COVENANT
JESUS CHRIST HAD TAUGHT, especially that in this SCRIPTURE.
temporary, earthly world of ours GODLINESS ELICITS ✶✶WE CANNOT PROFESS TO UNDERSTAND THE TEACHINGS OF
PERSECUTION. CHRIST BASED SOLELY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT, WITHOUT
 J O H N 1 5 : 2 0 : Our Lord Jesus Christ said to His KNOWING AND PRACTISING THE ORAL TRADITION OF HIS HOLY
Faithful Disciples and Apostles: “...Remember CHURCH.
the Word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not The Old Testament prophesied and attested to the Divine
greater than his Master.’ If they persecuted Truth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but
Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept WITHOUT PROPER INSTRUCTION AND UNDERSTANDING, WE WILL
My Word, they will keep yours also.” NOT FULLY APPRECIATE NOR COMPREHEND THE DIVINE TRUTH
Having exhorted St Timothy with the example of his own THAT CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT US.
Steadfastness, St Paul reminded him of the depth of Furthermore, it is important to STUDY THE WRITINGS AND LIFE
his training, which combined BOTH ORAL AND WRITTEN OF ALL OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS (AND MOTHERS) WHO ARE
HOLY TRADITION. INSPIRED SPIRITUAL TEACHERS AND GUIDES WHOM WE CAN
✶✶✶To this day, FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE PROPERLY TRUST AND STRIVE TO IMITATE.
TAUGHT BY WORD OF MOUTH – THE ORAL TRADITION OF As Orthodox Christians, we are truly Blessed to have so
CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH, which teaches a vast amount of much Beneficial Material at our disposal, which our
SACRED KNOWLEDGE PERTAINING TO OUR LIFE IN CHRIST – Christian forebears did not have, yet their Faith was
such as all the Holy Mysteries and THE PROPER MANNER unwavering and they were utterly committed to God.
OF WORSHIP – AS WELL AS THE WRITTEN HOLY TRADITION,
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 18 : 10 – 14
THE ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE & THE REPENTANT, HUMBLE PUBLICAN (TAX COLLECTOR)
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ narrated this Parable:
“Two men went up to the Temple to pray – one was a Pharisee and the other a Tax Collector. The Pharisee stood and
prayed thus with himself: ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men – extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even
like this Tax Collector. I Fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess...’
“And the Tax Collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying:
‘O God, be Merciful to me, a sinner!’
“I tell you, this man went down to his house Justified rather than the other: For everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

38 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1 S T
OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019 15
T HE P HARISEE WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED AND A CAREFUL
OBSERVER OF THE O LD C OVENANT L AW , WHEREAS THE T AX
C OLLECTOR (P UBLICAN) WAS DESPISED AS A TREACHEROUS
SINNER who collaborated with the occupying Roman
forces, betraying and cheating his own Hebrew
people.
The practises of the Pharisee were worthy examples to
follow. His Good Deeds (Fasting and giving Tithes)
are indeed the primary Weapons against the passions
of lust and greed (adultery and extortion).
✶✶ However, WITHOUT A HUMBLE AND REPENTANT HEART ,
THESE OUTWARD PRACTISES ARE WORTHLESS AND LEAD
ONLY TO PRIDE AND JUDGEMENT OF OTHERS .
It is noteworthy that the Pharisee smugly ‘... prayed thus
with himself...’ for GOD IS ABSENT WHERE THERE IS PRIDE ,
BOASTING AND ARROGANCE .
On the contrary: THE P UBLICAN OR T AX C OLLECTOR SHOWS
BY HIS ENTIRE POSTURE A SINCERE AWARENESS OF THE
SINFUL STATE OF HIS SOUL .
He stands “... afar off...” with eyes downcast – NOT DARING
TO LOOK HEAVENWARDS.
✶✶ HIS HEARTFELT PRAYER OF CONTRITION “O God, be Merciful
to me, a sinner” is the foundation of the Orthodox
‘Jesus Prayer:’ “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: have
MERCY ON ME, A SINNER!”
38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST SUNDAY OF THE
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, WE ARE PREPARING FOR
LENT, BUT THROUGHOUT NEXT WEEK WE DO NOT FAST AT ALL,
NOT EVEN ON WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY!
This is not in order to ‘fatten up’ before the great Lenten
Fast, as some may think, but in order to set our mind
and heart straight – and to help us understand that
Fasting is neither ‘a diet’ nor ‘a punishment’ but a
period of self-denial and discipline that is the Spiritual
Antidote that cures our various Spiritual Illnesses,
including gluttony and selfishness.
Today, we begin the cycle of Holy Services from the
Lenten Triodion.
Our Lord’s Holy Church is preparing us for Great Lent,
and during these weeks before Great Lent begins,
She offers us the Treasure of the Holy Gospel Lesson
concerning “the Publican (Tax Collector) and the
Pharisee” and the Eternal Consequences when Christ
Reappears to Judge His Creation.
It is clearly evident that these passages carry an
extremely vital Message or Sacred Lesson for each
and every one of us, for we are taught about that most
essential Holy Virtue of Humility.
Only Humility allows us to see our true Spiritual State – on
our knees at the pig trough of sin, like the Prodigal
Son when he finally regained his sense.
Humility with its inseparable Holy Virtue of Obedience,
urges us to return to our Heavenly Father by
Repenting and Confessing our sins, returning to our
correct Path that will lead us to our Heavenly Home
and the welcoming, Joyful Embrace of our Heavenly
Father Who will count us among His Holy Flock.
Now we must pay very careful attention so that we can
contemplate and understand this First Lesson along
the Pathway towards Great and Holy Lent.
It is not like that of Saint Mary of Egypt, who exercised
Prayer and Fasting in the wilderness, or that of Saint
Anthony the Great, who is known for his severe
Asceticism.
Rather, we are instructed to emulate the good example of
a despised but sincerely Publican (Tax Collector) who
probably never Fasted at all – or at the very least,
certainly not as often as the proud, arrogant Pharisee,
yet, after his sincere, humble Confession to God from
WHY DO WE FAST?
Fasting is an essential and important Discipline for
Orthodox Christians.
The importance of Fasting was taught by St Moses, the
Prophets, our Lord Jesus Christ, His Apostles, our Holy
Church Fathers, Church Canons, and reaffirmed in
the recent Great Synod of the Holy Church of Christ.
Fasting is a vital Commitment because it is an essential
practise of self-denial, self-control or self-discipline
16. 38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019
F URTHERMORE , THE REFRAIN “ L ORD, HAVE M ERCY ” – “KYRIE
E LEISON ” – PERMEATES O RTHODOX CHRISTIAN W ORSHIP
AND P RAYER .
✶✶ TO BE “J USTIFIED ” MEANS TO BE F ORGIVEN AND SET RIGHT
BY G OD , FOR INWARD H UMILITY IS TRULY B LESSED WHILE
ARROGANCE AND PRIDE IN OUTWARD DEEDS IS CONDEMNED .
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR CREATOR AND OUR JUDGE – SO
WHATEVER HE TEACHES US OR CAUTIONS US AGAINST, WE MUST
PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION AND STRIVE TO APPLY HIS DIVINE
PRINCIPLES TO OUR OWN WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, FOR
THESE WILL JUDGE US – CONSEQUENTLY, THEY WILL EITHER
CONDEMN US OR BLESS US.
Our Saviour has given us ALL THE SPIRITUAL TOOLS NECESSARY
– INDEED, VITAL – FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
✶✶HOWEVER, IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO OUR OWN CHOICES – our own
free will – whether we will receive Eternal Life in God’s
Heavenly Kingdom, or be Eternally alienated and
exiled from God and all His Wonderful Goodness.
Because of God’s infinite Love for us, WHILE WE ARE STILL IN
THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY, OUR ERRORS ARE
ABLE TO BE CORRECTED THROUGH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE,
WHICH LEADS US TO SINCERE REPENTANCE AND ETERNAL LIFE.
May we all root out our sins and THROUGH CONSTANT
WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYER GROW EVER CLOSER TO THE
LOVING EMBRACE AND PRESENCE OF OUR LORD GOD..
TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE
Whom he besought His Great Mercy, he returned
home “...Justified before God”
Without the Publican’s Humility, without his
acknowledgement of being so unworthy he could not
life his eyes up to Heaven, and without beseeching
our Lord as he did: ‘O God, be Merciful to me, a
sinner!’ our Lenten Fast will be worthless and even
dangerous, as our pride leads us to assume the
arrogant Pharisee’s foolish stance, as Christ said:
“...he prayed thus with himself...” – for he did not
pray to our Lord.
Furthermore, his pride caused him to judge others and to
boast to God, by saying: “I thank Thee, God, that I am
not like other men…”
When we dare to judge others or feel the need to glorify
ourselves, we are in fact, worse than anyone else, for pride
was the first passion or vice invented by Satan, which
subsequently caused his banishment from Heaven,
together with those Angels whom he had deceived into
following him in rebellion against God, which he also used
to tempt Adam and Eve later, causing their Expulsion from
Paradise and our “Ancestral sin.”
Let us then “…flee the vaunting of the Pharisee and
learn the Humility of the Publican…” (Kontakion)
Let us remember this Sacred Lesson as we enter into
Great Lent in a few weeks’ time, and every day,
thereafter.
Let us not boast to ourselves about the lack of oil in our
food when we lack the Oil of Forgiveness for those
around us, nor should we dare to brag about the
meagerness of our meals when our pride flows from
‘the Horn of Plenty!
The goal of Fasting is first and foremost the Holy Virtue of
Humility and Obedience, and a clear vision of our
true fallen state, “…for he who exalts himself shall be
humbled!”
Let us wretched sinners, sincerely humble ourselves
before God, and with abject sorrow, like the
Repentant Publican, cry out from the very depth of our
soul to our Heavenly Father: ‘O God, be merciful to
me, a sinner!’”
Amen!
FATHER SERGEI SVESHNIKOV (2009)
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
that strengthens our soul and our will, by controlling
the egocentric demands of our flesh, and enabling us
to fulfil and obey God’s Divine Will.
Fasting is aimed at controlling our most powerful
physical passion – the desire to eat.
When we need to eat, we have natural ‘hunger pangs’ in
our stomach, which motivates us to eat something, but
if we are greedy, self-indulgent and gluttonous, we
 must control our appetite and resist the persistent
demands of our desires.
When we deny the “...demands and desires of the flesh..”
– of our body - our soul and will gains control, which
indeed Benefits us on many levels.
As we acquire this essential Discipline due to our Love
for God and our intense desire to obey His Will, our
soul becomes more capable of controlling the
passions of our body that prevent us from doing so.
When we Fast with Faith and Love of God, we attract
Divine Grace that nurtures and strengthens us, and
draws us closer to God by deepening our Relationship
with Him.
By Fasting, we become better able to overcome all our
grievous (shameful) passions - not just gluttony.
Therefore, our commitment to Fasting is truly a most
crucial physical and Spiritual Discipline that is highly
Beneficial to us both now, in this temporary lifespan,
and later, in Eternity.
In any physically demanding sport, occupation or
warfare, preparation is utterly necessary in order to
succeed. Exercises develop and strengthen our body
and discipline our mind.
The same principles apply to our immortal soul for
Spiritual Exercises are required to strengthen our soul
in order to obey God’s Will, which prepares us for
Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom.
For now, our soul must become strong enough to
overcome the demands of our flesh and to do battle
against all evil forces and the innumerable, constant
temptations of our contemporary society.
We are all fallen beings whose sins alienate us from God
and each other.
Thus we all need to Struggle determinedly to regain
control over the demands of our body/flesh and resist
the temptations that cause us to sin so that we can live
in perfect Harmony and Unity with our Lord and with
each other.
Our Ultimate Aim is to be fully Restored to our original,
created state by being Reunited with God in the
Everlasting Life of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
ELDER JOSEPH THE HESYCHAST – ON REPENTANCE - PART 1
THE GREATEST SPIRITUAL BENEFIT THAT OUR LORD GOD HAS
GRANTED OUR FALLEN NATURE IS NONE OTHER THAN
REPENTANCE.
WITHOUT REPENTANCE NONE OF US WOULD EVER SECURE OUR
SALVATION - no matter how Perfect God’s Plan to Save
the world is,. because mankind’s “...every inclination
of his heart is evil from childhood,”( G E N E S I S 9 : 2 1 ). “For He chose us in Him before the Creation of the world
Since our inclination towards sin is therefore natural, NO
ONE IS ABLE TO REMAIN WITHOUT SIN, “...even if his life is
only one day.”
REPENTANCE IS DUAL IN ESSENCE and both of its forms are
Beneficial to our Life in Christ.
ITS INITIAL STAGE TAKES THE FORM OF REGRET FOR OUR PAST SINS,
FOLLOWED BY THE RECTIFICATION of the wrong deed that
brought about the sin.
According to the Spiritual Judgement of our Holy Fathers,
THE WHOLE HUMAN ACTIVITY ORIGINATES IN OUR MIND, WHERE
EVERY THOUGHT IS CAPTURED AS AN IMAGE THAT IS GRADUALLY
ACTED OUT.
Our most discreet Holy Father, Saint Maximos the
Confessor taught us: “Do not misuse the thoughts, so
that you do not abuse things with your actions out of
necessity. Because, if one does not sin in his
thoughts he will never sin with deeds.” (Four Hundred
Chapters on Love)
WHEN WE MISUSE OUR THOUGHTS, THE ABUSE OF THINGS WILL
FOLLOW.
REPENTANCE MEANS LITERALLY RECALLING OUR MIND TO ITS
FORMER POSITION, WHEREBY THINGS ARE PROPERLY RANKED.
In our generation however, Repentance takes more the
form of begging God for His Forgiveness.
When we describe our sinful nature, USING HUMBLE WORDS,
WE TRULY EXPRESS THE PITIFUL, MISERABLE STATE INTO WHICH
WE HAVE BEEN DRAWN because of the perversion of the
law of sin.
 R O M A N S 7 : 2 4 - As St Paul said, we constitute a
hideous “...body of death...” since we are
38 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1 S T
OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019
To do so, we must do everything possible to overcome our
sinful inclinations and Live in Christ, according to His
Divine Commandments and Teachings.
Like St Paul, we must contemplate - and understand -
why it is that we do what we “...do not want to do...”
and what we “...want to do...” we fail to do.
By using athletic analogies, St Paul explained that we
must Strengthen and prepare ourselves like athletes
who are about to compete in the most important
Contest of their life, for we are always engaged in a
life-changing Spiritual Battle against the evil one and
his demons in a continuous Spiritual Warfare – until
our very last breath!
Due to our intense Love of God, our desire to be close to
Him and to obey His Divine Will, we must Fast
regularly - every Wednesday and Friday, as well as
according to all the prescribed Fasts throughout the
year.
It is important for us to regard our Holy Commitment to
Fasting as a positive effort of Co-operation with our
Lord God.
Fasting is a proven means of bringing us closer to God
when we are compelled to do so by our all-
consuming Love for Him.
When we are committed to fulfilling our Lord Jesus
Christ’s Teachings and Commandments, our immortal
soul controls our flesh – our physical desires - and we
will then experience the Fruits of that marvellous Holy
Discipline.
Fasting itself is not a Holy Virtue, but it is the control and
submission of the passions/vices that is Virtuous.
Fasting is the necessary means of acquiring the essential
Holy Virtues by the Grace of God, which is significantly
Beneficial to our Eternal Salvation.
Fasting consists of far more than merely what we consume, for
the Spiritual Fast should be perpetually exercised
throughout the year.
FATHER CHARLES JOINER (DEACON)
SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, GREENVILLE,
SOUTH CAROLINA, USA
(EDITED BY MP)
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2018/02/
“...wretched because of the law of sin at work
within our members.”
This is as far as we are concerned.
However, “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, Who has Blessed us in the Heavenly
Realms with every Spiritual Blessing in Christ.
to be Holy and Blameless in His Sight.
In Love He predestined us to be Adopted as His sons
through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His
Pleasure and Will - to the Praise of His Glorious
Grace, which He has freely given us in the One He
Loves.”
 1 T I M O T H Y 6 : 1 6 - We brag about this selection and
WE EXPERIENCE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER as “... He Who
Lives in Unapproachable Light.”
However, THIS SECRET MYSTERY REMAINS WITH US UNTOUCHED,
not just when we find ourselves in a state of
Contemplation but even when we are inundated with
its proximity.
Another Divine Mystery is OUR INITIAL VALUE AS CREATED
BEINGS “ ...IN HIS IMAGE And Likeness...”
We must therefore, quickly STRIVE TO INCREASE OUR SPIRITUAL
THIRST AND DWELL DEEPER AND DEEPER UNTO HIMSELF
THROUGH OUR STRUGGLE and into the Magnificence of
our Predestination since the beginning of time.
Who is THE LORD OUR GOD, after all? He IS THE ABSOLUTE “
BEING” - THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING, THE ONE WHO HAS
REVEALED HIMSELF AS A PERSON AND AS AN EXISTENCE “I Am”!
We have just now come to KNOW HIM THROUGH HIS ONLY CO-
SUBSTANTIAL SON.
 J O H N 1 4 : 2 6 - “No one has ever seen God, but God
the Only Son, Who is at the Father’s Side, and has
made Him known.”
 J O H N 1 4 : 2 6 We have also come to know God the
Father through the Holy Spirit - “... the Comforter,
the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My
17
 Name, will teach you all things and will remind
you of everything that I have said to you.”
 M A T T H E W 4 : 1 7 - The Incarnate Word of God, Who is
an Eternal Co-Ruler with God the Father and God
the Holy Spirit, began His Holy Gospel by
commanding us: “Repent! The Kingdom of
Heaven is at hand!”
THE PATH OF OUR SWEETEST LORD JESUS, OUR SAVIOUR, HAS
BECOME OUR PATH TOWARDS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND THE
HOLY SPIRIT, Who have also connected us with Him.
Therefore, the Ultimate in the Knowledge of God is our
True Faith and our Hope.
Many Psalms of St David constitute a Confession of
Repentance.
 P S A L M S 2 2 , 1 - 6 - “My God, my God why hast Thou
forsaken me? Why art Thou so far from Saving
me? So far from the words of my groaning? Oh,
my God! I cry out by day, but Thou dost not
answer, by night and I am not silent, yet Thou art
Enthroned as the Holy One; Thou art the Praise of
Israel. In Thee our Fathers put their trust; they
trusted and Thou Delivered them. They cried to
Thee and were Saved; in Thee they trusted and
were not disappointed.”
OUR HOLY FATHERS, next to whom we have studied and
whose mouths we have heard speaking the Truth,
HAVE DESCRIBED as much as possible and as much as
we could grasp, THE DEPTH, THE BREADTH AND THE STATURE
OF COMPREHENSIVE REPENTANCE.
From all these explanations we cite just a few.
Repentance, or rather those of us who Repent our sins,
BEGIN BY BESEECHING GOD TO FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES.
As long as we do not repeat the deeds for which we have
Repented, we reach the “...Third Heaven...” through
the Grace of Christ and the meticulous application of
the Rules of Repentance.
There, WE HEAR AND LEARN UNUTTERABLE AND UNFATHOMABLE
EXPRESSIONS AND CONTEMPLATIONS, which we cannot
speak of or explain to those who are not familiar with
this Grace.
 2 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 2 : 2 - “...whether it was in the body or
out of the body, I do not know, only God knows...”
THIS SPIRITUAL STATE OF GRACE was Experienced not only by
St Paul but CAN ALSO BE EXPERIENCED BY ANYONE WHO
ARDENTLY REPENTS THEIR SINS.
THE CRUSHED AND HUMILIATED SPIRIT of mankind, which
Hungers and Thirsts for the wholesome Love of Christ,
IS CAPTURED by Him AND IS ELEVATED to where our Lord
takes us, WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO COMPREHEND where, how
and how much, is the measure of this Spiritual
Experience!
As our unforgettable Holy Elder taught us, OUR HUMAN
SENSES ARE NOT FUNCTIONING DURING THIS SPIRITUAL STATE
OF GRACE, NEITHER IS OUR MIND THINKING, BUT ADMIRING.
Only when we return to our normal state can we try to
express, or vaguely describe - if at all, since words are
so inadequate - that which we have Experienced.
 2 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 2 : 4 - St Paul explained to the
Corinthians that he had been “...caught up to
Paradise and heard Inexpressible Things which
man is not permitted to speak of...”
 1 C O R I N T H I A N S 2 : 9 – It is difficult to describe or to
explain certain Spiritual Experiences since “...no
eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has
conceived what God has prepared for those who
Love Him.” At present, we can only partly
comprehend what is beyond this physical world.
Our Holy Fathers have taught us that WHEN WE PERCEIVE AND
ACKNOWLEDGE OUR OWN CORRUPT NATURE, IT IS A GREAT GIFT
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
Blessed, and thrice-Blessed are those who are regarded
as being ‘bronze” because of a “bad name” given to
them by others, whereas, in Truth, they are 24 carat
gold!
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
The grievous passions are like venomous serpents! When
one of them emanates from our heart, it is like a
snake sticking its head out of a hole. We must strike it
in the Name of Christ so that it immediately slithers
away, and as soon as another serpent of vice
18. 38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019
OF GOD that is even greater than the contemplation of
deep theories.
For WHEN WE RECOGNIZE OUR INTERNAL DARKNESS AND WHEN THE
INFERNAL, DREADFUL NATURE OF SIN IS REVEALED TO US so that
we can fully understand it, IT PROVOKES OUR NATURAL
REPUGNANCE, COMPELLING US TO REPENTANCE, whereby
Divine Grace perceptively grants us Its own
Consolation.
ST ISAAC REFERRED TO VARIOUS TYPES OF CONSOLATION AND
PERCEPTION OF DIVINE GRACE, especially when we have
to endure long, lasting trials.
“When I stand in Prayer, I can only utter one Praise.
From there on, even if I stand up in Prayer for three
days, I remain in Awe of God and I have no sense of
the effort required...
“...I stood outside in the yard of my cell, in bright
sunlight. As soon as I started to utter one Praise, I
was conscious of my Spiritual Task, but
nevertheless, I was captured, without realizing
where I was. I remained captivated in this State all
night until the next day when the sun burnt my face
again. Then I came to my senses and I immediately
realized that it was the next day.” (ST ISAAC –“THIRD ASCETIC
TREATISE - ON THE DEPARTURE”)
We must never think that those were achievements of our
early Fathers, since OUR LORD “...Who is the same
yesterday, and today, and forever...” WILL GRANT HIS
DIVINE GRACE TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BEGIN THE
STRUGGLE.
Our Blessed Elder, Joseph the Hesychast, told us that
DIVINE GRACE PRESENTS ITSELF PERCEPTIVELY AT THE END OF
EXHAUSTING ENDURANCE.
“...Even to me, when trials would increase so that they
would exceed my Endurance, then out of the blue, I
would be able to comprehend, which according to
the Psalms, was relevant to the pressing burden.”
 P S A L M S 9 4 : 1 9 - “When anxiety was great within me,
Thy Consolation brought Joy to my soul!”
“...Once an Angel of God gave me Holy Communion,
while at another time, our Lord, seen hanging on the
Cross, reminded me of the Love for hard work.
“Our sweetest Lady has also Consoled me several times,
appearing to me in Person, accordingly to Her
Motherly Providence, which She especially
demonstrates to us, the residents of the Holy Mount
Athos.
“Oh, how pleasing it was to hear Her voice, which was
as sweet as honey, guaranteeing my Salvation!”
DIVINE GRACE, WHICH APPEARS BECAUSE OF REPENTANCE, TOSSES
OUR SOUL TOWARDS GOD, Whose Light attracts us.
In the beginning, this is not so obvious, but HIS WARMTH,
WHICH IS LOVE, BEGINS TO SOFTEN OUR HEART. Then
surprisingly, a dispute arises!
On the one hand, WE ARE CONSUMED WITH FEAR, OR RATHER,
HORROR, AS WE REALISE OUR OWN APPALLING GUILT, while, on
the other hand, WE ARE OVERWHELMED BY THE GRACE OF
THE PRESENCE OF GOD with which we are unfamiliar at
this stage.
THE DIVISION OF FEAR IS EXCESSIVE, since THE PRESENCE OF
GRACE OPENS UP OUR EYES AND WE CONSCIOUSLY EXPERIENCE
OUR OWN TERRIBLE FILTHINESS.
THE PERCEIVED PRESENCE OF DIVINE GRACE CONSOLES Us but we
cannot contain OUR TEARS OF CONTRITION, which
INDICATE OUR HONEST REPENTANCE and our return from
the “...far away land...” where we had wasted our
Heavenly Father’s Possessions – our Sacred
Inheritance!
(... T O B E C O N T I N U E D ...)
manifests itself, we must hit that one as well! We must
strike each and every passion as they appear so that
they cannot fatally injure us!
ST IGNATIOS BRIANCHANINOV
How wounded is our natural Love! How deep are the
wounds of strong passions that it suffers! When our
heart is engulfed by powerful passions we are
capable of every type of injustice and transgression
as long as it satisfies its sick desires!
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all
the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.

Tone (6) Plagal 2 24 February 2019

39 Sunday After Pentecost – 2 of the Triodion
th nd

The Prodigal Son

Also the Feast of the First and Second Findings of St John the Baptist’s
Venerable Head

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 6 - LUKE 24 : 35 - 53

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

Angelike Dinamis epi to Mnima Sou ke i filassontes
apenekrothisan. Ke istato Maria en to tafo, zitousa to
ahranton Sou Soma. Eskilevsas ton Adin, mi pirasthis
ip aftou. Ipintisas ti Partheno, Doroumenos tin Zoin.
O Anastas ek to nekron, Kyrie,  Doxa Si.
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – FINDING
Ek gis anatilasa i tou Prodromou Kefali, aktinas afiisi tis The
aftharsias, Pistis ton iaseon. Anothen sinathrizi tin
plithin ton Angelon, katothen sigkalite ton anthropon
to genos, omofonon anapempse, doxan Hristo to
Theo.
The Angelic Powers were in Thy Tomb, and the guards
became as dead men, and Mary stood by the Tomb
seeking Thy Most Pure Body. Thou led captive
Hades, yet were not tempted thereby: Thou Who art
the Bestower of Life came to meet the Woman. O
Lord, Who Rose again from the dead, Glory to Thee!
OF ST JOHN’S HEAD – TONE 4
Forerunner’s Head has risen once again from the
earth; it sends forth Brilliant Rays of Incorruption and
Cures to all Faithful. Above it has assembled Arrays
of Angels; below it calls mankind together. In unison
we offer Glory to Christ our God.

PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
FESTAL KONTAKION - THE PRODIGAL SON - TONE 1
Tis Patroas Doxis Sou aposkirtisas afronos, en kakis Foolishly I ran away, from Thy Glory, O Father, and
eskorpisa, on mi paredokas plouton. Othen Si tin tou wasted in sin, all the wealth that Thou granted me.
Asotou fonin hravgazo. Imarton enopion Sou, Pater Therefore, the Prodigal’s cry I repeat to Thee: I have
iktirmon. Dexe me metanoounta ke piison me os ena sinned, before Thy Compassionate Father. Do
ton Misthion Sou. accept me in repentance, AND MAKE ME AGAIN, ONE OF
THY HIRED HANDS.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 63 – TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE
The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.
Hear, O God, my voice in my Supplication!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 6 - 15
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FACED DEATH SO THAT HE MIGHT SHOW FORTH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
Brethren, it is God Who commanded light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. We have this Treasure in earthen vessels, so that the
Excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who Live are already Delivered to Death for Jesus’
sake, that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then Death is working in us, but Life in
you.
Since we have the same spirit of Faith, according to what is written: “...I believed, therefore I spoke...” we also Believe
and therefore speak, knowing that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present
us with you. For all things are for your sake, that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause
Thanksgiving to abound to the Glory of God.
✶ THE GOAL OF PREACHING THE DIVINE TRUTH – the Teachings As this Divine Light shines in and through us, MANKIND WILL
and Commandments of God – is not in order to glorify SEE THAT THE POWER IS OF ALMIGHTY GOD, AND CERTAINLY
ourselves but rather TO GLORIFY GOD AND TO ENLIGHTEN NOT OF MANKIND!
ALL MANKIND WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH, WISDOM AND LOVE. ✶ OUR ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH IS CERTAINLY NOT TROUBLE
✶ The “Treasure” is THE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF GOD’S DIVINE FREE BUT IT IS INDEED ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS!
GLORY IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, which is CONTAINED OUR DAILY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS SHOW US THE BENEFICIAL
WITHIN US WHO ARE THE “EARTHEN VESSELS” – THE TEMPORARY, POWER AND LOVE OF GOD FOR US SINNERS, AND even more,
PHYSICAL TEMPLES OF GOD. THEY REVEAL TO US HIS DIVINE GRACE that Protects and
Delivers us from the machinations of the evil one.
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 15 : 11 – 32
THE PRODIGAL SON – REPENTANCE & FORGIVENESS
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: “A certain Man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his
Father: ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So He divided between them His Livelihood.
And not many days later, the younger son gathered all his possessions together and journeyed to a far country
where he wasted his possessions with prodigal living. “And when he had spent everything, there arose a severe
famine in that land, and he began to be in need. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country

39 T H A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RIODI ON – P RODIG AL S ON – 1 S T & 2 N D F INDI NG S T J OHN B APTI ST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019 19
 who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the
swine ate, yet no one gave him anything.
“And when he came to himself, he said: ‘How many of my Father’s hired servants have enough bread to eat and to
spare, yet I perish from hunger! I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say to Him: “Father, I have sinned
against Heaven and before Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy son. Make me like one of Thy
hired servants.”’
“And he arose and went to his Father.
“And when he was still a great way off, his Father saw him and had Compassion, and ran, and fell upon his neck
and kissed him. And the son said to Him: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and I am no
longer worthy to be called Thy son.’ But the Father said to his servants: ‘Bring out the best Robe and put it on
him, and put a Ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. And fetch the Fatted Calf and kill it, and let us eat
and be merry; for this, My son was Dead and is Alive again; he was Lost and is Found!’ And they began to be
merry.
“Now His older son was in the field. And as he went and drew near to the House he heard music and dancing. So he
called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him: ‘Your Brother has returned,
and because He received him safe and sound, your Father has killed the Fatted Calf.’
“And he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his Father went out and pleaded with him.
“So he answered and said to his Father: ‘Behold, these many years I have been serving Thee; I never transgressed
Thy Commandment at any time; and yet Thou never gave me a young goat, so that I might make merry with my
friends. But as soon as this son of Thine returned – having devoured Thy Livelihood with harlots – Thou killed
the Fatted Calf for him.’
“And He said to him: ‘Son, thou art always with Me, and all that I have is thine. It was right that we should make
merry and be glad, for your Brother was Dead and is Alive again; and was Lost and is Found.’”
✶ The Younger, Immature Son’s request for his “...portion ✶ “...the Best Robe...” SIGNIFIES THE GARMENT OF
of goods....” (“Ousia” = “Essence”) from his Father, RIGHTEOUSNESS GRANTED TO US BY OUR HOLY BAPTISM.
signifies us human beings RECEIVING OUR FREE WILL (TO  I S A I A H 6 1 : 1 0 “... They shall have exceeding Gladness
PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH PATH TO FOLLOW) AND OUR in the Lord. Let my soul Rejoice exceedingly in the
RATIONAL MIND FROM OUR GRACIOUS LORD GOD. Lord, for He Clothed me with the Garment of
JUST AS ADAM DID IN PARADISE, THE YOUNGER SON USED THESE Salvation and the Tunic of Gladness. He put a
WONDERFUL POSSESSIONS – DIVINE GIFTS – TO REBEL AGAINST Mitre around me like a Bridegroom and Adorned
HIS (HEAVENLY) FATHER. me with ornaments like a Bride. As the Earth
✶ The “...Far Country...” to which the Prodigal Son causes its flower to grow, and as a garden its
journeyed represents a LIFE EXILED AND ALIENATED FROM seeds, so shall the Lord cause Righteousness to rise
THE GOODNESS AND BLESSINGS OF GOD. up, and Exceeding Joy before all the Gentiles.”
WHENEVER WE ARE IN A STATE OF SIN, WE ARE ALIENATED AND St John Chrysostom and all our Holy Church Fathers have
EXILED FROM DIVINE GOODNESS – WE HAVE GONE A GREAT taught us that “...THE GARMENT OF SALVATION...” IS CHRIST
DISTANCE FROM GOD – i.e. to a “far country.” HIMSELF, which explains why St Paul taught us that in
✶ Having United himself to “ ... a citizen of that HOLY BAPTISM WE “...PUT ON CHRIST.”
country...” is an oblique reference to THE EVIL ONE  G A L A T I A N S 3 : 2 7 “,,,for as many of you as were
WHO IS OBSESSED WITH OUR DESTRUCTION AND ALIENATION. Baptised into Christ have put on Christ.”
Satan first tempts us into a SPIRITUAL DEATH and then tries St Paul directly relates OUR SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED
to keep us there and away from God’s Blessings in A by connecting them as OUR MOST PRECIOUS AND INTIMATE
STATE OF SPIRITUAL SLAVERY AND IMPRISONMENT. However, BLESSINGS FROM GOD.
THE EVIL ONE CANNOT DESTROY US HIMSELF . This particular verse is the ancient Hymn chanted at all
Just like the Prodigal Son, BY GOD’S GRACE, WE WILL Christian Baptisms during the Procession of the Newly
EVENTUALLY AWAKEN FROM OUR GODLESS STUPOR AND REALISE Regenerated into the Assembly.
OUR PREDICAMENT, AND YEARN FOR HIS BLESSINGS AND ✶ ” .. put a Ring on his hand ...´SIGNIFIES FAMILY IDENTITY –
GOODNESS. OUR ADOPTION AT HOLY BAPTISM AS A CHILD OF GOD AND CO-
BEING IMMERSED IN THE DARKNESS OF SIN, IS EXISTING OUTSIDE HEIR WITH CHRIST to our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.
OUR NATURAL CREATED STATE.  H A G G A I 2 : 2 3 “... ‘in that day,’ says the Lord Almighty,
✶ “...Feeding swine...” could rightly be regarded as ‘I shall take Thee, Zerubbabel, My Servant, son of
‘Jewish Skid Row,’ because iN SUCH A STATE OF Shealtiel... and shall make Thee like a Signet
DEBAUCHERY AND SELF-INDULGENCE, WHICH RESULTED IN Ring; for I have Chosen Thee.’”
COMPLETE DESTITUTION – BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL - THE Official Royal Acts in the ancient world were
PRODIGAL SON COULD NOT POSSIBLY SINK MUCH LOWER. authenticated by the use of a Monarch’s Signet Ring
✶ “...when he came to himself...”means that HIS SANITY WAS so BY DESIGNATING ZERUBBABEL AS HIS SIGNET, THE LORD WAS,
RESTORED – I.E. HE REALISED THE TRUE SPIRITUAL STATE INTO IN EFFECT, STATING THAT HE WOULD BE ACTING AS GOD’S VICE-
WHICH HE HAD FALLEN. REGENT, CHARGED WITH CARRYING OUT HIS SUPREME RULE AND
THIS IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE BEING ABLE TO RETURN TO THE DIVINE DIVINE WILL.
LIGHT AND TRUTH OF GOD. On a deeper level: THIS IS A STRONG MESSIANIC PROPHECY.
AFTER OUR CONTRITE REPENTANCE-CONFESSION WE ARE ABLE TO St Ambrose of Milan taught us: “...When our soul
REGAIN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST through His Divine becomes Peaceful... then she (our soul) will receive
Forgiveness. Christ like a Signet Ring upon her, for she is the
THE PRODIGAL SON ACKNOWLEDGED HIS hopeless, sinful Image of God. Then she will be according to that
condition – his state of utter SPIRITUAL DEATH AND Image, because Heavenly is the Heavenly Man.
ALIENATION FROM GOD AND ALL HIS BLESSINGS. “And we need to bear the Image of the Heavenly One,
✶ HE IMMEDIATELY PREPARED HIS CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE: that is, Peace ...
“... I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say to “I wish the Lord Jesus may say to you: ‘Put Me as a Seal
Him: ‘Father I have sinned against Heaven and upon Thine arm.’ May Peace glow in Thy heart,
before Thee...’” Christ in Thy Works, and may there be formed in
✶ The “...Bread...” to which the Prodigal Son refers Thee Wisdom and Justice and Redemption.”
symbolises OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who is KNOWN TO US ✶ The “...Sandals...” signify how WE ARE EQUIPPED TO WALK
THROUGHOUT HOLY SCRIPTURE AND ESPECIALLY IN THE HOLY THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUS.
EUCHARIST – THE DIVINE LITURGY. WE ARE ABLE TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR SAVIOUR,
✶ “...his Father saw him and ... ran...” although it was ACCORDING TO HIS HOLY GOSPEL – by the Will of God the
considered undignified and unfitting behaviour for a Father, through the Teachings of God the Son, and
mature man or elderly person to run. Activated, Inspired and Enabled by God the Holy
The FATHER EXPRESSED HIS LOVE AND EAGERNESS TO WELCOME Spirit.
THE RETURN OF HIS LOST CHILD BY RUNNING TO HIM AND  E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 4 - 1 5 “... Stand therefore, having
EMBRACING HIM WARMLY. Girded thyself with Truth, having put on the
This SELF-HUMILIATION FOR THE SAKE OF HIS LOST SON indicates Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod
the manner whereby OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, THROUGH THE thy feet with the Preparation of the Gospel of
SACRIFICE OF HIS SON - OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - ACTIVELY Peace...”
AND PATIENTLY AWAITS AND JOYOUSLY WELCOMES ALL THOSE CHRISTIANS FIGHT AGAINST ALL EVIL ARMED WITH THIS DIVINE
WHO RETURN SAFELY TO HIS LOVING EMBRACE. ARMOUR, which is God’s Uncreated Divine Energy,
20 39 TH
A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RI ODIO N – P R ODIGAL S O N – 1 S T & 2 N D F IND ING S T J OHN B A PTIST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019
 granted to us at Holy Baptism and used by us
throughout our Life in Christ as WE BATTLE IN SPIRITUAL
WARFARE EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY.
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE HAVE PUT ON ALL THE
QUALITIES BESTOWED UPON US AS SPIRITUAL ARMOUR - TRUTH,
RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND FAITH, which are constantly
to be used in the Conflict we face as we proceed ever
closer to God and His Heavenly Kingdom.
WITHOUT STRUGGLE THERE CAN BE NO DEIFICATION – Theosis or
Spiritual Perfection.
✶ THE “...fatted calf...” IS A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING.
The ‘fatted calf’ is translated as either ‘wheat-fed bull-
calf’ or ‘bull-calf formed from wheat,’ and is a male
calf that has been raised on wheat IN PREPARATION AS A
SPECIAL SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL.
As THE RECONCILIATION OF THE PRODIGAL SON WAS NOT
COMPLETE WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE OF THE FATTED CALF, so
too OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS ACCOMPLISHED AND
PERFECTED - not by our Repentance alone but BY CHRIST
HAVING OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE ULTIMATE, FINAL AND MOST
PUREST BLOOD OFFERING OF ALL THAT FULFILLED ANY NEED
FOR MORE BLOOD SACRIFICES AS REPENTANCE OFFERINGS.
THE FESTIVE DINING ON THE ‘Fatted Calf’ OFFERING - “FORMED
FROM WHEAT” - IS A CLEAR REFERENCE TO OUR PARTAKING OF
THE NEW COVENANT HOLY EUCHARIST.
thus OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS THROUGH REPENTANCE-
CONFESSION AND HOLY EUCHARIST – FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF
SINS AND ETERNAL LIFE.
Consequently, both THE OLD AND THE NEW COVENANTS ARE
FULFILLED at the Marriage of Christ the Heavenly
Bridegroom and His Bride, the Holy Church.
✶ THE RESENTFUL ‘...older Brother...’ SIGNIFIES THE
HARDHEARTEDNESS OF THE PHARISEES AND ALL SELF-
39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF TRIODION – THE PRODIGAL SON
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, we have all had the
experience of being ashamed of ourselves.
We have done, said, or thought something that might
have seemed to be appropriate at the time, but which
we later realized was appalling.
Whenever that happens, we catch a glimpse of Truth
about ourselves that is difficult to bear.
We are often paralyzed by our shame, embarrassment,
sorrow or by a prideful refusal to accept in Humility
that we—like everyone else in this life—are very far
from perfect and that we are in constant need of our
Lord’s Mercy and Grace.
Those who remain stuck in that rut of shame or pride will
face great obstacles when seeking Spiritual Healing
for their immortal soul.
The Prodigal Son of today’s Sacred Gospel Lesson
provides a wonderful example of how to get over
wounded pride and Repent even the most shameful
acts.
The Prodigal Son had committed the ultimate insult to his
Father by asking for his share of the Inheritance,
which was as bad as telling him that he was tired of
waiting for him to die!
The loving Father apparently meant nothing to his
younger son other than being a means of funding his
desired, self-indulgent lifestyle.
The Prodigal Son remained unconcerned about the
gravity and extent of his selfishness and disrespect
until he became utterly destitute and suffered
extremely wretched circumstances, which caused
him to return to his senses and acknowledge the
Truth.
Having “...journeyed to a far country...” which was
foreign to everything his Father had provided for him
and taught him, “...he wasted his possessions with
prodigal living...”
“And when he had spent everything...” his impoverished
state forced him to tend herds of pigs – something that Had the Prodigal Son not Repented his sins and returned
would have been abhorrent to any Faithful Israelite.
Suffering from starvation, the Prodigal Son “... would
have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the
swine ate, yet no one gave him anything.”
Most of us, by the Grace of God, have never suffered the
excruciating pangs of starvation caused by severe
famine, so we cannot imagine how dreadful it is!
39 T H A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RIODI ON – P RODIG AL S ON – 1 S T & 2 N D F INDI NG S T J OHN B APTI ST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019
RIGHTEOUS, STUBBORN AND UNREPENTANT SINNERS to whom
Christ related this Parable.
St Cyril of Alexandria wrote: “... God requires His Faithful
People to Rejoice whenever even the most guilty
person returns to God through sincere Repentance-
Confession.”
THE ELDEST SON’S FAILURE TO RECOGNISE HIS OWN SINS LEADS TO
HIS SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND MERCILESS ATTITUDE.
Contrast this with the contrition of the Prodigal Son, as St
Ambrose of Milan commented: “...the one who seems
to himself to be Righteous, who does not see the
Beam in his own eye, becomes angry when
Forgiveness is granted to one who Confesses his sins
and begs for Mercy.”
✶ THE OLDER SON’S INGRATITUDE IS ALSO APPARENT in his selfish
accusation: “... Thou never gave me a young goat...”
MEANWHILE HIS LOVING FATHER HAS GRANTED HIM EVERYTHING HE
HAS!
WE, TOO, ARE GUILTY OF ALWAYS COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT WE
THINK WE ARE LACKING in material possessions and
wealth – all the unbeneficial, temporary, corruptible
things of this life that WE DESIRE BUT WHICH WE DO NOT
ACTUALLY NEED!
WE SHOULD CEASELESSLY EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO GOD
FOR ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS THAT HE BESTOWS SO
FREELY UPON US!!
WHEN WE FINALLY LEARN TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR INFINITE
BLESSINGS AND EXPRESS THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR HIS
GREAT MERCY IN ALL THINGS, WE WILL NEVER BE DISSATISFIED
WITH ANYTHING EVERY AGAIN!!!
Instead WE WILL BE OVERJOYED BY HOW MUCH GOD HAS GRANTED
US EACH AND EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY – no matter how
others may try to tempt us into a state of
discontentment and ingratitude!
His hunger and degradation made him realise what he
had done, and only then did he come to his senses
and begin his long Journey home, knowing that the
most he could possibly expect from his Father was to
become one of his hired servants.
When he finally arrived at home, and was so warmly
welcomed by his Loving Father, he confessed:
“Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before
Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy
son.’
The Repentant Prodigal Son made no excuses for himself,
and had not asked for anything from his Father other
than to become one of his hired servants.
He knew the seemingly irreparable harm that he had
done, and the disrespect he had shown to his Father,
for he clearly understood the seriousness of his selfish,
greedy behaviour.
Furthermore, the Repentant Prodigal Son was painfully
aware that his father owed him nothing at all,
whereas he, himself, was totally dependent upon his
Father’s Mercy.
The Courage and Humility of the Repentant Prodigal Son
is to be admired and emulated.
Despite how disrespectfully he had treated his Father, he
refused to be paralyzed by his shame.
He examined himself intensely with every step he took on
his return Journey, and fully accepted the Truth of
everything that he had done.
He was ready to accept whatever well-deserved
rejection, criticism, punishment or awkwardness with
which he would have to contend when he arrived
home and came face to face with his Father whose
unconditional Love he had rejected.
The Repentant Prodigal Son had no illusions about
himself, his ghastly behaviour, and how it had
impacted others.
He hoped he would be able to return to his Father’s
household as a servant, for he thought he would not
be welcomed as a beloved son.
to his Father’s loving care, he would not have
received his Father’s unbelievable Mercy and
experienced that Great Joy of Reconciliation and
Forgiveness.
His Father had scanned the horizon every day, hoping his
young son would return, so when he finally saw his
Prodigal Son approaching, he impulsively ran out to
greet him and warmly embrace him.
21
 His son immediately responded with his heartfelt
Confession: “Father, I have sinned against Heaven
and before Thee! I am no longer worthy to be called
Thy son!.”
And before he could ask to be hired as a servant in his
household, his Father restored him fully as his beloved
son.
The loving Father did not simply forgive his son who had
rejected and insulted him, but instead he celebrated
his Resurrection from the Spiritual Death of sin: “...for
this, My son was Dead and is Alive again; he was
Lost and is Found!’
Every one of us has done, said, or thought shameful
things, of which we do not want to be reminded
because they challenge our stubborn pride.
Unfortunately, many of us suffer from a crippling sense of
disgrace, which is more a reflection of our refusal to
accept in Humility the Truth about ourselves than of
anything else.
When we have the proper attitude, the intensified
Spiritual Disciplines of the coming weeks of Great Lent
can Heal our guilt, for they are a common Calling of
our Holy Church because we have all sinned and
fallen short of the Glory of God.
We have all failed to Love our Lord and our neighbours
with all our being, for we are far from being as Perfect
as our Heavenly Father.
We have all failed our Vocation of striving to become
like God in Holiness and Devotion, which is the reason
for our need in the coming weeks of intensified
Prayer, Fasting, Alms-giving (generosity to the poor),
and Repentance-Confession, whereby we will come to
know our True Spiritual State more clearly and
sincerely seek the Great Mercy of our Heavenly
Father.
We are all guilty of shameful, disgraceful and
disrespectful thoughts, words, and deeds, but none of
us should be stuck in a rut of pride that prevents us
from taking the Homeward Journey of Repentance-
Confession.
We must neither disregard the necessities of Great, Holy
Lent nor avoid the Spiritual Restoration and Healing
of Repentance-Confession because we cannot believe
that God would ever forgive us for the sins we have
committed.
This particular Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ is a very
good remedy for such an attitude, for the Loving
Father is an image of our own Heavenly Father,
Whose infinite Love Restores our dignity as His
adopted sons and daughters whenever we Repent
our sins, for His Great Mercy is infinite and Eternal!
However, we must imitate the example of the Repentant
Prodigal Son by “...coming to...” ourselves – regaining
our good senses, by acknowledging our sins and by
earnestly Repenting them, knowing that we deserve
nothing due to our own poor merits, and by actually
beginning our Homeward Journey – returning to the
warm, welcoming and Loving Embrace of our
ELDER DOROTHEOS – ON
What is the cause and what is the Cure for this arrogant
and disdainful behaviour (pride)?
When our Lord Jesus Christ urged us to “...Learn from Me,
for I Am Gentle and Humble in Heart, and you will
find Rest for your soul...” He showed us the root cause
of all evils, as well as their antidote, the cause of all
Blessings. [Matthew 11:29]
He taught us that pride has overcome us and that we
cannot be free of it except through the acquisition of
Humility.
Pride begets arrogant, disdainful behaviour and
catastrophic disobedience, while Humility begets
Obedience and the Salvation of our soul – i.e. genuine
Humility, not merely an expression or outward show
but the actual humble disposition that is cultivated in
our heart and outlook... This is what He means when
He says: ‘...I am gentle and humble in heart’.
If we want true Rest for our soul we must acquire Humility
for therein lies all Joy, all Glory and all Respite, just as
the opposites are caused by pride.
22 39 TH
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Heavenly Father through our eager, humble
Obedience to His Divine Will.
As we prepare for the Spiritual Disciplines of Great Lent,
we must keep in mind the Teachings of this Parable
which provides such a powerful image of what
happens when we finally come to our senses and
recognize our sins, turning away from them, and
Renewing our Sacred Relationship with our Lord God.
The overwhelming Mercy of the Loving Father is an
image of the Abundant Grace of God, for He does not
simply Forgive us, but He also Restores us fully as His
adopted sons and daughters, thereby making us
Blessed Participants in Eternal Life by His Divine
Grace.
Despite our humble, contrite expectations, we are not
treated as ‘hirelings’ with ‘low levels’ of Blessing who
somehow ‘sneak’ into His Heavenly Kingdom through
a back-door.
Our Benevolent and Loving Lord God never scolds nor
shames us, but always Joyfully welcomes our return to
Him with infinite, unconditional Divine Love that is
utterly beyond our limited human comprehension.
Sin is reprehensible because it is the ultimate rejection of
our Lord God and His Divine Purpose for us.
Repentance is never shameful nor humiliating because it
is an acceptance of our Lord and His Blessed Purpose
for us.
How tragic it would have been if the Prodigal Son had
remained unrepentant and had thus starved to death
as a lowly, unpaid feeder of swine, due to stubborn
pride that would have kept him enslaved by his
destitute and lonely misery.
Instead, having regained his senses and acknowledging
the depth of his fall, the Repentant Prodigal Son
returned to the warm embrace of his Loving Father
and the re-instatement of his former privileges as his
beloved son.
The same applies to us when we sincerely Repent our
sins, for no matter what we have done, thought, or
said, and no matter how far we have strayed from our
Heavenly Father, He will always joyfully Forgive us
and Reconcile us as His Beloved Children.
The Prodigal Son’s return home was joyfully celebrated as
a Resurrection from Spiritual Death to Spiritual Life,
which is why his Father called for such a great
celebration.
Similarly, Great Lent prepares us to follow our Saviour to
His Cross and the Glory of His Resurrection at Pascha.
It is vitally necessary for us to die to sin so that we will be
prepared for the Great Joy of our Lord’s Victory over
Death and to enter into the Eternal Celebration of His
Heavenly Banquet.
There is no shame at all in preparing ourselves to accept
such a Great Invitation.
In fact, the only shame would be if we rejected His
Invitation due to our wounded pride!
Amen
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS – EASTERN CHRISTIAN INSIGHTS (2017)
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/101018.HTML
PRIDE AND HUMILITY
We suffer all these sorrows, and such wretchedness due to
our pride, through our own irrationality and because
we accommodate our wicked intentions, and want to
impose our own petty will.
Although Adam and Eve were created in the midst of
every comfort, joy, solace and glory of Paradise, God
issued one Commandment, which they broke
anyway, due to pride, stubbornness and
disobedience.
When God saw their shameless lack of respect, He
understood that they were foolish and would not
appreciate what they had, for unless they suffered
they would go straight to Perdition, and unless they
experienced sorrow, they would never appreciate
Respite.
Therefore, they were cast out of Paradise and were given
over to their selfish desires ... eventually learning not
to depend on themselves but on God alone, and that
suffering is caused by disobedience while Humility
and Obedience grant us Joy, Peace and satisfaction...
HTTP://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2019/01/ON-PRIDE-AND-HUMILITY/