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.

1 November 2018
St Kosmas & St Damianos
Holy Unmercenary Physicians of Asia Minor

Also the Feast of St Theodota, their Venerable Mother of Asia Minor – St John, Bishop & St James the Presbyter of Persia – St
Cyrenia & St Juliana of Cilicia – St Hermeningilda the Goth of Spain – St Caesarios, St Adrian, St Dacios, St Savvas, St
Sabinian, St Agrippa, & St Thomas of Damascus – St James of Kastoria, St James the Deacon, & St Dionysios, Monk Martyrs
of Mount Athos

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

FESTAL APOLYTIKION–ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS- TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Agii Anargiri ke Thavmatourgi, episkepsasthe tas Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, visit our
asthenias imon. Dorean elavete, dorean dote imin. infirmities. Freely You received; freely give to us.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS – TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton O Protection of the Christians unashamable, Mediation to
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon deiseon fonas, the Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading
alla profthason os agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton voices of those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the
pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is presvian, ke spefson Aid of all who in Faith cry out to Thee: speed up Thine
is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton timonton Se. Intercession, and press on Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who forever protects all those who honour
Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 15/16 – TONE 4
Tis Agiis tis en ti Gi Aftou ethavmastosen O Kyrios. The Saints that are in His Land, the Lord has magnified.
Prooromin ton Kyrion enopion mou diapantos I have set the Lord always before me.
1ST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 12 : 27 – 13 : 8
TH E D IVINE GIFT OF LOVE IS THE MOST SUPERIOR OF ALL GIFTS
Brethren: You are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: first
Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Administrations, varieties
of Tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of Healings? Do all
speak with Tongues? Do all interpret? Earnestly desire the best Gifts.
And yet I show you a more excellent Way:
Although I speak with the Tongues of men and of Angels, but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a
clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and
although I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing! And although I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it profits me
nothing!
Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave
rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
THERE IS A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR IN THE HOLY CHURCH OF THE  ACTS 5:29 “... Peter and the other Apostles
NEW COVENANT TO THIS DAY. answered: ‘WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER
THE APOSTOLIC WORK – THAT OF THE BISHOP – SETS THE PACE FOR THAN MEN...’
ALL THE REST. When the oversight of the Bishop is in 3. LOVE
order – i.e. the supervision of the Bishop – the rest  1 JOHN 4:19 “We Love Him (God) because HE
of the Holy Church is free to function at its optimal FIRST LOVED US.”
level. Furthermore, WHILE WE MUST AIM TO DO ALL THINGS OUT OF
However, even with all the Divine Gifts in place and LOVE, WE MUST ALSO NOT CEASE FEARING – I.E. RESPECTING
operative, there is SOMETHING EVEN MORE EXCELLENT – GOD AND (WILLINGLY) OBEYING HIM.
and that IS THE LOVE OF GOD – AGAPE – WHICH IS THE To any church that is preoccupied with the speaking
TRUE SIGN OF THE PRESENCE OF THE LIFE-GIVING, ALL of tongues – different languages – ST PAUL TAUGHT
HOLY SPIRIT. THE ULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT – THAT OF DIVINE LOVE –

St Basil the Great taught us that THERE ARE THREE REASONS AGAPE..
– ALL BIBLICAL AND ALL GOD-GIVEN – THAT WE FOLLOW
DIVINE OR GODLY LOVE OUTSHINES PROPHECY AND ALL FAITH
THE LORD: because it is of far greater value and Spiritual
1. FEAR Benefit than the miraculous ability to remove
 PROVERBS 1:7 “The Fear of God is THE BEGINNING mountains!
OF WISDOM.”  OUR LORD JESUS URGED US TO GIVE TO THE POOR AND TO
2. OBEDIENCE – a recognition that BECAUSE HE IS GOD WE LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR OTHERS.
MUST FOLLOW HIM.

ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS – HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS OF ASIA MINOR - 1 NOVEMBER 2018 1.
 HOWEVER: EVEN SUCH A SELFLESS ACT OF HOLY MARTYRDOM
AND PERSONAL SACRIFICE THAT IS DONE WITHOUT LOVE
WILL PROFIT US ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – it will be a
wasted effort because IT IS NOT COMPELLED, FULFILLED
OR MOTIVATED BY LOVE FOR OTHERS AND ESPECIALLY FOR
GOD.

This particular passage explains THE SPECIFIC
CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE LOVE – DIVINE GODLY LOVE -
AGAPE:
LOVE IS PATIENT, KIND AND GENTLE, especially with those
who are hurt.
 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 – “We exhort you, Brethren:
WARN those who are unruly, COMFORT the faint-
hearted, UPHOLD the weak, BE PATIENT WITH ALL.”
 EPHESIANS 4:32 “... BE KIND to one another, TENDER-
HEARTED, FORGIVING each other, even AS GOD IN
CHRIST FORGIVES YOU.”)
LOVE DOES NOT ENVY AND IS NOT JEALOUS of what others have.
 PROVERBS 23:17 – “DO NOT let your heart ENVY
SINNERS, but BE IN FEAR OF THE LORD the whole
day long.”
LOVE DOES NOT PARADE ITSELF or put itself on display.
 JOHN 3:30 “He (Christ) must increase, but I (St John
the Baptist) MUST DECREASE.”
LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP or arrogant or proud.
 GALATIANS 6:3 “... If anyone thinks himself to be
something, when he is nothing, HE DECEIVES
HIMSELF.”
LOVE DOES NOT ACT RUDELY or brashly, mean-spiritedly nor
does it insult anyone.
 ECCLESIASTES 5:2 “The voice of a senseless man is
with a multitude of words.”
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
C HRIST OUR SA VIOUR CH
At that time, when our Lord Jesus had Called His Twelve Disciples to Him, He gave them Power over unclean spirits – to
cast them out – and to Heal all kinds of disease...
These Jesus sent out, having commanded them: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the
Samaritans. Go to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Go, 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.”
The terms “Disciples” and “Apostles” are often used
interchangably when referring to our Lord Jesus
Christ’s Twelve Apostles (as well as His other Holy
Apostles.)
“Disciple” means one who is LEARNING OR BEING
ENLIGHTENED BY A TEACHER.
WE ARE “DISCIPLES OF CHRIST” BECAUSE WE ARE UNDER THE DIVINE
DISCIPLINE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - our Most Holy
Teacher, Whom we willingly follow and obey.
“Apostle” means one who is SENT OUT ON A SPECIFIC HOLY
MISSION FOR CHRIST OUR LORD.
THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST – not only His closest 12 Holy
Apostles, but also the other 70 initially, and many
more over time – WERE GRANTED HIS DIVINE POWER TO
PERFORM MIRACLES, WHICH OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR PERFORMED
DIRECTLY – BY HIS OWN POWER AND AUTHORITY.
THE HOLY MISSION of Christ’s Apostles and Disciples
CONSISTED OF PREACHING (TEACHING/ENLIGHTENING) AND
HEALING (PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY).
AT FIRST, OUR LORD JESUS SENT HIS APOSTLES ONLY TO THE
ISRAELITES – to HIS OWN CHOSEN PEOPLE OF THE OLD
COVENANT – “...the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.”
To begin with, HIS EARTHLY MISSION WAS FOCUSSED ON THE
NATION OF ISRAEL ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE PROMISE OF THE
OLD COVENANT, so that later, they could not accuse the
Apostles for going to “uncircumcised men.” (ACTS 1:3)
THE INSPIRED, ETERNAL WISDOM
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA
Those who are humble are cognizant of their inner
state and no matter how bad it is, they do not lose
their personality. They know they are sinners and
they mourn over their Spiritual State, yet they do not
despair. Nor do they exhaust themselves.
Those who possess Holy Humility do not talk at all – in
other words, they do not react. They allow others to
rebuke them or to reproach them, without
becoming angry, resentful nor making any excuse
or explanation in order to justify themselves.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
“... It is so distressing to see that at Feasts and Festivals
of our Lord, the enemy also has a portion – that is -
a tax from Christians, which is exceptionally high!
2. ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS – HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS OF ASIA MINOR -
LOVE DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN WAY or act forcefully
 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24: “Let no one SEEK his own, but
each one the OTHER’S WELL-BEING.”
LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS – it copes with burdensome things or
all difficulties of daily life.
 GALATIANS 6:2 “BEAR EACH OTHER’S BURDENS, AND SO
FULFIL THE LAW OF CHRIST.”
LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS AND TRUSTS IN GOD no matter what
the circumstances or what happens.
 PROVERBS 3:5 “TRUST IN GOD with all your heart.”)
LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS: it keeps looking upwards, does not
despair and is always optimistic
 PHILIPPIANS 3:13 “... Forgetting those things that are
behind, and REACHING FORWARD to those things
that are ahead.”
LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS: it puts up with everything and
does not wear out.
 GALATIANS 6:9 “... Grow not weary while doing
good, for IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, if we do
not lose heart.”
THE ONLY THING THAT LOVE CANNOT DO IS FAIL!
 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14: “Let all that you do be DONE
WITH LOVE.”
THE DIVINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, as wonderful as they
are, ARE MERELY TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE. They
are FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS LIFE ONLY, while we are
still Spiritual “Children” – Spiritually Immature.

However, DIVINE LOVE IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE AND
FULFILLING, AND IT CONTINUES INTO THE AGE TO COME –
ETERNAL LIFE.
TO ST MATTHEW 10 : 1, 5 – 8
OSE & INSTRUC TED HIS TWELVE APOSTLES
AFTER HIS RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION, HIS DIVINE MISSION
WAS FOCUSSED ON THE “NEW ISRAEL.”
The New Covenant of God was with the “New Israel” that
consisted of ALL NATIONS WHO BECAME HIS FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES.
HAVING ACCEPTED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR DIVINE
SAVIOUR, AND OUR TRIUNE GOD AS THEIR ONLY LIVING AND
TRUE GOD, THEY WERE BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY
TRINITY AND SUBSEQUENTLY LIVED IN CHRIST ACCORDING TO
EVERYTHING HE HAD TAUGHT AND REVEALED to His original
Apostles and Disciples. (MATTHEW 28: 16-20)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST PREPARED HIS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES
TO BE SINGLE-MINDED IN THEIR SACRED MISSION.
As we are His Faithful Disciples, we must always
remember that HIS DIVINE POWER IS FREELY BESTOWED AS A
DIVINE GIFT FROM GOD.
Furthermore, HE INSTRUCTED HIS APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES TO
CARRY NO EXTRA CLOTHING, FOOD NOR MONEY so that they
could not be accused of greed, and so that they
would WORK FOR SHELTER AND SUSTENANCE – thereby
learning to DEPEND ENTIRELY ON THE GRACE AND GREAT
MERCY OF OUR LORD GOD.
✶✶ Finally, one of His most significant Commandments is
to always keep in mind that “Freely you have
received – freely give.”
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
“The greater the Feast, the higher the tax that we are
forced to pay our enemy!”
(This ‘tax’ is a reference to the high degree of temptation to
which the evil one subjects us when we are Struggling to
Fast and to fulfil our Sacred Duties to the Lord our God
and to each other – especially during the most important
Lenten Periods of the Liturgical Year. MP)
ABBESS MAKRINA
The most important obstacle is that of judging others!
We must always be extremely careful to avoid doing
so, for the sin of judgement of others is the greatest
Toll House we will have to get through!!
1 NOVEMBER 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 (6) Plagal 2 4 November 2018

23rd Sunday After Pentecost – 5th of St Luke
P OOR L AZAR OS & TH E R IC H M AN

The Feast of ST IOANNIKIOS THE GREAT OF BITHYNIA – St Nicander, Bishop & St Hermas, Presbyter,
Hieromartyrs of Myra – St Mercurios the Faster of Kiev Caves Monastery – St Nicander,
Abbot, of Gorodensk Monastery, Novgorod – St John, St Stephen & St Isaiah of Georgia – St
Simon of Yurievets, Volga – St Gabriel of Atonelni, Georgia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1-MATTHEW 28 : 16- 20

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

OCTOECHOS - RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

Angelike Dinamis epi to Mnima Sou ke i filassontes
apenekrothisan. Ke istato Maria en to tafo, zitousa to
ahranton Sou Soma. Eskilevsas ton Adin, mi pirasthis ip
aftou. Ipintisas ti Partheno, Doroumenos tin Zoin. O
Anastas ek to nekron, Kyrie,  Doxa Si.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THEOTOKOS– TONE 2
Prostasia ton Hristianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton
Piitin ametathete, mi Paridis, amartolon Deiseon fonas,
alla profthason os Agathi, is tin voithian imon, ton
Pistos kravgazonton Si: Tahinon is Presvian, ke
spefson is ikesian, i prostatevousa ai, Theotoke, ton
Timonton Se.
The Angelic Powers were in Thy Tomb, and the guards
became as dead men, and Mary stood by the Tomb
seeking Thy Most Pure Body. Thou led captive Hades,
yet were not tempted thereby: Thou Who art the
Bestower of Life came to meet the Woman. O Lord,
Who Rose again from the dead, Glory to Thee!
O Protector of the Christians unashamed, Mediator to the
Creator Immovable, despise not, the pleading voices of
those in sin, but hasten O Good One, to the aid of all
who in Faith cry out to Thee: hasten Thine
Intercession, and present Thy Supplication, O
Theotokos who always protects those who honour
Thee!

PROKEIMENON – PSALM 27 - TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

Save, O Lord, Thy People, and Bless Thine Inheritance.
Unto Thee, O Lord, shalt I cry: O my God!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 2 : 4 – 10
Brethren: God, Who is rich in Mercy, out of the Great Love with which He Loves us, even when we were dead through
our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by Grace Thou hast been Saved - and Raised us up with Him,
and made us sit with Him in the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus, that in the Coming Ages He might show the
Immeasurable Riches of His Grace in Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by Grace Thou hast been Saved through Faith; and this is not Thine own doing - the Gift of God - not because of
Works, lest any man should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for Good Works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should
walk in them.
TWO UNEQUAL KINGDOMS ARE AT WAR. causes our Eternal Alienation from God and all His
Each is SPIRITUAL IN NATURE and EACH STAMPS ITS IMAGE ON ITS Blessed Goodness.
SUBJECTS AND REQUIRES STRICT OBEDIENCE. ✶✶ THE LORD GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, IS THE GLORIOUS,
Yet THEY ARE COMPLETE OPPOSITES. LOVING AND BENEVOLENT KING OF THE OTHER, ETERNAL,
✶ Satan/Lucifer/the evil one is the malevolent ruler of the HEAVENLY KINGDOM IS UNCREATED.
lesser kingdom is a CREATED being –. Our Triune God’s Holy Realm is “the Heavenly Places,”
His domain is of the air – for he belongs neither to Heaven WHICH HE RULES BY HIS GREAT MERCY AND INFINITE LOVE.
not to earth (having been expelled and banished THE BEGINNING OF GOD’S HOLY RULE IS OUR REDEMPTION TO
from the Heavenly Kingdom of Love, Peace and Joy in ETERNAL LIFE and THE DESIRES OF HIS DEVOTED SUBJECTS ARE
God). FREELY, JOYOUSLY OFFERING THANKSGIVING AND GLORY TO
He is the inventor of disobedience and Spiritual Rebellion GOD.
against God – i.e. sin, which leads to suffering, THEIR DEEDS ARE RIGHTEOUS, which is proper to those who
torment and Death. reign with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The beginning of his domination is Spiritual Death - each THE RESULT OF HIS DIVINE, LOVING AND BLESSED RULE IS
sin we commit causes us to fall into a state of Spiritual “EXCEEDING RICHES AND KINDNESS,” which grants us the
Death. PEACE, JOY AND BLISS OF ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY
The desires of his enslaved subjects are lustful – of the KINGDOM OF LOVE AND ALL GOOD THINGS.
weakness of the flesh and of the mind, which are The only manner whereby we can escape from our fallen
wicked trespasses against God and our neighbours. state and the enslaving imprisonment of the evil one
The ultimate result of the evil one’s domination and is BY OUR SINCERE REPENTANCE AND AN EAGERNESS TO BE WITH
enslavement is Wrath and Eternal Condemnation that GOD WHO HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING ESSENTIAL TO OUR
SPIRITUAL REDEMPTION: THE UNITY OF DIVINE GRACE, FAITH

23 R D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST –5 T H
OF ST LUKE – POOR LAZAROS – 4 NOVEMBER 2018 3.
 AND GOOD WORKS COMPELLED BY LOVE – i.e. unconditional, DIVINE GRACE, WHICH ENABLES AND COMPELS US TO DO
Holy Love (Agape). EVERYTHING GOD CALLS US TO DO, IS HIS FREE GIFT AND
These conditions of our Redemption are not equal for CANNOT BE BOUGHT, STOLEN OR TAKEN AWAY FROM US (except
DIVINE GRACE IS UNCREATED AND INFINITE, WHILE OUR FAITH by God when we fall from His Grace through our
IS LIMITED but which can grow ever stronger through unrepented sins.)
the correct Spiritual Guidance and Nurturing. Those who are Blessed by Divine Grace will only want to
GOOD WORKS ARE COMPELLED BY - and flow forth from - do Good Deeds and everything that is pleasing to the
AUTHENTIC FAITH AND LOVE OF GOD. Lord our God.
Good Works alone or done with the wrong attitude or WE ARE NOT SAVED BY GOOD WORKS – RATHER WE ARE SAVED FOR
purpose will not gain us any Eternal Spiritual Benefits GOOD WORKS.
– Heavenly Treasure.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 16 : 19 – 31
TH E REALITY OF D EATH – THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “There was a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and
fare sumptuously every day. There was a certain Beggar, named ‘Lazaros,’ covered with sores, who lay at his
gate, and desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the table of the Rich Man. All the dogs came and
licked his sores.
“The Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to Abraham’s Bosom. The Rich Man also died, and was buried.
“And being in Torments in Hades, He lifted up his eyes and beheld Abraham afar off, and Lazaros in his Bosom.
And he cried out and said: ‘Father Abraham, have Mercy on me and send Lazaros that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame!’ Abraham said: ‘Son, remember that in
your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise, Lazaros, evil things. ’Now he is comforted - you are
tormented. And furthermore, between us and you there is a Great Chasm fixed, so that those who want to pass
from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ He said: ‘I beg Thee, therefore, Father, to send him
to my Father’s house. I have five brothers – that he may testify to them, lest they, too, come to this Place of
Torment!’
“Abraham said to him: ‘They have Moses and the Prophets. Let them hear them.’ He said: ‘No, Father Abraham. But
if one goes to them from the dead, they will Repent.’ He said to him: ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,
neither will they be persuaded to believe, although one rises from the dead!’”
According to our Holy Fathers, this is an actual account descended into Hades, smashed open the imprisoning
of what occurred to these two people after they had gates and set the Righteous free to Rest in the re-opened
died. It is not one of our Lord’s Parables, which are Paradise until the General Resurrection and the Final
instructive by means of extreme examples. Judgement at His Second Coming/Reappearance.
When our Lord Jesus described the Rich Man being “... Christ mentioned that THE RICH MAN HAD BEEN BURIED,
clothed in purple and fine linen...” and eating which our Holy Fathers regard as ILLUSTRATING THE
extravagantly every day, HIS AUDIENCE IMMEDIATELY STATE OF HIS THOUGHTLESS, UNCARING AND MERCILESS SOUL
UNDERSTOOD THE EXTREME WEALTH that he possessed WHICH WAS BURIED BY THE PLEASURES OF HIS SELF-INDULGENT
and with which he indulged himself. FLESH.
Only Kings, influential Rulers and the very affluent wore In other words, THE RICH MAN WAS ALREADY BURIED DURING
robes that were dyed PURPLE. HIS LIFETIME by his “... couches, rugs, furnishings,
Purple dye was produced from the mucus of the hypobranchial sweet oils, perfumes, large quantities of wine,
gland of various species of marine mollusks - notably murex - varieties of food, and his many flatterers...” (ST JOHN
and it took approximately 12,000 shellfish to extract 1.5 grams CHRYSOSTOM)
of the pure dye (purpura). In addition, THE FACT THAT CHRIST DID NOT IDENTIFY THE RICH
Furthermore, it was also extremely costly to produce MAN BY NAME, INDICATES THAT HE WAS ULTIMATELY
finely woven linen. FORGOTTEN BY EVERYONE.
In addition, the consumption of such lavish meals every (PSALM 9:6: “Thou rebukes the Nations, and the ungodly
day was also evidence of much prosperity and man destroys himself; Thou blot out their names in
decadence since others ate very simple meals of their lifetime and unto ages of ages...”)
basic foods – whatever they could either grow Although the names of the ungodly are forgotten, THEIR
themselves or were able to purchase at the WICKED AND UNREPENTED DEEDS WILL BE EXPOSED AND
marketplace. JUDGED BY GOD because EVERYTHING WILL BE EXPOSED BY
Meat and any other extravagant dishes would be HIS DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH AT THE FINAL JUDGEMENT –
served only on very special occasions and then only ON THE EIGHTH DAY – THE BEGINNING OF ETERNITY.
by those who were able to afford them. THE RICH MAN’S DESPERATE APPEAL TO ST ABRAHAM AS A
OUR LORD JESUS ALWAYS CONTRASTED HIS SACRED LESSONS SPIRITUAL FATHER WAS NOT REJECTED, for HE ADDRESSED THE
WITH EXTREME AND OPPOSITE SCENARIOS, and IN THIS TRUE TORMENTED MAN AS “SON,” AND SPOKE TO HIM WITH
ACCOUNT OF THE TWO MEN’S CIRCUMSTANCES, HE BRINGS COMPASSION BY EXPLAINING THE TRUTH AND REALITY OF THE
OUR ATTENTION TO THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF THE RICH SPIRITUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THOSE ALREADY IN HADES (I.E.
MAN’S SELF-INDULGENT LIFESTYLE - TO THAT OF THE BEFORE THE HARROWING OF HADES BY OUR CRUCIFIED
DESTITUTE AND SUFFERING BEGGAR LYING SO PATIENTLY AT CHRIST) – the tormented and the reposed - and
HIS GATE. those who were still alive on Earth.
According to His Divine Nature, CHRIST KNEW THE SPIRITUAL  The “...great Gulf...” is not a physical nor
CONDITION OF POOR LAZAROS and that he had been geographical divide but THE COMPLETE SEPARATION
carried by Angels to the comforting Bosom of BETWEEN VIRTUE AND VICE – goodness and
Abraham, which revealed that LAZAROS HAD ACCEPTED wickedness – AN IRREVOCABLE SEPARATION THAT
HIS LIFE WITH PATIENT GRATITUDE TO GOD AND NEVER CANNOT BE OVERCOME OR CORRECTED AFTER DEATH.
COMPLAINED ABOUT HIS SAD SITUATION. It is of great significance that NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS HE
The ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, was mentioned by SUFFERED IN HADES HAD CHANGED THE RICH MAN’S HEART
Christ among all the Righteous because in stark because he still regarded poor Lazaros as a mere
contrast to the “Rich Man,” ST ABRAHAM HAD ALWAYS servant who existed to fulfil the Rich Man’s own
SHOWN WELCOMING AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY TO ALL selfish bidding and desires!
STRANGERS – EVEN THE HOLY TRINITY. (REFER GENESIS 18: 1 – In other words, NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS OF HADES CAN
8) CHANGE A STUBBORN, SELF-SEEKING SINNER!
On the contrary, THE RICH MAN WHO LIVED SUCH A LAVISH, This Sacred Lesson of our Lord Jesus Christ reveals to us
THOUGHTLESS EXISTENCE, SUFFERED INDESCRIBABLE “... THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS: A MAN WHO WAS NOT EVEN A
TORMENTS IN HADES...” WHILE BEING ABLE TO SEE THE FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD CALLED OUT FOR MERCY FROM
RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WHO RESTED PEACEFULLY IN THE HADES AND CONVERSED WITH ST ABRAHAM!
COMFORT OF ABRAHAM’S BOSOM Some scholars see this After-death account as being set
Abraham’s Bosom was a Foretaste of Heaven and the Place of after the Final Judgement of Christ, citing the
Peaceful Repose for God’s Faithful People until Christ PUNISHMENT AND REWARD THAT WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE
TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE RESPECTIVELY.

4. 23 R D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6 T H
OF ST LUKE – POOR LAZAROS – 4 NOVEMBER 2018
However, OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS REGARD THIS ACCOUNT
AS BEING during a time after death but BEFORE THE
SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, as evidenced by the man
interceding on behalf of his five brothers who were
still alive.
THE MULTIPLE TORMENTS THE RICH MAN EXPERIENCED WOULD BE
MERELY A HIDEOUS FORETASTE OF HIS FINAL JUDGEMENT AND
SPIRITUAL STATE IN ETERNITY.
From this perspective, we are taught that SOULS OF THE
DEPARTED HAVE AN AWARENESS OF AND CONCERN FOR THE
SPIRITUAL STATE OF THOSE WHO STILL LIVE on earth, but
also that - ALTHOUGH THE INTERCESSORY PRAYERS OF THE
WICKED MAN FOR DIVINE MERCY FOR THE REST OF HIS LIVING
FAMILY ARE HEARD, SADLY THEY WILL BENEFIT NEITHER HIM
NOR HIS FAMILY.
 L U K E 9 : 3 0 - 3 1 : CHRIST’S PASSION ON THE CROSS WAS A
FULFILMENT OF THE OLD COVENANT PASSOVER AND WAS
THE TRUE EXODUS FROM SPIRITUAL ENSLAVEMENT OF SIN
INTO GLORIOUS SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL FREEDOM OF
ETERNAL LIFE.
ONLY IN HIS HUMAN NATURE COULD CHRIST EXPERIENCE DEATH
AND DESCEND INTO HADES where, IN HIS DIVINE NATURE,
HE SMASHED OPEN THE GATES OF HADES AND SET THE
RIGHTEOUS SOULS FREE, while THE STUBBORNLY
UNREPENTANT SOULS REMAINED there, tormented by the
Foretaste of Eternal Death – suffering the
unspeakable horrors of the total absence of God
and everything good!
 2 M A C C A B E E S 1 5 : 1 2 - 1 6 : The Hebrews believed
that THE DEPARTED SAINTS LIKE ST JEREMIAH ARE ALIVE
EVEN BEFORE THE GENERAL RESURRECTION.
THIS WAS CLEARLY CONFIRMED BY THE NEW COVENANT when ST
MOSES AND ST ELIJAH APPEARED WITH CHRIST AT HIS
GLORIOUS TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR, which
was WITNESSED BY ST PETER, ST JAMES, AND HIS BROTHER,
ST JOHN the Divine Apostle and Theologian.
 M A T T H E W 2 : 1 8 : The Book of Jeremiah mentions that
when THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM WERE LED INTO EXILE,
THEY PASSED RAMAH, NEAR BETHLEHEM, WHERE THE
TOMB OF ST JACOB’S WIFE, ST RACHEL, IS SITUATED.
In his Prophecy, ST JEREMIAH SAW ST RACHEL LAMENTING,
WEEPING AND MOURNING FROM HER GRAVE, BEING DEEPLY
SORROWFUL FOR THE FATE THAT HAD BEFALLEN HER
DESCENDENTS, and this was REPEATED AT THE TIME OF THE
MERCILESS SLAUGHTER OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, which
occurred approximately two years after the Birth of
Christ when all male infants were murdered by
order of the insane and cruel King Herod.
Thus the weeping of St Rachel for her suffering children
demonstrates that SAINTS IN HEAVEN ARE VERY AWARE OF
AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS ALL WHO STRUGGLE IN LIFE
ON EARTH.
✶ CONSEQUENTLY, WE TURN TO THEM FOR THEIR PRAYERS OF
INTERCESSION AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.
The human soul is immortal – it never dies – so it remains alive
and aware of both the visible and invisible worlds.
Souls that have been Blessed with a Close and Intimate
Relationship with God continue after this life to be in the
Divine Presence.
Obviously then, those that have rejected God and refused to
make any effort to get close to God have chosen their
alienation and Spiritual Exile for all Eternity and will thus
suffer the Unceasing Torments of Hell forever – with no
respite or relief and being completely separated from
everything of God and His infinite Goodness.
 J A M E S 5 : 1 6 “...Confess your trespasses to one
another, and pray for one another, so that you
may be Healed. The effective, Fervent Prayer
of a Righteous person avails much.”
Some people allege that confessing our sins to God in
the presence of a Priest is not “Biblical!”
23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, throughout the world,
there are far too many children from very poor
families and broken homes, but those who live in
Orthodox Orphanages (and other well run institutions)
are far more fortunate than most needy children for
they have food, clothing, shelter, education, and Love
23 R D
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST –5 T H
OF
THE ANCIENT CHRISTIAN PRACTICE WAS TO CONFESS OUR
TRESPASSES TO ONE ANOTHER AND when a Christian was
guilty of sinning, the matter was CONFESSED BEFORE THE
ENTIRE CHURCH AS A MOST HUMBLE ACT OF REPENTANCE.
Early churches consisted of gatherings of Faithful in small
groups in the homes of other Christians. Everyone knew
each other very well and there was an element of
complete trust because they were all United in the same
Faith and manner of Worship. Everyone understood and
preserved the Sanctity of such Gatherings and sharing of
one another’s physical and Spiritual Burdens.
No one gossiped or scandalised about whatever they
witnessed during their Sanctified Gatherings.
They understood that we are all sinners seeking Redemption in
Christ Jesus so no one could or wanted to point accusing
fingers at each other.
However, as the Church grew - and more often than
not, other people who were not part of the Christian
Community would attend - MANY HOPED TO BECOME
CATECHUMENS AND THEN BE BAPTISED CHRISTIANS.
Some attended out of mere curiosity or even possibly
with other more sinister motives.
Consequently COMMUNAL, PUBLIC CONFESSIONS BECAME LESS
DESIRABLE AND EVEN DANGEROUS DURING THE PERSECUTIONS
OF CHRISTIANS .
Instead of Confessions before the entire Christian
Community, REPENTANT SINNERS CONFESSED IN PRIVATE
BEFORE A PRIEST (WHO REPRESENTS OUR FELLOW SINNERS,)
and in the Divine Presence of Almighty God (WHO,
THROUGH HIS ORDAINED SERVANTS, THE BISHOPS AND
PRIESTS, GRANTS US FORGIVENESS OF SINS.)
✶✶ What is definitely NOT TAUGHT IN HOLY SCRIPTURE IS
PRIVATE CONFESSION ONLY TO GOD, whereby WE REFUSE
TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
– our fellow struggling sinners - AGAINST WHOM WE
COMMIT OUR SINS!
 1 J O H N 1 : 8 – 1 0 : “...If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in
us. If we Confess our sins, (Christ) is Faithful
and Just to forgive us our sins and to Cleanse
us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we
have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His
Word is not in us!”
FAITH IS PROVED BY GOOD WORKS – i.e. OUR FAITH MUST
PRODUCE PURITY – IT MUST PRACTICE THE TRUTH - where
TRUTH IS A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THAT IS
MANIFESTED IN A HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS LIFE IN CHRIST.
And TRUE FAITH MUST ALWAYS SEEK FORGIVENESS for and
Cleansing from sin – THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST ...
CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.
✶✶ Sin most certainly does exist and consequently, the
practise of REGULAR CONFESSION IS THE ESTABLISHED BASIS
FOR OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH TOWARDS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Furthermore, ALTHOUGH WE CONTINUOUSLY COMMIT SIN, WE
MUST JUST AS CEASELESSLY STRIVE TO AVOID ALL TEMPTATION
THAT LEADS US INTO WICKEDNESS.
SALVATION IN CHRIST IS A LONG, PERPETUAL PROCESS – A
CEASELESS AND WATCHFUL STRUGGLE – the most
essential part of which is A CONSTANT AWARENESS AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EVERY SIN – great or small – AND
REGULAR REPENTANCE-CONFESSION COMBINED WITH HOLY
EUCHARIST.
In order for fulfil these requirements and to make good
Spiritual Progress, a constant ATTENDANCE AND
PARTICIPATION IN ALL HOLY SERVICES, HOLY MYSTERIES AND
PERSONAL PRAYERS IS VITAL.
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST EFFECTS HEALING – physical
and spiritual – THROUGH WORKS OF FAITH such as
Confession of our sins and the Power of Intercessory
Prayer.
OF ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
provided by the Holy Fathers and Nuns as well as
caring staff.
FAR TOO OFTEN CHILDREN OF IMPOVERISHED AND DESTITUTE
FAMILIES ARE ABANDONED – DISCARDED LIKE GARBAGE - AND
FORCED TO ENDURE EVERY DEGREE OF INDESCRIBABLE CRUELTY,
ABUSE, DISEASE, STARVATION, AND EVEN SLAVERY!
These beautiful, innocent souls are truly “...the least ...”
important members of their society for THEY ARE THE
MOST SIMPLE AND HUMBLE OF SOULS WHOSE NAMES AND VERY
ST LUKE – POOR LAZAROS – 4 NOVEMBER 2018 5.
 EXISTENCE REMAIN UNKNOWN – EXCEPT BY OUR LOVING AND
COMPASSIONATE LORD GOD WHO KNOWS EVERY SOUL HE HAS
CREATED – EACH OF WHOM HAS A SPECIAL SACRED PURPOSE IN
THIS SHORT LIFESPAN!
For that very reason, it is highly significant that our Divine
Saviour revealed to us - and caused us to remember
forever - the name of “Poor Lazaros” who lay in
abject poverty and ever-patient suffering at the
gates of a wealthy man, who - in stark contrast -
remains unknown forever!
These details show us that GOD’S KINGDOM OF LOVE (AGAPE)
IS NOT AT ALL LIKE ANY WORLDLY KINGDOM, nor like our
flawed, corrupted human society, for the kind of
material wealth and subsequent social influence that
makes certain people famous, honoured or respected
in this preparatory existence, counts for nothing in
Eternity!
On the contrary, THE SACRED VIRTUES OF HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE,
LONGSUFFERING, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, COMPASSION AND
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE LORD OUR GOD such as the utterly
destitute “Poor Lazaros” possessed, WHICH COUNTS FOR
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD, BROUGHT HIM GREAT JOY, LOVE AND
PEACE – PRICELESS ETERNAL TREASURE - IN PARADISE AND
ETERNITY.
That kind of complete Faith in God and His Divine
Providence, which the poorest of the poor most often
possess, may mean less than nothing in today’s
materialistic, corrupted world, yet, IT IS ONLY THEREBY
THAT ANYONE WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD – by being
worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs with Christ our Lord.
THIS CERTAINLY DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL THOSE WHO ARE
FINANCIALLY AND MATERIALLY WEALTHY WILL BE ETERNALLY
CONDEMNED, WHILE ALL THOSE WHO ARE DESTITUTE WILL BE
SAVED!
Instead, we must realise THE STRENGTH AND DEPTH OF THE
TEMPTATIONS THAT ARISE WHEN WE BECOME FOCUSED ON AND
OBSESSED WITH ALL THESE MATERIAL, WORLDLY ASPECTS OF
WEALTH, POSSESSION, STATUS AND “SUCCESS.”
It CAUSES US TO LOVE OURSELVES, OUR RICHES, AND OUR SOCIAL
STATUS MORE THAN GOD HIMSELF (Who has granted – i.e.
LENT – us all these things ) AND OUR NEIGHBOURS (with
whom WE SHOULD BE SHARING OUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS.)
The most important Sacred Lesson our Lord Jesus Christ
has taught us is that NO MATTER HOW MUCH OR LITTLE WE
MAY HAVE, WE MUST USE IT WISELY AND GENEROUSLY,
otherwise we will shut ourselves out of His Heavenly
Kingdom and Condemn ourselves forever to the
“Outer Darkness” of Spiritual Death and Exile!
The name “Lazaros” means “One who has been helped,”
and THOSE WHOSE DIFFICULT, MISERABLE AND WRETCHED
CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CAUSED THEM TO DISTRUST CORRUPTIVE,
FICKLE FINANCIAL WEALTH, POWER, OR SUCCESS ARE IN A FAR
BETTER POSITION TO UNDERSTAND, TO KNOW AND TO FULLY
APPRECIATE THAT THEIR ONLY HELP IS DUE TO OUR LOVING AND
COMPASSIONATE LORD GOD’S GREAT MERCY!
Unfortunately the unknown “Rich Man” and his family,
who had always enjoyed a luxuriant, extravagant,
and self-indulgent existence, never learnt that most
important Sacred Lesson!
Christ pointed out that the Rich Man’s garments were
outrageously expensive and he feasted
“...sumptuously...” every day, while POOR LAZAROS, LAY
QUIETLY, UNCOMPLAINING, ALWAYS HOPING for mere “...
crumbs...” to feed him and soothe his hunger pangs.
ONLY THE DOGS NOTICED HIM, AND TRIED TO COMFORT HIM while
he lay there in his painful, suffering state. They licked
him and probably sat with him, COMPELLED BY THEIR
NATURAL COMPASSION AND LOVE FOR A FELLOW CREATURE.
THE RICH MAN MUST HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE POOR BEGGAR AT
HIS GATE, and he must have repeatedly stepped over
or around him every time he went in or out of his
house. But he chose to ignore a dying man, lying on
the ground, as though he was invisible, WHOSE ONLY
COMFORT AND KINDNESS CAME FROM STRAY DOGS WHO WOULD
GENTLY LICK HIS WOUNDS.
Poor Lazarus merely hoped that someone would give
him a small scrap of unwanted food that would have
been discarded as garbage, but – from the servants to
the master of that household - EVERYONE WAS SO SELFISH
AND THOUGHTLESS, THEY IGNORED HIS PLIGHT ALTOGETHER.
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR CONCERNING
THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH SELF-INDULGENCE AND
CARELESSNESS TOWARDS OTHERS!
6. S Y NAX IS OF THE H OLY A RCH ANGELS
The Rich Man – and his entire household - had no mercy,
no compassion nor Love for that utterly destitute and
ailing neighbour who lay right before them all!!
When the two men died, POOR LAZAROS WAS CARRIED TO
HADES BY TWO ANGELS, AND REPOSED IN PEACE “...in the
Bosom of Abraham...” together with others who were
Righteous, and HIS MEMORY HAS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT
THE AGES while THE RICH MAN WENT TO THE CONDEMNED
SECTION OF HADES WHERE HE SUFFERED A FORETASTE OF HELL,
AND HE IS SOON FORGOTTEN BY EVERYONE, for HE VOLUNTARILY
ALIENATED HIMSELF FROM THE MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD, DUE
TO HIS OWN LACK OF MERCY AND LOVE TOWARDS HIS
NEIGHBOUR – thereby cutting himself off from the Mercy
and Love of God.
His Eternal Suffering and Alienation shows the Reality of
ignoring OUR SACRED CALLING TO LIVE IN GOD’S IMAGE AND
LIKENESS.
THE RICH MAN WAS NOTHING AT ALL LIKE CHRIST IN ANY WAY,
WHICH WAS EVIDENT BY HIS TREATMENT AND REGARD OF HIS
NEIGHBOUR.
WHEN HE SOUGHT MERCY FROM FATHER ABRAHAM, HE MADE NO
CONFESSION NOR REPENTANCE - still caring only for
himself and his brothers, which obviously DISOBEYED ST
MOSES AND THE HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD WHO HAD TAUGHT
OUR OBLIGATION TO CARE FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY.
We all need and hope for Great Mercy when we stand
before the Awesome Judgment Seat of Christ!
✶✶ Our Lord’s Great Mercy will NOT be granted to us in
some arbitrary way in Eternity, FOR ONLY NOW DO WE
PARTICIPATE IN HIS BENEVOLENT MERCY BY GRANTING OUR
OWN MERCY AND LOVE TO OTHER WRETCHED SINNERS!
The Rich Man decisively condemned himself and his
Eternal Existence by his ungodly behaviour.
WE CANNOT ‘EARN’ GOD’S GREAT MERCY, BUT WE CAN
VOLUNTARILY OFFER OURSELVES BY LIVING EACH DAY IN
CHRIST.
We can choose to either worship and serve the Lord our
God, or indulge ourselves and become enslaved to
the evil one and his sly machinations!
Consequently, our Lord’s Final, Eternal Judgment will be
more a confirmation of who we have become rather
than an unexpected and shocking Decree!
Having created us, we can hide nothing at all from God!
OUR ORTHODOX FAITH AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST GOES TO THE VERY
CORE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT ALSO REMINDS US THAT WE ARE
CLOSELY AND ETERNALLY RELATED TO OTHERS WHO ARE ALSO
CHILDREN OF GOD - AND IN WHOM WE ENCOUNTER HIM.
THE MANNER WHEREBY WE TREAT OTHERS - especially those who
need our help, attention, and friendship, including
our enemies – REVEALS OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL STATE IN
RELATION TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Any ‘Christian’ who ignores “...the least of these...” is not
worthy of the Name of our Lord, and we condemn
ourselves whenever we treat our neighbours without
unconditional Divine Love and compassion - no
matter who they are or how they have offended us!
Christian Life is not about feelings, emotions, nor
sentiments, but is a Sacred Commitment, a Sacrifice,
and an Offering of ourselves to God.
As St Paul explained: “...I have been crucified with
Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives
in me; and the Life I now live in the flesh I Live by
Faith in the Son of God, Who Loves me and gave
Himself for me.”
WE MUST BEAR WITNESS TO THE MERCY OF CHRIST BY SHOWING
THAT SAME MERCY TO OTHERS.
IF WE DO NOT SHARE OUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS WITH OTHERS IN
VARIOUS WAYS, WE ARE EXACTLY LIKE THE NAMELESS RICH MAN,
AND, LIKE HIM, WILL BE ETERNALLY CONDEMNED.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS SHOWN US THE ONLY WAY TO ETERNAL
LIFE, no matter how rich or poor we are. For ONLY THE
SELFLESS LOVE OF OUR LORD NEVER FAILS!
Our Divine Saviour has already Saved the world, so WE
MUST BE FAITHFUL, HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT AND TREAT OTHERS
EXACTLY AS MERCIFULLY AS HE TREATS ALL US SINNERS!
WE MUST BECOME LIVING ICONS OF HIS SALVATION BY TREATING
EVERYONE AS CHILDREN OF GOD, thereby sharing the
Great Mercy of our Loving and Gracious Lord God.
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS
- HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
& H EAVE NLY H OSTS – 8 N OVE MBER
 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.

8 November 2018
Synaxis of the Holy Archangels
& Heavenly Hosts
ST MICHAEL, ST GABRIEL, ST RAPHAEL, ST URIEL, ST SELAPHIEL, ST JEHUDIEL, ST BARACHIEL, & ST JEREMIEL, HOLY ARCHANGELS OF GOD
Also the Feast of St Alexandria of Guria

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ISODIKON – TONE 2
✞Defte proskinisomen, ke prospesomen Hristo. Soson imas, ✞Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. O
Iie Theou, O E N A G I I S T H A V M A S T O S , psallontas Si. Son of God, W H O A R T E X T O L L E D B Y T H E S A I N T S :
Allilouia! Save us who sing unto Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION -SYNAXIS HEAVENLY HOSTS – TONE 4
Ton Ouranion Stration Arhistratigi, disopoumen imas imis O Foremost of the Heavenly Hosts, we who are unworthy,
i anaxii, ina tes imon deisesi, tihisite imas, Skepi ton beseech You that by Your Petitions You encompass us
pterigon, tis ailou imon Doxis, frourountes imas with the shadow of Your Immaterial Glory, preserving
prospiptontas, ektenos ke voontas. Ek ton kindinon us who kneel and cry ceaselessly: Deliver us from
Litrosasthe imas, os Taxiarhe ton Ano Dinameon! oppressions, O You Princes of the Ranks of Dominions
on High!
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
FESTAL KONTAKION – HOLY ARCHANGELS – TONE 4
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i plitimitos pastas ke The Saviour’s Most Pure and Immaculate Temple, the Very
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou Precious Bridal Chamber and Virgin, Who is the Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, Treasure of the Glory of God, on this day is presented
tin en Pnevmati Thio. In animnousin Angeli Theou. at the House of our Lord, and with Herself, She brings
Afti iparhi Skini Epouranios. the Grace in the Divine Spirit. She is extolled by the
Angels of God – a Heavenly Tabernacle is She!
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK 
PROKEIMEINON - PSALM 103/104 – TONE 4
O pion tous Angelous Aftou pnevmata ke tous Litourgous READER Who makes His Angels spirits, and His Ministers,
Aftou Piros Floga. Flames of Fire.
Evlogi, i psihi mou, ton Kyrion, Kyrie O Theos mou, Bless the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God: Thou art
Emegalinthis Sfodra. exceedingly Magnified!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 2 : 2 – 10
BEWARE OF WILFUL NEGLIGENCE
Brethren, if the word spoken through Angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a
Just Reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a Salvation?
Which, at the first, began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him - God also
bearing witness, both with Signs and Wonders, with various Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His
own Will. For He has not put the world to come of which we speak, in subjection to Angels.
It has been testified in a certain place: ‘What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the Son of Man that Thou carest for
Him? Thou made Him for a while lower than the Angels. Thou crowned Him with Glory and Honour – putting all
things in subjection under His Feet.’
Now, in putting everything in subjection under Him, He left nothing outside His Control. Now, we do not yet see
everything in subjection to Him. Yet we see Christ Jesus Who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the
suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour, that He, by the Grace of God, might taste Death for everyone.
For it was fitting that He, for Whom art all things and by Whom art all things, in bringing many sons to Glory, should
make the Pioneer of their Salvation Perfect through sufferings.
St Paul begins this passage with AN ADMONITION AGAINST by many Divine Miracles of God the Holy Spirit,
WILFUL NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS BY A SLOW PROCESS – A which is clear Proof that His Divine, Eternal
DRIFT – OF ATTRITION – OF SLOW SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTION. Kingdom has come upon us?
“If the Word spoken...” and “... how shall we escape...” When we beseech Almighty God in the Divine Liturgy for
suggest a conditional statement or question. “... Pardon and Remission of our sins and
ISRAEL WAS EXPECTED TO OBEY THE WORDS OF CREATED ANGELS – transgressions...” and “... a Good Defence before the
the Holy Messengers of God – OR SUFFER PUNISHMENT. Dread Judgement Seat of Christ...” WE AFFIRM THAT

NOW IT IS MUCH MORE VITAL FOR US TO HEED WHAT GOD THERE IS TRULY A “JUST REWARD,” OR RETRIBUTION
INCARNATE – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – HAS SAID TO US (RECKONING OR JUSTICE) – A VERY REAL DIVINE JUDGEMENT
THROUGH HIS HOLY APOSTLES – especially when His THAT IS IRREVOCABLE AND UTTERLY UNBIASED!!
Divine Word – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – HAS BEEN CONFIRMED

S YNAX IS OF THE H OLY A R CH ANGEL S & H E AVE NLY H OSTS – 8 N OV EM BE R 7.

HAVING TAKEN ON OUR WEAK HUMAN FLESH AND CIRCUMSTANCES, INCARNATE and thus even “... a little lower than the
WHILE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST LIVED IN OUR MIDST, HE ALSO Angels...” in order to live like us and with us SO THAT HE
BECAME “... a little lower than the Angels...” COULD TEACH US DIRECTLY AND SHOW US BY HIS OWN PERFECT
However, having Ascended into Heaven and returning to EXAMPLE EVERYTHING WE MUST DO IN ORDER TO REGAIN OUR
Divine Status as the Eternal Son of God, our Lord Jesus LOST DIVINE LIKENESS.
Christ, Whom we are able to see in His human Form, is Furthermore, only in His human Nature could He suffer
“...Crowned... with Glory and Honour...” and ALL and die, and enter Hades. In His Almighty Divine
CREATION IS “... in subjection under His Feet...” Nature, He then destroyed Death and broke the
meaning that “...nothing ...” is “... outside His Control” imprisoning gates of Hades where all mankind was
✶✶✶ THE HOLY TRINITY WORKS IN PERFECT UNISON BY THE WILL held captive, and led His Righteous People to the re-
OF THE FATHER, THROUGH THE SON, BY THE POWER AND opened Paradise to await our General Resurrection
ENERGY OF THE LIFE-GIVING ALL HOLY SPIRIT. and Final Judgement.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST “EMPTIED” HIMSELF OR DIVESTED HIMSELF
OF ALL HIS DIVINE POWER AND MAJESTY IN ORDER TO BECOME
.T H E H O L Y G O S P E L A C C O R D I N G T O S T L U K E 1 0 : 1 6 – 2 1
At that time our Lord Jesus said to them: “He who hears you, hears Me, he who rejects you, rejects Him Who sent Me.”
When the Seventy returned they joyfully said: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!” He told them: “I
saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven! Behold: I grant you the Authority to trample upon serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not
rejoice in this - that the spirits are subject to you - but rather rejoice because your names are written in Heaven!”
In that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said: “I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that Thou hast
hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants. Even so, Father, for so it seemed
good in Thy Sight.”
✶✶ DIVINE JUDGEMENT IS MOST SEVERE FOR THOSE WHO REJECT SATAN HAD EXPRESSED HIS REBELLIOUS WILL AND EGOCENTRIC
CHRIST AFTER EXPERIENCING HIS DIVINE GRACE! PRIDE FIVE TIMES when he declared his own plans to
In contrast, those who have never known Christ due to rule over Heaven, desiring to overthrow Almighty God!
genuine ignorance are without sin in that regard.  ISAIAH 14: 12 – 15 : ”... how you are fallen, O Lucifer,
 JOHN 15: 22-24: “If I had not come and spoken to who rose up in the morning! He who sends for all
them, they would have no sin, but now they have the Nations is crushed to the Earth. For you said
no excuse for their sin. He who hates me, hates in your mind: ‘I will ascend into Heaven. I will
My Father also. If I had not done among them place my throne above the stars of heaven. I will
the Works that no one else did, they would have sit on a lofty mountain, on the lofty mountains
no sin, but now they have seen and also hated towards the North. I will ascend above the
both Me and My Father...” clouds. I will be like the Most High!’ But now
REBELLION AGAINST GOD REVEALS SEVERAL THINGS: you shall descend to Hades, to the foundations of
While Union with Christ brings Joy, Truth and Peace, it the Earth...”
also brings PERSECUTION, BECAUSE THE FALLEN WORLD HATES  REVELATION 12 : 7 – 12: “... war broke out in Heaven.
LOVE AND TRUTH. Michael and his Angels fought with the dragon;
THE FALLEN WORLD HATES CHRIST, THEREFORE, IT ALSO HATES ALL and the dragon and his Angels fought; but they
WHO TRY TO BECOME CHRISTLIKE. did not prevail, nor was a place found for them
The fallen world hates Christ because IT NEITHER KNOWS in Heaven any longer. So the great dragon was
NOR DESIRES TO KNOW GOD THE FATHER. cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and
HATRED FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS IRRATIONAL AND Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was
UNREASONABLE, FOR CHRIST BRINGS LOVE AND MERCY. THUS cast out to the Earth – and his Angels were cast
CHRIST IS HATED WITHOUT ANY JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE. out with him. Then I heard a loud Voice saying
Consequently, THEY ARE JUDGED BY THEIR GOD-GIVEN in Heaven: “Now Salvation, and Strength, and the
CONSCIENCE. Kingdom of our God, and the Power of His Christ
 Romans 2 : 12 – 16 “... for as many as have sinned have come, for the accuser of our Brethren, who
without Law, will also perish without Law, and, accused them before our God day and night, has
as many as have sinned in the Law, will be been cast down. And they overcame him by the
judged by the Law (for not the hearers of the Law Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their
are Just in the Sight of God) but the doers of the Testimony, and they did not love their lives to the
Law will be Justified. For when Gentiles, who do death...’”
not have the Law, by nature do the things in the ✶✶ When our Lord used the term “...babes...” or
Law, these, although not having the Law, are a “...infants... He was referring to THOSE WHO ARE SIMPLE,
law to themselves, who show the Work of the Law UNCOMPLICATED AND THUS PURE OF SPIRIT. INFANTS ARE THE
written in their heart, their conscience also STANDARD OF FAITH WHEREBY ADULTS RECEIVE THE KINGDOM
bearing witness, and between themselves their OF GOD and not the other way around.
thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the “A little child is not arrogant. He does not despise
Day when God will Judge the secrets of mankind anyone. He is innocent and guileless. He does not
by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel.” inflate himself in the presence of important people,
✶✶ Our Lord’s Words : “I saw Satan fall...” reveal to us HIS nor withdraw from those in sorrows. Instead he lives
CAUTIONARY DESCRIPTION OF THAT MAJOR EVENT WHEN SATAN in complete simplicity.” (ST THEOPHAN)
AND HIS DEMONS WERE EXPELLED FROM HEAVEN AND Such people have SIMPLE, SINCERE FAITH AND COMPLETELY
PERMANENTLY EXILED FROM DIVINE GRACE AND ALL GOD’S OPEN, RECEPTIVE HEARTS AND SOULS THAT WELCOME THE
GOODNESS, which happened BEFORE THE CREATION OF INDWELLING OF THE HOLY TRINITY.
THIS WORLD AND OF MANKIND.
THE SYNAXIS OF ARCHANGEL MICHAEL & ALL THE HEAVENLY HOSTS
✞ In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! voice, Glorify the Holy Trinity and serve God with
Today, Beloved Brethren, is the Feast and Glorification of oneness of soul.
St Michael, the Archangel of God, and the This Feast is mainly in honour of Archangel Michael, who
innumerable Heavenly Hosts. It is an important Feast is depicted on our Holy Icons with a severe, protective
of our Orthodox Church - especially those churches and military appearance. On his head is a helmet,
and the Faithful who are dedicated to Archangel in his hand is a sword or spear. Under his feet is the
Michael, the Commander of the Heavenly Angelic dragon (the evil one) he has trampled upon and
Hosts – and all the faithful, zealous servants of our defeated.
Almighty Creator and God. The invisible, intellectual, Angelic Hosts, which were
A ‘Synaxis’ means an “Assembly” or “Gathering” of all our created before the entire visible world and mankind,
Lord God’s Holy Angels, led by St Michael, the Chief were granted Great Perfection and Gifts of Grace, for
Archangel. Who, altogether with one harmonious their Purpose was to Glorify and Serve our Lord God.

8. S Y NAX IS OF THE H OLY A RCH ANGELS & H EAVE NLY H OSTS – 8 N OVE MBER
Unfortunately, one of the Angels, Lucifer, became
obsessed with his own beauty, and his pride and
arrogance caused him to dare to rebel against our
Divine Creator.
The Angels and mankind were created as intellectual
beings with free will, but all too soon, that freedom of
choice was abused, causing our terrible Fall into the
Spiritual Death of sin – i.e. self-imposed condemnation
and alienation from God and all His Goodness!
The jealousy and wicked passions of Lucifer and those
angels who were slyly enticed by him, caused a
rebellion against our Lord God, which violently shook
the Spiritual World until St Michael the Archangel led
the Faithful Angelic Hosts against them and expelled
them forever from the Heavenly Realm.
“There is no one like God!” he triumphantly proclaimed
and thereby manifested his personal qualities of
Steadfast Faith, Boldness and decisiveness of action,
and not only to believe but also to witness to God—
radiating and spreading throughout the whole world.
the Divine Light he had received.
Archangel Michael is confirmed as the Leader of the
Angelic Hosts who are Eternally Faithful to God. From
that time on St Michael holds a sword in his hand, for
Satan, although permanently cast down from
Heaven, never ceases to wage war against the
Righteous Citizens of Heaven and all mankind whom
God Loves.
The fallen angels’ expulsion and exile from the Heavenly
Realms has caused them to focus all their malicious
hatred upon mankind - particularly those who are
Faithful to God and who courageously wage life-long
Spiritual Warfare against Satan and his demons.
Holy Archangel Michael perpetually battles against the
spirits of evil and Darkness, in order to protect God’s
Beloved Children from their cunning, hideous
machinations, which will intensify until the end of this
world.
St Michael, whose appearance terrifies God’s enemies, is
the Holy Defender of God’s Church and all Her Faithful
Flock.
The Holy Angels who remained Steadfastly Loyal to our
Lord God, and comprise the Angelic Ranks led by
Archangel Michael, have so strongly confirmed
themselves in Goodness that sin has become
anathema to them - not because they cannot go
against God’s Will, but because they have no
inclination nor desire to sin.
What an important Lesson this is for us – for by having no
inclination, nor desire to sin, means we become closer
to our Lord God and behold Him and experience His
Divine Presence similar to the Heavenly Hosts! Our
only desire would be to serve Him and to fulfill His
Divine Will in all circumstances!
“Angels” are the Holy “Messengers” of our Lord God for
they convey our Heavenly Father’s Will and announce
His Good Tidings to us, as well as Guiding us, and
Interceding between us and our Lord.
Our Holy Fathers refer to the Angels of God as “... the
Secondary Lights...” because they reflect His Divine
Light.
Being close to God, His Holy Angels are filled with
Exaltation, God’s Grandeur, His Holiness, Wisdom, and
extreme Love for all His creatures.
Divine Light flows through them freely ... sparkling and
shining like light falling upon a precious gem...
Illuminating and even blinding with Beauty, which is
the image of True Sanctity.
The Heavenly Powers receive God’s Light in themselves,
reflecting and refracting it into a multitude of
beautiful rays... bestowing It upon those who are
capable of receiving it.
And in this reflected Radiance of Divine Light, which is
Unwaning and Unfading, multiplied and joy-
producing, and Life-giving, we come to know God!
The Holy Angels of God enable us to Experience and
Perceive Divine Light, for we alone are not capable of
seeing or feeling God’s Divine Glory – and thus we
need these Holy Mediators who thus Transform It, so
that It might become accessible to us.
S YNAX IS OF THE H OLY
Certain Blessed People of irreproachable Life and Fiery
Love for God have shone so brightly with this Divine
Light to such a degree that others have witnessed it.
Many of these similar Angelic Attributes are recorded in
the Lives of the Saints, and mentioned in our Hymns
and Prayers of the Divine Services such as: “...Having
Lived like an Angel on Earth…” or, “...Thy Life was
equal to the Angels...’”
For example, St Seraphim of Sarov and our Holy Hierarch,
St Meletios both bore an ardent Love for God in their
heart.
St Luke wrote in the Acts of the Apostles that when St
Stephen the Archdeacon and Protomartyr was
condemned to death, St Stephen beheld the Heavens
open and the Glory of God, while everyone who was
present – friend and foe - saw his face shining
brightly as if he was an Angel of God!
This testifies to the possibility of any of us becoming
“...like the Angels...” during this earthly life - if we
unfailingly Strive for Spiritual Perfection by imitating
the Holy Angels who serve God by ceaselessly
praising Him and emulating Him.
The Angelic Realm is comprehended by the True Spirit of
Reason – i.e. by their actual participation in our
human history.
The Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of God came to
Earth to serve and to save all mankind, and His Holy
Angels, throughout the ages have appeared on Earth
for that very same Purpose, Interceding with us
according to the Will of God.
The first Christians were familiar with and understood the
Honourable Bodiless Powers’ Intercessions through
Revelation and Experience.
In order for us to Encounter and Understand God’s Holy
Angels, including their constant presence and
activity, we must perpetually Purify our heart and soul
from sinful words, thoughts and deeds by Repentance
and Confession, for only “... the Pure in heart will see
God.” (MATTHEW 5:8)
We must Strive unceasingly to become worthy of Exalted
Joy, like our ancient Holy Forefather St Abraham, who
received the Holy Trinity under his canopy!
We must avoid sinful conversations, discussions and
arguments and resist all temptation that leads us to
commit sinful deeds, so that like the Righteous St Lot,
an Angel might lead us away from destructive
circumstances of worldly vanity.
We must be as Meek, Gentle and Humble as our Lord
Jesus Christ in order to conquer wickedness with
Goodness so that - as once the Angelic Hosts had met
St Jacob, they might meet us on our Journey to God.
(GENESIS 32:1)
It is extremely important for us to be Vigilantly Watchful of
our behaviour, attitude and words, so as not to
alienate ourselves from our Faithful Holy Helpers—the
Angels of God and our Guardian Angels.
According to our Holy Fathers, mankind was created in
order to replace the fallen angels, which means that
we must all participate in the Synaxis of the
Archangels and Heavenly Hosts. Our Lifestyle must be
Pure and Holy in order to worthily do this!
We only have this short period to prepare and fully
develop ourselves for Eternal Life with the Heavenly
Hosts - to Ascend and fully participate in their Bright,
Holy Synaxis, which we solemnly celebrate today!
But in order to acquire Eternal Life in the Heavenly
Kingdom, we must acquire Angelic Thoughts, Words
and Deeds by preparing our heart and soul to
receive that Divine Supernatural Love of God as
worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs with Christ of His
Heavenly Realm.
Having been granted God’s Divine Truth – His Teachings
and Commandments – by Divine Grace and assisted
by His Holy Angels, we can indeed accomplish all
Good Things with Humility and Obedience!
On the Eighth Day, when Christ our God Reappears in
Magnificent Glory with His Heavenly Hosts, all God’s
Chosen and Faithful Children will be gathered like a
rich Harvest... may we be among them!
Amen.
ARCHIMANDRITE JOHN (KRESTIANKIN) - PRAVOSLAVIE.RU
A R CH ANGEL S & H E AVE NLY H OSTS – 8 N OV EM BE R 9.
 THE TRUTH OF OUR FAITH AS A
ALL THOSE WHO ARE UTTERLY INDIFFERENT TOWARDS SO MANY
THINGS, ARE ALSO INDIFFERENT TO MATTER OF OUR ORTHODOX
FAITH.
Naturally, some Sociologists and Anthropologists are
quick to interpret this phenomenon as “... the end of
Faith...” and there are some Historians who analyse it
as being “... a turn towards modernity...” which is
typical of our tragic times.
However, as will become clear, none of this is Truth
because there have always been people throughout
the course of human history, who have been
indifferent to religious matters and also because IF
THE SOUL OF SUCH PEOPLE EVER DOES BECOME WARM, THEY
MAY BECOME FERVENT IN FAITH, to the point where THEY
SPIRITUALLY SURPASS MANY WHO HAVE BEEN FIRMLY
ESTABLISHED IN THEIR ORTHODOX FAITH for years if not for
their entire lifetime!
One of the causes of Spiritual Indifference is the sense
that many have, that they “...know quite enough
about Faith!” and when they hear anything
concerning the Holy Gospel, they respond: “We know
all about that!”
They might even invoke whatever religious Knowledge
they retain from their childhood in order to
demonstrate a Commandment of the Theology of the
Church, which is sufficient to meet all their Spiritual
Needs (or argue a specific point!)
This is even more the case now when “Religious
Education” in schools is Epistemological and cultural,
with the very slightest nod towards Orthodoxy as the
dominant Faith in Greece. (or elsewhere, as this
attitude is world-wide these days!)
Be that as it may, TRUE FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LIFE ARE NOT
MERELY MATTERS OF KNOWLEDGE TO BE LEARNT FROM BOOKS,
BUT ARE, RATHER, SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES THAT WE ACQUIRE
AS GIFTS OF GOD, WHICH DEMAND OUR WILLING EFFORT AND
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES.
Our Lord Jesus Christ’s Parable of the Sower and the
Seed is well-known, graphic and detailed, and is
clearly explained by our Divine Saviour Himself.
Between the narrative and its interpretation, is a
particular, significant question of His Disciples
concerning the Exposition of the Parable, which is
subsequently explained by our Lord, based on a
Prophecy of St Isaiah: “... To you it has been granted
to know the Secrets of the Kingdom of God, but for
others they are in Parables so that seeing, they may
not see, and hearing, they may not understand!”
Many Protestants and certain people who are admirers
of an exclusively historical ‘...interpretation of the
Bible...’ misinterpret this as meaning that our Lord
Jesus Christ deliberately spoke in vague terms so that
His Teachings would not be readily comprehensible
and would therefore not provoke the various groups
of self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees, as well as the
pagan Romans – all of whom were carefully
observing everything He said and did – so that by
doing so, He would escape their unjustified wrath
and schemes.
However, the weakness of such an interpretation is
obviously evident from the fact that OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR
VOLUNTARILY ENDURED HIS UNJUST PASSION, and WHEN HIS
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES TRIED TO DISCOURAGE
HIM FROM PUTTING HIMSELF INTO THE HANDS OF HIS ENEMIES,
THEY WERE IMMEDIATELY REBUKED.
Thus our Lord certainly never spoke in Parables in
order to hide from nor to avoid provoking His
enemies and opponents.
We can reconcile the fact that HE WHO CAME TO BRING US
HIS DIVINE TRUTH ALWAYS SPOKE CLEARLY, EVEN WHILE USING
THESE FORMS OF TEACHING.
ST PORPHYRIOS OF
People who are humble are cognizant of their Inner State
and however bad it is,
they do not lose their personality.
They know they are sinners and they mourn over it,
but they do not despair, nor do they exhaust themselves.
Those who have Holy Humility do not talk at all - in other words, they do not react.
They allow others to rebuke them or to reproach them
without getting angry nor making excuses.
10. S Y NAX IS OF THE H OLY AR CH ANGEL S
STRUGGLE FOR ETERNAL LIFE
St Cyril of Alexandria explained: “... the Parables are
like Images of things that cannot be seen, but are
more mental and spiritual. This is why that which
the eye of the body is unable to see is revealed to
the eye of the mind, through the use of perceptible
and almost tangible things, which gives shape to
the subtleties of the mind...”
Therefore, THE AIM AND PURPOSE OF OUR LORD’S PARABLES IS
NOT MERELY TO INSTRUCT US. When our Lord Jesus
referred to the Parables, HE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE
MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD (as opposed to this
temporary, earthly state.)
We must not be deceived by imagining exactly what
Mysterious, Conspiratorial or Apocryphal Things lie
behind our Lord’s Words, for EVERYTHING IS EXPLAINED
TO US LATER.
It is simply that OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WISHED TO USE THE TWO-
FOLD PROPERTIES OF HIS PARABLES IN ORDER TO
SIMULTANEOUSLY REVEAL AND CONCEAL – for THEY CLARIFY
THE TRUTH FOR THOSE WHO SEEK IT, WHILE NOT DECLARING IT
TO THOSE WHO ARE REMISS AND DISINCLINED TO DO SO, even
though they may have been momentarily impressed.
CHRIST OUR LORD SPOKE OF THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF THE HEBREW
NATION – His Chosen, Holy Flock - describing them
as being “...hardened...” or “...hard-hearted...” – i.e.
being TOO STUBBORN, WILFUL AND DISOBEDIENT TO RECEIVE
THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR FAITH.
TYPICALLY THEY HAD SUPERFICIAL RELIGIOSITY AND
TREMENDOUSLY PERVERSE SELF-CENTREDNESS, which is why
He regarded them as being “... uncircumcised in
their heart...” (ACTS 7:51) (THEY WERE NOT COMMITTED TO SERVING
GOD BUT RATHER SELF-SERVING!)
OUR LORD IS UNABLE TO REVEAL HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO THOSE WHO
POSSESS SUCH PERSISTENTLY ADVERSE SPIRITUAL SYMPTOMS
(for HE NEVER FORCES US TO OBEY HIS DIVINE WILL. We
must do so only as an Act of Love for God, compelled
by our desire to obey Him and to please Him.)
On the contrary, OUR LORD IS ALWAYS GRACIOUS AND
MERCIFUL TO THOSE WHO GENUINELY SEEK AND FULFIL HIS
DIVINE TRUTH.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has established THE TRUTH OF OUR
FAITH AS OUR MOST DESIRABLE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE ETERNAL.
His Absolute, Perfect and Divine Truth definitely exists
and has been REVEALED TO US BY GOD, yet It is NOT
ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE, for MOST OF US ARE TOO SPIRITUAL
BLIND, UNYIELDING AND IGNORANT TO RECEIVE IT WITH JOY
AND THANKSGIVING.
THOSE WHO ARE NEGLIGENT AND INDIFFERENT MISUNDERSTAND
DIVINE TRUTH or they feel coerced or threatened by It.
Our Loving God wants us to TURN FREELY AND WHOLE-
HEARTEDLY TO HIM AND HIS TRUTH, which is why FOR THE
PRESERVATION OF FREE, SELFLESS LOVE, HE HAS ARRANGED FOR
US THIS PERIOD OF APPRENTICESHIP, which IS THE DOMINANT
FEATURE OF SAINTLY LIFE.
WE MUST EXPERIENCE A CONTINUOUS APPRENTICESHIP IN THE
DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR FAITH, not in the reading of books,
but IN THE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE OF OUR SPIRITUAL
STRUGGLE AND THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF HIS HOLY CHURCH.
THE SAVING TRUTH OF OUR FAITH, as the only Truth on Earth,
IS THE MOST IMPORTANT, PRICELESS GIFT GOD GRANTS US, but
to acquire it, WE HAVE TO EARN IT WITH SINCERE LOVE AND
EAGER STRIVING.
We have to understand – to know – that DIVINE TRUTH CAN
NEVER BE EXHAUSTED FOR THE DIVINE MYSTERIES OF THE
GLORY OF GOD ARE CONTINUALLY AND INCREASINGLY BEING
REVEALED!
METROPOLITAN HIERONYMOS OF LARISA
http://pemptousia.com
KAVSOKALYVIA
& H E AVE NLY H OSTS – 8 N OVEM BE R
 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.

9 November 2018
St Nektarios of Pentapolis & Aegina
Also the Feast of St Onesiphoros and St Porphyrios of Ephesos - , St Matrona, Abbess of
Constantinople - St Theoktiste of Lesbos – St Onesiphoros the Confessor of the Kiev Near Caves
Monastery – St Alexander of Thessalonika – St Anthony of Apamea, Syria – St John the Short,
Holy Ascetic of St Pimen the Great Monastery, Egypt – St Eustolia & St Sopatra of Constantinople
– St Euthymios & St Neophytos, Co-Founders of Dochiariou Monastery, Mount Athos – The Holy Wonderworking Icon of
Theotokos “Quick to Hear” at Dochiariou Monastery, Mount Athos

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA – TONE 1

Silivrias ton Gonon ke Eginis ton eforon, ton eskhatis hronis Silivria’s Offspring and Protector of Aegina, the True
fanenta, aretis Filon Gnision, Nektarion Timisomen Pisti, Friend of all Virtue, who appeared to us lately,
os entheon theraponta Hristou; anavlizi gar iasis Nektarios the Godly Servant of Christ, let us honour,
pantodapas, tis evlavos kravgazousi: Doxa to Se, we the Faithful; for he pours forth Healings of every
Doxanti Hristo, Doxa to Se Thavmastosanti! Doxa to kind, on those who Piously cry out: Glory to Christ
Energounti dia Sou, pasin iamata! Who Glorified Thee! Glory to Him Who Magnified
Thee! Glory to the One Who Works through Thee,
P ATRONAL HYMN Healings for everyone!
FESTAL KONTAKION – ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Orthodoxias ton Astera ton Neofoton, ke Ekklisias to The latest shining Star of Orthodoxy and the newly
Neodmiton protihisma, animnisomen kardias en erected Rampart of the Church let our hearts joyfully
evfrosini. Doxasthis gar energia ti tou Pnevmatos, praise. For, Glorified by the Work of the Spirit, he
iamaton anavlizi Harin afthonon, tis kravgazousi. abundantly pours forth the Grace of Healing to those
Heris Pater Nektarie! who cry out: "Hail, O Father Nektarios!"
SEASONAL FESTAL KONTAKION - ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
iparhi Skini Epouranios. is the Heavenly Tabernacle.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 149 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Kahisonte Osii en Doxi The Saints shall rejoice in Glory.
Asate to Kyrio asma kenon. Sing unto the Lord a New Song.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 5 : 8 – 19
WE MUST WALK IN CHRIST THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH
Brethren: ... As Children of Light, walk, for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out
what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose
them. Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!”
See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which
is dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
St Paul reminded the Ephesians – especially those who THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO ENABLES
had converted from paganism – that THEY HAD EXISTED US TO FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS TRULY WORTHY –
IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND HAD BEEN SPIRITUALLY DEAD.. everything that is “...Goodness, Righteous and
This means that before knowing anything concerning our Truth...” befitting a Faithful Disciple of Christ our God.
True and Living Lord God and His Divine Truth, the Furthermore, THROUGH THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD THE HOLY
Ephesian converts had been IGNORANT OF THE MOST SPIRIT, WE ARE ABLE TO KNOW, AND TO UNDERSTAND, AND TO
SIGNIFICANT MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THIS TEMPORARY DO, EVERYTHING that is “...acceptable to our Lord.”
EXISTENCE – “...you were once Darkness...” St Paul severely cautions us to AVOID ANYTHING THAT IS
THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM, WE BECOME THE ABOMINABLE TO GOD, SINFUL AND SPIRITUALLY CONDEMNING
ADOPTED CHILDREN AND HEIRS OF ALMIGHTY GOD Who is TO US – anything that is wicked, evil and harmful - i.e.
Himself the Uncreated Divine Light. the “... unfruitful works of Darkness...”
Thus we become “...Children of Light...” who must be WE MUST JUDGE, MEASURE OR WEIGH EVERYTHING CAREFULLY that
COMMITTED TO LIVING EVERY MOMENT IN CHRISt – i.e. is regarded as being acceptable by this Spiritually
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS Blind, Darkened, wicked and debauched world.
TAUGHT US AND REVEALED TO US, which affects our We must ALWAYS SEE EVERYTHING IN THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD’S
ultimate Salvation and Eternal Life. TRUTH, which is unwavering, inflexible and
THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION, which follows unchangeable.
immediately after our Holy Baptism, WE ARE GRANTED

ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA 9 NOVEMBER 2017 11.

ANYTHING “SECRET” OR “HIDDEN” THAT CANNOT BEAR TO BE
EXPOSED TO GOD’S DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH, IT IS TO BE
REJECTED AND AVOIDED as being shameful, sinful or evil!
✶✶ TRUTH AND GOODNESS IS REVEALED BY THE DIVINE LIGHT AND
TRUTH OF OUR LORD GOD ALONE.
We must always LIVE EVERY MOMENT IN THE DIVINE LIGHT AND
TRUTH OF GOD, which means that EVERYTHING WE THINK,
WE SPEAK AND WE DO MUST BE ACCORDING TO OUR BELOVED
SAVIOUR’S DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS.
“Redeeming the time...” means that WE MUST NOT WASTE A
MOMENT OF THIS VERY SHORT LIFESPAN, which is granted to
each of us according to the Will and Knowledge of
our Divine Creator in order TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR
ETERNITY.
ONLY GOD KNOW HOW MANY YEARS, MONTHS, WEEKS, DAYS OR
HOURS EACH OF US HAS in which to Perfect our immortal
soul for Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
CHRIST IS THE
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and
will go out, and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have
come that they may have Life -and more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd,
who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches,
and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep.
“And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there
will be one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✶✶ “...I Am the Door...” – Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us
clearly that ONLY THROUGH HIM, THROUGH THE DIVINE
TRUTH OF HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, CAN WE
RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE WITH ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS,
JOY AND LOVE.
ONLY BY FULFILLING WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE THE WILL OF
GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH THE TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS OF GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND
ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE FOR US
TO HAVE AN EVERLASTING LIFE OF DIVINE BLISS, for which
Purpose we were created by our Triune God of Love –
Who is Love Itself!!
WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALMIGHTY GOD, WE
ENJOY ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS – in this temporary,
preparatory lifespan and in Eternity.
 THE DEVIOUS, MOST EVIL ‘THIEF’ IS SATAN, who always
spreads lies and encourages heresies and
blasphemy among the People of God – both the
Old Israel and the New Israel - luring away the
deceived, ignorant leaders and people.
 “Life” means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth
during this short, preparatory period before we
enter Eternity.
 The “more abundant” Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE – AGAPE.
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE
HIS ‘REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” – HIS HOLY FLOCK.
HE IS THE DIVINE DOOR – THE DIVINE ENTRANCE - INTO HIS
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE.
Christ is THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE – all Divinely
Inspired Holy Prophecy – concerning our Divine
Saviour.
OUR LORD IS THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF
GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND HIS
HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON Who became
Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation.
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE “PUT ON CHRIST” ALSO
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE KNOW
HIS WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – HIS TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS. Thus we should not be misguided nor
deceived by the evil one’s lies and deceptions.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERED HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
ETERNAL SALVATION.
HE WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, MOST
PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL TIME,
which makes it no longer necessary for blood
sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.
However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND REPENT
OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL, which is
.
✶✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS GRANTED US EVERY MEANS
POSSIBLE WHEREBY WE MAY CONTROL THE WEAKNESS AND
SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH.
WE MUST USE HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS TO
STRENGTHEN, TO REGENERATE AND TO PERFECT OUR IMMORTAL
SOUL SO THAT WE MAY REGAIN OUR TRUE LIKENESS AND IMAGE
OF GOD, as He created us!
✶✶ OUR SOUL MUST BE TRAINED TO DOMINATE AND CONTROL OUR
FLESH, for in Truth WE ARE SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL BEINGS
who are CREATED TO BE WORTHY CITIZENS OF GOD’S
ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
Being “...filled with the (Holy) Spirit, speaking to one
another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes,
singing and making melody in your heart to the
Lord..” is what makes us TRUE AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
TO ST JOHN 10: 9 – 16
DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
why OUR SALVATION IS A CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL PROCESS
until we draw our final breath.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF HIS
BELOVED FLOCK, WHICH FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF HIS
PASSION – and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
 The “...Other Sheep...” of our Lord WERE THE GENTILES –
THE PAGANS AND NON JUDAIC TRIBES WHO WOULD BE
BROUGHT TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE
JUDEANS, UNDER ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS ALL
ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
principle that was affirmed in every generation.
(CANON 8 OF 1 NICEA)
St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second century
Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for the
Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: “Be careful
to observe a single Eucharist, for there is ONE Flesh
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of His Blood
that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as there is
ONE Bishop... this is in line with God’s Will!”
✶ Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: “I lay down My Life...”
which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US – i.e. HE OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE
ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR ALL
SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
✶ OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE WILL
OF GOD THE FATHER.
✶ EVERYTHING IS AND MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF
GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND
ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, SO,
TOO, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
BY THE END OF THE AGES, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD –
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – AND ONE HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY
CHURCH.
He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS AS WELL,
which are THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS
DIVINE TRUTH – His True Teachings and
Commandments – AND STRIVE TO FULFIL THEM TO THE BEST
OF THEIR ABILITY.
 “...The Wolves...” are those who try to divide and
conquer the Holy Church with their evil, arrogant
lies and egocentric schemes.
 ✶ “...The Hirelings...” are those who are not committed
nor dedicated to their Holy Mission and to their
Sacred Duties to God.

12. S T N E KTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA 9 N OV EM BE R

 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 (7) Varys/Grave 11 November 2018

th th
24 Sunday After Pentecost – 8 of St Luke
The Feast of ST MENAS THE GREAT OF EGYPT – St ictor of Damascus – St Vincent & St Stephanida of
Spain – St Theodore the Confessor, Abbot of Studion – St Maximos the Fool for Christ of Moscow
– St Martyrios, Abbot of Zelenets Monastery, Pskov – St Stephen of Decani, Serbia – St Martin the
Merciful, Bishop of Tours

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 - MARK 16 : 1 - 8

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION –TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE

Katelisas to Stavro Sou ton Thanaton. Ineoxas to listi ton By Thy Cross Thou destroyed Death; Thou opened
Paradison. Ton Miroforon ton thrinon metevales ke tis Paradise to the Thief; Thou changed the funeral wail of
sis Apostolis kirittin epetaxas, oti Anestis, Hriste O the Myrrh-bearing Women, and Commanded them to
Theos, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos. announce to Thine Apostles that Thou had Risen from
the dead, O Christ our God, Who bestows upon the
world Great Mercy.
MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THE SAINTS – TONE 4
I Martyres Sou Kyrie, en ti Athlisi Afton, Stafanous Thy Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded Crowns of
Incorruption by Thee, having contested for Thee our
ekomisanto tis aftharsias, ek Sou tou Theou imon.
Immortal God. Since they possessed Thy Power, they
Shontes gar tin Ishin Sou, tous tyrannous kathilon,
defeated tyrants, and dashed demons’ powerless
ethrafsan ke demonon, ta anishira Thrasi. Afton tes
displays of defiance. O Christ our God, at their Fervent
ikesies, Hriste O Theos, Soson tas psihas imon.
Entreaties, Save our soul.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ENTRY OF EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i Politimitos pastas ke The very purest Abode of the Saviour, and the Most
Parthenos, to Iron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin Sinisagousa, Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin Angeli Theou. Afti House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with her, of
iparhi, Skini Epouranios the Holy Spirit. It is for her God’s Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK 
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 67/68 – TONE 4
God is Wondrous in His Saints.
In the Congregation Bless God.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 6 – 15
Brethren: It is the God Who Commanded light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to grant the Light
of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Sight of Jesus Christ.
We have this Treasure in earthen vessels so that the excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us.
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of our Lord Jesus so that the Life of
Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who Live are always Delivered to Death for Jesus’ sake, so that
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then Death is working in us, but Life in you.
We have the same Spirit of Faith, according to what is written: “I believed and therefore I spoke...” and we also believe.
Therefore speak - knowing that He Who raised up our Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us
with you.
All things are for your sake, that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause Thanksgiving to abound to the
Glory of God.
“God Who Commanded light...” is THE ONLY ONE TRUE AND HAVING BEEN CREATED FROM THE SUBSTANCE OF EARTH, OUR
LIVING GOD - OUR DIVINE CREATOR Who made everything MORTAL BODY IS AN “...earthen vessel...” – A TEMPORARY,
from utter nothingness, CORRUPTIBLE CONTAINER OR DWELLING FOR OUR IMMORTAL
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, WE HAVE BEEN SOUL, WHICH COMES FROM GOD AND MUST RETURN TO GOD.
ENLIGHTENED WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH BY GOD THE HOLY Thus, as we are simple, created beings, “...the Excellence
SPIRIT, WHO ENABLES US TO RECEIVE “... the Knowledge of of the Power...” of DIVINE TRUTH COMES FROM ALMIGHTY
the Glory of God...” THROUGH THE DIVINE REVELATIONS, GOD AND CERTAINLY NOT FROM US.
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS, AND BY HIS GOOD THE PURPOSE OF PREACHING AND TEACHING GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH
EXAMPLE, OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE ETERNAL, ONLY IS TO GLORIFY, PRAISE, HONOUR AND WORSHIP OUR LORD GOD
BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD. – NEVER OURSELVES!
“This Treasure...” of DIVINE TRUTH IS THE MOST PRECIOUS AND THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
PRICELESS TREASURE for it is Incorruptible, Absolutely SHINES IN AND THROUGH US, so that OTHERS CAN SEE THAT THE
Perfect, Eternal and Life-giving.

24 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8 T H
OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 11 NOVEMBER 2018 13.
 POWER AND GLORY IS OF OUR LORD GOD HIMSELF and not AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE SHARE THE “...same Spirit
anyone else! of Faith... and we also believe.”
GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH, ENERGY AND POWER SUSTAIN US so that NO WE CEASELESSLY GLORIFY AND PRAISE OUR LOVING,
MATTER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES CONFRONT US, WE ARE ABLE TO COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL TRIUNE LORD GOD WHO
ENDURE throughout this short lifespan, for DEATH HAS NO PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL
DOMINION OVER US and thus WE WILL BE RESURRECTED, AS WELFARE AND ETERNAL LIFE.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TAUGHT US AND SHOWED US His own In other words: EVERYTHING IS TAKEN CARE OF AND PROVIDED
Resurrection as “Son of Man” – i.e. in His human, FOR US BY OUR LORD GOD, so ALL WE NEED TO DO IS FOLLOW
Incarnate Nature. HIS PATH BY HUMBLY AND OBEDIENTLY FULFILLING ALL OUR
DEATH IS A MEANS OF PASSING FROM THIS EXISTENCE INTO SACRED TASKS AND COMMITMENTS.
ETERNITY. IT HAS BECOME PART OF OUR NATURAL PROCESS, BUT OUR ORTHODOX (TRUE) FAITH IS VICTORIOUS – BUT CERTAINLY NOT
IS BY NO MEANS PERMANENT. WITHOUT ANY DIFFICULTIES.
Thus WE REPOSE IN CHRIST and THE CEMETERY IS A PLACE OF WE MUST CONTINUOUSLY MAKE EVERY EFFORT IN ORDER TO FULFIL
REPOSE/SLEEP/REST rather than a dreadful place of THE WILL OF OUR LORD GOD IN EVERY ASPECT of our lifespan
Death. - as our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us and shown us
BECAUSE WE LIVE IN CHRIST, OUR ENEMIES ALWAYS SEEK TO by His own Perfect Example – even unto death!
DESTROY US but we NEVER DESPAIR NOR FEAR, for OUR LORD THE GREATER OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES THE GREATER GOD’S
WILL SOON AWAKEN US TO ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY DIVINE GRACE WILL EMPOWER AND ASSIST US – making that
KINGDOM OF LOVE – i.e. our HEAVENLY FATHER “...Who which is impossible for us, possible – FOR THE GLORY OF
raised up our Lord Jesus WILL ALSO RAISE US up...” into OUR LORD GOD!
Eternal Life.
.T H E H O L Y G O S P E L A C C O R D I N G TO ST LUKE 10 : 25 - 37
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
At that time, Lawyer stood up – to test our Lord Jesus – and said: “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” He
said to him: “What is written in the Law? What is Thy reading of it?” Answering he said: “’Thou shalt Love the Lord
Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind...’ and ‘... thy neighbour
as thyself.” He said to him: “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will Live.” Wanting to Justify himself, he
said to Jesus: “And who is my ‘neighbour’?”
Replying, Jesus said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped
him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
“By chance, a certain Priest went down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise,
a Levite – when he arrived at the place, went and looked, and passed by on the other side.
“A Samaritan, as He journeyed, got to where he was, and when He saw him, He had Compassion. And He went to
him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. And He set him on His own animal, took him to an
Inn, and took care of him. The next day, before He departed, He took out two denarii, gave them to the
Innkeeper, and said to him: ‘Take care of him. And when I come again, I will repay thee.’
“Which of these three dost thou think was neighbour to him who fell among the Thieves?” He said: “He Who had
Mercy on him.” Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise!”
THE PHARISEES, LAWYERS AND SCRIBES WERE EGOTISTIC AND SELF- St Cyril of Alexandria said: “The Dignity of the Holy
RIGHTEOUS, BELIEVING THEMSELVES TO BE SUPERIOR TO OTHERS Priesthood means nothing at all unless (a Bishop or
WHO WERE EITHER ILLITERATE OR LESS WELL EDUCATED THAN Priest) also excels in Deeds.”
THEM. NEITHER THE JUDAIC PRIEST NOR LEVITE TRIED TO HELP OR
✶ THE LAWYER WAS PROBABLY ONE OF THOSE WHO HAD HEARD ALL COMFORT THE DISTRESSED, DYING MAN, WHICH CLEARLY
ABOUT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – the ‘Son’ of the humble INDICATES THE FAILURE OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW TO HEAL
Carpenter, Joseph of Nazareth - and had gone to THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.
hear what He was preaching about - NO DOUBT ✶✶✶ WHENEVER WE REJECT, IGNORE OR REFUSE TO FULFIL AN ACT
EXPECTING TO TRIP HIM UP OR TO PROVE HIM WRONG OR MERCY, LOVE OR COMPASSION, which God might have put
IGNORANT, OR PERHAPS EVEN BLASPHEMOUS. before us to test us and to reveal our Inner State to
IN RESPONSE TO THE LAWYER’S ENQUIRY CONCERNING ETERNAL ourselves (He already knows everything!) WE MUST
LIFE, OUR LORD – knowing what was lurking deep IMMEDIATELY REPENT AND ENSURE THAT WE FULFIL OUR SACRED
within his heart and what his intentions were - ASKED DUTIES ‘NEXT TIME.’
HIM TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE MOSAIC LAW STATED AND HOW THE If we continuously behave in such a mean, selfish
LAWYER HIMSELF INTERPRETED THE MEANING THEREOF. manner, WE WILL SUFFER BITTER, IRREFUTABLE AND
Christ confirmed that he had given the correct answer IRREVERSIBLE ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AFTER OUR FINAL
and told him that IF HE FULFILLED THESE DIVINE JUDGEMENT!
COMMANDMENT HE WOULD “LIVE” – HE WOULD ATTAIN Although THE SAMARITAN was a despised foreigner or
ETERNAL LIFE. stranger, being harshly judged by the Judeans as
THE ARROGANCE OF THE LAWYER IS EXPOSED WHEN HE ASKED one of the wicked apostatisers and heretics who were
CHRIST WHO WAS HIS ‘NEIGHBOUR,’ and our Lord to be avoided at all costs, he SYMBOLISED OUR LORD JESUS
responded with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. CHRIST HIMSELF, FOR HE “...CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN...” TO
✶ JERUSALEM, BEING THE “CITY OF PEACE,” SYMBOLISED OUR HOLY SAVE EVEN THOSE WHO REBELLED AND REJECTED HIM.
COMMUNION WITH GOD, WHILE THE CITY OF JERICHO WAS ✶✶✶ THE BANDAGES, OIL AND WINE, SYMBOLISE THE HOLY MYSTERY
INFAMOUS FOR BEING A CITY FILLED WITH ALL KINDS OF SINFUL OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION:
BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLES. 1. THE GARMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM – we put on Christ
SO THE MAN – A REFERENCE TO EACH OF US - WAS GOING FROM Who Delivers us from the wounds of sin
GOOD AND BLESSED CIRCUMSTANCES TOWARDS WICKEDNESS 2. THE OIL OF HOLY CHRISMATION, which grants us New
AND SPIRITUAL DEATH. Life in the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to
✶ He “...fell among Thieves...” is a reference to THE achieve everything that is impossible for us
NATURAL CONSEQUENCES OF MOVING AWAY FROM GOD AND alone.
ALL HIS GOODNESS, AND WILFULLY CHOOSING A SINFUL, SELF- 3. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION, which
INDULGENT EXISTENCE, that leaves us naked, EXPOSED TO grants us Forgiveness of sins and leads us
ALL THE TEMPTATIONS, UNPROTECTED AGAINST OUR ENEMIES, towards Eternal Life.
HAVING BEEN STRIPPED OF OUR SELF-RESPECT AND DIGNITY. ✶ The Good Samaritan put the wounded man on “...His
✶ Having been ROBBED OF ANYTHING OF VALUE, the wretched own animal...” – meaning that OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
man is ABANDONED, BEATEN, HURT, TORMENTED and “half BEARS OUR SINS LIKE WOUNDS ON HIS OWN BODY.
dead” – IN A TERRIBLE STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH due to the ✶ THE INN that sheltered the Good Samaritan and the
enslaving, demoralizing sins that have overwhelmed recuperating man SYMBOLISES THE HOLY CHURCH OF
and even defeated him. CHRIST WHEREIN WE RECEIVE SPIRITUAL HEALING AND CARE, AS
✶ TITLES AND SOCIAL STATUS ARE MEANINGLESS IN THE SIGHT OF WELL AS ALL THE DIVINE BLESSINGS AND PROVIDENCE THAT OUR
GOD – especially when good deeds are rejected, LOVING TRIUNE GOD GRANTS US SO FREELY AND LOVINGLY.
ignored or refused.

14. 24 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8 T H
OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 11 NOVEMBER 2018
✶ The Good Samaritan paid for the Care and Protection
of the recovering man, and promised to settle His
Account when He came again.
OUR LORD JESUS PAID THE PRICELESS RANSOM FOR THE FREEDOM OF
MANKIND BY MEANS OF HIS ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE – His
Passion - and in addition, HE WILL SETTLE HIS ACCOUNT
WHEN HE REAPPEARS AGAIN ON THE EIGHTH DAY – the Final
Day of this Age when the General Resurrection and
Judgement will occur.
✶✶ Christ’s eleven Appearances in His Resurrected state –
before His Ascension - proved that EVERYTHING HE HAS
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Likewise, St John Chrysostom denounced DISTORTED FORMS
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, there are some people
who think that worshipping God in beautiful
Liturgical Services distracts us from serving our
neighbours and accomplishing our Sacred Purpose in
the (fallen) world.
Some people think that focusing on Prayer, Fasting, and
other Spiritual Disciplines wastes time and energy that PURELY OUT OF LOVE FOR US – FOR ALL MANKIND - CHRIST CAME TO
could be better used in helping others.
The Life and Ministry of our great Holy Father, St John
Chrysostom, demonstrate that WE DO NOT HAVE TO
CHOOSE BETWEEN LITURGICAL LIFE AND PRACTICAL SERVICE,
FOR TRUE WORSHIP AND PRAYER ENABLE US TO MAKE ALL
DIMENSIONS OF OUR LIFE IN THIS WORLD AN ENTRANCE INTO
THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
Who is our Eternal High Priest.
St John Chrysostom, (whose Divine Liturgy we celebrate
throughout the year, with the exception of Lenten
periods) is renowned for his powerful Preaching and
interpretation of Holy Scripture, his doctrinal and
moral soundness, and his Divine Liturgy.
Originally from the Church of Antioch, he became the
Archbishop of Constantinople, where HE IMPOSED MUCH
NEEDED DISCIPLINE ON THE CLERGY AND LAITY, and boldly
criticized the abuses and disrespect of the rich and
powerful – including the Empress and her
sycophantic courtiers.
He eventually died in exile due to the harsh treatment he
had received for denouncing the corruption of the
Byzantine Empress, yet, ALTHOUGH HIS LIFE IN CHRIST WAS The Vocation of our Bishops is to manifest the Fullness of
DEFINITELY NOT AT ALL EASY, HIS OWN EXAMPLE OF HOLINESS
AND SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE CONTINUES TO SHINE ALL THE MORE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR ONLY TRUE HIGH PRIEST Who has
BRIGHTLY THROUGHOUT THE SUBSEQUENT GENERATIONS.
In a society influenced by self-indulgent, pagan
traditions that completely disregards the needs of
others, ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE
OF SERVING CHRIST IN THE POOR, THE SUFFERING AND THE
DESTITUTE – THEREBY EXPRESSING THAT UNCONDITIONAL
DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – STRICTLY COMMANDED BY OUR
COMPASSIONATE AND ALL MERCIFUL LORD GOD.
Through his Preaching and support of Philanthropic
Ministries, St John Chrysostom taught us that THOSE
PEOPLE WHO ARE VIEWED AS BEING “...WORTHLESS AND
UNDESERVING...” WERE ACTUALLY THOSE WITH WHOM OUR LORD
IDENTIFIED HIMSELF.
He taught us that, IN THE FACE OF UNMET NEED, IT WAS
IMPOSSIBLE TO BE IN COMMUNION WITH CHRIST WITHOUT
MINISTERING TO HIS HUNGRY AND SICK BODY IN DAILY LIFE.
OUR LORD CALLS EVERY ONE OF US ALL TO BE GOOD AND CARING
NEIGHBOURS TO ONE ANOTHER.
WE CANNOT – INDEED, MUST NEVER – REFUSE TO ASSIST EACH OTHER
– BY AVOIDING OR NEGLECTING OUR SACRED DUTY TO GOD AND
NEIGHBOUR - “...passing by on the other side...” WHEN WE
CAN HELP in practical ways.
In this respect, our Divine Saviour’s Ministry was clearly
present and active in the Life of St John Chrysostom,
whose good example we should all endeavour to
emulate.
In today’s Sacred Lesson, we hear how OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST REFUSED TO ALLOW THE LAWYER TO NARROW DOWN THE
LIST OF PEOPLE WHOM HE HAD TO LOVE AS HIMSELF IN ORDER
TO BE GRANTED ETERNAL LIFE.
OUR LORD JESUS HAD CRITICIZED THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, SINFUL
PRIEST AND LEVITE WHO WERE AWARE OF THE DIVINE LAW, YET
AVOIDED HELPING THE NAKED, INJURED, DYING MAN, BY
WALKING PAST HIM ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
24 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8 T H
OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 11 NOVEMBER 2018
TOLD US IS INDEED, WITHOUT A DOUBT AND MOST DEFINITELY
TRUE!!
✶✶ AS CHRIST IS RESURRECTED IN HIS BODY, SO, TOO, SHALL WE BE
RESURRECTED PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
Once again, our Lord commands us to BE MERCIFUL TO
EACH OTHER IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, FOR THIS WILL CERTAINLY
AFFECT OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT BEFORE HIS AWESOME THRONE!
✶✶✶ DIVINE TRUTH CANNOT BE COMPROMISED!!
IF WE HOPE TO RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY, WE, TOO, MUST BE
MERCIFUL, for it is the significant Act of Love/Agape,
which grants us Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly
Kingdom.
OF SPIRITUALITY THAT SEPARATE OUR TRUE FAITHFULNESS FROM
OUR DAILY LIFE IN THIS SAD WORLD, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO
MEETING THE URGENT NEEDS OF OTHERS.
The character of THE GOOD SAMARITAN IS, OF COURSE, AN
IMAGE OF CHRIST in many ways.
THE SAME RELIGIOUS LEADERS WHO REJECTED AND DESPISED OUR
DIVINE SAVIOUR IGNORED THE TRUE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.
CLEANSE AND ANOINT OUR WOUNDS CAUSED BY THE
CORRUPTION OF SIN AND ENSLAVEMENT TO DEATH.
He Compassionately nurses us back to good Spiritual
Health by NOURISHING AND HEALING US WITH HIS OWN
PRECIOUS, LIFE-GIVING BODY AND BLOOD (THE HOLY
EUCHARIST) AND ANOINTS US WITH SANCTIFIED OIL/MYRRH OF
HOLY UNCTION FOR FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS AND STRENGTH
TO CONTINUE OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND TO FULFIL OUR
SACRED COMMITMENTS AND LABOURS OF LOVE.
HE TENDERLY CARRIES US TO THE SHELTER AND PROTECTION OF HIS
HOLY INN – HIS HOLY CHURCH - where WE CONTINUE OUR
SPIRITUAL RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HIS
ONGOING GRACE AND MERCY BY MEANS OF HIS HOLY
MYSTERIES.
HE FORGIVES OUR SINS AND RESTORES US WHENEVER WE HUMBLY
AND SINCERELY REPENT IN CONFESSION.
THE ONLY RESTRICTIONS TO OUR HEALING AND SPIRITUAL
RESTORATION/REGENERATION ARE THOSE THAT WE PLACE ON
OURSELVES.
HIS TRANSFORMING LOVE for us whom He created in His
Divine Image and Likeness IS INFINITE.
Christ’s Sacred Ministry.
Ascended into Heaven and is seated (the position of
highest honour) at the right Hand of God our
Heavenly Father, where HE ETERNALLY MINISTERS FROM
HIS HEAVENLY TEMPLE.
WE PARTICIPATE MYSTICALLY IN THAT HEAVENLY WORSHIP
WHENEVER WE CELEBRATE THE DIVINE LITURGY, for WE JOIN
OURSELVES TO HIS ONE OFFERING through the Cross,
whereby He conquered Death and brought us into the
Blessed Eternal Life of the Holy Trinity.
IN HIM, AS HIS INVITED GUESTS WE PARTAKE OF HIS HEAVENLY
BANQUET WHEN WE RECEIVE THE HOLY EUCHARIST, and thus
truly become PARTICIPANTS IN AND COMMUNICANTS OF LIFE
ETERNAL IN HIS BODY – HIS HOLY CHURCH.
We must never think that Worship, Offering, and
Communion are somehow limited to what we do
during the Liturgical Services of the Church.
IF WE LIMIT THEM IN ANY WAY, THEN WE DO NOT TRULY WORSHIP
CHRIST, NOR OFFER OURSELVES TO HIM AND COMMUNE WITH
HIM FOR THE HEALING OF OUR SOUL.
Consequently, we will become like the hypocritical Priest
and Levite who failed to understand that WE
ENCOUNTER OUR LORD IN EVERY NEEDY HUMAN BEING WHO
BEARS HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS.
If they ignored the victim of the robbers because they
were hurrying to fulfill their religious duties at the
Temple, IT MADE THEIR EFFORTS EVEN MORE WORTHLESS AND
ULTIMATELY CONDEMNING!
[We cannot pick and choose what we want to fulfil when GOD
PRESENTS THESE OPPORTUNITIES RIGHT BEFORE US!]
BY IGNORING THE NEEDS OF OUR FAMILY AND OUR NEIGHBOURS DUE
TO SELF-INDULGENCE, OR ANY SELFISH OBSESSION such as
work, hobbies, schedules or addictions, WE FAIL TO
FULFIL OUR SACRED DUTIES – AND THUS FAIL OUR TRUE
PURPOSE.
IT IS EVEN MORE SINFUL when we “... pass by on the other
side...” tO AVOID HELPING OTHERS BECAUSE WE CONSIDER
15.
 THEM – JUDGE AND CONDEMN THEM – AS DESERVING THEIR
MISERABLE CIRCUMSTANCES – often without even knowing
them or their history!
WE DECEIVE OURSELVES BY THINKING THAT OTHER PEOPLE’S
PROBLEMS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH US – for WE ARE SO
SELFISH, UNCARING, OR ADDICTED THAT IT IMPOSSIBLE TO HELP
OR CARE ABOUT ANYONE EXCEPT OURSELVES.
BY BEING KIND, GENEROUS AND MERCIFUL TO OTHERS, WE WILL BE LIKEWISE
RECIPROCATED “... A HUNDREDFOLD...” WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES IN
SIMILAR OR WORSE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Our Lord God has clearly cautioned us that whatever we do to
each other – good or bad - will indeed be done to us
sooner, or worse, later!
Therefore, when seeing others in dire straits, we must try help
them to whatever degree we can, for – as St John Kronstadt
said: “Today, my Brethren, tomorrow, me!”
By offering Himself on the Cross, Resurrecting in Glory,
and Ascending into Heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ
overcame the corruption of the entire fallen world.
AS THE “NEW ADAM” OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE
FOR US TO FULFILL OUR ORIGINAL SACRED VOCATION TO
BECOME LIKE GOD, TO BE PERFECT AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS
PERFECT.
AS GOD-MAN, HE OFFERED EVERY DIMENSION OF HIMSELF FOR OUR
SALVATION.
Through His Eternal High Priesthood, HE CALLS US TO EVER
GREATER PARTICIPATION IN ETERNAL LIFE.
While the Eucharistic Worship of the Divine Liturgy
manifests our Communion with Him most profoundly,
it should be obvious that SO GREAT A SALVATION MAY NOT
BE LIMITED TO ANY SPHERE OR SEGMENT OF OUR LIFE.
Certainly not! For if we are truly in Communion with
Christ, WE MUST BRING EVERY DIMENSION OF OUR LIFE INTO A
RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
WE MUST OFFER not only bread and wine, but ALL OUR
BLESSINGS BACK TO HIM so that we FAITHFULLY FULFIL OUR
PART BY MAKING HIS SALVATION PRESENT IN THE WORLD.
CHILDREN IN OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH – ABBOT TRYPHON – MORNING OFFERING
Orthodox parents must never think that Baptizing their
children, bringing them to the Divine Services, and
making sure they receive the Holy Mysteries, is
enough!
We deprive our children of the Fullness of our Orthodox
Faith if we think they will “absorb Orthodoxy by
osmosis.”
When they are in Church, but by their restlessness they
demonstrate they would rather be anywhere else but
there, WE HAVE FAILED THEM MISERABLY!!
We may choose to ignore their restlessness and their
behaviour in Church, - even though it distracts and
annoys other worshippers - but we must admit we
would not allow them to misbehave in the homes of
our relatives or good friends. Nor would we allow
them to continue disrupting the classroom, should the
Teacher bring their bad behaviour to our attention.
Yet we turn a blind eye to bad behaviour that distracts
worshippers and draws everyone’s attention away
from God (which is exactly what the evil one desires!)
Furthermore, WHEN THEY ARE OLDER, CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT
BEEN TAUGHT PROPER BEHAVIOUR IN THE TEMPLE OF OUR LORD,
AND WHO REMAIN IGNORANT OF OUR TRUE FAITH, WILL
ABANDON THE CHURCH, FOR THEY HAVE NEVER FELT NOR
EXPERIENCED THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE HOLY TRINITY!
When these children abandon or renounce their
Orthodox Faith, WE OURSELVES WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
BEFORE THE LORD OUR GOD!!
The fallen world persuades us to indulge our children,
and starve their soul, while feeding their greedy egos
with all kinds of self-indulgence. However our Holy
Church Calls us to allow them to suffer a little
‘hardship’ of Spiritual Discipline, for the sake of their
Eternal souls.
WE MUST NOT BE AFRAID OF ALLOWING OUR CHILDREN TO SUFFER
THE TEMPORARY AGGRAVATION OF SELF-DISCIPLINE AND
RESPECT, because the world encroaches and corrupts
us more and more each day!
It is our responsibility to INSTRUCT OUR CHILDREN BY OUR OWN
GOOD EXAMPLE. THEY MUST SEE IN OUR EVERY THOUGHT, WORD
AND DEED, THE REALITY OF GOD, AND THE HOLINESS OF HIS
CHURCH. WE MUST TEACH OUR CHILDREN BASIC, RESPECTFUL
16. 24 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8 T H
OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 11 NOVEMBER 2018
We must JOIN OUR TIME, ENERGY, RESOURCES, AND RELATIONSHIPS
TO HIS HIGH PRIESTLY OFFERING so that they all signify His
Healing of our corrupt humanity.
WE MUST OFFER not only bread and wine, but OURSELVES TO
THE HOLY TRINITY IN UNION WITH CHRIST.
He is our True High Priest through Whom we become
Participants in the Eternal Worship of the Heavenly
Kingdom.
Such Eternal Glory is present in the Divine Liturgy, but He
also Calls us to PRESENT HIS BLESSINGS AND HEALING OF
THIS BROKEN WORLD BY MEANS OF OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS, AND
DEEDS.
HE CALLS ALL MANKIND TO BECOME LIKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN,
by Cleansing and binding up the Wounds of our
Neighbours and BY REFUSING TO NARROW DOWN THE LIST OF
THOSE WHOM WE MUST LOVE AS OURSELVES.
We will do so, not by abandoning the Holy Services,
Worship and Disciplines of Christ’s Holy Church, but by
EMBRACING THEM FOR OUR OWN HEALING AND SPIRITUAL
SUSTENANCE AND PROGRESS.
By regular Repentance-Confession of our innumerable
sins and by Communing with Christ in His Holy
Eucharist, WE WILL BECOME SPIRITUALLY STRENGTHENED -
offering ourselves to God in daily life and able to resist
the evil temptation of avoiding the needs our
Neighbours.
THE MORE WE STRIVE, THE MORE WE WILL GAIN THE SPIRITUAL
CLARITY TO SEE THAT WE ARE ALWAYS CELEBRATING A DIVINE
LITURGY OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER BY OFFERING OURSELVES IN
THE SACRED SERVICE OF LOVE TO GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOURS.
Following the good example of our Lord Jesus Christ in all
things, let us FAITHFULLY AND STEADFASTLY WORSHIP,
HONOUR AND GLORIFY OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST, JESUS CHRIST,
BY BECOMING COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL GOOD
SAMARITANS EVER DAY of this short lifespan!
Amen
SERMON BY FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS, (2016)
EDITED AND ADAPTED BY MP.
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
BEHAVIOUR, WITHOUT WHICH ANY FURTHER EDUCATION -
SECULAR OR RELIGIOUS - WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE.
The Divine Liturgy should be the culmination of all the
Prayer and worship that takes place in the home
during the week, so SUNDAYS SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY DAY
OUR FAMILY GIVES A THOUGHT TO GOD, for to do so will only
confuse them, and the CHURCH SERVICES WILL ONLY SEEM
OUT OF PLACE TO THE REST OF THEIR WEEK. We dare not let
them think that a show of Piety is a ‘once a week’
practise, for TO DO SO WILL LEAVE THEM WITHOUT A
PERSONAL FAITH OF THEIR OWN.
A child may see that expanse of carpet in the Temple as
nothing different to the space in front of the TV at
home, but PARENTS MUST INSTIL IN THEM, AT THE EARLIEST
OPPORTUNITY, THE IMPORTANCE OF THAT SACRED PLACE, AND
IMPART TO THEM, OUT OF LOVE, A SENSE OF REVERENCE AND
ATTENTIVENESS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
And, for the sake of other worshippers, we must do our
very best to DISCOURAGE ANY BEHAVIOUR THAT DISTRACTS
OUR FELLOW ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS.
EACH PARENT NEEDS TO DETERMINE WHEN THEIR CHILD BECOMES
DISRUPTIVE AND MUST REMOVE THEM FOR A SHORT TIME.
Furthermore, parents must neither expect other
worshippers to take care of their children, nor allow
their children to speak to, or play with, other children,
during the Service. They need to be taught, at a very
young age, that the Liturgy is a place of collective
Love and Joy, while focusing on its Sanctity.
If we allow our children to bring along a favourite toy, it
should be limited to something that will not cause a
distraction - and must especially beware of provoking
resentment in other children thus undermining their
discipline.
CHILDREN’S GOOD BEHAVIOUR IN CHURCH, IS ROOTED IN FAITH
PRACTISED AT HOME. Family Evening Prayers, before our
Holy Icons is the perfect place for children to learn to
stand quietly and reverently...
WHEN PARENTS HAVE A FIRM REVERENCE FOR THE CHURCH AND OUR
FAITH AND INSIST ON THESE STANDARDS, CHILDREN WILL
IMITATE THEM.
READ THE WHOLE “MORNING OFFERING AT:
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM/MORNINGOFFERING/2018/10/CHILDREN-
IN-CHURCH/
 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.

13 November 2018
St John Chrysostom of Constantinople
Also the Feast of St Antoninos, St Nicephoros, St Germanos & St Manetha of Caesarea, Palestine –
St Damascene & St Damianos, Monk-Martyr of Lavra, Mount Athos

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ISODIKON – 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, psalontas Si, us, O Son of God Who art Wondrous in Thy Saints, as
Allilouia! we sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
I tou stomatos Sou, kathaper Pirsos eklampsasa Haris tin The Grace of Thy mouth, which has shone like a Beacon,
ikoumenin Efotisen; afilargirias to kosmo thisavrous has Illumined the Universe; it stored up in the world
enapetheto; to Ipsos imin, tis tapinofrosinis ipedixen. Treasures of the absence of avarice; it showed to us
Alla Sis logis pedevon, Pater Ioanni Hrisostome, the Height of Humility. Therefore, instructing by Thy
Presveve to Logo Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas words, O Father John Chrysostom, Intercede with the
imon. Word, Christ our God, that our souls may be Saved.

PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS – ENTRANCE INTO TEMPLE
O katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke The very purest Abode of the Saviour, and the Most
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
sinisagousa, tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with Her, of
Angeli Theou. Afti iparhi, Skini Epouranios. the Holy Spirit. It is for Her God’s Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL – JOHN 10 : 1 – 9
THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEPFOLD
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said to the Judeans who went to Him: “Truly, truly, I say to you: he who does not
enter the Door to the Sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, is a Thief and a Robber. He who enters by the
Door is the Shepherd of the Sheep. To him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice. And He Calls
His own Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before them. And
the Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a Stranger, but will flee from
him, for they do not know the voice of Strangers.”
Although Jesus used this illustration, they did not understand the things that He spoke to them.
Again Jesus said to them: “Truly, truly, I say unto you: I Am the Door of the Sheepfold. All who ever came before Me
are Thieves and Robbers, but the Sheep did not hear them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be
Saved, and will go in and will go out, and will find pasture...”
PROKEIMENON- PSALM 48 – TONE 1
My mouth shall speak of Wisdom: and the meditation of heart shall be of Understanding.
Hear this, all you people!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
OUR PERFECT, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need daily – as those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices, first for
His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever. This is the main point of the things we are saying.
We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a Minister of
the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not mankind.
✶✶ NOT ONLY IS THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT ALMIGHTY GOD but a mere shadow or poor imitation
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, that is misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous.
THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ✶✶ THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS
ALSO SUPERIOR. FULFILLED IN CHRIST JESUS.
The Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with a Covenant that AS MELCHIZEDEK WAS WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, SO IS CHRIST
IF THE PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN ANY WAY AT ALL, SO IS THE BY VIRTUE OF HIS VIRGIN CONCEPTION AND BIRTH.
HOLY COVENANT. HE IS GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. THEREFORE HIS
Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ANY HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY.
MEANS FOR THEN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE PERFECT!! The Power that is bestowed upon candidates at their
Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE OF Ordination is immensely Strong and Effective.
DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR THEN THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT because it
IT IS NO LONGER THE PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE TRUTH OF DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND GUIDES US TOWARDS

ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER 2018 17

 SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – regaining our lost Likeness
OUR Since Christ is Immortal, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
to Christ. MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
✶✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED THE REQUIREMENT OF PERFECT HOLINESS IS MET IN OUR LORD
ONCE ONLY BUT IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity JESUS CHRIST FOR HIS IS TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
throughout the ages. Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A
GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR ONLY MERE HUMAN BEING – HE IS GOD-MAN – The Eternal, Only
TRUE HIGH PRIEST. Begotten Son of God the Father Who became Man by
assuming our human Nature.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10: 9 – 16
CHRIST IS THE DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
At that time, our Lord said: “I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and will go out,
and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
“I have come that they may have Life -and more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives
His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf
coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for
he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known
by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. And other
Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be
one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✶ “...I Am the Door...” – Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us which is why OUR SALVATION IS A CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL
clearly that ONLY THROUGH HIM, THROUGH THE DIVINE PROCESS until we draw our final breath.
TRUTH OF HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, CAN WE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF HIS
RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE WITH ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, BELOVED FLOCK, WHICH FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF HIS
JOY AND LOVE. PASSION – and FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD
ONLY BY FULFILLING WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE THE WILL FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL
OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH THE TEACHINGS AND HUMANITY.
COMMANDMENTS OF GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND  The “...Other Sheep...” of our Lord WERE THE GENTILES –
ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE FOR THE PAGANS AND NON JUDAIC TRIBES WHO WOULD BE
US TO HAVE AN EVERLASTING LIFE OF DIVINE BLISS, for BROUGHT TOGETHER INTO ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE
which Purpose we were created by our Triune God JUDEANS, UNDER ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
of Love – Who is Love Itself!! ✶✶✶ Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST
WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALMIGHTY GOD, WE TRANSCENDS ALL ETHNIC OR RACIAL LINES.
ENJOY ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS – in this temporary, It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
preparatory lifespan and in Eternity. beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
 THE DEVIOUS, MOST EVIL ‘THIEF’ IS SATAN, who always principle that was affirmed in every generation.
spreads lies and encourages heresies and (CANON 8 OF 1 NICEA)
blasphemy among the People of God – both the St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second
Old Israel and the New Israel - luring away the century Church that held separate Divine Liturgies
deceived, ignorant leaders and people. for the Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying:
 “Life” means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth “Be careful to observe a single Eucharist, for there
during this short, preparatory period before we is ONE Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup
enter Eternity. of His Blood that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just
 The “more abundant” Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN as there is ONE Bishop... this is in line with God’s
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE – AGAPE. Will!”
✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE ✶ Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: “I lay down My Life...”
HIS ‘REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” – HIS HOLY FLOCK. which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY
HE IS THE DIVINE DOOR – THE DIVINE ENTRANCE - INTO HIS LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US – i.e. HE OFFERED HIMSELF
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF ETERNAL LOVE. AS THE ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING
Christ is THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE – all SACRIFICE FOR ALL SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
Divinely Inspired Holy Prophecy – concerning our ✶ OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE
Divine Saviour. WILL OF GOD THE FATHER.
OUR LORD IS THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF EVERYTHING IS AND MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF
GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND HIS GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER
HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON Who became AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Incarnate for the sake of our Salvation. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, SO,
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN TOO, MUST WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE “PUT ON CHRIST” ALSO FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. BY THE END OF THE AGES, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD –
Furthermore, WE KNOW HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE BECAUSE WE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – AND ONE HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY
KNOW HIS WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – HIS TEACHINGS AND CHURCH.
COMMANDMENTS. Thus we should not be misguided He pointed out that HE HAS OTHER HOLY FLOCKS AS WELL,
nor deceived by the evil one’s lies and deceptions. which are THOSE WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY ACCEPT HIS
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERED HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR DIVINE TRUTH – His True Teachings and
ETERNAL SALVATION. Commandments – AND STRIVE TO FULFIL THEM TO THE
HE WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE ULTIMATE, BEST OF THEIR ABILITY.
MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE OF ALL  “...The Wolves...” are those who try to divide and
TIME, which makes it no longer necessary for blood conquer the Holy Church with their evil,
sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. arrogant lies and egocentric schemes.
However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND  “...The Hirelings...” are those who are not committed
REPENT OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL, nor dedicated to their Holy Mission and to their
Sacred Duties to God.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM - ON THE SAINTS
...When we suddenly come down with a fever, we think With the Bravery and Boldness that became them, they
that life is unbearable, we are upset, we fret, we gripe remained True to their Confession, unmoved by all
like little children, as if the heat of the fever is as bad the tortures and demonstrating for all to see their
as that of Hell. Courage and the Grace of God.
The Martyrs, though, did not have a fever and even We have often seen the dawn - the sun rising and
though they were surrounded by flames, and sparks sending out its golden rays, which is what the bodies
were flying over their wounds and eating into their of the Saints were like - : as if Golden Rays surrounded
lacerations more viciously than any wild animal, they on all sides the rivulets of blood and made their
were adamantine and seemed as if they were bodies more Radiant than the sun in the sky!
watching all that happening to other people’s bodies.

18. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER 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.

14 November 2018
St Philip
Of the Twelve Holy Apostles of Christ
Also the Feast of St Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonika – St Constantinos, New Martyr of
Hydra – St Philip, Abbot of Irap Monastery, Novgorod – St Justinian the Emperor & St Theodora the Empress of
Byzantium – St Demetrios (Benevolenskii) New Hieromartyr of Tver

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ISODIKON – 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, psalontas Si, us, O Son of God WHO ART WONDROUS IN THY SAINTS, as
Allilouia! we sing to Thee: Alleluia!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST PHILIP THE APOSTLE – TONE 3
Apostole Agie Philippe Presveve to Eleimoni Theo, ina O Holy Apostle Philip, Intercede with our All Merciful
ptesmaton afesin, parashi tes psihas imon. God, so that He may grant forgiveness of offences to
our soul.
PARISH PATRONAL HYMN 
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ENTRANCE INTO TEMPLE
O katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i politimitos pastas ke The very purest Abode of the Saviour, and the Most
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin Angeli Theou. Afti House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with Her, of
iparhi, Skini Epouranios. the Holy Spirit. It is for Her God’s Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!
RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK 
PROKEIMENON- PSALM 48/49 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
His Proclamation went forth into all the Earth.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God.
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 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 -
the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. 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!
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 1 : 44 – 52
THE CALLING OF OUR LORD’S TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES
At that time, our Lord Jesus went to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him: “Follow Me.”
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him: “We have found Him
of Whom Moses in the Law, and also the Prophets, wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael
said to him: “Can anything Good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him: “Come and see!”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him: “Behold! An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to Him: “How dost Thou know me?” And Jesus answered: “Before Philip called thee – when thou
were under the fig tree – I saw thee.” Nathanael said to Him: “Rabbi: Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King
of Israel!”

S T P HILIP OF THE T WELV E H OLY A P OSTLE S OF C H R IST OU R L ORD – 14 N OVE MBER 19.
Jesus said to him: “Because I said to you ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater Things
than these!”
And He said to him: “Truly, truly, I say to you: hereafter you shall see Heaven open, and the Angels of God
ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S FIRST CALLED DISCIPLES OR APOSTLES
HAD BEEN FOLLOWERS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST.
 These were ST ANDREW, THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE, ST
SIMON PETER (OR CEPHAS), ST PHILIP, ST NATHANAEL
BARTHOLOMEW and an unnamed Disciples whom
our Holy Fathers believe was ST JOHN, HIS BELOVED
APOSTLE who remained steadfastly Faithful to
Christ.
It was common practise for authors not to mention
themselves. (Luke 24:13)
 The remark “Can anything Good come out of
Nazareth?” was a reaction of astonishment as, no
doubt, it would be difficult to think that the Great
Messiah would come from such a small village
rather than an important city.
 “...no deceit...” meant that Christ saw ST NATHANAEL’S
PURE HEART AND CHARACTER THAT WAS
STRAIGHTFORWARD, UNCOMPLICATED, SINCERE AND
HONEST.
 What exactly occurred “...under the fig tree...” is not
stated, although St John Chrysostom believed this
referred to THE MEETING AND DISCUSSION OF ST PHILIP
AND ST NATHANAEL BARTHOLOMEW CONCERNING THE
IDENTITY OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, AND THAT OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST PRAISED ST NATHANAEL FOR BEING SO
DILIGENT AND CAREFUL IN HIS SEARCH FOR THE GREAT
MESSIAH.
✶ OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND HIS ABILITY TO SEE
INTO OUR HEART AND SOUL, COMPELLED ST NATHANAEL TO
UTTER HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST THERE AND THEN.
ST PHILIP OF THE TWELVE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD
St Philip had resided in Bethsaida, Galilee, and, having
studied Holy Scripture, and rightly having discerned
the meaning of the Old Testament Prophecies, he
awaited the Coming of the Great Messiah. When our
Divine Saviour Called him, St Philip eagerly and
Faithfully followed Him for the rest of his life. (JOHN
1:43)
St Philip, who is one of the Chosen Twelve Apostles of
Christ and thus should not be confused with St Philip
the Deacon, is mentioned several times in the Holy
Gospel according to St John the Beloved Theologian:
 JOHN 1: 46 – St Philip brought St Nathaniel
Bartholomew to our Lord Jesus Christ
 JOHN 6 : 5 – 7 – St Philip was told by our Lord to feed
the 5,000 hungry families (approximately
between 15,000 – 20,000 men, women and
children!)
 JOHN 12: 21 – 22 - St Philip spoke to our Divine
Saviour, just before His Passion, concerning the
Hellenized Judeans who wanted to speak to Him.
 JOHN 14: 8 - At the Last Supper St Philip asked Christ
our God to show them God our Heavenly Father.
After the Ascension, St Philip preached in Galilee, and
many Divine Miracles occurred. His Prayers restored
to life a dead infant in the arms of its mother.
When he went to the Jews in Greece, his activities were
reported to their leaders in Jerusalem. A group of
Scribes sailed to Greece, led by one of the Judean
Chief Priests, who subsequently interrogated St Philip.
St Philip exposed their blatant lies claiming that the
Disciples of Christ had stolen and hidden the
crucified Body of Christ. He revealed the Truth of how
the Pharisees had bribed and sworn to secrecy the
two terrified soldiers who had been on guard at our
Lord’s Tomb, and who were first-hand witnesses to
the Resurrection of Christ.
When the Chief Priest and his companions began to
insult our Lord Jesus Christ, and they had suddenly
lunged at St Philip to physically attack him, they were
instantly struck blind. The Intercessory Prayers of St
Philip restored their sight and having seen that
Divine Miracle, many of those who were present
believed in Christ. St Philip ordained St Narcissos –
one of the Seventy Apostles of Christ - as Bishop.
St Philip went to Parthia, and then to Azotos, where he
Healed a severe eye affliction of the daughter of a
local resident named Nikoklides, who had received
him into his home, and he then Baptized his entire
family.
St Philip travelled to Hieropolis, Syria, where local Jews,
having been instigated by the self-righteous,
20. S T P H IL IP OF THE T WELV E H OLY
✶ THE DIVINE TITLE “SON OF MAN” APPLIES TO THE GREAT
MESSIAH WHOSE APPEARANCE WAS ANTICIPATED FOR SO MANY
CENTURIES BY THE CHOSEN PEOPLE OF GOD.
It had a level of Mystery in its meaning, indicating that A
MAN OF HEAVENLY ORIGIN WOULD USHER IN THE KINGDOM OF
GOD.
 DANIEL 7: 13 – 14 – “... One like the Son of Man was
coming in the Clouds of Heaven, until He came
to the Ancient of Days and approached Him.
Then Dominion, Honour and the Kingdom were
given to Him and all people, Tribes and
languages served Him. His Authority is
Everlasting Authority which shall not pass away,
and His Kingdom shall not be destroyed.”
 St Daniel’s Vision of “...the Ancient of Days...” is that of
THE SECOND COMING OR REAPPEARANCE OF CHRIST,
“...the Son of Man...” IN ALL HIS DIVINE MAJESTY AND
GLORY.
 GENESIS 28: 12 – 15 - In another Old Testament
Prophecy, St Jacob had dreamt of A LADDER
CONNECTING EARTH TO HEAVEN, UPON WHICH “... the
Angels of God were ascending and descending.
That Divine Ladder signifies OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO
UNITES HEAVEN AND EARTH, and therefore is indeed that
anticipated “...Son of Man”
In other words, our Lord Jesus told St Nathanael
Bartholomew that THEY WOULD PERSONALLY WITNESS HIS
DIVINE TRUTH AND MANY OTHER MYSTERIOUS AND WONDERFUL
THINGS OF GOD, WHICH IN DUE TIME, WAS CONFIRMED.
hypocritical Pharisees, attacked and burnt the home
of Heros who had accommodated St Philip, whom
they tried to murder, but, when St Philip’s Intercessory
Prayers caused several Divine Miracles to occur –
such as the Healing of the hand of the city official,
Aristarchos, which had withered when he attempted
to strike the Holy Apostle, and the Restoration to life of
a dead child – having either witnessed or heard of
them – many Repented and accepted Holy Baptism.
After ordaining St Heros as the Bishop of Hieropolis,
Syria, St Philip continued his Missionary Journey
throughout Syria, Asia Minor, Lydia, Emessa, and
everywhere preaching the Holy Gospel of Christ and
enduring many different degrees of persecution and
sufferings. Both he and his sister, St Mariamne were
pelted with stones, imprisoned, and forcibly,
humiliatingly thrown out of villages and towns.
In the city of Phrygian Hieropolis, there were many
pagan temples, including one where an enormous
serpent was worshipped. By the Grace of God and by
the Power of his Intercessory Prayers, St Philip killed
the serpent and Healed many citizens who had
suffered snake bites.
Among those Healed was the wife of the city Prefect,
Amphipatos. Having learnt that his wife had
accepted Christianity, the Prefect ordered the arrest
of St Philip, his sister, St Mariamne, and St
Bartholomew Nathanael. At the urging of the
enraged, and now, impoverished, pagan priests of
the temple of the serpent, Amphipatos ordered St
Philip and St Bartholomew to be crucified.
Suddenly, an earthquake struck, and knocked down all
those present at the place of judgment and
execution. While nailed to a cross St Philip prayed for
those who had crucified him, asking God to Save
them from the ravages of the earthquake.
Many witnesses of these occurrences believed in our
Lord Jesus Christ and demanded that the Holy
Apostles be taken down from the crosses.
St Bartholomew survived and was able to Baptise all who
believed and, before his departure, he ordained a
Bishop to Guide and Teach them.
However St Philip, through whose Prayers everyone
survived the devastating earthquake - except for
Amphipatos and the pagan priests - had joyfully
surrendered his soul to Christ.
St Mariamne and St Bartholomew reverently buried his
Holy Relics, before continuing to Armenia, where St
Bartholomew was Perfected by crucifixion while St
Mariamne continued to preach until her own Repose
at Lycaonia.
A POSTLES OF C HR IST OU R LO RD – 14 N OVEM BE R
 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.

16 November 2018
St Matthew Levi Alphaeus
of the 12 Holy Apostles of Christ
Also the Feast of St Matthew Fulvianos of Ethiopia – St Sergios, Miracle Worker of Maloinega – St
Hypatios of Gangra

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

ISODIKON – 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, psalontas Si, us, O Son of God WHO ART WONDROUS IN THY SAINTS, as
Allilouia! we sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST MATTHEW LEVI, HOLY APOSTLE - TONE 3
Apostole Agie ke Evangelista Mathee, Presveve to eleimoni O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Intercede with
Theo, ina ptesmaton afesin, parashi tes psihes imon. our Merciful God that He grant our soul Forgiveness of
offences.
PARISH PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
SEASONAL FESTAL KONTAKION - ENTRY -EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa, today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
iparhi Skini Epouranios. is the Heavenly Tabernacle.

RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK 

PROKEIMENON – PSALM 98/99 -TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the Footstool of His Feet.
The Lord Reigns; let the people rage; the Lord is seated upon the Cherubim; let the Earth be shaken.

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 mankind. 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 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 - the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. 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 : 9 – 13
THE CALLING OF ST MATTHEW LEVI ALPHAEUS, TAX COLLECTOR
At that time, as our Lord Jesus passed by, He saw a man named ‘Matthew’ sitting at the customs house, and he said to
him: “Follow Me.” And he arose, and followed Him.
And it came to pass, He sat eating in the house, and behold: many Publicans and sinners went and sat down with
Jesus and His Disciples. And when the Pharisees beheld them, they said to His Disciples: “Why does your Master eat
with Publicans and sinners?”

S T M ATTHE W LEV I AL PH AEU S OF TH E 12 AP OSTLE S OF CH R IST – 16 N OVE MBER 2018 21.

Jesus, hearing, said to them: “Those who are whole do not need a Physician, but those who are sick do.
“Go, learn what it means: ‘...I desire Mercy, and not Sacrifice...’ for I have not come to Call the Righteous, but
sinners to Repentance!”
MANY PEOPLE – EVEN TO THIS DAY – HAVE MORE THAN ONE NAME
and ST MATTHEW ALPHAEUS WAS ALSO NAMED ‘LEVI.’ HE WAS
THE BROTHER OF ST JAMES ALPHAEUS THE APOSTLE.
THE ROMAN EMPIRE AUTHORITIES who dominated the Holy
Land and most of the known world at that time,
ASSIGNED SPECIFIC AREAS TO JUDEAN TAX COLLECTORS who
were free to collect extra revenues for their own profit,
which most of them did to the detriment of the
impoverished citizens.
THE TAX COLLECTORS’ COLLABORATION WITH THE OCCUPYING
ROMAN FORCES, THEIR FRAUDULENT SCHEMES AND THEIR UTTER
CORRUPTION CAUSED THEIR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN TO HATE AND
DESPISE THEM, CONSIDERING THEM AS BEING “UNCLEAN” AND
THUS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES WERE INTENSELY OFFENDED when
they saw our Lord Jesus Christ and His Disciples
dining with THESE DESPICABLE PARIAHS (SOCIAL OUTCASTS) – We are categorically instructed by our Lord that WHATEVER
ONE OF WHOM OUR SAVIOUR HAD CALLED AS HIS APOSTLE.
However, OUR COMPASSIONATE LORD’S response was simple:
Like a good, caring Physician, He SEEKS OUT THOSE WHO
ARE SPIRITUALLY SICK, AFFLICTED OR AILING PHYSICALLY - IN
ORDER TO HEAL THEM FROM WHATEVER TROUBLES THEM.
ST MATTHEW LEVI ALPHAEUS OF THE
In the lists of the Twelve Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ
recorded in the New Testament, the name “Matthew”
is mentioned. In his Holy Gospel, St Matthew referred
to himself by this name in the list of the Twelve
Apostles, as well as in the account of his own Calling
while he was sitting in a tax booth, which is why he
refers to himself as “Matthew the Tax Collector
(Publican).”
In St Mark’s Gospel, he is referred to as “...Levi, son of
Alphaeus...” and in St Luke’s Gospel, he is simply
called “Levi.”
In the list of Apostles St James is also named as being
“...the son of Alphaeus...” but he is not St Matthew’s
brother, for had he been, it would have been
mentioned in the Holy Gospels, as is the case with
other sibling Apostles such as St Peter and St Andrew,
and St James and St John.
St Matthew the Tax Collector, and “Levi” are the same
person in this instance. The name “Matthew” which
he received from Christ after his Calling, means “Gift
of God” and is a contraction of the Hebrew
“Mattiyahu.”
Neither St Luke nor St Mark mentioned St Matthew’s
former profession out of Love and respect for him
because Publicans or Tax Collectors were despised as
being collaborators with the oppressive Roman
authorities.
However, when St Matthew described how our Lord
Called him, he wrote: “...He saw a man named
‘Matthew’ sitting at the customs house...” – i.e. a man
who is already known as “Matthew.”
St John Chrysostom noted: “...the Apostle is deserving of
admiration for not concealing his former life, and also
giving his name, which the others concealed with
another appellation...”
By confessing his former life and by acknowledging his
Transformation after being Called by Christ, St
Matthew Levi demonstrated his Humility and
Obedience.
St Matthew resided in Capernaum, a city that belonged
to the jurisdiction of the Tetrarch, Herod. As a clerk,
he had been in the service of an employer who paid
the tax revenues of the city or even of the region, to
the Roman authorities, and had the right to keep
whatever profit he made.
St Matthew knew the Aramaic dialect spoken by the
Judeans of that region as well as Greek, the
international language of that era.
When our Lord Called him, St Matthew immediately left
the custom house, abandoning everything without
any hesitation, which indicates that he already knew
and respected our Divine Saviour.
St Matthew Levi had been one of the Publicans who had
sought out our Lord Jesus, which had given the self-
righteous, hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees an
opportunity to criticise and condemn Christ for
associating with and being “ ...a Friend of Tax-
Collectors!” (LUKE 7:35 & 15:1)
St Matthew must have been wealthy for it is evident that
he owned a house where he was able to host his
family and friends, as well as our Lord Jesus and all
22. S T M A T T H E W L E V I A L P H A E U S OF THE 12 AP
Those who consider themselves to be in good spiritual or
physical health have no need for His Healing – and
OUR LORD NEVER FORCES HIMSELF OR HIS BLESSINGS ONTO
ANYONE.
Furthermore, as HE URGED THE PHARISEES TO CONTEMPLATE AND
TO PUT INTO PRACTISE THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD Who most
clearly stated: “... I desire Mercy and not sacrifice...”
which was not a rejection of sacrifice as such, but
rather EMPHASISES WITHOUT ANY QUESTION OR DOUBT THAT
MERCY IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT AND SIGNIFICANT – A HIGHER
PRIORITY - THAN SACRIFICES. (HOSEA 6:6)
Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us in so many different
ways that OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT WILL CONCERN EVERY ACT
OF CHARITY AND MERCY TOWARDS OTHERS that we either
fulfilled with a loving, cheerful and willing attitude or
rejected, ignored or refused.
WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS, WILL BE RETURNED TO US ‘A
HUNDREDFOLD,’ whether good or evil!!
WE TRULY CANNOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY UNLESS WE
OURSELVES ARE MERCIFUL TO OUR FELLOW SINNERS.
TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD
His Disciples to celebrate his Divine Calling and the
renouncement of his former profession.
Unlike several of the other Apostles, it is unclear whether
St Matthew had been a Disciple of St John the Baptist.
After his Calling, St Matthew is not mentioned again –
neither while our Lord was alive, nor after His
Resurrection – except as previously mentioned. This is
likely due to his sincere Humility and Ascetic Life, of
which St Clement of Alexandria wrote: “...for the
Apostle Matthew ate cereals, nuts and vegetables,
without any meat...”
However, St Clement, Eusebios and Irenaeos wrote that
after Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension, and the
Glorious Day of Pentecost, St Matthew fulfilled Christ’s
Divine Commission to the Judeans for approximately
eight years.
Between 60-66 he wrote his Gospel in Aramaic, before
translating it into Greek, although some believe it was
vice versa. His Gospel contains narratives of the
Events in the Life of our Lord and His Teaching that He
used in His Catechesis.
Irenaeos is the first to mention that the “... Gospel
according to St Matthew was written for the Jews...”
meaning that the recipients were the Judeans or
Hebrews who had become Christian or, as Origen
wrote: “... those who believed from Judaism.”
The Purpose behind the writing of the Gospel of St
Matthew was to manifest that our Lord Jesus Christ
came “...from the Seed of Abraham...” which is why
the narrative begins with His Nativity.
St John Chrysostom explained: “... (St Matthew) wanted
nothing more than to show that He (Christ) was of
the Seed of Abraham and David... for nothing would
soothe a Jew so much as to know that Christ is the
Descendant of Abraham and David...” which is why
St Matthew selected important Events in the Life of
Christ, compiled His Teachings and presented them in
such a manner that they demonstrated that our Lord
Jesus Christ is indeed the Messiah Who was foretold
by the Holy Prophets for the Judeans. By quoting the
Prophecies of the Old Covenant, he made it clear that
they were truly fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ.
As for his later activities, we cannot regard what has
been handed down to us as either accurate nor
historical, although Rufinos, St Gregory the Great and
the Church Historian, Socrates, all declared that St
Matthew went to Ethiopia.
St Paulinos of Nola noted that St Matthew converted the
pagan Parthians to Christ, while St Nikodemos the
Athonite declared that “... later, he was put to death
by fire by the infidels...” in Hierapolis, Syria.
It may be that this is confirmed by a Prayer, which St
Matthew cried out from the midst of the flames: ‘ O
Lord Jesus, Thou also Saves Tax Collectors! Grace
belongs to Thee!”
By the Prayers of Thine Apostle, St Matthew, O God, have
Mercy on us.
Amen
ALEXANDROS CHRISTODOULOU
WWW. PEMPTOUSIA.COM
OSTLE S OF C HR IST – 16 NO V EM BER 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 (8) Plagal 4 18 November 2018

rd th
25 Sunday After Pentecost – 9 of St Luke
The Rich Man and His Barns
The Feast of St Platon, Great Martyr of Ancyra, Galatia – St Romanos the Deacon & St Barulas Child Martyr of Caesarea
– St Zacharia the Deacon St Anastasios the New Martyr of Papamythias, Epiros – St Zachaeus the Deacon & St
Alphaeus the Reader of Gadara, Caesarea

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 3 - MARK 16 : 9 - 20

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, Thou descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;
ina imas elevtherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Anastasis Thou endured the three-days’ burial, so that Thou
imon, Kyrie, Doxa Si! might free us from our passions, O our Life and
Resurrection: Glory to Thee!
MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST PLATON – TONE 4
O Martys Sou, Kyrie, en ti athlisis Aftou, to Stefos Thy Martyr, O Lord, was worthily Awarded the Crown of
ekomisatos tis aftharsias, ek Sou tou Theou imon. Ehon Incorruption by Thee, for he Contested for Thee, Our
ar tin Ishin Sou, tous tyrannous kathilen. Ethravse ke Immortal God. By Thy Power, he defeated tyrants and
demonon, ta anishira Thrasi, aftou tes ikesies Hriste, dashed the demon’s powerless displays of defiance, O
Soson tas psihas imon. Christ our God: through his Fervent Entreaties, Save
our soul.
PARISH PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
SEASONAL KONTAKION - ENTRY OF EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros, i Politimitos pastas ke The very purest Abode of the Saviour, and the Most
Parthenos, to Iron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou, Priceless Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Most Sacred
simeron isagete, en to Iko Kyriou, tin Harin Sinisagousa, Treasure of the Glory of God, today is led inside the
tin en Pnevmati dio: In animnousin Angeli Theou. Afti House of the Lord, bringing in the Grace with her, of
iparhi, Skini Epouranios the Holy Spirit. It is for her God’s Angels sing in
praise: She is truly a Heavenly Tabernacle!

RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON - PSALM 75/76 - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Pray and return to the Lord your God!
God is known in Judea – in Israel Great is His Name!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 4 : 1 – 7
Brethren, as a Prisoner for our Lord, I beg you to lead a Life that is worthy of the Calling to which you have been Called,
with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Patience, forbearing one another with Love, eager to maintain the Unity of
the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.
There is One Body, and One Spirit, just as you were Called to the One Hope that belongs to your Calling. There is One
Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of us all, Who is above all and through all, and in all. To each
of us Grace was granted according to the Measure of Christ’s Gift.
St Paul implored US WHO ARE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO REALISE ✶✶ IN ORDER TO LIVE A HEAVENLY LIFE, WE MUST WALK IN
WHAT HAS BEEN GRANTED TO US AND TO PUT INTO PRACTISE SOLIDARITY WITH ALL DUE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO THE
WHAT WE ARE IN CHRIST. WILL OF GOD THROUGHOUT THIS TEMPORARY LIFESPAN.
So he turned the focus of this Epistle from what our Lord The One Most Important, indeed, Spiritually Vital Holy
God does for us to how WE ARE TO FULFIL OUR SACRED Virtue that is not common to Greco-Roman Philosophy
COMMITMENTS AND DUTIEs. is that of “Lowliness” or HUMILITY WHICH OUR LORD
✶ THE DEGREE TO WHICH WE BELIEVE AFFECTS HOW WE LIVE for OUR HIMSELF TAUGHT US BY HIS OWN PERFECT EXAMPLE.
SACRED CREED MUST INFLUENCE OUR PERSONAL CONDUCT.  “One Body... One Spirit... One Hope... One Lord... One
The basic characteristics of Disciples of Christ are the Faith... One Baptism... One God...” is THE MANIFOLD
HOLY VIRTUES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO UNITY, for although we UNITY OF CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH.
are many different people, WE SHARE ONE NEW RESTORED CHRISTIAN MORALITY IS not based on ideas or philosophies
NATURE IN CHRIST OUR LORD. but on A LIVING REALITY – LIFE OF THE HOLY TRINITY IN
Although we are members of the most exalted Body of GOD’S HOLY CHURCH.
Christ, THE GREATNESS IS OF GOD and certainly not of St Paul combined THE THREE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY
ourselves. WITH HIS HOLY CHURCH, THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND
Even THE COHESIVENESS OF THIS SACRED BODY – HIS HOLY THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES OF HOPE, AND FAITH INTO ONE
CHURCH – IS ALMIGHTY GOD’S WORK IN THE (HOLY) SPIRIT. GRAND REALITY, which is the concrete basis for our Holy
Consequently, THERE IS NO PLACE AT ALL FOR QUARRELLING. Living.

T H
25 S U NDAY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – 9 T H
OF S T LU KE – R ICH M AN & H IS BA R NS – 18 N OVE MBER 2 0 1 8 23.
 EACH PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY SANCTIFIES BUT THEIR
SANCTIFICATION IS ONE because Holy Baptism is ONE
and the Grace of the Holy Mysteries is ONE.
 While THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN ESSENCE, it is
DIVERSE IN GIFTS AND FUNCTION.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
THE RICH FOOL & HIS BARNS
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: “The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully. And he
thought to himself: ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ He said: ‘I will do this: I will pull
down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ’And I will say to my soul:
“Soul: you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease. Eat, drink and be merry.”’
“God said to him: ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you. Whose then will those things be, which you
have provided?’
“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God!”
This Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ is a most serious
Lesson to every one of us – especially in these days of
selfish, egocentric materialism.
 First of all THE LORD ADDRESSES THE RICH MAN AS “FOOL!” –
a derogatory term that is discouraged, if not
forbidden, in Christ’s Holy Church of Agape.
We cannot refer to any of our fellow sinners as ‘fool,’
which is a form of our unworthy criticism and unjust
judgement that we are urged and cautioned against.
 Secondly the big question of all “...whose will those
thing be which you have provided?” is THE KEY TO
UNDERSTANDING THE SAVING UP OR HOARDING
MATERIAL GOODS.

MATERIAL GOODS ARE ONLY USEFUL IN THIS LIFE BUT HAVE NO
SPIRITUAL BENEFIT FOR OUR SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE,
UNLESS WE USE THEM CORRECTLY – SHARING OUR BLESSED
ABUNDANCE with those who are less fortunate than
us – doing so FOR THE LOVE AND GLORY OF ALMIGHTY
GOD.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM believed that THE ONLY “BARNS” WE
NEED, we already have, which ARE “... THE STOMACHS OF
THE POOR.”
ST BASIL THE GREAT taught us that THE BREAD THAT IS STORED IN
OUR PANTRIES BELONGS TO THE HUNGRY; THE UNUSED COAT
(AND CLOTHING) BELONGS TO THOSE WHO ARE NAKED AND
COLD; THE SHOES LYING MOULDY AND UNWORN BELONG TO
THOSE WHO ARE BAREFOOTED; AND THE MONEY THAT WE SO
GREEDILY COLLECT AND HOARD, BELONGS TO THE POOR AND
DESTITUTE.
ST AMBROSE cautioned us: “... the things that we cannot
take with us are not ours. Only Virtue will be our
Companion when we Repose...”
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ - Our Lord Jesus
Christ’s Parable concerning ‘the Foolish Rich Man
and his barns’ is brief, but EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT TO
ALL OF US TODAY.
IF EVERY AFFLUENT PERSON WERE TO LEARN ITS SACRED LESSON,
MILLIONS OF OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS WOULD NOT SUFFER
THE RAVAGES OF STARVATION AND DESTITUTION.
In addition, MANY OF US who are financially secure and
enjoy a self-indulgent lifestyle WOULD NOT BE SO OBSESSED
WITH, WORRIED NOR ANXIOUS ABOUT FINANCIAL WEALTH,
PROPERTY AND POSSESSIONS, and WE MIGHT THEN EVEN SAVE
OUR IMMORTAL SOUL FROM ETERNAL CONDEMNATION!
Our Lord God had granted this particular Foolish Rich
Man fertile land that yielded abundant crops to be
harvested at the end of the season.
Yet, INSTEAD OF REJOICING, THANKING AND GLORIFYING GOD FOR
HIS GREAT BLESSINGS, THE FOOLISH RICH MAN WAS
COMPLETELY FOCUSSED ON HOW TO STORE THAT ENORMOUS
HARVEST, SO AS TO KEEP IT ALL FOR HIMSELF!
He groaned in despair and asked himself: “What shall I
do?”
THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS, WHO HAVE NEITHER SHELTER NOR
CLOTHING TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE WEATHER, NOT EVEN A
DROP OF WATER TO DRINK NOR A CRUST OF BREAD WITH WHICH
TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN OR THEMSELVES, WHO HAVE TO
STRUGGLE EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY JUST TO SURVIVE, CAN
JUSTIFIABLY UTTER SUCH TRAGIC WORDS OF HELPLESSNESS!
BUT THOSE WHO HAVE MORE THAN THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE, and
gain even more for themselves HAVE NO RIGHT AT ALL TO
EVEN THINK LIKE THAT! IT IS UNJUSTIFIED AND TOTALLY
OUTRAGEOUS!
24. 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – 9 T H
OF
Unity does not mean uniformity. EACH OF US IS UNIQUE, WITH
DIFFERENT GIFTS AND ROLES GRANTED TO US BY GOD.
DIVERSITY IN OPERATION IS based on THE ASCENT OF GOD THE
SON AND HE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, GUIDED BY
SPECIALLY GIFTED PEOPLE FOR THE SAKE OF THE MATURITY AND
STABILITY OF HIS HOLY CHURCH.
TO ST LUKE 12 : 16 – 21
When in ancient times, JOSEPH STORED UP GRAIN IN EGYPT, it
was strictly FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE NATION DURING
LEAN TIMES OR FAMINE.
WHATEVER WE THINK WE POSSESS, IN TRUTH, IS LENT TO US BY
ALMIGHTY GOD WHO PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING WE
REALLY NEED – AND OFTEN, ALSO GRANTS US AN ABUNDANCE,
WHICH IS A DIVINE TEST TO SEE WHAT WE DO WITH IT!
In the Holy Mystery of Matrimony, ONE OF THE PRAYERS FOR
THE NEWLY BETROTHED COUPLE BESEECHES GOD TO GRANT
THEM AN ABUNDANCE SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO SHARE AND
DISTRIBUTE IT amongst those less Blessed than them.
OF Christ our Saviour has made it absolutely clear that
WHATEVER WE DO FOR OTHERS AS ACTS OF (UNCONDITIONAL)
LOVE/CHARITY GOD WILL BLESS US A HUNDRED TIMES MORE,
which is proved over and over again.

OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH
GOD AND WITH OUR FELLOW SINNERS – OUR NEIGHBOURS.
Whatever we do to or for others will be returned to us “a
hundredfold” – whether it is good or evil!!

Consequently, OUR PERSONAL WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS
ETERNITY – Eternal Life with all
DETERMINE OUR FUTURE
Divine Bliss and Blessings or Eternal Death with
permanent, irrevocable Alienation from God and
all His Goodness – an Eternal Spiritual Death in
‘Outer Darkness’ or ‘the Abyss,’ which terrifies even
the demons!!
THE CHOICE IS FREELY OURS TO MAKE! Hence the cautionary
Words of Divine Wisdom from our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear!!”
OF ST LUKE – THE RICH MAN & HIS BARNS
Sadly, this is our very own reality! WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF
SUCH DESPICABLE SELFISHNESS AND CARELESSNESS!
Ironically, MANY WEALTHY PEOPLE HAVE SERIOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROBLEMS DUE TO THEIR OBSESSIVE ANXIETY CONCERNING THEIR
CORRUPTIBLE, WORLDLY RICHES AND FICKLE SOCIAL STATUS.
Those who are ENSLAVED BY MATERIAL PARAPHERNALIA SUFFER
SEVERE, OVERWHELMING SPIRITUAL AILMENTS.
 P S A L M 3 3 : 1 1 “...Rich men became poor and went
hungry...”
 1 T I M O T H Y 6 : 9 “...Those who desire to be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition...”
Furthermore, DEATH - THE GREATEST FEAR OF THE RICH - ALWAYS
OCCURS SUDDENLY, WHEN THEY LEAST EXPECT IT AND WHICH
THEY TRY TO AVOID OR DELAY AT ALL COSTS!
While the Foolish Rich Man was making plans store his
abundant harvest and anticipating enjoying it all for
many years to come, “...God said to him: ‘Fool! This
night your soul will be required of you. Whose then
will those things be, which you have provided?’”
And IN AN INSTANT, THE FOOLISH RICH MAN LOST ALL HIS
MATERIAL WEALTH AND – FAR WORSE THAN THAT – HE ALSO LOST
THE ETERNAL, PRICELESS TREASURE OF HEAVEN – ETERNAL LIFE
OF LOVE, JOY, AND PEACE!
THAT HEAVENLY TREASURE, which is beyond description and
human understanding, WILL BE LOST TO US AS WELL,
UNLESS WE SHARE OUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS THAT GOD HAS
BESTOWED UPON US, WITH ALL THOSE WHO ARE NEEDY TO
VARYING DEGREES, WHOM GOD PRESENTS TO US - each and
every day - thereby giving us an opportunity to fulfil
our Sacred Commitment to God and mankind!
WE MAY TRY TO JUSTIFY AND EXCUSE OURSELVES by thinking: “I
have worked hard to acquire all my wealth and
S T L UKE – R IC H M AN & H IS B AR NS – 18 N OV EM BE R 2018
 possessions. This is mine! Why should I share it with
others? They can get their own through hard labour,
as I did! No one helped me... why should I help
others?!” OR PERHAPS WE THINK WE WILL BE ABLE TO DO
“SOMETHING GOOD” “LATER” ...
But ALL SUCH EGOCENTRIC THOUGHTS DIG US DEEPER AND DEEPER
INTO THE ETERNAL ABYSS OF CONDEMNATION AND ALIENATION
FROM GOD.
OUR WORST SIN IS SELF-DELUSION that everything we have is
for our own use alone and that we “deserve” it all for
we have “earned” it.
On the contrary, we must clearly understand that GOD
ALONE HAS BESTOWED ALL GOOD THINGS UPON US SO THAT WE
MAY SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS.
St Basil the Great emphasised the fact that EVERY ONE OF US
IS “... a keeper of your fellow human beings. Do not
think that all this was given to you for yourself
only…For all this, you will be asked directly….Do you
think that this is unfair, with so much given to you,
and you give nothing to others?
“The extra food you keep belongs to the person who is
hungry. The clothes you have filling your closet are
for the naked. The money you get and hide away is
for the one who needs it!”
There is so much inequality, and SO MANY PEOPLE IN NEED
WHO COULD BE HELPED BY US.
We cannot solve the world’s impoverished problems, but
one by one, WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER, for WHATEVER WE DO
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD GOD
The sense that our Lord God is everywhere present is a
bridle that holds us back from committing evil, but it is
also our Hope, Consolation and Strength.
Do we really understand what it means for us – how
extremely important and significant it is - that God is
close to us – ever Present?
In antiquity there were idolaters who worshipped false
gods. If only we all believed in our One True and
Living God as much as those pagans believed in their
false idols!
While those idol-worshippers never uttered blasphemies
against their ‘gods,’ today’s so-called ‘Christians’
blaspheme against the Holy Things of God all the
time!!
How many of us who regard ourselves as “Christians” are
Faithful Disciples of Christ who Live in Hope of
eventually - through much Striving and Struggles -
becoming “Christians” – i.e. of being Spiritually
Perfected by regaining our lost Likeness to our Lord
Jesus Christ in all aspects of our character and Life –
as He originally created us to be?
Can we ever be True “Christians”?
It is my fear that someday the Parthenon and the rocks
from the Acropolis will come crashing down and bury
us, for our terrible blasphemies resound and no one
sorrows - no one cares!
Some of these idolaters worshipped the Sun as a god,
and thus all day long they avoided committing any
sin because they were very aware that the Sun shone
down on them, revealing everything to everyone else,
so they waited for the Sun to set before yielding to
temptation.
CONCERNING OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES
Often in our Spiritual Practise we find ourselves
struggling, despite exerting ourselves to our utmost
capability, and we wonder what our problem might
be, or why do we feel so anxious about our efforts
that do not yield the results we seek.
We begin to think that God is distant and unreachable,
no matter how much we Struggle.
St Paisios of Mount Athos explained:
“.. We need to be careful in our Spiritual Life.
When we are affected by vainglory, we feel very little
satisfaction and we are left with a sense of emptiness
in our heart.
There is no fulfilment, no rejoicing of our heart, and our
vanity increases, while the emptiness inside makes
us suffer even more!
Where there is anxiety and despair, there is a demonic
spiritual life. Anxiety comes from the evil one.
Whenever we feel anxious, we should realise that the
devil is busy and will not go against the current.
If there is a predisposition, he will push in that direction in
order to cause us trouble and to deceive us.
T H
25 S U NDAY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – 9 T H
OF S T LU KE
IS INDEED RETURNED TO US “... A HUNDREDFOLD...” and each
person whom we help, grants us A STEP CLOSER TO OUR
HEAVENLY ABODE.
In His infinite Divine Wisdom, GOD HAS BESTOWED HIS
ABUNDANT BLESSINGS UPON US ALL TO VARYING DEGREES IN
ORDER TO BENEFIT ALL MANKIND!
IF WE ALL KEPT ONLY WHAT WE REALLY NEED AND GAVE TO OTHERS
THE REST OF OUR FINANCES AND MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, THERE
WOULD BE NO MORE POVERTY, STARVATION NOR DESTITUTION IN
THIS TEMPORARY WORLD!
WE WOULD FULFIL OUR LORD’S GOLDEN COMMANDMENT OF LOVE,
and, as St Paul pointed out, LOVE NEVER FAILS!
Beloved Brethren in Christ, WE ARE SO GREATLY BLESSED BY
GOD WITH FAR MORE THAN WE ACTUALLY NEED, so let us MAKE
A CONCERTED EFFORT TO CHEERFULLY, GENEROUSLY AND
LOVINGLY SHARE OUR AMPLE RESOURCES WITH THOSE WHO LACK
THEM AND WHOSE NEEDS ARE FAR MORE URGENT AND
IMPORTANT THAN OUR OWN.
For thereby, BEING “... RICH TOWARDS GOD...” WE DEMONSTRATE
OUR LOVE FOR OUR MOST GRACIOUS AND LOVING LORD AND
OUR FELLOW MANKIND, and so gain Entry into His
Heavenly Kingdom with all its Eternal, Priceless
Treasures.
Amen.
SERMON BY METROPOLITAN SOTIRIOS OF PSIDIA
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXPATH.ORG
IS EVERYWHERE PRESENT
Let us who believe that our True God is everywhere
present, day and night, flee from temptation and sin -
being ever aware that He sees us wherever we are, no
matter what we are doing, saying or thinking!
Our Lord God has All-Seeing Eyes, All-Hearing Ears, and is
All Knowing, while other hands record everything –
our every word, thought and deed for which we are
accountable – which will ultimately judge us!
This is what we believe, and what we know, for our Lord
Jesus Christ has told us so.
Let us pray that our Lord God firmly plants the Truth of His
Divine Presence, deep within our heart and soul!
We were created to be close to God, but if we choose to
rebel against Him, or separate ourselves from His
Divine Presence by our wilful sin, we become like the
demons or evil beasts!
Let us ceaselessly pray to God to bestow His Great Mercy
on us all – young and old – so that we may remain
close to Him while perpetually Labouring, Struggling
and Repenting, firmly established in our Faith in
Christ Jesus.
Let us fall down before Him and Confess: “ O Lord Jesus
Christ Thou alone art the Ruler of Heaven and Earth!
Thou alone art the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God!
It is Thee Whom we worship! It is in Thee Whom we
believe, and it is Thee Whom we Love, together with
our Heavenly Father and the Life-giving Holy Spirit,
now and until the ages of ages.’ Amen.
METROPOLITAN AVGOUSTINOS (KANTIOTES) OF FLORINA
TRANSLATED BY FR. JOHN PALMER
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXPATH.ORG
AND VAINGLORY
When in the course of our Spiritual Struggles we feel
anxiety, we must know that we are not moving in the
Holy Realm of God...
In other words, we should not strive with an unhealthy
fastidiousness...
Our Lord Jesus Christ is Love, Kindness and Consolation
and never stifles us but grants us abundant oxygen
and Divine Consolation...”
In order to avoid this adverse condition, we must be kind
to ourselves and accept the fact that we are prone to
making mistakes or to become tired.
We must have Humility, and we must set aside our self-
proclaimed righteousness depending on our own
efforts!
St Paisios advises us to Live the Spiritual Life – not in our
mind, but in our heart: “...Never do anything without
first putting our Trust in God with great Humility,
because, otherwise, we will agonise and tire our
mind and soul.
It is a lack of Faith that hides behind anxiety, but pride
can also cause us anxiety...”
– R ICH M AN & H IS BA R NS – 18 N OVE MBER 2 0 1 8 25.
 When, for example, we cannot complete our Rule of
Prayer, we must not force ourselves through our own
efforts, but rather turn to God.
If our failure to fulfil a task is due to extreme exhaustion,
we must beseech our Lord’s Forgiveness before falling
asleep. The following day we must arrange our
schedule so that we will not repeat that same
condition.
We must entrust everything to God Who will Guide and
Assist us.
NOETIC PRAYER OF THE HEART – ARCHIMANDRITE GEORGIOS KAPSANIS, ABBOT, GREGORIOU MONASTERY
Our constant Remembrance of our Lord God reveals the
degree of our Communion with Him and is therefore
like a Prayer.
The effort of continuously calling upon the Holy Name of
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ by using the Prayer
of the Heart – “O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have
Mercy on me, a sinner...” - Renews and Strengthens
our Relationship and Communion with Him and for
that very reason, St Paul urged us to “Pray
unceasingly!”
With our Remembrance of God and Prayer, we reveal the
True Nobility of our nature, which is the border
between the visible and invisible world and our “...
Deification in Christ.”
We thereby overcome physical necessity and extend our
existence to our Lord God, and will experience True
Freedom from anything that holds us captive on
Earth.
However, for our Prayers to be real and meaningful, they
must be of our whole being and not solely by the
sound of our voice, the movement of our lips, the
thoughts of our mind or the emotions of our heart –
but prayed with our entire body and soul!
Perfect Prayer is Noetic and at the same time of the heart.
Our mind prays within our heart, which is the centre of
our existence. Thus our whole being - from our
innermost self and our centre - prays, fulfilling the
Divine Injunction: ‘Love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength,
and with all your mind...’ and ‘...your neighbour as
yourself...”
Consequently, our whole person is offered to God.
The concise invocation of ‘the Prayer of the heart’ or ‘The
Jesus Prayer’ – ‘...the Prayer of a single thought...’ -
helps us to concentrate our intellect and immerse our
mind into our heart.
From their own Spiritual Experience, our Holy Fathers
wrote about the way and method of this Prayer. The
collection of these works by our Holy Fathers is called
“The Philokalia,” (meaning “Love of the Beautiful”),
which is very much to the point.
With the Noetic Prayer of the heart, we are United with
God, and become able to behold Him, Who is all that
is most beautiful in the world, in the Supreme Beauty
of His Creation.
Because there is a risk of some confusion between Prayer
of the heart and the various modes of Meditation and
Prayer, as is the case with Eastern religions, perhaps
some issues should be clarified:
1. Not only the ‘Prayer of a single thought’ (‘O Lord Jesus
Christ…), but every Prayer of the Church, such as the
absolute basic, God-given, Lord’s Prayer - “Our
Father...” - must be Noetic and of the heart - that is, it
must come from our deepest innermost being.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST ISAAC THE SYRIAN
In Truth, the Greatest Virtue is to feel pity for those who
are evil and to benefit sinners more that those who
are Righteous. By giving Alms to the needy with a
cheerful face, we will bring comfort to those who are
sad. When we feel compassion and sympathy for
those who are ill, we become Martyrs (Witnesses) for
Christ.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
The cause of moral lapses is not the nature of the
temptations, but the heedlessness of those who are
tempted.
26. 2 5 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – 9 T H
OF
St Paisios encourages us to keep our mind always close to
our Lord God. This applies to all circumstances –
especially where we are experiencing difficulties in
completing our Sacred Tasks.
We must trust in God and seek His Help, Guidance and
Strength to endure.
We must be ever Watchful that when we try to do
anything through our own efforts and feel anxious, it
is a sign of vainglory, requiring our immediate
Repentance and correction.
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2010
2. The Acquisition of the Gift of Unceasing Noetic Prayer of
the heart for us who are Orthodox Christians, is not so
much a question of ‘method and technique’, but one
of a “...contrite heart...” meaning we must have a
humbled, Repentant heart that feels pain and sorrow
for our sins and a determination to correct ourselves.
Without this type of heart, no method or technique of
Prayer, such as the use of inhaling and exhaling, will
be able to experience True Prayer.
3. The Noetic Prayer of the heart presupposes our
participation in the Life of the Church, in Her Holy
Mysteries, the observance of the Commandments and
Teachings of our Lord God and Humble Obedience to
our Spiritual Guide.
In other words, it is not an individualistic-private
Approach to God, for only by being within His Holy
Church, can we as humble and Obedient Christians
receive the Grace of God and, of course, along with
our own co-operation and will, True Prayer is
activated within us.
We all have an extraordinary need for Prayer in order to
be able to withstand being absorbed and overcome
by the contemporary, profoundly materialistic ways of
life that cause us to forget our Divine Image and
Likeness - that is, our Divine Origin and Heavenly
Destination.
Prayer enables us to maintain our internal Unity, Spiritual
Balance and Peace while surrounded by immense
distractions, imbalance and extraversion of the
modern world.
When we are aware of the Loving Presence and
Providence of our Lord God, we are able to refrain
from becoming oppressed by anxiety, and falling into
a state of despair and hopelessness, regarding this
short lifespan as being empty and meaningless!
Through the Continuous Invocation of the Most Sweet and
Holy Name of Christ our Divine Saviour, we will feel
Him in our heart, we will avoid temptation and sin,
and instead, we will cultivate our natural Love for
God and our fellow human beings, and becoming
serene and peaceful, we, in turn, will positively affect
others with whom we associate and come into
contact.
Allow me, if I may, to provide Brotherly Advice from the
Spiritual Tradition of Mount Athos:
The more often a day we say, with sincerity of heart: “ O
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have Mercy on me, a
sinner!” the closer to God we become and the more
Divine Grace and Strength we will receive so as to be
able to deal with the various difficulties and
temptations of this preparatory life.
HTTP://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2018
ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS
As time goes by, everything fades, decays and ages.
Only Temperance is ageless and unfading. Only
Temperance does not decay but always remains
robust until the end.
Temperance is a favourite Holy Virtue because its Beauty
captivates hearts!
ST SERAPHIM OF SAROV
When we try to acquire a humble heart and peaceful
thoughts, none of the wicked, sly schemes and plots of
the enemy can be implemented, for whenever our
thoughts are peaceful, there our Lord God also finds
Peace, for “... His Place is in Peace...” ( P S A L M 7 5 : 3 )
S T L UKE – R IC H M AN & H IS B AR NS – 18 N OV EM BE R 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 1 25 November 2018

th
26 Sunday After Pentecost –
13th Sunday of St Luke – Inheriting Eternal Life
APODOSIS OF THE ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE

St Catherine the Great Holy Martyr

Also the Feast of St Clement the Archbishop (Pope) & Hieromartyr of Rome – St Peter the Archbishop (Pope & Patriarch) &
Hieromartyr of Alexandria - St Peter of Galatia – St Clement, Bishop of Ochrid & Enlightener of the Bulgarians

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 4 - LUKE 24 : 1 - 12

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon, ke Stratioton
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis Triimeros
Sotir, doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon Si Zoodota. ✞ Doxa ti
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! ✞ Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! ✞ Doxa ti
Ikonomia Sou, Mone Filanthrope!
The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans,
and a pair of soldier guarded Thine Immaculate Body.
Thou Rose on the Third Day, O Lord and Saviour,
granting Life to the world. Wherefore the Powers of
Heaven cried to Thee, O Life-giver: ✞ Glory to Thy
Resurrection, O Christ! ✞ Glory to Thy Kingdom! ✞
Glory to Thy Dispensation, O Only Lover of mankind!

MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – APODOSIS OF THE ENTRY - TONE 4

Simeron tis evdokias Theou to proimion, ke tis ton
anthropon Sotirias i prokirixis. En Nao tou Theou
tranos i Parthenos diknite, ke ton Hriston tis pasi
prokatangellete. Afti ke imis megalofonos voisomen:
“Here! tis Ikonomias tou Ktistou i Ekplirosis!”
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST CATHERINE – TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
Tin Panevfimon Nimfin Hristou imnisomen, Ekaterinan tin Let us Praise and Extol the All Lauded Bride of Christ, the
Thian ke Poliouhon Sina, tin voithian imon ke antilipsin,
oti efimose lampros, tous kompsous ton asevon, tou
Pnevmatos ti maera, ke nin os Martys stefthisa, etite
pasi to Mega Eleos.
PARISH PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
SEASONAL FESTAL KONTAKION - ENTRY
O Katharotatos Naos tou Sotiros i Politimitos Pastas ke
Parthenos, to Ieron Thisavrisma tis Doxis tou Theou,
simeron isagete en to iko Kyriou, tin Harin sinisagousa,
tin en Pnevmati Thio, in animnousin Angeli Theou: Afti
iparhi Skini Epouranios.
Today is the Prelude of God’s Good Pleasure, and the
Proclamation of mankind’s Salvation. In the Temple of
God, the Virgin is openly presented, and in Herself She
announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with great voice,
loudly cry to Her: “Rejoice! O Thou who art the
Fulfilment of our Creator’s Dispensation!”
Protectress of Sinai, the Divine Catherine, as the one
who grants Aid and Assistance to us, for she brilliantly
suppressed the impious orators, with the Sword of the
Spirit. And, being Crowned as Martyr, she asks that all
receive Great Mercy.
INTO TEMPLE – TONE 4
The Most Pure Temple of the Saviour, the Precious Bridal
Chamber and Virgin, the Sacred Treasure of God,
today enters the House of the Lord, bringing the Grace
of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She
is the Heavenly Tabernacle.

RETURN TO SERVICE BOOK 

FESTAL MAGNIFICAT – ENTRY
✞Angeli tin Isodon tis Parthenou, orontes exeplittonto,
pos paradoxos isilthen, is ta Agia ton Agion.
Os empsiho Theou Kivoto, psaveto midamos hir amiiton,
hili de Piston ti Theotoko asigitos, fonin tou Angelou
anamelponta, en agalliasi voato: ✞ Here
Keharitomeni! O Kyrios meta Sou!
INTO THE TEMPLE – TONE 4
✞ When they saw the Entry of the All Pure One the
Angels were astonished how paradoxically She
entered into the Holy Holies.
Let no uninitiated hand approach the Living Ark of God to
touch it. Rather let Faithful lips sing out to the
Theotokos in Exultation the Angel’s Salutation,
unceasingly crying out: ✞ Hail, O Full of Grace! The
Lord is with Thee!

FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 67/68 – TONE 4

Wondrous is God in His Saints.
In the Congregation Bless God, the Lord of the Fountains of Israel.

26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –ETERNAL LIFE – ST CATHERINE – 25 NOVEMBER 2018 27.
 THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE GALATIANS 3 : 23 – 4 : 5
OUR ADOPTION AS CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST THROUGH OUR FAITH AND HOLY BAPTISM
Brethren: before Faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law – kept for the Faith that would afterward be
revealed. Therefore, the Law was our Tutor - to bring us to Christ, so that we might be Justified by Faith. After Faith
has come, we are no longer under a Tutor.
You are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female. You are all
one in Christ Jesus.
If you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and Heirs according to the Promise. I say that the Heir – as long as he
is a child – does not differ at all from a slave, although he is master of all, but is under Guardians and Stewards
until the time appointed by the Father. Even so, when we were children, we were in bondage under the elements
of the world. When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son – Born of a Woman, Born under the Law - to
Redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the Adoption as sons.
Faith IN Christ is also Faith OF Christ because TWO FAITHS As ETERNITY IS FOREVER NOW/PRESENT everything happened
ARE COOPERATING TOGETHER: first and foremost, the Faith instantly.
of Christ, and secondarily, the Faith in Christ of those THOSE WHO STUBBORNLY REJECTED HIM – EVEN AFTER HEARING THE
who believe. GOOD NEWS FROM ST JOHN THE BAPTIST - REMAIN IN HADES
Although THE PEOPLE OF THE OLD COVENANT with God had where they suffer the hideous Foretastes of the
complete Faith in God, they COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN vileness and torment of Hell – the Eternal Alienation
THE FAITH OF CHRIST FOR OUR SAVIOUR HAD NOT YET APPEARED from God,
TO THEM. ✶ OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS ONE OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND
✶ THE HOLY TRINITY IS OMNIPRESENT - ever-present – THERE HAS ALLEGIANCE TO OUR LORD GOD and through our Holy
NEVER BEEN A TIME OR PLACE WHEN GOD THE FATHER, THE SON Baptism WE HAVE BECOME ADOPTED HEIRS OF GOD – CO-
AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS NOT PRESENT! HEIRS WITH CHRIST TO THE ETERNAL HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
The only time WE COULD ACTUALLY SEE GOD WAS WHEN CHRIST – GOD.
the Word and Son of God – became Man – BECAME ✶ Not only have WE BEEN BAPTISED into Christianity –into the
INCARNATE – took on physical matter – a human body. Christian Faith, but WE HAVE VESTED OURSELVES WITH
St Abraham received the Holy Trinity at the Oaks of Mamre as CHRIST – WE HAVE “PUT ON CHRIST” – we have taken on
three identical “Men” or Angels - Whom he reverently our Sacred Mission TO BECOME CHRIST-LIKE – TO IMITATE
addressed as “Lord” – as one Divine Being. CHRIST Himself and thereby REGAIN OUR LOST LIKENESS TO
THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL GOD
PREPARATORY PERIOD FOR ETERNITY. According to our New Covenant with Almighty God, THERE
Because God’s Love of us is infinite and absolute, He IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOCIAL STATUS, ETHNICITY OR
provided mankind with a set of TEN COMMANDMENTS OR GENDER because WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN THE SIGHT OF GOD!
LAWS that GUIDE US TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE AND PROTECT US ✶ SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED ARE INTERWOVEN – we
FROM FALLING INTO A STATE OF PERMANENT SPIRITUAL DEATH. cannot claim to have one without the other!
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OR MOSAIC LAW prepared the ✶ “For as many of you as were Baptised into Christ have
Hebrew Nation for the Coming of God. They STILL APPLY put on Christ,” is our ANCIENT BAPTISM HYMN that is
TO US, THE NEW ISRAEL – THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD. chanted during the Procession of the Newly
WITH GOD’S NEW COVENANT, CHRIST REVEALED THE TRUE NATURE Regenerated into the assembly – the Holy Church of
OF OUR MOST MERCIFUL, LOVING AND BENEVOLENT GOD TO Christ.
US AND TAUGHT US THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE, which the ✶ WE SHARE ONE HUMAN NATURE IN CHRIST.
ancient people of God only understood instinctively at Therefore, assessing people according to our own
first and then through the Teachings of the Holy opinion, attitude, value, gender or ethnicity is
Prophets of God. forbidden in Christ’s Holy Church,
AT THE HARROWING OF HADES AFTER HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS IN If we are genuinely trying to imitate Christ we must do so
HIS HUMAN NATURE, CHRIST - IN HIS DIVINE, ALMIGHTY without fail: He never discriminated against anyone
NATURE - SMASHED OPEN THE IMPRISONING GATES OF HADES, so how dare we do so!
AND FREED ALL HUMANITY FROM THE ENSLAVING POWER OF EVIL ANY DISCRIMINATION, BIGOTRY, INTOLERANCE OR PREJUDICE WILL
– HAVING RE-OPENED PARADISE to THE FAITHFUL where they CAUSE US SERIOUS SPIRITUAL CONDEMNATION, which -
could REPOSE IN PEACE UNTIL THE GENERAL RESURRECTION unless we quickly correct ourselves with sincere
AND OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT. Repentance - will affect our Eternity!
We are all one in nature and equal in dignity.
The Repentant Thief, St Demas, was the first Repentant sinner
permitted to enter Paradise since the banishment of Adam
and Eve.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 18 : 18 – 28
THE RICH YOUNG MAN – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE
At that time, a certain man asked our Lord Jesus, saying: “Good Teacher: what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” Jesus
said to him: “Why dost thou call Me ‘Good’? No one is Good except God. Thou knowest the Commandments: ‘Do
not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; Honour thy Father and thy Mother...’”
He said: “All these I have kept from my youth.” Hearing these things, Jesus said to him: “Thou still lack one thing: sell
all that thou hast and distribute to the poor, and thou will have Treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me.”
When he heard that, he became very sorrowful - being very rich. Seeing how sorrowful he was, Jesus said: “How
difficult it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Those who heard, said: “So who can be Saved?” He said: “Things that are impossible for mankind are possible for
God.”
THE UNIDENTIFIED RICH YOUNG RULER DID NOT APPROACH OUR Jesus pointed out the Truth that NO HUMAN BEING IS
LORD JESUS IN ORDER TO TEST HIM – as so many other PERFECT AND ABSOLUTELY GOOD AS ONLY GOD IS.
educated men tried to do in order to show how clever This initial response to the Young Ruler’s question did not
they thought they were or to lure Him into committing deny the fact that CHRIST IS INDEED GOD HIMSELF AND
something blasphemous with which they could THEREFORE CERTAINLY “GOOD,” but was specifically to
justifiably accuse Him and thus destroy Him. lead him to this Knowledge and Truth concerning our
HE SINCERELY SOUGHT OUR LORD’S ENLIGHTENMENT CONCERNING Lord God.
ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE HE REGARDED HIM AS BEING A VERY ✶ FORMAL OBSERVANCE OF THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OR
“GOOD TEACHER,” WHO POSSESSED PROFOUND WISDOM AND OTHER SPIRITUALLY EMPTY GESTURES DO NOT MAKE ANY OF US
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE – and not because he RIGHTEOUS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
acknowledged Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Although the Young Man had an earnest and sincere
✶ OUR LORD JESUS IS OUR MOST SUPREME TEACHER WHO desire for Eternal Life, HE LACKED SOMETHING ESSENTIAL
IMMEDIATELY CORRECTS OUR ERRORS AND SETS US ON THE BESIDES HAVING FAITHFULLY KEPT ALL THE HOLY
RIGHT PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE. COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, so he persisted in his search
So, knowing that the young man perceived Him as for Spiritual Enlightenment.
merely another ‘ordinary human being’ who was a  In order for anyone TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECT – to
wise and erudite Teacher of Divine Things – and achieve Theosis or to regain our lost Divine Likeness -
before answering the Young Ruler’s question, our Lord WE MUST BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING

28. 26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –ETERNAL LIFE – ST CATHERINE – 25 NOVEMBER 2018
 IN ORDER TO FAITHFULLY AND CORRECTLY FOLLOW CHRIST – TO
GO WHEREVER HE LEADS US.
 NOTHING TRULY WORTHY IS GAINED UNLESS WE OFFER OUR
SACRIFICES FREELY AND EAGERLY.
 ONCE WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE PURPOSE OF THIS
SHORT LIFESPAN - the preparatory period before Eternity
- and the significance of Eternity, WE WILL CERTAINLY BE
MOTIVATED TO FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS REQUIRED OF US
WITHOUT COMPLAINT AND WITH CONFIDENT COMMITMENT.
✶ OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TOWARDS ETERNITY IS NOT A “SOLO
JOURNEY” for all humanity throughout the ages is
heading in the same direction – whether we are
Believers or not!
✶✶ WE CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS UNLESS WE ARE
GUIDED, TAUGHT, ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED BY GOD AND
OUR HOLY SPIRITUAL FATHERS AND TEACHERS, AS WELL AS OUR
FELLOW PILGRIMS WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY EXPERIENCED AND
ENLIGHTENED.
✶ EACH HUMAN BEING IS UNIQUE SO CHRIST DOES NOT ASK
EVERYONE TO MAKE THE SAME TYPE OF SACRIFICE BEFORE
FOLLOWING HIM.
HE KNOWS OUR HEART AND MIND FAR BETTER THAN US and He
knew that THE YOUNG RULER WAS FAR TOO ATTACHED TO AND
CONCERNED WITH HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, WHICH
PREVENTED HIM FROM FULFILLING HIS ESSENTIAL SPIRITUAL
POTENTIAL and might even have caused him to
neglect his Sacred Duties to God and his fellow
mankind.
BY RIDDING HIMSELF OF HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS HE WOULD HAVE
BEEN SET FREE FROM THEIR ENSLAVING BURDEN AND
RESPONSIBILITIES – AND HE WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED THE
TRUE JOY OF GIVING GENEROUSLY AND FREELY TO OTHERS LESS
BLESSED.
 St John Chrysostom believed that THE GIVING AWAY OF
THE YOUNG RULER’S VAST EARTHLY POSSESSIONS WAS THE LEAST
OF OUR LORD’S INSTRUCTIONS BECAUSE THE ABILITY AND THE
WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN ALL THINGS IS A FAR
GREATER AND MORE DIFFICULT CALLING.
✶ OUR LORD OFTEN USED EXTREME EXAMPLES IN ORDER TO
EMPHASISE A SPECIFIC POINT OF HIS SACRED LESSONS.
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, just like the Rich Young Man, WE MUST DO
EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE.
But what must we do in order TO KNOW OUR LORD GOD AND
TO BE ABLE TO DWELL WITH HIM? What must we do to LIVE
UNDER HIS REIGN AND OR ORIENT OUR LIFESTYLE ACCORDING
TO OUR DIVINE CREATOR?
What must we do to DEVELOP AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH
OUR LORD SO THAT OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER WILL NOT
ONLY ENRICH AND BLESS THIS CURRENT EXISTENCE, BUT EVEN
CONQUER DEATH ITSELF, so that we many have an
Eternity of Spiritual Bliss, Love and Peace with Him?
What must we do to INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE? What must each
of us do in order to BECOME CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST to our
Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Eternal Life and Love?
These are profound questions that we need to answer for
ourselves, yet how rare it is for any of us to actually
pause and REFLECT UPON SUCH VITAL SPIRITUAL ASPECTS!
We are so engrossed with our work, with our hobbies,
with our addictions, with our entertainments and the
pursuit of everything that is superficial and Spiritually
Unbeneficial, that we never TAKE TIME TO FOCUS OUR
ATTENTION OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL ASPECTS AND TRUE
PURPOSE OF THIS SHORT, TEMPORARY SOJOURN BEFORE
ETERNITY.
Do we SET ASIDE SPECIFIC PERIODS of our day TO PRAY – TO
COMMUNICATE WITH OUR LORD GOD, TO CULTIVATE A VIBRANT
RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LOVING CREATOR?
Do we CONTEMPLATE AND APPRECIATE THE INFINITE GOODNESS
AND ABUNDANCE OF HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE?
Do we understand or are we aware of the innumerable
obstacles that hinder our Spiritual Progress and our
personal Relationship with our Lord God?
To the Rich Young Man’s credit, he did ask our Lord Jesus
Christ THE MOST VITAL QUESTION OF HIS LIFE, for he had
progressed in his Spiritual Journey to the point of
realising that HE STILL LACKED SOMETHING INDISPENSABLE
TO HIS INHERITANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE.
26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –ETERNAL LIFE – ST CATHERINE – 25 NOVEMBER 2018
Various interpretations have been suggested for THE
IMPOSSIBILITY OF A CAMEL PASSING THROUGH THE EYE OF A
NEEDLE.
 Some believe that instead of “a camel” passing
through the eye of a fine sewing needle, it was THE
IMPOSSIBILITY OF A THICK “ROPE” BEING THREADED THROUGH
THE EYE OF A NEEDLE.
 THE TALMUD USED THE WORD “ELEPHANT” INSTEAD OF “CAMEL.”
– another gross exaggeration to emphasise a
significant point.
 Others regarded it as reference to HEAVILY LADEN
CAMELS OR BEASTS OF BURDEN THAT HAD TO BE UNLOADED AND
THEN SQUEEZED THROUGH THE SMALL PEDESTRIAN GATE that
was usually set into the great, protective doors of the
ancient cities.
This explanation reminds us that UNLESS WE UNBURDEN
OURSELVES OF OUR EARTHLY GOODS AND CHATTELS, WE CANNOT
ENTER THE NARROW GATE OF GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM!
Whatever the case might have been – simple or more
obscure – IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANYONE WHO IS MORE
CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR WORLDLY GOODS THAN THEIR
SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL
THINGS, TO RECEIVE SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE IN GOD’S
HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY.
Sadly, most of us so concerned with material things that
are merely temporary, destructible and
disappointing, that WE COMPLETELY IGNORE AND NEGLECT
OUR SACRED DUTIES.
Furthermore, NONE OF THESE EARTHLY MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
CONTRIBUTES TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION UNLESS THEY ARE
CORRECTLY PUT TO USE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LOVE OF GOD
AND OUR FELLOW SINNERS.
Nevertheless, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE during this preparatory
period TO TURN TO GOD AND MAKE UP FOR THE PRECIOUS TIME
WE HAVE LOST, BY REPENTING OUR SINS AND STRIVING EACH
MOMENT OF THE DAY FOR A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
THROUGH FAITHFUL WORSHIP, PRAYER, FASTING AND
EVERYTHING THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
Although we realise what a difficult and almost
impossible Journey we must endure, we may rest
ASSURED IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS
INDEED POSSIBLE!
OF ST LUKE – ACQUIRING ETERNAL LIFE
Our Lord Jesus Christ responded to the Rich Young Man’s
Spiritual Quest with THREE VERY IMPORTANT SACRED
LESSONS, WHICH WE MUST APPLY TO OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES:
1. When the Rich Young Man addressed Him as “...Good
Teacher...” our Lord Jesus Christ made it very
clear that “... no one is Good except God!”
Being our Divine Saviour, OUR LORD JESUS IS CERTAINLY
APPROPRIATELY ADDRESSED AS BEING “Good.”
However, He is telling us to UNDERSTAND WHAT TRUE
GOODNESS IS – I.E. THE PERFECT GOODNESS OF OUR LORD GOD,
which none of us can claim to be for WE ARE ALL
HABITUAL SINNERS REQUIRING CONSTANT REPENTANCE-
CONFESSION IN ORDER TO MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AT
ALL.
The fallen world’s standard and measure of what is “good
or bad” is very far from the Perfect Standard of our
Lord, which is why CHRIST REMINDS US – AND EMPHASISED –
THAT TRUE GOODNESS STARTS AND ENDS WITH ALMIGHTY GOD
HIMSELF.
Thus, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AS THE ETERNAL, INCARNATE SON
AND WORD OF GOD, IS THE PERFECT STANDARD OR MODEL
WHOM WE MUST ALL STRIVE TO EMULATE (imitate or copy).
We cannot consider ourselves as ever being Spiritually
“good enough” by any means, which should compel
and encourage us to Struggle all the more harder!
We must never deceive ourselves by thinking that our
efforts are ever “good enough” while we Journey
towards Eternity, so WE MUST ALWAYS MAKE MORE AND MORE
EFFORT TO PERFECT OURSELVES BY FOLLOWING CHRIST IN EVERY
ASPECT of our current, temporary lifespan.
EVERY STEP we take towards Eternity – and hopefully, the
Kingdom of God – CONCERNS OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE – OUR
SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO HIS
DIVINE LOVE, GOODNESS, KINDNESS, COMPASSION, AND
MERCY.
OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY NEVER ENDS until we cross the
threshold into Eternity, so we must ALWAYS TAKE THE
GREATEST CARE AND MAKE THE MOST EFFORT TO CONTINUE OUR
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST.
29.
 2. Our Lord Jesus Christ told the Rich Young Man to OBEY
HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS THAT CONSIST OF LOVING
GOD AND EACH OTHER.
Our Judeo-Christian Holy Tradition provides us with a
very clear Path of Life that requires us to LOVE GOD
WITH ALL OUR MIND, WITH ALL OUR HEART, WITH ALL OUR
STRENGTH AND WITH ALL OUR SOUL. (This is what we declare
each time we make the Sign of the Cross upon ourselves!)
We must MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO FULFIL OUR LORD GOD’S
DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE, WHICH REQUIRES THE
INSEPARABLE HOLY VIRTUES OF HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, for
thereby we acquire Eternal Life, while Living in Christ.
✶ THE BEGINNING OF ETERNAL LIFE NECESSITATES OUR HUMBLE
OBEDIENCE TO A PARTICULAR WAY OF LIFE.
Our Christian Faith is neither a ‘philosophy’ nor an
intellectual belief.
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES IS first and
foremost A SPECIFIC, UNCOMPROMISING WAY OF TRUE LIFE
THAT GRANTS US SPIRITUAL FREEDOM AND TRUTH.
In order to begin our Journey towards Eternal Life, we
must learn to HUMBLY AND WILLINGLY OBEY ALL THE
TEACHINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS HOLY
CHURCH.
Obedience to the Divine Commandments did not seem to
be the Rich Young Man’s problem, for he seemed to
have sincerely followed them since his early
childhood and was thus making Spiritual Progress.
YET HE WAS PAINFULLY AWARE THAT HE LACKED SOMETHING VERY
SIGNIFICANT that would prevent his inheritance of
Eternal Life.
3. Our Lord Jesus Christ knew that THE RICH YOUNG MAN
WAS VERY ATTACHED TO HIS WORLDLY RICHES AND THE
EMINENT SOCIAL STATUS THAT IT GAVE HIM AND HIS
FAMILY, WHICH HE CHERISHED, AND ALWAYS FEARED
LOSING.
 THESE SPIRITUAL UNBENEFICIAL ASPECTS OF HIS LIFE, ENSLAVED
HIM – HELD HIM CAPTIVE – FOR HE FEARED LOSING THEM
EVEN MORE THAN HE DESIRED THE INHERITANCE OF
ETERNAL LIFE.
Therefore, our Divine Saviour confirmed the fact that
SOMETHING CRITICAL WAS INDEED LACKING from the Rich
Young Man’s Spiritual Life – TRUE FREEDOM!
Christ tells him clearly and concisely: “...sell all that thou
hast and distribute to the poor, and thou will have
Treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me.”
 Instead of corruptible worldly affluence that can be
so easily lost, destroyed or stolen, HE WOULD INHERIT
INDESCRIBABLE, PRICELESS AND EVERLASTING HEAVENLY
TREASURE, AS WELL AS TRUE FREEDOM!
However, THE RICH YOUNG MAN FAILED TO GRASP HIS DIVINE
TRUTH, AND WAS DEEPLY ANGUISHED BY THE THOUGHT OF
PARTING WITH HIS VISIBLE, TANGIBLE OPULENCE FOR ANYTHING
ELSE – EVEN ETERNAL LIFE THAT HE HAD PROFESSED TO DESIRE
SO MUCH.
 When the dejected Rich Young Man departed, HE HAD
ALSO REJECTED THE DIVINE CALLING OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST WHO LEADS US - AND EVEN AT TIMES, CARRIES US -
TOWARDS HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
✶ KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD’S DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND
TEACHINGS ARE ONLY THE FIRST STEPS OF OUR SPIRITUAL
JOURNEY, for as we strive to deepen our Relationship
with our Lord God, WE NEED TO CONTINUALLY PROCEED
TOWARDS A HIGHER SPIRITUAL LEVEL WHERE NOTHING
POSSESSES US AND STANDS BETWEEN US AND GOD.
 We must reach A SPIRITUAL LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING THAT
EVERYTHING WE HAVE BEEN GRANTED DOES NOT BELONG TO
US – is not our own possession to do with whatever
we like – but instead is A GENEROUS LOAN FROM OUR
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
Our Lord God does not discriminate. He does not take
into consideration what degree of sinners we were –
whether we were good or bad, virtuous or sinful –
before we desired His Divine Grace. He simply awaits
our expression of or quest for this Holy Desire, and as
soon as that happens, His Grace and Mercy begins to
act upon us.
ST NICHOLAS VELIMIROVICH
Our Struggle – the Spiritual Warfare – is relentless and
continuous, and is waged against us both internally
and externally. Sometimes our bitter enemy acts
visibly against us through other people or things or
circumstances, while at other times he attacks us
invisibly through our thoughts. Occasionally, he will
30. 26TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –ETERNAL LIFE – ST CATHERINE – 25 NOVEMBER 2018
LORD GOD, TO BE USED APPROPRIATELY throughout our
long Journey towards Eternal Life, which cannot
proceed properly if THESE BECOME THE VERY OBSTACLES
AND STUMBLING BLOCKS THAT STAND IN OUR WAY!
Many of us struggle with the first Sacred Lesson, for WE
DARE TO THINK THAT WE ARE “GOOD ENOUGH.”
Others struggle with the second Sacred Lesson, for WE
PERSUADE OURSELVES THAT WE CANNOT POSSIBLY FULFIL ALL
THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS – not even the “easier”
Commandments – and SOME OF US DO NOT EVEN TRY TO
OBEY ANY OF THEM AND CONTINUE OUR SELFISH EXISTENCE.
The third Sacred Lesson applies when we STRUGGLE TO
DRAW EVER CLOSER TO OUR LOVING LORD GOD, AND we
REALISE THAT SOMETHING FUNDAMENTAL IS LACKING within
us – something is HINDERING US FROM EXPERIENCING A
REALISTIC, VIBRANT AND INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Many of us – if not most of us – have the same problem as
that Rich Young Man, for WE FEAR THE LOSS OF OUR
WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND OUR PERCEIVED SOCIAL STATUS.
These Spiritually Unbeneficial aspects of our current
existence are DELUSIONAL AND ENTRAPPING FOR THEY
PARALYSE US, AND PREVENT US FROM ACHIEVING THE TRUE
PURPOSE OF OUR CREATION.
ANY DEGREE OF OBSESSION that holds us back from a healthy
Relationship with our Lord God and our relationship
with our fellow mankind IS DETRIMENTAL AND
DESTRUCTIVE.
✶✶ ANYTHING THAT WE DESIRE MORE THAN GOD AND HIS
GOODNESS AND LOVE, ENSLAVES US AND CAUSES US SPIRITUAL
DEATH, which we need to RECOGNISE AND ERADICATE
THROUGH REPENTANCE-CONFESSION AND OUR DETERMINED
EFFORTS, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
OUR PRIMARY LOVE SHOULD BE FOR OUR LORD GOD – PUTTING HIS
DIVINE WILL BEFORE ALL OTHERS – even our beloved
family and friends!
OUR SAVIOUR did not congratulate the Rich Young Man for
having followed His Divine Commandments since his
childhood, but rather, He CHALLENGED HIM BY TELLING
HIM WHAT HE ALREADY UNDERSTOOD: ““Thou still lack one
thing...!”
✶ WHEN WE MANAGE TO CORRECT WHATEVER PREVENTS US FROM
MAKING GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS, WE SHALL BECOME
WORTHY CITIZENS OF GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
This might seem to be far too difficult to achieve, but as St
Symeon the New Theologian urges us, WE MUST NOT
BELIEVE “... THE LIE THAT CLAIMS THERE IS NO ONE IN OUR TIME
OR IN OUR MIDST WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP THE DIVINE
COMMANDMENTS AND BECOME AS HOLY AS THE SAINTS...” who
have preceded us.
On the contrary, IT IS INDEED FEASIBLE for each and every
one of us, AS LONG AS WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE
INDWELLING IN US OF THE HOLY TRINITY, WHO MAKES
“...Things that are impossible for mankind ...
possible ...”
May whatever we lack be revealed to us so that we may
fully implement the necessary remedies - by
UNDERSTANDING OUR LORD’S DIVINE GOODNESS AND STRIVING
TO PERFECT HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS OF LOVE by
CASTING OFF ANYTHING THAT PREVENTS US FROM A DYNAMIC,
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, for
now – this present time – is the beginning of Eternal
Life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love!
Amen
ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP
SERMON BY FATHER LUKE A VERONIS
ST CONSTANTINE & ST HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
WEBSTER, MASSACHUSETTS, USA
HTTP://SCHWEBSTER.ORG
appear openly with a violent and merciless attack,
like any malicious enemy, but he might also disguise
himself as a friend who flatters us in order to lead us
astray by his cunning machinations.
ST JOHN OF KRONSTADT
We must watch ourselves very carefully – especially
concerning our passions, which are freely displayed
in our family environment because that is where they
show themselves most freely while, outside our homes,
some of our passions are covered up by other, more
acceptable behaviour.
However we cannot conceal those passions that
undermine our Spiritual Integrity at home!
 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, and Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints.
And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

30 November 2018
St Andrew the First Called Apostle of Christ our Lord
Also the Feast of St Frumentios, Archbishof of Inda (Ethiopia/Abyssinia) – Entrance of St Andrew the
First Called Apostle into Georgia – St Vakhtang Gorgasali, King of Georgia – St Peter & St Samuel of
Georgia

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

FESTAL APOLYTIKION - ST ANDREW – TONE 4

Os ton Apostolon Protoklitos, ke tou korifeou aftadelphos, As first of the Apostles to receive the Call, and very
ton Despotin ton olon Andrea iketeve, irinin ti ikoumeni brother of the Prince of them, intercede O Andrew,
dorisasthe, ke tes psihes imon Mega Eleos. with the Master of us all: Peace to all the world to
grant, and to our souls His Great Mercy.
PARISH PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 
SEASONAL - ADVENT KONTAKION - EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS
I Parthenos simeron, ton Proeonion Logon, en Spileo ethete Today the Virgin comes to the Cave to give Birth Ineffably
apotekin aporritos. Horeve, i ikoumeni, akoutisthisa; to the Word Pre-Eternal. Hearing this, be of good
Doxason meta Angelon ke ton Pimenon, voilithenta cheer, O Earth and its people: Glorify Him with the
apofthine, Pedion Neon, ton Pro Eonon Theon. Angels and the Shepherds, Whose Will it was to be
made manifest as a young Child – the Pre-Eternal God.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 18 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Is pasan tin Gin exilthen O fthongos Aftou... His Proclamation went forth into all the Earth...
I Ourani diigounte Doxan Theou... The Heavens declare the Glory of God...
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 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 - the offscourings of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. 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.
The relative comfort of the Corinthians Christian The Holy Church of Christ is similar to any other family –
Community was contrasted with the persecuted, with maturing children who need parental guidance.
poverty-stricken and uncertain lifestyle of the Holy As Struggling Disciples of Christ, we who are the maturing
Apostles of Christ. children, need our Spiritual Fathers to teach and
They endured all kinds and degrees of humiliation – guide us.
being treated as filth and even like the “off-scourings” St Paul urged us as Faithful Disciples of Christ to imitate
– yet, instead of retaliating in a similar fashion – him just as he ceaselessly strove to imitate our Lord
striking back in a similar manner at their persecutors Jesus Christ.
– the Holy Apostles and Faithful Disciples of Christ
responded with unconditional, Divine Love – Agape!
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 1 : 35 - 52
THE FORMER DISCIPLES OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FOLLOWED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
At that time, John stood with two of his Disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said: “Behold! The Lamb of
God!” And having heard him speak, the two Disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and seeing them following
Him, said to them: “What do you seek?” They said to Him: “Rabbi:” (which is to say, when translated: ‘Teacher,’) “...
where art Thou staying?” He said to them: “Come and see.” They went and saw where He was staying, and
remained with Him that day. (It was about the tenth hour.) Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two
who had heard John speak, and had followed Him.
Finding first his own brother, Simon, he said to him: “We have found the Messiah!” (which is translated: ‘the Christ.’) And
he took him to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said: “Thou art Simon – the son of Jonah. Thou shalt be called
‘Cephas,’” (which is translated: ‘Rock.’)
The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And He found Philip, and said to him: “Follow Me.”
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him: “We have found Him
of Whom Moses in the Law – and also the Prophets – wrote: Jesus, the son of Joseph of Nazareth!” And Nathanael
said to him: “Can anything Good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him: “Come and see!”

ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE OF CHRIST OUR LORD 30 NOVEMBER 31

Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, and said of him: “Behold! Truly an Israelite - in whom there is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to Him: “How dost Thou know me?” Answering Jesus said to him: “Before you were called by Philip -
while under the fig tree, I beheld thee.” Nathanael answered, and said to Him: “Rabbi! Thou art the Son of God!
Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus replied, and said to him: “Because I said to thee; ‘I beheld thee under the fig
tree,’ dost thou believe? Thou shalt see greater Things than these!”
And He said to him: “Truly, truly, I say to thee: hereafter thou shalt see Heaven open, and the Angels of God
ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
OUR LORD’S FIRST DISCIPLES HAD BEEN FOLLOWERS OR DISCIPLES OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO SEE
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. INTO EVERYONE’S HEART AND SOUL OBVIOUSLY STIRRED ST
They were ST ANDREW, ST (SIMON) PETER who was also NATHANAEL’S SPONTANEOUS CONFESSION OF FAITH.
known as ‘Cephas,’ (‘Petros’ or ‘Rock’), ST PHILIP AND ST ✶ The awesome title “Son of Man” is that of THE LONG-
NATHANAEL, who was also known as “ST AWAITED MESSIAH, WHICH HAD A LEVEL OF MYSTERY in its
BARTHOLOMEW” and an unnamed Disciple whom our meaning, INDICATING SOMEONE OF HEAVENLY ORIGIN
Holy Fathers believe was ST JOHN, the author of this WHO WOULD USHER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD:
Holy Gospel who always referred obliquely to  DANIEL 7 : 24 – 25: “... One like the Son of Man was
himself, such as “The Disciple whom Jesus Loved.” coming with the Clouds of Heaven, until He
It was a common literary device for writers not to use came to the Ancient of Days and approached
their own names. Him. Then Dominion, Honour, and the
When our Lord referred to ST NATHANAEL as having ‘no Kingdom were given to Him, and all peoples,
deceit’ He meant that his HEART AND SOUL WERE PURE Tribes, and languages served Him. His
and that he WAS ALWAYS STRAIGHTFORWARD, TRUTHFUL Authority is an Everlasting Authority, which
AND HONEST - HAVING NO NEED OR DESIRE TO DECEIVE shall not pass away, and His Kingdom shall not
OTHERS. be destroyed.”
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAD FORESEEN ST NATHANAEL UNDER In an Old Testament Prophecy, Jacob, the ancient
THE FIG TREE – EVEN BEFORE ST PHILIP WENT TO FETCH HIM Patriarch, dreamt of A LADDER CONNECTING HEAVEN AND
AND TAKE HIM TO MEET OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.. EARTH, UPON WHICH THE ANGELS OF GOD WERE ASCENDING
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM BELIEVED that it WAS THE USUAL MEETING AND DESCENDING. (GENESIS 28: 12 – 15)
PLACE OF ST PHILIP AND ST NATHANAEL, and that OUR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THIS DIVINE LADDER WHO UNITES
LORD PRAISED ST NATHANAEL FOR BEING DILIGENT AND AND CONNECTS US TO HEAVEN – WHO MAKES OUR
CAREFUL IN THEIR SEARCH FOR THE DIVINE MESSIAH. ASCENSION TO HEAVEN POSSIBLE – AND WHO IS THEREFORE,
THE SON OF MAN, AS WELL AS THE INCARNATE ETERNAL,
ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD.
FORGIVENESS AND ENTRY INTO PARADISE – ELDER JOSEPH THE CAVE DWELLER
Our Holy Elder, Joseph the Cave Dweller, once had a On another occasion, Elder Joseph beheld in a dream
visitor from his former home town. the Priest of his former village - although the man had
Our Holy Father asked him about all the people who already Reposed - who said to him:
lived there, mentioning them by name, and when he “Elder Joseph, let me tell you something. When I was on
enquired about a certain person, his visitor seemed Earth, I believed only through the Prayers of Priests
uneasy and hesitant, then he said: “He died without could the laity be brought out of Hades and sinners
Confession, Father, and we are very worried about could be forgiven.
him.” Now that I am here, do you know what I see? It is not only
The Wise Elder responded: “Brother, you are wrong about the Prayers of Priests, which are certainly necessary,
him, for he did Confess.” The man asked: “How did he but also the Prayers of Faithful Christians and others
Confess?” that get people out of Hades.
And the Holy Elder said: “Before he departed, he wrote And that is because our Lord Jesus Christ is the Source
me a letter and told me everything. For me, from the and Origin of the Request (Prayer) and He sincerely
moment he wrote the letter and posted it, God had and utterly wants us to give Him a reason to Forgive
forgiven him, and when I read the letter I forgave him all of us and bring us into Paradise!”
as well.” We must realise that we are losing our immortal soul over
We may well wonder why God would forgive that man nothing!
who only wrote a letter to the Holy Father on Mount Our soul will be lost and condemned for Eternity due to
Athos confessing his sins to him. our indifference and negligence!
However, as Father Joseph understood the Great Mercy of Our Divine Saviour is so completely concerned with us
our Lord God, he knew that our Divine Saviour wants because He Loves us and wants to give us all His
us to Repent and Confess our sins any way we can so Goodness and Blessings!
that He may bestow His Love and Forgiveness upon
us, thus Healing and Restoring us to Spiritual Life.
THE REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH AND WHAT IT MEANS TO US - ST PIMEN THE HOLY ELDER
Remembrance of Death helps us to overcome our “old Remembrance of Death about which St John Klimakos
nature” because it brings Humility to our soul. and other Holy Fathers have written a great deal, has
When we forget Death, we have the illusion that we are nothing to do with any melancholic nor neurotic
never going to die and this increases our arrogance, condition, which would not be beneficial to our soul
our greed, our worship of our bodies, the desire to because it would create despair, which would need
exploit other people. to be overcome with the assistance of a Spiritual
Remembrance of Death gives us a sense of our Guide.
boundaries upon this Earth and the significance of God-centred Remembrance of Death is a Charismatic
our actions, our words, and our thoughts have for and Spiritual State, which brings Humility, Peace and
Eternity and Life after Death. Joy to the soul as a Gift from God that we must seek.
So it helps us to confront this present life with seriousness,
in the Light of Eternity, so we do not waste our life on ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Earth by living in a prodigal manner - carelessly, The cause of moral lapses is not the nature of the
superficially and indifferent towards the ultimate temptations, but the heedlessness of those who are
Consequences. Even Socrates, the wise ancient tempted.
Philosopher understood: “...Those who philosophize
correctly are actually practising to die and fear ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
Death less than people!” A Faithful Friend is a Living Treasure, a fenced off
St John Chrysostom advised us to frequently visit Garden, a sealed Well, which opens from time to time
cemeteries so that we can reflect on the vanity of and offers us the riches of its soul.
human matters, and become humble and merciful, By “Faithful Friend” I mean those who are Good and
less attached to material things, and more open to Kind, whose Friendship has been cultivated on the
God and other people. basis of their Virtue.

32. ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE OF CHRIST OUR LORD 30 NOVEMBER