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 (8) Plagal 4 3 June 2018

1 Sunday After Pentecost – All Saints
st

The Feast of St Lucillian, St Claudios, St Dionysios, St Paul, St Hypatios & St

Paul the Virgin of Byzantium – St Demetrios, Tsarevich of Moscow – St Lucian
the Bishop, St Maximian the Presbyter & St Julian the Deacon, St Marcellinos
& St Saturinos of Beauvais, Gaul (France)

✶✶✶ PLEASE NOTE: THE APOSTLES’ FAST BEGINS FROM TOMORROW

AND CONTINUES UNTIL 29 JUNE, THE FEAST OF ST PETER & ST PAUL

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20

THE GREAT COMMISSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Ex Ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo Thou descended from on High, O Tender-hearted; Thou
Triimeron, ina imas eleftherosis ton pathon. I Zoi ke i endured Three-Days’ burial, so that Thou might free
Anastasis imon. Kyrie, ✞ Doxa Si! us from our passions, O our Life and Resurrection. O
Lord: ✞ Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ton en olon to kosmo Martyron Sou, os porfiran ke visson Thy Church having bedecked Herself with the blood of all
ta emata, i Ekklisia Sou stolisameni, di afton voa Si, Thy Martyrs in the world, as though with the finest
Hriste O Theos: To Lao Sou tous iktirmous linen and purple robe, through them cries out to Thee,
katapempson, Irinin ti Politia Sou dorise, ke tes psihes O Christ our God: Send down Thy Compassion upon
imon to Mega Eleos. Thy people, grant Peace to Thy Commonwealth, and to
our soul, Thy Great Mercy.
Apolytikion of the Parish

SEASONAL KONTAKION - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY UNTIL 27 JULY
Os Aparhas tis Fiseos, to fitourgo tis Ktiseos, i ikoumeni Like the First Fruits of Nature, to the Author of Creation,
proferi si Kyrie, tous Theoforou Martyras. Tes afton the Earth’s people offer Thee, O Lord, the God-bearing
ikesies, en Irini vathia tin Ekklisian Sou, dia tis Martyrs. Through their Intercessions, maintain Thy
Theotokou, Sintirison Polielee! Church in True and Perfect Peace, and through the
Theotokos, preserve Her, O Most Merciful!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 67/68 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
God is Wondrous in His Saints.
Bless God in His Churches, the Lord from the Fountains of Israel.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 11:33 - 12:2
THE FAITH OF CERTAIN ISRAELITES & THE PERFECTION OF FAITH
Brethren: all the Saints, through Faith - subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword. Out of weakness (they) were made
strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead Raised to life
again. Others were tortured - not accepting Deliverance, so that they might obtain a better Resurrection. Others
had trials of mockings and scourgings, of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two,
tempted, slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted,
tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountain, in dens and caves of the
Earth.
And all of these Witnesses - through Faith having obtained a Good Testimony – did not receive the Promise - God
having provided something better for us so that they should not be made Perfect apart from us.
Therefore we also - since we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of Witnesses - let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin that so easily ensnares us - and let us run with Endurance the Race that is set before us, looking unto the Author
and Finisher of our Faith, Jesus.
✶ St Paul reminds us of THE INCREDIBLE STRENGTH OF FAITH OF NO MATTER WHAT THESE ANCIENT SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS
THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS that “... WERE FORCED TO ENDURE, THEY REMAINED STEADFAST IN THEIR
subdued Kingdoms, worked Righteousness, FAITH IN THE ONE, TRUE, LIVING AND ALMIGHTY GOD.
obtained Promises...” ✶ “...sawn in two...” is a reference that ST ISAIAH, the great
He mentioned so many of THEIR GREAT SPIRITUAL FEATS AND Holy Prophet of God, WAS MARTYRED IN THIS MANNER BY
HEROIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT WERE ONLY POSSIBLE DUE TO MANASSEH.
THEIR UNWAVERING TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND FAITH IN NOTHING COULD SWAY THEM OR MAKE THEM RENOUNCE THEIR
ALMIGHTY GOD Who makes everything that is FAITH, FOR THEY KNEW THAT GOD WOULD NEVER FAIL THEM!
impossible for us, quite possible. They knew that everything God has Promised us will most
certainly be fulfilled.

1 S T S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T S U N D A Y O F S T M A T T H E W – A L L S A I N T S S U N D A Y – 3 J U N E 2 0 1 8 1.
✶✶ BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S ULTIMATELY SUPERIOR BLOOD
SACRIFICE, HE EFFECTED WHAT ALL THE BLOOD SACRIFICES
OF THE OLD COVENANT COULD NOT DO.
HIS BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR ALL MANKIND’S SINS FOREVER, INCLUDED
THOSE ANCIENT SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS so that they, too,
could enter into the Divine Presence of God as they
had been Promised by our Lord God.
During Christ’s Harrowing of Hades, ALL THESE GOOD SOULS
WERE SET FREE AND ENTERED INTO PARADISE to await the
General Resurrection with the rest of mankind.
✶✶ WE ARE EVEN MORE CERTAIN OF GOD’S DIVINE PROMISES AND
TRUTH for everything that the Old Covenant Holy
Prophets had foreseen, was definitely
accomplished by our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, and WE CAN REST ASSURED THAT EVERYTHING
ACCORDING TO OUR NEW COVENANT WITH GOD WILL ALSO
BE FULFILLED!
This was confirmed by our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ
Who for 40 days after His Resurrection appeared to His
Faithful Disciples and Apostles before His physical,
visible Ascension into Heaven.
SO WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, WE CAN AND WE DO BELIEVE EVERY WORD
SPOKEN BY OUR SAVIOUR CONCERNING THIS SHORT LIFESPAN
AND ETERNITY.
✶✶ AS ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS, WE ARE MOST BLESSED TO HAVE not
only THE WRITTEN HOLY TRADITION (Teachings and
Commandments) (i.e. the Books of the New
Testament that were written by the Holy Apostles of
Christ after His Holy Church was established) but
also all the carefully AND CORRECTLY PRESERVED
VERBAL HOLY TRADITION (Teachings) passed down to
us by our Lord’s Holy Apostles and their successors,
our Bishops and Presbyters.
✶ THE SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS OF THE OLD COVENANT – “...of
whom the world was not worthy ...” were despised
by the ungodly people but WERE CERTAINLY WORTHY,
HONOURABLE CITIZENS OF GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
THE INCARNATION OF THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND
SON OF GOD THE FATHER, AND EVERYTHING THAT HE
ACCOMPLISHED FOR US while He lived with us in the Flesh,
ALSO REDEEMED THE OLD COVENANT SAINTS AND MARTYRS
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “... Whoever Confesses Me before men, him will I also Confess before
My Father Who is in Heaven... Whoever denies Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in
Heaven... He who loves Father or Mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter
more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his Cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me...”
Peter said to Him: “Behold: we have left all and followed Thee. Therefore what shall we have?”
Jesus said to them: “Truly, I say to you, that in the Regeneration - when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of His Glory
- you who have followed Me will also sit on Twelve Thrones, judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel. And everyone
who has left houses, or Brothers or Sisters, or Father or Mother, or Wife or Children, or lands, for My Name’s sake,
shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit Eternal Life.
“Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
✶✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST STATES HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND
REVELATIONS VERY PLAINLY AND SPECIFICALLY.
Therefore, WE HAVE NO EXCUSE WHEN WE DISOBEY OR
REJECT HIS TRUTH.
✶✶✶ He repeatedly cautions us that WHATEVER WE THINK, WE
SAY OR WE DO WILL HAVE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR US.
✶✶ When He told His Disciples: “... Whoever Confesses ...
Whoever denies Me before men...” it is obvious
that our All Knowing God would immediately
know about it and WE WILL EITHER RECEIVE HIS
BLESSINGS FOR OUR FAITH IN HIM OR HIS CONDEMNATION,
WHICH HAS ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES.
✶✶✶ WE SHOULD NEVER BE ASHAMED TO CONFESS OUR FAITH IN
GOD EITHER VERBALLY OR THROUGH OUR ACTIONS SUCH AS
MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS OR FULFILLING OUR
SACRED TASKS WITHOUT FEAR, SHAME NOR
EMBARRASSMENT.
✶✶ Furthermore, those who love anyone or anything
more that our Lord God or those who do not
“...take (their) Cross and follow after Me, (are) not
worthy of Me!”
IN ORDER TO CARRY OUR “CROSS,” AS TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST,
WE MUST ALWAYS BE READY TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING IN ORDER
TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to His Heavenly
Kingdom – even if, at times, when necessary, having
to sacrifice our friendships or relationships IF THEY
IMPEDE OR DESTROY OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND PROGRESS.
This is the Spiritual Struggle between our old, sinful state
and our Renewal in Christ.
who, due to their immensely strong Faith, participate
together with us in His Glorious Resurrection and His
Heavenly Kingdom – Eternal Life.
✶✶ ST PAUL’S EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, beginning with
Chapter 10:19, and continuing until Chapter 12:29,
IS A PROGRESSIVE EXHORTATION TO ALL FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE AGES, IMPLORING
US TO ALWAYS “...first seek the Kingdom of God...”
and not be misguided nor mislead by anything
else.
✶✶✶ OUR ENTIRE PURPOSE IN THIS LIFESPAN IS TO PREPARE
OURSELVES TO BECOME WORTHY, RIGHTEOUS CITIZENS OF
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE!!
Our New Covenant with God Enlightens us with His Divine
Truth whereby we are able to Ascend to His Eternal
Kingdom in our proper Worship, Prayers and Life in
Christ.
WE ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE A FORETASTE OF THIS HEAVENLY
DIMENSION IN THE DIVINE LITURGY AND THE OTHER HOLY
SERVICES, AS WELL AS BY MEANS OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES THAT
ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND PROGRESS.
✶ “...we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of
Witnesses...” is a reference to ALL THOSE WHO HAVE
GONE BEFORE US, HAVING EXPERIENCED THE DIVINE TRUTH
AND REALITY OF GOD AND WHO NOW REST IN PEACE IN
PARADISE UNTIL THE EIGHTH DAY – the General
Resurrection and the Final Judgement.
✶“...run with Endurance the Race that is set before us...”
means that we must BE EAGER AND WILLING TO FULFIL
ALL OUR SACRED TASKS, NO MATTER WHAT OUR
CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE.
✶“...looking unto the Author and Finisher of our Faith,
Jesus,” our Lord and Saviour – FOCUSSING OUR
ATTENTION WITH DETERMINATION ON CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
BY STRIVING TO FULFIL EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT US TO
DO.
TO S T M A T T H E W 10: 32 – 33; 37 – 38 & 19 : 27 – 30
The continuous process of our Spiritual Growth requires
our free will commitment to Live in Christ – a Life of
Righteousness and Holiness, for as His adopted
Children of Light, we can no longer live in the
Darkness of sin.
A change of our lifestyle is possible because of our Holy
Baptism when we “...put on Christ...”
Having abandoned our old, wicked nature, we have
been granted a Renewed Nature – we have been
Regenerated and Illumined with Divine Truth and
Love.
Consequently, it is necessary to learn everything we can
about our Lord’s Divine Truth and apply It to every
aspect of our daily life, thereby growing closer and
closer to our Saviour with each small step.
Divine Grace makes us Righteous, for Righteousness is
both a Divine Gift and our ultimate Goal – a present
Reality and a Promise we strive to receive.
✶✶ If we profess ourselves as being “Christian” – i.e.
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST – WE MUST LOVE GOD WITH
ALL OUR BEING, AND STRIVE TO FULFIL ALL HIS TEACHINGS
AND COMMANDMENTS TO THE VERY BEST OF OUR ABILITY –
NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES!!
✶✶ Concerning Divine Judgement, ST AMBROSE OF MILAN
explained: “...Christ Judges by Discerning our
heart and soul, and not by examining our deeds.
“So, also, the Apostles were being shaped to exercise
Spiritual Judgement concerning Faith, and in
rebuking error with Virtue...”

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THE APOSTLES WILL THUS JUDGE, not with an earthly type of
judgement, but BY THE WITNESS OF THEIR OWN LIFE IN
CHRIST.
✶✶ Since God’s Heavenly Kingdom began with the
Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, THE
AUTHORITY OF JUDGEMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN GRANTED TO HIS
HOLY APOSTLES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS IN THE JOURNEY AND
MISSION OF HIS EARTHLY CHURCH.
This is the reason for the UNBROKEN Apostolic Succession of our
Bishops and Presbyters being of utmost importance!
In the Eastern Orthodox Church the line of succession of our
Ordained Bishops can be traced all the way back to our
Lord’s Holy Apostles, and thus to Christ Himself.
Without the unbroken Apostolic Succession, self-appointed clergy
have no True, Divine Authority to perform any of our Lord
Jesus Christ’s Holy Mysteries nor to forgive or retain our sins on
His behalf! mp
“...And everyone who has left...” It is important to
understand that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CERTAINLY DOES
NOT COMMAND US TO DIVORCE OUR SPOUSES NOR TO ABANDON
OUR CHILDREN FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FAITH!!
1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, Our Lord told us very
clearly: “... Whoever Confesses Me before men, him
will I also Confess before My Father...”
OUR ALL-SEEING LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who sees Eternity as
clearly the present, ADDRESSED THESE WORDS OF DIVINE
TRUTH TO ALL HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF ALL TIMES AND OF
ALL NATIONS, WITHOUT EXCEPTION!
Like lightening that flashes from one edge of the skies to
the other without losing any of its brilliance, SO HAS OUR
LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH REACHED US THROUGHOUT THE
CENTURIES, having been proclaimed and recorded in
the Holy Gospels.
OUR LORD’S DISCIPLES are not only those who call
themselves ‘Christian’ in His Name and not only those
who took Vows of Service to Him, but THOSE WHO TRULY
CONFESS HIM AS OUR LORD WHO IS OUR DIVINELY EMPOWERED
MASTER AND ETERNAL KING.
HIS DISCIPLES ARE THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIS TEACHINGS AS THE
TRUTH AND REVELATIONS OF OUR LORD GOD, AND WHO
SUBSEQUENTLY STRIVE CONSTANTLY TO FULFIL HIS
COMMANDMENTS.
As Faithful Disciples, OUR CONFESSION OF FAITH MUST BE MADE
WITH MIND, HEART, WORD, DEED, AND OUR ENTIRE LIFESTYLE.
Shame, timidity, and wavering are unacceptable
excuses, for OUR CONFESSION OF FAITH REQUIRES DECISIVE
SELF-DENIAL, WHILE BEING A TRIUMPHANT, PUBLIC
DECLARATION BEFORE ALL CREATION OF HEAVEN AND EARTH.
As St Paul said: “We are made a spectacle unto the
World... to Angels and to men...” (1 CORINTHIANS 4:9)
THE APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES WERE NEITHER ASHAMED NOR AFRAID
TO CONFESS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who had been
punished with a shameful execution, having been
unjustly sentenced by ecclesiastical and civil judges.
LIKEWISE, THEY WERE UNASHAMED AND UNAFRAID WHEN THEY WERE
BROUGHT BEFORE ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL JUDGES, BEFORE
THE POWERFUL AND WISE, BEFORE TYRANTS AND TORTURERS,
WHEN CONFRONTED BY TORMENTS, HUMILIATIONS,
DEGRADATIONS AND VIOLENT EXECUTION.
THE HOLY MARTYRS COURAGEOUSLY CONFESSED THEIR FAITH IN
OUR LORD, OFFERING THEIR BLOOD AND LIFE, PROCLAIMING
THEIR HOLY TESTIMONY TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND TO THE
KNOWLEDGE AND WORSHIP OF OUR LIVING, TRUE GOD.
MONASTIC SAINTS CONFESSED OUR LORD WITH THEIR UNSEEN
MARTYRDOM AND CONSTANT SELF-DENIAL THROUGHOUT THE
COURSE OF THEIR LIFE, thereby UNITING EARTH AND HEAVEN,
ANGELS AND MANKIND, belonging to Heaven during their
time on the Earth BY THEIR COMMUNION WITH ANGELIC
HOSTS while yet in their earthly habitations.
THOSE WHO TRULY PLEASED THE LORD OUR GOD LABOURED IN THE
WORLD WHILE CONFESSING OUR LORD BY THEIR DISDAIN AND
COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR WORLDLY PRINCIPLES, of whom St
John commented: “...These are in the world, yet they
are not of the world.” ( J O H N 1 7 : 1 1 - 1 6 )
CONFESSION of our Lord Jesus Christ, COMBINED WITH
RESOLUTE AND TOTAL DENIAL OF THE FALLEN WORLD AND OF
THEMSELVES WAS CHARACTERISTIC OF ALL THE HOLY SAINTS.
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St John Chrysostom explained that these words refer to
KEEPING OUR FAITH WHEN WE ARE PERSECUTED AND WE LOSE
OUR BELOVED FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
It also means that WE MUST ACCEPT THE PAIN AND SORROW
CAUSED BY UNBELIEVING, HERETICAL OR PAGAN FAMILY AND
FRIENDS WHO MAY CUT THEIR TIES WITH US DUE TO OUR FAITH.
✶✶ Our Lord Jesus Christ assured His Apostles - and thus
He assures us - that EVERYTHING WE SACRIFICE FOR HIS
SAKE WILL BE GRANTED TO Us “..a hundredfold, and...” we
will ... inherit Eternal Life.”
✶✶✶ In other words, OUR FINAL REWARD FAR EXCEEDS ANYTHING
WE COULD POSSIBLY IMAGINE OR SACRIFICE IN THIS SHORT,
TEMPORARY EXISTENCE.
✶✶ “...Many who are first will be last...” means that all
souls will be treated the same, whether they were
Faithful forever or had only recently become Faithful.
Consequently, according to the abiding Love of God,
even THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY CONVERTED, WILL BE
JUDGED ALONGSIDE AND EQUALLY TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST FOR THEIR ENTIRE LIFESPAN.
- SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS
THOSE WHO CONFESS OUR LORD BY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED
DURING THIS EARTHLY SOJOURN AS OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS
TAUGHT US – proving our True Faith by means of our
daily lifestyle - OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL CONFESS
(CONFIRM) TO BE HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES, whom He will
Confess not ONLY BEFORE HIS ENTIRE CREATION, BUT, MORE
SIGNIFICANTLY, BEFORE GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, which
leads us into A MOST INTIMATE UNITY WITH OUR TRIUNE
GOD. ( C F . J O H N 1 4 : 2 0 ) .
WHEN WE CONFESS GOD in a way that is pleasing to Him
and as prescribed by Him, IT SIGNIFIES THAT GOD HAS
CHOSEN US and THE FRUIT OF OUR GOOD WILL MEANS
INCLUSION AMONGST THE RANKS OF HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE.
Weak, ambiguous confession is unacceptable, being
unworthy of God, for it is not enough to Confess
secretly within our soul but IT IS NECESSARY TO CONFESS
WITH OUR WORDS, OUR THOUGHTS AND OUR DEEDS.
OUR LORD SEVERELY CAUTIONED US NEVER TO BE ASHAMED OF HIM,
NOR TO RENOUNCE OR DENY HIM.
We must not only Confess our Faith in God,
acknowledging His Divinity and Sovereignty; but we
must fulfil ALL His teachings and His
Commandments to the very best of our ability!
HUMAN SOCIETY IS “... sinful and adulterous..” BECAUSE IT
PUSHES US – BRAIN-WASHES US – INTO ACCEPTING AN IMMORAL
AND SINFUL LIFE; WHICH HAS BETRAYED, RENOUNCED AND
TRADED HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND LOVE OF GOD FOR THE
ARROGANT DISOBEDIENCE AND REBELLION OF SIN THAT
ENSLAVES US.
THE “SOCIAL NORMS” OF THE PRESENT WORLD ARE CONTRARY TO
AND ALIENATED FROM A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO GOD, WHICH
IS HATED AND MOCKED BY THE UNGODLY.
In order to avoid such hatred and persecution, THOSE WHO
ARE SPIRITUALLY WEAK AND UNCONFIRMED IN FAITH ARE EASILY
LED INTO MAN-PLEASING HABITS AND LIFESTYLE THAT UTTERLY
RENOUNCES OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S DIVINE TEACHINGS,
WHICH EXCLUDES THEM FROM THE RANKS OF THE CHOSEN,
BEING SELF-EXILED FROM GOD.
Our Lord confirms us as His Disciples in our Faithfulness to
Him and His Teachings
Dependency upon human society is not as strong as
dependency upon family. It is easier to refuse to
submit to the demands of society than to refuse to
submit to the demands of family.
Family demands are aided by the laws of nature, and
WHEN THESE DEMANDS ARE IN CONCORD WITH THE LAW OF
GOD, THEN THAT VERY LAW OF GOD AIDS THEM.
We might often be perplexed by conflicting demands, not
knowing which of them should be met as pleasing to
God.
Christ resolves this perplexity to complete satisfaction, by
teaching us: “... He who loves Father or Mother more
than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son
or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
(Matthew 10:37)
IN OTHER WORDS THOSE WHO OBEY THE WILL, THE IDEAS OR THE
TEACHINGS OF OTHER WEAK AND FLAWED HUMAN BEINGS AND
WHO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THE DESIRES OF THEIR FLESH RATHER
THAN BE OBEDIENT TO GOD FOR THE SAKE OF OUR ETERNAL
 SALVATION ARE UNWORTHY OF GOD’S BLESSINGS AND THUS ARE
NEITHER HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES NOR CO-HEIRS OF GOD’S
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE!
DIFFICULTIES AND HINDRANCES TO CONFESSION OF CHRIST THAT
WORK AGAINST US FROM THE OUTSIDE ARE INSIGNIFICANT WHEN
COMPARED TO THE DIFFICULTIES AND HINDRANCES THAT ARE
WITHIN US.
Sin lurks hidden deep within us and consistently opposes
Confession of Christ and a willingness to fulfil His Life-
giving Commandments.
SIN STUBBORNLY OPPOSES EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD AND PURE so
even the most natural goodness with which we are
created, is contaminated and distorted by our fallen
nature and habitual inclination to sin...
Although it is possible to withdraw from society or even
from family and friends, we cannot withdraw from
ourselves. We cannot hide from our own nature and
characteristics.
In order to be freed from our slavery to wickedness, our
Lord commands us to ‘crucify’ our fallen, corrupted
nature by self-denial, self-control and discipline –
nailing our mind’s activity and our heart’s attractions
to the Salvific Commandments and Teachings of our
Lord Jesus Christ, for those who are Christ’s Disciples
have crucified the flesh with its selfish desires and
lusts. ( G A L A T I A N S 5 : 2 4 )
We must crucify our carnal mind and fallen, corrupted
desires by focussing all our efforts on the Divine
Commandments that lead us towards Eternal
Salvation and Life in Christ.
St David the Royal Psalmist and Holy Prophet besought
God to grant him the strength and ability to so crucify
himself: “...Nail down my flesh with the Fear of
Thee...” ( P S A L M 1 1 8 : 1 2 0 )
ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD CAN WE BECOME STRONG ENOUGH TO
CONTROL – TO NAIL DOWN - OUR CARNAL MIND AND WILL SO
THAT THEY REMAIN POWERLESS TO ACT AGAINST OUR IMMORTAL
SOUL AND WEAK FLESH.
WITH HIS HELP WE ARE ABLE TO MORTIFY OUR FALLEN NATURE BY
THE SWORD OF CHRIST’S TEACHING, for as our Lord said:
“...whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the
Gospel’s, shall Save it.” ( M A R K . 8 : 3 5 & M A T T H E W
10:39)
On the contrary, when we act according to the
reasoning and attractions of our fallen nature,
mistakenly accepting them as good, our Lord warned
us: “...he who finds his life shall lose it. And he who
doe not take up his cross, who does not take the
yoke of My Commandments upon himself, and does
not follow Me, in self-denial, but follows his own
self, is not worthy of Me!” ( M A T T H E W 1 0 : 3 8 – 3 9 ) .
The Holy Church of Christ, intending to explain most
satisfactorily the fate of God’s Chosen in both time and
Eternity, has determined that after hearing the
terrible, impartial, and resolute sentence from the
Mouth of God, we should read our Lord Jesus Christ’s
answer to St Peter’s question: “... we have forsaken all,
and followed Thee. What shall we have therefore? “
(MATTHEW 19:27)
Our Lord Jesus Christ promised great honour to His
Twelve Apostles.
AS CHRIST, THE GOD-MAN, IS THE ONLY ETERNAL KING OF ISRAEL -
that is, of all Christians who are the New Spiritual
Israel, which consists of all mankind who will finally
inhabit the Promised Land of His Eternal Heavenly
Kingdom – IT IS NATURAL THAT HIS HOLY APOSTLES, through
whom all Nations submitted to Him, SHOULD BE MADE THE
LEADERS AND JUDGES OF THE NEW ISRAEL - THE ETERNAL,
HEAVENLY NATION.
Having informed His Apostles of their significance in the
state of human Eternity our Lord Jesus added: “... And
every one who has forsaken houses, or brethren, or
sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or
lands for My sake, and the Gospel’s … shall receive
an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and
brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children,
and lands, with persecutions, and in the world to
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come Eternal Life ... “ (CF. MATTHEW 19:29 & MK. 10:29–
30 )
Persecution is what earthly life is called because MANKIND
WAS CAST DOWN TO EARTH AND SUBJECTED TO A SOJOURN OF
SUFFERING FOR TRANSGRESSING GOD’S COMMANDMENT.
OUR FALLEN WORLD IS A PLACE AND TIME OF PERSECUTION for the
Faithful Disciples of Christ, because the prince of this
world reigns here where SIN IS MOST WIDESPREAD AND THE
ENEMY OF CHRIST’S DISCIPLES, CRUELLY PERSECUTING AND
OPPRESSING US WITHOUT INTERRUPTION.
WE ARE SUBJECTED TO THE MANY DIFFERENT TORMENTS OF SIN BOTH
WITHIN US AND FROM WITHOUT for the fallen spirits thirst
for our destruction, and work against us with frenzied
hatred and incredible craftiness.
ALSO WORKING AGAINST US ARE THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WHO
have willingly enslaved themselves to the evil one for
whom they ACT AS BLIND, UNHAPPY INSTRUMENTS.
Furthermore, WORKING AGAINST US ARE OUR OWN PASSIONS AND
WEAKNESSES.
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS ASSURED US THAT AS HIS FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES WE WILL RECEIVE A HUNDREDFOLD MORE THAN
WHATEVER WE HAVE SACRIFICED, OFFERED OR FORSAKEN IN HIS
DIVINE NAME AND FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LIFE IN CHRIST.
WE ALREADY RECEIVE THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,
THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY THE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.
DIVINE GRACE BRINGS US GREAT CONSOLATION when we are
confronted by the wickedness and destruction of the
fallen world, for WE ARE GRANTED PRICELESS SPIRITUAL
TREASURES AND GLORY, rather than the temporary,
meaningless and corruptible treasures and false
praises of this world.
The Saints regard all sinful, fleshly pleasures and self-
indulgence as disgusting, filthy, bitter and fatal, for
this fallen world and its temptations are like a white
sepulchre that is shiny on the outside, but inside is
filled with the stink of decay – for those unrepentant
souls who are corrupted by Eternal Death – Eternal
Alienation from God and all His Goodness – are
indeed already decomposing corpses!
ALL MATERIAL MATTER AND CIRCUMSTANCES ARE LEFT BEHIND US
BECAUSE THEY ARE UTTERLY INSIGNIFICANT AND USELESS TO US
when, according to the inescapable and inexorable
law of Death, WE DEPART FROM THIS PRESENT EXISTENCE AND
IRREVOCABLY ENTER ETERNITY.
DIVINE GRACE, HOWEVER, FOLLOWS A DIFFERENT RULE for IT
ACCOMPANIES OUR IMMORTAL REPENTANT SOUL to regions
beyond the grave.
AS SOON AS OUR SOUL IS SEPARATED FROM OUR BODY, LIKE CHAINS
FALLING AWAY FROM US, THE GRACE OF GOD THAT WAS
HITHERTO BOUND BY OUR FLESH EXTENDS ITSELF BROADLY AND
MAGNIFICENTLY!
THE DIVINE GRACE THAT GOD HAS BESTOWED UPON US AS HIS
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES, SERVES AS A PLEDGE AND TESTIMONY FOR
US AS THE CHOSEN OF GOD.
WHEN WE APPEAR BEFORE THE AWESOME JUDGMENT SEAT OF
CHRIST, which awaits every human being after death,
and OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS PRESENT OUR TESTIMONY AND
PLEDGE, Divine Grace will accordingly bring us
Spiritual, Eternal, Indescribable, and boundless
Treasures, Splendour, and Delight in Heaven as the
logical outcome.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS CLEARLY TOLD US THAT IN ETERNITY
HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES SHALL INHERIT EVERLASTING LIFE -
life so superabundant and refined, that fleshly
mankind, who base our suppositions about the
unknown upon our limited knowledge cannot
possibly understand nor describe anything like it!
May we all - due to our precise Confession of our Lord
Jesus Christ - inherit that Eternal Life which is
prepared for all mankind, by the unfathomable,
boundless and Loving Great Mercy of the Lord our
God, Who has Redeemed us through Himself.
Amen.
ST IGNATIOS (BRIANCHANINOV)
TRANSLATED BY NUN CORNELIA (REES)
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/35501.HTML
 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 1 10 June 2018

2nd Sunday After Pentecost – 2nd Sunday of St
Matthew – The Calling of our Lord’s Apostles
The Feast of St Alexander & St Antonina of Constantinople – Synaxis of the Saints of Africa – Synaxis of the Saints of North
America and throughout the Orthodox world – St Timothy the Wonderworker, Bishop of Prusa (Bithynia) - St
Silvanos, Holy Schemamonk of Kiev Far Caves Monastery – St Basil, Bishop of Ryazan (Holy Relics) – St John
Maximovitch, of Tobolsk and All Siberia – St Theophanes of Antioch – St Bassian, Bishop of Lodi – Synaxis of All Saints
of Ryzan – Synaxis of All Saints of Siberia – St Pansemnas of Antioch

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 : MARK 16 : 1 – 8

THE HOLY MYRRHBEARERS WITNESS THE EMPTY TOMB

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon ke stratioton While the stone was sealed by the Judeans, and soldiers
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis trimeros, stood on guard over Thine Undefiled Body, Thou rose
Sotir, Doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e on the Third Day, O Saviour Who gives Life to the
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon si Zoodota. Doxa ti world. For which cause the Heavenly Powers cried
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! Doxa ti aloud to Thee: O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy
Ikonomia Sou, mone Filanthrope! Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory
to Thy Providence, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind!
SEASONAL KONTAKION – TO OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, Creator Immovable: despise not, the pleading voices of
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
timonton se. Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 32/33 – TONE 1
Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we Hope in Thee!
Rejoice greatly in the Lord, O you Righteous! Praise is fitting for the Upright!

ST PAUL’S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS 2 : 10 – 16

JUD GEMENT OF EACH CONSCIENCE
Brethren: ...Glory, Honour and Peace to everyone who works what is Good. To the Judeans first and also to the
Hellenes. There is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without Law will also perish without Law.
And as many as have sinned in the Law will be Judged by the Law. (For not the hearers of the Law are Justified in
the Sight of God, but the doers of the Law will be Justified.)
When the Gentiles who do not have the Law, by nature, do the things in the Law, these, although not having the Law,
are a law unto themselves, who show the work of the Law written in their heart - their conscience also bearing
witness. And between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them in the Day when God will Judge
the secrets of mankind according to my Gospel by Jesus Christ.
Gentiles are counted as Hebrews – as God’s Chosen – THE ADVANTAGE OF THE HEBREW NATION WAS PEDAGOGICAL
when THEIR CONSCIENCE LEADS THEM TO RIGHTEOUSNESS IN (educational/instructive) FOR THEY WERE TAUGHT MORE
THE SAME MANNER AS WHEN THE LAW LEADS AND GUIDES THE THOROUGHLY AND MORE PRECISELY ABOUT THE LORD OUR GOD.
VIRTUOUS HEBREWS. However, EVEN THIS ADVANTAGE DID NOT MAKE THE HEBREWS ANY
“The Law is written in their heart...”refers to OUR MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN THE GENTILES/PAGAN/HEATHENS FOR
CONSCIENCE, which IS GOD-GIVEN AND HAS THE SAME ALL HUMANITY IS UNDER THE ENSLAVEMENT AND OPPRESSION
NATURAL HOLY POWER. OF SIN.
✶✶ According to St John Chrysostom, THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO MANY – IF NOT MOST – HEBREWS relied on ’... knowing the
FOLLOW THEIR CONSCIENCE THAT LEADS US TO GOD ARE Law...’ for their Righteousness, when in fact, they DID
MORE VIRTUOUS THAN THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE LAW, FOR NOT OBEY THE LAW OF GOD.
THEY do not have the advantage of concrete KNOWING THE LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS OF GOD DOES NOT
instructions yet still HAVE A NATURAL, COMPELLING MAKE ANYONE A RIGHTEOUS TEACHER AND GUIDE FOR OTHERS,
DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD. UNLESS THEY THEMSELVES FAITHFULLY OBEY ALL GOD’S
While GENTILES/PAGANS could find God through their TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS.
conscience, they WERE NOT BETTER OFF THAN THE HEBREWS ✶✶ ONLY BY KEEPING/OBEYING THE SPIRIT AND HEART OF DIVINE
WHO HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF “...THE ORACLES OF GOD....” – TRUTH – LAW, TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENT, CAN WE
THE MOSAIC LAW OF GOD AND HIS HOLY PROPHETS – TO LEAD, GUIDE OTHERS.
TEACH AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS GOD.

2ND AP – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – CALLING OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 10 JUNE 2018 5
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 4 : 18 – 23
OUR LORD JESUS C HRIST CALLS HIS FIRST AP OSTLES
At that time, our Lord Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers - Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his
brother - casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them: “Come. Follow Me, and I will
make you Fishers of Men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
And going on from there, He saw two other brothers - James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother - in the boat
with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets. And He Called them. Immediately they left the boat and their
father, and followed Him.
And throughout all Galilee Jesus went, teaching in their Synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and
Healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
THESE FIRST DISCIPLES OR APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR THE PEOPLE DID NOT SWARM TO OUR LORD JESUS WHEN HE
had already heard the preaching of St John the INITIALLY, LIKE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, COMMANDED
Baptist and WERE PREPARED TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS REPENTANCE.
CHRIST “IMMEDIATELY.” THEY ONLY BEGAN TO REALLY PAY ATTENTION WHEN HE BEGAN TO
Most of these people had lived in that region for several HEAL THE PEOPLE AND PERFORM HIS DIVINE MIRACLES,
generations so they would possibly know each other, and which shows that THEY MISUNDERSTOOD THE TRUE NATURE
several were related to each other. OF HIS DIVINE, ETERNAL KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
Many of our Lord’s Apostles were related to Him through His The arrogance and selfishness that motivates most people is
Mother, and upon Her Betrothal to Her aged uncle, St clearly evident:
Joseph the Betrothed, his children (her cousins) became by Once they realised that they could Benefit from Christ – “What’s
Mosiac Law, Her children, further confirming the fact that in it for me?” – their immediate desire was for instant but
She faithfully kept Her Sacred Vow of Chastity all Her life. mp temporary gratification – and only then did they begin
✶✶ ALTHOUGH THEY WERE ILLITERATE AND UNEDUCATED, THESE to pay attention to what He tried to teach them and
HUMBLE FISHERMEN WHOM OUR LORD JESUS CALLED TO bestow upon them – His Priceless, Everlasting Spiritual
FOLLOW HIM WOULD SOON BE REVEALED AS THE WISEST Treasures of Eternal Life! mp
OF ALL, THROUGH THE DESCENT AND RECEPTION OF THE It also clearly demonstrated OUR LORD’S CONCESSION TO
HOLY SPIRIT ON THAT GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST. GRANT CREDIBILITY TO WHAT HE TAUGHT AND REVEALED to
✶✶✶ ONLY BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, the fickle multitudes of that time.
CAN ORDINARY HUMAN BEINGS ACHIEVE THE MOST
MARVELLOUS AND EXTRAORDINARY THINGS, which are
impossible for anyone, no matter how intelligent
or learned they may be!
2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – THE CALLING OF OUR LORD’S APOSTLES
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the TO TAKE EVEN THE SMALLEST OF STEPS TOWARDS A HOLY LIFE IN
Holy Spirit... CHRIST REQUIRES AN INTENSE, COURAGEOUS AND
Dearly Beloved: In some ways, we may envy St Peter, St DETERMINED STRUGGLE, PERSISTENCE, AND A WILLINGNESS
Andrew, St James, and St John for the clarity of their TO ENDURE VARIOUS DEGREES OF STRESS AND DIFFICULTIES
Calling. WITHIN OUR OWN SOUL AS WELL AS THOSE CAUSED BY OTHERS.
On the day that our Lord Jesus Christ Called them and To lead a Righteous Life requires LOVING GOD WITH EVERY
they left everything behind and followed Him, there OUNCE OF OUR BEING AND - THE MOST ARDUOUS OF ALL – TO
was no question of what He required of them. LOVE OUR NEIGHBOURS AS OURSELVES OR AS MUCH AS GOD
His Calling was clear and THEY RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY BY LOVE US!
VOLUNTARILY OBEYING THAT DIVINE CALLING. When we try doing so with all our effort and sincerity WE
That was only the beginning of their Ministry as Faithful EXPERIENCE MANY SPIRITUAL BATTLES, ESPECIALLY FROM
Disciples and Apostles of our Divine Saviour. WITHIN OURSELVES!
As we know from the accounts recorded in the Holy St Paul was a Jewish convert to Christianity who knew
Gospels, THESE HUMBLE FISHERMEN DID NOT HAVE A CLEAR that GOD HAD CHOSEN THE HEBREW NATION FOR A UNIQUE
UNDERSTANDING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S TRUE ROLE IN THE SALVATION OF MANKIND.
IDENTITY UNTIL AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, for NOTHING IN They certainly had an advantage over the Gentiles
THEIR BACKGROUND HAD PREPARED THEM FOR THIS UNIQUE, because of all that God had revealed to them
DIVINE MESSIAH NOR FOR THE GREAT SACRIFICES THAT through Moses and all His other Holy Prophets
WOULD BE REQUIRED OF THEM AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES. whose Sacred Purpose was to prepare His People for
However, when our Lord Called His first Disciples, He the Coming of the Great Messiah, while keeping
did not require perfect Understanding from them. them Faithful to the Lord our God.
He only asked them to leave behind the life that St Paul also knew that GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY TOWARDS
they had always known and take their first steps in ANYONE, AND HEARING HIS LAW WITHOUT OBEYING WAS OF
following Him, which was not by any means an NO BENEFIT AT ALL - even as Christ’s Disciples would
insignificant commitment at all! have gained nothing at all by ignoring His Call to
We can only try to imagine how difficult it would be for follow Him.
most of us if Christ asked us to give up the only WHAT MATTERS IS ACTUALLY FULFILLING EVERYTHING THAT OUR
occupation we had ever known, leave our family LORD GOD REQUIRES OF US.
behind to fend for themselves, and to follow Him as Furthermore ,St Paul knew that OUR ALL MERCIFUL AND
He went around Teaching, Preaching, and Healing. LOVING GOD HAD NOT ABANDONED THE GENTILES – THE REST
At that time, DESPITE THE ENORMITY OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OF MANKIND - FOR HE CREATED EVERYONE WITH A
THEIR CALLING AND THEIR LACK OF UNDERSTANDING, THOSE CONSCIENCE, A NATURAL KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG
FIRST FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST HUMBLY AND EAGERLY THAT IS ENGRAVED IN OUR HEART AND SOUL, WHICH IS MOST
OBEYED HIM and thus became Divinely Inspired and SIGNIFICANT ASPECT OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A HUMAN
Wise “Fishers of men” for the Kingdom of God. BEING, CREATED THE IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD.
EACH OF THEM WAS CHOSEN BY CHRIST AS HIS DISCIPLE AND No matter whether we are Jew or Gentile, whether we
APOSTLE, although they certainly never enjoyed an live according to the Mosaic Law or the dictates of
easy, comfortable, nor materially lucrative lifestyle our conscience, St Paul reminded us that GOD HOLDS
for the rest of their days on Earth. US ALL ACCOUNTABLE TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH THAT WE HAVE
IT IS A GREAT BLESSING TO BE CALLED BY GOD, BUT IT IS ALSO A RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM HIM.
HUGE CHALLENGE to have a strong, clear sense of what The Final Judgement of every human being concerns
God wants us to do in this life. whether we FAITHFULLY STRIVE TO OBEY OUR LORD GOD
Incalculable numbers of Holy and Faithful Disciples of ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING THAT HE HAS TAUGHT US AND
Christ - from the very first Christians until today – COMMANDED US, THEREBY FULFILLING OUR PURPOSE IN HIS
have been martyred – having endured CREATION.
indescribable suffering, abuse, torments and St Paul was under no illusion that the Jews had
terrible persecution for their devotion to our Lord perfectly obeyed the Law nor that the Gentiles had
Jesus Christ. lived fully in accordance with their conscience.

6. 2ND AP – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – CALLING OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 10 JUNE 2018
St Paul taught us that ALL MANKIND HAS SINNED AND FALLEN
SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.
NO ONE CAN BOAST OF A PRIVILEGED STATUS IN THE SIGHT OF OUR
LORD NOR CAN ANY OF US DARE TO JUDGE EACH OTHER, for
all mankind is in need of His Divine Grace and
Mercy to the very depth of our soul!
Everyone needs OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR Who alone CONQUERS
SIN AND DEATH, AND GRANTS US THE ETERNAL LIFE OF GOD.
That was certainly proved to be true by our Lord’s
Disciples, who frequently failed to obey or even
understand what our Lord Jesus Christ expected of
them.
Most of them had abandoned Christ when He was
arrested while only St John had remained with His
Mother and Her companions while He was
scourged, crucified and buried.
IT WAS NOT UNTIL HE APPEARED TO THEM AFTER HIS
RESURRECTION AND BESTOWED UPON THEM A MEASURE OF THE
ABILITY TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT THEIR EYES WERE
TRULY OPENED.
And, finally, IT WAS NOT UNTIL GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD
DESCENDED AT PENTECOST THAT THEY BOLDLY AND
EFFECTIVELY BECAME THE DIVINELY INSPIRED, ALL WISE
“FISHERS OF MEN” WHOSE PREACHING AND MIRACLE-
WORKING MINISTRY BROUGHT INNUMERABLE MULTITUDES
INTO LIFE IN CHRIST.
As a consequence of their Apostolic Ministry, THEY TOOK
UP THEIR CROSSES BY VOLUNTARILY AND COURAGEOUSLY
SUFFERING ALL DEGREES OF PERSECUTION AND VERY
DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES - EVEN UNTO DEATH.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has not Called any of us to enjoy
an easy life of comfort, financial wealth and
material possessions nor any special privileges or
social status, but to AN EXTREMELY DEMANDING LIFE OF
SACRIFICE FOR THE SAKE OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM WITH
ALL ITS LOVE AND SPIRITUAL TREASURES BEYOND
IMAGINATION!
Of course, for most of us, our Life in Christ may be very
different, for WE ARE NEITHER LIKE THOSE HUMBLE
FISHERMEN IN FIRST-CENTURY PALESTINE NOR ARE WE THE
STURDY, UNSHAKABLE PILLARS OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF
CHRIST as our Saintly Forebears were, even though
vast numbers of our Brethren in Christ are still being
persecuted and brutally martyred for their Faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ.
St Paul surely did not have us in mind when he wrote to
the Romans about ‘Jews and Gentiles,’ although it is
possible to get so caught up in the particular
Callings and circumstances of others that we miss
the larger point.
To be perfectly clear, WE ARE ALL FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR
HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALLING OF US, no
matter how imperfectly we understand it or how
difficult it seems to be for us to OBEY AND FULFIL OUR
SACRED CALLING AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
In many ways, WE HAVE MUCH LESS OF AN EXCUSE THAN
CHRIST’S FIRST DISCIPLES, for WE HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THEIR
EXEMPLARY EXPERIENCES AND TEACHINGS, as well as that
of so many generations of Faithful Disciples who
have taken up their crosses and followed our Lord
Jesus Christ before us.
AS ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS, WE HAVE RECEIVED THE FULLNESS OF
GOD’S REVELATION IN THE ONGOING LIFE OF HIS HOLY
CHURCH BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY
SPIRIT, THROUGH OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, ACCORDING TO THE
WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
But instead of simply taking pride in these Great
Blessings, WE MUST HUMBLY ACCEPT THE GREAT
RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE INHERITED!
We must always remember that IT IS MEANINGLESS AND
UTTERLY UNBENEFICIAL TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION TO BE
RECIPIENTS OF OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH – HIS REVELATIONS,
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS - IF WE DO NOT STRIVE TO
PRACTICAL REPENTANCE AND ITS FRUIT – ELDER JOSEPH OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY, MOUNT ATHOS
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Truth: “I Am the Way,
and the Truth, and the Life.” (JOHN 14:6)
Therefore, HE IS LIFE WITHOUT BEGINNING, UNLIMITED,
UNBOUND, CO-ETERNAL WITH THE FATHER, INSEPARABLE AND “IN LOVE HE PREDESTINED US TO BE ADOPTED AS HIS SONS
UNDIVIDED FROM HIM.
“PRAISE BE TO GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ WHO
HAS BLESSED US IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS WITH EVERY
2ND AP – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – CALLING
ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING THAT HE ASKS OF US, TO THE BEST
OF OUR ABILITY!
Like the Gentiles mentioned by St Paul, we must also
always remember that IT IS NO ACCOMPLISHMENT TO
HAVE A CONSCIENCE THAT LEADS US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
IF WE DO NOT ACTUALLY FOLLOW IT.
OUR MERE ATTENDANCE AT CHURCH IS OF NO ETERNAL,
SPIRITUAL BENEFIT TO US IF WE DO NOT BECOME TRUE AND
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES WHO ARE LIVING WITNESSES of our
Divine Saviour’s Victory over sin and Death BY MEANS
OF OUR DAILY LIFESTYLE – OUR SPEECH, ATTITUDE AND
BEHAVIOUR.
In this Season of the Apostles Fast, we must try to
become like those first Blessed Apostles who left
everything behind in response to our Divine
Saviour’s Call, even though at first they often
fumbled and failed because their understanding of
that Divine Calling was imperfect and immature.
Nevertheless, our Lord Jesus Christ never abandoned
nor rejected them, even when they abandoned Him
out of fear of His enemies.
Our Lord is All Merciful and Compassionate, so as soon
as we realize that we have failed to fulfil His Will or
have disregarded His Calling, we can beseech His
Forgiveness and entreat His Divine Help to make us
worthy and Faithful Disciples.
Like His Apostles when they first responded to His
Calling, we have not yet acquired Perfect Faith and
Obedience.
YET WHEN WE SINCERELY STRIVE TO FULFIL OUR SACRED CALLING
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY, WE WILL
BECOME INSPIRED AND ENABLED BY DIVINE GRACE.
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST IS NEVER ALTOGETHER EASY NOR WITHOUT
ANY SACRIFICE, and we will very often stumble and
even fall down as we proceed along the Righteous,
Narrow Path towards Eternity.
But IF WE CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY WITH HUMBLE REPENTANCE,
WE WILL GROW STRONGER AND MORE CONFIDENT WITH EACH
STEP OF THE WAY - HEARING CHRIST’S VOICE MORE CLEARLY
AND ACQUIRING THE POWER AND ABILITY TO OBEY HIM MORE
FULLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
As difficult as it is for some to believe, OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST CALLS EACH OF US A URGENTLY AS HE CALLED HIS
FIRST DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES.
WE ARE EVERY BIT AS RESPONSIBLE FOR OBEYING HIM AS THEY
WERE, INDEED EVEN MORE RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE WE HAVE THE
BENEFIT OF THEIR EXPERIENCE.
They had three years to learn directly from our Lord’s
Divine Revelations, Teachings and Example, yet
they received Wisdom, Understanding and Power to
fulfil their Sacred Calling only after our Lord’s
Resurrection and Ascension, when the Holy Spirit
descended and bestowed Divine Grace upon each
of them.
TODAY WE HAVE THE FULL ADVANTAGE OF HISTORY, SPIRITUAL
EXPERIENCE AND DIVINE TRUTH, which far outweighs the
limited knowledge of the Chosen People of the
ancient Israel of the Old Covenant or those of the
New Israel of the New Covenant, for God has
opened the Spiritual Sight of our soul so that WE KNOW
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US AS HIS ADOPTED CHILDREN AND CO-
HEIRS WITH CHRIST OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
Our Loving Lord God has granted us a Great Calling to
follow Christ our Divine Saviour so that we may
WORTHILY PARTICIPATE FULLY IN HIS ETERNAL AND HOLY
LIFE.
There is no question about that.
The only question is HOW DO WE RESPOND TO OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST WHO CALL US and says to each and every one
of us: “Follow Me.”
Amen
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST. FOR, HE CHOSE US IN HIM
BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD TO BE HOLY AND
BLAMELESS IN HIS SIGHT.
(CHILDREN) THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, in accordance with His
Pleasure and Will – to the Praise of HIS GLORIOUS GRACE,
WHICH HE HAS FREELY GRANTED US IN THE ONE HE LOVES.
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 10 JUNE 2018 7.
“IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE
FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF
GOD’S GRACE THAT HE LAVISHED UPON US WITH ALL WISDOM
AND UNDERSTANDING.”
“AFTER THIS REVELATION FOLLOWS THE INFINITE BLESSING OF THE
DIVINE PROMISES, which is initiated by the First Calling
of our Lord: “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is
at hand!” (MATTHEW 4:17)
THROUGH OUR REPENTANCE THE ESSENCE AND POWER OF LIFE IS
REVIVED WITHIN US and THE HONOUR AND VALUE OF OUR LOST
HUMANITY IS RESTORED THROUGH FAITH.
OUR ABILITY TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH AND TO RECEIVE THE
GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND, IN GENERAL, OF DIVINE
ENLIGHTENMENT, IS BEING RENEWED THROUGH THE LAMENT OF
REPENTANCE.
This ability had initially been weakened by our
transgressions.
At the beginning of practical Repentance, NO MATTER HOW
HARD WE STRUGGLED, WE COULD NOT ACHIEVE OUR
REDEMPTION nor could we be freed from the limitation
of our “old man” – our old, fallen nature.
Initially, we simply try to control our sinful intentions and
stop our practical submission to the passions and our
sinful habits.
We finally stop ‘borrowing’ and begin to think about ‘pay
off.’
Sometimes we happily repel the passions and temptation,
but at other times, this becomes too painful for us.
Then we begin to see - to the best of our ability – HOW FAR
WE STILL ARE FROM TRUE SPIRITUAL LIFE, especially when
our behaviour towards others is improper and
unworthy!
At this point, we are presented with THE NEED TO BLAME
OURSELVES, which LEADS US TO HUMILITY, without which
there is no social life.
Such tasks need Patience and Perseverance, but
COMPLETE SUCCESS DEPENDS ENTIRELY UPON THE GRACE OF
GOD and “...has nothing to do with us.”
The Lord of the entire universe truly Encourages us, for He
tells us: “Take heart! I have overcome the world!”
(JOHN 16:33)
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST BASIL THE GREAT
Just as God sheds His Light on all people, let those who
imitate Him radiate common and equal Love towards
everyone.
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
God’s Shelter and Providence shields everyone, but can
be seen only by those who Cleanse themselves from
sin.
ELDER SOPHRONY OF ESSEX
A lot of people take God’s Silence to mean that He does
not exist or that He is dead. But if we thought about
the position we put God in with our passions, we
would realise that He has no choice but to keep silent.
We ask for His support in our misbehaviour. He does not
make us feel guilty in any obvious way. He allows us
to continue our wicked ways and to reap the Fruit of
our personal sins.
But if we turn to Him in Repentance He comes quickly,
faster than we expected. Knowing our needs, He
often gets there before us. As soon as we express our
requests in Prayer, which are Justified by the Reality
of our life on Earth, He has already fulfilled them. So
God’s Silence is the most eloquent, the kindest answer
to our misconduct.
ST MARK THE ASCETIC
We must not try to learn about the sly and wicked things
that people do, because then our soul is transformed
by what we hear.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
We blunder about, here and there. We are troubled
about petty and unimportant things. The devil, who
has the power of (Spiritual) Death, traps us in his
snares and wounds us unto (Spiritual) Death. This is
why we must be careful not to become too attached to
anything earthly, so that we can avoid his afflictions.
ST MARK THE ASCETIC
We know that our Lord wants us to bear insults, mockery
and hardships with Patience, while the devil desires
the opposite. So if we give in to what the devil
8. 2ND AP – 2ND SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – CALLING
Our real Triumph is not the fact that THESE GUARANTEES ARE
OFFERED TO US BY OUR ALMIGHTY CREATOR AND GOD, but by
Him as a Person as well.
The Winner of the world – i.e. the Victor over all sin in all
worlds and time – OUR LORD JESUS Christ - has become
Transcendent so that He RENDERS TRANSCENDENT ALL HIS
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
When we heed His Divine Commandments and
Teachings in our daily lifestyle, we are heading
exactly towards that same Victory: “... if you remain
in Me and My Words remain in you, ask whatever
you wish, and it will be granted to you. This is for
My Father’s Glory, that you bear much Fruit, showing
yourselves to be My Disciples.” (JOHN 15: 7 – 8)
WE ARE ONLY MADE WORTHY OF THIS IN HIM, AND BY THE POWER OF
HIS DIVINE GRACE.
THERE IS NO OTHER PATH!
No one else is capable of leading us, or of revealing to us
the Mysteries of Divine Treasures, which are far
beyond nature, “... for in Christ all the Fullness of the
Deity Lives in bodily form.” (COLOSSIANS 2:9)
Our Lord Jesus Christ alone contained in a single, Eternal,
Divine Deed the entire Universe – the Heavens, the
Earth, as well as the infernal regions.
If we decisively FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS AND REMAIN
STEADFAST IN HIS TEACHINGS, we are able to perceive
through His Illumination, and to participate in His
Transcendental Being ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF OUR
TRUE REPENTANCE.
WHEN WE HUMBLY AND SINCERELY REPENT we will feel that WE
HAVE EMBRACED not just the visible but also THE INVISIBLE
CREATION BY THE POWER OF LOVE, WHICH SPILLS OVER FROM
OUR HEART, because this kind of Prayer is most
WELCOMED BY GOD and an indication that WE HAVE
ACQUIRED A “CRUSHED SPIRIT.”
Therefore, we are able to become, just as our Lord Jesus,
“... all things to all men.” (1 CORINTHIANS 9: 22)
(... TO BE CONTINUED...)
http://pemptousia.com
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
suggests, it is clear that we have turned ourselves and
our will towards pleasure-seeking and that we are
paying no attention to our Lord. When we feel deep
sorrow, however, over submitting to the devil’s
provocations, then it is equally clear that we have
turned to God, by Loving and following the Straight
and Narrow Path of His Commandments.
ST SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
When the soul loses Humility, it also loses Grace and the
Love for God, and then Fervent Prayer is extinguished.
ELDER EPHRAIM OF ARIZONA
Humble yourself and confess from now on, because
Confession involves Holy Humility, without which
nobody can be Saved. It is a Great Joy for the evil
one if he can persuade us to hide our diabolical
thoughts, because then he will succeed in his
carefully planned aim of harming our soul.
GERONTISSA THEOSEMNI OF CHRISOPIGI
If we do not lighten our heart, praying is very difficult.
Criticising, being egotistical, being angry, these are
things that darken our heart.
ELDER EPHRAIM FROM VATOPEDI
This disappointment, this emptiness, this loneliness that
people feel today is mostly due to the fact that
praying is not part of their day. Mankind these days
does not live with the thinking of God, and consider
Him as being least important in life. Such people
have forgotten that our very Essence is God.
METROPOLITAN ATHANASIOS
The Purpose of the Presence of the Saints in the Life of the
Church is so that all of us may be motivated to Live a
similar Life, because their Presence confirms Holy
Scripture.
ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS
Anger, when it stays for long in our heart, creates hatred.
This is why it is necessary to Reconcile quickly with
our Brethren, so we do not lose the Grace of God from
our heart.
OF THE HOLY APOSTLES - 10 JUNE 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 2 17 June 2018

3rd Sunday After Pentecost – 3rd Sunday of St Matthew
– Seek First the Kingdom of God
The Feast of St Isauros the Deacon, St Vassilios & St Innokentios - St Manuel, St Sabel & St Ismail of Persia – St Nektan of
Hartland, Wales – St Shalva of Akhaltsikhe, Georgia

MATINS RESURRECTION GOSPEL 3 : MARK 16 : 9 – 20

THE APPEARANCE OF OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST BEFORE HIS ASCENSION

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 2

Ote katilthes pros ton Thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote ton
Adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke tous
tethneotas ek ton katahthonion anestisas, pase e
Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Hriste, O
Theos imon, Doxa Si!
When Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,
Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy
Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from the
subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried
aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!

SEASONAL KONTAKION OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS

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 117/118 – TONE 2
The Lord is my Strength, and my son, and He became my Salvation.
The Lord Chastened and Corrected me, but He did not give me up to Death.

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE ROMANS 5 : 1 – 10

RIGHTEOUSNESS AS A LIVING REALITY
Brethren: Having been Justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also
we have access by Faith into this Grace in which we stand and Rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God. Not only that,
but we also Glory in tribulations - knowing that tribulation produces Perseverance; and Perseverance, Character;
and Character, Hope.
Hope does not disappoint, for the Love of God has been poured out in our heart by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us.
For in due time Christ - while we were still without Strength - died for the ungodly. Scarcely for a Righteous man will
one die. Perhaps for a Good man someone would even dare to die. While we were still sinners, God demonstrated
His own Love for us, in that Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been Purified by His Blood, we shall be Saved through Him from Wrath. For if we were
Reconciled to God - while we were enemies - through the Death of His Son, much more - having been Reconciled -
shall we be Saved by His Life.
✶✶ FAITH IN CHRIST JUSTIFIES US, WHICH IS AN ONGOING STATE OF  HEBREWS 10: 14: “... by one Offering (Christ) has
HOLY COMMUNION WITH HIM – A CONTINUOUS, LIFE-LONG Perfected forever those who are BEING
PROCESS OF BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AND Sanctified.”
EFFORT. Christ’s Sacrifice for sin is complete – Sanctification is
Being Justified refers to an ongoing state of Righteousness Perfect!
and not merely to a one-time Event in our life - LIVING ✶✶ WE SPEND OUR INDIVIDUALLY UNIQUE LIFESPAN – THIS
EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY IN CHRIST. TEMPORARY PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY -
This SPIRITUAL JUSTIFICATION REQUIRES REDEMPTION – a SANCTIFYING OUR BODIES AND SOULS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE
Sacrificial Offering that is capable of SETTING US FREE THEOSIS – SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
FROM SIN AND DEATH – and which UNITES US ETERNALLY Thus: any wilful, violent destruction of our body – the Holy
WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LIFE. Temple of God – is a denunciation of all our Spiritual
According to the Old Covenant, such a Sacrificial Struggles and a terrible insult to God’s Great Love and
Offering was prefigured by the blood sacrifices of Divine Mercy!
animals – THE SLAUGHTER OF PHYSICALLY PERFECT ANIMALS
✶✶ The term “Faith” (‘Pistis’) also means “faithfulness."
FOR THE TEMPORAL REMISSION OF SINS. (REFER HEBREWS 9)
✶✶ FAITH IS FAR MORE THAN A SIMPLE PERSONAL CONVICTION THAT
According to our New Covenant with God, OUR LORD JESUS
SOMETHING IS TRUE.
CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT SACRIFICIAL
 JAMES 2:19: “You believe that there is one God. You
OFFERING that was necessary ONLY ONCE FOR ALL the
do well. Even the demons believe – and
souls of humanity throughout the ages, which SETS US
tremble!”
ETERNALLY FREE FROM SIN AND DEATH and by the Grace of
✶✶ TRUE FAITH THAT SAVES IS A COMPLETE FAITH – not just the
God UNITES US WITH TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ETERNAL LIFE
mind and the tongue, but our whole being –
IN CHRIST!

3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD- 25 JUNE 2017 9
 TRUSTING IMPLICITLY AND KNOWING OUR LIVING EVERY TIME WE FALL INTO A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH THROUGH
ALMIGHTY AND OMNIPRESENT TRIUNE GOD. OUR UNREPENTED SINS, WE ALIENATE OURSELVES FROM GOD –
This means that our Faith and our Relations with God – WE ARE UNGODLY!
our Justification - is dynamic and alive! WE ARE UTTERLY INCAPABLE OF BECOMING RIGHTEOUS ON OUR
TRUE FAITH GROWS, FLOURISHES AND AFFECTS EVERY ACTION – OR OWN.
IT DIES.
FAITH ALONE – A STATIC FAITH – DOES NOT SAVE US AT ALL, so we However, DUE TO GOD’S INFINITE LOVE FOR US, Christ became
must nurture our Faith in God, as well as our Love for our final and Supreme Sacrificial Offering for our sins,
Him, through our daily words, thoughts and deeds. which was so Unique and Powerful, that it never had
 JEREMIAH 7:3 & ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR: “Do not say you to be done again – HE BROUGHT US GOD’S ETERNAL GIFT OF
are the Temple of the Lord; nor should you say RIGHTEOUSNESS.
that faith alone in our Lord Jesus Christ can Save Those who ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE GOD’S DIVINE LOVE are
you – for this is impossible unless you acquire Reconciled to Him, having been RESTORED TO HIS PEACE
AND COMMUNION WITH HIM.
Love for Him through your works. As for faith by
itself: ‘... the devils also believe – and tremble!’” ✶✶ GOD NEVER CEASES TO LOVE US FOR HE IS UNCHANGEABLE!
GENUINE FAITHFULNESS IS CONTINUOUS LOYALTY AND OBEDIENCE WE CHANGE from good to bad so WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY
CORRECT OUR SPIRITUAL FALLS THROUGH REPENTANCE-
TO GOD for such Faithfulness justifies us through the
Grace of God. CONFESSION, GAINING STRENGTH AND COURAGE THROUGH
“Hope does not disappoint because the Love of God GOD’S DIVINE GRACE.
(Agape) has been poured out in our hearts by the So we - as Faithful Disciples of Christ - relentlessly STRIVE
AND STRUGGLE TO REMAIN IN - OR TO RETURN TO - A STATE OF
Holy Spirit...” means that not only do we
experience His Divine Love, but we can also pass it SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST, always hoping and praying
on to others by our own GOOD EXAMPLE, through that when our time comes to depart this life, we are in
our own SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE, and by TEACHING that Blessed State, rather than being exiled through
OTHERS CORRECTLY BY THE GRACE AND INSPIRATION OF
our wilful and unrepented sins!
GOD. Consequently, AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO DRIFT AWAY OR FALL
INTO THAT REBELLIOUS STATE as “enemies of God,” OUR
✶✶ To a greater or lesser degree, WE ARE ALL “UNGODLY”
BECAUSE WE ARE HABITUAL SINNERS!
LORD CEASELESSLY WORKS IN HIS DIVINE LOVE TO RESTORE US
TO that Spiritual State in which He created us – HIS
PERFECT IMAGE AND LIKENESS.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 6 : 22 – 33
SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
At that time, our Lord Jesus said: “... The Lamp of the body is the Eye. If your Eye is good, your whole body will be full
of Light. If your Eye is bad, your whole body will be full of Darkness. If, therefore, the Light that is in you is
Darkness, how great is that Darkness?
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and
despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon!
“Therefore, I say to you: do not worry about your life – what you will eat or what you will drink – nor about your body
– what you will put on. Is not Life more than food and the body more than clothing? Behold the birds of the air,
for they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more
value than they?
“Which of you – by worrying – can add one cubit to your stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the
lilies of the field, how they grow - their neither toil nor spin . I say to you that even Solomon - in all his glory -
was not arrayed like one of these.
“If the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, is so clothed, will God not much more
clothe you, O you of little Faith? Do not worry, saying: ‘What shall we eat?’ or: ‘What shall we drink?’ or: ‘What
shall we wear’ All these things the Gentiles seek. Your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you...”
✶ THE MIND – “NOUS” – IS THE SPIRITUAL EYE OF THE SOUL. It AND CLOTHING – so that they would CONCENTRATE ON THE
Illuminates our Inner Being and governs our (free) MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF LIFE WITH CHRIST AND ACCEPT
will. WITH COMPLETE FAITH THE ASSURANCE AND SECURITY OF
Christ explains to us that KEEPING OUR MIND – AND THUS OUR DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
SOUL – HEALTHY AND PURE, IS FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR ✶✶ HOWEVER, OUR LORD WARNS US AGAINST UNNECESSARY
CHRISTIAN LIFE – OUR TRUE LIFE IN CHRIST. ANXIETY ABOUT SUCH MATTERS – NOT AGAINST
Just like slaves we try to serve two masters, which is an THOUGHTFUL PLANNING.
impossible and useless waste of our precious time OUR PHYSICAL WELFARE IS DIRECTLY DEPENDENT ON ALMIGHTY
and efforts! GOD AND ONLY INDIRECTLY ON OUR OTHER DIRECT NEEDS.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN AN ATTACHMENT AND DEDICATION Therefore, OUR NEEDLESS APPREHENSION CONCERNING EARTHLY
TO BOTH TEMPORARY EARTHLY THINGS - PHYSICAL DESIRES AND MATTERS DEMONSTRATES OUR LACK OF FAITH IN GOD’S
DEMANDS – AND ETERNAL HEAVENLY THINGS – SPIRITUAL LOVING CARE – HIS GREAT MERCY.
VIRTUES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO ACHIEVING THEOSIS AND Gentiles, the ungodly or the pagans, are consumed by
ETERNAL LIFE. their dependence on Earthly possessions and status –
ALL OUR ALLEGIANCE IS OWED TO ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE! their man-made gods or idols - but THOSE WHO ARE
YET MAMMON – EARTHLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL STATUS AS TRUE AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE FREED FROM
WELL AS THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH – DEMANDS OUR MINDLESS SUCH SLAVISH DEPENDENCE, RESTING ASSURED IN DIVINE
ATTENTION AND EVEN OBSESSION! AGAPE – GOD’S INDISCRIMINATE LOVE FOR ALL CREATION –
Although our Lord Jesus Christ referred to Mammon ESPECIALLY HIS BELOVED MANKIND.
(meaning “riches”) as a “master,” it was NOT BECAUSE The Eternal Kingdom of God is the central theme of our
MATERIAL WEALTH AND POSSESSIONS ARE EVIL BY NATURE, BUT Lord’s Teaching, and His Righteousness is the main
BECAUSE OF THE CONTROL IT HAS OVER US AND OUR OBSESSION topic of His “Sermon on the Mount.”
WITH SUCH THINGS. CHRIST CALLS US TO FOLLOW HIM AND LIVE EVERY MOMENT
We become so involved with “getting rich” and “enjoying ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS, which are always
ourselves” we are led astray – WE ARE LED AWAY FROM for our Spiritual Welfare and Development – the
GOD AND HAVE NO TIME AND MAKE NO EFFORT TO EXPRESS means of SLOWLY REGAINING OUR LOST DIVINE LIKENESS.
OUR GRATITUDE TO HIM FOR HIS GREAT BLESSINGS – WHICH By choosing to follow our Saviour, WE ARE SET FREE FROM
WE EGOTISTICALLY ASCRIBE TO OUR OWN EFFORTS ALONE! UNNECESSARY STRESS AND FIXATION concerning
ONLY WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES BEREFT OF SPIRITUAL temporary (Spiritually Useless) Earthly things.
NOURISHMENT OR STRENGTH, DO WE SUDDENLY REMEMBER THE Instead, OUR LORD JESUS LEADS US TOWARDS HIS ETERNAL
LORD OUR GOD AND RUSH TO LIGHT VOTIVE CANDLES OR BEG HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE, JOY AND PEACE, SECURE IN
HIS GREAT MERCY IN OUR TIME OF NEED, DISTRESS OR PAIN. UTTER FAITH THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE US WITH EVERYTHING
Our Lord Jesus tried to teach His Disciples to STOP NECESSARY - His Abundant Earthly Blessings, while
WORRYING ABOUT MUNDANE ISSUES – SUCH AS FOOD, SHELTER enduring this short Preparatory Time before Eternity.

10. 3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD 17 JUNE 2018
 “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven,” means exactly that:
we must make every effort to proceed steadily
towards Eternal Life in Christ – even while going
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren, EVERYTHING THAT IS NECESSARY FOR
OUR EARTHLY EXISTENCE IS PROVIDED FOR US BY OUR INFINITELY
BENEFICIAL LORD GOD – nourishment, clothing, shelter...
However - as our Divine Saviour has reminded us -
ALTHOUGH OUR ALL MERCIFUL LORD GRANTS EVERYTHING
ESSENTIAL FOR HIS CREATION AND HIS CREATURES TO EXIST
AND TO FLOURISH, WE - His Faithful Disciples who have
been Enlightened by His Divine Truth - ARE URGED NOT
TO WORRY OVER SUCH MUNDANE MATTERS BUT RATHER TO
expend our short preparatory time and energy by
striving to ACQUIRE EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY OF ETERNAL
BENEFIT TO US.
✶✶ Thus we are exhorted to “...Seek first the Kingdom of
God!”
This should be OUR MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY THROUGHOUT OUR
SHORT LIFESPAN – no matter what our circumstances
may be.
Seeking His Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom means that our
Lord requires us to FOCUS OUR ATTENTION AND OUR EFFORTS
TOWARDS OUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION, which should
always be ETERNAL LIFE IN THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
ALMIGHTY GOD.
The Gospel Readings for the last two weeks are like steps
whereby all the Saints ascended to their Heavenly
Dwellings - whereby we, too, must strive to ascend, for
indeed, THERE IS NO OTHER WAY – NOR IS THERE ANY OTHER
PURPOSE FOR ALL MANKIND.
THE PATH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY, which
applies all mankind who has ever existed on Earth.
WE MUST CONFESS CHRIST AND LOVE HIM MORE THAN EVERYONE
AND EVERYTHING ELSE BY MEANS OF OUR WORDS, OUR
ATTITUDES AND OUR ACTIONS.
WE MUST TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW HIM, in the same
way the Apostles followed Him, by LEAVING ALL OUR
WORLDLY CONCERNS IN THE CARE OF GOD.
The first Apostles of Christ and His first Faithful Disciples
left their families as well as their nets and boats.
THEY LEFT THEIR FAMILIAR LIFE IN ORDER TO FOLLOW OUR LORD
JESUS AND TO FULFIL THEIR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST.
LIKE “...THE LILIES ...” AND LIKE ALL NATURAL LIFE, WE MUST NOT
WORRY OBSESSIVELY ABOUT WHAT WE WILL EAT OR DRINK OR
WHAT WE WILL WEAR, because OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING WE NEED.
Our Lord Jesus Christ – our Creator Himself – said very
clearly and concisely to “...Behold the birds of the air,
for they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns,
yet your Heavenly Father feeds them...”
And by using the intense beauty of the wild flowers that
adorn the countryside, our Divine Saviour exhorted us
to “...Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow -
they neither toil nor spin.. ... even Solomon - in all
his glory - was not arrayed like one of these!”
✶✶ Our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to understand
that “...Life (is) more than food and the body more
than clothing!”
PRACTICAL REPENTANCE AND ITS FRUIT – ELDER JOSEPH OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY, MOUNT ATHOS
PART 2
AFTER REPENTANCE, THOSE WHO HAVE TASTED THE POWERFUL
SWEETNESS OF DIVINE LOVE, MUST ALSO BE PREPARED TO TASTE
THE CORRESPONDING BITTERNESS THAT IS THE RESULT OF OUR
TRANSFORMATION.
DIVINE GRACE, WHICH HAS SO AFFECTIONATELY CONSOLED AND
FORTIFIED OUR REPENTING SOUL AND SAVED US FROM THE
EFFECTS OF TEMPTATIONS AND IGNORANCE, and which has
raised us to perceive so many Mysteries, suddenly
becomes merciless and HIDES HER PRESENCE.
Our Repenting soul knocks at the Door of Repentance in
vain.
We knock at the same door that had immediately been
opened to us in the past.
Everything everywhere looks gloomy and there is no Help
from anyone.
 MATTHEW 27:46 - So WE CRY OUT: “My God! My God! Why
hast Thou forsaken me?”
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 3RD OF ST MATTHEW – ETERNAL KINGDOM
through this Earthly existence – for that is our only
Sacred Purpose and Goal for being here!
OF ST MATTHEW – SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
TRUSTING IMPLICITLY – HAVING ABSOLUTE FAITH AND SPIRITUAL
CONFIDENCE - IN THE INFINITE PROVIDENCE AND GREAT
MERCY OF OUR LOVING LORD GOD is what it means to seek
the Kingdom of God.
✶✶ SPIRITUAL SIGHT AND A WILLING SOUL ARE CENTRAL to such
seeking of the Kingdom of God for our Divine Creator
tells us that “... The Lamp of the body is the Eye. If
your Eye is Good, your whole body will be full of
Light.”
When our Spiritual Sight is Good – i.e. Clean or Pure – WE
ARE ENTIRELY ENLIGHTENED AND ILLUMINED BY DIVINE LIGHT
WHEREBY WE ARE ENABLED TO BEHOLD DIVINE TRUTH AND
GOODNESS.
However, “...If... the Light that is in you is Darkness, how
great is that Darkness!”
In other words, IF WE HAVE NOT BEEN ENLIGHTENED AND
ILLUMINED BY DIVINE TRUTH BECAUSE WE HAVE REJECTED OR
DENIED OUR LORD GOD AND HIS COMMANDS AND TEACHINGS,
WE WILL REMAIN IN UTTER SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS AND SPIRITUAL
DEATH until we Repent our Spiritual Rebellion and sins
against God and mankind.
OUR SPIRITUAL SIGHT IS OUR NATURAL, GOD-BESTOWED
CONSCIENCE, WHILE OUR BODY CONSISTS OF OUR ENTIRE BEING.
WHEN OUR CONSCIENCE IS CLEAN and we are humbly
Obedient to God’s Will and Truth OUR ENTIRE BEING – OUR
ENTIRE EXISTENCE – IS ENLIGHTENED AND ILLUMINED BY HIS
DIVINE LIGHT.
In order to keep our conscience Cleansed, we are
required to MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST BY KEEPING A CONSTANT, VIGILANT WATCH OVER OUR
THOUGHTS, OUR WORDS AND OUR DEEDS – over every
movement of our heart and soul!
It is for this most Sacred Purpose that we have been
granted this “Inner Eye” – our Spiritual Sight.
✶✶ Furthermore, and most significant to our Spiritual
Welfare, we must realise that WE CANNOT SERVE “...TWO
MASTERS...” – WE “...CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON!”
✶✶AT OUR HOLY BAPTISM, WE HAVE SWORN OUR FAITHFUL
ALLEGIANCE TO OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD and thereafter WE
COMMIT OURSELVES TO HIS FAITHFUL SERVICE IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES – BODY AND SOUL (physically and
spiritually.)
May our Lord God help us to EXERT ALL OUR SPIRITUAL
STRENGTH TO KEEP OUR SIGHT CLEAN AND PURE, AND OUR
HEART AND SOUL TRULY FAITHFUL ONLY TO THE DIVINE WILL
AND TRUTH OF OUR PROVIDENTIAL AND LOVING GOD.
For ONLY THEREBY ARE ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS
JOYOUS AND POSSIBLE for us, who are Enlightened and
Illumined by His Divine Light.
“O Christ, the True Light, Who Enlightens every man
who comes into the world, may the Light of Thy
Countenance be shone upon us, and may we
behold in It the Unapproachable Light!” (P RAYER AFTER
THE F IRST H O UR , AT THE E ND OF THE E VEN ING V ESPERS S E RVICE ).
ARCHBISHOP ANDREI OF ROCKLAND
HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX SCHOOL
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
There is no Simon the Canaanite to carry our Cross for us.
Even if we cry out many times, WE ARE UNABLE TO CLEARLY
PERCEIVE ANY RESPONSE.
There is only one secret Consolation – HOPE HAS NOT BEEN
EXTINGUISHED!
HOPE SILENTLY ENCOURAGES THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING –
telling us: “Do not be afraid! Just believe!”
Our Holy Elder, St Silouan always encourages us: “Keep
your mind in Hell, and do not despair!”
 PSALM 35:13 & 42:3 - “...I put on sackcloth and
humbled myself with Fasting...” and “... my tears
have been my Nourishment day and night...”
These words must become an essential part our
daily Duty.
 JOHN 16:22 - And we must ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND OUR
LORD’S ENCOURAGING WORDS: “I will see you again,
and you will Rejoice!”
OF GOD 17 JUNE 2018 11.
 Serenity follows brainstorming, and calm seas follow
many stormy waters.
DIVINE GRACE REAPPEARS AFTER THE TEST OF PARTIAL DESERTION
and our soul begins to triumphantly chant:
 PSALM 30:12 - “Thou, my Lord, removed my sackcloth,
and Clothed me with Joy!”
 PSALM 19:10 - THE PRESENCE OF DIVINE GRACE AFTER THESE
TESTING PERIODS IS OF HIGHER VALUE and “... sweeter
than honey, honey from the comb...” because IT
ENHANCES OUR PERCEPTION OF DIVINE LOVE more than
our soul had ever known before.
HUMILITY IS ALSO IMPROVED, since HUMAN WORTHLESSNESS IS
REVEALED, compared to the Might of Divine Love.
 PSALM 119:72; 119:75 & 119:107 - “... It was good for me
to be afflicted so that I might learn Thy
Decrees...” and “.... I know O Lord, that Thy Laws
art Righteous...” for “... I have suffered much.
Renew my Life, O Lord, according to Thy Word...”
OUR SOUL CONFESSES WITH A CRUSHED, CONTRITE SPIRIT:
THIS DEEP SENSE OF HUMILITY EXPANDS OUR SPIRITUAL POWERS
AND INTRODUCES US TO THE REALM OF TRUE FREEDOM.
We come to PERCEIVE THE HUMILITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Who is “... Gentle and Humble in Heart...” AND
thereby we will UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF HIS WORDS:
 JOHN 8:32 “... you will know the Truth and the Truth
will set you Free.”
Our Blessed Elder, St Makarios, explained that thereafter,
we enter THE REALM OF THE NEW CREATION AND RESTORED
NATURE where THE AIR, AND THE CLIMATE, IS DIFFERENT.
THE PROPRIETORS OF THIS SPIRITUAL STATE BECOME SONS
(CHILDREN/OFFSPRING OR HEIRS) OF THE NEW AGE, WHO DEVELOP
DIFFERENT KINDS OF SENSES:
 2 CORINTHIANS 5:4 - “... what is mortal is swallowed up by
Life...” as St Paul explained.
OUR SENSES ARE COMPLETELY REVIVED so that they no longer
behave irrationally but only AS THOUGH
 ROMANS 6:19 “... in slavery to Righteousness, leading to
Holiness.”
Let no one think, however, that SUCH SPIRITUAL LUXURY
comes handy and effortlessly to anyone.
It IS ACQUIRED ONLY AFTER OUR VICTORY OVER VERY DIFFICULT
TRIALS OF BEING PATIENT WHEN CONFRONTED BY TEMPTATIONS,
through which DIVINE GRACE TESTS AND TEMPTS OUR
SPIRITUAL STRENGTH while we battle.
 PSALM 40: 1-2 “... I waited patiently, Patient for the Lord.
He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me
out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He
LET OUR PRAYERS RISE LIKE INCENSE – ABBOT TRYPHON
Since Old Covenant times the Faithful Worshippers of our
Lord God have burnt incense as a fragrant Offering.
The great, ancient Temple in Jerusalem even had Priests
whose sole duty was to keep the Censers burning
twenty-four hours a day.
Ancient pagan Kings were often escorted with large fans
of peacock feathers and burning incense when
entering their palaces.
Our early Christian Brethren took both these symbols as
part of our Orthodox Worship in recognition of our
Lord Jesus Christ as our only Sovereign King and Lord
God.
To this day the Orthodox Church of Christ uses incense in
all of Her Holy Services, and large circular fans,
reminiscent of the brightly coloured peacock fans of
ancient times, are carried in Procession together with
the Cross, and held over the Holy Gospel during the
Proclamation of the Word of God during celebrations
of the Divine Liturgy.
As a young man attending my very first Orthodox Liturgy,
I was struck by the use of incense.
We must understand that our body is corruptible and short-lived, whereas our soul is Divine and Immortal and, while being
God's Breath, is joined to the body to be tested and Deified.
Now those of us who have understood what our soul is, regulate our Life in a Way that is Just, which conforms to God. By not
submitting to the demands of our body, but seeing God with our intellect, we noetically contemplate the Eternal Blessings
that are granted to our soul by God.
12. 3 R D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – 3 R D OF
set my feet on rock and gave me a firm place to
stand...”
St David the Royal Psalmist and Holy Prophet of God,
wishing to declare THE HYPERBOLIC DEGREE OF THE HOLY
VIRTUE OF PATIENCE, repeated the word for “Patience” -
“...Ipomenon, Ipomina...”
✶✶ WE MUST EXCEL OURSELVES IN THE HOLY VIRTUE OF
PERSEVERANCE, FOR THIS DRAWS OUR LORD’S ATTENTION, and
He subsequently does “... (Lift us) out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire...” which are THE DEPRIVATIONS
AND DESPERATION THAT FOLLOWS HARSH TEMPTATIONS.
Our Merciful Lord God will then “... set (our) feet on Rock
and (will grant us ) a firm place to stand...”
 “The Rock” upon which God sets our feet IS THE
ACQUIRED STATE OF OUR SPIRITUAL FREEDOM FROM
TEMPTATION AND SIN.
 The “...firm place...” upon which we are able to stand
is THE HOLY VIRTUE OF DISCERNMENT.
SPIRITUAL FREEDOM AND THE HOLY VIRTUE OF DISCERNMENT
RENEW OUR “OLD SELF” – OUR FALLEN, SINFUL AND CORRUPTED
NATURE.
Soon, THOSE WHO RECEIVE CHRIST WITH ABSOLUTE FAITH,
CONCEIVE THE HITHERTO STRANGENESS OF HIS TEACHINGS AS
DIVINE, PERFECT TRUTH.
WE RECOGNISE OUR WORTHLESSNESS, and we are eventually
able to approach our Heavenly Father Who has no
beginning.
Furthermore, WE REGARD EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD AS
BEING MADE OF CLAY OR STONE – CORRUPTED AND WORTHLESS –
and THE DESIRE FOR PRAYER ATTRACTS US TOWARDS OUR
PERSONAL, LIVING LORD GOD.
WE ARE ABLE TO PERCEIVE HIM BY HIS EMPTYING OF HIMSELF (of His
infinite Majesty and Divine Power as God in order to become
Incarnate – to become Man for the sake of our Salvation)
since He went down to the Infernal Realm – into
Hades – and subsequently Ascended above all to
Heaven, where He is seated at the right Hand Side of
our Heavenly Father (His rightful Place of Honour and
Divine Equality) IN ORDER TO FULFIL EVERYTHING AS GOD
WILLED AND AS HE PROMISED MANKIND.
Therefore, from now on, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY
WAY – THE ONLY PATH – FOR ONLY THROUGH HIM – BY HIS
DIVINE TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS – ONLY BY OUR LIFE
IN CHRIST – ARE WE ABLE TO COME TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
JOHN 14:6 - “No one comes to the Father except through
Me...” as God the Son Himself told us.
(... TO BE CONTINUED ...)
HTTP://PEMPTOUSIA.COM
The words of the Psalmist King David: “Let my Prayer
arise as incense before Thee…” is chanted during
every Holy Service of Vespers during the Censing of
the Temple.
During all Holy Services when there is a great Censing of
the entire church, the Priest (or Deacon) censes the
frescoes and Icons as Windows into Eternity, for the
incense wafts upward as an Offering of the people of
God.
The Congregation is also censed by the Priest in
recognition of our having been created in the Image
and Likeness of our Creator God.
Incense is so central to our Christian Worship that it is
even used in the Worship of the domestic church, (our
homes) where our family gathers in Prayer around
our own Holy Icons, reading Holy Scripture together,
and offering our family Prayers to the Lord our God.
May all our Prayer arise as fragrant incense
before Thee, O Lord!
ABBOT TRYPHON’S “MORNING OFFERINGS”
ST ANTHONY THE GREAT
ST MATTHEW – ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD 17 JUNE 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 24 June 2018

th th
4 Sunday After Pentecost – 4 Sunday of St Matthew –
(The Faith of the Centurion)
The Nativity of St John the Baptist & Forerunner
Also the Feast of St James & St John the Righteous Youths of Meniugi, Novgorod –
St Orentios, St Pharnakios, St Eros, St Firmos, St Firminos, St Kyriakos and St
Longinos, Brothers, Roman Soldiers & Holy Martyrs of Georgia – St Athanasios
Parios, Theologian & Great Teacher of Kostos, Paros – St Barlaam of Khutin

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4: LUKE 34 : 1 * 12

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 3

Evfrenestho ta Ourania, agaliastho ta epigia, oti epiise Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad, for the
Kratos en Vrahioni Aftou O Kyrios. Epatise to Thanato Lord has shown Strength with His Arm; He has
ton Thanaton.Prototokos ton nekron egeneto. Ek kilias trampled down Death by Death; He has become the
Adou errisato imas ke pareshe to kosmo to Mega Eleos. First-born of the dead; from the womb of Hades He
has delivered us, and to the world He has granted
Great Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – TONE 4
Profita ke Prodrome tis Parousias Hristou, Axios effimise O Prophet and Forerunner of the Appearance of Christ,
Se ouk efporoument imis, i potho Timontes Se; stirosis to praise Thee worthily we find no proper means, we
gar tekousis, ke Patros afonia, lelinte ti Endoxo ke who cherish Thy Memory. For the barrenness of the
septi Sou gennisi, ke Sarkosis Iou tou Theou, Kosmo Bearer, and lack of speech of the Father, both were
kirittete. loosened, in Thy Birth the Sacred and Glorified; and
the Incarnation of the Son of God was proclaimed to
the world.
SEASONAL KONTAKION – TO OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, Creator Immovable: despise not, the pleading voices of
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
timonton se. Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 63 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.
Hear, O God, my voice
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ROMANS 13 : 11 – 14 : 4
BE SPIRITUALLY AWAKENED, ALERT & PREPARED - AND PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT.
Brethren: ... and do this - knowing the time – that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our Salvation is
nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent – the Day is at hand. Let us cast off the works of
Darkness, and let us put on the Armour of Light. As in the day, let us walk properly – not in revelry and
drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ - and for the flesh,
make no provision to fulfil its lusts.
Receive those who are weak in Faith, but do not dispute over doubtful things. One believes that he may eat all things
- he who is weak, eats only vegetables. Let him who eats, not despise him who does not eat, and let him who does
not eat, not judge him who eats - God has received him.
Who are you to judge Another’s servant? To his own Master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for
God is able to make him stand.
EXPECTATION OF FUTURE “SALVATION” THROUGH THE GLORIOUS ✶✶ WE MUST BEHAVE OURSELVES ACCORDING TO CHRISTIAN
COMING OF CHRIST MOTIVATES US TO VIGILANCE AND PROPER TEACHING, HAVING “PUT ON CHRIST” AT OUR HOLY
CONDUCT. BAPTISM, we LIVE IN CHRIST.
“The night” is this life under the influence of evil powers – ✶✶ WE WEAR A CROSS AGAINST OUR HEART TO REMIND US AND
while “the day” is the Glorious Reappearance of our OTHERS, OF OUR RISEN CHRIST WHOM WE ARE STRIVING TO
Lord Jesus Christ. IMITATE, and that WE MUST TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND
IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT FOLLOW CHRIST EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY.
CANNOT BE COMPROMISED BUT THERE ARE ALSO GREY AREAS. We must STRUGGLE TO ACQUIRE AND TO FULFIL THE CHRISTIAN
GOD IS GRACIOUS AND ALLOWS DIVERSITY IN “DOUBTFUL THINGS” IDEALS HE TAUGHT US.
[personal opinions - not God’s Truth] – BUT NOT MATTERS THOSE “WEAK IN THE FAITH” ARE CHRISTIANS OF IMMATURE
INVOLVING CHRISTIAN DOGMA. CONSCIENCE AND WISDOM who may attach primary

4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – NATIVITY OF ST JOHN BAPTIST – 24 JUNE 2018 13.
 importance to secondary matters, such as foods and ➤ THROUGH CONSTANT WATCHFULNESS AND CORRECTION OF
religious festivals. OUR OWN ERRORS, WE WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY
We must never pay more attention to the rituals rather than our STRONGER AND LESS CRITICAL OF OTHERS.
complete Orthodox Faith. ➤ ONLY GOD KNOWS THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF HIS
Worship of God should be meaningful and heartfelt, performed CREATURES AND HE WILL DECIDE WHO HAS ETERNAL
with sincere Love, Humility and Obedience, according to the LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH.
Divine Truth and Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. The two examples of flexible areas in this reference
We must avoid making empty gestures that are meaningless to concern food restrictions and the observance of
our Spiritual Welfare. mp Liturgical Calendars, things that the Spiritually Weak
might try to use to judge others or to divide the
✶✶ IT IS FORBIDDEN TO JUDGE OTHERS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO Church.
AUTHORITY or right to do so, being wretched sinners
In both cases, we are commanded to BE FLEXIBLE WITH
ourselves.
OTHERS JUST AS GOD HIMSELF IS WITH US!
➤ WE ARE ALL GOD’S SERVANTS WHOM ONLY GOD CAN DURING ANY PERIOD OF FASTING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE
JUDGE. SHOULD NOT ONLY FOCUS ON THE DETAILS OF OUR PHYSICAL
➤ WE WILL BE JUDGED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE like those SELF-DENIAL BUT PARTICULARLY ON THE SPIRITUAL FAST
we dare to criticise, so therefore TAKE GREAT CARE CONCERNING OUR IMMORTAL SOUL – RESISTING ALL
NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS.
TEMPTATIONS OF SIN.
➤ Instead we must CLOSELY EXAMINE OURSELVES AND
CORRECT OUR OWN FLAWS.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 1 : 1 – 25; 57 – 68; 76; 80
PROPHECY, CONCEPTION & NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things that have been fulfilled among us -
just as those who, from the beginning, were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, delivered them to us - it
seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an
orderly account, most excellent Theophilos, so that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were
instructed.
There was - in the days of Herod, the King of Judea - a certain Priest named ‘Zacharias,’ of the Division of Abijah. And
his wife was one of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was ‘Elizabeth.’ They were both Righteous before God,
walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because
Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
While he was serving as Priest before God in the Order of his Division, according to the custom of the Priesthood, his lot
fell to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord. And a whole multitude of the people was praying
outside at the Hour of Incense.
An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the Altar of Incense. And when Zacharias saw him,
he was troubled, and Fear fell upon him.
The Angel said to him: “Fear not, Zacharias! Thy Prayer is heard, and Thy wife, Elizabeth, will bear Thee a son, and
Thou shalt call his name ‘John.’ And Thou will have Joy an Gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. He will be
Great in the Sight of the Lord. And shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy
Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the Sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will
go before Him in the Spirit and Power of Elijah, ‘...to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children...’ and the
disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
And Zacharias said to the Angel: “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
And the Angel answered and said to him: “I am Gabriel who stands in the Presence of God. And was sent to speak to
Thee and bring Thee these Glad Tidings. And behold! Thou will be mute and not able to speak until the day these
things take place. Because Thou did not believe my words they will be fulfilled in their own time.”
And the people waited for Zacharias. And they marvelled that he lingered so long in the Temple.
When he came out, he could not speak to them. And they perceived that he had seen a Vision in the Temple. And he
beckoned to them, and remained speechless.
So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.
At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zaharias conceived.
And she hid herself for five months, saying: “Thus has the Lord dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to
take away my reproach among people.”
...Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered. And she brought forth a son.
And when her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had shown Great Mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
And on the Eighth Day, they went to circumcise the child, and they would have named him by the name of his father,
Zacharias. And His mother said: “No! For he shall be called ‘John.’” And they said to her: “There is no one among
your relatives who is called by this name.” They made signs to his father – what he would have him called. And he
asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: “’John’ is his name.” And they all marvelled.
Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosened, and he spoke, praising God.
And Fear came on all who dwelt around them. And all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of
Judea. And all those who heard them, kept them in their hearts, saying: “What kind of child will this be?”
And the Hand of the Lord was with him.
...And Zacharias, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for
He has Visited and Redeemed His People... And Thou, child, will be called ‘the Prophet of the Highest.’ Thou will go
before the Face of the Lord to prepare His Ways...”
...The child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his Manifestation to Israel.
ALTHOUGH ST LUKE HIMSELF WAS NOT ONE OF THE ORIGINAL ST LUKE WAS THE ONLY EVANGELIST WHO PROVIDED INFORMATION
DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD JESUS, HIS HOLY GOSPEL IS ANCHORED CONCERNING THE BIRTH AND INFANCY OF ST JOHN THE
ON THE TRUE TESTIMONY OF THESE ORIGINAL WITNESSES, BAPTIST.
(especially that of our Lady Theotokos to whom he was utterly ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH WERE ACKNOWLEDGED AS A
devoted, as were all the Faithful Disciples of Christ. mp) RIGHTEOUS COUPLE OF PRIESTLY LINEAGE, WHO LIVED THEIR
ENTIRE LIVES IN THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S WILL.
ST LUKE ADDRESSED HIMSELF TO “THEOPHILOS” who was either a
Nevertheless, ST ELIZABETH WAS BARREN, like so many other
prominent Gentile, who had received Christian significant women mentioned in Holy Scripture. (SUCH
Instruction or, as the name implies, ANY “FRIEND OF AS SARAH - GENESIS 16:1; REBECCA – GENESIS 25:21; HANNAH 1 SAMUEL
GOD.” 1:2).
St Luke’s Holy Gospel is written as AN ORDERLY ACCOUNT so INFERTILITY WAS REGARDED AS A ‘PUBLIC REPROACH’ being
as to provide greater certainty CONCERNING THE DETAILS viewed very negatively because A WOMAN’S MOST
OF OUR LORD’S HOLY MINISTRY. IMPORTANT ROLE WAS TO PRODUCE AS MANY LIVING CHILDREN
AS POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE THE FAMILY NAME AND TO
CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELFARE OF THE FAMILY.

4. 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – 4 T H OF ST MATTHEW – NATIVITY OF ST JOHN BAPTIST – 24 JUNE 2018

BARREN WOMEN WERE USUALLY DENIGRATED AND INSULTED, being
regarded as parasites rather than valuable
contributors to society.
EACH PRIEST WHO SERVED GOD AT THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM WAS
ASSIGNED TO A DIVISION. [1 CHRONICLES 23:3-6; 28:13]
There were 24 Divisions in all, each serving a week at a
time by rotation. The responsibilities of the Priests in
each Division were decided by drawing lots.
ST ZACHARIAS AND ST ELIZABETH HAD CONTINUOUSLY PRAYED FOR A
SON and at last their Prayers were answered.
St Gabriel, the Archangel of God, was sent to Announce
the birth of their son who would always be
remembered as “St John the Baptist and Forerunner
to Christ our Lord.” (THE NAME “JOHN” MEANS “THE GRACE OF
GOD.”)
ARCHANGEL GABRIEL’S DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER AND ROLE
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IS AS AN ASCETIC PROPHET OF GOD
WHO WOULD PREPARE THE HEBREW NATION FOR THE LONG-
AWAITED COMING OF THE MESSIAH.
The Hebrews expected St Elijah, one of the greatest
Prophets of Israel, to reappear from Heaven in order
to Anoint the Messiah.
4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE NATIVITY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ: The Nativity of St John
the Baptist confronts us with A MOST TRAGIC AND MOST
MYSTERIOUS PERSONALITY OF THE NEW AND OF THE OLD
TESTAMENTS - of one who stands on the threshold of the
two Divine Covenants - who stands there as a Holy
Prophet of God.
A Prophet of God is not one who predicts the future – like
a so-called “fortune-teller.”
A Holy Prophet of God is one who has spoken God’s own
words to us – to all mankind.
And St John the Baptist – a human being just like us -
was the greatest and last of God’s Holy Prophets who
revealed His Divine Truth to us.
The Gospel according to Saint Mark states that St John
the Baptist was the “...Voice in the wilderness...” that St
Isaiah had previously prophesied, who called the
Chosen People of God to Repentance in preparation
for the Coming of the Great Divine Messiah.
THE HOLY FORERUNNER OF CHRIST had so identified with his
Message that he was no longer merely proclaiming it
— he WAS THE MESSAGE!
THAT DIVINE MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE – A CALL TO OUR SPIRITUAL
RESTORATION AND THE RENEWAL OF OUR SACRED
RELATIONSHIP WITH ALMIGHTY GOD - resounded through
THAT GREAT HOLY PROPHET OF GOD who HAD NO EXISTENCE
APART FROM HIS TOTAL SURRENDER TO GOD - HIS TOTAL GIFT
OR OFFERING TO GOD OF SELF.
Thereby he fulfilled his Sacred Purpose according to the
Divine Will of God, and also honoured his Venerable,
Faithful parents, St Zacharias and St Elizabeth.
His parents were aged and barren. However, St John
had been born of them as a Gift of Divine Grace.
HE HAD NOT BEEN BORN OF HUMAN DESIRE, BUT RATHER ACCORDING
TO THE WILL OF GOD - AS AN ACT OF GOD.
And HAVING RECEIVED HIM AS A DIVINE GIFT, ST ZACHARIA AND ST
ELIZABETH HAD PRESENTED HIM TO GOD AS A PERFECT
OFFERING OF LOVE.
In the Divine Liturgy we declare: “...Thine of Thine own
we offer unto Thee...” and thus ST JOHN – A BELOVED
CHILD GRANTED BY DIVINE GRACE TO THOSE RIGHTEOUS SAINTS
- WAS DEDICATED AND RETURNED TO GOD.
ST JOHN’S ENTIRE BEING WAS FOCUSSED ON FULFILLING HIS HOLY
MISSION for HE WAS A GIFT OF GOD NOT ONLY TO HIS PARENTS,
BUT, TO ALL MANKIND WHO HAS TO BE PREPARED TO MEET OUR
LORD GOD INCARNATE.
The Role of St John is both central and almost
inconspicuous for he proclaimed and taught us God’s
Ways, and thereby he brought us to Repentance so
that we may return to our Lord God by turning away
from everything that makes us imprisoned and
enslaved by sin.
St John the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ also
UNDERSTOOD HIS ROLE AND PURPOSE VERY CLEARLY.
AS SOON AS ST JOHN HAD FULFILLED EVERYTHING REQUIRED OF HIM,
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BEGAN HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY TO ALL
MANKIND, BEGINNING WITH THE “LOST SHEEP OF ISRAEL.”
4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 4TH OF ST MATTHEW – NATIVITY
ST ZACHARIAS’ QUESTION: “How shall I know this?” INDICATED A
SLIGHT LACK OF FAITH IN GOD’S PROMISE.
HIS SUBSEQUENT MUTENESS SERVED BOTH AS A DISCIPLINE FOR HIS
UNBELIEF AND AS A SIGN OF THE DIVINE TRUTH OF ST GABRIEL’S
ANNOUNCEMENT.
CIRCUMCISION WAS A MOST IMPORTANT RITUAL whereby a male
child was initiated into the Covenant Nation of God.
✶✶✶ AFTER CHRIST - ACCORDING TO THE NEW BLOODLESS
COVENANT - CIRCUMCISION WAS REPLACED BY THE TONSURING
OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM.
According to our New, Bloodless Covenant with God, Tonsuring is
the Bloodless “New Circumcision ” whereby we offer to God a
tiny portion of our hair, which is cut in the Sign of the Cross,
as our Affirmation of Absolute Faith in our Triune, Almighty
God. mp
‘THE SONG OF ST ZACHARIAS’ (‘THE BENEDICTOS’) WAS A PROPHETIC
HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD WHO IS BLESSED FOR HIS GRACIOUS
AND REDEEMING ACTS AMONG HIS PEOPLE IN FULFILMENT OF
THE MESSIANIC PROMISES.
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER OF CHRIST
St John the Baptist had straightened the crooked ways,
made smooth the rough paths and had opened the
doors for Christ to enter into our life – into our heart
and soul.
Children are awaited with great Joy and anticipation –
especially by those who have prayed with all their
Faith and longing – but very seldom – if ever - do
parents think of the Eternal Value and Sacred Role of
each infant who may be granted by God to them.
All parents think of what a child might be in worldly
terms – whether the child will be successful, wealthy
and famous.
However, HOW MANY PARENTS WILL DEDICATE THE CHILD WHOM
THEY BESOUGHT FROM GOD TO HIM, HOPING AND PRAYING
THAT HE OR SHE WILL FAITHFULLY SERVE GOD AND THE NEEDS
OF OTHERS WITH HUMILITY, GENEROSITY AND LOVE – NO
MATTER WHAT THE SACRIFICE MIGHT BE.
This should apply to every Christian Disciple, but more
particularly, to every Orthodox Priest!
What a terrible temptation it is for us to think that we will
bring Salvation to those who are lost, instead of
realising that THERE IS ONLY ONE DIVINE SAVIOUR, and that
ALL WE CAN DO IS TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR OTHERS TO MEET
OUR LORD GOD.
OUR HOLY VOCATION IS TO BRING OTHERS TO CHRIST OUR LORD, SO
THAT THEY MIGHT NOT ONLY BELIEVE BUT ALSO BECOME HIS
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
As our Lord Jesus Christ’s Faithful Disciples we must be
prepared to sacrifices whatever is required of us,
cheerfully, generously and voluntarily, so that others
might Encounter our Lord Jesus Christ and be eager
to Follow Him.
We must “...make smooth the Way of Christ...” into the life,
the heart and the soul of our fellow mankind.
But we must be prepared IN THE PROCESS TO BECOME MORE
AND MORE IRRELEVANT.
Before he died, St John, who have been the Voice of God
resounding in the wilderness - the one who shook
hearts, and Transformed lives - was suddenly faced
with his own impending death, and HE NEEDED TO
CONFIRM THAT OUR LORD JESUS WAS INDEED THE GREAT DIVINE
MESSIAH WHOM HE HAD PROCLAIMED – THE ETERNAL WORD
AND SON OF THE MOST HIGH LORD GOD WHOM THE NATION
OF ISRAEL HAD ANTICIPATED FOR SO MANY CENTURIES.
He certainly was, so THE SACRIFICIAL LIFE OF ST JOHN THE
BAPTIST WAS DEFINITELY MEANINGFUL, and HIS MARTYRDOM
WAS A SACRED OFFERING THAT HE MADE TO OUR LORD GOD.
ST JOHN HAD NEITHER BEEN MISTAKEN, NOR HAD HE BEEN DELUDED,
which was finally and absolutely confirmed when HE
SENT HIS DISCIPLES TO CHRIST – MORE FOR THEIR SAKE THAN HIS
OWN – TO ASK HIM DIRECTLY: “Art Thou the One Whom we
expected?”
And OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR RESPONDED WITH THE ANSWER OF A
PROPHET, that satisfied them, and increased their Faith
in Him: “...Tell him what you see - the blind see, the
lame walk, the deaf hear and the poor proclaim the
Gospel - the Good News of the Kingdom that has
come…’
OF ST JOHN BAPTIST – 24 JUNE 2018 15.
 THIS WAS ALL THAT ST JOHN THE BAPTIST HEARD FROM OUR DIVINE
MASTER, yet HIS OWN FAITH WAS EVEN MORE STRONGLY
CONFIRMED AND STRENGTHENED BY CHRIST.
Soon thereafter, in an ultimate heroic act of Faith HE
ACCEPTED HIS MARTYRDOM BECAUSE HE KNEW THE DIVINE
TRUTH CONCERNING OF HIS LIFE OF ABSOLUTE FAITH, AND HIS
MARTYRIC DEATH.
Let us reflect on ourselves in the context of St John the
Baptist and Forerunner of Christ
While St John is great, we are small and insignificant.
And although St John is Holy and worthily Venerated,
we are sinful and unworthy.
Nevertheless, WE ALL HAVE TO CONTEND WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS
THROUGHOUT OUR LIFESPAN - WITH SIMILAR ATTITUDES AND
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES.
PRACTICAL REPENTANCE – ELDER JOSEPH
The great and Holy Apostle, St Paul, believed that as
Disciples of Christ, WE HAVE INHERITED AN ABUNDANCE OF
DIVINE GRACE – more than that granted to the Holy
Prophets of God and those who lived before and
during the times of the Old Covenant Law.
They came to perceive Divine Matters in a shadowy and
enigmatic manner, while, as St Peter said: “... we
have participated in Divine Nature...” ( 2 P E T E R 4 )
WE HAVE BEEN ENABLED TO PERCEIVE WITH OUR SENSES and “...
our hands have touched...” THE WORD OF LIFE – OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who Himself testified: “... Blessed art
your eyes for they see; and your ears, for they hear!
For I tell you the Truth – many Prophets and
Righteous men longed to see what you see, yet did
not see, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear
it...” (M A T T H E W 1 3 : 1 6 - 1 7 )
St Paul assures us that THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST’S MYSTERY
WAS GRANTED TO US BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT – Something
that “... was not made known to mankind in other
generations.” (E P H E S I A N S 3 : 5 )
That Mystery is so Great and Wonderful that THE HOLY
CHURCH OF CHRIST MAKES IT KNOWN TO THE RULERS AND
AUTHORITIES IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS “... the manifold
Wisdom of God, according to His Eternal Purpose,
which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In
Him and through Faith in Him, we may approach
God with Freedom and confidence...” (E P H E S I A N S 3 :
10 -12)
The Essence of this Divine Mystery is for us TO RECOGNISE
HIM, AS WELL AS THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION, AND TO
COMMUNICATE WITH HIS PASSION in order “... to attain to
the Resurrection from the dead.” (P H I L I P P I A N S 3 : 1 0 )
Our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ Who is seated at the
right Hand of our Heavenly Father, had descended to
the lowest regions of the Earth.
Therefore, the Path that leads us to Him requires us to
EMPTY OURSELVES THROUGH SUFFERING.
That is THE REASON FOR THE EXISTENCE AND NECESSITY OF THE
VARIOUS TEMPTATIONS.
Our corrupted image has distorted the faculties of our
intellect.
Therefore, the Decrees of our Lord Jesus Christ
commanding us to “...be Holy for I Am Holy...” and “...
be Perfect as your Heavenly Father is Perfect...” must
become OUR ABSOLUTE SACRED DUTY. (1 P E T E R 1 : 1 &
MATTHEW 5:48)
We have repeatedly been cautioned that “... we must go
through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of
God...” and justifiably, “... a Righteous man may have
many troubles...” (A C T S 1 4 : 2 2 & P S A L M S 3 4 : 1 9 )
IT IS THROUGH OUR VIOLENT STRUGGLES AGAINST IRRATIONAL LAWS
WHICH AFFECT OUR CORRUPTED BODY, THAT WE CONVINCE THE
RESTORING GRACE TO REFORM US.
That is the reason why OUR HOLY FATHERS HAVE EMBRACED A
LOVE FOR DIFFICULT LABOURS even to the extent that is
well beyond their own ability.
THEY HAVE GRASPED THE MEANING OF St Paul’s words to St
Timothy: “... if we died with Him (our Lord Jesus
Christ) we will also Live with Him...” and THEY HAVE
TRULY MANAGED TO NULLIFY THE DEMANDS, DESIRES AND
CRAVINGS OF THEIR PHYSICAL BODY – “THE FLESH.” ( 2 T I M O T H Y
2:1)
Thus OUR HOLY FATHERS AND MOTHERS HAVE BECOME WORTHY OF
WEARING THE DIVINE IMAGE.
4. 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – 4 T H OF ST MATTHEW – NATIVITY
LET US LEARN from the most humble example of St John the
Baptist TO DEDICATE OUR LIFE TO THE HOLY SERVICE OF GOD
AND TO ALL OUR NEIGHBOURS WITHOUT RESERVATION - TO BE
WILLING AND EAGER TO FULFIL NOTHING BUT GOD’S WILL AND
HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS.
Let us also not seek our own vainglory but rather LET US
HUMBLY LEAD OTHERS TO OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR BY SMOOTHING
THEIR PATH - ENCOURAGING THEM TO FOLLOW CHRIST WHO IS
INDEED THE ONLY WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE!
Let us do all this gladly, then, GRATEFULLY AND HUMBLY,
LEAVE THEM IN THE CARE OF OUR LORD, SO THAT THEY MAY
DEVELOP THEIR OWN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, as
they strive for Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom.
Amen.
METROPOLITAN ANTHONY OF SOUROZH
http://www.pravmir.com
OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY, MOUNT ATHOS
They have learnt by their personal Experience that BEFORE
WE CAN ENTER TRUE LIFE, WE MUST SUFFER THROUGH
GOLGOTHA.
So they did not allow their tired feet to walk the broad
and easy path, but instead THEY FOLLOWED THE NARROW
AND STEEP PATH THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE in order to reach
our Saviour, Jesus Christ Who has Died and Risen for
us all.
Our Lord Jesus Christ promises those who wish to FOLLOW
HIM WITH THE APPROPRIATE SELF-DENIAL AND SACRIFICEs, a
hundredfold Reward in both this short, preparatory
life and, especially in His Eternal Kingdom.
However, the “hundredfold Reward” DOES NOT MEAN EITHER
AN ABUNDANCE OF MATERIAL GOODS OR THE PRAISES OF
MANKIND, BUT HIS DIVINE SPIRITUAL GIFTS that freshen and
strengthen our immortal soul, as well as the
Supernatural Contemplations THAT RENDER US CAPABLE
OF COMMUNICATING WITH HIS DIVINE MYSTERIES.
Since “... the Kingdom of God is within us...” it does not
hide Its Mysteries from THOSE WHO HEED ITS PRECEPTS, but
responds to the silent exhalations of our heart in a
maternal manner, AND REVEALS WHAT IS IMPENDING FOR
US.
The Kingdom of God also shows us THOSE WHO HAVE LIVED
BEFORE US and how they ARE NOW PARTICIPATING IN GOD’S
DIVINE GLORY ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF THEIR
ADEQUACY.
THE HOLY FRUITS OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT – THE DIVINE GIFTS
THAT ARE THE STRENGTH OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST –
ARE SHARED amongst the God-Loving and hard
labouring Fighters.
It is in this manner that those who live an insignificant
and despised life during this period of our Spiritual
Struggles, are able to BECOME HONEST AND RESPECTED
later by OFFERING THEIR SUPPORT AND COMFORT TO THE
FAITHFUL since HAVING BEEN “...Instructed by God...” they
“... bring out of their storerooms New Treasures as
well as old...” (M A T T H E W 1 3 : 5 2 )
As St Paul explained: “... Those who belong to Christ
Jesus have crucified their sinful nature with its
passions and desires...” and they “... no longer live
for themselves but for Him Who died for them and
was Raised again...” (G A L A T I A N S 5 : 2 2 & 2 C O R I N T H I A N S
5:15)
It is thus obvious that THEY ALSO PARTICIPATE IN HIS CHARISMAS
(DIVINE GIFTS), for “... to one THERE IS GRANTED THROUGH
THE HOLY SPIRIT the Message of Wisdom, to another the
Message of Knowledge by means of the same (Holy)
Spirit, to another Faith by the same Spirit, to another
Gifts of Healing by that one Spirit, to another
Miraculous Powers, to another Prophecy, to another
the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another
the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues, and
to still another the interpretation of tongues (specific
Ethnic languages or dialects when necessary.)
“All these are the Work of one and the same (Holy) Spirit
Who grants them to each one, AS HE ALONE
DETERMINES...” (1 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 2 : 8 - 1 2 )
IF ALL THESE DIVINE GIFTS, AS WELL AS OTHERS, WHICH OUR LORD
GOD DISTRIBUTES TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, ARE ONLY THE
“HUNDREDFOLD” OF THOSE THEY THEMSELVES HAVE ABANDONED
IN ORDER TO FOLLOW HIM, NO ONE IS ABLE TO DESCRIBE HOW
GRAND THE ETERNAL DIVINE GIFTS WILL BE AFTER OUR
REGENERATION!
(...T O B E C O N T I N U E D ...
OF ST JOHN BAPTIST – 24 JUNE 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 29 June 2018

St Peter & St Paul Foremost Holy Apostles
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST PETER & ST PAUL – TONE3

I ton Apostolon Protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Didaskali, to Among the Apostles the loftiest, and Teachers of the
Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Irinin ti ikoumeni Universe, intercede, O Peter and Paul, with the Master
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos.. of us all, Peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy
FESTAL KONTAKION – ST PETER & ST PAUL - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ote katavas tas glossas sinehee, diemerizen ethni O Ipsisto. When the Most High came down and confused the
Ote tou Piros tas Glossas dienimen is enotita panta tongues, He parted the Nations; when He divided out
ekalese. Ke simfonos Doxazomen to Panagion Pnevma! the Tongues of Fire, He Called all to Unity. And with
one voice we Glorify the All-Holy Spirit!
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 Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who forever Protects all those who Honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 18 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 11: 21 – 12 : 9
ST PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP, RECOUNTING HIS SUFFERINGS, VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES
Brethren, ...to our shame I say that we were too weak for that! In whatever anyone is bold – I speak foolishly – I am
bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are
they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool – I am more - in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in
prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Judeans five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three
times I was beaten with rods. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have been in the deep.
In Journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.
In weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in Fastings often, in cold and nakedness – besides the
other things that come upon me daily - my deep concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will
boast in the things that concern my infirmity.
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
In Damascus the Governor, under Aretas the King, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring
to arrest me; and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to Visions and Revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not
know, God knows – such a one was caught up to the Third Heaven. And I know such a man – whether in the body
or out of the body I do not know, God knows – how he was caught up into Paradise and heard Inexpressible Words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast - yet of myself I will not boast, except in my
infirmities. Although I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool. I will speak the Truth. I refrain, lest anyone should
think of me above what he sees me to be, or hears from me.
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the Revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me -
a messenger of Satan - to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Three times I pleaded with the Lord that it
might depart from me. And He said to me: "My Grace is sufficient for Thee, for My Strength is made Perfect in
weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.
St Paul listed his HEBREW AND CHRISTIAN CREDENTIALS before he began his Missionary Journeys – HIS DIVINE
according to his opponents’ level of argument. CALLING BY CHRIST ALONG THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
GENEALOGY WAS IMPORTANT TO THE JUDEANS and ST PAUL HAD St Paul used two Hebrew terms to describe the Heavenly
HIS OWN IMPRESSIVE GENEALOGY AND HIS CHRISTIAN Realms: “THE THIRD HEAVEN,” WHICH IS THE HIGHEST HEAVEN
EXPERIENCE WAS INCOMPARABLE WITH ANYONE ELSE – his AND “PARADISE,” WHICH IS WHERE GOD IS SURROUNDED BY THE
suffering, his compassionate, involved concern for ASSEMBLY OF THE JUST IN THE CITY OF GOD.
others and even his rather extraordinary Missionary Unlike his opponents who publicly boasted of their own
Journeys throughout the known world of the time and greatness in their Mystical Experiences, ST PAUL
everything he endured since his Miraculous REGARDED HIS OWN “THORN IN THE FLESH” AS HAVING BEEN
Conversion. BESTOWED UPON HIM IN ORDER TO KEEP HIM HUMBLE.
St Paul’s opponents had probably boasted of their Visions His “thorn” was a chronic physical problem (some have
and Revelations so St Paul mentioned one of his own, suggested stomach or gastric ulcers or even cancer,
fourteen years previously, which dated the Event which caused intense discomfort and constant pain)

THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2018 17
 as well as the deluded Christians or stubborn ✶ DIVINE GRACE ACCOMPANIES TRUE VIRTUE – ESPECIALLY THAT OF
Israelites with whom he had to daily contend. OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY.
Nevertheless, for St Paul, HIS HUMBLING PHYSICAL WEAKNESSES
- NOT HIS MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES - WERE THE MEANS WHEREBY
THE POWER OF CHRIST REMAINED WITH HIM.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 16 : 13 – 19
ST PETER CONFESSES OUR LORD JESUS AS THE CHRIST & IS PROMISED THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
At that time, when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, saying: "What do men say –
Who is the Son of Man?" They said: "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah. Others, Jeremiah or one of the
Prophets."
He asked them: "And Whom do you say that I Am?" Simon Peter answered, saying: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
Living God." And Jesus replied, saying to him: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not
revealed it to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven. I say you that you are Peter; and upon this Rock I shall
build My Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against Her. And I will give you the Keys of the
Kingdom of Heaven. And whatsoever you shall bind upon Earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven. And
whatsoever you shall Loosen on Earth, it shall be Loosened also in Heaven.”

✶✶ “WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” Is the greatest question we
can ever answer!!
St Peter’s ringing Confession: “THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON
OF THE LIVING GOD!” IS A DIVINELY INSPIRED INSIGHT GIVEN TO
HIM BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
Our Lord Jesus’ Messianic Identity and Divinity, the
Mystery hidden from Eternity, cannot be truly known
through human intelligence or reasoning, but only by
God’s Revelation. [1 CORINTHIANS 12:3]
The title “Christ” means “the Anointed One”
✶✶ AS CHRIST IS TRULY THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THE FATHER
HAS ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. [ACTS 10:38]
 PSALM 45:7 - “THEREFORE GOD, THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED
THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS MORE THAN THY
COMPANIONS.”
 ISAIAH 61:1 - St Isaiah, speaking in the Name of the
Lord, said: “...the Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
because the Lord hath Anointed Me.”
✶✶ The name “Peter” is a play on the word for “Rock” or
“Stone” in Aramaic and Greek. (Petros/Petra).
THE TERM “ROCK” DID NOT REFER TO ST PETER HIMSELF BUT TO HIS
SINCERE, LOYAL CONFESSION OF FAITH.
 THE TRUE ROCK AND FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IS, OF
COURSE, CHRIST HIMSELF.
 THE CHURCH RESTS UPON THIS ROCK OF UNCHANGING FAITH
AND CONFESSION.
 WITH THIS UNCHANGING, FIRMLY ROOTED, SOLID FAITH AS THE
FOUNDATION, THE GATES OF HADES, THE POWER OF DEATH AND
DESTRUCTION, ARE POWERLESS AGAINST HER.
✶✶ In the Old Testament, the term “Gates” suggested a
fortified city. [GENESIS 22:17; 24:60; ISAIAH 14:31]
THE FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES – ST PETER & ST PAUL
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit....
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ,
None of us can tell the story of our lives without pointing
to particular persons we have known - especially
those who have shaped us or those who have been a
good or bad part of our personal experience.
In our families and friendships, people are not
interchangeable, for we are all unique in our
relationships with one another and with God.
We play particular roles that are coloured by our
character, personal history, and distinctive blend of
strengths and weaknesses.
That is also how it is in the Life of the Church – (particularly
concerning those people who caused significant
repercussions on the history of mankind.)
Today we celebrate two of the most Glorious Saints of our
Christian Faith, who are both Pillars of the Church,
Apostles of Christ, and Holy Martyrs - whose unique
personalities and experiences have made decisive
and permanent contributions to the Body of Christ.
St Peter was the leader of the Disciples, and HIS HEARTFELT
CONFESSION - “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
Living God!” - is “...the Rock...” UPON WHICH CHRIST, OUR
TRUE FOUNDATION, HAS BUILT HIS CHURCH.
The Gospels describe St Peter’s presence at so many
crucial moments in the Ministry of our Lord, including
at His arrest when St Peter, who had so clearly and
sincerely Confessed Him earlier and Vowed never to
abandon Him, denied Him three times.
Nevertheless, our Risen Christ restored St Peter by asking
him three times if he Loved Him, and Commanding
him to “...Feed (His) Lambs...” and to “... tend (His)
Hence, BY SHATTERING THE GATES, CHRIST OPENED THE
STRONGHOLD OF DEATH AND SET THE SOULS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
FREE.
✶✶ In all the Holy Gospels, the word “Church” [Ekklessia
= Gathering] IS MENTIONED TWICE BY OUR LORD (here and
in MATTHEW 18:17) describing THE TRUE ISRAEL WHOSE
CITIZENSHIP IS HEAVENLY.
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE DIVINE-
HUMAN ORGANISM - TO HER COMES THE CALL OF OUR LORD
JESUS FOR THE WHOLE OF MANKIND TO ABIDE WITH HIM AND IN
HIM. [EPHESIANS 1:23]
✶✶ The expression “Keys of the Kingdom,” clearly implies
THE DIVINE AUTHORITY THAT CHRIST GRANTED TO ST PETER
HIMSELF, BUT WHICH WAS NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
✶✶ Although St Peter was the Leader of the Disciples and
of the early Church, ALL THE HOLY APOSTLES WERE
EMPOWERED EQUALLY WITH CHRIST’S DIVINE AUTHORITY.
Therefore, ST PETER WAS NOT A LEADER OVER THE OTHERS BUT A
LEADER AMONGST THEM, as seen at the Council of
Jerusalem, where ELDERS OR PRESBYTERS [PRIESTS] MET
WITH THE APOSTLES – ALTOGETHER AS EQUALS.
Roman Papal claims in later centuries must not be
confused with the New Testament Witness regarding
St Peter, nor should the Role of St Peter in the New
Testament be minimised in opposition to those claims!
✶✶ “BINDING” AND “LOOSENING” IS A REFERENCE TO THE
TEACHING, SACRAMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS OF
THE HOLY APOSTLES THAT WERE SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSMITTED
TO THE BISHOPS OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Sheep...” – (i.e. Christ’s Holy Flock of Reason-endowed
Lambs/Sheep - His New Israel of the New Covenant) AS A
FAITHFUL, TRUE SHEPHERD.
From St Luke’s Book of the Acts of the Apostles, we learn
about St Peter – together with the other Holy Apostles -
who boldly proclaimed the Good News, performed
many Divine Miracles, and played key roles in
welcoming Gentiles into the Church.
AFTER SERVING AS THE FIRST BISHOP OF ANTIOCH, where the
Disciples of Christ were first referred to as “ Christians,”
ST PETER WENT TO SERVE IN ROME, WHERE HE WAS EVENTUALLY
CRUCIFIED UPSIDE DOWN by his own request because he
felt he was unworthy to die in the same way as our
Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ.
ST PAUL PLAYED A MOST GLORIOUS ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF
OUR FAith, which is obvious to those who know the New
Testament – so much of which he recorded.
ST PAUL TRAVELLED THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
COUNTRIES FOR SEVERAL DECADES, FOUNDING INNUMERABLE
CHURCHES, PREACHING THE DIVINE TRUTH TO GREAT
MULTITUDES, ENCOURAGING, AND SUPPORTING, MANY
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE CONSISTING
MAINLY OF GENTILES.
ALTHOUGH ST PAUL was a deeply Faithful Judean who had
been a devout Pharisee and HAD PERSECUTED THE
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, BELIEVING THEM TO BE BLASPHEMOUS
APOSTATISERS, along the road to Damascus, OUR RISEN
LORD JESUS CHRIST HAD APPEARED TO HIM in a blinding
Light.
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR CALLED ST PAUL TO REPENTANCE for his
persecution of His Faithful Disciples AND TO FULFIL THE
SACRED MINISTRY OF BRINGING GENTILES INTO THE BODY OF
CHRIST THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS AND OUR TRIUNE

18. THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2018 17
 LORD GOD – and not by circumcision and obedience to
the Old Covenant Law as interpreted and enforced by
the Jewish Clergy and leaders of their Community.
Perhaps more than anyone else, ST PAUL MADE IT VERY
CLEAR THAT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS NOT A SECT OF JUDAISM -
PRIMARILY FOR THOSE OF A PARTICULAR ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS
HERITAGE.
Instead of an exclusive Faith, ST PAUL SHARED THE GOOD
NEWS OF CHRIST OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WITH ALL MANKIND -
REGARDLESS OF THEIR ANCESTRY!
As today’s Epistle Lesson reminds us, ST PAUL’S MINISTRY WAS
NOT BY ANY MEANS EASY BUT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, SELF-
SACRIFICING, COURAGEOUS AND PROFOUNDLY DISCIPLINED.
ST PAUL, TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ACCOMPANIED HIM, WAS
OFTEN BEATEN, IMPRISONED, HUMILIATED, AND ULTIMATELY
MARTYRED IN ROME for his unwavering Faith in our Lord
Jesus Christ.
HE KNEW BOTH THE HEIGHTS OF SPIRITUAL ECSTASY AND THE
CHRONIC CHALLENGE OF A “...thorn in the flesh...” that
God did not remove, despite his three-fold request.
Whatever that “...thorn...” may have been, ST PAUL
LEARNED THROUGH HIS SUFFERINGS THE SUFFICIENCY OF GOD’S
STRENGTH FOR US.
“Our Lord’s Strength is made Perfect in (our)
weakness...“ - as St Paul said of himself: “... for when I
am weak, then I am Strong.”
When we study the Life of these two Great Saints, we do
not see people who made no mistakes or who were
rich, famous, or without problems.
THEY WERE ORDINARY, HUMAN BEINGS who failed, who
Repented, WHO OVER TIME INCREASED THEIR UNDERSTANDING
AND KNOWLEDGE, and who faced such opposition that
both suffered capital punishment – public execution -
at the hands of the pagan Romans.
THESE TWO HOLY APOSTLES AND ALL OUR LORD’S FAITHFUL
APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES THROUGHOUT THE AGES, GAINED
ABSOLUTELY NO WORLDLY ADVANTAGES BY THEIR SACRED
MINISTRY, BUT THEIR SELFLESS, HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT SERVICE
TO GOD CERTAINLY STRENGTHENED HIS HOLY CHURCH IN WAYS
TOO NUMEROUS TO COUNT.
We are here today as Orthodox Christians BECAUSE OF WHAT
GOD DID THROUGH THEM and thousands, if not millions of
other lesser known Apostles, Martyrs, and Evangelists
throughout all the centuries.
In order to worthily celebrate the Feast St Peter and St
Paul, we must go beyond praising them with our
words.
WE MUST PARTICIPATE PERSONALLY IN THE HOLINESS SO EVIDENT IN
THEM.
In other words, WE MUST BECOME LIKE THEM IN A WAY
APPROPRIATE TO OUR PARTICULAR CALLING, CIRCUMSTANCE
AND LOCATION.
FOR JUST AS GOD USED AN ILLITERATE FISHERMAN AND AN ERUDITE
PHARISEE WITH VARIOUS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES TO HIS
GLORY, HE DOES LIKEWISE WITH EACH OF US.
The first century is long gone, but there is plenty of time
left in the twenty-first century for us to hear and
respond to OUR SAME RISEN LORD Who CALLED ST PETER TO
FEED AND TEND HIS SHEEP AND ST PAUL TO BECOME A
MISSIONARY TO THE GENTILES.
LIKE THE EPHESIANS to whom St Paul wrote, WE TOO HAVE
BECOME “...fellow Citizens with the Saints and
Members of the Household of God, having been
built on the Foundation of the Apostles and
Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief
Cornerstone…” (EPHESIANS 2:19-20)
Each generation is like a new story added to the building
or a new branch growing on a tree.
Even as we find our personal history in the previous
generations of our families, WE TAKE OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
FROM THE LIVING HISTORY OF WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS DONE
THROUGH EACH GENERATION IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH.
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE ARE CALLED BY OUR LORD
GOD TO MAKE PRESENT IN OUR DAY THE SAME FAITHFULNESS
THAT WE SEE IN THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US.
We do so AS UNIQUE SOULS WHO ARE CALLED TO GROW IN GOD’S
DIVINE LIKENESS and to FIND THE FULLNESS OF OUR TRUE
IDENTITY THROUGH UNION WITH OUR LORD like an iron left
in the fire.
THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2018
Just AS THE HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT FISHERMAN, ST PETER, AND
PHARISEE, ST PAUL, BECAME SO RADIANT AND ALL WISE WITH
THE DIVINE ENERGIES BY THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH THEIR
TRUE REPENTANCE AND STEADFAST DEDICATION TO CHRIST,
THE SAME CAN BE TRUE OF US!
We may think, however, that we are simply too sinful to
achieve such Spiritual Heights.
WE KNOW THAT WE FALL FAR SHORT OF SUCH SPIRITUAL
PERFECTION, and we may even be ashamed to even
consider becoming like these great Saints.
Nevertheless, we must always remember that although St
Peter had denied Christ three times and St Paul had
persecuted Christians to the point of death, THEY HAD
REPENTED THEIR SINS, AND SUBSEQUENTLY HAD FOLLOWED OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST FAITHFULLY FOR THE REST OF THEIR DAYS.
Consequently, these Most Worthy and Faithful Disciples
and Apostles of Christ have such exalted Roles in the
Life of our Holy Church that THEY ARE FOREVER OUR
SPIRITUAL FATHERS/SHEPHERDS WHO CONTINUE TO TEACH US
AND GUIDE US ALONG THE TRUE PATH, WHILE THEIR
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS HELP US WHEN WE NEED SPIRITUAL
STRENGTH TO ENDURE AND CONTINUE OUR OWN JOURNEY.
Therefore, WHO ARE WE TO EXCUSE OURSELVES FROM OUR HOLY
CALLING – TO FULFIL WHATEVER GOD REQUIRES OF US in our
family, our relationships, our Parish, our work, or
whatever circumstances it might be?
MOST OF US WILL STRIVE TO LIVE IN CHRIST, AND FAITHFULLY SERVE
GOD IN OBSCURITY, BEING CONFRONTED BY MANY DEGREES OF
OBSTACLES – all or most of which are far smaller than
the brutal persecution these great Saints endured.
We may think that they were so much stronger than we
are, yet WE MUST KEEP IN MIND HOW ST PAUL FOUND GOD’S
STRENGTH PRECISELY IN HIS WEAKNESS, IN HIS INFIRMITIES AND
IN HIS SUFFERING, WHICH OPENED HIMSELF TO THE GRACIOUS
POWER OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
When ST PETER told Christ that He would be neither
rejected nor killed, he MUST HAVE FELT EXTREMELY SAD,
FRIGHTENED AND EVEN REJECTED when our Lord said to His
tempter (the devil, not St Peter) “Get behind Me, Satan!”
And COULD THERE BE ANY GREATER SENSE OF WEAKNESS, MISERY
AND FAILURE THAN WHEN THE FAITHFUL, IMPULSIVE DISCIPLE
WHO HAD SO VEHEMENTLY VOWED THAT HE WOULD NEVER
ABANDON OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, SHORTLY THEREAFTER DID SO BY
DENYING HIM NOT ONCE BUT THREE TIMES?!
Our moments of personal weakness, misery and failure
are probably far less dramatic, but they are no less
just as real and extremely wretched.
WE OFTEN FIND IT DIFFICULT TO FULFIL THE BASICS LIVING IN
CHRIST – such as FORGIVING OTHERS - especially our
enemies –or PRAYING EACH Day and FASTING REGULARLY,
or ATTENDING THE DIVINE LITURGY AND OTHER HOLY SERVICES
whenever possible, or REPENTANCE-CONFESSION on a
regular basis – both in private, but more essentially, to
our Spiritual Father - and especially when we have a
guilty conscience, Confession of our grievous sins, or
GIVING CHEERFULLY AND GENEROUSLY to the poor, the
needy and the destitute, or VISITING THE SICK, THE LONELY
OR THOSE WHO ARE IMPRISONED, or CONSTANTLY GUARDING
OUR HEART AND MIND from the moral decay that
permeates our modern-day culture.
WHEN WE ARE AWARE OF OUR WEAKNESSES, WE ARE ABLE TO
FOLLOW CHRIST in the Way of the Fisherman and the
Pharisee who IN HUMBLE REPENTANCE found A STRENGTH
THAT MAKES UP WHAT IS LACKING, HEALS INFIRMITIES, AND
EVEN CONQUERS SIN AND DEATH.
LET US NOT use a false sense of Humility to EXCUSE OURSELVES
FROM TRUE DISCIPLESHIP as we celebrate the Feast of St
Peter and St Paul.
Instead, WE MUST FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE as the unique
people we are, with all our strengths, failings, and
peculiarities, for BY DIVINE GRACE, EVERYTHING BECOMES
POSSIBLE!
Since the very beginning of our New Covenant Faith, THAT
IS THE ONLY WAY WE MAY BECOME WORTHY – LIKE THE SAINTS
AND THE RIGHTEOUS – WORTHY CITIZENS OF THE ETERNAL,
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com
19.
 PRACTICAL REPENTANCE & ITS FRUITS(PART 4)
If all the innumerable Divine Gifts that our Lord
distributes to those who truly Love Him, are merely
one hundredfold more than anything we can
sacrifice in order to follow Him, IT IS BEYOND OUR
CAPABILITIES TO DESCRIBE THE GRANDEUR AND INFINITY OF
THE ETERNAL GIFTS HE WILL BESTOW UPON US IN HIS
ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM!
Those who are indeed Godly, have been partly allowed
to comprehend the immense and spectacular
grandeur of the Eternal Divine Treasures while still
in this Struggling, Militant Church of Christ, on Earth. “The wise man has eyes in his head...” actually means
No one is capable of judging “... Spiritual People and
Spiritual Issues...” yet TRULY SPIRITUAL PEOPLE ARE ABLE
TO JUDGE/PERCEIVE EVERYTHING.
We, who are Spiritually Inexperienced, are unable to
evaluate anything at all, although WE MAY ONLY
DESCRIBE WHAT THEY THEMSELVES HAVE CONFESSED TO US.
ALL SPIRITUAL CHARISMAS/GIFTS ARE GRANTED TO US
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH
GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
Some Holy Gifts may either precede or follow other Holy
Gifts.
However, ALL THE HOLY GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE
GRANTED TO THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TO MEET HER
NEEDS AND THEREFORE THEY ARE REVEALED IN THE
APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES TO HELP THE FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES TO FULFIL THEIR SACRED LABOURS AND
STRUGGLES.
Some of the Holy Gifts such as those concerning
Prophesy and Healing are described as
“Introductory Gifts.”
FOR SOME FAITHFUL DISCIPLES THE HOLY GIFT OF HEALING IS
GRANTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DEPTH OF THEIR FAITH,
WHILE THE HOLY GIFT OF PROPHESY IS GRANTED TO THOSE
WHO HAVE A FAR STRICTER CONSCIENCE.
The Holy Gift of Prophecy is sometimes granted in
stages through Prescience/Foreknowledge.
Prescience seems to be rather a residue from mankind’s
original personality, which has been corrupted by
the Fall.
Prescience/Foreknowledge is also met amongst
relatives. Therefore, many mothers have a
premonition concerning the suffering of their own
children, or identical twins may share each other’s
pain even when they are far away from each other.
THE HOLY GIFT OF PRESCIENCE IS SOMETIMES FOUND IN
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES DURING THEIR FIRST SPIRITUAL STATE –
AS SOON AS THEY BEGIN THEIR LIFE IN CHRIST BY LIVING A
GODLY LIFE AND ARE CLEANED BY TRUE REPENTANCE FROM
SIN.
Any Spiritual Advancement boosts the Holy Gift of
Prescience to the level of Holy Vision.
IF THE INTELLECT REACHES HOLY ILLUMINATION BY THE GRACE
OF CHRIST, THEN THE HOLY GIFTS OF FORESIGHT AND
PROPHECY ARE GRANTED BY THE WILL, POWER AND ENERGY
OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
OUR LORD GOD’S CHARISMAS/HOLY GIFTS ARE ALWAYS FOUND IN
ABUNDANCE IN THOSE WHO ARE SIMPLE IN CHARACTER AND
ARE SPIRITUALLY CHILDLIKE IN THEIR HUMILITY AND
OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
All these Holy Gifts are bestowed upon ardent Lovers of
Divine Love and Truth – like St Paul who believed
that “... everything was insignificant... in order to
win Christ.” (PHILIPPIANS 3:18)
VERY FEW PEOPLE IN EACH GENERATION OF FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
ARE GRANTED SUCH HOLY CHARISMAS.
HOLY DISCERNMENT IS regarded by our Holy Fathers as
“...the Highest of all Holy Virtues.”
ST SERAPHIM OF SAROV
The Divine Grace provided by the Holy Mysteries is so
great that it has the Power to Cleanse and Renew
each person.
ELDER SOPHRONY OF ESSEX
Many people take the Silence of our Lord God as an
indication that He does not exist, but if we consider
our Spiritual State caused by our passions, we will see
that He has no choice but to remain silent, since
through our selfishness we expect Him to indulge us
for He never forces His Divine Will upon us but allows
us to continue our wicked ways, reaping the bitter
20. THE GLORIOUS, PRAISEWORTHY HOLY APOSTLES, ST PETER & ST PAUL - 29 JUNE 2018
Therefore, we will not be mistaken if we place this Holy
Virtue in the Highest Rank.
WHAT ELSE IS HOLY DISCERNMENT OTHER THAN “SPIRITUAL EYES”
OR “SPIRITUAL SIGHT” WHEREBY WE ARE ABLE TO PERCEIVE
AND DISCRIMINATE – similar to the Cherubim - the
great Mysteries of the natural and Spiritual World in
all dimensions.
Our Lord’s Decree to “... have salt in (us)..” is not far
removed from the meaning of THE HOLY VIRTUE OF
DISCERNMENT. (MARK 9:50)
THE WISE HAVE THE “SPIRITUAL EYES” OR “SPIRITUAL SIGHT”
OF HOLY DISCERNMENT. (ECCLESIASTES 2:14)
OUR BLESSED ELDERS HAVE DESCRIBED THIS HOLY VIRTUE TO US
REPEATEDLY, AND ALL OUR HOLY FATHERS, DUE TO THEIR OWN
SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE, HAVE ALSO MENTIONED IT
INNUMERABLE TIMES IN THEIR WRITINGS AND TEACHINGS.
Those of our Holy Father who have been Blessed with
the Fragrance of this Holy Virtue of the Holy Spirit,
have always become the centre of attention for the
Faithful Disciples of their generation, who flocked to
them to LEARN GOD’S WILL, AND THEREBY TO SOLVE THEIR
OWN PERSONAL QUERIES.
Such Holy Fathers are like our Great Abbot, St Pimen, a
True Lampstand of Holy Discernment, and our Great
Holy Elders, St Barsanuphios and St John, and the
wonderful Professors of Spiritual Law, St Mark the
Ascetic and St Maximos the Confessor, and so many
others who have always been regarded as the
“Proprietors of Sight” among the Faithful
Congregation of our Holy Church.
All these Holy Fathers and Holy Mothers who are TRUE
PARTICIPANTS IN THE ALL ILLUMINATING CHARISMA OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT, are able to state together with St Paul
“We are not unaware of Satan’s schemes!” (2
CORINTHIANS 2:11)
For THEY ARE ALL PURE IN HEART, HAVING PERFECTED
THEMSELVES IN HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, LOVE AND
SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF OUR LORD GOD.
THEY HAVE COMPLETELY DENIED THEIR OWN WILL, AND HAVING
ACQUIRED A STRICT CONSCIENCE, THEY HAVE REJECTED ALL
EGOCENTRICITY AND SELFISHNESS.
THEY PERSEVERE IN THE SPIRITUAL TASK OF OUR LORD’S PRAYER
AND KEEP THE MEMORY OF GOD CONSTANTLY IN MIND.
THEY DILIGENTLY PERSEVERE WHEN CONFRONTED BY ALL
TEMPTATIONS.
Our Holy Fathers and Mothers and those Disciples who
have been Perfected by their ceaseless Spiritual
Labours and Struggles are THE TRUE KEEPERS OF THE
DIVINE MYSTERIES OF OUR LORD and are awarded the
Holy Virtue of Discernment.
They are OUR SPIRITUAL BEACONS. They are THE SPIRITUAL
EYES OF OUR HOLY CHURCH AND THE HOLY BREAK-WATERS
against which the evil one’s waves of sin become
powerless.
Our Lord God’s Commandment to “... work and keep...”
is perfectly applied to OUR HOLY FATHERS WHO PROVED
THEMSELVES TO BE WORTHY SHEPHERDS TO CHRIST’S HOLY
FLOCKS OF REASON-ENDOWED LAMBS AND SHEEP. (GENESIS
2:15)
After our Lord God, WE MUST REGARD OUR CONSCIENCE AS OUR
SLEEPLESS GUARDIAN AND UNAMBIGUOUS RULE FOR OUR
WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, and then, “... being
aware of the direction of the wind, we will open
our sails accordingly.” (ST JOHN KLIMAKOS)
ELDER JOSEPH OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY, MOUNT ATHOS
http://pemptousia.com/2018/02
fruit of our sins. Our Lord’s Silence is most eloquent as
it is the kindest response to our bad behaviour for we
have rejected the Word of God and ignored His Divine
Truth, and now we must face the consequences of our
self-inflicted Spiritual Death.
ST NICHOLAS VELIMIROVIC
Is it to be wondered at that we do not know how to Love
our enemies when we do not Love even our friends. Is
it odd for a child not to be able to read a book if they
have not learnt the alphabet? How can we Love a
distant stranger when we cannot Love our neighbour?
 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.

30June 2018
Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles of Christ our Lord
St Andrew (First Called) & St Peter, St James (the Less or the Younger) & St John the Beloved
Apostle, (sons of Zebedee), St Philip, St Bartholomew, (formerly Nathaniel), St Thomas
(Didymos/the Twin), St Matthew Levi, (the Publican), St James the Just & St Jude (sons of St Joseph
the Betrothed), St Simon Zealotes (of Canaan), St Matthias (replaced Judas Iscariot the Betrayer of
Christ)
Also the Feast of St Michael the New Martyr of Athens - St Peter the Prince of Ordinsk, Rostov – St Sophronios of Irkutsk – St
Gelasios of Rimit Monastery, Transylvania – St Dinar, Holy Queen of Georgia
HYMNS OF THE ISODIKON- SMALL ENTRANCE - – TONE 2
Defte proskinisomen ke prospesomen Hristo.
Soson imas, Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ.Save
Iie Theou, O en Agiis Thavmastos, psallontas Si: us, O Son of God, Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints,
Allilouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – SYNAXIS OF APOSTLES – TONE 3
Apostoli Agii, Presvesete to eleimoni Theo ina ptesmaton O Holy Apostles, Intercede with our Merciful God, that He
afesin, parashi tes psihes imon. grant our souls Forgiveness of offences.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST PETER & ST PAUL – TONE 4
I ton Apostolon Protothroni, ke tis Ikoumenis Didaskali, to Among the Apostles the loftiest, and Teachers of the
Despoti ton olon Presvefsate, Irinin ti ikoumeni Universe, intercede, O Peter and Paul, with the Master
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon to Mega Eleos.. of us all, Peace to all the world to grant, and to our
souls, the Great Mercy
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 Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Se. Theotokos who forever Protects all those who Honour
Thee!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 18/19 –SYNAXIS OF THE 12 HOLY APOSTLES - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Their Proclamation went forth into all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world!
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 9 – 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you
are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and
are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place. And we labour, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the
world, and are the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. For although you have ten thousand
instructors in Christ, yet have you not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you. I
beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
Irony and sarcasm are bitter medicine, which St Paul THEY ENDURED ALL THEIR HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING FOR THE
used on this occasion with full force. PURE JOY OF SERVING OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR – THEREBY
The three parallel statements: “... we are fools... weak... RECONCILING THE FALLEN WORLD TO GOD.
dishonoured...” were heaped upon each other in a ST PAUL SOOTHED the pain of his rebuke BY REMINDING THE
stinging series. FAITHFUL OF HIS SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD TO THEM – and to
THE RELATIVE COMFORT OF THE CORINTHIANS CHRISTIAN us.
COMMUNITY WAS CONTRASTED WITH THE PERSECUTED, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SIMILAR TO ANY OTHER FAMILY –
POVERTY-STRICKEN AND UNCERTAIN LIFESTYLE OF THE HOLY with maturing children who need parental guidance.
APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE WHO ARE THE MATURING
THEY ENDURED ALL KINDS AND DEGREES OF HUMILIATION – being CHILDREN, NEED OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO TEACH AND GUIDE
treated as filth and even like the “off-scourings” – YET, US.
INSTEAD OF RETALIATING IN A SIMILAR FASHION – STRIKING ST PAUL URGED US AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO IMITATE
BACK IN A SIMILAR MANNER AT THEIR PERSECUTORS – THE HOLY HIM just as he ceaselessly strove to imitate our Lord
APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST RESPONDED Jesus Christ.
WITH UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 9 : 36 – 10 : 8
At that time, our Lord Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with Compassion for them, for they were weary and
scattered, like Sheep without a Shepherd. He said to His Twelve Disciples: “The Harvest is truly plentiful, but the
Labourers are few. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send out Labourers into His Harvest.”

SYNAXIS OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD & SAVIOUR - 30 JUNE 2018 21
And when He had Called unto Him His Twelve Disciples, He granted them Authority against unclean spirits, to cast
them out, and to Heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called ‘Peter,’ and Andrew, his brother; James, the
son of Zebedee, and John, his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the Publican; James, the
son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was ‘Thaddeus;’ Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who
would betray Him.
These Twelve Jesus sent out, and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles and do not enter
a city of the Samaritans. Go rather to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. As you so, preach, saying: ‘The
Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ Heal the sick, Cleanse the lepers, Raise the dead, cast out demons.
“Freely you have received – freely give!”
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DOES NOT SEE PEOPLE AS SINNERS TO St Matthew and St Luke added to the Gospel of St Mark
BE CONDEMNED, BUT RATHER AS LOST SHEEP to be found concerning the Power to Heal all types of ailments
and brought safely home. and diseases.
His Compassion means that HE SUFFERS WITH AND FOR ALL THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES - not exactly the same in
THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY LOST. all the New Testament lists - ARE ARRANGED IN PAIRS,
In His human Nature CHRIST UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT MEANS FOR which gives an interesting impression of who may
US HUMAN BEINGS TO BE LOST AND EXILED FROM THE DIVINE have travelled with whom on this - THE APOSTLES’ FIRST -
PRESENCE AND GRACE OF HIS HEAVENLY FATHER. MISSIONARY JOURNEY, since St Mark wrote that they
He always shares our Spiritual and physical suffering were sent out two by two.
because of His Infinite Love for us. ✶✶ THE DISCIPLES’ MISSION - like that of our Lord Jesus
✶✶ The imagery of being “...like Sheep who have no Christ - WAS TO PREACH AND TO HEAL.
Shepherd...” is drawn from the Old Testament and OUR LORD SENT THEM ONLY TO THE JUDEANS - who were THE
is AN ACCUSATION AGAINST JEWISH LEADERS WHO - INITIAL FOCUS OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY.
although CHARGED BY GOD WITH THE SACRED DUTY OF THIS WAS SO THAT, AFTER THE RESURRECTION, THEY COULD NOT
BEING SPIRITUAL SHEPHERDS OF HIS HOLY FLOCK – His BLAME THE DISCIPLES for “...going to uncircumcised
Chosen People - ACTED LIKE RAVENOUS WOLVES men” – meaning the Gentiles. [ACTS 11:3]
instead: ✶✶OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAREFULLY PREPARED HIS DISCIPLES BY
✶✶ THIS IS A DIRE WARNING TO OUR OWN CHRISTIAN PRIESTS AND INSTRUCTING THEM:
BISHOPS WHO DO LIKEWISE. ➤ TO BE SINGLE-MINDED AND FOCUSSED upon the Sacred
 N U M B E R S : 2 7 : 1 6 - 1 7 : “Let the Lord - the God of the Mission
spirits of all flesh - appoint someone over the ➤ GOD’S POWER IS FREELY BESTOWED upon His Faithful
Congregation, who shall go out before them and Disciples – WHATEVER WE ACCOMPLISH IS A DIVINE GIFT
come in before them, who shall lead them out and from Almighty God – and has nothing to do with
bring them in, so that the Congregation of the Lord our own powerless human abilities.
may not be like Sheep without a Shepherd.” ➤ He instructed them not to carry any money or
 1 K I N G S 2 2 : 1 7 : “... Micah said: ‘I saw all Israel provisions so that they would learn to DEPEND ON
scattered on the mountains, like sheep that have no GOD for all their needs - to depend on DIVINE
shepherd; and the Lord said, ‘These have no Master; PROVIDENCE - and to PREVENT ANY ACCUSATIONS of
let each one go home in Peace.’” greed or selfishness.
 E z e k i e l 3 4 : 5 : “So they were scattered, because ➤ GOD FREES US FROM WORRYING ABOUT WORLDLY MATTERS so
there was no Shepherd; and scattered, they became that we can CONCENTRATE ON preaching his divine
food (prey)for all the Wild Animals.” word and/or FULFILLING OUR OWN PERSONAL SACRED
✶✶ The terms “Apostles” and “Disciples” are MISSION.
interchangeable words for THE TWELVE CLOSEST AND This did not mean that Christ encouraged His Apostles to
MOST FAITHFUL Followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. scrounge off others! Not at all!
The Greek word for “Disciple” means “Pupil” or “Student” - He expected them to work for what they needed and to
and “Apostle” means “one officially sent on a depend on God to provide all necessary means so that
Mission.” they would be able to earn enough to feed and clothe
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PERFORMED MIRACLES BY HIS OWN themselves.
DIVINE POWER whereas THE APOSTLES WERE GIVEN This Divine Teaching applies to us to this day – and it certainly
POWER TO DO WONDERFUL DEEDS THROUGH CHRIST BY THE works, for not only do we have enough for ourselves, but
HOLY SPIRIT Who makes all things possible for us. God also gives us enough to share with those who have
far less. mp
THE SYNAXIS OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST
The Synaxis of the Glorious and All Praiseworthy Twelve Apostles of Christ is an ancient Feast. The Holy Church of Christ
honours each of the Twelve Apostles on separate dates during the year, and has a general Commemoration for all
of them on the day after the Commemoration of the Glorious and First-Ranked among the Apostles, St Peter and St
Paul.
THE COMMEMORATIONS & MARTYRDOMS OF THE HOLY TWELVE APOSTLES:
St Peter 29 June & 16 January Crucified Upside Down
St Andrew 30 November Crucified On An X-Shaped Cross
St James, (Zebedee) 30 April Beheaded
St John, Theologian&Evangelist 08 May & 26 September ReposedInPeaceFor Over100 Years
St Philip 14 November Crucified
St Bartholomew 11 June & 25 August Crucified, Scraped & Beheaded
St Thomas 06 October Speared To Death
St Matthew, Evangelist 16 November Burnt To Death
St James (Alphaeus) 09 October Crucified
St Thaddeus Jude (Joseph) 19 June Crucified
St Simon The Zealot 10 May Crucified
St Matthias 09 August Stoned & Beheaded
St Paul 29 June Beheaded
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
Most people do not merely bear willingly the weight of Satan in their heart, but gradually become so accustomed to it
that they do not notice it any more and even increase it. And sometimes the evil one increase the load ten times!
ELDER AMBROSIOS LAZARIS
Real life is like a battleship that ploughs on through thick and thin. Storms come and we hardly notice them. The
opposite happen, however, when we do not Struggle. If we could just see how much God Loves us – how Good God
is – we would be over the moon with Joy!

22. SYNAXIS OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD & SAVIOUR - 30 JUNE 2018