Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

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

Tone 2 1 January 2019

Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ
Also the Feast of St Basil the Great of Caesarea, Cappadocia - St Emilia ( Mother
of St Basil the Great, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Makrina & St Peter of, (Father of St
Gregory the Theologian) – St Theodotos the Martyr – St Sebaste) – St Peter the New
Martyr of the Peloponnesos – St Gregory, Bishop of Nazianzos Theodosios the
Righteous of Triglia – St Telemachos – St Fulgentios, Bishop of Ruspe

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

ISODIKON - SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS – CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST – ST BASIL THE GREAT

Defte proskinisomen.ke prospesomen Hristo. Come let us worship and bow down before Christ.
✞ Soson imas Iie Theou, O S ARKI P ERITIMITHIS , psallontas Si, ✞ Save us, O Son of God, C I R C U M C I S E D I N T H E F L E S H ,
Allelouia! who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
F E S T A L A P O L Y T I K I O N – C I R C U M C I S I O N O F C H R I S T

Morfin analliotos anthropinin proselaves, Theos on kat’ Thou took on human form without change in Thee, being
ousian Poleiefsplaghne Kyrie, ke Nomon ekpliron God in Essence, O Lord Most Compassionate. And
peritomin, thelise katadehi sarkikin, ina pafsis ta skiodi, Thou accepted Circumcision in the Flesh, in total
ke perielis to kalimma ton pathon imon. ✞ Doxa ti fulfilment of the Law, to put an end to the acts of
agathotiti, ti Si! ✞Doxa ti efsplahnia Sou! ✞Doxa ti darkness, and roll away the veil of our sufferings. ✞
anekfrasto, Loge, singatavasi Sou! Glory to Thy Goodness, O Lord! ✞ Glory to thy
Tenderness! ✞ Glory to Thine inexpressible
Condescension, O Word!
F E S T A L A P O L Y T I K I O N O F S T B A S I L T H E G R E A T – T O N E 1
Is pasan tin gin exilthen O fthongos Sou, os dexamenin ton Thy voice has gone out all over the earth, which was
Logon Sou; diou theoprepos edogmatisas, tin fisin ton ready to accept Thy Word; by which in a Godly
onton etranosas, ta ton anthropon ithi katekosmisas. manner Thou Dogmatised; the nature of all that exists
Vasilion Ieratevma, Pater Osie; Presveve Hristo to Thou clarified; the manners of people Thou Purified.
Theos, Sothine tas psihas imon. As Royal Priesthood that Thou art, O Father Righteous,
Intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be
PARISH PATRONAL APOLYTIKION
Saved.
F E S T A L K O N T A K I O N - C I R C U M C I S I O N O F C H R I S T – T O N E 3
O ton olon Kyrios peritomin ipomeni ke vroton ta Now the Lord of all that is undergoes Circumcision, in His
ptesmata os agathos peritemni. Didosi tin Sotirian Goodness cutting off the sins and failings of mortals.
simeron kosmo: Here de en tis Ipsistis ke O tou ktistou He this day grants Salvation to the whole world; and
Ierarhis ke Fosforos, O Thios Mystis Hristou Vasilios. the Hierarch and Bright Daystar of the Creator now
rejoices in the Highest: Basil the Wise and Divine
Initiate of Christ.
FESTAL MAGNIFICAT - (INSTEAD OF “AXION ESTIN...”)
Epi Si heri, Keharitomeni, pasa i Ktisis, Angelon to sistima, In Thee, O Lady Full of Grace, rejoices all Creation, the
ke anthropon to genos, igiasmene nae, ke Paradise Orders of Angels and humanity together. O Hallowed
logike, parthenikon kavhima. Ex is Theos esarkothi, ke Temple and Rational Garden of Paradise, the Pride of
pedion gegonen, O pro eonon iparhon Theos imon. Tin Virgins, from Thou did God become Incarnate, and our
gar Sin Mitran Thronon epiise, ke tin Sin Gastera, God Who existed before the Ages became a Child. For
Platiteran Ouranon apiergasato. Epi Si heri, He made Thy Womb a Throne for Himself, and Thy
Keharitomeni, pasa i Ktisis: Doxa Si! Body He made wider than the Heavens. In thee, O Lady
Full of Grace, rejoices all Creation: Glory to Thee!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 48/49 – TONE 1
To stoma mou lalisi Sofian ke i meleti tis kardias mou My mouth shall speak Wisdom, and the meditation of my
Sinesin. heart, Understanding.
Akousate tafta, panta ta Ethni! Hear this , all you Nations!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS 2: 8 – 12
ST PAUL SPEAKS OUT AGAINST FALSE THEOLOGY OF HERETICS
Brethren, beware lest any man cheat you by Philosophy, and vain deceit -according to the tradition of men, according
to the elements of the world, but not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the Fullness of the Godhead
corporeally. And you are filled in Him, Who is the Head of all Principality and Power; in Whom also you are
Circumcised with Circumcision Not Made By Hand, in the despoiling of the body of the flesh, but in the Circumcision
of Christ, Buried with Him in Baptism, in Whom also you are Risen again by the Faith of the Operation of God, Who
has raised Him up from the dead.
The basic principles of the world include 2. The NATURAL LAWS that regulate the universe,
1. The basic ELEMENTS OF MATTER/material including those conditioning our fallen human

CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – ST BASIL THE GREAT – 1 JANUARY 2019 1..
 life – death, sin, the flesh – as well as the Mosaic OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – BEING GOD AND MAN – FULFILS OUR
Law. HUMAN NATURE, and all levels of being submit to Him as
3. THE (WICKED, FALLEN) SPIRITS OR DEMONS who use our Divine Lord, Master and Saviour.
these natural conditions to oppose our Lord WE NO LONGER NEED TO RISE SLOWLY THROUGH A HUMANLY
Jesus Christ, and who are at the core of pagan CONCEIVED ‘SPIRITUAL BUREAUCRACY’ TO REACH OUR LORD
cults and false beliefs GOD.
4. ALL HUMAN, MANMADE TRADITIONS that are opposed WE MAY APPROACH OUR LORD DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR DIVINE
to God’s Sacred Tradition. SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS THE SOVEREIGN POWER – our
✶✶ “In Him (God) dwells all the Fullness of the Divine Ruler, King and High Priest – over all Angelic
Godhead...” WHEN THE ETERNAL WORD AND SON OF and earthly beings.
GOD BECAME INCARNATE, IT BECAME POSSIBLE FOR US TO WE NO LONGER NEED TO PERFORM MAN-MADE RITUALS NOR WORKS
BEHOLD GOD IN PERSON. in order to gain our Divine Redeemer’s attention,
When Christ was asked to describe our Heavenly Father, Compassion or Great Mercy.
He told us that WHOEVER SEES HIM (CHRIST) SEES WHAT THE WE ARE ABLE TO APPROACH OUR DIVINE LORD AND SAVIOUR
FATHER WOULD LOOK LIKE, FOR ALL THREE OF THE PERSONS OF THROUGH HIS SACRED WORKS – for by the Holy Mystery of
THE DIVINE GODHEAD ARE IDENTICAL EXCEPT IN THEIR DIVINE our Baptism we have been Adopted by God and
ROLES. United to Him.
THE WORD AND SON OF GOD BECAME MAN WITHOUT CEASING TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TRIUMPHS OVER ALL THE TRAGIC
BE DIVINE, although He assumed our human nature CONDITIONS OF OUR FALLEN EXISTENCE – sin, death, the
with the exception of the inclination to commit sin (act flesh, the laws and the evil spirits – due to His own
in any way against the Divine Will of our Heavenly Passion, Death and Glorious Resurrection.
Father.) According to the Old Covenant Rite of Circumcision, only
IN CHRIST, GOD AND MAN IN ONE PERSON, HIS DIVINE NATURE a small piece of flesh was removed, whereas
POURS INTO OUR HUMAN NATURE, for anything that is not ACCORDING TO OUR NEW COVENANT, THE NEW CIRCUMCISION
assumed by Christ would not have been HEALED AND OF CHRIST – OUR HOLY BAPTISM – WE DIE TO THE FLESH AND
RESTORED TO OUR CREATED STATE AND PURPOSe. LIVE IN GOD.
DUE TO CHRIST’S INCARNATION, WE DO NOT NEED TO RISE THROUGH
MANIFOLD LEVELS OF BEING IN ORDER TO APPROACH THE LORD
OUR GOD.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2 : 20 – 21 & 40 – 52
THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD & HIS FIRST TEACHING IN THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE YEARS
At that time, the Shepherds returned, Glorifying and Praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it
was told them. And when eight days were completed for the Circumcision of the Child, His Name was called ‘Jesus,’
the Name given by the Angel before He was Conceived in the Womb.
The Child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom and the Grace of God was upon Him.
And every year His Parents went to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old,
they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast.
And when they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and
His Mother did not know it. Supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey. And they
sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,
to look for Him.
And after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Teachers, and listening to them, and
asking them questions. All who heard Him were astonished at His Understanding and Answers. And when they
saw Him, they were amazed. And His Mother said to Him: “Son, why hast Thou done this to us? Look Thy father and
I have sought Thee anxiously.” And He said to them: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be
about My Father’s Business?”
And they did not understand what He said to them. And He went down with them to Nazareth. And He was subject to
them. And His Mother kept all these things in Her heart. And Jesus increased in Wisdom and stature, and in
Favour with God and mankind.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED CIRCUMCISION ACCORDING TO THIS WAS THE FIRST STATEMENT MADE BY CHRIST CONCERNING
THE PRECEPTS OF MOSAIC LAW – which He faithfully GOD AS HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.
followed throughout His Life and Ministry, because HE CHRIST DID NOT BREAK THE 5TH COMMANDMENT, “...Honour thy
FULFILLED THE ENTIRE OLD COVENANT LAW as given by God father and mother...” because WHAT HE HAD DONE BY
to St Moses on Mount Sinai. REMAINING AT THE TEMPLE AFTER HIS MOTHER AND GUARDIAN
AFTER THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, HOLY BAPTISM REPLACED HAD LEFT THE CITY, WAS AN ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION AS THE UNIVERSAL MYSTERY OF HE OBEYED GOD AND DID GOD’S WILL although St Joseph the
SALVATION AND INITIATION INTO THE CHURCH. (It is referred Betrothed and the Ever Blessed Theotokos did not fully
to as being “THE NEW CIRCUMCISION.”) understand at the time and were naturally concerned
In the Orthodox Church IT IS AN ANCIENT HOLY TRADITION TO for His safety.
NAME A CHILD ON THE EIGHTH DAY of its life. This is not the WHILE HE GREW UP, CHRIST WAS SUBJECT TO HIS EARTHLY,
Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of Baptism and Chrismation TEMPORARY, PARENTS – HIS LEGAL GUARDIANS - CLEARLY
that takes place a month or two later. DEMONSTRATING HIS HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO AND RESPECT FOR
It is a different Service to the 40 Day Churching of the HIS EARTHLY FAMILY.
Mother that occurs 40 days after the birth of a baby. HE GREW UP HEALTHY IN BODY AND SPIRIT, increasing daily in
The Incarnation [assuming or taking on a visible, “...Wisdom, Stature and Favour with God and men...”
physical body of flesh and bone] means that OUR LORD and BRINGING INTO PLAIN VIEW THE WISDOM AND GRACE
JESUS CHRIST EXPERIENCED NORMAL HUMAN PHYSICAL, INHERENT IN HIM.
EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH, but UNDER THE In His Incarnation, JESUS CHRIST MADE HUMANITY COMPLETELY
SPECIAL OVERSHADOWING GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD THAT HIS OWN, INCLUDING PROGRESS IN WISDOM AND GRACE.
FILLS HIM WITH WISDOM AND STRENGTH – BOTH PHYSICAL AND HE EXPERIENCED AND SANCTIFIED EVERY STAGE OF HUMAN LIFE.
SPIRITUAL. Since our Lord Jesus Christ is both God and Man, OUR
PILGRIMAGES TO JERUSALEM ON THE THREE GREAT FEASTS OF LORD INCREASED HUMANLY IN THE GRACE AND WISDOM THAT
PASSOVER, PENTECOST AND TABERNACLES, WERE CUSTOMARY WERE ALREADY FULLY HIS IN HIS DIVINE NATURE.
FOR ALL HEBREWS except those who lived at great THE GROWTH OF CHRIST’S HUMANITY PREFIGURES OUR OWN
distances from the Temple. Entire Clans and GROWTH INTO UNION WITH HIM.
Communities would travel together for safety and AS CHRIST OUR GOD AND CREATOR TOOK ON COMPLETE
companionship. HUMANITY, HE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ACHIEVE SPIRITUAL
WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REFERRED TO “MY FATHER’S PURITY OR THEOSIS AND BECOME “GOD-LIKE.”
BUSINESS” HE REFERRED TO GOD’S WILL IN PREPARATION FOR
HIS DIVINE (AND PUBLIC) MINISTRY.

2. CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – ST BASIL THE GREAT – 1 JANUARY 2019
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy,
Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together
with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to
Christ our God. Amen.

6 January 2019
Holy Theophany – Baptism of Christ our Lord
TH E DIVINE REVELAT ION OF THE HOLY TRINIT Y

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

FESTAL ISODIKON – THEOPHANY – TONE 2

✞ Evlogimenos O Erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou, Theos ✞ Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. Save
Kyrios ke Epefanen imin. Soson imas, Iie Theo, O en us, O Son of God, Who was Baptised in the Jordan, who
Iordani ipo Ioannou Vaptisthis, psalontas Si: Allilouia! sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ
Doxa Si! (3) our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world: Glory to Thee! (3)
FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOPHANY
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou hast Appeared today to the inhabited Earth, and
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Unapproachable Light!
INSTEAD OF THE TRISAGION OR THRICE HOLY HYMN
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! ✞As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put on
[3] Christ: Alleluia!
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati ke nin ke Ai ke is ✞Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous eonas ton eonon. Spirit, Now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! ✞ Have put on Christ: Alleluia!
Dynamis! P R I E S T With Strength!

Dynamis! CHOIR With Strength!

Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! PEOPLE ✞ As many of you as were Baptised into Christ,
have put on Christ: Alleluia!
FESTAL MAGNIFICAT – THEOPHANY - TONE 2
✞ Megalinon, psihi mou, tin Timioteran ton Ano ✞ Magnify, O my soul, Her who is greater in Honour
Stratevmaton. than the Heavenly Hosts.
Apori pasa glossa evfimin pros axian. Ilingia de vous ke Every tongue is at a loss to praise Thee as is due: even a
iperkosmios imnin Se, Theotoke. Omos Agathi iparhousa, spirit from the world Above is filled with dizziness,
tin Pistin dehou. Ke gar ton pothon idas ton entheon when it seeks to sing Thy Praises, O Theotokos. But
imon. Si gar Hristianon i prostatis, Se Megalinomen. since Thou art Good, accept our Faith. Thou know well
our Love Inspired by God, for Thou art the Protector of
Christians, whom we Magnify.
THE COMMUNION HYMN
Epefani i Haris tou Theou, i Sotirios pasin anthropis. The Grace of God has Appeared for the Salvation of all
Allilui ! (3) mankind. Alleluia! (3)
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – THEOPHANY – PSALM 117/118 – TONE 4
Evlogimenos O erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou! READERBlessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Proshomen! PRIEST Let us attend
Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti Agathos, oti is ton eona to READER Confess the Lord, for He is Good; for His Mercy

Eleos Aftou! endures forever!

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TITOS 2:11-14 & 3:4-7
THE GRACE OF GOD SAVES US THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS CHRIST & THE HOLY SPIRIT
Titus my child: the Grace of God that brings Salvation has Appeared to all mankind, teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, Righteously, and Godly in the present age, looking for the
Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, so that
He might Redeem us from every lawless deed and Purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for Good
Works.

HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2019 3..
...For when the Kindness and the Love of God our Saviour toward mankind Appeared - not by Works of Righteousness
which we have done -but according to His Mercy, He Saved us, through the Washing of Regeneration and
Renewing of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having
been Justified by His Grace we should become Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life.
While Christian ethical Teaching often appears similar to St Paul had many opponents who accused him of failing
other systems, St Paul used both Roman and Judean to Love his fellow Israelites.
ethical terms – THE BASIS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS BEING Judean unbelief was illuminated by ST PAUL’S DESCRIPTION
UNIQUE. OF ISRAEL – THE ONE THAT IS PHYSICAL (OLD COVENANT ISRAEL
CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE GOOD PEOPLE – not merely due to - JUDAISM) AND ONE THAT IS SPIRITUAL (NEW COVENANT
Obedience to Divine Law or harmony with nature, or ISRAEL – CHRISTIANITY).
in order to gain Immortal Bliss for our soul. ✶✶ GOD IS FAITHFUL TO ALL ISRAEL, but the significant point
Rather, Christians should BE RIGHTEOUS IN ANTICIPATION OF concerns THE TRUE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM/ISRAEL WHO ARE
THE AGE TO COME – IN PREPARATION FOR ETERNAL LIFE IN THE CHILDREN OF THE DIVINE PROMISE – FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM – THE ESCHATON, which is the AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
Age of THE FULLNESS OF CREATION IN THE INCARNATE WORD  2 P E T E R 1 : 1 – “... those who have obtained like
AND SON OF GOD THE FATHER. Precious Faith with us by the Righteousness of
“Grace” is THE UNCREATED ENERGY OF ALMIGHTY GOD. our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ...”
Divine Grace is THE HOLY GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, St Peter taught an Apostolic Consensus – “... like Precious
THROUGH WHICH HE GRANTS HIS DIVINE GIFTS TO MANKIND IN Faith with us...” - thereby REMINDING AND EXHORTING US
TENDER MERCY AND GOOD WILL. TO FULL CHRISTIAN BELIEF AND VIRTUE – encouraging us to
The Grace of God is THE FORMATIVE POWER, THE RULE OF LIFE FAITHFULLY FULFIL OUR DAILY LIFE IN CHRIST BY COMPLETE
OF THE ESCHATON, THAT REQUIRES OUR DETERMINED OBEDIENCE TO DIVINE TRUTH, BY STRIVING TO FULFILL ALL
PARTICIPATION AND OUR PERSONAL SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE OR GOD’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS CEASELESSLY AND
STRIVING TO MAINTAIN. UNCONDITIONALLY.
To belong to God is to BECOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE LIKE OR St Paul believed that the Name “God” usually referred to
SIMILAR TO GOD IN WHOSE LIKENESS AND IMAGE WE ARE the Person of God the Father, not to His Divine Nature.
CREATED. As St Paul grew older, it seems his sense of the difference
(After the Fall, mankind lost our Divine Likeness, and this between this present age and the Age to come
temporary, preparatory period of earthly life is granted to (Eternity) was more profound. (deepened)
each of us in order to Struggle and Strive to regain that lost In his earlier Epistles, St Paul emphasised the present
Divine Likeness. mp) realisation of God’s Divine Power, whereas later, he
To be “Ransomed” or “owned” by our Lord God is not concentrated more on OUR FUTURE TRANSFIGURATION.
simply a legal and static state, but means to LIVE IN The “Washing of Regeneration” – THE HOLY MYSTERY OF
SOLIDARITY WITH OUR TRIUNE GOD BY OUR CEASELESS, BLESSED BAPTISM – and the “Renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
AND VICTORIOUS SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE. CHRISMATION, FORM A UNITY IN OUR SALVATION, which is
Our Holy Church Fathers regard “...our Great God and clearly stated throughout the New Testament.
Saviour, Jesus Christ...” as A LANDMARK STATEMENT OF THE  Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us that WE ARE RE-BORN
DIVINITY OF CHRIST JESUS. FROM ABOVE THROUGH “WATER AND THE (HOLY) SPIRIT.”
 R O M A N S 9 : 5 - “... for whom pertain the Adoption the (REFER TO JOHN 3:5)
Glory, the Covenants, the Giving of the Law, the  St Peter preached SALVATION IN CHRIST THROUGH BEING
Service of God, and the Promises, of Whom are the BAPTISED AND BY RECEIVING THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF THE
Fathers, and from Whom, according to the flesh, HOLY SPIRIT. (REFER ACTS 2:38)
Christ came, Who is over all, the Eternally  St Paul strongly encouraged us to ACCEPT THE WASHING
Blessed God.” OF THE WATER, AND THE RENEWING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT –
THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 3 : 13 – 17
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS PUBLICLY PROCLAIMED BY GOD AS HIS ETERNAL SON AT HIS BAPTISM
At that time, our Lord Jesus went from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be Baptised by him. And John tried to prevent
Him, saying: “I need to be Baptised by Thee, and art Thou coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him:
“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all Righteousness.”
Then he allowed Him.
When He had been Baptised, Jesus came up immediately from the water. And behold:, the Heavens were opened to
Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And behold: a Voice came
from Heaven, saying: “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well pleased.”
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BEING GOD-MAN, AND THUS SINLESS,  HE ENTERED THE WATERS OF THE RIVER JORDAN, THEREBY
CERTAINLY DID NOT NEED THE SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION AND SANCTIFYING ALL THE WATER ON EARTH.
SANCTIFICATION OF REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM.  HE FULFILLED THE MANY FORETYPES MENTIONED IN THE OLD
By making the Purification of mankind His own, OUR TESTAMENT HOLY SCRIPTURES, as when St Moses led
SAVIOUR WASHED AWAY THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND, GRANTED US the Israelites from bondage into Freedom through
SPIRITUAL REGENERATION AND REVEALED THE DIVINE MYSTERY the Red Sea, and when the Ark of the Covenant
OF THE HOLY TRINITY – God the Father, God the Son and was carried into the Jordan River so that the
God the Holy Spirit. Faithful People of God could enter the Promised
Therefore, HIS BAPTISM WAS NECESSARY FOR THE FULFILMENT OF Land. (EXODUS14 & JOSHUA 3,4 & 7)
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS PLAN OF SALVATION.  HE OPENED HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM to a world that had
St Gregory of Nyssa explained that our Lord Jesus Christ been separated and exiled from God due to our
“... entered the filthy, sinful waters of the (fallen) rebellion, disobedience and all unrepented sins.
world, and when He arose from the water, He THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST IS CORRECTLY ENTITLED “THE GREAT
Elevated (Uplifted) and Purified our entire world with FEAST OF THEOPHANY” WHICH MEANS “GOD REVEALED.”
Him.” THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD IS
By being Baptised, our Divine Saviour accomplished REVEALED TO US BY THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,
several significant Things: AND BY THE VERY VOICE OF GOD THE FATHER WHO TESTIFIES
 HE AFFIRMED THE HOLY MINISTRY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST TO THIS DIVINE TRUTH.
AND FORERUNNER. THEOPHANY IS THE GREATEST AND CLEAREST PUBLIC
 HIS TRUE, DIVINE IDENTITY WAS TESTIFIED TO AND REVEALED MANIFESTATION OF OUR TRIUNE GOD in human history –
BY the other Two Persons of the Holy Trinity – GOD “...the Trinity was made Manifest...” as we so Joyfully
THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. sing.
 HE IDENTIFIED WITH HIS PEOPLE by descending naked into THE DIVINE WORDS ACTUALLY SPOKEN BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY
the waters of the Jordan River together with them. FATHER, ALSO APPLY TO EVERYONE WHO IS BAPTISED AND who
 HE PREFIGURED HIS OWN FORTHCOMING DEATH, BURIAL AND strives ceaselessly and determinedly to LIVE IN CHRIST,
RESURRECTION, which gave the Holy Mystery of for WE ARE DIVINELY ADOPTED at our Holy Baptism,
Baptism its ultimate Meaning and Purpose.

4. HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2019
 BECOMING CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST our Saviour. (SEE
GALATIANS 4:4-7)
THE HOLY SPIRIT APPEARING and hovering “like a dove” IS
CERTAINLY NOT AN INCARNATION at all, but was A VISIBLE
SIGN OF SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS THAT DESCENDED FROM
HEAVEN AND ALIGHTED UPON CHRIST OUR LORD.
Doves are able to hover in the air, which is how the witnesses
described what they beheld, but the Holy Spirit did not
take the form of a dove, which is an incorrect
assumption that should be avoided or rejected at all
costs!! We can only describe anything according to our
personal experiences and limited knowledge. mp
THIS MYSTERIOUS, INDESCRIBABLE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT FULFILLED THE TYPE THAT HAD BEEN PREFIGURED AFTER
THE GREAT FLOOD, as St Theophan explained: “... just as
a dove announced to Noah that God’s Wrath had
ceases, so too the Holy Spirit Announced on
Theophany that Christ has Reconciled us with God by
sweeping sin away in the Flood Waters of Baptism...”
 GENESIS 12 “The Spirit of God...” HOVERED OVER THE
WATER AT THE FIRST CREATION.
HOL Y TH EOPHANY – ST JOH N OF
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ – as we celebrate this
Great Feast of Theophany, we must understand that
Almighty God was made known to us human beings
as the Holy Trinity and that our Lord Jesus Christ was
revealed to us as the Christ – our Divine Saviour.
Where was Christ revealed? Where was His Work begun?
Did He go to a great city to be revealed there in all His
Divine Glory? Did He ascend a high mountain, with a
crowd of many thousands standing below and
looking up at Him in wonder? No! Not at all!
Our Lord Jesus Christ was revealed to us and His Public
Ministry began when He went into the wilderness, to
the River Jordan, where St John, His Forerunner, was
preparing His People by calling them to Repentance
and then Baptizing them
St John the Baptist ceaselessly preached Repentance,
calling all sinners to Repent their sins and be Baptized
in the Jordan River, signifying their Spiritual
Cleansing.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is sinless, went to St John and
asked him to Baptise Him, but St. John – recognising
the True Identity of our Divine Saviour, fearfully
protested, saying: “I need to be Baptised by Thee, and
art Thou coming to me?”
And our Lord Jesus explained to him: “Permit it to be so
now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all
Righteousness.” ( MATTHEW 3:13-15]
Our ancient Forefather, Adam, sinned through pride. He
wanted to be exalted by becoming like God.
However, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAME TO FULFILL THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF OUR LORD GOD BY EXPIATING ADAM’S PRIDE
BY MEANS OF HIS OWN PROFOUND HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
TO GOD THE FATHER.
Adam wanted to exalt himself before God, but GOD
HUMBLED HIMSELF BEFORE MANKIND!
So Christ our God voluntarily descended into the waters of
the Jordan River and accepted the Baptism of His
Most Faithful Servant and Forerunner, St John, who,
trembling in Holy Fear, placed his hand on His
Beloved Master and Lord God, while Christ humbly
bowed His Head before him.
Christ’s sincere and Natural Humility unlocked the
Heavens for us!
The Heavens were opened and the Voice of God our
Heavenly Father was heard by everyone present,
proclaiming: “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I Am
well pleased!”
In other words, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TOLD US VERY CLEARLY
AND CONCISELY THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS TRULY HIS
BELOVED SON WHO WILLINGLY HUMBLED HIMSELF IN ORDER TO
ACCOMPLISH HIS DIVINE WILL.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S ETERNAL,
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD WHO ABASED HIMSELF IN
ORDER TO ELEVATE US – I.E. ALL MANKIND!
HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2019
AT THEOPHANY, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HOVERED “LIKE A DOVE” AND
ALIGHTED UPON OUR LORD’S HEAD, THEREBY ANOINTING HIM
AS THE GREAT MESSIAH – our Lord and Saviour – at the
beginning of the New Creation (of the New Covenant
between God and mankind.)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID NOT “BECOME” THE SON OF GOD AT
THEOPHANY, FOR HE IS ETERNALLY THE WORD AND SON OF
GOD – HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS REVEALED TO MANKIND AS THE
ETERNAL SON OF GOD THE FATHER on that Glorious Day.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS ALWAYS RESTED UPON HIM.
THEOPHANY – THE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – is Joyfully
Commemorated on 6 January, for it also POINTS US
TOWARDS THE BLISSFUL AGE TO COME – Eternal Life in God’s
Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 P S A L M 2 : 7 The Royal Psalmist, St David, wrote
prophetically “... Thou art My Son... Today I have
Begotten Thee..”
It is remarkable how THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
REVEALED TO US THE INFINITE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY
when GOD THE FATHER SPOKE from Heaven, and THE HOLY
SPIRIT DESCENDED, hovered and alighted upon THE
BAPTISED, INCARNATE, ETERNAL SON OF GOD.
SH ANGHAI & SAN FRANC ISCO
Simultaneously, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED FROM
HEAVEN AND HOVERED ABOVE OUR LORD JESUS, THEREBY
CONFIRMING THE DIVINE TRUTH OF GOD THE FATHER.
Thus, by His Absolute Humility and Obedience, Christ our
Divine Saviour opened the Heavens, and revealed to
us the Great Divine Mystery of the Tri-Hypostatic
Godhead. (Three Divine Persons In One Godhead.)
Why did God Reveal His Divine Mystery in the waters of
the Jordan River, and not by any other place or
means?
At the Creation of the Universe, when God created the
Heavens and the Earth, the Earth was without form
and void; the Holy Spirit of God moved over the
waters, and God divided the Earth from the waters,
but in such a way that water still remained
everywhere.
Water is essential to everything He created, for nothing
can live without water.
There is water (humidity) in the air and even in a handful
of sand from absolutely anywhere – and even in
stone, although it might seem to us that there is none
there, but when God so wills, He can draw it out, as He
did for Moses and His People in the Wilderness during
their 40 year sojourn.
 P S A L M 2 3 : 1 - 2 “...The Earth is the Lord’s, and the
fullness thereof, the world, and all that dwell
therein. He hath founded it upon the seas, and
upon the rivers hath He prepared it...”
 2 P E T E R 3 : 5 - 6 “... By the Word of God the Heavens
were of old, and the Earth standing out of the
water and in the water... Whereby the world that
then was, being overflowed with water,
perished...”
When mankind became overwhelmed by their sins, they
incurred the wrath of God not only upon themselves,
but upon all Creation.
Man is the Crown of God’s Creation, and was made
nature’s King. But when that King became the enemy
of God our Lord and Eternal King, his entire Kingdom
fell into a state of animosity, alienation and rebellion
against God.
Consequently, the ensuing Penalty was incurred not only
by mankind, but by all Creation!
 R O M A N S 8 : 2 0 “...We know that the whole Creation
groaned and travailed in pain together until
now... (for) ... the creature was made subject to
vanity - not willingly, but by reason of him who
has subjected the same ...”
Therefore, THE FORGIVENESS OF THE OFFENDERS ALSO FREES
CREATION FROM THE BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION.
 2 PETER 3:13 THIS CORRUPTIBLE NATURE WILL BE
DESTROYED, BEING TRANSFORMED into “... New
Heavens and a New Earth, wherein dwelleth
Righteousness...”
It was in order TO MAKE THIS TRANSFORMATION POSSIBLE, AND
TO PREPARE NATURE FOR THE INCORRUPTION THAT WILL OCCUR
AFTER THE DREAD DAY OF JUDGEMENT, that OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST WENT INTO THE WATERS OF THE JORDAN.
5.
By His Immersion in the Jordan River, Christ our Lord
Sanctified not only the waters of the Jordan, but the
whole nature of the waters:
“Christ hath Appeared in the Jordan to Sanctify the
waters...” (TROPARION OF THE FOREFEAST)
“Today the nature of the wate(TROPARION AT THE BLESSING OF THE
WATERS)rs is Sanctified...”
Since there is water everywhere, BY SANCTIFYING THE
WATERS, CHRIST THEREBY SANCTIFIED ALL OF CREATION AND
THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE.
Our Lord Jesus Christ prepared nature that it, too, might
experience the Beneficial Consequences of the
Sacrifice that He came to offer.
But this was not yet everything.
HE GAVE THE WATERS THE POWER TO CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS.
The Baptism of St John His Righteous Forerunner only
signified Repentance of sins whereas OUR ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IS A NEW BIRTH AS WELL AS THE
FORGIVENESS OF ALL OUR SINS.
God punished the sins of His first Creation with water, by
destroying it in the Great Flood but now HE SAVES US
FROM ETERNAL CONDEMNATION THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY
OF BAPTISM WITH ITS SANCTIFIED WATER THAT CLEANSES US
AND RENEWS US COMPLETELY.
Thus, as we sing in the Festal Hymns of Theophany, our
Lord Jesus Christ crushed the head of the serpent in
the waters of the Jordan - THAT SAME EVIL SERPENT THAT
DECEIVED OUR ANCIENT FOREFATHERS, ADAM AND EVE, which
WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DEFEATED BY THE HUMILITY AND
OBEDIENCE OF JESUS CHRIST.
On that great day of His Baptism in the River Jordan, OUR
DIVINE TEACHER REVEALED TO US THAT OUR LORD GOD IS A
TRIUNE GOD – THREE PERSONS IN ONE GODHEAD - and HE
SANCTIFIED THE WATERS OF THE WORLD, THEREBY PREPARING
ALL CREATION, along with the waters, TO RECEIVE THE
WORD OF FORGIVENESS AND TO PREPARE IT FOR INCORRUPTION.
Then, having been Victorious in yet another battle
against the evil one in the wilderness, CHRIST OUR LORD
TH E MYST
In ancient times, people were in awe of the dark enigma
of time. They tried to explain it through Philosophy
and Science.
But as life passes and time rolls by, we are horrified when
we realize the vanity of yesterday, the evanescence of
today and the uncertainty of tomorrow.
This is because yesterday has passed, today is being
erased - since every moment escapes and becomes
the past - and the future is unknown.
Saint Basil the Great wondered if time “...is perhaps the
mirror of Eternity...” because the concept of time, is
beyond the understanding of our limited human
brain.
Although the fleeting nature of time poisons our life with
anxiety, the sanguine Light of the Christian Revelation
brings us calm, for God manifested Himself in time
and, in the Person of Christ, trod the solid ground of
history. It answers our questions and anxieties.
Christian Teaching notes that time is God’s Work and Gift
and has important educational value.
Time begins with the Creation and proceeds towards a
specific Goal at the end of the ages - completion in
Eternity - the Transformation of all things into a
different quality and dimension of time, life and
existence.
All things are born and die in this present world and time.
Time is so transitory and everything is constantly
changing and, in the end, impermanent, so it is
natural to desire a State that is permanent, stable and
imperishable - the Kingdom of God, for which we
were created.
Every moment is unique and unrepeatable, with no
turning back, which makes our lifespan a period of
Struggle, Vigilance and Repentance.
Repentance in relation to time means, among other
things, that we are Called to Live this earthly,
temporary present without becoming attached to, nor
being absorbed by it, because the ‘here and now’
really is “...an evening going towards its own
decline.”
Our unique, individual lifespan is like being in a carriage
on a train of natural time of history and ‘of the whole
world’, which is speeding towards Eternity.
6. HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2019
PREPARED HIS BELOVED MANKIND FOR HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM
OF LOVE.
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR BEGAN HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY BY REPEATING
THE ADMONISHMENT OF HIS RIGHTEOUS FORERUNNER:
 MATTHEW 4:17 “... Repent! For the Kingdom of
Heaven is at hand!”
 M A R K 1 : 1 5 “ . . . The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom
of God is at hand! Repent and believe the
Gospel!”
Until that time, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST HAD BEEN URGING THE
FAITHFUL PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO REPENT, THEREBY PREPARING
THE WAY FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – THE TRUE LAMB OF
GOD – THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD OF GOD
THE FATHER.
Now THE LORD OUR GOD HIMSELF CRIES OUT TO EVERY ONE OF US
THROUGHOUT ALL THE AGES: “Repent!”
His Divine Voice is not addressed only to those who lived
those days but TO ALL PEOPLE OF EVERY ERA AND EVERY
GENERATION!
As long as we hear and read the Holy Gospel and chant
these Festal Hymns of Theophany – and of all others
throughout the year, as well as listening carefully to
the Spiritual Guidance and Teachings of our Holy
Fathers - WE CANNOT FORGET NOR NEGLECT TO REPENT OUR
SINS AS QUICKLY AS WE FALL INTO TEMPTATION AND SIN.
Let us be attentive! For THESE ARE THE DIVINE WORDS - not of
a Prophet nor an Angel - but OF THE LORD OUR GOD
HIMSELF!
Let us CEASELESSLY REPENT OUR SINS, and, throughout the
approaching Great Lenten Fast, let us STRIVE TO
CONQUER OUR PASSIONS AND TO RECEIVE REMISSION OF SINS,
that in the Age to come – Eternity - we might BE WORTHY
TO ENTER THE IMPERISHABLE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR US BY THE
LORD OUR GOD.
Amen
ST JOHN OF SHANGHAI & SAN FRANCISCO, IN BITOL, SERBIA. 1928
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
ERY OF TIME
God alone determines the length of our Journey, and,
when it has been completed, He recalls each one of
us in the Spiritual State that we have acquired – good
or bad.
This temporary, earthly course of our existence is similar
to any journey, but this Journey of Life begins when
we are born into this world, where we come into
contact with many different types of people, some of
whom will accompany us throughout most of this
Journey, and many others who will disembark at
different stages or times, leaving us with memories of
them yet without their physical presence.
Everyone we meet affects our Spiritual Journey to a
greater or lesser degree – especially those whom we
Love and respect – while others will guide us,
encourage us, teach us, tempt us, destroy us, harm us
or save us.
Some will have a Christian outlook on life and an
awareness of their own impermanence, while others
will suffer pains and sorrows, be ‘oppressed and
mistreated,’ embittered, vengeful and angered by
circumstances and consequences.
Some of our fellow travellers will be willing helpers to
those in need, and are compassionate, kind people of
service and sacrifice, while many others are diversely
opposite.
Most people get on and off “the train” without us realizing
what impact, if any, we have had on them or vice
versa. They are the countless numbers we encounter
on a daily basis, to whom we pay no heed.
Our earthly life is a Journey full of hopes and
disappointments, greetings and farewells, but
certainly without any going back.
The Mystery of this Journey is that we do not know when
we and our fellow travellers will finally disembark.
The partings are often very sad and painful, but not
without Hope, because we have the Sacred Pledge
that we will meet again at the station of Eternity.
Let us use this precious duration of our Journey well, so
that we make good Spiritual Progress and leave
behind pleasant, loving memories, with the
unwavering Hope of our Reunion. Amen.
A RCHIMANDRITE N IKANOR K ARAYANNI S - HTTP :// PEMPTOUSIA . COM /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.

7 January 2019
Synaxis of St John the Baptist & Forerunner
AFTERFEAST OF THEOPHANY
Also the Feast of St Pachomios of Keno Lake – St Brannock of Braunton, Wales – St Cedd of
Lastingham

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION OF THEOPHANY

En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados When Thou, O Lord, was Baptised in the Jordan, the Worship
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni of the Trinity was made manifest. For the Voice of the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee “the Beloved
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to Son,” and the Spirit, like a dove, confirmed His Word as
asfales. O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Sure and Steadfast. O Christ our God, Who has Appeared
Fotisas, ✞ Doxa Si! and Enlightened the world: ✞ Glory to Thee!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – SYNAXIS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – TONE 2
Mnimi Dikeou met engomion; Si de arkesi i martyria tou The Memory of the Just is praised; but for Thou shall
Kyriou Prodrome; anedihthis gar ontos ke Profiton suffice, the Witness of the Lord, O Forerunner; for
sevasmioteros, oti ke rithris Vaptise, katihiothis ton Thou hast truly come forth as more honoured than the
kirittomenon. Othen tis Alithias Iperathlisas, heron Prophets, since Thou proved worthy to Baptise, in the
evingeliso ke tis en Adi: Theon fanerothenta en Sarki, streams, the One they preached about. Thus, having
ton eronta tin amartian tou kosmou, ke parehonta imin contended for the Truth supremely, with Joy Thou
to Mega Eleos. brought the Good News, even to those in Hades of God
Who appeared in the Flesh, and took away the sin of
the world, and Who grants to all His Great Mercy.
FESTAL KONTAKION OF THEOPHANY
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to fos sou Kyrie, esimiothi Thou hast appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy
ef imas en epignosi imnountas se. Ilthes efanis to Fos to Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Light that no man can approach.
INSTEAD OF THE TRISAGION ( AGIOS O THEOS... )
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! As many of you as have been Baptised into Christ, have
put on Christ: Alleluia!
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PALM 63/64 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Eufranthisete Dikeos en to Kyrio. ke Elpii ep’ Afton. The Righteous Man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall
Hope in Him.
Isakouson, O Theos, tis fonis mou, en to deesthe me pros Se. Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplication.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 19: 1 – 8
In those days, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper regions, went to Ephesos. And
finding some Disciples, he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you Believed?” They said to him: “But
we have not heard about the Holy Spirit!” He said to them, “Into what were you Baptised?” They said, “Into John’s
Baptism.”
Paul said, “John indeed Baptised with a Baptism of Repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe in Him
Who would come after him - that is - in Christ Jesus.”
When they heard this, they were Baptised in the Name of our Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the
Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with Tongues and Prophesied. These men were in all about twelve.
He went into the Synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of
the Kingdom of God.
Ephesos was a large, magnificent city, the capital of the St Paul remained in Ephesos for at least two years and
Roman Province of Asia Minor. Located on the main three months.
route from Rome to the East, it was a major centre of In the Church, the Laying On Of Hands for the Receiving
trade and commerce, not only in goods but also in of the Holy Spirit immediately follows the Holy
ideas. Because of its strategic location, the city Mystery of Baptism. THE TWO EVENTS ARE DISTINCT BUT
became a centre of outreach for the growing NOT SEPARATE. The Orthodox Church continues this
Church. Apostolic Sacramental Practice.
CHURCHES WERE ESTABLISHED IN ALMOST EVERY CITY AND TOWN Faithful Preaching of the Holy Gospel demands
IN THE PROVINCE WITHIN THREE YEARS, including the Preaching the Kingdom of God, because ANY
churches to which the Seven Letters in the Book of RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST WITHOUT THE REALITY OF HIS
Revelation/the Apocalypse are addressed. KINGDOM - AS IT IS EXPERIENCED IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE
AGE TO COME FALLS FAR SHORT OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 1 : 29 – 34
At that time, John saw Jesus coming towards him, and said: “Behold! The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the
world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did
not know Him; but that He should be Revealed to Israel. Therefore I came Baptising with water.”
And John bore witness, saying: “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I
did not know Him, but He Who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: ‘Upon Whom Thou see the Spirit

SYNAXIS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER TO CHRIST 7 JANUARY 2019 7..
 descending, and remaining on Him, this is He Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and Testified that This
is the Son of God.”
St John’s identifying and revealing our Lord Jesus Christ
publicly as “...the Lamb of God...” recalled St Isaiah’s
“...Servant of God...” Who died for the transgressions
of His People.
The Prophecy of St Isaiah foretold of Christ: “Surely He has
borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we
accounted Him stricken - struck down by God - and
afflicted.
“And HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, crushed for
our iniquities; upon Him was the Punishment that
made us whole, and by His Bruises we are Healed.
“All we - like sheep - have gone astray; we have all
turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid upon
Him the iniquity of us all.
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He did not
open His Mouth; like a lamb that is led to the
slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is
silent, so He did not open His Mouth.
“By a perversion of justice He was taken away.
“Who could have imagined His Future? For He was cut off
from the Land of the Living, STRICKEN FOR THE
TRANSGRESSION OF MY PEOPLE.
“They made His Grave with the wicked and His Tomb with
the rich, although He had done no violence, and
there was no deceit in His Mouth.
“Yet it was the Will of the Lord to crush Him with pain.
SYNAXIS OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
✞ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy
Spirit.
Dearly beloved Brethren, today, being the day after
Theophany, we celebrate the Synaxis of St John the
Baptist.
In the Orthodox Church it is customary, on the day
following the Great Feasts of our Lord and His All Holy,
Pure and Ever Blessed Mother, to remember those
Saints who participated directly in the Sacred Event.
So, today we honour ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND HOLY
FORERUNNER WHO PARTICIPATED DIRECTLY IN THE BAPTISM OF
CHRIST, BY PLACING HIS TREMBLING HAND UPON THE HEAD OF
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.
At the age of thirty, St John left the wilderness, appearing
on the banks of the Jordan River, where HE PREACHED
REPENTANCE IN ORDER TO PREPARE THE PEOPLE FOR OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST – THE LONG-AWAITED GREAT MESSIAH.
St John is referred to as a "...bright morning star..." whose
gleaming outshone the brilliance of all the other stars,
ANNOUNCING THE COMING DAWN OF THE DAY OF GRACE,
ILLUMINED WITH THE LIGHT OF THE SPIRITUAL SUN, OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST.
ST JOHN POSSESSED THE GREAT HOLY VIRTUES OF HUMILITY AND
OBEDIENCE – THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF SAINTS - having a
combination of both Spiritual Boldness and extreme
Humility.
WE LACK THAT SPIRITUAL BOLDNESS AND HUMILITY BECAUSE OF
OUR EGOCENTRIC SINFULNESS, whereas St John the Baptist
was able to speak boldly, yet at the same time yield to
Christ, Who was the reason for St John’s existence.
The Holy Forerunner was completely unconcerned with
his own position, for he was focused the Divine
Mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What Humility and Reality, for Humility is indeed Reality!
WHEN CONFRONTED BY UNDENIABLE TRUTH IT IS ONLY OUR
SINFULNESS AND PRIDE THAT ALLOWS US TO DENY IT, TO DEBATE
IT OR TO IGNORE IT!
ST JOHN ACCEPTED HIS ROLE AND HIS CALLING, AND, IN ALL
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, he acknowledged it because
HE FULFILLED A LIFE OF REPENTANCE.
Likewise, THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE FULFILL A LIFE OF
REPENTANCE, IS THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE EXUDE HUMILITY
AND OBEDIENCE, FOR THESE HOLY VIRTUES ARE INSEPARABLE!
We cannot be truly Humble and Obedient if we are not
Repentant!
Thus HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND REPENTANCE, ARE OUR MOST
ESSENTIAL HOLY VIRTUES TO STRIVE FOR AND TO ACQUIRE as
Faithful Orthodox Christians.
FOR THOSE WHO SEEK GOD, THE REALIZATION OF THE ABSOLUTE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “WORLDLY WISDOM” AND DIVINE WISDOM
OF CHRIST’S HOLY GOSPEL IS DEPENDENT UPON A CONSTANTLY
REPENTANT SPIRIT, FOR “METANIA” OR REPENTANCE ACTUALLY
MEANS OUR COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION OF MIND – OUR
THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS!
For that very reason, St John the Baptist and our Lord
Jesus Christ began their public Ministry with the
injunction to “REPENT!”
8. SYNAXIS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST & FORERUNNER TO CHRIST
“When you make His Life an Offering for sin, He shall see
His Offspring and shall prolong His Days; THROUGH HIM
THE WILL OF THE LORD SHALL PROSPER, out of His Anguish
He shall see Light; He shall find satisfaction through
His Knowledge.
“THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, MY SERVANT, SHALL MAKE MANY RIGHTEOUS
AND HE SHALL BEAR THEIR INIQUITIES.
“Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the Great and He
shall divide the spoil with the strong: because He
poured out Himself in Death, and was numbered with
the transgressors; yet HE BORE THE SIN OF MANY AND MADE
INTERCESSIONS FOR THE TRANSGRESSORS.” [ISAIAH 53:4 – 12]
Christ, the True Paschal Lamb, offered Himself for our
Deliverance from Darkness [OF SIN, IGNORANCE, DISOBEDIENCE
TO GOD, ETC] as St Peter the Holy Apostle reminded us:
“(…conduct yourselves throughout the time of your
stay here in Fear;) knowing that YOU WERE NOT
REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE/PERISHABLE THINGS, like silver
or gold, from your aimless conduct received by
tradition from your Fathers, BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS
BLOOD OF CHRIST, as of a Lamb Without Blemish and
Without Spot.” [1 PETER:18-19]
The Holy Spirit “...remained upon Him,” because CHRIST
OUR LORD POSSESSES THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIS FULLNESS.
St John of Damascus urged and encouraged us to “...
honour also the Holy Prophet, St John, as Forerunner
and Baptist, as Apostle and Martyr, for among those
who are born of women there hath not risen one
greater than John the Baptist, says our Lord, and he
became the first to proclaim the Kingdom...”
According to the Old Covenant Law, those who touched a
‘dead body’ were considered to be ‘impure and
unclean,’ but the Saints are not dead, for how could a
dead body work Miracles?
Furthermore, DEMONS ARE DRIVEN OFF, DISEASES ARE DISPELLED,
THE AILING ARE HEALED, THE BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, LEPERS ARE
PURIFIED, TEMPTATIONS AND TROUBLES ARE OVERCOME, BY THE
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS, AND EVERY GOOD GIFT
FROM OUR HEAVENLY FATHER COMES DOWN THROUGH THEM to
those who pray with unwavering Faith.
Consequently, THE SAINTS ARE TRULY WORTHY OF HONOUR AND
VENERATION – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE THE PATRON SAINTS
OF ALL MANKIND AND WHO INTERCEDE WITH GOD ON OUR
BEHALF AND FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
We establish Holy Temples of God in their names,
honouring their memories and taking Spiritual Delight
in them, and to ensure that we may not cause any
offenses, for THOSE WHO FAITHFULLY WORSHIP GOD TAKE
PLEASURE IN THE HOLY THINGS whereby God is
Worshipped, Honoured and Glorified.
WITH PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS, IN CONTRITION AND
PITY FOR THE NEEDY, WE IMPLORE THE INTERCESSIONS OF THE
SAINTS, as God is also most worshipped in such
manner, AND BY IMITATING THEIR VIRTUES, WE BECOME
LIVING MONUMENTS AND IMAGES OF THEM.
Let us REVERE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, AND EMULATE HIS FAITH,
LOVE, HUMILITY, AND OBEDIENCE. And JUST AS ST JOHN WAS
COMPLETELY FOCUSED ON CHRIST, LET US DO LIKEWISE for this
Life is not merely about us but about Christ.
As Metropolitan Vlakos reminded us THE GREATEST GIFT OF
GRACE, WHICH WE HAVE RECEIVED, IS THAT WE BELONG TO
CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH, AND THAT WE ARE MEMBERS OF THIS
GREAT HOLY FAMILY, which includes all of us, TOGETHER
WITH THE THEOTOKOS, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, THE ANGELS, THE
PROPHETS, THE HOLY FATHERS, THE GREAT MARTYRS, AND ALL
THE SAINTS.
We are not alone, and we should value this Great Gift, by
STRIVING AND STRUGGLING TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO CHRIST
AND HIS HOLY CHURCH - BY EXPERIENCING AND PARTAKING OF
ITS SANCTIFYING GRACE AND SHOWING BY OUR LIFESTYLE THAT
WE ARE IN A PLACE OF REDEMPTION AND SANCTIFICATION.
May we all BESEECH THE INTERCESSIONS OF ST JOHN who
pleased God even within his mother’s womb, who
proclaimed the Kingdom of God to those on Earth and
to those in Hades, and WHO CONTINUES TO GUIDE US ALL BY
HIS WORDS, DEEDS AND PRAYERS TO CHRIST OUR LORD, to
Whom alone belongs Eternal Glory.
Amen.
HTTP://WWW.HOLY12.ORG/SYNAXIS-ST-JOHN
7 JANUARY 2019
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto
the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria,
Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our
whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

11 January 2019
Afterfeast of Theophany – St Theodosios the Cenobiarch
Also the Feast of St Michael the Fool For Christ of Klops Monastery, Novgorod - St Theodosios of
Antioch – St Theodosios, Metropolitan of Trebizond & Philotheou Monastery, Mount Athos – The Holy
Icon of our Lady, Theotokos, of Elets

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

ISODIKON – TONE 2

Defte proskinisomen ke prospesomen Hristo. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ.
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O EN IORDANI IPO IOANNOU Save us, O Son of God WHO WAS BAPTISED IN THE JORDAN BY
VAPTISTHIS,psallontas Si, Allilouia! JOHN, who sing to Thee: Allelouia!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ
Doxa Si! our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world: Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST THEODOSIOS – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Tes ton dakrion Sou roes, tis erimou to agonon egeorgisas, With the rivers of Thy Tears Thou made the barren desert
ke tis ek vathous stenagmis, is ekaton tous panous bloom; and with Thy sighs from deep within, Thou
ekarpoforisas, ke genonas foster ti ikoumeni, lampoon made Thy Labours bear their Fruit a hundredfold, and
tis Thavmasin. Osie atir imon Theodosie, Presveve Thou became a Star, Illuminating the world by Thy
Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas imon. Miracles, O Theodosios, our Holy Father. Intercede
with Christ our God, for the Salvation of our soul.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION

FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOPHANY
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou hast appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Light that no man can approach.
RETURN TO THE DIVINE LITURGY SERVICE BOOK

RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON – PSALM 115/116 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Timios enantion Kyriou O Thanatos tou Osiou Aftou. Precious in the Sight of our Lord is the death of His Holy
One.
Ti antapodosomen to Kyrio peri panton, on antapedoken What shalt we render unto our Lord for all He has
imin? bestowed upon us?
FESTAL MATINS - HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 17 – 23
At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His
Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who
went to hear Him and be Healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And
they were Cured, for Power went out from Him and Healed them all.
And He - raising His Eyes towards His Disciples - said: “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Blessed
are the hungry now, for they shall be filled. Blessed are those who weep now, for they shall Rejoice. Blessed are
you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the
Son of Man’s sake.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For behold! your Reward is great in Heaven...”
In the age of the Old Covenant A SELECT FEW WERE CHOSEN  “The poor in spirit,” are THOSE WHO HAVE THE HEART OF
TO HEAR GOD DIRECTLY. (REFER EXODUS 19: 3 – 13) THE POOR, THE SAME ATTITUDE AS THE POOR, AND WHO ARE
 IN THE AGE OF THE NEW COVENANT GOD INCARNATE SPEAKS TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON GOD.
DIRECTLY TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND ALL THOSE WHO  “Those who hunger ...” and thirst for Righteousness
SEEK DIVINE TRUTH. REGARD THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL
Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us with His own Divine KINGDOM AS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES OF LIFE.
Authority and WE, AS HIS DISCIPLES, DO NOT DISCUSS OR THEY HAVE A TREMENDOUS CRAVING AND YEARNING FOR
DEBATE BUT LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT HE REVEALS AND WHAT IS RIGHT AND GOOD – A SPIRITUAL HUNGER THAT IS
TEACHES US CONCERNING GOD’S TRUTH – READY AND EAGER TO FAR MORE COMPELLING THAN A DESIRE FOR FOOD.
FULFIL WHATEVER IS REQUIRED FROM US. THIS IS OUR HOLY  “Those who weep...” refers to THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED
MISSION AND PURPOSE ON EARTH DURING THIS PREPARATORY BY THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS LIFE, ESPECIALLY BY THE
PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY. MISERY OF SO MANY OTHERS, THE STATE OF THE FALLEN
 The term “Blessed” indicates HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL WORLD, AND THEIR OWN PERSONAL SINS. (REFER JOHN 11:35...
LUKE 19:41 & LUKE 7 : 36 – 38)
EXALTATION RATHER THAN EARTHLY HAPPINESS OR
PROSPERITY.
ALL THESE ARE COMFORTED BY THE POWER OF GOD BOTH IN THIS
WORLD AND IN THE AGE TO COME.
 In Hebrew, “poor” means both THE MATERIALLY POOR AND
GOD’S FAITHFUL PEOPLE.

S T THE ODOSIOS THE G RE AT , H OLY CE NOBIAR CH 11 J ANU ARY 2019 9..

HOLY SORROW IS PART OF OUR REPENTANCE, CONVERSION AND Hebrews and Gentiles, which were later spread
VIRTUOUS ACTION. throughout the world by His Divinely Inspired Apostles
HOLY SORROW OR JOYFUL MOURNING IS THE FIRST-FRUIT – THE and Faithful Disciples.
INITIAL RESULT – OF INFINITE OR ETERNAL BLISS/JOY, which is  ST JOHN THE DIVINE APOSTLE, EVANGELIST AND THEOLOGIAN
completely different from ungodly sorrow – an WROTE OF THREE PASSOVER FEASTS THAT OCCURRED
inconsolable sadness that leads to despair – utter BETWEEN THEOPHANY – the Revelation of the Holy
hopelessness. (REFER TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7 : 10 ) Trinity at the Baptism of our Lord in the River
THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL IS WHEN WE COMMIT OUR Jordan by St John the Baptist – AND HIS PASSION –
LIVES ENTIRELY TO CHRIST – WHEN WE LIVE IN CHRIST AND the New Covenant Pascha – which shows us that
NEVER COMPROMISE OUR FAITH no matter what the our Lord’s earthly Divine Mission – the direct
circumstances or threats against us. Teaching by God Incarnate Himself – lasted only
 This “Sermon on the Plain” is similar but not as three short years!
extensive as Christ’s profound “Sermon on the This short section of the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
Mount.” (MATTHEW 5 – 7) is read on Feast Days commemorating our Holy
OUR LORD JESUS REPEATED MANY OF HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OVER Hierarchs, Hieromartyrs and Monks.
THE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS – His Public Ministry to the
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 13 : 7 – 16
Brethren: remember those who rule over you - those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their
Lives, and imitate their Faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by
diverse and strange teachings. It is Good that the heart be Strengthened by Grace – not by foods, which have not
benefitted their adherents.
We have an Altar - from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. The bodies of those animals,
whose blood is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest as a Sacrifice for sin are burnt outside the Camp.
Jesus also suffered in order to Sanctify the People through His own Blood, outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to
Him outside the Camp, to bear the abuse He endured.
Here we have no Lasting City, but we seek that which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a
Sacrifice of Praise to God – that is: the Fruit of lips that Confessed His Name. Share what you have - do not neglect to
do Good. Such Sacrifices are pleasing to God.
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 11 : 27 – 30
RESTING IN CHRIST
At that time our Lord Jesus said: “All Things have been Delivered to Me by My Father. And no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who Labour and who are heavily Laden, and I will grant you Rest. Take My
Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart. And you will find rest for your souls, for
My Yoke is easy and My Burden is light.”
St Theophylact explained to us that GOD HAS HIDDEN HIS ✶ THE YOKE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR FREE AND WILLING
DIVINE MYSTERIES FROM THE WISE AND ERUDITE PEOPLE OF THE SUBMISSION TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT
WORLD – not out of any malice towards His creatures IS REQUIRED OF US AS WORTHY FUTURE CITIZENS.
but rather because of their unworthiness, for they  A YOKE could be seen as a sign of hardship, burdens,
chose to trust their own fallen, warped and limited and responsibilities, but IN CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, HIS
wisdom and judgement instead of God’s Perfect and YOKE IS EASY, BECAUSE DIVINE POWER WORKS IN EACH OF
Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge. US. (2 KINGS 12: 1 – 11; JEREMIAH 34: 1-11; WISDOM OF SIRACH
Furthermore, IT IS OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND THAT GOD 40:1)
WITHHOLDS DIVINE REVELATION FROM THOSE WHO WOULD Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD IS INFINITELY GREATER
SCORN IT – IN ORDER THAT THEY DO NOT RECEIVE EVEN WORSE THAN ANY EFFORT MANKIND PUTS FORTH.
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AT THEIR FINAL JUDGEMENT.  The term “Gentle” is literally translated “Meek.”
ST THEODOSIOS THE CENOBIARCH
By imitating the Obedience and unexampled Humility of Christ, Who bowed His Head before the Forerunner, O
Father Theodosios, Thou wast led up to an Unshakeable Tower of Virtues...”
Beloved Brethren in Christ, Noble Christians and Pilgrims, Theodosios worked while still alive: “...once in
our Father among the Saints Theodosios, the Master of Jerusalem, he received schooling by Great and Holy
the Desert, who while being in human form became men of the desert. Having mastered the ultimate
Co-Citizen with the Angels, has gathered us ... in order Abstinence, so that he would eat only once a week,
to celebrate his Commemoration. and for thirty years he had not tasted bread, and
St Theodosios’ Life of Monasticism and Ascesis is having acquired the Virtue in Christ, he became so
distinguished by his outstanding Obedience and Great that he could work odd Miracles.”
Perfect Humility, in imitation of our Lord and God and St Theodosios is distinguished as a bloodless Martyr of the
Saviour Jesus Christ. St Theodosios’ Virtues in Christ Mystery of Reverence - of our healthy Orthodox Faith.
made him not only “...an Unshakeable Tower...” but He preached the two Natures of the God-Man - our Lord
also a Wonder Worker. Jesus Christ - boldly and vigorously, while the heretic
St Symeon the Stylite taught St Theodosios the Life in Christ followers of Nestorianism denied them: “...Calling Thy
- Angelic Life on Earth – which is a continuation and Teachings to remembrance, O Theodosios, we
extension of our Sacred History on Earth and the proclaim Christ in two Essences, acknowledging the
Mystery of Divine Providence, which has been two Natural Wills and Energies and Authorities in
preached by the Holy Prophets, Apostles and God Who was Baptized in the Flesh.”
Evangelists who were Bearers of the Holy Spirit. In other words, St Theodosios did not only become a
In other words, the objective of all the Saints, and Master of the desert, but also a Teacher and
especially our Desert Fathers’ Desire and Love for Shepherd of our Church, for which Christ was
God, has always been our Incorruption in Christ, by willingly seen in the Flesh, being Baptized in the River
His Resurrection, having eagerly sought their Jordan by St John the Baptist, and was crucified in the
Transformation - Theosis or Deification - in Christ the Flesh at Golgotha.
New Adam, for our Lord “...Transformed the Heavenly We Rejoice on every Holy Feast, as they are a “...
Things into the Heavenly Life...” as St Isidoros Foretaste of the Heavenly Joy...” and being a
Pilousiotis commented. Communicant of this Foretaste, St Theodosios calls us
St Theodosios received this Transformation of Heavenly to participate fully in the Universal Salvation through
Life, as revealed by the incorruptible Holy Relic of his our Incarnate Lord Jesus Christ, for having become
head, the irrefutable token of our Faith in the Martyrs of consciousness, and His Evangelists, who are
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Born of the Holy Spirit, we must faithfully follow our
This is also confirmed when his Disciple, Basil, was Lord Jesus Christ by fulfilling His Divine
resurrected from the dead: “...Imitating the voluntary Commandments...”
Death of Christ, the renowned Basil, Thy Disciple, “Forget not Thy Flock even now, O All-Blessed St
inaugurated the New Tomb in exceeding Joy, O Theodosios, but by Thine Intercessions with our
Father Theodosios...” - one of many Miracles St Lord, Save us we pray.” Amen.

10. S T T H E OD OSIOS THE G RE AT , H OLY CE NOBIARCH 11 J ANU ARY 2019

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

Tone (8) Plagal 4 13 January 2019

33 Sunday After Pentecost – After Theophany
rd

THE BEGINNING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S PUBLIC MINISTRY

Also the Feast of St Hermylos & St Stratonikos of Belgrade – St Irenarchos the Recluse of Rostov – St Eleazar of Anzersk
Island, Solovki – St Peter of Anium, Hieropolis – St James, Bishop of Nisibis – St Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers – St Maximos
Kavsokalyvites of Mount Athos – St Elian of Cornwall, England

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 10 - JOHN 21 : 1 - 14

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!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ
Doxa Si! our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world: Glory to Thee! (3)
P AR ISH P ATR ONAL A POLY TIKION

FESTAL KONTAKION – THEOPHANY – TONE 4
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou hast Appeared today to the inhabited Earth, and
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Unapproachable Light!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 32/33 – TONE 1
Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us!
Rejoice in the Lord, O Ye Righteous!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 4 : 7 – 13
WE MUST USE OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Brethren: to each one of us Grace was granted according to the measure of Christ’s Gift. Therefore He says: ‘When He
ascended on High, He led Captivity captive, and granted Gifts to mankind.’
(Now this “...He Ascended...” – what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of Earth? He Who
Descended is also the One Who Ascended far above all the Heavens, that He might fill all things.)
And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the
equipping of the Saints for the Work of Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, until we all come to the Unity of
the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, to a Perfect Man, to the measure of the stature of the Fullness of
Christ..
WHILE THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN ESSENCE, IT IS DIVERSE  The reference to “the lower parts of the earth”
IN ITS HOLY GIFTS AND FUNCTIONS. concerns either the earth itself – i.e. The
UNITY DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORMITY AND EACH MEMBER OF THE BODY Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God or physical
OF CHRIST – HIS HOLY CHURCH – IS UNIQUE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, burial and Hades – the place of the dead (before
WITH DIFFERENT GIFTS AND SPECIFIC ROLES GRANTED TO EACH the Coming of Christ) and the Death of Christ and
SOUL BY GOD. His Descent into Hades in His human Nature.
DIVERSITY IN OPERATION IS BASED ON THE ASCENT OF THE SON OF GOD  ONLY CHRIST - WHO IS BOTH GOD AND MAN - CAN “FILL ALL
INTO HEAVEN AND THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO THINGS.”
ENABLES AND ACTIVATES US - providing everything ONLY CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR CAN REIGN OVER THE UNIFICATION AND
necessary for our Eternal Life in Christ, which we alone FULFILMENT OF ALL CREATION.
are unable to do. The Divine Gifts that St Paul mentions in this particular
WE ARE ALSO GUIDED, TAUGHT AND ASSISTED BY SPECIALLY GIFTED section of his Epistle to the Ephesians are limited to
PEOPLE WHO WORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD for the sake of the those who lead our Holy Church.
maturity and stability of the entire Holy Church of THE HOLY SPIRIT EXTENDS HIS DIVINE GIFTS TO EACH PERSON AT
Christ – i.e. For all the Faithful Disciples of Christ, as THEIR CHRISMATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR HOLY BAPTISM,
well as those who are presently outside the nurturing BUT THE “MINISTRY GIFTS” LISTED HERE FORM ONE LEADERSHIP
Protection of the Holy Church. GROUP WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EQUIPPING THE LAITY – THE
ST PAUL’S RABBINIC MANNER OF INTERTWINING THE ASCENSION OF PEOPLE – FOR OUR OWN HOLY WORK OF MINISTRY.
CHRIST WITH THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, REVEALS THE THERE IS A DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE AND HOLY GIFTS IN CHRIST’S HOLY
UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BODY OF CHRIST – HIS CHURCH FOR THE UNITY OF SERVICE, FOR THE METICULOUS
HOLY CHURCH – AND THE DIVINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PRESERVATION OF TRUTH, AND FOR THE OPERATION OF DIVINE
THAT MAKE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE for us to achieve.

33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 13 JANUARY 2019 11..
 LOVE – AGAPE – which is the primary Quality of Christian – but rather as Unique and Sanctified Members of
Growth and Development. Christ’s Body, EACH SOUL STRIVING TO REACH THE PERFECT FAITH
THE CHURCH IN WHICH CHRISTIAN LIFE – I.E. OUR LIFE IN CHRIST – AND FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD.
DEVELOPS, IS not primarily an organisation, but AN Thus UNITY OF FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM KNOWLEDGE OF
ORGANISM WHOSE PARTS OR MEMBERS RECEIVE THEIR EDIFYING THE SON OF GOD
POWER FROM CHRIST TO GROW INTO HIM.
St Paul did not look at Christians as being isolated
individuals who progressed towards Perfection – Theosis
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 4 : 12 – 17
At that time, when our Lord Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving
Nazareth, He went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it
might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying: “The Land of Zebulun and the Land of
Naphtali, by way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in Darkness have
seen a Great Light, and upon those who sat in the Region and Shadow of Death, Light has dawned…”
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say: “Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”

After the illegal imprisonment of St John the Baptist, OUR
LORD JESUS WENT TO LIVE IN GALILEE. Consequently the
Inspired Prophesy of St Isaiah, the Holy Prophet of
God, was fulfilled.
St Isaiah had lived so many centuries before and his
Prophecies were recorded in the Book of Isaiah (circa
745 – 680 BC, which was between 25 years before the
Assyrian captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Judah
to approximately 40 years afterwards.)
St Isaiah’s Prophecy concerning our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ- i.e. his Vision of the Glory of God – is one
of infinite Transcendence.
MANKIND’S ROLE IS ONE OF FAITH IN RESPONSE TO DIVINE
HOLINESS AND VISION FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD and ST ISAIAH
REVEALED THE MESSIAH – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – “THE HOLY
ONE OF ISRAEL” – IN AMAZING DETAIL – as if he were
relating history instead of predicting the distant
future!
He even described Theotokos and how She was to
Conceive and Bear God the Son Incarnate with Her
Virginity intact.
Furthermore, ST ISAIAH DESCRIBED THE SUFFERING PASSION OF
CHRIST TOGETHER WITH HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION FROM
THE DEAD, PROCLAIMING HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM as if it had
already happened!
 The term: “”Galilee of the Gentiles” indicates that
MANY NON-HEBREWS LIVED IN THE REGION. Having a
mixed population, Galilee was not considered to
be a genuinely Jewish land, even though many
Gentile residents had converted to Judaism during
the Maccabean period.
Because many of the Hebrews there had been influenced
by the Greek or Hellenistic culture and customs, they
were generally regarded as being “second class
citizens” by the Judean Hebrews.
 The reference to “Darkness” means A STATE OF
UNGODLINESS – I.E. BEING IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH
OR DARKNESS WHERE THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD HAS BEEN
REJECTED.
In this context, it represents THE GENTILES’ UNAWARENESS OF
THE ONE TRUE LIVING AND ALMIGHTY GOD AND THOSE
HEBREWS WHO REMAINED IN THE SHADOWS OF THE OLD
COVENANT WITH GOD INSTEAD OF ACCEPTING THE DIVINE
LIGHT AND TRUTH OF THE NEW COVENANT with God
through the Guidance, Enlightenment and Teaching
of Christ our Lord and Saviour Who is in reality the
actual Incarnate Son of God.
 For anyone to “sit in Darkness” means TO BE OVERCOME
OR ENSLAVED BY A SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE OR REBELLION
AGAINST GOD.
 The “Great Light” is THE HOLY GOSPEL OR GOOD NEWS OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – the long-awaited Messiah
of God.
 THE FIRST DIVINE MESSAGE OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD – like
that of His Forerunner and Baptist, St John, WAS
“REPENT!”
33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved, our Lord Jesus Christ began His earthly
Ministry to fallen mankind with the profound Divine
Exhortation: ““Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven is
at hand!”
Outwardly, these words seem to be a self-explanatory
Teaching, yet we must understand them properly and
 MATTHEW 3: 1 – 3 : the Preparation for our Saviour’s
Divine Ministry begins with St John the Baptist’s
call to Repentance, which accompanies Faith and
which is a TOTAL REFORMATION OF OUR EARTHLY HABITS
AND LIFESTYLE.
 TRUE AND SINCERE REPENTANCE IS BROUGHT ABOUT BY OUR
TRUE AND SINCERE FAITH IN CHRIST AND THE HOLY
TRINITY.
Our continuing Repentance is motivated by our Faith.
 WE ARE IN A PERPETUAL STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND
SPIRITUAL DEATH – I.E. REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
(Spiritual Life and a return to Divine Grace) and
surrendering to the temptations through our sinful
thoughts, which become sinful words and deeds –
i.e. falling into Spiritual Death , which is our
terrifying alienation from the Divine Grace of God.
So THIS LIFE OF PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY IS A CONSTANT
STRIVING AND STRUGGLE against the weakness of our
flesh and the temptation of the fallen world and the
deceptions of the evil one.
 THE “Kingdom of Heaven” IS PRESENT WHEREVER CHRIST
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR IS so through our constant
Spiritual Watchfulness and Struggle, we are able
to return after each fall to His Divine Presence and
Love.
 The word “METANOIA” (REPENTANCE) LITERALLY MEANS to
change one’s mind, or more generally, TO TURN
AROUND COMPLETELY.
Thus TRUE REPENTANCE IS A RADICAL CHANGE OF BODY AND SOUL
– a complete transformation of attitude, belief,
motivation, deeds - of being – a genuine Life IN Christ!
This is the only and most essential – most vital - first step
on the Path or Way of the Lord, which – after Holy
Baptism and Chrismation - is accompanied by
REGULAR CONFESSION OF SINS, THE PARTAKING OF HOLY
EUCHARIST (COMMUNION), REGULAR PARTICIPATION AND
ATTENDANCE AT ALL HOLY SERVICES, AND THE COMMITMENT
TO FASTING EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AS WELL AS
WHENEVER PRESCRIBED BY THE HOLY CHURCH.
 OUR LIFE IN CHRIST IS FULFILLED AND CLEARLY EVIDENT BY THE
RESULTS OF OUR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION – by the
Spiritual Harvest of Fruits of our Labours of Love
throughout this life.
In other words, WHATEVER WE DO MUST BEAR GOOD RESULTS FOR
EVERYONE CONCERNED AND ESPECIALLY FOR THE GLORY,
HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF GOD.
 EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED HAS AN ETERNAL
CONSEQUENCE!
Although we might like to think that we can get away
with our “secret sins,” we must never forget that
NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM GOD OR THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES
WHO WATCH OVER US CONSTANTLY!
 WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERYTHING WE THINK,
EVERYTHING WE SAY AND EVERYTHING WE DO – EXCEPT FOR
THOSE SINS THAT WE REPENT AND CONFESS BEFORE GOD
AND HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD!!
apply them to all aspects of our lifespan, for only then
will their True meaning be revealed!
 A C T S 2 0 : 2 1 - St Paul ceaselessly urged, encouraged
and exhorted “...both to the Jews, and also to the
Greeks, Repentance towards God, and Faith
towards our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Repentance is absolutely necessary in order
 to believe
 to faithfully follow our Lord Jesus Christ

12. 33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 13 JANUARY 2019
  to nurture and to maintain our Salvific Faith,
 to acquire the essential Holy Virtues
 to Struggle against temptations
 to receive Forgiveness and Spiritual Restoration –
to regain Spiritual Life and Healing
 to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Divine Teachings have revealed to us that
 “...God sent His Son into the world … that the world
through Him might be Saved,”
 Those who “...believe in Him (Christ) are not
Condemned; but those who do not believe are
Condemned already...“
 J O H N 3 : 1 7 - 2 0 - “...Light (Christ) has come into the
world, and men loved Darkness rather than
Light, because their deeds were evil. For every
one who does evil hates the Light, nor comes to
the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”
To those afflicted by the passion of vainglory the Scripture
witnesses:
 J O H N 5 : 4 4 - “How can you believe, when you receive
the honour of one from another, yet seek not the
Honour that comes from God only?”
 L U K E 1 6 : 1 4 - When our Divine Saviour preached the
important, and Most Holy Teaching concerning
Eternity, earthly matters and the immortality of
mankind, THOSE WHO WERE BOUND BY THE PASSION OF
GREED DID NOT ONLY DISBELIEVE HIM, BUT THEY ALSO
DARED TO MOCKED HIM, WHILE THOSE WHO WERE
CONSUMED BY THE EVIL PASSION OF ENVY NOT ONLY
REJECTED OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BUT THEY ALSO
CONSPIRED TO KILL HIM.
 M A T T H E W 2 2 : 5 Until the end of time, all those who are
enslaved by their vain and sinful vices, cannot
participate in the Spiritual Wedding Banquet of
the Eternal Son of God, thereby making
themselves unworthy of Blessed Union with Him.
 L U K E 1 6 : 1 4 “...You cannot serve God and Mammon!”
We are clearly and severely warned that we
cannot serve two masters – i.e. we cannot serve
both the Lord our God and the evil one
 M A R K 1 : 1 5 “Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at
hand!” Christ very clearly commanded us to
Repent our sins, so that we would be able to
understand and believe in His Holy Gospel – His
Divine Truth.
However, when we do sincerely believe in Christ our Lord
God and Divine Saviour, and we strive to continually
fulfill all essential requirements of our Orthodox Faith ,
by our words, thoughts and deeds, we always need to
Repent and Confess our sins, which are innumerable
and constantly being committed – voluntarily and
involuntarily!
The first fruit of our Living Faith and of fulfilling the
Commandments of Christ was explained by St Symeon
the New Theologian, who acquired his Knowledge of
Divine Truth through his Holy Experience: “...the
careful fulfilment of the Commandments of Christ
teaches us our own infirmities.”
Exactly! As soon as we who believe in our Divine Saviour,
Jesus Christ, we begin to fulfill the All-Holy
Commandments and Teachings of His Holy Gospel -
THE MYSTERY
According to St Luke’s Holy Gospel “... the Kingdom of
God is within us...” but what does this mean to us?
(LUKE 17:21)
Our Holy Church Fathers refer to this place ”...within us...”
as our "Heart" WHERE OUR LORD GOD ABIDES SO THAT HE CAN
MANIFEST (REVEAL) HIMSELF THROUGH EACH OF US.
THE SACRED ROLE OF HIS HOLY CHURCH IS TO HELP US DISCOVER
THIS DEEP PLACE OF THE HEART THAT IS ALSO THE CENTRE OF
OUR SOUL.
It is within us (within our heart and soul) where WE WAGE A
CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL BATTLE FOR OUR SALVATION, WHICH IS
THE PURPOSE OF ALL OUR ASCETIC EFFORTS.
We want our heart to be made Pure, for our Lord Jesus
told us that the “...Pure of Heart will see God.”
As we SEEK UNITY WITH GOD, TO OVERCOME OUR SINFULNESS, we
desire that our soul - our heart - be ignited by
His Divine Grace.
Our Lord Jesus told us to “... Love the Lord your God with
all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all
your mind, and with all your strength.” (MATTHEW 12:30)
33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 13 JANUARY 2019
perform the Works of our Renewed nature – for our
fallen nature is revealed to us, having been hidden
until then, and we enter into a sustained Spiritual
Battle against temptation and sin, being armed with
the Holy Gospel.
Our Life in Christ is a perpetual Spiritual Struggle, with
innumerable, unavoidable falls.
 A C T S 7 : 2 2 - 2 4 - As St Paul explained: ”...I delight in
the Law of God after the inward man: yet I see
another law in my members, warring against the
law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity
to the law of sin, which is in my members. O
wretched man that I am!”
From such an aware observation of ourselves, Blessed
Poverty of spirit is engendered within us, and rational,
Spiritual Mourning occurs.
 P S A L M 5 0 / 5 1 : 2 0 “...a broken and contrite heart is
established, which God will not destroy.”
By Living according to the Holy Gospel, there will arise
within us - as if naturally - the Repentance
commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ and His
Venerable Forerunner, St John the Baptist.
Therefore, Repentance is necessary not only in order to
believe in Christ but in order to have a Living Faith in
Christ.
The reason for such a close connection between the
Words of our Lord Calling us to Repent our sins, and
the announcement of the presence of the Kingdom of
Heaven – without any intermediate struggle nor
condition - is that our Lord Jesus Christ is indeed
“...the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the
world.” (J O H N 1 : 2 9 )
Our Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished everything for
our Salvation.
He has Reconciled us – all mankind - with the Lord our
God.
He has prepared and acquired for us His Heavenly
Kingdom of Love.
On the contrary, we have been requested to fulfil one
Work concerning our Salvation – the acceptance of
our Salvation, which is freely and completely granted
to us by our Heavenly Father by means of our
Repentance.
our Heavenly King and His Eternal Kingdom are ineffably
close to us --- incomparably closer than we can
imagine!
Our Divine Saviour specifically told us : “...Behold, I stand
at the door...” (of our heart and soul) and He knocks
upon it with His All Holy, Mighty Divine Truth.
 R E V E L A T I O N 3 : 2 0 - “...if any man hears My Voice, and
opens the door, I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with Me.”
The opening of the door of our heart to our Heavenly King
can only be accomplished with Repentance: “Repent
for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
Amen.
ST. IGNATIUS (BRIANCHANINOV)
TRANSLATION BY BISHOP GEORGE (SCHAEFER).
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/67869.HTML
OF THE HEART
St Gregory Palamas taught us that the heart is “...the body
of our body, a place where our whole being
becomes like a knot.”
WHEN OUR MIND AND HEART ARE UNITED WE HAVE ONLY ONE
THOUGHT––THE THOUGHT OF GOD. All of our desire is
FOCUSED ON GOD.
WHEN WE GIVE OUR WHOLE MIND, OUR WHOLE HEART TO GOD WE
ARE TOTALLY FOCUSED ON HIM.
In this stance WE RECEIVE HIS GRACE AND ARE GRANTED THE
ABILITY TO FULFIL HIS WILL.
St Paul pointed out that in this manner we attain what he
meant when he said that CHRIST IS FORMED IN US
(GALATIANS 4:19).
WE BECOME WHOLE AND ARE PERFECTED.
Although, obviously, we can never wholly contain God in
our heart as He is infinite - far greater than our heart -
HE MAKES IT A DWELLING PLACE - A TEMPLE OF HIS DIVINITY
REFLECTING HIS IMAGE IN US.
13.
 WHEN OUR WHOLE HEART AND MIND ARE TURNED TO GOD WE
BECOME HOLY AND ENLIGHTENED - "...the Light of the
world."
In this manner, OUR LORD GOD DIRECTS OUR LIFE, FULFILLING
THE PURPOSE HE HAS FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US.
During His “Sermon on the Mount” our Lord Jesus told His
Disciples: “...You are the Light of the world. A city set
on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a
lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and
it gives light to all in the house. In this same way, let
your Light shine before others, so that they may see
your Good Works and give Glory to your Father Who
is in Heaven.” (MATTHEW 5:14-16)
We want to PURIFY OUR HEART SO THAT IS SHINES BRIGHTLY and
becomes a Great Light, enabling us to TAKE ACTION IN
THE WORLD IN A WAY THAT GLORIFIES GOD, THAT ENCOURAGES
OTHERS TO PURIFY THEIR HEART AND TO SEEK GOD WITH THEIR
WHOLE HEART AND MIND AND SOUL.
In this way the whole world can become a Great Light.
What is it that prevents us from becoming this Light of
which our Lord Jesus speaks?
Our reality is that WE ARE NOT ABLE TO GIVE OUR WHOLE HEART
AND MIND TO GOD BUT INSTEAD ARE DISTRACTED BY OUR
PASSIONS, OUR EARTHLY DESIRES.
We are not focussed on our heart but on the things of this
created world, siphoning our attention away from
God.
BECAUSE OF OUR FALLEN NATURE WE HAVE WITHIN US ALSO THE
TENDENCY TO SIN.
As Paul says, "...all have sinned and come short of the
Glory of God." (ROMANS 3:23)
In order to make good Spiritual Progress, we must follow
the example of “the Prodigal Son,” by constantly
recognising, confessing and Repenting our Spiritual
Condition – our sins - thereby seeking to return to our
Heavenly Father's House which is within us.
Through our sincere Repentance, WE MUST UPROOT OUR
SINFUL TENDENCIES SO THAT GOD'S COMMANDMENTS AND
TEACHINGS WILL BECOME ALIVE IN OUR HEART instead of our
selfish, egocentric passions and worldly desires.
This is the only Path of return, which is difficult for us, but
as it is only way, WE MUST MASTER OUR SITUATION WITH
GOD'S HELP so we can fulfil the Divine Will of our Lord.
Archimandrite Zacharias believed that “...there is no
greater misfortune than that of an insensible and
verified heart that is unable to distinguish between
the Luminous Way of God's Providence and the
gloomy confusion of the ways of the world."
Difficult, yes, but we know it is possible, for we have an
All-Powerful Ally – our Lord God, Who wants our heart
and soul as His Sacred Temple.
Our Divine Saviour tells us: "Behold, I stand at the door
and knock: If anyone hears My Voice, and opens the
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST PORPHYRIOS OF KAVSOKALYVIA ST
When we Love Christ our God, despite all the difficulties
and feelings we have concerning them, we also have
the certainty that we have overcome death, because
we are in the Communion of the Love of Christ.
ELDER AMBROSIOS
Although Death is right behind us, we imagine that it is
hidden behind the mountains, and we do not even
think about it!
ST ANTHONY THE GREAT
We should never think that it is impossible for us to live a
Virtuous Life, but rather that it is difficult to do so. Nor
can Virtue be acquired by just anyone. The Virtuous
Life is Lived by those who are devout, and who have
a mind and heart that Loves God.
METROPOLITAN ATHANASIOS OF LEMESSOS
We do whatever we can. We do what we can without
worry, without anxiety, without being troubled. We do
whatever we can, and our conscience will bear
witness that we have done so, thus far. Thereafter, we
cannot do any more. We place the issues, the
problems, our children and our family, our health, our
finances or whatever is weighing down upon us in
our Lord God’s Loving Hands and Care. And that is
when He will really Appear!
14. 33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTER THEOPHANY –CHRIST’S MINISTRY BEGINS- 13 JANUARY 2019
door, I will come to him, and will sup with him, and
he with Me.” (REVELATION 3:20)
WHEN WE KNOCK AND THE DOOR IS OPENED, WE DISCOVER THE
GREATEST OF MIRACLES, FOR WE BECOME UNITED WITH GOD
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
WITH AN OPEN HEART, WE CAN UNIFY OUR MIND WITH OUR HEART,
and God will fill His Kingdom within us with His full
Goodness.
However, for this to happen, our Lord God must first be
able to converse with us.
WE MUST BE CAPABLE OF HEARING HIM AND WILLING TO SURRENDER
OUR WILL TO HIS WILL AND DIRECTION.
In this way GOD CAN BECOME THE SOLE FOCUS OF OUR LIFE.
We must learn to develop an intimate Relationship with
Him so that we can have an ongoing Dialogue with
Him.
Our greatest obstacle to any good Relationship is our
pride and self-centredness.
We fail to see the “bigger picture” and regard death as
the end of everything that gives us pleasure.
We become fearful and sinful-seeking to satisfy our own
desires.
We remain stagnant until we come to terms with the
Reality of our situation, just like the Prodigal Son
before he was able to “...come to his senses....” Repent
and return to the Loving Providence of his Father,
before Whom he humbly Confessed: "Father, I have
sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and am
no more worthy to be called Thy son.” (LUKE 15:19-19)
Only regular soul-searching Repentance-Confession can
help us to become humbled and Obedient, for
thereby WE LEARN TO WHAT DEGREE AND HOW POORLY WE LIVE
BY HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, and UNDERSTAND
EXACTLY HOW DISTANT WE ACTUALLY ARE FROM HIM!
SINCERE SELF-EXAMINATION, REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION HELPS
US TO CLEARLY SEE THE DEPTH AND EXTENT OF OUR SELF-
CENTEREDNESS, OUR SELFISHNESS AND PRIDE.
We begin to mourn our Spiritual Condition and
CEASELESSLY BESEECH OUR LORD’S WISDOM AND GUIDANCE
AND STRENGTH TO RETURN TO A HEALTHY AND GOOD SPIRITUAL
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER.
From this realization we are motivated to CORRECT AND
CHANGE OUR ATTITUDE AND ORIENTATION.
We slowly begin a very long Journey of Purification
whereby we liberate ourselves from all the bodily
passions.
ONLY BY OUR COOPERATION WITH THE GRACE OF GOD, WE WILL
FINALLY BE ABLE TO SURRENDER OUR WHOLE BEING TO HIM, to
commit our whole heart, our whole mind, and our
whole soul to Him – and, finally, discover His Holy
"...Kingdom within."
“THE HIDDEN MAN OF THE HEART” BY ARCHIMANDRITE ZACHARIAS
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
DIMITRI OF ROSTOV
We must never be lazy, but rather be eager to do
anything good because now is the time for us to
Labour, while later is the time for Reward. On Earth,
warfare – in Heaven, Rest and Repose. And of a
necessity we will do one or the other – we will either
be victorious or be defeated! We will either remain
close to our Lord or be separated and alienated from
Him! There is no third way!
ELDER EPIPHANIOS THEODOROPOULOS
Our Lord God allows the Righteous and Virtuous to suffer
terrible illnesses in order for them to be Cleansed of
even the slightest trace of passion, and so that they
will gain an even greater Crown in Heaven. In any
case, since our Heavenly Father allowed His own
Beloved Son to suffer on the Cross, what can we say
about people who, however Holy they are, still have
stains and blemishes from sins.
ST LUKE THE DOCTOR
Many of us are unconcerned with our own faults and
sins, but we find plenty of transgressions in others,
and we make sure everyone hears about them! It is a
very bad habit for us - as soon as we hear something
negative about others - to judge them and spread
gossip abroad – whether true or not!
 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.

17 January 2019
St Anthony the Great Holy Hieromartyr, Founder of Monasticism
Also the Feast of St Anthony of Veiras – St George the New Martyr of Jannina – St Anthony of
Dymsk, Novgorod – St Anthony of Black Lake, Chernoezero – St Anthony of Krasny Kholm – St
Theodosios the Great & Holy Emperor – St Achilles the Confessor

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST ANTHONY THE GREAT – TONE 4

Ton zilotin Ilian tis tropis mimoumenos, to Vaptisti Imitating the manner of Elijah the Zealot, and following
evthies tes trivois epomenos, Pater Antonie, tis erimou the straight paths of John the Baptist, O Father
gegonas ikistis, ke tin ikoumenin estirixas evhes sou. Anthony, thou colonised the desert, and thou
Dio presveve Hristo to Theo, sothine tas psihas imon. supported the Empire by thy Prayers. Therefore
intercede with Christ our God to Save our souls!
FESTAL KONTAKION – ST ANTHONY THE GREAT – TONE 4
Tous viotikous thorivous aposamenos, isihastikos ton Thou retreated from the tumult of daily life and led thy
vion exetelesas, ton Vaptistin mimoumenos, kata life in stillness, imitating John the Baptist in every
panta tropon Osiotate, sin afto oun se gereromen, way. We honour thee and him together, O Most Holy
Pateron Pater Antonie! Father of Fathers: St Anthony!
FESTAL KONTAKION - THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to and Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM 115/116
Precious in the Sight of the Lord is the death of His Holy One!
What shall we render unto the Lord for all He has granted us?

MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 11 : 27 – 30

RESTING IN CHRIST
At that time our Lord Jesus said: “All Things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him.
“Come to Me, all you who labour and who are heavily laden, and I will grant you rest.
“Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My Yoke is easy and My Burden is light.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us in no uncertain manner that HUMANLY IMPOSSIBLE THINGS POSSIBLE FOR US BY THE
AS THE INCARNATE SON AND WORD OF GOD THE FATHER, HE GRACE OF GOD.
HAS DIVINE AUTHORITY AND THAT ONLY THROUGH HIM – IF HE Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD OF SUCH STRUGGLES IS
SO WILLS IT – MAY WE OBTAIN KNOWLEDGE AND INFINITELY GREATER THAN THOSE OF ANY MERE HUMAN
UNDERSTANDING OF GOD AND HIS HOLY MYSTERIES THAT ARE ENDEAVOURS (REFER 3 KINGS 12 : 1 – 11 - JEREMIAH 34 : 1 – 11
BEYOND OUR NORMAL HUMAN UNDERSTANDING OR PERCEPTION. - WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1)
Christ also reassures us that WE CAN REST IN HIM BY LEANING The term “gentle” is literally “meek.”
OR DEPENDING ON HIM TO GRANT US WHATEVER IS ESSENTIAL ➤ MEEKNESS IS AN ATTITUDE OF BEING CONTENT WITH BOTH
TO COMPLETE AND TO FULFIL THIS DIFFICULT JOURNEY OF LIFE HONOUR AND DISHONOUR.
TOWARDS ETERNITY. ➤ MEEKNESS IS AN IMITATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRISt Who
WHEN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BECOME TOO DIFFICULT, through our instructed us to “Learn from Me, for I Am gentle
Prayers and Petitions, OUR MERCIFUL SAVIOUR LIFTS US UP (meek) and lowly in heart.”
AND CARRIES US THROUGH THE WORST OF IT so that we are ➤ THOSE WHO ARE TRULY MEEK ARE GOD-CONTROLLED AND HAVE
neither harmed nor traumatised by the stumbling MASTERY OVER THEIR PASSIONS, especially that of
blocks along the Rocky Pathway. anger.
THE YOKE OF CHRIST IS OUR WILLING SUBMISSION TO THE KINGDOM ➤ MEEKNESS IS not passive weakness but SPIRITUAL
OF GOD. STRENGTH THAT IS DIRECTED AND CONTROLLED.
➤ Although a “yoke” may be regarded by some as being ➤ THE EARTH THAT THE MEEK (HUMBLE) WILL INHERIT IS not the
a sign of hardship, burdens and responsibilities, IN power or possession of this fallen, temporary
CHRIST JESUS SUCH A YOKE IS EASY FOR THE DIVINE POWER world, but that of THE NEW, EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF
OF ALMIGHTY GOD WORKS IN EACH PERSON, MAKING THE GOD.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 13 : 17 - 21
Brethren: obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give
account. Let them do so with Joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are
confident that we have a good conscience – in all things desiring to live honourably. But I especially urge you to
do this, so that I may be restored to you sooner.
Now may the God of Peace Who raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead – that Great Shepherd of the Sheep – through
the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you complete in every Good Work to do His Will, working in you what is
well pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory forever and ever. Amen.

ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 2019 15

✶✶ALL OUR ORDAINED PRIESTS AND SPIRITUAL LEADERS – THE HOLY Because of the important role and function of our
PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST – MUST BE RESPECTED AND OBEYED FOR Spiritual Fathers, THEY ARE SUBJECTED TO WORSE
THEY ARE OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS OF CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH. TEMPTATIONS THAN ANY OTHER SINNERS, so our concerted
✶✶ THEY WILL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR HOLY MINISTRY Prayers must be offered to God for them as well as
AT THE FINAL JUDGEMENT – which will be far more strict ourselves and our loved ones.
than those of us whom they lead, guide and teach. Furthermore, BY RESPECTING THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD -
ST PAUL, being one of these Holy Spiritual Fathers of SUPPORTING THEM AND APPLYING THEIR ORTHODOX TEACHINGS
Christ’s Church, ASKED THE EARLY CHRISTIANS TO PRAY FOR TO OUR DAILY LIFE, THEY WILL BE ENCOURAGED AND REJOICE IN
HIM SO THAT HE COULD LEAD AN EXEMPLARY LIFE, WORTHILY THEIR SACRED LABOURS – and THEY WILL BE INSPIRED TO
AND CORRECTLY FULFILLING ALL HIS SACRED TASKS IN HIS GREATER EFFORTS AND LESS TEMPTATIONS.
HOLY MISSION. With regard to St Paul’s concluding Blessings: THE
THOSE WHO “RULE OVER” US ARE OUR ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN SUFFICIENCY OF THE DIVINE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS REALISED IN
BISHOPS AND PRIESTS WHO PERFORM ALL THE ESSENTIAL HOLY HIS RESURRECTION as our Lord offers His Precious, Life-
MYSTERIES. Giving Blood in the Eternal Sanctuary, thereby
THEY MOST CERTAINLY NEED OUR PRAYERS SO THAT THEY MAY LIVE INAUGURATING A NEW, EVERLASTING COVENANT, WHICH MAKES
EACH DAY WORTHILY IN ORDER FOR US TO IMITATE AND FOLLOW US COMPLETE as we cooperate with God in all things – A
THEM AS GOOD MODELS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AS WELL. HOLY SYNERGY THAT PROMOTES OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
THE FAITH OF OUR HOLY FATHERS IS THE SAME FAITH THAT THEY TOWARDS HOLY SAINTHOOD.
SHOULD BOTH BE TEACHING AND LIVING.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 17 - 28
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S SERMON ON THE PLAIN – THE BEATITUDES AND THE WOES
At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His
Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon,
who went to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.
And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for Power went out from Him and healed them
all. Then He lifted up His Eyes towards His Disciples and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of
God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall
rejoice. Blessed are you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your
name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your Reward is great in Heaven, for in like manner, their fathers
did to the Prophets.”
After having prayed all night on a high mountain, OUR Christ also reassures us that NO MATTER HOW BADLY OUR
LORD JESUS SUMMONED HIS DISCIPLES TO HIM AND THEN WORST ENEMIES MAY TREAT US BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH IN GOD,
NAMED HIS CHOSEN TWELVE APOSTLES, after which He WE HAVE WONDERFUL DIVINE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN
addressed those who had gathered to His Divine ETERNITY.
Wisdom. ✶✶THE MORE WE ENDURE FOR OUR LOVE OF GOD, THE GREATER
This Sermon on the Plain or “level place” is slightly similar WILL BE OUR SPIRITUAL REWARDS IN GOD’S HEAVENLY
to His great Sermon on the Mount, which is more KINGDOM.
detailed. Furthermore, the CLOSER WE GROW TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR –
His reference to THOSE WHO HUNGERED (AND THIRSTED FOR INDEED TO THE HOLY TRINITY – THE LESS OUR WORLDLY WOES
DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS) WERE THOSE WHO KNEW THAT THE AFFECT US and the greater our Eternal Joy and Peace
PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS DIVINE KINGDOM WERE THE MOST in the Presence of Almighty God will be!
IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR LIFE. The closer our Relationship is to our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Such souls have a deep compulsion and craving for greater the temptations and evil schemes against us.
whatever is right in the Sight of God, similar to a Persecution by the evil one and his demons – both
starving person’s need for food. spiritual and human – demonstrates that we are
The Kingdom of God calls us to BE FREE FROM ALL ANXIETY actually making Spiritual Progress, for THE DEVIL IS
CONCERNING EARTHLY MATTERS and our Lord Jesus directs OBSESSED WITH THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO GOD, not
us to REMAIN FOCUSED ON HEAVEN WHILE BEING SECURE IN THE unrepentant sinners who are already enslaved by
FAITH THAT GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES US WITH ALL NECESSARY him!
EARTHLY BLESSINGS. INSTEAD OF BEING DISCOURAGED AND AFRAID, WE SHOULD BECOME
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD COMPARES WITH THE PRICELESS ETERNAL STRONGER AND EVEN MORE DETERMINED, KNOWING THAT GOD
TREASURES OF SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL LIFE – we shall be IS INDEED WITH US ALWAYS.
richer beyond all earthly measure! So thank God for all things – even our difficulties, which
OUR SPIRITUAL HUNGER AND THIRST WILL BE MORE THAN SATISFIED draw us all the more closer and closer to our Loving
WITH HEAVENLY BLISS and the True Joy of God’s Love and Merciful Lord – and which make us all the more
and Peace will fill us beyond belief! stronger and determined to progress towards our
ultimate Destination.
ST ANTHONY THE GREAT
St Anthony the Great was born in circa 254, to a wealthy for most Monasteries throughout the centuries, even to
family who lived in Upper Egypt. He is known as “St this day.
Anthony of Egypt,” “St Anthony of the Desert,” and “St In 325, when the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea was
Anthony the Anchorite.” convened, he was invited to participate.
Our Lord Jesus Christ had advised a certain “Rich Young His eloquent defence of the Orthodox Doctrine
Ruler” who had sought Eternal Life : "If you want to concerning the Person of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
be Perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the Christ, was instrumental in weakening the heresy of
poor, and you will have Treasures in Heaven; and Arianism and eventually lead to its complete
come, follow Me" elimination.
Accepting that Divine Advice, St Anthony sold everything As his earthly lifespan drew to a close, he instructed his
he owned, gave the proceeds to the poor, and left the Disciples and Faithful Monks to bury his Relics in an
city behind to live for the rest of his life in the desert. unmarked, secret tomb, so that they would not be
(MATTHEW 19:21) venerated, as he was always painfully aware of his
Although he held no titles, nor social status, St Anthony’s “unworthiness.”
absolute Humility, Obedience, Inspired Wisdom and "I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world
Devotion to the Lord our God drew many Pilgrims and and I said groaning, "What can get through from such
Disciples to him who sought Divine Truth and Life in snares?" Then I heard a Voice saying to me, "Humility!""
Christ. "Our life and our death is with our neighbour. If we gain our
Consequently, he established many Monasteries, and his Brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our
Monastic Rules have continued to serve as the basis Brother, we have sinned against Christ."

16 ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 2019

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

18 January 2019
St Athanasios & St Cyril of Alexandria
Also the Feast of St Athanasios, Abbot of Syandemsk Monastery, Vologa – St Athanasios of
Novolotsk – St Marcian of Cyrrhas, Syria – St Cyril, Venerable Schemamonk, & St Maria,
Venerable Schema-Nun, Parents of St Sergios of Radonezh – St Joachim I, Patriarch of Trnovo
& Bulgaria – St Maximos, Archbishop of Serbia – St Maximos the New, Metropolitan of
Wallachia, of Serbia – St Ephraim the Lesser, Writer, Translator, Philosopher & Defender of the
Georgian Church – St Alexi of Teklati, Venerable Hieromonk
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL - TONE 3
Ergis lampsantes Orthodoxias, pasan svesantes Having shone with deeds of Orthodoxy and extinguished
kakodoxian, Nikite Tropeofori gegonate. Ti efsevia ta all impious doctrines, You rightly won the Trophies
panta ploutisantes, tin Ekklisian Megalos kosmisantes, and Victory. Since You enriched all the world with
Axios evrate Hriston ton Theon evhes imon, correct belief, greatly adorning the Church with Your
doroumenon pasi to Mega Eleos. words and deeds, You therefore have worthily found
Christ God, Who by Your Prayers grants to all His Great
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION
Mercy.
SEASONAL KONTAKION – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thou Sanctified the Virginal Womb by Thy Birth, O Lord,
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas and Blessed the hands of Symeon fittingly, O Christ
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to God; and even now, Thou came and Saved us. Grant
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Peace to our Nation in time of war, and empower our
Filanthropos! Leaders, so Loved by Thee, the Only One Who Loves
humanity.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON - PSALM 131:48
O Lord, Thy Priests shalt vest themselves with Righteousness! Thy Saints shalt greatly Rejoice!
My mouth shalt speak Wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, Understandig!

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 9 – 16

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be Saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. “The thief comes to steal and to kill, and to destroy. I Am come so that they might
have Life, and so that they might have it more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But he who is a hireling, and not the
Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the wolf
catches them, and scatters the sheep. For the hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and does not care for the
Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and know My Sheep, and Am known by My own. As the Father knows Me even so know I
the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep.
“And other Sheep I have that are not of this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will
be one Flock and one Shepherd.”
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – THE PRAYER OF AZARIAH – TONE 4
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers...
For Thou art Righteous in all Thou did for us...

THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 13 : 7 – 16

B rethren: remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose Faith you must follow,
considering the outcome of their conduct.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! Do not be carried away with various and strange doctrines. It is
good that the heart be established by Grace – not with foods that have not profited those who have been occupied
with them. We have an Altar from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. The blood of
sacrificial animals is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, while their bodies are ‘burnt outside the
camp.’ Therefore Jesus also – so that He might Sanctify the people with His own Blood – suffered outside the gate.
Let us go forth to Him – ‘outside the camp’ – bearing His Reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek
the one to come. Thus by Him, let us ‘continually offer the Sacrifice of Praise’ to God – that is: ‘the Fruit of our lips’ –
Confessing His Name. Do good and share without fail. With such sacrifices God is well pleased.
“Those who rule” are especially thE CELEBRANT PRIESTS OR ✶ SINCE CHRIST IS GOD AND NEVER CHANGES, HIS HOLY GOSPEL
OFFICIATORS OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES – THE BISHOPS AND DOES NOT CHANGE EITHER.
PRIESTS – who are not only to be prayed for, but also If CHRISTIANS IN THE PAST ATTAINED THE ETERNAL KINGDOM
followed as models of Christian Life. THROUGH FAITH, so can we. Thus the Holy Church of
The Faith of our Holy Fathers – our Christian leaders – is Christ strives to KEEP HER DOCTRINE PURE AND WITHOUT THE
the FAITH THEY BOTH TEACH AND LIVE BY. SLIGHTEST CHANGE. (To change that Divine Perfection even
SUCH A FAITH DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. slightly, makes it less than Perfect!!)
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 5 : 14 – 19
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “You are the Light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot be
hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are
in the house. Let your Light so shine before mankind, that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your Father
in Heaven.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. Truly, therefore, I
say to you: until Heaven and Earth pass away, not one jot nor one tittle will by any means pass from the Law until
all is fulfilled. Whoever breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be

ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA 18 JANUARY 2019 17.

 called least in the Kingdom of Heaven! Whoever does and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ in the Kingdom of
Heaven.”
 ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE TRUE AND UNCREATED LIGHT.
In the Old Testament LIGHT WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALMIGHTY GOD,
HIS DIVINE LAW AND ISRAEL in contrast to all other
Nations.
 I S A I A H 6 0 : 1 – 3 “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem, for your
Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has
risen upon you. Behold: darkness and gloom
shall cover the earth upon the Nations, but the
Lord will shine on you and His Glory shall be
seen upon you. Kings shall come to your Light,
and the Gentiles to your Brightness...”
This is the Hymn that we sing during Holy Pascha in the
Liturgical Services – for, as St John of Damascus
expressed it: “... the whole Creation rejoices and
exults, for Christ is Risen and Hades despoiled.”
 P S A L M 1 1 8 : 1 0 5 - “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and
a Light to my paths.”
In the New Testament, THE SON OF GOD IS “LIGHT” – HE IS
UNCREATED LIGHT OF UNCREATED LIGHT – TRUE GOD OF TRUE
GOD!
 J O H N 1 : 4 – 9 “... In Him is Life, and the Life is the
Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend
It. There was a man sent from God, whose name
was John. This man came as a Witness, to bear
witness of the Light, that all – through him –
might believe. He was not that Light, but was
sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the
True Light, which gives Light to everyone coming
into the world...”
ONLY GOD HAS LIFE IN HIMSELF, THUS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
BEING GOD, IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE, TOGETHER WITH THE
FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
 “The Life was the Light of mankind...” St John now
introduces MANKIND AS SANCTIFIED RECEIVERS OF THE
DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD, WHO, BY LIVING IN CHRIST, BECOME
CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT OF GOD. ( J O H N 1 2 : 3 6 –
EPHESIANS 5:8 – 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5)
 E X O D U S 3 : 2 & 1 3 : 2 1 - St Moses, our ancient
Patriarch, saw the Divine Light in THE MYSTERIOUS
BURNING BUSH and the whole Nation of Israel
witnessed It at THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA.
 I S A I A H 6 : 1 – 5 - St Isaiah beheld the Divine Light of
God IN HIS HEAVENLY VISION.
 M A T T H E W 1 7 : 1 – 5 - The three Apostles of Christ
witnessed the Divine Light of God at OUR LORD’S
TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR.
 “Darkness” refers to SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OR BLINDNESS DUE
TO UNREPENTED SIN. It is both Spiritual Ignorance
and Satanic opposition to the Divine Light and
Truth of Almighty God. THOSE WHO HATE TRUTH,
PREFER IGNORANCE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEY STRIVE TO
KEEP OTHERS IGNORANT AS WELL.
 “Comprehend” means both “understand” and
“overcome.” Thus SPIRITUAL DARKNESS CAN NEVER
OVERPOWER THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST, NOR CAN IT UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF
DIVINE LOVE. (AGAPE)
 “John” is a reference to ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST – THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL
THE OLD COVENANT HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, who not
only prepared the Hebrews on earth for the
advent of Christ the True Messiah, but after his
Holy Martyrdom, HE ALSO PREPARED THOSE WHO WERE
IMPRISONED IN HADES.
AFTER DEATH AND HIS OWN DESCENT INTO HADES, OUR LORD JESUS SET THE
RIGHTEOUS SOULS FREE TO REPOSE IN PARADISE UNTIL THE FINAL
JUDGEMENT. THIS IS KNOWN AS “THE HARROWING OF HADES.”
Although OUR MOST MERCIFUL GOD HAS OFFERED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT TO EVERY HUMAN BEING, the fallen world and even
many of His chosen people refuse to receive Him.
Thus they can neither know nor recognise Him. THOSE
WHO ACCEPT CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, ARE GRANTED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT.
After having heard the reading of the Holy Gospel and
having received the Holy Eucharist in Divine Liturgy,
we sing: “We have seen the True Light! We have
received the Heavenly Spirit!”
“I have been amazed that some are utterly in doubt as to whether or not the Holy Virgin is able to be called the
Mother of God. For if our Lord Jesus Christ is God, how should the Holy Virgin who bore him not be the Mother of
God?” — S T . C Y R I L O F A L E X A N D R I A , L E T T E R T O T H E M O N K S O F E G Y P T
18. ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA
 J O H N 8 : 1 2 - Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Light of
the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but have the Light of Life.”
Our Lord used these words in the context of the great
lamps that were lit at the conclusion of the Feast of
Tabernacles in the Outer Court of the Temple in
Jerusalem.
Consequently, CHRIST DECLARES HIMSELF AS THE FULFILMENT
AND THE DIVINE OBJECT OF ALL CELEBRATIONS OF LIGHT.
In Holy Scripture, God the Father is Light – a Divine
Attribute that He bestows upon His Faithful Flock.
(JOHN 1:4-9 & 1 JOHN 1:5 – MATTHEW 5:14 -
PHILIPPIANS 2:15)
Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CONFIRMS HIS CLAIM BY
PERFORMING THE GREAT MIRACLE OF CREATING EYES FOR THE
MAN WHO WAS BORN WITHOUT ANY EYES AT ALL. ( J O H N 9 : 1 -
7 – ESPECIALLY 9:5)
 1 J O H N 1 : 5 “... This is the message that we have
heard from Him and declare to you: that God is
Light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
For St John the Divine and Beloved Theologian and
Apostle of Christ “LIGHT” IS DIVINE ENERGY, WHICH
MANIFESTED (REVEALED) DIVINE TRUTH – I.E. TRUE TEACHING –
VIRTUE AND HOLINESS – I.E. TRUE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE –
AND HOLY COMMUNION WITH GOD IN HIS HOLY CHURCH – I.E.
TRUE SPIRITUALITY.
THE STRONGEST OF ALL WEAPONS AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS
AND SIN IS OUR LOVE FOR GOD, WHICH IS A STRONG, VIBRANT
AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
Light is necessary for clear vision and for life itself.
FAITH RELIES ON DIVINE LIGHT and FAITHFUL BELIEVERS BECOME
“SONS OF LIGHT,” WHO SHINE IN A DARKENED AND PERVERSE
WORLD. (JOHN 12:36 - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5 – PHILIPPIANS 2 : 15)
At Holy Pascha the Divine Liturgy begins with the Priest
exiting the Holy Sanctuary and presenting a lit candle
into the darkened church - inviting the congregation
to “Come and receive the Light that is never
overtaken by night!” whereupon, one by one, our
candles are lit and the entire church is quickly
illuminated by the soft, golden light – a wonderful
way of REMINDING US HOW GOD’S DIVINE LIGHT OF TRUTH
AND LOVE SPREAD AND ENLIGHTENED THE ENTIRE WORLD
FOREVER!
 CHRISTIAN VIRTUES HAVE BOTH A PERSONAL AND PUBLIC
FUNCTION, for it can bring others to Glorify God and
to live in Christ forever.
OUR LORD JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW IN HIMSELF - IN HIS WORDS
AND IN HIS ACTIONS BY PERFORMING GOD’S WILL IN ALL ITS
FULLNESS, BY TRANSGRESSING NONE OF THE PRECEPTS OF THE
LAW, BY DECLARING THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF THE LAW,
WHICH HE WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER TO THEM AND BY GRANTING
RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE LAW – TO US.
HE ALSO FULFILLED THE PROPHECIES OF ALL THE HOLY PROPHETS OF
GOD, by being and carrying out everything they had
foretold centuries before.
 Our Lord Jesus often used the term “Truly” or
“Assuredly” which means “confirmed,” or “so be it”
– “Amen” – as A SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OR FORM OF OATH.
His use of this expression at the beginning of certain
Divine Proclamations (rather than at the end) is UNIQUE
AND AUTHORITATIVE: HE DECLARES HIS WORDS AFFIRMED
BEFORE THEY ARE EVEN SPOKEN!
 “A JOT” – “IOTA” – IS THE SMALLEST LETTER IN THE GREEK
ALPHABET WHILE A “TITTLE” IS THE SMALLEST STROKE IN
CERTAIN HEBREW LETTERS.
Thus, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE ENTIRE LAW OF GOD IS AFFIRMED
AS THE SACRED FOUNDATION OF CHRIST’S NEW COVENANT
TEACHING.
 “All is fulfilled” is a reference to THE PASSION AND
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUr.
 RIGHTEOUSNESS ACCORDING TO THE LAW IS A UNIFIED WHOLE.
 THE OBSERVANCE OF ALL THE LEAST COMMANDMENTS OF GOD
IS TO OBSERVE OR KEEP OR OBEY THE WHOLE DIVINE LAW OF
GOD,
WHILE THE VIOLATION OF THE LEAST COMMANDMENT IS
CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE THE VIOLATION OF THE ENTIRE
DIVINE LAW OF GOD!
It could not be made more definitive or clear to us than
This!!
18 JANUARY 2019
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let
us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone 1 20 January 2019

34 Sunday After Pentecost – 12 Sunday of St Luke
th th

Also the Feast of ST EUTHYMIOS THE GREAT OF MELITENE, ARMENIA – St Euthymios the Silent
Schemamonk of Kiev Caves Monastery - St Laurence the Recluse of Kiev Far Caves
Monastery – St Euthymios of Syanzhemsk and Vologda – St Inna, St Pinna & St Rimma,
Disciples of St Andrew First Called Apostle of Christ, Holy Martyrs of Scythia – St Bassos, St
Eusebios, St Eutychios & St Basiides, martyred courtiers of Emperor Diocletian of
Nicomedia – St Euthymios, Patriarch of Trnovo & Bulgaria – St Zachariah the New Holy
Martyr of Peloponnesos, Greece – St Euthymios the Confessor

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28:16-20

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon, ke Stratioton The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans,
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis Triimeros and a pair of soldier guarded Thine Immaculate Body.
Sotir, doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e Thou Rose on the Third Day, O Lord and Saviour,
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon Si Zoodota. ✞ Doxa ti granting Life to the world. Wherefore the Powers of
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! ✞ Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! ✞ Doxa ti Heaven cried to Thee, O Life-giver: ✞ Glory to Thy
Ikonomia Sou, Mone Filanthrope! Resurrection, O Christ! ✞ Glory to Thy Kingdom! ✞
Glory to Thy Dispensation, O Only Lover of mankind!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST EUTHYMIOS THE GREAT – TONE 4
Eufrenou erimos i ou tiktousa -evthymison i ouk odinousa Sing, O Desolate land that did not bear – be encouraged,
Oti eplithine si tekna, anir epithimion ton tou Pnevmatos, you who have not been in labour. For a man, greatly
evsevia fitefsas, egkratia ekthrepsas, is areton teliotita. Beloved of the Spirit, has multiplied your children.
Tes aftou ikesies, Hriste O Theos, irinefson tin zoin imon. He planted them in Godliness, he reared them in Self-
control, and he raised them to Perfection in Virtue.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION
At his Intercessions, O Christ our God: grant Peace to
our lives.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 149 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
The Holy shalt boast in Glory.
Sing to the Lord a New Song

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 6 - 15

Brethren: It is God Who Commanded Light to shine out of Darkness, Who has Shone in our heart to give the Light of
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ.
We have this Treasure in earthen vessels so that the Excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us.
On all sides we are hard-pressed, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck
down, but not destroyed – always carrying about the dying of our Lord Jesus in the body, so that the Life of Jesus
also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to Death for the sake of Jesus, so that
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Consequently, Death is working in us, but Life in you. Since we have the same Spirit of Faith, according to what is
written: “Believing, I also spoke...” - we also Believe and therefore speak, knowing that He Who Raised up the Lord
Jesus will also Raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
All things are for your sake, so that Grace - having spread through the many - may cause Thanksgiving to abound to
the Glory of God.
✶ THE GOAL OF PREACHING THE DIVINE TRUTH – THE TEACHINGS OUR DAILY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS SHOW US THE BENEFICIAL
AND COMMANDMENTS OF GOD – IS not in order to glorify POWER AND LOVE OF GOD for us sinners, and even more,
ourselves but rather TO GLORIFY GOD AND TO ENLIGHTEN THEY REVEAL TO US HIS DIVINE GRACE THAT PROTECTS AND
ALL MANKIND WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH, WISDOM AND LOVE. DELIVERS US from the machinations of the evil one.
 The “Treasure” is the Light and Truth of God’s Divine
Glory in our Lord Jesus Christ, which is contained ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
within us who are the “... earthen vessels ...” – the There’s more Grace in one of God’s little flowers that in
TEMPORARY, PHYSICAL TEMPLES OF GOD. a whole bunch of artificial paper ones.
 AS THIS DIVINE LIGHT SHINES IN AND THROUGH US, MANKIND In the same way, the immaterial [aïlon] differs greatly
WILL SEE THAT THE POWER IS OF ALMIGHTY GOD, and from the nylon.
certainly not of mankind!
OUR ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH IS CERTAINLY NOT TROUBLE FREE
BUT IT IS INDEED ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS!

34 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12 T H
OF ST LUKE – TEN LEPERS – 20 JANUARY 2019 19
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
At that time, as our Lord Jesus entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar
off. And they lifted up their voices, and said: “Jesus! Master! Have Mercy on us!” And when He saw them, He said to
them: “Go. Show yourselves to the Priests.” And it came to pass that – as they went – they were Cleansed.
One of them - when he saw that he was Healed - turned back, and with a loud voice, Glorified God, and fell down on
his face at His Feet, giving Him Thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Answering, Jesus said: “Were there not ten
Cleansed? Where are the nine? There are not found any who returned to give Glory to God, except this
stranger!” And He said to him: “Arise! Go thy way. Thy Faith hath made thee whole!”
THE LEPERS “STOOD AFAR OFF” BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT PERMITTED
TO APPROACH ANYONE OR TO ENTER THE VILLAGES.
THEY WERE UTTERLY OSTRACISED AND ISOLATED from society and
sometimes they even wore or rang little bells so that
people knew they were nearby and could avoid
them.
Leprosy was regarded as a “punishment” from God for
unrepented sins and everyone feared leprosy for
various (usually unfounded) reasons.
People have always been terrified of being infected so
they not only shunned the poor sufferers but often
chased them away with sticks and stones.
ONLY A DESPISED SAMARITAN WHOM THE HEBREWS REGARDED AS A
‘HERETIC’ SET THE EXAMPLE OF SINCERE AND HEARTFELT
GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR HIS MIRACULOUS HEALING.
Whenever any Miraculous or natural healing occurred,
the former sufferers had to immediately consult the
Temple Priests who would then examine them and
confirm or deny their re-acceptance into society.
Those who were healed had a variety of Purifications
Rites to fulfil before normal life and worship was
allowed to continue.
NINE OF THE HEALED LEPERS rushed off to have their
Miraculous Healing authenticated by the Temple
Priests. They WERE TOTALLY SELF-ABSORBED – JUST LIKE MOST
OF US!
ONLY ONE OF THE LEPERS – a despised “sinner and heretic!” –
IMMEDIATELY ACKNOWLEDGED THE ENORMITY OF GOD’S
GRACIOUS MERCY AND FELL DOWN AT THE FEET OF OUR
SAVIOUR WITH SINCERE THANKSGIVING AND GLORIFICATION.
THE ONE GRATEFUL LEPER SHOWED HIS GENUINE, HUMBLE LOVE FOR
AND APPRECIATION OF GOD’S UNEXPECTED AND BOUNTIFUL
BLESSINGS, while the nine ungrateful lepers hurried
away, without any thought of the enormity of their
Miraculous Healing – their only desire being to get
back to “normal” living.
SADLY, MOST OF US ARE LIKE THE NINE UNGRATEFUL LEPERS who
all too easily take for granted or even ignore or forget
Almighty God’s Great Blessings because we are too
involved with our own Spiritually Unprofitable
preoccupations and distractions that lead us astray
34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12TH SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, it is so easy for us human beings to find
a way to ‘keep score’ - to focus on where we stand in
relation to other individuals and groups. We
probably do that in order to feel that at least we are
not as bad as others.
The first century Hebrews had that attitude towards the
Samaritans, whom they bitterly despised. And the
lowest in their social standing would have been a
Samaritan with leprosy - a greatly feared disease that
made its sufferers religiously unclean and complete
social outcasts to be avoided at all costs!
So it was shocking to the Judeans that the Samaritan
Leper was the only one of the Ten Lepers who
returned to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for Healing
Him from that dreaded disease.
That Samaritan Leper was, no doubt, so profoundly
thankful to God precisely because he had learnt not
to expect any compassion, kindness nor mercy from
the local population, and especially because he
never took any Blessing for granted.
He must have also felt out of place walking with the
Jewish lepers to the Temple in Jerusalem where the
Priests were to confirm their Healing, because that
was not where the Samaritans were allowed to
worship nor to present their sacrificial offerings, and
more than likely, he would not have been welcomed
there.
Nonetheless, he immediately obeyed our Lord’s
Commandment, and was thus instantly Healed.
20. , 34 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12 T H
OF
TO ST LUKE 17 ;12 – 19
and into Spiritual Death – exile and alienation from
God and all His Goodness.
All too often we totally ignore the fact that EVERY BLESSING
WE HAVE BEEN GRANTED – WHETHER GREAT OR SMALL – IS
FREELY AND MOST GRACIOUSLY BESTOWED UPON US THROUGH
THE GREAT MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD.
Let us learn to BE AWARE AND ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGE WITH
APPRECIATION AND THANKSGIVING THE ABUNDANT BLESSINGS
OUR LOVING LORD GOD GRANTS US SO FREELY AND SO
GENEROUSLY.
After partaking of His Greatest, Glorious Banquet – His
Mysterious, Eternal Supper – the Divine Eucharist/Holy
Communion – which bestows God’s Divine Love,
Forgiveness and Eternal Life upon us, WE MUST BOW
DOWN BEFORE HIS HOLY ALTAR, MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
AND EXPRESS OUR THANKSGIVING: “✞ Glory to Thee, O God!
Glory to Thee!”
EACH SIGN OF THE CROSS IS OUR SACRED DECLARATION OF
WORSHIP: “I worship Thee, O God, with all my mind,
with all my heart, with all my strength and with all
my soul!”
BE ALERT AND AWARE OF ALL GOD’S BLESSINGS that make our
difficult Journey towards Eternity so much easier to
bear – for WITHOUT HIS DIVINE LOVE, GUIDANCE AND
ASSISTANCE, WE CAN ACHIEVE NOTHING WORTHWHILE AND
SPIRITUALLY PROFITABLE!
“Unprofitable” or “without merit” does not mean without
intrinsic value but instead it means that EVERYTHING WE
HAVE IS BESTOWED UPON US BY GOD – AN INSURMOUNTABLE
DEBT THAT WE OWE HIM BUT WHICH WE CAN NEVER REPAY,
(because everything we have already belongs to
Him!)
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST CAME TO EARTH TO TEACH
US HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND TO HEAL ALL FALLEN HUMANITY, YET
ONLY A VERY SMALL PORTION RECEIVES HIM IN FAITH AND
THANKSGIVING.
For that very reason, our Lord cautioned us: “MANY ARE
CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN!” (MATTHEW 20:16)
OF ST LUKE – THE HEALING OF THE 10 LEPERS
However, the Samaritan Leper was the only one of those
ten lepers who returned immediately to our Lord
Jesus Christ to thank Him wholeheartedly for His Great
Mercy, which not only Healed him but also Saved and
Transformed his entire life.
The Healing of that Samaritan Leper is an icon of the
Good News that we celebrate at Christmas and
Theophany, which is the very heart of our Faith, for his
Healing from such a terrible, disfiguring disease
manifests (reveals) our own Salvation and Healing
from the disfigurement of our sins, in the God-Man
Jesus Christ, which extends to all who have “...put Him
on...” in the Holy Mystery of our Baptism.
The Healing of the Samaritan Leper shows us that God’s
Great Mercy and Love extends to everyone who
receives our Lord Jesus Christ with Faith, Repentance,
and Gratitude.
Regardless of what anyone else does, we should be like
that one Grateful Leper, by always receiving God’s
infinite and abundant Blessings with sincere Humility
and deep Gratitude.
But in order to do that, we have to seek Healing for our
sins - for the diseases of our soul that have disfigured
us and corrupted our created beauty as those whom
Christ has vested with a Garment of Light at our Holy
Baptism.
The Truth is that we all Struggle to wear that Robe of
Light, to embrace Christ’s Healing, for we so easily fall
back into the ugly sickness of sin.
If we are honest with ourselves, we will see that we are
like those Ten Lepers who were right to call out to our
Lord: “Jesus! Master! Have Mercy on us!”
ST LUKE – TEN LEPERS – 20 JANUARY 2019
We need their Humility and sense of dependence upon
our Lord’s Divine Grace for a Healing that is far
beyond what anyone else can give us.
Our Daily Prayers state the same thing, and the “Jesus
Prayer” – “O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have Mercy
on me, a sinner!” - should always be in our heart.
Our Prayer Life is not a matter of merely mouthing words
with our lips, but should be a sincere, heart-felt plea
for Forgiveness, for Healing, and for Strength from the
depths of our soul concerning the challenges that we
face each day.
There is nothing more fundamental to our Christian Life
than our Daily Personal Prayer – our Personal Rule of
Prayer – whereby we are fully present to our Lord
Jesus Christ Who was Born and Baptized in order to
Save us.
The more we open ourselves to Him, the more fully we
will be aware of our personal brokenness and the
constant need for His Great Mercy and Healing.
Our ceaseless Struggle to Live Faithfully can certainly
feel lonely and frustrating.
Sin so easily isolates us from one another and also from
ourselves.
Even if we manage to keep secrets from others, the
burdens of guilt and shame are profound and can
separate us at a deep level from those closest to us.
They easily become unhealthy obsessions that make us
feel as unclean as a leper who thinks that no one
could understand his pain and that no one could
possibly Heal his wounds.
That is one of the reasons why the Holy Mystery of
Confession is such a Blessing and a relief - such a
Source of Strength in our Journey to Live our New Life
in Christ.
In the Holy Mystery of Confession we are reminded that
we are not left alone in isolation to Struggle with our
sins, for the Priest is an Icon of our Lord, conveying His
Great Mercy and providing Spiritual Guidance for the
Healing of our soul.
If we want to be Healed like the Samaritan Leper, we will
partake of the Holy Mystery of Repentance-Confession
regularly, identifying and exposing our sins,
especially those of which we are most ashamed and
which we would like to keep hidden.
We will kneel before our Lord Jesus Christ in Humility,
baring our soul, and being assured of His Forgiveness,
if we are truly Honest and Repentant.
Like everyone else in the Orthodox Church, a Priest goes
to another Priest for Confession.
This Holy Mystery is Spiritual Therapy for our Healing, as
well as a reminder that we are members of a Body
United together in Love and Mercy.
We do not have to suffer alone, in isolation as though we
were the only one who ever sinned.
We each have a slightly different version of a common
Struggle.
Our sins are not nearly as unique as we are tempted to
think, and there is great Power in hearing a human
voice say that we should give no further care to the
sins we have confessed, for they are forgiven in this
world and in that which is to come.
Christ our God tells each of us in Holy Confession through
the voice of a Priest, “Arise, go your way. Your Faith
has made you well.”
The Samaritan Leper is also a good example of Humility
and Obedience because he immediately obeyed
what Christ told him to do - to go to the Temple in
Jerusalem to show himself to the Priests, who would
confirm his Healing and instruct him to follow the
necessary Cleansing Rites.
This is another powerful Image of our Christian Life, for
we open ourselves to our Lord’s Healing by obeying
THE HUMBLE MINDSET – ELDER JOSEPH
St John Klimakos, the Guiding Light and the Crown of
Monasticism, was renowned for his Humility in
addition to the other Holy Virtues beautifying his
Blessed soul.
One of our Divinely Inspired Holy Fathers, filled with Holy
Ecstasy during St John’s Tonsure, exclaimed to his
34 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12 T H
OF
Him - by keeping His Commandments and by
applying all His Divine Teachings to ourselves.
A murderer does not become an icon of Christ’s Salvation
by continuing to murder. A proud person does not
become humble by continuing to be proud.
We will not experience any degree of Victory over any
sin we commit if we simply give into it or make
excuses to justify ourselves.
No, we MUST Repent! We MUST reject our sinful actions,
thoughts, words, and habits that we know are wrong –
that alienate us from God and each other!
We may experience the greatest Struggle of our Life by
doing so and feel nothing but pain and frustration as
we fight against our passions.
We may fall flat on our faces a thousand times and
wonder if we will ever find Peace and Joy.
When that happens, we must take our attention off
ourselves and focus on Christ. For if we are obeying
Him as we best we can, despite our current state of
Spiritual Health, then we become like that Samaritan
Leper who went to Jerusalem in Obedience to Christ’s
Commandment, regardless of how we feel about it.
Our Lord Jesus Calls us to Obey and be Healed, which is
different from being perfectly at ease.
Having to endure physical therapy after an injury or
working out when we are not in shape is also very
difficult to do but is eventually worth it.
When we do ‘the right thing’ - even though it is difficult
and we do not particularly like it, or are worried
about how things will turn out – we usually get it done,
by focussing on something that is much more
important than our fears.
That is what the Samaritan Leper did and it is what we
must all do if we want to find Healing for our soul.
We simply cannot expect to find Strength and
Transformation unless we humbly obey our Lord.
Unless we pray at home and at Church, practise Fasting
and other forms of self-denial, give to the poor and
needy, forgive those who have offended us, keep a
close watch on our thoughts and actions, and
Struggle mightily against our familiar temptations, we
really cannot expect Spiritual Growth in our Christian
Life.
If we do not actively strive to become Living Icons of
Christ’s Salvation, we will not grow in Holiness.
Like the Samaritan Leper, we must do our part in order to
open ourselves to the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ -
to put ourselves in the place where His New Life shines
in us, which always requires our Humble Obedience.
We should never think that we are obeying an abstract
law of religion or morality, for our Divine Saviour and
Creator knows us better than we know ourselves.
We must turn away from obsessing over whether we are
doing anything ‘perfectly’, for that only a reflection of
our personal pride and arrogance!
We should not be bogged down nor tempted by the
thousands of excuses that tempt us into doing
anything else rather than to obey our Lord Jesus
Christ.
We all need to be like that Samaritan Leper who called
out to our Lord Jesus Christ, beseeching His Great
Mercy, and then immediately and humbly obeyed
Him.
Furthermore, we should not make any Sacred Obedience
any more difficult than it really is!
Despite our innumerable imperfections and the extent of
our corruption, that is the only way for us to be able to
hear those Most Blessed Words: “Rise, and go your
way! Your Faith has made you well.”
Amen.
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTER
(EDITED BY MP)
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM/EASTERNCHRISTIANINSIGHTS/2016/01/17/751
THE HESYCHAST OF MOUNT ATHOS
Elder, Martyrios: “Abba, did you know that today you
have tonsured the Abbot of Sinai?”
In his absolute Humility, St John Klimakos never revealed
anything about himself. The only thing we know
about him is that he was sixteen years old when he
entered Monasticism and he stayed with his Elder
approximately eighteen years before he withdrew
ST LUKE – TEN LEPERS – 20 JANUARY 2019 21
 into the far desert for another forty years, where he
remained with his Disciple, Moses, or perhaps with
some others.
In his old age, when he was over seventy, he was elected
Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Sinai.
Being embellished with Virtues, he strengthened
Monasticism and the entire region.
He wrote his famous book, “The Ladder of Divine
Ascent,” and left it as a great legacy to all Faithful
Disciples of Christ.
Beginning with the Virtue of “Renouncing the world,” he
wrote about all the Holy Virtues including Impassion
and Deification and ranked them in levels as if
ascending a Ladder, step by step.
He specifically recommended the practise of humbling
our mindset as being the most essential element and
absolute Duty of every Christian.
In his biography, it noted that the Holy Fathers, wishing
to test him, threw him a piece of bread as if to a dog.
The Blessed Saint went on his hands and knees and
picked it, up proving that he had passed their test.
Such were the Spiritual Heights he had reached.
I would like to refer to the Holy Virtue of Patience, which
we all ought to acquire.
As already mentioned, a Spiritual Father ‘saw’ that St
John would become Abbot of Sinai. Nevertheless, this
prediction only occurred fifty years later.
This is crucial for us as it concerns the start of our
Monastic Life.
Even though there is no one to tell us, our conscience and
our deep Faith constantly testifies that we are
destined to accomplish our absolute success through
our Lord’s Great Mercy, since we have been Called to
this Holy Life.
No one - except God - knows when and if this will occur,
nor how long we will live. What we do know is that “...
He Who has Called us...” is always True to His
Promises and “...faithful in all His Words...” (PSALMS 145,
13).
Therefore, He will grant us the Place He has prepared for
us. However, we need to have Patience for many
years until this Promise is fulfilled, for that is how our
Lord fulfills His Promises.
Let us now contemplate the important Holy Virtue of
Humility, (which is firmly attached to Obedience.)
Every Holy Virtue is Beneficial and necessary since they
all elevate our personality, which was disgraced by
the Fall and tarnished with the blemishes of sin.
These stains must be blotted out, one by one, so that our
“...Image...” returns to its perfectly created state.
By ‘blemishes’ we mean those caused by an unnatural
life – i.e. by passions and sins caused both by the Fall
and our sinful behaviour.
Ever since we became aware of Holiness, we have not
been able to adhere to our Lord’s Will, because we
were sinners not only while we were ignorant, but,
unfortunately, we have remained sinners despite our
Spiritual Awareness, and thus our Holy ‘Image’
continues to be disgraced!
We must now make every effort to acquire the Holy
Virtues that overcome our habitual wickedness and
passions, with sincere Humility and Obedience, as
well as the essential Assistance of Divine Grace.
The Sacred Purpose of the Virtues is to Transform and
Restore our deformed Image to its original state.
When we slowly reinstate our Image to its former glory -
to its ancient simplicity and perfection - then our
authentic humanity is revealed, testifying from Whom
we originated and to Whom we belong - to our
Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for Whom
we are named as “Christians.”
Thus all Holy Virtues are useful, necessary and essential
since each one uproots its respective evil and Heals
the appropriate wounds.
There is, however, one Sacred Virtue recommended by
our Holy Fathers, which alone may replace all others
and restore the Image to an unrivalled Brilliance.
It is infinite, unconditional and absolute Love - the
precise, genuine Attribute of our Triune Lord God – of
our Heavenly Father, and His Eternal, Only Begotten
Son - our Lord Jesus Christ, Who became Man for our
sake - not because He needed to do so, but because
of the Fullness of His Love.
22. , 34 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 12 T H
OF
Our Divine Saviour never issued His Commandments and
Teachings from afar.
Instead, He took upon Himself our human nature, lived
amongst us and taught us practically - step by step -
how to proceed through the Acquisition of Holy
Virtues and the eradication of evil.
He also told us Who He is: “...Learn from Me for I Am
Gentle and Humble in heart.” (MATTHEW 11:29)
The Great Mystery of our Lord God has now been
revealed, for we have not only seen what He looks like
– His Incarnate Image - but have also witnessed the
depth of His Loving Heart - the centre of His Divine
Existence!
This is our Almighty Lord God and our Heavenly Father!
Those who have acquired Humility and Obedience also
receive a most marvellous Eternal Inheritance, which
enables us to cast aside all obstacles and restrictions,
and rest assured in our Heavenly Father’s Bosom.
We must strive courageously and ceaselessly to acquire
the fullness of our Divine Father’s Attributes – to regain
our created Image and Likeness of God - during this
short, preparatory life.
Is Humility a natural Virtue or is it beyond our nature and
difficult to even understand?
The Holy Virtue of Humility is Reality itself, for it enables us
to clearly see our own Spiritual Condition and
Circumstances - to see exactly how unworthy,
wretched and incapable of any goodness we are!
When we hear about our human Ancestry according to
Holy Scripture and compare it to our present
condition, we should be deeply embarrassed, for,
according to our Lord’s Providence, we were created
“...in His Image and Likeness...” in order to be gods
by His Divine Grace (NOT by our human nature.)
Although this is our Sacred Lineage, we have become
“...thieves and robbers...” for all degrees and types of
wickedness, criminality, and deceit have taken root
within us and we only differ from the beasts
externally.
Consequently, when we begin to understand, we may
begin to acquire Humility, and - having realized how
wretched we are - we will maintain this mindset and
Struggle with concerted determination.
If we persevere and acquire Humility, it would be
impossible to be angry, greedy, vengeful, selfish,
corrupt, arrogant, egocentric or any other
wickedness, for it is fitting that being so deplorable we
will suffer hardship rather than glory!
We must understand that, by the Grace of God, it
becomes easier for us to strive to acquire and
maintain Humility and Obedience, which will make
the Acquisition of the other essential Holy Virtues
possible: “It is always good to be zealous in a good
cause.” (GALATIANS 4: 18)
Behold! There is another vital reason for Humility and
Obedience, for when our Lord became Incarnate, He
tore up the impossible list of our debts, raised ‘the
Image’ from the depths, and sealed it with His
bloodstained Fingers!
He restored our created Image to its ancient Beauty and
bestowed on it the Seal of our Adoption, which we
receive during our Holy Baptism, yet, again and
again, we fall back into our old ways - into Spiritual
Wretchedness beyond limits and description!
We must hold onto these thoughts and strive to acquire
the Mother of all Virtues that is a genuine Divine
Attribute of our Heavenly Father, which makes even
the Angels withdraw when they see it.
The Burning Sword (at the entrance to Paradise) would have
departed as soon as it came face to face with our
Humility had it not been abolished by the Holy Cross
of our Lord Jesus, for how could it remain (guarding
Paradise) when the sons of God the Father enter boldly
to inherit the Promises made to us?
Remembering always our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is “...the
Founder and Perfecter of our Faith...” - our Perfect
Prototype and the Divine Saviour of our Salvation - let
us continue with our present Struggle and let us rest
assured that our success is certain. ( HEBREWS 12, 2)
Amen.
(ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
TRANSLATED BY OLGA KONARI KOKKINOU FROM THE GREEK EDITION: Γέροντος Ιω
σήφΒατοπαιδινού, Διδαχές από τον Άθωνα, Εκδόσεις ‘Το Αγιον Όρος’,
Θεσσαλονίκη, 1989.
ST LUKE – TEN LEPERS – 20 JANUARY 2019
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

25 January 2019
St Gregory the Theologian of Constantinople
Also the Feast of St Moses, Archbishop of Novgorod – St Felicitas of Rome & her 7 sons: St
Januarios, St Felix, St Philip, St Silvanos, St Alexander, St Vitalios and St Marcial – St Publios the
Ascetic of Syria- St Mares the Singer of Syria – St Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev & Gallich – St
Auxentios of Constantinople - St Anatole 1 of Optina – St Dositheos of Tbilisi, Georgia – St Gabriel of
Imereti, Georgia

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN – TONE 1

O Pimenikos ailos tis Theologias Sou, tas ton ritoron The pastoral flute of Thy Theology conquered the
enikise salpingas: os gar ta vathi tou Pnevmatos trumpets of orators. For it called upon the depths of
ekzitisanti, ke ta kalli tou fthegmatos prosetethi Si. Alla the Spirit and Thou were enriched with the beauty of
presveve Hristo to Theo, Pater Grigorie, sothine tas words. Intercede to Christ our God, O Father Gregory,
psihas imon.. that our souls may be Saved.
FESTAL KONTAKION – ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
Theologo glotti Sou, tas simplokoas ton ritoron, dialisas O Glorious One, Thou dispelled the complexities of
endoxe, orthodoxias hitona, anothen exifanthenta tin orators with the words of Thy Theology. Thou has
Ekklisian, estolisas: on ke forousa, sin imin krazi, tis sis adorned the Church with the Vesture of Orthodoxy
teknis: Heris Pater, Theologias O nous O akrotatos. woven from on High. Clothed in this, the Church now
cries out with us to Thy children: "Hail Father, the
Consummate Theological Mind."
FESTAL KONTAKION - THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 1 - 9
THE HOLY SHEEPFOLD, THE DIVINE SHEPHERD AND THE REASON-ENDOWED FLOCK
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to the Judeans: “Truly, truly, I say you, he who does not enter the Sheepfold by the
Door, but climbs up some other way, the same 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.”
This illustration was used by Jesus, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Jesus said to them
again: “Truly, truly, I say to you: I Am the Door of the Sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and
robbers, but the Sheep did not heed them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved and will go
in and out and find Pasture.”
PROKEIMENON –PSALM 48/49 - TONE 1
My mouth shall speak Wisdom; and the meditation of my heart, Understanding.
Hear this, all you people!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
THE RULES OF PRIESTLY ORDERS
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 is no longer the Perfect, Absolute Divine Truth of
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, Almighty God but a mere shadow or poor imitation
THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE that is misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous.
ALSO SUPERIOR. THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS FULFILLED
 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS SO INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT IN CHRIST JESUS.
that if the Priesthood is changed in any way at all, As Melchizedek was without earthly genealogy, so is
SO IS THE HOLY COVENANT. Christ by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth.
Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ANY  HE IS GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. THEREFORE
MEANS FOR THEN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE PERFECT!! HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY.
Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE OF The Power that is bestowed upon candidates at their
DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED for then it Ordination is immensely Strong and Effective.

ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN OF CONSTANTINOPLE 2 5 J A N U A R23

Y
 THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT Since CHRIST IS IMMORTAL, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
BECAUSE IT DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
GUIDES US TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – The requirement of Perfect Holiness is met in our Lord
regaining our lost Likeness to Christ. Jesus Christ for His is TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE was offered once Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is so much more than
only but IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity a mere human being – He IS GOD-MAN – The Eternal,
throughout the ages. Only Begotten
 GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR
ONLY TRUE HIGH PRIEST.
Son of God the Father Who became Man by assuming
our human Nature.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 9 – 16
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be Saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief comes to steal and to kill, and to destroy.
“I Am come so that they might have Life, and so that they might have it more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd.
“The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the
sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the wolf catches them, and scatters
the sheep.
“For the hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and does not care for the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd, and
know My Sheep, and Am known by My own.
“As the Father knows Me even so know I the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have
that are not of this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will be one Flock and
one Shepherd.”
 THE ULTIMATE ‘THIEF’ IS SATAN, who always spreads lies PASSION – AND FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD FOR
THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
and encourages heresies and blasphemy among
the People of God – both the Old Israel and the  The “Other Sheep” of our Lord WERE THE GENTILES – THE
PAGANS AND NON JUDAIC TRIBES, who would be
New Israel - luring away the deceived, ignorant
leaders and people. brought together into ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE
 “Life” means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth JUDEANS, UNDER ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
during this short, preparatory period before we  Those of us who accept His Divine Truth – His True
enter Eternity. Teachings and Commandments - STRIVE
CONTINUOUSLY AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES, TO FULFIL
 The “more abundant” Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN
THEM TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY. THIS IS OUR LIFE IN
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE – Agape.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REVEALS HIMSELF AS OUR GOOD CHRIST.
SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE HIS ‘REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” – ✶ Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS ALL
ETHNIC OR RACIAL DIVISIONS.
HIS HOLY FLOCK.
He is THE DIVINE DOOR – THE DIVINE ENTRANCE INTO HIS It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
HEAVENLY KINGDOM of Eternal Love. beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
CHRIST IS THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE – all Divinely principle that was affirmed in every generation.
Inspired Holy Prophecy – concerning our Divine (CANON 8 OF 1 NICEA)
Saviour.  St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second
 Our Lord is THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON century Church that held separate Divine Liturgies
OF GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND
for the Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying:
HIS HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON WHO “Be careful to observe a single Eucharist, for
BECAME INCARNATE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SALVATION.
there is ONE Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN ONE Cup of His Blood that makes us one, and
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE “PUT ON CHRIST” ALSO
ONE Altar, just as there is ONE Bishop... this is in
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
line with God’s Will!”
Furthermore, we know His beautiful Voice because WE Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: “I lay down My Life...”
KNOW HIS WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – His Teachings and
which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US – i.e. He offered Himself AS THE
Commandments. Thus we should not be misguided
nor deceived by the evil one’s lies and deceptions. ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR ALL
SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERED HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
ETERNAL SALVATION. ✶OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE WILL
OF GOD THE FATHER – everything is and must be done
 HE WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING of the Ultimate,
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER, THROUGH GOD
Most Perfect and Fulfilling Blood Sacrifice of all
THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
time, which makes it NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR BLOOD
SACRIFICES for the forgiveness of sins.
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, so,
 However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND too, must WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
REPENT OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL,
which is why our Salvation is a continuous By the end of the ages, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD –
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – AND ONE HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY
Spiritual Process until we draw our final breath.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST gave His Life for the sake of His CHURCH.
Beloved Flock, which FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF HIS
ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN OF CONSTANTINOPLE
Our Great Holy, Cappadocian Father, St Gregory, is Gorgonia are commemorated on 9 March and 23
known by several titles – St Gregory the Theologian, St February, respectively.
Gregory of Nazianzos (not to be confused with his He studied in Caesarea, Palestine, in Alexandria, Egypt
venerable Father) and St Gregory the Younger. and finally in Athens, Greece, where he and St Basil
He was a remarkable Spiritual Father and Inspired the Great became firm friends. A fellow student later
Teacher of Christ’s Holy Church, whom we became known as the infamous Emperor Julian the
commemorate on 25 January, when he Reposed and Apostate, an obsessive enemy of Christianity.
on 19 January, when his Holy Relics were Translated. St Gregory and St Basil lived as strict Ascetics in the
On 30 January, St Gregory, St Basil the Great and St John Hermitages of Pontos until St Gregory’s father, Bishop
Chrysostom are commemorated together as our Three of Nazianzos ordained him as Presbyter and later, St
Holy Hierarchs. Basil consecrated him as Bishop of Sasima, in the
He was born in 329 in Arianzos, Cappadocia, to devout Archdiocese of Caesarea, which caused a
parents, St Gregory, Bishop of Nazianzos and St misunderstanding and rift between the two friends.
Nonna, who raised their other children as Faithful
Christians, and his siblings, St Caesarios and St

24 ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN OF CONSTANTINOPLE 25 JANUARY

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

Tone 2 27 January 2019

th th
35 Sunday After Pentecost – 15 Sunday of St Luke
Sunday of St Zacchaeus
Also the Feast of St John Chrysostom of Constantinople – New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia
- St Peter the Righteous of Egypt – St Demetrios the New Martyr of Constantinople

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 2 – MARK 16 : 1 - 8

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 2

Ote katilthes pros ton Thanaton, i Zoi i Athanatos, tote ton When Thou condescended to Death, O Life Immortal,
Adin enekrosas ti astrapi tis Theotitos. Ote de ke tous Thou slayed Hades with the lightning flash of Thy
tethneotas ek ton katahthonion anestisas, pase e Divinity. When also Thou raised up the dead from the
Dinamis ton Epouranion ekravgazon. Zoodota Hriste, O subterranean abodes, all the Powers of Heaven cried
Theos imon, Doxa Si! aloud: O Life-giver, Christ our God, Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
I tou stomatos Sou kathaper pirsos eklampsasa Haris, tin The Grace that from Thy mouth shone forth like a Torch,
ikoumenin efotisen. Afilargirias to kosmo Thisafrous Illuminated the Universe. It deposited in the world, the
enapetheto. To ipsos imin tis tapinofrosinis ipedixen. Treasures of the absence of avarice. It showed us the
Alla Sis Logis pedevon, Pater Ioanni Hrisostome, Height that is attained by Humility. Now Thou instruct
presveve to Logo Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas us by Thy Words, O Father John Chrysostom.
imon. Intercede with Christ our God, the Word Himself,
Entreating Him to Save our soul.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION

SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous Igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 48/49 – TONE 1
My mouth shalt speak Wisdom, and the Meditation of my heart, Understanding.
Hear this, all your Nations; Hearken, all you inhabitants of the world.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need to offer up sacrifices daily as those High Priests –,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 THE POWER THAT IS BESTOWED upon candidates at their
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, THE Ordination IS IMMENSELY STRONG AND EFFECTIVE.
RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ALSO THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT because it
SUPERIOR. draws us closer to Almighty God and guides us
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS SO INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT THAT towards our Spiritual Perfection – regaining our lost
IS THE PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN ANY WAY AT ALL, SO IS THE Likeness to Christ.
HOLY COVENANT. OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED ONCE
Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ANY ONLY BUT IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity
MEANS FOR THEN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE PERFECT!! throughout the ages.
Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE OF GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR ONLY
DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR THEN TRUE HIGH PRIEST.
IT IS NO LONGER THE PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE TRUTH OF Since Christ is Immortal, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
ALMIGHTY GOD but a mere shadow or poor imitation MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
that is misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous. The requirement of PERFECT HOLINESS IS MET IN OUR LORD
THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS FULFILLED JESUS CHRIST FOR HE IS TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
IN CHRIST JESUS. Furthermore, our Lord Jesus Christ is so much more than
AS MELCHIZEDEK WAS WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, SO IS CHRIST a mere human being – He is God-Man – The Eternal,
by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth. Only Begotten Son of God the Father Who became
HE IS GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. Therefore HIS Man by assuming our human Nature.
HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY.

35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – ZACCHAEUS’ CALLING – 27 JANUARY 2019 1.
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 19 : 1 – 10
At that time, our Lord Jesus passed through Jericho. And behold! There was a man named ‘Zacchaeus.’ And he was
Chief of the Publicans, and he was rich. And he wanted to see Who Jesus was, and was unable due to the crowd,
for he was short of stature. And he ran ahead and climbed up into a Sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass
that way. And when Jesus got to that place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him: “Zacchaeus, make haste
and come down. Today I must stay at your house.” And he hastily climbed down, and received Him joyfully.
And seeing, they all complained, saying: “He has gone to be a Guest of a man who is a sinner!”
Standing, Zacchaeus said to Jesus: “Behold! to the poor, my Lord, half my goods I shall give. And if I have taken
anything from anyone by false accusation, I shall restore it fourfold!”
Jesus said to him: “Today Salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. The Son of Man
has come to seek and to Save what was lost!”
JERICHO WAS NOTORIOUS AS A CITY OF WICKEDNESS and was  St Zacchaeus had used the term “...give...” for HIS FREE
commonly associated with corruption and immorality. AND GENEROUS OFFERING TO THE POOR and “...restore...”
(LUKE 10:30) for WHAT HE OWED to those whom he had cheated
 The comment “...he was rich...” is a reference to the (and robbed) as it was not a gift but rather
earlier Teaching of Christ Who had told the Rich REQUIRED BY MOSAIC LAW.
Young Man that THE ONLY WAY HE COULD GAIN ETERNAL  E X O D U S 2 2 : 1 “...If a thief is found breaking in at
LIFE WAS TO SELL ALL HIS GOODS, DISTRIBUTE THE MONEY night and is killed, there shall be no guilt for his
TO THE POOR AND THEN FOLLOW CHRIST. blood. But if the sun rises on the thief, there shall be
This specific advice to the Rich Young Man was followed guilt if his blood is shed. However, he should make
by the quotation: “It is easier for a camel to pass full restitution; but if he has nothing, then he shall be
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to sold for his theft. If the thing stolen from a donkey to a
enter the Kingdom of God.” sheep, is found alive in his possession, he shall
When the Disciples asked our Lord Jesus Christ who then restore double...”
would be able to be Saved under such conditions, He By giving generously to the poor and restoring what he
had assured them that “...the things which are owed and more to those whom he had robbed, ST
impossible for men are possible with God!” ZACCHAEUS NOT ONLY FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
✶✶ This Encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus LAW BUT DEMONSTRATED HIS LOVE OF GOD AND HIS HOLY
demonstrates clearly that DIVINE GRACE CAN ACCOMPLISH GOSPEL.
ANYTHING AT ALL – ESPECIALLY THOSE THINGS THAT ARE  The title “...son of Abraham...” indicates that
IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO. Zacchaeus had become like this particular
There are many Spiritual Interpretations expressing the Patriarch of Israel for he was counted as BEING
Universal significance of this particular Encounter: RIGHTEOUS BY HIS SINCERE FAITH, HE BECAME GENEROUS
➤ St Theophylact regarded THE CROWD THAT FOLLOWED AND COMPASSIONATE towards the poor and destitute,
CHRIST OUT OF CURIOSITY AS SYMBOLISING OUR and HE WAS UNITED TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
INNUMERABLE SINS: “...crowded in by a multitude of ✶✶ ZACCHAEUS, THE SINFUL CHIEF TAX COLLECTOR BECAME “SAINT
passions and worldly affairs, Zacchaeus was not ZACCHAEUS” - A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST AND WAS LATER
able to see our Lord Jesus.” ELECTED AS BISHOP of His Holy Church, serving God
St Ambrose saw several parallels: the fact that ... devoutly until his repose in Christ Jesus.
➤ ZACCHAEUS WAS “...short in stature...” was indicative of The immense significance of THIS REPENTANT SINNER IS
his being SHORT IN FAITH AND VIRTUE AS WELL evident from the fact that St Zacchaeus has not only
➤ ZACCHAEUS HAD TO CLIMB A TREE shows that NO ONE been COMMEMORATED EVERY YEAR THROUGHOUT THE AGES,
ATTACHED TO EARTHLY MATTERS IS ABLE TO SEE OUR but THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE
SAVIOUR CLEARLY (unless we make a determined TRIODION PERIOD IS IN HONOUR OF HIM,
effort!) ✶✶ This Calling of St Zacchaeus reminds us and
➤ OUR LORD INTENTIONALLY PASSED THAT WAY reveals that encourages us that NO MATTER HOW SINFUL ANYONE IS,
CHRIST APPROACHES ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO REPENT THROUGH SINCERE AND DETERMINED REPENTANCE, WE TOO CAN
AND TO BELIEVE – HE WILL GO OUT OF HIS WAY TO MEET BECOME HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND ENJOY ETERNAL
REPENTANT SINNERS AND SPEND TIME WITH THEM. (but LIFE.
God never forces Himself on us.)
35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the On one hand, we are able ascend to great heights with
Holy Spirit... new perspectives on what we can see and what is
Dear Brethren in Christ most of us climbed a tree when below us, while on the other hand, we take significant
we were young and often our adventurous nature risks of falling, which could either seriously injure us
gave us - sometimes to our surprise - a new or even kill us.
perspective, for we could now see the surrounding Perhaps this will help us to understand the paradox of St
area and perhaps even far beyond it. Zacchaeus in today’s Sacred Lesson.
These days, we no longer need tall trees to climb St Zacchaeus had also climbed a tree, because he was
because we have Google Earth and satellite imagery “...short of stature...” and wanted to see over the crowd
that is accessible to everyone. who had gathered because our Lord Jesus Christ was
Nevertheless, it is exhilarating and even intoxicating to passing through the city of Jericho.
see things from a great height. His name “Zacchaeus” actually means “the pure and
Just the feat of climbing a tree is was as gratifying for a innocent one,” and he is commended by some of our
child as climbing Mount Everest was for the most Holy Fathers for his persistence in trying to see our
extreme adventurer. Then, right when we were Lord Jesus Christ of Whom he had heard.
enjoying our moment of exaltation, a voice called out: His undignified climbing up the Sycamore tree to get a
“Get down from there right now! You are going to fall better view of Christ our God is similar to the four
and break you neck!” friends of the Paralytic of Capernaum who broke
A concerned adult had seen us and, concerned for our through the sun-baked roof of a house in order to
safety, had issued a dire warning and a strict bypass the gathered crowd surrounding our Lord
commandment that we immediately obeyed, but as Jesus and then lowering their bed-ridden friend right
we made our descent, it seemed to be a lot more before Him to be Healed. (Mark 2:1-12)
difficult than when we climb up that tree! St Cyril of Jerusalem and St. Augustine believed that St
And suddenly we become acutely aware of just how high Zacchaeus had to rise above all earthly things in
we had climbed, and how far we could fall! order to clearly behold Christ our Divine Saviour. This
Although it was a scary realization it probably did not Teaching is extremely significant and should be
discourage us from climbing to various heights again. applied to ourselves.
That is the paradox of climbing trees and various other Life – and especially our Spiritual Life - is a Journey
things that take us to great heights. towards Eternity.
We must focus on our Destination and learn how to get
there by the proper Route.

26 35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – ZACCHAEUS’ CALLING – 27 JANUARY 2019
It is difficult to navigate through a thick forest or rocky
area without a clearly defined path or a compass.
Our life at times is so overgrown with worldly concerns
that we stray off the Path that leads us to Christ.
This can happen even when we are actively involved in
the Life of the Church through Prayer, Worship,
Fasting and Almsgiving.
It is necessary to pause and climb up above the thick
foliage to see where we are and where we need to
go.
The account of St Zacchaeus reminds us to climb
upwards and look ahead.
In few weeks’ time, we will enter the period of Triodion
which begins on Sunday of the Publican and the
Pharisee, and three weeks later, Great Lent will begin
after Sunday of Cheesefare/Forgiveness with “Clean
Monday.”
After another three weeks it is Sunday of the Veneration
of the Cross and after three more weeks it will be Palm
Sunday and Holy Pascha!
Each Sunday is like a signpost that points us in the right
direction where we need to go as we proceed
towards Eternity.
Although some of our Holy Fathers regarded the climbing
up into the Sycamore tree by St Zacchaeus as a
positive action, others regarded it differently.
Father Paul Tarazi asserted that St Zacchaeus represents
those who try to see or encounter our Lord God
through their own efforts.
He noted that the word “Sycamore,” with which St Luke
described the tree that St Zacchaeus ascended,
appears nowhere else in Holy Scripture.
St Luke apparently invented the term himself, for it seems
to have been a play on words combining “syke”
meaning “fig tree,” and “moria,” meaning
“foolishness” or “folly.” Thus the “Sycamore” tree
meant “the tree of foolishness.”
Lev Gillet believed that when our Lord Jesus’ told St
Zacchaeus to “...come down...” it meant that WE MUST
LEAVE BEHIND ALL VANITY AND PRIDE IN ORDER TO BE IN THE
PRESENCE OF OUR LORD.
It was a preview of what our Lord Jesus said when He
concluded His Parable of the Publican and the
Pharisee: “... He who exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted!” (LUKE
18:14)
Another paradox concerning St Zacchaeus is that “...he
was Chief of the Publicans, and he was rich...”
meaning that as a self-serving, greedy collaborator
with the Roman Empire Authorities who oppressed the
people of the occupied territories, Zacchaeus was
regarded and bitterly despised by the Judeans as a
corrupted traitor to his own people and therefore a
most despicable sinner – especially because he was
MAINTAINING OUR
In order for us to LIVE AN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LIFE or to
SUSTAIN OUR LIFE IN CHRIST (Whom we have “put on” at
our Holy Baptism) we must FULFIL ALL GOD’S
COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS – ALL HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
We must LOVE OUR LORD GOD WITH ALL OUR BEING – HEART,
MIND, STRENGTH AND SOUL – AND we must also LOVE EACH
OTHER AS MUCH AS WE LOVE OURSELVES AND AS MUCH AS GOD
LOVES US ALL.
This is not an easy Path to follow so we must STRIVE
CONSTANTLY TO LIVE A LIFE OF HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND
REPENTANCE for these lead to all the other essential
Holy Virtues.
Furthermore, by adopting an Orthodox Way of Life, we
will BECOME ZEALOUS AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
 L U K E 1 2 : 4 9 Our Lord Jesus Christ told us: “... I have
come to send Fire to the Earth, and how I wish It
were already kindled!”
This reference to “Fire” concerns HIS HOLY GOSPEL, AND THE
DIVINE GIFTS OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, which ENLIVENS THE
FAITHFUL AND JUDGES THE FAITHLESS, WHILE IT PURIFIES HOLY
VIRTUE AND DESTROYS SIN.
 P H I L I P P I A N S 3 : 1 4 - St Paul urged us to “...press toward
the Goal for the Prize of the upward Call of God
in Christ Jesus.”
35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – ZACCHAEUS’ CALLING – 27 JANUARY 2019
“... rich ...” which had many negative, sinister
connotations.
However, DUE TO HIS ENCOUNTER WITH OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, ST
ZACCHAEUS WAS COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED!
HE NOT ONLY REPENTED HIS SINS BUT ALSO GAVE HALF OF HIS
WORLDLY POSSESSIONS TO THE POOR AND REPAID EVERYONE
WHOM HE HAD CHEATED – OR WHO ACCUSED HIM OF DOING SO -
FOUR TIMES MORE THAN THEY HAD LOST.
How many of us would give 50% - or even 1% - of our
wealth and possessions to the poor?
Consequently, St Zacchaeus turned out to have been rich
in worldly wealth and possessions, but neither
obsessed nor enslaved by it, for having given most of
it away, he then became a Faithful Disciple of Christ
who dedicated the rest of his life to the Holy Service of
God.
Regardless of how others perceived St Zacchaeus, our
Lord Jesus Christ, Who sees every heart and soul
clearly, looked directly up at him in that tree and
Called him by saying: “...Today I must stay at your
house.”
Just like our parents or those who cared for us when we
were young and immature, our Lord Jesus Christ
constantly watches out for us and Calls us to Him.
He is not satisfied with just being an Icon hanging on our
wall. He wants to enter our heart, mind and soul.
According to Lev Gillet this Calling of St Zacchaeus should
remind us of Christ Who stands at the Door of our
heart and knocks: “... If any man hears My Voice and
opens the door, I will come in to him and will sup with
him and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
By telling St Zacchaeus to “... make haste...” because
“...Today I must stay at your house...” our Lord Jesus
Christ emphasised the urgency of His Divine Salvation.
We cannot put off until later, tomorrow, next week or next
month what must be done now, today.
We must heed our Divine Saviour Who is patiently waiting
at the Door of our heart – waiting to get our attention,
waiting for us to eagerly welcome Him, for our Lord
God never forces Himself into our life.
He has already knocked at our Door and waits for us to
respond by joyfully and willingly inviting Him to enter
our Life by allowing His Divine the Kingdom to be
established within us, and by becoming Faithful
Children of our Heavenly Father.
According to St Cyprian of Carthage this can only occur if
we imitate St Zacchaeus - by sincerely Repenting our
sins, Transforming ourselves from wicked, selfish
sinners to Faithful Disciples of Christ and by sharing
our Abundant Blessings with those in need.
Amen
FATHER RICK, ST GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, ST PAUL, MINNESOTA, USA
(ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
HTTP://WWW.STGEORGEGOC.ORG
SPIRITUAL ZEAL
Our Holy Fathers also remind of this by using words such
as “...seeking... proposing ... fervour... diligence...
warmth of spirit... burning ... zeal.”
SPIRITUAL ZEAL IS COMBINED WITH LOVE, as St Nektarios of
Pentapolis and Aegina explained:
“... the Zealot according to Knowledge, who is Motivated
by the Love of God and neighbours, does all things
with Charity and self-effacement – doing nothing
that might cause sorrow to others.
“Such a Zealot is Enlightened by Knowledge, and
nothing prompts the deviation from what is morally
right.”
St Symeon the New Theologian teaches us: “... for every
pursuit and every endeavour involving great toil
that does not end up in Love and a contrite spirit is
futile, and yields no Profitable result!”
St Theophan the Recluse emphasised the preserving of
Spiritual Zeal should be our first priority: “...The first
job of the Christian Ascetic should be the
preservation of this Zeal and Fervour as Source of
Power for Living a God-pleasing Life...”
 2 PETER 1 : 5 – 6 St Peter the Holy Apostle of Christ,
taught us to “... make every effort to add
Goodness to your Faith, and to Goodness,
Knowledge; and to Knowledge, Self-control, and
to Self-control, Perseverance...”
1.
AN “INWARD JOURNEY” TO OUR HEART AND SOUL IS REQUIRED, and
just like our Awakening to Christ our Lord and Saviour
Transformed us, WE MUST CONTINUALLY TRANSFORM OUR
WORLDLY PERCEPTION AND VIEW INTO A CELESTIAL VIEW AND
PERCEPTION.
St Theophan the Recluse advised those who wish “...to
preserve an unwavering Spiritual Zeal...” to
 “... go within...”
 “... view the New World...”
ON TRIALS AND PAIN - ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS
WHEN WE REALIZE THAT OUR TRIALS AND PAINS ARE BLESSINGS
FROM GOD, WE WILL VIEW ALL DEGREES OF SUFFERING
PROPERLY AND WILL IMMEDIATELY BE RELEASED FROM A SENSE
OF BEING DISADVANTAGED.
If a child is disabled and has not been taught to properly
understand and Rejoice in that disability, then there is Wherever we are, or whatever we are occupied with, WE
some excuse for feeling ‘disadvantaged.’
But IF CHILDREN GROW UP WITH A SENSE OF INFERIORITY IT MEANS
THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT NOR GRASPED THE DEEPER
MEANING OF THIS TEMPORARY LIFE.
A little girl who had lost an eye due to a tumour, was
mocked at school by the other children, which deeply
distressed her, so her father spoke to me about their
problems.
HE WANTED TO GIVE HER ANYTHING SHE WANTED in order to
make her happy and to forget about her
disfigurement but, having five other small children
who would become jealous, and, being poor, he
could not do so.
I told him that IT WOULD BE FALSE COMFORT AND BY NO MEANS A
SOLUTION, FOR IT WOULD ONLY MAKE HER GREEDY AND
DEMANDING, AND HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH A
SITUATION THAN WOULD WORSEN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
“... Try to get your daughter to understand, and to be
grateful for still having the sight of her one eye.
“Explain to her that many Holy Martyrs had their eyes
plucked out, or their ears and nose cut off, and
people laughed at them. But although they suffered
from the pain, and the mockery of others, they did
not lose their Courage nor Faith in God, and they
endured their Martyrdom unflinchingly.
“If your child understands and deals with her disability
with Hymns of Praise, God will grant her a place
among His Holy Confessors, for it is ‘no small thing’
for God to permit the eye of your child to be removed
in such a way that it does not hurt, and then place
her among His Confessors, for she will have far less
sins to Repent and will receive an Eternal Reward for
her disability.”
The father departed, grateful and relieved, for he was
able to help his daughter to understand and accept
that her disability was a Blessing from God, for which
she should Glorify Him.
Subsequently, she grew up healthy and confident, and
went to University to study languages, and is presently
a Lecturer who is happier than OTHERS WHO ‘HAVE IT ALL’
YET REMAIN MISERABLE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT UNDERSTOOD
THE DEEPER MEANING OF THIS LIFE.
WHEN WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE TRUE MEANING AND PURPOSE
OF THIS PRESENT LIFE, WE WILL BECOME DISTRESSED AND LACK
CONFIDENCE AND FAITH, despite all the Abundant
Blessings and opportunities that our Lord bestows
upon us for our Eternal Salvation.
On the contrary, WHEN WE VIEW EVERYTHING PROPERLY, WE
REJOICE AND ARE EXCEPTIONALLY GRATEFUL TO GOD – even if
we are disfigured or suffer any type of debilitating
ailments - even if we are disabled or disadvantaged
to any extent - WE WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY AND CONTENT,
THEREBY BEING COMPELLED TO GLORIFY AND OFFER
THANKSGIVING TO OUR LORD GOD FOR HIS Great Mercy and
Love.
Of course, I realize how difficult it is for all those who are
disabled or disadvantaged. I pray constantly for
those who struggle the most to overcome so many
obstacles in order to make their way in life especially
for those who are blind.
In my Prayers I beseech our Lord God to grant the blind
even a little light - and for all those who are disabled, We must welcome Divine Intervention whenever and
the ability to take care of themselves.
When we suffer poor eyesight, we must not worry about
reading entire Chapters of the Holy Gospel for WE CAN
READ A FEW VERSES AT A TIME AND THEN QUIETLY CONTEMPLATE
THEM, AND WE CAN KISS THE HOLY GOSPEL, AND THANK THE
28 35TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH OF ST LUKE – ZACCHAEUS’ CALLING – 27 JANUARY 2019
 “...stand in those feelings and thoughts
whereby we Ascend as though climbing the
steps of a Ladder to the Footstool of our Lord’s
Throne...”
Let us keep in mind, therefore, the exhortation of our Lord
Jesus Christ Who commanded us:
 REVELATION 3:19 “... Be Zealous, therefore, and Repent!”
http://orthodoxwayoflife.blogspot.com/2010
LORD OUR GOD FOR HIS DIVINE TRUTH, WHICH WHEN APPLIED
TO OUR OWN WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, WILL SANCTIFY US
AND KEEP US CLOSE TO OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, for we have
come to know Him and THROUGH OUR PRAYERS WE ARE
UNITED WITH HIM AND CAN COMMUNICATE FREELY WITH HIM.
CAN ALWAYS CONTEMPLATE THE HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST AND
ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE THAT WE HAVE READ AND BEEN TAUGHT
ABOUT.
The whole basis of our Orthodox Faith is the right way of
looking at everything.
We can think about how our Lord God wants us to
behave, to think and to speak.
A devout Lawyer, who was losing his sight due to his old
age, once said to me: “Pray for me, Holy Elder, so that I
can read a little and recognize the faces of those who
are dear to me.”
I told him: ‘You know those who are dear to you from
their voice. As for reading, you have been reading
for all these years. Now continue to pray the Jesus
Prayer, for it seems that this is what God wants from
you.” And from then on the aging Lawyer felt greater
Joy than when he had had his sight.
We will be granted a Greater Reward if we are disabled
by temporary or chronic ailments or pain, which we
patiently endure without any complaint, and by
being grateful to God for His Great Mercy and Love.
There is indeed, much suffering all around us, and so
many others are in far worse circumstances than
ourselves but if we all Struggle against the passions of
our soul, we will eventually receive Crowns of
Salvation from the Lord our God.
This is similar to those military people who - having been
disabled in warfare - receive a pension and medals
from their grateful Nation.
Those people who always seem to be “hale and hearty” -
flourishing and healthy - and who seem to have
everything they could wish for but who never deal
with their errors or shortcomings, God will say to them:
‘In your life, you enjoyed your goods and your well-
being. What do I owe you now? Nothing!’
However those who suffer from various disabilities -
either being a birth defect. inherited or due to other
circumstances, should be happy about what they will
receive in the next life – in Eternity – for if they are
innocent victims, they will receive a Great Reward in
Heaven - without any ‘deductions.’ Our Loving,
Compassionate Lord God will say to them: ‘Come, My
Children, and sit in this comfortable armchair for all
Eternity.’
This is why I have said that I would have preferred a
thousand times to have been born mentally retarded,
blind or deaf, because then I would receive a far
Greater Reward from God.
As long as we never grumble and complain when we are
sick or chronically ailing or disabled, but instead we
humbly Glorify God and live close to Him, we will be
awarded a Blissful Place in Paradise for God will rank
all patient and humble sufferers with His Holy
Confessors and Martyrs, who offered the sacrifice of
their body for the sake of Christ our Divine Saviour,
and now, in Paradise, will continually embrace Him
with all their devotion...
Little children express their discomfort so there are
certain situations that our Lord overlooks just as
parents who Love their children equally, but will take
special interest in those who are weak or disabled.
however God Wills, knowing it is always for our
Spiritual Benefit, even though we do not always
understand and appreciate it.
http://pemptousia.com
 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.

30 January 2019
The Three Holy Hierarchs
St Basil the Great, St John Chrysostom & St Gregory the Theologian
Also the Feast of St Hippolytos of Rome - St Censorinos, St Sabinos, St Chryse the Virgin
Martyr, St Felix, St Maximos, St Herculianos, St Venerios, St Styrakios, St Menas, St
Commodos, St Hermes, St Mavros, St Eusebios, St Rustikos, St Monagros, St Amandinos St
Nymphodora, St Cyros, St Theodore the Tribune, St Maximos the Presbyter, St Achelaos
the Deacon, & St Kyriakos the Bishop, Holy Martyrs of Ostia – St Zeno the Faster of Kiev
Caves Monastery – St Zeno the Hermit of Antioch, Disciple of St Basil the Great – St
Theophilos the New of Cyprus – St Peter, King of Bulgaria – St Demetrios, the New Martyr
of Sliven – St Theodore the New Martyr of Mytilene & Mount Athos

FESTAL APOLYTIKION - THE THREE HOLY HIERARCHS – TONE 1

Tous Tris Megistous Fostiras, tis Trisiliou Theotitos, tous tin The Three Most Great Luminaries of the Three-Sun
ikoumenin aktisi, dogmaton thion pirsevsantas. Thous Divinity have Illumined all the world with the Rays of
melirritous potamous tis sofias, tous tin ktisin pasan Doctrines Divine and True. They are the sweetly
theognosias namasi katardevsants. Basilion ton flowing Rivers of Wisdom, who with Godly Knowledge
megan, ke ton Thologon Grigorion, sin to klino Ioanni, have watered all Creation in clear and mighty Streams;
to tin Glottan Hrisorrimoni. Pantes i ton Logon afton the Great and Sacred Basil, and the Theologian, Wise
eraste, sinelthontes imnis timisomen. Afti gar ti Triadi, Gregory, together with the renowned John, the famed
iper imon ai presvevousin. Chrysostom of Golden Speech. Let us all who Love
their Divinely Wise Words come together, honouring
them with Hymns; for ceaselessly they offer Entreaty
for us to the Trinity.
SEASONAL KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST – TONE 1 – FROM 14 JANUARY – 9 FEBRUARY
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou O Thou Who Sanctified by Thy Birth a Virgin Womb, and
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon as seemed most
imas, Hriste O Theos. Allirinefson en polemis to appropriate, Thou came, indeed, O Christ our God,
politevma, ke krateoson vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos and Saved us all. But bring Peace to the
Filanthropos commonwealth in time of war, and secure in strength,
the Rulers Thou has truly Loved, as the Only One Who
Loves mankind.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL – JOHN 10 : 9 – 16
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be Saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief comes to steal and to kill, and to destroy. I Am come so that they might
have Life, and so that they might have it more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But he that is a Hireling, and not the
Shepherd, whose own the Sheep are not, sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf
catches them, and scatters the Sheep. For the Hireling flees, because he is a Hireling, and does not care for the
Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and know My Sheep, and Am known by My own. As the Father knows Me even so know I
the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have that are not of this Fold; them also I
must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will be one Flock and one Shepherd.”
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – PSALM18 – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Their voice has gone out into all the Earth.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 13 : 7 – 16
R EMEMBER & R ESPECT O UR H OLY F ATHER S & R EMAIN L OYAL & O BEDIENT T O O RTH ODOX D OCTRINE & W ORSHIP
Brethren: remember those who rule over you - those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their
Lives, and imitate their Faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings. It is
Good that the heart be Strengthened by Grace – not by foods, which have not benefitted their adherents. We have
an Altar - from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. The bodies of those animals, whose
blood is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest as a Sacrifice for sin are burnt outside the Camp. Jesus also
suffered in order to Sanctify the People through His own Blood, outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to Him
outside the Camp, to bear the abuse He endured. Here we have no Lasting City, but we seek that which is to come.
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a Sacrifice of Praise to God – that is: the Fruit of lips that Confessed His
Name. Share what you have - do not neglect to do Good. Such Sacrifices are pleasing to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 5 : 14 – 19
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “You are the Light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot
be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who
are in the house. Let your Light so shine before mankind, that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your
Father in Heaven.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. Truly, therefore, I
say to you: until Heaven and Earth pass away, not one jot nor one tittle will by any means pass from the Law

THREE HOLY HIERARCHS: ST BASIL, ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM & ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN 30 JANUARY 29.
 until all is fulfilled. Whoever breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall
be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven! Whoever does and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ in the
Kingdom of Heaven.
✶✶ ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE TRUE AND UNCREATED LIGHT.
In the Old Testament LIGHT WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALMIGHTY
GOD, HIS DIVINE LAW AND ISRAEL in contrast to all other
Nations.
 ISAIAH 60: 1 – 3 “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem, for your
Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has risen
upon you. Behold: darkness and gloom shall
cover the earth upon the Nations, but the Lord will
shine on you and His Glory shall be seen upon
you. Kings shall come to your Light, and the
Gentiles to your Brightness...”
This is the Hymn that we sing during Holy Pascha in the
Liturgical Services – for, as St John of Damascus
expressed it: “... the whole Creation rejoices and
exults, for Christ is Risen and Hades despoiled.”
 PSALM 118:105 - “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and a
Light to my paths.”
In the New Testament, THE SON OF GOD IS “LIGHT” – HE IS
UNCREATED LIGHT OF UNCREATED LIGHT – TRUE GOD OF
TRUE GOD!
 JOHN 1: 4 – 9 “... In Him is Life, and the Life is the Light
of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend It. There
was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
This man came as a Witness, to bear witness of the
Light, that all – through him – might believe. He
was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of
that Light. That was the True Light, which gives
Light to everyone coming into the world...”
✶✶ONLY GOD HAS LIFE IN HIMSELF, THUS OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, BEING GOD, IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE, TOGETHER WITH
THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
“The Life was the Light of mankind...” St John now
introduces MANKIND AS SANCTIFIED RECEIVERS OF THE
DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD, WHO, BY LIVING IN CHRIST, BECOME
CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT OF GOD. (JOHN 12:36 – EPHESIANS 5:8 – 1
THESSALONIANS 5:5)
 (EXODUS 3: 2 & 13 :21) St Moses, our ancient Patriarch, saw
the Divine Light in THE MYSTERIOUS BURNING BUSH and
the whole Nation of Israel witnessed It at THE PARTING
OF THE RED SEA.
 (ISAIAH 6: 1 – 5) - St Isaiah beheld the Divine Light of
God IN HIS HEAVENLY VISION. (
 (MATTHEW 17 : 1 – 5) The three Apostles of Christ witnessed
the Divine Light of God at OUR LORD’S TRANSFIGURATION
ON MOUNT TABOR.
“Darkness” refers to SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OR BLINDNESS DUE
TO UNREPENTED SIN. It is both Spiritual Ignorance and
Satanic opposition to the Divine Light and Truth of
Almighty God. THOSE WHO HATE TRUTH, PREFER
IGNORANCE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEY STRIVE TO KEEP
OTHERS IGNORANT AS WELL.
“Comprehend” means both “understand” and
“overcome.” Thus SPIRITUAL DARKNESS CAN NEVER
OVERPOWER THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST, NOR CAN IT UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF DIVINE
LOVE. (AGAPE)
“John” is a reference to ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST – THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL
THE OLD COVENANT HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, who not
only prepared the Hebrews on earth for the advent
of Christ the True Messiah, but after his Holy
Martyrdom, HE ALSO PREPARED THOSE WHO WERE
IMPRISONED IN HADES. (after Christ’s Death and His own
descent into Hades, our Lord Jesus set the Righteous souls
free to Repose in Paradise until the Final Judgement. This is
known as “The Harrowing of Hades.”)
Although OUR MOST MERCIFUL GOD HAS OFFERED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT TO EVERY HUMAN BEING, the fallen world and
even many of His chosen people refuse to receive
Him. Thus they can neither know nor recognise
Him. THOSE WHO ACCEPT CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, ARE
GRANTED HIS DIVINE LIGHT.
After having heard the reading of the Holy Gospel and
having received the Holy Eucharist in Divine Liturgy,
we sing: “We have seen the True Light! We have
received the Heavenly Spirit!”
 John 8: 12 Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Light of the
world. He who follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but have the Light of Life.”
Our Lord used these words in the context of the great
lamps that were lit at the conclusion of the Feast of
30. THREE HOLY HIERARCHS: ST BASIL, ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM & ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
Tabernacles in the Outer Court of the Temple in
Jerusalem.
Consequently, CHRIST DECLARES HIMSELF AS THE FULFILMENT
AND THE DIVINE OBJECT OF ALL CELEBRATIONS OF LIGHT.
In Holy Scripture, God the Father is Light – a Divine
Attribute that He bestows upon His Faithful Flock.
(JOHN 1:4-9 & 1 JOHN 1:5 – MATTHEW 5:14 - PHILIPPIANS 2:15)
Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CONFIRMS HIS CLAIM BY
PERFORMING THE GREAT MIRACLE OF CREATING EYES FOR
THE MAN WHO WAS BORN WITHOUT ANY EYES AT ALL. (JOHN 9 :
1-7 – ESPECIALLY 9:5)
 1 JOHN 1 : 5 “... This is the message that we have heard
from Him and declare to you: that God is Light and
in Him is no darkness at all.”
For St John the Divine and Beloved Theologian and
Apostle of Christ “LIGHT” IS DIVINE ENERGY, WHICH
MANIFESTED (REVEALED) DIVINE TRUTH – I.E. TRUE TEACHING
– VIRTUE AND HOLINESS – I.E. TRUE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE
– AND HOLY COMMUNION WITH GOD IN HIS HOLY CHURCH –
I.E. TRUE SPIRITUALITY.
✶✶ THE STRONGEST OF ALL WEAPONS AGAINST SPIRITUAL
DARKNESS AND SIN IS OUR LOVE FOR GOD, WHICH IS A
STRONG, VIBRANT AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
Light is necessary for clear vision and for life itself.
✶✶ FAITH RELIES ON DIVINE LIGHT and FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
BECOME “SONS OF LIGHT,” WHO SHINE IN A DARKENED AND
PERVERSE WORLD. (JOHN 12:36 - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5 – PHILIPPIANS 2 :
15)
At Holy Pascha the Divine Liturgy begins with the Priest
exiting the Holy Sanctuary and presenting a lit
candle into the darkened church - inviting the
congregation to “Come and receive the Light that
is never overtaken by night!” whereupon, one by
one, our candles are lit and the entire church is
quickly illuminated by the soft, golden light – a
wonderful way of REMINDING US HOW GOD’S DIVINE
LIGHT OF TRUTH AND LOVE SPREAD AND ENLIGHTENED THE
ENTIRE WORLD FOREVER!
CHRISTIAN VIRTUES HAVE BOTH A PERSONAL AND PUBLIC
FUNCTION, for it can bring others to Glorify God and
to live in Christ forever.
✶✶OUR LORD JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW IN HIMSELF - IN HIS
WORDS AND IN HIS ACTIONS BY PERFORMING GOD’S WILL IN
ALL ITS FULLNESS, BY TRANSGRESSING NONE OF THE PRECEPTS
OF THE LAW, BY DECLARING THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF THE
LAW, WHICH HE WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER TO THEM AND BY
GRANTING RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE
LAW – TO US.
✶✶HE ALSO FULFILLED THE PROPHECIES OF ALL THE HOLY
PROPHETS OF GOD, by being and carrying out
everything they had foretold centuries before.
Our Lord Jesus often used the term “Truly” or “Assuredly”
which means “confirmed,” or “so be it” – “Amen” – as
A SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OR FORM OF OATH.
His use of this expression at the beginning of certain
Divine Proclamations (rather than at the end) is
UNIQUE AND AUTHORITATIVE: HE DECLARES HIS WORDS
AFFIRMED BEFORE THEY ARE EVEN SPOKEN!
“A JOT” – “IOTA” – IS THE SMALLEST LETTER IN THE GREEK
ALPHABET WHILE A “TITTLE” IS THE SMALLEST STROKE IN
CERTAIN HEBREW LETTERS.
✶✶Thus, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE ENTIRE LAW OF GOD IS
AFFIRMED AS THE SACRED FOUNDATION OF CHRIST’S NEW
COVENANT TEACHING.
“All is fulfilled” is a reference to THE PASSION AND
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUr.
✶✶RIGHTEOUSNESS ACCORDING TO THE LAW IS A UNIFIED WHOLE.
 THE OBSERVANCE OF ALL THE LEAST COMMANDMENTS OF
GOD IS TO OBSERVE OR KEEP OR OBEY THE WHOLE DIVINE LAW
OF GOD,
 WHILE THE VIOLATION OF THE LEAST COMMANDMENT IS
CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE THE VIOLATION OF THE ENTIRE
DIVINE LAW OF GOD!
It could not be made more definitive or clear to us than
this!!
ST ANTHIMOS OF CHIOS
When we sit and collect our thoughts and see that we
are nothing; when, in Humility, we put ourselves to
shame, then our Tears in God begin to flow,
sweetening the heart and igniting Divine Fire.
30 JANUARY